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The Gospel Trumpet
Volume 21, Issue 18, May 2, 1901
(Articles of interest only)
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Work For Jesus
By Mrs. J. W. Laing
Our present life is fleeting fast,
So haste the work for Jesus,
Let his commands be all our theme,
That we may be true to Jesus;
Tremendous is the work to do,
The harvest’s great, but laborers few.
In strength let us unite and work
To tell the gospel story
Of Jesus’ great, redeeming love,
That all may reign in glory;
Trust in his might whate’er befall,
And he will more than conquer all.
Use our best talents for the Lord,
Search out the weak and weary,
Have courage for this noble work,
Though oft the way be dreary;
Betimes it may be hard and steep,
But Jesus trod in paths as deep.
Press onward, faithful Christian friends,
For time is quickly flying,
Entrapped in ruin and dark despair,
All round dear souls are dying;
Go plead with them to look and live,
And Christ will them salvation give.
Though strangers here and sundered far,
We’re one at heart to Jesus;
While he permits we’ll work to lead
More precious souls to Jesus;
Then when our work of life is past,
We’ll join with his redeemed at last.
______________________
The New Testament Church.
By Alvin J. Ellison.
Article 6.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
This is another term often used to signify the New Testament church. In the prophecy of Daniel we read: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; . . . And it shall stand forever.” - Daniel 2:44. This text clearly shows the kingdom here spoken of to be identical with the New Testament church which Jesus said “the gates of hell shall not prevail against” (Matthew 16:18); for it says the kingdom shall never be destroyed. To more clearly prove this fact we will notice the first clause of the text: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom.” The kings (kingdoms) here referred to are four earthly kingdoms which succeeded each other as follows: 1st, the Babylonian; 2nd, the Medo-Persian; 3rd, the Grecian; and 4th, the Roman Empire. It was during the reign of this last-named kingdom that Jesus Christ was born into this world, built his church, and began to preach, saying, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” - Matthew 4:17. Therefore we can see the kingdom of God as mentioned in Daniel 2:44 is identical with this church which was set up by God in the beginning of the gospel era through his Son Jesus Christ. As we have shown the church to be a spiritual institution, we will proceed to show this signification to be the same. This fact is beautifully set forth in Paul’s letter to the Romans: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink [I.e., earthly, temporal]; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” - Romans 14:17. By this text we clearly see that the kingdom of God is not a literal kingdom as poor, deluded, Millennial teachers would have it (see book entitled “The Kingdom of God”), but it is a spiritual kingdom consisting of “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Praise the Lord!
INDUCTION INTO THE KINGDOM.
When Jesus was instructing Nicodemus, he said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he can not see the kingdom of God. . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God. Marvel not that I say unto thee, Ye must be born again.” - John 3:3-7. Jesus gives us to understand that spiritual birth is the only manner of entrance into the kingdom of God. Only those who are born of the Spirit can abide in the kingdom of God; for Paul says in speaking to the Corinthians: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” - Galatians 5:19-21. John tells us that “whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” - 1st John 3:9. This is sufficient proof that all who commit sin are outside the kingdom of God.
GOVERNOR OF THE KINGDOM.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call is name Immanuel.” These are clear prophecies of Christ’s first advent into the world; but that no doubt be left in the minds of our readers we will refer you to their fulfillment in Matthew 1:18-23. He, being the sole governor of the kingdom, will continue his reign unto “the end, . . . When he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” - 1st Corinthians 15:24. “Then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” - Verse 28. We are glad we can say with the poet:
It shall ever increase in my soul;
We possess it right here when he saves form all sin,
And ‘twill last while the ages shall roll.”
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Ministerial Authority.
By George L. Cole.
The teachings and works of Jesus were sufficient evidence to all that he was a man vested with authority. It was said that he taught them as “one having authority.” One he was asked: “Who gave thee this authority?”; and again, “By what authority doest thou these things?”
The power and authority that Jesus exercised in his ministry is identically the same which he freely imparts to his ministers. In view of this I want to say that if we as the ministers of Christ let down on this point in a compromise with the devil, failing to claim, possess, or exercise the same, there will be a weakness, timidity, and shallowness about the entire ministry. I do not know of a more vital point in the church of God. A heart-failure here means heart-disease throughout the whole body. It might be easy to claim that the ministers as a body are vested with this authority; but, look here! If we are not individually endued with power and authority we are not collectively. Therefore the question comes personally: “Do I receive, do I possess, am I full of power by the Spirit of the Lord? Dare I claim it? Can I exercise it? Or is there a doubt in my soul as to whether this is my heritage? Or is the time past for ministers to have this power? Or is it yet in the future?” The Lord bless our souls! It is high time for the ministers to arouse and face these things just as they are confronting us. As almighty God continues to wage this war against all compromise, preachers will either measure to the New Testament standard or quit the field. But who is ready to say, Show me a Peter; show me a Paul now-a-days, and I will be ready to seek for this? “Faithless and perverse generation,” “Ye will not believe except ye see signs and wonders.” “When the Son of man cometh will he find faith on the earth?” A man once said: “I for one am willing to leave the standard where God put it, if it serves no other purpose than to shame and condemn me for my unbelief.” We can do better than this. Thank God! We can “all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:13.
In the first commission Jesus gave his ministers “power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease.” - Matthew 10:1. How did he do this? Answer - By speaking the words, “I give you,” etc., just like he spoke to the seventy. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” - Luke 10:19. They received it by believing. Believing is the Bible condition for receiving. “Believe ye receive, and ye shall have.” “As thou has believed, be it done unto thee.” Jesus spake, they believed, hence the testimony of Jesus: “Freely ye have received, freely give.” - Matthew 10:8.
GENERAL COMMISSION.
This commission contains just as much power and authority for God’s ministers now as in apostolic days, and if we believe like they did we will be vested with its authority as they were. The apostles once failed in casting out a devil during their first commission, and they did not understand why. But Jesus said: “Because of your unbelief.” Like cause will produce like effect. If we have unbelief we will fail too. Just before Jesus gave his general commission he came and spake unto them (his apostles), saying: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This word power is from the Greek word exousia - authority. Immediately following is the commission: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, . . . Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” It is the “all authority” that enjoins the commission which, when fully believed, will vest the believing minister with all authority essential to teaching all nations all things whatsoever Jesus commanded, by word and deed, which will make believers. See Romans 15:18. Dare a New Testament minister claim to preach and teach the whole gospel - all things whatsoever Jesus commanded? He dare not claim this unless he is a New Testament minister. My soul is indignant against this flimsy, timid, doubting, Babylon idea of a preacher that does not know but what many errors, mistakes, false teachings, false doctrines, and misinterpretations of texts, etc., etc. may be in his teachings, and must hold himself in readiness to change any part of his teaching, to receive new light; thus subjecting himself to an endless remodeling of interpretations of texts. This is shoddy - shoddy in the extreme. I have seen some of these vacillating preachers. They reminded me of “children, tossed to and fro. . . With every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” But they cover up their vacillation with the plea that they are humble enough to change their beliefs, teachings, interpretations of text, etc. It is not humility. I protest against such abominable covering up. True humility will believe God’s Word which, by the power of his Spirit, will make us to know the truth and assure our hearts that we are of the truth as revealed by the Holy Ghost. It also will enable us with authority to preach it as truth and abide in the teaching of God’s anointing which abideth in us, even “as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” -1st John 2:27.
The Lord God is tired of this intellectual guesswork palmed off on God’s church as Holy Ghost unfolding, and the church also is getting tired of such things. Instead of clamoring for diversity of opinions based on the existing stock of diversity, we would better call for the fire of Elijah’s God and have a bonfire of the pile of counter teachings already pushed on us. Lack of spirituality is the cause of these clashy teachings and multifarious interpretations of texts. I do not want to see any greater evidence of a lack of spirituality in the ministry than to see clash after clash in their teachings. We may call ministerial meetings at every general assembly and camp-meeting, and conference after conference to harmonize our teaching, but this will never weed out these clashy teachings while there are so many hotbeds all alive with young plants and “settings of strange lips” - ambitious, carnal preachers running after worldly wisdom, trying to push out new ideas; dealing in criticism, technicalities and definitions of terms, “which minister questions, rather than godly edifying;” striving “about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” Spirituality in the ministry will uproot the cause, and uniformity of teaching will be the result. The teachings of Paul in his later years throw no fog or mist over the earliest of his epistolary writings. The Holy Spirit as a teacher, guide, interpreter, and revelator can be depended upon. He will not teach you one way and me another; help you preach one gospel and me another; interpret scripture to you after this manner and to me after that, and so on. Nor will he unfold texts to me now and help me preach them and in six months or a year completely alter the whole thing, putting a new light on scripture which destroys and demolishes his former teachings. Brethren, this kind of work grievously cast a reflection upon the Holy Spirit. I must affirm that men who are void of carnal ambitions and are filled with the Holy Spirit - men whose faith embraces the authority and power willed to the New Testament ministry - will not be guilty of these vacillations which cast reflections upon the Holy Spirit and his sacred ministry, and bring confusion among the children of God. My soul has been grieved many times to hear preachers make light and slighty remarks about their former teachings which they once put out as the Spirit’s unfolding. It looks like ridicule on the innocent children of God who accepted their former teaching for truth. God wants us to be serious about this matter. It is no small thing to speak to men in God’s stead. If we have assumed to speak as the oracle of God but discover we were mistaken, having spoken a vision of our own head, and that it is the Holy Spirit now speaking through us, we will be ashamed of our errors and mistakes - it will so grieve us in our hearts that we will not speak of them in a jesting way.
I well remember the conduct of those who rejected the cleansing in sanctification, and what lightness was used when reference was made to former teaching, interpretations of text, etc.; also a spirit of elation over their new doctrine, new light, etc. But such is not the product of the Holy Spirit. I would not utterly ignore a man as void of the Holy Spirit if once in a great while his intellectuality grapples with some plausibility which appears to be the Spirit’s unfolding, and he afterwards finds his mistake. But such humiliations will not be common among the spiritual who through faith depend wholly upon the Holy Spirit for teaching and guidance. If we fix up a wide gage to slip in a little erroneous and clashy teaching, the devil will ship the whole cargo of Babylon teaching up to Zion, and give the church of God an endless job of sorting out old, rotten dogmas, traditions and perverse twisting, etc. I for one dumped all those overboard when I came out of Babylon. Dear brethren in the ministry, let us know the truth and speak it with authority.
_____________________The Promises of God to His People.
By Emma Casteel.
I will give a few of the many precious promises that God’s people are blessed with. Truly God’s children have much to praise him for.
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” - Psalms 34:15. “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” - Verse 17. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” - Verse 19. “Behold, the eyes of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.: - Psalms 33:18, 19. “The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever." - Psalms 37:18. "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever." - Verse 29. "For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever." - Verse 28. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." - Verse 23. "The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." - Verse 11.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1. "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." - Colossians 3:3, 4. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:4. "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. "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. "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 5:15. "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God." - 1st John 4:15. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." - John 14:12-14. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." - Verse 21. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." - John 15:7. "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." -John 16:23. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." - John 14:2, 3. "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." - 2nd Peter 1:11.
"For this God is our God forever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." - Psalms 48:14. "For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him." - Psalms 103:11. "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." - Psalms 107:9. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." - Psalms 37:37. "Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." - Psalms 40:4. "The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth." - Psalms 41:2. "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart." - Psalms 119:2. "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked." - Psalms 37:17. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." - Proverbs 3:13.
________________With What Measure.
________________
"With what measure ye mete, it shall be
measured to you again" Matthew 7:2.
"As ye shall give unto others,
Ye shall sure receive again,
Kindness, if ye render kindness,
Sorrow, if ye shall give pain
For an eye which never slumbers
Marks each deed however small,
Yea, the loving Heavenly Father
Heeds the tiny sparrow's fall.
E'en a cup of water given
In his name, he noteth down,
And the gift shall be remembered
When thy life work he shall crown.
Life is all made up of moments,
The great world of atoms small;
May the tender love of Jesus
Fill, control, and govern, all.
Selected.
______________________Names of and Promises to
God's Church in Prophecy.
By Emil Kreutz.
"And thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name." - Isaiah 62:2.
New Jerusalem: "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name." - Revelation 3:12.
Zion: "For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody." - Isaiah 51:3. "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean." - Isaiah 52:1.
The city of the Lord; the Zion of the Holy One of Israel: "The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel." - Isaiah 60:14.
The priests of the Lord; Ministers of our God: "But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them." - Isaiah 61:6, 7. "And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken." - Isaiah 62:12. "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn." - Isaiah 54:17.
A city of truth; The holy mountain: "Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain." - Zechariah 8:3.
Habitation of justice; The mountain of holiness: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; the Lord bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness." - Jeremiah 31:23.
The house of Jacob: "But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame." - Obadiah 17:18.
The house of Joseph: "And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them." - Zechariah 10:6.
The tabernacle of David: "In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old." - Amos 9:11.
Tower of the flock: "And thou, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem." - Micah 4:8.
Israel: "Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem." - Zephaniah 3:14. "And I will bring Israel [the body of Christ, the church] again [from the apostasy] to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Basham, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead." - Jeremiah 50:19.
The Lord's sister, spouse, love, dove, undefiled, etc.: "Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse." - Song of Solomon 4:9. "Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." - Verse 7. "A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed." - Verse 12. "My dove, my undefiled is but one." - Song of Solomon 6:9.
The Lord is there: "And the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there." - Ezekiel 48:35.
________________Who Is Happy.
By J. M. Harrington.
"Happy is that people . . . whose God is the Lord." - Psalms 144:15. Thank God for the privilege of being one of the people of God! We understand by the text under consideration that we are happy on condition - namely, by making our God the Lord. We are taught in God's Word that lords and gods are many, but that there is only one true God, or Lord, and that he is a jealous God and desires you and I to worship him alone. This one God is the God of the Bible, and he is able to make us happy in this present world. Some people believe there is no real joy in this world, but such is not the case. Every child of God has joy and is happy in this present world - though in the world, yet not of the world. You can be surrounded by sin and yet be kept by the power of God. In a world that is filled with dissatisfaction you can be satisfied in Jesus. Why are so many unhappy? Because they have trusted in something other than the true God for happiness; but alas! they found it not. What did they find? - unhappiness, discontentment, and no peace or joy (except it be momentary). But in the Lord we find peace, joy, happiness, contentment, and comfort that will last while "storms and billows may roll." He who goes to the world to obtain happiness must acknowledge that he seeks, but the farther he goes in sin the more dissatisfied he is. He plunges in deeper and deeper, but finds no happiness in the ways of sin. If he ever finds true happiness he will confess: "Happy is that people whose God is the Lord." Remember, what God has said is true, and he can not lie. Therefore if you find happiness in a Christian life it will be because you have made God your Lord and are not trying to serve two masters. We can have a profession of salvation and sanctification and yet be unhappy. Why? Because we have not made God our Lord; our mind is upon the world, or money, etc., and we have not an eye single to the glory of God. Christ meant just what he said: "Whosoever he be that forsaketh not all, he can not be my disciple." Beloved saints, let us examine ourselves and see if we have forsaken all. There is no such thing as a half-hearted Christian - we are on one side or the other. Where are you?
Are you happy? If not, you are living beneath your privilege. Thousands in this cold world are ready to say there is no joy or happiness in this life. The reason is they have not found the Lord. One of the greatest blessings in the world is happiness - contentment. It is for all who forsake sin and seek an interest in the blood of Christ. Some people think happiness consists of shouting, noise, etc. Noise is not true happiness. True happiness means to be settled, satisfied and content, knowing we are in God's order and standing on his Word. One might take a big shout at meeting and lose all the joy before leaving the place of worship. True joy is what we possess all the time. We may have greater joy at times; yet if God is our Lord we have a real settled experience. Trials may come, but we can rejoice in our God.
Remember, dear ones, there are no things of a worldly nature which will enable us to rejoice and be happy in our God. They will not make us happy. "Happy is that people whose God is the Lord."
__________________Judgment is Coming.
By J. E. Forest.
Judgment is coming and all will be there. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." - Hebrews 9:27. My dear reader, will you give me your attention for a few moments? Your life is short here, but you are hastening to another life which will have no end. "Because man goeth to his long home." - Ecclesiastes 12:5. Sinner, will you cease your wild career and "prepare to meet thy God?" God willeth the death of no man (Ezekiel 18:32), "For the wages of sin is death." - Romans 6:23. This death here mentioned means eternal destruction - separation from God and all that is lovely, and everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." - Revelation 21:8.
Yea, judgment is coming, and it will be a day of trouble. Think of all nations gathering together to be judged. All will be there; not a single person that has ever lived will be missing at that day. "And at that day shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: . . . And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." - Daniel 12:1, 2. Reader, would you miss being among those who shall be troubled in that day? If you would, prepare to meet thy God. There have been many days of great trouble to the people because of their wickedness. There is Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities round about which were totally destroyed by God raining fire and brimstone upon them. Surely that was a day of trouble. All people (with the exception of Noah and his family) were once destroyed by water, God sending the flood and causing them to perish. This was a day of trouble; but Daniel says "there shall be a day of trouble such as never was since there has been a nation." Think of a time when men shall be saying to the mountains: "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne." Think of a time when "men shall seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them." Sinner, are you running from death? Think of toiling through this life in sin and at the final judgment reaping your wages in an eternal hell where there will be "weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth." "So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." - Matthew 13:49, 50. "Turn you at my reproof (saith the Lord): behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you." - Proverbs 1:23-27.
Judgment is coming and the wicked shall be turned into hell with all nations that forget God. Then, sinner, wilt thou not prepare to meet thy God?
__________Unity.
By C. O. Dodge.
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" - Psalms 133:1. Dwelling together is not necessarily unity. Individuals may dwell together in discord, but this is by no means pleasant. The pleasantness, peace, and inexpressible joy of the association of individuals is not merely the fact that they are together, but they exist because there is unity between them. "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love." - Colossians 2:2. The salvation of Jesus Christ is like a knitting-machine - it knits together the hearts of all those who receive it. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." - John 13:35.
Unity exists in the heart. Where there is inward unity there will be outward unity - with the exception of cases where individuals have been blinded and held apart by man-made rules and regulations. But when the glorious gospel of unity is heralded forth they will be only too glad, as it were, to discard anything that would hinder the perfecting of this unity both inwardly and outwardly. Union is not always unity. We hear the multiplicity of creeds and schisms on every hand saying, "Union, union," but very few, if any, are crying "Unity." Union will never bring unity. Union will result from unity. You can in almost any locality point out individuals belonging to some denomination (which is supposed to hold God's people together) who will rub shoulders without speaking or looking at each other. That could hardly be called the shadow of unity, let alone the substance. How blessed to dwell together in unity, not discord!
What is the basis of unity? "For ye are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28. We conclude from this scripture that if there is no unity between individuals it is because of one or both being outside of Christ. If modern preachers endeavored to get the people into Christ instead of into their sect, we would have unity. Yes, but, says one, "we must have something to hold us together." I answer, If two men have the love of God in their hearts surely this ought to be sufficient to hold them together. The fact is, the very thing which you join, supposing it to be able to hold God's people together, holds them apart. "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord." - Jeremiah 23:1. More than this, these modern hireling priests and diviners for money (Micah 3:11) will open the door of their church (?) and take in moral sinners - yea, even those who make no profession - and bind them, as it were, to God's dear children.
There is a division taught in God's Word; not a division between God's saints, or children, but between God's children and the children of the devil. - 1st John 3:8-10. "Between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not." - Malachi 3:18; Ephesians 5:11. This not only applies to the world, but it reaches right into the so-called churches and separates the precious from the vile. God's Word emphatically says: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." - 1st Corinthians 6:14. This does not refer to the marriage state exclusively, as some suppose, as in verse 17 it says: "Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate." This refers to anything that would yoke saint and sinners together, such as secret societies, orders, sects, etc. "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. . . And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people." - Revelation 18:1-4. You may think that Babylon means the world, but God has no people in the world. John 17:14-16. It simply has reference to the confusion of doctrines, rules, regulations, ideas, opinions, and commandments of sectarianism.
It may be argued that the religious world is one in purpose, in heart and in work, etc. But this does not comprehend the oneness that our Lord desires, and which is taught in his Word. "Neither pray I for these [apostles] alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou has sent me." - John 17:20, 21. Here we can see that God wants a visible unity - one that the world can see - not a so-called union, but a real unity of heart brought about by getting into Christ, or, in other words, being born again and then following the Scriptures to the understanding the Holy Spirit gives. When we forsake all man-made laws of sectism and abide only in Christ and his truth, then, and only then, can we realize that we are in fellowship with every child of God in every locality, and are not separated from them by impassable and impenetrable walls of dogmas and opinions.
As ministers of God we have no allowance, much less a command, in all the Word of God to institute many folds and put some of God's children in one and some in another. "Other folds," "different bodies," and "sister churches" were unknown until heralded forth by the many woe-pronounced (Jeremiah 23:1) pulpits and presses of Christendom. "And there shall be one fold and one shepherd," says Christ. John 10:16. "One body in Christ." - Romans 12:5. Many bodies but only one in Christ. On the other hand, as children of the Most High it is our duty to put forth every effort to preserve and teach unity among ourselves. "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:5. "Be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." - 2nd Corinthians 13:11. "I beseech Euodius, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." - Philippians 4:2. "Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." - Philippians 2:2. But how shall we go about this? The verse following this last one will explain: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." - Verse 3. Trivial matters and differences will develop into serious division if indulged in. "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." - Proverbs 17:14. The blessedness, happiness, joy, and pleasantness of the people of God depend upon this one thing. We may sit together in heavenly places in Christ, in fact, we can have a little heaven to go to heaven in if we possess in our souls this precious experience of oneness in Christ.
"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above."
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God Heareth the Obedient.
By Jennie Smith.
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it can not save; neither is his ear heavy, that it can not hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." - Isaiah 59:1, 2. The Lord will not hear a stiff-necked and rebellious people. He says that obedience is better than sacrifice. Having once been righteous and then gone back into sin, their past righteousness will not save them. They may keep up a form of worship, but the Lord says: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?" - Isaiah 58:3. "In the day thou seekest me with thy whole heart, I will be found of thee."
How many once happy children of God are now suffering leanness in their souls, who might be fat and flourishing if obedience were written in their hearts by the finger of love! If they, like the fishermen, would obey the commands of the Lord they doubtless would bring a blessing down that they would not be able to contain. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not." "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." The Lord will hear thee in the day of trouble. But a stiff-necked and rebellious people he will not hear. Be wise unto salvation. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"
_______________An Admonition.
By William H. Jackson.
While we look out upon this dark world of sin and see such a few people being led to the light, we feel like admonishing the dear brethren to a closer walk with God. Jesus said: "Ye are the light of the world," "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16. We feel there is a great need of advancement on this line. We fully believe if this text were strictly observed that many precious souls would be led to the light that could never be reached by preaching from the pulpit. There are many professed followers of God who do not realize there is anything they can do toward awakening the slumbering world to flee from the wrath to come; but, dear ones, this is a mistake. If you can not preach or sing like some, you can let your light shine.
Some may not fully understand how they are to let their light shine; surely they do not if we judge from the life they live. I have seen professed saints (even preachers) whose lives and conversation were so far from a Bible line that it drove sinners from the truth instead of drawing them nearer. What we are to closely and carefully consider is that we are to live such lives here as to draw lost souls to Christ. This is to be done by them seeing our good works - not only at church and before the stronger brethren, but at all times, and in all places and in all things. We are to act so wisely, and have such a chaste conversation, and bear all things so patiently, that they can not help seeing we have the Lord with us. Then we can treat them kindly and talk to them about Jesus, and what we say will be heeded.
Dear readers, read carefully and prayerfully the Word of God and see what a strict life is demanded of us. If you are then unwilling to measure up to it in every respect, get out of the way of sinners. But if you are willing to eat the whole book you will be bountifully blessed, your friends and neighbors and sinners will be blessed, and God honored.
"Therefore, beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
____________________Come To Camp-Meeting.
The outlook is for a most precious meeting at Moundsville, June 1-10. Letters are being received from people in many states who expect to be present. Some are coming hundreds of miles for a spiritual benefit, others for healing or to help others. Come praying and determined to get good and do good. Camp-meeting is not the place for croakers, fault-finders, teachers of heresy, or evil doers of any kind except they abandon all such doings and come for the express purpose of obtaining salvation. It is not the place to rake up an old trouble and have half a dozen or more ministers kept out of the regular service to listen to a harangue on difficulties. Let them all sit under the preaching of the Word sent forth by the power of the Holy Ghost and the name of the Lord will be more glorified and the Spirit of the Lord will search out the hidden things of darkness. Let judgment go forth unto victory by the Word of God in all love and meekness. Those desiring help from the Lord can find it by meeting the conditions. Able ministers will be present to instruct the people and enable them to obtain the experience and receive the help desired.
___________________Questions Answered.
___________________
Please explain 1st Corinthians 12:31.
J. A. M.,
Morriston, Arkansas.
The passage reads: "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way." We will also give this passage according to the Syriac Version: "And if ye are emulous of the superior gifts, on the other hand, I show to you a better way." After considering the latter rendering in connection with the line of thought that precedes the verse as well as what follows it, we are led to the conclusion that the sentence "covet earnestly the best gifts" in its imperative form, is not correct. Rather the contrary is meant. It seems that in this chapter the apostle labored to show the equality of the various offices and gifts; that one was not to be thought less of than another; that all were given by the same Spirit and were equally of the body. "If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?" "God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked; that there should be no schism in the body," etc. Now at the close of the chapter why should he tell them to "covet" the best gifts? In the 14th chapter he tells them to "desire spiritual gifts," but he does not say "best gifts." Did he recognize best gifts? It is probable that he did not, and that therefore the Syriac rendering is correct, or at least in harmony with the context. "If you are emulous of the superior gifts [if you are rivals for what you call the best gifts], on the other hand, I show to you a better way."
The condemnation of such emulation as seeking the best gifts is here not very strong; but if - if they are thus emulous, he shows to them something better - something better than being emulous. What is that "better way?" The 13th chapter gives it. Here he shows that even if they had the "best" gifts, where love (charity) is lacking, they would be as sounding brass, or tinkling cymbals.
Then how could there be an consistent meaning in "covet earnestly the best gifts?" Are we to select such gift or gifts we deem the best and then covet them until we get them, regardless of our natural adaptation? Does not God recognize these in bestowing spiritual gifts upon us? Again, if we are to covet the best gifts we must slight those that appear not so good, and the body would be abnormal. This would be contrary to the apostle's teaching.
____________________ What does Jesus mean in Luke 11:24-26? Explain also 1st John 5:16 - the sin unto death.
L. T.
East Liverpool, Ohio.
We will give Matthew's quotation: "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out: and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." - Matthew 12:43-45.
The unclean spirit when cast out of a man finds no rest. It is as a desert, where there is no water or place of habitation. Therefore, he seeks a return to his former abode. When he comes he finds it empty - destitute of any good or anything signifying its occupance by the Lord. In other words, the house (man) is neutral, having refused Christ, though not having specially invited Satan. But a condition of neutrality can not be maintained. The tree and fruit must either be good or corrupt. "He that is not with me is against me," etc. So the devil finds the house "swept and garnished" - a suitable, inviting condition for his abode. So he taketh with him seven other spirits and they dwell there, and the last state is worse than the first.
Christ meant this for the Jews, for he says: "Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." Christ's advent broke the power of Satan and gave to the Jews at that time special privileges, greater than those which led the Ninevites to repentance, and yet Christ was rejected, and their hearts were neutralized (emptied), prepared for a condition of subjection to Satan sevenfold greater than their first bondage. Read Matthew 12:22-45.
The "sin unto death" is, of course, the unpardonable sin, which is the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 12:31, 32. "Unto death" in 1st John 5:16 means unto eternal and everlasting death, a condition which can not be changed. Every sin brings immediate spiritual death, else in what sense could "life" be given afterwards (read the verse carefully)? But the "unto death" sin is the one for which no life may be given, and the apostle does not say prayer should be offered for it.
A. L. B.
__________________A False Spirit Exposed.
By A. A. Kinzie.
Some reasons why I accepted the "Anti-second-cleansing heresy:" 1st - They claimed The Gospel Trumpet Publishing Company was nothing but a money-making scheme, and that the brethren at the office were getting rich. They also claimed that the stockholders, or the formation of the company, was simply another way to get the saints' money. They said that Brother Tufts was opposing it at Chicago. 2nd - That our former teaching could not be correct, as it did not produce that perfect unity that was enjoyed by the pristine Christians. 3rd - That the power of God was not manifested in healing the sick and the salvation of souls, and this thing of so many falling away into sin and coming to the altar again was brought up to prove we were wrong in doctrine. They claimed that we were swindled out of our money by one of the worst sects on the earth, and were led by incorrect teaching. We must begin to search for truth. Here the conversation changes. They said: "We have the truth; viz., that sin was not inherited - men were not corrupted as a consequence of Adam's sin; hence, pardon, or forgiveness, of sins was all that was needed, and when we received that our hearts were perfectly pure. They also said sanctification was not a cleansing, but a preparation for the work of God. They said: "Just take your stand upon this truth, and you will see the apostolic oneness and unity; then the power of God will be manifest in healing the sick, and multitudes will be saved as it was in the morning light." After listening to all this and hearing them say so much about the Trumpet Office, and that it was a one man institution, and that this man was bigoted and puffed up etc. - Finally, after hearing them say this, I took my stand upon their premises - sin is not inherited, and perfect purity is received in forgiveness of sins. Then I began to look for that unity which they said would exist, also for the healing and salvation of the multitudes. Brethren, I did wait for almost one and one-half years, but to my longing expectation no oneness came, nor was the power of God manifested in healing the sick or saving the multitudes. But to the contrary, instead of oneness it was disagreement, division, contention, and a loss of confidence; one teaching that sin was not inherited and that we were saved in the act of baptism, and that those who were not thus saved were saved through ignorance, or as an exception to the rule. Another teaches that "sin is inherited and affects the whole man," and that "salvation is sought by prayer, repentance, and faith." You can see from the foregoing statement that there is no oneness in their teaching, and as far as I know there is but one point on which they can agree, and that is in opposing the doctrine of entire cleansing of the soul after regeneration. It is 'believe what you please, just so you are honest and do not believe in a cleansing subsequent to regeneration.' The head man, who is animated by the deceptive spirit, writes to a brother that he "had not preached the doctrine of the second cleansing of the soul for six years." Brethren, this statement is not true. I have been with the man in camp-meetings, also in a discussion where he affirmed that sanctification was an instantaneous work, separate and apart from regeneration. In this discussion he showed by the Scriptures that sin remained after regeneration, and that sanctification, which was a work subsequent to regeneration, cleansed out the remaining sin and left the heart entirely pure. This was about five years ago, and the camp-meetings were less than four years ago. You may decide if he stated the truth. The same man told me four years ago that there was going to be another reformation - beside the present one - not outside this one, but inside. You can see what was then in his heart. Was he not contemplating in his heart the steps he has since taken? He and others informed me at the "Mill Creek Chapel" that they were out of the whole thing (meaning the whole reformation, publishing work, etc.). Did he not carry the same thought in his paper last summer when he referred to those brethren that had seen their condition and confessed the same, letting the brethren know where they stood? He says 'he would not have cared for them going back if they had a clean place to go to!' This statement shows they had been away, or they could not come back. Had they remained in the Spirit and the great doctrines of the present reformation - the doctrines that God has owned and blessed unto the upbuilding of this present reformation, and in the salvation of many precious souls? The answer is, "No."
Some may ask why they had not remained in the doctrines of this reformation. 1st - They had followed doctrines that were contrary to the Word of God. They had received another spirit which called the spirit of this reformation the spirit of bondage, or popery. And when they became convicted they renounced the false spirit with the false doctrine and came to God for salvation. When the above brethren were away from the spirit of this reformation they stood with the man who says: "This reformation is of God, and he is in it." Is it not strange, dear reader, that an intelligent man would declare himself free from the doctrines and spirit of a reformation and also regret that others had gone back, because it was unclean, and yet in the face of all this, say this reformation is of God and he is in it? I can not understand how any one can claim that they are in a reformation when down in their hearts they detest its spirit and doctrines. Why is this claim made? Is it not done to draw away disciples after them? Dear saints, beware of this false spirit! To-day I can praise God for deliverance from that false spirit; yes, for salvation in Jesus.
_______________ NOTE. - We wish to say to the glory of God only that the statements in the above article written by A. A. Kinzie are correct. As far as he went he told the truth. We trust the dear saints will stand free from that deception, and that those who are ensnared may speedily see their condition, renounce the thing, and take their stand for the truth and unity of God's people.
J. M. Harrington.
_________________News from the Field.
_________________
Creston, Washington,
April 18.
If any of the brethren desire to come to eastern Washington and locate on a quite well improved fruit farm close to where the saints hold their general camp-meeting, please write for full description of same, enclosing stamp for reply. As God called me into the gospel work several years ago, I find the farm to be a great hindrance through calling my attention so much from the Lord's work. I must sell it. Do not ask to rent.
James B. Peterman,
Colfax, Washington.
_______________Weatherford, Indian Territory.
April 16.
I am still saved and holding up the truth to lost souls. I have been in this part three weeks and have held meetings at two places with good interest. I intend to go 35 miles north of here and hold meetings a few days, then return here to be at the assembly-meeting, after which I expect to go home (Wade, Indian Territory). Those wanting meeting through May and June can write me after the first of May at Wade, Choctaw Nation.
James D. Ferrill.
_____________Camp, Arkansas.
Once more we write a few lines to let the readers of the Lord's paper know how the work is progressing in this part of the country. We preach one Sunday out of each month at Burk's Chapel, and have been holding prayer-meetings at a school-house. We have now secured a house in Camp where we will have preaching, prayer-meeting, and Sunday-school, if the Lord leads. Any one straight out for the Lord and feeling led to come and preach will receive a hearty welcome. Sister Staggs preaches for us once a month. I think the outlook for the truth is very good in most parts of this country. Please remember us in your prayers.
S. R. McElmurry.
__________________Mount Pleasant, Tennessee,
April 18.
We are at present engaged in a meeting at this place where we held a series of meetings about two months ago. Some few precious souls have gotten out clear for God and want to be baptized, which will be attended to before we leave. We had a very successful meeting at Graysville. God's little ones just came leaping home to Zion. Seven were baptized. Brother N. S. Duncan and wife, also wife and myself are working toward the Moundsville Camp-meeting. Brother Duncan and wife are going by way of Winchester, Kentucky, and wife and I by way of Bigstone Gap and Bluefield, West Virginia. Those desiring either of us to hold meetings on our way, address us at the above places at once, as the time will soon be here for the camp-meeting. Pray for us.
W. A. Sutherland and N. S. Duncan.
_________________Addy, Washington,
April 18.
We are glad to report victory and joy through the Holy Ghost. Since our last report we have held meeting three weeks at Waynesville, Washington, where one family made its escape from sect confusion and is now enjoying freedom in mount Zion. From there we came to this place. Twelve souls sought freedom. God now has a little church here of twenty dear saints. Some are enjoying the second cleansing. We are praying God to strengthen the saints here and increase their fruit of righteousness so that more will be added to their number. We are now on our way to Colville, Washington to labor for the lost. We expect to return to strengthen the church here and at Cedonia just before the camp-meeting at Daisy, Washington. We expect a grand camp-meeting. The churches in these parts are anxiously looking forward and praying God to pour out his blessings and show his mighty power in convicting, converting, and sanctifying souls, and casting out devils. Let all, especially the ministers on the coast, make a special effort to be here.
J. C. Peterman and Company.
__________________Lancaster, Wisconsin,
April 19.
We are glad to report victory on the Lord's side. We have just returned to this place after an absence of two months, during which we have held several meetings. First, seven miles southwest of Richland Center which was a real soul-saving time, it being a new place. Three miles southwest of Richland Center a meeting was held in the homes of the people of the neighborhood. It was a real interesting meeting. One soul was gloriously saved and a number of others were under deep conviction. The Word of God went forth with power and victory. To God be all the praise and glory. Any true minister passing through near this place will be gladly received. Address Sister Jessie B. Lewis, Richland Center, Wisconsin. From this place we went to Palmyra and held meetings one week in the Congregational meeting-house. It was a real victory for God. Though this meeting was not largely attended, yet all that came seemed to be deeply interested, and nearly all seemed to receive the truth. Some spoke of the deadness of sectism and expressed their intention to sever their connection with it. This was but a time of sowing the precious seed and will, we believe, pave the way for another meeting which will be used of God in the salvation of precious souls and the deliverance of some from the confusion and darkness of sectism.
From this place we came to Madison, Wisconsin and were in the city a week. I had the privilege of preaching two short sermons - one in a mission and one in a saloon (in the suburbs) to quite a crowd of boys and men who listened attentively to the gospel. We returned to this place which will be our permanent address.
J. A. Wilber and Wife.
_______________Chanute, Kansas,
April 18.
Since our last report God has kept us saved and given us many tokens of good, although we have not been engaged in meetings all the time. We have been permitted to labor some at manual work, which has proved to be a healthful recreation, and have enjoyed it very much. We thank the Lord for the privilege. During this time we have not been altogether idle concerning the work of the Lord, as we have had one appointment east of Chanute every two weeks, and then we have attended four meetings here each week and Sunday-school, and God has blessed us. The Lord has brought the little church through tests and trials of affliction this spring and winter, but God has promised to give "the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more: . . . and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it." - Isaiah 30:20, 21. We hope, trust, and pray that all will walk in the way as God leads. Hitherto we have not been able to get the truth to the people very much because of not having a public place of meeting, as we have met only in private homes; but, by faith in the living God, we see better things for the work of the Lord here in Chanute in the near future. We have been thinking, talking, and praying about building a little house into which we might invite the people to hear the truth and see the works of God, what he will do for those who seek him. We have thought perhaps there were saints at other places and some scattered around not far away who would be glad to assist us with their means. If only a little from several, it would help us much, and we could soon have a house of worship for the Lord, in his own name and order, and to him shall be all the honor and glory. We would say that there are some things in sight. We have found a location suitable, and some money and nearly all the labor are promised. We would be glad to hear from any who are interested, and whom the Lord is moving on by his Spirit with a willing heart and a ready mind. If we have any surplus it shall be consecrated to the Lord and used as he shall direct.
I have the promise of Brother Charles Bright's tabernacle to use this summer here in eastern Kansas, as he will use Brother Veilguth's (who is in Germany). We have several places in mind where we are expecting to hold meetings, the Lord willing, as soon as the weather will permit, at Independence and Chanute and wherever the Lord may lead. If any desire our help and labor in tabernacle work we would be glad to hear from you. We have also felt the need of some one to help us; would prefer some brother (and sister) that sings bass, but will be satisfied with whom the Lord may direct. I also request the saints of God to pray that he will truly give me a humble heart and supply me with his Spirit, that I may be able to fill my calling. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, is our prayer.
Emil and Daisy Kreutz.
_______________Nappanee, Indiana,
April 23.
Since my last report through the Trumpet the Lord has been keeping me with real victory in my soul over all the powers of darkness, for which I give him all the glory. The Olive Bethel meeting was very precious from beginning to end. The Lord was present in delivering precious souls, pardoning sinners, reclaiming backsliders, sanctifying believers, and healing the sick. Some who had got under a spirit of compromise were delivered, and shouted the praises of God. There were about twenty-five consecrations in all. Brother George L. Cole was with me in this meeting, whom the dear Lord used much in administering the Word, besides other workers living in this vicinity whom God use to his glory. The church was much encouraged, for which we praise God. I came home from that meeting and had quite a severe attack of the grip; but the Lord had mercy on me and healed me, for which I give him all the praise.
I then went to South Chicago and labored in meetings there for about two weeks. God began to work on the hearts of the people in the beginning of the meeting, and salvation work began at the first altar call and continued through the meeting. About thirty consecrated, some for pardon and some for sanctification. Nearly all received the desire of their hearts, the Lord witnessing by his Spirit to their acceptance. A very precious divine healing service was held on the last afternoon of the meeting. Many received the mighty healing touch and were made to praise God for his goodness. Some who attended this meeting had gotten somewhat entangled with an Antichrist spirit of compromise; but when they heard the Word the Holy Spirit showed them their condition and they renounced the Antichrist spirit, got down before the Lord, and were delivered. Praise our God! Would to God that others (who have lost their first love, and are finding fault with the Gospel Trumpet and God's ministers who lay judgment to the line, and have put the Trumpet and such literature out of their homes and missions, and still profess to be of the body of Christ) would see that there is no division in the body (1st Corinthians 12:25-27; Romans 12:4, 5), and repent and get back into the fold. While at Chicago, in company with two of God's children, we visited a young brother at Pullman who had been sick for some time with inflammatory rheumatism. He requested to be anointed for healing. The Word was obeyed (James 5:14, 15) and the Lord touched him with his healing power; he was enabled to arise and walk the floor praising God. I was also permitted to go with Brother E. E. Byrum to Hammond and visit a brother who was paralyzed on one side. He was anointed and prayed for, and the Lord enabled him to walk across the house and back. He was much encouraged. A number of brethren in the ministry were present in the meeting; some all through the meeting, and some but a short time - Brother E. E. Byrum one night and Brother A. J. Kilpatrick two nights. Surely it was a real blessing to us to meet the dear brethren. The meeting closed with a precious ordinance service in which about forty happy saints took part.
I am at home at present. The brethren here have bought a tabernacle, and I expect, the Lord willing, to use the same this summer in some of the towns around home. Pray for me.
S. P. Strang.
____________Testimonies.
___________
Magnolia, South Carolina.
I am glad to say that I am saved and sanctified, and that my wife and two children are saved. The Lord has wonderfully blessed us. Praise his holy name!
Leneston Lane.
___________Joy, Kentucky.
I am saved and kept by the power of God. Praise his holy name! I had a limb broken in January and the Lord healed me. I give him all the glory. He is a present help in every time of need. Pray that I may be kept humble so that God can use me to his glory. I thank God that the precious blood of Jesus has lost none of its power to save.
William Y. Rice.
________________Gentryville, Indiana.
I am happy to say that Jesus keeps me sweetly saved each day, and is a comfort in trials and troubles. He is also my physician for both soul and body; for he willingly takes care of all that we trust with him. I would say to those who are in trouble in any way or anywhere, Trust in the Lord, and he will lead to victory. Praise his dear name! What a great leader of his people! Remember me in prayer.
Pearl M. Hudspeth.
_________________Williamsburg, Missouri.
I praise God for his saving grace and keeping power. He saves me, and keeps me day by day. He heals all my diseases since I have taken him for my physician. My little girl was very sick with the grip. I prayed God to heal her that night. Next morning she was much better and has been going about ever since. He has healed me of sore throat, for which I give him all the praise. Pray that I may always do God's will.
H. Okey.
_____________Sedan, Kansas.
I am praising God for salvation through the blood of Jesus. He has been my help in every time of need. I have not been near any of the saints, but I take pleasure in reading the Trumpet. It brings comfort to my soul. I want the saints to pray that I do all I can to send this gospel into new homes. It has brought the light to me. Its pages are food to my soul. I can not praise the Savior enough for sending his full salvation to even me. Praise his holy name! Pray for me.
S. C. Moffet.
_______________Greensburg, Louisiana.
The Lord keeps me saved with victory in my soul. I have been here at my mother's home for three months, and so can go to none but Jesus for help. I find precious promises in the Word of God, as in Matthew 11:28-30. The Word is true. Therefore, when I am afflicted I read James 5:14, 15 and pray, and have the saints pray for me, and the dear Lord heals me. I have learned many precious lessons. I could not read or write when I was saved; but the Word is very precious to my soul. When people here tell me that their church is right I read the Scripture on the church that Christ built. I am satisfied with the Lord. Pray, dear saints, that God will keep me humble.
Emma Johnson.
____________Joppa, Alabama.
The Lord has saved my soul and cleansed me from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus. He is my physician. I want to live for him and be true at any cost. Praise the Lord for salvation! Dear saints, do not neglect the sick and suffering around you; be kind to them; do what you can for them; even if they seem to oppose the truth it may be that God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light. It will be awful if Jesus should say to any of us: "I was sick and in prison, and ye visited me not." If any of God's true ministers are led this way, we shall be glad for them to come. Pray that the Lord may keep me from evil and use me to his glory.
Ada L. Brock.
______________Chance, Arkansas.
I praise the Lord for sweet victory in my soul. How I do thank him for his kindness to me. He keeps me saved by his mighty power. God's grace is sufficient for those that trust and obey him. Praise his holy name forever! Pray that I may ever trust the Lord in all things. "The Kingdom of God" and "The Great Physician" are the best books I ever read. A careful study of these has brought much light and knowledge to me in comprehending the scriptures. I can truly say it is spiritual food to my soul. Praise God for a complete salvation that saves from sin and heals the sick. O precious cross! O golden crown! O resurrection day! What a glorious time to the Christian! May the rich blessings of God ever rest upon God's dear children, is my prayer.
J. M. S. Mariott.
_________________Montague, Michigan.
I wish to testify of the goodness of God to me. I find him a very present help in every time of need. My little boy had a very sore ear, also a sore tongue, and the Lord wonderfully healed him. He has healed him of other ailments, for which I give him all the praise. O dear ones, it pays to trust the Lord. We can not afford to live without him! He will do more for us than we can ask or think if we will only trust and obey him. The way grows better every day. It is my determination to go through for him at any cost. I desire the prayers of the dear ones that I may be just what Jesus would have me be in every respect, and follow in his footsteps who did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth.
Mrs. Gertrude Hutchins.
________Obituary.
_________
MILLER. Archibald Miller died at his home at Tekonsha, Michigan, March 30, 1901. Brother Miller accepted this way a number of years ago, and, although an invalid, his trust was always in the Lord whom he knew was sufficient for all his need. He leaves a wife and a host of friends to mourn loss.
C. H. Eldridge.
___________________ JUNKIN. Anthony C. Junkin was born at Xenia, Green County, Ohio, June 12, 1820; died at the home of his daughters near Weston, Oregon, April 4, 1901, aged 80 years, 10 months, and 27 days. He was a member of the U. B. denomination many years, but came out into the light and was baptized at the June camp-meeting last year near Colfax. He was not fully satisfied with his experience until a short time before his death. He wanted to be wholly sanctified, but at last said he was willing and ready to go. He leaves four sons and four daughters. May the Lord help the bereaved to be ready to meet him.
A. B. O'Brien.
___________________ KENNEDY. Jane Kennedy was born in 1840; died at her home near Battle Creek, April 10, 1901. She was at one time a member of the U. B. Denomination, but never seemed satisfied until she accepted the one way ten years ago. Sister Kennedy has been an invalid for a number of years. God has often heard and answered prayer in her behalf. Her trust was always in him until her life's work was finished. She leaves a son and four daughters. May the Lord comfort and bless them in this their sad bereavement. Funeral services by the undersigned. Text John 14:1.
C. H. Eldridge.
____________Atlanta, Kansas.
DOGGETT. May Butler was born March 18, 1869, was married to Benjamin Doggett December 18, 1889. Six children blessed the union, all of whom survive her. She died April 20, 1901, aged 33 years, 1 month, and 2 days. Last November when Sister Sunderland held meetings at Atlanta she renewed her covenant with God, having been a backslider for some time. Since that time it seems she lived for God. She died of quick consumption, her last testimony being that she was saved and willing to go. We pray that the many relatives and husband may get saved. Subject: "A prepared place for a prepared people." John 14:1-3.
V. Roof.
_________________ BIMBER. Sister Amelia Burton Bimber was born February 16, 1848 in Ashland County, Ohio; fell asleep in Jesus April 9, 1901. She was married to Jacob Dilgard, now deceased, in 1874, and five children blessed their union, of which four survive. Sister Amelia was married to Brother George H. Bimber about five years ago. She was converted when quite young and was a member of the U. B. denomination for a number of years. She came out into the glorious gospel light in 1890, under Brother Speck's preaching. She was a zealous Christian mother and a kind neighbor, and was also a strong believer in the saving and healing power of God. The writer has several times seen her instantly healed by the power of God. When sick this last time she told her husband that she would not get well. She was sick about a month. Brother Bimber chose the text for her funeral, which is in part: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2nd Timothy 4:6-8. She was buried in Tidionte cemetery. We pray God to help the children get an everlasting salvation and meet their mother in glory; and may the Lord keep Brother Bimber until his work is done, is our prayer.
Charles J. Stewart.
_____________Covert, Michigan.
CARTER. Mrs. Sarah Carter, wife of William Carter, departed this life April 12. She was born in Newburg, Pennsylvania in 1860.
She accepted the truth several years ago, since when she has always been ready and willing to labor hard with her hands for the Lord, in camp-meetings, or missions, or for the sick; but for the last few years has not been able to get an experience that would stand, and part of the time was far away from God. For more than a year she has been an intense sufferer from what has been termed and internal cancer. About two months before she died she earnestly sought the Lord for salvation, met the conditions in God's Word, and obtained deliverance, after which she bore the fruits of the Spirit, and God, at times, in answer to prayer, wonderfully relieved her sufferings; but the real desire of her heart was to die. However, a few weeks before her death, she would at times show fruits of impatience and fault-finding, and many times signs of insanity were observable. A few days before her death she prevailed upon a small boy to bring her a bottle containing carbolic acid from an adjoining room. She hid it in her bed, and, finally, when alone, drank it, resulting in her death. She had many times requested those caring for her to hide the acid so that she would not know where it was. We can only leave her in the hands of a just God who judges righteously.
Mrs. Della Fry.
_____________Divine Healing.
_____________
Relieved of Palpitation.
I was taken with a severe palpitation of the heart, and felt led to pray for my healing. After taking my case to the Lord I was instantly relieved and blessed, and I promised to let it be known. I have been healed many times and of some very serious afflictions. I desire to glorify God, and to hold him up to this world as the Great Physician of soul and body, and the author of all good.
Gertrude Raether.
Aline, Illinois.
__________________Healed of Toothache and Other Pains.
I am saved from all sin and kept by the power of God. I was greatly afflicted with toothache, but God healed me. I had a severe pain in my head. I also took it to the Lord, and was healed immediately, for which I give God all the praise and glory. I ask the prayers of the saints that I may be kept humble and submissive doing God's will, and that my family may be devoted to God.
William Day.
Crayton, Kentucky,
March 19.
_________________Healed of Rheumatism.
I was afflicted with rheumatism for quite a while, and it seemed that all the power of the devil was against me. First one would tell me a remedy, then another; but, praise God! I did not try any of them. I would just pray the Lord for help, and would get better, but would then let the devil cheat me out of my victory. I was this way for a long time. Finally I sent a message to the Trumpet Family for prayer, and God has healed me. Praise God for his wonderful power!
G. W. Stinson.
Velpen, Indiana.
_____________________Direct Healing from the Lord.
I was saved about five months ago and find the Savior dear to my soul. If we trust him he will never leave nor forsake us. I have received much help through the Gospel Trumpet. I know the Lord is able to heal our bodies if we trust him. We have had direct healing from the Lord and are not taking medicine. My sister is sick with lung trouble and wishes the saints to pray for her. We believe the Lord will heal her. Pray that our faith may be increased.
W. C. Rewalt.
Klondike, Michigan.
____________________Healed of Nervous Disease.
I am praising God for a full salvation. Jesus saves, sanctifies, and heals me. I had a nervous disease and sometimes it seemed I could not stand the least shock. I called upon God for healing and he heard my prayer. Then I was impressed to testify, but I neglected to do so until the disease came upon me again worse than before. This time it seemed I could not get the victory; but I prayed all night and toward morning the answer came and I was entirely healed from that hour. I have also been healed of heart trouble and other afflictions. To God be all the glory.
Hattie E. Willis.
____________________The Lord our Family Physician.
I praise the Lord for what he has done for me and my family. The Lord justified me according to Romans 5:1, then afterwards I sought the Lord with my whole heart, and he sanctified me. Praise his name! I can say as David: "O taste and see that the Lord is good." I can say that he does for me as the Psalmist says: "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases." The Lord gave me light on healing about five years ago. We have had much sickness since then, but the Lord heals all our diseases without doctors or medicine. We have seven children, and three of them have never tasted medicine. The people around us have been suffering very much with grip. They had doctors and medicine and continued to suffer. Four of our children had it and we left them in the hands of the Lord. Three of them were instantly healed. Satan tried to keep one of them bound, but we held on to the Lord and he healed him every whit. To God be all the glory.
E. P. Stokes.
Darlington, South Carolina.
_______________Healed of Grip.
I am praising God for his power to save from sin and heal. I was taken sick on Sunday and kept praying for God to heal me. I did not get any better; so the next Sunday I called in some of God's children and we obeyed James 5:14 and the Lord answered prayer. I felt well and went to sleep that night believing the work was done. But Satan has many cunning devices; so next morning I was almost as bad as ever. But I just kept trusting God and having the saints pray for me. Every time they prayed I would get better, but would afterwards get worse again. I continued this way two weeks, when I had a sister send for an anointed handkerchief. We applied it in the name of the Lord, and I was up in three days. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! In a week I was as well as ever, except a slight weakness. I can say of a truth that God is able to heal our bodies as well as our souls. Pray that I may ever be found faithful.
Hattie Johnson.
East Prairie, Missouri.
____________Healed of Chill.
I am a witness to God's healing power. I have much to praise him for. When the true light of God's Word came to this place it found me in the Baptist sect, committing sin every day and suffering with bodily afflictions. Among them were catarrh of the head, stomach trouble, and sick headache from which I had suffered from childhood. Since I have given myself to the Lord he has healed me. March 27th I was taken with a chill. It seemed that all my old afflictions would come back. I could keep nothing on my stomach, and a large cake appeared on my left side. I prayed the Lord to remove the cause, and he began cleansing up my system. On the 29th I had another chill. I cried mightily unto the Lord and he wonderfully healed me and gave me strength. Praise God for his healing power! I desire to be kept low at the feet of Jesus where I can know his will and find grace to keep in every time of need. Pray that my husband be saved again; for the Word says that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Rose Hyatt.
Blountsville, Alabama.
____________Trust the Lord.
Our little Lawrence, four years old, got hold of a knife and ran across the room. He must have held the knife in such a way that his arm went against the wall; for the knife entered his eye just below the eyebrow. There was a lump of flesh a half-inch thick on the eyelid. It looked bad. The sore stayed about the same for two days, then it began to swell. It swelled a little more every night. He hurt it Friday, and the following Wednesday morning his eye was so swollen that he could open it but a very little. His face was also swollen very badly. I told his uncle (his papa was not at home at the time) that we would have to go as soon as possible and get some of the brethren to come and pray for him; but when we had worship that morning the Lord gave me a clear witness that he would heal the eye if I would but trust him. Praise his name! he was true to his promise. It healed up nicely, leaving no lump as is sometimes the case. It just left a little scar which does not look bad. We never can praise the Lord enough for teaching us to trust him in every time of need. He has been our physician for two years.
The child never complained at all. One morning one of his uncles stepped in and asked him how his eye was. He answered: "It is all right; we prayed." I thought of what a good testimony the dear children can give. We truly praise the Lord for the light which shines in our souls.
Albert and Amelia Haftorson.
Hillyard, Washington.
________________How God Led Me.
By Sarah Waddell.
I believe it will be to the glory of God that I write my testimony concerning the Lord's leading me into the church of God. My father and grandfather were Presbyterian ministers in Nova Scotia, Canada whose chief aim was to glorify God, and I believe lived up to all the light they had. It was their greatest desire with regard to their children that they be true followers of God, and useful to their fellowmen. I mention this because I believe that it is in answer to the prayers of my parents, who did not fully know what they were asking, that God has led me as he has into his glorious light and liberty. My father was taken home when I was fifteen years of age, but his teachings and influences have never been forgotten. From the time we could read, as children, we each had our own Bible, and read our verse in turn at family prayers. In this way I became familiar with the letter of the Bible which fastened itself on my memory as nothing else did.
I was converted at an early age and united with the Presbyterian denomination, but I was always a seeker after more light and truth. I saw holiness and the second coming of Christ in the Bible, as I did not hear it preached. As I grew older and had the opportunity I attended the Methodist class-meetings and the Salvation Army to get teaching on holiness, and was often prayed for at these places that I might receive the experience. In April, 1883 the Lord led me south to work among the colored people in connection with the faith work of Mr. C - of Boston. I came with a friend from Nova Scotia who had been in connection with that work for some time. We settled in Oxford, North Carolina, where we remained together until October, 1885, teaching and holding meetings and working in any way the Lord opened up among the people. I then went to Boydton, Virginia, where I taught in the Institute for a time and had charge of the orphanage in connection with the work there for some time; but never felt I was in the place the Lord intended for me.
In June, 1888 I returned home where I remained caring for my invalid mother till the Lord took her in March, 1897. Two months later found me again in Oxford, North Carolina with the same friend with whom I came at first. I did not know for what purpose God had brought me back, but I knew that I needed spiritual preparation for any service he wanted of me. As the dear friends took hold of God for me I had a wonderful revelation of Christ to my soul as "the chiefest among ten thousand, The altogether lovely," and I accepted him as my heavenly Bridegroom. This was June 16, 1897. A month later I had a definite call to carry God's message as an evangelist, to go anywhere and say anything he commanded. After about a two hours' struggle I consecrated to go rather than disappoint Jesus. The day after I covenanted to go was one of testing, and I proved true; but there was no joy in the service. So I went to God for some of the delights in doing the Father's will that Jesus had and he gave it to me, for which I praise his name. The devil did his utmost to prevent me getting into the work. Knowing that I would not follow anything that I did not know was Christ, he got me under the influence of the spirit of a false Christ - a woman who, by a wonderful gift of discernment, saw my experience before I did, and so got my confidence. For three or four days I was powerless to do anything except as she permitted. By laying her hand on my head she had power to remove my mind, and I was conscious of its leaving me. She afterwards placed her hand on my mouth and I was dumb till she put her hand on my lips again and gave me permission to speak. I believe she was just as honest as I was; but the enemy got control of her mind. All during the delusion she kept contending for "a sound mind," while I kept claiming "the mind of Christ." When the leader of the work returned from a temporary absence she recognized the false Christ, but was powerless to control me. As the party who had power over me told me that we must be separated, the Lord led me to the home of a colored brother and his dear wife who cared for me as their own child for more than three years.
From March till September, 1898 the Lord opened the way for me to work in the bounds of a Baptist Association where I worked with several of the pastors in their various churches, teaching the necessity of the baptism of the Spirit as a distinct experience. In September I met the holiness convocation of North Carolina in its annual session at Highpoint. I had been with them in Durham the year before and had kept in touch with them during the year. At Highpoint I offered my services to them to do anything they considered me qualified for, and was appointed secretary and missionary, which positions I filled till last September. At the quarterly meeting in Oxford at Christmas I was made field secretary and a new secretary and four new missionaries were appointed to fill the vacant places. This work was as dear to me as my own life because I believed it was the work to which God intended me to devote my life's service. I was also an evangelist of the Southern Christian and Missionary Alliance to which I was strongly attached and was in a sense, a connecting link between the two organizations.
On February 28 I left Raleigh, having been "commended by the brethren to the grace of God for the work," and came to Darlington, South Carolina, to attend the quarterly holiness convention. We held a ten-days' meeting, and the Lord blessed his Word, sending an evangelist to our help - Brother W. H. Coleman who was opposed to all organizations and church ordinances. We dropped all our differences and worked harmoniously together. The meetings were held in a room of the home of the missionary of the convention, where she had held holiness meeting for six years.
The following week the Lord sent Brother R. J. Smith, an elder in the church of God, to our aid. Darlington had been on his mind for two years, but he had not been free to come till then. He held meetings for nearly a week, and talked to us privately, "expounding to us the way of God more perfectly;" but we were not in a condition to accept his teaching, but agreed to attend the assembly-meeting at Columbia, March 21-31, where the Lord enabled us to see the church of God as never before, and Brother Coleman and I were both baptized before leaving. I at once withdrew from the Convocation and the Christian Alliance. I praise God for delivering me from the snare of the evil one. I was honest while working with them, and believe there are many others as honest as I was. I trust the Lord will open their eyes as he has mine. I can see all holiness organizations, outside of the church which was founded by Christ and his apostles, to be the devil's counterfeit, and in opposition to the prayer of Jesus: "That they all may be one."
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