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The Gospel Trumpet
Volume 21 - Issue 21 - May 23, 1901
(Articles of interest only)
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Consecration.
O Jesus Christ, most wonderful,
Most precious and most sweet,
To thee I wholly yield myself,
Low bending at thy feet,
And ask that thou wouldst use me, Lord,
Where'er thou deemest meet.
Not any strength of mine I bring,
So weak I am and small.
But thou canst give me needed grace,
Who art my all in all,
And I have but to haste to thee
Oft as I hear thy call.
As to and fro on errands sent
About my work I go,
O blessed Jesus, fill my heart
Until it overflow
With love to those who know thee not,
Whom thou art fain to know.
I serve thee in a little place,
Obscure and out of sight,
But in the brightness of thy face
That little place is light,
For thou art heaven on earth to me,
And noonday in the night.
I would not choose, my gracious Christ,
But ever seek thy will;
Divinely good thy purpose is;
I would thy aims fulfill.
So bid me go, or bid me stay,
Abiding with me still.
O Jesus Christ, most wonderful,
Most precious and most sweet,
To thee I wholly yield myself,
And am in thee complete.
I Pray that thou wouldst use me, Lord,
As to thee seemeth meet.
Selected.
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The New Testament Church.
By Alvin J. Ellison.
Article 8.
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH.
Upon whom does the government rest? "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. "With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. - Isaiah 11:4. Before us are two descriptive prophecies of a certain King, upon whose shoulders the government of the church should rest. And that we might know this "Prince of Peace," the governor of the New Testament church, the Lord has given us a sign as follows: "Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14. Therefore, if we can but learn who was born in fulfillment of this prophecy, we will know who this governor is upon whose shoulders the government of the church doth rest. "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matthew 1:18-23.
This scripture in declaring the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy clearly informs us that the Lord Jesus Christ is the governor upon whose shoulders the government of the New Testament church doth rest. In him alone is invested that divine authority and power to govern "the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood;" for what saith the King himself? - "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Matthew 28:18. Thus will our Savior continue to sway his divine scepter unto the end of the world without the deputation of man to rule in his stead, for he is "head over all things to the church," "The blessed and only Potentate, The King of kings, and the Lord of lords," whose reign is only limited by the consummation of time - "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. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him [God], that God may be all in all." 1st Corinthians 15:24-26, 28.
Thousands to-day fail to see any church, or church government, outside of the humanly organized creeds of sect Babylon. But these form no part of the New Testament church whatever.
While men form and rule their own organizations, Jesus Christ is the founder and sole governor of the church of God. Therefore, when men form and try to enforce their human church laws (disciplines) upon the subjects of God's kingdom, they dishonor the King, his wisdom, and his plan of ruling the people of God. Yea, they become his enemy, and, in a sense, are trying to dethrone him, that they may reign in his stead.
And as they thus grapple, each one for the supremacy, they divide the people of God into hundreds of different creeds and faiths, thus dishonoring the King, who teaches in his Word but "one faith," and who ardently, while under the tremendous strain of an entire world's welfare, prayed "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they (God's people) also may be one in us: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and has loved them, as thou hast loved me." - John 17:20-23. This illusive spirit of eminence has long since robbed the sect churches of their spirituality, and their dead, formal worship, haughtily filled pews, and a fallen ministry are the results thereof.
LEGISLATURE OF THE CHURCH.
Judging by the present multiplicity of ecclesiastical disciplines, catechisms, etc., one would almost be persuaded that God had invested in men the legislative power of the church, especially if we be somewhat ignorant of the contents of the Lord's statue-book. But when we remember that God hath foretold us that "There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy" (James 4:12), we are compelled to take our position on the negative. This one lawgiver is the Lord Jesus Christ who is "head over all things to the church," and in whom is vested "all power, in heaven and in earth." To this agreeth the words of the prophet: "The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver." - Isaiah 33:22. Since he alone has become our lawgiver, we utterly refuse to be governed by any law whatever, save the statues of our King as found written in the law-book - the New Testament. Neither can we be persuaded to believe that his law is changeable, so as to justify the divisions and the corrupt conditions of the diverse nominal sect churches. For "the law of the Lord is perfect" (Psalms 19:7), and "shall never pass away." Halleluiah!
But is there not a necessity of minor laws to govern the church, and hath not God vested such power in man? To this we emphatically answer, No! - A thousand times, No! Did you ever read of the apostles organizing societies under different denominational names, preparing for them a book of discipline, etc.? No, you never did. But to biblically conclude upon this point, we will hear the testimony of the apostle Peter: "according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness." 2nd Peter 1:3. We will next hear the great apostle Paul: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2nd Timothy 3:16, 17.
Upon the authority of these scriptures we claim that, the Word of God is the only perfect and necessary discipline. And we hereby further claim that, any other discipline is a reproach to its founders and a dishonor to God; for it denies the fact taught in the foregoing scripture, viz., that God "hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness," and hath "thoroughly furnished us unto all good works."
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Be Not Deceived.
By E. W. Greely.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." - Galatians 6:7. It seems discouraging sometimes when I see so few that are willing to walk the narrow way, and the devil is impudent and bold enough to suggest to me that if I would keep still on divine healing and not preach quite so plain on pride and sectism, more would get saved. But I thank God for victory over all the suggestions of the enemy, for I realize if I preach the truth to the people and a few accept it, they will get saved and I will have delivered my soul; otherwise, if I withhold for fear of hurting some one's feelings and preach to please the people, they will get a delusion, and their blood will be required at my hands. Ezekiel 3:18. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
May God help us to deal out the truth to precious souls without compromise and at the same time in the meekness and love of Jesus, for he that winneth souls is wise. It is impossible to drive people to accept the truth; hence much wisdom is needed to be successful in leading them to Jesus. May God help us to live so close to him that his prophetic truth may be fulfilled in us, as we read in Malachi 3:18 - "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." "For straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Then let us enquire more earnestly for the old paths and walk therein, because our future will surely be just what we make it. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." Then let us work out our salvation with fear and trembling; knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord, and that in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
Dear saints, our God is a God of love, and when we are tempted and tried to the uttermost, let us remember that he is touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin; and he is able also to succor them that are tempted. So let us be assured that we are abiding in him. Then we can enjoy the fulfillment of his promise in our secret life as well as that which is seen, that he will never leave or forsake us, but underneath are the everlasting arms. Praise his name! For the presence of the Lord is salvation, and we are only conscious of his precious presence when we walk in the way he marks out for us. It behooves us then to be awake to the fact that we must be lively stones in his building, and that he will have no drones there. We read that he that dwells in the hill of the Lord must have clean hands and a pure heart, that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not; or, in other words, he keeps the vow he has made to God no matter how much self has to suffer. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith, for these are perilous times. Spiritual growth is essential to spiritual life. We must be either on the forward move or on the decline. This is so in temporal things as in spiritual. The tree grows or it dies; so it is with us, spiritually. God wants us to increase, - yea, broaden out and expand in his love.
Then let us grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be found more often in secret with him, and be more careful in our daily life than ever before. For we are fast passing down the stream of life; soon we will have passed over the boundary line of life into the great ocean of eternity, there through the ceaseless ages to reap the fruits of life's labor while here on earth. Oh, what will the harvest be! "If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase." - Job 8:5-7. "The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger." - Job 17:9.
Dear reader, are you a Christian? if so, how much have you advanced since a year ago? I feel the depths of a Savior's love more keenly than ever before, as I realize that he has canceled with his most precious blood the awful debt of sin that I never could pay. Praise his precious name! he loved us poor, benighted, sin-covered mortals (alienated from God and heaven, and only fit for endless hell and wretchedness) so much that he died the cruel and ignominious death of the cross that we might have heaven - yea, eternal life through his name. It sometimes seems as though people's eyes and ears were dead to the sights and sounds of the memorable day of untold agony as endured by the greatest gift that heaven could offer - God's only Son. I fear the dust of carelessness and neglect is gathering upon many which will surely result in spiritual drought and final spewing out (Revelation 3:16) unless such are awakened by a voice from heaven, saying, "Awake, awake, put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion." A plunge into the fountain that was opened in the house of David for sin and uncleanness will purge out all dross, such as carelessness, sleepiness, drowsiness, will-worship, neglecting of the assembling together to worship as the manner of some is. It will also cleanse us from all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, such as opium, morphine, all intoxicating drinks, tobacco. (James1:21) and pride which manifests itself by the wearing of gold, pearls and costly array (1st Peter 3:3; 1st Timothy 2:9), adorning the hat with a little feather, or a superfluous amount of ribbon which when you were first saved you looked upon with disgust, joking and jesting, telling cutting anecdotes, talking about your neighbors, lightness, idle words, love of the world, lust of the flesh, pride of life (1st John 2:15-17) sectism, Zinzendorfism, and everything else that is contrary to sound doctrine. There is deliverance from all this. Salvation to the uttermost, by two separate and distinct works of grace in Christ Jesus our Lord, will make you perfectly free. John 15:1-6. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Some who are professed saints seem to enjoy attending sect meetings, from which the Lord once saved them, and instead of their conversation being holy and free from jesting and lightness, as it once was, they have made up their mind that they were a little fanatical then. So now it has happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog has returned to his own vomit, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. Truly these are perilous times, and may God help us to declare his truth with no compromise; for the way is just as narrow as ever. This great and glorious reformation is of God, and he is running it; and if we will not use just the kind of material that he furnishes upon which to build and fix our hopes we will go down, and he will surely raise up some one that will. The sooner we learn that he is not dependant upon any one of us, but that we are wholly dependent upon him, and that he requires us to walk in his ways with ourselves left entirely out of the question, and obey the command to seed for the old paths and walk therein - the sooner we can enjoy the fullness of God, with signs following as in apostolic days. The persecutions will be easily borne, for the glory will be a defense, and when the enemy comes in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him, and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
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Babylon's Congress of Holiness in Chicago.
By George L. Cole.
The readers of the Trumpet should be informed concerning a professed holiness movement now (May 3-13) in session in this city. It is said that about two hundred sect preachers representing various sects, and holiness factions as well, from all parts of the United States are in the assembly. I was privileged to attend several services and one lengthy business meeting, sufficient to discern a few things. This gathering is called a "holiness assembly;" however, in process of time it is expected to resolve itself into some kind of sectarian organism by means of name, constitution, by-laws, etc., forming a union, or confederation, of all the now existing holiness factions, associations, bands, alliances, etc., such as may be provided for. A committee of eleven is appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws to present at the next annual assembly for adoption, at such time and place as shall be determined by said committee of eleven.
The leaders of this movement are the noted evangelists, editors, and writers of the sect holiness work. They claim the object of the movement is to promote holiness; but it is plain to be seen that these ambitious, heady he-goats of Babylon are determined to head off and lord it over all the holiness movements possible for one specific purpose - viz., to hold the people of God in fellowship with Babylon, and thereby check all opposition to sects, coming out, etc. Let them deny this if they will. I know what I am saying. I have watched these holiness movements for nearly a quarter of a century. The great holiness revivals of twenty-five years back brought a spirit of liberty and power that the machinery of sectism was not able to contain nor govern; moreover, the spirit of holiness began to battle against the ungodly, worldly elements in the old, dead sects which if left undisturbed must either clean it out or else come out and be separate, and either one would be ruin to the sects. To give up the dead and formal professors was to lose the majority; if the spiritual came out, there would be no redeeming qualities left. When the sect preachers were confronted by these facts hundreds of them drew back and quit preaching holiness, and in almost every town and city in this country the preachers of every sect would all meet once a week (usually on Monday night) and exchange views on various topics, especially how they might combine their effort to check the holiness movement, which threatened their crafts. From this very time I believe the fall of Babylon can be dated; for immediately the loud cry, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen," proclaimed from east to west and north to south an awful description of her fallen condition: "And is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." - Revelation 18:1. It was followed by another voice from heaven, saying: "Come out of her, my people." Verse 4.
But there were some holiness preachers that would not quit preaching holiness to please the sects; but, rather than be turned out and lose their reputation and standing in sectism, they purposed to cling to, and fight for, their sects so tenaciously that their membership would be retained. Many of these men, with others of kindred spirit, are at the head of this Holiness Congress. Therefore, this movement is expressly designed to oppose coming out of Babylon which means nothing less than "war against the camp of the saints." While it appears that the "world's congress of religion" filled the description of the devil's army of God and Magog (Revelation 20:8, 9), it now seems that the devil is determined to put the great battle in motion by putting this Babylon holiness movement in the lead. But it is no marvel that God Almighty would call and command his sanctified ones to the front ranks in his army, the devil would not be smart if he did not put his false holiness professors in the front ranks of his Gog and Magog army to go up on the breadth of the earth and compass the camp of the saints about, "to battle."
IN A STRAIT.
These leaders were looking forward to the time when their proposed organization would be complete and members of the sects would also hold membership in this new organization; but in such a case, where their sect would cast them out because of their profession and affiliation with this holiness body, the question was how they might pass a resolution to look after, protect and defend such until they could find membership in some other evangelical body (more favorable to holiness), lest they be content to abide only in this holiness body and thus try to make a church home out of it. It was very difficult to pass the resolution, lest it stir up hostilities among the sects. They wanted to keep on good terms with such apostate sects as fight holiness and actually cast out those who profess it. They would not denounce such a sect (so corrupt and ungodly) lest they support the very principle they are calculated to oppose - viz., "coming out." Brethren, it is bad enough for a graceless sect to expel those who believe in holiness; but for a professed holiness movement to support and defend such a sect, it had just as well endorse the Sanhedrim that clamored for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Such is a disgrace to holiness - a slander on its very profession. A true child of God that is cast out of "the synagogue of Satan" does not need the protection of such shoddy holiness dignitaries. I would rather trust to the merciless protection of the sect that cast me out than all the resolutions of protection offered by a people who endorsed the sect that did the turning out.
I want to be explicit about my sincere convictions respecting this movement under consideration. If there were none coming out of Babylon, this movement and organization never would have been thought of, which is both offensive and defensive - offensive to the Spirit of God that calls God's people out of Babylon, and to the one body into the which the one Spirit baptizes them; and defensive for the habitations of devils from whence God calls his people out. See Revelation 18:2. Let us warn the people of God against such movements, so satanic in their design of Babylon defense and opposition to the church of God.
THIS SAME SPIRIT
was manifest in some of these men twenty years ago at the Jacksonville, Illinois convention, when their by-laws read that a man to be recognized as a minister in the association must be a licensed preacher in good standing in some one of the denominations; and, if I am not mistaken, some who drafted those by-laws then are among the eleven, or committee, to draft a constitution and by-laws now. If this thing was in them twenty years ago, it must be twenty times more firmly grounded in them while they have been fighting against God's call, "Come out of her my people," all these twenty years.
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Ye Are Not of This World.
By J. C. Blaney.
The kingdom of God is not of this world, never was, nor ever will be. Daniel saw the kingdom of God under the figure of a stone cut out of a mountain without hands, and it brake in pieces the kingdoms of the world. See Daniel 2:34-45. This present, evil world has no part in the kingdom of God; for his "kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever." - Daniel 2:44.
The kingdom of God is composed of those who have been redeemed, both in earth and in heaven, insomuch that he who rules in heaven over his sanctified host is also "head over all things to the church." - Ephesians 1:22. To look at many who profess to be in God's kingdom, a person would think the kingdoms of the world were a part of the kingdom of God; but such is not the case. When we enter the kingdom of the Most High it is by the way of the cross of Christ, and the gulf which separates the kingdoms of this world from God's glorious kingdom is as deep and wide as that which exists between heaven and hell. Christians can not afford to spend time and means to help build up and support the kingdoms of the world, only so far as the government under which they live demand by their laws. We are to be subject to principalities and powers and submit ourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake: but we are nowhere commanded to take sides in politics or throw our influence towards choosing a political party or supporting one. The true relationship existing between the Christian and the world is expressed in these words: "But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." - Galatians 6:14.
This indeed is the true standard of Christianity, which expresses the deadly hatred of the world toward the Christian, and the holy abhorrence the Christian has to the world. We who have become Christians have no desire to please the world or support its worldly affairs; and when we see people who claim to be crucified with Christ but are still interested in worldly pursuits, we may conclude that they do not know the power of the cross of Christ. But some will say, "Does not God rule in the kingdom of men?" Yes, he does; but he does not say that Christians should help him rule in the kingdom of men. If he wanted Christians to do so he would not set up base men over these kingdoms and governments. God's way of dealing with the kingdoms of earth and the way he rules among them, and his manner of dealing with his own subjects are two separate and distinct matters. He often uses the basest of men as his ministers to fulfill his will in earthly kingdoms, but only chooses the most faithful and humble to oversee the flocks of his kingdom. God gave us an example of this truth in his dealing with Nebuchadnezzar, whom he set up and dethroned and again set up at his own pleasure.
"This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men." - Daniel 4:17.
Since this is the case, why do Christians want to be dabbling and meddling with the affairs of this world? This world is evil, and we have no business trying to prescribe rules and regulations for the government of a kingdom of strangers and foreigners. We are classed as pilgrims merely passing through this world to our native land - heaven. The Spirit of Christ within us will not sanction any affinity with the world whatever. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1st John 2:15. But some men will say: "I do not love the world, but I do it to please my friends and neighbors." "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." - James 4:4. Those who mind earthly things "are the enemies of the cross of Christ." - Philippians 3:17-19. If simply minding earthly things constitutes enmity to the cross of Christ, then professors who dabble in shows, fairs, politics, box-suppers, Babylon revivals, club houses, board of trade meetings, Y. M. C. A. and W. C. T. U., associations, and things of a kindred worldly nature - professors who dabble in these become the enemies of the cross of Christ. If the laws of the land in which we live compel us to vote for one party or the other and their candidates, go quickly and cast your vote for conscience' sake without taking any further part in the matter. I speak from what I know. Where the least compromise is made in these things carnality creeps in. Christ kept himself harmless, holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." - John 17:16. Amen.
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Persecutions and Afflictions.
By John C. Fisher.
"Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel, but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." - Mark 10:28-30.
God has been for some time talking to me of persecutions. What great benefits we receive through them if we just stand true to God and let him have his way with us and be satisfied with his dealings. "And 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. When Paul sent Timotheus unto the Thessalonian brethren to comfort and establish them concerning their faith, he said, "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." - 1st Thessalonians 3:3. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." - 2nd Timothy 3:12. We find according to the Word that children of God are promised persecutions and afflictions, and that everything works together for their good; so we can thank God for them. We are to enter in through tribulations. - Acts 14:22.
Let us notice some of the promises to the persecuted and afflicted. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." - Matthew 10:22. "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:10. "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." - Luke 6:22, 23. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." - James 1:12.
Dear ones, should we complain or be discouraged in serving God the Bible way (as there is no other way) in the face of these precious promises? They may seem somewhat grievous when passing through them, but if we just keep our eyes on God and pray for grace to stand, we will come out conquerors - yea, "more than conquerors through him that loved us." Praise God! If we do not be very prayerful the enemy of our souls is apt to get our eyes on the persecutions or afflictions, or what ever it may be, instead of on Jesus who strengtheneth us.
We often pray for God to increase us in all the increase of God, and then God for our good permits us to be tried. If we then stand firm for Jesus we get the increase; we are getting stronger and more able to stand the next trial. Oh, let us ever hold up the shield of faith! It is as I heard a mother in Israel say. As sure as she would pray for God to increase her faith, someone would get sick; so that is the way we can appreciate God's goodness to us. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.: - 1st peter 4:12, 13. "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil doer, or as a busybody in other men's matters." Verse 15. "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf:" Verse 16. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:2-4. "And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the lamb." - Revelation 7:13, 14.
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Divine Healing.
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When looking out over the world and seeing the press of business and pleasure upon the people, my heart throbs with compassionate love and tenderness, and I wonder do they all have time to seek Jesus or know of his love? His life was a busy one too, and we are not to forget that our Lord is simply carrying on in glory what he began on earth, Christ's twofold ministry of heaven. His ministry has not changed as to its character or office. The only essential difference is that he exercises that ministry now by the Holy Spirit, and through the church instead of by his own personal and visible agency. All the characteristics of his ministry remain unaltered.
Hence we find that when he had ascended up on high and committed the preaching of the gospel to apostles and evangelists, the same traits marked their work which distinguished his own. They preached the remission of sins in his name, and in his name healed the sick and cast out devils. The twofold ministry goes on just as it did when Christ was on earth. Indeed, it must be so, or the Master's Word has not been kept. Just before his ascension, He had breathed the Holy Spirit upon his disciples, and said: "Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them." He said also, "These signs shall follow them that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." No question can there be as to the promise and none as to the fulfillment. Read in the opening pages of the Acts. In one chapter we hear Peter saying, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins." In the next we hear him saying to the lame man, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." It is Christ's ministry still prolonged - the same twofold grace, the same double blessing to the sinner and to the sufferer. And the whole apostolic age is stamped with similar marks. By the same authority with which Paul says to the jailer of Philippi, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved," he says to the cripple of Lystra, "Stand upright on thy feet." And how is it that this twofold cord of our ministry has been unbraided, leaving us but a single strand? How is it we still preach the remission of sins but dare not, on the pain of being deemed enthusiasts and fanatics, hold out the hope that sickness can be remitted by faith in Jesus Christ? Oh! church of the ascended Christ, carrying still in thy hand thy Master's commission, with no clause annulled and no vestige of authority revoked, what has happened to thee, that the lame must lie before thee and none can take him by the hand and lift him up; that the sick must pine on their couches and never a cure must be expected through the prayer of faith? Have we ceased to walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness and have no longer any healing shadow to throw upon the sick and dying? And how is it that instead of mourning and being humbled at the loss of these apostolic gifts, thou art lifted up with self-complacency, speaking reproachfully of such as seek for their revival, and visiting them with cold rebukes? Is it an occasion for pride that "Thou hast no healing medicines for the sick," and that thou must say to the lame and the leprous, "Thy bruise is incurable and thy wounds are grievous; there is none to plead thy cause that thou mayest be bound up?"
We can not too earnestly ask these questions. There is a cautious reserve of faith which may carry one very near the perilous edge of skepticism, and to let go our confidence in what is highest and hardest to credit in the promises of God, may be a token of our willing choice of what is lowest and most superficial in Christian consecration. I want to recommend to a living yet dying world the star that stood over the babe in Bethlehem. Be guided by this star, and you will never go astray. Its light shines brightest in the darkest hours. I am weary, for one, of the excuses which professing Christians have framed for their impotence, telling the world that the age of miracles has passed, and that the gifts of healing have been withdrawn. The age of miracles has passed indeed, and perhaps the only reason is that the age of faith has also passed. Christ has given no intimation in the Scripture that the age of miracles is passed. He can not change, for "He is the same yesterday, and to-day and forever." He is still with us. Listen: "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." He who healed the withered hand has not lost the use of his own right hand through infirmity of age. "His arm is not shortened that it can not save, neither is his ear heavy that it can not hear." - Selected.
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GO!
By B. F. Weikel.
Dearly beloved brethren in the ministry: For some time my soul has been stirred in reference to the above command and the way in which some observe it. "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." - Matthew 28:19. If we believe this to be our commission, then let us bear in mind that it is "go" and not "come." I fear there are too many who are waiting for, or expecting to hear, the invitation "Come" instead of heeding the command from heaven which is "Go." God does not intend that we should wait until some dear brother or sister will send us a "call" and say, "If you will come I will send you money for your expenses and will share our home with you, or will care for you while here," etc.; but he says "Go." If we wait for such promises from the brethren, are we any better than the ministry of sectism? Oh, the many places in which this gospel of the kingdom has not been preached! Shall those dear souls die without Christ simply because there has been no one to say "Come to us?" or in the name of Jesus will we heed the words of our King who says "Go?"
I have heard dear ones say that they felt God wanted them to go to this or that place and that they were waiting for God to open the way. By this they meant so soon as the money would be forwarded they would go. Dear brethren, let not money be the power which moves you instead of the power of God. This to some may appear strong; but have you read the testimonies of dear Brother Warner and others at the beginning of this, God's last reformation? how they did not wait for a call, but in the strength of their God started wherever they felt God wanted them to go? I believe on one or more occasions they started with their trunk on their back from one town to another. Some may think it could not have been a very large one, which may be true. I believe if more would obey the scriptures where it says if we have two coats we shall give to him that hath none, there would be many who would not need as large a trunk as they now have. But you may think they had no other way of opening the work, as there was no one to write them to come. This may be true; but is it not also true that there are many places in this country as well as foreign fields where thousands are dying under false religion without hope - yea, without Christ?
Truly the fields are ripe and ready to harvest and the laborers few. I fear some are resting at ease and even living in luxury while there is so much to be done. May God take out of every heart all the "come" and rivet on them the command, "Go ye," etc. It is all right when a call comes as from Macedonia: "Come over and help us," but it is all wrong to wait for that call, and if no call comes from new fields then make one more tour over the circuit or burnt-over district in order to put in time or because there is no other place to go. Brethren, heed the command: "Go ye into all the world" - not only where they send you money to go with or where you would like to go yourself, but where God wants you to go, whether you want to or not, or whether any one sends for you - just let God move you. Suppose the brethren at the Trumpet Office would send out literature only to those who send for it, and we as ministers who give out many tracts and Trumpets, would give them only to those who ask for them - should we do this, surely the work would move very slowly. But Jesus says we shall go out into the highways and byways and compel them to come in.
While it is true that the motive power in Babylon is money, is it not also too sadly true that some who claim to be in this last reformation are moved by the same power? But, brethren, this is not God's way. Let us not look to circumstances around us, but to God; and when he says go, be ever ready, although the way may not appear to be open as we think it should. Remember, souls are at stake and God will not tell us to do anything that we are not able; therefore, go ye!
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Questions Answered.
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Question: Please explain through the Trumpet Revelation 3:18.
W. R. C.
Answer: The part of the verse in question reads: "And anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." The eye-salve spoken of here is not intended to be understood literally. The white raiment, the gold, and the eye-salve mentioned are but figurative terms, and are of spiritual signification. The church at Laodicea had become lukewarm, and hence was poor, naked, and blind, and the counsel of Jesus to this church was to buy gold tried in the fire that they might become rich, and white raiment that they might be clothed, and anoint their eyes with eye-salve that they might see. It was spiritual blindness on their part which needed the anointing of the Holy Spirit to give spiritual sight and understanding. This scripture speaks nothing in favor of the use of medicine.
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Question: Is there any authority, instruction, or example given in the New Testament for sending, receiving or applying the anointed handkerchief for healing of the sick?
Answer: While we have no scriptural example of anointing handkerchiefs and sending them to the sick, we do have the example of the apostle Paul sending handkerchiefs or aprons to the sick, and their disease departed, and evil spirits went out of them. Acts 19:11, 12. There is no mention that these handkerchiefs or aprons were anointed before being sent, but it is mentioned that God's healing power accompanied them. The virtue was not in the handkerchief, nor in Paul; but the very presence of the handkerchiefs which had come from the apostle who evidently had prayed for the sick individuals to whom they were sent, inspired faith in the heart of the sick and produced the effect of healing. These literal things served as a means to an end just as laying on hands or anointing the sick with oil are used as means. The healing power is through faith in the name of Jesus, and not in any of the means mentioned in the Word of God. There is virtue in the means only as they are an outward expression of our obedience and faith, and consequently the healing power accompanies these scriptural means.
But the question seems to bear upon the point of the practice of anointing a handkerchief in sending it to the sick, and in answer to the same it is evident that we have no scriptural example of such a practice; but on the other hand, we have abundant testimonies of healing in such a practice. It may be that the same healing would accompany the sending of a handkerchief without being anointed, and in this respect we might be considered to be more in keeping with the apostolic example; yet the object of anointing the handkerchief is to make use of every possible means to help the faith of the sick one. Such a practice is made use of only in such cases when there is no elder within reach of the sick to personally minister to such in the anointing with oil and the prayer of faith, and it is an inspiration to the faith of such sick ones to know that by the use of such means they get the benefit of the personal anointing by applying the handkerchief which has been sent. In fact, it serves as a substitute and the best means in the emergency.
From a critical standpoint there is a shadow of room to call this practice into question simply because it differs from the apostolic example in the one act of anointing the handkerchief; but from a practical standpoint this practice has established itself as a means of blessing scores who are living witnesses to the healing power of God. Therefore, it seems that no one should call it into question; for the practice is not held in the church as a requirement of any one, but should be held by all as an individual privilege of every sick person who has not the opportunity to "call for the elders of the church," and the privilege of every elder who can not personally go to the sick one and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. Every one should be thankful for every means which is consistent with the Word of God that will, in effect, produce a unity of faith on the part of the sick person and the elders of the church; for it is "the prayer of faith" that "shall save the sick, and the Lord [that] shall raise him up."
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Question: can a true child of God pray for the healing of a person that claims he sins every day in thought, word, and deed? Can the prayer of faith be offered for such?
Answer: In praying for such a person it is proper to pray for that which is most needful. The person who sins daily is a sinner and needs salvation; and this is what the Holy Spirit will direct us to as his first need. Healing is a privilege of those who have salvation. It is a redemption blessing and can be obtained only upon redemption conditions. God has the sovereign power to heal any one outside of his redemption plan if he deems it proper to do so, and may do so in some cases; but we have no promise for this. A sinner who comes to God in real repentance and is sick and feels that healing is his urgent need may obtain healing from God provided he keeps his heart open in obedience, which will with the healing bring salvation; but there is no promise for any one who will not meet the scriptural conditions of repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
J. W. B.
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Experience With Diphtheria.
In the spring of 1896, while we were yet living in Michigan, Brother Adelbert Bixler and his child, who were living about eighty miles from us, had an attack of diphtheria which resulted in the death of both of them. His brother who was at that time working at the Trumpet Office, also his mother, were summoned, who arrived before his death. After the burial services were over Brother Bixler and his mother were quarantined, and because of the prejudice from their religious belief they were quarantined about a week longer than the law required, and then dismissed and permitted to return home. The night of his arrival Brother Bixler was taken sick with diphtheria, but in a few days the Lord healed him, and soon two or three other of the brethren were in a serious condition. One who was near the point of death was almost instantly healed. A few hours later the physician of the town came and stated that every time he went on the street many people met him asking if he did not know they had diphtheria at the Trumpet Office. He said he told them he did not think so, as Mr. Byrum knew the law and would report such cases. I told him that I had a copy of the law in my pocket. He then asked me if we had any serious cases of sore throat. I told him there had been some serious cases, and asked him if he desired to examine and investigate the matter, as he was one of the health officers. As we started to go into the house I told him I did not know whether they were in their room or in the office at work. As he had been sent by other parties to visit cases of sickness among the saints and the Lord had healed the sick before he arrived, he was not inclined to investigate the matter any further; therefore, would not go in to visit them. The Lord healed all who had the disease and did not permit it to spread any more. We are sometimes asked the question whether it is right to go to a place of infectious disease and pray for the sick. There are times when it may be proper to do so and other times not proper on account of the people and the requirements of the law. There have been cases where the authorities would allow no one to go in and visit the sick, and handkerchiefs have been sent according to Acts 19:12, and the sick healed.
During the winter of 1898 my family was visiting for a week with a brother in another part of town. His son, about fourteen years of age, had been having a serious attack of diphtheria each winter for several years, and it was only through the most skillful aid that his life was preserved. They had recently accepted the Lord as their physician and had been able to trust the Lord under other circumstances, but had been somewhat fearful should their son be attacked with that dread disease. One afternoon the brother came into the office and stated that his boy had a serious attack of diphtheria and desired another brother and I to go and pray for him. Upon my arrival I found him lying upon a couch in a room with my wife and children, they all being exposed to the disease. We had prayer and anointed him with oil according to James 5:14. There was little, if any, change for the better until about seven o'clock in the evening we had prayer again and there was soon a marked change, and the next morning the boy was well, and no one else contracted the disease. It is the law in most states that where any one has an infectious disease that the health officers are to be notified. This is all right and proper, as it is for protection against the spread of the disease. It is well to observe every precaution against the spread of disease and to lay hold upon the promises of God that the sick may be healed.
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Dealing With Contagious Diseases.
By Emil Kreutz.
In the law of Moses God gave command that a person who had the leprosy should be expelled from the people. "All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled: he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be." - Leviticus 13:46. On the very first appearance or upon suspicion of the leprosy the people had to come to the priest for examination and if pronounced unclean by him they were separated from the people until they were cleansed. "Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead: both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell." - Numbers 5:2-3. They were not allowed to be in the cities of Israel after they became an established people. See 2nd Kings 7:3; Luke 17:12.
When Jesus healed these ten lepers he told them to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they went they were cleansed. In Mark 1:40-45 after the Lord had healed this leper he told him to go and show himself to the priest. Verse 44. I used to wonder why this was. Not long ago the Lord was pleased to reveal it unto me. We have a lesson in this in regard to treating contagious diseases. Jesus submitted to the law and customs of the law. This leper was to go and show himself to the priest that he might pronounce him clean, or he had not been allowed to mingle among the people. Even so now when any one has taken a contagious disease, it is perfectly right and just to submit to the health laws and rules of a city and be willing to be quarantined until the officers declare the same to be all right. Because we trust in God and believe in healing and God heals us, there is no harm or wrong in observing the secular laws of health for the benefit of those who do not trust in God as their healer; but it is our duty as Bible Christians and law abiding citizens, and there is no harm in fumigating the house and the person, and it ought to be done. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. . . Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." - Romans 13:1-7. We have the promise upon condition that no plague shall come near our dwelling, yet we ought not to be presumptuous and run into contagious diseases without knowing the will of the Lord; neither ought we avoid them to the extreme that we would neglect our duty by the afflicted.
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The Day of the Lord.
By W. W. Titley.
"Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand." The prophet may well exclaim alas for the day, for former days shall not be compared to the great and glorious day of the Lord. The expression no doubt refers to the present, last dispensation of time. And though there are many opponents to the fact of this being the last dispensation, or end of time, yet the dear Lord by his Holy Spirit is revealing his truth, to the destruction of every ism, schism, creed, and doctrine of men and devils. Yea, the seed is rotten under their clods. They use the Word of God under the clods of their own interpretation, and it is rotten - yes, lifeless, destitute of the Spirit and power, though set forth with much pretense and noise. "We are not as many, which corrupt the Word of God: but as in the sight of God speak we in Christ." - 2nd Corinthians 2:17.
The day of the Lord is great so that none is like it. You will read in Jeremiah 30:7, that "it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." You remember how Jacob of old was in much trouble on account of bread until he surrendered all that was near and dear to him; then he found corn in abundance and a good land over which destruction did not spread. Exodus 9:26. "It is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck; . . . and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him; but they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their King."
This time truly has come in this evening time which shall be as the morning of the gospel day. The yokes and creeds of men are broken and the captives are being freed, while Zion is sounding the alarm in the holy mountain, "Let all the inhabitants of the land [institutions of men] tremble." Some are looking for David the King as in the above text, believing he is coming to reign, and knowing not that he is come already. Such need to cry unto the Lord, for the fire of God's eternal truth hath devoured the pasture of their wilderness so that all who live on such barren mountains shall languish and die. Flee out of the midst of her, and deliver every man his soul. Jesus the King, the David of this gospel day, has come already to those who have humbly bowed to his control. Yes, he has come to reign in the hearts of his people. Solomon built him a house, howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands: but he shall dwell in them and they shall be his people - yea, they shall reign on earth over sin and all its allurements. This King is all there is of David, - even the root (the beginning) and the offspring (the end) of David, the bright and morning Star. We can sing like those of old: "Blessed be the kingdom of our father David that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest." Yes, it came nineteen hundred years ago to as many as received him, and he gave them power to become the sons of God (John 1:12) and they became such (1st John 3:2). Jesus is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever, and his people are the sons and daughters of the living God. He delivereth them out of all their trouble. They that trust in him shall not be desolate. Praise God for the glorious gospel day of the Lord!
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Zion the Perfection of Beauty.
By Effie Lavell.
"Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; . . . all that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and way their heads at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The Perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?" - Lamentations 14:15. We who have been born by the spiritual birth into the beautiful city of Zion (Psalms 87:5) "whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10), - that Zion, or church, which has been "redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness" (Isaiah 1:27), can truly say with the Psalmist: "Great is the Lord, in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mt. Zion," and "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." - Psalms 48:1, 2 and 50:2.
It does not take a far-sighted person to see that the masses of people who style themselves "Christians," and belong to what they call "churches," do not answer the description of the apostolic church and Bible Christian as described in 1st John 3:9: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin," and Ephesians 5:27: "A glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." - 1st Corinthians 12:13. When at least 90% of those composing this wayward "daughter of Jerusalem" deny the virtue of the blood of Jesus to save and keep from sin, saying that they must and do commit sin every day, and when they are divided and subdivided into over 600 denominations, all preaching different doctrines, when we are admonished out of God's Word to all speak the same thing, that there be no division among us, but that we be perfectly joined together in the same mind and same judgment - this being the case, how could anything so contrary to the teaching of God's Word be "the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?" As the Pharisees in olden times made broad their phylacteries and enlarged the borders of their garments, to make a great display before the world, even so now does the world of Pharisaical professors, in open violation of the Word of God (1st Timothy 2:9, 10), try to beautify themselves with a display of "gold, pearls, and costly array," ribbons, laces, feathers, and flounces; but, alas! they have pursued the wrong course. They, through the blindness of their hearts, lose sight of the "beauty of holiness." God says he "will beautify the meek with salvation." Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall." Worldly pride is a sin, and "sin is a reproach to any people." So they fall far short of answering to the perfection of beauty. Again, to gratify their desire for joy, they get up entertainments often equal to theatrical performances, socials, fairs, picnics, parties, debates, lyceums, banquets, etc. contrary to the teaching of the Word. 1st Peter 4:3; 1st John 2:15. Thus they try to furnish themselves enjoyment; but it is transitory, un-abiding, and fails to gratify the longings of the soul. "The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment." - Job 20:5. While "the meek shall increase their joy in the Lord." They "shall come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads."
Dear ones in sectism, drifting along in disobedience with this wayward throng, remember we are not talking about you to cast you down, but for your good to awaken your benighted souls to facts which exist. Since this once "golden cup in the hands of the Lord" has drifted farther and farther into sin and dead formality, the preacher, or "prophets," refusing to discover their iniquity, but smearing it over and covering it up by declaring many of God's commands non-essentials, telling the people they can not live without sin, is it any wonder that sinners wag their heads at them saying, "Is this what men call the Perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth." "The show of their countenance doth witness against them." The joy is not there. Jesus prayed that they all be one, that the world might believe. Is it any wonder the world does not believe? "How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers." - Isaiah 1:21. The question is asked, How is she become an harlot? We can answer in few words: by forsaking Jesus her true and lawful husband and mingling with and allowing affections to go out for, the things of this world; by losing the love which knits God's people together and unites them to the one great head of the church (Jesus), and thus having drifted apart, they form their sects and creeds, which effectually holds them apart. In this state of affairs without the love of God in the heart, hatred and every other evil has been allowed to creep in until now she has indeed "become the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." - Revelation 18:2. Who is it that can not see she has "fallen!" Because she is not writhing in the very slums of wickedness and degradation does not disprove the fact that she has fallen. Though Adam did not slay Eve or curse God, he was none the less a transgressor. "Once righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers." Once unfeigned love existed in the hearts of the majority of professors in sectism (in the earlier part of the reformation, and God blessed them, as they were living to all the light they had and were just emerging from gross darkness); but now, hatred and murder in the sight of God: "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer." - 1st John 3:15. How often we hear professors remark that they hate this or that one. Remember, it is murder in the heart. Many moralists who are looked upon by sectarians as Christians have sinful hearts of the deepest dye. And perhaps nothing but the hail-stones of God's truth poured out without mixture or compromise, condemning some cherished idol, perhaps the evil of sectism, could move that heart to betray the bitterness it contains. Oh, the beauties of a salvation that empties the heart of such contents, preparing it for the reception of a heavenly guest - the Holy Spirit - as a comforter, a guide, and all we need to convey to us the beautiful life beyond.
Can you not, dear unsaved professor, see something in the city of Zion, the perfection of beauty and joy of the whole earth, to prompt you to live a life of obedience and death to self? "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life, for my sake shall find it." - Matthew 16:25.
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Joyfulness and Gladness in Zion.
By Mrs. J. E. Courtney.
In the early record of God's dealings with his children we read how his displeasure was manifested, "Because thou servest not the Lord thy God, with joyfulness and with gladness of heart." - Deuteronomy 28:47. When the prophet Nehemiah had finished the work of building the walls of Jerusalem, and it was made known that the Jews were to return from their captivity in Babylon unto their own land, they were beset on every hand by people who tried to discourage them and to hold them still in bondage.
"And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews. For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute and that upon our lands and vineyards. Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants and some of our daughters are brought into bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
"And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuke the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer. Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies? I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury. Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive yards, and their houses, also the hundredth part to the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them. Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise. Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the Lord. And the people did according to this promise." - Nehemiah 5:1-13.
The antitype of this lesson is now being fulfilled. The apostasy of the nations has caused a mixed people. The spiritual Jews are scattered to the four winds of the earth, and are bound by the creeds of men. God is sending his servants to proclaim the message that the time has come for a return of their captivity from spiritual Babylon. As they hear the call, "Come out of her, my people" (Revelation 18:4), he reveals the fact to each of his children, by his Spirit, that he alone holds the key that opens and shuts the door of his church. "And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there." - Psalms 87:5, 6. As in the former captivity, so it is in these "latter days." For there are that say, "You have invested your means with us; we are building a church, or a parsonage, and you are obligated to help us finish the work, and to support the work, and to support our societies, and our pastor." And there are that say, "If you undertake to hold to the measuring line of every man's conscience in this and that, you will surely fail in business, and you will not prosper." And there are that say, "If you leave us and go back to Jerusalem [Zion], you will be putting your light under a bushel, and you would have no more influence for good, and would sever the dearest kindred ties in the family relation." The most weighty considerations, and the most momentous issues the world ever saw, are now being waged in this spiritual conflict. "The battle of the great day of God Almighty." - Revelation 16:13, 14. In the midst of the smoke and din of carnal strife, and the combined forces of "principalities and powers," we hear the voice of the prophet coming down through the ages with a thrill of inspiration, saying, "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the will of your doings, saith the Lord. And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear them no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. The anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the 'latter days' ye shall consider it perfectly." - Jeremiah 23:1-4, 20.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. For though people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. For the Lord God of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.
Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction." - Isaiah 10:20-25.
"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come unto Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." - Isaiah 35:10. The prophetic Word is being fulfilled with wonderful exactness, and we are indeed living "in perilous times." Hell has enlarged herself to send out all manner of false doctrines, and to wrest the scriptures so as to deceive, and over-throw "the very elect if possible;" but the Almighty's arm has been stretched out in defense of his "little ones." He has most graciously sustained and delivered the faithful and true, and now there is a divine impulse stirring the church to "come up higher," into a closer relation to our Lord. Again the prophet speaks to us: "Put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city." Does any one ask, "What is thy strength?" The Word tells us, "The joy of the Lord is thy strength." - Nehemiah 8:10. "Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." Oh, let us enter into our closets and draw nigh to God, that he may draw nigh to us, until every one shall be filled with the Spirit and with the "joy of the Lord" - a living stone in God's spiritual house. Jesus said, "Ask, and ye shall receive," that "your joy may be full."
I know of no better way to increase our joy and spirituality than by giving heed to the Word, which exhorts us to make melody in singing, with grace in our hearts unto the Lord - not only in the congregation of his saints, but as we go about our labor from day to day. If we are mindful to exercise ourselves thus, in the spirit and with the understanding also, God will cause us to rejoice and will give his manifest presence and spiritual "life more abundantly."
In conclusion, I want to give a hearty, old-time, thanksgiving testimony of my freedom from Babylon. I have been living in Zion for the last six years. I have had no thoughts of looking for a home elsewhere, and I never get homesick to go back. My soul is fat and flourishing in the courts of our God, and I have the "everlasting joy, upon my head." Halleluiah!
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News from the Field.
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Mesa, Arizona,
May 6.
We can report victory for the dear Lord. We have held meeting two weeks here. A few were saved and sanctified. Conviction rested upon the people and good interest was shown. Some are discerning the one body. Pray that they may walk in the light. We are having meetings every other night which are well attended.
My brother and I have come here to stay for the summer, the Lord willing. Pray that the dear Lord may keep his hand upon me. Brother Slaughter was with us in the meeting and was used of the Lord. Judgment went forth and there was a general settling down of the church.
Lena L. Shoffner.
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Lyons, Iowa.
I am able to report victory in Jesus' name both for soul and body. The Lord willing I expect to commence work with a tabernacle soon and would like some one of God's ministers to go with me - one whom God can use in preaching and singing and in the work generally. I am trusting the Lord will open the way that I may return to Scotland the latter part of this summer or during the winter. May the Lord lay his hand upon some brother or brother and his wife who are fully consecrated to the Lord to go with me. I feel a stir in my soul for the missionary work in foreign countries. Truly I feel the church should be aroused to the great need of spreading the gospel to all countries. The Macedonian cry from England is, Send us some true ministers to preach the pure gospel. False teachers are going everywhere with their false doctrines and are being supported. May the Lord help us as his saints in this glorious reformation to do all we can to help spread the pure gospel of peace and liberty to the ends of the earth. Pray according to Luke 10:2; 2nd Thessalonians 3:1.
George Martin.
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Weatherford, Oklahoma.
May 9.
Dear children of God: We are glad in the Lord for the saving and keeping influence of the Holy Spirit, so precious and divine. Since our last report we held meeting at Moore, Oklahoma. The saints there are very faithful in their efforts to save their neighbors at different times and in different ways, through prayer-meetings, Sunday-school, protracted meetings, literature, etc. If the local church every where had their means consecrated to the work, a great hindrance to the forward move and march in the present reformation would be removed.
We then visited Brother Joslin near Tecumseh, Oklahoma, and held meeting a week with interest. Came to Johnson I. T. and staid one week with the church; one man converted and some consecrated for sanctification. We then went to Paul's Valley where we met Brothers William and Campbell from Missouri and Arkansas. Had meeting two nights and was refreshed in spirit by meeting with them and brought on our way by them to Purdy where we staid two nights with Brother John Billingsley, then went to Naples to help Brother Harmon (who lives near Naples) in a week's meeting. We then went home to prepare for the assembly, which lasted nearly two weeks with good attendance and interest. Had a precious ordinance service and five were baptized. Brothers Wilson, Ferrill, Eyster, Zook and others were present to minister in the Word. We are now at Kiel, O. T. Pray for us.
A. B. Stanberry.
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Testimonies.
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After being sick for about six weeks God, in answer to prayer and laying on of hands, healed me, for which I give him all the praise. Praise his holy name! I want God's children to pray that I may be kept humble and obedient and that I may be sanctified and have all that God has for his children. Please pray for my unsaved children.
Bettie Brown.
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Light, Missouri.
I praise the Lord for salvation that saves, keeps, and heals. I give God all the glory. He has healed me and my little children of many different afflictions. I am so glad that I learned to trust the Lord. He is good to us in every time of need. Praise his holy name!
Mrs. Maggie A. Cruts.
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St. Johns, Michigan.
I am praising God for perfect victory over all the darkness and delusions of the devil. I can truly say the Lord saves and sanctifies my soul. It is sweet peace that the world can neither give nor take away. Brothers Shelly, Foot, and Branam held meeting two weeks at this place. The Lord wonderfully used them in cleaning up the darkness that had caused a division among the children of God. How I praise God for sending them here! My earnest prayer is that God may keep us in perfect unity and in the love of God. Pray that I may be kept just where the Lord can use me to his glory.
Mrs. Nettie Griswold.
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Dockory, Missouri.
I praise God for a full salvation that keeps me every hour. Husband and I were saved eighteen months ago. We belonged to the Baptist sect and lived an up and down life until we heard the full gospel preached. Then God led us out of sectism and made us free in Christ Jesus. How glad I am to be one of God's little ones, and that he has led us out into this beautiful light. The Gospel Trumpet is a weekly visitor at our house. I have been greatly benefited by reading it. I am so glad that Jesus came into this world and has redeemed my soul from the powers of darkness and translated me into this beautiful kingdom of light, where we may come boldly to a throne of grace and find help in every time of need. I can testify to God's healing. Praise his holy name forever! We do the trusting and God is keeping us, although we are not sailing on the ocean of God's love without trials. We have our share, but God will not allow us to be tempted more than we can bear. I have had stomach trouble and neuralgia for two months; but to-day I am well without the aid of medicine. Thank God for such a Savior who has healed me and bought me with his own precious blood. Pray that I may ever stand true for God.
Agnes Lynch.
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Beaver City, Nebraska.
I desire to add my testimony as a witness for Jesus, feeling that it is good to serve the Lord with a pure heart and enjoy his favor and approval. Nothing has given me more satisfaction than to realize the privilege we can have in serving Christ. I thank God that he has been so merciful as to condescend to lift me above the plane of a justified experience and made me welcome to sit at his feast with the beloved Saints where the table is always spread and the viands are always wholesome. May our Father's tender care be over all the laborers in his vineyard and give grace and wisdom to hold up the banner of truth.
C. O. Henry.
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Choice, Tennessee.
I praise God for the sweet testimonies I find in the Trumpet. They are food to my soul. I am trusting in Jesus for every thing - trusting in one whose tender mercies and loving kindness can dip down into the humble cottage or penetrate the stately mansion and there raise man from his sinful and depraved condition and make him a fit subject for heaven - a bright and shining celestial star of glory. Praise God that he ever saved and sanctified a poor creature like me. I live in a country where they reject holiness and shut the church doors against its people. But, bless the Lord! his door is wide open unto them, and no earthly power shall ever be able to shut us out of heaven. His precious Word says that without holiness no one shall see the Lord. Glory to God! Then, dear children of God, pray for me that I may hold out faithful unto the end. Now may God's richest blessings be upon all the readers of The Gospel Trumpet is my prayer; and may some dear reader go to God in prayer for your unworthy brother who is out for God in the cause of holiness and enlisted in the army of the living God.
W. H. Hurt.
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Bessemer, Alabama.
I have been going through some severe trials and deep waters, yet Father did not let them overflow. Bless his dear name! My son got into some trouble and was convicted and sentenced to a year in prison. I went to the Lord in prayer, believing that he could touch the hearts of those that had power, and he was delivered. He was sentenced and then released the next day. Praise be unto our God forever! I tell this that God's name may be glorified. Dear saints, when you kneel to God in prayer breath a prayer of thanks for me. I can never thank him enough for what he has done for me. If you walk uprightly he will not withhold any good thing from you. The Lord also healed my grandchild of the worst sore eyes I ever saw. I have been saved nearly six years, and these years have been the happiest of all my life. I mean to live for him until he shall say, Tis enough, come home.
A. B. Harvey.
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Obituary.
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SAYERS. Minnie Sayers, wife of Brother John S. Sayers, was born May 21, 1871; died April 27, 1901. She leaves a husband and five children. The praises of God lingered on her lips as she fell asleep in Jesus. She said she was ready and prepared to go, and could not stay any longer. She exhorted the family not to weep, but to meet her in heaven. Brother Sayers tenders kindest regards and many thinks to those sending help during the sickness of his family.
B. E. Warren.
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CASS. Alfred E. Cass died at his home eight miles east of Beaver City, Nebraska on March 14th, 1901; aged 42 years. He professed Christ as his Savior some years ago and lived up to the light he received from the denomination he adhered to until last winter when he became interested in the teaching of the saints and became a subscriber to The Gospel Trumpet which he loved to read. The writer visited with him a few days before his death. The deceased leaves a wife and three small children and other relatives to mourn their loss. He felt resigned to the will of God and was ready to go. Brother J. D. Stockton conducted the funeral services and the remains were interred to wait the resurrection of the just.
C. O. Henry.
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DOVE. Lawrence T. Dove was born October 28, 1890; died May 1, 1901. His death was caused by being bitten by a mad dog in February. The wound healed up, but he with some other boys went into the water bathing four days before his death. We were called in to pray for him, and he was in terrible agony. It was one of the saddest deaths I ever witnessed. We earnestly prayed God to relieve him of the terrible agony so that we could talk to him about his soul. The Lord fulfilled his promise and he was relieved. We asked him if he believed in Jesus. He looked up with courage and said Yes, and asked for something to eat. The Lord saved the boy and he was ready to die. He told his father before we arrived that he would die that night; so for one hour he had no fits and quietly fell asleep in the arms of Jesus. He leaves a father and mother and two brothers and two sisters to mourn his loss. May God comfort Brother and Sister Dove and enable the brothers and sisters to give their hearts to Jesus and meet their little brother in heaven. Funeral services by,
Lodema Kaser.
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Fairfield, Missouri.
ASHINHURST. Carolina G. Ashinhurst departed this life for a home in glory May, 14, aged 59 years. She was converted when quite young, and has been a member of the Baptist church for a number of years. Two years ago she came out into this glorious light and was sanctified wholly under Brother Whitehead's preaching. For fifteen months she has suffered with rheumatism, not being able to walk. Her trust was always in the Lord, for she knew he was sufficient for all her need. But now he has called her to a better world where there will be no sickness. She was loved by all who knew her, and was a model Christian, a faithful, loving wife, and a kind and affectionate mother. She leaves a husband, seven children to mourn her loss. Although she is gone, she is watching us, and blessings like heavenly dews from angelic lips descend upon us. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
"Peaceful be thy silent slumber,
Peaceful in thy grave so low;
Thou no more shall join our number,
Thou no more our song will know.
Yet again we hope to meet thee
When the day of life is fled,
And in heaven with joy to greet thee
Where no farewell tears are shed."
Nannie and Ida Ashinhurst.
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Divine Healing.
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Healed of Injuries Received.
I wish to testify through the Trumpet to what the dear Lord has done for me. He saves my soul and heals my body. Praise his name! The twenty-sixth of last November while hauling feed my team ran off with the wagon heavily loaded and, knocking me down and running over my body, crushed my right lung and broke two ribs and a bone in my breast. Every one that saw me thought it impossible for me to live. The neighbors wanted to know what doctor I wanted. I told them no one but the Lord could do any thing for me. It seemed that every breath would be my last; but God in his mercy saw fit to raise me up. Through obedience to God's Word I sent for a brother and obeyed James 5:15, also sent a telegram to the Trumpet Office for prayers. I was not healed instantly, but began to amend from that hour, to the surprise of the people. There is nothing impossible with God. I am in the one body Christ Jesus. Pray that God will keep me humble, doing his will in all things.
James Rhoads.
Galesburg, Kansas.
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God Heals Serious Diseases.
I am a witness for God's healing power. Praise his name forever!
Four weeks ago I was taken ill very suddenly with inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. I took my case to the Lord, but it seemed I got no better. I was led to send to the brethren at the Trumpet Office for an anointed handkerchief. I received it on Saturday afternoon, but did not apply it until the hour of prayer for the sick, Sunday at eleven o'clock. I applied the handkerchief to my back in the name of the Lord. By evening my back had nearly ceased to give me pain. I then applied it to my chest, as I had been suffering with a cough. I coughed much, which was very annoying. Many times I could get but little rest or sleep and could not lie down at night without having a severe spell of coughing. I applied the handkerchief just before I lay down, and, praises be to his name! I was healed. I did not cough any that night nor have I since. Blessed be his name! I can not praise him enough for what he has done for me. He has healed me several times before this. I ask the dear brethren to pray that I may have an increase of faith and be able to more fully trust in the Lord for both soul and body.
Louisa C. Adams.
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Healed of Various Diseases.
God is keeping me saved and free from the evils of this world. My trust is in him and I am taking him as my physician.
Some time ago I was taken sick with the grip. I had a severe pain in my head, and it seemed that the afflictions were so great that I could hardly endure them.
But I trusted God and he delivered me.
Four years ago I was so badly afflicted with rheumatism that I could hardly sleep at night. The saints had meeting at our house and I was anointed and prayed for and was instantly healed. How well and happy I did feel and, how the Lord did bless me! Praise his dear name forever!
I was troubled for six years with my bowels and digestive organs. I took medicine, part of the time one kind, and then another; but they did not help me much. Since last summer I have not taken a drop of medicine for my bowels. I have been trusting God. My faith has been wonderfully tried at times on this line, but God answers prayer in his own good time. I give him all the praise. I have had poor health for the two last years, and have not been able to do much hard work, but the Lord is healing me. I believe that God can heal me and make me strong and well. Pray that God will give me a complete healing. I praise his dear name for what he has already done for me, and can truly say that I am dead to the world and its pleasures. My trust is in God and I want to live for him and do his will.
Ella May Cowperthwait.
Bushong, Kansas.
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The Lord Always Proves True.
We feel led to testify of the manifold goodness of God toward us, though unworthy of the least of his blessings. Two years ago last June the Lord sent one of his ministers to preach the pure gospel here which gave us some light. We were then permitted to attend a portion of camp-meeting and received much more light on God's precious Word. Praise his holy name! Then in September the Lord gave us a precious meeting at Robinson Springs, (where I lived) which opened our understanding to our liberties in Christ, and we are saved from all sin and sectism. Praise the Lord! We were baptized and started again to live for the Lord. Being clear in our souls, but not having a clear conception of God's Word, the devil coaxed us to use some medicine on one of our children which had always been afflicted in his bowels; but our medicines failed to reach his case, insomuch that we thought that he was dying. Then God made us willing to give him up into his hands. We sent for the elders and they agreed with us for his healing. Praise the Lord! from the very moment we trusted the Lord he began to amend, and the Lord soon raised him up. From that hour we have trusted the Lord, who has proved true at all times. He has healed us of croup, fevers and hurts.
We fell a prey to the mumps not many days ago. Our three children had them, wife had them on one side. It gave us quite a test. She suffered severely for two days and nights. The second night we sent for the elders and she was healed. Praise the dear Lord! We are praising God for the light of his Word which he gives us so that we not only trust him for the healing of our bodies, but he keeps us sweetly saved from sin each day, for which we give him all the glory. Praise the Lord! Pray that we may stay humble so that the Lord can always use us to his glory.
B. and M. Myrick.
Eastland, Texas.
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Healed of Eczema.
God keeps us from all sin and heals our bodies when we get sick. He has just healed our baby, four months old, of the grip and something like eczema. The little fellow has been afflicted, more or less, every since his birth, and the Lord has healed him several different times. But during the last sick spell he was worse than ever before. He had four or five light spasms. No one was at home but myself and our little boy, four years old; so I told him we would have to pray for baby or he would die. He said all right, let us pray, and I truly believe he prayed the prayer of faith. In ten minutes baby had no fever, and was instantly healed. I was made to praise and thank God for his goodness. But we failed to give God the glory as he desired us to, and baby was again afflicted in some way. He acted very strangely at times, and I thought it was caused from being afflicted with something like eczema. So I wrote to the Trumpet Office for an anointed handkerchief. Before the letter reached the Office he was healed, and has been a different baby ever since. When I came to the Lord and repented of my carelessness and was willing to do what he wished, the work was done. God has promised to never forsake us, and surely we have found his Word to be sure. My prayer and heart's desire is to live for Jesus and be an over-comer in everything that is not in harmony with his blessed Word. I thank the dear Lord for his dear children that are scattered over the world. We can pray for one another and be agreed in the Spirit though we can not be together in the flesh. The Word tells us to confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another that we might be healed.
Jesus says if we are ashamed of him he will be ashamed of us before the Father. So I never want to be ashamed of my Savior and what he has done for us and our children.
Louise Kitchen.
Elmpark, Oklahoma.
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Saved from Death by God's Healing Power.
I rejoice in reading the numerous testimonies of divine healing in the Gospel Trumpet. I think it would be to the glory of God to add mine too.
About two and a half years ago one of my boys contracted the awful disease called bone-erysipelas on his leg. Others called it white swelling of the worst kind. We used liniment, but it did no good; so we sent for an elder of the church to apply the Bible remedy according to James 5:14, which, I am sorry to say, did not give help either. (That elder left the saints soon after). The boy, then about sixteen years old, had intense and steady pain in his leg.
The question with us was what to do next. I could not see my dear child suffer without doing something for him. So I took him to town, as we then lived about twelve miles in the country, and showed him to the doctors. They pronounced it as above stated in its worst form. They all three of them, advised me to have an operation immediately to save the boy's life, to which I readily consented. They then chloroformed him and performed a surgical operation upon his leg, even scraping with a steel instrument clear into the bone. In a few days he seemed to get better; but all at once he became so much worse that he was delirious most of the time, refusing to eat for several days and suffering great pain in his leg. All this time he was under the doctors treatment. He became so bad that the doctor told me if I had any friends to send for them as soon as possible, since he thought the boy could not possibly get well as all symptoms were against him. I then went about ten miles to Union Flatt, where the saints of God had a meeting in progress. The church was asked to pray for the removal of the pain, which they readily did. Upon my arrival at Pullman I found to my great joy that the boy's pain had gone. It left him about the time the saints of God were upon their knees pleading for his recovery.
The boy, however, did not seem to get much better nor did his wound heal; but the intense pain was gone. As he lingered a long while in the same condition, I finally went again and called for two of the elders to come and apply the Bible remedy according to James 5:14, 15. After the application the boy improved steadily. Glory to God! he became well and his leg healed, according to the promise of God. It was to some a surprise, but not to me and the dear saints; for we believed, and expected God would fulfill his promise. I have not had the opportunity to meet with the dear ones for some time. Some may think I have gone back, but I have not. Can I go back on a people who practice all the New Testament teaches, and not only a part of it like sects? To go back on those who live under the clear light of the Holy Spirit and are practicing the plain teaching of Jesus and the apostles is to go back on God and his Word.
In conclusion I would say: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, even the healing of our bodies.
W. H. Henncek.
Pullman, Washington.
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Spiritual Life.
By W. H. Oldham.
We learn upon investigating God's Word that the last days are to be a very deceptive and dangerous time, and God has warned us of many evils which would beset us if we were not on our guard. I have discerned an evil which is working to-day with deadly effect, which I desire to warn all God's people against. It is formality, or deadness, among professors. We find in John 10:10 that Christ came that we might have life - real spiritual life that the soul that has been dead in sin might have. The person that is spiritual is walking in the full light of the gospel and is putting forth every effort to save souls and glorify God. He manifests real enjoyment, peace and consolation. He also has the anointing for that which God has for him to do, and when he speaks, he speaks from the heart, and as one who has the experience. Christ in his sermon on the mount, warning the people against a formal religion, said: "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven," showing that the Pharisees' religion was a work not deep enough to save him. Christ gave them to understand that a man was not justified by works.
We find precious souls to-day professing salvation, whose life seems to be straight and their conversation and actions are pretty much in line with God's Word; but when you come to sound them with God's eternal truth, they are nothing more than formal worshipers, or moralists. Why? - because they have not the spirit or life in them. Once I asked a lady if she was saved. She remarked (in a cross manner), "I guess I am." I then remarked that salvation was a grand thing. She said, "I guess it is," thus showing she had not the experience. Let us further notice God's Word. We find when the Pharisee went into the temple to pray, he said that he fasted twice a week and was not an extortioner or adulterer; but did that signify that he was saved? No indeed! The words that were spoken to Nicodemus would condemn him: "Ye must be born again!" Dear ones, let us search our hearts and see if we have the Spirit of Christ. If we have it, it will manifest the right kind of fruits. When we come to pray we will know that God heareth us, and there will not be that hollow sound in our testimonies and sermons. One thing convinced the people that Christ was Messiah, and that was: "He spake as having authority, and not as the Pharisees." In another place it says that "his words were with power." The Spirit of Christ can not be counterfeited, and the soul that has it will surely manifest the same. The rich man that came to Christ desiring to know what he should do that he might have life, said that he had kept the commandments from his youth up. Yet Christ says, "One thing thou lackest." As the body without the Spirit is dead, so also a profession without the Spirit of Christ is dead.
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