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The Gospel Trumpet
Volume 21, Issue 19, May 9, 1901
(Articles of interest only)
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Life's Vesper Vale.
By A. S. Kriebel.
Life's sands are run, its toils are done,
Dim falls its light in somber ray;
Its battles fought, its victories won,
Its vesper calls: O come away!
Is this the shady vale of death?
The golden twilight of life's day?
Where calls a voice with bated breath,
O come away, how can you stay?
O tranquil vale of calm repose,
Thy zephyrs sigh as sweet as May!
My ransomed soul now hears and knows
That still sweet voice: O come away!
Adown this vale of shade and light,
It beckons on without delay,
To realms beyond, where falls no night
It calls to-day: O come away!
Farewell, old earth, with all thy pain!
Thy sorrows, too, are gone for aye;
Thy bands I 'scape, and all thy reign;
I would not stay; I must away.
Adieu, kind friends, dry every tear,
Now dawns my soul's eternal day;
Angelic hosts are hovering near,
With welcome lay: come, come away!
I see, I see! beyond this vale
Scenes, word and pen may not portray -
Elysian fields of his and dale;
How could I stay? I must away!
Around God's throne of love and grace,
Unnumbered hosts I hear to-day:
O holy, holy, holy place!
How could I stay, I haste away.
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The New Testament Church.
By Alvin J. Ellison.
Article 7.
PEOPLE OF GOD.
The New Testament church is sometimes signified by the phrase: "The people of God." Peter, in writing to the church in his first general epistle, uses this expression: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew for the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness, into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God." - 1st Peter 2:9, 10. This scripture very beautifully brings out the fact that the phrase "people of God" is a signification of the church. The ninth verse clearly shows the character of the church, and the tenth verse shows the people of God to be the church. We will now proceed to give a correct description of the people of God by the Word of truth. It will therefore be remembered that unless we measure to the description of the people of God, as given in his Word, we are none of his.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD.
First, a sinless people. In 1st John 3:6 we read: "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him." Again, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." - Verse 9. By this we can clearly see that in order to be one of God's people we must live a life free from sin. But for fear this be yet doubted by some, we insert another text which is very pointed on this subject. "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not." - 1st John 5:18. We must decide in harmony with God's holy Word which declares his to be a sinless people.
Second, a holy people. "As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [conduct]; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." - 1st Peter 1:15, 16. "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." - Ephesians 1:4. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." - Hebrews 12:14. These texts very clearly set forth the truth on the point before us - viz., that the people of God are a holy people. Again, we are told to "serve him in holiness and righteousness, before him, all the days of our life." - Luke 1:75.
Third, a perfect people. In Matthew 5:48 Jesus commands: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." In the Hebrew letter we find that there has been provision made in the blessed atonement whereby we may be made perfect. "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will." - Hebrews 13:20, 21. In 2nd Corinthians 13:11 the apostle Paul commands the Corinthians to be perfect. But the Scriptures do not teach absolute perfection, as some in their gross error would have it, but a perfection in purity only, this being the only attribute of God that we are commanded, or privileged to attain in this life. A number of texts teach this fact. "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." - 1st John 3:3. "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." - 1st John 2:6. "Follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth." - 1st Peter 21:22. This state of perfection not being absolute does not hinder our growth in grace and the knowledge of the truth, etc.; but contrariwise, it just clears away the rubbish of the devil, so there may be no hindrance to our growth. Praise the Lord! In Philippians 3:15 we find that some had attained unto this blessed state, and were still in possession of the same: "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded." In fact, this Christian perfection consists in full salvation through the blood of Christ - walking in every ray of light shed upon our pathway.
Fourth, a peculiar people. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." - Titus 2:13, 14. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people." - 1st Peter 2:9. These texts are sufficient to prove this point. But God's people are not peculiar in the manner that some would suppose them to be. This peculiarity does not consist in the cut of our dress, and uniform clothing, as some vainly teach; but if you will notice these scriptures closely, you will see that it is the work of God in the heart that makes them peculiar - "Purify unto himself a peculiar people." They are so peculiar that they love to obey the entire Word of God; yea, even to the washing of one another's feet, as taught by our Lord in St. John's gospel, chapter thirteen.
Fifth, a happy people. "Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord.: - Deuteronomy 33:29. "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." - Isaiah 35:10. These texts clearly demonstrate the rejoicing of the people of God in their happy state of present salvation. Praise his name! "And all the people said, Amen."
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Office and Work of a Minister.
By George L. Cole.
"I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou has seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee." - Acts 26:16.
"Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power." - Ephesians 3:7. "Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament (2nd Corinthians 3:6); (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead)." - Galatians 1:1.
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." - Galatians 1:11, 12.
"How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery . . . which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." - Ephesians 3:3-5.
"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. . . Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." - 1st Corinthians 2:10-13.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." - John 14:26.
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." - John 16:13.
"But whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." - Mark 13:11.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4.
"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. . . And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." - Acts 6:8-10.
"But unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven: which things the angels desire to look into." - 1st Peter 1:12.
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." - 1st Corinthians 2:4, 5.
"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance." - 1st Thessalonians 1:5.
"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ." - 1st Peter 4:11.
"For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by work and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." - Romans 15:18, 19.
"We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." - 1st John 4:6.
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not." - 2nd Corinthians 4:3, 4.
"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." - 1st Corinthians 1:21.
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:15, 16.
"For we are not as many, which corrupt the Word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ." - 2nd Corinthians 2:17.
"For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life." - Verses 15, 16.
"But into whatsoever city ye enter and they receive you not, . . . I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city." - Luke 10:10-12.
"And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:20.
"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." - Acts 10:38.
"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." - John 14:19.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13. "And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." - 2nd Corinthians 3:4, 5.
Without controversy or comment the preceding texts hold up the standard of the New Testament ministry which will put to shame the entire Babylon ministry from the Pope and learned bishops down to the young students fresh from the theological mills. I pray God to make the truth of these texts a burning fire in the bones of all who assume to be New Testament preachers. "Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire." - Hebrews 1:7. I affirm that every one whom God calls, qualifies, and sends into the ministry has received the Holy Ghost. In connection with our general ministerial commission Jesus said, first "tarry. . . until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:49; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:5-8. Hence all who run before they have received the promise of the Father run too soon (before they are sent). "They ran, but I have not sent them." "Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing." - Ezekiel 13:3.
I now appeal unto the ministers: If we, who are filled with the Holy Spirit, fail to walk by faith, and simply take it for granted that, because we have the Spirit he will teach, guide, reveal, give utterance, etc., we are liable to follow our own spirit. We may go right on and say he saith; but that clear, definite, positive, old-time ring of Holy Ghost power and authority will be absent, and our ministry also will be void of that feeling, drawing, melting unction. Then we will begin to want a pretty wide gage to run on. What is the matter? - "Foolish prophets that follow their own spirit." To this very thing I attribute all the clashy teachings that have been trying to creep into our ranks. When we begin to depend upon our experiences, observation, abilities, knowledge, literary talents, reasoning faculties, or our attainments to help us on - when we do this, just in that proportion will we fail to see our weakness, fail to trust God through his promise, and fail to depend upon the Holy Ghost to fill his office. Hence, we have substituted something for the Holy Ghost. Followed our own spirit. This is exactly what Babylon has done, until the Holy Ghost is completely ruled out - has no part nor lot in calling, qualifying, sending, or using the ministers. Here the old serpent runs riot. This is one of his lurking places.
Brethren, we must not let this serpent put up his head in the church of God. The hiss of the old serpent was heard way back in the garden of Eden: "Hath God said?" The same confronted Jesus: "If thou be the Christ," and in Paul's day: "Seek a proof of Christ speaking in me." The same infernal spirit has been trying to dash into our faces the products of men "following their own spirit" (giving clashy teachings and misinterpreting texts) as proof that we can have the Holy Ghost and yet differ widely in our teaching. This gives no pre-eminence to Jesus Christ, and the teachings and traditions of the Holy Spirit are reduced to the level of man's opinion. To illustrate, take a text of scripture. One man has the Holy Spirit's unfolding, or interpretation, of it; another man has an interpretation vastly different. Now, if we say the latter believes that text just as much as the former, and has just as good a right to his opinion, and the former has no more right to bind his interpretation on the latter than the latter has on him, I want to know if this does not disrobe the ministry of Holy Ghost authority and power, and put New Testament teaching on a level with Babylon guesswork? This is what we must set our heel upon; for God said: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." - Genesis 3:15. "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." - 1st Corinthians 2:15. God wants us to know the doctrine and rightly divide the Word of truth, and not be carried about by every wind of doctrine; he wants our "senses exercised to discern both good and evil" in doctrine as well as in life or spirits. Simply because some one has obtained a great degree of spirituality, also made high claims for spiritual discernment, revelations, teachings, etc., and after all confessed some mistakes, etc., are we to back down and ignore discernment, revelations, and teachings by the Holy Spirit, in the face of all these foregoing scriptures? Brethren we must take our stand on the Word of God, be spiritual, and have such trust to God-ward that our sufficiency may be of God. "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught of him, as the truth is in Jesus." - Ephesians 4:21. "It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God." - John 6:45. When we have the truth and know we have received it in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance, also that our faith stands in the power of God and not in the wisdom of men, we will not teach the Word as a mere opinion, but as it is in truth - the Word of God, the gospel of our salvation - with authority. While we are learning and do not claim to know it all, yet what we do know we know by the Holy Ghost, and are not afraid to say so.
I again urge and exhort the ministry that we trust not in ourselves, but by faith in the Word of God fully expect the Holy Spirit to fill his office in us as individuals up to the standard of the New Testament. Amen.
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Selfishness.
By J. E. Forrest.
Selfishness is a great evil and a direct enemy to the cross and cause of Christ. Where selfishness exists you will find none of the true love of God dwelling. God's love is particularly detrimental to it, and when the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost selfishness no longer remains to hinder God's cause. The great commandment is: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength." If there be any other, says Christ, it is comprehended in this: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." To obey the first is only to obey the second which is like unto it.
"And who is my neighbor?" you may ask, as also did the lawyer. This question was answered to the satisfaction of the lawyer, and is I trust, to yours also. "And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him. Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?" - Luke 10:28-36.
In the lesson we find that the third one came along before any neighborly kindness was done to the party who had met such fate as to be stripped of his raiment and wounded half to death; and, besides this, the party who showed mercy was no professor in religious circles, while both the others made broad their phylacteries (strips of parchment containing passages of scripture) and enlarged the borders of their garments in order that they might appear righteous unto men. The priest passed by that way by chance, and not because he knew of this man's need; for had he known the man was on his way in such condition, no doubt he would have gone another way.
Reader, what do you see manifested in the priest - the love of God or selfishness? Do you think he was neighbor unto him? Well, the Levite did no better; he "looked on him," as many do in these last days, and passed by on the other side.
Such is the fruit of selfishness. Surely selfishness is a monster to be dreaded. I fear it is doing much in hindering this movement. "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Brother, sister, let us not be as the priest and Levite, but like the Samaritan; for too much is already existing on the line of selfishness. No such priests and Levites are needed in this reformation as will pass by on the other side, but we do need Samaritans who will bind up those who are wounded and take care of them. Let us be full of the love of God, and then we shall be completely emptied of selfishness. Love is as strong as death - love in our hearts for God causes us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and love for self dies. Self is no longer an object of admiration, but, looking away into the great empire of God's kingdom, we are searching for those who need help. Who will come and get under the blood and have that selfish heart washed and made whiter than snow?
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The Tongue.
Bible Reading.
By John C. Blaney.
As the tongue is the member used in speaking, we will set in order some scriptures showing the importance of having it under proper control, and the fruit, good and evil, produced by this little member. We will also use some scriptures where the mouth and lips are spoken of and are used interchangeably to represent the organs of speech.
The tongue occupies an important place among our members: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." - Proverbs 18:21. "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." - Matthew 12:27.
Its character when controlled by an evil heart: "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." - James 3:5, 6.
It is worse than the wildest beasts, birds, and serpents, or things in the sea. "For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by man-kind: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." - James 3:7, 8.
Some people train their tongues and use them with great proficiency for evil, feeling proud of their accomplishment: "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips." - Psalms 140:3. "Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: that they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not." - Psalms 64:3, 4. "Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?" - Psalms 12:4.
The character of the tongue when controlled by a pure heart: "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life." - Proverbs 10:11. "The lips of the righteous feed many." - Verse 21. "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom." - Verse 31. "The tongue of the wise is health." - Proverbs 12:18. "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment." - Psalms 37:30.
God requires men to live so that their tongue will be kept under proper control: "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile." - Psalms 37:13.
It is a great advantage and to our best interests to have proper control of the tongue. "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." - Proverbs 21:23.
Some professors of religion are always talking. Everything good and evil that takes place is inquired into and talked of; and they enjoy discussing every scandalous occurrence that transpires within a radius of their unlimited proficiency as scandal-mongers. "They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth." - Psalms 73:9. "They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep." - Psalms 64:6.
God is against such people. "But God will shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away." - Verses 7, 8.
A loose tongue is one of the marks by which a fool is known. "A fool's voice is known by multitude of words." - Ecclesiastes 5:3. "A fool also is full of words." - Chapter 10:14.
Such people's religion is vain. "If any man among you seemeth to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." - James 1:26.
But if no man can tame the tongue, what can be done to cure the unruly member? "Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." - James 4:8-10.
When the heart is right the tongue will be easily controlled. "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." - Matthew 15:18. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." - James 3:2. "The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips." - Proverbs 16:23.
Conclusion. "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." - Proverbs 10:19. "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." - Ecclesiastes 5:2. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." - Proverbs 25:11. "Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer." - Proverbs 24:26.
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Preliminary and Preparatory Judgment.
By Emil Kreutz.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." - 2nd Corinthians 5:10, 11.
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." - Ecclesiastes 12:13. 14.
"And the time of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance and his Word the code of laws by which man will be judged. The apostle gives us to understand that when Jesus comes he will "judge the quick [living] and the dead" (2nd Timothy 4:1), and the Savior himself says that before him shall be gathered all nations when he shall come in the glory of the Father and all the holy angels with him, and he will then render to every man according as his work has been. See Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 2:1-11.
The earth has stood a long time. According to the chronology of the King James version of the Bible the earth has stood nearly 6000 years. Others differ with this, of course, but we know that the world has continued a long time. The apostle Peter gives us to understand that the earth that now is, is reserved unto fire against the (final) day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men, which day of the Lord, he tells us, will come as a thief in the night. As to this agree both the words of the apostle Paul and of the Savior himself, and we are warned time and again to be ready. To some it might seem that God was delaying the time, and perhaps that he might forget; but we read that he is not slack as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and live. We learn by this that the object of prolonging the time of man's probation on earth is that he might be prepared for this day and be saved. Oh, the goodness and kindness of God to man! Blessed be his name!
"The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. [Jesus, the Son of God, and the light of the world, has come into the world to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, and arose over the people who sat in darkness (the Gentiles) with salvation and healing in his wings.] Out of Zion [God's church], the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people." - Psalms 50:1-4. We see in this a two-fold meaning - 1st, that the Lord will come in spirit and execute his judgments (the righteous decree of his Word) upon sin and iniquity. To this agree the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Behold, the name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is a devouring fire: . . . and the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones." - Isaiah 30:27-30. Again, "For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebukes with flames of fire. For by fire [the Holy Spirit] and by his sword [the Word of God] will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many." - 66:15, 16. "The Lord also shall roar out of Zion [his church], and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel." - Joel 3:16. And he says: "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself." - Psalms 50:1-6.
This the Lord is doing now - viz., gathering together his saints. He is redeeming Zion from her apostate condition "with judgment, and her converts with righteousness;" "for the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God," etc.
"The prophetic days of burning,
Lo in wonder we behold:
And the flames are now consuming
Everything but purest gold.
"Fire! fire! halleluiah!
Fire breaks from heaven's throne:
Fire testing and revealing
Who will be for God alone.
"A preparatory judgment
Now is sweeping o'er the land:
They who bide its burning spirit,
In the final day may stand."
Some people who profess to be Christians are afraid of judgment, and when God uses his servants to execute his judgments on sin and draw the line between right and wrong, they cry out: "You must not judge," and quote Matthew 7:1: "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged," etc. Now, this is, and has been, a great stronghold of Satan in getting a compromise and a conformity to the world, and thus hindering the saints of God in drawing the line where it ought to be on sin and crookedness, thus giving the devil a place among God's people. But the Word of God instructs us to "give no place to the devil." He and all his works are to be cast out from God's people. See Revelation 12. Where Jesus says "judge not" he simply means the act of assuming or taking it upon ourselves, to judge or pass our opinion on one another. Jesus just as truly commands us to judge as he commands us not to. See John 7:24. There he says: "Judge righteous judgment." Is not that just as emphatic as "Judge not?" Now, the question comes, how shall we know what is right in this matter of judging? Jesus said judge righteous judgment, or a judgment according to truth. In Psalms 149:9 we are told to "execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints." Every child of God has this privilege. The judgment written is the decree of God's Word. But neither hypocrites nor ungodly persons have this right, or privilege. See Matthew 7:5. Only the saints of God, or those who are spiritual, are to judge; for "he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man [i. e., man's judgment]." - 1st Corinthians 2:5. A child of God and a person who is spiritual lives far above man's ways; hence, for him to be judged, must be by one more spiritual than he, and by one that lives still nearer to God. The apostle Paul told the Corinthian church: "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment." - 1st Corinthians 4:2. Paul was spiritual - more so than the Corinthian church. If you will read from the 11th verse of the 5th chapter to the 5th verse of the 6th you will see that he gives them instructions in regard to judging and how to draw the line, both on individuals who are crooked and on wrong matters that would arise among them. Read how he executed judgment on Elymas the sorcerer. Acts 13:4-12. His word stood fast because he was filled with the Holy Ghost, and God sanctioned it. See also how Peter did likewise in regard to one Simon (Acts 8:14-24), and also against Ananias and Sapphira. Acts 5:1-11. Thus was fulfilled the prophecy of Malachi 3:5 which says the Lord will come near to judgment against such characters.
But this did not always continue in the church. Judgment ceased to go forth, as saith the prophet: "Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth." - Habakkuk 1:4. The wicked were permitted to have a name and place among God's people. "For she hath seen that the heathen [uncircumcised in heart] entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation." - Lamentations 1:10. See Jeremiah 5:1-7, 26-31; Ezekiel 22:25-31; Micah 3:9-12. In these scriptures we have a description of the apostasy. We read in Deuteronomy 32:4 that all God's ways are judgments, and in Psalms 9:7 we learn that he has prepared his throne for judgment. Heaven, of course, is his immediate throne; but he also has a throne in the hearts of his children, and he has been, and is still, letting judgment go forth in the house of God, in redeeming Zion. "For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." - Isaiah 26:21. There will be no more hiding place for sin, especially among God's people. Jesus gives us to understand that there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid that shall not be known. See Luke 12:2-5.
Though judgment has been abhorred and equity perverted (Micah 3:9), the line has not been drawn between the holy and the unclean. The righteous have been made sad with lies, and the hands of the wicked have been strengthened by promising him life and peace when there was none. Ezekiel 13:22. God will surely visit judgment for these things. He declares to us that he will judge between cattle and cattle and feed the fat and strong that have pushed with side and shoulder, with judgment (Ezekiel 34:16-22), also that he will deliver his flock, the poor and the despised, and will make them his goodly horse in battle. "Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shall make the hills as chaff. Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away," etc. Isaiah 41:14-16. "And saviors shall come upon mount Zion [God's church] to judge the mount of Esau [spiritually speaking, all formal worship, or those who worship after the flesh, and not in the Spirit]: and the kingdom shall be the Lord's." - Obadiah 21. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." - Amos 3:7. Just before every event or calamity that would come upon a people from God, God has always given sufficient warning that all who desired might escape. Before the flood God used Noah, a preacher of righteousness, to warn the people; before he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah he sent angels to give the warning to Lot and his family that they might escape; before Jesus came the first time he sent a forerunner, John the Baptist, to announce his near coming. God's people were warned of the apostasy that would come, and God has promised to make known to his children so that that day would not overtake them unawares; for we are not in darkness so that that day should overtake us as a thief. We are to watch and be ready for Jesus to come at any hour. It would not take us by surprise, as we are commanded to look for his coming. Titus 2:11-14. He has also given us certain signs by which we may know his coming is near, even at the door.
"But the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." - Daniel 12:10. May God bless these words to souls as a warning to flee the wrath to come, is our sincere prayer.
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Charity.
By S. N. Sorenson.
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." - 1st Corinthians 13:1, 2. It is evident to my mind that the charity Paul mentions in the foregoing scripture is more than human affection, or love. All men naturally love some objects in life; so we would be sadly mistaken if we should take it for granted that because our mere human affection is moved toward certain objects in life we are in possession of the love which the apostle says is the greatest of all. Verse 13. The charity here referred to is God's love - an element which is not found in the heart un-renewed by the Holy Spirit; it must be implanted there by the divine hand before we can exercise it toward God and man.
The word charity is often misused; for instance when the evils of sectism have been exposed, some one will say: "You are not charitable toward other churches; hence you have not the Christian spirit." You will readily see the misuse of the word charity in an expression like that; for if you have any knowledge of God's Word you will certainly know that God himself has no charity for sectism or heresy. Let me quote a case in Revelation 2. When John was inspired to write to the church at Ephesus, having reproved them of certain things, he said in the 6th verse: "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds [or doctrine - Verse 15] of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate." Now, I am convinced that the deeds and doctrines of the Nicolaitanes which caused division there were no worse than the creeds and doctrines invented by men in this day of sectish division and Babel confusion. If God hates them, is it right for us to express charity toward them? Verily no! Read the 137th Psalm and you will have a good idea of the difference God makes between the two systems - his own church (Jerusalem) and Babylon (sectism). The latter he says is "to be destroyed; . . . and happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones (sectish systems) against the stones (of God's Word)."
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Questions Answered.
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DELIVER SUCH AN ONE UNTO SATAN.
Question: Please explain 1st Corinthians 5:5.
Answer: 1st Corinthians 5:5 reads: "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." It was reported to Paul that there were certain persons among the believers at Corinth that were fornicators. And Paul says: "I write unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators." - Verse 9. In this letter he instructed them just what to do with such a person. He says: "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ." That is, persons who still presume to make a profession in the church of God and yet be such a character, who will not repent and depart from all such wickedness, the church is to meet together in the name of Jesus and such an one is to be exposed and all informed that no such person will be recognized as a child of God. The church from henceforth is not to recognize him as a child of God until he repents and obtains salvation. Where people are allowed to go on in their sins and wickedness making a profession of salvation, the devil will sometimes deceive them and make them actually believe they will go to heaven without further repentance; but the church is to let them know where they stand in the sight of God and before man, and it will sometimes awaken such people to their condition enough that they will repent of their wickedness and get saved.
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SINNETH AGAINST HIS OWN BODY.
Question: Please explain 1st Corinthians 6:18.
Answer: It reads thus: "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." Every kind of sin requires the blood of Jesus Christ for deliverance, and Paul sets forth the sin of fornication as one of the most heinous of sins. It is not only the outward act which stamps upon him the sentence of hell, but he is disrobed of virtue and filled with shame - not fit to be an associate of the pure and virtuous. He is vile, wretched, and impure, and can only find deliverance through the blood of Jesus Christ.
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HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET.
Question: Please explain Romans 10:15. Does this mean spiritual or not?
Answer: It reads: "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace." This is a figurative expression bringing forth a spiritual import showing the beautiful foundation and walk of those who preach the gospel of peace. In a similar manner Paul stated in Hebrews 12:13: "Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way." He here had reference to the spiritual life and pathway of the Christian. In Psalms 119:105 the Psalmist says: "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Or, in other words, the Word of God enables him to live a life that is pleasing to God.
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OUR NATURAL BODIES.
Question: Do our natural bodies have anything to do in or with the church?
Answer: Yes. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's
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WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK.
Question: In Revelation 2:5, 6 does the candlestick mean an elder of the church or the Spirit of God?
Answer: By reading the 20th verse of the 1st chapter of Revelation we find that the candlestick spoken of is the church. The elder is the angel of the church as mentioned in Revelation 2:1.
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A Letter From China.
Wuhu, China,
March 21.
Dear Gospel Trumpet: For some time we have had the pleasure of reading the paper through the kindness of friends in America, and the Lord has laid it on our hearts to write a letter about the work here. God is wonderfully answering prayer for China at this particular time, and we feel that your dear friends have a share. The consuls are giving their permission for missionaries to return to their stations in the interior, and doors are opening wide to the gospel.
We have been over five years in central China, and most of the time our station has been in Wuhu, which is a treaty port. Last year the Lord called us out from our missionary society to a life of greater faith and entire dependence on him alone. Soon after came the troublous times and we were kept waiting several months for the doors of China to open again. In the meantime God raised up a dear consecrated missionary band in New York which undertook our support and pledged to unite with us in faith for the support of the work. Early in June we returned to Wuhu. The Lord prepared a native house which we could rent in a populous but neglected district within a block of the lot which the Lord had given us before we left. This house was suitable to open as a woman's chapel and a day school for boys and one for girls while we are waiting for the funds with which to build. We have the assurance that the Lord will provide. God's Spirit is being mightily poured out upon the hearts of these women, and hundreds have come to the chapel. Many seem very hungry to hear the Word, and listen intently. It is all so new and strange to most of them, as only a very few have ever heard the Word before. Our present chapel is too small to hold the crowds that come. Some are willing to wait two hours before service for the sake of getting a seat; and mothers often stand and hold heavy babies throughout the entire service. None are yet baptized as the work is yet new and it requires months of instruction after they profess to believe. None of the women can read. When they first come they do not even know the meaning of the words when we speak of God and Christ; and of course all are idol-worshippers.
We opened our schools just after the Chinese New Year's on the 10th of March. In the boy's school every seat was taken and enough applicants came to have filled three or four more schools, as twenty is as much as one teacher can do justice to. The girl's school has been slower in filling up, but a girl's education is not considered so important. Our number is almost complete now. The Lord provided earnest Christian native teachers. We give a Bible lesson (in Chinese) every day in each school, as do the teachers also at the close of school. We ask your earnest prayers for these dear women and children and for their homes as we go to visit among them and preach, and not for our work only, but for all the mission stations, that the Holy Ghost shall come with power and that the glorious light of life shall shine into their darkened hearts and homes. Yours, in the King's glad service,
Genevieve any Minnie Oviatt.
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A Warning.
My love for God's cause and a desire to help some one that may have fallen under a spirit of deception induces me to write some of my past experience. I was converted in 1892, and, as many others, not being able to discern the body of Christ, I thought I must join something to have a home. So I joined the Free-will Baptist sect. Seeing the corruption carried on, I became disgusted, and, having married in the meantime, wife and I joined the M. E. sect, thinking we would find more spirituality. Feeling God's hand upon me to preach, I was given license to exhort. About this time I heard sanctification taught by the Union Holiness Association as a second work of grace. I sought and found a definite experience, but I was opposed and ridiculed by the preachers and members of the M. E. sect, until, becoming discouraged, I lost the experience, and went on in that way until 1897 when I heard the whole truth taught and discerned the one body and unity of God's people and took a stand against sectism.
At this time I was a strong believer in the Millennium, having been taught it by the holiness people; but after hearing the truth and searching the Word, I was able to see it was a delusion. I went to preaching the truth and God blessed my soul and gave me power in delivering his Word. Wife and I spent seven months in Alabama, and then returned to East Tennessee. While holding meeting in a certain place I was invited to attend a holiness meeting one Sunday afternoon. I first thought of refusing, but the devil suggested that I could give them some light. I went, and they seemed to be having such a good time that the devil whispered it would be better to keep still about the church and not disturb the harmony of the meeting. I did so, and that was the last meeting I attended; but from that hour the seed of compromise was sown in my heart, yet I did not realize it at the time. Things that had been clear began to get confused. The one church was not as clear to my understanding as it had been, and I began to doubt if this reformation was right after all. I reasoned with the devil, and he advised me to send and get some Revivalists (a paper published by the Holiness Association) and distribute them. This paper teaches the Millennium very strongly. I again became confused in this subject. My wife and another dear sister faithfully warned me of my danger, but I would not heed. I began to think the Trumpet was too harsh, and found fault with the brethren. I could not preach against sectism as formerly, and was tossed with many doubts and fears. After spending some weeks in this condition I could no longer trust God for my support; so I quit preaching and went to laboring with my hands.
For six months I had a miserable time - broken down in health, without any peace or hope, and harassed by the devil, until I could almost wish I was dead. Finally I threw the whole thing overboard to Satan where it belonged, came to God as a sinner, promised I would be true to him and his Word, and, praise his dear name! he forgave me and made my soul as clear as heaven. A short time afterward I sought and obtained a clean heart, and to-day I can testify that I am saved, sanctified, and free from every man-made institution. Halleluiah! Sectism is more corrupt than ever before, and every holiness clique and clan which preaches that you can be saved and sanctified and still belong to the corrupt harlot family is only drumming up recruits for hell. I know of no holiness association but what teaches a Millennium and advises people to stay in their sect, and warns people against the true saints of God. God's Word draws a line of demarcation between the true church of God, ruled and governed by the Holy Ghost, and the institutions of men, governed by conferences and man-made machinery. Preaching against the corruption of the Protestant sects and yet advising people to remain in them, is like preaching against the deadliness of poison and then ordering children to drink of it. May God help each one to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and not be entangled again in the yoke of bondage.
J. B. Branam.
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News from the Field.
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Lemieux, Ontario,
April 22.
I can truly say God has been very gracious to me since I last reported through the columns of the Trumpet. Once more I am about to leave my home and loved ones to seek for lost souls. I have been doing what I could for the Master in the vicinity of my home since last November. I shall visit the saints at Ardoch and Bancroft, and from there I expect to go to Waterloo County to help in the tabernacle work this season. I desire the prayers of the saints everywhere that God may bless my labors and give me wisdom and faith to successfully defeat the enemy in every battle. Address me at Ardoch, Ontario until June 5, then at Bancroft.
John C. Blaney.
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Vichy, Missouri.
An assembly-meeting here commenced April 19th and was protracted two weeks. Several saints assembled together and the Lord was among us, and all received a benefit. We believe the saints were wonderfully benefited and better qualified to go forth to help souls out of sin. Several young workers were here. The Lord is sending more laborers into his harvest. Several labored on the new camp-ground in getting fencing and building material ready for use, the work being done mostly by ministers and helpers. The saints in the different neighborhoods are sending in provisions and means to carry on the work. We have a saw-mill on the ground to saw lumber to build a pavilion and other buildings. Many willing hands are at work in the interest of the grounds. We expect a large attendance at the next camp-meeting. Yours in him,
T. E. Ellis.
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Sherwood, Louisiana,
April 20.
I am truly glad to report victory in the name of Jesus our blessed King. Halleluiah! We are having very precious meetings and the church is being edified and sinners are under conviction. Quite a number arose for prayer last night. Praise God! When God's dear children are walking in love as they should, sinners will be brought under conviction. I have not been out in the work of the Lord for nearly two months, as my wife has been sick and came very near dying; but God who is rich in mercy touched her and to-day she is getting along very well. Pray earnestly for her entire healing. If the Lord is willing, I will begin meeting in West Monroe, Louisiana, May 18, to continue as long as the Lord directs. From there I expect to go to Douglas, Dykesville, and via Shreveport to Leesville, Simpson, Mayo, Lena, and Pollock. Now, if there are any who desire meetings in West Louisiana, write me at Douglas. Pray for me and mine.
R. H. Owens.
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Mize, Kentucky,
May 1.
We have just closed a meeting here in which we believe much good was accomplished. The church here has been somewhat confused concerning voting. The dear Lord truly blessed his Word as it went forth, and everything seemed to be made very plain that where brethren can not agree, and where a party is liable to be manifest and cause confusion, we should abstain from it. Jesus said his kingdom was not of this world; and a very good way to decide such things is to ask ourselves the question: "What would Jesus do?" then act according to the leadings of the Spirit, and all will be one. All necessary confessions were made and unity restored, and the devil was defeated. The meeting closed with sweeping victory, for which we truly praise the Lord.
After holding services to-night at Grassy Lick schoolhouse, we go to-morrow to Yocum, Morgan County, to hold meeting as long as the Lord wills, then we intend to return to Jeffersonville. All parties concerned in the camp-ground near Jeffersonville should remember that means to be used for improving same should be sent to W. W. Stevenson at once. June 1 was the time set. May the Lord help all to do their duty.
Thomas Carter and J. E. Watts.
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Winchester, Kentucky,
April 29.
We are glad to report that we are still on the battle-field fighting the devil and sin. We started for the Moundsville camp-meeting April 22 and stopped at Morristown, Tennessee two nights and had meetings with the dear saints. That place seems ripe to harvest. What the town needs is some one to go there with a good tent. I think a good work could be done. From there we went to Knoxville, Tennessee and had meeting one night in a private house. The people came out well. The next night was their prayer-meeting night, and so they had us stay and we held meeting in the schoolhouse. The dear ones seemed very eager to hear the gospel. I think a great work can also be done in Knoxville, and if any one goes there they will find some good friends and also a place to preach. You will find some people who are tired of sectism. The time has come when people are getting their eyes open and are searching for something better than they have been hearing. Glory to God! It does me good to see God working and making people hungry for the gospel. We have calls coming from almost every direction. I pray God to send workers to break the bread of eternal life to the poor, hungry souls in the South. Address me at Winchester, Kentucky.
N. S. Duncan.
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St. Albans, West Virginia,
April 30.
We have been laboring for some time in the southern part of West Virginia. At present we are engaged in meetings near St. Albans. God is working mightily in these parts. I never saw people so hungry for the whole gospel as we find them here. The power of God has been wonderfully manifested in healing consumptives, cripples, and persons with withered bodies and various other ailments - some of them from one to two or more years' standing. The sick are calling for us in every direction and we have more calls than we can answer. If some minister or ministers of God could come this way with or without tabernacles there is work enough open to last a long time. We can arrange meetings with any one for the whole summer in the following counties: Roane, Clay, Kanawha, Putnam, Mason, Cabell, Wayne, and others, also in Ohio and Kentucky. We can not possibly travel for miles in the day visiting the sick and do justice to the meeting at night. Help we must have, and we pray God to put it into the hearts of whom he will to come and labor in these parts. We are enjoying salvation and victory in Christ. Anyone feeling led to come may address us at Saint Albans. Our permanent address is McGill, West Virginia.
William and F. E. Drew.
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Colfax, Washington,
April 20.
As it has been so long since we reported through the Trumpet I felt that the Lord would be pleased for us to write. This winter has been put in for the Lord faithfully. It seems to have been quite a time of seed sowing, and the Lord only knows what results will follow. Some souls have been saved. One meeting which we held with the church near Fairfield resulted in real advancement and a settling down of the dear ones at that place. We have spent some time in and around Colfax, the most of the preaching being done in town. Some here are marching right on to victory, and some of the rest are not making the advancement they should. I pray God to stir every soul and put the enemy to flight. Truly my heart is stirred in behalf of the poor backsliders in heart, especially the young people. Let us be aroused and send up the earnest pleadings of our souls to God for them that they be not lost and driven out from the presence of God. These are perilous times, and we must be doing our duty on every line. We are praying and expecting good times in our camp-meetings this year, and a meeting with many of the dear ones.
O. A. and I. M. Chapman
and Dora Conover.
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Bryant, Indiana,
April 28.
Though it has been some time since I reported through the columns of the Trumpet, I have not been idle but have been in the work about all the time. I held meeting three weeks in Huntington, Indiana last December with good interest. Though the congregations were small, it was quite a successful meeting. While some trouble existed, I have reason to believe it was practically all removed. Several were restored to God and the work since has been moving along well with souls being saved and believers sanctified. From there I came home for a few days, and then held a meeting near Fort Wayne which was one of great power and glory. God surely blessed us wonderfully in presenting the Word, and the interest was good from beginning to end. Brother Freehafer was with us a while in this meeting. Sister Strombeck and others from Wilmot, Indiana were also with us the greater part of the meeting, and helped much in the same. People were drawn to the truth and acknowledged the same. Though not many were saved I believe God has sent his truth there to stay, and that it will yet bring forth much fruit. This being quite a sectarian neighborhood, and holiness having been taught and not lived generally, when the Word by the Spirit began to demolish sectarian walls and show where God's true children stood, and that they had no fellowship nor agreement with Babylon neither could co-operate with her, it was too strong for a great portion of them - they could not "endure sound doctrine;" hence they began to spew it out. How truly are they drunk on the wine of her fornication. One man whose wife was saved in the meeting turned bitter and would not permit her to come to the meeting, neither would he let any of the saints visit them. He would not even permit any of the Trumpets or literature to come into his house, though he did suffer his wife to have a song-book. May God bless him and the work which the devil is trying hard to destroy. I preach there and at Fort Wayne every two weeks when not engaged elsewhere.
B. N. Longerbone.
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Dublin, Texas,
April 22.
I take this opportunity to testify of the goodness of the Lord and his presence in meetings held through the winter and spring, in saving, sanctifying, and healing power. In company with Brothers Rosenberry, Ebel, Yoder, and Brother and Sister Taylor at West Liberty we held a precious meeting which ended on Sunday before Christmas. From there Brother Ebel and myself went to Springfield, Ohio, where a meeting was held ending with a precious ordinance service. At the last night's meeting eight souls were at the altar seeking the precious benefits of God's grace, and as far as we know received the desire of their hearts. From there Brother Ebel and I in company went to St. Paris where the dear Lord saved one soul. Afterwards we went to West Liberty for a few days and labored in a few meetings which were blessed of the Lord. We then went to Bellefontaine, Tiffin, Republic, West Lodi, and Attica. At Attica Brother Ebel and I separated and he went to Racine, Wisconsin, where he felt God was calling him and I went to New Washington and held meetings. From this place I went to Waynesfield in company with Brother S. A. Yoder. In a two weeks' meeting which was very precious. God manifested himself in saving power and the church was lifted up and edified, for which all the glory belongs to God.
April 4, I left Springfield, Ohio for Texas, via Chicago. I stopped at the Faith Missionary Home, 7300 Stewart Avenue, where I met Brother Ebel again, also Sister Cole and company, and Brothers Axup and Strang who were holding a meeting successful in the salvation of many souls at South Chicago. Leaving Chicago April 10th I arrived here (in Texas) the 12th. I expect to labor here as long as the Lord wills, and then by direction of the Lord to go to California. I desire the prayers of God's children that I may serve him in all humility of mind and that precious souls may be saved in this dark field. I find Brother H. E. Watson and Sister Simmonds here laboring for souls.
J. D. Hatch.
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North Yakima, Washington,
April 22.
It has been a long time since we reported through the Trumpet, and as we have been called to a new field we thought best to make mention of the nature of our work and how we have planned to do it. This country is thickly settled with a thrifty class of people, and is fast becoming noted for its superior farming advantages. It affords unrivaled opportunities for the gospel work, as it has good roads, good climate, and good water.
There are twenty schoolhouses within a radius of twenty-five miles of North Yakima which can be used to hold meetings in, and we have decided, the Lord willing, to hold a meeting in each one of these this summer. We have been trusting the Lord for a team and hack to carry us from place to place, also for a tent to live in. The Lord has already supplied the team and hack, and we have the assurance that the tent will come. We will camp out at each schoolhouse and hold a few meetings as the Lord leads, and have one general camp-meeting. We hope by this plan to reap a rich harvest for the Master. North Yakima is a good location for a mission, situated as it is in the central part of the state and surrounded by such rich farming land and immense population.
Any of the brethren thinking of locating here and desiring information can write to me, and I will tell them what I can about the advantages and disadvantages of the country.
We are now on a tour through the rural district southwest of Yakima, and are distributing tracts and Trumpets. We put a Trumpet, Shining Light, and a few tracts in a bundle and drop them in the mail boxes along the roads. (The Government supplies most of this country with rural mail delivery). We can use to the glory of God one thousand Trumpets a month. Anyone with back numbers of the Trumpet to spare can send them and we will see them distributed, also tracts and Shining Lights.
Your earnest prayers are desired that God may keep us and supply us with an abundance of grace. The brethren at Cowick are doing what they can to help the work along. May God bless them abundantly for their liberality in supplying us with a good hack and team. Those desiring to correspond with us may address us at North Yakima, Washington. Yours, saved from all sin,
R. L. Austin and Company.
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Springfield, Missouri,
April 28.
We are glad to report once more of the work entrusted to our care and of the goodness of God to us. The mission work is still in progress, and a little band of sanctified ones is being raised up. We have been going through a sifting time for a few weeks, and as the judgments of God's Word were laid down some who were of a compromising spirit refused to receive it, and some who had been workers forsook us; but we are sure God is against all compromise with the works of darkness, and promises a curse on the man who holds back his sword from shedding of blood. May God help us all to "preach the Word at any cost."
We have learned many precious lessons in the mission work this winter. The Lord willing, we will write an article on the same soon. This I will say, that my soul is more than ever disgusted with sectism and sectish ways of conducting gospel work; also I am more than ever assured that the Lord wants us to cry aloud and spare not, and warn the people against sin and sectism as never before. The battle between right and wrong will mainly be fought between true saints and crooked professors, and God wants every particle of compromise forever purged out of our hearts, and wants us to be clothed with holy authority and power so that we can go forth and spread this glorious truth to every land. The past two years' experience has stirred my soul against the works of darkness, and I desire to spend the rest of my life in clean, clear work for God. Brethren, pray that God may ever use me to his glory.
Of late I have received several letters from dear souls in trouble over the doctrine of "no second cleansing." How it stirs my soul with pity for them. Dear reader, let me solemnly warn you for Jesus' sake and the sake of your precious soul to have nothing to do with that awful doctrine. Oh, could I but tell you of the awful soul-crushing experience my dear wife and I have gone through over it! Oh, it is terrible! God only knows the anguish of soul and body and mind the soul is subject to which listens to this delusive doctrine. I will gladly do all I can to help such out of their trouble by writing and visiting your neighborhood. I feel that God wants me out in his service this summer. I have decided to discontinue the little paper I started and devote all my time to the gospel work. The mission work here will soon close. Brother Porter and Sister Mabel Cox have not been in the work for some time.
The Mission is still in debt nearly $50.00 for seats, fixtures, etc. I have had to stand responsible for this, and it must be paid inside of 30 days. The fixtures are well worth the amount, and could be used in tent, camp, and missionary work for years. If these could be taken off my hands it would let me go free so I could be in the work; otherwise I shall be forced to go to work with my hands to earn the money, as I have given my note for the same. God's will be done. Remember me in earnest prayer that God may ever use me to his glory.
W. J. Henry.
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Testimonies.
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Palouse, Washington.
I wish to testify to what the Lord has done for me. He saves me and heals me, for which I give him the praise. It is sweet to trust in Jesus and take him at his Word. I am determined to stand true to God. Let us be always ready; for we know not at what hour our savior may come. Pray for me.
Louisa Henwood.
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Ripley, Oklahoma.
Dear ones in Christ: May our God supply all your needs. Amen! I can testify of the goodness of God. I am saved, sanctified, and healed. Praise the Lord for ever! I some time ago had the grip, but the Lord healed me. He gives me a settled experience. Pray that I may be strong in body, spirit, and mind, also pray for my unsaved children.
Sarah N. Brake.
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Mount Olivet, Kentucky.
I can testify of the Lord's goodness to me. I know he saves my soul and keeps me from all sin. I am so glad I was willing to accept him when he called after me. Praise his dear name! He gives me peace and glory every day and enables me to live with victory in my soul over the powers of the enemy. Dear ones, pray that I may be kept continually doing my Master's will. I am dead to this world and alive in Christ, and always want to be found a humble child of God.
Sarah Martin.
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Berthoud, Colorado.
I can testify to the goodness of God to me in saving and keeping me free from sin. I am glad the Lord has led me into this glorious light. I love to walk in the whole truth of God; for then he will never leave me nor forsake me. I want to do God's will in all things. Pray for wife and I that we may be true to the Lord in everything. Praise his dear name! The truth has never been preached here. I love the Gospel Trumpet; it does me so much good. It is the only paper we take, and we praise the Lord for it.
H. H. Schliep.
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Akron, Kansas.
I am glad to report victory in my soul over the world, the flesh, and the devil. I know that the Lord fully saves me now. Bless the Lord! He first showed me that I was an awful sinner and that if I persisted in my wicked ways I would be forever lost. He then showed me that I must forsake my evil ways and turn to the Lord who would abundantly pardon. Then I fell before God and called upon him and he blotted out all my actual transgressions, to remember them against me no more forever. Praise the Lord! I then found something in my members warring against the Spirit of Christ - trying to bring me into captivity. So I offered myself a living sacrifice unto God and placing my all on the altar, Christ Jesus, he sanctified me. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." - Romans 5:1-3. I am very glad that it is so much easier to stand when we get into the standing grace. Then we are also better qualified to work for God.
Ernest Carey.
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Spaulding, Minnesota.
Praise God! the following is true: "But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine." - Isaiah 29:23, 24. Some years ago I was a strong believer in the Millennial heresy, thinking it to be the truth, and was a lover of the truth as far as I had light. Finally some one sent me the Gospel Trumpet. When I received it I said to a brother: "They sent me the Gospel Trumpet, but they can not deceive me." I praise God for his Word which is like a fire and a hammer. Jeremiah 23:29. I became a lover of the Trumpet because it puts forth the truth, and now I am reigning with Christ in this life. "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." - Psalms 119:130. I also received a tract from a brother which was help and strength to me. O brethren, let us be earnest in spreading good literature and the results will be praise and thanksgiving from redeemed souls coming home "to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads." - Isaiah 35:10. Pray that I may ever be a true and humble witness.
Otto F. Ring.
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Franklin, Pennsylvania.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." - Revelation 12:11. I desire to magnify the name of the Lord by telling a little of his goodness to me.
At the age of thirteen while attending a protracted meeting God's Spirit mightily convicted me of my sins. I never shall forget the time when, as I yielded my all to him, the wonderful peace flooded my soul. So clear and definite was the work that never for a moment could the devil make me doubt it.
I joined the Evangelical denomination and was a member for five years. My experience was that of Matthew 15:14: "And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." My life was so unsatisfactory that I had no rest night or day, as I felt something was wrong with my heart. When I would do good evil was present: sin I would, and sin I must. How thankful I am that the Lord sent one of his ministers here preaching a full gospel. I accepted part of the Word very readily, but I had become intoxicated with Babylon wine and was very proud. As I diligently searched the Scriptures I found that my belief was contrary to the teaching of God's Word. Again I met the conditions and had the consciousness of being at peace with God. Some time afterward seeing that sanctification was clearly taught in the Scriptures and realizing there was an element in my heart that would cause a shadow at times to blur my spiritual sky, I obeyed Romans 12:1 and was made to exclaim with the poet:
"Halleluiah for the cleansing!
It has reached my inmost soul;
And the glory now is streaming
In my heart from sin made whole."
He keeps me day by day free from all sin. I am fully sanctified and trusting for all things. God has also healed me at different times, and is my only physician. I desire the prayers of God's children that I may ever live so that his name may be glorified in my soul and body which are his.
George M. Boyer.
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Desoto, Missouri.
I am praising God for a full salvation and the healing of my body through Jesus Christ our Lord. "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." - Matthew 8:17. Praise God! this verse has this meaning to me. Himself took my infirmities and bare my sicknesses. Halleluiah to Jesus! By obedience, and faith in his Word, blood, and Spirit we do not have to bear the burden of the devil's works. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." - 1st John 3:8. The Lord Jesus has been destroying, or taking out and killing, the things that the devil planted in my being. Early in life I was truly born of God, and joined the C. P. Sect. Later, God by his Holy Spirit called me to preach, and the C. P. Presbytery gave me a course of study; but just before I finished it the Lord showed me that the doctrines of the "final perseverance of the saints" and "That no one could be sanctified until death," were not according to the Bible. Then, to better my condition, I joined the M. E. Sect. Was admitted on trial by the Illinois conference. It was a great trial - so great that I never went through it. Thank God, he excused me! Before I racked my mind trying to carry the heavy course of study required by the Conference and not by the Lord Jesus Christ, my appetite for this Babylon chaff was destroyed by the Lord and a good one given for the true gospel work of saving souls. Private prayer, searching the Word of God, house-to-house visitation, and revival meetings were my delight. But I could not be an elder in the so-called church without passing the examination of the Conference, etc., and I was informed that I would not amount to much unless I was ordained elder in the M. E. denomination. I intended to graduate from Everton, University, and by that time I would be wise and big enough to wear a silk plug hat as some of the elders did. This aim seemed good and high, but it died an horrible death.
Leaving Illinois I came to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where my parents had left an estate, which I intended to redeem and sell, pay all my debts, and then go to college; but I was too late. The statute law of limitation had expired and the farm could not be redeemed. Then a little plant of humility began to grow in my heart. Being a farm-hand and getting $15.00 a month in southeastern Missouri after having been a circuit rider in Illinois with a salary of $750.00 a year, was coming down. The Lord used me on Sundays to preach to good congregations of people hungry for the gospel. Later he gave me a school to teach at $45.00 a month. In revival meetings I would advise converts to unite with some church in order to have a home with God's people. Then to be more useful I joined the M. E. C. S. and was given a circuit. During this year I began to get the light on the true church and other things through the Gospel Trumpet and other books from the Trumpet Office. I withdrew from the sect, was baptized, and, later, sanctified. Praise God for what he has done for me! Since January I have been in Desoto. Through the kindness of a merchant of this city and the pastor of the Presbyterian church I was given permission to hold services in a small store-room where about 100 people could be seated. The Lord saved several precious souls during the series of meetings. Brother T. E. Ellis assisted in the first part of the work. Later the house was rented and we could do house-to-house work only. After much prayer and consultation the Lord led us to purchase a lot in East Desoto with a schoolhouse upon it that will seat 250 people. The cost of this, or the price to be paid, is $350.00. $25.00 has been paid. $325.00 is to be paid by the first of June without interest. We desire to hold a camp-meeting this fall, or a protracted meeting with able workers as soon as we can, by the Lord's help, build a larger meeting-house. Pray for me that I may be humble and filled with all the fullness of God.
G. J. Lefevre.
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Divine Healing.
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Healed of Biliousness.
I am praising God for saving me from all sin and also for healing me. One night I was taken ill with biliousness, and I prayed the Lord to heal me, which he did. I got up and did a little work, and then came the trial of my faith. I began to feel very bad, but I rebuked the devil. I was able to work some that afternoon, and next morning was entirely well without having taken a drop of medicine of any kind. No one here (outside of our family) have discerned the true church of God. They all believe in, and belong to, denominations. But, praise God! he is able to keep us though we are all alone. Pray for me.
Gertie L. Wattles.
Sherman, Michigan.
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God Promises a Protection.
I am truly glad to say that I take Jesus as my counselor - the Mighty God of heaven, and the Judge of all men. More than four years ago I resolved to live by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. The Word showed me that I must keep all the ordinances of the New Testament and accept Christ as my only physician.
I had been keeping my chest covered with two flannel cloths on account of that awful disease, bronchitis. I removed the cloths and took the promise of healing as a breast protection. I soon realized that the disease was leaving me; notwithstanding, last winter it again got advantage of me. The saints prayed for my deliverance. Six weeks after its attack I received an open rebuke from one of the saints for not exercising faith in God, which cause me to dig deeper. I then saw the need of getting down before God, and he willingly healed me.
Pray for the Mission here at 81 1/2 Decatur Street. Brethren, do not forget to send some of your old tracts and Trumpets here for distribution. They will be highly appreciated. Pray that I may be humble and live as the Bible commands.
P. S. Any of God's true ministers who pass through this city will please stop over with us.
Oliver S. Fambro.
Atlanta, Georgia.
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"If They Drink any Deadly Thing
it Shall Not Hurt Them."
Our baby, nine months old, had the grip: as she was also teething, it made her very sick. She was suffering great pain in her stomach and head, and could not have lived long if God had not relieved her. We called on God till deliverance came. She slept nearly all night, and from that hour God healed her.
I also give God the praise for healing our other girl. Four years ago she put her hand into a can of concentrated lye and took a mouthful of it. Two of God's ministers were there. We got down on our knees and called upon God. These blessed words then came to me: "And if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them." As we prayed our faith took hold of the promises of God and the little one fell asleep. She was anointed and God healed her. Some thought she would surely die, as her tongue and throat were badly eaten. Her lips were also badly eaten by the lye; the under lip being eaten almost through. Praise God! there is not a scar on her lips, tongue, or throat. He made her every whit whole. She is about six years old and has never tasted medicine. A few nights ago she had croup, and after we prayed the Lord instantly restored her voice. She began to laugh and asked for her clothes. Truly it is good to trust the Lord! Pray that I may live so as to please him at all times, and that my influence may lead others into this blessed light.
Bessie Peterman.
Colfax, Washington.
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God's Healing Power.
Our little boy was afflicted with what the doctor called white swelling. He suffered much, and could not be moved without great pain. He was also unable to sleep without narcotics. We doctored him from Sunday until Tuesday night without him getting any relief. I had no confidence in the doctor to cure him and so trusted God from the time he became sick. Thursday night a brother and sister stopped with us. We prayed that evening and the boy rested well. Next morning he was able to arise and sit up in bed. We had prayer again and the pain was taken away and the swelling began to go down. In a few days he was able to be about, and soon after could go where he pleased. I give God all the praise.
Our boy three years old was afflicted from birth with a disease of the stomach and bowels. We doctored him 21 months, and then took his case to the Lord. I sent for prayers and he was healed and has not had any symptoms since. He is now a strong and healthy child, for which we give God all the praise.
The Lord has healed me of some of my afflictions, but for some cause some of them seem to cling to me. I am trusting all things in God's hands; for he says that he will not withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. I desire the prayers of God's children that I may be wholly restored.
Malissa J. Keys.
Sawyer, Kansas.
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SIN.
By Mahala Uber.
Sin is a reproach to any people. The time has come that God will have a people after his own heart, obeying his Word and having a practical experience, living free from all sin - not in a hap-hazard way, but obeying his voice diligently. When we see the low standard of salvation held up to the people to-day, it behooves us as the ministers of God to cry aloud, and spare not. "Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins." God does not permit us to tolerate sin of any kind. Eternity can only tell how many million souls it has swept into hell. Think of the lives it has blighted, crimes it has committed, hearts it has broken, and the many bitter tears it has caused to be shed; also lives and souls of men which have been lost - all through sin! Also remember the cause of the world being overflowed with water, and the destruction of Sodom. Unhappy homes, wretchedness, and discontentment come from sin, as "there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
Sin is the transgression of the law, and the devil is the author of all sin; hence "he that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." - 1st John 3:8. If we commit sin, even though it be not as a practice, we are of the devil. "And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." - Exodus 32:33. Yet the popular ministers of to-day tell the people, "Sin you will, and sin you must, and no mere man can live free from all sin, but sins in word, thought, and deed, every day." The devil could do no worse that that. "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous."- 1st John 3:6, 7.
Sin causes death: "The soul that sinneth it shall die;" "The wages of sin is death;" Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:15. Oh, the millions of souls dead in sin - living in pleasure, yet dead while they live - sleeping while on the brink of eternal despair, heedless of the warning cries of God's Word! "Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." - Ephesians 5:14. If you have one stain of sin on your soul you are not fit for heaven, and if you die in this condition, where Jesus is you can not go. You are in servitude to the enemy of your soul, and it is his business to make you believe you must serve him - commit sin. He has you bound by his Satanic powers; nothing can free you but the blood of Jesus.
We are kept by God's power through faith. He does not take our free moral agency from us, and we can sin if we desire; but the desires of the righteous are only for right, and we can not commit sin unless we do so knowingly. Therefore, he that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
While some professed saints know that God demands a pure and holy life, and willfully disobey and "for a pretense make long prayers," they shall receive the greater damnation. Therefore, "awake to righteousness, and sin not: I speak this to your shame." - 1st Corinthians 15:34. How we should praise God for the privilege of living in his presence, pure as heaven, in this life!
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Why I Am a Saint.
By J. Grant Anderson.
This subject was suggested to me while reading an article entitled "Why I am a Baptist," written by an able minister of that denomination.
God established his kingdom upon the earth in the early morning of its creation and placed man upon its holy plane. Upon the fatal day of Adam's transgression Satan also established his kingdom in the earth, which grew with such rapidity that God soon repented that he had made man and placed him upon the earth. See Genesis 6:5, 6. The earth quickly re-peopled after the flood; yet they continually rebelled against God until man sank to the lowest depth of superstition and moral degradation. For all this God's anger was turned away, and he promised them a kingdom of rest. "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." - Isaiah 11:10. "The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed." - Daniel 2:44. This kingdom was ushered in by the coming of Christ. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: . . and his name shall be called . . . The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever." - Isaiah 9:6, 7. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21. Who was to possess this kingdom? "But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even for ever and ever." - Daniel 7:18. Was this prophecy ever fulfilled? "And the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom." - Daniel 7:22. Christ established his kingdom upon the earth in the hearts of his people, and many followed him whithersoever he might lead. When Christ was crucified "the graves were opened; and many of the saints which slept arose, and came out of their graves." - Matthew 27:52, 53.
The Bible speaks of only two classes of people upon the earth - namely, saints and sinners. The Bible does not say that any Baptists came out of their graves, because no Baptists were in existence at that time. Christ ascended unto the Father, and to-day we have an advocate, as "he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:27 The apostle Jude, writing to the church thirty years after Christ's death, exclaimed: "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." - Jude 3. In the Greek it reads: "Delivered unto the saints, once for all." Paul states that before his conversion: "Many of the saints did I shut up in prison." - Acts 26:10. After his conversion, of himself he says: "I who am less than the least of all saints." - Ephesians 3:8. In saluting the church in different localities he wrote: "To the saints which are at Ephesus," etc. Ephesians 1:1. "All the saints which are in Achaia salute you." - 2nd Corinthians 1:1. "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:21. He wrote to them "concerning the collection for the saints." - 1st Corinthians 16:1. He speaks of the mystery which had been hid for ages, but is now manifest to the saints. Colossians 1:26. Hundreds of saints shed their life's blood for Jesus in the days of pagan and papal Rome, and to-day they stand in the company of the redeemed, waiting for Christ's return. Those upon earth to-day who have “gotten the victory over the beast [papal Rome], and over his image [sectism], and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." - Revelation 15:2. When Jesus went away he declared: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again." - John 14:2.
Who will be with him when he comes? "And the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee." - Zechariah 14:5. "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints." - Jude 14. What is the object of his coming? "When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints." - 2nd Thessalonians 1:7-10. No mention is made of earthly institutions, and all but the saints shall be banished from his throne. All saved people, whether in paradise or upon earth, have the same name. "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is name." - Ephesians 3:14, 15. How clear the Bible is upon this and all other subjects. All God's people are saints, and as I belong to God I can not help being a saint. Once I shrank from the name; but since I have discovered God's promises to his saints I rejoice with a joy that no man can take from me. God says, "He will keep the feet of his saints." - 1st Samuel 2:9. "He preserveth the souls of his saints." - Psalms 97:10. "The Lord forsaketh not his saints." - Psalms 37:28. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." - Psalms 116:15. "Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds." - Psalms 149:5. God "supplieth the want of the saints." Praise God for eternal salvation! The saints took possession of the kingdom in the morning of this dispensation, and, my dear brother and sister saints in this evening time, let us give "thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." - Colossians 1:12, 13.
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