By William Seymour
We are expecting wonderful things from the Lord for 1907. The closing up of the old year and beginning of the new found us on our knees at Azusa Mission. And as the new year was announced, such a wave of glory, and divine love and unity came over us. The meeting went on till morning and all the next day. It is a jubilee year. May we all spend it at His feet, learning of Him.
The Lord did great things in 1906. Pentecost first fell in Los Angeles on April 9th. Since then the good tidings has spread in two hemispheres. Many are rejoicing in pardon, purity, and the power of the Holy Ghost. Wherever the work goes, souls are saved, and not only saved from hell but through and through, and prepared to meet the Lord at His coming. Hundreds have been baptized with the Holy Ghost. Many of them are now out in the field, and some in foreign lands, and God is working with them, granting signs and wonders to follow the preaching of the full Gospel.
People all over the land have heard that the oil of the Spirit is being poured out in Los Angeles, and they are coming for oil-coming thousands of miles. And they are being filled with the holy oil, the baptism with the Holy Ghost, and wherever they go, it is being poured out.
From the little mustard seed faith that was given to a little company of people waiting on God in a cottage prayer meeting, a great tree has grown, so that people from all parts of the country are coming like birds to lodge in the branches thereof. (Matt. 13:31:32.) The faith is still growing, and we are still just in the beginning earnestly contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints.
It is a continual upper room tarrying at Azusa Street. It is like a continual camp meeting or convention. All classes and nationalities meet on a common level. One who came for the first time said, "The thing that impressed me most was the humility of the people, and I went to my room and got down on my knees and asked God to give me humility."
The altars are filled with seekers. Sometimes the meetings go on all night. People are slain under the power of God and sanctified or rise up speaking in new tongues. In the meetings, you see the holy joy of the Lord in the countenances, and people are melted in the presence of the Lord, filled with His praise.
The Lord is graciously healing many sick bodies. People are healed at the Mission almost every day. Requests come in for prayer from all over. They are presented in the meeting and the Spirit witnesses in many cases that prayer is answered, and when we hear from them they are healed. Handkerchiefs are sent in to be blest, and are returned to the sick and they are healed in many cases. One day nine handkerchiefs were blest, another day sixteen. A man came with a broken arm and was healed. The mission people never take medicine. They do not want it. They have taken Jesus for their healer and He always heals.
There is a very sweet spirit of unity among Pentecostal missions in Los Angeles and workers in suburban towns. Every Monday morning, the misiners and workers from these different points meet together for prayer and counsel. The missions in Los Angeles are at 327 1/2 S. Spring, of which Bro. Fisher is pastor; 8th and Maple Ave., of which Bro. Pendleton is pastor; and 1321 E. 51st St., where Bro. and Sister Kent have charge. Workers from Long Beach, Pasadena, Clearwater, Anaheim, and other nearby places also come in. All are in one accord. In our first meeting several messages were given in tongues through our Bro. Post, and interpreted as follows:
"We acknowledge Christ only, His truth, His Word. We must tarry much before Him. We must acknowledge that He is in our midst, walking among the golden candlesticks, pruning, purging. He who moved among the golden candlesticks, is moving in our midst now. We must recognize Him alone as Head over all, and know no man after the flesh. The Spirit of God will teach us, if we keep low in love and humility before Him. Our Lord says, "I smile upon you, when you are seeking My will, My glory only. There must be no glorying in names or orders or systems, only in Myself alone. All fullness is in me, all power is in My Gospel."
We must give God all the glory in this work. We must keep very humble at His feet. He recognizes no flesh, no color, no names. We must not glory in Azusa Mission, nor in anything but the Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto us and we unto the world.
We stand as assemblies and missions all in perfect harmony. Azusa Mission stands for the unity of God's people everywhere. God is uniting His people baptizing them by one Spirit into one body.
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PENTECOST RESTORED.
Written after his Pentecostal anointing on the train, by J.W. Ellison, Des Moines, Iowa.
O glorious promise of heaven!
Fulfilled to His people at last;
The tongues of fire have descended,
And sealed us as those in the past.
The Pentecost power is now spreading,
The Bible rings clear as a bell;
The finished work of the Savior,
We now are commissioned to tell.
The touch of the hand brings conviction,
The look of the eye startles sin,
The flood gates of heaven are opened,
And souls are now entering in.
All fear is banished forever,
And sickness and pain flee away,
The touch of Jesus is as powerful,
As it was in that wonderful day.
The union of hearts is like magic,
And bodies are molded like clay;
Souls that are sealed by His Spirit
Have entered the heavenlies to stay.,
Sinners who once have been careless
Have wakened to a sense of their need;
Pentecost surely is spreading,
Regardless of doctrine or creed.
Then glory to Jesus who loved me,
And glory to Jesus who came,
And glory to Jesus who fills me,
And seals with His own precious name.
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PENTECOSTAL POWER IN SAN DIEGO.
San Diego,Cal., Jan. 5.
Dear Saints, Greeting!
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you all, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who always causeth us to triumph in every place, and maketh-manifest through us the savor of His knowledge.
The dear Lord has favored us with continuous victory, reclaimed, sanctified and some baptized with the Holy Ghost every week. The interest is increasing notwithstanding the continuous wet weather. The altar is filled with seekers at most every service.
We have had some m,marvelous cases where those possessed by the devil have been wonderfully and completely delivered and clothed in their right minds. We wish to note one case in particular for the glory of God and the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A man of German birth came in the meetings, a master in Theology and Spirtualism, who claimed he was Christ incarnate --that he was immortal, and had all wisdom and knowledge. The blessed Holy Ghost gave the saints the discerning of Spirits, and they rebuked the devils in him. And the man fell to the floor, trembling from head to foot. The devils were commanded to come out of him in Jesus' name. And immediately he began to confess his sins and crimes, too awful to mention. He continued to pray and call upon God for mercy, and in a few days he found peace. He has since gone on to the cleansing Blood and has received his Pentecost, and in humility is owning Jesus as his perfect Savior, clothed in his right mind, joyful and happy.
About twelve have redeceived their Pentecost and a number are still seeking. We are praying that the Lord will establish this work as in Los Angeles. This is an open field with virgin soil, and the work is taking deep and firm hold upon the people. Our hearts are burdened for salvation of the people of San Diego.
F.E. Hill
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AKEON VISITED WITH PENTECOST.
118 * St., Akron, Ohio, Dec. 27th.
Since I * heard of the wonderful way God was working in Los Angeles, my heart got hungry, And the dear saints in Akron kept up a steady cry to God day and night for Him to send it this way. And before we hardly knew it. Akron was visited. Glory to God! He sent dear Ivy Campbell here in answer to prayer, and many have received their Pentecost. The altar is more than filled nearly every service. In fact there is hardly a break in the meeting. Some people bring lunches and don't stop to eat them. Some, of the sisters sing in tongues like voices from heaven and also interpret some. O, it is wonderful! Many demons have been cast out and the sick are being healed. Glory to Jesus! He is also selecting His missionaries. The meeting runs day and night--sometimes all night.
People come from miles around here and are receiving their personal Pentecost. Bro. McKinney is sending out invitations far and near, and telling how God is visiting Akeon, and it brings in the hungry ones. His church doors were opened wide to welcome dear Sisters Evy Campbell and Hudson from East Liverpool. The meetings have been running over three weeks. The Holy Ghost is the only leader. Praise God!
While some of the prominent ministers are opposing it, yet their hungry members jump over the fence and get to the little mission church and get saved,sanctified, and then receive their personal Pentecost. We are glad God had one humble preacher in Akron who opened wide the door to receive this "latter rain". We are likely just getting the first sprinkling of the great shower that is to come. Praise God!
The burden of everyone that has received their personal Pentecost is "Jesus is coming soon."
Jan. 21.--The fire has broken out in Pittsburg too. God is visiting every hungry town and city that will receive Him. The fire is spreading here,in spite of all the water the devil pours on. It seems to act like oil instead of water. Glory to our conquering King!
One of our mothers in Israel has her personal Pentecost and the Hawaiian language. Three Hawaiian boys from Honolulu came to Akron to get work, and God sent them to the Mission, and they said Mother Davis had the Hawaiian language perfectly and interpreted two messages she gave out, which were, "God is love," and "Jesus is coming soon."
Yours in Jesus, Mrs. Pearl Bowen.
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PORTLAND IS STIRRED.
Portland, Ore. Dec. 31st.
Peace from God the Father be unto you and all the saints.
Well, God has stirred up this North till every devil in hell is stirred also.
I finished my work in Salem: was there two weeks. Seven received Pentecost. The saints are in perfect harmony. Students, city officials and the first people of the place heard the Gospel, but as far as we can see now, they have rejected the Gospel. Must of the ones that received their Pentecost are from the little places around, and they have gone home to spread the glad tidings of this precious Gospel. O my heart is so full this morning. Glory! Glory! Glory!
Well, Sister Glassco and three of her children got their Pentecost in Salem. And before they got home, on Christmas day,while Bro. Glassco was preaching. Pentecost fell on the meeting and two spoke with tongues. We had planned to come on Saturday and this was Tuesday. When we got here, three more had received the baptism. We arrived here at noon and went into the meeting at three. The power fell before the meeting was half through and two received Pentecost at night, two more. Last night Mildred received her Pentecost. The slain of the Lord lay so you can't move about the altar. The altar is full before the meeting is half over. The house is just packed. O if we only had a larger hall. I cannot tell how God is working here.
Now I must tell you about Nildred. She spoke in four tongues and sang so sweetly and interpreted every word. The interpretation of the song was.
"Jesus is calling O sinner come home.
Glory to His name, O sinner, come home."
Then she arose and the crowd was silenced like death. She began to wave her arms and preach in tongues and interpret. Will give you a part of it. "He that comes unto me, I will in no way cast out." (Tongues.) "The Lord has prepared me to preach His Gospel." (Tongues.) "Jesus is coming soon." (Tongues.) "He will take away His bride, one will be taken and the other left."
Jan. 8.-The crow * throng the hall. We have to have a policeman to keep the aisles clear. They tell us throngs of people come and are turned away. The Zion people held a mass meeting Sunday and decided to come in a body for their Pentecost.
O I am so glad He has chosen me. The Lord has healed some bad cases. One woman had epileptic fits. When the devil went out of her, she was so weak she could not stand. A man's hand that was helpless was healed. A woman with her mind almost gone was healed in the hall last night before the sinners' eyes.
Pentecost falls on people when they come the second time to the meeting, sitting in their seats.
I stay in the mission. It's humble quarters, but Jesus is here. Every minute of my time is given to God. I get tired sometimes. Was sent for to pray for a man with a high fever. I prayed before I went, was so tired. Jesus said, "I do the healing." When I got there, Jesus healed him before I laid hands on him. He got up and came to meeting. Oh, I am learning the wondrous secret; it is letting Jesus do the work and carry all the load. Oh *** so happy in His love and service.
People from all over are coming. A young lady came from Albany. She was a sinner and got all, * to her Pentecost, yesterday, in one day. There are 38 now that have received the baptism, eight since Saturday, and this is Tuesday morning.
I hear the work in San Francisco is fine. Souls saved, sanctified and baptized, and the church people coming in. Oh, God is spreading this Gospel in spite of the devil. How glad I am I ever found my way into the dear old mission on Azusa St. Love to all the saints. -Florence Crawford.
215 2nd Ave.
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BLESSED ***
1617 7th Ave., Seattle, Wash., Dec. 21.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
We are having some good times, and so far there are about forty-five baptized souls. We had a wonderful service out on Peugeot Sound and I baptized about thirty, young and old. It was raining and somewhat cold, but the Lord was with us. A little girl about twelve years of age, who had been seeking her Pentecost, got it right there the minute her feet touched the water. The Lord cut her tongue loose, and she spoke all the while going out and coming in. The Lord was with us in wonderful power. O, He is a wonderful Savior. We have been praying for power for two weeks now.
The weather is very rainy here. It rains about six days of every week, but our Father's smile is upon us, and that is better than anything else.
Jan. 7.-In the last few days, the Lord has poured out His Spirit here, and there must be in the neighborhood of about seventy souls that are baptized now.
Yours in Him,
-Thos. Junk and wife.
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APOSTOLIC FAITH MISSION IN SAN JOSE.
San Jose, Cal., Jan. 24.
Dear Apostolic Faith:
God our Father has been doing great things for us since we last wrote. We are now worshiping in our own hall. We have a very nicely furnished mission, for which we praise the Lord.
The fire is still falling. Last Sunday we had a wonderful all-day meeting. The slaying power was manifest in a remarkable manner. One lay for hours under the power. A young girl took God at His Word, opened her mouth wide, and the Lord filled it with praises in new tongues.
A Mrs. Williamson brought her daughter to the meetings for healing for her eyes, which were very bad. The power was present to heal and the child went home completely recovered. Many others have been healed since the meeting opened. Sister Williamson has received her Pentecost and God has put her in His heavenly choir, to sing the heavenly songs for His glory. She also writes in many languages. She interprets most of the songs that she sings, and when she speaks in tongues, she also interprets.
Several of those who have received their Pentecost have been called to the foreign field to labor for Him. One young woman is making preparations to leave for Hawaii very soon.
I am just holding the fort till my Father sends someone to take charge of the work here, when I expect to leave for a trip around the world, sounding the golden trumpet, heralding the year of jubilee. For the coming of the Lord is near, even at the door. And he wants the heathen nations to hear the glad tidings and be ready for His coming.
I believe this movement is the last call that the world will receive before He comes for His bride. Rev. 19. 7, 8. These are the days of preparation. Nahum 2. 1-5. The chariots that Nahum saw are the automobiles which we see running in our streets today.
I am anxious to be on the go, for I feel that the time is short. What we do, we must do while it is day.
-H.M. Turney.
PENTECOST IN NORTH CAROLINA.
Dunn, N.C. Jan. 2.
To the Saints in Azusa Mission, and through all California, greeting in Jesus Name!
O praise Him! It is wonderful. Last week I held a few services in the country in one of the Holiness churches, and two received their Pentecost and spoke in tongues. The languages were as perfect as I ever heard. One was a Sunday school superintendent and the other an elder of the church. I had to leave that meeting to fill my appointment here, but the meeting is still going on there.
This is only the third day, here, and already about ten have received their Pentecost. Five preachers received the baptism and some of them have two or three languages already and can preach sermons and pray in the tongues. The church is filled to overflow and people come from all over the country. Sinners are being converted and others repenting. This town of about 2,500 has never seen Pentecost before, but praise God, it has come and the town is stirred from center to circumference. People have laid aside eating and business to a great extent and are going down before God in earnest. How I praise God for this wonderful salvation. All the signs follow me since I received Pentecost. O let us trust only to the still, sweet voice of Jesus. He does it all. O how I praise God for sending me to Los Angeles, and for you all.
Jan. 17-Our God is fulfilling His promise and His Spirit is being poured out here in Dunn as never before. Many have come from South Carolina and Georgia and have received their Pentecost and gone back, and there some have received the baptism. The fire is spreading. The meeting continues here in greater interest. Nearly every service, someone receives their Pentecost and speaks in tongues. Some of our preachers have preached, sung and prayed in unknown tongues, and without speaking a word of English, have awakened sinners.
Several colored people have received their real Pentecost and speak in tongues. God has wonderfully blest some of the people with the gift of song. One colored sister, a school teacher, received the Pentecost the other night and spoke in tongues for some time. She has manifested a call to foreign fields. All the people of God are one here.
I prayed much that God would give me access to my brethren, and thus I might convince them of His blessed truths. And not one of them has taken issue against me as yet, but come forward and have received their real Pentecost and are going forth in the power of the Lord. Some of the people are getting ready for the foreign fields now. O how I praise God!
Brothers, pray, and spread the tidings around wherever man is found. I may never see you in the flesh any more, but I am coming *******.
Many are getting their Pentecost at home and abroad. I go from here to High Point, N.C. Have more calls than I can fill in six months.
Your brother and servant of God,
-G.B. Cashwell.
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PENTECOST IN LAMONT, OKLA.
Jan. 17th.
Dear Saints, Greeting!
Left Los Angeles Dec.4, and arrived in Oklahoma just one week later, making a few stops on the way. Quite a number were tarrying and waiting for Pentecost when I arrived, but much had to be done before God could pour out His Spirit. The people had been in much bondage. Eating pork, wearing neckties, drinking coffee, and wearing a moustache were taught to be very sinful, and except you were circumcised to these you were lost.
After about ten days of prayer and holding up the Blood, God begin to break them up and they began to beg pardon of one another and their neighbors. And in a short time, in a cottage prayer meeting, God poured out His Spirit in slaying power and nearly all went down, one woman coming through speaking in tongues. God now began to work and souls were saved, backsliders reclaimed, and believers sanctified at nearly every service. The country was stirred for miles around. Some came 100 miles to get Pentecost and healing.
One lady who had been a Free Methodist was reclaimed and sanctified and baptized with the Holy Ghost. She speaks and sings in tongues. She began to sing at home in tongues, and her husband got under such conviction he could scarcely do his work, and in a few days came to the altar and was beautifully saved. 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.
The Lord told me to move on, last Sunday. Meeting closed Sunday night with many seekers at the altar. The saints will go right on and push the battle.
Jan. 21.-Arrived here Friday morning after spending two days in Chicago. Quite a number here are seeking the baptism. We expect great things here. Pray much for me. I can feel it when they pray for me in public. Some time ago in a prayer service, the Lord showed me Bro. Seymour praying for me, and I seemed to be carried away in the Spirit. Under the Blood,
-G. A. Cook,
612 Terrace Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.
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Several have already received the baptism with the Holy Ghost in Des Moines, Ia. It was not through anyone sent there, but they were tarrying before God and Pentecost fell.
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In Toronto, a number have received the baptism. Bro. O. Adams went there from Los Angeles. He had not yet received his Pentecost, but told them about what God had done in Azusa Mission and other places. They went right to tarrying before God. A company stayed after meeting to pray through and the Spirit fell and three were filled with the Holy Ghost.
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We are receiving hundreds of names and addresses for the paper. Please write very plainly. Those who ask for it regularly are enrolled on the books. We are sending out thousands of sample copies to friends whose names are sent in by others. If we do not hear from these. we send only two are three numbers. Please notify us of any mistakes.
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If you want to keep fat and filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, live off of the Word.
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The Lord is enabling us to publish another issue of 30,000 papers for the fifth number of the Apostolic Faith. He has greatly blest in getting it out. Though it is somewhat late, we trust it will be the greater blessing.
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When you were poor and ugly in your own sight, then was the time God exalted and used you, but when you get to be some great Nebuchadnezzar, then God turns you out to eat grass like an ox. Keep little and God will use you.
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A baby that accidentally took poison that it found in a bottle in a closet, was healed in answer to prayer. The mother held on to God in agonizing prayer, "Lord, save my baby." The little thing was cold, but the Lord healed it completely.
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"The Holy Ghost is blessing us daily, but we must have a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for there are people in our midst that are praying night and day for a great awakening among the people." -Mrs. C. A. Roll, 1005 Edwards St., Fort Worth, Tex., Jan.9.
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Sickness is all the work of Satan. Sometimes we bring it upon ourselves by overexertion. Sometimes it is permitted of the Lord because of sins of omission or commission. Satan cannot afflict us unless God permits. He has no power over us unless we get on his territory.
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Souls are getting the baptism in Clearwater, Cal. Mother Wheaton went down to tarry with them and was baptized with the Holy Ghost and spoke in two languages. She is very happy and filled with the Holy Ghost and God is using her. Bro. McLain writes that there are lots of hungry souls there and the devil is stirred.
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Several have written and asked if we received the offerings sent. We can answer that they all came safely, even to some letters that came through the fire in a train wreck and were scorched on the edges and stained by water, but they came safely and money in them. So we see how the Lord takes care of consecrated offerings.
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"I received my Pentecost last Saturday morning, 1:15 a.m. Praise God! I am wholly given up to His will. Words cannot express the blessed peace I have in my soul. My soul is filled with His glory. Hallelujah! Praise God for His wonderful Gift to men. We are praying for and expecting 120 Spirit baptized souls to take San Diego for God." -H. G. * San Diego, Cal.
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"The Scandinavian people here are receiving their Pentecost. I was with them in their watch night meeting. O how God poured out His Spirit on all flesh. Many spoke in tongues and sang the songs of heaven,-a heavenly choir. Some fell under the power of God. My soul doth magnify the Lord. He thrills my spirit, soul and body."-Mrs. S. C. Magie, 710 Times St., Ballard, Wash.
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A sanctified body is one in perfect health, through faith in God. It does not mean we could not get sick, but we are maintained in health by faith. We do not want to teach people they can not get sick, because they would think they were infallible creatures. "As the branch cannot bear fruit except it abide in the vine, no more can ye accept ye abide in Me." So we must abide in church for health.
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In Akron, Ohio, a young man went to the Pentecost meetings and got under conviction through the preaching. And went to the pastor of the First Congregational Church and returned to him $10 that he had stolen about 14 years ago, and promised to pay the rest. The pastor was very much surprised for the man had been under his preaching for years and never got under conviction. He said, "That kind of religion is loaded with good shot. There are no blank cartridges in it."
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Bro. Tom Hezmalhalch has been home to Los Angeles on a visit and we have been feasting together on the good things of Father's table. On his way back to Colorado, the Spirit directed him to stop off at the Needles. Taking the train on Tuesday morning to resume his journey, at four o'clock he passed the train he had taken at Los Angeles for Denver, every car laid in the ditch. By some means they had left the rails. If he had not obeyed the Spirit, he would have been in the ditch and precious souls would have suffered. It pays to know the Lord and obey Him.
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How will you miss hell if you stumble over this precious Gospel, if you ignore this Gospel which God has granted signs and wonders to follow? If you grieve the Holy Spirit, and trample upon the Blood of Jesus Christ, how will you miss hell? There is no way for you to escape hell if you reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. O, my friends, the precious Blood is flowing for you. If you come to Him, He will wash away your sin, and cleanse you from all unrighteousness and carnality, and set you up His throne in your heart.
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One who received the Holy Ghost baptism in Clearwater, testified, "It was in morning worship. We read a chapter and I wanted to pray but the Lord tied my mouth. The power began to come in waves. The Lord took full possession. I fell over like a dead man. I was dead to the world. I tried to pray while lying on the floor, but when my tongue was loosened, it was in a different languages. And O the joy that came into my soul no human tongue can tell. It seemed as if human joys vanished. I talked about half an hour. This is something I never had before. It seemed as if the whole world and the people looked a different color. Jesus had come to me. I can never sing His praises or tell His praises while eternity rolls."
END OF PAGE ONE
The Apostolic Faith
312 Azusa Street
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Published by
THE PACIFIC APOSTOLIC FAITH MOVEMENT
Headquarters, Los Angeles
SUBSCRIPTION FREE
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WHEN JESUS COMES.
Oh the bliss of that glad moment
When Jesus cleaves the sky!
Then tears and strife and pain shall cease,
Our sorrow turn to joy.
The graves of righteous dead shall break,
And living saints shall rise;
Together we shall mount the air,
And throng the waiting skies.
Clouds of angels shall come with Him.
Oh the rapturous sight!
As Christ descends to earth again
In heaven's effulgent light.
He who came from heaven before
To suffer, bleed, and die,
Now comes in majesty to reign,
The Lord of earth and sky.
The bloodwashed saints in robes of light
With bodies glorified,
With glad hosannahs on their lips
Shall then be Jesus'bride.
The cross laid down, our burdens gone,
The crown of life we'll wear,
And standing close by Jesus' side,
His glory we shall share.
The marriage supper shall begin,
The marriage bells shall ring;
Angels and archangels shout,
And help the saints to sing.
The praises of Immanuel
Who died for Adam's race,
Who purchased such ecstatic joys
For sinners saved by grace.
O God, how wonderful it seems
That Thou shouldst deign to call
From out of earth's dark race of men
A bride for Thy dear Son.
Our hearts rejoice to think, dear Lord,
That Thou wilt soon appear,
We read the signs in earth and sky,
And know that Thou art near.
Amen, e'en so, dear Lord, we say,
Come Jesus, quickly come,
And end the awful conflict here,
And take Thy loved ones home.
My brothers, we may hear the cry,
Before this meeting end,
"Jesus is here!" "Arise, my love,
And to thy Lord ascend."
Our prayers shall then be turned to praise,
And faith shall end in sight;
What bliss to see His blessed face!
What infinite delight!
-Bro. Alfred Beck.
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"BEHOLD THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!"
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their ****** groom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight, there was a cry made, Behold the bridegroom; go ye out to meet him.
"Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. (R.V. Going Out.) But the wise answered saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
"And while they went to buy the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily i say unto you, I know you not.
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh." Matt. 25, 1-13.
You know virgin in the scripture is a type of purity. Christ is speaking in this parable about the church and its condition at His coming. Many precious souls today are not looking for the return of their Lord, and they will be found in the same condition as the five foolish virgins. They started out to meet the bridegroom, and had some oil in their lamps but none in their vessels with their lamps. So when the cry was made to go forth, they were found wanting in oil, which is the real type of the Holy Ghost. Many of God's children are cleansed from sin and yet fight against getting more oil. They think they have enough. They have some of God's love in their souls, but they have not the double portion of it. The thing they need is oil in their vessels with their lamps. It is just as plain as can be.
Dearly beloved, the Scripture says, "Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb." Rev. 19, 9. So they are blessed that have the call. Those that will be permitted to enter in are those who are justified, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Ghost-sealed unto the day of redemption. O may God stir up His waiting bride everywhere to get oil in their vessels with their lamps that they may enter into the marriage supper. The Holy Ghost is sifting out a people that are getting on the robes of righteousness and the seal in their foreheads. The angel is holding the winds now till all the children of God are sealed in their foreheads with the Father's name. Then the wrath of God is going to be poured out.
"Behold the Bridegroom cometh!" O the time is very near. All the testimonies of His coming that have been going on for months are a witness that He is coming soon. But when the trumpet sounds, it will be too late to prepare. Those that are not ready at the rapture will be left to go through the awful tribulation that is coming upon the earth. The wise virgins will be at the marriage supper and spend the time of the great tribulation with the Lord Jesus. They will have glorified bodies. For we which remain unto the coming of the Lord will be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
Many precious souls believe today that in sanctification they have it all, that they have already the baptism with the Holy Ghost or enduement of power; but in that day, they will find they are mistaken. They say, Away with this third work. What is the difference, dear ones, if it takes 300 works? We want to be ready to meet the bridegroom. The foolish virgins said to the wise, "Give us of your oil." This thing is going to happen. Many that are saying they have enough and are opposing, will find their lamps going out and ask the prayers of God's people. God is warning you through His servants and handmaidens to get ready; but many are going to come back to get the oil from others. Dear ones, we cannot get more than enough for ourselves. You can grasp the saints' hands but you cannot squeeze any oil out. You have to get the vessel filled for yourself. Many are going to be marrying and giving in marriage, buying and selling, and the cares of this world are going to get in the way. Above all, we want to get the oil, the Holy Ghost. Every Christian must be baptized with the Holy Ghost for himself. Many poor souls in that day will be awfully disappointed. May we seek Him today, the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Now is the time to buy the oil; that is by tarrying at the feet of the Lord Jesus and receiving the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
It seems that people will be able to buy oil during the rapture. It seems that the Spirit will still be here on earth and that they could get it, but it will be too late for the marriage supper. So the Lord warns us to be ready, for we know not the day nor the hour.
Those that get left in the rapture and still prove faithful to God and do not receive the mark of the beast, though they will have to suffer martyrdom, will be raised to reign with Christ. Antichrist will reign during the tribulation and everything will be controlled by him and by the false prophet, when they have succeeded in uniting the whole world in acknowledging the antichrist. Those that acknowledge him will be permitted to buy and sell, but those that stand faithful to the Lord Jesus and testify to the Blood will be killed for the word of their testimony. But by proving faithful to death, they will be raised during the millennium and reign with Christ. But we that are caught up to the marriage supper of the Lamb will escape the plagues that are coming on the earth.
May God fit everyone of us for the coming of the Lord, that we may come back with him on white horses and help Him to execute judgment on the earth and make way for the millennial kingdom, when He shall reign from shore to shore, and righteousness shall cover the earth as waters cover the sea.
That is the time that Enoch prophesied of, "Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints," Jude 14. "Then shall the Lord go forth and fight against these nations, as when He fought in the day of battle. And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives," Zec. 14, 3, 4. The mountain shall be parted in two. Then shall the antichrist and the false prophet be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone and Satan shall be bound a thousand years. Rev. 19, 20 and 20.2.
We shall be priests and kings unto God, reigning with Him a thousand years in a jubilee of peace. Our Christ will be King of kings and Lord of lords over the whole earth. We shall reign with Him over unglorified humanity. Some will be appointed over ten cities and some over two, and the ******* of Israel. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in His throne." Rev. 3. 21, 22.
W.J.S.
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THE CHURCH QUESTION.
You cannot win people by abusing their church or pastor. As long as you preach Christ, you feed souls; but as soon as you jump on the preacher, you grieve the Spirit. Preach Christ, and you will feed the flock and have fat sheep; but if you get to preaching against churches, you will find that sweet spirit of Christ that envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, thinketh no evil, suffereth long and is kind, is lacking and a harsh judging spirit takes its place. If you feed them from Christ, you will find the same Spirit burning in their hearts.
The main thing is, Are you of Christ? It is to late in the day for us to go to work and tear down some other man's building and build up one of our own. The thing to do is to get the truth into the people. The churches are not to be blamed for divisions. People were hunting for light. They built up denominations because they did not know a better way. Now if they want to live in families, let them get the truth. Jesus will settle the rest when He comes. He wants people feeding on Christ and letting the Spirit be their leader. We follow human leaders as far as they follow Christ, but we keep our eyes on the great Shepherd.
We do not have time to preach anything else but Christ. The Holy Spirit has not time to magnify anything else but the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Standing between the living and the dead, we need to so bear the dying body of our Lord, that people will only see Christ in us, and never get a chance to see self. We are simply a voice shouting, "Behold the Lamb of God!" When we commence shouting something, else, then Christ will die in us. If Christ be lifted up, He will draw all men unto Him.
When people run out of the love of God, they get to preaching dress, and meats, and doctrines of men, and preaching against churches. All these denominations are our brethren. The Spirit is not going to drive them out and send them to hell. We are to recognize every man that honors the Blood. So let us seek peace and not confusion. We that have the truth should handle it very carefully. The moment we feel we have all the truth or more than anyone else, we will drop.
We must deal patiently with the Lord's people. The Lord shows us in the parable of the ninety and nine, that we should not take the little lamb and beat it over the head; but lift it up into our bosom, just as the Shepherd did. We do not want to stamp out the little spark of life in one of God's weak ones, who has the Blood of Jesus Christ in their heart.
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It is wonderfully blessed to receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. He sings through you His own songs. It is so sweet when you are lying down on your bed, and the Lord drops a song from Paradise into your heart, a song you knew nothing about, and puts an organ of sweet music into your soul.
ANNIHILATION OF THE WICKED.
Many people today do not believe in an everlasting hell; but we read in the precious Word of God that the Lord Jesus taught it. Lu. 16, 19, "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazrus, which was laid at his gate full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And in hell he lift up his eyes being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame."
We can see that there is no annihilation in God's Word for the wicked, but there is a blazing and burning hell awaiting them. Their home will be in everlasting flames, where they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev. 20, 10.
The Lord says in Matt. 18-8, "It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire."
Dear loved ones, there is an awful hell. God teaches us in Ps. 9, 17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." We find the punishment of the wicked taught us from the closed gates of Eden all the way down. He sent fire and brimstone from heaven upon wicked Sodom and Gomorrah, which are "set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire," Jude 7. May God help men everywhere to repent of their sins and accept the precious Blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses from all sin and unrighteousness, that we may enter into heaven where the Lord Jesus has prepared us a home. (He is coming back again, praise His holy name!)
Hell, no doubt, is millions of miles from heaven, but yet the rich man, we find, had good clear eyesight. He had the sense of hearing, taste, feeling, and his memory was perfect. He could recognize Lazarus and talk with Abraham and beg him to let Lazarus come with a drop of water for his tongue. If the doctrine of annihilation were true, then this rich man would have been burned into ashes, and there would be no more of him. But we see in the Word of God, that Jesus taught a burning hell. We see the rich man that had had gold and silver and raiment and sumptuous food, tormented in hell, and his heart's cry was that his brothers might not come to that place of torment.
Many who have preached a no-hell Gospel will find out better when they die and come to the judgment, just as this man died, and in hell lifted up his eyes.
May God help us to turn from sin and wickedness and not try to wrest the Scriptures, but take them just as they are written. This rich man was now a poor beggar in hell. Abraham said, "Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivest thy good things, and likewise * evil things; but now he is comforted*-thou art tormented."
How we ought to obey the precious words of our Lord when He preached that wonderful sermon on the mount, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul; or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" This man had all the good things of life, and lost his own soul,-a beggar in hell. So it is with those that lay up treasures on earth and are not rich toward God. God's words are true and we must receive them.
I am so glad that the Lord has a boundary line between hell and heaven for Abraham said to Divea, "Between us and you, there is a great gulf fixed; so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence." So there is no visitor from hell to heaven or from heaven to hell.
This man may have been like many today that do not believe in everlasting hell, but in the annihilation of the wicked; but he now sees that there is a burning hell. He begged for Lazarus to be sent to his father's house to warn his brethren from coming to that place of torment. Abraham said, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." And he said "Nay, Father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent." And he said unto him, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
Dearly beloved, we have God's Holy Ghost preachers that are testifying to the Blood that cleanses from sin and warning of an everlasting hell. If we will not hear them and accept the words from them, we will ever be lost. The Scriptures teach, "He that believeth and is baptized not shall be damned."
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HARK! THE MOMENTS THEY ARE PASSING!
Hark, the moments they are passing,
Each one counts a brother lost;
Beauty, youth, and age possessing;
Few but seem to count the cost.
All contentment-all are viewing
Sinners straying from the Blood;
Toward death and hell their feet are pressing,
Fighting with a pardoning God.
Oh! how dreadful is their station!
Oh! how low in sin they lie!
Come, my brother, have compassion,
Look upon with pitying eye!
Tell them of a Savior given,
Teach them on the Lamb to gaze,
Turn their thoughts from earth to heaven,
And their lips to speak His praise.
Then arouse, my brother, pray thee!
Let no virtue be at peace;
Come, arouse, we still implore thee,
Let their souls our zeal increase;
Cease from idle contemplation,
Never let the tempter be;
Rest not, * in full salvation
They, unveiled, our Savior see.
-T. Hezmalhalch.
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We have seen missions and churches banded together to stop what they call a "tongues" salvation. But, dear ones, this is not a salvation of tongues, it is in the Blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses from all sin.
HOLY SPIRIT BE MY QUEST.
Holy Spirit, by my guest,
This my soul's one deep request;
My heart's throne to Thee I give,
Holy Spirit, with me live.
Holy Spirit, this my plea,
Stay forever more with me;
From this hungry heart of mine.
Ne'er withdraw Thy light divine.
Thus for aye my heart would be,
Constant dwelling place for Thee;
Holy Spirit, while I pray,
Come to 'bide with me always.
-Sarah J. Stew
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"RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST."
1.-The first step in seeking the baptism with the Holy Ghost, is to have a clear knowledge of the new birth in our souls, which is the first work of grace and brings everlasting life to our souls. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God." Every one of us that repents of our sins and turns to the Lord Jesus with faith in Him, receives forgiveness of sins. Justification and regeneration are simultaneous. The pardoned sinner becomes a child of God in justification.
2.-The next step for us is to have a clear knowledge, by the Holy Spirit, of the second work of grace wrought in our hearts by the power of the Blood and the Holy Ghost. Heb. 10, 14,15, "For by one offering, He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us." The Scripture also teaches (Heb. 2,11), "For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren." So we have Christ crowned and enthroned in our hearts, the tree of life." We have the brooks and streams of salvation flowing in our souls, but praise God, we can have the rivers. For the Lord Jesus says, "He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water. This spoke He of the Spirit, for the Holy Ghost was not yet given." But, praise our God, He is now given and being poured out upon all flesh. All races, nations, and tongues are receiving the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the prophecy of Joel.
3.-When we have a clear knowledge of justification and sanctification, through the precious Blood of Jesus Christ in our hearts, then we can be a recipient of the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Many people today are sanctified, cleansed from all sin, and perfectly consecrated to God, but they have never obeyed the Lord according to Acts I. 4, 5, 8 and Luke 24. 39, for their real personal Pentecost, the enduement of power for service and work and for sealing unto the day of redemption. The baptism with the Holy Ghost is a free gift without repentance, upon the sanctified, cleansed vessel. **. Cor. 1, 21-22, "Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God, who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." Praise our God for the sealing of the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption.
Dearly beloved, the only people that will meet our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and go with Him into the marriage supper of the Lamb, are the wise virgins-not only saved and sanctified, with pure and clean hearts, but having the baptism with the Holy Ghost. The others we find will not be prepared. They have some oil in their lamps but they have not the double portion of His Holy Spirit.
The disciples were filled with the unction of the Holy Spirit before Pentecost, that sustained them until they received the Holy Ghost baptism. Many people today are filled with joy and gladness, but they are far from the enduement of power. Sanctification brings rest and sweetness and quietness to our souls, for we are one with the Lord Jesus and are able to obey His precious Word, that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God," and we are feeding upon Christ.
But let us wait for the promise of the Father upon our souls, according to Jesus' Word, "John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. * * * Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem and in all Judes, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts. I. 5, 8. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! O worship, get down on your knees and ask the Holy Ghost to come in, and you will find Him right at your heart's door, and He will come in. Prove Him now. Amen.-W.J.E.
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GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.
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"Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren, I would not have you ignorant."
Paul was speaking to the Corinthian Church at this time. They were like Christ's people everywhere today. Many of His people do not know their privileges in this blessed Gospel. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. And in order that we might know His power, we must forever abide in the Word of God that we may have the precious fruits of the Spirit, and not only the fruits but the precious gifts that Father has for His little ones.
Dearly beloved, may we search the Scriptures and see for ourselves whether we are measuring up to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. If we will remain in the Scriptures and follow the blessed Holy Spirit all the way, we will be able to measure up to the Word of God in all of its fullness. Paul prayed in Eph. 3. 16, "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge; that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."
Many people say today that tongues are the least gift of any that the Lord can give, and they do not need it, and ask What good is it to us? But by careful study of the Word, we see in the 14th of Corinthians, Paul telling the church to "follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts." Charity means Divine love without which we will never be able to enter heaven. Gifts all will fall, but Divine love will last through all eternity. And right in the same verse he says, "Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy," that is to say, preach in your own tongue, which will build up the saints and the church.
But he says in the next verse, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not unto men, but unto God, for no man understandeth him, howbeit in the Spirit, he speaketh mysteries, (R.V., hidden truth.) But he that prophesieth speaketh unto man to edification, exhortation and comfort." He that prophesies in his own tongue edifies the church; but he that speaks in unknown tongues edifies himself. His spirit is being edified, while the church is not edified, because they do not understand what he says unless the Lord gives somebody the interpretation of the tongue.
Here is where many stumble that have not this blessed gift to use in the Spirit. They say, What good is it when you do not know what you are talking about?
Praise God, every gift He gives is a good gift. It is very blessed, for when the Lord gets ready, He can speak in any language He chooses to speak. You ask, "Is not prophecy the best gift?" Prophecy is the best gift to the church, for it build up the saints and edifies them and exalts them to higher things in the Lord Jesus. If a brother or sister is speaking in tongues and cannot speak any English, but preaches altogether in tongues and has no interpretation, they are less than he that prophesies, but if they interpret they are just as great.
May God help all of His precious people to read the 14th of I. Cor., and give them the real interpretation of the Word. May we all use our gift to the glory of God and not worship the gift. The Lord gives us power to use it to His own glory and honor.
Many times, when we were receiving this blessed Pentecost, we all used to break out in tongues; but we have learned to be quieter with the gift. Often when God sends a blessed wave upon us, we all may speak in tongues for awhile, but we will not keep it up while preaching service is going on, for we want to be obedient to the Word, that everything may be done decently and in order and without confusion. Amen.
-W.J.H.
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"BEARING HIS REPROACH."
"Wherefore Jesus also that He might sanctify the people with His own Blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach." Heb. 13, 12, 13.
Many Christians have never been nailed to the cross outside of the city. They know what it is to be born in the city, but they have never gone outside the gate bearing His reproach. We see the need of a crucified, sanctified, holy life, that we might be one with Christ Jesus; but we will never get it in the city, that is, without crucification. In the city, there is pride, fame, and honor; but outside the gate, on the cross, hangs our Savior, who is despised and dishonored, rejected of men. It was there He suffered to sanctify His people. The crown of thorns was put upon Him in Pilate's judgment hall and His back marked with the stripes, and the Blood dripped all the way to the cross, so the way is marked for us by His Blood.
In the city, we find people with conversion. But you must come out of the worldly church today, into some little cottage prayer meeting or mission to get sanctified. There are few church members that will stand up straight for sanctification. There were few synagogues that would receive Jesus. He preached from a * on the ******* crowds ** went out into the mountain.
The old man of sin must be slain and Christ must be enthroned in our hearts. Then we are prepared to receive the precious gift of the Spirit. The reason so many cannot see it is because it is so plain and simple. It takes a simple person to believe the Word and stand on it, and look up into Father's face and claim His promise through Jesus Christ. The way is so plain that a wayfaring man though a fool, need not err therein.
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GOD IS HIS OWN INTERPRETER.
People may say it is no language the Spirit is speaking through you. It matters not what they say. They do not know, any more than Belshazzar knew about that hand writing on the wall. It took God to interpret that. The natural man cannot understand the secrets of God. It takes a born child from heaven to understand. Bless God. He has taken this out of the king's hands. The devil is shut out of the mysteries of God. He can be a clairvoyant, a Spiritualist, a hypnotist and understand all the works of darkness, but in Divine miracles he is a fool. It took Daniel to receive the interpretation of the writing on the wall. The wise men were dumb.
It took one who walked with Jehovah to interpret Nebudchednezzar's dream. The astrologers said that no one could show the king's matter but "the gods whose dwelling is not with flesh." But Daniel's God could interpret. He is His own interpreter today. Leave it with him. The Lord is giving many the interpretation of what they speak.
You do not have to strain to interpret. You do not use your mind at all. The Lord God uses your vocal organs and the words come out without your having anything to do with it. When God is speaking, no flesh can take a part in it. Often the Lord sends someone that understands the tongue to verify the interpretation.
When we are speaking in unknown tongues and no one comprehends or interprets, it is speaking in communion with the Lord our God and it is joy and happiness to our soul. Others cannot understand but in the Spirit we speak mysteries. But when we interpret, it is edifying to the whole body. "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret." I. Cor. 14, 13.
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Someone says that it takes little "thimble-brained" people to accept this Gospel. We have so much unbelief-been fed upon it and saturated in it-that we must be emptied out before we can be filled. The one that does not know any more than just to believe God, gets down and takes Him at His Word and the witness comes that the Blood of Jesus does save, and sanctify from all sin; and he takes the promise of the Father, the baptism with the Holy Ghost and receives the Bible evidence of that. It is now as in the time of Christ," the common people heard Him gladly." The Greeks required knowledged and the Jews a sign, but the simple hearted people just believed Jesus. The Lord has such people today that are following the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. May God help us to humble ourselves. "Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
END OF PAGE TWO
LATEST REPORT FROM OUR MISSION. ARIES TO AFRICA.
Bro. and Sister Batman, Bro. and Sister Hutchins and sister Lucy Farrow sailed from England for Monrovia, Liberia, Africa the latter part of December. The rest of the party were bound for a station further south, so they were to take the steamer "Guelph" a few days later. They are Bro. and Sister S.J. Mead and Bro. and Sister Shideler. Their address is Lincoln Station, caconda, Bengue is, Africa. They were so busy packing and getting off that they had not much time to write. They expected to be about three weeks on the way. We are looking for regular reports from them.
They write, "Pray for us, dear ones, as we reach our field of labor. We overcome through the precious Blood. Many we all keep humble and filled with the Spirit. We must now say goodbye, but we are not far separated in Christ."
We must not forget these dear ones that are one with us and a part of the body in dark Africa. We must pray for them. Offerings will be gladly forwarded them from Azusa Mission or you can send post office money orders direct. Be sure to put five cents in stamps on letters to them, or ten cents if they weigh over half an ounce.
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SPEEDING TO FOREIGN LANDS.
Liverpool, England, Dec. 16.
I write to let you know something of the way the Lord has been dealing with us on the way.
We held a meeting in New York lasting almost two weeks and had the pleasure of seeing many sanctified and quite a number receive their Pentecost. One dear sister who had been seeking for a number of days began to sing and sang almost an hour and her husband spoke in a tongue which sounded like Hebrew. Another brother was hugging him and he began to speak in the tongues and they converted in this tongue for a while.
A wealthy lady was sanctified and received her Pentecost in a short time, her servant was seeking, and just as her mistress jumped up, she too was on her feet and the two began to praise God together and speak in tongues, bless God forever. The same night, a friend of this lady went to her home and during a night of prayer, she laid hands on the brother and he received his Pentecost and began to speak with tongues and glorify God.
When we went to the steamer, a large number of the saints gathered and we had quite a time saying good-bye to all the dear ones. We realized we were blest by meeting them. May God continue to use them in the future as He has in the past.
We arrived here yesterday morning safely and shall stay until the steamer sails for Africa next Saturday. We have held a service for natives of Africa. He careth for us faithfully day by day.
Yours in Christ.
-Mrs. J.W. Hutchins,
Monrovia, Liberia, Africa.
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RECEIVED HER PENTECOST.
Testimony of Mrs. Myrtie K. Shideler written in New York on her way to Africa. Her address now is Monrovia, Liberia, Africa.
I felt led to write out my full testimony to leave before we go on our way. I have been quite well known on the coast in Christian work, in Peniel Mission and church work, so I believe it will glorify God if some of it goes into print. As you think best, however. It is principally for the saints there, that they may know that Pentecost has really come to my soul, as we step out for dark Africa.
About one year ago, God began showing me Africa and the great need of her perishing millions, and my heart burned with the desire to go. (Since God for Christ's sake cleansed my heart from all sin nearly twelve years ago, I have never been comfortable when out of active service for God.)
We came in touch with Bro. and Sister Mead about this time, and they were able to tell us all we asked about Africa, as they had spent 21 years there, and expected to return, and were praying to God for a young couple to take back with them to the work there. We were very much united with them in spirit from the first. They lived in Los Angeles and were able to attend the meetings at Azusa Street, and wrote us of them at our home in San Diego. We had been warned against the meetings as wildfire and fanaticism; but when we saw for ourselves, we recognized the work of God, and our hearts began to hunger and seek. We both received much light and blessing at that time, but our work hurried us away and we went without having received the full Pentecost.
Shortly before we arrived in Kansas City, when I was having a season of quiet, the Lord revealed very clearly to me that pride was not all out of my heart, and let me get something of a view of Jesus' meekness and humility. Then my heart was so filled with sorrow, and I cried out for forgiveness. I could feel the warm flow as of blood, trickling down inside. This lasted for some moments and I was melted in love and meekness and humility from Jesus, and could truly cry, "I am willing to be counted as filth and off-scouring for Him."
After we arrived in New York City, I felt led to give my testimony in a little mission meeting at 351 N. 40th St., and speak of this blessing. The meeting had been planned by man, and I did not see how I should be given an opportunity, but promised God if He would make an opening and give me power to tell it to His glory, I would do it.
We were on our knees in the opening prayer, as God was speaking to me, and as I said I would, the vision of Jesus came upon me with four-fold power, and the little chorus went ringing through my heart; "Jesus' blood covers me,
I was blind but, hallelujah, now I see."
I was tremblingly looking for an opportunity. A brother had been appointed to read the Scripture and preach after the prayer; but as we rose to our feet, someone started to sing a chorus and I felt it was my time, so got to my feet, thinking I would ta
