THE AZUSA PAPERS
By
Rev. Raymond 'Doc' Burkhart
(c) 2000 by Doc Burkhart
FOREWORD
This book is free. There aren't too many things left in the world that are, but this is one of them. This book was either given to you, recommended to you, or you found out about it and searched it out on the Internet, or a local church or bookstore. No matter how you received it, you have it now, and it is no accident. You see, God doesn't believe in accidents.
This book is intended to show today's world about a spectacular event that took place nearly one hundred years ago. Using ordinary farm-workers, mundane house-keepers, and forgotten ministers, God decided to bring about a revival in the hearts of a few, that today has literally spread around the world.
The revival we are talking about is the one that began in a barn on Azusa Street in Los Angeles. From around the globe, God gathered together those people that had received this renewed experience call the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. From that old building went a fire, igniting hearts and changing the course of church history. Many of today's Pentecostal and Charismatic groups and fellowships can trace their history back to the fateful period of 1906-08 in Los Angeles.
What follows is their story, in their own words. The Azusa Street Mission published a series of thirteen newspapers called 'The Apostolic Faith'. These documents have been rewritten to update the language and writing style, making it easier to read and understand. It is our hope and prayer that by reading this updated edition, your heart will be moved to seek a deeper experience with God.
As we said, this is free. We encourage you to forward this document to friends and neighbors who may have a similar interest in a renewed relationship with the Holy Spirit. We ask that you forward it in it's entirety, as it is copyrighted.
We also want to distribute hard copies of 'The Azusa Papers' free to call who ask, for whatever they can afford. In order to do that, we need the help of people like you to assist in publication. We ask for your prayers, your input, and your financial support of this vision, to bring revival to our churches.
To contact us, please write:
THE AZUSA PROJECT
C/O Rev. Raymond 'Doc' Burkhart
922 W. Church
Elmira, NY 14905
Phone: (607) 732-2484
EFax: (801) 838-6889
The Azusa Project web-site: http://www.skyfamily.com/burkhart
Email: ray_burkhart@hotmail.com
We want to hear from you. We want to hear if 'The Azusa Papers' has had an impact on your life and your church. God Bless You!
DEDICATION
I want to thank the following:
My aunt Dorothy, without whom I would never have known Christ.
My father-in-law, Rev. Fred Burcham, for being an example to me of what a man of God truly is. 'Dad', if I could ever be just 10% of what you are, I could pass from this life to the next with no regrets.
My kids, Tandace and Shaun, for being examples to me how I continually need to approach God: open, honestly, and with child-like faith and expectance.
Finally, my wife, Cyndi. Cyndi, I have failed so many times. I don't know how you do it, but somehow you have put up with me through the years, in spite of my struggles and my ups and downs. You have been an anchor in the storm. I wish that I had your perspective, your clearness of thinking, and your determination. God knew I needed those things, and that is why He brought you in my life. I do, have and always will love you. Thank you.
THE AZUSA PAPERS
CHAPTER ONE
Los Angeles Being Visited by a Revival of Bible Salvation and Pentecost as Recorded in the Book of Acts
The power of God now has this city agitated as never before. Pentecost has surely come and with it the Bible evidences are following, many being converted and sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues as they did on the day of Pentecost. The daily scenes in the building on Azusa Street and at missions and churches in other parts of the city are beyond description. The real revival has only started, as God has been working with His children mostly, getting them through to Pentecost, and laying the foundation for a mighty wave of salvation among the unconverted.
The meetings are held in an old Methodist church that had been converted in part into a tenement house, leaving a larger unplastered, barn-like room on the ground floor. Here about a dozen congregated each day, holding meetings on Bonnie Brae in the evening. The writer attended a few of these meetings and being so different from that which he had seen and not hearing any speaking in tongues, he branded the teaching as third-blessing heresy, and thought that settled it. The writer was compelled to do a great deal of apologizing and humbling to get right with God.
In a short time, God began to manifest His Power and soon the building could not contain the people. Now the meetings continue all day and into the night and the fire is kindling all over the city and surrounding towns. Proud, well-dressed preachers come to 'investigate.' Soon their high looks are replaced with wonder, then conviction comes, and very often you will find them in a short time wallowing on the dirty floor, asking God to forgive them and make them as little children.
It would be impossible to state how many have been converted, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit. They have been and are daily going out to all points of the compass to spread this wonderful Gospel.
BROTHER SEYMOUR'S CALL
Brother WJ Seymour has the following to say concerning his call to this city:
"It was the divine call that brought me from Houston, Texas, to Los Angeles. The Lord put it in the heart of one of the saints in Los Angeles to write to me that she felt the Lord would have me come over here and do a work, and I came, for I felt it was the leading of the Lord. The Lord sent the means, and I came to take charge of a mission on Santa Fe Street. One night they locked the door against me, and afterwards got Brother Roberts, the president of the Holiness Association, to come down and settle the doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, that it was simply sanctification. He came down and a good many Holiness preachers with him, and they stated that sanctification was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Yet they did not have the evidence at the second chapter of Acts, for when the disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. It was after this that the president heard me speak of what the true Baptism of the Holy Spirit was he said he wanted it, too. He told me that when I had received it to let him know. I received it and let him know. The beginning of the Pentecost started in a cottage prayer meeting at 214 Bonnie Brae."
LETTER FROM BROTHER PARHAM
Brother Charles Parham, who is God's leader in the Apostolic Faith Movement, writes from Tonganoxie, Kansas, that he expects to be in Los Angeles September 15. Hearing that Pentecost had come to Los Angeles, he writes,
"I rejoice in God over you all, my children, though I have never seen you; but since you know the Holy Spirit's power, we are baptized by one Spirit into one body. Keep together in unity until I come, then in a grand meeting let all prepare for the outside fields. I desire, unless God directs to the contrary, to meet and to see all who have the Full Gospel when I come."
THE OLD-TIME PENTECOST
This work began about five years ago last January, when a company of people under the leadership of Charles Parham, who were studying Word of God tarried for Pentecost, in Topeka, Kansas. After searching through the country everywhere, they had been unable to find any Christians that had the true Pentecostal power. They laid aside all commentaries and notes and waited on the Lord, studying His Word, and what they did not understand they got down before the bench and asked God to have wrought out in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. They had a prayer tower in which prayers were ascending night and day to God. After three months, a sister who had been teaching sanctification for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, one who had a sweet, loving experience and all the carnality taken out of her heart, felt the Lord lead her to have hands laid on her to receive the Pentecost. When they prayed, the Holy Spirit came in great power and she commenced speaking in an unknown tongue. This made all the Bible school hungry, three nights afterward, twelve students received the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, and cloven tongues could be seen upon their heads. They then had an experience that measured up with the second chapter of Acts, and could understand the first chapter of Ephesians.
Five years later some 13,000 people have received this Gospel. It is spreading everywhere, until churches that do not believe backslide and lose the experience they have. Those who are old in this movement are stronger, and greater signs and wonders are following them.
The meetings in Los Angeles started in a cottage meeting, and the Pentecost fell there three nights. The people had nothing to do but wait on the Lord and praise Him. They commenced speaking in tongues, as they did at Pentecost, and the Spirit sang songs through them.
The meeting was then transferred to Azusa Street and since then, multitudes have been coming. The meetings begin about ten o'clock in the morning and can hardly stop before ten or twelve at night, and sometimes two or three in the morning, because so many are seeking, and some are slain under the power of God. People are seeking three times a day at the altar and rows of seats have to be emptied and filled with seekers. We cannot tell how many people have been saved, and sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and healed of all manner of sicknesses. Many are speaking in new tongues, and some are on their way to the foreign fields with the gift of the language. We are going on to get more of the power of God.
Many have laid aside their glasses and had their eyesight perfectly restored. The deaf have had their hearing restored.
A man was healed of asthma of twenty years standing. Many have been healed of heart trouble and lung trouble.
Many are saying that God has given the message that He is going to shake Los Angeles with an earthquake. First, there will be a revival to give all an opportunity to be saved. The revival is now in progress.
The Lord has given the gift of writing in unknown languages, also the gift of playing on instruments.
A little girl who walked with crutches and had tuberculosis of the bones, as the doctors declared, was healed and dropped her crutches and began to skip about the yard.
All over this city, God has been setting homes on fire and coming down and melting, saving, sanctifying and baptizing with the Holy Spirit.
Many churches have been praying for Pentecost, and Pentecost has come. The question is, will they accept it? God has answered in a way they did not look for. He came in a humble way as of old, born in a manger.
The secular papers have been stirred and published reports against the movement, but it has only resulted in drawing hungry souls who understand that the devil would not fight a thing unless God was in it. They have come and found it was indeed the power of God.
Jesus was too large for the synagogue. He preached outside because there was not room for Him inside. This Pentecostal movement is too large to be confined in any denomination or sect. It works outside, drawing all together in one bond of love, one church, and one body of Christ.
A Mohammedan, a Sudanese by birth, a man who is an interpreter and speaks sixteen languages, came into the meetings at Azusa Street and the Lord gave him messages which none but himself could understand. He identified, interpreted and wrote several languages.
A brother who had been a spiritualist medium and who was so possessed with demons that he had no rest, and was on the point of committing suicide, was instantly delivered of demon power. He then sought God for the pardon of his sins and sanctification, and is now filled with a different spirit.
A little girl about twelve years of age was sanctified in a Sunday afternoon children's meeting, and in the evening meeting she was baptized with the Holy Spirit. When she was filled those standing near remarked, "Who can doubt such a clear case of God's power?"
Nearly an hour and a half later, a young man was converted, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and spoke with tongues. He was also healed from consumption, so that when he visited the doctor he pronounced his lungs sound. He has received many tongues, also the gift of prophecy, and writing in a number of foreign languages, and has a call to a foreign field.
Many are the prophecies spoken in unknown tongues and many the visions that God is giving concerning His soon coming. The heathen must first receive the Gospel. One prophecy given in an unknown tongue was interpreted, "The time is short, and I am going to send out a large number in the Spirit of God to preach the Full Gospel in the power of the Spirit."
About 160 people in Los Angeles, more than on the day of Pentecost, have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Bible evidence, the gift of tongues, and many have been saved and sanctified, nobody knows how many. People are seeking at the altar three times a day and it is hard to close at night because of seekers and those who are under the power of God.
When Pentecostal lines are struck, Pentecostal giving commences. Hundreds of dollars have been laid down for the sending of missionaries and thousands will be laid down. No collections are taken for rent, no begging for money. No man's silver or gold is coveted. The silver and the gold are His own to carry on His work. He can also publish his own papers without asking for money or subscription price.
In the meetings, it is noticeable that while some in the rear are opposing and arguing, others are at the altar falling down under the power of God and feasting on the good things of God. The two spirits are always manifest, but no opposition can kill, and no power in earth or hell can stop God's work, while He has consecrated instruments through which to work.
Many have received the gift of singing as well as speaking in the inspiration of the Spirit. The Lord is giving new voices, He translates old songs into new tongues, He gives the music that is being sung by the angels and He has a heavenly choir all singing the same heavenly song in harmony. It is beautiful music; no instruments are needed in the meetings.
A Nazarene brother who received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in his own home in family worship, in trying to tell about it, said, "It was a baptism of love. Such abounding love! Such compassion seemed to almost kill me with its sweetness! People do not know what they are doing when they stand out against it. The devil never gave me a sweet thing; he was always trying to get me to censure people. This Baptism fills me with divine love"
The gift of languages is given with the commission, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." The Lord has given languages to the unlearned Greek, Latin, Hebrew, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Zulu and languages of Africa, Hindu and Bengali and dialects of India, Chippewa and other languages of the Indians, Eskimo, and the deaf mute language. In fact, the Holy Spirit speaks all the languages of the world through His children.
A minister says that God showed him twenty years ago that the divine plan for missionaries was that they might receive the gift of tongues either before going to the foreign field or on the way. It should be a sign to the heathen that the message is of God. The gift of languages can only be viewed as the Spirit gives utterance. It cannot be learned like the native tongues, but the Lord takes control of the organs of speech at will. It is emphatically God's message.
During a meeting at Monrovia, a preacher who at one time had been used of God in the Pentecost Bands under Vivian Dake, but had cooled off, was reclaimed, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit. When the power of God came on him, his eight-year-old son was kneeling behind him. The boy had previously sought and obtained a clear heart, and when the Holy Spirit fell on his father, the Spirit also fell on him, his hands began to shake and he sang in tongues.
Brother Campbell, a Nazarene brother, 83 years of age, who had been for 53 years serving the Lord, received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and gift of tongues in his own home. His son, who was a physician, was called and came to see if he was sick, but found him only happy in the Lord. Not only old men and old women, but also boys and girls are receiving their Pentecost. Viola Price, a little orphan colored girl eight years of age, has received the gift of tongues.
Mrs. Lucy F. Farrow, God's anointed handmaid, came some four months ago from Houston, Texas, to Los Angeles, bringing the Full Gospel. God has greatly used her as she laid hands on many that have received the Pentecost and the gift of tongues. She has now returned to Houston, en route to Norfolk, VA. This is her old home that she left as a girl, being sold into slavery in the south. The Lord she feels is now calling her back. Sister Farrow, Brother WJ Seymour and Brother JA Warren were the three that the Lord sent from Houston as messengers of the Full Gospel.
An editor in Salem, OR, Rev. ML Ryan, writes: "When I finished reading in your letter of what God was doing in Los Angeles, I fell on my knees and agonized Godward a bursting soul of appreciation. A great and blessed conviction seized me, and I rushed out of the office shouting and praising God. The fire had struck my soul. I then read the wonderful works of God in Los Angeles to others and a little crowd gathered around me; they too caught the fire of the spirit in the letter and some shouted and some wept.
The disciples were looking for Jesus to set up His millennial kingdom at His first coming, and they expected to reign with Him there in Jerusalem. They asked Him when they went out to the Mount of Olives, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said, "It is not for you to know the times and seasons which the Father hath in His own power; but ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you." When they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, He would teach them things to come. Dear ones; do not puzzle yourselves by theorizing, but tarry in Jerusalem, and the Spirit will throw light upon God's Word and you will see it just as it is. He will reveal the whole Word from Genesis to Revelation.
THE PRECIOUS ATONEMENT
Children of God, partakers of the precious atonement, let us study and see what there is in it for us.
First, through the atonement we receive forgiveness of sins.
Second, we receive sanctification through the Blood of Jesus. "Wherefore Jesus also that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." Sanctified from all original sin, we become sons of God. "For both he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:11). It seems that Jesus would be ashamed to call them brethren, if they were not sanctified. Then you will not be ashamed to tell men and demons that you are sanctified, and are living a pure and holy life free from sin, a life that gives you power over the world, the flesh, and the devil. The devil does not like that kind of testimony. Through this precious atonement, we have freedom from all sin, though we are living in this world. We are permitted to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Third, we receive healing of our bodies. Sickness and disease are destroyed through the precious atonement of Jesus. Oh, how we ought to honor the stripes of Jesus, for "with his stripes we are healed." How we ought to honor that precious body which the Father sanctified and sent into the world, not simply set apart, but really sanctified, soul, body and spirit, free from sickness, disease and everything of the devil. A body that knew no sin and disease was given for our imperfect bodies. Not only is the atonement for the sanctification of our souls, but also for the sanctification of our bodies from inherited disease. It matters not what has been in the Blood. Every drop of blood we received from our mother is impure. Sickness is born in a child just as original sin is born in the child. He was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. Every sickness is of the devil.
Man in the Garden of Eden was pure and happy and knew no sickness until that unholy visitor came into the garden. His whole system was poisoned and it has been flowing in the Blood of all the human family down until God spoke to His people and said, "I am the Lord that heals thee." The children of Israel practiced divine healing. David, after being healed of rheumatism, (perhaps contracted in the caves where he hid himself from his pursuers,) testified saying, "Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy Name, who forgives all thine iniquities, who heals all thy diseases." David knew what it was to be healed. Healing continued with God's people until Solomon's heart was turned away by strange wives, and he brought in the black arts and mediums, and they went whoring after familiar spirits. God had been their healer, but after they lost the Spirit, they turned to the arm of flesh to find something to heal their diseases.
Thank God, we have a living Christ among us to heal our diseases. He will heal every case. The prophet had said, "With his stripes we are healed," and it was fulfilled when Jesus came. In addition, "He hath borne our grief," (which means sickness, as translators tell us). Now if Jesus bore our sicknesses, why should we bear them? Therefore, we get full salvation through the atonement of Jesus.
Fourth, we get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire upon the sanctified life. We get Christ enthroned and crowned in our hearts. Let us lift up Christ to the world in all His fullness, not only in healing and salvation from all sin, but in His Power to speak all the languages of the world. We need the triune God to enable us to do this.
We that are the messengers of this precious atonement ought to preach all of it, justification, sanctification, healing, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and signs following. "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" God is now confirming His Word by granting signs and wonders to follow the preaching of the Full Gospel in Los Angeles.
WJ Seymour
GOOD NEWS SPREADS
People from all over the country are sending in letters of inquiry, having heard that Pentecost has come to Los Angeles. Some have traveled long distances and report that the half has not been told them. Through this paper, we answer inquiries, as it would be impossible to write to each. Souls are hungry all over the land.
TONGUES AS A SIGN
Man is a fallen creature, and as such cannot receive the things of the kingdom of heaven, because they are spiritual and "foolishness unto him." He must be born again to understand God and His Word. God recognizes this, and all through the ages has granted signs and wonders to awaken man from his spiritual death and turn him to seeking after God.
If you will turn to Mark 16:14, you will read as follows: "Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen." You see that after these men had been personally with Jesus for something like three years, and had witnessed His mighty power in raising the dead and performing miracles. In a few hours after His crucifixion, had allowed Satan to harden their hearts and fill them with unbelief. They were also sanctified, as we read in John 17:17, Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." This prayer was undoubtedly answered, as Jesus never prayed in vain. In John 15:3, we read, "Now are ye clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you." In John 20:22, we read, "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said unto them, receive ye the Holy Spirit." By comparing the Gospel of Mark referred to above with this message from John just quoted, we believe both utterances of Jesus were made at the same meeting of the disciples. After He had upbraided them for their hardness of heart, He breathed on them the Holy Spirit to sustain them until Pentecost. They were anointed, as many sanctified souls are today while seeking a real, personal Pentecost.
Jesus at this time also said to them (Mark 16:16-17), "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned. These signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues." Here a belief and baptism are spoken of, and the sign or evidence given to prove that you possess that belief and baptism. This Scripture plainly declares that these signs SHALL follow them that believe.
We also read in Paul's epistles to the Corinthians that he speaks of nine specific gifts in the Holy Spirit. We also find in searching the Word that eight of these gifts were in the church before the Day of Pentecost, the gift of tongues on this day being the power that startled the multitude.
"Now, when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, (marginal reading, troubled in mind) because that every man heard them speak in his own language. They were all amazed and marveled saying one to another, behold are not all these which speak Galileans? How hear we every man in his own tongue, wherein we were born? They were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are filled with new wine. Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you. Hearken to my words, for these are not drunk as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (Acts 2:6-8, 12-17).
In Luke 24:49, Jesus told His disciples to "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
"And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father that, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? He said unto them, it is not for you to know the times of the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power. Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:4-8).
They obeyed this command, and Acts 2:4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." We see here that they ALL spoke in other tongues.
If you will now turn to Acts 10 and read the story of Peter and Cornelius, you will see that the speaking in tongues was the sign or evidence to Peter that the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit. Peter preached the Word, and they were cleansed through the Word, as the disciples before the Day of Pentecost. This was a hard dose for Peter to take, he being a Jew and having been taught that the Gentiles were dogs and unclean. God had previously given Peter a vision of a great sheet let down from heaven, filled with all manner of unclean animals, with the command, "Rise, Peter, slay and eat." The preaching of Jesus to the Gentiles was part of the eating, but Peter obeyed, and Pentecostal signs followed (Acts 10:46): "For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God."
If you will now turn to Acts 19:1-6, you will find about twenty-nine years after Pentecost Paul found some disciples at Ephesus that had not received their Pentecost. He preached the Word and explained to them their great privileges in the Gospel, "And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them. They spoke with tongues and prophesied" (Acts 19:6).
How foolish so many of us have been in the clear light of God's Word. We have been running off with the blessing and anointing of God's power, instead of tarrying until Bible evidence of Pentecost came.
Sister Wettosh, a German sister of Pasadena, who was in the darkness of Romanism and in great physical suffering about a year ago, but who has marvelously saved and healed, has been baptized with the Holy Spirit, received the gift of tongues, and has gone out to carry this Gospel. Her destination was Reno, Neb.
Los Angeles, August 12th, 1906 This will certify that my daughter, Mrs. SP Knapp, of Avenue 56 and Alameda street, was healed of consumption by God on the above date, God's Spirit working in answer to prayer and through a poor Mexican Indian. For particulars, inquire of Frank Gail, with Troy Laundry; corner 14th and Main, Los Angeles.
In a cottage meeting on Morton Avenue, Elysian Heights, several souls have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, and a brother, George Hock, who has been stone blind for more than a year and a half, was saved and then received his sight. He can now read, and his relatives and friends who were unbelieving are filled with wonder and are publishing it everywhere.
Canes, crutches, medicine bottles, and glasses are being thrown aside as God heals. That is the safe way. No need to keep an old crutch or medicine bottle of any kind around after God heals you. Some, in keeping some such appliance as a souvenir, have been tempted to use them again and have lost their healing.
Jesus said, "Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very work's sake." He is showing signs in Los Angeles, and yet some doubt, as Philip did. If you cannot understand it, just take the Word of God. He said, "These signs shall follow them that believe: In My name shall they cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents. If they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." Believe for the very work's sake. God is confirming His Word with signs following.
A young man, who a year ago was in the chain gang, is now baptized with the Holy Spirit and preaching everywhere. He was a Catholic but God took all the Romanism out of him. He is telling the Catholics to get their own Bibles and the Protestants to get to God and not lean on preachers. He is a powerfully built young man. God has so taken the fight out of him that when he was struck and spit upon in the face, he went home and was so blessed that he prayed all night. He said he loved the people who persecuted him more than if they had asked him to pray for them.
During the preaching service, the Holy Spirit fell on a preacher and he jumped to his feet shouting "Hallelujah!" and immediately spoken in tongues. He speaks Zulu and many tongues more fluently than English and interprets as he speaks. The Lord has since used him to stir a whole city. He is filled with divine love. His family were first afraid to see him speaking in tongues, thinking he had lost his mind, but when his wife and children felt the sympathy and divine love which the Holy Spirit puts in people's hearts, they said, "Papa was never so sane in his life."
FROM A MISSIONARY TO AFRICA
Brother SJ Mead, who was sent to Africa by Bishop Taylor in 1885, has been attending the meetings for several weeks. He has the following to say of God's dealings with him:
"My heart praises God, as I trace the leading of his blessed Spirit, in the past quarter of a century, when I first sought to know and do His blessed will. My call to Africa in 1884; the blessed thought of going out in His name, so full of comfort and victory; and yet my call to my native land and civilization is more wonderful and blessed. The getting down in quietness in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and letting him teach and show me what he would have me know of His Power and omnipresence. I found it so true, He is all love, "and in Him is no darkness at all." My soul groans out this morning for the Holy Spirit to have perfect control of His temple. We often hinder the blessed wooing and power of His love by cross currents of our human mind and thought. May God help us to be little in our own eyes, not over anxious to serve much, but to love Him with all our heart, mind and strength. His simple love in our hearts does the work among the heathen. The dear children of Ham are stretching out their hands for the love that is manifested in the sons of God. Often tears fill my eyes, as I think of their simplicity and kindness to us, in the years of our residence among them. One time while going down to our Annual Conference, one hundred miles from where I was situated at Malange, we often met with a slave woman, with whom we lodged nights, who showed us much kindness. She would listen to the story of the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, and say, 'Tell it to me again,' I would go over it again. She would say, 'Tell it once more;' then she said, 'Tell it to me on my fingers.' I said to her, Hold up your hand. I bent down her first finger and said, 'That means that God's Son has died for you, and shed His Blood for your sins. Bend down the second finger, that is, if you believe it, He will take you to His home, where is no death, nor crying, whippings nor pain. Bend down the third finger, that is if you do not believe, you will be obliged to live in a land of sorrow, pain, death and crying forever and ever. She repeated it repeatedly, and we could see the truth getting into her heart. We lost sight of her for a long time; her village was burned up, her people moved away, and she had gone out of our mind. One day there was a commotion at the entrance of the compound at the Mission. I saw the same slave woman, running into the yard, leading a little boy by the hand. I did not know her at first, and she cried out, 'Don't you know me?' I remembered my lesson on my fingers,' and she repeated it over to me, and said, 'Now I know what you said about God's Son is true.' See my boy,' as she pulled him by one hand. 'He was dying with smallpox and I asked the same Jesus to make him well, and He did.' Praise God, she may have preached the fundamental truth of the Gospel to more souls in Africa than I have. My brother, if our love and faith were but more simple, to take God at His Word, our life would be full of sunshine and it would lighten and brighten up the dark places, that sin has caused on God's beautiful earth."
God called Brother Mead and wife from the Central part of Africa to Los Angeles to get their Pentecost. They recognize some of the languages spoken as being dialects of Africa. When God has fully equipped them, they will return to their labor of love.
NO BOTTOM
We meet many honest souls these days that are under the delusion that they have committed the unpardonable sin. The following incident should be an encouragement to such.
A child of God was attacked by the enemy with the suggestion that she was forsaken of God and had committed the unpardonable sin. She was then on a mission field in the South, separated from other Christian workers; and without any apparent cause, the archenemy that tempted our Savior told her that God hated her. The Words, "God hates you" seemed to be continually shouted in her ears and she could not get away from it. She lost her faith and believed the enemy, not knowing His Power. The next suggestion was, "Drown yourself in the river." She stood looking into the dark water, but the thought of her dear mother made her turn away.
She returned to her room, and throwing herself down, fell asleep and dreamed. She seemed to be on a boat on which all the people were rejoicing and praising God, except her. She heard the captain call out to the pilot, "Sound the depths and compare it with the love of God." The depths were sounded and the call came back "No bottom! No bottom!" She awoke in an ocean of God's love, all darkness past and the cry ringing in her ears, "No bottom!" For years since then, she has been in Gospel work on both sides of the ocean.
A young woman who came into the meeting unsaved, went to the altar during the sermon, under deep conviction, and was saved in about five minutes. Before that evening was over, she was sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit and had the gift of the Chinese tongue and was singing in Chinese in the Spirit. Her mother followed her to the altar and has also been saved, sanctified, baptized with the Holy Spirit and healed of asthma and heart trouble that the doctors said was incurable.
TWO WORKS OF GRACE AND THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We preach old-time sanctification, and old-time Baptism of the Holy Spirit that is the gift of power upon the sanctified life, and God throws in the gift of tongues.
First, justification deals with our actual sins. When we go to Him and repent, God washes all the guilt and pollution out of our hearts, and we stand justified like a new babe that never committed sin. We have no condemnation. We can walk with Jesus and live a holy life before the Lord, if we walk in the Spirit.
Second, sanctification is the second and last work of grace. After we are justified, we have two battles to fight. There is sin inside and sin outside. There is warfare within, caused by the old inherited sin. When God brings the Word, "It is the will of God, even your sanctification," we should accept the Word and then the Blood comes and takes away all inherited sin. Everything is heavenly in your soul; you are a child of God. The Spirit of God witnesses in your heart that you are sanctified.
Third, the Spirit begins immediately leading us on to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now, as a child of God, you should enter the earnest of your inheritance. After you have a clear witness of the two works of grace in your heart, you can receive this gift of God that is a gift without repentance. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit, and God will give you a new language. it is the privilege of everyone to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is for every believing child.
EVANGELIST TW McConnell's TESTIMONY
About 28 years ago, I went into a meeting to break it up and the Lord broke me up. My conversion I never could doubt. I was called to preach and refused, and went on for a number of years trying to get away from the call. Finally I obeyed the Lord, and started in to work for Him, but not to preach. The Lord sanctified my soul. Then I commenced to try to preach. About two years after, the Lord appeared to me in a dream. He so filled me with His Spirit that people were not able to stand up before me, for a time. A few days after, He told me to give up my business, and make my wants known to Him, and not to man. I obeyed. The Lord supplied my every need, and was with me in revival meetings and in healing many that I prayed for. I heard of people receiving the Holy Spirit and speaking with tongues. I came to Los Angeles to investigate, and found it was a fact, and earnestly commenced to seek the Lord for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Lord, knowing my heart, came and took possession of me and spoke with my tongue. I want to say to every person, test God and you will never deny the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
THE SAME OLD WAY
It has been said of the work in Los Angeles that is was "born in a manger and resurrected in a barn." Many are praising God for the old barn-like building on Azusa Street, and the plain old plank beside which they kneeled in the sawdust when God saved, sanctified and baptized them with the Holy Spirit. Those who know God feel His presence as soon as they cross the threshold. "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" "Come and see." This is the Nazareth of Los Angeles. Some have come from long distances to this spot, directed of the Lord, and the humble have always been greatly blessed. The work began among the colored people. God baptized with the Holy Spirit several sanctified wash women, who have been much used of Him. The first white woman to receive the Pentecost and gift of tongues in Los Angeles was Mrs. Evans who is now in the work in Oakland. Since then multitudes have come. God makes no difference in nationality, Ethiopians, Chinese, Indians, Mexicans, and other nationalities worship together.
PENTECOSTAL FAITH LINE
There are a dozen or more Christian workers who are devoting their time to the salvation of souls, having been called of God from other lines of employment to devote their time in praying with the sick, preaching, working with souls at the altar, etc. We believe in the faith line for Christian workers, and no collections are taken. During the four months, meetings have been running constantly, and yet with working day and night and without purse or scrip, the workers have all been kept well and provided with food and raiment. Workers who have received calls to foreign lands are going out, the Lord providing the means with no needs being presented. The ones that give, give as the Lord speaks to them and do not want their names mentioned. It is a poor time in these last days to board up treasures on earth. When the Lord speaks it is a blessing to the obedient, so we covet no man's gold, nor silver, nor apparel.
A sister who was called to Oakland had her faith tested as to her fare, as the time was near and she had not received it. That night she was caught away in the Spirit and when the Lord brought her back, the Words came to her, "If I can carry you around Los Angeles without a body, I can take you to Oakland without a fare." That day she received the money.
FIRE FALLING AT HERMON
Hermon is a small Free Methodist settlement in the hills near Los Angeles. At cottage, prayer meetings being held there, the Holy Spirit has manifested His presence in a marvelous way. The church people stand aloof, but God is overthrowing all opposition.
At a meeting recently held in a cottage near the church, one sister was baptized with the Holy Spirit on the front porch. She lay under the power of God for something like two hours, praising God and speaking in an unknown language.
Two nights afterward, at another cottage prayer meeting, the house was filled to overflowing with people. The meeting lasted until one o'clock in the morning. Five were baptized with the Holy Spirit and three were sanctified. Two sisters lay under the power of God until after one o'clock, speaking and singing in unknown tongues. The singing could be heard over the hills. This is stirring the people, and God is going to work wonders in this place. He recognizes no man-made creeds, doctrines, nor classes of people, but "the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land."
CONTEND FOR THE FAITH
It is our privilege to earnestly contend for the power of the early apostolic church, so that men would be instantaneously healed and baptized with the Holy Spirit. The power of God is going to fall on men in this city. He wants people that will believe in Him and exercise the faith. Faith moves God, that is one thing that makes God get in a hurry, when he can get the faith. When they put Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail, they went joyfully. They sang and prayed and at midnight God heard their prayers in heaven and shook the earth until doors flew open. The jailer trembled and was going to take his life. He fell under conviction, and what happened? They all were saved. I believe those men had faith in God. When they called upon God, something happened. When are we going to get that perfect faith? The Lord is just preparing His people now for the work He is going to do. We have been a long ways from it. The devil does not like to see us getting back, but God is going to overrule.
THE MILLENNIUM
All these 6,000 years, we have been fighting against sin and Satan. Soon we shall have a rest of 1,000 years. We are going to rest from our 6,000 years of toil in a reign of 1,000 years. That will be the millennial age (Jude 14:15). The saints who have part in the first resurrection will return with Jesus and reign over unglorified humanity (Revelation 20:4). Our place will be higher than that of the angels, because we are partakers of His divine nature and His immortality, and angels are simply pure spirits. We can go and come, just as Jesus did when He rose from the dead. We can vanish out of sight and go millions of miles in a second. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might know, "What is the exceeding greatness of His Power to us ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power that he wrought in Christ when he raised Him from the dead." We shall be "like unto His glorious body." (Phil. 3:21). We shall have the same privilege as He had, for "we shall be like him." We shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of our Father. We shall be in the heavenly image.
That is the time when the lion and calf shall lie down together and a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6-9). That is the time when God is going to give some two cities to reign over, some ten, and the twelve apostles will reign over the twelve tribes of Israel.
In the millennial age, we shall have great glory; but it will be still greater glory when Satan has been judged and cast into the lake of fire; and the meek, the justified souls, shall inherit the earth. We shall be living in the new heaven and the New Jerusalem. Jesus will turn the kingdom over into His Father's hand and sit down among the brethren. We shall have the same glory that Jesus had with His Father before the foundation of the world. God will be everything, and we shall be swallowed up in immortality (1 Corinthians 15:24).
It is wonderful how God sent His Son to take little worms of dust and to transform us into glory and immortality. We do not know what it means until we begin seeking God. "He that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself even as he is pure." We must go on to perfection and holiness, and get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and not stop there, but go on to perfection and maturity. God has many things to teach us, as we remain humble at His feet.
On August 11th, a man from the central part of Mexico, an Indian, was present in the meeting and heard a German sister speaking in his tongue which the Lord had given her. He understood, and through the message that God gave him through her, he was most happily converted so that he could hardly contain his joy. All the English he knew was Jesus Christ and Hallelujah. He testified in his native language that was interpreted by a man who had been among that tribe of Indians. This rough Indian, under the power of the Spirit was led to go and lay his hands on a woman in the congregation who was suffering from consumption, and she was instantly healed and arose and testified.
THE SPIRIT FOLLOWS THE BLOOD
Jesus said, "Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you." The cleansing took place before the Pentecostal baptism. Jesus said on that night before he was betrayed, "Now are ye clean, but not all." (He knew that Judas had the devil in him). The disciples had been sanctified before Pentecost, for the Word of God is true. We know they had been justified a long time before, for he said, "Rejoice not that the devils are subject unto you but rejoice because your names are written in heaven." We know they were sanctified when Jesus prayed for them, for Jesus' prayers did not have to be answered in the future, but were answered right there. He said, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." They were not only sanctified but had received the Holy Spirit in a certain measure, because He breathed on them in the upper room and said, "Receive ye the Holy Spirit." Some have put it off that they were not sanctified until Pentecost. We know the Spirit only follows the Blood. The heart must be clean before the Holy Spirit can endue with power from on high. It is not the work of the Holy Spirit to burn up inherited sin and carnality; he is not our Savior. The Blood cleanseth us from all sin. The disciples were cleansed and sanctified and were sitting and waiting when the Holy Spirit fell upon them.
We know also that Cornelius was clean, for when the Lord let down the sheet before Peter, he said, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common," or unclean. The Holy Spirit fell on them as at the beginning and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
THE PROMISE STILL GOOD
The hundred and twenty on the day of Pentecost were baptized with the Holy Spirit according to promise. The converts of Philip in the Samaritan revival were baptized with the Holy Spirit, when Peter and John came from Jerusalem and preached the doctrine to them. The household of Cornelius received the same endowment of power, showing that the promise was also extended to the Gentiles. Again, to the Corinthian church the record is given of the fulfillment of the promise. That the Apostolic church had wonderful power is evidenced by its remarkable growth, as well as by the record of the Word. We have the promise of the same power today. What about the fulfillment of that promise?
However, did not Paul prophesy that these things should be done away? Let us see. 1 Corinthians 13:8 'Charity never faileth: Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. Sometimes, not stopping to find out when this shall be, we jump at the conclusion that these things have been done away. We have only to read the next two verses to be set clear. "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." Paul knew only in part, and prophesied in part, and spoke in tongues only in part; but when that which is perfect is come, then the knowledge, prophecy, and tongues of Paul shall be done away. If they are to be done away on that great and notable day of the Lord, they must be in existence when He shall come. Divine love never faileth. When He returns these other things shall fail. God's promises must last until by God's own word they are withdrawn.
At the beginning of the Eighteenth century, among the French Protestants, there were wonderful manifestations of the Spirit power accompanied by the Gift of Tongues. The early Quakers received the same powerful religious stimulus and had the Gift of Tongues. The Irvingite church, about 1830, had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and spoke in other tongues. In the Swedish revival in 1841-43, there were the same manifestations of the Spirit and the Gift of Tongues. In the Irish revival of 1859, there is the record of the power of the Spirit in winning souls and the speaking in tongues by Spirit filled men and women (For the above facts, my authority is Bishop Hurst's History of the Christian Church, Vol. 1). Bishop Taylor left the record that he took a young woman to labor among a certain tribe in Africa, and left her preaching through an interpreter; but returned two months later and found her preaching fluently in the native language, without having learned it.
A drunkard got under conviction in a street meeting, and raised his hand to be prayed for. They prayed for the devil of drink to be cast out, and the appetite was gone. He came to the meeting and was saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and in three days from the time he was drunk he was speaking in a new tongue and praising God for Pentecost. He hardly knows himself.
A sister was healed of consumption when she had but a part of a lung left. She lay in a trance for three days and saw heaven, hell, and unutterable things. She received the Pentecost and gift of tongues and feels called to a foreign land.
The preaching of old time restitution is owned of the Lord. People have been paying up old debts, making wrongs right, getting hard feelings out of the way, etc. One was saved from drink, and he confessed to his crimes, offering to pay the penalty of the law. People living in adultery or where one party had a living husband or wife have separated, and God is wonderfully pouring out His Spirit on this line of things.
EXPERIENCE IN TRUSTING GOD FOR NEEDS
The first time I was out of wood after the Lord had shown me to trust Him, I asked the Lord for wood and the wood did not come. The Lord had shown me that I could not ask for flour until it was gone. I went down into the basement that morning and found some hard knots that had been laid aside and had enough wood for that day. The next morning I asked the Lord for wood. The wood did not come. I picked up enough chunks and chips to do that day.
The next morning, I went to the Lord and said, "Father, there are no more chunks and chips, we are out of wood. Send the wood." I went down to the city and forgot all about it. Did not think of it, until I returned home, and my daughter said, "Papa, who brought the wood?" I told her that "she need not trouble, the Lord would send it." However, she said, "Some man brought wood, who was he that you sent it by?" I thought she was joking, but she said, "Look in the box and in the basement." I went down and found a large load of wood already for the stove and just the length that we used in our stove.
I did not know for some time who brought the wood; but one day when holding meetings in South Seattle, a man invited me home with him, and while at dinner he said, "I want to tell you something that happened to me. I was crossing the bridge with a load of wood. My wife had written out a bill of some things that we had to have, and I needed feed for my horses. I was taking this load of wood in to get the groceries and feed. While out on the bridge and no one near me, an audible voice said behind me and just above me, 'Take this wood to McConnell.' I looked around me and there was no one near me. I said, 'I cannot take this wood to McConnell, I have got to have the groceries and feed,' and drove on. The voice said again, 'Take this wood to TW McConnell.' I said, 'How can I take this wood to McConnell; I must have these groceries and feed for my horses.' The third time the voice spoke, and so strong that it scared me, and I answered, 'Well, I will,' for I believed it was the Lord talking. There was no one about.
"I went and made inquiry, finally looked in the directory and found where you lived. I drove to the house and unloaded the wood, then drove back home as quickly as I could, loaded up some wood that I had and drove back to town, sold my wood as soon as I reached town, and got my feed and groceries. From that time I have prospered as never before."
FIRE FALLING AT OAKLAND
A band of workers left Los Angeles for Oakland. All are baptized with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues. They are Brother GW Evans and wife, Sister Crawford, Brother Johnson, Louise Condit and Brother Manley, editor of the Household of God. Brother Manley had come down from Oakland especially to see the movement but did not receive his Pentecost until after he returned. Reports brought back by Brother Evans are that hundreds have been at the altar, many converted, sanctified, and healed, and thirty have received their Pentecost and are speaking in tongues. Praise God! The saints of Los Angeles rejoice to hear the good report.
A man visited saying, "I have been afflicted with paralysis eighteen long years, if you can do anything, will you lay your hands on me? Before he was prayed for, he called a physician to be a witness. The Lord relieved the man of his distress in the presence of the physician.
A minister in the city was raised up after eight years of suffering.
A man who was deaf and said he had not been able to hear for half his life was prayed for. God instantly gave him his hearing, when he was anointed and prayed for. He was a practicing physician in Oakland. He weighs between three and four hundred pounds. The Lord dropped him on the floor and gave him the Pentecost.
THE LORD SENDS HIM
A Pentecostal missionary has left for foreign lands, Brother Thomas. P. Mahler, a young man of German nationality, has the gift of tongues besides the knowledge of several. He left here for San Bernardino. He may go by way of Alaska, Russia, Norway, and Germany and to his destination in Africa. As our brother was leaving, Brother Post spoke of his call and gave a message in tongues in regard to Brother Mahler which he interpreted as follows: "I have anointed this dear one with my Spirit. He is a chosen vessel to me to preach the Gospel to many, and to suffer martyrdom in Africa." We are expecting to hear from our brother reports of God's doings. Our prayers follow him.
ASCENSION ROBES
The secular papers have said, "These people are buying their ascension robes." Now it is not our place to refute any reports, but as this brings up the subject of ascension robes, we do believe in buying them of Jesus, for He said, "Buy of Me raiment." We believe the time of ascension is drawing nigh when "The Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. We which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds." (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). We shall not rise to meet Him in grave clothes or any earthly clothing. We shall leave them behind as Jesus did when he left the tomb. For John saw the linen clothes lying," and Peter following him, "seeth the linen clothes lie and the napkin that was about his head." Yet, Jesus was clothed when the disciples met Him. We will be as well when we are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, clothed in garments not made with hands, fit for the bride of Christ to wear in the courts of Heaven.
The garments that Jesus wore after His resurrection could appear, disappear, and pass through bolted doors and walls. They were none such as are worn on earth. Many who are proud of their clothing here are selling their birthright for a mess of pottage and know not what they are losing. It matters not how poor our clothing may be, the Lord knows those who are ready and all glorious within."
GOOD NEWS FROM DANVILLE, Virginia
Brother and Sister AG Garr, former leaders of the Burning Bush work in Los Angeles, were powerfully baptized with the Holy Spirit and received the gift of tongues, especially the language of India and dialects. Brother Garr was able to pray a native of India "through" in his own language, the Bengali. Sister Garr also spoke Chinese. They left Los Angeles for the East in July going by the way of Chicago, where they met with the Burning Bush leaders, then on to Danville, VA, where they have been preaching to hungry souls. From there, they will go on to India.
In a letter from Brother Garr, we learn that God is honoring His precious Gospel in a marvelous way, reclaiming, sanctifying and filling with the Holy Spirit nearly all the members of the old Burning Bush band. The brother writes that when they spoke in tongues the people had such confidence in their Pentecostal baptism that those who were sick were immediately healed.
TONGUES CONVICT SINNERS
We clip the following from the Apostolic Faith published by Brother Charles. Parham at Baxter, Kansas
"A remarkable incident of God's searching power was recorded in Melrose, Kansas, during a revival which has been held by some of our young people at that place.
"The power of the Holy Spirit was greatly manifested in the meetings by the speaking in unknown tongues. This was much criticized by the town and vicinity, so the principal physician, who was familiar with several different languages, was prevailed upon to go to the meetings in order to denounce the whole as a fake. Miss Tuthill, in an unknown language to herself, but known to him as Italian, spoke his full name. No one in the town knew save himself, telling him things that had happened in his life twenty years ago, and on up to the present time, until he cried for mercy and fell on his knees seeking God.
"He found full salvation the next day, and is now a believer in 'the Gospel' that Jesus taught, and also in the power of the Holy Spirit that was given unto us to witness to a living Christ. He now says he would rather pray for the sick than give drugs, and is seriously thinking of leaving his profession and going into the Lord's work.
"Many precious souls have been saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit as a result of the preached word under the Spirit's anointing power."
HOLY SPIRIT SINGING
A song in an unknown tongue was interpreted as follows: With one accord, all heaven rings-With praises to our God and King; Let earth join in our song of praise, and ring it out through all the days."
VICTORY FOLLOWS CRUCIFIXION
Think of what hung on that momentous hour that Jesus suffered. No hour in all history has been fraught with such eternal interests. It was a crucial hour and He was a willing offering. He said, "What shall I say, Father save Me from this hour? For this cause came I into this world." There is a crucial hour in every man's and every woman's life. Someone now may be facing their cross, their Gethsemane. Will you say, "Father save me from this hour?" You know the blessing that came when Jesus endured the Cross, despising the shame. Face the hour. God will give you grace for the hour of your opportunity. Some are drawing back. Let us pray, "Lord, save me from drawing back." Our Christ, who went every step of the way, says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." When we get on the resurrection side of the Cross, the glory and victory will be unspeakable.
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JESUS IS COMING
Sister Anna Hall, who came here from Houston, Texas, in response to the call of God, is now assisting in Los Angeles. The Lord led her into the Pentecostal Baptism and gift of tongues without her hearing the truth except from the Word. She related the following wonderful vision and revelation.
A few weeks ago, as we were in our campmeeting, the first night we called our altar service there were 100 at the altar seeking God, and a strange power came into my being that I had felt once before when God wanted to reveal something to me. I have learned that it pays to be quiet before the Lord. I went home to my daughter's house and prepared for bed. Just as the gray dawn began to appear, I waked as if someone had touched my shoulder, and felt the same power. I heard the beautiful warbling of a bird and thought it was a mocking bird which one might hear there. No, it seemed away down in my soul. As that beautiful bird began to sing, I saw a little infant face right before my eyes. As the song of the bird began to ripple, it began to sound like water running over pebbles. It increased until it sounded like many waters, and the face enlarged until it was a full-grown face. I said, "Surely this is a messenger from the holy country." The voice answered. "Yes and I have come to tell you that Jesus is coming. Go forward in My name; preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, for the King's business demands haste. My people have only time to get on the beautiful garments, and prepare for the wedding supper in the Heavens." Dear ones, have you got on the beautiful robes of righteousness? I said, "Lord, reveal unto me what this means, the singing of the bird and rippling of the waters." God spoke to me, "The singing of the beautiful bird and the baby face was the proclamation of the first coming into the world; and the voice of many waters is the proclamation of Jesus Christ that is soon coming."
Repeat and believe the Gospel, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
DIVINELY HEALED
Brother JA Warren of Houston, Texas relates his experience as follows: "I had suffered two years from chills and fever and could never get rid of them. I was down with them, when it was told to me that the Lord would heal us and wanted to do it without the help of medicine, so I made up my mind that I would not have another chill; that the Lord would heal me. My chill was to come on about seven o'clock in the morning. It started to come and I was about to call my people to put more cover over me, when I thought how I had taken the Lord for my healer. I got up and dressed and would not let the devil bring a chill on me, but prepared for breakfast. When the ice wagon came along and my little grandchild called my attention to it, I started to say, "No, I will not take ice for this is my chill day." (I was in the habit of taking ice only on the day I had a fever). Then I stopped myself and said, "Yes, I will take ice," and I drank ice water all day. I was healed and in two months had gained about twenty-five pounds in flesh."
RUSSIANS HEAR IN THEIR OWN TONGUE
Different nationalities are now hearing the Gospel in their own "tongue wherein they were born." Sister Anna Hall spoke to the Russians in their church in Los Angeles, in their own language as the Spirit gave utterance. They were so glad to hear the truth that they wept and even kissed her hands. They are a very simple, pure, and hungry people for the Full Gospel. The other night, as a company of Russians was present in the meeting, Brother Lee, a converted Catholic, was permitted to speak their language. As he spoke and sang, one of the Russians came up and embraced him. It was a holy sight, the Spirit fell upon the Russians, as well as on others, and they glorified God.
A baptismal service was held at Terminal Island, one of the beaches near Los Angeles. One hundred and six persons were baptized in the ocean. About 500 people went down from Los Angeles and spent the day. A number of extra cars were filled and such a singing, shouting, joyful company Terminal Island never saw before. The day was spent in services of worship and the baptismal service. Brother Seymour performed the baptismal services. All were immersed.
Monrovia, Pasadena, San Pedro, Sawtelle, and Whittier are places about Los Angeles that are catching the Pentecostal fire. Elysian Heights and Hermon, suburbs of Los Angeles have cottage prayer meetings where souls are being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Two Holiness churches, one in Los Angeles and one in Monrovia have caught the fire, the ministers and several of the congregation having received the Pentecost and are speaking with tongues. The Burning Bush workers in Los Angeles came into the movement in a body and numbers of the different missions and the New Testament and Nazarene people are being filled with the Spirit and carrying the blessed light to other hungry souls. It is not our desire to tear down churches but to make new churches out of old ones. We pray God to send the Pentecost to every church.
THE LORD LEADS
We earnestly invoke God to manage the publication of this sheet and He is editor-in-chief and business manager. We publish it with the clear leading of the Lord. Hundreds of workers and missionaries will be represented in it. We wish no human writer to receive any honor but that it might be all to the glory of God, and that it may voice the power and presence of Almighty God who is moving on the people in Los Angeles and over the world. We start with not a cent in sight, but in the little upper room office above the mission on Azusa Street, we dropped on our knees and asked Him to send the means to publish the paper. In a short time, the money began to be sent in. No debt will be incurred. The paper will only be published as the money comes in advance.
MESSAGE FROM GOD
A message that was given in tongues for God's people was this, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God." He is now about to move on the world in a mighty wave of Pentecostal power and salvation. A sister had a vision of God's people as vessels that were full and the Lord said, "The vessels must be emptied and I will fill them."
ARRESTED FOR JESUS' SAKE
A brother who has been baptized with the Holy Spirit was arrested because of the disturbance that the preaching of the Gospel created among the people who crowded about the tent in Pasadena. As he stood to answer the accusation of disturbing the peace, another brother says he saw an angel standing by his side. He was released. The Lord has been doing great things in that place and we expect greater things.
Some workers were preaching on the street corner in Los Angeles and a poor drunkard had just been saved, when a policeman came up and ordered them to stop, and took two of them off to jail. The sister sang all the way to the jail, shouted, and prayed while they were there. They soon were anxious to get rid of them and let them go. Meantime the other workers returned to the mission and told how the workers had been arrested and they all went to the altar and prayed and rose praising God; and soon in walked the ones who had been arrested. We are ready not only to go to prison, but to give our lives for Jesus.
MISSIONARIES TO JERUSALEM
A band of three missionaries, Brother Andrew Johnson and Sisters Louise Condit and Lucy M. Leatherman, who have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and received the gift of languages, have left for Jerusalem, going by way of Oakland, leaving there August 10th. Reports came of meetings on the way that four souls received the Pentecost in Colorado Springs and three in Denver.
Brother Johnson has received seven different languages, one of which is the Arabic. Sister Leatherman speaks the Turkish language, and while in Oakland, some were talking on the street about the gift of tongues. Sister Leatherman began to speak just as a man wearing the Turkish fez came by. He listened in wonder and asked what college she had attended. He said that she spoke perfect Turkish tongue, as he had heard spoken by a foreigner. He was an educated man from a Turkish college in Constantinople. She told him the Holy Spirit gave her the language which she did not understand herself and he was the first person that had interpreted for her.
When we leave the Blood out, Satan has power to switch us into fanaticism, but no powers out of hell are able to make their way through the Blood.
This is a worldwide revival, the last Pentecostal revival to bring our Jesus. The church is taking her last march to meet her beloved.
Brother John Matthews, a minister of San Luis Obispo, writes that himself and little flock are in harmony with the Los Angeles revival and waiting on the Lord for Pentecost to come that way.
A returned missionary from the interior of Africa was present in the meeting, when a sister testified in an African tongue which the brother interpreted to be, "The Lord is my husband."
A band of four Spirit baptized workers left for Arizona. We hardly know people's names in this movement and have failed to get these names. We hope to have a report from them.
"He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." We took that to mean sanctification, but since we have received the Pentecost, we see what the rivers of living water mean. It is the Lord preaching His own sermons, singing His own songs, and prophesying.
"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: For he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain and the latter rain the first month." Joel 2:23. He gave the former rain moderately at Pentecost, and He is going to send upon us in these last days the former and latter rain. There are greater things to be done in these last days of the Holy Spirit.
CHAPTER TWO
The Promised Latter Rain Now Being Poured Out on God's Humble People
All along the ages, men have been preaching a partial Gospel. A part of the Gospel remained when the world went into the dark ages. God has from time to time raised up men to bring back the truth to the church. He raised up Luther to bring back to the world the doctrine of justification by faith. He raised up another reformer in John Wesley to establish Bible Holiness in the church. Then he raised up Dr. Cullis who brought back to the world the wonderful doctrine of divine healing. Now He is bringing back the Pentecostal Baptism to the church.
God laid His hand on a little crippled boy seven years of age, healed him of disease, and made him whole except his ankles, causing him to walk on the sides of them. When he was fourteen years of age, he had been sent to college and God had called him to preach. One day as he was sitting reading his Bible, a man came for him to go and hold a meeting. He began to say to the Lord: "Father, if I go to that place, it will be necessary for me to walk here and yonder, just put strength into these ankle joints of mine." Immediately he was made whole and leaped and praised God, like the man at the Beautiful Gate. He has since been in evangelistic work all over the United States, seeing multitudes saved, sanctified and healed.
Five years ago, God put it into this man's heart (Brother Charles Parham) to go over to Topeka, Kansas, to educate missionaries to carry the Gospel. It was a faith school and the Bible was the only textbook. The students had gathered there without tuition or board, God sending in the means to carry on the work. Most of the students had been religious workers and said they had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit a number of years ago. Brother Parham became convinced that no religious school tallied up with the second chapter of Acts. Just before the first of January 1901, the Bible School began to study the word on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit to discover the Bible evidence of the Baptism that they might obtain it.
The students kept up continual prayer in the praying tower. A company would go up and stay three hours, and then another company would go up and wait on God, praying that all the promises of the Word might be wrought out in their lives.
On New Year's night, Miss Agnes N. Ozman, one who had for years "the anointing that abideth," which she mistook for the Baptism, was convinced of the need of a personal Pentecost. A few minutes before midnight, she desired hands laid on her that she might receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. During prayer and invocation of hands, she was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance.
This made all hungry. Scarcely eating or sleeping, the school with one accord waited on God. On the 3rd of January 1901, Brother Parham being absent holding a meeting at the time, while they all waited on God to send the Baptism of the Spirit, suddenly twelve students were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongue. When Brother Parham returned and opened the door of the room where they were gathered, a wonderful sight met his eyes. The whole room was filled with a white sheen of light that could not be described, and twelve of the students were on their feet talking in different languages.
He said they seemed to pay no attention at all to him, and he knelt in one corner and said, "O, God, what does this mean?" The Lord said, "Are you able to stand for the experience in the face of persecution and howling mobs?" He said, "Yes, Lord, if you will give me the Experience, for the laborer must first be partaker of the fruits." Instantly the Lord took his vocal organs, and he was preaching the Word in another language.
This man has preached in different languages over the United States, and men and women of that nationality have come to the altar and sought God. He was surely raised up of God to be an apostle of the doctrine of Pentecost.
This Pentecostal Gospel has been spreading ever since, but on the Pacific coast it has burst out in great power and is being carried from here over the world. We are expecting Brother Parham to visit Los Angeles in a few days and for a mightier tide of salvation to break out.
FIRE STILL FALLING.
The waves of Pentecostal salvation are still rolling in at Azusa Street Mission. From morning until late at night the meetings continue with about three altar services a day. We have made no record of souls saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit, but a brother said last week he counted about fifty in all that had been baptized with the Holy Spirit during the week. Then at Eighth Street and Maple Avenue, the People's church, Monrovia, Whittier, Hermon, Sawtelle, Pasadena, Elysian Heights, and other places the work is going on and souls are coming through amid great rejoicing.
Four of the Holiness preachers have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. One of them, Brother William Pendleton, with his congregation, being turned out of the church, is holding meetings at Eighth Street and Maple Avenue. There is a heavenly atmosphere there. The altar is filled with seekers; people are slain under the power of God, and rising in a life baptized with the Holy Spirit.
The fire is spreading. People are writing from different points to know about this Pentecost, and are beginning to wait on God for their Pentecost. He is no respecter of persons and places. We expect to see a wave of salvation go over this world. While this work has been going on for five years, it has burst out in great power on this coast. There is power in the full Gospel. Nothing can quench it.
Missionaries for the foreign fields, equipped with several languages, are now on their way and others are only waiting for the way to open and for the Lord to say: "Go." We are on our faces before God. Let a volume of prayer go up from all the Lord's people. Awake! Awake! There is but time to dress and be ready, for the cry will soon go forth. "The Bridegroom cometh."
Eight missionaries have started to the foreign field since this movement began a Los Angeles a few months ago. About thirty workers have gone out into the field.
The brother at Elysian Heights, who received his eyesight after being blind for a year and a half, is a living witness of the power of God. Since that he has been sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit and his wife has been saved.
In the City of Oakland, during the five weeks that the band from Los Angeles was there, Brother and Sister Evans and Sister Florence Crawford, sixty-five souls received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and thirty were sanctified and nineteen converted.
A man who was twice in the insane asylum, an infidel that had been going from place to place denying the name of Jesus Christ, is now saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and working to win others.
Sometimes, among officers of the law, we find a keen judgment concerning genuine or spurious religion. In Pasadena, where the Lord was working in power some months ago, the chief of police made the remark: "I would not give much for a meeting that did not have a shout in it."
Sister Lizzie Frazer of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was one of those who received the gift of tongues when the Palestine Missionary band passed through there. She writes that she expects to go to India with a band of missionaries next month. The Lord has given her wonderful equipment.
Mrs. J. Kring was healed of cancer of the lungs on August 8, after the doctor had given her up. One lung was entirely closed up. When she was prayed for, the Lord immediately touched her body and healed her. She shouted for an hour with strong lungs, and is the happiest woman you ever saw.
A mother brought her son to the Mission to be healed of epileptic fits. He is about twenty-one years old and has been suffering for years, like the boy that was brought to Jesus that the devil had often caused to fall into the fire and into the water. The boy was so wrecked in mind and body that he was in a semi-conscious condition. Brother Batman, who is called to Africa, prayed for him, asking the Lord to cast the demon power out of him and give complete healing. The boy raised up from the floor and witnessed that the work was done and went home rejoicing.
A brother living in the east had been down sick for quite a while and sent a handkerchief to be blessed as in Bible times. His sister brought it to the Mission, praying for the Lord to show her to whom she was to give it, and the Lord showed her to give it to Sister Sallie Trainor. She immediately took it upstairs and as she knelt before the Lord, the Spirit came upon her in great power and she prayed in tongues, and kissed the handkerchief three times, as the Spirit seemed to lead her. It was sent with a prayer and the brother was immediately healed.
A PORTUGUESE MINISTER RECEIVES HIS PENTECOST
Rev. Adolph Rosa, a Portuguese brother from Cape Verde Islands, was baptized with the Holy Spirit in Oakland and is now in Los Angeles preaching the full Gospel. He was a Catholic and his father had expected to have him educated as a Catholic priest; but God had His hand upon him. He came to America, was converted from the power of Romanism and captivity about six years ago in a Portuguese Methodist church in New Bedford, MA, and entered the ministry of the Methodist church as a missionary to the Portuguese in the state of California. He was sanctified about four years ago, and is now conducting Pentecostal offerings in the People's church in Los Angeles.
BROTHER ROSA'S TESTIMONY
When Rev. Evans and his wife and Sister Florence Crawford went to the city of Oakland preaching the full Gospel, I went the first night, not to criticize but to investigate. Many preachers were there to criticize, but when I stepped in, I felt the power of God and could not say that it was the work of the devil, as most of the preachers declared, for I was practically convinced that it was the work of the Holy Spirit. I went home, began to study my Bible, and went to God in prayer to reveal to me if these people were really the people of God. He revealed to me in the attitude of my supplication that they were preaching exactly what the disciples of old preached. I was convinced that every minister of the Gospel should receive the same Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire that the disciples received on the day of Pentecost, before they are prepared to preach the Gospel. I was teaching that when we receive sanctification, we receive the Holy Spirit, as most of the preachers are teaching. As I went to my Bible with the spirit of prayer, God revealed to me that the disciples were justified before Christ ascended: but they never were baptized with the Holy Spirit until the day of Pentecost.
The second day that I went to the meeting, the Lord put a real hunger in my soul to go forward. However, I was too proud as a minister of the Gospel to humble myself in a lowly mission and let women pray over me for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I had in my mind what people would think of me. I at the third day, as I arose to testify in the audience, the only words I could say were: "What does God think of me?" Then I could only weep for some minutes and the power of God came upon me until I dropped to the floor. I was under the power of God for about an hour and a half, and it was there that all pride, and self, and conceit disappeared, and I was really dead to the world, for I had Christ within in His fullness. I was baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke in a new tongue.
I praise God for the light, and now I am walking in it. The desire of my heart is to see every man and woman that preaches the Gospel of Christ, baptized with the Holy Spirit, for without the Holy Spirit it is almost impossible for us to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and the judgment.
GET INTO THE CORNFIELD
"It is an awful hard thing to get a Holiness preacher that has been indoctrinate for years to see that he has not received his Pentecost. I have been preaching for twenty years and never preached anything but a full salvation. To get a fellow that has been preaching twenty years to see that he has not received the Baptism, when he has been preaching all the time that he has it, and then to get him to turn seeker, is a hard job. I tell you it means he must get pretty near the end of himself.
"The time has come, in the full blaze of Pentecost, that if you do not walk in the light, you will become a dry chip. Bless God, I humbled myself. On the 10th day of July, the Lord gave me the evidence of the Pentecost. It took me three weeks, searching the Word, from Genesis to Revelation to see that these things were so. Any fellow that will get down on his knees and pray through and read through will find that the Holy Spirit only falls on a clean temple. You must give over and let God have His way.
"So many folks remind me of the hog that was trying to get into a big cornfield. There was a big, hollow, crooked log in the fence, laid in such a way that both ends of the log were on the same side of the fence. The hog would go into one end of the log expecting that he would get into the cornfield. He would go in, come out, and look all around to see how it was that he was not in the cornfield. There are many folks today just in that place. They crawl through a hollow log of experience and never get anything. Bless God, I would hunt the way. Jesus said, 'I am the Way.' Get into the cornfield. Hunt for the wicket gate and you will get in. Hallelujah! I am in the cornfield."
The above is the testimony of Brother Hill, a Nazarene preacher. He and his wife have both received their personal Pentecost and Bible evidence.
TESTIMONIES OF OUTGOING MISSIONARIES
A company of three missionaries left Los Angeles September 13, and are en route for the west coast of Africa. Sister Hutchins has been preaching the Gospel in the power of the Spirit. She has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of the Uganda language, the language of the people to whom she is sent. A brother who has been in that country understands and has interpreted the language she speaks. Her husband is with her and her niece, who also has been given the African language.
SISTER HUTCHINS' TESTIMONY
I was justified on July 4, 1901, and at that time, I felt that the Lord wanted me in Africa, but I was not then at all willing to go. On July 28, 1903, the Lord sanctified me. Before He sanctified me, He asked me if I would go to Africa. I promised Him I would. From that time on, I have felt the call to Africa, and have been willing to go at any moment, but not knowing just when the Lord would have me leave.
On the sixth of last month, while out in my back yard one afternoon, I heard a voice speaking to me these words: "On the 15th day of September, take your husband and baby and start out for Africa." I looked around and about me to see if there was not someone speaking to me, but I did not see anyone, and I soon recognized that it was the voice of God. I looked up into the heavens and said, "Lord, I will obey." Since then, I have had many tests and temptations from the devil. He has at times told me that I would not even live to see September 15, but I never once doubted God. I knew that He was able to bring everything to pass that He told me to do.
After hearing the voice telling me to leave Los Angeles on the 15th, I went to one of my neighbors and testified to her that the Lord had told me to leave for Africa on September 15. She looked at me with a smile. I asked her what she was smiling about. She said, "Because you have not got street car fare to go to Azusa Street Mission tonight, and talking about going to Africa." I told her I was trusting in a God that could bring all things to pass that He wanted us to do. He has really supplied all my needs in every way, for the work where He has called me.
I want to testify also about my husband. He was a backslider, and the devil tested me, saying: "You are going out to cast the devil out of others, and going to take a devil with you." My husband was not saved, but I held on to God and said, "Lord, I will obey."
I continued to testify and to make preparations to leave on the 15th. The Lord reclaimed my husband, sanctified him wholly, and put the glory and the shout in him. Now, it is my time to laugh. The devil has oppressed and mocked me; but praise the Lord, now I can mock him. Glory to God!
It is now ten minutes to four o'clock in the afternoon on the 15th day of September. I am all ready and down to the Mission with my ticket and everything prepared, waiting to have hands laid on and the prayers of the saints, and expect to leave at eight o'clock from the Santa Fe station en route for Africa. We expect to go to Mt. Coffee, Monrovia, Liberia.
Feeling the need of a real companion in the Gospel that was out and out for God, I prayed to God that He might give me one to go with me. I had my eyes upon one that I wanted to go, but in prayer and humility before God, I found out it was not the one the Lord wanted to go. I said, "Anyone, Lord, that you would have to go will be pleasing to me." To my surprise, He gave me my niece, a girl that I had raised from a child. Now she is nineteen years of age, is saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and is going with me out into the work of the Lord. Therefore, instead of giving me one companion, He gave me two: my niece and my husband.
Our first stop will be Chattanooga, Tennessee, Harge Row. I want the prayers of the saints that I may stay humble.
Mrs. JW Hutchins; Mt. Coffee, Monrovia, Liberia, Africa
A GIRL'S CONSECRATION FOR AFRICA
I am saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit and have the Bible evidence. The Lord showed me that the language I spoke was the language of Africa. My aunt, who has been the same as a mother to me, was going to Africa. I asked the Lord if He wanted me to go, to open a way for me, and the next morning He opened the way for me. I did not have the means and He gave me the fare and supplied all my needs. I am willing to trust Him through to Africa. I know the Lord wants me to go there. I want to testify to those people and teach the children about the blessed Lord, and to work for the Lord. I am willing to forsake all my loved ones for His sake. I want the saints to pray for me for I am young in the Lord.
Leila McKinney
THE ELDER BROTHER
" He was angry and would not go in" (Luke 15:28).
The prodigal son had returned amid great rejoicing to his father's house. There was music and dancing, and perhaps the whole neighborhood was stirred up and came out to see what was happening. "Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." When heaven rejoices, if we are connected up properly, we will catch the refrain and join in.
Father has certainly opened His house on Azusa Street for the return of the prodigals. They are coming in from the north, south, east and west. The fatted calf is daily being killed, and the fine new garments of praise and salvation are being handed out to the poor prodigals who are so lean and weary, and covered with filth and rags. Praise His name!
This causes great rejoicing among Father's servants and such scenes as the weeping prodigal, the Father's kiss of peace, the loving welcome, the whole household welcoming the prodigal, arraying him in the best robe and ring of authority, killing the fatted calf. Sweet strains of heavenly music are being repeated every day and often run far into the night. People that have been good, pious church members for years, and have been noted for their sobriety and level-headedness, are attracted by these things. If they are honest before God, they soon realize that Father is furnishing the music and singing, and supplying the wine of the feast. As the table is spread so freely, they take a small drink of the "new wine." Immediately their eyes begin to light up and heavenly illumination comes into their faces. The prodigal has entered justification, and sanctification, and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. They have never seen it on this fashion before, but they find it all on the table and all from heaven so they are soon "filled with the Spirit" and begin to speak and sing with new tongues, as the Spirit gives utterance. Business cares are forgotten, while they enjoy the feast.
There was one discordant voice in the parable, as told by Jesus. It was the elder brother's. He is here also. The father called him "son," and he was "in the field." We do not read, however, that he was doing any work. It simply states that he was in the field. He may have worn a long-tailed coat and white necktie and walked around and gave orders. If he had been hard at work all day plowing with a deep plow, with his father's interests at heart, would he not have rejoiced with the household at his brother's return?
Yes, the elder brother is angry and will not come in to the feast. He sits on the fence and finds fault, saying that the "new tongues" and other gifts that Father is handing out to His children are of the devil. He says, "It is spiritualism, hypnotism, and the rankest kind of fanaticism." Father has gone out to him several times, and continues to entreat him to come in. He says that he has not worn gold nor costly array, neither has a feather been seen in his hat, "Lo, these many years," yet he has had no fatted calf killed for him. He does not drink tea, nor coffee, nor eat hog meat; neither does a necktie adorn his shirt. He has done many wonderful works, but here are the drunkard and harlot entering the kingdom before him. He does not understand it and has not recognized his brother as any kin to him. We are praying that he will soften his heart and come in before it is too late. In the meantime, the rejoicing goes on. Father hands out the clean, white raiment, and spreads a feast of fat things. The new wine of the kingdom never runs out, and peace, joy, and heavenly music are flowing like a river, until the sound is heard over the whole land.
TESTIMONY AND PROPHECY
[The following was written down from the lips of a sister, who is unlearned and works and washing and ironing for a living. Sue received the gift of prophecy ten years ago, and though she is not learned in books or affairs of the world, she has been foretelling great events, and her prophecy accord with the Scriptures.]
Years ago there was a Jew holding meetings in Pasadena, and he invited them to come up and receive the Holy Spirit. I had a little baby in my arms and could not get to the altar, but knelt in the aisle. I did not get anything, but I went home and washed my baby and put him to bed, and got down on my knees and said, "Dear Lord, please give me the Holy Spirit, if there is such a thing as the Holy Spirit. Give me what you would like for me to have." that night He called me and anointed me with the Holy Spirit. It was just like an outpouring rain from heaven, and the next day it seemed I was nothing but a feather walking around. He told me I should see, hear and know the wonderful things that should happen, before they occurred.
He told me the Japanese would win against the Russians, and showed me these things before a gun was fired. He said, "The Japanese will win, because the Russians started the war, and they shall die in their own blood and stampede one another." He said, "They wanted blood and they shall have blood to their heart's content."
LABOR AGAINST CAPITAL
The Lord says. "The time is coming when the poor will be oppressed and the Christians can neither buy nor sell, unless they have 'the mark of the beast.'" Then He says: "The time will come when the poor man will say that he has nothing to eat and work will be shut down. The rich man will go and buy up all the sugar, tea, coffee, etc., and hold it in his store, and we cannot get it unless we have the mark of the beast."
"That is going to cause the poor man to go to these places and break in to get food. This will cause the rich man to come out with his gun to make war with the laboring man. They will cause blood to be spilt in the street as it never was before." I saw the blood ankle deep, and they were holding to the horse's bridles with the right hand and cutting and slashing right and left with their swords. The Lord said the blood would be in the streets like an outpouring rain from heaven. He says all these unions are bringing the sword to their own head, to cut their own heads off (I had never heard of unions before the Lord showed me this and I asked my husband what 'labor against capital' meant).
Then He said to me again: "The time is coming when men are going to get desperate and will go into the banks even at noon-time and hew men down, and take out the silver and gold and walk on with it. They will rob the banks in open daytime."
The Lord said the time was coming when men would not regard a man's life any more than that of a dog. Then He says again that there is going to be a war as there never was before. Four nations from the four corners of the earth are coming together for battle, and it is going to be one of the worst wars that ever was in history.
The Lord says: "The time will come when the rich man will bury his silver and gold and return to it no more, and he will floods and pestilence and earthquakes shall weep and howl and his misery shall be great."
EARTHQUAKES
The Lord says that earthquakes will come as they never have before and more often, because of the wickedness of the people. He wants His people to get ready. The only way He can get you ready is to bring disaster. If you do not repent, great many of you will be lost. Not only are earthquakes coming, but death and destruction everywhere. Every day you hear of these things, you are walking into it with your eyes open, and death is overlooking you on the cars and railroads, and in floods and storms.
The Lord says there will be more destruction than there ever has been, because you will not serve God. You will not give God your hearts. He brings these things upon the earth, that you might repent and be drawn nearer to Him. He says wars and floods and pestilence and earthquakes shall come upon us. We must prepare ourselves for it.
The Lord showed me the earthquake in San Francisco just a year before the day it happened. He showed me an earthquake coming to Los Angeles. He showed an eagle flying over Los Angeles and lighting on the highest building, and as it lit, the building began to crumble. I asked the Lord what it meant, and He said, "The eagle means death and the crumbling is an earthquake. There will be a violent shock in the morning and one at night. There will be mangling and tangling with wires, and the street car rails will bend and twist, and the telegraph poles will come down." He showed the mangling of cars and people, and live wires setting fire to the buildings. I asked Him if this was coming to pass, to show it to me again and He showed it to me again. I saw a death angel flying over the city and fire falling on the city. The Lord showed me the land was going to sink and I saw water. Then five weeks after this earthquake, He said that Pasadena would be shaken, and many cities would be destroyed, and Chicago would be one of them.
I fasted two days and asked the Lord when it was coming, and He told me: "It will not come on Sunday," but He did not tell me when it would be. He says: "Be ready and look for it." I believe He will either save us or come and catch us up to heaven. The Lord said to me ten years ago: "If you are faithful, you shall never see death." I said, "Lord, when are you coming?" He said, "Be ready when I come, saith the Lord."
THE REVIVAL IN LOS ANGELES
The Lord showed me that since Brother Seymour came to Los Angeles, there have been more souls converted and sanctified than in all the city of Los Angeles during the last five years. He said there would be more, and they should be as thick as the leaves and twigs on a tree.
Mrs. Mary Galmond 1106 N. Marenge Avenue, Pasadena, CA
THE SECOND CHAPTER OF ACTS
A preacher's wife, who at first opposed Pentecostal truth, went home and read the second chapter of Acts, and while she read, the Spirit fell upon her and she began to speak in tongues. She is a member of the Nazarene church in Vernon. As she was on the way to the church, she met a brother whom she had been instrumental in leading to the Lord. He is a foreigner and as soon as she saw him, she began to pour out her soul in French. He was amazed.
"When did you learn French?"
"What did I say?" she asked.
"You said, "Get ready! Get ready! Jesus is coming soon!"
She went on up to the church, and as they were giving out the Sunday school leaflets she began to speak in tongues again and spoke for some time. They could only listen to this manifestation of the power of God.
AWFUL REALITIES OF HELL
The question is asked: "Do you believe in hell?"
Brother, it makes no difference what you or I believe that does not do away with God's Word. Hell exists in its awful reality, whether you believe it or not, and multitudes are plunging headlong into it. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalms 9:17).
Jesus believed in hell, and warned men to flee from it. Why are the pulpits so silent today? It is because we are in the latter day apostasy. Read the words of Jesus:
"The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity and shall cast them into a furnace of fire, there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:41-42).
"So shall it be in the end of the world, the angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:49-50).
"But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivest thou good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things, but now he is comforted and thou art tormented" (Luke 16:25).
"But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death," or separation from God (Revelation 21:8).
" The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Revelation 20:10).
Beloved, these are the words of Jesus, and when He says "forever and ever" what could be more expressive of eternity?
PENTECOST IN DANVILLE, VIRGINIA
Dear Saints in Los Angeles: God be praised for His power and grace. We are making preparations to go to India as soon as possible. Three of us, with the baby, four in all, will go just as soon as possible, to be on the ocean in the right time.
When we came here from Los Angeles, we found the band to which we had preached while here before, most of them backslidden and fussing among themselves. When they saw that God had really done something wonderful for us, they all came in and began to seek the Lord. Most of them have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and have received the foreign tongue.
One young girl received the Baptism Friday night and she spoke in German. God sent us a German to interpret. He said he could understand everything perfectly. Sister Jennie Eans has also received the German language, and speaks it very fluently.
Sister Garr improves every day in her Tibetan and Chinese. Oh, how I praise God that He ever gave us this wonderful experience of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The folks fall under the power of God, and a great time is on here. The church was packed twice yesterday and the altar was overflowing with seekers. One saved man was sanctified in the afternoon meeting and in the evening meeting received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and magnified God.
A real revival has begun and three Holiness preacher boys have fallen in line. Two of them have received the Baptism and the tongues. The other one is seeking and says he will never stop until he receives it. A good many have received the tongues, we do not know how many.
The sick are being healed. Soon after we arrived, a woman sick with dropsy came to the meeting. She got out of bed to come; had been sick a long time. As she told us how glad she was to see us back in Danville and of her long sick spell, I said, "God will heal you," and took her hand. She immediately shouted that she was healed. I felt the healing power flow into her body. The next day she told us that her limbs were swollen, but that every bit of it was driven out at once. She walked down town and then told her neighbors about the wonderful things the Lord had done for her.
Several have been healed. But, best of all, many are getting the light, and as the Bible opens to us, they rejoice for the precious truths that have been hidden from us for so long by the "traditions of the elders." This is the greatest power I ever saw. Glory to God! I have wanted just this for years, but did not know how to get it. Hallelujah! After all, the great God opened my eyes and let me see the truth, and it liberated me from the bondage of ignorant teachings and the devil in general. I see the Bible now as never before.
Many are tied through fear. Some are afraid of their leaders, some of one another, some are so afraid of the third blessing that they are not quite sure of the second...and so it goes. The world speeds along its way to hell, while the so-called sanctified people are asleep or else arguing that they got it all when they were sanctified. The feebleness of the so-called sanctified is enough to convince any honest soul that they do not have the power. We rejoice daily that we are free from sectarianism. Hallelujah, that God ever showed us that there was a real witness to the Baptism. Why did we not see it sooner?
May God open the eyes of the world, and show the people that He is willing to give them what He gave the disciples on the day of Pentecost.
We are expecting God to give us a good revival in India. Pray for us.
AG Garr and Wife
SERMON FROM A DRESS
The Lord makes His truth so plain that a wayfaring man, though a fool, shall not err therein. You have all seen a dirty dress washed. You never saw a person take a dirty dress and iron it. You never saw them take a dress, wash, and iron it all at once. You never saw a person put on a dress and iron it. You never saw them take a dress, wash, and iron it all at once. You never saw a person put on a dress and iron it.
The dirty dress represents a person in sin. Your righteousness is filthy rags. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." When you get the dress washed, that represents a justified experience. When the dress is washed and on the line, you rejoice because the washing is through.
The clothes need nothing else before they are ready to wear. What do they need? Why, they need to be ironed. You would be ashamed to take the clothes off the line and wear them without ironing. Jesus would be ashamed to present you before the Father if you were not sanctified, but when you are sanctified, He is not ashamed to call you brethren. Christ gave Himself for His church that He might wash it and present it without spot or wrinkle. We must let Him iron out all the wrinkles.
What is next? You take an ironed garment and there is something lacking yet. What is it? Why you need to put it on and wear it. That is no work. The work was done when you washed and ironed it. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is a gift. It is the promise of the Father to the soul that is sanctified. You do not have to repent to get the Holy Spirit, but you must be washed clean and whiter than snow. Now you have nothing to mourn over, but something to rejoice over. You can know you are baptized. The Holy Spirit will cut your tongue loose and let you praise Him in an unknown language. God will not iron a dirty piece. He will take out the spots and then the wrinkles, and after these two weeks, He will baptize you with His gift, the Holy Spirit.
Ophelia Wiley
MARKS OF FANATICISM
Fanatics are marked by harshness towards those who do not fall in line with them, and Jesus is not held up. Eventually the fruits of the flesh appear in a lack of holy living.
We note these things because some honest souls have feared that this Pentecostal movement was fanaticism. We mark some of the features of the meetings that are the opposite of fanaticism. Divine love to all, especially to the church, the body of Christ, of which every justified soul is a member. Humility: This is a humble work in a humble place and we are glad that it is. We humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and constantly search the scriptures to know His whole will and plan. Holy lives: these people are living holy lives, separate from the world, the flesh and the devil, and rescuing other souls to a life of purity and holiness. There is a Holy Spirit shine on the faces of the workers. Is this the work of the devil? Friends, if you profess to know the Spirit of God and do not recognize Him when He comes, there is cause for you to be anxious about you own spiritual condition.
WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS
Brother HM Allen, 3081 E. 6TH Street Los Angeles, who received the gift of tongues, says he wrote down the sounds phonetically and took the standard works on languages and found out what it meant. He says: "I find everything the Holy Spirit speaks to me in the unknown tongues is of profound report. He has not given me liberty to tell all He has shown me in unknown tongues, but they are the most important things that can possibly take our attention, things that are speedily coming on the whole earth. God performed a miracle in speaking to me in unknown tongues. I have taken the dictionary of languages and found out that it was true. It may sound foolish to you to hear people speaking in unknown tongues, but if He speaks only two words they are well worth listening to."
A KNOW-SO SALVATION
If God for Christ's sake has forgiven you your sins, you know it. If you do not know it better than you know anything in this world, you are still in your sins. When you go down in the atonement, in the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are accepted. If you are accepted, and He has given you a clean heart and sanctified your soul, you know it. If you do not know it, the work is not done.
If you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, you know it, and everybody else knows it. You cannot hide that one thing. When you are sanctified, people have to take your testimony and watch your life, but when He comes and covers you over and around and about, people know it. Man may say, it is of the devil and they are drunk, but glory to God, He will shine out Himself, and there is a power back of you that men and women cannot gainsay. It will give you holy boldness to stand up before the world without fear.
SHALL WE REJECT JESUS' LAST WORDS?
Many of the dear Holiness people are rejecting the last words of Jesus in the last chapter of Mark, beginning at the fifteenth verse:
"He said unto them, '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. These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.'"
Why do they reject these verses? The reason is that Dr. Godbey, in his commentary and translation, has left them out. Why did he leave them out? Because they were not in the Sianitic manuscript from which he translates. It was a manuscript found in later years in a mission on Mount Sinai. The man, who found the manuscript, a German by the name of Tischendorf, said that some sheets of it had already been thrown into a receptacle for kindling wood. In this or some other way, a part may have been lost from that manuscript.
However this may be, we feel sure that these are the words of Jesus. The writer herself, being a great admirer of Brother Godbey, was for some time influenced by his views concerning the last words of our Lord as given above. Since being in these Holy Spirit meetings, and hearing these same words given repeatedly by the Spirit in unknown tongues and interpreted, all doubt has been swept away concerning them. Besides, they are proved true before our eyes. We have thrown all doubts to the winds and taken to our hearts the whole word of Jesus. Dear friends, do not let any man riddle your Bible for you or cut out any part of it. You need the whole. Hallelujah for the Word!
PRAYING FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT
We are now hearing from individuals, and companies who are definitely waiting on God for their personal Pentecost. Some have been stimulated in seeking by hearing of God's visitation in Los Angeles. We join hands with all such hungry seekers and meet you at the throne. Some are expecting to come this way. We expect the Lord to speedily prepare such to go out into the field. Calls are coming from every direction for workers who are filled with the Spirit and have the Bible evidence. We are expecting the Lord to send out workers all over the country carrying this Gospel.
Before another issue of this paper, we look for Brother Parham in Los Angeles, a brother who is full of divine love and whom the Lord raised up five years ago to spread this truth. He, with other workers, will hold union revival meetings in Los Angeles and then expects to go on to other towns and cities, and will appoint workers to fill the calls that shall come in. So, begin to pray right away for a revival in your neighborhood or town or city. Perhaps you need one in your own closet or at your family altar first. Nevertheless, expect great things from God. Begin to prepare for a revival and a great and deep revival, too, and believe for it. It may cost you money and it may cost you humbling processes, but prepare for the Lord's coming.
LETTER FROM BRO. JOHNSON
New York City, August, 31st
Peace be unto you. I am, God willing, going to leave New York in a few days for Palestine and Jerusalem. I am going via Gibraltar, Spain. God is working mightily. I would like to say good-bye to you before I leave this land; it may be never to return in this life.
I have been working for my Master all the way along, and God's hand is with me. He has saved a few and many have been blessed. Some have received the Holy Spirit. I give all glory to God for it. Please pray for me. I would like God to send me a brother to help me in Palestine. I am still hungry for more of Jesus. He is so good to me. The Lord has been giving me more freedom and power than I ever had before. I now speak eleven or twelve languages.
Sweet peace and love is in my heart toward every man. Pray that God will keep me humble. I want to use the gifts to the glory of God. Tell Brother Seymour that I am one with him and all the other saints in Los Angeles. I love my dear Brother Seymour so much. He has been a good help to me. May God bless him in his work.
My love is sent to all the saints. I want the whole assembly to pray for me that God may have His whole way with me in this life. My heart goes out for the Jews and every lost soul in this world. God is my refuge and He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Andrew Johnson
Address Care of Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, Gibraltar, Spain.
Sister Florence Crawford says: "There is no spot on earth so dear to me as this place, but I must go out and tell this story. Souls are perishing far and near. The Lord told me yesterday to go into the entire world and preach His Gospel. 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand,' and 'Behold, I come quickly. What He says to me, He says to every baptized soul. He wants us to go out into the highways and hedges and declare this Gospel. He has anointed me to tell the story of Jesus and I can go alone for Jesus is with me. Oh, glory to God!"
PENTECOSTAL SCENES
At Brunner, Texas, in August, the Apostolic Faith people held a wonderful meeting. Fifty, seventy-five, and one hundred seekers at a service crowded the altars for two whole weeks. The sixty-foot altar was doubled half way back, then trebled, until the whole front half of the Tabernacle was occupied with the great altar service. Think of one hundred seekers and twice as many faithful Christians assisting, all praying before God. Glory to His great name! Then see them rise with shining faces and Pentecostal power.
CAME THREE HUNDRED MILES
Some have come long distances to see the Pentecost in Los Angeles. An Armenian brother, who came three hundred miles, said, "I am like the queen of Sheba who went to see the wisdom of Solomon, only when I heard about these meetings, I did not come so far, I came only 300 miles to see if this was true. Now I am well satisfied that I see the wonderful works of God. If the people who have only a few drops from God are crazy, what will happen when the shower comes? The shower follows the drops."
UNITED TO JESUS
Jesus says, "Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me." The Lord showed me that this yoke was the covenant of the New Testament in His Blood, and we put the yoke on when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit. This covenant is a marriage covenant. We are married, not for one day, year, or life, but eternally married. When I got married to my wife, it was settled for this life. So, when I got married to Jesus Christ, it was settled forever. Hallelujah! Jesus and I are united. He baptized me with love.
THE WORK IN VIRGINIA
907 Glasken Street, Portsmouth, VA
We had a glorious meeting last night. It was the sixth night and we have six speaking in tongues. It is wonderful to see how the Lord is working with His believing children, but there is much to be done here. There is a band of saints that do not read the Bible, as saints should. They say the Bible is for unbelievers so they do not read it at all. Oh, for some one to help. Won't you come and help if you can, and as soon as you can?
God is making a short work in the earth today. He is soon coming to earth again. He said we should not get over the cities until the Son of Man should come, so we have not much time to lose. Remember me to all of the saints. Tell them to pray for me much. I can't write to all, so you remember me to all as one. Ask them to pray for the work in Virginia. It is much needed. I don't know how long the Lord is going to keep me here. There is so much to be done.
I did not come through Danville, but I am going there as soon as I can get off from this place. I came through New Orleans and changed cars there, and laid hands on two sick and sowed seed on the way from Houston here.
-Lucy Farrow
A later report is that twenty have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Portsmouth.
CHINESE WANT THE GOSPEL OF THE BIBLE
A dear friend went to China as a surgical missionary, preaching the Gospel and cutting up people. She has been in China eight years and only has a little of the language (Cannot God, who confounded the people at the tower of Babel, and caused all nations at Jerusalem to hear in their own tongue, give a language?) She writes that the Chinese are smart people, and some of them had been reading the Bible and came to her with the open Book, saying, "When you do what your God tells you, then we will believe in your God. Here He says, 'These signs shall follow them that believe: they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover,' and here you come with your knives cutting us up, and with your pill bags. Why don't you do what your God tells you to do?" What do these things mean? They mean that if we go as representatives of our Lord, we must go with the equipment He gives. The heathen want the whole Gospel.
LITTLE CHILDREN RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
A number of children have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. A sister at Hermon has been holding a children's meeting daily and three have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. One Sunday night, also at Azusa Street Mission, three little girls, all sisters, were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Each of them spoke in tongues, and different languages. It was touching to see how they went to praying for others at the altar. They had to leave with their mother for Canada and expect to cross the ocean from there. However, before they left, the Lord gave them their Pentecost. A number of children have been clearly saved and sanctified in the Sunday afternoon children's meeting, led by the boy preacher, Clayborn, on Sunday afternoon and some have received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and God is using their testimonies.
Apostolic power will mean apostolic persecution. Hell with all its power will be turned lose. It behooves us to get a spiritual backbone, spiritual stamina and perseverance that will enable us to stand in these last days against all the forces of the enemy. Jesus came to destroy all the works of the devil, and He said He would give us power, the Holy Spirit coming upon us, the same power that He had.
THE POLISHING PROCESS
Several years ago, when I was very hungry, seeking God in all His fullness, I shut myself away in my closet one day, and the Lord gave me a wonderful revelation. As I was kneeling before my Maker, beseeching Him to show me all He expected me to be, right before my eyes I saw this wonderful vision. There appeared a man with a large, long, knotty, but straight log. The man had an axe. Did you ever see anybody score timber? He was scoring the log, and it seemed to me that the axe went clear to the bit. Every time he scored, it hurt me. He scored it on four sides and then took the broad axe and whacked off the knots. Then he took a line and with an adz, he made it smooth. Then he raised it in the air and taking a great plane, turned to me and said, "This is the plane of the Holy Spirit." He ran the plane up and down, until I could see the image of the man perfectly reflected in the face of the log, as in a mirror. He did this to all four sides. Then turning to me, he said, "Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee."
That is what God wants to do with us. He wants to take all the bumps, all the barnacles off. We have only begun to lay ourselves on the anvil of God's truth. The hammer is being applied to us. He may have to throw us back in the smelter several times. Let us stay in the fire until there is no more dross in us. Sometimes we think God has done all He needs to do; but something comes up that we do not like, and the old man can get up and hobble off on a good shin.
Several weeks ago, I thought surely the last stroke is put in, and now I am dead to the world. However, it was not very long until I found out there was a little self there. I was holding a meeting in a little village. We had to move a kitchen stove, and there was no way but for me to get on top of that cook stove and ride behind an old mule team, and I found Sister Hall had a little life in her yet. Thank God, I am dead to that thing now.
Let us stay on the anvil of God, until we reflect the image of the Master. There is a place where God Almighty will say: "Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee."
-Mrs. Anna Hall
A MESSAGE CONCERNING HIS COMING
A young sister, Miss Lillian Keyes, daughter of Dr. Keyes, of this city, speaks and singe in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. She also interprets, and Sister SK Mead corroborated the following interpretation, twenty years a missionary in Africa. Sister Mead arose and said that the language spoken was their dialect in Africa, a beautiful language, but one that is very difficult for English-speaking people to acquire, but the Holy Spirit, through the young woman, had given the perfect accent. The message interpreted was as follows:
"Jesus is coming again,
Coming again so soon,
We shall meet Him then.
"Prepare your hearts now, for the Lord is coming soon, and ye know not the hour. If you are not prepared, you will not go with Jesus. He sees each heart, and wants to prepare them for His coming. Seek Him now, for some day it will be too late.
"The Lord says: 'I will bless all those that seek me with all their hearts, for God is no respecter of persons. The Love of God is so great.' He says. 'Come unto me; come unto me, and I will give you rest. I will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire, and all those that seek me diligently.'
"O, Jesus is such a wonderful Savior. He is coming soon and all must have their hearts ready. Oh, Jesus is so sweet. He says: 'Watch and be ready when I come.' Oh, He is coming so soon."
Our sister also speaks two Chinese dialects. She speaks to the Chinese as she passes them on the street, or as they come to the house, and they listen in astonishment and say she is telling them about God.
ONE CHURCH
At a recent church trial, a brother made the remark that he little thought when he was seeking more of God it would mean for being turned out of the Holiness church. This brings to mind the old woman that was turned out of the church, and as she walked down the hill, she said, "Yonder is the meeting house, here goes the church."
They may turn you out of church houses and organizations of men, but not out of the one church. Thank God, that church book is kept in heaven. Jesus said, "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
One of the Holiness leaders said that the church had always taught sanctification as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and they could not afford to give it up. Besides, he would have to burn his books and sermons. Brother, on that great Day of Judgment, how much will those books and sermons weigh as compared to God's word?
At first the Holiness leaders approved of the work at the Mission, but at their campmeeting, they decided against the Pentecostal baptism as distinct from sanctification, and the speaking in tongues. These were ruled out and not to be mentioned on the campground. What might not that meeting have been, if they had let the Holy Spirit have right of way? Eternity alone will reveal the great loss to souls through leaders who would not let the hungry sheep enter into this blessed life of power and the Holy Spirit.
"THIS SAME JESUS"
When the Holy Spirit fell on the one hundred and twenty, it was in the morning of the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Today we are living down in the evening of the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. As it was in the morning, so it shall be in the evening. This is the last evangelistic call of the day. As John the Baptist was the voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord," so the voice of warning is going out through the land today to prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The angels said to His disciples as He was received up into Heaven, and they stood steadfastly gazing upward: "This same Jesus that was taken up from you into Heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven." This same Jesus is coming back again to sit in the kingdom of His Father. This same Jesus is the one that wore the crown of thorns and was lifted up between heaven and earth. The same Jesus that hung over yonder on Calvary, and now sits at the right hand of God the Father, is coming back to earth. Is not that enough to ravish your souls, dear ones?
BACK TO PENTECOST
What mean these salaried preachers over the land that will not preach unless they get so much salary? People have wandered from the old landmarks. The priests had no land of their own. They were to live on the tithes and offerings. The ministers of today have wandered from the old landmarks; therefore, they are seeking salary over the land. Get back. You have no time to lose. We must all be up and doing something for perishing souls around us. Do you want to be blessed? Do you want the approbation of God? Be a servant to humanity. The loaves and fishes did not multiply in the hands of our blessed Redeemer until He began to give out to the hungry.
God does not need a great theological preacher that can give nothing but theological chips and shavings to people. He can pick up a worm and thrash a mountain. He takes the weak things to confound the mighty. He is picking up pebble stones from the street and polishing them for His work. He is using even the children to preach His Gospel. A young sister, fourteen years old, was saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit and went out, taking a band of workers with her, and led a revival in which one hundred and ninety souls were saved. Salaried ministers that are rejecting the Gospel will have to go out of business. He is sending out those who will go without money and without price. Glory to God for this Apostolic day.
VICTORY
Thank God for the means with which to get out this second number of the Apostolic Faith. This large issue is paid for in answer to prayer. The last issue of 5,000 was sent all over the United States and the world and was soon exhausted, so that we had to refuse a good many requests for papers. This time we publish 10,000. We could have used several thousand more last time, to good advantage. We do not find it at all necessary to advertise the paper, because the news of the work has gone everywhere already. The people are rejoicing to hear of this wonderful outpouring of old time Gospel salvation. No wonder, they are starving on theological shavings. Never mind what the preaching say or anyone else, go in for Pentecostal salvation.
"ASK WHAT YE WILL"
Sister M. Eila Judy, a teacher in the Blind School of Columbus, Ohio, came to Los Angeles for her summer vacation. She dropped in the Azusa Street Mission soon after her arrival, and felt that God was there. She had been a great sufferer from insomnia and other troubles and was a very hungry soul. In the past, she had felt that the Lord gave her the promise that she should be one of His Bride. He had said to her. "Ask what ye will," and she had answered: "thy will be done." Then what joy it was for Him to choose so great a gift for her. Afterward her faith failed, but God was true.
About an hour before the train left Los Angeles, on which she was to go, the Lord, in the little upper room at the mission, graciously baptized her with the Holy Spirit and gave her the Bible evidence. She could not speak the English language for some time. It was taken away and she spoke the language of the Spirit, pointing those about her to Jesus. It was a heavenly spot. Our sister was sealed as one of the bride and she was very happy. We expect to see her back in Los Angeles. The Lord has called her to His work. He has used her in winning souls in the past, and now that she has the Pentecostal enduement, we expect her to be much more used of the Lord.
The Lord put His seal of approval up in the departing of the missionaries for Africa, September 15. For about two hours at the depot, the saints sang, while some wept and rejoiced in the Spirit, and some danced before the Lord. While Sister Wiley was preaching the Gospel to the crowd, one of the officials, being angry, tried to break up the meeting, but the saints began to pray, and were allowed to continue undisturbed for some time, till a brother began to speak in tongues. This seemed to stir the devil and Brother Lee was put out into the street that resulted in a meeting there. God has wonderfully supplied the means to send the missionaries.
We are not fighting men or churches, but seeking to displace dead forms and creeds and wild fanaticism with living, practical Christianity. "Love, Faith, Unity' are our watchwords, and "Victory through the Atoning Blood" our battle cry. God's promises are true. He said, "Be thou faithful over a few things, and I will make thee ruler over many." From the little handful of Christians who stood by the Cross when the testing and discouragement came, God has raised a mighty host.
Seeking Healing -He must believe that God is able to heal. -Exodus 15:26: "I am the Lord that heals thee." James 5:14; Psalms 103:3, 2 Kings 20:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16: 16-18
He must believe God is able to heal. "Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there any thing too hard for Me?"-Jeremiah 32:27.
NOTICE
The Lord sends us to preach the Gospel, but not to beg. Anyone soliciting money does not represent the Apostolic Faith, as it is carried on by free-will offerings. Jesus commanded them to give the Gospel freely. "Freely ye have received, freely give."
Nothing less than the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ will suffice in these last days.
We are not divine healers any more than we are divine saviors. Healing is done through the Almighty God.
A woman in San Pedro was very sick, suffering such great agony that she was unconscious and her body rigid. She was almost insane. The saints were called to pray for her, and as one laid her hand upon her she was immediately healed, arose, and cooked dinner that day.
Sister E. Thomas came for the healing of her wrist that had been sprained and the bones so out of place that it was stiff and very painful. As prayer was offered, you could see the Lord working in the wrist, arranging the bones, etc. that were out of place and He did a perfect work, putting the wrist into shape so that she could bend it without pain.
Two dear sisters that we have known years ago, Mrs. May J. Sharps and Mrs. Roba Schoepf, hearing of these meetings through reading the Apostolic Faith, came from Orange county, and before they returned they both received the Holy Spirit and Bible evidence. The Lord is certainly blessing this little paper to many hungry souls.
Sister Lucy M. Leatherman writes from 692 Eighth Avenue, New York city: "Praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity." We have been receiving letters from those who have been much blessed and have been led into the Pentecost through our sister and the rest of the Palestine Missionary band.
Jesus said, "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered." Now, if you cut off a withered branch, you will find, perhaps, a worm has killed it. When a Christian goes into sin, he is withered and is no longer a branch of Christ. Then the fist thing you know, he is bearing the fruits of the flesh. As soon as the fruits of the flesh appear, everybody knows you are a sinner.
Brother GW Batman and wife are saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit and have the gift of languages. They are all packed up for Monrovia, Liberia, Africa. They have three little children, but are willing to trust the Lord. They have had a call to that land for years. Brother Batman said God gave him a vision of a town on the West Coast of Africa, and said he should go there. Brother Meade, a missionary who has been there, said it was a perfect description.
Praise God for a salvation that brings a witness. God gives us a witness that we are justified, the Spirit witnesses that we are sanctified and when we receive the Holy Spirit, He witnesses through us, as recorded in Acts 2:4, the speaking in other tongues. Jesus had a witness for everything. When He was born, the angels sang on Bethlehem's plain, when He was baptized with the Holy Spirit. He had the witness of the heavenly dove and the voice from Heaven, when He arose from the dead, the angels witnessed at the tomb, and when He ascended, the angels witnessed that He would come again. Why not have the Bible witness, a supernatural witness that people will not have to take your word for?
Evangelist Daniel Awrey heard of this Pentecostal revival while in Dudleyville, Arizona, and was led of the Lord to come. He says that about fifteen years ago, when he received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, he saw a flame of fire come down on his head and the Lord took control of his tongue, making him pray in another language. He did not realize the significance of the new tongue at that time. He is now looking for God to restore it, as He sends him back to hungry souls.
A man who had been using tobacco for twenty-five years was seeking at the altar to have the appetite taken away. He had a plug of tobacco in his pocket. He took it out and gave it to one of the altar workers. Immediately the Lord began to bless his soul, and he got victory over his old enemy. He could get no help until he cleaned up his pockets. Many seekers have some hidden shelf behind the door that needs cleaning out of its idols.
A man said to me: "I would be afraid to get down at the altar and seek the wonderful power that you tell about, the devil might give me something." What! Do you think when I get down covered with the blood of Jesus, and seek Him to baptize me with the Holy Spirit that He is going to give me a serpent? "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone, or if he ask a fish will he for a fish give him a serpent? How much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him" (Luke 11:11).
Christians are sleeping in their pews in the churches and hireling preachers are sleeping in their pulpits. We have to have something to wake people up. The tongues are like a bell, ringing the people up. They are waking up to the fact that God is in the land. The priest used to wear bells in the temple, so that the people could know he was alive. If they ceased to ring, they knew he was dead. As long as the Holy Spirit is in us, He will continue to ring out Jesus.
THE WAY INTO THE HOLIEST
A sinner comes to the Lord all wrapped up in sin and darkness. He cannot make any consecration because he is dead. The life has to be put into us before we can present any life to the Lord. Faith must justify him. There is a Lamb without spot and blemish slain before God for him. When he repents toward God for his sins, the Lord has mercy on him for Christ's sake, and put eternal life in his soul, pardoning him of his sins, washing away his guilty pollution, and he stands before God justified as if he had never sinned.
Then there remains that old original sin in him for which he is not responsible until he has the light. He hears that "Jesus, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate," and he comes to be sanctified. There is Jesus, the Lamb without blemish, on the altar. Jesus takes that soul that has eternal life in it and presents it to God for thorough purging and cleansing from all original and Adamic sin. Jesus, the Son of God, cleanses him from all sin, and he is made every whit whole, sanctified and holy.
Now he is on the altar ready for the fire of God to fall that is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is a gift upon the sanctified, cleansed heart. The fire remains there continually burning in the Holiness of God. Why? Because he is sanctified and holy and on the altar continually. He stays there and the great shekinah of glory is continually burning and filling with heavenly light.
WJ Seymour
SPREADS THE FIRE
Brother William Pendleton and thirty-five of his members were turned out of the Holiness church and their church doors closed on them. They were then invited by Brother Bartleman and other workers to occupy the church at Eighth street and Maple avenue that had just been opened up for Pentecostal work. God has been using them as never before. When some of the saints were rejected from the Nazarene church at Elysian Heights on account of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and evidence of tongues, they opened cottage prayer meetings where hungry souls flocked, and in both of the above named places meetings sometimes go on all night. Souls are coming through into Bible experiences. We can do nothing against the truth but for the truth.
Truth crushed to earth will rise again.
The eternal years of God are hers;
But error wounded writhes in pain,
Dies among its worshipers.
In California, where there has been no unity among churches, they are becoming one against this Pentecostal movement. However, thank God, the source is from the skies and cannot be cut off from below. The dear church people know not what they do. Many of them are hungry and coming and saying: "This is just what I have been longing for years." God is drawing His people together and making them one. No new church or division of the body of Christ is being formed. Christ never had but one church. We may be turned out of the big wood and brick structures, but "By one Spirit are ye all baptized into one body."
BROTHER PENDELTON'S TESTIMONY
When my place of worship was taken away from me, I said, "Lord, I trusted you once and you gave me a better place." Praise God, He gave me the best place I ever had in my life. He gave me more people to listen to the Gospel than I ever had before. God will never allow things taken from us but He will give us better than ever before. There is not a veil or shadow between heaven and my soul today. I am getting more from God than ever in my life. My prospects of heaven are getting stronger and stronger. There is no life that gives a man an assurance of heaven as life in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit can use these members to His own glory.
SPANISH RECEIVE THE PENTECOST
[There are a good many Spanish speaking people in Los Angeles. The Lord has been giving the language, and now a Spanish preacher, who, with his wife, are preaching the Gospel in open-air meetings on the Plaza have received their Pentecost. They are very happy, and God is using them. The following is their testimony and the translation.]
Los Angeles, CA, September 14
Soy testigo de el poder del Espiritu Santo, en perdon, en sanctificacion, y bantismo en fuego. Acts 1:8; Mark 16, 17, 18. Doy gracias a Dios por esta combicsion y poder. Recibibo de Dios comforme a sus promesas el os giara. John 16:13-14. Gracias a Dios por la ordenacion de ir a la Calle de Azusa a la Mission Apostolic Faith. Old time religion Ho y mi Ezpoza el dia, 29th of May 1906.
Por sanctificacion en verdad y gracias a Dios por la dadiba del baptismo del Eptu Santo en fuego, 5th de Junc. 1906. No podemos expresar en nuestros corazones dia tras dia y momento tras momento usandonos el Sr como instrumentos para la salvacion y sanidad de almas y de cuerpos y de cuerpos tomos tes tizo de estas permosas marabillas y miligros, en el Espiritu Santo y son promesas para cada uno de los que a Dios, se lleguen por medio del Sr. J. Cristo, San John 7:37:39; Revelation 22:17; Acts 2:37:39; James 1:5-7. Due Dios os Vendiga a todos. Acts 10, 34, 35; I John 1:1-3; Revelation 1:6, 7.
Abundio L. Lopez and Wife, Rosa de Lopez.
The translation of the above into English is as follows:
We testify to the power of the Holy Spirit in forgiveness, sanctification, and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. We give thanks to God for the wonderful gift that we have received from Him, according to the promise. Thanks be to God for the Spirit who brought us to the Azusa Street Mission, the Apostolic Faith, old-time religion, my wife, and I on May 29. I came for sanctification, and thank God also for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire that I received on June 5, 1905. We cannot express the gratitude and thanksgiving that we feel moment by moment for what He has done for us, so we want to be used for the salvation and healing of both soul and body. I am a witness of His wonderful promise and marvelous miracles by the Holy Spirit, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you all.
MISSIONARIES' FAREWELL
New York City
"Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied to you." How wonderfully God has blessed us all the way. Praise His dear name! Hungry souls have flocked to the altar at every service and many have spoken in the tongues. Bless God. How I praise God for leading me to Azusa Street mission and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and a new tongue He gave me. What a blessed privilege to lift up Jesus to a lost world.
Mrs. Rushnell, an old friend about sixty years old, is with me, and is going to Jerusalem with me. We shall sail, God willing, September 15. I praise God we can meet every day at the throne of grace.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for the dear Jews, and ask all of the dear saints there to pray also.
Asking God to bless and use you more and more for His glory.
Till Jesus comes,
Louisa M. Condit
Jerusalem, Austrian Post; Palestine
STREET MEETINGS
We have been holding our street meetings in front of a saloon at the corner of San Pedro and Second streets. The devil tried at first to drive us away by throwing a lot of water there and heaping it about to make the ground muddy. The workers went on, mud or no mud, and received a wonderful blessing, standing and kneeling in the mud. The Lord has been in the meetings in great power. Street meetings in Pasadena and Whittier have been held also with victory.
HALLELUJAH FOR THE PROSPECT
What do such congregations as this mean here and there over the world? Jesus is coming back to take His bride. How long is it going to take? The way this wonderful power is spreading over the world today, not very long. We are looking for God to separate a company of men and women from Los Angeles that will carry this Gospel over the whole world, people that are willing to forsake all and carry the Gospel. We are only in the ABCs of this wonderful power of God that is to sweep over the world. We have only gotten the soles of our feet wet in the power of God that is to be manifest in these last days.
TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS
We thank you dear brothers and sisters, for your letters of appreciation of the paper, showing that God has made it a blessing. They more than pay us for all the labor of publishing the paper. We thank you for the lists of names you have sent and the offerings that enable us to send the papers to other hungry souls.
Your requests for prayer for healing and salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit are presented before the assembly of God's children. We cannot set dates for prayers, so look up and expect the blessing from heaven at any time. Requests are presented as soon as possible. We shall be glad to hear what the Lord is doing for you. If you do not get the answer right away, perhaps there is something on your part that needs to be gotten out of the way. Let the Spirit search your heart and life.
Send in your lists of addresses for the paper. If there are some that want the paper sent regularly, please let us know and we will put your names on the permanent lists. To the others, we will simply send one or two copies until we hear from them.
We have not time to write to all, so we will let the paper do for a letter. It will be issued as often as the Lord provides the means and will always be paid for before it comes out.
We thank the Lord for this blessed way of publishing the paper, trusting Him for the means. It is a restful way and saves much time. It also enables us to send it everywhere. We pray God to bless its messages to the readers. Most of these messages have been taken down in shorthand in meetings of great power messages that are inspired by the Holy Spirit. To God be all the glory.
HONOR THE HOLY SPIRIT
Let me warn you, dear ones, as a mother in Israel, Don't try to prune one another, Jesus says: "I am the vine and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he purgeth it." Let Him do the pruning and purging. If you see a brother or sister doing anything you do not approve of, instead of blazing it abroad, get down on your knees and say: "My Father, I honor you to bring them out of this fault." Multitudes and great bodies of Christians have gone to the wall for that very same thing. They tried to prune one another, tried to make others believe just as they believed and think just as they thought. If this movement stands for anything, it stands for unity of mind. It was raised up to answer the prayer of Jesus: "That they might be one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee." What is the matter with the world today? Here is a little selfish sect and it is a denomination by itself. They do not love one another, as God would have them. Let us honor every bit of God there is in one another. Let us honor the Holy Spirit to teach men to get them out of their error. Dear ones watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation. Watch that something does not come in to grieve the Holy Spirit. "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."-Mrs. Anna Hall
HEALED BY THE LORD
A sister who has had hemorrhages of the lungs for years was brought very low lately, having seven hard hemorrhages one after another. She was nearing the river and heard her name called three times by a heavenly messenger, but she answered that she did not feel she could say she had fought a good fight and kept the faith. Then the drawing to the other shore ceased. The saints prayed for her, and she arose, and dressed, being perfectly healed. She went to the table and ate her dinner and afterwards played and sang several hymns. She has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and God has raised her up to preach the whole Gospel.
BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM
A wonderful day was spent at the Terminal Island Beach September 11. Four cars packed with people went down from the mission, and singing, praise, prayer and rejoicing, as well as preaching the Gospel made it a continual meeting all the way. Eighty-five were baptized in the ocean. This was the second service. It is a beautiful place for this service as there is a pavilion seating several hundred people and we were given free use of the bathhouse and all its rooms. Two services were held in the pavilion. The power of God rested on the Baptismal service. Heaven and earth certainly came together.
Jesus is searching for a people that will believe the Gospel. He has never changed the Gospel in any way since He commissioned it. Many take sanctification to be the power. They stop when they have original sin taken out, and Christ enthroned in the heart; but God wants us to go on and get filled with the Holy Spirit; that we may be witnesses unto Him to the uttermost parts of the earth. The times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth men everywhere to repent. The Lord is restoring all the gifts to His church. He wants a people who have faith in His word and in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus was not only nailed to the Cross, but also hung there until He died. He did not come down from the Cross as they told Him to do, though He had the power to do so. With us, when we are crucified with Christ, we should not come down and live for self again, but stay on the Cross. A constant death to self is the way to follow our Master.
CHAPTER THREE
Gracious Pentecostal Showers Continue to Fall
The news has spread everywhere that Los Angeles is being visited with a "rushing mighty wind from heaven." The how and why of it is to be found in the very opposite of those conditions that are usually thought necessary for a big revival. No instruments of music are used, and none are needed. No choir-but bands of angels have been heard by some in the spirit and there is a heavenly singing that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. No collections are taken. No bills have been posted to advertise the meetings. No church or organization is back of it. All who are in touch with God realize as soon as they enter the meetings that the Holy Spirit is the leader. One brother stated that even before his train entered the city, he felt the power of the revival.
Travelers from afar wend their way to the headquarters at Azusa Street. As they find their way to the Apostolic Faith Mission, perhaps they are asked, "O, you mean the Holy Rollers," or "It is the Colored Church you mean?" Near a tombstone shop stables and lumber yard (a fortunate vicinity because no one complains of all-night meetings) you find a two-story, white-washed old building. You would hardly expect heavenly visitations there, unless you remember the stable at Bethlehem.
Here you find a mighty Pentecostal revival going on from ten o'clock in the morning until about twelve at night. Yes, Pentecost has come to hundreds of hearts and many homes are made into a sweet paradise below. We remember years ago, when a bright, young missionary was dying in Bombay, India, in his last hours, unconscious with the fever, he kept crying. "Pentecost is coming! Pentecost is coming! It seemed prophetical. Pentecost has come and is coming in India, and thank God in many other places.
A leading Methodist layman of Los Angeles says, "Scenes transpiring here are what Los Angeles churches have been praying for years. I have been a Methodist for twenty-five years. I was a leader of the praying band of the First Methodist Church. We prayed that the Pentecost might come to the city of Los Angeles. We wanted it to start in the First Methodist Church, but God did not start it there. I bless God that it did not start in any church in this city, but out in the barn, so that we might all come and take part in it. If it had started in a fine church, poor colored people and Spanish people would not have got it, but praise God it started here. God Almighty says He will pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh. This is just what is happening here. I want to warn every Methodist in Los Angeles to keep your hands off this work. Tell the people wherever you go that Pentecost has come to Los Angeles."
As soon as it is announced that the altar is open for seekers for pardon, sanctification, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and healing of the body, the people rise and flock to the altar. There is no urging. What kind of preaching is it that brings them? Why, the simple declaring of the Word of God. There is such power in the preaching of the Word in the Spirit that people are shaken on the benches. Coming to the altar, many fall prostrate under the power of God, and often come out speaking in tongues. Sometimes the power falls on people and they are wrought upon by the Spirit during testimony or preaching and receive Bible experiences.
The testimony meetings, which often precede the preaching, continue for two hours or more and people are standing waiting to testify all the time. Those who have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit testify that they had a clear evidence of sanctification first. Hundreds testify that they received the Bible evidence of speaking in a new tongue that they never knew before. Some have received the "gift of tongues" or "divers tongues" and the interpretation.
The demonstrations are not the shouting, clapping or jumping so often seen in campmeetings. There is a shaking such as the early Quakers had and which the old Methodists called the "jerks." It is while under the power of the Spirit you see the hands raised and hear speaking in tongues. While one sings a song learned from heaven with a shining face, the tears will be trickling down other faces. Many receive the Spirit through the laying on of hands, as they did through Paul at Ephesus.
Little children from eight years to twelve stand up on the altar bench, testify to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and speak in tongues. In the children's meetings little tots get down and seek the Lord.
It is noticeable how free all nationalities feel. If a Mexican or German cannot speak English, he gets up, speaks in his own tongue, and feels quite at home, for the Spirit interprets through the face and people say amen. No instrument that God can use is rejected on account of color, dress, or lack of education. This is why God has so built up the work.
In the testimony meetings, they report from cottage prayer meetings where perhaps a number were baptized with the Holy Spirit or saved or sanctified and those who have been seeking at home report what God has done for them.
The singing is characterized by freedom. "The Comforter has come" is sung every day, also "Heavenly Sunlight" and "Under the Blood." Often one will rise and sing a familiar song in a new tongue.
Seekers for healing are usually taken upstairs and prayed for in the prayer room and many have been healed there. There is a larger room upstairs that is used for Bible study. A brother fittingly describes it in this way; "Upstairs is a long room furnished with chairs and three California redwood planks, laid end to end on backless chairs. This is the Pentecostal upper room where sanctified souls seek Pentecostal fullness and go out speaking in new tongues."
The sweetest thing of all is the loving harmony. Every church where this has gone is like a part of the family. This description is given for the benefit of the many friends who write in and who would like to be present. Many letters are received in the Apostolic Faith office that is in the same building as the mission. We cannot but weep as we read these letters and pray for those who are seeking.
The Lord is saving drunkards and taking the appetite for liquor and tobacco completely away.
Reports come from Denver that forty souls have received the Pentecost and are speaking in tongues.
A young man saved from the morphine habit has no more desire for the stuff and gave up his instruments.
Four workers from Texas, Brother and Sister Oyler and Brother and Sister Quinton have arrived in Los Angeles lately. God has been using them in Whittier.
Brother Tom Qualis from Fresno said, "I came 300 miles to this meeting and I feel heaven in my soul. It seems to me I am getting some of the crumbs that fall from Father's table. I feel the presence of God here."
"Cartoons in the newspapers were my first introduction to this meeting," said a brother, "and I said, this is what I have been praying for years. I was warned by leaders that it was of the devil, but I came and got a touch of heaven in my soul."
A brother had a vision of fires springing up and then gathering together and advancing in a solid wall of flame. A preacher was trying to put it out with a wet gunny sack, but it was evident there was no use fighting it. Our God is marching on. Hallelujah. The man with the wet gunny sack is here also, but his efforts only call attention to the fire.
The blind man who was saved and had his sight restored was saved because of hearing a few praying in tongues in a cottage meeting. He was a sinner; a very profane man, and was convicted because of tongues. Praise God for His marvelous works to the children of men.
Sister Lemon of Whittier, who had been a sufferer for eighteen years, could receive no help from physicians, and had been bed-ridden for fourteen years of that time, has been marvelously healed by the Lord through the laying on of hands and the prayer of faith. She has been walking to meetings. The opposers of the work cannot deny that a notable miracle has been performed through the mighty name of Jesus.
Mother Griffith, who has been matron of a rescue home, has received her Pentecost. She testified, "It seemed to me when I got saved, I got into the ocean; and when I got sanctified, it seemed the ocean got into me. When I was baptized with the Holy Spirit, it seemed I got the life preserve on and began floating on the ocean of salvation. Jesus lives in me, and I live and have my being in Him. Thank God for salvation, sanctification, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the witness."
Sister Bridget Welch has been powerfully baptized with the Holy Spirit and is working for the Lord both in laboring for souls and in service with her hands ministering to others. She testifies, "I was a dope fiend and in and out of prisons for twenty years. God Almighty has surely healed my body and given me divine strength. He healed me of cancer of the nose and did not leave a scar. I have no time for a drug store any more. The Lord took me out of an awful pit, set my feet on the solid rock, established my goings, and put a new song in my mouth. He sanctified me and baptized me with the Holy Spirit and gave me the gift of tongues."
A sister who was very hungry for the Pentecost prayed for the Lord to strip her of everything, but give more of Himself. Then shortly afterwards when her house was in flames, she went out and knelt down in the weeds and prayed, "Lord, you said all things work together for good to them that love you. Give me more of God." He answered prayer and gave her a mighty Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire and she is shining for God.
PENTECOST IN DENVER
1934 E. 18th Avenue
Denver, Colorado.
What I received on that memorable Sunday night in Los Angeles has never left me for one moment. Last night in particular at the meeting, the Holy Spirit magnified the simple Gospel of our Lord in demonstration and power, until about twenty-five crowded the altar and got definite experiences of justification, sanctification, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and healing. One dear old man, who because of his back, could not straighten up nor stoop down without severe pain, was instantly healed, got up and showed the people how the dear Lord had healed him. He stood as straight as a young man, stooped down, touched the floor with his hands without a bit of pain. Then he knelt down and said, "I want the Baptism of the Holy Spirit," and Glory to God, he got it, and there was great joy.
Dear Brother Seymour, God surely sent me here. These dear, hungry people, when they learned I came from the meeting at Los Angeles, received me with open arms. They gave me the evening, and during the meeting, they embraced me and our joy in the Lord knew no bounds. One dear brother from Los Angeles picked me up and held me as if I were a child. This is but the beginning of a work here such as we knew in Los Angeles. This people have been praying that God would send someone to teach them and give them light and wisdom, and they believe God has answered their prayers, hence their great joy. I feel the need of your prayers. I never saw in all my travels a people so hungry for the truth.
Dear Brother GF Fink, the brother to charge, was coming to Los Angeles to Azusa Street to learn and get a better understanding of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. While I was talking to the people last night, he arose and embraced me. He was crying, "I love you, I love you, my brother." Surely, God has sent you to us; and the people wept for joy, and shouted praises unto God. These people here were set on fire by the Holy Spirit through Brother Johnson and the two sisters who passed through here, and it is marvelous how the Holy Spirit has led them. You little know how the people have been praying for you and the meetings in Los Angeles in the midst of their own struggles. Give my love in Jesus to all the saints.
-T. Hezmalhach.
VICTORY IN OAKLAND
Brother Harmon Clifford, the young man who was saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit all in an hour and a half at Azusa Street Mission, and who was also healed of consumption, has been increasing in power, and God has bestowed on him many gifts. He writes from Oakland where the Lord sent him:
"How I praise God for ever sending me to Oakland with Brother Rosa. I was never so happy in all my life as I have been this last week. It did seem as though I would go up at any moment, but of course, God has a work for me to do yet. Praise His dear name. There was some trouble about the Bible evidence to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but as soon as that was straight, God began to work and has been working ever since. Oh, glory to God! Many have been saved, sanctified, and healed. Six have received Pentecost and spoke in a good, clear language up to Thursday night. People were laid out all over the mission. The people have been very quiet and let the Holy Spirit have right of way, and sometimes before the preaching is over people come to the altar. There are many hungry souls in this city."
336 Ninth Street
Oakland, CA
VISION AND MESSAGE
A sister who has been healed and baptized with the Holy Spirit related the following vision, "Two days ago the power of God came over me and He said. 'Whatsoever ye ask in my name believing, ye shall receive.' I said 'Give wisdom to speak to the people.' Immediately I was in a great hall with tables spread all about, the Lord was the waiter, and I saw His beautiful, smiling face. He spoke to me and said, 'I have called my friends and they did not come, therefore go out and ask everyone you find to come to the wedding.' As I looked around to see something beautiful, the scene changed and I was in a hospital and saw poor creatures dying, looking like skeletons. I thought my call was to the hospital and telephoned to know when it was open for visitors, but the Lord revealed to me that it meant all those who are sick in their souls."
HIS BANQUETING HOUSE
"He took me into his banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." A brother says the Lord gave him a vision of the banqueting house. He passed under the great arches. Each one had a name upon it. The first was love, then there was joy, peace, and among others he saw, "Independence." He asked what that meant. The answer was "Is it not wonderful to be free?" Dear saints, this is one of the sweetest arches in the banqueting house. This bondage to love sets me perfectly free.
UNUSUAL NOISE.
There has been some unusual noise in the town of Whittier, the prayers of those who are burdened for the lost, the sound of praises to God and speaking in new tongues. A few days ago, four workers were arrested while praying in the cottage that had been offered free or rent for the use of the workers. The following letter was received at Azusa Street.
"Brother Seymour in Jesus: We are charged with using boisterous language, unusual noise, or in other words praising God and speaking in tongues. This happened in the cottage this morning. The defendants are Sister May Mayo, Sister Jacobson, Brother and Sister McLain. Trial comes off at 4 P.M. We are standing steadfast, seeing the glory of God. We believe the judge is under conviction. Sunday night nine souls were at the altar. Souls are being saved and sanctified. Power is falling in the audience. People being slain."
When the Word came to Azusa Street, fifteen workers rallied to take the place of the four and meetings have been going on there with victory and power ever since.
The band that were arrested are rejoicing in the Lord that they were permitted to go through the trial. The judge gave them the choice of leaving town or going to jail. They consulted the Lord about it and He said, "When they persecute you in one city, flee ye to another." The sisters obeyed but Brother McLain preferred to stand a few days in jail and working on the chain gang. When the judge gave sentence, Sister Mayo raised her hands to heaven and prayed for him and for Whittier.
PENTECOST IN INDIA
News comes from India that natives who are simply taught of God are receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and gift of tongues there. The India Alliance says, "Some of the gifts which have been scarcely heard of in the church for many centuries, are now being given by the Holy Spirit to simple, unlearned members of the body of Christ, and communities are being stirred and transformed by the wonderful grace of God. Healing, the gift of tongues, visions, and dreams, discernment of spirits, the power to prophecy and to pray the prayer of faith, all have a place in the present revival." Hallelujah! God is sending the Pentecost to India. He is no respecter of persons.
VERNON MISSION
Brother and Sister FE Hill are now conducting meetings at Forty-third and Forty-fourth Streets, 4307 Central avenue. Since they received their Pentecost, they have been holding cottage meetings at their home with seekers every night. Then they told the people God had showed them to start a meeting in that section and in about five minutes the rent was paid for the hall in advance. Brother Hill has dropped his business and is giving all his time to Gospel work. The Nazarene Church forbade speaking in tongues or testifying on the line of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the sanctified life, so they with others have walked out with the Bible and the Spirit, and God is giving them souls. There is room for Spirit filled workers everywhere.
SPREADING THE FULL GOSPEL
A number of Spirit filled workers have been going out of late. Brother Adolph Rosa and Brother Harmon Clifford went to Oakland and God has been using them there. Then a band of seven left on the steamer for the north, for Oakland, Salem and Seattle. They were: Sister Florence Crawford, Brother and Sister GW Evans, Brother and Sister Thomas Junk, Sister Ophelia Wiley and Sister Luiu Miller, Brother Post went to Santa Barbara, Brother T. Hezmalhach to Denver, Sister Potter and Violet Price to Fresno, Brother FW Williams to Alabama, and a Spanish brother, Brigido Perez, to San Diego. Sister Elsie Robinson to Onawa, Michigan. Brother Seymour has been called for a short time to Oakland, but expects soon to return to headquarters at Los Angeles. We wish to keep track of the workers in the field and be united together in prayer for each other and the work in the different fields.
BAPTIZED ON A FRUIT WAGON
Brother G. Zigler, who runs a fruit wagon, driving into Los Angeles early in the morning, says, "I was on my wagon coming down to the market praising God, when the Lord covered me with His power and I began to sing such a sweet song I had never sung anything like before. I was riding along at three o'clock in the morning. All at once, I commenced to talk in a new tongue, and it was the most wonderful blessing I have ever received. What He has done for me, He will do for everybody."
The meetings have been going on now for about six months at Azusa Street day and night. How long are they going to continue? We expect them to keep on until Jesus comes, by the grace of God.
The religion of Jesus Christ is no more popular now than it was when Jesus was here. Many are rejecting the truth and are not going to receive it. The word not only says that signs shall follow them that believe, but that "They that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." This also is being fulfilled.
The Pacific Apostolic Faith Movement stands for the restoration of the faith once delivered unto the saints-the old time religion, campmeeting, revivals, missions, street and prison work and Christian unity everywhere.
We are not fighting men or churches, but seeking to displace dead forms and creeds or wild fanaticism with living, practical Christianity. "Love, Faith, Unity" is out watchword, and "Victory through the Atoning Blood" our battle cry.
Teaching on Repentance-Mark 1:14, 15.
Godly Sorrow for Sins, Example-Matthew 9:13, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11, Acts 3:19, Acts 17:20-31.
Confession of Sins-Luke 15:21 and Luke 18:13.
Forsaking Sinful Ways-Isaiah 55:7, Jonah 3:8, Proverbs 28:13.
Restitution-Ezekiel 33:15, Luke 19:8.
Faith in Jesus Christ.
The blood of Jesus will never blot out any sin between man and man they can make right; but if we can't make wrongs right the Blood graciously covers, (Matthew 5:23-24).
First Work: Justification is that act of God's free grace by which we receive remission of sins. Acts 10:42-43, Romans 3:25.
Second Work: Sanctification is the second work of grace and the last work of grace. Sanctification is that act of God's free grace by which He makes us holy. John 17:15-17. -"Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth." 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 12:14.
Sanctification is cleansing to make holy. The Disciples were sanctified before the Day of Pentecost. By a careful study of Scripture, you will find it is so now. "Ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3; 13:10); and Jesus breathed on them the Holy Spirit (John 20:21, 22). You know that they could not have received the Spirit if they were not clean. Jesus cleaned and got all doubt out of His Church before He went back to glory.
Too many have confused the grace of Sanctification with the enduement of Power, or the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; others have taken "the anointing that abideth" for the Baptism, and failed to reach the glory and power of a true Pentecost.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift of power upon the sanctified life; so when we get it we have the same evidence as the Disciples received on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3, 4), in speaking in new tongues. See also Acts 10:45, 46; Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 14:21. "For I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe though it be told you."-Habakkuk. 1:5.
Healing: We must believe that God is able to heal. Exodus 15:26, "I am the Lord that heals the." James 5:14; Psalms 103:3; 2 Kings 20:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:16-18. "Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there any thing too hard for Me?"-Jeremiah 32:27.
God loves the pure in heart, the surrendered will, and the empty vessel. Believe Him and receive Him. He will have His way if you will let Him.
Sister Florence Crawford says she had a vision of a beautiful bouquet of flowers all in the bud and the Lord said to her, "This movement is just in the bud."
Sister J. W. Hutchins writes from Chattanooga, Tennessee, that they are stopping there in a meeting. People are hungry for the truth. They are on their way to Africa.
Interpretation of a message in tongues: "Oh Jesus is such a wonderful God. He will reveal Himself to us in many wonderful ways. Jesus is surely with us. Oh, praise Him."
The brother who was healed of asthma from which he had been suffering twenty years has received the Pentecost. He is rejoicing in the perfect healing of soul and body.
Sister Jennie Jacobson, a Swedish sister who had been only two months in this country, was given the gift of the English language with the understanding of the Words. She also received another tongue.
You who are baptized with the Holy Spirit must die daily that Christ may abide in you. If we begin to get puffed up, God will set us aside, but if we give Him all the glory. He will use us to scatter this light.
Blessed are the pure in heart. We do not get this purity until we are willing to let Him have His way to the fullest extent of the Word. We are clay in the Potter's hands. We must have the self well removed in order to receive Him. As long as we have something to say, "I don't like this or that," we cannot receive the Holy Spirit.
We find some that are superstitious about seeking the Holy Spirit. They are afraid they are going to get the power of the devil instead of God, but men and women that are walking in the light can quickly see that this is of God. It is easy for the Lord to show them that This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. We are living in the last days when He is pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh.
RIVER OF LIVING WATER
In John 4, the Words come, "Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith to thee Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of Him and He would have given the living water." Praise God for the living waters today that flow freely, for it comes from God to every hungry and thirsty heart. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his inmost being shall flow rivers of living waters." Then we are able to go in the mighty name of Jesus to the ends of the earth and water dry places, deserts and solitary places, until these parched, sad, lonely hearts are made to rejoice in the God of their salvation. We want the rivers today. Hallelujah! Glory to God in the highest!
In Jesus Christ we get forgiveness of sin, and we get sanctification of our spirit, soul, and body, and upon that we get the gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to His disciples, the promise of the Father. All this we get through the atonement. Hallelujah!
The prophet said that he had carried our grief and sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes, we are healed. We get healing, health, salvation, joy, and life-everything in Jesus. Glory to God!
There are many wells today, but they are dry. There are many hungry souls today that are empty. Let us come to Jesus and take Him at His word and we will find wells of salvation, and be able to draw waters out of the well of salvation, for Jesus is that well.
At this time, Jesus was weary from a long journey, He sat on the well in Samaria, and a woman came to draw water. He asked her for a drink. She answered, "How is it that thou being a Jew askest drink of me who am a woman of Samaria, for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans?" Jesus said, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink, thou wouldst have asked of him and he would have given thee living water."
O, how sweet it was to see Jesus, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, that great sacrifice that God had given to a lost, dying, and benighted world, sitting on the well and talking with the woman. So gentle, so meek, and so kind that it gave her an appetite to talk further with Him, until He got into her secret and uncovered her life. Then she was pricked in heart, confessed her sins and received pardon, cleansing from fornication and adultery, was washed from stain and guilt of sin and was made a child of God, and above all, received the well of salvation in her heart. It was so sweet, joyful, and good. Her heart was so filled with love that she felt she could take in a whole lost world. She ran away with a well or salvation and left the old water pot on the well. How true it is in this day, when we get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we have something to tell, and it is that the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit gives us power to testify to a risen resurrected Savior. Our affections are in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. How I worship Him today! How I praise Him for the all-cleansing blood!
Jesus' promises are true and sure. The woman said to Him, after He had uncovered her secret, "Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet." Yes, He was a prophet. He was that great prophet that Moses said the Lord would raise up. He is here today. Will we be taught of that prophet? Will we hear Him? Let us accept Him in all His fullness.
He said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works that these shall ye do, because I go unto my Father." These disciples to whom He was speaking, had been saved, sanctified, anointed with the Holy Spirit, their hearts had been opened to understand the Scriptures, and yet Jesus said, "Tarry ye, in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." "John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence." The same commission comes to us. We find that they obeyed His commission and were all filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and Peter standing up, said, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel." Dear loved ones; we preach the same sermon. "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophecy. The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." That means until now and to last until Jerusalem comes.
There are so many people today like the woman. The fathers control them. Our salvation is not in some father or human instrument. It is sad to see people so blinded worshiping the creature more than the Creator. Listen to what the woman said, "Our Fathers worshiped in this mountain, and ye say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." many people today are worshiping in the mountains, big churches, stone and frame buildings. Jesus teaches that salvation is not in these stone structures-not in the mountains-not in the hills, but in God. For God is a Spirit. Jesus said unto her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh and now is, when ye shall neither in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father." many people today are controlled by men. Their salvation reaches out no further than the boundary line of human creeds, but praise God for freedom in the Spirit. There are depths, heights, and breadths that we can reach through the power of the blessed Spirit. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for them that love him.
The Jews were the religious leaders at this time, and people had no more light upon salvation than the Jews gave them. The Jews were God's chosen people to evangelize the world. He had entrusted them to give all nations the true knowledge of God, but they went into traditions and doctrines of men, and were blinded and in the dark. Jesus came as the light of the world, and He is that light. "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Let us honor the Spirit, for Jesus has sent Him to teach and lead us into all truth.
Above all, let us honor the Blood of Jesus Christ every moment of our lives, and we will be sweet in our souls. We will be able to talk of this common salvation to everyone that we meet. God will let His anointing rest upon us in telling them of this precious truth. This truth belongs to God. We have no right to tax anyone for the truth, because God has entrusted us with it to tell it. Freely we receive, and freely we give. The Gospel is to be preached freely, God will bless it and spread it Himself, and we have experienced that He does. We have found Him true to His promise all the way. We have tried Him and proved Him. His promises are sure.
-WJ Seymour
WHISPERINGS OF THE COMFORTER
The Lord had been giving me this passage, burning it into my soul for months, "The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." Cant. 2:13. I would always be so blessed when the Lord would give it to me. Finally, I said, Lord, what does it mean? Immediately the thoughts came into my mind, "Why the fig tree in the Bible represents the Jews and the vines represent the ones who are the branches of the vine, Jesus. The Jews are beginning to gather at Jerusalem and beginning to show life. The tender grapes on the vines giving a good smell means that the bride is making herself ready, showing that His coming is near. The vines are laden with fruit and begin to give a sweet smell, ripening for His coming."
At another time, this kept coming to me, "Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine." Isaiah 62:4. It would come with such sweetness and power that finally I said, "Lord, what is my name?" He said, "Hepzi-bah," Isaiah 62:4.
Again the Lord gave me this verse; "Thine head upon thee is like Caramel, and the hair of thine head like purple. The King is held in the chambers." I asked the Lord what that meant. Immediately it was given me, "Thy head like Caramel, that is red under the Blood; and the hair of thine head as purple, means that you belong to the royal family. The King is held in the galleries, that is in the little cells of the brain of my head as well as of my heart."
One evening I went to the restaurant for supper, and I sat there and had commenced my meal, when someone touched me on my shoulder. I looked around, but did not see anyone, so I turned around and commenced eating again. Then something said, "You have not given thanks for your food or asked Him to bless it."
Mrs. Mary P. Perkins
CAME FROM ALASKA
Brother HM Turney, an evangelist who was in Alaska when he heard of the outpouring of God's Spirit in California, struck out immediately for Los Angeles, and he has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and gift of tongues. About five minutes before he received the Holy Spirit, while kneeling at the altar, he whispered to Brother Oyler that the devil was tempting him that the speaking in tongues was not for him. Brother Oyler replied, "the devil is a liar from the beginning." immediately the Holy Spirit fell on our brother and he spoke with tongues. Since then, he says the Lord waked him up at night speaking and singing in tongues, as He has so many others.
A brother from Redlands, seventy-nine years old, came for Divine healing. He was deaf and used ear trumpets. The Lord opened his ears immediately. Then as he arose to go, a brother asked him," "Where are you glasses?" He looked around and said with astonishment, "Why, I can see as well as I ever did." He had poor eyesight. The Lord also healed him of rheumatism at the same time. "With his stripes we are healed."
Father LC Ebey, of Hermon, California, has given up his medicine that he had taken for thirty years and took God for healing; the Lord has touched his body. He is in his eightieth year and is earnestly seeking his Pentecost. His testimony is, "I am a believer, I am glad I am alive in Him. I am not afraid of fanaticism. I have been through some things, I believe and look for the true restoration of the apostolic faith, so that the servants of God can go out and lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. This movement is in its infancy. If you keep your hearts pure and open. God will give you the old apostolic power. It depends on whether we keep clear of the entanglements about us."
RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT
God has told His children to be witnesses, and the most convincing evidence is testimony of personal knowledge. To endeavor to help those who are sending in letters of inquiry to the Apostolic Faith office, asking how they may receive the Holy Spirit, the writer will state a little of his personal experience in obtaining this pearl of great price, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
I dropped into the meetings on Azusa Street some time in April, having heard that some people were speaking in tongues, as they did on the day of Pentecost. Although I had been trying to preach Pentecost for five years, the speaking in tongues was as strange to me as though it had never been mentioned in God's word. At first, the meeting seemed a very tame affair to me, as I had been along the line of much fleshly demonstration and noise. As I was indoctrinated in the second blessing being the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I branded the teaching as heretical, not going to the meetings for some time.
In the meantime, Pentecost came to the place, and many began to speak in tongues. I now began to attend regularly. In fact, I could not stay away. My heart began to break up, and soon I was going from one person to another, asking them to for give me for harsh words and criticism. God so melted my heart that I would cry at my work or riding on a street car. How the dear Lord began to teach me that what I needed was His loving, tender Spirit, and that power with God meant deep humility in our dealings with our fellow creatures.
I now began to go to the altar and earnestly seek for the Lord to have His way with me. Soon the power of God began to work with me. The Holy Spirit showed me that I must be clay in the Potter's hands, an empty vessel before the Lord. I laid aside all doctrine, all pre-conceived ideas and teachings and became absolutely empty. The Holy Spirit now settled down on me, and I could feel the power going through me like electric needles. The Spirit taught me that I must not resist the power but give way and become limp as a piece of cloth. When I did this, I fell under the power, and God began to mold me and teach me what it meant to be really surrendered to Him. I was laid out under the power five times before Pentecost really came. Each time I would come out from under the power, I would feel so sweet and clean, as though I had been run through a washing machine.
I now had come to the place where I was completely submitted to the whole will of God. I had been seeking about five weeks, and on a Saturday morning I awoke and stretched my arms toward heaven and asked God to fill me with the Holy Spirit. My arms began to tremble, soon I was shaken violently by a great power, and it seemed as though a large pipe was fitted over my neck, my head apparently being off. I was now filled with the Holy Spirit. I cannot describe the power I felt. The nearest description that could be given would be the action of a pump under terrific pressure, filing me with oil. I could feel the filling in my toes and all parts of my body that seemed to me to swell until I thought I would burst. I do not know how long this continued but it seemed to me a long time. The pressure was now removed and my soul and spirit seemed to leave the body and float in the air just above. My body seemed hard and metallic like iron. This was undoubtedly the Baptism into the death of Christ.
It was now time for me to arise and go to work, so I got up without speaking in tongues. I believe I would have spoken in tongues then, if I had remained in the hands of the Lord long enough. About thirty hours afterwards, while sitting in the meeting on Azusa Street, I felt my throat and tongue begin to move, without any effort on my part. Soon I began to stutter and then out came a distinct language that I could hardly restrain. I talked and laughed with joy far into the night. Praise Him name for such a wonderful experience of power and love and joy.
-GA Cook
God is solving the missionary problem, sending out new-tongued missionaries on the apostolic faith line, without purse or scrip, and the Lord is going before them preparing the way.
O how precious His words are. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also." Jesus is coming back again, and He wants us, His bride, to be watching and waiting with the garments of righteousness on, ready to enter into the marriage supper. Glory to our God. Hosanna to His omnipotent name, for He has risen in our hearts. Oh, it is so sweet to live this Holy Spirit life.
Many church members are paying their way to hell. They are paying preachers to preach against the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. They are being poisoned against the truth and it is damning their souls. People need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that they may know God. "It is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord." If we do not get the Spirit in our hearts, how can we know about the deep things of God? We cannot be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth until we speak in new tongues. He gives us power to lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover, and to speak with new tongues and cast out devils. Dear ones, we need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
NEW-TONGUED MISSIONARIES FOR AFRICA
Our dear Brother and Sister Mead, who have spent twenty years in missionary work in Africa have received their Pentecost in Los Angeles, and as the Lord leads and opens the way they will be on their way to the dark continent again with the divine fitness for missionary work.
Brother Mead's Testimony of Pentecost
Many dear ones ask us about our Pentecost. It is beautiful, simple and full of comfort. I went to the meetings when I first heard of the manifestation of the Spirit, speaking in tongues, healing of the body, etc. I was not surprised, for we had been praying and expecting something of this kind to arouse God's people to the reality of the Word of God, and the truth of God Emmanuel. While seeking the closer walk with God in Africa, the Spirit seemed to fall on us, revealing Jesus so real to our souls; a burden seemed to be on my heart, in writing and in conversation, I could but say, Jesus is real.
The first night at the meetings, my heart went out for the Baptism. I went forward to be prayed for, hands were laid on me, and prayer was made, that I might receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I continued praying and fasting, in hope and much comfort. One evening, in complete abnegation of self, it was revealed to me that the same power and persecutions that were in the beginning were now to be repeated for the perfecting of the Church. Would I choose it? My heart cried out, Oh, yes Lord, with your smile. My soul was flooded with Divine love; and I commenced to speak, as I would sing a new song.
It was entirely different from the way Mrs. Mead received her baptism. I was as conscious as I am at this moment, but my heart was full of praises and thanksgiving. I seemed now to have a conception of the mighty efficacy of the Blood of Christ, and His omnipresence in Spirit, as never before.
Many ask, "Do you think these tongues will be used in a foreign field?" As for myself, I cannot say. My God is able, this I know. The Pentecost or baptism of Divine love, that would enable a missionary to say to the poor Africans, as the Spirit did through Peter and John, to the poor cripple at the gate of the Temple, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk," would mark a grand epoch in the history of foreign missions. I believe God is about to repeat many of the miracles and wonders wrought in the early history of the church.
SJ Mead
Sister Mead's Baptism
Two years before we left Africa, the Holy Spirit began to speak to us in an especial way. We felt the lack of the power and love in the service of our Master, and we commenced seeking that power from Him; we had no definite light on the Baptism in our sanctified life of twenty years. Praise God, we did have a most wonderful experience when we were justified, and our sins forgiven. Then after we were sanctified, the joy of heaven filled our souls, and we had the wonderful "anointing which abideth." Yet we felt the lack of power in our lives, and this was what we were earnestly seeking, as we waited on God in our little mission home in Africa. It was at this time, that the Book of the Revelation was so wonderfully opened up to our souls, for which we shall never cease to praise God.
Just before our return to America, we believe it was the Spirit of God, who said to us very plainly. "Los Angles, California, is the end of your journey." This seemed strange to us, at the time, as we had no friends in Los Angeles; but we see now it was the Holy Spirit of God, to bring us to Los Angeles to receive our Pentecost.
Our faith was indeed tasted after reaching this city. After three days, I had pneumonia in both lungs, and for days, I realized nothing of this world. Praise God He raised me up in answer to the prayer of faith, and I shall never cease to praise Him, that He spared me for this wonderful day of my Pentecost. While in our home in Los Angeles, at times the Spirit would be wonderfully poured out upon us in our morning worship, and then the enemy would thrust sore at us, knowing that His time was short.
About this time, we met a sister in Christ, who told us of the Azusa Street meetings, and that some were speaking in tongues, so we went at once to see if these things were true. We felt the power of God immediately as we entered the meeting. After two or three days, as the invitation was given for those who wished to seek for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I went forward to the little humble altar. While on the way the enemy said to me, "You, a missionary in Africa twenty years, now going forward to the altar," I said, yes. I am going forward, for I want all that God has for me, and immediately I gained a real victory in my soul. Then Brother Seymour, Sister Crawford and another Sister laid their hands upon me that I might receive the Holy Spirit. As they prayed, I felt the power go through my body, but did not receive then the full baptism.
We waited on God daily in our home for three weeks, searching the Scriptures, confessing our faults, and getting everything under the Blood, even forgetting at times to take food. During this time, while attending the meetings one day, the tongues became a stone of stumbling to me, and a rock of offense. I immediately went into darkness that was so great that my dear husband cried to the Lord for me, and I was restored, willing to submit what I did not understand to God. Then the enemy tried to get me discouraged, telling me that this baptism was not for me. I went into my room feeling so discouraged, when the Spirit said to me as plainly as a voice, "How did you receive your justification? How did you receive your sanctification?" I said, Lord, by faith. He then said, "Receive me." I arose, and felt very happy, praising the Lord. This was on Friday evening and we went into our front room and said we would have a meeting to seek the Spirit just as they did at Brother Seymour's. We sang and testified, and then fell on our knees in prayer. As we repeated over and over again, We receive the Holy Spirit, in our simplicity, he came in, and we could not retire until late. Then we asked the Holy Spirit to continue His work in us while we slept.
On Saturday morning at the breakfast table I said something seems to hinder my perfect freedom. My husband said, "It may be in regard to your little neighbor; you know she did not receive the gospel, and left off coming in to see you, and so you have left off going in to see her. You have more light than she, and perhaps have done wrong." The faithful Holy Spirit convicted me, and I said, beginning to cry like a child, "Oh, Lord, I see it," and fell on my knees. Just as I did this crying, "Let it all be under the Blood," the Holy Spirit fell upon me in great sweetness and power. I had a wonderful revelation of the Blood of Christ making me as clean and innocent as a child, and Jesus was real to me.
I was under the power from early morning until about five at night, prophesying in the Scriptures, and then began to speak in tongues, as the Spirit gave me utterance. I spoke most of the afternoon, having some very sweet revelations concerning the precious blood of Christ. I trust they will never be taken away from me, and may, through the Spirit, be used to glorify my Savior.
Since then I have been shown that what I speak is an African dialect, and concerning the Blood of Christ.
Now I follow on to know the Lord more fully and may I be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, length, depth, and height. I want to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge, and may have the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
If any sanctified soul is seeking Pentecost, the way is so simple. Believe and receive, and it is His will to fill your precious soul.
Ardell K. Mead
THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM HEAVEN
Brother Burke from Anaheim, who received the Holy Spirit, says, "I told the Lord to search my heart and melt me down, and it seemed to me I grew smaller and smaller until I felt about the size of a grasshopper. I asked the Lord to put the Holy Spirit on me, and it came like the outpouring of water on the crown of my head and it went through my entire body to the very tips of my toes and fingers and my heart seemed to expand ten time larger. Then something rushed through me like I was under a faucet. It was the Holy Spirit, and the next thing I knew something began to get hold of my jaw bones and tongue. I said, Lord whether I ever speak in tongues or not, I want the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as they had it on the day of Pentecost. I went home and it seemed a music band of a thousand instruments was set up within me. The next morning it was singing in my soul, 'The power, the power, the Pentecostal power, is just the same today.' I was singing it in the yard and my wife was singing it in the kitchen. It has not stopped yet. Then it changed to 'The Comforter has come, the Holy Spirit from heaven,' I was so hungry for the Holy Spirit. They told awful stories about this work over there where I live, but I was hungry and thirsty and could not keep away. If you are hungry, come and let God fill you."
PAPERS TO DISTRIBUTE
A brother writes, "I wish in your next number you would state what the papers cost per hundred copies postpaid, to issue and mail them. I want a bundle of each issue."
This is the Lord's paper and is published free, and we are glad for interested friends to distribute them to hungry souls. It costs in the neighborhood of $1 to issue and mail a hundred copies. We have never even asked for a collection for the paper, but the Lord touches hearts to give. He showed us to publish a Pentecostal paper on Pentecostal lines. We honor Him to provide the means, and He is doing it. We keep no account books here; the Lord keeps the records. We do not publish the names of donors, but the Lord knows who they are. He says that those who give in secret He will reward openly.
Our first issue was 5,000. These were taken so eagerly and brought in so many replies from hungry souls, that we made our next issue 10,000. This issue was as eagerly sought as the first, so we have concluded that we will publish 20,000 this issue, the means being provided. The future issues will depend upon how the Lord supplies the means. We would consider it a great honor if God shall supply us with sufficient means to send out as many as 50,000 each issue. This Gospel must go, for the time is short before the appearing of our Lord and Savior in the air with the angelic host. As workers cannot get to the fields fast enough, the Lord is using the paper.
A sister in Pasadena who was living a holy life before God honestly desired all God had for her. She arose in a Pentecostal meeting and said, "I do not ask for tongues but I want to love God with all my heart and soul and my neighbor as myself," and immediately she began to speak with tongues.
IN MONEY MATTERS
There have been teachers who have told all the people to sell out, and many of them have gone into fanaticism. We let the Spirit lead people and tell them what they ought to give. When they are filled with the Spirit, their pocket books are converted and God makes them stewards and if He says, "Sell out," they will do so. Sometimes they have families. God does not tell you to forsake your family. He says if you do not provide for your own you are worse than an infidel. Some are not called to go out and teach. We find some that have no wisdom nor faith, and the devil takes them to disgrace the work. Under false teaching, children have been left to go half naked, women have left their husbands, and husbands leave their wives to wash and scrub, and the Bible says that is worse than infidelity. Then they will go and borrow and cannot pay back. That person ought to go to work. The Bible says, "Let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."
He sent those that were called out to preach the Gospel, to "take no though what ye shall eat or drink." Get down and pray. Make your wants known unto God and He will send it in.
God does not expect all to send out for He says in 1 Corinthians 16:1, "Now concerning the collection for the saints, upon the first day of the week, let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." It does not mean for you to have great real estate and money banked up while your brothers and sisters are suffering. He means for you to turn loose because all that money is soon going to be thrown to the moles and bats. It is better to spread the Gospel and get stars in your crown than to be holding it. For us to go and tell you to do it, pick out somebody that has money and read the Word to them would not be the Spirit of the Lord. The Spirit will tell you what wakes you up at night and tells you what to do; you cannot sleep until you obey. He says everyone shall be taught of God from the least to the greatest. God wants a free giver.
Annanias wanted to have a reputation that he sold out like the rest, so he plotted that he should give a portion and say he had sold out for the Lord. The Holy Spirit told Peter that Annanias had told a lie. Peter told him the property was his. The Lord allows you to be the steward over it. The property was his and the sin was in lying to the Holy Spirit. It is right for you to have property. However, if the Lord says, take $200, $500, or $1,000 and distribute here or there, you do it.
We must know our calling. We can work when baptized with the Holy Spirit. Some think they have to preach. Well, we do preach in testifying. Some think they must go out because they have the tongues but those are good for Los Angeles or anywhere else. The Lord will lead you by His small voice.
-WJ Seymour
THE LORD LED HER
Sister Malone went to Redlands as a worker from Los Angeles. In a meeting there, a woman eighty-six years of age came in. She had not been taught of man about the Pentecost, but arose and testified that years ago she took her Bible alone and said, "Lord, lead me." He gave her the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues. Sister Malone asked, "Can you speak with tongues?" Immediately she began to speak with tongues as the Spirit gave utterance and to interpret. This is no new thing. It was begun on the day of Pentecost, but has been hidden for centuries except here and there as some humble soul has been taught of God and received His word without question.
THE FAITH WAY
While Sister Crawford was praying for money to send workers to Oakland, the Lord gave her a vision of three bills she would receive and she received three five-dollar bills. Then when praying about her fare to Salem, Oregon, she saw three gold pieces and sure enough, she received the gold pieces. The Pentecostal way is to make your requests known to God and to God alone, and truly it is a safe way as we have tested and proved it. It is a way that honors God, it is the Bible way, and it is the only safe way to go out that is to walk with the Lord by the light of His word.
EDITORS RECEIVE THE PENTECOST
Rev. TG Attebury, pastor of the People's Church, Sixth and Mateo streets, Los Angeles, and who has for years been the publisher of The Evangelist, has received his Pentecost. His wife and several members of his congregation have also received the Holy Spirit and the church is a center of fire. He says:
"Perhaps no religious movement in the history of this coast has proved of greater interest to the Christian world than that begun and carried on by the Azusa Street Mission of this city under the leadership of Rex WJ Seymour. The special manifestations of the Spirit in the meetings conducted there have deepened. Christian workers of all denominations are interested, so great crowds throng the building at every service to hear and see the things that are being done. The leaders of this movement teach that all the gifts of the Spirit, as enumerated by the Apostle Paul in the twelfth chapter of his first letter to the Corinthian church, are for the church today. These gifts are in the Holy Spirit, and when He comes to dwell in his fullness in a human heart, he brings all these gifts with Him. They contend that only lack of faith will hinder the Spirit from manifesting all of these gifts through every life that is wholly surrendered to the will of God.
"Another teaching peculiar to this movement is that the scriptural evidence that one has been baptized with the Holy Spirit is the gift of tongues, such as the church in Jerusalem received on the day of Pentecost. That large numbers in this mission, and also in other missions and churches of this city and vicinity, have received the gift of tongues cannot be doubled."
Brother Ryan Receives His Pentecost.
Rev. ML Ryan, a Holiness evangelist and editor of Light, Salem, Oregon, hearing the good news from Los Angeles, suddenly dropped in at the Azusa Street publishing office. After a few words of greeting, he went into the upper room meeting and in about two hours after he arrived, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit, spoke, and sang in the power of the Spirit. He has returned to Salem and a band of Spirit-filled workers have gone to Salem to help in a Pentecostal meeting there. Brother Ryan says:
"Little did I think that God had such a rich experience for so unworthy a person as myself. When I arrived in Los Angeles I had my mind made up that I must seek for the Pentecostal Baptism at least one week before receiving it. To my unutterable surprise and joy, the power fell upon me at once. The Holy Spirit prayed and spoke through me in tongues. One of the blessed privileges conferred upon me was a place in that heavenly choir, the songs of which defy all power of human to imitate. Hallelujah for His unspeakable gift."
TESTIMONY OF HEALING
Thirteen years ago, I was brought into the light of divine healing, through the Word of God. I had never heard any teaching from man, but I had been for a long time very greatly afflicted in body. I had taken physicians and medicine until I became discouraged and continued to grow worse until I decided to drop every remedy and take the Lord for my healer.
To this, my people would not give consent. They thought I was losing my mind. One morning, through a nurse, I was chloroformed and taken out of my home to the hospital where they performed an operation. After the physicians had cut, slashed, and found that the seat of the trouble was deeper than they anticipated, they lost courage and said it was impossible for me to recover. It was only a question of how many hours I could possibly live. My husband was away in God's work at the time, and my people became alarmed, and realized what they had done, and decided to take me back to my home to die; but, praise God, He had another plan in store for me.
I did not regain consciousness for many hours; I opened my eyes in my own room and heard them praying around my bed. Then I realized my dreadful situation and in the most excruciating agony, I lifted my eyes to heaven and saw a light streaming down upon me. In a moment, I heard the voice of Jesus telling me to trust Him, that He was my healer. I said, "Yes, Lord, I do trust Thee and will trust Thee, for Thou hast healed me and healed me now." A wonderful joy came into my very being, and I felt the Spirit and the healing power of Christ permeating my whole being, praise God. In three days time I was up and around my room and in less than a week I was able to walk a mile. Never from that time have I doubted the healing power of Jesus. Since then, for thirteen years, I have been in the Lord's work.
Now I wish to relate another instance of His healing power. While in Oakland, California, during last August, through an accident, God permitted the old trouble to come back, and from Saturday evening until Tuesday noon, I suffered intensely. At noon time, we always held our workers' class there, and it was during the saints' meeting, I had a wonderful spirit of prayer, and I tried to say, "Jesus is here," and found I had no utterance, but He was present in my soul. The spirit of prayer continued on me until 2:30. When the Lord permitted me to raise my eyes, I saw a vision of beautiful, rolling clouds, Jesus suspended in the midst, and just then, I realized that He was there for my healing. Sister Crawford and Sister Junk who were with me saw Jesus as well, and God revealed to them that He had come to heal me. I felt the healing work of Jesus. Many of you loved ones have seen the mason lift up his trowel of mortar and throw it upon the wall that he was building, and just so it seemed to me that the Great Physician was rebuilding the temple of my body. Oh, Hallelujah! Praise His name. Oh, I know that He is the only physician that can heal all our diseases. All that afternoon and evening, no matter which way I turned, the form of my Savior was suspended in front of me, and I wish ever to behold the smile of His countenance as I saw Him on that day. My healing was instantaneous, and today I rejoice in a perfect body. --Mrs. May Evans.
UNDER THE BLOOD
We can only have life in our souls as we live under the Blood. We live in the Word, then the Blood flows. The blood is the life. If we stay in Jesus, we have life flowing in us. How watchful we must be to feed on the Word and keep under the Blood, or else we shall become sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. We may retain the gifts for a time but not the life.
Brother JC Mackey, of San Diego, California, says, "I heard of the meetings in Los Angeles and it set me on fire. The Spirit said to me, 'You go.' I said, 'I will.' I got my ticket and came and today I am saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and have the witness."
VISIONS OF HELL
A sister who was baptized with the Holy Spirit was at a church, one where the evangelist denounced the works of grace, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and gift of tongues. That evening she says the Lord showed her a vision of an open hell just back of the pulpit, with the awful, lurid flames coming up, and people sitting around the altar with their feet hanging over into the open hell, unconscious of their condition.
Brother Thomas Junk, while in Oakland, had a vision of hell. He seemed to leave his body and was taken to the top of Knob Hill, in the midst of the ruins of San Francisco. The Savior commanded him, "Son of man, speak." As soon as he spoke, the ground at his feet parted and moved from him, disclosing a liquid fire, like molten iron, with demons and men and women in flames. He says there came to him an awful fume of burning sulfur and he heard the screams of the damned that were heart-rending. All around the edges of the great opening, people were walking, unconscious of the open pit and a continual stream of them were falling into the lake of fire. He beheld them splashing into the fire and heard the laugh of demons as each struck the fire.
While beholding all this, he saw a woman he had known for some time, a professor of Holiness and one who took a prominent part in testimony and prayer, running toward the opening, looking too high to see it. She dashed right over into the flames, and a shout went up from the demons, with such roars of laughter, as he had never heard before.
Brother Junk had been an infidel, and since his conversion could not believe the Scripture statements concerning hell, and had been teaching that the sufferings of the lost would be remorse and spiritual distress, but not fire. As he looked on this scene, Jesus Christ told him to preach a hell of fire, just as it is in the Word of God, and he promised to do so.
The next Sabbath that professor of Holiness was in the meeting as an opposer, insisting that she was filled with the Holy Spirit, but that this work was the work of seducing spirits and the doctrines of devils.
The above incidents are taken from the Household of God and many will remember Brother Junk, who was with us in Los Angeles.
PENTECOSTAL EXPERIENCE
Sister Lucy M. Leatherman writes from 231 Second Avenue, NY, of her work there witnessing to the Pentecost. We have not space for a full report, but her testimony will be of interest to all.
"While seeking for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Los Angeles, after Sister Ferrell laid hands on me, I praised and praised God and saw my Savior in the heavens. As I praised, I came closer and closer, and I became so small. By and by, I swept into the wound in His side, and He was not only in me but I in Him, and there I found that rest that passeth all understanding and He said to me, you are in the bosom of the Father. He said I was clothed upon and in the secret place of the Most High. I said, "Father, I want the gift of the Holy Spirit," and the heavens opened and I was overshadowed, and such power came upon me and went through me. He said, Praise Me, and when I did, angels came and ministered unto me. I was passive in His hands, and by the eye of faith I saw angel hands working on my vocal cords, and I realized they were loosing me. I began to praise Him in an unknown language.
"In a few days, while on my way to church, I met a woman and two little children. She was talking to her children in a language that sounded like the Words God had given me. I spoke a sentence to her, and she said, 'What you say means God has given Himself to you.' She is from Beirut, Syria, and speaks Arabic. Eight years ago, in AB Simpson's missionary school at Nyack, New York, I heard the Macedonian cry to go to Jerusalem, but it is to the Arabs. I am told there are more Arabs than Jews there, and God has been speaking to me and asks me if I would be willing to go with Him to the wild Arab of the desert. Anywhere with Jesus I will gladly go.
On land or sea, what matter where,
Where Jesus is 'tis heaven there.
"Pray that God will send a revival to this city and pray for Arabia."
SIGNS FOLLOW
The signs are following in Los Angeles. The eyes of the blind have been opened, the lame made to walk, and those who have accidentally drunk poison have been healed. One suffering from poison was healed instantly. Devils are cast out, and many speak in new tongues. The signs in Mark 16:16-18 have followed except raising the dead, and we believe God will have someone to receive that power. We want all the signs that it may prove that God is true. It will result in the salvation of many souls.
ANOTHER FREE PAPER
Rev. ML Ryan of Salem, OR, who received his Pentecost in Los Angeles, has now put his paper, "Light", on the free subscription line and it is full of Pentecostal news and truth. Send for it if you want to keep in touch with the work being done in the north. Address, "Light," Salem, OR The subscription was 50 cents a year, and though it is free now, we would suggest that those who can will put in an offering for the work there, for he is depending on God alone and they need help in forwarding the work. Brother Ryan is a true man of God and filled with the Holy Spirit.
IN JAIL FOR JESUS' SAKE
When I first went down to Whittier from Los Angeles, as soon as I got on the car to go down, it seemed the power of God came on me. All the time I was there and during the trial in the courtroom, I felt the power of God. I could hardly sit on my chair in the courtroom. I knew it was all in the order of the Lord for me to be arrested and put in jail. The Lord wonderfully used me. I never had such power of God on me as when I was in that jail.
As soon as we would come in after supper, after working on the chain gang during the day shoveling dirt, I would get my Bible and call the men into the big room and the Lord gave me their tongue, the Mexican language. I did not have that tongue, until I went into the jail. As I would talk with them, the tears would run down their faces. There was not one of them but was weeping bitterly. Then when I went into my little cell, after I got done preaching, two or three of them would come in and talk with me a long while. Most of the men were Mexicans. Two or three could talk my language and they could interpret English for the others. I did not know what I was saying in tongues, except as they interpreted for me. When I was preaching to them in tongues, I read the 55th chapter of Isaiah to them in the Mexican language, with my Bible in my hand. I did not know the chapter or that I had read it until they told me. I never had the Lord use me so much before as in jail. It seemed wave after wave of power would run over me. There was hardly a night I would sleep more than an hour or two. The Lord was giving me messages to give them. Bless His holy name.
The men in jail asked me where the mission was, and they were going to come down as soon as they got out. They were anxious for the day to come to get out of there and get to the mission.
My wife and I feel the call of God to go out into the work as the way opens. Our call is first to our old home near Onawa, Michigan. --Henry McLain.
Sister McLain says that when her husband was in jail the presence of the Lord was more precious than ever before in her life. "While I was asking Him to supply my needs. He appeared to me and seemed to enclose a dollar in my hand. All my wants were supplied. Now we are going forth to preach the Gospel. The word keeps coming to me, Go, Go. We have forsaken all for Jesus. We will take our three little children with us and when we get to Michigan, God has provided a home at our daughters for the children. We expect to preach the Word until He comes."
A BLESSED EXPERIENCE
Brother and Sister SK Gibson from Kentucky, who have been in Gospel work for years, have received their Pentecost. Brother Gibson testified, "Night before last, I received the fullness. I have been a Christian over sixty years. I re-consecrated, and God's blessing and word never were so sweet to me as now. Last week in prayer the Lord wonderfully blessed me and came into my room while I was on my face on the floor, and He said, "I will baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and your vile body shall be changed like unto my glorious body, never more to die." It was a revelation in harmony with God's word. What a joy came into my heart at those words. I believe God will work in this old body that has so long been worn out and use it to His glory."
BIBLE SALVATION
The object and end of the entire precious Scripture is that the Holy Spirit may work out a definite work in our hearts. God's design through the ages and through all His work with the children of men has been to implant His own nature-love, in a fallen race. Oh how sweet to feel the tender thrills of that love, going through every part of our being. This is real Bible salvation-not a mere theory or contention over different passages of Scripture.
SANCTIFICATION AND POWER
Have you accepted Jesus? Will you accept Him? Have you accepted Him as your sanctifier? In John 17:15-17, Jesus prayed, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth. For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they might also be sanctified through the truth." Also in 1 Thessalonians 1:4, "This is the will of God even your sanctification." Bless His dear name. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in unto him and sup with him and He with us. Praises to our God! Hosanna to His omnipotent name!
If we are sanctified and have clean hearts, living pure, holy lives, and having perfect love in our souls...Oh, let us receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father, that we may be able to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. For Jesus gave this great commission in His resurrection power, after He rose from the dead. "Go, ye, into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world."
O, dear loved ones, we must preach and teach and practice all that Jesus has commissioned us. If we have not received all of the fullness of our blessed Christ, let us continue until we shall be filled with all the fullness of God. Let us press forward to the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Oh, dear loved ones; this means the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire upon our souls. It is heaven in our souls here. Oh, let us get down before God and humble ourselves until we can hear Him speak. He desires to speak with His people today as He did in the early morning of the church. The Holy Spirit wants to speak to the people. We praise God for the instruments He has raised up to bring to us light, but far above all, we admire the great Teacher of teachers that never makes a mistake. He loved us even to the throbs of death when He hung on Calvary from the sixth until the ninth hour and there was darkness over the face of the earth, proving to a lost and benighted world that He was the Son of God. Infidels were compelled to confess that this was the Son of God, for they heard His words on the Cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." His great desire on the Cross was for the salvation of souls.
Dear ones, do we have that burning passion for souls of the lost? When we are persecuted and tried for the Word of God, can we say in our hearts, Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they do? This is the faith that was once delivered unto the saints; faith such as Stephen had when he was being stoned to death. He could look up into heaven and see Jesus at the right hand of God. It seems that He could not feel the stoning. He was so wrapped up in Jesus. There was a smile on His face like an angel when He fell asleep in Jesus.
VISIONS OF JESUS
While Brother GW Evans was with us in Oakland, exhorting the people to come in Christ, we observed he was speaking in verse with great earnestness. The great blessing of salvation and happiness and eternal life was held out to all that would come to Christ and obey Him. After speaking in this manner for probably five minutes he fell backward to the floor, and remained in an unconscious state for probably ten minutes; and then arose.
After meeting a woman in the congregation went to him and requested a copy of the poetry he had spoken, and found he was oblivious to the fact that he had repeated a number of verses.
Later I talked to him about this experience, and he stated that he had never committed any such verses to memory and knew nothing of having repeated them in the meeting.
He then told me that while he was speaking the whole rear end of the Hall became filled with faces of angelic beings from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall. A literal bank of beautiful faces, with Jesus in the center, and all faces turned towards Him.
He says he recognized Peter, James and John, also John Wesley.
During his gaze at this Heavenly host he spoke unconsciously the invitations and exhortations to all to come and receive the rich blessings offered. He knew nothing of his fall, but returned to consciousness on the floor.
The same thing occurred again, about ten days later in the meeting, with this difference he did not recognize any of the faces, except Jesus, standing in the center.
At both times, he says, there were waves of spiritual power and glory coming from Jesus all over him.
I believe every one in the house felt the Divine power present, and the altar was instantly crowded with penitents.
-Household of God
A CATHOLIC THAT RECEIVED PENTECOST
Brother Lee, whom God so wonderfully saved from darkness and a life of sin, and baptized him with the Holy Spirit, testified, "I praise God for this old barn. This is my confession box right here. My priest was Jesus Christ. I praise God for justifying me and sanctifying me wholly, and baptizing me with the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the head of my church. Jesus did the work for me. When the Holy Spirit comes in He speaks for Himself and sings His own songs. Friends, I did not go to college to get this language. The Holy Spirit speaks. He can talk the languages of the nations. It makes no difference what judges or police officers say this Irishman is saved by the grace of God. Glory to God. It settles a man when he gets the Baptism. It gives you a sound mind. This salvation keeps me out of the saloons and jails and red light district. Jesus Christ gave his life for us that we might be saved. Glory to God for a salvation that keeps me night and day. This means persecution. Hallelujah."
PREACHING TO THE SPANISH
Brother and Sister Lopez, Spanish people, who are filled with the Holy Spirit, are being used of God in street meetings and in helping Mexicans at the altar at Azusa Street. Brother Brigido Perez is another young Spanish boy who has received the Pentecost. He is now in San Diego. He writes his testimony in Spanish that being translated reads, "Through the grace of Almighty God and faith in Jesus Christ, I can testify to sanctification and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire of love in my heart. How good He has been to me. On September 3rd, while I was praying, I felt in my heart that Christ our Savior wanted me to go and testify in His precious name in different parts of the country." The Holy Spirit shines out of this brother's face.
THE TEN VIRGINS
I saw a vision of the ten virgins before me: five wise and five foolish. The five foolish virgins had oil in their vessels and their lamps were burning. The five wise virgins also had their lamps burning, and oil in their vessels. This was something more than a clean heart and yet the same nature. The oil in their vessels with their lamps was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. The five foolish virgins were Holiness people, but they were saying, "There is nothing in it, we got it when we were sanctified and we are satisfied." The Lord showed me that the five foolish virgins, who would not accept the doctrine and seek the double supply of oil, would find that their lamps are beginning to go out, burning low. There is nothing to keep burning. They are burning now just as brightly as they ever will. The time is coming when the oil is going to give out.
Let me warn you, do not oppose the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, for if you oppose it your lamp will go out. You get that vessel filled with oil!
The cry went forth, "The bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him!" Then those poor ones, whose lamps were going out, said, "We have not enough oil." As they went to buy or seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, (for the time is coming when they will begin to seek) the bridegroom was taken away. Dear ones, do you want to be there when Jesus comes? If you do, seek the Holy Spirit today.
THE CHARACTER OF LOVE
It is sweet to have the promise and character of Jesus wrought out in our lives and hearts by the power of the Blood and the Holy Spirit. Sweeter still it is and to have that same love and that same meekness and humility manifested in our lives, for His character is love. Jesus was a man of love. The people flocked to Him to hear His words. Women lugged their babies in the hot sun and spent days listening to the Words of Jesus. Men got into boats and went across the sea to see Jesus and hear His precious words. While there were many that followed for the loaves and fishes, many followed Him for healing. Yes, He was a man of love. He was the express image of the Father, God manifest in the flesh.
Dear loved ones, we must have that pure love that comes down from heaven, love that is willing to suffer loss, love that is not puffed up, not easily provoked, but gentle, meek, and humble. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter day by day. We are crucified to self, the world, the flesh and everything, that we may bear about in our body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that our joy may be full even as He is full.
There are three regular Pentecostal missions now in the city, besides a number of cottage prayer meetings in which the Lord is working in power. In Monrovia, Pasadena, Sawtelle, Whittier and other points about here, as fast as workers are ready to go out, meetings are springing up.
A Presbyterian evangelist from Greenfield, IA, hearing the glad tidings from Los Angeles, a Brother Atherton, came 2,500 miles. The first night he was in the meeting he was slain under the power of God and said that one meeting paid for the trip. Afterward he received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. He then started home filled with great joy to spread the good news.
Some who learned of the Pentecost in Los Angeles through reading this paper have come to Los Angeles and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Bible evidence as received on the day of Pentecost. One received the Holy Spirit and gift of tongues while reading the first number of the paper. May the Lord continue to bless these printed messages to souls. We expect the Spirit to accompany this paper to the heart of each reader.
News comes from Colorado Springs that souls are being saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit. Some are being healed also. A number are speaking in tongues. The Lord is calling some to go as missionaries, and a number are expecting to go to different parts of the world. The gift of singing and playing instruments in the Spirit has been given. A child six years of age has the gift of tongues, also a person eighty years of age. A girl of twelve years preaches and signs in the Indian language.
The Word says: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Chicago is going to stand up in the judgment; Los Angeles shall stand before the judgment, New York and Indianapolis shall be brought into judgment. After the white throne judgment, we are going to see men and women who have scorned this Holiness and baptism, and they will be cast down into the burning hell. Today is the day of salvation. Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart. Oh, accept this salvation.
Sister Seeley of Temple Street, Los Angeles had been suffering eight years from rupture. She could not live without her medicine and was subject to sudden spells of great pain. During the last attack, she decided to trust fully in the Lord. She came to Azusa Street and asked prayers and as hands were laid on her and prayer was being offered, Brother Seymour got the witness that she was healed, and at the same moment she felt a thrill of joy through her being, and knew the work was done. She has since taken no medicine and her healing is perfect. She has also received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and is a joyful witness.
CHAPTER FOUR
Seven Months of Pentecostal Showers Jesus, Our Projector and Great Shepherd
Many are asking how the work in Azusa Mission started and who was the founder. The Lord was the founder and He is the Projector of this movement. A band of humble people in Los Angeles had been praying for a year or more for more power with God for the salvation of lost and suffering humanity. They did not know just what they needed, but one thing they knew, people were not getting saved and healed as they desired to see. They continued to hold cottage prayer meetings for several months.
Then they felt led of the Lord to call Brother Seymour from Houston, Texas to Los Angeles, the saints in Los Angeles sending his fare. It was as truly a call from God as when He sent His holy angel to tell Cornelius to send for Peter. He came and told them about the Baptism with the Spirit, and that every afternoon at three o'clock they would pray for the enduement of power. He told them he did not have the Pentecost but was seeking it and wanted all the saints to pray with him until all received their Pentecost. Some believed they had it, and others believed they did not have it because the signs were not following. Hardly anyone was being saved.
There was a great deal of opposition, but they continued to fast and pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, until on April 9 the fire of God fell in a cottage on Bonnie Brae. Pentecost was poured out upon workers and saints. Three days after that, Brother Seymour received his Pentecost. Two who had been working with him in Houston came to Los Angeles just before Pentecost fell. They came filled with the Holy Spirit and power. One of them had received her personal Pentecost, Sister Lucy Farrow, and said the Lord had sent her to join us in holding up this precious truth. She came with love and power, holding up the Blood of Jesus Christ in all His fullness.
The fire has been falling ever since. Hundreds of souls have received salvation and healing. We can truly say that the revival is still going on. The Lord God is in Los Angeles in different missions and churches in mighty power, in spite of opposition. This revival has spread through the towns about Los Angeles and through.
He gave His Blood for the salvation of our souls and He gave a perfect body for these imperfect bodies of ours.
It is by the stripes of Jesus that we are healed. There was never a whiplash put on Jesus' back until Pilate scourged Him before the judgment bar. The marks that were made on that perfect body of our Savior, the Blood that ran down in Pilate's judgment hall from His stripes, reach our infirmities and cleanse us from all sickness and disease and make us every whit whole.
The Passover lamb was a type of Christ. We find that the Lord commanded the children of Israel, when they were about to come out of Egypt to take a lamb without blemish and kill it and sprinkle the Blood at the doors of their houses and eat the body of the lamb in their houses. The blood stood for salvation to save them from the destroyer. The Blood of Jesus saves us from sin, for Satan is not able to make his way through the Blood. Now they were to eat the body of the lamb in their very own homes that they might have strength and health that night to go out of Egypt, there was not one sick. This was a real type of the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ for soul and body.
We find the Jews afterward kept the Passover. They looked back to their deliverance and commemorated it every year by eating the lamb's body, the type of our Christ. The body of the lamb pointed to Christ's body broken for us. We look back to Calvary, to our Savior who hung, died, and gave a perfect body for us.
Oh, remember Calvary. He said at the Passover supper, just before He was crucified, "Take, eat, this is my body." What is it for? It is for your health. He gave them the cup and said, "This is my blood of the New Testament that is shed for many, for the remission of sins." Every time we partake of the Lord's supper, we do it in remembrance of this two-told salvation for body and soul.
Many are sickly and fall asleep because they do not discern the Lord's body. They will take a doctor before Jesus. They put a doctor between them and the atonement. Yet they will say, "Lord, Lord," and do not the things that He says: "Is any afflicted, let him pray. Is any sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith shall save the sick." James 5: 13, 15. The doctor gives you poison and you die because you dishonor the atonement. You are sickly and you fall asleep. You come to the Lord's table and yet you do not believe in full salvation for soul and body. You take the cup and eat the bread, yet deny the body of the Lord for health and salvation. You are sick because you do not discern the body of the Lord Jesus.
"Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you."
Dear beloved, this means that we must honor the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ in all its fullness, as David said, "Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all thine iniquities, who heals all thy diseases." Let us take the Lamb's body, through faith in our Lord for salvation and healing of these bodies as we honor His Blood for saving and sanctifying our soul and spirit. Amen.
We can be rather hasty, especially when we are very young in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are just like a baby-full of love-and we were willing to accept anyone that had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as our leader. The Lord commenced settling us down, and we saw that the Lord should be our leader. We honor Jesus as the great Shepherd of the sheep. He is our model.
The Lord adds here daily such as should be saved, and plants them in the body to suit Himself, and all work together in harmony under the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no pope, Dualism, or Sanfordism, but we are all little children knowing only Jesus and Him crucified. This work is carried on by the people of Los Angeles that God has united by the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Brother Seymour is simply a humble pastor of the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made him overseer. According to Acts 20:28, "Take heed therefore, unto yourself and to the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseer, to feed the church of God which He hath purchased with His own blood." As missionary workers and teachers go out from this place, they have the same privilege of being pastors over the people the Lord puts them over by the Holy Spirit, and of feeding them with the pure Word of God. Each mission will be united in harmony, having its own pastor simply that the Holy Spirit shall appoint.
We believe in old time repentance, old time conversion, old time sanctification, healing of our bodies and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We believe that God made Adam in His own image, according to Genesis 5:1; Psalms 8:4; and Matthew 19:4. We do not believe in any eighth day creation, as some have taught, and we do not believe in the annihilation of the wicked.
We stand on Bible truth without compromise. We recognize every man that honors the Blood of Jesus Christ to be our brother, regardless of denomination, creed, or doctrine. We are not willing to accept any errors, it matters not how charming and sweet they may seem to be. If they do not tally with the Word of God, we reject them.
This is the year of jubilee when God is sending the latter rain, and the refreshing times have come. He has raised up a nation in these last days for a witness. Jesus died for us-not the Holy Spirit. Praise our God. They were not to tarry in Jerusalem until He should pour out His Blood upon them, but tarry for the promise of the Father. John truly baptized with water, but the Lord Jesus was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus said, "Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence," and "ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you."
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a work of grace but a gift of power. Sanctification is the second and last work of grace, but the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift of power. It is a gift without repentance. No consecration to be made in receiving the Holy Spirit. Consecration is made in sanctification. The Lord Jesus is dwelling within, and you have unction from the Holy One that teaches you all things. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit makes you a witness unto the uttermost parts of the earth. It gives you power to speak in the languages of the nations. Everyone that is really sanctified with a clean heart, and seeks the Baptism of the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2, receives the witness of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. You may not receive the gift of tongues when you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but you receive the witness of tongues, that is to say, you will speak in tongues when you are baptized with the Holy Spirit.
In seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, do not ask the Lord for tongues. Just pray the Lord to give you the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as He gave his disciples, according to the second chapter of Acts, and wait before Him until the Lord verifies His promise in your precious soul.
It is one thing to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and it is another thing to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is one thing to fill a glass with water that is to hide it out of sight. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb but not baptized. The Holy Spirit had been in the world all the time. "Holy men of old spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." He was with Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Enoch and many other men of God, but He was not poured out upon all flesh until the day of Pentecost.
"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 gate bearing His reproach. Dear loved ones, in order to get sanctification, we have to go without the gate. We must leave the beautiful city, the precious temples, fame, honor, position, and go out of the gate. There we will find Jesus, the despised one, hanging between two thieves. It is so sweet to live this sanctified life. Very few people have sanctification in its fullness that means crucifixion to self according to Galatians 5:24:25. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Hallelujah!
A Pentecostal revival has commenced in the Altamont Bible Institute of South Carolina and one girl received the gift of tongues.
PENTECOST IN WOODLAND
Brother GW Evans, who has just come from Woodland, California, reports a Pentecostal revival in that place. Thirty-two have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, thirty-one sanctified, and twenty saved. Seventeen members out of the Baptist Church are filled with the Holy Spirit including the superintendent of the Sunday school and his wife. The Sunday school superintendent of the Methodist Church is also baptized with the Holy Spirit, and the difficulty now on hand is the need of a larger building to accommodate the crowds. Fourteen were healed at one meeting. God's word is made so clear and plain that the crowds are pressing in spiritual hunger for the living truth. Sister Sophie and Sister Reece from Oakland, whom God has been using, are at present in charge.
A man that had been possessed with a mad demon and had been in the asylum was delivered. The Lord cast out this demon, clothed him in his right mind and completed the work, baptizing him with the Holy Spirit. In another remarkable instance, a party was under sentence of court that decision was suspended and the defendant saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit and became a good citizen.
PENTECOST IN SAN DIEGO
San Diego, CA, November 28th
We are praising God for victory in San Diego. Brother Love and I came down here last Thursday to see if the Lord was preparing to take out a people for Himself in this city by the sea. On arriving in the city, we were not long in finding my old friend and brother, George Reilly, who was earnestly tarrying for the Pentecost. We appointed a meeting at his house the same night and he was gloriously baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues. We met again the next evening and two more received their Pentecost with Bible evidence. Hallelujah! The Lord had already laid it upon Brother Reilly to open a mission on this line. He had secured the building and we had it ready for service by Saturday night. The people came out and nearly filled the seating capacity and we had a most wonderful meeting. Some were justified, sanctified, and blessedly anointed. Interest is increasing. Some are falling under the power of the Holy Spirit and under mighty conviction of the people. We believe the Lord wants Azusa Street Mission duplicated to this city. We expect to stay here until the Lord says, "Flee ye to another." He has showed us that He has many people in this city. Hallelujah! Pray for San Diego and us. -FE Hill
PENTECOST IN SAN JOSE
They are having a real old time Pentecostal revival in San Jose, California. The devil is stirred and doing his best to put out the fire, but they ignore him and continue to fellowship with the Holy Spirit. God is raising up the workers.
People are coming and making their confessions and giving up all, to get ready for the coming of Jesus. Never in the history of this work has there been so much confession and restitution. -Apostolic Light
It is every believer's birthright to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Two bands of Apostolic Faith workers have been arrested in Whittier, but it has only increased the interest and deepened the work.
An anointed handkerchief was sent to Elizabeth Smith, Brunswick, GA, and as soon as she opened the letter, she was instantly healed.
We have heard the funeral of the Gospel preached, the power of nobody unto anything, now we are preaching the power of God unto salvation.
One came here that had been suffering for years in body, and was healed by the power of God while in the meeting without even asking for prayers.
A young woman was contemplating suicide came to the meeting and was saved, then sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit. She is very happy in the Lord.
When the conditions are just right, the Lord is just as responsible for the healing of our body as of our souls. The reason many are sick is that they trust in the arm of flesh instead of God.
A brother testified, "Last week I came in a backslider and half drunk and the Lord forgave my backsliding right in my soul, and a few days afterward, He sanctified me and baptized me with the Holy Spirit."
The gift of tongues is the glory of God flooding your soul and the Spirit taking possession. You will never know what it means to be clay in the hands of the Potter until you receive the Pentecostal baptism.
Pentecost has fallen in Long Beach, CA Souls are slain under the power of God and meetings cannot close. A number have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is using Brother E. McCauley to push the work there.
God's eternal purpose was that Jesus should be born in a humble place. No place is too humble for Jesus to dwell in. He poured out His Spirit in the humblest meeting place in Los Angeles, that no flesh should glory in His presence.
Interpreted message spoken in tongues: "Open your heart and receive the Spirit. I will give good gifts to My children. The Lord used us to His glory in Chattanooga. He set that town on fire. Praise His name. The dear ones did not want to see us leave, but the will of God must be done. The last meeting we had with the people was beside the train that brought us away. The Lord used me under the shed last in that city. He sang and preached through me, some confessed their sins, and asked, what shall I do to be saved? Some promised to live a better life. Oh, glory to Jesus. While on the train, we preached the Word and some received it with joy. We hope to set sail for Africa soon. Pray that God may use us on the boat to the salvation of souls. Love to all the dear saints."
A passage of Scripture that has been spoken in many unknown tongues and interpreted is that beautiful text, "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." The following texts were interpreted messages, "Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. These sings shall follow thee that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover."
Sister Ida Ritchie of 1147 Sheridan Road, Chicago, has received her Pentecost. She writes, "I shall never forget that night, I was about two hours receiving words in different languages and songs in the Spirit. Oh, what a great joy it is to me to know that I can go with the language and songs and the love of God to the dying, famishing heathen. How I treasure the privileges and gifts. Oh, how precious to be born in this age."
Brother GW Batman writes from New York City, "We have been having great meetings in the little mission here. Many souls have received the Baptism and talk in tongues. To my surprise, Stephen Merritt requested me to speak last Sunday forenoon in his large tabernacle, the Lord helped me in a wonderful way, and some souls were seeking the Baptism. Praise God. I am stronger in the Lord since we came here than in Los Angeles. We expect a few more days that are wonderful. We sail for Monrovia, Liberia Africa December 8. That will be our future address."
A late report from Brother Junk of Seattle, Washington, says, "We have been greatly blessed here. About 24 or 26 souls have been baptized, among them are about eight children from seven to fourteen years of age. The devil is raging terribly."
We are so glad to hear that dear Sister Shiply, Brother Ryan's mother in Salem OR, has received the Pentecost. Last Sunday she received many languages, one of them being that of the Kalamath Indians and sang in some of the Indian chanting songs. She also gave prophecies and messages to the people and interpreted. People are stirred and amazed at the miracles God is doing. A preacher who has been on the investigation order, heard a sister from Washington speak in Hindu that he was enough acquainted with to understand some of the Words and it convinced him of the genuineness of the work.
The Lord has been working in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where a band of Africa missionaries stopped on their way. Souls have been saved, a number have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and received the Bible evidence. Brother and Sister Hutchins and Sister McKinney have now gone on to New York. Their destination is Monrovia, Liberia, Africa.
A little girl, who knows the Lord as her healer, was suffering from fever. After different ones had prayed for her, she said, "Now maybe the Lord wants me to pray, so she said, "Dear Jesus, you have heard all these people's prayers, now heal me for Jesus sake." Then she lay down and went to sleep. God heals many times in answer to children's prayers.
The devil says he has no lake of fire, though sinners, skeptics, and ungodly preachers all are trying to find consolation in the doctrine of no hell, annihilation, and Universalism. God says in Revelation 20:14 that there is a lake of fire. Jesus warned us of hell. Hades in Greek and Gehenna in Hebrew mean "lake of fire." What can we do but believe the Word?
We can truly say that Pentecost has come, for all the signs are following. God is pouring out His Spirit upon His sons and daughters and giving dreams and visions, speaking in tongues. A woman who had been an invalid for 18 years is walking, shouting, and praising God. The blind have received their sight. Missionaries are going out without purse or scrip. Everything is pointing toward the coming of the Lord.
The great shekinah glory is still resting upon us as a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day, where hundreds and thousands of souls have come and been blessed through the mighty power of our blessed Lord. Hungry and thirsty souls are coming from hundreds and thousands of miles to get their personal Pentecost, and receiving and taking the glad tidings back home to hungry and thirsty souls that are waiting their arrival.
People from thousands of miles have been coming to Los Angeles to get into the rivers of salvation. John saw a river proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb and on either side of that river was the tree of life. We can get the fruit on either side of the river, but we have to swim to get it. If you want this great blessing, you must launch out by faith into the river. It is a very sweet thing to be where the rivers are flowing.
It is such a blessing to be sanctified, cleansed, crucified, nailed to the Cross of Christ. Old things have passed away, the old man is crucified, slain, and Jesus Christ is enthroned and crowned within. When I came from San Jose here last May, I heard of these meetings and came down to see. I had not been in the house an hour before I knew God's Spirit was here, and I commenced seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. , Glory to God, He came and completely deluged my soul and body, until I hardly knew whether I was in the body or out. As the Holy Spirit came upon me, I saw Jesus sitting upon a cloud looking at me and at the congregation, and He said He was coming soon. My tongue commenced to move, and I spoke in an unknown tongue as the Spirit gave utterance. In prayer, I often speak in a foreign tongue and at home or in meeting, I often am moved to speak in tongues. Bless God! Glory! -Mrs. P. Perkins
If you are not healed the fault in either in you or in Jesus Christ. Which is it? Be honest with yourself and get the fault out of the way. Get rid of the cause. There is nothing can stop my healing but me. God is not a moment behind in doing His work.
Brother GB Cashwell, who came from North Carolina for his Pentecost, has returned on his way rejoicing to carry the good news of the Pentecost to the hungry souls there. He had faith in God that the money would be provided for his fare to return, and the Lord provided it. He trusted the Lord for a suit of clothes and the Lord gave him a suit. The trip was one of faith and the Lord made it a great blessing.
A little girl in Whittier lately received her Pentecost while the people in the room were silently praying and she began to sing in an unknown tongue, "Where He leads me, I will follow." Then she was filled with great joy and said her name was written in heaven and she was sealed unto the day of redemption.
Sister Lucy Farrow wrote from New York that she had started for Africa. About two hundred souls had been saved in Portsmouth and most of them were speaking in tongues. She sends love to the saints and asks your prayers.
We are receiving letters from all over the world, requesting prayers that they might receive their Pentecost and healing. Almost every day we are getting returns that prayer has been heard. Handkerchiefs are sent in letters to be anointed and blessed for healing, and we do so and bless God, He hears and answers prayer. One instance comes to our mind now of a little baby about a year old, who was very sick with a high fever. The parents sent a handkerchief to be prayed over. It was blessed and sent back, and when it was laid on the child's face, almost immediately the fever left her, and in a half hour it was playing around and well. Praise our Christ for His matchless power.
Every child is born with inherited sin in its heart like a little plant. When a sinner comes to Christ and is saved, the fruits of sin are cut off and the fruits of the Spirit appear. The stump of the sin plants is still there and will give us trouble. The best thing to do is to get the old stump out. Then we have a pure heart like Adam before he went into sin. Then we can pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that is a gift from God.
The Lord showed us before starting this paper that it was to be free. We were not to tax the people or put ourselves in debt to the people and in bondage, by selling it a year ahead. It was to be a Holy Spirit paper and it was to be free indeed. No subscription price. There was to be no begging for money in it or through it. It costs a cent a copy to send it anywhere in the world, and the Lord can afford that. We pay book postage on the rolls, because we cannot enter it as second-class matter in the mails.
We have no advertisements-nothing to advertise but the wonderful salvation that is free to all. The writers and workers in the office live by faith outside of what comes for the paper, and we publish no names of editors. All work for the honor and glory of God. This we believe will be a real protection to the paper to keep it pure, for unless one is filled with the love of God; they do not covet to work without honor or money.
We get out the paper when the means comes in and not before. No debt will be formed. The Lord can stop it at any time He chooses. We will not be getting letters saying, "My paper did not come on time," because it is the Lord's paper. He supplies the means.
We are so glad to be able, through offerings sent in, to send this paper to thousands of hungry souls. Many cannot afford to subscribe for a paper, and even 25 cents is a real tax on some poor widow or Christian worker. We do not make any charge. We preach and publish this Gospel freely. "Freely ye have received, freely give."
We praise the Lord for enabling us to publish and send out 5,000 of No. 1; 10,000 of NO. 2; 30,000 of No. 3; again of this issue. Some have received their Pentecost through reading the paper, and we send out every one with a prayer.
SALVATION AND HEALING
Through Jesus, we are entitled to health and sanctification of soul and body. Brother Paul said to the church, 1 Thessalonians 8:23. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord." The Holy Spirit is praying that prayer for us today. Jesus prayed that the Father would keep us from evil that means sickness and all the works of the devil. All sickness is the work of Satan, and we have just as much right to look to Jesus for the health of these bodies as for the saving and sanctifying of our souls.
The sacrifice on Calvary was a two fold sacrifice. When we receive the atonement in all its fullness, we have health and salvation to the uttermost. The prophet said, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities." He gave His Blood for the salvation of our souls and He gave a perfect body for these imperfect bodies of ours.
It is by the stripes of Jesus that we are healed. There was never a whiplash put on Jesus' back until Pilate scourged Him before the judgment bar. The marks that were made on that perfect body of our Savior, the Blood that ran down in Pilate's judgment hall from His stripes, reach our infirmities and cleanse us from all sickness and disease and make us every whit whole.
The Passover lamb was a type of Christ. We find that the Lord commanded the children of Israel, when they were about to come out of Egypt to take a lamb without blemish and kill it and sprinkle the Blood at the doors of their houses and eat the body of the lamb in their houses. The blood stood for salvation to save them from the destroyer. The Blood of Jesus saves us from sin, for Satan is not able to make his way through the Blood. Now they were to eat the body of the lamb in their very own homes that they might have strength and health that night to go out of Egypt. Out of three million that went out of Egypt, there was not one sick. This was a real type of the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ for soul and body.
We find the Jews afterward kept the Passover. They looked back to their deliverance and commemorated it every year by eating the lamb's body, the type of our Christ. The body of the lamb pointed to Christ's body broken for us. We look back to Calvary, to our Savior who hung, died, and gave a perfect body for us.
Oh, remember Calvary. He said at the Passover supper, just before He was crucified, "Take, eat, this is my body." What is it for? It is for health. He gave them the cup and said, "This is my blood of the New Testament that is shed for many, for the remission of sins." every time we partake of the Lord's supper, we do it in remembrance of this two-fold salvation for body and soul.
Many are sickly and fall asleep because they do not discern the Lord's body. They will take a doctor before Jesus. They put a doctor between them and the atonement. Yet they will say, "Lord, Lord," and do not the things that He says: "Is any afflicted, let him pray. Is any sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick." James 5: 13, 15. The doctor gives you poison and you die because you dishonor the atonement. You are sickly, and you fall asleep. You come to the Lord's table and yet you do not believe in full salvation for soul and body. You take the cup and eat the bread, yet deny the body of the Lord for health and salvation. You are sick because you do not discern the body of the Lord Jesus.
"Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you." John 6: 53. Dear beloved, this means that we must honor the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ in all its fullness, as David said, "Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all thine iniquities, who heals all thy diseases." Let us take the Lamb's body through faith in our Lord for salvation and healing of these bodies as we honor His Blood for saving and sanctifying our soul and spirit. Amen.
BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
By FE Hill
Do you long to be full of joy and free?
To be strong in God and his glory see?
Then obey His word and you shall be,
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
CHORUS
"Ye shall be baptized," Jesus said.
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Tarry then until with the power endued,
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Yes I'll be baptized with His power,
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
'Tis the gift I see, Father's promise to me,
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Will you consecrate to Him now your all?
Let Him have his way while to Him you call,
As in faith you wait the power will fall,
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
"This is that" which fell at Pentecost,
To prepare the church to redeem the lost,
We must then be filled at any cost,
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
'Tis the gift of God to the sanctified,
He will comfort, lead and will be our guide,
And will dwell in us, coming to abide,
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Will you gladly fall at the Savior's feet?
Give your doubting over, and be made complete,
There to dwell in peace, and communion sweet,
Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
You can sing God's praise now, and by and by,
Ye shall speak with tongues, and shall prophesy,
In the power of God ye shall testify,
Baptized by the Holy Spirit.
THE ENDUEMENT OF POWER
The first thing in order to receive this precious and wonderful baptism is to have a clear knowledge of justification by faith, according to Romans. 5:1, "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We know that all our sins guilt and pollution are washed away. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. The Holy Spirit sheds the love of God abroad in our hearts. We have eternal life in our souls and the Spirit witnesses with our Spirit that we are the children of God.
Now since we are justified by faith, we have access, through the precious blood, to present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice for sanctification that is the second work of grace that cleanses us from inbred sin, inbred disobedience and rebellion. The old man is crucified, the body of sin destroyed. Romans 6:6, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. We are made holy by the Blood of Jesus, for we have a witness by the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 10: 14, 15, "For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, whereof the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us."
This is not the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many people have taken the promise of the Father to be sanctification, but if we carefully read our Bibles and our references in our Bibles, we will find that sanctification and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit are altogether different. We are sanctified through the precious blood of our crucified Lord. Jesus died for us-not the Holy Spirit. Praise our God. They were not to tarry in Jerusalem until He should pour out His Blood upon them, but tarry for the promise of the Father. John truly baptized with water, but the Lord Jesus was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus said, "Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence," and "ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you."
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a work of grace but a gift of power. Sanctification is the second and last work of grace, but the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift of power. It is a gift without repentance. NO consecration to be made in receiving the Holy Spirit. Consecration is made in sanctification. The Lord Jesus is dwelling within, and you have unction from the Holy One that teaches you all things. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit makes you a witness unto the uttermost parts of the earth. It gives you power to speak in the languages of the nations. Everyone that is really sanctified with a clean heart, and seeks the Baptism of the Holy Spirit according to the Acts 2, receives the witness of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. You may not receive the gift of tongues when you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but you receive the witness of tongues, that is to say-you will speak in tongues when you are baptized with the Holy Spirit.
In seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, do not ask the Lord for tongues. Just pray the Lord to give you the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as He gave his disciples, according to the second chapter of Acts, and wait before Him until the Lord verifies His promise in your precious soul.
It is one thing to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and it is another thing to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is one thing to fill a glass with water, and another thing to baptize it with water, that is to hide it out of sight, John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb but not baptized. The Holy Spirit had been in the world all the time. "Holy men of old spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." He was with Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Enoch and many other men of God, but He was not poured out upon all flesh until the day of Pentecost.
"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 gate bearing His reproach. Dear loved ones, in order to get sanctification, we have to go without the gate. We must leave the beautiful city, the precious temples, fame, honor, position, and go out of the gate. There we will find Jesus, the despised one, hanging between two thieves. It is so sweet to live this sanctified life. Very few people have sanctification in its fullness that means crucifixion to self according to Galatians 5:24:25. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affection's and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Hallelujah.
A Pentecostal revival has commenced in the Altamont Bible Institute of South Carolina and one girl received the gift of tongues.
REPENTANCE
You cannot get this salvation unless you repent and confess your sins. There are so many that cannot get this salvation because they will not make restitution, and God cannot enter into any heart that will hide its sins. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." You must have Godly sorrow for sins if you want Jesus Christ to come into your heart. You cannot get the Blood of Jesus Christ applied to a heart without repentance. God commands men everywhere to repent. Men have robbed, cheated and stolen and yet they do not want to make restitution. They come from time to time to get salvation and God will not hear them. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." God will never hear a man until he repents.
God heard the man that came and said, "God be merciful to me a sinner," and he went away justified. God pardoned because he repented. When you come to God, you must have the foundation of repentance. Confess your sins and He is faithful and just to forgive you. He will not accept anybody that will cloak his or her sin. Be honest with your own heart today, get the devil exposed, and accept Christ.
THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT FORESHADOWED
We read in Exodus 25:8-9 that God spoke to Moses and said, "Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them, according to all that show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."
Dear loved ones; the Lord Jesus is the true tabernacle that God pitched and not man. The tabernacle in the wilderness was made after the pattern of the heavenly tabernacle that God showed Moses in the holy mount. We now have the true pattern that is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.
We first come to the court of the tabernacle where we find the brazen altar, where whole burn offerings are made. When we first came, we were dead in trespasses and sins and could make no offering for we had no life in our souls. We found Jesus as a sacrifice upon that altar. He pardons us of our sins and plants the new birth in our souls. We are justified and saved and our names written in the Lamb's book of life.
Then we go on to the Holy Place to consecrate ourselves. There we find the believer's altar that is the golden altar. We sanctify ourselves and consecrate ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, and we find the precious blood in the Holy Place that sanctifies and cleanses us from all sin, crucifies the old man, the body of sin and carnality, and makes us holy. We had to have eternal life in our souls in order to consecrate ourselves. Here we feed upon Christ, for the breed in the Holy Palace typifies the bread of life. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Here also is the golden candlestick that sheds its light continually day and night, supplied by the holy oil. We are now the sons and daughters of God and entitled to the earnest of our inheritance that is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Then we enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus. There is the ark of the covenant overshadowed by the wings of the cherubim, and over the ark the great cloud of glory and a holy fire by night. This is a picture of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. There is no altar in the Holy of Holies for our consecration is all made in the Holy Place when we are sanctified. We find the ark of the covenant covered with pure gold and within Aaron's rod that budded that stands for justification in Christ Jesus. There is also the pot of hidden manna that Moses took and hid in the ark that represents sanctification. The tables of stone are there on which God wrote Himself in the mount that stands for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, for when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit we are sealed in the forehead until His coming.
Here the great Shekinah glory rests upon us day and night, and we are filled and thrilled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The incense is going up continually from our souls. In the Holy Place, the oil was renewed from day to day, but when we get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, it oils us up continually, from the throne of God. In the Holy Place, we had the streams of salvation, but in the Holy of Holies, we have the rivers. Jesus said, "Out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living water, and this spoke He of the Spirit for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."
There are two works of grace plainly shown in the tabernacle by the two altars-the brazen altar and the golden altar, the Holy of Holies, is the gift of power upon the sanctified, cleansed life. Glory to our God. The ark of the covenant represents our Lord Jesus Christ and in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. In the Lord Jesus, we receive all of these gifts and graces. We must build according to the divine plan.
SANCTIFIED BEFORE PENTECOST
By reading the Bible carefully, you can see that the disciples were saved and sanctified men and had received the unction of the Holy Spirit, before the day of Pentecost.
Jesus said in John 15:3, before He was crucified, "Now are ye clean through the Word that I have spoken unto you." In John 17:15-17, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth." Jesus is the world and the truth, so they were sanctified through the truth that very night that He prayed for them.
He told Peter that Satan desired to sift him as wheat, but He had prayed the Father for him that his faith fall not. Satan could not go beyond the Lord's prayer. "And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." This did not mean that Peter was not converted, but Jesus knew the great temptation that Peter was to be confronted with, and He meant when he should have been delivered, to strengthen the brethren.
Peter did deny the Lord Jesus, but as soon as he denied him, he went out and wept bitterly, and God pardoned him when our Lord Jesus rose. He told the angel to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee, "and Peter." When Peter heard that he was very happy to know that the Lord had taken him back.
We find in John 20:21-22 that Jesus said to the disciples, "Peace be unto you, as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Spirit. Whosoever sins ye remit they are remitted, and whosoever sins ye retain, the are retained." This was the power the Lord Jesus gave the disciples before they received their personal Pentecost.
We find by a careful study of the Word, that they had all eight of the nine gifts of the Spirit before Pentecost, except the gift of tongues. They had the gifts of healing, discernment, wisdom, prophesy, etc. The gift of tongues was reserved for the day of Pentecost to be a sign and evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The disciples were filled with the unction of the Holy Spirit, the anointing, before the day of Pentecost when Jesus breathed on them. This sustained them until they were endued with power from on high.
In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus taught His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father. This was not to wait for sanctification. His Blood had been split on Calvary's cross. He was not going to send His Blood to cleanse them from carnality but His Spirit to endue them with power. They went up to Jerusalem praising and blessing God with great joy. They all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. They had perfect faith and perfect obedience to Jesus' command and no divisions among them. They were not on their knees but sitting when the Holy Spirit fell upon them, simply waiting for the gift of power.
"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. There appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance."
Then Peter arose and said to the multitude that came running together. "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." He did not say God would cleanse their hearts by His Blood from carnality, but pour out His Spirit. Amen. That is what He is doing in Los Angeles, pouring out His Spirit upon sanctified souls and the same signs are following.
COUNTERFEITS
God has told us in His precious word that we should know a tree by its fruit. Wherever we find the real, we find the counterfeit also. Praise God for the real! We find in the time of Peter, when men and women were receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, the counterfeit appeared in Annanias and Sapphira. God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. Be careful, dear loved ones for your sin will surely find you out. "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
In our meetings, we have had people to come and claim that they had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but when they were put to the test by the Holy Spirit, they were found wanting. They got down and were saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues by the Holy Spirit. Again people have imitated the gift of tongues, but how quickly the Holy Spirit would reveal to every one of the true children that had the Pentecostal baptism, until the counterfeits were silenced and condemned. God's promises are true and sure.
People are trying to imitate the work of the Holy Spirit these days. It is just as they did when the Lord sent Moses to Pharaoh in Exodus 7:8, and gave him a miracle or sign to show before Pharaoh, that when Aaron should cast his rod before Pharaoh, it should become a serpent. When Pharaoh saw that Aaron's rod had become a serpent, he called for his wise men and the counterfeit sorcerers and magicians of Egypt. They also did in like manner with their enchantments, for they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents, but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. The power of the Holy Spirit in God's people today condemns and swallows up the counterfeit. It digs up and exposes all the power of Satan: Christian Science, Theosophy, and Spiritualism. All are uncovered before the Son of God. Glory to God.
Spiritualists have come to our meetings and had the demons cast out of them and have been saved and sanctified. Christian Scientists have come to the meetings and had the Christian Science demons cast out of them and have accepted the Blood. Every plant that my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up.
People have come to this place full of demons. God has cast them out, and they have gone out crying with loud voices. Then when all the demons were cast out, the people were saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, clothed in their right minds and filled with glory and power.
Dear loved ones, it is not by might nor by power but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence." These were Jesus departing words. May you tarry until you receive your personal Pentecost. Amen.
-WJ Seymour
"SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW"
Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." He told them to, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." What did this mean? It meant to preach healing, preach casting out of devils, preach that these signs shall follow them that believe, preach all the doctrine of Jesus. If they had preached only a part of the Gospel, would the signs have followed? These signs shall follow them that believe-not them that doubt or believe a part but those that are simple enough and honest enough to believe every word of Jesus. We must believe it all, for if only a part is true or if anything is changed in His commission of the Gospel to the world. It would not be a perfect Gospel. A return to the full Gospel brings a return of the signs following them that believe.
Mother Wheaton, who has visited and worked for souls in the prisons of the United States and Europe, has been with us in Los Angeles tarrying for her Pentecost, also Brother AS Worrell, editor of the Gospel Witness, and translator of the New Testament.
THE TRUE PENTECOST
In Acts 2:4; we have the Bible standard and sample of what Pentecost is. It was the first Pentecost that ever came to the world. "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." this is the Bible standard until Jesus comes.
Then we have another example of Pentecost when Peter preached the first sermon to a Gentile congregation at the house of Cornelius. It was like the first Pentecost. "While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the Word. They of the circumcision that believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." Acts 10. 15-17.
Again we have the account of Pentecost being poured out at Ephesus and again it was like the first Pentecost. "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied" (Acts 19:6).
In all three cases of the outpouring of Pentecost above mentioned the same evidence was manifest, the speaking in tongues. The Holy Spirit gave us these three incidents, of companies that received the Holy Spirit all at once, and besides this we know that the Apostle Paul had the gift and that others in the Corinthian the gift and that others in the Corinthian church had the gift.
Now the question is, why did not all in the Corinthian church speak with tongues?
Paul in the 1 Corinthians 12 was setting the church in order, that there should be no schism in the body of Christ. Here is a brother who is justified and there is a brother who is sanctified. Now neither of them speak in tongues. In our body here, we have some justified who have just been saved. The next thing we do is to teach him he needs a clean heart, to be sanctified in the precious blood of Jesus Christ. He goes on and gets that. Then we show him he needs his Pentecostal baptism and speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. When he receives his Pentecost, he will speak in tongues.
So concerning prophesying, Paul says, "Greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues." We can have all the nine gifts as well as the nine fruits of the Spirit, for in Christ Jesus, dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Paul is simply teaching the church to be in unity and not to be confused because all have not the same gifts. We are not confused because one has his Pentecost and another has not been sanctified. We do not say that we do not need the justified or the sanctified brother simply because he does not speak with tongues or does not prophesy; but we realize that it takes the justified, the sanctified and the Pentecost brother all to make up the body of Christ. You may have the gift of wisdom, healing, prophesy, etc. when you get the Pentecost, the Lord God will speak through you in tongues.
"He that prophesieth is greater than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret." The brother that prophesies is no greater than the brother that speaks in tongues is, if the brother interprets as he speaks. We have several here that interpret as they speak and it is edifying. The gift in you will only ask the Lord for them.
In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul is setting us in order that have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the speaking in tongues. We should not get puffed up and think because one is justified or sanctified and does not speak with tongues he has not as much religion as we have. People in getting into deep spiritual things, and into the hidden mysteries of God, have to keep very humble at the feet of the Lord Jesus, for these precious gifts can easily puff us up, if we do not keep under the Blood.
Paul is speaking to people that had been carried away with dumb idols, but now the Holy Spirit was being poured out upon them, and it was so sweet to their souls that they almost commenced worshiping the gift instead of the Giver. Instead of magnifying the Blood, they were all after the gifts. The Lord wants us to seek the Giver and the Blesser instead of the gift and the blessing.
We can truly say that we believe that everyone that receives their Pentecost has a witness in speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance, as the 120 received on the day of Pentecost. That was a lesson to the church and a sample to the church what the Baptism of the Holy Spirit means to prepare us to be witnesses to the entire world. Glory to our God. Amen.
When we receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we may sing in tongues, because the Lord drops down sweet anthems from the paradise of God, electrifying every heart. Many times we do not need these song books of earth, but the Lord simply touches us by His mighty Spirit. We have no need of organs or pianos, for the Holy Spirit plays the piano in all our hearts, and then gives the interpretation of the song and sings it in the English language. It is so sweet. It is heaven below.
HE BORE OUR SICKNESS
Can a man have salvation and yet his body be afflicted that is the work of demons? Yes, we may have salvation and yet disease of the body for, "though our outward man perisheth, the inward man is renewed day by day." Job said when Satan had afflicted his body, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." "And though after my skin worms shall destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:26, 27). Though demons were in his flesh, he had Christ within his soul. The demons had afflicted his body with sickness, but yet his soul was free from sin. Did he send for a doctor? No, his trust was in his God, and God delivered him and gave him twice as much as he had before. God has always been the healer of His people, for He says, "I am the Lord, thy God that heals thee."
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting Holiness in the fear of God. What would Christ's body look like if a mass of cancers and sickness? On the Cross, He carried our grief and bore our sickness. We have healing for our bodies as well as salvation for our souls in the atonement of Jesus. When we receive this light, it is our duty to seek for healing of our bodies.
OTHER PENTECOSTAL SAINTS
A message was sent us from a people in New England states who received the Pentecost before we did. As Brother A.J. Rawson an evangelist of 15 Eliott St, Swampscott, MA, received one of the Apostolic Faith papers and was reading it to his wife who is also an evangelist and has the gift of tongues, she broke out in tongues and interpreted. Her husband wrote the interpretation in English, and sent it to us, and we feel it is of God for His people. The message is as follows:
"This work is of God that you are reading of. Let no one put his hand on it. Let all press in and have their part. God has many richer blessings for His faithful children. Seek Him earnestly and pray for His gifts which are a witness of the Spirit."
They also write, "We are with you in the Spirit in this last work of God. We are rejoiced to hear of those having the gifts of the Spirit according to 1 Corinthians 12. There have been a few of God's children in New England, in Pennsylvania and Virginia who have believed for years that all these gifts were for the church, and they have been nicknamed the "Gift People." They have had all the gifts including tongues, but it seems but a few drops preceding the rain and now the work seems to fulfill the "latter rain." There are a godly number of people here in the east ready to fellowship this work. We believe it is a token of the soon coming of the Lord. Amen."
The Lord also has some Pentecostal saints in Minnesota whom we have just heard of and we rejoice to hear from these witnesses.
Audobon, Minneapolis.
Grace and peace unto you be multiplied. A copy of the Apostolic Faith has been sent to us, and we were much blessed when we read and saw that God baptized His children with the Holy Spirit exactly the same way as He has done here. It is two years ago since God began to baptize His children in this place and some are talking with tongues, some have the gift of prophecy, etc. Others fall under the power of God and He shows them wonderful things that all seem to come unto these words, 'Get ready, I am coming soon.' Glory to God. It is few that believe it is from God. The world's people and church members and preachers say it is of the devil, so we are well separated from the world, and soon we will be separated forever and be together with Jesus and His holy people."
Snowflake, Manitoba
"I am in sympathy with your work, am baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, and have received the gift of some as yet unknown tongue or tongues. It first came two years ago, and is proving more distinct and real. Believe God is preparing me for some special work in some part of His vineyard."
-John Loney
God has been working thus in different parts of the world pouring out His Spirit upon others with signs following even as on us in Los Angeles. We realize that we are in the time of the "latter rain" preceding His coming.
ALASKA BROTHER PROVES ACTS 1:8.
I was born at Louisville, Kentucky, on May 17, 1850. My parents were Irish Catholics so of course I was brought up in that faith. I followed the occupation of a drummer for 17 years, representing different houses during that time. Jesus found me on the dock in Ohio, friendless, homeless, Godless, a confirmed drunkard without hope. I went into the Floating Bethel and there heard that Jesus Christ came into the world to save the lost. I was the black sheep of a family of ten children. I was lost in the mountains of sin, but, thank God, that day I heard the Shepherd's voice calling for me. I dropped on my knees, an ungodly drummer, and arose to my feet a new creature in Christ Jesus, and immediately began telling the story of God's grace; and I have been at it ever since and expect to stick to it until Jesus comes.
The 30th day of October 1897, I was wholly sanctified through faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son. Yet there was at times a great hungering in my soul for something, I scarcely knew what. I would plead the promise of Jesus in Acts 1, 8, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you." Yet I stuck to the teaching that when we were sanctified, we were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Still that hunger and feeling of lack of power was always with me.
About three years ago, God began to talk to me and show me there was more for me. I would fast and pray and examine myself by the Word of God to see if I was wholly sanctified. The Holy Spirit would witness that my heart was clean. Hallelujah! Yet, there was that longing in my soul. While in Alaska last summer, I would arise at two o'clock in the morning, go away alone in the mountains and spend hours in prayer for the power of God to come on me in greater measure. I would be wonderfully blessed, but would be back at it again the next morning, praying for God to give me the dynamite from heaven.
Thank God, I have received Him. Two months ago, a paper was given me, telling of the wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Los Angeles. Just as soon as I could, I packed my grip and left Alaska for Los Angeles, arriving there Oct. 5th. The night following found me at the altar seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, (Matthew 2:11) Praise God, before I left the altar I received my Pentecost and the gift of tongues, and am speaking in many different languages. I am soon expecting to start around the world preaching full salvation as I go, trusting my heavenly Father to supply all my needs. I am saved, sanctified, healed, and baptized with the Holy Spirit. Glory to God.
-HM Turney
San Jose, CA
Genesis Del
CAME 3,000 MILES FOR HIS PENTECOST
About two months ago, I began to read in the Way of Faith the reports of the meetings in Azusa Mission, Los Angeles. I had been preaching Holiness for nine years, but my soul began to hunger and thirst for the fullness of God. The Spirit led me more and more to seek my Pentecost. After praying and weeping before God for many days. He put it into my heart to go to Los Angeles to seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. My wife prayed and wept with me until we both got the witness that it was the will of God for me to go. The devil fought me and laid the hand of affliction on my wife, and I felt it almost impossible for me to come. The night I left home, wife and I prayed and wept before the Lord and God gave the victory, and we both consented on our knees that if we died we would be in the order of the Lord and that God would take us home. I immediately rose and took my valise in hand, went to the depot, and started for Los Angeles. Glory to God. I was six days on the road, was fasting and praying to the Lord continually. As soon as I reached Azusa Mission, a new crucifixion began in my life and I had to die to many things, but God gave me the victory.
The first altar call I went forward in earnest for my Pentecost. I struggled from Sunday until Thursday. While seeking in an upstairs room in the Mission, the Lord opened the windows of heaven and the light of God began to flow over me in such power as never before. I then went into the room where the service was held, and while Sister Lum was reading of how the Holy Spirit was falling in other places, before I knew it, I began to speak in tongues and praise God. A brother interpreted some of the Words to be "I love God with all my soul." He filled me with His Spirit and love, and I am now feasting and drinking at the fountain continually and speak as the Spirit gives utterance, both in my own language and in the unknown language. I find that all has to be surrendered to God, our own language and all, and He speaks through us English, German, Greek or any other tongue in His own will and way.
The Lord also healed my body. I had been afflicted with rheumatism for years, and at a healing service held here, I was anointed and prayed for and was immediately healed of rheumatism and catarrh, and have a sound body and clothed in my right mind.
-GB Cashwell, Dunn, NC
BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
When I first attended these Apostolic Faith meetings, I was very much puzzled because I tried to understand it with my head only, and was in doubt as to its being of God. At the same time, the desire in my heart which had been there for years for something beyond sanctification, became more intense and gave me no rest until I inquired further into the teaching. The Spirit opened my eyes and understanding and helped me to see that this was the very thing for which I had been hungering. When my own understanding and my notions got out of the way, God in His mercy baptized me with the Holy Spirit on the 15th of last September. No one had his hands on me at the time. I was meeting God alone and the Holy Spirit fell on me like balls of fire, and went through me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. The Spirit flooded my whole being and enlarged my heart until I was afraid the vessel might not hold the glory and power that seemed to rush into me like water poured out. Before I realized it, the Spirit got hold of my tongue and used it for the glory of God in speaking in an unknown tongue.
Concerning the languages given here, I can testify that they are real languages, because I have interpreted not less than five messages given by different persons, spoken in languages of British, India that languages I know personally, having lived in India.
GEORGE E. BERG
1350 Channing Street
Los Angeles
BAPTIZED IN NEW YORK
Brother GB Barratt, 150 Fifth avenue, New York City, who is an Methodist-Episcopal minister in charge of mission work in Norway and Sweden and came to this country to prepare to establish a line of missions in his country, and who obtained his personal Pentecost. He writes as follows:
"Dear Friends in Los Angeles: Glory to God! Tongues of fire have descended and His wondrous power has been displayed. The fire fell on the 7th of October. Since then I have been seeking the full Bible evidence, the gift of tongues, and have prayed up to twelve hours a day. It is over a month since the fire fell the first time, and often since then the Lord has been filling, filling, and filling the vessel. Oh, Glory! I have felt the strange workings at my jaws and tongue several times, and at last I was able to claim that these signs were God's answer to me. The gift was for me and that I had it already and that it would soon work by the power of God.
"The Lord was going to make this a public testimony of His power. I was not therefore to have it in my little room but among friends. It was at a meeting in a little hall. The power was very great. We could not close and I determined to stay, God helping, until the victory was won. What a scene we had. Some were seeking sanctification and others the Baptism with fire, and I the gift of tongues or any other the Lord saw fit to send me.
"Sister Maud Williams who got the blessing in Ontario, Canada and has the gift of tongues, laid her hands on my head and after that I had no more strength in me, although I am physically very strong now. I lay on the floor by the platform in a reclining position. At about half past twelve I asked a brother there and Sister Leatherman to lay their hands on my head again. Just then she says she saw a crown of fire and cloven tongues over my head. The brother saw a supernatural light.
"Immediately I was filled with light and such a power that I began to shout as loud as I could in a foreign language. Between that and four o'clock in the morning I must have spoken seven or eight languages, to judge from the various sounds and forms of speech used. I stood erect at times preaching in one foreign tongue after another, and I know from the strength of my voice that 10,000 might easily have heard all I said. Nine persons remained until three o'clock and are witnesses of the whole scene. The most wonderful moment though was when I burst into a beautiful baritone solo, using one of the most pure and delightful languages I have ever heard. The tune and words were entirely new to me, and the rhythm and cadence of the verses and chorus seemed to be perfect. I sang several times later on. Some of the languages spoken produced a nasal sound and some a Jeep guttural sound. Oh it was wonderful. Glory! Hallelujah!
"That night will never be forgotten by any who were there. Now and then after a slight pause, the Words would rush forth like a cataract. At times I had seasons of prayer in the Spirit when all New York, the United States, Norway, all Scandinavia and Europe, my loved ones and friends lay like an intense burden on my soul. Oh, what power was given in prayer! My whole being was at times as if it were on fire inside, and then I would quiet down into sweet songs in a foreign language. Oh what praises to God arose from my soul for His mercy. I felt strong as a lion and know now where David and Sampson got their strength. Today I have been speaking and singing in tongues wherever I have been. Glory to God. Go on praying."
MIRACLES IN SALEM
Our hearts are full of joy and the Holy Spirit. Wife is very happy, sings, prays, and talks to God all the day long, sometimes in tongues for hours while about her work. God is doing wonders here. Father and Mother Slipley have received their Pentecost. While at service yesterday, father sang, prayed and preached for over an hour in tongues. The power was on him mightily, with hunger and wonder on the people. Some of those who have received their Pentecost are now receiving other new tongues, myself including. Remarkable singing came upon me one Sunday night in far greater power than when I was in Los Angeles.
Sister Margie Downing has been healed of a cancer which had eaten her femur bone entirely in two and four physicians pronounced her incurable and that she might die at any time. They said her entire abdominal parts were a mass of cancer. The hole eaten by the cancer was deep enough to hold a quart of water. This hole, eaten by the cancer, is nearly filled up with new flesh and healed over. God is confounding the people.
People from a distance are here seeking the Pentecost. Prominent officials and state officers attend regularly, also many university students and professors. The country about here is stirred. People in Portland and preachers are beginning to pray that this movement may not come to Portland. I predict that it will strike there with terrific force. Oh, pray, pray for us mightily. The great battle is now on. I am sending you clippings to let you know how the devil is advertising the meetings. The country is ripe for the harvest.
All the Lord's, ML Ryan, Salem, OR
ARRESTED FOR JESUS' SAKE
I came from Frisco to Los Angeles five days after the earthquake and heard about these Pentecostal people. I visited their meetings and looked on rather critically. At first I opposed and openly fought them and said it was the devil. The result was I backslid altogether and had to go back and ask forgiveness and do my first works over again, even down to having the devils cast out of me. Afterward I received pardon and the cleansing blood again through fasting and prayer and much study of the Word. Eight weeks ago, I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke with new tongues.
Four days after I received the Baptism, while in secret prayer at my bedside I was led of the Spirit to pray in an unknown language for nearly all the world. When I got through the Spirit led me to go down and see a sister and her husband, Brother and Sister Turner, a blessedly sanctified man and wife. I obeyed and found them both sitting out in their back yard, and as I came in they all commenced to praise the Lord with weeping and crying, as I was speaking in an unknown tongue. The Lord then led me to lay hands on them both and on a young sister that was there visiting them (Acts 19.6) and all three of them spoke in new tongues and glorified God.
I then got on the car to attend our Bible school up at Azusa Street Mission. I got off close to our mission and saw two colored police officers with which I was slightly acquainted, and felt led to speak to them of what the Lord had done for my soul. I commenced speaking in an unknown language and they said I was crazy and carried me to the station. While waiting for the patrol wagon at the corner, I was enabled to preach to quite a crowd of people. I also preached up at the police headquarters in both English and in unknown language. They put me in among the prisoners. I continued to preach and they quickly took me out of there, carried me into the emergency hospital, and kept me in there all night. I preached a good part of the night to them and they listened very attentively. Before morning, they were all my friends. One of the attendants interpreted one of the languages that I spoke as the Kru language, a tribe in Africa that he was acquainted with.
Of course a charge of insanity was filed against me by the officers the day before, and I had to be taken before the superior court judge for commitment until the board of insanity sat for the following day upon my case. My trial was set for the following day. I was then taken to the County Hospital over night and had a blessed time with the Lord in my cell there. The superintendent came in, had quite a talk with me, and assured me that he saw nothing crazy about me and that I need not have any fears about being released. At my trial the next morning, the Lord permitted me to speak in the Italian language and one of the judges understood it, and I was discharged without having to call a single witness, though there were a number in the court that wanted to testify in my behalf.
A few days after my trial I felt the Lord wanted me to go down to Whittier, one of the little suburban towns near Los Angeles where some of our people had already started a meeting with considerable persecution. The band had just been arrested for praying in their home, charged with making an unusual noise and disturbing the peace of the neighborhood. One of our brothers was given thirty days in jail for this offense. Five other brothers and I have continued the meeting ever since, in the face of many threats.
A couple of weeks ago, they arrested us for disturbing the peace while holding a street meeting. We praised the Lord and the marshal and his deputies put their hands over our mouths and choked us quite severely without avail. One brother was handcuffed. We had trial by jury and took no counsel but the Lord. We plead the case and the Lord was with us. The court was full of people. During the trial, we all broke out in the unknown language and made quite a commotion in the court. We were then threatened by the court at the suggestion of the city attorney, to fine or imprisonment for contempt of court, if we attempted it again. The trial went on, the attorney made his plea, and we made answer in the name of the Lord. The court and jury were moved to tears. The city attorney then got up and spoke evil of us. He said that we had those tongues all fixed up to suit ourselves and that we all know just when to break out. He called the attention of the court to the fact of how quiet we had all kept. Since the court for contempt threatened us, he used that as evidence that we were afraid to do it again. He scarcely had the Words out of his mouth before the Lord gave him a heavy rebuke in unknown tongues. He was so confounded and confused that he could say no more and sat down. The jury went out, stayed from 3 P.M. to 11:30, disagreed, and were discharged. The city attorney set another trial for November 23rd. Since that time, he has lost his position. Another judge has been elected. The case was dropped.
We are continuing to hold meetings and the Lord is blessing, saving, sanctifying and baptizing with the Holy Spirit giving new tongues.
-A Worker
Some people drove 500 miles by wagon to Los Angeles to seek the Pentecost.
Letters to workers and foreign missionaries will be forwarded on to them from the Apostolic Faith office; also we will send on any offerings for workers or missionaries.
Dear loved ones, if you are seeking your personal Pentecost, do not get discouraged, but pray until you are filled to the uttermost. For the Lord Jesus says, "Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Do not stop because you do not receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit the first time you pray, but continue until you are filled. The Lord Jesus told His disciples to "tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high." He did not say how long they were to tarry, but He did say, "until ye be endued." Many are willing to tarry just so long. They give up and fail to receive their Pentecost that would measure up with the Bible.
A sister in Pueblo, Colorado who has the gift of tongues was on her way to the mission when she met a man and invited him to the mission. He said, "What is the use of speaking in tongues, when you do not know what you are saying?" Immediately she began speaking in a tongue she had never spoken in before. The man turned white, and seeing a street car coming, he left her and caught the car, endangering himself by so doing. They learned afterward that the Holy Spirit was telling him in a language that he understood the wicked life he was living and crimes he had committed. He found out one use of the gift of tongues. Several incidents of this kind have come to our knowledge.
If we ask our Father for bread, He will not give us a stone; if we ask Him for a fish, He will not give us a serpent; if we ask for an egg, He will not give us a scorpion. We would not treat our children that way, and how much more will our Father in heaven give good things to them that ask Him. Never let the hosts of hell make you believe that while you live under the Blood, honoring the Blood, and pleading through the Blood for blessings from the throne, that God will let Satan get through the Blood and put a serpent into you. There is no way for Satan to make his way through the Blood. "And they overcome him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony." The devil cannot act through you and talk through you, if you are God's child and baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Many endorse Jesus, they fancy Him, but they cannot believe His doctrine. To them Jesus says, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord and do not the things which I say?" He has gone to prepare a place for us and He is coming again to receive us unto Himself, that where He is there we may be also. The only way to meet Him and be with Him is to believe His doctrine. We that are not sanctified, if we hear the truth and reject it, will not be able to be with Him and reign with Him.
Sister Hutchins wrote from New York on the way to Monrovia, Liberia, Africa: the Lord used us to His glory in Chattanooga. He set that town on fire. Praise His name. The dear ones did not want to see us leave, but the will of God must be down. The last meeting we had with the people was beside the train that brought us away. Under the shed there was where the Lord used me last in that city. He sang and preached through me, some confessed their sins, and asked, what shall I do to be saved? Some promised to live a better life. Oh, glory to Jesus. While on the train, we preached the Word and some received it with joy. We hope to set sail for Africa soon. Pray that God may use us on the boat to the salvation of souls. Love to all the dear saints."
A passage of Scripture that has been spoken in many unknown tongues and interpreted is that beautiful text, "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." In addition, the following tests were interpreted messages, "Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. These sings shall follow thee that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover."
Sister Ida Ritchie of 1147 Sheridan Road, Chicago, has received her Pentecost. She writes, "I shall never forget that night. I was about two hours receiving words in different languages and songs in the Spirit. Oh, what a great joy it is to me to know that I can go with the language and songs and the love of God to the dying, famishing heathen. How I treasure the privileges and gifts. Oh, how precious to be born in this age."
Brother GW Batman writes from New York City, "We have been having great meetings in the little mission here. Many souls have received the Baptism and talk in tongues. To my surprise, Stephen Merritt requested me to speak last Sunday forenoon in his large tabernacle, the Lord helped me in a wonderful way, and some souls were seeking the Baptism. Praise God. I am stronger in the Lord since we came here than in Los Angeles. We expect a few more wonderful days before we sail for Monrovia, Liberia, Africa December 8. That will be our future address."
A late report from Brother Junk of Seattle, Washington, says, "We have been greatly blessed here. About 24 or 26 souls have been baptized, among them are about eight children from seven to fourteen years of age. The devil is raging terribly."
We are so glad to hear that dear Sister Shiply, Brother Ryan's mother in Salem OR, has received the Pentecost. Last Sunday she received many languages, one of them being that of the Kalamath Indians, and sang in some of the Indian chanting songs. She also gave prophesies and messages to the people and interpreted. People are stirred and amazed at the miracles God is doing. A preacher who has been on the investigation order, heard a sister from Washington speak in Hindu that he was enough acquainted with to understand some of the Words and it convinced him of the genuineness of the work.
Brother FM Cook writes that he had a call to Africa three years ago. In obedience to the Lord he went to New York and there unexpectedly he found some of the Los Angeles saints and Sister Farrow and Brother Batman laid their hands upon him and he received his Pentecost and spoke in an African dialect. Now he is one of the Apostolic Faith band for the West coast of Africa.
Brother O. Adams of Monrovia, CA, reports from 782 Queen street, Toronto, Canada, that a number there are seeking the Pentecostal baptism, and one sister has been baptized with the Holy Spirit and to her great surprise began speaking in tongues.
Friends that appreciate this paper and want it sent regularly may send in their address to the Apostolic Faith, 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, CA, and the paper will be sent free as long as the Lord permits. Please write names and addresses very plainly. Notify us of change of address. We will send a roll of samples to those who are interested in distributing them to hungry souls.
Let us praise God for this wonderful day of grace. Jesus said to Nathaniel, "Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these." We are going to see greater things. Oh, let us trust Him and yield to Him. Let us wait very earnestly upon Him. Take time to wait on God and pray. If we all keep low down at the feet of Jesus and give Him all the honor and glory, all the power and signs of Pentecost will be restored.
It is a blessed place at the feet of Jesus, looking up into the Master's face. Mary found her place at His feet. She did not seek to touch His head or His shoulders, but was content with a place at His feet looking up into His face. It pleased Jesus, and He said, "Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." Our highest place is low at His feet.
Sister ME Judy writes from Columbus, Ohio, that they have a tarrying meeting there and others in different towns are tarrying with them in Spirit. She says, "Last Sunday a burden of prayer came upon the people in our humble little church in such power that our minister had no opportunity to preach, just said a few words on, "This is that" and closed.
Brother AH Post, who has charge of the work in Pasadena is being much used of God. The Lord has been working with them in great power there. Brother Post comes into the meetings in Los Angeles and encourages us with his messages from the throne and with the unction and divine love with which God fills Him. This is a little message that the Spirit spoke through him and interpreted, "Our blessed Lord is in our midst. Hallelujah! He is anointing His dear ones to go forth to the ends of the earth with the old time Gospel to set men free and give them power to do His holy will. Our Christ is just at the very gates ready to pour forth His grace and power. Go ye forth into all the world and preach this Gospel."
Sister Mary Perkins, who works in the Apostolic Faith says, "When I first came here last May, I heard of these meetings and came down to see. I had not been in the house an hour before I knew God's Spirit was here, and I commenced seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. , Glory to God, He came and completely deluged my soul and body, until I hardly knew whether I was in the body or out. As the Holy Spirit came upon me, I saw Jesus sitting upon a cloud looking at me and at the congregation, and He said He was coming soon. My tongue commenced to move, and I spoke in an unknown tongue as the Spirit gave utterance. In prayer I often speak in a foreign tongue and at home or in meeting, I often am moved to speak in tongues. Bless God! Glory!
-Mrs. Mary P. Perkins.
If you are not healed the fault in either in you or in Jesus Christ. Which is it? Be honest with yourself and get the fault out of the way. Get rid of the cause. There is nothing can stop my healing by myself. God is not a moment behind in doing His work.
Brother GB Cashwell, who came from North Carolina for his Pentecost, has returned on his way rejoicing to carry the good news of the Pentecost to the hungry souls there. He had faith in God that the money would be provided for his fare to return, and the Lord provided it. He trusted the Lord for a suit of clothes and the Lord gave him a suit. The trip was one of faith and the Lord made it a great blessing.
A little girl in Whittier lately received her Pentecost while the people in the room were silently praying and she began to sing in an unknown tongue, "Where He leads me, I will follow." Then she was filled with great joy and said her name was written in heaven and she was sealed unto the day of redemption.
Sister Lucy Farrow wrote from New York that she had started for Africa. About two hundred souls had been saved in Portsmouth and most of them were speaking in tongues. She sends love to the saints and asks your prayers.
We are receiving letters from all over the world, requesting prayers that they might receive their Pentecost and also healing. Almost every day we are getting returns that prayer has been heard. Handkerchiefs are sent in letters to be anointed and blessed for healing, and we do so, and bless God, He hears and answers prayer. One instance comes to our mind now of a little baby about a year old, who was very sick with a high fever. The parents sent a handkerchief to be prayed over. It was blessed and sent back, and when it was laid on the child's face, almost immediately the fever left her, and in a half hour it was playing around and well. Praise our Christ for His matchless power.
Every child is born with inherited sin in its heart like a little plant. When a sinner comes to Christ and is saved, the fruits of sin are cut off and the fruits of the Spirit appear. The stump of the sin plant is still there and will give us trouble. The best thing to do is to get the old stump out. Then we have a pure heart like Adam before he went into sin. Then we can pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that is a gift from God.
FROM LOS ANGELES TO HOME AND FOREIGN FIELDS
Workers are constantly going out trusting God alone for their support. A Band of six missionaries left for Africa. They are Brother and Sister SJ Mead, Brother and Sister Robert Shideler, and Brother and Sister GW Batman. Address them at Longs Temperance Hotel, Liverpool, England, Lime Street. They are going to two points in Africa. God bless them and make them a great blessing. We must keep them on our hearts in prayer for they are our brothers and sisters.
Some who have left for home fields are: HM Turney for San Jose; JG Wilkin for points north; Brother G. Zigler, Swanton, Ohio; F.E. Hill, J.C. Mackey, Brother and Sister Lopez for San Diego; Ivy Campbell, T.W. Sargent, and Brother and Sister WH Miller for points in Ohio; and Brother and Sister Eric Hollingsworth en route to Sweden. The Lord is sending revivals everywhere that workers have gone that are baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. Many more are being fitted up and called for the field, for the fields are white ready for the harvest.
EN ROUTE TO AFRICA
Brother and Sister GW Batman who last wrote from New York on their way to Monrovia, Liberia, Africa, are tried and true workers and have the enduement of power from on high and the fitness of the gift of tongues. Their faith was severely tested as to their fare. A brother who paid the most of their fare was praying the night before they left that the Lord would give him some revelation. That night the Lord showed him a lamb that was tied and told him to loose it and as he did so, a great shekinah glory shone in the room. The Lord showed him later that it meant the missionaries he was to be the means of sending on their way. They started with faith in God though they were taking their three little children and their destination is called the "white man's graveyard." They did not have more than their fare to New York. They have the gift of healing and we believe God will wonderfully use them among those darkened souls.
Brother GW Batman's Testimony.
I was converted nine years ago, and got a know-so salvation-no guess work about it. I repented of my sins and forsook them, accepting the Lord as my Savior. Praise God. A few years later, I fasted and prayed for about three days and during that time I put off the old man Adam in the form of labored sin and God came in and destroyed the devil's workshop by casting his tools on the outside. Praise God I got a real evidence that I was sanctified and the Blood applied. After that, I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. Now I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is not only in my heart but also in my lungs, my hands, and my arms and all through my body. At times I am shaken like a locomotive steamed up and prepared for a long journey. Oh, it is blessed to let the Lord have His way with you. I also speak in six foreign tongues given me at God's command. God has called me to Africa as a missionary, and told me to go to Monrovia, Liberia. He showed me the town that is on the west coast. I described the town and country to Brother Mead, a missionary that had been there and he said it was a perfect description. Saints, pray much. Fast and pray.
Mrs. Daisy Batman's Testimony.
At the age of fourteen, the Lord saved me from my sins. Last April He sanctified my soul, took all inbred sin out and gave me a clean heart fit for the Lord's use. Hallelujah! Still I hungered for more, so when the Pentecost came to Los Angeles, I found that was just what I wanted. I was working every day and could not be at the meeting much. One day the Lord told me to stop everything and go to the meeting. I said, Lord, I have three small children and no way to support them. He said, I will supply your needs. Glory to God, He has supplied all our needs. We have never needed for anything and have never asked anybody but the blessed Lord for a penny. Three years ago last April, the Lord gave us the call to Africa. At first I thought I would stay and let my husband go, but He said, "No, you must go too." I thought He wanted us to go right away, but when He saw I was willing to spend my life in Africa for precious souls, He revealed to us that He would tell us when to go. Three months after we received our baptism, He said, "Now go to Africa." Oh, glory to God, I am so glad I got to the place where the blessed Lord's will is my will."
BAPTIZED IN MINNEAPOLIS
Brother Otto Braulin of 2112 Fourth Avenue, Minneapolis, MN writes that he has received his Pentecost through reading the paper and personal correspondence. He speaks in two unknown tongues. He says, "I laid the paper to one side, went aside into a room and asked God if I was really and truly cleansed by the Word, and I got the mighty answer of God through my whole being that I was. Does the Blood cleanse me? I got the same very powerful witness. Then I said to my Father, I have not the Baptism of the Holy Spirit because I have not the gift of tongues, the evidence of Pentecost, and the power began to work on peculiarly and forcibly as never before. That very night I got the evidence, as the Holy Spirit gave utterance in two unknown tongues. I could distinguish the difference between the two. Since then the power becomes stronger and the Spirit speaks plainer and more mightily. The power of God streams through my whole body, (I suppose the healing power). I have fallen on the floor through the mighty power coming upon me. I was in a mission last Sunday, in the afternoon the Spirit came on me, and the Spirit fell on the clean souls. They said showers of power came upon them and they were set free. In the evening the leaders set themselves against the speaking in tongues because I cannot interpret, but the power was so mighty upon me they could see it was not man's but God's."
JAPANESE HEAR IN THEIR OWN TONGUE
Pueblo, CO is a city of many nationalities. In the steel works alone that employs 500 men, seventeen languages are spoken. There are Greeks, Chinese, Japanese and many others. This is a wonderful field. The Lord had opened a mission there when the Pentecostal Gospel came. The woman in charge of the mission went right to seeking, received the Baptism, and before she got off her knees, was speaking in Chinese. One day when she was speaking, the Spirit began to speak another language through her. Nobody understood until they saw some uneasiness manifested in the back of the room where some Japanese were sitting. They began to wring their hands and cry and bury their face in their hands. Someone went and said to the uneasy, "Talk my tongue. Tell me all about my God how He died for the Japanese." They had never heard anything like that before.
REVIVAL IN INDIA
Wonderful Pouring Out of God's Spirit Among the Natives of the Khassia Hills.
The great revival still continues, and wonderful manifestations of the power of God are surely among these nations. An article in the Herald of Light says: it was a grand and inspiring sight to see these people marching in parties to the Assembly, and along the way would halt and have prayer and praise meetings, and their conversations were continually about the wonderful works of God. The assembly is held in a small village called Mairang, and many thousands of people have come up to this assembly, and God has shown himself in power and blessings. Many other portions of India are being awakened by true spirit. The glorious and awful scenes portrayed are only the fulfillment of prophecy, and doubtless the outgrowth of years of toil and prayers.
In another station in India, in a service in a mission, about two hundred were under conviction for sin, and crying for mercy, and the meeting continued for six hours. A report from another locality says that men, women and children were heard at daybreak singing hymns which the missionaries had been trying for months to teach them. The Holy Spirit was working mightily, and soon there was an outburst of prayer and praise of new-born souls. Men, women and children called on the Lord day and night, and there was no cessation of the meetings."
Those who receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues, and backslide from this state may retain the speaking in tongues for a while after divine love is gone, but gradually this gift also will melt away. A very little harshness or a critical suspicious statement about a brother will grieve the tender, sensitive Spirit. A careful and constant guard must be made, lest the flesh arise and destroy the fragrance and sweetness of this Spirit walk. Preachers often go too far and try to emphasis in fleshly vehemence a good point made by the Spirit. All such conduct will receive a gentle rebuke of the Spirit, and if heartily repented of, will soon be overcome, and result in greater confirmation of God's power in the life.
-Apostolic Light
QUESTION OF MEATS
We are asked if the Pentecostal people here eat pork?
We are a free people. We are not under the law. We are just as free as the air we breathe for salvation is not in meat, drink, and clothing, but it is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is the Blood of Jesus that cleanses from all sin. It is not meat, drink, and dress, it is living under the Blood.
Jesus has given us authority to eat and drink anything that we desire, without hurting us. Before Jesus came, there were certain meats we could not eat such at catfish, rabbits, pork, and other meats. If we study the Old Testament, we will see many things that we were not allowed to eat. Since the Lord Jesus came, He has let down the sheet of four corners, and we see the four-footed beasts and creeping things of the earth, and a voice comes to us, "Rise, slay and eat." we said, clean have we ever put into our mouth." He says, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."
Now this means not only that we should not call any man common or unclean, but we find that through the Blood of Jesus Christ, we are permitted to eat swine's flesh if we like it and it is good for us. However, anything that will hurt these bodies or make us sick, we ought not to eat. For we should be temperate in all things, in eating, drinking and wearing clothes. These bodies are the Lord's and we do not want to destroy them by meat and drink. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy."
In 1 Timothy 4-6, Paul was instructing the people about meats and drinks. He says, "For every creature of God is good and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the Words of faith and good doctrine."
"Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. He that doubteth is damned if he eat." If eating pork brings condemnation upon you for eating it, do not eat it, for the Lord is the one that puts it upon you. If the Lord does not condemn him, because he eats in faith, and the meat is not able to destroy him if he eats in faith.
THE SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD
We had a perfect Savior. Never was any guile in His mouth. Never was carnality in Him. You know under the Old Testament, the lamb for a sin offering was to be without spot and blemish. This was a real type of our blessed Jesus that was to come. Praise God, He has come and there was no carnality at all in Him. He was a Lamb without blemish, holy, harmless, undefiled, the great sacrifice that God gave to take away the sin of the world.
Many people today are teaching that Christ had self and carnality in Him. No, the character of the Lamb of God, our Redeemer, was sinless. Because if His precious blood had not flowed from a Lamb without blemish and without spot, but had carnality and corruption from self, from the manger to the Cross, then it is only the Blood of a martyr, and its atoning merits are void. If there is any point in the Gospel that is fundamentally absolute, it is the purity of the person of Jesus Christ, God's Son. He has power to take away our sins and save us to the uttermost, for our blessed Lord said, "Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
It cost our Savior His life on Calvary to cleanse us from sin. Thank God. He is risen again. He never would have risen if there had been any carnality in Him. He would have been no Savior. Praise God, He is a Savior to the uttermost. The angelic host sang on Bethlehem's plain, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior that is Christ the Lord."
SAN FRANCISCO AND OAKLAND
I have been holding cottage meetings in San Francisco. God has been working in a wonderful way in the little house, so few could get in. Last Saturday we had a blessed time. Two advent preachers were there and fought the work bitterly. The meeting went on in mighty power and the Lord gave me a message from heaven. They were convinced the work was of God. Praise God for it. There is a great field there, but I feel I must go on to Salem.
I know now what it is to travel in soul for this Gospel. God has called every baptized believer to a noble high calling and given us a trust. If we are unfaithful, we shall surely die. Oh, God, keep us true.
Mildred composed a piece of music and sat down to play it yesterday. It took my soul almost out of this land, while she played it, and the power came on Sister Reece and she began to sing words, Oh, so sweet and in such harmony with the music. How God flooded our souls as she sang. She could not remember them, but yesterday afternoon the power came on her again and she wrote them down. Oh, you could hardly stay here, when they sing and play that piece. It is from the Paradise of God. If nothing else had happened but this, it ought to convince people.
A brother who has been seeking his Pentecost asked prayers for his healing. He was threatened with pneumonia. I laid hands on him and he was healed and received his Pentecost at the same time, and his children are coming to the Lord. His daughter was very sick. He prayed and she was healed. The power came on him in his office to pray for her. The people, he said, looked at him so strangely. Oh, glory to our God.
People are begging for workers to carry this Gospel to them. The calls are many. Pray for me, my dear loved ones in Los Angeles.
LATER-December 6th
I was in San Francisco last night, and such a meeting we had. I never saw such sweet unity of the Spirit-testimony, healing, singing in the Holy Spirit, praying for the sick, and some receiving their Pentecost at the same time, and no confusion. Oh, it was glorious and surely the Holy Spirit led the meeting. As I read the text or lesson about bridling the tongue, a dear brother that has been a power in mission work, healing the sick and preaching, said, "Pray for me now that my tongue may be bridled." The power came for prayer, I laid hands on him and he was baptized and spoke in such a clear language. Another preacher was baptized soon after. Oh, God is working mightily!
A man was completely healed of rupture of nine years' standing, last night. Oh, how can we praise Him enough? The first time a young sister was in the meeting was healed and anointed. She went home and got her Pentecost the same night. God is working where He has a chance. Oh, for closer walk with Him. I don't know when I shall get home, but where Jesus is 'tis heaven. Oh, how my full heart does praise Him.
-Florence Crawford
Sister Florence Crawford is now in Oakland expecting soon to go on to Salem. The Lord called her back to Los Angeles for a short time and all the saints were refreshed to see her. The Lord gave her a very sweet object lesson on the fruits of the Spirit. She says, "One night as I was weary in body, I asked the Lord to give me sleep, and He gave me a vision. He took me over some beautiful hills and down by a river running clear as crystal, and there was a tree standing by that river with the loveliest fruit on it I ever saw-great red apples. There were many apples hanging on the tree and all bore names that were so plain I could read them. They were love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, etc. These are the fruits of the Spirit. If we have the Spirit of Christ, these applies are hanging on our tree. We are known by our fruits and it is the Father's will that we should bring forth much fruit, and that our fruit should remain. Dear ones, let us cease professing so much and examine ourselves to see if this fruit is on our tree."
The message spoken in tongues in Azusa Mission, as far as have been interpreted, have always been spiritual and according to the Word, Scripture passages, praises to God, exaltation of Christ, warning, etc. Never anything of a foolish or irreverent character and often of a highly exalted and intensely practical import and tremendous meaning, especially for the individual for whom the message was intended.
While Brother SJ Mead was with us in Los Angeles) he was a witness to the gift of tongues being spoken in African dialects of which the persons had no knowledge. He is now on his way to Africa where he has labored for 20 years and where he is able to speak native languages. A colored woman spoke at length in tongues, as the Spirit was pleased to use her. Immediately after she had spoken, Brother Mead arose and interpreted the message given by the girl, giving the name of the tribe in Africa to which the language belonged and then repeated the same message in the same tongue.
WONDERS IN HEAVEN ABOVE
"And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke (Acts 2:19).
E. Taylor is a conductor on the sleeping cars on the Southern Pacific Railway in California. He is a member of the Household of God in Oakland, CA, having been born of the Spirit and sanctified. His wife and daughter have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues.
He says, "While on the train between Mojave and Barstow, on the night of October 4th, about 11 P.M., the moon shining very brightly and no cloud in sight, and no wind, I was sitting by the car window looking out. My eye fell on the moon that was as clear as I ever saw it. Right across the face of the moon was a large cross, as plain as my hand before me. I rubbed my eyes, looked again, and saw it as before. I then raised both windows, put my head out and saw not only the Cross but a man on the Cross with arms extended, and the lower part of the Cross dripping with fresh blood, very red. I then called for the porter, a colored man and an unbeliever, and asked him to look at the moon and tell me what he saw. He replied, describing the Cross with a man on it and the Blood dripping from it and asked, "What are them things flying about with wings?"
Brother Taylor looked out again, and the air between him and the moon was filled with moving objects in the distance, like a multitude of butterflies. The porter inquired, "What does this mean?" and opened a window for a woman from Chicago, who gazed in astonishment and described the same objects. Then they heard singing surpassing anything they had ever heard on earth that could be distinctly heard above the rumbling of the train.
This scene lasted for nearly an hour, these three persons watching and describing what they saw and heard. Brother Taylor says he broke out in a profuse perspiration, until his clothing was wet. He became so filled with joy that he wanted to shout aloud, but refrained as the car was filled with sleeping passengers.
In the course of nearly an hour, the scene gradually faded away. The lower part of the Cross was the last of the scene, but the singing continued for some time longer.
This same brother, who had never seen a vision before, was retiring for the night in a hotel. After having prayed, he was sitting on his bed when he saw the floor open at his feet, revealing a lake like molten lead, with living creatures plunging and moving in it, and men continually falling in. Above his head, seemingly up in the air, there seemed to be something like a very large bird cage, full of people, and as he gazed he saw occasionally a person ascending from the earth and joining the company.
-The Household of God
A LITTLE GIRL'S VISION.
Edna Slingerland, a child of eleven years living in Portland, Oregon has been in communion with Jesus for three years, and her parents write that she has had many visions given her. Saturday evening, November 24th after an hour spent in reading the Bible and talking to Jesus, the Lord gave her this vision. She saw a great dark ball, black as could be, and as it rolled slowly, a large gray surface came in sight, and the Words came to her, "Pacific Ocean." As it rolled on, she saw a large bright spot, bright as an electric light, and the Words "Los Angeles" came. Then in the brightness of it, Jesus' face showed and a throng of angels dancing and rejoicing. Then scattered over the black ball, she saw here and there, a very small bright spot and in each of them, the face of Jesus showed only partly. The parents, who live at 178 E. 48TH Street, are in harmony with the Pentecostal work and believe God was showing through their little girl that He is in the work in Los Angeles.
THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The sin against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven. For the Lord Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, all sins shall be forgiven unto men and blasphemies wherewith whosoever they shall blaspheme. However, he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation because they said He hath an unclean spirit. Mark 3. 28-30.
There are some people that have a real knowledge of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, and then go and say this work is of the devil. Others are speaking in tongues by the devil, after they have the knowledge of the truth. Such people are in danger of sinning against the Holy Spirit.
"Whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit, it is not forgiven" (Luke 12:10).
When men sin against the Father, they are forgiven, when men sin against the Son, they are forgiven, but if they sin against God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, they have sinned against them all, so there is no more forgiveness. There is no fourth person to do any interceding for them. People can harden their hearts until God will leave them as He did Ephraim of old.
The devil may tell people that they have sinned against the Holy Spirit when they have not sinned willfully. They have not sinned against the Holy Spirit unless they have willfully denied the Blood of Jesus Christ and trampled it under their feet, "for if we sin willfully, after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," Hebrews 10.26. Some have been ensnared by the enemy and have lost the Pentecost, lost sanctification, lost justification, it has brought sadness, and they can repent because they did not do it willfully. The enemy overpowered them, and not understanding, they yielded to it. They may be tempted to despair because the devil may tell them that they have sinned against the Holy Spirit, but the Bible says, "If we sin willfully." we have not committed the unpardonable sin, if we have not sinned willfully. We still have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
However, it is a very dangerous thing for us to go back after we have received light. Paul warned the Hebrew church, those that had come to Christ and had a real knowledge of the Spirit and then were turning back to the old sacrifices and fought against the Spirit of God. He says, "It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh and put Him to an open shame" (Hebrews 6:4-6).
After we have been made a gazing stock for Christ and took part in the reproaches and afflictions of Christ, and after we have tasted of the heavenly gift and are made partakers of the Holy Spirit, we cannot afford to go back. If we really deny the power of God and turn back into the world, there is no possible way for us to get back. "He that despised Moses' law, died without mercy under two or three witnesses; of how much sorer punishment suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the Blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:28-29).
HEALED AND BAPTIZED
I am praising God for His healing power and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I wrote you a few weeks ago requesting your prayers for the healing of my body from two large abscesses in the hips and back. God immediately answered and I began to recover, and am at present here at Brother Ryan's having received the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues and chanting. Hallelujah.
ES Hanson
Salem, OR
We do not have to try to convince the people that this work is of God. Just preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified and God will take care of convincing the people.
A MESSAGE CONCERNING CHRIST'S COMING
Jesus is coming, coming soon,
Coming to earth again,
And all who have their hearts prepared,
Will gladly meet Him then.
Behold the Lord now soon will come,
The hour ye do not know,
And you, if found then unprepared,
With Jesus will not go.
He knows each heart, and seeks each heart
For His coming to prepare,
For some day it will be too late,
To seek those joys to share.
All those that seek me I will bless,
From heaven cries the Lord,
All those that seek with all their hearts,
And hearken to this word.
For there is no respect with God,
Of person or estate,
The mercy, grace and love of God,
For all men is so great.
"Awake," He cries, "Get ready now,"
For me makes urgent quest;
"Come unto me; come unto me,
And I will give you rest."
And with the Holy Spirit and fire,
I will baptize you all,
And all who seek with diligence,
That on my name shall call.
All must their hearts make ready now,
With Him to have a home,
The Savior sweet, so wonderful,
For He so soon will come.
"O watch, be ready if I come,
At midnight, morn, or noon,
O be ye ready when I come,"
O He will come so soon.
The above poem written by David Kilbeun 53 Howard Street, Akron, Ohio was composed from reading the interpretation of a message given by sister Lillian Keyes of Los Angeles. It was spoken and sung in an African dialect that was understood and corroborated by our dear Sister Mead now on her way back to Africa.
IN THE UPPER ROOM
Salem, OR, November 24
The work here is progressing gloriously, although the opposition is deep and bitter. Two days ago in the preliminary service in the prayer tower, the "upper room," Sister Ryan received her personal Pentecost. She spoke in tongues for nearly three quarters of an hour without intermission. It was the most astonishing case we have had yet in this city. Everyone that saw it was amazed and strengthened in their faith. She spoke in at least seven languages. Glory to Jesus.
The whole city and country round about are being shaken. There are those here from Portland, The Dailes, and from near Astoria seeking their Pentecost. Sister Glassco among the rest. My wife and myself have received our Pentecost and speak in tongues.
PENTECOST IN NEW YORK
A band of missionaries from Los Angeles expected to sail for Africa on December 8th. They write that Pentecost has surely fallen in New York in a mission there. A number have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and are speaking in new tongues. One man that was a backslider and was paralyzed on one side was helped to the altar and was soon down under the power, and in about thirty minutes he was reclaimed, sanctified, baptized with the Holy Spirit, healed, speaking in tongues, and leaping and praising God. Amid the shouting, weeping and singing, the work went on until the morning hours.
Brother Barratt, the Norwegian brother who received his Pentecost expected to sail for Norway, leaving New York on the same ship with the Africa missionaries. Brother Mead says of him, "He is like Brother Paul, gifted in arts, books, etc., a leader of the people, and has been a power for good for many years. Now with his full Pentecost, he is so sweet and gentle, I know you would all love him. We must pray for him as he goes to his home in Norway to open the work there. With all him gentleness, he speaks at times with a voice of thunder the convincing truths of the Master."
The other sisters are all well and are being used of the Lord. Brother and Sister Batman's fare was all made up. The people gladly gave their offerings and quickly made up what was needed. Sister Ehideler has received her Pentecost. We all rejoice with her.
The missionaries sail on the "Campania." Will stop in Liverpool and may have an opportunity to work for the Lord there.
SJ Mead
Longs Tempe Hotel
Lime Street, Liverpool, England
CHAPTER FIVE
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. As the new year was announced, such a wave of glory, and divine love and unity came over us. The meeting went on until 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 Spirit. 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 Spirit. 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. They are being filled with the holy oil, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, 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, (Matthew 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 campmeeting 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 blessed, and are returned to the sick and they are healed in many cases. One day nine handkerchiefs were blessed, 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 Brother Fisher is pastor; 8th and Maple Avenue, of which Brother Pendleton is pastor; and 1321 E. 51st Street, where Brother 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 Brother 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, and 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.
PENTECOST RESTORED
Written after his Pentecostal anointing on the train, by JW Ellison, Des Moines, IA
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.
PENTECOSTAL POWER IN SAN DIEGO
San Diego, CA, January 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 Spirit 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 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 Spiritualism, who claimed he was Christ incarnate --that he was immortal, and had all wisdom and knowledge. The blessed Holy Spirit gave the saints the discerning of Spirits, and they rebuked the devils in him. The man fell to the floor, trembling from head to foot. The devils were commanded to come out of him in Jesus' name. 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 received 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.
FE Hill
AKRON VISITED WITH PENTECOST
Akron, Ohio, December 24th
Since I first heard of the wonderful way God was working in Los Angeles, my heart got hungry. The dear saints in Akron kept up a steady cry to God day and night for Him to send it this way, 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 sisters sing in tongues like voices from heaven and also interpret some. Oh, 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. Brother McKinney is sending out invitations far and near, and telling how God is visiting Akron, 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 Spirit 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 his personal Pentecost is "Jesus is coming soon."
January 21-The fire has broken out in Pittsburgh 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 that were, "God is love," and "Jesus is coming soon."
Yours in Jesus,
Mrs. Pearl Bowen
PORTLAND IS STIRRED
Portland, OR December 31st
Peace from God the Father be unto you and all the saints.
Well, God has stirred up this North until 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. Oh, my heart is so full this morning. Glory! Glory! Glory!
Well, Sister Glassco and three of her children got their Pentecost in Salem. Before they got home, on Christmas day, while Brother 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. Oh, 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, sang so sweetly, and interpreted every word. The interpretation of the song was.
"Jesus is calling Oh, sinner come home.
Glory to His name, Oh, sinner, come home."
Then she arose and the crowd was silenced like death. She began to wave her arms, preach in tongues, and interpret. Here is 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."
January 8-The crowds throng the hall. We have to have a police officer 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 is humble quarters, but Jesus is here. Every minute of my time is given to God. I get tired sometimes. Once, I 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, I am so happy in His love and service.
People from all over are coming. A young woman came from Albany. She was a sinner and got all, all the way 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 Street Love to all the saints.
-Florence Crawford.
215 2nd Avenue
BLESSED
1617 7th Avenue, Seattle, Washington, December 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. Oh, 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 is.
January 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,
-Thomas Junk and wife
APOSTOLIC FAITH MISSION IN SAN JOSE
San Jose, CA, January 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 that 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 until 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. 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. Revelation 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.
-HM Turney
PENTECOST IN NORTH CAROLINA
Dunn, NC January 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. Oh, let us trust only to the still, sweet voice of Jesus. He does it all. Oh, how I praise God for sending me to Los Angeles, and for you all.
January 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 returned and some there 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 blessed 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. Not one of them has taken issue against me as yet, but come forward, 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. Oh, 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. Many are getting their Pentecost at home and abroad. I go from here to High Point, NC Have more calls than I can fill in six months.
Your brother and servant of God,
-GB Cashwell
PENTECOST IN LAMONT, OK
January 17th
Dear Saints, Greeting!
Left Los Angeles December 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. 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 woman who had been a Free Methodist was reclaimed, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit. 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.
January 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 Brother Seymour praying for me, and I seemed to be carried away in the Spirit. Under the Blood,
-GA Cook,
612 Terrace Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana
Several have already received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Des Moines, IA. It was not through anyone sent there, but they were tarrying before God and Pentecost fell.
In Toronto, a number have received the Baptism. Brother 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, the Spirit fell, and three were filled with the Holy Spirit.
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.
If you want to keep fat and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, live off the Word.
The Lord is enabling us to publish another issue of 30,000 papers for the fifth number of the Apostolic Faith. He has greatly blessed in getting it out. Though it is somewhat late, we trust it will be the greater blessing.
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.
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.
"The Holy Spirit 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 Street, Fort Worth, Texas, January9.
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.
Souls are getting the Baptism in Clearwater, CA. Mother Wheaton went down to tarry with them and was baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke in two languages. She is very happy and filled with the Holy Spirit and God is using her. Brother McLain writes that there are many hungry souls there and the devil is stirred.
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. We see how the Lord takes care of consecrated offerings.
"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, CA
"The Scandinavian people here are receiving their Pentecost. I was with them in their watch night meeting. Oh, 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. SC Magie
710 Times Street
Ballard, WA
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." we must abide in church for health.
In Akron, Ohio, a young man went to the Pentecost meetings and got under conviction through the preaching. He 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."
Brother 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.
How will you miss hell if you stumble over this precious Gospel, if you ignore the Gospel that 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. Oh, my friends, the precious Blood is flowing for you. If you come to Him, He will wash away your sin, cleanse you from all unrighteousness and carnality, and set you up His throne in your heart.
One who received the Holy Spirit 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. Oh, 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."
WHEN JESUS COMES
Oh the bliss of that glad moment
When Jesus cleaves the sky!
Then tears, 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 hosannas 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 Emmanuel
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, even 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!
-Brother Alfred Beck.
"BEHOLD THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!"
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins that took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 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. 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. The foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out (Revised Version- Going Out). 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. 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" (Matthew 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. When the cry was made to go forth, they were found wanting in oil that is the real type of the Holy Spirit. 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." Revelation 19, 9. 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 Spirit-sealed unto the day of redemption. Oh, 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 Spirit 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 until 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!" Oh, 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. 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 who 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 of the Holy Spirit 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 Spirit. Every Christian must be baptized with the Holy Spirit for himself. Many poor souls in that day will be very disappointed. May we seek Him today, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit 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 of 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. The Lord warns us to be ready, for we know not the day or the hour.
Those that are left in the rapture, 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. By proving faithful to death, they will be raised during the millennium and reign with Christ. 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. In that day 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. His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives," (Zechariah 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 (Revelation 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. "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" (Revelation 3:21-22).
WJ Seymour
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. 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 does, then 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.
It is wonderfully blessed to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit 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. Luke 16:19, "There was a certain rich man that was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. There was a certain beggar named Lazarus that was laid at his gate full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. It happened that the beggar died and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell he lift up his eyes being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 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. Revelation 20, 10.
The Lord says in Matthew 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 Psalms 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 that 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, 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. We see in the Word of God, that Jesus taught a burning hell. We see the rich man that 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 receives 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. 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. 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." 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." He said, "Nay, Father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent." 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 Spirit 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."
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. Hezmalhach
We have seen missions and churches banded together to stop what they call a "tongues" salvation. However, 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
"RECEIVE YE THE HOLY SPIRIT"
1. The first step in seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, is to have a clear knowledge of the new birth in our souls that 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 Spirit. Hebrews 10:14-15, "For by one offering, He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, whereof the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us." The Scripture also teaches (Hebrews 2:11), "For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren." 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 Spirit was not yet given." However, praise our God, He is now given and being poured out upon all flesh. All races, nations, and tongues are receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit 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 of the Holy Spirit. Many people today are sanctified, cleansed from all sin, and perfectly consecrated to God, but they have never obeyed the Lord according to Acts 1:4,5,8 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 of the Holy Spirit is a gift without repentance, upon the sanctified, cleansed vessel. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, "Now He which established 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 of the Holy Spirit. 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, which sustained them until they received the Holy Spirit baptism. Many people today are filled with joy and gladness, but they are far from the enduement of power. Sanctification brings rest, sweetness, and quietness to our souls. 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.
However, 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 Spirit not many days hence Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:5-8). Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Oh, worship, get down on your knees and ask the Holy Spirit to come in, and you will find Him right at your heart's door, and He will come in. Prove Him now. Amen.
-WJE
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
"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. 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 Ephesians 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?" 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. 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 that 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," (Revised Version-hidden truth). 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, cannot speak any English, but preaches altogether in tongues, and has no interpretation, they are less than he that prophesies is. However, if they interpret they are just as great.
May God help all of His precious people to read 1 Corinthians 14 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. We want to be obedient to the Word, that everything may be done decently and in order and without confusion. Amen.
-WJH
"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" Hebrews 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 crucifixion. 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 that 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 His Blood marks the way for us.
In the city, we find people with conversion. you must come out of the worldly church today, into some little cottage prayer meeting or mission to be sanctified. There are few church members that will stand up straight for sanctification. There were few synagogues that would receive Jesus. He preached from to the crowds that 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 that 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.
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." 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. when we interpret, it is edifying to the whole body. "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret" (1 Corinthians 14:13).
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. 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 of the Holy Spirit 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 knowledge and the Jews a sign, but the simple hearted people just believed Jesus. The Lord has such people today that are following the Lamb wherever He goes. May God help us to humble ourselves. "Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
LATEST REPORT FROM OUR MISSION. ARIES TO AFRICA.
Brother and Sister Batman, Brother 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 Brother and Sister SJ Mead and Brother 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 the 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.
SPEEDING TO FOREIGN LANDS
Liverpool, England, December 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 that sounded like Hebrew. Another brother was hugging him, he began to speak in the tongues, and they conversed in this tongue for a while.
A wealthy woman 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 woman went to her home, 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 blessed 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 cares for us faithfully day by day.
Yours in Christ,
-Mrs. J.W. Hutchins,
Monrovia, Liberia, Africa
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 Brother and Sister Mead about this time. 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, 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. However, 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, 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 Street, 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 take just as much time as possible. By the time the chorus ended, the power of God was so heavy upon me, I could scarcely open my mouth, and every fiber of my being was trembling. Yet my feet felt glued to the floor and my knees stiff, so I could not sit down. I only got out a few broken sentences that I remember (I never fainted in my life and was never unconscious, but God certainly took me out of myself). He showed me things that there are not words enough in the English language to express. I do not wonder we need to cry " for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise." The room and the people were hid from my senses and vision, Jesus walked in regal majesty, and His whole being was inexpressible and unutterable LOVE. Oh, His walk! His Kingly brow!! Yet such sorrow and love. It seemed I was not worthy to so much as stoop and touch the hem of His beautiful garment, and yet I knew that He would clasp me to His bosom.
He seemed to change His countenance from time to time. Sometimes it was as He went up the rough path to Calvary, marred with the thorn crown, and such marvelous pity and sorrow on His face. Then it was the calm, majestic face of Him who conquers. My soul could only cry, "See how He walks and Oh, how He loves." I can never explain it-words fall. I know all the dear ones know, who have their Pentecost.
I do not know how long I stood and praises to God just burst from me. They tell me I sang in a tongue. I was not conscious of singing at all. From seeing others under the power, I had thought it must be a terrible nervous tension, but it was the perfect surrender and relaxation. The leaders of the mission had not seen the power of God in this way. An interruption was allowed to come in that grieved the Spirit so He did not have His way fully after that, though I was under the power the remainder of the meeting, and for three days was as one drunken, and had no sense of either hunger or thirst.
Since then, such waves of power roll over me from time to time. I can scarcely keep my feet, and I am sure if my old friends in California could see me, they would think I was indeed insane. Bless God! How I would love to shout the praises of my God and King among them! Night before last, a whole sentence in an unknown language came spontaneously from my lips, as I was dressing for the meeting. It came after a season of deep abasement of soul-a sense of such great unworthiness. I never dreamed that human beings could have such blessings as this Pentecost brings. Jesus promised it all, but I was so blind. His precious Blood bought all for my soul. Glory! Glory! Glory! to my God and King!
-Myrtie K. Shideler
FROM OUR BROTHER IN SWEDEN
48 Skofde, Sweden, December 15th, 1906
Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.
I am longing to be with you all but God is still the same here. Praise His name! I am kept by His mighty power, and I am growing in grace every day. I have been testifying in houses, so you can see that the door is open and people are hungry for more of God. Glory to His name!
I like to see sinners saved from their sins, but these Christians must be right first and filled with the Spirit. I think God will grant us an outpouring of the Spirit in Sweden soon.
My heart is still burning and the Lord has been teaching me many things, even giving me more holy boldness. I do not know how to give praises unto God for His goodness and mercy to me. Glory to Jesus for evermore!
I am stirred in my spirit to see so many play Christian. I am tempted very hard sometimes of Satan, but God is giving me grace to stand. I have full victory and I know He is able to take me through. I am praying every day for the Lord's work in Los Angeles and other places, and I am thinking much about you all. I would like to be in California, but the Spirit says that I have some more work on the other side of the sea. I hope you are praying for me. This is not Azusa Street Mission here, but I am praying that the Lord would grant us fire from heaven and give life to half-dead Christians. Bless the Lord forever.
I have something to tell you. The Lord's Holy Spirit says that the evil one, or Satan, is trying to get in among you in the meetings very hard, and that the saints of the Lord have to pray him out now before it is too late. Payer is victory. I am waiting for something wonderful to come, a world-wide revival soon, beginning from west and going east.
Please tell the saints of the Lord that Christ is coming soon and that the time is very short. Jesus is looking for His bride, a few out from the body, the church, the chosen ones, the first fruits to God and unto the Lamb, the wise virgins who have oil in their vessels with their lamps.
I am waiting on the Lord. I have need of more of Him. My mother and many others do not understand me at all. bless the Lord, I have found a few on the Lord's side, and the Lord knows me and is with me every day, glory to His name. I was praying one day upon my face, my mother looked in at the window of my room, and she got almost afraid for me and asked me what I was doing so far.
Remember, dear ones; we are servants to a great Master and have very much to do in a short time. May the Lord of heaven give me boldness to stand up for our King wherever we go. We have nothing to be afraid of, so let us get a new hold in faith in God, and get on our faces. Tell all the dear saints the same. It is of no use at all to look upon one another or wait upon somebody. It is now that we must fight for our King, because we are not of this worldly kingdom but of the heavenly. Praise God!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
-A.G. Johnson
It was not until Jesus received His baptism that He met His greatest temptations. The more spiritual we get the more subtle are the temptations of the enemy, so the greater need we have to get deeper into the Word of God. Some have thought that the people who get the Holy Spirit baptism do not need the Bible, but that is the greatest He of the devil. Always keep in the Word. The deeper we get into the mysteries of God, the more we need the Word. The way people get into fanaticism is to put aside the Word and go to following the Spirit. If you do this, you will get full of spirits-you will get into Spiritualism. if we keep close to the Word of God, there is no danger of going into fanaticism.
the devil hates the spiritual body of Christ as much as he hated the literal body. He thought he had killed Christ when he killed His body, but, hallelujah, he did not do it. Christ arose on the other side of the Cross and we affirm that He is alive and does save, sanctify, and baptize with the Holy Spirit. We are also seeing His promise fulfilled in some of the persecutions that attend the preaching of the full Gospel.
This Bible becomes a new book to those baptized with the Holy Spirit. You absolutely lose your own judgment concerning the Word of God. You cut it down without trimming or cutting, right from the mouth of God. You live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
AMONG THE INDIANS AT NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA
January 8th
I taught the Needles on Saturday, January 1. Found dear old friends there, working in their beautiful little mission house among the Mojave Indians for our dear Master. God is acknowledging their efforts and saving precious souls.
I went with our dear brother to visit the Indians in their homes. The Mojave tribe is fast dying out. No wonder. Because of an old superstitious practice, they have no desire to improve their condition. When they are converted, they at once begin to clean up and build themselves homes, and cease from the evil practices and habits of the tribe life.
When a relative dies, they burn everything that belongs to that house as well. They used to kill the relatives' horses and cattle, roast them, and have a great feast; but the government stopped that. They do not bury their dead, but burn them, and dig their ashes into the ground.
When they become Christians, they are true to God, for they despise hypocrisy. If they fall from grace, they acknowledge it, and usually confess it openly.
On Sunday afternoon, we had over thirty Indians in the Mission besides the white people. It was a blessed time. While the Indians were testifying in their own language, and some in English, the dear Lord wonderfully blessed our souls, and the Holy Spirit witnessed with power through all who took part. The interpretation by some of the Indians is as marvelous as the Holy Spirit speaking through others in tongues.
The evening meeting was a wonderful demonstration of the Holy Spirit's leading to all present. The converted Indians have a better knowledge of what the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is, than their teachers do. Our Indian brother George rose and interpreted into his own language what we had said. It was a wonderful manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The correct continuance of thought given, was too correct to be simply the work of a retentive memory.
While another Indian brother was preaching in the Mojave language, a sister asked me if I understood it. I told her I did. She said she thought so, for God had revealed to her the truth that the Spirit had given me a most wonderful understanding of what they all said. Their language is fully two thirds demonstrative, mostly in the features and pointing with the fingers or hands, one being as significant as the other is. The simple knowledge of what a word means is not enough. The pointing of the finger or movement of the body or features, gives the same word an entirely different meaning. This is because their language contains very few words. when they speak the Words, God, Jesus, or Holy Spirit, it is with such reverence that would put many a white person to shame.
The Indian preacher in his own language said, "When God-Father forgive you all your wrong doing, through God-Jesus, you have first make Indian (yourself) all naked from wrong. Then God-Father forgive. you no naked in heart. God-Holy Spirit no occupy until Jesus make naked in heart, (pointing to a picture of Jesus on the wall, every time he mentioned His name). Then (going through an imaginary performance of stripping himself naked, beginning at the head and ending with his feet), he said, "As you make naked outside, God-Jesus make Indian naked inside from the devil, (slapping his side with the hand fist and fingers spread apart. God-Holy Spirit no live where devil live. God-Holy Spirit talk through us to all the Indians in the mountains, like Holy Spirit talk through that brother, (for the Holy Spirit had spoken through me in three languages, giving the interpretation after each one). And God-Jesus make all Indians in mountains, and us, and these, and these all big Holy Spirit tribe."
There are thousands of Indians of different tribes in the mountains, and he meant they, and themselves, and the white people, and a colored brother, pointing to each of us, would, by the Blood of Jesus Christ, be made one great spiritual family. Tell me, my brother, can you have a better understanding of the two works of grace and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? I ask, who taught this people the truth? For all the ministers here are teaching that you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit when you are justified. It is none other than the Holy Spirit Himself who came for that very purpose, and will not let the true and innocent be deceived.
One of the Indians came to me and said, "Brother Tom, we understand you, and we want you to pray for us every day, that we may have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, as God wants us to have Him." They do not call the Baptism a blessing or "it" but express it in their own tongue as "God-Father, God-Jesus and God-Holy Spirit coming to occupy your own heart forever."
I told their teachers, if God had given them the same power to understand what they were saying as He gave me, they would hang their head with shame, for the Indians knew more about the truth than they did. One dear, honest soul with tears said she knew it and did not know what to do. I told her if she would only keep her covenant with God that she made that night after the meeting, He would not only baptize her with the Holy Spirit, but would witness through her of the wonderful works of God in Christ Jesus to every tribe, in their own language. If she did not, God would remove their bishopric, and give it to one who knew Him in His fullness. For the cry for help from these different tribes among the mountains has gone up to our Heavenly Father, and He will answer it, for someone will obey Him and go. God will satisfy the longing of these precious souls, and they shall be filled with the knowledge and love of God as it is in Jesus Christ.
Dear saints, pray with us for God to equip some one or more to go into this most wonderful field at our own door. It is foolishness to think God cannot fit up those He sends out to preach His Gospel, with every material and ability to accomplish His will.
Yours, T. Hezmalhach
Many people claim to be saved from hell but not from sin. A good many are preaching that kind of salvation. They preach the fire all out of hell, but it is still there. We preach it is a lake burning with fire and brimstone, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." The only salvation is through the Blood of Jesus that cleanses from all sin. It will save you throughout eternity. Christ has conquered death and hell.
THE HEAVENLY ANTHEM
One of the most remarkable features of this Apostolic Faith movement is what is rightly termed the heavenly anthem. No one but those who are baptized with the Holy Spirit are able to join in-or better, the Holy Spirit only sings through such in that manner. Hallelujah!
"I have heard and understood both in the Gujerathi and Hindu languages, the singing of different psalms and other portions of the holy scriptures. The singing is done in various foreign languages."-George E. Berg, Hermon, CA, former missionary to India.
On Sunday night, December 9, a sister sang in the Gujerathi language of India, the first four verses of the 8th chapter of Solomon's Songs. It was a song such as a bride might sing of the bridegroom. "Awake not my beloved." It was most blessed and beautiful to notice us the Holy Spirit sang through the dear sister; it brought a great wave of heavenly fire and blessing to those present.
Again a beautiful song was sung in tongues: "Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest" (Matthew 21:9). This was the greeting given our Savior at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The brother who understood the language said that in the foreign tongue it was the most sublime poetry. At the same time, the room was filled with the glory of God.
We afterward learned of a remarkable coincidence. The same song was being sung at the Pentecostal Mission at 327 1/2 S. Spring St. was interpreted there the same. The saints worshiping in these two places were in perfect harmony of spirit, and the Holy Spirit witnessed to it.
At the all-day meeting on Christmas, a day never to be forgotten, we had a Christmas carol in tongues. It began with one voice, just as on Bethlehem's plains, and a chorus of voices joined in. One who knew the language interpreted it: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to men." This was very sweet and heavenly. It followed the reading of the Scripture.
People are melted to tears in hearing this singing. It is the harmony of heaven and the Holy Spirit puts music in the voices that are untrained.
A LITTLE GIRL'S VISION OF HEAVEN
Our little girl Myrtie was recently taken with a severe cold and sore throat and had every symptom of scarlet fever. She knows the Lord, having been saved three years ago, has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and speaks in tongues.
During a season of prayer on Tuesday evening, December 18th, all the family, papa, mamma, Herman, and four-year-old Ruth laid our hands on her head and each one prayed for her healing. A wonderful spirit of song came upon us. The Spirit sang the songs of Zion through our lips. During this season of song, my little girl sat on a chair with her eyes closed; and when the song stopped, she said, "O papa, I have seen Jesus." She then told the following vision:
"I came to a city of many streets. There seemed to be a division in the city, there was a narrow street that separated. On one side the streets were clean and paved, the buildings were of marble and strong, and there was a car there with the Words on the front, TO ZION. On the side of the car was TO THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF GOD. On the dirty street was a dirty car, and on the front was TO HELL. On the side was GOING DOWN.
"After I got on the clean car, I went to the conductor and asked him if I could go over to the unclean car, and the car was stopped and I went across with others, and we took five apiece off from Satan's car. when they came across the line from the unclean street to the clean, their garments and faces became clean. When we came to the white car, the car expanded to make room for all that came.
"I saw the car the devil was on, go down into a dark abyss. Then our car stopped and we all went over to where this car disappeared. Jesus spoke, a great grate of iron came, and then a great stone, and stopped up the mouth of the abyss so that Satan could come out no more.
"As the car went on, I saw that everything was beautiful. The mists rolled away. Beautiful flowers appeared.
"When we arrived at the beautiful city of God, there were lovely homes given to us. After we were there long enough to be adjusted, we went to visit the Palace of the King. I saw Jesus on a throne made of diamonds and pearls. He was dressed in shining raiment, sparkling in every color.
"A beautiful Christmas feast was spread on tables. The cloth on the tables and the food was beautiful. The walls of the room and the carpet on the floor shone with beautiful colors. I looked in a mirror and saw I was clad like the angels. I saw my father, mother, brother, and sister coming in, and their clothes were transformed like the rest. The molding around the room was decorated with holly, most beautiful to behold. Jesus called attention to me and said, 'Do you see that little girl down there?' Their eyes seemed to look clear through me. Then he said, 'This girl was very sick and had faith and I healed her.' All the host sang a most beautiful song of praise. Then Jesus took us and showed us all around. When we came out, He had a beautiful chariot ready to take us all back to earth."
-E.K. Fisher, Glendale, CA
Lock Box 145
(Brother Fisher is one of the pastors of Pentecostal Missions in Los Angeles, at 327 1/2 S. Spring St).
BIBLE TEACHING ON MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
We hear in the Word of God, Ephesians 5:25-32, "Husbands love your wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word; that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no man yet hateth his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."
The Lord says, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Concerning the divorce question and remarriage, we believe simply what the Scripture teaches all through the Bible. "Thou shall not commit adultery." According to Romans 7:2-3, "For the woman which hath a husband is bound to the husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the saw of her husband; so that if while her husband liveth, she shall be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband be dead, she shall be free from the law of her husband, so that she is no adulteress though she be married to another man."
1 Corinthians 7:39, "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth, but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord."
Now this is to the church that are under the Blood. People that are not under the Blood, go to the law and get divorces, because they are under the law. They are living after the flesh, but we are under grace.
1 Corinthians 7:10, shows that if there should be any separation with any of God's people, they are not entitled to marry again, so long as the man or wife lives. "And unto the married I command, yet not I but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband; but and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband, and let not the husband put away his wife." that is the Scripture.
O how careful we ought to be in homes, among families to teach plain Bible doctrine. Many homes today have been wrecked and brought to naught through false teaching. Wives have left husbands and gone off, claiming that the Lord has called her to do mission work, and to leave the little children at home to fare the best they can. They will take this Scripture to back it up, Luke 14:26, "If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sister, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." They will stand upon that Scripture and say God means for them to hate their children and husband, and go off and try to save somebody else's home, or the heathen, when their own home needs to be saved. May God help us and give us wisdom, for He is not the author of confusion but of peace.
Many precious husbands have left their wives and children at home, and their wives are working hard to support the little children, washing, ironing, scrubbing, and farming, while their husband is claiming to be doing missionary work, and saying the Lord gave him that same Scripture in regard to forsaking. They take it for granted that the Lord does not want them to be bothered with their families. in the Bible we read, "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity. For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" How can such a man teach a family and bring peace in homes, when he himself is not at peace in his own home? How can he train other people's children to love God, when his poor little children are looking out for papa, and he never sends anything home to the little ones? Oh, may God give us wisdom and understanding in His precious Word. Please read 1 Timothy 3, all the way through, also 1 Timothy 5. This does not mean to the man only but also to the woman, for they are both one in the Lord.
Dearly beloved, let us respect homes and families. There are many precious souls today just ready to run away from their homes. They do not want to make home tidy and care for the children, and prepare for their husbands. May God help us to obey all His Word. Wives, love your husbands. Luke 14:26 is not teaching desertion. We husbands, Husbands, love your wives. Jesus, are not to desert our dear children and precious wives and precious husbands; but to let nothing get between our Christ and us. Many who have had a beautiful experience of sanctification, have allowed their baby or husband to become an idol between them and their God, and have hindered the blessed Holy Spirit, so the Lord is teaching us to Love Him with all our heart. Many believe the Lord taught desertion. Praise God, He never did come as Christ and God to break up homes and families. When we are saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit, then our mission station begins at home and with family prayer, until one by one the members of the family receive the Lord Jesus. We have seen this so much since God has poured out His Spirit. many sons and daughters respect father and mother. Bless His holy name.
It is no sin to marry. "Marriage is honorable and the bed undefiled, but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Hebrews 13:4). There are those today in the marriage life, since they have received sanctification and some the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, who have come to think that it is a sin for them to live as husband and wife. Jesus said, in Matthew 19:5-6, "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain but one flesh." Dearly beloved, we cannot get outside of the Word. Paul writes a letter to the church on this subject in 1 Corinthians 7. It is a letter that teaches husbands and wives how to live. Many precious souls are in great bondage and need the precious Word to unloose them. If His Word governs us, there will be peace, joy, and happiness in our homes, and they will be heaven on earth. We find in the Corinthian Church, when the Spirit of God was being poured out, many thought it was a sin to live with their husbands and with their wives. Paul had to teach them in 1 Corinthians 7:11, "I say therefore to the unmarried and the widows: it is good for them that they abide even as I. To the married I command, yet not I but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband."
Dearly beloved, we that are preparing to meet our Lord, to be His bride, the Lamb's wife, ought to live in the Scriptures, cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting Holiness in the fear of God.
The Lord not only sanctifies the soul but the body. Every sanctified soul may have a sanctified body. The blood can be purified from hereditary diseases and your body made a pure, holy temple for the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. We do not need to die of disease or sickness. You cannot find it in the lids of the Bible that the Lord has to go to the devil to help take His children to glory. He sanctifies from inherited disease. God never put the poison into the child in inherited sickness. No, it was never God that did that. It comes under the head of works of the devil that Jesus came to destroy.
A SONG OF PRAYER
(music to which this song is sung, was composed by little Mildred Crawford, and as she played the piece on the piano, Sister Rees sang the Words to it for her, composing as she sang in the Spirit)
Oh! my Heavenly Father,
Till life's storms are past,
Guard and guide Thy little one
Through each dreary blast;
Trials and strife do toss me,
And dark does seem the road,
Without my loving, Savior,
Who'll carry all my load.
Chorus-Blessed, blessed Savior,
Hear me while I pray;
Ever keep me near Thee;
Lead me all the way.
If I'm true and steadfast,
And put my trust in Thee,
Thou art faithful who hath promised
Thou art all in all to me.
By Thy Holy Spirit,
Thou dost make me free;
I'll ever love and serve Thee,
Through grace in liberty.
Precious Lord, I thank Thee
In fullness of my heart,
For the peace, the joy, the gladness
Thy Spirit doth impart
Oh! may I never falter,
But ever faithful be.
Obedient to Thy mandates,
Who gave Thy life for me.
Accept me oh! my Savior,
And now in me fulfill,
Thy needful preparation
To do Thy holy will;
And when at Thy appearing,
to claim Thy bride to be,
Oh! may I reign with Thee, Lord,
Throughout eternity.
-Casuntila Rees,
1374 5th Avenue, Oakland, CA, December 2
PENTECOST IN PUEBLO, COLORADO
January 16th
Our hearts rejoice beyond measure for the privilege of witnessing the marvelous outpouring of God's love and power at Pueblo. The people were very much bound by the adversary, but Monday night was the most glorious time the dear souls ever saw for liberty and victory.
All felt the power and presence of God in the very first hymn. Before singing the second verse, I said, Let us now tell the Lord, "We will give Thee full liberty of our hearts." We did it, and after a few minutes upon our knees, the blessed Holy Spirit descended upon us and took us. The meeting was completely under His control. It is simply impossible to describe what followed. Liberty and victory was the shout of triumph over and over again, until several received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and others who were seeking for sanctification and baptism and did not get through, were encouraged to go on until they had the victory.
The Holy Spirit was pleased to work through a little girl, pleading in a strange tongue for every soul in the hall. The tears streamed down her face, portraying great agony of soul. As I went toward her, I shall never forget the power I felt when just two feet from the child. I felt as if batteries of mighty power had seized my body and the whole was one great reservoir of electric forces. The sympathy for others that was in that child's soul came into mine, and the tears gushed from my eyes, and my soul began to cry out for others. Others had the same experience, especially Brother Thomas, who said it was the great day of his life. The song of praise and victory was everywhere in the room, going from heart to heart, until the whole was one "Bethel" of praise to Him who hath bought us and washed us from our sins in His own precious Blood.
I am persuaded, beloved, these are but the droppings of what we shall witness and experience, if we will only keep out of sight and let God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, be honored and exalted and be all and in all.
Your brother and fellow laborer in the cause of Jesus Christ.
-T. Hezmalhach.
1900 Lincoln Avenue
Denver, Colorado
Brother ML Ryan has moved the "Apostolic Light" office to Portland. The address is 215 Second St. He writes, "The glory still abides."
A sister testified in tongues in the language of India that was interpreted: "I am feasting of the living bread. Why will you not feast with me?" This was the sweet Spirit of Jesus, an unselfish Spirit, longing for others to come.
The "Pentecostal Wonders" published by the Union Gospel Mission, Akron, Ohio, is one with us in this movement. It is in the center of a great awakening in Ohio where workers went from Los Angeles. It is a blessed sweet spirited paper, published free. God bless and use it.
The Lord will hold you just as responsible for believing a lie as He did Adam. False doctrine kills the soul. If we get out of the Word of God and believe a lie, we lose the Blood and lose the life out of our souls. Let no one, not even if he comes as an angel of light, nor your own church or pastor, it may be, get you to doubt the Word of God and believe a lie.
If you want to see God work in power, see a people that are living in love and unity and harmony; but if the devil can get in and divide the people of God and sow dissension among them, then God cannot work. I have five fingers on my hand. One is a little one, but if I cut this little one, it will hurt the whole body. The least member in the body is just as necessary as the greatest (The greatest member is the most humble one). Every Blood-washed soul is a member of the body. We cannot reject one without hurting the whole body. If you cut the little finger, it goes right to the heart and every member suffers.
We had an error in the last paper, to which friends have kindly called our attention: "Hades in Greek and Gehenna in Hebrew mean "lake of fire." A brother handed in this statement, and not being Greek and Hebrew scholars and not having time to study it up, we let it pass. We do not expect to smooth over any errors in this paper, but we will make them right. The words above mentioned are translated "hell" but not "lake of fire" which is the final abode of the wicked. After the great white throne judgment, death and hell and whosoever is not found written in the book of life will be "cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15-17).
PENTECOST IN WASHINGTON
Asheville, Pacific Co., Washington
December 24th
I was converted when a mere child. I was sanctified two years ago, and since then have been hungering and praying for Pentecost, though I had no idea what to call it.
The Lord drew me to Salem, OR, and after tarrying six days, I received the same enduement of power that Jesus promised to His disciples.
The Lord set me apart for His service and soon gave me a commission. He is using me as a worm of the dust. Glory to His holy name! He says in His Word, He can use a worm to thrash mountains, I have spoken in many languages and have had sentences interpreted at different times as follows: "This is Jesus," "God is with us," "Jesus is your teacher," "Joy in the Lord," "Jesus is coming." Once while under the power I sang three stanzas of the hymn that commences, "Holy, holy, holy," in a beautiful language. It is so sweet to be acquainted with God. I am determined to be faithful and meet you all in the skies.
In my house last Tuesday the Lord opened meetings that appear to have no end in sight. Thursday He showed me to take the meeting into a hall. The Lord sent my brother to help. Saturday night there were four seekers for Pentecost at the altar. Conviction fell upon the people. Many went home, as we supposed to bed; but when we had tarried until midnight, in came three young girls who had been backslidden, proclaiming victory, with shining faces. They had gone home, prayed through and returned. They soon dug deeper and are now among the seekers for Pentecost.
Sunday morning the Free Methodist pastor having a regular appointment there, opened the meeting with a hymn and prayer, then made a few remarks in a sweet, Christ-like spirit-said he was open to conviction but wanted God to lead him. He then turned the meeting over to us, sat down, and he was blessed. Hallelujah! The Lord took full possession and we closed with twelve seekers at the altar. At night, again the Spirit took control.
People were there from neighboring towns. Men were there who have attended church but once or twice in their lives. The Lord is working on old people and little tots. One boy of seven received a heart cleansing. The above mentioned pastor felt the power working among his flock, and is now a seeker himself. Oh, hallelujah to our King! This is multiplying and increasing upon our hands until we feel it is but the first drops before the great shower. To God be all the glory!
-Mrs. FE Rews
TESTIMONY OF A MINISTER
For more than thirty years, I was a minister in one of the leading denominations, and by the grace of God sought to walk in all the light as God revealed it to me. In common with many honest hearts among God's children, for many months past, I had been seeking for a deeper fullness of God's love. I was conscious that, however much God had blessed His church, yet for the time now upon us, we needed a greater anointing in order to be made adequate to the work to be done. With this conscious need, a cry went up to God for a Pentecost. Surely He heard and answered according to His own perfect will.
Early in this year, God sent three humble saints from Texas to Los Angeles, and on their arrival, with a very few others, they met to seek for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Daily searching His Word, they sought earnestly to know God's will, yielding to Him for His fullness for service. Few were favorable to what they called new teachings, so this little band had to move their place of meeting; but with the one purpose in view, they unceasingly sought the Lord for the promise of the Father. This little band became earnest that, with much fasting they continued almost day and night for some days, until, indeed, their day had fully come. As suddenly as on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit and filled them, and all began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. This speaking in other languages was not all, for, indeed, they were filled with all the fullness of God, and all the characteristics of the first Pentecost were manifest. Can any unbiased man doubt as to the source of this strange power, when these humble children of God were waiting only upon Him, seeking for Himself? This was, indeed, the day of small things. The promise is that the latter rain is to be much more abundant than the former.
About this time, as indicated above, the writer was led of the Lord to go to Pasadena, some twelve miles from Los Angeles, to assist in tent work. I was living in a small tent that gave much quiet opportunity to yet wait more fully upon God, little knowing himself what God was preparing him for. I heard frequently of the Pentecost in Los Angeles, as I was quite often down to my home in the city. These reports were quite conflicting, but God kept me quiet by resting in Himself, giving me the assurance that He was His own interpreter and would in due time make plain.
About the middle of June, without any planning of my own, I was led for the first time into those meetings at Azusa Street, Los Angeles, in an attitude of entire dependence upon God, knowing that He would protect me from error and show me the truth. I was soon convinced that God was indeed working in ways that I had never witnessed, and the fulfillment of Scripture was plainly manifested. In the altar service, I quietly presented myself before the Lord. On the second day, while at the altar, as distinct to my inner consciousness as a clear voice to my ear, Jesus said, "receive ye the Holy Spirit," and as a hungry person would readily take food, I did eagerly accept the gift of my Lord. This was on Saturday afternoon. I did not feel any overflow of joy or emotion, but rather a deeper calm and quiet, and in my mission work on the Lord's Day following, I had more liberty and a clear knowledge of my Lord's presence.
On the Monday following I returned to Los Angeles and was in the meetings all day. My whole being seemed to be in one accord with all God was doing. The meeting at night seemed indeed remarkable, as the large room was crowded, and God's presence so very manifest. Earnest was the spirit of testimony that Brother Seymour could not begin his message from the Lord until after nine. As he preached, God's power seemed to be increasing in me, but I thought of nothing more. Just about the close of the sermon, a little after ten, as suddenly as on the day of Pentecost, while I was sitting some twelve feet right in front of the preacher, the Holy Spirit fell upon me and filled me literally. It seemed to lift me up, for, indeed, I was in the air in an instant, shouting, praise God, and instantly I began to speak in another language. Two of the saints quite a distance apart saw the Spirit fall upon me. One of them sprang towards me, also talking in an unknown language. Oh, how God did indeed fill my whole being in a way indescribable. I could not have been more surprised if at the same moment some one had handed me a million dollars. I had not been seeking the gift of tongues, or any other gift; but, oh how I did long for God Himself to completely fill me, and in His great love, surely He did.
As you see, this Pentecost is not the gift of tongues, but, as on that Pentecost recorded in 2nd of Acts, the gift of tongues was a sign and a powerful and a practical witnessing agency. I fully believe this latter rain will be in its full development. "They spoke as the Spirit gave utterance," and all that knew me before bear witness, that not simply in some other tongue, but in my own mother tongue, the Spirit does give another utterance. In an experience of over thirty-five years God has kept me from fanaticism, and I am sure that in no time in my life was I more fully surrendered to God and free from all desire aside from just His will only. What I received as described above, I call the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, for, as you see, it was just like that recorded in the Acts 2. Do you ask, guard what of the night? After four months of prayerful seeking only the will of God, now in this Pentecost, I am sure, "this is that." This was the beginning of the early and latter rain. This is surely of God, not that all about and around is of God, by no means. It isn't that mistakes have been made. We are still in the flesh. This I do know, that God has come into my life, in a fuller and more profound sense than ever before, He makes all things spiritual much more real, and His love completely permeates my whole being. In addition, just what Jesus said the Baptism would give, it gives witnessing power. I know this power is manifestly more in me and all that have received the like gift.
In these few months from the time the praying, fasting few received the longboat reading of the heavens, and Jesus did baptize them with His Spirit, up until now, this work has spread until its influence has reached half round the world. Many of all ages and races, from varied conditions and abilities, from the very young to the octogenarian, those learned, and of no education, each alike has received a definite baptism of the Spirit. Surely, the glorious coming of our blessed Lord is very near, and all this supernatural work of God is needed for the work to be completed. This is only the beginning of the gracious latter rain that our risen Lord will pour out upon all flesh, and as the Holy Spirit shall temper each vessel meet for service, He will fully restore all the gifts, or rather manifest each as needed. For all is inherent in Him, and all thus baptized will indeed be one. The Holy Spirit is now leading us into much prayerful study of His Word. He makes Christ increasingly, all in all, the flesh nothing, God's children one, and the coming of Jesus intensely real. Beloved in the Lord, don't criticize, but join us in prayer.
Yours in Jesus,
-AH Post
Pasadena, CA - The Way of Faith
THREW AWAY HIS CRUTCHES
Report of a Case of Healing in Oakland.
The Man was a Sinner on whom This Miracle Was Shown.
Oakland, CA, December 18
A wonderful miracle of healing took place at the tent yesterday afternoon. Brother Manley's lesson was on divine healing and he emphasized the statement that God healed sinners. As if to corroborate his testimony, when he had closed, a rough-looking man arose with a crutch under one arm and a cane in the other hand. He said in substance, "I am a bad man. I have had a university education-practiced law for seven years-went wrong and became a tramp-an outcast-the drunken hobo you see. Two days ago I was going to jump into the bay, when this friend, (pointing to a roughly dressed young man) told me of this place and that people got healed here. Now I am here to be healed of this leg, and I know it will be done."
A horse had kicked him last May and the bone had healed in a lapped position instead of being joined end to end, leaving him very lame.
Well, Brother Manley and the saints went right back to the chair where the man was sitting, and Brother Manley prayed the prayer of faith, laying his hands on the man's head. In a few moments, the man jumped to his feet, looked amazed and said, "It is done! It is done!" He threw away his crutch and cane, then went all over the tent, walking as good as anybody.
The most profound sensation was produced by this exhibition of the power of God, and nearly everybody was in tears and praising God.
Oh what a wonderful God we are serving. The man sought for salvation all the afternoon, and late at night was converted.
"A cancer and a rupture of seven years standing have been healed in Salem since we got here. The cancer came out in three days, roots and all. Jesus is healing the sick. Many other healings are taking place."-Florence Crawford, Salem, OR, December 20.
The Missionary Faith Home at Alliance has received the Pentecost. A number there have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, and it has become a center of power. People are going there for their Pentecost. Brother Levi Lupton who is at the head of the work there and has a paper called the "New Act," is a returned missionary from Africa. He saw the need of the gift of tongues while there. He now speaks in four tongues, and other Christian workers are receiving the Baptism and gift of tongues that means much for the missionary cause.
"I am glad I received my Pentecost, for it is the best thing I ever had. My sin is to win souls for Jesus. I have not been bothered with opium any more. I have no desire to go back. I have squared the $10 with that man, and by paying it, the Lord has blessed me. The Lord has been giving me the gift of healing and singing through me in unknown tongues, and has been wonderfully using me in His work. I was holding a street meeting in Martinez and some of them had me arrested; but the Lord's grace is enough. I have had heavenly sunlight even in jail."-Harry Gerke, 10 Commercial Street, San Francisco (This dear brother was saved from opium only a short time ago in Azusa Mission. He had a hard fight with the devil, but God has established him. Praise God!)
A BUSINESS MAN'S TESTIMONY OF PENTECOST
(We take the privilege of publishing this testimony from a private letter written to Sister Florence Crawford).
When I first went into that Ninth Street Mission, I was as nearly an infidel as it was possible for one raised as I had been to be. I had persuaded myself that the Bible was not to be taken literally, but figuratively, and had rejected the idea of everlasting punishment, and tried to disbelieve the providence of God; that is, that He interested Himself in us personally.
I thought I was as good as the average church member. Notwithstanding, I had not been attending church for about five years. I had belonged to a church in Chicago until five years ago. I went into the church in good faith, but it dawned upon me that what was preached had no expectation of being practiced. I just concluded we had been 'gold-bricked,' and quit. I had been too indifferent to go to any church again, until I heard of the coming of the Los Angeles Pentecostal people, and I was at the first meeting at 9th Street Mission, out of pure curiosity, expecting to see a fake.
I shall never forget how it made me squirm and writhe in the very depths of my soul when you held up the mirror-the Word of God-with all the dust and cobwebs brushed off, and I got a clear view of myself as I really was. How all the excuses I had piled up to justify myself slipped from under me, and how mean I appeared as I thought of myself as an outcast from God. After I had quit going to church, I had begun going to theaters, and eventually even took an occasional drink with my office companions, and had gambled a little in mining stock "bucket shop." There had been a constant unrest of soul, for somehow my conscious would never allow me to get any enjoyment out of sin.
That was my condition when I happened into the Mission. I say happened in. I should say when I was led there, for I now know that the Spirit of the living God led me there. Bless His Holy Name forever! For the first time, I realized that to be a true, sincere Christian meant to live without sin at all. It meant in my case even the giving up of tobacco, before I could so much as ask God to have mercy on me.
There is no need of going into the details of the struggle I went through before I surrendered. What I thought I could never do, God did for me. He took away all appetite for tobacco instantly, a habit to which I was a perfect slave, for which I never cease to thank Him.
On August 12, God made known to me that my past sins were all forgiven, and that I was His child.
Then I heard sanctification explained, saw my need of it, and sought for that experience. I had a fearful struggle with self, doubt, and pride, before I finally got all upon the altar, and just gave up that I did September 21. The instant I really let go of everything and said to God, "I can't do another thing," He just laid hold of me and flooded my soul with such joy and peace and a sense of cleanness. It really was some time before I could see how it was possible for me to get anything more and contain it.
I became hungry for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and power, and began seeking for that precious gift of God. Sure enough, a battle royal commenced. It seemed that all the powers of darkness were determined to prevent me from obtaining the priceless blessing. When the devil would get me cornered where it seemed as though God had forsaken me, I would always beat him back with this, "Well, one thing I do know, I have been cleansed from all sin and have no desire whatever to sin, and that is a grand thing for me." Then I would find the most precious Scripture just when needed to exactly fit my case, and again take courage.
The battle went on for over two months until November 25. That you will remember was the night you laid your hands on me for my healing. I received both healing for my lungs and the infilling of God's Holy Spirit. Glory to His Holy Name forevermore!
I shall never forget that night. Why, I was raised from despair to the very throne of our God (Right here the Spirit stopped me and sang through me praises to my blessed Redeemer and King, my Master whom to serve is my greatest joy).
As long as the memory of that blessed night (November 25) remains with me, I shall ever say, "God bless Sister Crawford abundantly and use her to encourage many, many others in similar need."
Now all these blessings have been a gift to me. I have not a single mark to my credit. God had a stubborn, unbelieving, thankless child to deal with when He picked me up, and He just had to have wonderful love and patience to bear with me. He did. Now I am eternally His, sealed unto the day of redemption. Praise His name. Hallelujah! I feel a burning desire to see others possess the same blessing. I could tell you of wonderful victory and blessed seasons since my baptism. When I think of what Jesus has done for me, I feel as though I could go through fire for Him, but of myself, I can do nothing. He has put an abiding love in my heart for Him and for my fellow man.
Your brother in Christ,
-J.G. Bourman
490 Twenty-Fourth Street, Oakland
Our office at 312 Azusa Street has been almost snowed under by letters, sometimes as many as fifty a day. Many are hungry for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; many want healing for their sick bodies or for friends, and others want salvation. Dear ones, if we have not been able to answer your letters, please take this paper for an answer. If you send in questions, we may answer them in the next paper.
"The Lord is using we boys more than I ever dared to think of before I came into the work. I would not change my position for the best in the country, including the President's job. We have more to be thankful for, I believe, than any man in the country. It is just heaven wherever we go. It is just a heaven to go to heaven in. We hold meetings on the streetcars and railway trains and praise the Lord! He just fills and thrills us with glory all the time; and interprets tongues through us at times, and we sing in unknown tongues. He has given me some very beautiful songs in unknown tongues. Praise His holy name! Praise God! He just piles gifts and glory on me until I think all I need is more strength to stand it and more humility to keep me from getting puffed up. Pray that God will keep me humble and keep me under the Blood."-William Millson, 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles.
PENTECOST IN TORONTO
On December 8, the writer came to Toronto, Canada, to assist in two mission meetings. The first is in the northwest part of the city and closes tomorrow night. There the Lord has met us in full salvation power. We praise Him!
But we wish to write especially of what our eyes have seen and our ears have heard of Gods' work elsewhere in this city, particularly at 651 Queen East, Brother and Sister Heben being in charge. Here is a three-story building all separated unto the Lord. A public assembly room, not large, is on the first floor. The superintendents of the work occupy the second floor. The third floor is for rest for those who need help from the Lord. Now, it cost about $73 a month to cover all expenses. No collections are taken and no help asked for, except for old clothes for the poor. God supplies all the needs. Of course He does.
Here there are held three services on Sunday, a Bible reading on Monday evening, an all-day prayer meeting on Wednesday, and divine healing on Friday evening. It was my privilege to attend two of these all-day meetings, save at night. Here God is pouring out His spirit. Several have been definitely baptized with the Holy Spirit and speak with tongues. It all came about in this way:
Mr. & Mrs. Hebden began praying for power to heal the sick and cast out demons. The Lord said to Mrs. Hebden, "Tongues, tongues." She answered, "No, Lord, not tongues, but power, power." The Spirit was grieved. Then she replied, "Anything, Lord, tongues or anything." Soon after this, the power came upon this yielded woman and she began to speak in an unknown language. Now the Holy Spirit speaks and prays in a tongue through her. She sings, writes, and makes sketches that appear like landscapes. Paul exhorts, "Let him pray that he may interpret." She has prayed and now interprets. One of the sketches was as clouds rolling up from the earth. Two days after this was given, it was interpreted to her to mean...a resurrection of the saints. I heard Mrs. Hebden speak yesterday interpreting what she said. It was this: "God's people should pray for more humility." Another sentence was "On the 17th of November, the Lord baptized me with the Holy Spirit and gave me the Bible evidence."
Brother Hebden received his Pentecost last Sabbath morning, while quietly meditating on the Word of the Lord, not thinking of the Baptism. He praised Jesus, and the Holy Spirit fell upon him. He prayed in a tongue yesterday in my hearing. The meetings are heavenly. They are conducted informally. A stranger could scarcely discover who is in the lead. Christ is the Head. The Holy Spirit leads.
There is a divine hush in the home. There is seriousness without rigidity, quietness without death and formality, joy and much praise without flippancy, liberty without license. How anyone not right with God can come into these meetings and not get under deep conviction, and how a believer can fall to enjoy them, are conundrums. Pentecost has begun in Toronto.
One young woman who was very nice and precise in the world was marvelously saved. She had been under deep conviction for days. When once surrendered, she seemed to sweep with one bound from the altar of burnt offering into the most holy place, from the Cross to the Pentecostal chamber, sealed with the Bible evidence (Act. 10:46). She laughed incessantly for hours and hours. Sometimes she speaks in a tongue while at her work.
May the dear Lord hasten to get us humble enough to trust us with His gifts, and simple enough to receive all He so freely offers, for His own glory. Going on with the Lord, I remain,
Your unworthy servant,
AS Copley, Cambridge, OH
-From "Way of Faith."
Missionaries to Sweden from San Pedro, CA, Brother and Sister Eric Hollingsworth have arrived safely after a very blessed time on the way. Their address is Kristinelund, Tumba, Sweden.
In Akron, Ohio, there is a general awakening. People carry their Bibles to the shop with them. The revival is going on without preachers. People travel hundreds of miles to attend the meetings. Many have gone from the meeting starting others.
"Oh praise the King of Kings for His goodness to us these last days! I am so glad that the wonderful power is not only in the mission in cities, but also among the cowboys and farmers in the country. Oh, praise His name! We have the Pentecost here and it is glorious. We are contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints, and are looking for the soon coming of our Lord and King, Jesus of Nazareth."-Arthur E. Grimshaw, Box 267, Pawhuska, OK January 16.
A sister came to the mission for the first time, very sick. As she took her seat and saw how God was working, she said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have what these people have, but let me eat of the crumbs." she was very hungry for the Lord. Right while she was sitting in her seat, the Lord saved her, sanctified her, and baptized her with the Holy Spirit, giving her the gift of tongues. She began saying in a foreign tongue, "The Lord has made me every whit whole." One who understood the language she was speaking told what she was saying. The Spirit had told her what it was, and now, though she had hardly been able to drag herself into the Mission, she was perfectly healed. This was all in about half an hour, and she was the happiest creature you ever saw. She could not keep still but kept praising God while others were speaking, and when we last saw her she was still praising Him.
"When I knelt seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit spoke through one man most beautifully in a language of India a precious message, and I believe God sent it for my own benefit. I was looking up to God and doing business with Him. He spoke a language that is spoken 15,000 miles from here, and I looked and one glance was sufficient to show me that the Holy Spirit was speaking through that man. There are very few that get the native accent by study, but this man spoke the beautiful accent of that country. I want to repeat the Words that he spoke, 'O Lord God, thou art my Redeemer. Thou art the great King of Kings. I adore and magnify thee in my inner soul.' That convinced me that the Holy Spirit was giving languages in this place. I have interpreted at least seven messages in the languages of British India; therefore, I know what I am talking about. Be very careful that you do not put your hands on the ark of God."
-George E. Berg
Hermon, CA
CHAPTER SIX
God is still manifesting His power in Los Angeles.
The Pentecost has crossed the water on both sides to the Hawaiian Islands on the west, and England, Norway, Sweden, and India on the east.
A brother in Honolulu received the Pentecost, by hearing of God's work through the paper. He said when he got down to seeking in earnest, the Lord baptized him with the Holy Spirit and he spoke in two languages.
We rejoice to hear that Pentecost has fallen in Calcutta, India, over ten thousand miles away on the other side of the world: Praise God. We have letters from China, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, England, Ireland, Australia, and other countries from hungry souls that want their Pentecost. Some of these letters are in foreign languages. Missionaries write that they are hungry for this outpouring of the Spirit that they believe to be the real Pentecost. The world seems ripe for the Pentecost in all lands and God is sending it. Amen.
One of the missionaries from Los Angeles in Liberia, Africa, had been able to speak to the people in the new tongue. Another sister there wrote in an unknown language under the power of the Spirit, and it was understood and read by one of the native kings there.
Requests for prayer from hungry souls are coming in from all over. They want salvation from sin, and sanctification, and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and healing of their bodies. The requests are presented and handkerchiefs are blessed and the power of God comes upon us in praying for them; and we receive letters saying that they are receiving their Pentecost and being healed. Praise God.
March 19th was a wonderful day at the Mission on Azusa Street Three ministers from Tennessee received the enduement of power from on high and the glory of God filled the upper room. Others received the anointing of the Spirit and some were slain under the power of God.
Brother Stewart from Phoenix, Arizona, came to Azusa Mission and sought the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and God laid him out under the power of the Spirit and took complete control of him, speaking through him in tongues. He was filled and overflowing with the Holy Spirit when he returned to Arizona. Mother Griffith, also from Phoenix, has come and received her baptism.
The work at Azusa Mission is growing deeper and more powerful than ever. Praise God. Meetings continue every day with seekers at every service, and the three meetings run very near together. We have all day meetings on Sunday. Three other Apostolic Faith Missions continue in the city and God's blessing is upon them. The workers from these missions and from suburban towns meet together for conference on Mondays to study the Scriptures and get deeper into the things of God and for conference in the work of the Lord. The spirit of unity, love and power is manifest. Other like missions are being established in a number of towns.
Brother Andrews and wife, Gospel workers from Tennessee, came to Azusa Mission for the express purpose of receiving their Pentecost and Brother Andrews has been baptized with the Holy Spirit and is filled and overflowing with the Spirit. He and his wife were so hungry and had such faith that the Lord wanted them to come, that, not having the means, they started and walked quite a distance, until the Lord gave them the fare, and He is abundantly rewarding them.
Brother WH Durham of 943 North Avenue, Chicago, IL, and Brother HL Blake of Ruthton, MN, who are both preachers of the Gospel, came to Los Angeles to see and investigate what God was doing. They both were baptized with the Holy Spirit and went back filled and saturated with the power of God, speaking in tongues and magnifying God. We were greatly blessed to have them with us and to see what great things the Lord did for them. That blessing overflowed upon all God's children. They are members of the World's Faith Missionary Association.
Sister Rees from Oakland visited Azusa Mission recently. She brought a report from the saints in Oakland that a leader was needed there in the work, one called and prepared of the Lord. We prayed God to call someone. Brother Irwin received the call and went with his wife. His report comes just as the paper is going to press: Oakland, CA, March 21,"God is undertaking for us here. Two received their Pentecost last night with Bible evidence. Others are seeking pardon, sanctification, the promise of the Father."
-BH Irwin
A number from Winnipeg, Canada, have come to Los Angeles and are now rejoicing in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Others have come from the Atlantic coast and from Colorado and different states and they have received a Bible Pentecost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, and from other centers workers are going out to the ends of the earth, until we cannot keep track of them. The Lord is speedily preparing His people for His coming.
We cannot give a report of all that have gone out into the work since the last paper, for they are going almost every day. Brother and Sister H. McLain have gone to San Jose, CA, to take charge of the work there and Sister Agnes Jacobson and Brother Harmon Clifford are in the work in San Jose. See report from there of how God is working. Brother Turney and wife who were at San Jose are now in Honolulu. Brother and Sister EW Vinton from near Boston, MA, who received their Pentecost in Los Angeles, have returned to tell the glad tidings. Their address is 12 Leyden Street, Medford, MA. Brother CE Marsh expects to join them there in preaching this. Gospel bands of workers have gone out to other places and started the work.
Since the last paper, Brother Seymour visited San Francisco and San Jose and reported that God had some of the most precious saints there filled with the Holy Spirit and shining for God that he had ever seen and that the power of God was wonderfully manifest.
There are a number of apostolic papers springing up. We cannot tell how many there are, because we hear of new ones we have not seen. There are three clean cut papers besides Apostolic Faith, out and out for a Bible Pentecost according to Acts 2:4 and with subscription free. They are the Apostolic Light, Portland, OR, The New Acts, Alliance, Ohio (which now includes Pentecostal Wonders) and The Apostolic Evangel, Royston, GA (formerly Live Coals). These papers are all about the size of the January number of this paper and they are filled with the wonderful works of God, and are spreading the glad tidings of another Pentecost all over the world. They are all supported entirely by free will offerings.
PENTECOST IN OTHER LANDS
In London
23 Gairloch Road, Camberwell, SE London
January 20-A little band of Christians have been waiting here about nine months for their Pentecost and am glad to say that one sister has received her Pentecost with tongues. Praise Him! Will you continue to pray that all may receive, the writer included. I feel very hungry.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
CH Hook
In Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden, March --Please, dear ones, help us to praise the Lord. The first soul came through tonight receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Bible evidence. Bless God!
-Eric Hollingsworth and wife
This message was just received from our brother and sister who have gone to Sweden with this precious Gospel. They wrote of the salvation and sanctification of souls and now we rejoice with them that Pentecost has fallen in Sweden's capitol.
In Sweden
We are having a wonderful time in Sweden. Hundreds have been saved and sanctified. Over a hundred baptized with the Holy Spirit. Praise God! Glory! Glory! Glory! The dear Lord has healed many. Signs as on the day of Pentecost are following, talking and singing in tongues. I cannot tell you all now that God has been doing. The work is spreading fast. Many are seeking for a clean heart and there is oneness among God's people. God shall have all the glory.
I am still talking and writing in tongues. A missionary interpreted what I have been writing in Syriac and Armenian. I was singing Chinese one night, a missionary said. I am busy every day and going from place to place. Strong opposition from many, but God gives the victory. Glory!
Andrew G. Johnson
48 Skofde, Sweden
In Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii, March 11-Immediately upon our arrival here, we found two wholly consecrated souls, hungering for more of God. Brother Mayfield threw his mission open to us and told us to go to work. We opened fire upon the enemy the first night of our arrival here. God owned and blessed the truth. Nine have received their Pentecost, and in every case, they have spoken in new tongues. Sister Mayfield has received her Pentecost and healing for lung trouble. My wife and I have both spoken in the Korean language, Koreans present testifying to the same. We believe that will be our next field of labor.
-HM Turney and wife
In Calcutta, India
February 21-The Lord has led Sister Nelson and me here to Calcutta to behold the wonderful works of God. He has sent three of His witnesses from America, all filled with the Holy Spirit, to show forth His power and proclaim the wonderful Gospel that many others and we have been hungering for so long. Praise His dear name! God is working in mighty power in our midst. Several have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak with tongues, and many have been saved. We have meetings every day beginning about 4 P.M. and go on as long as the Lord leads. We are so hungry and do believe that God will soon satisfy our longing souls.
Mary Johnson
Dehiwala, Court Lodge, Ceylon, India
In Norway
Solfies, Pl. 2, Christiania, Norway
January 29-God is wonderfully demonstrating His power here in the Norwegian capital. It is about ten days since I held the first meeting in the large gymnasium that will take when crowded from 1,500 to 2,000 people. People from all denominations are rushing to the meetings. Over twenty have received their Pentecost and are speaking in tongues. Several have been in trances and had heavenly visions. Some have seen Jesus at our meetings, including a freethinker, who became convinced of the power of God after seeing tongues of fire over my head. Many are seeking salvation and souls are being gloriously saved. Hundreds are seeking a clean heart, and the fire is falling on the purified sacrifice. The fire is spreading very rapidly. Glory to God! I received word from the country districts that the fire is falling there. People who have attended the meetings are taking the fire with them to the towns around about. The account of God's work for my soul has been inserted in many religious papers, and has caused a stir. All can see it is the work of God's Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! Some of the languages spoken are European. A preacher was thrown on his back last Sunday morning in the Student's Hall. When he rose, he spoke in four languages; one of these was English. He could speak none of them before. After that, he prophesied and invited sinners to come to Christ. Numbers threw themselves down and cried for salvation, cleansing, and the fiery baptism with the Spirit. Praised be God! Several preachers are seeking their Pentecost. Go on praying for the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and King. Fraternal greetings from those baptized with the power and fire from on high.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
TB Barratt
If you get the light on your soul, you will go forward or else backslide.
The more of the Holy Spirit you have, the more love, the more humility, the more praises.
This is not a "do, do" religion, but it is the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Man has to be born again. You cannot get it through moral culture, refinement, or giving up, but you must be born into it. It is through God's beloved Son who washes you, cleanses you, and makes you a fit subject for heaven.
Every sanctified person has the abiding anointing in their soul, and they know His Blood cleanses every moment, but you need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which is the enduement of power, that will make you a witness to the uttermost parts of the earth.
This Gospel cost us too much to run off into fanaticism and be led by visions and dreams. When we get spiritual, there is greater temptation to get puffed up. We must put all visions and dreams on the square of God's Word and try them. The Word must prove all things. When we throw down God's truth, the plummet of His Word, is shows up the counterfeit.
People receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit while about their work. One sister in Whittier received hers while she was baking a cake.
The Holy Spirit is a living Person that comes down upon you in great and mighty power. Dear loved ones; when He comes upon you, you know it. When He comes in, He comes talking. Your jaws will be unloosed, and He will commence speaking through you.
We are Christ's spiritual bride now, but there is to be a real wedding take place and a real marriage supper. Those that sit down to this supper will be His queen, the ones that have made their robes white and have the seal of God in their foreheads. Oh, let us not miss this supper. We are listening now for the sound of His chariot wheels.
The Lord has taken Spiritualism and Christian Science out of people in this mission, and filled them with the Spirit, and they are sitting at the feet of Jesus. We teach against Theosophy, Christian Science, Magnetic Healing, Spiritualism, Hypnotism and all works of the devil.
NEW SCANDINAVIAN REVIVAL
The Witness of Tongues Manifested in Christiania
The following report of the Pentecostal revival in Norway is published in the North Mail, Edinburgh, England. It is a letter from the Vicar of All Saints, Sunderland, England, Brother AA Body. He had been to Christiania, Norway, visiting Brother Barratt's meeting.
My four days in Christiania cannot easily be forgotten. I remember well the scenes two years ago, when I stood with Evan Roberts in the pulpit at Ton-y-Pandy, but, wonderful as such scenes in Wales were, the scenes in the Torvegadon Mission Room and other places were more supernatural. I believe that very soon we shall witness the same in England.
Warmly welcomed by the pastor and his co-workers, I sat, of necessity, on the low, large platform, with its table and four forms. The room was an upper chamber, down a court out of a busy street. It was very bare, with forms without any backs. The enthusiastic congregation did not think of comfort.
Boys and girls around me, from seven to twelve years of age, were seeing visions and speaking in tongues-as well as older folk.
A bright-faced lad cried out with intense vehemence (eyes closed, right hand on heart, left hand stretched out)-"Oh, I see the house of Satan thrust down and down. Now the host are entering Heaven. Oh! They are going to shut the door, and some will be too late! Oh, Jesus, Jesus!" Then he commenced to shout in a rapid unknown tongue, and a few minutes later he was just a simple, lovable Norwegian boy again.
Then a university student (under the power of the Spirit) cries with great vehemence (to the "Djarvlen"), "Go! Will you go? Will you go?" All this time perhaps a dozen are speaking or praying in Tongues, or prophesying, and prayer and praise "In the Spirit" is going on all over. Then suddenly, a high-pitched musical voice is heard cutting into everything, prolonged, and then dying away. It is a woman praising Christ in the Spirit.
A brother on my left breaks out into tongues. Three times he did the same in that meeting. First it seems to be in English, very rapidly spoken: "Come, come, come, come now to the Savior," etc. Then it seems to be like Chinese, "Chung, chow, chow," etc. Then he changes into a chattering sort of Tongue. I am assured that all there are Holy Spirit people. "The flesh may get in a little," says the good pastor, "but not much."
Tongues at Keswick
People of course, ridicule; but those meetings go on every day, and twice a day, and not in one place of meeting only nor in one single town. At Christiansand, Frederickshaldt, and many other places the same is going on, and it spreads quickly from each person who receives the Gift!
A Christian merchant in a high position in Denmark came with others to see and hear, and he told me that he was convinced it is of God. The working people chiefly fill the meetings, and the difficulty is to get them to leave when the time comes to close.
It must be added, practical results follow these strange meetings.
Pastor Barratt (of whom more below) said that until recently it was difficult to attract to religious meetings. A Salvation Army officer advertised that a man would rise from his coffin and preach the Gospel, but even this did not effectively draw. Now twice a day everyday, week after week enthusiastic crowds throng these meetings. They go out to spread the strange flame that they are convinced is Pentecostal and Heavenly and Scriptural.
The meetings are liable at any moment to be swept by a wave of spiritual power sweeping through all human arrangements. At times the noise is strangely awesome, almost appalling to an "outsider."
Some of us ask ourselves the question, how will this affect the Keswick Convention meetings and other gatherings this year? Those who have "Tongues" will be present, and unable and unwilling to control them when moved by the Spirit.
The Rev. Thomas Ball Barratt, the leader of this movement, is almost a Norwegian. He was four years old when his Cornish parents brought him to Hardanger. Eventually he became a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but he has practically detached himself from any church ties, and the world he feels is his parish.
He was in New York last autumn when influences from the Los Angeles movement began to reach him, and he received a mighty "Pentecost," witnessed to by "Tongues." A letter he wrote home stirred up the spirit of expectancy, and on his arrival the work immediately began, and on New Year's Day in Norway the revival commenced, and has continued ever since, and is spreading all the time.
Of my own inner experiences whilst in these meetings I must refrain from writing at this point, but I reverently thank God for the privilege of being present.
"He will guide you into all truth." We ought to take the Holy Spirit before any other teacher. We should have no teacher between the Holy Spirit and us.
Please write very plainly in sending in your address for the paper. Some letters have to go into the waste basket, because the addresses are illegible or incomplete. If any fail to get the paper, please let us know.
We send out papers free, but free will offerings have come in to enable us to publish and send to all that ask for them.
We have been publishing 30,000 papers at an issue, and of this issue, 40,000 have been printed.
Anyone desiring to distribute papers, has only to drop us a card saying how many you can use to advantage, giving your address very plainly, and we will send by return mail or as quickly as possible.
A convention of Prayer is to be held at Alliance, OH. The saints from Akron, Cleveland, Canton, and East Liverpool will meet there, and it will no doubt be a time of great power and blessing. The date is March 30.
TWO PAPERS IN ONE
This number six of the Apostolic Faith has been enlarged. It is a double paper, the February-March number. We have no stated time of publication but expect to get it out every month, the Lord willing. This time it has been unavoidably delayed. Many have been looking for it and wondering why it did not come before. We praise God for the privilege of sending it out now to hungry souls, and pray God that it will be a double blessing.
The Lord has been greatly enlarging the work. Stacks of letters come in which we have not been able to answer, but may our correspondents take this paper as an answer, as our hands are so full of the precious work. We have received many blessed reports and testimonies that it has been hard to condense into this paper. Many precious letters had to be left out for lack of space.
THE PURCHASE OF THE AZUSA MISSION
The Apostolic Faith Mission has purchased the lot and buildings at 312 Azusa Street. Holy Spirit men have been elected as trustees, who hold the property.
We believe the Lord chose this spot for His work, for He has wonderfully poured out His Spirit in the mission that started about a year ago from cottage prayer meetings where the Pentecost first fell. Now, through Spirit baptized ones who have gone out, and through papers published here, there has been raised up a mighty host. Praise God!
The property was purchased for $15,000, and $4,000 has already been paid down on it. Any friends wishing to have a share in buying this Mission for the Lord may send offerings to Brother Reuben Clark, who is secretary of the board of trustees.
It was necessary to buy this mission as a headquarters for the work, in order to hold it, as it would soon have been sold for other purposes. The situation is favorable, being centrally located and in surroundings where no one will be disturbed by prayers or shouts going up sometimes all night. Praise God! The Mission building was formerly a place of worship where souls had been saved years ago, and the spot thus made sacred; and during the past year, hundreds have been saved, sanctified, healed, and baptized with the Holy Spirit.
APRIL NINTH A JUBILEE DAY
To the Apostolic Faith People, Saints, and Friends: April 9 is the birthday of Pentecost to us, for the Pentecost fell here on April 9, 1906. May all that have received this precious gift, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, honor that day as a jubilee feast, in praise and thanks to God for sending the old time Pentecost back to earth again.
We pray God that a great revival of salvation may flow in all missions on that day, and that we may all get in one accord. We believe that the fire of God will fall in every mission, and that many will receive the Baptism just as they received it on the day of Pentecost, according to the second chapter of Acts Praise God! We have much to praise God for; in a year's time, He has spread this work over the earth. Hallelujah to His holy name!
God is still working here in Los Angeles. Souls are receiving their personal Pentecost. Bless His holy name! We expect to hear from all the missions where this wonderful Gospel is preached, great victory on that memorable day.
The Spirit takes the Word of God to reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He shows the sinner that he needs to be saved from a burning hell of fire and brimstone. You may say you do not believe it, but yet you read in the Bible where the rich man was "tormented in this flame" and called for Lazarus to bring a drop of water to cool his parched tongue. If the doctrine of annihilation were true, why was not the rich man burned up?
VIRTUE IN THE PERFECT BODY OF JESUS
Jesus gave His perfect eyes for us, perfect hearing, perfect smelling, tasting and feeling: for Jesus gave a perfect body, that laid in the tomb three days and three nights and was raised by the power of the Holy Spirit. Those eyes that had slept in the tomb under the great power of death were quickened and brought to life again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, through the perfect body of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can receive perfect healing of sight, hearing, tasting, and smelling.
We read in the precious Word of God (Acts 2:26) where David is speaking of the Lord Jesus, "My heart rejoiced and my tongue was glad, moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption." We find that Jesus' body was one without carnality. It was a body that God prepared from heaven by the Holy Spirit and sent down into this world to be the Bread of Life. Therefore, Jesus could speak with the authority in John 6:51 saying, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven." If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world."
The Jews could not understand this. They said," How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you." Oh, how true this is. May we drink His Blood daily and eat His flesh, through faith in His word for salvation, health, and healing. If His flesh had seen corruption, then we could not have healing for the body or look for an immortal body from heaven. Dear beloved, we get healing for our body, soul, and spirit and an immortal body from heaven at His coming, through the perfect body of Jesus. Praise our God!
DIGGING FOR OIL
I once asked a man who was digging oil wells, how he found the oil. He said, "We bore down six to eight hundred feet, then we strike the rock. Then we bore through that rock about five feet, and on down to the second rock, about three feet thinner than the first. Then we strike a lake of oil."
It reminded me of salvation. Digging down to the rock represents repentance. When you get through the dirt and mud, then strike the rock, that represents salvation in Christ, for Christ is the rock. When we get upon the rock, we have to build.
The man said they had to bore through two rocks before they struck the lake of oil. It reminded me of the two weeks of grace. We cross the Red Sea, then Jordan, and then we receive our inheritance. Elijah crossed Jordan and looked up into heaven as Elijah was caught up in the chariot of fire, and the mantle of Elijah fell upon Elisha. This is a type of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, for Elisha prayed for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah.
The second rock represents the second work of grace, sanctification. You go down through that rock and strike the lake of oil and it gushes out in plenty. The oil represents the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Some get the anointing, and then are filled with holy laughter, taking that to be the Baptism. However, if we go on through that other rock, we will get to where the lake of oil is.
When we have the Baptism of the Spirit, we have an experience according to Deuteronomy 32:13, "He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields: and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock; butter of kine and milk of sheep; with fat of lambs, and rams of the bread of Basin, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou midst drink the pure blood of the grape." Praise our God! We find that before people receive the Pentecost, they have hardly enough for themselves. But when they got over into Canaan, the promised land that is the very type of our entering into the promise of the Father, they become rich and are able to lend and able to give, for they have fruit in abundance, everything plentiful. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit gives us the rivers of salvation. Praise God! Oh, may children of God seek all that He has for them.
NO EXCUSE FOR SIN
In justification, we can overcome all the power of the enemy. We have no right to live in sin at any time. Who the Son makes free is 'free indeed.' What is he free from? He is free from sin. Dear ones, we want to honor the Blood of Jesus. The Blood has never lost its saving efficacy. Just one drop of His Blood overcomes Satan. Someone, who is justified with the Blood in his heart, if he will obey the Spirit, will always live from sin.
Every justified soul is being drawn of the Spirit to sanctification, though he may not know it. He is conscious of a hungering for more of God, and the Spirit continues to show him there is higher ground for him. If he continues to walk in the light, he will he led right into the fountain for sin and uncleanness, the Blood will cleanse him from all sin, the old man the body of sin will be hung on Calvary's cross and Christ enthroned in his heart. Bless God, when Christ is enthroned and crowned within, then old Ishmael, the bond woman's son. Which is the old Adam and carnality, is put out. The soul is delivered from the warfare within. He does not have to live in the same house tormented by the inward forces of doubts and fears. The free child rules that is Christ.
HEAVENLY VISIONS
Thirteen saints met in a cottage prayer meeting in Los Angeles and all were in the Spirit and of one accord. They knelt in prayer expecting the Lord to manifest Him. The power of God fell and every one was caught up in the Spirit and saw visions from God. Brother McLain says he saw a beautiful white dove for some time on the back of his chair. One sister saw an angel come into their midst with a golden harp in her hand. Several had the same vision of the Savior. He held a book in His hand. They saw the nail print and the Blood trickling down while He wrote their names in the book with His finger with the Blood that ran from His pierced hand. He stood on the other side of a river. The waters of the river looked bloody. An angel about the size of a child twelve years of age stood in front of the Savior. It went about the room and hovered over the heads of all in the room. One brother had not yet received his Pentecost, and a star was seen to come and light on his forehead, while he was testifying. The brother that was healed of blindness by the power of God some time ago saw an angel with a golden candle stick about three feet high. Praise God. He is wonderfully fulfilling His Word in His children (Acts 2:17).
REBECCA; TYPE OF THE BRIDE OF CHRIST-Genesis 24
"I pray thee is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?" Eliezer, Abraham's eldest servant and steward of his house spoke these words, to Rebecca when he had found her at the well in answer to his prayer. Eliezer (meaning "God's Helper") is a type of the Holy Spirit, and Isaac is a type of Christ. Now as Eliezer was seeking a bride for Isaac, the won of Abraham, so the Holy Spirit today is seeking a bride for the Lord Jesus, God's only begotten Son.
Eliezer was sent to Abraham's country and to his kindred to take a wife for Isaac. God our Father has sent the Holy Spirit from the glory land down into this world, and He, the Spirit of truth, is convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and is selecting out of the body of Christ His bride. He is seeking among His kindred, the sanctified, and Jesus is baptizing them with the Holy Spirit and fire, preparing them for the great marriage supper of the Lamb. Praise our God! Eliezer was under oath not to select the bride from the Canaanites but from Abraham's kindred. God is not selecting a bride for Christ among the sinners, for a sinner must first be saved and sanctified before he can be one with the Lord Jesus. Hebrews 2:11 says, "For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of now, for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren." He is seeking a bride among His brethren, the sanctified.
"Christ so loved the church that He gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word; that He might present it unto Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25-27). Jesus today is selecting a sanctified people, baptizing them with the Holy Spirit and fire to greet Him at His coming. Rebecca was a virgin, the type of a sanctified soul. The Holy Spirit today is standing at the heart of every pure virgin (sanctified soul) pleading, "I pray thee is there room in thy heart that I may come in and lodge?" Oh, beloved, we see many of the sanctified people today rejecting the Holy Spirit, just as people rejected Christ when He was on earth here. IT seems there is no room in their hearts for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. May God help them to open their eyes and see that the time draweth nigh for His coming. Oh, may Christ's waiting bride wake up and let the Holy Spirit come in.
Rebecca was a type of the wise virgins. When Eliezer met her at the well and asked her to let him drink a little water from her pitcher, Oh, how sweet and ready she was. She answered and said, "Drink, my Lord." She hastened and let down her pitcher upon her hand and gave him drink, and it pleased him. The Spirit is a person. He can be pleased, He can be quenched, and He can be insulted, as we find Ananias insulted Him. We please Him when we accept the Words of Jesus. Then Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to witness in our hearts.
When Rebecca had some giving him drink, she said, "I will also draw water for thy camels." Christ's bride must do everything without murmuring. Oh, how sweet it is when we have the mighty Spirit in our hearts; we are ready for service; we are ready for watering the whole entire world with the precious well of salvation in our heart. Beloved, when the Holy Spirit comes, He brings the well of salvation and rivers of living water.
"And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a gold earring of half a shekel weight and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold." Praise God. This is what our beloved sanctified people receive when they receive the witness of the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon their hearts, as when Jesus breathed upon the disciples before Pentecost in the upper room, where He said, "Receive ye the Holy Spirit." The disciples had the witness in their hearts that very moment that "both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one." For He had opened the Scriptures to them, (Luke 24:32) and their understanding was opened, (Luke 24:31) "And their eyes were opened and they knew Him." With us, when we receive sanctification and the witness of the Spirit in our hearts to our sanctification, the Scriptures are opened to us, we understand them, and our eyes are anointed. We see a picture of it in Rebecca. When she had received Eliezer and let him drink out of her pitcher and had watered the camels, he gave her the earrings and bracelets of gold. Oh, beloved may we let the Holy Spirit sup our of our heart pitcher, for the Lord says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with Me."
When He comes in, He opens His precious treasures to us, bracelets and earrings, great weights of gold. Oh, how blessed it is when the precious Spirit enters our hearts like Eliezer. He tells us the great wealth of our Father and of our Christ, for He opens our understanding, and enlightens our minds. His continual conversation is about the Father and Jesus. Eliezer was the very type of the Holy Spirit who takes the things of Christ and shows them unto us, for He told Rebecca of the wealth of Abraham and Isaac, giving her jewels. she wore them, showing that she was the espoused of Isaac. Hallelujah! Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on His disciples and said, "Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins yet retain, they are retained." Thus, they had the witness in their hearts that they were candidates for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. He commanded them, "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye endued with power from on high." Praise our God!
"I pray thee is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?" Beloved, is there room in your heart that God's blessed Spirit can come and lodge in? Rebecca was a wise virgin. She met Eliezer at the well and received the bracelets and earrings; but she did not receive them until she had allowed him to drink out of her pitcher and had watered the camels. Many others stood by, no doubt; but they did not do any watering of the camels. Oh, may all of Christ's waiting bride be filled with the rivers of living water that they may water the thirsty, parched hearts with the rivers of salvation.
Rebecca wore her jewels. She did not put them aside or into her pocket, for we read that Laban saw them on his sister's hands. When we have received the abiding anointing in our hearts, someone can always see it shining forth upon our faces. Praise God!
When Eliezer had fed the camels and had come into the house, and when meat was set before him, he said, "I will not eat until I have told mine errand." Oh, beloved, we should be so zealous about the bride of Christ that nothing will be able to turn us aside. We find the first overthrow in the human soul was through the appetite; and when the Holy Spirit sends us on His mission, may we not be satisfied until we have told it, and of His coming back to parish again.
Then he told his mission how that Abraham had sent him to his kindred to take a wife for his son, and he said, "And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me, and if not, tell me." They said, "The thing proceedeth from the Lord" and gave Rebecca to be his master's wife. When people are living under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit, it does not take them very long to hear the voice of God, and they are willing to obey. Praise God! Then Eliezer ate and tarried with them that night, because he had received the desire of his master's heart and his heart.
But on the morrow, her brother and mother said, "Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at least ten days." he said, "Hinder me not." It is best, when we hear the Words of God and the Spirit is upon us, to receive now the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, instead of waiting two or three days and meeting friends and meeting the devil, who will try to persuade us out of it. If Rebecca had remained, perhaps her friends might have talked her out of going with Eliezer over the plains away off to that distant land to her husband Isaac.
Eliezer said, "Hinder me not." Oh, may we do nothing to hinder the entrance of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We should see that everything is out of the way and nothing to stand between this glorious blessing and us. Then they called Rebecca and said to her, "Wilt thou go with this man?" She said, "I will go." To receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must forsake all and follow Jesus all the way. For the Lord Jesus says, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife." we that are Christ's bride must forsake all and cleave to Christ, as Rebecca left father and mother, brother and sister, and rode on the camel to meet Isaac.
"And Isaac went out to meditate in the fields at eventide; and he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold the camels were coming. Rebecca lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel" to meet him. Now we are living in the eventide of this dispensation, when the Holy Spirit is leading us, Christ's bride, to meet Him in the clouds.
-WJ Seymour
The sinner, harlot, and gambler are receiving this blessed Holy Spirit before the church members. The first shall be last and the last first.
One tenth of all we own belongs to the Lord, besides an offering, as much as He says. If He says a half, we will have to give a half. Giving to the Lord is just as much a part of worship as the testimony and prayer. If there are people who do not believe in giving an offering, they do not believe in the Scriptures. When we consecrate, we consecrate our pocket books.
PENTECOST FALLING
In McKeeaport, PA
322 Brown Avenue, McKeeaport, PA
February 8-The Holy Spirit has fallen on about a dozen, they are speaking in tongues, and we do not know where the work will stop. There have been two received their call to China. We praise God for His wonderful grace and power.
-SF Black
In Mobile
Davis Avenue Ann Street, Mobile, AL
February 1-After a hard battle in this wicked place, the Lord gave me a tent in answer to prayer. We give God all the glory for victory. Five have been sanctified and three received Pentecost. One brother that has been crippled for years has been healed in his foot and can walk without a stick, and we are expecting a great work of the Lord here soon.
-FW Williams
In Spokane
Spokane, Washington
March 21-Thank God, the work of the Holy Spirit is reaching into the remotest places of the earth. Nearly thirty have received their Pentecost right here in Spokane in the past few days. Many are speaking in tongues, writing, and praising God in all things. The Apostolic Light will be somewhat delayed, owing to my removal from Portland office to the work to which God called me in Spokane.
-ML Ryan
In Burgess, SC
March 16- we are having a wonderful meeting in our midst. Several are being baptized with the Holy Spirit. The people are coming by crowds and God's great work is spreading. Glory to God for this wonderful salvation that is coming back to earth again."-Mr. D. Brown
In Santa Cruz, CA
Pentecost has fallen in Santa Cruz. The last report was that people were being saved, sanctified, baptized with the Holy Spirit, and healed. Many seeking. Brother and Sister T.W. McConnell have been laboring there and Brother Wilkinson has been assisting.
In Long Beach
The Lord is blessing in Long Beach, CA We cannot tell just how many at this date have received their Pentecost and speak in tongues. Hungry souls are seeking. Crowds attend the street meetings. Last Sunday night, many had to be turned away. Brother McCauley has charge of the work. He says, "The Lord has wonderfully planted the seed of salvation in Long Beach in street meetings every Sunday afternoon. Oh, how I praise Him for the outpouring of His Spirit. A baby that had been sick all its life was wonderfully healed in answer to prayer. Peace be to all the saints in Christ Jesus. Amen."-E. McCauley, Long Beach, CA
In Des Moines
1624 Oakland Avenue, Des Moines, IA
February 21-God is working here. Seven or eight are speaking in tongues and others awakened to the truth. I myself have received the gift, speak in many different tongues, and can interpret the same. The burden of the Spirit seems to be the blindness of the people, the soon coming of the Lord, the awful judgments that are coming, and to prepare messengers and a bride for His coming. The mission is becoming a center for the hungry ones and too small to accommodate the people. God bless you all. We have had no teaching outside, except our own close walk with God and getting down, down, down before Him and proving Him who never fails. Praise His name.
Yours in the rapture,
EC Ladd
In San Francisco
215 Locust Avenue, San Francisco, CA
March 3-The Lord is working mightily in San Francisco. Many souls have been converted, sanctified, baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, and healed by the power of God. One Methodist preacher by the name of H.O. Lanham who came to our meetings a few days ago received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Tuesday night (March 5), and spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. A Baptist preacher who was backslidden got saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit and healed, and is now ready to go out and preach the Gospel of Christ in its purity. Brother Prentiss came to us from Los Angeles and the Lord is blessing him in the meetings.
Yours truly in the Lord,
-Adolph Rosa
In San Jose
25 Short Ridge Avenue, San Jose, CA
March 4-Praise God for victory. Thirteen have received their Pentecost and Bible evidence since we came here Glory to God! The whole place is stirred. Sunday there were eight healed as soon as I anointed them, and they shouted praises to God. Sunday was a hallelujah day all day. Praise God. Sinners are under awful conviction here. The hall is crowded and the people cannot all get in. We are looking for the power to fall as on Pentecost.
Yours in Christ,
H. McLain
In Topeka, KS
924 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS
February 21- Glory to Jesus for the real Pentecostal power that is coming back to His people! About three months ago, Brother and Sister Batman stopped off here for a few days on their way to Africa, and told of the wonderful work of God going on in the West. It made us very hungry for more of God, and we began to seek earnestly for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Soon afterwards a band of workers came from Denver and were with us ten days. Several received the Baptism while they were here. After they left, we went through some very severe testing, but we held on and when we needed help the worst, God sent Brother Tom Hezmalhach and a band of workers to us, for which we praise Him with all our heart. They were with us four weeks and their labors were owned and blessed of God in establishing the work here. A good many were saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit. One young man received his call to the foreign field. We expect the work to move right on.
Yours in Jesus,
CE Foster
In Alvin, SC
Alvin, SC
March 2-In January we heard of Brother GB Cashwell of Dunn, NC, that had been to Los Angeles and received the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues. our hearts began to hunger increasingly, and after praying over it, my wife and I decided to invite him to come to our Pentecost meeting that was to begin February 8. He came to us and stayed three days. In those three days, there were about twenty-three saints that received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and all of them spoke with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. I am glad to tell you, dear saints, that I am one of the twenty-three. As soon as He came into my soul, He spoke with my tongue in an unknown language. Thank God, the Comforter has come at last. Glory! Glory! Glory! We have had several short meetings since we received the Holy Spirit in which several were saved, sanctified, and eight or ten others have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and all speak with other tongues. Demons have been cast out in the name of Jesus.
-FM Britton
In 8th and Maple Avenue Mission, Los Angeles
The old time Pentecostal power returned to us during the four days and nights tarrying meeting we had beginning December 28 and went over New Years to 5:30 A.M. Some got their Pentecost with the Bible evidence, some converted, some sanctified, some healed. Glory to God! We had been going through a sifting time. Some proved it does pay to hold on to God, especially when the enemy is doing all he can to discourage us. Our God is a God of power. now we can sing, "I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining every day."
Later-A poor lost woman, a victim of the cocaine habit, come into the meetings, was convinced of sin, and as a second definite work was sanctified and has obeyed God confessing Christ in baptism. This is a wonderful case. The work is going on. A sister got the Baptism sitting in her seat. Others justified. God is with us and we are expecting greater things of Him.
-WH Pendleton, Pastor
PENTECOSTAL POWER IN INDIANAPOLIS
Apostolic Faith: After an absence of over three months, it is with great joy that I am able to be with the saints at Azusa Mission once more. The same old power is manifest, and many new faces from the north, south, east, and west are seen, having come for their Pentecost.
The Lord gave us a gracious time of Pentecostal power at Indianapolis, Indiana. Many received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and are speaking with tongues. They came in from different parts of Indiana and are now going forth to spread the good news. This will be a center of power, being an inter-urban railway center like Los Angeles.
After being forced out of several places, the Lord gave us a nice hall and chairs to seat it, at 1111 1/2 Shelby street (Fountain Square) and the meetings are still going on there. The last Sunday the writer was permitted to be present was a wonderful day power. The meeting seemed to have wings, and the whole room had to be used for the altar service.
In spite of the great opposition from church people and Holiness professors, many dear hungry souls are launching out into the ocean of God's love, and finding a satisfying portion. Great many were healed. Rheumatic demons and all manner of aches and pains were compelled to fly, at the name of Jesus.
"'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word."
A brother who had been troubled with eczema a long time was instantly healed; and a few days after, upon examining his skin, nothing remained but blue spots where scabs had been. His wife also was healed.
The elder of the Zion (Dowle) Church and his wife came to the meetings and confessed their need of Jesus in Pentecostal power. They also sought healing and the dear Lord healed them. The wife and daughter received their Pentecost and the husband was seeking.
Brother and Sister Lehman, returned missionaries from Africa, found their Pentecost and spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. They had spent five years in learning the Zulu language, and were rejoiced to find "the more excellent way."
The Lord willing, the writer will remain in Los Angeles until May, when a campmeeting will be held in Lamont, OK, May 15 to 30. Brother Cashwell of Dunn, NC, will probably be there also. After this meeting, a large tabernacle will be pitched in Indianapolis, probably the first week in June; and meetings will continue indefinitely. Our dear Lord is certainly coming soon, and we must be busy spreading this wonderful salvation to the hungry people.
-GA Cook
"Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you." Jesus has given us the Word, and if we live in the Word, the Word will be in us, the Blood will flow and we will always be white and clean; but the moment we get out of the Word we become unclean and wander into dangerous paths.
HUNDREDS BAPTIZED IN THE SOUTH
High Point, NC, January 24
To the Saints at Los Angeles and all over the world, Greetings in Jesus name!
The work at Dunn, NC, continues in His name. In the three weeks I was here, about fifty received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues that is the witness of the Baptism as on the Day of Pentecost; and about fifteen of the fifty were ministers of the Gospel. Some are from Georgia, some from South Carolina, and some from North Carolina. Some are called to China to preach this blessed truth. God has blessed me in casting out devils, healing the sick and in discerning of spirits.
Bonneau, SC, February 11-I came here last Friday by invitation of the Holiness people in this section, known as the saints or Church of God. They claim not to belong to any organization and have been keeping the feast of unleavened bread for three or four years and worshiping in upper rooms.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were three days set apart for service to tarry and wait for Pentecost, eating nothing but unleavened bread and drinking cold water. I saw at once that they had brought themselves under bondage to keeping the feast and that there was danger of their feeling that God was under obligations to them to send the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, because they kept it. I never met sweeter sanctified people in all my life. I prayed to God to show them that it was not keeping the feast that brought the Holy Spirit. I did not mention it to them at all, but joined them in the feast. Saturday, dear Brother Britton, their leader, came to me and said he felt that the Lord would be pleased for them to dismiss the keeping of the feast. he announced it to the people.
Some had already received the Baptism, but after that, I have never seen the power of God manifested as I saw it here. Twenty-three received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and all spoke with tongues.
On Saturday, one very old sister came in who had never heard anyone speak in tongues, and no one was speaking in tongues when she came in. She began to shake hands with the saints, and before she sat down, the power fell on her and she was baptized with the Holy Spirit and commenced speaking in tongues, a perfect language.
Brother Bridgers, an evangelist of the Methodist-Episcopal Church, now at Marion, SC, came to the meeting and was baptized with the Holy Spirit and power and spoke in tongues for some time, a perfect language. Praise God for Brother Bridgers.
Royston, February 27-Hundreds of precious souls in the South have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. We closed a series of meetings at Taccoa, Georgia, Sunday night. God was with us in great power from start to finish. I did not keep an account of how many received their Pentecost, but they all spoke in tongues, and all that receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit will speak in tongues. All do not have the gift of tongues as taught in 1 Corinthians 12. However, they all spoke in tongues on the Day of Pentecost and at Cornelius' house, and those that Paul laid hands on at Ephesus, and all that I have heard and seen receive the Holy Spirit have spoken in tongues.
I am receiving letters every day from north, south, east and west from people that have attended my meetings, saying that they have received their Pentecost and speak in tongues.
People have been pulled here by take it by faith, reconsecrate, baptism of fire, "dynamite," and "lydite" until the faith of the people is almost gone. Praise God for Pentecost. Get your justified experience all in good shape, then get the sanctified experience of a clean heart. Then when your faith takes hold of the promise of the Father and Son, and the Word of God, you will have great joy as they did that went up from Olivet to Jerusalem. Then you can praise and bless God, and then the Holy Spirit will come in and praise God Himself in unknown tongue, and you will never doubt it any more, if they burn you at the stake of behead you. He will bear witness of Himself. Let us not come short of the promise.
-GB Cashwell,
Address, Dunn, NC
DEMONS CAST OUT
[The following account of a Spiritualist being saved and sanctified, is written by Brother J.E. Sawders, Homestead, OH, in New Acts]
We have had some of the most wonderful experiences with demons that I have ever seen in my life. One woman, a Spiritualist, from the age of sixteen, was possessed with a legion of demons. The devil threw her on the floor where she fought and foamed froth out of her mouth, saying: "I hate Jesus Christ," many times, and blasphemed God in the most diabolic manner possible to imagine. She pointed right up in the faces of those praying for her, with a hellish laugh, challenging and defying God Almighty, saying, "Ha! ha! She is mine, ha! ha! she belongs to me, etc." Well, we prayed in Jesus name until she was gloriously delivered, and settled down like a lamb at the feet of Jesus, and for hours prayed and praised Him, until He forgave her, then cleansed her heart, and since then she has been seeking Pentecost. Last night she got up and told her whole experience, and it was simply wonderful indeed. She is very intelligent and she now feels that God is going to use her for revenge upon the devil and his hellish work in Spiritualism. These cities are full of Spiritualists and no doubt, God will use this woman now to expose the thing from an experimental standpoint.
PENTECOST IN MIDDLE STATES
Extracts From Reports In "New Acts"
In Canton, OH
Fire is falling at Canton, OH At least seven at that place have received their baptism at Brother Rohrer's mission. There is deep conviction. The stoutest hearts slain under the power. Sinners coming home to God.
In Pittsburgh, PA
"We have been holding services in the South Side Mission for the last three weeks steadily every night. Prayer has been answered and four of the seeking ones have received their Pentecost and speak in a strange language. One boy, twelve or fourteen years old, speaks Italian very distinctly and interprets in English. The sisters speak sentences and quote texts of Scripture, and sing in the language they have received and interpret. Two of the sisters have the same tongue and when one begins to sing some hymn, the other starts in and voices the same words."
In Akron, OH
February 15, a Methodist minister from another part of the state, received his baptism with the Bible evidence. Brother and Sister Welch of the South Street Church, have just received their Pentecost. The Spirit whispered to him that God also had touched his eyes, and he found it was so, being able to read without glasses. One woman had said to Brother McKinney, "I have become almost discouraged, I have been seeking so long without receiving." A night or two afterwards, when the special revival meetings commenced in her church, she went forward to help and pray with the seekers for pardon of purity. Somewhat to her surprise as well as that of others, the Baptism came and she began speaking among them in a new language. A returned missionary from India has very recently received the intense desire of her hart at Akron, and the Spirit has spoken through her in attestation of the Baptism.
In Potterbrook, PA
Praise God, the Holy Spirit came today. A minister was slain under the power. Demons were cast out of many. Then Pentecost fell, and ten persons came through with stammering lips and other tongues. Rev. Robbins speaking in a clear language, the Spirit also sang through him. One woman speaking in tongue said. "Jesus is coming." Real Pentecost! Praise God.
In Homestead, PA
"We are sweeping this place for God now. Yesterday afternoon, we had a most remarkable service. Rev. JT Body lay for hours under the power, then began to speak clearly and fluently in a new tongue. A man who heard him speak told the audience that it was the Hebrew language. He has a marvelous experience.
A young woman was rescued Sunday morning from the police station, went to the altar and was converted Sunday night, was sanctified Monday afternoon and testified to having a pure heart. Monday night, after lying under the power was baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke distinctly in a new and flowing language. The woman who rescued her, came through at the same time, and spoke much in Spanish that I easily understood. The congregation sat and listened in amazement, in the presence of the wonderful operations of the Spirit of God.
A young preacher named McNight, who sat in a large chair under the power, gave out some indistinct utterances, then broke out in a flow of High German, and I understood absolutely every word be uttered. It was wonderful to me. It seemed to me almost as if he had learned the language in which he had spoken so fluently and clearly, so I asked him if he could speak German, and he said No. He is either of Irish of Scotch ancestry.
The meetings go on every day from 2 P.M. until 12 and 1 A.M. Last night the new hall 22 by 70 was well filled. We began with testimonies, when the power came upon us so that there was no opportunity to speak or even read a verse of Scripture. They began coming to the altar, largely young men, and filled two 16-foot altars, then all the front seats. The power was irresistible, that people fell from their seats until the floor was literally covered with prostrate people. One man got the Baptism in his home and speaks in a tongue. This makes eight or ten at this date, and scores are seeking at every service.
-JE Sawders
In a meeting in a place where there was a rough element recently, a cowboy declared that he would break up the meeting that night, and brought his six-shooter with him for that purpose. The workers left the matter with God, and kept holding on to Him in prayer. He went out and they heard noises as if he were trying to barricade the door. Soon he came in, sat down, and drew his six-shooter, but immediately let it drop on the floor. This he repeated three times. When the altar call was made, he went outside, but one of the workers who was burdened for his soul followed him and knelt on the ground in the darkness not far from him and got hold of God, then came in again and knelt in prayer. The next he knew the boy was at the altar. He had thrown his six-shooter to some of his companions. He broke down and cried for mercy and God came to his help and saved him. He got up from his knees and shook hands with nearly everyone in the room. The last we heard of him was that he rode four miles to get to a cottage prayer meeting.
THE WARFARE, THE RAPTURE AND AFTERWARDS
O Son of God, arise,
And put Thine armor on;
Hell's forces all are marshaling.
The day is almost done.
The night is hastening fast,
The morn will soon appear;
The battle strong will not last long;
Our Christ will soon be here.
courage, brother, do not fear,
The Lord is on our side;
The hosts of hell cannot prevail,
No matter what betide.
the devil's time is short,
And that he knoweth well;
And so with rage he hath come down
With all the force of hell.
Look not to right or left,
Trust not in kith or kin;
Our eyes must be on Christ alone
If we expect to win.
"Resistance unto blood"
Is now the battle cry;
No time to parley with the foe,
The signs are in the sky.
The sun is darkening,
The moon is turning red;
The awful day of doom is near,
Brother, the Lord hath said.
Let him that is afraid,
Back to his home return;
No coward in this war may fight,
Too hot will be the fire.
To prisons some will go;
Satan will press us sore,
Inspiring those that we love most
To wound us to the core.
Cast out of synagogues
By blinded shepherds here;
Our names still stand at God's right hand,
So we have naught to fear.
Be faithful unto death,
And give thyself no care;
Lay down thy life for Jesus' sake,
A crown of life to wear.
The Rapture.
The Lord of glory comes!
Jesus Himself draws nigh!
Angelic hosts are thronging Him
As he descends the sky.
Lift up your heads! Look up!
Redemption draweth nigh.
The battle's over, the victory won,
The saints now mount the sky.
From ocean bed and graves,
From earth's remotest climb,
From east and west, from north and south,
In majesty sublime
All glory crowned, they rise
With songs of loudest praise
To Him who bought then with His Blood,
Bridegroom of endless days.
After the Rapture.
A sense of awe creeps over
The hearts of men now left.
Wives their husbands cannot find;
Husbands of wives bereft.
Men sleeping side by side-One left alone to stay;
Two women grinding at the mill-One quickly caught away.
With faces blanched, men look
Each other in the eye;
Women and children screaming run
And wish that they could die.
Men rush from the saloon
And crowd the place of prayer,
From brothel, race, and gambling hell,
While some still linger there.
The blatant infidel
Now seeks to hide away,
And men who never bowed before
Now settle down to pray.
True picture of the end
Is here in rhyme laid bare,
When Jesus comes to claim His bride
And saints the rapture share.
Brother, heed the warning given,
Let every soul press on;
Get right with God while yet there's time;
Let no man take thy crown.
-Brother A. Beck
A party of seven workers from Azusa Mission, all baptized with the Holy Spirit, went to Bonsoll, a country place about a hundred miles distant, to carry this blessed Gospel. The first night they had a cottage prayer meeting, and the second night had thirty people in the little schoolhouse. Before closing the meeting, they gave the altar call and there was such a rush to the altar that some fell over the seats. One woman nearly knocked the stove down. Twenty-seven in all came to the altar and 22 of them were saved. They held meetings the rest of the week with good attendance. Souls were saved and sanctified every night. On Sunday, they had water baptism and 14 were baptized in the creek by immersion. One woman fell under the power of God just after she came out of the water. In these meetings, there was no preaching. God Himself did the work. All were young workers, except one, and they just let God use them as channels.
A CHICAGO EVANGELIST'S PENTECOST
943 W. North Avenue,
Chicago, IL, March 19
Dear Readers of the Apostolic Faith:
I desire to give my testimony for the glory of God and in the hope that it proves a blessing to many that read it.
Nine years ago I was deeply convicted of sin, through the Bible and the Spirit moving upon me that He continued to do until I truly repented of my sins, and earnestly sought the Lord, finally yielding all to Him, and pleading His mercy. He revealed to my heart Christ dying on the Cross, and His voice whispered to me, "Christ died for your sins." Instantly my heart believed, His peace flooded my soul, and the joy of His salvation was wonderful to me. Later I saw and grasped by faith the truth of sanctification, and the Spirit witnessed to my heart that the work was done, and the Holy Spirit wonderfully wrought in my life.
Five years ago I was called into the ministry, and all these years the Spirit has been with me in a wonderful way. Sometimes I would be overcome by His power. In brief, I honestly believed I was baptized with the Holy Spirit, and testified to it. God had done so much for me, that it was hard for me to believe that there was more for me, except of course, development as I went on with God. still there was a longing in my heart for something. I traveled as an evangelist from coast to coast, and preached the Gospel in almost every large city in the United States, speaking to as high as 1,000 people at a time, often seeing from twenty-five to one hundred at the altar in a single service. many were saved, sanctified, and many healed. some way all this did not satisfy me, and for a year, the heart hunger has increased. Like all Holiness people I have met, I kept praying for love, power, etc.
Finally I heard of the work of God in Azusa Street Mission, Los Angeles, and said to my people, That is the work of God. Later I heard someone preach that the speaking in tongues was the Bible evidence that we had received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and not understanding it I rejected it. I saw those who were speaking in tongues had something that I did not have, and I finally became a seeker. The Lord impressed me to go to Los Angeles, and attend the meetings, and seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Finally on February 8, I arrived there, and Sunday, February 10, I attended my first all-day meeting. The first man I met on entering the building was Brother HL Blake of Ruthton, MN, who still believed he had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, and the anointing and fillings that followed. However, I told him I was convinced that what I had was not the Baptism.
The first thing that impressed me was the love and unity that prevailed in the meeting, and the heavenly sweetness that filled the very air that I breathed. I want to say right here, that I have attended many large Holiness campmeetings and conventions, but I never felt the power and glory that I felt in Azusa Street Mission. When about twenty persons joined in singing the "Heavenly Chorus," it was the most ravishing and unearthly music that ever fell on mortal ears. It seemed and still seems to me, I could not sing in that chorus. I know it came direct from heaven. I at once became an earnest seeker, and day after day, I went down before the Lord, and He was true to me. he showed me myself as He saw me. I can never forget the state of utter helplessness to which He reduced me. He even took away the spirit of prayer, my testimony was removed from me, I saw myself apart from Christ as it were, and it made me desperate. I can never forget the faithfulness of Sister Good, and others, in dealing with me. Next to God, I am indebted to them, dear faithful souls, laying down their lives for others; and all the reward they receive so far as I can see, was the plain clothing they wear and food they eat.
After I had been there a little over two weeks, devoting the entire time to seeking my Pentecost, on a Tuesday afternoon, when very much disheartened, suddenly the power of God descended upon me, and I went down under it. I have no language to describe what took place, but it was wonderful. It seemed to me that my body had suddenly become porous, and that a current of electricity was being turned on me from all sides. For two hours, I lay under His mighty power, and yet I knew I was not baptized yet, though I literally felt transparent, and a wonderful glory had come into my soul. Again on Thursday evening following, His power came over me, I was prostrate on the floor for two hours, and still I knew I was not baptized, though I received a great spiritual uplift.
However, on Friday evening, March 1, His mighty power came over me, until I jerked and quaked under it for about three hours. It was strange, wonderful, and yet glorious. He worked my whole body, one section at a time. First my arms, then my limbs, then my body, then my head, then my face, then my chin, and finally at 1 A.M. Saturday, March 2, after being under the power for three hours, He finished the work on my vocal organs, and spoke through me in unknown tongues. I arose, perfectly conscious outwardly and inwardly that I was fully baptized in the Holy Spirit, and the devil can never tempt me to doubt it. First I was conscious that a living Person had come into me, and that He possessed even my physical being, in a literal sense, in so much that He could at His will take hold of my vocal organs, and speak any language He chose through me. Then I had such power on me and in me as I never had before. I had a depth of love and sweetness in my soul that I had never even dreamed of before. A holy calm possessed me, and a holy joy and peace, that is deep and sweet beyond anything I ever experienced before, even in the sanctified life. O! such victory as He gives me all the time.
Almost three weeks have passed, and all this is with me, and is deepening all the time. My soul is melted over and over again, and many times I feel as if there were, and I believe there is a dynamo of power in me; there is nothing selfish about this, but it is fathomless, real, literal, blessed, grand. Oh, that all the world would seek and find this wonderful gift of God! It is something that speaks for itself. I have not had to witness to the saints I have met for when they hear me speaking in tongues and praising the Lord, they just exclaim, "Brother Durham has got his Pentecost." Glory to God!
After receiving the Baptism, I remained a few days in the home of Brother and sister Osterberg, to whom I am deeply indebted for their great kindness to me, and left for Colorado Springs March 6. Sunday the 10th, preached three times in the GAR. Hall to a crowded house, and the power of God was on the people. About fifty came to the altar, and then several came through and spoke in tongues. I also spent two nights in Denver, preaching to large audiences, and full altars, and a number came through and spoke in tongues. From there I came to Des Moines, IA, and preached twice in Mrs. Judge Ladd's Mission that was crowded, and the altar was so full I could not get to all of the seekers to deal with them.
On Saturday, March 16, I reached home, and found that the Lord had taken care of my dear wife and baby during my absence. On Sunday, March 17, we had the largest attendance in the history of the Mission, and again the altar was so full, that it was hard to deal with the people. The work goes on, the Spirit falls like rain wherever I preach His word, and it seems there is no effort on my part. I will close my testimony by saying to all that read it...This work is of God, and there is no doubt of that. I would advise all my friends to seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, until they get the evidence in tongues, for it always follows; I know of no exception.
Now just a word concerning Brother Seymour, who is the leader of the movement under God: He is the meekest man I ever met. He walks and talks with God. His power is in his weakness. He seems to maintain a helpless dependence on God and is as simple-hearted as a little child, and at the same time is so filled with God that you feel the love and power every time you get near him.
-WH Durham
FOUND THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
The Pentecostal blessing is truly a pearl of great price and worth all the seeking I did to obtain it. For over three weeks, I sought and over fifty times, I arose from the altar to face the world, without my enduement of power. During the three weeks I spent in Oakland, I was at the altar at every call. After returning home, I continued to pray and seek.
When I heard that workers had come to Woodland, I was very anxious to get down. The dear Lord opened the way, so I spent one Sunday with them, again a seeker. no, not yet. I came home, very happy, for I had received full assurance that I was wholly sanctified, perfectly free from sin. Glory to His name!
Then my sister went to Woodland and received her Pentecost the second night she attended the meeting. How happy we were to hear of it. I believe the Lord directed this to take the last spark of jealousy out of me, for I truly rejoiced with my sister. As soon as she came home, I wheeled a most wonderful filling the second night.
The dear Lord had much dross to burn up, before I could come out as a purified article, ready for service. For over an hour and a half, I lay under the power of God on the mission floor. There the blessed Jesus took away all pride and fear of the people. I simply obeyed the dictates of the Holy Spirit. Glory to God. It was no longer I but He. The power seemed to center in my hands, and I promised God I would obey Him in the future and lay hands on the sick, whenever and wherever He sent me.
Then, after I had pledged I would go with Him, came the tongues. They said I spoke four languages. Oh, the love, joy, and peace that flooded my being as I arose from the floor. I was indeed a new creature. Praise Him.
That night, just before I went to sleep the Lord gave me a vision. It was of the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven, and the rainbow-encircled throne, just a part of that given in Revelation. Oh how beautiful; and what it means to me, I shall never forget. The blessed Lord is filling me as fast as I can bear it and not become puffed up.
Last Sunday I was given the proof that I had the gift of tongues. I spoke in several, and ever since then the tongues are there, just bubbling up like a spring of living water. At any time, I can speak, often keep talking while at work. How I praise Him for this gift. Now I am waiting for the gift of interpretation. The Holy Spirit has also given me power to write five foreign languages, one in Japanese. I am just resting in His hands as the Potter's clay, ready to be molded for His highest service.
-Maggie Geddis, Brooks, CA
You might as well send a thousand men to dam the Amazon River as to try to stop this Gospel. It is only foolishness to try to stop the mighty power of God.
THIS IS THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Lord gave me a bright conversion when I was 15 years old. Soon after this, He gave me the Holy Spirit as my sanctifier that I supposed was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. My father, being a high churchman, opposed my newfound joy and my young, tender life found shelter in Mrs. Baxter's home. She became a real mother to me. God led me graciously on and made my life fruitful in winning many souls to Christ. Later, I was married to James Hebden, a successful contractor and efficient mission worker. Over two years ago, we came to Canada. Some searching trials awaited us here, but God proved sufficient. Early in the summer of 1906, we began to feel a lack of power, especially to heal the sick. We sought the Lord for power. Coming in one day sick in body, I asked husband to pray for me. He refused, saying, "It is no use as long as you run so much." (I was very busy visiting for God). The Spirit said to me, "This is a call to prayer." Thereafter, I gave myself to more earnest prayer; especially for "power from on high."
We had just recently rented this building for the Lord's work. I tolled very hard, scrubbing the stairways, etc., and retired quite weary about 11 o'clock. It was Saturday night. I had scarcely lain down when the Holy Spirit prompted me to arise and pray. I obeyed. Soon the power of God fell upon me. The Lord said, "Tongues?" I answered, "NO, Lord, not tongues." There was a pause, "Tongues?" I replied, "Anything, Lord, Tongues or anything." Instantly, the Spirit of God seized my hands, clasped them, shook them and pressed them deeply into my cheek, then rested them upon my shoulder. Here the power lifted having continued until after midnight. The next day the power fell upon me where it left off in the night and brandished my hands causing them to strike every part of my body down to my feet. In the afternoon, I went into the meeting below, (we lived on the second floor), and sat quietly by the organ, intending to say nothing of my new experience. However, I was not sitting long, until the Spirit fell upon me and moved me to exclaim loudly, "This is the power of the Holy Spirit; this is the day of Pentecost." The people were greatly moved and melted to tears.
This same Sabbath evening, while lying on the couch, not expecting to attend the meeting, the Holy Spirit whispered, "He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." Feeling led to go into he service, I went and sat on the front seat facing the speaker. I had scarcely sat down when the leader read, or quoted the Scripture just cited. Immediately, the Holy Spirit fell upon me and shouted that same Scripture through me with mighty, super-human power, two or three times. Some who heard it said that it was not my voice at all, God seemed to take the meeting into His own hands, and His power fell on all present.
On Monday while alone, I began to sing. I said, "Is this tongues, Lord?" At once, He spoke through me some unknown language.
At night, I again declined going to the Bible reading. suddenly the Holy Spirit seemed to lift me and carry me down to the service. The saints were just arising from prayer as I entered, when the Spirit spoke in power three times through me in a tongue and in English, "This is the power of the Holy Spirit; this is the day of Pentecost." I disappeared as suddenly as I had appeared, leaving the people overwhelmed with the power of God.
Truly, it is the real Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire as John Baptist foretold. There is an unspeakable joy in speaking in tongues and it brings deep solemnity and conviction on the people.
About the middle of this month (February, 1907), God gave me a greater measure of power and now I have "the gift of tongues." I can speak and preach at will in three languages with great fluency any length of time. At first, I find that I had tongues as a sign, now as one of the gifts. God also gives the interpretation as He wills. Oh, how humble we need to keep before the Lord so that He can manifest His mighty power.
About the middle of December, my husband received his Pentecost and God is mightily working our midst.
Dear reader, let God have His way. How much that means! Blessed Jesus!
Yours in His precious name,
-Mrs. James Hebden, 651 Queen East, Toronto, Canada
Brother Paul says, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself." I tell you I would rather speak in tongues when I want to speak for my own edification. I would rather quit using my own tongue and speak in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. There is a power, a glory, bless God, which comes down from heaven that passes all understanding. No wonder the Corinthian church all wanted to speak at once. Paul says, "Let him pray that he may interpret." Greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret." many prayed and received the interpretation.
On the day of Pentecost, they were immersed into the Holy Spirit. The Spirit "filled all the room where they were sitting." It is one thing to be filled as a glass filled with water and another thing to be submerged as when you plunge the glass out of sight into the fountain.
REPORT FROM OHIO AND PENNSYLVANIA
Alliance, OH, January 22
The battle is on and the devil is surely howling, but oh, how sweet Jesus keeps me in the midst of it all. We are en-route for Pittsburgh, PA Some of the Akron workers have gone and have great victories there or near there in Homestead, PA, a suburban town. We have been invited to many of the Christian Missionary Alliance homes and Missions.
At Akron, Ohio, the meetings have been going on night and day since December 5. People are coming from all around, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and other places.
Rev. Lupton who is in charge of the work here is a Friends minister, a very holy, devoted man of God. He has a Missionary Training School or home built for sending workers into the harvest, full-fledged apostolic workers. The school had been going on for three years, and he had been teaching more than he had really experienced. Hearing of the work at Akron, he with eight or ten students came, accepted the teaching, tarried nine days, and received his Pentecost. He speaks in five different languages. Eight of the students and some others have also received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Brother Lupton makes the proposition that we use the home here for a headquarters for the Middle States. I feel it is of God and a good thing, as the Akron work and this is one. They can go on streetcar from one place to the other. The home has 14 rooms, I think. In the upper room furnished for a classroom, many have received their Pentecost. The Akron paper, "Pentecostal Wonders" has been consolidated with Brother Lupton's paper, "The New Acts" The home here is three miles out of the city of Alliance, God's chosen spot where people can come from Cleveland, Akron, and Canton.
They have a large campground here, tents and everything to push out into the great battle for God. Many are fighting to the end, but God is raising up precious workers to push the work. One young student got through last night in the basement fixing the furnace, putting in coal. I met him in the hall and he told how he had received the Holy Spirit in the cellar. We had a great time praising God.
Cleveland, Ohio, March 1- we are having great victory here. Have been here more than a week. The fire is falling. Many are getting through. Nine received Pentecost this week. I came just for one day but God is holding me.
-Ivey Campbell
Address 251 College Street, E. Liverpool, OH
ON THE WAY TO AFRICA
Near Las Palmas, Africa, January 4
Our hearts rejoice in the omnipresent God this morning. We thank Him as never before. His loving presence is with us. He has prepared the way before us. We behold Him on our right and on our left. When in the United States, it did seem that we could not leave the hungry souls. They seemed to be crying out for the bread of life. In England, we find the same thing. We could only touch here and there, but wherever we went, we found waiting souls. As some dear souls said in the Church of England, "We have been preached to and taught so much, but our souls are just longing to step over the line into freedom and perfect love." One of their ministers said "We are altogether too formal, we need the power of the Holy Spirit."
My heart was made to tremble the other day while talking with a brother. He said, the Welch revival has gone flat; the churches heard the music, felt the power, reached out, and tried to graft it on to their creeds and formalism and they have lost their power. It made me think of a story our dear Bishop Taylor used to tell us, about an old woman that wished to teach her sparrow to sing like her canary bird. She confined them both together in a cage, and in a few days the canary had lost all its song, and could only chirp like the sparrow. Let this be as it may with the Welch revival, let the dear ones at Azusa Street, take warning, keep under the Blood, keep to the Scripture, and let the God of love bruise Satan under your feet. Praise His Name, we are more than conquers through Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us.
The goodness of God has been manifested in so many ways to us while this great ship is plowing its way through the briny deep. he has given us a little corner in the extreme front of the ship on the upper deck, where a few of us meet together for the study of the Word and prayer. This is a wonderful spot. There is goodness in God's mercy like the wideness of the sea. After prayer this morning as I stood upon this extreme end of the boat looking east, west, north and south, and saw this placid water, with not a ruffle to disturb its peaceful bosom. It seemed as though we were standing in the midst of one immense circle, water as far as the eye could reach in every direction. Yet He holdeth the waves in the hollow of his hand, and this great God is love, and even the hairs of our head are numbered, and not a sparrow falleth to the ground without His notice, and He knoweth us all by name.
We believe that our coming to Africa will be blessed to others.
We love you all and you are much in our prayers. We ask you all to pray for us that we may be faithful and humble unto death. We expect to see many of you from Azusa Street in our field of labor. may the God of peace keep you all unto his appearing.
-Samuel J. Mead
Lincoln Station
Caconda, Benguella, Africa
GLORY!
What is glory? come tell me now,
Where can I go to find its hue;
What can I do, and tell me how
To understand what glory's true?
Midst all the glory of the world,
There is a glory pure and clear,
'Tis neither pomp nor power nor word,
But Jesus in my heart, so dear.
He is the Glory of my soul,
He is the Light of all my ways,
He is my Life and perfect whole,
My Glory now and all my days.
No other glory will you need,
Than Him in whom no night can dwell;
The angels chant and sing and plead,
No other glory can we tell.
Yes, Jesus is my Glory here;
Within, around, and all the way,
On earth, in heaven, always near;
Yes, He's my Glory-joyous lay.
Dear saints of God in whom He dwells,
Be sure He has the right of way
In all we think or do or tell,
In all our heart and what we say.
Think not that Glory sure is won,
When we our selfish ways pursue,
for Glory rests in Him alone
To whom all things are due.
It is the lustre marks the star,
And heat and light the sun;
Although in heaven above so far,
Their glory through the earth doth run.
So Love eternal marks our God,
Uniting all His saints in one,
That Love, so known in Christ our Lord
Is just the very same in men.
One life, one heart, one mind,-the Word
Declares we here and now must be;
The Glory of all glories heard
In Christ is perfect unity.
-T. Hezmalhach
2341 Fletcher Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
TRANSFORMED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Publishers receive the Pentecost and it Transforms a Paper and Changes a Whole Movement
The position of Live Coals has been completely changed. God unmistakably revealed to the editorial staff the unscriptural of the views they entertained, and entire renunciation of the same took place.
Speaking in tongues as an evidence of Pentecost was stoutly opposed and rejected. The paper did not oppose the speaking in tongues as such, but to make a distinction between this and the gift of tongues seemed to be an unscriptural distinction to sustain a fanatical proposition. When this distinction was seen, and that speaking in tongues evidenced Pentecost in every instance where it was given in the Bible, we all with one accord accepted that view and instantly fell into line with joy. Two of those working on the force have at this writing received the Baptism, and the others are earnestly seeking, and it is hoped that they will have obtained their Pentecost ere this reaches the eye of the reader.
Henceforth the paper will be unqualifiedly committed to the truth that Pentecost is evidenced by speaking in tongues, and will forever defend it against all opponents of same, and will publish nothing contrary thereto.
All articles, contributions and testimonies in harmony with this view will be published, and all contrary views thereto will be rejected. It will be purely a Pentecostal organ, and will be the breathing place for all that have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Pentecostal reality.
All testimonies of those who do not have it but are seeking it will be published and all that have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit may have free right to its columns from time to time.
Its name will be changed in harmony with its change of position, and will be called The Apostolic Evangel.
The paper will be kept free from all advertisements, as heretofore. We propose to issue a clean paper or none.
We desire all who have Pentecost to pray that it may be a Pentecostal organ indeed, and do all you can to make it so.
-Apostolic Evangel
Royston, GA
PENTECOST IN THE NORTH
The last report from Portland, Oregon, was that eighty people had received the Pentecost and were speaking in tongues. Many sinners have been saved there. Many young men were saved, but the old men were saved as well. One man of seventy-one years, a drunkard, came to the meeting. He said that night it seemed a sheet was let down before him filled with beautiful roses and a voice said to him, "Go back to that mission and you may have one of these roses." He went back and was saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit.
75 to 150 seekers were at the altar call, the audience was dismissed. The reporters wanted to stay, but of course could not. They get a young man to go up to the altar and feign to be a seeker, to hear of the proceedings from him. He came and knelt with a bottle of whiskey in his pocket, and the result was he was saved and did not hunt up the reporters. He had wronged a man out of $20. He went out on the street and found him and brought him into the mission. The man was so interested he did not want to go home. He and his people were professed Christians but found they did not have anything. They sought the Lord and the whole family received their Pentecost.
Sister Florence Crawford has been home from Portland to Los Angeles for a time, coming by the way of Oakland and Santa Rosa. she returned March 19. She said of the work in Portland, "I could not describe the work in Portland. The crowds were driven away and the doors locked when the hall was packed. They fell screaming to the floor under the power of the preaching. God honored His Word with signs and wonders. They brought many sick and those possessed with demons from far and near and God healed them.
"At the close of the last service I was there, after the Lord had sent a wonderful message through Brother Ryan, the seekers fell like dead men, sinners were saved, believers sanctified and baptized, and Oh, how God did heal the sick.
"At Santa Rosa, at the first meeting, Sunday, the power fell before the meeting was half through. Two received Pentecost at the close of the meeting, two sanctified and two sinners saved. Five received Pentecost there. Nearly all the members of the Baptist Church came down. Some found they had never been converted, had to begin at the beginning and were saved and sanctified. Some of them received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit."-Florence Crawford, Home address, 149 E. Avenue 53, Los Angeles, CA
A MINNESOTA PREACHER'S TESTIMONY
Los Angeles, CA
March 5, 1907
"Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, (Isaiah 43: 10-12).
When in my 21st year, I was deeply convicted of my sins, and sought and found pardon of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ, and I truly believed that His precious Blood had been applied to my soul, to the washing away of my sins. like many others, I soon lost the bright evidence of my acceptance with God but did not entirely backslide or go back into sin, as I loved God's people and took pleasure in attending meetings, where at times, the Lord would bless me. in the year 1881, in a prayer meeting, the Lord clearly set me at liberty, and established me in the justified relation, in which state I continued for about a year, when the Lord gloriously sanctified my soul.
Since that time, I have had many anointing of the Spirit, and like other Holiness people thought that I had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. When I came to the Azusa Street Mission, I was quite certain of three things. First, that I already had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Second, that I could set these people right from a scriptural standpoint concerning their views as to the speaking in tongues being the Bible evidence of having received the Holy Spirit. Third, I believed God would give me discernment of spirits to know whether this work was of God.
On Sunday, February 10, I had the privilege of being seated in the midst of the assembly at Azusa Street Mission, near the preacher's stand. As the meeting progressed, I became convinced that God was there in mighty power and that this is indeed the work of the Holy Spirit, and that this people had an experience in the Christian life that I had not attained to. It was not so much the speaking in tongues that convinced me, as the heavenly unction that rested upon many as they testified, and as the Holy Spirit sang through them to the edification of others. I wish to confess that before the meeting closed I was hungry for God. The Lord let me see clearly that He had something more for me, and that He wanted me to tarry until endued with power from on high.
I commenced to go down before the Lord, the hunger increased from day to day and was intensified so that I cried out from the depths of my soul, in the language of Scripture, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks so panteth my soul after Thee, Oh, God." After about two weeks, earnestly seeking at the altar and in secret prayer, with other means as the Holy Spirit led, on February 25, the Lord baptized me with the Holy Spirit and fire, and spoke through me in an unknown tongue as the Spirit gave utterance (The Bible evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit,) Acts 2:4; Mark 16:17; Acts 10:45, 46; 19:6.
Some may ask the question, What have you more than you had before you received your Pentecost? I have far greater liberty and Divine unction on me in dealing with souls, and there has come into my life an overflow of love and joy with a deep settled peace planted in the depths of my soul, a something that is inexpressible and indescribable. To God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be all the praise and glory forever.
-HL Blake
Ruthton, MN
Holy quietness does not mean to hold your mouth shut and not praise God. It means that the Spirit hushes all the flesh. The Lord is in His holy temple and let all flesh be silent before Him. This quietness will let the Spirit speak out in praises and shouts and song. It is holy quietness in heaven, when the praise is like the voice of "many waters" and "mighty thunderings." (Revelation 19:6) We want this holy quietness all the time, so we will get used to heaven before we get there.
When we are sanctified, we have the Holy Spirit witnessing that Christ is crowned and enthroned within. We have Him bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit; but when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, He comes in with His gifts.
HOLINESS BIBLE SCHOOL LEADER RECEIVES PENTECOST
Brother Levi R. Lupton, Who Has a Bible School at Alliance, Ohio, Gives His Experience of Pentecost.
Sabbath, November 30th, was the day I had been looking for. For nine days and a number of nights I had been an ardent and untiring seeker, tarrying for my personal Pentecost, and each waiting day brought added hunger, and strengthened my conviction that I was on the right line, and that God was well pleased with the course pursued. Yet, I passed through some of the darkest conflicts with the devil that I had ever experienced. It was just in the act of crucifixion when the Son of God cried out with all the power of His being, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Beloved reader, when you get what I am talking about, you will have light on some things you never had before, and be in possession of what you hitherto have never had.
The service that night opened at 10 A.M. with from thirty to forty people present. We soon went to prayer. I once more with great earnestness, told God of my soul hunger, and how I wanted to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and, bless heaven forever, this time He gave ear, and I soon found myself on the floor under His gracious power, where I remained for nine hours. At this point, I am very conscious that words fall in an attempt to describe what took place. In fact, I never expect to be able to tell much of what God did for me upon this occasion. My prayer upon this morning was one of consecrating my body as I had ever understood it before...yes, my body. I took it member by member telling God I wanted Him to possess, to use it as never before. He took me at my word and really took possession, I then became perfectly helpless. For a season, my entire body became cold, and I was unable to move even to the extent that I could not wink an eye for a short time.
Yet, I was perfectly conscious and restful in my soul and mind. After some three hours, the power of God left my body except in my shoulders and arms that remained stiff during the entire time I was upon the floor. After some four hours had passed, I began to speak in other tongues. The dear Lord had taken my jaws and vocal organs and moved them in His own peculiar manner, as was witnessed by many of those who stood by. In the meantime I was made to realize as I had never known anything about in the past, what it meant to be clay in the hands of the potter, and what others can never know experimentally, until they as absolutely submit themselves to God for the same purpose.
I have well grounded reason to believe that He took me and spoke through me in a number of different languages. I was given a number of messages to people in a personal way, and was permitted to interpret many things that I spoke. At this time I wish to have, it well understood that I was not seeking the gift of tongues. I was seeking the gift of the Holy Spirit, holding myself open to receive any of the promised gifts, (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) which He saw fit to bestow upon me, and it pleased Him to give me the gift of tongues. I say reverently that since then, I can speak at will in tongues, and yet I hold it as a sacred trust.
Furthermore, I wish to state that during the time I was under the power of God, I had other remarkable revelations that I am not now free to relate.
WORK INCREASING
This work seems to be increasing in power, despite all the efforts of self-appointed critics and antagonists. The writer has not a single doubt but that Brother Seymour has more power with God, and more power from God, than all his critics do in and out of the city. His strength is in his conscious weakness, and lowliness before God; and, so long as he maintains this attitude, the power of God will, no doubt, continue to flow through him.
We tremble for some of our friends, who claim that God has revealed to them, that "this whole work is of the devil."
We can not, dogmatically affirm that these persons have not received a revelation; but we are perfectly sure that such a revelation was not from God. The Almighty doth not pull down with one hand, what He buildeth up with the other. Satan is not in the rescue work; nor does he lead his followers to magnify the atoning blood of Christ, nor fill people with a desire and a passion for saving souls. We have never known Christ more magnified than in Azusa Mission. To ascribe this work to Satan, appears to us to be very much like ascribing the work of Christ, done in power of the Spirit, to Beelzebub. We tremble for all those who have made any such rash decision. May God in his great mercy help them to reverse such decision, and get to the place where he can give them the equivalent of what He is giving many in Azusa Street Mission.
-AS Worrell in Gospel Witness
The Blood conquers all the forces of hell. After we get the power of the Holy Spirit on our souls, we need the Blood just as much, because the Blood brings life and sweetness. As long as we live under the Blood, we will have life and be preserved and the very sweetness of heaven will be sprinkled upon us, but the moment we get from under the Blood, we will be a different person altogether. You can tell when people are living under the Blood. There is sweetness, quietness, joy, happiness, rest, and all the fruits of the Spirit, but leave the Blood out and the works of the flesh are sure to manifest themselves.
TESTIMONIES OF HEALING
"As I opened your letter and read it, there was such a wave of glory flooded my soul. As I laid the handkerchief on my forehead, I received such a clear witness that the work was done, also my husband got the witness. Oh, how I praise God for the great Physician that can cure all manner of sickness."-Viney McNail, Mt. Repose, OH
"Received the handkerchief all right, and God sent two distinct waves of power over us. The woman had been recovering for some time and was helped by the laying on of the handkerchief. All glory be to God who does the work! She has taken no medicine, but is healed by faith. Hallelujah!"
-SA
Morrisburg, Ontario
A woman in Santa Cruz was walking along the street with packages of drugs in her hands that she had just purchased at the drug store, when she passed by the Apostolic Faith meeting and something said to her, "Go into that little mission and you will be healed." They were praying for the sick. This sister had been greatly afflicted with rheumatism, but was instantly healed. She was sanctified and is seeking the Baptism.
"dear ones in Christ:-I write to tell you that God healed me before the handkerchief got back to me. Oh, praise His dear name forever."
-Mrs. AL Werhan
Box 175
Lamont, OK
A sister in Minneapolis was going to the hospital to have an operation performed that would cost $60. She says the Lord spoke to her and told her if she would send that money to Azusa Mission, He would heal her. She did so, asking that it might be used to send a Holy Spirit baptized worker there, and the Lord healed her. Thank God for the great Physician. She writes since then, "The Lord has baptized me with the Holy Spirit and with unknown tongues. I saw God with a crown on His head and cloven tongues of fire came on me, and I got under the power of God."
-Mrs. Ferman
320 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
"We are rejoicing today over the clear demonstration of our God's power. Just two weeks ago today, we were called to pray for a woman here who had been hopelessly insane for two months past. She was to be taken to the Asylum at Stockton on Monday, February 11th, but prayer was offered, hands were laid on and our blessed God healed her. When the authorities came with the doctors to take her away, the insane spirit had gone out. She was clothed in her right mind. Praise God. The work was done before we got through praying. She told me today that the first she knew she was sick was finding my wife and myself praying for her. 'O,' said she, such a load was lifted from my heart. It seemed to me that something was there crushing my very life out of me, but your prayers lifted the load and it was gone and has never returned. Oh, praise God forever." -William Davis
Sacramento, CA
"I want all of you to know how the Lord has cured me of an incurable disease of about eight years standing, and made me perfectly whole. Glory to God! He also gave me a discernment of spirits, until I could see the epileptic demons, demons that had been tormenting me so long. The Lord sent Sister Kennison from Redlands over to pray for me, and she came and we fasted and prayed for about four days. We had a hard fight with the devil, but thank the Lord, we at last got glorious victory. The Lord also healed my eyes after wearing glasses for over four years, and I find no use for them any more. Praise the Lord! I have been prayed for many a time before, but it always came back. I did not believe in this Pentecostal experience and fought against it, but just as soon as I sought and found it, I had them pray with me and was healed. Now I am just waiting on the Lord and expecting Him to lead me. On land or sea, no matter where, Where Jesus is, 'tis heaven there."-Margaret Gill, 822 W. Walnut Street, Santa Ana, CA
HEALING
Jesus still heals today. We read in James 5:13 that the duty of every sick child of God in the body of Christ. Let us read His Word: "Is any among you afflicted, let him pray." Praise God! Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray and not to faint." many precious children of God today, instead of praying, commence grieving. God's word says, "Let him pray." If we obey His Word, He will heal us. We read in Psalms 107:20, "He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their distresses." We read again in Proverbs. 4. 20, "My son, attend to my words, incline thine ear unto my sayings." Jesus is speaking through the power of the Holy Spirit through Brother Solomon to every believer to keep His precious Word. "Let them not depart from thine eyes, keep them in the midst of thine heart; for they are life unto those that find Him and health to all their flesh," (the margin says medicine).
We read in Exodus 16:26, "I am the Lord that healeth thee." Jesus said in John 3:14, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
Dear beloved, we see in receiving the Words of Jesus, it brings not only life to our souls and spirits but to these physical bodies. For His words are medicine to our bodies through faith. "Praise God!" We find all the apostles believed in healing of the body and practiced it, for that was a part of their commission, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." We read in Matthew 10:1, "And when He had called unto Him His disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease," in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, these things should be done. We read in the 6th verse of the same chapter, "And as ye go preach, saying The kingdom of heaven is at hand; heal the sick; cleanse the lepers; raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give."
Dear beloved, we must obey God. We find that the apostles taught and preached the whole doctrine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We read in Acts 9:33, "And Peter found a certain man named Aeneas which had kept his be eight years, and was sick of a palsy. Peter said unto him, 'Jesus Christ maketh thee whole. Rise and make they bed.' He arose immediately. all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him and turned unto the Lord." Praise our God.
Dear beloved, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. On the 18th of this month, there was a woman healed in the upper room of the Azusa Mission that was paralyzed in her whole right side. She could not move her hand or foot. in five or ten minutes after prayers were offered for her, we asked her to rise and walk, and the power of God went through her and she arose and walked. Now she can walk just as well as ever and use her hand. Praise God! Hallelujah!
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha that by interpretation is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and alms deeds that she did. It came to pass in those days that she was sick and died. Whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring that they would not delay to come to them. Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping (crying) and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them."
See this body of saints standing around the corpse, weeping because their loved one had departed. Oh, to see their faith so perfected in the Gospel that they believed that Peter had the gift of faith even to do the same work that his Master did at the grave of Lazarus. Oh, dear saints, we have so much in this precious Gospel-not only is there power to save from sin, power to heal our bodies, and power to baptize us with the Holy Spirit, but it has power to raise us from the dead. Glory to God! When Martha met Jesus and said unto Him, "If thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." (John. 11:22) she expressed her faith in these words, "But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." When Jesus saw her faith, after she had spoken these words, He said unto her, "Thy brother shall rise again." The precious widows that stood by Dorcas' body had the same faith perfected in them. As Peter had been with the Lord Jesus in the great healing meetings and even in the homes where He had raised the dead, they believed and had the faith that Dorcas would be raised from the dead. Praise our God! For they believed the commission that the Lord Jesus had given, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers." They taught and practiced everything to the letter.
Dear loved ones, we must come up to the standard. May we not stop, but may we go on to perfection, until we do reach the standard of the faith that was once delivered unto the saints. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth it. Praise our God! Hallelujah!
There is nothing sweeter, higher or holier in this world than sanctification. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the gift of power upon the sanctified soul, giving power to preach the Gospel of Christ and power to go to the stake. It seals you unto the day of redemption, that you may be ready to meet the Lord Jesus at midnight or any time, because you have oil in your vessel with your lamp. You are partaker of the Holy Spirit in the Pentecostal baptism, just as you were partaker of the Lord Jesus Christ in sanctification. You become partaker of the eternal Spirit of God in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was a God before He received the Baptism, sanctified and sent into the world, but He could not go on His great mission, fighting against the combined forces of hell, until He received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. If He needed it, how much more we as His servants ought to get the same thing.
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord." The Spirit has prayed for us that we might have sanctified bodies, so we should expect to have pure bodies until Jesus comes, that the Holiness of God might be flowing out of us more perfectly than ever before. If Christ's bride, His body, were a mass of disease, it would look as if He had gone out of business and we would have to get the doctors to help Him out. we do not need a doctor to help Christ heal His body. We have just as much right to honor the stripes of Jesus as we have to honor His Blood on the Cross. "With His stripes ye are healed." This blessed salvation gives us a body pure from disease that we may be a perfect monument of His truth and witness to the healing and sanctification of our body, soul, and spirit. Oh the blessed atonement brings so much with it.
SIGNS OF HIS COMING
The question has been asked, How do we know as to the soon coming of the Lord, and what are the signs of His coming?
We read in Matthew 24 where the disciples asked Jesus, "What shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the world?" And Jesus said, "Take heed that no man deceive you, for many shall come in My name, saying, 'I am Christ'; and shall deceive many. ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that ye be not troubled, for all these things must come to pass; but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and pestilence and earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." These things first must come upon all nations. They surely are the true signs of the coming of our Lord Jesus. Praise His holy name!
"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you; ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake. then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another and shall hate one another. many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." How true that is. We find because of iniquity, men and women gradually lose their first love; next, they fall away; third, they crucify Christ, and fourth, they put Him to an open shame. Oh, may God help us to see that we are living in the fulfillment of the signs of the time. he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Jesus went on to say, "And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come." He also said in Luke 21:28, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh." When we see these things coming to pass; wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, famines, pestilence, and earthquakes, we know that they are signs of His coming.
We also read in Daniel 12:4, that in the last days, "Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased." We find now a spirit of restlessness among the nations and among the people everywhere. Running to and fro on railroad trains and on ships, moving from one place to another. Also we see the wonderful discoveries and inventions, the electric cars harnessed to electricity and running with great speed, the telegraph, telephone, and wireless telegraphy, by which messages are carried at lightning speed all over the world.
In Nahum, 2: 3-4, we read of the day of His preparation: "The chariots shall be with flaming torches, in the day of His preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken. The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broad ways; they shall seem like torches, they shall run like lightning." In these days, we have trains running from 60 to 90 miles an hour, and as they pass, they shake the very ground, and the trees even bow to the trains as they pass. In addition, we see Nahum's prophecy fulfilled in the automobiles that are seen in all our cities. They are the chariots that rage in the streets and jostle one against another in the broad ways. They run with bright lights "like torches" at night, and with the power of electricity which is that of "lightning." we see the prophecy written thousands of years ago by the prophet is now fulfilled, and it tells us that this is the day of His preparation. May God help us to see that the coming of our Lord draweth nigh.
Jesus also gave us a sign of His coming in the parable of the fig tree, Luke 21:29-32, "Behold the fig tree and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is not nigh at hand. likewise, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily, I say unto you, 'This generation shall not pass until all be fulfilled." Jesus, in speaking of the fig tree putting forth its bud, is speaking concerning the Jews, for they were god's fig tree that was planted in His vineyard. We read in Mark 11, "And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find anything thereon. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet; and Jesus answered and said, "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever." This cursing of the fig tree was a type of the rejection of the Jews, because they rejected Christ. Therefore, they were to bring forth no fruit until the Gentile age should be fulfilled. We are living now in the closing of the Gentile age. The Jews shall again bring forth fruit as God's people, His fig tree. We can see now the signs of the budding of the fig tree. Jesus said, in Matthew 24, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree. When his branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. likewise, ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near even at the doors," that is, know that His coming is near. We find that the Jews, of whom He was speaking, should bud out again, and when they commenced to bud, it would be a sign of His coming.
He says in Luke 21:32, "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, until all these things be fulfilled." What generation? The Jews. We find that they did not run out. They are the least mixed people upon the face of the earth. They have not passed away as a distinct people, and shall not pass until all these things are fulfilled. His promises are true and sure. Hallelujah! We see the signs of new life in them, in their gathering back to Palestine, where they are now going by thousands, and may soon become a nation again. They have the means to purchase Palestine and are making all preparations to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem. God is making their land that was cursed, making it to blossom as the rose and bring forth fruit abundantly. The rainfall has been restored to that country, and it has become very productive. we are living in the days when the fig tree shoots forth, and Jesus told us we should know by this that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away."
Another proof we find in the times of refreshing we are now having from the presence of the Lord. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; He shall send Jesus Christ that before was preached unto you; whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things that God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:19. We thank God for the refreshing times, the times of restitution, when God is restoring the church back to light and power and glory, and she is becoming a burning and shining light to this world again.
Brother James says, "Be ye patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until ye receive the early and latter rain," James. 5:7. The early rain that God sent was on the day of Pentecost, in the early morning of the apostolic age that is the outpouring of the Spirit. in these last days, He is sending the refreshing times, the latter rain, another Pentecost. Bless His holy name!
In Palestine, in order to raise crops, they needed two rains. When the ground was broken and the grain was planted, God sent the early rain that the crop might grow. He also sent the latter rain to bring it into perfection, that it might be ready for harvest. now He is pouring out the latter rain upon the church, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. We are receiving the Pentecost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, and the wonders and signs are still following. Praise our God! Be ye also patient, brethren, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
THERE IS SOMETHING IN THIS FOR JESUS
As a Holiness preacher, I believed as I interpreted the Scriptures, that I had been baptized with the Holy Spirit. I found through the hearing of the Word and searching of the Scriptures that I had accepted sanctification and the anointing of the Spirit as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. being brought to Los Angeles, CA, by a mysterious providence by the hand of the Lord, I fell in the midst of God's people at Azusa Street Mission. I saw the real and I saw the counterfeit, the wheat and chaff. I said to the Lord, I do not see any glory in this for You. a voice came back to me saying, as long as you continue to see the lack in others, I cannot show you your lack. Then I took my Bible and went alone with the Lord, for I was sick of myself and did not want to hear the voice of anyone else but Jesus. after staying with Him all night, I came into the meetings the next day and listened to the testimonies according to the Scriptures that I had read, and to those who were speaking in tongues. The voice of the Lord said to me, "There is something in this for Jesus." I answered back, Well, Lord if there is anything in it for Jesus, I want all that is in it, for my life is of no pleasure to me save for His glory. When I did that, I rose and went to the altar, and humbled myself at the feet of those whom the Lord seemed to have so miraculously dealt with.
When I had given up my mind and all I thought I knew about sanctification and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit marvelously manifested Christ to me as I had never experienced before. In this peculiar manifestation, I found myself singing, "The Comforter has come" in unknown tongues. Then Christ was manifested to me on the Cross; after which He carried me again to the Scriptures to confirm in me the witness of the Holy Spirit, Mark 16.16, 17. The Spirit showed me that the Bible is the mind of God. He had written His thoughts and left them upon record, and we should not think contrary to His thoughts. I accepted it, and knew that the tongue in which I spoke was the evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4, 10:46; 1 Corinthians 12:10).
-J. Jeter
3101 Wolf Street
Little Rock, AR
The real Pentecost that has been hidden for all these centuries, the Lord is giving back to earth through some real humble people that have no better sense than to believe God. many are like Nicodemus saying, "How can these things be?" you cannot reason it out, you must believe God. Man is born with his back toward God, and the only way to get right is to be born of the Spirit through the Blood of Calvary. Then after we are sanctified and made pure, Father has not only the fruits of the Spirit but some precious gifts, presents for us. Many do not know that Father has gifts for His people. They are selling out their birthright. Now when the Lord comes in and sanctifies us, He breathes into us a faith that beats the devil. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your faith." If you have this faith, you can claim every promise of God, every foot of land in Christ Jesus. May God help us to contend for every foot of land, every height and depth in His love.
THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Dear one in Christ who are seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; do not seek for tongues but for the promise of the Father, and pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and God will throw in the tongues according to Acts 2. 4.
We read in Acts 1:4, 5, "And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father that, saith He , ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence."
This promise of the Father was preached to the disciples by John the Baptist. Jesus reminded the disciples about this baptism that John had preached to them in life. John, after warning the Jews and Pharisees against sin and hypocrisy, preached the doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He said first, "Bring forth therefore, fruits meet for repentance." God is sending our His precious ministers to preach repentance to the people and turn them from their sins and cause them to make restitution according to their ability, and to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Glory to God!
Then they must be sanctified through the precious Blood of Jesus Christ, for He says in John 17:14-19, "I pray not that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." God wants His people to be sanctified, because He says again in Hebrews 13:12, "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."
Then Jesus taught the disciples to tarry at Jerusalem. They obeyed Him and waited for the promise of the Father. "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing, mighty wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2, 1-4.
Wind is always typical of the Spirit or of life. "And it filled all the house where they were sitting." The rivers of salvation had come and had filled the whole place, and they all were immersed or baptized in the Holy Spirit. Praise God!
"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire." Beloved, when we receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, we surely will speak in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. We are not seeking for tongues, but we are seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. when we receive it, we shall be so filled with the Holy Spirit that He Himself will speak in the power of the Spirit.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Now, beloved, do not be too concerned about your speaking in tongues, but let the Holy Spirit give you utterance, and it will come just as freely as the air we breathe. It is nothing worked up, but it comes from the heart. "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation." when the Holy Spirit life comes in, the mouth opens, through the power of the Spirit in the heart. Glory to God!
"There were, dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, 'Behold, are not all these which speak, Galileans. how hear we every man speak in our own tongue wherein we were born?" (Acts 2:5-8).
Beloved, if you do not know the language that you speak, do not puzzle yourself about it, for the Lord did not promise us He would tell us what language we were speaking, but He promised us the interpretation of what we speak.
In seeking the Baptism, first get a clear, definite witness in your soul that you have the abiding Christ within. Then there will be no trouble in receiving the Pentecostal baptism, through faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for it is a gift that comes without repentance. Bless His holy name!-WJ Seymour
TENNESSEE EVANGELIST WITNESSES
"These signs shall follow them that believe." In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18).
I had a false interpretation in my heart concerning the speaking in tongues. I did not take it literally as I did, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." For years, God had given me the knowledge of healing, and He had marvelously wrought with me and many cases of disease had been delivered. I interpreted the speaking in tongues to mean that we left off blaspheming, etc. When I got to the place where, hungering and thirsting for God, I consented to His Word, I saw that we did not need that interpretation, that the only reason we were not enjoying the speaking in tongues was because we did not accept it. Then I felt I had gone to the end of myself. I had the care of a pastor over many flocks far and near and yet was so hungry and thirsty. The Lord showed me the humility of Jesus. How He came and presented Himself for baptism with the rest. I saw that I should not be above my Master. If He needed the Holy Spirit, I needed it to do the will of God, and Jesus would give me a better consolation to my own heart.
In order to loosen my hands from everything, the Lord showed me how Moses was concerned about Jethro's sheep in the dessert. He saw the bush of fire and God got His attention and got him on the ground where he could speak to Him. He showed me how the disciples forsook their nets, and even when they had received their commission, He stopped them to tarry at Jerusalem that they might receive the promise.
I had a great desire in my heart to come to Los Angeles. I had preached the Pentecost to my people and they were hungry for it. When I came, it was not strange to me for the Lord had showed it to me in a vision. I went to the altar and the Lord put a parable before me, if you were going to marry, would you be sad? I said, no, when I was going to be married, I was glad. He then showed me this was wedlock to Christ. If there were anything imperfect about me, He would make it right and marry me anyway. Then my faith was settled and laid firmly hold on the promise.
As I arose from the altar and took my seat, I fixed my eyes on Jesus, and the Holy Spirit took charge of me. I surrendered perfectly to Him and consented to Him. Then I began singing a song in unknown tongues, and it was the sweetest thing to have Him sing that song through me. He had complete charge of me. I let Him have my mouth and everything. After that, it seemed I was standing at the Cross and heard Him as He groaned, the dying groans of Jesus, and I groaned. It was not my voice but the voice of my Beloved that I heard in me. When He got through with that, He started the singing again in unknown tongues. When the singing stopped, I felt that complete death, it was my life going out, but it was a complete death to me. When He had finished this, I let Him hold my hands up, and they rested just as easily up as down. Then He turned on the joy of it. He began to lift me up. I was passive in His hands, I was not going to do a thing. I could hear the people but did not let anything bother me. It came to me, "I charge thee, Oh, daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up nor awake my Beloved until He please." Song of Solomon 8, 4. He lifted me to my feet and then the light of heaven fell upon me and burst into me filling me. Then God took charge of my tongue and I went to preaching in tongues. I could not change my tongue. The glory of God filled the temple. The gestures of my hands and movements of my body were His. Oh, it was marvelous and I thank God for giving it to me in His way. Such an indescribable peace and quietness went all through my flesh and into my very brain and has been there ever since.
-C.H. Mason
609 Stephens Avenue
Memphis, TN
MESSAGES IN TONGUES INTERPRETED
"The Spirit comes in mighty power upon His people. Look up unto Jesus now and receive from Him. Oh, Jesus is my Almighty King. Look up into the face of Jesus and see this great Savior. He is more than the entire world to me. Jesus is altogether lovely. Glory and honor crown Him. Be in adoration unto this wonderful Savior."
"They that sat in darkness saw great light, and to them that sat in the valley of the shadow of death, a light is sprung up. Jesus is the same today as He was in old times. He will heal the body, cleanse from sin, and give the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He leads on to a life of light. There is freedom for all that would escape the power of the enemy. Seek Him now. Oh, come. God came into the world to seek and to save that which was lost. He has redeemed us by His own precious Blood."
PRESERVED AND SEALED
The Blood of Jesus Christ sweetens a person. We cannot have much confidence in a religion that does not keep a person sweet. If there is jealousy or any of the works of the flesh manifest the devil must have slipped in. This salvation sweetens, seasons, and preserves you. You know to preserve a thing means to keep it. In order to preserve milk, you must wash the vessel and sometimes sun it. Then it is fit to fill with the sweet milk, and when you want a drink you go into the pantry and pour it out, and Oh, how good it is.
So the Lord cleanses the vessels and makes them sweet and clean. Then He fills them with His holy love that keeps them saved and sanctified. He could not put it into a dirty vessel. The Lord has cleansed vessels, and your soul is the vessel. He cleanses from all unrighteousness and afterwards pours in oil. when He fills you up with oil, then He sends you out to proclaim His precious Word. This oil keeps us pure and sweet and preserved. He also seals you with the Holy Spirit of God unto the day of Redemption (Ephesians 4:30). He seals you to keep anything from getting in that would sour or embitter. When we obey the Word of God, then no sin can enter, for the Blood preserves us and Christ is enthroned within. The devil is on the outside. Christ always His scepter of righteousness and true Holiness, and keeps the place clean.
The Lord pours out the Holy Spirit upon our souls to give us power to lift up a risen Savior.
WHAT THE PENTECOST DID FOR ONE FAMILY
Eight years ago, I was shown that there was more than justification and sanctification for us; there was a power the disciples had that I must have. Being placed in the position I was, as superintendent of home and foreign missions in Winnipeg, Canada, a city of a hundred thousand, I certainly felt my lack of power. I was called of God to give up my business, worth at least five or six thousand a year to me. The Lord had for me more than I then possessed; I got to the point where I must have all God had for me.
Just as I decided to take charge of a church and circuit offered me, the Lord spoke to me and said, "You must go to Los Angeles and take all your family." Afterward He spoke to my dear wife and said, "Get ready and go with your husband." Just before leaving for Los Angeles on the train, a friend passed me a copy of the Apostolic Faith. I was much interested and was determined to see for myself, but with the thought that this speaking in tongues was of the devil and I was going to do all in my power to stamp it out. After a trip of nearly 3500 miles, we arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, November 29. I left my family at a hotel and proceeded with my son on a search for Azusa Mission. After I was there a short time, a woman got up and testified, and the power of God fell on her and she began to tremble. I had seen enough of God's work in my experience to know when He was working. I at once left my seat, and went over and stood beside her. Of course I showed myself as a spy, but did not mind that as I had promised several of God's people before leaving Manitoba that I would make a report of this work and let them know if it was of God or the devil. Well, glory to God, after this sister trembled for a few minutes, she started to speak in an unknown tongue to me, and to my surprise, after she had uttered a few sentences, she spoke in English, giving the interpretation of what she said. the Spirit at once changed her tongue back again to the unknown tongue. Thus she spoke and translated quite a while. Glory to God for the convincing power.
My son and I then left the room, and as we went out he said, "Well, papa, what do you think of it?" I said, "I do not know, but this I do know, the power is in that place and God's Spirit had hold of that woman."
My wife and I attended the meetings and it was not long until we got very hungry for the glorious gift that God has for us, His people. Now, as there is quite a bit of Scotch in me, I must be thoroughly convinced before I will give in. Knowing part of different Indian languages and trading dialects used throughout Canada, I said, "Now God, if you want to convince me that this if of you, just let some of the Christians speak in a tongue that I understand." Glory to His name. I thought He would take someone that I did not know and then I would have to find out whether they had ever been up there. Instead of that, He took a young woman from the same place I came from, and put her under the power, gave her the Pentecostal gift and made her sing an Indian song that I had known since I was a boy. I knew that she never was closer than 1,200 miles from the Indians, and had never been taught by anyone. She then changed into another unknown tongue that afterwards proved to be the Armenian language. After speaking for a few moments in this tongue, she drew my attention by signs, as her English was gone, to an Armenian man near by who was greatly interested in what she was saying. I stepped over to him and asked him if he understood what she was saying. He replied, "I no speak your tongue, but that woman speak my tongue and talk to me about Jesus." The perspiration broke out upon the man like beads, and he commenced to tremble; and this was the means of his conversion. Glory to God, this is what tongues are doing.
I asked the Lord then to convince my wife and give it to her, if it was for me. it was not long until she got in earnest about the matter and God got her to the end of herself, and opened heaven, and let the promised gift fall, and she began to speak in unknown tongues. I thought I never saw her so happy, and glory to God, she is still happy.
This made me very hungry and I was determined to have it, so I went in with all my might. To my surprise, I found I was not nearly as high up the mount as I thought. I found out I did not posses the experience of sanctification, and was a long ways from living the sanctified life, in God's sight. While looking on the lives of others that professed it, I justified myself in thinking I compared with their experience, but this was not what God wanted. I had to be pure and clean in His sight. With the help of kind friends, the love of God, and one dear saint who interceded for me thirteen hours prostrate on the floor, I was brought to the knowledge that I had my family between me and God. I thought more of them than of Him, as well as having many other things in the way which the ordinary sanctified person may not think amounts to much. Now as I got all of self and the rest of the rubbish out of my heart, God gave me the witness to my entire satisfaction. I knew I had a clean heart. Glory to God. Hallelujah to His name! Are you there, reader? If not, dig down until the old Adam nature and roots of bitterness are out of the way. Then He will breathe on you and you shall receive the Holy Spirit.
I tarried and prayed and in about nine days, He baptized me with the Holy Spirit and gave me the Bible evidence of speaking and singing in tongues. For nearly thirty minutes, my language was taken from me and God used me as He saw fit.
More than that, since I came here, the Lord took my little girl, just eleven years old, saved, sanctified, and baptized her with the Holy Spirit and she is now speaking in six or seven different languages, two of which have been interpreted, Spanish and Latin. The other day while she gave her testimony in the Azusa Mission, the Spirit spoke through her in a plain, distinct Latin tongue. At the same time, she raised her hand and pointed with her finger straight at a stranger, and called him by his own name, and told him to go downstairs in the big meeting and tell his experience, and go out and preach the Gospel of Christ. Now this educated man had been preaching infidelity for 19 years and had spoken to as many as 7,000 people in one meeting, who had paid 50 cents each to hear him. He was simply all broken up and went downstairs, taking the child with him. He told his story, saying, "This child preached to me, and of all the sermons I ever heard this was the most powerful." He declared he was willing to go and preach Jesus, got down on his knees and began to seek God.
Yet people will say, "What is the use of the tongue?" In one instance, I had attended those meetings for nearly three months. During that time there had been scarcely a day that something had not happened through interpretation of tongues or someone being present who understood what had been said that brought conviction on someone and started them to seeking God.
Still more, the Lord has taken hold of my eldest boy, sixteen years of age, who was a wayward boy and was fighting hard against the evidence of tongues. The Lord saved him, sanctified him and baptized him with the Holy Spirit, and spoke through him in unknown tongues, and called him to preach the Gospel. Glory to God. Thanks be to His holy name for what He has done for my family and me since I came down here. I do not know how to praise Him enough.
-RJ Scott
Superintendent, Home and Foreign Missions
Winnipeg
A Holiness PREACHER WHO RECEIVED PENTECOST
422 Citizen's National Bank Building
Los Angeles, CA
I know when I really repented of my sins and turned away from them that God did for Christ's sake forgive me. He gave me the blessed evidence that the work was done. "We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren," and "if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." He has a new life implanted in his heart. God gives us all the evidence we need for every thing He does for us.
After I was really converted to God, and wonderfully blessed of the Lord, I heard the Holiness people teaching that the Lord would sanctify our souls, but I did not see how it was that the Lord did not sanctify us when we were converted. So, I went to studying the Word of god, and soon found that I was not sanctified when I was converted. Not only by reading the Word, but also from the testimonies of others that had the experience. you know, Satan was on hand to tell me that I could grow into it, so I tried to grow into the experience, and made a complete failure of it. When I made a complete sacrifice to God, all on the altar, bless God, He really did sanctify my soul, and gave me the real evidence; the witness of the Holy Spirit that the work was done, and the carnal mind was destroyed. Oh, what a sweet peace did flood my soul. I was wonderfully anointed time and again for the work of the Lord, and when I heard of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that some claimed they had received since they were sanctified, I said they never had been sanctified, or they would know better. I went down to investigate the matter. when I first went to Azusa Mission, I heard Brother Seymour preach the Word. He said that the disciples were sanctified before the day of Pentecost, and of course, I could not swallow that, because that was not in harmony with the rules and teachings of the Holiness church of which I was a member. He told us to search the Word, and so I began to do this, and the Word made it clear to my mind that his statement was true, and I became hungry for more of God. The tongue business was a hard problem for me. I took Acts 2 and tried to harmonize my sanctified experience with the experience the people got on the day of Pentecost, but I could not get them to harmonize so I came to the conclusion that they got something that I did not get. I then began to tarry and pray night and day, and did not stop until I was wonderfully baptized with the Holy Spirit, and He gave me the blessed evidence which always follows that is the speaking in tongues.
The Holy Spirit has spoken five different languages through me since I got my Pentecost, some of which has been interpreted. I am glad the Lord knows all the languages of the nations.
-WA Love
The Lord gave us on the Day of Pentecost, (Acts 2:4), a real experience of a personal Pentecost, and that standard should be kept up until He comes.
One token of the Lord's coming is that He is melting all races and nations together, and they are filled with the power and glory of God. He is baptizing by one spirit into one body and making up a people that will be ready to meet Him when He comes.
PENTECOSTAL TESTIMONIES
"I am so glad to say that I have received my Pentecost and speak and sing in other tongues, as the Spirit gives me utterance." -Brother C.G. Carr, Dunn, NC
"I went to Azusa Mission to make fun, but a little girl about eight years old got up and testified to the saving power of Jesus, and while she spoke, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sins. I went to the altar and cried out to the Lord to save me from sin. Now I can witness His saving power and His cleansing power and His keeping power. Oh, how I praise Him for saving, cleansing and baptizing me with the Holy Spirit. He has given me six languages. Now God has called me out into His work and Oh, how I delight in His service."-Mack E. Jonas, Long Beach, CA
"For 26 years I have been trying to live a good Christian in a justified life, but at heart I was never satisfied. My soul cried out for something. I heard of a tent meeting where there was strange preaching, Apostolic Faith. I was led to that meeting by some unseen power. I read my Bible and found that this was the true doctrine of the Bible. Then I went forward to seek the Lord with all my heart to be sanctified. After seeking for seven days, the Lord for Jesus sake sanctified me. I sought six days longer for my Pentecost, praise God, and now speak in tongues. Mobile is being stirred up. We give God the glory for this wonderful salvation."-Julia Jenkins, 2 Hercules Street, Mobile, AL
"Thank God for deliverance from all sin, through the precious Blood. I had been sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit years ago. Have been ten years in His work. When I came to Azusa Mission, I went in for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit immediately. Had some digging to do, but the Lord met me. I was filled with the Holy Spirit many times and was shaken many times by the power of God. when I became a little child, clay in His hands, He baptized me with the Holy Spirit. At first, He spoke just a few words through me. recently He spoke different languages and sang songs in unknown tongues. Just lately, the Lord healed me of quite a severe sickness. He has given me better health than ever, for which I thank Him. Oh, it was so sweet to have Him talk and sing through me when I was sick, during the night seasons. Sometimes I sang for hours and in a new voice and it did not tire me. He also interpreted. He said, "Jesus is coming." It rejoiced me so much, and then He sang a song right from heaven about His coming. Oh, praise God for the privilege of being in His work here."-Clara E. Lum, Apostolic Faith Office, 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles.
"I have entered into the deeper experience. Have received the speaking, singing, and reciting poetry in a number of languages, with power to use one or two at will in public services or with private persons when the Lord leads. I first entered this way of blessing on the January 21 at Homestead, PA. Have been many times there and elsewhere wonderfully exercised in these things under the power of God, each time receiving something new, with love and all the fruits of the Spirit increased, and adoration to Jesus intermingled. My daughter also received her Pentecost in our church, singing and speaking in a tongue. Since receiving the experience, I have been on the go, preaching and taking part in some meeting nearly every night until very late, a thing impossible for me in the physical before. Great work going on all through this section. With great gratitude of heart, I praise God for His goodness to others and me in my church. I meet with no expressed opposition from persons in my church, for which I am very thankful."-J.T. Boddy, (pastor Pentecostal Church), Cambridge, OH
(The brother who writes the above publishes a paper, the "Full Gospel" at Cambridge, OH. It is a free, Pentecostal paper. We just received it as this goes to press).
Beloved, I was saved about 17 months ago from a wretched life. When I called on God, He heard my prayer and saved me instantly. What convinced me of the reality in salvation, was the peace that came into my heart. The desire for opiates went out immediately, and I was cured of the drug habit. The Lord has also healed many others of the drug habit. God has healed my body, after being afflicted over six and a half years. When all physicians failed, the Man Christ Jesus healed me. The devil had me bound hand and foot for years. Thinking myself wise, I became foolish. Nevertheless, beloved, God sent His transforming power through the Blood of Jesus and burst all the shackles, and shook off the handcuffs of hell, and today I am a free man in Christ Jesus. Then He sanctified me wholly and gave me a clean heart. Then He baptized me with the Holy Spirit on January 22, at Azusa Mission. Dear ones, all I live for is Christ. I sold out, body, soul, and spirit to Him. My desire is to point souls to the bleeding Lamb of Calvary that takes away the sin of the world. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, speaks through me in the languages of the nations whenever He chooses. He is now engaged in pulling the rope which rings the joy bells of heaven in my heart. there is a revival going on in my soul continually, and the choir is singing and praising God in the unknown tongues. The Holy Spirit is the leader and is well qualified. He came from the college in heaven. Beloved, it is no more I but Christ. To Him be all the glory."
-Tom Anderson, 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles
"When I heard of the Holy Spirit movement, I did not think it was for me. Still there was such a hunger for more of God. One evening at our mission prayer meeting I became all broken up, and falling on my knees called upon God and received an anointing, and after that I received a touch of the power in almost every meeting, until the time when I was fully baptized with the Holy Spirit. Oh, praise His Holy name. I have just begun to live. We can never be perfect in the sight of the world but we can in the sight of God. Praise Him. It is heaven below my Savior to know. It is heaven to go to heaven in."-Nellie Burnwell, Benton Harbor, Mich.
"Dear Saints, how I praise the Lord for the way He saved and sanctified my soul and baptized me with the Holy Spirit. He has wonderfully healed my body. When this movement began, I could not see that it was of God, but how I praise Him for leading me out into the blessed sunlight. I have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak with tongues."-Phoebe Conaway, Long Beach, CA
"Dear Brethren: Your second package of the Apostolic Faith came safe to hand. I have sent them from Virginia to Florida and across the Atlantic. I sent out to Rev. ST Lee, Key West, FL. He got his Pentecost, and they are doing a noble work among the Holiness people. They talk, sing, and pray in an unknown tongue. One of the prettiest songs I ever heard was sung in Spanish by a sister. I heard two boys sing the same song in Spanish. I praise the Lord for the work that is going on. Christians are shouting, devils howling, and hypocrites growling, so let the papers come. I have not received my Pentecost yet, but my wife, daughter and son-in-law have, and I am still tarrying for it."
-WA Heath, Wallace, NC
"I received the Holy Spirit in San Jose, in November, and came to Kelseyville, in December. when I received the January paper and read what the Lord was doing in other places, the power of God came on me mightily. I was alone and was lifted to my feet and stood on tiptoe with both arms extended above my head, and began to speak in tongues and to interpret that I never had done before except a very little. Since I came here, one woman has received the Holy Spirit with a tongue, also the gift of writing some unknown language and the deaf mute signs. Another woman came from Healdsburg and has received the Holy Spirit with a tongue. She also has received the gift of writing some unknown language and the deaf mute signs. Another woman came from Healdsburg and has received the Baptism and the Chinese tongue. Still another who received the Holy Spirit in Oakland and the Chinese tongue, is here. She expects to go to China as soon as the Lord opens the way. Two are seeking and we have been holding some meetings in one of the churches. The Lord is blessing His work."-Frances R. Townsend, Kelseyville, CA
"The Lord is doing wonderful things here in Chicago. Even the children are receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues. On 21 December in a little mission on Halsted Street, the Lord baptized me with the Holy Spirit at one o'clock in the night. I began to speak in tongues. There were many present at that time, and I went around shaking hands and speaking in tongues. Oh, the deep settled peace in my soul. Yet, it seemed the Lord had more for me. On January 31, while attending a little cottage prayer meeting, the fire fell on me and there I was for about two and a half hours praying and singing in tongues. The Lord showed me a vision of heaven. The buildings looked as if they were inlaid with diamonds. I saw the people coming, and they came to one with authority sitting with a great book. He turned the leaves and passed the people through a very narrow way. Facing the great river, I saw very many people who did have the robe or righteousness. The Lord showed me that we as Christians should preach to them."
-Mrs. EW Sterling
6132 Prairie Avenue
Chicago
"I first heard through the Way of Faith of this wonderful work. Then Brother Cashwell went to you and got his Pentecost. He lives only seven miles from us. I never saw such a change in him and such a power in the meetings; I went to seeking the Holy Spirit. I had been sanctified ten years and been preaching Holiness nearly that time, and thought I had the Holy Spirit baptism. However, God showed me that I had stopped at great joy and the witness of the Holy Spirit. I laid down my theory, went in for Pentecost, and received it. Glory to God. I jerked so I shook the whole house, and my tongue fairly flew, saying something I knew not what. My wife, mother-in-law and another sister received it and speak in tongues in this county. We all got it at Dunn with scores of others. Sister Stewart sang nine songs at my house Saturday in an unknown tongue. We knew the tunes of three. All the rest were entirely new. My wife spoke and interpreted at the church Saturday a part of the 103rd Psalm and the rest an exhortation to sinners. Others are seeking."
-Your brother on the way to Glory,
HH Goff
Benson, NC
"Oh, I than God, my dear Heavenly Father, for permitting me to live in this day and age. Hallelujah. Never in my life did I realize so much of the presence of my dear loving Savior. He is in His holy temple, and He is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." Last night during the service while a little song was being sung by a young colored sister and the Cross of Calvary was mentioned in the song, the Holy Spirit began to speak through another sister sitting next to me in a language of India. I understood it and began to write down the interpretation as follows: 'Behold the Lamb, the bleeding Lamb. Oh, the Blood is flowing down from His side. At this moment, I became unconscious and the Spirit seemed to carry me away to the scene upon Calvary, nearly two thousand years ago. , Oh, human language cannot express what I saw. Oh, the glory and beauty of that scene before my spiritual eyes. Hallelujah. I was permitted to look into the heart of my blessed Lord as He hung upon the Cross. Oh, the divine sympathy and tender love toward every human soul. Lord, help all Thy dear children to see the real value of a lost soul, just as Thou dost see it."-George E. Berg, Hermon, CA
"I am praising God for a free and full salvation. I am saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit. I was fifteen before I was converted. My girl friends were all joining churches and I wanted to join too; but praise God I did not join until after my father got in touch with the church of God and came for us to go to church. We went to hear Sister Farrow preach and to hear her speak in tongues. We continued to go to the meeting every night. My mother had her ankle broken, but praise His name, we went anyway. Mamma and papa went to the altar. Sister Farrow laid hands on mother and she was reclaimed, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and spoke in tongues and was healed instantly. My sister also received the Holy Spirit that night, and I was converted. The next evening I went to the altar again and was sanctified. That night I was baptized with the Holy Spirit. Glory to His name. How I love Him. My love for Him cannot be expressed. Please pray for me that the Lord will use me to His glory anywhere."-Julia H. Robinson, (aged 16 years), 3104 Dallas Avenue, Houston, TX.
"I have been working in missionary work nine years on the highways and in the hedges, teaching the Gospel in my sanctified life; and now I have received the fullness of Pentecost. While I was at the Saint's meeting and we were upon our knees, the Holy Spirit taught me to sing, 'A charge to keep I have. When we came to the verse, 'O, may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will!' the Holy Spirit filled my heart with joy and I began to sing in tongues. I thank God for His wonderful blessing. Afterwards I sang in tongues and interpreted. The first words were:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Ever since then, I have been speaking in unknown tongues, praying and singing in the highways and hedges. I say again, Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
-Laura A. Sims, Davis Avenue; Mobile, AL
"The Lord is wonderfully blessing me. He has just used me in holding a four week's meeting near Archbold, OH Four souls were saved, about 25 or 30 dear Christians have been made happy in the love of God and we are now tarrying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit."-Gideon Zigler, Swanton, OH
"Over three months ago, Brother Turney, who was baptized with the Holy Spirit, came up to San Jose from Los Angeles. He came to the Florence Mission where I had been attending. The third night I went to the altar and were saved (I had been converted when I was twelve years of age but backslid). The next night I was sanctified. The third night I lay under the power of God for about three hours. I was drunk on the wine of the Kingdom. Hallelujah! Part of the time I was unconscious. Then I would start to sing some of the real old hymns. Part of the Words I knew and part I did not, but the Lord would put those in my mouth I did not know. Glory to Jesus! Then I saw a bright light around me that shone for a long while. The next night I received my Pentecost. I do not know how many languages I have spoken but the Lord does. He has given me many precious gifts. He has surely given me the holy boldness, for I was very timid. Now, hallelujah, I am bold for Jesus. The Lord also has given me the gift of heavenly songs. Sunday night He sang through me and interpreted. The interpretation was this, 'There is a time coming, sinner, when you shall meet your doom. Flee from the wrath that is coming. Flee from the wrath that is coming.' The Lord is my healer. I was seeking healing, and before the saints laid hands on me, I was healed. My mother has received her Pentecost, and my little brother is seeking his."-Alberta Hall, 218 N. 4th Street, San Jose, CA
"Hallelujah to our God! Praise His dear name! The fire struck Benton Harbor and me at the same time, almost, through Sister Robinson who came a few weeks ago bringing glad tidings of great joy. Oh, how our hearts rejoice over the fire that was kindled and is spreading fast. I had often when a child, read the book of Acts, comparing men of that time to the Christians about me, and wondered why we lacked the same power. The full Gospel people of this place have held meetings for three years and over at the home of Brother and Sister York, and have been praying for God's fullness. Well, hallelujah, He met us, as He always does those who seek Him with all their hearts. At first, I felt the blessing was not for one so unworthy as I was, but I went again to the meeting two weeks later, and the fire commenced running over my flesh. On the next Sunday morning at six o'clock meeting, I was slain under the power of God. The dear Holy Spirit entered His temple with much shaking of the flesh, but oh, the peace and joy and glory that filled me since Jesus came to abide. Since November 24, He has spoken through me in five different languages, one of which was Russian-German. He permitted me to sing to His glory in tongues and interpret. This place is mightily stirred."-Nellie Gilbert, Benton Harbor, Mich.
"I was justified about 35 years ago and lived it, but when I heard of sanctification and divine healing, I fought against them. Finally I was taken sick with the rheumatism and thought I was going to die. Then I had my husband lay his hands on me and pray for me, and the dear Lord did wonderfully heal me. Then I sought for sanctification, and on March 1, 1906, the Lord wonderfully sanctified me. Last August my husband went through the South preaching Holiness. When he came back, he heard about the meetings in Los Angeles where the people had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. He said if it was of God, he wanted it. If not, then he wanted nothing to do with it. He went up to Los Angeles and came back and said to me, "Darling that work is of God, and I am going back to Los Angeles and stay at the Azusa Mission until I get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit." I said, "You were a Christian when you were in Oklahoma, you came to California and got sanctified, now you are ready to get something else. How many religions do you want?' He paid no attention to me but went to the Mission and came back with the Baptism and speaking in tongues. I did not fight it but sought for the Baptism with all my heart and on 30 November, God baptized me with the Holy Spirit, spoke through me in another language and gave me the interpretation. Oh, glory to God for this wonderful salvation."-Mollie McCauley, Long Beach, CA
"Last December, my sister and myself who had received our Pentecost, went to Arizona on business and to visit relatives. While there, four were baptized with the Holy Spirit. All glory to God! While at my sister's an old friend called on us, one who was a deep sinner. I talked to him of his soul, and the Holy Spirit began to speak in tongues through me, and through my sister. I saw that he understood, and asked him if he understood what she said. He replied that he did. It was, "The table is spread with good things, if you will come and eat," and it was the Spanish language. It was a perfect language, he said. We had a glorious time in Arizona; saw our beloved sisters baptized with the Holy Spirit, also one dear niece and one brother-in-law, JR Hopkins. One sister received the gift of writing and the interpretation of her languages. She has spoken and interpreted the soon coming of Jesus."-Elizabeth M. May, Whittier, CA
"Having for many years been reaching out for God's best, and never reaching a place of continued satisfaction, I want to write about my experience in receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. About Oct. 1, I returned from Colorado to Los Angeles. I had the real anointing on my soul, and could not believe that I did not have the Baptism. Every account of the Baptism in the New Testament contains the positive statement that they all spoke in new tongues, (except that of Samaria, and it is indicated there in the fact that there was something so wonderful that a magician offered money to buy the power (Acts 6.19). Yet, I insisted that tongues bore no more significance to the Baptism than any of the gifts as recorded in 1 Corinthians 12. God would not let me rest in this, but took the anointing away. This caused me to go deeper for the truth. Then God showed me that the seeming restriction of tongues in 1 Corinthians 12th and 14th chapters was a regulating of the manifestation of tongues to the law of love. I then began seeking for the real Baptism of the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost. Satan seemed to exhaust his resources in opposing me, and the weeks of waiting were tedious in the extreme; but God's grace was sufficient, and last I came to the place where God could meet me. On March 3, in the upper room about 6 P.M. I fell under the mighty power. The Spirit worked my flesh with great vibrations for some time. At last, I felt as though I was dying, and I was told I looked like it. Slowly, surely my life seemed to ebb away, until at last unconsciousness took place. How long I lay I do not know, but the first thing I was conscious of was a new life flowing in. Soon my jaws and tongue began to work independently of my volition and the Words came, a clear language. All glory be to God. Now I feel a power for witnessing I never had before and assurances of power in service that shall grow, as I remain faithful. May all who read this testimony reach out for all God has for them."-Arthur B. Shepherd
We never saw a salvation that brought such peace and joy to homes and families, and did so much for poor suffering humanity. There are many happy homes where the whole family, father, mother, and children have been brought in and all baptized with the Holy Spirit. They are homes of prayer and praise and rejoicing and they are going about telling the glad story.
We preach Christ, His birth, His death, His resurrection, and His coming again. We preach not only His coming but also His reigning in His millennial kingdom, and His white throne judgment, and then the new heavens and earth. The New Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven, when He shall have put all enemies under His feet, He shall reign eternally, and we shall abide with Him forever and ever.
CHAPTER SEVEN
In Africa
Monrovia, Liberia, March 26
We opened a ten-day meeting in a schoolhouse, and on the tenth night, the Lord came in mighty power. Two were baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Ten here have received sanctification, and five are filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. A brother and his household have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. God has called him to the ministry and he will be baptized Sunday the 30th of March. We have been holding meetings going on three months. The Lord is sending a crowd of the African natives to the meeting and He is working wonderfully with them. The house is filled with the natives every service and they are being saved and sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit and healed of all manner of diseases. The Lord surely is working with the native Africans of this land. All the saints send love.
In London
Allerman Road, Brixton, London, SW, March 18
Words fail to express our gratitude to God for pouring out so wonderfully His blessed Spirit. We can read nothing else now but our Bible and the accounts of His glorious doings in your midst and elsewhere. The reading of it has intensified the deep hunger of soul in the few waiting upon God and seeking our Personal Pentecost here. A dear sister here, a mother of three little ones yielded herself fully to God and sought the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. One night she waited upon God and at midnight the Holy Spirit came down upon her and gave her the witness of tongues. The next day while at prayer, I being with her, she had a mighty anointing and has spoken in two or three tongues. This was on January 9. She could not give utterance to the raptures of her soul in praising the "Bleeding Lamb," and talked to God sometimes in a loud voice praising and adoring Him in a new tongue. Glory to His holy name.
-J. Hinmers
In Calcutta, India
55 Creek Row
God is spreading Pentecost here in Calcutta, and thirteen or fourteen missionaries and other workers have received it. The Spirit is giving the interpretation, song and writing in tongues, and other wonderful manifestations of His presence among us. Oh, we do praise Him that the way ever opened for us to come to India. I cannot tell you how the Word is opening. I have never seen a meeting in my life where God has given such wonderful power on his blessed Word. We are among Bible teachers, and they have the Word so stored away; but now the Spirit is putting life and power into it that is wonderful to behold. Praise our precious Christ.
God has put quite a burden on my heart for India's hungry souls. The Spirit has groaned through my soul for hungry ones until the pain was like travail. Oh, how grateful we are for His working with us in this needy field!
We enjoy the paper very much, in fact, much of it is read in the meetings, and all rejoice. The little paper was a forerunner for us. We came to find that its contents had made God's children hungry for the light to come to India, and when we arrived, we found some waiting for their Pentecost. We found India ripe for this light, in fact, the revival had already broken out among the natives, and some were speaking in tongues.
Miss Easton, the head of the American Women's Board of Missions, the oldest woman's missionary board in India, has been baptized and is a power for God.
We learn that the power has broken out in Russia, also in London.
-Sister AG Garr
In Sweden
Viby, April 2
Peace be unto you! Glory to God and praise His Holy name for evermore. Glory to God for victory through the Blood of Christ! I am happy in Jesus Christ and glad for what He has been doing in Sweden. The Lord has wonderfully kept me every day. Praise the Lord! Glory! There are now about twelve preachers who have received the Holy Spirit with signs following, and a few hundred have been saved, many getting a clean heart. Some have been healed, and many of God's children have received the Holy Spirit. I am called to many places and the cry for help comes from all over Sweden. I am very busy every day going from place to place. There is strong opposition, talking about me, and writing in the papers even. Glory to God, my King, for that. Glory! Glory!
Tell the saints to love one another and keep united in love, and under the Blood every day, and humble. I am with you every day in the Spirit and praying for you all. Glory to my King for victory! God's people are going to be one soon. Glory!
48 Skofde, Sweden, April 15th
The Lord Jesus Christ has done wonderful things in the last days, saving hundreds, sanctifying many, and hundreds have received their Pentecost with signs following. Praise the Lord. Many have been healed. Here is much to do every day. Many seekers are after God. Over a hundred at the altar some meetings. A few interpret what they speak in tongues, and even me. One day I interpreted these words, "Be ye separate from the world, that ye may be one," and "Abide in My love." and "For thy greatness and might does the earth tremble," and Matthew 28:19,20. The Lord has supplied all my needs. Glory to God.
Many churches have been stirred up here. I expect greater things yet. A few who can read the paper are very glad to read it and are being blessed by it. My love to all the saints,
-Andrew G. Johnson
In Bellvernon, PA
April 19th
The Lord is working here in Bellvernon. People are being healed; devils are being cast out in Jesus' name. People are being baptized with the Holy Spirit and speaking with other tongues.
-JF Mitchell
In Bellingham, WA
In Bellingham, Wash, the Pentecost has fallen, quite a number have received the Baptism and they have a mission of their own. Fourteen converts have been baptized in the bay.
In Mobile, AL
Davis and Anne Streets, April 28-The Lord has been working wonderfully here the past two weeks. Souls have been justified, sanctified, and are receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. One who was a sinner was healed in our meeting and the next night was saved. Her mother was healed and received the Holy Spirit all at the same time. Praise the Lord for victory.
-FW Williams
In South Carolina
Alvin, SC, April 19
My wife and I have been in six wonderful meetings of late in which quite a number of saints have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and all spoke with other tongues. Backsliders are being reclaimed and some honest souls being converted, quite a lot of sick ones being healed, and also many demon possessed persons are being delivered in Jesus' name from the power of Satan. Glory to God!
-FM Britton
In Lincoln, PA
April 10
God is having His way with many of His children in this part of the country. Great many, in the midst of much opposition, are being baptized with the Holly Spirit and speaking in tongues, among them a number of young people and children. The work is spreading in and about Pittsburgh and Allegheny, in Homestead, Braddock, McKeesport, and other places in this vicinity.
-JT Boddy, Pastor
Pentecost Church
In San Antonio, TX
425 N. Pine Street, April 13
We are in the midst of a glorious meeting in this city. Ten have received Pentecost with the Bible evidence of speaking in tongues, and a number have been saved and sanctified. God has enabled us to create a widespread interest throughout the city, and the opposition is forming in a very formidable way, we know that our God is able to deliver. We are going forward in simple faith in Him.
-Daniel CO Opperman
In Allegheny, PA
216 E. Stockton Avenue, April 16
Join with us in praising Him for the outpouring of Gods' Spirit in Pentecostal power in the district of Pittsburgh, PA We had heard of God's outpouring all over the world, so we began to seek for God's best for ourselves. I saw that power and get a glimpse of "Calvary;" and then, praise God; the power fell with the signs following. Pentecost first fell in the third week of January and is still going on. Hallelujah. Almost every meting there are some prostrated under the power and coming through. Almost every one that speaks in tongues gets the message that Jesus is coming soon. He is just the same yesterday today and forever.
-MRC
In Honolulu, HI
March 18
We are just holding up Jesus before this people, and God is doing the rest. We had quite a scene at the altar last night. A demon possessed man that was kneeling at the altar was picked up, by demon power and thrown over the altar rail on his head. When we commanded them to come out of him they barked at us and said that they would not come out, but they were cast out in the Name of Jesus and the man was set free. A Salvation Army captain has received his Pentecost. He is noble young man, and desires to labor with the Apostolic Faith Movement. We believe for a great work in the Islands. Jesus is coming very soon. Hallelujah!
-AE Turney
In Durham, NC
March 28
"Some of the Lord's people here have received their Pentecost and spoken in tongues. Glory! A red-hot meeting is now going on. Brother Fulford, who has the gift of tongues, is leading it under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The saints are being baptized with the Spirit. I too have received Him and have spoken in some kind of a language, I know not what. It is glory here now. What we are now praying for is to have the nine gifts of the Spirit here in full operation. This city has been mightily stirred because of the tongues. Nearly the whole of North Carolina is being stirred among the Holiness people, white and colored.
-WL Fisher
Box 208
In Springboro, PA
April 26
"God is meeting us here in some very marked ways. Many have gotten clear in their experience of sanctification. A backslider came back last evening. On the eve of Pentecost, five have gotten through. The town is stirred. They say it is a work of the devil, and fight me, but, oh, what victory God gives in the midst. The preachers turn out well to these meetings. I do not know them until someone points them out to me afterward, so they are hit very often. The Free Methodist preacher confessed yesterday that he was not sanctified. I think he will soon get somewhere. He said he was afraid to say anything about this movement. He knows God is in it.
-Ivey Campbell
In Dayton, OH
April 6
"Oh, I praise God for the gift of the Spirit. There were some seeking it on the west side here, and when it came, some of them refused it and said it was of the devil, but I was simple enough to take God at His Word, and two of us received our Pentecost. I received it February 22. Bless the dear Lord. A little preacher went to Akron, OH, received his Pentecost, then returned to Dayton. There are about 25 have received Pentecost through God using him. God picked him up a drunken rambler and saved and sanctified him, and sent him out to preach, and when he got his Pentecost most of the church people rejected him. We are going through hard persecution and we are having a time to get a place to worship; but we are holding on to God. We need your prayers, we are only babies, but our God is able and we are trusting Him."
-Della Powell
303 Spitler Avenue
In San Diego, CA
Praise God! The fire still burns, sinners coming home to God, believers being sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit, speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance. We joined with you all of like precious faith on April 9th, and commemorated the anniversary of the Pentecostal outpouring in California. We had a most blessed and victorious day. Hallelujah! The streams of living water and salvation flowed, and glorious deliverance came to some precious souls. The tide is rising higher and higher, the conviction going deeper and deeper, and the way growing brighter day by day. Oh, Glory! Hallelujah! This little army is marching on to sure and glorious victory through the precious blood of the Lamb.
-FE Hill
736 14th Street, April 6
The dear Lord is wonderfully blessing the work here in San Diego. Last night we had a powerful meeting; two were slain under the power of God, three received their Pentecost with the Bible evidence. Sinners were crying to God for mercy, and the saints were wonderfully blessed.
-GH Reilly
In Homestead, PA
The Pentecost has fallen in Homestead, PA The meeting began in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Hall, January 11. The power of the Holy Spirit was felt from the first service. A deep digging up began among the people who were willing to go with God at any cost. Restitution, apologies and repentance was the business of the meeting for the first six days and nights. In fact, the state to which some were led seemed perilous at times. But with confidence in the leading of God and with hearts desirous of going all the way, there was scarcely a halt, until everything in the past life had been fully reviewed from a Pentecostal standpoint, and every crooked or questionable act adjusted. On the seventh day, the walls began to fall, and people fell under the power of God. Sister Robinson, who lay under the power for some time, then came through speaking in tongues, first received the baptism. The next night the husband received his Pentecost at his home and spoke and sang in new tongues. From this on the work has been going forward with uninterrupted sway.
The hall soon became too small when we were compelled to secure a larger one in order to accommodate the increasing crowds.
Many have received the personal Pentecost, speak, sing in new tongues, and have power over demons to cast them out and to pray the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick.
For miles around people are coming in to investigate this work and to receive their Pentecost.
-"The Latter Rain"
In Fort Worth, TX
1,005 Edward Street, April 22
We have a small band here. Have been meeting in private houses asking the Lord to open a door for us that no man could shut. We are praising the Lord this morning that we have a tent paid for and lights and seats secured. Oh, how happy I am at the prospect. Just as soon as the weather clears away, we want to begin meetings. We are expecting our God to do great things, for when I read of the wonderful work at Azusa, my heart rejoices so that I fall to my knees to thank God. We want the heavenly showers to fall on us too. We have four now waiting for the promise of the Father. A young man, a preacher, came to see me last Tuesday. He said that came to see me last Tuesday. He said that a little more than four months ago he was down waiting on God for an infilling of the Holy Spirit, when after waiting on God he began to pray in language unknown to him. This came on him in a few days. He told his presiding elder who said that was foolishness. He said that once after that he felt like letting the Lord have His way with him, but on account of discouragement he did not do so. When he came here he hunted us up, and the power all came back to him. He never had anyone to help or tell him about this great movement.
-Mrs. CA Roll
In Toronto, Canada
The Lord is wonderfully blessing the work in 651 Queen street, E. Toronto. For five months, it has gone on without a break. Nearly 80 have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues. Four workers have gone out from here to preach the full Gospel. Many are being healed. Last Sunday we had a glorious time all day, especially in the afternoon service, when the power of God prostrated two brothers and came upon many at the altar. The whole meeting place was used as an altar, everyone turning their seats and getting down before the Lord. One brother who began speaking in tongues staggered to his feet exclaiming: "This is glory, glory, glory!" and before he had got through a sister rose under the power of God and commenced saying: "This is glory, glory." A spirit of great rejoicing seized everyone. It was a time of magnifying God. Truly, He has done great things. A band of workers from this mission went to a place just outside the city limits and held services, and the power of God came down upon the people. We believe for a mighty outpouring upon the people in that district.
-Sister Hebden
In Indianapolis, IN
2341 Fletcher Avenue, April 20
Praise God forever and ever. It is wonderful how God is manifesting His power here in bringing dear souls through and healing the sick. This is stirring up the ministers and people, and the newspapers are lying and trying to put the people against us. But God is overruling, and people who never dreamt of coming under the influence of God's power have been stricken down and are getting salvation, their baptism and speaking in tongues.
Yesterday afternoon God took a young colored brother and a young sister, and in a most marvelous manner, the Holy Spirit spoke through them in tongues, giving the interpretation, and with such power and force that the whole audience was stricken with awe. Weeping was seen all over the place, and they acknowledge it was God and the power of the Holy Spirit. There must have been a dozen ministers of this city. He was advertised to preach against us next Sunday, April 21; but, thank God, he and his wife wept with the rest. When I asked: Is there a man or woman who dare stand up and say these children were hypocrites? This same minister said, "No, it is God."
One man who did not know anything about the meetings, but saw the sign as he was passing, came in out of curiosity. He is a doctor and medical nurse, has spent some time in India, and can talk in many of the Indian languages. He said he was surprised soon after he had taken his seat, then God struck him and he was brought under deep conviction. It kept increasing. He got desperate. God kept telling him to go to the penitent form. He did not want to for fear he would be laid out upon the floor. He got more desperate, until he bought some poison, and if he did not get through last Thursday afternoon, he intended taking the poison. He had not slept any since last Sunday night. Praise God, he came and went through and got the whole thing. When he received his baptism he threw up his hands, gave a shout of Glory, and over he went backwards upon the floor. While there, Jesus came to him and told him He wanted him to return to India and preach the Gospel. He promised he would and take others with him, if it is His will. Glory to our Christ forever and ever. He identified one of the tongues spoken by a young sister and told us it was the Marathi language. He also identified other languages in others. He had to give up all his business before God would receive him, and go to the medical staff and tell them what for. Our only desire and heart's cry is...precious souls for Jesus and heaven.
-T. Hezmalhach
MISSIONS IN LOS ANGELES
A visitor Who Has the Gift of Interpretation Reports Services in Shorthand
The power of God came down in a marked manner on Monday, April 29, at Azusa Mission, beginning especially in the ministerial meeting held during the day and culminating in the evening service, while testimonies were being given by baptized witnesses. A message was given in tongues by one brother and interpreted by another to a returned missionary from China upon whom the Pentecostal power is now resting. "Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it, wait not for the Words to be formed in your mind, but give out just what the Spirit puts within and let Him control."
A sister who had been attending the meetings some time, testified to having received liberty only recently, and said that on visiting a sick woman during the day the Lord had convinced an unbelieving girl. Upon this the husband of this witness arose and spoke in tongues very forcibly. The interpretation was not given until the brother in charge of the meeting had told how this sister had received liberty, by going and for the first time seeking to help the unsaved in a meeting. Then the message in tongues was translated with even more power as: "Oh how we praise the Lord for the way He works; when we go to do a work for Him He will work another by His Spirit through us. He wants to teach us that His ways are not our ways nor His thoughts our thoughts, but as the heaven is high above the earth so are His ways higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts."
A little later in the evening, as a young colored brother was testifying, he began to sing in another language: "O Jesus, Thou wonderful Savior." After a few more words of praise to God in his own language he sang in another beautifully, "Oh, see how the King comes in triumph." The power was so great that many baptized believers arose one after another and joined in a mighty chorus in the Spirit, while the young brother went on with his testimony and then sang: "Oh pour out your hearts before Him and bend yourselves in obedience." Whereat the leader of the meeting arose and, although he had not heard the interpretation of these messages, cried out: "Come to the altar! Come to the altar!" The young messenger continued in a tongue, "Oh seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near to you." Another brother spoke forcefully in another language to the hearts of the people: "Oh turn to Him while it is called today and seek Him while He may be found."
The interpretation of these messages was not given out at the time but recorded in shorthand. The effect of the manifestation of the Spirit's power was, however, immediate and very marked. The people came forward to the altar and fell all around under the power of the Holy Spirit, demons being cast out in the name of Jesus, saints being quickened, and four receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
This message is to those who ask why we should speak in tongues and what use it is unless understood by those to whom the message is given. This report is sufficient evidence that it is not by the understanding of mind or by great intellect that God would speak to the children of men, but in the mighty power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit.
The Pentecostal Assembly
At the Pentecostal Assembly, 327 1/2 So. Spring Street, in the Metropolitan Hall, an earnest band of Christians hold services every Tuesday and Friday afternoon and evening and all day Sunday of each week. These witness in the liberty of the Spirit, those who have received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit often speaking in tongues, the interpretations edifying the church. On Tuesday evening, April 30, a drunken man was brought into the hall and before the meeting started the power of God had sobered him in readiness for the Gospel. More workers went out, and each brought in another poor victim of intoxication, one brother capturing three, two of who tried to restrain their mate but followed in. The Word of God was read by the brother in charge, from the passage in Luke 19, centering in the Words: "The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (v. 10), the exposition being to the point and given by the Spirit. With songs of victory interspersed, the saints got to their knees and dealt with each case separately as they manifested an earnest desire to be saved. Thus encouraged, these poor men themselves lifted their voices to God, some of them really crying to Him from their hearts for pardon and power. Before they received deliverance in some cases the demon of drink had to be cast out, and all had to be encouraged like children to pray to their Father in heaven, but we believe a work was done which will be seen through all eternity. A brother in the Assembly took the names and addresses of most of these men. He calls upon them in the day and encourages them to look to God.
Azusa Mission, Thursday Evening, May 1
After some hearty singing and earnest prayer, a converted Jewish brother testified. Then a little boy mounted the altar and said plainly: "I think the Lord for saving me, and now I am seeking the Baptism. I want you to pray for me that I may get it. Tonight I had the toothache and I prayed for the Lord to take it away, and He took it away."
A sister said, "Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice always; and again I say rejoice. I am rejoicing in the Lord. I am rejoicing in His salvation. I am rejoicing in His life. I am rejoicing in His presence with me. I am rejoicing in His faithfulness. I am rejoicing in His unchanging nature. I am resting on His promises, and looking and expecting Him moment by moment. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise our God for ever."
A colored brother arose and sang the verses of a hymn, the people joining in the chorus: "The Blood, the Blood, is all my plea; Hallelujah, it cleanseth me." He then said, "Hallelujah! I am so glad I can testify that the Blood cleanseth me. Oh, the sweetness! My heart is full of love for Jesus. I am so glad I can take up the Cross as I work with Him now and follow Him. Oh, I know I am leaning on the Almighty's arms."
An old man, who has recently received the Baptism said, "Just take the blessings that God sends down to us. Oh I thank God that He has found an old man, a sinner like me. I was not worthy of anything, but He gave Himself to me. Oh, glory, Oh, glory! (Then he spoke in another language, the interpretation being): "Glory to Thee my great Redeemer for Thy great love towards me. Oh, how I praise Thee! (He continued in English:) Oh glory to God for the gift He has given me. Now if there is any sinner here tonight, seek Him. Now we all may have it without money."
Another testified as follows: "I praise God tonight that I am under the Blood; Jesus' Blood covers me and cleanses me from all sin."
Someone else said, "I know that the Blood of Jesus saves me and sanctifies me and keeps me from day to day. He is my Healer, I praise Him and thank Him for the way He is increasing my faith and instructing me today. The Lord gave me a verse since I have been standing here; 'Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.' I am just standing on His promises. With His stripes, I am healed. I praise Him and thank Him with all my heart. He saves me and sanctifies me and baptizes me with the Holy Spirit."
A new song of much power was then sung through in the Spirit by all.
Jesus Christ is made to me
All I need, all I need;
He alone is my entire plea,
He is all I need.
Chorus-
Wisdom, Righteousness and Power,
Holiness forever more,
My Redemption full and sure,
He is all I need.
A brother testified, "There is power in my soul tonight because God put it in there. It is the power of the Spirit that came down from the throne of God, from the Everlasting Father, before whom we must one day stand and give an account of the deeds done in the body. Oh, how careful we as professing Christians ought to walk before this ungodly generation. The Lord showed me a few years ago that out of California would come a movement that would startle the world, and here is this prophecy fulfilled. Praise God for this personal Pentecost." He then said in another tongue: "Jesus died that you might be saved. Oh be saved tonight and seek Him with all the heart, and let Him have His way."
A young colored sister then said, "I want to praise God tonight. He is all in all to me. Glory to Jesus. Dear ones, you do not know how sweet it is to trust Jesus. Do not sit back laughing and scoffing; oh, you are laughing at Jesus, not at us (In tongues). He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. Oh why will ye not come unto Me that ye might have life? Oh why do you resist My pleadings with you at this time? Oh why do you not come to Me and turn to Me with thy heart? Dear ones accept this blessed salvation. I do praise my blessed Redeemer for saving me from sin, for giving me a clean heart. When I was a sinner, I would go to church and look around laughing, but oh I did not know I was laughing at Jesus, but praise God, He is all in all to me now. He has taken the entire laugh out of me, all criticism. He has given me a perfectly clean heart and filled me with love. Dear ones, oh it is precious to have a clean heart. He saved my soul and He has baptized me with the Holy Spirit (In tongues). Oh, why do you resist the strivings of the Spirit? Why do you not turn to Him in repentance? Dear ones, it is so sweet to walk with Jesus. I take Him as my Healer. He heals all my diseases. Oh, glory to God! (In tongues) "Why do you not look to Him and live at this time?"
Brother W.J. Seymour then started the congregation singing:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Thee,
How I've proved Thee over and over;
Jesus, Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Oh, for grace to trust Thee more,
He then said, "Glory! Beloved, I want to say 'Goodnight' to you all for a short while. It has now been over a year ago since I left Texas and came up in this portion of the country to labor and work for the Lord, and I am going back there through that old state where the Lord called me from a year ago. I am going to pass through there and see those precious children that prayed with me for Pentecost, and while I am gone I want you all to pray that God may use me to His own honor and glory.
"I want to read some of God's own precious Word in the first chapter of the book of Isaiah. He read to verse 9 and then said, I am so glad the Lord God has raised up a people right in Los Angeles, and Francisco, they seem like Sodom and Gomorrah, but out of these cities, the Lord God has raised up a people for His holy name. He has cleansed them from sin, He has sanctified them, and has baptized them with the Holy Spirit and sealed them unto the day of Redemption. Glory to His holy name! I can go and rejoice with the people in Texas, telling them of the wonderful things that God has done in Los Angeles. They said I should be back in a month's time, and now this is the first chance I have had to get back.
(He then read to the end of verse 20). "But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.' Every man, every church, every home, that rejects the full Gospel of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, shall be devoured. We are living in a time when the Holy Spirit is working, bless God, convincing men and women of sin and righteousness and judgment, and every man and every women that hardens their heart against the Word of God shall fall. If the men and women of this city will repent and turn from their sin and accept our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, 'ye shall eat the good of the land." Glory to His holy name! God has fat things to feed all His hungry people. Oh, He will fill you tonight. Oh, the music will be singing in your soul and, oh, the love of Christ that passes all understanding will be dwelling in your heart. Just read what He says: 'if ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land.' Jesus says, "Abide in me, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in Me." Oh, beloved, if we abide in the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ and feed off Christ, I will tell you, we shall live off the good of the land, bless His holy name. We will have the fat, bless God, we will have everything to cheer our heart, and we shall have healing, health, and salvation in our souls. Oh, glory to His holy name. Oh, do not refuse the Word of God; oh, accept it, accept all the doctrine of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and oh, beloved, it will fill your hearts with good things.
"But just listen to what He says: "If ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.' Beloved, if you reject Christ, if you reject His precious Blood, if you reject the Holy Spirit, ye shall be devoured with the sword. However, if you accept Jesus Christ He will prepare a table before you and the Lord God Himself will spread it and He will feed you Himself. When Jesus had gotten through feeding His disciples, He told His disciples to feed His lambs and sheep. What are we going to feed them with? We are going to feed them with the precious Word of God; we are going to teach them to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and as their Sanctifier to destroy the root of sin, and then we are going to teach them to accept the Holy Spirit. He shall baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire, and when He comes in He is going to speak through them, and He says 'In the last days I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh.' Glory to His holy name. I want to say 'Goodnight' to you."
"God be with you until we meet again" was then sung as Brother Seymour shook hands with as many as possible and left for the train. Brother Anderson spoke a few words of encouragement to the saints on the necessity of our continuing faithful in the pastor's absence."
There is a Swedish Pentecostal Mission in Los Angeles at 8th and Wall streets. The power of God is falling there. The Swedish people have been among the foremost in accepting the doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and many are endued with power from on high.
Russians and Armenians in Los Angeles are seeking the Baptism. The Armenians have a Pentecostal cottage meeting on Victor street, between 4th and 5th. Some have been baptized with the Holy Spirit.
At the Pentecostal Mission on Central avenue and 53rd street, in Los Angeles, meetings are going on in power. Conviction is on the sinners. Numbers are seeking Pentecost. Brother Lyttle gave up half of his store for this mission and an unconverted man offered to do the work himself in putting up a partition. God is working there.
NATIVES IN INDIA SPEAK IN TONGUES
Dhond, Poona, India, March 21
About six months ago we began to hear of Christian believers in different places and countries receiving the gift of speaking in a new tongue that they had never known before. Our hearts were much stirred by these accounts, some of them having come from those whom we had known for years as most humble, earnest and devoted servants of the Lord.
One week ago today, I visited the Mukil Mission at Kedgaon, Miss Abrams asked me if I would not like to go in the room where about 20 girls were praying. After entering, I knelt on one side, with closed eyes. Presently I heard some one near me, praying very distinctly in English. Among the petitions were, "O Lord, open the mouth; Oh, Lord open the mouth; Oh, Lord open the heart; Oh, Lord, open the heart; Oh, Lord, open the eyes; Oh, Lord open the eyes; Oh, the Blood of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus; Oh, give complete victory! Oh, such a blessing! Oh, such a glory!" I was struck with astonishment, as I knew there was no one in the room who could speak English, besides Miss Abrams. I opened my eyes, and within three feet of me, on her knees, with closed eyes and raised hand, was whom I had baptized in Kedgaon in 1899 nearly 8 years ago, and whom my wife and I had known intimately since, as a devoted Christian worker. Her mother tongue was Marathi, and she could speak a little Hindu. She was unable to speak or understand English such as she was using.
When I heard her speaking English idiomatically, distinctly and fluently, I was impressed very much as I would have been, had I seen one whom I knew to be dead, raised to life. A few others, illiterate Marathi women and girls were speaking in English and some were speaking in other languages that none of us at Kedgaon understood. This was not gibberish, but it closely resembled the speaking of foreign languages, to which I have listened but did not understand. Again, I was at Mukti last Saturday and Lord's day, when some 24 different persons had received the gift of tongues. Quite a number had received the ability to speak in English, a language before unknown to them.
Just why God enabled these women and girls of India to speak in English, instead of Tamil, Telugu, Bengali or some other language of India, unknown to them, I cannot say. I have an idea that it is in mercy to us poor missionaries from Europe and America, who as a class seem to be doubting Thomases in regard to the gifts and working of the Spirit. We are not receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, as we ought, and as we shall wish that we had done, when we are entered into the world to come.
On Saturday, I was much impressed with the speaking of a Hindi woman, who was rescued in the famine of 1897. She was illiterate, but able to read the Bible in Marathi stumblingly. During the year of 1899 while my wife and I were living at Mukti, we saw much of B, and knew her as one capable and very faithful in attending to the secular duties entrusted to her. On Saturday, she was praying in English. Among other things she was saying, "O, the love! The love! The love! The love! Oh, the love of Jesus! Oh, my precious Lord! My precious Lord! My precious child!" One not knowing her history would not see the force of the last sentence. She has an only child, from whom she has been separated for 10 years, and with whom she is not allowed to have communication. I was struck with the English that she used as being idiomatic and the words which she spoke being of a class, which she would not have used, had she been learning by study. I have no doubt from what I knew of her that she by her own powers could no more have spoken in English as she did then than she could have taken wings and flown. There was abundant evidence that God was working in a wonderful way. Those speaking in tongues gave evidence that their souls were flooded with blessing from God.
Those who are attributing the power of the Lord's servants, to speak in other tongues, to demons or evil spirits, seem to me to put themselves in the place of the Pharisees of old, who attributed Christ's supernatural power to the same source. See Matthew 12:24-32, Mark 3:23-30.
Here at Dhond some of us are waiting on God to bestow all the Spirit's gifts that He has for us. This spirit of waiting and prayer has already blessed us. We ask the prayers of our friends that we may know by blessed experience the uttermost of all God has for us, through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
-Albert Norton
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
The end draws near, the time is on,
The coming of the Son of Man,
And signs appear and all around,
On every hand, we hear the sound.
Upon the skies the sign appears,
The Son of Man seems very near
And heavens change with lightning speed;
Oh, quickly turn, the warning heed.
The earth is trembling far and near
With quaking sound, fills all with fear,
The rocks are rent with awful power,
Which causes strongest men to cower.
A sickening feeling fills the air,
And nations tremble yet unaware
That soon will come the awful woe,
When to their dreadful doom they'll go.
All nations feel a crisis near,
Men's hearts are falling them for fear;
Distress of nations now has come,
Soon Christ shall call His people home.
The earth is groaning with its sin,
Which louder grows with awful din,
Until the great triumphant blast,
Shall free from Satan's rule at last.
The times are on us, look around
And catch a note, the solemn sound,
That fills with awe and deep dismay,
Which foretells soon the Judgment Day.
On earth and sea, on mountain high,
In caves, in atmosphere and sky,
Portends the change, 'tis very close,
The coming of the Lord of hosts.
but those that know His power to save,
And have the victory over the grave,
Will hail the day with great delight,
And shout the victory in that night.
"The Blood," they cry, "is all our need."
His are the merits that they plead;
The Son of God, and Him alone,
Will set them down beside His throne.
But, oh, what awful cries we hear,
The sinner and the selfish seer,
The moral man and they that kill,
Receive their measure to its fill.
-Brother C.E. Kent
TYPE OF PENTECOST: 2 CHRONICLES 5
A beautiful picture of Pentecost is seen in the precious Word of God in 2 Chronicles.
"All the work that Solomon made for the house of the Lord was finished; and Solomon brought in all things that David his father had dedicated; and the silver and the gold, and all the instruments put he among the treasures of the house of God. Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David that is Zion. Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month."
That feast was typical of Pentecost. All the men of Israel came and they brought up the ark of the tabernacle of the congregation and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle. All of this was typical of our consecration and sanctification unto the Lord.
It came to pass when the priests were come out of the holy place, for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course. The Levites also which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Hemen, of Jeduthum, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar. With them were a hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets? It came to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord. When they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord saying, "For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever; that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord. The priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord had filled the house."
We read here that all the priests that were present were sanctified. This is typical of Christ's people being sanctified before they receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Dear beloved, we must be sanctified to receive it. Sanctification takes out the disobedience, rebellion and resistance out of our hearts and gives us a pure, clean heart that our Christ may come and dwell in. Amen. Sanctification is the second work of grace that deals with our original sin. Sanctification destroys the root and breed of sin and makes us holy. We know these priests were sanctified, for the Word of God says so. In addition, the Levites that were the singers were arrayed in white linen. Linen is a type of the robes of righteousness that we read of in Revelation 7:13, "And one of the elders answered and said unto me, 'What are these which are arrayed in linen. Whence came they? I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. He said unto me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb." The white linen is typical of the precious robes which Jesus gives to us through the sanctifying Blood of the Lamb.
We find that with these singers in white linen were 120 priests sounding with trumpets, typical of the 120 disciples that were sanctified and in the upper room waiting for Jesus to baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.
"And it came to pass as the trumpeters and singers were as one" This is prophetical of the "one accord" which we find at Pentecost. Oh, beloved, I pray that you may wait in one accord for the promise of the Father upon the sanctified and cleansed life.
When they praised the Lord in unison, the house was filled with the glory of the Lord. He will fill the room and you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire. God will give you a new tongue as a trumpet in singing or speaking as He did the 120 on the day of Pentecost.
It is the Blood of Jesus that brings fellowship to the Christian family. The Blood of Jesus Christ is the strongest in the world. It makes all races and nations into one common family in the Lord and makes them all satisfied to be one. The Holy Spirit is the leader and He makes all one as Jesus prayed, "that they all may be one."
FREE FROM SIN
"Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith" (1 John 5:4). Praise our God. Hallelujah! We read also in 1 John 3:9, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. The Word of God is the seed that remains in us; Christ sanctified in our souls. He is the seed.
Some that do not believe we can live without sin, tell us that Paul's thorn in the flesh was sin, tell us that Paul's thorn in the flesh was sin, that the Lord kept in him to humble him. May God help us not to be deceived in such teaching, for we read, Matthew 1:21, "Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." We read again in John 6, 31, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." "Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." since the Lord has freed us fro sin, we are servants of sin, that is of the devil, for he that committeth sin is of the devil.
Praise God for the Blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses and sanctifies from all sin. Sin is our sin. There are no white sin, no little sins, but all are black before God, and it takes the Blood of Jesus Christ to wash us and make us clean. God never saves anyone in sin, but He saves from sin. Bless His holy name! We can live a life free from sin, if we will only believe God and obey His precious Word. All provision is made for us to live a life free from sin.
Paul's thorn was neither sin nor sickness. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7. Compare also with Numbers 33:55 and Joshua 23:13. We find in 2 Corinthians 12:10-11, 21-30 and Acts 22:22-23, what some of these infirmities were that Paul counted his thorn. God did not put sin in Paul's flesh to humble him, but he allowed him to be beaten and shipwrecked three times and many other afflictions to come on him. He could praise God and boast in the Cross of Christ, for the persecution that he received for this blessed Gospel.
First, we come to the Lord Jesus as a sinner. We fall at His feet and confess our sins and accept His precious blood that washes away all guilt and pollution, and brings life to our souls which were dead in trespasses and sins.
Then God turns light upon His precious Word and shows us it is the will of God even our sanctification. We see how David prayed for cleansing, "Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." The Lord prayed for our sanctification, and how sweet the Words come to every Blood washed heart, "I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth," (John 17:15-17). Then in John 15:3, we read, "Now ye are clean, through the Word which I have spoken unto you." through the Gospel we are cleansed by obedience to Him. May the Lord bless us and help us to stand in His precious Word.
Before you can receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, you must have a thorough, definite experience of justification and sanctification that are through the Blood of Jesus, and they are two distinct acts of grace. First, what God has done for you, second, what God has wrought within you? Then and only then are you prepared to receive your baptism from the Father, by Jesus Christ His Son. When you have received your baptism, He, the Holy Spirit, will speak through you in tongues, and not before.
The Lord knocked Paul down and he got up trembling and saying, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" The Lord knocked all the worldly wisdom out of Paul. That is the reason He knocks so many people down here, to take the worldly wisdom out of them. Paul was a man full of the wisdom and knowledge of this world, but when he got the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, he was able to tell us about the true wisdom and true knowledge.
"THIS IS THAT"
[By Rev. Levi R. Lupton, in "New Acts," Alliance, OH]
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit. I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke" (Joel 2:28-29).
"For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear" (Isaiah 28:11).
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. He shall send Jesus which before was preached unto you." Acts 3, 19.
Did all speak in a New Tongue Who Received the Baptism?
In Mark 16:17 we read, "They shall speak with new tongues." What other construction can any fair exegete put upon Acts 2:4, than this, not only that every one of the 120 was filled with the Holy Spirit, but that everyone who was filled began to speak with a new, or another tongue than his own native one? "They were all filled and began to speak." The "all" who were filled spoke with other tongues: "Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans. Now hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born."
Doubtless, everyone in the audience heard one or more of that large number speaking in his own native language. Who will be bold enough to declare and try to prove that there were not at least some of the 120 who spoke in languages which were not native to some one there, and could not therefore be understood by anyone present?
The multitude heard these Galileans speaking in a new tongue "the wonderful works of God," and yet a part of that amazed and wondering multitude that had come together, became mockers, and had the effrontery to say, "These men are full of new wine." The only answer which needs to be made to the same kind of doubters and cavilers, and to all others today, is the same which Peter made to them:
"It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh," etc.
"This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear." This is one great purpose in this outpouring, in the fulfillment of prophecy, to fit us to be fearless and effectual witnesses today, unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
Now turn to Acts 19:6, "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied." This is just what is occurring today as the result of the same baptism. Can the "they" in the last sentence of this text mean any less number than the "them" in the preceding sentences? "And all the men were about twelve."
The Pivotal Point: Now let us turn to Acts 8, 17. "Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." It is not recorded that they or any of them "spoke with tongues." How shall we interpret this text? We know full well what inference is usually drawn from it. It is the same as the writer, which until lately, has always drawn from it. It was so necessary for him as a preacher of Holiness to evade the conclusion that he and others had not received the Baptism of Pentecost, for the Spirit had not spoken through us in a new tongue. Will the teaching of the Scripture permit such an interpretation, consistently with Mark 16, 17, and the other recorded instances of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
In reading the Apostolic Faith, we have read concerning the work in Los Angeles, or in reports or letters which they had received that such a person or persons had received their Pentecost; but not always was the statement made, "with the Bible evidence." If we had read it in some other papers, we would not have known whether this was implied or not, but we knew the Apostolic Faith expected it would be so understood, whether it was stated or not, that it was with the Bible evidence.
In the days of early Methodism, it was understood that all reported conversions were genuine cases, attended with the witness of the Spirit to that fact, either immediately or soon after, even if it was not mentioned that they had received the witness (Romans 8:16; I John 5:10).
How then can we regard New Testament reports of the bestowment of the Baptism, or the gift of the Holy Spirit, in any other light than this, that it was accompanied with certain well understood signs or evidences or manifestations of it, even if such are not recorded.
Is it not said concerning the bestowment of the Baptism at Samaria that they did anything because of it? It was not even that they praised or magnified God, and yet are we to assume that there was nothing of the kind because it is not mentioned?
In Acts 11:15 we read, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning." Yet, it is not here stated what it was that proved to Peter and those with him, that the Holy Spirit had fallen on the Gentiles at Caesarea, as on them at the beginning.
If this were all the record we had, I suppose most all of us would have assumed and declared that this was another instance of the bestowment of the Baptism without the Spirit speaking through them in another tongue. Fortunately, we have another record of this in the preceding chapter and in the 46th verse, what it was that so convinced these astonished Jews, that "on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." (Just what a large number have already had the privilege of hearing in these last days).
Are we not shut up to the conclusion that it was these same signs and manifestations in Samaria, that so impressed Simon Magus, and proved to Peter and John that those on whom they had laid their hands, had received the gift of the Holy Spirit. It seems quite clear to us now that no one can consistently with these other conclusion than that, though doubtless many for the reason previously referred to, will feel compelled to cling to their former method of interpretation.
BAPTIZED IN HONOLULU
"For some two years there was a hungering in my soul for the Holy Spirit. I was fully given up to God, I know I was sanctified, but there was the lack of power and signs were not following. I was converted five years ago the 19th of this coming October. The following year I went to the Salvation Army training home. Whilst there God wonderfully blessed me. During the last few weeks at the training home the Lord gave me an outpouring of His Spirit, a number were saved and sanctified, and in the meetings people fell under the power of God. Afterwards the work was fought so hard that God withdrew His Spirit.
"While stationed as a captain in Salina, CA, I received one of the Apostolic Faith papers. This was in September 1906. I here saw what was lacking, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, I felt right along I had the Spirit, but I had never received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. While stationed in the Army work here I became sick, was doctoring and taking medicines. I became so bad I was compelled to go home. While on furlough in Santa Cruz at my home I had plenty of time for waiting on God. My father and mother also were hungering for the Holy Spirit; we had half nights of prayer in which we received great anointing and blessing.
"After a stay of nearly two months in Santa Cruz the Lord led me give up the doctor and medicines that I did and accepted Him as my Healer. It was on the 3rd of November, 2 P.M., when God healed me. From that hour, I began to get better, and today I am well and have not taken a drop of medicine since that time. To God be all the Glory. Bless His name.
"After a few more weeks rest I left for San Francisco, where I helped at one of the corps. Here I had a hard struggle in my soul, at times I did not know which way to turn. The struggle in my soul was terrible; it was hard for me to get a hold on God. I felt God calling me out on faith lines and to trust Him for all and let the Holy Spirit lead.
At that time, I received orders from headquarters to go to the Hawaiian Islands. I felt I ought to wait and receive the Holy Spirit, so I put God to the test and told Him if He wanted me in the Islands He would have to send the fare along, as I would not collect for my fare. The money came and I took passage on the "Alameds." On this ship I met Brother Turney and his wife, and found them to be of the Apostolic Faith. Well, I felt better and saw God's hand. I was going on the steamer that left a week before the "Alameda" from San Francisco, but I happened to be on a train that was late in getting to the city, so that I missed the first steamer. The Lord wanted me to meet Brother Turney. If I had left on the first steamer, I would have been out of Honolulu and on another Island.
"I told Brother Turney my spiritual condition. Thereupon they began to pray for me. During my voyage to the Island, the Lord was speaking to me and getting me ready for the coming Comforter. Glory to Jesus. I said to Brother Turney; I am not going to leave Honolulu until I receive my Pentecost.' Well, glory! After one day in the islands I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire and spoke in tongues. It cost me my position as an Army officer. The Lord told me I would have to leave the Army, as I could not glorify God and be under men. I would have to be led by the Spirit. The Lord has become so precious to me. I feel but a child. At present, I am helping Brother Turney in the Mission. I am in God's hand to go wherever he leads me. The Bible is a new book. To keep humble and filled with the Holy Spirit we must prevail in prayer and study the Word."
-Elmer B. Hammond
Honolulu, HI
There was a time when we were fed upon theological chips, shavings and wind, but now the long, long night is past. We are feeding upon the Word which is revealed by the Holy Spirit, the whole Word and nothing but the Word.
PENTECOST IN THE SOUTH
West Union, SC, March 24
To the Saints in CA, and all the West,
Greetings in Jesus:
Pentecost has come to the South. The power is falling from the Atlantic to the Mississippi river. The cities and country are filled with the gory of God, healing, working of miracles, divers kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues. Oh, how I praise God. The Falcon school near Dunn, NC has received Pentecost in full. Some of the students speak in tongues. Some interpret and write several languages and interpret it. The principal, Rev. J.F. Taylor, speaks in tongues, interprets, sings and plays in the power of the Spirit.
Our meeting at Taccoa, GA, was a complete victory, at Royston, GA, was the same, and there were miracles of healing I never saw before. Brother King and myself anointed and prayed for a 72 year old sister that had not walked a step in eighteen months. She rose and shouted in every room of the house. She then went to the service on Sunday exhorting, preaching, and warning the people to make ready for Jesus was coming. She was of the Primitive faith, but now filled with the Holy Spirit. The power is falling at this place and people are receiving their Pentecost and speaking in tongues, for they all speak in tongues that receive the Baptism as they did on the day of Pentecost.
I ask an interest in the prayers of all the saints that I may have physical strength to hold up in the work. Brethren, move on in the name of Jesus our King. He is coming soon, and the bride must be dressed and ready. She is to be without spot and wrinkle. Praise our God.
People are praying here in their homes and in the woods, and come to the service weeping and asking for help. Oh, Lord God, have mercy on this poor lost world.
Heaven seems nearer every day. I hear the music. I see the city. Glory be to God, praise Him.
A brother went up on a hill to pray near this place the other day and an angel came to him and told him these words: "It will not be long." He said that the angel had long hair with streaks of gold in it and his face shone so brightly and was glorious. He could see the sparks of white light fly from the angel's face. Oh, praise God. This man seemed to be overflowing with the power and glory of God when he told it in a testimony service at this place last Saturday. He is well known in this country and believed. We remember Cornelius and have no right to doubt it.
Your brother in Christ and servant of God,
-GB Cashwell
PENTECOST IN SAN FRANCISCO
In San Francisco, there have been some striking cases both of conversion and sanctification. There have also been some remarkably clear cases of the divine baptism. Five were converted one night. On another night a Hawaiian brother was gloriously converted, and the next night a Filipino woman was beautifully saved. She said, "Me no speak English much, but me know God, Jesus He got my heart." The Hawaiian could not speak for some minutes after he arose to his feet, the power of God was upon him to such an extent.
In another service, a Catholic was clearly saved. He went to his seat, and turning to a companion, exhort him to come to God and be saved, testifying definitely that God had saved him from his sins.
One Baptist preacher came to the meeting, confessed his backsliding, and cried mightily to God for forgiveness. He gave up his tobacco, and seemed wonderfully happy in the Lord.
One poor crippled German woman was brought to the meetings by kind friends, and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire in a remarkable way.
Another sister about forty years of age, and who had never made a profession of religion, came to the meetings, and evidently was much interested. On Thursday afternoon, she came to the meeting and was clearly converted. The power of God shook her so mightily that an elderly woman friends, who had accompanied her to the meetings, was greatly agitated and excited about it; she declared the sister was having a fit, and said something ought to be done to relieve her. When told that it was the power of God, and that the sister would come out all right, she looked incredulous, and flew around in great excitement. Evidently, she had not seen it on this wise before. The sister did not return to the meetings until Saturday night. In the meantime, she had been sanctified wholly, without the help of preachers or any one of the saints. God had sanctified. She came Saturday night for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The writer preached that night on the "Ten Virgins." The sister was again shaken by the mighty power of God; he sat quietly in his seat, deeply moved by what was going on. She prayed with awful earnestness for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. We instructed her not to pray for the "tongues," but for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. God baptized her with the Holy Spirit and fire, as the Spirit gave her utterance." She spoke in three languages very distinctly I have not seen a clearer case. When she arose to her feet her husband came up to where she was, evidently deeply moved. She grasped his hand and began to speak (pray) in an unknown tongue. It was wonderful. Everyone present was convinced that it was the work of the living God. All opposition was confounded and put to silence. It was the old-time Pentecostal power.
Brother Seymour came in unexpectedly and preached one blessed sermon for us. All were greatly pleased with the simplicity and power of his discourse. It was all inspiration to me to see his beaming face and to hear him open up the scriptures to our hungry hearts.
-BH Irwin
SOLDIERS RECEIVE PENTECOST
Oakland, CA, April 6th
At last, God has given me time to write home. I would love to see your dear faces again, but I feel your prayers and rejoice to know you remember me at the throne of grace. Oh, how I praise my Jesus this morning. Words fail me when I try to write what God is doing for this lost world and us unprofitable servants.
The work at San Francisco is just grand. Sinners saved, sanctified and three a day got Pentecost and most wonderful cases of Pentecost. The jails, hospitals and the soldiers' camps were thrown open to us, and those places and hold regular meetings there. The chaplain of the soldiers got his Pentecost the other night and since he received it another soldier received the Baptism.
O my beloved in the Gospel, what will God do for us if we keep clean and under the Blood? Two German girls received the African tongue that was interpreted. The Hebrew brother from Seattle you all know of, got his Pentecost in our meeting the other night. An Italian heard a little girl speak in his own tongue; he was a professor and wondered at it. Oh, God is working here. The Lord laid me out one night and gave me prophecy, and while I was in the hands of God, three got Pentecost, one sanctified, and two saved.
We came to Oakland last Wednesday. We had some saints' meetings, and on Saturday night, we appointed deacons according to the Word. Oh, such a sweet time we had. Yesterday God came in mighty power. The hall was packed, the aisles full standing; the floor was covered with souls laid out under the power. Three sinners saved and three got Pentecost. Oh, it was a grand meeting. We are just trying to praise Him for what He has done here and in San Francisco, and to keep humble at His precious feet so the work will go on.
We sent another brother to Santa Rosa. He came back saying that work had got beyond him. Four got Pentecost, many saved. Oh, I am so glad sinners are being saved in our meetings. I am going to San Jose and Woodland. They are calling me all over. Do pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up more teachers.
I started this letter yesterday, but was going to The Presidio to preach to the soldiers. Thought you would like to know of the meeting. We had a grand time. The Lord preached a sermon that stirred the entire place, a woman told us afterward. The officers are getting under conviction, the chaplain told me. The boys are coming in crowds to the mission seeking salvation and Pentecost. Oh, there is the greatest outlook here for Pentecost. Pray much for us. Love to all the saints.
-Florence Crawford
PENTECOST IN DENVER, CO
19th and Welton Streets
The writer visited the Christian Assembly here on his way to California and enjoyed blessed fellowship with the saints at this place, the liberty of the Spirit being especially manifest and the Pentecostal work going forward steadily. It has been a surprise to the overseer of the work, Brother G.F. Fink, to have the fire of the Holy Spirit descend in his assemblies in this way. For a time, he watched the manifestations of the Spirit with caution, only to be completely convinced that this is of God. Even as the Divine healing work which has characterized the Christian Assembly started in Colorado Springs, where Brother Fink had been a pastor, so the Holy Spirit baptism first fell at that place, when Los Angles workers passed through. The fire spread to the Denver and other assemblies, and the headquarters is at Denver, where a large hall is used every day for the assembling of the people of God, some of whom have come long distances seeking God.
One sister recently came from New Mexico seeking healing, was converted to God and received sanctification, healing and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit all in one day; whilst there are many other manifestations of the power of God constantly occurring here. The children, especially the school girls, have been speaking in tongues under the power of the Spirit, and the writer had the blessed experience of seeing one of these preach from the altar for some 15 minutes on three occasions, the whole appeal, including singing, being in a tongue. The interpretations of these messages and of many others given in different languages through several, was the work of the Holy Spirit through chosen instruments, and was uplifted towards God for all the saints assembled.
Many of the members of the assembly at Denver have received their Pentecost. Some, as in other places, have been hindered in their witness by those who failed to understand the workers of the Holy Spirit, some have continued to overcome through the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony. All are now built up in God. A few of the best workers have gone out to witness in other parts of the United States, a process which is constantly going on in every assembly where Pentecost has come. In the end, this is a blessing to the churches that lose them. They thereafter launch out into the work. Only eternity will reveal the extent of the work that is done by those who go out to witness "in Samaria and to the uttermost part of the earth," according to the Lord's command.
On Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the power of God was especially manifest in Denver. It reminded one of the Word which says that "in the day the slain of the Lord shall be many" for those convicted fell under the power of the Holy Spirit as people used to do in Wesley's days and were lying on the floor. In this position, they seem to commune with the Father, unconscious of their immediate surroundings. Some are all broken up and cry to God with intense earnestness, many receiving the blessing they need at His hands and rising full of the joy of His presence and the assurance of their acceptance.
We visited the ranch which is connected with the Assembly, and here, in a pool formed by the creek which runs alongside, some eighteen received the ordinance of baptism by immersion, all rejoicing in the Lord and praising Him from the depths of their hearts in the beautiful sunshine. We find here, as in all the assemblies of the saints who have Pentecost, a spirit which connects us and makes us to realize that we are all one in Christ Jesus. We are bound together with that blessed tie which binds our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of the general assembly of the first born.
PENTECOST IN SPOKANE, WA
Spokane is a beautiful city of about 90,000 population. Prayer had been going up to God for weeks and months there for a mighty revival. Certain dear saints had appointed hours, vigils, so that intercessory prayer was being made night and day every hour, the Lord helping each one to keep his or her appointed hour. The time came when a band of people from the Christian Alliance held a ten days' fast and prayer. They decided to send for no workers, but prayed that God would send for no workers, but prayed that God would send the one He wanted. At about this time, Brother Ryan in Portland, felt led to go there. He arrived there the day following the ten days of prayer. They regarded this as an answer to their prayer and rejoiced greatly.
God began to work in Pentecostal power. Souls were saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and healed in body. Some of the most remarkable cases of speaking in tongues occurred.
At first, the meeting was in a house in the suburbs. It soon spread to the city mission, of which Mrs. Florence Wood is proprietor. She was convinced this work was of God, and began to seek the experience. People flocked to the altar. Crowds came to the mission and were amazed at the signs and wonders done by God. The meetings still went on at North Center suburb.
Little children received their baptism and spoke in different languages. One Methodist minister and one Advent minister received the Baptism, and before they spoke in tongues shook for some hours under the power of God. It seems that all worldliness is to be shaken out. About thirty members of the Christian Alliance have endorsed the movement and many of them have received their Pentecost. Also several prominent business men have endorsed the movement and one real estate man, JB Moody, has received the experience and has spoken in Holland-Dutch, Chinese and other languages.
Such confessions, restitution and going down in utter self abasement have never before been known here. Old scores are being settled, and the harmony among the workers is perfect. The newspapers have printed some good things about the work and some very misleading and bitter things, also.
-Apostolic Light
Over one hundred souls have been saved, cleansed, and baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, and the work has passed beyond all bounds or keeping track of the same. Some of the most wonderful manifestations of the power of God have occurred here concerning this work. Into my own life, God has poured great blessing, unspeakably precious. The work of publishing has been opened up here of the Lord, an office, large and commodious, having been provided; also a larger hall for Gospel services; the first hall having proved too small for some of the meetings. Prominent, business and Christian men are drawn to our meetings. Ministers of the Gospel from outlying and country places come in seeking their baptism. Others, who come incredulously to look on or to investigate, fall under the power. God has given the Heavenly choir a number of times. The work is moving on to greater and greater proportions of victory in His name. Pray for all the saints here, that we may stand together in the unity of the faith. Amen.
-ML Ryan
9 Browne Street
"Last November in the Azusa Mission, one of the saints laid hands on me and prayed for my healing, and the Lord has healed me of that awful disease eczema. Oh, hallelujah! It pays to believe the whole Gospel. Then the signs shall follow (Mark 16:17-18)."
-Mrs. AL Tritt
Dillon, MT
FILLED WITH GOD'S GLORY
Up to the time of my first visit to the Azusa Street Mission, I had heard many conflicting stories of the place. I was at the time hungering for the deeper things of God, yet in my simplicity knew not how to attain to the standard of the early day Christians, for it seemed as though no one had risen higher of could tell me how to do so. I knew that my experience fell short of the Pentecostal life, and everyone seemed so void of power. As far as I was concerned, up to this time I had lived up to the limit and understanding which I had received. Three times the Lord had miraculously healed me. Others were sending my testimony into every state of the union as well as abroad. My family had received the same blessings and all were serving the Lord, so I had much to thank and praise God for.
There came a time in my experience after close study of the Word of God that I realized that there were deeper things for me, but how, and where I was to receive that work of grace I did not know.
After hearing of the work at the Mission I thought about whether it is true as I have been told of the workings of the Spirit. I heard that the Holy Spirit fell on those who believed and how the recipient was endued with power from on high that caused them to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. That is the place for me, I thought, and I concluded that on the following Lord's day, June 10, I would attend and see for myself.
From the first time I entered, I was struck by the blessed spirit that prevailed in the meeting, such a feeling of unity and humility among the children of God. Before the meeting was over, I was fully satisfied and convinced that it was the power of God that was working. From that time on I hungered more and more and felt that I could not be fully satisfied until the blessings of the Pentecostal life were mine.
While waiting upon God, it was revealed to me that I could not get it through my experience and as it were, had to commence over again. I tell you if ever I was in earnest, then I was now. I gave all to God without any reserve whatever. I received a witness to my sanctification soon after. Although the agony of soul had been so great at times that I could hardly bear up, yet God gave me grace to go through. From that time I knew I was ready for my Pentecost, and at every opportunity presented myself at the altar in public as well as in private, often receiving anointing after so doing.
Tuesday, March 5, was at the meeting and seeking for several hours but did not get through, and it seemed as far away as ever before. When I returned home, I enjoyed a time of fellowship with some of my family that refreshed me somewhat. After this, in the evening I decided to visit my neighbors for a few moments, brethren in Christ, who had received their Pentecost. I was told that Brother H. Smith was there also. After visiting for a short time, we agreed to have a season of prayer before we left. Before this was decided upon, Brother Smith remarked that probably the Lord would send me my Pentecost. I was like a man grasping at straws and immediately a ray of hope entered my soul and I said within myself, "Yes, Lord, send Thy Spirit now." Little by little I felt the power fall. To make a long story short, I was soon speaking in other tongues, and the blessed experience gained then I cannot tell in words, for they would fail to express the divine meaning that it has to my soul. I spoke in tongues for nearly three hours and glorified God in them. During this time, God revealed much to me that I would not at this time relate. I did not think it possible for a human being to be so filled with God's glory as since then. I now begin to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, length, depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
-Louis Osterberg
"Praise God for a full and a free salvation. In April, 1906, I came to the Azusa Street Mission, came to the meeting time after time, but did not go to the altar until my aunt was getting her Pentecost and it made me hungry; so I went to digging and the Lord sanctified me, and kept me sanctified. I went on for three months and then went for my Pentecost. I did not get it when I first knelt, but I went away and came back. When I came back, my little sister had her Pentecost, and when I saw her, I got sick of self, got on my knees, and did not get up until I received mine. Hallelujah! Our family is all saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit and ready for God to send us wherever He will."
-F. Cummings
312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles
God made your body out of the dust of the earth. It belongs to Him. When the devil stole it from Him, Jesus bought it back with His Blood. He ought to have your body. Give is back to Him. Praise Him! Praise Him! We deliver up everything to Thee. We turn over to Thee this tenement of clay.
There are 50,000 languages in the world. Some of them sound like jabber. The Eskimo can hardly be distinguished from a dog bark. The Lord lets smart people talk in these jabber-like languages. Then He has some child talk in the most beautiful Latin and Greek, just to confound professors and learned people.
-Banner of Truth
Whatever we see in the doctrines of God's Word, we should receive, if we are God's people.
CHAPTER EIGHT
We expect to have a grand campmeeting in Los Angeles, beginning June 1, and continuing about four months.
The spot selected for it is adjoining the city limits. It is several miles from the center of town, in a grove of sycamore and live oak trees near Hermon. The fare is only five cents on the electric cars that run every seven minutes. It is only three blocks from where the cars stop to the Campmeeting.
We expect to have a tabernacle with seating capacity of about 1000 people. There will be room in the grove for many tents. Free camping grounds. The air is fresh with the sea breeze that comes in from the distant ocean, and there is plenty of good water. You can pray there as loud as you like. There are wooded hills all about. We expect them to ring with the songs and prayers of the saints and shouts of new born souls.
There will be a separate tabernacle for meetings for the children with services daily, so it will be a children's campmeeting as well as a grown up people's meeting. There will be competent workers to teach and help them spiritually. We expect it to be a time of salvation among the children. Mother's meetings are also planned for.
Workers from all missions in and about Los Angeles who are one with us, by virtue of having been baptized by one Spirit into one body, are uniting in this campmeeting. Services will be continued in Azusa Mission every night just the same as ever, a band going from the campmeeting to carry on the work. Other missions will also carry on their work.
A large band of Holy Spirit workers, men and women whom God has equipped for His service will be present to carry on the meeting, under the guidance of our blessed Redeemer whom we honor as the great Leader and Manager. Much prayer is going up to God that He will make this a time of visiting His people with salvation and an outpouring of Pentecost such as we have never witnessed before. The business part of the work is being arranged in orderly and systematic shape. Proper officers will have charge of the grounds, putting up tents, etc.
The workers from the different missions first met to counsel together about the campmeeting. We got down to ask the Lord for the money, and the witness came that prayer was heard; the Spirit was poured out upon us. We arose and decided to lease the ground for four months. Before the meeting was over, the power of God so filled the room that one fell under the power and the meeting turned into a Pentecostal service.
A number are willingly giving their services in clearing and preparing the grounds. No collections have been taken, but several hundred dollars have already been offered for the campmeeting. God hears prayer and is putting His seal on it.
Viewing the Campground
Last summer during the hot days when the crowds would fill Azusa Mission all day, people would often get up and say they praised God for what he was doing for them "this morning;" not realizing that the sun was going down in the evening. They had not eaten all day and yet they were so taken up with sitting at the feet of Jesus that they lost track of the time and would sit there in the heat, wiping the perspiration from their faces. I thought how God was pleased with it, and how He would be pleased to give them a nice shady place in which to worship.
A few weeks ago, as our sister was reading the letters on Sunday morning in Azusa Mission from the foreign lands and the home land, as she was reading about a campmeeting in the east, she said she believed the Lord would give us a campmeeting here. The Lord began to talk to me about the campmeeting. He talked to me during the night. The next morning the burden of the campmeeting was so on my heart, that I laid aside my work and went over to the Mission and asked our sister if the Lord had laid it on her heart where He was going to have the campmeeting. It seemed to me that morning that I could see in a vision the grove and the little white tents all through it. God was showing us both the same spot. While we were talking, a brother came in with the burden of the campmeeting on his heart. He had not been able to sleep for thinking of it and where to have it. We said we would all go and view the grounds, so a company of us started.
As we landed there, every step we took seemed to praise God. The very trees seemed to clap their hands and say "Praise God." As we walked down the Arroyo, heaven came down our souls to greet, and we said, "Surely God is in it." We began to get thirsty and went to a sister's house to get a drink from the well in her yard. She came out rejoicing, seeking her Pentecost. As we began to drink, we thought of how God will water thirsty souls there, and we sang, "By Samaria's wayside well, once a blessed message fell, On a woman's thirsty soul long ago." The power of God came upon us all. We went back and viewed the ground again. It looks like the hand of Beulah around there. We went on and visited a dear old brother in Hermon and he rejoiced at the prospect of the campmeeting. All welcomed us and praised God.
-One of the Committee
Arrangements are being made for reduced rates on all lines of railroad for those coming to the campmeeting.
On arriving in Los Angeles, take the South Pasadena or Church of Angels car, and get off at Sixtieth Avenue
Tents can be purchased or rented at reasonable prices on the camp ground. Bring with you necessary provision for living in tents.
For full information concerning the campmeeting, address APOSTOLIC FAITH CAMPMEETING, 312 AZUSA Street, LOS ANGELES, CA
PENTECOSTAL MEETINGS
In Little Rock, AR May 7
I thank God that I am able to report victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are now in the midst of a great waiting. The fire is falling and the people are getting the Baptism right along. The Holy Spirit is working in our midst as never before. The Lord has made known to us that the speaking in tongues is the Bible evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Brother Jeter and I are holding the meeting here with some others of the brethren. The Holy Spirit has charge. Pray much that we may get out of the way of the Holy Spirit, so that He can run things to suit Him.
-DJ Young
212 N. Hickory Street, Pine Bluff, AR
In Topeka, KS
Mission, 926 N. Kansas Avenue, May 9
It is surely wonderful how the Lord is working all over the world, and I am glad I have a part in this great work. Praise His name. The work here is moving ahead and several are tarrying and seeking Pentecost. A half dozen or more have received the Baptism and have spoken in tongues. Sister Culp has returned to us from Los Angeles, where she received her Pentecost. God is using her here to His glory in speaking in tongues and telling of His wonderful works. We had a blessed day Sunday. The afternoon service ran on into the night. The power of God came on one sister. She got up from the altar, shouting all over the house and praising God. Her husband went down on his back under the power. He said he was nearer the Lord than he had ever been. Others are earnestly seeking. The devil is fighting hard, but we are determined to stay on the field and let God have His way with us.
-CE Foster
In Chicago, IL
943 W. North Avenue, April 11-13
Our meetings are wonderful, indeed, since I received my Pentecost. From the first day I arrived home, the mission will not hold the people, and I have moved out of the rooms in the rear of the Mission and we use them for overflow and prayer rooms, and still we cannot accommodate the crowds on Sunday. Best of all, the Spirit works in mighty power, and people fall under it, and many have come through and spoken in tongues. My dear wife received her Pentecost soon after I reached home, and yesterday one of our elders, who has been seeking for months, came through. Hallelujah! People are coming from all directions and the interest and power is increasing daily, until I never saw more of the power of God anywhere than we see here from time to time. Best of all it is all of God; no one can claim any credit; God just comes with power and takes possession.
We never forget to pray for Azusa Street Mission, and hope you remember us. Beloved let us walk in meekness before the Lord, and give Him all the glory for what He is doing, and He will be with us. I feel like staying at His feet all the time.
It is wonderful how He is working in our mist. One after another are coming through and speaking in tongues. Last night the meeting lasted all night.
In Memphis, TN May 2
The Lord our God is with us at this place, and the saints are receiving their Pentecost. I have never met with such power of the devil as here. One man came to the service, dragged his wife from the altar by force, and threatened to kill others and me. However, glory to God, our God overpowered him. His wife got the Baptism and spoke in tongues, and last night He was back to the service and says, he must have his Pentecost. Praise God. I heard from Brother Mason's church. The power is falling and many souls being filled and speaking in tongues. I met Brother Mason last week and found him filled with the blessed Holy Spirit. He is a precious brother. Here is a battle but our God is fighting it for us. We are only here to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. The saints are gathering here from Mississippi, Missouri and points of Tennessee. This work at Memphis is not on footing to continue all summer. I long to see you all in life, but if not I will meet you at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
-GB Cashwell
In Alliance, OH
We are in the midst of a gracious outpouring of God's Spirit in our ten days consecration; people are coming up as they did to Jerusalem, anxious to know the way of God more perfectly. Thirteen were laid out under the power at once, some that had their Pentecost receiving prophecy, many sweet heavenly messages. A young Irish boy, 20 years an orphan, was saved on the vessel two years ago as Rev. Lupton was on his way to Africa. He came to the Home here two weeks ago and received Pentecost in a few days. God has been so marvelously using him and making him such a blessing to all. He prophesied under the power more than six hours. He was telling of the countries of Africa, and spoke of many of the places Rev. Lupton had visited. The boy himself was never in Africa, but was on his way to England when converted.
A doctor from Oberlin College arose in the meeting while Rev. McKenney was giving the message and said, "I believe it, I have been skeptical, but I do know it is true." The altar filled at once with men. Some women knelt at the front seats.
Oh, how we love to honor the precious Blood. It is so blessed to stand and see the salvation of God. We count the Holy Spirit faithful.
A very large company of us are enjoying Pentecost now in Ohio; it is spreading rapidly. We are getting many urgent calls. Pray much for the laborers. The devil is hard after us."
-IC
In Minneapolis
320 S. Cedar Street, April 15
Yesterday our first Sunday, was a day of great victory for the Lord. At the afternoon and evening services, the altar was crowded with earnest, anxious seekers, between fifty and sixty the previous night. I feel that God is going to sweep Minneapolis as she was never swept before. Glory! We are giving the strong meat of the Word, preaching repentance and restitution as the only foundation upon which the Holy Spirit will build; and it is taking. The Dowieites are closing up their missions and coming with us. We have a large hall, and it was filled all day yesterday. Hallelujah.
May 3, This is a blessed day after our great victory of last night. One sister received her Pentecost and talked for some time in tongues. Some understood her when she spoke the Polish and others recognized several sentences spoken in the Bohemian. I recognized the Chinese when she spoke that and another recognized the Italian. She sang beautifully in the Norwegian tongue. Of course the devil was stirred and there were threats of throwing me in jail because some one suggested hypnotism. We are having wonderful meetings. Brother Pendleton felt the presence of the Holy Spirit fire as I did at the beginning of the meeting last night. He had no sermon we went to the altar after singing a couple of songs. The Swedish sisters are with us. Their ship sails May 17. They are blessed women of God.
-JR Conlee
In Denver, CO
1312 Welton Street, March 18
Sinners are being saved, believers are being sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire and speaking in tongues. The altar is full of seekers every afternoon and evening, and people are being healed of scrofula, salt rheum, curvature of spine, locomotive ataxia, diseases of the eyes, ears, etc.
One woman had a legion of demons cast out of her, was saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit inside an hour, and spoke in tongues at the night meeting. One Swedish young man here had a demon cast out and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, inside of two and a half hours.
People of all ages with all manner of diseases are coming for healing, and the deaf, lame, and blind. The Acts of the Apostles are being repeated here now. Handkerchiefs are being blessed and sent to sick people in other places, and children of God are getting handkerchiefs blessed for unbelieving husbands and children and for sick folks here in and around Denver. This gives an outline of the work going on here the past two or three weeks. I want to tell you also that God sends in an interpreter from time to time. One night here a young cowboy from the Creek Indians dropped in and heard one of the sisters speak the Creek Indian language, and another night a doctor dropped in who understood three languages she spoke.
-Mrs. Nora Wilcox
PENTECOST IN ENGLAND
The brother who went from England to investigate the work in Norway, Brother AA Boddy, All Saints' Vicarage, Monkwearmough, Sunderland, England, sent out the following in tract form.
Speaking in Tongues: is this of God?
In the spring and summer of 1906, God began to answer the very prolonged cry of some of His hungry children, a cry for a Pentecost with Scripture evidences.
One after another became at last conscious, as the mighty power of God came upon them. They were speaking in divine ecstasy with a voice that was not their own, and in a language whether of men and angels they knew not, for until some received the gift of interpretation it was not known what they said. They were speaking mysteries to God for their own strengthening (1 Corinthians 14:2-4).
The work that the writer believes was of God then came nearer to us. He, himself, has heard (this year, 1907) numbers of Spirit-filled men and women and even children magnifying God in tongues. They were all trusting in the Work of the Cross, adoring the Crucified; and sinners were being converted. He was in eight meetings, and he praises God with full heart for that fellowship. He can witness that all are strengthened by the knowledge that the Holy Spirit has come into fuller possession; they are filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory. God is now graciously working in our midst with the signs and gifts.
The writer can testify as a rejoicing witness. He could write of very strange things. Earnest prayer that has ascended for months has been gloriously answered and greater things are yet to happen. Glory to the Lamb with Seven Horns and Seven Eyes! May we every keep true to Him and hidden in him (Revelation 5:6, Colossians 3:3).
God is girding the whole world with this sign of His outpouring of the Spirit.
A letter from another part of our own land says:
"Our sister and two or three others have been seeking for months. She got so hungry that it came to a point of real travail of soul, after which came a rest of faith, joy and peace. Not long after this (about three weeks) while about her domestic work, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and she spoke a few utterances in tongues, and as time went on it became more fluent. Our brother who has recently received was praising the Lamb of God (under the power of the Spirit) when he began a song without words for a time (worshiping in the Spirit) then a few utterances in tongues, and so on until he spoke most fluently. I can say from experience that we have a terrible battle with the powers of Hell, but we are learning to claim the victory through the Blood, and the Lord is teaching us to let all go into His Hands."
The wonderful sign in 1906 is the restoration of tongues that foretells the preaching of the pure gospel to all nations that must be done before the Gentile Times end (Matthew 24:14).
-The Prophetic Age
You do not have to strain your mind in order to receive the Holy Spirit, but just believe the Word of Jesus and the Lord pours the Holy Spirit into your heart just as freely as the air you breathe.
What the people need today is an experimental salvation wrought out in their hearts, we have something that will stand against all the forces and powers of hell. God is our life. He is our all in all, it is Christ the Son of the living God.
The "Vanguard" people in St. Louis are waiting on God for the outpouring of the Spirit, and one brother has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and is speaking in tongues. Their paper is now called "The Banner of Truth."
A Norwegian brother in Brooklyn, New York was reading about the Pentecost in Christiana when he was baptized with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages. It was about midnight on January 26. His name is Oscar Halvorsen of 293 13th street. Three others in Brooklyn are speaking in tongues.
Papers are free but none to waste. Pass your paper on to another to read. Send for more if you need them.
Those who want the four last issues of the paper can have them as long as they last.
The money has all been freely donated for this paper without collections or charging for it. All expenses are met in advance. This is the most blessed way of running a paper we ever saw. It is the Pentecostal way. Every few weeks we hear of another paper starting on this line among the Pentecostal people.
The cost of publishing the last paper was about half a cent each or about $200 for 40,000 papers. The cost of sending is one cent each of half a cent when in rolls. Friends send out many of the papers. They are being scattered all over the world.
We send papers only to those who we believe are careful in passing them out to reach hungry souls. Any carelessness or extravagance concerning the Lord's work would grieve the Spirit, and we believe His Spirit will rest upon it as long as we honor Him in every detail of the publishing work.
There is a spirit of harmony and unity in the office work. We feel the power of God as we write off these blessed reports. The offices are places of prayer and praise and the power of God comes down on the workers as they fold the paper. We feel repaid when we hear of souls being baptized with the Holy Spirit in just reading it.
The following Pentecostal Campmeetings are announced for this summer:
-Lamont, OK, May 15-30
-Los Angeles, CA, June 1, continuing about four months
-Alliance, OH, June 13-23 or longer
-Denver, CO, July 12-September 8
There is now a free Pentecostal paper in Calcutta, India. It is called "Pentecostal Power." It is a blessed paper filled with the testimonies of fire baptized testimonies and sound doctrine. We also received another new Pentecostal paper published free in Homestead, PA. It is called the "Latter Rain," and contains wonderful reports. Just as this paper goes to press, we receive "A Call to Faith," another precious Pentecostal paper published free at Martinsburg, W. VA This makes at least seven new papers heralding free this Pentecostal outpouring.
"Pentecost has swept across the country, and through the instrumentally of Brother Cashwell a great number of the officials and members of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church have given up their man-made theories about Pentecost, and gone down and received the genuine Pentecostal baptism, with the Bible evidence following.
"As far as we can learn, the general overseers, ruling elders, and evangelists are swept in, with a few exceptions, and we are looking to God to continue the work until we are a unit on true Bible lines. It was hard for us to die, but God marvelously worked, as you will see by The Apostolic Evangel, and we feel that great things are ahead.
"Like yourselves we have decided not to go in debt to get out the paper, and it is marvelous and glorious how God is supplying our needs.
"Our editor, Brother J.H. King, will probably be in Oklahoma in May, with Brother Cook, and he may go to visit you."
-AE Robinson
Royston, GA
Pentecostal power is sweeping its way into churches, missions, asylums, jails, hospitals, and soldiers' barracks. The Blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit are cleansing people. The saints of the Lord from Los Angeles to Africa and India are speaking in tongues and glorifying God. They have their lamps trimmed and filled with oil, sealed in their foreheads unto the day of redemption. They have counted the cost, given up all paid the price, are not afraid to die, and ready to be translated and caught away. They are determined to know nothing save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The Holy Spirit is a loving and tender guest. He has won the hearts of the people in His praying, singing and preaching. His preaching is not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but He exalts the Blood and preaches Jesus Christ who conquered hell, death and the grave and whose Blood cleanses from all sin, and brings health, joy, salvation, and eternal life. He speaks with authority and demonstration of the Spirit, declaring that Jesus is coming soon; not to be crucified but also to be crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
THE FIRST RESURRECTION
"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on him the second death hath no power" (Revelation 20:6).
Behold the sight most wonderful;
From every grace beneath the skies,
From ocean depth and mountain peek,
The righteous dead arise.
With bodies glorified they come,
With faces radiant and sublime;
With shouts of victory ascend,
All in a moment's time.
Changed in the twinkling of an eye,
Immortal bodies they put on;
Swifter than any lightning's ray,
And brighter than the sun.
Oh, what a vast and joyous host,
When dead and living are called out,
From silent grave, and worldly crowd,
At the archangel's shout.
No wicked one amongst that host,
Shall rise to life on that great day;
The flowers above their graves still bloom,
Over their lifeless clay.
In that great resurrection morn,
Oh, grant us all a standing place;
That we with all the Bloodwashed saints
May see Thy blessed face.
-Brother A. Beck
A MISSIONARY FAMILY
In one family in Los Angeles, seven have the Pentecostal baptism and speak in tongues. Father, mother and children are all filled with the Spirit clear down to the little sister about three years of age. It is a heavenly place in that home and at cottage prayer meetings in that house, other souls have been filled with the Spirit. They are a missionary family and all are called to Africa. While they were praying in regard to going to Africa, the oldest daughter, Bessie, went and sat down to the piano, and soon called to her mother to bring a pencil and paper, that the Lord was giving her a song from the 16th chapter of Mark. The mother was given one verse. The words and music were both from heaven, and it is inspiring to hear it sung. As they are expecting soon to go to their field of labor, a service was held at the Mission of late where all the family took their places on the altar and had hands laid on them to consecrate them for the work. It was a time never to be forgotten as each gave their testimony and sang the song God had given them. Their names are Brother and Sister William Cummings, Bessie, Frank, Ida, Mae, Mattie Belle, and John. The following is the song:
Jesus is Coming (Mark 16:15)
Go into all the world My saints,
Tell them that Jesus is coming;
Preaching, and teaching, and healing the sick,
Tell them that Jesus is coming.
Jesus is coming, is coming;
Jesus is coming so soon.
Go into all the world, My Saints;
Tell them that Jesus is coming.
He that believeth and is baptized,
Tell them that Jesus is coming;
He that believeth not shall be damned,
Tell them that Jesus is coming.
This is the song of all the saints,
That Jesus is very soon coming;
This is the sign of Pentecost,
Telling that Jesus is coming.
ON THE WAY TO SWEDEN
Minneapolis, MN, April 29-Hallelujah to God, our Father, and Christ Jesus, through the Holy Spirit abiding with us. We met with many hungry souls on the way, and here in Minneapolis we cannot get away, they want us to tell about Azusa Mission and to tell of our experience. Bros. Pendleton and Conlee have all that they can do. Glory to God. The people want us to tell more about Jesus and His wondrous love, they are so hungry among the Swedish and other nations. We feel your prayers following us as angels' wings around us. Hallelujah. I see you all before the throne of God. We are getting ready to leave some of these days for Norway. Pray for us. Greet the saints.
Yours in the Lord, for ever through the Blood,
-Helza, Amanda and Marion Iverson
3301 Ninth Avenue South
Pentecost has fallen in Santa Barbara, California.
Baptized workers have gone to Boston and Washington, DC and have opened meetings, and souls are seeking their Pentecost.
Brother and Sister H. McLain, Sister Agnes Jacobson, and Brother Harmon Clifford have been called to Chicago from San Jose. They wrote May 1st: "We had a wreck on the road but God saved us all. Praise God! We have not started to work yet four souls have come to the place where we are stopping to be prayed for. One got the Baptism last night and talked in tongues. One was sanctified and one anointed, and we cast out demons from two. Praise God."
-997 N. Spaulding Avenue
Chicago
AT AZUSA MISSION
Three days of fasting and prayer were set apart at the Mission for more power in the meetings. The Lord answered and souls were slain all about the altar the second night. We have felt an increase of power every night. At this writing in the office, the power in the meeting is felt. The heavenly anthem is heard and the shouts and praises of the saints. All the afternoon there has been an altar service and souls coming through. A brother came this morning saying God had showed him that self was creeping in. Another said God had been showing him the same all night. The workers all got down before God and the power fell. This is the way of victory to go down before God. The great need is prayer.
In Azusa Mission, there is a prayer room upstairs for the sick. People are healed there every day. There is a large room used for the morning service of prayer and Bible study. It is also used for those seeking Pentecost. When the altar call is made on Sunday, the seekers for Pentecost pass upstairs and seekers for justification and sanctification remain below. Souls receive Pentecost right along at the altars. Some are saved and sanctified.
A brother recently received the gift of the French language. He waited on God to know his call, and while laid out under the power, was given a vision of Paris and called there. He saw Paris upheaved as if by a great destruction. The Lord told him to go and preach the Gospel to them.
One morning in the cottage on the Mission grounds, two were healed before breakfast. Another morning at the family worship two were slain under the power and one received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The dining room is a blessed place. The power comes down so upon the workers that we can scarcely eat. We sing, speak in tongues and praise God at the table. The food from heaven is the best part of the meal.
On Sunday, May 12, just before the altar call in the afternoon at Azusa Mission, a little boy stood back of the pulpit with hand uplifted and gave a short message in unknown tongue. A brother interpreted the message; "He that hath an ear let him hear." There were so many witnessing that the little boy was lost sight of until someone brought him forward and asked if he had a message. It was similar to the occasion where someone said, "There is a lad here that hath five loaves and two fishes." He began to speak in tongues, being under the power of God and it was given out through an interpreter to the whole audience. Finally he stood on the altar and continued, the Spirit speaking through him entreating and pleading with the people to come to the Lord, not to depend upon a religion in their heads but to get right in their hearts with God. In the evening, the Spirit spoke on the same line through others in unknown tongues that were interpreted. The Lord chooses His own messengers, even children and the unlearned.
A TESTIMONY IN TONGUES
Just as we are finishing up this paper, a sister came into the editorial office in the power of the Spirit, saying that the Lord would not permit her to go home until she had given a message. She sat down and began to speak in tongues that a brother whom the Lord has sent from Zion City was able to interpret. He wrote it down in shorthand, paragraph by paragraph. When she finished, he read it, and although she knew nothing of the Words she spoke, she said it was just the experience she was then going through personally.
"Oh, how we praise the Lord that He is working in the midst of His people to will and to do of His own good pleasure, that He may be glorified in the earth.
"Oh, how we give Him the glory that he is doing this for His own name's sake and that the world may be blessed.
"Oh, how I give Him praise for what He has done for me in saving, sanctifying, and baptizing me with the Holy Spirit and fire, to the glory of His name.
"I turned to Jesus in my weariness and found in Him rest and peace for my soul. Glory to His name.
"He found me thirsting for Him, but drinking of that which the world and the churches try to give to the people to satisfy them; but now I am drinking of the living waters and find refreshing for my spirit; glory to His name!
"Jesus is so precious to me that nothing which is being offered me at this time will induce me to compromise with the world, the flesh and the devil, but I am going forward with Him. Glory to His holy name!
"For He has been dealing with me and showing me that I must go that which He has guided me and trained me in, to the glory of His holy name."
There is nothing that makes pure but the Blood of Jesus. God honors nothing but the Blood. This world is a mass of corruption. There is nothing that keeps satanic power out of people except the Blood of the Lamb.
A woman in San Marcial, NM was brought under conviction in a Pentecostal meeting and confessed the crime of killing her husband twenty years ago. One sister there received her Pentecost and speaks in Chinese. The night she came through, she had a vision of Jesus, and she sang and preached in Chinese. One other sister received the Navajo Indian language.
THE LORD'S LEADINGS FOR THE CAMPMEETING
God has just awakened and said, "Get up and write. My people must be called together. I have called a mighty campmeeting that I might get a chance to speak to My people. I am coming soon and I have great things to show them." Glory to His Name.
Dear ones, I expected to be back in Winnipeg, Canada, ere this, and would have been had not God spoken so plainly to me on the night of April 6, just after coming through three days of fasting and praying that God would show me what I was to do. About midnight, I heard a rap at my door. I awoke and listened, and Jesus appeared in a door about six feet wide and eight feet high, standing between heaven and me. His arms stretched out and a most beautiful mantle covering Him to the tips of His fingers, and said to me: "It is not my will that you should take you family back to Winnipeg just now." He disappeared I then fell asleep, but again the same knock as before came on my door and awoke me. This time I was more certain than ever that someone was at my door. I listened for the knock to be repeated. Again, Jesus appeared in the same position as He had just disappeared only this time more beautiful than these eyes can behold. I saw past the edge of His mantle, oh, behold, oh, how pure and white; methinks I yet can see; and with outstretched arms He said to me: "Go. Tell My people, behold I come quickly." He again disappeared as before. Oh, glory to His Name. Behold, He comes so soon. Oh, get ready, dear ones. Oh, how God has blessed me and my dear family since the last issue of this paper.
On the night of April 23, I could not sleep. God talked to me all night about a big campmeeting that would bring His people together from far and wide that He might talk to them. I found on reaching the Mission, He had also been talking to two sisters, saints of God, who were waiting when I got there to tell me. We at once started to the proposed grounds. As I stepped on the place we selected to erect the large Tabernacle; my heart seemed to stop. My bosom filled, Oh, glory, glory, glory to God! I said to one of the party, "This is the place," but one of them said, "No, there is a nicer place up the creek on the other side;" so up we went crossing the creek, but no other place seemed to have any charm. We went down the creek and crossed back, coming up the other side. I must confess they had me lost. As we went up the bank of the stream and came to a most beautiful cluster of oaks my heart seemed to stop again. My bosom filled with joy, and I again remarked to my friend: "Oh, this is strange, why this seems to be the place;" and he looked at me and said, "This is the same place." Then my heart seemed to say": "Glory, glory, glory, Oh, glory to my Redeemer." Oh, that is a holy spot. God is breathing down on that site. Every time I go out to it, heaven seems to open. Glory to God in the highest.
Last week I went out to locate some improvements on the ground, and as we came to one beautiful spot where the dear brethren were working getting the ground ready, they gathered around us, and as we sang: "What a friend we have in Jesus." God poured out His Spirit. We knelt down to have prayer, and as we prayed God opened heaven and spoke through us in unknown tongues as the Spirit gave us utterance. Oh, glory to God. As we arose from our knees and I looked upon the faces of the dear ones they seemed to light up with joy, and they said, "Why, this is a happy place, we would rather be here than even at Azusa Street." On this spot, we have decided to place our Children's Tabernacle.
Oh, dear ones; come to this campmeeting. If you cannot come you can help us with your prayers.
Yours in Jesus,
RJ Scott
Late from Winnipeg, Canada. Present address 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, CA
In our last paper we made a mistake in Brother JP Boddy's address, who is pastor of the Pentecostal Church at Lincoln Place, PA We confused him with Brother AS Copley, the editor of the little paper called "The Full Gospel," Cambridge, O.
A sister in Findlay, OH writes that in a Pentecostal meeting there, one Sunday morning, two sisters came to the altar before meeting began. Soon one was laid out under the power of God and began to speak in a new tongue. The other began to sing in tongues, and by the time the meeting began with song, the altar was full and so it continued until after midnight. A number there have received the Pentecostal baptism.
Heaven was searched to find one that could come and save suffering humanity. Angels could not do it. Man could not do it because he was guilty and doomed to hell. One was found in the bosom of God. God's Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. He came down, bled and died on Calvary's cross, went down into the grave and arose and went to the right hand of God. We believe in the glorious Gospel that saves a man and woman through and through.
Brother Adolph Rosa has left San Francisco for Portugal to preach the Gospel to his own people there.
JESUS TALKING TO HIS BRIDE
(Songs of Solomon, 4:7)
Come sing to Me, My own sweet bride.
Surely, I love thee well;
I purchased thee with My own Blood
To save thy soul from hell.
I love to hear thy voice in song,
And know thy heart is glad.
Thou hast no need to fear, My love;
No cause for feeling sad.
Surely, I'll take good care of thee;
Supply thy every need;
Thou shalt not want for anything
For which thy soul doth plead.
Thy every breath of prayer, I hear;
Thy every want is known.
Love, My love, My fairest one,
I'll lift thee to My throne.
Seated at My right hand in power,
in majesty and might,
Above the angel choirs to be
Most precious in My sight.
Thy toll on earth will soon be over,
I'm coming soon for thee.
Look up and sing, My spotless one;
My glory thou shalt see.
I have a home prepared for thee;
A many mansioned home;
It is fitted up in beauteous style
For thee when thou dost come.
Thou shalt not have to say I'm sick,
I'll cherish thee, my bride.
All hell shall stand amazed at thee
When seated by my side.
Dark Shulamite, men call thee now,
And proudly pass thee by,
But surely, In a little while
I'll bear thee through the sky.
Through angel throngs I'll bear thee up,
To dazzling heights, we'll go,
Thy tolls forgot; thy body changed,
Goodbye to things below.
Be faithful, dear one, do not set
Thy mind on earthly dross;
Be dead to transient joys below,
And gladly bear thy cross.
I hung upon the Cross for thee,
I bled and languished there;
I left My Father's home for thee
Thy lot on earth to share.
Thou knowest how men scourged My back.
And railed and spat on Me;
And when I hung upon the Cross,
They mocked My agony.
I passed through all the pains of hell,
My Father hid His face;
I gladly bore thy sin away,
And took the sinner's place.
Thy toil for Me I'll ne'er forget,
I love thy dusky face;
Though men may frown, I'll shortly crown.
And give thee in Heaven a place.
To Paradise of God restored,
My bride shall ever be;
Seated 'neath amaranthyne bowers,
Gazing on glassy sea.
Walking the streets of gold with Me,
Far from a world of sin,
Secure, content and satisfied,
With Christ, thy Lord, shut in.
No evil now, shall touch thee more;
No sense of loneliness.
My presence shall be yours for aye,
To gladden, cheer, and bless.
And when the Kingdom I resign
Into My Father's care,
My glory, love and tenderness
Thou shalt forever share.
-Brother A. Beck
IN A DIVINE TRANCE
We know that some look with disfavor upon falling under the power, and many regard with suspicion visions and revelations. How can any, who really believe in the Bible, doubt the genuineness of that which fully bears the marks of being of God, and which is also in fulfillment of the prophecies and promises of His Word?
"And the Spirit of God came upon Him." "He hath said that heard the Word of God that saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open."
"Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me;" "and I became dumb;" "then I opened my mouth, and spoke." (Dan. 10:8, 15, 16).
Christ, in speaking of the coming of the Comforter to any one that loves Him, said, "And I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21).
At Joppa the Spirit-baptized Peter fell into a divine trance, in which he saw the vision, and heard the voice, that swept away his Jewish exclusiveness, and sent him to Caesarea" (Acts 10:9-20).
In 2 Corinthians 12:1, Paul says: "I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord." We also learn that when the Spirit shall begin to be poured out upon all flesh in the last days, "they shall prophesy and see visions."
If you reject the real in these days, what will you do with that of the same kind recorded in the Scriptures? Will you throw away the Bible, because of unbelief in these mighty and marvelous workings of the Spirit in the present? It looks very much, His if to be consistent, this is what you will have to do, or accept what this God of the Bible is surely doing today.
-The New Acts
Other inspired records of divine trances are given in the Scriptures. Paul at his conversion fell under the power of God. He says: "Suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. I fell unto the ground and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? I answered, 'Who are thou, Lord?' He said unto me: 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecuteth'" (Acts 22:6-8).
Paul also testified to being in a divine trance, in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body I cannot tell, or whether out of the body I cannot tell, God knoweth) such an one caught up to the third heaven and heard unspeakable words which it is not lawful for a man to utter."
John also in Revelation says: "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day." He heard Jesus speaking and says: "When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead." Just as so many in this mission have seen a vision of Jesus and have fallen at His feet as dead.
UNLOCKED BY PRAYER
God has not given you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that which is no language or has no meaning. You need not hunt around for somebody to interpret. That is as bad as Saul going to the Witch of Endor is. People may tell you are speaking gibberish. However, you know that it means something because the Holy Spirit gave it to you. "Let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret." Prayer unlocks the interpretation. I am glad the Lord has some things the devil cannot find out. If not, anyone could unlock the mysteries of Christ.
In the Corinthian church, the tongues sounded so sweet they all wanted to speak in tongues, and the Lord showed them that love was the theme. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul was trying to teach government and wisdom to this church. They were very zealous and the whole company of baptized believers wanted to talk in tongues at once. They would perhaps get to singing and very happy, and then all go off in tongues, just as we have, and the one that had not got the Baptism and wanted it, and the unsaved and unsanctified souls were left out. Paul wanted them to get in order where they could get souls saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit. The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets. The Holy Spirit is always in order. If you have the real gift of tongues and you find the Lord has not given you the gift of prophecy to interpret, and you find that all your sermon is in tongues, you may sit down and give somebody else a chance. Do not go on for half an hour speaking in tongues. The Scripture says to be silent, just sit down.
The Bible shows us the great need of preaching or prophesying in the plain tongue. The Lord will give you the interpretation of prayer in tongues as well as of speaking. The one who speaks in the plain tongue is of more account to the assembly than the one speaking in the unknown tongue, except he interpret.
Paul said, "I would that ye all spoke with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied." He wants us to go forward and get deeper things yet. He said he spoke in tongues more than they all, putting himself in with them, that they might see that he was not fighting the gift, for he really had more of the gift than they had.
A WITNESS IN MICHIGAN
188 Paw Paw Avenue,
Benton Harbor, MI
God has saved me from a life of sin and filled, not half filled by entirely filled me with His Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! There is not an hour in the day that I cannot feel Him manifesting in my flesh. I feel His power all through my being just now.
I was working in Boyne, a small town in the northern part of this state, driving a team for a business man. One night, after taking care of the team, a saved young man and I decided to sleep in the barn. At that time, I had not been at a place of worship for months, nor had anyone spoken to me about my soul. I knew what I must do to be saved. Shortly after retiring, something settled down upon me, and I realized it was conviction for sin. I groaned under the burden and called on God for mercy. Upon asking Lee (the young man with me) to pray for me, he was surprised and thought I was joking. When he found I meant business, he joined in with me, and I put my case before the Lord and continued to pray for mercy. For half or three quarters of an hour, I went through something that only those who have had deep conviction for sin can realize. Glory to His name, He fulfilled His Word in me. "In the day when ye seek Me with a whole heart I will be found of you."
I started out for God, but more than once I had a struggle with that carnal nature. While on the wagon, I would have to leave for the woods or the cornfield to seek forgiveness. Oh, how I do thank and praise Him for His mercy to me.
After being saved and sanctified by the Blood of Jesus, I still saw my need of the fire and power of God to come up to my privilege in the Gospel, and did not understand why I came short. God was merciful to the saints here in Benton Harbor and sent Sister Robinson to us from Los Angeles. I did not accept her teaching at first, but of course God brought me round, and in a few days I was seeking my Pentecost and expecting tongues for an evidence. Some say that we ought not to expect tongues, but, glory to God, let us have it just as nearly like the disciples as possible. To me it was a witness that I had received the Baptism, just as it was to Peter when at the house of Cornelius. He perceived that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, because they spoke with tongues and magnified God.
A few days after I began to seek the Lord, He led Sister Robinson to lay her hands on me, that I might receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. One week from the time she came, I received the Baptism and spoke in a number of languages. The first I felt was my jaws beginning to ache, and soon starting to chatter. This continued for about half an hour and then I broke out in a number of different languages. A few night later in meeting, I prayed and preached for about an hour in clear distinct languages, as plainly and in as natural a tone of voice as anyone would speak. Afterwards kneeling down beside a bench to thank God for His using my unworthy tongue, the Spirit again took control of it and prayed in the English language. I was surprised at the prayer that came from my mouth. I prayed for everyone personally that was in the that room. It seemed to be just what they needed.
When John prophesied to Jesus' coming he said, "He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." It seems that I did not receive much of the fire at first. Of course, everyone has more or less of a different experience. Glory to God! For about a week now, I have been so filled that at times it seemed I would be consumed.
-George H. Taylor
FROM OTHER PENTECOSTAL PAPERS
Two Pentecostal workers in Cleveland have been going about visiting the homes. When they come to a family whose language they do not understand they kneel down and ask God for the language that they may preach Jesus to them. God answers prayers and they rise and at once preach the Gospel to the family in their own language.
A sister in answer to prayer was enabled to speak to a dying Italian woman in a hospital in Allegheny, PA, and to pray with her in her language. She was converted and died in the Lord.
A young man felt impressed to speak to an Arabian woman peddler, he obeyed, and found he was speaking her native tongue, and spoke to her about Jesus, and Christianity. She replied in broken English concerning the religion of which he had been speaking.
Two young men in Pennsylvania who had received their Pentecost, were in a meeting, and the Spirit came upon them, and they began speaking in tongues together. They have both been called as missionaries to Africa, and found themselves with arms around each other, speaking the same dialect. They were taken in the Spirit to the heathen in Africa, and found them surrounded by those poor idolaters, and they were given the interpretation, at this time of what they said. They appeared to read to them from John 14, and found themselves opening the chapter to their benighted listeners, with the earnestness of all their souls.
A young man who had just received his Pentecost and tongues, was in a meeting and the mighty Spirit of prayer came upon him, and he began to pray in tongues. A woman, who heard him, told him after the meeting, that he had prayed in the Swedish tongue, and that she understood every word. He came to our meeting a few nights later, and after lying for some hours under the power of God, spoke and sang for some time in tongues, apparently the same language.
During the recent Christian and Missionary Alliance Convention in Cleveland, OH, one afternoon the Holy Spirit took possession of the meeting and set aside the program, giving freedom to all who had received their personal Pentecost to witness and speak or pray in tongues. Brother Henry Wilson had been sent from New York to investigate the Pentecostal movement. It had taken such a strong hold of the workers and members of the Alliance, but he said he would report to the brethren in New York that this work is of God, and no man should put his hand upon it.
A brother in Cleveland who was asked to pray for the healing of a sick sister, instead of praying in the old way, asked the Holy Spirit to pray through him. He waited in silence until the Holy Spirit gave the message, "The Lord for the body and the body for the Lord." The sister was instantly healed and fell upon the floor under conviction for a deeper work of grace. This brother says that since he received his Pentecost, he can accomplish a hundred times as much in a day and much more easily than formerly. It is simply letting the Holy Spirit do the work.
In seeking the Pentecost, get down before God and pray through until you strike bottom rock, where with your heart you can claim the promise. Then you will praise Him with great joy as you wait on Him, and "He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit." There is a great deal of praying and praising.
A young man having received his Pentecost was impressed to speak to an Italian, but refused to do so, and felt he had grieved the Spirit, and confessed and repented, and promised to obey in the future. He was soon permitted to have the test applied again, and he obeyed and found he was able to speak the Italian language, and opened a conversation about Christianity to this foreigner.
In Sister Ladd's Mission, Des Moines, IA, numbers have received the Pentecost and Bible evidence. Souls are being saved and sanctified. About 12 young people have calls to foreign fields.
If you have any idol in your soul save Jesus only, there is no rest there; but if He is there, there is rest and power.
Azusa Mission is not the head of this movement; we are a body of missions with Christ as the Head. All glory to God.
Men may fight against this Gospel, but it will stand, for it is founded on Christ the Rock and His eternal Word.
God wants men and women that will preach this Gospel square from the shoulder.
We are not to compromise with sin. We are not to preach that people can be saved with just a little sin in their hearts. We must teach that they live pure and holy lives free from cheating, backbiting and all the catalog of sins, and God will always be with you.
"Glory to God for the blessed handkerchief. I was healed before it got here. I felt the prayers of the saints as God healed me. As I took the handkerchief out of the letter, it seemed that the Lord poured out a blessing on me. We have two men here from Dunn, NC, filled with Pentecost. Oh, praise God for such men. There were six down seeking for Pentecost tonight. Glory to Jesus. Oh I do thank Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I'm at the fountain drinking."
-Mrs. MJ Wilson
1903 County Street
Portsmouth, VA May 3
"In the meeting at Dunn, NC, the first of the year, God wonderfully baptized me with the Holy Spirit and spoke with my tongue to the extent that myself and those who surrounded me knew that it was the Blessed Holy Spirit that was talking. Brother R.B. Jackson, Holiness preacher with whom I used to preach, also received the Holy Spirit. Brother Jackson and I went off into the white fields of harvest to reap for Jesus. Oh, how He has poured out His Spirit in saving souls, sanctifying believers, filling hungry hearts with the Holy Spirit. We are now engaged in one of the most wonderful meetings I ever saw. Praise His sweet name forever. We go from here to Portsmouth, VA, where we are looking for wonderful victory. I have the sweet consciousness that my heart is clean through Jesus' Blood and the Comforter abides in it and speaks for Himself."
-DM Sellers
Dunn, NC April 24
MUSIC FROM HEAVEN
It has been often related how the Pentecost fell in Los Angeles over a year ago in a cottage prayer meeting. Sister Jennie Moore who was in that meeting and received her Pentecost gives her testimony as follows:
"For years before this wonderful experience came to us, we as a family, were seeking to know the fullness of God, and He was filling us with His presence until we could hardly contain the power. I had never seen a vision in my life, but one day as we prayed there passed before me three white cards, each with two names thereon, and but for fear I could have given them, as I saw every letter distinctly. On April 9, 1906, I was praising the Lord from the depths of my heart at home, and when the evening came and we attended the meeting the power of God fell and I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. During the day, I had told the Father that although I wanted to sing under the power I was willing to do what ever He willed. At the meeting when the power came on me, I was reminded of the three cards that had passed me in the vision months ago. As I thought thereon and looked to God, it seemed as if a vessel broke within me and water surged up through my being that when it reached my mouth came out in a torrent of speech in the languages which God had given me. I remembered the names of the cards: French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Hindu, and as the message came with power, so quick that but few words would have been recognized, interpretation of each message followed in English, the name of the language would come to me. I sang under the power of the Spirit in many languages, the interpretation both words and music which I had never before heard. In the home where the meeting was being held, the Spirit led me to the piano, where I played and sang under inspiration, although I had not learned to play. In these ways God is continuing to use me to His glory ever since that wonderful day, and I praise Him for the privilege of being a witness for Him under the Holy Spirit's power."
-JM
312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles
The interpretation of many of the messages in nearly every language spoken by the Holy Spirit in unknown tongues is that Jesus is coming.
"YE ARE MY WITNESSES"
"Praise God with us. The dear Lord in His love and mercy has answered prayers for Sister Nelson and me. He has come and baptized us with the Holy Spirit. He came to me the 8th of March and gave me the Bible evidence in speaking in tongues. Praise His precious name. We are contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, following on for all He has for us that we may come behind in no gift. We are both at present over in Calcutta, India, in the same house with Mr. & Mrs. Garr whom God sent from Los Angeles. God is working but the enemy is doing all he can to hinder. Victory is ours through the Blood of Jesus."
-Mary Johnson
Court Lodge, Dehiwala, Ceylon
"I desire that you send me some of your papers on the Apostolic Faith. I feel very much interested in helping spread this Gospel over the land, and I can send them where I cannot go myself. Ever since I received Him, the Blessed Holy Spirit, I have had a great desire to go and tell it to others. Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul! I was justified eight years and sanctified fourteen years, being guarded by the Holy Spirit, kept clean through the truth, for the Word is truth, and, bless the Lord, on March 13th, 1907, the electrical shock of the Holy Spirit from heaven fell upon me. I died seemingly and I became helpless as a babe. It seemed as if I was in another world. I could not realize myself. On March 15, He began to speak for Himself; then I knew I had Him, for He testified for Himself. It is true. Glory, glory, glory! It is glory now. Amen Amen! I am watching for the coming of the glad millennial day."
-From your sister,
Sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,
Cella Freeman
610 Willard Street
Durham, SC
"March the 28th I received my personal Pentecost, praise God. I had been praying for power in God's service for one year. Last November a copy of Apostolic Faith was handed me. Pondered some and laid it one side. I had yielded all to God five years since. The 28th of January, after an illness in which God answered prayer offered in faith, I said, 'Yes, I believe in the Pentecostal Baptism of the Holy Spirit.' I prayed earnestly for 6 weeks, at the close of which W.E. Woody from Chicago, IL came to our city and began Pentecostal services. I went, continued to hold on by faith, and receiving my blessing just two months from the day, I received the truth. I was awakened about 1:30 A.M. after sweet, refreshing sleep, and felt a strange but sweet thrill go through my entire body and being. I heard the 'Still Small Voice' say, 'I am come.' My soul said, Glory! The muscles in my limbs, arms, hands and neck all moved and jerked, but such a wonderful joy filled me, as I have no words to express. The muscles in my throat twitched, my tongue began moving, and, praise God, I began talking in an unknown tongue. I have spoken in more than one tongue since and sung in them. I know some say, 'tis the devil, some think 'tis hysteria, but, glory to God. I know 'tis all of Jesus.' I do not quite understand why some of God's people want power but seem to object to Bible manner of receiving. Thanks be to God for the unspeakable gift of His love and all it means."
-Josephine A. Newton
437 Horton Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI
"Over and over I have prayed God for power to work for Him and live for Him. When my husband first attended the Azusa Street meetings I believed they were of God, but later on for one week I let Satan bring thoughts in my heart against them, and I was in darkness. Thank God, He brought me out of that darkness, and ever since then, I have realized God's all-powerful hand was on the Mission. Although I had not been permitted to attend the Azusa Street Mission, I have been privileged to witness for months the power of the Holy Spirit in my husband. The time came when I was able to attend two Sunday meetings, with a prayer in my heart which burst into praises as I saw His wonderful works. I got more thirsty than ever for the living waters (John 4:10-14) from Heaven. I decided that my work should stop, except what was necessary, until my thirsty soul was satisfied. At about eleven o'clock on Tuesday, I knelt in prayer and praise. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit permeate my being, gradually taking control. He so gently laid me backward upon the floor, taking complete control I continued preaching and singing in other tongues from two until 3 o'clock. How I praise Him. The Spirit sang through me, "The Comforter has come," "Down where the Living Waters flow," "Beautiful beckoning hands," in another language. He let us talk together for awhile in another tongue. Oh, what a privilege. Oh! How we praise God for leading us into the light shining down from heaven.
Dear reader, if you are unsaved prepare to meet the loving Savior, who paid the mighty debt for our redemption. Be ready when He comes (James 5:7-8, Revelation 1:7, 22:20). Dear child of God, tarry until you receive the enduement, Acts, 1:8."
-Mrs. Alson Vincent
Covina, CA
"I want to thank God that I live in this age. The Lord has done a wonderful work for my family and me. I was justified when 12 years old and lived a true Christian girl for some years, and during that time I had a call to go to Africa. I was going to Clark's University and was encouraged by the missionaries from the north that when I got old enough I could go, as I was a good M.E. Methodist. As years advanced I began to get careless and, losing my dear old mother, a good Christian woman, I had no one to encourage me. One day God began to talk to me and told me to read my Bible, and I was convicted that I was not right with God. I sought earnestly and was reclaimed, and I sang repeatedly for many weeks:
Is it well with my soul today?
My oldest child began to question and watch my life. Oh, how I tried to walk right before her, and, praise God, He kept me. When I came to California from Atlanta, GA, June 1903, I heard of sanctification, being led of God to a church where it was preached. I praise God for leading me. Later I was convicted and began seeking until the Lord really sanctified me, and I can say it was a thorough work. I have been living under the precious Blood ever since, and I have been happy. Jesus kept me free from sin. Glory to His name. When I heard of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with Bible evidence I thought it impossible for the Lord to do anything more for me, yet I was seeking for more power. I would go up to be prayed for, and tell the people I did not have power with God to win souls. The second time I went to the meeting on Bonnie Brae, Los Angeles, I received a high anointing. My Heavenly Father talked to me that night. He asked me was I willing to follow Jesus wheresoever He leadeth? Was I willing to come out from among the church folks and follow Jesus? Oh, I said, Lord I am, let Thy will be done. Oh, dear readers of this paper, I cannot tell you how the power of God came upon me, and He told me if I would be true, He would save by whole house and other precious souls. July 5, 1906 I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the Bible evidence, and since that time my husband and five children have been saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit. We are now getting ready to go to Africa, a family of nine. We earnestly beg the prayers of the saints that God will keep us humble and that we may be in His hands as clay is in the hands of the potter. Oh, how I praise God for what He has done for my children! They are a blessing to me. My all is on the altar, there to stay for time and eternity. I could tell of wonderful things that God has done in my family since the Comforter has come. Glory to our King. I will praise Him forever."
-Mrs. Emma Cummings
312 Azusa Street
Los Angeles, CA
"I have felt the Spirit wishes me to write a few lines as to the glory of our God in the way He has led me, even as a little child, not knowing what I was going to receive. Nor did I try to study out the great wonders of God's own way. Oh, praise His holy name forever, for holy, holy, holy is our God, full of love and tender mercy and loving kindness. My heart melts to tears whenever I praise Him. When first I heard of God's children receiving the gift of tongues I went into my room and told my Heavenly Father about it, and asked His guidance and His Spirit to lead me and keep me very close to Jesus, for I was warned against the work. I asked my dear Father to give me such gifts as He had for me and prepare me for such as He wished to bestow upon me: "For I am Thy child, dear Father, and You know I take Thee at Thy word and promises." I went about my work at home, never worrying or even thinking much about the gifts, only as usual with prayer and reading the Word each day. Then Jesus would commune with me and the Holy Spirit would bless me. I had the anointing some 18 months ago; and six months ago, I received my Bible evidence, singing and speaking in tongues.
"The first time I was at the dear Azusa Street Mission I went to get a drink of water (after morning service, at lunch time). When coming back to my baby, the good Lord met me on the way and I was prostrated on a bench near the back door, and I was as clay in the Potter's hands. I did not understand I thought I would die, as my strength was gone. I suddenly rested in the hands of God for Him to do and overrule completely at His will. My throat and tongue took to working in a peculiar manner, and soon I was rejoicing in my new gift. Sister Hagg came to me and we conversed and sang together in an unknown tongue. Praise His Holy Name. I also got the deaf mute language on my fingers.
"My Jesus is more real to me than ever, the Holy Spirit is more jealous of my life and heart. I had suffered much in the purifying process, as gold in the fire or silver in the fire, Zechariah. 13:9 and Malachi 3:3, Psalm 66:10. We are tried, molded, purged, chastened, and cleansed by the Holy Spirit, through the Blood of Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Glory! Hallelujah! We shall stand and come out more than conquerers, unto victory. I did not understand the sanctifying fire. I was as a child without understanding. As God continued to work in my soul I thought God had left me, had taken His Spirit from me. I prayed and cried unto the Lord. I looked back on my four years of reclaimed Christian walk and knew I loved Jesus. I was born again, the devil could not make me believe otherwise, nor could his temptations cause me to go back, but press onward for the mark.
"One morning I suddenly awoke by Jesus talking to me, as He did to the Church in Revelation 3:15-22. It was the voice of a man, but sweet and tender. Then I was weighed in the balance and found wanting. I trembled and was afraid, but then again the same voice said to me: "I will clothe thee in my own righteousness.' Glory to Jesus. I clung to that promise for three weeks. I read my Bible, but none of the promises seemed for me, only judgment. Thus, I suffered over 3 weeks and one afternoon the filling up came and running over. I rejoiced in a double portion of God's love and mercy. Oh such joy unspeakable. Then I needed a thousand tongues to speak my Savior's praise. I still need more love, each day, new grace and patience and strength. I am under the Blood anew each day, every hour, just as the little tract says: 'Hidden out of sight unknown, but not of God,' for I have the white stone and the mark and a new name, clothed in the righteousness of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was healed a few weeks ago of a sore hand. Praise His name forever. Now I am still a child, ready for whatever my Father wishes to do with me.
"Pray for me, dear ones, as I do need more patience and quietness and more strength with my children, and wisdom. Jesus is coming soon. Oh, may we all strip for the race, strip of all foolish and lust of the eyes, as the world. Let us women walk as holy women, not after the flesh, but modest and humble. God bless you all, in Jesus' name.
-Your humble sister,
Watts, CA
A PENIEL WORKER BAPTIZED
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. "For He that is mighty hath done to me great thing; and holy is His name." When I was getting ready for my vacation last July, I said, "How I would love to go to a real live campmeeting this summer." Well Praise the Lord, I found one and have been in it ever since.
When I went into the little church in Monrovia, the last Sunday in July I did not know what God had in store for me, but I am glad I went. Some of the Apostolic Faith people were holding meetings there. When I heard them speaking in tongues, I thought, now is the time for me to get the Chinese language. I had been in a Chinese Mission, and had been praying for the language for nearly four years.
I went to the altar and began to pray, Oh, Lord, give me the Chinese language. Some one said, "Hadn't you better let God have His way?" As I prayed, I found I did not have the witness of my sanctification. I prayed until God gave me the witness that the work was done. The power of God came on me and I was prostrated. I was always afraid of such demonstration, and as soon as I could, I got up. Some one said you have the Baptism, claim it, but I knew better. I was tired of claiming something I was not sure I had. I went home rejoicing that I knew I was sanctified.
The first of the week I went to a cottage meeting, I knelt to pray and again the power of God came upon me and I went over on the floor. The Lord talked with me, and told me what it would mean if I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I said, "I want it at any cost." A strange feeling came over me, I thought I was dying, I said, "If I die I will go to heaven for I am seeking God." I began to shake all over, I did not know what it meant, but after a little it came to me that God was shaking me free from my opinions and from my notions of things. I said, "Lord have your way." My tongue was twisted and my throat felt queer, and I began to say syllables. Just then, another seeker began to shout, Glory! Glory! Glory! I thought, that is what I want, I do not want to make these queer sounds. At once I stopped. When I rise, there was gladness in my heart, but I felt a lack, I was not satisfied. I had been praying for years for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Several times I thought I had it but soon found I did not.
On Thursday, I went to the church again. Soon after I sat down, I began to shake, I said, "Lord, you shall have your way with me." Soon I found myself on the floor and for about five hours, the Lord had His way. I began to pray in Chinese that I had learned for the Chinese language in hopes that God would take my tongue and speak fluently. He allowed the enemy to oppress me until I cried out, "O Lord' give me the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and I don't care if I never speak in tongues." Soon I felt the power of God upon me in a mighty way and I began to speak in an unknown language and to sing with one of the workers who was praying with me. My hands began to move swiftly over my body, and I knew I was asking for healing, my hands went to my eyes and my glasses were taken off and laid on the floor and I have never had them on since. When I got up, I knew I had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and I have it today. Hallelujah! Romans. 8:11 has been fulfilled to me, Praise His Holy name. "This is the way I long have sought and mourned because I found it not." This life in the Holy Spirit is blessed. I never had the joy and freedom and power I have now. The shouts roll without any effort on my part. I have spoken in three languages that have been interpreted. I have seen in a vision the face of a native whose language I speak and I am saying, "Here am I, send me."
"He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." I am feasting on the hidden manna and His Glory fills my soul. Hallelujah! I am so glad I have more than one tongue to praise Him with.
-Mae F. Mayo
312 Azusa Street
Los Angeles, CA
PENTECOST IN SAN JOSE AND PORTLAND
235 2nd Avenue Portland, Ore, May 6
Praise His name forever. We went from Santa Rosa to San Jose, CA, and stayed one week. The Lord saved and sanctified some and baptized five more with the Holy Spirit, and gave them the Bible evidence, speaking new tongues. We baptized 17 by immersion the last day we were with them, and the Lord did surely bless us all. Great love and unity was seen among the dear saints. Three precious brothers filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, were set apart as deacons according to Titus 1:5, and five precious sisters to assist in looking after the young converts, who were filled with the Holy Spirit. The Lord poured His blessing upon us as we laid hands on them and prayed for them. Surely, He approved of this precious work.
We left there the following day about 25 or 30 of the dear saints came down to the station to see us off and wept and sang precious songs of joy and consolation, until the train pulled out. We stopped in Oakland and San Francisco and bade the dear ones goodbye, and started on our journey to Portland, OR
We had a precious trip and arrived here Friday night. We went to the meeting where Brother Glasco is. The Lord wonderfully blessed in the service, and one precious sinner was saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Lord filled her mouth with holy laughter and she spoke in new tongues and has been under His power ever since, filled with joy and gladness. She had never been in our meeting before. Her little brother was also baptized with the Holy Spirit last night.
Yesterday, Sunday, was a glorious day. Eight received their Pentecost according to Acts 2:4, "And they began to speak in other tongues." One poor sinner boy come and knocked at the door after the first part of the congregation had been dismissed, and said he wanted to be saved. He was saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and spoke in tongues until half past one this morning. I heard him going down the street to his home all alone talking in tongues and singing:
"O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
He's done so much for me."
Each one of these dear ones received clear distinct language, and were filling with power.
Dear Brother Glasco received his baptism, spoke in a number of languages, and preached in tongues. All the dear saints rejoiced greatly to see him get through, as it means so much. He is a dear servant of the Lord and was much used in his sanctified life to the salvation of the people. Many more, precious saints were heavily anointed for the Baptism and were lying under the power all about the altar. The building was jammed and packed clear out to the street and many were turned away. Great conviction was upon the people, until scarcely any scoffing was heard. This place seems to be ripe for a sweeping outpouring of the Lord's Spirit.
Much love from Sister Crawford and Sister Rees.
-In the Lord,
Henry Prentiss
"March on, forward is our cry,
March on, be faithful 'until we die;
March on, the Bridegroom's surely night;
Get oil within your vessel, 'tis the midnight cry!
I was privileged last week to be at the Alliance, Ohio Missionary Home. God truly has a body of consecrated, baptized young people there, and the very atmosphere was perfumed with prayer, and the Holy Spirit is honored, and dear Brother Lupton is preaching the precious truth in the Holy Spirit. Humility is manifest to high and low alike. Bless God. The dear young people there are getting their calls from God to their fields of labor. Oh, it is a pleasure to see a body of earnest young people like that out and out for God. May God pity the Holiness people who are rejecting the light. I am so thankful there was no prejudice in my heart from the very first I heard it.
-Yours in Jesus,
Pearl Bowen
118 Gale Street
Akron, OH
"It is wonderful to me to hear of the Pentecost. The first time I heard of it, there was not a doubt in my mind. While I do not understand it, but that is not my business, bless God, He can do to suit Him and I will say amen. The Lord has used me to heal two people just by laying hands on them and thanking Him. They were immediately healed, and I could not tell how many I have prayed for that have been healed. For myself, I was in a critical condition and never thought of being well; but with all my heart, I wanted to be all that the Blood called for. I went to God with all my heart, to find my place in Him. When the Holy Spirit struck me, He did not leave a thing on my body to represent the devil's work. All glory belongs to Him that bought me. Glory! Two years after that, one morning as I was praying, the Holy Spirit (read 1 John 2:5), and I waited on God two days. While I was standing and talking to Him about what there was in His Word for me, He instantly housed me into Himself, so that I have not had to go to bed to rest from that very hour, and I have done much hard work since that. I do not feel any more like stopping than when I began. God bless you all, is my prayer. Keep humble. We are a few of us waiting on God. My love to all."
-Joseph Robbins
936 Arsenal Avenue
Columbus, OH
CHAPTER NINE
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith the Lord, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh" (Acts 2:17).
The Revival in Portland
One of the mightiest revivals that Portland ever knew has taken place in that city. The devil raged, shots were fired, some were arrested and brought up before the judges, but the Lord worked on and healed all manner of diseases that were brought baptized and saved many precious souls.
In June, a campmeeting was opened up there, where 100 souls were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Ministers were brought into the work. The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Portland came into the work in a body. God is working there in mighty power today.
One poor soul that had spent five years strapped to her bed in an insane asylum was healed. Her brother hearing of the wonderful work wrought through this people went and got her and brought her to the Mission, and God wonderfully healed, saved, and sanctified her. Her brother testified that he did not believe in God and was an infidel. Now he is saved and has gone back to live with his wife he had left This Gospel surely is building up homes.
A woman was instantly healed of lesion of the muscles that the doctors have been working on for eleven years. The saints are leaving off their glasses and their eyes are being instantly healed. An old woman well on to seventy years old had her eyes completely restored while listening to a brother preaching.
When the plague in Portland was taking the children off at a fearful rate, the Lord healed all the Pentecostal flock as soon as it put in its appearance. Not one of them lost one of their family. The people were told to read the 91st Psalm, stand on the Word, and keep under the Blood, and fear nothing.
The Portland campmeeting opened at Twelfth and Division streets with 1000 people in attendance, sometimes hundreds could not get in. They had all things common at the camp, and such love and unity exists. The poor saint could have a tent as well as the rich one and all were free to eat at the tables. No collection taken, and yet the needs were abundantly supplied.
The work is spreading. Some came from Dallas, received their baptism, went back, set that town on fire, and started a campmeeting there.
Sixty-seven were baptized in water one day. People brought their dear ones from the asylum and God healed them. Three from the asylum testified daily of the healing power of God.
A sanctified Nazarene preacher came to the meeting and got her baptism. Three preachers got through one day. The altars are packed.
A sister writing from there said, "O I wish you could hear these Holy Spirit people testify. No straps on anyone. The Holy Spirit works here. Saints filled so they can hardly talk jump up quickly, say a few words and sit down. Such a humble people, such love and unity I never saw.
-Pentecostal Meeting
Twelfth and Division Streets
Portland, OR
The "Latter Rain" in Zion City, IL
God is doing a mighty work in Zion City among those heart-broken and crushed people. First, they started meetings in the Edina Hospice, now a faith home called "The Haven", and then they had the large auditorium in the college and now have the large tabernacle.
One morning in the upper room of 'The Haven,' the Holy Spirit fell, as they were praying Him to come and manifest Himself. First one began to drop and then another until the floor was covered. The first to speak in unknown tongues was a young man whom spoke in Chinese, Italian, and Zulu that were identified. Then it was not long until the flood of joy began and all over the room they were praising and glorifying God in different tongues. Some were justified and sanctified. About twenty came through speaking in tongues.
God is using the children, young men and young women, in a marvelous manner. It is the most wonderful demonstration of the power of God upon human hearts. Denounce it as they will, when they see these little children under the power of the Holy Spirit, preaching, singing and speaking in different languages (which are many times identified by foreigners) they will in our meetings confess that their fighting has come to an end, and say that they have never seen anything after this manner.
Brother Seymour when he was in Zion City wrote, "People here receive the Baptism in their pews while the service is going on and sometimes scores of them receive it. It is the sweetest thing you want to see. It reminds me of old Azusa ten months ago. The people that receive the Baptism seem so happy, they remind me of our people at home. There are little children from six years and on up who have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, just as we have it in Los Angeles. Praise out God. This is another Azusa. It would do you good to hear these people speak under the power of the Holy Spirit. Some of them converse in tongues. Brother Tom has never lost the spirit of the Azusa. He is still fired up the same as ever. Everywhere I have traveled among our baptized souls they seem to have such joy and freedom in the Holy Spirit."
-"The Haven"
Zion City, IL
In Minneapolis, MN
One Sunday the power of God came upon us in the morning meeting and in the evening the Pentecost began to fall, and by 11:30 the next morning six had received Pentecost, "For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." It was like some scenes in Azusa; all around lay the slain, Methodists, Baptists, and Lutherans. Young people arose with shining faces speaking in the power of the Holy Spirit in unknown tongues. Two elderly sisters also spoke in tongues, magnifying God. We have the happiest band of baptized people you ever saw. Young women that were so timid now clap their hands and shout Glory, all the time.
Another night when the meeting lasted until five o'clock in the morning, one young man, a Methodist, came through about one A.M. He spoke in tongues for two hours, giving some of the most blessed messages and interpreting: the burden was, "Jesus is coming soon, get ready to meet Him."
One little girl received her baptism and spoke beautifully in tongues, and then spoke to some unconverted young men in tongues and interpreted that was a plea for them to give their hearts to Jesus now as He was soon coming and they would be lost. The men were visibly affected by the message.
Three baptismal services were held (up to June 19th) at a suburban lake, and 24 were buried in the likeness of His death.
Most of those who received the Baptism in the Spirit are prostrated on the floor. Some received it while sitting in a chair or standing on their feet. Some have received it at home. Those who are prostrated, many of them tell of having a vision of heaven or of Jesus the Lord or otherwise of having come into a full and far deeper sense of God than ever thought of before. A brother coming out from under the power where he had received revelations said, "The hand of God is certainly on this work, and those who scuff and oppose it are likely to have the Lord's hand put on them in a terrible way."
The papers published many false reports, and they were threatened with arrest and to have the meetings stopped on the charge of disturbing the peace; but Brother Pendleton announced that the meetings would continue for they must obey God. If they went to jail, they would have meetings there.
Some get to God in every meeting. They obtained a large hall that will set four or five hundred, where a permanent mission will be established.
Pentecost in Winnipeg, Manitoba
For more than a year here some of the saints tarried before God for an outpouring of His Spirit upon all flesh, and especially for a revival of the Bible standard in Winnipeg. God has heard prayers and is repeating Pentecost. Praise His name.
The Holy Spirit first fell in a cottage meeting and three received their Pentecost with Bible evidence. An aged saint came in from Poplar Point, a small town about 40 miles distant, and the second afternoon he got his Pentecost and says he feels a lot younger. He and others went back, had tarrying meetings, and since then about twenty have received Pentecost at that place.
At the Pentecost Mission, while a brother was speaking from Acts 10:40-46, "While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the Word," as he was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on two sisters. One started speaking right off in tongues, and another who had come about 100 miles to attend the meeting, fell under the power for a time and began to sing in tongues. It was heavenly. Souls are being saved, believers sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit while sitting in their seats.
Baptismal services took place on the banks of the River Assimboine at this place 23 persons receiving baptism by immersion. It was a sacred occasion. The Holy Spirit witnessed through the speaking in tongues of those who were baptized.
Some wonderful cases of healing have occurred the past few weeks. A woman of some 60 years of age who had been a cripple from inflammatory rheumatism for ten years or more, was brought in an invalid chair accompanied by her two daughters. She was prayed for, and during the service was noticed to stretch forth her ailing limbs that up to this time had been of little use to her. She then rose from her chair under the power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, that man would praise the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men.
Home & Foreign Mission, 159 Alexander Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Can.
FROM DISTANT LANDS
How wonderful it is that today in different parts of India, Russia, Norway, Sweden, England, Canada, Africa and America, God's saints are enjoying the latter rain and are being satisfied. Persecution is arising everywhere, but this is only a mark of the Lord's work, and makes us surer we shall reign with Him whose sufferings we are privileged to share. Bless His name! The Lord is coming, our precious King is coming soon. "Even so come Lord Jesus." Hallelujah.
Salvation in Sweden
In Stockholm, Sweden, many souls are filled with the Holy Spirit and have the Bible evidence. The tidal wave is sweeping on, on to victory. Hundreds of souls are at the feet of Jesus.
"The work of the Lord is spreading. In Gottenberg, the second city of Sweden, the Lord has set many of His people free, filling them with the Spirit of Christ. Some are speaking with new tongues. I have Brother Eric Hollingsworth and his wife here with me now in this city, and hope we shall have a house like Azusa Mission.
"The church in Skofde is growing. I think there are about 40 now who are baptized with the Holy Spirit, speaking, and singing in new tongues there. Hallelujah! In a meeting at Skofde, seven young folks were singing in tongues together. It was a heavenly song, as Brother Eric told me.
"In many other cities and towns God is working mightily. One place is on an island between Sweden and Russia, and all the praise."
-Andrew G. Johnson
Bramaregarden, Hisingstad, Gottenberg, Sweden
[Since the last report, two Spirit-filled sisters, Sister Anderson and Sister Jacobson, have gone to help in the work in Sweden.]
Reports from England
"Three have received the Baptism with Bible evidence here. When we hear the Holy Spirit speaking and singing through these dear ones, it is so solemn and yet so heavenly and deepens one's hunger."
-JH
Akerman Road
Brixton, London, SW
From another part of London where there has been a tarrying meeting, word comes that two have received the Pentecost, and other hungry souls seeking.
A sister in England who has received the Baptism testifies:
'When all had retired that night, past twelve o'clock and I was left alone, praise and adoration filled my soul (for the Words kept ringing in my ear that had been spoken from, "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.") The joy was flowing after months of inexpressible yearnings, and waiting upon God. That night I seemed to lie in His almighty arms like a weary little child. The last cord that bound me to earth was broken and that was a little anxiety concerning my home and dear ones. I gave them up to Him, and just rested absolutely in Him.
"While praising Him I had a vision of Jesus upon the Cross. It was dark. He extended His arms to me and said, "Come to Me." Oh! The unutterable love and compassion in His voice. I obeyed, and groaned in the spirit, seeming to suffer with Him. Then the darkness fled, and I was raised with Him in glory. I involuntarily threw up my arms to praise Him and suddenly they seemed to be charged with electricity, and a power came upon me and I praised Him in another tongue. He immediately gave the interpretation that was "Glory to Jesus, the bleeding Lamb." The next morning the Holy Spirit came in mighty power, causing me to laugh as I had never done in my life (being very matter of fact and unemotional), and speaking in four or five languages sometimes giving the interpretation. For one and a half hours this continued. I was quite powerless. The glory of God filled my soul, and sometimes the deepest anguish of heart at the Cross. What I felt and realized of the sorrow and love of Jesus was beyond all expression, finding vent only in another "tongue." Glory to His Name!
"The same evening I went to another meeting in connection, with the foregoing special services, and the Spirit came upon me again causing me to speak in three or four languages with the interpretation." This is from a tract published in England by Brother AA Body, All Saints' Vicarage, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, England.
The Work in India
There are at least five or six hundred witnesses in India today "earnestly contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints."
Some of the choicest spirits of India have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is wonderful to hear one of these tell how for nine years she had hunted meetings where she could receive the Holy Spirit, and how she has found Him whom her soul so long has craved. She and her friend are missionaries from Columbo, Ceylon. One of them has been clearly healed of a disease of several years standing.
Four witnesses have gone to Darjeeling India.
A prominent missionary who has been baptized with the Holy Spirit and has received wonderful power has thrown open the doors of her beautiful mission home and today is preaching the Word with power.
The missionaries are searching the Word. They find this movement is prophesied as the forerunner of Jesus. The precious souls are so glad to receive the power; but in India Bible teachers who know the Word are not jumping at every new doctrine but are weighing everything by the Word and are being convinced of the truth.
The Lord gave one missionary a vision of the Holy Spirit as a chest of jewels, and she saw the Savior open the chest, and with a look of great love and satisfaction, unroll gift after gift from the chest. It has not occurred to many the joy that must fill the heart of the dear Lord, when He sees that His gifts are being appreciated.
The Lord also gave Sister Garr a vision of Himself one night, while in Calcutta and His hands were filled with golden crowns ready to place on heads. The same evening, He gave her the message "Let no man take thy crown." A missionary arose and said that on that God had spoken those words to her, and she did not know what it meant.
Reaching the missionaries is laying the axe at the root of the tree, for they know all the customs of India and the languages. The only way the nations can be reached is by getting the missionaries baptized with the Holy Spirit. Missionaries are receiving and praising God for letting them hear this Gospel and receive this great outpouring of the Spirit.
In a school of 1,500 native girls and 200 boys, besides European and native teachers the head of the school has been tarrying and the Comforter has come to her and also to her daughter, a number of her teachers, and 300 native girls. Hallelujah! At Dhond, a school of boys, numbers have been saved; some are speaking in tongues.
In Calcutta, one missionary who was baptized in the meeting went back to her high school and in a short time, forty-five precious native girls were baptized in the Spirit. Then the matron of a Rescue Home received her Pentecost and shortly the dear girls, who had been redeemed from such lives of sin, were learning how to glorify Jesus and the Holy Spirit was given. Missionaries who have gone down to their stations write of the abiding Comforter and rivers of living water are flowing.
False reports have been circulated of the work in India. Do not believe them.
-Brother and Sister AG Garr
Bethany, Slave Island, Colombo, Ceylon, India
When Jesus comes, He is going to reveal to us, all the hidden love that He had for us all through the ages.
If the Blood of Christ backs up your testimony in your heart, there is power in it.
God stands today to save every sinner, to sanctify every believer, and to baptize every sanctified believer with the Holy Spirit.
We are measuring everything by the Word; every experience must measure up with the Bible. Some say that is going too far, but if we have lived too close to the Word, we will settle that with the Lord when we meet Him in the air.
Some people build their houses on the sand, not on the experience of the Blood in their hearts. They say they do not have the witness, but are just going by faith. Well, everyone that is born of God has the witness in himself. I John 5:10.
When we preach a sinless life, some people say we are too strict. They say we will not get many to heaven that way. Beloved, God cannot save contrary to His Word. All salvation contrary to the Word is not saving salvation.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the seal of the living God in your forehead. God wants you to wear this seal, and not the badges of men and devils. He does not want you to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, but come out from among the creeds and doctrines of men and devils. Our ignorance in the past God winked at, but that time is past. He is seeking for a clean people, a people that have not defiled their garments. The priests that bore the Holy vessels had to be clean, so now those that bear the messages of the Lord must be clean and holy.
John the Baptist lost his head because he preached against divorces. A few people today are willing to lose their heads for preaching against divorces. This Apostolic Faith stands for one wife and one husband. Our God is going to have a clean people, a people that will stand for the whole counsel of God. Praise God for a people that are willing to stand for the Gospel and die for it if need be.
Instead of sending in a list of names, why not send for a roll of papers, as many as you need, and send them out yourself? This will save work and expense at the main office. We need your help, dear ones.
This is the campmeeting number of the Apostolic Faith, a double paper for the four months. We hope to send out more of the papers and oftener, the Lord willing May God make it a blessing to every reader.
Some ask how to send money to help the work. Money orders can be made payable to the Apostolic Faith, or you can send United States stamps. We cannot use foreign stamps. Some have sent bills. The Lord takes care of the money for His work. None has been lost.
TO THE BAPTIZED SAINTS
The Lord wants us to keep that fresh anointing, that sweet anointing that we had when the Holy Spirit first fell upon us.
It is one thing to receive the Baptism and another thing to keep the anointing. When workers go out with the real anointing, there are not places large enough to hold the people. God wants a people to go out and preach the Gospel that will stand for it. "These signs shall follow them that believe," and if they do not follow, we do not represent this Gospel. It is a blessed thing to be able to stand as a witness to this Gospel.
The Lord wants everything that is done in a meeting to be done in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes into your body for service. He anoints His ministers afresh for every service. Every song and every testimony should be given under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Some have learned how to preach but it is a good thing for you if you cannot speak without the anointing of the Holy Spirit. You can get down on your knees and ask the Lord to use you or set you aside that ever He wills, and to put the anointing on you for service if He wants you to give a message. Soon you will feel the power going all over you. All you need to do is to yield to the will of God.
Tongues are one of the signs that go with every baptized person, but it is not the real evidence of the Baptism in the every day life. Your life must measure with the fruits of the Spirit. If you get angry, or speak evil, or backbite, I care not how many tongues you may have, you have not the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. You have lost your salvation. You need the Blood in your soul.
Do not ever think because you have been sanctified and the old man crucified that there is no danger of him getting up. He will get up if you do not live in the Word and let the Blood flow. If you remain in the Word, you will remain on the Cross. Oh, beloved let us remain on the Cross.
It means something to consecrate, but it means more to keep consecrated, morning, noon, and night, to say, "Here am I. Lord, send me." Sometimes when His voice comes, Do this or that, we think it is imagination: but if we will just ask God, "Is that You?" He will witness by the Blood that He is speaking. It is by obedience that we have power with God and increase in power.
Many may start in this salvation, and yet if they do not watch and keep under the Blood, they will lose the Spirit of Jesus. He is that divine love, and have only gifts which will be as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, and sooner or later these will be taken away. If you want to live in the Spirit, live in the fruits of the Spirit every day.
"He anointeth my head with oil, my cup runneth over." The oil of the Holy Spirit is poured upon our heads, and when we are filled, it will run over, that we may help others. If our cup is but full, it will simply be a benediction to us. However, when the oil of the Holy Spirit overflows, it will saturate, thrill, and fill with the power of God other souls.
The time has come when we must separate ourselves from this old world. Everything must be second to Jesus. Your treasure is in heaven. You are walking down here and trying to win souls, to pass the time away until Jesus comes.
Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." You who are baptized with the Holy Spirit, this commission is written over your heads, and will not be taken down until the angel stands with one foot on the land and one on the sea and declares that time shall no longer be.
O beloved, our reigning time has not come yet. We are to be with the Babe from the manger to the throne. Our reigning time will come when Jesus comes in great power from the throne. Until then, we are to be beaten, to be spit upon, and mocked. We are to be like His son.
It means so much to keep the anointing upon our souls so that we do not wither away, after we get this baptism. There is a tendency for the enemy to come in and tell you that you are giving away to this and that demonstration too much. God wants us to let the Holy Spirit have right of way with us. I love the liberty of the Holy Spirit; I love to see Him have right of way. When we received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the power came down in such a mighty way, and after a time people began to consider and got us to taking thought. What are we that will put straps and bands on the Holy Spirit, when the Lord comes, finds, and thrills us with the Holy Spirit? Just because it is not our power shall we quench it and hold it down? Let us be free in the Holy Spirit and let Him have right of way.
OLD TESTAMENT FEASTS FULFILLED IN OUR SOULS TODAY
In the 23rd chapter of Leviticus and 16th of Deuteronomy and all through the Old Testament, we read of the feasts that God appointed to be kept in the worship to Him. There were four feasts, the Passover Feast, Feast of First Fruits, Feast of Pentecost (or Feast of Weeks), and Feast of Tabernacles. They all typify what we get through the Cross now, justification, sanctification, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and then a continual feast. Together they typify a complete redemption.
The Passover Feast
The Passover Feast is the very type of justification through the Blood of Jesus our Paschal Lamb. The night when they ate the Passover in Egypt was the type of a sinner coming out of darkness, through the Blood of Jesus. Hallelujah! The body of the Paschal Lamb is the type of the body of Christ that is meat for us and bread for us. The sprinkled blood represents salvation, as He said on that last Passover night when He was betrayed, "Take eat, this is my body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me." He also gave them the cup saying, "This is the new testament in My Blood that is shed for you" (Luke 22:20). If we accept the Word of God and accept Christ's body for healing, we shall be healed, Bless His holy name!
Therefore, the Passover represents justification and sanctification. There is a feast in every believer that has accepted the Blood of Jesus Christ. It is the first feast in his soul. When a man gets justified, the Lord puts a new song in his mouth, even praises to our God that he is saved and has peace with God through the Blood of Jesus.
Feast of First Fruits
This is the very type of consecrating our lives, after we are justified, to be sanctified "When ye come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of the harvests unto the priests. He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord." Leviticus. 23, 10, 11. Praise our God! Jesus Christ is our high priest. He sanctifies and cleanses us from all sin through His Blood. Bless His holy name!
"And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the Lord for a sweet savor; and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin. Ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God; it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings" (Leviticus 23:12,14). This is the very type of a fully sanctified life. We should not live off the experience and blessings of justification, but we should hasten to God as soon as we are justified and consecrate our whole soul to God as a sacrifice, and receive the sanctifying grace.
The 15th verse foreshadows the 50 days from the Cross to Pentecost. "And ye shall count unto you, from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall ye complete; even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the Lord." This makes seven weeks or 49 days that you have enjoyed the sweet sanctified life through the Blood; and on the 50th day which represents the new Sabbath, our Lord's Day, comes the Pentecost that we now receive under the new testament, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The Feast of Pentecost
The Feast of Pentecost is the very type of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The word Pentecost signifies 50 days. The first Pentecost the Jews had was at Mount Sinai 50 days after the Feast of Passover. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit also fell on Pentecost just fifty days after Jesus was offered on the Cross, to the very hour. The regular time of offering the lamb of sacrifice was nine o'clock, and that was the hour that Jesus was crucified, the "third hour of the day." The Baptism of the Spirit fell on the same hour, 50 days later, for in the second chapter of Acts, we read that Peter said to the multitude, "These are not drunken as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day." The Pentecost fell on the Lord's day, the first day of the week or Sunday. It has been kept by God's people ever since. Pentecost really means a feast, praise God, we have Pentecost in our souls today.
The feast of Pentecost came at the time of the wheat harvest and ripening of the summer fruits. They were commanded to leave some of the wheat and fruits in the fields, not to glean it. When we get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we have overflowing love; we have rivers of salvation. Praise our God.
The Feast of Trumpets
This is the feast of the full harvest. "When ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days; on the first day shall be a Sabbath and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath. Ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days." Leviticus. 23. 39, 40. In this, you see a type of baptized Holy Spirit people filled with divine love, and under the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, praising God and giving Him the glory. Hallelujah! This feast of Tabernacles is a type of a continual feast with Jesus. It typifies the coming and reigning of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, when He shall spread the tabernacle and feed us.
These types and shadows represent what we are now receiving in reality. Bless His name. May we all seek all that God has for us.
A HAPPY FAMILY
One Sunday evening, the Lord impressed me not to go to meeting but to stay at home. We all went into the parlor and knelt down to pray, wife and I, and our three little children and one of the neighbor's girls about 10 years old.
After wife and I prayed, the children commenced praying. The little boy of 13 was last to pray. While he was praying, the two little girls commenced crying out and such agony before God. It was about seven o'clock in the evening, and kept on until about nine. They were lying on their backs, sometimes praying and sometimes crying out.
Then Agnes said, "O papa, I saw such a beautiful light come down from heaven. It shines so much brighter than the gas light." Glory! Hallelujah! Then she commenced speaking in tongues. It sounded like the French language. Then the other little girl commenced crying out. Agnes went and put her arms around her neck and said, "O Huldah, I see there is light for you too." Then Huldah commenced speaking in tongues. Then they came and threw themselves in my lap and talked in tongues for an hour. Then they sang a song in tongues; both sang the same words and the same tune in perfect harmony.
Then the little boy began to get hungry, and we went down and prayed for him and about 12 o'clock, he got his Pentecost.
The children were saved before that, and the two girls had been praying together that day. Agnes used to have a very sharp temper but is different now. Shortly after that all, three were baptized with water. Little Clara, the baby, six years old, is praying for her Pentecost.
Ever since that night, when we get down to pray, nearly always the little ones begin to speak in tongues. The following Sunday evening, we left the children alone, and when we returned and came to the barn we heard such a noise in the house, and my wife wondered if the children were crying. We found all three of the children were talking in tongues.
MB Froseth,
938 E. 33rd St. Los Angeles
A CHILDREN'S MEETING
A little girl eight years old who was reclaimed and sanctified at the children's tabernacle in the campmeeting was left at home one morning to take care of the little children, while her mother went to the meeting. She was a good girl with the children, and the Lord gave them a wonderful meeting at home. Rebecca who was seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, her cousin who had been saved that morning in family worship and the little sister, all had a little meeting. They sang, prayed, testified, and then had an altar call. Little Mary was saved, and while praying with her, Vivian was sanctified. After they closed the meeting, Rebecca sat on the lounge sewing and got up to start a fire, when the power of God came on her. She says, I fell on my knees so suddenly that it surprised me. I said, "O Father, baptize me with the Holy Spirit and fire, and give me the witness that I am baptized." In a few minutes, she began to sing in an unknown language. Then the Lord impressed her to go and lay hands on her cousin, and she fell under the power, lay for some time, and came out from under the power singing in an unknown language. When the mother came home, Rebecca ran and told her the good news, and she said she had been praying the Lord to take care of the children, and indeed, He had.
THE MIRACLE OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES
Some people doubt the miracle of speaking in tongues. They read it in the Bible but do not believe in miracles nowadays. There was a woman on the campground that doubted the miracle of speaking in tongues. She understood Russian and Polish, and the Lord gave her a message in her native tongue that no one else understood.
A boy arose to testify and when his turn came, and he opened his mouth, he could not speak English, but the Spirit began to speak in an unknown language. The woman heard both Russian and Polish and was thoroughly convinced. He spoke about ten minutes giving the account of Jesus walking among the golden candlesticks with the seven stars in His right hand. He also preached the first eight verses of the 3rd of Revelation where Jesus was exhorting the church that had a name to live and was dead, to repent. The boy seemed to be preaching and exhorting in great power. Part of the message was, "Jesus is coming very soon."
The young man's name is Ralph Groenick of Hermon, CA, and the woman's address is Sister Rosenthal, corner 24th and Hoover streets, Los Angeles.
CHRIST ABIDES IN SANCTIFICATION
When we receive Christ as our sanctifier, He comes in and we have the abiding anointing in our souls continually. When a man is sanctified, there is no doubt as to his sanctification, for he has the witness within. Christ abides, He sits enthroned. You are in the Word of God and you get a real witness from the throne of God that Christ is within. When you call your Beloved, He answers and says, Here I am.
I remember after I was converted, I asked, "How is this?" My Beloved comes to me and visits me, but He does not abide. I knew I was a Christian but I did not have the real abiding anointing. When I would get with Christians and sing one or two hymns, my Beloved would come and visit me; but when I left, it seemed He would go. I said to Him, "I would like for you to come and stay, not just some and fill me and afterwards take Your flight." when I got my Beloved sanctified in me, then when I would call upon Him, He would come and make my soul laugh. You do not have to ask someone about it. If you have not received the abiding anointing, you have a counterfeit sanctification. As long as you live in the Word of God, He will always be present. We must continue to obey Him, for there is no way for Christ to abide in us, if we do not obey Him.
CURED OF DOUBT AND FEARS
The Blood of Jesus is the only cure for doubt and fears. It takes sanctification to deliver from doubts and fears. We always find that people who are not sanctified are more or less troubled with doubts. When they are sanctified, they are filled with such love to God, that they are like little babes. They believe every word of Jesus.
Now Jesus had been with the disciples three and a half years, and had told them all about the kingdom, and yet the doubts and fears came upon them. In Luke 24:31, we read, "And their eyes were opened and they knew Him." This was after the resurrection. Their spiritual eyes were opened to see our inheritance. No one can get the Baptism until Christ anoints his eyes and opens his understanding that he might understand the Scriptures. In the 45th verse we read, "Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures." Then they received the living Word into their hearts and their hearts burned within them, as He unfolded the Scriptures to them.
Sanctification is a cure for unbelief, doubts and fears. Jesus got all His disciples cured before He went back to glory. What do you call that but sanctification? His Blood had been split for their sanctification. He had suffered without the gate to sanctify them. We can see Jesus taught the doctrine of sanctification before He was crucified, for He had prayed that they might be sanctified in the 17th of John. He stayed with them on earth forty days, opened their understanding, opened their eyes and cleansed them of doubts.
The last one to be cured of doubts was Thomas. They were trying to preach the resurrection to Thomas, but he said, "No. I will not believe it until I put my hand into His side and my finger into the prints of the nails." Satan was trying to rob and fool Thomas out of the glorious truth of the resurrection. Jesus knew all about it. He called Thomas and said to him, (Don't you see how Jesus hates infidelity and unbelief) "Reach hither thy finger and behold My hands and, reach hither thy hand and behold My side, and be not faithless but believing." Jesus wants us to walk by faith and believe every word that proceedeth out of His mouth.
We believe that the disciples were sanctified and ready for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. They had obedience and faith in their hearts, and were continually praising and blessing God in the temple, until the Pentecost fell, Acts 2. If we will all get a clearly sanctified experience as they had, we will have no trouble in receiving the Baptism.
THE HOLY SPIRIT, BISHOP OF THE CHURCH
It is the office work of the Holy Spirit to preside over the entire work of God on earth (John 10:3). Jesus was our Bishop while on earth, but now He has sent the Holy Spirit, Amen, to take His place, not men (John 14:16, 15:26, 16:7-14). Praise His holy name!
The Holy Spirit is to infuse with divine power, and to invest with heavenly authority. No religious assembly is legal without His presence and His transaction. We should recognize Him as the Teacher of teachers.
The reason why there are son many of God's people without divine power today without experimental salvation, wrought out in their hearts by the Blood, by the power of the blessed Holy Spirit, is because they have not accepted Him as their Teacher, as their Leader, as their Comforter. Jesus said in His precious Word that if He went away He would send us another Comforter. The need of men and women today in their lives is a Comforter. Praise our God! We have received this blessed Comforter, and it is heaven in our souls. We can sing with all our hearts: "What matter where on earth we dwell On Mountain top, or in the dell,
In cottage or a mansion fair,
Where Jesus is, 'tis heaven there."
Bless His holy name! May God help every one of His Blood bought children to receive this blessed Comforter. Glory to His name! Hallelujah! Hosannah to His omnipotent name! Oh, He is reigning in my soul! Hallelujah! I just feel like the song that says:
"Oh, spread the tidings round
Wherever man is found,
Wherever human hearts
And human woes abound,
Let every Christian tongue
Proclaim the joyful sound,
The Comforter has come!"
Many people today think we need new churches, that is to say church buildings: stone structures, brick structures, modern improvements, new choirs, trained singers right from the conservatories, paying from seven to fifteen hundred dollars a year for singing, fine pews, fine chandeliers, everything that could attract the human heart to win souls to the meeting house is used in this twentieth century. We find that they have reached the climax, but all of that had failed to bring divine power and salvation to precious souls. Sinners have gone to the meeting house, heard a nice, fine, eloquent oration on Jesus, or on some particular church, or on some noted man. The people have been made glad to go because they have seen great wealth, they have seen people in the very latest styles, in different costumes, and loaded down with jewelry, decorated from head to foot with diamonds, gold and silver. The music in the church has been sweet, and it is found that a good many of the church people seem to be full of love, but there has always been a lack of power. We wonder why sinners are not being converted, and why it is that the church is always making improvements, and failing to do the work that Christ called her to do. It is because men have taken the place of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The church had the right idea that we need bishops and elders, but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ must give them authority, and their qualifications for these offices must be the enduement of the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, after choosing His disciples, said, in John 15:16 "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father, in my name, He may give." He ordained His disciples with His own blessed hands, before going back to glory, but He put the credentials in their hearts on the day of Pentecost, when they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. Hallelujah! This authority made them His witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth, for without the blessed Holy Spirit, in all of His fullness, we are not able to witness unto the uttermost parts of the earth. We must be coworkers with Him, partakers of the Holy Spirit. Then, when He is in us, in all of His fullness, He will manifest Himself. Signs and miracles will follow. This is the office work of the Holy Spirit in the churches. Amen.
I pray God that all Christ's people and ministers everywhere will please stop by the headquarters, the Jerusalem before God, for their credentials. Then they are entitled to receive credentials from the visible church. The main credential is to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Instead of new preachers from the theological schools and academies, the same old preachers, baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, the same old deacons, the same old plain church buildings will do. When the Holy Spirit comes in He will cleanse out dead forms and ceremonies, and will give life and power to His ministers and preachers, in the same old church buildings. Without the Holy Spirit, they are simply tombstones.
We must always recognize that a meeting house is simply a place, where Christ's people gather to worship, and not the church. The church is planted in our hearts, through the Blood of Jesus Christ, for Christ said in Matthew 16:16. "Upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." We see if these meeting houses and such buildings were really churches of Christ, the storms, cyclones, and fire, could not harm them; but we see them blown down by storms and burned down. However, through the precious Blood of Christ, this church that He plants in our souls will stand throughout eternity.
The first thing in every assembly is to see that He, the Holy Spirit, is installed as so many dried up missions and churches today, is because they have not the Holy Spirit as the chairman. They have some man in His place. Man is all right in his place, that is when he is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, for it is not man that does the work, but the Holy Spirit from the glory land, sent by Jesus to work through this tabernacle of clay. Wherever you find the Holy Spirit as the chair in any assembly, you will find a fruitful assembly; you will find children being born unto God.
Just as it takes a father and a mother to bring forth children of this natural life, so it takes the Word and the Spirit to bring forth children of the spiritual birth. There must be a father and there must be a mother. God chooses human instruments to preach the Word unto the people, and the Holy Spirit gives birth to everyone who receives the Word of Christ that means the new birth. Praise our God. Where a Holy Spirit man preaches the Word of God, the Lord will bring forth sons and daughters unto his administration.
Jesus Christ is the archbishop of these assemblies, and He must be recognized. In addition, we must recognize the Holy Spirit in all of His office work. He takes the members into the church that is the body of Christ. Through repentance to God, and faith in Jesus, they become the members of the church of Christ. They remain members as long as they live free from sin. When they commence sinning, the Holy Spirit, the chair and bishop, the presiding elder, turns them out, and they know when they are turned out of this church. They do not have to go and ask their pastor or their preacher, for they feel within their own soul that the glory has left them, the joy, the peace, the rest and comfort. Then when they feel the lack in their souls, if they will confess their sins, God, the Holy Spirit, will accept them back into the church.
Oh, thank God for this holy way. I am so glad that sham battles are over. Men and women must live straight, holy, pure lives, free from sin; or else, they have no part with Christ Jesus. When men and women are filled with the Holy Spirit, everywhere they go, living waters will flow. The Lord promised that out of our innermost being living rivers of water should flow. This is the Holy Spirit. Amen! The mighty Pison, the Gihon, the Hiddekel, the Euphrates of our soul will flow, representing the rivers of salvation. Amen!
WJ Seymour
HEALED BY THE LORD
"I feel led by the Holy Spirit to testify to the glory of God what He has done for me and my wife. The Lord has wonderfully healed me from catarrh of nine years standing. Glory! Glory! Glory! Glory be to my dear Redeemer's name! Soon as I received the handkerchief, or as soon as I opened the letter, such power went through my whole being since I have never felt before. I praise Him, I feel the healing balm just now go through soul and body. Glory to King Jesus, the great Physician of soul and body. A few weeks before this, my wife was very sick, as near death as I have ever seen a human being. Her ears were getting cold and strength gone so that she could only whisper, but glory to God for His mercy and love, we got some of the saints to pray for her, and He wonderfully came and healed her. About a year ago, God for Christ's sake saved and sanctified her, and revealed to her not to trust in the arm of flesh. She pitched her medicine out once for all and took Jesus for her only Doctor. He is surely the only one that can help us under all circumstances."
-EW Johnson
Stockholm, Sask, Canada
"The Lord graciously gave me the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire on April 29th, and there have 35 received their Pentecost at Readan, Washington, where I was. One dear sister was healed of curvature of the spine in answer to our prayers in half an hour after receiving her baptism, and her back straightened like a piece of rubber Praise to our God. She has been called to go to India."
-Mary Law
Route 8
Spokane, WA
"A few of us here believe in this "faith once delivered unto the saints" and some are speaking in tongues. One sister sang beautiful songs with such marvelous power, beauty and sweetness, and oh how blessed we were. Fifteen dear young men were saved also several others. I wish to tell of a miracle that God did on my dear mother, healing her of a growth or pressing of the bones on the brain, caused by a bad fall on a sharp rock. She had suffered two years, and last summer was fast becoming insane from the pressure on her brain. I told her one night we would pray for her at the church where we met. We were only two, a brother and I, and we claimed the promise, "Where two of you are agreed." Praise God, my mother was healed sitting at home in a chair asleep. She said that she sprang up in alarm, wondering why her head felt so light and good. Then she remembered we were praying for her, and realized that she was healed, and thank God she is well and happy today."
-Eben, Lind
Moline, IL
"I can testify to this world that there is power in the Blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse from all sin and all dread diseases. Two days before I received your letter, I was made well and my shoulder went up into its place. All I can say is, Praise the Lord for ever and ever."
-John Waterson
Knowlesville, IL
LETTER TO ONE SEEKING THE HOLY SPIRIT
Dear Beloved in Christ Jesus:
The Lord Jesus has said in His precious Word, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). God's promises are true and sure. We can rest upon His promises. He says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).
The Lord Jesus is always ready to fill the hungry, thirsty soul. He said in His precious Word, "He that believeth on Me as the Scripture hath said, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water (But this spoke He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)." John 7, 38, 39. However, praise God, He is given to us today.
All we have to do it to obey the first chapter of Acts, and wait for the promise of the Father upon our souls. The Lord Jesus said in His precious Word. "Behold I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.
Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:5-8). They tarried until they received the mighty power of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit upon their souls. God put the credentials in their hearts, and put the ring of authority on their finger, and sealed them in the forehead with the Father's name. He wrote on their heart the name of the New Jerusalem, and put in their hand the stone with the name written that no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. Praise the Lord, for His mercy endureth forever. Let us stand upon His promises. They are sure, they will not break.
The Lord Jesus says, "Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19). Dear loved one, the Lord Jesus when He rose from the dead, said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. These signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover" (Mark 16:16-18). They went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Praise His dear name, for He is just the same today.
The first thing in order to receive this precious and wonderful baptism with the Holy Spirit, we want to have a clear knowledge of justification by faith according to the Bible. Romans. 5:1, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," faith that all our actual sins may be washed away. Actual sin means committed sin.
The second step is to have a real knowledge of sanctification that frees us from original sin, the sin that we were born with that we inherited from our father Adam. We were not responsible for that sin until we received light, for we could not repent of a sin that we did not commit. When we came to the Lord as a sinner, we repented to God of our actual sins, and God for Christ's sake pardoned us, washed our sin and pollution away, and planted eternal life in our souls. Afterwards we saw in the Word of God, "This is the will of God, even your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3, also John 17:15-19). We consecrated ourselves to God, and the Lord Jesus sanctified our souls, and made us every whit clean.
Then after we were clearly sanctified, we prayed to God for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He sent the Holy Spirit to our hearts and filled us with His blessed Spirit, and He gave us the Bible evidence, according to the Acts 2 verses 1 to 4, speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
Praise our God, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Receive Him just now and He will fill you. Amen. Do not get discouraged but pray until you are filled, for the Lord says, "Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Do not stop because you do not receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit at the first, but continue until you are filled. The Lord Jesus told His disciples to tarry until they were endued with power from on high. Many people today are willing to tarry just so long and then they give up and fail to receive their personal Pentecost that would measure with the Bible. The Lord Jesus says, "Ye shall be filled." He says that to the person that hungers and thirsts after righteousness and He says they are blessed. If there is a hunger and thirst in our souls for righteousness, we are blessed of Him. Praise His dear name!
Yours in Christ,
WJ Seymour
THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER AND SPEAKING WITH TONGUES IN CHICAGO
In our previous articles upon the above subject, we defined the definite conclusions at which we had arrived; and now after six months further study, we have little to change as to our opinion of the movement. Last January we said we were satisfied that God had visited His people and that many were greatly blessed while others seemed puffed up and injured by their experience. We also stated that the Gospel Tabernacle as a church had set aside one evening of each week to pray especially that we might receive all that God was willing to bestow. Also that we might be delivered from all the deceptions of Satan, and the workings of the flesh.
The result so far has been most satisfactory. God has met us and answered our prayers. On the 12th of June at the close of our regular midweek prayer meeting, nine of us tarried for a special season of waiting upon God. We had not proceeded far when one of our number (our class leader, a man of undoubted reliability and Christian experience), was praying with unusual earnestness amounting to intense supplication, when suddenly the Spirit seemed to fall upon us "as at the beginning." Several were strongly convulsed, while the brother referred to began to speak in "unknown tongues" and "magnify God" with a loud voice. This altogether new experience made a deep impression on all present, as it could not possibly be attributed to hysteria or any hypnotic influence. Great was the downpour of the Spirit that this strong man paced the floor glorifying God for fully an hour. By this time the sense of God's presence was so great that another of our church officers said that he believed it was God's will to bestow upon him a like enduement. This brought us once more to our knees, where we had not long remained when the Spirit again fell upon us, and this brother likewise burst into intense supplication, and a little later began to speak "in tongues" and glorify God, as the first brother had done. This so impressed us that we began to think that it was the will of God to visit the entire company. None of the others, however, were visited at this time and at three o'clock in the morning, we left the church. Again, the following Friday evening as a company kneeled at the altar the Spirit fell upon one of our sisters; and again the following Sunday evening, upon one of the elders of the church. In each instance, the recipient had the same experience as the first two. These things have made such an impression upon our people that the church has been greatly quickened. Those who speak in tongues seem to live in another world. The experience they have entered into corresponds exactly with that which is described in Acts 10. The tongues they speak in do not seem to be intended as a means of communication between themselves and others, as on the Day of Pentecost, but corresponds more closely with that described in 1 Corinthians 14:2, and seems to be a means of communication between the soul and God. They do not speak in tongues in the assembly, but when in prayer; they become intense in their supplication; they are apt to break out in the unknown tongue that is invariably followed by ascriptions of praise and adoration which are well nigh unutterable. The writer has about concluded that it is the "new tongues" spoken of in Mark 16: 17 as one of the signs which are to follow them that believe, rather than the "gift of tongues" which all evidently did not possess. We feel our spirits hushed into silence before God, at this wonderful manifestation of His presence in our midst. We have announced no extra meetings in the church, but every night prostrate forms may be seen waiting in silence before Him who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. There is no shadow of doubt left in our minds as the Scriptural accuracy of the experience, and we feel sure that no honest heart could find anything to criticize.
There are other cases at other points in our Chicago work equally satisfactory, and it is this more than any other thing that has influenced us in the selection of the Free Methodist Camp Grounds, as the place for our next annual meeting.
-The Christian Missionary Alliance
Of the 500 disciples that heard Jesus say, "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem," how many tarried? Just 126. Oh, it is not all that are going to obey the voice of Jesus. We know that Mary Magdalene was there and Mary the mother of Jesus, and they received the power along with the men. Glory to Jesus. God says, "In the latter days, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh," not only upon the servants but on the handmaidens also. We women have a part in this Gospel. Hallelujah to my God! He is the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
TESTIMONY AND PRAISE TO GOD
"O, I feel the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ drawing nigh. Hallelujah! Glory to His name! I am so glad that the Lord is holding the winds until the angel has sealed all of the saints of the living God in their foreheads, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The midnight cry will soon be made, when the morning and the night shall come. It will be morning in our souls, to those that are waiting for His coming! The awful black night of tribulation as the black night of Egypt will come upon all the world. May God help all of His precious waiting bride to be watching; waiting until our Lord shall come.
"Oh, I am so thankful that I can work for my Christ and my God. The time is short when our blessed Jesus shall return to this earth, and snatch away His waiting bride. After six thousand years of toil and labor, we are going to have one thousand years of rest with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to His holy name!" Brother Seymour, 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles.
"I can't forget how, kneeling at the dear old board in Azusa Street, I promised God I would go where He wanted me to go and stay where He wanted me to stay, and be what He wanted me to be. I meant every word of it and God has taken me at my Word. How His glory is flooding my soul. Oh, how I worship His precious name! I have to stop and wonder how God can bless the Word through me. To think He has saved me when all my family were infidels and everything that would drive me from God. No one can ever know how I feel for the way God has dealt with me. Oh, how I love Jesus. It thrills my very being to think of the Blood. It has done so much for me. I am filled with wonder love, and praise that God would permit me to see the workings of His mighty power in these last days. Oh, to think we have lived to see the return of the apostolic power and to see the gifts restored back to the church. I find we cannot compromise with anything or anybody. Oh, we must stand for all the light we have received, and having down all to stand.
-Florence Crawford
"This is, without doubt, God's last call to His people just previous to the coming of our blessed Redeemer and Master. Oh, how our hearts long to see Him! How we rejoice at the hope, each day bringing to us a deeper experience and a brighter assurance that we, ourselves, shall never see the grave! His approach is so nigh at hand, one almost thinks they can hear the songs of the angels who are to accompany Him in His coming. Without a shadow of a doubt, we are living in the latter days and that "Latter Rain" is being poured upon us; yet we are but beneath its droppings; the full shower has not yet arrived."
-Brother Tom Hezmalhach
"The Haven"
Zion City, IL
When the Comforter first came my heart was so overflowing with the joy, I had not time to prove the reality, the blessed reality of the experience received in dear reality of the experience received in dear old Azusa Street Mission. As persecution arose in India, I have proved day by day, hour by hour that He abides and reveals Jesus to my soul in wonderful ways.
How conscious have I been of His presence giving "songs of deliverance" and speaking through me to my own comfort and delight. Praise Him. There are several hundred natives baptized with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues today in India. I want to add that the blessed Comforter does indeed reveal the perfect life of the Savior. Not alone in the oil of joy, ("Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows"), but the other side of this precious life, ("The man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.") We can say we have not longed for the joy side alone, but to "suffer with Him that we might reign with Him." He longs for a bride who shares both His suffering and joy. I want to enter into His own heart and feel as He felt, letting His joy be my joy, His sorrow my sorrow. He has put groaning into my heart that cannot be uttered over a lost world and those who do not understand His workings in the earth at this time. How I praise Him for a love for my enemies that is not natural but divine. Hallelujah.
We long to see all power restored that the heathen can no more say to the missionaries: "Where is their God." Joel 2:17. "The Lord will be jealous for His land and pity His people."
Our hearts are knit with the dear Saints at Azusa Street and we think with love of all. How often I think of the times the Spirit sang through Sister Crawford and me:
"Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea."
That testified to my own heart that much would arise for which the Spirit was preparing me. He abides the blessed Comforter.
-Mrs. Lillian Garr
Bethany, Slave Island, Colombo, Ceylon
"I am not going to Africa for name or fame, but for the saving of precious souls that Jesus gave His life for, that they should enjoy this blessed salvation as we Glory to His name. How I worship my Savior. Can say from the very depths of my heart that this world with all its attractions has no charms for me. It is Jesus and Him only."
-Rosa Harmon351 W. 40th Street
New York City, en-route to Africa
"We had a wonderful campmeeting in Fairmont MN, I put myself on record as a seeker from the beginning. As I kept humbling myself before Him day after day His power and love began going all through me. At one meeting a number were singing the heavenly chorus and I found my heart in tune with it. Hallelujah, so that I was able to take part. I had not then spoken any in unknown tongues but was still pressing up for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
A night or two days after that, I sang again with several others, and soon after the tent was filled with God and my heart was filled with holy laughter. Then suddenly several peculiar moves took place around my jawbones, and from away within, without my having any part in it, I spoke words that I was not accountable for. There was great, inexpressible joy in my soul, so much that I was unable to keep still.
One girl of about 18 years from Sioux City sang several verses in a South African dialect, words which were so near like the Zulu dialect that some were familiar to me. Sister Ladd from Des Moines spoke several sentences in the Arabic which I could understand, though the Arabic in Morocco is different from the pure Arabic spoken in Palestine."
-Fred Weiss, returned Africa missionary
Thurman, IA
RAISED FROM THE DEAD
Miss Eula Wilson, a girl of fifteen in Wichita, Kansas, had been given up to die by the doctors. She seemed to die and was laid out for burial. Hours afterward she suddenly raised up and said, "O Mamma I have been in heaven and Jesus has healed me and told me to eat, drink, and walk" She was completely healed and has not been sick at all since.
She says she was taken to heaven in cloud accompanied by two angels and her brother who had died two years before. Heaven, she said, was sparkling with indescribable beauty and glory. She met Jesus, who bade her enter through the gate of pearl, saying, "Peace, peace." He led her and her brother to a most beautiful stream of water sparkling like a myriad of diamonds. She was not able to see neither across the stream nor to the heights of the city. She saw an innumerable company, a large proportion of whom were infants and little children, and recognized many relatives but was disappointed at not seeing some who had died as it was supposed in the triumphs of the Christian faith.
She says, "Everybody looked so beautiful and natural, except a glorious and heavenly light in their eyes and on their faces. They were all dressed alike wearing white robes, without any yoke and with loose flowing sleeves and were all barefooted, with a halo of glory encircling their heads. There was no earth, but all was pure gold, yet much more beautiful than our gold, and seeming transparent." The light of heaven was glorious and came from the throne of God. Near the stream of water were leafless trees, yet filled with luscious fruit having neither pit nor peeling, but beautiful like the surroundings. When plucked off, it immediately grew again. The people drank of the stream and ate of the fruit, but Jesus told Eula not to, but to return to earth. She was to warn the people of their sins, and to tell them of this beautiful place and that He was coming soon, and for them to be ready.
She did not want to come back, fearing that she would have to endue the same suffering, but Jesus said to her, "I will heal you so that you will not have to suffer any more, and I will give you strength." In fulfillment of this promise, she has been able to speak to large audiences and is gaining in strength every day. The physicians cannot account for it. She had been sick for seven months and had a long death struggle. The doctors agree that she was totally blind in one eye that was sunken and turned backward in the socket, but she is now perfectly restored, including her eyesight. This account is given by the "Nazarene Messenger," having been carefully compiled from witnesses and press reports which all establish the evidence. This is simply another witness to us that the Lord is showing signs and wonders in these last days, as a loud call to His people to prepare for His coming.
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT IN INDIA
In Assam and India, there is trembling under the power of conviction; loud crying in prayer; the pouring forth to God in loud confession the sins of a lifetime; sudden falling on the ground, writhing, being twisted and violently thrown down when an unclean spirit had been cast out as the person has cried for deliverance. These have been frequent scenes. Joy unspeakable filling faces with glory, has been manifested by singing, clapping the hands, shouting praises, dancing, and losing strength as under an "exceeding weight of glory." Intercessory prayer that has been a marked feature of this revival, is so intense that often the person becomes unconscious of all others, is swayed back and forth, or trembles violently, so that one taking hold of him is also shaken. Some become unconscious and fall, and the visage of many under intense soul travail become uncomely and like that of Daniel is turned into corruption. Deep waters run smooth except where they run over a riverbed like the Niagara. Then the roar of the might waters is heard from afar. Many of the babbling brooks at the time of their convictions and conversion have in the last few months become swift running streams of power for holy living, and service in soul saving.
We do not need to worry over these manifestations, or seek to suppress them. It is FRUIT IN LIFE AND SERVICE THAT WE WANT TO SEE. These manifestations of not hinder fruit-bearing but we have seen over and over again during the past fifteen months, that where Christian workers have suppressed these manifestations, the Holy Spirit has been grieved, the work has stopped, and no fruit of holy lives has resulted. Who are we to dictate to an all-knowing God as to how He shall work in anyone? When the Spirit is poured out upon a person in strong conviction, why should we tell him that it is wrong to cry? Because among idolaters the devil imitates the trembling caused by the Holy Spirit when He comes in so as to over power the physical, why should we say that the person has worked it up or is possessed by an evil spirit? The writer testifies that she has in the silence of the midnight hour, alone in her room without a sound in the house, been shaken from her innermost being. Her whole body was convulsed, and filled with joy and consciousness that the Holy Spirit had taken possession of every part of her being. No one had greater prejudice against religious excitement than she did, but every time she put her hands upon the work at Mukti to suppress joy or strong conviction, or reproved persons being strongly wrought upon in prayer, the work of revival stopped. She had to confess her fault before it went on again. We have learned that God's ways are past finding out, as far above ours as the heavens are above the earth.
-From published report of the Mission at Mukti, Kedgaon, India
TYPE OF THE COMING OF JESUS
When the flood came, the ark rose on the bosom of the water. In this is a beautiful type of the coming of Jesus. Just as when the flood arose, the ark toward the sky lifted the people of God, so when Jesus Christ, who is our Ark, shall appear, we shall also appear with Him in glory. Then as the ark came back and rested on Mt. Ararat, so when the Lord Jesus comes back, we shall stand with Him on Mt. Olivet. Christ comes and gets His saints before the great tribulation that corresponds with the flood. The Word says that as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:37). We see the same conditions now that prevailed. We know the time draws near.
O it is so easy to follow the Spirit if God if you have been born of the Spirit it is so easy to manifest the Spirit if the Spirit of God is within you. It is impossible for both good and impure water to come from the same spring. Just as surely as the Blood of Jesus Christ has been applied to the soul, you will not only know it but your neighbors will know it and the men that are working in the shop with you will know it. It means so much to have the Blood of Jesus Christ applied to your soul. Dead forms and ceremonies are done away and every sin must be washed away by the Blood of Jesus. It is not tomorrow in sin and today out of sin, but if the Blood of Jesus Christ has atoned for you, it has atoned for you once for all.
Jesus wants a clean people, a sanctified people, and a holy people, washed through His own precious Blood. Hallelujah! We read in Ephesians 5 that beautiful sermon that Paul preached on sanctification and purity of the bride of Christ. "Christ so loved the church that he gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church. Not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish." Glory, glory, glory to out God! Hallelujah! Oh, it is so sweet to live this sanctified experience living in the presence of Christ and His Blood flowing, washing and putting away our sins every moment of our lives. Jesus is our model. We should be ideal men and women of this blessed and precious truth. Glory to God! The sweetest thing in this world is to have Jesus in our hearts and the Blood flowing in every part of our souls.
The blessed Holy Spirit is receiving the same treatment as given the Son. How much is written of Him. How many talk of His indwelling. It reminds us of the "Incarnation." No doubt, all Jewish women longed to be the mother of the Messiah; but how few, when the fact was faced, would have paid the price. With Him, the Third Person in the Trinity, the cost is so great, and yet, praise my King, hungry, waiting hearts are receiving Him and proving that all that was said of Him is true.
Satan is making his last dreadful fight; for he knows, his time is short. He would deceive the very elect if it were possible but thank God, it is not possible.
God requires the prayers of all His precious Holy Spirit people for the spread of the Gospel in this land and all over the world. Those of us who cannot go must write letters and send papers and traces that the precious souls may get this Gospel.
CHAPTER TEN
This is a time as never before when the baptized saints are scattering abroad everywhere preaching the Word. They have gone out from Los Angeles far and near, carrying the sweet message that the Comforter has come. Some have gone to Canada, some east, some south, and some are on the way to foreign fields.
Many of the campmeeting saints are gathering back to the old "manger home" at Azusa. The pillar of fire still rests there. Meetings went on here all summer souls seeking and finding the Lord.
The Lord taught His people at the Campground and gave them some practical experiences that will stand them in good stead on the field. The enemy came in as an angel of light, and we had a battle with the powers of darkness; but it was turned into victory after all. The Spirit was poured out and many souls baptized. God only knows the number. They were slain about the altars and in the "upper room tent," and came through speaking and singing in tongues and rejoicing in God.
Many were saved and sanctified. Over 100 were baptized in the stream near by. The baptismal services were sweet and heavenly. Numbers of children followed Jesus in baptism, and came out of the water praising God. Many testified to healing. The Lord performed some real miracles. Praise God!
There were over 200 living tents in the camp, besides a number of large tents. The big tabernacle where God met with us graciously; the "upper room tent" where many sought and obtained the Pentecost; the children's tabernacle where they were taught the Word and many of them found the Lord. We shall never forget that spot for it was so sweet to hear the children praying and praising the Lord. Then there was the dining tent, where hundreds sat down to the tables and no charge made except as the Lord laid it on them to put into the box. We enjoyed some blessed times in the Spirit there, and in the workers' dining tent, before we got the big tabernacle on the "all things common" line. One morning while at prayer after breakfast, the power of God so came on us that ten of the workers were slain and we did not get away until noon. We had a foretaste of heaven.
The hills around would sometimes ring with prayer and praise. Some sought and found the Lord on the hills, and came down with faces shining.
The early morning meetings before breakfast when the saints met will never be forgotten. The Lord met with us. There were three other services in the big tabernacle during the day that often ran into the night, if not until morning. The altar workers were very faithful. They would stay and pray with seekers all night.
People came from hundreds and thousands of miles seeking Pentecost, and went back with the rivers of salvation. The songs from the camp could be heard distinctly up in Hermon. One sister who had been told it was all the power of the devil was up in Hermon listening, and she said to herself, "So that is the devil; well, the devil has some sweet singers." She came down and the result was she went to the altar and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
From Hermon, one sister saw fire issuing out of the tabernacle, as it were a tongue of fire. Her daughter also saw it. A little boy, who was in the power of the Spirit in the tabernacle, saw a ball of fire in the top of the tabernacle that broke and filled the whole place with light. God surely did send the fire. Many were the heavenly anthems the Spirit sang through His people. He gave many beautiful messages in unknown tongues, speaking of His soon coming, invitations to come to the Lord and exhortations from the Word.
We had some precious saints' meetings feasting on the Word. One blessed thing was the unity of the ministers and workers in the doctrines of the Bible, so plainly taught by our Lord. The Lord put His seal upon it. Those who were not present will find the doctrines in this paper as they were taught there. Our power in this Gospel is in standing in the Word. Oh, how precious it is when we are in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship. Some, it is sad to say, will not pay the price.
In Washington, DC
In the capital city, the Pentecost has fallen in a colored Holiness Mission. Brother and Sister SS Crawford were preaching the Pentecost at another mission, and they sent for them, as Cornelius sent Peter to preach this Gospel. Twenty-two came to the altar the first service and four received Pentecost with the Bible evidence. The meeting went on for five weeks with 16 receiving the Pentecost, four of them preachers.
Minnesota Campmeetings
He is pouring out His Spirit on him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground. Our annual campmeeting at Fairmont MN, June 14-24 was a season of precious waiting before the Lord. It has been a tarrying place where the full Gospel was preached. This year in the added light of Pentecostal blessings and power that a number present had received during the past few months, it swung out into a Pentecostal meeting. God was pleased to work graciously in our midst saving, sanctifying, and healing persons and several were baptized with the Holy Spirit, while the blessings flowed out upon others as the Holy Spirit fell upon the people.
At the Maxwell Campmeeting, on Thursday, July 5th, the Lord poured out His Spirit in power. While numbers were prostrate under the power, He was pleased to use two young women under the power of the Spirit, in speaking through them so that the hearts of the people were melted like wax in His presence, and realized they were in the very presence of God. The afternoon meeting merged into the evening meeting with no time to prepare supper. Oh, it was most blessed indeed.
-HL Blake Ruthton, MN
In North Carolina
The Holy Spirit is being poured out in Rowan Free Will Baptist Church and many are speaking and singing in new tongues, and some interpreting and receiving other manifestations of the Spirit. On the 17th of May Brother Harrell received his Pentecost, and from that time to this the Holy Spirit has been sought by others and about 28 have received their Pentecost while several have been converted and some sanctified. In nearly every service, someone gets his Pentecost. People are coming from other sections of the country to see for themselves the wonderful works of God in our midst.
The fire is falling at the FW Baptist Church at Frenchers Creek, and at the FW Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC, several have received their Pentecost at each of these places. At Wilmington three little girls from 10 to 12 years old have received their Pentecost and are gloriously happy."
-AJ Bordeau, Colly NC
At High Point, NC, the Pentecost mission is growing, souls are being saved and the sick healed. At Durham, there is a happy band of baptized believers. At Winston-Salem, some are being baptized with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
In New Orleans, LA
As soon as we received those Apostolic Faith papers, we began praying, and fasted and prayed, and Glory to His name, He made Himself known in our midst, and came and baptized four with the Holy Spirit and fire. Oh, what a grand time we did have, and the Lord has been continuing to baptize different ones. The fire is falling down here, and the Lord is bringing His saints together as Jesus prayed in the 17th of John. He is giving the gift of speaking with tongues and other gifts.
-Alice Taylor
2323 Washington Avenue
Other Points
In Oakland just as the paper goes to press, word comes from Sister Crawford who is on her way east that the power of God is falling. In San Francisco, the work is going forward with two young brothers from the campmeeting in charge.
In Atlanta, GA, reports come of many baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Lord has given signs and wonders.
At Dayton, OH, the Holy Spirit first fell in February on those that were earnestly seeking the fullness. Thirty-six souls were reported to have received the Pentecost and the altar full of seekers. Brother W.W. Bailey, a baptized preacher there opened a Pentecost Gospel Union Mission at 767 S. Brown St.
At Chambersburg, PA, about 25 people were baptized and some spoke in tongues, some saved, sanctified and healed.
At Youngstown, OH, a number have received the Baptism. One night they were in prayer all the evening praising God and the Lord gave the heavenly song that sounded to them like angelic strains. One sister saw into glory and saw the heavenly city. Such a remarkable sight! It seemed the celestial city was so near, the veil was almost worn through.
At Memphis, TN, many hungry souls have been baptized.
At Durant, FL, there has been a gracious meeting in which about 50 have received the Holy Spirit. Some have been healed, unclean spirits crying with loud voices have come out of some that were possessed with them, and souls are saved and sanctified.
Pentecost has fallen at Council Bluffs IA, at Caldwell, KS, at Mankato, MN. At New Castle, PA, at Watertown, NY and the work has been increasing at many other points.
Truly, this is a refreshing time, according to Acts 3:18-21. "Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. He shall send Jesus Christ." We can see the refreshing times are now flowing.
In Portland, OR, there has been a Holy Spirit campmeeting going on all summer. Hundreds have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, many saved, sanctified and healed. They have such love and harmony among the saints that they have all things on Pentecostal lines. The saints there are mostly poor, yet making many rich. Tents and eating tabernacle free and no collections. God abundantly supplied. Portland has become an example of this Pentecostal faith. Glory to God for what He had done.
This great movement is like a little mustard seed planted in Los Angeles. It took root in a humble place that proved to be good soil and, watered with rivers from heaven, it soon put forth its branches to nearby towns as Long Beach and out to Oakland. Soon the limbs spread north and far over the eastern states, and then clear over into Sweden and India. Now it is spreading all over the world. How beautiful and green it is, and how the birds are coming to lodge in its branches!
Christ is making up His jewels quickly. Oh, how the "latter rain" is falling. We hear from Canada, from the east and south the sound of abundance of rain. Praise God. It is falling in Sweden, in Norway and refreshing showers in India. In addition, we hear of gracious drops falling in other distant lands. We hear the rumbling of the chariots of heaven. Some are trying to stop it but you might as well try to stop a cloudburst in the mountains. This thing is in God's hands.
Men and women have prayed years to see this precious light, prayed to see Los Angeles revived. Now we can see the fruits of Pentecost here, God healing people, saving, sanctifying, baptizing with the Holy Spirit, speaking through the power of the Spirit and singing in unknown tongues, giving sweet anthems from heaven. God has graciously answered the prayers of His people, though many are blinded and cannot see it; but praise God, our eyes have seen this great salvation and we ought to be encouraged to go forward as never before.
In Minneapolis there is a precious Holy Spirit mission band of about 200 Holy Spirit people who are united in love and harmony, filled with the glory of God. Though they have been persecuted and ridiculed by the secular papers, yet God has only used it as a free advertisement to draw honest souls. One woman heard of it 250 miles away and came all the way to receive her Pentecost, and in a short time she received a mighty Baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and interpreting, and went back with the precious oil of the Holy Spirit.
Hungry souls rejoice to hear of the Pentecost. Sister Mary Yaegge of Baltimore was one who rejoiced to hear of the Pentecost at Los Angeles. She prized the little paper for it seemed to be just what her soul longed for. She had been raised a Catholic and had received the Gospel gladly and was sanctified and hungering for the Holy Spirit. She came to the Campmeeting. Received her Pentecost on the way, while at Oakland and is truly anointed with power and divine love. She is on her way back to Switzerland, her native home, to give this Gospel to her people.
Missionaries in China have been seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit ever since they received the first Apostolic Faith papers from Los Angeles. One dear missionary, Brother B. Berntsen from South Chih-li, Tai-Ming-Fu, North China came all the way to Los Angeles to receive his Pentecost. , Bless God, he went to the altar at Azusa Mission, and soon fell under the power, and arose drunk on the new wine of the kingdom, magnifying God in a new tongue. As soon as he could speak English, he said, "This means much for China." Then he told how he had felt the need of the fullness of the Pentecost in China, and we fell on our knees and prayed that the dear missionaries might be anointed and China might receive the Gospel.
The manager of the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, Brother Will Trotter, received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and as a result he lost his position under men, but God has marvelously anointed him and is using him in the evangelistic work.
In Chicago, there are a number of Pentecostal meetings. Many are magnifying God for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is using Brother Durham as a river that overflows its banks and waters the thirsty ground. Many hungry ones are seeking and obtaining their baptism. Some of the Moody Institute people have received their Pentecost, but the theologians are not accepting it.
The Scandinavian Apostolic Faith Mission at 775 Wall Street, Los Angeles, is one of the sweetest places you ever were in. The people there are filled with the Spirit praising God. They seem so sincere and full of divine love. A number of precious young men and women are there that God has cleansed and filled with the Spirit. It is blessed to see them.
THE LOVE OF JESUS
"Surely He hath borne our grief and carried our sorrows." The Son of God went into the garden when He was bearing this world of sin. The blood gushed out from His skin and fell in great drops to the ground. He prayed, "Father, if it be thy will remove this cup from Me, never the less not my will but Thine be done." He suffered until His heart swelled in His body and forced the Blood through the flesh. His soul burned in Him with the weight of sin of this old world on our conquering King. Then He did not stop but went through Pilate's judgment hall and was whipped and the Blood ran down in that judgment hall, and was shed all the way to Calvary. Oh, those stripes reach our sicknesses and our infirmities and heal us. He bled, died, went down into the grave, and rose again. Oh, beloved, He atoned for you, He hung and bled for you, and if you will accept Him today, He will fill your heart.
At the annual Christian and Missionary Alliance Convention in Nyack, New York some were present who had received their Pentecost, and a great interest was awakened. In a tarrying meeting, one young woman who was called to Africa fell under the power. She received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and began to speak in an African tongue that was recognized by missionaries from Africa as being the very language of the part of Africa to which the sister was expecting to go. Others sought and obtained the Baptism.
A minister who had been opposing this work went to one of the Pentecostal meetings and got under conviction. He confessed to all that he was in the wrong and stated to his congregation that he must have this Pentecostal power, that he would not preach until he had it; he would work on the rock pile first. Then he called all his people to the altar that wanted it and they came in crowds. Oh, the hungry souls. If the ministers would only go in themselves and let their hungry flocks go in what a wave of salvation there would be. The minister we hear has been mightily baptized and many of his people.
In Santa Barbara in a Pentecostal meeting, as they were kneeling about the altar, some whiskey bottles were thrown which came from a saloon nearby. Two of the saints were struck with them. Sister Crawford was cut on the temple by one of these ugly weapons, but the saints prayed for her and the meeting went on. She writes that she is rejoicing to be counted worthy to bear about in her body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
In Zion City, IL, a little girl of about six years came to her mother and said she was going to be saved. She went upstairs and commenced to pray, and the Lord heard her. She called down to her mother "Mamma, if something in me says I am sanctified, is that Jesus speaking?" Her mother said, "Yes." Then she said "Mamma, I am sanctified." She got down, prayed again, and was baptized with the Holy Spirit, and the Lord had her preaching, and gave her a message to one of Dowie's elders that had fought this work. God spoke through this little child unable to read. He could preach through the ass of Balaam and He can take a little child and preach through it.
We must keep where God can use us, and the secret is humility, the Word and the Blood.
This Gospel, the full Gospel of Jesus must be preached in all the earth for a witness. Then the end shall come.
Jesus Christ tasted death for every man but He did not taste death for the devil or fallen angels. We do not believe the devil or fallen angels are going to be saved. The Lord Jesus did not die for the devil or demons. Everyone that will repent of their sins can find rest in the Blood of Calvary.
When Christ is in you, He is married to you in spirit. He calls you, "My love and My dove." Everyone that has Christ is married to Him in spirit. "Ye are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another even to Him who is raised from the dead." (Romans 7:4) We are under the law of the Spirit of Christ. Oh, how sweet it is You would not depart from this husband of your soul for anything.
THE APOSTOLIC FAITH MISSION
Stands for the restoration of the faith once delivered unto the saints: the old time religion, of campmeetings, revivals, missions, street and prison work and Christian Unity everywhere.
Teaching on Repentance-Mark 1:14, 15.
Godly Sorrow for Sin, Example-Matthew 9:13; 2 Corinthians 7:9-11; Acts 3:19, 17:30-31.
Of Confession of Sins-Luke 15:21 and Luke 18:13.
Forsaking Sinful Ways-Isaiah 55:7; Jonah 3:8; Proverbs 28:13.
Restitution-Ezekiel 33:15, Luke 19:8.
Faith in Jesus Christ.
First work. -Justification is that act of God's free grace by which we receive remission of sins. Acts 10:42, 43; (Romans 3:25)
Second work. -Sanctification is the second work of grace and the last work of grace. Sanctification is that act of God's free grace by which He makes us holy. John 17:15-17, "Sanctify them through Thy Truth; Thy work is truth." 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; Hebrews 13:12, 2:11, 12:14).
Sanctification is cleansing to make holy. The disciples were sanctified before the Day of Pentecost. By a careful study of Scripture, you will find it is so now. "Ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3; 13:10); and Jesus had breathed on them the Holy Spirit (John 20:21, 22). You know that they could not receive the Spirit if they were not clean. Jesus cleansed and got all doubt out of His Church before He went back to glory.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift of power upon the sanctified life; so when we get it we have the same evidence as the Disciples received on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3, 4), in speaking in new tongues. See also Acts 10:45, 46; Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 14:21. "For I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe though it be told you" (Hebrews 1:5).
Seeking Healing-We must believe that God is able to heal. -Exodus 15:26: "I am the Lord that healeth thee." James 5:14, Psalms 103:3; 2 Kings 20:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:16-18. "Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there any thing too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27).
Too many have confused the grace of Sanctification with the enduement of Power, or the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; others have taken "the anointing that abideth" for the Baptism, and failed to reach the glory and power of a true Pentecost.
The Blood of Jesus will never blot out any sin between man and man they can make right; but if we can't make wrongs right the Blood graciously covers (Matthew 5:23-24).
We are not fighting men or churches, but seeking to displace dead forms and creeds and wild fanaticism with living, practical Christianity. "Love, Faith, Unity" are our watchwords, and "Victory through the Anointing Blood" our battle cry. God's promises are true. He said, "Be thou faithful over a few things, and I will make thee ruler over many." From the little handful of Christians who stood by the Cross when the testing and discouragement came, God has raised a might host.
HEALING
Sickness and disease are destroyed through the precious atonement of Jesus. Oh, how we ought to honor the stripes of Jesus, for "with his stripes we are healed." How we ought to honor that precious body which the Father sanctified and sent into the world, not simply set apart, but really sanctified, soul, body and spirit, free from sickness, disease and everything of the devil. A Body that knew no sin and disease was given for our imperfect bodies. Not only is the atonement for the sanctification of our souls, but also for the sanctification of our bodies from inherited disease. It matters not what has been in the Blood. Every drop of blood we received from our mother is impure. Sickness is born in a child just as original sin is born in the child. He was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. Every sickness is of the devil.
Man in the Garden of Eden was pure and happy and knew no sickness until that up holy visitor came into the garden. Then his whole system was poisoned and it has been flowing in the Blood of all the human family down the ages, until God spoke to his people and said, "I am the Lord that healeth thee." The children of Israel practiced divine healing. David, after being healed of rheumatism (Perhaps contracted in the caves where he hid himself form his pursuers,) testified saying, "Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases." David knew what it was to be healed. Healing continued with God's people until Solomon's heart was turned away by strange wives, and he brought in the black arts and mediums, and they went whoring after familiar spirits. God had been their healer, but after they lost the Spirit, they turned to the arm of flesh to find something to heal their diseases.
Thank God, we have a living Christ among us to heal our diseases. He will heal every case. The prophet had said, "With his stripes we are healed," and it was fulfilled when Jesus came. In addition, "He hath borne our grief," (which means sickness, as translators tell us). Now if Jesus bore our sicknesses, why should we bear them? We get full salvation through the atonement of Jesus.
THE ORDINANCES TAUGHT BY OUR LORD
We believe in three ordinances in the church, foot washing, and the Lord's supper and water baptism.
Foot Washing (John 13)
Dear loved ones; it is so sweet to think of that wonderful love that our Christ has for His dear people. Oh, beloved, just think of our Almighty Christ. He became a servant, and washed the disciples' feet. This is the first place in the scriptures where we see Jesus using water, a very type of regeneration, washing the disciples' feet. The Word speaks of regeneration as the washing of water. This ordinance is a type of regeneration. Jesus is the Word. "Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you. John 15:3.
Jesus washed the disciple's feet, and exhorted them to humility and charity. Bless His holy Name. We read in the Word of God, "Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end (Bless God! Praise His holy name!) Supper ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper and laid aside His garments; and took a towel and girded Himself. After that he poureth water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded." John 13:1-4.
We read where Jesus cometh to Simon Peter and Peter said unto Him, "Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "What I do, thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." We can see that this was something new to Peter. He was not used to the Master's washing his feet. The Lord Jesus told him he should know hereafter. What Jesus means was that when the blessed Holy Spirit should be poured out after the resurrection and ascension unto heaven, that this blessed Holy Spirit would lead Peter into all the doctrines of Jesus. They would be practiced just as Jesus said in John 16:12; "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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 spoke, and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me, for He shall receive of Mine and shall show it unto you."
Peter said unto Him, "Thou shalt never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me."
Dear beloved, none of us should reject the command of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, or these different ordinances that He has instituted. By what right do we dictate to our blessed Master? He said so tenderly, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me. This was a rebuke also to any man or any woman that thinks they are independent of the teachings of Jesus. When Peter heard this rebuke, he said to the Lord, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head." How these disciples loved Jesus after that. Jesus said to Him, "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet but is clean every whit, and ye are clean but not all."
So after He had washed their feet and had taken His garments and was set down again, He said unto them, "Know ye what I have done unto you?' Ye call me Master and Lord and ye say well for so I am. If I then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one another's feet." Why? Well we only have to read the next verse for ourselves, "For I have given you example."
Dear beloved, we can see this is humility towards each other in real love. While it does mean that, suppose we all practice it literally, for Jesus is our example. He said, "I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done unto you." Some may say that the manner and customs have changed from that day, as we not longer wear sandals, but, dear ones, are our manners and customs going to change the Word of God? "Verily, Verily I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his Lord, neither he that is sent greater than He that sent Him. "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. Now this is to His true believers, because they are worthy. Verse 18 explains just who should not do it. He says, "I speak not of you all, for I know whom I have chosen." Dear beloved, if the Lord has chosen us, He has chosen us to walk in the light, as He is in the light, that we might have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." Amen.
Jesus Himself instituted foot washing in the New Testament, not as in the Old Testament when the priest would wash his own feet at the lever in the temple that represented regeneration, but Jesus Himself washed the disciples' feet and wiped them with the towel. Therefore, dear loved ones we believe that foot washing is one of the ordinances of the church of God. We find that it is a service much blessed of God to our souls. It is for the disciples, not for sinners. In this service the sisters will assemble by themselves apart and wash each other's feet and the brothers will wash the brother's feet. This is also a service of testimony, song and praise. After that comes the Lord's supper.
The Lord's Supper
The Lord Jesus ate the Passover with His disciples; that was Moses' law. It was not finished forever, as He shoved that table aside, and after washing the disciples' feet, instituted the Lord's supper, the Christian Passover, the bread and the wine. The Passover was the very type of Jesus. It had a three-fold meaning; the sprinkled blood for redemption; the body of the lamb eaten for health and healing; and the passing over the Red Sea that was a type of the Blood of Jesus Christ that gives us victory over all the powers of the enemy.
"The Lord Jesus in the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it and said, Take, eat, this is My body that is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying This is the new testament in My Blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as oft as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death until He come" (1 Corinthians 2:23-26). Praise His holy name. We see that this ordinance points us to the coming of the Lord, our great deliverance, as the Passover was the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt.
The Passover supper always reminded the Jews of God's great love for them in delivering them out of Egyptian bondage. It was by blood that pointed them to the Lamb of Calvary. The Lord's supper is to us a memorial of the death of our Lord and points us to His coming to catch us away in the glorious liberty of the children of God.
They ate the Passover, the body of the lamb that gave them strength and healing. The body of the lamb stood for healing and health, just as Christ's body is health to us, "for with His stripes ye are healed." We find as we partake of this ordinance, it brings healing to our bodies if we discern the Lord's body by faith (1 Corinthians 29-30). It also teaches us salvation and sanctification through the Blood. Our souls are built up, for we eat His flesh and drink His Blood. The Lord Jesus promised, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. May Christ's children everywhere live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Water Baptism
We believe in water baptism, because Jesus commanded it after His resurrection. Mark 16:16. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." We believe in water by immersion, single. Matthew 3:16, "And Jesus when He was baptized, went up straighway out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39). "And He commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. When they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing."
It sets forth the believer with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:3-5, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. First if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." Galatians 3 27, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
Baptism is not a saving ordinance, but it is essential because it is a command of our Lord. Mark 16. 16, and Acts 2. 28 "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins." It is "Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscious toward God" (I Peter 3:21). It is obedience to the command of Jesus, following saving faith. We believe every true believer will practice it.
A disciple who is baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit should administer it. Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." We find that they were first to tarry for the promise of the Father that would qualify them. Acts 1:4, "And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father."
We believe that we should teach God's people to observe all things whatsoever He has commanded us, practicing every command and living by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. This is a full Gospel.
Bible salvation will take you into heaven but if you do not have Bible salvation, you will have a great deal of trouble around the gate. Your name will not be found.
We are not called by this country to preach the Gospel, but we are called from heaven, and heaven is not bankrupt, neither is God gone out of business. He does not send us out to preach this Gospel and pay our bills. Do business for Christ and He will take care of you.
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Oh, today if you have the Lord Jesus Christ in your heart, you have everlasting life. This salvation is real; it is not an influence.
Out of His side flowed Blood and water. The Blood represents cleansing and the water the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The rivers of living water that Jesus promised flowed out of His side. We get all of this by living in Christ.
The Lord has provided the Word as a looking glass for us to see ourselves whether there are any spots on us. The Word is a washer. "Ye are clean through the Word which I (Christ) have spoken unto you."
When you are sanctified, the old Ishmael of your soul is put out of your house. You are free from the old man. Old Ishmael will not pinch little Isaac any more to make him cry. Jesus Christ is enthroned to that house.
Oh, it is so precious to have the Lord Jesus crowned in your heart. How wonderfully and sweetly the Spirit unfolds the scriptures to you. You receive the Holy Spirit and He unravels everything from Genesis and Revelation. He starts and unfolds and all you do is to follow on.
The Jews were the very fig tree that the Lord planted. He planted it that the scepter might not depart from Judah. Herod was the first foreign king that swayed the scepter over God's people. Right at that time, Christ was born and the government was upon His shoulder. This fulfilled Genesis 49. 10.
'Free Love'-ism and everything of that kind is from the pit of hell. It is a dragon to devour those who get out of the Word. However, praise God, He has given to His children to know these spirits. Such spirits will not be allowed, any more than magicians, or soothsayers, or sorcerers were allowed to be among God's children in the early days.
If you have carnality in your heart and do not get it out, you do not know where it will lead you. As soon as you get the light of sanctification, you must seek at once the cleansing Blood or you will lose all your salvation.
We believe in a real salvation that gives you the witness by the Spirit. Calvin taught a salvation that if you said you had it, you did not have it; and if you had it, you did not know it; and if you lost it, you could not get it again. Wesley taught that if you had it, you would know it, and if you lost it, you could get it again. Jesus said, "He that believeth on the Son hath the witness in himself." We teach that if a man is ensnared by the devil, and has not trampled the Blood of Jesus Christ under his feet and counted the Blood wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, he can get back to Jesus Christ by restitution and faith and doing his first works over.
If your heart is open to the Blood of Christ, He will save you. All He wants is a repentant heart that has Godly sorrow for sin, and He will wash you. Though your sins are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Oh, the promises of God are sure and steadfast, and though the heaven and earth pass away, the promises of Jesus will never pass away. As long as there is breath and life in your body, you can look up to Jesus and He will save you, but if there is no repentance in your heart you would have no desire to be saved. Beloved, if there is one particle of desire in your heart to look to God, you have not sinned away your day of grace. They that have sinned away their day of grace, cannot be stirred any more than a chair. No appeal will move them. Christ has a desire to save every man and woman on the face of the earth.
We do not read anything in the Word about writing in unknown languages, so we do not encourage that in our meetings. Let us measure everything by the Word that all fanaticism may be kept out of the work. We have found it questionable whether any real good has come out of such writing.
A sister who was baptized in the stream at the campground says that when she came to change her clothing, she attempted to put on her jewelry again but the Spirit would not let her, so she left it off. While one sister was under the power, her hands went up and took the fancy pins out of her hat and threw them away and she never put them on again. The Spirit has been working in harmony with the Word, teaching His people how to dress according to the Bible, Gold watches, rings, etc., have disappeared, and gone into sending the Gospel.
From missionaries in Macao, China, we received word that some of the Chinese Christians have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and are speaking in new tongues.
THE MARRIAGE TIE
Marriage is a divine institution that God Himself has instituted. Genesis 2:18, 24. "And the Lord God said, it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh." 1 Corinthians 11:9. "Neither was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man."
God commended it. Genesis 2:18 and Proverbs 18:22. "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord."
God is in it. Matthew 19:4-6, "And He answered and said unto them, have ye not read that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female. Wherefore they are no more twain but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder."
It is honorable in all. Hebrews 13:4. "Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled, but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
Christ attended a wedding in Canaan. He went to adorn it, to beautify it with His presence. John 2:1,2. "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Both Jesus was called and His disciples to the marriage."
The forbidding to marry is the doctrine of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1-3, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; and forbidding to marry."
Marriage Binding for Life
God has approved of but one wife and one husband. Genesis 2:24. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh." Matthew 19:3-6. "The Pharisees also came unto Him tempting Him, and saying unto Him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
The husband and wife are bound together for life (Romans 7:2). "For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband is dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:39) The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord."
No court of man should sever the marriage tie. Matthew 19:6, "Wherefore they are no more twain but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder." Death alone severs the marriage tie (Hebrews 13:4).
Moses' Law of Divorce
Under Moses' law, he suffered men to divorce their wives and marry again, because of the hardness of their hearts Matthew 19:7-8, "They say unto Him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so." Under Moses' law, they had been accustomed, for any uncleanness, adultery, fornication or some cause not as much as that, to put away the wife by giving her a bill of divorcement, and she could go and be another man's wife. Under the New Testament law, the law of Christ, the law binds her to her husband until death.
The Edenic Standard of Matrimony
Jesus did away with the divorce law, and restored matrimony back to the Edenic standard. Under Moses' law, the sacredness of matrimony was lost through the hardness of hearts. Under the law of grace, it is restored back as in the beginning of grace. Praise God. God's promises are true and sure. Hallelujah! Amen.
Under the New Testament law, the law of Christ, there is but one cause for which a man may put away his wife, but no right to marry again. This cause is fornication or adultery. Matthew 5:31-32, "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery; and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." Matthew 19:9. "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another committeth adultery; and whosoever marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." These two scriptures are just the same in meaning. Matthew 5:31-32 is the key to the whole subject. It settles the question.
Forbidden to Marry Again
After a man has lawfully put away his wife, or a wife has lawfully put away her husband, they are positively forbidden to marry again, under the New Testament law, until the former companion is dead. Mark 10: 11, 12. "And He saith unto them whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. If a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery" (Luke 16: 18). "Whosoever putteth away his wife and marrieth another, committeth adultery; and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery." (Romans 7: 2, 3) "For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. Then if while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress though she be married to another man."
Adultery and Fornication
The act of adultery is between a married person and another who is not the lawful companion. Both parties may be married or only one. When only one is married, the act is called fornication (Matthew 19:9 and 5:32). Jesus said, "Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication causeth her to commit adultery." These sins are just the same, only one is committed while living with a husband and the other is when one has separated and married again.
No man can enter the kingdom of heaven without confessing and forsaking adultery and fornication. Galatians 5:19-21 says, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like. The which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Isaiah 55, 7, "Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God for He will abundantly pardon."
The Innocent Party
If Jesus had intended that the innocent party should marry, He would have said so, and would not have said Moses suffered it because of the hardness of your hearts. Jesus makes it very plain. If the innocent party marries, they are living in adultery. Jesus is showing the sacredness of matrimony. Dear beloved, let us obey God in spite of everything. There is one Scripture where many people are tied up, it is Matthew 19:9. Jesus said, "But I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, and shall marry another committeth adultery, and whosoever marrieth her that is put away committeth adultery." Now dear loved ones, let us stop and pray over this. "Except it be for fornication and marrieth another." Some think that this party would be entitled to marry again, but let us stop and see what Jesus is teaching here. If he puts away his wife except for the cause of fornication, he committeth a sin, because he will cause her to commit adultery. Therefore, the law binds him as long as she lives, bound right to the Edenic standard. Amen.
Dear loved ones, if Jesus had instituted that the innocent party could get another wife, He would be instituting the same thing that was permitted by Moses, and would have the church filled with that today.
Now the reason Jesus gave him permission to put away his wife for the cause of fornication was that she is already adulterous, so her adultery gave him a lawful right to separate. While it gives him that right, yet it does not give him the right to get another wife while she lives.
Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2 says, "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife. He also says, 1 Timothy 5:9, "Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man." This shows plainly that they recognized in the church that a man was to have one wife and a woman one husband.
After Light Has Come
Romans 7:2,3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 give us very clear light. Oh, may God help us to accept Bible salvation, instead of having our opinion and losing our souls. Dear beloved, you that have two wives or two husbands, before you had light on it, you lived that way and had no condemnation. God did not condemn you until you received the light upon His Word on this subject; but now God holds you responsible for the light. If you continue in the old life after light has come upon you, then you will be in the sight of God an adulterer, and you are bound to lose your experience or substitute something in the place of what God hath wrought. "If we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." Let us obey God's Word if it takes our right eye or right hand.
So we find under the New Testament there is no putting away the first wife and getting another. Death is the only thing that severs the marriage tie. Romans 7:2 and 1 Corinthians 7:39
-WJ Seymour
It took John the Baptist only six months to prepare for the coming of Jesus; how long do you think it is going to take a lot of baptized people to prepare for His second coming? A little over year ago in Azusa Mission, a few people were baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, and today there are thousands and thousands of people saved from sin, living pure lives in the name of Jesus, and baptized with the Holy Spirit.
SALVATION ACCORDING TO THE TRUE TABERNACLE
Moses made the tabernacle after the pattern shown him in the mount. This tabernacle was the pattern of the unseen King that was to come. The Lord wants us to have salvation according to the true tabernacle that is Christ. Our tabernacle must be built according to the pattern in the Word. Now all things under the law were a shadow of what we are to receive in grace.
The Brazen Altar, Justification
First, we come to the court of the tabernacle. This is where the sinner does his first works. Here we find the brazen altar that stands for justification. We receive pardon and regeneration right at the brazen altar. On the altar is the sin offering, on the horns of the altar, blood. Here is pardon and regeneration combined. As soon as a soul is pardoned, he is washed and the work of regeneration is wrought in his soul. Here we find also the lever that stands for the washing from guilt and pollution. The priest always washed himself before he entered the Holy Place. Here the sinner, although his sins are red like crimson, is justified. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." This is court work.
The Golden Altar, Sanctification
There are two altars, the brazen altar and the golden altar. We see this represents two works of grace, two altars. Now the believer comes to the golden altar. Since the new birth is implanted in his soul, he has access to present himself a living offering. When he came as a sinner, he was dead in trespasses and sins, and had nothing to consecrate. Now he can consecrate himself to be sanctified. Here he finds on the altar the Blood of Jesus that represents Christ the sanctifier of His people. He receives Christ to rule and reign supreme in his soul, and every enemy of doubt and carnality is cast out and destroyed by the Blood. Then he is one with Christ. "For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one."
This is the Holy Place. All that enter wear holy garments, the white linen of the saints. Here we find the shewbread that represents feeding upon Christ. When we get a holy heart, it calls for the Word of God. Now you have a holy feast continually. You have the Word, Christ Jesus planted in your heart, and you have faith. You believe every word of God.
Here in the Holy Place, you find the golden candlestick whose light is always burning. This is the light of Holiness shining forth. There is always a fire in your soul. Why? Because you are on the altar and the altar sanctifies the gift, and the gift keeps pure and preserved. The only way men and women can be preserved is by living on the altar. The holy incense of praise and prayer is always ascending from your heart to God. Then you are prepared for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy of Holies, the Holy Spirit
We can see that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a work of grace for there is no altar in the Holy of Holies. This is another step, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Instead of an altar, there is an ark of gold that represents the Lord Jesus Christ perfected in you, for in Christ you have the experience of justification, sanctification and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. There is always prayer and praise to God here, as you see those cherubim over the altar praying and praising God.
In the ark, you find Aaron's rod that budded that represents justification; the hidden pot of manna that stands for sanctification and the tables of stone on which God wrote Himself, representing the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Right above the ark, is the great shekinah glory. The Holy of Holies did not have any light from the sun, neither did it have any candle, but the light of the Holy Spirit lit it up. Over it rested the pillar of cloud by night and the pillar of fire by day, the very presence of God. When a man or woman gets the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, they are filled with continual light. It is a greater light than when you were sanctified. It is the full blessing of Christ. Justification and sanctification come from God through His death on the Cross. He also purchased on the Cross the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for every believer.
PENTECOSTAL NOTES
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is more of God. It is God glorified in our hearts.
In sanctification, the unction of the Holy Spirit comes on you in speaking, but the Baptism is power through your whole body day and night. "Ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come upon you." Everyone that gets the Baptism get power. It is a continuous power. It comes down from heaven. The Lord sings and speaks through you in another tongue. He never did that in sanctification.
Jesus said, "Tarry ye." For what? For a work of grace? No, for He had said before He went down into the grave, "Ye are clean." He got all the fears and doubts out of His church before He went back to bright glory. After he had ascended to the Father, all they had to do was to praise God until the Comforter came. They did not have to mourn and weep for the Lord to give them a clean heart, for the vessel was already clean.
Oh, it is so precious to have a pot of oil that is the type of the Holy Spirit. Bless the Lord! The Lord will fill every sanctified vessel with oil. We read in Kings that the prophet told the widow to send out and get empty vessels to be filled with oil. Empty of self, cleansed through the Blood. Then they are prepared to hold the precious oil of the Spirit. People have to confess, make restitution, empty out, and be crucified before they can get this blessed oil.
There have been those who have sought for the Baptism and could not get it, because they did not come humbly as a little babe. They did not give up their doctrines and opinions; they did not empty out so they could get the filling. This is not revealed to our great theologians. Jesus said, "Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes." Some came like men and women with plenty of knowledge and did not empty out; but some of us were foolish enough to fall in and say, "Here, Lord, if you have any more for me, I want it."
When you were converted, you got rid of sin; when you were sanctified, you were cleansed of carnality; but the Baptism is the third Person of the Trinity upon your soul, that reveals Christ and takes the things of the Father and shows them unto you.
Jesus filled the upper room where they were sitting, with rivers of salvation. He made a baptismal pool of that little room; they were all immersed in the Holy Spirit. The prophets, priests, and kings were anointed. Tongues of fire sat upon each of them that represents burning witnesses.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, holy anointing oil had never been poured on a woman's head. But before He organized His church, He called them all into the upper room, both men and women, and anointed them with the oil of the Holy Spirit, thus qualifying them all to minister in this Gospel. On the day of Pentecost, they all preached through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female, all are one.
The Pentecost means power. Peter did not have power before Pentecost to stand up and say to that wicked and adulterous generation. "By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead." No, he cowed before a little maid. When the power came into his life, he was able to preach boldly in the temple and on the streets "Christ whom ye crucified." Hallelujah! They put him in jail, but the saints gathered and prayed and the angel led him out.
Everyone that gets this baptism get the real refining fire. You do not have to pray for fire when you are baptized for when we have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we have the fire also. The Holy Spirit brings the fire with Him. We are on fire for God, as the bush that burned with fire but was not consumed. John's prophecy, "He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit."
Oh beloved, there is power in the Gospel. It is the sweetest thing this side of heaven because it gives you overcoming power. It gives you power in time of need and affliction, in times when all the powers of hell seem settled down upon your soul; there is something in your innermost being that moves away the powers of hell the instant you call for the Blood. It gives you power that when a soul comes to you to be lead into salvation, you can cast off the powers of darkness by the precious Blood, and see that soul begin to swell and burst out with hallelujahs. He will give you power to preach the Gospel behind prison bars and see results.
The abiding anointing that is the Spirit of Christ is holy; but it is not the third Person of the Trinity. You have the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in sanctification, but you have not the enduement of power until you are baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then you receive the Baptism that Christ received on the banks of Jordan. He had the fullness of the Godhead, but He had to be baptized for His great work Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power and went about doing good. If we put sanctification for the Holy Spirit then we would have Jesus with carnality in Him up to His baptism. He did indeed sanctify Himself, not that He had any sin in Him, He set Himself apart for the salvation of the world; He did not compromise with His people or with any flesh that we might be sanctified through the truth.
"HE SHALL BAPTIZE YOU"
Matthew 3:11
Chicago, IL, 3554 Vernon Avenue
I am urged, both by friends and by the Lord, to write the story of my experience in seeking the fullness of God, and I trust it will prove some blessing to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.
When my attention was first drawn to the teaching of "The Baptism in the Holy Spirit," with its outward evidence of "speaking in Tongues," it did not appeal to me. It wasn't because I didn't the Holy Spirit in greater fullness. It was because I was not sufficiently hungry for the good things of God.
But after some little study and investigation of the remarkable movement which is beginning to sweep the earth in God's mighty power, I began to seek God in real earnestness. I wanted the peace and joy that I saw in those who had received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Services for the teaching of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit were begun in "The Stone Church," Thirty-seventh Street and Indiana Avenue, Chicago, June 30, 1907 conducted by the Rev. F.A. Graves, Misses Marie Burgess and Jeanie Campbell, and my husband.
The above workers met in our home to pray God to bless the work.
While in prayer I became occupied with God for myself. I asked God to cleanse me from all sin and to give me whatever other blessing He had for me. While thus engaged in prayer I had a mental picture of the Cross, and I was down at the foot of it. It seemed as though I were being pushed down until I saw myself about a foot high. It was very vivid. I felt that God was showing me myself as He saw me. I said, "Yes, Lord, I know I am small in your sight." The next day I had great joy and when I began to pray again for a clean heart, God showed me that I had received it the day before at the foot of the Cross.
Soon after the experience I was talking with these same workers and suddenly, my heart seemed about to burst. I did not know why, for I felt no condemnation for sin. I was troubled and began to ask God to show me what it meant. I had nothing in the way of manifestations showing me that God had cleansed my heart. I began to weep and continued until my heart seemed entirely empty, after which a great peace came over me.
I was now very hungry for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. I began again to seek and again I began to weep. This time it did not seem as though I was weeping but rather that Christ was weeping through me. God was thus showing me the suffering and agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. I passed through the Garden experience with Christ, God letting me suffer all I could stand. I felt any more grief would kill me.
The next night I wept with Christ all night over lost souls.
I did not myself invite or create these experiences. I had not at this time thought of Christ's sufferings. I believe these experiences contain a lesson that I shall some day understand better than I do now.
Saturday night, July 20th, I felt impressed again to pray for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. I had the assurance that I would be baptized. I went to my bedroom, knelt and asked God to take full possession of my spirit, soul, and body. I was alone for two and one-half hours. Then I called Miss Burgens into my room. We prayed together and God wonderfully blessed us. My heart was filled with praise. I am not demonstrative and the only way my feelings were expressed were "Glory to God" "Praise His Name!"
While Miss Burgess was kneeling beside me, I felt a great glow and a burning heat over my head. I heard Miss Burgess cry out, "Oh look at the beautiful lily." I could not raise my head for the power of God was so great. In a few minutes he said, "Oh the beautiful Dove just above your head." Again the Lily appeared and then the Dove. This time the Dove's wings were outstretched over my head. I felt the power go through my body and knew that the Holy Spirit had taken possession of me. The power of God was so great that Miss Burgess drew away from me, weeping as though her heart would bread, saying, "I can't stay near you." I could not say a word at this time. I was awed into silence by the presence of God. Miss Burgess came back to me and again I felt the power of God. She said, "There's a beautiful robe over you that must be the robe of righteousness." At this time, I asked God to let me see something. In an instant the light broke above me, a beautiful dove appeared for a moment and vanished.
How unworthy I am to have the emblems both of Christ and the Holy Spirit appear to me! Immediately after this, my chin began to quiver and I probably spoke a word or two in a foreign tongue.
The power of the Holy Spirit was with me in a marked way all day Sunday and Monday. The Holy Spirit continued to manipulate my facial muscles and vocal organs. Monday night I sang and talked a little in a foreign language. Praise His Holy Name!
When the language was forming and I was making peculiar sounds, the suggestion came to me that I was doing it myself. The temptation was so great that when the manifestations ceased, I attempted to repeat the sounds myself and found it impossible to repeat them.
The next morning Satan again tempted me and I felt depressed. I cried earnestly to God. My attention was called to Matthew 4; when I read, "Then the devil leaveth Him and behold angels came and ministered unto Him," a great joy came upon me and has remained. Praise His Name! I have been a Christian a number of years but often regretted that the Blood of Jesus and the Cross of Christ were not more real. All my experiences the past week has clustered around the Cross. What a wonderful, wonderful Savior! "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
See Him all ye people in all His fullness.
The above story is told only for the glory of God. It is sent forth with the prayer that the Christ who baptized me in the Holy Spirit may baptize others also.
-Mrs. WH Piper
PENTECOST IN MUKTI, INDIA
(Taken from a Pentecostal publication in India, "A Cloud of Witnesses.")
"Mukti," which means Salvation, is a community comprising a high school and schools of lower grades, Bible institute, an industrial school, in whose various departments useful trades are taught, a printing office employing 30 men, and a hospital. About 1,400 girl students are enrolled (inclusive of 300 rescued women in the Krupa Sadan) and there is a separate institution for boys. The great majority of the girls have been admitted to "Mukti" in times of famine during the past ten years, and when they entered, they were simply raw heathen. Those from the Central Provinces spoke Hindi as little children, and those from Gujerat spoke Gujerati before they came to Kedgaon; but the acquired language of all the people of this community is Marathi. Considerably more than 800 of the girls are Christians in the saving sense of that word.
Both Pandita Ramabai and Miss Abrams were deeply impressed by the truth contained in the reports that came from Los Angeles concerning Pentecost. Believing that God was willing to send like Pentecostal blessings to Mukti which up to that time had not been received, after the manner described in Acts 2, they exhorted all the Christian boys and girls to begin to tarry for the promised Baptism of the Holy Spirit. In taking this step, Pandita Ramabai fully acknowledged all that God had bestowed through His Spirit in the past; but she discerned there was the deeper fullness of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit accompanied with the gift of tongues which had not yet been received. Before Christmas 1906, the seekers assembled in the Church daily at 6 o'clock in the morning for a time of waiting on God.
About this time a band of 20 girls were sent to the station attended by two English Missionaries, and before much preaching had been done, a native girl, began to speak in a new tongue and magnify God. Within a few days, every member of the party, including the two woman missionaries, received the Pentecostal Baptism of the Holy Spirit and all were speaking in new tongues. The immediate result was more power in preaching Christ crucified. The attention of the people was arrested in a new way as the Lord took hold of rough men, and held the people spell bound.
The joyful news of Pentecost a minister stirred the seekers at Mukti with fresh zeal. A worker from Mukti visited the band and in a few days, she herself returned full of joy and the Holy Spirit. As might be expected, the presence of a living witness to the power of Pentecost put desperation of purpose into the hearts of the seekers, some of whom spent whole nights in prayer.
A girl had awful conflicts with the devil. A few friends, believing her to be in some degree under Satan's power, prayer earnestly for her deliverance. Later that night there was a meeting in the Church, and after the meeting to the glad surprise of those present, she began to pray intelligently in English. One of the sentences uttered was, "Jesus' Blood make clean." Prayer had been answered and the devil's power broken, and a clear witness given to the Pentecostal baptism. Later, God gave this girl the gift of song that has been described as most sweet the notes of which are like the music of the flute. When singing in this new tongue she immediately translates the Words into Marathi. A line that has been recalled is: "Jesus is over all; He is on the throne."
Mukti is the glad scene of a continuous Pentecost, as day after day seekers come into fullness of blessing. A dialect of Kanarese is one of the various languages of Southern India that God has bestowed. Another new tongue is an ancient form of Sanskrit understood by Ramabai; Sanskrit is the sacred language of the Brahmans, the priestly class of India.
Several girls have received the gift of interpretation of tongues. Some are for days, even weeks dumb as regarding their own language, except when God gives them a message, and then ability to deliver the message is given. The prophets who plead with others to tarry in dead earnest for Pentecost sternly rebuke the light minded and frivolous people. The substance of a message was as follows:
The Second Coming of Jesus is near at hand. God is getting His people ready. Seek, and prepare to meet your Lord. If you do not stir yourselves up to seek the Lord now and receive His blessing, you will be left behind when Jesus comes and then you must suffer a great deal.
Some have received the gift of healing. Two little girls are among the number who exercise this gift, and when led by the Spirit, they visit the Hospital and in answer to their prayers, the sick are healed. As in the days of the apostles unbelievers were healed by the laying on of hands, so today a Hindu woman has been healed of sickness.
As in other countries so in Mukti, the girls and women are pressing on to greater things and believe for the restoration to the Church of all the lost gifts of the Spirit. Those baptized have been filled with a new and burning desire for lost souls have learned what it is to pray in the Holy Spirit and to travail in birth for souls. Their joy is unbounding and the very faces of some have been so transfigured with Heaven's own light that it is pleasant to see them.
Address Max Wood Moorhead, Publisher, Colombo, and Ceylon
NOTES ON THE COMING OF JESUS
Christ is coming again, not as the babe of Bethlehem, to be spit upon and mocked but He is coming in power and great glory.
O He is coming back. The angels said, "Why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus that is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." He went up, bless God, in a body of flesh. He has flesh and bones. All Hid Blood had been shed on Calvary; but still, through the power of the Holy Spirit, He has a body of flesh and bones. He is coming back to gather His people. Are we watching and looking for Him?
Everyone that will be ready to be caught away will have on the white garment. It is not the putting on of gold and adornment; it is the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Oh, how the bride looks for the coming of the Bridegroom. If a young man should have a maid and she should dress herself in her wedding garments and yet not look for his coming, do you imagine the groom would care for her? "Unto those that look for Him, shall He appear."
There will be two appearances of Jesus under one coming. The first appearance is called the Rapture, when He comes as a thief in the night and catches away His bride. The second is called the Revelation when He shall come with ten thousand of His saints and destroy the wicked with the brightness of His coming, and when His feet shall touch the same mount from which He ascended. We want to be ready for the first appearance, to be caught up. We must be caught up with Him, before we can come back with Him.
Nothing but holy people will meet the Lord Jesus in the skies, when He comes in the rapture. Those that had no light on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but were sanctified will have part in the first resurrection, for the Word says, "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection." we see the first resurrection is of the holy people. Those that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus during the tribulation will be raised at His revelation. Revelation 20:4 makes this plain.
The Bride of Christ is virginal; that is to say, they are sanctified people. They are meditating day and night in the law of their God. This does not include simply the Ten Commandments, but it means meditating on all the promises and commands of Jesus. "Be ye holy" is the law of our God. "Tarry in the city of Jerusalem" is the law of Jesus, and "I will come again," is the law of our God. She is mediating day and night, on the street car, on trains, in the workshop, and in the silent watches of the night. He says they that meditate in His law day and night shall be planted by the rivers of waters, that is by the Holy Spirit which is the river of water flowing out of our souls.
Jesus is coming to be King over all the earth and reign from sea to sea. We see Him in Revelation with a name written on His thigh, "King of kings and Lord of lords." We are coming back with Him on white horses and wind up the tribulation. We shall sit with the glorified Christ in His throne as His queen, the Lamb's wife. We are going to help Him rule this old world in the millennium, when righteousness shall cover the earth as waters cover the sea. Then afterwards at the white throne judgment, we shall sit with Him and judge the world. Then after the new heavens and new earth, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom into the Father's hands, we shall reign with Him throughout eternity. Oh, beloved, are you ready?
Jesus said, "Sell that thou hast and give to the poor" and "pluck out the right eye and cut off the right hand, if it offend thee." Where do we find people that are doing that? Instead of that, they are getting more right eyes and right hands. The Bible tells of a time when men and women will be living at ease in Zion. They will be buying houses and lands and taking their ease; but, Lo, suddenly there comes a little shout in the air. The saints have been taken away, and the great tribulation is on the world. They will wonder what has happened. Oh, beloved, when the fig tree putteth forth her leaves know that summer is nigh. Some may laugh now in the face of God. Oh, when that day comes, the rich man will howl and call for the rocks to fall upon him. They will try to find some little saint of God to have them offer up a little prayer. It will be too late. The five wise virgins have entered in and the door is shut.
THE WEDDING GARMENT
Thirty-seven years ago, when but a school girl, I was converted to God, and my conversion was so deep and pungent, I received more at that time than a good many who profess Holiness in these days seem to have.
A few years later, while in my own home, without ever having any teaching on that line, I was deeply convinced for a clean heart, but did not know that I could have it until death. I was in such distress I could eat or sleep a little, and longed for death to release me from the "body of this death" that I felt was so hideous in the sight of my precious Lord. My husband thought I was going insane and tried to divert my mind, but conviction was too deep to be diverted.
After a time, a young minister who understood my case was sent of God to my home, which taught me my privileges in this life. Not long after, I received the evidence of heart purity. Such power attended this, that I would speak but a few words to one who was not right with God, and they would break down and weep and many of them get to God. God would give me such testimonies that the church that was spiritually dead was quickened into life and a great revival broke out that spread over the community. God would often lay me under the power and give me revelations both of Himself and other things.
Of course, I thought this to be the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and when I would read or hear of this movement, I would say, "I received that 25 years ago." When I found it was spreading everywhere and many people as well as missionaries were speaking in tongues, I said, "This is a farce." God in His great love showed me the movement was of Him, and I received the light and accepted it.
At the campmeeting at Fairmont, MN, on June 21st, after confessing to God and man the attitude of the past, I saw myself all covered over with the Blood of Jesus. A few minutes after this, there was such power of God rested upon me that I fell beneath it; and as I was lying there, I felt something I had never had before was coming to me. With the natural eyes closed, I kept looking up into the heaven in expectancy, when I saw a light soft and mellow, unlike any earthly light. As it drew nearer, I saw a robe of such whiteness that no whiteness of earth can ever compare with it. The whiteness of it seemed to make the soft heavenly light, whose beams reached like a beautiful pathway clear down to me. It seemed Jesus was holding out the garment by the shoulder, so it was all visible to me, and it glistened as though it had been dipped in diamond dust. As I gazed upon its radiant beauty, Jesus said, "This is yours." I seemed to be held by its dazzling beauty, until the Holy Spirit caught my attention to the voice of a brother in another part of the room, repeating a sentence in an unknown tongue. The Spirit revealed to me that he was saying, "You have the wedding garment," and that the Spirit was saying this to me through him. Then there seemed to be music coming to me from the light that was still shining above. It seemed to keep coming nearer, until all at once my tongue and lips began to shout two words in an unknown tongue, and Jesus seemed to say, "This is the new name which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17)
I cannot describe the experience, but it was something more than I ever had before. It was revealed to me that this "latter rain" was getting people ready for the "Marriage supper of the Lamb," and this is the time when the wise virgins are getting the oil in their lamps. Oh, how many are going to be unwise.
Since then, I have sang and sometimes prayed in an unknown tongue. Sometimes the interpretation is given. I know Jesus is coming soon. He said, "When the bride begins to put on the wedding garments, it is not long until the wedding takes place."
I have written this for the benefit of those who, like me, honestly believe they have this experience in sanctification. I used to wonder what was the benefit of speaking in tongues, but I find that besides being a "sign to those that believe not," it brings a blessing to the spirit of the person speaking, that nothing else ever did.
Mrs. TM Rist, Evangelist
Windom, MN
Oh, to have the well of water springing up to everlasting life! Oh, beloved, it flows out and waters your whole soul, and keeps the harp of ten thousand strings tuned up in your soul. In the wee small hours of the morning, Oh, you can hear the Holy Spirit playing on that harp. Bless God. It is so sweet to be lost in Jesus, to have Him a living monument in your life. Oh, how He will give you power over all demons and devils in hell and in man. Oh, it means something to have power with God, not only to tread on serpents and scorpions, to drink any deadly thing and it shall not hurt you, but to cast out demons and lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.
It is impossible to put all the good reports and testimonials into this paper.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Pentecost in Many Lands--News of Salvation--Jesus is Coming Soon
Denmark
"Kirkeklokken," a Danish gospel paper, reports that through the Pentecostal outburst in Copenhagen recently, many sinners have come to the Savior, many backsliders have been restored to the joy of salvation, many believers have been filled with the Spirit and have received supernatural gifts.
In Wales
"Praise God for another brother here who has also now received the Pentecost with tongues. He went home from here speaking in tongues all along the street. There are others to follow. Glory to Jesus. Tonight five or six brothers are coming here for their Pentecost. Oh, I do praise God that He sent me to Sunderland to get such a wonderful blessing. Praise His holy name."
-WJ Tomlinson
Lynion House, Grove Place, Port Talbot
Honolulu
Brother and Sister Turney, who have returned from Honolulu, now on their way to Africa report the work in Honolulu: "We had a glorious meeting Honolulu. The power came down and one young man a captain of the Salvation Army, who received his Pentecost, has now opened up an Apostolic Faith Mission in Santa Cruz, CA A lieutenant also received his Pentecost and went to carry the news to London, England. Charley Puck, who had a most wonderful experience, is preaching the Gospel on the Island of Hawaii in the city of Kanuela. They are having good meetings and good attendance. People are hungry for the truth.
London, England
I do thank God that there are a few whose eyes God has opened to see their lack and who have waited upon His in prayer for quite a year and a half" Ackerman Road, Brixton SW, London. God has manifested His almighty power there in the Baptism of dear Sister Price and one brother and me, and I am so glad to send in my testimony to the glory of God and the encouragement of all His children. People are coming from far and near, and no one has been even invited. They just hear how God is working and come. This power was mightily present last Thursday, two sisters being shaken and nearly spoke in tongues. One night the very room was shaken as we read in the Word: "And when they had prayed the place was shaken." Several have had blessed anointing, outpourings of the Spirit and revelations of Jesus Christ. Praise His Holy name.
-Mary A. Martin
319 Southampton Street
Camberwell, London, England
China
Brother and Sister Garr are in Hong Kong, China, last report. God is using them blessedly. A glorious revival is breaking out. Several souls in Hong Kong have received their Pentecost.
In Macao and Canton, China, numbers have received the Baptism with the Spirit. They are hungry for the Holy Spirit. Brother McIntosh wrote, "They come to our house at all times of the day and rap at our door at 11 and 12 o'clock at night, coming to seek for the Holy Spirit, and we stay up until one and two o'clock praying with them, and glory to God, the Pentecost falls and they speak in tongues." Two sisters who received their Pentecost in Brother Cashwell's work in the South have gone over to help Brother and Sister McIntosh. They are Sister AE Kirby and Sister Mabel Evans. Address Macao, China, care SC Todd.
Sweden
Bramaregarden, Hisingstad, Goteborg, November 19-"I am very glad to hear from the old Azusa Mission, my home. I have victory through the dear, cleansing Blood of Christ. Glory to His great name! It is one year today since I came over to Sweden and this city Goteborg. God is still saving, sanctifying, and baptizing with the Holy Spirit, and people are being healed of God. Last Sunday two got their Pentecostal blessing. We had a wonderful day, the Holy Spirit running the meetings, God's children testifying, praising God, talking in unknown tongues. The fire has begun to fall on small islands near the city. Bless God! The work is still going on in many places in Sweden and God's people are getting more hungry than ever. We trust God to send out more workers into the field. The fire is falling in 'Norrland.' Yet many, many have not heard this Gospel yet. This work will go on until Jesus our Lord comes back. All the saints in Goteborg salute you."
-Andrew G. Johnson
Germany
"Auf der Warte," a German paper says: At Cassel, many children of God received the fullness of the Spirit, after God had cleansed their hearts by faith. Many children of God have put right old debts. Through the speaking in tongues and the preaching, sins and bonds were revealed, and it was clearly taught that deliverance from the power of sin and the experience of heart cleansing are the conditions for receiving the Pentecostal baptism.
The manifestations of the Spirit when the souls were touched were different according to 1 Corinthians 12. Some were knocked down to the floor; some were overflowed gently while sitting in their chairs. Some cried with loud voice, others shouted Hallelujah! They clapped their hands, jumped or laughed with joy. Some saw the Lord not only in the meetings, but when silent in the houses, or in bed, or when walking on the road, God touched their souls.
All that was uttered in tongues as far as it concerned salvation was in perfect accord with Scripture. What the Lord gave to utter about His Cross, His Glory, and the Second Coming was refreshment and comfort for every believing soul. Through the speaking of tongues and prophecy, those in the audience received conviction of their sins. This statement is proven by confessions made afterwards to the minister.
The fire is already burning at Grossalmerode. The Lord is doing great things. Many have received the Pentecostal baptism; and the Lord bestowed gifts upon many, especially the gift of tongues and interpretation.
WITNESSES IN ENGLAND
(From reports printed at Sunderland, England)
Children Receive Pentecost
I was present when the two girls, who were the first children to speak in tongues in England, Janie and May Boddy (the two daughters of the Rev. Alex A. Boddy, All Saints' Vicarage, Sunderland), received their Pentecost. It was at the Vicarage.
The nine or ten persons present will never forget the scene. Janie received the interpretation for each sentence, and her childlike simplicity and joy, her beaming face, that I shall never forget, she turned message she received was: "Jesus is coming!" With a surprised look of joy on her face, that I shall never forget, she turned to her mother and kissed her, repeating the Words: "Jesus is coming, mother!"
Then her fact became serious. She bowed her head a little and lifted her left hand to her cheek (she was kneeling all the time at the end of the table). Again, a foreign language was heard. Then came the interpretation: "The Heavens are opened!" followed by the same jubilant glee.
One message was very solemn, spoken, too, with emphasis: "The first shall be last, and the last first." Coming from such childlike lips, it made a great impression on us all.
Oh, what joy when she said, "Oh! Mummie, Jesus has come, and come to stay; oh, good Jesus, good Jesus!" Then peals of joybells of laughter came from her.
As she related her experience the next day to a large crowd of children at the Parish Hall, she said, whilst inviting them to seek their Pentecost, "Oh, it is so wonderful, so wonderful!" It was wonderful; it was the Holy Spirit come to dwell within them.
May Boddy had a great revelation of God's power. She prayed so earnestly that she might not "be left out." It was touching, too, to see Janie, who had just received her Pentecost, as she laid her hand on her sister's head and encouraged her; "It is all through the Blood, May, all through the Blood! Jesus is come, He said, May too, May too."
May spoke a long time; some words were very clear. It seemed as if she was constantly claiming Jesus. His name was repeated time upon time. The words, "Aa, Ja, Jesus! Ja, ja, ja, Jesus!" were distinctly Norwegian, with the correct pronunciation (Oh, yes, Jesus! yes, yes, yes, Jesus!)
These two dear children have been kind and good girls before and loved Jesus dearly but now they love Him much more and are bold to tell others of His wonderful power to save.
-TB Barratt
Testimony of a Vicar's Wife
After a long time of silent waiting upon Him, God gave me a wonderful vision of Christ in the glory at the right hand of the Father, and from Him came a wonderful light on to me, causing me to laugh as I had never done before. I thought this was the Baptism, for this gave me more power in speaking for Christ, and more realization of His indwelling, but God had a more excellent way for me. After waiting with others for months at home, in eager and earnest expectation of His Baptism of Fire, God chose that when the fire did begin to fall here, I should be in the South of England, not able to return until Pastor Barratt had been here for nearly a fortnight, and several had received their Pentecost. God was working in me more than I realized, literally drying up all experience, all spiritual life of the flesh. When I returned home on the evening of the 10th of September, I felt utterly callous, and even, to my surprise, uninterested I could not pray, nor read, nor even think of God. I just rested by naked faith on the Word of God that "I was dead," and only Christ was my all-in-all.
I went to the meeting the next evening, but could not sing nor pray. I just rested in God and asked Him to lead the Pastor to lay hands on me when He wished. Soon the Pastor was "filled with the Holy Spirit" and came to me. When he laid hands on me, I expected a great rush of feeling, such as I have often experienced, as the Life of Jesus thrilled through me body, but I felt nothing. The Spirit then flashed light on to the Word, "They laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit." I should like to emphasize that it was at this point of really believing in my heart God's Word, that I had received (Acts 8:17), that He began to manifest His presence (the empty cleansed vessel receiving the out-poured gift). I just rested again in the fact that God the Holy Spirit had come and would do His own work. Suddenly the Lord filled His Temple and I was in the glory. What followed I cannot describe, and it is too sacred to do so, but I knew God had come. Though never unconscious, I was quite oblivious to everyone around, just worshiping. Then my mouth began to quiver, my tongue began to move, and a few simple words were uttered, as I just yielded to the Holy Spirit. Much to my astonishment, I began to speak fluently in a foreign language-Chinese I think. The Spirit sang through me. The joy and rapture of this purely spiritual worship can never be described. If for no other purpose, I felt at last satisfied that "there was no difference between me and them as at the beginning," (Acts 11:15). Then came a vision of the Blood. As the Spirit spoke that word I was conscious that ALL heaven, oh glory, myself included, was "worshiping the Lamb, as it had been slain." Oh, the efficacy, the power of the Blood. In one moment, what I had believed in for years was illuminated as a reality. Nothing else can take its place. The Blood cleanseth. Then came more words in 'tongues' with the interpretation. "Worthy is the Lamb; Jesus is coming."
People say, "What is the difference now?" Just this, and this is all the difference. What one has held on to by faith in the Word, is a reality. I know, as never before, that Christ liveth in me. The Power to love, believe, and witness is there, as never before. Finally, though not least, after longing with a hungry heart for years to satisfy my God and Savior, that "He might see the travail of His soul and be satisfied," I thank Him with all my heart that at last He has received from me pure spirit-worship, "mysteries," (1 Corinthians 14:2; John 3:23). I recognize, as never before, that it is still a walk of faith and obedience, that I am nothing, and Christ is my all in all. I am launched out into the fathomless ocean of God's love, joy and peace. It is "joy unspeakable and full of glory." I thank God for the Pentecostal sign of 'tongues.' I did not ask for 'tongues' but for the Holy Spirit, and He "gave me utterance," and the joy of praising God in the Spirit is truly wonderful.
-Mrs. AA Body
Sunderland, England
Testimony of a Sunday School Teacher
On Sunday, September 8th, I surrendered my whole being full to Jesus and accepted cleansing through His most precious Blood, and on Monday, September 9th, while reading a little booklet, I got a great blessing from these two verses:
Nothing to settle? all has been paid,
Nothing of anger? peace has been made;
Jesus alone is the sinner's resource,
Peace He has made by the Blood of His cross.
Nothing of guilt? no, not a stain,
How could the Blood let any remain,
My conscious is purged, my spirit is free,
Precious Blood is to God and to me.
I claimed my Pentecost through that precious Blood, and stood firm on the blessed promises in Luke 11:13, and Luke 24:49, and I praised Him for it until Friday, September 13th. Oh, that glorious night when Christ came into my heart in all His fullness. It was about twenty minutes to nine when I went into the meeting and they were singing "Rest in the Lord." The message He gave me on Thursday, Psalm 37:7. A dear sister gave me the card with "Now I give up all to Jesus" on, and told me to let all go and just yield to Him, and oh, the unspeakable joy that flooded my soul when I, in simple faith, let my whole heart go. It was Jesus Himself who came in, glory to His Name. I could have shouted, "Glory, Hallelujah," all the way home. On Sunday, September 15th, we had a prayer meeting at a friend's house, the Spirit fell mightily upon me, and I spoke in a strange language. Oh, it is all Glory, Glory, Glory, I cannot explain the joy and peace I now have, but I know it is all through the precious Blood of Jesus. Praise Him! Praise Him!
Testimony of a Yorkshire Farmer
The Holy Spirit came upon me on Sunday night, showing me the mighty power in the Blood of Jesus. The following night it was Jesus himself and the Holy Spirit entering in like a flood. I do thank the Lord that He enabled me to take Him in, or rather; He so melted me that I allowed Him to come in. I took Him in all His fullness, that the life of the head might be the life of the member of the body. How unnatural it would seem to see a person going about with life in the head and not the same life running through the body and the head no control over the body. I feel that I want to be like the bed of a river, perfectly still, but wide enough to admit a flood. When I got home on Tuesday night, I was sitting by myself occupied with the Lord, when I got the sign of tongues. Glory to the name of Jesus.
PENTECOSTAL MISSIONARY REPORTS
Since the last paper, Spirit-filled missionaries have gone out from Los Angles to Monrovia, Liberia, Africa, two sisters to South China and a band of nine missionaries to North China. In addition, a band of fourteen missionaries went from Spokane, Washington, to Japan and China. They were able to talk to the Chinese and Japanese at the dock and on the ship in their native languages. Brother Ryan in Tokyo, Japan now publishes the "Apostolic Light".
Our dear Brother AH Post who is on his way to South Africa from Los Angeles, writes from London, England, "Praise our God the 'latter rain' is falling in England. Glory to our God forever. I do greatly rejoice in Him for this blessed privilege of carrying this wonderful salvation to other nations. My heart leaps with joy and burns with His love for so great a privilege." Address him at 14 Ackerman Road, Brixton, London, SW, care Mrs. Price.
We never saw a more humble and Spirit-filled band of missionaries than the dear ones that left Los Angeles for North China, going by the way of Seattle where they were joined by others, making twelve in all, besides children. Brother Bernstein, Brother and Sister Hess and six workers from the Swedish Mission, made up the company from here. They went out trusting God alone for their support. Brother Bernstein says, "God has laid it on my heart to go to a new field and open up the work there. It is on the railroad line south of Peking, a big field, and to open our home for any independent worker filled with the Holy Spirit and fire, to come and stay with us until they are sure where God wants them. Pray for a dwelling place and a home convenient for Chinese orphans." We are expecting God to wonderfully bless these consecrated and anointed ones. They are going into the famine district. Address B. Bernstein, Taiming fu, Chih-li, North China.
Our dear Sister Farrow, who was one of the first to bring Pentecost to Los Angeles, went to Africa and spent seven months at Johnsonville, 25 miles from Monrovia, Liberia, in that most deadly climate. She has now returned and has a wonderful story to tell. Twenty souls received their Pentecost, numbers were saved sanctified and healed. The Lord had given her the gift of the Kru language and she was permitted to preach two sermons to the people in their own tongue. The heathen some of them after receiving the Pentecost, spoke in English and some in other tongues. Praise God. The Lord showed her when she went, the time she was to return and sent her the fare in time, brought her home safely, and used her in Virginia and in the South along the way.
There is no man at the head of this movement. God Himself is speaking in the earth. We are on the verge of the greatest miracle the world has ever seen, when the sons of God shall be manifested, the saints shall come singing from the dust (Isaiah 26:19) and the overcomers shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. The political world realizes that some great crisis is at hand, the scientific world, the religious world all feel it. The coming of the Lord draweth nigh; it is near, even at the doors.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Should a person seek sanctification before the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Yes. Sanctification makes us holy, but the Baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers us for service after we are sanctified, and seals us unto the day of redemption. Sanctification destroys the body of sin, the old man Adam. Romans. 6:6, 7, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." When a man has been saved from actual sin, then he consecrates himself to God to be sanctified, and so his body of sin is destroyed or crucified. Then the resurrection life of Christ rises in his soul according to the Scriptures, Romans. 6:8, "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him."
Is it necessary for a person to leave their home duties in order to wait at some place for the Holy Spirit?
No, you can wait right in the kitchen, in the parlor, or in the barn. Some have received the Baptism of the Spirit in their barns, some in the kitchen, some at family worship, some on their porch, some about their business.
Must people give up their property and have all things in common, in order to receive the Pentecost?
No, God has made us stewards over all that we have, and He lays on our hearts to give as He prospers us. At the beginning of Pentecost, there was a great awakening in Jerusalem, and many people were waiting for salvation. Numbers of them were poor, had no home, and were in need of food and raiment. God laid it on the hearts of as many as were possessors of lands or houses that they sold their possessions, brought the price, and laid the money at the apostles feet. It was to help supply the food and to spread the Word of God, that it might be preached over the world. They did not do this in order to get salvation. God laid it on their hearts to do this for a special need. Those that were sent to preach the Gospel found favor with all the people and their needs were supplied, and they all were in one accord in the Spirit. God does not mean that we should today, wherever the Baptism is poured out, just sell our homes and come and wait for salvation, and expect to receive salvation simply because we have sold out our homes and our business and given up our talents. We can have positions that are decent and get salvation also, and can be called to a special business and can keep saved.
We read God's word in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, "And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own business and work with your own hands as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."
People that have large families have become so enthused over this wonderful salvation that they have sometimes sold out their homes, when God has not said so. We believe that people can have homes and still be in God's order. We bless God for everyone to whom He has given homes and still be in God's order. We bless God for everyone to whom He has given homes. We tell them not to run ahead of the Spirit in selling their homes, except God has really laid it on their hearts to do so. We have seen many that did so and regretted it afterwards.
What is the real evidence that a man or woman has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Divine love that is charity. Charity is the Spirit of Jesus. They will have the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith, temperance; against such there is no law. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." This is the real Bible evidence in their daily walk and conversation; and the outward manifestations; speaking in tongues and the signs following; casting out devils, laying hands on the sick and the sick being healed, and the love of God for souls increasing in their hearts.
Can a person lose the Pentecost and be restored?
Yes, if they have not sinned willfully. A willful sin means to deny the Blood of Jesus Christ and insult the Spirit of truth that is the blessed Holy Spirit. Then there is no more remission of sin. The person that has been snared by Satan and will confess their sin and turn to God will find saving power in the Blood to cleanse them. There is a great difference between denying the Blood of Jesus Christ or doing despite to the Spirit, and just simply falling into temptation and being overcome by Satan. If they repent and do the first works, and consecrate to receive sanctification, and wait for the Baptism, they can get it again.
Do you teach that it is wrong to take medicine?
Yes, for saints to take medicine. Medicine is for unbelievers, but the remedy for the saints of God we will find in James 5:14, "Is any sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."
Does the Lord Jesus provide healing for everybody?
Yes, for all those that have faith in Him. The sinner can receive healing.
Does a soul need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in order to live a pure and holy life?
No; sanctification makes us holy, Hebrews 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." The Holy Spirit does not cleanse anyone from sin. It is Jesus' shed Blood on Calvary. The Holy Spirit never died for our sins. Jesus died for our sins. His Blood atones for our sins. The Scripture says, 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. As He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. The Blood cleanses and makes holy. Through the Blood, we receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit always falls in answer to the Blood.
Do we need to study the Bible as much after receiving the Holy Spirit?
Yes; if not we become fanatical or many times will be led by deceptive spirits and begin to have revelations and dreams contrary to the Word, and begin to prophesy and think ourselves some great one, bigger than some other Christians. By reading the Bible prayerfully, waiting before God, we become just little humble children, and we never feel that we have got more than the least of God's children.
Is it necessary to have hands laid on in order to receive the Holy Spirit?
No, you can receive Him in your private closet. The gift of the Holy Spirit comes by faith in the Word of God. You may receive the Holy Spirit right now. That is, if you are sanctified. Take your Bible, turn to the first chapter of Acts, 5th verse, "For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence." Just read this verse of Scripture and cry out to the Father, "Lord Jesus, baptize me with the Holy Spirit," and believe the Lord with all your heart and the power will fall.
The baptism of the Spirit is a gift of power on the sanctified life, and when people receive it, sooner or later they will speak in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. A person may not speak in tongues for a week after the Baptism, but as soon as he gets to praying or praising God in the liberty of the Spirit, the tongues will follow. Tongues are not salvation. God throws a gift in with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. People do not have to travail and agonize for the Baptism, for when our work ceases, then God comes. We cease form our own works that is the very type of the millennium.
Is the speaking in tongues the standard of fellowship with the Pentecost people?
No, our fellowship does not come through gifts and outward demonstrations but through the Blood by the Spirit of Christ. There is nothing more loving than the Blood of Jesus Christ in our hearts. The Lord Jesus says "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." If a man is saved and living according to the Word of God, he is our brother, if he has not got the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with tongues.
How are we to keep the anointing of the Spirit after receiving the Pentecost?
We keep the anointing by living in the Word of God with perfect obedience.
In meetings, should a number speak in tongues at the same time?
No, except as God sends a wave of the Spirit over the saints. Sometimes the Spirit will come as a shower or a rushing wind and everybody may speak that has the power. It is not in order or Bible regulation for all to speak in tongues at once (1 Corinthians 14:23-24). Yet, sometimes God works in ways that we do not just understand. For the edification of all, there comes a time when we have to get back to the 14th chapter of First Corinthians from the 26th to the 40th verses. Paul says, "Let all things be done decently and in order."
Is this movement a new sect or denomination?
No, it is nondenominational and nonsectarian. We believe in unity with Christ's people everywhere, in the Word of God. It is the old-time apostolic assembly, the same old teaching of 1900 years ago. It is new to the world in these last days, but its teaching and doctrine is old as the New Testament.
Does any man control the missions of the Apostolic Faith?
No, every mission will have its own elders and teachers as the Holy Spirit shall appoint and teach the pure word of God. Every mission will be in harmony and work in unity. The Lord has deacons, elders, and teachers for the perfecting of the ministry in His saints, until we all become a perfect man in Christ Jesus.
What is the Bible way for a preacher to get his support and to raise the expenses of the church?
To pray to the Lord God and by free will offerings and donations, as God lays it on the hearts of the people that he is laboring with. God will graciously supply all needs, if you simply will trust Him and look to Him. He will pay off expenses.
Do you teach that divine love in the heart would make any familiarity between men and women safe and right?
No, every precious child that is getting the Baptism of the Holy Spirit should be watchful and avoid all appearance of evil. Satan is transformed as an angel of light to deceive many precious souls that receive great spiritual blessings; and not understanding the cunning devices of the enemy, people have been led by Satan into 'Free Love'-ism. Some have taught that a baptism of love would make you so holy that you could overstep he bounds of propriety. May God help us to keep free from anything that is impure. If a person happens to get under the influence of these powers, they must denounce their doctrine, get these spirits cast off from them, and get under the Blood. The doctrine of 'Free Love'-ism is Satan's counterfeit of genuine salvation through the Blood of Jesus.
On what grounds did the Lord Jesus teach that a man and wife could separate?
On the ground of fornication. These are the Words of Jesus, "It hath been said, whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement; but I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery; and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery" (Matthew 5:31-32). Notice He says, "It hath been said, let him give her a writing of divorcement." This used to be the teaching before the great Teacher came, but in Christ's church, there is no divorcement. Now a man has a right by the Scripture to put away his wife for fornication, but he has no right to marry another, according to the Scripture, while she lives. "For the woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to her husband, so long as he liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband; so then if while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress" (Romans 7:2,3).
If a man puts away his wife, except for fornication, he exposes her to get another husband and send her soul to hell, so it will pay every man and every woman to live with their companion for the salvation of their soul, except for the cause of fornication. He has a right to put away but not a right to get another again.
Do you have preachers and evangelists of the Apostolic Faith that have two wives or two husbands?
No, we did allow it before we became settled down and searched the Scriptures and compared Scripture with Scripture. We allowed those that were divorced and remarried to preach the Gospel, thinking that everything was under the Blood, and if they did not have any more light it did not condemn them. After searching the Scriptures, we found it was wrong. The widow was to be the wife of one man and the bishop was to be the husband of one wife. We found no Scripture where the preacher could be engaged in this blessed Gospel ministry with two living companions.
If people never had light on the divorce question and have the second companion, how shall they regulate their lives in harmony with the Scriptures?
"If any man come to Me, and hate not his father and mother and his wife and children and brethren and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26). That does mean to desert a lawful wife, but it means to let nothing stand between you and Christ. "And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after Me, cannot be My disciple" (Luke 15:27). "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee; for it is probable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. For it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. It hath been said, whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement but I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery; and whosoever marrieth her that is divorced, committeth adultery" (Matthew 5:29-32).
Can evil spirits possess a child of God?
No; evil spirits cannot come under the Blood, any more than the Egyptians could pass through the Red Sea, the Red Sea represents the Blood of Jesus Christ. The Blood gives you power over all the power of the enemy. We must have Christ within us. If the soul is left empty and no "strong man" within, then the evil spirit can just take the house (Luke 11:21-26). Some say that when the soul is sanctified, the house is empty and clean, and if he does not get the Holy Spirit, a wicked spirit can come in. Do not ever believe that. That empty house represents a man that had a demon cast out (as we see plainly in the 24th verse); and he did not get Christ within. A man that is sanctified has Christ ruling within. People that are living under the Blood live free from demons and satanic powers. They live pure and holy before the Lord. A man might be a Christian and oppressed by a demon, but that is altogether different from being possessed. Wicked spirits are driven out and repentance and faith wrought in the heart, when a man if justified. Then Christ comes in and keeps them out. A demon might be in the flesh as in the case of a cancer. The devil may oppress the body with sickness but that is very different from possessing the soul.
A WONDERFUL BAPTISM IN ENGLAND
Two years ago, a special work of grace began. The Holy Spirit came upon me with manifestations, and the old natural life was in very deed and truth crucified with Christ. From that time, I became a crucified follower of my crucified Lord. Anointing of the Holy Spirit were continually given me for service, as each need arose. It was indeed a walk in newness of life, proving the power of His resurrection.
On the last night of the old year, came the command to tarry that was promptly carried out. The result being a further revelation of the exceeding sinfulness of sin and of His glorious Holiness and love. At the end of eight days came a baptism of fire burning and consuming through my whole being as the very ashes of my old life were consumed and done away with. Love to God and man took possession of me, and I was filled to overflowing with the resurrection life of my Lord. Much time daily was spent in silent waiting before the Lord, receiving from His Holy Spirit such teaching, that what had formerly been light was translated into life for spirit, soul and body.
With two dear Pentecostal saints, I met for prayer and waiting. I saw in vision Christ on Calvary, bearing my sin. Each act of sin was laid separately upon Him and weighed Him down deeper and deeper, until beneath the awful weight of blackness and darkness of woe and of anguish, His heart was broken and mine seemed to break with His. How long this lasted, I do not know; but at length, consciousness returned. The glory broke and the Holy Spirit sang through me in English a hitherto unknown song of praise and thanksgiving for the precious, precious Blood and of glory to the Lamb upon the throne.
On the evening of our next united gathering for prayer and waiting, revelation after revelation was given of the Lamb; the glory of the Lamb, the power of the Lamb, the victory of the Lamb, the marriage of the Lamb, and the reign of the Lamb with His glorified bride. I knew from that moment that Christ Jesus was on the throne of my heart as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and that His purpose was to demonstrate the Lamb life through me.
The Holy Spirit descended in clouds of glory; wave after wave of glory broke upon me. Tidal waves of resurrection life and glory surged through every organ of my body; so that I was constrained to cry aloud for everything within me shouted "Glory" and could not be silenced.
I realized that this was that which was spoken by the prophet Joel, which God had made good His promise to me, and poured upon me His Holy Spirit. Glory to His name.
When I was once more alone, the Lord spoke to me and asked if I was disappointed that the gift of tongues had not been given. Disappointed, Lord! I have You and You can speak in every tongue. It was You I wanted, You alone; and now You have taken full possession. He gave me to understand that tongues would soon be given. A few days later, when in prayer with two dear friends, He gave me the gift and the Holy Spirit sang through me in a tongue utterly unknown before. The interpretation was given, and I knew it was all about the precious, precious Blood. Glory to the Triune God! Glory to the Lamb upon the throne.
-Your English sister,
MJD
"Jesus is coming soon," is the message that the Holy Spirit is speaking today through nearly everyone that receives the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many times they get the interpretation of the message spoken in an unknown language and many times others have understood the language spoken. Many receive visions of Jesus and He says, "I am coming soon." Two saints recently in Minneapolis fell under the power were caught up to Heaven and saw the New Jerusalem, the table spread, and many of the saints there, both seeing the same visions at the same time. They said Jesus was coming very soon and for us to work as we had little time.
Wherever this blessed Gospel goes, through Christ's Spirit-filled servants, a fruitful field grows up right away. The birds all begin to sing, showing spring has come. The flowers all bud out in their souls, and they commence singing in tongues like the birds, showing us that the Holy Spirit brings spring to our hearts, and the blossoms and the fruit commence growing. Glory to God.
CHRIST'S MESSAGES TO THE CHURCH
The last message given to the church was by the Holy Spirit, from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through Brother John on the Isle of Patmos. Dear beloved, we read in Revelation 1:5-7, these words, "Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own Blood." Hallelujah to His name! "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and the Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wait because of Him. Even so, Amen."
This is the beginning of this wonderful and blessed message given to our beloved Apostle John while he was suffering for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus knew all about His servant, though He had been living in Heaven more than half a century after His ascension. He came and visited that beloved apostle, the disciple who loved Jesus and leaned on His bosom. He now was old but had been faithful to the trust that Jesus had given him. He had passed through awful trials and tribulations for this precious Gospel, even being boiled in a caldron of oil, tradition tells us; but, blessed be God, they were not able to kill him. When they got tired of this precious Holy Spirit Gospel messenger, preaching to them the faith of Jesus, they banished him to the Isle of Patmos. While he was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, our blessed Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, our great Redeemer, came and gave him this wonderful revelation, and introduced Himself to John as, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, said the Lord that is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." Hallelujah.
O beloved, the Lord Jesus knows all about our trials and tribulations, because He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. His whole life was a life of suffering. We read in Hebrews 5:7-8, "Though He were a son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. Being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey." Oh, bless our God. Just to think that Jesus was God's Son and all things were made by Him and for Him; yet He was foreordained before the foundation of the world that He should die. He was slain before the foundation of the world. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among men and was handled by men, and lived in this world. At the age of 33 years, He paid the debt on Calvary's cross. Oh, beloved, if we expect to reign with Him, we must suffer with Him; not that people must be sick or unhealthy or go with a long face, but we must bear all things and keep the faith of Jesus in our hearts. Our lives now are with the suffering Christ: and "it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." Glory to Jesus.
After Jesus introduced Himself, He gave John these blessed messages to the church. John was permitted to see from the beginning of the church age on down to the white throne judgment, the final winding up of the world. He was permitted to see the overcomers. He was permitted to see the millennial reign with Jesus in triumph over the kingdoms of Satan; to see this old world pass away, to see the new heavens and new earth, and the New Jerusalem coming down from God out of Heaven. John saw things past, things present, and things in the future. He had witnessed the glory and power of the apostolic church, and saw the falling away of the church, and God sent him to the church with this blessed message, that she should come back to her first love.
The Vision of Jesus in His Church
The most striking passage of Scripture in the first chapter is where John was permitted to see Jesus walking among the golden candlesticks that represent the church. Christ is in His church today to fill men and women, to heal their bodies, save and sanctify their souls, and to put His finger upon every wrong and mean thing in the church. His rebuke is against it, for He hates sin today as much as He ever did when He walked by the Sea of Galilee. Glory to His name. Jesus hates impure doctrine just as much as when He rebuked the Pharisees for their impure doctrine.
John beheld Jesus in His glorified body. What a holy scene it was: the Son of God clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. "His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow." Hallelujah. There is nothing but purity and Holiness in our Savior. "His eyes were as a flame of fire." Glory to Jesus. "And His feet like to fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace. His voice as the sound of many waters," which represents many people. Bless God.
"And He had in His right hand seven stars." This represents His Holy Spirit ministers. Jesus has them in His hand, that is to say that He gave them the authority to preach the Gospel and power over devils. All of our authority and power comes from Jesus. It is so sweet when we know that we have authority from Jesus. Bless His holy name. Oh, beloved, when we know Jesus Christ has His minister in His hand, we know that minister is a live preacher. Glory to Jesus. Hallelujah. A live minister represents one that is saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit. Then the same life, the same authority that Jesus promised we will find in his life.
"And out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance, was as the sun shineth through the blessed Christ. "When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as one dead. He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last." Praise God, Jesus is alive and because He lives, everyone that gets Christ is alive in the blessed Holy Spirit. The Blood of Jesus Christ does give life, power and fire, joy, peace, happiness and faith. Hallelujah to His name!
"I am He that liveth and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore." Bless His holy name. He wanted John to know that He was the same One that hung and bled and died and shed His precious Blood on Calvary's cross, went down into the grave, and rose again. This ought to make the whole body of Christ's people everywhere happy to know that Jesus is alive for evermore. Hallelujah to His name!
Then He said, "And have the keys of hell and of death." Bless God. No wonder Brother David said, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou are with me." When we get Jesus Christ in our hearts, we can use the Word and it is a comfort to us to know that we have passed from death to life.
Then He told John particularly, "Write these things that thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter."
The Message to the Church of Ephesus
Then He gave him the messages to the seven churches. "And to the angel of the church at Ephesus write, "These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks." Hallelujah to His name! Ephesus was a city of Asia, quite a commercial city, a city of wealth, refinement, culture and great learning. It was where John preached and where Paul had labored. Many people there had been saved and baptized with the Spirit. Paul had witnessed a great scene in Ephesus where he had preached the Gospel of the Son of God and of the doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. After hearing of this blessed doctrine, twelve men received water baptism, and when Paul laid his hands on them, they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, spoke with tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:6). Ephesus was a favored place, but the message was sent to it and to all the churches of Asia. This is a true picture of the Lord Jesus' eyes upon the church ever since its beginning, and; will be unto the end. We are living near the close of the Gentile age down in the Laodicean period, when the church has become as formal as the Laodiceans. This message was first to the church of Ephesus.
I Know Thy Works
The Lord Jesus said, "I know thy works." God knows our works; He knows our hearts. "And thy labor and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou has tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast labored and hast not fainted." Bless our God. That is more than many churches today could receive from the Master. Jesus commended them for what they had done. He commended them for their faithfulness. He is not like men. He knows our hearts, our trials, our conditions. Bless God, He does not make any allowance for sin. He hates sin today as much as He ever did. Yet, He does not come to destroy us or condemn us, but to seek and to save us.
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." The Lord does not want anything to get between us and Him. Oh, may every precious child in these times that are getting the Holy Spirit not go into apostasy, but may they be a burning and a shining light for God, just as we were when we first received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. God wants us to keep the same anointing that we received and let nothing separate us from Christ.
Repentance
We find Jesus still preaches the same doctrine of repentance that He preached while on earth. In order to get right with God, He says, "Remember from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Dear beloved, if there is anything wrong in your life and Jesus has His finger is truly in His church today. This is the Holy Spirit dispensation, He does convince men of sin, righteousness and the judgment, and if we will be honest, God will bless us.
To the Church Today
When a church or mission finds that the power of God begins to leave, they should come as a whole and confess, and let all get down before God, repent, and pray to God until the old time fire and power and love come back again. Many times the Holy Spirit will leave an assembly, mission or church because the pastor grieves Him. Sometimes not only the pastor but the whole body commences backbiting, whispering, tattling, or prejudice and partiality creep in, until the whole becomes corrupted and Jesus is just ready to spew them out of His mouth. Oh, beloved, let us then come to the 2nd chapter of Revelation and see what Jesus says to the assembly. He expects to find the church, when He comes back to earth again, just as full of fire and power and the signs following, as it was when He organized it on the day of Pentecost. Bless His holy name. May God help all His precious praying children to get back to the old Pentecostal power and fire and love. The church at that time was as terrible as an army with banners. She conquered every power of evil. Hypocrites were not able to remain in it any more than Annanias and Sapphira. God gave such wonderful love to His people.
Then He gave messengers to every church, showing that Jesus' eyes are upon every church. His finger this day is upon every heart that does not measure to the fullness of Holiness. God wants a holy church and all wrong cleansed away; fornication and adultery two wives, two husbands, not paying grocery bills, water bills, furniture bills, coal bills, gas bills, and all honest bills. God wants His people to be true and holy and He will work. Nothing can hinder. Bless His holy name.
I thank God for this wonderful message to the church, a message from heaven, given by Jesus to show that He is in the church, that He does walk among the golden candlesticks. He is in heaven, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, He walks in the church today. Nothing can be hidden from His pure eyes. He wants people to live the highest and deepest consecration to Him. He does not want their love for him divided. Their first love is to Him.
Impure Doctrine
We find many of Christ's people tangled up in these days, committing spiritual fornication as well as physical fornication and adultery. They say, "Let us all come together; if we are not one in doctrine, we can be one in spirit." Dear ones, we cannot all be one, except through the Word of God. He says, "But this thou hast that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolatians that I also hate." I suppose that the apostolic church at Ephesus allowed people that were not teaching straight doctrine, not solid in the Word of God, to remain in fellowship with them; and Jesus saw that a little heaven would leaven the whole, and His finger was right upon that impure doctrine. It had to be removed out of the church or He would remove the light and break the church up. When we find things wrong, contrary to Scripture, I care not how dear it is, it must be removed. We cannot bring Agag among the children of Israel, for God says he must die. Saul saved Agag that represented saving himself, the carnal nature of old man; but Samuel said Agag must die, and he drew his sword and slew him. Christ's precious Word is the sword of Samuel, and it puts all carnality and sin to death. It means perfect obedience to walk with the Lord. There are many people in these last days that are not going to live a Bible salvation; they are going to take chances. May God help everyone, if their right hand or right eye offend them to cast it from them. It is better to enter life maimed than for soul and body to be cast into hell fire.
The Lord says, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God." Oh, beloved, if we expect to reign with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we must overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. There will be many that will be saved but will not be full overcomers to reign on this earth with our Lord. He will give us power to overcome if we are willing. Bless His holy name.
WJ Seymour
CHINA MISSIONARY RECEIVES PENTECOST
On leaving China, October, 1906, I was asked to investigate the Apostolic Faith Movement in Los Angeles, where they claimed to have manifested the same gifts of the Holy Spirit as of old (1 Corinthians 12: 8-10). I heard such contradictory reports that I kept away for some time, but praise God, He had His hand upon me for this wonderful gift, and I had no rest until I went and heard and saw for myself.
It only took a short time after the beginning of the first meeting, to know it was of God. When the altar call came, I went forward.
Before this I had asked God to turn His great searchlight upon my heart and was astonished to find so much worldliness, spiritual pride, vanity, insincerity, lack of love, selfishness, and other things. When I had left for the foreign field seven years before this, I thought I had died to everything. However, when the Spirit began to deal with me in preparing me for the fullness of the Spirit, I found I was very much alive, in fact had scarcely begun to die to self. Although the Lord had given me wonderful victories in my life and what I thought was the Baptism of the Spirit, yet when God began to search me as never before, I had to confess that I had never even been sanctified.
I had been taught the suppression theory, and now and again the "old man" would pop up in a greater or less degree; sometimes harsh words did not escape, but I would feel the boiling up inside. God showed me that His Word meant just what it said, that provision was made in the atonement. Not only for our sins but for our sin, the old Adamic nature (Romans. 6: 6, 18, 22). How I did rejoice that at the last, the longing of my heart to be rid of that which had kept me from being entirely free from sin, was to be satisfied. I had sought my baptism of the Spirit three times, when the Lord told me that I must be sanctified before the Spirit could take full possession of my body. Just so were the disciples sanctified before Christ left them (John 17: 17, 19), that they might be ready for the Baptism of the Spirit.
After some of the saints had prayed for me, one of them asked me if I had the witness of the Spirit to my sanctification according to Hebrews 10:14-15. For some years, back I had been taught of the Spirit to keep "short accounts" with the Lord, and there was nothing left to do in the way of restitution. Having laid all on the altar, I knew I had met the condition, and that God had fulfilled His promise; although there was no other feeling than the assurance that God had done the work because of His Word. I then began to praise God audibly, in a few minutes, I was flooded with billows of glory, and the Spirit sang through me praises unto God. Besides this witness of the Spirit, was the witness of the fruits. For under whatever provocation, there is no uprising, for there is nothing to rise. Glory to Jesus.
When sanctified, I was filled with such glory that I felt sure it must be the Baptism. In reality, it did not come for three weeks. In the meantime, the power was upon me almost continually, sometimes lying under the power for hours, while I consecrated myself to God as never before.
At last after a real dying out, as I never dreamed could be possible on earth, in the upper room at Azusa Mission, the promise of the Father was made real to me, and I was charged with the power of God and my soul flooded with glory. The Spirit sang praises unto God. Glory to Jesus. He gave me the Bible experiences, speaking through me in other tongues.
The Lord showed me that the Cross was going to mean to me what it had never meant before. One morning the Spirit dealt with me, singing through me:
"Must Jesus bear the Cross alone,
And all the world go free:
No, there's a cross for every one,
And there is one for me."
The last line He just seemed to burn into my soul by repeating it repeatedly. Sometimes the Spirit would sing a line and then sob out a line. Although I wept and was in anguish of soul, it was all in the Spirit.
The life of Jesus passed before me, and He asked me if I was willing to follow Jesus in living absolutely for Him in ministering unto others. I thought I had known something of what this meant in China. Now to preach the everlasting Gospel in the power and demonstration of the Spirit and to truly go out on the faith line and to minister day and night, sometimes unto the hungry multitudes in the face of fierce opposition, meant far more than ever before. He enabled me to say, "By Thy grace I will bear this cross."
The Garden scene came up before me next, as the Spirit again sang, "Must Jesus bear the Cross alone?" He seemed to say, "Your friends will forsake you, your own family will misunderstand you, you will be called a fanatic, crazy; are you willing to bear this cross?" Again I answered, "By Thy grace, I will."
The crucifixion scene then came before me and it seemed as if my heart would break with sorrow, and I could only wait in silence. Then I said, "Lord, if it was to be beheaded, I could; but..." I could go no further. Later in the day, the Lord spoke to me again as I was under the power. It seemed as if I would almost perish in soul anguish. I was unconscious of the workers all about me. It seemed as if Jesus Himself stood beside, looking down upon me. I could only say, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I will, I will, I will." His promises came to me as distinctly as if audibly said, "My grace is sufficient for you." In a flash, He gave me to understand the secret of the endurance of the martyrs who were burned at the stake with the glory of heaven upon their faces, and seemingly free from pain. He enabled me to say, "Yes, Lord, your grace is sufficient."
Then the Spirit began to sing in a joyful strain, repeating the last line until I could almost see the crown:
"The consecrated cross I'll bear,
Till Christ has set me free;
And then go home a crown to wear,
For there's a crown for me."
To sum it up, the Baptism of the Spirit means to me what I never dreamed it could this side of Heaven: victory, glory in my soul, perfect peace, rest, liberty, nearness to Christ, deadness to this old world, and power in witnessing. Glory to His name for ever and forever!
-Antoinette Moomau
Eustice, NE
We ought to claim perfect health through the atonement of Jesus.
The well of water that is within you that springs up into everlasting life is the Spirit, and its fruit is love. That love waters your own soul and everyone else that you meet.
THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
There is no difference in quality between the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and sanctification. They are both Holiness. Sanctification is the Lord Jesus Christ crowned in your heart and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is His power upon you. It is all Holiness. It makes you more like Jesus. It is Jesus in justification, Jesus in sanctification and Jesus in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. If we follow Jesus, we will never have any other spirit but the Spirit of Holiness.
Everyone that gets sanctified and cleansed through the Blood has perfect union with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit does not cleanse and free you from sin but it is the precious Blood of Jesus Christ. Then the Spirit falls in answer to the Blood.
Every man or woman that gets sanctified gets the witness of the Spirit. When you enter the Holy of Holies, you get the great Shekinah glory upon you and cloven tongues of fire, and speak as the Spirit gives utterance and the pillar of fire guides you every day of your life.
Everyone that gets this blessed Holy Spirit the signs will follow. Tongues are not an evidence of salvation, but one of the signs that follow every Spirit-filled man and woman. We find the people that abound in talking of Jesus today are people that are given power by the blessed Holy Spirit. The time is out for the work of the flesh.
When the Holy Spirit comes in, He fills you with love, joy, and satisfaction. You have something when you have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. You have Him. People are hunting for blessings, but if you get the Blesser, you have Him all the time. You want not simply a blessing but the Holy Spirit. When He comes down, He will keep a fire in your heart. He is a person, He comes to lead and guide into all truth.
The baptism of the Spirit is the infilling of the personal Holy Spirit that is the earnest of the Spirit. Then God gives us the authority to do the same work that Jesus did. We find where men and women have received this baptism with the Spirit, there is a revival going on just as on the day of Pentecost. That is what the Baptism of the Holy Spirit means...a continual revival.
When you get the Baptism, you have a street in your soul called Thanksgiving Street, and you have an Amen Street and a Glory Street. Thanksgiving and the voice of melody is in your soul. When the Holy Spirit comes in, He comes singing, preaching and talking. It is because the church has brought forth the "man child." Then we go on to perfection, forgetting the things that are behind and pressing forward to the things that are before.
The Lord God says He will make you witnesses unto the uttermost part of the earth. When He sent His disciples to the lost tribes of Israel. He sent them to those that spoke Greek and Hebrew. They did not need the languages of the nations. When He sent them out after Pentecost, He gave them the commission, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." We find the first congregation they preached to after they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, they had seventeen nationalities that heard the Gospel in their own tongue without confusion (Acts 2:9-11). He is doing the same today, compelling men to believe that He is the same yesterday today, and forever. When God performed a miracle right before those people, of course they were convicted. It is today where this Gospel is being preached in the power of the Spirit with signs following, men will fall out under the mighty power of God, and rise and report that God is in you of a truth. This Gospel has power. Bless God.
The God of Pentecost has never lost any power. He stands to baptize man and women with the Holy Spirit today just as He did 1900 years ago. Every worker that is going out to stand for Christ ought to get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. It is for you as soon as you get light upon it.
Keep your eyes on Jesus and not on the manifestations, not seeking to get some great thing more than somebody else. The Lord God wants you just as humble as he wants a baby, looking for Him to fill you with more of God and power. If you get your eyes on manifestations and signs you are liable to get a counterfeit, but what you want to seek is more Holiness, more of God.
The Holy Spirit has been in the world ever since God created it, for we find in Genesis 1: 2, "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." This precious Spirit was with Enoch, He was with Elijah, He was with Daniel, He was with God's priests and prophets, and they spoke as the Holy Spirit moved them. The disciples of Jesus knew the Holy Spirit, because they had His presence when they were sent out on a mission, for Jesus empowered them Himself while on earth to cast out demons, heal the sick, and raise the dead. The Spirit was upon them for a special work, but He was not in them, for Jesus said to them, "Even the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him, but ye know Him for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you." (John 14, 17). When Jesus Christ took His place in heaven on the right hand of God, then He poured out His Spirit and gave us another Comforter that He should abide with us forever, to empower and to lead us into all truth.
The Holy Spirit talks with us like a companion, for He is a companion. Jesus was the Comforter of His disciples while He was here in the flesh; but He said when He went away, "I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. When He the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth." The day came when He should make His home in the hearts of men and women, it was the day of Pentecost. He came to abide. He is the abiding Comforter. Oh, praise God, He has come and taken His home in our hearts. Everyone can receive the personal Holy Spirit in their hearts, for He says, "I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh."
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit comes on the sanctified, cleansed life. After the vessel is cleansed and made holy, it is meet for the Master's use. Bless His Holy name. "If a man therefore shall purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master's use, prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21). In seeking this baptism, if you realize that you are sanctified and cleansed by the Blood of Christ, and wait before Him for the out pouring of the Holy Spirit in thanksgiving and faith, He will come in and fill His temple from head to foot. This Holy Spirit is love, power, joy, blessing, wisdom and Holiness. He will guide you and open the Scriptures to you.
The most wonderful thing a man or woman can receive after being sanctified is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their heart. He is fire and rivers of salvation in you inmost being. Isaiah prophesied, speaking of the Holy Spirit as floods of water: "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon they seed, and My blessing upon thine offspring." (Isaiah, 44, 3). "Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be accounted for a forest" (Isaiah 32:15). Hallelujah! Oh, it is so sweet and precious to receive this almighty Baptism of the Holy Spirit in our souls. "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; as showers that water the earth. In His days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace as long as the moon endureth." (Psalms 7:6-7).
JESUS, Oh, HOW SWEET THE NAME!
"Jesus, oh, how sweet the name!
Jesus, every day the same,
Jesus, let all saints proclaim
Its worthy praise forever"
Is the beautiful hymn the saints sang for three hours the night I received my baptism (June 15th, about 12 o'clock).
Oh, praise the name of Jesus! I sang it until the Precious Holy Spirit took my tongue and spoke for Himself. Oh, how wonderful, oh, how wonderful. Oh, praise God for His wonderful love! I wish I could describe to you what Jesus is to me. Oh, I thought I knew how to love Him before, I thought I knew Him, but never in such a way as I do now. Oh, it is so sweet to commune with God. I just wait before Him by the hour and let Him talk to me. I just cannot tell it. There are not words in the English language that can describe what Jesus is to me. I cannot begin to tell all, as my time is too limited, but will do the best I can.
I received my first anointing May 15th. By the anointing I mean the first I felt the Holy Spirit within. You will know when He begins to work. He just took control of my limbs and head. Oh, I cannot describe it. You must taste and see; you must have this blessed experience. Do not let anything interfere. I had another anointing a few days after that. Then felt the power within me almost every day until I received my baptism. About May 20th, I had such a wonderful anointing and I believe I would have received my baptism then, had I just known how to hold on to God by faith and rebuke the devil. Oh, he tried so hard to cheat me out of it. After that, I got sort of discouraged for I felt I had done my part. Knew I was sanctified and ready for my baptism, and could not understand why I did not get it. I thought the saints should pray more for me, but I had to die to the saints. I thought I ought to hurry and get it so you and the other dear ones would be encouraged, thought you would wonder why I did not get it sooner. Praise God, He showed me that I must die to all opinions of people. So praise Him, I died to that.
Then He showed me the Word that, "After ye have done the whole will of God, ye have need of patience, that ye might obtain the promise." I felt my need of that, for I was anxious. Oh, we just have to die to everything and everybody and see no one save Jesus. Praise His dear name! How blessed it is to reach the place where we see only Him.
Well, the Lord showed the Azusa Street people that they were to have a campmeeting, so they came out June 1st. Miss Johnson and I rented a tent and came. During all this time, I knew the Lord was with me, and I knew the old devil was trying with all the forces of hell to cheat me out of the blessing. He presented everything imaginable to my mind, but praise God! He brought me through more than conqueror. I just tell this for your encouragement. Remember, when the Lord works the devil works too, but when Satan presents anything to you, just tell him you are under the Blood. Just plead the Blood, and he will flee.
July 11th, before going to the meeting, I had a blessed time talking to the Lord, and just felt sure I was going to get through. Went to the altar; the power of God was upon me, but I heard Miss Johnson say, "Hallelujah!" right at my side, and that was so unnatural for quiet Miss Johnson that I couldn't help but think she must be getting through, so I looked at her. She was under the power and bless God, she did get through. She had a wonderful experience. Both sang and spoke in tongues. Oh, I rejoiced that she got through. Now, just a word, remember when the power of God is upon you, even a thought will interfere with the workings of the Spirit. Oh, He is so easily grieved. So, when the Holy Spirit is working, keep your eyes centered upon Jesus, and when the devil presents a thought just rebuke him and plead the Blood.
The next night I was under the power, and almost spoke, but some one came into the room who did not feel right toward the sister that was praying for me, and the Spirit was so grieved within me that I just cried and cried. Not I, but the Spirit grieved. Oh, such grief, it was heart-rending. Oh, how careful people should be not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Before I go further I must tell you that when I went to the altar that night the Spirit began to shake my head, then my body, and gradually and gently laid me out of the floor. The Spirit did this three different times. At times, it shook my whole body, and I was perfectly conscious all the time, but my thoughts were on Christ, I knew He was having His way in me.
The next morning (after the night just mentioned) I went to the eight o'clock prayer meeting and, while praying, the power came upon me. The Spirit laid me out on the floor again, and I was there from 8:45 until 4 o'clock that afternoon, right on my back, God having His way with me. Neale was dead and clear out of the way. It was the temple of the Holy Spirit, and He was having His way. This was in the large tabernacle. They had service at 10:30 and lasted until 12:30 or 1:00, and then service again from 2:30 until 5:00. Well, praise God! I was just covered with straw, but I never gave a thought. I was seeking my baptism. I was lost to the people, the straw and everything else. Well, may God bless and put a real hunger in your soul while you read this. Some one got up and sang a hymn (in the flesh), that means, of themselves, and it so grieved the Spirit in me I again gave vent to bitter tears. Oh, I have had sorrow in my life, but the deepest sorrow was when the Holy Spirit was grieved within me. To think of God Himself being within, having His way and then someone full of self getting up and talking and grieving the Spirit to such an extent that He leaves. Sad? Oh, I cannot find words to express it, but how it has taught me to walk carefully, to speak only as He gives me utterance. I would rather lose my life than grieve the Holy Spirit in anyone. While I suffered from it, it just put such a contempt in me for this old life, this self life. Oh, what a terrible thing it is. How we have to walk and talk only as the Spirit leads, else we grieve the Spirit.
Well, it would take a long time to tell you how the devil tried to cheat me out of it. The Spirit was grieved again the next night but praise God! On Friday night, I got the victory and about midnight, I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. The Spirit having been grieved so often, I felt very sad, and as I sat in the tabernacle that night, the Lord looked down upon me in pity. He led a dear sister over to me (who was filled with the Holy Spirit) and she just threw her arm around me with such pity and tender mercy. It was not she but the Holy Spirit within that led. She was at the altar and our Father, praise His dear name, told her to go to me. Oh, how I love Him, how sweet to know how He loves us, how He pities us and how ready and willing He is to cheer us. As soon as she came, the old devil said, "You will not get there tonight." I said, "Jesus, I am looking to Thee," and as I looked to Him He brought this sweet and beautiful hymn to my mind, "Jesus, oh, how sweet the Name," etc. I began to sing it and the saints that were there joined, and oh, praise His name! It was Jesus only I saw. This part is so holy, so sacred; that I know words will fail to convey it to your mind. I just kept singing until I seemed borne to a heavenly atmosphere. The beautiful strain seemed like a heavenly choir as I was borne upward, upward. Oh, how wonderful! It seemed as though I had become a little child and Jesus led me by the hand. As He led me on and on, I said, "Yes, I'll go all the way with You." He showed me the stake. I said, "Yes." I thought that would be easy, for He stood right by my side, and I felt...Oh! I just cannot tell you what sweet confidence I had in Him. He showed me the foreign field, He showed me home, etc., and it seemed I was so satisfied to do anything, for He had my hand all the time. Praise His precious name! I said, "Yes, Jesus, yes," and I even said, "I want You to talk for me," and that is when I spoke in another tongue. I feel that I fail when I try to write it. Words cannot express it. Wonderful! Wonderful! He spoke through me for some time. Remember, I was conscious all this time, but Jesus and I who conversing. The world was shut out, self was shut out, and I was lost in God.
Oh, how wonderful to let God take every thought captive, and not only your thoughts but your body, too. Praise His holy name! My body shook most of the time and my hands went so fast. I sang just the chorus, "Jesus, oh, how sweet the Name!" and the saints sang it all the time, too; but I lost sight of the saints. I could hear the strain and it seemed like a heavenly host that was helping to bear me upward. Praise God! Praise God! This has been the most wonderful experience of my life. Oh, how could any one doubt God? That God shall give you your baptism soon is my prayer. Seek earnestly. Let no worldly care cheat you out of God's wonderful gift.
-(Letter written by Miss Martha Neale to a friend. This has been slightly altered for publication) Good Tidings.
A CHEERING TESTIMONY
"I never was so determined as now to stand in all the fullness of this great Gospel. Oh, my life is in His hands to do just as He will with me. I can say from my heart, I count not my life dear unto myself; and there is something down in my soul that says:
"Though earth and hell my way oppose,
Jehovah's mightier than my foes."
I bless and praise God that the Holy Spirit fell in dear Los Angeles. Oh, and it took me in. Oh, how hungry I was, and how the glory of heaven flooded my soul as I sat and listened to dear Brother Seymour expound the Word of God. "This is that" which the prophet Joel said should come. Glory to His holy name, it is come! It is in my innermost being and abiding there. Oh the glory of the anointing that abideth. It is clean hands and pure hearts and a walk blameless before God, in Holiness, in fear, meditating day and night in the law of God that keep this wonderful anointing. Few will pay the price to get that Joel should come, and few will continue to pay the price to keep it; but by His grace and power, I mean to keep it if all hell should shake and conspire to make me fall or step for one moment aside. I have taken the narrow way. Oh, I love it. I mean to go through with the despised few.
O how I love Jesus. I never loved Him as I do now. His word never was so sweet. It is my meat and drink day and night. How can I ever praise Him enough, do enough, or suffer enough for what He has done for me! What a privilege to suffer a little with Jesus. This awful power and prince of the air is our worst enemy. We do not fight against flesh and blood now. This is a greater fight, and with the greater fight comes far greater power. For every ninety-nine pounds of trial comes one hundred pounds of grace.
How it thrills my heart to think of the dear blessed saints that are standing true. As never before we are going to see the mighty signs follow the preaching of the Word; as we keep in line with the truth and in no way compromise, preach the Word and let the Holy Spirit magnify Jesus. Glory! Glory to His precious name! How my very soul does thrill with the thought of what God is going to do through a clean people. Oh, I want to be spotless and have every thought brought into subjection. This Gospel is going like wildfire. It shall sweep everything before it, compromisers and all. The blessed Lord does let us see a little ahead to encourage our hearts while the fight is on. The blessed Jesus is so precious to me. Amid evil reports and great demands for help, He gives such assurance in my poor soul that all is well, and Oh, the calm that's coming after the storm."
-Florence Crawford
The Lord wants a people in these days that will make the very highest consecration to God. He wants us to step up to the heights of Holiness. We are in a time when we ought to be looking for the greatest revival the world has ever had. The time is drawing nigh when the Scripture says, "And He shall send Jesus Christ that before was preached unto you; whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things that God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." Now, beloved, if we come together in unity and love and look to God, He can send an earthquake to this old world, just as He did to the Philippine jail and loose the bands. He wants His people to have faith in God that He may do a mighty work.
The principles of the doctrine of Christ are:
1. Repentance.
2. Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
3. Water baptism.
4. Sanctification.
5. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
6. Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7. Final white throne judgment.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Indianapolis, IN
Many souls have been baptized in Indianapolis, saved and sanctified.
Norwood, OH
Our people are growing; fourteen baptized and interest increasing.
-WH Cossum
3952 Hazel Avenue
Colly, NC
The fire is still burning here in our midst and souls are being converted and sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit.
-AJ Bordeau
Atlanta, GA
The meetings in the hall here have been blessed seasons of refreshing. For six months, every afternoon and night and all day on Sundays, the meetings have continued. Before this "latter rain" such revivals were unheard of. Souls are being saved, sanctified, and healed, and filled with the Holy Spirit. All glory to Jesus' name! Let us follow on to know Him better. This is the beginning of great things.
-"The Bridegroom's Messenger,"
53 1/2 Auburn Avenue
Hill River, MN
I am thankful to God for what He has done for a small group of Christians here in the town of Hill River, where I live. Quite a few have received their Pentecost and others seeking it, and we are continuing to pray to God for His blessing in a greater degree.
-Andrew Hausan
Fosston, MN
Utica, NY
Blessed be the name of the Lord. Truly, these days of the "latter rain" are days of Heaven upon the earth. We are a little band here but full of faith and pressing on. One by one, God is bringing our number into their Pentecost, and is opening other places where there are a few hungry believers longing for their inheritance.
-Birdsell & Mason
61 State Street
Concord Junction, MA
God is working in this place. Five of us have the Baptism, speaking in tongues and others getting hungry. He came in to abide with me on Oct. 16th and spoke for Himself.
-Everett E. Munroe
397 Main Street
Strole, VA
Pentecost has come here. Eight of us are speaking in tongues. We gamblers and drunkards have been saved. Praise the dear Lord. We are looking for dear Jesus every day and can hardly wait of see Him.
-WS Woodworth
Canaan Faith Home and Full Gospel Mission
Portsmouth and Richmond, VA
Brother Seymour wrote from these places while he was visiting the missions in the East: "God is working in Portsmouth. Souls were baptized in Richmond and God is working in mighty power. The saints are just as sweet as can be. Glory to God for this Gospel. The saints are so simple here, that is the reason they receive the Pentecost so quickly. They are ready for the power."
Philadelphia, PA
I have been helping in the Pentecostal work in one little meeting last Sunday and a number at the altar last Sunday and a number were slain under the mighty power of God. I had a letter from a sister in Danville, VA, a few days ago, and she says that God is blessing them there and that souls are being saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
-WM Scott
906 Filbert Street, December 4.
Swanton, OH
Praise the Lord. A few have been baptized near home here, a few have been wonderfully healed, and a great many more are hungry for more of God. We have had a few wonderful conventions here in Ohio the past summer. One of the most wonderful meetings was at the Annual Christian Alliance Convention at Cleveland. Some evenings there were perhaps from three to four hundred down at the altar, some remaining all night; and a great many were saved. Praise the Lord. Jesus is certainly soon coming!
-Gideon Ziegler
Baltimore, OH
There is a little mission here where the leader and about ten people had been seeking for their baptism for seven months, but none of them came through until last night, when the leader came through gloriously and others have been under the power and some sanctified. Praise God!
-Mary A. Yaegge
1022 N. Eutaw Street (This sister is on her way to Switzerland, where the Lord is calling her to preach the Gospel).
Denver, CO
Our meetings are being blessed of God. Souls are being saved, sanctified, baptized with the Holy Spirit and healed, and the interest is still increasing. All glory be to God for His wonderful works that He is bestowing upon His children, as He is pouring our His Spirit upon all flesh in these latter days; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. The Lord has held us here and He has opened up an Apostolic Faith Mission on the corner of Lawrence and Twenty-fourth streets. The altar is filled with seekers.
-ES Lee
2305 Lawrence Street
Lynn, MA
We are now holding meetings in the mission at 260 Maple street. We commenced this work in a hall last February. One of our number, a girl born blind and blind for twenty-two years, healed and sanctified about eight years ago, received her personal Pentecost last March. She speaks, sings and preaches in different languages, has visions and prophecy. The Lord showed her this mission about two months before we had it. The Lord gave us the name of the mission, Apostolic Faith Mission. A number have been saved and sanctified, speak in new tongues and a number have been healed.
-AJ Rawson, October 26
Dallas, OR
In the campmeeting here last summer about thirty were baptized with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. Many were saved and sanctified. Brother Earnest G. Hansen writes on January 6th: "Since I last wrote, about eight backsliders have got back to the Lord, some have been sanctified, two have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Meetings are grand." They have a precious little paper there, clean and straight in doctrine called "The Apostolic Witness."
Portland, OR
At 224 Madison street, they have a blessed Apostolic Faith Mission. The saints are filled and overflowing with the Spirit and with love for souls, talking and singing in tongues. The hall is not nearly large enough. Altars are filled with seekers. We shall never forget the precious visit we had there. One secret of the power here is the prayer room where the workers drop in for silent prayer before the services, not to talk or visit. Souls were being saved, sanctified, and baptized. A bartender got wonderfully saved of God, and when he rose and tried to tell it, he broke down and fell on his knees and began to thank Jesus, and it filled everyone with joy. We have lately received some precious letters from Portland telling of God's work there.
New York, NY
God is working there. Many are coming through. In one church, a Baptist colored church of two thousand members, God used us to give out these "latter rain" truths. The pastor who invited us became very hungry. He said he could not preach again until he was filled. Seven from his church received the promise of the Father, Acts 2:4. Hallelujah to Jesus! Went down to Norfolk, VA, and found quite a few baptized souls. God sent us up here to Baltimore and we found a little assembly here of baptized souls. We are out for God and wherever the Lamb goeth, we intend to follow.
-Brother and Sister EW Vinton
12 Leyden Street
Medford, MA
Chicago, IL
God is wonderfully working here. Both the interest and power are increasing. We have stood by the simple Gospel from the very first; preaching only Jesus Christ and Him crucified. As we have done this, the Holy Spirit has fallen on them that heard the Word, so that tongue can never tell what we have experienced. Praise the Lord!
-William. H. Durham
943 W. North Avenue
Sister Jennie E. Moore, who with two other precious sisters from Azusa Mission, Los Angeles, have been working in Chicago and other places, writes: "Truly, beloved, the mission at 943 W. North Avenue is a blessed place, many Spirit-filled men and women and children. They have more children than at Azusa and they are filled. Beloved, I would you could see them."
Winnipeg, Canada
There was a great Pentecostal Convention in Winnipeg beginning November 15th. Preachers and workers from all parts of Canada were present. A band of workers who were in Portland at the time received a call from God to go to Winnipeg, and they were present at the convention: Sister Crawford and Mildred, Sister Neal, Brother Conlee and Brother Trotter. About twenty were baptized with the Holy Spirit and many were healed. The people brought handkerchiefs, aprons to be blessed as in Acts 19:12, and the Lord did wonderful signs through the simple faith of the dear ones that brought them. The Lord healed one young man of the tobacco habit, taking all the desire for the stuff away from him, through an anointed handkerchief, and he was saved in his own room. Demons were cast out of those bound by them. Our last published report from Winnipeg should have been signed, "The Apostolic Faith Mission, 501 Alexander Avenue"
Arcadia, FL, and through the South.
Brother GB Cashwell and I are in the midst of a gracious revival in this town. The power is falling and saints are shouting. Bless God! Some have been saved, sanctified, and quite a number have received the Holy Spirit and speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance as in Acts 2:4. The altar is filled with seekers. God has kept me in Florida most all this year. Many saints have received the Holy Spirit in Florida with Bible evidence and many saved. Several of them have been baptized in water, buried in baptism, that is the Bible way.
-FM Britton
December 11
Brother Cashwell writes from the South: "This truth in the South is spreading as never before and will keep spreading as Praise our God! Pray much and be true to Jesus. Many of us are now suffering much persecution, but our God is fighting our battles. Praise His dear name! Brother McIntosh writes me that seventy have received the Holy Spirit in thirty days after he arrived in Macao, China. Oh, praise God for Pentecost. Salute all the saints for me in the love of Jesus!"
-GB Cashwell
53 1/2 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, GA
Stockton, CA
Five or six have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and several saved and several cases of healing.
Shenandoah, IA
"Salvation has come. Hallelujah! God has come our way at last. Amen. Last Friday afternoon at the Francis Jone residence a few of us were gathered pleading for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and He gave us the desire of our hearts at last. Glory, Oh, glory. Two of us received our baptism, Sister Leyden and I. The rest are hard after Him. They were here at our house until after three this morning. There is quite a company of us. Sister Leyden lay under the power for several hours, talked, and sang in the Spirit and the Lord let me join in the song and sing too. Glory, glory, hallelujah! Blessed be the name of Jesus. The song was "Worthy is the Lamb," and nearly the whole chapter. She interpreted it afterwards."
-Sister JS Jellison
Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
Wonderful outpouring of the Spirit here and at St. Paul. In five nights just passed in St. Paul alone, nine have received old time baptisms of the Holy Spirit and fire, speaking in many dialects and receiving wonderful visions from the Lord. Amen! Nine have been blessedly sanctified. A woman dying with cancer, given up to die by three specialists, next morning after being prayed for arose and did her work, and has been doing it ever since, healed. I was in St. Paul last week and Brother Trotter was here, and in both places, the power was wonderful, yesterday especially, many being instantly healed and many saved. People were prostrated under the power of God at 11:30 last night. Many were heavily anointed for their baptism, and we expect a shower in the next few days. Glory is abiding in our hearts.
-Florence Crawford
1315 East 19th Street
Minneapolis, MN, January 6
A later report written January 13th, says: "I wish to report victory in both St. Paul and Minneapolis. Yesterday was a great day. We had the ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Foot-Washing Saturday night, and saints from St. Paul all came over and participated with us. Some fell under the power and lay for several hours. We had a blessed time. We then invited St. Paul saints to worship with us on Sunday afternoon. Sister Crawford gave the message in the afternoon. I gave it in the morning and Brother Trotter in the evening. People fell under the power all day. When I left the hall at 5 P.M., they were lying all over the hall under the power. The hall was an altar from the stand to the door. Many are getting saved, and many that have been claiming to be sanctified are finding that they were just saved, and are now getting really sanctified. Greetings to the church at Azusa Street." JR Conlee, 1003 25th avenue, N.E., Minneapolis.
FROM AZUSA MISSION
Many souls have been saved, sanctified, baptized with the Holy Spirit and sick bodies healed all over the land and in many lands since our last paper. Souls have been sanctified, baptized and saved at the old mission home at 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles.
When Christ was born, it was in a barn at Bethlehem; and when He began sending the "latter rain" about two years ago, the outpouring of the Spirit, it was in a barn in Los Angeles; for the old Mission is like a barn in its humility and plainness. Its old beams and whitewashed walls have been ringing with the praises and songs of the children of God ever since. Many from here have gone out into the foreign fields and the home fields, and they write back that they remember the blessed old times; and the Lord has been pouring out the same Spirit wherever He has sent them. The Spirit falls on humble hearts and in humble missions and churches.
Azusa Mission is still giving forth the same truth, and the Lord is pouring out His Spirit upon His sons and daughters. They are witnessing in burning testimonies that Jesus' Blood does cleanse from all sin and He does sanctify and baptize with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues.
The holidays are special feast days at the Mission. The saints all gather, not to hear a program, for the Holy Spirit makes the program, the Father spreads the table with "the fatted calf" which represents Jesus, and we feed on Christ. Hallelujah! The Spirit sings the songs, some new and some old. Christmas was a blessed day at the Mission, also Watch Night and New Year's Day. The meetings have been going on ever day since the work started and God's word and the Holy Spirit are just as fresh and new as ever. The Lord provides for all the expenses. He has supplied all the needs of the workers, and when they come back, they report that they have lacked nothing.
The devil is doing all he can to keep the saints from entering the greater fullness of Christ; but we know God is raising up armies that will stand for the living God. Some went away from Azusa Mission because they thought the teaching on divorce was too straight; but God will not let us lower the standard. He wants a clean people and pure doctrine as a channel for this Pentecostal power. People everywhere are looking after this wonderful salvation that today is turning the world upside down, as it did in Paul's time.
We look for a great outpouring of God's Spirit in saving and healing power and power that fills with the Holy Spirit and fire in this year 1908. May all Christ's people be stirred up over this salvation and sink down in deeper humility at the feet of Jesus.
"If we walk in the light as He is in the light, the Blood of Jesus Christ, His son, cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1, 7). Bless His name forever and ever! The Blood cleanseth, the precious Blood of Jesus. May we honor the Blood and keep under the Blood, and God will do mighty things for us. If the devil can get us on something outside of God, He will break our power. May we be watchful and keep under the Blood. The Lord wants the Blood preached as never before, and people will not have to wait so long to get the Baptism. The Spirit follows the Blood. The Blood saves us. We overcome by the Blood. Amen!
FROM THE BIBLE SCHOOL IN MUKTI, INDIA
It was noised one day, that some of the girls in the praying band were praying in different tongues. I had heard of the gift of tongues having been given to God's children in other parts of the country so was not surprised to hear our girls praying in new tongues. I did not go very near these girls, lest I should stumble them by taking too much notice of them, but quietly sat down and praised God.
One Sunday, as I was coming out of the church, after the morning service, I saw some girls standing near the door of a workers' room. They seemed greatly excited and wondering, I soon found out the cause. A girl was praying aloud, and praising God in the English language. She did not know the language. Some of us gathered around her in the room, and joined her mentally in prayer. She was unconscious of what was going on, and was speaking to the Lord Jesus fluently in English. Before, I had heard her and some other girls uttering only a few syllables. Some repeated certain words. Some spoke one or more sentences, and some were simply groaning as if under a great agony of heart and mind, and carrying a great burden for souls.
"For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people."
The gift of prophecy was also given to many of the praying girls, so that they could give God's message in very clear language, taught by the Holy Spirit. The believers and unbelievers were moved alike by these messages. A deep spiritual work began in our midst.
They who have received the gift of tongues are not using them for delivering messages from the Scriptures, except those who have received the gift of interpretation. They pray and praise God, and sometimes sing hymns in unknown tongues.
-Mukti Prayer Bell
Multitudes in India and China are starving because of the failure of crops. Any who want to help the famine sufferers can do so by sending money to the "Apostolic Faith," and it will be sent direct to the missionaries in those countries to feed and care for the starving people, especially the orphans.
We are praising God for a free Gospel published free. All the work on the paper at the Mission is done freely, gladly by those who are baptized with the Holy Spirit, and who long to spread the glad tidings.
We started this paper when we had not a dime in sight, and the means has always been freely donated. If not, we would not publish it. We expect the paper to stand just as it started.
Many would like to get the paper more often. Pray for the spread of the Gospel. If the saints unite in prayer, we believe God will greatly bless the publication on the Gospel this year. We hear of souls who have been baptized and saved through reading the paper.
The cost of publishing and mailing this paper is much less when we print two papers at once, because they can be run off on the press and sent out for the same price as one paper. It cost about 1/2 cent for two papers, that is, when we print 40,000 at an issue. The postage is outside of that. You can see that even a small offering will send quite a roll of papers that may be read by many people, for they are often passed around and sometimes nearly worn out.
The reason we put no name of editor at the head of this paper is because we want Christ exalted, that in all things He might have the pre-eminence.
Some have asked for the addresses of workers and missionaries. If you address them at 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, we will forward letters directly to them.
If a brother sees a fault in another, let him take that saint to himself and admonish him in love and in the meekness of our blessed Christ, and he shall gain him. May you not grieve the Spirit in your souls.
Indiana Missionary Convention
There will be a missionary convention at 32 S. Senate Street, from January 24th to February 2. A band of workers from Indianapolis and vicinity expect to start for South Africa soon after the convention. For further information, address, "The Apostolic Faith Mission, 32 S. Senate street, Indianapolis, Indiana." May there be a mighty outpouring of the Spirit at the convention. Workers from all over the country are expected. The large Missionary Hall has a seating capacity for a thousand people.
Correction
We want to correct some errors that were in the last published report from Portland. The Christian Alliance did not come into the work or discontinue their meetings, as might have been understood. It was stated that one hundred were baptized at the campmeeting. The saints believe there were no so many. No record was kept. The insane persons that were brought for healing were not fully healed, or else through lack in our faith and through weakness lost their healing. The saints want the truth stated about the work. Amen! May no one from any place send in a report that is overstated but rather let it be understated.
PRESS TOWARD THE MARK
The outward Court contains a throng
Of worshipers, who tarry long,
Instead of pressing on.
Knowing their Lord was crucified,
And that it was for them He died;
They praise His name in song.
Beyond, there lies the Holy Place,
Which all may enter by His Grace,
And there be sanctified.
The Bread of Heaven each need supplies,
In God's clear light, the old life dies,
With Jesus crucified.
The Holiest now we enter in,
Life out of death has banished sin,
His glory is revealed.
Cleansed with the water of the Word,
Baptized with fire by Christ the Lord,
By God the Father sealed.
This is God's purpose, this God's plan,
To send forth such to sinful man:
To witness of His Grace,
To let the Light and Glory shine,
To manifest His life divine,
His love to all our race.
M.J.D.
THE APOSTOLIC FAITH MISSION
Stands for the restoration of the faith once delivered unto the saints...the old time religion, of campmeetings, revivals, missions, street and prison work and Christian Unity everywhere.
Teaching on Repentance-Mark 1:14,15.
Godly Sorrow for Sin, Example-Matthew 9:13, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11, Acts 3:19, Acts 17:30-31.
Of Confession of Sin-Luke 15:21, Luke 18:13.
Forsaking Sinful Ways-Isaiah 55:7; Jonah 3:8; Proverbs 28:13.
Restitution-Ezekiel 33:15, Luke 19:8.
Faith in Jesus Christ.
First work- Justification is that act of God's free grace by which we receive remission of sins. Acts 10:42, 43. Romans. 3:25.
Second Work-Sanctification is the second work of grace and the last work of grace. Sanctification is that act of God's free grace by which He makes us holy. John 17:15-17, "Sanctify them through Thy Truth; Thy work is truth." 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 12:14.
Sanctification is cleansing to make holy. The disciples were sanctified before the Day of Pentecost. By a careful study of Scripture, you will find it is so now. "Ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3; 13:10); and Jesus had breathed on them the Holy Spirit (John 20:21, 22). You know that they could not receive the Spirit if they were not clean. Jesus cleansed and got all doubt out of His church before He went back to glory.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift of power upon the sanctified life; so when we get it we have the same evidence as the Disciples received on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3-4), in speaking in new tongues. See also Acts 10:45, 46; Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 14:21. "For I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe though it be told you" (Hebrews 1:5).
Seeking Healing-We must believe that God is able to heal-Exodus 15:26; "I am the Lord that healeth thee." James 5:14; Psalms 103:3, 2 Kings 20:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:16-18. "Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there any thing too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27).
Too many have confused the grace of sanctification with the enduement of Power, or the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; others have taken "the anointing that abideth" for the Baptism, and failed to reach the glory and power of a true Pentecost.
The Blood of Jesus will never blot out any sin between man and man they can make right; but if we can't make wrongs right the Blood graciously covers (Matthew 5:23-24).
We are not fighting men or churches but seeking to displace dead forms and creeds. "Plead the Blood," our battle cry. God's promises are true. He said, "Be thou faithful over a few things, and will make thee ruler over many." From the little handful of Christians who stood by the Cross when the testing and discouragement came, God has raised a mighty host.
FULL OVERCOMERS
Revelation 14
"And I looked, and, Lo, a Lamb stood on Mount Zion, and with Him a hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads" (Revelation 14:1).
These 14,000 are the highest overcomers. Everyone that will reach the highest consecration in Jesus Christ can be a full overcomer and can go with Christ to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The rapture or catching away of the bride of Christ is liable to take place at any time. But we know that His revelation, or the coming of Jesus Christ when every eye shall see Him, cannot take place until the man of sin be revealed, that is the antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
The 12th of Revelation show where the overcomers are caught up to the throne of God. They are represented as the "man child" who was caught up unto God and to His throne. This child came from the church which is represented as a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. We read that "Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it unto Himself a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25-27). Right out of this holy church is born the "man child."
To have part in the rapture we must be sanctified and holy and live the life of a full overcomer. He that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as Christ is pure. This is the blessed hope of the church, the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body that it may be like unto His glorious body. This is the first resurrection. "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection." We all have the privilege to be full overcomers. We can be numbered in to take part with this great company on Mount Zion.
"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb wherever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and the Lamb" (Revelation 14:4). "They are virgins," this means sanctified souls, cleansed from spiritual fornication and physical fornication. "They follow the Lamb." Let us go forth with Him. Let us get every thing we can in the Word. In order to go with the Lord Jesus Christ, we must be filled with the blessed Holy Spirit.
"And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Revelation 14:5). The Lord can get a people without fault in these days because He is able to save and keep us from falling and present us faultless before the throne. His prayer is still being heard in heaven today, "Sanctify them through Thy truth Thy word is truth." He is praying His church to be kept from evil. May God help us to claim every promise in His word.
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Revelation 14:6). It seems that after the rapture, or catching away of the bride, that the Gospel will still be preached on the earth to the people that will be left and were not ready to go in to the marriage supper. The angel proclaimed that, "The hour of His judgment is come." We believe this is the great tribulation. The antichrist during this awful tribulation is going to compel men to serve him, bow down, and call him god. Those who really know Jesus as the Christ and have the Blood in their hearts, are not going to bow down and accept the mark of the beast, but are going to prove faithful. Many of them are going to be martyrs and will be raised at the beginning of the millennium, but they will not be present at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
We read in Revelation 12,6 that the people that are left after the catching away of the "man child" will have a place prepared for them in the wilderness for them to flee to. The Lord will feed the church and protect her from the face of the serpent. "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and three score days." The Lord is faithful.
"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, if any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God that is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever" (14:9, 11). The Lord Jesus teaches very strongly in Revelation. They that worship antichrist are going to be tormented day and night.
"Here is the patience of the saints' here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." They did not forfeit their faith, their hope in Christ. They kept the faith in spite of tribulations, and they were faithful unto death. The next verse says, "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me. "Write, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." There will be many during the tribulation that will die rather than give up their faith.
May we be numbered with the 14,000 on Mount Zion who were full overcomers and were ready for the rapture. He is soon coming, and none will be ready but those that are washed in the Blood, made holy and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ready when the trumpet sounds. Corinthians 15:51, 52, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16. He does not come to the earth. He appears in the skies and we rise to meet Him. We shall be caught up together in the clouds "to meet the Lord in the air." We shall be shut in with our God during the awful tribulation until the indignation be past. Isaiah 26:20. Praise God. As the Lord shut Noah into the ark, so He will shut us in. As the ark was borne up on the waters, so we will be lifted up with Him. Just as the ark came back and rested on the mount, so we come back with Him when His feet touch Mount Olivet.
The Lord Jesus is coming back with His bride on white horses from the marriage supper of the Lamb, to avenge His Blood on the antichrist and the false prophet (Revelation 19:11, 14 and Jude 14, 15). The awful battle of Armageddon then takes place. Zechariah tells of this battle in the 14th chapter. In addition, we read in the last verse of this 14th chapter of Revelation, "And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horses' bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs." Just think of 200 miles of blood up to the horses' bridles.
Then the great millennium is ushered in when Jesus shall sit on His throne and reign from shore to shore. This is when, "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock; and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 65:25 and Isaiah 11:6-9).
Then after we have reigned with Christ a thousand years, we shall sit on the judgment seat of Christ and judge men and angels. Then the justified and unrighteous will be raised to stand at the white throne judgment. The justified dead and those who lived during the millennium will be given everlasting life. That is the second resurrection.
Every full overcomer is going to be caught up when Jesus comes. Oh, may God help His people that they all may meet Him in the skies. If you keep living this salvation moment by moment, you are going to be ready for the rapture that is the coming of our Lord as a thief in the night to catch away His bride. Everyone that is not ready, like the foolish virgins, will be left to go through the awful tribulation that is coming on the earth.
WHO MAY PROPHESY?
It is the privilege of all the members of the bride of Christ to prophesy that means testify or preach. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy." Acts 2:17, 18, and Acts 21:9.
Before Pentecost, the woman could only go into the "court of the women" and not into the inner court. The anointing oil was never poured on a woman's head but only on the heads of kings, prophets and priests. When our Lord poured out Pentecost, He brought all those faithful women with the other disciples into the upper room, and God baptized them all in the same room and made no difference. All the women received the anointed oil of the Holy Spirit and were able to preach the same as the men.
The woman is the weaker vessel and represents the tenderness of Christ, while the man represents the firmness of Christ. They both were co-workers in Eden and both fell into sin; so they both have to come together and work in the Gospel (1 Corinthians 11:8,9). No woman that has the Spirit of Jesus wants to usurp authority over the man. The more God uses you in the Spirit, the more humbled and meek and tender you are and he more filled with the blessed Holy Spirit.
It is contrary to the Scriptures that woman should not have her part in the salvation work to which God has called her. We have no right to lay a straw in her way, but to be men of Holiness, purity and virtue, to hold up the standard and encourage the woman in her work, and God will honor and bless us as never before. It is the same Holy Spirit in the woman as in the man.
It was blood that saved the people from the awful destruction in Egypt; and it takes the Blood to save us today from sin. "And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony." It takes the Blood of the immaculate, incarnate Son of God to save from sin. When the Father looks upon those pierced hands and the wounded side of His Son, He has compassion upon the sinner. The blood of goats, calves, and lambs could not take away sin; it was only the answer of a good conscious. Oh, praise God, it is the precious Blood of Jesus Christ that saves from sin.
We are justified through the Blood of Jesus. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans. 5:1. The second verse shows that through His Blood, we get standing grace in sanctification, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Bless His holy name. It is the Blood of Jesus that saves and keeps from sin, and as long as we trust the Cross of Christ and not ourselves or anything else, we can live this life free from sin. Glory to Jesus.
We expect God to do great things this year. There were 60 cities in Canaan to be taken after they crossed over Jordan. Those that get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit need to settle down in the Word, keep clean, and live the highest consecration before God. Oh, beloved, we want to get all the stones and trash out of the way. We do not want to live on theological chips, shavings, husks, and wind, but upon the treasures of this blessed Holy Spirit in the Word.
Jesus Christ was the spotless Lamb of God nailed to the altar, and God accepted the offering to save and sanctify every soul that will receive Him. If he had not been spotless, His death would have profited nothing, but being made perfect He became the author of eternal salvation, unto all them that obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
Let us in 1908 never read our Bible carelessly but prayerfully. Let us sing under the anointing of the Spirit and not for fancy, and when we speak, speak in the Spirit and God is going to pour out His Spirit as never before.
It is so sweet to have the Blood of Jesus in our hearts. It gives us victory over sin and over every power of the enemy. Everyone that gets the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is entitled to the great power of the Holy Spirit.
A sister in Minneapolis while getting her baptism sang in the Spirit and interpreted the song in English:
"I am coming soon;
Be faithful, children
A little longer;
I am coming soon."
"TO THE MARRIED."
1 Corinthians 7
In these last days, so many deceptive spirits are in the world, that we have felt impressed by the blessed Holy Spirit to write a letter on the seventh chapter of First Corinthians, which blessed letter that Paul has sent to the church.
The Corinthian church was one of Paul's most gifted churches, and just as it is today, where a church is very gifted, the only safeguard from deceptive spirits is by rightly dividing the Word of God, to keep out fanaticism. We may let down on some lines and rise on others, but God wants everything to be balanced by the Word of God. Paul writing to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:13, 14) says, "Hold fast the form of sound words which thou has heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us." Again he says (2 Timothy 3:14): "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures that are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The Lord God wants us to search and compare scriptures with scriptures.
This Corinthian church had run into 'Free Love'-ism, and a good many '-isms.' Great division had arisen in it; it had split into several parts, and Paul had to settle them down into the Word of God. He writes this letter to them, for they had got into awful trouble.
Paul tells them in the first verse of this chapter to avoid immorality. He says, "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me, it is good for a man not to touch a woman." (He does not mean a married man here, he means a man that is single, as verses 8 and 26 show). He says in the 7th verse, "Every man hath his proper gift of God." To those that can receive this gift, Paul writes in verse 8, "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I." That is to say, by living a single life, they would have more power in the Spirit. He writes this to the church, to any that are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul thought it was best, but he showed that everyone had his proper gift of God. He did not put any bondage upon the people of Christ, because he had no Scripture for it.
He says in the second and third verses, "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband." This of course means conjugal intercourse between man and wife. "The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife." That is to say, that the husband has no authority to live separated, without the consent of his wife; and the wife has no authority of herself to live separated without the husband. Then he says in the 5th verse, "Defraud ye not one another, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." That is to say that every wife and husband should abstain from impurity, and give themselves to fasting for a time. It should be by mutual agreement between the two to fast for power and blessing, and many times to avoid impurity. He advised them to come again, "that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." Paul here does not make this a law, but as one that had the Holy Spirit, he gives them this advice. He adds in the 6th verse, "But I speak this by permission and not of commandment." In Romans 1:26, 27, Paul shows there is a natural use for a wife that is not lust. Speaking of the ungodly, he says, "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature." May God help us to be clear teachers of His Word.
"I would that all men were even as I myself. Every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner and another after that." Paul is referring here to Matthew 19:12, where Jesus told the Pharisees that there were some men that were born eunuchs from their mother's womb (that is to say, unable to have wives), some have been made eunuchs of men (for other advantages in life) and there were some eunuchs for the kingdom of Heaven's sake. Men had prayed to God for this gift or blessing, just as Paul who said he wished all men were like him: he became no doubt a eunuch for the kingdom of Heaven's sake. Jesus Himself said (Matthew 19:11), "All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given." Jesus did not put any bondage on men and women, but a man today that has received the power to become a eunuch for the kingdom of Heaven's sake can live a single life with all Holiness and purity. Praise our God!
We must rightly divide the Scriptures and compare Scripture with Scripture so that there be no confusion and no deceptive spirit or wrong teaching may creep in.
Paul says in verses 29 to 31, "But this I say brethren, the time is short: it remaineth that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep as though they wept not; and they that rejoice as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy as though they possessed not; and they that use the world as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away." Bless the Lord! Now Paul in speaking this did not put any bondage on mothers to fear that they would not be able to meet Jesus in His coming, because they were bringing forth children. Mothers and fathers that are saved and sanctified, to whom the Lord has given this gift of bringing forth children can live a pure and holy life before God and be of the bride of Christ. The bishop that teaches this holy Gospel can be the husband of one wife and raise his children in the fear of God.
Married couples, who are mutually agreed, having received from the Lord power over both body, soul and spirit, God does not ask them to desire; but may they live as God has called them. Many times God gives this power to the husband before to the wife. Many times the wife has it; but in order to save the husband she has to submit to the husband. For God is not the author of confusion. This brings us back to the third verse of this same chapter. Also in Ephesians 5th chapter and 22nd verse, we read, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord." Please read on down to the 33rd verse. God does not make the husband the tyrant or cruel sovereign over the wife, neither does He make the wife to exercise tyranny over the husband, but He makes both one. God knows our hearts and our lives.
Someone may ask what Jesus meant in Matthew 24:19, "And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days." Well, beloved, here Jesus' heart was upon the people that would suffer in the awful tribulation that was coming to Jerusalem forty years after His ascension. He says to them, "But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day." Jesus was the Son of God but He was a man of prayer. He asked His disciples to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew that in the destruction of Jerusalem, if they prayed to God, the Father would not permit it to come to pass in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day. He knew if it was on the Sabbath day, the Jews would be keeping the old Mosaic law (Col. 2:16) "Of new moons and of Sabbath days that were a shadow of things to come, but the body of Christ." (The greatest thing that people need in this day is Christ, and then all the days will come in their order and in their place). Jesus knew if their flight occurred on the Sabbath day, all the gates of Jerusalem would be shut and the Christians could not get out, and the mothers could not escape; so His heart went out for the precious women. The Lord Jesus Christ knows all about our struggles. He knows all about our sufferings and our trials. He is touched with every infirmity and He remembers us. Bless His holy name.
May God help everyone that is getting saved to stay within the lids of God's word and wait on God, and He will make all things right. Now we can give up anything that we see is really of self gratification. The Lord wants us to be temperate in all things. Bless His holy name. People that are desiring to get the victory over spirit, soul and body can have it if they will trust God.
I have been asked so much on this question, and I can only give what God has revealed to me through His precious Word. Bless His holy name!
WJ Seymour
We read in 1 Corinthians 14:20, "In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people, and yet for all that, they will not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe but to them that believe not." Tongues are a sign, for Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues." We believe because we have received God's word into our hearts and the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us; therefore, the sign of speaking in tongues follows. The sign is to them that believe not, that is, it convinces the unbelievers.
Dear loved ones, do not seek for tongues, but seek for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and praise God and thank and bless Him, and He will manifest Himself. Everything we receive from God we receive by faith. When you have received the Word of God into your heart for the Baptism of the Spirit, you must entertain the Holy Spirit by praising God and giving Him the glory for the Holy Spirit. Then He will manifest His power in the demonstration of speaking or singing in tongues, just as the Holy Spirit chooses. Hallelujah!
This Gospel means a crucified life. We must take up our cross daily and follow Christ. The cause of so many losing the anointing of the Spirit is that they neglect to mortify and crucify self. He wants our eyes, our ears, and all our members kept holy unto Him, that we might live after the Spirit and not after the flesh. He is looking for a people today that will die out to the flesh. How can our eyes revel in the things of the world and our ears listen to worldly music if they are consecrated to the Master's use. People say this is fanaticism, but it is the teaching of the precious word of God. We must measure up to it. He wants us to have our ears closed to the world and open to heaven.
PRAYER
Prayer is the Spirit making intercession through you. Sometimes it is in groaning that cannot be uttered. He takes your whole being and commences prevailing through you.
God is listening when you are praying. He is right there to bless you. While you are making confession and supplication, Jesus comes down among us and breathes on us. Oh, just think of the bright light that bursts on your face, when you are praying to your Almighty King.
You first have to repent before you can pray to God, because you must have the Word of God in your heart. God heareth not sinners. When one has Godly sorrow and repents to God and prays, he is no more a sinner. We must have Christ in us before we can have power with God. We only have power with God through Jesus. He puts the Spirit in us that He might recognize Himself. All we get from God we get through Jesus. Through that wonderful sacrifice that He has made, He freely gives us all things.
Jesus is the door of salvation, and when we get into the Word, we have a chance to use the key of prayer. When Peter got into the Word, the Lord Jesus said, "Blessed art thou Simon, Son of Baron, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but My Father which is in heaven." Peter was converted and Jesus gave him the key of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19). He was the first one converted under the ministry of the Lord Jesus, and the Lord recognized it and gave him the keys. The Lord gives you the keys of the kingdom of heaven when you are converted.
Many people get down, holler to God and cry like the prophets of Baal, and get nothing. It appears that they have a dead god. Those that have a living God, it does not take them long to get their petitions through, and He answers by fire.
If you pray in the Spirit, you will strike he spring of living water, it will bubble up in you, and you never get tired praying. It is not your words. You have joy in your soul. Some of you pray and do not have any joy. You keep begging God and when you get almost through you remind Him to be faithful, be sure, and do it. It seems you have a god you fear will not do you justice.
We ought not to stop until we pray through and get what we want from God. We should prevail with God until we get a witness. Elijah prayed for rain and sent his servant seven times until he got the witness that was a cloud the size of a man's hand. Then he arose and went to tell Ahab the rain was coming. Paul prayed thrice for a certain thing before God answered him. God heard the first time but he did not get the answer until he prayed three times. We should press our claim before the throne until we get a witness by the power of the Holy Spirit. God will do just what He says He will.
Many people pray their own thoughts and do not stop and wait for the mind of God. Honor God for the spirit of prayer. You cannot pray yourself. Let the Holy Spirit give you the mind of God. It is the Spirit's work altogether. It is not our work.
The Lord wants us to have more faith. When several are praying together for the same petition, and one has prayed the prayer of faith, and the Holy Spirit has glorified Jesus by witnessing that the prayer is heard; then often someone will continue praying, just as they did for Peter after God had brought him out of the prison and he was knocking at the gate; and yet they would not believe that prayer could be answered so quickly. If you continue to pray, you grieve the Spirit by doubting, and show that you can hardly trust Him. The Lord wants us to know that He has heard us, and thank and praise Him, and it will help us a great deal in prayer. He does not want us to pray in doubt but in faith. "Believe that ye receive and ye shall have."
The Lord wants us to claim His promises, everything we see in the atonement. Since we have Christ, we own everything that He owns, so we ought to claim it. We should have all the purchase of the atonement wrought out in our lives, justification, sanctification, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and healing of our bodies.
All prayer should be directed to the Father through Jesus. In casting out devils, it is through the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In laying hands on the sick, it is in His name. All prayer must be in the name of Jesus.
Oh, may God help us all this year to keep prayed up and read up and sung up. Too much reading the Word without prayer, and you get too argumentative. If you pray too much without reading, you get fanatical. One or two verses revive your heart. It is blessed to have God's word. I could not live without the Word.
CAME FROM CHINA TO AMERICA FOR PENTECOST
As I am on my way back to China, I feel led to leave my testimony for the glory of God since he had manifested Himself. It is hard to express the wonderful way that He has led.
Five years ago, a burden came on me for more of Him. I know I was sanctified years before but it did not satisfy me, and one night a brother came to my house. He did not say much, but I felt power in his words and that made me hungry to get something, and I called it the "melting power of the Holy Spirit," and I kept pressing toward the mark. God wonderfully blessed me, and in 1904, I started for China. When I got there the burden became stronger yet, and I kept pressing on in prayer because I saw the need of God's power to present His Gospel.
About December 1906, I received the Apostolic Faith paper. As I read it through in the spirit of prayer, I saw it was what I had been looking for. The first day of January I asked God as usual for a verse for that year, and He spoke plainly these words, "They shall be endued with power from on high." That gave me such a wonderful faith!
After that, I went to Shanghai with the intention of finding some one in the Centennial Missionary Conference that had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit who could help me out. Instead of that I met opposition from every side, and one from Los Angeles that had attended the meetings denounced the whole thing as of the devil.
I went back to my station with a still stronger determination in my heart for the Baptism. After I got home, I received a letter from Chicago telling about the work going on in Chicago and the writer herself had received her Pentecost. As my wife read the letter to me, this melting power that I had been praying for came upon me, and I fell down on the floor crying out "God's wonderful mercy!"
From that time, I felt the love of God in my soul stronger than ever before, but I was conscious that it was not the Baptism. A desire came into my heart to go to America, but I did not dare to believe that it was God's will. As I prayed over it, that if it was His will He should open the way. He quickly did open the way, and I started and landed in Seattle, Washington, the 27th of August, just in time to meet a band of the Apostolic Faith people who were to go to Japan, Korea, India and China.
I went to their meetings and investigated the work carefully, and when I found out it was not anything but Jesus that they exalted, I went right in among them to receive my baptism. As I got to the altar God's blessing upon me was so great that I only shouted glory all the time. After the meeting was over I told the brethren that I could not understand how it was that I got so happy, because I thought I had something to do; but they said I could keep on praising Him, and that the Holy Spirit would come in that way.
As I told them the battles that I had in China, and that I had surrendered all, they satisfied me by saying that I was "prayed up" to date. I seemed too good for me to believe. I moved on to Oakland, CA, and the same thing happened there, so I went to Los Angeles and the third day, on Sunday, September 15th, He baptized me. I was under the power of God on the floor for more than two hours. It seemed that every nerve in my body was charged and my jaws began to move. I said to myself, "I could do that," and I tried, but found out I could not do it mechanically, as it was done, and I was satisfied that it was on the Lord. Then my tongue began to move and a brother said to me, "Let the Holy Spirit have your voice." I said to myself, "I am not going to obey man." A short time after, the Holy Spirit said, "Give me your voice," and I said, "I do not know what you mean." Then such a power from within came forcing up, and I began to say a sentence, "Ya! ya!" I said, "This is my native language and I don't want to fool the people, but it kept up for some time. I began to praise God in English for the faithfulness of brothers and sisters around me, and they said, "Get your eyes on God." I was fully convinced that it was all of God, and I shouted Glory! Then He began to speak through me in an unknown tongue, and I rose under the power, going back and forth before the people preaching. I had no control of my body. I praise God for His manifestation and for the wonderful sweetness and joy growing stronger every day. I will advise anyone to get rid of all that you have and gain that "pearl of great price." I pray God's blessing upon all that are seeking God's best and His mercy upon those who reject. Yours for lost souls in China. B. Bernstein. Tai-ming-fu, Chih-li, North China.
If a man is in Jesus Christ, he will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22. When we see people that are not bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, it matters not how many tongues or how much power to move mountains they may have, the Lord says they are nothing.
When men and women are saved and sanctified, they need the Blood just as much as they ever did. We should not trust ourselves a half a second; we need the Blood every moment.
TESTIMONIES
"I praises God for His saving, sanctifying power, and for the Holy Spirit in His fullness that I received a few days ago; since which I pray, sing and talk in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Hallelujah to God!"
-JD Melvin
Hector, AR
"God has reached out His dear hands away down south here, as I too have had this most glorious experience. Three of us were baptized, but one has gone out on the battlefield."
-Fannie Spurlock
Summit, MS
"He for whom I long have waited has come. Last night at 10 o'clock in our little mission, I moved out and He moved in, and gave His own evidence, speaking with my poor tongue in two distinct languages. Oh, it is glorious. What a night it has been. We got very little sleep. The glory has been so great. Oh, how I praise Him."
-WH Standley
Watertown, NY
"As soon as I began to read your paper, I began to shout and praise God, and began to shake so I could not read for some time. I will say I have been wonderfully filled with the Holy Spirit but have not received the speaking in tongues. I am still tarrying. I thought I would surely receive it yesterday while trying to read your paper. Every time I take it up, the thrills go through me, and I get so full to my throat. Oh, it is of God. Bless His holy name. Glory!"
-Mrs. JE Smith
Wolcott, NY
"O how I praise my blessed Redeemer for all His goodness. He has saved me, baptized me with the Holy Spirit, and four of my children. Glory to His name! He met with us on July 26th at our family altar and poured out His Spirit, baptizing my little girl, Millie, with the Holy Spirit, and she sang and praised God in tongues for nearly an hour. Oh, how we rejoiced and praised God. My eldest son received his baptism in the meetings in Seattle, but my three daughters received their Pentecost while praying with us at our family altar. Oh, glory to Jesus forever."
-Mrs. EA Buckland
Silverdale, WA
"Last winter it was my happy lot to get one of your faith papers, where I learned about the blessed Pentecostal baptism. I praise God this morning I have the blessed Holy Spirit in my heart. Glory! Glory to His precious name! He came in the 4th of March speaking in other tongues. Now I talk and sing as the Spirit gives utterance. Glory! Glory to Jesus! He is my Savior, sanctifier, healer, my all in all. My two oldest daughters have received the Holy Spirit and talk and sing in other tongues."
-Jane L. Rousey
Dewey Rose, GA
"I have been quite sick since I wrote you all last. The Lofu has blessed me with a daughter and she is two weeks old tonight. I am praising God for His keeping power that keeps me through health and sickness. Even through my darkest hours, the room was filled with angels singing sweet songs to cheer and strengthen me in faith. Many nights when everybody else would be asleep, the Holy Spirit would come in mighty power and fill my heart so I could only say what good old David did in the 23rd Psalm. Praise the Lord! Dear saints, I am praising God for sending Sister Farrow through here in November. She held a few meetings here, the Lord wonderfully manifested His power in this place, and the fire is yet burning. Hallelujah! I am praising God for an Apostolic Mission in Littleton and we want you all to pray often for us that we may ever contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints."
-Mrs. Daisy A. Wilkins
Box 46
Littleton, NC
"I am here in Winnipeg and the glory of God is upon me. I can feel the Holy Spirit walking up and down in my innermost being and the cloven tongues of fire are burning from me head to the soles of my feet. I feel my nothingness and so unworthy to preach the Gospel, and my Heavenly Father so loving and kind to save such a wretched disgrace to humanity as me. God has His hand on poor me and has healed my body, opened up the way for service for me, got me into the harness, and I am getting fleshy and strong physically. I realize I must sit at the feet of Jesus and be a channel for the Holy Spirit. God spoke to me a few days ago and asked me if I would be willing to sit at everyone's feet and be nothing, that He might be glorified, so that is my prayer to get deeper down yet and stay at the feet of Christ
-Brother Tom Anderson in Christ
Winnipeg, Manitoba
"The Lord graciously pardoned me of my sins. That was on Thursday evening at home. On Friday evening at the Azusa Street Mission, He wonderfully sanctified and anointed me, and I sang for about two hours. [We well remember this little girl's singing in the upper room; it was the heavenly song that sounded like an angel.] Then about three hours after at a cottage meeting, the Lord baptized me with the Holy Spirit. When the campmeeting started, I neglected to read my Bible and to pray so that caused me to lose the sweetness out of my soul. I kept losing out and losing out until I lost out altogether. I did not know I was a backslider until one evening the Lord brought it out somehow that I was not saved. That night I got back. While I was praying to get saved, I was blaming the Lord in my heart for not keeping me; but I had to get that out of my heart before I could get saved. The next morning I said to Mama, 'Mama, I must be sanctified, because I don't feel cross nor proud as I did before.' she said she did not think I was because she said justification gives you victory over those things, but sanctification takes them out. After breakfast she and I went up on the hill to pray, and the dear Lord sanctified me, and He brought this Scripture to my heart, 'It is finished.' About ten minutes after, He baptized me with the Holy Spirit. Praise His dear name!"
-Kathleen Scott, Winnipeg, Manitoba
"Just a line to say that I received my Pentecost on Christmas day at Sunderland. Oh, glory, glory! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain."
-CH Hook
23 Gairloch Road
Camberwell, London, SE, England
"Blessed be the name of the Lord. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has baptized me with the Holy Spirit and fire and spoken through me in tongues. How sweet it is to be completely swallowed up in His love and let Him have His way. I feel that we are but in the beginning of this "latter rain" and greater things are before."
-CE Foster
924 Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS
"While the Holy Spirit came into me with indescribable sweetness and power, I found myself absolutely alone and cut off from sect and society, friends and foes, and rested alone in His satisfying fullness. He seemed to settle down in my innermost being, adjusting Himself to His new home, and I soon began to speak in a low voice in a new tongue, then breaking out into singing while the melody rose in my heart as He gave utterance. This is an indescribable experience and must be passed through to appreciate it. The Comforter has come. The Holy Spirit in all His fullness now for the first time in my experience possesses my entire being, and satisfies and fills unto the uttermost. The work is done and Pentecost stands upon an incontrovertible Rock, of which experience alone I can testify upon the case."
-GH Lester
24 Champion Street
Carthage, NY
"Hearing that the Holy Spirit had come to Tampa, I started at once. while praising God for allowing me to suffer persecution, the Holy Spirit fell upon me and filled me. I have been continually praising Him ever since."
-Mary B. Simmons
Frostproof, FL
"Glory to be God forever! On the 17th of July, God wonderfully baptized me with the Holy Spirit. The Blessed Comforter came in and testified for Himself in another language. No tongue can express the glories I experienced then and am still enjoying. Oh, how grand to do everything by the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit! He gives me such direct messages from His Word and puts upon me special burdens of prayer in the Holy Spirit. I know He is going to lead me out to the foreign field."
-H. May Kelty
Tampa, FL
"At the time I wrote you requesting prayers for my brother, the doctors and nurse said he could live but a few days. I prayed the Lord to keep life in him until my letter could reach California. He was so low and so weak he could not speak above a whisper. I laid the anointed handkerchief you sent on his body in the name of the Lord, asking Jesus to raise him up for His own glory. He has been gaining ever since. He is now walking around in his room, sits at the table, and eats heartily. I do praise the Lord for such a deliverance."
-Miss HA Peck
Cashmere, WV
"Dear ones, it is sweet for me to think of you all and you kindness to me while I was with you. My soul is filled with the glory of the Lord. He is giving great victory wherever He sends us in His name, many being baptized with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. Praise the Lord. The fight has been great. I was put out, because I believed that God did baptize me with the Holy Spirit among you all. Well, He did it and it just suits me. Glory in the Lord. Jesus is coming. Take the Bible way, it is right. The Lord is leading me out of all that men have fixed up for their glory. Be strong in Him (Isaiah 41:10, 20). The Lord is casting out devils, healing the sick, and singing the sweetest songs. He has sung hundreds of songs. I do not have time to go back over one to practice it, for the next will be new. Praise His name. I sit under His shadow with great delight. His banner over me is love."
-CH Mason
Lexington, MS, November 28
"Some years ago, the Lord wonderfully saved my wife and I. Then eight years ago my wife was sanctified, and two years later I received the experience of entire sanctification. I knew there was a hungering and thirsting for more, and I knew that He promised to fill us to overflowing. I came into the light of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit about three months ago. it seemed that I could never die the death. My son was saved, sanctified and filled, my daughter came in next, and then my wife. It seemed I was doing all I could to get through. All the meetings closed around my home, so I and my family went to a Pentecostal campmeeting about sixty miles away. on the 10th day of July, at 5 o'clock A.M., I went out to the tabernacle with the determination of going through that day. At about 11 o'clock, I just gave the Baptism with wonderful manifestations of speaking in tongues. In the same meeting, there were sixty-two who came through to Pentecost."
-FM Woldron, Nocotee, FL
"The Lord saved me when a child fifteen years ago, sanctified me and called me to the rescue work, and gave me the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, July 23. Thought I received Him when sanctified, but at times since, have prayed for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; but was never satisfied until one week ago when He testified in an unknown tongue and prayed for all nations and all people for an hour or more. Oh it is glory all the way. Ever since we heard of the wonderful outpouring of God's Spirit and the mighty wonders wrought, we have been praying Him to give us the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and to give us a Holy Spirit revival. Some of us wished we might go to Los Angeles; but, Oh, glory to God! He was so good as to send some of His children near us that had the experience, just fifteen miles from Tampa. One of our girls with my assistant first attended the meetings, and had not been at the altar 15 minutes at the first service until she received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit testified through her in an unknown tongue. Since then, my assistant, two more of the girls and myself have received the Comforter and others are hungry. Oh, praise the Lord. He has never been so precious and I have never been so sweetly kept and had such power. We have a mission in connection with the Home, where God is with us in power."
-Flora E. Bower
Hephzibah Rescue Home
Tampa, FL
"How I do thank God upon ever remembrance of the dear ones in and around Los Angeles, and how my heart grows tender and my eyes moisten when I think of the family gatherings we had twice a day at the old campground, as we gathered around Father's table both for spiritual and temporal refreshment. How the sweet faces of the saints come up before me, as we gathered in the tabernacle or in the dining tent, or as we happened to meet going to and fro on the grounds, or up in the mountains to pray, or as we passed back and forth between there and the city, meeting some of our precious brothers and sisters and greeting them in Jesus' name. My soul is flooded with joy when I recall those pleasant memories. At other times there is a longing takes possession of me to have a repetition of those happy days that as I look back to them seem to have been a foretaste of the glad millennial day. Glory to our precious Christ. How I do remember you all before the throne, not only every time I bow my knees but also many, many times when I am going about my daily occupation. I can report victory in my soul, and have been joined by my precious wife on the upward march. Two of my little girls six and nine years are saved and getting on nicely. Glory to Jesus. There are many hungry souls here eager for the Gospel."
Joseph A. Grainger
Melfort, Canada
THE SALVATION OF JESUS
"The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).
Jesus still saves today. Oh, sinner, give your heart to Jesus and be saved. He hung, bled and died on Calvary's cross to redeem your soul from sin and hell. Oh, , He loves you and He is calling you to come home. Come home, poor sinner, come home.
I once was a sinner. I do not know that I was such a hard sinner but I was a sinner. I used to love Christ's people and love to go to church; but I did not know Jesus. I do not know how I could know Him. I though it was a feeling or imagination that came by loving the Word of God so strongly. all of those thoughts, when I came to sum them up, were nothing. There was something in my heart that told me there was a reality in the salvation of Jesus.
I used to love to go and hear God's word preached, and I bought a Bible and commenced reading it. I used to hate to read in the Bible where death and hell were cast into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:14). I used to say I would not like to go there. Then we read in Psalms 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God." Oh, sinner, where will you spend eternity? Will you spend it with the devil and his angels, or will you spend it with God and His angels?
If you read in the Isaiah 55, you will find these words, "Lo, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat. Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Praise the Lord. Oh, dear sinner, this is Jesus, this water. He is this milk and this honey. You can get Jesus Christ in your heart without paying for it. The blessed Holy Spirit calls you tonight and today to come and accept this water of life. Oh, sinner, may you receive Him.
He says, "Wherefore do you send money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which satisfieth not?" Oh, dear sinner, dear precious backslider, Jesus can satisfy your heart. You may spend all your money in getting fine raiment, the latest style, you may go to all the theaters, all the card parties, you may have a good position, you may be a good moral man or woman; but Oh, dear beloved, that is not going to satisfy you. Your heart is still empty. There is nothing can satisfy that longing heart and bring rest, peace, and joy only Jesus Christ the Son of God. Oh, may you know Him. May you accept Him.
The prophet said, "And your labor for that which satisfieth not. Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good." Jesus Christ is the living bread that comes down from heaven, and if you eat of this Bread, you will never hunger anymore. Your soul will be filled with joy and gladness. Jesus says, "He that drinketh of this water shall never thirst." This is the water of life that runs through the ceaseless ages of eternity.
"Seek ye the Lord, while He may be found." There is a time coming when men will seek God and will be too late. He says in Proverbs 1:26-28, "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me." Oh, beloved, this is God's word.
Then He says again, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Dear precious loved one, Christ's yoke is easy, but the yoke of Satan is bondage, it is heavy. He makes you spend your money for the theaters, parties, and dances, for that which does not satisfy you, and he brings many aches to your heart. He keeps you going. Your soul is never satisfied. You are enslaved to keep up with the crowd. Oh, beloved, Jesus frees you from this bondage. His yoke is easy, His burden is light. May God help you to give your heart to Jesus, that you might know His salvation. He saves you from telling stories, from gambling, playing cards, going to horse races, drinking whiskey or beer, cheating, and everything that is sinful or devilish. The Lord Jesus Christ will cleanse you and make you every wit whole. He will heal your body, and make you new.
He says, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. That which is born the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." The first birth makes us a creature, it is the physical birth; but the second birth is from above. It is the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It makes us a new creature in Christ Jesus. Old things are passed away and all things become new, so we become a new creature in Christ Jesus. God puts His love and joy into our hearts and we can sing Praise God. Glory to His name.
O if you are a converted child, may you give God your heart and let Him sanctify you through His cleansing Blood. Jesus is praying today for your sanctification. He is in heaven, but He says, "I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil. They are not even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth." Glory to His name. His Blood flows and can cleanse from every stain. When God sanctifies you, you will love Him more than ever before, because there will be joy flowing like a river through your heart. Then after you get sanctified, you can get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and God will grant the signs to follow in speaking in tongues, casting out devils, laying hands on the sick and they will recover. The Lord bless you. Amen.
WE CANNOT AFFORD IT
We cannot afford to sell Satan even a small piece of ground in our hearts; because if we do, he will have right of way at the gate to get to it. The only way to keep him out is to live in the Word, a holy Spirit-filled life. Many people today have sold themselves for naught, they have sold a piece of their land which has been redeemed by the Blood of Christ. They have sold land to Satan to commit adultery, to steal, to beat or to cheat. But praise our God, He has sent us this blessed Gospel, the Word of God, to uncover men's sins by the power of the Holy Spirit, that they may be loosed from these bondage spirits.
If the enemy finds there is a weak place in us, he is going to come in various ways to get us to sell him a piece of land, so he can sow his wild oats in it. We should be like Jesus; when the enemy tried to bargain with Him for the land of the world, telling Him what he would give Him, offering Him the whole world if He would fall down and worship him, Jesus would not bow. we have His statement that when Satan had no power, he had no right of way. Oh, may we not bow down or compromise at any terms with the world, the flesh or the devil.
A sanctified body is one that is cleansed from all sickness and disease. The Lord gives you the power over sickness and disease, "that your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless." Some have a teaching that unless you have a sanctified body you cannot be holy. though you have not yet attained to your inheritance in the atonement of Jesus and have a body that is sanctified from all sickness, yet your body is holy unto the Lord if you do not sin. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit if the Spirit of Christ is in you. It is your privilege to go on and get a perfectly whole, strong body; that you may give Him glory for the salvation of spirit, soul, and body. That does not mean that you could not get sick any more. You must maintain the health and healing of your body just as for your soul, by faith and obedience.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ireland
Both Belfast and Bangor have been visited with Pentecost.
England
In the past year, news comes that probably 5OO people have received the Pentecost in England.
China
We hear from South China that about 1OO have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and they now have a paper in the Chinese called "Pentecostal Truths," which is being scattered in China and Japan. It is a blessed paper and one can feel the power in it even though unable to read it.
West Africa
Brother E. McCauley from Long Beach, California, opened a mission in Monrovia, Liberia. God has been blessing the work. Other missionaries are helping. Sister Harmon writes: "It is marvelous at times to see the manifestations of the Spirit and to feel the power. They shake like a person with a hard chill; they are in such earnestness when they pray and God does so bless them, until you can hear them a block away,"
Jerusalem
One native minister of Beirut, Syria, came to Jerusalem to spend the winter. God has baptized him with the Holy Spirit and he speaks with tongues. Praise God! God started this movement in 32 AD in this dear old city, and the "latter rain" Is falling in 19O8. Glory to God! Miss Elizabeth Brown of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, received her baptism more than two weeks ago. She had the real old-fashioned manifestations like many had St Azusa Street. The secret of the matter was she was so given up to God. Praise His name! She came to my room and requested me to lay bands on her for her baptism. She felt waves of fire passing through her head and face and then began to speak in tongues. She sings the heavenly chant. It is precious to hear her.
-Lucy M. Leatherman, Jerusalem, Palestine, care of American consulate.
Sweden
The Holy Spirit is falling on the humble in Gottenberg. In one prayer meeting. They saw fire, and four persons were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues. They praised God until 5 o'clock in the morning. In a few days, more than twelve persons were baptized with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
Eight little children have been filled with the Spirit, speaking in tongues. Some of them stand on a chair testifying for Christ.
Many sick have been healed, sinners saved and backsliders coming to the Lord. One day in February. Twenty-three were baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. Nearly all of them had their Pentecostal experience. Many are seeking the power of God day and night.
One night the Lord sent a fisherman from an island near the city. He used this dear brother in the healing of four sick people and two sisters gut their Baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time.
Many sinners have come to God in different parts of Sweden. There are Pentecostal companies here and there where the Lord is taking out a people for His name. A number of workers who received their baptism in Los Angeles are there being used of God.
Brother Andrew G. Johnson
Backevick, 3 Hisingstad, Sweden
India
In Panditla Ramabsi's School at Mukti, Kedagon, India, God is working in power among the girls again. God is pouring out upon them such a spirit of prayer again. It is like the mighty roaring of the sea when they begin. The workers are looking for a great outpouring of His Spirit again upon Mukti. He has also been blessedly working among the Christian and Missionary Alliance people in Bombay.
Brother Max Wood Moorhead of Bombay, India, writes: "God is working mightily through the Bombay Presidency and there are witnesses now at Bombay, Khamgaon, Okola, Amraoki, Dholka, Dharangson. Rhesqaon, Nasrapur, Pandharpur and Dhond. Praise God! Many natives are entering in, and how blessedly God uses these ignorant, lowly Indians as channels of blessing to their own people. A native boy of 19 was filled with the Holy Spirit in January and has been wonderfully healed of consumption and instrumental in winning souls to Jesus. His heathen mother and a heathen lad, an old friend. He has also been a messenger or power to missionaries from the homeland. At Dolka, a station of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, where five missionaries have received Pentecost, six orphan lads are magnifying God in new tongues."
PENTECOSTAL OUTPOURING IN SCOTLAND
From "Confidence," a free Pentecostal paper, to be obtained from the editors, 11 Park Lea Road, Sunderland, England.
Pentecost has fallen in Scotland at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfermilne, Sterling, Clydebank, Falkirk, Tarbert, Toll Cross. Banton by Kilsyth, Kirkintillock, Coatbridge and other places.
Some incidents are reported from Kilsyth. a small Scottish town twelve miles from Glasgow, and other points.
A fireman at the colliery, as he was leaning on his shovel at work, began to speak in tongues.
A pitman at Motherwell broke out in the face of the coal, that is, while filling his wagon or tub. He was singing. "How I love that sweet story of old." He said he felt something go down and then come up. Then for two hours he sat on his coal pile speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit gave him utterance. The men near by working soon heard him, and one cried, "There's Jock through in tongues and me no saved yet."
A number have been converted just through hearing others speak in tongues. It was so with a particular young man who loved cycle racing and the like and kept away from the meetings. However, when he heard his sister in the house "speaking mysteries" praising God in an unknown tongue, he was broken down. In the Mission Hall, from 3 one afternoon until 2 the next morning, he dealt with God and was saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit with the Scriptural evidences.
In a village in this part of Scotland. The little chapel got on fire, and about twenty received their Pentecost with signs following and thirteen have been soundly converted. They were holding a "fellowship meeting" for those who had been fully anointed. Outsiders hearing the vehement cries of praise slid the speaking in tongues, gathered around. A sympathetic policeman kept the dour (his wife and daughter. who had received the blessing were inside). At last, he cried. "Lads, I can stand it no longer. here goes." He flung open the door, and putting down his helmet, was soon pleading with God for the full Baptism of the Holy Spirit. he received it then and there and came through speaking in tongues.
It is touching to see the boys at Kilsyth (quite a number have got their Pentecost) all with their Bibles in the meeting, and little girls too, speaking in tongues and giving out solemn messages.
In other places, children have had to suffer. We have heard of one whose father in the drink kicked his little girl because she went to the meetings, and she looking up at him, and through her tears said, "Glory to Jesus!"
An engine driver at Kilsyth was making his way to the house, and his legs gave way. The power of God fell on him, they supported him to Brother Murdoch's kitchen where many have received the Baptism, and he was soon "through," singing as the Spirit gave him utterance, and has been singing ever since.
Many 'have already traveled to Kilsyth from the east and west, the north and south. Some critical investigators arrived one day by train. They agreed to test this thing by putting questions to the first Kilsyth man they met. It was the porter who opened the carriage door.
"Any meetings being held here?"
"Aye, sir, there are."
"Have you been to any of them?"
"Yes, I've been."
"Is it true that some folks are speaking in tongues?"
"It is true enough."
"Do you know anyone?"
"Yes, I'm one myself."
Scottish people know their Bibles. They are no fools, not carried away easily. They know that God has appeared in their midst, and they praise Him and exalt the ever precious Blood by which victory is assured.
PENTECOST IN AUSTRALIA
The Lord has visited Australia in great power and souls have been baptized with she Holy Spirit and signs following.
In a cottage meeting, in February 19O7, in Melbourne, a young brother received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. Some fell under the power of God and a great awe came over the meeting. The brother spoke and sang, "giving messages in the unknown tongue and also interpreting.
A few Christians stopped at the house on the way to church one Saturday night but said they would have a little time of prayer first. The Lord came down in such power that they could not go, and some spoke in tongues and sang heavenly music.
A sister was washing up the breakfast things, when the Lord called her to prayer, she immediately obeyed Him, and the Spirit soon led her off in praise to Him in an unknown tongue. She says, "I was simply lost I in His love."
A few were waiting upon God one Friday night when the Holy Spirit fell upon a lad 19. He sang beautifully for over an hour about Jesus' coming. Next morning while work he sang praises to God in an unknown tongue.
These great blessings have come on the lowly and humble. Many have seen visions of Jesus and of heavenly fire, and the interpretations speak of the soon coming of Jesus.
A Policeman Receives Pentecost
A policeman, John Barclay, 161 Elgin Street, Carlton, Melbourne, received his Pentecost. The following is a part of his testimony:
On Easter evening, 19O7, at a Holiness camp about twenty, seven miles from Melbourne, we all gathered for our usual praise and prayer meeting. A brother read 1 Corinthians 12th chapter. Then we all knelt down but no one seemed able to pray aloud. The only words I could utter were these: "Lord, reveal Thyself tonight."
Presently some mighty, marvelous unseen power took hold of me, and I was thrown downward on the floor. Everything around me disappeared. The other friends were as if they never existed. I saw the heavens opened and my precious Jesus sitting on the throne. Oh the joy and beauty and glory! It is unspeakable. Then Jesus came right down into the room and I saw Him smile all around. He looked so sadly at me, and His look condemned me for refusing before to yield myself fully up to Him. His loving but sad look broke my heart and I burst into tears, and cried:
"Lord, I yield my all to You to do with me as Thou wilt!" I just cried from my heart that verse, "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord" Then the Lord smiled again. During all this time I saw an innumerable host of angels in glory, and oh, such dazzling light and beauty. Whenever I cried, "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord." The dear Lord smiled on me and the angels waved pennons of white. It was simply celestial: no beauty on earth like it! No words on earth can describe what it was like. In visions, He showed me that there is as much rejoicing in heaven over a fully surrendered soul as over a lost sinner returning from the wilds.
To come back to Easter Monday evening, I was for about an hour and a half conscious only of the Lord's presence. When I returned to earth again and looked around, some were kneeling in silent prayer, others were lying prostrate on the floor. Presently a sister broke out in prayer entreating God to bless His children and save lost souls. Then she prayed in a strange tongue that sounded like Chinese. Then she started singing in the same tongue. What heavenly music! It sounded very much like an angel's voice coming rolling over the balconies of heaven. Of all the grand singers I have heard, I never heard anything so sweet. She gave messages from God to several. Our meeting lasted until 4 o'clock in the morning.
On return in my work at home, I got so hungry to know more of the dear Lord that I began seeking in real deep earnest for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. Satan had been giving me a very bad time by telling me that it was all false doctrine. I went into my bedroom and told the Lord to drive Satan away, that his assaults were more than I could bear. Then all once a beautiful cams and peace filled my soul. I was so happy that I could not even praise Him, but sat at His feet with my eyes closed looking into His dear face, when I saw a light shine from heaven far brighter than the noonday sun. It shone on my face brighter and brighter, until I had to cover my eyes with my hands.
That night I went to a meeting in a private house, and in this meeting Satan came to me with greater power, and I was of all men most miserable. About 1O:1O P. M., Satan did his best to get me to go home; but my Jesus kept me wailing on the Lord with others, some of whom were under the Spirit and speaking in tongues. About 1 o'clock a. M., a brother laid hands on me, and I received my baptism. My hands, arms, and whole body trembled greatly and I was thrown on the floor. All the others were praising the Lord. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He baptizes with the Holy Spirit the same today as nineteen centuries ago. On that night, the Lord gave me the tongues, and since then, I have spoken in four or five different languages. All glory to His Name!
People have told me that it is all of the devil; but the Jesus I serve and trust will not allow Satan to deceive me. It is now over six months since I received this baptism, and I know that Satan does not give the peace, joy, and happiness that I have got.
A burglar came to the altar at Azusa Mission, threw his skeleton keys under the bench (he had been plotting to rob a house). He got gloriously saved, soon he was sanctified. He was baptized down at the ocean, and shouted and jumped in the water and out of the water, he was so filled with the power of God. That afternoon he was baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. He praises God and weeps as he tells of His wonderful love and mercy.
A sister finding there were some things hindering her from getting her baptism, shut herself in her room arid prayed practically all day and all night. She prayed through and got all her idols out of her heart and the power fell on her "like hail," she says. She talked in tongues for a long time, though she said when she came to the mission that she did not want tongues. God baptized her like all the rest.
A brother came from China to Los Angeles and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and went on his way to England, and writes that it was the most wonderful experience of his life and he is rejoicing in the fullness of the Spirit.
The leading man among the colored Freemasons in Indianapolis and who was also cartoonist for two newspapers was sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit speaking in divers new tongues. He resigned and had prayer with his members in the lodge room, and they were much touched. Some of his brethren have since received their Pentecost also.
What hath God Wrought? In two precious years since the Lord poured out the Pentecost In Los Angeles in a little cottage on Bonnie Brae street, He has spread it around 'the world. Hallelujah. Many are rejoicing with joy unspeakable for the great blessings that God is pouring out in this latter rain. Many saved, sanctified, healed of disease and baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. Many happy families filled with the Spirit and working for Jesus. Soon after the Pentecost fell, the saints rented the lower room in the old building on Azusa Street that has been much blessed of God. To Him be all the glory and praise. When the place was about to he sold so that the Mission would have to move, the saints agreed to purchase it with three years' time to pay the $15,OOO, expecting the Lord to send the money all in before that time. He has done it and answered our prayers in a wonderful way. We humbly thank God. We love to think of the blessed old "Manger Home" where so many of us have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many saints love the spot and will rejoice that God has given to us.
Christ's character is our pattern and His word is our discipline. We want to he Just like Jesus in His suffering, His passion, His death. He is our ideal. Glory to God!
THE APOSTOLIC FAITH MISSION
Stands for the restoration of the faith once delivered unto the saints: the old time religion of campmeetings, revivals, missions, street and prison work and Christian Unity everywhere,
Repentance-Mark 1:14,15.
Godly Sorrow for Sin, Example-Matthew 9:13; 2 Corinthians 7:9-11; Acts 3:19, Acts 17: 30, 11.
Confession of Sin-Luke 15:21; Luke 18:13
Forsaking Sinful Ways-Isaiah 55:7; Jonah 3:8; Proverbs. 28:11.
Restitution-Ezekiel 33:15; Luke 19:8.
Faith in Jesus Christ.
First Work-Justification is that act of God's free grace by which we receive remission of sins. Acts 1O:42, 43. Romans, 3:25,
Second Work-Sanctification is the second work of grace and the last work of grace. Sanctification is that act of God's free grace by which He makes us holy. John 17:15-17, "Sanctify them through Thy Truth; Thy work is truth." 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Hebrews 13:12; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 12:14.
Sanctification is cleansing to make holy. The disciples were sanctified before the Day of Pentecost. By a careful study of Scripture, you will find it is so now: "Ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3: 13:1O); and Jesus had breathed on them the Holy Spirit (John 2O:21, 22). You know, that they could not receive the Spirit if they were not clean. Jesus cleansed and got all doubt out of His church before He went back to glory.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift of power upon the sanctified life; so when we get it we have the same evidence as the Disciples received on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3, 4), in speaking in hew tongues. See also Acts 1O:45, 46; Acts 19:6; 1 Cur, 14:21. "For I will work a work, in your days which ye will not believe though it be told you" (Hebrews 1:5).
Healing-We must believe that God is able to heal- "I am the Lord that healeth thee." James 5:14; Psalms 1O3:3; 2 Kings 2O:5; Matthew 8:16-37; Mark 16:16-18.
"Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 22:27).
Too many have confused the grace of sanctification with the enduement of Power, or the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; others have taken "the anointing that abideth" for the Baptism, and failed to reach the glory and power of a true Pentecost.
The Blood of Jesus will never blot out any sin between man and man they can make right; but if we can't make wrongs right the Blood graciously covers (Matthew 5:23-24).
We are not fighting men or churches, but seeking to displace dead forms and creeds and wild fanaticism with living, practical Christianity. "Love, Faith, Unity" are our watchwords, and "Victory through the Atoning Blood" our battle cry. God's promises are true. He said, "Be thou faithful over a few things, and wilt make thee ruler over many." From the little handful of Christians who stood by the Cross when the testing and discouragement came, God has raised a mighty host.
Chinese Pentecostal Paper
The Lord laid it on my heart to get out a paper in the Chinese language. I put it before my Chinese brethren, they prayed over it, God put it at once on their hearts, and they began to translate pieces into Chinese. God has given us a Chinese brother who has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and is a good printer. The paper is already being scattered among the millions of China. Offerings to help the dear Chinese brethren, who are poor in this world's goods, get out their paper and circulate this Gospel may he sent to Brother Mok Lai Chi. 5 Laddes Street, Hong Kong, China.
-Brother McIntosh
Word comes that Bishop Homer of the Holiness movement of Canada has been baptized with the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost. He had been claiming his baptism for twenty years and he says this is the greatest baptism he ever had.
Two Pentecostal papers in the Norwegian language are being published, the "Sandhedans Tolk," published by Brother H. Langeland, Paulsbo, Washington, and "Byposten," by Brother T. B. Barratt, Christiania, Norway.
The Lord had baptized a number in the little faith cottage back of the Mission. He has used our dear Sister Farrow from Texas since the beginning of the outpouring of the Spirit in Los Angeles. In her room in the cottage, quite a number have received a greater filling of the Spirit and some have been healed and baptized with the Spirit since she returned from Africa.
ELECTRIC MESSAGES FROM THE FIELD
I can feel the breath of heaven, it is coming. Perfect victory for our precious work.
This Gospel is sweeping like rain over the parched fields. Jesus is coming so soon, and the Lord is using those instruments that are given into His hands.
To think we have a part in this great Gospel, with persecutions. The blessed Christ is so near, even at our very door. Oh, the rapture when He bursts the clouds and we hear the glad news, "Behold all things are ready, go ye out to meet Him."
God is working and all hell cannot stop Him, so we need not fear but keep low at His feet and remember that He that is for Us is greater than they that he against us.
There is no one that can rob us of our power. We could easily sin and lose it, but we have learned the secret of abiding in His love that is by keeping clean.
I praise God that He set me free. There are not men or devils enough to check this great river the Father for Jesus' sake has put into my being. Bless His name. Oh, let the Lord have His way with you, and be as free as heaven makes you.
Jesus brought the living, burning words of the Father into this old world, and bless His dear name, He has left them here for those that love Him and keep His commandments, and walk softly before Him. Oh, to think He has given us this power and these words of the Father that bring instant healing, and rebuke demons and bring salvation to poor perishing souls.
We have been praying for the Apostolic power, and the Lord has been testing His Pentecostal people to see if we are pure gold, tried in the fire. He could not trust us without trying us first. The Lord wants soon to give the perfect gifts in the body, and He is going to give them to the true and tried ones only. He is getting us ready as fast as He can and as fast as we will let Him. Praise the name of our matchless Christ!
"Many are called but few are chosen." Oh, I do want to be one of the few that shall walk Him in white. I feel if I can only sit in some corner of heaven and look on the stately form and face of my Christ who has done so much for it, it will be enough. My very soul is bowed down in humility as I even think of what He's done for me. Oh, may we keep at His lovely feet. May we see Jesus only. May we in this, last onslaught of Satan on the true children of God, in this last outpouring of the Spirit, stand as one man.
If we do faithfully the work God has called us to, in the face of all hell, we will see results. Many will preach a mere compromise but I will not do it. Can't and be true to God. This old world has seen nothing but failure and weakness on the part of God's people, and the time has cools to rise and shine, shake off the yoke. Bless His dear name! As soon as the saints get a little persecution for keeping things straight, they take to the background and say, May be I was too harsh." if we won't be faithful in this age, the Lord will raise up those that will. We must have Peters and Paul's in this closing age as well as in the beginning of the church. If we can't stand the evil report as well as the good. we need another dip in the Blood. My soul demands reality. We must be what we say we are. If we have the power of the Holy Spirit, we have something that can stand, and after doing all stand.
-FLC
Character and Work of the Holy Spirit
His character is love. If you find people that get a harsh spirit, and even talk in tongues in a harsh spirit, it is not the Holy Spirit talking. His utterances are in power and glory and with blessing and sweetness. The character of the Holy Spirit is precisely like Jesus the Word of truth, for the Holy Spirit is "the Spirit of truth." He speaks always of the Word and makes everything like the Word. Jesus was the Son of God, the suffering Christ; and the Holy Spirit comes into the world to reveal this suffering Christ to us. He is a meek and humble Spirit, not a harsh Spirit. He is a Spirit of glory. When He comes into a believer, He comes to tell them all about Jesus' salvation. He reveals Christ. He paints Him as the wonderful Son of God, the brightest gem the Father had in heaven, our only hope of salvation and reconciliation with the Father. How sweet it is to have the Holy Spirit come to you and show you Jesus through the Word. He witnesses and reveals through the Word, and never gets outside of the Word.
Every man born of the Spirit is born of Jesus Christ. The new birth puts you into the church and sin puts you out.
No wonder people get the missionary Spirit as soon as they get the Baptism because they become partners with the Holy Spirit.
In the Baptism of the Spirit, you are under the power of Spirit, and do not have to judge by what your eyes see and your ears hear but what the Spirit reveals.
SANCTIFIED ON THE CROSS
"I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth." Jesus is still praying this prayer today for every believer to come and be sanctified. Glory to God! Sanctification makes us one with the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:11). Sanctification makes us holy as Jesus is. Then the prayer of Jesus is answered, and we become one with Him, even as He is one with the Father. Bless His holy name.
He says again in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, For this is the will of God even your sanctification." It is His will fur every soul to be saved from all sin, actual and original. We get our actual sins cleansed away through the Blood of Jesus Christ at the Cross; hut our original sin we get cleansed on the Cross, it must be a real death to the old man. Romans. 6:6, "Knowing this that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin, might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that Is dead is freed from sin." It takes the death of the old man in order that Christ might be sanctified in us. It is not sufficient to have the old man stunned or knocked down, for he will rise again.
God is calling His people to true Holiness in these days. We thank God for the blessed light that He is giving us. He says in Ii Tim. 2:21: "Ifs man therefore purge himself from these. he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master's use." He means for us to be purged from uncleanness and all kinds of sin. Then we shall be it vessel unto honor, sanctified and inset for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Sanctification makes us holy and destroys the breed of sin, the love of sin and carnality. It makes us pure and whiter than snow. Bless His holy name!
The Lord Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart." Sanctification makes us pure in heart. Any man that is saved and sanctified call feel the fire burning in his heart, when be calls on the name of Jesus. Oh, may God help men and women 'everywhere to lead a holy life, free from sin, for the Holy Spirit seeks to lead you out of sin into the marvelous light of the Sun of God.
The Word says. "Follow peace with all men and Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." Therefore, beloved, when we get Jesus Christ our King of Peace in our hearts, we have the almighty Christ, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because He trusteth in Thee." We shall have wisdom, righteousness and power. For God is righteous In all His ways and holy in all His arts. This Holiness means perfect love in our hearts, perfect love that casteth out fear.
Brother Paul says in order to become holy and live a holy life, we should abstain from all appearance of evil. Then the apostle adds, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body he preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 1: 22-23). "To the end He may establish your hearts unblameable in Holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." ii Thessalonians 3:13). Bless His holy name. Oh, beloved, after you have received the light, it is Holiness or hell. God is calling fur men and women in these days that will live a holy life free from sin. We should remain before God until His all cleansing Blood makes us holy, body, soul and spirit.
-WJS
Pentecost means a continual revival among God's people.
Gifts cannot save us. We see that by the life of Jesus. Many people are going to hell trusting in gifts. The Word tells us that without love we are nothing. The Blood of Jesus Christ is our only salvation.
The Word of God is the standard in this wonderful salvation. If you get on board the Word of God, the train will take you straight through to glory; but if you take some other way, you will have trouble at the gate. We preach a clean cut Gospel, for we will have to give an account at the judgment.
Adam was a lifeless man of clay when the Spirit of God breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and he became a living soul. When the Spirit of God comes into a church or an individual, He wakes it up and it becomes a live body. The Holy Spirit has no dead churches. He brings life wherever He Is.
Just as angels could not remain in the kingdom of God when they sinned, so people cannot live in the kingdom of God, His church, if they sin. The only way to remain in unity with Christ and His Spirit flowing in our souls is to be obedient subjects. Obedience keeps us in the body of Christ and His love flowing like an ocean.
When the Lord heals us or saves us, He tells us to "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee." As long as we walk in obedience to God, His blessings will fail upon our souls; but if we turn back to sin and break our covenant with God, our last state will be worse than the first. Let us walk in the light of His precious Word.
God's ministers are "a flame of fire." He wants men and women all on fire. He wants us not only saved from sin but on fire. The Holy Spirit is dynamite and fire in your soul. He wants us to have not only the thunder but also have the lightning. The Holy Spirit is lightning. He strikes men down with conviction, slays and makes alive.
I put everything on the altar, all I hoped for and longed for I gave to the Lord, and when I prayed, the fire came down and God sanctified me and made me holy. Then I went home and said, I have another religion. Well, it was not another religion but the old Ishmael was cast out, the carnal nature was destroyed, and God filled me with love and then closed the door and left me in that state. Nothing could come in but love.
This Pentecostal blessing is so sweet. When you lay down at night, how He comes and blesses your soul and sings through you and preaches through you, and the first thing in the morning, it is Jesus. There is glory shining in your soul. He seems to light up the room and everything in your soul cries out, "Its Jesus only." It is the power of the Holy Spirit through your soul. When He comes into your heart, He does not bring any trash but He comes to reveal Jesus.
We must remember that tongues never bought this salvation, but it is the Blood of Jesus Christ that purchased salvation. God wants men to have every gift but not to be led by gifts but by the Word of God, by the precious Blood of Jesus. Glory to God "This is My beloved son, hear ye Him." We want to know God above all. When we have the Christ of God in our hearts. We can stand before the very guns of hell and tell them that the Blood cleanseth.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is power and understanding of the Word and the glory of God upon your life. Whenever the Lord wants to play His piano, He tunes up the harp and plays with His own fingers, speaking or singing in any language he wishes. The man that hears you speak a message right from the throne fails down and seeks God and gets up to report that God is in you of a truth. The baptism of the Holy Spirit makes you more humble and filled with divine love and the graces and fruits of the Spirit are manifest.
When you get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, you will surely go up into the mount with Christ. If you want to know what it is to praise God and have the joy of the Lord in your soul that flows like a mighty river, tarry and get your personal Pentecost. He keeps the rivers flowing in your soul that you may be fit for irrigation wherever you go. Jesus said, "He that believeth on Me out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. This spoke He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive." (John, 7:38, 39).
Honor the Holy Spirit. Someone may say, " If you can speak in tongues, let me hear you." Don't you ever try to do that. The Holy Spirit will never speak in that way. It is not ye that speak but the Holy Spirit, and he will speak when He chooses. Don't you ever try to speak with tongues or say that the power belongs to you. It is by My Spirit, saith the Lord. When singing or speaking in tongues, your mind does not take any part in it. He wants you to pray for the interpretation, so that you can speak with the Spirit and with the understanding also (1 Corinthians 14:16).
THE Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The Azusa standard of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is according to the Bible in Acts 1:5,8; Acts 2:4 and Luke 24:49. Bless His holy name. Hallelujah to the Lamb for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire and speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
Jesus gave the church at Pentecost a great lesson of how to carry on a revival, and it would be well for every church to follow Jesus' standard of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." Oh, beloved, there is where the secret is: one accord, one place, one heart, one soul, one mind, one prayer. If God can get a people anywhere in one accord and in one place, of one heart, mind, and soul, believing for this great power, it will fall and Pentecostal results will follow. Glory to God!
Apostolic Faith doctrine means one accord, one soul, one heart. May God help every child of His to live In Jesus' prayer: "That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me and I In Thee; that they all may be one to us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me." Praise God! Oh, how my heart cries out to God in these days that He would make every child of His see the necessity of living in the 17th chapter of John, that we may be one in the body of Christ, as Jesus has prayed.
When we are sanctified through the truth, then we are one in Christ, and we can get into one accord for the gift or power of the Holy Spirit, and God will come in like a rushing mighty wind and fill every heart with the power of the Holy Spirit. Glory to His holy name. Bless God! Oh, how I praise Him for this wonderful salvation that is spreading over this great earth. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit brings the glory of God In our hearts.
The Holy Spirit Is Power
There is a great difference between a sanctified person and one baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. A sanctified person is cleansed and filled with divine love, but the one that is baptized with the Holy Spirit has the power of God on his soul and has power with God and men, power over all the kingdoms of Satan and over all his emissaries. God can take a worm and thresh a mountain. Glory to God. Hallelujah!
In all Jesus' great revivals and miracles, the work was wrought by the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through His sanctified humanity. When the Holy Spirit comes and takes us as His instruments, this power convicts men and women and causes them to see that there is a reality in serving Jesus Christ. Oh, beloved, we ought to thank God that He has made us the tabernacles of the Holy Spirit. When you have the Holy Spirit, you have an empire, a power within yourself. Elijah was a power in himself through the Holy Spirit. He brought down fire from heaven. When we get the power of the Holy Spirit, we will see the heavens open sod the Holy Spirit power falling on earth, power over sickness, diseases and death.
The Lord never revoked the commission He gave to His disciples: "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead," and He is going to perform these things if He can get a people in unity. The Holy Spirit is power with God and man. You have power with God as Elijah had. God put man over all His works; but we know that when Adam sinned, he lost a great deal of his power; but now through the Blood of Jesus, He says, "Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the powers of the enemy." The Lord Jesus wants a church, when He comes back to earth, just like the one He started when He left the earth and organized it on the day of Pentecost.
Tarry in One Accord
Oh, may every child of God seek his real personal Pentecost. Stop quibbling and come to the standard that Jesus laid down for us in Acts 2: "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." Glory to God! Oh, beloved, if you wait on God for this Baptism of the Holy Spirit just now, and can get two or three people together that are sanctified through the Blood of Christ, and all get into one accord, God will send the Baptism of the Holy Spirit upon your souls as the rain falls from heaven. You may not have a preacher to come to you and preach the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and fire, but you can obey Jesus' saying in the passage. "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." Remember that Jesus said if two or three are gathered together in His name and pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, they can have it this day or this night. It is the promise of the Father's glory and you will find it a truth In your own life. God's promises are true and sure.
The Baptism Falls on a Clean Heart
Jesus is our example. "And Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit." We find in reading the Bible that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire falls on a clean, sanctified life. We see according to the Scriptures that Jesus was "holy, harmless, undefiled," and filled with wisdom and favor with God and man, before God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power. For in Luke 2:40 we read, "Jesus waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him"; and in Luke 2:52, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."
After Jesus was empowered with the Holy Spirit at Jordan, He returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about." Glory to God! He was not any more holy or any more meek, but had greater authority. "And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all."
Beloved, If Jesus who was God Himself, heeded the Holy Spirit to empower Him for His ministry and His miracles, how much more do we children need the Holy Spirit today. Oh, that men and women would tarry for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire upon their souls, that the glory may be seen upon them just as it was upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost in the fiery emblem of tongues. The tongues of fire represented the great Shekinah glory. Today the Shekinah glory rests day and night upon those who are baptized with the Holy Spirit, while He abides in their souls. For His presence is with us. Glory to His name. I thank Him for this wonderful salvation. Let us ring His praises through the world that all men may know that the Comforter has come. Bless His dear name!
Jesus' First Sermon After His Baptism
"And He came to Nazareth where He was brought up: and as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read. There was delivered unto Him the hook of the prophet Isaiah. When He had opened the book, He found the place where it is written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor: He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are blind, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19). Hallelujah. Glory to God! This is Jesus' sermon after His Baptism of the Holy Spirit, preaching in the synagogue. He acknowledged that the Spirit of God was upon Him.
Jesus was the Son of God and born of the Holy Spirit and filled with the Holy Spirit from His mother's womb: but the Baptism of the Holy Spirit came upon His sanctified humanity at the Jordan. In His humanity, He needed the Third Person or the Trinity to do His work. He could truly say that His fingers became instruments of the Holy Spirit to cast out devils.
The Holy Spirit Flows Through Pure Channels
If men and women today will consecrate themselves to God, and get their hands and feet and eyes and affections, body and soul, all sanctified, how the Holy Spirit will use such people. He will find pure channels to flow through sanctified avenues for His power. People will be saved, sanctified, healed and baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit comes through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by faith in His word. In order to receive it, we must first be sanctified. Then we can become His witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth. You will never have an experience to measure with Acts 2:4 and 16, 17, until you get your personal Pentecost or the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 13:11).
This is the latter rain that God is pouring out to His humble children in the last days. We are preaching a Gospel that measures with the great commission that Jesus gave His disciples on the day when He arose from' the dead (Matthew 28:19-2O).
"Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and to, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen!" They received the power to measure with this commission on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). Bless the lord. Oh, how I bless God to see His mighty power manifested in these last days. God wants His people to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire.
A MOTHER'S EXPERIENCE OF PENTECOST
This is my first writing to the dear Apostolic Faith. I will say that I am all under the Blood, and I have victory, complete victory. I do praise Him for convicting and converting my soul and sanctifying me wholly and giving me the blessed Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I received it when I sought in earnest, over a year ago.
I was fearful that it was hypnotism until I got right hungry for it; and I just went to the seekers' board and knelt there. I had with me my two month's old baby, and four older ones. They were sleepy, so I just got the baby down on the bench asleep, and asked God to take care of the children, and He did. My husband had been away from home at work, but I had been praying for God to give him work here at home Whittier. he was there when I got my baptism. I did not know he was in the room. I believe God sent him right back to the meeting where I was seeking.
I just said to Jesus, "Here I am before You." it seemed I could almost see myself lying on the altar. I said, "Lord, have your way; I don't want to be deceived about this matter. Lord, just keep back the powers of darkness, have your way with me, and quicken the Spirit, for you know my chance of coming to the altar. I don't know that I will ever get another chance all those children and no help with them so do the work right now," and I did believe. Praise His holy name! He wonderfully came to my rescue right then, and I spoke in three different languages, and still do, Oh, praise His holy name!
Sister John Woodruff
Whittier, CA
WORTH TARRYING FOR
I was wonderfully converted on Scriptural lines, December 14, 1884, for years I have been a believer and seeker for Bible Holiness. I obtained the experience at a Holiness campmeeting in June 19O3, and have had several anointings and refreshings since, but have always felt a real lack of power for effectual service.
On the night of December 9th, last, while we waited upon our face at home, asking God to soon fulfill His promise, and give me the longing desire of my heart, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He answered back, "This is the night." With great assurance, we stepped out into the storm and faithfully wounded our way to the little Mission, where we had given fourteen years of our life in service. Only one other hungry heart came out through the storm: but we two knelt before God and claimed the promise, and as our voices mingled together in intercession, suddenly I began to praise. As I praised, prayer was left behind. All I could do was to praise Jesus, the Blessed Lamb of God. as a great volume came welling out, it seemed to come from my very inmost being. All at once, I felt a choking, gasping feeling in my throat, my vocal cords were manipulated in a peculiar way, and I knew the Holy Spirit had come to his temple within that he had been preparing so long.
He now began to speak with the tongue yielded to Him, at first in a stammering way, finally flowing out in a clear, distinct language that sounded like Chinese. He spoke twice in what seemed to be two languages. I rejoiced in the full Bible evidence. My soul was filled full of love as sweet as heaven. He shook and thrilled me continually. Oh, it was wonderful to me, a man of 60 years of age!
Now after thirty days have gone, the blessed love remains. The emotional part has cooled down, but the hunger has all gone and He satisfies me, and I find a new power for service. I am a new man with a new hook, and a new message, in a new tongue. It does satisfy my soul. It has been a help and inspiration to the few dear ones who are digging down deeper, that they may soon make the landing also.
Four days afterwards, eighteen miles from home, walking all alone in the snow, God gave me the gift of a tongue, what language I know not as yet, but I can use it at will. God has given me the interpretation of it, so I can glorify him as 1 Corinthians 14:22, a sign to the unbelievers. It is worth tarrying fourteen months for, yea, for fourteen years. It is truly the fullness of the Holy Spirit coming in His full official character to empower for service as In Acts 1:8, and in Mark 16:17, 18.
I want to give just a little word to all honest seekers: look up, get hold upon God, do not be discouraged. He will come in His own way and surprise you when He does come (Habakkuk. 2:3, last clause). Be definite and personal in your prayers. Do not ramble all over and pray for others, but pray for yourself, and He will surely come to the joy of your hearts.
-WH Standley, Watertown, NY
Sanctification is a beautiful realm. You are saved from all Inherited sin, crucified with Christ: the resurrection life of Jesus Christ in your soul. You have faith for the healing of the sick and faith to get people saved and sanctified and the presence of the Lord is with you.
The Holy Spirit is the Teacher of teachers. He knows the Word of God. You can talk with Him and ask Him for yourself. It is the sweetest thing to get alone with Him and let Him open the Scripture to you. He is the interpreter of the Word, the Spirit of truth to guide you into all truth.
PENTECOST AT A FUNERAL
COCONUT GROVE, FL, February 19
Last Monday afternoon I was called to preach the funeral sermon of a little child, the infant son of Mrs. George Thompson of this place. The child was nearly three months old and the idol of its mother's heart. The parents were both unsaved and their grief was almost unbearable. The mother especially was in a very critical condition, having cared for the little one in its sufferings and watched over it as only a loving mother can. With the father, she had watched it for days, as it seemed to hang between life and death.
I had talked with the father and he told me he could not ask God to spare it. Three times, he said, he had promised God if He would answer prayer and spare his loved ones, he would serve Him, and then had gone on in sin as before. "God Is not to he fooled with," he said.
The heart-broken mother was unable to be in the service. Her strength was almost exhausted and she was prostrate on the bed. They brought her in to view the corpse for the last time, and it was a pitiful scene. It took three or four to get her back to the bed where she fainted away and was unconscious for some time during the burial service.
We went in to speak to her before leaving, and she called my wife to sing for her. They carried the little folding organ in by the bed, and she sang, "1 remember Calvary." The mother sprang up, knelt by the organ and cried, "Pray, Mrs. Eckert, I must get ready to meet my darling babe." after two prayers, she got back on the bed again and said, "Sing." My wife sang three more songs, "Anchored in Jesus." "Lean upon the arms of Jesus," and "Mansion In Heaven," and the mother joined in the last chorus, smiling and waving her hands. Then she raised up and they repeated the chorus again. Then, with the light of heaven in her face, she told us about those mansions in heaven and that she was going there to see Jesus and her darling babe." She said, "Jesus Is here." Then she began to sing, this time all alone; and as we listened to catch the Words, we recognized the "voice divine," and she was singing and speaking in a foreign language, just as they did on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). Glory to God!
After singing and speaking for some time, she said. "Jesus is coming soon, He told me." She also sang in English about the soon coming of our Lord then began telling us what God had done. She said. "How good God is, see how quick He done it! Why He just came down and washed me clean, took away all of my sorrow and pain, and then just came In Himself and filled me. Oh you don't know how good He is!" Then she would sing and speak in tongues and praise God, and plead with her husband and other friends to pray.
We remained with them nearly two hours, and she spent all of that time shouting and praising God, her strength was restored, and when we asked if she wanted nourishment, she said, "No, I am strong. I don't need anything." Several were present who had been very much opposed to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit end the speaking in tongues, but they were convinced.
Last night she was at the cottage prayer meeting, and again we heard her tell her wonderful experience and sing and speak in tongues. We had prayed very earnestly for God to use the death of the child to save the parents; and before going to the funeral, I had gone off to my place of secret prayer and asked God to make it a Pentecostal funeral. He answered In such a wonderful way that we were made to understand more fully what Paul meant in Ephesians 3:20. Glory to God! What can be too hard for our Father?
We have a band of seventeen baptized saints here who speak in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Several hungry hearts are still seeking and people are being convinced of sin.
-Clark Eckert, Pastor, Holiness Church
PROMISES TO THE OVERCOMER
In the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Revelation, Christ gives thirteen promises to the overcomer:
He shall eat of the tree of life. 2:7.
Shall have a crown of life. 2:10.
Shall not be hurt of the second death,2:11.
Shall eat of the hidden manna. 2:17.
Shall receive a while stone and a new name written therein. 2:17.
Shall have power over the nations. 2:26.
Shall have the Morning Star that is Christ. 2:28.
Shall be clothed in white raiment. 3:5.
Shall not be blotted out of the Book of Life. 3:5.
Shall be confessed by Christ before God the Father. 3:5.
Shall be a pillar in the temple of God. 3:5.
Shall have written on him the name of God and the city of God. 3:12 .
Shall sit with Christ in His throne. 3:21 .
Paul was a full overcomer, for he said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." May we be faithful unto death. How are we to overcome? We overcome only by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony. Full overcomers will have part with Jesus in the first resurrection.
CHINESE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Pentecost has come to the South China Alliance Mission. Some of the missionaries attended meetings in Macao. They received their Pentecost and came back to Wuchow wonderfully filled with the Spirit and speaking in tongues. Some of the Chinese Christians came back with the same experience. In a few days one of the missionaries in Wuchow received his Pentecost and also a number of the Chinese Christians. One missionary who bad been very poorly and had decided to return to the homeland on that account received a wonderful baptism of power and was perfectly healed. Sister Ethel Landis at Kwei Peng, South China wrote: "A good many of the Chinese have received their Pentecost and are singing, praying, and praising in new tongues. The burden of it all is that Jesus is coming soon and we must prepare to meet Him, The best part is to see these dear Chinese Christians yielding fully to God and being filled with the blessed Holy Spirit.
THE LORD IS SENDING MISSIONARIES
Missionaries to Egypt
It is now almost a year and a half since I received my personal Pentecost. Since that time, I have been actively engaged in God's mighty Pentecostal work. He has been graciously blessing. We expect to be in evangelistic work for a few months and then go to Egypt as missionaries.
GS Briesford
110 N. Seventh Street
Colorado Springs, CO
Los Angeles to Ceylon, India
Brother AH Post left Los Angeles August 1, 19O7. The Lord graciously used him along the way. He writes: "I had the privilege in the will of God to visit Wales for over two weeks; and, praise be to our Lord, He is beginning a real Pentecost in that land, as also in many places in the British Isles, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, as well as England. In London, quite a number have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit."
Later he writes from Kandy, Ceylon, India: "The Lord directed me to this inland city shout seventy-five miles from Colombo, There are a few here who are definitely tarrying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I feel sure the Lord will give victory and bring a Pentecostal revival to the island,"
Missionaries to Ireland
The last day we were at Spokane, Washington, we were staying with a couple of older women, and one asked me to pray for her healing. When we prayed and anointed her and laid our hands on her for her healing, the power of God fell on her and she received her baptism and spoke in tongues a clear language. Oh, glory to God! Victory through the precious Blood of Jesus! We expect to sail for Ireland about the middle of June (The above is a short extract from letters received from our precious brother and sister from Los Angeles; The Lord is using them on the way to Ireland).
Brother and Sister Thomas Griffin
943 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL
Missionaries to Johannesburg, South Africa
Eleven Apostolic Faith missionaries from Indianapolis have lately sailed for South Africa. Brother and Sister HM Turney from Los Angeles who have been in Honolulu are also on the way and have written from England. God is making them a blessing on the way.
From Johannesburg, Africa
The missionaries are going, we received this letter: "A few days ago. I was much blessed in having a couple of pages, in a very much-dilapidated condition, of The Apostolic Faith put into my hands. Nevertheless, I do just feel that God has put them into my hands to revive my heart. The paper is now setting afire the hearts of a few other Christians, and we now, praise God, have also been led to pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with fire. Both in Cape Town and Johannesburg, a few earnest Christians are now meeting daily, and waiting upon God with one accord and are trusting and believing that God will baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire." May God send the "latter rain" in a deluge over that land. He is truly sending missionaries into a whitened field,
Missionaries to Palestine
Many souls in China have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit through the labors of Brother and Sister McIntosh at Macao and other places in China. The Lord told him to "go to Macao" before he knew there was any such place but he looked it up on the map and found it. Recently he says the Lord told him to "go to Sharaaim, Palestine." He did not know there was such a place until the Lord spoke to him. Now he is on his way there. Address him.
Brother T. J. McIntosh
Jerusalem, Palestine
C/O Thomas Cook & Son
ITALIANS AND INDIANS RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
Brother AH Argus, of 299 St. Johns Avenue, Winnipeg, Canada, has just returned From A Pentecostal Trip and Writes This Blessed Letter.
The first place I visited was Toronto, at which place I did enjoy the fellowship of the saints. Pentecost has fallen in at least five missions there. From there, I went to Ottawa and then to Athens, where we held meetings and some real remarkable cases of conversation, sanctification and of the Pentecostal baptism were manifest. God truly, was with us in power and we all did rejoice in the marvelous way in which He poured out of His Spirit in the place. After sixteen days there, the lord permitted me to return home by way of New York City.
In that city, while I was there, twenty-five received the Baptism in one week. Five of the saints were fasting for ten day' and, no doubt God was there in a special way. Pentecost has fallen in other missions in that city, also in adjoining cities: Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC.
At the latter city, I held two meetings for Sister Thomas, who has charge of the Pentecostal mission there. God truly is with several of the saints in that place. I shall not soon forget the sweet fellowship we had together.
From there, I went to Chicago, in which city Pentecost has fallen in thirteen or fourteen missions and hundreds have received this Pentecostal experience. Brother Durham has a strong work there. About a year ago, one or two Italians became convinced that this work was of God, and were saved, and pressed their way clean through to Pentecost: As a result, others followed and soon an Italian mission was opened that is being run on Pentecostal lines. Many are being saved, sanctified and baptized two of their numbers have returned to their native country, Italy, they say to preach this Gospel. Truly, these Italians appear to be under the anointing of the Spirit.
I also was at Zion City, where a number have received the Baptism. On Sunday morning and evening, while I attended, there was a congregation of about 500 and seventy-five were at the altar. At St. Paul and Minneapolis, God is doing a great work.
Truly, the latter rain appears to be falling on every kindred, tongue and nation. While I was away, a number of Indians from the Reserve, about 2OO miles north heard of the work in Winnipeg and came in the city. Five of them received the Baptism and others were saved and sanctified. Since they returned home, we have heard that other Indians have been saved. While the Indians were at the meetings in the city, two of the saints, under the power of the Spirit, spoke in other languages that were understood by the Indians and one of the interpretations was, "Jesus Is coming soon."
Truly, these are marvelous days. Reports are coming in from nearly every quarter of the globe of how the latter rain is failing In many places and, truly, it is encouraging to see that the God of Pentecost Is just the same today.
THE PENTECOSTAL REVIVAL
(From "Good Tidings," published at 71O Wayne avenue, Dayton, OH, part of a letter by Miss E. Sisson)
Estonia, in Russia, brings us the story of a half-dozen or more little peasant girls upon whom came the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, and with it "the gift of tongues." Several among them in a holy ecstasy speaking they understood not what; but to one among them was given "the gift of interpretation." She said the burden of all they told was, "Jesus is coming soon. Prepare!" Take note, just here, beloved, that in all lands and all tongues, where God has thus spoken, this has been the first proclamation. "Jesus is coming soon. Make ready!"
"The Christians have seen their God."
In one of the more recent accounts of revivals in Secunderabad, India, it is said the Holy Spirit came on them suddenly in the church prayer-meeting; the prayer of contrition was like the roar of a cataract. The heathen outside came running from every direction, looking in at every window, and watched the novel proceeding. As the Christians breaking through to God and coming out under the fiery baptism, lifted their rapt and ecstatic faces, the heathen went home to their villages, reporting with awe, "The Christians have seen their God!"
God Heals In India
From the second year of "The Revival" in Khassia Hills, India, a missionary writes it is spreading in such a wonderful way like a great prairie fire. Nothing is able to withstand it. It bursts out into a flame in the most unexpected places. Then follows account of the healing of a poor heathen woman of a most loathsome skin disease, because of which the heathen had thrust her from the village to die in the jungle. While on the roadside she stood listening to the preaching of the Gospel and suddenly exclaimed, "God has given me medicine. He will heal me with this medicine," and began rubbing her poor body with her hands when she exclaimed, "I am well!" It was so. The heathen around saw and were filled with awe.
This Gospel means a crucified life. We must take up our cross daily and follow Christ. The cause of so many losing the anointing of the Spirit is that they neglect to mortify and crucify self. He wants our eyes, our ears, and all our members kept unto Him, that we might live after the Spirit and not after the flesh. He is looking for people today that will die out to the flesh. How can our eyes revel to the things of this world and our ears listen to worldly music if they are consecrated to the, master's use. People say this is fanaticism, but it is the teaching of the precious word of God. We must measure up to it. He wants us to have our ears closed to the world and open to heaven.
Cheng Ting Fu, Chih-ll, North China, is the address of Brother Bernstein, Brother and Sister Roy Hess, and ten other Pentecostal missionaries from Los Angeles and Chicago. The saints have been sending money to feed the starving there. Brother Hess says: "When I see the starving condition of this people and then look back where I came from and see them have so much. I feel like saying, Oh, Christians, sell all your idols and hell! Send out missionaries." Brother Bernstein writes: "We have our own regular meetings every night and the Holy Spirit is in our midst. Lately life has baptized my wife with the Holy Spirit and fire, and she spoke sod sang in other tongues. Glory to God In the highest! Our two boys, 11 and 8 years of age, were baptized some time ago, so we are a baptized company. God is working among the Chinese Christians here. There are some that are praying earnestly for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. We have meeting with them every morning in our home, besides we have a meeting with the people on the streets every day and give the hungry a little food daily. The people here in general are very poor. They want to sell their children for a few dollars, because they have nothing to feed them. It is a great opportunity to tell them of the love of God. We have rented a store on the main street for about $1.50 a month. We had the first meeting Sunday, many people coming and going. We have a blind man taken out from the beggars and have clothed him and are feeding him and giving him the Gospel. I told him about Jesus' Blood that cleanses from all sin. He did not understand it, and I explained that when we used water to wash his face, it got clean. He answered at once, 'Tomorrow I want to come and wash my heart in Jesus' blood'."
HEAVENLY VISITATIONS IN INDIA
DHOLKA. Gujerat, India, February 17
No pen can fully describe what God is doing here, and we are only In the midst of things, not at the end of this wave of power. Praise God! Yet, I can no longer keep from you the blessed tidings.
Last week the Lord sent Miss Gardner and me front Bombay to this place, having said to us in tongues before leaving. "Ask for great things." "Ask in the heavens above or in the depth below." We found the missionaries here a prepared people earnestly desiring the full Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Some of them had definitely prayed long for it. Brother Schoonmaker was already fully in the Baptism and has been greatly used of God.
The second day, all with one accord began to tarry before the Lord, the missionaries deciding by the will of God in them, to lay aside all the work that could be laid aside, and God has graciously enabled the busy workers to attend all the meetings since. We have tarried each day from 3 P. M. until about midnight, with an intermission for dinner.
The first day, the lord worked mightily and baptized one sister, accompanying the Baptism with a new tongue. She was filled with joy and praise and has gone on by leaps and bounds ever since.
Friday was a day of testing. The meeting seemed full of the love of God but the power seemed much less than the day before. The Lord sent Miss G. me out into a field during the intermission to find out what was the matter. We humbled ourselves before God and begged Him to reveal the cause of failure. I began to speak in a tongue and she to interpret, and He said, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove. Oh, thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" He also gave other verses about faith. Oh, the blessed faithful God! Let no one say tongues are of no use. We 'accepted the reproof from our great Master and sought faith. It was given and the power came back.
On Saturday and Sunday, the mighty work went on. He baptized a sister and gave her a new tongue. He anointed another, gave several of us another new tongue, and gave Miss G. the interpretation of all. Oh, praise God with me. By this time, He had the Holy Spirit as oil on the whole waiting company, and all mouths were filled with praise and prayer.
Monday was the most marvelous and glorious day of my whole life so far. At the beginning of the meeting, Jesus talked with me like this: "What do you think I ant going to do?" "I don't know. Lord." "What do you believe for?" "I think you will baptize someone." "Do you not believe I will do more?" "I hope so." "Will you believe I will do greater things today than any day before?" "Yes, Lord, I will believe. He spoke also to Miss G. in the same way, telling her He would do mighty things before midnight.
I said, "Lord, let me see fire on all these heads, do let me. Lord." Then I began to speak in a tongue. I soon became aware that I was praying for a brother. Then I saw a great shower of blood fall all over him. Then the prayer went to another brother, and a reservoir of oil was poured over him. Next it was for a sister, and as she lay on the floor, her body was covered in flaming fire. Another deluged in a flood of water from above, another stamped all over visibly with seals. Before another there appeared a great heart that kept enlarging, then a white door in the top of the heart, and both settled lightly down on her breast. Another seemed gradually enveloped in a cloud. The first brother to receive his baptism was eclipsed In glorious white light. Miss G. who was in a trance was covered over with soft white stuff, something like snow or feathers. On me the rain was falling. I asked Jesus was the white stuff was. He said, "It is dew only I made it look white to be visible." All this impressed me that the Holy Spirit in all His aspects rested upon us and will be manifest to us. Oh glory to Jesus!
When Miss G. came out of the trance, she had seen a part in vision as I in the revelation.
A brother immediately said that God had been telling him for two days to ask two of us to lay hands on him for the Baptism. We did so, each praying in English, then in tongues. The interpretation was given, "I indeed baptize with waster, but He shall baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire." "Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence." "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and ye shall be my witnesses unto the ends of the earth." Then there came much praise in the tongues. Then the Spirit said that hands should be laid upon another brother. We obeyed and await the manifestation of the Baptism upon these two.
Then the power fell. There were times when we were all shouting, screaming and laughing together under the power of the Spirit. The Spirit has definitely given discernment of spirits during these days and rebuked one and another of us, and is teaching us many things. We are looking for still greater things. Think what it will be to this mission station, to this Bible school and this orphanage to have all the missionaries baptized with the Holy Spirit.
O beloved, let it speak to other mission stations and churches all over the world that God has come to fully equip us for His service. Let waiting ones not try to pray for others but for themselves. Let companies of those baptized who are praying with others waiting on God keep the one object before those in the room, not introducing other subjects of intercession. There must be one accord and one purpose in order that the Spirit may have a clear channel in the fellowship of Jesus.
Kate Knight
Bombay, India
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE
We read in Revelation 22:17, "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come'." Oh, how sweet it is for us to have this blessed privilege of being a coworker with the Holy Spirit. He inspires us with faith in God's word and endues us with power for service for the Master. Bless His dear name!
Every man and woman that receives the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the bride of Christ. They have a missionary spirit for saving souls. They have the spirit of Pentecost. Glory to God!
"And let him that heareth say, come: and let him that is athirst, come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Oh, what a blessed text. The bride of Christ is calling the thirsty to come to Jesus because this is His work of the Holy Spirit in the believer. He intercedes for the lost: He groans for them.
The Spirit also calls the believer to come to Jesus and be sanctified. He points the sanctified to Jesus for his Baptism of the Holy Spirit. When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, you will have power to call sinners to Jesus, and they will be saved, and sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. Amen!
Christ's bride is pure and spotless, "Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee" (Song of Solomon 4:7). Christ's bride is clean, free front sin and all impurity. He gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse the church with the washing of water by the Word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Christ's bride has but one husband (2 Corinthians 11:2). She is subject to Him (Ephesians 5:25). The Bridegroom is the Son of God (2 Corinthians 11:2).
We are married to Christ now in the Spirit, (Romans 7:2-4). Not only when He comes are we married to Christ, but also right now, if you are sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, you are married to Him already. God has a people to measure up to the Bible standard in this great salvation. Bless His holy name. Amen! WJ Seymour
SPEAKING IN TONGUES
If you search the Scriptures carefully, you will find that when people get the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, they will speak in tongues and magnify God (Acts 10:46). We read in Acts 2:32-33: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit. He bath shed forth this which ye now see and hear."
So when you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. His power will be seen and heard upon you. People will hear new songs and speaking in tongues, (Acts 2:4; Acts 2:16-17). We read also in Acts 2:11-13, "Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. they were all amazed and were in doubt saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, these men are full of new wine." What was it that the people saw and heard? It was the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and the speaking in tongues.
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THE AZUSA PROJECT
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