Beloved Brethren, Sister, and Friends: --By the great mercy of God, I desire to again speak through the Trumpet. After the happy privil­ege of meeting in worship with many of the precious saints, I have been blessed to return safely to find my parents and relatives all well and the brethren and sisters still in peace and love. But alas! with shame I must confess, that for the past two months my mind has been so much seeking earthly gain, I have almost entirely neglected to meet the dear people of God. From this cause, I have failed to attend a single association of the churches this year. In this way I have deprived myself of the spiritual blessing and strengthening I so much need. Therefore as a chastening from the Lord, I have been week and sickly—my mind has been too indifferent about spiritual things. Because this iniquity abounded my love did wax or grow cold and satan has often suggested, you have already gone to meeting too much and you are not fit anyway, besides if faithful to truth you will only bring trouble, scorn and poverty to your­self. But when satan and the world are put under my feet I can sing:

"Through floods and flames if Jesus lead

I'll follow where He goes;

Hinder me not shall be my cry,

Though earth and hell oppose." 

And though bonds and afflictions abide me, still let me sing:

"Through duty and through trials too,

I'll go at His command." 

Oh, brethren, let us not fear men's derision nor be ashamed of the truth or testimony of our Lord, but let us be partakers of "the afflictions of the gospel ;" let us not heed the suggestions of satan nor follow after the world. If we do we shall pierce ourselves through with many sorrows. For having neglected spiritual duties when able to go, I am now so disabled that I can­not go to the house of God. Oh! brethren and sisters, my heart goes out in love to you, and from the bitterness of my soul I want to say, "Neglect not the assembling of yourselves together," but speak often one to another, that your spiritual strength may be renewed by "the sincere milk of the word."

Oh, how I long to be at church today; I de­sire to be present with you and sympathize with you in deep trouble. Oh, may the love and sweet promises of Jesus comfort and encourage you to turn from serving satan, to serve the Lord. Should I never be permitted to see your face any more in this world let me speak freely, for now I have such a warmth of love in my heart for Jesus and for you, that whatever may oppose I feel humbly resolved as the Lord may enable me, to spend and be spent for you. As a little child I hope again to greet you happy in the Lord and extend to you my hand in token of Christian love and encouragement. I want to hear you pray and sing, and listen to your "words seasoned with grace." May you ever trust in Jesus and obey Him, and be cheered by His comforting words, "If ye keep my com­mandments, ye shall abide in my love." Oh, my friends, my hope of heaven is, that my sins were laid upon Jesus and caused His death, and in return Christ's obedience is imputed to me and causes me to live. "He was bruised for our ini­quities and with His stripes we are healed." Isa. liii. 5. This is my only hope; this I commend to you as the only way from earth to heaven.

May God enable you to trust and obey Jesus the only Saviour of sinners. Now, my brethren and sisters, let me en­treat you to pray the Lord in my behalf, that His hand may lead me, and that the love of. Christ may ever constrain me to forsake all and follow my dear Saviour.

"Oh, let me run the Christian race

With diligence and speed;

God's word, His spirit and His grace,

Do all to duty lead. 

Did Jesus leave the realms of bliss,

To save from sin and hell?

A love so wonderful as this

Calls for a glowing zeal.”

Your unworthy brother, who should "love much."

M.D. DENMAN             Sparta, Tex.