Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Watchtower 1925
Watchtower 1925
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CONTENTS
WORK FOR THE ANOINTED ................................... 3
DayOf Vengeance............................................. 4
Zion...................................................................... 4
TheBattle ............................................................ 4
ComfortZion ...................................................... 5
8
Is a Climax Near? ...........................................
The Battle Is the Lord’s .................................... 8
ComfortAll ......................................................... 9
WhyThis Training? ......................................... 10
PRAYER-~IEETING TEXT COMMENTS ........................ 11
THELORD’SSUPPER ............................................ 12
~ESUS COMFORTS ]IIS DISCIPLES ........................ 14
CALENDAR FOR1925................................................ 2
ERRATUM
.................................................................. 2
CONVENTION AT SAN FRANCISCO.......................... 2
, ’- ,~b~:~:(~
©M.~.sT.s."
* ~ _5: ::::c:_ ~=~:-- ~ .......
~pon the earth distress of nations with p~rplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring, men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking
th~ thi~tgs coming upon the earth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecelesiasticsm) shall be shaken¯ . . When ye see these things begin to come to pass,
~now that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejome, for your redemption draweth mgh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
T HIS Journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
presented in all parts of the civilized world by tile WATCI~TOWER
or "Seminary Extension", now being
BIBLE& TRACTSOCIETY, chartered A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as ~ channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and 0£ the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIESmost entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all whowould merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, whogave himself a ranson’~ [a corres,~onding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Wordof God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God, . . . to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made knownunto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, wbile it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdomgranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but ognfident ;
for we knowwhereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in hi~
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns mus~ be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching eli his Word, for the upbuild4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. Andwe not only invite but urge otu~
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Wordto which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
~hat the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship" ; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age---ever since Christ became the world’s Redeeme~ and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God’s blessing stroll come "to all people", and they find access to him.--1 Corinthians 3 : 16, 17 ; Ephesians 2:20-22 i
Genesis 2S : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
~hat meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ~ and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and .precious," shall have been made ready, the great l~Iaster Workmanwill bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between Godand men throughout
the Millennium.--Reveiation 15 : 5-8.
"J?hat the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for everfl
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into th6 world", "in due time"o~
~ebrews 2 : 9; John 1:9 ; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
fXhat the hope of the church is that she maybe like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share hi~
glory as his joint-heir.--1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
¯hat the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for tlm future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace; to be God’s witness to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.--Ephesians 4 : 12 ; Matthew 24:
14; Revelation 1-" 6; 20:6.
That the hope for the world Her in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to a// by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the
restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the han~s of their Redeemer and his glori~ed churcl~
when all the wilfuny wicked will be destroyed.--Acts 3 : 19-23 ; lsaiah 35.
1925 CALENDAR
WATCN
TOWEP,.
BIBLE
&- TRACTSOCIET/V The year text for 1925 is : "Comfort all that mourn." The
calendar is being prepared by the SOCIETY. Tim illustration
shows Jesus bestowing comfort upon others. Printed in six
18 CONCORD
STREET
a I:I BP,.OOKL"/N,/~-Y.
U.S’A" colors, the illustration is very attractive; and we believe
~q~OREIGN OFPICES.* British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Ga4e,
London W. 2; Canadian: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario ;
Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia ; I~outh African:
6 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PI,E~SE ADDRE.qS THE SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
~%Vhile it is necessary to declare that the trouble is Lord; and that this shall reflect the glory of Jehovah
God’s vengeance, we should emphasize the fact that God, the great Creator.
peace and comfort will come to the people only through V°Let all the members of Zion now lift up their heads
the establishment of God’s kingdom. It will be the priv- and rejoice, and continue to sing the praises of Jehovah
ilege of the Christian this year to tell the people that while he goes be[ore to fight the battle of his people.
the kingdom of Messiah will cause the ~ars of the Let them be faithful, loyal and strong in the Lord
earth to cease and will bring to them lasting peace; and in the power of his might. The day of deliverance
that in his kingdom there will be no profiteers to op- is at hand. In a little while they may have an abundant
press the people and rob them of their rights, no con- entrance into his kingdom, there to serve throughout
scienceless politicians to misrepresent them; that there the Millennial Age that is just opening, as trees of
will be no false prophets to mislead them; that the righteousness, by means of which bl essings from Jehovah
King will rule in righteousness and judge the meek anti will .go out to mankind, and which shall stand for-
poor with equity; that famines will cease in the earth; ever to ±he praise of Jehovah and the Lord Jesus.
and that yielding its increase, the earth will provide ~lThere is much to do during the year. Let us not be
plenty for all; that sickness and disease will pass away overburdened about just when we are going home.
mad instead will come health and strength until "the in- Let us think constantly upon the faithful performance
habitant shall no more say: I am sick" (Isaiah 33: of the duties now at hand in order that in his due time
24) ; that the obedient ones of the world, under the we may go home. Then our cup of joy will overflow.
righteous reign of the Lord will be restored to a per- --Psalm 16 : 11.
feet condition of mind and body; that the eyes of the
blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf be un- QUESTIONS FOR B~REAN STUDY
stopped; that the dead shall return from their tombs ; What is the purpose of the outworking of the plan of God?
that families torn asunder shall be reunited and Howmay this desired end be accomplished? ¶ 1.
that the blessings of the Lord will continue to reach What is the expectation of some for this year? What should
out and fill the earth with gladness until the knowledge be our chief concern? ¶ 2.
Wlmt is the obligation of a Christian? ¶ 3-5.
of the glory of the Lord shall be before the minds of What is the desire of each anointed one? ¶ 6.
all; and that the people shall enjoy peace, prosperity, Who are the objects of comfort? Who are to do this
life, liberty and happiness ; and that by keeping the say- comforting? ¶ 7.
ings of the Lord they shall live forever and never die; What is our duty in this day of God’s vengeance? ¶ 8.
What does the term "Zion" mean? Of whom is Zion com-
that the earth shall be made a fit habitation for man, posed? ¶ 9, 10.
and in the course of time the earth will be filled with By whomis the battle waged? Will all of the anointed be
a happy, joyful race of people singing the praises of enabled to meet the onslaughts witt~ the same degree of
fortitude? ¶ 11-16.
Jehovah and of the Lord Jesus. Does the devil see that his time is short? Are members
of his organization being bound? ¶ 17-19.
WHYTHIS TRAINING? Whois the conquering hero? Cite scriptures on this point.
6~God is putting Zion through a course of instruction Whendo these apply? ¶ 20-23.
Whatis the nature of this final conflict? Whatis necessary
and training. And why? The answer is that from to withstand th~ battle? ¶ 24-26.
the foundation of the world it has been God’s purpose What is the commission? What is meant by "ashes"?
¢o establish a kingdom of righteousness, that through ¶ 27-29.
What is signified by ~’beauty"? How is it manifested?
the ministration thereof mankind might be fully re- ¶ 30-33.
stored. It is his plan that his organization shall be What is meant by "mourning"? How may it be dispelled?
used to accomplish this purpose, the Lord Jesus being ¶ 34, 35.
How may we possess joy? How may we dispense it to
the Head of such organization. In the picture of the others? ¶ 36-39.
kingdom given by the Revelator the Christ, I-Iead and What fact will cause the Christian to rejoice? What
body, is represented by a tree of life, the leaves of should be coupled with it? ¶ 40, 41.
which are for the healing of the nations. This pic- What is heaviness, and wlmt causes it? ¶ 42.
ttow do we put on the garment of praise? ¶ 43-47.
ture suggests thai: the nourishment and healing for the Whyis it a wonderful privilege to be God’s representatives
sin-sick and starving world and for their upbuilding and amidst strenuous times? ¶ 48.
restoration, come through the Christ. Has the enemy’s camp been bombarded? What is the re-
sult ? ¶ 49.
°~The Christ is composed of Jesus the Head, and 144,- What is expected of the anointed class? ¶ 50-52.
000 members of his body. Therefore in the picture What will dispel all fear, and make the Lord’s people
given by the prophet Isaiah each one of the anointed impregnable to every foe? ¶ 53, 54.
What are the details of a picture ~or our encouragement?
ones is symbolized by a tree. The argument of the ¶ 55-59.
Prophet then is that the Lord has commissioned Zion What are our duties, and what are our weapons? ¶ 60-63.
to do certain things ; and that a faitMul performance Whyis the world In a state of distress and sorrow? What
of these things shall result in each one who is faithful will the Lord do when the flood of error comes? ¶ 64-67.
Whyis a rigid course of training necessary? Whenwill our
being called a tree of righteousness, the planting of the cup of joy overflow? ¶68-71,
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXTFOR FEBRUARY 4 TEXTFORFEBRUARY 11
"The Lord preserveth all them that love Mm."-- "The joy of the Lord is your strer~gth."--Nehemiah
Psalm 245: 20. 8:10.
T IS comforting to the creature to know that the HIS means to be glad and rejoice in the Lord.
I great Jehovah, whose power has no limitation and
whose Wordis unchangeable, has promised to pre-
T Somefeel glad for a time because of material
blessings which they have, such as houses, lands,
serve his creatures. Such knowledge gives confidence. ease and bodily comfort. But this text applies to the
peace of mind, courage, and joy. Christian only; namely, the one who is in Christ,
To "preserve" means to hedge about, to guard, fo whose word is abiding in the Christian. He realizes
protect, to watch and save. The true Church is no~. the i)erilous times nowon the earth, the great suffering
ignorant of the fact that Satan, the enemy, is employing and distress; but these do not disturb his inmost eahn.
all his agencies and powers to accuse, oppose, deceive, lie appreciates the fact that the enemyis using every
misrepresent, and destroy the seed of promise. At the power at his commandto discomfort and destroy the
same time there is no reason for tile Christian to fear Christian. He is fully aware of the fact that some
the devil or any of his agents, if he has a knowledgeof who claim to be brethren lend themselves, for a time
the divine promises and confidently relies upon them. at least, to the devil by evil speaking and slander, work-
tie whois for the Churchis far greater than all that can ing injury to others. None of these things bring any
be against ft.--Romans 8: 31. joy to him; neither do they discourage him, nor cause
But the Christian must not lose sight of the comlitior.~s him to fear nor to be dismayed.
attached to this precious promise. Not everyone can One who is really devoted to the Lord, because of
claim the promise, not even every one that claims to he love for him and his cause, has a real appreciation of
a Christian. Since the time has not yet arrived to ex- the Lord’s presence, that he has really begun his reign,
tend tile blessings of restoration to the world this teat that there is a desperate battle on between the Lord and
applies now only to the faithful Christian. The one the forces of evil ; and he knowsthat tile Lord is certain
who exercises full faith and confidence in the merit of of victory, tie appreciates the fact that certain kingdom
the Lord, in the spirit of the Lord, and whois striving interests have been committedto him, that the Lord lm~
to follow in tile Master’s footsteps may properly be cometo his temple and is inviting the faithful to eni"r
called a Christian. into his joy. The Christian now appreciates the priv-
With such now the condition of preservation is, that ilege of battling iLL tile cause of righteousness under the
he must love the Lord: "He that hath my command- leadership of his king, and is confident that marvelous
m.ents and keepeth them, he it is that lovcth me." (John blessings upon the people will shortly follow.
14: 21) To love the Lord, therefore, means to devote It is the present great joy of the Lord to knowtha~
oneself unselfishly to his cause. The commandments of the time has come for him to remove from the minds
the Lord are so clear that his people cannot be in doubt of the people the misconception they have of his Father,
about what they should do. and that Godwill shortly extend to them the blessings
The opportunity is offered each child of Godto de- of peace, health, happiness and life.
clare the day of God’s vengeance, to declare that the The follower of the Master, whoreally enters into his
kingdomof heaven is at hand, to comfort his brethren, spirit in this great work, can not refrain from being
and to comfort all that mourn, who desire comfort, joyful in the Lord. This joy in the Lord is his strength ;
which means that tile child of God must be an active and, no matter how desperate the battle may grog if
witness for the Lord to this extent. he continues to hold fast his confidence in the Lord
Such have the absolute assurance that if they abide and his rejoicing in the hope of seeing him face to face,
in the shadow of his hand they will be kept from the this strength will carry him on to victory. Thus he
wicked darts of the adversary. Praise God for this receives comfort frmn the Father, through Christ Jesus ;
wonderful assurance ! and because he possesses the holy spirit, and with thi~
"Then,mysoul, in every strait. joy and comfort that comes to him, he is enabled to be
To thy I,’ather comeand wait; a comforter of others and thus to fulfil the purpose for
He will always hear thy prayer,
Thoushalt havel~is tender care." which the Lord called him.
"Is thy cruise of comfort failing? "For the heart growsrich in giving;
Rise and share it with another: All its wealth is living grain;
Andthrough all the years of famine Seeds which mildewin the garner,
I~ shall serve thee andthy brother. Scattered, fill with gold tlle plain.
Lovedivine wiI1 fill thy storehouse. Is thy burden hard and heavy?
Or thy handful still renew; Do thy steps drag wearily?
Scanty fare for one will often Help to bear thy brother’s burden;
Makea royal feast for two, Godwill bear both it andthee."
11
THE LORD’S SUPPER
----JA~UAr, Y 18 LIUiE 22:7-30 -
CBSERVANCE
OF LASTSUPPER--CUPDISTINCTFR05I PASSOVER--TYPE
ANDANTITYPEJOINED.
"’This is my body, which is gb’en for you: this do in remembranceof me."--Lulce 22: 19.
FTERJesus had eonehded his discourse respect- Onething is clear; namely, that Jesus was slain as God’s
A ing his return at the second advent, he began to
prepare for the Passover supper. Apparently he
Passover Lamb on the fourteenth day of the month.
:lie wantedto eat this Passover with his disciples and to
had not told his diseiples where he wonhl keep the explain its meaning to them. It is the only recorded
feast, perhaps to keep the knowledge from Judas and occasion of his doing so. He nmst cat the Passover,
therefore to save interference by the Pharisees. Some and follow it with the memorial of his death before the
have suggested float Jesus had an arrangement made to actual death take place. John 18:28 is shown to be
keep the supper at the home of the mother of John thoroughly harmonious with the other gospels in THE
]~fark. As the hour for the supper drew on, Jesus sent WATCg TOWER for March 15, 1921, page 86.
two of his disciples into the city to prepare for the sit seems certain, therefore, that Jesus died on the
company. That he had made an arrangement with 14th day of Nisan; and that he ate the Passover on
someone for his rather large company seems certain. the night of what we call the 13th, which, of course, was
2Jesus’ way of sending the two disciples, Peter and the first portion of the 14th day. Perhaps this is the
John, to the house was sin~flar. On entering the city meaning of the message to the master of the house:
they would meet a young man carrying a pitcher of "The Master saith, Mytime is at hand." As they ate,
water. They were to turn and follow him, and then Jesus wouldtalk of the deliveranee of Israel from Egypt
speak to the goodman of the house and to say: "The which the meal commemorated,of the hopes it kindled,
Master saith, Mytime is at hand" (Matthew 26: 18), and of all it meant both to Israel and to Egypt : Happi-
and then to ask that he would take them to the pre- ness to the saved, agony to Egypt. He would speak
pared guest chamber. They were then to make final of the blood of the lamb which protected the firstborn,
preparation. Wemay very properly take it that here and of the roast flesh which they all ate and which gave
were both humancare and divine oversight. Jesus was them strength for their journey, and of the bitter herbs
watchful and careful, and the Father completed the which gave zest to the appetite.
arrangement by having things fulfilled. qt was while supper was proceeding that Jesus, evi-
aWhenevening time came, Jesus went with his dis- dently with the purpose of bringing Judas to a con-
eiples into the city, attracting little or no notice. When clusion, began to speak of the betrayal, saying, "Verily
they were seated he said: "With desire [longing] have :l say nnto you, that one of you shall betray me." (Mat-
I desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer." thew 26 : 21) He quoted the scripture: "He that eateth
(Luke 22: 15) He knew that this would be the last bread with me, hath lifted up his heel against me."
time tllat he could partake of the Passover with his (John 13:18; see Psalm 41:9) This raised the cry,
beloved disciples. It was not because he desired to get from all: "Lord, is it It" and Judas had to take it up
to the end of his minist U and suffering that he so ex- with the rest, only that Judas addressed his Master as
pressed himself; for that would have meant a measure "Rabbi"; he never called Jesus "Lord". Jesus answered
of impatience under his Father’s will for him. It was him privately: "Thou hast said." (Matthew 26: 25)
beeause he saw that on that 1fight he could say to them He gave the sop of bread to Judas, partly that the fore-
many things impossible until then, and he longed to going scripture should be fulfilled, and partly to let
instruct them. Amongst other things he wanted to John and Peter know who it was that shouht betray
show them that he was the true Passover l~amb, and him. Judas took the sop, and with that hypocritical
that only in his death could the true meaning of the act Satan entered into him. He went out into the night
Passover be realized. That night was to see a closing to betray and to sell his Master.
act of the Jewish Age; for never more would a Pass- 7While they were still eating the passover, Jesus took
over be acceptable to God. But besides that, there a loaf and, breaking it, gave to each of the disciples,
would be that night the opening of newer and greater saying, "This is mybody, which is given for you: this
things, of which the earlier ones were in some measure do in remembrance of me." (Luke 22: 19) This gave
the type. to the disciples a new meaning to the Passover. They
4It seems proper to mention again the difficulties would perceive that Jesus meant that henceforth the
which have arisen as to whether or not that night was Jewish Passover ceased for them, and that in fuiur(;
the actual Passover night. Each of the synoptic gos- they were to break together a loaf of unleavened bread
pels seems to preclude the possibility of doubt. :But and eat it as partaking of his body, his hmnan life,
John’s gospel differs ; it reads as if the Jews were to given for them, and to do this as a memorial of him.
keep the Passover on the night after Jesus was crucified. SAlter supper (that is, when the Passover had been
12
JANUARY
1, 1925 The WATCH TOWER 13
eaten) Jesus took a cup of wine and passed it around power and glory of the kingdom he was to have. J:Ie
in the same way. As drinking wine formed no part of said: "You are they who have continued with me
the original Passover supper, it is evident that stone- in my trials. And I covenant for you, even as my
thing more is intended than the thought of a covering Father has covenanted for me, a kingdom." (Luke 22:
by the blood of the Laml). tie meant that, but much 28.29, Diaglott) They were to share in his sufferings
more also. The cup of wine had becomeassociated. -with and in his death, and they should share in his glory. In
the Passover by custom, and Jesus made use of that these words Jesus revealed the fact that God had made
custom to set forth new things in his memorial, for a covenant with him.
now the last Passover supper acceptable to God had ~=Here, then, were joined in Jesus and the Church
been kept. the three great covenants which God had made with
9This passing of the cup was something quite distinct the chosen people, his "elect according to the purpose
from the Passover. As he passed it Jesus said: "This of God". (Romans 9:4; 1Peter 1:2) Now began
is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for those things which should result in giving effeet to
manyfor the remission of sins." (~Iatthew 26 : 27, 28) every typical feature of the Lawand, ultimately, in
This was the first actual feature of Israel’s NewCove- bringing to Israel all the blessings promised them under
naut. Jesus thus distinctly associated and linked to- their NewCovenant; and also that which should pro-
gether the Passover, the first actual feature of the Law duee the s~d of Abraham, of which company Jesus
Covenant (see STUDIESIN THESCII[PTURES, Vol. 2, was the chief member.(gatatians 3 : 29) After Pente-
page 46), under which Israel were condemned, and cost, when the power to understand came in measure
their NewCovenant by which they will be brought upon them, the disciples began to see tbat those who
back into God’s favor and to life. The disciples must trusted in Jesus, accepting him as the salvation of
have been surprised as Jesus spoke of the wine as blood God,were like Israet’s firstborn.
and then bade them drink it; for Israel was not allowed ~aIf Jesus linked the then present with the far-away
under penalty of death (Leviticus 17 : 10) to eat any- past, the night much to be remembered (Exodus 12:
thing which had blood in it. They would remember that 42), he also linked that night with the future, tie
he had already said: "Except ye eat the flesh of the looked forward to the time when he and his faithful
Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in servants would again eat together and together would
you" (John 6: 53); but neither had they understood drink the true wine, that of the joy of the Lord. If
then, nor could they now. It was only when the holy for a time wine was made to represent blood, and there-
spirit had come upon them that they could know what fore death, that was not its permanent symbolism.
he had meant. To drink Mood, then, was to be subject It represents that which makes glad the heart of God
to death ; and Jesus had asked them to drink with him and man. (Judges 9 : 13) There remains the still fuller
and therefore to enter with him into death. joy now not far away, when the Lord and his faithful
~°Thedisciples loved their ~Iaster, they trusted him, ones will see each other without any veil between.
they had given themselves to God through him, and they QUESTIONS FOR DEREAN STUDY
drank the cup. As Jews they might be expected to
What apparently is the reason that Jesus did not tell his
knowthat tim NewCovenant, like all other covenants, disciples where the Passover Supper was to be eaten?
must be ratified; and the ratification by the offering Had Jesus made previous arrangement? ¶ 1, 2.
of a victim would probably be in their mind. Hitherto Why did he especially desire to partake of this supper with
his disciples? ¶ 3.
nothing had been said in the Seriptures about the New Was this particular Passover observed on the anniversary
Covenant having a victim, but now Jesus showed that (late? ¶ 4, 5.
Why did .Jesus sqy: "One of you shall betray me"? Did
he was that victim. He who was the real Passover Lamb .Jesus ol)enly expose Judas? ¶ 6.
was also God’s Lamb to provide the blood for the What was the new meaning of the Pqssover? What did
ratification of the NewCovenant God had promised the bread represent? ¶ 7.
After breaking the bread did Jesus immedi-ttely pass the
Israel. By this action Jesus symbolically showed that wine, or was it after supper? Why (lid the wine me’m
they were permitted to join with him. more than just the blood? ¶ 8.
x’While Jesus was conscious that the crisis of his What is the first actual feature of Israel’s New Cove-
nant? What is it associated with? How is it possible
life was upon him, the disciples were ready to dispute to drink the blood of Jesus? ¶ 9.
amongst themselves about who should be greatest in IIow is the New Covenant ratified? Who is the victim?
the kingdom. Jesus did not judge according to the Is the Church permitted to join? ¶ 10.
Did Jesus view the self-seeking of the disciples compas-
sight of his eyes. (Isaiah 11: 3) Ee saw them beyond sionately? How did Jesus reveal the fact that God had
the immediate present, when they would understand made a covenant with him? ¶ 11.
and when they, like himself, would be fully set for What was now taking place that would give effect to
the typical covenant? When would the disciples under-
God, having the same spirit as he had. It was in view stand that they were the antitype of Israel’s first-
of this, ignoring their lack and self-seeldng, that he born? ¶ 12.
How was that night linked with the future? What else
spoke of them as those who had abode with him in his does the wine represent besides death? Does there remaia
temptations. Newhe joins them with himself in the a fuller joy than that now experienced? 713.
JESUS COMFORTSHIS DISCIPLES
--Jaxt’_~x- 25 Jo~rx 1~: 1-21
SALVATIOX
OBTA1XABLE
THROUGtICHRISTALONE--GOD
~rANIFESTEDIX JESUS--BLESSINGSOBTAINED
BY KEEPING C03[5[ANDMENTS.
"’I amthe way, a’~d the truth, and the life: ~o ~naj~ comethunto the Father, bt~t by me."--Joht~ 1.’~: 6.
tion by Philip, who said that they did not understand, ~aStill further to comfort them Jesus said: "Peace
Jesus said: "He that hath seen me hath seen the I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." (John
Father." These words have very foolishly, very hurt- 1=i: 2~) Then he added: "Not as the world giveth,
fully, and very wrongfully, been made to mean that give I unto you." ~Iany a legacy, many a gift, does
Jesus said that he and the Father were one and the same not reach the one for whomit is intended. But Jesus
being or person ; and therefore that Jehovah, whodwells is his own executor, tie would in heaven look after
in light unapproachable, whomno man hath seen or eau every interest of his loved ones. Again Jesus bade his
see (1Timothy 6:16), moved about in Galilee as the disciples not to let their hearts be troubled nor be
2nan Jesus, suffering the privations whieh eame in the afraid. Nowthey must trust that he was alive and
ministry of Jesus. Jesus’ following words, "I am in caring for them; they must believe that God, who sen~
the Father, and the Father in me," show that he had him to them, was watching over them. Faith and eofl-
no such meaning. fidenee are not merely developments from experiences.
1°it is the raise and blasphemous doctrine of the Primarily they are matters of the will. He who waits
until he feels strong in faith and till his natural fears
trinity which called forth this perversion of a plain
statement. Jesus came from heaven to te!l men of his depart will never get the blessing~ which come through
Father and to show his character; for even the Jews definite faith and confidence, and from the positive
will to be loyal to the Lord.
did not understand their God; and Jesus came to show
by his grace of character and by the truth what God ~*Jesus’ last word iu this legacy was a declaration of
is. (John 1: 14) "Christendom" professes to know his ownfidelity to Godand his witness that he loved the
more than tile Jews did, but it knows little of the Father. I-its last word, "Arise, and let us go hence,"
character of God. was not a mere direction to move from one place to
another. It was his declaration that there was some-
1Uesus went on to say that the works which he had
thing now to be done. tie alone knew just what it was
done in the Fatheffs name should be done by his dis- and all that it meant ; but he was ready.
eiples; indeed, that they should do greater works than
~aThongh Jesus has now returned, these words are
he because he was going to his Father. The reason for
the need of this he immediately stated. A wider field still very precious to the Church, and are still necessary
as direction to each one who has been accepted as a
of service was to be entered into, and the works wouhl
disciple of the Lord. It was to the entire Church that
be according to the wider opportunities. To this end
they were to be entered into a closer relationship with he left his peace; to them he gave these comforting
words. In connection with *he truths which separate
God. He was going to his Father, from whomall the
the Church t~ the Lord, and to separate them from the
power for the works of God came ; and tha~ whatsoever
they would ask in Jesus’ name should be done, that the world, no mancan live to himself. That is, of course,
specially the ease since the Lord has returned and has
Father might be glorified in the Son. But beyond
called his disciples unto him as one body for service.
this Jesus said that on their account he wouhl pray
the Father, and that in response the Father would give QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
them another helper or comforter, which later, lv, a!so Which Apostle gives the most information of the sayings
calls the holy spirit and the spirit of truth.--John 14: of Jesus on the night of his betrayal? ¶ 1.
26, 17. Wlmt caused the disciples to be fearful aL the time of
this lesson? Where are the root and motive Of union in
Christians to be found? ¶ 2.
BLESSINGS OBTAINED BY KEEPING COMMANDMENTS
What were the circumstances when Jesus said : "Let llot
~2The holy spirit which they should receive wouht your heart be troubled"? ¶3.
bring to their memoryall Jesus’ words, to enable them How is the Clmrch alone in the world as Jesus was at0ne?
And yet, how are Christians not o,rphans? ¶4.
to keep his sayings and his commandments. But it What is the viewpoint which the apostles had of Jesus up
would be more than a remembrance, an exciter of the to the time of our lesson~. Why must there now be a
memory. It would be in them the spirit of truth, so change? ¶ 5,6.
Why was it natural for the apostles to think of the con-
that they would have ability to express the truth, and tinuity ~f life in an earthly kingdom? ttow is the state-
to have a constant growth in the life of truth. Jesus ment, "I am the way," etc., to be understood, when com-
assured them fhat he weald not leave them orphans pared with "Whither I go ye know, and the way ye
know"? ~[ 7, 8.
(Jvhn 14: 18, margin), but would come again to them. How is John 14:7 harmonized with 1Timothy 6:167 Con-
In the meantime by the spirit of truth, and by his own trast the truth with the error. ¶ 9, 10.
life, whose power would be communicated to them In what respect do the disciples do greater works than
through the holy spirit, they would knowthat he lived. Jesus did? What is the means of their assistance? ~ 1L
What does "spiFit of truth" imply? What is the result of
(V. 20) He further declared tha’c whoever kept his keeping the Lord’s commandments? ¶12.
commandmentsand showed that he had love for Jesus, What was the precious legney Jesus left with his dise2ples?
would be loved of the Father; and that both Father What shouhl we do to enjoy this legacy ourselves? ¶ 13.
I~ the fidelity of Jesus sti~fiulating to us? What did
and Son would come to such and make their abode ae~.~ mann by "Arise. and let n~ go hence"? Is the
with him.--John 14: 23. true disciple more or less of a public character? ¶ 14, 15.
International Bible Students Association Classes
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTHER H.S. MURRAY
Plympton,.Mass ............... Jan. 18 Taunton, Mass................. Jan. 25 Jackson, Miss ............. Jan. 1(l Poplarville, Miss ...........
North Duxbury, Mass ..... " 19 " Jaa. 27
]’;ast Greenwich, R. I ..... 26 Weathersby. Miss ........... " 18 Vosburg,3Ii~s ................. " 28
Plymouth, Mass............... " 20 Pawtucket,R. I ............... " 27 Collins, Miss ................... " :19 Laurel, Miss................... " 29
NewBedford, Mass ......... " 21 Providence, R. I ............. " 28 Hattie.sbnrg, Miss ........... " 20 l,ucedale, Miss................. " 3(1
F~all River, Mass ............. " 22 Dayvllle. Conn................. " 29 Sancier, Miss ................... " 2I Mobile.Aia...................... Feb. 1
/Newport,R. I ................... " 23 Norwich,Conn................. " 30 New Orleans, La ..... " 23, 25, 26 Waynesboro, 5Ii~ ........... " 2, 3
BROTHER J. A. BOHNET BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Mowrystown,O ............... Jan. 12 Middletown,0 ................. Jan. 19 Ft. Edward, N. Y ........... Jan. 19 Johnstown, N. Y ......... Jan. 28
Covington,Ky ................. " 13 VVestMilton, O................. " 20 %Varrenslmrg, N. Y ......... " 20 Alasterdaai, N. Y. ..... " 27
Felicity, O......................... " 14 Troy,O............................ " 2t Glens Falls. N. Y ............. " 21 Stoltsville, N. Y. ........ " 2,q
Cincinnati, O ................... " 15 Tipi~eeanoe City, 0 ......... " "2"2 Saratoga, N. Y ................. " ’2’2 Kingston, N. Y ....... " 29, 30
tIamilton, 0 ..................... " 1(; Vrbana,0 ......................... " 23 (’anajoharie, N. Y. .......... " 23 l’ougllkeel)sie. S. Y..... Fob. l
Dayton,0 ......................... " lS Springlield, 0 ................... " 25 Gloversville, N. Y ........... " 25 Newburgh, N. Y ......... " 2
BROTHER C. W. CU’TFORTtI BROTHER B, M. RICE
Wllkie, Sank................. Jan. 13 Nanaimo,B. C ................. Feb. 2 Lone Oak, Tex ............. Jan. 16 Shreveport. T,a ........... Jan. 25
Camrose, Alta ............. " 15 Courtenay,l;. C ............... " 3 Greenville, Tex............. " 15, 1~ (Ha(lowatel’, Te’; ........ " 2G
Edmonton, Alta ......... " 1G-18 I,ad.~smith. B. C ............. " 4 ~Vinnsboro.Ten ........... " 19 Big Sandy. Tex ......... " 27, 2,~
Prince George, B. C ..... " 21, "2"2 Sidney,B. C ..................... " 5 Greenville, Tex............. " 20 Grand Saline. Tex ..... " ’29, 30
Prince Rupert, B. C.._ " 2:1. 25 Vittoria, B. C ............. " 6, Simms,Tex ................ " 21, ’2’2 Fort Worfll, Tex ......... Fob. l, ’2
Vancouver, B. C. Jan. 30, Feb. 1 New Westminster, B. C... " 9 Atlaata, Tex................. " 23 Cantoa,Tex................... " 3, 4
BROTHER H. H. DINGUS BROTHER V. C. RICE
Jan. 13 Elkhart, Kan............... Jan. °2,, Tu.~cumbia,Ala ........... Jan. ]8 Tus(’aloosa. Ala ......... Jan. 2S, 29
~r|ehita, Kan...............
Pratt, Kan................... " 14, 15 Ih)lla, Kan................ " 23 Alliany, Ahi................. " 19 Jlessemer. Ala ............. " 30
Arlington, Kan............. " 16 (larden t’ity, Kan ....... " 25, 27 Athens,Ala ................. " 20 ili rniillgiialn, Ala ..... Febi 1
]EIutehinson, Nan ......... " ]S l.’rien(I, b:an................ " 26 Atlanta, Ga ................. " 22-25 P(ql ( itv, Ala ....... " 2
Lewis,Kan................... " 19 Lakin. Kan................... " 28 Bh’niinghani, Ala ......... " 2G llroln Droll, ,~t i,I ...... " 3
Garfield, Kan............... " 20, 2t $5 racuse, l{.an ............. " 29 Culhnan,Ala ................. " 27 Sotldoil, Ala ............... ’~ 4
BROTHER A. D. ESHLEMAN BROTHER C. ROBERTS
l~oseburg, Ore ............. Jan. ]4 Medford,Ore ............... Jan. 22 I{idgetou n, 0nt ........... Jan. 20 Sarnia, On!.................... Jan. 29
Oakland, Ore ............... " 15 Jacksonville. Ore ......... " 23 Leamington. Ont ......... " 21, 22 Lon(hin, Ont ........ Jan. 3(), Feb. |
Canyonville, Ore......... " 10, 19 A~hlan~l, Ore ............... " 25 IIarrow, ( )nt ............... 23 St. Thomas,Ont ............. Feb. 1
Days Creek, ttre ......... " 18 I(hunaih Falls, Ore ..... " 26, 27 "Windsor,Ont ............... " 25, 26 Woodsto(’k,()lit ............... " ’2
-Wolf Creek. Ore ......... " 20 3lac(loel, Ca!if ............. " 28 C, hatham, Ont ............. " 27 Slratford, On1................ " 3, 4
tlogue Biver, Ore ......... " 21 (’hico, Calif ................. " 30 %Vallaceburg,Ont ......... " 28 Milverton, (Inl ................. " 5
.,’,
.¯ , . ¯ ,. ,
.,, %,,: :.-.
SE]~II-I~CIONT~rLy :No. 2
VOL. XLVI
CONTENTS
~k’O~R ~ANCTIFICATION ............................................ "[9
Sanctification of a Class to Rule .................... 20
]DRAYER-~EETING TEXT COMMENTS ........................ 22
QUESTIONS ANDANSWERS ................................... 23
Ancient Worthies Need Redeenler .................... 23
Worthies Receive Further Training ................ 23
Serving tile Lord ................................................ 23
~HE VINE ANDTHE BRANCHES ............................ 24
Vine Fruit Will Enrich the World .................. 25
CHRIST’S INTERCESSORY PRAYER......................... 26
JESUSIN GETHSEMANE .......................................... 28
Jesus Triumphed in Doing God’s Will ............ 29
30
GOODCITIZENSHIP ..................................................
Christians Are Not Social Reformers ............. 31
CONVENTION ATOAKLAND ...................................... 18
U,)oo the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing therhfor fear and for looking
tt~e things coining u~aon the eu’rth (socmtv) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiast~csm) shall be shaken... When ye see these th~ngs be~in to come to pass,
know that the Kmgdo~n of God ~ at han’d. Look up, hit up your head~, rejoice, for your redemptmn draweth nigh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THISpresented
jommal is One of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER
or "Seminary Extension", now being
BIBLE& ~I~kCT SOCIETY,chartered A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students maymeet in the study of the divine Wordbut
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published S~UDISSmost entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all whowould merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. )L), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Le~sons is specially for the older Bible
students a~d teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journa[ stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
]5 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--I~phesians 3:5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdomgranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we knowwhereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as u trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns mas~ be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuild4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Wordto which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
~hat the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age--ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God’s blessing shall come"to all people", and they find access to him.--Z Corinthians 3 : 16, 17 ; Ephesians 2 : 20-22 ;
Genesis 28 : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
~:hat meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workmanwill bring all together
in the first resurrection ; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout
the Milleanium.--Reveiation 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh 4ate the world", "in due time".--
Hebrews2 : 9 ; John 1 : 9 ; 1 Timothy2 : 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she maybe like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his
glory as his joint-heir.--1 John 3:2; John 17:24 ; Romans 8:17 ; 2 Peter 1:4.
~:hat the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace ; to be God’s witne~ to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and prmsts in the next age.--Epbesians 4 : 12 ; Matthew 24 :
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20:6.
~:hat the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the
restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemerand his glorified church,
when all the wilfully wicked will be dcstroyed.--Acts 3 : 19-23; Isaiah 35.
YOUR SANCTIFICATION
"’for this is the will of God, even your sa~ctificelion."--1 Thessalonians 4:8.
O THEmajority of professing Christians, many wisdom, which God ordained [decided upon] before the
T of the simple words in the Bible carry a very world [this age] unto our glory; which none of the
indefinite meaning. Werecall a conversation with princes of this world knew: for had they knownit, they
a lady who came to our office one day to solicit sub- would not have crucified the Lord of glory [they would
seriptions for a paper representing some chamtable asso- have acted differently, and thus have brought God’.~
ciation. She was enthusiastic over the amount of good plan to naught--not that God planned their wickedness,
the paper would do, and declared that it would be a but that, knowing what they would do if they did not
means of salvation to many. Wewere curious to know knowhis plan, he left them in ignorance, to demonstrate
how definite an idea she had in mind of the salvation their spirit of unrighteousness]."--I Corinthians 2 : 7, 8.
she mentioned. She was a memberof a large, elite con- 5St. Peter in his scathing sermonon the day of Pente-
gregation of the city in which she lived. One question cost said: "And now, brethren, I wot that through
led to another, until we asked: "You claim to be saved, igmorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those
and are seeking to save others. May we ask: To what things, which God had before shewed by the month of
are you saved?" She appeared surprised and a trifle all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so
startled, and answered: "Why!to heaven, I suppose." fulfilled."--Acts 3 : 17, 18.
"May we ask one more question? From what are you GNoreasonable person will undertake a work without
saved?" tier face tlushcd; and she appeared a little some purpose in view. Surely God would not exercise
provoked at the pointedness of the question, but an- less wisdomthan would his creatures. The expression,
swered shortly: "Why! from hell, I suppose. But let "This is the will of God," implies some specific purpose
us talk about this paper." on the part of Jehovah. "Even your sanchfieation"
2’i~o many the word sanctification means a sort of implies that his will is to be carried out with the
"feeling", which is supposed to be given to every one coSperation of someof his creatures. In order to secure
whohas experienced "salvation", the "second birth", the their willing cooperation, it was necessary that they
"witness of the spirit", the "new birth", "born again," should unde>-tand, to some extent at ]east, what that
and manysimilar expressions indicative of having been purpose was and how they might perform the part
"converted". In the days of "revivals" every one was assigned to them.
expected to have this "witness". The apostle Paul and ~Suppose a man determine to build a house. That
the other apostles had no such vague understanding as wouldimply the selection of the location, size, materials
to the meaning of the word sanctification. with which to build it, the time whenit is to be built,
’~In our study of the Bible, we must not expect to find the object for whichit is to be built, and all the details
everything "as clear as day" in one text; for Jehovah necessary to its completion. If he is a wise man,he will
has purposely hidden many of his precious things in have all this decided before he begins to build. Then he
such a way that it takes searching and digging to find must secure his workmen. With these he will determine
them. Like the gold and precious gems of earth, some upon the wages; and to them he will give his instruc-
are mixed in with other material and have to be sepa- tions, together with the specifications necessary for them
rated; others, like diamonds, at first appear rough on to carry out the plan as already decided upon by him.
the exterior. Nevertheless, we have Jehovah’s promise sWemight consider the will of the builder as divided
that if we seek, we shall find.--Jer. 29 : 13 ; Luke11 : 9. into certain parts. Itis will concerning the material
4The Church was to travel through a country infested would be one part ; regarding the location another; in
with enemies; and if her Guide-book were written too regard to the color of the building still another. But
plainly, its instructions wouldnot be secrets, but might they are all parts of one whole. There is in reality only
be used by enemies to frustrate God’s plans. St. Paul one will as far as the builder is concerned; but it is
explains this to us, saying, "But, we speak the wisdom subdivided as far as the workmenare concerned. Jeho-
of God in a mystery [by a secret code], even the hidden vah has one work for the angels, another for CLrist and
19
2O ¯ WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N. Y~
the Church, and still another for the urorld. The part there were none suitable for this position of glory, honor
which concerns us the most is the work which he has and immortality. If such were ever found, it would be
£or us to do. necessary to train a class and, since Goddoes not coerce
9In Romans 10:14-17, we read: "How then shall any one, it would be necessary for him to enlist their
they call on him in whomthey have not believed ? And willing and hearty coSperation before he could appoint
how shall they believe in him of whomthey have not them to such a position.
heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher ? ~aTo this end, the Apostle tells us in Ephesians 1:4,
And how shall they preach except they be sent? . . . 5: "According as he hath chosen ns in him before the
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
word of God." :Here is outlined God’s method of secur- without blame before him in love: having predestinated
ing the co5peration of such as he desires to work with us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to
him in the carrying out of his plan~his will. The himself, according to the good p]easure of his will."
Apostle informs us that when Jehovah desired to secure To this end, as stated in the ninth verse, God "made
the cobperation of the’Logos, he set before him certain knownunto us the mystery of his will, according to his
joys or rewards: "Who,for the joy that was set before good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself."
him, endured the cross, despising the shame." (Hebrews 14The word sanctification in Scripture usage properly
12 : 2) The Psalmist puts the reply into the mouthof the means set apart for a holy purpose. In the two quota-
Logos, saying, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book lions, the Apostle calls attention to the plan, or purpose,
it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, 0 myGod: there outlined by God, and to God’s will to carry out
yea, thy law is within my heart." (Psalm 4~0:7, 8) that plan, and to that end his making it known to
This contract between Godand Christ was the basis for those whomhe desired to coSperate with him. The put-
the Lord’s expression, "That they all may be one; as pose of Godwas a holy one; viz., the selection of joint-
thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also heirs with Christ to reigm with him in his kingdomon
maybe one in us: that the world may believe that thou earth. All associated with Christ must be holy. Christ
hast sent me: and the glory which thou gavest me I was holy, and everyone associated with him must be set
have given them; that they may be one, even as we are apart to that holy purpose. Anyoneconnected, therefore,
one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made with this part of the great plan would have to be set
perfect in one; and that the world may knowthat thou apart to this holy purpose or work--be fully sanctified.
hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved ~The apostle Paul in Philippians 3:14 mentions his
me."--John 17 : 21-23. whole-hearted determination to coSperate in the plan
which God had made known to him: "I press toward
SANCTIFICATION OF A CLASSTO RULE the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
~°Christ was a very willing, loyal, and obedient servant Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as manyas be perfect,
of God; and God’s will concerning Christ was fully be thus minded."
carried out through him. In John 17:19 Christ says: ~6Asthe first step in this work of sanctification, the
"And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also apostle Peter says: "Sanctify the Lord God in your
might be sanctified through the truth." Christ here hearts." (1 Peter 3:15) This means that we are
refers to the setting apart of himself for the carrying ~t our hearts and minds to God’s service, to do his will,
out of God’s further purpo~s, or will. He also includes and to obey him in all things. Prior to this, we have
others with himself, and implies that it will necessitate been merely thinking about it, taking it under considera-
work on his part to train those whoare to be associated tion to the end of deciding what we shall do. No
with him. Just prior to this he had prayed that Jeho- positive action has been taken. If we follow the Apostle’s
vah might "sanctify them through thy truth: thy word suggestion and ’sanctify the Lord God in our hearts’.
is truth." (John 17 : 17) This all implies the necessity are we then sanctified? By no means! The road of
of time in the carrying out of the great plan or will sanctification is a long one, and we have merely taken
of God, and the coSperation of all associated therewith. the first step. After we have sanctified the Lord Godin
~ljehovah declares in Psalm 2: 6, 7: "Yet have I our hearts, the apostle Paul tells us what further to do,
set myking upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare saying, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies
the decree [issue the edict]." Further expressions of of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
God’s will are found in Isaiah 9:6,7; Daniel 2:4A; holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
Ezekiel 21:27; and many other texts. service, and be not conformedto tbis world [age] : but
~2God’s plan, we see, was to establish a kingdomof be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
righteousness here on the earth under his Son Christ ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
Jesus. Furthermore, his will was that a class, variously perfect, will of God."--Romans1~:1, 2.
known as the Church, Christ’s brethren, the body of x’:Not only are we to set our hearts toward God, but
Christ, his wife, and other endearing appellations, should we are to present our bodies to him. If we exercise faith
be associated with our Lord in this great honor. But in Christ, Godhas graciously arranged that these bodies
21
WATCH TOWER
of ours maybe counted as a holy sacrifice, if ])resented are the called according to his purpose [plan or will].
by Christ Jesus, as our Advocate. Wehave then taken For whomhe did foreknow, he also did predestinate to
another step toward sanctification. The Apostle here be conformed to [he image of his Son, that he might be
reminds us that we must now turn squal~ly around, the firstborn amongmany brethren. Moreover, whomhe
refusing to be in harmonywith the present world, its did predestinate, them he also called: and whomhe
aims, desires, pleastlres and hopes. Our minds are to be called, them he also justified: and whomhe justified,
renewed, madeover, so to speak, into the likeness of the them he also glorified .... Whoshall separate us from
mind of Christ. As the Apostle says in Philippians the love o2 Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or
(2: 5), ’qet this mind be in you which was also persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Christ Jesus." Are we sanctified then? Oh, no! This As it is written, For thy sake [in harmonywith thy will
is but another step. which has decided that these things are necessary for
lSWeare now headed in the right direction, under a our sanctification] we are killed all the day long; we
capable Leader and Instructor who will guarantee our are accounted as [worthy to be accepted as] sheep for
sanctification "if we hold fast the confidence and the the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than
rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end". (Hebrews conquerors, through him that loved us. For I am [each
3 : 6) Our next step will be one of hard study, as the one of us should also be fully so] persuaded that neither
Apostle tells ns (2Timothy 2: 15): "Study to show -death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers,
thyself approved unto God, a workmanthat needeth not nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to sepaxate
This means hard work. This work is necessary that we us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our
have a strong foundation of knowledge for our faith, Lord." (Romans 8:28-39) All these experiences are
know what we believe and why we believe it, pressing part of our perfecting process, of our being set apar~
forward with a certainty of knowledgeas to what we are for a holy purpose.
seeldng for, "that ye mayprove [to yourselves] what is ’22The Scriptures quite often speak of the Church as
that good, and aecep*able, and perfect, will of God." already sanctified, as the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinth-
The Lord said: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your tans 1 : 2 : "To themthat are sanctified in Christ Jesus,"
Father’s good pleasure [and will] to give you the king- etc. Are we to understand by this that the end of sancti-
dora." Luke 12 : 32. fication can be reached this side the vail ? Weanswer:
~gA further message to *he Church is in Revelation No; for the end of our sanctification is our crowningas
3:21: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit kings upon a throne. This is the ultimate end for which
with me in my throne." These texts are in harmony each memberof the Church is being sanctified. All pre-
with the prophecy of Daniel: "And the kingdom and ceding work will have been but necessary preparations.
dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the Weremember that our Lord said in John 5:26: "As
whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the
of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting Son to have life in himself." This was before he had
kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." actually received the divine nature. It was his by God’s
--Daniel 7 : 27. promise.
2°As soon as we have made a contract to do the will 23Asfar as the Churchitself is concerned, it is as sure
of our heavenly Father, he advises tls further that it is to be selected, elected, crowned,and fully sanctified, as
his will that we suffer with Christ, as expressed in it is that our Lord has already fulfilled his part of the
2 Timothy 2: 12: "If we suffer, we shall also reign contract and has been seated at the right hand of the
with him," and the words of our Lord (Matthew 16: throne of God. As to the individuals composing the
24) : "If any man will come after me, let him deny Church, that is quite a different matter. The sanctifica-
himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." We tion of each individual will dependupon his ownloyalty,
notice the use of the w~rd "if" in both these texts, obedienceto the will of God,and carrying out to the full,
which implies that all service must be of one’s ownfree even unto death, the contract entered into with God
will and choice. It is for us to decide whether we will through Christ. Our sanctification, therefore, includes
enter this way or not ; but having once entered it and the entire work from the time we accepted God’s invita-
signed the contract, we are thereafter expected to follow tion and entered upon the narrow way until we shall be
explicitly flue directions of Jehovah, through Christ. seated with Christ upon his throne. Then will be com-
~To take up one’s cross signifies the signing of our pleted that part of God’s plan expressed in the text,
own death sentence, as far as the hmnan life is con- "This is the will of God, even your sanctification."
cerned. Weagree to have no further choice in the matter
as ~o howour life shall be used, or whenit shall cease. QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
These are ]eft entirely in the hands of our Captain. He What is the meaning of the term sanctification? What are
assures us that we may kaow "that all ±hings work some t)f the erroneousideas which have been attached to
it? ¶ 1-3.
together for good to them that love God, to them who HOw may we know when we have the right thought’.,¶ 4, 5.
¯ WATCH TOWER ~ROOKLYNj N.Y.
What two lines of work are implied in our text, 1 Thessa- Prior to this step, what has a believer been doii~g’? ¶ la.
ionians 4:32 Whyis it ne(.eSSal’y for tile Church to un- What is the second step in sanctification? Howis it -te-
derstand somewhat of God’s phms? ¶ 6. complished? ¶ 17.
Whyis it that the hmnan mind operates in a manner sim- What third step nmst be taken by those who wish to pro-
ilar to the divine mind? ¶ 7, 8. gress? Is this step easy or difficult? ¶ 18, 19.
What method has God used in order to secure the coSpera- What further instruction is given to those who have con-
tion of the Christ, Head and body, with ldmself in the tracted to do tim will of God? ¶ 20.
great work of human salwttion? ¶ 9. What is meant by the instruction to take up our cross and
tIas time been a necessary factor in the carrying out of the follow Jesus? ¶ 21.
divine plan? ¶ 10. Whenis the process of sanctification finished? ¶ 22.
What is the divine plan for mmFsrestoration? 711-14. What assurance have we that the Church will attain full
Quote a text showing the apostle Paul’s detemnination to sanctification? Whyhave we not the same assurance in
coSperate in the divine plan. ¶ 15. respect to the individual members of lhe Church? What,
What is the first step in the process of sanctification? I.
then, is the full meaningof the term sanctification? ¶ 2:
deceiving himself or is trying to deceive others. He But in none other was there to be found that which
who finds himself out of harmony with his brethren God’s vine can give. The disciples would well under-
should immediately give serious attention to his con- stand that Israel as a people was a vine of God’s plant-
dition and position. This does not mean that one ing ; for God had said of them that he had brought them
must not under any circumstances be out of hannonywith out of Egypt and had planted them in his own land
those with whomhe is immediately in contact ; for it (Psalm 80: 8-13), wholly a good vine. But they had
sometimeshappens that a majority of a class are out of failed and brought forth only wild grapes; and God
harmony with the Church in general. With all the had perm"itted the wild boar of the woods, the Assyrian
faithful ones Jesus abides. He sees to the needs of and other Gentile nations, to trample on his vine.
each true disciple. There is never any lack of the sap, aaThe fruit of the vine, therefore, which should glad-
the life of the vine, to these. There is as constant evi- den the heart of God and man would not be found in
dence that he lives in them as that flmy live in him. Israel, but in him. Then there was the vine of Sodom,
SThose who thus abide in the vine will ask of God which represents the world’s lusts and pleasures, which
whatsoever they will and it is done for them.. This is bore grapes of gall, and whosewine was as the poison of
not a promiscuous promise to say that one may ask for dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. (Deuteronomy
anything in heaven above or earth beneath ; it is to be 32: 32, 33) There was also the wild vine which grew
understood only in respect to asking concerning things here and there on the slopes of Israel’s hills, a poisonous
relating to fruit-bearing. Personal prayer should be plant. It was of this plant that the sons of the prophets
for those things which make for spiritual advancement, said to Elisha: "There is death in the pot." (2 Kings
for a better understanding of the Wordof God, for a 4: 40) Andthere is the vine of the earth, which brings
moreearnest desire to do his will, and a more earnest de- forth this evil fruit now being gathered. The grapes
sire to have a heart set whollyfor him, seeking his praise. of the earth are nowbeing gathered to be east into the
’aWhat is the fruit which the husbandman so much winepress of the wrath of God. (Revelation 19: 15)
desires, and for which he takes so much care of the This is the vine of the devil’s planting, gladly cultivated
branches? It is often thought that it is the same as by mankind, who wanted to get their joys in their own
that which Paul calls the fruit of the spirit; namely, way unhindered by the will or desires of their Creator.
love, joy, peace, and those other graces which go to the ~In his beautiful picture of the true vine Jesus re-
making of a full character set for righteousness. But peatedly reveals the nearness of the Church to himself.
that answer is only partly correct, and in itself is some- He tells the disciples that he has loved them as the
wl~at misleading. The difference between the fruit of Father loved him; and that henceforth they were not
the spirit and the fruit of the vine must be maintained. to be called servants, but were to have th% status of
~°The vine was set that the knowledge of God might friends. They were not treated as servants ; for he had
be spread abroad in the earth; that men might come to told them all he knew of that he had heard from his
know him and, knowing him, might enjoy those bless- Father. By abiding in him, keeping his command-
ings of favor and restitution promised so long ago, but ments, loving as he loved, they would be ever fruitful
held in reserve and revealed "in due time" through his towards God, and would glorify his name. They were
Son. The fruit of the vine will enrich and bless the to have his life (v. 4) ; his love (v. 9) ; his joy (v.
world. When the goodness and the love of God are
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
known, the sons of menso long blind and deceived will How is God’s purpose in salvation represented? What is
turn to him. This was expressed by the prophet Isaiah, the union of vine and branches designed to show? ¶ 1.
whenhe said that "Israel shall blossom and bud and fill To wlmm does the "vine" belong? How was a still further
union of vine and branches to be brought about? ¶ 2,3.
the face of the earth with fruit".--Isaiah 27:6 ; 40: 5. When Jesus said: "Now ye are clean," what did he mean?
~The fruit of the spirit is not the knowledgeof God What do his diseipIes have that merits them a place in
spread abrcad in the earth. The holy spirit is given the the kingdom? ¶ 4.
What is necessary in order that the Christian may bear
Church for the development of those things which are fruit? Wltat is the responsibility of the branch? ¶ 5.
contrary to nature, but which make the life of a true Is the promise, "Ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be
done unto you," limited in any way? What does it mean
disciple. The spirit is given that the disciple, the to be "in Christ"? ¶ 6, 8.
branch, may become such as will make him a good What does it mean to "abide in Christ"? If we abide in
branch in the vine, a perfect vehicle for the purpose him, does he abide in us? ¶7.
Is the "fruit of the vine" the same as the "fruit of the
of God. Its operation now in the heart and n~ind of spirit"? ¶ 9-11.
the disciple results in knowledgeof Godand in joy to Specifically, what is the fruit of the vine? ¶ 10.
the receiver. Whenthe holy spirit has finished its For what is the holy spirit given to the disciples? ~ 11.
work in the Church, then the fruit will be found in Was Israel after the ilesh ever a true vine? What kind of
fruit did it bear? ¶ 12.
plenty, and mankindwill enjoy it and live. What kind of fruit does the vine of the earth produce?
=2Jesus said: "I am the true vine." tits words of Name some other vines. ¶ 13.
How is the nearness of the Church to her Lord beautifully
necessity draw attention to the fact that there are other illustrated? How are the true disciples treated? ~?hat
vines with which he must be compared or contrasted. does the Church get from Jesus? ¶ 14.
CHRIST’S INTERCESSORY PRAYER
--FE]~nUARY 8 JoJgx 17 : 1-26-
JESUS"CARE FOR HIS ’OWN--TI:[E NA~iE FATJgER SIGNIFIES F.ELAT]ON’SHIP--TIIE LOVE OF JESUS FOR HIS CHURCH.
"’Holy Father, keep thegn in thy name whieh thou hast given me, that they may be ocre, even as we are."--
John 17: 11, R. V.
~tIEN Jesus had finished giving to his disciples
W his last words of guidance and counsel, his
for the intercession of Jesus. Godon his part had sent
a message concerning himself by his Son, and they on
valedictol 7 blessing, he had still something their paffc had received it. He had said to them:
to say, not howeverto them, but in their hearing. Lift- "For the Father himself love~h you, because ye have
ing up his eyes to heaven, he began to pray the prayer loved me, and believed that I came out from God."
recorded in the l~th chapter of John, our study for (John 16: 27) To care for the little flock, the first
today. The prayer is properly called intercessory, but believers and all those whohave believed o~x him through
it is not that in the ordinary sense in which that term their word, has been Jesus’ work all through the age.
is used; namely, that of reconciling two parties whoare The world, to whomthe witness of the kingdom had
at variance, l~or is there pleading for the disciples as been given, will get its blessings in due time.
if such were specially necessary on their behalf. The 6Jesus began his prayer by a supplication for himself.
intercession is that of one whopresents to the Father He asked that the Father would glorify him, for his
some for whomhe is responsible and who are acceptable hour had come ; but this, like all true prayer, is only
on that responsibility according to an arrangement pre- that the Father might be glorified. There is some work
viously entered into.--John 16 : 27. yet to be done, even though he would say a moment
2That night Jesus had led his disciples on from point later: "I have finished the work thou gavest me to do";
to point. He had told them of the heavenly places to for Jesus had not yet suffered the last mortal agonies.
be prepared for them, and of the high place he himself But in all these words which Jesus had with his disciples
was to have in the heavenly realms. Nowit is as after the supper, after they had drunk the cup with him,
if he withdraws a curtain ; for he reveals glory for the he speaks of himself as if he had passed his trials, in
Church in union with himself and with the Father victory. His are the words of a conscious overcomer.
such as he himself enjoyed. If we use the illustration Indeed, he had said of the world that he had overcome
of the Tabernacle, it is as though there were a progres- ft.--John :16 : 33.
sion from the altar of sacrifice through the holy place 7Jesus prayed that he might be glorified with the
into the most holy to the divine presence ; for Jesus glory hc had with the Father before the world was.
spoke of his death (represented by the altar), and of the This is not to be understood to mean that he prayed to
life "abiding in him" (which corresponds to life in the be reinstated in the position and the same relationship
holy place) and then of the ministry in heaven. he had with the Father before he became a man; he
SHewho truly follows the Lord is conscious of such could not pray for that. He knew, as these chapters
an experience as is here depicted, a ]Lfe lived in the show, that he was to enter into a higher position than
presence of the King. The Tabernacle seems to repre- that then held. He had been promised a place at the
sent states of experience as well as the actual progression Father’s right hand; he was to be made Lord (Psalm
of the spiritual Israelite. Unlike Israel of old, spiritual 16 : 11 ; 110 : 1 ; John 13 : 13), and he asked that the
Israel is permitted to see and experience some of the covenant might be made good. (Luke 23:29) He was
blessings of the inner place; there is no veil between still to be the Father’s channel, but in a much more
them and their Father in spiritual things.--tteb. 9:8. glorious office. The prayer shows the responsibility
4This prayer more than any other words of Jesus lets which Jesus felt. A work had been given to him which
ns see what is the divine plan as it relates to the Church. could not be carried out in his humanlife, and only as
Jesus came to give his Father’s message to Israel con- he had authority. He therefore prayed that the glory
cerning the kingdomof heaven, soon to be seen in opera- he had with the Father before file world was, when he
fion in its first or incipient phase: he had to witness also had all things in his care, might again be given him.
to the character of his Father. But his most important, s Jesus then said : "I have manifested thy name unto
that is, his immediate, object was that of drawing to the men which thou gavest me out of the world." Later
himself a people whose hearts were desirous of serving he said: "Holy Father, keep through thine own name
God. He had now succeeded in this, and had accom- those whomthou hast given me," and "I kept them in
plished every phase of that work. "I have glorified thee ~y name."--John:17: 6, :11, :12.
on the earth : I have finished the work which thou gavest "It was the communication of the ~a~ne which began
me to do." (John 17:4~) His immediate care was for to make the difference with the disciples. What is this
these, lie ministered for them ; he presents them to the name? Does the name mean the character of God?
Father; he prays for them; he prays not for the world. Here it surely means more than a revelation of the
SAcareful reading of this chapter discloses, so far character of God. It means a relationship of sonship
as the disciples themselves are concerned, only one reason entered into. With every change in God’s plan he has
26
JANUARY
15, 1925 27
WATCH TOWER
disclosed a new name £or himself. The name he now ~JJesus prayed that the Father would sanctify, or
gave for himself through Jesus was that of Father. set apart, or cleanse, the disciples. He had sanctified
Jesus camespeakil~g of his Father; he soon spoke to his himself, giving himself wholly to his Father. God
disciples about "your Father in heaven’. (Matthew had set him apart for the work, and then Jesus had put
5:48; 6:8) It is one thing to say, as "Christendom" all his heart and mind and soul and strength into the
does: "Our Father who art in heaven," and to repeat service. He would have his disciples follow his lead--
the words as if they were part of the acceptable worship the Father to separate them to this service, and they
of God; but it is altogether another thing to knowGod through Jesus’ merit to follow on. Then he prayed for
as Father in the sense so clearly meant by Jesus. He a still closer union of the Church with the Father and
who has accepted Jesus as the one sent of God, and who himself, even that "as thou, Father, art in me, and I
has consecrated himself to God and has been begotten in thee, that they also maybe one in us." (John 17 : 21)
again, can knowand understand that God is the Father. To this end, knowing that it was according to the
It is in this name that the faithful servants of the Father’s will, Jesus said that he had given to his dis-
Lord have been kept. These children of God have not ciples the glory or honor which the Father had given
thought of God so much as the God of heaven, though ~o him. There is a great objective in this beyond that
more than others they have been ready to give the glory of unity. It is: "That the world may know that thou
due to his p.ame. They have thought of him as their hast sent me, and hast lowd them, as thou hast loved
Father, and have prayed to him as such; they have felt me." The world has not yet come to this knowledge.
his Fatherly care, and have had the witness of the spirit ~:~TheLord at this time is gathering his faithful to-
that they were the sons of God. Romans8: 14. gether; and the Church of Christ is united as never
~°The never-ceasing care of Jesus over his own is before. It is learning the true unity with the Father
revealed by this prayer. He was, indeed, as the Apostle and the Son. By its faith and loyalty the world will
calls him, "that great Shepherd of the sheep." (Hebrews come to know that Jesus was sent of God; and that the
13 : 20) He knew that he was about to die and would Church, nowgiving its witness for God, is loved of the
then be entirely unable to look after the sheep; so he Father as he was. It was chosen in him, and is accept-
prayed to the Father, asking him to care for them. able in him. (Ephesians 1:4) Concerning his Church
Here is the Seripture’s rebuke to those who say that Jesus said : "I u’ill that they also, whomthou hast given
Jesus did not (could not) die, who claim indeed that me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my
his death served only to give him more liberty, more glory, which thou has given me: for thou lovedst me
life, and more possibility of service. He knew that he before the foundation of the world."
would be dead until the third day. Hence he asked his ~qt is only as one is quickened by the holy spirit
Father to take care of the sheep while he was under the that Jesus’ true relationship to the Father can be seen.
power of darkness--while he was dead.--Luke 22:53. (1 Corinthians 12 : 3) Here is not (asorthodoxyfoolishly
has it) the voice of Godspeaking. It is a voice of priv-
**Manywho hold "orthodox" views snatch a fancied
ileged authority, and yet one of prayer. Jesus’ last
support from St. Peter (1 Peter 3: 19), saying thai words in his ministry were a declaration of his continued
Jesus, whencrucified, went on a mission to spirits in purpose--he will continue to make the Father’s name
prison, and was very busy during the (lays whentile Bible
known, "that the love wherewith thou hast loved me
says that he was dead. But why should it be presumed may be in them, and I in them."
that Jesus would leave his sheep, at the time they
speci’fily needed a shepherd, to go to preach to somewho QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
were alienated from God? The Father answered the What may we call the prayer of John 17? ¶ 1.
prayer of Jesus; the faithful disciples were umnolested What does the illustration of the Tabernacle represent in
our lesson? ¶2, 3.
by their adversaries, the priests. The word which What blessing does spiritual Israel experience? ’[[3.
Jesus had given to the disciples had the effect of separ- What is the first or incipient phase of the kingdom? What
ating them from the world, making them as separate did Jesus do for his disciples? ¶ 4.
What is Jesus interested in? How does he speak of him-
from it as h- himself, whoin no sense was of the world. self? ¶ 5,6.
This, of cmlrse, dces not mean that the followers of What dld Jesus mean by praying for the glory which he
had with the Father before the world was? ¶ 7.
Jesus are separated from men, but from the world as What is now the new name which the disciples must come
an organization, from those arrangements which are to understand? ¶ 8, 9.
intended not for tile welfare of the humanfamily but What encouraging thing is revealed by this prayer? ¶ 10.
Show the fallacy of tim thought that Jesus preached a
for the enrichment or enjoyment of the few at the ex- word-of-mouth sermon to the spirits in prison. ¶ 11.
pense of the many. That which separated them was What did sanctification mean to the Lord Jesus? What
the knowledge of the Father and of Jesus, and of the does it mean to each consecrated Christian? What is
the objective in the prayer beyond that of *meness of
hope of glory which he had set before them, and the the divine family? ¶ 12.
hope of serving their God. A new life was quickened What is taking place at the present time? What will be
tho glorious portion of the Church? ¶ 13.
by this knowledge. They should be joined to Jesus, and Who are privileged to see the relationship between the
be one as he and the Father were one.--John 17:11. Father and the Son? ¶ 14.
JESUS IN GETHSEMANE
--FEBRUARY 15 ~[ARK 14: 32-42~
JESUS PUT TO THE SEVEREST TEST--PROPIIETIG STATEMENTS GIVE JESUS COMFORT--JESUS TRIusrrHED IN DOlXa
GOD’S WILL,
"’Not what I w~ll, but what thou wilt."--Marl~ 14: 86.
~EREit not for what John says (John 18: 1)
W it wouldappear as if all that John had hither-
before, and again there was no response to his prayer.
qt is easy to imagine the heavy thrusts of Jesus’
to recorded was spoken in the upper room; but great enemy.Jesus appeared to be ~’iendless. tie had been
the synoptic gospels read as if Jesus left the roomwhere in Jerusalem during the week witnessing for his Father;
they had kept the Passover as soon as the supper and and he knewthat the people were turned against him by
the memorial had ended. Jesus sought the place on the their leaders, the chief priests, the scribes, the Pharis2es,
sides of Olivet (~:[atthew 14: 26) where he had spent and the elders, and indeed all those of note and author-
his nights during the week. Jesus was confident that in ity. And now even his beloved disciples, who had so
the strength which he had always received from commu- recently professed their love and devotion, seemed to
nion with his Father he wouldbe able to meet the trims of have little care or understanding. What depth of agony
the next bitter hours. But as they entered into the Jesus suffered no man can tell. But he wavered no~
shadows, it was as if he also entered into the valley of in faith, tits going back to his Father the third time
the shadowof death. not only reveals his earnest longing to find comfort, but
2Whenthey arrived at the place, Gethsemane (Luke tells also of his abiding confidence in his Father.
22: 40), Jesus began to speak to them of the need for SThe Golden Text for today expresses Jesus’ deepest
watchfulness. Probably it was then that he told them thought and purpose: "Nevertheless not my will, but
plainly why Judas had left the room before partaking thine, be done." (Matthew 26:42) He had told his
with them of the emblems of their Mastm~sdeath and Father of his desire, of what his will would be; but if
their fellowship with him in his suffering even unto it should be that the Father answered his prayer only
death. He urged them to watch unto prayer, lest they by an apparent refusal to hear his cry, then that expres-
also should fall. Generally speaking, Jesus’ motives sion of his will would be sufficient. The Apostle says:
toward Jehovah and the people were misunderstood and "He was heard in that he feared." And as he certainly
perverted, tte knew that wicked men were to be per- had not prayed to escape the pain of sacrifice, it is
mitred to seize him; but he would rest in the fact that clear that the Father caused his heart to be comforted.
his Father’s will was being done, for he knew and did tie found rest td his soul in the determination to quiet
not misunderstand. But now to his surprise his com- himself and to take the events as they should come
munion with the Father seemed not as usual. He was without any effort or even desire to escape them. It was
startled. Mark says that he was amazed. Something the last lesson in obedience that Jesus needed to learn.
very unusual and unexpected had come upon him. It ~The Psalms 115 to 118, called by the Jews, "The
was a beginning of that which a few hours later brough~ Great Hallel," were sung by Israel at the :Passover
forth his expiring cry. Leaving eight of the disciples supper. It is therefore almost certain that Jesus had
he took apart Peter, James and John, to tell them that joined the disciples in singing the 116th Psalm; but it is
his soul was troubled "even unto death". very probable that it was not untiI he was in the garden
a Jesus long had knownthat his life would be taken and almost through his sore trial that even he knew
from him, bu~; now that death loomed dark and power- that the PsMmapplied to him and at that time. Look-
ful before him he shrank from it. As he prayed, an mgback, we can say that surely it was written that he
agony came upon him; for there was no response. IIe then might have the eomfort and guidance of the Scrip-
became alarmed. Apparently he had not thought tha~ tures. (Romans15 : 4) Rememberingits setting, and ap-
he would be called upon to bear such a trial as this; plying it primarily to him, we briefly examinethe Psalm.
for nowit appeared that he must also be shut out from 7¥erses 1-4 speak of the joy when Jesus had found
communion with his Father. ttow long a time he deliverance from the sorrow and distress which seemed
prayed we may not know; probably it was an hour. well-nigh to overwhelm his soul. Jehovah had heard
Then he left the seclusion, and came to the three. He his supplications. He had prayed that he might mee~
could not talk with them of his trial, but their sympathy the end in full confi~rme of his Father’s love. /Bat
and love would mean much to him. tie found them as he had approached the Father, there seemed to be a
asleep. He seems to have roused Peter to ask him, lack of .response; and he had feared. Verses 5, 6 are
who had made so much profession, if he could not his expression of gratitude for the eanff~)rt .realized.
watch with him one hour. They did not understand He was brought low, but God helped him. In v.
his trial, but they might have roused themselves to see 7 he bids his troubled heart be still, and ~eturn to ks
whether or not they eould serve him in some way accustomed rest in God. The unusual circumstances,
He returned, and they slept on. tie again prayed as ¯ nd the lack of response from his Father, had brought
28
fear and had filled him with distress. V. 8 describes Paul shows, there must be a corresponding price given:
the deliverance realized: "For thou hast delivered my A perfect human life yielded up to correspond with
soul from death, mine eves from tears, and my feet Adam’sperfect life forfeited by his sin. (1 Timothy 2:
from falling." He knew now that he was at one with 6) Had the life of Jesus been taken from him sud-
God. He would walk before the Lord "in the land denly and unexpectedly, the purpose of God would not
of the living’’. This is a poetic expression to indicate have been fully met. So far as Jesus was concerned
life in communionwith God. It also represents that his consecration was a voluntary acceptance of his
condition of conscious relationship with God which Father’s will continued even until death, until, as it
Jesus spoke of when he said: "lie that heareth my were, he should meet death face to face; for to him
word, and believeth on him that sent me... is passed there could be no "natural" termination of his life.
from death unto life." (John 5:24) Jesus now ~If then at the last, Jesus shrank from so dreadful a
confidenceentered into the rest of faith. thing, the silence of his Father was intended to showthat
8Jesus had prayed not so much that he might be there could be no deviation from the path originally
raised out of death, but that he might meet it in the set for his dear Son and faithful Servant. And the
confidence of union with his Father. In v. 10 he de- Father knew that though he tried his beloved Son to
clares his confidence: "I believed, therefore have I the utmost, Jesus would rise into full and perfect
spoken." It was faith in the written Word of God acceptance of his will, and would triumph over all of
which saved Jesus. tie tells of the low state to which Satan’s attacks. God does not always meet the cries
he had come: "I was greatly depressed. I said in my of his servants in the same way. WhenPaul prayed
alarm, All men are false [swearers] !" (Rotherham) so earnestly for deliverance from that which seemedto
Never was one more lonely than was Jesus at that be a positive hindrance to his work for God, Godat last
time. Even his own loved disciples were about to be answered him to tell him that his request could not be
offended in him, as he knew and had told them. granted, tie did not so answer Jesus; for the answer
(Matthew 26:31) Whomcould he trust? Even the was in the silence which turned Jesus’ attention back
best, the beloved Peter and James and John, had allowed to the scriptures written to guide him in all his ways.
themselves to be overcome by sleep, though Peter had a~Thoughthe 116th Psalm seems to have been special-
assured him that no harm should come to him. And ly written for Jesus, the Bible Student knowsthat these
his Father did not respond to his cry. But now his Psalms, as other scriptures, have a special application at
soul found rest; and then he said: ’I will take the the time of the setting up of the kingdom of Christ.
cup; it is bitter, but it is the cup of salvation which It is clear from the context that this Psalm has an ap-
is the means of life to me; I call upon Jehovah; i plication now to the Church of this day. This means
drink the cup; I drink it in confident assurance, calling that there is an experience for the Church which will
upon the name of the Lord; I will pay my vows now correspond to the Psalm, though it does not mean that
in the presence of Jehovah’s people.’ Then he realized there will be so sharp a trial to the Church as her Lord
that his death was precious in the sight of the Lord. had when it was fulfilled in him personally. Yet the
In full submission to and faith in his Father he says: Churchwill need her faith to the end, even though there
"I am thy servant, the son of thine handmaid, thou is about her the light of the kingdom.
hast loosed my bonds." (V. 16, Rotherham) tie is QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
ready nowto offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving in the Where is it likely that Jesus spoke the words of John,
courts of the Lord’s house. chapters 14, 15, 16 and 17? Had Jesus anticipated that
his communion with his Father would be cut off? ¶ 1.
9Without doubt this Psahn had muchto do with help- What was Jesus’ concern for his disciples at this tin]e?
ing Jesus to see his Father’s will for him, and to com- What was it that alarmed Jesus7 ¶ 2, 3.
fort himself in God. It was under the direction of the Can we begin to imagine the terrible experiences that Jesus
endured, resulting from his sacrifice? How was Jesus’
Father that those Psalms had been clustered for the faith tried to the limit? ¶ 4.
Passover, and that this unusual Psahn had been in- What was the deepest thought and purpose of Jesus? l=tow
eluded. It was waiting for him--and for the Church, did he quiet himself? ¶ 5.
"in due time." Thus has God laid up treasures i~ his How were Psalms 115 to 118 often used? When is it
likely that Jesus came to realize that Psahn 116 was
Wordwhich in due season become food for his servants written for him? ¶ 6.
and also their chart to guide them as to his will and How do vs. 1 to 9 of Psahn 116 fit the circumstances? ¶ 7.
as to the course they should take. How was Jesus strengthened by verses 10 to 16? ¶ 8.
What evidence is there of the foresight and love of God
~°It is evident that this sore experience of Jesus was for his children? ¶ 9.
necessary to the plan of God; for in that plan it was Why could not death be a natural termination of life for
Jesus? ¶ 10.
needful not only that Jesus should die but that he What was the silence of Cmd designed to teach Jesus? Does
should also enter into the sufferings associated with the Father meet the cries of his children always in the
same way? ¶ 11.
death. He knew that he must give his perfect life as What food ts there in the 116th Psalm for the Church at
the ransom price for the redemption of men ; for, as the present hour? Do we still walk by £aith? ¶ 12.
GOOD CITIZENSHIP
----}i’EBRU3~RY
22 Romans 13:1-I4
SCRIPTURES ENJOIN S[XBMISS1ON TO GOVERNSIENTS--GOD’S PEOPLE 11AVE POSITION OF AI,IENS--CHRISTIANS ARt~
a~OTSOCIAI,I~EFOR~EI~S.
"’Thou shall love thy ~teighbor as thyself."lRomans 13 : 9.
HE lesson for today provides an example of the
T confusion which exists in the minds of manygood
persons in respect to tl~e relationship of the dis-
of neither Jesus nor Paul. Such a life can by no means
give or be a witness to the power of the grace of God
to keep one in the midst of a crooked and perverse gen-
ciple of Christ to the world in which he lives. eration. (Philippians 2: 15) Nor can any support
~0ur last studies, Jesus’ last words with his disciples drawn from the teaching of Jesus or of his apostles for
and his intercessory prayer, showclearly that his dis- the Protestant Puritan thought that the Christian
ciples were as separate and distinct from the world as should showthat lie is a disciple by a supposedlypious atti-
he himself. The truth which they had received would tude and demeanor. True separation nnto the Lord
have the effect of separating them from the world; so is first of all in the spirit.
muchso that the world would hate them as it had hated ~The mind is turned towards righteousness and to the
him. Wedo not expect to find the apostle Paul saying interests of the Church of God and God’s kingdom. It
something which is contrary to his beloved Master, is with this ql.lestion in mind that Paul writes to the
whomhe so specially represented as teacher of tile l~omans, lie savs: "Let every soul be subject unto the.
Church. Whatever the meaning of his words, he cannot higher powers." (Romans 13: 1) This matter of rela-
be understood to teach that the disciples should be in tranship to the powers of this world was prominent in
the world and also of it. The question, What is good the early days of the Church, as it is now. The dis-
citizenship ?, does not arise, so far as the disciple of Jesus eiples were taught that the course of this world was con-
is concerned. He certainly is a citizen, but not of any trary to the interests of men, and to look for the return
earthly state. Paul writing to the Philippians says: of the Lord when he would establish a kingdom of
"Our citizenship is in heaven."--Phil. 3: 20, Young. righteousness based upon truth and the love of God,
JThe denomil~ations teach that the Christian is at which would bless all men.
all times to endeavor to be a good citizen of his town 7As Jesus was really their King, whose will they muA
or country or nation, and to set such an example that obey, the disciples wonderedwhat attitude th%" should
the world may be charmed by the picture of good and, take in respect to the ruling power, which of course was
with the aid of the teachers of the church, becomethem- Rome. Prod writes to them and also for the Church of
selves such good citizens that it maybe truly said: "The God till the Lord’s return. The powers of which he
kingdom of heaven has at la~,t come." But now this speaks are all rulers whoare acknowledgedto have the
is not even a forlorn hope. right to make laws, whether autocratic or democratic.
4What, then, is the attitude of the Christian towards If, therefore, one should resist those powers he would
the social arrangements of the people amongst whomtie be resisting the ordinance of God, and he can do that
dwells, and the govermnent by which he must lie bound, only to his own hurt. (Romans 13: 2) On Romans
that is, to the general order of this world? He should 13 : 1 the clergy (’lass, in their owninterests, have based
be an exampleof obedience and submission. (Titus 3 : 1) and promulgated the doctrine of the "divine right of
But (as our lesson will show) this teaching of the kings" to rule. The Apostle, of course, makes no such
Apostle is intended to cover only those phases of govern- ttatement, nor gives any such authority.
mental order which do not interfere with the disciple’s Sin saying that the powers that be are ordained, or
consecration. The disciple must always follow the ordered (margin), Paul refers to the fact that since the
Master’s injunction, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God day when God made Nebuchadnezzar king over all the
and his righteousness." (Matthew 6: 33) He must not earth he and the governments which followed him were
consider himself as the enemyof the particular govern- to hold dominion until "he should come whose right it
ment under which he lives, nor be an opposer of tlle is". (Ezeldel 21: 27) In the image which Daniel saw,
local institutions which are set for the welfare of the Nebuchadnezzarwas represented by the head of gold. The
eomm.unity in which he resides, nor be sullen in his following empires, ~{edo-Persia, Greece, and Rome,w~re
acceptance of them. But he nmst ever remember that to hold sway until the day of Jesus Christ. This or-
his citizenship is in heaven. dination of Godmeant that his people Israel were to be
SThe question is, Howmust a disciple of Jesus, who subject to the Babylonians, the Persians, the Grecians,
knows that he is not of the world, and must walk con- and the Ilomans, were to acknowledge them as their
trary to its course, live orderly in it, and yet in such a lords, were to obey the laws which these governnnnts
wayas will be a credit to his l~Iaster ? It is evident that madefor the regulation of their empire, and to pay the
the Meathat one must be actually separated from the imposed taxes. But Paul did not memtthat, if any of
world and live as a monkor as a priest is the thought these heathen or beast-like govermnents (as they at’e
30
JANUARY 15, 1923
WATCH TOWER 31
also shown by Daniel to be) should order an Israelite kingdom which God has promised through the Word,
to worship their gods, the Israelite must obey that order. and for which he has prepared his King. There is no
9Jesus whenbefore Pilate admitted Pilate’s authority, more direct word in this connection than that of the
but for his good told him that he could have no power apostle
D James: "The friendship of this world is enml
were it not given him from above. Jesus taught his with God." (James 4: 4) If it is right to seek to stop
disciples by both precept and example that they must the injury of intoxieating drink by repression, it is also
consider themselves as subject to the authority under right to endeavor to introduce laws to stop the many
which they lived. Jesus was their King, and his Fath- other forms of wickedness bywhich men are morally
cr’s will was that upon which they must set their hearts. injured, and if one opens that door for himself he cannot
In all things where the laws of the country in which they remain partly in and partly out; he must be either for
should reside did not conflict with the teachings and his Lord and for the kingdom of God~ or he must be
will of their Master, they were to be subject to them. for this evil world. The Word of God is dear: This
This means that no disciple of Jesus can take part in world cannot be amended; it must finish its eourse.
any movementof a lawless or rebellious nature against ~fPaul goes on to say that tribute, custom, fear, and
a government, or share in any movement which honor, must be rendered to whomsoeverit is due, and
wouldinjure the ruling powers. It properly follows that the disciple must owe no man anything. Love to God,
the disciple may not take any part in the making of due respect to the ruling power, love to his neighbor,
the laws of the country. That is not his business. He and a watchful care for a consistent walk, are Paul’s
must be neither a law-makernor a law-breaker. In verse injunctions for the disciple of Jesus. Peter, writing about
4 Paul states that to the disciples the powersthat be are the samesubject, says that we are pilgrims and strangers
really ministers of God for good. In other words the in the world. (1 Peter ~: 11) Let the follower
laws and arrangements of the country enable the disciple Jesus live according to his Master’s spirit and instruc-
to serve his Master by giving him opportunities of ser- tion, and he will glorify the name of his Father among
vice which would not be obtained were he living in a men, and they shall "by your good works which they
savage or a barbarian country, and the restraint which shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
he must Imturally feel, is good discipline for him. (1 Peter 2: 12) In taking what may be called a nega-
Further, if the disciple of the Lord does wrong, the tive attitude towards this world’s affairs there is nothing
execution of the law upon him is to be considered also which is contrary to the Golden Rule. Love must be
as the punishment of God for the wrong doing. There- the controlling factor in the life of the disciple. Ite may
fore the disciple of Jesus must be a law-keeper not only not be a good citizen from the politician’s point of
because of the punishment which disobedience to the view, but he must be a good neighbor. :ge knows that
law wouldentail, but for eonscienee’ sake: he must con- only by the power of the returned Lord can the world
sider himself as serving Godin keeping the laws. be put right. Till the Lord’s kingdom has broken down
all rule and authority and power opposed to the king-
~°This study is timely. Our day is one of change;
old things are passing away. Men of good-will want dom, it will be the duty of the disciple to keep the in-
junction given by Paul.
to improve the conditions under which the poorer peo-
ple of the earth live, and to help those who are weak QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
in will power to a better condition of moral life. There Whymust Christians necessarily be separated from the
are many who, if they could, would introduce and en- world?Are Paul’s instructions regarding citizenship con-
trary to the teaching of Jesus? ¶ 1,2.
force legislation with the object of prohibiting those Howdo the denominationsmislead the peaple on this sub-
things in humanlife which plainly are huI~tful. ject? ¶ 3.
What should be the attitude of the Christian toward the
~Ouly a clear understanding of the true position of present order? ¶ 4, 5.
the disciple---and others are Christians only in name What question did Paul have in mind when he wrote:
and not in fact--can keep him straight in these things. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers"?¶ 6.
Are the "powersthat be", of which Paul speaks, legitimate
lie must ask himself : Whatis the object of the reform ? powers? Howhave the clergy perverted this? ¶ 7.
lie will surely cometo the eonelusion that it is an en- The ordering of the "powers that be" refers to what
deavor on the part of well-disposed persons or politicians period of time? Does this "ordination" show that both
fleshly and spiritual Israel were to be subject peoples
to better this present evil world, and will find no reason until the comingof the kingdomof God?¶ 8.
for thinking that the reform is instituted as from or Did Jesus admit that Pilate had authority from above?
by the Lord. He must realize that the time has come What are the duties of the Christian toward his home
country? ¶ 9.
when Jesus has begun to establish the kingdom of Is Godestablishing his kingdomon earth through the in-
heaven, lie will realize that Satan is doing what he strumentality of the politicians? Should the Christian
can to oppose the establishment of the kingdom, both league with Satan in doing a supposedly good work?
¶ 10, 11.
by active opposition to the message of the kingdomand Does not the true Christian better any communityin which
by an endeavor to show that the world can be improved he lives? Whenwill this fact become known? Is the
negative attitude toward the politics of the world, and
by such measures as prohibiti(m and by what is called the positive attitude toward the righteousness of God,
good citizenship, so that there will be no need for the the ideal position for the Christian? ¶ 12.
International Bible StudentsAssociation Classes
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
NewLondon, Conn............. Feb. 1 Waterbury, Conn ..... Feb. 8 Mobile,Ala.................... Feb. 1 McCool,Miss ............. Feb. 9
Deep River, Conn ............. " 2 Derby, Corm............. " 9 Waynesboro, Miss ........ " 2, 3 Aberdeen, Miss ......... " 10
Cromwell, Conn ............... 3 Branford, Corm ......... " 10 Enterprise, Miss ......... " 4 Fnlton, Miss ............. " 11, 12
Hartford, Corm................. " 4 New Haven, Conn ..... " 11, 12 Columbus,Miss ............. " 5 Iuka, Miss ................. " 15
NewBritain, Conn ......... " 5 Milford, Conn............. " 13 Okolona,Miss ............... " 6 Tuscumbia, Ala ......... " 18
Torrington, Conn............. " 6 Bridgeport, Corm ....." 15 West Point, Miss ......... " 8 Birnlingham, .%18 .... " 17, 18
": ";"...:. :,
. -...- ."
CONTENTS
~’IIE ROBEOF RIGHTEOUSNESS ................................ 35
Robe Given When............................................ 37
Joy Essential ............................................... 3¢’
The WeddingGarment ...................................... 39
I°ItAYER-~EETINGTEXTCOM.~II’.NTS ....................... ~l
CDRIST BEFOREPILATE ................................... 42
False Accusations by tIypoer[tes ................... 43 I
~NTERESTING LETTL’ItS ........................................... 44
TIlE SAVIOR ONTIIE CROSS.................................... 4~
Paradise Still Future ..................................... 46
QI ESTIONANDANSWER ..................................... 47
a7
Was ,Tesus Raised ~o the Dtwne N:~ture? ........
] ~ADIO PROGRAMS ................................................... *~4
1~ UROPEAN TOUR ..................................................... ’,~4
"’I ~c~ll strand ~tpon ~ny watch and n’~ll ,net my foot
upo~ the q’olccr, mid w~ll watch to s~e ti’hat He will
sa~] unto n~e, au:t i,-l~et answer f shall make to the~
that oppose me."--Habakkuk ~: 1.
~:--~-~ _ . ......
= ....
U~on the earth distress of nat~ions with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring, men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking
tlie Cain,s co~fin~, upon the e~rth (soelcty) ; for the powers of the heavens (eeeles~ast~(,sm) simll be shai.en . ~,Vhen ye .~ee those ~mngs begin to come to pass,
kaow that the Kmgclom of God xs at hand. Loo,~ up, hft up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption drawetl~ mgh.--Matt. 24.33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
T~IISpresented
journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments
in all parts of the civilized world by the
in the system of Bible instruction,
WATCH TOWER
or "Seminary ~,xtensfon", now being
]~IBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
l students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
is r announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIESmost entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister o/ God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older :Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
---redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, whogave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Wordof God, its further mission is to "make all see wllat is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made knownunto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--I~phesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into ftrllest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdomgranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we knowwhereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its colmnns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuild.ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
leaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Wordto which reference is constantly made to fac,litate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
~hat the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age---ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God’s blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.--1 Corinthians 3 : 16, 17 ; ]~phesians 2:20-22 ;
Genesis 28 : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantiine the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great ~lastcr Workmanwill bring all together
in the first resurrection ; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between Godand menthroughout
the Millennium.--Revelation 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every mar~ that comcth into the world", "in due time".~
Hebrews2 : 9 ; John 1 : 9 ; 1 Timothy2 : 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she maybe like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share hts
glory as his joint-heir.--1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace ; to be God’s witness to the world ; and to prepare to be k~ngs and priests in the next age.--Ephesians 4 : 12 ; htatthew 24 -"
14; Revelation 1; 6; 20:6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the
restitution of all that was lost in Adam,to all the willin~ and obedient, at the hands of their 14edeemer and his glorified church~
vheu all the wllfully wicked will be destroyed.--Acts 3 : 19-23 ; Isaiah 35.
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Vet. XLVI FEI~RUARY
1, 1925 D’e.3
received his kingdom and began his reign. In 1918 very conclusion of the Church’s earthly e.\perienee.
he cameto his temple; that is to say, began the special Some have come into Christ since 1918; and upon
reckoning with the temple class. their proving themselves loyal and faithful, we wouhl
agConcerning the parable of the talents we read: understand that they also would receive the robe of his
"After a long time, the lord of those servants eometh, righteousness, cominginto his approval as being of the
and reekoneth with them," evidently referring to the temple class.
same time. It was the interests of the kingdomhe had *4Receiving the approval of the Lord, indicated by
committedto his servants; and it becametheir duty and the garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness,
privilege to safeguard all these interests by earnestly would suggest that such a one is saved. Hence he would
contending for the faith once delivered to the saints use the words the Prophet has put into his mouth:
and by telling that message of him and his kingdom to "He hath clothed me [invested me] with the garments
others. Whenhe examines the faithful ones he says: of salvation and covered me with his robe of righteous-
"Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will ness." Each individual would be able to say: ’The
make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into Lord has brought me under the robe of Christ’s right-
the joy of thy Lord."--Matthew25 : 21, 22. eousness.’ Be it noted that the Scriptures do not re-
4°Necessarily this would mean approval. That body fer to this as individual robes for each one, but as the
of Christians on earth who at the time are faithful, robe which is granted to the approved class.
and ~ho have the approval of the Lord because of faith- 4~At the Cedar Point Convention, September 1922,
fulness, it seems would be the ones that would re- there was assembled a representative body of Chris-
ceive his robe of righteousness; that is to say, an ap- tians. They represented manyother Christians through-
proval which would bring joy to their hearts. It does out the earth. It was there for the first time that we
not seem reasonable that the Lord would take under began to have an understanding of the vision of Isaiah.
his robe those who claim to be his, and who at the (See Isaiah 6:1-11) In this picture the Prophet
same time were opposing the work of his kingdom; represents the temple class after the Lord Jesus takes
nor those who were failing and refusing to avail them- his power to reign and when he comes to his temple
selves of the opportunity to make knownhis presence class. The time of the fulfilment of this prophecy is
and his kingdom. The facts show that only those who located by the death of Uzziah, who represented nominal
have been anxious to tell the message of the kingdom Christendom. It was in the latter part of 1918 and the
have entered into the joy of the Lord. beginning of 1919 that eeelesiasticism openly joined
*~Weunderstand it was in 1918 that the Elijah work hands with the devil’s empire. There the trim Church
ceased, and that in 1919 the Elisha work began; and began to realize, as never before during the harvest,
those whodiscerned this fact, and appreciated the privi- that a wide witness must be given concerning the Lord’s
lege of boldly declaring the message of the King and kingdom. As did Isaiah so did the Church hear the
advertising his kingdom, received a double portion of voice of the Lord saying, "Whomshall I send and who
the spirit; that is to say, their joy in the Lord was will go for us?" And as a body, representing all the
greatly increased. These have thrown aside all fear, fully devoted ones throughout the earth, the response
and delight to do the Lord’s will in telling forth the was: "Here am I, send me." From that time for-
message of his kingdom. (1 John 4:11,18) These ward the Lord’s truly conseerat.~d and devoted ones
appreciate the words of the Prophet: "The joy of the in the earth have gone forth in his strength rejoicinz.
Lord is your strength."--Nchemiah 8: 10. Since then they have engaged in the most strenuous and
*~All such then abiding in Cl~rist, and whojoyfully effective campaign in advertising the King and his
continue in the faithful performance of their covenant, kingdom. This they have done with joyful hearts.
appreciate that the King of Glory is present lea,,ling Theyhave tl~aly entered into the joy of the Lord.
his army on to victory, and that he is setting up his
kingdom for the blessing of mankind; and this brings JOY ESSENTIAL
great joy to their hearts. Having absolute confidence 4~Understanding, then, that it is whenthe Lord come~
in th, ~ Lord, and knowingthat he is at the hehn, they to his temple, examines and proves those remaining ttn~
say in substance: ’I know my Lord is here and dofng side the vail, that the robe of right,’ouslwss ig granted
h> work. Where he ]cads I shall delight to follow. to the companyof the approved ones, it wonhl follow
~o matter what I am called to pass through, I know that those who continue under the protvctmn of the
that all things will work together for mygood, because Lord for the remainder of the way must also abide under
I love him and have the confidence that he has called his robe of righteousness. It would mean that the loss
meaccording to his purpose.’ of the joyful devotion to the Lord would also seem to
*qt does not follow because the Lord came to his mean a loss of the robe of righteousness, the Lord’s
temple in 1918 that the examination or trial of the approval and protection. The joy of the Lord seems
saints was there completed. It seems reasonable that absolutely essential to the Christian’s successful warfare.
he would continue this examination and testing to the The Apostle puts it: "But Christ as a son over his
,the WATCH TO W E R 39
own house[temple of the Lord]; whose house are we, ding, and that those bidden made light of i~
if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the and went their way to their farms and mer-
hope firm unto the end."--Hebrews 3: 6. chandise. During the harvest period the Lord
47Joy in the Lord does not mean a temporary happi- sent forth his faithful and wise servant, Brother
ness. Even the seed of the serpent may be happy for Russell, together with his fellow servants, to the pro-
a time, but not joyful. One who is really joyful in fessed Christian people to tell them, and whohave told
the Lord possesses that inward satisfaction and delight them, about the Lord’s kingdom: That the Church is
that results only from a knowledge, realization and ap- the Bride of Christ and that soon the wedding between
preciation of the fact that the Lord’s kingdomis here; the Bride and the Bridegroom would take place, and
that the Lord is.marching on to victory and we know that the blessings of the world would follow. The
that victory is certain; that Satan’s empire soon must special messagewas : "Comeout from the world, and de-
fall, and that the people then will have a blessing. c]are your allegiance to the Lord."
These things bring a real joy to his heart. It is the ~2Theclergy of nominal Christendom and the princi-
joy of the Lord. It is, then, the Christian’s blessed pal ones of their itocks scoffed at the message, and
privilege and duty to have part in advertising the King made all manner of light of it; and these turned to
and his kingdom. A real enthusiasm for the Lord’s worldliness, and have engaged in worldly schemes for
cause and his kingdomseems to be absolutely essential ; what they call the uplift of mankind. Their message
and why should not the Christian rejoice? He sees has been, and is, "The world for man and man for
about to be fulfilled the hopes held by Christians for the world. Let us make much riches and build strong
1900 years. He sees, further, that the hopes long held world powers and rule the world for ourselves." This
by faithful Jews are to be realized; and, furthermore, they have emphasized particularly since 1918 to
he sees that soon the people will be relieved from their this time.
great burdenand will enter the valley of blessings, there 5aVerse six of the parable states that the remnan~
to bask in the sunshine of the Lord’s love and be healed took his servants and treated them spitefully and slew
of their physical, mental and moral sin-sickness, and them. The remnant here properly refers to those of
bring glory to Jehovah and to the great King. eeelesiastieism who had not openly joined hands with
the devil’s organization, but who in fact did so, who
THE WEDDING GARMENT claim to represent the Lord, yet who led the persecu-
4SThcreseems to be a difference between the robe of tion and still lead it against those whofaithfully declare
righteousness and the wedding garment Briefly stated, the message of the kingdom.
we believe that difference may be set out thus: The ~*Be it noted that those who are most vicious in the
robe of righteousness, as abovestated, is a covering given persecution of the Lord’s servants are of the class who
by the Bridegroom to the prospective Bride class, in- claim to believe in the Bible and to represent the Lord.
dicating her approval and complete protection; and The Modernists, who have denied the Bible and the
tim ~edding garment symbolizes a joyful conformity Lord, care little what anyone says concerning the Lord’s
by the Chmstian to the Lord’s way or arrangement in kingdom. They are foe much wrapped up in them-
preparing for the wedding. selves.
vaSince a garment is a covering by which one is ~SVerseseven shows that when the king heard of their
nmrked or designated or distinguished from others, or conduct he was wroth, and sent forth his armies and de-
a mcans of identification, it would follow that a wed- stroyed those men and their city. This may be said
ding garment would identify the wearer as one who to apply to the complete casting off of eeclesiastieism and
bad complied with the requirements concerning those the destruction of its power and influence. In 1919
whowtll be of the Bride class. eeelesiastics either openly or covertly abandoned the
5°This would depend somewhat at least on wh,4t the Lord. It is a fact that the powerof ecclesiastieism over
wearer himself dl(l or does in order to conform him- the eommonpeople is rapidly passing away.
self to these requirements. ~6In verse eight the Lord says to his servants that
5CPhe parable of the wedding garment undoubtedly the wedding is ready and that they who were bidden
had an application to the ecclesiastical element at the were not worthy. Whenecdesiasties joined hands in
end of the Jewish Age. (Matthew 22: 2-14) At the the adoption of the League of Nations as "the political
end of the Gospel Age we find that there is an exact expression of God’s kingdom on earth", they declared
counterpart of that ecclesiastical element which existed themselves wholly unworthyof the Lord’s further favor.
at the end of the Jewish Age. By this we mean a 5~In verse nine the Lord commandshis servants to
class of men who claim to represent God but who do go out in the highways to proclaim his message and to
violence to the Wordof God. Surely the parable applies gather in some likely and some unlikely. During the
at this end of the Gospel Age. Verses four and five past few years the consecrated have been fulfilling this
of Matthew 22 show that the Lord sends forth his by advertising the King and his kingdom,and by declar-
servants to tell his message concerning the wed- ing s his messageto all of those who have a hearing ear
4O ’r e WATC H TOWER
announcing that the wedding is ready, that the Lord If the work of advertising the Ki.ng and his kingdom
is setting up his kingdom. Some have come in, some has the approval of the Lord, then it necessarily foltows
likely and somenot so likely. that those who oppose that work can not have the ap-
5SThen the King comes to see the guests. "He saw proval of the Lord; and this would be represented by
there a man which had not on a wedding garment: the ones who present themselves at the wedding, but
and he saith unto him, Friend, how earnest thou in who have not on the wedding garment. Jesus plainly
hither, not having a wedding garment? And he was stated that there will be a class whowill claim to have
speechless."--Matthew 22: 11, 12. preached in his name and to have done many wonder-
~:’It could hardly be said that the weddinggarment is ful works and to whomhe will say : "I never knewyou."
justification, for the reason that justification must be --Matthew 7: 22, 23.
had before one becomes a new creature; and it is the 6q~Iay we not understand this to mean that many
new creature who wears the wedding garment. Bear- will claim to represent the Lord whohave clearly ignored
ing in mind that the wedding gam~ent is used as a his commandmentsin doing his work in his way, whom
symbol of identification or distinction to identify one he will therefore not recognize? These would present
as ready for the wedding, then surely it must be worn themselves for the wedding and, not having done the
by those who are expecting to be membersof the bride work in his approved manner, would therefore not
class. The garment is to be put on by the guest him- have on the wedding garment. The Lord ha.; his
self, and this garment is that which would win the ownway of doing his woi’k preparatory for the wedding,
approval of the Lord. The garment, or that which and those who insist on doing work in his name but
will constitute his approval, is furnished by the Lord in their own selfish way we would not expect to have
and the guest must put it on and keep it on. It must his approval.
be put on according to the Lord’s requirements. It ~aIt would seem then that the wedding garments
would therefore seem to picture clearly the class of identify a class who joyfully obey the Lord’s eorn-
Christians who see the message of the Lord, who recog- mandments, which calls forth his approval; while the
nize his presence, who recognize that his kingdom is robe of Christ’s righteousness represents that this class
here, alld who joyfully obey his commandments to pro- has the approval of the Lord, therefore has come under
claim the glad tidings of his kingdomto others and who his robe of protection and blessing and joy. Other-
strive to conformtheir ownlife to that message. Other- wise stated, a class of Christians do the Lord’s work
wise stated, it would be doing the Lord’s will, keeping as best they can, in his way, and by so doing they are
his commandmentsin the way he has pointed out that putting on the wedding garment and keeping it on;
the same must be done. and when the Lord examines them and grants his
c°Without doubt there is quite a numberon earth who approval this is pictured by them as a companyreceiv-
have a knowledge of the truth and who have some hope ing or coming under the robe of his righteousness.
of being of the Bride class, but whosince 1918 in par- 66The Lord, addressing the man without a wedding
titular have been doing nothing towards advertising garment, says: "Friend, how earnest thou in hither,
the King and his kingdom. The Lord says : "If ye love not having a wedding garment?" The Bible shows
me, keep my commandments." (John 14: 15) One that only three times the Lord used this word "friend"
the special commandments he has given to the Church is, and in each instance it was addressed to one who claimed
"This gospel of the kingdomshall be preached in all the to be a true and faithful follower of the Lord.
world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the 67The Lord used this term in addressing the mur-
end come."--Matthew 24: 14. murer who complained and murmured against the Lord
"~The Lord has said to his people: "Ye are my wit- for the reward he had received. (Matthew 20: 13)
nesses, saith the Lord, that I am God."--Isaiah 43: used it in addressing Judas, whoprofessed fidelity to the
12 ; 51: 16. Lord and vho became a traitor to the Lord. (Matthew
G2St. John says: "By this we know that we love the 26 : 50) lie uses it in this parable to a class at the
children of God, when we love God, and keep his com- end of the age who claim to be his servants, yet who
mandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep have failed and refused to be obedient to him, and who
his commandments; and his commandments are not are therefore disobedient. It maybe properly said then
grievous." "Herein is our love made pmffect, that we that the word is used ironically or as a modeof speech
may have boldness in the day of judgment; because meaning that which is contrary to the literal sense of
as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in the word.
love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear GSTheremay be somewho are consecrated to the Lord,
hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in who have a knowledge of the truth, and who read the
love."--I John 5 : 2, 3 ; 4 : 17, 18. WATCH TOWZR, but who do not agree with what it con-
~aSurely these scriptures can mean nothing else but tains. With such we have no controversy. There may
that the Christian who gains the approval of the Lord be some who claim to love the Lord, but who do not
nm~.t joyfully proclaim the message of his kingdom. believe that the SocI~.T~: is doing the Lord’s work and
rELiquArY
1. 41
WATCH TOWER
who oppose the SOCIETYand those who are working Ilow are the phrases "garments of salvation" and the "robo
of righteousness" used in the Scriptures? How is "gar-
tog. ther therein. These are entitled to their opinion. ment" used? ~ 3-15.
We will not quarrel with them. But it seems that IIow is a robe defined? ¶ 16-23.
we can truly say that all who love the Lord and his Isaiah 61:1-3. The speaker is who? Who is the speaker
second presence, and who are joyfully anticipating be- in verse 107 When this is understood, what is im-
minent? ¶ 24.
ing of the Bride class must ha~;e boldness in tMs dWto de- How does the phrase "robe of righteousness" apply, and
c are the messageof his kingdom, to advertise the King what does it mean? How does the term "garments" apply,
cl~,d his bingdomand thus to showforth their love for him. and what does it mean? ¶ 25-27.
When are the saints approved? ¶ 28-30.
"’Let each one judge for himself whether there is any From what point of time does Psahn 50:5 apply? ¶ 31-33.
ether body of Christians on earth aside from those of the Of what does the "temple" consist? Is there a special in-
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION and the spection and judgment of the Lord’s people going on now?
~YATclt TOWER BIBLE& T~ACTSOCIETY that are boldly ¶ 34-38.
Who are those who hear the words of divine approval?
declaring the messageof the Lord’s kingdomand trying to ¶ 39, 4O.
obey his commandmentsby carrying this message to XVhen did the Elijah work change to the Elisha feature?
all parts of the earth. What is the result to those who discern the change?
¶ 41, 42.
7"l}elieving that the Scriptures clearly teach that joy- How long will the Lord continue this special examination?
ful service of the Lord is essential to receiving his When did these matters begin to impress the minds of the
l.m’d’s people? ¶ 43-45.
approval now, we shall be pardoned for urging all What is indicated by a loss of joyful devotion to the Lord?
vtm claim to be consecrated to the Lord, whether they ¶ 46, 47.
a,-ree with us or not, quickly to engage in the Lord’s Is the "wedding garment" different from the "garments of
salvation" and the "robe of righteousness"? ¶ 48-51.
s"rvice and go forth joyfully, felling to others the mes- What message have nominal Christians scoffed at? How
,,a,~e of his kingdom. The joy of the Lord is essential were the messengers treated? What does the Lord do?
and is strength from the Lord to every one who will ¶ 52-58, 65.
Who puts the "wedding garment" on? Who takes it off?
r:’ceive his approval. To pu.t it on means what? ¶ 59-64.
How did the Lord address the man without a wedding gar-
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY ment? How did he use the word "friend"? -¶ 66, 67.
oY.’hnt is righteousness? Daes it not seem reasonable that those who read the WATCIt[
How do we obtain it? Is the rob TOWER, who know the truth, and who know where we are
of righteousness a different thing? Who is the recipiet ! m~the stream of time, should with boldness be advertis-
of the robe? ~[ 1,2. ing the Kingand his kingdom? ¶ 68-70.
"’He was wou.ndedfor our transgress~ans, he was bruised ]or our ~nw[uities."--Isaiah 53: 5.
drink it. ~e wa~ oppressed, and judgment was taken *qt should be noted that all the leaders were against
from him. (Isaiah 53: 3, margin) The reason of this Jesus; Sadducees, Phari~es, Herodians, lawyers, chief
apparent injustice we know, and the reason for his priests, scribes, and elders are named. (Matthew 22;
silence we know; our Golden Text states it: "He was 26: 3) Jesus was not waated by the Jews, either by
wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our the leaders or by the people; and with the exception
iniquities."--Isaiah 53: 5. of Pilate at the last, the Romans despi~d him.
lqt was a strange way that the Son of Man must take 19Men both great and small are still the same, and
to win salvation for men. "It pleased the Lord to history is repeating itself. But the trouble now upon
bruise him; he hath put him to grief." (Isaiah 53: the world is causing some of the people to look for hope
10) Wicked men did as they pleased, and unwittingly from God, and to listen to the message of the kingdom.
worked out the purposes of God; for Jesus was God’s =°Though Jesus would no~ reply to his accusers, and
Lamb for sacrifice. He went to the altar a willing said nothing beyond that which gave a witness against
sacrifice. injustice, it is evident he did not intend that his disci-
HOPE ENTERTAINEDFOR SOME ples should not speak in self-defence when haled before
~6The accounts of these sufferings of Jesus carry those in power ; for he promised % mouth and wisdom,
God’s message to us. We learn what hatred will do, and which all your adversaries shall no~ be able to gainsay
the terrible depths to which self-will can drop those nor resist."--Luke 21 : 14, 15.
who are self-seekers. The murderous hate of the Phari- QUESTIONS FOR BEREANSTUDY
sees is the outstanding world-example of the terrible What is the worht’s most shameful and saddest picture?
condition to which the religious hypocrite may fall; ¶],2.
and the enlelty of Pilate is an example of the heartless- Howof en and with what intent did Jesus use the word
]~.ess of man away from his .God. These hypocrites "friend"? ¶ 3.
Itow did Jesus manifest to the mob that they could not
were much more blameworthy than Pilate, though no take him against his will? What is meant by the cup
excuse can be made for him. The people who supported in John 18:117 ¶ 4, 6.
What was Jesus’ method of rebuke to the mob? To the
their leaders were less blameworthy than either; for high priest? ¶ 5, 7.
they took their lead from these. Howdid the Jews show their hypocrisy? Why did Pilate
~There is hope for the people in the day of their send Jesus to Herod? ¶ 8, 9.
Howwas Pilate’s own callousness demonstrated? ¶ 10, 11.
return to favor; and Pilate, despite the shame and con- Was it a noble sight to see Jesus gorgeously robed and
tempt which will be his in the resurrection (Daniel 12 crowned with thorns? What caused Pilate to quail
before Jesus? ¶ 12, 13.
2), may, if he will, get the blessing of God which Would Jesus attempt to justify himself? 714, 15.
will come to him through his victim. But Judas, the What are the outstanding world-examples of murderous
son of perdition, went out into the darkness forever. hate and cruelty? ¶ 16.
For whomis there hope, and for whomis there no hope,
And those who made use of him, and urged him on, in this great tragedy? ¶ 17, 18.
probably shared his fate; for despite all their pro- ttas the world materially changed since Jesus’ day? What
fessions they were bitter enemies of truth, of Jesus, is th(~ trouble now upon the world doing? Is there
difference between tile defence of Jesus and that of his
and therefore of God.---Luke 10: 16. disciples? I[ 19, 20.
INTERESTING LETTERS
BEREANSTUDIES STILL IMPORTANT brethren everywhere to keep up their Berean studies, using
]DEAR BRETHREN ; the STUDIES IN THE SCR[PTURES and also THE ~VATCH TOWER.
It is maintained by some of the friends in the ecclesia This has been the policy of the SOCIETY~ at all times, and
that THE WATCH TO’WERteaches that the study of TH~ we feel sure that it is important that the classes ~ontinue
WATCH TOWER at this time is more important than the study in the same way.
of the Volumes. In fact, there is evidence of an increasing
disregard for Volume study. We find that many of the
friends in various classes are doing less and less homeread- V. D. M. QUESTIONSBRING BLESSING
ing of the Volumes. DEARBRETHREN :
Since I do not find that THE WATC[tTOWER takes such Greetings in the Lord. Please find enclosed V. D. M.
a stand, I would be glad to have you give me a direct ex- Questions, which I have tried t~ answer because I feel that
pression as to what we shall understand q.[~HE WATCH TOWER it is necessary to go forward in the Lord’s work. Even
does hold. I am sure it will be a great help in maintain- tlmugh I may not have come up to the standard required
ing that oneness of spirit in the ecclesia and mayincidental- I have derived a great blessing in attempting to answer
ly be of blessing to other friends. them.
Ever praying that the Lord may continue to guide and Manypleasant hours have I spent looking up the Scrip-
bless your labors of love, I am, by his grace your brother tures, not only pleasant but instructive.
in his service. , Calif. I wish you all joy in the work you are doing for the Lord
Replying to the ab~)ve letter: The policy of the SOCIET~Y and please accept the love of your Brother, in Christ,
Ires not changed in thi~ r._~pect whatsoever. We urge the It. A~ES,Australia.
THE SAVIOR ON THE CROSS
]~IARCl~
8 LUKE23 : 33-46--
JESUS’ SUB.MISSION TO GOD--PEOPLE SHAEED IN DERIDING JESUS--ATONEMENT ~[UST BE MADE-----PARADIS]~
IS STILL FUTURE-
"He lhat spared not h~ own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with h~malso freely
give us all things ?"--Remains8: 82.
EFOREsending Jesus away, Pilate washed his
B 5Arriving at the place of crucifixion, the soldiers
own hands in the presence of the people to de- lost no time. in the execution of their duty. Jesus was
clare his innoccncy of the blood of Jesus. But he subjected to the indignity of being disrobed, then to the
did not wash away his guilt nor his shame. There are terrible cruelty of being stretched out and nailed on
two names forever associated with the shameof the death the cross. Whatever others might do, he was as a lamb
of Jesus: That of Judas, who represented the chief in the hands of the slaughterers; there was no resistance
pr:ests, and the nameof Pontius Pilate, whorepresented from him. Whenthe hole had been digged, the cross
the world powers. It wa~. because it was the will of God was raised and placed in position, a terrible moment
that Jesus should die, that these men were permitted to for the crucified. Andthere is no reason for thinking
pursue their way unhindered, that the soldiers would showany pity.
~There are several reasons why God permitted these 6Nowthe Son of Man was lifted up. (John 8: 28)
things: (1) Jesus had come from heaven to die But there was no one now to say: "Behold the Lamb
a ransom price for the human family; (2) as God of God." The disciples had not yet regained their
had separated the Jews from the other nations and courage, but kept afar off. The fear which was upon
had made a covenant with them, and as failure to Ihem prevented them from remembering Jesus’ prayer
keep its law meant a curse (Deuteronomy 11:28, 29), ~or them--that the Father would keep them while
it was necessary, because of their failure, that they he, their Shepherd, was unable to do so. (John 17: 11)
should have a special redeemer, and that the redeemer But the womenwho had been in Galilee, less afraid
must be madea curse (Galatians 3 : 13) ; (3) also it than the disciples, were there.
part of the purpose of God that the redeemer shmfld
suffer in his dying.--Isaiah 53 : 12. PEOPLESHARED IN DERIDING JESUS
3Jesus therefore must meet death in such a way as 7His persecutors nowhad their wish; h6 whomthey so
to bring him wounds and bruises, and make him as a violently hated was now soon to be put out of their
curse. It was not necessary for God to arrange these way. They went near to him and derided him, bidding
things to be done. If God permitted Satan to have him who saved others to save himself if he could. Also
Jesus in his power, he, Jesus’ enemy, would put him to Pilate caused a writing, "This is Jesus, the King of
shame and death in quick time, and would see that the Jews," to be placed on the cross over his head.
all manner of shame and injury was done to him. (Matthew 27: 37) In this he showed his contempt
for both Jesus and his persecutors; but he also fulfilled
JESUS’ SUBMISSION TO GOD
the purpose of God. The soldiers again mocked
~Pilate turned Jesus over to a quaternion of soldiers Jesus and, hailing him as king, offered him drink.
and to the mob. A cross was ready and was ]aid upon --Luke 23: 36.
him; but the burden was too heavy for the torn and
8The people also shared in the shameful proceedings.
bleeding back. For a time in full submission to his
They wagged their heads at him, deriding him. Con-
Father’s will Jesus struggled to carry the cross. Some
temptuously they called upon him to come down from
of the womenof the city cried aloud their pity ; and
the cross if he were the Son of God. They said: ’He
hearing them, Jesus said to them that they should weep
professed to save others: himself he cannot save’; and,
for themselves and for their children because of the
’If God be his Father, why does he not come to his
trouble which was about to come upon them. (Luke
22:28-31) After a time Jesus was apparently unable aid?’ ":He trusted in God; let him deliver him now,
to caa’ry his cross, and would have fallen under it. if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of
Just then one Simon, a Cyrenian, was coming into the God." (Matthew 27:43) :His body was thin; and
city fro~mthe country ; and perhaps because he expressed being naked, all his bones could be counted as he hung
somepity for Jesus or surpriseat their treatment of him, on the cross. (Psalm 22 : 17) To add to the shame
he was seized and made to carry the cross. The Gos- they would put upon him, he was crucified between two
pels do not say whether or not Simon bore the cross thieves, both of whomrailed on him, joining with those
willingly ; but it was an honored burden. It is whowere putting him to death. But in this also scrip-
our pleasure to think that he gladly assisted Jesus with ture was fulfilled; for it had been written: "He shall
his burden, and that very probably the tradition that he be numbered with the transgressors." (Isaiah 53 : 12)
was the father of the Rufus mentioned by Paul in ]~Ie touched the lowest point in humiliation to which he
Romans16 : 13 is a true one.--See ~fark 15 : 2l. could go.--Philippians 2 : 7, 8.
45
I}ROOXLYN,N. Y,
WATCH TOWER
"°Jesus retained consciousness; he purposely refused did not follow that when he died the ransom price
the pain-dulling drink offered to him, in order that he for humandeliverance from sin and death was paid, and
migh" do so. With neither triumphant cry, as is re- that therefore condemnation which was upon the world
corded of some martyrs, nor word of complaint, he through its sin was removed, nor that the curse upon
suffered the pain, the agony, and the jeers. It was Israel was lifted. God’s way of salvation is by ransom
the cup which his Father had poured, and he would and sin-atonement. The death in itself could remove
drink it. neither the guiltiness nor the power of sin. It
=°One of the thieves now began to see that here was pleased God to have the sin-atonement made in heaven
something unusual. This man was altogether different and by him who was the Lambof sacrifice; and there-
from expectation. There was no resentment shown, no fore it could not be until the sacrifice had been offered
impatience manifested, no desire to have his pain eased; and accepted in heaven that the ransom could begin
there was even a prayer for forgiveness for his tor- to take effect and sin-atonement be made.--Her
mentors. This thief came to the conclusion that he had brews9 : 24-26.
made a mistake and began to rebuke his fellow; and ~4It follows that the commoninterpretation which
turning to Jesus he said: "Lord, remember me when has been put upon our Lord’s words when he spoke to
thou comest into thy kingdom." Jesus replied: "Verily the thief on the cross is altogether wrong. At the
1 sav unto thee today, Thou shalt be with me in the day of his death Jesus descended into hades, as the
lmradise."--Luke 23: 42, 43, corrected punctuation and Scriptures declare. (Psalm 16: 10; Acts 2: 31)
ira ns!ation. died, and remained in the state of death until Godgave
~l~y this time John had ventured near; and Jesus’ him release. The feelish conception of an intermediate
nmffcr being there, Jesus said to her: "Woman,be- state which is an effort to bridge the chasm betweenthe
hold thy son!" and to John he said: "Behold th2 dogmasof Christendom and the facts of Scripture, has,
metier !" (John 19 : 26, 27) From that time John of course, no support in the Bible. The plain fact is
took the care of the mother of Jesus. At noon dark- that both Jesus and the thief went that day into death,
hess crept over the face of the land, a most unusual and into hades.
altogether unexpected happening, and one which in-
spired fear in the hearts of the people. With the dark- PARADISE IS STILL FUTURE
ness camesilence. ~’~The thief was a Jew, and knew of the holm of a
resurrection; and probably he had heard somet:fing of
ATONEMENT MUSTBE MADE what Jesus had said about the resurrection in the last
~The jeers of the people, whosaid that Godwas eer- day; for that knowledge was not confined to Martha.
ta;nly doing nothing to show that he had any regard for (John 11:24) He now therefore believed that Jesus
this man who claimed to be his Son, must have been would come some day into His kingdom; and he ex-
x’ery painful to Jesus, who himself was looking for pressed his faith as he offered his prayer: "Lord, re-
come token from his Father. But Jesus was taking the member me when thou come& into thy kingdom."
]~]ace of the sinner; and there must be a severance of (Luke 23:42) As if he said: ’Though all appearances
the union which he had with his Father. All through are against me,’ Jesus replied: "Verily I say unto
the long six hours there was no sign that the Father thee today, thou shalt be with me in the paradise."
was watching and caring for him! Just before 3 ~Thethief on the cross is not an illustration of how
o’clock the silence was broken by his cry: "My God, one can get into heaven by a pious prayer, or even by
my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (~1atthew 27: aspiration at the last mmnentof a wicked life; but
4(;) He then said: "I thirst"; and a sponge with it is an illustration of the fact that none is east away
sour wine was put to his lips, and of this he tasted. from God who desires to conform himself to the will
Whenhe had thus cried, and all the scriptures re- of God. IIe will rise in due order, and under the care
lating to his suffering had been fulfilled, he said: "It of Jesus will enjoy the benefits of the Millennial reign
is finished." Nowhe yielded up his spirit, saying in and enter into paradise restored, which will be the joy
full confidence to his Father, "Into thy hands I com- of earttfly life in harmonywith the will of God.
mend my spirit." (Luke 23:46) He bowed his head ~rThis foolish "orthodox" teaching in the time of the
~nd died. tie died at the time of the slaying of the great war was stretched to its utmost limits. Wise and
lamb for the evening sacrifice, as if he had kept himself grave "reverends" expressed their conviction that un-
alive till then. told thousands of soldiers would find their way to
*aAlthough the end of Jesus’ life had come, on the heaven, even though they had gone into the battle which
l~art of his enemies by a brutal murder, but on his ended their life excited by intoxicants and with their
part as the consummation of his offering of himself mouths full of oaths and blasphemy! They erroneously
at Jordan to do his Father’s will, and with a con- taught both the soldiers and their friends to hope that,
sciousness that his life was being given as a ransom for dying in the good cause, they would at last have at
map.y and to seai the NewCovenant with israel, it least some pious aspiration which, however fleeting,
47
WATCH TOWER
would be sufficient to give them entrance into eternal Why did Jesus tell the women to weep for themselves?
What may we think of Simon’s frame of mind? ¶4.
bliss in the presence of Jehovah. What was the most terrible moment for the crucified? ¶ 5, 6.
~Wethank God that human salvation does not de- How ,lid Pilate show his contempt for Jesus and his per-
pend upon such a flimsy foundation. It is based upon scorners? In what way were the people affected by the
spirit of the world? ¶ 7,8.
the love and power of God, and his declared purpose in Why did Jesus refuse the pain-dulling drink? ¶ 9.
giving his Son for the salvation of the world. Jesus What effect ,lid the full submission of Jesus have upon one
lives to save. He is present again, to complete the of the thieves? What did the answer of Jesus imply?
¶ 10, 15.
work he began when he died. What took place that showed that the Father did have
a care? ¶ 11.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY What was necessary for Jesus to take the place of the
Why did Pilate wash his hands? Did the act w~sh his sinner? Was there a "due time" for Jesus to die? ¶ 12, 9.
guilt away? Why did God permit Jesus to be mis- What great benelit comes to the world as a result of Jesus’
treated? ¶ 1, 2. death? When will it come? ¶ 13-15.
Was it necessary for God to arrange the details of the Whenwill tim thief enjoy the privileges of salvation? ¶ 16,
crucifixion, or did he use his restraining power to some Does . ~lvation depend upon the flimsy foundation of our
extent? ¶ 3. creeds? ¶ 17. 18.
%.., :- ,
CONTENTS
THE~k’EAROF JUBILEE............................................ 51
Lawof the Jubilee ........................................... 51
If the Jews Worein Palestine ............................ 52
¯Ias God Changed His Schedule? .................... 52
Date Payn~oJ~t WasDmnanded........................ 53
Whythe July-August Date? ............................ 54
TheColumbusConvention.................................. 54
Present-Day Events Pro-Dated ......................... .~5
Whatabout1926?................................................ 56
Whatabout the Time of Trouble? .................... 58
]~EAYER-i~EETINGTEXT COhIMENTS....................... 59
OURLoaD’s I~E~UREECTIO~ .................................... 60
THE I°ORTY DAYS AND THE ASCENSION ................ 62
TItE IVIEMORIAL
DATE............................................ 50
WORLD-WIDE WITNESSFOI~ 1925 ............................ 50
. ~.~’~’~___~~.
~=-...-:~:_--~...
~pon~theee~.-~h di,~eas of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless(discontented) roaring, men’s hearts failing thorn for fear and for looking
the ~l’~gs com~n~ u!aon ¢he earth (socAet g) ; for the powexs of the heavens (ecv|esia~t~csm} sbatl be shaken... Whep ~e see theso thin~s begSn to come to pa~s, then
Im~ ~aat the Kihgdom of God m at hand. Look up, lift up your head~, rejoice, for your’redempt~bn drhweth mgn.--Matt. 24.33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIpSresented
Journal inis all
one parts
of theof prime factors
the civilized orworld
instruments in the TOWER
by the WATCH systemBIBLE
of Bible instruction,
~ TRACT or "Seminary
SOCIETY, chartered A.D.Extension",
1884, "For nowthe being
Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
~elpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
Into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 : 11-
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in Other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into funest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
sere’ice; hence our decisions relative to what ma~ and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teachifig of his Word, for the upbuild4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
~eaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
his. (Leviticus 25:33) This mortgage was the price pletely destroyed, and the nation taken captive to
of their rental or residence upon the land, and a pay- Babylon; and Jerumlem and Judea were left "without
ment of one year was to be madeevery fifty years. inhabitants" (Jeremiah 44: 6), as foretold, with the
19Asthe land could not be released until the mortgage exception of a few of the very poor, whowere permitted
had been fully paid, and the Jews have not been in to remain under Gedaliah as governor. However, he
position to make a payment for nearly two thousand was soon killed; and the rest became so frightened
years, how can we say that the type could not cease that they fled to Egypf by the seventh month.~
until the antitype begins ? The answer is in the text Jeremiah 41.
quoted ; viz., Leviticus ~6 : 34, 35. Godcollected the en- 2~Whenthe debt to the land had been fully collected,
tire debt of seventy rest-years for the land all at one God fulfilled his promise and opened the w~y for his
time, and not on the instalment plan as first arranged. people to return to their own land. Cyrus, king of
2~God sent Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as his Persia, was God’s officer for that work. In the first
otficer to demand payment. Full record is found in year of Cyrus, 536 B. C., he issued a royal edict per-
2 Chronicles 36: 17-21. Wequote again from Rother- mitting all the Jews in Babylon to return to Judea and
ham: "So he [God’] brought up against them the rebuild their Temple at Jerusalem. About fifty thou-
king of the Chaldeans . . . and all delivered he into his sand returned, under the leadership of Zerubbabel.
hand. And all the utensils of the house of God both 2¢rhe exact time of the year that this companyleft
great and small, and the treasures of the house of Babylon and arrived in Judea is not definitely stated ;
Jehovah, and the treasures of the king and of his but the climatic conditions of Babylonia would prevent
rulers, the whole carried he [Nebuchadnezzar] to Baby- a start much if any earlier than the first month of
lon; and they [the Chaldeans] burned the house of the Jewish year, or approximately April first. It would
God, and threw down the walt of Jerusalem,--and all take at least four months to make the long journey with
the palaces thereof burned they with fire, and all the their families and herds. Sixty-eight years later
precious vessels thereof he destroyed; and he exiled the another company, under the leadership of Ezra, made
remnant left from the sword into Babyton,--where they the same journey. Doubtless they had similar expe-
becamehis and his ~ns as servants, until the reign of riences. They left Babylonabout the fir~ of April, and
the kingdom of Persia: to fulfil the word of God by arrived at Jerusalem the first day of the fifth month,
the mouth of Jeremiah until the land had paid off her four months later, about August first. (Ezra 7: 8, 9)
sabbaths--all the days of her lying desolate she kept The first Jewish month corresponds to our April, their
sabbath, to fulfil seventy years." The full seventy rest- second to May, the third to June, the fourth to July,
years, demandedby the Law, had been collected whether and the fifth to August. The first company under
the Jews had kept their part or not. Zerubbabel, in 536 B. C. must have made practically
2~In this connection the following comment by the same time, and reached Judea about the last of
Josephus is interesting: July or the first of August.
"For the people of the ten tribes were carried out *~0n reaching home the Jeers found their land still
of Samaria by the Assyrians, in the days of king desolate, their cities uninhabited, and their houses va-
ttoshea. After which the people of the two tribes, that cant. These had remained desolate for the full seven±y
remained after Jerusalem was taken, were carried away years. It would take some time to clean their houses
by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon and Chaldea. and to make them fit for habitation, and to repair the
Nowas to Shalmaneser, he removed the Israelites out walls of their cities ; yet they were soon so well settled
of their country, and placed therein the nation of the that "the priests, and the Levites, and someof the peo-
Cutheans, who had formerly belonged to the interior of ple, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims,
Persia and Media; but were then called Samaritans, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities."
by taking the name of the country to which they were "And when the seventh month was come, and the chil-
removed. But the king of Babylon, who brought out dren of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered
the two tribes, placed no other nation in their coun- themselves as one manto Jerusalem." (Ezra 2 : 70 ; 3 : 1)
try. By which means all Judea, and Jerusalem, and the Jerusalem was in ruins, but they met there to offer
temple, continued to be a desert for seventy years." the Atonement Day sacrifices as demandedby the Law.
---"Antiquities," Book 10, Chapter 9. ~Leviticus 16 : 29-31.
2~This is very strong evidence that they must have
DATE PAYMENT WAS DEMAN’DED reached Judea by the last of July or the first of August.
~YAlthoughNebuchadnezzar had besieged the city for They were taken from their land July-August 606 B.
eighteen months, it was not until about July 9, 606 C., and were returned to it in July-August 536 B. C.,
B. C. (Jeremiah 39: 2; 52: 6, 12-14) that Jerusalem closing exactly the seventy years desolation, rest or
was taken. It might properly be said it was then that sabbath debt on the land demanded by the Law; no
the officer served the papers upon the delinquent debtor. more, no less. This is another witness to the accuracy
By about August 10 (~ Kings aS: 8) ~he city was corn- of God’s time schedules. If the time features in tlm
54 rh. WATCHTOWER
type were so clearly marked, at both the beginning and case God permdted the wrath of the nations against
the end, is it not reasonable to expect the beginning of each other to act as his agencyfor their eviction.
the antitype, the great jubilee, to be as clearly marked?
SCRIPTURAL NUMBER"I’EN
"SEVEN TIMES" COMMENCEDJULY-AUGUb~, 606 B. C. 3°The number ten is often used in the Scriptures,
2~The punishment for not properly observing the and apparently there is some peculiar significance at-
jubilee was a smTereone, yet in Leviticus 26 : 18, 21, 2i tached to it. There were ten virgins, ten servants, ten
and 28 mention is made of "seven times" more punish- pounds, ten talents, ten kings, ten crowns, ten horns,
meat if the Jews neglected to keep their Law, as they etc., implying the thought of entirety or completenessor
had covenanted. By the key given in other scriptures, to an end. The same is doubtless true in regard to ten
Bible Students have long knownthat the "seven times" years.
refer to seven symbolic or prophetic years of three 3~Ten years from 1914 is 192~. If the Jews were in
hundred and sixty days, each day standing for a full their homeland we would have expected the blowing of
)’ear of actual time. Thus seven times would be 7 x 360, the typical jubilee trumpets to begin about October 1st,
or 2520 years. In Luke 21: 2¢ Jesus stated that Jeru- 192i, announcing the year 1925 as the jubilee. When
salem, standing for the Jewish nation, would be trodden God demanded payment of the debt, he presented the
down, or under the dominion of the Gentries, "until demand in July-August instead of October. The debt
the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." The nation went was considered as fully paid by July-August season of
completely under the dominion of the Gentiles at the the year. The same time of the year was specially
hand of Nebuchadnezzar July-August, 606 B. C. 2520 marked by the beginning and end of the "Times of the
years from that date would be 1914 A.D. As early as Gentiles". Whyshould God so particularly mark that
1876 and 1877 the Bible was shown to have foretold ~.
season of the year in connection with the typical jubde,
1914 as the close of the times of the Gentiles. Many unless it were to call special attention to it ? Webeliew~
Bible Students herMded1914 as the end of the world; that he had that object in view, and that he has now
not the destruction of the earth, but the end of the made it manifest.
age, or dominionof the Gentiles.
SCRIPTURAL N,~MBER SEVEN
2SManycan remember that as early as 1890 there
were rumors of a great European war. The nations ~2Bible Students know that the number seven often
began to prepare for war. But year by year war was has peculiar significance in the Scriptures. Note the
delayed, until it began to be generally believed that one many times it is used in Revelation and in connection
could never come. It has been stated that Germany with the jubilee. It will be remembered by all as-
was preparing for and expecting a war in 1912. But sociated with the work in 1916 that trouble began
1912 passed, and no world war came. Many remarked almost immediately following Brother Russell’s death.
that war had been restrained as if by someunseen power; However, it was not until the Seventh Volumecame out
and that was true. Suddenly, almost as a thunderclap that the trouble culminated. It was on the seventeenth
from a clear sky, July 28th, 1914, Austria declared of July, 1917, that "The Finished Mystery" was distri-
war against little Serbia. Within two days Russia, in buted to the Bethel Family ; and it was on that day that
order to protect her prot4g~, Serbia, declared war trouble at Bethei came to a head, and continued until
against Austria. Germanyimmediately joined Austria manywho had been very active in the service for years
against Russia. England and France hastened to assist withdrew from further activities in connection with the
Russia. So suddenly were the dogs of war unleashed SOCIETY.July 17th, 1917, was therefore a markeddate.
that by the fifth of August all the principal nations of
THE COLUMBUS CONVENTION
]europe were in dead.ly conflict; and the work of dis-
possession of the Gentiles began. 33[Iqm International Bible Students have for years
been calling attention to the Bible prophecies that this
WHY THE JULY-AUGU’ST DATE? world (age) is passing away, that the great antitypical
2~We see now why Germany could not begin the jubilee for the world is at hand, and that 1925 would
World War in 1912. It was not God’s time. The times be a marked year. The Association has held several
of the Gentiles had not fully expired, and God would general conventions recently--notably two at Cedar
be as accurate with the Gentiles as he had been in re- Point, Ohio, in 1919 and 1922. 1924~ seemed a favor-
gard to the seventy years of desolation. It is in line able year for another; and manyfriends were inquir-
with this that the taking of the rulership from the ing whether one could not be held in some central and
Gentiles was delayed until the July-August season of convenient locality. Somewere suggesting Cedar Point,
the year. It was July-August, 606 B. C., that the as it was commodiousand centrally located, and many
Gentiles gained complete control of the world; and pleasant associations were connected with it.
exactly on time, 2520 years later, even to the month 3qn response to these suggestions the matter was
Cf the )’ear, the dispossession workbegan. In the latter taken under consideration; and early in tim’ year tim
FEBnrAnY15, 1925 55
WATCH TOWE R
SOCIETY entered into communication with the manage- in spirit manythou~nds more whose prayers were daily
ment of the grounds with that end in view. Both ascending for the Lord’s special blessing to rest upon
previous conventions had been held in September, the that assembly of his people. In heart, mind and in-
week following Labor Day. The thought was to secure terest, all the Bible st-udents in present truth were there.
the same period; namely. September 2nd to 9th. We 39Tothose whowere privileged to be present in person
were surprised that, although we had applied in Feb- it was manifest from !he start that the blessing of the
ruarT, another Association already held an option on Lord rested upon them. The weather was ideal; the
that week, and the managementwas unable to give us location and accommodationswere excellent ; and the at-
a date earher than the week following, September 9th tendance was daily increasing There seemed to be
to 16th. This was late in the season, and would be on the part of all an air of expectancy that the Lord
inconvenient for many. was about to pour out somespecial blessing.
~SThe reason why we applied for the September date 4°0n Friday morning, July 26th, the vast company
was that Cedar Point usually closes the season with of the Lord’s people had been greatly refreshed by
Labor Day each year, and the grounds and buildings clearer elucidations of h~s Word. It was at the close of
are not sufficmntly large to accommodateboth their regu- a stirring address that the President of our S0CIET~
lar patrons and our convention at the same time. How- presented a resolution which he headed AN INDICT-
ever. apparently we could do no better, and negotiations MENT, copy of which has appeared in the WATC~
had proceeded so far that a contract had been drawn TOWEd and in the public press, and movedits adoption
up :ate in Marchand waited only for a final decision. bv the convention. The motion was quickly seconded
Wehad telegraphed to ascertain whether an earher bv a number of brethren, and was enthusiastically and
date was yet available. unanimously adopted, with applause. It was almost
~In the meantime the Chamber of Commerce of immediately suggested that the resolution be used as
Columbus, Ohio, had heard that the I. B. S. A. was in- volunteer literature and scattered far and wide. Great
tending to hold a general convention during the year. was the enthusiasm as the friends realized the force
Throughits chairman, Mr. tI. B. Dickson, it sent us the and truth of the Indictment. It was an arraignment
following telegram : against the Old World, stating in legal, Scriptural form
Columbus, Ohio., March 28, 1924. that the rule of the Gentiles had failed, that they had
J. F Rutherford, Care I.B.S.A., 124 Columbia Heights, been east off forever from divine favor ; and calling upon
Brooklyn, N. Y. the people to accept the incoming Messianic kingdom.
Columbus Convention Association invites International 4~As noted above, the Committee on Arrangements
Bible Students hold general convention, Columbus, July 20- for the Conventiondid not choose the date finally decided
27 inclusive. Offer free of charge, hall. center city, 4000
capacity; Coliseum on exposition grounds, capacity 14,- upon. It was set by the ColumbusChamberof Commerce.
000. and other halls; also restaurant privileges and com- Not until close to eonventmntime was it noticed firs~
fort stations on grounds. These grounds within six blocks that the date for the public witness, July 27th, 1924:,
University Stadium, capacity 65,000. Options held until completed just ten years to a day from July 28th,
Apml 1. Will be glad to welcome you. 1914, when the great war started. The message for
(Signed) H.B. Dickson.
the public meeting in the Stadium was: "Civilization
87Within twenty minutes an answer was received from Doomed. The End of the Old is at Hand, the Newis
Cedar Point that no earlier date could be given. The Comh~gin." What more fitting subject could have
offer by Columbus was preferable in many ways. The been chosen! That same Sunday morning, the 27th, ,~
date July 20-27 would accommodate many teachers and Brother gave a discourse before the Convention in the
students, who would be in school in September; also Coliseum on the subject, "The Year of Jubilee Has
it was much more suitable for many farmers, who Come,"calling attention to the SeripturM and historical
could leave their farms better in July. Columbuswas evidences.
also muchmore centrally situated and easily accessible ~2The public attendance at the Stadium was vari-
by steam and trolley lines, and had far better aecommoda- ously estimated at from 17,000 to 25,000, but that was
Uons for a large crowd. It seemed providential; and we probably but a small pm¢ion of those who could hear
accepted their invitation. the lecture. By means of the radio broadcasting, hun-
SSNothingfurther than that noted above was though~ dreds of thousands, far and near, wouldbe in position to
of the date at that time. However, we began im- hear as well as would those whowere seated in the Sta-
mediately arranging for a larger convention. The re- dium. The mediumof the radio is as evidently of the Lord
sults have now become history. Doubtless it was one as a meansof reaching the people as has been the print-
of the largest, if not the largest, religious conventionfor ing press during the past. In addition to all those
discussing purely Bible topics ever held. The atten- personally present, the newspapers earried full reports
dance in person reached ten to twelve thousand alto- to many thousands more. There were also delegates
gethex; and in addition, there were present in heart and from many foreign countries a~tending the convention,
waiting to carrv the message to their native lands and of Christ, patient endurance, and standing fast for what
send it broadcast throughout their own countries in we have attained, and against evil mental suggestions
their various languages. Whena stone is thrown into of all kinds. It is a fight to a finish. Wesee, then, that we
the water, the ripples go on and on until they reach the have good reason to expect some manifestation of divine
distant shore. So this message of the kingdomwill go guidance, and evidence that we are in the right way,
forth by vmee, tract, newspaper, and the radio until it doing the right work at the right time.
shall have reached the ends of tile earth. 4~Another interesting incident is in connection with
the July-Augmst date: As stated above, it was on July
PRESENT-DAY EVENTS PRE-DATED 17th, 1917, that the trouble at Bethel culminated. July
4aShall we say that all this is merely coincidental? 17th is almost exactly seven years prior to July 20th,
There are too manyevidences pointing to the fact that when the Columbus Convention opened. The expe-
it is not: The indictment of the old order, "Civiliza- riences of the Church during those seven years have
tion 1)oomed. the New Order is at Hand"; the an- been nothing short of miraculous. In July, 1917, it
nouncementthat the Year of Jubilee is Here, at exact- appeared to many that the work might be violently
lv ten years to a dav from the starting of the World overthrown and the dark night set in. The darkness
War, which was the beginning of the dispossession of increased until the spring of 1919. Seven years from
the Gentiles; and that date set by those who had no the date when the troth seemed to go under a cloud
interest in Bible chronology, and the subject of the it is shining forth with greater brilliancy than was ever
public proclamation not known at the time the date knownbefore.
was accepted; the fact that the date fixed upon was 47Somemay be inclined to make light of all this.
the last of July, falling into line with the July-August So were the people of Nazareth when Jesus said that
season of the beginning, and the end of the seventy the words of the prophet wm’ebeing fulfilled before
years desolation, which had direct connection with the their eyes. To us it is a matter of rejoicing as we see
jubilee, and the beginning and the end of the times of these indications of God’s care and interest in his peo-
the Gentiles. ple, and his overruling in their work; and we are
*qn discussing the jubilees in YohmeTwoof SCRIP- stimulated to push on with greater zeal than ever be-
TUR~STUDIESBrother tlussell pointed out that the fore, assured that the Lord is still in direct charge, and
last typical jubilee should merge into the ant{typical that he is carrying on his work exactly on schedule
jubilee, and might, therefore, be properly considered as time. It is not often that he calls the attention of
the beginning of the ant{type. In the type, the year 1925 his people to the fact while they are passing through
would have been confined to the natural Israelites. some pre-dated experience. In the face of all the fore-
What would be more reasonable nowthan to expect that going historical and physical facts, whoshall say that
the year 1925will be of special interest to the ant{typicalthe date of the Columbus Convention was not in the
Israelites ? mind of Jehovah when he sent Nebuchadnezzar to fore-
45In the type the priests and Levites would have been dose the mortgage, July 606 B. C., 2530 years ago?
very busy during the year, assisting their fellows and Does it not also indicate, according to the dates above
the people properly to settle their affairs and relation- give’n, that the last chronological typical jubilee began
ships in harmony with the Lawand their inheritances. in July, 1924~, instead of October; and that the anti-
This would have been in preparation for the work com- typical jubilee may begin about July-August, 1925?
menced in 1926 for the Gentiles. If we have correctly Wouldit be unreasonable to expect that Jehovah will
interpreted the matter, 1926 is still the year for God’s mark that date to the world as eleaa’ly as he did the
blessings to begin towards the Gentiles. What would be year 1914:? and as dearly as he has marked the begin-
more reasonable than to expect that 1925 will be a very ning of 1925 to the Church?
stirring and busy year for the ant{typical Israelites, as
WHAT ABOUT 19267
(Jod will be settling their arrangementsand positions in
Ihe Body preparatory for their work {o begin with the ~That 1925 will be a phenomenal year in many
t}entiles on time ? It would, therefore, seem reasonable respects is evident.
to expect that 1925 will be one of severe testings upon *gThe Catholics are celebrating their "jubilee", which
the individual membersof the ant{typical Israelites. began Christmas Eve, December 24th, 1924. The
Whetherthis be the correct deduction or not, it is a fact "jubilee door" of St. Peter’s at Romewas opened by the
that there are thousands of the friends passing through Pope at that time, and is to remain open for one year.
tiery trials, along nearly all lines, though not so much All who pass through the door are promised his special
along doetrina~ as heretofore, but physical, financial and
family tests. These seem to have increased rapidly of blessing. I~ome is expecting hundreds of thousands to
lat~; and eve, y memberis apparently being placed on take advantage of this special favor, and is making
individual rs~.~,mat,ion along the lines of brotherly great preparations to take care o£ the throngs which will
k.ve, faith, c,&fidenee, obe~tience to the commandmentsvisit the city dm’ing1925.
FEBRUARY 15, 1925
WATCH TOWER 57
~°The Jews also are looking upon 1925 and expect to specified exactly their chronological order. Therefore
receixe somespeeial blessing from Jehovah, though they let us first note someof the prophecies which are still
do not seem to be certain what it may be. We do unfulfilled.
not knowwhere they received their intmmtion, unless ~*Babylon is yet to be east down, as a stone thrown
they have been reading some of our SocIsrY’s litera- into the sea. (Revelation 18: 21) The battle of Arma-
ture. Nevertheless they are expectant. Various Pro- geddon is yet to be fought. (Revelation 16: 16) The
testant denominations are becoming worried over the "time of trouble such as never was" has not come upon
loss of interest in religion on +.he part of their congre- the earth. (/~[atthew 24:21,22) The devil is yet to
gations, and are trying by various meansto overcomeit. be bound and east into prison. (Revelation 20: 1-4)
¯ ~llt seems to be a weakness of manyBible Students The last of the saints are to be changed. (1Thessa-
that if they locate a future date in the Bible, im- lonians 4:15-17) The Lamb is to come forth vic-
mediately they center as many prophecies upon that torious. (Revelation 17: 14) The ancient worthies are
date as pos.sible. This has been the cause of manysift- to be brought forth and madeprinces in all the earth.
ings in the past. As far as we recall, all the dates (Acts 7: 5; Daniel 12: 13; Hebrews 11: 13; Psalm
foreseen were correct. The difficulty was that the friends 45: 16) Jacob is to have his time of trouble. (Ezekiel
inflated their imaginations beyond reason; and that 38: 14-23) All the prophecies relating to the Millen-
when their imaginations burst asunder, they were in- nial Ageare yet to be fulfilled.
dined to throw away everything. No doubt kfr. 5Iiller
was correct in locating 1844 as a Bible date. But he BLESSINGTHROUGH THEJEWS
expected too much. 1874 was also easily located. 1878 ~SWeknow the work of restitution must come to the
was also a marked date, and one which caused Brother Jews first, and through them to the rest of the world.
Russell a severe trial until he eorreeted his expectations, As the Scriptures state that Jerusalem is to be the
as noted in his "tIalwest Siftings", of April, 1894, capital of the world and that the ancient worthies are
now out of print. Many can remember how "absolute- to be princes in all the earth, we are warranted in ex-
ly sure" some were about 1914. No doubt the Lord was pecting that the kingdomwork will begin at Jerusalem.
pleased with the zeal manifested by his servants; but (Isaiah 2: 3; 27: 13; Zechariah 14: 17) Jerusalem
did they have a Scriptural basis for all they expected to will need ~ great deal of cleansing before it will be in
come to pass that year? Let us be cautious, therefore, condition to be the capital of the world. The city may
about predicting partieulars. The Lord will make them be undergoing changes during all the Millennial Age,
clear as fast as they becomemeat in due season. How- but it will take several years to do some necessary
ever, we feel sure that he will not chide us if we earnest- preliminary work.
ly and reverently seareh for what may be revealed, ~6Accordingto prophecy we look for a season of great
watching also the facts about us. prosperity to come to Palestine, which will not extend
~fWe may reasonably expect that 1925 will be a to the Gentiles. It will be necessary for the Gentiles
very active year for the saints on this side the vail; and to make application for it, as stated in Isaiah 2:2-4.
also thaw the adversary will be increasingly active in It will take time for some of the Gentiles to overcome
his opposition, as he knowsthat his time is shortening. their natural prejudices against the Jews and to humble
The world will be so engrossed with its own troubles themselves sufficiently to accept favors through them.
that it will not have much time to think of other They may need someof the severe experiences described
things, until people wake up to the facts that their in Zechariah 14: 17-19, R. V.
schemes have been soap bubbles, and that the truth 57Whetherthe blessings here referred to as rain are
has been scattered all over the world. The adversary literal or not, they refer to something that represents
will be quick to suggest that the scattering of the truth God’s favor. If literal rain be meant, it might take
has been the cause of their disappointments. This will several years of drought before the Gentiles would at-
anger them, and they may attempt strenuous measures tribute the lack of rain to their refusal,to makeapplica-
to suppress it, in order to direct attention from them- tion for God’s blessings at the hands of the Israelites.
selves and to hold their power over the masses. How All this will take more or less time.
long before they attempt this we may not know, nor 5Sin the past God’s dealing has been with the Je~,
need it trouble us. Our Captain is in full control of first and then with the Gentiles; and the prophecies
the situation, and victory is sure. state that this rule will continue to be his method.
(Zechariah 8 : 20-23) As the Jews increase in the favor
~3Noone needs "glasses" to see {hat the world--polit-
Godby accepting the ancient worthies as the representa-
ical, financial, religious, national, and international--is tives of Jehovah and by falling into line with his ar-
perplexed and anxious, No one may safely predict rangements, disease and death will rapidly decrease and
exactly what wilt take place, even within the next year; shortly cease altogether. The Jews will be going up
but God has given general indications in his Wordof the highway of holiness, physically as well as other-
manythings which are yet to come to pass. tie has not wise. These blessings to the Jews witl be quickly
the WATCH TOWER ~ROOKLyN, N. Y,
noticed by the Gentiles, and will create in them a desire The exposing of unrighteousness in high places is pre-
for similar favors. It will be one of the means used paring the people to take vengeance into their own
by Jehovah to cause them to seek him. Possibly these hands, and great will be their wrath when Once they
are the blessings referred to as "rain" in Zechariah start
14:: 17. As the literal rain refreshes the mowngrass, 6aThe French Revolution ~ves a picture of what a
so a rain of blessing will refresh the withered hopes of maddened people can do. The world held its breath m
mankind.--Psalm72 : 6-9 ; Acts 3 : 19. horror and sought to cover its eyes from the sickemng
~oWeknowof no scriptures which state that all dy- sight. It took the French nation many years to re-
ing will cease immediately throughout the earth as soon cover from the shock. Howlong it will take the world
as the kingdomis set up at Jerusalem. On the contrary to sober up after its debauchis not stated.
Isaiah 2: 2-4, Micah 4=:1,2, and Zechariah 14:16-19 6"Howmuchof all this will come to pass in 1926 is
state that the nations will have to go to Jerusalem for not stated. At present we do not find any definite date
their blessings--not individually, but representatively, beyond 1926 indicated in the Scriptures. Whenthe
at least. "Ask and ye shall receive," will doubtless be Bi’ble Students found 1914 in the Bible they heralded it
the law in the age to come. All the blessings of resti- far and wide, but the Lord left the curtain down a~
tution will be supplied in abundance, but will not be that date until we had reached it. God set his seal
toreed upon any. upon 1914, and the work started that year is still go-
6°From scriptures already quoted, and from many ing on. Wefind the date 1925-1926 clearly indicated
others, we have reason to expect that after the kingdom in the prophetic outline, and the Lord has not lifted
is established at Jerusalem its influence will rapidly the curtain sufficiently for us to see distinctly beyond.
radiate to the uttermost parts of the earth. How Wefeel sure that he will set his seal upon that date
rapidly we are not informed, but with all the modern as clearly as he did upon 1914, and he will then let us
conveniences it should not take very long. Probably see beyondas soon and as far as will be good for us.
those of the righteous who will be carried through the 6~Let us learn from experiences of the past not to be
great time of trouble will be dealt with first, before too positive about details. Weneed have no worry.
those in the graves will be brought forth. It does not Weknow that God knows. So
seem unreasonable, therefore, to think that twenty-five
’~Ve’d rather walk with him by faith
years, possibly more, will pass before the awakeningof Than t5 go alone by sight;
the dead shall begin. We’drather go with him in the dark,
Thango alone in the light.’
WHATABOUTTHETIME OF TROUBLE? 86Manyof us may be called home during 1925 and
~lSomemay conclude that we are expecting a tranquil 1926. Whether we shall be called, or whether Jehovah
{ransfer from the present condition to the kingdom of shall leave some of us here for a little further work,
Christ. Wehave no warrant from the Scriptures for what does it matter? If we are faithful, we are just
such expectation. If we had but the present situation as acceptable and commendableon this side the vail,
of the world to judge from, reason dictates that with and just as sure of our reward. With such a glorious
the high-pressure tension throughout the world--politi- hope and the evidences all about us of the divine power
cally, financially, religiously, fanahcally and ignorantly-- and protection and leading, every consecrated heart should
with the wheels of activity already grating and heated be inspired to put forth all the energy possible to*
with the friction of selfishness and superstition, it would complete the race victoriously. Let us go forth con-
be impossible to make the great changes outlined in the fidently, carrying high the banner of the King, pro-
Bible without clashes between the contesting parties, claiming, "The Lord reigneth!" ~ Psalm 96: 10;
which must result in great trouble, distress and loss of Isamh52 : 7, 8.
life and property. However, the Wordof God does not 6’As we thus keep diligently at work, singing as we
leave us any doubt about it. Isaiah 13: 1-13; Joel 2: 1- go, trusting in Jehovah for all things necessary, we
11; Psalm 46: 7-10, and Matthew 24: 21, 22 speak will fortify our minds against the darts of the adversary
in no uncertain terms. The people of the world are and increase our own courage, and also be a greater
not yet willing to acknowledgetheir inability to save encouragementto others.--Romans 16 : 20.
themselves, or to accept the leadership of even Jehovah
himself. God’s power will be necessary. "I will cause QUESTIONSFORBEREANSTUDY
the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low In what respect is the Bible like an abandonedgold mine?
¶ 1-3.
the haughtiness of the terrible."--Isaiah 13.11. Whatwas one of the prominent features of the LawCove-
62Recent inventions can be used for the destruction nant? ¶ 4-7.
Whatwas the penalty for disobedience in connection with
of life and property which almost makes one’s blood the Jubilee systemof sabbaths?¶ 8, 9.
curdle to think about. Godwill permit the destruction Did God inform Moses that the jubilees were typical?
Howlong were they to eontinue~ Whatyear is the last
to go far enough to sober mankind by its very horror. typical jubilee year? ¶ 10, 11.
WATCH TOWER
Of what is the jubilee a type? IVhen did it begin to count? What is an apparent weakness of Bible Students relative
¶ 12-14. to dates? What may we expect during 19257 ¶ 48-52.
Y~’hat would be happening if the Jews were still observing In what condition is the world? What are some of the
~heir jubilees? ¶ 15, 16. events of the future that we look for? ¶ 53, 54.
V(hat may we reasonably expect f~)r the near future? ¶ 17, 18. To whom does restitution first come? Is proSperity due
I~.ave the Jews paid the rental on their land in full up to to come to Palestine? ¶ 55-57.
next October? How was it collected? ¶ 19-21. When will disease and death be.gin to flee away? How will
When was the collection demanded? When paid? ¶ 22-26. the people go to Jerusalem for their blessings? How
How long a time is "seven times"? What time in the year soon may we begin to look for the general resurrection
did the "seven times" conuncnce and end? ¶ 27-31. to start? ¶ 58-60.
IIow did the Columbus Convention come to be held in the Will tlmre be a peaceable transfer of the kingdoms? Who
latter part of July? Is there a connecting link between are contesting for supremacy? ¶ 61.
the convention and the Gentile times? ¶ 32-42. What historic event shows us the horror to which a mad-
I:[ow are present-d~Lv events connected with prophecy? When dened people can resort? What may be the extent of
m’~y we reasonably expect some special blessings to be- another trouble should it come? ¶ 62, 63.
~in to go to the Gentiles? ¶ 43-45. Can we be positive about details? What should be the con-
Y,’ith what particuhtrity does Jehovah seemingly take dition of our own hearts as we face the experience.’.
l.otice of the future? ¶ 46-47. of the future? ¶ 64-67.
though to catch nothing during a night’s fishing was not ~-~Onthe fortieth day the Lord led the disclplcs out
a new experience. (Luke 5: 5) In the morning to Bethany. He told them they were to be his wit-
they were coming to land, a sLramger on the shore n~sses to carry on the work he had come from heaven
called to them as if inquiring what catch they had had. to begin. Without doubt time is a factor in develop-
On hearing that they had taken nothing, he called to merit of understanding, and it is evident that time was
them to cast in their net on the right side. This ]~ecessary for the disciples. After his last appearance
they did, in response to his request. Immediately tI>y were men well set in purpose, earnestly waiting
their net was full of fishes. John said to Peter: "It for the promised blessing; and when Pentecost came,
is the Lord" (John 21: 7); and Peter immediately they were ready for that greatest of all blessings which
jumped into the water to go to him. They found the God has for his people--the power of his holy spirit
Lord already cooking for them. g~ven through his Son.
~aThe disciples were to represent Jesus and also the
PETER IS REINSTATED
Father through him. By the holy spirit they would
9After the meal there occurred one of the best known show in their lives the power of the grace of God to
and most touching incidents of our Lord’s life. Before ~:.eep them from the world in righteousness and true
Peter’s denial he was the foremost apostle, and he had holiness of life, and in powerto witness to the fact that
not yet been restored. His denial was a bad break the hope for the world was in the return of him whom
for one who should have been a caretaker of the flock. the world had slain, but who was its God-appointed
*°Nowafter they had eaten, Jesus called Peter aside Savior.
and said: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more ~The experience of the disciples during the forty
than these?" Jesus did not address him as Peter, but days has a measure of eorrespondency with that of the
by his old name Simon; for Peter means "rock" and Church during the present time, more particularly dur-
he had not proved worthy of the name. Peter avowed ing the first years of the l’arouda, the years 1878 to
his love. Again the Lord put the question, but dropped 1918. Both were transition periods. Andas th,,]: some
the comparison. And Peter again avowedhis love, say- found difficulty in understanding the changed relation-
ing that the Lord knew it. Again the question came, ship of the Lord to his former manner of life--he was
and Peter was grieved. Again he avowed his love. He present, yet apart--so nowsomefind difficulty in under-
could do no more; he could only add that the Lord, standing the position of the Lord in relation to his
who knew all things, knew that he loved Him. Then retunl from heaven. They say: "How can he be
the Lord nowfor the third time said : "Feed mysheep." present in the earth in any way other than previously?"
(John 21:15-17) Thrice Peter had denied the Lord Some, readier than others to take the evidences that
after having declared in the presence of his brethren his word was fulfilled, gained the dearer vision. But
that though they all should deny him he would not. the years 1919 and onward have brought such clear
(Matthew 26: 35) Thrice now the Lord questioned evidences of the Lord’s return that now the disciples
him as if his sincerity needed probing. Peter would are like their brethren of old after the ascension, filled
not now avow that his love was greater than the other with joy, yet waiting for the greater blessing soon to
disciples ; for he had learned his frailty and wouldnow come. They know that he has returned, not in name
understand by the Imrd’s thrice repeated "feed my only, but in fact and in deed.
sheep" that he was restored to his former place, and
that he was to be a shepherd, a caretaker of the QUESTIONS FORBEREANSTUDY
Lord’s sheep. What period of time does our study cover? Howmany
times did Jesus reveal himself to his disciples after his
*~ThoughJesus was not yet exalted to his high place resurrection2 Namethem. ¶ 1.
of power and had not received the holy spirit to give Whywere there so manyappearances the first day? When
was the last appearance?¶ 2.
to his disciples, yet in a measure he gave the holy Did the disciples knowJesus by his physical appearance?
spirit to them, breathing on them and saying, "Receive Did Jesus have a material resurrection? ¶ 3.
ye the holy spirit," by which their eyes were opened To whomdid Jesus manifest himself? To whomdid he first
that they might understand the Scriptures. Also he showhimself? ¶ 4, 5.
With whomdid Jesus meet of which nothing is recorded?
gave them both a commission to preach amongst all 76.
nations and authority in the Church. (Luke 24: 45, What might have given great temptation to the apostles
47 ; John 20 : 23) They were to be his witnesses sent on their fishing trip2 Whatwas the final result? ¶ 7, 8.
abroad in all the earth by him even as his Father had ~’hat touching experience did Peter have? Whydid Jesus
not address him as Peter? ¶ 9, 10.
sent him. The forty days were therefore a time of What was the commissiongiven to the apostles? ¶ 11.
endowmentand of learning, the intermediary stage be- From where did the ascension take place? What is the
tween their human experiences with him and those greatest blessing for the people of God?¶ 12.
Whatdoes the holy spirit do for the disciple? Whatis a
which would come when the holy spirit endued them fundamentalprerequisite to discerning the Lord’gpresevce
with power from on high. now?¶ 13, 14.
hffernafional Bible S udents A sociation Classes
[aCcCurc5
~d £(ud~c~
b~ Travelmqbrethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Camden,N. J ................. M:,t 2 Loll’." ]~rall(.]l. N. J ........Mar. 9 Jaeksonville. Fla ............... Mar. 1 Savannah, (;a ........... Mar. 25, 26
Atlantic Cita. N. J .......... " 3 12hzabeHLN J ................ " 10 Sanford,]-’l,t ...................... " ’2 ]t]d;:,,]and, S. C ......... " 27
VJn,,lnnd, N. J .................. " 4 ]’lalalaehJ..N. J ............. " ]1 Tampa,]’la ......................... " S Cha+]e-ton. S C ......... " 29
]MllhHle,N. J ..................... " 5 ,New, ark. N,l ................ " 12 Orlando,I"tu ....................... " 2"2 l’l,)rence. S. C ............ " 30. 3’/
]~rtd~elol], ~. J ............... " G Yonkel.~,N. Y ................. " 13 ]DeLand,]-’la ..................... " :23 Nexx ]~rookland, S C. Apr. 1, 2
Lakeuood,N. J ................. " 8 I~rook]yn, N Y ............... " 15 Jacksonville, Fla ............... " 24 l£1ko, ;S. C ..................... " 3
.f¯ ¯
CONTENTS
~31P. 771 Ol," .~ ,~*.VI’It)N ........................ ~}7
Tim New Nation ........................... I;7
q;:~
~V,ll" ill ][tql’ct~n ........
]:]ls*~. iJl|O lhe ~Vihiei’m.~,, " . .............. 7~t
’l’imt, . .................................. 71
SCANDINAVIAN WORK
In the United States there are approximately 3,000,000
WATEN
TOWEI~BIBLE 5- TRACTSOCIET~ Scandinavian people. There are several classes nf Bible
18 CONCQRI)STREET o a BRDOKLYAI,/M.V.U.S’A’}Students. This work is not organized and carried on as it
FOREIGn10~FICES : Britlgh." 34 Craven Terrsce, Lancaster Ga~e~ should be in this country. While almost everybody in this
/~ondon W. 2 ; Canadian: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario ; country speaks the English language, there are many who
Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia ; ~outh A]rica~" do not among the Scandinavians. The SOCIETYwould there-
6 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PLEASE ADDRESS THE SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE. fore like to have the Scandinavian brethren everywhere
organize a special work in their vicinity to be done among
YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: UNITEDSTATES, $1.00; CANADA Scana!navian-speaking people. This would include the
AND~[1SCELLANI~OUS ]~ORE1GN,$1.50; GREAT ~RITAIN,AUSTRALASIA,
AND SOUTH AFRICA, 7s. American remittances should be made by Swedish and tim Dane-Norwegian. Please notify this office
Express or Postal MoneyOrders, or by Bav~: Draft. Canadian, British,
South African, and Australasian remittances should be madeto branch of the prospects in your neighborhood.
offices only. Remittances from scattered fm eign territory maybe made
to the Brooklynoffice, but by ]nternationat Postal MoneyOrders only.
(Foreig~t translations of this journal appear i~ several languages~
Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision BETHEL HYMNSFOR APRIL, 1925
of an editorial cmnmittee, at least three of whomhave read and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are : J. F. BUTt~ERFORO, Sunday 5 239 12 2 19 ]36 26 220
W. E. VANAMBURGH, J. HEMERY,R. LI. BARSER,C. E. STEWART. Monday 6 118 13 122 20 210 27 195
Terms to the Lord~s Poor: All Bible students who, by reason o~ Tuesday 21 64 Z8 179
old age or other innt’mity or adversity, are unable to pay for this 7 80 14 5
journal, will be supphcd free if they send a postal card each May Wednesday 1 323 8 312 15 168 ~2 26 29 112
stating their case and requesting such provision. Weare not only
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and Thursday 2 270 9 216 16 217 23 49 30 8
in touch with the Berean studies. Friday 3 153 10 229 17 45 24 95
~otiee to Subscribers: Wedo not, as a rule, send a card of acknowl- Saturday 4 321 11 29 18 325 25 110
edgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expira-
tion date, as shown on wrapper label.
Enteredas SecondClassMa~crat BrooklynN.Y.Postofflce., Act o~March3"d I879._
MEMORIAL DATE
For the year :[925 Wednesday, April 8, after 6 o’clock
I.BS’A.BEREAN
BIBLE,
STUDIES
p. m., is the proper time for the celebration of the Memori- B~,Means ol ~ "The At-one.ment"
al of our Lord’s death. All the ecelesias will please take STUDY XI : "THE I~OLY SPIRIT OF AT-ONE-MENT"
notice. We hope this may be a season of great refreshing Week of April 5... Q. 33-40 Weekof April 19... Q. 49-56
to the Lord’s people. Kindly send your reports in immedi- Weekof April 12... Q. 41-48 Weekof April 26... Q. 57-63
ately after the Memorial, giving the number partaking.
VoL. XLVI MAm’H
1, 19°5 No.,
HATis here published is not dogmatically there would be flashes of lightning; that is to ,~ay,
W stated. Trusting in the I,ord for guidance,
it is submitted for the prayerful and careful
intermittent illuminations of the Wordof God, givi,g
further glimpses of truth in the great plan.--Z 1916,
consideration of the anointed ones. ]f there are readers page 339.
of the ~VATcIt TOWERwho can not agree with what is sVoiees symbolize proclamations of truth. Let the
here stated, then it is suggested that such eahnly and anointed bear witness as to wh{,ther or not there h;~vo
carefully wait npon the Lord, ahvays keeping a" pure been great truths come to light, aml a wider proclan:a-
lu’art. Weknowthat tl~e Lord is his owninterpreter, lion of truth throughout the earth since 1919 thau at
that he will interpret his Wordto his people in his any time previous. The reader is referred to the an-
own good way and in his own due time. mml reports of the SOCIETYpublished for 192:~ and
"It seems to be a safe rule to follow, that prophecy 192[; and this proclamation of the truth has eau-ed
can not be understoodby us until it is fulfilled or in the much thunderings of the enemy. There have been dis-
eourse of fulfihnent. The twelfth chapter of Revela- turbanees among,~t them; and there has been a grea.t
tion is prophecy. hail storm falling upon them in the nature of pro~.la-
aAnother safe rule to follow in the examination of mations, indictments, etc.
scriptures is this: First locate some starting-point, or "It seems quite clear that the last three w,rses of
monmnent, which we know to be correct; then that ];o~elation, eleventh chapter, are a part of th,, tw,.lfth
~vhieh is both Scriptural and wholly consistent therewith chapter. :If that be true, then it follows that the
may be reasonably accepted as correct. twelfth chapter of Revelation, under the rule above
It seems to be well settled now in the minds of the stated, eouhl not be umler~-tood or appreciated until
anointed that the Gentile Times, which began 606 B. after 1918; that is to say, until the opening of the
C., ended in 1914; that the devil becamethe god of the temple when the Lord came to his temple. If the
entire world when Israel was east off, and that with the prophecy of Revelation twelfth chapter began to have
comingof 1914 the devil’s privilege of ruling the world
its fulfilment at or immediately after that date, then
without interference ceased. The physical facts are
the temple class should now be able to see some of it
consistent with these eonelusions.
and to appreciate it. After careful and prayerful con-
~In Revelation 11: 17, 18 we read that the Lord has
taken his power and reigned: "And the nations werc sideration, it seems proper here to call attention to
some physical facts which seem to be in fulfilment of
angry, and thy wrath is come." This prophecy began
to have its 9ulfilment with the World War in 1914. the prophecy of the twelfth chapter of Rew,lation.
~The antitypieal temple of the Lord is his anointed Probably the Lord wants his anointed to see a l~ttle
ones. (1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17) The Scriptural proof more just now, during a flash of lightning, that they
lxeretofore submitted in the WATCH TOWER is to the may be encouraged to hold fast to the promises and
effect that the Lord came to his temple in 1918; and press on in the fight. Would not such be a eonffort
that there began a final trial and judgznent upon the to those whoare in Zion ?
Church. (1 Peter 4:17 ; Psalm 11 : 4-7 ; Malachi 3:1-3 THE NEWNATION
Matthew 25 : 1-30) Revelation 11 : 19 reads: "And the
temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was ~°Whathas been the outstanding feature of the divine
~een irL his temple the ark of his testament: and there plan during the ages? At once we all answer: The
were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an establishment of the kingdom for which Jesus ta,ght
earthquake, and great hail." us to pray. That means the birth of the new nation,
TWeshould therefore expect thai; following 1918, which shall rule and bless all the famihes of the earth.
when the Lord came to his temple and it was opened, --Daniel 2 : 44,.
61
’rh, WATCHTOWER
n~qmt has been the opposing power that has kept ~SIn 1918 and 1919 Zion suffered still more, and
the people in ignorance of this glorious new nation and there mayyet still be more sufferings to endure.
the blessings it will bring to them ? Again the anointed ~PMarkhow the facts fit the prophecy: "Before she
with one accord respond: Satan the devil, and his travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she
organization. was delivered of a man child. Whohath heard such a
lZThcse two points are immovably fixed. Now we thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth
see from the evidence about us that the real fight is be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation
Godagainst the devil, the kingdomof righteousness put- be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she
ring out of possession the kingdom o~ wickedness and brought forth her children." (Isaiah 66: 7, 8) Be
darkness, and establishing the kingdomof truth instead. noted here that from 1874 until 1918 there was little,
13The nations spent their anger on each other in the if any, persecution of those of Zion; that beginning with
great war and until they were exhausted. Following the Jewish year 1918, to wit, the latter part of 1917
1918 the devil’s organization, financial, political and our time, the great suffering came upon the anointed
ecclesiastical, particularly the latter, openly repudiated ones, Zion. Prior to 1914 she was in pain to be
the Lord and his kingdom; and then and there the delivered, greatly desiring the kingdom; but the real
wrath of Godagainst the nations began to be expressed. travail camelater. This is the first great wonder ap-
From that time forward the battle has gone on in the pearing in heaven.
earth. Prior to that the battle was fought in heaven. 2°Another great wmlder or marvelous thing appearing
14Knowingthat the book of Revelation is written in to the anointed ones since 1918 is: "A great red dra-
symbols, wc now begin to give consideration to the gon." Dragon is one of the names which God gives
symbolic language of the twelfth chapter. The "wo- file devil. (Revelation 20: 1-3) The name signifies de-
man" seems clearly to symbolize that part of Zion, God’s vourer. Red dragon would symbolize a devilish, wicked
organization, which gives birth to the new government movement to destroy Zion, dr that which Zion will
or nation which shall rule the nations and peoples of give birth to, the man child, the new nation or new
the earth with a rod of iron and with righteousness. government. It is since 1918 that the anointed ones
St. Paul says: "Jerusalem which is above is free, which this side the vail first understood that the dragon sym-
is the mother of us all." (Galatians 4: 26) In other bolizes the devil’s organization acting in the capacity
words Zion or Jerusalem, God’s organization, is the of a devourer, seeking to devour the seed of promise.
mother which gives birth to the new nation, or govern- Satmffs organization, visible and invisible, is the second
ing factors. The anointed ones on earth are a part great wonder or marvel mentioned here.
of "the woman", and surely represent her. The woman 2~The seven heads and the ten horns symbolize the
"clothed with the sun" means Zion in heaven and the completeness of the devil’s organization invisible and
approved ones on earth of God’s organization at’the visible; and the seven crowns show that the invisible
time the Lord comes to his temple. To clothe means phase exercises the authority of both the old heavens
to throw around or invest as with a robe. Those whom and the old world. It seems reasonable tha~ the devil’~
the Lord approves he brings under or clothes with his invisible organization is divided into seven departments,
robe of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10) lie is the Sun over which reign seven heads of the departments.
of rightcousnes.~. (Malachi 4: ~) Nowin his temple *2"Stars" symbolize leaders in the Church, who
encompassi~ag the temple class or investing them with possess a knowledge of present truth. Stars couhl
his robe of righteousness, his organization producing the not symboliz~ nominal leaders, because they have no
new nation, otherwise designated Zion, shines as the sun. knowledge of present truth. "And his tail drew the
X~Thisa~:ointcd class on earth is walking according to third ptlrt of the stars," etc. In the trouble that began
the divine rule or law, which is symbolized by the in the Fall of 1917, which is really the be~nning of
"moon under her feet", which is God’s law or rule of 19i8, it would not be unreasonable to estimate that
action for the governing of the Church.--1 John 1 : 7 ; one-third of the then leaders of present truth on earth
2:6; 2John 6; Psalm 119:105. were turned against the Lord’s kingdom work, and
~"And upon her head a crown of twelve stars." Her have been against it since. It was the tail of the
head is Christ Jesus. whois crownedwith full powerand devil’s organization downat this end that drew them.
authority to rule (Colossians 1 : 18) ; and with him are 23Since 1878 the devil has watched the development
the twelve apostles of the Lamb. of Zion; and hearing so much about the new kingdom,
aTFrom1878 to 1914 the anointed ones of Zion were or nation, he thought that he would be able to destroy
hoping and pathcntly waiting for the kingdom. Up to it. Therefore, as the picture represents him, "the
that time Zion suffered some pain. Truly it could be dragon stood before the woman[Zion], . . . for to de-
said that she being "with child cried, travailing in vour her child [the new nation] as soon as it was born."
birth, and pained to be delivered." "Even we ourselves **And she brought forth a man child, who was to
groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was
wit, the redemption of our body."--Romans 8:23. caught up unto God, and to his throne." The man
child could be none other than the new kingdom, or subsequent to the great deluge. "Now there was a
new government, or new nation, which is to rule all day when the sons of God came to present themsdves
the other nations with a rod of iron.--Revelation 2: before the Lord, and Satan came also among them."
27; Isaiah 66:7,8; Romans 11:26; 1Peter 2:9. (Job 1: 6) Without doubt at that time Satan was
25In the WATCH Tow~a of 1894, page 135, Brother permitted to communicate with God, because there is
Russell says, in commentingon Isaiall 66 : 7, 8 : "This recorded the conversation. The Lord spoke to Satan,
manchild is the little flock, the bodyof Christ." and Satan responded. There he made an accusation
2"It is not an unusual thing to speak of the birth of against Job, showing that he had an opportunity to
a nation or government. In 1776 the people of the make accusations before Jehovah against the righteous;
American colonies were an organized body of people because Job was called a righteous man.
for action. They were hoping for the birth of a nation, aeJehovah, through his prophet Zechariah, gives a
and they endured much trouble and hardship to that picture of the development of the Christ, which record
end. The nation was born at the surrender of the discloses the fact that Satan was then and there present
British forces under Cornwallis. At the time of that to hinder the Christ: "And the Lord said unto Satan,
great struggle, not all the people in the country were in The Lord rebuke thee, 0 Satan ; even the Lord that
favor of the new govenlment; but after the birth of the hath chosen Jerusalem [Zion] rebuke thee."~Zech-
American government, then the others came in and be- ariah 3 : 1, 2.
camea part of it. aaWhenJesus was in the wilderness Satan appeared
=rAnd even so it is with Zion. From 1878 for- to him, and had communicationwith him, and presented
ward Jesus was gathering together his consecrated fol- temptations to him, and claimed to be the ruler of the
lowers; and these, with the hope of an early birth of earth. This claim was not gainsaid by the Lord. (Luke
the new nation or government, have struggled on for 4: 5-7) Later when Jesus spoke of Satan, he referred
the cause of righteousness, holding fast to the precious to him as "the prince of this world".~John 12: 31.
truths. They expected this birth in 1910 and at other 84Later, the apostle Paul calls Satan the god of this
dates, but pal~icularly in 1914. In that year the Lord world. (2 Corinthians 4: 3, 4) St. Peter plainly infers
took his power and began his reign. There the "man that Satan is the ruler of the old heaven and old
child [the Nation], which was to rule the nations with earth, which must pass away. (2 Peter 3:7-13) This
a rod of iron," was born. Up to 1914 not all the proof ought to be sufficient to establish the fact that
anointed who loved the Lord were of Zion. Since that Satan has been in heaven, and for some reason has
time more have come into harmony with Christ and the had access and opportunity to aeeu~ the brethren in
new government. Christ before God.~Revelation 12 : 10.
2Sin harmonywith the prophecy, Zion travailed more sJ]gichael, who is Christ the Lord, has been present
after she brought forth than before. The greater trial since 1874, but he did not interfere with Satan. He
of the Church was after 1914. "And her child [the remained silent until his right to rule had come.
new nation with authority to rule and govern] was Satan’s right had expired in 1914. "And at that time
caught up unto God and to his throne." The new shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth
government, or Lord’s kingdom, or new nation, is God’s for the children of thy people; ~nd there shall be a
kingdom; and the authority proceeds £rom Jehovah’s time of trouble, such as never was since there was a
throne. The devil can not injure the new government, nation even to that same time: and at that time thy
even though he can do injury to some of the remnant people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found
yet on earth, the consecrated who form a par~ of Zion, written in the book." Daniel 12: 1.
of God’s organization, yet on earth. a~There the Lord Jesus did stand up, and took his
=gAt this point we pass over verse six for the reason power to reign. It should be expected that the first
that it seemsbest to consider it in connection with verse work he would do would be to throw the devil out of
fourteen. heaven; and then and there the fight began. Revela-
WARIN HEA’¢EN tion 12 : 7-9 reads:
S°The Scriptures do not bear out the thought that ~r"And there was war ia heaven: Michael and h:~
Satan has been debarred from appearing in heaven since angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon
the fall of manin Eden, nor at the time of the flood. fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was
On the contrary the Scriptures and the physical facts their place found any more in heaven. And the great
seem to indicate that Satan was permitted to remain dragon was cast out, tlrat old serpent, called {h~ Devil,
in heaven for some good purpose; that is to say, God and Satan, which deeeiveth the whole world: he was
pmTnitted it, therefore for a wise purpose and a good cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out;
purpose. with him."
a~In proof of this the following is submitted: Job, 88This is no imaginary thing; it was a real fight. The
the man of Uz, probably lived about the time of Abra- dragon and his official family, members of his in-
ham. Certainly the experiences recorded of him occurred visible government, fought and fought hard; but they
,rhc WATCHTOWER
lo.ot, and were literally hurled out of h(.aven. [See not in their own sh’engih hut through the merit of
Weymonth’stranslation.] (’hri.-t Jesus, and this hv abiding in him and his word
8Pit is inconsistent to think that Jesus, tile righteous abiding in them. Thus failhful, they ask of the Lord
One, would take his power to reign in heaven and ,qrength and help for overcoming, and receive it.
permit the devil to remain therc; and he did not. Both - -John 15 : 7.
Satan and his angels, namely, his effi(.ial family, his *’~They hesitate not in giving their testimony con-
invisible joint-rulers, were hurled downto the earth. earning the l,ord. They love the Lord and his cause
That fight must have begun in 1914. Just how long better than their own lives. In the strength of the
it lasted the Scriptures do not indicate. l,o-’d they overcome. Those dwelling in heaven from
4°There was no more place found in hcavml for the lhat time forward arc called upon to rejoice, because no
dragon and his angels, but they were east out into the morecan Satan interfere or hinder in all God’s purposes.
earth. From verse twelve we quote: "Therefore rejoice, **All the members of the Church may take courage
ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woeto the in- and rejoice, knowingthat no more "shall the rod of the
habiters of the earth, and of the sea! for the devil is wicked rest upon the lot of the righteous" (Psalm 125:
come down unto you, having great wrath, because he ’3); that nothing Satan attempts against the Lord’s
knoweth that he hath lint a short time." arrangement can .~ueceed. because the kingdomof glory
"~Donot the physical facts bear witness that since is in power and marching majestically on to filml
1914 there has 1)ccn a greater element of wickedness victory.
in the earth than ever before, and that Ibis wicked- *’The loyal and faithful ones may be absolutely cer-
hess is on the increase? Crimes, wickedness indescrib- b~in of victory if they remain true to the Lord. This
able, and ascribable to none oilier than the devil’s in- ,qlould bring great consolation to the Church now, and
fluence, have become a commonthing in the past few should enthuse all to greater efforts to give their testi-
years. "Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of monyto the glory of the Lord and his kingdom.
the sea." "The inhabiters" here means those who were 4*This scripture, and others, indicates that the fight
permanently located, particularly the ruling factors; of the Church remaining on earth may grow in severity ;
to wit, big business, big politicians and big preachers, but these need have no fear. Their strenNh is in the
~’ho are muchdisturbed and in distress and perplexity. Lord. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
*V’Thesea" refers to the restless element of society, throughout thc whole earth, to show himself strong in
which has been more bent on revolutions and troubles of the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
various kinds since 1914 than ever before. Nowbe- --2 Chronicles 16: 9.
ing huffed out of heaven and to the earth, Satan knows
that his time is very short; and so he is angry at the FLEES INTO THE WILDERNESS
Lord and his followers, the sccd of promise, that has 4~Thedifferent events prophesied in the twelfth chap-
promised to bruise his head. tot of Revelation do not necessarily occur in the order
"’~Wllile in heaven and before the battle was begun in there named; but it is reasonable they do occur in near
1914, Satan had been the accuser of the 1)rethren in proximity to each other. This seems to be the proper
Christ before God day and night. Whenhe was hurled place and order in which to put verses six, thirteen and
out of heaven and into the earth, then "I heard a fourteen :
loud voice saying in heaven, Nowis come salvation, and "°"And the woma,,led into the wilderness, where she
strength, and the kingdom of our God. and the power hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed
of his Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is east her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."
down, which accused them before our God day and "And when the dragon saw that he was east into the
night." This is further proof that the casting of the earth, he persecuted the womanwhich brought forth the
devil out of heaven did not take place until the Lord man child. And to the woman were given two wings
Jesus Christ took his power and began his reign; and of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness,
with the ousting of the dragon from heaven comes the into her place, were she is nourished for a time, and
salvation of the Zion class, the birth of the new nation, times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."
the new government, which is to be the salvation of t’Satan and his official family must have been hurled
the world. No wonder, then, there was great rejoicing. out of heaven to the earth some time after 1914 and
"In verse eleven we are told that the faithful over- before 1918. After this battle, he must have beeen so
came the devil "by the blood of the Lamb, and by the dazed for some time that he did not realize what had
~rord of their testimony; and they loved not their happened to him. This is indicated by verse thirteen:
lives unto the death." These refused to yield to the se- "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the
ductive influences of the devil, either by using their earth." This ~hows that it required for him some time
spiritual favors for fleshly advantage or for the purpose to wake up to the fact. Whenhe did arouse himself
of Rhlning in the eyes of others, or because of ambitious to this fact, he realized that the woman(Zion, God’s
desire to run ahead of the Lord. Their overcoming is organization, which brought forth the new kingdom)
WATCHTOWER v
still had somepeople in the earth ; and he set about to the same identical time; th~ is to say, the time is
persecute God’s organization on earth. Beginning in stated in two different ways. The question here is, Is
the Fall of 1917 (which is rcally the beginning of 1918) this period of time symbolicor literal ?
Satan began to marshal his forces to persecute those of ~PWhile Revelation is written in symbolic language,
God’s organization, Zion, pictured by the woman. it seems quite clear that the numbers mentioned in
~2In the spring of the year 1918 this persecution be- Revelation are to be taken as literal. For instance,
came so great that manyof the Lord’s children of Zion we have the seven churches, the seven golden candle-
were imprisoned and some killed. The SOCIETY,do- sticks, the seven seals, seven trumpets, seven thunders~
ing the Lord’s work, was disrupted, its officers im- seven plagues, and seven vials, all of which we have
prisoned, and the entire Church restrained and greatly considered literal, so far as the numberitself is con-
discouraged. With the happening of these events, cerned. The 144,000 members of the Body of Christ
brought about by Satan and his eartMy representatives, are always taken as literal. (Revelation 7: 4) From
evidently Satan rea~ned that he was rid of this Volume Seven, page 130, we quote: "That this is
pestiferous companythat stood in his way and exposed not a symbolic, but an exact number, seems certain from
his wickedness. the fact that, in the same chapter reference is madeto
5~But on the 26th day of March, 1919, the imprisoned another company,also spirit-begotten. In the 9th verse
officers of the SocIETYwere released; and the next day, we read: ’I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which
to wit, on the 27th day of March, 1919, they began no man could numbcr.’ It is not probable that this
to formulate plans for the aiding of the Church and multitude is so great that no one could actually count
the furthering of the witness. (See Z 1919, Page 118, them, but rather that none can state their number,
Column 2.) From that time dates the fleeing of the Godhaving left it indefinite."
woman(Zion, God’s organization on earth) into the ~°Brother l~ussell says that the 144,000 is a literal
wilderness. (Sce vcrses six and fourteen.) What, then, mtmber.--Z 1880-5; Z 1901-94.
is signified by the wilderness? ~If we find that almost all of the numbers of Rev-
54WhenJesus was in the wilderness, God specially elation are properly interpreted as literal, whyshould
shielded and protected him there. (Mark 1: 13) we conclude that the days mentioned in the twelfth
place symbolizes a condition. The wilderness in this chapter are symbolic, and stretch them out over so many
chapter under consideration seems to symbolize the con- years? If we find that the physical facts are in har-
dition prepared by divine providences for the Church, mony with a literal 1260 days, would this not be
composing that part of Zion on earth; and under these strong corroborative proof that the Lord intended the
divine providences she was fed, or nourished by the numberto be taken as literal ?
food which the Lord graciously provided in his cho-
sen way. SOME FACT.~
~SVerse fourteen reads: "And to the womanwere 62The Lord has usually used some one or more per-
given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly sons in a representative capacity to point out some im-
into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nour-portant features of his work in connection with his
ished." The "wings" scem clearly to symbolize divine people. Without seeming egotistical, and not intending
provision madefor Zion’s protection. to assume too much, we suggest that the officers of
5°God gave a picture of this when he said to Israel:the SOCIETY,used of the Lord in a representative
"¥e have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how capacity, may be used to represent his people. The
I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto personnel makes no difference. The question is, Does
myself."--Exodus 19 : 4. the Lord use them? He must use some one. God sets
57The two wings, or divine providences, mayproper- the members in the Body as it pleaseth him. (1 Cor-
ly be said to be God’s love and power exercised for theinthians 12:18) When one is set in the Body, that
benefit of the Church organization, to feed, shield andone’s personality counts for nothing. It is the office
protect her from the enemy’s wries. The food which in the Body, or place, that is to be considered, and the
she was made to feed upon was the message of truth representative capacity in which the Lord may use the
provided by the Lord through THEWATCrrTOW~I~and one in that office or place.
kindred publications, which he has provided on his table ~SProeeeding then upon this theory: Whenthe of-
for the benefit of his people. ricers of the SOCIETY were imprisoned and the head-
quarters dismantled and removed, and all relationship
TIME between the homeoffice and the offices in the forei~nl
~S0neof the most difficult parts of this chapterto be countries was severed and the work stopped, through-
tmderstood has been the time features designated in out Americain particular, the clergy of the land, being
verse six as ’% thousand two hundred and threescore visible representatives of the devil and therefore re-
days", and in verse fourteen, "a time, and times, and riecting the deviFs views, thought that the SooI~r~
half a time." Without doubt the~ two vers~ name and its work were done. Their father thought the
WATCH TOWER BROOKLTN, .~. ~.
sama thing. (John 8:44) Again we emphasize the ~’~Nowtake your pencil and count 1260 literal days
fact that from 1874 to 1918 there was scarcely any fr,,m th:. date of relea~-mgor" the SOCIETY’S officers from
persecution of the Church. The severe persecution prison, and see what we find. Since the release was
took place after Satan was hurled out of heaven. When effective at the close of the 26th day of March, 1919, by
he got the Lord’s representatives into his ownprison, he their being admitted to bail and released from the
doubtless concluded that he need give little or no at- custody of the officers of Satan’s organization, the time
tention to them any more, but that he would give at- must count then from the day following; namely,
tention to the things of this world, and particularly March 27.
the organization of his ownforces to hold them intact. ~[arch 27, 1919 to March31, 1919 inclusive, 5 days
6+Onthe 26th day of March, 1919, tile SocIF.rY’S of- April 1, 1919 to Sept. 7, 1919 inclusive, 160 days
fleers were released from prison; and late of tire same September 7, 1919 to September 8, 1922, 1095 days
evening many of the consecrated assembled at Bethel
Total
.............................................................................
1260days
and other places on the earth to give prai~ to God
and to our Lord Jesus Christ. The next day, the ’°l)id an)thing happen on the 8tit of Septeml)er,
27th of March, plans began to be laid to reorganize the 19’.~2? At that time the Cedar Point Convention was
work. This did not escape Satan, but doubtless angered in session. The 8th day of September was designated
him. He and his earthly agencies would have without on the program as "TIIE DAY".Wequote from Tn l.:
question destroyed the remnant of Zion on earth, but WATCH TOWER,November 1st, 1922, pages 331-332:
were prevented from so doing by the Lord’s gracious n"Friday. September 8, was designated on the pro-
providences. gram as ’The Day’. It was thus designated because
~SThisdate, as above stated, marks the flight of the. on that day the speakers discussed the subject of the
womaninto the wilderness, where the Lord by his Lord’s presence and of his kingdom, now being put
providences fed and nourished her. Not very much into operation, as the most important thing to both
work was done for some time aside from reorganizing the Church and the world. At 9 o’clock was a praise
the work by the brethren, and the strengthening of each service; and at 9:30 Brother Rutherford delivered a
other. God so shielded and hedged his Church round discourse on the subject, ’The Kingdom’. Previous
about that the serpent, the dragon, or the devil’s organ- to this time, large banners had been hung in dif-
ization, could not reach the woman(Zion, God’s organ- ferent parts of the grounds and halls containing the
ization). "And the serpent east out of his month water letters, A D V. Many of the friends were guessing,
as a flood, after the woman,that he might cause her to of course, what this meaut ; and the guesses were diverse
be carried away of the flood."--Verse 15. and numerous. The real purpose of these banners was
e6The water, or flood, here s}Tnbolizes teachings or to fix the minds of the brethren upon the importance
doctrines sent forth amongst the people. Since the of the day.
devil could not reach the Church, he purposed now to ~2"Alarge banner, thirty-six feet in length, in three
overwhelmher influence by the false doctrines that he colors, had been made by the SocIm’-ds artist, and was
would send amongst the people. Be it noted that from strung above the speaker’s stand and so folded that it
1919 forward there was a great flood of Modernism could not be determined what was on it until the psy-
amongst nominal Christendom. There was an open chological nmment. Brother l~utherford’s address con-
advocacy by ecclesiastics, big business and politicians eluded with the words: ’Advertise, advertise, advertise
of the devil’s scheme, the Leagueof Nations, the evident the King and the kingdom.’ Whenhe was repeating
purpose being to divert the minds of the people from these words, the strings hohling the banner were cut;
the testimony concerning God’s kingdom. Various and it gracefully unfolded before the audience, con-
plans for peace and reconstruction were brought forth taining these same words: ’Advertise the King anti
to attract the attention of the people; and these things the Kingdom.’ In the middle of the banner was a
so absorbed the attention, particularly of the ruling large picture of the Lord.
factors, that little heed was given to the Lord’s people 7:"’The friends received this with great enthusiasm,
and what they were doing. "The earth helped the and took it as the keynote of the convention that the
~oman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed real privilege and duty of the consecrated now on
up the flood which the dragon east out of his mouth." eat~h is to advertise the presence of the Lord, the
+7Otherwise stated, the earth absorbed this great great King of kings, and that his kingdom is here,
flood of false teachings that the devil sent forth; while and 4hat this is the most important thing for them
at the same time many of the commonpeople were to do and the most necessary thing for them to do in
getting the scales removed from their eyes, and the order to prove their love and loyalty to the Lord. Each
Lord overruled Satan’s effort for the benefit of the one present was thoroughly impressed with the fact
Church. that the obligation is laid upon every one of the con-
e’The organization went on until it was more secrated from this time forward to act as a publicity
thoroughly perfected than at any time prior thereto. agent for the King and the kingdom."
rhe WATCH TOWER
7’WhenJohn the Baplist began his ministry he adver- *-’Note then, the 17th verse rends: "And the dr.~.’on
tise(1 the King, the Lord Jesus. The miracles per- was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with
fro’reed by the Lord himself were for the purpose of the renmant of her seed, which keep the commandments
emphasizing his presence, therefore advertising the of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
King and the kingdom. Now the King of Glory is SaFromthat very day forward, to wit: September 8th,
present, and has taken unto himself his power and 1922, the close of the 1260 days, "the dragon was wrotb
r,igns. It is the great privilege of the body members with the woman[Zion, God’s organization, that gives
this side the vail to advertise the great King and his birth to the nation], and went [began to prepare] to
kingdom, to announce the glad tidings of great joy. make war with the remnant of her seed [the remaining
It is their privilege to bring the good tidings to the consecrated, anointed ones of Zion on the earth], which
world, to publish the message of peace, to bring to keep the commandments of God, and which have the
all mankind the good tidings of good, and to publish testimony of Jesus Christ," and whojoyfully give testi-
God’s plan of salvation and to say unto those who monyconcerning the kingdom. Satan was awake to th,
have looked for the Lord: "Thy God reigneth!" We fact that there is this remnant of Zion, the seed of the
~u,,~e~t a careful rereading of that discourse. woman; and against such he goes forth to make war.
7qlere it was exactly 1260 clays to lhe very day that There it was that Satan began to marshall his forces
the remnant of God’s people yet on earth boldly aml for Armageddon,in which fight he will make a desper-
joyfully declared their unqualified allegiance to the ate attempt to destroy from the earth all whokeep tlod’s
l,or(l and his kingdom, and began the most aggressive commandnu’ntsand who hold to the tcstimony of Jesus
campaignthat has ever been in the earth against Satan’s Christ.
empire, and to advertise the King and his kingdom. S’From that day forward there has been the greatest
T~Onthe same 8th day of Sel)tembcr, 1922, follow- witness for the King and his kingdom ever given; and
ing the discourse delivered by the President of the on the witness goes, by the grace of the Lord God and
SOCIETY calling on the Church to I)egin the campaign, the Captain of the Lord’s army.
Brother Itemery, of the Londonoffice, delivered a dis- S~Markyou, it will be against those who keep the
conrse before the same body of Christians from the Lord’s commandmentsthat Satan will make war; and
text: "This is the day which the l,ord hath made, they that keep the commandmentswill be proclaiming
we will rejoice and be glad in it."--l’sahn 118: 24; the message of the kingdom. If he can turn aside any
Z 1922-337-338. by inducing them to do nothing or to speak bitter word~
"Particular attention is called to the last two para- against their hrethren, he thereby captures them. and
graphs of Brother IIemery’s discourse : does not need to further fight against them. This is
~"But that our work is not tini.-hed is clear. Still another conchtsive proof that activity is nowessential
there must be the shout of IIosanna! half prayer, half to approval of the Lord. Such keep the te~,timony of
praise: ’Save, Lord, we beseech thee.’ Our joy is that Jesus Christ.
of those whohave the leader in the camp. *"To recapitulate, stating the points in the chrono-
"~"The Church is now entering into an experience logical order as we believe they have transpired in ful-
which corresponds with the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem. filment of this prophecy, we find the following to be the
Thelast witness is about to be given against the iniquitous facts :
teachings and practices of the leaders of Christendom, STFrom1878 to 1914 the people of Zion were cxpect-
and as to the triumph of Messiah. And our joy is like ing the birfll of the new nation. At the same time the
that of the disciples going in with the Master to the dragon stood by, waiting to devour whatsoever was born.
last phases of his work. Weare confident as he was In 1914 the birth of the nation occurred. In 1914 the
confident; and under him we go fonvard to our work war in heaven began, and Satan and his official family
in gladness of heart, and saying as in verse 27, ’God were thrown out of heaven. In 1918, after Satan re-
is the Lord, which hath showed us light’ his way, his covered from his dazed condition, he set about to per-
plan, his purposes; and still we say with the Psalmist: secute the members of the Church on earth. In 1918
’Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns e~ he caused the imprisonment of the officers of the
the altar.’" SOCIETY and others. On March 26th, 1919, these were
S°The program was not fixed arbitrarily. The ones released from prison ; and the Church (representing the
~-ho fixed it did not see the significance of it until about woman)there fled into the wilderness for 1260 literal
two years afterwards. days. From March 27th, 1919, to Septembcr 8th, 1922,
"XThekingdom of the Lord and its glorious King and inclusive was exactly 1260 days, at the end of which
his faithful adherents are hated by the devil. There period the remnant of the Church on earth makes a
was a remnant of the nation of Israel. The Scriptures bald proclamation of its allegiance to the King and his
clearly show there is a remnant of spiritual Israel on kingdom, and announces its determination to begin and
earth after the Lord takes unto himself his power to press the fight against Satan’s empire until it is excluded
reign. from the earth.
BROOKLYN, N. ~.
WATCH TOWER
WAR TO A FINISH heralded to the peoples of earth. Victory is with our
*SMakeno mistake by treating this war as a light or King. Faithful now to the end of the war; and we
trivial thing. Satan will use ever conceivable method shall forever bask in the sunshine of his love, where
to destroy the remnant of Zion. He will turn some oI there is fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore.
the brethren against others ; he will use someto slander
and misrepresent their brethren and thereby become QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
bitter of heart; he will turn someto tim Judas class; he If a person can not agree with a WATCHTOWERartielo
will attempt to cause sorrow and woe and thereby destroy what should he do? ¶ 1.
the peace of mind and heart of some; he will cause soma Is the twelfth chapter of Revelation prophecy? What are
safe rules to follow? Whendid "Gentile times" close? ¶ 2-5.
to mournand others to becomeindifferent, dull, inac- What is the antitypical temple? What is said to have taken
tive and fearful. place in 19187 What are the evidences of increased
"voices" in 1923 and 19247 ¶ 6-9.
89Remember,it will be our privilege, each and every What is the outstanding feature of the divine plan? What
one who is of Zion, to valiantly fight for the cause of has been the opposing power? ¶ 10-13.
our King by proclaiming his message, which he has What does the "woman" in question symbolize? How was
given us to proclaim. It will be the privilege of the Forshewhat clothed? How does she walk? ¶ 14-16.
have the anointed ones been waiting? How do
stronger ones to help their brethren by giving them the physical facts fit the prophecy? ¶ 17-19.
beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the What was the other "wonder" that appeared? How was
it bedecked ? ¶ 20-21.
garmentof praise for the spirit of heaviness. Who are the third part of the stars? What did the woman
9*The fight is on to a finish. Steady now; and cour- deliver? ~22-25, 27, 28.
age, dear brethren. Falter not in the onward march. Is 926. it sn unusual thing to speak of the "birth of a nation"?
Blow your trumpets in Zion ; from the battlements of When was the devil cast out of heaven ? ¶ 30-38.
Zion sing aloud the message of the King and his king- Where are Satan and his official family? Who are specially
dom. Lift up your lamps of truth ; for "ye are the in danger? ¶ 39-42.
What is a further proof that Satan was not cast out of
light of the world", shining in a dark place. Sing out: heaven before Jesus began his reign? With what power
"The sword of Jehovah" and of his beloved Son, the do the saints overcome? ¶ 43-48.
antitypical Gideon. "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, When Satan found he was hurled out of rulership, with
whom was he wroth? And what took place amongst the
and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Lord’s people? 949-52.
~lWhat a wonderful honor it is to be in the front What qs the date of the "fleeing of the woman"? What
does "wilderness" signify? What do "wings" mean? 953-
ranks of the battle now against Satan and his hordes! 57, 63-65.
92Let us rememberthat this is the battle of the Lord Are n~mbers in Revelation to be taken literally or symbol-
ically? ¶ 58-61.
against the devil and his forces. Previously he has How does the Lord get information to his people concerning
thrown the devil out of heaven ; nowthe battle is to ex- important impending events? ¶62.
clude him and his forces from the earth, that they may What does "flood" symbolize? What was the devil’s scheme?
What became of the flood? 966-68.
deceive the people no more. Weneed not fear, because From what date to what date do the 1260 days extend? ¶ 69.
we axe safe in the hollow of God’s hand.--Isaiah 51 : 16. What took place September 8th, 19227 How was the day
°~Whata blessed privilege to fight the forces of dark- specially marked by Bible Students? Quote parts of
two discourses given that day. ¶ 70-79.
ness when we knowthat we can not be hurt if we remain Who is it that hates the Lord’s people? Why is aclfvity
close to the Lord! essential to victory? ¶ 80-85.
~4The new nation is born. Its glory shall fill the What are the outstanding points to be noticed? ¶ 86-87.
Should we treat the present warfare in a trivial manner?
whole earth. The kingdom of heaven is here. The day What is the privilege of the stronger ones in Zion ? ¶ 88-93.
of deliverance is in sight. Let this good news be Finally, is the new nation, the new kingdom, here? ¶ 94.
Jehovah, the great Father of mercies and God of all when they as members of ~lc ldngdom class can say:
comfort. "Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not
The maddening waves of passion put in motion by withhohlen the request of his lips. For thou prcventest
lhc adver.-arv mar at times seem ahnost to envelop and him with the blessings of goodness: thou settz, st a crown
o~erwhehntim lx)rd’s little ones; but there is really no of pure gold on his head."--Psalm 21 : 2, 3.
danger so long as we remain dose to the Lord. Being These inspired words of the Prophet bring comfort
in the shadow of his hand, and being privileged to be and consolation to the h(’art now. With a consolation
witne.cses for him. we have every reason to feel that of joy, lhe.~e (’onfidently look forward to the time wh(n
consolation and peace which come when conscious of earthly experiences are ended and when they may be
eomph.tesceurit3:. presented to the Father of mercies and the God of all
No matter how severe the battle, maygrow, the Lord (’omfort, and behold his glorious face and receive his
wouhlhave hi.~ chihlroa, wlmare of the Church, to keep snfile of approval.
this in mind: "Godis in the midst of her; she shall not
be moved: God shall help her, and that right early."--
TEXT FOR APRIL 15
Psalm 46: 5.
I f we appreci~,te this manifestation of loving-kindness "I hare lint my .~pbit .l.m him."--Isaiah .~3: 1.
toward us, sureh" we will he anxious to sing fm’th the
p,’aises of our great Father and his beloved Son, Christ
Jeslls.
T liE (.lass under consideration in this text seems
clearly to be composedof those who are devoted
to and faithfully serving the Lord Jehovah, of
Wewill wi.-h to use the eonffort which we received x~hich class Christ Jesus is the Ilead. l[e was alw~,ys
f,’om him to emnfort others who are desirous of being faithful in his service and is designated The Faithful
comforted. Nowhohling fast to that which we haw,, and True. Ulmn him the Lord Jehovah put his spiriL
continuing to trust implicitly in the Lord, rejoicing in that he might (Io the Father’s will.--I.~aiah 61:1, 2.
hope to the end, we will abide in peace and eonffort and
Uponthose whoare in Christ this same holy spirit has
in due time shall be granted an abundant entrance into
come through the lien(l, Christ Jesus. Jehovah desig-
his glorious house.
nates them as "nay servant, whomI nphohl, mine elect,
in whommy soul delighteth." (Isaiah 42:1) Without
TEXT FOR APRIL 8 question these must be serving the purposes of the Lord
"’In thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!"~ as opportunity affords. To them Jehovah says: "Y~
Psalm 21:1. are my witnesses."--Isaiah 43:10.
HIS text refers to the kingdom class, of whom This is the time when the witness must be given.
T David was a type. The Lord Jesus is the great
King ; and those whowill be granted membership
Satan is employing all of his power to discredit God;
and it is the privilege of the servant class here mentioned
in his house will be a part of the kingdom,or royal line to testify of the goodness and greatness of Jehovah.
The heart’s sincere desire of every one whois faith-- These, having the spirit of, the Lord upon them, are
fully following the Lord ig that he might have the ap- comforted by reason thereof, because the great Father
proval of God, enter into the house of the Lord, and of mercies gives consolation to all whoare his and who
there behold his beauty and inquire in his temple forever. possess his spirit. Being movedby his spirit, and their
This glorious reward is the salvation of the order of course of action being controlled thhreby, such are being
kings. Webelieve there are still this side the vail some trained to mSnister to the nations according to the
of the kingdom class. These receive great consolation divinely fixed judgments or decrees of righteousness.
from Jehovah and from the Lord Jesus now, because Our great loving Father, through his beloved Son,
they have the testimony of the holy spirit that they ara the Head of the servant class, speaks to the members
the Lord’s. of the Church that these might be comforted and sure
The Lord, having come to his temple and finding of his guiding hand, saying, "I the Lord have called
some faithflfl, has invited them to enter into his joy. thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and
These delight to do his will. They are happy to declare will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the peo-
the message of his kingdom and to glorify his name. ple, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes,
these see that there is great danger about them if they to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them
wander away from the Lord and his service; and they that sit in darkness out of the prison house."--Isaiah
arc anxious to stay close by; and remaining close to the 42: 6, 7.
Lord they have the assurance, and are comforted by it, Wonderfulis the incentive now to hasten to serve the
that he will keep in peace, peace, those whotrust him Lord acceptably that we may be used in the future to
implicitly. bring" great blessings to others. In proportion as we
With joyful anticipation they look forward to the imbibe the spirit of the Lord. in that proportion He will
time whensalvation in its fulness shall be their portion, be anxious nowto testify of his love for mankind.
CLOSING PERIOD OF CHRIST’S MINISTRY
]~[AllC~29 QUARTERLYREVIEW---
JESUS" PUBLIC ~,[INISTRY ENDED--JESUS" SUPRE~[E YEST--LESSONS LEARNED BY TIlE DISCIPLES.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and for ever."--Hebrews 13: 8, R. V.
HEBible study lessons for the past three months would be done in the wider sphere on his return.
T have taken us into and through the closing left the temple courts, saying, "Your house is left
period of Jesus’ ministry. That period was the unto you desolate."--Matthew 23: 38.
central point of humanhistory, and with one exception 6His ministry to the people and against their leaders
was its most important period. That exception is the being ended, Jesus now gave to his apostles, and to
present, when Jesus has returned to destroy the present his Church through them, that review of the last things
worM-orderand to establish the kingdomof heaven with of the Gospel Age and those which would introduce hi:l
its rulership of world affairs. Of necessity these two return, which is recorded in Matthew 24 and 25. tie
events are the most important of all. knew that when he returned he would not be in bodily
~0ur Lord’s time on earth was appointed to be form, physical organism, so that he could be discerned;
thirty-three and one-half years, of which tile latter and he did not then know the day and the hour of hin
three and one-half years were to be taken up with his return. It was necessary, therefore, that his disciples
ministry, the previous thirty years being for his de- must have that which would enable them to know when
velopment preparatory to that work. Three and a half he was again present to receive them to himself and to
years seem but a short time for such an important establish his kingdom. To this end the signs which
ministry as his; but, as our studies have shown, he would indicate his return were enumerated.
came rather to establish truth than to seek to impress ~Looking over the city which would now get no more
his mind and his message on all. When the crowds instruction nor witness from him, and which he knew
came to him, he gave his blessings to such as sought the next day would cry for his blood, Jesus told of its
them; and, as seemed good, he spoke to the people; but coming doom. He knew by the prophecies that great
he made no special attempt to get them to become his nations were to arise with whomGod would have a
followers. Rather, he directed them to the words of controversy (Isaiah 34:), because while professing to ac-
God which their prophets had spoken, and to the bless- cept him these great nations would depart from his
ings of the kingdomof heaven. teaching and becomehypocritical, even as the Jews had
departed from the Wordof God and become hypocrites.
JESUS’ PUBLIC MINISTRY ENDED Also in the day of the kingdom, the world must be
’The end of Jesus’ ministry seemed to be brought brought into test that it might demonstrate to itself
about according to humanpurpose. The Pharisees, who its inherent inability to bring order out of chaos and
early perceived that his teaching, if accepted by the establish its affMrs.
people, must as inevitably remove them from their ’Besides giving the Church the signs neeessary to de-
place of authority and luxury as the morning mist is termine his presence, Jesus told them of the tests which
removed by the sun, always followed him about, seek- would then come upon it. He knew that there would
ing to entrap him. Their bitterness grew; but they be little faith on his return (Luke 18: 8), and that
dared not molest him, and they could find no charge even amongst those who were waiting for him there
of sedition against him to lay before the RomanGov- would be a spirit of slumber. (Matthew 25:5) And
ernor, tIence they were kept back till the time came by the parable of the Sheep and Goats he showed that
when he must be offered. Then his betrayer sold him his ministry through his faithful disciples would then
into their hands. result in such a division in Christendom as was at that
~By this time the unremitting labors of Jesus had time taking place in Jewry.
begun to tell upon his body. He had not spared him-
JESUS’ SUPREME TEST
self, and muchof his service had been done at the ex-
pense of his own vitality: "for there went virtue out ~tIaving spoken these things, Jesus ended his out-
of him, and healed ’~ the people. (Luke 6:19) When ward ministry. There remained for him the evening
Eae time came for the consummationof his sacrifice he hours with his disciples, whenhe wouldeat the Passover
presented himself as it were officially to Jerusalem, with them and institute the Memorial Supper ; when
the representative city. He rode in as a king, though he would introduce them into his covenant, into his
he made no claims except by the symbol of riding upon glory, and into sharing in his death by sacrifice. That
aa ass, and by accepting the acclamations offered. evening was a memorable time. Judas, unknown to
6Twoor three days later Jesus gave his final witness any save Peter and John and the Lord, went out from
in the temple, concluding with such an indictment the Passover to betray his Master.
against the ecclesiastics of his day as can not be re- ~°After the traitor was gone, Jesus drew his apostles
peated, but which also serves as an illustration of what to himself and carried them as it were into the intimate
76
~IAII~CII 1, 1925 77
~ WATCH TOWER
relationship which he enjoyed with the Father. tie might threaten the peace of this rather excitable part
showed them that they were to share with him; that of Rome’s dominion, was now out of the way. And
where he was going they were to be ; that as he was God’s the disciples were fearful that they had lost their Master.
vine they were its branches; and that they also would ~But Satan’s craft and cnlelty were without avail.
have through him access to the Father in prayer for tie who had had much of the power of death (Hebrews
their guidance and strength. Further, he promised that 2:14:) could not keep Jesus in hades. The disciples
the spirit of truth would come upon them, bringing soon learned that their Master was no longer dead but
his words to their minds, and enabling them to witness was raised out of death by God, and that God was
in his name. still fulfilling the Scriptures. But Jesus’ manifestations
nThen Jesus presented them to his Father, relieving of himself convinced the disciples that he was changed
himself of his trust by asking the Father to care for (1 Peter 3 : 18), and that they could not have the same
them, now that he himself could no longer do so. So kind of sweet fellowship they had formerly enjoyed.
far as they were concerned, his ministry was ended. They had to learn that they could have communionwith
He had finished the work God gave him to do. (John him only as he pleased, until the spirit should be given,
17: ¢) There was yet for himself a pedecting work whenthey wouldhave it constantly as they should desire.
{o be done. 17Whenthese lessons had been thoroughly learned
*hJesns’ last and greatest test in obedience had yet Jesus met them in the upper room, and then led them
to be experienced. I~eaving the city he went, as his as far as Bethany which, after his mother’s home, was
custom had been, to the Mount of Olives. But now the only place where he had found a home which gave
a heaviness came upon him. Becomingalarmed, he told him rest. Then leaving the scene of his labors and his
the three foremost apostles of his distress, and left them earthly affections as such, he gave them his blessing
that he might pray. Our study told us of the agony and was parted from them, being "carried up into
in the Garden of Gethsemaneand of his victory. Jesus heaven" (Luke 24: 51), a cloud covering him as
wanted, if it were possible, that his will should be fol- was blessing them.
lowed ; and thrice he pleaded his suit before the Father, ~SToday’stext is: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday
but without response. The absence of reply showed him and today, yea and for ever." (Hebrews 13: 8, R. Y.)
his Father’s will. He quieted his mind, saying, "Re- He is the same Jesus; yesterday when he was upon
turn unto thy rest, 0 my soul." (Psalm 116:7) eaffch; today, that is, all the time of his ministry in
rememberedthe scriptures written for his cheer, and he heaven for his Church; and forever ("unto the ages,"
went forward bravely, loyally, and gladly, to drink the see R. V., margin), that is, during the time of his
cup poured for him. hTo other person could ev,Jr suffer kingdom. He is forever the same. He came to die
so muchas he did; for he tasted the bitterest dregs of for the race; he has ministered to those who have be-
death as a separation from God. lieved on God through him; and he comes to deliver
’aBut Jesus died without murmuror complaint, dumb the world for which he died, that he might really be
as a lamb before her shearers. He knew that ~is death the Savior of mankind.--John 1 : 29 ; 1 Timothy2 : 3-6.
was in harmony with his Father’s will, that it was
precious (valuable) in God’s sight, and that therefore QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUL
Godhad pleasure in ft.--Psalm 116 : 15. What period of time is the central point of human history?
~The disciples who have suffered at the hands of What other event is associated with it? ~ 1.
Did Jesus make special attempts to get followers? ¶ 2.
eviI men have had the Lord’s succoring aid, but he Why did. the Pharisees hate Jesus? Was it appropriate th tt
who died for the sin of the world must die with the Jesus should offer himself to the Jews as their king? ¶3. 4.
Father’s face withheld from him. Confidently, in full Where, when, and what was the final witness of Jesu~?
After this, to whom did Jesus confine his teaching?
measureof faith Jesus said : "It is finished" ; "Father, What was the object of that teaching? ¶ 5, 6.
into thy hands I commend my spirit." He did not Were the nations to be converted at the time of the second
coming of Jesus? When will the world be brought to
claim anything, but commendedhimself to his Father’s its supreme test as to its inability to manage its own
righteousness and love. affairs? Does the Church have a similar test? ¶ 7, 8.
What was next in order for Jesus? How was it shown that
LESSONS LEARNED BY THE DISCIPLES the disciples were to be privileged to share with him in
his sufferings? ¶ 9, 19.
~hThere were many forces working for Jesu2 death. How did Jesus show that he would be helpless during his
Without doubt Satan was its instigator. Satan could trial and death to give assistance to his followers? ¶ 11.
What was Jesus’ greatest test in obedience? How was he
not know what he would effect by it, but he did what comforted? ¶ 12, 13.
he could to stop Jesus" ministry. He could not know Why should the Father’s face be withheld from Jesus?
that he had acted at exactly the right time. The chief How did Jesus demonstrate his trust in God? ¶ 14.
What were the forces coworking for the riddance of Jesus?
priests, scribes, and Pharisees thought they had suc- 915.
ceeded in stopping the work of one whomthey felt By whose power was Jesus raised out of death? And
to be their enemy. Pilate thought he had done a good with what body did he come?¶ 16.
stroke of policy for himself; for this man, wLase work Why was it befitting of Jesus to ascend from Bethany?¶ 17.
In what way is Jesus continuously the same?¶ 18.
THE BLESSING OF PENTECOST
--AI’I~IL 5---ACTs2: 1-47--
AI’OSTLES SPEAK LN" FOREIGX TO~-GUES--MOLY SPIRIT 5lOVES TI[OUSAXDS--SPIRIT CAME TO GENTILES LATER--
SPECIAL t~LESSINGS DUE ~NOW.
"’Repeut ye, and be baptized every one of you in the nameof Jesus Christ unto the re~ission of your sins;
and ye shall receive the gift of the holy 6pirit."--Acts 2: 35, R. V.
ESUS’words to his disciples spoken on his last
J appearance confirmed that which he had previous-
ly told them: tie had begun a work, and they were
(Joel 2 : 28 ; Acts 2 : 17, 18) ; and that the gift had come
to them through their Lord.
"Pet(,r told them that Godhad raised from the dead
to continue it as his representatives. (Acts 1:8) His him whomthey had crucified, and had nmde him both
work as a man was finished, and his resurrection was Lord and Christ (v. 36); that he had received from
proof that it was acceptable. But he must be received his Father the gift of the holy spirit, the evidence o£
into heaven to present himself before the Father. There which "ye now see and hear". By a quotation from
at the mercy seat in heaven (Itebrews 9 : 24) lie wouhl Psahn 16 : 10 Peter showedthat the exaltation was fore-
present himself with the merit of his blood, and would told. David told of one whose soul should not be left
receive of the Father that gift of the holy spirit of which in hades. This prophecy could not refer to David; for
he had spoken to his disciples. he was still dead, and must remain in the grave until
2The disciples were to wait in Jerusalem until they the day of resurrection. The Jews understood this.
received the evidence of his acceptance, which would ~Peter declared therefore that Jesus was the Messiah,
be the holy spirit coming upon thenl. By it they would the Christ. Then he called upon the people to accept
"be endued with power from on high" (Luke 24: 49), Jesus, and they also would receive the holy spirit; for
and would continue their work under his direction. the promise was to them--to all who would accept, and
3The disciples returned to Jerusalem with joy, and by so doing they wouldsave themselves from the tribula-
waited day by day for the promised manifestation. As tion which was about to comeon that crooked generation.
by this time they would have realized that Jesus was lie urged them therefore to repentance, to accept Christ
God’s Passover Lamb,and that he was raised on the day a~ the means by whomthey could come to God.
of the offering of the first of the first fruits; and oll
HOLY SPIRIT MOVES THOUSANDS
the fiftieth day, the second feast of their year and the
offering of first fruits (Leviticus 23: 15, 16), they met 8Many had been much moved by the strange events
very early on that morning, as if expecting that it might at Passover. Nowwhen they found the disciples united
bring them the desire of their hearts. They were not and co~Edent in their Master, and as they saw them
disappointed. Quite early on the morning, as they endued with a miraculous power and with understand-
met with one accord in commonexpectation and in love ing of their Scriptures urging the people to repentance
to each other and loyalty to their Master, the room and to harmony with God, many thousands were con-
where they were was filled as with ’% sound from heaven vinced ~nd believed on the Lord.
as of a rushing mighty wind" (Acts 2: 2); and each 9It was a great day, the greatest single day in the
saw upon the others the appearance of tongues of fire. history of the Church. From that day the apostles were
These were the outward tokens of power and purifica- changed men; and that not only because of confidence
tion. But besides this, each of them was moved in through evidence of their Master’s acceptance before
spirit; there was an inward manifestation. E,~ch was Jehovah, but also of theirs in him. There was some-
conscious of something added to his life.--Acts 2:4. thing added to them. Peter showed an understanding
of the Scriptures new to him. Clearly the apostles
APOSTLES SPEAK IN FOREIGN TONGUES received the spirit of truth as well as the power for
4They spoke of the things in their hearts, but fouml service.--2 Timothy 1:7.
themselves speaking in tongues other than their own ~°They were now equipped as their Master had been.
Itebrew or Aramaic language. This was quickly noised lie had said that his works were done by the power of
abroad amongst the visitors who had come to the feast the spirit of God(Matthew12 : 28 ; Luke 11 : 20) ; and
(Acts 2: 5) ; and by 9 o’clock there were crowds to see Pentecost brought the same power to them. This gift
mad hear this strange thing. Some mocked; and in of the holy spirit meant that new life begun which
contempt they said: "These men are full of new wine." Paul declares is the spirit of life. (Romans8: 2)
5Peter, the leader of the disciples, stood forth and other words, Pentecost meant the begetting of a new
began to tell the people what this meant. ]Keekly he nature as well as equipment of power for service. This
~aid that this strange manifestation which gave them was the new birth of which Jesus spoke. Christendom
power to speak in other languages was not a result of speaks of man’s decision to leave a worldly life for
drinking wine, but was none other than the fulfilment general conformity to religious practices as a new birth.
of Joel’s prophecy that it should come to pass in the But the new birth of which Jesus spoke is far removed
last days that the spirit of God should be poured ou~ from th,qt. It is the beginning of a life which in its
78
WATCH TOWER
completion in resurrection is life on the spirit plane. in power and establish his kingdom, as well as to his
1Uoel’s prophecy of the holy spirit to come upon the workat his first advent. The two prophecies were certainly
faithful in Israel foretold a new operation of the power only partially fulfilled by Jesus at the first advent; both
of God. Instead of as hitherto when the holy spirit are completed by him through his servants at his second
came now and again upon certain men who would act advent. Both tell of the spirit of God being given to
for God, as in the case of Samson and Elijah, or as him to enable him to do this work. As the Servant of
in the case of Isaiah and Jeremiah and the prophets the Lord is the Church under his guidance on his return
who wrote things for God as they were moved by the (see Isaiah 43: 10), it follows that there must be
spirit (2 Peter 1: 21), it would now come upon all who special blessing of the holy spirit for her at that time.
accepted the truth of God as given by Jesus~ And. ~SAndthis we find in experience. The quickening
said Peter: "The promise is auto you, ai~d to your and enlightening power of the spirit to do the work of
children, and to all that are afar off, even as manyas the Lord and to witness for him is enjoyed by thousands
the Lord our God shall call.’--Acts 2:39. of young men and young womenas well as by the older
brethren. The enthusiasm and the joy of the day of
SPIRIT CAME TO GENTILES LATER Pentecost are again with the Lord’s faithful followers.
12The gift of the holy spirit to the Church was once The miraculous phases represented at Pentecost are,
for all, though about three and one-half years later however, not now to be expected: those belonged to the
there was a similar manifestation on a much smaller infancy of the Church.~l Corinthians 13 : 11.
scale at Caesarea, whenPeter was present at Cornelius’ *~At the first fulfilment Peter could only quote Joel’
home. The holy spirit then came upon the little com- last words, "And they that call upon the name of the
,)any of Gentiles as at Pentecost.--Acts 11:15. Lord shall be saved." Manythousands saved themselves
laThere was, however, a difference, indicated by the that day by accepting the word of the Lord. They came
presence of Peter. Since Pentecost there has been no into his care, so that the trouble which was about to
begettal by the spirit apart from some service by one come upon Israel should not fall on them. They also
already begotten of the spirit. God gave the spiri~ came into the blessings which God had for Israel in
once for all, but he gave the second manifestation with Christ--they were also saved from the condemnation
an apostle present to showhis acceptance of the Gentiles. of the sinner, and from the power of sin, so that they
Xte has done exactly the same in giving "presen* truth" might walk in righteousness and do the works of God.
to the Church. He entrusted the knowledge of the *SNowthe Lord’s people have the joy of proclaiming
Lord’s return, and with it the clear understanding of the same truth, with the fact of a present blessing of
the divine plan of salvation to his servant, C. T. Iqussell; salvation. Mr. Zion (that is, the Lord’s kingdom)
and no one has entered the truth save through the chan- being established; and there is in it salvation from the
nel then opened. great trouble which is coming upon this present very
~4But Joel’s prophecy calls for a further fulfilment crooked generation for all whowill accept the message
than it received at Pentecost. Like manyother prophe- of the kingdom. Let all the Lord’s servants hasten with
cies which relate to the establishment of the kingdom their messageto the people before the great and terrible
it has an application to both phases; that is, to both day of the Lord has fully come.
advents. It calls for a great outpouring of the spirit
in connection with the time of trouble, when the sun QUES~IONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
will be darkened, and the moonturned into blood, as What did Jesus’ resurrection prove? What must im do
well as at the inauguration of the Church’s ministry. before the Father could give the holy spirit? ¶ 1.
When did the disciples receive the evidence of Jesus’ ac-
Peter’s quotation of the prophecy is another instance ceptance? Where were they at the time? ¶2, 3.
of a partial use of a scripture, the same as whenJesus What strange phenomenon had taken place? What im-
quoted part of Isaiah 61 : 1, 2, leaving the other portion pression did the people receive? What did Peter tell
them ? ¶ 4, 5.
to be dealt with in its due time. At Pentecost Peter How did Peter prove from Scripture that Jesus was raised
could announce salvation in the same name of the Lord, from the~ dead? 96, 7.
but he could not announce deliverance in Mr. Z,_on nor Were the events of Pentecost momentous in the history of
the Church? In what respect were the apostles changed
in the remnant of faithful servants. But the Church men? 98,9.
can nowdo this, and does do it. What did Pentecost mean to the disciples? What is the
"new birth" of which Jesus spoke? ¶ 10.
SPECIAL BLESSINGS NOW DUE In what way was the power of God manifested in a new
way? ¶ 10, 11.
15That such an outpouring or blessing is to be ex- When did the Gentiles receive the holy spirit? Who was
entrusted with the knowledge of the Lord’s return ? ¶ 12, 13.
perienced by the Church at the time of the return of Was there yet to be a further fulfilment of the prophecy
the Lord is evident from the two prophecies of Isaiah, of Joel? What Scriptural evidence is there that the
chapters 42 and 61, which foretell the work of the Ser- Church will exercise additional power of the holy spirit
at the second advent? ¶ 14-16.
vant of Jehovah. Both of these clearly refer to Jesus, Are the proclamations of salvation at both advents some-
and also have reference to the time when he wou’:d come what similar? tIow do they differ? ¶17,18.
International Bible Students A sociation Classes
hccturc5andStudio5btj Trdv¢limj
Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Poughkeepsie, N. Y ......... Mar. 16 Cortland, N. Y ................. Mar. 23 Tampa,Fla ................. Mar. 8 Charleston, S. C ......... Mar. 29
No~ot|l’gll, N. Y ............. " 17 Johnson Clly, ~’. Y. ........ " 24 Ol’lan(lo.]+’ltl ................ "2"2 Florence, N. C ............. 30, 31
lVahten,N. Y ................... " 18 En hcott, N. Y................. " ’_)5 l}e Land.l"la .............. " 23 New l~rookland, S. C. Apr. 1, 2
l’+nt Jer~ls, N. Y ............. " 19 Bainbridge. N. Y ............. " 26 Jacksonville, Fla ......... " 24 l’]lko, S. C....................... " 3
l’]ldred, N.Y..................... " 20 Oneonta,N. Y. ................ " 27 Savannah, Ga ............. " 25, ’.2)6 Augusta,Ga................... " 5
I~inghamton, N. Y ........... " "2"2 Kingston,N. Y................. " 29 I/idgeland, S. C ........... " 27 Greenwood,~. C ............. " 6
CONTENTS
IIis]~IE~OnlAr
......................................................... 83
ImportantFacts............................................... 83
Relation of theCovenants ................................ 85
Significance of theMemorial ............................ 86
I-IisInvitation................................................... 87
]Yor a J?urpose
.................................................... 88
Self-Examination................................................ 8S
Am I Worthy?................................................. 89
Joy of the Lord .................................................. $9
PRAYER-~I"EETING TEXT COMMENTS ................... 90
INTERESTING QUESTIONS ........................................ 91
THE CRIPPLE AT THE BEAUTIFUL GATE ............ 92
LIFE IN THE EARLYCHURCH .............................. 94
MEMORIAL DATE................................................... 82
RADIOPROGRAMS ............................................. 82
Upon the e~rth distress of nations with perplexity the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking to
the t’.lin::s c9~]. ~ ; ~on tt~e e ~rth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (eeelesmstwsm) shall be shaken . . V~hen ye see these things begin to come to pass, t
know that the I¢.mgdom of God ~a at haad. Look up, hft up your he~ds, rejome, for your redemptmn dr~weth mgh.--Matt. 24:33; h,ark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THISpresented
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MEMORIAL DATE and Wednesday evenings.
HE Memorial season is approaching. It is befit- lasting on the highest plane. God’s revealed plan shows
T ting and important that all Christians consider
the import of our Lord’s death and their respec-
that those who compose the Seed must be developed ac-
cording to the terms of a covmmnt,which is a covenant
tive privilege of participating therein. It is also im- hv saerifiee. (P~-ahu 50: 5) This is different from the
portant that each one examine himself before the Me- ~’ew Covenant.
morial, whichthis )’ear should be observedafter 6 o’clock ~A covenant is a solemn compact or agreement between
in the evening of Wednesday, April 8th. To this end two parties. The unconditional promise of God to
’r~E WATCX TOWEn at this season, following its usual Abrahamis called a unilateral covenant, beeanse God
custom, publishes something eoncerning our Lord’s binds only himself to perform; and this he does both
Memorial. by his word and his oath. Where there is a covenant
2As a Christian grows in the likeness of his Lord, he made between two parties, both parties must be eom-
grows in appreciation of his Father’s plan. The more loetent and willing to enter into it.
he learns about it, the sweeter it appears and the more 7God’s plan discloses that all emenants, the purpose
he wants to know about it. It seems safe to say that of which is the granting of life, m, ust be ratified by
God’s intelligent creatures will forever be beholding the blood of some sacrificed life.--Leviticus 11: 11,
some new beauties in his wonderful arrangement. Speak- ttebrews 9 : 22.
ing concerning the Christian, the Psalmist beautifully ’It appears that the term "seed of promise" is synon-
expresses it thus: "One thing have I desired of the ymous with the term kingdom, the reigning or royal
Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the family.--Galatians 3 : 16, 27, 29 i ]gatthew 10 : 7 ; Luke
house of the Lord all the days of mylife, to behold the 17 : 21; 19 : 12, 15.
beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple."~ 9Jehovah made a eovenant with his beloved Son, the
Psalm 27 : 4. man Jesus, to give him a kingdom, which kingdom is
aIn the examination of this important subject it is the organization for the purpose of carrying out the
well to lay downfirst certain great truths well settled NewCovenant. (Luke 22 : 29, Diaglott) This covenant
in our minds, to serve as guides in the examination of between God and his beloved Son must be ratified with
other truths. blood, because it looked toward the granting of life to
IMPORTANT FACTS the human race; and the ¥ictim that furnishes that
~The unconditional promise which God made to blood is his beloved Son, who"poured out his soul unto
Abrahamwas, "In thy seed shall all the families of the deailf’.--Isaiah 53 : 12.
earth be blessed." The blessing promised is an oppor- ~°Noone will becomea part of the "seed of promise"
tunity for life, and all those who obey the terms upon without making a covenant by sacrifice. (Psahn 50: 5;
which life everlasting is offered will receive that great Matt. 16 : 24 ; 2 Tim.2 : 11 ; Ilom. 6 : 5 ; Gal. 3 : 27) The
reward. The terms npon which life is offered to the ratification of that indnidual covenant must be by his
world will be set forth in the New Covenant. The ownblood; to wit, the giving in saerifiee of his right
promised Seed is the channel of blessing and the Media- to live as a hmnan being. He becomes competent to
tot of the NewCovenant; therefore the Seed must be make such a covenant only by reason of the imputed
l,,rodueed and the covenant madebefore all the families merit of Christ Jesus, which is the basis for his justifi-
of the earth ean be blessed. God’s unconditional prom- cation by Jehovah. For this veU purpose, and none
i~e to Abrahamis a guarantee that this will be done. other, Godjustifies the one who,exercising faith in the
--Genesis 22 : 16-18 ; Hebrews6 : 14-18. merit of Christ, fully consecrates himself to do God’s
5The promised Seed is the Christ; and when complete will. If, then, he is faithful to his covenant to the end,
it will include all the glorified membersof his Body. he will becomea part of the "seed of promise".
(Galatians 3: 16, 27, 29) Those who compose the Seed ~Thesacrificed life of the manClnrist Jesus furnished
will possess the divine nature, which includes life ever- the ransom!oriee, which price or merit is also presented
83
WATCH TOWER
as a sin-offering. It is his blood also that is used to will thus: "And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron
ratify tile NewCovenant, through which covenant all in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto
the obedient families of the earth in due time will receive you the beginning of months : it shall be the first month
the blessing of life. There is no other name under of the year to you. Speak ye unto ~ll the congregation
heaven whereby man can receive life.--Acts 4: 12. of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they
=The purpose of God’s plan concerning man is to shall take to then~ every man a lamb, according to the
bring mankind back into harmony with God. The house of their fathers, a lamb for an house. And if the
n~anner of performing this great work is through the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his
terms of the New Cevenant. No one of the human neighbor next unto his house take it according to the
race for himself is quahfied or competent *o make that numberof the souls : every man, according to his eating,
covenant with God, because all are imperfect. The New shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shaJi
Covenant, therefore, must be made by Christ as the be without blemish, a male of the first year; ye shall
legal representative of J~rael and all mankind; and the take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: and ye
blood for the ratification of this NewCovenant on be- shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same
half of mankindis the blood of Christ Jesus. month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of
~aNo one will reap the benefit of the NewCovenant Israel shall kill it in the evening. Andthey shall take
without some knowledge of the divine arrangement. It of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts, and on
seems a clearly settled rule of Jehovah to compel no one the upper door po~t of the houses, wherein they shall
to accept life ; but he offers it as a gracious gift. (Romans eat it. Andthey shall eat the flesh in that night, roast
6 : 23) There can not be a gift without knowledgeand with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs
without consent and acquiescence on the part of the they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all
donee to the telzns controlling the gift. It has pleased with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs,
God to so arrange that in his own time all men shall and with the purtenanee thereof. And ye shall let noth-
be brought to a knowledgeof the truth in order to give ing of it remain until the morning; and that which re-
them an opportunity to accept life on the terms offered. maineth of it until the morningye shall burn with fire.
~1 Timothy 2 : 3, 4. Andthus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your
shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye
~4With these fundamental principles of the divine
shall eat it in haste; it is the Lords passover. For I
plan in mind, let us now proceed to the examination of will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will
events leading up to the institution of the Memorial.
smite all the firstboru in the land of Egypt, both man
and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will ex-
PICTURES
ecute judgment: I am the Lord. And the blood shall
~SLongago Jehovah began to make pictures foreshad- be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are:
owing his way of leading mankind to life, the evident and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the
purpose of such pictures being to enable those whoseek plague ,’hail not be upon you to destroy you, when I
the truth to appreciate morefully God’s loving kindness. smite tl:e land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto
To this end he chose the people of Israel, and used them you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the
to make types and shadows of better things to come. I~ord throughout yonr generations; ye shall keep 4t a
These pictures throw a ttood of light upon the pathway feast by an ordinance for ever. Seven days shall ye eat
that lead,~ to life for the world of mankind. unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away
~’Godhad so directed the affairs of the natural de- leaven out of your houses : for whosoevereateth leavened
scendants of Abraham that they were domiciled in bread from the first day until the seventh day, that
Egypt. Rein Abraham’s entrance into Canaan was ex- soul shall be cut off from Israeh"--Exodus 12: 1-15.
actly 430 years to the day the Israelites went out of ~q’his declaration of God’s law was the eormnenee-
Egypt. (Exodus 1~: 41) They were compelled while ment of the LawCovenant. From that date the people
there to live under the oppressive hand of Pharaoh. were to count time. God commandedthe Israelites to
This haughty and autocratic ruler typified Satan, the keep the Passover. It was a memorial of their deliver-
god of this evil world, whois the oppressor of mankind. ance from Egypt, and in addition thereto it was a memo-
~Israel, the chosen people of God, was the only nation rial of the beginning of the LawCovenant.
ever acknowledged by Jehovah. The Lord sent Moses ~°The breaking of bread and the drinking of wine on
into Egypt to deliver his people from the hands of the night before our Lord’s death by the Lord and his
Pharaoh, the oppressor. Moseswas a type of Christ, the disciples was the commencementof the NewLaw Cove-
great Deliverer of mankind. When, after repeated re- nant. I-Is there commandedthe keeping of this ~Iemo-
quests made by Moses, Pharaoh refused to permit the rial which he then and there instituted until the setting
:Israelites to leave Egypt, God commandedMoses to up of his kingdom, at which time he would inaugurate
prepare for the great Passover night. the New Covenant. This New Covenant will bring
aSGod’s expressed will is his law. He expressed his life to the obedient ones of Israel and to all mankind.
¯ WATCH TOWER 85
DETAILS CARRIED OUT 2~This would be the opportunity to inform them con-
21Obedient to the Law, each family of the Israelites cerning the development of the seed of promise and the
on the tenth day of the first month took a lamb and inauguration of the NewCovenant and the inaugura-
kept it up until tile fourteenth day of the month. The tion of the kingdom; and the last opportunity while in
lamb must be a mala and without blemish. In the the flesh for him so to do. Of course they would not
evening they killed the lamb. The blood was then understand the full import at that time; but he told
sprinkled upon the doorposts of the house wherein each them that he would pray the Father, who would send
family was to eat the roasted lamb and was to remain them the holy spirit to guide them into all truth. When
in the hou~ during the night. The lamb was eaten the holy spirit was given, they did understand. St.
with unleav<.ned bread and bitter herbs. The blood upon Paul was given a special revelation. (Ephesians 3: 3)
the doorposts and the lintel was a protection to all in tie saw not only that it is God’s purpose to offer life to
the house. the people, but that Christ is the way to life, which
2eThe Scriptures showthat the order was fully carried way had been kept a mystery from ages and generations.
out: "And the children of Israel went away, and did ~Colossians 1: 26.
as the Lord had commanded2~[oses and Aaron, so did
they."--Exodus 12 : 28. RELATION OF THECOVENANTS
=TTheScriptures disclose three great covenants re-
I:IRST-BORN OF EGYPT lating to the recovery of mankind, to wit: (1) God’s
2aThefirst-born of Egyptrepresented the ruling class. unconditional promise to Abraham,which is a one-sided
The first-born expected to carry into futurity their covenant, because God bound only himself to do any-
fathers’ institutions. Since Satan is the god of this thing, and it is therefore called a unilateral covenant ;
world and rulers are his representatives, it follows then (2) the first Law Covenant, made by Jehovah on one
that the first-born of Egypt pictured "the shepherds side and Moses on the other side as mediator for the
and the principal of their flock", made up of the three nation of Israel; and (3) the NewLaw Covenant, with
elements which constitute the ruling powers of this God on one side and Jesus Christ on the other side as
worhl. The death of the first-born of Egypt seems, the legal representative on behalf of Israel and through
therefore, to represent Satan’s agencies and what they Israel the whole world of mankind.
will suffer in the final calamity immediately preceding 2*Thereis a close relationship betweenthese covenants,
the inauguration of the NewLawCovenant. and the Memorial links them together more completely
than any other incident recorded in the Scriptures.
I’ItE LAST PASSOVER =gThefirst, or unconditional promise to Abraham,the
=4The law of God concerning the keeping of the seed thereof was pictured in Isaac and fulfilled in Christ
]~Iemorial of the Passover is: "This day shall be unto Jesus. The old or first LawCovenant gave life to no
you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the one, because no one was able to keep the terms of tl e
Lord throughout 3"our generations; ye shall keep it a law. That LawCovenant, however, served as a school-
feast by an ordinaalee for ever." (Exodus 12:1¢) master to lead Israel to Christ. (Galatians 3:24)
was therefore incumbent upon Jesus to keep the Pass- schoolmaster is one who instructs. The Law, therefore,
over at the appointed time. He was a Jew, born under served as an instructor of Israel, of God’s purposes to
the Law. It was his delight to do the Father’s will; grant life to the people through the NewCovenant;
and it was the Father’s will that Jesus keep the Pass- and that the blood that would ratify that covenant must
over. be the blood of the One who would be the Redeemerand
~aWhenthe time arrived for the eating of the last afterward become the Mediator and Life-giver. The
passover, Jesus sent his two disciples to makethe neces- law demonstrated to Israel the absolute necessity of a
sary preparation. At the appointed hour, with his little Savior and a Mediator able to save to the uttermost.
family of twelve, he partook of the passover as it had a°The blood shed at the commencementof the Law
been provided, tie knew that that would mark the Covenant was the blood of the paschal lamb. That
end of the LawCovenant, and that it would mark the lamb represented Moses, and was slain instead of Moses.
end of the Jewish Age. As Jesus was eating he said to Moses was a type of Christ. "The Lord thy God will
his disciples: "With desire I have desired [longed] to raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee,
cat this passover with you before I suffer." (Luke 22: of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hem’k-
15) By this he is understood to mean that he had en." "I will raise them up a Prophet from amongtheir
something important to disclose to his disciples, and brethren, like unto thee, and will lout mywords in his
that the proper time to do so would be at the time of mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall
eating tlle last passover with them. Before he suffered, commandhim."--Deuteronomy 18 : 15, 18.
it was his great desire to instruct his disciples in things ~The Law being a shadow of better things to come
pertaining to the kingdom, which they would later un- (Hebrews 10: 1), the paschal lamb slain at the Pass-
derstand. over foreshadowed the Lambof God, which takes a~ ay
8,., WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N. Y.
the sin of the world. (John 1: 29) The people of the NewCovenant, and must also be present at the
Israel were without the right to life, because of sin; general assembly of the Church of the first-born and
and tile Law Covenant promised the taking away of at the inaugm’ation of the New Law Covenant.--
their sin and the giving to them life on the conditions :Hebrews12 : 24-28.
~amed. But tho, conditions could not be met by thena. ~TNowonder the Lord longed to eat the last passover
’Jhe NewCovenant promises life to all who accept and with his disciples that he might tell them of the mar-
obey its terms; and its Mediator is able to make all velons things Godhas reserved for his beloved One and
keep that covenant who want to keep it. It therefore his Bride !
fl)llows that through the terms of tile NewCovenant SIGNIFICANCE OF THEMEMORIAL
the peo~,le nmstget life.
asIn eating the passover Jesus and the disciples were
a-~The blood as a basis for the first LawCovenantwas meeting the requirements of the Law. Dying upon the
shed in ]’~gypt whomthe paschal lamb was slain. That cross, Jesus fulfilled every l;art of the Law. While he
covenant was inaugurated at Mount Sinai. Mount was eating the last passover it was God’s due time for
Sinai is a symbol of the kingdom. The outcome of that him to plant a mile-post, that would ever thereafter
covenant held the Israelites in bondageto sin and death.
remind his disciples of God’s covenant with him and
SaThe blood as a basis for tl~e NewCovenantwas shed throngh him with them, and also of the covenant through
on earth, or in the world, which was pictured by Egypt, which the world would obtain life.
at the time that ,Jesus died upon the cross. There the a~The account of the Memorial is recorded thus:
antitypieal Lamb was slain. The New Covenant will "Andas they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed
be inaugurated in heaven. (IIebrews 12: ;~4, 25) The it. and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said,
outcome of that covenant will be to release mankind Take, eat; this is mybody. And he took the cup, and
from bondage and to regenerate and give life to all who gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all
will be obedient to its terms. of it: for this is myblood of the new testament [cove-
a’The Law Covenant was made in Egypt between God nant], which is shed for manyfor the remission of sins."
on one side and Mosesas a mediator for the people on the ~Matthew26 : 26-28.
other side; and the blood testifying thcreto was the *°Otherwise put, Jesus Christ here stood as the great
blood of the Passover lamb, which blood also fur- connecting link of the two LawCovenants. Wemay be
nished a special protection to the first-borns. That warranted in saying that he stood with one hand point-
covenant was ratified and inaugurated at Mount Sinai ing to the old lmwCovenant and in substance said to
(symbol of the kingdom), at which time Mosessprinkled his disciples: ’That law covenant has eome to an end.
the book of the law and the people with the blood of ]t has served its purpose. It has brought life to no man;
bulls and goats.--Exodus 24: 6-8; Hebrews 9:19-22. but it has served as a schoolmaster to bring you to me.
SJThe NewCovenant was made on earth between God ]~Iy body, that is to say, myhumanity, is the connecting
on one side and Christ Jesus as Mediator for the people link between that old covenant now passing away and
on the other side of the eovenant. The blood testifying the new covenant which God will inauguwte.’ With
thereto was the blood of Christ Jesus himself, as he the other hand pointing to the NewCovenant, in sub-
plainly stated (Matthew 26: 28), and has furnished stance he said: ’My Father has made a covenant wi~h
special protection for the fir.,t-borns throughm[t the me on behalf of mankind. This is the new eovendnt
Gospel Age. The N’ew Co~enant will be ratified and that he promised. I am the vietim whose blood testifies
inaugurated in heaven when the Church is complete, to and shall ratify that covenant. This bread, which
and the blood testifying thereto is the blood of Christ I now take and break, represents my body, broken for
Jesus and his Body members. (Hebrews 12:24) For the world and for you; and I invite you to eat of it.
this reason the membersof the Church, while on earth As I have heretofore told you, I am the Bread of life
and being sacrificed by their Lord and tIigh Priest and that earae down from heaven; and if any man eat of
laving downtheir lives in the service of his eause, are me, he shall live. This cup of wine represents myblood,
fade able ministers of the NewCovenant. (2 Corin- which is shed for the remission of sins. This is the
thians 3:6) This is in harmony with the Prophet’s blood for the making and ratification of the NewCove-
st~’tement that Christ, the Head, and the Body members nant. I invite you to drink all of it. It will be necessary
constitute the Servant in whomJehovah delights, and for you to meet these requirements in order for you to
whomhe will give for a covenant of the people.--Isaiah be of the ldngdom.’
42: 1, 6. *lFurthermore, in substance, he said to them: "My
aqu tl~e interim between the first and second Law Father has covenanted with me to give me a kingdom;
Covenants the Abrahamie Covenant, or unconditional and now I covenant with you to take you in as a part
promise of God, produces the antitypical Isaac, the Seed of that ldngdom. That will be the kingdom that will
of promise, which is the channel used for the blessing administer the terms of the new covenant through
of all the families of the earth. It follows that every which life will be given mankind.’--Luke 22:29; Ro-
one whois of that seed must be included in the ]~Iediator mans 8: 17.
._vaRcn 15, 19-25 87
WATCH TOWER
4=Through his prophet God had definitely promised many, are one bread, and one body ; for we are all par-
that a new covenant should he made with Israel. "Be- takers of that one bread."--i Corinthians 10:16, 17.
hold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make
new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the THE BREAD
house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I 4~Tothe disciples Jesus said whenhe broke the bread :
made with their fathers, in the day flint I took them "This is my body’--this represents my body, as we
by the hand, to bring them out of the land of Egypt ; understand him to mean. He invited them to eat of it.
which mycovenant they brake, although I was an hus- On a former occasion he had said: "This is the bread
band unto them, saith the Lord; but tMs shall be the which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat
covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came
After those days, saith the Lord, I will put mylaw in down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he
their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my
will be their God, and they shall he my people. And flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."--
they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and John 6: 50, 51.
every man his brother, saying, Knowthe Lord: for 4’~Subsequent words of the Apostle show that Lhe
they shall all knowme, from the least of them unto the meaning of the words "eat of this bread" is to believe
greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16 : 31 ; Romans4 : 24:)
iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."~ A maneats, and therefore absorbs, natural food through
Jeremiah 31 : 31-34:. his mouth. He eats or absorbs spiritual food through
~aThe disciples of Jesus, being Jews, were warranted his mind; and when he sets his affections upon that
in the conclusion that they knew that such a covenant which he believes, he is said to believe with his heart.
wouldhave to be ratified by blood. At the same time they The Apostle says: "For with the heart man believeth
,new that it was lint lawful for them as Jews to drink nnto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is
blood. (Leviticus 17: 10) Now Jesus took the cup made unto salvation." (Romans 10: 10) We get into
and said to them: ’This cup is my blood [that is Christ by believing that he is the Son of God our
to say, it represents myblood] ; and it is the blood that Savior, and by a full and complete consecration of our-
will ratify the New Covenant; and I ask you to selves to do the will of God, which is a proof of our
drink it.’ Here was a plain invitation for them to do belief. Being justified, begotten and anointed of the
something which represented death to them, because the holy spirit, one therefore is adopted into the Body of
drinking of blood was punished with the death penalty. Christ and becomes a part of the Body. The world will
They could not understand, but they loved the Lord have to exercise belief during the reign of Christ, and
and were willing to do anything he asked them to do. under the terms of the NewCovenant to get life. Those
Previously he had asked them if they were able to drink of the Church exercise belief and go on to the point of
of his cup, to which they had responded in the affirma- full consecration and are thereby inducted into the
tive. Thereby they meant, we understand, that they Pmdyof Christ.
had the spirit or disposition to drink of anything that ~TNow,says the apostle Paul, we are all one loaf, be-
he would drink of, even as this meant to them an in- cause all of one body. Nowthe one who is in Christ
vitation to die. Their loving devotion to him led them must be broken with him ; and the breaking of the bread
to a full obedience to do whatsoever he asked, without shows the partnership in the Bodyof Christ.
stopping to inquire what it might mean. When the 4STheinvitation by Jesus to his disciples to drink of
holy spirit was given to them, they did understand; and the cup is plainly an invitation to participate with him
they rejoiced.--Galatians 1 : 24 ; Phil. 3 : 12 ; Acts 2 : 41. in his death, to share with him in the death; and St.
Paul gives file samethought whenhe, in substance, says :
PARTNERSHIP
’This cup of blessing is our partnership in the blood of
44To be in partnership in anything means to have a Chris’c.’--I Corinthians 10:16, Diaglott.
commoninterest in that thing. It means to participate
in the losses and participate in the profits. St. Paul HIS INVITATION
plainly expresses this thought, that the Church is in ~gTheinvitation extended by our Lord to his disciples
partnership with the Lord, its Head. It follows, there- on the occasion of the ]~Iemorial, and through them to
fore, that flmse whowill be of the Church, and therefore all of his faithful followers, is the greatest invitation
of the kingdom, must share with the Lord, first in the ever offered to any creature in heaven or on earth. In
loss of life or suffering of death; and second, share with substance he said to them: ’This cup is nay blood, and
him in the profits of glory, honor and immortali{y. I invite you to drink of it. This is an invitation to die
Thus St. Paul puts his argument: "The cup of bless- with me as a part of my sacrifice. This is the only
ing which we bless, is it not the communionof the way you can be associated with me in my kingdom.’
blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not ~°It is manifest that the disciples did not understand
the communion of the body of Christ? For we being the import of Jesus’ words at that time, even as they
88 ¯ WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN,N. ~J~.
could not understand them. But at this same time they HIS MEMORIAL
were discussing among themselves which should be the ~In instituting this MemorialJesus said to his dis-
greatest. Our Lord ignored this. lie appreciated their ciplcs: "This do in remembrance of me." To this the
loving devotion to him and how they had stood by him Apostle adds: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and
during his trials; and so he said to them: "And you drink this cup, ye do showthe Lord’s death till he come."
are they who have continued with me in mytrials; and (1 Corinthians 11: ~6) Thereafter he would have them
I covenant for you, even as my Father has covenanted forget the observance of the Passover of the LawCove-
for me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my naut. The Law was ended. He would have them remem-
table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the ber that he is the Passover for the Church, and that all
twelve tribes of Israel."--Luke 22: 28-30, Diaglott. whoare under the blood and remain thereunder are safe.
~0therwise stated, Jesus said to them: ’]~Iy Father He would have flmm remember that his death provided
has made a covenant with me and given me a ldngdom, tim ransomprice, tt~e sin-offering, and that whichratifies
which is the kingdom of heaven, and in which kingdom the NewCovenant; and at his second coming he would
the new covenant shall be inaugurated and administered inaugurate his kingdom and the NewCovenant for the
to the people. Youhave been faitlfful to me; you have blessing of mankind.
been with me in mytrials ; and nowI invite you to share ~’~The Apostle directly connects our Lord’s coming,
with me in that kingdom, and I make a covenant with the covenant and the kingdom, when he says that the
you that you shall have a part in the kingdom if you Church is now approaching Mount Zion, which means
are willing to meet the requirements.’ God’s organization, "the general assembly and church
~2By inviting them to drink of his cup, which he of the firstborn," and to "Jesus, the mediator of the new
said represented his blood, Jesus was plainly inviting covenant"; and then adds: "Wherefore we receiving a
them to suffer death with him as the means of partici- kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace,
pating in the ratification of the NewCovenant and whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence
participating in the blessing of the kingdom. That this and godly fear."~Hebrews 12:28.
was his meaning is further corroborated by his state-
ment: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat SELF-EXAMINATION
the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye 57The members of the Church are not to put each
have no life in you." (John 6 : 53) Only those will have other through an examination and render judgTnent as
inherent life and be permitted with Christ Jesus, the to whether or not they pass. (James 4: 11, 12) It
great Life-giver, to minister blessings to the world who entirely proper, however, that each Christian examine
are broken with Christ Jesus and whodrink of his blood. himself. Especially is this true when approaching the
5aAceepting an invitation to participate with the Lord MemoriahHe should see to it that he understands why
in eating his body and drinking his blood means that he partakes of tho Memorial, and whether or not he is
each memberof the Body, then, is in a covenant with in a proper condition of heart to partake. St. Paul says :
ca& other to be dead with each other as well as to be "Let a manexamine himself, and so let him eat of that
dead with Christ. Surely an appreciation of such a bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and
fact should bind together the hearts of God’s people drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh condemnation
firmly and irrevocably. to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body."--1 Corin-
thians 11 : 28, 29.
FORA PURPOSE 5sWhy,then, do I partake ? one may ask. He answers:
54St. Peter writes: "Ye are . . . a people for a pur- Because I reco~lize that Jesus Christ is the Headof the
pose." (1 Peter 2:9, Diaylott ) The real purpose is Seed of promise; that the Seed of promise constitutes
that all the families of the earth maybe blessed ; and in the Mediator of the NewCovenant and the royal family
so doing, that the name of God shall be glorified. The of heaven; that the NewCovenant is ratified by the
blessings will come through the administration of the blood of Christ; that the blood is shed by Jesus’ lay-
NewCovenant, and the NewCovenant will be adminis- ing down his life for mankind; and that the Church
tered by the Seed of promise. Here, then, in Christ is permitted to have partnership in his death and, if
Jesus and the members of his Church the three great faithful unto death, to have a part in his resurrection
covenants are joined. Jesus was the one who fulfilled and a part in the administration of the NewCovenant;
the Law Covenant. He is the Seed of promise from the that Jesus asked me to keep this Memorial in memory
Abrahamic Covenant; and his blood ratifies the New of his death, and this I rejoice to do because I appreciate
Covenant, which covenant he makes on behalf of Israel the value of his death to me, and not to me only but to
(through whomthe world will ba blessed) ; and in the the whole world; that I appreciate the great invitation
administration of which covenant he invites his Church to participate with him in his death that I may have a
to participate, and in whichhis Churchdoes participate, part in his kingdom, and mydesire is to be made con-
the condition precedent being suffering with him that formable to his death, if by any means I might attain
they might reign with him.--2 Timothy 2:11, 12. unto his resurrection.--Philippians 3: 1-11.
rhe WATCH TOWER
AM I WORTHY? drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that
SaSome may ask: AmI worthy to partake of the day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s
3lcmorial? Such a one should ask himself the ques- ldngdom."--Matthew 26: 29.
tion: AmI truly consecrated to the Lord, and have I ~*Webelieve that the resurrection of the saints whohave
the witness of tile holy spirit that I am begotten an([ flmshed their course faithfully has already taken place;
anointed; and am I in full harmonv with the Lord? that the Lord, having come, has taken unto himself his
If so, then I may partake of the Memorial properly power and begun his reign; that he came to his temple
and gladly. m 1918; that he there began to approve even some this
~°But, he answers, I am so weak and I have done sale the vail. and as he found these zealous and faith-
wrong. What shall I do? The answer is, Co at once to ful he said to them: ’You have been faithful over a few
your Advocate, confessing }’our sins and asking for ihings; I uill make you ruler over many things; enter
forgiveness, and try tO make restitution for any wrong [lmWI i>to the joy of your Lord.’ (]gatthew 25:21)
that you have done, being assured that the Lord wilt Nowthe saints this side the vail see that God’s purpose
bear and forgive yon through the memtof Christ Jesus ~- not merely to get them into heaven. They see that to
(1 John 2: 2:1 : 9) Further, the apostle Paul directs. l~o membersof the kingdom means that they will be a
"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ve may be a pa~t of the grcag Mediator of the NewCovenant: that
new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our through the terms of this covenant God’s great promise
passover is sacrificed for its: therefore let us ke~p the lo Abralmmwill be fulfilled; and that they, being a
feasL, not with old leaven, neither with the lea~cn of pa~t of the promised Seed, maysee the people blessed,
malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread and may pmticipate in uplifting the groaning creation
of sincerity and truth." (1 Corinthians 5 : 7, 8) Leaven out of death and despair, and be privileged to help
means sin. Malice means a bad condition of heart, not the obedient ones back to life and happiness and into
having proper regard for others. Wickedness means complete harmony with God.
wrongdoing. Put all of these away; and he who has a C’~Anappreciation of these great truths nownecessar-
hope in himself of being of the kingdom class let him ily tl~rills the heart of the Christian. lie sees the
cleanse himself even as the Lord is pure. saints now rapidly approaching "the general assembly
S~Let all the brethren everywhere who have quarrels and church of the firstborn"; and he knows that the
and difficulties settle them at once, and see to it that kingdom is here and that the inauguration of the New
their hearts are ill a right condition. There can be no Covenantis shout to take place. Seeing that he is about
division in the kingdom,and no one will reach the king- to participate in the kingdom, with eagerness he enters
domwith bitterness in his heart. Therefore says St. the Lord’s service, lie serves God acceptably and with
Paul: "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and reverence and godly fear, which means that he delights
clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with to engage in the service and that the service to him is
all malice : and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, joyfuh lie appreciates the fact that the joy of the
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake Lord is his strength.
hath forgivml you."--Ephcsians 4 : 31, 3~. ~’;The cup not only represented the blood of our Lord,
6=It is a great privilege to partake of the Memorial but it also is a symbol of joy and good cheer. Drinking
if we appreciate it, discern the Body of Christ and our of the cup with his Body membersin the kingdom must
privilege, and can fl~en partake of it properly. of necessity be a time of great joy. Surely those saints
who have been resurrected and are forever with the
JOY OF THE LORD Lord are partaking of that cup of joy with him. Surely
6~Whenthe holy spirit had come and illuminated the those who have had their change since the resurrection
minds of the faithful disciples and they had learned began have entered into that joy. Theirs is a blessed
the real meaning of the 1Kemorial which the Lord had condition. (Revelation 14:13) Now since the Lord
instituted and requested them to keep, it must have has taken nnto himself his power and reigns, since he
thrilled their hearts with joy. Previously they had has cometo his temple, surely this is the time whenthe
hoped to be a part of his earthly kingdom. Nowthey saints this side the vail are hearing the messageof the
saw that they were to be membersof the house of God, Psalmist: "Let the saints be joyful in glory." ( Psalm
eternal in the heavens, not made with hands; that they 149: 5) Therefore we conclude that lhose who are the
would see Jesus in all his glory and beauty, and be by temple class on this side the vail have in a measure en-
him presented to the great eternal Father; that they tered into the joy of the Lord as symbolized by the cup,
would dwelI forever in the house of the Lord and behold and that they appreciate the fact that tim joy of the
his beauty and inquire in his temple (Psalm 27: 4); Lord is their strength.
that then they would experience fulness of joy and GrNineteen twenty-five is here. Surely not manymore
pleasures for evermore. As they thus contemplated the Memorials will he celebrated on this side the vail. So
blessings to come they would rememberthe words of the now "let the saints be joyful in glory; [and] let them
lIaster when he said: "But I say unto you, I will not sing aloud upon their beds [of case]." Those who are
9o
WATCH TOWER
faithful from henceforth shall not sleep, but shall be What covenant is it that produces the "seed of promise"?
Who will be the Mediator of the New Covenant when it
changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and becomes operative? ¶ 36, 37.
sbM1enter into the fulness of joy, being forever with Was Jesus, the Seed of the Abrahamic Covenant, a connect-
the Lord. ing link between the two law covenants? What did Jesus
say as he pointed to the New Covenant? ¶ 40.
What covenant did God make with Jesus? How is the
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY Church admitted to partnership? What will tile covenant
Why is it befitting to participate in the Lord’s Memorial? do for Israel, and through them for the world? ¶ 41, 42.
Do the truths pertaining to it grow sweeter and larger Were the Jews forbidden to drink blood? When Jesus in-
with the passing years? ¶ 1-3. vite(1 his disciples to drink the cup of wine that repre-
What is the meaning of the unconditional promise that God sented his blood, what did it imply? ¶43,48.
made to Abraham? How may one become a member of In what is the Church to share wittl Jesus? ¶ 44.
the promised seed class? ¶ 4, 5. What is meant by the words "eat of the bread"? How is
What is a covenant? What is the purpose of all covenants spiritual food absorbed? ¶ 45-47.
that are ratified with blood ? ¶ 6, 7. What is the greatest invitation which could possibly be ex-
Who is the Seed of promise? What is the covenant God tended to any person? Wh’~t does it imply? How should
made with Jesus? What is a covenant of sacrifice? ¶ 8-10. it operate in the hearts of those accepting the invitation?
What furnished the ransom price? Who alone could ratify 7 49-53.
the New Covenant? Is it possible for a person to be a Where and how are Jesus and his followers joined in the
beneficiary of a covenant without knowledge of it? ¶ 11-13. three great covenants? Is there a purpose in this arrange-
IIow were the children of Israel often used? What did God ment? ¶ 54.
do when Pharaoh refused to permit the Israelites to What stgnificance is there in the words of Jesus: "This do
leave EgTpt? ¶ 15-]7. in remembrance of me"? Who is our Passover? ¶55.
What were the instructions for the Passover night? Was Iqow does tile Apostle connect the Lord’s second coming, the
this the commencement of the Law Covenant? What is covenant, and the kingdom? ¶ 56.
the commencement of the New Law Covenant? ¶18-20. Are the members of the Church to examine each other?
Were the Israelites obedient to the instructions? Whom Whomshould they examine? Is it especially appropriate
did the firstborn of Egypt represent? ¶ 21-23. that each of us examine himself at this season of the year?
What was the law for the memorial of the Passover? Did 757.
Jesus observe this memorial? Did Jesus then institute a Under what conditions should one participate in the em-
new thiag--a memorial of the memorial? 724, 38, 39. blems? ¶ 58, 62.
Why did Jesus long for this Passover season to come? What should one do if he has done wrong? What does
Could his disciples at that time understand the import leaven represent? Is there division in the Body of
of it ? 7 25, 26. Christ? ttow may the unity of the spirit be kept? ¶ 59-61.
What are the three great covenants? Whomdid the paschal What was the first hope of Jesus’ immediate disciples?
lamb represent? Whomdid the paschal lamb foreshadow? After the holy spirit came, what did they begin to see? ¶ 63.
When will the "sin of the world" be removed? 727-31. What are some of the things the saints now on earth are priv-
The blood for the Law Covenant was shed where? The ileged to see? Are these things sufficient to bring joy
blood for the New Covenant was shed where? 7 32, 33. to the heart? 7 64, 65.
"Where was the Law Covenant inaugurated? Where was the Besides the blood of Jesus, what else does the cup represent?
New Covenant made, and who were the parties to the What shoutd be the heart condition of the temple class?
contract? When and where will the New Covenant be What scriptures specifically apply now to the faithful
inaugurated? ¶ 34, 35. in Christ Jesus? ¶ 66, 67.
INTERESTING QUESTIONS
OFFER TO ISRAEL BONA FIDE ]~te upon any conditions he chose to impose
+,o ,,,,rant-
U.Eb"I’i(J.~ : If the oiler o~ l~le to Israel was would be entirely proper. :His choosing was to impose
"’The multitude of them that bel~eced were of one heart and of one souL’--Acts ¢ : 8?.
’ITHOUTdoubt the great stir which was the to judge for themselves whether those who had been
W immediate consequence of the healing of the given this knowledge of Jesus should obey God, who
cripple was according to the purpose of Jesus, through Christ had sent them to proclaim these things,
the exalted Head of the Church. The fact of the miracle or obey them. The apostles said: "We cannot but speak
stimulated the Church and at the same time brought it the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4: 20)
definitely into public notice. The result of Peter’s ex- The council would have punished them, but they were
planation and exhortation greatly increased the number afraid of the people, so they threatened the apostles
of the men who believed in Jesus. (Acts 4: 4) But and let them go.
the chief priests and the leaders were grieved that the GY[erewas a typical workingof the ecclesiastical mind.
apostles taught the people and preached through Jesus A man lame from birth was healed through unlearned
the resurrection of the dead; and they put Peter and men who would have no power of their own to work
John in wardfor the.. night. such a miracle, but who claimed to be witnesses of the
2The next day a meeting of the Sanhedrin was called ; fact of the resurrection of Jesus and to speak in his
for the matter was of great importance to them. They name. Here were plain facts; and all the Sanhedriu
had thonght that by crucifying Jesus they had done with could do was to try to stop the mouths of these men.
him; and here were his disciples, only ordinary men, They cared nothing that a cripple had received such a
doing wondrousworks such as he had done, and stirring blessing of healing, nor that manymore sufferers might
Jerusalem even more than he. They saw that the peo- be healed, nor that the people whowere in darkness as
I)le whohad learned to expect muchof Jesus were moved to the purposes of God were being taught. Pride of
by this miracle wrought by those who were only fisher- place and greed of power and wealth filled and ruled
men of Galilee. They were greatly concerned. They their hearts. It should be remembered that during
had Peter and John brought before them, and asked our Lord’s ministry the Saddueees had great influence
them by what power and name they had done this thing. and power. They were really unbelievers, correspond-
~Peter, filled with the holy spirit, answered boldly ing to the higher critics of today.
that it was by the name of Jesus of Nazareth whomthey
had crucified but whomGod had raised from the dead ; PRAYER BROUGHT QUICK RESULTS
"even by him doth this man stand here before you Weter and John went to their own company, and
whole." (Acts 4:10) Quoting a psalm (118:22) reported all that had been said to them. With one ac-
said that Jesus of Nazareth was the "stone set at naught cord the companyof apostles and their immediate circle
of you builders", which God had made the head of the lifted up their voice to God, acknowledging him to be
corner. Then in well-known words he declared: "Nei- the Lord of all with every right as Maker of heaven
ther is there salvation in any other: for there is none and earth, the sea and all that in them is. llealizing
other name under heaven given among men, whereby that the Seriptdres were being fulfilled in this opposition
we must be saved."--Acts 4:12. to God, they repeated part of the Second Psahn. They
4The rulers were taken aback; these unlearned and saw that the rulers were gathered together against
ignorant men had boldness in their presence. The Jehovah and against his Christ. They ackllowledged
healed man was standing with the apostles; and the that whatever had been done had served to fulfil the
months of the rulers were shut. Peter’s boldness and word of God already spoken; and now they presented
readiness of speech were not merely the responses of themselves and the situation before the Lord, saying,
his nature, but were the fulfilment of the Lord’s words: "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant
"I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your unto thy servants, that with all boldness they mayspeak
adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist." thy word,.., and that signs and wonders may be
(Luke 21: 15) The eouncil commandedthem to leave done in the name of thy holy ehihl Jesus." (Acts 4:
their presence x~hile they conferred amongstthemselves. 29, 30) God immediately responded. The place where
~To themselves the Sanhedrin acknowledged that a they prayed was shaken; they were all filled with the
nctable miracle had been wrought, that all Jerusalem holy spirit, and spoke the word of God with boldness.
knew it, and that they had no chance of denying it. ~By these events the Lord forced the brethren into
They decided to ~top these men from speaking hence- activity both amongst themselves and in representing
forth in the name of Jesus, and evidently thought that him to their fellows. The apostles also, as their prayer
their order would be obeyed. They recalled the apostles, shows, were stimulated. They saw that they were called
and commandedthem not to speak at all nor to teach in upon to represent the Lord at the cost of the opposition
the name of Jesus. But both Peter and John asked of the rulers. Their spirits rose to the opportunity.
these men, who professed to be the servants of God, They thanked Godand prayed for strength and blessing.
94
,rJ, WATCHTOWER 95
9Here are lessons for us. The tendency of human disciples of today, which is healing men and women
nature is to take things easily. It is a small minority blind from birth; and they noware, as it were, leaping
which breasts the streams of life; and the same is fre- for joy, praising Godin the joy of active service for him.
quently true in spiritual life, and that not only of the ~Perhaps past experience will be repeated, and some
individual, but of a company who meet in fellowship. of the membersof the Church will be requested to ex-
The early Church had to realize this. It was tempted plain why certain things arc being done; for the spirit
to rest in the enjoyment of the things which had come of persecution is abroad, and is exactly the same as
to it so richly; that is, in the blessings of the knowl- was found in the bigoted, prejudiced, imperious ecclesi-
edge of the trnth, the realization that they were in astics of those days.
harmony with the will of God in Christ, the happiness ~STheeLthusiasm which prevailed amongst the breth-
of the fellowship, and the meetings for prayer and ren was catching, as enthusiasm ahvays is. But amongst
communion. those who sold property and brought moneyto the apos-
’°-Manya time in this harvest period the Lord’s peo- tles were A~mniasand Sapphira his wife, whoconspired
ple have wanted to rest on the truth which has been to profess that they gave the whole result of their sale
revealed; and time and again the Lord has stirred up to the Church whiIe retaining some for themselves.
the nest, and brought his people into ]ivelines~ and Peter, quickened by the holy spirit, discerned that they
activity, always to their rich spiritual advantage. were not truthfui ; he said that they had "lied to the holy
~The increase of believers through the miraeie and spirit", and practically gave sentence of death to both
Peter’s declaration of its meaning had raised the nun> of them. It was a flagrant case of corruption entering
her of menwho now believed to eight or nine thousand. into the professed life of consecration, madeworse be-
Realizing themselves as a separate company,it seemedto cause there was a conspiracy; and a sin of conspiracy
them that they should join as muchas possible in closer is aIways the most dangerous. An individual may make
fellowship; and they concluded tha~ it would be good a slip, or maypurpose to do something; but it is a much
if they had all things in common.They were learning to more dangerous thing when two or more persons con-
love one another, and they determined to hold each spire to do ewl. The Lord dmwedthe early Church by
his goods at the disposal of the community. As many the sudden death of these two persons that their lives
as had houses or were possessors of/ands sold them and were before the eye of heaven.
brought the price and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and ~6Nowthat the Church is again brought into unity
distribution was made according as any had need. and thag the time of its judgment has come(1 Peter 4::
Amongstthose who sold their land was Barnabas, uncle 17) under the eye of its returned Lord, it behoovesevery
of ]Iark, afterwards so closely associated with the life memberto take a warning, to keep himself to Iris con-
and work of the apostle Paul. Great grace was upon seeration; for now, as then, the Lord will not permit
them all, and with great powerthe apostles gave witness hypocrisy to remain undisclosed. (Malachi 3:18) And
of the resurrection of Jesus. when the rulers shall take counsel together against the
Lord and against his Anointed, let not the Church for-
HYPOCRISY IS SEVERELY PUNISHED get to take the example set here. Let the Lord’s peoplo
~YInthe minds of the apostles the prophetic scriptures pray for bohlness to proclaim the name of the Lord,
afore quoted (Psalms 2: 1, 2; 118: 22) were associated that is, his presence and the establishment of his king-
with the facts which were before them. But, as we dom; and let them fear not what man may do.
know, these scriptures apply more particularly to the
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
second advent. The fact that similar conditions are
experienced by the Lord’s disciples now, and that the What was the effect of the miracle of Acts 3rd clmpter? ¶ 1.
How did Peter ariswer the Sanhedrin, who questioned his
same spirit prevails in the leaders of ecelesiasticism, authority? ¶2, 3.
makesit certain to every Bible Student that the happen- How did the rulers think to dispose of Jesus’ followers7
ings of float day are typical of the greater things to ¶<5.
Describe the working of the ecclesiastical mind in Jesus’
happen now when the Lord has come to establish truth dqy. Does it work any differently today? ¶6.
in the earth. The Stone which the builders rejected is 1Vlmn Peter and John returned to the disciples, in what
frame of mi~d was that little company? ¶ 7.
Jesus as Lord of the kingdom,and that truth is nowpro- How (lid this persecution and ill-treatment of the apostles
claimed by his servants. Andthis day of the establish- result? What lesson is there for us? ¶8-10,
ment of the kingdom is the day when God has set his What did these esrly-elmreh brethren now propose to do?
Anointed upon his holy hill of Zion: his servants de- And what prompted them to this course? ¶ 11.
Do scriptures sometimes have double fulfihneuts? Is Jesus
clare the establishment of the kingdom. Appearances still the rejected Stone? ¶ 12.
show that the rulers of the earth will take counsel to- What correspondeney has the miracle of healing in tha
Church today? Are those who do "miracles" today some-
gether against the truth and the kingdom and the Lord times asked by what authority they do tlmm? ¶13, ]4.
of the kingdom. Is enthusiasm catching? Is it frequently associated with
a popular movement? When it is popular, are rhone
~aThe miracle of healing corresponds to the declara- dr,twn into a movement always honest? ¶ 15.
tion of the establishment of the kingdomby the faithful What is our lesson in this connection ? ¶ 16.
International Bible Students A sociation Oasses
btj Travclin~Bre~¢n
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Schenectady, N. ¯ ........ ~,pr. 1 Fort Edward, N. Y ......... Apr. 10 Columbus, 0 ..................... Apr. 1 Terre Haute, Ind ............... Apr. 9
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 2 Glens Falls, N. Y ........... " 12 CILillieothe. O ................. " 2 l’]aMSt. Louts, 111 ............. ’ 10
Mo,.hanicsvitle, N. Y ..... ’ 3, 5 Warrensbnrg, N. Y ......... " 13 POrtsmouth,O................. " 3, 5 St. Louis, Mo..................... " 12
(;reenwich, N. Y ............. "’ 6 Troy,N.Y......................... " 14 Cincimmti,O................... " 6 Kansas City, MO............... " 13
Granville, N. Y ................ " 7 Watervliet, N. Y ............. " 15 Louisville, Ky ................. " 7 Tulsh, 0k]a ........................ " 14
5t’iconderoga, N. 5; ......... " 8, 9 Amsterdam,N. Y ............. " 16 Indianapolis, Ind ........... " 8 OkluhomaCity, 0kla ......... " 1’5
BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
NewBrookland, S. (2 .... Apr. 1, Greer, S. C ..................... Apr. 10
I’;Iko, S. C .................. " o Spartanburg, S. C ......... " 12 CONVENTIONS
TO BE ADDRESSED
BY BP, OTHERRUTHERFOBD
Augusta, Ga ................ "’ 5 Ilock Ilill, 8. C................ "’ 13
Greenwood, S. (2 ......... 6 Greensboro, N. C ............. " 14
" 7 Lynchburg,Va ................. " 15 Washington, D. C. March 20-22. Secretary: A. L. Smith,
Anderson, 8. C ............. Clifton Forge, Va .......... 1252 Talbert St., 8. ~.
Greenville, S. 12 ............. " 8, 9 16
:’:... !...:’.
¯ ,’.,, .
,..-
CONTENTS
I*HII,OSOPIIY OF TIIE RANSOm! ............................ 99
WordsDefined .................................................. 99
Necessiiy for Ransom..................................... 100
"Who Could Re<leenl Man’~ ...................... 100
Providing the Ransola Price .......................... 101
At Calvary.......................................................... 102
Siu-Offeriug ...................................................... 1(~2
Has the Ransom Been Paid ? .......................... 103
Satisfaction of Justice ................................... 104
Church’s Participation in Sin-Offering ....... 1(’5
Mediator of the New Covenant ........................ 106
PRAYER-~IEETINGTEXT COMMENTS ...................... 107
STEPHENTile FIRST MARTYIt........................... 108
TIIE BENEI~ITS OF TOTAL ABSTINENCE................ 110
INTERESTING LETTERS .......................................... 111
"’" *’: :’= ?’~ "I ~ciTl stand *lpon ~ly watch and will ~et my foot
¯ ¯ upo~ the Tolt’er, and will watch to .~¢.c what lie a’Hl
¯ "’" ~ ’ 8a~] ~to me, and what m~qu’cr [ shall make to ther~
. ~-’. that oppose me."--Habakkuk2: 1.
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) ro&ring, men’s hearts failing them for fear and for |ookln$
the things coming upon the earth (soemty) for tim power~ of the heavens (eeelesmstwsm) shall be shaken... V¢imn ye see these th ngs beam to eome to pass,
know that the Kingdom of God ~s at hand. Loo*~ up, lift up your heads, re~oioe, for your redemptmn draweth mgh --Matt. 24.33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
or "Seminary Extension ’~, now being
THISpresented
Journal is one of the prime factors
in all parts of the civilized
or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
world by the WATCHTOWERBIBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered-A. D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word hut
also ~ a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published-STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit tile only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s ~’ord. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
predemptiou through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corre~c~ponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter I : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
6ubjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It L~ thus free to declare boldly ~xhatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to tlle divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to what may anti what may not appear in its columns must be aecord~r.g to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuihi.ing of his people in grace and. knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
must part with the right to, possession and control of 89Types and shadows enable us to have a clearer nn-
the price, asset or measure of value which is used to dersianding of realities, and for this cause were they
make payment. Whenone pays over an asset, it can given, There does not appear to be a type of the ran-
not be taken back nor used for any other purpose, for som set forth in the Scriptures; and indeed it seems
the reason that the control of it has passed out of his that it wonld be almost impossible so to do. There i
hands. To illustrate: Suppose the bank holds your an illustration of the ransom price being provided in
brother’s note for a thousand dollars. You have a thou- the passover lamb which was slain. This took place
sand dollars, and you go into the bank and say to the in the Spring of the year. The Lord Jesus is referred
banker: Here are a thousand dollars which I want to to in the Scriptures as "the Lambof God, which taketh
pay or apply to that note my brother owes you. The away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) The sin-
bank accepts the moneyon the terms offered, and your offering is shownin the type of Israel’s mmualatone-
right to and control over it ceases. Jesus laid downhis ment-day sacrifices. These were always performed in
human life at Calvary. Had it been possible for him the Autumnseason of the year. These two pictures,
there to pay the ransomprice, he wouldhave snrremlered then, were as far removedfrom each other as they could
control over it and could not have used it thereafter. be with reference to time, within one year. The otone-
While he laid it down,he did not part with the right to merit-day sacrifices do not typify the ransom; but those
it, however. Whenhe arose from the dead, he had the sacrifices were typical of the sin-offering. The bullock
tight to two lives--the right to a perfect humanlife pictured the perfect man Jesus, while the lamb por-
which he had laid down and now had taken up, and trayed his innocence as a man. The bullock slain on
the right to a divine life to which Jehovah had resur- the atonement day was a type of the man Jesus. Aaron
rected him. the high priest, whoofficiated at this sacrifice, wasa type
uIf you lay down a dollar on the table, you do not of the new creature Christ Jesus. WhenJesus came
part with the legal right to it merely because you lay to the Jordan as a man he was the antitype of the bul-
it down, even though it has passed out of your actual lock. Whenhe had presented himself in consecration,
possession. Andif some one takes it away, your legal was accepted and begotten and anointed with the holy
right to it still remains the same. Jesus stated that no spirit, he at once became ~e antitypical high priest.
,rh, WATCHTOWER 103
Thus for three and a half years the new creature Christ the ransom price in behalf of any one when he ascended
Jesus, as the high priest, was laying downhis ownhu- into heaven ? No; he did not. Had ho paid it over at
manity, which sacxifice he finished at the cross. that time, there would never have been a Church. ttad
~°0n the typical day of atonement, as described in he paid it over then, he wouldhave parted with the right
Leviticus 16, we see Aaron the high priest clothed in to and surrendered the possession and control of the
his sacrificial robes in the court. Here the bullock is ransom price. Had he done this, he never would have
slain. What is Aaron doing .9 He is beginning to make had any merit to be used for the justification of the
a type or shadowof the great sin-offering. The bullock Church. The merit paid over into the hands of justice
slain in the court represented the sacrifice of the per- wouldhave resulted in the judicial release of the entire
fect man Jesus. Aaron represented Jesus Christ, the humanrace from the effects of the judgment of death
new creature. The blood of the bullock represented a which was entered against Adamdirectly and which in-
poured-out human life, the merit, the redemptive or directly affected all of his offspring; because that was
ransom price. exactly what the law demanded. The law of God is
right and just; therefore as soon as the merit of Christ
~lAaron, the high priest, took the blood of the bullock
is paid over, it must operate to release judicially those
in a vessel and proceeded to the Most Holy, thus pictur-
whoare held in bondage, and who accept it.
ing Jesus Christ asccmling into heaven itself. (Hebrews
9 : 24) The blood represented a poured-out life, hence 45It was the will of Godthat the membersof the Body
file merit, the ransom or redemptive price, and which of Christ, which is his Church, should be taken from
there the priest used to foreshadow the sin-offering. amongst men and put through a course of training,
The high priest advanced to the mercy seat in the Most developed, completed and glorified before the ransom
Holy and sprinkled the blood upon the mercy seat, which price or merit should be used for releasing others of man-
pictured Jesus Christ, the great antitypieal High Priest, kind, including Adam, from the judgment of death and
presenting the merit, or the ransom price, in heaven as its effects. The promise to Abrahamwas: "In thy seed
a sin-offering and depositing that merit to be used ac- shall all the families of the earth be blessed." This
cording to the divine law. seed is The Christ: Jesus the Head, and the Church his
Body. TM Body members must be developed before
*fin the type the high priest began the preparation
the blessings could start to mankind, and the ransom
of the sin-offering in the court, and finished it in the
price must be used for the benefit of the Church and
Most Holy. In the antitype Christ Jesus, the great
later for the world.
antitypieal High Priest, began the preparation of the
ransom price and the sin-offering on earth and presented MERIT DEPOSITED
the ransom price as a sin-offering in heaven. This
4~Jesus appeared in the presence of God for the
presentation of the merit or ransomprice as a sin-offer-
Church, and presented and deposited the merit of his
ing in heaven was done and made in behalf of the
Church, as shownin the type, by what actually took place sacrifice upon the heavenly mercy seat. He there pre-
sented it as an offering for sin, to be used to removetho
at Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4) The merit was there de-
posited for use, which proves conclusively that the ran- effects of sin. A depositor does not lose control of the
som price was not paid over at Calvary, nor was it thing deposited. Illustrating this point: Suppose John
applied at that time for any one. As stated by St. has three brothcrs, each of whomwants to borrow a
thousand dollars from a bank, and each offers to givo
Paul, it was "the man Christ Jesus who gave himself
his note to the bank for such loan. None of them has
a ransom for all" (1 Timothy2: 5, 6) ; and this he did
any moneyin the bank, and they have no credit there
by laying down his perfect humanlife. It was Christ
to make their notes good. Should John go to the bank
Jesus, the divine and glorious One, whopresented the
with three thousand dollars and say to the banker: I
merit or rm~somprice in heaven itself as an offering
have here three thousand dollars, and I will pay it over
for sin.--Hebrews 9:24-28.
to you for these three notes of my brothers’; and he
HAS THE RANSOM PRICE BEEN PAID? then pays it over to the bank for that purpose ; he would
thereby part with the ownership and the possession and
’3In the type the high priest offered the blood of the control of the money. But if instead of doing that, he
bullock for himself and for his house. (Leviticus 16: goes into the bank and deposits a larger sum of moneyto
11) Whenin the antitype Jesus ascended into heaven, he
appeared in the presence of God for the Church. "For his owncredit and then endorses his brothers’ notes by
Christ is not entered into the holy places made with writing his name upon them and the bank accepts hi~
hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven endorsement by reason of the amount of moneydeposi~d
itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us." by him in the bank, then he would not part with Lhe
(liebrews 9 : 24) Thus we see that Jesus must appear, ownership or control of his money, lie would in this
and did appear, in heaven with the ransom price and case merely impute to his brothers a sufficient amount
presented it as a sin-offering for the Church. of his ow~credit or assets which he had on deposit in
I’Did Christ Jesus, the great High Priest, pay over the bank to make their notes acceptable to the bank.
104
WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N. Y’.
tIi~ moneyremnins in the bank, but there is charge.] the mandate or sentence of God as the Judge of all.
against his credit the amount of the notes which he has Adamwas before the court of Jehovah, was properly
imputed to his brothers; and when his brothers take tried ; and Jehovah justly sentenced him to death. God
up the notes, he or his estate is thereby released from the entered the judg-nient against Adam.Adam’s children
obligation of security. were not included in that direct judicial determina-
4*WhenJesus appeared in heaven, instead of paying tion, because not in existence, and could have no knowl-
the debt against Adamand his race and releasing them edge of the trial and judgment. But when they were
he deposited that merit in the hands of justice, which born, they were imperfect, therefore disapproved and
for convenience we call the Bank Mercy Seat. This without the right to live; and by this process they canto
asset, the ransom price or merit, thus deposited, re- under condemnation. "It follows then that just as the
mained under the control of Jesus, to be used for the result of a single transgression is a condemnationwhich
purpose of imputing to the various members of the extends to the wholerace, so also the result of a single
Church making a full consecration, thereby making them decree of righteousness is a life-giving acquittal which
acceptable to the Father, that he might justify fl~em. extends to the whole race. For as through the disobe-
dience of the one individual the mass of manldnd were
HOW JUSTIFIED? constituted sinners, so also ±hroughthe obedience of the
One the mass of mankindwill be constituted righteous."
48Justification means made right with God. For con-
venience we limit its meaning to the condition of ae- --Romans 5 : 18, 19, lVeumouth.
quircd righteousness. It meansthe fact of one being in 5~Whenthe man Charles is justifed he is not right-
relationship with God. Adam as a perfect man was eous in himself, but Godcounts him as righteous on the
just. Jesus was always just or righteous because alwap strength of the merit of Jesus’ endorsement or imputa-
right with God. All of Adam’s offspring have been tion of merit to him, and he thus becomes acceptable
born below the plane of divine approval--hence un- to Godas a part of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and
righteous. Howthen could one of them be justified now Christ Jesus the High Priest offers him up as a
nntil the merit of Christ was actually paid over to jus- part of his ownsacrificial body. Charles’ justification
rice ? As illustrating this point, let us suppose Charles is the result of faith in the blood of Christ, of his full
desires to come into harmony with God. He can not consecration to do God’s will and of the imputed merit
come to God himself beeauso he is imperfect, therefore of Christ to him and of the grace of God toward him.
unrighteous, which unrighteousness is the result of "It is Godthat justifieth." Godgrants this justifiea.
Adamicsin. Charles believes on tho Lord Jesus as his tion, which results in releasing Charles from the effect
Savior. He believes that Jesus is able to save him to of Adam’s judgment only upon condition that Charles
the uttermost; and thus believing, he willingly surren- has previously agreed to give up that which results from
ders himself to do the will of God; and this represents his justification; viz., the legal right to live as a human
Charles’ part of his consecration, tie is not yet aecep- being. Whenone consecrates to do God’s will, it means
table to God; but when Christ Jesus as his High Priest that whatever is the will of God concerning him that
receives Charles and imputes his own (Jesus’) merit will he do. Jesus says: "If any man will come after
to Charles, he thereby makes Charles presentable to tho me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
Father, and presents him to Jehovah. And God, ac- follow me." The self-denial is his consecration; and
cepting him, justifies him, makes him right ; and there whenhe is counted right he has already agreed to do the
results to Charles the right to live as a humanbeing, will of God; and the will of God concerning him is
which makes him acceptable as a part of the sacrifice that he should be madea part of the sacrifice of Christ
of Christ. In other words, it is the merit of Jesus im- Jesus. For no other reason is any person justified dur-
puted to Charles that makes him acceptable; and it is ing the Gospel Age.
God that justifies him, makes him right, by virtue of
SATISFACTION OF JUSTICE
having had imputed to him that merit.
49Applyingthe illustration: At the time of Charles’ ~=Did Jesus satisfy justice with his merit when he
consecration Jesus endorses him by becoming Charles’ appeared in the presence of God, in heaven itself? Our
¯ qdvoeate, by standing sponsor for him, by imputing to answer is: No; for the reason that justice was always
Charles a sufficiency of his ownmerit, which is on de- satisfied. There never was a time when justice was not
posit in the Bank Mercy Seat, to bring Charles up to satisfied. Satisfaction of justice means the fulfilling
the standard of righteousness. WhenCharles is thus of the demands of the law. God’s law demanded the
counted righteous by Jehovah, he is brought from under death of Adam. His judgment was against Adam di-
that bondage which resulted from the Adamic judgment. rectly. The death of Adambeing the fulfilment of the de-
"To condem,~ means to disapprove; to pronmmceas mandsof the law, justice was thereby satisfied and has re-
wrong. Judgment means the act of determining, as in mainedsatisfied ever since. HadJesus paid over the value
courts of law, what is conformable to law and justice; of his humansacrifice, to wit, the ransomprice, for the
also, the determination, decision, or sentence, of a court; purpose of satisfying justice at the time he ascended inte
APRIL 1, 1925
"the WATCH
TOWER lo5
heaven, then justice has been doubly satisfied from then must remain where deposited to keep good each conse-
m:til now. In other phrase, justice would have received crated one as a basis of his justification until his course
exactly double what the law demands. Such a thing is finished in one of three ways, to wit : the seconddeath,
wouldbe an impossibility with God, for the reason that the great companyclass, or the little flock. Wheneach
he can not be unjust. It was one man that was sen- of the spirit-begotten ones has finished his course, then
tenced to death, and all others became sinners or sub- there wilt no longer remain any obligation against the
ject to death through the sin of that one man. All merit of Christ on deposit. That deposit is the great
others were born sinners because imperfect as a result ransomprice, the merit, the value of his sacrifice; and
of Adam’s sin. The death of the perfect man Jesus being released from all such obligations it will be ready
provided the ransom price, a price sufficient to satisfy to be presented and will be presented as an offering for
the demandsof justice against Adamand all of his oft- sin on behalf of the world of mankind. Christ Jesus,
spring; and if that was paid over at once to justice, as the High Priest, offers up each memberof the 144,-
then either Adamand his race must be at once judicially 000 who compose his sacrificial Body. In the type,
released from the eondenmationand its effects, or jus- the high priest entered the ]~[ost IIoly with the blood
tice has received double satisfaction. of the goat, and did with it as with the blood of the
bullock. Thus he pictured the sin-offering on behalf of
CHURCH’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SIN-OFFERING the world. The high priest is always the one that pre-
5~In the atonement-daysacrifices, after the presenta- sents the sin-offering. Whenoffering the merit of Christ
tion of the blood of the bullock Aaron the high priest typified by the bullock, Jesus Christ alone constituted the
slew the 1,ord’s goat, and did with its blood exactly as High Priest. Whenoffering or presenting the blood
he did with the blood of the bullock: "Then shall he of the antitypical goat, the Iligh Priest will be composed
kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, of Jesus Christ, the Ifead, and the 144,000 menlbers of
and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that his Body, the Church. Since the Iligh Priest makes
blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and the sin-offering in behalf of the world, the Church of
sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy necessity must have a part therein by virtue of the fact
that the Church will then be a part of the Priesthood.
seat."--Leviticus 16 : 15.
54The offering of the Lord’s goat foreshadowed the The merit,
The or purchasing value, is that of Christ Jesus.
sacrifice of the Body members furnishes no pur-
participation of the Churchin the sin-offering in behalf chasing value; hence the Church has no part in the
of the world. The slaying of the goat represented the ranson].
judicial death of the humanity of the one who conse-
crates, and that such an one is justified and accepted by ~6When the final presentation is madeas the sin-offer-
Jehovah as a part of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. "Ye ing, the merit of Christ released from all other obliga-
are dead [Greek, ye died], and your life is hid with tions will be used for the sealing of the NewCovenant,
Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3) The Apostle means and will then judicially release Adamand his offspring
that those whohave been accepted as a part of the sacri- frmn the judgment and condemnation; and through
fice of the Lord Jesus, and have been begotten by the the terms of the NewCovenant the world of mankim]
holy spirit, are com~ted dead as human beings from will be granted the opportunity of being restored to
Goal’s viewpoint; and that henceforth their fleshly body that which father Adamforfeited. Then it will be, as
is the organism of the new creature. No member of stated by St. John, that he is "the propitiation . . .
the Church offers himself as a part of the sin-offering. for the sins of the whole world".
In the type it was the high priest whomadethe offering, ~7Therefore we see that Jesus alone provided the ran-
and no one else made it. When one consecrates, is som price by laying down his perfect humanity, which
accepted and begotten by the holy spirit, his acceptance corresponded to the perfect human life which Adam
is in the Beloved One; and he Is counted as a member had forfeited. Christ Jesus the High Priest presented
of the Body of Christ, and is made to appear in the the merit or value, or redemptive price, as a great sin-
Body in the person of the priest and not individually. offering in heaven on behalf of the membersof his Body
It is the High Priest Christ Jesus that is offering up and the household of faith. In this the Church had no
the members of his Body. This offering began at part whatsoever. The Church does participate in the
Pentecost, and has been in progress throughout the sin-offering for the world by virtue of being a part of
sacrificial age. Whenthe last memberof the Body is the Priesthood.
completed in sacrifice and the change takes place in the
first resurrection, each memberof the Body being then ADVOCATE
glorified will be a part of the Great High Priest. 5sSt. John plainly states that Jesus is the Advocate
~The merit of Christ deposited in the Bank Mercy for the Church. (1 John 2:1) St. Paul states that
Seat, as above suggested, when he appeared in heaven, Jesus is the Mediator between God and men (1 Timothy
having been used to impute credit to each one who pre- 2 : 5) ; and that he is the Mediator of the better or new
sents himself in consecration, it follows that that merit covenant. (Hebrews 8: 6; 9: 15) There is a distinc-
WATCH TOWER BROOKLYNj N.T.
tion between an advocate and a mediator. An advocate of the office of Advocatethroughout the sacrificial age.
is one whoofficially and authoritatively represents an- He could not pcrfmzn the duties of the covenant a.q
other before a tribunal The word counsellor is ofttimes Mediator until the covenant is in operation. Therefore
used in a similar sense: One who stands sponsor for, he assumes and performs the duties of Mediator between
or represents, another. A mediator (in its Scriptural Godand man at the institution of the NewLawCovenant.
sense) is one whointerposes between parties at variance His work will result in bringing about harmonybetween
for the purpose of reconciling them. God and man, i. % making man at-one with God.
59Had Jesus paid over the ransom price at Calvary
6aThis work of atonement, or at-one-ment, continues
or when he ascended into heaven, he never could have throughout the Messianic reign.
been the Advocate for the church for two reasons: (1)
There could have been no Church for which to advocate; 64"God . . . will have all men to be saved, and to
and (2) it is upon the basis of his merit on deposit, come unto the [accurate] knowledge of the truth." (1
Timothy 2:3, 4) The saving here clearly means salva-
what we have here termed the Bank Mercy Seat, that
tion or liberation from the Adamic judgment and con-
he could advocate for those whoare consecrated and were
denmation. The sealing of the NewCovenant with the
begotten by the holy spirit. That merit imputed to such
consecrated ones does permit such to have a standing blood of Chri.-t opens the way for Adamand his chil-
in the tribunal or court of Jehovah through their advo- dren to be brought back to God. The merit of Christ
cate or legal representative, Christ Jesus: "If any man applied in due time judicially releases Adamfrom the
sin, we [new creatures] have an advocate with the sentence or judgment, and his offspring from the effects
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the pro- thereof; and through the terms of the NewCovenant
pitiation [satisfaction] for our sins: and not for ours they are returned or brought back to a condition of per-
only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John fcction and reconciliation with God. In order to thus
2:1, 2) Thus if the new creature, because of imper- be brought each must have knowledge. Life is the gift
fections and weaknesses, commits a wrong, his advocate of Godthrough Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans6 : 23)
Christ Jesus, on the basis of having the merit above There can be no gift without knowledge on the part of
mentioned, presents such a one before the tribunal, ad- the donee, tie must knowof the offer and accept it in
vocating his cause, and thereby removes from the gar- order to complete the gift. All of mankind, therefore,
ments of such a one any spot, wrinkle, or such thing, must first be brought to a knowledgeof the truth con-
and keeps him in good standing with Jehovah. eerning Jesus’ sacrifice and of the way leading back to
life before their share in the benefits of that sacrifice
MEDIATOR
OF THENEWCOVENANT can be accepted. Itenee the benefits of the ransom
sacrifice come to each one through a knowledge of
~°The sacrificial work of the antitypical atonement Christ Jesus and his work. Having this knowledge of
day once finished, the merit of Christ then released will the offer, the opportunity is granted to accept it and live.
be used to seal the NewCovenant or contract. The New ~5Those accepting the terms, then, of the NewCove-
Covenant, technically speaking, will be made with God nant and rendering obedience thereto will be taught by
on one side and with Christ as th~ legal representative the great Prophet, ministered unto by the great Priest,
of Israel, on the other side. This is a bilateral or two- ruled over by the great King; and thus receive the
sided contract. Israel and all the world of mankind, beneficent ministration of the Christ, the great Prophet,
being imperfect, are out of harmonywith God; and the Priest and King. Thus the ransom work ~vill continua
purpose is to reconcile all such with Godwhowill volun- throughout the reign of the Messiah. This work will
tarily meet the terms of the NewCovenant. Being out be finished at the end of the Millennial Age; and all tho
of harmony with God, they are not competent to enter disobedient ones having been destroyed, and all of the
into a contract personally; but Christ, as the Mediator obedient ones restore/t to humanperfection, they will ba
and legal representative, there enters into or makes a competent to contract or make a personal covenant with
covenant on behalf of the incompetent ones. Hence God. The office of the Mediator then ceases becausa
the Apostle says that God will make a new covenant there is no further necessity for it. The great Mediator
with Israel, Christ being the Mediator. then withdraws, and turns the race over to Jehovah.
G~Thcfirst ones whowill have the opportunity of being The final test is applied; and those standing the test
reconciled to God and who will be the fruits of his will be granted life everlasting as human beings on
covenant will be the Israelites; and therefore all who earth. This will mark the completion of the ransom
would hava the benefits of the covenant blessings must work, the at-one-merit fully accomplished, and the hu-
becomeIsraelites. man race brought back into harmony with God, all of
620he maybe an officer and yet not be performing the which has been made possible by the merit of Christ
duties of that office. WhenJesus ascended on high it Jesus. That perfect life laid downby Jesus, being the
would be. proper to say that he became the Advocate of corresponding price, the ransom, when fully disposed
the Church and the Mediator of the NewCovenani~ on of and given for man’s benefit, will restore all of the
behalf of the world. He has been performing the duties obedient ones of the humanrace to perfection of life.
APP, IL 1, 1925
WATCH TOWER
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY is tile difference between these two terms as applk-.d to
What doctrine is the most important in the Bible? What tire hunmn race? ¶ 50, 51.
doctrine does the adversary try hardest to becloud? ¶ 1, 2. Did Jesus satisfy justice when he deposited tile merit of
What is the meaning of ransom? Of lnerit? Of legal his sacrifice before tim mercy seat? 9 52.
tender? Of to pay? Of deposit? Of sin-offering? Of How does the Church participate in tile sin-offering? What
atonement? ¶4-12. does the type show? Do we individually offer ourselves
Why was the ransom made necessary? What is the differ- in sacrifice? ¶ 53, 54.
ence between "right to life" "rod "life rights"? 914-17. tIow is the merit made use of, and how is it eventually
What are the reasons for Adanl’s children not having right released ? ¶ 55.
to life? ¶ 18, 19. What takes place in the final presentation of the merit?
Why could not an angel have r:msomed Adam? ¶ 20-22. To wholn is all the credit due? ¶ 56, 57.
How could the Loges become the ransolner? 923-25. How should we differentiate between the terms "advocate"
Was the perfect man Jesus the ransom price? ¶ 26-28. and "mediator"? If Jesus had paid over the ransom price
~
ttow did the race of Adamcoin( under cond(,nmation ? ¶ 29-31. at Calvary, what would have been the result? 958,59.
IIow was the ransoin price provided? What did Jesus do The New Covenant will be made between whom? Who will
with the ransom price? 9 32-37, 41. be the first dealt with when the New Covenant is inau-
Is the ransom shown in the types? Of wlmt is the atone- gurated? 9 60, 61.
nlent day a picture? What is the difference between the Wben did Jesus become the Mediator? When will he ex-
sin-offering an(1 the r,msom work? ¶3S-42. ercise himself in that office? 9 62.
H’ls the ransom Ill’ice heen paid at the present time? ¶ 43-45. When will the work of atonement be complete? 9 63, 64.
IIow is the value of tile ransom on deposit as a merit?
What will tile result be to those who comply with tlre New
9 46, 47.
What is the meaning of justification? ¶-t8,49. Law Covenant? What will be the fate of those who do
What is the meaning of con(h,mn? Of judgment? What not comply? Will tire Inediatorial reign ever end? 965.
"’DcGnielpurposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the ldng’s dainties, nor with the wine
whichhe dranlc."--Danfel 1 : 8, A. S. V.
HEseries of NewTestament studies is broken today and that if he would be a friend of this world he will
T to allow of a lesson in behalf of the temperance be found at enmity with God. (James 4: 4) The dis-
cause. The committee whose seleehons for general eiple of Jesus is not called upon to enter into the
convenience we have followed for so long a time decided domestic polities of his country. St. Paul tells us: "Our
to make at this point an opportunity for instilling tem- citizenship is in heaven." (Philippians 3 : 20, R.V.)
perance principles through the Sunday Schools. an ambassador for Christ, therefore, the Christian has
2That strong drink is a curse to many is agreed to no right of voting in world organizations. IIe serves
by all. That it isa great breaker-down of mankind the Lord Christ.--Colossians 3 : 24.
has been knownsince the days of Noah. Its excessive SEvery Christian shouhl realize that the kingdom of
use demoralizes manphysically and morally. The effects heaven can not be established by non-Christian legMa-
of the unlimited use of strong drink are so disastrous tion; for neither the repressive measures nor the con-
that it has cometo be recognized as one of the gn’eatest strnctive legislation can effect a change in the hun:au
of all the dangers to which humanity is subjected. To heart.
restrain its influence and hurtfulness by preaching and STheexample of Daniel, set for our study, shonhl not
practising temperanceand total abstinence has long been be misapplied as if it were set in the Scriptures to sl’ow
the endeavor of manysocial reformers, and the special that the servants of God should endeavor to reform t.~e
work of total abstinence parties. In view of their com- people with whomthey live, or the laws and eustums
parative failure it is not a matter for surprise that of the country in which they dwclh P~ather it is aa
men of good-will who see the hold strong drink has illustration written for our learning (Romans15: ~)
should seek to get its manufacture, sale, and use limited of the way in which the servant of the Lord shouhl con-
by law; nor that such, convinced that absolute prohibi- duct himself in relation to the things of the worhl.
tioB is the only remedy for those who have becomeits
victims, that none would be hurt morally by its suppres- DANIEL STOOD FOR SIMPLE FOOD
sion, and that the people would be much benefited 7Daniel’s purpose in Babylon was not to make a stand
physically and materially by enforced abstinence, should against the customs of the I~abylonians into whose corm-
seek to enforce their views and good designs upon the try the providences of God had carried him; nor
people. against drinldng wine as if wine were evil in itself. In
PROHIBITION NOTCHRISTIAN LEGISLATION Palestine, whence he had only recently been taken, wine
was not at all an uncommondrink. As he was too
sSince the outbreak of the World War two great
peoples have had an experience of prohibition. The wise to eat and drink to excess, it is evident that the
Russian nation was the first to take the course of sup- defilement he would keep from was in that those thin;~s
pressing the traffic. But in their case it was not moral were offered to idols before being taken to the king’s table.
*It should be noted that Daniel’s resolve had at least
reasons which caused the action. It was a war policy
as muchto do with eating meat as with drinking wine;
only, and was done by the word of the Czar--that is,
indeed, the probability is that drinking wine was a
by the word of those who ruled him. In America,
while the World Warwas a related factor, it was rather matter of lesser importance to him. He was thoughtful
moral force movingin the politieal world which brought enough to knowthat the food which they would be pro-
about the great change. Manygood people in all lands vided with was in its nature over-stimulating, and that
probably the ~ine was stronger than he had been ac-
have watched the action with interest, thinking that
customed to in Palestine. He determined to live simply
it brought the kingdom of heaven very much nearer.
and cleanly.
But whatever the motive of the action of a legislature,
or an imperial edict, or a dictator’s order, and whatever sit is the duty of every man, towards both himself
and those for whosewell-being he is responsible, to keep
the national or material or moral advantages gained by
his body in as he.althy a state as possible; for only so
such prohibition, it must be recognized that in itself can he best serve himself and his fellows. In a general
such a course is political, and therefore not religious. way the same rule applies to the Christian. The true
4From the time of separation by consecration to God disciple of Jesus presents his body as a sacrifice to Ged,
through Jesus the true Christian is a stranger in this for the service of God. (Romans 12: 1) But he does
world, and only a pilgrim in it. I-Ie is no enemy to not thereby relieve himself of the duty of preserving
his fellows, is no hater of men; but he learns that in his "vessel".--1 Thessalonians 4:4.
the wisdom of God his is a course set apart. He sees ~°It is well understood by those whosebusiness it is
that the world organizations are really opposed to God to help to cure the ills of menthat overeating is a real
110
APRIL1, 1925 lit
WATCH TOWER
factor in and cause of humansickness, and it is claimed ~aThusour lesson, though it gives no support to the
that even under tile ordinary circumstance of a nation prohibitionist, brings valuable reminders to the Lord’s
where prohibition does not obtain, overeating is the people as to how they should conduct themselves both in
active cause of many more deaths than are the result respect of their ownwell-being amt as representatives of
of drinking intoxicants. The effect of the intoxicant is God in an alien world. The world would not turn to
rapidly shovcn ; the effects of overeating are continuous righteousness aud to God evm~ though protnbition of
and permanent. strong drink obtained throughout all nations. Wethank
God for the knowledge that the kingdom of Christ is
SATAN AIMS TO DISTRACT ATTENTION being set up, when all intoxicants of body and mind--
11Those experienced in the way of the Lord, and of drink and vice and prido and self-will--will be ten-
therefore not ignorant of Satan’s devices, knowthat this dered impossible, and when men will be taught th~
very crafty enemyhas from time to time tried to divert truth concerning God, and will worship him in truth
the attention of tile Lord’s people from the responsibility and righteousness. Until the Church can operate in
which his service lays upon them to something which power it will take no part in any attempt to regulate
for the momentpromises to be of benefit to file body. the nations.
tie who keeps a sound mind (2 Timothy 1: 7) will
glad to make use of all legitimate means brought to QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
his attention for the welfare and betterment of his What is the blighting influence of strong drink? Is it a
dily health, whether they are new or ohl, which seem surprisin.g thing that men of good-will should try to regu-
late it by law? ¶2.
as if they would enable him to do more and better What countries have had an experience with prohibition?
service for the Lord. But he will not be led into ex- Wtmt was the force behind the movement in Russia? In
travagancies whether respecting diet or methodof heal- America? In either and in all cases is it a political force,
whatever might be the external appearances? ¶3, 5.
ing which take up time diverted from the service of the What relation has the true Christian to the world? ¶4.
Lord. Did Daniel undertake to reform Babylon? What defilement
~=It is evident that Daniel’s example of plain living did Daniel intend to keep himself from? Did Daniel’s
resolve include meat eating as well as drinking? ¶6-8.
without faddism or indulgence is a good example to Does each individual have a responsibility to himself regard-
follow. There is nothing wrong in pleasing the natural ing the keeping of his body? ¶ 9.
appetite; in hea]th all normal natural functions are What is the difference between overeating and drinking
intoxicants? ¶ 10.
pleasing, and Daniel and his companions would enjoy What is Satan’s persistent and constant endeavor toward
their plain food. Danger comes when there is indul- humankind? Those who are exercised by the spirit of
gence of the appetite, and probably it is the case that the Lord will do what, in regard to health? ¶ 11, 12.
there is no easier door to open to go out into the outer Would the world turn to God if prohibition obtained every-
where7 Shall intoxication of mind and body ever cease?
world than that of appetite and its indulgence. If so, will it come from within or from without? ¶ 13.
INTERESTING LETTERS
ENJOYS "THE WAY TO PARADISE" SOCIETY’S SERVICE APPRECIATED
DEARFRIENDS : DEARBRETHREN:
I want to tell you how much my reading of "The Way to I bare often wondered why the SOCIETYdoes not endorse
Paradise" was enjoyed. I have read it with the delight the sere’ice of one class by the elders of another class, but
of a child, and with the deep appreciation of one who has recommends that speakers be sent for from Brooklyn.
been favored with a knowledge of the truth. But since coming to Connecticut we have visited classes
In their new setting, the gems of divine inspiration have that are ser~-ed regularly by elders from other classes, and
become still more really beautiful to the eye of faith; and now can appreciate the SOCIETY’S stand in this nmtter.
my heart responds with joyful thanksgiving for this added
treasure. Would that every child and every parent could be I do not remember that any of these Brothers has ever
in possession of a copy of this little book. quoted from a recent WATCHTOWERor made any really up-
I am sure that those parents who will use it in connection to-date talk. Very little, if anything, is said of service.
with their God-given duty and privilege of instructing their Not long ago we attendod a lecture advertised as a "Stir-
little ones in righteousness, will find it a source of help ring Address by a Gifted Speaker," and listened to a brother
and of rich blessing. "talk" for an hour and a half; and we still wonder what
"The Way to Paradise" bears the royal stamp of divine it was all about. It seems strange that it is so; but we
approval ; for its spirit, entering into the heart of the reader, are convinced that the SOCIETX’Sway is the best and wish
brings an increase in faith and hope and the greatest of all to be in harmony with it.
things, love.
There is no class near that has studies regularly on
Its style of sweet simplicity, which is as fascinating as a Sunday that we can attend.
fairy tale, will give it a large place in the hearts of the
little folks---and of the grown-ups, no less. With warm Your brother in Christ,
Christian love to all, your sister in the Lord,
FLOBENCEG. BOULTER, N. ,I.
International Bible StudentsAssociation Classes
BROTtIER T. E. BARKER BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
ffohnstown, N. Y............. Apr. 17 Syracuse, N. Y ............... Apr. 24 Oklahoma City, Okla. Apr. 1"5 DelRio, Tex................... Apr. 23
Gloversville. N. 5" ......... " 19 Watertown, N. Y ............. " 26 ~’ort Worth, Tex ..... " 16, 17 Valentine, Tex ............... " 24:
Canajorie, N. Y ............... " 20 Oswego,N. Y ................. " 2g Dallas, Tex............... " :~9 El Paso, Tex................... " 28
Utica, N. Y..................... " 21 Auburn,N ...................... " 29 Galv.eston, Tex ......... " 20 Phoenix, Ariz ................ " 27
Rome,N. Y..................... " 22 Newark,N ...................... " 30 Houston, Tex............. " 21 Yuma,Ariz ..................... " 28
Oneida,N. Y ................... " 23 Ehnira, N. Y ................. 5lay 1, 3 San Antonio, Tex ..... " 22 E1 Centre, Calif ............. " 29
~.:’
..:...
~--...:.,.
>’
CONTENTS
GOD’SGREAT GIFT................................................. 115
TheGreatest Desire ........................................ 11.~
%VhoIsGod?...................................................... 115
Beginning of Creation ...................................... 116
TheMornin~ Star.............................................. 117
Preparing theGift........................................... 117
TheMotive .......................................................... 118
Opportunity for Life...................................... 119
Gratitude First ................................................. 119
PRAYER-~EETINGTEXT COMMENTS ...................... 121
LABORINGFOR THE KINGDOI%I(Letter) ................ 121
PHILIPAND TIIE ETHIOPIAN ................................ 122
SAULBECOI~IES A CHRISTIAN ............................... 124
SAULBEGINSHIS CAREER................................ 126
¢’I will stand upon ~ny watch and will ~et my Ioot
upon the Towc~5 and will watch to see what He will
say unto me, and what answer I shall make to ther~
that oppose me."---Habakkuk $: 1.
~pon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts faillng them for fear and for looking
the things comin~ upon the earth (socmty) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasUcsm) shall be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pass,
~owthat the Kiagdom of God is at hand. Look up, hit up your heads, rejoice, for your redemptioa draweth nigh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-.~L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
T/aVIS Journal is one of
presented in all parts
the prime factors
of the civilized
or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
world by the WATCHTOWEa~IBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered
or "Seminary Extension", now being
A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refresl/ed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and-very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
~redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] fGIt
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--I~phesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creed~ of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
~ubjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever tlle Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom gra,ated unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hi~
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilddug of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invile but urge our
xeaders to prove all its utterances by the inf~Jlible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
world has reached its extremity; and now it is God’s 9The scope and magnitude of God’s power and wi~,]om
opportunity to bring the people out of a condition of are appalling to the finite, imperfect mind of mare
lethargy. Jehovah made the sun to give light by day for man,
and to give life and beauty to the unintelligent crea-
THE GREATEST DESIRE tion of earth. With the natural eye we behold one
"That which man desires above all things else is sun, the center of our solar system. With the use of
life in happiness. The wisdom and power of man are instruments astronomers declare they have counted more
wholly inadequate to provide a way that leads to life than 125 million suns, each one of which is the center
or to happiness. All that man can do is to fight for of a different solar system. It is estimated that light
a bare existence; the greater pro%ion of his time is travels 186,000 miles per second; and that the Plemdes
spent in sorrow and distress. are 120 light years of 365 days each from the earth.
6God’s plan leads man to both life and happiness. It is understood that the Pleiades mark the throne of
Yea, i~ makes it possible for every man to attain unto Jehovah, from which he rules his universe. Doubtless
his fondes~ desire. Why, then, do so many human there are planets the light front which can reach the
beings pass unnoticed the provisions made for man earth only after manycenturies, so vast is the domainof
and for attaining his greatest desire? The answer is: God. It is not unreasonable to conclude that if a man
They are blind and can not see. Their blindness has could stand on tha very outer line of the knownboun-
been caused by Satan and his various agencies which daries of creation, by the aid of powerful instnmlents
he uses to keep them blinded.--2 Corinthians 4= : 3, 4. he could discover millions of planets beyondhis present
7But it is the will of God that all men shall be vision. The Prophet was modest in his speech when
brought to a "knowledge of the truth; and thanks be he said: "The heavens declare the glory of God; sad
WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N. Yo
the firmament showeth his handywork. Day untoday ’~Somewhocall themselves great hasten to take coun-
httereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowl- sel together, and many who look upon them as great
edge. There is no speech nor language, where their seek counsel with the great ones, believing that they can
voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all accomplish much. Their wisdom in God’s sight is
the earth, and their words to the end of the world. as nothing; and comparing them with the Lord, the
In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun ; which Prophet says: "Who hath directed the Spirit of the
is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and Lord, or being his counselter hath taught him? With
rejoic~th as a strong manto run a race. His going forth whomtook he counsel, and who instructed him, and
is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him
ends of it ; and there is nothing hid from the heat there- knowledge, and, showed to him the way of understand-
of. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: ing ?"--Isaiah 40 : 13, 14.
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the ~hThese great men of earth are the ones who build
simp]e."--Psalm 19 : 1-7. and rule the nations with selfishness, and whoboast of
*°Again David stood upon the crest of the hills of the power and of the greatness of the nations and of
Judea, and in his mind communedwith the all-wise themselves. Compared with the Lord the prophet says
Creator. On the east he saw the lofty mountains lifting of them: "Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket,
their hoary heads heavenwardand, like silent sentinels and are counted as the small dust of the bMance: be-
standing on watch, guarding the entrance to the Prom- hold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing." "All
ised Land. He observed that the high and rugged nations before him are as nothing ; and they are counted
hills made a refuge for the wild animals. He saw tim to him less than nothing, and vanity. To whomthen
flocks and herds peacefully feeding in the sheltered will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare
spots. unto him ? .... It is he that sitteth upon the circle of
*1He looked to the north, and beheld the evergreen the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshop-
cedars of Lebanon full of sap, emblemsof everlasting pers; that stretchcth out the heavens as a curtain, and
life, waving their mighty arms harmoniously to the spreadeth them as a tent to dwell in."--lsaiah 40: 15,
winds that God caused to blow through them. He saw 17, 18, 22.
the water streams spring out from the hillsides and 16Thus from his Word and his works we have a
hurry on to refresh the broad plain on the west, which glimpse of the great and mighty One who is the Giver
spread itself out to be kissed by the waves of the great of every good and perfect gift. He it is whohas taken
and beautiful blue sea. Movedwith awe and admiration cognizance of the poor imperfect people of earth and
for the Mighty One who made them all, he exclaimed: provided for them the most marvelous of all gifts.
"0 Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast
thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. BEGINNING OF CREATION
So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creep- *TThe things visible to man are not the greatest of
ing innumerable, both small and great beasts."--Psalm God’s creation. The greatest of all of his creation was
104: 24, 25. his first and only direct creation. There was a time when
~fAnd then extolling Jehovah and worshiping him, Jehovah was alone. Then he must have communed
he exclaimed: Thou "who coverest thyself with light as with himself and meditated upon his great plan. In
with a garment; who stretchest out the heavens like a the course of time it pleased him to begin his creation ;
curtain; who layeth the beams of his chambers in the and he did so by giving life to the Loges, his beloved
waters; whomaketh the clouds his chariot ; whowalketh Son. Concerning this the inspired writer says: "In the
upon the wings of the wind; who maketh his angels beginning was the Word, and the Wordwas with [the]
spirits: his ministers a flaming fire."--Psahn 104: 2-4. God, and the Word was a God. The same was in the
beginning with God. All things were made by him;
COMPARISON and w~thout him was not anything made that was
~aThere are men on earth whopossess nmeh gohl, who made. In him was life ; and the life was the light of
are looked upon as great, yet who can not make even men."--John 1 : 1-4.
a blade of grass grow nor a leaf that rustles in the wind. ~SThe Loges was the beginning of the creation of
They are capable of giving aid and do give a few million God. (Revelation 3: 14=) The Prophet represents Jesus
dollars to make themselves a name among men; and speaking of himself: "The Lord possessed me in the
others stand in awe of their power and greatness. Com- beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was
paring the insignificance of these with the great God set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the
the Prophet asks: "Who hath measured the waters in earth was. Whenthere were no depths, I was brought
the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the forth; when there were no fountains abounding with
span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a water. Before the mountains were settled, before the
measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills was I brought forth: while as yet he had not made
hills in a bMance?"--Isaiah ~0: 1~. the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the
APIUL15, 1925
WATCH TOWER
dust of the world. Whenhe prepared the heavens, I 13:14) God’s promises are sure and certain of ful-
was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the filment. His justice had been outraged by Adam’s dis-
depth; when he established the clouds above; when he obedience, tIis law demanded the life of Adam, and
strengthened the fountains of the deep; when he gave took it. His law also provided that Adamand his
to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass offspring might be redeemed and delivered by another
his commandment;when he appointed the foundations perfect humanlife, with the right to live, given as a
of the earth: then I was by him, as one brought up substitute for that which Adamhad forfeited. All
with him, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always peoples of earth being the offspring of Adam, none
before him."--Proverbs 8: 22-30. could meet the requirements of tile divine law. (Psalm
19Then the Lord gives instructions to those whomay 49: 7) The hmnan race completely undone, with no
road his Word, telling them how they may be blessed: right to live and no way of providing life, reached the
"Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. great extremity.
]31essed is the inn-! that heareth me, wa±ehing daily =~Then it was that God sent his beloved and onJy
at m) gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For begotten Son, the dearest treasure of his heart, from the
whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor courts of heaven, that he might become the Redeemer
~i the Lord."--Proverbs 8: 33-35. and in time the Deliverer of mankind. For this purpose
he was made flesh and dwelt amongus.--John 1: 14.
THE MORNING STAR
=°Whenthe foundation of the earth was laid pre- HEAVEN’S CEREMONY
paratory as a place for the habitation of man "the 2sit should be expected that Jehovah would arrange
morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God a fitting ceremony for the great event of the birth of
shouted for joy."--Job 38: 6, 7. ~he world’s Redeemer. The hosts of heaven had doubt-
2"l?here were then two bright l{orning Stars; namely less watched with keen interest the transfer of the life
Lucifer and the Loges. Lucifer fell. Nowthe bright of the Loges from the spirit to the humannature. They
Morning Star is the Loges, Jesus of Nazareth. Con- must have understood that such was a progressiva step
eerning this Jesus said: "I Jesus have sent mine angeI in the great divine drama, even though they were not
to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am permitted to understand the reai import thereof. It
the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and was enough for them to know that God would have it
morning star."--Revelation 22:16. thus. It pleased God to have Jesus conceived in the
22tie was from the beginning, the fairest of ten wombof Mary by virtue of his invisible power. For
thousand and altogether lovely, the dearly beloved and this reason none of the contaminated blood of Adam
only begotten of God. coursed Jesus’ perfect veins. The place for the birth of
2aThis is the great One whomJehovah gave as a gift the babe had been selected long centuries before.--
for the world, that men of the world might not perish Micah5 : 2.
but have everlasting life. =~Theearthly witnesses of this great event were se-
24Within the meaning of John 3:16 the world con- lected not from amongst men of great world renown;
sists of the people whoreside on the earth. These have but men of low estate were selected, those who guarded
neither life nor the right to live, but are th~ recipients the sheep against the wild beasts. Even so those who
of God’s great gift. Those who comply with the terms bear witness to the second presence of the Lord are not
and accept the gift will receive both life and the righ men of world renown, but those who guard the interest
to live. of the Lord’s sheep and who manifest a meek and lowly
PREPARING THE GIFT spirit.
2~Longcenturies ago God began to prepare his great ~°The stage was set; the hour had come for the hap-
gift for mankind. The preparation covered a long pening of the greatest event of time. The angel of
period of time, thus emphasizing the importance of the heaven, the special messenger of Jehovah, took h i s
gift. It was tile purpose of Jehovah from the be- position above the little city of Bethlehem. As the
ginning that the provision should be made for man’s shepherds guarded their flocks and probably discussed
salvation and endless happiness. This was made nec- the strange events transpiring in Palestine, the glory of
essary because of the deflection of Satan, the entering of the Lord shone about them, causing them. to tremble
sin into the world, and the fall of man by reason of and fear. The heavenly messenger spoke words of peace
sin. All of Adam’s offspring, being born imperfect, and comfort to them, saying, "Fear not: for, behold,
came under the condemnation of God by virtue of their I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
imperfection. No imperfect thing can have the approval to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the
of Jehovah. Without the preparation for the gift by city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."~
Jehovah no man could have everlasting life. Luke2 : 10, 11.
2GGodpromised that he would redeem man from death ~Thenas though expressing their joyful acquiescence
and ddiver him from the pou’er of the grave. (tIosea the angelic host of heaven sang together: "Glory to God
WATCH TOWER ]3ROOKLYN, N.Y.
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward power had been exhibited in another manner. Was it
men."--Luke 2: 14. for the purpose of making manifest his wisdom?
82Today that message is reverberating through the Surely not; because that alone would bring no profit
mountains, announcing to the world that the tram for to man. It is written: "God is love." Love is the
deliverance has come. complete and perfect expression of unselfishness. IIere
aaThe child was born, mid thus was the birth an- is the most complete expression of unselfishness that
nounced. Why was he born a human child? Because could possibly be given. Therefore truly it is said:
God was preparing a human being to give for the "God is love." In him is the very embodmlentof love.
salvation of the world, tie was preparing the greatest It was love for the human race that moved Jehovah
of all gifts that ever was or ever will be given for to sacrifice the dearest treasure of his heart, to give
mankind. up the One in whomhe deligq~ted and whose companion-
ad"Wherefore,when.he eomethinto the world, he saith, ship he loved and enjoyed, in order to provide and make
Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body the great gift for nmn. Ju~-t as is expressed in our
hast thou prepared me. In burnt offerings and saeri- first text : "Godso loved the worht, that he gave his only
aqees for sin thou hast had no pleasure: Then said I, begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shouhl
Lo, I eonm (in the volume of the book it is written of not perish, but have everlasting life."--John 3:16.
me) to do thy will, 0 God."--IIebrews 10:5-7. SgFrom the very beginning of the preparation for
a~In corroboration of this Jesus afterwards stated that this great gift every act of Jehovah is marked by un-
he had come down from heaven that the people might selfishness. He might have selected an angel, and made
have life. "I am that bread of life. Your fathers did of him a man to redeem mankind; but that would
eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is not have been such a great sacrifice to himself. His
the bread which eometh down from heaven, that a man only direct creation, his only begotten Son, his dearly
may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread beloved Son, very precious to his heart, he would give
which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this to be put to an ignominious death that man might have
bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will an opportunity of attaining to the thing that he de-
give is nay flesh, which I will give for the life of the sired; namely, everlasting life. This proves that there
world."--John 6 : 48-51. can be no true and perfect expression of love without
a~The manner of carrying out the will of God and a sacrifice. It proves that perfect love is the complete
fully complying with the fixed plan by the gift of his expression of unselfishness. He whois sellisll does not
bdoved Son, is by St. Paul stated thus: "Who, though love perfectly.
being in God’s form, yet did not meditate a usurpation
4°Jesus said to his followers: "Be ye therefore per-
to be like God, bnt divested himself, taking a bondman’s
feet, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
form, having been made in the likeness of men; and
(Matthew 5:48) The perfection he was referring
being in condition as a man, he humbled himself, be-
meant perfection of love. This is plainly shown by
comingobedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
his words in the context. (Matthew 5:43-47) The
And therefore God supremely exalted him, and freely Master was not here referring to perfection of organism,
granted to him that name which is above every name;
nor perfeetion of character. The Christian can be-
in order that in the name of Jesus every knee should
come perfect in neither one on this side the vail, but
bend, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of he can becomeperfect in his unselfish devotion to the
those beneath; and every tongue confess, that Jesus Lord and to his cause. This also will lead to his com-
Christ is Lord, for the glory of God the Father."--
plete unselfishness toward his brethren. Since he can
Philippians 2: 6-11, 1;h’aylott.
not be perfeet even in his expression, God counts him
a~Thusdid Jehovah at the greatest saerifice give for perfect because of the heart attitude, his real sincere
Inan the great<st of all gifts. Saul of Tarsus persecuted intent and desire, and the putting of this desire into
Christ Jesus because of his ownignorance ; and whenthe
operation insofar as it is possible for him to do.
eves of his understanding were open and he saw what
God had done he exclaimed: "Thanks be unto God *~WhenJesus was on earth he was not only the legal
representative of his Father, but completely represented
for his unspeakablegift ["-- 2 Corinthians 9 : 15.
him in the expression of love. His unselfish devotion
THE MOTIVE to the Lord Jehovah, and to the carrying out of his
88Whatwas the motive that led to this unspeakable Father’s plan to the end that mamdndmight benefit
therefrom, led him to voluntarily lay down his life.
gift? Was it justice? It was not; because Jehovah
owed man nothing. EquaI and exact justice required Whenwe view our Master upon the cross we can say:
the perfect life of Adam,and took it accordingly. All Truly love placed him there, his ownunselfish devotion.
of Adam’s offspring were born imperfect, and justly To be copies of God’s dear Son means to grow in a
must die. Wasit that Godmight exhibit to his creatures like devotion to our Father, to our Lord Jesus Christ, to
his great power? Surely not; because already hi s his cause of righteousness, and to the doing of his will.
APRIL 15, 1925
WATCH TOWE
OPPORTUNITY FOR LIFE eous." It does not say all shall be made righteous,
~2What, then, is the gift offered to man? An op- but only those who accept the gracious gift and comply
portunity for everlasting life. "The gift of God is with the terms. Again we read concerning Christ that
eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans those who refuse to accept him and obey him shall be
6 : 23) "Whosoeverbelieveth in him should not perish, destroyed. (Acts 3: 23) Second death means a death
hut have everlasting life." (John 3:16) "I am come from which there is no resurrection, the final execution
that they might have life, and that they might have it of divine justice against the sinner whorefuses God’s
more abundantly." (John 10: 10) None of these texts gracious gift or obedience to the divine law. Justifi-
show that any man is eompelled to accept the gift. cation therefore is not necessary to be had by one before
*aA gift is a contract which requires two parties he can go into the second death. Those who during the
thereto. The requisites {o make a gift effective are Millennial reign of Christ die for their own iniquity
these: The doner and the donee, an intelligent offering will be those who have had an opportunity for life and
by the doner, and knowledgeon the part of the donee, have refused to obey.
and assent of the donee, therefore a meeting of the *SThe same rule must obtain in the Gospel Age m
minds, and faith exercised on behalf of the donee. The this, that if one comes to a knowledge of the great
following scriptures show that tllese a r e essentials: ransom sacrifice and then wilfully and deliberately re-
I Timothy2 : 3, 4 is to the effect that all menmust be pudiates it and counts it as a commonthing and (hes
brought to a knowledge of the truth; John 3:16 is to in this eon&tion,it could not be said that there is a hope
the effect that the mind of the donee must assent to the of resurrection for such an one. The Apostle describes
gift; John 14:6 and Matthew 16:24 are to the effect such a class when he says: "Them that know not God,
that man must exercise faith by complete surrender of and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."
himself to do @od’s holy will. (~ Thessalonians 1: 8, 9) Surely this must mean those
*4There is no scripture to support the theory of who refuse to accept and comply with the provision8
universal salvation. The scriptures are all to the effect divinely made for them.
that an opportunity for life shall be granted to all,
GRATITUDE FIRS f
but that’only those who accept the provisions made and
eompiy with the terms will receive the gift. It is 4~Thefirst effeet of a gift upon one in a right con-
wmtten that Jesus, by the grace of God, should taste dition of heart is to preduee gratitude in that heart
death for every man. (tIebrews 2: 9) But this does not toward the giver. Gratitmle means a warmand friendly
mean that every manwill accept the telnns of the gift. feeling toward a benefactor or doner, and kindness
*5If a man is blind and deaf and there is no other awakened by a favor received. If a person gives to
means of giving him knowledge, an earthly gift is in- you a desirable thing and you have a right condition
effective, as we know from experience. The "god of of heart, you feel kindly toward such an one. When
this world" hath blinded mankind during this age; a person of high estate or rank, at a sacmfiee to himself,
and for that reason they have llot understood a n d presents a gift to another, the one receiving it is usually
could not accept the gift. During Christ’s rei~ the delighted and proud and hastens to tell others about it.
blinding influence of Satan will be removed, that all ~°Whenwe learn that the great God of the universe,
may come to a knowledge; and then the free gift will besides whomthere is none other, at the greatest sacri-
come to them. fice to himself provided and offers to us a gift, surely
4GTheApostle says: "Therefore, as by the offence of everyone in a right condition of heart, coming to this
or_e judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even knowledge, should be delighted, happy and anxious to
so by the righteousness of one the free gift cameupon all hasten and tell others about it.
men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s 5~Ahnost every one desires to have some money. This
disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obe- desire is proper when the money is used for a good
dience of one shall many be made righteous."--Romans purpose. A hypothetical ease is stated. Mr. Crwsus
5 : 18, 19. has gold mines, oil fields, banks, factories, railroads,
47~Iark that this text says: "The free gift cameupon and much other wealth. You are in &re need. Further-
all men unto j~stificalion of life." Justification means more, you are in prison and have no means of pro-
made right with God; but if a man refuses to be made riding for your loved ones. Mr. Croesus provides for
right, he is not justified. It will require the entire your release from prison, gives to you a gold mine, an
thousand years to justify the world under the terms of oil well, a bank, a railroad, and manyother things of
the New Covenant; and the prophet Isaiah (65: 20) value. As surely as your heart is in proper condition,
tells us that a sinner will die at one hundred years. you would say to Mr. Croesus: I am very grateful for
In other words, he will not be granted any further what you have done. What can I do for you to show my
opportunity if he refuses to accept the gift of life. Be it gratitude ? tIeneeforth and forever I will be your sup-
noted again that the apostle Paul in the above text says : porter and defender.
"By the obedience of one shall many be made right- ~Under the ]~osaic law, ff a Hebrewhad lourehased
120 ’r ,e WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N.~,
another Hebrewas his slave and that slave should serve herd shall appear, ye shall receive a crownof glory that
his master six years, on the seventh year he must go fadeth not away."--1 Peter 5:2-4.
free. Ite might, however, choose to remain with his
"Built upon the sure foundation,
master; and if he did so then this provision was made:
Zion shall in glory rise;
"If the servant shall plainly say, I love mymaster, my
]~Ien shall call thy walls Salvation,
wife, and mychildren ; I will not go out free: then his
master shall bring him unto the judges ; he shall also bring And thy gates shall be named praise."
him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master QUESTIONSFORBEREANSTUDY
shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall
~,Vtly was nmnthe crowningpart of God’searthly creation?
serve him for ever."--Exodus 21:5, 6. What is man’s condition today? Has man found the
5:’This strikingly shows how that when the Lord, remedy?¶ 1-4.
What is nmn’s greatest desire? Whydo not mensee God’s
our great Benefactor, having given his life for us, the plan for bringing about that desire? ¶ 5-7.
Father having given him that we m.ight live, and we Whois the Godof tim Bible? How.great are his attributes?
receive our release from sin and death through justifi- Whereis understoodto be the throne of Jehovah?¶ 8. 9.
What was David’s perspeclive when he exclaimed: "How
cation, then it is our privilege, as it will be the manifold are thy works"? ¶ 10-12.
privilege of all men, to devote ourselves to the Lord. I:Iow puny is man as compared with God? In God’s pro-
The boring of the ear with the awl seems to say : lienee- viding life for his earthly creatures, does it not manifest
marvelouslove? ¶ 13-16.
forth I shall hear thy connnandments and delight to What was the first and mightiest creation of Jehovah?
do them. How did St. John speak of llim? Howdid Solomon
represent him?Whatare the blessings of those whorea(’
54Real gratitude and appreciation lead to love. Of the Wordof God? ¶ 17-19.
necessity consecration to the Lord will follow. This Howmany morning stars have there been? How many
means a full surrender of oneself to Godto do his will. are there now? Whoare the recipients of God’s great
gift? Complyingwith the terms of the gift they will
Is it essential therefore that one who has become a receive wlmt?¶ 20-24.
recipient of the great gift should devote himself to the Has there been preparation for the bestowing of the great
Lord? Gratitude alone would say yes; and added to gift? Whywas it made necessary? Whosegift is it?
What did God’s law denmnd?Whywas it necessary fo,"
that love would say: This is your reasonable service. God to send his only begotten Son? ¶ 25-27.
Hence the Apostle urges upon all Christians to pre- Wasthere doubtless keen interest in heaven when tim
Logos was transferred to the humanplane? Does the
sent themselves a living sacrifice unto the Lord, and transfer explain wl~y Jesus was not contaminated with
declares it to be the reasonable service of the Christian. imperfection? ¶ 28.
--Romans 12: 1. Whowere selected for the earthly witnesses of the birth
of Jesus? Howwere they informed? What is the mes-
5~There is, therefore, no just cause or excuse for sage of the hour? ¶ 29-32.
anyone who claims to be consecrated to the Lord to Whymust Jesus be born llesh? What was necessary for
fail or refuse to avail himself of opportunities for Jesus to do in order to becomea humanbeing? How
great was the change of mind of Saul? ¶ 33-37.
service when these opportunities come. If we have Whatwas the motive that prompted Godin such a wonder-
accepted the goodness of our Lord in order merely that ful gift? ¶ 38.
we may receive some reward, then we are prompted Wouldthe gift of an angel have been of such sacrifice on
the part of God? Howdid God reward his obedient and
by selfishness and not by love. If we have accepted the loving Son?¶ 39. 36.
Lord and his truth in the love of it, then we are sure Whatperfection is it that we should have? WasJesus tim
complete expression of Jehovah?¶ 40, 41.
to desire to seek opportunihes to tell others concerning Whatis the gift offered to manthrough Jesus? Is a person
his love for u~. compelledto accept a gift? ¶ 42, 43.
Whyis the theory of universal salvation untenable? Give
~All the sacrificing we can do brings no profit to a reason outside of the Scriptures. Give Bible reasons.
the Lord; but when our sacrificing is prompted by Whatwill be the destiny of those whorefuse to accept
unselfishness, it brings to us the greatest possible reward. the gift whenit is offered to them?¶ 44-48.
What is gratitude? Howis it manifested? Will one in a
For this reason the apostle Peter urges those who pro- right condition of heart respond to tim truth? Give an
fess consecration unto the Lord to "feed the flock of illustration. ¶ 49-51.
God which is amongyou, taking the oversight thereof, What was the law of the slave under the Mosaic law?
This shows what? ¶ 52, 53.
not by constraint but willingly; not for filthy lucre, Gratitude and appreciation lead to what7 Then what will
but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s follow? ¶ 54.
Is there excuse for one whofells to avail himself of op-
heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." Whenthus portunities to serve his great Benefactor? What should
Roing, the promise is given : "And whenthe Chief Shep- prompt any sacrifice we maymake?¶ 55, 56.
"Let the 17i9h praises of God be in their moulh."-- "’The Lord relyneth, let the earth rejoice."--Psa. 97: 1.
P,~al, m139: 6. INCE the days of Eden there has been no real
AN INTERESTING LETTER
LABORING FOR THE LORD’S KINGDOM fail to appreeiate or understand the matter. To the extent
that you serve God the darts of the adversary are attracted
DEAR]~ROTHER RUTHEIIFORD: to you. Therefore I wish to send in this simple word of
Greetings in the name of the beloved King.* sincere appreciation and very deep and earnest love for
I am impelled to write you a word of heart-felt apprecia- you. My thought, the thought of many whose voices you
tion for the blessings whieh eome to us through your serviee. never hear and whose faces you never see, is We wish you
I am persuaded that the devil puts it in the minds of many ,o know tlmt we know that you are laboring and suffering
to wonder about or to complain about the good things which for the sake of the Lord’s kingdom and its righteousness,
we so much enjoy : ’l’be program for activity, the Radio and ttlat our osvn smaller experiences as we seek to be
work, and the Broadcaster, but above all the general priv- faithful enable us to imagine something of what you have
ilege which every one of us has to go directly t-o the people to endure. Our testimony is that the truth is grander
with this grand gospel! How wonderful is our privMege than ever before, and the blessing which we receive through
at this great hour! And how deeply we love you and your the SOCIETY is even greater than ever before. May God,
associates for the work which you do for the King and ~)ur Father, and his Son, the King of Glory, prosper and
for us who desire to serve him! bless you and your associates forever!
I believe it to be the sad fact that no enterprise Is ever Yours In the Hope,
undertaken by you for the good of the service but that some C. E. Caecum, ObOe,
121
PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN TREAGURER
M~Y 10 ACTS 8: 26-39--
~II]IACLESWROUGHT
IN SA~[ARIA--PIIILIPPREACIIES CHRIST FRO5[PROPHECY---GOD’S CAREFORHONEST
IIEARTS.
"’The opening of thy u’ords giveth light."--Psalm 119: 130, A. S. V.
tiE murder of Stephen appeared to create a lust
T for blood in the members of the Sanhedrin and
bigoted supporters. A fierce persecution broke out
beget to newnessof life in Christ Jesus. Godonly could
do that.
60ne Simon Magus, requested from them the power
against the Church in Jerusalem, so bitter that very to confer these gifts, and offered moneyfor it. Peter
manyfled from the city and scattered abroad ttlrongh- spoke sharply to him saying, "Thy money perish with
out Judea and Samaria. The apostles however remained thee." (Acts 8: 20) It was evident that Simon Magus
in Jerusalem. One of the leaders of the persecution, had not learned what he had professed to believe, and
perhaps the foremost, was a young man named Sauh that in his heart he was one of those who would have
WhenStephen was stoned he had helped by taking care the richest gifts of Godat his disposal for his ownglory.
of the clothes of those who stoned him. Nowas one Soon Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching
enraged he made havoc of the Church, entering into and teaching the gospel in the villages of the Samaritans
every house and carrying off both men and womento as they went.
prison. 7At that same time an angel bade Philip go down
2It was a hard time for the Church. Yet it served to the desert road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza,
a salutary purpose; for the Church of God was not probably a three to four days’ journey. I[e went, not
intended to be merely a companyof believers. It was knowing for what purpose he was sent. It might appear
to be God’s instrument for carrying on the witness strange to him that he must leave Samaria with all the
which Jesus had begun. The immediate effect of this new interest which was eente~’ing there to go into a
persecution, the scattering abroad of the disciples, was desert country; but Philip was one of those who do
~he break-up of that communalarrangement into which not question whenan order is given.
the Church had entered, but which evidently was not SWhenthere he saw a chariot on the road; evidently
l~art of God’spurposefor it. the traveler was a man of some circumstance. IIe was
an Ethiopian returning from Jerusalem, and probably
MIRACLES WROUGHT IN SAMARIA had a small retinue of servants with him. The spirit of
SApparently but for this the brethren, enjoying their the Lord bade Philip join himself to the chariot.
fellowship and worship, would have lost sight of the Philip ran; and as he approached he heard the man
fact that they were to be witnesses for the Lord ; a ten- reading aloud, from the prophet Isaiah. Philip, with
dellcy to which even the Church of this day has been what would seem to a Westerner the rather bold ques-
tempted. But faithful ~ the Wordwhich they believed, tion, "Understandest thou what thou readest?" easily
they preached Jesus wherever they went, and thus be- opened a conversation. Without pride the man said;
came his witnesses in M1the places round about Judea "How can I, except some man should guide me?" And
and Samaria. The district near the city of Samaria he invited Philip, who seemed to be going the same
had been favored in the time of Jesus by a visit from way, to ride and sit with him. (All roads are the right
him (John 4: 5) ; and at that time a considerable num- roads to the servant of the Lord who has a privilege
ber had believed on him; now there were many there of service.)
whogave a ready ear to the disciples.
*Philip the deacon, whowas next to Stephen in ability PHIL1P PREACHES CHRIST FROM PROPHECY
to set forth the truth of tl~e gospel, went down from DTheEthiopian was reading Isaiah’s prophecy about
Jerusalem to help them; and as his preaching was ac- one whowas led as a sheep to the. slaughter, suffering for
companied by miracles, numbers believed on the Lord others. ][e enquired: "I pray thee, of whomspeaketh
through his word. So many miracles were wrought, the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
and so wonderful, that the city was filled with joy. Then Philip opened his mouth and began at the same
5Whenthe apostles at Jerusalem heard of this they scripture and preached unto him Jesus."--Acts 8 : 34, 35.
commissioned Peter and John to go down, who, when ~°Philip covered the whole ground of the Prophet’s
they arrived, prayed for the believers who had been word concerning Jesus’ life; of his death and resurrec-
baptized that they might receive tl~e holy spirit. In tion, and of life through him; of the baptism which
those earliest days of the Church it was the privilege had been instituted, and how the disciples were united
of all baptized believers to receive an outward manifes- to the Lord. He preached so effectively that when they
tation of the holy spirit, partly as a witness that they came to a place where there was water the eunuch said:
were the Lord’s, and partly for the general edification "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be bap-
of the Church. (1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:26) It was tized?" (Acts 8: 36) Though the words of verse
impossible for the apostles to give the holy spirit to are not included in the most ancient manuscripts, we
122
may be eertain that they are true {o fact. Philip would heart, and a readiness to follow tile truth whenexerit
not immerse the eunuch unless he was satisfied of the is presented. Here is an illustration of the fact stated
propriety. The chariot was stopped; they both went by IIanani the prophet to King Asa: "l%r the eyes
into the water; and Philip baptized him. But as soon of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
as they had eome np out of the water the spirit of the to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose
Lord caught away Philip (possibly directed him what heart is perfect toward him."--2 Chronicles 16:9.
next to do); and the eunuch saw him no more. But ~;In the difference between the Lord’s way with the
with rejoicing in his heart, he went on his way. Samaritans and the eunuch after their baphsm, we
~’It seems probable that tile eunuch was a Jew by maysee an illustration of the true evangelism of today.
birth who was in the service of Queen Candaee; though, There are some who hear the truth who are like the
as he is spoken of as % man of Ethiopia’(v. 27), Samaritans, eager to make use of it to serve the Lord;
may have been a proselyte. He must have been either and who go on to full consecration to him, and are
one or the other; else he would not have been up to blessed with privileges of service. There are others
Jerusalem to worship, nor would he have been reading who are like the eunuch: They go on to their people,
the Jewish Scriptures. rejoicing in the truth, but do not seek communionwith
~JThere is a difference to be noted in the Lord’s deal- the Chm’eh. Wemay not think of adverse comment in
ings with the Samaritans and the eunuch. The Samari- respect to the eunuch, but we are at liberty to think
tans received each a gift of the spirit, but the eunuchdid that had he returned he also might have gotten the
not. lie went on, rejoicing in his new-found light, same blessing the others had from the laying on of the
but without that equipment for witness which the apostles’ hands. In any ease we must conclude that
churches in Palestine received. The Lord was not as those who bear the truth, and get as far as the eunuch
yet calling Ethiopia to himself. got, have the privilege of serving the l~ord with full
~aThe incident tells us of the watchful care God has equipment.
over those who seek him. The eunuch had probably ~SAlthough we hear nothing more of the eunneh, nor
been in Jerusalem at least a week; but either he had of any result of his rejoicing in the way of the Lord,
not heard of the disciples, or had not been quiekened in we know that Ethiopia will yet stretch out her hands
interest by what he had heard; and yet it must be that to the Lord.--Psalm 68: 31.
he was both of honest heart and enquiring mind. But
the Lord had watched him and knew his heart, and "Andlove’s fair banner greet the eye,
would not let him go back to Ethiopia just as he came. Proclaiming victory !
lie was permitted to get far enough away from the 0 hail, happy day !"
contaminating influence of the rulers of Jerusalem be-
fore Philip was to join him and teach him the way of QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
the Lord. What influence did the murder of Stephen have amongst
~Faithful to his privilege of service, and knowing bigoted religionists? Who was probably one of the leaders
of the perseeution of Christians? ¶ 1.
why he was sent the long journey, Philip went directly ’Why was the perseeution permitted of God? Is there a
to the point; an example which those who are priv- natural tendency to seek ways of e’,se instead of hard-
ileged to act as evangelists, whether addressing brethren ship? Is this attitude eondueive to witnessing for Jesus
and his kin.adorn? ¶ 2, 3.
or the interested public, should follow. Seven times Why was Philip sent to Samaria? Why was Philip the one
in the chapter is the preaching of the early Church who shouhl be sent? ¶3, 4.
What did Peter and John do at Samaria? The manifesta-
referred to; and though each time the description of tion of the holy spirit at this time was in respect to
the preaching is varied, it is always the one thing-- what? ¶ 5.
the fulfilment of the Wordof Godin the comingof Jesus. Are any of God’s gifts purchasable with money? Why did
Peter rebuke Simon Magus? ¶ 6.
Why did Philip leave the seeno of so much activity to go
GOD’S CARE FOR HONEST HEARTS into a desert country? Whom did Philip see? How was
~sIt is comforting to think of the heavenly Father God’s providence indicated? ¶ 7-9.
IIow (lid Philip’s sermon to an audience of one result? ¶ 10, 18.
watching this man of honest heart going up to Jerusa- What indicates that the eunuch was either a Jew or a
lem, watching him preparing for leaving, and arrang- convert to audaisln? ¶ 11.
ing for a disciple to start off from where he is in time Do God’s dealings with individuals sometimes vary? What
to meet him at a certain point on the road. igor need did the eunuch possess that eaused God to eondeseend in
we think other than that it was according to the Lord’s his behalf? ¶ 12, 13, 16.
Was Philip alert to carry out the leadings of the holy spirit
providence that the eunuch was reading a portion of with the greatest dispatch and without cumbersome for-
Isaiah’s prophecy so directly concerning the coming of mality? ¶ 14.
Jesus and his death and consequent exaltation.--Isa. 53. Is there comfort for us in noting God’s care for the eunuch?
~’~In comingto Godthere are certain things necessary ¶1,~.
How do God’s dealings with the Samaritans and the eunuch
on the pa¢ of the believer, and some which God alone apply to those who come to a knowledge of the truth
can do. There must always be a preparation of the today ? ¶ 17.
SAUL BECOMESA CHRI,qTIAN
--MAY 17--ACTS 9:1-19-
SAULSEES TIIE LORD--PAUL AN AIIBASSADOR TO GENTILES--FAULMADE TO SUFFER ~[UCIt.
me?" (Acts 9: 4) "Who art thou, Lord?" he cried. ~There are many reasons why God chose Paul for the
lie did not understand that this was Jesus, nor to whom high purpose of being His ambassador to the Gentiles,
he spoke; but he reMized that a superior being spoke and for taking this means of bringing him to himself.
to him, and very properly he addressed liim as Lord. Paul’s education, coupled with the fact that he had
5Then came the unexpected reply : "I am Jesus, whom been brought up, at least to youthhood, awayfrom Jeru-
thou persecutest." It was sufficient: without any need salem in the freer atmosphere of the Gentile world,
to reason out the matter Saul saw the facts. All he made him better fitted than the Galilean apostles for
could say was, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" the wider service amongst the Gentiles.
This should not be understood as if Saul had said: ’I ~°The Lord’s answer to Ananias when he reminded
am here at thy service, Lord, to carry out thy wishes.’ the Lord of what Paul had done was merely that the
124
APRIL15, 1925 125
¯ WATCH TOWER
matter was the Lord’s : "He is a chosen vessel unto me," anees of accounts as well as compensations. Saul had
he said. No man, certainly not any of the apostles, caused muchsuffering, and he should suffer in his new-
would have made Paul a chief instrument in the ser- found life. But happy punishment!--he should suf-
vice of the Lord; that would be beyond the bounds of fer muchfor his Master’s name’s sake, and by his suf-
thought. But the eyes of the Lord had been upon Paul; fering on behalf of the Church should be counted as
and those characteristics, and the ability which later filling up that which was behind of the sufferings of
was so dearly seen by all, were already known. One Christ. (Colossians 1: 2~i) Also the hard sufferings
reason Paul himself reveals; it was that God might by which he was called upon to bear all through the course
him give a pattern of Itis long-suffering, making Paul of his ministry, from misunderstandings and doubts
a representative of those who should receive mercy. about him iii the Church in Jerusalem, even to some
Writing to Timothy, he says that he was the chiefest extent in the apostles themselves, and also from the
of sinners. (1 Timothy 1: 15) There is no good reason manyperils through false brethren, and the hardships
for thinking that Paul was using an extravagant term of his continuous journeys (see the enumeration in
about himself. He was not accustomed to do that; nor Corinthians 11), were probably more than any of The
are the Lord’s servants accustomed so to speak. He Twelve could have borne. Even he was pressed almost
must be understood to mean what he says. beyond measure. 2 Corinthians 1: 8.
15The two faithful servants of the Lord, Stephen and
PAUL’S CONTACT WITH CHRISTIANS Paul, closely associated in and by the death of the one,
nNor is it difficult to follow him. Although the seem to be used as illustrations of the unity of the Lord
words of verse 5 of our lesson (Acts 9), "It is hard to,’ and his Churelu Stephen illustrates the fact of the
thee to kick against the goads," are not authentic in snffering of the disciples with the Lord, and Paul the
this passage, yet Paul. himself says whengiving his own a’Mdof suffering. Stephen’s life, like a flare of light,
account (Acts 26: 1¢) that the Lord said this to him. shone brilliantly and was quenched. Paul continued
The evidence of Stephen’s faithful witness, his dying long in service, suffered much, but ahvays gladly know-
vision of God and his asking forgiveness for those who ing that he was filling up a measure. IIe died a martyr,
were his murderers; and also the fact that in every but without any record of his end.
house into which he himself had entered, seizing both ~While Paul is the example of the wideness of God’s
men and womenand carrying them to prison, had been mercy, he seems also to be the illustration of howin
sufficient for him to see that he was dealing with those their day of favor Godwill deal with Israel after tile
who had something which he had not, and for which flesh, those for whomPaul was willing to die. (Romans
there was only one explanation. 9:3) Some day Israel will see the truth of Jesus as
~Coupled with this was the fact that although Paul Paul saw it. They will see him ~hom they pierced;
had been carried away by his hatred of this teaching and the knowledgeof the truth will bring them to God
which destroyed all he held sacred and believed to be of quickly, as it brought Saul of Tarsus.
God, he had nevertheless always sought to do Godservice.
Paul was a Pharisee (Philippians 3: 5), but he was "Zion stands with hills surrounded~
not a hypocrite. He had found his attitude continual- Zion kept by power divine.
ly challenged as the disciples under the hard persecu- All her foes shall be confounded,
tion preserved both their faith and grace of life, and Though the world in arms combine."
he had done muchof his work with a growing uneasiness.
~’~As far as we know, Paul was the only one out of QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
all the members of the Sanhedrin who saved himself
What was the order of witnessing in the early Church?
by accepting Jesus; though tradition gi.ves honorable What was the purpose of Saul’s journey to D’Hnaseus?
mention that Joseph of Arimathea and Nieodemus be- ¶ 1-3.
came followers of Jesus. God knew Paul’s heart and Itow was Saul arrested, and by whom? What conversation
knewhowto deal with him to bring him swiftly into the followed? ¶ 4, 5.
way of truth and to convince his mind. ~Vhat was the procedure by which Saul received sight? ¶ 6-8.
What are some of the reasons why St. Paul was chosen
to represent the Lord? Would the apostles have chosen
PAUL MADE TO SUFFER MUCH him? ¶ 9, 10.
~Itcan hardly be other than that The Twelvein Jeru- Did Paul use extravagant language in saying that he was
the ehiefest of sinners? What had Paul’s experience with
salem wondered why the Lord should choose this perse- Stephen and with other men and women brought to him?
cutor for so high a position as to be the apostle to the 11, 12.
Gentiles. The Lord’s words to Ananias give us one 1FIow many were probably saved out of the Sanhedrin? Did
clue. WhenAnanias reminded the Lord how much evil the apostles wonder at the Lord making choice of a per-
secutor to carry the message to the Gentiles? Does the
Saul had done to His saints, the Lord said that He Lord balance accounts? ~[ 13, 14.
would show Saul how much he must suffer for Him. How may Stephen and Paul be used as illustrations of tha
(Acts 9:16) In the Lord’s providences there are hal- unity of the Lord and his Church ? g 15, 16.
SAUL BEGINS HIS CAREER
--]~{AY21 AcTs 9:20-31-
PAUL~0ES TO ~ISTORIC ARABIA--PAUL TASTES SEVERITY OF PERSECUTION--PAUL ~IUST PROVE l:IIS APOSTLESI-IIP.
"i determined not to know ar~ything amongyou, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."--1 Corinthians 2: 2.
FTERreceiving his sight Saul spent some days
A with the disciples in Damascus. Nowof a hum-
ble and contrite heart he gladly learned from
50n Paul’s return to Damascus he abode "many
days", preaching in the synagogues, declaring that Jesus
of Nazareth was the ~[essmh, the Christ. His words
these, whosefaith he had sought to destroy, the wonders could not be gainsaid; and he was so powerful in argu-
of the purposes of God as they were revealed in Christ. ment by the spirit that the Jews conspired to destroy
Luke says: "Straightway [Greek, eutheos] he preached him. They made a plot, and watched the city gates
Christ in the synagogues that he is the Son of God." night and day; but the watchers were not so sharp in
(Acts 9: 20) But Paul’s own account in Galatians wit as they were set in their purpose. IIe was let down
(chapter I : 16, 17) says: "Immediately[Greek, eutheos] by night in a basket from a house built in the city wall.
I conferred not with flesh and blood: . . . but I went --Acts 9 : 24, 25 ; 2 Corinthians 11 : 32, 33.
into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." It can CThree years had now elapsed since Paul had started
not be definitely determined whether or not this preach- out from Jerusalem to accomplish his purpose. He had
ing immediately followed his conversion. That Paul entzred Damascus,led by the hand ; he nowleft it, escap-
had a good knowledge of the Scriptures we know; and ing by n~ght. I-Ie had learned that the Lord had not
that he had courage we know; and he would surely wit- undertaken to preserve his saints from physical danger.
ness amongst the disciples to his faith. But it is rea- Indeed he himself had been the cause of manyof them
sonable to think he would want to get the Scripture~ learning that lesson, and now he had experience of it.
adjusted to the fact of Jesus as the Son of God before ~Paul went to Jerusalem purposing to see Peter.
he would begin a public witness to demonstrate to the (GalaUans 1: 18) Whenthere he joined himself to the
Jews that Jesus of Nazareth was the one spoken of by disciples in their meetings in an unostentatious manner.
the prophets. He manifested no desire to put himselfforward or be
2From the first he appears to have understood that considered as a leader. But the brethren were afraid
his call was apart from The Twelve. Surely guided by of him. They had heard that he who persecuted the
the holy spirit which he now had, he seems to have Church was now a disciple; but they did not believe in
reasoned that he was to be specially taught of the Lord; him ; and apparently even the apostles themselves gave
that if the Lord had purposed that he should be in- him but a poor welcome.
structed by the apostles, He could have dealt with him sit was under these chilling circumstances that Bar-
at Jerusalem instead of Damascus. nabas, the comforter, took Paul to the apostles, "and de-
clared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way,
PAUL GOES TO HISTORIC A’.~BIA and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached
SPaul determined to go into Arabia, but to what pa~ boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus." (Acts 9:
he went we are not told. As, however, in the same 27) But though henceforward, for the time of his
epistle he speaks of Mt. Itoreb, it mayvery well be that short stay, Paul went in and out amongst the brethren
his journey was south from Damascus, and that a~ least in Jerusalem, he had little fellowship. He says that he
some time was spent in the neighborhood of tIoreb. It abode with Peter for fifteen days, but saw none other
was there that Moses had met with God. (Exodus 3: of the apostles save James the Lord’s brother. (Gala-
1, 2) There Elijah had had the visions of God (1 tians 1:18, 19) However, he spent his time in active
Kings19 : 8, 9) ; and there Paul, contrite in spirit, with service for his ]~[aster and, like Stephen,disputed against
the word of the Lord Jesus himself that he was to be the Grecians, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord
tits messenger abroad in the earth, would hope for com- Jesus, until they went about to slay him.--Aets 9:29.
munion with God. Moses had fled from E~ypt; and
there, after forty years God met him. Elijah had lef~ PAUL TASTES SEVERITY OF PERSECUTION
his work, fleeing from it in fear of Jezebel; and there 9Thebrethren, hearing of this, took Paul down to
God had met him. Paul did not flee from work or dan- Cmsareaand sent him by ship to Tarsus, his birthplace.
ger, but seems to have gone seeking the blessings of God. tie himself says that while praying in the temple he
*Wherever Paul was, that he was richly rewarded is was in a trance and saw the Lord saying unto him.
clear, tie tells of having manyvisions and revelations ; ’%lake haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem."
probably he had more than all the apostles. Without He tells how he argued with the Lord ; for he thought
doubt those days spent in earnest quest were blessed to his testimony would surely be received. But the word
him. The Old Testament, the Law and the Prophets, was abrupt: "Depart: for I will send thee far hence
represented in ~Ioses and by Elijah the Prophet, yielded unto the Gentiles." (Acts 22: 17-21) Thus Paul had
their treasures to him. flee from Jerusalem. tie who had kept others on the
126
WATCt- TOWER ":v:
run was now to experience something of the same thing, the Lord has gathered round the truth thereby pro-
sometimesin direct service for the Lord seeking places claimed, is asked by menfor its authority to teach the
to serve, and sometimes seeking places of safety. He Scripture. Like its Master and the foremost Apostle
was being prepared for the great work that lay before of the Church it must prove itself. Jesus appealed to
him; and every experience served to enlarge his heart the works he did: ’Believe me for myworks’ sake, if ye
and quicken his spirit. will not believe mywords, if ye will not accept mymes-
1°Perhaps in no other incident in Paul’s long period sage.’ (John 10: 38) Paul appealed to the signs of
of active service for the Lord is his true humility of dis- apostle which he had shown: "Truly the signs of an
position more intimately disclosed than in his conduct apostle were wroughtamongyou in all patience, in signs,
already noted when he first arrived in Jerusalem. He and wonders, and mighty deeds." (2 Corinthians 12:
knew that he was singled out by the Lord himself; he 12) The Twelve were never subjected to this hard
knew more of the Lord as revealed in the Scriptures test--Pentecost and the miracles sufficed ; nor were they
than did anyone. But there was no assumption of sent out as pioneers to those whoknew nothing of their
authority or of claim to be heard. "authority".
11Here is a lesson for all whoare privileged to hold PAUL APART FROM THE TWELVE
ability to speak. Rarely should it be otherwise than
that such a one visiting a companyof brethren should =SDarkness as to any divine purpose in the earth or
be other than a worshiper with them. If being present he the humanraze encompasses the earth, but the light of
be asked by general consent to address the brethren, his a glory from God is upon a people who speak for him.
opportunity is given him. I-Ie who seeks to nlake his (Isaiah 60: 1) Those who herald the message of the
ownopportumty rarely serves tile brethren to their ad- kingdomand faithfully follow the Lord knowtheir call-
vantage. ing and their work as surely as Paul knew his. Indeed,
they knowit more surely than he (lid at the time in his
PAUL MUST PROVE HIS APOSTLESHIP
history with which our lesson deals. Their present ex-
~2The call of Paul to be the Lord’s apostle to the perience corresponds more closely ~o the later days of
nations was given in a way which to human reason Paul whenhe was fully established in his ministry.
would be accounted singmlar. Undoubtedly his ministry 1GPaul never claimed to be one of The Twelve. He
was the greatest in apostolic service. He had the widest saw that he was called directly of the Lord and apart
field of service, and for his equipment he spoke with from any direct connection with them. I]e was not
many tongues. Also for his ministry he was to receive directed to go to them for instruction: indeed the Lord
wonderful visions and revelations. Besides this he was began to instruct him by vision and revelation. That
to be the instructor of the Chnrch of Godin all things he never sought to be counted of The Twelve, nor hinted
relative to its purpose and place in the divine plan. of such a desire in anything he wrote is clear indication
(2 Corinthians 12: 1; Ephesians 3: 8) Yet in his that he knew he was apart from them.
call to this great work he had the ]east show of any
apostle. The Twelve received their authority plainly QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
at Pentecost and in their outstanding ministry in Jeru-
salem, but there was none to share with Paul the knowl- Is it probable that St. Paul soon began to witness for Jesus
after he had received sight? Why did not he first go to
edge of his call save the humbleand otherwise unlcnown Jerusalem? ~ 1, 2.
Ananias.--Acts 9 : 17, 18. What was Paul’s object in going to Arabia? Were visions
and revelations a considerable part of his learning? ¶ 3, 4.
PECULIAR BURDENS TO BEAR Why was there a plot to destroy Paul some time after he
returned to Damascus? How did he make his escape?
~3Thi~absence of outward manifestation of authority ¶5,6.
was one of the burdens this great servant of Jesus Christ Howwas he received in Jerusalem? Howdid he deport
was called to bear. Very frequently he had to speak for himself? Itow was Barnabas a comfort to St. Paul at
himself, and to becomeas a foolish boaster telling of him- this time? ~ 7, 8.
Howwas Paul notified to flee Jerusalem? IIow was he
self, because his standing as an apostle was disputed. being prepared for the great work that lay before him?
(Acts 9 : 26) In this he was of all the servants of the ¶9.
Lord most hke his I~Iaster. Jesus himself had no send- Under what circumstances did Paul’s humility of heart
make itself known? Is there a lesson in this for us?
off for his ministry; none save John Baptist and him- ¶ 10, 11.
self knew of the manifestation of the holy spirit in the What may be said of Paul’s service? What advantage had
form of a dove. IIe witnessed to his mission by the The Twelve over Paul? Was his authority to preach
miracles, and by these his disciples believed on him. often disputed? ¶ 12, 13.
How did the Lord Jesus, St. Paul, and Brother Russell
=qt is so again ; the Lord has again followed the same manifest their authority to speak in the name of Jehovah?
course. Pastor Russell witnessed by the message of ¶ 14.
truth, which no other man had, that his ordination was Is there any reason why those in "present truth" should not
know what message should be given to the people? Did
of God through the holy spirit; and the Church, which Paul claim to be one the The Twelve? ~ 15, 16,
International Bible StudentsA sociation Classes
L¢c~urc~s btj Traveling
and~tudlC6 5r¢fl-~rtn
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Elmira, N. Y ............ May 1, 3 Olean,N. Y ..................... May 10 Benton Harbor, Mich ..... Apr. 28 Albion, Mieh.................... May 5
thnnmondsport, N. Y ..... " 4 Franklinville, N. Y ..... " 11 Hartford, Mich................. " 29 Jonesville, Mich................ " 6
Rochester, N. Y ............. " 5 Bohvar, N. Y ............. " 32 South Haven, Mich ......... " 30 Jackson, Mich................... " 7
Batavia, N. Y ............. " 6 Allentown, N. Y ......... " 13 Lacota, Mich................. May 1 Charlotte, Mich................. " 8
Perry, N. Y................. " 7 Shinglehouse, Pa. " 15 Kalamazoo,Mich ............. " 3 Lansing,Mich.................... " 10
1,’lllmore, N. Y............. " 8 Salamanca, N. Y ......... " 15 Battle Creek, Mich ......... " 4 Sunheld, Mich ................ " :11
/ "-..:’.
CONTENTS
:FoR TITE]7~LECT~S SAKE ........................................ ]~l
:Final Trouble .................................................. ]~1
Winds Are a Symbol ..................................... 1’)2
Day is Shortened .......................................... ! 3t
]T+~w]tel(t Ihl(’k ............................................. 1:’~
Trouble Foreshadox~ed .................................... 125
Elisha Work................................................... ]25
Gathering the Elect ........................................ 13(;
QUESTION IN RE TlIE GLORIFICATION OF CIIURCll ]37
PETI’;R ATLYDDA ANDJOPPA................................ ] :)~
PETEIt~S BROADENING VISION................................ 140
PRAYER-]~IEETING TEXT COMMENTS .................... ]42
INTERESTING LETTERS ......................................... 142
ANNUALI{EQUEST FOR PILGRIM VISITS ............ 143
CONVENTIONS FOR1925 ...................................... 180
Uponthe earth distress of nations with perplexity’; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking
the things coming upon the earth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecelesmsttcsm) shall be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pass,
know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, IKt up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth mgh.--Matt. 24.33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNALAND ITS SACREDMISSION
T HIS Journal is one of the primo factors
presented in all parts of the civilized
or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
world by the ~VATc~ TOWERBIBLE & ~CT SOCIETY, chartered
or "Seminary Extension", now beiug
A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of comnmnication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STCDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister IV. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15; 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further misston is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God, . . . to the intent that now might be made known by tile church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--I~phesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
tot we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuild4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
leaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
~hat the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workulanship" ; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age--ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God’s blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.--1 Corinthians 3 : 16, 17 ; Ephesians 2:20-22 ;
Genesis 28 : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
~hat meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the
last of these "living stone’.;", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great 2~iaster Workmanwill bring all together
in the first resurrection : and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout
the 3Iillennium.--Revolatiou 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that comcth into the world", "in due time".--
Hebrews 2:9; John 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she nmy be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his
glory as his jmnt-heir.--1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8 : 17 ; 2 Peter 1 : 4.
~’nat the preuent mission of the church Is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace; to be God’s witness to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.--Ephesiaus 4 : 12 ; Matthew 24 :
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20:6.
~:hat the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the
restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all tim willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church,
when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyad.--Acts 3 : 19-23 ; Isaiah 35.
CONVENTIONS
’~UB~IS HED I~"
THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION will
v
WATC/-I TOWEP,.B~ BLE~ TRACTSOClET, hold conventiol]s as follows:
Springfield, Mass. August 13 to 16, inclusive, 1925.
18 CONCORD
STREET
o o BI~OOKLYhI,
AI-V.U.S.A’I Indianapolis,
Wilmingto,.
Ind, August 24 to 31, i|}elusive.
N. C. October 22 to 25, inclusive,
1925.
1925.
~OREIGI~I OFFICES: British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster ~c,
London W. 2; Ca~adtan: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Tea-onto, Ontario; We nla]{e t, ~s announcement now in advance ia order
Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia ; South Ap’iean: that the t. onds nmy arrange their vacation periods accord-
d Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa. ingiy. More detailed infornmtion will be published later.
PLEASE ADDRESSTHE ~OCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
the eon~mandments of our God.---Revelation 19,: 12-17. stayed on thee: because he trustcth in thee. Trust yt
8 It is Satan’s determination to discredit Jehovah in the Lord for ever: for ill the Lord Jehovah is ever-
God, to make the people believe that God is a fiend, lasting stren~,th.
o" " --Isaiah 26 : 3, 4.
earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves, famines, plagues--no mrs is a thing of tim past; battleships must keep separated
upheaval of nature can be as terrible as chemical warfare and must keep moving.
from the skies. a,~ "All of tbis gas I have mentioned destroys food and
24 "Europe is getting ready for wholesale aerial chemical renders water undrinkable. That’s a fact I’d like to finish
warfare. with. After you’ve drawn yourself a picture of thousands
2s "What the nations of Europe are already prepared to of sickened, if not dead, victims of poison gas, go on a bit
do to each other in the way of dropping poison gas from the further and picture deaths that might come by hunger and
skies is almost too terrible for even the Old World diplo- thirst.
mats to contemplate. a~,,in fact, go as far as you can; you won’t be able to go
26 "Aerial elmini(~d wqrfare is the ghost at every diplo- °ar enough.
matic council table in Europe. Every diplomat knows the as "The wlmle prospect, indeed, of war at its newest
horror that his own nation is able to wreak on another, worst is so terrible tlmt it’s useless to try to discuss the
and he knows the horror that another nation lnight wreak subjeet with great earnestness.
on his." ag,,it,s too terrible to believe--the story of what can be
(lone in the next war. But the story, as I’ve tried to outline
2z This seems to be exactly in line with prophecy now it, is :t true story.
in course of fulfilment. (Joel 3: 9, 11, 14) Continuing 4o "Even the silk-hatted diplomats of Europe, wllo are
the WarCorrespondent says : rarely afraid of war, seem frightene(l at today’s possibilities.
Why, even the profiteers will be in danger in this new kind
2s "The next war in Europe will start off with a poison of lighting. That, perhaps, will help to keep the peace."
gas attack on some great Euroi)ean city. And no one in that 4~ With the terrors of poison gas dropping from the
city will know that war is on until this attack with poison
gas from the sky has been made. sky, filling the cellars and the secret places, there wiU
~:~ "There will I)e no wrii!en declaration of war; the in- be no place that is safe. The prophet of God seems to
des(’ribable attack itself will be the declaration of war. have had this in mind whenhe wrote : "Fear, and the p~t,
a°"With the streets and homes, cellars and subways, and the snare, are upon thee, 0 inhabitant of the earth.
houses and business buildings of some great city filled with Andit shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the
gasping, twisting, clinking men, women, and cldhtren, or
littered with tens and perhaps hundred of thousands of noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that
dead, the world will know that war has been declared. cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken
a~ "There’ll be no ’Business as usual’ after the next Euro- in the snare; for the windows from on high are open,
pean war lms been started. and the foundations of ~he earth do shake. The earth
a2 "An instance of what France can do to Great Britain is utterly broken down,the earth is clean dissolved, the
today. All of tlds could be done in at least two hours in case earth is movedexceedingly. The earth shall reel to and
of a massed attack."
fro like a drunkard, and shall be removedlike a cottage ;
aa Does it not seem that this is what the Prophet and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it ;
visualized when he wrote: "Therefore prophesy thou and it shall fall, and not rise again. Andit shall come
against them all these words, and say unto them, The to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host
Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from of the high m~esthat are on high, and the kings of the
his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered to-
habitation ; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the gether as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall he
grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. A neise shut up in the prison, and after manydays shall they
shall comeeven to the ends of the earth: for the Lord be visitcd."--Isaiah 24: 17-22.
hath a controversy with the nations; he w~ll plead with 4._, The last verse above quoted seemsto eorrespo,~d to
all flesh; he will give them that are wickedto the sword, the time whenSatan will be bound and put into the pit.
saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, behold, 4a In that day those whoare swift of foot or swdt in
evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great other meansof rapid transit shall not be able to deliver
whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the themselves. Before they are aware of it, the poison
earth. And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day gas will be about them; and there is no way of escape.
from one end of the eal~h even unto the other end of ~Amos2: 14, 15.
the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, ~ In the past, during the great battles, profiteers,
nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground."-- politicians and preachers have either remained at home
Jeremiah 25 : 30-33. or far enough in the rear to be out of danger. The~e
a4 Mr. Shepherd, after describing at length the details will be no place of safety in the terrible and final con-
of bombingand gas attacks from the air, further says: flict.--Jeremiah 4: 8, 9.
a~ "There’s plenty of chance for the navy to use poison 4~ Whenthe Romansmadethe final assault upon Jeru-
gas. Here’s one instance: Today, so chemical warfare ex- salem, razed the city, completely destroying it, that was
perts say, the greatest fleet in tile world can be seattered a time of great trouble and stress. The description given
from its home harbor by dropping gas on the harbor waters of it by historians seems almost beyond possibilities.
and harbor buildings and landings. Scapa Flow, the Kiel
Canal, the harbor at Hamburg--any sheltering place of That trouble was in a measure a shadow or picture of
fighting ships can be filled with death, they say, by an air- the time of trouble with which Satan’s empire must fall
plane in tile sky. Concentration of fleets in protected hat- The £nal trouble must be the one referred to by the
~ROOI~LYN, ~. Y.
WATCH TOWER
prophet Daniel (12: 1), which Jesus mentioned in tlle the great slaughter are worthy of profound consideration.
text first above quoted, Matthew 24 : 21, 22. We quote from Lord Churchill in a magazine article
published in the closing days of 1924:
DAY IS SHORTENED 5a "Ilut all that happened in the four years of the Great
4~ Jesus said that so terrible will be that final trouble War was preparing for lhe fifth year. The eampaLm of
"except those days should be shortened, there should no the year 1919 would have witnessed an immense accession
flesh be saved." to the power of destruction. IIad the Germans retained
47 Shortened means to curtail, or abridge. To illus- the morale to nmke good their retreat to the Rhine, they
wouhl have been ,tssanlled in the summer of 1919 with
Date: If an hour had been appointed for the beginning forces and hy methods incomparalfly more prodigious lhan
of a meeting which must end at five o’clock, the length any yet employed. Thousands of aeroplanes would hqve
of time of that meeting could be curtailed or shortened shattered their cities. Scores of thousands of cannon wouhl
by waiting until four o’clock to begin, instead of be- have bh~sled their front. Arrnngenmnts were being mnde
tn carry simultaneously a quarter of a million men, together
ginning at two. A period of time may be shortened by wiIh all their requirements, continuously forward across coun-
taking off some from either end. We may be sure that try in mechanical vehicles moving ten or fifteen miles each
the Lord has fixed the time of trouble definitely as to day. l’o~son g.(Iscs of incredible mttlignity, against ~cq~,ich
when it shall cease; and that being so, if he should pre- o,nly a secret maslc (which the Germans Gould not obtain
in time) ~cas proof, ~ro.uhl h(tre sttflcd all resistance a~td
vent the terrible trouble from beginning until a certain paralyzed all life on the hostile front subjected to oltack.
period of time, that would shorten the trouble. Such No doubt the Germans, leo, had their plans. But the hour
seems to be the very thought expressed by the Lord in of wrath h’nl passed. The sigmll of relief was Wen, and
Revelation 7:1-3. In this text the four winds men- the horrors of 1919 remained buried in the archives of the
tioned, in harmony with other scriptures, must refer to gr~ t antagonists.
5 "Their projects were put aside unfinished, unexecuted ;
a very great time of trouble that shall come upon the but their knowledge was preserved; their data, calculations
nations of the earth. and discoveries were hastily bundled together and docketed
48 "Symbolically, the earth represents organized ’for future reference’ by the War Offices in every country.
society. The sea represents the disorganized masses, and The campaign of 1919 was never fought; but its ideas go
marching along. In every army they are being explored,
the trees represent the household of faith."--Z-1911, elaborated, refined under the surface of peace; and should
page 157. war come again to the worhl, it is not with the weapons
49 The plain statement here is that the four winds, or nnd agencies prepared for 1919 that it will be fought, but
great trouble, are held back for a time and not permitted with developments and extensions of these which will be
incomparably more formidable and fatal.
to destroy organized society nor restless humanity, nor
~ "JLankind has never been in this poMtion before. With-
to hurt the saints until a fixed period of time, which of
out having improved appreciably in virtue or enjoying wiser
course means the Lord’s due time. guidance, it has got into its hands for the first lime the
~o Our contention is that the time of trouble, which tools by which it can unfailingly accomplish its own exter-
really began in 1914 was stopped for a time ; that there mination. Death stands at attention, obedient, expectant,
was a period of comparative peace; and thus that the ready to serve, ready to shear away the peoples en m-tsse;
ready, if called on, to pulverize without hope of repMr,
Lord held back the trouble and thereby shortened it, wh’tt is left of civilization.
and this for a specific purpose. 56,,Let it not be thought for a moment that the danger
of another explosion in Europe has passed. The causes of
HOWHELD BAC war have been in no way removed; indeed, they are in
5~ The world ended in 1914 and was markc~ by there some respects aggravated by the so-called Peace Treaty
and the reactions following thereupon. A vista opens out of
beginning the Worht War. The nations ware angry. electrical rays which could paralyze the engines of a motor
That was the beginning of sorrows upon the earth, and car, could claw downaeroplanes from the sky, and conceiv-
not the end of sorrows. (]Katthew 24: 3-8; Revelation ably be made destructive of human life or human vision.
11: 18) The war proTressed and wrought much de- Then there are explosives. Has Science turned its last page
on them? May there not be methods of using explosive
struction from 1914 to 1918. The preparations for 1919, energy incomparably more intense than anything heretofore
if executed, would have brought such terrible slaughter discovered? Might not a bomb no bigger than an orange be
of soldiers and non-combatants that the four years pre- found to possess a secret power to destroy a whole block of
ceding would have been a mere pigmy in comparison. bnihlings--nay, to concentrate the force of a thousand tons
of cordite and blast a township at a stroke? Could not
Why did not the contending armies during the war of explosives even of the existing type be guided automatically
1914 to 1918 use gas bombs, such as described by Mr. in flying machines by wireless or other rays, without a
Shepherd above? The answer is: They were not ready. human pilot, in ceaseless procession upon a hostile city,
But the facts show that they were getting ready and arsenal, camp or dockyard?
expected to use this means of warfare within a short time. 57,,As for poison gas and chemical warfare in all its
52 During the World War, Lord Churchill was First forms, only the first chapter has been written of a terrible
book. Certainly every one of these new avenues to destruc-
Lord of the British Admiralty, in a position to knmv, tion is being studied on both sides of the Rhine, with all the
and therefore to speak with authority. :His words con- science and patience of which man is capable. And why
cerning the preparation for immediate attack and for should it be supposedthat these resources will be limited to
,, 19= ,ra WATCH TOWER
inorganic chemistry? A study of disease--of pestilences does everything on time, in his own due time. The com-
methodically prepared and deliberately launched upon man pIete destruction and expulsion of the Jews could not
and beast--is certainly being pursued in the laboratories
of more than one great country. Blight to destroy crops, fake place until the 10th of Nisan A. D. 73 ; and this is
anthrax to slay horses and cattle, plague to poison not the real reason why the Romans did not destroy the
armies only but whole districts--such are lines along which Jewish stronghold earlier.
military science is remorselessly advancing." 6a With equally as strong reasoning the Lord caused
58 It is a weIl-known fact that the war suddenly ceased the World War to come suddenly to a halt in 1918. He
November11th, 1918. It is also a fact easily established had a purpose in this ; and the purpose seems manifest,
by military men that preparations were about completed as hereinafter stated.
to begin gas attacks on the armies, as well as on the non-
WHY HELD BACK
combatant inhabitants of the cities.
64 That there is a great destructive and final conflict
~" Suppose the war had not suddenly ceased in 1918,
but should have gone on for another year or more. The just ahead no Christian can seriously doubt who is
result would have been that within that time nearly all familiar with the Scriptures. Why should it be held
back? Jesus answers: "For the elect’s sake." By the
tile peoples would have been destroyed; unless there had
been some intervention, no flesh would have been saved. elect we understand the Lord to mean those whom he
Does it not seem quite true then that the Lord inter- elects to be members of hi~ kingdom.
~’ened and stopped the war ? Otherwise stated, the thne 65 St. Peter speaks of them as "elect according to the
of trouble was shortened by a comparative season of foreknowledge of God" (1 Peter 1 : 2) j and, % chosen
peace, only for the nations to prepare for a storm and race, a people for a purpose." (1 Peter 2: 6-9) Other
fire and earthquake more tm’rible than ever before. scriptures refer to the overcoming Christians as God’s
elect.--Romans 8:33 ; 2 Peter 1: 10; Colossians 3:12 ;
TROUBLE FORESHADOWED Matthew 24 : 24-31.
co The events that transpired with the Jews from 69 ~ It was for the sake of God’s people, the truly cen-
to 73 A.D. well foreshadowed what: occurred during the secrated, that the trouble has been held back.
World War and what seems now impending. At that ~r It is a well-known fact that during the World War
time the Romans weTe assaulting the city of Jerusalem the opportunity for proclaiming the message of the
and could have completely destroyed it, but for some kingdom was restrained and limited up to the Spring
reason the Roman army was suddenly withdrawn. Later of 1919. In the warring nations many of th,~ breth-
the Roman forces returned and completely destroyed ren were forced into the army. Circulation of the truth
the city. The words of the historian, Josephus, wflI be literature was prohibited; and many brethren in differ-
read here with keen interest. ent countries were imprisoned. Persecution begall es-
pecially in 1917 ; and in the Spring of 1918 officers of
c~ "Josephus (sect. 4, p. 1102, edit. Hudson)tells us that
the S0CIET:r were imprisoned, Bethel dismantled, the
Cestius Gallus, in the twelfth year of Nero, if ’he had been
inclined to break through the walls of the city by force, Tabernacle sold, and the headquarters removed {o small
would instantly have taken it, and put an end to the war’ ; quarters in Pittsburgh. For some time thereafter little
but, contrary to the expeetatio’~ of all, and without any just or no witnessing was done. The conditions were such
cause, he departed. Vespasian was deputed in his place, at that time that had the WorId War progressed and
as governor of Syria, and to ct~rry on the wars against the
Jews; and when he had subdued all the country, and was not come to an end there would have been no more public
preparing to besiege Jerusalem, the death of Nero, and soon witnesses of any consequence given on earth. The
afterwards that of Galba, compelled him, from the dis- ceasing of the work at that time, as has heretofore been
turbanees and civil wars that ensued in his own country, set forth in the WATC~TOWER,was pictured by the
to defer for some time his plan of operations against Jeru- taking away of Elijah.--Z-August 1 and 15~ 1919.
salem. These apparently incidental delays enabled the Chris-
tians to provide for their safety ; and Eusebitm and Epipha-
nius inform us that all who believed in Christ left Jeru- ELISHA WORK
salem, and fled to Perea, and other places beyond the river 68 Between the taking away of Elijah and the begin-
Jordan. Josephus also remarks, after the retreat of Cestius ning of operations by Elisha was a period of waiting,
Gallus: ’Manyof the illustrious Jews departed from the city,
while Elisha stood by the river’s bank. This foreshad-
as from a sinking ship.’ After this period, when Vespasian
was confirmed in the empire, Titus surrounded the city with owed a period of waiting with the Church. Elisha fore-
a wall, thirty-nine furlongs in dimensions, sta’engthened with shadowed the work of the Church done after 1918. That
thirteen forts, so that, Josephus says, ’with all means of work must be done because the Lord had so ordained it.
escaping, all hope of safety was cut off from the remaining Since Elisha pictured the Church doing a certain work,
Jews.’ "--Antiq. lib. 18, cap. sect. 3, edit. Hudson.
then it follows that the Church, or the elect, must do
6_~ Without doubt the Lord intervened and held back
that work.
the final assault upon Jerusalem until his own due time. 6~ Nowcall to mind the question that was propounded
It was exactly forty years from the date of the crucifixion to Jesus by his disciples concerning the end of the world,
to the very day that the last for~ of Israel fell, God and the answer of the ]~Iaster thereto. In his answer
¯ WATCH TOWER BROOKLYNj N. Y.
he f~rst mentionedthe WorldWar, the famines, the pesti- warfare with renewedzeal and ener~-. Otherwise stated,
lences and the revolutions in various parts of the earth, the l~ord commandsthe forces of earth to cease from
~hich wouhl mark the beginning of sorrows upon the firing and to stand still and wait until his little band
xrorld, lie then refers to the persecution of Christians. of followers invade the nations and kingdomsof the earth
All of th~s took place from 191~ to 1918. and testify to the fac*t that the kingdomof heaven is
~o Our Lord furthermore said : "Then ~hall they deliver at hand. IIas not this been fulfilled? During the past
you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: an,1 w shall be few )cars, have not the consecrated gone into nearly
hated of all nations for my name’s sake." (Matthew every nation on earth ? Read again the report of 192:%
24: 9) Manyof the Lord’s clear saints were actually and then call to mind that in the few remaining nations
ldllcd; and all the warring nations hated the Bible of the earth efforts are now being put forth to carry
Students. the witness to them. and then thank God and our Lord
" Jesus then said: "l~Iany shall be offended, and shall and l~Iaster that we are privileged to be his witnesses
betray one another, and shall hate one another." This in this terrible and wonderful tmle.
~, a~ actually fulfilled whensomewhohad been active in 7~ Never were creatures more honored than the saints
the l~ord’s service becameangry in 1917 and 1918, and this side the vail. Truly it is sweet music in the ears
consulted and connived with those who prosecuted and of these when they hear the commandfrom the Lord:
persecuted the Christians during the war. "Fear thou not : 0 Zion, let not thine hands be slaek."~
~The trouble reached a climax with the Church in Zephamah3: 16, R.V.
the Spring of 1918. Manyof the dear saints thought 77 This (lear proof that the Lord is dealing with his
that all the work was done. But there was something people should not only encourage them but fill them with
more to be done. What had transpired brought great burning zeal for him, and cause them, as his witnesses,
joy to the hearts of the Christians, even though many to hit up their voice with singing. This is the time
then were suffering imprisonment and others being whenhis watchmenshall see eye to eye and together shall
denied opportunities of service. They rejoiced because sing the praises of God and earnestly press on to the
of the clear proof that the world had ended, that the giwng of the witness before the dark night settles down
ldngdomof heaven was at hand, and that the day of their wherein nothing can be done.
deliverance drew nigh. ~8 Let those who think that the battle is ended, and
7a But they had overlooked something else that must that there is nothing more to do, arouse themselves to
be done. The good news that they had received must an appreciation of the fact that the Lord is directing
be tohl to others ; because Jesus had commanded:"This his people. They that have really entered into his ,joy,
gospel ofthe kingdomshall be preached in all the world and that are strong in him and in the power of his
for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end might, are the ones whoare joyfully declaring to the
come." (Matthew 24: 14) In other words, there must worhi that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
be a period of comparaUvepeace in order that the fol-
GATIIERING THE ELECT
lowers of the Master, the witnesses for the Lord, should
carry this goodnews as a testimony unto all the nations. 7~ At the Columbusconvention the question was asked :
]lad not the war ceased, this would have been impossi- "tIow many came to a knowledge of the truth after
ble; because the nations would not have permitted the 19187" Ahno~-t ha!f responded m the affirmative. In
witnessing to go on. Nowfor the elecg’s sake the Lord Switzerland, at the conclusmn of the war, there was
stopped the war, held back the four winds, or the terrible merely a handful of consecrated; x~hcreas now there
time of trouble, until this witness can be completed. are al)proxmmtely 3,000. In Germany, great numbers
~* Manyhave expressed surprise that the war stopped have come to a knowledge of the truth since the Worm
so suddenly. The Lord wanted it stopped. Ia due time War. Ifad the war not ceased in 1918, probably n,:ne
the Lord saw that his servants in various parts of the of them would have had an opportunity to learn of the
earth were released from prison that preparation might Lord’s great arrangement and participate in the witness.
be made for the Elisha work, the witness to the nations Manyoi these give evidence of being spirit-begotten
of the earth. and anointed ones. Manyof them are engaged in giving
’~ A knox~ledgeof this fact should thrill the heart of the witness. Mayit not be truly said, then, that for the
every Christian. The fact that the great Jehovah God sake of the elect the Lord has held back the time of
and the Lord Jesus, the King of kings, would intervene trouble and shortened it not only that they themselves
and stop the warring nations, and commandpeace, in might be gathered, but that they might participate in
order to give a little handful of Christians in the earth the work of giving the witness in the nameof the Lord ?
an opportunity to be his witnesses is too marvelous to 8o If you are one of those coming to a knowledgeof
be expressed in words. It should humble every Chris- the truth since the cessation of the War, then give grate-
tian in the presence of the Lord, causing him to lift his ful thanks to our Godand our Lord; and see to it thai;
heart in fervent gra±itude to Godand to the Lord Jesus every faculty with which you are endowed is now used
and then to tighten up his armor and advance into the to his praise and to the carrying out of hi~ commfindraenb.
~Iay 1, 1925
WATCH TOWER
8~ Would that the Lord’s people all over the earth do it with joy; and rememberas we press on, "The joy
might enter fully into an appreciation of what has been cf the Lord is your strength."
done for them during the past five years by the Lord’s
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
holding back the terrible trouble that is impending!
sa If we see then the oncomingstorm of fire and poison When is prophecy seen in its best light? What is now nn-
tohling the Scriptures? ¶1.2.
gas, death and destruchon, and knowthat our Lord wants Is the great time of trouble in the past? Is the Church to
the witness given beforehand, why should we not hasten see the impending destruction of Sat’m’s empire? ¶341.
on? If we love the Lord we will do so. They that Why is Satan enraged at Zion? What are the three unclean
really ]eve the Lord will have boldness in this day of Is spirits doing? ¶ 7-’o.
tins day of destruction from the Ahnighly? Will it be a
lho proclamation of the message of the King.--1 John trying day for the Church as well as for the world? ’[[ 10-13.
4.17.18. Ilow is the final eonIhet symlx)lized? Do the people generally
Weare well along in 1925. Let everyone now who know the troui)~e ~s coming? ¶ 14-16.
~ea~ly loves the Lord put aside selfishness and, moved What may De said of the 13reparations now going on for an-
other war? ¶ 17-32.
l,v 1he spirit of a loving devotion to the cause of right- What is trio Bible corroboration? ¶ 27,33.
eousness, make the few remaining months the greatest What are the horrors ot poison gas? IIow does this seem
witness yet given for the King and his kingdom. to be covered in Bible prophecy? ¶ 34-41.
Wha~ event seems to synchronize with Isaiah 24:22? 742.
Will the fleet-footed an(t speed (lemons be safe from the im-
SU31MARY pend:ng trouble? Will the profiteers, politicians and the
preachers be safe? ¶43-45.
s, Summingup, then, we see that the time of trouble Wtmt is the purpose of shortening tbose days, and how will
began m !91t w~th the World War; that had the war they he shortened? ¶ 46-50.
gone on, ere this pracheally all flesh on earth wouldhave If the World War had not baen stopped when it was, what
would have been the result? ¶ 51-59.
been destroyed ; that the Lord held back this great trou- Ilow was the trouble foreshadowed at the destruction o~
ble and shortenedit for the elect’s sake ; that the nations Jerusalem? Is it worthy of note that 1845 years inter-
now are preparing feverishly for the great destructive vened between A.D. 73 and 19187 ¶ 60-63.
Whoare the elect that God is especially interested in? ¶ 64-67.
trouble; that lhe final conflict is betweenGod’s organi- Tbe waiting of Elisha at the river’s bank foreshadowed
zation and the devil’s organization, and that the cause what? What did the after-work of Elisha then show?
of r~ghteousness will triumph; that during the interim What are the ~dentifieation marks of where we are in
God’s great plan? ¶ 68-71.
ef comparative peace following 1918 and the final trou- Why has there been a season of comparative peace since
ble the Lord commandshis eleet to advertise the King 19187 ¶ 72-74.
and his kingdom and to comfort those that mourn. What ~s it that’ should thrill the heart of every Christian?
Is there cause ~or renewed zeal and energy on our part?
s~ Nowlooking back when the prophecy is almost ~[ 75-78.
completely fulfilled and is in course of fulfilment, we What are the evidences that many, since 1918, have been
accepted into covenant relationship with the Lord? ¶ 79-80,
ean see what the Lord meant when he caused David to Is there cause for united effort now above all other ames?
write Psalm 149" 6. Let the high praises of God be in ¶ 81-83.
our mouths: while we with a two-edged sword finish Y£1mtare our conclusions ns to the activity at the present
time, and a¢ lo wneathis {~ctivity will be brought to a
the work thal hc has committed into our hands. Let us close? ¶ 84.85,
AN INTERESTING QUESTION
UESTION"Are al! lhe members of the Church of sacrifice the merit of Christ will be presented for the
Q to be glorified before the ancient worthmsare
resurrected ?
purpose of sealing the NewCovenant. This being true,
it would seem reasonable that all the membersof the
body of Christ must have finished their course before
Answer" We should not arbitrarily say wha.~ God
the NewCovenant will be sealed; and since a covenant
will or will not do. Wemight express our opinion, must be sealed before it is put into operation, and
based upon the Scriptures as we understand them. Look- since the ancient worthies will be the offspring of the
ing at the matter as indicated by the type on the atone- NewCovenant, it follows that they would not be resur-
ment day, the blood of the bullock was first presented rected until the NewCovenant is sealed. I-Ience we are
as a sin-offering and thereafter the blood of the goat.
led to the conclusion that the members of the Church
Antitypically, we understand that in the Gospel Age
the blood, to wit. the merit of Christ Jesus, was pre- ~d!! be glorified before the resurrection of the ancient
sented as a sin-offering on behalf of those who would worthies. Of eourse it is possible for the Lord to bring
become members of the Church; and that during the them out of the tomb before ail the members of the
Gospel Age Christ Jesus the tIigh Priest offers up the body pass beyond the vail; but this does not seem prob-
membersof hi~ body, and at the conclusion of the age able, especially in the hght of what is said foregoing.
PETER AT LYDDA AND JOPPA
MaY31---ACTS 9 : 32-43--
DORCAS RAISED FR05[ TIlE DEAD---FUTLrI/E NOT EXDANGERED BY PROBATIOX--IIOW TI=[E
LOAD’S PEOPLE ARE DESIGN:kTED.
"And they went forth, a~d preached everywhere, the Lord worlHng with them, and confirming the word by the
sfgns that followed."--Mark 16: 20, A. S. V.
mediately entercd into divine bliss; or they would not ~Beforc leaving this hht record of Acts of the firs~
have hoped that Dorcas might be brought back to them phase of the Church’s hie, it is worth noting that it1
in order that she could continue to pIy her needle and these chapters the Lord’s people are designated saints,
thread ; and it is certain that Peter wouhlnot makeany disciples, and brethren. Nowadaysit is only rarely that
attempt to bring a spirit back from the presence of any other term than brethren is used. It is a good word,
God. The Lord had permitted this, but only because he reminding us of the unify of our faith and hope, and
had an apostle nearby whomhe could use to deliver his that we are all one in Christ Jesus. But it is good to
faithful diselple from the bondage of death, that he remember that in the Lord’s eyes the brethre~ are
might be glorified in her restoration. saints because separated unto him. To such Paul says:
"Let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philip-
FUTURE NOT ENDANGERED BY PROBATION pians 2: 3) ; and it wouldbe well if this were done, and
~The unusual circumstances make it almost certain if the tmnptation to see in each only the natural per-
that, like Lazarus, Dorcas was permitted to becomesub- son were resisted. Such would save one from thinking
ject to the power of death in order that such a witness and speaking slightingly of his brother, and wouldpre-
should be given to the power of God as should bring vent him judging his brother, and would thus save him-
many to a realization of the truth which had been self from coming under the condcnmation of the Lord:
brought by Jesus, then being declared by the apostles. "Judge not, that ye be not judged." (lIatthew 7: 1)
Good and useful womanas Dorcas was, she would never If, however,one whoprofesses to be the Lord’s is living
have been heard of had not God used her in so signal ,~eeording to the fleshly mind rather than according to
a manner. She had ~urought long and earnestly with a the spirit, such could not expect to be esteemed by his
kindly spirit content to sem~e and do good, and God brethren.
rewarded her by giving her a place in the history o~ ~G’robe a true disciple one must not only seek to learn
the Church which has made her name known where- but seek to get the spirit of the Nast’,,r. One of the
ever there is a Christian community. most subtle temptations to which the Lord’s people are
=2It may seem strange that she was brought back to subjected is selfishness, from which Jesus was absolute-
further probation; but we may be sure that the Lord ly free. If they have not learned Paul’s lesson, nor
would not have done this thing had he not foreseen that realized that they are membersof the Body of Christ,
in the future her faith and works would be as in the they are caught unawares. To such, whatever happens,
past. Dorcas would surely serve the Lord and the their first thoughts are not for their brethren, nor for the
brethren with renewedenergy, and wouldrealize her life interests of the Church, but for themselves; and every
to be God-given in a very special sense. new thing in life starts first the thou?ht. "Howdoes
this thing concern met" It is our privilege to have
HOW THE LORD’S PEOPLE ARE DESIGNATED the spirit of the Lord, and thus to serve God and our
~aAndit does not seem to be saying too muchto add Lord acceptably as d~sciples, as bcethren, as sabds.
that this incident illustrates (as in the ease of Paul,
who had fought the good fight, 2 Timothy 4: 7) that QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
in order to serve them and him God sometimes leaves What is the setting for today’s lesson? What does it
especially show? ¶ 1, 2.
those amongst their brethren who have already passed What two places did Peter visit? Do these places still
his markof approval as being of complete fidelity to him. exist? What event stirred the town of Lydda? ¶ 3,-’.
No man is perfect; and any man still in the flesh can IIas¶5.God made provision for the healing of bodily aihnents?
use his mind or his body in such a way as not to glorify Why did Peter go to Joppa? Whattook place there? ~ 6, 7.
God when he ought to do so. But God knows the What purpose had Peter in heating the palsied nnm? For
what purpose was he led by God’s providence in the case
heart and sees it set for him, and com~ it perfect in
of Dorcas? ¶ 8, 9.
his sight. This lesson reminds us that some sufferings Were the early disciples taught that the good went im-
are for the glory of God, and not specially for the mediately to heaven in deattl? What was God’s purpose
in permitting Dorcas to be taken suddenly away? ¶ 10, 11.
benefit of the individual concerned. God has the right Does is seem strange that God would bring Dorcas back
to do as he will with his own. from the dead in order to give her further probation’?
~Peter stayed some time in Joppa at the house of one How would Dorcas receive such a blessing, and how was
she protected? ¶ 12, 13.
Simon a tanner; for the miracles roused much interest In the Book of Acts how were the disciples designated ? O1~
and there was much work for him to do. But this too what does the term "brethren" remind us? llow saoulti
we esteem each other? ¶ 15.
was of the Lord’s providence ; for the Lord was preparing What should one seek in order to be a true follower of the
further important service for him. Master? ~ 16.
pan3", or to come unto one of another nation; but God Peter easily read this part of the vision. It was later
hath showed me that I should not call any man common when he came to see that the law of Sinai was local to
or unclean." (Acts 10: 28) Cornelius then told of his t, he Jew, and that Godhad never abrogated the direction
vision, and said that they were waiting to hear from as to food which was given to Noahafter the flood when
1’~ ter what God had for them by him. he said: "Every movingthing that liveth shall be meat
9 Peter immediatelybegan by saying that he was learn- for you; even as the green herb have I given you all
ing by this experience; for he now saw God is no re- things."--Genesis 9 : 3.
specter of persons. He went on to tell about Jesus and ~a The Jewish legislation, whether the law of the ten
v hat Jesus had done, and of what had been done to commandments or that of the particular regulations for
him ; how that he had been hanged on a tree, thus mak- their social and communallife, was binding on Israel
ing him as one accursed (Galatians 3: 13); but that only; and by this x, ision therefore Godshowedthat to
God had raised him from the dead and showed him all the followers of Christ this arrangement was nowat
openly to chosen witnesses; also that Jesus had com- an end. T]ms the vision showed that one chapter of
manded them that they should preach in his name that hL-tory then ended and that another had begun.
he it was who was ordained of God to judge the quick
and the dead. Peter went on to show how that all of ~ It is to be noted that the holy spirit cameupon all
this companyapart from any laying on of hands, as had
the prophets gave witness that through the name of
,Jesus whosoeverbelieved (and the word had a new mean- been the ease at Samaria. (Acts 8 : 17) It was as Peter
was talking that the spirit fell upon them. Also they were
ing for him now) should receive remission of sins.
~o Then, and while Peter was speaking, the holy spirit not immerseduntil afterwards. It is evident that Corne-
lius and his household were consecrated--though they
fell on all of them which heard the word. (Acts 10 : 44) might not have understood what that meant. God thus
The brethren who came with Peter were astonished.
They saw that the holy spirit was poured out on the marked those out for his own. Peter learned much
Gentiles and they heard the Gentiles speak with tongues that day; for this act of Godshowed that there was ac-
ceptance with God apart from a keeping of the Jewish
and magnify God. WhenPeter saw this he said: "Can
any manforbid water, that these should not be baptized law, a thing which hitherto Peter would have deemed
[immersed], which have received the holy spirit as well impossible, and that while baptism must always be asso-
as we?" None could object, and all were baptized in ciated with the blessing of the holy spirit, it could follow
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. as well as precede. God aeeepts his own apart from
11 There are several points of value to be noted in this formulas.
study. One is in respect to the time when this favor ~ God had now opened the kingdom of heaven to all
came to the Gentiles. Wehave already mentioned the believers, whether Jew or Gentile. Peter had seen the
year A.D. 36 as the year when the exclusive Jewish wider view of the purpose of God, and had learned that
favor was due to run out. Wenow know that~ another God respected those who sought righteousness whether
chronological paralM shows that that year was the Jew or G cuttle; though it had not been his good pleasure
one in which the Gentile blessing was due to begin. hitherto to permit the Gentiles to share his favors w~th
In THE WATC~TowER, 1904, page 3t2, it is shown his chosen people.
that there were 2,081 years from the time when God
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
first gave the word of a deliverer seed (Genesis 3: 15)
Was there a due time for the Gentiles to receive the gospel
v hieh should come, unto the year when he separated the lnessage? Did the apostles know anything about this’? ~] 1.
chosen family which should produce that seed; also that What kind of city was Cmsarea? Who was at the head of
there are 2,081 years from the covenant then made with the Italian band of soldiers? ¶ 2.
Abraham to the year A.D. 36, when the blessings of In what way was Cornelius honored? What was he in-
faith were first offered to the Gentiles.--Gal. 3:8. structed to do? ¶ 3.
~2 Peter’s tour dosing with the raising of Dorcas was How did God prepare Peter as a messenger to the Gentiles?
¶4,5.
the last special minist~ 7 to the Jews. His vision was Howold a city is .Joppa? Is there any significance in l’eler’s
being in Joppa? Was Peter’s reception of Cornelius a
the first movein the wider service nowto be entered up_ humble one? ¶ 6-8.
on. There was a double purpose in this vision of living How did Peter address himself to the Gentiles? ¶ 9.
things offered to Peter for food : It was intended not only What remarkable thing now took place? When did the
baptism take place--before or after 1.he holy spirit was
to tell Peter (as he soon learned) that the Gentiles were received? ¶ 10, 14.
~lot unclean in the sight of God; but by it he was to How long a time elapsed after Adam’s fall to the promise
learn that the Lawor Sinaitic Covenant was only an God made to Abraham? How long a time elapsed after
the promise was made to Abraham until the conversion
interim in the plan of God. Israel were separated from of the first Gentile? ¶ 11.
the nations, not because they were the tufty ones God YChat was the last special ministry to the .lews while th,~
would save, as they had come to think-and they thought favor was yet exclusively theirs? Does it help us, to see
of the Gentiles as dogs, unworthy of the house of God~ that the Sinaitic Law was restricted to the Jews? ¶~2, 13.
What did it mean for the gospel to come to the Gentiles?
but because Godhad a purpose for the nations by I~rael. What did this mean to the ea’rly Church? ¶15.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR JUNE 3 placed in ~’our hands the means and power to comfort
"’Them£so ~d~ich sleep in Jesus will Godbrh~g with many of these sad hearts? What a blessed privilege!
him."’--I Thessalonians 4: 14. Hasten, then, to carry the message of consolation to
others. Be a blessing to the sorrowing ones. Receive
’0 one fact is more definitely established by the
N Scriptures than the resurrection of Jesus. That
he died upon the cross and was buried, scarcely
a great blessing yours-elf from the Lord, and magnify
his holy name.
INTERESTING LETTERS
GREATLY BLESSED BY TOWERS SHOULDERS TO THE WHEEL
DEAR I~ROTHER I~UTHERFORD : The Elkhart Ecclesia wish to extend to you their sin-
Just a word to tell you that I have been greatly blessed cerest thanks and appreciation of the TOWERarticles which
by the study of the last three WATCHTOWE~S, February have been issued, especially since January 1st. Weare in full
15th, March 1st, and March 15th. I wish also to say that harmony with the Bible House and expect to do all in our
I am in full sympathy with the thoughts there expressed. power to advertise the King and his kingdom.
May the Lord direct you and the brothers associated The class is small in numbers, but are putting their
with you at the Bethel. shoulders to the wheel.
Yom~ in the Lord’s service, Yours in his service,
C. W. Herrick, Ohio. Sr. Jessie l~Iyers, Sec., Indiana.
142
ANNUAL REQUEST FOR PILGRIM VISITS
The SOCIETYdesires to serve all the classes, regardless of
e-r~tiE visit of the Pilgrim brethren results in a double
]. blessing. It blesses him who serves and blesses them size, insofar as it is possible; and believing that all the
that are served. It is in obedience to the Apostle’s eonsecnited desire the visits of the Pilgrim brethren we are
admonition concerning the assembling of ourselves together. pleased to have the information requested in order to
The Lord has blessed this branch of the work, thereby facilitate our routing of these brethren. Where there are
stumping it with his approval. The class that fails to have isolated friends, only one or two, and you desire a Pilgrim
these visits misses a blessing. The SOCIETYroutes the Pil- visit, please send in your request; and if possible the Pil-
grims, however, in harmony with the requests; and this grim will call on you when passing your way.
Great care is used in selecting brethren for the Pilgrim
r~luest is expected to be made once annually.
In making these requests use postal cards, for convenience service. In a special sense they are representatives of the
in our files. The questions herewith set forth should be WaTC~ TOWERBIBLE & TI~CT SOCIETY, as it represents the
answered, numbering your answer to correspond with the Lord. They therefore represent the kingdom now so close
number of the question. Tile question itself need not be at hand. Their duties are to serve the friends in spiritual
repeated. Please write the names distinctly. matters, to advise, aid and comfort them for their dew.qop-
men( as new creatures. They come prepared to hold two
We advise tlmt the class secretary be not changed any
ofteuer than necessary. Each change requires "t new stencil meetings a day, afternoon and evening.
to be cut in our office and a change in our records. But
GOODItOPES FOR 1925-26
when a change is nmde, please notify us promptly. Failure
to (lo this often causes inconvenience
¯ rod to the Pilgrims,
hinders the work.
both to the class
as well as to the office, and thus T HE work of the WATCHTOWERB~nLE & TRACT ,OCiETV
is the preaching of the gospel of Messiah’s kingdom.
Every consecrated child of God is privileged to partici-
Iu giving the nanie of the secretary or any other address, pate in this work. Brother Russell always outlined the work
do not give a post-ollice-b~x address, but give the street (luring the year in proportion as the Lord provided tim
~lli(1 number. Telegrams and other uiessages c"jnnot be de- money through his consecrated children. We continue to
livered when sent to a post-office-box address. follow that example, as appropriate in the Church.
Because of the importance of the time, there is now an Each one who has been enlightened by the truth appre-
increased desire on the part of the public to hear the truth. ciates the fact that this blessing came to him as a gracious
Therefore we ur~ the friends to arrange for at least one gift; and as he has a zeal for the Lord he appreciates his
public meeting d ~,ng the visit of the Pilgrim. To this end privilege of using time, energy, and money in telling the
a good, wetl-loe~ted, reputable hall should be provided, message to others. Some are not blessed with endowments
special efforts being rmde for the public witness Sunday for going about and telling it to others, while they are
:~rternoon or evening, as it may be convenient to the class. blessed with some money which they desire to use in the
1 ~,member, dear brethren, the blessed pAvilege we have to Lord’s service, to the end that hungry souls might be fed
be coworkers with the Lord in the proclamation of the upon the precious truths, as we have been fed.
message now due. Hence we ask your co-operation with us The custom of setting aside each week so much to be
and with the Pilgrim brethren in this behalf. used in the Lord’s service has always proved beneficial to
The friends everywhere take pleasure in entertaining the the giver. A notice to the Socizwv that you hope to give
l’iigrim brethren as servants of the Lo.t’d. They do not so much, enables us to outline the work, based upon what
expect luxurious entertainment, but only whole~ome -k~>d is expected.
and a comfortable room where the necessary rest can be Since a large portion of such donations is used to defray
had. They travel at the expense of the SOCIETY; hence the Pilgrim expenses, we have thought it wise to let the
are its representatives. notice for Pilgrim requests and the "Good Hopes" notice
We ask you to answer ti~e following questions, which appear i/~ the same issue of TItE WATCIITOWER.
information is needed for our immediate guidance in pre- Upon receipt of this issue of THE WATCHTOWERkindly
paring the Pilgrim routes: write two cards, exactly alike. One of these put aside for
your own record of what you have promised; the other
(a) State number of Bible ~tudents in your class who accept send to us. Or, if you prefer, put it in the form of a letter,
the complete series of ~TU1)IES IN THE SCRIPTURES. keeping a copy of the letter for your own convenience. We
(b) Are weekly meetings held? suggest that it be brief and that nothing else be written
(c) Where do you now meet on Sunday? (Give full street except the following: "By the Lord’s grace I hope to be
address and name of auditorium, hall, or home. Notify able to give to his work for spreading the gospel during
us of changes.) the ensuing year the amountof $ ................................ I will
(d) At what hours are the Sunday meetings held? remit in such amounts and at such times as I can find con-
(e) Was a vote taken on the Pilgrim invitation? venient, according as the Lord prospers me."
(f) If a Sunday appointment is uiade, will a thoroughly
advertised public meeting be arranged? (Signature)
..................................................................................
(g) Have the members of your class chosen leaders in ac- Kindly address this card to the
cordance with Volume VI, chapters 5 and 6? WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY$
Financial Department,
(h) Give name and address of one member of class (other
than Secretary) whom we may notify regarding Pil- 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y.
grim visits. Brethren residing outside of the United States should
(i) Give the name of proper raih’oad station at which the write their respective otlices in the countries where they
Pilgrim is to stop. reside, and remit their "Good Hopes" to such offices.
(j) IIow many miles from station is the meeting place? Of our own selves we can do nothing, but we are assured
(k) If at a distance from railroad station, does some mem- that the prayers of the righteous avail much. Hence we ask
ber of the class have a conveyance to transport the the brethren to present us daily before the throne of heav-
Pilgrim ? enly grace, that we may be given wisdom and grace to use
(1) Give full name and address of Class Secretary (alWays the money to the best advantage in spreading the Gospel to
notify us of’ changes). the Lord’s glory, and to do the work enfrusted to us.
1t3
Internalional Bible StudentsAssociationGasses
Lccturc~
aad5tudlc5
bqTravciin~
5re~a~c.n
BROTIIER J. A. BAELTERLEIN BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
llallowell, Me............... May 1-t W,~,)dstock N. B ......... May 22, 24 Manistee, Mich ............ May 17 llarbor Springs, Mich ..... May 25
l’~ttsfield, Me................ " ]5 ()l,!t.~n, ~Ie ................ " 25 Lake Ann, Mich ............. " 18 Grand Rapids, Mich ......... " 26
~ bl)ot, Me...................... " 17 Banaor,Me................... " 26 15mpire,Mich................. " 19 Ahua,Mieb......................... " 27
~;ullford, Me................... " ]d l~ocMand,Me.............. " 27 Kewadin, Mich ............. " 20 Wimeler,I~heh ................... " 2S
Mapleton, Me................ " 19 NowHarbor, Me ........ " 28 Traverse City, Mich ..... " 21, 22 Bircil Run, Mich............... " 29
Blaine,Me....................... " 20, 21 Portland, hie ............... " 29, 31 Kingsley, Mich............... " 21 BuyCity, Mich................. " 31
¯ ¯ .%. ,
! , .~.-," :,3,
CONTENTS
~]~EN~ENGER.q 011’ TtIE LORD............................... 347
G," .’~ Organization .......................................... 147
All ~{essengers .............................................. 14:~
Greatest Angel .................................................. °‘
14
The Church..................................................... 149
Disposition of the Disapproved .................... 150
Disposition of the Approved .......................... 151
Gathering Out the Lawless ............................ ]51
Greatly IIonored ............................................. ] 53
TIIE CHURCH AT ANTIOCtI.................................. 154
PETERDELIVERED FROMI>ItlSON ........................ 15~
QUARTERLY REVIEW ............................................ 158
PRAYER-~IEETING TEXT COMMENTS ................... ]59
GETREADY ]~OW............................................... 146
RADIOPROGRAMS ............................................... 146
’q ~cill stand ~lpon *aN watch and will set *aN toot
upon the Tower, and u’¢ll watch to see what He will
say ~,nto me, and what answer I shall make to them
that oppose me."--Habakkuk 2: 1.
Upon the e~.rth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking
the thm~s comin~ upon the earth (society) ; for the powers of the t~eavens (eecle~lasUesm) shah be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pass,
know that tim I{mgdom ¢4 God ~ at hand. l.oo~ up, lift up your head~, referee, for your redeml~tion drawetli mgh.--Matt 24:33; Mark 13.29; Luke 2h25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
1ksl,b Journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary F~xtension", now being
presenled in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCHTOWERBIBLE ~ TraCT SOCIETY, chartered A.D. 1~84, "For the Pro-
motion of Chrimian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a chamiel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit tile only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. l~I.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specialls" for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : ]9 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3 : 5-9, 1O.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more add more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in hi~
service; hence our decisioiis relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of ida
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
~caders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
REJOICES IN THE DEEP TIIINGS The faithful in Christ are continuing in "well doing",
taking great delight in the proclamation of the kingdom
DEAIIBI~OTItERItUTttERFOItD: message. The trials and temptations are becoming more
The TOWERSare loaded with pure food, excellent food, severe; but he said: "My grace is sufficient for you." The
wholesome, invigorating, stl’engthenin,g, and sustaining. The compensating grace overbalances the fiery ordeal of the
Lord be praised. Oh, how it thrills my soul to read and un- hour. The joy of the Lord is the streng-th of his people.
derstand the "deep ~hings" of our God, from his "store- I am huppy because our hearts beat together. Hence
house" of grace and trutl~, as they are brought forth by "Blessed be the tie that binds
his honored servants! Who can doubt that the Lord of the Our hearts in Christian love."
Harvest is at the helm, and steering Zion homeward, through With fervent Christian love and best wishes, I am
the instrumentality of the WATCt~ TOWEll BIBLE & TKACT Yours in the joyful selwice of our Lord and King,
SOCIE’rY, the only divine repository? S. H. Toutjian, Pilgrim.
159
International BibleStudents
A sociation
Oasses
Lecture~and6fmdlc5bLJTravclin~Brethren
BROTHER J. A. BAEUERLEIN BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Moultonville, N. H ........ June 1 %V. Cllelmsford, Mass. June 8 Midland,Mich................... June 1 Durand, Micll ............... June 8
East Wolfboro, N. H ......... " 2 Lowell, Mass................. " 9 Saginaw,Mich..................... " 2 ]:’ort Huron, Mich ......... " 9
ltaverhill, Mass................. " 3 Pitlsimld, N. H............. " 10 Ch~aning, Mlch................. " 3 Mt. Clemens, Mich ......... " 10
Newburyport, Mass ........... " 4 Manchester, N. H ......... " 11, 12 Owosso,Mich....................... " 4 Detroit, Mich................. " 11, 1.4
Bylieid, Mass....................... " 5 Nashua, N. H ................ " 14: Fenton, Mich..................... " 5 Royal Oak, Mieh ........... " 12
Lawrence, Mass ................ " 7 Keene, N. H.................. " 15 Flint, Mich......................... " 7 Brigl*tmoor, Mich ......... " 15
CONTENTS
LIC,HT J-’~TIIEDARKNESS 1~.~
....................................
Whythe Darkness? .......................................... 1(;3
Lightof the Worhl ....................................... 164
~Iust Continue in the Light............................ 165
OaWrDarkness................................................ 16(;
ConflictingOrzanizatmns ................................ ] (;7
RaiseUptheStandard.................................... 367
rRAYI]It-~IEETING TEXT COMMENTS .................... 1(]9
AN INTERESTING QUESTION
................................ 1(;9
TJIE ~EGINNING (IF FOREI(IN ~IIS~IONS ............ ]70
Sorcereris Silencedby Paul ........................ 171
THE (~OSPEL IN .~NTIOCll OF I)ISIDIA ................ 172
~NTEItUSTINC,
I~ETTERS.......................................... ] 7~¢
SubtleLeadings
of Satan................................ 17-t
Overcon~lg
:E’arthly Obligations.................... 175
-. °
2;\-.
Uponthe earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves(the restless, discontented)roaring; men’shearts failing themfor fear and for looking
the things coming upon the earth (socmty) ; for the powers of the heavens (eccleslasUcsm) stroll be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pass,
know that the I,Lngdom of God ~s at hand. Look up, hft up your heads, relo*ce, for your redemDtmn draweth mgh --Matt 24 33; Mark 13.29; Luke 2h25-3L
THIS JOURNALAND ITS SACREDMISSION
THISpresented
Journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER
or "Seminary Extenslon",
BIBLE & TaACTSOCIETY, chartered i~. D. 1884, "For the Pro-
now being
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUD1]~S most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister IV. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
8t,adents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
~redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a rousers [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver alad precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 : 11-
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"~"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3:5-9, 19.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjectiou to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to tile divine wisdom granted,unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we af!irm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to what nmy and what may not appear in its columns nius~ be according to our judgment of him
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuiid,ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
*eaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
CONVENTIONS
THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE S£CDENTS ~SSOCIATION will hold
conventions as follows:
v
WATCFITOWER.BI 5LE 5- TRACTSOCIET,,, Springliehl,
Indianapolis,
Mass., August 13 to 16, inclusire,
Ind., August 2t to 31, inclusive,
1925.
1925,
Wlhuiugton, N. C., October 22 to 25, inchlmve, 1925.
18 CONCORD
STREET
i:i i:i BR.OOKL’YN,/%Y
U.S-A’~ We lnake this announcelnent now in advance in m-der tha the
friends may arrange their vaeatioa perinds accordingly. More ue-
FOREIGNOFFICES: Br{tish: 34 Craved Terrace, Lancaster Gate, tailed information wilt be l’ublished later:
London W. 2; Canadian: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Onta*io;
Australasian: 495 Collins St.. Melbourne, Australia ; South ASr~an¢
6 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa. RADID PROGRAMS
IJLE.kSE ADDRESSTIIE SOC1ETY IN ]4]VI?RY C3SE. ~VBB R, New York City (ollieial add"ess, 124 Columbia
]’EARLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICE." UNITED STATES, $1.00 ; (~ANADA Heights, Brooklyn, 2~’. Y:), 272.6 meters. Sunday
AND ~[ISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN, ..~1.50 ; GREAT]JRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA, nn)w~ing, 10:00 to 11 : 30; Sunday evening, 9:00 to
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l~]xpless or PostalMoneyOrders,or by llan’:Draft.Canadian, i~mtish, 8.00 to 9:00; Daylight-Saving, E. Standard Time.
SouthAfrican, an,,IAnstlaiasian remittances shouldbe madeto b~ anch
o.~ees only. Remittnnees from scattered fmeign termtory may be made WORD, Ibit{tvia, Ill., (Official address, ~Vebster Ilotel,
lo tile Brooklyn office, but by International Postal MoneyOrders only. Cl’Aeago, lll.), 275 meters Sun(lay n:orning 10:00
t’I,’orc~g~ t~ansh[tu)ns of this journfH appear ,in ~ercrat loaf/unfits)
to 11 00; Sunday ev(’ning, 6:45 to 8:00; l~lal~-
Editorial Committee: Tids journal is published under the supervision day evening, 8:90 to 9:09; Tuesday, Wednesday,
I)[ all editorial colnluittee, at least three of %thOlll have read lind Tlmrs(lay, Fri(b,y m~d Saturday evenings, 8.30
nl)lU’Oved as truth each all(l every article appearing in these c(lllllnlls.
rJ~lte nUllleS ot llle e(htorial conunlttee are : J. ~’. I~UTIlEI~I,’OI~IL 9 : 3i), Daylight-Sawng, Central Standard Time.
W. ]~3. VANAMBURGtI, J. I~EBIERY,l~ II IL~R~U,:R, (’. 1,’, S’prxv~RT. 1( F I(B, Milford, 1,:ans’~s, 286 meters. Suntlqy evenings,
Terms to the Lo~d’s Poor: All Bible students wile, by reason of 8" 30 to 9"30, Central Standard Time, Lectures
chl ~t~e or other lnlu’lul[y or adversity, are unahle to pay for this nnd musical 1)rograms under "~uspiees oi Abilene
JOll,]l:ll, u’lll be ~llpllhc~l lice if they send a postal card each May
Stating their case and reffnesting such provision. We are not only Ecclesia.
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and C II UC, Saslmtoon, Sask. Crnada, 330 meters. Sund’ly
in touch with the Berean stu(li,~.
evenings, 7 30 to 9. (X), Monday and Wednos,.Iay
7,at{re to S~tbsc)ibe)s: We do not, as a rule, senti a card of acknowl- evenings, 8.00 lo 9 30, Mountain Standard Time.
edgment for a renewal or for a new subsemption. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expira- Lectures "m(1 musical p;ograms under auspices of
iron date, as shown on wrapper label. Snskatoon Eceie.qi’~.
Entered as Second Class Matter at Brooklyn. N.Y. Posto~ceAct of March3"d ~87o~
and his hand to s]ack. This is a dangerous position; deem the race; and there has been committed to him
and it is the privilege of each of the brethren to call all power in heaven and in earth. (Hebrews 2: 14)
the others’ attention to this condition that they might "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that
be awakened. To such the Apostle says: "Awake thou he might destroy the works of the devil."--1 Jolnl 3 : 8.
that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall as Nowthe great battle is on. It is the beast, the
give thee light."--Ephesians 5 : 14. devil’s visible organization, led by Satan himself, war-
aa 0nly the saints will continue to walk in the light ring against the Lamband his organization. The vic-
unto the perfect day. Those who turn away from the tory is with the Lord, and those who are faithful and
Lord and from his precious provision are classed with true to the end shall stand with him in victory.--l%v-
the wicked. "The way of the wicked is as darkness; elation 17: 14.
they knownot at what they stumble."--Prov. 4: 18, 19.
RAISE UP THE STANDARD
CONFLICTING ORGANIZATIONS a9 It is not sufficient now to merely knowthe trtdh
s4 The visible part of Satan’s organization is desig- and feed upon it. But he who walks in the light and
nated as the beast~ composedof the three elements, self- shows his appreciation and his love for the Lord must
ish commercial, political and eeclesiasticM power. These obey the Lord’s commandments.Satan, the prince of
are now steeped in darkness and walk on in the dark. darkness, who is leading hds cohorts against the Prince
So gross is their darkness that they even presume to of Light and his followers, has comein like a flood. This
hide their ways from the Lord. Their works are in the is a flood of falsehood and wickedness. The command
dark, even though they claim to be in the light. (Isaiah to the Christian, therefore, is: "Whenthe enemyshall
29: 15, 16) The commercial powers openly and flagrant- comein like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up
ly violate every rule of justice in their oppression of the a standard against him." (Isaiah 59 : 19) The enemy’s
poor fox" their ownselfish gain. The political powers flood of lies would efface the name of God frmn the
ignore the rights of the people and willingly and openly minds of men and turn the whole world into complete
violate the laws which they themselves have made. The and absolute darkness and away from God. Now the
clergy ignore the Wordof God, and many openly deny Lord says to those whoare followers of the light: "Ye
his Word and the blood of Jesus Christ that bought are my witnesses, . . . that I am God." (Isaiah 43:
them. They have been warned of the Lord to judge 10, 12) "And I have put my words in thy mouth, and
justly and to deal righteously with the poor and needy; I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that
but they have refused to heed and consequently walk I mayplant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the
on in darkness. (Psalm 82: 3-5) Such constitute the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my loeople."~
wicked organization of Satan, which has reached its Isaiah 51 : 16.
day of judgment. THE STANDARD
aa God’s organization visible is composedof those on
4o Those whohave the spirit of the Lord and who are
earth who have been begotten and anointed of the holy therefore in the light must now raise up the standard
spirit and whoappreciate the privilege of being in his against the enemy. This standard is that of righteous-
ser~dce. Because they reflect the light of the Lord ness and truth, the truth concerning God’s kingdomand
they are the light of the world, even as Jesus said: the blessings that shall flow to mankindfrom it. They
"Ye are the light of the world." These must work in must tell those whohave a hearing car that Godis light
harmony with Jehovah, the great Source of light, and and in him there is no darkness ; that Godis love and his
with all the other membersof his organization, Christ provision for man’s salvation is complete; that Jesus is
and the glorified membersof his Body beyond the vail, the express image of the Father, clothed with power
and the holy angels of heaven. They must let their and authority to save to the uttmTnost, and that he has
light shine, as representatives of the Lord.--Luke 11: taken unto himself his power and begnn his reign;
33-36; Matthew 5: 14-16. that he is leading the fight against the forces of dark-
aG Nowdarkness covers the earth and gross dhrkness
-hess, and the victory with him will be complete ; that
the people, and the commandto these faithful ones of he shall reign amongst the people in righteousness;
the Lord is: "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and that his judgments will be right and true, and when
the glory of the Lord haft/ risen upon thee." (Isaiah his judgments are in the earth the people will learn
60: 1) These must shine by reflecting the light of the righteonsness.--Isaiah 26 : 9 ;}tosea 6 : 5.
present King of glory, who has taken unto h~mself his 4~ This great dark day that is now upon the world
power and begun his reign. is because God’s indignation is expressed against the
ar Satan is the prince of darkness and has the power powers of darkness. It has brought great distress upon
of death, tie would destroy all who refuse to obey him. mankind, and it is the privilege of the Christians who
The Christian absolutely refuses to obey him and flees walk in the light to comfort the hearts of those that
fo Christ for refuge. Jesus Christ is the Prince of mourn, that they may see out of their obscurity some
light and of life. tie became a man that he might; r~ ho-~f,}r the future.
¯ WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N.~o
4: In raising up the standard, then. against the wicked ahvavs ])e thus. Truly, %n account of the tender con>
one, those who have the spirit of the Lord will joyfully passions of ore" God, by which he has visited us; a day-
tell the people of some of the preeious things that God’s dawn from on high, to fllmninate those sitting in dark-
kingdom will bring to them. Those who appreciate this ness and death-shade: to direct our feet into the way
privilege and avail themselves of it really enter into of peaee."--Lnke 1 : ~8, ~9, Diaglott.
tile joy of the Lord now. They have in mind not only 4r ttappy will be the day for the world vhen the 3[il-
their own salvation, but tl~e elimination of darkness lennial reign is done, when the Lord has turned over
and the opening of the blind eyes that the peoples of the human race to God, fully restored. In that e,tv
earth may know of the great Source of light and life. there will be no need of the gospel, nor of the law, as
~ Those of the Lord’s organization who are faithful recorded in the Word of God, to shine for the benefit
to their charge are a delight to the Lord. To them he of the people, but the glory of the Lord will enlighten
says: "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, mankind, and the Lord will be the light thereof. "And
and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give the nations of them that are saved shall walk in th~
thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the hght of it, and the kings of the (’arih do bring their
Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prison- glory and honor into it. And the gates of it shall not
ors from the pzqson, and them that sit in darkness out be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there."
of the prison house." (Isaiah 42: 6, 7) It must --Revelation 21 : 24:-26.
apparent to all that the prison-house referred to is the ~s It is the Christian’s present privilege ’to tell the
tomb, and that the darkness is the darkness of super- peoples of earth that this blessed eon&tion is in store
stilton and ignorance that now enshrouds the people. for those she obey the Lord.
It is a happy privilege now to tell the people who have
a hearing ear that the Lord’s kingdom is at hand; that QUESTIONS FOR BEREANSTUDY
in that kingdom "he will destroy . . . the faee o£ the State the position of the human race? Whyare the Lord’s
covering that is cast over all people, and the vail that is saints to blow the trumpet in Zion? lh)w is our day de-
spread over all nations."--Is~iah 25: 7. scribed? Wlmt hope is held out? ¶1-3.
¯ 4 The Apostle declares that the Lord will eonsume Whydoes darkness still obtain? flow hqs 1he good that men
would do been turned into oppression? ¶ 4-(i.
the wicked one with the spirit of his mouth and destroy IIow did lhe Lord plant his Church? Wlmtcaused tl~e ape.>
him with the brightness of his presence. (2 Thessalo- tasy? What three elements try to perpetuate their ex-
istence? ¶ 7, 8.
nians 2: 8) It follows that the message of truth must What is the light that God dwells in? Once getting into ll~e
be used in the Lord’s own due time and way to remove light of God, what must one do to remain in it? ¶9-11.
the darkness from the minds of the people. Those Chris- Is Satan a constant Ol)ponent of nil light-be:wets? What iq
the effect upon op.e who follows Jesus? l~’rom whcw.,,
t tans on earth who are witnesses for the Lord must avail comeslight and life? ¶ 12-]4.
themselves of the opportunity to thus proclaim the How may one be a reflector of the light of God? What
tmdh. It is therefore the privilege of each Christian great thing has God done for the distil)los of Jesus?
to point the people to tlle fact that this great time of Where does the battle of the Christian principally take
place? Wlmt does this battle result in? ~ 1548.
darkness and trouble ou the earth is the result of sin, Whatis it the duty of 111e Chrislian to strive qffainst? Ilow
which has reached a euhnination; fo show them that is it done? lIow is victory aecomplislmd? ¶ 19-21.
God is light; that Jesus is the express image of the Does the light dawn upon the mind qs a flood, or gra(hmlly?
How is the mind of the Christian illuminated, and I)y
Father; that he is the great Light thag lighteth every whomis it done? IIas the brilliancy o£ the ecclesiastics
man that eometh into the world; and that his kingdom been to lheir advantage? ¶ 22-24.
will bring to all who will obey him the great desire of Whqtis it that leads into darkness? What is ~Brother Paul’s
warning? Wh’~tis the admonition of Brolher John ? ¶ 25-2S.
their hearts--]ight, happiness and eternal life. Where is lhe Church at the present time? What should be
¯ ~ It follows, then, that no one could be faithful and our attitu(le toward tim brethren and toward the king(1.m
true io the Lord in these remaining days when the con- interests which have been committed unto us? ¶2(,.),3!).
To what great event qre the consecrated looking forwql’d?
flict is on between light and darkness unless he would Is there danger in losing sight of this eventful hour? ¶ 31-33.
avail himself of the opportunity of letting his light Wlmtis the deplorable condition of Satan’s visible organi-
shine. IIe must do this by telling the good news to zation? What is the commercial power guilty of? The
political? The ecclesiastical? ¶ 34.
the peoples of earth, and by conforming himself to the Whobelong to God’s visible organization? IIow is it demon-
ways of light, walking in the light as the Lord has strated whothese ave? ¶ 35, 36.
provided it. Wlmt are tim opposing forces of Satan and Jesus? ¶ 37, 38.
What is one of the ways that the Lord meets the attacks
¯ ’; In proclaiming this message the Christian has no of the advers;ary? What is the instrumentality that the
need to fear. The Psalmist has expressed the sentiment I.ord uses? What is the standard used? ¶39,40.
of the hearts of the devoted ones: "Yea, though I walk Wlmtis lhe privilege of lhe Christian in this hour of dis-
tress? V(hat blessing will eventually come to the people
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear of earth? ¶4.1-44.
no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff What is the w,~ans by which one may let his light shine?
they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) While humanity Has the Christian reason lo fear? Is there cause for re-
joicing, knowing that the Millennial day is approaehing?
jilting now in darkness and unable to see, it will not ¶ 45-48.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXTFORJULY1 TEXTFORJULY8
"The Lord is my ~’oc]G and my forfrcss."--Psahn 18: 2. "’Strength and beauty are in his sanchmry."---Psa. 96: 6.
" OWwe are nearer the perfect day than when first
N we knew the Lord. True to his promise the
light is shining with greater brilliancy. Now
T HEsanctuary is the place made for the dwelling
of the Lord. (Exodus 15: 1,) It is God’s or-
ganization.--Psalm ~4:2; ~6:2.
we can see that Satan is making a desperate and mur- The consecrated and anointed ones this side the vail
derous assault upon the saints yet on earth who keep are in the sanctuary by reason of being in Christ. The
the commandmentsof God. lie is a wily foe. He will great Jehovah, rich in mercy and boundless in love,
attack every saint at his most vulnerable point. Satan "hath raised us up together, and made us sit together
~vill help each one to magnify self and self rights. in heavenly places in Chri.st gesus."--Ephesians 2: 6.
It will 1)e well for each of the saints nowto bear in Nowbeing members of God’s organization the saints
mind that while on earth a saint has no rights which this side the vail are the special objects of Satan’s wrath.
any one is bound to respect. "For ve are dead, and your In their own strength they eouhl not stand for one
life is hid with Chri.-t in God."--Colossians 3: 3. moment. Bu~ dwelling in Christ, in the sanctuary,
Those who forget this will be easily offended. It is they are safe and secure from all harm. In Hfis secret
selfishness that takes offence. Selfishness eultivated place of the ?,feet High they rest in peace. "Because
leads to strife. Satan is diligent to plant strife among.~t thou hast made tile Lord, which is my refuge, even the
the brethren. Selfishness develops into pride. Pride Most IIigh, thy habitation, there shall no evil befall
leads to disloyalty, unfaithfulness and destruction. thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."
Love is the very opposite of selfishness. Perfect love --Psalm !)1: 9, 10.
This assurance from the Wordof God brings great
is the perfect expression of unselfishness, tie whoreally
consolation to the heart of the ChrL, tian. So he is
loves the I~ord is anxious to proclaim the message of
strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, and
the Lord’s kingdom, and will boldly do so in tlLis day
the joy of the Lord is in his heart. With the Apostle
of judgment. (1 John 4:17,18) IIe who loves his
he joyfully says: "Blessed be the God and Father of
brother will be anxious to see his brother serving the
Lord. ]f he finds his brother in distress, mourning, our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all
dull or indifferent, he will be anxious to give him beauty spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."--Ephe-.
stuns 1: 3.
for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment
of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lie wholoves the In this blessed condition there is also beauty. The
fairest of ten thousand, the One altogether lovely, the
Lord loves his brother and will be loyal amt faithful.
Head of the Chureh, dwclleth there. That which beau-
A fortress is a place of security. The Lord is a titles tile Christian this side the vail is the establishment
fortress to the faithful, and all such he will shield and of the mind with beautiful tn~ths. The mind is the
preserve.--Psalm 31 : 23 ; 18 : 1-3. battle-~’ound. It is the mind that is transformed. As
Those who love the Lord are joyfully keeping his the Christian abides in this secret place of God’s love,
commandments. ]iis conmmndments now are to com- and receives the blessings and comfort from the Lord,
fort those that mourn, and do this by bringing to them he grows into the likeness of lhe Lord, a~(1 reflects this
a knowledge of tile glad news of the kingdom. Doing upon others, bringing comfort to other hearts. He re-
this in love, and in faithfulness, will keep as in the joy ceixes comfort and strength, and in tlLe strength and
and love of the Lord. iIercin is our safety. beauty of the Lord he grows into a comforter.
AN INTERESTING QUESTION
Queslio.n: Is it proper for parents to teach their proper to urge them to make a consecration, buff to
chihlren that they will have a chance to consecrate for give them the truth insofar as we can, and then let each
restitution, and then neglect thereafter further instruc- one determine for himself. The child that has no~
tion in the divine plan ? reached a sufficient age to determine what consecration
Answer: It is not proper to say that a person can is should not be expected to consecrate; bug he should be
eonsecrate for any reward. Consecration means to do taught concerning tlle Lord’s plan as far as he can
the Lord’s will. The proper course for parents, then, understand it, and urged to be obedient to the _Lord
it would seem, would be to teach their children that and tl~e cause of righteousness. It would not seem ex-
only those who are obedient to the Lord would get life actly the proper thing for one to speak of his ehildren
on any plane. They should teach their children in the as ’"restitution children". That wiI1 depend upon
home,as well as in the elass, tlle privilege of learning whether or not flmy are obedient to the Lord. Teach
the Lord’s plan and of joyfully doing his will, and leave the children the truth, and the Lord will determine
entirely to the Lord what the reward shall be. It is not what the reward shall be.
169
THE BEGINNING OF FOREIGN MISSIONS
--JULY 5--AcTs 12:25 TO 13:12
BAR_-N’ABAS ANDPAULENTER NEWSERVICE--LAYING Oh" OF ILANDSIS INDORSEMENT--SORCERER IS SILEN*CEDBYPAUL.
"’And he said ur~to them, Go ye unto all the worZd, and preach the gospel to the u:hole creation.’" Mcu’k16: 15.
A.S.V.
URlessons nowtake us into the second phase of together of the way of the Lord, and that Paul hacl
O the spread of Christianity. Hitherto they dealt
chiefly with the work which centered in Jerusa-
told Barnabas and also the others of what the Lord had
said to him. All would see that there was more serving
lem; but they also introduced those arrangements which ability in Antioch fhaa the needs of the church called
the Lord made for the wider mission of the truth to for, b~t h~stcad of acting on their own account they
the Gentiles ; namely, the conversion of Saul, and Peter’s sought the Lord’s guidance. They were rewarded. In
¥isit to Cornelius. Antioch in Syria now becomes the some way not recorded, though probably by prophetic
center of the story. declaration, for some of them were prophets, the holy
2 Barnabas and Saul apparently remained in Jeru,~a- spirit made it plain that Barnabas and Paul were to be
lem over the time of Passover, when James was slain separated to the work "whereunto I have called them".
and Peter imprisoned. It is possible that both were in Whatever feelings Paul might have had after Barna-
John Mark’s mother’s homewhen Peter called after his bas was thus associated with him in his special work
deliverance from prison, for the mother of Mark was for the Lord, there is no indication that he even for a
sister to Barnabas. Whenthey retun~cd to Antioch momentquestioned why Barnabas should also be called,
they took Mark with them. Evidently Barnabas wanted or whyhis own I~ame sl~ould be mentioned second. In-
to serve his nephew, and knewof no better way of help- deed, Paul had been told that he was a chosen vessel
ing him into full manhoodand into the Lord’s service and should be sent far hence to the Gentiles; but the
than by taking him to Antioch. Barnabas was a man Lord had not said that he would not use another. In
whocould see possibilitiesb both ~n menand in circum- any case Paul was obedient and submissive to the will
stances, and who knew how to seize a circumstance and of the Lord, and glad of his privilege; there was no
to use ability; for it is evident from later accounts question whether he should be the Lord’s chief or his
given of Mark, and by the fact of his Gospel, that he sole representative.
was a man of ability and energy. s These men betook themselves to prayer. They laid
their hands on the chosen two and sent them away,
BARNABAS AND PAULENTERNEWSERVICE probably with some equipment of moneyfor their tray-
Through Yarious reasons and causes fllere were now els, provided by the church in Antioch. Luke says,
in Antioch a company of men, leaders o~ the church, "So they, being sent forth by the holy spirit, departed"
whomay be comparedto the seven deacons of the church (Acts 13 : 4) ; that is, they were sent by the holy spirit,
in Jerusalem of whomwere Stephen and Ptulip ; and, but the brethren in Antioch were the means used.
like those, these also were Hellenist Jews.
* ttere, then, without prearrangement, was a company LAYING ON OF HANDS IS INDORSEMENT
of menwith a broad outlook and the right spirit, in the 9 The holy spirit had come upon the Gentile, Corne-
best place for,that further work which the Lord had said lius, someyears before this, and it is certain that that
should be done. Their names are mentioned. Barna- good man and his household had told others of the
bas is named first and Saul last. Of these two we know precious truth; but God’s ministry to the Gentiles now
much, but of the others, Simeon, Lucius, and ]~Ianaen, began at Antioch, and in such fashion as is here related.
we knowlittle or nothing beyond what is here recorded. ~o The laying on of hands was not to keep up any
Manaeu was a man of some standing; he had been apostolic succession, but was a significant action of good
brought up as foster brother with Herod the tetrarch. men commending their brethren to the Lord. It is
5 Verse 2 of chapter 13 says, "As they ministered to clear that these men understood that they were author-
the Lord, and fasted, tho holy spirit said, Separate ized of the Lord to do this thing, for when the Lord
me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have by the holy spirit said, "Separate unto me Barnabas
called them." The word minister gives the thought and Saul," it was not as if he said, "I amseparating unto
of direct service to the Lord rather than that of service me Barnabas and Saul." They were to do it. That little
to the Lord through the brethren, and it seems as if the company of men devoted to the Lord understood that
intention is to convey the thought that these menwere they were to attend to this matter; and their act was
waiting on the Lord as if for direction from him. It acknowledged of the Lord to Barnabas and Saul as
certainly is not merely a record of sen, ice such as is much as the laying on of hands of the apostles was
conveyedin Acts 11 : 26. acknowledged to any convert who was baptized.
]Thes~ were wise and understanding men. It could ~ It is goodwhenthe elders of aa ecclesia are menof
h~ r,1.’y be otherwise *hen that both these goodmentalked prayer, whocharge themseh’es with the Lord’s interests.
JUNE1, 1925
WATCH TOWER 171
The Lord can reward them as he rewarded these faithful come out of its victim, as was so frequently the case
men in Antioch. But it often happens that elders in- during our Lord’s ministry. :Here was a man bearing
stead of confining their thoughts to the things which tlle name the Savior bore, who had deliberately given
are necessary for their good service to the church, and himself to evil. Without doubt this ready tool of the
clmrg’ing themselves with the Lord’s interests, selfishly devil was Satan’s iustrmnent by which he hoped to frus-
concern themseh’es with their own, seeking to get them- trate the workof the Lord’s apostles.
sehes into prominence. ~ These incidents are illustrations of the work of the
~-~ This was the second occasion on which hands were Church now, at the time when the truth goes forth in
laid uponPaul : the first was ~ hen the humble,and other- full measure {o those who have not had the opportunity
wise unknown, Ananias of Damascus laid his hands of hearing K. There are those today assoemted with
on /anl’s head. (Acts 9 : 1~) Paul could not have desired the establishments of earthly potentates who are in as
thai the hands of any apostle should be laid upon him, bitter opposition to the truth of the kingdom of God
for he knew he was chosen apart from them; and it is now being established in power, as he who was called
evid:,nt by lhis providence that Godnever intended that the "son of Jesus", and who claimed to be a wise man,
he ~hould be sent out from Jerusalem on his mission was opposed to the truth or the kingdom of grace then
charged by the other apostles. being preached. Without doubt these opposers will have
~ Neither Barnabas nor Patti were of Antioch, and their opposition manifested. There is no question that
it wouhl therefore be comparatively easy for them and manyare already struck with blindness as to the true
for lhe brethren who remained to make the separation. condition of humanaffairs.
Accompaniedby ,] ohn Mark, whomthey took to minister ~7 It is apparent that the ecclesiastics of today are
to them, they left for Seleucia, at the mouth of tlle groping about as if seeking for someoneto take them by
0rm:tes, whence they took boat to Cyprus. Cyprus the hand. And there can be no question that numbers
was 13arnabas’ own countr35 and probably that was the will seon believe the message of the ldngdom as they
reason they went there first. At Salamis in Cyprus they see the ecclesiastical world smitten with blindness.
visited the synagogues, for there were many Jews in ~8 As then, so now, the people are apathetic about the
Cyprus. Little seems to have been gained on ±his their kingdom; but they do not oppose the truth; they do
fir~,t call in C)’prus, at Sa]amis,and they went to Paphos.not understand, nor will they until the trouble has
made them long for relief. The opposers now aye of
SORCERER IS SILENCED BY PAUL the same class as those of that day, whenthe gospel of
~ At Paphos the lloman deputy, Sergius :Paulus, a the grace of God was preached to the Gentiles. They
prudent man, desired to hear from them of what they are, first, the ecclesiastics and the principal of their
were preaching. In the establishment of the deputy flock; these correspond to the Jewish leaders; second,
was a Jew, named Bar-jesus, otherwise called Elymas, the rulers and supporters of the present order who, like
who was a sorcerer, and a false prophet. This man the Romanofficials, care but little till they are in some
openly withstood Barnabas and Paul, seeking to turn way disturbed; and third, tlle instigator of evil, the
away the deputy from the faith. But Saul (who now great enemy, the devil, who through his mediums, the
permanently took tl~e name of Paffl), filled with the latter day sorcerers, and his other tools, still opposesall
holy spirit, set his eyes on Elymas and said: "0 full truth. Some of these are hke Elymas, very willing,
of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, while some are but dupes.
tl~cu enemyof all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to
pervert the rioht ways of ’the Lord?" (Acts 13: 10) QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
lie then said that ]Clymas should be blind, not seeing Where do our lessons now take us? What city now comes
the sun for a season. Blindness immediately came upon specially into i)rominence? What advantages had Antioch
the sorcerer, and "he went about seeking some to lead over other cities at that time? ¶ 1-4.
him by the hand." (Acts 13 : 11) With all his cunning Itow do Acts 13:2 and Acts 11:26 compare? What does
lhe word minister mean ill the forlner? ¶ 5.
and his union with dark powers he was helpless. The What may be said of Barnabas and Paul? Ilow did they
deputy seeing this believed, and was astonished at the show that they were willing to serve the Lord? ¶6, 7.
doctrine of the Lord.--Aets 13: 1~. IIow were Barnabas and Prml sent by the holy spirit? ¶ 8.
aa This opposition by the man whose name means Was the laying on of lmnds to keep up apostolic succession?
"son of Jesus", and who styled himself "the wise", is If not, what was it for? ¶ 9, 10, 12.
an important item of the study. WhenBarnabas and Is prayerfully?
it g.ood for the eiders to look after the Lord’s interests
¶ 11.
Paul preached to the lloman deputy it was the first Was it easy for Barnabas and Paul to leave Antioch? Was
occasion o~ the preaching of the gospel of the kingdomto their ministry a success at Cyprus? ¶13.
a Gentile with the object of converting him to the faith What does Bar-jesus mean? Why was he stricken with
of Jesus Christ. And the devil was there, opposing blindness? Why is it significant that Satan had his rep-
resentatives present at Paphos? ¶14, 15.
through his willing tool. Paul realized the situation. Ilow do these incideuts illustrate the work now going on?
There was no question here of bidding an ewl spirit 16-18.
THE GOSPEL IN ANTIOCH OF PISIDIA
--JULY 12--kc’rs 1.3." 13-52--
~AUL’S ~ IRST RECORDED DISCOURSE--EX~PERIENCES OF JESUS FULFIL SCRIPTURE--PERSECUTIONS COME .FllO~[ LEADEF~.
"’2,ehold, I have given, him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commanderto the peoples."--
15"utah 55: 4, A. S. V.
INDINGlittleinterest to detainthemin Cyprus chosen land. He had delivered them from bondage with
F the apostles did not stay, but took ship for the a high hand, and for their sakes had destroyed seven
mainland of Asia lIinor, and came to Perga in nations in the land of Canaan. Then for 450 years
Pamphylia. But neither did they stay there, probably he gave them judges until, desiring a king, he gave
because the time was unfavorable. It is said that at them Saul of the tribe of Benjamin. Him he had to
certain seasons the coast there is very unhealthful. remove, and God then gave *hem David as king, saying
= For some reason, not explained, Mark declined to of him that he was % man after mine own heart, which
go on from Perga. It may be that the dangers and shall fulfil all mywill."--Aets la : 22.
hardships of the road made him afraid; but it is r A thousand years had gone since David was made
as probable that his decision was because of personal king, and until now God had made no move to fulfil
feeling. In Cyprus, Paul had come into greater prom- the promise to raise up a savior out of David’s seed.
thence than Barnabas, Mark’s uncle, and it is quite But Paul declared that God had fulfilled his promise
p]’obable that John Mark was not pleased with this. by raising Jesus from the dead, who was of the seed
It also seems that there was some rearrangement made of David according to the flesh, israel did not realize
at Perga, for the Scriptures now speak always of this phase of God’s purpose for, satisfied with them-
the two as Paul and Barnabas, as if henceforth Paul selves, they were, in their opinion, ready to be the
was the foremost. Perhaps John Mark’s deflection had teachers of the world. Paul’s point was that Israel
something to do with this. Wemay not know the rea- needed a savior, and that David’s seed had first to re-
son why Mark went home; but experience shows that store Israel to himself.--Aets 13 : 23.
it is dangerous to spiritual well-being to decline work s Ie was a bold thing for Paul to tell these Jews, and
which has been given by the Lord, either dircct135 or the Greeks who associated with them, that "they lhat
which has come in the order of his providence. dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers" had crucified h,n
a The two apostles pushed forward towards Antioch in whomGod had sent to give salvahon to Israel. The
Pisidia. (This Antioch should not be confused with the evidence of their wrong was clear: they could find no
Antioch in Syria, where their travels began.) The cause of death in Jesus, yet desired of Pilate that he
going was hard, for the road was a climb through the should be slain. They were blind to all the evidences,
mountMnpasses. The scenery was, of course, grand partly because they knew not the word of God when it;
and beautiful; but in none of Paul’s writings, nor was spoken, but chiefly because they knewnot the voices
in any written of his travels, is there mention of the of the prophets which were read every sabbath day.
scenery through which he and his companion passed (v. 2~) Paul boldly declared that God had raised Jesus
whenfollowing their work for the Lord. from the dead, and that they were witnesses that God’s
4 Antioch in Pisidia was a city of considerable im- promise made to the fathers had been fulfilled in rais-
portance. Situated on the plateau of Asia Minor it ing up Jesus. He quoted the 2nd Psahn: "Thou art
was a center of the trade routes, and therefore a good my Son, this day have I begotten thee" (v. 7); and
place for the spreading of the gospel. In all these cities Isaiah 55: 3: I will give you "the sure mercies of
there were Jews with their synagogues, for nnder the David"; also he quoted Psalm 16: 10: Thou wilt not
~xorht-rule of the Greeks and Ilomans the Jews had "suffer thine tIMy One to see corruption", and declared
traveled far: they had long been traders rather than that these scriptures were fulfilled in Jesus.
the pastoral people Godintended them to be. D Paul’s usage of these scriptures in connection with
5 On the sabbath day Paul and Barnabas went into Jesus must have comewith muchsurprise to his hearers.
{he synagogue and sat down. The entrance of two such They had probably thought David spoke of himself
men as these drew the attention of the rulers of the concerning his own resurrection, and did not realize
synagogue; and after the law and the prophets had been that his words were a prophecy of the anointed. Nor
read the rulers sent to them, saying, "If ye have any did they understand that "the sure mercies of David"
word of exhortation for the people, say on." (Acts 13: could be thus spoken of.
15) Paul stood up, and with an orator’s gesture began ao The Jews took all the promises to themselves, as
to speak to the people. if they were the only heirs; but Paul showedthat these
6 This is the first occasion in which an address of promises were only to the true Israel, those proved to
Paul’s is reported. Like all those who explained the be such bv accepting God’s word concerning Jesus.
way of the Lord, he began by reminding the men of Israel thought that as they were the people of David
Israel of their history. He reminded them that God these promises and all others belonged to them. They
had chr,~en their fathexs and called them to dwell in a did not disting-uish between the promises madeto David
172
WATCH TOWER 173
and the blessings which were to come by him; and they quoted to show that the word of God must go to those
resented the thought that they needed a savior. who hitherto had been debarred from the light.
1, ~o one could share that Davidie promise until the lc The Gentiles were glad and glorified the word of
foremost of the seed, Jesus, had received the blessing the Lord, and the tmlth was published throughout all
in his resm’rection. Afterwards, whoever would receive that region (v. 49) ; but the Jews stirred up eve~ the
Christ, as the sent of God,had the privilege of entering devont and noble women,and the chief menof the city,
in with Jesus into the sure mercies of David; that is, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas and
by a resurrection into immortality without possibility expelled them from the neighborhood. Thus do per-
of corruption, and of being made a joint-heir of God’s verse men play upon the feelings of even devout and
King in Israel.--Roman 8: 17; 1 Corinthians 15:53. honorable people who do not think for themselves.
12 Paul said to the congregation: "Whosoever among ~ Paul’s warning to the Jews quoted frmn tIabakkuk
you feareth God"--whether Jew or Gentile---"through is proof that he madea clear difference betweenthe call
this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: to be the seed of David and the blessing which was to
and by him all that believe are justified from all thing,% come to Israel when God should send them a deliverer
from whieh ye could not be justified by the law of from Zion. (Roman 11: 26) Their blindness was be-
5Ioses." (Acts 13 : ~-)C,~8, 39)This doctrine must have cause they were. so self-satisfied and because they paid
been as great a surprise to the people as was his other no attentmn to the prophets which were read from sab-
interpretation.. Israel as a people had known of a bath to sabbath.
~s As it was them when entrance into the ldngdom
covering provided for their sins year by )’car by the sin-
atonement sacrifices, but they had never knownremis- of grace and special favor was preached, so it is now
sion of sins. NowPaul deeiares that whoever receives when the time is come to tell of the Lord’s second ad-
Christ, comesto Godby meansof the true sacrifice which ~’ent, amt of the establishment of the kingdomin power.
takes away sins, has remission of his past sins. Not Those who could have had the privilege of the kingdom
only that, he is also instilled, counted as if he had not despise the message, and must have the words of tta-
sinned; so that he stands before God without eondem- bakkukapplied to them as to their predecessors the Jews.
nation.--See Iiebrews 9:14. They also wonder and perish.
19 In this address Paul claims a fulfilment of the
la Paul had the same thought in mind as Peter had
prophetic writings. In this he is at-one with Jesus
when, soon after Pentecost, he urged Israel to repent and all the other apostles. But in this he differs from
that their "times of refreshing" might come. Paul
the leaders of Christendom, who have gone out of their
now tells of a savior for Israel bv whomthey maycome
way to tell the people that the Old Testament is not
into harmony with Go(l. 1te well understood the great
to be considered as the Wordof God, and that the best
work Jesus was to do on his return, in the days of his
kingdom; but his special concern was for those ~ho of the prophecies are only the good wishes or fond
visions of good men.
were to have part in the spiritual phase of the kingdom.
~4 As if he realized that many of those who heard QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
him would spm’n the message, Paul again referred to Where was it that Paul received I)rominenee over Barna-
the prophets, saying, "Beware therefore, lest that come bas? What probable effect did thisha~’eupon Mark? ¶ 1, 2.
Wlmt was it that Paul ctmsi(ler~l of most importance?
upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets: Behold, Paul’s first recorded discourse was delivered where? ¶ 3-6.
ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a Wlmt was the order of l’aul’s discourse? IIow did God
work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise be- fulfil his proinise that he had made Io David? What
blinding thou.ght did the Jews entertain? ¶6, 7.
lieve, though a man declare it unto you." (Habakkuk Why did the Jews refuse the evidence tlmt the Scriptures
1: 5) This wonderful discourse stirred both Jews and were being fulfilled in tim experienc-es of Jesus and his
Gentiles. The Jews walked out of the synagogue, but followers? ¶ 8, 14.
IIow do we know that David was a type of Christ? What
the Gentiles remained to ask that these things might are the "sure mereies of David"? ¶9-11.
be spoken to them agMn the next sabbath; and after Wlmt is the differenee between the prumises made to David
the service was over many, both am, s and proselytes, and those which are to come by him? What was it that
the Jews resented? ¶ 10.
followed Paul and Barnabas, listening further to the won- What doctrine did Paul proclaim that must have surprised
derful words which they had to speak.--Aets 13 : 42, 43. tim Jews? What is the difference between a "covering
la The next sabbath almost the whole city came to for sin" and a "remission of sins"? ¶ 12.
"Thnes of refreshh]g" refers to what, and to what time? ¶ 13
hear the word of God; vhieh filled the Jews with envy, How did Paul back up his argument that some would spurn
and they contradicted Paul and blasphemed. Then his message? ¶ 14.
Why was the message turned to the Gentiles? Is it possible
Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said: "It was neces- that devout people may be mistaken? ¶15,16.
sary that the word of Godshould first have been spoken Wlmt proof have we that Paul understood the difference
between the call to be of the Davidie seed and the blessing
to you; but seeing ye put if from you, and judge your- lhat should come from that seed? ¶ 17.
selves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Who are those who had kingdom privileges to whom the
words of IIabakkuk 1:5 now apply? ttow does Pag,
Gentiles" (Acts 13:4:6); and again the prophets were differ from tho leaders of Christendom? ¶ 18, 19.
INTERESTING LETTERS
ACTIVITY REWARDED SUBTLE LEADINGS OF SATAN
I)EAR FRIENDS : DEAR I~ROTIIER I{UTIlI:RFORD:
The following is a report of the results from back calls It has occurred to me that a short sketch of my experi-
tn connection with Brotller Rutherford’s public meeting at ence for n period of three or four weeks during the last few"
~yria Mosque last November: clays of 1924 and the beginning of ]925 might be of interest
¯ unl comfort, as well as n w’trning to others who may lmve
Canvass mailed (parties livina long distance away), ....17 like experience.
l~nable to locate (wrongaddress given, ete ), ................ 13
]Moved (shortlyafter meeting),_ ....................................... 5 It is ’l perfect com’oboration of the thought expressed
Not liome (several attempts mu(Iein each case), . ........... 19 in the "Finished Mystery" refa’ar(ling the mind of the Lerd’s
IImd(shortlyafter meeting),. ........................................... 2 people beta.o" the battle-ground of tim evil spirits. As is tim
~’Onloney,................................................................................ 1
33 case generally, my lroul)le all grew froln a very snlall begln-
NOfurtherinterest,_...............................................................
Someinterest, no further sales, maybuy later, . ........... 20 nillg, consisting of hints and lmlf-veiled suggestions, eomil;:;
}JaNvolnlllq’s, no flll’lher s~lles ......................................... 15 in tile most part from those whonl I ha~e reason to believe
Hasvolumes,boughtother books,.................................... 4
l~ougi/tfull set of sevenvolumes, . ....................................... 2:3 alX? truly s(ms of God. Many lmlt-formed doubts had foun(l
lloughtset of six volumes ................................................. 2 l)laee in my mind, and lhen su(hlelfly eanle the deluge. Tim
]foughtoddvolumes andbooklet& . ................................... 1t first suo,gestion (coming like a /lash of lightning) was th-/t
Total
...................................................................................... 165 I~rotlnu’ llutlwrford had denied lhe ransom. This was fol-
More names tlmn these were handed in, but ninny were lowed by sugges|ions along many lira,s, Im(.ked by Scripture
so illegibly written as to be of no use. quolntions alal rt ferences to o1(1 TOWER articles, which seemed
to show that the preseqt teaching of {lie SOCIETYV(as contrary
Vte began making these eqlls tln’ee weeks after the to the fun(lanmntals tauaht l~y Brother Russell.
meeting, but tile calls were over greatly scattered territory. Then calae ~l’eat illlnnimltloll of miml---llfings seemed
We do not think it possible to over-estimate the ~ood these ns clear qs crystal. I seemed to be lifled al)ove the cares
large public meetings do. The friends had wonderful ex- of life; and while I was (.onscious of a great eonlliet, ye~
periences in talking with tlmse in whom an interest had 1 wits grandly eahn wilh what seemed perfect poise. Many
been aroused. Not only tlmt, but some who did not hand in wonderful inte|’l)l’et-ltiol~S of Seril)lure lloolled my milnl,
their names have hunted us up, and have attended meetings so ingenious llmt it seemed they nmst be true. In fact, I
since. For instance, one young m’m beard the truth for believe that many were trne, 1)erlml)S used as bait to lure
the first time at this large meeting. He bad studied for me on. Satan surely is assuming the pqrt as "’m angel of
three years in order to become a minister, and gave it up light". Sleep seemed unnecess~lry, food only a matter of
in disgust and discouragement. Then came Brother Ruther- little concern. The chief point of "tttqek was tlle activities
ford’s lecture, and the young man bought a IIalm, took it of the Lord’s people in witnessing to the world. This seems
home, finished reading it that night. He then came over to to "roger Satan -there all else.
our local News Bureau and had books sent to his mother, Then came the suggestion that perhaps the Lord was
who lives in Milwaukee. Purehqsing the volmnes for hinl- about to use me in some very wonderful and honorable
self, also, he began to attend two Berean studies, prayer- manner. Surely, had not God used a dumb ass? Why not
meeting, and Sunday service. He has since m~de a full you? However, the Lord was with me. All the lime I
consecration to the Lord. His experience alone would have felt his love and favor, and I earnestly prayed that I might
made the meeting worth while. But there are many others. I)e led into the truth and not be swallowed up of error, also
The husband of a sister in the truth had been very much that I might not injure any of his little ones; and he an-
opposed until hearing the lecture, but since then his inter- swered my prayers. By the aid of sonm clear brethren and
est has steadily grown, and he, too, has now made a conse- the letter sent nm by Brother Ilutherford, the Lord delivered
cration to the Lord. llle from the snare of the fowler.
One woman who attended the lecture, had heard a lec- Do I regret the experience? Indeed, no! I would not
ture out West sometime before. She bought a II.xr, p at the take worlds for the experience, and would not for worhls
Syria Mosque meeting, and her daughter read it. The lattc:" (unless the Lord so wills) go lhrough another experience
was takeu ill slmrtly after, and when dying, pointed to the of like character. It has given me the blessed "~ssurance that
lt.tm,, indicating that she wished those who were associated lhe Lord is still le~t(lin.K me, protecting me, and will, ig
in putting forth such a message should have charge of her faithful, accept me into his Mngdom.
funeral services. No doubt many of the dear sainls will be permitted thu~
When two workers called upon a man who had pur- to judge angels daring the ye’tr 1925, but to such as are
elmsed the lIAItp, the man informed them tlmt he had lmre in bear( no llal’m will come. The value of a kind,
finished the H_xuP, and was very eager indeed to secure symlmlhelie wor(t is l~?yond price to one in such a trial.
more reading matter. After buying the seven volmnes, im Harsh, unsymp./tlmtie opposition, even if right, nmkes the
wished to be put ill touch with a local t3erean study. lea(1 more hea~y. Let us comfort ’ill that lnourn! May
Two other workers called upon the wife of a man who the Lord richly bless you and ull Zion. May he speedi!y
bad bought the HArP at the Mosque. They found the wife bring us all together that we may see lye to eye.
If this experience could be used Io help any of tim de-(l"
very bitter, because, since attending the lecture, her husband
lind refused to go lo the Episcopalian Church with her any saints, I would he glad.
lon~el’, and, to quote her, "all he does is re’/d that book he Yore" brother in Chris
L
bought." The friends had quite some difficulty in getting J. E. CAsrem.:Lr~, M. D., Ohio.
into the house, but linally won a point, and gained "m en-
trance. After about "Ill llour’s conversation, the WOnlqAl APPRECIATING PRESENT TRUTH
ordered the whole set of seven, asked .(bout Sunday School ])EXt~ IIRETIInEN
for children, and has been attending our meetings ever since. I am taking mueli pleasure in sending in my answera
We could not begin to tell you all the rich and encourag- to the V.D.M. questions.
Ing experiences the friends h’tve had in this follow-up work, i also wish to express to you my appreciation of your
and figures can never approximate the good that has been wonderful articles in the WATCHTOWER,. We can hardly
done. wait from one issue till the next. I am very thankful that
the Lord even permitted me to see the Truth, and also for
We trust it will be the Lord’s good pleasure specially
the serv’mts he has given us in Brother I{utherford and tim
to push this line of service, and that Brother Itutherford’s many other brothers we have in the Pilgrims and all others
heart may be encouraged and strengthened to continue this wlm are giving out the kingdom message. Ilemembering
~plendid work until the battle is won. you all at the throne of grace, I remain
With much Christian love from Yours in the service of our ICing,
S~awcl~ Co~,~rrrEE, Pittsburgh, Pa. Jas*~s L. M~VnEa, Indiana.
174~
JUNE1, 1925
WATCH TOWER 175
TOWER ARTICLES ARE EATEN dear beavenly Father in tim name of ~ is belayed Son, Christ
DEAg BROTHERIX CHRIST: Jesus, for all these good things which we are enjoying an,1
which are so soul-satisfying.
After reading and studying carefully those three wonder- With warin love and greetings to you and all the dear
ful articles in recent issues of the WATCRTOWElt, on "The brethren at the Bible House, and with full confidence that
~obe of liighteousness", "The Year of Jubilee," and "The the Lord is still leading his dear Ziou safely as of old. I
Birth of the Nation", I feel impelled to write and express to
alll as ever,
you the gratitude that is in my heart for tile rich food tile :four brother ill Christ.
Lord is giving to us in these last days through the SOCIErY WALTEl~J. THOr~N, Pilgrim.
which the Lord is using, and which is evidently referred to
iwophetically by Isaiah as "nly servant whomI have chosen,
that ye nnly know and believe me, and understand that I TIIE LORE OPENING UP HIS SECRETS
am he."--lsaiah 43:10. DEAR t~ROTIII,.R ]{UFIIEI’FORt)
These heautiful new truths are surely "flashes of light- The March 1st ~VArct{ ’I’owER leading article, "Birth
ning", issuing fronl the temple of God now opened in heaven, of the Nation," in surely convincing and perfectly satisfactory
and are also "ilhmlinaiions of tile Word of God, giving to my mind. 1 was never quite settled ou the understandiug
further glimpses of truth in tim great plait", to enlighten, we had of tile twelfth chapter of l~evelation, but accepted
comfort und strengthen tile remmmt or God’s dear saiuts it for want of any better ll~terl)retation ;, and no better in-
ou earth who are faithfully and loyally fighting under the terpretation eouhl be had of lhis chapter prior to transpir-
banner of our great Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ. These ing evculs. Current and past eventuation now clinches the
are truly lterihms times, especially for the Church; but ar,aulnent in my mind that tile TOWER article is indisputably
these blessed truths are found and eaten by the anointed correct.
class, as did Jerembdl of ohl, who represented these and wit,) Unquestionably lhis intel’prelalion amy prove a sifting
wrote: "Thy words were found, and I dill ctzt then(, aria inediimt, lint tim really earl,est and sincere ones of lhe faith
thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart, will ,~!nnd tlrlu and rejoice m this further lnunlfestation el
for I ant called by tlly name, O Lord God of hosts."--Jere- tile love of God ill giving this additional evidence that (ha
n, iah 15 : lt;. SOCIEI’Y in his honored serv’tnt and mouthpiece, ,/nd assuring
The article on "The Birth of the Nation" was more diffi- us lurther thut we have the proper grasp and focus Oh his
cult to take hohl of because of a previous interpretqtiou by work, tiiue and plan.
dear Brother Russell, which we believed to be the final Gl’a,fiously hus the Lor(l let us look more closely into
word on Revelation, elmpter 12; but after re-nliLg thLs the chautber of enlightenment. He certainly hps revealed
tu’ticle over prayerfully and carefully, several tittles, the to us more of his secrets. It prompts us to ’.enewed zeal
point that struck me as the key to the l)roper understanding ¯ rod energy to proel’dm yet nmre loudly to humankind the
of the chapter is the fact that the numbers ill the book of King and the khlgdom of beaven as being at h’md. Surely
llcvelation are understood to be literal. no one can rend this qrticle witllout a redoubling of effort
1 have heard Brother Russell inore tlmn once st’tie for service "unl a deeper spirit of holiness and praise.
that tile numbers were to be understood in a literal sense. Only the de(letting ones will thsagree with tile inter-
Tlmn why should we make an exception in the (’ase of tile prelation an(l antagonize the tlloughts set forih in this arIi-
1260 days ill l[evelation, chapter 127 Then it occurred tie, and Salml will unquestionably use all such to upset the
farther to ll’e mind, that it is not the Lord’s usual metho,1 minds of the unstable; for w, siabDdninded one will he be
to give such prominence in tile SeriI)tures to Satan and llis able lo ip_tluence to the COD{rnry.
o~ ganization, and a detached account of the same, aud make The article is surely very timely and will do the Chm’cit
it :q)pear as though Satan had finally triulnphed and gained much good.
a great victory, as we formerly understood in our applieu- The Iil’st article in lhe February 15th TCWERis also
tion of verse 10 in this chapter. So tuking pencil iu hand grand and eonelusi,’~. May the Lord give us more of such
and counting tile dates as st~ggcsted in "~VATcI[ TOWER, to stimulate our faith nn(1 hour.
March 1st, ii seemed to n:e rather reinarkable that the 1260 l,’nithtully yours in tile sere’ice.
days c(mhl be aFt)lied as suggested. Evidently clml)ter J. A. BOU~XET,Pilgrim.
is 1}rophecy, and therefore "cannot be understood until it
is fullilDd or in course of fulfilment". Another strong poin~
1)y way of corroboration is thut I~rother Russell interl)reted OVERCOMING EARTHLY OBLIGATIONS
tile "nlan child" o~ isaiah 6(i : 7 as follows : "This lnuu ehihl Dt:Ai: ~, ro’1HEre RUTIIEI~I,ORI)
is therefore the little flock, tile true Zion, in God’s estin,atmit In expressing to tile Lor(l my appreciation for the glo-
the Body of Christ." (Z. ’94, page 135.) It: seems reasonable rious ldugdoin mess~,ge nf lhis time, I feel tllat I cannot
therefore to conclude that the malt child of I{evelation 12 properly do so without acknowledging my indebtedness to
-llso refels to the Bo(ly o.g Christ. yell, lds lmnored and favorell servant by whomand throlk’dl
Truly those wonderful conventions held at Cedar Poiut, wllom this message is given to the anxious and waiting
~qll(l tile one last year ~t Cohnnbus, Ohio, were epoch-nltd.:ing menlbers ()~ tile Body yet ill tile ilesh. What an illuminatiou
events in the ldstoly o£ tile Chm’eh of God--the Zion class. or the hi(hellO puzzling twelfth elmpter of llevelation, as
Allhouoh there ~ ere present at tile Columbus, O., convention contained in the recent article on tile "Birth of tim Nation" !
"tbout 15,00t/ or more of tile Lord’s people in present truth, lh)w good the Lord is to thus make plain in detail to those
it was a litlle surprising that only 5,000 responded to the whose hopes lluva long been deferred, the glorious worki~ gs
call for service on Service Day. It was my delightful priv- of h;s marvelously strange act wherein the kingdom prevails.
ilege to be one of those who responded to the call on that How I long, dear brother, to be relieved of certain
day, and how all tile laborers in the Master’s vineyard re- business responsibilities encmnbered during those twelve
joice(1 at lhe close of the day’s work to Darn that nearly hundred and sixty days, and again to engage actively iu
a0,(100 books were i)hleed in tim various homes by the faittt- tim King’s service. During those days of ~he wilderness
ful workers as they went from door to door advertising the condition I x~as forced to give up a profession by means of
l~:iltg and the kingdom ! which I had for ninny years earned a support for my family,
In view of the fact that God’s dear Israel are all pray- nhd to undmtake to organize anew some plan of making a
tng daily for the Lord’s guidance of the Editorial Committee living I began during the days of inflation; and therefore,
regarding whqtever may appear in the cOlulnns of the I have had quite a struggle to extricate myself from neces-
"~VATCI{ TO~VERand the GOLDEN AGE, we cannot help but sary obligations, while nt the same time providing things
believe that these prayers are heard, and tile ahswers to needful for those dependent on me. A few more months now
these, prayers are found in the clearer light from the Bible should enable me to balance the ledger and afford the coveted
wllich God’s dear people are now getting through the "Clnn,- time to b:come more active again in the service.
iml" the Lord is now using in such a ~vondert’ul manner to Truly yours by the Lord’s grace,
feed tile Clmrch. It is even so, and we give thanks to our I. B. AL~’OBD,T~xas.
International Bible StudentsA sociation Classes
BROTHER J. A. BAEUERLEIN BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
]~Iilford, N.tI ................. June 16 STringfield. Mass........... ,Tune 23 Plymouth, Mieh ......... Juno 16 Monrne,3heh ................. June 24
lqtchburg, Mass ............... " :17 Ho]yoke,Mass ................. " 24 Ypbilanti, Mieh............. " :17 Toledo,O.......................... " 25
Vealtllam. Mass................. " :18 ].:abthanll)tOl)..’~Iabs ......... " 25 Chelsea, Mieh............... " 1~ l’]lkhart, Ind ..................... " 26
Natick, Mass..................... " 19 Orange,Mass ................... " 2(i Ann Arbor, Mieh ......... " 19, 21 Cllieago,III ....................... " 2~
leraluillgham, Mass........... " 21 Greenfield, Mass............... " 28 Dundee,Mich................. " 22 Clinton, la ...................... " 29
Worcester, Mass ............... " 22 Wilder,Vt......................... " 29 Adrian, Mieh................. " 23 Cedar Rapids, Ia ............. " 30
BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
ClayCity, Ill ............... June 16 Springfield, Ill ............... June 24 VACATION
Carlyle,Ill ..................... " 17, 18 Quincy,Ill ......................... " 25
East St. Lonis, Ill ....... " 19 Hamilton,Ill ................... " 26 The vacation of the Bethel family will be Angust 22nd,
St. Louis. Me................. " 21 Peoria, Ill ......................... " 28 to September 5th, 1925. During that period the office an4
BunkerHill, Ill ............. " 22 Streator. Ill ..................... " 29
Gillespie,Ill ................... " 23 Peru, Ill ........................... " 30 factory will be closed.
"! . ’,
4 ~.: -.i
o-° :%. ,
CONTENTS
THEWAY TOLIFE................................................ 179
Is Satan a Usurper? ....................................... 180
TheLogos.......................................................... 181
Salan’s Execution Deterr~l ............................ 1~2
Cities of Refuge................................................ 182
The Accuser of the Brethren ........................ 183
Perilous Times................................................. 183
PRAYER-~IEETINGTEXT COMMENTS .................... 185
THEGOSPELIN LYSTRA ....................................... ]S~
TttE COUNCILAT.TEECSALE~I............................ 18~
Gentiles Untrammeled With the Law .......... 189
INTERESTING LETTERS...................................... 190
Satisfied with the Lord’s Arrangement ........ 191
Encouraging l~Ieetings in West Australia .... 191
CONVENTIONS FORAUGUST ................................. 178
~c[ will stand upon my ~ratch and will set ~ny foot
upon the Tower, and 7till watch to see what He will
say unto ~Je, and what an.uwer I shall n~ake $o them
that oppose me."---Habakkuk ~: 1.
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for ]ooklng
the thin~s comin~ upou the earth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecclesmsticsm) shall be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pa~,
know that the Kingdom ~f God is at hand. Look up, lift up your head~, rejoice, for your redemvtion draweth mgh.--l~iatt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THISpresented
journal is one of the prlm~ faetor~ or lnstrttme~ts
in all parts of the civilized
in the system of Bibl~ ins~.u~ti~m,
world by the WATCtI TOWEr, BIBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered
or "Seminary Extensiaa", now being
A.D. 1884¢ "For the Pro-
]notion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet ia the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit tile only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
st,.,dents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope no~ being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] lor
t~]l". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 ~imothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "maKe all see what is the fellowship o£ the mystery which...him
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now reYealed".--l~phesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and mere to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the wiU of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptnres. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoker,--accovding to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understnxul his utterances. Its attitalde is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon tim sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hea~ce otur e~eeisions relative to what may and what may not apI~e~r in its columns mus~ be according to our judgment of hi~
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuihl,ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
ieaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLYTEACH
That the chm’eh is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship" ; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age--ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Carnex Stone of his temple, through which, whet,
finished, God’s blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.--1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesiaus 2 : 20-22 ;
Genesis 28 : 14 ; Gal~ti~tns 3 : 29.
~hat meantilrm the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall h~ve been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together
in the first resurrectio~i ; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place bet~ ten God and men throughout
the Miliennium.--Revelation 15 : 5~8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and wlil be "the true light which ligh~eth every m~n that cometh into the world", "in due time".--
~tebrews 2 : 9 ; John 1 : 9 ; 1 Timothy 2 : ,5, 6.
~hat the hol~e of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his
glory as his joint-imir.--1 ffahn 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2, Peter 1:4.
"/?nat the present mi~ioi~ of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace ; to be C-o~t’s witrgess to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and prmsts in the new age.--Ephesians 4 : 12 ; /~latthew 24 :
14; Revelation 1: 6; 2t):6.
~hat the hope for the world lies i~ the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the
restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church,
when all the wilfully wicked will be destrayed.---Acts 3 : 19-23 ; Isaiah 35.
ment of the death penalty. (Genesis 2: 17) Since a usurper of power, but it does prove that he used
Lucifer was given charge over man to shield and pro- the power and authority with which he was clothed
tect him it follows that he had the power to inflict for his ownselfish gratification. Be it here noted that
punishment for any infraction of the rules or laws he has tempted everyone of God’s righteous creatures
governing man. tie was made {he executive officer of along the sameline.
Jehovah over man. Then it would seem that it would ~s Genesis, chapter 3, records the beginning of Luci-
be his right and duty to put manto death for {he vio- fer’s wicked scheme. He knew that God had commanded
lation of God’s law. That he was given the power of Adamand Eve to multiply and fill the earth and that by
death there can be no doubt, because St. Paul, under their obeying this commandmentthe time would come
inspiration, plainly says of him: "Him that had the when the earth would be filled with a race of human
power of death, that is, the devil.’--Hebrews 2:14; beings. IIe knew that man was devoted to God, that
Itabakkuk 1 : 13 ; Romans6 : 23. he worshiped God, and he knew that for him to aecmn-
plish his own selfish purpose he must alienate man’s
IS SATAN A USUI’,PER? affections from God. lie determined he would do this
23 To usurp means to dominate, or usurp authority very thing by inducing Adamand Eve to believe that
from another. It means to seize, to hold a position by God is a liar, that he was holding from them their
force and without right. A usurper is one who by just rights by a threat of death, and that God was
force seizes, illegally, the sovereign power, or the throne therefore unworthy of their love and worship.
from the rightful holder, and then holds it by force, ~9 This perfect pair was already under Lucifer’s care,
illegally. If David John was the legal and rightful and his purpose was, by betraying his trust, to win the
ruler of Breton, and Mr. Windsor George should by affection and worship of man. Because God had given
force illegally seize the throne of the nation and hold t’fim (Lucifer) the power of death he would reason that
it, he would properly be called a usurper. That would should Adam and Eve turn away from God and be
be a bold, bad deed; but there are some things that are found guilty, it would devolve upon him, Lucifer, to
w~rse. execute the death penmty under the law; that he would
~ Lucifer did not usurp power or authority over man, refuse to do this; tht;i in the course of time he would
because God gave him that right. He did not usurp see the earth filled with the offspring of man, and
power and authority from God, because that would mean that this creation would worship him instead of God,
that he wouldexercise a superior force than that possess- and that then he would be like the Most High God.
ed by Jehovah, which is imposmble. He did not usurp 20 To carry out his wicked and diabolical scheme he
power and authority, but he did worse. fold Eve that the eating of the forbidden fruit would
~5 :He held a position of confidence and trust by ap- not result in death. "Ye shall not surely die: for God
pointment from Jehovah. Ve aecupicd a fiduciary re- cloth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your
lationship toward God. A fiduciary is one who holds eves shall be opened; and ye shall be as gods, knowing
a thing h~ trust for another. The position necessarily good and evil."--Genesis 3:4, 5.
involves confidence and trust, requiring and demanding z~ Intending doubtless to refuse to exercise against
faithfulness and loyalty to the last degree. To betray them the power of death, he expected to see Eve and
such a trust is far worse than being a usurper. One Adamhave the eyes of their understanding opened;
in such a fiduciary capacity, whois guilty of betraying that they wouldstilt !ive, that they wouldthen believe
his trust, is lawless, wicked acd iniquitous. Yea, be- Godto be a liar and believe Lucifer to be their bene-
cause of the violation of his sacred obligation he makes factor, and that therefore they would readily turn
himself a nefarious creature and covers himself with from God and worship Lucifer. In order that he might
perfidy. Not only did Lucifer do this, but to accom- be adored and worshiped like the Most High God he
plish his selfish purpose he re:~orted to lying, murder, was ~illing to betray his sacred trust, to make Godout
and defamation of the good name of his great Creator, a liar and devoid of love; and he was willing to risk
to whomhe was indebted for his position and for his his ownability to sa~e manfrom death.
life. tie became the greatest and wickedest of all -0~ God knew of this wicked scheme in Satan’s heart,
criminals. of course; and that was when iniquity was found in
WHAT LUCIFER DID him. Jehovah did not interfere with his carrying out
~6 The prophet Ezeldcl telh how Lucifer" was im- his wicked scheme.
pressed wlth his own beauty: "Thine heart was lifted za "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that
np beeau~ of thy beauty; *hou hast corrupted thy thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."
wisdom by reason of thy brightness."--Ezekiel 28:17. (Ezekiel 28: 15) Iniquity means perverseness, wicked-
¯T The prophet Isaiah fells of the conception of Luci- ness, lawlessness and unrighteousness. It means the
fer’s wicked scheme. (Isaiah 14: 13, 14) His heart was violation of the rights of others. It means nefarious-
malignant; that is to say, his purpose or motive secretly ness; that is to say, a breach of the most sacred trust
conceived, was wicked. This does not prove that he was and obligation-
ffUN~ 15, 1925 181
WATCH TOWER
Error mean~ to wander away or deviate from the 3~ In all these things the Logos delighted to do his
right course; a departing or deviation from truth; a Father’s will. Concerning him the prophet makes re-
violation of duty. It means lawlessness and sin. It cord : "I delight to do thy will, 0 myGod: yea, thy law
means fraud, deceit and delusion, a turning away from is within my heart." (Psahn 40: 8) The Logos loved
piety or a right course. the name and honor of his Father. He was unselfishly
2~ The error or delusion of the wickedone was selfish- devoted to him. Of course he observed the apparent
ness, which means a lack of love. Of Satan, the Prophet leniency and tolerance of God toward Satan, in that
says: "For tho~ hast said in thine heart, I will ascend God permitted him without interference to pursue his
into heaven, I will exalt mythrone above the stars of nefarious course, and this of itself wouldfurnish a test
God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congrega- to the loyalty of the Logos.
tion, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the a~-God made his plan of salvation to depend upon
heights of the clouds: I will be like the Most High."-- the perfect man’s perfect loyalty and absolute devotion.
Isaiah 14=: 13, _ t. To others it would seem weakness to risk so muchupon
~6Lucifer permitted selfishness to override love. the loyalty of one perfect man, but "the weakness of
Therefore he developed a wicked heart. Pride and a God is stronger than men."--I Corinthians 1:~5.
nlalicious desire to shine above all other creatures and aa Tested for a period of four thousand years after
to be like the Most High God led him to unfaithfulness the treachery of Lucifer, always loyal and unselfishly
and disloyalty, and that through selfishness. His end devoted to the Father, God knew he could safely rely
is destruction. upon his only begotten Son, when he would be trans-
27 liis course, or way, stands as a monument,warning ferred to earth as a man, to becomethe Redeemerof man.
every intelligent creature that he who goes this way There could never be such an exhibition of fidelity,
goes to death. The apostle Peter, in the text quoted, submissiveness, loyalty and unselfish devotion to Jehovah
indicates that there is a danger of the saints being God as that made manifest by the Logos, afterwards
drawn away by the error of the wicked one at the end Jesus, later the Christ.
of theage. a4 Whenon earth Jesus was always falthfal and loyal
THI] LOGOS to his Father. He refused to be tempted away from his
2s Not a great deal is said in the Old Testament of course of stedfastness, defending himself against every
the Logos. In the beginning God said: "Let us make assault througk the Wordof God. I-Ie said: "I ea,u of
man." While no statement is made as to whom God mine ownself do nothing : . . . because I seek not mine
spoke these words, it seems quite evident that they were own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent
addressed to the Logos. Lucifer may have been present me." (John 5: 30) He and his Father, having enjoyed
and participated in the conversation. This conclusion long centuries of sweet fellowship, knew each other and
finds some force in the statement of the Prophet that loved each other. Jesus said: "As the Father knoweth
when God laid the foundation of the earth "the morn- me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my
ing stars sang together". (Job 38: 7) That the Logos life for the sheep .... Therefore doth my Father love
and Lucifer were the morning stars here mentioned me, because I lay down mylife, that I might take it
seems to be definitely settled.--Isa. 14: 1~ ; Roy. 2g: 16. again."--John 10: 15, 17.
=9 St. Paul tells us concerning the Logos that all a5 Jesus knew that it was the will of Godto have him
things were made by him, and without him was nothing suffer death that he might redeem man and undo and
made that was made. (John 1: 3) The Logos was not destroy the wicked works of the evil one, and such was
only the confidential friend of Jehovah but was en- the joy this brought to him that he gladly and willingly
trusted by Jehovah with the great work of creation. Of did it, despising the shame to which he was subjected.~
course this must have included the creation of Lucifer. Itebrews 12 : 2.
The Logos occupied a fiduciary relationship to Jehovah ~6 Instead of attempting to make himself a reputation
and he was true to his trust. There is no place in the and shine in the eyes of others, he humbled himself
Scriptures which indicates that the Logossought to shine and became obedient even unto the most ignominious
in the eyes of others. There is nothing to indicate that death. For this reason God hath highly exalted him
he ever possessed any selfish spirit, tie is shownto be and given him a name above every name, and commands
humble, submissive and faithful messenger of Jehovah. that all creatures in heaven and earth shall worship
8o Whenthe children of Israel wandered for forty the Son as he worships the Father.
years in the wilderness Godsent an angel before them, 8r Lucifer had selfishly attempted to obtain the wor-
as it is written in Exodus 23: 30. Doubtless that angel ship. of creatures, and resorted to the blackest crime to
was the I~gos. In the same capacity, as a messenger accomplish his purpose, and he must suffer destruction.
or angel of Jehovah, the Logos appeared to Joshua as The Imgos always honored his Father, defending his
the captain of the I~rd’s hosts. (Joshua 5:14) And good name and fame, willingly went to aa ignominious
later he is shownas Michael, the friend of th~ people, death to accomplish his Father’s will, and the Father
whostands up for fhe people.--Daniel 1~: 1. willsee to it that all creation shall worship the Son.
182 ¯ WATCH TOWER BROOKLYNs N. Yo
The Loges has justly earned and received the title "The right to the body of Moses. Michael seems to have recog-
Faithful and True."--Revelation 19 : 11. nized that Satan still had some authority and official
as IIis course of humility, loving devotion, absolute power, because it is recorded that he contended with the
and complef~ faithfulness and unswerving loyalty has devil about the body of Moses.--Jude 9.
led him to the highest place; and his honor shall never ,6 That Satan has had access to heaven, and the priv-
be dimmed.The course of the Loges, like a silent menu- ilege of communication with Jehovah, seems quite evi-
ram:t, stands beckoning all creatures who desire life dent from the fact that during the age he has been the
to walk that way. "I am the way, and the truth, and accuser of the brethren day and night before Jehovah
the life.’--John 14: 6. God.--Revelation 12: 10.
a9 God is love. Jesus is the express image of his ,7 That he still possessed the power of death during
Father, therefore Christ Jesus is the perfect expression St. Paul’s time seems to be indicated by the words of
of unselfishness. This is the waythat leads to life. the Apostle when he said: "To deliver such an one unto
Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit
SATAN’S EXECUTION DEFERRED
may be ,caved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (1 Corin-
~o That the end of Satan is to be destruction there is
thians 5: 5) ; and again when he said that he had de-
no doubt. (Hebrews 2 : 14) That his destruction will livered Hymen~eusand Alexander unto Satan that they
be deferred until his wickedworks are destroyed is also might learn not to blaspheme.--1 Tinlothy 1: 20.
sure. (1 John 3: 8; Revelation 20: 1-10) In pronounc-
ing judgment against Lucifer, Jehovah said: "I will DESTROYING GOD’S FRIENDS
east thee as profane out of the mountain [kingdom] of ¯ s Satan, all through the ages, has held fo the claim
God: and I will destroy thee, 0 covering cherub, from that he had a right to destroy those who will destroy
the midst of the stones of fire [angelic hosts of heaven] him. God said: "And I will put enmity between thee
¯ . . I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth, in the and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed;
sight of all them that behold thee .... And never it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
shalt thou be any more."--Ezekiel 28:16, 18, 19. --Genesis 3 : 15.
4~ At the time of the tragedy in Eden there were no
49 Satan observed that Abel pleased God, hence proceed-
nations on earth. But looking down to the end, in ed to cause his destruction. He has tried to destroy all
prophetic phrase, God said to Lucifer: "tIow art thou those who have sought after and stowed God. :lie caused
fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the ramming! the prophets of God to be imprisoned, sawn asnndor,
howart thou cut downto the ground, which didst weak- and slain. God could have prevented this, but for his
en the nations !"--Isaiah 14 : 1~. owngood reasons he did not do so. In due time Jehovah
~= These words of final judgment pronounced against will demonstrate his great power to bring forth to life
the wickedone seem clearly to refer to the future, both everlasting .those whoproved their faithfulness and who
by reason of the phrase used and by the facts. suffered martyrdomat the hands of Satan and his emis-
¯ a Since Eden, Satan has been permitted to pursue saries. Satan has a~ all times sought to destroy the
his wickedcourse, all of which Godwill overrnle in his seed of promise; that is to say, the Chris, t, ttead and Body.
owndue time to his own glory. Job tells us that there-
after, when the sons of God came to present themselves CITIES OF REFUGE
to Jehovah, Satan also came, and even had the liberty 5OWhenGod gave Israel the law at the hand of
of holding conversation with God concerning man. (Job i~[oses, amongst other filings he commandedthat cer-
1: 6-8) The prophet Zechariah gives testimony to the tain cities were to be set aside and designated as "cities
fact that during the age, while the Church has been of refuge". The purpose of this was that if anyone
in course of selection and de~dopment, Satan has been should be guilty of manslaughter without malicious in-
standing by to resist.--Zechariah 3: 1-3. tent, he could protect himself by fleeing" to this city of
~4 WhenJesus was on the earth Satan boldly claimed refuge. It was the privilege of the ldnsman, or the
that the world belonged to him, and that he had the next of kin to the one whohad been ]dlled, to overtake
right to give it to Jesus only upon condition that Jesus the one who had slain the man under the circumstances
would fall down and worship him. Ite, at that time, mentioned, and to fake his life. He was called "the
still possessed the great desire to be worshiped like as avenger of blood". But if the one who had slain a man
Jehovah is worshiped. Jesus did not deny that claim unwittingly should flee and reach the city of refuge,
to ownership of the world. (Luke 4"6, 7) On tho he should abide there in safety and be fully protected
contrary Jesus spoke of him as "the prince of this from the avenger of blood. (Numbers35 : 26, 27 ; Joshua
world".--John 12 : 31. 20 : 1-5 ; Deuteronomy19 : 6) This provision of the
¯ a Moses, the servant of the Lord, was permitted to law must be a shadow of something to follow ; because
see the land of Canaan, but was not permitted to go St. Paul so states that the law is a shadow of good
into it. Moses died. It seems evident that Satan then things to come.--Hebrews 10:1.
l~,~ssessed the power of death because he claimed the 5~ If seemsthat Satan is the avenger of blood; that {he
JuN~ 15, 1925 ¯ WATCH TOWER 188
consecrated Christian is file one whoflees to the city of stantly there can be no doubt, except for the protection
refuge; and that Christ is the city of refuge. Satan, of the Lord. God has graciously promised that all who
by reason of his official position, is overseer of the human love him and are faithful he will preserve. Thus we
race, appointed to such position by Jehovah, and there- see that the saints stand in the greatest danger, because
by is made the kinsman of mankind. A kinsman may they are the objects of the wrath of the devil; and un-
be either a redeemer or an avenger of blood. Satan, faithfulness will remove the shield that protects them
being the one having the power of death, seems surely from his wrath. At the same time the saints stand at
to be the avenger of blood. the very gates of the most transcendant glory that has
52 Whena memberof the human family makes a full ever been granted to any creatures, and entering into
consecration unto God he puts to death the old man, this depends upon their loving devotion to the Lord.
the humanbeing, of which Satan is the kinsman. "They Truly it is a time of peril, and a time of joy, to those
that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affec- whoabide under the shadowof the Almighty.--Psa. 91 : 1.
tions and lusts."--Galatians 5 : 24; Roman6 : 6 ; Colos- 59Because of inherited weakness it is doubtful if
sians 3: 2, 3. there has ever been a saint on earth, aside from our Lord,
5a The one making a consecration and being accepted but what at sometime has committedtrespasses and sins.
of the Lord agrees to the death of his humanity. He Consciousof this fact the saint is often in great distress,
therefore becomesthe slayer of the relative of Satan. sometimes bordering on despair. Satan seizes upon
The new creature now becomes a part of the "seed of these things to discourage the saint and to attempt to
promise" that is destined to bruise the head of Satan. induce self-destruction. But the saints are the anointed
Satan, now having the power of death and being the of Jehovah. While faithful no one dare touch them.
avenger of blood, attempts to kill the new creature. The (Psalm 105 : 15) It is a very precious privilege to flee
place of safety for the newcreature is in the city of ref- to their refuge, Christ, the beloved One. :He is their
uge. Of this St. Paul says that "we might have a Advocate and Intercessor before Jehovah God, who is
strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay just and faithful to forgive their sins, if they confess
hol4 upon the hope set before us."--Hebrews 6: 18. them. Doubtless the Imrd permits Satan to buffet the
54 The provisions of the law concelming the city of saints in order to keep them humble and to enable them
refuge are thus stated: "But if the slayer shall at any to learn their lessons.--2 Corinthians 12: 7.
time comewithout the border of the city of his refuge, 6o That Satan has prevented the saints from doing
whither he was fled; and the revenger of blood find often what they want to do, seems evident from the
him without the borders of the city of his refuge and Apostle’s words: "Satan hindered us."--I Thes. 2:18.
the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be
guilty of blood."--Numbers35 : 26, 27. PERILOUS TIMES
5s As the preselwation of the slayer depends upon his 6~ "This knowalso, that in the last days perilous
faithfully abiding in the city of refuge until the death times shall come." (2 Timothy 3: 1) St. Peter a]so
of the high priest, even so the preservation of the saints
warns the saints during this time to beware lest they be
depends upon faithfully abiding in Christ, our refuge, led away with the error of the wicked one and fall
until the high priest is completed.--IIebrews 6: 4-6; from their stedfastness. Note again what this error of
10 : 26-28 ; Numbers35 : 25. the wicked one is. It is selfishness, a desire to shine
5a The Lord does not preserve those who become un- and to be worshiped more than any of the other crea-
faithful and whodespise their covenant with him ; but, tures of Jehovah. This led Satan to unfaithfulness,
as he says through his prophet: "0 love the Lord, all and treachery, and to the commissionof his great crime.
ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful."~ Then St. Peter describes the conditions that shall exist
Psalm 31 : 23. at the end of the age. There shall develop a class of
57 It is only those wholove the Lord and are faithful unfaithful men who claim to be Christians. He pic-
that he does preserve. To love the Lord meansunselfish- tures the distress of Satan’s organization, visible and
]y to be devoted to him and to his cause. Faithfulness invisible, tie points to the fact that the saints are ex-
Ineans the same thing. pecting a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth
righteousness. }Ie cites both the perils and the glory.
THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN Then he adds: "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look
~s Throughout the Gospel Age, Satan has been the for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of
accuser of the brethren in Christ before God. We him in peace, without spot, and blameless."--2 Pet. 3 : 14.
would not understand that this means that he informs 62 Nowit is a fact that cannot be gainsaid, that a-
against them because of any wickedness, but that he mongst those now claiming to be followers of Christ,
deliberately and diligently seeks to have them condemned and in present truth, there are some who are not
and destroyed. :His enmity has at all times been mani- diligent so that they may be found of him in peace.
fested against the seed of the woman,Zion, God’s or- Whydo we find strife amongst some of the brethren ?
ganizatiom That he would destroy everyone of them in- Is it not due to selfishness ? Can it not be traced to
181
WATCH TOWER
the fact that some have desired to shine above their him. :He who has the power of death can never de-
brethren, or to a fear that some of their glo~ may he stroy one of the Lord’s little ones whois faithful. :How
taken from them by some of the other brethren? They important then the admonition of the Lord’s prophet
then insist on what they claim to be their self-rights. to the Church at tiffs hme: "0 love the Lord, all ye
In this connection let us remember tile words of St. his saints; for the Lord perserveth the faithful."
Paul, referring to the same identical time, viz., the Gs Let all those whoare now in Christ and who have
dose of the Church’s experience on earth, in which he entered into his joy abide there. Do not fear. In the
says: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without great and final conflict, in which Satan’s empire shall
~vhich no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently, shortly fall, seemingly some of the saints maygo down
lest any man fail of the grace of god; lest any root in defeat; but the faithful shall not go downinto de-
of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby feat. Those whoare called and chosen, and wholove the
manybe defiled.’--Hebrews 12: 14, 15. Lord and continue faithful unto the end, shall stand
6a They who are not dwelling in peace, upon a care- victorious with Christ their King. :Hence the prophet
ful examination will find that there is some spot upon of God says: "0 love the Lord. a]l ye his saints; fo.r
them, or some blame attached to them, and that this the Lord preserveth the faithful." "Be of good courage,
is due to lack of a loving devotion to the Lord, which and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in
~neans selfishness. This course persisted in would draw the Lord."--Psahn 31 : 24.
one away from Christ, the refuge, and plate him nn-
shielded from the darts of the adversary. WHATWE SHOULDLEARN
~* In ~Iareh 15th WATClZTOWER proof is brought ~9 ~qmtis written in the 1Lble is there for our learn-
forth that now Satan knowsthat his time is short; that ing. The saints are on final trial for life. They need
he is wroth with the people of the Lord, and that he to learn their lessons now.
goes forth to make war with the saints who keep the 7o Strife and quarreling are the fruits of selfishness.
commandments of God. Selfishness is the door to pride. Pride leads to disloyalty
6~ It must now be apparent to Satan that his only and unfaithfulness. Unfaithfulness results in destruction.
certain means of destroying fhc last remaining saints 7~ :Humility and joyful obedience develops unselfish-
on earth is to lead them away with his error. Weknow uess. Unselfishness put into practice ripens into perfect
from observation that many of those who claim to be love. :He who loves perfectly will be loyal and faith-
Christians have been thus led away. Seeing the time ful. God’s promise is to preserve the faithful. That
of great peril the Apostle says to the saints : "Ye there- the importance of this might be impressed upon the
fore, beloved, seeing ye knowthese things before, beware saints the Psalmist pleadingly says: "0 love the Lord,
les’~ ye also, being led awaywith the error of the wicked, all ye his saints; for the Lord preserveth the faithful."
fall from )’our own stedfastness. But grow in grace, 72 Weare now in the day of judgment. The love of
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus the saints must nowbe perfected, and love and faithful-
Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever."-- ness proven by joyfully and boldly declaring the message
2 Peter 3 : 17, 18.
G6 If there were no danger there would be no warn- of ~a the kingdom.--1 John 4: 17, 18.
Courageis the result of absolute confidenceand joy-
int. The fact that warning is given shows the danger. ful submission to the Lord. It causes the saints to
The danger is of falling away from stedfastness. That fearlessly press on in the thickest of the fight and to
which would induce one to thus fall awayis selfishness, never quail be{ors the enemy.
which would cause him to deviate from the truth and be ~4 The courageous increase in devotion to the Lord.
classed with the workers of iniquity, which means law- Such are joyful in the Lord. They remember and sing:
lessness. But they who grow in the favor of the Lord, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." In this great
grow in the knowledge of the Lord, our Savior Jesus conflict the Lord will preserve his faithful saints. Their
Christ, and these avail themselves of the opportunity love and faithfulness to the end will be rewarded with
of lovingly and joyfully telling of his love to others. the crownof life.
Such will remain stedfastly in the city of refuge.
G7 If we love the Lord we will keep his commandments. QUESTIONSFORBEREANSTUDY
:His commandment,particularly now, is to proclaim the Is this a day of judgment?Howdo God’s intelligent crea-
good nmvs of his kingdom. Selfishness will turn one a- tures fix their ownde~tiny? Whoare tho ones who will
havethe divine life througha courseof fidelity and loyal-
way from doing this very thing. Let us keep in mind ly to the I,ord? ¶ 1-5.
the course of selfishness pursued by Satan, and his end ; "Whatare the two ways markedout by Lucifer and the Lo-
and above all let us keep in mind the course pursued by ges? Howmay we understand why the crisis of the age
ires come?¶ 6.
the Lord, and his glorious reward. :His is the way that Howis Lueifer described? Howdo we know that he was
leads to life. The saint whois faithful has no reason to appointed to be a protector of mankind?~[ 7-10.
fear. :He has the promise that if faithful he shall dwell :Did Godgive to Adamh~s law? What was Lucifer’s busi-
ness in the garden of l~den? Washe to punish as well as
tn the secret 1place oi the ]~Iost High and none can harm to protect?~ 11, 12.
WATCH
T©WER 10,’,
A nsurl)er is what? Was Lucifer a usnrpel ? hi wlmt way ha\e an iiluslrakioq tq’ whql ? \Vho does Satan especially
u as Lucifer’s conduct worse than that of a usurper? ¶ 13-15. hate? ¶ -1S, 49.
What caused Lucifer’s deflection? What is Satan’s stock What was tim purpose of tile "cities of refuge"? Was thi.~
deception? ¶ 16, 17. arrangement a "shadow of good tJlings to come"? ¶ 50.
When and where did Lucifer begin his wicked operations? How does the arrangement of the cities of refuge work out
What kind of an idea did Lucifer conceive? ¶ 18-21. antitypieally? What is the significance of putting to
Did Jehovah interfere with Lucifer’s plan? What does death the "old man"? What is the refuge of those wire
"iniquity" mean? What does "error" mean? What was have made acceptable consecration? ¶ 51-53.
Lucifer’s ambition? His course stands as a monument If a new creature goes heyond or gets out,~ide of the city
of what? ¶ 22-27. of refuge, and is slain, where does the guilt fall? ¶ 54-57.
Who were probably present when God said, "Let us make What is God’s promise lo those who are loyal to him? Why
man"? Why do we infer that tim Lo.gos was present? do the saints sometimes become diacouraged? ¶ 58-60.
Was the Loges ever ambitious to shine? ¶ 28-29. Are the perilous times upon us? What is tile Apostle’s
Did tile Loges ever act in the capacity of an angel? What admonition? ¶ 61.
is his delight, which is ever the stone? ¶ 30, 31. Wtmt is the cause of strife among tim brethren? What is
God’s plan of salvation is made dependent upon what? What the remedy? ¶ 62, 63.
are the evidences of Jesus’ faithfulness? What was the "Why is Satan especially wroth at the present time? Why
secret of his success? ¶ 32-34. does the Apostle give the warning? If any fall, what
I-Iow did Jesus esteem the cross? tIow does the course of will be the inducing cause? ¶ 64-66.
the Loges contrast with that of Lucifer? The course of What is the way thqt leads to life? Where should we abide
Jesus stands as a monument of what? ¶ 35-39. to have the joy of the Lord, and what should we be do-
Is Satan to be destroyed? Why is his destruction deferred? ing? ¶ 67, 68.
Ilas he always stood across the path o£ those who desired Wlmt are the fruits of selfishness? Selfishness is the door
to please God? ¶ 40-43. of what? What is it that cmlses destruction? ¶ 70.
When did Satan claim that the world belonged to him? The practical outworking of unselfishness produces what?
Did Jesus dispute the elnhn? What other scriptures show Where does love lead? Courage is the result of wlmI?
that Satan has lind some recognition? 744-47. What is it that is a sure indication of ~ne’s advancement
Ilow v ~utd Satan view Genesis 3:15? In Abel’s death we i:J the favor of lhe Lord? ¶Y1-74.
"’Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness" sake : for theirs is the kingdomof heaven."--Matt. 5: 10.
r:HEN Paul and Barnabas left Cyprus it was
W of their ownaccord, because they found little
interest there. But in Antioch, where interest
the people in the presence of the priest of Jupiter that
all these things--their gods and their worship--were
as nothing, that they were mere idle vanities ; and that
was found, they were expelled from the city. The apos- they, the apostles, preached unto them the truth of the
tles witnessed against the people by shaking off the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea,
dust of the city from their feet, even as Jesus said should and all things therein.--Acts 1~: 15.
be done. (Matthew 10: 14) They went on to Iconium But the people could hardly be restrained. They
at a distance of about seventy miles. As at Antioch, could not understand that such a wonderful miracle
they went into the synagogue and spoke. A great number could be wrought by men, nor understand that men
bothof Jewsand Greeks believed. (Acts 14: 1) It is easy able to call forth such mighty power, should claim to
to imagine the earnestness of these two menfilled with be only men of like passions with themselves. Their
the holy spirit, their hearts full of desire for the blessing own priests would have wanted to be exalted as gods,
of the people ; their wholeattitude that of earnest lovers had they been able to work such a miracle.
of their fellows. 6 Soon after this some Jews came from Iconium and
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles tried to set the people of Lystra against the apostles,
and caused bitter opposition against the believing breth- and they succeeded in persuading them that these were
ren. The apostles were apparently stirred also, and con- evil men. Paul was stoned and, apparently dead, was
tinued a long time in Iconium, spealdng boldly for the dragged cut of the city. But as the little companyof
Lord, and the Lord blessed their word and confirmed disciples stood round him, Paul rose from the ground
it by granting signs and wonders to be done. The peo- and walked with them back to the city. The Lord had
ple of the city were divided: part held with the Jews, allowed his faithful servant to be injured by his enemies,
and par~ with the apostles; and, as usual, the opponents but had not left him wholly to their cruelty, or Paul
of the truth got very bitter. The leaders of the syna- wouldhave been slain. Paul refers to this incident once:
gogue joined with their congregation and with some of Writing to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 11: 25) he says,
lhe Gentiles in an endeavor to ill-treat and even to "Oncewas I stoned ;" and that, and this short account in
stone the apostles. But they were told of the evil com- Acts, is all that is said about this serious incident.
pact and fled to Lystra in Lycaonia about forty miles The next day the apostles ]eft for Derbe, twenty
from Iconium. There they preached the gospel message. miles distant. It is probable that Paul’s recovery was
a At Lystra Paul saw, in a company which he was partly supernatural; it seems hardly possible that he
addressing, a cripple who had never walked, and who should have been able to take the journey on the next
seemed interested. Setting his eyes on him, and per- day nnless divinely aided. Perhaps the Lord allowed
ceiving the manhad faith to be healed, Paul said with him to be stunned soon after ~he assault began, so that
a loud voice: "Stand upright on thy feet," and the he should not suffer so much from shock as otherwise
man leaped and walked. (Acts lg: 10) The miracle would have been the ease.
was like that performed by Peter at the temple gate; s Luke does not say that it was Paul who addressed
but Peter did not wait for any manifestation of faith the people, but we may suppose it was he, for it was
on the part of the man, but at once in the name o~ against him their angel’ was aroused; and though little
Jesus Christ of Nazareth bade him rise and walk. Per- is reported of what he said, there was much in his
haps the difference was because one was a Jew, and speech, lie spoke (1) of the living God, the maker
therefore one of the covenanted people, and the other and upholder of all things; (2) he said that God had
a Gentile. Faith in both cases was necessary, but Paul allowed the nations to walk in their ownways; but (3)
sought some manifestation of it before he spoke the though he had given them no direction as to his will,
word of healing. he continually witnessed to his goodness in giving rain
4 The townspeople were struck with amazement, and from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling the hearts of
said that their gods were comedownto them. They called men "with food and gladness".--Acts 14: 17.
Barnabas JupiteT, and Paul Mercurius, because he was 9 The nations had many gods to whomthey gave
the chief speaker. The priest of Jupiter was ready to credit for these blessings of nature, but Paul claimed
lead the people to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas, and that all these came from the living God whomthey re-
prepared oxen and garlands. On hearing of this the presented, and he declared that the gods of the peoples
apostles were greatly disturbed: they rent their clothes and all their ceremonies of worship were but lying
and ran among the people crying that they were men vanities. Hitherto God had not revealed himself ex-
of like l~assions with themselves. Very boldly they told cept to his chosen people Israel (Amos3 : 2 : Psalm147
186
$VXE15, 1925
WATCH TOWER 187
19; 20) but he did not intend that his human family afterwards was filled by elders. (Acts 11:30) And
should be forever ignmrant of him. He was now wit- without doubt the prominent brethren at Antioch had
nessing of himself by this message which the apostles the saane position there. But here even where the
carried, and which meant that God now called all who brethren must have been in a measure immature, elders
heard to turn from their idols to scm’e him, the liv- were elected in every place. It seems clear that the
ing God (1 Thessalonians 1: 9), and to render him al- apostles guided the churches to a choice, but that the
legiance and obedience. election of the elders was by the church. The method
lo It is easy for professed Christians to think of the of doing this is fully explained in VolumeSix of SCrIP-
multitudes of men who yet are in "heathen darkness" TURESTUDIES,page 276.
as having the same need of enlightenment as the men ~G Without doubt Paul and Barnabas were under tha
of Lystra; but that there is a possib]e comparison be- ~idance of the spirit in doing this; and the Lord’s peo-
tween them and church-goers of today would be an al- pie have little to fear in copying their examplein this
together unexpected and certainly unacceptable sugges- matter. Youth should serve when there is manife~-ta-
tion. Andyet that fact is plain to those whoseeyes are tion of full consecration combinedwith ability and zeal.
open to the dense darkness of the churches. The Old ~7 It is evident that this first tour was successful;
Testament, the treasure store of divine truth, from several churches were established, and somefriendships
bwhich Jesus and the apostles gained light and strengfl begun which later had much to do with the prosperity
is no longer treated as the divine revelation.
of the gospel. Lystra was Timothy’s city, and Gaius
= Also there is nowcomparatively little acknowledge- came from l)erbe. At last Paul and Barnabas got back
meat of a gracious Creator to whomreverence and fear to Antioch, glad to tell of the mercies of the L,)rd,
are due, and who is to be considered as the giver of and to bring joy and gladness to those who, in the
all good. But there is much acknowledgmentof a great providence of God, had been the means of sending them
unknowableFirst Cause, and little of personal obliga- forth. They had learned by sharp experiences what
tion to pay heed to his will or do more titan acknowledge Jesus meant when he said: "Blessed are they which
the fact. In effect, muchChristian worship has little are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the
to distinguish it from that of the pagans who worship kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5 : 10) Those who seek
tlle gods of nature. Because of this it has come to pass righteousness and carry the message of the kingdom of
in these last days that it is necessary for Godto witness heaven bring joy to a few and gain it for themselves;
~o the peoples of Christendom that he alone is God, but they bring upon themselves the enmity of the many;
the Maker of heaven and earth; and to proclaim his and this will be so until the world has learned to love
right and purpose to be acknowledged and worshiped. righteousness and truth, in tlle kingdom now being
(See Revelation 14:6, 7.) For this purpose God has established.
raised up witnesses.--Isaiah 43: 10.
~= t~uriher, Paul’s statement that God had permitted QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
tlle nations to walk in their own ways is exactly what What were the experiences of Paul and Barnabas at Cyprus
is to be said at this present time by God’s messengers. and Antioch (This is not the Antioch where the disciples
The ill-tangh~ sheep of the churches’ flocks do not know wer~ first called Christians.)? ~T 1.
What were the experiences at Iconium? What did the lead-
Godj and they wonder why God has not interfered in ers in the synago~m do? ¶ 2.
the affairs of men, a wonderment voiced very loudly What notable thing took place at Lystra? What strange
thing did the townspeople at Lystra endeavor to do? What
during the agony of the World War..
la It is nowthe privilege of his people to dec]are to was the contrast between the ambitions of Paul and Bar-
nabas and the priests of the people? ¶ 3-5.
all the world God’s goodness as manifested: (1) during What was the cause of the stoning of Paul at Lystra? Di,[
the Apostle make much of this incident? How far is
this time of forbearance, and (2) in the establishment Derbe from Lystra? {[ 6, 7.
of his kingdom for the restoration of humaality. Men V~’hat were the three particular things emphasized in Paul’s
hate these truths, but they will be told even though the speech ? ¶ 8.
V?hat texts show that God dealt for a time with the Jews
messengers are treated as Paul was. only? What was Paul doing to counteract the worship
14 After Paul and Barnabas had ministered in Derbe of heathen gods? ¶ 9.
Who knows that there is dense darkness in the churche.s
for a considerable time they returned by the way they of our day? Bible Students recognize the Old Testament
had gone, their purpose being to establish the brethren to be what? ¶ 10, 11.
in properly organized churches. This was done in each How does Paul’s statement about the nations walking in
place by the election of elders. Without question Paul their oxxqa ways correspond with the witness that is being
given today by those who speak for the Lord? ¶ 12, 13.
was a wise master-builder. (1 Corinthians 3:10) What was done by Paul and Barnabas on their return trip
knew the value of order, and of set study, and of all to the churches which had been established? Where is
the method for electing elders fully explained? g 14-16.
studying the same things.
1~ It was on this return journey that election of elders What was the result of this tour of Paul and Barnabas?
Did it end happily and have the Lord’s blessing from be-
is first introduced in the NewTestament. In Jerusa- ginning to end? Did they learn the meaning of Jesus’
words as found in our golden text? (The Antioch to
lem the apostles had for a time taken the place which which they returned was the Syrian Antioch.) I[ 17.
THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM
--JULY 26--AcTs 15: 1-35.
CRISIS ARIb.~S OVER CIRCU~iCISIOIg--PLAN OF GOD OPENED UP--GENTILES UNTI/A~I~IELED WITH CERESrONIAL LAW.
"’We believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus."--Acls 15: 11, A. S. V.
AULANDBA]~XABAS continued to labor in Antioch,
p serving the brethren as easily and naturally as
bafore they were sent on their special work, as-
as it had been given him by the Lord.--Galatians 1 : 12.
e As the little companywith Paul went on their way
south through Phe~ice and Samaria they visited the
suming nothing of superiority because of the privilege brethren, and everywhere told of the conversion of the
of sen, ice which they had enjoyed. During the time they Gentiles; and the hearts of the brethren rejoiced. It
were there, some who professed to be careful and exact was good news to them that the Lord was giving the
brethren came downfrom Jerusalem and began to teach Gentiles a share in the covenant of graee.--Acts 15: 3.
that no one could be sa.ved unless he were circumcised In Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas were received of
according to the law of Moses. the church and the apostles and elders, and they de-
2 The apostles had sharp disputes with these men; clared all the things that God had done by their hands.
but they continued persistent, and to many seemed to (v. 4) But they also told (see margin v. 5)
have so muchin favor of their position that ultimately certain of the sect of the Pharisees had declared it was
it was deemed wise that Paul and Barnabas and certain necessary that the Gentiles should be circumcised and
others should go to Jerusalem to see the apostles and commandedto keep the law of Moses; and they explain-
elders about this matter. No doubt it was difficult for ed that this was why they and the others were there. It
some of the brethren to break away from the things is not clear whetheror not the Judaizing teachers had also
~hich they had cherished for so long a time; and the come from Antioch to Jernsalem, though it is not pro-
news of the successful ministry to the Gentiles, and of bable that they would stay behind. In any case they had
God’s blessing upon them without any refererme to friends in Jerusalem.
circumcision or the Law, would puzzle some who were 8 The question was a live one. Fromthis it is evident
not well instructed. that the church in Jerusalem was not c]ea b and that
8 But these intruders were enemies of the work, seek- the apostles themselves were not; for had they been
ing to hinder it. Paul perceived their character and certain the conference would not have been necessary.
their motive. Writing at a later date about them to the Probably many who were clear that the law of Moses
Galatians (chap. 2 : 4) he calls them false brethren un- w~s not binding to the believer in Christ, and who
awares (or secretly) brought in. They were the devil’s understood that since the true sacrifice had been offered
agents, tools in his scheme to destroy the Church. It the Levitical priesthood was at an end, still were not
is probable that at the time of the controversy Paul without difficulty in respec6 to circumcision; for it was
did not perceive the depth of falsity in these mennor that which separated the people of Abraham from all
the purpose of the devil, so clearly as he saw it in later other peoples.
years; and it is possible that some were more deceived 9 Whenthey met, there was much testifying. Ap-
than others. But the opposers knew they were sowing parently manybesides the apostles and elders took pai~
discord; and they did not scruple to tell lies about their in the discussion. After the discussion had lasted a
standing, for they gave out that they represented the long time Peter rose and called attention to the fact,
brethren in Jerusalem, and had the authority of James. well known, that many years ago God had made choice
Neither was true.--Galatians 2:12; Acts 15:24. among the apostles that by his mouth the Gentiles
Paul saw that a crisis had arisen, for these menwere should hear the word of God and believe, lie said that
deceiving many ; and what they taught was subversive God, knowing the hearts of men, bore witness to the
of the doctrines of Christ. If they were right, salva- sincerity of the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house by giving
tion was gained by outward forms, and by keeping the them the holy spirit as he had given it to the apostles;
law, not by faith or by remission of sins because of which meant that God put no difference in this re-
Christ’s atonement. Christ became merely a helper to spect between the apostles and those Gentiles. All were
keep the law, and really was made of none effect.~ purified in their hearts by faith.
Galatians 5 : 4. ~o Peter continued--and his words indicate that a
5 Writing of this visit Paul says that he went to Jeru- very considerable proportion of the assembly was in
salem by revelation, though the aceonnt in Acts says favor of the Pharisees’ view--"Nowtherefore why tempt
nothing of this. Without doubt Paul took the matter ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples,
to the Lord in prayer, and the Lord revealed to him which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear ?"
Emt it was according to his will that he should go. (Acts 15 : 10) The Lawhad been a burden, not a help.
It is cert~in that Paul would not go on a deputation Every good man fe]t that it was against him, and that
anywhere to learn of the doctrine he should preach; it eondenmed him. (Roman 7: 24; Colossians 2: 14)
he was al~. ays certain that he spoke the.word of the Lord tie declared that salvation was by grace and faith for
JUNE 15, 1925 189
WATCH TOWER
both Gentile and flew. Peter saw clearly that God had ~5 It was nowclearly discerned that the true circum-
called these Gentiles to enjoy salvation in Christ with cision was of the hea~%and that the spirit of God in
out reference to the Lawof 1Koses or to circumcision, the heart was better than all the attempts at keeping
and that if the conference were to decide that salvation laws and ceremonies which could never purify the heart.
could not be obtained by faith alone, their action would James’ decision was that the Gentile brethren should
be equal to saying that these men knew better than God be left alone. A note of greeting giving general advice,
himself what was necessary to salvation. Peter called and including a repudiation of the false brethren was
this tempting God, because it would put God in a posi- sent everywhere, and the conference ended.
tion where he must manifest his displeasure. ~c Thus much more came out of the eouneil than wa~
=1 As yet neither Paul nor Barnabas had spoken. Now
expected. The plan of God was opened to the Church.
Barnabas first and Paul next told of the wonders and James’ b~-ief statement is the clearest dispensationd
the miracles which God had wrought amongst the Gen- word in the NewTestament.
tiles by them. What arguments had been used in the ar Happy would it have been if the Church of God
disputation we are not told, but the facts related by had been guided by that council. There would then
Peter and then by Barnabas and Paul gave God’s answer have been no need for those great ecclesiastical con-
to all arguments.
12 James now addressed the conference. He did not ferences which have darkened the councils of God, and
have been such a positive injury to the cause of truth.
refer to the Lawor to circumcision, but spoke of the It would have been clearly seen that God had sent the
plan of God. Undoubtedly he now, for the first time, truth which ropelled rather than drew men, but which
saw the purpose of God in relation to Israel and the should serve to &aw to him some faithful ones who
Gentiles then and in the future, tie called the attention would becomein heart copies of his dear Son ; a company
of the conference to what Simeon had told them of God who were to share with Jesus the glory of his kingdom.
x’isiting the Gentiles to take out of them a people for ~a Once again it is revealed that God guides his
his name. I-It said that this was in harmony with the
words of the prophet Amos: "After this I will return, Church through his Word. Paul and the others had
and will build again the taberuaele of David." (Acts revelations, but these were never apart from the Word.
They were sometimes to cheer and encourage, and came
15: 1.6) They must all have questioned as t,o what the
as explanations of the Word, but it was the word of
point of time was to which James referred, when he
prophecy by which God guided the Church, and by which
quoted the words of the prophet, "after this." Now
James saw howthe times and seasons linked in. First, he lighted its way. What settled the Church that day
there was to be the calling out of the Gentiles of a peo- was that God’s work was in fulfilment of his Word.
ple for the name of God, as Peter had declared; then QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
would come the rebuiiding of the house of Israel; that
V¢ith whom did Paul and Barimbas have sharp disputes?
is, the restoration of Israel as a nation, in order that Is it difficult for people to break away from long-cherished
the proclamation of the truth should go to all people. beliefs? ¶ 1, 2.
VChy is it manifest that these opposers were agents of the
GENTILES UNTRAMMELED WITH CEREMONIAL LAW devil? If circumcision were a teaching of Christianity
what would it prove? ¶ 3, 4.
~a Thus the plan of God opened np to James and was Why was the Lord pleased to have Paul go to Jerusalem
passed on to the Church. The fact that their people, to confer with the brethren there as to the propriety of
circumcision? Was it good news that the disciples learned
Israel, turned away from Jesus whomthey, the apostles, that the Gentiles were also aCCel)h/ble to God? ¶ 5, 6.
knew was the salvation of God (Luke 2: 11) must have ~Vas the meeting in Jerusalem a joyous one? Why would
given these earnest men much distress. Nowthey saw it be clear that Christians were not bound by the law of
Moses, and yet there would be doubt on the question of
that Godhad foretold a period during which his special circumcision? ¶ 7, 8.
favor would be taken away from Israel, when he wouId What was Peter’s convincing speech? What did Peter mean
find amongst the Gentiles those who would receive with by saying, "Why tempt ye God?" Ilow would the Law
gladness that which Israel rejected--that great favor and the observance of circumcision interfere with salva-
tion during the Gospel Age? ~ 9, 10.
of being fellow heirs with the apostles and the faithful What other convincing arguments were given? I-low did
of natural Israel in the high calling of God. Then, James sum the matter up? Was there a question as to
when this special calling was completed, natural Israel time involved? ¶ 11, 12.
Was it clearly discerned that Israel must be rejected for
would be restored, and the multitude of the nations a time, and that the Gentiles were to be accepted into
would, through them, get all those blessings which God N)ecial favor? What would take place after the selection
has in reserwation for the children of men. of the Church is accomplished? Was the Church to be
hedged about with forms and ceremonies? ¶ 13, 14.
~4 It was manifest that God had no intention of hav-
What is the true circumcision? What was the result of
ing these Gentiles, whowere ealied to be spiritual Israel, the conference? ¶ 15, 16.
trammeled with those things which were merely of the Does the nomijml church understand the dispensational truth
flesh, as circumcision ; or, as the law of commandments, of today’s lesson? How does the truth of God affect
mankind during the Gospel Age? Will it be different in
which had been proved to be deterrent to advancement. the Millennium? HOWIS the Church guided? ~ 17, 18,
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
(Contyinued from page 185)
INTERESTING LETTERS
PANAMA ECCLESIA APPRECIATIVE One of the circumstances which helped bring this mo-
tion was the service rendered us by Brother Rainbow. tte
DES_P, BROTHERRUTHERFORD: has been here twice this year and has been a great help
At our last business meeting a mot’ion was passed that to us, opening our eyes to many things which have as-
we express by letter, on behalf of the Lord’s saints, our sisted us to become more thoughtful, more watchful, more
appreciation of the labor of love of yourself and the WATe~ careful.
TOWEP.staff, ,’rod assure you of our whole-hearted support We want to tell you, too, how we appreciate the privilege
and daily prayers. of sharing in the declaration of the Lord’s judgment against
It would take quite a long letter to tell of the many in- eeelesiastieism. Brother Russell, in explaining Psahn 149,
dividual expressions of sympathy and loving appreciation, pointed out to us before he received his change that the
as the motion was being discussed. Among the many points saints this side the vail would probably share the "honor".
touched were the dignity and practical value of THE WATCg (Vss. 7-9) We are glad to see his words come true.
TOWER,its soberness and its steady stream of clean, whole- seems to us that we are now walking by more than merely
some spiritual refreshment. The work of the present wit- faith. The Lord’s work for the Church is so clearly out-
ness was also indorsed; and it was good to hear the gen- lined that we wonder how there can be friends who hold
eral expression of confidence in the ability of the head of back from nmking a full surrender of their little all.
the S0C~ET~rto properly direct its operations in feeding the Very lovingly yours,
Church and directing its energies along kingdom lines. TIIE PANAM[X ECCLESIA.--r~a~al ZOnGo
190
~NE 15, 1925 ’the WATCH TOWER 191
SATISFIED WITH TIIE LORD’S ARRANGEMENT God has made for the keeping of his people together in
fellowship and service for the Lord.
DEAr, BROTIIEI~ RUTHERFORD:
The Lord bless you richly in your service of love. With
Many, many times have I desired to express my grati- much Christian love.
tude and appreciation for THE ~V.~-TCH TOWER, knowing
through reasoning, study and observation, that the Lord Your brother in the Lord,
W. H. FaR,Era--Calif.
through this means is teaching and guiding his people.
~Ie promised never to leave nor forsake us. During his
presence he was to gird himself and serve us, and evidently
this is why the TOWEBS are so increasingly good. PLEASED WITH EXPLANATION
Since coming to understand this phase of the Truth I DE~R BROTHEr‘ RUTttEm’~OaD:
have recognized the fact that while the Church has the Many times I have thought I wouhl write you a not0
privilege of appointing its elders and officers, the Lord of thanks, mid each time refrained, knowing you are a
hinlself arranged for the Laodicean Servant, the WATCI~ very busy man. This time, however, my heart burns so
TOV(ERBIBLE ANDTRACTSOCIETY, and its present officers. intensely with thanksgiving that I cannot withhold ex-
This, it seems, is solely the Lord’s prerogative. I feel, there- pression.
fore, as a member of his Body, the Church, that I am All the WATCHTOWERSthis year have been so wonderful
wonderfully privileged to receive food from the Lord’s table. and, as we look back, so necessary for our "upbuilding in
Not only food, but directions as to the carrying out of his this most holy faith"; but O, this last one, "Satan the
will, "rod entering into his joy. I am thankful to find my- Enemy--Is He Bound?" is the most convincing article I
self in harmo~ly with the tufty band of Cln’istians who are have ever read. Your discourse on this subject at the
really watchmen, and who now see eye to eye in reference Cohnnbus convention was most explicit, and I thanked our
to the great work of advertising the King and the kingdom dear Lord then for the timely words, but I did not there
throughout the whole world. get the thorough explanation of Matthew 12:29. It may
I try to keep up with tim T0WEnS and make the truths be these later thoughts were added to that discourse.
brought out my own. I take nothing for granted. I follow The question had never arisen in niy mind; but I am in
lhe reasons and proofs advanced, and often look up the such thorough sympatlIx with tile channel that I would
Greek and Hebrew in tile texts cited. I do hope the fruits have awaited the explanation from THE TOWERif it had.
of the spirit may be developed in me proportionally to the But, dear brother, the tender patience, and teacher-like
light I lind. expounding, as to little children, is what has overcoine me.
As an elder in the class I have always felt that THE You have made it so plain, so clear and easy to under-
~VATctt TOWEr‘is constituted of the Lord as our teacher and stand; the tears of joy ate overflowing, and I do thank tile
-mthority, and thus the channel of truth, and that an (liver of all perfect gifts for such a. helper. ~,Iay you ever
elder’s duty is to niake plain what is taught of the Lord abound, and bask in tile sunshine of his love.
in this way. Of course, if any one ia taught of the Lord on My prayers are with you each day and often I long to
any particular matter, he could coimnunicate this to tim express love and sympathy, but would not add one straw to
"teacher", so that all the Church might have the knowledge the great burden you carry.
in due time. (Gala(inns 6:6) I would be afraid to dog- May the clear heavenly Father richly bless you with joy.
matically teach any thought I might have, if it is contrary Your sister in the service of our beloved King,
to the WATCI-I T0WFA~. The responsibility would be more
]~Ilcs. SUSANT. IIEATH.--Ga.
than I dare assume; so I am glad to leave this responsi-
bility with tile recognized authority. I cannot see that any-
body, after studying the article, "Let us Dwell In Peace", in
tile WATCK TOWEr‘ Of April 1, 1920, could draw any other ENCOURAGING MEETINGS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
conclusion than tllat the SOCIETYis still tile clmnnel of DEAR BRETHREN :
truth. Indeed if we do not come to this conclusion, then Gl’eelings in the Redeemer’s name.
we are forced to the dilemma that neither was the Laodi-
l(indly find enclosed my V° D. 1~I. questions. I hope you
cean servant and the W.~TC~ TOWERBIBLE AND TRACT SO-
CIETY the channel of truth in his day. will lind them satisfactory.
Being in the past a preacher in the Presbyterian de- The brethren here have had a very pleasant and refresh-
nomination, I have had my share of uncertainty, having ing tinie just recently iu the service of the Lord. ~Ve
been tossed to and fro without the precious plan of God. had a Pilgrim brother of Melbourne over here during the
It does seem strange to me how any of the trutll friends 5Iemorial season, also a a brother from Queensland. We
could now set at naught the organ which the Lord is so have had some very refreshing lectures. It is not often we
unmistakeably using. These friends never tell us what chan- lmve the privilege of a Pilgrim brother tills way, so we
net they think the Lord is using. They know it would be make the best of them when they do come.
too ridiculous to suggest themselves as the channel, but that We had a public lecture in Perth, with an attendance
seems to be the inference they would have us draw. of 420, and a very attentive audience. Also on World-Wit-
ness Day, in the Perth Town Hall, we had an attendance of
The plan of God is a wonderful system of truth; it is
about 460. Thank God that there are still some left who
the philosophy of the Bible. When the apostles fell asleep will listen to his Word.
the truth became clouded, and more and more so by lmv- We are all wondering what 1925 will bring forth, but
ing mixed with it the traditions of men. It fell to the
we all place our trust in the Lord, knowing that his Word
Laodicean servant to restore the truths long lost, and the
is indeed trut£, a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our
light is still shining brightly. All works of imperfect men
path. We are eagerly looking forward to the time when
will show some human weakness, but who can deny, in the
the Church’s hope will be realized, when we may help
face of such facts as are available, that the SOCIETY, and
it alone, is the custodian of the great Divine plan? We the groaning creation, and lift their burden from their
are happy to concede this honor to those to whom the shoulders.
Lord has given it. It seems clear to us that all in present Yours in the Master’s service,
E. Cox.--West Australia.
truth must see this, and rejoice in the arrangement that
International Bible Siudents Association Classes
BROTIIER J. A. BAEUERLEIN BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Hanover,N. II ............... June 30 llatland, Vt ..................... Jnly 8 Med’ford,Ore..................... July 2 Roseburg, Ore ................. $uiy 12
Newport, Vt .............. July 1, 2 Powna[ Center. Vt ......... " 9, 10 Jacksonville, Ore .............. ’" 3 Marshfiold,Ore ................. " 13
St. Johnsbury, Vt ......... " 3 I’ittsfiehl, Mass............ " 12 Roguel/iver, Ore ............... " 5 Charleston, Ore ................. " 14
:Morrisville, Vt ............... " 5 Canajoharie. N Y. .......... " 13 WolfCreek, Ore ................. " 7 Reedsport. Ore ................. " 15
VCaitsfield,Yt ................. " 6 Newurk,N. Y. ................ " 14 Days Creek, Ore ............... " 9 1,Tugene,Ore..................... " 16
Burlington, Vt ............... " 7 Perry, N. Y ................... " 15 Canyomille,Ore ................. " 10 Oakridge,Ore ................... " 17
BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
July 1 Mitchell, S. Dak ......... July 9, 10 VACATION
DesMoine.% Ia ...................
Omahu,Ncbr....................... " 2 I-lartford, S. Dak ......... " 12
SiouxCity, Ia ..................... " 3 Davis, S. Dak............... " ]4 The vacation of the
Bethel fnmily will be August 22nd,
Vermilion. S. Dak ...............
Yankton,S. Dak.................
"
"
5
6 ghexle,
S. Dak.
ancelim,, S. "l)ai~i"j:::::
" 15
16
to September 5th, 1925. During that period the office aml
Corsica, S. Dak................... " 8 Parker, S. Dak ............. " 17, 19 factory will be closed.
°°. .. ,.
j- - .:.- .¯
¯ . :,,.
CONTENTS
195
ORDER, PEACE AND UNITY ...........
Placing The Body Members ..... 1’,)5
1:)(i
Election Of Servants ...................................... (7
..1.
Follow Peace .......... l’~)
L’nity ........ ................................................... ------
......1.~)9)
Unity in Action .......................................
Lawlessne~s...................................................... 2’)0
200
Stand Together ......................................... 20t
The Battle Is The Lor(l’s ...............................
o,O
]~RAYER-~IEETING TEXT COAIMENTS ....
_._.202
THE EPISTLE OF JA,MES .......
204
~fIE SECOND~ISSIONARY TOUR....................... 2 5
God Works Through Iluman Mind ......
207
CONVENTIONSAND ]{AILROAD INFORSIATION ........
207
~IEMORIAL BEPORT FOR 1925 ...........
19i
CONVENTIONSFOR AUGUST.........................
_., ¯ %-.
Ul~m the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking
tl~ things coming upon the earth (society) ; for the powers o£ the heavens (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken . . When ye see these th~ngs begin to come to paa~,
know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, IK~ up your heads, rejome, for your redemption draweth mgh.--Matt. 24.33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
I t/ISpresented
~rma2 is oma of the prime facto~ er instruments
in all parts of the civilized
in the ~y~em of Bible instruction,
world by the WATctt TOWERBIBLE & TnACT S(rCIE~Y, chartered
or "Seminary Extension", now being
A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room wbere Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication throush which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling repr~entattves, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei M~nister (V. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister o/ God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
sttidents and teacher’s. By some this featura is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
~:’edemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter I : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6} Building up on this sure foundation the gold. silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 : 11-
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of tile Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
l:ecn hid in God, . . . to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now rev~aled".--Ephesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to uuderstand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmaUc, but confident ;
tot we kn~,w whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service, hence our decisions relative to what may and wbut may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuihl.ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
~caders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
WATC/-t
TOWF-.P,.
1315LE
b- TRACT
SOClET..,Y The Convention will be held in Cadle Auditorium, a
18 CQNCORD
STREETO ~ 5P,.OOKLYht,~.V.U.S’~ large Stucco building located at Ohio and NewJerrsey
~WOP, EIC, N OFFICES : British: 34 Craved Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Streets, having a seating capacity of 10,000, with very
L~,ndon "W. 2; Cana&an: 1t8-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario;
Aust~alasmn: 495 Colhns St., Melbourne, Australia; South Ayrican4 comfortable chairs, and entrances on all sides. The
6 Lehe St., Cal)e Town, South Afmca. Auditoriumis in the center of the bnsiness district, is
PLEASE AI)I)RE~3S THE ~qOCIETYIN EVERYCASE.
well ventilated, and hence is comfortable even in sultry
YEAItLY SUBSCRI1)TION PRICE: UNITED STATLS, $1.C0; CANADA
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AND~OUTIIz~EIIIC,\, 78. Alllel’lC~tU rclltlLtall(’eN shollhl be made
Express or Postal MoneyOrders, or by Bm~l: Draft. Canadian, BritislL Service. The Auditorium will be equipped with voice
~outh African. and AoMr;llaMan remittances should be nlade to b; erich
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to tim llrooMyu oihce, but by International Postal Money Orders only. Numerous restaurants and cafeterias are located
(l,’ore~q~ traa.slat~o~s of this )our~al appear ~n several languages)
within a radius of five blocks of the Auditorium, at
Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision
ol all etliiorlal comnllttee, at least three of whoIII have read aud which meals may be obtained at moderate prices. It
apl)l’O~ ed as truth each and every article apt)earing ill these cohnulls, is expected that the railroads will grant special rates,
The names of |lie editorial ~onlnnttee are: J. F. BUTHERFORD,
IV. E. VANAMBURGI-I, J. ttEMERY,1{ 11. I;XlllU,:It. (’. 1’; S’rvWART. which will be announced later.
Terms to the Lo~d’s Poor: All Bible students who, t)y reason of
ol(l llge ot olheF llllU’lltl[y or adversity, are unable to pay for lhis During the Convention, an Information Bureau, Post
joul’tla]. \\Ill be ~upl~lled ltee if they send a i)ostal card each
stating their case and requesting such provisiou. We are not oll]y
Office, Hospital, Nursery, and Railroad and Auto-park-
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and ing Bureaus will be maintained at the Auditorium.
in tooeh wlill tile Boreas studies.
~’otice to Subscribers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowl-
For assignment of rooms, or parking space, and other
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t4on date, as shown on wrapper label. tion, write Bro. L. L. Bulleit, 717-719 J. F. WildBldg.,
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CONVENTIONS VACATION
~ItE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION will hold The vacation of the Bethel fnmiiy will be August 22rid,
¢on~entionsas folio’,’,,’, : to September 5th, 1925. During that period the office and
Springfield, Mass, August 13 to 16, inclusive, 1925. factorsr will be closed.
Indianalmlis, Ind., August 24 to 31, inclusive, 1925.
~Vllmington, N. C., October 22 to 25, inclusive, 1925.
ERRATUM
We make Ibis allllonnceulent IIOXV ill advance in order that tile
friends may arrange their \station periods accordingly. More de- June 15th issue, page 181, par. 29, first line: "St. Paul" should
tailed information will be published latez’. read, "St. John".
ORDER, PEACE AND UNITY
"’B~f ~o~" hath Godset lhe memberserery one of lhem in the body, as if hath pleased l~im."--I Corit~thiana 12: 18.
N THIShour of peril it is vitally essential to the place lnmself in that position. The Father put him
I welfare of the Christiau that amongother things
he have a proper appreemtion of the following, to
there. "And no man taketh this honor unto himself,
but he that iq called of God, as was Aaron. So also
wit: That The Christ is the Church of God; that Zion Christ glorified not himself to be madean hi:~h priest:
is god’s organization, and that the Church is of Zion: hut he that said unto him, Thou art mySon, toda3 have
that Satan, the enemy, is bent upon the destruction of I begotten thee."--Hebrews 5 : 4, 5.
the feet members of The Christ yet on earth, and to ~At the Jordan Jesus was anointed by the spirit of
that end tlle beast and all other ageneies of the devil Jehovah. fie was there designated to be the H(’ad of
are employed in a struggle against the Lamband his the royal priesthood. God there agreed to give hun lhe
followers; that Christ Jesus is certain to gain the vie- kingdom and to make him the King. (Luke 22:’.)9)
tory, and only the faithful will be with him in that To attain unto the position of King, and to be IIeml me~"
victory; that each member, who proves faithful, must the other members of his Body, God required of him
be in the proper order and be orderly; that tile mem- humility, obedience and absolute faithfulness. Jesu: n>t
bers must be at peaee amongst themselves, and that all these requirements. "Wherefore Godalso hath tu£hty
there must be unity in the Church, both in heart and exalted him, and given him a name which is abm e e~,’rv
in action. It is reasonably safe to say that those who name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should
do not have an appreciation of these things do not pro- bow,of things in heaven, and things in earth, and thi>f4s
perly discern the Body of Christ, and in the final an- under the earth; and that every tongue shouhl eonlh ss
alysis will not be of the Body of Christ, whatever else tbat Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of Godthe Falh-
they may obtain. er." (Philippians 2: 9-11.) Each memberof the Body
must therefore ~ork out his own salvation in a h!u.,
PLACING THE BODY MEMBERS manner with fear and trembling, lie must prove his
= The Scriptures abundantly testify that order is one humili{y, obe&m:eeand absolute faithh|luess.
of the fundamelltal laws of Jehovah. He does everything ’~ Be it not,,,l that the Lord Jesus did not put him-
orderly and in order. The Christ is the NewCreation self in the exalted position. WhenGod had rak-ed him
of God. It is that which will overshadowall other crea- from the dead he clothed hml w4hall power aml author-
tions of Jehovah. It follows that everything about the ity. (Matthew 28: 18) "And hath put all things uml,.r
NewCreation must learn to be orderly, and when finish- his feet, and gave hml to be the h.-ad over all thm(gs
ed, everything about it will be orderly. It is certain to the ehmxh, which is his body, the fulness of hhn
that eaeh memberof the Church must learn order. It that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1: 22, 23) "And
is one of the hardest lessons for manyto learn. he is the head of the body, the ehureh: who is the be-
s Disorder means confusion. Confusion leads to mis- ginning, the fi>-iborn from the dead; that in all things
understanding, l~Iisunderstanding often leads to strife, he might have the preeminenee."--Colossians 1: 18.
7 At Pentecost others were aeeepted, begotten and
and the enemyfakes advantage of strife to destroy the
contending ones. Bear in mind that it is Godwho sets anointed to be membersof the Body of Christ. It v-as
the members in the Body. "For as the body is one, God who accepted them in the Beloved Oneand anoint-
and hath manymembers,and all the membersof that one ed them. lie set them in their respeetive places in the
body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ .... Body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 1:21)
But now hath God set the members every one of them To set, as here used, means to assign to a plaee. We
in the body, as it hath pleased him."--1 Cot. 12 : 12, 18. ean be sure that God assigns each one to the place to
No one sets himself in the Body of Christ. The which he is best suited. Each one is adapted to some
Body complete is the royal priesthood eomplete. Christ particular work in the Body this side the vail.--1 Cor-
Jesus is the Headof that royal priesthood, tie did not inthians 12 : 7, 8.
195
¯ WATCH TOWER I~ROOKLYN, N. ~.
8 Since the time of Pentecost the selection of tha TROUBLE IN THE CHURCH
Body has progressed. At the time one is justified and ~2 It: is a well-knownfact that in divers eeelesias from
accepted as a part of the sacrifice of our Lard he is be- time to time there is trouble. Sometimesdivisions re-
gotten by the holy spirit. This begetting is by the will sult. It is difficult to see howa bodyof Christians, all
of God, by and tlrrongh his Word. (James 1: 18) For of whomare devoted to the Lord, who are members of
Godto will means for him to exercise his power, there- the Body, eouhl indulge in strife that would lead to
fore, it is the powerof God,or his will in action through division. They may be for a tmle disturbed by the
his Word,by which the b:,gctting is accomplished. By his adversary; but if all possess the spirit of the Lord they
Word he brings one, who desires a knowledge of the will put the adversary to flight. St. Paul says: "God
truth, to Christ. Such a one sees his privilege of mak- hath tempered the body together, having given more
ing a consecration to do God’s will, and so voluntarily almndaut honor to that part which lacked; that thvre
submitting himself to the exerci,~e of tile wilt of God, shouhl be no schism [division] in the body; but that
having faith in tile memtof Christ, Jesus, he is received the membersshouhl have the same care one for another."
and justified. It is the will of Godthat the right of such --1 Corinthians 12 : 24, 25.
~a We can see how one, as a memberof the Body,
a one to live as a manshall cease, and that there shall
begin in him a newness of life; that is to say, a life might for a short time yield to the weakness of the mind
upon the spirit plane. The exercise of the divine will of the flesh, and be at odds with his brother; but he
begins that new creature. should quickly recover if he hag the spirit of the Lord.
o Begetting means beginning. Immediately following If the trouble goes to the point of a division in the
the begetting, and practically nt the same time, God ecclesia, it seems quite certain that someare not in the
anoints such a one with the holy spirit. The anointing Body, or else if at one time in it, they have been
takes place by virtue of the creature being inducted into removed.
~4 Let each one be careful that he does not judge hi~
the Body of Christ, and the anointing comes through
the 7Head, Christ Jesus. This was pictured by the anoint- brother, and thereby detemfine that his brother is the
ing oil being poured upon the head of Aaron. The one wholly at fault. Jf each one judges himself it might
newly-beg’otten one eonres under the tIead and is set or not be necessary for the Lord to judge him later. By
assigned by Jehovah to a place in the Body of Christ. that is meant that if he carefully and often examines
The setting appl{es to this side of the vail first, and himself in the light of the Scriptures, by the aid of
later to the other side. To remain in that place thus set the Loxd, he can keep himself in line with the Scriptures.
by Jehovah this side the vail the new creature must ~’~ It of necessity must be true that where there is a
perform his covenant by diligently striving to do the will division amongthose who claim to be in the Lord some
of God. suffering must follow; and where one suffers, all the
~o It ~eemsto be entirely in harmonywith the Scrip- memberssuffer with him. Surely no one who is in the
tures to say that one’s position in the Body of Christ Body of Christ would willingly cause his brother to
may be changed by Jehovah from time to time. As one suffer; because if he does so he willingly causes himself
proves faithful to that which l’as been committed to to suffer, if he is of the Body. If we find one willingly
him he may be advanced to a different place. St. Peter causing his brother to suffer, it is doubtful whether the
says: "Be clothed with humihty: for God resisteth the one provoking the suffering is of the Body of Christ.
proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble your-
ELECTION OF SERVANTS
selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that
he mayexalt you in due ttme."--i Peter 5 : 5, 6. ~GSometimestrouble arises in the election of servants
~ Whenone first comes to a knowledge of the truth of the ecclesia. In an organization of God’s people no
he begins to learn. As he progresses in the knowledge one should attempt to vote unless he is consecrated to
and spirit of the Lord he may be given service as a the Lord and has the spirit of tile Lord. If all the
deacon in the Church. ]f faithful in the perfomlanee members of the ecclesia are in this attitude of mind
of his duties he may be advanced to the position of an and heart then, when they come together to elect ser-
elder. Since the Church is God’s organization, if the x’ants of the Church, they will first pray to the Lord,
Church organization acts aceerdmg to the prescribed asldng him to direct their action, that the Lord’s choice
rule laid downin the Lord’s Word, we are warranted in may be had. If some come with a preconceived deter-
saying that the Lord advances such a one in the Body mi,_,.ation to defeat certain ones at the election, it could
this side the vail. If such a one continues faithful unto hardly be said that such have the spirit of the Lord.
death then he ha.~ the assurance that God, through ]f some comefor the express purpose of electing certain
Christ, will assign him to a position of relative impor- other ones regardless of what maybe the consequences,
’mnce in the glorified Body of Christ beyond the vail. that could not be a manifestation of the spirit of the
This merely illustrates change of position or advance- Lord. The reason therefore is that selfishness and not
ment in the Body. Let us always keep in mind the love is prompting the action. If all the membersof the
Chtwchis God’screation. ecclesia cometogether with an honest, sincere desire to
have the I~ord’s will done regardless of ~hat shall fol- agree that this is the will of the Lord duly expressed,
low, then these are manifesting the spirit o.f the Lord. and wait upon the Lord to manifest his approval or dis-
Being of this spirit, and asking the I~rd to direct them approval in some other way. It is not for one member
when the vote is taken, each one mayexercise confidence of the body to determine the degree of faithfulness of
that the will of the I,ord is done; and each one should another. The Lord is the judge. If, then, the Lord
gladly acquiesce in the result. through the ecclesia indicates that he has accepted one
~ What is the spirit of the Lord ? "Godis love; and as a servant of the ecclesia, then the Lord has honored
he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in that member; and one memberbeing honored, all the
hint." "lfereby knownwe that we dwell in him, and he members rejoice with him.--1 Corinthians 12:26.
in us, beeau~ he hath given us of his spirit." (1 John 4: 22 Sometimesone whoclaims to be a brother in Christ
16, 13) Wetherefore see that the spirit of the Lord busies himself in circulating derogatmT reports about
is the spirit of love. Perfect love meansthe perfect ex- another brother, thereby hopingto so discredit his broth-
pression of unselfishness. Wherethere is selfishness there er that he would drive him awayfrom the people of God.
is not love. The two things are diametrically opposed Is any one justified in such a course? Certainly not.
to each other. Whereverthere is a division in an ecclesia On the eontraw he who pursues this course of perseeu-
it may be put downas absolutely certain that there is tim~ shows that he has not the spirit of the Lord but,
selfishness on the part of some, if not on the part of all. at lca.-t for the time being, is manifesting the spirit of
Whereselfishness prevails it is proof that those exercis- the adversary.
ing it are not devoted to Cod. It will be found that the 2-~ Somebrcther maybe guilty of a wrong in the ee-
trouble in the ecelesias is due to the existence and the clefts, and discipline nmybe required. Christ Jesus laid
exercise of selfishness. downthe rule by which such offenders can be dealt with,
~s I,et each one put aside self, relegate his self-inter- and there is no other proper rule to follow. (~Iatthew
est to the background, and then honestly say in sub- 18:15-18). The spirit of the Lord does not authorize
stgmee: "Lord, I have no desire to do anything" that is one to act as a prosecuting or persecuting officer of an-
eontrat.w to thy will. I shall delight to have thy will other. Not even has the ecclesia the authority to inflict
done at any cost." Let each one of the class do this punishment.
and carry it out and all trouble will disappear. In 24 The action that an ecclesia can properly ta!m is to
ecelesms where there ~s trouble, if e~ery memberther(x)f disfellowstnp a brother fo’r wrong-doing; and that is
will humbly desire and ask the will of Godto be done, done for the purpose of awakeningthe erring one to his
and will put aside Ins selfishness and his own false own danger, in order that he might be recovered. Such
reasoning, the trouble will disappear, and peace and joy is an action of love, the purpose being to help and not
will result. Anjono who exercises the contrary spirit to injure. If later the erring one returns to the ecclesia
canner long remain in the Body, if lie ever was there. and manifests the spirit of the Lord, asking forgiveness,
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not then it is the duty of the ecclesia to take him back and
unto thine own understanding, lit all thy ways ac- do what can be done to help him. Such is the spirit
ln:owledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."--Pro- of the Lord, and each one who is in the Body will
verbs3 : 5, 6. manifest that spirit.
~9 l)o not attempt to reach a conclusion by your own ~ god having set the menlbers in the Body as it
process of reasoning when such reasoning ~s contrary plea~th him, then each one should perform the duties
to the Wordof God. Do not feel yourself so important. assigned to him and not be meddling in the atfa~rs of
I{enlember that havine; madea consecration to the l~ord some one else. llemcmher the Apostle’s admonition:
you have no rights which you can justly insist on others’ "Study to be quiet, and to do your own business." (1
respeeting.--Colossians 3 : 3. Thessalonians 4: 11) Order in the Body requires each
-,0 If there is evidence that one is begotten and anoint- memberto diligently do what he is assisted to do, and
ed of the holy spirit, then let everyone hesitate to act not try to hinder sonmbodyelse in the performance of
hastily in punishing that brother. Somego to an ecclesia his duties; nor to otherwise interfere therewith. No
with the determination to humiliate a brother by rele- one having the spirit of the Lord will attempt to ex-
gating him to a position of inactivity. Such is not the ercise arbitrary and harsh power over any other member
spirit of the Lord. Ilemember the Lord said: "Touch in the Body.--1 Peter 5 : 2.
not mine anointed." (Psalm 105: 15) Degradation
promotion comes from the Lord.--Psalm 75: 6. FOLLOW PEACE
~ Let no one attempt to exercise that power which =~ The royal priesthood, which is The Christ, wa~
he has not been authorized to use. Each servant must typified by ~1elehisedec. Not only did Goduse ~{elehis-
stand or fall to his ownmaster. If the ecclesia has fixed edee as a type but he foretold by his name and descrip-
as the criterion seventy-five percent of those voting, by tion the spirit or disposition that must be manifested by
which to determine whois elected, and the vote be taken those of the priesthood of whom~Ielehisedee was a type.
andseventy-five percent vote for a brother, then let alI It is written: "For this ]lIelehisedee, king of SMem,
198 me WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, ~. ~o
priest of the most high Cod, who met Abrahamreturn- such a course? It is always selfishness. Rememberthat
ing from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; selfishness is the very opposite of love. Whereselfishness
to whomAbrahamgave a tenth part of all; first being is bred and nourished into bitterness love completely
by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that disappears; and when love disappears blindness ensues.
also King of Salem, which is, King of peace."--He- T’his is exactly what the Apostle said would be the re-
brews7 : 1, 2. sult. Howoften do we find that one who becomes em-
2r It follows then that no one could be of that com- bittered quickly loses all appreciation of the truth, and
pleted and glorified priesthood if he has failed or refused goes away from the truth. Many have wondered ~hv.
to follow peace with his brethren. Whateverother place aa The real reason is that selfishness indnlged in lea(Is
he might have in God’s great arrangement, he eouhl not to bitterness, and bitterness cultivated troubles someaml
be of the priesthood after the order of Melehlsedee. Let defiles many, and drives out love. The Apostle plainly
no one whoengages in strife deceive himself into behav- states that it is necessary for us to have our hearts united
ing that he ean pursue a course of strife and at the same together in love in order to have an exact understanding
time be of the royal priesthood. The greatest desire of of the mystery of God. "For I wi~-h you to know how
a true Christian is that he might have the approval of great a struggle I hax e about vou and those in Laodicea,
God and, in due time, see the wonderful and eternal and as manyas have not seen myface in the flesh; so
Father in his glory and beauty. that their hearts maybe comforted, being elosely united
28 Note, then, what the inspired witness says: "Fol-
in love, and in all wealth of the full assurance of the
low peace with all men, and holiness, without which no understandinv,, in order to an exact knowledge of the
manshall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man secret of Clod; in which are stored all the treasures of
fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bittenmss wisdomand knowledge." (Colossians 2: 1-;1, Diaglott
)
springing up trouble you, and thereby manybe defiled." No one can maintain the spirit of bitterness against his
(Hebrews 12 : 14, 15) This is the law of God, or rule brother and long remain in the truth. Darkness will
of action, which must be followed and practised by ensue and great will be that darkness.
those who will ever be permitted to see Jehovah Clod. a4 It is not the prerogative of one to judge another.
=9 Sometimesone becomesembittered against another. When,however,we see the fruits of selfishness manifest-
lie permits that bitterness, whichstarted as a little root, ed by brethren we may know from whence such fruits
to spring up and grow until it troubles him. In his mind come. Jesus said: "Ye shall knowthem by their fruits."
he magnifies the real or supposed wrong he has suffered (Matthew 7: 1(;) Those who will at the end be found
until he makes a mountain out of a mole-hill, tie be- as membersof the Body of Christ must have the fruit
gins to speak to others of the injustice; and each time of the spirit. "But the fruit of the spirit is love, jo35
he tells it he magnifies his story a little morein his own peace, longsuffcring, gentleness, goodness, faith."--Gal-
favor, tits imagination grows and his bitterness grows atians 5: 2~.
and he manifests it to others. He does this for a two- :*s Again St. Paul, writing to those whomGodhad set
fold purpose; that he might elicit sympathyfrom others, in the Body, desiring that they should maketheir eall-
and that he might injure his brother, at whomhe is ing and election sure and be found forever in the glo-
offended. rious Body, said: "And this I pray, that your love may
aa Someare always wilhng to listen to a tale of woe, abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all
and as they listen sympathetically they begin to feel judgment; that ye may approve things that are exeel-
duty-bound to take up the supposed injured brother’s lent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till
fight. It is none of their affair; but they say, in sub- the (lay of Christ; being filled with the fruits of right-
stance: "I won’t stand for anything that is not right," eousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and
and so they take a hand in the tight. Then they become praise of God." (Philippians 1:9-11) Let each men>
a sufferer as a busybodyin other men’s affairs, contrary ber of the Bodyabide in peace, and earnestly and faith-
to the Scriptures.--1 Peter 4: 15. fully grow in the fruits of righteousness, that he may
a~ By following this course the interferers becomede- in God’s due time enjoy the unspeakable privilege of
filed. Just as the Apostle says, the one who has the seeing Jehovah face to face.
root of bitterness is troubled, and as the trouble pro- ¯ ~ The Head of the Body suffered and bore it with
gresses manyare defiled. Is not this often the ease in a fortitude and quietness. As he suffered so other members
class trouble? The trouble starts between two brethren, of the Body must suffer. Whenhe was reviled he did
and others take sides and fan the trouble into a flame not revile again. Whenhe was ill-treated he did not
instead of following the Scriptural injunction. The two retaliate. Everyone who will finally be found in the
principals involved are troubled, and the others who Body of Christ must be of the same spirit, and in the
come into the controversy becomedefiled, and each one image and likeness of the Itead.
involved is erecting barriers that if permitted to stand a~ To aid the members while in training St. Peter
will forever hide him from the face of Jehovah. wrote: "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having eompa~-
~= What is the real moving cause of brethren taking sion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be
WATCH TOWER
courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for the beginning of strife. Onanother occasion the Apostle
railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowingthat ye are pointed out how one who thinks more highly of him-
thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For self than he should think, who is selfish and proud,
he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain is not therefore, walking according to the Wordof God;
his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no and this leads to envy, evil surmising, strife, and per-
guile: let him eschew evil, and do good;-let him seek verse &sputings; and then he plainly indicates that
peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over such are not of the Body of Christ even though claiming
the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: so to be.--1 Timothy6 : 4, 5.
but the face of the Lord is against them flint do evil." *~ That there must be complete unity of the members
(1 Peter 3:8-1~) From this Scripture it is doubtful of the Body of Christ is clearly proven by the words
about the prayers of those being heard whopermit bit- of Jesus: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them
terness to comeinto their hearts against their brethren. also which shall believe on you through fhmr word;
The order of the Melchisedee priesthood must be at peace that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me,
with God and dwell in peace with each other. This is and i in thee, that they also maybe one in us: that the
essential to keep the way open between the creature and worht may believe that thou hast sent me. And the
the great Creator, that the prayers of the creature may glory which thou gavest meI have given them ; float they
be heard. To such St. Peter lovingly says: "Greet ye maybe one, even as we are one; I in them, and tllou is
one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that
all that are in Christ Jesus."--1 Peter 5:14. the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast
loved them, as thou hast loved me." (John 17: 20-23)
UNITY This proves that complctc unity must exist in the Body
as Argument is hardly necessary to show that there and that where this unity is not existing in the members
must be unity in the Body of Christ. Unity means one- this side the vail, they must diligently put aside all
,ss. The opposite of umty means division. Quarreling controversy and strife, and endeavor to establish and
and strife lead to division, and destroy unity. maintain unity of the spirit.
a9 The seed of promise is nearing completion. The ,4 Jehovah, who places membersin the Body, through
,,’~mmining memberstins side the vail are nowthe spe- his beloved Prophet stresses in a prophecy which specif-
eml objects of Satan’s attack. Satan is a wily foe. ically applies at the end of the age, the importance
Fraud and deception are always employed by him. lie of unity, in these words: "Behold, how good and how
deceives and misleads some into believing that their pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
personal rights have been violated and that they have It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that
cause for offence, and that it becomes their duty to ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard; that
vindicate themselves and to punish some one else. This went downto the skirts of his garments; as the dew of
plants the root of bitterness and it develops into wrath. Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the moun-
If such a one permits wrath to get the upperhand of tains of Zion: for there the Lord commandedthe bless-
him he stirs up strife. "A wrathful man stirreth up ing, even life for evermore."--Psahn 133.
strife; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."--
Proverbs 15 : 18. UNITY IN ACTION
,o If one possesses some pride and thinks that he has 45 The importance of unity is again magnified by tho
not been properly and sufficiently honored, and that he apostle Paul. In pleading terms he calls upon the
is entitled to more consideration and honor than he has Church to walk worthy of their calling, and then adds:
received, the adversary will see to it flint he stirs up "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the
strife. "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even
but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made as ye are ealled in one hope of your ealling; one Lord,
fat."--Proverbs 28 : 25. one faith, one baptism, one Godand Father of all, who
4~ If one becomes angry at his brother, and permits is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto
this anger to remain in his heart and control him, this every one of us is given grace according to the measure
leads to strife. "An angry manstirreth up strife, and of the gift of Christ .... And he gave some, apostles;
a furious manaboundeth in transgression."--Pro. 29 : 2~. and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some,
,2 Wherever there is strife there is not unity. The pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints,
nnity of the Body must be and will be maintained. To for the work of the ministu, for the edifying of the
the members of the Body St. Paul says: "Let nothing body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the
be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness faith, aa~d of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto
of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
:Look not every man on his own things, but every man fulness of Christ."--Ephesians 4: 3-7, 11-13.
also on the things of others." (Philippians 2: 8,4) ~G No real Christian today has any doubt about the
:Herein again the Apostleshowsthat selfishness is really Lord’s second presence. All whoare in the Body love
2OO BROOKLYN,N.Y.
WATCH TOWER
his presence. Such nowsee that the Lord is the "Faith- unity in action, what then of those whorefuse ~o oh-
ful and True, and in righteousness he doih judge and serve or to ob,~v this divine arrangement? Going con-
make war." (Revelation 19:11) These reeogqfize that trarv to God’s commandor will is lawlessness. The
the Lord Jesus is conducting his work in harmonywith Wordof God is his law. lniquity means lawlessness or
the Father’s will. Every memberof the Bodv this side going in the way which is contrary to God’s will. In-
the vail, who eontimms {o be a member, must be in dulging in sellishness and strife and quarreling in the
harmonywith the work that tile Lord is doing, because course of the lawless. Someof these attempt to seduce
the Scriptures read: "And the armies x~hieh were in oLhers and draw them away from their activity and
heaven followed him upon white horses, elethed in fine service of the Lord. The Lord’s own words show the
linen, white and clean." (Revelation 19 : 14) Otherwise work that he wilt perform at the very end of the har-
stated these Bodymembersthis side the vail are identi- vest period in conjunction with those who offend and
fied by the garments, showing them to be in complete attempt to cause disruption and to work iniquity. We
unity and in harmony with the ttead, and harmoniously are now at the end of the ha~west. The words of th~
working under his direction. Master are: "The son cf man wilt send forth his mes-
4r The Lord is in his holy temple. The examination sengers, whowill gather ottt of his kingdomall seducers
of the saints has, for some time, been progressing. To and iniquitous [lawless I persons."--Matt. 13:41, Dzay.
5~ Be it noted that these are not gather.ed out of the
the approved ones he says: "Enter thou into the joy
of (hy l,ord." All membersof the Body thus coming to nominal church, but are gathered from amongthose who
a knowledgeof the fa(ts do enter into the joy of the are of the kingdomclass. They nmst have, at least some-
Lord. It must be true that the Lord has just one method time, claimed to he of the Bodyand of the kingdomclass.
of doing the work that he is now doing on earth. ]t They may have been at one time in the Body of Christ
would be inconsistent for him to have more than one and refused to obey the Lord’s order govmmingthe
method, tie commandsthose in his Body thus: "Thin Church, or refused to dwell together in peace, or refused
gospel of the kingdomshall be preached in all the world to maintain the unity of the spirit and action in ths
for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end Lord’s serdee; and for all these reasons have become
come." (Matthew 2¢: 14) Ii~ harmony with this Jeho- lawless persons.
vah says: "Ye are mywitnesses, . . . that I am God." ~2 Let us bear in mind, dear brethren, the importance,
Andagain ; that ye are all membersof The Christ, bearing and have a proper appreciation, of the fact that loyalty
the messageof peace and snlvation.--Isa. 4a: 12",~2: 7. to God and to the Lord Jesus Christ means to do his
¯ 8 Whoamongall the peoples of earth are engaged work in his appointecl way. It is the loyal and faithful
in carrying out this order through Christ Jesus the ones whowill receive his approval.
tread? With meekness and modesty we can say that
those of the WaTctr Towza BIBLE& TItACT SOCIETY STAND TOGETHER
are the only ones. But bear irL mind that if these who ~a Each memberof the Body yet in the flesh is weak.
are engaged joyfidly in doing this work are in the BodyThe Lord judges him not aeeording to his flesh but
of Chrisg then Godhas set them there as it pleased him.according to his heart; that is to say, according to the
:By their fruits ye shall knowthem. motive that induces his action. Let no memberof the
4a Do we find some who claim to be in the Body of Body judge his brother in any other way. "Wherefore
Christ who are opposing the work of giving the wit- henceforth knowwe no man after the flesh; yea, though
ness concerning God’s kingdomto the 1rations of earth we have kno~mChrist after the flesh, yet now hence-
as he commanded? It is even so. Do we find these forth knowwe him [so] no more."--2 Corinthians 5 : 16.
manifesting selfishness, indulging in evil sumfisings, ~4 Each one should sympathize with his brother and
evil speech, slander and persecution, in a vigorous effort
strive to help him. Jf his fellow memberof the Body
to destroy the influence of those whoare active in giving
suffers, he suffers with him; if he is honored, then re-
the witness? Such is according to the facts. Can those joice with him. The members of the Body of Christ
whoindulge in this opposition be in the Bodyof Christ ?of necessity must now he bound firmly together with
The Lord is the judge. There is and must be unity cords of love. There is just a small nmnberof them. They
amongst the members of the Body. must all be one. Each member of the Body must and
will love every other member. As the Apostle puts it:
LAWLESSNESS ’No man hates himself.’ Loving one another means that
so h’ot every one is a Jew whois merely a Jew out- each one, then, will put aside selfishness, looking out for
wardly. (Romans2 : 28) Not evmT one is in the Body the spiritual interest of his brother. Service for his
of Christ merely because he claims to be there. (Mat- brother will be prompted by unselfishness, tie will be
thew 7:21) Since the Word of God commands that anxious to see his brother active in the Lord’s service,
there must be order in the Churchand in the Lord’s and he will do what he can reasonably to help him en-
work; that the approved must dwell together in peace gage in the service, tie avill appreciate the fact that
and in holiness; that there must be unity in heart and if he does any injury to his brother he does violence to
1, WATC H TOWER
the Body of Christ. Let the brethren ever37where then QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STU’DT
cease quarreling and strife. Let them work together in What are some of the thin¢s of which we shouhl havo n pr,a-
per appreeiali(m? How inlportant is the appreeiation? ¶ t.
exact harmony. Let them dwell together in peace. In the Whqt is one o£ tile fundamental laws of God? Why is tins
words of the apostle Paul: "Let the lives yon live be so? Who sets lhe lnembers in the Body? ¶ 2-4..
When did Jesus become the IIead of the royal priesthood?
worthy of the good news of the Christ, in order that, When was he clothed with all power and authority? ¶ 5, 6.
whether I come and see you or, being absent, only hear When were the members of the Body first anointed, and what
of yon, I may knowthat you are standing fast ill one has been the work of tile holy spirit since tlutt time? Ilow
spirit and with one mind, fighting shoulder to shouhler is one brought Io a knowledge of the truth? ¶ 7, S.
I,~ow is lhe :lnointing pictured? May one’s Do-ilion in the
for the faith of the good news. Never for a moment Body be changed? If ~o. xxho does the changing? ¶9-11.
quail before 3-our antagomsts. Your fearlessness will be What is lhe cause of division? What will the result be if
to them a sure token of impending destruction, but to qll exercise lhe spirit ot lhe Lord when there is a threat-
ened disturb.qnee in the Feeh=si.t? ¶ 12.
you it will be a sure token of your salvation--a token If there be a yiehling to, we~lknes,q, what is the cause? ]f
coming from God."--Philippians 1:27, 28, lVeymoulh. the bre,leh is not rel)aire(1, ~hat is obvious? Should
ju(lge one another in this matter? \Vhat is tile advanlago
of judging oneself? ~13-15.
THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S ~Vho only shouhl vote in the eeelesias? What only should be
~5 The enemyis vi~:orous and powerful. IIe is seek- the controlling factor? What is always ,’t hindrance to
the operation of tile spirit of love’.) ¶ 16, 17.
ing to destroy the membersof the Body. All his forces ~Vlmt should t)’,~ the delight of lhe brethren at ,~.n eleclion?
are arrayed apgainst the seed of promise. But these, ob- In who<e ulMel’st’lnding are we to trust? ¶ 18, 19.
Should one take it upon hinlself to tmmiliate a brother?
serving the rules or laws which the Lord has laid down, ShouM one discredit tmother? ¶ 20-22.
are safe from all harm. Their eontinued safety de- ]f a In’other needs (lis(.iplining, how is it to be done? IIow
pends upon their loving devotmnand truthfulness to the ft~r does tile eeeleMa’s authority gin? ¶ 23-25.
~Vlmt lesson is brought to our minds by the priesthood being
Lord and to his cause. Pleadingly the Lord, through his typified by Melehisedee? ¶ 26-28.
¯ prophet says to them: "0 love the Lord, atl ye his saints : tIow are roots of bitterness engendered? What is the eause
for the Lord preserveth the faithfnl."--Psa. 31: 23. of such disturbing inlluenees? ¶ 29-33.
IIow may we know the cause of any trouble? What is our
56 As the enemyadvances to the assault let each mem- bounden duty as followers of Christ? ¶ 34-30.
ber of the Bodyof Christ rememberflint the battle is What are the instruelions of St. Peter? What inference
nmy we draw from the seripture quoted? ¶ 37.
not his but the Lord’s. The Lord is leading, and the Must there be unity in the Body of Christ? Who is the
Lord is eertain of victory. Observe his order, and abide special foe of the new ereation? What elements in tile
together in peace, with hearts and hands united together mind does the devil work on? If these elements are laek-
ing, where does the devil get a foothold? ¶ 38-43.
in love. Let eaeh one do his part and all togetller joy- Wlmt does the I’sahnist say about the desirability of unity?
fully sing: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Behold, What does the Apostle say about unity? ¶ 44, 45.
the Lord reigneth ! Why is there a special work being done in the Chureh at
tn’esent? What garments do the saints wear? How many
~ Those who are thus ealled and chosen and continue nmtho(ls does the Lord employ for this speeial work?
faithful nnto the end shall be with the Lord in his "Who only ate cooperating with the Lord in witnessing of
his kingdonl? ¶ 46-49.
great victory. At his graeious hand they shall receive What may we say of those who are going eontrary to the
the erown of life and be forever in the glorious Bodv Lord’s will? ¶ 50-52.
What are the necessary things for us to know and to do in
of Christ, membersof the royal priesthood forever, after order to preseme the unity of the spirit? What is the
the order o£ 3delehisedee. reward at the end of tile way? ¶ 53-57.
~AUL CtfOOSES SILAS FOg C05[PANION--T1MOTHY GOOD COMPANION FOR PAUL--GOD WORKS THROUGH HUMANMIND.
"’He shall have dominionalso from sea to sea, and from the river untv the ends of the earth."--PsaIm 7~: 8.
1 TtIE close of the council in Jerusalem the apes- The account of this second journey is an account
~ tl:,s and elders assembledsent Judas and Silas to of Paul’s journeying: "Paul departed"; "he went
Antioch with Barnabas and Paul. This was a through Syria"; "he came to Derbe and Lystra." He
wise action, for the doubters in Antioch would surely and Silas went over the mountains and came to Dcrbe,
have doubt~’d the words of even those good men. Both which on the previous journey was the last place visited.
Judas and Silas were apostles who could exhort the Silas was a goodcompanion,and fitted in as second, bet-
Chui’ch, and this they did, confirming the brethren in ter than Barnabas. It was evidently all according to the
their faith. After a time they realized that their work will of the Lord. It would have been in the nature of a
in Antioch was completed, and farewells were said. calamity if these two companies lind met; the churches
Blot it pleased Silas to stay in Antioch.--Acts 15:34. could hardly have been established by apparently rival
Soon Paul suggested to Barnabas that they shonhl revivalists. The Lord arranged otherwise, for ~xhen
Barnabas left for Cyprus that is the last heard of him.
go over the territory where they had before preached
Paul and Silas went on to Lystra, and now for the
the Wordof the Lord and see how the brcthern were
first time Timothy comes on the scene. It is very prob-
faring. Barnabas agreed, but determined to take John
Mark with them. Paul disagreed with this; he thoug’ht able that the great Apostle and the youth Timothy had
it not good to take with them one who had departed been drawn together on Paul’s first visit to Lystra. We
may indeed gather from Paul’s knowledge of Timothy’s
from the work. But Barnabas was determined, and Paul
mother and grandmother that it is probal)le it was at
was equally determined; and these two good men found
their home that Paul’s wounds were washedand he himself
themselves in sharp contention. Barnabas in his own
refreshed after he bad been stoned.--Acts 14: 19.
wily decided the matter; for he took the initiative.
s’Timothy’s father was a Greek ~ho had married a
Takin:- Mark with him the two sailed to Cyprus to go
Jewess. The boy had not been eirctmmised, but it is
on th,~ route over which he and Paul had gone previous-
evident that the father had raised no objection to his
ly.--Acts 15 : gg.
son being trained in the religion of the Jews. The good
~fhcre is no ground for the supposition that these
women had faithfully taught him in the Scriptures.
two geod men parted in anger, though the action of
Y, an abas in taking the lead is someindication of heat WhenPaul l~turned to Lystra he found that the
of spirit. Each was convinced that his judgment was seed of truth sown on his first visit had borne fruit:
th~ better, his view the right one. Whenthe Lord first for now Timothywas well spoken of by all the brethren,
sent them Ollt together Barnabas was named first, and not only in Lystra, but also m Ieonium. Paul desired
pe.rhaps he had never really agreed to take that second to have Timothy with him, and his family let him go ;
place which the united minist~" had determined for and there began the companionship that &d not end
him. But he well knew that Paul had sp,cial equipment until Paul the aged finished his life of sacrifice at the
for service, m~.d had received from the Lord visions and hands of the cruel Iloman power. Thus to young Tim-
revelations which had not been given him. othy, learning and serving in sincerity of spirit, camea
4 Paul chose Sflas, and being recommended by the privilege which was one of the greatest which could bo
brethren unto the grace of the 1,oral (which was not given to any young man.--1 Timothy 1:2.
~o Tmlothy was not forward in disposition--neither
done in the ease of Barnabas and 5Iark) they went over-
land through Syria and Cilicia confirming the churches. his body nor his temperament allowed him to he that--
This is the first record of there being churches in those but he was what the Apostle wanted to fill his need.
parts, and it is some proof that Paul was busily engaged Timcthy would be eyes for Paul, and hands and feet
in those years between his departure from Jerusalem and for him, and would attend to the many things which
the time when Barnabas found him and brought him would be necessary for the well-being of the company
to help in the work at Antioch.--Acts 9 : 30 ; 11 : 25. and for Paul in pmticular. Also he seems to have been
5 As both Paul mad Barnabas were men of character the natural complementof the Apostle’s personality.
~ As Paul and Silas, and now Timothy, continued
and ability, it is probable that in the eyes of the churches
they stood much on an equality. Barnabas was a good their journey they passed through the cities where there
man with a noble mind, but Paul had a special equip- were brethren, in every place telling them of the eounefl
ment of mind which Barnabas did not possess, and also of Jerusalem, reading and almost certainly leaving them
had a special call from the Lord which had not been a copy of the council’s epistle. (Acts 15: 30) The
given to Barnabas. In later days Paul tells of John churches by tiffs ministry were established in the faith,
Mark as being very useful to him, and he would always and increased in number daily.
~ Paul was nowthe outstanding figure in the ministry
speak k;ndlyof his first friend Barnabas.
204
JULY 1, 1925
WATCH TOWER
of the gospel to the Gentiles. His ordination to his office ~ Paul was left much to his own judgment in the
of mini~ter to the Gin:tiles was more like his Master’s matter of doing his work for the Master. It was his
than tkat of the other apostles’. Everyone knew the choice which took Timothy; it was his decision which
others were set apart; Pentecost had made that clear. caused Timothy to be circumcised because of the Jew.q
But Paul had no such openly-given commission. The which were in the neighborhood of his home; and it
only occasion of outward signs he had were when the was in the exernise of his judgment he refuse4 to have
t:ands of the otherwise unknown Ananias of Damascus Titus circumcised although much pressure was put upon
were placed on his head, only they two being present; him to have this done.--Galatians 2: 3-5.
and when Barnabas m:d he were sent out bv the Church ~8 Like every other portion of the sacred writings,
at Antioch and the brethren laid hands on them giving the account of the difference between Barnat)as and Paul
them their blessing and goedwill.--Aets 9: 17; la: a. is for instruction; it is not written merely to place the
,a Jesus himself had no outward witness given to him facts on record, or to relate how these two men took
save that at Jordan, in which only John shared. (Acts different paths in service. There is in it nmchinstruction
1 : a~’-34)Jesus proved his offiee by his works and teach- for the true disciple. The absence of further reference
in,vs ; and this was the way set for Paul. W~thout doubt to Barnabas, and the fact that he and Mark were not
this brought him many of his peculiar trials in his work. allowed to continue their journey and thus meet Paul
It is evident that in Corinth he suffered eonsiderably and Si]as who were going to the same Galatian towns
in this respect, for, writing to them, he was eompelled by another route, is sumeient to indicate the Lord’s dis-
to argue that the signs of his apostleship were wrought approval of Barnabas.
out amongst them. Like his Master he appealed to his ~9 It is an easy transition from that day to this when
work as his witness.--1 Cor. 9 : 1 ; 2 Cor. 13 : 3. the Lord is again sending out the message of truth,
~ Many whomPaul was privileged to serve saw noth- though in a wider field and greater mea*ure. Again
ing more in him than an able man; and some indeed there have been tho~e who would take upon themselves
saw him as one who sought his own interests. (2 Cor- the right and privilege to carry on the Lord’s work.
inthians 12: 17) The other apostles were spared this IIe who goes ahead of the Lord, assuming too much,
trial; but Paul’s experiences were part of the Lord’s acts as disastrously to himself as one who turns aside
arrangement ;or keeping him stretched to the fullest from the Lord’s way to seek his own. One may seem
endeavor so as to prove himself both in the sight of God to have zeal and earnestness, and the other to be careless,
and the churches. The Lord knew his servant, knew but both are in a condition which is most dangerous to
what was necessary for him, knew what he could bear. spiritual welfare, and which may prove to be disastrous.
]t is evident that the Lord, the Head of the Church,
has acted in this way at other times with those who have QUESTIONS FOR BEREANSTUDY
been called to serve him. The ordination of his ser- After the council at Jerusqlem who were sent with Paul
vants has not been by outward manifestation, but by and Barnabas? After their work was finished at Antioch
what did Paul propose to do? What caused Paul and
the power of the spirit and truth in the heart. Barnalms to part company? Did they part in anger? ¶1-3.
Wa~Paul idle 1)etween the time he left .lerusalem and when
GOD WORKS THROUGH HUMAN MIND Barnabas lound him? Why should Barnabas have sub-
mitred to Paul’.; ¶ 4, 5.
~5 This same attitude toward Paul is still existent. The account of this second journey speaks principally of
The tendency of the teachers of Ecelesiasticism in these whom?Did the Lord show his al)proval in overruling in
the ease of Paul and Barnabas for the good of the wo’rk?
days is to reject the Apostle’s teachings, and to say it ¶6.
was he who determined the theology of the early Church. What noble young man now comes on the scene? What
They profess to stand by the teaching of Christ which, early training had Timothy? What exeeptional privitege
say they, is so open and free and generous. But the had Timothy? { 7-9.
In wlmt way could Timothy be eyes and hands and feet
Church is dependent upon the teachings of the Apostle. for Paul? ¶ 10.
],;very faithful Bible student knows that Paul was made What epistle was read to the churches which they visited?
the great expounder of the faith (Colossimls 1 : 25), and In what way (lid Paul witness to his apostleship? IIow
did Jesus prove his olliee? ¶ 11-13.
that none can have Jesus without" having his doctrine Does proving olle’s (.oluulissioIl by his works necessarily
as set forth by Paul. (Galatians 1 : 8) The narrowness bring peculiar trials? ¶ 12, 13.
of the disciples’ road was told by the Lord; Paul but Howdid the Lord keep Paul stretched to the fullest en-
deavor to prove him? Was this because the Lord knew
describes it in detail. his servant? ¶ 14.
~a Our study shows that God works through the human Is Paul still the subject of dispute and opposition? By
mind. This second journey, which meant much to the whom?Is the.re any discord between the teachings of
apostle Paul, was apparently started through the desire Jesus and St. Paul? ¶ 15.
tIow is it demonstrated that God works through the lmman
of Paul to visit the brethren. This simple good desire mind? ¶ 16, 17.
made a great difference to all the four men concerned, What lesson do we learn from the experience of the separa-
tion of Paul and Barnabas? As God is a God of order is
and had much to do with the advancement of the work it supposable that he has a preference in our day as to
of the Lord. the way the message should go to the people? ¶ 18, 19.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
(Continued from Page 201)
combination of the ruling factors of the world and their Satan is excluded from heaven. Nowhe pictures the
subjects under the leadership of their god, Satan, to de- great conflict pertaining to all things of the earth. Je-
stroy Israel after the spirit. This is evidently the fight sus is the great victorious Warrior riding to final and
mentioned in Itevelation 12: 17, in which the devil complete victory.
goes forth to make war against the remnant of the Thenthe vision shows the armies in heavenfollowing
woman,that is to say, the residue of spiritual Israel. after him proclaiming the message of truth; and these
Being small in number, and weak within themselves, are clothed in fine linen, white and clean, thus identi-
those who compose the remnant class would necessarily fying them as the class who are righteous in the Lord
be fearful; but in the language of St. Paul, when the and whoare joyfully enzag-ed in following the ~Iaster.
Chrishau is weak, and realizes it and looks to the Lord The vismn, showing that out of his mouth goes forth
for strength, he is strong in the Lord and in the power the sharp sword, is proof that the part performed by
of his might.--2 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesiaus 6:10. the Bodymembersis to sing h~s praises and to give forth
The Christmn is reminded that the battl’, is not his the mes~a~,e of his ldngdom. Other scriptures Jn har-
but the Lord’s. He who is all-pocketful, both in hea\eu monywith this show that the part to be~ perfommdby
and earth, is leading in the fight. The great antitFpwal the Body membersis that of singing the praises of the
Joshua is eo.mmandingthe forces of his army and will Lord. felling the peoples of earth that the King is here
utterly destroy his enemies. Those who have full faith and that his kingdom is at hand.
and confidence in the Lord and joyfully perform their W~rs in the past have been unrighteous wars. The
duties he will presela’e unto himself. "Thus shall the war of the great Captain here described is a war of
Lord do nnto all your enemies" doubtless means that righteousress. He, the great righteous One, wars again.,t
thus shall the Ix)rd cause the necks of the enemies of evil; and his judgment is upon the nations of earth,
Christ to bow down under Christ, and that those who which are the instruments of Satan, the enemy. The
are Christ’s shall triumph in him. judgmentis already on the nations, but the final conflict
liappy are we that we do not have to engage in car- seems to be future; and in this conflict the Lord will
nal warfare, but that this waI~eare means battling for be victorious, for he is King of kings and Lord of lords.
the truth and standing firmly for the Lord under the It is a great consolation to the hearts of his followers
most trying and adverse conditions, with full faith and to knowthat in this conflict the Lord is certain of vie-
confidence that the Lord will gain the victory; that if fo~,, and that he will get the victory not only for him-
we abide in him we shall stand victorious with him at self, but for the Body membersalso. That which is re-
the end. quired of the Body membersis that they are eall’,’d,
Thus we see that the comfort proceeds from Jehovah and chosen, and then are faithful even unto death.
through Christ to the membersof the Body of Christ, Jehovah has prom~sed through his Beloved One to
particularly to those whoare engagedin the conflict at preserve all the faithful who love him supremely. The
the end of the age. love of each one is show~aby his unselfish and unswerv-
ing allegiance to the Lord and to his cause of righteous-
ness. He r.ot only willingly but gladly puts self in the
TEXT FOR AUGUST 1~ background, tie seeks not to exalt himself but to exalt
"’I7~ righleous~ess he doth judge and mal~e war."-- and ma~lify the Lord and declare his name and his
Revelatio~ 19: 11. great plan nnto the peoples of the earth. With complete
PERFECT TRUST
"Take thine own way with me, (lear Lord, "I could not choose a larger bliss
Thou eanst not otherwise than bless; Than to be wholly thine; and mine
Launched forth am I upon a sea A will whose highest joy is this:
Of boundless love and tenderness. To ceaselessly unclasp in thine."
206
CONVENTIONS AND RAILROAD INFORMATION
We are presenting information in re Springfield, Vermont, Massachusetts, RhodeIsland, Connecticut,
~iass., convention, August 13 to 16, and Indianapolis, NewYork, Pennsylvania, NewJersey, Delaware, Mary-
Ind., convention, August 24 to 31, as follows: land, West Virginia, and that part of Virginia lying
The railroads have granted a special rate of one-and east of the PotomacRiver, including Norfolk. Tickets
one-half fares for both the Springfield and Indianapcli~ will be on ~le August 10 to 15, and each ticket holder
Conventions. Tickets will be sold on the "ROUND must be home by midnight of August 21, as all tickets
TRIP INDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE expire at that hour.
I’LAN." Secure your certificates from Brother R. H. Address A. E. Poor, 457 Riverdale St., West Spring-
l{arber, 18 Concord St., Brooklyn, N. Y., as soon as field, Mass., for information regarding rooms, etc.
possible.
If possible have the class secretary or someone else INDIANAPOLIS CONVENTION
order the certificates for the entire class, thus saving The above special rates apply to all of the United
tune and unnecessary correspondence. One certificate ,~tates except Maine, NewHampshire, Vermont, Mass-
w.ll suffice for each person, including the dependent achusctts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. (We expect
m~,mbersof his or her family, hut the nantes of these rat’,~s also from Camda.) In the Eastern and Central
dependents must be given to the ticket agent at the sections tickets will be on sale front August 20 to 26,
time the ticket is purchased, and the eel~ificate must be and final return limit midnight of September 5. From
Colorado, Montana, NewMexico, Wyoming, Oklahoma
presented to the tlclcet age,nt in order to get the special
rates. m:d Texas, tickets will be on ~le from August 19 to 25,
Each person must purchase a roun&trip ticket, going w~th final return limit midnight of September 7. From
mid returning over the same route, in order to secure the the Pacific Coast states, the dates of sale are August16
reduced rat:~. The return portion of the ticket must be to 2~. Final return limit midnight of September 11.
vahdatcd at Indianapolis or Springfield before it cart All tickets expire on dates mentioned as the final re-
be used for return passage. turn limit.
Friends from the coast states should inquire abou*o
Railroad Bureaus will be maintained at both conven-
sumnler excursion rates, which are on sale from ’5fay 29
tions where information regarding validation of tickets,
to September 15 with final return limit October 31.
arrival or departure or trains, schedules, etc., can be
Th?se excursion fares are lower than the Round Trip
o;tained.
Indent@’ation Certificate l’lan.
SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION Address l,. L. Bnlleit, 717-719 J. F. Wild Bldg., 123
The above special rates to the Springfield Conven- Fast Market St., Indianapolis Ind., for information re-
tion apply only to the states of ~Iaine, _. cw Hampshire, garding rooms, etc.
Los Angeles, Cal ............. 1073 Ro~eland,II! ....................... 129 Ilochester. N Y ................. g7 Springfield. Me....................... 52
NewYork City ................... Sq2 Akron, Ohio ..................... 128 NewBriglmm, Pa ................. (;6 Altoona, l’a ........................ 5I
lloston, Mass..................... 552 neading,Pa ......................... 125 San 3ose, Cal ............. 6(; Chicago, 111. (Swedish) ........ 51
Chicago,1ll ......................... 515 Worcester, Mass.................. 125 Menu)his,Tone....................... t;5 Curtiss, ~Vis......................... 5I
lqttslmrgh, Pa ..................... 5115 (..’rand Rapids. Mirh ........... 12t nl FIll I uIsllaln, xkla .............. ~i~ Moline,Ill ............................... 51
Cleveland, Ohio ................. 44g OklahomaCity, Otda .......... 2:211 DuillleSile , Pa ......................... [14 Scranton, Pa .................... 5I
Detroit, Mleh........................ 390 I-touston,Tcx........................ 117 York. Pa ....................... 6’I LongBeach,Ca1 ..................... 50
St. Louis, Me...................... 351 l~hue,Pa ............................. 115 Allautu, Ga ................. 62 Mobde,Ala ........................ 50
Philadelphia, Pa ................... 310 l~iehmond,Va .................... 114 Waslnngton, D. C. (Colored)..62 NmgaraFalls, N. Y ............... 50
Seatlle, Wash...................... 297 Allentown,Pa ................... 113 NewIIaven, Corm................ 61 Providence,R. I ..................... 50
Cohnnbns.(.)hie .................... 2i;2 Wichita, Kan,as................... 102 Jackson, Ml(’h .................... 60 Tulsa, Okla............................ 49
Cincinnati, Ohio.................... 258 Pasadena,Cal ........................ 96 Riverside, Cat ........................ 60 ~,Varren, Ohio...................... 49
]laltimore, Md.................... 255 Auburn,Ala............................. 95 Newark,N. ff ......................... 58 Chicago, IIL (Colored) .......... 48
Nail Francisco, (’al ............. 242 St. Paul, Minn........................ 93 Canton,Ohio........................ 57 Des Moines, Iowa ................. 47
Portland, ()re ................. 235 Lancaster, Pa ........................ 92 Tiffin. Ohio.......................... 57 Johnstown,Pa ....................... 17
Indianapolis, Ind ................. 21/3 Miami.Fla ............................... S4 Camden, N. J ......................... 56 Mattoon,Ill .......................... 47
"~Vashington,D. C .............. 227 Norfolk,Va............................. 8-1: Ft. Worth,Tex....................... 56 Port IIuron, Mieh ................. 47
~linneapolis, Minn................. 220 Paterson,N. J ......................... S4 .St. Joseph,Me......................... 56 Utica,N.¥ ............................... 4:7
Denver,Col............................ 214 Jacksonville, Flu ..................... 83 Scotia, N.Y............................ 56 Pawtucket,R. I ....................... 46
lluffalo, N. Y ................ 207 Lynn,.~Iass .............................. S3 Aurora,111............................... 55 Quincy,l~Iass ........................... 46
New York. N. Y. (Coh)red)_..200 Fresno,C’,d............................. S2 Dubuque.Iowa........................ 55 Stockton,Cal .......................... 46
Dayton,Ohm........................ 178 East St. Louis, Ill ................. 79 Lima,Ohio............................ 55 Elizabeth, N. J ....................... 45
Milwaukee,Wis .................. 176 Tampa,Fla ........................... 78 Kalamazoo, Mieh .................. 54 Omaha, Neb............................. 45
Oakland,Col .................... "75 Detroit, Mich. (Colored) .......... 76 Passaic, N. J ......................... 54 Anianre,Ohio.......................... 44
Aberdeen, Wash ............ 63 Watertown,N. g .................. 7(; Pueblo,Cole......................... 54 Bremerton, Wash ........ ¢ ....... 44
Kansas City, Me................ 1~i0 Flint, Mieh............................. 75 St. Peterslmrg, Pla ................. 54 Cleveland, Ohio (Colored) ...... 44
Everett, Wash....................... 156 Tustm, Cal ...................... 72 Syracuse,N.Y ....................... 54 Cumberland,Md..................... -14
Taeonm,Wash....................... 151 Brooklyn, N. Y. (Colored) .... 71 Wilmington,Del ..................... 54 Easton,Pa .............................. 44
San Diego, Cal ..................... 151 Portsmouth,Ohio.................... 71_ Petersburg, Va....................... 53 l,orain, Ohio............................ 44
Sookane,"Wash..................... 151- Youngstown,Ohio.................. 71 Clinton, Iowa.......................... 52 Saginaw,l~Iieh ........................ 44
Toledo,Ohio.......................... 1-42 Dallas,Texas............................ 70 Duluth. Minn......................... 52 BayCity, Mich ..................... 43
San Antonio, Texas .............. 140 Wheeling,Vv’. Va................... 68 NewKensington, Pa ............... 5~ Bridgeport, Conn.................. 43
Louisville, Ky...................... 134 Binghamton, N. g ................. 67 Sacramento,Cal ..................... 52 (Continued)
207
International Bible Students A sociation Gasseg
hCcturc~
and~tudlc5bLJTraveling
Brethrcrt
BROTIIER T. E. BARKER BROTHER G. R. POI,LOCK
Green Bay, ~’is ............. July J6 Unity,~.Vis................. July 23, 2J, Oakridge,Ore ............. Jnly 17 Dallas, Ore ............... July 24
Se.~lnour, Wis................. " 17 Marshfiehl, Wls ......... " 26 $;ugene, Ore............... " 16, 19 hie 5hnnville, ()re ..... " 26
lIlack Creek, "Wls............. " 19 Milladore, Wis........... " 27 Albany, Ore ............. " 20 Portion J, Ore ........... " 27, 29
l’lover, Wls.................... " 20 Junction City, Wis ..... " 2~ Marion, ()re .............. " 21 Vancouver, Wash ..... " 28
Stevens Pulnt, Wis ......... " 21. Merrill, Wis............... " 2") West Stayton, Ore ..... " 22 0dell, Ore................... " 30
Withee,Wis..................... " 22 ~Vausau,VVis............. " 30 Salem,Ore ................. " 23 Bend, Ore ........... July 31, Aug. 2
Sunday
BETHEL
2 Ap. C
HYMNS FOR
9 154 16
AUGUST
236 23 165 30 211
I.BSA. BEREAN
BIBLESTUDIES
Monday 3 VOW 10 329 1"/ 1 24 219 31 216 ByMeansoF "The At-one-ment"
Tu(’sday 4 148 11 310 18 332 25 53 STUDY XII: TIIE SUBJECT 0P THE ATONEMENT
Wednesday 5 286 1~ 215 19 145 26 208 Weekof Ang. 2 ........ Q. 81-87 Weekof Aug. 16 ........ Q. 95-101
Thursday ~ 126 1~ 36 ~O 227 ~/ 90 Weekof Aug. 9 ........ Q. 88-94 Weekof-Aug. 23 ........ Q. 102-110
Friday 7 184 14 303 ~1 107 ~8 157 Weekof Aug. 31 ........ Q. 111-117
~at, 1 125 8 255 15 39 2~ 275 ~9 65
VoL XLVI SESII-~IONTHLY N(), :14~
CONTENTS
THE~EMNANT ...................................................... 21l
A Typical People ............................................ 21l
The Remnant.................................................... 211
Things Typified ................................................ 211
~Ilstorical .......................................................... 213
Special Trials .................................................... 215
Great Battle ..................................................... 215
Glory of the Lord ............................................ 216
Crownof Glory ........................................... 217
I)RAYER-.-~IEETING TEXTCOMMENTS .................... 218
TEhIPERANCE LESSGN ............................................ 220
TttE 5IACEI)ONIAN CALL........................................ 222
Conventions........................................................ 210
Radio Program.................................................. 210
~ENEDICTION (Poem) ......................................... 219
~ ___.:~:=--:..~___= -;--= .
~::::. --::::- -L. "
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking
~he ti~h~gs coming upon the earth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (eeclesmst~csm) shall be shaken . . W~hen ye see the~’ thm~s begin to come to pa~s,
know that the Kingdom ~,[ God ia at hand. Look up, IK¢ up your heads~ rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
T HISpresented
journal is one of the prime factors
in all parts of the civilized
or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
world by the WATCHTOWERBIBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered
or "Seminary Extension", now being
A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister iV. D. l~I.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for file defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties,°sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. "It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
llath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances, its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
tor we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the npbuilddng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
leaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
WATCN
TOWEr<
BI BLE (r TRACT SOCIETY Broadcasting the truth lms proven so satisfactory up
to date that we suggest to the friends, wherever it
18 CONCORD ¯cl D BI~OOKL~/N,
STREET A I.V.U.S-A is possible, to arrange for a good receiving set with
l~o~Eia~ O]~FICES : British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate, a loud speaker and invite their neighbors in to listen to
London ~V. 2; Canadmn: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario ; the program of the nearest station broadcasting the truth.
A ust, alasiau: 495 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia ; ~oath African~ We give here the time of the stations of which we are in-
6 Lehe St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PLEASEADI)RE~S THE SOCIETYIN ~i]VERY CASE. formed, and as others are added, broadcasting the truth,
we will publish their schedules.
YEAI’LY SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: UNITED STATES, .~1.00 ; CANADA
AND3IlSCELLANEOUS JflOREIGN, $1.50 ; GREATBRITA1N, AUSTRALASIA, WBBR, New Ym’k City (official address, 124 Columbia
ANDSOUTI~ A]FRICA, 7S. American remittances should be made by Heights, Brooklyn, N. g.), 272.6 meters. Sunday
l,;xpc~s or Postal Money Orders, or by Bao~: Draft. Canadian, British, morning. 10:00 to 11:30: Sunday evening, 9:00 to
South African, and Australasian reinittanccs should be made to branch
offices only. Remittances from scattered fmeigu tcrratory may be made :10:30; Monday, Thm’sday and Saturday evenings,
to the Brooklyn ofiice, bat by International Postal MoneyOrders only. 8 : 00 t~) 9 : 00 ; Daylight-Saving, E. Standard Time.
(For~’~gn translations of this journal appear in several languages)
Editoriai Committee: This journal is published under the supervision WORD, Batavia, Ill., (Official address, Webster Hotel,
of all editorial committee, at least three of wholn have read and Chicago, Ill.), 275 meters. Sunday morning, 10:00
approved as truth each and evexy article appearing in these columns. to 11:00; Sunday evening, 1;:45 to 8:00; Mon-
Tile llallleN of ille editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORD. day, Tuesday, Wc~lnesday, Thursday and Friday
W. ]2]. YANAMBURGH, J. HEMERY,it |1. liARItSIt. C. E. STEWART.
evenings, 8 : 30 to 9 : 30 ; Saturday evenin~gs, 8 : 00
Terms to the Lord’s Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of
.,,J ,ge or other illlu’n|lI.y or adversity, are unable to pay for this to 9:00. Daylight-Saving, Central Standard Time.
j,~ll i1~11. ~ HI be ~upphed tree if they send a postal card eacll May
stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only K F K B, Milford, Kansas, 286 meters. Sunday evenings,
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and 8:30 to 9:30; Central Standard Time. Lectures
in touch with the Berean studies. and musical programs under auspices of Abilene
Notice to Subscribers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowl- Ecclesia.
edgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expira- C H UC, Saskatoon, S’/sk., Canada, 330 meters. Sur~dny
tion date, as shown on wrapper label.
evenings, 7:30 to 9:00; Monday and Wednesday
E.ntered as SecondClass Mas~erat Brooklyn, N.Y Postof~c¢., Act of March3"d z8~9._ evenings, 8:00 to 9:30, Mountain Standard Time.
Lectures and musical programs under auspices of
Saskateon Ecclesia.
CONVENTIONS
TtIE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION will h01d K N X, Los Angeles, Calif., Sunday evening, 7:00 to 8:00 ;
con~entions as follows : Pacific Standard Time. Programs under auspices
Springfield, Mass., August 13 to 16, inclusive, ]925. of I,os Angeles Ecclesia.
Indianapolis, Ind.. August 24 to 31, inclusive, 1925.
Wihnington, N. C., October 22 to 25, inclusive, 1925. K H J, Los Angeles, Calif., 405 meters. Sunday evenings,
We make this anllonncclnent now ill advance Ill order that the 7:30 to 8: 15; Pacific Standard Time. Program~
friends may arrange their vacation periods accordingly. More de-
tailed information will be published later. under auspices of Los Angeles Ecclesia.
THE REMNANT
"’i. that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crownof glory, a~Tdfor" a diadem of beauty, ,mlo the residue of his
people, and for a spirit of judgment to t~im that si~lteth in judgmer~t, and for’ strength
to them that turn the battle to the gate."--I, amh 28 : 5, 6.
HEScriptures were written aforetime for tlle com- temple and the eXv. Those who did return considered
T fort of the Church. The above text, when un- themselves representatives of all Israel. As a matter of
derstood, we believe will be amongthe most com- fact, however, there was but a remnant of Israel whore-
forting to the Church at this time. The word "residue" turned from. captivity.
means the remnant or remainder, which implies, of s WhenJesus entered upon his ministry many fol-
course, that there is a larger number that have been lowed him. But when the truth began to search and
separated from the lesser. The phrase "in that day", test their hearts and faith "manyof his diseiples went
wMehoccurs so frequently in tha propheey o£ Isaiah, back, and walked no more with him". (John 6: 56)
seems always to refer to the Lord’s second presence, an.I Thus a remnant was there shown. The doctrine or
particularly to the latter part of the pilgrimage of the teaching of the remnant seems to run through the
Church on earth. Scriptures and is especially associated with Israel after
= The primary purpose of what is here written is to the flesh, and with Israel after the spirit.
show that God foreknew and foreshadowed a remnant
or residue class amongstthose of the professed followers A TYPICALPEOPLE
o£ Jesus Christ; that these would have special trials; 6 God’s dealing with ±he nation of Israel was no~
that he specially favors such class at the very end of merely for Israel’s benefit. In fact the chief purpose
the age, and thereby the remnant will be greatly thereof was to foreshadow some better things to follow.
strengthened, comforted and carried through to victory. The value of the history of that people can be ap-
’~ The mere fact that Godsingled out the descendants predated only no% and that by Christians who recog-
of Abraham and organized them into a nation means nize that Israel was a typical nation or people, that the
much. The further fact that such was the only nation events ~n connection with the history of that people
God ever reeog’nized makes the history of that people were divinely arranged and specifically recorded for the
much more important. Wl~en Jacob had wrestled all benefit of the Christians upon whomthe end of the
night with the angel God changed his name to Israel. age has come.
(6chests 32:28) This was the origin of the name 7 St. Paul, in plain terms, says that the ]aw given
Israelite. It was at the death of Jacob that Godfirst to that natron was a shadow of better things to come.
%okcognizance of Israel as a nation. It was at that (Hebrews 10: 1) Again he says: "Nowall these things
time that the memorableproph@ywas uttered by 3aeob, happened unto them for ensamples : and they are written
to nit: "The sceptro shall not depart from Judah, nor for our admonition, upon whonr the ends of the world
a lawgiver from betweenhis feet, until Skiloh come; and are come." (1 Corinthians 10: 11) Weare warranted,
unto him shall the gathering of the people be."-- Gen- therefore, in viewing the history of Israel, especially
esis 49: 10. the prominent events appearing therein, in the light
4 It was at the Passover ’that God made a covenant of present-day events, and applying the same to Israel
with Moses as mediator for Israel. That was the begin- after the spirit.
ning of God’s law arrangement with Israel. It was THE REMNANT
later at Mount Sinai that the LawCovenant was rati- 8 St. Paul is authority for the statement that the Law
fied and inaugurated with Israel. Afterwards Joshua was a schoolmaster to lead the nation of Israel unto
led the hosts of Israel across the Jordan into the land of Christ that she might be justified by faith. (Galatians
Canaan. At the end of the seventy years’ captivity 3: 24) Had the nation and peoples of Israel exercised
under the leadership of Zerubbabela little band, approxi- faith in Jesus as the ~{essiah no doubt the entire number
mately 50,000~ returned to Palestine to rebuild the of the members of the Body of Christ would have been
211
212 WATCH TOWER ~ROOKLYN, N. ~o
taken from Israel. In that event there would have been direction of Jehovah and for a purpose. Wehave the
no opportunity for any Gentile to ever see the glorified plain statement in the Scriptures that the Lord declared
Lord. The misfortune to Israel has resulted beneficially what the name of one of his sons must be. (Isaiah 8:
to those Gentiles whohave profited thereby. The Israel- 3, 4) That his sons were named for a purpose is de-
ites did not obey the Law. The Israehtes did not learn finitely fixed by the language of the Prophet, which
the lessons that the "schoolmaster’ was endeavoring to reads : "Behold, I, and the children whomthe Lord hath
teach them. given me, are for signs and for wonders in Israel from
Of all the Jews who returned to Palestine after the the Lord of hosts, which dwellcth in mount Zion."
Babylonish captivity, the major portion rejected the (Isaiah 8: 18) The words "signs and wonders" used
Lord, were disloyal to their covenant, and were east in this text mean omensor signals pointing definitely
off. But there was a small number who accepted Jesus to something else in the future. Otherwise stated, these
as the Messiah. Probably many Gentiles thought that sons of Isaiah were types of something to follow; and
the Jews were forever and completely east away from their names signified what they foreshadowed or rep-
God. St. Paul says: "IIath God east away his people? resented.
~4 The name of one was Maher-shalal-hashbaz (Isaiah
God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed
of Abraham, of the tmbe of Benjamin. God hath not 8:1 ), which means the severe and inevitable judgment
cast away his people which he foreknew. Wet ye not wherewith and by which the Lord will visit his pro-
what the scripture saith of Elias? how he makcth in- fessed people. The other son was named Shear-Jashub
teree~ion to Godagainst Israel, saying, Lord, they have (Isaiah 7: 3), which means "the remnant shall return",
killed thy prophets, and digged downthine altars; amt and pointed out particularly the mercy with which the
I am le~t alone, and they seek mylife. But what saith Lord would receive his elect and with which, in the
the answer of God unto him ? I have reserved to myself midst of apparent destruction, he would take care of
seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to and preserve his people and his ldngdom.--(See mar-
the image of Baal."--Romans 11: 1-4. ginal reading, also Smith’s Bible Dictionary.)
~o With this setting in mind St. Paul emphatically ~s Thus by the names of these two sons God fore-
adds: "Even so then at this present time also there is shadowed the dispersion of Israel in a time of great
a remnant according to the election of grace." (Ro- trouble and distress, and that a renmant of that people
mans 11: 5) Thus the Apostle conclusively shows that would return and would be saved for his kingdom; and
there is a remnant of Israel after the flesh, which rem- that is absolutely according to the facts.
nant accepted the Lord Jesus. Of eourse God foreknew ~s As above cited, St. Paul specifically states that a
this and he foretold it through the words of his prophet remnant according to the election of grace are saved.
Isaiah: "Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a Here then are some of the elect saved for the kingdom
very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom,and of God.
we should have been like unto Gomorrah."--Isaiah 1 : 9. ~7 If the things pertaining to Israel were typical these
~ God thoroughly impressed it upon the mind of his facts hold a great deal of interest and importance to
Prophet on more occasions than one that there is a rem- the house of Israel after the spirit, particularly to that
nant in Israel. On one occasion Isaiah had a vision in class to whomSt. Paul addressed himself in Romans
which he saw the peoples of Israel, and described them 11: 25, saying: "For I would not, brethren, that ye
as a people likened unto an olive tree with all the fruit should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise
shaken down, and again likened unto a vineyard with in yonr ownconceits ; that blindness in part is happened
all the grapes gathered and only the gleaning work re- to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be comein."
maining to be done. He saw an Israel within an Israel. It is out from the Gentiles that thereafter the greater
tie saw really only a few of Israel who were loyal to portion of the kingdomclass is taken.
Ood.--Isaiah 24 : 13 ; 17 : 6. ~s So few were there amongstthe Israelites in Isaiah’s
~ If the things pertaining to Israel after the flesh time who were true and faithful to the Lord that the
find parallels in the events of spiritnal Israel, maywe Prophet said: "Bind up the testimony, seal the law
not expect the conditions at the end of the Gospel Age among my disciples." (Isaiah 8: 16) Thus he limits
to be similar to the conditions existing amongthe Jews the faithful ones to the membersof his family and those
at the end of their favor from God? A point so promi- who are immediately associated with him. There was
nently made by the Prophet surely was for a purpose ; a real Israel and a nominalIsrael. It wasthe real or faith-
and it seems manifest that the purpose of magnifying ful Israel whobelieved the Lord and obeyedhis eomn~and-
the remnant amongst Israel after the flesh was to call merits to the best of their understanding and ability.
it to the attention of the remnant of Israel after the This is the class also to whomthe Prophet refers when
spirit. If this he true then there is a very important he says: "Whohath believed our report ? and to whom
lesson here that the faithful class must get before the is the arm of the Lord revealed?" (Isaiah 53 : 1) This
end of their earthly experience. remnant, the faithful class, are the "strong" ones men-
,a The two sons of Isaiah were even named by the tioned in the same prophecy. "Therefore will I divide
~ULY 15, 1925
WATCHTOWER =,3
him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the HISTORICAL
spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his 24 The Lord planted spiritual Israel, the Church, a
soul unto death: and he was numbered with the trans- pure and noble vine, and she degenerated into the strange
gressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made inter- vine of the earth. This is exactly in harmonywith what
cession for the transgressors."--Isaiah 53:12. he foretold by the prophet Jeremiah : "Yet I had plant,.~I
1~ The strength of this class is in the Lord. Of them- thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed; howthen art thott
selves they are weal; ; but in the language of the Apos- turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto
tle: "When I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corin- me ?" --Jeremiah 2 : 21.
thians 12: 10) Referring to the last members of the 25 Satan, in order to offset the mystery of God,estab-
Chureh on earth at the end of the age St. Paul says: lished the mystery of iniquity, or lawlessness, and there-
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in by corrupted the name of the Church. This was done in
the power of his might."--Ephesians 6:10. the easy part of the Gospel Age. Papacy became an
~o The Psalmist represents the same elass, saying: open ally with financial and political powers of
"The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my earth, hence a part of Satan’s organization. Martin
salvation." (Psalm 118: 14) And the same elass again Luther made a bold assault upon this unrighteous and
exultantly sings : "I will love thee, 0 Lord, mystrength. unholy alliance, and the Protestant church organizations
The Lord is myrock, and myfortress, and mydeliverer; resulted. Within a short time, however, Satan over-
myGod,lily strength, in whomI will trust ; mybuckler, reached the Protestant denominations, and by the time
and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I of the second presence of our Lord these Protestant de-
will call upon the Lord, whois worthy to be praised; so nominations had becomea part of Satan’s organization.
shall I be saved from mine enemies." (Psalm 18: 1-3) 26 WhenJesus was on earth he said: "Whenthe Son
This is the "strong" class with whomthe Lord will di- of maneometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luko
vide the spoil. (Revelation 3: 21) "And he that over- 18: 8) It is easy now for any person to see how our
eometh, and keepeth myworks unto the end, to him will Lord’s words hm’e uttered have been fulfilled.
1 give power over tile nations: and he shall rule them 2~ EaSy in the time of the second presence of our
with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they Lord he, through his faithful and wise servant, began to
be broken to shivers; even as I received of myFather." have the pure messageof the truth testified to the people,~
--Revelation 2 : 26, 27. of earth. The restoration of the great fundamenta’
2~ Again the Scriptures show that those whomake up truths there began and progressed, until all the great,
tile remnant class are the ones whomthe Lord chooses for truths that had long been hidden through the machina-
himself, and who shall show forth the praises of the tion of the evil one were brought to light. This is ex-
Lord, both here and hereafter. "This people have I actly in harmony with the words of the Master: "Elias
formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise." truly shall first come, and restore all things." (Matthew
~Isaiah 43:21; Ephesians 3:21; 1 Peter 2: 9,10. 17: 11) Thus Jesus foretold the Church doing thv
Elijah work aL the end of the age.
THINGS TYPIFIED 2s In Isaiah’s day there was a wholesale turning away
=2 If the names of the two sons of Isaiah suggested from the truth and from God. So few believed in tho
things to come upon natural Israel, and that which did Ix)rd that only Isaiah, his family and a few other dis-
comeuponIsrael after the flesh was typical of something ciples were to be found whowere representatives of the
to happento spiritual Israel, what conclusion then is to truth and who worshiped and stowed the true God.
be drawn? 29 Prior to 1881 A. D. there was a great number of
2a Wesuggest that it has pleased Godto use this cryptio nominal Christians who had faith in the Lord and his
way of calling the attention of the watchmento the se- Word, but thereafter there was a great and tremendous
vere and inevitable judgment wherein and by which the falling away. From 1874 to 1918 there were many who
Lord is about to visit the world, and espeeially nominal came to a knowledgeof present truth, separating them-
Christendom, including those who profess to be the selves from the denominations. These professed fulI
Ix)rd’s and who are not obedient to his eommandments. consecration to the Lord. In 1918, as we understand,
At the same time, the naming of the other son, and the the Lord came to his temple, and judgment began first
events whieh follow, foreshadowthat there will be a rem- upon the house of the Lord and then upon the nations.
nant of professed Christians, namely, the very eleet, and --1 Peter 4 : 17 ; Psalm11 : 4-7.
that these shall receive special trials, but that they shall 3o During the later years there has been a great fall-
have the mereyof the Lord, his great proteetion and pres- ing away from the truth and from God. First, the major
ervation
W amidst a terrible time of trouble, and the glo portion of the clergy are today Moderuists, who deny
of the Lord shall be upon them. If the Scriptures war- God, his Word, the great ransom sacrifice, and in fact
rant this conclusion then the truly conseerated ones all the fundamental truths. Then, the Fundamentalists,
should take courage, be strong in the Lord, and joyfully though claiming to believe the Imrd, hold stedfastly to
press on in the battle for the right. the devil’s organization; a~d we know thv£ since 1917
BROOKLYN, N. ~
WATCH TOWER
there has been a great falling awayof those whoprofess from the time of the cessation of the World War to the
consecration to the Lord. final trouble, is that the good news of the kingdommust
al Speaking a parable concerning the harvest period, be preached to the whole world as a witness. (Matthew
Jesus said that there would be a falling away from 24 : 14) This mnst be the Lord’s way because he said so.
amongstthose who are gathered out of Babylon after his 87 In the parable of the weddinggarment Jesus says :
second coming. Undoubtedly reference is made to the "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew
latter end of the harvest period when Jesus says: "The 22: 14) Be it noted that no one is called of God until
Son of manshall send forth his angels, and they shall he makesa consecration of himself to do the Lord’s will.
gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and Then he is invited to the heavenly calling. It wouldbe
them which do iniquity. So shall it be at the inconsistent for Godto call a sinner to be a memberof
end of the world: the angels shall comeforth, and sever his royal family. But when one fully consecrates him-
the wicked from amongthe just."--Matthew 13 : 41, 49. self to the Lord and is justified, he is justified for the
32 The class mentioned in this last text could not be express purpose of permitting him to be a part of the sac-
merely a nominal Christian class, for they must at one rifiee whichJesus offers. This sacrificing is for the very
time have been prospective members of the kingdom, purpose of enabling him, if faithful, to be a part of the
begotten and anointed of the holy spirit. Otherwise how glorified Body of Christ in the kingdom. Therefore the
could it be said that he wouldgather out of his ldngdom call of the individual invited to the high calling
those who offend and those who are lawless ? Those who applies at the momenthe is justified and not before.
offend would mean those who entrap, entice and ensnare Those who will constitute the great companyclass were
others, and thus draw them away from the truth; and at one time of the called ones. Those whofinally slan,1
the facts show that particularly since 1917 there has with the Lord in glmT will be not only the called but
been a class of persons, claiming to be followers of the the chosen ones who fight under the leadership of the
Lord and believers in his second presence, yet whohave great Captain, and who are faithful even unto death.~
enticed and drawn away disciples after themselves, and Revelation 17: 14; 2: 10.
even framed them away from the truth. as Again St. Paul refers to the last experience of the
aa Iniquity means lawlessness. The term must be called ones while on earth when he says: "But ye are
applied to a class of lawless ones whoclaim to be working come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living
in the nameof the Lord, whofail or refuse to recogmize God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable
the Lord’s way and hence decline to do his work in the companyof angels, to the general assembly and church
way he has commanded. These separate themselves of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to
from those who are diligently and joyfully trying to do Godthe Judge of all, and to the spirits of just menmade
as the Lord has commanded.The class here mentioned perfect, aml to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,
as offenders and lawless ones the Lord, in the parable, and to the bloodof sprinkling, float speaketh better things
says shall be gathered out of his kingdomat the end of than that of Abel." (Hebrews 12 : 22-24) Then, to shmr
the age. that at the time of approaching the inauguration of the
~4 This is in harmonywith the parable of the wedding ldngdom there will be a shaking, St. Paul adds: "And
garment. In that parable one appeared at the feast not this word, Yet once more, si~aifieth the removing of
having on a wedding garment, yet whoclaimed the priv- those things that are shaken, as of things that are made,
ilege of being at the wedding. Such a one does not iden- that those things which cannot be shaken may remain."
tify himself with those whostrive to do the Lord’s work --I-Iebrews 12 : 27.
in the Lord’s way, and therefore he fails to put on and a9 It must be, then, that after all whocan be shaken
keep on the wedding garment. Have in mind that the out are shaken out, those whoremain will be, strictly
garmentis used for the purpose of identification ; show- speaking, the remnant after the spirit; ill other words,
ing that a person belongs to a certain class. --See the remnant of spiritual Israel. All the facts and cir-
WATCH TOWER,February 1, 1925. cumstances in connection with the Church at the present
a~ The day of final reckoning comes. Concerning time show that the Church’s earthly journey, is nearing
that day Jesus said: "Manywill say to me in that day, completion. Reference is not made here to the shaking
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in order that anyonemight be alarmed, but in order that
in thy namehave cast out devils ? and in thy name done the saints might be on the alert, and that if they fiml
many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto themselvesentering into a time of special trials and test-
them, I never knew yon: depart from me, ye that work ings they may not be taken unawares and become dis-
iniquity." (Matthew 7:22, 23) Surely this class works eouraged, but may rejoice in this as further evidence
at something; but they work contrary to the way the that the Lord is dealing with them and will shield and
Lord has commanded,therefore are lawless. Hence the protect them if they remain faithful. The question is,
Lord says to them: ’I never knew you. You have no~ Will each one learn his lesson and, amidst all the fiery
obeyed my commandments.’ trials, stedYastly hold to the Lord and joyfully obey his
a~ The commandmentof the Lord Jesus, especially commands?
215
JULY 15, ]925 WATCH TOWER
SPECIAL TRIALS discouraged. On the contrary be of good courage and
¯ o The remnant of the Lord’s people, whether in the the Lord will strengthen your heart. (Psalm 27:14)
days of Isaiah or in the days we nowsee, have been and The fact that you are trying to keep the Lord’s eom-
are subjected to special trials and difficulties. These mandmentsand are at the same time being assaulted by
fiery trials are neeessary for the developmentand test- the devil is evidence that the Lord loves you. Being
ing of the faith of his chosen ones. Those who, by the properly exercised by your experiences, keep your heart
grace of the I~rd, withstand these trials are precious in and mind fixed upon the Lord and continue to rejoice
his sight. Note that the apostle Peter was addressing in him, beeause "the joy of the Lord is your stren~h".
this identical class whenhe said : "That the trial of your
GREAT BATTLE
faith, being muchmore precious than of gold that per-
isheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto 44 That we are nearing the time of a great and final
praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus battle of the forces of darkness against the Lord is testi-
Christ: whomhaving not seen, ye love; in whom,though fied to by manyScriptures. (Revelation 17: 14; 16: 13-
now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy 15 ; Matthew24: 21, 22) It is the great battle of God
unspeakable and full of glory : receiving the end of your Almighty. The prophets frequently referred to it as
faith, even the salvation of your souls."-- 1 Peter 1 : 7-9. "the day of the Lord". The prophet Isaiah addresses
41 Those who keep the commandments of the Lord himself to the faithful of Israel, therefore the remnant
are the special targets for the darts of the adversary. class, saying: "Ye are mywitnesses, saith the Lord,.and
IIaving these truths in mind we can better understan~t my servant, whom I have chosen .... Ye are
the words of our Lord as set forth in Revelation twelve, my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God." (Isaiah
to wit: "And tile dragon was wroth with the woman, 43 : 10, 12) And again he says: "And I have put my
and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the
which keep the commandments of God, and have the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens,
testimony of Jesus Christ."--Revelation 12: 17. and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion,
42 Seeing clearly that there is a remnant class, and Thou a1% my people."--Isaiah 51:16.
knowingthat the dragon means the devil’s organization ~ Seeing then that the devil and his organization goes
bent upon the destruetion of the "seed of promise", we forth to make war with the remnant (Revelation 12 : 17)
should have no trouble in understanding why the saints it is quite evident that in this conflict Satan’s chief
are nowhaving so manyfiery trials and difficulties. To purpose is to destroy the "seed of promise" nowon earth,
such the Apostle is saying: "Beloved, think it not and to discredit Godin the minds of the people, still
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, hoping to maintain his power and receive the homage
as though some strange thing happened unto you: but and service of the people.
rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s suf- 4G As heretofore stated in TI~ WATCI~ TOWER, "Zion"
ferings; that when his glint shall be revealed, ye may means God’s organization, as also does the word "Jerusa-
be glad also with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4~: 12, 13) lem". "Jerusalem which is above, . . . is the mother
Are not the Lord’s ehildren now inclined to say: "tIow of us all." (Galatians 4: 26) The Church, therefore,
strange that there are so many trials amongst us !" is of Jerusalem, because born out of Jerusalem, or Zion,
But remembering where we are, and the battle that is or God’s organization.
on, we need not think it strange. 4~ Again there are many people on earth who claim
43 Again attention here is directed to the explanation to be followers of the Lord and whorefuse to join with
of Revelation, twelfth chapter, as set forth in a recent the Modernists in their denial of the Bible, and who
issue of this journal. Manyhave dwelt particularly refuse to join with the Fundamentalists or Modernists
upon the "twelve hundred and sixty days" time feature, in support of financial and political powers; who, in
entirely overlooking the most important suggestion in other words, refuse to support these unrighteou~ eauses.
that explanation, viz, theft the devil is specially making There are surely many individuals in these nominal
war on the "’remnant". It seems the chief reason that systems who are honest and sincere and have plaeed
the Lord pcrmitted the publication of that explanation themselves on the side of the Lord. They may be
is that it might serve as a warningto the true followers properly classed as belonging to Jerusalem. Surely
of the Lord Jesus (the remnant), that there is a great all the spirit-begotten ones must be counted as of the
conflict nowon, and that it is a fight to the end. The Jerusalem class, because they claim to be on the Lord’s
devil will try to use this explanation in T~rE WATCr~ side.
~s All the nations of the earth belong to Satan’s or-
TOWEI~, of Revelation twelfth chapter, to plant a root of
bitterness in some hearts and thereby overturn them. ganization. The nlling factors thereof, to wit: the
Brethren, do not be taken unawares. Keep in mind that financial, commercialand ecclesiastical, constitute the
the enemyis directing his assaults particularly against beast, which wars against the Lamb.---Revelation17 : 14.
those wtm diligently strive to keep the commandments ~9 The prophet Zechariah, referring to the day of the
of the Lord. If your trials grow in severity be not Lord, the time of the great conflict between the forceg
WATCH TOWER
of darkness and the forces of light, says: "Behold, the final conflict we may expect manyprofessed Christians
day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided to pass through the great time of trouble and be cleansed
in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations thereby, as indicated by the words of the Rcvelator.--
against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, Revelation 7 : 14.
and the houses rifled, and the womenravished; and ~* Furthe% the Prophet says: "And half of the
half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the city shall go forth into captivity." The word "half"
residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. here does not warrant the conch>ion that exactly one-
Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those half in numberare captured, but it is properly translated
nations, as when he fought in the day of battle." by the best h’xicographers as a part, therefore it shouh|
(Zechariah 14: 1-3) It hardly seems reasonably pos- be said that one part goes into captivity, or falls to the
sible to apply this scripture to the Jews regathcrcd to enemy. The Prophet continues: "And the residue
Palestine. Of the many Jews now in Palestine a very [remnant] of the people shall not be cut off from the
few of them have any faith whatsoever in God’s promises. city." That is, the remnant shall have the speeml
They are being gathered there in unbelief. Nor does it protection of the J~ord, and the remnant shall be
seem hardly reasonable that all nations wouht assemhle delivered. Why? Because, "Then shall the Lord go
in Palestine to war against the comparatively small forth mid fight against those nations [the devil’s organi-
number of Jews who wouhl be there. zation] as when he fought in the day of battle."--
5o Seeing that Jerusalem is a name applied to God’s Verse 3.
organization it wouldseem more reasonable to apply the 55 Otherwise stated, we would understand this scrip-
abovetext to the devil’s organization, representing all the ture to teach that in the great and final conllict of
nations of earth, gathered together in battle against those the devil’s organization against the Lord’s, Satan’s
whorefuse to join with them and whoclaim to be on the chief purpose will be to destroy those who faithfully
Lord’s side. stand for the Lord; that there will fall in this time oC
~1 Jesus, referring to the things that wouldeonstitute trouble all the professed ones except those whoare truth-
proof of the end of the world and of his approaching ful to the Lord and whoconstitute "the remnanff’; that
kingdom, said, "Ye shall be hated of all nations for my the Lord has promised to preserve the faithful (Psahn
name’s sake." (]~Iatthew 2t: 9) Experiences during the 31 : 23), and that the Lord will fight for his people by
Worht Warshow that all the warring nations hated all manifesting his power in their behalf, and the remnant
whoclaimed to be on the Lord’s side and whoexpressed shall not be eut off. The fourth verse of this same
their conscientious religious seruples against engagingin fourteenth chapter of Zechariah then describes the feet
war. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that in the of Jehovah standing upon the i~Iount of 0hves which
great and final conflict all the forces of Satan, that is, is, without doubt, a picture of God’s authority being
all the nations, will hate those whoclaim to be on the exercised through his kingdom of peace on earth. The
Lord’s side, and whorefuse to join with Satan’s forces, context showsthat the fiL-t three verses of the chapter
and will hate them because of the name of the Lord. refer to the final conflict mentionedby Jesus in ~Iatthew
~= With these things in mind let us nownotice again 24: 21, 22.
Zechariah fourteenth chapter, verses one to three. This GLORY OF THE LORD
scripture showsthat its application is in "the, day of the
Lord", and that at that time all nations shall be gath- 5~ "In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crm~m
ered "agMnst Jerusalem to battle". By this we would of glinT, and for a diadem of beauty unto the residue
understand that all the nations of earth, under Satan’s [renmant] of his people." (Isamh 28: 5) In connection
direction, would be gathered to battle against the Je- with the doctrine or teaching of "the renmant" the
rusalem class, viz., those whotake their stand on the Scriptures plainly speak, in this and other texts, of the
Lord’s side; even as St. John shows: "For they are the glory of the Lord upon his people. Comparing scrip-
spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth nnto ture with scripture it is manifest that "the glory of the
the kings of the earth axial of the wholeworhl, to gather Lord" is the visible blessing of honor that he bestows
them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." upon his faithful witnesses. Glory means honor. To
"Andhe gathered them together into a place called in the be singled out and distinguished or marked by the Lord
tIebrew tongue Armageddon."--Revelation 16:14, 16. with favor is to be highly honored of the Lord.
sa Continuing, the prophet Zechariah says: "The city 57 The phrase "the glory of the Lord", or honor of
[meaning Jerusalem, those who claim to be on God’s the Lord, is used concerning God’s deliverance of Israel
side] shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the wo- from Egypt. The glory of the Lord was manifest in the
men ravished." (Vs. 2) The word "houses" here used, cloud. (Exodus 14: 19, 20; 16:10) Moses, after com-
in the original has a variety of meanings,and it is prop- manding the children of Israel what to do, said: "This
erly applied te systems of Christianity claiming to rep- is the thing which the Lord commandedthat ye should
resent the Lord; and the term "women"symbolizes or do; and the glory of the Lord shall appear unto you."
rel~resents the denominationsor sects. In this great and --Leviticus 9: 6. See also verses 23 and 24.
217
WATCH TOWER
5s Weare therefore justified in concluding that the represent the people of the Lord, while Moab, Ammon
honor or glory of the Lord upon his people wouht mean and mount Seir represent the devil’s army. Jehoshaphat
an outward manifestation of the Lord’s presence with cried unto the Lord and the Lord sent him this message:
his people. Seeing there was an outward manifestation "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great
of God’s presence and favor upon his people when he multitude; for tlle battle is not yours, but God’s ....
delivered them out of Egypt, is it not reasonable, in the Ye shall not need to fight in this battle; set yourselves,
light of the manyscriptures bearing on the point, that stand ye still, and see the salvahon of the Lord with you,
the Lord will give some outward manifestation of his 0 Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed;
presence and favor to his faithful ones in the great tomorrowgo out against them ; for the Lord will be with
final conflict ?--Isaiah 58:8. you."--2 Chronicles 20 : 15, 17.
~9 Having observed that the Lord is in his temple ~ Jehoshaphat was then instructed to appoint singers
taldng account of his servants and approving those who to go out before the army to sing. This insfruetion
aro found faithful, surely this is the tram when the was followed: "And ~hen they began to sing and to
Prophet’s words are fulfilled: "Arise, shine; for thy praise, the Lord set ambushmentsagainst the children
light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon of Ammon,Moab, and mount Seir, which were come
thee." (Isaiah 60: 1) In other words the Lord, having against Judah; and they’were smitten." (Verse 22)
rome to his people m~d eommandcdthem ~hat to do, Even so in the baltic with the forces of darkness in this
aml finding them faithfully performing such duties as end of the age. The battle is not the battle of the
they understand they must do, nowoutwardly manifests faithful followers of Christ, but the battle is the Lord’s.
his favor toward them by honoring them with inereased The faithful ones whoshall constitute the remnant will
opportunities of service to represent him amidst all those have a part therein in this, thatc they are told to sing.
about them, who represent darkness. The same elass To sing means to joyfully proclaim the praises of an-
seems to be mentioned by the Prophet when he says: other; and in this instanee the saints are joyfully pro-
"For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will claiming the praises of the Lord and his kingdom, and
beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be beeause of their faithfulness, and loving devotion to the
joyful in glory: let them stag aloud upon their beds. Let Lord, the Lord will preserve them. They have this
the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two- preeious pronfise: "0 love the Lord, all ye his saints:
edged sword in their hand."--Psalm 149 : 4-6. for the Lord preservefh the faithful." (Psalm 31: 23)
~o The faithful ones therefore have the assurance that This is further proof that our strength is in the Lord
no matter how much the adversa13r assaults diem they and that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
have no need to fear. False teachers may attempt to
CROWN OF GLORY
eome against them and to draw away disciples after
them, but the faithful have the protection of the Lord. ~4 "The Lord of hosts shall be for a ero~mof glory, and
They wait upon the Lord, giving heed to his eommand- for a dmdemof beaut3,, unto the residue of his people."
meuts, and are blessed of him. (Isaiah 30: 18) They (Isaiah 28: 5) The word "glory" here used means
may suffer many trials from within and trials from splendor or conspicuousness. If the Lord fights the
without, yet they need not fear. "And though the Lord battle for the remnant he thus makes them conspicuous
give you the bread of adversity, and the ~ater of afflic- and brings them into a position of splendpr by reason
tion, yet shall not thy teachers be removedinto a comer of his speeial favor to them. This does not mean that
any more, but throe eyes shall see thy teaehers."-- these truthful ones are jewels in the crown of the Lord,
Isaiah 30: 20. but because of their unselfish devotion to him, beeause
Glit is very manifest that God intends his work to of their faithfulness, he greatly honors them. tie is {o
go forward to a full consummation,and that the remnant them a crownof glory and he beautifies them. It is this
which are the faithful shall not again be scattered by same remnant class {hat the prophet of the Lord speaks
evil powersor evil teachers. The special shielding pro- of as beautiful on the mountains or kingdoms of earth,
tection that the Lord puts around them is an open because they are declaring the message of peace and
manifestation of his favor toward them. In the final salvation, they are singing the praise of Jehovah and of
conflict heretofore mentioned, should the Lord specially the Lord Jesus, they are joyfully crying out to Zion:
manifest his presence by giving protection to his people, "Thy Clod reigncth."--Isaiah 52: 7, 8.
shielding and preserving them from the enemy, and M G~ Without doubt the Lord has ealled attention to
the same time making them his bold and fearless wit- these things at this time for the eneouragementof those
nesses, this would be a special honor from the Lord. who are devoted to him. Notwithstanding that the
c2 The picture given in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 is nn- members of the Church on earth are doubtless faee to
doubtedly for the purpose of encouraging the Church. faee with the greatest trials and diffieulties they have
The children of ]~Ioab, Ammonand mount Seir marched ever had, they have the reassuranee that faithfulness to
on Jehoshaphat, the king of Israel, to destroy him and the Lord will guarantee absolute protection. They who
his people. Jehoshaphat and the faithful Israelites love the Lord will have boldness in this time of judg-
BROOKLYN, N.~..
WATCH TOWER
ment in the proclamation of the kingdom message, and How was the true spiritual Israel planted? What did
Satan do? What is the result in our day? ¶ 24-26.
will thereby prove their pei-fect love and fMthfulness.-- Wh’tt work did the Lord begin after his second advent? ¶ 27.
1 John 4:17,18. Is Isaiah’s day, in some respects, to be compared with our
6G The truly consecrated, seeing that the devil is mak- own? ¶ 28-30.
Did Jesus predict a falling away from among those who
ing war upon the remnant, and love being the motive had been gathered out of Babylon? What do his words
that prompts their action, they will be earnestly looking imply? ¶ 31, 32.
after the interests of their brethren, as well as of them- How do the lawless manifest themselves as lawless? How
does the parable of the Wedding Garment represent such
selves. Seeing that the protection of God’s people de- eases? Will some be disappointed at the final outcome?
pends upon their love and faithful devotiou to him, ¶ 33-35.
What is the commandof the Lord? ¶ 36.
they will beseech one another to keep in the service, When is a person called into tim royal family? Are the
and be joyful and faithful therein. chosen one’s selected out of the called company? What
~7 The wm’ds of St. Paul are more essential today than is the purpose of justification? Is the inauguration of the
kingdom to be a time of shaking? ¶ 37-39.
they were even when written, that we should present our- Is the remnant class subjected to special trials--coatinu-
selves a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto the Lord, ously? Why is this so? Should we be dismayed at the
trials? ¶ 40-42.
our reasonable service.--Romans 12: 1. What is to be specially noticed in Revelation 127 Is there
~8 Having these many precious promises that the Lord any excuse for a root of bitterness springing up in tim
will protect the faithful remnant, that he will be a heart? ¶ 43.
Itow do the prophets sometimes refer to the conflict of our
crmw~ of glory and a diadem of beauty unto them, we can day? Is tbere special comfort for those whomthe Lor~l
with Brother Paul exclaim to one another: "Rejoice in has made his witnesses? ¶ 44, 45.
By what names is God’s organization sometimes known?
the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."--Philip- Who may be said to belong to the "Jerusalem" class?
plans 4: : 4. Howis Satan’s organization identified? ¶ 46-48.
What, then, does the Prophet mean by saying, that God
QUESTIONS FOR BEREANSTUDY will "gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle"?
What text should be comforting to the Church, when rightly ¶ 49-51.
Does the coming conflict seem to be world-wide in scope?
understood? What is the purpose of our present article? What is the meaning of "city", of "houses", of "women"?
¶1,2. Ih)w do we know that the Lord’s people shall have spec-
Wlmt is the origin of the name "Israel"? What was the ial protection? ¶ 52-55.
begimling of God’s law with Israel? Does the teaching What does tim word "glory" mean in the texts under con-
concerning "a remnant" run through the Scriptures, and sideration? Does it seem reasonable that the Lord will
to whomdoes tim term apply? ¶ 3-5. give some outward manifestation of his approval of his
Of what value is the study of the history of the nation of own? ¶ 56-59.
Israel? ¶ 6, 7. Is there need of fear on the part of those who are faithful
What is St. Paul’s statement relative to the Law? Were to the Lord? Is it likely that tim Lord’s people shall
all Israel east off? ¶ 8-10. again be scattered? ¶ 60,61.
What particular thing did Isaiah see? (Romans 9: 6) Why What encouragement may we draw from 2 Chronicles 20:
is there something here of importance to Christians? ¶ 1l, 1-30? Whose battle is it? What is our part therein?
12, 17. ¶ 62, 63.
What may we know about Isaiah’s two sons? Of what What does the word "glory" in Isaiah 28:5 mean? What is
were they signs? ¶ 13-16. it that is beautiful about the Lord’s people? Whe~’e
Howdo we know there were few true Israelites in Isaiah’s do they get this beauty? ¶ 64-66.
day? Wlmreinis the stren~Kth o£ this class? ¶ 18-21. Does Romans 12:1 have a continuous application to the
If Isaiah’s sons were for "sings", what is the lessou for faithful in Christ Jesus? Rightly exercised, what will
us? ¶ 22, 23. the result be to them? ¶ 67, 68.
BENEDICTION
"May heaven sustain thee day by day, .Nobly thy Christian work to do;
And make thy generous heart of love Honored and loved and blessed of God,
Itejoiee through all the pleasant way O! sweet may be the pathway trod;
That God directs thy feet to move, May heavenly light aroun¢l thee shine,
Inclining thee, just, generous, true, Divinely blessing thee and thine!"
TEMPERANCE LESSON
- --AUGUST I~--GALATIA~N~S 5:13-24
"’Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."--Galatians 6: 7.
B:IO’rlIEI~ .I.
ll,qr)’i~imr~. ]!’. .. .\’t-’ :~
].oti I~H’d,lit. I
3 HII|¢ (’ V, Jll. 7,
"J’h,ln’-. Ill ..... I;
I ’H :’|x)il)l;ii~’, III ......... T
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CONTENTS
THE~’~t~K IN EUROPE
........................................ "A’2"T
PublicWitnessin London ............................ 227
Glasgow
.............................................................. 22S
TheGospel in Spain........................................ 22~
Portugal............................................................ 230
FromthePress................................................ 231
Sweden
.............................................................. 2.32
Northern European Office................................ 232
Germany......................................................... 232
TheMagdeburg Convention ............................ 233
Later ReportsfromPortugal.......................... 235
]~RAYER-MEETIKGTEXT COMMENTS ................... 236
PAULANDTIIE PttlLIPPIAN JAI~Ig~R .................... 238
GENERAL CONVENTION AT INDIANAPOLIS .......... 226
~- ~
. -.,,¯ ~q~ ,~: ......
" --
- ’
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, disaontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking
the things coming upon the earth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiaatmsm) shall be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pass,
know that the Kingdom of God i~ at hand. Look up, ldt up your heads, rejome, for your redemption draweth ~igh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 13.29; Luke 21:25-31.
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THISpresenled
Journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
in all parts of the civilized ~orld by the WATCH TOWER
or "Seminary Extension", now being
BIBLE& TRACTSOCIETy,chartered A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not 0nly serves as a class room where Bible students maymeet in the study of the divine Word but
also aS a channel of comnmnication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s oonventions and of the
comingof its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIESnlost entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all whowould merit the only honorary degree which the Sociely accords, viz., Vcrbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
into Engimh is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for tim defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
~redemption through the precious blood of "the manChrist Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : C) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been lad in God, . . . to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"whlch in other ages
was not made knownunto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--I~phesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjectmn to the wall of God m Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but conlident ;
for we knowwhereof we affirm, lrcadiug with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to what mayand what may not appear in its columns mum: be according to our judgment of hill
good pleasure, the tea~lnng of Iris Word, for tim upbuild.ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
~eaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Wordto which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age---ever since Christ became the worhl’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
imtshed, God’s blessing shall come "to all people", and they fi]Kl access to him.--1 Corinthians 3 : 16, 17; Ephesians 2 : 20-22 ;
Genesis 28 : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall trove been made ready, the great Master Workmanwill bring all together
in the first resurrection ; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between Godand menthroughou$
the I~illlennium.--Revelation 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the wo~ld, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
nmn," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which hghteth every ma*t that cometh into the world", "in due time".~
liebrews 2:9; John 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That t~e hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his
glory as his jmnt-heir.--1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
!I’nat the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service: to develop in herself every
grace ; to be God’s witness to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and prmsts in the nex~ age.--Ephesians 4 : 12 ; Matthew 24 :
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20:6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the
restituimn of all that was lost in Adam,to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemerand his glorified church,
when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.--Acts 3:19-2"I; Isaiah 35.
trip for speed; but we were reminded how the Lord Pentecost time is a holiday season in Europe. The
long ago foretold through his prophet that in the last SociEtY’s manager at Magdeburghad early in the win-
days there would be much rnnning to and fro. This ter made an urgent request that Magdeburghave a con-
prophecy is having an increased fulfilment in this, that vention for the Germanfriends at Pentecost season. It
me~rly every cmmtryof :Europe is putting in operation was thus arranged. The convention began Friday, the
air ~ervice and a large number of at>hips. Germany 29th of May, and concluded Mondayevening, June 1st.
V/qTCM TOWER 233
It is difficult to find words to describe this convention. beer were served at a nominalcost ; and these dear sottl~
¥isiting brethren from other paits of Europe and Amer- would get some lunch in one hand and a mugin another
ica were all heard to say : "It is marvelous; womlerful!" and stand quietly about, eating their hneh. Then they
would return to their seats in the meeting places. Ad-
THE MAGDEBURG CONVENTION joining the main hall are a number of buildings pro-
The first session of the convention opened with nearly vided for the housing of machinery and cattle during
10,000 friends prewar. Brother Rutherford made the the State Exhibition. These were provided with army
opening address, which the friends received with ~’eat cots, and thousands of the brethren slept on the ground
joy and enthusiasm. The music was such as the (]er- in these cots. They were provided without cost to them.
nmns alone can make. There was an orchestra of 125 The sisters were in one great place and the brothers in
instruments; aml each one who played was a eortsevrated another.
brother or sister. The orehestra was led by a brother Manyof these dear souls journeyed for long distances
whois a professional orchestra leader. The singing was on bicycles; many others wa}ked; som~ drove in motor
led by a professional chorister. The great audience cars and trucks for three hundredand four hundredmiles.
seemed to have been trained; for the time was perfect Many special trains had been arranged to bring the
and the singing inspiring. The main hall is a large friends to this convention, and it was expected that the
machinery hall in which 8.000 friends were seated. A railroad companies would grant reduced rates; but at
short distance awaya tent was erectx, d, and in this and the last moment these rates were withdrawn. It was
in front of it were upwardsof 5,000 friends seated. An- estimated that ;g4,000 friends would have attended the
other hall nearby with a capacity of approximately 1,000 convention had the railroad rates been reduced so that
was filled. Voice amplifiers were installed on the speak- they could have come at the minimumexpense. Hence
ers’ platform in the main hall, and these connected with manyin such large classes as Dresden could not come.
other voice amplifiers in front of the tent and another What the Lord has done for Germany since the war
in the small hall. is marvelous in our eyes. Prior thereto the company
Brother Balzereit had conceived a unique idea: A was small. Today there are 32,000 subscribers to T~
large portrait of each speM~er had been painted; and WATCHTOWERin Germany. How many more read it
when he was speaking in the main ball, this portrait we do not know. There are 232,000 copies of the Go:r-
was hung in front of the audience at the tent and they man GOLDEn" ACEgoing out at each issue.
could look at the face and hear his voice. In fact, those The public meeting at Magdeburg was held Sunday
in the tent and in the smaller hall some hundred feet evening at 7 : 30. At six o’clock the strangers began to
away could hear more distinctly than others who were come and practically filled the main hall, while the
in the main hall nearby. The company installing the friends filled the other hall and the tent, and thousands
voice amplifiers did splendid work and every word of the stood outside. In addition to the 14,000 and more
speaker could be distinctly heard. brethren there were between 5,000 and 7,000 strangers
By Sunday afternoon there were upwards of 14,000 ho got within ear-shot of the speaker. It was an in-
brethren in these various halls. They were not walking spiring sight. WhenBrother Rutherford had finished
about the grounds; they were listening to the discourses. his public address, he requested everyone present to
No one seemed to be hunting recreation or a place for arise whodesired to see the kingdomof the Lord, such
private conversation, but everyone was earnestly bent as he had described, established in the earth. Without
upon what the speakers had to say. They would sit a single exception that great audience rose, and stood
quietly for hours, arise and sing, and sit downto listen in silence. Then they were asked to sing and, with
again. In this regard ~t was a most remarkable conven- the orchestra leading, everybody joined in song, after
tion. It probably did not exceed Columbusin numbers; which Brother Hemeryoffered a prayer. And still "the
but the writer has never attended a convention in which strangers lingered and seemedloathe to go away.
there was such a quiet, respectful, devout spirit shown The convention was addressed by the following breth-
by all present. There was no gossip, no disorder. The ren : Brothers Balzereit, Martin, Cuno, Zimmer,Hemery,
brethren everywhere on earth could fake a good lesson Salter, Buckholz, Herwendale, Decker, Binkele and
from this convention. Never was such real devotion Brother Rutherford. Without a single exception the great
manifested in such a company, we believe. T:HEWATCJaI audience hung upon every word the speakers uttered.
TOWER has time and again called attention to the fact On Sunday morning Brother Rutherford addressed
that the Lord’s people when assembled should be quiet the convention; and after reviewing the great privileges
and respectful, even while the speakers are not on the that had come to the people of the Lord and the num-
platform. It has been difficult for this lesson to be ber that had received the message of the truth since
learned; but the Germanbrethren have learned it. At the war, he asked all in the audience whohad received
least they practise it, muchto their praise. the truth since 1922 to rise. The result was astounding.
Another place had been provided for feeding the Fully two-thirds of that great audience stood up, a
multitude. Sandwiches, sausage, water, coffee and light great number of these being young men and young w~-
234 WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N. Iv.
men. We were reminded of how the Lord had poured back over the sea of joyful faces and the wavinghandker-
out his spirit at Pentecost; and nowon this anniversary chiefs of 14,000 people. It created such a commotion
Sunday of Pentecost morning the spirit o* the Lord in the neighborhood that men, womenand children were
was manifest upon the young men and maidens, so looking out of windows, while many others climbed
many of whomwere showing forth his spirit; and of trees and many were out on the housetops, to look om
how some of the older ones were dreaming dreams and A large number of police were present, and they were
slacking their hand in the Lord’s service. It really very respectful and very orderly. The captain, with
suggested the thought that the Lord would have his someof his lieutenants, stood at the far end of the lane
work done in due season, and that he would permit at milita Wattention when Brother Rutherford passed;
those to do it whoreally appreciate the privilege. Never and even these stern officers of the law could not, resist
was such a privilege given to hmnanbeings; and those a pleasant smile. Brother Martin remarked: "The
whoreally enter into it vdth the right spirit are filled Kaiser never had such a reception or farewell as this.
with joy, and appreciate the promise that "the joy of tie may have had an enforced one, but never such a
the Lord is your strength". voluntary one inspired by love."
WhenBrother Rutherford had finished his address This demonstration was not an honoring of a man
to the convention, in which he had stated that the Lord or of any men, but was really a spontaneous outburst
had stopped the war and held back the trouble to give of loving devotion to the Lord, our King, and love for
an opportunity for a witness to the truth, and that the all whoare standing shoulder to shoulder, battling for
major porfion of those present had come into the truth the cause of the kingdom. This great eonventmn at
during that period of time, it was remarked by a nmn- Magdeburgwill mark one of the green and joyful places
ber that that company of brethren were so enthused of the Church along the way. It will not be forgotten.
and devoted to the Lord’s cause that they would will- A few opine that its influence will be felt throughout
ingly march into the cannon’s mouth. Germanyin the future and probably in someother places.
In tile testimony meetings the friends respectively One of the foremost dailies at Magdeburg, Germany,
took their position before the voice amplifiers, and their the MagdeburgAnze~ger, gave a lengthy and interest-
testimonies bore witness to the joy of the Lord in their ing report of the great convention at Magdeburg, under
hearts. One of the most remarkable things was that the caption, "The International Bible Students at
practically every one whotestified spoke of the joy he Magdeburg." Wequote in part as follows:
or she had in the Lord. Their faces were happy and "The International Bible Students have come from all
were wreathed in smiles. They were not boisterous, but parts of the fatherland to their centrally located neqd-
showed a deep devotion to tM Lord and to his cause. quarters at Magdeburg. Enormouscrowds are attend,ng
the convention, and a conservative estimate of the audience
At five o’clock Mondayafternoon the President of the at the great meeting addressed by Judge Rutherford. o’n
SOClECY made his final address to the convention. The the evening of Pentecost, gives the numberas 20,000, in-
chairman of the convention requested that Brother eluding the 16,000 Bible Students that had cometo Magde-
llutherford wait until the friends arranged to bid fare- burg. Mr. P. Balzereit, the chairmanof the B~bleStudents.
introduced the speaker; and Mr. Binkele, the representative
well in their own peculiar way. It was not knownwhat of the Association in Europe, translated the discourse.
they were going to do. Between the entrance of the "Mr. Rutherfurd explained, while the audiencelistened
great hall and the main thoroughfare there is a wide in profound silence, that the empire of Satan has been
street, probably 1,500 to 2,000 feet long. The friends governing the world right along, but that the kingdomof
our Lord will soon nmkean end of everything ewl, that,
had marched Mongthe street agd had formed two hues following the great impendingtime of trouble, the Messiamc
about ten or fifteen deep on either side, the entire length kingdom will be set up, where love will be enthroned, ~:nd
of the street, the line turning down into the main wherebate, selfishness, strife, death and sickness will be
*horoughfare of the street, leaving between the two utterly abolished. Whenasked how manydesired such a
lines a narrow space. At the entrance of the hall were kingdom,all present raised their hands. The great hall,
the smaller hall, and the large tent were crowdedto capa-
motor cars in which the speakers were to ride through city (effective loud-speaker arrangements conveying the
this lane and receive the farewell of the brethren. messageto every part of the grounds). All the Bible Stu-
These motor cars were not used. It was thought to dents wore badges. They exhibited an admirable patience
be rather unbecoming to ride while the others stood; in the face of inadequatetransportation facilities for hand-
ling such crowdswithout delay."
so Brother Balzereit and Brother Rutherford, heading
the line of speakers, slowly marched through this long A Socialist newspaper at Magdeburg, in speaking
lane of brethren on either side of the street, while all sang kindly about the aims of the Bible Students, threw an
"God be with you till we meet again" and waved their interesting sidelight on the well-knownsocialistic view-
handkerchiefs continually, the orchestra leading in this point for the redemption of the world. Wequote in part
music. All along the way the brethren were shouting what the Volksstimme (Peoples’ Voice), of Magdeburg,
"Auf wiedersehn", "God be with you till we meet a- published about the International Bible Students:
gain," and "God bless you". When reaching the far "Largenumbersof adherents of the International Bible
end of the line and standing in a motor car, we looked Students have arrived from all sections of Germanyon
AUGUST I, 1925 ,rv WATCH TOWER 235
Penteeost. Sinee the church played party politics after the LATER REPORTS FROM PORTUGAL
war and sided ~ith those who took ndwmtage of tire gen- Since the imblic me,tings in Spain and Portugal the
eral distress, they could not give to people who need religion following letters have been received from ]3rother
that which they required. As a result snmll sects have
grown into great movements which have encircled the George Young who was leit there:
world. One of tire largest of these is the International Bible Our loving Father has used your lecture to stir all Portu-
Students Association. They are at enmity with the evan- gal, as it were, in one day. The message has been called
gelical church because they do not approve of priestly do-
to the attention of the people far and near. In addition
minion or the support of the ruling elasses by the church. to the 1,252 names handed in at the lecture over 50 came
And the gentlemen of the church do not have much good in by mail, and in reply to the newspaper announcements
to s’ly about the Bible Students; for there is a competition over 800 letters and postcards have been received. Each
which can be felt. one of these had received tim copy of your lecture. Many
"The sacrificing spirit of these people is to be admired. cards and letters of appreciation lmve been received and
They have come from all over Germany, fr01n the remotest requests for more itlformation. God has richly blessed the
nooks and corners, suffering much privation in so doing. effort to proclaim the kingdom message. The number of
They are chiefly people from the proletariat, which natu- interested friends is increasing daily.
rally suffered most from tim general distress of the times. Since April 1st over 86,000 "Where Are the Dead" and
But whether one must follow their faith in the prophecies "Millions" tracts have been distributed in IAsbon mul Porto;
of the Bible, is another question. 397 books have been sold, and we have 100,000 assorted
"As Socialists we also fight for the aim of the rule of Portuguese tracts ready to go out in the other principal
justice and truth in the worhl. But as Socialists we know cities of Portugal. If it meets with your approval I can
l:hat the e’~pitqlistic order with its classes cannot be ehanaed have one of the friends go to Funchal, capital of the Cape
by the erection of the ’kingdom of Jesus’. Only a logical, Verde lshmds, and another to the Azores. I will aw.dt
et.onomieal development into socialism will introduce jus- your approval. Fm~clml has over 30,000 people aml the
tice and truth into the world. The Socialists want to organ- Islands 189,000. There are many Protestant churches there.
ize and fashion aft’tits with the help of science and technics I have held a number of meetings with the interested
and the great mental abilities of nmnkind, so that hulnan in Lisbon, and the prospects for establishing a class are
egoism finds no possibility for action. This end cannot suc- good. Looking to God for grace and guidance, will leave
cessfully be obtained merely by faith, but requires also nothing undone to spread the message. God’s power has
fighting, aggressive fghting. This the Bible Students decline been wonderfully nmnifest in opening the way for the lec-
to do; for they are prevented by their faith in the coming tures in both Spain and Portugal.
reign of Christ. Martial law is still in force here. All public meetings
"The great gathering was therefore not a gathering of of every kind are prohibited. Three nights after your lec-
workers, as we know that word, but rather a time for medi- ture the Chief of Police was shot while leaving his house.
tation, an hour of deliberation for the people, something In closing I may say the past few weeks have been the
which they need and require. The auditorium were filled most trying in my Christian experience. The arranging of
to the last seat, and the speakers addressed the audience three public lectures held simultaneously in three different
through a loud speaker. Music and general singing gave cities over 700 miles apart, in nations of foreign langua.ge,
great solemnity to the oeeasion. The halls were beauti- under martial law, in the center of Papal power and with
fully decorated." no bretl~reu to help, coupled with the uncertainty of out-
come, was a heavy weight. Yet our loving Father over-
The truth has had a wholesome influence in this ruled all frailty to his glory. He opened seemingly im-
part of Germany. The office has been at Magdeburg possible doors. His time had come for tim publie proclama-
only about two yeqrs. The class there has increased in tion of his holy message in these dark countries--the first
numbers more than 200 since the convention one year time since the d.lys of the apostle Patti that such a public
witness to the truth has been given in these lands.
ago. The work at the office and factory has greatly in-
Now I can look back with thankfulness and joy at tho
creased, more than 100 brethren now being employed in privilege of having been permitted to assist in this work ;
the work there; and arrangements are now under way and when I say that after the second day in Madrid I had
to enlarge greatly the capacity for the manufacture of given up and was about to write you that I did not think
books and the printing of other literature for the spread- it possible nor safe to go ahead with arrangements, you
will realize how our loving Father providentially opened
ing of the Gospel of the kingdom.
the way for this witness.
We were reluctant to leave Germany. There seemed
to be a drawing that held us there, regardless of any In another communication from Brother Young he
nationality. In fact, the Lord’s people know no national writes as follows:
lines. Friends had come from England and Scotland, Greetings in the name of our Redeemer and Saviour[
from Demnark and Finland, from Russia, and from Swit- This is just a line to say that letters are pouring in from
all over Portugal asking for a copy of your discom’se. I
zerland, as well as from America. They all enjoyed the
had to drop everything and attend to the correspomlenee.
sweet unity that should bind closer together the hearts I am glad to say that tonight we are mailing out over
of Christians. Late Monday night, June 1st, our train 2,000 letters, containing 5"our lecture. Your lecture has
left Magdeburg for Cologne, Germany. There a special stirred Portugal from end to end. Letters have come in
airplane awaited ; and our party flew away to England, from the Brazilinn Consulate, from a Portuguese Marquis,
from a General, and from Judges, Lawyers, Doctors, etc., ete.
making the journey in a httle more than three hours.
From twenty to thirty people are now attending the
The Lord’s blessings upon this European tour has studies here, ~marly all former adventists. The prospects
been made manifest in a marked degree. are good for establishing a permanent class in Lisbon.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR SEPTEMBER 2 Jesus is file IIead and that his true and faithful fol-
"’Be Not afraid, the Lord is with thee."--Deu~eronomy lowers constitute the Body. Whatsoever therefore the
20:1. course taken by the Head must be the course of action
taken by the members. Our Lord was in this evil world,
EHOVAH had sent his people Israel into Egypt for
J a purpose. The government of Egypt had wickedly
oppressed them for a long while. Their cries were
but he was not of it. Satan is the god of this evil
world; hence the righteous One could have nothing
whatsoever to do therewith. For the same reason no
heard in heaven. God sent his servant Moses into Egypt true follower of Christ can sympathize or cooperate with
to deliver his people from the oppressors. The request the eviI world. The allegiance of our Lord was wholly
was respectfully made before the government that the to the heavenly Father. Our allagianee likewise must
Israelites be permitted to go and worship their God. be to Jehovah.
To this, and like requests, the governmentuttered de- While in this world, Jesus devoted his time and his
fiance against God. faculties to giving a testimony concerning his Father
Pharaoh had said in reply to one of these requests: and his kingdom. That wt~s his vocation. Nothing else
"Who is God?" And in substance God had declared he did. Such must be the vocation of each one of the
that he would show the defiant mh,r who Jehovah is. faithful followers of Christ. It will be necessary for
After a number of plagues had been visited upon Eo-yp~ them to do somework to earn the necessities for bodily
the Israelites were delivered from tile oppressor in a sustenance; but such is their avocation, not their voca-
miraculous and spectacular manner. The government tion. Even while laboring with their hands the faithful
of Egypt fell. In his due time Godgave the Israelites body members give tc~,fimony concerning the King and
his fundamental law and statutes by ~,hich they would his kingdom.
be governed in matters in general. In the course of in- That which prompts such course of action is love.
structions Jehovah said to them in the words of our Tke only thing that hinders the operation of love is
text: "Be not afraid of them [the enemies]; for the selfistmess. The only reason one fears is because of self.
Lord thy God is with thee." tie who fears cannot be perfect in love, for the very
The Israelites were used in a representative capacity. reasonof his self-interes, t.
Theyrepresented the chosennation of the Ixn’d ; that is, Having this in mind St. John wrote: "Ilerein is our
spiritual Israel called ¢o showfroth the praises of God. love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the
(1 Peter 2: 9) The government of Egypt was the gov- day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this
ernment of Satan, the god of that nation, and repre- world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love easteth
sentatively stood for all organ:zed powers of the evil out fear."--1 John 4: 17, 18.
world. Seeing that the Scriptures justify the conclu- Nowsince we are in this world, and our position is
sion herein stated, it is then proper to assume that the similar to that of our Lord when he was here, it be-
new creation is privileged to claim the precious promise comes our privilege and bounden duty to declare the
ofthis text. message of the kingdom. This is the day of judgment;
The little company of the Lord’s people are daily hence nowis the tm:e above all times forthe Christian
going out to battle for the cause of righteousness by to declare boldly and fearlessly the message of the
announcing the King and his kingdom. The world King. Doing so, he will be comforted by the Lord,
powers being unde~ the control of their god, the enemy because he will be joyful in his heart; and joy in the
Satan, the representatives of the Lord are often op- Lord invariably brings both comfort and strength to
pressed, ill-treated and despitefully used. But they are the Christian.
not to fear, for the reason that tlley are engaged in
the Lord’s business and are under his care and pro- TEXT FOR SEPTEMBER 16
tection. The Father of mercies and Godof all comfort
now says to these faithful representatives of his: "Be "’Thine eyes shall see the King in his beuuty."--Isaiak
not afraid of thine enemies; for the Lord thy Godis with 33: 17.
thee." Therefore let each one engaged in the Lord’s EHOVAH delights in bestowing his favors upon
service be of good cmlrage and press on.
J those who honor him. Itis dealings with men show
this even from the earliest days of the humanrace.
TEXT FOR SEPTEMBER 9 The reason for this probably lies deeper than sometimes
we have thought.
"As he is, so are we in tMs world."--1 John 4:17. From the days of Eden Satan has been the enemy
’RITING for the encouragement and comfort of God and of everything rigMeousness, tie has defied
W of the Church, St. John here directs attention Jehovah and lout forth his greatest efforts to hold men
to the Lord Jesus Christ. He here shows the within his grasp. God could have prevented him from
oneness of Christ and his body members in this, that doing this ; but the fact that he has permitted him shown
oq¢l.
AUGUST 1, 1925
WATCH TOWER
that it i’s God’spurpose to have his intelligent creatures presence of the Bridegroom. The Psalmist here pic-
learn that the course of the enemy leads to disfavor tures this class as rejoicing in their King. This is ex-
and ultimate death, while the righteous course, which actly in harmony with St. Paul’s statement: "Rejoice
the great Creator markedout for man, leads to life and in the Lord alway: and again I say, ilejoiee." (Philip-
happinecss. plans 4 : 4) This joy is not in self nor in anything about
us. The joy of the Church is in the Lord, and that joy
Jesus plainly says that "this is life eternal, to know
is really the strength of those on earth whoare part of
thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whomthou Zion and who constitute a part of the chosen nation
hast sent." of the Lord.
In the text under consideration the prophet shows Being joyful in the Lord, these go forth with ghe
that there are sinners in Zion. This means that there message of his kingdom, moved by love for him. Such
have been some who have come into God’s organization east aside all fear and are frankly outspoken in the
who have not been wholly faithful to him. Because of publication of the message of the King and his king-
their unfaithfulness they become afraid. Those who dom, even as St. John said they would be.--1 John 4~:
really love the Lord will not be afraid. They truss 17, 18.
implicitly in the Lord. These are the ones that are the
Let all the saints now be encouraged. Let them all
beneficiaries of this precious promise.
be joyful in the Lord our King. Those who are thus
The prophet lsaiah, in the 33rd chapter, shows how joyful in their King will not refrain from telling others
the faithful in the Church will be greatly favored by about him and the blessings his kingdom will bring.
the Lord by being able to have a dearer vision of the
L(~rd’s dealings with his people, and especially when
Christ comes to his temple. This of course does not
mean a man seeing with his natural eyes, but that he TEXTFOR SEPTEMBER
30
wi~[ have a clearer understanding of God’s great plan "’Godw~lI teaz’h us, . . . a~d we will wall~ in his
for the Church and for the deliverance of the world. paths."--Micah 4 : 2.
This clearer vision will comfort him; and he will have
joy in his heart, even as the prophet foreshadowed.
These see the kingdomafar off; yet they rejoice great-
ly because of the full assurance that comes from the
W ItILE Satan, the enemy of God and righteous-
hess, still exercises his powerover men, it is
impossible to teach all people the truth. Only
Lord’s providential dealing with them; and patiently those who have a desire for a better and happier con-
and joyfully they continue in the Lord’s service until dition will give heed to the message. WhenSatan is
they receive the blessed commandto advance to a higher restrained, and his power over the people gone that he
place. may deceive them no more, then the message of the
truth will freely flow and be freely received by the
millions of earth.
TEXT FOR SEPTEMBER 23 At this time it is the privilege of the anointed ones
"’Let the children of Zion be joyful ~n ~heir King."-- of the Lord to joyfully carry the mes~ge of the King
Psalm149 : 2. to the teachable ones of earth, that they maysee in ad-
vance the way that the Lord has prepared for them. It
N ITS broader use, the term Zion means God’s is their privilege mid duty to eomfm~call such. It is
I organization, ~l~ich of course is always righteous.
At times some become members of his organization
also the privilege and duty of the anointed, as oppor-
tunity is afforded, to tell all the messageof the kingdom,
who turn to unrighteousness. [i’he term "Jerusalem" whether they heed or not. They are to be the witnesses
often means the same as Zion. Jerusalem, says the of God on earth, to state to the people that when the
apostle Paul, which is above, is the mother of the anti- judg~rents of the Lord are in the earth then the people
typical Isaac class ; viz., the Church. (Galatians 4: 26) will learn righteousness and oppression shall cease. This
]t is this Zion, God’s organization, that gives birth to is a messageof consolation, and it will find a place in
the new nation, the kingdom of the Messiah, the new the hearts of very manyand bril~g peace to their troub-
order of things. Of necessity this takes place when the led souls.
Lord takes unto himself his power and begins his reign. Let each one, then, of tlw anointed of God remember
This we understand transpired in 1914:, and between what the Lord has said to them: "Ye are mywitnesses,
that and 1918 Satan was cast out of heaven. The King that I am Jehovah." Therefore with gladness of heart
of Zion is Christ Jesus, the Lord of lords. go forth to testify concerning his holy name. Tell the
Whenthe Lord comes to his temple, and finds there people of the goodness of our God, and declare lmto
approved ones, he invites such to enter into his joy. them that in his own due time God will teach them and
It is befitting that the bride class should rejoice in the they shall walk in his paths.
PAUL AND THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER
--AvcusT 30--ACTS 16:16-40 ,
]P&UI. ANDSILAS PUTINTOrRISON*--I~II’lllSONStl~;i~’TTUIINED I~’TOJOY--:PtIILIPPIAN CttUI:ICI-[ PnECIOUSTOPAUL.
"’Believe ot~ the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’--Acts 16: 21.
UKEgives no record of what Paul and Silas did 5 Beaten and wounded, disgraced in the eyes of the
L during their first week in Philippi. They would people, false charges laid uponthem, their friends unable
certainly spend as much time as possible with to help them, theirs was a sore ease, and the happening
Lydia and her household. At meal-times and when the could haYe been a sore trial to them. But so sure were
day’s work was done---and probably some business was they in the hands of the Lord that they dad not specially
even deferred for a season--the little companyof ernn- concern themselves. At midnight they prayed and sang
gelists and their earnest hearers wouldgo over the things praises unto Cod. Their hearts were gladdened because
g-hieh Paul taught. they could suffer for their Master’s sake, and for the
Whensabbath came around they all went to the riv- honor of his name. All the prisoners heard them; for
erside to the accustomed place of prayer. But as they their singing was no quiet duet but the bursting forth of
were going they were met by a young womanwho was two hearfs praising God in unison of heart and voice.
pos~ssed with a spirit of divination, and who turned Suddenly there was a ~,reat earthquake. The prison
and followed them, crying out, "These men are the ser- foundations were shaken, the walls tilted, leeks and bars
vants of the most high God, which show unto us the way snapped, all the doors were thrown open, and every pris-
of salvation." (Acts 16:17) Since there is no good oner’s bands were loosened from their fastenings. But
reason for thinking that this was the first time the young as soon as that was done the foundations settled; the
womanhad seeu Paul, it is to be assumedthat during the earthquake had done its work. The keeper of the prison,
week the brethren had been busy speaking to the towns- awaking out of his sleep and finding the prison doors
people, telling their message of the kingdom, and man- open, drew out his sword to kill himself;for he expected,
ifesting that they were sen’ants of the living God. perhaps knew, that if the prisoners under his care es-
3 Apparently on this sabbath morning Paul took as caped from whatever cause he must forfeit his life.
The doors had been thrown in such manner that PauI
little notice o~ the woman as possible ; but day after day
in the inner prison could see what the manwas about to
she persisted in following them about. This grieved him
for the work’s sake; for, even though she told the truth, do, and he cried with a loud voice : "Do thyself no harm;
Paul wanted no help from the demons. He determined for we are all here." (Acts 16: 28) The jailer,
to act, and to the evil spirit whichpossessed her he said : hearing this, called for a light that he might go in to
"I commandthee in the name of Jesus Christ, to come them in the inner place; then he ran in trenlbling, and
out of her." (Acts 16: 18) There was quick obedience fell before them. He brought them out, and speaking as
to the command;the spirit left her. Apparently she to his superiors he said: "Sirs, what must I do to be
was a slave, owned by a number of men, "her masters," saved?" (Acts 16: 30) He knew of the things which
who made profit by the debauchery of her mind. Their had happened in the town, and of the charges that had
loss maddened them; they seized Paul and Silas and been made against these men. He realized this strange
dragged them into court, and had them brought before thing was a divine manifestation in their favor, and
the Romanmagistrates, l’omting out that Paul aml therefore that God was taking note of what was done to
Silas were Jews, they laid charges against them, saying, them. The people, the rulers, and he himself had treated
"These men . . . do exceedingly trouble our city, and them badly. Ite was afraid. But there was more than
teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, fear; he was in a humblemind, as his cry indicates; tie
neither to observe, being Romans."--Aets 16:20, 21. was ready to listen to their teaching. So, that same
hour, Paul and Silas, bruised and sore as they were, but
The multitude, who were not Romans, but were stimulated by this sudden intervention by the Lord, as
easily deceived as crowdsare by a cry of patriotism, were every lover of Godis whenthere is an ear openedfor the
immediately stirred against Paul and Silas; and the truth, talked to the jailer.
ms#strafes being no less stirred rent off the clothes of s The jailer was told of the messageof love, the good
the two good men and commandedthat they should be news of the kingdom, and had explained to him the way
beaten. This was readily done. Paul and Silas were of the Lord. And he believed, and all his household,
beaten with many stripes then were east into prison, for they had been called to hsten; and they were saved
the jailer having charge to keep them safe. He in- even as Paul had said: "Believe on the Lord Jesus
terpreted the charge as meaning that he should put a Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.’" (Acts
little trouble into his service, and he "thrust" them into 16: 31) Then during those same dark hours the jailer
the inner prison; and, to add to their discomfort, he washed their stripes ; and when he had done that he and
madetheir feet fast in the stocks. Thus within a short all his household were baptized. He then took them
time Paul and Silas were fast in the innermost place of into his house and provided food, and they ate and re-
the l~rison at Philippi. joiced together.
AUGUST1, 192~
WATCH TOWER 239
9 The next morningthemagistrates sent their officers sage of the Lord. l:[e knewof those few faithful women
to tile prison with instructions to the jailer to "let those whomet regularly to pray for somelight ; and his faith-
men go". (Acts 16:35) Whether the earthquake had ful servants got the joy of being his messengers, the
shaken the town or only the jail we do not know; it is means of answering the women’s prayers.
evident that something had shaken the magistrates, for ~4 The other two experiences were immediately of tho
they had no care for or sympathy towards these men devil, but were overruled by the Lord for the advance-
v horn they had ruthlessly and unjustly thrust into pris- ment of His interests. The case of the young woman
on. But Paul would not be so easily dismissed, and, was an attempt on the part of Satan to discredit the
incidentally, the magistrates needed a lesson. The free- message of the gospel. If he through her said the same
dora was declined; the officers were told to carry a mes- thing as the apostles, there was nothing fresh in their
sage to their masters saying that they themselves should message, and its source was tainted. Satan had followed
comeand bring them out of jail since they had been un- the same plan with the Lord; and the Lord in casting
law£ully treated and condemned; they were Romancit- out the demons had set the example of the manner of
izens, and therefore had rights which had been denied dealing with all such. (Mark 1:24) The other sharp
tl~em. This had nmre effect on the magistrates than experience was an endeavor to intimidate Paul and SiMs,
the earthquake had; for this, reported to Rome, would p(rhaps to cause them to think that they had made
mean much to them, and they feared. A lloman citizen mistake, and should return to Asia ]~Iinor. Probably
had certain rights which every representative magis- these faithful servants realized this, and sang the praises
trate must respect. Rome was brutal; but Rome was of Godasserting their faith and their purpose.
just in these things, and would not allow its represen- ~s The men who owned or controlled the obsessed wo-
tatives to trample o~ its instructions. man are well represented in many today. Those men
lO It was not that Paul wanted to have them come had not the slightest hesitancy in malting gain by wast-
aml apologize for what they had done, but for the reason ing her life and mentality, tier welfare was nothing to
that had he and Silas accepted what was offered to them, them; they wanted only the gain she brought them.
they would have gone fm%has pardoned criminals, and They were true representatives of that great Babylon
Paul would not have that on record if it could be avoid- which deals in souls of men. (Revelation 18: 13)
ed. It was not pardon he sought at their hands, but a soon as they saw that their hope of gain was gone, they
clean record. became virtuous patriots all at once. They professed
*~ Paul and Silas might have escaped this unjust pun- to be law-abiding citizens. They haled Paul and Silas
ishment if, when charged, they had claimed their Roman before the magistrates on the charge of being troublers
mtizenship and their rights. But neither would do that; of the mty, teaching things contrary ~ the laws of the
for they would not escape suffering for their Master by country. They were patriotic supporters of religion,
such a claim. Nowwhen that was past they presented law, and good order. It was a sudden zeal; but it has
their rights as citizens. If they had sought to avoid the 1;een .seen of late years well-matched. And the saane
suffering they would have lost that wonderful night’s spirit still exists, and will surely exert itself as oppor-
experience, and the whole Church would have been the tunity comes.
poorer.
QUESTIONS FOR ]~EREAN STUDY
~ The magistrates came and pleaded with them to Had tim little l’hilippian church l~,ason for being a happy
come out of the prison, and brought them out openly company? When the little COluDany met on the next sab-
into the city before the populace, and desired them to bath, did "Satan come also"? ¶ 1, 2.
Why was Paul grieved at lmving tim truth thus proclaimed?
depart. Paul and Silas agreed. But they went to the What did he d.o, and what was the uproar that followed?
house of Lydia, and after the brethren had been gathered ¶3.
What shameful experiences did Paul and Silas underg, o?
they sgent some time in comforting them, before they Were they disheartened? ¶ 4, 5.
departed. Wedo not again hear of Lydia, nor of the What shook tim foundations of the prison? What was the
jailer; but we knowthat tlle experiences of those days jttiler about to do? What saved the jailer from death?
¶ 6,7.
brought lasting good. A church was established there, How did the imprisonment turn out for Paul and Silas, and
and the church in Philippi was ever very true to Paul, the jailer and his h,)~sehold? In what particular way
and their interests were very near to his heart. did the jailer show his appreciation? ¶ 8.
What was it that shook the magistrates? Was there a
~a Tim establishment of the church in Philippi, the sense of justice in the Roman government, even though
first in Europe, seems as if it was to be typical. First it was brutal and hard as iron? ¶ 9.
What was the object in Paul’s bringing the magistrates to
there was sweetness of the joy of finding hearts ready for time? How could Paul and Silas probably have escaped
the truth, and the pleasure of instruction. Then came the punishment which they received? Was thc:~re a noble
the experiences with the young womanobsessed with an example in this? Who follows it? ¶ 10, 11.
Were Paul and Silas in a harry to leave town at the re-
evil spirit. Lastly there was the sharp experience of quest of the magistrates? What were the good result-q
suffering at the hands of an unruly bench of magis- from the Philippian experience? In what respect were
trates backed by an equally unruly crowd of mischievous these experiences pictorial? ¶ 12-14.
Who are represented in the owners of the obsessed womanl
and thoughtless men. The first experience was the rues- ttow did they seek to cover their pious fraud? ¶ 15.
InternationalBible StudentsA sociation Classes
I~cc~urc~and 5tudlc~b~ Travciinc]Bmhhmn
BETHEL HYMNS
6
120
FOR SEPTEMBER
13 218 20 89 27 99
I BS’A.BEREAN
BIBLESTUDIES
Sunday
Monday T
128 14 269 21 284 ~8 266 ByMeans oF "The At.one-ment"
Tuesday 1 62 $
331 15 325 22 288 29 10.5
9
230 16 293 23 289 30 129 STUDY XII: THE SUBJECT OF THE ATONEMBNT
Vrednesday 2 ]92
Thursday 3 296 10 277 17 326 24 88 Week of Sept. 6...Q. 118d24 Week of Sept. 20...Q. 133-141
Friday 4 212 11 279 15 87 25 168 Week of Sept. 13...Q. 125-132 Week of Sept. 27...Q. 142-150
Saturday 5 14 1~ 117 19 328 26 217
" ".’L’, "
:::’..=..
"’:."
(.i:’.’.:’,
!’":%4:’:!’.
CONTENTS
PROTECTION ANDDELIVERANCE .............................. 243
An Invariable Scriptural Rule ...................... 2 ~:~
Iniquity Not Imputed to Cllr~stians ................ 244
OurCovering..................................................... 2 $5
Church Guided by God’s Eye .......................... 246
Great Peace IIa~e They .................................... 247
The Secret of Happiness ................................. 247
~EMORIAL REPORTS ............................................... 24S
]?AUL WRITESTO THE PHILIPPJANS .................... 250
~AULIN TtIESSALONICA 2.ND I)EREA ...................... 252
PAUL WRITES TO THE THESSALOX[ANS ................ 25~
RAILROAD]ITEMS FOR CONVENTIO.~ERS................ 25(~
SPRINGFIELD,~IASS., CONVENTION ........................ °~2
]rNDIANAPOLIS GENERALCONVENTION .................. 242
WORLD-WIDE WITNESS .......................................... 242
d for lvoldng to
t~mponthe
o ta gsearth,
comingdistress
upon t ofe e~trtn
na~ion~ (soemty)
with perplexity;
; for thethepowers
se~ a~d
of the
the wave~ (the(ecclesmst~csm)
r.e~tl .e~, di~ontented) roaring; men’s
Whenhearts failing
thingsthembegin
for fto....come
heavens shall be shaken... ye~ these to pMs,
know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, li£t up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth uigh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 1~:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
~HIS journal is eve of the prime f~c~or~ or i~stxume~ts i~ th~ system of Bible instructb0n, or "Seminary Exfenslon", now being
l presented i~ all pa~_ts of the civilize4 world by tile WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
motion of Christian Know.ledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean. Le,~ns~’ are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would memt the_only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. ~f.), which translated
into English is Mit*ister of God’s Word. Our tre~,tment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teacheR’s. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption throu~ the precious blood of’"theqnan Christ J~esus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3:
:15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-i1) of the Word ol~ God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowstfip of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"whieh in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3:5-9, 10.
It srands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scrip|ures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--accordin~ to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its aft]Jude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its colnmns mus~ be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his -Word, for tile upbuihl4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
leaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
he was faithful to his charge. He was greatly honored ~s To this same elass the Lord’s prophet addresses his
of the Lord and he proved his faithfulness and devotion words in Isaiah 52: 1: "Awake, awake; put on thy
and showed a proper appreciation of that honor. The strength, 0 Zion; put on tby beautiful garments, O
Lord used him to bring clearly fo the attention of tile Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no
church the great fundamental truths so long hid under more come into thee the uncireumeised and the un-
the debris of humanerrors induced by Satau’s fraud and clean." The travel-stained garments thab the faithful
deceptions. Then the church began to realize that she brought from Babylon will not do now. They are not
was defiled by errors. She gladly acknowledgedit and suitabIe for her condition with the Bridegroompresent.
called upon the Lord to lead her into the true light. Satan accusingly pointed to these soiled ga~m~entsworn
Thus the Psalmist says representatively of the church: by the true Joshua, the faithful church, and by this
"0 God, thou knowest myfoolishness; and my sins are means accused her. The Lord rebuked Satan and
not hid from thee. Let not them that wait on thee, O through his own messenger says concerning the faith-
Lord Godof hosts, be ashamedfor mysake ; let not those ful: "Take away the filthy garment from him [Joshua,
that seek thee be confounded for my sake, 0 God of the church]. And unto him he said, . . . I witl clothe
Israel."--Psalm 69 : 5, 6. thee with change o£ raiment." (Zechariah 3 : 1-4) ’/’his
again is a picture of the bride reeeiving the robe of
OUR COVERING righteousness when the Lord comes to his temple.
:~ Verses one and two of Psalm 32 represent those va The receiving of the robe of righteousness is marked
whomthe Lord has forgiven and whose imperfections by the time of rejoicing, because it is the time whenthe
he has covered. This covering is the merit of Christ Bridegroom has come to the bride. The ~nembers of
Jesus imputed to such as confess flmir transgressions the bride class are the priests under the great High
and crave the Lord’s forgiveness, and who have a de- Priest. Note now the words of the Psalmist in suppor~
sire to do the Lord’s wilI. Wemust not confuse this of this thought, when he says: "Let thy priests be
covering with "the robe of righteousness". (Isaiah 61: clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for
10) We have formed the erroneous habit of applying joy .... I will also clothe her priests with salvation ;
the robe of righteousness as a covering for the defects o~ and her saints shall shout for joy."--Psalm 132: 9, 16.
each member of the body of Christ. The term robe ~o Whenthose who are inclined toward God see the
of righteousness does not appear in the NewTestament manifestation of his favor upon those membersof the
It is the prophet Isaiah whoused the term and illustra- church who are boldly and joyfully declaring his pres-
tion. It is quite manifest that it does not apply to the ence they are influenced to seek the Lord more earnest-
individual but to the body members of Christ, the ly, and they have the assurance that they shall be heard.
church, in a collective sense. It seems clearly to appl’y This is pictured in Psalm 32 : 6, which reads: "For this
to the people of Godwho are joyfully proclaiming "the shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time
day of vengeance of our God" and the good news of the whenthou mayestbe found : surely in tile floods of great
kingdom, and by this good news they bring conffort to waters they shall not come nigh unto him." The ex-
those that mourn. pression "when thou maycst be found" is rather sin-
~7 In the samesixty-first chapter of Isaiah the prophe~ gular. Does not this seem to have special reference to
mentions those who are anointed to preach the good the time of the Lord’s second presence, particularly
tidings. Whenthe Bridegroomcomes to his temple, that when he comes to his temple after having taken unto
is, to those whoare fully devoted to the Lord, such are him his power to reign ? Such is the time when tlle
joyful; and they must have some covering in keeping face of God is turned toward his people. This is the
with their office and commissionwhich the ottlee carries time of refreshing, not for the world but for those who
with it. The robe of righteousness, therefore, represents have been waiting for the Lord to come unto his own
the covering furnished to those whoare prospective mem- and who realize his presence. Surely this is what is
bers of the bride at the time of the Lord’s coming to meant by the apostle’s words in Acts 3:19 aa timel
WATCH TOWER ~BROOKLYN, N. ~.
of refreshing" which the church is now enjoying. The understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit
blessings of the world come thereafter. It is also the and bridle, lest they comenear unto thee. Manysorrows
time when the great water floods prevail and when shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord,
trouble is upon the world. mercy shall compass him about." (Psalm 32:9~10)
21 Trouble surrounds the church, but God becomes This seems to apply to those who have held high places
her hiding place. The floods of trouble envelop others amongst the brethren, whohave been privileged to haw
but shall not come nigh to the chosen of the Lord. the truth, but have misused it.
This is his precious promise in verse seven: "Thou art 24 The meek, loyal and faithful ones, on the contrary,
my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; are anxious to knowthe Lord’s way and to work as the
thou shalt compassme about with songs of deliverance," Lord directs. So glad are these that they cannot keep
(Psalm 32:7) This should bring consolation to the back the singing. Joy is realty the criterion by which
Christian, and it does. Those who are of the temple each one is measured. This is the time of rejoicing, not
class and whoare therefore under the robe of righteous- a time of mmTnuring. Those who are under the robe of
hess, appreciate the fact that the times are perilous; righteousness, and who have on the beautiful garments
never was danger so great, yet at the same time they of salvation, have likewise put on the wedding garment
feel al~solutely secure in the strength of the Lord. They and are keeping it on, and are singing the praises of the
find themselves compassedwith songs of deliverance and Lord. The joy of the Lord is their strength. To these
they sing for joy. Surely this is the happy con&tion the Psalmist says: "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice,
of the temple class at this time. They know that the ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are up_
time of deliverance is at hand, even as Jesus long ago right in heart."--Psalm 32: 11.
told them to expect.--Luke 21 : 28. =5 Psalm thirty-three is really a continuation of Psalm
thirty-two. It is the same class covered with the robe
CHURCH GUIDED BY IllS EYE
of righteousness. These are commandedto sing; and it
== The Lord in his temple is shielding, protecting, is becomingto such to sing, which means they are joy-
fitting and leading his people, and to them he says: "I fully proclaiming the message that the kingdom of
will instruct thee and tea& thee in the way which thou heaven is here. It is the only fitting thing for them to
shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32: do. If the opportunity to serve the Lord with joy is
8) These words cannot apply to the individual. No one not gladly accepted as a great privilege, muchis lost.
can claim the precious promises until he becomes a St. Paul stated that the crown of life is for those who
memberof the church. The promise is that the Lord wilI love the presence of the Lord. If one really loves the
guide his church. With this thought in mind let us also Lord’s presence he is so joyful in the Lord that he can-
remember that the Lord will reveaI to his church his not keep still. IIe greatly desires that the beauty and
great truth whenhe sees it is good for her to have the glory of the kingdom shall be made known to others.
same. No man is entrusted with the interpretation of He is anxious te tell the poor world of the marvelous
the Scriptures. They are not of private interpretation. blessings the Lord has in store for the people.
The Lord is his o~minterpreter, and uses such instru-
ments as he may choose to bring te his church the PRAISING HIM WITH THE TEN-STRINGED HARP
things that he desires her to have. It has been suggested 26 The Psalm opens with the words: "Rejoice in the
by somethat the article on the twelfth chapter of Rev- Lord, 0 ye righteous: for praise is comely for the up-
elation in March first WaTC~ Tower, is of private in- right. Praise the Lord with harp; sing unto him with
terpretation. Btit it is not of private interpretation ; it the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing
is merely applying to the Scriptures long ago written in unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise."
prophetic phrase the facts as we know them now to (Psalm 33:1-3) Not only are those who have on the
exist. The time has come for this scripture to be un- robe of righteousness and who have put on the wedding
derstood; and the Lord promised his people, his church, garment, told to sing, but they are also bidden to take
to convey an understanding of it, and those who ap- the harp of God, the instrument of ten strings, and play
predate it rejoice. on it. They are told to sing the glad new song of the
=a There are some whohave no understanding, as the Lord in his temple, and of the day of deliverance
Psalmist shows, and these the Lord must treat like the of his church. They are told to sing loudly ; that is,
horse or the mule. They must be guided by the bridle gladly and boldly to declare the message of the king-
or held by the bit, since they do not recognize that the dora. They are directed to play skilfnlly, which meanst,~
Lord is instnlcting his people and guiding them witll go about the Lord’s work so that it is done in harmony
his wisdom. Not being anxious to walk with the com- with the Lord’s will, not carelessly but carefully. The
pany of the Lord’s little ones, such accept what doctrines King’s business requires the best.
they may choose to accept and walk according to their 27 Whydo the Lord’s faithful ones sing ? The Psalm-
own individual wisdom. To these the Psalmist says: ist answers: "For the word of the Lord is right; and
"Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no all his works are done in truth." (Psalm 33 : 4) Those
7_Art
WATC H TOW E R
who are thus singing are no longer tossed about by to hold ~eadfas’t the mast. This done, and confidently
every wind of doctrine. They know they are right and trusting the Lord, such enjoy the blessed peace of God.
they have complete confidence in what they know. They They know that no evil can befM1 them because he has
know they have the truth and it is a joy to them to so promised.--Psalm 91: 10.
serve it. There is great strength in their complete con- a~ So long as Christians are faithfully serving the
fidenee in the Lord; they knowthe Lord’s power has no Lord in doing the work which they are commissionedto
limitation. do they feel and are absolutely secure against the
2, As God’s goodness begins to be made manifest in enemy’s attack. These are they to whomthe Lord has
the earth the old heaven and the old earth begin to pass said: "I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have
away to make room for the new. The Psalmist there- covered thee in the shadow of nline lmnd, that I may
fore refers to the creation of the world with the present plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth,
heavens, in conjunction with the formation of the new and say unto Zion. Thou art nay people." (Isaiah 51:
heaven and tile new earth. In the past Godgathered the 16) Andhow shall the Christian prove his perfect love
waters together and stored up the depths. Nowthe for the Lord? Inspired by the holy spirit St. John
ichabitants of the earth are commandedto stand in awe answers the question: "Herein is our love made per-
of the Lord. (Psalm 33: 5-11) God’s Word abounds fect, that we mayhave boldness in the day of judgment:
with expressions of consolation to the Christians. Truly because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no
and forcefully does the apostle say to all the fully con- fear in love; but perfect love cas~cth out fear; becausa
secrated: "Blessed be God, even the Father of our fear hath torment, tie that feareth is not made perfect
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God in love." (1John 4: 17, 18) As the Lord Jesus was
of all comfort; whocomforteth us in all our tribulation, the representative of his Father on earth so now are
that we may be able to comfor~ them which are in any tile body membersrepresenting the Lord and his king-
trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves aru dom. These are no part of the world. They are the am-
comforted of God."--2 Corinthians 1 : 3, 4. bassadors for Christ’s kingdomand their allegiance is
wholly to the Lord.
GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY
~Those who are thus comforted of the Lord have no THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS
occasion to fear. They cannot be frightened by any 3~ If you are not so happy as you wouht like to be,
force the enemy may bring against them. And why? if you are unable to truly say that you are rejoicing
]~eeause they trust in the Lord and truly love him. in tile Lord and that the joy of the Lord is your
Wherethere is perfect love there is no fear. To such i~ strength, then ask yourself: AmI really doing mybest
the precious promise made: "Thou wilt keep him in to show fm~h the praises of my God and my great
peace, peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because ha Redeemer? Do I really love and trust the Lord fully
trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:8) There is no occasion and completely? In this evil day am I really boldly
for the truly consecrated child of God to be in a dis- declaring the message of his kingdom? It may be that
turbed condition of mind, at least for any length of time. you cannot truly answer these questions in the affirma-
Storms may arise and for a momentthese may disturb tive, and if so it maybe that this is the reason whyyou
Msequilibrium ; but instantly turning his heart and mind are not fully rejoicing in the Lord. If that be true,
to the Lord there comes that sweet peace, peace, known then gird up the loins of your mind, turn your heart
only to those who are the Lord’s and who trust him truly to the Lord, trust him implicitly and with real
implicitly. Why has the Lord granted this extra earnestness perform the duties of your office according
measure of peace to his people at this time? The to your commission. Rememberthat your commission
answer is, Because he sees that they need it. The whole is now to declare that this is the day of the vengeance
world is in a state of turmoil, the sea and the wavesare of our God and that therefore the trouNe is upon the
roaring and men’s hearts are failing them for fear. world; that the further terms of your commission is to
But this should not disturb the Christian. declare that the King is here mid that his kingdomis
ao God’s purpose nowis to establish the world that it majestically taking its place and soon the great clouds
cannot be moved,tits purpose is to use his ownchildren will be lifted and the people shall be delivered. Yol~
in connection with this establishing work. These are have been comforted in your own heart. Nowcomfort
his represm~tatives. They are his witnesses. Ile has those that mourn with the comfm~wherewith you are
placed his Wordin their mouths. He has commissioned comforted.
them to act for him. tie is sending them forth to do aa Time is no more. By that is meant that no longer
his work. To do this they must he at peace and enjoy are we to deeply concern ourselves about time. The
thae peace of God which passeth aI1 humanunderstand- Lord is in his temple. The King and his k!ngdom aro
ing. These must truly stay their minds upon him. This here, Whetherall the church is taken beyondthe vail in
means the fastening of the mind upon the Lord aud his 1925 or no~ is a matter of little moment.If we realize
precious promises, even as the stay or guy cable is used that we have found a safe hiding place in the Lord and
TOWER
that we are commissionedto be his witnesses, then let To what time do.~g verse 5 apply? What doctrine has
us delight ourselves in the Lord and joyfully perform hindered Christians from nnd rstanding the atonenmnt?
Who was used of the Lord to clarify the matter? ¶ 14.15.
the blessed duties granted unto us whether on this side Is the covering mentioned in verses 1 and 2 identical with
a few monthsor a few years. As did St. Palll nowmust "the robe of righteousness"? What is the meaning of
each of the truly consecratedsay, "This one thing I do." the latter, -trl(l how does it apply? ¶ 16, 17.
Explain the meaning of the garments mentioned in Isaiah
Weare here to represent the King and his kingdom.As 52:l, 61:10, Zechariah 3:1-4, and Psahn 132:9,16, re-
to time there is no limitation. It is now henceforth spectively. ¶ 18, 19.
andforever, andblessed is tile privilege that the Chris- Why does the Psalmist ~ly that the godly shall pray "wlmn
thou m-tyest be found"? When was tim church expeete.l
tian thus enjoys. to enjoy "times of reSreshing"? ¶ 20.
What constitutes our "hiding place", and how is this true?
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY Why should Christians be speeiflly joyous now? ¶ 21.
Do perilous times now prevail? Who only are assured pro- Itow does the Lord instruct ’rod guide the church? ~Vtmt is
tection at this time? What does it mean to be protected nmant by the statement tlmt the Scriptures are not of
and delivered? ¶ 1,2. "private interpretation"? Ilow does the Lord trent tho~e
Upon what is the Lew creature nourished? For whom were who lack understanding ~tll(l neglect his instructions?
the Psahns principally written? What two Psahns arc Whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle? ¶ 22. "3.
especially consoling? ¶ 3, 4. "Why is .joy a criterion by wldeh the Christian’s standing
Are the Psahns arranged in chronological order? When may be measured? XVhy is this tim time preeminent ~or
a scripture bbls tl~e church to rejoice and sing, to what rejoicing? Will all who "love his appearing" receive
time does it usually refer? For what great event has tim the crown of life? ¶ 24, 25.
church long waited? ¶ 5, 6. What are lhose who have on the robe of righteousness bidden
What are seven salient points in Psnhns 32 and 332 ¶ 7. to do? XVby do they feel lil{e singing? ¶ 26, 27.
The Lord "imputeth not iniquity" to whom? Does tim As tim new Mngdon~ comes in what happens to the old?
Christian sometimes take a wrongful course/ How does Do(s the faithful Christian hqve any occasion for fear?
the Psahnist describe the feelings of such? ¶ 8, 9. Why has he an extra nm:,~sure of peace? ¶ 28, 29.
Is it proper for the Christian to confess his faults to every- Wlmt part have we in establishing the new order? Wh:d
body? When and how does a transgressor obtain sweet is the Christian’s commission? ¶ 30, 31.
relief? ¶ 10, 11. If we are not so happy as we should be what is probably
The speaker in Psalm 32:5 represents whom? Why does the cause? Whqt is the remedy for an unhappy condi-
tim church realize her position in the Scriptures more tion of mind? ¶ 32.
clearly than heretofore? What Constitutes the principal Should the Lord’s people at this time be overanxious about
part of the body of Christ? Does the Lord take the times and dates? What is the principal thing for us to
blemishes of the body? ¶ 12, 13. consider now? ¶ 33.
MEMORIAL REPORTS
(Continued from issue of July 1, 1925)
Igpringfield, BIass..................... 8l Port Chester, N. Y ................. 33 Benton Ilarbor, Mich ............. 26 Bran(Ion, Man., Can ............... 49
Itanmnmd, Ind ......................... 43 Sharon,Pa .............................. 33 Colorado Springs, Cole ......... 26 Cal;aary, Alia., Can................. 49
tIartford, Conn....................... 43 Beaumont,Tex ...................... 32 Cohnnbus,Ga......................... 2G Wnldsor, Ont., Can .............. 4‘3
NewBedford, Mass ................. 42 Burlington, Wash................... 32 Dover,Ohio.............................. 26 Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Can...47’
Newburgh,N. Y..................... 42 Danville,Ill ............................. 32 East Palestine, Ohio .............. 26 Kitchener, Ont.. Can ........... t6
Phoenix,Ariz ........................... 42 Evansville, Ind ....................... 32 Elkhart, Ind ........................... 2~; Moose Jaw, Sask., C’m ......... 45
Waterbury,Conn..................... 42 Ft. Smith, Ark....................... :12 GlensFalls, N. Y..................... 26 Nmgara Falls, Out., Can ...... 40
Url)ana,Ill ............................... 41 LinfieM,])a ............................ 32 Gustine, Tex........................... 26 Medicine Hat, Alia., (’an ..... 39
Waltham,Mass....................... 41 Bedford,Ind ............................. 31 MichiuanCity, Ind ................. 26 Portage LaPrairie, Man., Can 3q
Lo~xell, Mass............................. 40 Freeport, Ill ......................... :/l New Orleans, La .... : ............... 26 St. John, N.B., Can ............... 35
~iassillon, Ohio........................ 40 Great Falls, 3lent ................. :~1 Pottstown,Pa ......................... 26 Gait, Ont., Can...................... 3t:
Philadelphia, Pa. (Colored) ._40 Knoxville, Tenu..................... :H Belvidere, Ill ....................... 25 Stratford, Ont., Cnn ............. 34
Bradeatown,Fla ..................... 3") Newark,Ohio............................ Columbus, Ga ........................ 25 Chatfiehl, Man., Can. (Ukr.)..32
Cedar Rapids, Iowa .............. 33 NewBrunswick, N. J ................. Fargo, N. Dak ..................... 25 Gln(’e Bay,iN’. S., (Jan ............. 32
Iludson, N. Y ......................... 39 Topeka, Kansas..................... 31 Harrisburg,Pa ......................... 25 Beamsville, Ont., Can ............. 23
Kingston,N. Y......................... 39 WilkesBarre, Pa ..................... 3l Hayne,N. C ........................... 25 ]’aterson, B C., Can .............. 28
NewAlbany,lnd ..................... 39 Anaheim,Cal ......................... 30 Hutchinson, Kansas ............... 25 St. Johns, Nfld ..................... 2-;
Springfield, Ohio.................... 39 Chester,Pa............................. 30 Joplin, Me............................... 25 Gilbert Ptmns, Man, (’an ..... 2[;
Bloomfield,N. g ..................... 38 Cincinnati, O. (Colored) ........ 30 Madison,Wis......................... 25 Port Arthur, Ont., Can ....... 25
Brockton,Mass....................... 38 Crooksville, Ohio.................... 30 Newport,R. 1 ......................... 25 Pleasant Ilome, Sask., Can. _25
Hawthorne,Cal ..................... 3~ Elgin,Ill ................................ 30 Opelika,Ala........................... 25 Pleasant Home, Man., Can.
Wausau,Wis........................... 38 Modeato,Cal ......................... 30 Roanoke,Va........................... 25 (Ukrainian)........................ 25
Wooster,Ohio........................ 38 Piqua, Ohio............................ 30 Melbourne, Australia ............ 210 Port Limon, C. R .................
Bellingham, Wash................. 37 Augusta,Ga........................... 25
29 Sidney, Australia ................. 207 Panama,C. Z ........................
Cromwell,Conn....................... 37 Fall River, Mass..................... 29 Brisbane, Anstralia .............. 141 55
l~Iarion, Ohio.......................... 37 Muncie Ind ............................... 29 Adelaide, Austraha .............. 134 Velky-Boeskoie, Czecho Sloe. 47
Chlcago, Ill. (Norwegian) ...... 36 Salem,Ore .............................. 29 114 Beli-Ce~ffkva (Biserma-Allff~)
Marietta, Ohio........................ Perth, Australia .................... Velky-Lucka, Czeeho-Slovakia 3(;
36 South Bend, Ind ................... 29
Boise, Idaho.............................. o Clintonvitle, Wis..................... 2,3 Vienna,Austria .................... 2S0 Zahor, Czecho Slovakm ........ 3(;,
]Brazil,Ind............................... 30 Covington,Ky......................... 2~ Graz, Austria .......................... 40 Poiana, Czeeho-Slnvakia ........ 35
Iola, Kans .............................. 35 Portland, Me......................... 28 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ............ 74 Gar.any, Czecho Sh)vakia ....... 27
aol!nson City, N. Y................. 35 Superior, Wis......................... 28 Kingston, Jam., B. W. I ....... 200 Copenhagen, Dennmrk .......... 312
NewCastle, Pa ..................... 35 Waco,Tex................................. 28 Linstead, Jam., I~. ~V. I ........ 42 Randers, Dennmrk................ 44
Albany,N. Y ......................... 3-t Zmn,Ill ..................................... 28 Skive, Denmark ...................... 39
Donelson,Term...................... 34 Abilene,Kans......................... 27 Toronto, Ont., Call ............. 562
Winnipeg, Man., Can ............. 418 Aarhus,D~lmark..................... 36
Greenfield,Mass....................... 34 EhvoodCity, Ind ..................... 2"/" Aalborg, Denmark.................. 33
Nashville, Tenn....................... 34 Huntington, "W.Va ................. 27 Vancouver, B. C., Can ........... 379
Saskatoon, Sask., Can ......... 134 Esbjerg, Denmark.................. 28
PasoRobles, Cal ..................... 34 Morgantown, ~V. Va ............. 27
Zanesville,Ohio...................... 34 Orlando,l~la ........................... Winnipeg, Man., Can. LondonTabernacle .............. 1123
27 (Ukrainian)...................... 120 Manchester, England ............ 301
AuBurn, Ind............................ 33 St. Joseph,.,Me......................... 27
Butler,l:’a ............................... 33 San Antonia, Tex .................. 27 Edmonton, Alta., Can ......... 115 Bi~m~ingham,l~]ngla nd .......... 270
Little RoCk,Ark..................... 33 Montreal, P. Q., Can ............. 113 Edinburgh, Scotland ............ 172
Shawnee,Ohio........................ 27 Victoria, B. C., Can ............. 106 Manor Park, England ..........
Midland,Mich........................ 33 Appleton,Wis......................... 26 155
London, Ont., Can................. 81 Hull, England....................... 150
1Monessen, Pa ........................... 33 Ashton,Ill ............................. 26 tIaminon, Ont., Can ............... 75 Leicester, England................ 142
]Pit t~lield, M~ls...................... 33 Atlantic City. N. J. (Colored)..S6 Brantford, Oat., Can ............. 68 Oldham,England .................. 129
WATCH TOWER 249
Bristol, England.................... 122 Danzig, Germany.................. 196 Singen, }lehentwiel. Gor ....... 4,q Gmund-AaIen, Germany ....... 27
Newcastle on Tyne, l,hl~land lll Stettin, Get’many................. 196 Scfiirglswahle. Ge~nany ....... 48 ]serlolm, Germany................ 2T
Lincoln, England ........... 95 Breslan, Germany.............. 194 SCll’wennlll’~’c, i, Gel’ln~lfly .... 4~ Crefeid, Gc~’many ................... 27
Shellield. lgnglaml.................. 94 Freiberg Br.. Gernmny........ 176 ~Vlldenau. C erw,qny ..... aq Plaschken Memelgeb., Ger ..... 27
Leeds, England .................... 9t Frankfurt, Main, Go". ... 170 lhfftalo. X. Y. (Germ:in) ...... 47 Wasserleben, Gerinany . ........ 27
Nottingham,l’]m:ln nd ............ 85 Boehum u. l’mgeb~. Gel’. ...,6(i l’szloknen, Memelgel). Ger+ .47 Worms,Germany.................... 27
Coventry, England ................ 8:2 5fannheim, Gecnmny ............ ]64 Lorrach, Gcrnlany ........... 46 Basenhmm,Germany.............. 26
Gosport, England ............ ,’,2 Planitz Sa. Gerl:,+auy 164 ~Vislnn r, Gerlllnny .............. 4(i Lauban, Germany................. 26
Pot’tsntouth, l~lt~la td ......... Nil Dortmund, Gernmny ........... 160 Wittenberge. Germany............ 46 Marktredwitz, Germany ........ 26
Gloucester. England................ 79 tlannover. Germany.............. tSg l)arnlstadt, Gerntany.............. 45 Rotta-Kemberg, Germany ...... 26
] Ianley, England ............. 75 Wilh~lnlshaven, Germany .... 158 Neukirvhen, Germany ........... 45 Solingen, Germany................ 26
Warrington, Eughtn I ............ 79 Augsburg, Germany.............. 155 Schlaxxe Poin., Gernmny...... 44 t~inswarden, Germany............ 25
GillinghanL Englan.l ........... +;7 Bremerha yen. Germany ........ 154 Batltzen, Getmnny................. 43 Grossgrimdlach, Germany ...... 25
M, ralsall, England .............. 65 A’ue u. Umgeb~. Germany .... 150 Gladbeck+ Germany................ 43 Hiils, Germany.................... 25
Birl{enhead. Englan(l ........ fl-I Kat lsruhe, Germany............ 144 (~otlnt, Gernmny ..................... 43 K61n a. Rhein, Germany . ...... 25
Croydon, England .............. (;2 Wannen. Umgefig. Ger ....... 129 aena,Germany........................ 43 Merseburg, Germany .............. 25
East Kirkby, England .......... 61 Frmtal Sa. Germany............ 128 Wagersrott, Germany............ 43
Bournemoulh, England .......... 57 Barmen, Germany................ Ingolstadt, Germany.............. New York, N.Y. (Greek) .... 94
120 42 Athens, Greece (Greek) ........ 5~
Altrincham. England .............. 55 Limbach, Germany................ 117 K~slin, Germany ...................... 42 51
Dartford, Englaml ................ 54 Chicago, Ill. (Greek) ..........
I’fnrzhelm, Germany............ 113 ]{hemberg Meerbeck, Ger ....... 42 Manchester, N. H. (Greek) .... 40
Soulhend on Sea, Engbtnd ...... 54 K6nig:~3ourg Pr. Germany .... 112 ~’elssenf-els, Germany_ ........ 42
YVlgan,England.................... 54 Pittsburgh, Pa. (Greek) ........ 35
ltemsehei(1, Germany............ 1-10 XViesrherhofen, Germany ...... 42 Boston, Mass, (Greek) .......... 3-i
Accrington, England ............. 52 GelsenMrchen, Germany ...... 107 Altdnmm, Germany .............. 41 Yoangstown, O. (Greek) ........ 3t
St. llelens, England................ 5:2 Kn’ehlongerlL Germany ........ 102 Obercrinitz, Germany............ 41 27
Huddersfiehl, England ............ ,5l Xillki, Greece (Greek) ..........
Ilalle, Saale, Gernmny........ 101 Rolflin+flnmsen, Gernmny ...... 41
Ohl llill, England.................. 4,’) Gottesberv, Germany.......... 100 Schnnebeck, Germany ........ 41 St. George’s, Grenada ........... 27
~Vnh-erlmnli)ton, England ..... 4’q Falkenstein Vogll Ger ......... 98 Auerbnch Yogtl., (]emna,ay ___.40 Detroit, Mich. (Hungarian)..115
VVestlh’omwtch,l.;’nglan(I ...... 47" Bnrgstadt Sa. Germany ....... 97 Prankfurt, Oder, Gernlany .. 40 Pla,nesvllle, 0. (Huugarlau)..54
Barrow in Furness, Englalnl..4G Bad Oeynlltlnsen, Gernnllly ._95 (;olinow, Gernlany ............. Cle~ eland, O. (Hungarian) ....
Grimsby,England.................... 45 49
I qaeen, Germany.................... 95 I [o(’filarmark, Germany........ 40 ~V. Brownsville, Pa. (hum)_.35
Darlington, England .............. 43 Fl’eiberg Sa Gernmny. ........... 94 tIolzminden, Germany ........ 40 Barberton, O. (Hungarian) .... 31+
Nuneat(m, England ................ 42 Schxxerin, Gernmny ................ 94 L6hne,Gemnany ...................... 40 Bridgeport, Conn. (iIun.) .... ’:2S
Bradford, England ............... 4t Gera, Germany ........................ 91- ~lulheinl, Ruhr, Gel’many ...... 49 Duquesne, l’a. (Hungarian)..._27
]+arnohlswiclGE.’lgla n(l ......... 40 Pirna Sa., Gennnny................ g8 Rnllinghausen, Gern,any . .......
Stockport, England ................ 40 40 Amsterdam, Holland .............. 70
l,aneaster, England ............... Velten u. Ulngeb’g., Ger ......... 88 It ummelsburg, Germany ........ 40 Ceylon,India ............................ 30
39 S I e.aen, Germany .................... 87 Zwonltz u. Unlgebg. Gel’. ......
Preston, England .............. 39 40 g0
Ashton under Lyne, Englaml.+38 Witten, Ruhr, Germany ........ 85 Gehlenbeek, Germany............ 39 Belfast, Ireland ....................
Essen-Altenessen, Germany ._8-t ]Angen, Germany................... 39 Buffalo, N. Y. (Italian) ........ 132
Be(fiord, El~gland.................... 38 Oberhausen, Gel nlany ........... ,R4 ~Vernigero(le, Germany. ........
Wldnes,Enghtnd.................... 3S 39 Rochester, N. Y. (Italian) ..126
]~liddlesbrough, England ........ 38 "Wefiot en, Germany................ 83 Frledeberg Nm., Germany .... 38 Philadelphia, Pa. (Itaimn) ..55
Derby,Enghtnd........................ Flensburg, Germany.............. 82 I£ehl, Rhein, Germany........... 38 Lawrence, Mass. (Itahan) .... 31
37 Ladwigsburg, Germany .......... b2 Bublitz, Pom, Germany ........ 38 Brooklyn, N. Y. (Italian) .... 28
Peterboroagh, Englaud .......... 37 "Wahleldmrg Sa, Germany .... 82
South Shields, England ........ 37 ~Vehdel, GeHnany................ 38 I=Iartford, Conn. (ItahalU ...... 25
Spennymoor, Enghu~d ............ 37 BremelLGermany................. 81 I(aiserslautern, Germany ,__...37 Chicago, Ilh (Lithuaman) ..143
1Han.-liehl, England................ 3d Treuen, Vogtl., Cermany ...... 8(I Firmasens, Germany.............. 37 Cleveland, O. (Llthuan an) ..38
Tunl)ridge Wells, Englaln[ ...... 36 Lnbeek, Gerlnany.................... 79 Eisleben, Germany................ 36 Detroit, Mich. (Lithuan.an).2(1
Windsor,l~tgland ................... 36 Gdstrow, Germany.................. 77 ++Vermelskirchen, Germany .... 36 Brooklyn, N. Y. (Lithuanian)
Yeovil, England..................... 36 Erkenschwick, Germany ........ 76 Altona, Germany.................... 35
Prosml, Elster~xer(la, Ger ..... 75 lqutin, Germany ...................... 35 Christ Church, New Zealand 2~
Rotherham, England .............. 35 Wellington, NewZealand ...... 57
Wakefield, England ................ 35 Marienberg, Westerw., Ger...74 Hohenstein-E., Germany ........ 35
Gopplngen, Germany_ ............ 73 Sensburg, Germany................ 35 Auckland, New Zealand .......... 83
Bramley, England.................. 34 11g
Cnlne,England........................ 34 Crimmitschau, Germany ........ 72 Suderwich, Germany.............. aa 0slo, Norway ........................
Nelson, England.................... 33 Memel,Gerinany.................... 71 Tapiau, Gemnany .................... 35 Skmn,Norway ........................ 60
Bath, England........................ 32 Erfurt, Gerinany.................... 70 Vlotha, Germany.................... 35 Bergen, Norway...................... 55
l}lackpool, England ............... 31 Kolberg. Germany.................. 70 V¢ildau, Germany.................... 35 Trondhjem,Norway................ 36
Northampton, England .......... 30 Marienwerder, Germany ........ 70 Belgard a. Pers., Germany _..+34 Arendal, Norway.................... 27
Peele, England........................ 30 New Yock, N. Y. (Gerlnan) ..70 Camper, Man., Can. (German) 3++ Colon,Panama........................ 38
Stockton on Tees, l~ngland ._.30 Oslerfehl, Germany .......... 70 Dinslaken, Germany.............. 34 Chicago, Ill. (Polish) ............ 5S/)
Chelmsford, Enghtnd ............ 28 Cleveland, Ohio (German) ..68 Eisenaeh, Germany................ 34 320
2q Btinde, Germany.................... 67 Emmen(lin+aen, Gernmny ........ 34 Detroit, Mich. (Pohsh~ ........
Macclesfield, England ............ Cleveland, Ohio (Pohsh) ...... 219
Oxford, England.................... 28 Zeitz, Germany ........................ 66 Lobnitz Erzeeb., Get ............. 34 136
Herren, Geimtany.................... 65 l’euig, Germany ...................... 34 Milwaukee, Wis. (Polisfi) ....
Cfieltenham, England ............ 27 Warsaw, Poland .............. 1;’5
Halifax, England.................... 27 Gorlit z, Germany ................... 65 "Walsuln, Germany.................. 34 Nanticoke, Pa. (Polisi0 ...... -120
l’;laby, England........................ 2G Reuthngon, Gernmny.............. 65 Aschersleben, Germany.......... aa Bruay, France (l’o]ish) ........ 107
Hastings, England.................. 26 Sl,eyer, Gerlnany_ ................... 65 Baden-Ba(len, Germany ........ 33 92
Roehdale, England.................. lqickhorst, Germany............... (; Ickern, Germany. ............... b3 Peru, Ill. (Polish) ................
26 Buffalo, N. Y. (Polish) ....... 90
Brighton, I~ngland.................. 25 Cassel, Germany. ................... 63 Neustadt Sa., Gernltlny . ....... ::)3 Sallaumines, France (l’ohsh)
Dmxsbury, England ................ 25 Glauchau Sa., Gernmny ....... 63 Nordhorn, Germany............... 33 Brooklyn, N. Y. (Polish) ........ 75
Radcliffe, England.................. 25 Duisburg, Germany................ 62 Steinperf, Germany............. 53 Philadelphia, Pa. (t’oh,-h) .... 6S
Whitley Bay, England ............ 25 Blelefehl, Germany................ 6t XVarmbrunn, Germany ........... ’i2 Kracow, Poland .................... (i8
~tennigsdorf u. Uingebg., Ger. 61 Weigelsdor f, Germany ........ 32 Pittsburgh, Pa. (Pohsh) ........ td)
Helsinki, Finland .................. 444 Lengenteld u. Umg., (;er ....... 60 Zv¢ornewit z, Ger/nany ........... 32
Tampere.Finland .................... 9S Toledo, Ohio (Polish) ........... 52
88 Hil~cchberg Schle~, Get. ........ 59 Gfinnigfeld, Germany........... 31_ Calumet, Ill. (Polish) ............ 45
Turku,Finland ...................... Kirchberg Sa., Germany ........ 59 Spandau, Germany............... 31
Port, Finland.......................... 70 Oranienburg, Gmmtany.......... 1Vesel, Germany .................... FterG France (Pohsfi) ........ 45
l’arainen, Finland .................. 29 50 31 Marles, France (Pohsh) ........ 38
Sterkrade, Germany............. 59 Dessau, Gernlany.................... 30 Barlin, France (Polish) ....... 37
Lahti, Finland........................ 26 I~artmannsdorf, Germany .... 58 Mtilheim Duinpten, Ger ........ 30
Alberga, Finland .................... 25 Heilbronn, Germany.............. Ebersbrunn, Germany............ Providence, R. I. (~’ohsh) ...36
5~ 30 PerthAmboy, N.J. (PohM~)..34
Strasburg, France ................ 158 Wilkau Sa., Germany ............ 58 Grtinhain, Gei3amny.............. 30
Sarrebruck, France .............. 102 Buer-Resse, Gernmny............ 57 IIagenow, Germany................ Erie, Pa. (Polish) ...........
30 Minneai)olis, Minn. (Polish) _.33
]Mulhouse.France .................... 93 Insterburg, Germany............ 57 I-Iausberge, Germany.............. 30
Neunkirchen, France ............ 62 Stargard Pore., Germany ...... Ifferringen, Germany.............. Pullman, Ill. (Pohsh) ........ 33
5,q 57 30 South Bend, Ind. (Polish) .... 33
Demain,France...................... Vieueuburg, Gerinany ............ 57 l~Ieusehvitz, Germany........... 30
Sulsbach, France ................... 51_ ]Konstanz, Germany................ Gary, Ind. (Polish) ......... 32
56 Ottendorf, Germany................ 30 Haiailton. Ont., Can. (Polish) 3:+’
Sin-le-Noble, France................ 47 Vegesack, Germany................ 5(} Siemianowice, Germany ....... 30
Paris, France......................... 33 Halley, Wis. (Polish) ............ 39
Bottrop, Germany.................. 55 O. Schl. (j. Poleu) Kenosha, Wis. (Polish) ........ 30
Lievin,France........................ 31 Gestringen, Germany............ 55 Zittau, Germany.................... 30
Dresden, Germany.............. ]FIildesheim, Germany............ Einfeld, Germany ................... Lorain, Ohio (Polish) ........... 30
1309 55 29 Akron, Ohio (Polish) ............ 27
I,eil)zig, Germany ................ 1075 Reichenbach Vogtl., Get ....... 55 Greiz. Germany..................... 29 Black Roe.k, N. Y. (Pohsh) ..27
l~erlin, Germany .................... 915 Esslingen, Germany................ 54 Ichenhausen, Germany ......... 29 Junction City, Wis, (Polish)_.26
Essen, Ruhr, Germany ........ 582 Liegnitz, Germany.................. 54 Naumburg, Germany............. 29
Chemnitz, Germany.............. 497 Meerane,Germany.................. 54 Saalfeld, Saale, Germany ...... 29 Vulcan, Rumania................ 213
/qamburg, Germany.............. 470 Offenbach, Gennany................ 54 Philadelphia, Pa. (German)..28 Corjeuti, Rumania .............. 1(i8
Nfirnberg-Fiirth, Germany ._370 Neum(inster, Gemuany............ 53 Datteln, Germany.................. 28 Aninoasa, Rumania 153
Mfinchen, Germany.............. 364 Oldenburg u. Umg., Ger ......... 53 Forst, Germany ...................... 28 C, luj, Rumania ...................... 125
Magdeburg, Germany............ 330 Altenburg, Germany.............. 50 Mficheln Ber. Halle, Germany 28 Iapa, Rumania .................... 12t
l£iel, Germany ...................... 322 Lodz, Polen, (Deutsche) ........ 50 Mtinster, Germany................ 28 Targul-Mure~ Rumania ........ 98
Hamborn, Germany.............. 302 Chicago, Ill. (German) .......... 50 Osnabrdck,Germany.............. 28 Baia-Mare si Jur, Rmnania .. 92
Stuttgart, Germany.............. 290 Tilsit, Germany ...................... 50 Rothenkirchen, Germany...... 2,q Criva ~i jur, Iluina.nia ......... 7T
Zwickau, Germany................ 275 Traunstein, Germany.............. 50 Rostoek, Germany .................. 28 Rodna Veche, Rumania ........ 76
]mdwi~,~hafen, Germany ...... 232 Bitterfehl, Germany.............. 49 rim, Donau, Germany............ 2~ Jirnb(>rut-Mare ~i jut. P,u ..... 67
~Vahlenburg+Schles, Ger. ...... 22q Eberswalde b. Berlin, Ger ..... 49 Blankenloch, Germany........... 27 Campu-Negru si jur. Itu ....... 56
tlerne, Germany................... 203 tteid elberg, Get’many.......... 49 Eriedrichstadt, Gea-many........ 27 (To be continued.)
PAUL WRITES TO THE PHILIPPIANS
--SEPTE~IBER 6--PIIILIPPIANS, CtIAPTERS 1 TO ~
TRINITARIAN DOCTRINE NOT TAUGHT--PAUL’S OWN COURSE OF tIUMILIATION--JIOLY SPIRIT EJIPOWERS CHRIST’S
FOLLOWERS.
AULloved all the churches, but the church in this, let everyone think more highly of his brother than
p Philippi had a special place in his heart. It repre-
sented his first work in Europe; and the bond of
he does of himself; let none think as much of his own
affairs as he does of his brother’s welfare.--Philippians
love was strengthened by their mutual joy in the Lord. 2: 3, 4.
The epistle to the Philippians is the freest and most
TRINITARIAN DOCTRINE NOT TAUGHT
personal of all of St. Paul’s epistles to the churches.
To them he can speak freely of his love, and tell them To state the need for humility, and to show its
that they are his joy and crown. value in God’s sight, and howhe rewards it, Paul then
2 The letter is one of the "captivity" epistles, written writes a passage which has been made ix) support the
during the time of Paul’s first Romanimprisonment, doctrine of the Trinity, that darkening error which
and therefore long after Paul was first in Philippi. It assumes that Jesus and God are essentially the same,
is written out of the fulness of his experience. The two manifestations of one person ; and therefore the text
particular occasion of the letter was to thank the broth- has been made to mean exactly the opposite of what the
ten in Philippi for their care for him in his necessity apostle said. Paul says, "Let this mind be in you,
(Philippians 4: 18); and at the same time to exhort which was also in Christ Jesus," who, being in the form
them to lay more secure hold of the hope set before of God, had no thought of assuming authority not given
them. to him. (Philippians 2: 6) Jesus willingly submitted
a In the matter of care for Paul the Philippian church to Jehovah’s will in his plan for human redemption,
has an honorable place. Without doubt all the ehnrehes which involved the prospect that Jesus should divest
loved that ardent servant of the Lord ; but not all loved himself of his great reputation in heaven to becomea
him equally well, and it seemsas if it were only Philippi man. This Jesus did; and, further, when a man he as
which took care for him. They followed him with their willingly submitted to be deprived of human reputa-
gifts as well as with their prayers. They had sent a tion, even to suffering the shameful death of the cross.
messageto him at Rometo tell him of their love as welI He lived for the glory of his Father, and willingly suf-
as to show it by their gift--a wise thing, for manya fered for man’s sake. Because of this, God highly
love-gift loses muchof its value because it is expected exalted him, and gave him a name above every name.
to speak for itself. This care must often have cheered To avoid the plain Incurring of the passage, and so
and encouraged Paul, and have been one of the things as not to have an open contradiction of their doctrine
which made his hard life easier to bear. The fire which of the trinity, the translators of various versions have
was lit on the first visit, through his imprisonment, made the text say that Jesus did not think it "robbery"
always burned brightly.--Philippians 1: 5. to be like God--a foolish statement; as if he felt him-
4 In writing to the Philippians Paul had no errors of self to be of lesser dignity, but yet had a perfect righ~
doctrine to correct for them, and therefore the epistle is to the highest place. One phase of God could not rob
not like those to the Galatians and to the Corinthians, another, nor would want to do so. Nor could one per-
where the brethren had fallen under the spell of false son in a trinity of divine equals reward another for
teachers. But the Philippians, though they all loved humility. Truth is gn*and, but error becomesridiculons.
Paul, needed to be reminded of their obligation to love s The Philippian brethren, ardent lovers of Paul and
each other. The apostle was very desirous that both he of the Lord as they were, had allowed jealousies and
and they should complete the race successfully. He tells rivalries and misunderstandings to affect their lives.
them of his own hopes and strivings, and urges them Paul knewthat wherever these things exist there is lack
to run as he does that they may obtain their reward. of that humility which is necessary to be pleasing to
Paul tells them what is necessary to do this: They God. "Wherefore, mybeloved, . . . work out your sal-
must stand fast together; they must strive together for vation [as Jesus did] with fear and trembling." (Philip-
the faith of the Gospel (Philippians 1:28); for it plans 2: 12) He also reminded them of those false
only by so doing that they will be able to stand. [[’he teachers, whomhe had no hesitancy in describing as
fight of the enemy is against tke church, and no man dogs and evil workers, who would deceive them and de-
can fight that battle single-handed. Paul appeals to stroy the vision of the hope, and thus the hope itself.
them to be of one mind, of one accord. (Philippians DAfter telling of the Lord’s humiliation, he tells of
2:2) Whenone thinks too highly of himself he is in his own course. He had given up much that was dear
great danger ; such a tendency often brings disaster to to him, bu~ he had se~n its utter worthlessness. Many
oneself, and is harnfful to any community. To avoid a mantins foolishly beasted of what he has done, and of
250
the sacrifices he has made; but Paul was so sure he stood the spirit of life, which operates in the new creature
right with the Lord that he could speak of himself as even as the law of sin and death operates in and con-
an exampleof sacrifice and willingness to suffer (Philip- trols the old creature, the will of the flesh. It is only
plans 3: 17) ; even as he said on another occasion: "Be as the power of Christ’s resurrection works in his fol-
ye followm’s of me, even as I also am of Christ."--1 lowers that they are able to becomeconformable to his
Corinthians 11 : 1. death. The mighty power which brought Christ from
ao In the passage set for our study Paul tells howhe the dead, works in us to all patience and long-suffering.
cameto see the worthlessness of the things in which he
A MUCH MISUNDERSTOOD TEXT
formerly trusted; then he tells of his pre~ent hope, and
his confidence of sharing the glory to come. He says: ~5 The Christian world does not like theology ; it wants
"If any man thinketh that he hath whereof he niight to be free from any obligation to do the will of another
trust in the flesh, I more." (Philippians 3:4) He re- --even the will of God. Today all the world is ready
counts his standing in Israel, tells of his earnestness in to quote, but misapply, Paul’s words respecting purity
the Law, his zeal, and his persecution of the ehm’ch, of mind : "Whatsoeverthings are true, whatsoever things
and says that touching the righteousness which is of are honest, ~dmtsoeverthings are just, whatsoeverthings
the Lawhe led a blameless life. Certainly Saul of Tar- are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoeverthings
sus did not have the splint of the law; for he had not are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there
learned what it meant to love his neighbor as himself. be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4: 8)
But when he finally saw the gift of God in Christ, These words are accepted by all men of thought aml
whatever things he had eonnted gain actually became good desire, whether or not they accept Paul as an
loss, and as dross which must be east away. apostle of Jesus and a preacher of his gospel. They are
~ Then he tells them of the hope that works in him, accepted as if they were a means of self-salvation.
and how he would exchange anything he could have in aa But Patti is no supporter of the "newthought" way
order to knowChrist, and the powerof his resurrection, of regenerating man. His words are true and good teL-
to have the fellowship of his sufferings, and to be made every ’man to follow, yet taken by themselves they are
conformable unto his death. For he wishes to attain powerless as a means of sat,ration. A manmay keep his
to the same resurrection as Jesus had; that is, the out- body dean, and it will have a good effect on his mind ;
resurrection (ex<naslasin), the resurrection out from he may keep his mind clean and obtain a cleansing
amongthe dead; for the resurrection of Jesus is always effect on his general disposition ; but neither the one nor
spoken of in the New Testament as being out from the other, nor both together, can cleanse the heart from
(among) the dead.--See Diaglott. its evil or remove the passions of the flesh. The fact
=2 Paul tells the Philippians that he still counts him- is that Paul’s words are not intended to stand alone;
self as one who has not attained that for which he was they must be taken in conjunction with what he has
apprehended by Godin Christ ; but he always presses on just said about following the narrow way in the foot-
toward the mark which has been set, the prize of the steps of the Lord.
high calling of Godin Christ Jesus, and has a confident
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
expectation of being joined to the Lord and being made
like him. (Philippians 3 : 14) He urges them to follow Why did the I’hilippiau church have a spe(,ial phtee in the
him as he follows Christ.--Philippians 3:17. heart of St. Paul? When was the Philippian epistle
written? How did the Philippians prove their love for
~a This declaration of his personal experiences is one Paul? ¶ 1-3.
Of whut were the I’hilippians reminded? What were Paul’~
of his grandest passages; indeed, it is perhaps the most instruelion~? What was his admonition in respect t~
personal passage in all his writings; nowhere else does humility? ¶ 4, 5.
he express his personal hope and strivings as here. The Is Philippi.ms 2:6 a support of the doetrige of lhe trinity]
What is the real teaching of the passage? ¶ 6.
power of the resurrection of which he writes should not Does the altempt of the trauslators to cover the real mean.
be understood as meaning only that power which changes ing Of the IreS,sage appear foolish in the light of the
the earthly phase of the newcreature into the heavenly. truth? ~T 7.
Whqt e’msed the l’tek of humility in the lives of some o!
As the context shows, Paul is writing of present ex- the brethren at Philippi? ¶ 8.
periences. He associates the powerof Christ’s resurrec- In what way is Paul an example to us7 Is it safe to trust
tion with bearing the suffering of Christ, and the ability in the flesh? ¶ 9, 10.
How determined was Paul to gain the prize of the high
to be made conformable to his death. I-Ie means that calling? Whqt does it mean to have a resurrection "out
life-giving force which comes from Christ, the Head, to from anlotlg the dead"? What is associated with this
the membersof his body, even as the nerve force in the out-resurr~etion? ¶ 11, 12.
What is meant by the "power of his resm’reetion"? What is
human body is formed in the brain and gives life and it associated with? How does the mighty power in Christ
vigor to the body. Christ is our life.--Colossians a:4. work in us? ¶ 13, 14.
a4 There is another way of expressing the work of the Why does not tt.e "Christian worhl" like theology? In what
way shouhl the Apostle’s words il~ Philippians 4:8 be
holy spirit, whichinstructs and guides, and of the law of understood? ¶ 15, 16.
PAUL IN THESSALONICA AND BEREA
--SEPTEMBER13--AcTs 17: 1-12-
JEWSAND GREEKS ACCEPT CI:IRIST--FAITI:I: :FOLLOWS :HONEST SEARCtt FOR TRUTH--GOD’S APPEAL THROUGH FUL-
~ILI, EDm~OP:HECY.
"’Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."--1 Thessatonians 5: 21.
FTERthe farewell meeting with the brethren in then bringing the seriptm’es together he set forth his
A Philippi, Paul and Silas and Timothy journeyed
southwest on the road to Amphipolis,about thirty
argument that the Messiah must suffer eveu unto death ;
must rise again from the dead; and he averred that
nli]es distant. Luke seems to have been left behind in these things had been fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.
Philippi, for the writer nowreverts to the third person ; Being fulfilled, every true-hem4ed lover of God must
he no longer writes "we" but ’:they". No stay was receive this gospel of the kingdom. Those who received
made, but they went on to Apollonia, another journey it would enter into the blessings which God was then
of about thirty miles. Neither did they stay there; giving to his people. His reasoning was powerful, and
probably there was no synagogue in either city. They the new light thrown on the Scriptures was convincing.
continued on to Thessaloniea, nearly forty miles further, SomeJews believed a~ld consorted with Paul and Silas,
where there was one synagogue of the Jews, some evi- and many more devout Greeks believed. Besides these
dence that there were not many Jews in that part of there were not a few womenof local note who believed;
:Macedonia. and the epistle to the Thessalonians shows that many
-" Paul followed in Europe the course he had taken turned from idol worship to selwe God.--1 Thes. 1: 9.
in Asia, namely, always to begin his ministry with his 6 All this excited those Jews who did not believe
ownpeople if that were at all possible. As his manner what Paul said concerning their Scriptures and Jesus.
was, Paul went to the synagogue. (Acts 17 : 2) It seems They were nmved with envy. These Jews believed they
to have been a regular eustom with the rulers of the were commissionedto teach the world ; but t,heir syna-
synagogue to give opportunity for speech to any dis- gogue was of minor importance in the town, and they
tinguished visitor who appeared to have ability to ad- were doing very little to bring the people to believe in
dress the eongregation. It was these opportunitiea that the God of Israel as the living God. NowPaul and his
Paul sought, foEowing tile example of Jesus, as at companions had eome preaching about the despised
Nazareth and Capernaum. (Luke 4:16,31) It was Jesus o~ Nazareth, and within a month had created a
at once evident to Paul that there was interest in Thes- sensation in the town and turned many of the syna-
saloniea, and he prepared to stay. gogue into believers in Jesus.
There is no reason for thinking that he and Silos Truth coming amongst them had the effect that it
had a supply of moneyto enable them to live without ahvays has. Somewere lifted by it to a higher life;
em’ning some; indeed it is certain they had no such those who refused it debased themselves. These envious
supplies. There were two things that Paul attended mengathered to themselves certain lewd, worthless men
to when first he entered into a city. The first was to of the baser sort, menwho might be found in the mar-
see if there were any "hearing ears". If he found there ket-plaee; not like the menin the parable, looking for
were some ready to listen, the ~eond thing was to ob- someone to hire them, but waiting for mischief. These
tain work, that he and his companymight support them- men, being paid for their job, soon set all the city in
selves. Paul reveals in his first epistle to the Thessalo- an uproar. They marched to the house of Jason; but
nians that tha~ was what he did. He says: "Ye re- Paul and Silas were ~lot there.
member, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring s Tim crowd drew Jason and certain brethren to the
night and day, because we would not be ehaNeable unto rulers of the city, crying that ’;these men who have
any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God." turned the world upside down are come hither also".
We may expect that Silas was of the same mind as They laid a charge against Jason that he had harbored
Paul. Probably young Timothy stayed in the lodgings them, and said that all these men did contrary to the
to look alter what wt~s necessary, and to write out such decrees of Cwsar, and claimed to be the servants of an-
things as Paul would have to dictate. other king, one Jesus. (Acts 17: 6,7) These things
troubled the people and the rulers of the city; but the
JEWS ANDGREEKSACCEPTCHRIST rulers, not having Paul and Silas before ’them and
For tln~e sabbaths Paul was given opportunity to finding no charge that could lie against Jason and the
speak in the synagogue. He reasoned with the Jews other brethren, took semtrity of them to keep the peaee,
out of the Scriptures, "opening and alleging that Christ and let them go. The leaders of the rabble had mis-
must needs have suffered, and risen again from the timed their attack. Paul and Silas met the brethren
dead; and that this Jesus, whomI preaeh unto you, that night, and were sent by them to Berea, a journey
is Christ."--Acts 17:3. of forty-five miles. Timothy was left in Thessaloniea.
5 Paul read from the Scriptures and, as Ezra did, 9 In Berea these two noble men immediately began
he gave the sense of the various passages to his hearers; their work. They went into the synagogue. There they
252
Auousr 15,1925 253
WATCH TOWER
found that which cheered their heart; for they met a Israel, would first of all be rejected by those to whom
company of men and womenwhose minds were neither he brought salvation. Paul then argued that Jesus had
dull with apathy nor filled with prejudice. Paul had fulfilled these scriptures; that ±he gospel of the king-
not to wait there three weeks as at Thessaloniea before domhad been preached in a way that proved its reality
he could get the truth sufficiently in the minds of the (Isaiah 61: 1; Luke 4: 18, 19), that Christ had died
brethren for them to lay hold on it. They received it and had been raised--a fact witnessed by many with
readily, and immediately began to search. Indeed they whomPaul himself had conversed, and which had been
"searched the scriptures daily [to see] whether those demonstrated before 500 menat one time.--1 Cot. 15 : 6.
things were so. Therefore many of them believed." ¯ 4 In the same way must the Lord’s people now wit-
(Acts 17: 11, 12) This would be the natural conse- ness to the prophecies of the Scriptures and to the
quence of a readiness of mind combined with searching corroborative facts of present world events. Godfore-
of the Scriptures. Neither at Berea then, nor at any told through his prophets that the Messiah would come
time since, could it be o.therwise than that belief would in a time of great trouble (Daniel 12: 1); that the
follow such an attitude. Whereverthere is readiness of foundations of the earth would be broken up (Psalm
mind, that is, willingness to be taught, coupled with 46) ; that the whole earth would be bound together in
searching the Wordof God to see "if these things be combination (Zephaniah 3: 8); and that the ravages
so", faith follows, and the truth is accepted. of war would make the earth desolate. (I~iah 34: 1)
~° In these day’s when the message of the kingdomis .Jesus added to these prophecies his own great words
again being preached, many who have alertness of mind ~eorded chiefly in Matthew 24, t~lling of the signs
have searched the Scriptures to see if these things were of hi~ second coming, and thus identifying his return
no~ so. ’l~erefore they have disbelieved. The same is with the establishment of God’s promised kingdom.
true of those who,knowingthe truth, take a eritieizer’s ~s Weare witnesses that God is doing these things,
attitude. Those who look for truth find it, those who working through natnrM events ; even as Jesus was put
look for error find what they look for. to death through the wickedness of the Jews. Thus we
~* In Berca also honorable womenof the Greeks, and are witnesses for God, not only to give aa explanation of
men, not a few, believed. But neither the apostle nor tile singular things that are happening, and to comfort
the brethren were allowed to have peace; for when the the people concerning the outcome, but to the honor
Jews of Thessaloniea heard that the Wordof God was and glory of God as the Maker and Upholder of all
being preached by Paul at Berea they came and stirred things.--Isaiah 43 : 10.
up the people. (Acts 17: 13) The brethren judged ~6 Wemay have confidence tha~ men and womenof
well that Paul should leave; but Silas stayed in Berea.
:a The cour~ which Paul +/>ok at Thessalonica is goodwill will hear the messageand receive it "~o the joy
of their hearts. It is reasonable to speak these things
that which all the servants of the gospel of the king- as far as possible to the ear of those who have some
dommust take, whether it be as it was with Paul, mak- knowledge of the way of the Lord; thus following
ing the announcement of the grace phase of the king- Paul’s example of going first to the Jews. This has
dom, or as now at the time of the second advent when been done, and these have now had a witness sufficient
the power phase of tlle kingdom is announced. Jesus to have brought all meninto the knowledgeof the truth.
did not send out the apostles merely to announce the
fact that he had come from heaven with a message from QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
God, had died and had been raised again from the
Where did Paul go after leavin~ Philippi? What was Paul’s
dead, and that there was salvation in accepting him. custom on arriving at a city? ¶ 1-3,
:He sent them out to show that the things which God Whqt opIx}rtunities had Paul on three consecutive sabbaths?
had done in and by himself were in fulfihnent of his What was Paul’s line of reasoning? ¶4, 5.
own Word, long ago spoken through his prophets. Did Paul’s preaching please everybody? Who were nn)ved
~a Fullqlment of prophecy is the appeal which God with envy? Wtmt is the effect of the truth prior to setting
up the kingdom? What elements did the religious leaders
makes respecting himself. It is his evidence of the fact draw upon to raise an uproar? ¶6,7.
that he is God, not only working all things according What charge was laid against Jason? Where did Paul and
Silas then go? ¶ 8.
to his own will, but working according to a plan which
What cheered Paul and Silas at Berea? What follows a
in his own way he has declared beforehand. Paul’s proper searching of the Scriptures? ¶9, 10.
argument in Thessalonica must have taken such form as What caused the strife in Berea? What course must Chris-
this: That Messiah must come first in a lowly way tians follow now? Is there something besides personal
salvation for the Christian to proclaim? ¶ 11, 12.
(Micah 5: 2); that he must be despised and rejected
tIow does God make an appeal respecting himself? How
of those to whomhe carried the message of God (Isaiah may one come to know God? What was. probably Paul’s
53:3); that he would die apparently as a sinner, and message at Thessalonica? ¶ 13.
yet according to the will of God, who would exalt him In what special points should our message correspond to
to the highest place (Isaiah 53:12); and that there- that of Paul? ¶ 14.
As witnesses for God, how should we conduct ottr~elves]
fore the Messiah, the promised deliverer and the hope of ttas our witnessing been in vain? ¶ 15, 16.
PAUL WRITES TO THE THESSALONIANS
--SEPTEh[BER 20--1 T~IESSALONIANS,CHAPTERS
1 TO 5
~tIESSALONIANS
EXAh[PLES OF ~AITI{--SO~IELACKING
IN GENEROSITY---SOUGttT
ONLYTO £LEASEGOD.
"’In everything gi’ve thanlcs."--I Thcssalouians 5:18.
AUL’Sletter to the Thessalonians was the first 4 Because of this all the country round about knew
p written of all the epistles to the churches. Paul
had a big heart, large enough to enable him to
of the faith of the brethren in Thessalonica and there-
fore had a witness of the message of the kingdom.
have both the care of and the love for all the churches There can be no question that progress in the heavenly
be had served; and he had a very warmplace for the way is according to the measure of consecration, and the
Thessalonians as well as for the Philippians. tits letteI zeal in which it is carried out. It was seen then in
showshis great love and tender care for the welfare ol Paul’s day, as it is seen nowin our day, that those who
those whomhe had to leave so hurriedly. Chased oul give themselves wholly to the Lord make rapid progress
of Thessalonica by persecution, he left unwillingly, but in knowledgeand in the ability to serve. It is a notice-
not because he was not ready to obey the Lord’s direc- able fact that manyquite young in the truth are found
tion, whetherit was revealed by vision or through Satan’s well able to enter fully into the work of the Lord an,1
moving evil men to force him on. He had become warm- are often both better instructed in the Wordand more
hearted towards the Thessalonians. They were men not developed in the spirit than some who have been long
easily moved. They were not so noble as those whomhe years in the truth. In the ease of the brethren in
later found in Berea; but they stirred Paul; his some- Thessalonica many had come right out of paganism.
what combative mind would be rather glad to be ex- ’]:hey had "turned to Godfrom idols to serve the living
ercised if the argumentwas for the elucidation of truth. and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven".
tie never suffered fools gladly, but he was never wearied --1 Thessalonians 1 : 9, 10.
of talking about the truth to those of honest heart. 5 Paul had hardly gone when there entered amongs~
At last he found them receptive, and his fatherly care the brethren some who sought to persuade them that he
wt~s exercised for their well-being. was not a trustworthy teacher, and whoquestioned his
o Wedo not know how long Paul stayed in Thessa- authority to teach. I-Ienee it is that whenwriting Paul
loniea, but even if he stayed two months ere he was speaks of himself and of his manner of service amongst
forced away they were still immature on doctrine. In them. (1 Thessalonians 2:10) He was more than once
1 Thessalonians 2:18 he says that once and again he met with rumor that he made his living by means of
would have returned to Thessalonica (perhaps from his preaching. Like many other charges made, there
Berea, perhaps from Athens), but the Lord’s "pillar was in this a measure of truth which made it necessary
of fu’e" led him on. As soon as possible he sent Timothy, that he must speak of himself. Evil men do not stop
who later had followed him to Corinth, to inquire of to question how true their statements are. Sometimes
their welfare ; and he was quite unrestful until he heard they manufacture their lies; most frequently, and from
that they were holding to the truth, and were making their point of view most to be desired, their method is
good progress in it.--1 Thessalonians 3: 5. to wrest truth into the form of a lie. These "half-
truths" are always more difficult to deal with, and moro
THESSALONIANS EXAMPLES OF FAITH frequently have a greater possibility of hurting.
3 The portion of the epistle whichis specially set for 6 Wehave previously seen that Paul’s regular habit
our lesson gives an account of Paul’s mannerof life as was to get work as soon as he settled in a town, whether
he entered in amongst them, serving the Lord and serv- he expected to make only a short stay or a lengthened
ing them. It is, of course, both helpful and instrnetive one. As soon as he saw there was spiritual work to be
to all, but is especially so for those whoare privileged done in Thessaloniea he and Silas obtained manual work
to do service for the Lord. Although only a compara- that they might be chargeable to none, and therefore
tively short time had elapsed since he had been in be free men to come and go as they would, and might
Thessaloniea, he writes to them as if they had been long also be free from any suggestion of living at the expense
iu the way of the Lord. The reason is that they were a of others. IIenee Paul, without any tone of complaint,
company of very earnest men who saw the truth dear- reminds the brethren of their knowledge of how Silas
ly, and gave themselves whole-heartedly to the Lord and he came to them. They had been shamefully treated
and to the service of the truth. They were examples to at Philippi, and had suffered much; and when they
all that believed in ~Iaeedonia and Achaia. (1Thessa- arrived at Thessaloniea they were st~ll sore from the
l(,nians 1:7); that is, these men and womenwere ex- whippingso unjustly inflicted upon them.
amplesnot only in faith, but in their earnestness in tell- 7 At Thessalonica Paul and Silas had much conten-
ing others of the truth and in seeking to honor the tion with those wholistened to them, but in honesty and
Lord and God, who had sent the truth forth. without guile and in simplicity of heart they served and
255
AUGUST 15. 1925
WATCH TOWER
preached and lived openly before all men. Paul calls God the apostles to speak to the Gentiles, lest the Gentiles
to witness (1 Thessalomans 2: 5) that they had neither should hear of the blessings of God. In this they were
flattered m~yonenor sought specially to please anyone filling up the measure of their iniquity, and the wrath
nor manifested covetousness nor scmght glory. And of God was coming upon them to the uttermost.
while as apostles of Christ they might have been burden-
SOUGHT ONLY TO PLEASE GOD
some, rather they had been as a nurse cherishing her
children; they had been as gentle and as generous as n Paul saw that the course the Jews were taking was
a mother.--1 Thessalonians 2:7. that which must fulfil those prophecies which foretold
their desolation, and which wouldinevitably lead to their
SOME LACKING IN GENEROSITY destruction as a nation and cause that they should be
8 In Philippi Paul had been ready to accept the large- turned out of the land which God had given to their
hearted generosity of Lydia. He saw there was no fathers. (Deuteronomy 28: 63-68) lIe writes of the
n~eanness in her disposition, and therefore she had no uttermost wrath of God, but he never mentions wrath
fear that these men were seeldng their own; for a gen- following them in the grave. Paul had no place for the
erous and hospitable disposition can see generosity and dogmaof eternal torment which later was fastened upon
frankness in others. With the brethren in Thessaloniea the churches and which has been so freely taught by
matters were different. There they were contentious ; that the denominations. I[e knew that in God’s own due time
is, they were not merely slow in taking in the message, the Jews would come back to the blessings of God, and
but rather fought it in an argumentative manner. And ±hat with their return would comethe times of restitu-
then, aa now, for humannature is ever the same, Paul tion for all laeoples.--Ilomans 11 : 15.
~2 Paul treated himself as one with responsibility
knew that an obstinate and contentious disposition
tdoes not usually go with a generous spirit. IIe saw a upon him. The apostles had been entrusted with the
once then that it would be wiser that they should not gospel ; and they preached it, not seeking popularity nor
accept any hospitality, and that they should work for the pleasure of men, but that they might be found pleas-
their living. To this end, and that they might be free ing to God. In this he is, of course, all exampleto all
for such times when they could meet with the brethren, servants of Jesus Christ.
they labored night and day in order to be able to spare ~a Our special text, "In everything give thanks," i.~
other precious hours in helping the brethren into the l’eally a keynote to the apostle’s success. Paul had a
way of the Lord.--1 Thessalonians 2 : 11. grateful heart. No one ever did anything for him with-
’~ The epistle showsthe effectiveness of the simplicity out being remembered, and the act was stored in his
of Paul’s manner of life. It seems very evident thai° memoryas a refresher for days to come. lie was grate-
had he gone to Tlmssalonica with show and with claims ful that God had called him who had done so much to
for their attention, and malting demands upon them, thwart the purpose of God. He was grateful that the
this epistle, so full of instruction for the Lord’s people, Lord had chosen him and favored him so highly. Iris
would not have been written. And Paul sought to do gratitude carried him on. tIowever narrow he was in
his Lord’s work in as simple a way aa was possil)le, those earlier days when he had an abhorrence of truth
without malting any show in the flesh, lie was started being &sseminated except by the orthodox methods, ha
thus by his Master; for when he began his work there becamein this a good disciple of the Lord Jesus, and an
was no great send-off of this great apostle to the Gentiles imitator of God.--1 Corinthians 11: 1, Diaglott.
and the teacher of the church. ]t was as if the Lord
said to him that he wished him to serve in simplicity. QUESTIONSFOR BEREANSTUDY
The ad~nowledgementhe would get as an apostle would Was there much contention at Thessahmica? ~Vhy and how
did Paul meet the contention? ¶ 7.
result from the bretl)ren seeing that he was a true ser- Whywas the generosity of Lydia accepted in Philippi? Why
vant of the meek and lowly Jesus. did Paul and Silas labor with their ownhands at Thessa-
~0 Also Paul always had in mind the high calling of lonica? ¶ 8.
God in Christ Jesus. In 1 Thessalonians 2:12 he savs Wlmt ImI)t)ened after Paul’s departure? Howdo evil men
makestatements?Is a half-truth hard to deal with? ¶ 5, 6.
his object was to get the Thessalonians to "walk worthy Whoare most benefited by our lesson? Howwere the
of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and Thessalonians examples to other? What was the result
of their activity? ¶ 3, 4.
glory". No one can do this without suffering at the Which epistle did Paul write first? Whydid Paul re-
hands of evil men. And he reminds the brethren that luctantly leave Thessalonica? Howwas Paul’s fatherly
their faithfulness brought them sufferings and that in care manifested?¶ 1, 2.
this they shared with all the churches in Judea and Is ing there effectiveness in simplicity whenit comesto preach-
the truth? Howwas this demonstrated?Is it reason-
elsewhere; for everywhere there were evil men who were able that evil menshould always oppose the heavenly
contrary to all men, who killed the Lord Jesus, slew message?¶ 9, 10.
their own prophets, and chased the apostles from town Upon whomdoes the wrath of God come? Whendoes it
come?¶ 11.
±o town. They pteasednot God and were contrary to all Whatresponsibility had Paul? Whatis the keynote of the
men. (1 Thessalonians g: 15) These men would forbid apostle’ssuccess?¶ 12, 13.
ImemationalBible Students Association Classes
dad5tudlc5bqTraveling]
LCcI:urc~ 5rctl~e.a-i
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTHERV. C. RICE
EstherviIie, Ia ................. Sept. 1 Cambridge,la ............ Sept. 9 Parkersburg, W. Va ...... Sept. 1 Mowrysfown,0 ............... Sept. 8
lnwood,la ......................... " 2 Des Momes,Ia ............. " 10 Gall]pulls, O .................... " 2 l’~elieity, O......................... " t3
Alton,Ia ............................. "3, 4 Indianola, la ................. " Ii Huntington, I~. Va ........... " 3 CovniKton,Ky ................... " II
llawarden, la .................. " 6 Char]ton, Ia ................. " 13 Ashland,Ky ..................... ,’ 4 Cinelnnati, 0 ..................... " 1;~
Sioux City, la ................... " 7 Keosauqua,Ia ............... " 14, 15 lronton, 0 ......................... " 6 "Wilmington,0 ................... " ]-I
CoonRapids, Ia ................. " 8 t~unch,Ia ....................... " 16 Portsmouth,O ................... " 7 Clnllicothe, 0 ..................... " T5
BROTIIER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Sept. 1 I-toleomb, Mo............... Sept. S, 9 BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
St. Louis, Mo................. Indianapoli.% Ind ......... Aug. 31
Flat River, Mo................. " 2 Neeleyville, 5Io ............. " 10 I,)r.*~ol, Tenn........... Sept. 23.24
Farmington, Mo............... " 3 ]Uinimum,Mo................. " 11 Ashland,Ky..................... Sept. 1 Asheville, N. C ......... " 25, ::7
F, urch, Mo......................... " .t I’oplar Bluff, Mo........... " 13 War,W.Va..................... :. " 2, 3 Flat Rock, N. C ......... " 2-I
Frederickton, Mo............... " 6 Chaonia, Mo................. " 15 Itonaker,. Va..................... " (; Columbia, S. C ......... " 29
" 7 Ava,Mo......................... " 16, 17 Coeburn,Va....................... " 20 Savannah, Ga ........... " 30
Dexter,Mo......................... " 22
t’ennington, Va ................. Jacksonville, Fla ....... Oct. 1.
BROTHER M. C. HARBECK
BROTHER 3. C. WATT
Brazil, Ind ..................... Sept. 1 St. Paul, Minn ........... Sept. :10 Sept. 6
Pana,Ill ............................ " 2 Minneapolis, Minn ....... " 11 San Diego, Calif ............. llawthorne, Calif ......... Sept. 13
" " Oceans]de, Calif ............... " 7 ,~an Pedro, Calif ............. " ]t
Decatur,Ill ....................... 3 l"ar~4o, N. Oak............... 13 " 8 Eagle Rock, Calif .......... "
Chicago,Ill ....................... " 4 Bisnmrck, N. Oak ......... " 24, 17 Santa Aria, Calif ............... 15
" 5-7 Arena, N. Dak ............. " 15, 16 Anaheim,Calif ................. " 9 Red]ands,Calif ............... " 16
LakeMills, Wis................. YIrea,Calif ......................... " 10 San Bernard]no, Calif... "
Madison,Wis..................... " 8 Max,N. Oak ................. " 18, 20 I7
Whittier, Calif ................. " 11 Colton,Calif ................... " 18
BROTHER M. L. HERR
Sept. 1, 2 BROTHER J. B. WILLIAMS
Randolph, Kans ......... Achilles, Kans ........ Sept. 10, 14
Manhattan, Kans ........... " 3 Atwood, Kans ........... " 11, 13 Elkhart, Ind ..................... Sept. l Albion, Mich................... Sept. $
Riley, Kans..................... " 4 Oberlin, Kans............. " 15, 16 Stnrgis, Mich................... " 2 Battle Creek, Mich ........... " 9
Clay Center, Kans ......... " 6 Lenora, I~ans ............. " 18 Otsego, Mich..................... " 3 Marcellus, Mich................. " 10
Jamestown, Kans ........... " 7, 8 Jamestown, K-ans ..... " 20 1~alaia~zoo. ~Iio]l ............. " 4 South Bend, lnd ............. " 13
Lenora, Karts ................. " 9 Ilorton, Kans............. " 21 Three Rivers, Mich ........... " 6 Niles, Mich........................ " Jq:
Jackson, Mich................... " 7 Be~ton Harbor, Mieh ....... " 15
BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Aberdeen, VCash.............. Sept. ] ]?uyallup, Wash............... Sept. 9 RAILROAD ITEMS FOR CONVENTIONERS
Central]a, Wash................. " 2 Bremerton, Wash............. " 10
Chehalis, Wash................. " 3 Alderwood Manor, Wash. " 11 Friends expecting to attend the Indianapolis or Springfield Con*
Leng Branch, Wash ......... " 4 Everett, Wash................... " 13 ventions should advise ticket agent at least a week in advance so
Tacoma,Wash................. " 5-7 Arlington, Wash.............. " 14
" 8 Sedro Woolley, Wash ....... " 14 as to insure his having the necessary special ticket forms on hand.
]~numclaw, Wash.............
ATLANTA SPECIAL: From Atlanta, Ga., a special conve~tion train
will leave over the Southern Railroad, Sunday, August 23rd, 1 : 30
SERVICE WEEK SEPTEMBER 7-12
p. m. Standard Time, due to arrive at Indianapolis, l~Ionday, Au-
I. B. S. A. Service Week will be September 7 to 12 in- gust 24th, 6 a. m. Special cars from other Southern points will
join the Convention train at Atlanta. Eor further information
elusive instead of the last week of August as previously
address W. S. Cummings, 15 Dargan St., Atlanta, Ga.
announced. This change is deemed advisable so that those
CHICAGO~PECIAL: A special train will be run over the Monon
who attend the Indianapolis convention may have ample Railroad to the Indianapolis Convention, leaving Chicago, Monday
time to return to their respective territories for participation morning, August 24th, 8:30 o’clock, Central Standard Time. For
in the great drive. Let each one pray the Lord’s blessing further information address A. L. Seeley, Secy., 7642 Normal Ave.t
upon our united efforts in this matter. Chicago, Ill.
¯ ¯,. . ’... ,:i’:
0.’,
¯ -°.
" "-":
CONTENTS
DILIGENCE AND]TERVENCY .................................... 259
WhyCalled .......................................................... 260
Diligence for Good............................................ 261
Danger of Deception .......................................... 2,’;2
Fearlessness........................................................ 2(;2
~IEMORIAL REPORTS ................................................ 2(;3
THEQUARTERLY REVIEW ...................................... 264
PAULIN ATHENS ................................................... 2G(~
~AULIN CORINT]{ .................................................. 2~]~
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS................. 2T0
INTErESTiNG LETTERS .......................................... 271
~OUTtIERN CONVENTION ....................................... 258
CONVENTIONS IN CANADA ..................................... 25~
COLORED CONVENTION ........................................... 258
t¢l will stand npon ~ny watch and wil~ seg my ~oo~
upon the Tower, and will ?catch to see what He will
say ,tnto ~ac, and what an,~wer I shall ma~:e to thegr~
that oppose me.’----Habakl~uk 2:1.
~pon the earth distress of nations wltb. perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear ~ncl for I~oking
t.ttiu~ conain.~, u~ou the earlak ~oeiet:~); for the powers of the heavens (ecelemastiesm) shall be shaken . . When ye see these things be~rm t~* e,m~o to p,t~, thell
~mo~.tl~at the Kingdom of God i~ at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.--Matt. 24:33; l~lark I.~’z’~. I.uke 21-2.~S L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THISpresented
journal is one of the prime factors
in all parts of the civilized
or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
world by the WATCII TOWERBIBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered
or "Seminary Extension’., no~w being
A.D. 1884, "For the Pr~
motion of Chrisiian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its travehng representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Yerbi Dei Minister iV. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister el God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
stttdents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter t : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3:
15 ; 2 Peter I : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been lnd in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church tlle manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3:5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utteraRce into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, a~s expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever tile Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is lmld as a trust, to be used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns mus~ be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the npbnild.ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
*cadets to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship" ; that its construction has been in progress throughout
tile gospel a,:e--ever since Christ became the world’s Redee.mer and the Cl~ief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God s blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.--1 Corinthians 3 : 16, 17 ; Ephesians 2 : 20-22 ;
Genesis 2S : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of tlfese "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great 5laster Workmanwill bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout
the Millennium.--Revelation 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, fasted death for every
ntan," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh {nto the world", "in due time".--
I~ebrews 2:9; John 1:9; I Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord. "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his
glory as his joint-heir.--1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
9:nat the pre~ent mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the fnture work of service; to develop in herself every
gra¢e; to be God’s witness to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.--Epbesians 4 : 12 ; Matthew 24
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20:6.
That the hope for the worl, d lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportnnity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, thu
restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church,
when all the wllfully wicked will be destroyed.--Acts 8 : 19 2d ; Isaiah 35.
ODencourages his sons in diligence, and com- fervency in the work, and these admonitions have been
G mands diligence. He looks with disfavor upon
negligence. Negligence shows lack of apprecia-
promptedby an unselfish desire to see the brethren grow
in the likeness of our Lord and reeeive his approval.
tion of God’s gracious provisions. Diligence and fer- 5 The end of 1925 is about here. Some have ex-
vency show a heart appreciation of the favors of the pected to see the work of the ehureh in the flesh com-
Lord and a loving devotion to him. pleted this year. Probably this expeetation has been
Diligence means a devoted, painstaking effort to induced somewhatby the desire to end earth’s journey
accomplish what is undertaken. It means carefulness in of toil and to sit at ease in glory. If so, then is not there
the performance of duty. Diligence is the very opposite a measure of selfishness in such a desire and expecta-
of negligence. Diligence leads to faithfulness. Faithful- tion? Selfishness could not be pleasing to the Lord.
ness is rewarded with victory. Negligence means the It is the very opposite of love. Loveis essential to mould-
omission of duty. It means that the negligent one is ing the child o£ God into the likeness of the beloved
careless, heedless and thoughtless. It shows a lack of Son of Jehovah, the Head of his house of sons. Amt
appreciation of duty and responsibility. He whois negli- we may be sure that God permits his ehureh to have
gent is deceived, allured or overreached. Indifference all the light necessary and all the necessary trying ex-
and negligence lead to defeat and disaster. perienee% and in due time to develop and test their
3 Since Godcommandsdiligence to be shown by those unselfish devotion to him. It is for him to determine
whomhe approves, then it follows that he who loves when these experiences of earth shall cease and when
his brother will at the opporhlne time admonish his he shall bring the last memberof the church into the
brother to be diligent. This is based upon the theory fulness of the light of the perfect day.
6 During the past few years, for the encouragemen~
that each memberof the body of Christ has a real in-.
terest in every other member. The membersof the bod3 of his ehildren, God has permitted a clearer vision ot
of Christ cannot live separate one from another. They certain features of his p]an, amongst whieh may ba
cannot ignore each other’s interests. The Apostle Pa.ul counted the parables of the Pounds and Talents. W~
makesthis clear in his first epistle to the Corinthians, have seen that the Lord committedto his people the in-
the twelfth chapter, wherein he shows that each member terests of his kingdom, and that the accounting tim~
is placed in the body for a purpose and that each is in- would come in which each one would be required to
dispensable to the other members. Somehave misunder- give an account of the manner in which he has safe-
stood why T~E WATm~ TowEa from time to time has guarded those kingdom interests. We have seen that
called attention to diligence in the service of the Lord. this aeeounting began to be taken at the time the King
The words in this paragraph are given as a reason came to his temple. Wehave abundant proof that the
therefor. Lord came to his temple in 1918. Since then it seems
The work of the church foreshadowed by Elisha manifest that the Lord has found some to be faithful;
must of necessity be done with diligence. Elisha was and to these he has said, according to the parable: ’You
favored with a double portion of the spirit. The Elisha have been faithful over a few things; I will make yoa
work must be done by the church with fervency of ruler over many things. Enter [now] into the joy of
spirit. Indeed, the spirit of fervency has been the special your Lord.’--Matthew 25:23.
mark of the church and the work done by it during the Since that time there has been great rejoicing in th~
past few years. It is gratifying and encouraging to see church by those whohave been, and are, faithfully look-
that the membersof the church this side the vail during ing well to the interests of the kingdom committed to
that period of time have done the Elisha work with the them. These appreciate the fact that the joy of the Lord
proper spirit. Time and again T~. WATC~ TOWZR has is their strength. If the joy of the Lord is the Chris-
urged upon the brethren the necessity of diligence and tian’s strength now, such must be true to the very end
259
260
WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N. f,
of his earthly journey. It follows that it will be neces- out of darkness into marvelous light that the members
sary for the overeomers to continue joyfully and faith- thereof might showforth his praises. It follows therefore
fully in the Lord’s service to the end. that by the faithfulness of the membersthey must show
8 During the past few years the church this side the forth his praises, and this must be done at least to a de-
vail has had a deeper appreciation than ever before of gree whilethis side the vail.
the blessedness of the Lord’s presence and of the sweet ~2 Noone can prove his faithfulness by being negligent.
fellowship the bride has with the Bridegroom. With Diligence is essential to faithfulness. The preservation
great joy the membersof the bride class have gone for- of the saints meansthat they will receive the reward of
ward proclaiming the presence and the glory of the salvation which the Lord has in reservation for them
Bridegroom. Furthermore, during the past few years the that are loving and faithful. This is in harmony with
church this side the vail had a clearer vision than here- the statement of the prophet: "0 love the Lord, all yo
tofore of the Devil’s organization, of its wickednessand his saints; for the Lord preserveth the faithful." (Psalm
its malicious determination to destroy the seed of prom- 31: 23) All the trials, all the experiences through which
ise, and to oppose Jehovah and nullify his name in the the churchthis side the vail passes, and all the privileges
minds of the people. At the same time we have had of service either to comfort the world or to comfort those
a dearer vision of God’s organization and how this, in Zion, are for the purpose of affording opportunities
headed by the great Christ Jesus, is marching on to to each one to prove his love and faithfnhmss.
certain and complete victory. All these things have acted ~a The Apostle Paul declares that love is the principal
as a stimuhs to the church. thing. (1 Corinthians 13 : 13) Whythen do we say that
9 I{eretofore Bible chronology has been a great stimu- it is only the faithful whomthe Lord will preserve?
lus to keep the mind of the Christian fixed on the time The answer is: Because no one can be faithful without
of the King’s presence, the coming of his kingdom, and love, and he who is perfect in love will be faithful.
the taking of his power to reign. The physical facts show Therefore love is the principal thing. To love the Lord
eonchsively that our expectations that 1914= would mark we must be unsdflshly devoted to him. If unselfishly de-
the end of the world were correct. The facts also show voted to him we will be faithful to him. To be faithful to
that 1918 marks the time of the Lord’s coming to his him meansthat we must be faithful to the interests of his
temple, and that thereafter the church should expect kingdom which he has committed to us. If we are neg-
a dearer and brighter vision of God’s wonderful arrange- ligent concerning these interests we cannot be faithful.
ments. What more could we ask! The Lord has never If love is the movingeante, and diligence is pursued in
told us just what year, day nor hour we might expect carrying into action what we have to do, faithfulness will
the last membersto be taken into heavenly glory. ~¢]1y result and the great reward will be our portion. There-
should he inform us before his time, and why should fore the importance of love, faithfulness and diligence
we even desire to possess this knowledge before the cannot be overstated.
Lord’s due time? If we are keeping his commandments
and have the testimony that we are his, we shall great- EXAMPLES
ly rejoice and continue to do with our might and with ~4 Nowlet us note the text first above cited: "31y
diligence what our hands find to do until he sees well sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen
to call us into the heavenlyrealm. you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should
~0 Because 1925 is about ended and, as we believe, minister unto him, and burn incense." (2 Chronidles
many of the membersof the church are still on earth, 29: 11) All examples and admonitions recorded in the
there is likely to be a tendencyon the part of someto be- Bible are there for the benefit of the church. (Romans
come negligent concerning the interests of the kingdom 15:4) Israel after the flesh finds a parallel in Israel
and of the work that is yet to be done. Herein lies a after the spirit. Those who are begotten and anointed
danger. Against this danger we should safeguard our- of the holy spirit are the sons of God. Therefore the
selves if it is possible, and we are sure that it is possible rule laid downin the text here quoted applies to the
because the Lord has promised to guide his church and church.
to lead it in the way it should go. ~a Hezekiah, the king of Israel, was a good man. He
pleased the Lord. His predecessors had not pleased the
WHY CALLED
Lord. He now desired to take action toward doing the
~ God has not called the church merely in order to Lord’s will. He called before him the priests and the
take a limited number into heaven. True, the heavenly Levites, gave them instructions, and urged upon them
glory will be the great reward to the faithful. But let diligence in the performance of duty. He told them
no one overlook the fact that faithfulness must be first that God had chosen them to stand before him and to
proven. Faithfulness is a condition precedent and one serve him, and to minister to him and burn incense.
which is required to be made manifest before the one Likewise and in a broader sense God has chosen his
wh) possesses it can be taken into’ the heavenly glory. sons, the anointed Christ, to stand before him to serve
The apostle plainly states that Godhas called his church him, and their loving devotion to him rises as a sweet
SEPTEMBER i, I~2~
WATCH TOWER 261
incense to Jehovah. These sons are now, while on earth, struction of all the faithful, and he will see to it that he
to be witnesses that Jehovah is God (Isaiah 43: 10), at no time and in no sense lends himself as an instra-
and later to be associated with the great King, God’s merit of the adversary with which his brother might be
beloved Son, in the reconstruction and blessing of the injured. He will be diligent in striving to grow in the
world; and then in the future ages to be the recipients likeness of his Lord and Master. To this end he will
of the exceeding riches of the grace of God. strive diligently to preserve the peace and unity of the
1~ The negligent will not be the ones who are to be church and to follow peace himself.
partakers of these great riches. The Scriptures lay 2, That such a course is essential the Apostle Paul
downthe rule as to whowill receive these great riches: makes clear when he says: "Follow peace with all men,
"Ho beeomcth poor that dealeth with a slack hand, but and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
the hand of the diligent makethrich." (Proverbs 10 : 4) looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of
"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule : but the sloth- God; lest any root of bitDrness springing up trouble you,
ful shall be under tribute." (Proverbs 12:24) "The and thereby many be defiled." (Hebrews 12: 14, 15)
soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but By diligently obeying this admonition of the apostle
the soul of the diligent shall be madefat."--Prov. 13 : ¢. one will be giving a faithful witness of God’s goodness
17 The church is called to stand before the Lord now before others. The Apostle Peter also emphasizes the
and hereafter, and to minister in his name. Diligence importance of diligence at this particular time. After
is required to prove one worthy of this great honor, describing the disintegration of the elements of the
and diligence promptedby love will lead to faithfulness, earth that is now in progress he says to the church:
which will guarantee the reward. Concerning this we "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things,
have the snre word of God: "Seest thou a man diligent be diligent that ye maybe found of him in peace, with-
in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall out spot, and blameless."--2 Peter 3 : 14.
not stand before mean men."--Proverbs 22: 29.
is It nmst be apparent to all of the anointed ones FERVENCY
this side the vail that we have now come to the great 2~ Fervency meanswarmthof feelinganddevotion.
and crucial test of the last membersof the church ou It meansto be earnestly and zealously trying to do good.
earth. Therefore the text applies with stronger reason- It is derived from a Greek root word which means to
ing and stronger force at tile present time than ever be- boil, or glow with heat. Fervency and diligence in the
fore. To those thus anointed Jehovah now says: "My Lord’s service go hand in hand. The apostle says : "Not
sons, be ye not now negligent." This means that each slothful in business ; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."
one must now be diligent. (Romans 12:11) What is the business of the anointed
ones of the Lord at this time? The great Jehovah
DILIGENCEFOR GOOD answers: ’Ye are mywitnesses to give testimony that
~9 The diUgence here referred to is not limited ex- I am God. I have put my words in thy mouth, and
clusively to activity in service. Somehave erroneously covered thee with the shadow of my hand, that I may
thought that activity in the service wouldexcuse negli- plant the heavens, and lay the foundation of the earth
gence in their general course of moral conduct. Some and say unto Zion, Thouart mypeople.’--Isaiah 43 : 10 ;
even think that they might do injury to one whoclaims 51: 16.
to be a brother, and that the wrong would go unnoticed 23 These scriptures just quoted are in the nature of a
by the Lord if they would be diligent in some part of commandto the anointed ones. They lay upon each of
the service. It must be apparent that all service that is us the duty to be fervent and diligent in the Lord’s
acceptable to the Lord must be prompted by love for service. Those who are indifferent or negligent now
the Lord, for his cause and for his brethren. This the concerning the advertising of the King and his kingdom
apostle makesclear in 1 Corinthians 13 : 1-5. The Chris- are ignoring and missing the greatest opportunities that
tian must be diligent in seeking to do good unto all have ever been offered to any creatures. Such oppor-
and especially unto his brethren. "He that diligently tunities are offered for the benefit of the creature and
seeketh good procureth favor: but he that seeketh mis- not for the benefit of the Creator. Each one, therefore,
chief, it shall comeunto him."--Proverbs 11 : 27. who claims to be a son of God should ask himself
=o IIe who loves the Lord Jesus loves the Lord’s seriously: AmI becoming negligent and indifferent to
brethren. In proportion as he loves his brethren the my opportunities of service, to my opportunities of
Christian will unselfishly look after the interests of his growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord, or am
brethren. He will not only be diligent to avoid that I diligently putting forth my best endeavors to grow
which would injure his brother but will be diligent to in the fruits of the spirit and to smwemyLord and my
seize upon and use that which will be beneficial to his King ? AmI seizing all opportunities to be a witness
brother. To this end he will be careful in his conduct, that Jehovah is God, that Jesus is the King of kings,
careful in his words and careful in his treatment of his and that his kingdom is here? Then let each one who
brother, tie well knows that the Devil seeks the de- propounds to himself these questions call to mind that
262 ¯ WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N. Y.
the Lord has graciously provided his message in such the anointed in such an attitude would not be at all
printed form that each and every one of the anointed anxious about what may or may not transpire in 1925.
ones may have some opportunity in using this message They will see that they have everything to lose by be-
to the glory of the Lord and thus to the carrying out of coming negligent and indifferent, and everything to
the Christian’s commission. gain by remaining stedfast, diligent and faithful.
27The Apostle Peter, addressing himself to the
DANGER OF DECEPTION anointed, to whomthe exceeding great and precious
2~ Note the marginal reading of the text, 2 Chronicles promises are given, says: "Brethren, give diligence to
29: 11. It says: "My sons, be not now deceived." One make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these
whois negligent is deceived or ensnared by the Devil or things ye shall never fall." (2 Peter 1 : 10, 11) It follows
by some of his agencies. The adversary will try to in- then that either negligence in our course of conduct
ject into the minds of some the thought that their or unfaithfulness in the Lord’s service would cause us
physical condition will not warrant them in further to fail in the race for the high calling and to miss the
activity in the Lord’s service, and thereby will ensnare blessedness of the kingdom. Therefore diligence and
such a one. Most of the ailments that induce such to fervency in spirit should mark the Christian’s activity
cease activity in the Lord’s service are in the mind and and course of conduct every day.
not particularly physical ailments. Rememberour con-
secration is to be faithful in service even unto death. FEARLESSNESS
Better by far would it be to die in tim active service 2. Ige whois thus fervent and diligent will be without
of the Lord than to imagine ourself ill and thereby be fear. Perfect love knowsno fear, and perfect love means
ensnared by Satan, who would lead us into such idle- an unselfish devotion to the Lord and his cause. If the
ness and negligence which may result in the loss of Christian is perfect in love he is like our Lord was when
everything. If the adversary can lull some to sleep on on eartH. Jesus expresses this condition in these words:
any pretext and cause them to become indifferent to ’Of my own self I can do nothing. I came to do the
their owncourse of action, indifferent to the giving of will of myFather.’ (John 5 : 30) IIe did not mean that
the testimony for the King and for Jehovah’s cause, he he had no power to do anything of himself. What he
will thereby gain the victory. did mean was that he was so thoroughly devoted to his
~5 It is to be expected that Satan will try to inject Father that he could not do anything contrary to his
Into the minds of the consecrated the thought that 1925 Father’s will. He could not do violence to himself and
Bhould see an end of the work, and that therefore it to his covenant and do God’s will at the same time.
would be needless for them to do more. This conclusion 2~ The Apostle Paul expressed the same thought when
is warranted by the words of the Master. Referring to he said : "This one thing I do." As it was with Jesus so
these very perilous times in the end, Jesus said: ’If it must it be now with the members of his body. They
were possible they would deceive the very elect.’ It is know nothing and can do nothing except what is com-
~ot likely that any will nowbe deceived concerning the mhndedof the Lord. The words of our text thus come
fundamental doctrines; these are dearly settled in the forcibly to ns at this time: "M[y sons, be not now
minds of the anointed ones. But it seems quite clear that negligent." Each memberof the body who will win the
there is dangerof being lulled into a state of indifference, prize must now have in mind the one thing he must
carelessness and negligence, both in conduct and in ser- do, and that one thing is to diligently, earnestly and
vice of the Lord, and thereby being deceived by the adver- zealously press on, markingwell his course as a follower
Bary. Diligence now and to the end seems absolutely in the footsteps of Jesus and joyfully proclaiming the
essential to victory. message of the King and his kingdom.
=" The anointed ones should nowreason thus: ’I have 8o The church is nowentering the portals of the new
gladly severed myconnection with Satan’s organization ; order under the great King of righteousness. The re-
I have fled to Christ for refuge; 1 have been received in- maining membersare the only witnesses on earth thab
to the family of God; I am nowa son of God and abid- Jehovah is God. All the nominal professed Christians
ing in his temple ; I know that my Lord and King is have failed to give the witness that Jehovah is God.
here; I have enlisted upon his side; I knowthat Satan Great therefore is the privilege of those whoare called
is now seeking mydestruction because I am striving to out of darkness into the marvelous light of Jehovah, to
keep the commandmentsof my God and have the testi- testify that he is the Most High. The time has come for
monythat I am the Lord’s ; I knowthat mypreservation God to make for himself a name. The diligent, fervent
and ultimate victory depend upon my faithfulness to and zealous ones will seize every opportunity to give
him, not for a short time only but to the very end. the testimony to this fact. This testimony maybe given
Therefore with me time is no more. I am irrevocably by word of mouth or by the printed message which the
and forever on the Lord’s side, and by his grace I will Lord has put into our hands for that purpose.
stand before him and serve him and shall show forth a~ Having in mind then the responsibility of the
his praises now, henceforth and forever.’ It seems that position that we occupy by virtue of the Lord’s favor,
SEPTEMBER 1, 1925
WATC H TOW ER
let us each with diligence and fervency go joyfully for- Name some recent blessings which have come to the church?
~Vhat has stimulated the church througimut the harvest
ward proclaiming the praises of our God, and lifting period? What stimulates us now? ¶ 8, 9.
high the standard of the Lord that the people may find What may now cause some of the Lord’s people to become
a rallying place and be turned unto the Lord. He who negligent7 How may we s’ffeguard ourselves and prova
our faithfulness? ¶ 10, 11,12.
thus does, prompted by love, will be strong" in the Lord Is faithfulness a secondary matter? What does love for
and in the power of his might. IIe will be joyful, and the Lord invariably imply? ¶ 13.
Itow may we know that the admonition of our text upplies to
the joy of the Lord will be his strength. tl~e church now? What lesson may we learn from King
Hezekiah’s course? ¶ 14, 15, 18.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY Who shall partake of the future riches of God’s grace?
Define diligence and negligence as used in the Scriptures. Cite ~.riptures in support. ¶ 16, 17.
Why does God command diligence of his people? ¶ 1, 2. Does diligence merely call for activity in the Lord’s service?
Is it proper to admonish each other along this line? If Will service compensate for mo~l laxity? ¶ 19, 20, 21.
so, how should it be done? ~ 3. What is our present mission on earth? Does the Dord need
What is illustrated by Elisha’s receiving a double portion our services? Do we need the service? ¶ 22, 23.
of the spirit? What is fervency of spirit? ¶ 4, 22. How might we now become deceived by Satan ? ¶ 24, 25.
Is there a possibility of expectations of glory being prompted What attitude of mind will serve as a protection against
by selfishness? ¶ 5. the wiles of the adversary? ¶ 26, 27.
IIn~ the Lord recently permitted further clarification of his HOwdoes perfect love cast out fear and give strength? ¶ 28, 29.
plan? If so, why? What are the proofs lh,qt tim Lord Who now are Jelmvah’s only witnesses on earth? If we re-
came to his temple in 19187 What has resulted from this alize our responsibility what will be our constant en-
event? ~ 6, 7. deavor? ¶ 30, 31.
MEMORIAL REPORTS
(Continued from WATC~TOWERof August 15.)
URstudies for the past twelve weeks have taken aroused, but the most notable incident of the visit was
O us through the second most important part of
the history of the early church, the time when
the action of the sorcerer Elymas, who withstood the
apostles and the truth which they proclaimed. Through
the gospel was sent out to the Gentiles. In reviewing the Paul this man was blinded for a season, that the peo-
¯ tudies we remind ourselves that of this history we must ple might know the power of the living God over Satan
,ay that which Paul says concerning the earlier 01d and his willing servants. There is no record that any
Testament writings: "Whatsoever things were written church was established in Cyprus.
aforetime were written for our learning, that we through 5 Afterwards they crossed to the mainland and went
~’
patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. on to Antioch in Pisidia. IIere Paul delivered his first
(Romans15 : 4) Without doubt the Acts of the Apostles recorded address, lie declared to the Jews that God
was written to give the church of God illustrative in- had begun to fulfil his word spoken hundreds of years
struction in the conductof its affairs, even as the epistles before by his prophets. Paul preached Jesus as the ono
were written to give instruction in doctrine. who should come, and who, though rejected by tho
2 The studies began with what is commonlycalled Jews and killed, had been raised from the dead, rims be-
the beginning of foreign missions, and with Paul’s first ing proved to be the anointed one who should not se,a
recorded missionary journey when the kingdom of grace corruption. (Psalm 16: 10) Others had been raised
was first preached to the Gentiles. WhenJesus stopped from the dead, but had gone back to corruption; but
him on the Damascusroad he told Paul of this purpose Jesus was raised from the dead and had ascended to
to use him ; and three days later he was told by Ananias heaven. Paul did not then preach the return of the
that his witness should be unto all men. (Acts 22: 14, Lord; for he knew that the immediate purpose was to
15) But for long Paul received no intimation as to bring Israel to Godin order that the full seed of Abra-
when he was to start his special work; and even the ham might be prepared, l~Iany believed, but the Jews
work he had begun to do in his loneliness in Cilicia was stirred up the city, and Paul and Barnabas were driven
~topped by the call of Barnabas to go with him to out.
Antioch. (Acts 11: 25, 26) :His call and the starting IIEATIIEN GODS ARE AS NOTIIING
of the work came through a companyof noble servants ’ They went on to Lystra where, because Paul healed
of the Lord in Antioch who joined in prayer. They a crippled man, they had the unusual experience of be-
charged themselves with the Lord’s interests and sought ing considered as gods come down amongst men. Tha
his guidance. This prepared Barnabas and Paul as well as miracle was indeed so notable as to astonish the people
enriched them all. The two were sent forth to serve the beyond measure. Paul boldly proclaimed to the people
Imrd.--Acts 13 : 2. that their gods were as nothing and their worship only
vanity. This, coupled with the fact that the Jews came
GOD BLESSES HIS SERVANTS
from Antioch speaking evil of Paul, resulted in a re-
’ Bible students who are acq’o~inted with the present vulsion of feeling; and Paul was stoned, dragged out
de’¢eiopments of God’s plan, whorealize that the Lord of the city, and left for dead. But their ministry there
has returned even as he said, and who knowthat with was not fruitless; for there also they left a little com-
his return the gospel of the lci~ngdom in power must be pany of faithful menand womenwho received the truth
preached in the whole world, see a correspondency in the gladly.
present day. They know that this present world-wid~ 7 They went on to Derbe and then retraced their steps,
mission had a similar origin. A company of men who returning to Antioch in Syria. Soon after their return
sought the face of the Lord saw something in the a set attack was made by Satan upon the whole church.
Bible which was not ordinarily noticed or which was Earlier he had tried to destroy it by persecutions ; but
Bhunned by the clergy. :His second presence was dis- the attempt was turned into a means of spreading the
cerned, and out of that companycame a faithful messen- truth. (Acts 8:4) Satan now instigated professed
ger upon whomGod’s blessing was so abundantly mani- brethren whowere false at heart to try to pervert the
fested that no one who knows of it can say other than minds of the brethren from the truth. These taught that
that his work was God’s o~marrangement. salvation could not be gained by faith in Christ alone,
4 ~en Barnabas and Paul and John Mark, whom but that every Gentile believer must be circumcised and
they took with them, left Antioch they took ship to go to must also strictly keep the law of Moses. As most of
Cyprus, Barnabas’ own country. Someinterest was the believers ~¢ere Jews this teaching appealed to them;
264
’rh WATCH TGWER 265
for they reverenced Mosesand had believed that circum- meat by a woman whom Satan used. She cried of
cision was necessary to show that they were God’s cov- Paul a~:d the others : "These menare the servants of the
enanted people. This teaching which seemed to give a most high God, which show unto us the way of salva-
true place for Christ really madehim subservient to tha lion." (Acts 16: 17) Paul realized that this attempt
Law,which was the object desired by these false teachers. at cooperation was of the Devil, and he commandcdthe
a Paul became the champion of the truth; it was ewl spirit to come out of her. This immediately brought
chiefly by his meansthat the council was called in Jeru- persecution. Paul and Silas were openly beaten and
salem to discuss these things. The result of the council thrust into prison on a false charge and without a proper
was definite: the whole church got clear light. Cir- hearing.
aa The Lord manifested his displeasure by breaking
cumcision of the flesh was seen to be a figure of the
cleansing of defilement from the heart, and the Law the foundations of the prison at midnight; and he used
of Moses was seen to be a Jewish, temporary arrange- the incident to break into the heart of the jailer, who
ment till Christ cameand the holy spirit should be given, there and then with his family believed Paul’s message
which would be the power of God in the heart turning concerning the Lord, and all were baptized. On Paul’s
it to righteousness.--See Romans8 : 1, 2. demanding the recognition of their Romanrights, the
After the council Paul and Barnabas, accompanied magistrates came personally to request the departure
by Silas and Judas, returned to Antioch. Before long of the two faithful ministers; and from thence they
Paul, whose fatherly spirit moved him, suggested to went on to Thcssalonica, where they preached the gospel
Barnabas that they should visit the brethren to whom of the kingdom. ]~Iany heard and believed; but the
they had preached the gospel, and see how they fared. Jews, the religious people of the day, stirred up bitter-
This suggestion disclosed something that evidently had ness against them, causing a riot in the town, and the
been in Barnabas’ mind for a timc. He agreed to Paul’s apostles soon went on to Berea, where a companyof men
suggestion, but was not ready to submit to Paul’s direc- and womenheard the word with gladness.
~4 The epistles to the Philippians and the first to the
tion of the work and the journey. On the previous
journey it had becomemanifest that neither had Barna- Thessalonians, which come under review, help to reveal
bas been chief speaker nor had God worked any miracles the great heart of the apostle. Whenhe wrote to the
through him. Thessalonians he had not long left them, and he yearned
~° NowBarnabas wanted to impress his will upon for these children in grace as a father yearns for his
Paul in the matter of John Mark, his nephew~who soon offspring. His epistle to the Philippians was written
after starting with them on the first journey had left long afterwards, and under far different conditions.
them unexpectedly. Paul disagreed with Barnabas’ sug- They were his earliest acquaintances in Europe, and
gestion; and there was a contention, which Barnabas the result of his first work ; but they had always kept in
settled by making himself a leader, taking Mark with touch with him, and had seen to his temporal needs as
him to go the journey which Paul and he had designed to they had opportunity. To them he wrote as mutual
travel. sharers with him in the grace of the Lord Jesus, and yet
11 Paul then chose Silas and started overland for as their father in the truth urging them on as he urged
Galatia, and the Lord blessed their ministry. Whenat himself. These letters are in part written that, taking
Lystra Paul arranged to take young Timothy to minister Paul as an example, we might knowhow to conduct our-
to him, and henceforth the two were linked in the bond~ selves in the householdof faith.
of love and service. Our study showed that Paul pur-
QUESTIONS FORBEREANSTUDY
posed after visiting the Galatians to go into the cities
of Asia and, being prevented, then to go into Bithynia. Wherehave our studies this last quarter taken us? Are
these things written for our learning? Where did the
He says : "But the spirit suffered themnot."--Acts 16 : 7. lessons start? What were the circumstances which
brought about this journey of Paul? ¶ 1, 2.
PAUL’SMINISTRY SPREADSTO EUROPE What is the eorrespondeney in the preaching of today?
Whattruth is shunned by tbe clergy? ¶ 3.
~2 Going on they arrived at Troas on the coast ; aml Whatis the outstanding event at Cyprus?Wherewas Paul’s
the same night Paul had a vision of a man from Mace- first recorded address delivered? Whatwas his message?
94,5.
donia across in Europe saying, "Come over and help What took place at Lystra? What did Satan do after Paul
us." (Acts 16: 9) Considering the circumstances they and Barnabas returned to Antioch in Syria? Whyis
decided this was of the Lord; and joined by Luke, the What circumcisionnot a Christian doctrine? ¶ 6-8.
was the result of the council at Jerusalem? Whatwas
writer of Acts, they went into Macedonia and made Paul movedto do after the council? Whom did Paul choose
their wayto Philippi, the chief city of those parts. This for his companionafter Barnabas left him?¶ 9-11.
was the entrance of the gospel into Europe, and our Whatwasthe vision that Paul had at Troas? Whatbrought
on the persecution at Philippi? Howwas the displeasure
study told how it was received. Lydia and a few of of the Lord manifested at the imprisonmentof Paul and
like mind who regularly met for prayer, crying to the Silas? Howis God’s providenceshownIn permitting the
Godof Israel, the Godof their fathers, were in a heart Inimprisonment? ¶ 12, 13.
whatepistles is the great heart of the ApostlePaul ~est
condition to receive it. There was also seeming agree- shown?Whatis our lesson? ¶ 14.
PAUL IN ATHENS
~OcToBER 4--AcTs 17:16-31
ATIclENIANS WERE RELIGIOUS 8PECULATORS--WORLDLY WISD05I BRINGS SE%F-PLEASURE--e¢ORTt~0DOXY~S’* BELIEFS AR’I~
PAGAn.
"’In him we rive, and move, and have our being."--Acts 17:28.
"’Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace."--Acts 18: 9.
"Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."-- "’Gwe vnto the Lord the glory due unt6 his name."--
Psalm 2:12. Psatm 29:2.
’HENunderstood, this is one of the precious HE word Lord, used in this text, is applied ex-
W promises that brings real happiness. The word
"blessed" here used means happiness. Con-
T clusively to Jehovah. The word "glory" means
conspicuous splendor, the weight of honor, the
Bolation of heart and peace of mind result in happiness highest honor. Such is due unto the Lord God.
and inherent joy. Strange how many of his intelligent creatures have
Since Eden, at stated times, crises have arisen. The failed to give unto Jehovah’s name the honor due. This
world is nowat the greatest of all crises. Likewise the is true even with the major portion of those whoclaim
church is at a time of great crisis. The psalmist de- to be Christians. This failure to give unto the Lord the
scribes first a conspiracy entered into by the enemy proper honor is due generally to the wicked and subtle
against the anointed of the Lord. He points to the influence of the Devil.
failure of this wicked conspiracy and to the complete It is proper to honor and worship the Lord Jesus, of
triumph of righteousness. In the time of such crisis course ; but it is not proper to honor his nameabove the
there is but one place of safety and that is near the Lord. name of his Father. Jesus did not do so himself.
"The Lord is my rock, and ray fortress, and my de- Jehovah is the great First Cause, from whomproceeds
liverer: myGod, mystrength, in whomI will trust; my every good and perfect gift. He is the rewarder of them
buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high that diligently seek him. His beloved Son, Christ Jesus,
tower."--Psalm 18 : 2. stated that he could do nothing without his Father;
Nowat the time of the approach of the greatest of because the Father is greater than the Master.
all crises the psalmist, as the mouthpiece of the Lord The Catholics, under the wicked influence of the
speaks to all whohave the hearing ear, saying, "Blessed adversary, have greatly dishonored the nameof the Lord.
are all they that put their trust in him." This promise They teach that Jesus is his o~mfather. They keep con-
is precious to the church, and will be claimed by all spicuously before the minds of the people the crucifix,
the anointed ones. It brings peace of mind, strength which has a tendency to turn away the minds of the
and courage, and great consolation to those whofully people from Jehovah Gcd. They have dishonored God’s
trust in the Lord. name by teaching that a womanis the mother of God
It is the privilege of those whoclaim this promise to and that it is proper to pray to the woman.They further
tell all persons of good will of the goodness of Godand dishonor Godby reaching that men, acting as priests,
of how blessings will flow to them that trust in him. have the power to forgive sins. The entire tendency
By doing this the faithful anointed are magnifying the is to ignore the great name of Jehovah by turning the
name of Jehovah, performing their commission as his mindsof the people to other things.
witnesses, and doing good to their fellow creatures.
Protestant clergy and teachers are likewise doing this.
The practical methodof applying this text to others,
And now they go so far, the major portion of them, as
then, is this: You have the message of the Lord in
printed form, provided for a purpose. Put such into to deny God and to deny his Word.
the hands of all as opportunity affords, and trust the The true Christian should not only recognize and
Lord to bring consolation to the heart of each one that worship Jehovah as the only true God, besides whom
hears and heeds. By so doing the truth will spread as there is none ether, but should recognize him as the
it should, those whoare blessed will desire to showtheir author of the great plan of salvation. Those whogive
gratitude by letting their light shine that others may unto his name the honor that is due are the ones who
be rescued from the darkness which is in the world and are really comforted in their exam hearts. To such he
thereby receive the blessing of the Lord. has said: "Ye are my witnesses that I am God." This
The piowshare of trouble is in the world bringing to is the time in which God will make himself a name in
naught the wisdomof men, breaking down their schemes the earth ; and he will use those whohonor him, as honor
and upsetting their plans, preparing their hearts for is due him, to help establish his name. The Lord Jesus
the blessed message of truth. So the Lord not only honors his Father with the honor that is due him. The
blesses those whoput their trust in him, but he is bless- membersof the body of Christ must do likewise, and all
ing his Wordthat it may prosper in the enlightenment who diligently seek to laud and magnify the name of
of the people. Jehovah are greatly favored and blessed by him.
270
INTERESTING LETTERS
JOYS IN AUSTRALIA Again in the same article he further says: "We confess
I)J~;AR BRETHREN ,* little lmpe for tim scribes and Pharisees who, when they
Tile following resolution was passed unanimously at the could find no other fault, ascribed our Lord’s good deeds
General Convention of the international Bible Students to the devil."
Association held at Adelaide, South Australia, April 10-13, Jesus himself declared in the presence of the scribes and
1925 : Pharisees, "IIow can you esc~pe condenmation of Gehenna
"Resolved: That this gathering of International [second death]?" If it had not been possible for them to
Bible
Students of Australia, assembled in Convention in Adelaide, go into the second death (and they were not spirit begotten)
South Australia, and representing all the classes of tim it would have been most misleading for our Lord to have
I. B. S. A. throughout the Cmmnonwealth do, on this 13th made this statement.
(lny of April, 1925, take the opportunity to express our We do well not to condenm hastily as error what might
unity of spirit with our brethren in America and through- be an unfolding of light. I am rejoicing in the Lord, Ilia
out the world. We rejoice in the evidence of the near ap- truth and service; and I wish to extend to you my heart-
proach of God’s kingdom, and desire to place on record our felt good wishes and prayers on your behalf for strength and
appreciation of the WATCH TOWER BIIn-.E AND TRACT SOCIETY courage to serve the Lord faithfully to a cmupletion.
t/s the custodian of the kingdom message. Yours in our Lord and King,
"We are specially grateful to the Lord for the ’me~t in BEAn. H. BOYD, Ohio.
(lne season’ ,qppearing in the coluiuns of TttE WATCII q-’OWER
from time lo time, and for the privileges of service offered UNTIRING DEVOTION FOR THE BRIDEGROOM
t,l us in the Lord’s cause; and we herewith pledge our- DE_kRBROTHER I~UTHERFORD :
selves to cooperate faithfully and loyally with the SOC~E’r~C Presumably, it will be an encouragement to know that
in its service of tile kingdom message, until such time as
the Lord will say to us: ’it is enough, come up higher.’ during your visit to Los Angeles at tile recent Conven-
"And be it further resolved: That we do express our tion, there was one, at least, who enjoyed every discourse
earnest hope that ere the night closes down we may be that was presented by you.
1)ri~ileged to wclcolne to our shores our beloved president, Words fail me to express my joy because of seeing eye
13rotlmr J, P. lhltherfor(1, and to gain the inspiration and to eye with you. "Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice:
enc(mragement tlmt such a visit would bring to ourselves with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see
m~d to the cause which we love, and to the advancement [clearly], eye to eye, when the Lord returneth to Zion."
or’ which we have given our lives. --Isaiah 52 : 8. R. V.
"W~. W. Joira-sToN, Chairmaa~. S. II. JonEs,Secret~ry." I love to be instructed along any line that will make
me fit for the Master’s use. I know you do not get up
RESPONSIBILITY BRINGS SHARP TRIALS on the platform for fun nor form, but with sincerity of
1)EAR BllOTHERI~.UTItEP~FORD: heart to help each of us to gain the kingdom with you,
I am praying that you may more fully realize that the and to tell us the message of the hour. I do hope we are
L(n’d’s blessing is upon you, even as tile trials become as earnest in receiving as you are in giving.
sharper and more frequent and the way narrower and Brother Russell in Volume Tl~ree, pages 236-237, had the
rougher; for if we be "without chastisement", then are we same thought as you about the "kingdom message" and
simrious. about "kingdom joys" at the present time. If anyone is
We need every experience that is permitted to come upon taking issue to your discourses about the kingdom mes-
us; and if we can smile through the tears our patient sage, let him read the above pages in Volume Three. We
endurance is pleasing to the Potentate of glernity. must have an untiring devotion to the Lord’s cause and a
Continue to phm and carry out as your sanctified coin- consuming love for the Bridegroom, and the backbone to
men sense suggests, even as Brother Rnssell did; and con- stand for the truth at any cost.
tinue to receive the blessing of the holy spirit, rejoicing, You may rest assured that you have my cooperation and
even in perils among false brethren. my prayers. May the Lord give you bohlness of speecli,
If you could realize, dear brother, how your spirit has and guide your words and writings to the church, tba*
refreshed my spirit, how your patient endurance has en- WO nlay know what lie wants us to do.
couraged and strengthened me, I know you would rejoice; Yours by his grace,
realizing that there must be thousands of others, likewise M. W. MEr~EDtTH.Calif.
refreshed and strengthened, who do not realize their privi-
lege of expressing what they feel CONVENTION A BLESSING
Your brother in Christ, it. D. WoI~K. Pa. DEAr. BI~OTHEn BUTIIERFORD:
I air glad to tell you how much we appreciate your ser-
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PHARISEES vices-as a class, as a board of elders and deacons, and as
DEAR BROTHEl ), RUTttERFOllD : a cmnmittee. I am sure that no one but you could have
For some lime I lmve desired to write to you, but many done so much for us. I am sure that tim cause of Christ,
things have hindered, llecently going over THE WATCI:[ our Master, has been advanced by reason of your visit here.
TOWERl~eprints I came across an item which I thought Where there are many minds there must of necessity be
might interest you in connection with the recent TOWER diversity of opinions, and sometimes dissensions and con-
article on the "Sheep and Goats" parable.
On page 2283 of the Ileprints (April 1, 1898), under the fusion result. We thank you for your timely aid, and we
c:tption, "Is there hope for Judas?" Brother Russell an- render thanks, also, to our heavenly Father for his promised
swers : help in directing your path for our blessing.
"Some twenty years ago we were inclined to think that All here testify to great blessings in ebnneetion with the
all must coine to a full knowledge of a$l truth ere they recent eouvention. We are glad to find our sympathies are
could be liable to the second death; but we have come to with you in the great work which has been placed in your
the conclusion from the general tenor of the Scriptures that hands. May the Lord bless and give you strength and
ttds is not the Lord’s view and plan. On the contrary, de-
liberate and intelligent rejection of the first principles of courage to accomplish his will.
the gospel seems to imply an uDfitness for further favors, Yours in love and fellowship,
on the ground that lie that is unfaithful in that which is LOS ANGELES ECCLESIA
least would be unfaithful also with more." Executive Committee.
271
InternationalBible StudentsA sociation Classes
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Moulton,Ia ............... Sept. 17 Little Sioux, Ia ............ Sept. 24 Burlington, Wash ..... Sept. 16 Lynden, Wash................ Sept. 24
Char]ton, la .............. " 18 Kirkman,Ia ..................... " 25 Fl~day Harbor, Wash. " 17, 18 Vancouver, B. C ............ " 27
Prescott, Ia ................. " 20 Extra,Ia ........................... " 28 Oak Harbor, Wash... " 20 Blaine, Wash................. Oct. 2
RedOak, Ia ................. " 21 DesMoines, Ia ................. " 30 AnacorteS ~Vasl~ ....... " 21 Belhngham, Wash ......... " 4
Henderson, Ia ............. " 22 Marengo,Ia ..................... Oct. 1 Bellingham. Wo~,h ..... " 22, 25 M6unt Vernon, Wash ..... " 5
Omaha,Nebr .............. " 23, 27 IowaCity, Ia ................... " 2 Everson, Wash ......... " 23 Stanwood, Wash............. " 6
°.. \
¯ "%. ¯
.’...
J
CONTENTS
TVEI~INGIN ACTIOIq.......................................... -075
Fnemies "When awl "Where ............................ 275
Vfaiting upon the Father ............................... 275
Time of Actmn ........................................... 276
Taking Authomty.............................................. 27(;
Victory Certain ............................................ 277
I}rlnking of The F.rook ................................... 279
The Father’s Arm........................................... 279
~ Hllllllary ........................................................... 2 ’,0
PRAYER-~[EETINGTEXT COMME:NTS ...................... ~N1
I~AUL WRITES2:0 THII CORINTIIIANS ................. 2~2
I>AULIN EPrIESUS............................................... 2>4
PAULWRITESTO TIIE ]~PIIIiSIANS ........................ 2S6
SOUTHERN CONVENTION ........................................ 274
~’OTICE OF ANNUAL ~IEETING.............................. 274
X~ ~ -,’, (¢,~~~---~- -.
~--~-- , ~-_~__~- ,,~,:-~~--...
~ ,~ ~.,~: .:::=_-_-Z-.~_---~ -; ..... ’
........
_~omth~ e~rttt dig~e~ d nations with perplexity; the se~t and the waves (the restless, di~on~ented) roaring; men’s hearts faillng.them for fear and for looking to
g~e things coming upon the earth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecclemmstmsm) shall be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pa~, t|,en
kmow that the Kingdom ot God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice~ for your redemptma draweth mgh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29 ; Luke 21:25-o L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THISpresented
journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
in all parts of tile civilized world by the WATCH TOWER
or "Seminary Extension",
B1BLE& I~RACT SOCIETY, chartered A.D. 1884, "For the Pro-
now being
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. 1~I.), which translated
into English is Minister o] God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
sttldents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God, . . . to the intent that now might be made known by tim church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Ephesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scril)tures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdmn granted unto us lo understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon tim sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to wilat may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgnlent of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for tile upbuihl4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
leaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
WATCH TOWER. BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY Notice is hereby given that the annaal meeting of the
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, flS provided by law
18 CONCORD
STREETa a BROOKLYN,
N.Y., Lt.SA. and the charter of said SoclE’rY, will be held at the Soldiers
FOREIGNOFFICES ." British: 34 Craved Terrace, Lancaster Gate, and Sailors Memorial Hall, Fifth Avenue and Bigeh)w
London W. 2; Canadzan: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario ; Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 10 : 00 o’clock a. m.,
Australasian: 495 Colhns St., Melbotume, Australia; South Afrivan¢
6 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa. Saturday, October 3], 1925, to transact any business that
PLEASIgADDRESS TIIE SOCIETY"IbT ]~VERY"CASE. may properly come before the said meeting.
YEARLY ~UBSCRIPTION PRICE: UNITED STATES, $1.00 ; CANADA [Signed] W. E. Van Amburgh, Secretary,
AND~[I~CELLANI;ODS~’OREIGN, $1.50 ; GREATBRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA, Brooklyn, N. Y. September 1, 1925
AND SOUTI~ AFRICA, 7S. American remittances should be made by
Express or Postal Money Orders, or by BaDk Draft. Canadmn, British,
South African, and Australasian remittancus should be made to branch
olhces only. Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made SOUTHERN CONVENTION
to the Brooklyn office, but by Informational Postal Money Orders only.
(Foreigl~ translations o] this journal appear in several lanqu~tqcs) As heretofore announced the SOCIETr will hold a convention at
Wihnin~ton, N. C., Octobe~ 22nd to 25th, inclusive. It is expected
that this convention will be addressed by Brothers Rutherford.
Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision Wise, Van Amburgh, Martin, Barber, and others. It will serve for
of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and the fellowship and benefit of the brethren living in the South.
at)proved as truth each alld every article appearing in these colanHis. I~ is held at a season of the year when the climate is delightful.
Tim names of the editorial committee are : J. F. RUTIIERFORD. For the benefit of those who may wish to arrange their railroad
~V. E. VANAMBURGYf, ft. IIEI~IERY, It. I1. I~AaBEa, C. n. ~TEWART. transportation we In~e the following announcement:
Terms to the Lord’s Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of Special rates of one full fare going and half fare returning have
old age or other lnll’rlnity or adversity, are unable to pay for this been granted by the railroads in the following territory; viz:
~ourmLI, will be supphcd tree if they send a postal card each May Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vir-
stating their case aud requesting such provision. We are not only ginia ai~d from ~Vashington, D. C. Going ticket must be purchased
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and on the dates October 19th to 24th, and all tickets expire at mid-
in touch with the Bereau studies. night, October 28th. At the time of purchase of going ticket be
sure to ask the ticket agent for a certificate for each member of
h~otiee to Subscribers: ~Ve do not, as a rule. send a card of acknowl- your party, including children between the ages of five and twelve
edgment for a renewal or for a uew subscription. Receipt and years. (Do not ask for a receipt.) This certificate will be endorsed
entry of renewal are in(licaied within a month by change in expira- by Brother R. It. Barber at the convention and validated by the
tion (late, as shown on wraPt)or label. special agent of the railroads, Mr. C. M. Acker, depot ticket agent
L at Wihnington. N. C. The validation dates are October 22rid to
~ntered a~ SecondClass Matterat Brooklyn, N.Y PostoI]ice., Act of March3"d ~879.~ 24(h. When properly endorsed these certificates will entitle the
holder to purchase a return ticket at one-half of going fare, over
RADIO PROGRAMS the sanle route traversed on going trip. Children between five
and twelve years will be charged one-half of the adult fare, but
The following stations are now broadcastiLg the message of nnlst have a certificate in order to secure the special return rate.
the kingdom : No certificates will be validated after October 24th.
WBBR, New York City, 272.6 meters, Sun., Mon., Thurs., Sat. Some of the smaller railroad stations will not have the certifi-
WORD,Batavia, I11., 275 meters, daily. cates on hand. In such cases you will need to purchase a full
fare ticket to the noarest point where ticket agent will have certi-
KF~KB, Milford, Kans., 286 meters, Sunday, 8.30 to 9.30 p. m. ficates ou hand. Ask your ticket agent about this in advance. It
CI[UC, Saskatoon, Sask., 330 meters, Sun., Tue., Thursday. will also be necessary to be at the ticket office early so as to give
KNX, Los Angeles. Cal., Sunday, 7 to 8 p. m. the agent time to make out the special tickets and fill in the
necessary information on tl!e certificates.
KIIJ, Los Anceles, Cal., 405 meters, Sunday, 7.20 to £.15 p. m. 1,’or i~fformation eoncernin~ l,oard and lodging ~rite Miss Mary
KTCL, Seatlle, Wash., 305.9 meters, Sunday, 9 to 10 p. m. L. Orrell, 606 Orange ~t., Wlhniagtou, N. C.
geL. XLVI SEPrE~IBEI4
15, 1925 ¢NO.1
"The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings =s The Revised Version of Psalm 110:6 reads: "He
in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the shall strike through the head in manycountries." Rother-
nations, he shall fill the places with the (lead bodies; hamsays, "Woundthe t~cad.’" It will be ncted that the
he shall wound the heads over many countries." Jeho- "head" is in the singular. Since this is the battle of
~-ah is here shownat the right-hand of Christ Jesus and God Almighty against Satan’s organization, and since
as using Christ as his great Armand Power to destroy to woundmeans to render inaetive or to subdue, and
Satan’s organization. The time is shown to be "in the since the head well represents the power to direct the
day of Jehovah’s wrath". This is surely "the battle of forces of earth, we mav be warranted in the conclusion
that great day of God Ahnighty".--Revelation 16:14. that this means that the Lord will wound Satan, thz,
24 Jehovah undertakes the work of subduing the ene- head over the wieked nations, and will subdue him and
n~y, and in doing so he uses Christ Jesus as his mighty bind him; and this he will do in the great and final
Field Marshal to lead the tight. Psalm 45:3-6 pictures confhet.--Revelatiml 20 : 1-3.
this mighty FMdMarshal. fully equipped for the great 29 In Genesis 3:15 we read concerning the woman
battle, with his sword on his thigh, elothed with glory ({ypieal of’ God’sorganization) ; that the seed (Christ)
and ma.jesty, riding prosperously and to certain victory. "shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel",
The time has come for him to take his throne for ever; which means that Satan. the head of the Devil’s organi-
~nd the seeptre, or authority for taking the kingdom, zation, is to be bruised. Speaking to the church St.
is his by right. Paul says: "The God of peace shall bruise Satan under
23 This great and victorious warrior and rightful ruler your feet shortly." (l{omal~s I6: 20) Then St. Job:~
is pictured in Revelation 19 : 11-15 : "AndI saw heaven writes: "For this purpose the Son of God was mani-
opened, and behold a white horse: and he that sat upon fested, that he might (lettroy the works of the devil."
him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness (1 John 3:8) These texts show that it was the pur-
he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame pose of God from the beginning to use his beloved Son
of tire, and on his head were many crowns [meaning to destroy the works of his disloyal, treacherous son.
complete and absolute authority to rule] ; and he had a 3o In the twelfth chapter of Revelatmn we have a
name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And picture of the battle in heaven between the Lord and
he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood; and his Satan. Dragon is one of the names of the Devil, sym-
name is called The Wordof God. And the armies which bolizing his organization bent upon the destruction of
were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed "the seed of promise". The seventeenth verse of tl’_at
in fine linen, ~hite and clean. And out of his mouth chapter shows that the Dragon, after being east out cf
goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the heaven, is wroth with the woman(God’s organization
nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; which produces the seed) and goes forth to make war
and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and against the Temnant of the seed which keep the com-
~*rath of Almighty God." mandmentsof God (that is to say, those who joyfully
=~ In this same 19th chapter of Revelation Christ do what God commands them to do) and "who have
Jesus, the mighty Warrior, is shown as going forth to the testimony of Jesus Christ" that they have been
judge and to make war. The revelator and the psahnist brought into the temple condition and have entered into
are in exact harmony: "He shall judge among the the joy of the Lord.
113tions; he shall fill the places with dead bodies." aa ,,Beast,, is a symbolic term applied to the visible
(Psalm 110: 6) The judgment of God is upon the na- part of the Devil’s organization. The war between th(
tions ; and this mustcontinue until the final conflict, the beast and the Lambseems clearly to be confined to the
great time of trouble which will end the day of God’s earth. This is another picture of Jehovah using his be-
wrath. loved Son to destroy the beastly organization and to
27 The statement of the psalmist concerning the fill- permit the faithful ones to participate with him therein.
ing of the places with dead bodies is in exact harmony "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb
with that given by the prophet concerning the great day shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King
of God’s wrath: "A noise shall come even to the ends of of kings: and they that are with him are called, and
the earth; for the Lord hath a controversy with the na- chosen, and faithful."--Revelation 17: 14.
tions, he will plead with all flesh; he will give themthat a~ The question may arise: Has Jesus knownat all
are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord. Thus saith times since his resurrection every detail of the Father’s
the Lord of hosts, Behohl, evil shall go forth from nation plan? Of course we cannot answer that question dog-
to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from matically, but it seems reasonable that it might have
the eoasts of the earth. Andthe slain of the Lord shall pleased the Father to keep some things to himself until
be at that day from one end of the earth even unto due time for them to be known,even by the beloved Son.
the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, It is quite certain that Jesus was commandedby the
Iwither gathered, nor buried ; they shall be dung upon Father to wait when he was in~-ited to sit downat his
the ground."~Jeremiah 25: 31-33. right hand; that he has waited in patience, and that
SEPTE~I’P, ER 15. 1925
¯ WATCH TOWER
tile due time has come for him to take action against 1)lan, x~hieh ~itl bring such great and immediateresults,
Satan, and that this action of the King has begun. he is refreshed and l)lessed and madejoyful.
Satan’s time limit as overlord of man ho~s ceased and a~ The membersof the Christ body hkewise appreciate
at that time it is right for the I,;i~g to take possession. the privilege of doing the Fathm%will, participating
To do so he must, as Executor of his Father’s plan, with the Lord in declaring the day of the vengeance
(.lear out the &sloyal one and destroy his wickedworks. of our God and the incoming of his kingdom, and are
This of necessity would bring great joy to the Ix)rd he- also refreshed, blessed, and are madejoyful in the Lord.
cause it meansthe tmle for the vindication of his Fath- These memberslook up and lift up their heads because
er’s name and the establishment of his kingdom of their own deliverance is nigh and because the time
r,ghteousness for the blessing of all the families of the for the world’s blessing has come. As the work of ou~-t-
earth. ing the ])evil and his institutions, and the bringing in
:a Jesus says to the faithful: "And when these things of the kingdomof righteousness progresses, the joy and
b(,giu to eome to pass, then look up, and lift up your r(,freshment increases and the head is lifted up, whmh
heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21: is symbolic of confident and certain victory.
a8 Confidently therefore the Lord Jesus goes forth as
L)8) Whenthe IJord came to his temple he invited
those found faithful up to that time to enter into his the Executor of his Father’s plan to complete the work
joy, and those so doing find great joy in participating of making his enemies his footstool; and each member
in the Lord’s work. of the bodyjoyfully participating with him, looks up into
the Father’s face and rejoices, being refreshed by drink-
DRINKING OF THE BROOK ing at the brook; that is to say, they are refreshed by Ihe
34 The closing words of Psalm 110 are: "He shall blessings which come as a result of doing God’s will.
drink of the brook in the way; therefore shall he lift tlence each one finds his heart expression in the words
up the head." (Verse 7) He who drinks at the brook of the psalmist, which say: "For in the time of trouble
seems to be the same one who, as the active agent of he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his
Jehovah, judges amongst the nations; viz., the Lord tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon
a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above
Jesus,the Executor of the divine plan. Since the Lord
counts as a part of himself the faithful membersof his mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in
body, whether in heaven or on earth, the word "he" as his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will
nsed in this verse wouhlinclude all the membersoi’ the sing praises unto the Lord."--Psalm 27 : 5, G.
(’hrist body. I?salm 69 is a proof text that the Lord
THEFATHER’SARM
Jesus Christ counts his body membersas a part of him-
self, including those this side of the vail as well as ~9 The chief objective of Jesus Christ has ahrays been
those on the other side. the honor and glory of his Father. Everything else
~a The speaker in verses three, five, seven, eight and has been made subservient thereto. Whenhe was on
~ine of Psalm 69 is surely the same and undoubtedly earth he said: "I can of mine own self do nothing."
>lets to the Lord Jesus. Verse five of that Psalm reads : (John 5: 30) He did not say this because he did not
"0 God, thou knouest my~oolishness; and my sins are have the power, but because he would not and cmfld not
not hid from thee." This could not refer to the Lord consistently do anything but his Father’s will. When
Jesus himself but of necessity must apply to the mem- about to take his departure in Gethsemane he prayed:
bers o£ his body, and he speaks there for his body men> "Father, I have manifested thy name unto the men
hers. In Psalm 110 under consideration the word which thou gavesg me out of the world." (Jolm 17:6)
"head", referring" to the Lord O’esus, wouldseem clearly For eenturies Jesus has observed the enemy slanderi~g
therefore to take in the body members, because they and defaming the good name of Jehovah. For many
are associated with him. centuries he has known that at some time God would
aa A brook is a little stream in the valley. It pictures grant to him the privilege of vindicating his name. Now
the time has come for him to do that work. As he pro-
hlcssings and refreshnlent that result to those whodrink
eeeds with the work he is refreshed and rejoices. His
of its cooling waters. He whodoes the will of Godjoy-
body membersparticipating are also refreshed and re-
fully experiences refreshment m~dblessing. For many
joice. This is in harmony with the statement of God
centuries Christ Jesus waited for the maturity of his
to the saints, through his prophet : "Ye are mywitnesses
Father’s plan, marking the due time for him to take his
¯ . . that I ant God." There are no other witnesses to
power and to begin and to undo the wickedness of God’s
him on earth.
nefarious son. Nowthe time has tome for him to act ~o While the Fundamentalists claim to believe and
in obedience to the Fatheffs will, and he knowsthat the serve (~o(1 they ignore Jehovah and willingly join hands
result will be beneficial to mankindand the vindication with the I)evil’s institutions and claim that they will
of his Father’s name and therefore to the glory of his set up God’s kingdomby their ownefforts. Such is their
Father. As he proceeds to thus execute his Father’s fundamental error, and therefore they are well named
WATCH TOWER
"Fundamentalists". Claiming to be Christians they they confidently and joyfully look np to the heavenly
10ersecute the members of the body of Christ who testify Father and praise his name.
concerning the Lord’s presence and his kingdom. 4a Truly then we are reaching a elimax in the grea[
41 The Modernists deny God, deny his Word, and deny plan and with the body members time is no more. Our
the blood of his beloved Son, which is the redemptive price part is to joyfully partieipate in whatever work th~
of mankind. 0nly those who are in Christ, and who have Lord assigns us to do; and so doing we honor our Kil:~
his word abiding in them and who joyfully participate and our Head, Christ Jesus, and prove to be true and
in the work assigned to the church are, together w~th faithful witnesses.
their great Master, vindicating God’s name. These are
drinking at the brook and are lifting up the head with QUESTIONS FOR BEREANSTUDY
confidence, thanksgiving and praise. These have entered To what greqt event do nhqny of the psqhns prophetically
into the joy of the Lord and fully appreciate that "the point? For whomwere they espeeially writteu? ¶ 1.2.
Do all of the "Messianic" psalms lneture the same thing?
joy of the Lord is 3-our strength". Exemplify. Howdo we know that Psahn 110 applies to
the Lord Jesus? ¶ 3, 4.
SUMMARY Whoare the enemies referred to in Psn. 109 and 110? ¶ 5. 6.
Whyhave not Satan’s nefarious operations been mad(, to
¯ 2 Summing up the ll0th Psalm we understand it cease? Has Jesus’ pqtienee been tested therel~y? f, 7.8.
Di(’l Jesus possess all knowledgeat the time of his nseensi(m
to teach this: That after Jesus had finished his great Whatdoes Psahn 27:4 indicate in this regard? ¶ 9, 1(t, 32.
sacrifice aml ascended on high Jehovah seated him at What are the four principal steps in the Father’s plan of
his right hand and direeted him to remain inactive a- redemplion? What is one of the wicked things Satan has
been doing throughout the Gospel Age? ¶ 11, 12.
gainst the l)evil’s institutions until his due time, .at Is Christ Jesus now tqking the defensive or the offensive
which time God would make the Devil the footstool of it, the eonfliet with Satan? ¶ 13.
the King of glory; that the due time arrived in 1914, Wlmtwas to be the first act on the part of earth’s newKing?
When did Michael "stand up"? What are lhe "heavens"
and then Jehovah sent forth out of his organization his and the "’elements" mentioned in 2 Peter 3:127 ¶ 14, 15.
beloved Son to rule amongst his enemies; that the first Explain verse 2 of the psalm under consideration. What is
work to be done was to subdue the enemy; that the the Lord’s "rod of strength"? Howdoes this verse har-
monize with Revelstion 19 : 11, 147 ¶ 16, 17.
battle began in heaven; that this fight has been com- What is meant by "the wmnbof the morning" and "the dew
pleted, and Satan and his angels were ousted from heav- of thy youth" mentioned in verse 3? ¶ 18. 19.
Whyis the Executor of the divine plan likened unto Melehize-
en; that now the Lord Jesus Christ is the great anti- dek? Whenwill his priestly work be complete? ¶ 20-22.
t.ypieal Melchizedek priest and, as the Executor of the Whenand how will the Lord "strike through kings" as in-
divine plan, goes forth to destroy Satan’s organization dieated in verses 5 and 6? ¶ 23.
:[low do Psalm 45:3-6 and Revelation 19:11-15 synchronize
mad to minister to the people; that the members of his with the above? ¶ 24, 25.
body, the faithful, willingly and joyfully participate in ~Vhat is signified by the statement, "Ite shall fill the places
the work by the grace of the Lord; that Jehovah is now with dead bodies"? What other prophet portrays this
matter; and how? ¶ 26, 27.
at the right hand of the Lord Jesus and as the great What is meant by wounding the "head of many countries"
Author of the divine plan is acting through his Arm, (Rotherham) ? ¶ 28, 29.
Howis tim final conflict between Satan and the Lord de-
his beloved Son, who strikes through the Devil’s organi- Dieted in Revelatiou 12 and 17? ¶ 3(t, 31.
zation in the dab; of his wrath and who will take Satan Whatimportant fact nowcauses us special rejoicing? ~ 32, 33.
eaptive in the great time of trouble and wound his head ; To whomdoes the psqlnfist refer as drinking of "the h,’ook"?
Are the body nmmbers included with the ilead m this
that while the Lord Jesus is executing his Father’s plan psahn? How may we know? ¶ 34. 35.
in this behalf he is greatly refreshed and blessed by the ~Yhat does the brook represent? What is meant by lifting
experience and greatly rejoices because the time has up "the head"? ¶ 36-38.
What has ever been the dfief objective of Jehovah’s beloved
come to vindicate his Fatheffs name, oust the Devil, de- Son? Quote passages in support. ¶ 39.
stroy his unrighteous works, and ereet God’s ldngdom of How do Fundamentalists and Modernists deny the precious
righteousness; and that his body members joyfully par- blood? ¶ 40, 41.
Smnmarizethe teachings of the 110th Psahn. In view there-
tmipate with him, thereafter as they drink at the brook of what should be our attitude? ¶ 42, 43.
SOLDIERS OF CHRIST
Soldiers of Christ, arise~ Stand, then, in his great migh’c,
And put your armor on, With all his strength endued;
Strong in the strength which God supplies But take to arm you for the fight
Through his eternal Son; The panoply of God;
Strong in the Lord of hosts, That having all things done,
And in his mighty power ; And all your conflicts past,
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts Ye may o’ercome through Christ alone,.
Is more than eonqueror. And stand entire at last.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXTFOROCTOBER
21 TEXTFOROCTOBER
28
"’Tl~y watchmenshall lift rip the voice; . . . together "The Lord wit! be a fefvge for the oppressed.’"
~hal! they sing."--Isaiah 52: 8. --Psalm 9 : 9.
IE great oppressor of men is Satan, the Devil.
T IIE word watchmenproperly defined means to lean
forward, to penetrate into the distance, to ob-
serve and take heed to orders amt act accordingly.
T He acts through divers instruments. The rul-
ing factors of the world are the eommereiaJ,
It was Jesus who,aid that not everyone who shall say political and ecclesiastical menof power and influence,
Lord, Lord. shall e~.~ter into the kingdom,but they that acting for a long while as the instruments of oppression.
do t"e will of h.s Fath?r. Many have conceived the Even many of the people have had instilled in their
tho~ ?ht that God’.- chn4 purpose is to search amongst hearts a disposition to oppress others. At the present
the humanfamfl, to find some to take to heaven; and time there are millions on earth who are in great dis-
that these morder to g,. t to heaven must be pious-faced, tress because of injustice and oppression. They are sad
wdh<,utre;zard t,> their heart’s devction to the, l~u’d. and mourn. Because of their deswe for relief their
\\:hat Jehovahis r alh doing is sehwting from anaong,-t oppressor, the adver,-arv, increases their burdens and
m<’nthose ~ho nmler th’, test prove loyal and faithful makes those grievons to be borne.
to him. Throu,th his beloved Son he has put on guard God’s time has come to brin~ about a change. As
the anointed ones as ~atchmen to watch the interests the enemynowcomes in lfl~e a flood, bringing a multi-
of his kingdomaa<l to testlfv from time to time to th~ rude of errors to divert the minds of the people ax~ay
nn;olding of his plan. These are not looking for self- from God, the, spnqt of the l~erd lwgins to lift up a
inbre:ts, nor are thev makinga ~tudied effort to reach standard against him. The witnesses of God are tho~e
some easy place in the heavenly kingdom. They forget whoarc beg<;tt:,n and anoilafed of the spirit, an<l who
self; they lean forward; they peer into the distance; joyfully obey his eommamls. These the Lord is using
they observe the commandsof the Lord ; and seek always in lifting up his stamtard.
to ilonor his name and serve him. To these the Lord has said : ff commissionyou to co:n-
The word "voice" is a symbol of a message. Hero it fort those that mourn.’ Do this by lifting up b,~foro
signifies that ttaose who are really watchmen, and who them the standard of the kingdom of righteousness.
have the King’s interest fully at heart, are proelaiming Showthem that there is a rallying place where those
the message concerning his kingdom. The text also who have a desire for the Lord and his kingdom may
shows that these are acting harmoniously in proclaiming gather and be guided into peace and truth. Comfort
the message; that the 3" are doing it joyfully. They are tl~os~, therefore, that mournby pointing to them ll~ae
singing in their hearts, and singing the praises of Je- the Lord is their refuge in this time of distress. Ilemind
hovah God and his great and mighty and beloved Son. them of the precious promises even to the world, a-
They are doing this by joyfully obeying the commands of mongst which is the text under consideration, "The
the Lord.. They are diligently striving {o be faithful to Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times
him in representing his cause. These have the spirit of trol~ble." (Psalm 9: 9) The Lord’s ldngdom, when
of the Master. They appreeiate the fact that their eon- in operation, will judge the people in righteousness and
solation is coming daily and hourly from Jehovah, minister unto them their needs. It is the precious priv-
through the head Chmst Jesus; and that the holy spirit ilege of the anointed ones to nowbe’at this message of
is the channel of comnmnieation. Consoled by the consolation to the peoples of earth. Let each one who
blessedness of their position they heed-ihe commandto is favored with this opportunity be faithful to his com-
comfort all others that mourn, and do this by harmon- mission.
iously declaring the message of the kingdom to them. For nineteen hnndred years Chrishans have had the
At this particular time the eommandto the church protection of the Lord as new creatures. All their in-
is to give a witness to the nations, to be witnesses to the terests have been overruled for good by teaching them to
name of Jehovah and to his beloved Son as the King, put their trust implicitly in the Lord, and they have beea
that this is the day of vengeanee of Godupon the wieked greatly encouraged by the divine promises. But in the
institutions, and the tnne when Jehovah will make him- l~Iillennium the people’s interests of a temporal kind
self a namein the earth.
will also have the supervision of the Lord; for we read
Do not be content with merely believing on the name
of the Lord. If you would be a watehmen, then watch of that time that "they shall not hurt nor destroy in
for the interests of the kingdomand seize every oppor- all my holy mountain". People will not labor in vain,
tunity to serve those interests to the best of yourability nor will they be oppressed. With the knowledgeof truth
and to the glory of the Lord. It is sweet indeed to be an will come justice administered to all. Those wholove
ambassador of our King and to know that we have been righteousnesswill be exalted, and ~che oppressorwill ba
accepted oI him and therefore assured of ~ictory. cut off.
281
PAUL WRITES TO THE CORINTHIANS
--OcTonER t8--1 CORINT}IIA~’S 12:1 TO 13:13-
TIlE Ct]I’RCIt LIKENED TO ItUMAN BODY--THE GREATEST ~IOTIVE POWER IS LOVFx---THE LIFE OF LOVE LIVES IN GOD.
"’;Yew abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love."--I Corinthians 13: 18, A. S. V.
"’i:or the loce of moneyis the root of all kb~ds of evd."--I Timothy 6: 10, A. S. V.
wrot,ght, and there uas a great casting out of evil spirits mine of the chief men of that part of the country u’ho
from those who were thus possessed. The special or extra- uere his friends sent to him, desiring him that he would
(,rdinary miracles which God wrought by the hand of not venture amongst the people. The riot increased,
Paul are clear evidence of his apostleship. Besides the some erying one thing, some another; but the greater
l~h,asure he must have had in being thus used of the part of the crowd knew not what the trouble was. For
l,ord, thecm gifts were welcome to him because some two hours the people eried out: "Great is Diana of the
doubted his claim to apostleship, and these u-ere proofs F, phesians !" a cry intended to express their patriotism
of his office as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Perhaps Ephe- not only in their worship but to the city. The town clerk,
~,us (lid nmeh to establish Paul’s position as an apostle the recorder of the city, by a little flattery ohtained a
cf Jesus Christ. See 2 Corinthians 12:12. hearing and stilled the riot. He showed them that they
s Events now moved rapidly. At this time there were were being fooled by Demetrius and were iu danger of
in l’~ph,"sns certain travehng Jews u-he called themselves having some of their liberty taken away because of tins
exorc>ts, professing to have power to east out evil foolish tumult.
q,irits. Perhaps they were sonm of the sons of the ~x Immediately afterwards Paul summoned the dis-
l’harisees of uhom our Lord spoke. (Matthew 12: 27) eiplcs, took his leave of them, and departed for Maee-
They heard Paul demand in the name of the Lord Jesus donia. He had been in l’phesus for three years. The
that the evil spirit should eome out of the victim, and record of actual service is short, hut the time was one of
they tried what was to them the same formula. Amongst hard service hy this loyal faithful serva.nt. It was a
lhe~,e were seven brothers whose father was chief of the time of nmch suffering, mental and bodily sh’ain. But
priests in Ephesus, and uho combined to cast the evil b3: it, under the grace of the Lord, Ephesus became the
~pirit out of a man. Instead of obeying, the evil spirit third great center of Chmstianity, taking a place with
through the man said : "Jesus I know, and Paul I know ; Jerusalem and Antmeh.--Aets 20: 18-21.
but who are ye?" And the man leaped on them and ~" Paul has much to his name for the work accom-
overcame them so that they fled out of the house naked plished. But the accounts of his labors are not intended
and wounded. Not much power of imagination is needed to be full ; just so muehof his labor is recorded, so much
to see their rammer of going. (Acts 19:15, 16) This of results gained, as is sufficient to guide the church.
incident became known all over Ephesus, and great fear This also applies to the sufferings entailed by and en-
came upon many, and many believed on the Lord Jesus dured in the service. In this tile example of the gospels
and confessed their association with demons. (Acts 19: is followed, where sufficient is recorded to guide the
17,18) A eonlmotion x~as caused in the city; m:d church. We have no detailed history of Jesus, nor such
many x~ho practised magic brought their curious books a history of the early church. Nor does it seenl to be
together, valued at about £2000, and burned them pub- the good pleasure of the Lord to have detailed records
l:cly. The city was stirred with this, and the word o£ given today of the work done but only to have suffieient
God grew mightily and prevailed.--Acts 19: 29. written as will provide the Lord’s people with the neces-
9 Paul now purposed to leave Ephesus, but an event sary evidence of his guidance.
occurred which altered the manner of his going, and
had much to do with the work of the Lord in those QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
paris. Ephesus, unlike Athens, was not a city which What is lhe probable len.~th of time Paul renmined in Cot
u orshiped many gods, but confined itself to the worship inlh? ~Vhat kind of vow did he lake while there? ¶ 1.
V~’hy wouhl not l’nul stay longer in Ei)hesus nt this time"
of the goddess 1)lena ; and the city was enriched because Whattook place at l’;1)hestls during t’aul’s absence? ~.Vllo
of tile many visitors to her temple. Amongst these there assisted Apollos 1o a deeper insight into Ihe Seril)tures? ¶ 2.
u as a company of silversmiths uho had much trade in DThat did I)aul do upon his return to EI)hesus? I)oes know-
ing only Jolm’s baptism give spiritual understanding? ¶ 3.
making small shrines and images of the goddess. One What was it that some in Ephesus lacked? What reason had
of these named Demetrius perceived that this movement P~lnl for being ~rently eneollr;tged by his experiences at
in the city was going to hurt his business. He got his this time? XVhatwas the result of Paul’s fervent pt’each-
ing? ¶ 4.
fellow craftsmen together and told them of the danger Is it sometimes neeess,~ry for believers to separate them-
to their business through this man Paul. It was an easy selves froln unbelievers? ¶ 5, 6.
Wlmt was ~mcomplished in Asia Minor? Was Paul’s posi-
step to lead these men on to a cry of patriotic fervor tion as an apostle strengthened by his experiences at
respecting the consequent failing worship of Diana, Fl)hosus? ¶ 7.
which Asia ~[inor and all the world worshiped.--Acts \Vhat did the exoreists try to do in Ephesus? What did the
evil spirit say to these pseudo-followers of Jesus. and
19 : 26, 27. what hal)pened to them? What was the result to the
~° They went out into the streets crying: "Great is people generally? ¶ 8.
Diana of the Ephesians"; and the city was immediately Itow did the wo,~hip ill Ephesus differ from that in Athens?
By whomwere the citizens of Ephesus stirred up? How
filled with confusion. Two of Paul’s companions were was it done? Under the guise of what? How (lid the
caught and were rushed by tile mob into the theater. commotiou end? ¶9,10.
Paul heard of this and would have gone in amongst the What wns the length of Paul’s stay in Ephesus? What w,as
the resutt of this ministration? What lesson is there for
people, but the other disciples held him back. Also the church as a whole? ¶ 11, 12.
PAUL WRITES TO THE EPHESIANS
---NOVEMBER1--EH~ESIA~,’S 6-1-20--
COD’8 3,IIGtITY POWER~{ANIFESTED---EVIL SPIRITS OPPOSE GOD’S PLAN--THE CttRISTIAN’S ARMORSUGGESTS ACTIVITY.
"’Be strong in the Lord, c~ndin tile strength of his might."---EiJhesians 6: 10, A. S. V.
CONTENTS
LOVE OF ~}IE CREATOR FOR HIS CREATURES .... 291
Typical Characters ................................... 291
Christ a Monument of Love and Loyalty ..... 292
"Whatsoever Ye Do" Do ut~to Him ................ 293
"The Father Himself Loveth You" . ............... 294
PRAYER-MEETINGTEXT COMMENTS ................... 205
PAUL’SFAREWELL AT]~[ILTEUS ............................ 296
PAUL’SARRESTIN ~ERUSALE:,[........................... 298
PAULBE[~’0REFELIX.............................................. 300
~AUL]~EFOREAGRIPPA .......................................... 302
~OTICEOF ANNUAL ~IEE’rING ................................ 290
~OUTI4ERNCONVENTION ........................................ 290
c~I will stand upon ~ny watch and will set my ~oo~
~tpon the Tower, and will watch to sce what He will
say unto me, and what answer I shall make to then*
that oppose me."---Habakkuk ~: 1.
I
~-~ ’ ~~~: ~Z: "
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking
the things comi_mfl, ttpea th®eart.h (society) ;tor the powers of t]~e heavens (ecclesmstmsrn~ shall be sh.aken; . . When~,e sere thesething.sbegm to.come to p~.,tl~en
~aow that the Ktngdom of GO~ ~t ha~l) Look up, ldt up your head~) re~oace, fo~ your redemptaon uraweta mga.--~att, z~.~, r~ar~ xo.z~, ~u~e ~.z~-o~.
THIS JOURNALAND ITS SACRED MISSION
T HIS journal
presented
is or~ of the prime factors
in all parts of the civilized
or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
world by the WATCtI TOWERBIBL~ ~ TRACTSOCIETY, chartered
or "Seminary Extension", now being
A.D. 1884, "For the PrQ-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students m~y meet in the ~tudy of the divine Word but
al,uo wu a channel of communication through which they may he reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and o£ the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled ’Tilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Borean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STVDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister IV. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister el God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
st,orients and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who ga,~e himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3:
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further niissio~ is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...ha~
been hid in God, . . . to the intent that now might be made known by the churhh the nmnifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not niade known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--I~phesians 3 ; 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Cbrist, as expressed in (lie holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
haih spoken--aIcording to tile divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we aflirni, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what nmy and what nmy not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, tile teacliing of his Word, for the npbuild4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite’but urge our
~eaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship" ; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age--ever since Christ became the world’s Redeeuler and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through v’hich, ~lieu
imished, God’s blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.--1 Corinthians 3 : 16, 17 ; EpheMans 2 : 20-22 ;
Genesis 2S : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall liave been made ready, the great Master Workiaan will bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and he tile meeting place between God and men throughout
the Millennium.--Revelafion 15 : 5-8.
That tlie basis of hope, for the church and tile world, lies in the fact that "Jesus CIirist, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every ma~ that cometh into the world", "in due time".--
Ilcbrews 2:9; John 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his
glory as his joint-hen’.--1 John 3"2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace ; to be God’s witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.--EpheMans 4 : 12 ; Matthew 24 :
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20:6.
That the hope for lhe world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the
restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Reileemer and his glorified (harch)
when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.--Acts 3:19-23: Isaiah 35.
w,
eAtonement
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THE LOVE OF THE CREATOR FOR HIS CREATURES
"’Behold, what tnan ner of love the Father hath bestowed,ipon us, that we should be called the sons of God:. . . !;e.
loved, now are we the sons of God, and ,it doth not yet appear ,chat qve shall be/but we knowthat, whenhe
shall appear, we shall be ll]ce, him: for we shall see him as he is. And every ma,n that hath this
hope in him pucifieth himself, even as he is pure."--1 John 3: 1-8.
HERE is a pt.,so,ality and an attractiveness about deflection and of the terrible results whichquickly f,;.-
T the Bible which touches the hearts of the simple lowed. Nevertheless the toueh of personal compassion
and the mighty, the nnlearned and the seer, the is readily noticeable. Though Adammust suffer ex-
peasant and the king. It is the comfort and consola- pulsion from Eden, his perfect home, the loss of his
tion of the contrite and broken-heart,~d in all walks of kingdom, and eventually death, yet God provided him
life. ~It is mfiike any other book in the world. with clothing as a protection outside the garden and
2 In divine simplicity the first sentence, "In the begin- arranged that he might find food and the necessities o£
ning Godcreated the heaven and the earth," presents to life until he should return to the dust
our view the great Arehitect and Creator of the universe 6 Next follows the heart-breaking narrative of the first
outlining, constructing and setting in order the millions homicide; that of Cain slaying his own brother, Abel.
of solar systems of the heavens, and giving to each its Yet the picture is again toned by a personal message
realm and laws. As our knowledge of the vastness of from the Creator to Cain the sinner. Doubtless much
the heavens increases, we stand in silent awe and marvel moreoccurred than is recorded, but we have sufficient to
at the wisdom, power and ability of Jehovah God thus show that God was not unmindful of his creatures.
manifested by his handiwork. Truly, all nations are as 7 Of Enoch it is related that he "walked with God".
the small dust of the balanee, less than nothing.~ Enoch desired to serve God to the best of his ability
Isaiah 40 : 12-17. and the Lord rewarded him by translating him. Tha
8 In simplicity the narrative continues, adding detail picture serves to showus the tender touch of Jehovah’s
upon detail to the word picture of how Jehovah com- personal interest in individuals whoserve him.
pleted the preparation of the earth as a homefor the s Then is given the picture of the Flood and of Go(l’s
habitation of man. When all was ready he brought special care over Noah and his family beeause of the
torth man h~ his own image and likeness, perfect in fact that he was a righteous and upright man. The
organism and in mental faculties, and gave him details of this as mentionedin Genesis bring out in bold
dominion over things of the earth. It would be elief the power and protection which Jehovah exercises
difficult to conceive of a picture embodyinga more won- n behalf of those wholove and obey him.
derful contrast than that of the great Sovereign of the
Universe in fellowship with his tiny creature, man. TYPICAL ~HARACTERS
4 God placed Adamin pcrfeet surroundings, with Next come the call and promise to Abraham alnl
everything desirable and delightful, and with full op- the man,y delightful experiences of God’s watchfulness
portunity for the enjoyment of all his physical and and care over him, even in his daily life. Weare told
mental faculties. A special instructor from the heavenly that some of Abraham’s experiences were designed to
courts was commissionedto advise him of his privileges, picture a future work which God purposed for the
of his relationship to his Creator and of his duties and people of the world. The picture is continued in the life
responsibilities as the earthly representative of Jehovab, of his son, Isaac. Weare told of the manner in which
that he might be properly fitted to fill his position as Isaac’s beautiful bride, Rebecca, was found; and the
king of earth. Thus did Jehovah lay the foundation fox" NewTestament informs us that the incidents relating
another province in his vast domain of the universe.-- thereto shadowedforth a greater Isaae and Rebecca ~lJ,
Psalm8 : 4-6. were to be the heirs of a greater than Abrahara.~
6 Then the Bible presents us the sad picture of Adam’sGalatians 4 : 28, Romans8:17.
291
~o The family feud between Jacob and Esau is brought CHRIST A MONUMENTOF LOVE AND LOYALTY
to our attention, also the blessing which Jacob desired ~ WhenChrist came to fulfil the many prophecies
and received because he believed God. Then follows the recorded of him, he manifested a personal love, loyally
thrilling story of Joseph and his brethren, portraying and obedience to Jehovah that stand as the greatest
manysignificant incidents ill their daily lives. Weare monumentof personal affection and devotion recorded
told how that Jehovah permitted Joseph to be unjustly ill history. God loved his Son Jesus, and Jesus loved
imprisoned, and then how he used a heathen monarch, his Father, Jehovah. Through Jesus God sent this mes-
Pharaoh, to exalt tiffs same Joseph to a position next to ~ge of love to the world : "Godso loved the world, tha~
the throne of Egypt. he gave his only begotten So~, that whosoeverbelieveth
~ Whyshould Jehovah manifest such personal in- in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
t¢~re~t in these weespecks of humalfity, evenin the little While on earth Jesus was constantly giving the touch
affairs of their daily lives? St. Paul, in Romans15 : 4, of personality to those with whomhe came in contact.
answers the question: "For whatsoever things were The manyincidents recorded arc for our edification and
written aforetime were written for our learning, that we encouragement, consolation and comfort.
through patience and comfort of the scriptures might ~5 God’s Wordabounds with invitations for his chil-
have hope." Again, in 1 Corinthians 10: 11: "Now dren to come near unto him and with promises of help
all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and when in need, comfort when in distress, protection when
they are written for our admonition." Joseph pictured in danger, and joy when in sorrow. Wenote the touch-
a greater Joseph, Christ Jesus, ~.ho was sold by iris mgtenderness of the Lord’s words to his disciples as
brethren, but u hom Jehovah thereafter exalted to a recorded in the 14th to the 17th chapters of John. The
position next to the throne of the universe. (Hebrews epistles of the apostles aboundin sinfilar expressions.
12: 1, 2) For similar reason the Bible narrates God’s On one occasion the disciples were hindering some
dealings with other faithfuI men of the past. And how mothers from bringing their little ones to the Lord.
the lowly in heart rejoice in such evidences of diving Jesus rebuked them and said: "Permit the little chil-
care and affection and long to be recipients of similar dren to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such
evidences of divine notice [ Did not Godplant love in the [like] is the kingdo.m of God. Verily I ~y unto you,
human heart? Surely then, he must rejoice when he Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a
sees it developing in the hearts of his creatures.- little child, he shalt not enter therein. Andhe took
Proverbs 3: 12; 11: 20; ttebrews 1: 8, 9. them up in his arms, and put his hands upon them, and
~-~ Time would fail us to mention the many typical blessed them.’--Mark 10 : 1t-16.
characters of the Bible and the significantly’recorded ~ In MatthewII : 28-30 is recorded one of the most
incidents of God’s dealings with them. Even little chil- loving invitations in t[oly Writ: "Comeunto me, all
dren are sometimesreferred to; for example, the child- ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
hood of Moses, Samson and Samuel. Moses stands out rest. Take myyoke upon yo~, and learn of me; for I am
as one of the most prominent figures of the Old Testa- meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall lind rest unto
meat. Through him God organized the Jewish people your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
into a nation and then settled them as a nation in the light." Thousands upon thousands can testify to the
land which he had promised to their father, Abraham. truthfulness of these words. In Matthew 10:29-31 is
To that nation God gave a wonderful code of laws. another touching expression: "Are not two sparrows
These laws enter into the minute relationships of man sold for a farthing? and one of them shalI not fall on
with man, even to their food and raiment. Whysuch the ground without your Father. But the very hairs
particularity unless God were personally inlel~sted in on your head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore;
them ? ye are of more value than many sparrows." These and
~ For over sixteen hundred years Goddealt with the many others were his words of encouragement to his
Jews as a nation. Their history shows a great lack disciples, and fhrongh them to his church. They imply
of appreciation on their part. They were continually in no uncertain language that God and Christ have a
backsliding and going after other gods; but whenever very personal interest in every memberof the church,
they repented and called upon Jehovah he sent them de- even in their daily experiences. The words of Jesus,
liverance. Wemarvel at the patience manifested by and the incidents recorded of his experiences and those
Jehovah for so long a time, and the continuance of his of the disciples, are means for our sanctification. Ia
personal care over them despite their deflections. Al- the touching prayer of Jesus, just before his crucifixion,
though Goddealt with the Jews collectively as a nation, he says: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word
he also dealt personMly with many individuals. The is truth .... And for their sakes I sanctify myself,
fathers and mofhc~rs of Samuel and Samson; David, that they also might be [truly] sanctified through thy
Solomon, and all the prophets, are examples. Then we truth."--John 17 : 17-19.
have the beautiful story of Ruth, and later of Queen ~7 The epistles aboundin instruction as to individual
Esther, and manyothers. action in the Christian’s daily life and as to our re-
WATCH TO W E R :ga
lationship one to another. "Whethertherefore ye eat ol not yet resisted so as to endanger your lives; and you
drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." have quite forgottm~ the encouraging words which are
(1 Corinthians 10:31) "Whatsoever ye do in word addressed to you as sons, and which say, ’My son, do
deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving not think lightly of the Lord’s discipline, and do not
thaalks to Godand the Father bv him." (Colossians 3 : 17) faint when he eorreets you; for those whomthe Lord
Note also the loving words of Jesus, iu Matthew 6: loves he disciplines: and he scourges every son whomhe
a0-aa: "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the acknowledges.’ The sufferings that you are enduring
field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the are for your discipline. God is dealing with you as
m, en, shall he not nntch moreclothe you, 0 ye of little [with] sons; for whale son is there whomhis father does
faith ? Therefore take no [anxious] thought saying, Wha~ not d iseipline? Andif you are left without diseipline,
shall we eat ? or, Whatshall we drink ? or, Wherewithal of which every tree son has had a share, that shows
shall we be clothed ? . . . Your heavenly Father knoweth that you are bastards, and not true sons."--Hebrews 12 :
that ve have need of all these things. But seek ye first 1-8, Weymouth.
the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all -’* Our chief concern is towards knowing and doing
these things shall be added unto you." the will of Godin regard to ourselves. As St. Paul savq :
~s As a loving parent sends his son away to school "Wherefore, my beloved, . . . work out your own sal-
and wishes him to give his undivided attention to his vation with fear and trembling: for it is God which
lessons while in school without having to worry about worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good
the providing of food and elothh~g while there, so our pleasure." (Philippians 2: 12, 13) ’:Therefore we ought
heavenly Father hL sending his children through the to give the more earnest 1.~eed to the things which we
school of Christ desires that they worry not over tem- have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip."
poral neeessities. Weare to renmmberthat our Father (Hebrews g : 1) "Examine yourselves, whether ye be
will see to it that we have sufficient to eat and drink the faith; prove your ox~mseh’es. Knowye not your
and wear. This does not mean, however, that we may ownselves, howthat Jesus Christ is in you, except ye
be careless in our daily avocations. On the contrary we be reprobates?"--2 Corinthians 18:5.
are to realize that our daily avocations are a part of our
schooling. "WHATSOEVER YE DO" DO UNTO HIM
~’~ Whetherour duties have to do with the keeping of _~2 Every one whohas been begotten of the spirit o~
the home, or the providing for the home; whether we God is anxious not only to secure the approval and
serve in aa offiee, or shop or factory, or in whateverline love of Jehovah for himself, but also to tell as many
Of work we may be engaged, we must give proper &l- others as possible. He is especially desirous at the
igenee to doing all of these things as unto the Lord. We present time to be a messenger of the King and to
are to manifest as muchof the spirit of the Lord as is herald the good news of the kingdom on every possible
possible with our imperfect bodies and minds. Every occasion.
one of us radiates an inl!uenee upon every other person "~ Some of the Lord’s people are physically so
with whomwe come into contact. As the apostle ex- situated, by reason of home work or office work, that
presses it.: "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, they have almost no time to go out in the Lord’s ser-
known and read of all men." As each loving parent vice. They are inclined to become discouraged and to
takes delight in the developmentof his child, even though think that they will have no share in the kingdom.
the child be a heavy expense, yet he is greatly pleased This is a mistake. God has so arranged that if we are
to see the child put forth every effort to take advantage fully consecrated to him and put forth our best efforts
of each opportunity to reach his mark. to serve him, he counts our sincere desires and best
~° TILe Apostle Paul calls our attention to our heaven- daily endeavors as works done unto him. Even at our
ly Father’s interest in us, in Hebrews12: "Therefor,,, best we are all unprofitable servants, therefore there is
surrounded as we are by such a vast cloud of witnesses, no one bringing any profit to the Lord.
let us fling aside every eneumbrance and the sin that 2, This does not mean that we should neglect Ol>
so readily entangles our feet. Andlet us run with patient portunities for entering the Lord’s service to the extent
endurancethe race that lies before us, simply fixing our of our ability. Indeed there are many ways in which
gaze upon Jesus, our Prince Leader in the faith, who we all can herald the kingdom message: By word of
will also award us the prize, tie, for the sake of tile mouth to our neighbors or shopmates, to customers, to
joy which lay before him, patiently endured the eross, those who wait upon us in the hospitals, handing out
looking with tin, tempt upon itsshameandafterward seated announcementsof meetings or calling attention of those
himself where he still sits--at therighthandof thethrone we meet in the street-ears or ofliees to the books, being
of God. Therefore, if you wouhl escape becoming weary careful, however, not to use tile time of our employer.
and faint-hearted, compare your own sufferings with Somecan lead classes, others can attend the classes,
those of him whoendured such hostility directed against not only for their ownbenefit but also for the assistanee
him by sinners. In your struggle against sin you have and encouragement of others. Let each of us do with
~ROOKLYN,
N. Y.
WATC H TOWER
our might Mint our hands find to do. If our Father sees chihh’en; how much more shall your heavenly Father
that we can render hetter service in someother locatiou give the holy spirit to them that a~k him ?"
or condition, he can easily makethe change for us. :s The a(lv(rsary would be pleased to have us believe
25 The touching story of the Apostle Paul’s severe ex- that our Father does not care for us individually. But
perience is exceedingly stimulating to every follower of as we read his Wordand see his tender touch recorded
the Lord. God specially overruled in many of his ex- all the way from Adamto the present time, and as we
periences and set him forth as an exampleto the church review our own experiences, we feel our courage return-
in order that we might be encouraged anti under~tand ing, our strength increasing, our faith growing firmer,
that Godis also overruling our individual experiences. and our love becoming sweeter. "He that hath nay con>
Our experiences are developing us that we also maysay mandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me;
¯ ~-ith St. Paul: "Blessed be God, even the Father of and he that loveth me shall be loved of myFather, and
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the I will love him, and manifest myself to him." "As
Godof all comfort; whocomforteth us in all our tribu- the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue
lation, that we may be able to comfort them which are ve in mylove." "I in them, and thou in me, that they
in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves may be made perfect in one; and that tim world mar
are comforted of God."--2 Corinthians 1 : 3, 4. ]¢now that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as
2., Weknowof a brother whowas naturally inclined to thou bast loved me." (John lJ.:21; 15: 9; 17:23)
be downcastat times. The adversary always tried to take Let us never forget the assurance: "The Father him-
advantage of him at these times of mental depression and self loveth you."
endeavored to beat his courage down. On such occasmns QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
he refused to think of the discouraging conditions or I-Iow is the Bible unlike any otlmr book? What does the
prospects, and kept repeati~lg to himself: "God loves first sentence of Genesm I)resent to our view? ¶ 1, 2.
grielly (lesembe the Genesis word l)ieture of man’s creation.
me; God loves me. I have the words of God himself, Who was the specially al)pOillled instructor for Ill,in In
and the words of Christ, and many evidences of divine Eden? ¶ 3,4.
care and protection in nay daily life. I knowthat God When nmn fell into sin was he wholly abandoned by Jt,-
hovah? What dealings did God have wit.It the stoner Cain .~
and Christ love me. Did lint Christ say, ’If a manlove ¶5,6.
me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love God’s rewarding of Enoch and of Noah illustrate whal ? ¶ 7, g.
Were the daffy lives of AI)l’ahant and of Isaac (livH~elv
him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode overruled? How and why? What other Old Testament
with him’? And am I not trying to keep his words?" elmraeters were individually deal! wilh I)y Jehovah? ¶ 9, 10.
In this way he would overcome the attacks of the ad- Why does God manifest stl(.h l)ersonal interest in’humamk~
Have children ever beet, bpeelally dealt with by 111o Lord?
versary, and soon wouhl regain the sweet spirit of peace ¶ 11,12.
and rejoicing in the Lord. "Whal relationship existed between God and tim Jewish na-
tion? Did he deal with them collectively or indJwduallv,
or in bath ways? ¶l 13.
"THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVETH YOU"
What is lhe greatest |not,tlnlen{ of love reeorded in hislnrv?
27Weoften come to the place where we know not Where is ~eeor(h,d lht. most lo’eing invllatloll it, tloh"
Writ? Menlion other similar expressions of the Lord and
which way to take. At such times we are to stand still state whal they mqfly. ¶ 14-16.
and see the salvation of the Lord. But in the mean- What are seine of lhe _Lold+s ins|rut.linns covering the
time we shouhl not cease to seek for wisdom, as the Christian’s dtiily Ill’,,? Shouhl lhe Christian I)e |’till of
care? Should b(, t)o c,troless? tlow shouhl we regard our
apostle says: "If any of you lack wisdom,let him ask of daily avocqtions? ¶ 17-1(,).
God, that giveth to all menhberally, and upbraideth not ; Wh’,t is the lesson of llebre.ws 12:1-87 What should be
our chief concern ? ¶ 21), 21.
and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) Jesus’ own How will our appreciation .f lho Lord’s love for us manifest
words to us, as recorded in Luke 11 : 9-13, give us fur- itself? If we are incapacitated for service, what does lh,2
ther encouragement: "And I say unto you, Ask, and it Lord expect ot us? Are there ways in which everyone
nmy advance the interests of the kingdom? How? ¶ 22-2-t.
shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock Wh~:t benefit do we get from St. I’aul’s severe experiences?
and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that How nmy we overcome mental depression? ¶ 25, 26.
Will all our prqyers for guidance be answered? What are
asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to the requirements? ¶ 27.
him that knocketh it shall be opened .... If ve then, What is one of the things the adversary would have us
believe? Mention some of the Lord’s special assurances
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your of his love for us. ¶ 28.
0 wonderful story of deathless love! L.gt all who are sad take heart again :
Each child is dear to that heart above. We are not alone in our hours of pain.
He tights for me when I cannot fight; Our Father stoops from his throne above,
He comforts me in the gloom of night ; To soothe and quiet us with his love.
He lifts the burden, for he is strong. He leaxes us not when the storm is high,
He stills the sigh and awakens the song; And we ha~e safety; for he is !fi~’h.
Th~ sorrow that bore me down he bears, Can that be trouble, which he doth share?
.¢a,.d loves and pardon~, because he cures. Oh, rest in peace; for the Lord doth care.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR NOVEMBER 4 TEXTFORNOVEMBER ll
"’Thou hast . . . </irded me with fladness.’" "’In Ms temple doth everyene spe(dc of his glory."
--l~salm 30: 11. --Psalm 29: 9.
"’Hereb~I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offe,nse toward Godand melt aheays.’"-- Acts 24: 16,
A.S.V.
N THEmorning after the riotous commotion the
O chief captain Lvsias ordered the Jews to accuse
Patti formally, a~’~d the council was set and
complimentary words to Felix, and then denied all the
accusations and any possibility of proof. But he’gladly
admitted that he worshiped God in the way these men
charged him. Paul in responding had no sooner de- said was heresy. He said that he sought to worship God
clared his sincerity, saying that he had ever sought to according to the law and the prophets, and that he was
serve God in all good conscience, than the high priest a believer in the rcsun’eetion of the dead, both of the
commandedthat he be smitten on the mouth. Paul in- just and the unjust, and that he had always sought to
dignantly said: "God shall smite thee, thou whited have a conscience void of offence toward God and
wall." (Acts 23 : 3) This aroused much"righteous" in- toward men. (Acts 24: 12-16) Ignoring the statements
dignation in the crowd, and Paul was rebuked for speak- of his accusers voiced bv their spokesmanTertnllus, who
ing thus to the high priest. Paul made no apology, but was, of course, paid to express them, that he was a
intimated he would not have spoken so if he had known mischief-makerand a moverof sedition with evil intent,
the man was the high priest. Perhaps Paul could not he gave the simple reason why he was in the temple. He
see very well; in any ease such a commandwas not to declared that these men had proved nothing, that if
be expected from one in such an office; and no doubt they knew anything they ought to have had witnesses
Paul intended to conveythis in his reply. present, and that there was nothing of which these men
s No doubt the Pharisees showed that they were not could accuse him except perhaps in this that by the
specially displeased by the incident, as if such conduct simple statement that he was a believer in the resurrec-
could be expected only from a high priest who was a tion of the dead (Acts 24: 21) he had thrown these
Sadducee. Paul saw that they were divided, and he "righteous" men into a desperate quarrel amongthem-
threw a bombinto the court: He cried out that he was selves, causing themto fight each other.
a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee, and that it was Felix, who had a Jewish wife, well understood the
because he had a hope in the resurrection he was ealled situation, l{e saw that Paul’s accusers were moved
into question. As the Pharisees hated the Sadducees neither by love for God,nor for the temple, but by hate,
almost as much as they hated Paul, this reminder of because in upholding the truth of the Scriptures, Paul
the fact that he was an opponent of the Sadducees had proved their hypocrisy, and because they saw in him
roused their partiality. Party cries arose, the court was one whose teachings were dangerous to their position.
thrown into confusion, and Paul had to be rescued from Felix said that he would confer with Lysias, the chief
this rabble of wild religious leaders.--Aets 23: 10. captain; and he dismissed the court. He commanded
a That night the Lord appeared to Paul and told him that Paul should be detained, but that he was to have
that as he had testified in Jerusalem so he must in Rome. considerable liberty, and his acquaintances to have free
As Paul had never preached the gospel in Jerusalem he access to come to him and to minister to him.
would understand this to mean he would have to testify 6 After some time when Felix mid his wife Drusilla
in Romewhile in bonds. On the following day a con- were again come to Ctesarea, they together listened to
spiracy was formed by forty Jews to kill Paul. He was Paul. As Paul reasoned of righteousness, self-restraint,
told of this by a nephew, and in turn he told the chief and judgment to come, Felix was much moved. IIe dis-
captain, who had Paul removed at once to the Itoman missed Paul. saying that he would see him again at a
headquarters in C~esarea. This meant that Paul’s ac- more coltvenient season. But though he was thus moved,
cusers must go there to accuse him; and this they did, he kept Paul in prison, hoping that Paul’s friends whom
taking with them an orator named Tertullus. This man he had allowed to minister to him would bring Paul
opened his st--.~eeh by some complimentary words to money to buy his freedom. Many a time he sent for
Felix, the governor. Charging Paul, he said : ’This man Paul, hoping for money; but Paul had no money for
is a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition all over such a purpose, and his imprisonment in Cmsarealasted
the world, a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; and two years. (Acts 24: 27) At the end of that period
that he had purposed to profane the temple. Wetook Felix was removed; and this governor who had trembled
him and would have judged him according to our own at Paul’s message showed his meanness of spirit by
law; but your chief captain took him h’om us by much leaving Paul bound, because he desired to show the Jews
force, and in this wayforced the matter on the governor, a favor. He had trembled at the thought of judgment
whc.se time might well have been spared.’ to come; but he cared more for the ease and conveniences
’The chwfs assented to this string of pem-crsions. of the present life than for righteousness and truth, or
Then Paul was allowed to speak. He also spoke some for his obligation to God.
300
50l
OCTOBER], 1325
WATCH TOWER
7 The fact that’ tile sect of the Saddueees occupied the salvation. But the Fundamentalist is involved in the
hig’h places o:f power in Jerusalem and in Ju, taism all tradition of his fathers, as the Pharisee was in the tra(h-
the time of our Lord’s mini.st,ry and during the early tions of his. And the Fundamentalist is more hitterJy
work of the church is important to any study of those opposed to the truth now being revealed concerning tke
times. These men were openly avowed unbelievers in estalflishment of the kingdom than the Modernist is.
thcir Seriptm’es, except indeed in those Portions which ~2 The Saddueees’ anger coneerning Jesus and Pm:l
suited them and whieh enahled them to gain and retain was ehietly because wlmt these preached challenged their
office and such privileges and profits as accrued to them Position as hol4ing power. The Pharisees were filled
by lleing in power. They aceepted the law of Moses and with bitterness against Jesus and Paul because what they
the ceremonies attached to the saerifiees; and they re- preaehed challenged tile position of the Pharisees as
tained the tradition of the dark ages of the Jewish religious leaders and teachers.
church, those times during which the traditions of their la The Fundanmntalists of today have much zeal
fathers were written, and which had beeome fastened toward God and the Bible, but are as far away from the
upon their 8ael~d Scriptures. real truth as were the Pharisees of Jesus’ day ; and they
8 The Pharisees held to the law of Moses and to the have shown more bitterness to the messengers of the
ceremonies, but wm,e great sticklers for the tradition of proclamation of the present establishment of the king-
their fathers. Thev had allowed their fathers to interpret dom of hea.ven than have the modern Sadducees. TLo
the prophecies and to becloud the plain meaning of Funda’mentalist absolutely refuses to believe in a resurrec-
certain laws by complex and sometimes ridiculous a& tion of the unjust which shall give those who have died
ditions; and as their teachers had differed so much they without knowledge of God an opportunity of coming to
were without any certain teaching. None spoke with him. under any eireumstanees.
authority (Compare Mark 1:22.) ; henee the surprise ~* Pant knew that the fact of an actual resurrection
the people when ,Jesus addressed tMm in simple terms of all men was the crueial factor. The Saddueees ah-
and with knowledge. solutsdy denied it. The Pharisees aeeepted it, but vitiate,l
.a The Saddueees were proud of their independenee of the purpose. So today it is the Fundamentalist, the
thought. The Pharisees were proud of their righteous- modern Pharisee, who will declare that there is to b:;
hess in adheren~ to the Word of God. The Saddueees a judgment when all will have to come before God ; bu~
were hypocrites in professing to serve God, when frankly he vitiates the Word of God inasnmch as he has no place
they discarded his Word, and therefore proved that they for the fact that the Scriptures declare the conquest not
cared nothing for him. The Pharisees were hypocrites in only of death, but of sin, and that God is not honored
that they were openly righteous before men, but secretly unless by giving all men that opportunity of life in
were graspers after money and power. When truth was in resurrection which is dearly guaranteed in the ransom
question there was little to choose between the two. The he has provided for all men.
Pharisees and the Saddueees were equally desirous to
have Jesus crucified, and were equally desirous to have QUESTIONS FOR BEREANSTUDY
Paul put to death. What did Paul say that prompted the high priest to com-
=o It is not without meaning to us that these things mand that he be smitten in the mouth? ~Vlmt does Paul’s
answer suggest? ¶ 1.
are on record. The Saddueees have their counterpart in How did Paul take advantage of the situation, and what
~he Modernists of today; for the Modernists, like the was the result? ¶ 2.
In what way ,lid the Lord comfort Paul? How was Paul
Saddueees, are to all intents and purposes unbelievers saved from the conspiracy that lind been formed against
in the Word of God. Frankly they do not believe that him? What a(,eusations were ~rought against Paul? ~[ 3.
God by his holy spirit spoke to holy men of old. Nor How did Paul defend himself? What is the outstanding
part of his remarks? ~[ 4.
do they believe in the resurreetion of the dead. True, What did Felix discern in Paul’s accusers? What did Felix
they use the term when they must conduct a burial ser- do? Whnt was one of the objects of his khldness toward
vice ; but as for actual faith that God will raise the dead, Paul? Whatignoble thing (lid Felix do? ¶ 5, 6.
What position di(1 the Saddueees occupy, and what did they
they have none. Also tile fact that the Saddueees were believe? What was the difficulty with the Pharisees?
in the chief plaees of power and the religious officers in ¶7,8.
those days has its counterpart today; for, excepting in What was the difference in the pride of lhe Sa(ldn(,ees and
Pharisees? When the truth was in question, what was
the church of l{ome, it may be truly stated that the the difference betw(~en them? ¶ 9.
,~Iodernists hold tdm high places in the religious world. Whomdo the Saddneees typify? The Ph’u’isee, s? What i~
the deplorable condition of the M,)dernku~s and the Funda-
~ The Pharisees correspond quite closely in type to mentalists, religiously? Which cla,ss is the more pro-
the Fundamentalists of today. The Fundamentalists nounced against the truth? ¶ 10, 11.
hold to the Word of God, and accept if as being given by Why did the preaching of .Jesus and Paul anger the Sad-
dueees? Why did it embitter the Pharisees? Is zeal
God’s holy spirit. Manyof them are very well versed in for God and the Bible indicative lhat one is led of the
Bible knowledge and are lovers of the Word of God. holy spirit? ¶ 12, 13.
And many would stand by the Bible as the Word of What was Paul’s message respecting the resurrection?
Uponwhat is the Bible quite explicit? Whendo we honor
Godat all costs, so surely are they that it gives the word of God, in proclailning what truth? ¶ 14.
PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA
--.NOVE.~IBER29--ACTS 25 : 1 TO 26 : 32~
]PAUL ]S "RESTFUL A~ND U~-AFRAID--Y’AUL’ S ENT~IUSIASh[ ~IOVES HIS :HEARERS--TIlE I~ESUnRECTIOX AX OUTSTANDI-N’G
DOCTRINE.
hdd seen a light ahove-the 1)rightness of the sun, which ~0 Paul’s declaration that the realization of the hope of
smote lure and tho.-e with him to tlie ground, and’that Israel depended upon the resurrection of the dead is
he had heard a voice speaking to him ; that he had asked still true. ]f the dead are not raised, Abraham, lsaac,
who the Sl)~al~(’r was. and the answer was, "I am Je.-us, and Jacob cammt enter into their inheritance, and all
whonl thou persecuto~-t." the (lead of Israel wece lost to life and happiness. The
Then Paul told of what Jesus had said to him. and Sadducees met all this with frank unbelief, and if they
how he shouhl be vent to the Gentiles "to open their believed in the resurrection it was only in the sense tha~
( w%and to tttrn them from darkne~-s to light, and from a father was resurrected in his son. The resurrection of
1he power of Salan unto God. that they may receive the dead is the stumbling-bloek today. The plan of God
forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among th(uu which is bound uI) with resurrection; for he cannot fulfil his
are sanctified by faith tliat is ill me. Whereupon, 0 promise of restitution to mankind unless the dead come
king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly forth from the grave.--Acts 3 : 19-21.
vNon." (Acts 26 : 18, 19) tie continued by saving how 11 The Modernist does not believe in a resurrection.
lh’,t¢ from that day he had to small and great said none The Fundamentalist professes to do so; but he is the
other things than that which the prophets and Moses most ardent supporter of Satan’s original lie when Satan
had said should come, that the Jews’ Messiah shouhl .flatly denied God’s word and said that God did not tell the
suffer and be the first who should be raised from the truth about death. (Genesis 3 : 4, 5) The Fundamental-
(lead, and should show light unto the people anti to the ist is also a very ardent supporter of the heathen dogma
Gentiles. of man’s natural or inherent immortality. The resurrec-
T Festus could stand this no longer. Ife cried out: tion of the (lead, both the just and the unjust, is a fact
"Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learmng doth make of God’s plan to be realized in the establishment of the
thee mad." (Acts 26:24) Paul spoke kindly to him, kingdom of heaven. That kingdom is not only to set
and turning to King Agrippa said: "Believe~t thou the righteousness in the earth and to destroy the evil out of
prophets? I know that thou believest." Patti hehl the man by the revelation of God’s love; its purpose is to
court with his enthusiasm, and also by the spirit of the destroy all the enemies of God, and therefore sin and
l~ord that was upon him. But King Agrippa arose, its consequent death are to be destroyed. (1 Corinthians
and the company dispersed, and still they eouhi find no 15:54; Hebrews 2: 14) This means the eradication of
charge which could be laid against him, and King all evil and, therefore, that in all God’s fair creation
Agrippa also testified that lie might have been set at there will not be a single moral result of sin existent.
liberty if he had not appealed unto Cmsar. ]few beautiful the truth of the Word of God when freed
a Paul’s action in making an appeal to C~esar has been from the distortions of the doctrines of devils I It is of
questioned, as if he trusted to the worldly power rather heaven and earth in harmony, the ransomed human fam-
than to the care of the Lord. But Paul had no clear ily enjoying the blessings of God, glad to be brough~
alternative. If Festus had decided to give him his home after being lost from hinl.
freedom Paul would have taken it, though he knew his
enemies were waiting as hungry wolves seeking his life. QUESTIONS FOR BEREANSTUDY
When is it 1)robable that Luke wrote the Acts of tim
He would have trusted to the Lord and taken such Apostles? Howlong had Paul been iu prison m C’esareu ?
courses aa would have been open to him. But Festus (’ouhl the Jews prove their charges against Paul? Whqt
showed no intention to give him his liberty; and ap- dhl Paul do when asked of Festus jf tie wotthl go to
Jerusalem? ¶ 1,2.
parently what lay before Paul was further illegal im- What was Paul’s condition as to his environments outward
prisonment. As the Lord had told him he was to wit- and inward? Did he fear death at the hands of Nero?
hess in ]{ome in bonds, probably the thought that this What example did Paul set that we should tolhm-? ¶ 3.
Whatwas the obligation of Festus since Paut had ~tl)l)eale(I
was the Lord’s way for hint to go there occurred to him to Cmsar? Before whomdoes Paul now make hlb defense?
then. ¶4.
" The attitude of these rulers before whomPaul ap- What was the main point in Paul’s speech to King Agrii)l)a
What points did he ignore? ¶ 5.
peared is that of the same class today. With the ex- What (hd the Lord tell Paul about his going to the Gentiles?
ception of the Jews, whose hatred burned with fieree What is the message that Paul declared he had give.t
flame toward Paul and would have brought about his them? What effect (lid this have upon Festus? Howdid
Paul proceed ? ¶ 6, 7.
death had it not been restrained, Felix, Festus, and Should we question Paul’s wisdom in appealing to Cmsar?
King Agrippa were all moved by Paul, and each wouht ¶8.
have been pleased to give Paul his liberty. They saw When Felix, Festus and Agrippa were favorably moved
toward Paul to give him his liberty, why did they not do
his innocency and also the malignancy and hate of the so? What was the real thing that stood in the way? ¶ 9.
Jews. But these men, supposed to stand for right and Upon what is the hope of Israel dependent? Is the resur-
justice, cared nothing for these things, nor for the suf- rection of the dead still a stumbling-block today? ttow
manyDeople therefore believe Acts 3: 19-21? ¶ 10.
ferings of those who were the victims of their cupidity What hinders the Modernist from aeeepting a coming resur-
or indifference. They were time-servers, always seeking re(.tion as a fact? What hinders the Fundamentalist from
a comprehension of tile plan ~)f God? What is it that
their own interests. is going to set the world right on the resurrection? ¶ 11.
International Bible StudentsA sociation Classes
hcc~u~ and ~5¢.ud~ b~ Travclin~ Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER BROTRER G. R. POLLOCK
Clinton, Ia ............. Oct. 1:5 Ashtabula.t) ................... Oct. 20 Peck, Ida ........... ().~.I~: 22 Butte, Mont..................... No*:. 1
Dubuque,Ia .................... "’ 14 Buffalo, N. Y.................. " 21 Moscow,Id:’. .............. " 23 Helena, Mont................. " 2
~Vaukon, la ................. " 15 Albany,N. Y................... " 22 Spokane,W~..MI........... " 24, 25 Great Falls, Mont ......... -" 3
Dubuqne.Ia ..................... " 16 Boston, Ma~s, _ ........... " 2.3 Missoula, Merit: ........ " 27, 29 Virgelle, Mont................. " 4
Chirago,Ili ....................... " 1S Plynlouth, Mass. --r .......... Nov. 1 Pabh). Mont ............ " 2S Corral ~oukee, Mon, t ..... " 5, 6
Toledo,0 ......................... " 19 East Green.’,vich, lt: l ....... " 8 Deer Lodge, Merit ....... " 30 Tampieo,3lent ............... " 8
BROTHER V. C. RICE
BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Louisville, 0 ................ Oct. 16 Mausfield,0 ................. Oct. 25
Clinton, Ia ....................... Oct. 16 ~Vaukegan,Ill ................... Oct. 23 Canton, 0 ................. " 18 Galion,O..................... " 2~
Moline,Ill ...................... " 18 Zion, Ill ..................... "’ 25 Wooster, O ............ " 19 Marion,,O................... " 27
Rochelle,Ill ..................... " 19 Clinton, Ia .................. " 2;; Ashland, O ............. " " 2S
" 20 Cedar Rapids, Ia ........... " 27 2i Attica, O.....................
Ashton, Ill .................. Shelby,0 ..................... " 22 Tiffin, 0 ..................... " 21)
Clneago, Iil ................. " 2t Des Moines, la .............. " 28 " ’t 30
" 22 Omaha,Nebr. ............... " 29 Cresthne, O: .............. 23 Fostoria, 0 .................
Des Plaines, Iil ..............
BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
BROTIIER C. W. CUTFORTH Butler, Pa ......... Oct. 1S Sharon, Pa ................. Oct. 2fi
Athol, N. S ................ Oct. 7 Pictou, N. S ............ Oct. 22 EhvoodCity, i ::., ........ " 19 Greenville,, Pa ............ " 26
l~Ioneton, N. B ............ " 9, 11 Stellarton, N. S ..... 23 NewlCrightou. Pa .... " 20 Cambridge, Springs, Pa. " 27, 2"~
Amherst, N. S ........ " 13 Truth), N. S.. .: ...... " 25, 2,i NewCa~,te, t ,~ ....... " 21 Meadville. Pa ............. " 29
I-Iazelbrook, 1’. E I .... " 15 Ha:ifax, N. S .......... " 27, ~)
28 West Middles(x, l’a... 2’2 Oil City, Pa ................. " 3~
Charlottetown, l’.],].I.. " 16, 18 SmHh Rawdou, N. S .. ’" 2. Farrell, Pa ................ " 23 ’£itusvllle, Pa ............. Nov. :l.
St. Peter’s Bay, P.E.I. " 19, 20 Kentville, N. S ..... Oct. 30, Nov. 1
BROTIIER O. L. SULLIVAN
BROTIIER H. II. DINGUS Merrill, Wis ............. Oct. 13 Vulcan, Mirh ............ Oct. 2l
Burlington, ,Vt ........... Nov. 6 Wausau, Wis .......... " 15 Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. " 23
Erie, Pa......................... Oct. 15 Chntonville, Wis ......... " 16 Sault Ste. Maine, Can. "
Rochester, N. Y ............... " 16 Middlesex,Vt ............. " S "
Morrisville, Vt ......... " 9 Bonduel, ~Vis ............. " 18 Marquette, Mieh ....... 26
Rome,N. Y..................... " 18 Green Bay, Wis ......... " 19 Bruces Crossing, Mich. " 27
~Vatervliet, N. Y............... Nov. 1 St. Johnsbury, Vt ..... " 10, 11 " 98,
Newport,Vt ............... " 12 Marinette, Wis ........... " 20 Superior, Wis............... 29
Pown~al,Vt....................... " 4
Rutland,Vt ..................... " 5 "Wilder,Vt ................. " 13
BROTHER W. J. THORN
Benewah,Ida ............. Oct. 20 Cheney, Wash............. Oct. 2q
BROTHER A. D. ESHLEMAN Garfield, Wash..: .......... " 2l Colville, Wash............. " 29
E1 Reno, Okla ............. Oct. 18 Chiekasha, Okla ......... Oct. 26 Colfax, AVash............. " 22 Danville, Wash..... Oct. 30,.N0v.1
Mince,Okla ............... " 19 Hobart, Okla ............. " 27 Oakesdale, ~Va~h........ ~" 23 Chesaw, Wash........... Ngv. 4
Chiekasha, Okla ......... " 20 Roosevelt, Okia ......... " 28 Spokane., Wash ..... ::.. " 24, 25 Oroville, %Vash......... " 6
Walter, Okla ............... " 21 Blair, Okla................. " 29, 30 Coeur D’Alerm, Ida.’ " 27 "Wenatchee, Wash ..... " S
~tonehurg, Tex ........... " 22 Willow, Okla ............. Nov. 1
Cohmnehe,Okla ......... " 23, 25 Woodward,Okla ......... " 2
- BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
Arcadia,F]a ..................... Oct. 1S West Palm Beach, Fla.Oet. 26, 27
BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN Pinata Gorda. Fla ............. " 19 Key West, Fla ..... " 28, 29
Jefferson City, Mo ....... Oct. 27 "YVauehula,
]:’la ................. " 20 Miami, Fla ........... Oct. 30, Nd~:.I
St. Joseph, Mo........... Oct. 19, 20 Lakeland, Fla ................. " 21 Melbourne, Fla ......... Nov. 3
Independence, Me ..... " 21 Loose Creek, Me........... " 28
" " AvonPark........................ " 22 Titusville. Fla ......... " 4
P%anantIIill, Me....... 22 St. Louis, Me................. 29 " 25 Daytona, Fla ............. :’ 5
Freeman, Me ............. " 23 Terre Haute, hid ......... " 30 Moore Haven, Fla .........
Belton, Me................. " 24 Sullivan, Ind ................. Nov. 1
Kansas City, Me ......... " 25 Vincen.nes, Ind ............. " 8 BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN
Palestine, Tex ......... Oct. 18 Logansport.La ................. Oct. 26
Dialville, Tex........... " 19 Joaquin, Tex................... " 27
BROTHER M. C. HARBECK Rusk, Tex................. " 20 Celrter, Tex..................... " 2S
Sioux City, Ia ............. Oct. 14 Sutton, Nebr............... Oct. 22 Clawson,Tex ............. " 21 Beaumont,Tex................. " 29
~Vinside, Nebr ........... " 15 Lincoln, Nebr ......... " 23 Broaddus, Tex ......... " 22 Porz Arthur. ’Pex ............. " 30
Norfolk, Nebr. ............ " 16 Nebraska City, Nebr. " 25 Shreveport, La ......... " 23, 25 Beaumont,Tex ............... Nov. 1
Omaha,Nebr ............... " lS Kansas City, Me ......... " 26, 27
Bavenna, Nebr ........... " 19, 20 Independence. Me....... " 2q BROTHER J. C. WATT
Grand Island, Nebr ..... " 21 Jefferson City, Me ..... "’ 29, 30 Oct. 19 North Vallejo, Calif ..... Oct. 28
San Bruno, Calif ......
Eureka, Calif ......... " 21 St. ttelena, Calif ............. " 29
Upper Lake, Calif ..... " 22, 23 Richmond,Calif ............. " 30
BROTHER H. E. HAZLETT Heahlsburg, (’allt ...... ~ " 25 Oakland,Calit ................. Nov. 1
~leffersonville, Ind .... Oct. 16 Evansville, Ind ........... Oct. 25 Santa Rosa, Calif ..... " 26 Modesto,Caiif ................. " 2
Louisville, Ky ............. " 18 Washington, Ind ......... " 26 San Rafael, Calif ..... " 27’ Turlock, Calif ................. " 3
Brandenburg, Ky ....... " 39 Mongoinery, Ind ......... " 27
Magnet,Ind ............... " 20, 21 x u,cenne~s, Ind ........... " 28, 29
" 22 Sullivan, Ind ........... " 30 BROTHER J. B. WILLIAMS
Cannelton, Ind ...........
Boonville, Ind ........... " 23 Dugger, Ind ............... Nov. 1 Birch Run, Mieh ............. Oct. 16 Brightmoor, Mich ........... Oct. 23
Flint, Mich.................... " 18 Detroit, Mici~................ " 25
Charlotte, Mich............... " ]9 Port Huron,, Mich ........... " 26
BROTHER M. L. HERR Lansing, Mich ................. " 20 ~Vindsor, Ont ........... ;,"
Wiehita, Kans ............ Oct. l,q Douglass, Kans ......... Oct. 26 Sunfield, Mieh................. " 21 Ferndale, Mich................. 2~
Iiardtner, I(al~u ......... " 19, 20 Augusta, Karts ......... " 27 Plymouth,Mich ............... " 22 Royal Oak, Mieh ............. " 29
Anthony, Kaus ........ " 21 Ehlorado, Kans ......... " 28
Arkansas City, Kans. 22 Hutchinson, Kans ..... " 29 BROTHER L. F. ZINK
Winfield, Kans ........... " 23 Pratt, Kans .......... " 30
" Nov. Pittsburgh, Pa ................. Oct. 18 St. Louis, Me............. Oct. 25
Vtellington, Kans ....... 25 Preston, Karts ............. 1 Dennison,O..................... " 19 Lebanon, Me............. " 26
Indianapolis, Ind ............. " 20 Springfield, Me......... " 27,28
BROTIIER W. M. HERSEE Brazil, Ind ....................... " 2I Claremore, 0kla ...... " 29
Terre Haute, Ind ............. "" 22 Nowata, 0kla ....... Oct. 30, Nov. 1
Beamsville, 0nt ......... Oct. 14, I5 Simeoe, Ont ............... Oct. 25 " 23 Sallisaw, Okla ........... Nov. 2
" East St. Louis, Ill ............
St. Ca|harines, On, t.._ " 16, lS Courtland, Ont ...........
Ti]sonburg, Ont ......... "
27
~Velland, Ont ........... " 2I 28
Nmgara Falls, Ont ..... " 19, 20 Vien.na,Ont ................. " 29
Dunnville, Ont ......... " 22 Aylmer, Ont ............. " 30 BETHEL HYMNS FOR NOVEMBER
Port Dover, Ont ......... " 23 St. Thomas, Ont ....... Nov. 1
Sunday 1 305 8 225 15 161 22 282 ~9 3OO
Monday 2 89 9 224 16 276 23 182 30 75
BROTHER H. S. MURRAY 24 95
Oct. 19 Northport, Ala ........... Oct. 27 Tuesday 3 46 10 314 17 294
l~ell City, Ala ............. 25 307
13rompton,Ala ............. " 20 Montgomery, Ala ....... " 2S W(~lnesday 4 132 11 126 18 330
Lee,qs,Ala................... " 21 Selma,Ala ................. " 29 Trmrsday 5 111 12 93 19 185 26 17
Bessemer,Ala ............. " 22 Notasulga, Ala ............. " 3() 6 244 13 293 ~0 196 2’t" ]43
Columbus,,Ga. Aia ....... Nov. 1 Friday
Birmingham, Ala ......... " 23, 25 14 137 2i 258 28 81
~’usc~loosa, Ala ......... " 26 Union Springs, ..... " 2 Saturday ~J 149
..!...o-[
CONTENTS
CONVEt~T~O.~ S ........................................................ 307
SpringfieM........................................................ 30T
Indianapolis .................................................... 308
ServiceDay...................................................... 309
~iessage of Hope............................................ 310
Public Meeting................................................ 311
PAUL’S VO’ZAGZANDSIHPWRECK ........................ 312
PAULIN MELITAANDROMF~ ................................ 314
PAUL’S SU.MMARY OF }I1s LIFE ........................ 3i6
PRAYER-~[EETINGTEXT COMMENTS .................... 318
INTERESTING LETTERS ............................................ 319
NOTICEOF ANNUAL ~IEETING............................ 306
WORLD WITNESS .................................................. 306
SOUTHERN CONVENTION ..................................... 306
:- ,-,-.
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing.them for fear and for looklngto
the things coming upon the earth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pass,
know that the Kingdom of God ia at hand. Look up, IKt up your heads~ rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
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or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
world by the WATCHT0WEUBIBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered
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into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3:
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...ha8
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom* of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--I~phesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to tlie mill ef God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hail1 spoken--according to the divine wisdom grauted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
ior we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon tile sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service ; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the uphuihl.ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
zeaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
a line and marched before the microphone, each tak- lessons could be taken in mid-week and the first article
ing his or her turn to give testimony. The testimonies oll Sunday Bercan study.
sho;a’cd what great joy was in the hearts of the brethren,
particularly those who engaged in the service day work. MESSAGE OF ][lOPE
Many interesting testimonies were given, but space for- The outstanding feature of the convention was the
bids us here setting them out. adoption of a resolution under the title, "Message of
The baptismal discourse was delivered by Brother V. Hope." This was preceded by a discourse delivered by
Schmidt and .at the conclusion 125 symbolized their Brother Rutherford on the subject, "A Call to Action,"
covenant of sacrifice by water immersion. based on the prophecy o~ Isaiah 62: 10. At the conclu-
sion of the address the resolution was read. Upon motion
Sunday morning there was a consecration of the chil-
dren. A large number of these dear ones were brought duly put the convention unanimously, by rising vote,
by their parents, who in the presence of witnesses dedi- adopted the resolution. Wehere set it out in full:
cated them to the Lord. This is a happy thing to do for To ALL PEOPLES OF GOOD WILL :
the little" ones. It means that the parents, who them- The International BibleStudents in generalconvention
selves belong to the Lord, are saying to the Lord, "This assembled sendgreetings:
child is thine because I am thine; all I have is thine; When in the courseof humanaffairsthe nationshave
reached a condition of extremity it is due timethatthe
and now do for my child, please, what I cannot do." peoples giveconsideration to the inducing causes, to the
It places upon the parents a responsibility and a keener proffered remedies and £o thetrue remedy.We humblyin-
viteconsideration of thismessage, to theendthatthepeo-
appreciation of that responsibility than before. The plesmightfindconsolation therein andhopefortheirfuture
parents now realize that the instruction of the child in welfare.
matters pertaining to the kingdom is an obligation which Forcenturies manhasbeenthevictimof oppression, war,
famine,sickness, sorrowand death.At all timeshe has
they have voluntarily taken upon themselves and which desired peace,prosperity, health,life,liberty andhappiness.
should be performed. Worldpowers,scienceand philosophy, commerce and re-
ligionhav~eachin turnoffered itsrespective remedies for
The consecration service was followed by a question man’srelief. In thenameandundertheguiseof democracy,
meeting conducted by the President of the SOCIETY. these combine in offering their joint and several powers to
Many interesting questions were propounded. These meet the requirements of man. Together they claim to be
the sunlight of the world, holding forth all the light that
showed a deep study of the Scriptures by the major shines to enlighten and guide the human race.
portion of the brethren. Amongst other questions this Intrigme, duplicity and trickery are freely resorted to by
one was asked : "Is it more important to use the Sunday the political and commercial powers; science and philosophy
are marked by vanity and self-sufficiency; while the re-
School lesson as a Berean study or to use the first article ligionists, both Catholic and Protestant, are conspicuous
in THE WATCHTOWERas a Berean study?" Instead by their arrogance, self-conceit, impiety and ungodliness.
Therefore, it is apparent that the remedies offered by any
of answering this question directly Brother Rutherford and all of tlmse aforementioned elements are vain, impotent
said to the audience that long ago the Sunday School and powerless to satisfy man’s desire.
lessons were taken up and treated by Brother Russell be- Catholicism claims and assumes that which justly be-
longs exclusively to God. Modernists deny God, deny His
cause they were selected by the International Con~mittee Wordand His plan of redemption, and offer blind force as a
and were not treated according to the truth, and that it remedy for man’s undone c~ndition. Fundamentalists, while
was thought well for TItE WATCHTOWERtO treat the professing to believe the Bible, by their course of action deny
the same. They teach false and God dishonoring doctrines,
subject according to the truth; but that these lessons and together with Catholics and Modernists are allied with
do not always furnish meat in due season. But as to the the political and commercial powers of the world in bias-
phemously claiming the ability to establish God’s kingdom
first article in THE WATCH TOWERan endeavor is made on earth. All of these have combined under Satan theil*
to treat such matters as are of particular importance at superlord to push God into a corner and to dishonor his
the time. name.
The results are that the peoples are smarting under tho
The audience was then asked to express its view as to oppressive weight of commercial profiteers and their allies,
what it thought as to the relative importance of the Sunday lmve lost faith in their political leaders, and no longer have
respect for the religionists who have misled them. Being
School lesson or the leading article. One person voted guided by the false light of such an ungodly and unholy
for the Sunday School lessons, and all the others voted in alliance, the peoples have fallen into darkness. They are
favor of the first article in T]tE WATCH TOWEI~.NOone like lost sheep scattered upon the mountain tops without
a shepherd, and are without food and shelter and are made
should take this to mean that the Sunday School lesson the prey of wild beasts.
should not be studied. The fact that THE WATCl< The causes for this dep!orable condition are that man by
reason of original sin fell from perfection; and that Satan
TOWERpublishes a comment of the Sunday School les- the enemyof Godand all righteousness is the invisible ruler
son is proof that it is deemedimportant and that all these or god of this evil world, and by his various agencies has
turned the minds of many peoples away from God and from
comments are helpful and edifying to those that study His truth.
them. TI~e WATCI~TOWERwould therefore recommend The greatest crisis of the ages is impending and about
to fail; because the old world has ended and Satan’s lease
that where the class can provide for two Berean studies, of power is done. Knowingthis, and that his time is short,
one of these have the Sunday School lesson and the the Devil is trying to overwhelm the peoples with a great
flood of false and deceptive doctrines and to turn their minds
other the leading article. Probably the Sunday School completely away from Jehovah. The time has come for
OCTOBER 15. 1925
WATCH TOWER 311
God to make for himself a name In the earth and for the Service directors should begin at once to apportion the
peoples to knowthe truth concerning the divine plan, which
is the otlly meansof salvation for the world. territory and assign various members of the classes to
Therefore, in tile name and in the spirit of tile Lord, the their respective territories, and let everyone of the con-
Standard of God’s truth and righteousness is lifted here secrated be ready to partmipate in the distribution on
up against the enemy and for the benefit of the peoples, this date.
which standard is to wit:
That Jehovah is the only true God, the ?,lost High, the The triends were greatly cheered by this resolution.
Ahnighty, the Author and Finisher of his great plan for As it states, it is addressed to all people of good will,
tile salvation of man, and is the Rewarderof :ill that dili- and points out te them that the standards lifted up by
gently seek and obey him; that the Bible is his revealed
’Word of Truth; that his beloved Son Christ Jesus is the the ecclesiastical systems and other organizations of the
Redeemer and Deliverer of mankind and, true to his prom- world are wholly unsatisfactory and that the standard
ise, lms cometo rule and bless tile peoples; 1lint the present
turmoil, distress and perplexity of the nations is m fun of the Lord, namely, his message of truth, is the rally-
fihnent of I)rophecy, proving that Satan’s empire is breaking ing point for the people and will lead them into the w@s
down and that the Lord of Righteousness is taking po~sgs- of life and happiness. It is to be hoped that
sion; that the Lord Jesus Christ is now establishing liis
righteous govermnent, and will sweep away Satan’s strong- this resolution will be distributed with much joy to
bold of lies, lead the peot)les into the true light, and judge those who participate in it and that it will bring bless-
tile world in righteousness and the peoples with his truth; ings to others.
and that his kingdoin of righteousness is the only
remedy for the ills of humankind. PUBL1C MEETING
Weconfidently appeal to tim peoples to rally to the divine
standard of truth thus lifted up, and thereby learn the way Ou Sunday afternoon the President of the SOCIETY"
that leads to life and happiness. We call upon all 1he addressed the public. ])receding this address Brother
peoples of good will of every nation, kindred and tongue,
to discard the errors invented by tile enemy Satnn, and for Martin, acting chairman of the convention, read the
many years taught hy man, and to receive and believe the resolutlon that had been adopted; and the public ad-
divine plan for salvation as set forth in the Scriptures. dress was given in support of the resolution. This public
God’s kingdom, for which the peoples have long prayed, is
at hand. It alone can and will establisil and stabilize tile address will be published in full in Tt[E GOLDEN AGE.
world so that it cannot be moved. Its ensig~n of righleous- The ~mdience received this address with unusual atten-
ness is the standard now lifted up for the people. Christ tion; and at the conclusion every person in the great
Jesus, as glorified King and great executive officer of Je-
hovah Go(l, has nowbecomethe rig~htful ruler of the world. aud~t,)rium by standing indicated his desire to see es-
Let the peoples reeeive, believe and obey him and his laws tabhshed a kingdom which will bring about the blessing
of righteousness. AII who so do are certain to receive the that ha(1 been mentioned, and which is a part of the
blessings of peace, prosperity, health, life, liberty and
eternal happiness. divine ptan as reveaied in the Scriptures. More than
~00 volumes were sold at the conclusion of the public
Whena standard is lifted for an army it is customary meeting and many expressions of approval were heard.
to sound the trumpet to attract the army to the rallv- The Indianapolis Ster carried a full report of the pub-
ing point. Under the jubilee arrangement that God lic discourse and the resolution in its issue of 5{end v
made with Israel the year of jubil~ opened with the August 31 st.
sounding of the trumpet. We know that we are in the Sunday evening the convention was addressed by
time of the antitypical jubilee. Whether we have the Brother Van Amburgh. Following this, Brother Ruth-
exact date correct or not is not the material thing. It erford made a few rmnarks and bade the convention
s4ems to please the Lord that a message of hope and goodniaht. ]t was a sweet and blessed occasion with that
reconstruction should be given to the people at this great audience standing and together singing, "God
time. The people of God must give this message be- be with you till we meet again," and at the conclud-
cause they are the anointed ones of him to declare his ing verse giving the Chantauqua salute ; and it impressed
name. It seems appropriate therefore that the trumpet one with the sweet unity of those who are in the Lord.
should be sounded by the Lord’s people throughout the The joy of the Lord was clearly manifest upon every
land on a day certain. countenance. Many of them shed tears of joy. The
A trumpet is a symbol of a message. The message commltion concluded on Monday by an address by
to be delivered to the people now is one of hope. Satur- Brother Houston, and then the friends began their
day, October 31st, is a day of peculiar interest to the journey homeward.
chm’ch. It is appropriately a sabbath day according to This convention will long live in the memory of the
the Law. It is calculated that by persistent and energetic consecrated. Indeed, it will be one of the green spots
action on the part of our force this "Message", along the journey the church is making, and doubtless iu
in the form of a tract, can be prepared and in the the ages to come those who are so fortunate as to be o_
hands of all the classes in the United States, Canada and the kingdom will took back to this convention as being
Great Britain a few days before October 31st. We there- one of the stepping-stones that helped them along the
fore call upon the brethren everywhere to prepare to be- way of the Lord. The joy of the Lord now in their
gin on Saturday, October 31st, to distribute this tract: hearts will increase until standing in his holy presence ;
Shipments will be made to each class as the tracts come and by his blessed side these wiI1 realize fulness of joy
off the press. and pleasures forevermore.
PAUL’S VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK
DECE~IBER G--ACTS 27 : 1-41~
PAUL’S ADVICE NOT TAKEN--ALL SAVED THROUGH PAUL’S INTERCESSION--GOD’S PROVIDENCE OVER HIS PEgPLE.
Willow,0kla ................... Nov. 1 Shattuck, Okla ............. Nov. 10 Danville, Wash................. Nov. 1 Lewiston, Ida ............ Nov. 11
Woodward,Okla ............... " 2 Follett, Tex................... " 11 Chesaw,IVash..................... " 4 Peek,Ida ....................... " 12, ]3
Taiban, N. Mex................. " 4 Arnett, Okla ................. " 12, 13 Oroville, Wash................... " 6 Moscow,Ida .................. " 15
Arch, N. Mex..................... " 5, 6 Shattuek, Okla ............. " 15 IVenatchee, Wash............. " 8 Pine City, 1Vash........... " 16, 18
Hereford, Tex................... " 8 Mooretand, 0kla ........... " 16, 17 ~oap Lake, Wash............... " 9 Ewan,Wash~. ................. " 17
P~mapa,Tex....................... " 9 Alva, Okla..................... " 1~, 19 Spokane,Wash................... " 10 Colfax, Wash................. " 19
CONTENTS
ACALL TOACTION ............................................... 323
Gate
.................................................................... 323
Dishonorin~ God.............................................. 324
Modernist~ .......................................................... 324
Fundamentalists ................................................ 324
Jehovah Hears .................................................... 325
i%{uch to DoYet.............................................. 325
Prepare the Way .............................................. 326
TheLight ............................................................ 326
FROM ATHENS TOROME ....................................... 328
PRAYER-~IEETING TEXT COMMENTS ..................... 330
][NTERESTING LETTERS ............................................ 332
PRICELIST.............................................................. 334
WORLDWITNESS .................................................... 322
tq Will stand upon my watch and will set my foot
.:j..’’ ~pon the Tower, and will watch to see what He will
say unto ~e, and what answer I shall makv to tlfe~
that opposv me."--Habakku~ $: 1.
THIS JOURNALAND ITS SACREDMISSION
THISpresented
journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
in all parts of the civilized world by the WATC}~TOWER
or "Seminary Extension",
BIBLE & TRACTSOCIETY, chartered A.D. 1884, "For the ~ro-
now being
motion of Clirislian Knowledge". It not dhly serves as a ela~s room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIESmost entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit tile only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 :
15 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its fnrther mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God .... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the 1.nanifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--I~phesians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon ~he sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
~ervice ; hence ottr decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns mus~ be according to our judgment of his
good Ifleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuihl4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only imute but urge our
~eaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
RADIO PROGRAMS
IF I BSA.BEaeAN
BIBLESTUDIES)theThe following
k]ll~’(10~l~
stations are now broadcastir:g the message of
13yMeansoF "The At.one-ment" ~VIIIIR. New York City, 272.0 meters, Sun., Men., Thurs., Sat.
\Veal), Batavia, Ill., 275 meters, daily.
CHUC, Saskatoon, Sask.. 3;10 meters, Sun., Tue., Thursday.
STUDY XIV: TIIE NI.~CESSITY FOR THE ATONEMENT KTCL, Seattle, \Vash., 305.9 meters, Sunday, 9 to 10 p. m.
I
Week of Dec. 6...Q. 10-14 Week of Dec. 20...Q. 20-24
CONVENTIONSTO BE ADDRESSER BY BROTHE~" RUTHERFORD
’2V/ek of Dee. 13...Q. 1219.9.9.9 ~,Ve:k of Dee. 27...Q. 25-3I Buffalo, N. Y. November 15. It. A. O’Br%’n, 119 Riley St.
A CALL TO ACTION
"Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the
stones; lift up a standard for the people."--Isaiah 62: 10.
T SEEMS¢o please the Lord from time to time to but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gatc~
I show his people what he desires them to do. IIis Praise. The sun shall be no more thy light by day;
promise is: "The path of the just is as the shining neither for brightness shatl the moongive light unto
light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." thee: bug the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting
(Proverbs 4: 18) This promise he is fulfilling to his light, and thy Godthy glory."--Isaiah 60 : 18, 19.
people. Surely this increased light is not merely for the G The temple class has entered into the joy of the
purpose of permitting the saints to bask in its beauty Lord; and from this time forward they that press the
and feast upon its radiance, but it is also to showthem fight positively and with vigor, in the nameand in the
what the Lord would llave them do, that his great strength eL the Lord, shah overcomeand gain the laurels
name may be honored. of eternal victory. Nowthese hear the commandsof the
2 Whenfirst we knew the Lord our chief thought was Lord and his commandsare sweet music to their ears.
that some sweet day we would go to heaven and there Amongthese heart-cheering commandsare the words
spend eternity in bliss. That hope has not been dimmed, of God’s prophet Isaiah: "Go through, go through the
but we find also there is something further to do before gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast
the last members enter into the realms of boundless up the highway; gather out the stones ; lift up a standard
rapture. God has called his people for a purpose, which for the people."--Isaiah 62 : 10.
is to show forth his praises. One of the ways of doing
so is joyfully to be his witnesses. GATE
a The church, by virtue of its Head, is a part of the 7 A gate is a means of passage or a way through and
great !Xielchizedek priesthood, which is the executive of- into the wall of a city. A city symbolizes a government.
fleer of the Most High to carry out his purposes. Faith- The birth of the nation has taken place, which is that
fulness nowin the performance of duty gives assurance government that shall rest upon the shoulder of the
that in the ages to eome these saints shall be the re- Prince of Peace. It is the kingdom for which the Fee-
cipients of the exceeding riches of God’s grace through ple have groaned and travailed for lo, these manycen-
Jesus Christ, their Head. turies. Before it is fully mademanifest, the Devil Will
4 In the past it has been the thought of some Chris- makehis last desperate fight to hold his power over the
tians that our course is fo be negative or non-resistant ; people and to turn their minds away from the true God
but now as we step into the open rays of the light of a and from his kingdom under the beloved Messiah.
new day we see that there is muchfor the church to do. s Of course it is the temple class, those whohave en-
Zion is God’s organization. Out from her is born the tered into the joy of the Lord, whosee the first evidence
nation, of which Jesus is the Head, and which shall of the birth of the nation of righteousness. By faith, and
rule and bless the peoples of earth. Her children shall by the fulfilment of prophecy which we call the physical
be the teeming millions which in God’s due time shall facts, they see it; and their hearts are thrilled with
fill the earth with peace. gladness. To such the Lord gives now the command:
The time has come for the establishment of Zion, "Go through, go through the gates." By this we under-
whell she shall take her position of authority and glory stand him to mean: Take the lead, and as witnesses
for ever. Satan is east out of heaven and is now con- for the Lord by your actions show the people the way
fining his wicked works to the earth, makinga desperate that leads into the kingdomof peace, life and happiness.
attempt to destroy those whokeep the commandments of 9 God has been developing his church for manyyears.
God and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ. But Nowthis development work is about done. The time
those saints who dwell in the secret place of the Most has come for God to make for himself a name ; and to
High realize their security from all harm. To Zion the his saints he says: "Ye are mywitnesses, . . . that I
mighty Godnow says : "Violence shall no more be heard am God." It may seem strange to some that it should
in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; be necessary to give a witness to the fact that Jehovahia
324 WATCH TOWER
God; but whentile facts as they exL-t are ~eighed, it is MODERNISTS
seen that during the many centuries past the name of ~4 The Modernist’s campis led by evolutionists, scien-
Jehovah has been pushed into a corner even by those who tists, and philosophers so-called. They elaim that their
claim to be his representatives. These false representa- wisdomis far superior to that expressed by devout and
tives of the Lord have united with other instruments of holy men of old who wrote as they were movedupon by
the enemyto dishonor the name of Jehovah and to drive the invisible power of Jehovah God. With an expressed
back the true saints. contempt for the Bible these self-constituted wise men
DISHONORING GOD arrogate to themselves knowledge and wisdom eoneern-
i0 From Eden till now it has been the purpose of ing the creation of man that sets at nought the author-
Satan to dishonor God’s holy name and draw the peo- itative wordsof the all-wise Creator of heaven and earth.
ple away from him. Divels and numerous instruments ~53Iodernists dishonor God by denying his Word,
of his have been used for this purpose. For a long while denying the neeessity for a t{edeemer of man, and deny-
the Catholic system has been dishonoring God’s name ing the blood of Jesus Chri,-t; which is the purchase
by the false doctrines it has taught and still teaches. price of the world. This is the class of monleading in
The enemy Satan, through this system, bnilded up a the organization which claims to be the Christian
counterfeit of the church of God. That system heralds church. What inconsistency, what mockery! W.e will not
to the world that St. Peter is the fonndation of the dignify their God-dishonoringdoctrines by entering into
church; that the popes of Romeare his duly and divine- a discussion of them.
ly constituted successors; that these in turn are the
vieegerents of Christ Jesus on earth, with supreme FUNDAMENTALISTS
power and authority to act in the church m~dover the ~G The Fm~damentalists, another wing of the so-called
affairs of men. It has claimed for itself the power and Protestant church, dishonor Godby teaching that there
authority which be]ong exclusively to God. It has is no death, that those who seem to die are more alive
taught the false doctrines of the mass, purgatory, eternal after death than before, tha~ all menare inherently im-
torment, the trinity and the divine right of earthly kings mortal, thus joining Satan the enemyin his first lie,
to rule. It has gladly taken into its system the unright- by which he would make God a liar. They teach tha~
eous commercial giants and the political mountebanks, Jehovah, instead of being a Godof lov G is a fiend who
and has made them a part of the mystery of iniquity, has provided a lake of fire and brimstone wherein with
which it denominates as the church of Christ. ghoulish glee he will torment unfortunate souls through
*~ It has dishonored God by teaching that a womaPis all eternity with no hope of relief. And while posing
his mother, aud has taught the people to pray to that before the people as believers in the kingdom of God,
woman,assuming that she can forgive sins. It teaches and with pious faees praying for its coming, they open-
that manypersons are consciously suffering in purgatory, ly and presumptuously declare that by their own efforts
and thM moneymay be paid to priests to pray such out they will establish the kingdomof God on earth.
of purgatory and to relieve them from their sufferi:~gs. ~T Fun(lamel~ta!ists willingly join hands with ~Iod-
They have made the so-called Christianity a stench in eraists, Catholics, Christian Scientist<, spiritists, prof-
tha nostrils of many honest men. This is not the only iteers and politicians in a presumptuousattempt to foist
instrmnent, however, that the enemy has used and is upon the people a world power under the title of the
using. League of Nations, which they hail and proclaim as the
~2 r l,he Protestants arose and with honest and fearles’s political expression of God’s kingdom on earth. They
leaders, as instruments of the Lord, struck a terrific further dishonor Godby denying his plan for the restora-
blow to the Catholic system. Soon, however, the Prot- tion of the people under the r.,igu of Messiah, and per-
estant system fell to the wiles and blandishments of seeute the humble followers of Jesus who dare deelare
Satan, the enemy. She has followed in the footsteps oe his messageof truth.
her unclean and sullied mother. Nowshe is an ism with- ,s WhenSatan the enemy has planted murder in the
out a protest against the unrighteous things of Cathol- hearts of the leaders of ±he nations, and these nations
icism. ,~[other and daught,~r par~rde hand in hand up movedby the evil inlluenee of Satan have gone to was’,
and down the earth as the in~-truments of the enemy, the clergy of all the systems, contrary to the Wordof
seeking whomthey may devour. him whomthey claim to represent, urge the people into
~a Greedy for power and influenee, with open arms the battle of fire and blood, and pray God’sblessing upon
I’rotestantism, the unfaithful daughter, has welcomed each of the warring factions while they destroy one
into her bosomthe so-called scientists and philosophers. another. Thus again they dishonor God.
These evil seeds thus planted amongst her have grown ~9 Satan the enemy, in furtherance of his scheme to
into a mighty stalk and the whole syslem dishonors God. blind the people and turn them away from God, brings
Today she is divided into warring camps, and she re- in the blighting heresies of spiritism, theosophy,. Chris-
sorts to the courts (d the enemy’sorganization upon the tian Seienee, NewThought so-ealled, and other like
pretext of defending the Bible. iraudulent teachings, l~Iany of the representatives of
325
WATCH TOWER
Satan, the enemy, teach that there is no Devil, others means that tlm saints must jcyrully and with praise of
deeeive them~qves and the people by teaching that the Jehovah point the people to the way that leads to his
Devil is bound, while still others are lulled to sleep kingdomand its attending blessings.
both morally and spiritually and fail and refuse to lift
THE STANDARD
their voices against his great onslaught of falsehoods.
2o In these closing years of the age, fraught with 24 The commandto "lift up the standard" of God
tremendous results, the enemy Satan comet like a flood must be obeyed. Those who have the spirit of the Lord
into the earth to destroy all faith in Godand to turn the will with joyful heart respond to the commandand
people into darkness. Truly we art in a time when dark- moveinto action. It is a call for action. Let no one who
ness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. At has the spirit of the Lord nowslack his hand. Let the
the same time the light of the Lord Jehovah shines into standard be lifted up to the people. A standard is an
the faces of his saints with ever inereasing brilliancy. ensign raised up for the people and to serve as a guide.
The forces of evil and the forees of righteousness rapidly World powers, commercial giants, scientists, phil-
take their respective places in the great and final eon- osophers, and ecclesiastics, all have put up their re-
flier. While the leaders of the various systems, as the spective standards. By these the enemySatan hopes to
representatives of the evil one, are erying aloud their so confuse the people and confound them that they will
false doetrines, the people are in confusion. all in disgust turn away from Jehovah Godand deny his
’-’x Behcht the people seatt:,red like a flock of sheep holy name. This has been the actual result of the sys-
upon the mountain tops with no shepherd in whomthey tems that hold up their standards. The cries of the
can trust. (Zedmriah 10 : 2, 3) The self-constituted people have come up to god and he has commandedthat
shepherds have bz~.en unfaithful to their charge. They another standard shall be raised.
=5 The standard.that the spirit of the Lord now eom-
have fed themselves and grown fat and let the flock of
God starve. Millions of people of good-will now wander man&to be lifted up is the standard of truth. It is the
about in darkness, not knowingwhich way to turn. They truth that satisfies, it is the truth alone that will open
are the victims oE overtaxation for the support of a part the eyes of the people and the truth will makethemfree.
of the Devil’s organization. Theyare smarting under The standard of the Lord serves as a twofold purpose ; to
the lash of the conscienceless politicians, while being wit, to mark the rallying point for the people and to de-
robbedby the profiteers and blinded by the false and eon- fiv.e the wayof righteousness and holiness through which
fusing teachings of the clergy. the people must pass in order to be the recipients of the
22 The politicians and the profiteers, the scientists and ble Angs which Godhas reserved for them that obey him.
the philosophers, the Catholic and the Protestant elergy ’: Somewouhl now dishonor the Lord by saying that
and their allies, all as instrumm:ts of Satan, wickedly he committed every detail of his truth to man and that
combine and presumptuously claim to hold all the light the light of truth, instead of shining more and more
there is for the humanrace. But with all they can offer according to promise, ceased to shine in 1916; and that
nothing that brings rest and satisfaction to the people. since then there is nothing more to do. Let us remember
They each hold up their standard and say to the peo- that the truth is god’s and net man’s. Let us have in
ple : "Flee unto us and stand by us. Wemake the world mind that Jehovah is the author and will be the finisher
worth while." And for answer the pcople say: "Why of the great plan of salvation. Let us remember that
should we flee to you ? Wehave asked you for bread ; and Christ Jesus is in command of the forces of Jehovah and
you gave us a stone. Wehave asked you for meat, and that this commandmentis committed to no man. Leg
you gave us a serpent, and we are sick unto death." us remember that the light is the Lord’s and the fun
hess thereof, and that he will let it shine upon his
JEHOVAH HEARS Wordin his own due time and guide his people in the
2a In this hour of distress and perplexity, when the way that they should go.
enemy comes in like a flood to sweep the people away
MUCH TO DO YET
from God and overwhelm them, there comes the clear
commandfrom the Wordof God to those who have the 2T For some time the church has been declaring "the
spirit of the Lord, saying, "Whenthe enemyshall come day of vengeance of our God". For some time she has
5n like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a been proclaiming the message of comfort and glad tid-
standard against him." (Isaiah 59 : 19) Again the com- ings to the peoples and nations as a witness. But there
mand from the Lord: "Go through, go through, the is much more to do. The saints must prepare the way
gates; prepare ye the way of the people." These com- for the people, and must do this as instruments in the
mends clearly mean that tho~e who have the spirit of hands of the Lord. The people must know that the
tl~e Lord nmst do somethi~ag. Concerning the manner of truth, like as Jerusalem was to the Jews, is a place of
doing this, as to tmwthey shall enter the gates and rest and hope. There are millions of people of good-will
what the gates are, Jehovah says: "And thou shalt call and good desire in the earth who should knowthe truth.
. . . thy gates Praise." (Isaiah 60:18) Clearly this ~8 Those of the world whofo~ years have been hearing
326
WATCH TOWER
error must be advised of the presence of the King and of saints who keep the commandments of God and who
the establishment of hi~ kingdom. These must be told have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and who are the
that Jehovah is the only true God, that Jesus Christ is avowed enemies of the evil one. (Revelation 12: 17)
the Redeemer and King, and that in and by his kingdom Wesee that the physical facts abundantly bear out this
will come life and blessings. This the Lord would have conclusion.
done in order that the people may not be overwhelmed aa Big business, big politicians, big preachers, Catholic
by the flood of errors brought in by the enemy. The and Protestant, scientists and philosophers, and various
time has come for Jehovah to make for himself a name other instruments of the Devil lift up their respective
in the earth. The church has a part in this to the ensigns, or standards, each calling to the people to rally
extent of being the witnesses for the Lord; and with unto them. The din of confusion rises higher and
joy, singing as they go through the gates that lead into higher; and the ])evil, with other instruments, exercis-
the kingdom, they .must point the people to the way ing his evil and invisible power, injects into the minds
and the only way that will bring their desire and their of people the thought, ’If all of these systems represent
blessing. God, then we will have nothing to do with that God’;
PREPARE THE WAY and thereby he hopes to turn the people’s mind away
from Jehovah.
29 The commandof God to his saints now on earth
a~ Jehovahsays to his people, the saints : "Ye are my
is: "Prepare ye the way of the people." Howcan the
witnesses, . . . that I am God." Then there comes to
saints prepare the way? The answer is: By boldly, them the clear command,ringing out with no uncertain
fearlessly and joyfully makingproclamation of the truth
of God and his kingdom, and proving by their course of tones: "Lift up a standard for the people." There is
none other on earth to lift up a standard or ensign to
action that they believe that the way to eternal life in the people except the saints, those whohave the splint
happiness is the gateway that leads into the kingdom of the Lord, and whoare therefore his witnesses. Every-
of God. They must tell the people the truth about God one who will be faithful to God and to his kingdom
and about his King and his kingdom.
8o Further the commandis: "Cast up, cast up the will joyfully seize hold upon the standard and lift it up
high and cry unto the people: This is your rallying
highway." IIow can this be done? By pointing the ground, flee unto this standard, flee unto the Lord; for
people ~ the course of righteousness and holiness which
his standard of truth opens wide the gates that lead
GodWill require of those whowill inherit eternal.life.
unto his kingdomand to endless blessings and joy.
They must be told what the Lord’s law requires. They a5 Lift up the Lord’s standard for the people by show-
must be told what is good. This is summedup in a ing them the way to righteousness. They must be
few words by the prophet: "What doth the Lord re- taught that "righteousness exalteth a nation ; but sin is
quire of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and a reproach to any people". (Proverbs 14:34) The
to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6: 8) It standards lifted up by the agencies of the evil one are
the saints of God, those whohave his spirit, whoare his
covered with sin. The standard of the Lord is a standard
faithful witnesses, that must point out to the people the of righteousness. This standard of righteousness, those
way of the highway of holiness ; and this they must da whohave the spirit of the Lord will participate in lift-
before the last saints leave the earth. Thus they are ing up now.
preparing a way for the people. aa Long ago St. Paul, under inspiration of the holy
~* Again the commandis: "Gather out the stones." spirit, wrote: ’The whole creation groans and travails
Itow can the stones be gathered out? The answer is: in pain together till now, waiting for the manifestatioa
By showingthe people that the false doctrines taught by of God’s kingdom.’ (Romans8 : 2g) Behold the time
the various systems are great stumbling-stones ; that the deliverance has come; and this is the hour in which the
leaders have stumbled over these and have even fallen saints on earth, as the representatives of the King of
upon the Chief Corner-stone; that the leaders have Righteousness, shall lift high a standard, calling upon
filled the way with false doctrines, which are the stum-
the people to rally to it and to learn the truth and, learn-
bling-stones of the people ; that the people must discard ing it, follow it and be madefree.
these false doctrines, forsake the false teachers and turn
to the Lord and learn of him. THE LIGHT
a= The enemy knows that his time is short. He knows sr The light of the new day is shining into the faces
that the great battle of Armageddonis rapidly drawing of the saints with increased brilliancy. Let ns walk in
on, when the conflict between the Lord of righteous- the light that we mayhave fellowship with the Lord and
hess and the god of evil shall take place. It is an awful our King. Those who ha~e put on, and are keeping on,
and terrible time. It is the time when God has com- the wedding garments ; who have been brought under
manded his people of Zion {o sound the alarm. Judg- the robe of the Lord’s righteousness; who have been
ing the future by the past we can see that Satan’s found in the temple class ; and whohave entered- into the
primary purpose is to confuse the people and turn them joy of the Lord, now have sweet fellowship with tho
away from Jehovah completely; and to destroy the pi’esent King.
WATCH TOWER
3s The words of the prophet, written long ago, seem ’~ Already we have preached, by the grace of the Lord,
to aptly fit and apply to the saints at this time: "More- the glad tidings of the end of the worhl and the presence
over the light of the moonshall be as the light of the of the Kin z and his kingdom. Already we have toht
sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the the people that millions nowliving will never die. and
light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up have brought to them a message of comfort. But there
the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of is more to be done. The standard of the Lord must be
their wound."--Isaiah 30 : 26. lifted up that the people n:av have an opportunity to
;’ The moon is a symboi of God’s law, therefore k-now the truth of the kingdom and re know the way
symbolically representing the expressed will of God. that leads to life, liberty, peace and endless happiness.
Those fully devoted to the Lord now delight to do his ,3 Let every saint x:ow on earth daily keep before his
will, and to such his wilt is so clear that it shines forth mind ~lle words of Jehovah: "’Ye are my witnesses,
to them as the sun. These are they who have entered ¯ . . that I am God." "Lift up a standard for the
into the joy of the Lord and with praise lift up the wople." This now is the batth,-erv. Let it be given
gates and point to the way of holiness. God’s will ex- with joy in the Lord. having always in mind that "the
pressed, symboliz~d by the moon, to the saints shines joy of the Lord is your stren a’th". Let us be true and
forth with a brilliancy likened unto the sun in times past. faithful to our Lord now aml obey his call to action,
4o It will be helmed that "the light of the sun shall sin~ing the praises of our t’,vd and our Lord as we go
be sevenfold". The sun symbelizes the light of the through the gates.
kingdomof the Lord. Indeed, is not this light nowin-
creased sevenfold to the saints? Do not the saints see QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
and appreciate nowas never before the fact of their privi- 1Vhy has the Lord ~iven incre’Ised li:~ht on his Word in
1;ve of being witnesses for the kil~gdom and marking lhese l;ts£ days? Wlmtis the [,urpo.~e of our calling? ¶ 1, 2.
~ l’ichi,s"
its onward and victorious mareh to relieve the people ~Vl!:tt i’Ollstitntes "the ex(-t.,edill. Of (II,II’S ~r~(~. alltl
who tll;ty ~.’ltjOy i.t? is it enough for Ils to merely resist
and uplift them and bless them in due time ? The great sin ’.’ i~ :;. 4.
truths concerning the kingdom warm and cheer the What is Saran now "tttempting to do and what is our
saints and illuminate them, because they are the ehit- se(,urlty? ~J 5.
\Vh:~t is nwant by the Lord’s command to "go through the
da’en of light. It does not scorch. They delight in it. g.ttt~"? ~ 6-8.
:But to those who have fallen under the influence of Why is it m,cessary for us to now wimess that Jehovah is
Satan the enemy, and who would turn the minds of the God? ~ 9.
r)oL.s Catholicism diMmnor God? If so, how? ,T 11). 11.
people from God, who strive to hold the nations in
l)o~.~ Protestantism (iishonor God? If so. how? ~, 12. 13.
darkness that the wicked one might continue to reigm,
Innline lhe te;n.hin~ of Modernism. ,~ 14,15.
the Lord, through his prophet, says: "Behold, the name ,*tttlinc the tcnchin~ of i.’lnldalnt, nt:disul. ~ 1(1, 17.
of the Lord eometh from far, burning with his anger, How do the clergy defy the Prince of Peace? g 18.
and the burden thereof is heavy; his lips are full of ~\’|!:lt bli’.’hlirl’_" hl,rl,.4ics 11~1"~’o Ip.~n ,,n:~t, nlh,red by Satan in
indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: and his n|.dtt.,t.ll lilllq’~,? Wlmti,~ ali~lin~ lho 1,)1"(~.~ of evil and o1~
ri~hteousn~.,ss l,~r the final eolllli¢ot? ~ 1’,~. 21).
breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the
\\’hat is the eomlition of tile l)t’oDle in this dark hour7
midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of What pannee:t does the clvr’.:y ,ffler? ~. 2l. 22.
vanity; and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the Why :ire the "Tales" of Isaiah ~;0:18 called Praise. and
people, causing them to err."--Isaiah 30 : 27, 28. what action does this smZg:~s~’.~ ~, 23.
4~ The light of the kingdom of 3f~ssiah shining What is the slanqt:lrd we are to lift up, and how Mmll it be
done? ~] 24, "5, 35.
through the message of truth is sevenfold hotter to Is it dishonorinz to God to deny that his light is shining
¯ ’more and more"? ~ "6.
the enemy and scorches those who are against the Lord.
What is our lwesont responsibility toward the people, and
(Revelation 14: 10) The saints who have the spirit howshall it be met?~ 27, 2S.
the Lord will participate in lifting up the standard \low (’:In ~t.’e "propltre the \v~ty of the DcolflE’? What is
against the enemy. None other will and none other can. ~,i~ntlie¢l by the ~.oln~tlalld to "east lip the hi:~hw,ty"?
" -’.). :ilk
The standard is the message of the truth, the message ’To ’"-.’ether out the stones" means what? What is Satana
of the kingdom. With greater joy to the saints the primary purpose at this time? ,~ 31-:1:1.
light increases sevenfold ; while their enemies shall be What may we do for the people in their confusion? ~ 3-t-36.
ltow may we walk in the light? ~ 37.
tormented with fire in the presence of those who love Qume Isaiah 311: 26..What is meunt by "the li’.’ht of the
the Lord; and then their wicked works shall be destroyed moonslmlt be qs the lizht of the sun"? ~ :1S. 3’~.
with the bright~aess of the Lord and his truth. What is meant by "the ligi~t of the sun shall I,e sevenfold"?
~" -10. 41.
Thessalonians 2: 8. What should be our present mission and battle-cry? ~ 42, 43.
Oh, let us tune our harps again, Forget to sing 9f sin and fear,
And raise the pitch still higher, Of woe and consolation ;
And join on earth the gladsome strain And let our voices ring out clear
That thrills the heavenly choir l In songs of exultation!
FROM ATHENS TO ROME
-DECE3[BER 27--QuART~:aL¥ REVlmV--
~UL’S 3[ETHOD OF PI~EAC]:rING CI-IANGED--PAUL}S ~(NOWLEDGE 0F SATANIC POWER--PAUL’S FAITHFUL WITNESS TO
THE TRUT:H:.
"Being "therefore justified by faith, we have peace w~th Godthrough our Lord Jes’~s Christ."--Rornans 5: 1~
E HAVE concluded our studies in the establish-
W ment and spread of the gospel. The lessons of
the past quarter have taken us with the Apostle
Lord gave him assurance that he could follow his work
in rest of mind.
6 Though the church gave him more concern that did
Paul from Athens to Rgme,and to the end of the record any other, Paul learned to love the Corinthians. It was
of this ministry. The Scriptures do not tell us of Paul’s to them he wrote his hymnof love, than which no fin:.r
last services to the church; nor, witti the exception of word concerning love has ever been spoken, no better
Luke’s record in Acts, do they relate the early history analysis given. The Corinthians were taken with the
of the church. A true pioneer, Paul sought to establish glamour of "gifts" and cared but little for that which
the gospel in the great centers where mengathered; for the gift meant. Wedo not knowwhat was the subsequent
in these places there wasbetter chanceof its being spread. history of the church in Corinth, nor indeed that of any
2 There is reason for thinking that Paul had looked of these churches; but we know that some were faith-
forward to preaching the truth in Athens, then the ful to the Lord and to the Word of Truth, and that
center of the world’s learning. He was now to meet the apostle did not beat the air in his work. Wesheul.l
those who knew nothing of the Jews’ sacred writings, rememberthat the things which Paul did in establ:sh-
and therefore nothing of the dealings of Godwith that ing the churches and the things which he showed to
people. Howwould he address himself to them ? In the them were done and written for the sake of the church
providence of Godhe reached there alone, his traveling as a whole.
7 After his comparatively long stay in Corinth, where
companions Silas and Timothy having been left be-
hind at Thessaloniea and Berea. He gladly availed him- he was at one and the same time a helper in righteous-
self of an opportunity which came to address himself hess to the manyand a test to those who did not want
to some of the most notable of the Athenians. lie ad- the truth, Paul left for Jernsalem. lie had taken a
vanced his argument to them on their own ground of vow, as the Jews sometimes did; and he went to get
the theory and fact of worship, and showed them the clearance from it in the temple, as the Jews were ac-
falsity of what they had. He failed to move the peo- customed to do. Also he had gifts for the poor saints
ple, though a few believed. The Athenians laughed at in Jerusalem, which he desired to hand over to the
Paul’s doctrine and at his statement of the resurrection brethren there, tie waited in Jerusalem only a short
of the dead, even as the wise men of ±he earth do now. time, and then went off again overland across Asia Minor.
Paul left Athens saddened in spirit. Itis experiences
there were different from any he had had before. In PAUL’S KNOWLEDGE OF SATANICPOWER
Galatia he had been made to suffer much in body, and After visiting the churches in Galatm, which he had
wherever he had gone enemies had persecuted him; but established many years before, he went to Ephesu%
in Athens they did not try to hurt him. They laughed, where he would have gone much earlier only that the
and such indifference to the honor of God pained him. spirit had prevented him. He stayed in Ephesus three
years, and it maybe said that he set the truth in all
PAUL’S METHOD OF PREACHING CHANGED that part of Asia. The riot which arose in Ephesus
4 Paul went on to Corinth, the other large Grecian through the hatred and greedy fears of Demetrius has
city, one which was more engrossed in commercethall becomea part of the world’s history. It hastened Pa’al’s
was Athens. There he determined to follow a different intended departure, and no doubt did muchto establish
course, tie would net talk with ~hemabout their gods all the brethren in the faith.
or their theories of life, but wouldpreach Christ cruci- Someyears later Paul wrote the epistle knownas the
fied as that which would satisfy every ~eed, whether of Ephesians, one of the greatest messages given to the
Jew or Gentile. This relieved his mind, made his church. Writing to them was a much pleasanter task
course easier for him, and proved to be fully effective. than writing to the Corinth’fans ; for to the Ephesianshe
5 This does not mean that Paul made a mistake in could speak freely of the highest and greatest things,
Athens, or that somefailed to get the truth because its because they lived such a life as made it as easy for
messenger did net give a clear sound. It means that themto take as for him to give. In this epistle he tells
Athens had no ear for the truth, and that Paul learned of the high calling of the church in sharing with Jesu~
how to give his message to the Grecians in the better the glory which God has given to him, and says that
way. No doubt Paul in Corinth was in some measure the power which Godput forth to raise Christ from the
fearful; for he was assured by the Lord that he should dead and to his owndivine glory was an exhibition of the
not be hurt there. In his first ministry in Europe, at almighty power of God. This power operates in the
:Philippi, he bad. been allowed to suffer hurt. Nowthe church by the holy spir:t of Gcd, by means~(~f ’the tests
328
WATCH TOWER 829
and providences which come upon the disciple. (See serve him, and he overruled this for the benefit of all.
Ephc’ians 1: 19, 20; Colossians 1: 11.) But besides is It is almost certain that in the resultant two years
that, Godgives his holy spirit to enlighten the mind and in prison in C~esarea Paul hslped Luke to write his
fill the.heart; so that the manof Godmaybe peiffected, gospel; for during that time Luke would have oppor-
"Iillcd with all the fulness of God."--Ephesians 3: 19. tunities of conferring with the brethren in Jerusalem
~o It seems fitting that it was to the Ephesians Paul and of gaining that knowledge of which he states he
wrote of the wickedspirits in high places, those power- had exact information.--Luke 1 : 1-4.
ful beings who cooperate with Satan and whoare partly ~4 Paul made his detente before two Romangovernors,
under his control; for if one is told of the great anti and also before King Herod Agrippa; but when it
high places of divine favor it is necessary he should also seemed he was to be thrown to the ravenous wolves of
knowof those evil spirits which seek to destroy him as the Jews he appealed to Cmsarin Rome.
well as to thwart the purposes of God.
11 After Ephesus Paul went by Troas into Macedonia PAUL’S FAITHFUL WITNESS TO THE TRUTH
and Greece; and after visiting all the churches, he was ~ The incidents of the voyage to Rome,and the ldnd-
about to set out for Jerusalem by ship when he learned hess he received from the centurion, and the dangers
of a conspiracy against his life. He traveled by the land to which he and the 275 others who were with him in
route, and took a ship which called at various ports in the ship were subjected, and how, though the ship was
Asia Minor. It was on this journey that he met the elders a total wreck, every life was saved because God had
of Ephesus at Miletus, and in a vah’dictory address gave given them all into Paul’s hand, our recent studies have
them and the church in general the best account of u hat shownand left a clear memory.
an eider should be. He reminded them cf his work ~ In RomePaul met the Jews, and spent a whole day
amongst them, and asked them to copy him. For three telling them of the things whmhhe preached; and as
years tie had served them out of love for them and at they believed only half-heartedly or not at all, he told
his ownexpense and in faithfulness to the Lord and his them that the time had come when Isaiah’s words must
own eommission. Paul was the sample min~tar; aa be fulfilled, and the gospel go to the Gentiles.
examplewhich the preachers of tod_ay will not copy. It 1~ After that Paul spent two years in his own hired
was then he told of what the Lord Jesus had stud-- house, and at the end he witnessed to the powers that
It is better to give than to receive--words which should be. Perhaps even to Nero himself he witnessed; for he
form the motto of every elder.--Acts 20:35. says the Lord delivered him out of the lion’s mouth, and
~" On this journey, in every place where Paul met the it may well be that he thus refers to that abnormally
brethren, ttie holy spirit witnessed to him that bonds and depraved and cruel man, one of the most degraded
afflictions awaited him in Jerusalem. So pointed were humanbeings ever brought into prominence and power.
these in Cmsarea,his last place of call before arrival in W~thout boasting in himself he eould say: "I can do
Jerusalem, that the brethren urged him not to go on. all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
But Paul read the spirit’s messagedifferently; the fact (Philippians 4: 13) This record of the most notable
of the witness was an indication to him that he should apostle is for our inspiration and encouragement.
go. On arrival there the brethren greeted him, but im-
mediately asked him to prove to the Jerusalem Jews QUESTIONS FOR I~EREAN STUDY
that he was not that enemy of the Jews and of Moseshe What portion of St. Paul’s ministry has been ex)vel-ed by
the lessons of the past quarter? Why did the apostle con-
was commonlyreported to be. They asked him to as- fine his activities mainly to the larger cities? I1 1.
sociate himself with some men whohad a vowand wished What course did Paul pursue at Athens, and lmw was his
for its clearance, and whoto get this must live in the message received there? 11 2, 3.
What different course did he follow in Corinth, and what
temple courts for some days and then get absolution was the result? g 4, 5.
from the priest. Paul decided to agree, perhaps beeause How did tim Corinthian church give the ap’ostle special
he himself had done the same thing on the last occasion concern? Why did Paul return to Jerusalem from Corinth?
¶6,7.
he visited Jerusalem. This proved to be the beginning Briefly narrate his experiences after leaving Jerusalem. g 8.
of things which led to more than four years’ imprison- What are some of the principal points in the epistle to the
Ephesians? 11 9, 10.
meat. Paul was attacked by the Jews and was rescued What was the occasion of Paul’s address to the elders of
from.them by the Romanpower, which seized and held Ephesus, and what was his warning to them? l[ 11.
him for more than four years. It prevented any open What advice did Paul follow upon his return to Jerusalem,
and what happened to him there? ~ 12.
service in Jerusalem ; and in all probability it was the Wben and how dht Luke probgbly learn the facts-necessary
means of breaking up the apostolic organization of the for the writing of his Gospel? ~[ 13.
church in Jerusalem. tIenccforth we read no more about Why did Paul appeal his case to Cmsar? Briefly narrate
his experiences lending up to his arrival in Rome. I1 14, 15.
the church having association with the temple, nor in- Upon reaching Rome, what was the apostle’s first move in
deed does the Scripture again mel~tion the temple in behalf of the gospel? How long was lie there before he
3-erusalem. Probably Paul made a mistake, but the was delivered "from the mouth of the lion"? What value
do we derive from the recorded: experiences of St. Patti?
Lord knows how to make the mistakes of his servant 1I 16, 17.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR DECEMBER 2 speak of rejoicing refer to the time of the Lord’s re-
"Itfs holy arm hatl~ gotte~ hind the victory."-- turn. Weshould expect it so because he is the Bride-,
I~salm 93: 1. groomand has returned for his bride; he is the Savior
of mankind, the Ruler and Blesser of the people.
’EIt0VAIt is the Most High above all others, the
J Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of hosts, the
Mighty God. ]~felchizedek was priest of the Most
To rejoice means to express gladness in a high de-
gree; to have pleasurable satisfaction. The anointed
have every reason to rejoice, tiering the witness of the
.tIigh God. Melchizedek was a type of God’s executive holy spirit that the Lord has called them according to
oiiicer, hence he typified the Loges, Jesus, Christ Jesus, his purpose, and knowingthat the)" love the Lord, they
and the great Deliverer. The Lord Jesus Christ is the knowthat all things shall work together for their good
great executive ofl3eer of Jehovahto carry into action the because God has promised thus. They know that their
divine plan. Therefore he is the right hand and holy deliverance is at hand and soon they shall be ushered
Rrmof Jehovah the Most lIigh. into the glorious presence of the Prince of Peace. They
Christ is the one whomGod uses to get the victory know that at his right hand shall be fulncss of joy
for the church, the membersof his body. (1 Corinthlaus and they shall have pleasures for evermore.
15 : 57) In the great war in heaven against the dragon It wouldbe, in a measure, selfish to anticipate these
it is the l~ight I-land and Holy Armof God that gains blessings alone if there was no hope of relief for the
the victor).’. (ltcvelation 12: 7-9) In the fight on earth groaning creation. All the saints feel some special in-
betweenthe beast, the Devil’s organization and the Lamb, terest in some particular person on earth. Nowthey
it is the mighty Executive Officer of Godthat is vic- knowthat these will have an opportunity to receive the
torious. (Revelation 17 : 14) The victory over the Devil blessings of the Lord, which he has provided for them.
and his organization will be complete; and when that Truly the saints now should rejoice alway. They
victory is won there will stand with the great Executor should take more joy in telling the people the glad
of Jehovahthe 144,000 called, chosen and faithful ones. tidings of the blessings that shall be brought to them
The victm 7 is God’s, which he gets in his own due through the kingdom of God and thereby comfort the
time through his "holy arm". hearts of others that they mayrejoice.
Having this full assurance now both by the sure word
of prophecy and by the facts in fulfihnent of prophecy,
~he saints have every reason to be comforted in their own TEXTFORDECEMBER 16
hearts. This is the time referred to by Jesus when he "’The free of life is for the healing of the nations."
~
said: "And when these things begin to come to pus- --Revelation 22: 2.
then look up, lift up your heads, for your dcliverane.: HROUGHOUT the year our weekly texts have
dmwethnigh."--Luke 21 : 28.
The Lord is permitting the church to receive great T had to do with the commissionGod gave to Christ
and the anointed members of his body to com-
comfort and consolation now for a purpose, and we are fort one another and all that mourn and seek comfort.
told that the purpose is that these in turn might carry The church yet on earth has had muchto do in the per-
the message of consolation to others that mourn, tha~ formance of this divinely-given commission. While they
they too might receive a measure of comfort. As the have brought com~ort to others they in turn have re-
truly consecrated carry out this provision they grow
ceived much consolation. Whyis our God so loving and
more in the likeness of the Lord and more fully ap-
goodto g’ive his children these privileges ?
preeiat.e the fact that it is more blessed to give than After stating through his prophet the commission or
to receive. authority of the church to thus act as his witnesses the
Lord adds that he does so: "That they might be called
TEXT FOR DECEMBER 9 trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that his
name might be glorified." Throughout the age God has
"’Rejoice in the Lord alway."--Philippians 4: I4. been planting these trees, watering, nourishing and de-
HEN~he Lord Jesus was about to take his veloping them. Nowthe age has ended. Truly most of
W departure from earth his disciples were sad. these trees are matured and have entered into the ful-
lle told them that he would come again and hess of joy. The remaining ones soon shall follow.
receive them to himsel~ and for them to await his com- The loving kindness of our God and our Lord and
ing. All through the age the saints have waited for the Savior still continues toward the anointed and overcom-
coming of the Lord. Nowthe Lord has come. The sleep- ing saints and will continue. In the ]~iillennial Ago
ing saints have been awakenedand are for ever with the these shall have the blessed privilege of aiding and com-
Lord. Those this side the vail in the temple condition forting others. God has appointed a way to lead tha
rejoice because of the presence of the Lord and have people into endless life and happiness. His precious mes-
sweet fellowship with him. AlmostalI the scriptures that sage of truth, as a healing stream, shall loroaeed from
330
WATCH TOWER 331
his throne to enlighten, comfort and nourish the peo- tremendous sorrow that the peoples of earth had suf-
ple. These trees of righteousness, which are the plant- fered because of the evil one and death caused by him.
ing of God, are to be his instruments to administer this Then Jesus proceeded to call Lazarus from the tomb.
healing and comforting balm. By this means the Lord There must have been great joy in that homeresulting
will revive, strengthen and heal the peop]e of the sin-sick
from this gracious act of ihe Master.
world, lift them up, dry their tears, take away their Jesus was here teaching his disciples and the two
sickness and sorrow and give them peace and joy for sisters, and from the record of the facts manyothers,
evermore. the great truth that God in due time will bring the
Truly the goodness of our God appears to us more dead out of the tomb. The doctrine of the resurrection
wonderful each day. Let everyone now, who has re- was here most beautifully taught by the Master. In
ceived the cmmnissionto comfort others, see to it that this gracious act the Lord was a great comfort to those
he performs that commissionfaithfu]ly, looking forward who loved Lazarus.
to his happy reward whenhe, as a tree of righteousness, The members of the body of Christ are commissioned
the planting of the Lord, may be used of the Lord to to comfort those that mourn. This miracle of Jesus,
heal the nations, and that he may reflect the eternal in awakening Lazarus from death, was shortly be£ore
glory of God. the end of his earthly course. The Scriptures show that
lie knew that his earthly race was nearly run. He was
not thinking about himself, but anxious to use the op-
TEXT FOR DECEMBER 23 portunity to tell of the glory of his Father, and to com-
"Whosoeverliveth and believet£ on me shall never die.’" fort those that mourned, and to leave behind him proof
---John 11: °6. by which his followers could comfort others.
HE relentless enemy that has pursued mankind Nowthe church is near the end of its earthly career.
T for more than six thousand years is death. The
enemy Satan induced the tirst sin resulting in
Its journey here is almost done. The membersthis side
should not be thinking too much about self and how
death. He is therefore a murderer. Not content with soon they might get away from the earth and enter the
gates of endless bliss there to reign with the Lord. They
that great wrong he has maligned Jehovah for ages, and should have in mind ahvays the faithful performance
has used every means at his commandto keep the peo- of their commissionwhile this side the vail They should
ple in ignorance of God’s gracious plan for their relief.
The Logos, the Beloved o~ God, watched the course be anxious here to be the faithful witnesses of God, and
to glorify his name by declaring his kingdom and by
of the evil one for centuries; and then Jehovah sent him teaching the many sorrowing ones of the earth his
to earth to destroy death and him that hath the power
gracious plan to open the graves and to bring back to the
of death the great enemy; that is, the Devil. The people their beloved dead. They should point them to
Scriptures show that the Logos undertook this task with
the proper time when they will he united with their
much joy. In ad&tion to ha.ring the joy of doing
Jehovah’s will it was a real joy to him to be entrusted loved ones; and those who are obedient will be granted
life and endless happiness.
with the commission of removing the enemy and bring-. Let us hasten to tell those whoare here that millions
ing man back into harmony with God. Whenon earth,
now living shall see the manifested glory and goodness
and while teaching the people concerning God’s king-
of our Lord; and that if obedient to the laws of his
dom, he delighted to comfort the hearts that had been kingdom, they shall never die; also that the dead shall
made sad by the enemy, death.
Jesus was a special friend of Lazarus and his sisters, be brought forth to live, and that then ~he that liveth
and believeth on the Lord shall never die’. What a
Mary and Martha. He was often entertained in their
happy and blessed privilege is that of the church nowto
home at Bethany. He manifested great love for this
bring to the people this messageof eonsolation !
family. Without doubt they loved Jesus very much.
Lazarus became sick. Immediately the two sisters
thought of their dear friend Jesus, and sent him a TEXT FOR DECEMBER 30
message informing him of the sickness of Lazarus.
Jesus knew this sickness was for a particular purpose "’Thi~e, 0 Lord, is the greatness, a,nd the power, and the
glory, and the victory, and the majesty.’"
and said: "This sickness is . . . for the glory of God, --1 Chronicles 29: 11.
and that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."--
John 11: 4.
Jesus, ~ccompanied by his disciples, proceeded to
Bethany. There he was met by Martha and Mary. He
D AVID, whose I~ame means beloved, is a type of
the Beloved One of God; namely, the faithful
membersof the church this side the vail. Sol-
found them in great sorrow and distress. They wept omon, a man of peace and rest, pictured the church in
bitterly for their beloved brother, who was then dead glory, both Head and body. David put forth all of his
and buried. Movedby their intense sorrow Jesus wept efforts to prepare the material for the temple of the
with them. He must have called to mind then the Lord. tits antityloe are those whoare faithful and who
ae, N.Y.
WATCH TOWER
are pu.tting forth their best endeavors to prepare the course Godhas done the work, but he has permitted each
material for the great antitypieal temple of God. member to do what ~as within his power. It is the
During the past year it has been the privilege of the privilege of these to mmouneeto the people on earth
church to consider texts concerning the comfort of those that the temple is the Lord God’s and shall be to his
in Zion who mourn and also of others who are in dis- glory; and that the glorified antitypieal Solomon,Christ
tress. With almost every text attention has been di- Jesus the Head, will rule over the people; and that
rected to the fact that service is essential to the per- through his ministrations the people will be blessed.
formance of the church’s divinely-given commission. David rejoiced in what God had permitted him to do.
Someof the Lord’s children have not appreciated very Nowthe church can greatly rejoice that she has had
muchwhat has been s’aid about service. Others not only a part in the Lord’s work. ])avid blessed the Lord be-
have greatly appreeiated what has been said, but ba~e fore all tlle congregation. It is the privilege of the
appreciated much more what they have been able to do church now to sing the praises of the great Jehovah
in the service. Godhas so arranged that the one whois Godbefore the peoples of earth.
the most active brings the greatest amount of comfort David rejoiced that all his blessings had come from
to others. At the same time these are testifying tha~ Jehovah, and to hint he would give all the praise and
Jehovah is the great God and that his kingdom is the glory, lhs words then spoken announced the real heart
eonsolation for humanills. Those who have failed or sentiment of those ~ow on the earth who keep the eonl-
neglected to participate in the service, as opportunity mandmentsof God, and whorejoice in the service ofthe
has offered, have missed manyblessings. Lord, and whohave the testimony of ae.,us C~.rist that
Service is beautifully and forcefully foreshadowedby they are of th,~’ temple class. Together these nowjoy-
fully say: ;;Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the
what David did. With all that he did his devotion to the
power, and the glory, and the ~-ictory, and the majesty:
Lord increased. It is often so with the church now.
for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine ;
After David had spent his force in making ready the thil~e is the kingdom, 0 Lord, and thou are exalted as
material for the temple he called the people together *cad above all."--i Chromc]es 29:11.
and tom them the% the house was not for man but was It has been our blessed privilege to glorify the Lord
for the Lord God; and that Solomon would rule over during the year and to bring comfort to those who
it. Nowwe have reached the time when the antitypieal mourn. Let us continue to glorify him. and to rejoice
Davidie class has lint forth its beast endeavors to pre- in whatsoever he has for us to do in the year that is
pare the material for the anUtypical temple of God. Of opening.
INTERESTING LETTERS
TRUTH SPREADING IN AFRICA livered two lectures; tlmnce lo Cape Coast, delivered three
leclm’es there in the Wesleynn school; and from lhere I
DEAr. BROTIIER RUTIIERFORD :
went to Salt Pond, where I gave four lectures. There the
I would like to relate to you a little of my experiences pre:mher actually took the hand-bills from me and went
on the Gold Coast. When I arrived in Seccondee, I found into every shop, store and el|ice of the little place and urged
out there that there w’ts no other place suitable to give a the people to come out and hc’u- my lecture. :From there
lecture but the Wesleyan school. I approached the pre’tcher I proceeded to Accra, where 1 met Brother C. Brown. I
in charge, introducing myself to him as a missionary, lte delivered three lectures there. In all the places the halls
asked me what body I was connected with. I told him : The were packe(1 to lflmir utmost capacity, and the books were
WATCH TOWERBIBLE & TRACTSOCII~YrY. IIe replied, "I never purchased freely’ at each place. At e’~ch of the places men-
heard of that society, but as a missionary you can have tioned the people applauded time and again when they heard
either the ohm’oh or the school room, whichever suits you of the good news of the Mngdom. Some wept for joy.
best." I decided right away to take the school, thinking Brother C. Brown has lectured and canvassed the other
that some of the people of other denominations might have places where I haven’t touched. Brother Brown wall be in
a little prejudice about coming to the church. The preacher this week from the Gohl C, oast, to go on to Bathurst, Gambia.
did n,ot attend the lectures, having to be away, for which I Your brother and serwmt by his grace,
was not sorry, llut he tried to undo what I had done when
W. 1L B~owN.--lVcst Africa.
he returned.
After the first three lectures, I sold thirty-five full sets,
fifty H~RPs and many other books. I had to cable to Free- BRING KINGDOM CHEER TO PRISONERS
town for fifty additiomd sets, and two weeks after the
fifty :!rrived I hadlVt a set left, so I had to cable again for ]7)EAR ~ROTHER I{UTItERFORD:
ninety sets, and ninety IIAra, s. I just want to tell you how much I appreciate TINE
The fourth leclure, "To Hell and Ilack," had the Wesley- ~VATCHTOWER, especially the account of your trip to
nns and others stirred up. Learning from a reliable source Europe. We are so thankful to our heavenly Father. I
that the only avail’~Me places for giving lectures arong the suppose it was just the time for the Spanish people to hear
Gold Coast were the Wesleyan ~chools, I realized that in the truth.
order lo give the witness in the other places I would have to About two years ago I received the "Talking with th,~
move fast, before the preachers awoke to the situation. Dead" and the "Millions" books. Then I felt so down-
After a week in Seccondee my next stop was Elmena, hearted when I found that the Italian people here did not
~ixts- miles away. I got the Wesleyan school there, de- want them. One day I was called to the county jail to ~ee
333
WATCH TOWER
if I would stand bond to take an Italian prisoner out. Either the SOCIETYis fulfilling this prophecy or it is not
While I was there I found out that there were about being fulfilled. Either God is doing nothing whatever here
forty prisoners iu a little room, and among them was a on e’u’th at the present time, and Jesus is doing nothing
Catholic priest from Strain. He had been there for four worthy of menti~vn, or else the SOCIETY is doing that
yo~/l’S. Those unfortunate meu were anxious to get spine- work. If the SOC1ETYis not the Lord’s channel for the pro-
thing to read, so I begged the jailer to let me put two of chdlning of this last gospel message, then the Lord has no
tile books in, and he consented. chmmel.
I .was successful in getting the one prisoner bailed out, None of the split-off ones is fulfilling the emphatic state-
and he came to the house and worked for us. He n(’- ment of Christ: ’This gospel must be preached to all
eepted the truth and syml)olized his consecration. IIe tohl nations.’ No gospel is being m)w preached and no kingdom
m(~ to try to get more books into the jail. lie had learned message is now bein~ proclaimed if the Bible Students
that every time a prisoner was freed he wanted t~o take lhe under direction of the Brooklyn office are not d(dng it. It
book with him. So I went back to see the jailer, but he is not reasonable to suppose that no remarkable religious
said, "Tllose bo,oks eause too lUUCh trouble; every one work is now 1)eing done.
wants lhem." I told him why, and finally he consented to .Never in the history of tile church was so much done as is
let me leave sonle nlore copies. now being done. Even the blinded ones should see that
I left word for ihos(* who did not get the l)ooks that and fall in line for service. This one fact selIles the matter
when they got out Io come to lay house and I would get of wlult is the channel of the Lord in these closing days
them tile books. Many came mul went away rej,oi(.ing. of the Gospel ARe mnl the opening up of the new rdgime.
The priest couhl speak sever’fl hmguages, and he wouhl Faithfully yore’s,
1 ra nslate lhe books I o the x arious foreign-speaking prisoners. J. A. BO!INET.--Pilgri;I~.
I heard laler tlmt he was deported to Spain. Now we can
see our heavenly Father’s h’md in this. If the Italian and
Spanish want tile truth he will send some among them i.,)
teach theln, even if he has to permit them to come to this EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
country and be put into jail, in order to le-trn about the truth. DE~R BROTHEI: RUTHERFORD ;
So. dear Br,other, with all of my trials, which have been The Phmnix, Arizona, eMers have adopted a phm which
iu~tny since 1918, I lutve had nnmy blessings. The Lord I believe would be helpful in "ill classes served by more than
hue been so wonderfully good to us. one elder; viz., that before the principal article in the
We wnt,t to assure you of our love and prayers. I know XV.xTC~TOWEr~is taken up for study 1)y the class, the elders
.xour time is very valuable, but I have been wanting lo meet and discuss tile major points in the article, to the end
tell you about this ever since it happened. Fully 200
prisoners have read the kingdom message while in jail in that all may be in agreement. The elders are instructed to
Tampa. Enclosed you will find a check to help in the Lord’s "feed the flock". Obviously, if they are not in agreement
work. co:merning the message of the TOWER,they canno~ help the
Sour sister in the one hope, friends to get the greatest ,good from it.
HENRIETTA BOMANOGLI ~IUELLER.--FI~I, In a large cla~s, not far from here, the elders were hav-
ing quite a little trouble in connection with the study of a
~VATClt TOWEI¢article. They all seemed to agree that the
CONFIDENCE AND LOYALTY V~ XTCt~ TOWFP~W’tS right, but they did not altogether agree
~)EAg I~ROTHER, I{UTHERFOIlD a.- to what it was that the WATCH TowEr~ said. Finally they
Greetings in the name of our King[ got together, thrashed out their differences, and came to an
YVe desire to express our love and absolute confidence iu a,greement. Our plan is to make such discussions a rtgular
your efforts to gl’orify our heavenly Father’s name by ?-our matter of business.
const’mt labors of love for his dear flock ]his side of the Of course, to make such a plan worth while, it will be
vail, ,rod in the proclamation of the kingdom message to necessary for each elder to make a thorough study of the
the worh! at tills time. article before turning to the meeting. Then the discussion
We realize, dear Brother, that we are living in trying
c’m very well be confined to the "high lights" in the article,
times ; and what a tvst it is to ~)ur faith as we see some wl~o
walk(<l with us for some time, and whomwe love very dearly, and one lneeting will suffice. The elders must, of course,
are now saying all nEmner of evil qgainst us falsely for undvrstand that no one comes to the meeting for the pur-
Christ’s sake. But this will not deter us, by the Lord’s pose of convincing the others that he is right and they are
grace, fr,:m lighting the good fight of faith ; for we know the wrong. Tv) serve its purpose, tile meeting must be for the
trying of our faith worketh patience, and lmtience engen- exchange of opinion, and nmtual helpfulness. In reading an
dereth hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, for the love of article, it may be that a certain thought will stand out
God is thus shed abroad in ~)ur hearts. conspicuously to one and another thought to another. The
Our prayers go up daily in your behalf that the Lord may two thoughts may, at first hearing, be divergent, but when
give you the needed strength to go on; and we wish to properly "dressed down" in discussion will reqtly prove to
assure you, dear Brother, that in a class as a whole, and be in accord, and may possibly be fused into a larger view
as individuals, you have our whole-hearted cooperation and
mtqualified support. of the entire subject. In other words, the pro’pose of the
Yours for the kingdom, meeting is helpfulness, and not doluinanee of the thought
PATERSON~[~I-’,CLE SIA~ of one or two.
Mrs. Mae J. Itau, Sccy.--Y. J. The foregoing suggestion is made in the belief that by
forestalling divisions among the elders, nmch will be done
to forestall divisions in the classes. It is quite clear, from
PREACHING THE GOSPEL TO EVERY NATION recent WATC/cI TO’WEEmessages, that Satan is very anxious
]V)EAI% t~IIOTHEP~ R/JTHERFOP~D to cause divisions among tile Lord’s people; and every pos-
Referring to the wonderful report of our SOCIETY’S activi- sible safeguard slmuld be erected against his attacks.
ties abroad as set forth in the recent WATCHTOWER: Sister Peterson joh-~s with me in assuring you of our deep
Anyone reading that report shouhl see amd realize that Christian love, and appreciation of the rich blessings the
the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY is fulfilliwz Lord is sending us through your faithful ministrations.
the prophetic statement of our Lord concerning the preach- Our daily prayer is that he may continue to strengthen ariel
ing of this message to every nation, after which must come sustain you.
the end. And it is noteworthy that the SOCIETYalone is do-
ing this. No other cult or people upon earth is doing this 5:’our brother by his grace,
preaching to every nationality~ J0tlN A. PETERSON.--Ariz.
PRICE LIST
Publications as listed below are obtaiaable from the SOCIETY’S DESCRIPTION AND PRICES
office.
There are special class rates given for quantity orders, carr.iage
charges llrepaid; these prices may be llad on request. Colporteur S.~faLLER SIZE, Minion ~ 14 Behold, my servants shall sing for o
rateq nmv be bad by colnortmlrs or prospectl~e eolporteurs on type, like this joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow
application to the SOCIETY’S Service Departmen,t. Orders and re-
mittances should be directed to No. 191g: price $3.00, postage prepaid. It is small and light ;
size 4~"x6¼". Red under gold edges, divinity circuit it. e., flexible,
XVATCI[ TOWERBIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, 1S CONCORDSTREET, overhanging cover). Good black grained sheepskin binding.
BIIOOKLYN,
N. ~’., U. S. A.
No. 1919": price $3.50, postage prepaid. The same Bible with
Friends residing in foreign countries where branch offices are the addition of Bagster’s IIelps, Concordances, etc.
maintained will kindly place their orders with these branches.
Offices of the Foreign Countries may be reached at the address No. 192.~: price $4.50, postage prepaid. Tills is tile same book
below. exactly as No. 1918, except bound in genuine Morocco, leather hned.
I,’OREIGN AGENCIES: Australasian Branch: 495 Collins St., Mel- LARGERSIZE, Ionic type,
bourne, Australia; Arge~ttina Branch: Calle Moreno 967, Escr. 5
Buenos Aires, Argen,tina ; . Austriaa Branch : W e s t b a n h o f
self-pronouncing, ~ 20 Thou ~" wLIt Derform the tru~n
Vienna 101, Austria; Bra~$lian Branch: Caixa Postal 2652, Rio like this to J~,’cob, and the merCY to A’bn~,-
de Janeiro, Brazil; British B~aT~ch: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster
Gate, London W2, England ; Br:t~sh Guiana Branch : P. O. Box 107, No. 1939: price $l.00, postage prepaid. Sanie binding and con-
tents as lXo. 1910, only ialger print; a little larger book. S~zo
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Branch: 38-40 Irwin Ave., Toronto, Ont., Canada; Central Euro- No. 1959 : price $5.50, postage prepaid. Same as No. 1939, ex-
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Order by number; 1latent thumb index, 50c extra.
C z e c h o-S 1 o v a k i a n B r a n e h: Most-Saras 353, Czecho-
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than fourteen nil]lieu copies are ill circulation, ill eighteen lauguagus.
erland; Ge*man Blanch: Leipziger Strasse 11-12, Magdeburg, Ger- Two sizes are issued (in English only) : The regular maroon cloth,
many; Greek Branch: CaneR, Crete, Greece; tfollaadish Branch: gold stamped edition on dull finish paper (size 5"x7~"), and tile
Witte de Witstraat 111, Amsterdani, lIolland; lnd*a~t Branch: maroon cloth pocket edition on thin paper (size 4"x(i~"); both
Kottayam, Travancore, South lndia; Itatialt Branch: Via Silvio sizes are printed troln the sadie plates, the difference being In tile
Pellico, ll-Pinerolo, Pro. di Torino, italy; Jama:can Branch: P. O. width of the margins. The pocket edition--Volumes I, lI, iII, 75e
Box 257, Kingston, Jamaica, B. W. I.; Korean Branch: 35 Ahn- each ; Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, $5c each.
kooktong, Seoul, Korea; hrorwcg,an l~ran~.h: Parkveien 60, Oslo, SERIES I, The Divine Plan of the Ages, giving an outline of
Norway ; Palestine Branch: Itamallah Palestine ; Phslipptnv the divine plan revealed in the Bible, relating to man’s redenlll-
Branch: P. O. Box No. 1682 Manila, P. I.; Pohsh B*anch: tion and restitution: 350 pages, 35c. Magazine edition 20c. Also
P. O. Box 248, Warsaw, Poland; h’outh A/rlcan Branch: 6 Lelie procurable ill Arabic, Armenian, French, Hollandish, Hungari~]n,
Street, Capetown, South Africa ; Spanish Branch: 10’_)3 italian,, Lithuanian, Roumanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish and
Sentinel Avenue, Los Angeles, Calif. ; Swedish Branch: Anggatan Ukrainian--regular cloth style, 75c each ; Dano-Norwegian, Finnish,
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Beirut, Syria; T~iaidad Branch: P. O. Box 194, Port of Spain, SERIES II, Tile Time Is at Hand, treats of the manner and
Trinidad, B. W. I. ; ~t’est African Branch: 6 Howe St., Freetown, time of the Lord’s second craning, considering the Bible testimony
]Sierra Leone, West Africa. on this subject: 333 pages, 35c. Obtainable ill Dane-Norwegian,
Finnish, and Swedish, 50c; German, Greek, and Polish, 40c ;
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a34
we WATCH TOWER 335
Shattuck, Okla ......... Nov. :15 Covington. Okla .......... Nov. 23 Pine City, Wash ..... Nov. 18 XVeston,Ore ................. Nov. 26
" 1(],17 Pawnee, Okla ............... " 26 Colfax, Wash............. " 19 Hermiston, Ore ............. " 27
5iooreland, Okla .... " ] ieppl~ec, Ore .............. " 29
Alva, Okia ................. " 1S, ]9 Perry, Okla ................. " 27 Pomeroy, Wash......... 20
Enid, Okla................. " 20, 22 Pones City. Okla ...... " 29 Dayton,, Wash........... " 22 Pendleton, Ore ............ " 3()
Rt~-ngwood,Okla ....... " 23 Ton,kawa, Okla ........ " 30 Waitsburg, Wash ... " 23 Joseph, Ore ............... Dcc. 1
" 24 Arkansas City, Kans. Dec. 1 Walls Walla, Wash. " 24, 25 La Grande, Ore ........... " 2, 3
Enid, Okla .................
Logansport, Ind ........... Nov. 16 Elwood, Ind ............. Nov. 23 Houston. Tex .......... Nov. 1L Mercedes, Tex ......... Nov. 26
17 Anderson. Ind . .. " Port Lavaca. Tex ... " 1{3, 17 ~Iablingen, Te’x ........ " 27, 29
Peru, Ind ....................... " 25 Driscoll, Tex ......... " 30
Wabash,In, d ................. 1S Grand Rapids, Mich. 26 29 Corpus Christi. Tex " 18-20
" 19 Farmland, Ind ...... " 30 Alice, Tex.............. " 22 Corp6s Christi, Tex. Dee. 1, 2
l~farion, Ind ................ " Mathis, Tex............... " 3
Alexandria, Ind ........... " 20 l~luneie, Ind ........... Dec. 1, 2 Kingsville, Tex ......... 23, 24
" 22 Hartford, Ind ........... " 3 Brownsville, Tex ..... " 25 ~lmmons,Tex ........... " 4
Tipton, Ind ...................
Nov. 17 Rankin, Ont .............. Nov. 2(~ Marshall, Ill ............... Nov. 15 Champaign,:Ill ......... Nov. 22
Orillia, Ont ............ " 16 Kankakee, Ill ........... " 23
Gravenhurst, Ont ..... " 18 Pembroke, Ont ..... " 27, 29 Robinson,111 ................ "
Bracebridge, Ont ..... " 19, 20 Flower Station, Ont. 30, Dec. 1 Lawrenceville, Ill ........ " 17 Blue Island, Ill ....... 2=~
" 22 Clayton, Ont ........ Dec. Bellmont,Ill ................. " 18 Grand Rapids, Mich. " 26-29
Huntsville, Ont ....... 2 " :19 Roseland, I11 ....... Nov. 30, Dec. 1
Callander, Ont ......... " 23 Carleton Place, On.t. " 3 Matteen,, Ill .................
" 24, 25 Ottawa, Ont ............. " 4, 6 Al=cola,111..................... " 20 Zion,Ill ..................... Dec. 2
North Bay, Ont .......
j ’- : .,.
CONTENTS
~’P~{EHOLY SPIRITPOUREDOUT .......................... 33.9
Examples of Operation ....................................
339
~t. Peter’s Interpretation 34~)
................................
AllFlesh" ...................................................... 341
SecondFulfilment ........................................... 341
Early and Latter Rain .................................. .~42
Hardest and Best Times ................................ 343
~[mTZRKSTINa QU~ST[0Ns ..................................... 344
~atan Cast Out of Heaven ............................ 344
Abstaining from all Forms of Evil ............... ~46
rn ]Re Class Organisation ................................ 34~
C~oncerning Berean Studies ............................ 348
T~ SoI~ oF GoD Bzco}~ms MAN...................... 349
OUR 1KESSAGE A SON(] 0~’ PRAISE (Letter) ...... 35l
W0au)-W*DE
WITZ~ZSS
........................................ 338
.:.,
. ’q ~ stand ,~pon my watch and will set my foo~
~po~ ?~he Tower, and will watch to see what He will
say .n¢o me, and what answer I shall make to them
that e~Pposc me,"---Habal~kuk$: L
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the re,~tl~, dlscontent¢~) roaring; rneK’s heaxt~ faUlng them for fear and f~r {ooklng
the things coming upon the ~arth (society) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken... When ye see these things begin to come to pa~,
know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejo*ce, f~l" your redeml;tton draweth nigh.--Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 2h25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THISpresented
Journal is one of the prime factors or instruments
In all parts of the clvlhzed world by the WATCH
in the system of Bible instrucnon,
TOWERDIIM.E & TRACTSOCIETY, ch.~rtcrc,l
or "Semlnarv. E~tonslon" now ~+~-
.~.. L,. l~bl. "For Illo Pro-
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where l~llde stndents may meet in tile .~itl~zy of tile dl~ in0 ~A oral Put
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reache0 with ammnneements of the ~oc~ety’s conventaons and o; the
coming of its tL’aveling repr~entatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventmns.
Our "Berean L~sons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES mo~t entertainingly arran_+ed, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dci M an~ster iV. D. 3I.), which translated
into English is Minister of God’s "Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons L~ specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
~:his journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundatioa of the Christimn’s hope now boil= so generally rcnudmtod
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransmm In corresponding pmce,.a subsntutcJ for
all", (1 Peter 1:19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on Otis sure foundation the gold, silver and precmus stom,~ (l Ceriotluan~ 3 :
15; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "m~-ge all see what is tlhe fcliow.q~H, of the mwterv wlue:~...has
been hid in God, . . , to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manlffold wlsuo~,, of GoJ"--"xxhataa m other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".--Eph~sians 3 : 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its ,~very utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. it is thus free to declare bo’dly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his ulrerances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns mu.~ be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the npbnilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge OtlL¢
xeaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
come. (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10: 11) The words EXAMPLES OF OPERATION
cf the prophet, above set out, seem to comeclearly with- o Abel having faith in Godand desiring to do his will,
in the announced rule. God gave him the spirit of wisdomthat he might offer
The English word "spirit" is translated from the an acceptable sacrifice unto God. Enoch had faith in
tIebrew ruach, which primarily means wind. The same God, loved and obeyed him, and received God’s approval.
word "spirit" in the NewTestament is translated from God exercised his spirit toward Enoch, and took him
the Greek root pneuma, also meaning wind. Wind weU awaythat he might not see dearth. Whenthe tabernacle
represent~ the word spirit. Windis both invisible and was to be made and furnished, by the exercise of hia
powerful. The words of Jesus convey the same thought. spirit Godgave certain menthe spirit of wisdomand un-
Addressing Nicodemus concerning the operation of the derstanding and knowledge in workmanship. Here God
holy spirit in preparing one for the kingdomof God he exercised his invisible power upon the minds of mento
said: "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou accomplish his purposes.
hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it When,under the direction of Jehovah, Mosesselected
eometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is seventy elders, they did prophesy. (Numbers 11:25)
born of the spirit."--John 3: 8. The spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, and he
8 Based upon this and like scriptures we conclude that prophesied before the king of Israel. (2 Chronicles 20:
the proper definition of the holy spirit is: Invisible 14, 15) Concerning the writing of the prophecies the
Power. The power of Jehovah is pure and holy; there- testimony is that "holy men of God spake as they were
fore the spirit of God is the holy spirit. WhenGod movedby the holy spirit".--2 Peter 1 : 21.
8 These and other scriptures show that prior to the
exercises his powerfor the creation of things it is his
holy spirit, or invisible power, in operation towards the comingof Jesus the office of the holy spirit was limited
things created. Whenthe time came for God to create to service and to those officially appointed for service.
things pertaining to the earth, it is written in Genesis The spirit of the Lord was not given to the nation of
1:2: "The spirit o~ God moved upon the face of the Israel as a whole, but was given only to those of Israel
waters." God needs only to will a thing for it to be whowere officially appointed for specific service. This i~
done. His will is his law. The operation of his spirit is so apparent that there is hardly roomfor doubt about it.
but the operation of his holy pewer. Only a few Israelites received the holy spirit of God,
and these spoke the message of God for the benefit of
The power of Satan is evil. That power is likewise
others.
invisible to man. That power, exercised toward man, 9 Amongthese thus favored by Jehovah was Joel.
means the operation of the evil spirit. The enemypro- The spirit of the Lord came upon him and he foretold
duces what is called in the Scriptures "the spirit of the what was to come. Wehave the testimony of St. Peter
world", "the spirit of Satan," and "the spirit of anti- that these prophets did not understand what they wrote
’’.
Chris~c nor the time of which they testified, thus proving that
Poured out means a libation, a gushing out or shed- it was the holy spirit, or invisible power, of Jehovah
ding forth. Godexercised his spirit towards his creatures operating upon their minds for the purpose of making
to accomplish his purposes. The Scriptures seem to record of what God desired to be recorded. Joel proph-
prove conclusively that God pours out his spirit on no esied that a change in the operation of the holy spirit
one unless that one is willingly in heart harmonywith was coming. As God’s inspired prophet he cal~ed upon
God. One of the prerequisites seems always to be that all the inhabitants to hear his messageand then for them
339
WATCH TOWER
to tell it to their children and to their children’s children. hi~ spirit upon all flesh (even upon Gentiles), "upon
tie prophesied of a great time of trouble coming upon whosoevershall call upon the nameof the Lord."
Israel. lie gave special warning to those ~’ho ministered *~Thesetting of this text seems clearly to call for:
at the altar, the priestly class. He tx)ld them to weep (1) in the last days of the Jewish Age, and (2) in the
because ’the new wine is cut off frorr, your mouth’. days of the Gospel Age. It is plainly stated that it is
(Joel 1: 5) He thus shows God’s disfavor to the ec- just before the great and terrible day of the Lord that he
clesiastical element. wiil pour out his spirit upon all flesh. There came a
lo At the time of this prophecy Israel was in a cov- great and terrible day upon fleshly Israel, particularly
enmlt with God, and was a part of God’s organizatmn, in A. D. 69 to 73. Jesus emphasizes the fact of a great
and for this reason properly designated under the title time of trouble that shall mark the grand finale of
Zion. The inspired prophet warns Zion, and tells her Satan’s empire. (Matthew 2¢: 21, 22) The pouring out
to cry out and sound the alarm. After further warning of the spirit seems to just precede both of these periods
he utters words of hope for the future. Then come the of hme.
words of the text: "And it shall come to pass after- 1~ A well-defined rule in the fulfilment of prophecyis :
ward, that I will pour out myspirit upon all flesh ; and First, its fulfilment upon Jesus and his apostles, and
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old later upon the Lord’s people in the work done by them in
men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see the n~meof the Lord during his second presence. An il-
visions; and also upon the servants and upon the hand- lustration of this rule is found in Isaiah 61:1-3 and
maids in those days will I pour out my spirit."--Joel 52: 7. The latter scripture St. Paul quotes in Romans
2: 28, 29. 10:15 and so applies it.
TIME
ST. PETER’S LNTERPRETATION
11 Whatdid the prophet mean ~vhen he said : "And it ~6 Where a scripture appears in the Old Testament,
shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my
and the construction er interpretation of that scripture
spirit uponall flesh" ? Did he meanthat after the selec- is in doubt, and that ~amescripture is interpreted by
tion of the church by means of begetting and anointing one of the inspired apostles of the Lord, and is written
of the holy spirit, and the developmentof the new crea-
in the NewTestament, such interpretation is conclusive
tion to completion, then he would pour out his
and must be accepted by all Bible students as final
spirit upon all the peoples of earth ? It hardly seems
Jesus stated to St. Peter and other of his inspired
reasonable that such is the meaning of the prophet’s
apostles that what they said on ~rth would be confirmed
words, because during the Millennial Age the holy spirit in heaven.--Matthew 18: 18.
will not operate to beget or to auoh~t any one. All the ~7 It was on the day of Penteco-&that St. Peter, with
people will then be under the control and supervision of
Christ, the Mediator. They will be given knowledge of others, had received the holy spirit. There the spirit
~he trutt~ and therefore an opportunity to accept the operated to beget and to anoint them. (Acts 2: 1-5)
gracious provisions God has made for them through On that occasion there were divers men from every na-
Christ the Mediator. tion at Jerusalem, speaking their own languages. The
1~ Onlythose whoaccept the gift of life will receive it. apostles stood up before them and preached the gospel
so that all understood their words, each in his own
(Romans6: 23) A gift cannot be effective without con- tongue. Not only were the apostles begotten and
sent of the receiver. These will be under the control of anointed of the holy spirit, but God’s invis;hte power
the Mediator during the entire age and will be turned operated upon thmn to cause ttmm to speak in tong!sea
over to Jehovah at the end of the age. Surely during the before then unknownto timm. Other men standing by,
Millemgal Age Godwill not pour out his spirit npon all
who heard them, said: "These men are full of new
flesh, regardless of whether the people accept Christ or wine." St. Peter replied: "For these are not drunken,
not. The text does not seem to apply to the Mill~.nnial
as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day."
Ageat all.
¯ a The word "afterward" appearing in this text is, ac- --Acts 2 : 13, 15.
is Then t’.mt it might be understood what was meant
cording ¢o Dr. Strong, lexicographer, from a root word by what the people there saw and heard, St. Peter pro-
that is translated manydifferent ways. It has various ceeded to i,,terpret the meaning in these words: "But
applications as to manner, time and relation. It is often this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And
translated "hereafter" and "after this". The facts seem it shall cometo pass in the last days, saith God, I will
to showthat this is what the prophet means: After this pour out of myspirit upon all flesh: and your sons and
time of which I am now speaking, at a future time from your daughters shall prophesy, and your young menshall
this, a change is comingin regard to the ministration or see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and
operation of the spirit of God. Upto that time God had on myservants and on my handmaidensI will pour out,
poured out his spirit upon only a few of the house of in those days, of myspirit; and they shall prophesy : and
Israel; but the time was coming when he would pour out I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in tho
NOVeMBeR
15, 1925 84t
WATCH TOWER
earth beneath ; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: the by any of the facts. Using our common method of
sun shall be turned into darkness, and the mooninto speech we understand this is what the Prophet Joel, in
blood, before that great and notable day of tile Lo,d substance, said: ’Up to this time God has bestowed his
come: and it shM1come to pass, that whogoever shaft spirit upon a few of the house of Israel. After this day
call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved."--Acts he will pour out his spirit upon all the hou~ of Israel,
2 : 16-21. upon whosoever shall call upon his name; and in those
19 Prior to that time the holy spirit had operated only days, that is to say, during the time he is pouring out
upon a few of the Jews. The first one begotten was his spirit uponall flesh, his spirit will not be limited to
Jesus at the Jordan. (.lohn 1:32) Nowthe apostles some of the devout men of Israel, but it will extend to
were begotten and anointed by the same power. Jesus your sons and to your daughters, to your old menand to
was the beginning and the Head of the beloved servant )’our young men, and even upon the servants and hand-
class mentioned by other prophets, and nowthe apostles maidensof the household, even as manyas shall call upon
had been added to that servant class. (Matthew 12: 18; the name of the Lord.’
Imiah 42 : 1 ; 61 : 1, 2) This is the class upon whomGod 2’As to the time whenthis shall take place it will be be-
pours out his spirit. fore "the great and terrible day of the Lord come". "In
20 At Pentecost the time had come when God would those days," instead of meaningin the Gospel’Age,clearly
not limit his spirit to only a few ; but, as St. Peter there means within that period of time in which the Lord
stated, "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord is pouring out his spirit upon all flesh of the house of
shall be saved." Then the Jews cried out and said: Israel. That which actually occurred on the day of
"What shall we do ?" St. Peter replied: "Repent, and Pentecost, and for three and one-half years thereafter,
be baptized every one of you in the nameof Jesus Christ fully and completely corroborates this conclusion. In
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift order to settle it definitely St. Peter at that time said:
of the holy spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel."
your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many --Acts 2: 16.
as the Lord our Godshall call."--Acts 2: 38, 39.
21 That this was the time of the fulfilment of the SECOND FULFILMENT
t~ It is proven by manyother scriptures that the term
prophecy of Joel it is further recorded that on that same
day there was added about three thousand persons who %-. the last days", in the broader measure, applies to the
received the holy spirit. (Acts 2: 41) The word "after- la.ct days of the Gospel Age, whenSatan’s empireis pass-
ward" spoken by the Prophet Joel is plainly interpreted -i’ ~g away. Whilethis had application to the last days of
by St. Peter to mean "in the last days". This cor- the Jewish Age, it also has application even in a broader
responds with the meaningof the word as above defined. me,.sure to the last days of the Gospel Age, and refers
to the last experiences of the church durfilg the second
"ALL FLESH" pre:,ence of our Lord. It is not unusual to find morethan
s~ The term "all itesh" as used by the Prophet JoeI one ,fulfilment of a prophecy. Based upon this and other
must be interpreted according to St. Peter as meaning scriptures we should clearly expect another pouring out
all the families of the householdof Israel. He was speak- of the holy spirit in fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy,as in-
ing to Israelites. What is said would later apply to terpreted by St. Peter ; and that this would take place
spiritual Israel, the meaning being that at the end of in the last days of the Gospel Age and just before the
the Jewish Age Godwould not be a respecter of person~ great time of trouble.
of the house of Israel, but that his spirit wouldbe given 2, t fter {he apostles had passed from the earth dark-
to the sons and the daughters, to the old men and the ness ~:uickly set in. This was because of the opposition
young men, and even to the servants an$1 handmaids of of the spirit of the evil one. The Devil began to exercise
the household and they "shall prophesy’. The prophesy- his im isible power subtily toward the church. The Lord
ing, or giving the testimony, wouldtherefore not be con- had planted the church a noble vine ; and nowit rapidly
fined to a few but wouldbe extended to all of the house- turned into a degenerate plant of a strange vine, as the
hold, hence to all tiesh. The facts showthat this is exact- prophet had fore.told. (Jeremiah 2:21) The dark ages
ly what did take place, which is conclusive as to the followed, during which time the face of Godwas turned
meaning of the prophecy. away from his professed people of earth. During that
time the true saints, herded in with the false and am-
"LN THOSE DAYS" bitious membersof the church, were in great distress.
~s There seems to be no good reason for changing the The psalmist speaks their heart sentiments, saying,
position of verses 28 and 29 in Joel’s prophecy. They "Wherezore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our
appear in the order in which the facts showfulfilment. affliction and our oppression ?"--Psalm 44: 24.
Prophecycan be best interpreted by the physical facts in ~T St. Peter at Pentecost speaks prophetically of rdief
fulfilment. The conclusion that verse 29 applies to the coming t.~ the saints thus oppressed, tie there said:
Gospel Age, and that verse 28 applies afterwards and "Times of refreshing shall come from the face of the
during the Millennial Ag%does not seem to be warranted Lord." (Acts 3:19) The time of refreshing c.~ma
N.
WATCH TOWER
Israel at the end of the Jewish Age, during the first young men and the young womenthat go about preach-
presence of our Lord ; and the time of refreshing has ing, either by word of mouth or by putting into the
cometo the spiritual Israelites, the church of God, at the hands of the people the books which contain the message
end of the Gospel Age during the second presence of our of the kingdom. Preaching may be done either by word
Lord. The period of time from 1875 to 1918 was a of mouth or by printed matter ; and this being an age
period of refreshing, during which time God restored of reading, putting into the hands of the people the
to his people the great fundamental truths and refreshed printed messageis a more effective way of preaching.
them thereby alad drew them together. (Acts 3: 19; s~ A vision means to have a clearer understanding, or
Psalm 50:5) That period of time was particularly a vision, of the plan of God. "Wherethere is no vision,
period of preparation and refreshment. the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18) Where there
no vision of God’s Word, no understanding of the truth,
WORK OF THE CHURCH
there is not the spirit of the Lord and the Christians
2s The period of refreshment and gathering together faint. (Amos 8: 11-13) Those who have kept abreast
ef the church, knoxwnas the period of preparation from with the light of truth that Godhas caused to shine upon
1874 to 1918, was the work of the church foreshadowed his plan have greatly rejoiced. Those who stopped in
by the experiences of Elijah the prophet. There was a 1918 either are in darkness or are dreaming dreams.
brief period of waiting in 1918 and 1919. Following 82 "Your young men shall see visions." Those who
shortly thereafter the spirit of the Lord moved the have come more-recently into the truth seem to mani-
church into greater zeal and activity in the proclama-
fest a greater degree of the spirit of the Lord and to
tion of the message of the kingdom. This zeal and
have a clearer vision and understanding of God’s plan
activity in doing the Lord’s will was foreshadowed by
than many who have had the privilege for years. With
the experiences of the Prophet Elisha. True to the proph-
this clearer vision of the truth they enter into the joy
ecy the church was given a greater measure of the of the Lord and gladly participate in any service the
spirit in the service since 1918. Those whohave clearly Lord offers them.
discerned the period of time marking the division of the 8s "Your old men shall dream dreams." Many who
work foreshadowed by Elijah and Elisha have had
have been long in the truth continue to build air-
greater joy in the Lord and in his servicc, even as the,
castles. In substance they continue to say: "Howwon-
prophecy foretold.
derful it will be to get into heavenand sit on the throne
MANY HAVE HEARD and rule !" That indeed will be wonderful; but those
~’ It was thought by some that the work of the church who will ultimately sit upon the throne with the Lord
was ended in 1918. The facts show that there has been must do something here first to prove themselves faith-
a greater witness to the messageof the Lord since than ful and true witnesses of the Lord. What each faithful
prior to 1918. In the year 1925 fully 25.000 persons Christian now says to himself is: "What may I do to
are reported as having partaken of the Memorialthan in glorify the Lord and to be God’s witness and prove my
any preceding year. At the SocIETY’s convention in faith and loyalty and devotion to him in order that I
Columbusin 1924, in response to a question, fully half may receive his approval ?" Those who thus continue
of that great multitude stated they had cometo a knowl- faithful to the end will be the ones who will have an
edge of the truth since 1918. At the convention at Mag- abundant entrance into his kingdom.--2 Peter 1 : 10-12.
deburg in 1925 a like Ttcstion was put to an audience s~ Let those who desire to indulge in day dreams do
of upwards of 12,000, and fully two-thirds of them so, but let the Christian whoreally loves the Lord hear
stated that they had come to a knowledgeof the truth his commandand jo3ffully obey the same. The Lord is
since 1922. It was particularly noticed that amongst using, out of the number called, his remnant to do his
those was a great number of young men and young work and to give the witness even as the prophet fore-
women. Upon this great number the Lord has poured told. (Joel 2:32) The remnant means the faithful
out his spirit ; and these are the ones who, in the bloom earnest ones amongst those whohave received the spirit
of youth and vigor, are anxious to be used and whomthe of the Lord.
Lord is using largely in giving the witness. Manyof
EARLY AND LATTER RAIN
those who were used to proclaim the truth prior to
1918 have turned away, or have relaxed their efforts. s5 The evidence of the fulfilment of this prophecy in
The Lord has brought into the field many more. The the end of the Gospel Age is in harmonywith the poetic
~rm of the Lord has not been shortened. expression concerning the early and the latter rain.
(See Joel 2 : 23; Hosea6 : 3) The early rain is to sprout
SEE VISIONS the seeds, and the latter rain to mature the corn in the
,o The words of the prophet are: "And your sons artd ear. From the time of our Lord’s second presence, and
your daughters shall prophesy, and your old men shall during the period of preparation, was a time of the early
dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." rain. That was a time of refreshing because God turned
~0 prophesy means to preach; and it is generally th~ his face to his people. It was a time of gathering to-
¯ WATCH TOWER
gather the people of God, and this was the work done ~* The moonis a symbol of the law of God, there-
generally prior to 1918.--Psalm 50: 5. fore symbolically representing the will of God. It has
~ Then followed a period of expectation and impatient become unto many the symbol of death. These things
waiting mltil the completion of the work. Manythought have transpired particularly in the last few years and are
they should be taken home and that the work was done. nowapparent to all whohave a vision of the divine plans
Then the evidence was given that the Lord came to his ,2 Note nowthe prophet says these things shall take
temple in 1918. That was the time of the latter rMn place "before the great and the terrible day of the Lord
which greatly refreshed the saints and has brought joy come"; that is to ~y, before ~he final trouble mentioned
to their hearts. They have entered into the joy of the by Jesus in Matthew 24: 21, 22. The prophet’s words
Lord. This seems to be the time referred to by St. are that contemporaneously with the happening of these
Jaanes whowrote : "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto events Godwill pour out his spirit upon all flesh, upon
the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandmanwait- whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord. The
elh for tile precious fruit of tile earth, and hath long facts showthe fulfilment of the prophecy, and that those
patience for it, m~til he receive the early and latter rain. who have called upon the name of the Lord and fully
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the com- consecrated themselves, are now joyfully doing his will
ing of the Lord draweth nigh."--aames 5 : 7, 8. in this time of stress. These facts should cause the true
a’ During the former rain was performed the Elijah follower of Jesus Christ to greatly rejoice at the further
work. During the latter rain is performed the Elisha evidence that the day of complete deliverance is at hand.
work. In the latter period the church enters into the
joy of the Lord, and those thus doing realize that the HARDEST AND BEST TIMES
joy of the Lord is their strength. No miracles are now ~s It is true that the present time is the hardest day
being performed; but he who knows that he has the for the church, because of the temptations of the world,
spirit of the Lord and whois blessed by the Lord is more because of a general destruction and the breaking down
confident than the man who works miracles. He who of everything in the world; because of the turning of
thus has the Lord’s spirit ar, d testimony has greater the people away from God; and because many who have
reason to rely upon the Lord and to go forward in the walked with the Lord have grown weary in well doing or
strength of the Lord and his service. It is this servant etse have proven unfaithful and have turned aside. The
class upon whomthe Lord plainly says he will pour out pr~.ent evil world, of which ccclesi£sticism forms a
his spirit,. (Isaiah 42: 1) It is this class that the Lord laTge part, is spiritually Sodom.(Revelation 11 : 8) Lot
has honored by making them his witnesses in the earth. was in Sodom; yet Lot was a righteous man. The true
--Isaiah 43 : 9-12. church this side the vail is nowin the evil city, the
FURTHERPROOF antttypical Sodom,amidst the Devil’s organization. The
church is not like Lot, but her condition is like unto
a, As further corroborative proof that the prophecy of
that of Lot. The true church must now be witnesses for
Joel finds anot]~r fulfilment at the end of the Gospel
Godbefore a wicked and perverse generation.
Age, attention is particularly directed to the words of 4~ Jesus declared that these conditions should obtain
the Prophet Joel in Joel 2:30 and 31: "And I will
shaw wondersin the heavens and in the earth, blood, and at the end of the age, where we now are. (Luke 17 : 28-
fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned in- 30) As Lot in his day was speaking amongst wicked men,
to darkness, and the mooninto blood, before the great so nowthe membersof the true church are witnesses for
and the terrible day of the Lord come." Godand are made a spectacle for men and angels, even
a~ Has not the Lord shown his people wonders in the the Devil’s organization. This is the hardest time be-
heavens by giving them a better vision than heretofore of cause opposition of the world is more pronounced than
the Devil’s organization and of the birth of the nation, ever. God’s people are gathered together; but the enemy
of the ca~ing of Satan out of heaven and the prepara- and his organization fight against the church in an at-
tion for the great and final battle on the earth ? Blood tempt to destroy those who keep the commandmentsof
and fire are symbols of death and destruction. In the God and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev-
earth during the pag few years there has been a great elation 12: 17) The church needs a greater measure of
amount of death and destruction. the spirit of God now; and those who call upon his
,o Smokeis a symbol of confusion, and now we see name, and were begotten and anointed during the past
such great confusion as never before in the earth. The few years, manifest a greater measureof the spirit.
nominal Christian system is all in confusion. Their ¯ 5 Andthese are the happiest days for the church, be-
leaders have turned the light of the gospel into darkness cause the light and understanding of the truth is greater
by denying the creation, the fall and the redemption than ever before. The saints have entered into the joy
of man and by uniting openly with the Devils organiza- of the Lord. They have the testimony of Christ Jesus
tion ha an effort to establish what they call God’s king- that they are in the temple class, tits blessings are mann
-domon earth. They have so confused manyhonest 1)co fast upon those who do serve him. Upon those who now
pie that these know not which way to go. have +.he spirit of the Lord the glory of the I~rd is shia~
WATCH TOWER
ing, and they are honored by being madeGod’s witnesses How was the office of tim holy spirit limited in ancient
times? What does St. Peter say on ti~is point? Outline
on earth. Greater is the light, greater is the joy, and Joel’s prophecy. ~ 8-10.
greater the opportunity of serving the Lord, and thus the What is the import of the term "afterward" as used by
saints are honoredby him.--Isaiah 60 : 1. Joel? Is it reasonable that the holy spirit will be literally
4, The church is confident of the fact that she has poured out upon all flesh, in the Millennium, regardless
of whether the people accept Christ? ~ 11-13, 21.
the spirit of the Lord, as stated in Isaiah 61 : 1, 2 ; and What does the setting of this prophecy indicate as to time?
that she is commissionedto declare the day of vengeance Do prophecies concerning the Lord Jesus sometimes apply
also to his body? Illustrate. ~ 14-16.
of our God against Satan’s organization and to bring What were the circumstances surrounding St. Peter’s cita-
the messageof comfort to the people. It is the comple- tion of Joel’s prophecy? ~I 17, 18.
ment of our Lord’s fulfilment of the same prophecy. Why did the apostle cite this prophecy, and what is his point
:Happy the lot of the saints now on earth! With them concerning it? ~[ 19-21.
What did Joel mean by "all flesh"? To what time does he
time is no more. They see that the Lord has taken his refer by "those days"? Paraphrase. ~[ 22-24.
power, that the nation of righteousness is born, that the To what does the Scriptural phrase "in the last days" usual-
Lord has poured out his spirit upon those who call ly refer? 11 25.
What happened to the church after the apostles fell asleep?
upon his name and that these are made the witnesses When were "times of refreshing" to come? 11 26, 27.
for God. How does the type of Elijah and Elisha fit conditions in
"~ Joyfully they stand above the disintegrating ele- the end of this age? ~ 28.
ments. They stand, as it were, upon the sea of glass What does Joel mean by the statement "Your sons and your
daughters shall prophesy"? I1 29, 30.
and have the harmonious message of God and his king- What is meant by "your young men shall see visions"?
dom; and they sing the praises of Jehovah and the 31, 32.
Why does be say, "Your old men ~hall dream dreams,"
King. They do not worry about how long they will be and how is this fulfilled? ~ 33, 34.
on the earth nor the hour when they will enter into What is the significance of "the former and the latter rain"
everlasting bliss. They gladly wait upon the Lord. Their mentioned in the context, and how does this establish tl,e
time of the prophecy’s fulfilment? ~ 35, 36.
joy nowis greater because they dwell in the secret place he are the "servants" upon whomthe Lord’s spirit is now
of the Most High, knowingthat they love the Lord and poured out? ~ 37.
delight to do his will, and that ff they thus continue What does Joel 2:30, 31 further prove as to the time of
fulfilment of this prophecy? What are the "wonders in
faithful he will preserve them and in his own good time heaven and In the earth"? What is symbolized by the
receive them into his everlasting arms. He will bestow "blood and fire" mentioned? II 38, 39.
upon them the exceeding riches of his grace through What is meant by the "pillars of smoke", and how is th~
sun darkened and the moon turned into blood? ~ 40: 41.
Christ Jesus, his own beloved One. When were these things to take place? Is the outpouring
of the holy spirit indicated to be contemporaneous with
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY these events? ~ 42.
What Is the purpose of prophecy? What is meant by the Why is the present a hard time for true Christians? How
word "spirit" in Joel 2:28? 1I 1, 2. is our situation similar to that of Lot in Sodom? DOes not
Describe the difference between the holy spirit and Satan’s the church now need a greater measure of the holy splint?
spirit. ~ 3, 4. 43, 44.
ttow can a spirit be "poured out"? Did anybody receive the In the midst of present hardships why are Christians now
holy spirit prior to Pentecost? ~1 5-7. so full of joy? ~ 45-47.
INTERESTING QUESTIONS
SATAN CAST OUT OF HEAVEN Somebase their interpretation on the reference to the
uestlo~: I am writing you hoping you may "heavens" mentioned in 2 Peter, third chapter, which
Q help me to understand the last WATCtrTow~.It Brother Russell calls the ecclesiastical heavens.
article, "The King in Action," also the one on
"The Birth of The Nation". I thought that I did an-
If I understand you rightly, the explanation in "The
Birth of The Nation" article, March 1st WAWC~ Towzn,
derstand them ; but when so many of the leaders take page 69, paragraph 30, is one of the clearest I have
a different viewpoint and explain them differently, it ever read. It says: "The Scriptures do not bear out
is so hard to know just where you are. Some of the the thought that Satan has been debarred from appear-
elders say that the heaven from which Satan was cast ing in heaven since the fall of man in Eden, nor at
out was not a literal heaven but a symbolical or eccle- the time of the Flood; on the contrary the Scriptures
siastical heaven, while others say he is busier than ever and the physical facts seem to indicate that Satan was
in the ecclesiastical heaven. So it must be some space permitted to remain in heaven." To my mind this is
between here and the heaven where Jehovah’s throne is. most reasonable. But most of our leaders say the heav-
A few think that the WATC~Tow~ meant just what ens referred to are eccldsiasfical, not the literal heaven.
it said whenit stated that Satan was literally cast out Pleas~ help us to understand it. May God bless you
of heaven and no longer has access to the heavenly continually. --M.WI~XL~..
¢ourta, and that his activities are nowconfined to earth. Awswer: The casting out of heaven, as men-
WATCH TOWER
tioned in Revelation 12: 7-9, has no reference what- days; but lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, cameto
ever to what is usually termed the ecclesiastical help me." (DaJaiei 10: 13) This angel also told Daniel
heaven. It is clearly stated in the Scriptures that that he would return an& that the prince of Persia
Satan appeared before Jehovah when the sons of God would fight against him and that later the prince of
cameto present themsetves.--Job 1 : 6 ; 2 : 1. Grecia would come. (Daniel 10 : 20) Here is the plain
Some may have thought that heaven, the place of statement, then, about two princes, relating to two
abode of Jehovah, is one great open space where every different worldly governments. A prince means a gov-
creature can see each oiker and where all can see God. ernor or ruler. The cabinet officers rule with the pre-
Such a conclusion is not at all reasonable. Surely the sident of the United States. They are members of his
Eternal One has a secret place of his own to which official family. By a similar arrangement the princes
none is admitted. It is reasonable that at times Jehovah of Persia, Greeia, etc., would rule with Satan. In
meets with the Lord Jesus when no one else is present. other words these princes would be governors to whom
There must be different abodes in the heavenly realm Satan delegated the power to look after certain coun-
even as there arc in the earth. Surely Godhas the power tries of his empire.
to withdraw himself from the presence of all when he Since Satan was then the god of the whole world and
so desires. chief amongst devils, based upon this scripture we
Whenan earthly potentate leaves the innermost por- must conclude that the prince of Persia and the prince
tion of his castle and reviews his soldiers, these appear of Grecia were members of Satan’s official family.
before him. He may not leave the castle or he may. St. Paul plainly states that there are principalities and
Surely Jehovah could permit his sons to appear before powers and rulers of this wicked world, who are invis-
him in heaven without their entering into the secret ible to man and who are fighting against the Chris-
chambers of the great Eternal God; and this is what tians.--Ephesians 6 : 12.
they did, as described by Job. Whenthese came, Sataal From what place have these, under the supervision
also appeared. God could have prevented him, but of Satan, been conducting their office of state ? Surely
did not. He could have prevented Satan all these cen- from some place in heaven; that is to say, in the realm
turies from interfering with mankind, but it has not removed from the earth and invisible to the creatures
pleased him to do so. of earth. Is not this the "old heaven" "which the apos-
It is certain that Satan seduced a number of angels tle says must pass away in the last days? ($ Peter
of heaven and drew them after him. Because these 3: 10-12) Is not this the heaven in which there has
appeared before GodoI~ certain occasions it wouldno~: long been unrighteousness and which must make way
mean that they would see him at all other times. This for the "new heaven" wherein dwelleth righteousness
statement of Job being true, then it must follow that and of which the Lord Jesus is the chief ruler?
Satan was in heaven at that time. If these sons of 2 Peter 3: 13.
Godcould behold Jehovah at all times, then there would In the light of these scriptures we must conc]ude
be no occasion for Job to say that they came and ap- that Satan has had some place in heaven from which
Peared before him. It was on these occasions that Satan lie has been operating and directing his government.
came and held conversation with Jehovah. A number of the pictures in Revelation indicate this,
Since the day of deflection in Eden until the coming which space will not permit us here to discuss.
of the Lord Jesus as King of glory God has permitted The time comes for the Lord Jesus, whose right it
Satan to pursue his own course, and during that time is, to begin his reign. Wouldit not be reasonable that
has permitted him to follow out his wicked dcsig,ns he would take up his position in heaven for this pur-
without hindrance. For many centuries Satan has been pose, in obedience to the command from Jehovah:
god of the whole world. During that time he has been "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strmlgth out of
the chief amongst the devils. The Jews all understood Z;on: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies"?
this, and so accused Jesus of being Beelzebub. (Psalm 110: 2) In the scripture here quoted Jehovah
All of these devils could be in heaven without being sends forth the sceptre or authority out of his organi-
in the presenc~ of Jehovah God. There has been some zation, by his beloved Son, and commands that he
place in the reahn invisible to man where Satan and rule amidst his enemies.
his cabinet officers have been carrying on his govern- Of course Satan did not willingly surrender the place
merit of x~icked angels and the governments of this or position, but he must get out; for the time has come.
earth. These constitute the old heaven and old earth "And there was war in heaven : Michael and his angels
of 2 Peter 3rd chapter. This heaven has no reference fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and
to ecdesiast-ical companies. his angels, and prevailed no~; neither was their place
An occasion is recorded in which an angel was sent found any more in heaven. And fh~ great dragon was
from God to bear a message to Daniel in answer to east out, that old serpent, called the Devil, . . . and ho
his prayer. This angel told Daniel that "the prince was ca~t out into the earth, and his a~gds were casl
of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty out with him."~Revelation 12: 7-9.
WATCH TOWER
In this fight the Devil is thrown out. Surely the he is operating and using them probably in a more
words of Isaiah 14:12 are prophetic words, which did eff,~ve wW than he has heretofore.
not have application at the time Satan cau~d the troub- The Scripture seem to warrant the conclusion that
le in Eden. At that time there were no nations to weak- the Lord Jesus Christ, as the great executive officer of
en. Now read the prophecy: "tlow art thou fallen Jehovah God, has thrown Satan out of heaven; and that
from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the morning! how art now while the preparation goes on for the great and
thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the final coniliet, the battle of GodAlmighty, he is com-
mations I" It is after he weakens the nations that he n~anding the followers of Jesus to proclaim amongst
falls from heaven. themselves and to the world the great witness that
Then the Revelator plainly states that the Devil con- Jehovah is God, that the time has come for him to get
fines his operations to the earth, tits place of operation him~,elf a name, and that his kingdomof righteousness
in heaven has ceased, and now he must confine them shall be established, that the world might be stabilized
to the earth. Being a spirit being, he is still invisible that it cannot be moved.
to man. He could operate from heaven as well as from In this connection it mayalso be said that the evil
some place on earth, and probably better; but now spirits who have been operating with the Devil are
being excluded from that place his operations are con- not the evil spirits whowere confined in prison at the
fined to the earth. The Revelator adds: "Woeto the time of the Flood. It will be noted that these were eon-
inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea! for the devil fined because "they kept not their first estate". (2 Peter
is come down unto you, having great wrath, because 2:4; Jude 6) Their first estate was on the spirit plane.
he knoweth that he hath but a short time." (Revela- They materialized, cohabited with womenand pro-
tion 12: 12) Evidently the "earth" here refers to the dueed a progeny. Because of their wickedness in thus
ruling factors of the earth, and the "sea" to the restless leaving their first estate God incarcerated them. But
element of humanity; and surely both of these are hav- without a question of a doubt there has been a host of
ing their woes now, and their woes continue to increase. evil spirits operating with the Devil on the spirit plane,
Then follows the preparation for the great and final in his invisible realm; and these are the ones whoare
battle on earth, the time of trouble such as never was now operating with the Devil and who are seeking to
since there was a nation. (Matthew 24: 21, 22) While destroy tlmse who keep the commandmentsof God and
this preparation is going on Satan and his emissaries who have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The saints
are making a desperate effort to destroy the saints, whoabide in the secret place of the Most High, under
because these are the only witnesses on earth for Je- the shadow of his wing, within the hollow of his hand,
hovah God, and they are telling the people that God’s will be invulnerable to the attack of the enemy. There-
kingdom is at hand. He goes forth "to make war with fore with confidence and with joyful hearts they can
the remnant of her seed, which keep the command- proclaim, and will proclaim, the glad message that
nacnts of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ". Jehovah is God, that Christ Jesus is King, and that
It in quite evident that the Lord has permitted his the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
church to have some understanding of this scripture ABSTAINING FROM ALL FORMS OF EVIL
at this time as a special warning, that the members
Question: To engage in the voluntary distribution
thereof maybe prepared to withstand the assaults of the
evil one. Of course the D.evil would put forth his best of the message of the kingdom in the form of
efforts to confuse the minds of the Lord’s people and tracts or books appears in the eyes of some aa
would induce one elder to say one thing and another evil. St Paul wrote: "Abstain from all appearance of
to say another thing, to camouflage the matter so that evil." (1 Thessalonians 5: 2~) Are we violating this
Scriptural injunction by handing to the clergy copie~
it would appear merely symbolic. Let no one be de-
of the Indictment or Message of Hope or other litera-
ceived by believing that this is merely a symbolism
referring to the ecclesiastical systems. ture published by our SOCIETY ? Just what is the mean-
ing of this Scripture text?
The specific answer to the question is: The heaven Answer: No. While those who oppose the Lord’s
from which Satan has been excluded is the place and
kingdom mighL think it evil to deliver to them the
high position from which he, together with his wicked
message of his kingdom it is in no way violating the
assistants, has for manycenturies ruled the invisible Scriptures to so deliver the message. Doing the com-
realm of wickedness and also the world. Clearly it is mandmentsof Godor of the Lord Jesus is always right.
not the ccelesiastdcal heaven. The Devil has never re- The adversary is an adept at using scriptures to sup-
sided in the ecclesiastical heaven. Ite has been the ruier port his position. He suggests to his emissaries or
of these systems. He has ruled them by exercising his agents the same method of opposition.
invisfble poweror evil spirit; and this he is still doing. This text is properly rendered: "Abstain from every
tie would not need to be in that heaven to do this. His form of evil." There are instances then in which a
ecclesiastical sTstemsare confined to the earth, and here thing may appear an evil to one, which is not a form
347
WATCH TOWER
of evil. For a long while the ]~{ethodists declared danc- To illustrate the point: The Fundamentalists claim
ing to be an appearance of evil. To some it might ap- to believe the Bible. They may say to a ram follower
pear evil, and in fact evil can be madeof dancing. What of Christ Jesus: Comeand join us; we believe the
appears evil to one does not appear evil to another. Bible. An unsuspecting Christian might say: Well,
It would appear evil in America for a man to publicly that is a good reason why I should join with you. And
drink beer with his family. This is not at all an ap- he might do so. But the Fundamentalists are a part
pearance of evil in Germany,because there it is a com- of the Devil’s organization. These nominal Christians
mon practice. The people there think no more of it openly ally themselves with the commercialand political
than we do o£ drinking coffee with the membersof our powers of the world and claim that they are going to
family. establish God’s kingdom on em~h. For a real Christian
The nominal church teachers have long laid stress to unite with them under any pretext would be a form
on this text in support of their contention that moral- of evil.
ity is Christianity. Every honest person should strive The apostle is especially admonishing against such
to be moral. Manywho are strictly moral and upright in 1 Thessalonians 5:22. The true follower of Christ
as far as their conduct toward others is concerned make Jesus is not to do evil nor to be unkind to anyone
no pretense of being Christian. The text should never whether claiming to be a Christian or not, but mus~
have such a narrow limitation. It should be properly hold himself aloof and separate and apart from auy
considered in the light of its setting. worldly organization. St. John gives the same though~
The entire chapter relates specifically to the end of when he says: "Love not the world, neither the things
the Gospel Age, during the second presence of our that are in the world. If any man love the world, th~
I~rd, and is written in a form of instruction and ad- love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2: 15)
monition to those who are walking in the light. St. Corroborating this St. James says: ’rYe adulterers a~d
Paul says to those whomhe addresses: "Ye, brethren, adulteresses, knowye not that the friendship of the
are not in darkness,.., ye are all the children of light, world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will
and the children of the day; therefore let us not sleep, be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God." (James
as do others, but let us watch and be sober." There 4: 4:) It would be a form of evil for any representative
is a distinction between evil and that which appears of the King to manifest sympathy and support for
to be evil; also a distinction between evil and sin. Any any part of the Devil’s organization.
transgression of God’s law, whether wilful or due to Zion is God’s organization. Jehovah says to those
weakness, is sin. Satan the Devil is the evil one, and whoare his representatives on earth: "3re are mywit-
from him proceeds an evil power. Evil therefore is that nesses, . . . that I am Jehovah." (Isaiah 43: 12)
which is prompted by a malignant heart; that is to this we must understand that Jehovah is saying, ’If
say, the motive is wrong as well as the act. you are my witnesses you must refrain from having
Weknow from other scriptures that the church is anything whatsoever to do with the Devil’s organiza-
l~ow in the time described in Revelation 12:17 as tion.’ Satan has deceived the people for ages. Now
a period of peculiar trials. It is the time in which the the time has come for a witness to be given in the earth
evil one, the Devil, is making war against those who that Jehovah is God and that his kingdom shall be
keep the commandments of God and who have the established; and it is while this witness is being given
testimony of Jesus Christ that they are of the Lord’s that the admonition is to "abstain from every form of
organization. Weknow that the Devil’s organization evil". The very context of the apostle’s words show8
includes not only the commercial and political powers that this is what he means.
but the religious systems of the world. It is quite ma~- Stated otherwise, the children of the light should
ifest from the context that the apostle is admonishing walk in the light, should represent the great Source of
the Christians to keep themselves entirely aloof from light, should keep their hands of[ from everything that
the worldly systems made up of the three elements is not the light, and faithfully represent the great Je-
above mentioned. hovah God and his beloved Son, the King. Of course
St. Paul says: "Despise not prophesyings," which the Devil will despise them and persecute them, and
means, Do not despise the preaching of the Word of of course their action will appear to his representatives
God concerning the kingdom. "Prove all things ; hold on earth as evil. Therefore in the distribution of the
fast that which is good." In other words, when any- message of the kingdom these have the appearance of
thing is advanced as truth, prove it by the Wordof evil in the eyes of the enemy. In the eyes of God they
God as to whether or not it is in harmony with the are approved. They are ~bstaining from every form
Lord’s organization, or whether it is some part of the of evil and are following righteousness.
Devil’s organization, a scheme of his sugarcoated and There are some in Zion, that is to say, in God’s or-
camouflaged with some truth to deceive others. A thing ganization, whodesire to take a course that compromises
may have the appearance of good and in fact be a form themseNeswith the membersof the Devil’s organization.
of evil. They will escape much persecution by so doing, and
WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, /~. ~
they will not appear in the eyes of the enemy as evil, course all should strive to keep themselves from such ;
nor will they be ahle to stand in the final eonllict. but the broader construction of this text shows us how
These who take this position of compromise ale much more important it is that our unswerving alle-
clearly the ones mentioned by the prophet as "sinners giance shall always be to our God and to our King,
in Zion". The prophet says: ’‘The sinners in Zion and then anything that has the form of disloyalty or
are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites." unfaithfulness we will absolutely refrain from.
(Isaiah 33:14) St. John says: "Herein is our love
made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of IN" RE CLASS ORGANIZATION
jud~nent," and where there is perfect love there is no @~esl;on: Regarding the position of Chairman of a
fear. (1 John 4: 17, 18) Then the prophet propounds Class and members of the Executive Committee, would
the question: "Who among us shall dwell with the it not be well for the samebrethren to continue in office
devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with ever- rather than changing the Chairman and members of
lasting buntings?" The great time of trouble is ap- the Executive Committee every year or two? Any sug-
proaching. It will be a devouring fire that will devour gestions along the lines of Class Organization would be
the Devil’s organization and all those in sympathy much appreciated.
with it. T]IE WATCIt ToTEs has advised on one or two oc-
The Prophet Isaiah therefore propounds the question: casions that "the Class Secretary be not changed any
Whowill be able to stand? He answers it then: "He oftener than necessary". Is the thought that the same
that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly." Secretary should continue year upon year ?
This must mean those who abstain from every form Answer: Experience has shown that it is well to oc-
of support of the evil one or of the evil one’s institu- casionally change the Committeemembers,probably every
Lions.--Isaiah 33 : 14-16. year or two unless there is some good reason not to do
The prophet continues: "He that despiseth the gain so. There is always danger of a class getting into a rut
of oppressions," meaning that he hates any gain that and of a few beginning to think that the entire affairs of
results by fraudulently taking advantage of the people the class devolve upon them. Webelieve, therefore, it
¯ ~-hieh results in their oppression. He refrains and ab- would be well for a change to be made probably every
stains from it. two years.
Further the prophet continues: "That shaketh his THE WATCtITOWER has heretofore advised classes
hands from holding of bribes," meaning he who refuses not to change secretaries oftener than necessary. Tn~
to hold his hand behind him while some one else con- WATCH TOWER wishes to reverse its advice on this point.
tributes a bribe into it; he whorefuses because of pop- Quite often it has been proven that a secretary long in
ularity or favor from any part of the Devil’s insti- once is not the best thing for a class. This condition
tutmn to support in any manner or by any form the should be taken into consideration and unless there is a
systems of error. hearty cooperation and a meek and humble service to
The prophet further says: He "that stoppeth his the class, it would be well to change the secretary from
ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from time to time. A change is a healthy thing, quite often,
seeing evil"; which means he who refuses to be lulled and it affords opportunities for others to have some ex-
to sleep by the flatteries of others aaad who will not perience in service of this kind. Whenany change i8
look with favor and approval upon any arrangement madeplease notify the office as quickly as possible, so
that will compromisethe Lord’s kingdom with may part that our records may conformto the change.
of the Devil’s institution; and who refuses to hear any
CONCERNING BEREAN STUDIES
slander that tends to destroy his brethren.
Then the prophet adds: "lie shall dwell on high: Another matter concerning which the friends frequent-
his place of defenee shall be the munitions of rocks; ly write in about is as to howa Berean study should be
bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure." conducted. The following is quoted from one of these
(Verse 16) This is exactly in harmony with the words letters :
of St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5 : 22, 23 : "Abstain from "The leader teaching our class forms his own~tuestions.
all appearance [forms] of evil. And the very God of stone of whichare so simple that it seemsa waste of time;
while others are so crudely expressedthat one has to g-uess
peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole at the point he is trying to bring out. lie then leaves out
spirit and soul mad body be preserved blameless unto someof the most important printc~l questions given for the
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." lesson. He will sometimes use a question given In the
Question Booklet, but will change it enough to make it
The evil one became such because of his dislo~,alty catchy and insist that we are not to memorizethese ques-
and unfaithfulness to God. The children of God now tions. This methodis discourag’ing."
in the final test must refrain from anything that has It is unfortunate than any elder takes himself so
a tendency towards disloyalty or unfaithfulness. Surely seriously that he would want to teach in this manner.
this text means much more than to refrain from the An elder who is movedby the right spirit would wish
l~etty evil things to which all fallen flesh is heir. Of to help the class, not to confuse it. If an elder
NOVEmBeR15, 1925
WATCH TOWER
knew more about formulating the questions than the in the class to express their views and then call for any-
committeein the office appointed for that purpose, then one who desires to express his views. Then the elder
he would be sent for to come in and formulate the ques- may express his exam views and the matter shouh] be
tions. Questions are prepared and published for the summedup by asking someone in the class to read the
benefit of the classes after a careful study. The proper paragraph in the study or in the WATCg TOWER. Then
way to conduct a Berean study is to propound the ques- if anyone in the class desires a further explanation or
tion as it appears either in the Question Booklet <.- discussion he may propound a question, and the ride*
the WA~caTOWER; then let the elder ask two or three should put it to the class.
"’And the Word became flesh, and dwelt amongus (and we beheld his fiery, ~lory as of the ordy begotten from
the Father), full of grace and truth."---John 1:14, R. V.
URnew year’s lessons open with a series of studies
O in the message of the Gospel according to John.
To the Modernist the four accounts of our Lord’s
may not be read as if he said, that this one had no
beginning, even as God himself had no beginning. His
assertion is that in the beginning of all things revealed,
life knownas the Gospels are merely the attempts of the Imgos was then with the Father.
four men to write about the things which they knew, The statement in John 1:1-3 corresponds to the
or of which they had gained some knowledge. But to opening words of divine revelation which disclose the
the true disciple the four Gospels are four aspects of Creator as saying to another, "Let us make man in
the life of Jesus placed on record under the guidance our image." (Genesis 1:26) John further states that
of the holy spirit and necessary to the follower of Jesus it was by this honored one, God’s first creation (Re-
to enable him to walk the narrow way first opened by velation 3: 14), that all things were made; but he is
the Lord.--Hebrews 10: 20. careful to restate this to show that they were not made
2 Each account has its own particular phase of the of this one’s volition. He says that nothing which the
truth revealed in him. Matthew’s is a record of Jesus Creator would make was made apart from the Loges.
presented in relationship to the kingdom of heaven, Ue was the expression of the will of God, hence was
which God was to establish; Mark’s is a record of the Wordof God, the thought of God expressed. There-
Jesus as a faithful servant. Luke tells of the human fore when God said: "Let there be light," not only
side of Jesus’ ministry, and relates Jesus to humanity was the action performed by the Loges; but the out-
more directly than do others. It was left to John to ward expression of this divine purpose was his also.
present the message of the gospel of the kingdom from Therefore it is not to be expected otherwise than that
quite a different aspect, to tell of Jesus as the mes- John would speak of this one whowas in the beginning
senger of God come from heaven. Hence it is thal with God as being a god, a mighty one.
John tells of the coming of Jesus from a higher to 6 Orthodoxy, supported by both Modernist and Fun-
a lower plane of life. darnentalist, expounds this statement as meaning that
s The Gospel of John begins by telling of one, a glo- these two beings are one and the same, and adds to this
rious spirit being, who had been with God, and who impossible idea their declaration that God’s holy spir-
became flesh and dwelt among men; one whose glory, it or iniluence is also another being, whomthey must
a glory different from that of men, v:as seen full of ackr.~owlcd~e, thus making the one God into an incom-
grace and truth, tie thus connects Jesus with the prehensible trinity of gods. They further say that no
Father more directly than do the other evangelists; one can be saved unless he says that he believes this
for thoug’h both Matthew and Luke show that the self-manifest :impossibility.
comingof Jesus was according to prophecy, neither tells 7 Howbeautiful and simple the truth! The self-
of the intimate relation which Jesus previously had existence of God, without beginning or possible end,
with the Father. is indeed beyond the capacity of our reason; but it is
4 John says of this messenger that he was the Word in h.~.mony with reason; and the revelation of Godthe
of God, but this English ~cranslation of the Greek Oreator, pursuing his purpose in and by the one who
Loges does not give the full meaning of the word; is his first oresture, here introduced as the Loges, is
it means the channel or agent of speech as well as the easily understandable. The truth is reasonable; the
things spoken. He repeats, saying that the Wordwas errors of dogzna never are.
in the beginning with God. He does no~ ~ay, and he * The apostle then says: "In him was life; and the
life was the light of men." (John 1:4) In his first world, had the full and set purpose of making all men
epistle (chapter 1 : 2) John says that the life was man- know of the salvation that he had for them in and by
ifested; that is, the Word was made man. It was his Son. Nothing is more certain than that the race
this life which showed to men the way to the will of of mankindhas not had the light of life. But the Scrip-
God and therefore his life became the light of men. tures consistently teach that God eventually will have
The darkness of the world of men when Jesus appeared all men come to the knowledge of himself. (1 Timothy
in it was comparable to the darkness which enveloped 2’: 4) It is for this purpose amongstother things that
the physical earth when God first caused the sun to Jesus is given the kingdom of heaven, and has power
~hine upon it through the swaddling vapors. (Job to bring the dead forth that they also may hear, and
38:9) But at creation the sun scattered the darkness; hearing to obedience may live. (John 5:25; Revela-
whereas now, though the Son of God had come as a tion 1:18) This passage (John 1: 9) is John’s
light in the world of men, that darkness comprehend- of stating that fact.
ed it not. The world was ignorant alike of its de- ~3 The world had sunk into darkness and ignorance
pravity and its need, hence the fact that a light was so dense that mencould not perceive the light of life.
shining amongst them needed to be proclaimed. Even when ’he came unto his own, his o~wa received
him not’ (John 1 : 11), though they as the chosen family
JOHN THE BAPTIST A FAITHFUL WITNESS and people had had his favor for more than 2,003
John proceeds with the account of the coming of years. To them God had sent his prophets. To deliver
Jesus. He tells of John the Baptist, a man sent from them from their enemies, and for special preparatory
God, who came to be a witness of the light which God instruction (Romans 9:4; Galatians 3:24), he had
was about to send. This was in order that all through wrought for them mighty miracles ; and his providences
him might believe; for if John the Baptist witnessed of discipline had also been over them. (2 Chronicles
of a coming one whomhe himself did not know, and 36: 15, 16) But when he set his Son born of Israel
if that one came, the evidence was definite that God they did not perceive that he was the great light for
had sent both the herald and the Sa" for, the Light of which Israel was to look. The sweet words which fell
the world. from his lips pleased yet irritated them; the purity of
lo So brightly did John’s light ~,hine that all the his life was a condemnation of theirs. They rejected
people acknowledged him to be a pl.)phet and a mes- him because they did not wish to have light. They
senger from God. They would have rested in his light, preferred their evil way, and that preference both dim-
but John was ever faithful in his testimony that he med their eyes and veiled their hearts.--2 Corinthians
was only a herald of one who was coming. Every Jew 3:13.
who wanted to be a true Israelite must accept John But to those who received him the greatest of
as a messenger from God ; but he who went no further possible blessings came. To those he came not as
on the road, and who did not go past John to the one a mere reformer, to readjust the life of Israel and to
to whomhe pointed, could not continue in the way of correct the things that were wrong. The word which
truth. It was only those who wanted to be in harmony he brought and the light which shone transformed the
with the will of God who really perceived and received hearts and minds of those who received him. These
John’s mission. Thus he came both as a witness to began to see; and in due course they found that a new
the people and also to prepare a people for the Lord.~ hope was set before them--something which none of
Luke 1 : 17. the prophets, nor even their fathers Abraham, Isaao
and Jacob, the holders of the covenant of promise,
JOHN THE APOSTLE’S TESTIMONY knew. To those who received him was given the power
It John says: "That was the true Light, which light- or right to become the sons of God. (John 1: 12)
eth every manthat cometh into the world." (John 1: 9) created a hope which, realized, meant their sharing
To cover its errors orthodoxy teaches that this means with him the glory which the Father was giving him.
that every man has the light of Christ in him by na- ]Ience John says that these have a new birth, not as
ture--a teaching which not only is manifestly absurd, natural as of the will of the flesh or purpose of mind.
but is a perversion of what John says; for he speaks It is not the result of meditation ; it is the will of God.
of a light specially sent, thus indicating that prior ~ As Jesus came into the world a human child be-
thereto men did not have it. Conscience or the moral gotten by the power of God and became at Jordan
tense has not enlightened the world, nor does con- a spirit-begotten Son of the Father, so these are be-
science bring men into responsibility to God’s final gotten of God to a nature which finds its fellowship
judgment of life and death. ]~Ien are judged according with heaven and which at last will find its only suit-
to their acceptance or rejection of his will as expressed able environment in heaven itself. Such realize a change
through his Son, not on their oxwa ideas of things~ of nature from earthly or human to divine, and know
x2 John’s statement is surely this: God, whosent the themselves as prospective membersof the heavenly fami-
W~rdinto the world a~:i made him the light of the ly of God.--Colossians 3:14; Hebrews 3:14.
NOV~-MB~R
15, 1925
WATCH TOWER
PARALLELS IN OUR DAY =9 Again the power of the truth is realized by those
16 In verse 14 Jolm restates the fact of the tra~s- who receive the returned Lord. These know that they
terence of the Word (the Logos) to earth, saying that are privileged to live and act as ~ons of God, and as true
he was made flesh. The Babe of Bethlehem was tho sons they seek the honor and glory of their Father.
earthly visible link of a life which had been lived in
heaven. For thirty years that life was hid in compara- QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
tive seclusion; but at the maturity of his life, and How are the four Gospel narratives viewed by Moderrrlsts7
I-Iow are they appreciated by true Christians? ¶ 1.
exactly on time, he was mamfested to those who were
What particular phase of truth concerning our Lord’s life
ready for him; and those who saw him saw the glory is revealed by each of the four evangelists? Why did
as of an only begotten of God. There was none like John alone make mention of the prehuman Logos? ¶ 2,3.
him in all the earth; for he was full of grace and truth. ]:low was Jesus in his prehuman life "the Word of God"?
17 To the up-to-time Bible student (and the term is What does John mean when he says that the Logos was
"in the beginning" with God? Does this signify that
perfectly in order; for since the return of the Lord, the Logos had no beginning, even as Jehovah had no
and especially since the beginning of the establishment beginning? ¶ 4.
of his kingdom in 1914, the opening out of the truth How does John 1:1-3 stand related to the Genesis account7
Why does tile apostle l:efer to the Logos as a god? ¶ 5.
has kept pace with the mar& of the years) the special How can both Modernists and Fundt~mentalists support
value of the study is the fact that an exactly similar "orthodoxy"? tlow have the opening verses of aolm’s
state of conditions obtains today. This is the day of G~pel been misinterpreted? ¶ 6.
the Lord’s second presence, tie has come again into the. Is error ever reasonable? Is truth ever unreasonable? ~ 7¯
How did Jesus’ life become "the light of men"? How was
world; and the world knows him not; even the religious the darkness of the people comparably more dense than
world will not see the light of life which God has sent. the darkness of the physical earth at creation? ¶ 8~ 13.
is Again his messenger has been sent, and some have What was the mission of John the Baptist and how was
heard him and have been blessed accordingly. But he received7 Did all who followed him continue and
become footstep followers of Christ? ¶ 9, 10.
Christendom has done worse than the Jews whom they Is the Light "which lighteth every man" merely a conscience
despise; for it has rejected the message. Now Christen- light implanted in all men by nature, as orthodoxy
dora hastens into the darkness, refusing the light of claims? Could conscience alone enlighten the world? ¶ 11.
What L’~ meant by "the true light which lighteth every
our Lord’s second presence and the message of the man that corneth into the world"? ¶ 12.
establishment of the kingdom of heaven. Eeclesiastieism, What special advantages did th~ Jewish nation possess for
2,009 years? Why then did they reject "the Light of
which blames and despises the Jews for their treat-
life"? ¶ ]3.
ment of Jesus, is caught in exactly the same way a. rdow was Jesus regarded by the faithful of Israel and
were the Pharisees and the scribes and all the rulers what blessings were theirs as a result? ¶ 14, 15.
of the people. These are related to each other as type Was Jesus reeog-nlzed as "the Light of life" prior to his
baptism? ¶ 16.
and anhtype. The religious leaders of today are the What special value does John’s Gospel hold for Bible
true descendants of those who rejected the truth in stu,]ents of today? ¶ 17.
I=Iow does modern Christendom compare with Judaism at
Jesus’ day, and who finally crucified "the Light of tim tile first advent? What has ever been the blessed expe-
world". rience of Israelites indeed? ~ 18,19.
AN INTERESTING LETTER
OUR MESSAGE A SONG OF PRAISE Justice: "For the word of the Lord is right; and ~11 his
works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness aml
DEARBROTIIERI~UTHERFORD : judgment."
Permit me to express my sincere appreciation of all the
Love: "Tile earth is :full of the goodness [Margin, mercy]
WATCH TO’WERS, and especially at this time tim August 15th
of the Lord."
and September 1st issues. They bring "a feast ~f fat
things" to e~ger hearts. Dower: "By the word of the Lord were the heavens
May I add a comment on the inspiring and comforting made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
article entitled "Protection and Deliverance", with its won- ¯ . . Let all the earth fear the Lord ; let all the inhabitants
derful exposition of Psahns 32 and 33? of the world stand in awe of him."
In Psalm 33, verses 1 and 2 instruct the saints to rejoice Wisdom: "The Dord bringeth the counsel of the heathen
and sing Jehovah’s praises. Verse 3 begins, "Sing unto him to nought; he maketh the devices of the people of none
a new song." Our message is indeed a new song unto God’s effect. The counsel of the Lord standetk for ever, the
praise; for never before has our Father’s character of thoughts of his .heart to all generations."
justice, love, power, and wisdom been so beautifully, clear-
May the loving Lord bless you in your efforts to serv
ly, and harmmliously revealed to mankind. him and his people.
And how gladdening it is to find that this is the very
summary of our ~ong or message that the inspired psalmlst In his service,
here gives -" H. A.. Seklemlan.--Calil,
International Bible Students A sociation Oasses
BROTHER J. A. IIOHNET BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Dec. 11 RUgby,N. Dak ............. Dee. 1 New Rockford, N. Dak. DeC. 10
Bah|, Ida .................... Dec. 1, 2 Midvale, Utah ............ Sherwood, N. Dak ......... " 2, 3 Fargo, N. Dak ............... " 13
Filer, Ida ..................... " 3 Salt Lake City, Utah .... " 13 M’ohall, N. Dak ............... " 4 Khtliry’n, N. Dak ......... 14
Pocatella, Ida ................. " 4, 7 Grand Junction, Colo. " 15 16 ~tinot, N. Dak................. " 6 Enderlin, N. Dak ......... " 15, t6
Challis, Ida .................... " 6 Basalt, Colo ................ " ’1, "
Ogden, Utah ................ " 8, 9 Canon City, Colo ........... " 18 Max,N. Ds_k................... " 7, 8 Wyndmere, N. Dak ....... 1T
not, N. Dak ................. " 9 De Lamere, N. Dak ...... " 18
Bait /.eke City, Utah .... " 10 Florence, Colo ............... " 20
BROTHER V. C. RICE
BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Greenville, 0 ................. Dee. 1 Hamilton, 0 ................ Dee. 8
Orange, Mass................. Dec. 1 Greenwich, N. Y ......... Dee. 8 Tippecanoe,0 ................. " 2 Lhnm0 ......................... " 9
Greenfield, Mass .............. " 2 Gran,ville, N.Y................. " 9 Troy,0 ............................. " 3 Marion,O..................... " 10
Pownal~Vt ...................... " 3 Ticonderoga, N. Y ......... " ]0 Springfield, 0 ................ " 4 Youngstown, O ............. " 7il
Watervliet, N. 1" .............. " 4 Fort Edward, N. Y ......... " 11 Urbana,0 ....................... " 6 Meadvflle, Pa ................. " 13
Troy, N. Y......................... " 6 Glens Falls, N. Y ............. " 13 Middletown,0 ................. " 7 Salamanca, N. Y ............ " 14
Mechanlcville, N. Y ........ " 7 %Varrensburg, N. Y ......... " 14
BROTHER C. ROBERTS
BROTHER H. H. DINGUS Galt, On~....................... Dee. 1 Palmerston, Ont ......... Dec. 8
Preston, Ont..................... ’" 2 Ayton,Ont ................... " 9
Boothbay,Me................. Dec. 1 Pittsfield, Me................. Dec. 8 Guelph,Ont ....................... " 3 lIanover, Ont ............... " 10
" 2 G tfiiford, ]He................. " 9 Kitchener, Ont ................. " 4 Allenford, Ont ............. " 11
Lewiston, Me................... Brantford, Ont ................. " 6 Owen Sound, Ont ....... " 13, 14
Auburn,Me..................... " 3 Abbot "~illage, hie ....... " 10
" 4 Bangor,Me..................... " 11 Stratford, Oat ................... " 7 Meaford,Ont ............... " 15
North Jay, Me.................
Wilton, Me..................... " 6 Oldtown,Me................. " 13
Hallowell, Me................ " 7 Blaine, Me..................... " 15 BROTIlER O. L. SULLIVAN
Haug,Mtnn................. Dee. 1, 2 I~’rskine, Minn............... Dec. 13
Zippel, Minn................. " 4, 5 ]~ahmouen, Minn............. " 14
BROTHER A. D. ESHLEMAN Fort Frances, Oat ......... " 6 Detroit, Minn................. " 15
Northome,Minn ............. " 8 Glenwood, Miml............. " 16
Arkansas City, Kan... Dec. l, 3 Rogers, Arl~ ............. Dec. 10 " Minneapolis, Minn ......... " 17
Shidler, Okla ................. " 2 Springdale, Ark ......... " 11 Bagley, Minn................. 10
" Fayetteville, Ark ..... " 13 Melntosh, Mima............. " ll Eureka Center, Minn ..... " 18
Muskogee,Okla ............. 4
Fort Smith, Ark ......... " 6 Fort Smith, Ark ......... " 14
Potter, Ark................... " 7 l.amar, Ark................. " 15 BROTItER W. J. TIIORN
8ileum, Ark ................ " 9 Russ~llville, Ark ......... " 16, 17
ffeseph, Ore. .................. Dec. 1 Pnyallup, %Vash........ Dee. ]0
La Grande, Ore ................. " 2, 3 3Hdland, Wash............. " 11
Pend]eton,Ore ................. " 4 Tacoma, Wash............. " 13
BROTHER A. $. ESHLEMAN Yakima, Wash " 6 Seattle, Wash.............. " 14, 20
\~heelireg, W. Va ........ Elleffsburg, Wash............ " 8 Port Townsend, Wash. " 16, 17
Fairmont, W. Va... Dec. 1 Dec. 11 " 9 Bremerton, Wash ......... " 21
Clarksb~trg, W. Ya ..... " 2, 4, ~ Parkersburg, W. Va ..... " 13 Enumclaw,Wash.............
Heatersj W. Va ......... " Huntington, W. Va ......... " 14
Wallace, W. Va ......... " "/ Nitro, %V.Va................. ." 15 BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
Mobley, W. Va ........... " 8 Charleston, W. V a ......... " 16 Dec. 2, 3 Thomasville, Ga ......... Dec. 14
New Martinsville, W. Va. "9, 10 Coco,W. Va................... " 17 De Funtak, Fla .........
Pensacola, Fla ............... " 4, 6 Albany, Ga ................. " 15
Florala, Ala ................. " 7,9 Bronwood,Ga ............. " 16
Stella, Flu .................... " 8 Dawson,Ga ................. " 17
BROTHER M. C. HARBECK Dothan, Ale ................. " 10 Waycross, Ga ............. " 18, 20
Cairo, Ga.................... " 11, 13 Screven, Ga................. " 21
Woodard, Okla ......... Dee. 1, 2 Tulsa, Okla ............. Dee. 11, 13
Clinton, Okla ............... " 3, 4 ]Muskogee,Okla ......... " 14
OklahOma City. Okla... " 6, 7 Fayetteville, Ark ..... " 15 BROTHER S. H, TOUTJIAN
Chant~ler, Okla ............. 8 Springfield, Mo......... " 16 Corpus Christi, Tex... Dec. 1, 2 Pipe Creek, Tex ......... Dec. 9, 10
Sa pu!pa, Okla ............... " 9 Lebanon, Me............. " 17 " 3 Tarpley, Tex................. " 11, 13
" 10 " 18, 20 Mathis, Tex .................
Okm~ilgee,Okla ............. St. Louis, Me............. Simmon% Tex ............... " 4 San Antonio, Tex ......... " 14, 18
San Antonio, Tex ......... " 6 Kin~sbury, Tcx............. "" 15
Comfort,Tex................. " 7 Gonzales, Tex ............. " 17
BROTHER H. E. HAZLETT Kerrville, Tex................. " S Sa~ Mareos, Tex ......... " 20
’ :" - "":’i..’:
;"-%.":.’ ’i .
CONTENTS
ANNUALREPORTFOR 1925 ................................ 355
Scopeof the Work........................................ 356
The PHgrimFervlce ....................................... 356
~Vitness byRadio............................................ 357
~Vo)’k i)one in I:roefldyn ................................ .257
Financial Slatement ....................................... :~59~
Report of British Office ................................ 3G1
Central European O~:we.................................. 3(~2
Germany ............................................................. 364
iNorthei"n European Office .............................. 3(;6
YVorkin Po],~nd ................................................ 3(;6
Spain and Portugal ........................................ 3G7
Switzerland........................................................ 3G8
CALENDAR FOIl 192G.............................................. 354~
I%IO.NEyLOST1N TIIE ~IAILS ............................... 354
¢’I will stand upon n)y watch and wi~ set my Ioo~
~pen the Tower, a~d will watch to see ~,hat He ~ill
say unto me, and what an,~wer I shall make ~o $her, t
that oppose me."---Habakkuk $: 1.
"-~’~-~
~ -~’ ¯ ,~~~ ©~.T.=.~T.s"
" .-:-
~-’C ? l’i- ";-’~J-’iJ-....
~pon the e~rthdistressof nationswith perplexity; the se~ and the waves(the restqess,dlse~nteBted) roaring:men’sheartsfallingthem for fear and for |ook|ng
~he thin~scom*ngupon the earth(society); for the powersof the heavens(ecclesiast~csm) shallbe shaken...Whe~ ys see thesethmgs beginto come te pass,
~uow that the Kdugdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth ~igh.--Matt. 24:33; ~iark 13:29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THISpredated
Journal is one of the prime factors
in all parts of the civilized
or instruments in the system of Bible instruction,
world by the WATCH TOWER
or "Seminary Extenslon", now being
BIBLE& TRACTSOCIETY, chartered .~. D. 1884, "For the Pco-
motion of Christian Knowledge’: It not only serves ~ a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
al~ am a ~ of c~mn~nl~a~ien through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s eonventisns and of
¢~lng of its traveling representatives, styled "PilgrLms", aad refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "BereanLessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and ve~r
I~l~ful t~ all whowouldmerit the only honoraryflegree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei MinL~ter(V. D. I~L), which tra~stated
into English is Minister sl God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sun,lay School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some thi~ feature is considered indispensable-
This ~arnal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiuted
--redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
sll’. [1 Peter t : 19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthiaas 3 : 11-
15; 2 Peter 1 : 5-11) of the Word of God, its further raL~ion is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has
been hid in God, . . , to the intent that now might be made knownby the church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ageJ
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed’.--Ephesians 3 : 5,9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into f2Ilest
~ubjcction to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever tile Lord
hatt~ spoken--according to the divine wisdomgranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but cov~dent;
for we knowwhereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trast, to be used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hill
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbnilding of his people in grace and knowledge. Andwe not only invite but urge o~
~eadexs to l~rove all its utte.raJac-~ by the infallible Wordto which reference is constantly madeto facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
~t ~he church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age---ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer a~d tile Chief Co~er Stoae of his temple, through which, when
l~tsiied, Goal’s ble~ing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.--1 Corinthians 3 : 16, 17 ; ~phesla~ 2" 20-22 ;
Genesis 28 : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and poliuhing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and ~hen the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have b~en made ready, the great htaster Workmanwill bring aJ1 ~vgether
in the first resurrection ; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between G~dand menthrOUghout
the MilIennium.--Revelation 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, ta.~ed desth for ev~.y
man." "a ransom for all," and will be "the tcoe light which lighteth every man that COmcthi~to ths world~’. "in due time".--
Hebrews 2:9 ; John 1 : 9; 1 Timothy 2 : 5, 6.
¯hat the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he Is," be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his
glory as his joint-heir.--1 John 3:2 ; John 17 : 24 ; Romans8:17 ; 2 Peter 1 : 4.
~’~a~ the pr~ent mis~on of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in l~ers~lf every
grace ; to he ~oa’s wime~to me world ; and to prepare to he kings and prmsts in the next age.--Ephesians 4 : 12 ; 51arthew 2~ :
14 ; Revelation 1 : 6 ; 20 : 6.
~hat the hope for the werld l~ ~ ~ blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’~ Millennial kingdc~a, the
restitn£ion of all that ~as 1~ in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at tl~e han4s of their Redeemerand his g~orified ¢hure.~ha
when an the wllfutly wicked will be dastroye&--Aets 3 : 19-23 ; Isaiah 35.
pad containing
at prayer meetings, together with a calendar
the hymns of the Bethel morning service.
[I I.BS’A. BEEANBIBLESTUDIES tl
The calendar is approximately ~o½ inches by 13 iuehes, and
printed in five colors, embossed and gold stamped. Ship- STUDY XV: "A RANSOM FOR ALL"
ment can he made about Dec. 1. The subject of the weekly Weekof Jan. 3 ....... Q. 1- 5 Weekof Jan. 17 ........ Q. 12-17
texts will be used for articles in THE WATCHTO~,VER Weekof Jan. 10 ........ Q. 6-11 Weekof Jan. 24 ........ Q. 18-22 [
Weekof Ja~. 31 ........ Q. 23-28
throughout the coming year, and the calendar is designed
to keep the texts before the attention of Bible Students. II M00oso
" o.t.ooo.meo
’ 111
sSVAYCH YO%VF k
AN D H E ALDOF CHIST PRESENCE
VOL.XLVI DECEMBER
1, 1925 1~’0.23
to do by his grace, and wilt continue to use T~EWATCtt -- can to show forth the praises of him who has called
TOWE~ to that end. Of r~ourse, the enemytries to dis- meout of darkness into the marvelous light ?
rupt the work and to prevent the Lord’s people from The scope of the work necessarily increases the cor-
studying the truth. Such is to be expected. respondence at the headquarters. The SOCIETY carries on
During the year THE WATCH TOWER published an a voluminous correspondence which has increased during
article under the title of "The Birth of the Nation", the past year. The president’s office has its share. This
showing Satan’s exclusion from heaven, and that from includes correspondence with all the foreign countrie,
now on until the final conflict he goes forth to make hereinafter named. Two stenographers are employed
war against those who keep the commandmentsof God in the president’s office to do the work, aside from a large
and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ. It would force at the ConcordStrect office. An effort is madeto
therefore be strange if we do not notice somedifficulties answer all letters received and to answer them promptly.
in someof the classes about various things. Satan is our Weask, however, our brethren to be patient; for at
worst enemy, and we are his sole earthly foe. It is a times the work is greater and some parts seem to be
fight to the finish. The Devil is maliciously bent on more important than to reply to letters. If your letters
doing evil. The watchmen of the Lord are determined are not answeredpromptly, be assurcd that it is because
always ~ro do good. A closer unity among all tho the press of work is such that there must be somedelay.
watchmen is had when they study THEWATCIITOWEd The correspondence at the headquarters at Brooklyn
careiully and try to maintain the spirit of the Master. during the year, outgoing and incoming, was as follows:
WORLD WITNESS Total letters received 190,643
Total letters dispatched 161,768
Throughout the year the SOCIETYhas followed a
world-wide method of spreading the message of the PILGRIMSERVICE
kingdom. Certain witness days have been appointed and The policy of the SOCIETYhas been maintained
all the classes, regardless of what language they speak, throughout the year in sending brethren to visit the
have been notified to prepare for that day. This has various classes and to hold public meetings. From
been done by procuring halls and advertising public the Brooklyn office is conducted all the pilgrim work
meetings. On that fixed day every public speaker, be he of the United States, in the English language and in
pilgrim or elder, has used the same subject in a public other languages. The attendance at the public meetings
lecture. In this manner the watchmen have together generally throughout the year has not increased, and the
lifted up their voices in song; that is to say, they have failure to increase has been due doubtless to the number
jo~ully proclaimed the same good news everywhere at who have heard over the radio. However the number
the same time. This methodhas been greatly blessed of of meetings and the total attendance throughout the
the I~rd. From every country the reports are good. year have shownan increase:
Of course there are some here and there who decline Number~f pilgrims in the service 116
to use the subject assigned by the SocIETY. But these Visits made 7,609
are few and far between. It is to be expected that there Public meetings held 5,380
would be some amongst those who claim consecration Total attendance 686,308
who would be lawless. The Master foreknew and fore- Class meetings held 7,738
Total attendance 496.679
told just such a condition. There are those who think Miles traveled 772,192
that to be a little contrary showsmore fully their inde-
pendence, and they insist on taking their own course In addition to the English-speaking pilgrims there
and not working in harmony. These are not watchmen, have been 51 pilgrim brethren in the field speaking other
whatever else they may be. They are not watching for languages, also ~ colored pilgrims, to wit:
the interests of the kingdombut are watching to gratify Polish 11 Russian 2
their own whims. Nor do these see eye to c~ on the German 8 Armenian 2
Lithuanian 8 Arabic 1
great truths nowdue to be understood. Ukrainian 6 Japanese 1
Greek 5 French 1
SCOPEOF TIlE WORK Italian 3 Spanish 1
Hungarian 2 Colored 4
It is manifest that the Lord’s work in giving a wit-
ness to his kingdom is now being conducted on a far A r&um6of these foreign-speaking brethren’s service
is as follows:
wider scope than ever before. On the whole there are
more people now in present truth in the different Total visits 2,688
Public meetings 1,580
counta’ies, speaking the different languages, than here- Attendance 97,447
~ofore, but a less numberactually engagedin the service. Class meetings 3,149
Those who are participating are showing greater zeal Attendance 104.383
and energy than heretofore. With them it is not a ques- Miles traveled 296,592
t-ion as to just when the work will cease and when they The total numberof pilgrims in all languages directed
may go home, but with all the watchmenjoyfully pro- from the Brooklyn office during the year is 171, and
claiming the message the question is: AmI doing what their combinedservice is as follows:
.%7
WATCH TOWER
Total visits 10,297 from Ireland and England, from all of the Ige’~ England
Public meetings 6.960 states, Nova Scotia, Ontario, the northern part of the
Attendance 783.755
Class meeting, s 10.887 United States, the middle west and the extreme south.
Attendance 601,062 Station WORD is one of the super-stations of the
Miles traveled 1,068,784 United States, operating at 5,000 watts. The reception
Throughout the year the SOCIETYhas furnished the of this station has been good on both the Atlantic and
handbills for the various public meetings, and on the Pacific seaboards, Cuba and the extreme northern part
reverse side of each one has been printed a me~age of of Alaska. Many who have never before heard of the
the truth. This expense has been paid by the local truth have been interested by hearing this station.
classes, and therefore the amountis not reported. This, The music of these stations is furnished almost ex-
of course, reduced the contributions to the main office; clusively by the consecrated. WBBRhas its own
but neverthrtess the moneywas spent for a witness to orchestra, which receives many compliments from IM
the truth. The total number of handbills distributed public. The Lord has greatly blessed the brethren who
during the year, which carried on the reverse side a have arranged the musical programs as well as those
messageof truth was, to wit: 10,852,000. who have participated in the lectures, Sunday School
Muchjoy and doubtl’~ss muchgood has resulted from lessons, etc. WORD also has its own orchestra, which
the conventions held during the year. The large con- has given a good account of itself. Both stations also
ve~tions at London, Magdeburg, Springfield, In&an- have choral singers whoare fully consecrated.
spells, and other places have heretofore been reported in In addition to these two stations the SOCIETY has re-
THEWATCI4 TOWER. In addition to these, manysmaller cently, together with local brethren, opened at Oakland,
conventions have been held throughout the country in California, a radio station with the call letters KFW~{,
the English language and many in the foreign tongue~ with a wave length of 207 meters, which is on the air
At each one of these co~wentions a day, or at least a every week; also a station at Saskatoon, Sask., knownas
t.’art of a day, was set aside for field service. This has CHUC,having a wave length of 330 meters. We are
resulted in a tremendous witness for the truth in 1925. watching for opportunities to open other stations, be-
lieving it to be the Lord’s will that the messageshould
WITNESS BY RADIO be spread throughout the land in this way. The SOCIETY
Beyondany question of a doubt the witness of the king- is asking the brethren everywhere who give public lec-
domduring 1925 has been the greatest yet given. In ad- tures to prepare their lectures in advance, writing them
dition to the public meetings as above mentioned there in a clear orderly manner and of a length that will re-
have been many radio lectures delivered. The SOCIETY quire from twenty to twenty-five minutes to read, and
o~;ns Station WBBR,Staten Island, which broadcasts, have these ready for use at any time an opportunity af-
on a w’~velength of 272.6 meters, every Sundaymorning, fords to use the radio. TIdE GOLDiN AGEcarries the lec-
Sunday event;G, ~fonday evening, Thursday evening and tures given by the president of the SOCIETY, and any of
Saturday e’~ening; the hours being, Sunday l0 to 11:30 the brethren are at liberty to use these at other stations
a. m., and 9 to 10:30 p. m., and the other days 8 to :} at any time the opportunity arises.
p.m. The SOCIETYa]~ owns Station WORD,Batavia,
BROOKLYN
Illinois, with an extra studio in Chicago at the Webster
t{ote], which broadcasts every evening except Monday, What has been accomplished during the year at
also on Sunday mornings. Brooklyn, with modesty we say, is gratifying. The Lord
These two stations have been in operation throughout is our judge, but it is due to the workers and to the
the year, and the reports that come in .from week to friends in the field to say that Brooklynrenders a good
week are gratifying beyond description. Great nunlbers account The production in the factory has increased
of people whowould not otherwise have heard the truth, over that of 1924 with even a slight reduction in the
have written these stations, expressing their gratifica- force at work. The brethren have learned to be more
tion for the opportunity of learning something about efficient and by the Lord’s grace have accomplishedmore.
the Bible. People whohave heretofore been prejudiced in addition to the work done in the office and factory
against our SOCIETY, because it had been misrepresented the brethren have spent more time in the field on Satur-
to them, after listening to lectures over the radio have days canvassing, and have thus distributed a large
not only become friends but many of them have become amount of literature and have received an increased
supporters of the work. A large number of books have blessing from the Lord. The output of books for 1925
been sold to those who have written to the stations. is 41,515 more than it was in 1924. The output of
Without doubt this methodof giving the testimony con- booklets during 1925 shows an increase of 265,851 over
cerning the kingdom has the Lord’s blessing. Seeming- 1924. THE WATCH TOWERand THE GOLDEN AGE like-
ly he has brought to light this great invention, long ago wise show an increase over 1924. The increase in hand-
foretold, jn~ at the proper time to reach a class of bills carrying the message during 1925 over 1924 was
people to whomhe would have the witness given. %036,700. Counting the production of books according
Station WBBR has received report~ of good recel~tion to pages as comloared with 1924~and t -aking into con-
,¢.
3as WATCH TOWER
sideratiop the great increase in size of pages of the In addition to the above there were 6130 Bibles sold
"Watch Tower Reprints" manufactured, the production during the year, from Brooklyn.
at the Brooklyn plant for 1925 is as follows: In order that the Bethel family might have some part
Books and booklets 3,624,110 in the distribution of the literature, the factory and the
WATCH TOWERS printed 1,420,700 office have been closed on Saturdays from May to Sep-
GOLDEN AGESprinted :1,978,050 tember ; and during these months the Bethel Family dis-
BROADCASTERS 4.693,972
"Indictments" posed of 4,596 tIay, P BInLE STUDYCOURSES,350 sets of
13,545,000
Handbills 10,852,000 STUDIESIN THE SCRIPTURES,arid 17,377 booklets, mak-
TOTAL 36,113,832 ing a grand total of books and booklets of 24,423. This
This shows an increase in production for 1925 over has been a great encouragement to the family, and they
1924 of 11,630,937 pieces of literature at Brooklyn. have received many blessings therefrom.
The "Indictments" distributed in all countries and in SERVICE WEEK
all languages exceeded 50,000,000 copies. September 7th to 13th was set aside as I. B. S. A. ser-
FIELD WORKERS vice week. This has proven to be most gratifying. Dur-
ing that week 450 classes engaged in canvassing with
Field workers include, of course, pilgrims, colporteurs,
the books. They placed in the hands of the people 1085
class workers, sharpshooters. The colporteurs who give sets of STUDIES Ig THE SCRIPTURESand 10,502 HARP
all their time to the service accomplish the greatest
BIBLE STUDYCourses, with other books and booklets,
results, as might be expected. During the year there making a grand total of 55,978 volumes. This is proof
has been an average of 439 regular colport2urs and 318 of the value of united action, all engaging in the same
auxiliary colporteurs in the field, making an average blessed cause on the same day is an encouragement to
total of 757 colporteurs. These have placed in the hands those who participate; and the Lord adds his blessing.
of the people STUDIESIN THE SCRIPTURES, etc., in bound It is impossible here to give a list of all the classes who
volumes to the number of 159,655 copies.
engaged during Service Week, but the report is made of
During the year there were 901 classes organized for
thirty classes who stand at the head in the service work
the service work and 578 sharpshooters enrolled. There
and who are therefore placed on the honor roll, to wit:
has been a weekly average of 1089 workers in this de-
partment. During the year these disposed of bound Tulsa, Okla. Plymouth, Mich.
Bayonne, N. J. Benton Harbor, Mich.
volumes to the nmnber of 168,947, and called on homes Bennett, Colo. Endicott, N. Y.
to the number of 1,415,875, which shows a decided in- Brooklyn (Bethel) Easton, Pa.
crease over the previous year. The colporteurs showed Wynnewood, Okla. Mitchell, S. D.
an increase of booklet sales in 1925 over 1924 of 44,717, Brcmerton, Wash. Wilson, N. C.
NewBrunswick, N. J. Oil City, Pa.
while the class workers showed an increase of 20,182; Watertown, N. Y. Boise, Idaho.
making a total increase of 67,051 over 1924. There was Abi]ene, Kans. Lancaster, Pa.
a net increase in sales of both books and booklets in 1925 Duluth, Minn. York, Pa.
over 1924 of 83,036. The following is a statement of Lansing, Mich. Bioomlield, N. J.
the books in the English language sent out from the Nanticoke, Pa. Detroit, Mich.
Lawrence, Mass. Port Huron, Mich.
Brooklyn office during the year 1925: Pittsburgh, Pa. NewPhiladelphia, Ohio.
STUDIES,SCENARIOS, etc. 363,096 Los Angeles, Calif. Reading, Pa.
HARPOF GOD 545,225 WORLD-WIDE WITNESS
WAYTO PARADISE 37,038
COMFORT FORTHE PEOPLE 712.223 At regular intervals during the year the world-wide
1~1ILl,IONS 19,128 witness has been given, and the classes in the United
Miscellaneous bo.oklets 639,127 States have responded well. [[’he attendance at these
Watch Tower Reprints 2,054
"Finished Mystery," Tower (ZG) 2,394 meetings is included in the public meetings in the
"Plan of the Ages," Tower (ZA) 1,669 pilgrim department report. Suffice to say here that these
2,321,924 meetings have been a great blessing to those who par-
Books sent out from Brooklyn in the various foreign tieipated conscious of the fact that they are engaging
languages follow : with their brethren in all languages together lifting up
their vomes in announcing the King and his kingdom.
STUDIES,SCE.~AmOS, ete 425,014
HARPOF GOD 583,668 FINANCIAL
WAYTO PARADISE 37,269
CO.~[FO~T rOa T~ILPEOPL~. 745,730 0nly by the Lord’s grace could such an amount of
~IILLIONS 55,817 work be accomplished with such a small amount of
Miscellaneous booklets 987,932 money as is used in the service. When brethren are
Watch Tower Reprints 2,054
"Finished Mystery," T~wer (ZG) anxious to serve and have the spirit of the Lord, they
2,821
"Plan of the Ages," Tower (ZA) 1,669 can, by the Lord’s grace, accomplish something with a
TOTAL 2,841,974 little. We are indeed grateful for the amount of finances
GRANI) TOTAL 5,163,898 the Lord has provided during the year. It will be oh-
¯ WATCH TOWER
served that a larger portion of the moneycontributed of the work done in America in the foreign languages.
by the American brethren was used in European work A more detailed report, however, will be given in THE
and in other foreign countries. Canadaalso furnished a WATCH TOWER published in these various languages for
goodly amount. During the year the SOCIETY’Sex- the benefit of the brethren speaking such languages.
penditure in the foreign field amounted to the sum of
$159,926.34. In addition thereto, a great amount of ABYSSINIA
literature has been printed for the foreign branches and The work in Abyssinia has been very limited, being
a great ammmtprinted on the SOCIETY’Spresses in carried on by correspondence with people of different
foreign countries. It is a precious privilege that the tongues residing in that country.
brethren of America have in participating in carrying
AFRICA--SOUTH
the gospel to the other parts of the world where the
friends are too poor in this world’s goods to support the The work in South Africa during the year has in-
work. The brethren have been liberal in thcir contribu- creased very muchand to the gratification of those who
tions in so far as the Lord has prospered them. IIereto have had part in it. The main part of the work~ of
is appended the treasurer’s statement showing the re- course, is under the SOCIETY’Sheadquarters at Cape
ceipts of GoodHopesand disbursements during the year : Town,but the witness has been extended into Anatonga-
land, Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Cape Good Hope, Mad-
RECEIPTS agascar, Natal, Orange Free State, Portuguese East
To Good Hopes donations, etc., $222,884.84 $222,884.84 Africa, Rhodesia, South West Africa, Swaziland, Trans-
EXPENDITURES vaal, and Zululand. During the year our printing press
lqy deficit 1924 at Cape Townhas been put to good use, and has fur-
$ 4A26.88
By pilgrim and puhlicity expenses 35,510.45 nished a great amountof free literature. The HARPand
By free literature expenses, etc., 15,316.88 several of the booklets have been published in the Dutch
By conventions 7,395.47
I~y foreign witness work 159,926.34 and also in some of the native tongues, and have had a
goodly distribution. In addition, about 250,000 pieces
$222,276.02 $222,276.02 of free literature have been printed and distributed to
To Balance $ 608.82 the peopJe. This witness in South Africa is gratifying.
The local manager reports that 1925 has been the
OPPOSITION
banner year for the work in South Africa, that the meet-
During the year the enemy has been busy in his at- ings held and the amount of books and literature placed
tempt to destroy the Lord’s work. Somewho have here- in the hands of the people is three times greater than
tofore been with us have turned aside and joined the any previous year in the history of the harvest. The sale
enemy, and have had many unkind things to say. But of books amountedto approximately 50.000. The popula-
we give no heed to these because we have not the time. tion is very scattered, and this necessitates a large amount
It would interrupt our song. Those who really love the of traveling to reach the people. The classes have been
Lord and whoe~gagein his service because of their love organized for the service work and have been carrying
for him cannot afford to waste time by giving any heed this on to good advantage.
to slander or other opposition reports.
Looking over the field as a whole, the year 1925 has AFRICA--WEST
been the most gratifying of all during the time that it The Lord continues to bless the work of his people in
has been the privilege of the Lord’s people to give the the West Coast of Africa, as shownby the following:
witness since the beginning of his presence. It will be Volumes of books sold 8,483
found that in some countries there has been a small d~ Public meetings held 120
Attendance 29,210
crease in the work due to conditions which cannot be Class meetings 297
overcome; but by far the larger number of countries Attendance 5,800
have shown an increase in the work done and in the Pilgrims in the field 1
Colt)orteurs in the field 1
amount of good accomplished. When we look at the Free literature distributed 15,000
great amount of work that simply must be done and Brother Brown, the local manager, writes as follows:
the small amountthat we accomplish in fact, we can ap-
Six months’ rain in this country has impeded the work
preciate the words of the psalmist, "Except the Lord somewhat; but the output of the books exceeded that of
build the house, they labour in vain that build it." last year, and the witness has been extended far and wide
(Psalm 127:1) Weknow that our own feeble efforts along the West Coast of Africa, a distance of over two
can accomplish nothing, but the Imrd adds his grace thousand miles. This country is far behind in this twentieth
century; and much hardship is encountered in traveling,
and permits his people to accomplish what he desires. lodgings, food, etc. Also much money spent. But the joy of
At the Brooklyn headquarters, in addition to the Eng- the Lord is our strength; and soon the people will realize
lish language the work is carried on in a number of what the Lord has done for them through his channel, the
WATCH TOWER BIm~ AND TRACT SOCLETy. Without doubt
foreign tongues, to wit: Armenian, Arabic, French, the Babylonish churches here have suffered from the effects
German,Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, of the truth. The people are seeing the truth, and many
are withdrawing from Babylon. Our public lectures are
Ukrainian and Russian. Here a brief report is given well attended, and the people like to hear about the kingdom~
WATCH TOWER
In September a convention was held in Freetown, being shown. We quote fr,m the Australasian report:
Sierra Leone, at which the brethren from various parts We have closed the books this year at the end of August.
of West Africa were present. This convention was ad- so this report covers only eleven months. Despite the shorter
dressed by nine different brethren, and brought much period, we are well ahead of last year’s output. Wehave
well nigh cleaned out our stock of volumes. The number of
joy to all who attended. colporteurs in tim field has fluctuated somewhatduring the
year. Some of the dear ones have had to withdraw fr(ml
ALBANIA the semdce for various reasons, while others have availed
Of course, the witness in Albania has b~n limited. themselves of the opportunity to give their whole thne t~
the Ix~rd’s service, so that the numberremains about the sadie.
THE HARP OF GOD, also THE DESIRABLE GOVERNS[ENT The pilgrim work during the year is especially grntifyinz.
and THE WORLD DISTRESS booklets were translated and This has ahnost doubled over the year of 1924. The suc-
printed in the native, tongue, a goodly number placed cessive world witnesses held during the year of 1925 have
aroused considerable interest amongst the brethren o~ bolh
in the hands of the people, and the Albanians are tak- Australia and New Zealand; and the Lord’s message h:~s
ing hold of the truth with much joy. There are only been widely proclaimed, even more than heretofore. In
consequence there is greater interest on the part vf tlm pub-
three classes in Albania, but they are doing good work. lic and mgre opposition. The D.D’s and smaller puppies
are barking furiously. The brethren much appreciate the
ARGENTINE opportunities of service, and they highly appreciate the meat
The Argentine Republic is a very large territory ; and in due season appearing in TIIE"~VATcI=[TOWER.
to cover it all with the force at hand is a very great Literature circulated in Australasia during the year:
task. Nevertheless, the brethren there are going on cloth
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, 7,6;1l
with the work. Brother Muniz is in charge of the STUDIES I1"7 TtIE SCRII~TURES~ magazine 857
THE IIAr, P OF GOD
Spanish work, while Brother Charles 0tt and Brother 7,863
Booklets 43.9!;2
Max Gumpel are working amongst the German popula- Other books and booklets 5,459
tion. During the year books have been sold and pieces Peoples Pulpits 90,0;’0
WATCIt TOWERS 5.0S0
of free literature have been distributed to the number
GOLDEN AGES 5,,’~(;0
of 279,944. A number of classes have been formed in "Indictments" 590 0 10
different places, srnalt in number; but their zeal for Advertising leaflets 1,0C3,l2.)
the Lord is manifest. The work is making slow but Letters received 3,944
Letters disi)atched 4,94~:
certain progress; and the witness is being given. Of Special public meetings held 2:)2
course, the work mutt be entirely financed from the Attendance 26,175
Semi-public meetings 214
main office at Brooklyn. Attendance 9,552
ASIA MINOR Parlor meetings 4,q7
Attendance 5.883
Under this head we include the work in Armenia, Miles traveled 64,5S3
Syria, Turkey, Georgia, and Arabia. The interest in In view of the large expanse of territory and the small
this part of the field has increased during the past population in proportion, the work done in Australasia
year. There have been five new Armenian classes or- during the year shows remarkable results, better than
ganized, and public meetings held to the number of any previous year. We rejoice with our Australian
65 with a total attendance of 4,500. Class meetings brethren at this increased zeal on their part and the
held 87, with an attendance of 2,762. Books sold 876 manifestation of the Lord’s blessing toward them. Each
volumes, and other pieces of literature distributed 5,520. letter from the Australasian office brings a fresh request
Letters received 326, and dispatched 488. for the Presidel,t of the Society to visit that country,
In that same part of the world is another class of but press of work in America and in other places is
Syrians using the Arabic tongue. At hit. Lebanon there such that it hardly seems l’easolmble to spare the time to
is a class of upwards of 70, and many more manifesting make the long journey. ]t is a great joy to cooperate
considerable interest and the message is spreading with the brethren in the far a~ay countries as well aa
throughout the country. These brethren in Asia Minor with those nearby.
also have been extending the work by correspondence to AUSTRIA
Bulgaria, Egypt, the Island of Cyprus, Abyssinia, Persia
As is well known by the WATCtIT0WERreaders, Aus-
and other parts of the East add even reaching some in
tria for centuries has been largely predominated by the
the Far East, Asia. At least, we are able to say thae
Catholics. Little opportunity has been had there for
there has been a witness concerning God’s kingdom given
witnessing for the kingdom message, but during the past
to the truth in Abyssinia, Arabia, Armenia, and Persia.
year there has been a great increase in the work in that
AUSTRALASIA land. The people are quite poor, and it is difficult for
The giving of the witness of the kingdom in Australasia them to buy books; but with all these handicaps there
goes majestically on under the direction of the King of has been sold and placed in the hands o£ the people in
kings. There is a decided increase of interest manifested Austria in the past year the following:
by the people in the year just past. In order to get STUDYES IN THE SCP,.IPTURES 6,748
~he report for the fiscal year to Brooklyn in time it was THE HARPOF GOD 6,368
COMFORT FOR TItE PEOPLE 29,757
do~ed earlier; namely, only eleven months of the year "IndiCtments"distributed free 1,170,000
DECEMBER
1, 1925
WATCH TOWER
retying many blessings from the Lord and are eontinutng
In recent monthsthe service workhas been organized firm in .tim faith. The little class of Hungarians in San
in Anstria, and there has been a decided increase. ~lhe Paulo are of good courage and are doing well. About all
vork has taken on a newimpetusand bids fair to greatly lhat can be expected to be done in this dark country is to
give the people the witness concerning the kingdom, in fulfil-
increase within the next few months. The following ment of the I,ord’s commandment.--Matthew 24: 14,
is a quotation froma report fromAustria:
The workin Brazil is makingsatisfactory progress,
The general convention at Vienna, of which I am enclos-
Ing a program, has sparred on tim ecclesias in Austria. for whichwe are very grateful.
We are observing here that the Jewish people in Zionism
BRITISH WORK
now find the spirit of grace and supplication. Some of the
brethren in working from house to house amongst the Jews By the term British, as herein used, we meanthe
at Vienna since January meet with a quite different success
than two) years ago ; the Jews are commencing to wake upcountries of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales,
,vhicb are under the jurisdiction of the Londonoffice.
FOR THE BLIND The wKncss.given during 1925 in these countries has
The brother having charge of this workreports: "The surpassedthat of any previous year. It will be gratify-
blind are moreappreciative of literature preparedfor ing to note t!mt a vreater numberof bookson the truth,
them than are the seeing people. The workduring the SCRIPTURE STUDIES. etc.,have been placed by the British
year has increased over that of last year." The Revised office this year than in any previous year during the
Braille is the Americanmethodused for preparing lit- harvest period. The annual report submitted by Brother
erature for the blind. The SOCIETY has literature for Hemery,the managerof the British work, says:
the blind as follows: THE HARP OF GOD, DESIRAI3L8 I have again the privilege and honor to send you the
GOVERN~IENT,C0~IFORT FOR THE PEOPLE, various arti- t*ritish Branch yearly report. The past year has been ~)ne
cles in T~E WATC~ TOWER, and prayer-meeting text of unceasing aelivit.~ in the service of our Lord, our King;
book is prepared in the Eng- and tim zeal of the brethren is reflected in the increase in
comments.The MILLIONS the number of hooks sohl, which the report shows. XVe
lish Braille. Thesevolumesare loaned to blind readers. couM have wished for a still better report; for though
The brethren everywherecan encourage the workcf the there is a good showing and an increase over last year of
160,000 books, the increase is much more in the smaller
blind by calling on the blind people whowould be glad than in the larger books. Large as these figures are, I be~
to read the literatm’e, and by communicatingto this lieve they are yet to be greatly exceeded.
In s¢)me districts the lack of money owing to unemploy-
office informationobtained. ment nmkes it ahnost impossible to sell the larger bo,dks;
during lhe past year the government has paid out £100,000,-
BOLIVIA 000 in unto, ployment relief. The fact that the books are be-
In Bolivia the witness during the year has consisted ing sold sho,~s the people want to hear of affairs. The ser-
of the distribution of free literature and the placing of vice work does well, thongl~ not all the classes are active.
Some of the classes are very small, and do not enter into
a few books. The people in that land do not take very their privileges as they might do. But this applies also to
muchto religions matters, but we rejoice to say that some of the hu’g.’r classes. The service work has taken up
a total of 292,189 books.
there has been somewitness to the truth there. The. eoll)orwm’ xx ork is lively; and to these dear brethren
who day by day and throuahout the year go forth serving
BRAZIL the Lord, our hearts g’o out. There are 1(}7 whole-lilne
The work in Brazil is conducted from the SOCIETY’Seolporteurs, and these with the 96 auxiliaries have accounted
for 173,610 books.
office at Rio de Janeiro. The workis chiefly amongstthe
Portuguese people. TKEWATCI~ TOWER is published in A summary
of the Briti~l workis as follows:
the Portugueselanguage, as this is the principal languag~ ST1JDIES, all kinds 104,837
spokenby the people in that vicinity; and in addition to l IARPS 135 S-t8
Mumlo.xs qnd TALKING XVITIt TYIE DEAD 2".3S4
this, of course, there is some workdone amongst the llooklets, DGand Coa~roR’r 16S,S16
English-speaking people. The S0CIETY has recently in- I~o,ol:lets, others 75.U71
J~ooks, I’AIIADISE, SCENARIOS, ]~IANNAS, etc. 7.175
stalled a printing press whichwe expect to use in print- l’rocl;mtations amt various other tracts 5,055,85:)
ing muchof the free literature in the near future. Dur- Nmnber of meetings 2,490
ing the year 175,000 pieces of literature have been dis- Total attendance 139,tG2
Folders (each with a mcs~lge) 8,933,073
tributed free of charge in Brazil. The people in that Nuniber of classes 355
land are not muchdisposed to spend their money.While Nu>0)er of pilgrm,s 10
a limited numberbuy the books, it is mucheas~er to get Ntllllb( r of x isits 2,7(;9
Attendance ’113,721
them~o read somethingthat is free. Thework,of course, Auxiliary service 62.5
for Brazd must be financed from the main office at Co!porleurs, v, hole time 167
Brooklyn. The local representative’s report follows: Colpor~curs, .mxiliary 96
Letters rec,’~ived 41,342
One brother spent five months on a trip which covered Letters sent out 69,767
the important points on the coast and up the Amazon River.
lie had ninny wonderful experiences. In some places he had The British report eontinnes:
the opportunity of addressing congregations of Protestants, We have held 2490 public meetings, and have dis-
but generally they were notified in advance that a heretic tributed folders to advertise them, every one carrying stone
was on the way. Ite sold a number of books, however. message of the truth, to tim number 9f 8,993,000. ’1"11o
Another brother distributed tracts in Minas Geraes. About attendance of strangers at the meetings was 139,042.
30,000 were put out at San Paulo; and other towns were The pilgrim service has been nmch enjoyed by the classes ;
also canvassed and tracts distributed. The friends are re- 2769 visits are reported, besides 625 visits made by auxiliary
¯ WATCH TOWER
service, chiefly class elders who serve on appointments from tying indeed ; that of the public totaling 179,084, while that
the office. of the classes was 103.406, making a grand total of 282,400.
The British friends were much heartened by your. visit ; This attendance has been the result of the service of nino
It left a deep and abiding impression on their minds, and has pilgrim brethren of English, German and Ukrainian lan-
been effective in the furtherance of the work. I am ex- guages, and twelve auxilaries serving week-end appoint-
tremely glad to be able to report the enthusiasm of the meats. The mileage, as you will note, has been very heavy,
brethren, and that there was never so much unity of heart totaling 180,647 miles.
and mind in the British field as at present. True there are The pilgrim service has included that of Newfoundland,
still some who believe they have a right to conduct the the reports to lmnd from the pil~’ims serving there being to
Lord’s halwest work in their own way apart from tile lead of the effect that while it is a very difficult country to serve,
the SOCIETY. It is not these that have contributed to the in- the interest among the Newfoundl-mders is very keen. The
creased numbers in this report. number of consecrated there, however, is small and very
scattered.
BULGARIA We have had another very successful year in witnessing
During the year there has been considerable literature in tlle province of Quebec. The sale of literature has not
been quite so high "Is last year; but a very thorough dis-
distributed in Bulgaria. One brother has traveled and tribution of the "Indictment" was made, as well as that of
held meetings there during the year with good results. other literature, with much persecution as a result. Many
of tim brethren were east into prison, but in all cases ar-
CANADA rangements were made for them to be bailed ~)ut, and the
eases fought in the courts. I am happy to say that in each
It is indeed gratifying to note that every branch of and every instance the eases have been dismissed; and I
the work in Canada shows an increase in 1925 over 1924, believe that as a consequence the Catholic priesthood will
be less inclined to molest them in the future.
which at that time was the banner year. A large portion Pleased indeed am I to report th’lt the spiritual condition
of Canada is prairie country, thinly settled; and as it is of the Lord’s people throughout Canada seems to be excel-
difficult to give public witnesses and reach many peo- lent. There are very few cl~sses where there is any evidence
of contention or division. On the contrary all the friends
ple, the system of holding meetings at public schools seem to be united in action as never before. They have more
has been adopted with very gratifying results. During fully than ever before entered into the joy of the Lord.
the year meetings have been held at 526 different school And now I would like to take advantage of this oppor-
tunity of assuring you of my deepest Christian love and loy-
houses in Calmda, with a total attendance of 12,375, at alty in the cause of our King, and at the same time to assure
which books were placed in the hands of the people to you that you are held in the highest esteem and love of the
friends throughout this land, being continually remembered
the number of 9,860. It is understood, of course, that by us, one and all, at the tlmone of grace.
this work is confined to Western Canada, known as the
prairie country. It is hoped to extend this branch of CANAL ZONE
the work to the other parts of Canada in ttle near future. The work here is organized and conducted under the
During the year there have been 9 pilgrims devoting all direction of the Brooklyn office and has had a healthy
their time to the service in Canada, besides 12 auxiliary increase during the year.
pilgrims; and much local work has been done by breth-
CENTRALEUROPEANOFFICE
ren of the various classes.
As heretofore announced, the S0crETY during the
The following is given of the Canadian work for 1995 :
World War established a central office in Switzerland,
Public meetings held 2,245
Attendance 179,084 through which it conducts its work in the other coun-
Class meetings 2,042 tries of Central Europe, to wit: Switzerland, France,
Attendance 103,406 Belgium, Holland, Italy, Austria, Czecl.J-Slovakia, and
Miles traveled 180.047
Letters received 18,876 Germany. Germany’s work is now independent of the
Letters dispatched 22,293 Central European office. The Central European office
Circulars dispatched 21,859 acts more in the nature of a clearing house for the bene-
Total books sold, bound volumes 61,913
Booklets and Bibles, etc., 205,974 fit of the other countries. For some time this has been
Total number of pieces of literature sold 276,449 under the direction of Brother Binkele. Brother Binkele’s
Free literature distributed, including
"Indictments" 2,382,052 physical condition has been such in the past few months
that he has been relieved of his duties, and Brother
The colporteur work in Canada during the year shows
Zaugg is at present in charge. All these countries, how-
~plendid results. There were 71 colporteurs in the field,
ever, communicate direct with the home office in Brook-
which is an increase of 18 over last year. The report of
lyn and are under the management of the Brooklyn
Brother Salter, the Canadian representative, says:
headquarters. The books and other literature for all
Despite the fact that there has been a considerable fall-
lug off in sales for the months of August and September as the countries above named aside from Germany have
compared with the corresponding months last year, I am been published largely in the Central European office
happy to report that the total sales for the year are in ex- at Berne, Switzerland. In addition to this, other of our
cess of last year by 4740 pieces, the total for the year being
276.449. There has been a healthy increase in the number literature is printed there for parts of Southern Europe.
of colporteurs, there being an average of 71 in the service. The reports of the various countries appear under the
An outstanding witness of the year was made through the respective heads of said countries, but it is interesting
distribution of the "Indictments", both in the English and
French languages, and also in the message upon the back here to note that the countries above mentioned with the
of our dodge~-s, which have been so largely used this year. exclusion of Germany, have held meetings as follows:
’the t~tal number of pieces distributed was 2,382,052, which
is 454,709 in excess of last year. Total lectures 5,846
The attendance at meetings this year has been very grati- Total attendance 455,230
WATCH TOWER
CHILE flee. The report from Denmark shows an increase in
Brethren have traveled through Chile during the year, the work over last year. Eleven colporteurs in the field
and have distributed a large amountof free literature have been doing good work under difficulties. The
and placed some books, and have been telling the peo- service work amongst the classes has been recently re-
ple concerning the kingdom. organized. The report from Denmark says:
Several classes have nvw taken up the service work with
CHINA enthusiasm and a number of others will join soon. The
During the year someeffort was made to give the wit- number of classes is increasing and the work progressing,
although conditions are not so favorable as in other lands.
ness in this benighted land but with little success. A
few meetings were held and some books placed. Prob- Books have been distributed by the Danish brethren
ably the Lord is not ready to take his message of truth as follows:
to these people. Weknow, however, that the time will STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES 4,009
THE H.XaP O~ GOD 4.674
come when they must learn that Jehovah is God. Booklets 29,910
]~IANNA and Song books 875
COLORED Public meetings held 456
Our colored brefllren have been doing splendid work Attendance 39.730
Comltry class meetings held 640
during the year. The sale of booksis included, of course, Attendance 16,400
in the general report. This branch is carried on not for Class meetings in Copenhagen 1,,’r~3
the purpose of segregation; but because it is believed Attendance 26,722
that through a separate branch the public can be reached EGYPT
in a better wayand because it affords an opportunity for During the year three Greek brethren spent some time
our colored brethren to develop as speakers and to serve in Egypt visiting particularly the cities of Alexandria,
more efficiently. There are four pilgrims in the service. Port Said, and Cairo. A number of meetings were held
which were largely attended ; and quite a good amount
COSTA RICA
of literature was placed amongthe Greek-spealdng peo-
The work here is progressing very well under the man. ple in that country and some amongst the natives, who
agementof the local office directed from Brooklyn, and a are mostly Mohammedansand few of whom have any
good witness has been maintained during the year. interest in the Bible. Nevertheless, the witness was given.
CUBA
FINLAND
Several meetings were held in Cuba during the year. Almost every item of the work in Finland shows an
A brother was sent there from Jamaica to hold some increase over that of last year. During the world-wide
meetings, and also a brother from America on another witness meetings, a total of 598 meetings were held with
occasion. There are several zealous brethren in Cuba. an attendance of 58,351. Thirty conventions were held
They are arranging for a convention there soon, and are during the year, all of which were highly appreciated
carrying the messageto the people. and manyblessings resulted. The distributmn of 1Ltera-
ture in Finland (luring the year has been as follows:
CZECH O-SLOVAKIA
STUD1ES IN TIlE SCRIPTURES 5,373
There are only a few in Czecho-Slovakia whoare con- THI ~1 HARP OF GOD 4,112
secreted; but these have been putting forth their best l~i l I,LION
S 8.t308
efforts during the past year to give the wimess. They WORLDDISTRESS 26 424
T.tLKINO WrrH TIIE DEAD 6,755
have placed in the hands of the people the following: A DESIRABLE GOVERNMENT 8,c;1
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES 327 Other books 9,396
ThE IIaRP O~" GOD Bibles 325
1,248
l~ooklets 16.597 Copies of the Drama papers 1,970
"Indictments" distributed Copies of THE WATCI[ TOWFR 32,:263
262,500 1Copies of TIIE GOLDENAob 16.q, 171
The work here is really just beginning to take on an Total amount of lileratm’e sold 265,258
Free literature distributed 428.398
impetus. Like other Central European countries, it is Total anlount of literature sent out 693 656
financed by the Americanoffice. Letters sent out 10,524
The people of Czecho-Slovakia have begun fo realize Letters received 7,137
Public meetings held 1,813
that John tIuss was a martyr to the cause of righteous- Attendance 234.482
hess; and recently an emblem to the memoryof Huss Class meetings 1.5.".8
was raised in that land. The pope severed the relation- Attendance 76,084
ship of the Vatican with Czecho-Slovakia immediately. The greater amount of this work has been done in
This will open the way for the people to get their minds the past few months after the reorganization of the
in a better condition to receive the truth, and we an- work nnder the general direction of the Northern
ticipate a greater spread of the truth in the near future. European office, managed by Brother Dey. Brother
tIarteva, the local manager of the Finnish work says:
DENMARK
It has been a great joy for us all to have Brother Dey.
Reference is also made to the :Korthern Eurol~ean of- The dear Lord directed you In arranging matters in thIl
864 w WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN,
N. Y.
way. The workshow that the Lord is ma~f~ting his ap- The report from the Germanoffice continues:
proval of this arrangement. The result of the service wm’k is very delightful; and
FRANCEAND BELGIUM everywhere we receive letters from the brethren, saying that
they have much joy in doing this work. The pilgrim service
In these countries the SOCIETY does not maintain an has considerably increased. There are now 101 new clas~es
office for the French-speaking people, because this work in Germany to be visited by the pilgrims. Besides this, the
pilgrims now visit Austria and Czeeho-Slovakia. There are
is conducted from the SOCIETY’S office at Berne, Switzer- 23 pilgrims in the regular service all the time, and 6 part ~)f
land. Neither the French nor the Bdgians are much the time, During the year the subscriptions to THE WATCH[
given to religious matters, but during the past year there TOWERincreased 8,000 and the subscriptions to THE Gor~)Ex
AGE. 65,0~). The SOC1ETYalso maintains 9 shipping depots
has been a decided increase in interest manifested in In different parts of Germany.
these countries. French books have been sold as follows: Letters received 77.777
Letters sent out 59,747
TIlE HARP OF GOD 11,498
COMFORT FOR TIfE PF~OPLE and D~S~RABIm The manufacture of books and booklets and the priL?-
GOVERNMENT booklets 101.863 ing of the other matters at the SOCIETY’Sprinting plant
"Indictments" 2,134,000 in Germanyduring the year is as follows:
]~any public meetings have been held, and much in- Books and booklets 1,778 0(}0
{crest manifested. Tt~E GOLDEN AGEin French has a WATCH TOWERS 738,000
large circulation in Belgium, France, and Switzerland. GOLDEN AGES 5,576 0O0
"Indictments" 9,000,000
During the year there bare been placed French copies of Other tracts 7,286.400
TJ~E GOLDEN AGEtO the amount of 273,335. Handbills printed for classes 5,970J~0
Bulletins, etc. 3,169,310
GERMANY Heretofore the work in Germanyhas come within the
The work in Germany has gone forward during the jurisdiction of the Central European office; but the
last twelve months, greatly to the joy of the consecrated Germanoffice has becomeso important that it has been
and to the Lord’s glory. In every department of the relieved from that standing, and is nowunder the direct
work in Germany,there is an increase over any previous supervision of the Brooklynoffice, without the necessity
year. The SOCIETY now owns a large printing plant and of reporting to the Central European office. The ar-
bookbinding establisl~nent there, and has recently rangement to work through the Central European of-
erected a new building and has installed more machinery, fice was made because of the war, but that does not now
which will make the capacity of the plant equal to or seem to be necessary.
even greater than the one at Brooklyn. The Lord has GREECN
wonderfully opened the way for the spreading of the The work in Greece ha~ progressed in splendid form
truth in Germany, and we hope to do much publishing during the year. Our books were banned by the gov-
in Germanyfor other coutrics of Europe. During the re- ernment, but some were circulated anyhow until the
cent visit of the President of the SOCIETY to German), matter was brought before the courts. After a hearing
additional property was purchased for the purpose of the ban was removed. The books have gone out to the
extending the plant. The local manager, Brother Bal- number of about 30,000 during the year. Free tract
zereit, in his report says: distribution has reached a million, and a great many
It now begins to appear how advantageous it was to homeshave been visited, and the interest continues to
purchase the property which was purchased on your last increase throughout the land. The Greek government
visit. We now know ele-n’ly, as you at lhe lime at once per- has forbidden lectures to be given, but our brethren
ceived, the whole situation and the adwmtages of purchasing
this property for the Lord’s work. continue to give them and the crowds are great.
As compared with the work of 1924 the same has HAWAII
almost doubled in 1925. The following is a summaryof The friends in Hawaii continue to prosecute the wit-
literature distributed and the meetings held in Germany: ness work and with good success. One eolporteur sells
STUDIES IN THE SCIgIPTURES 288,914 on an average of 300 books per week chiefly to the
TttE ItARr OF GOD 352,602
COMFOR’r FORTIIE PEOPLEand other booklets 1,800,2~06 Japanese and Filipino plantations. Also a number of
THE WAYTO PARADIS~ 32,569 books are placed among the native Hawaiians. Tha
Other books 40,784 friends are making progress and rejoicing.
Other booklets 314,413
THE V~’ATClt TOWEB 726,300 HOLLAND
THE GOLDENAt~E 5,444,000
"Indictments" 9,000,0{)0 The SOCIETYmaintains a headquarters in Holland.
Other free literature 7,256.400 Not a great manyin IIolland have ever been interested
Public meetings held 3,675
Attendance 628.414 in the truth to the point of really becomingactive in
l~leetings for interested friends 30,747 the Lord’s service. A Itollander movesa good deal with
Total attendance 1,223,048 the rapidity of an ox-eart. However, the few really
~leetings for the brethretx 45,897
Total attendanee 1,896,708 consecrated ones in tIolland during the past year have
Pilgrims in the service 23 accomplished some splendid work, and there is a decid-
Pilgrim stations 563
Colporteurs 240 ed increase in the number of the really consecrated.
01ass-workers 12,000 During the year our Hollaudish brethren have placed:
365
WATCH TOWE"
STU~mS I~ T~E Semwru~Es 2.374 JAMAICA
THE HARP OF GOD ~5 The report from Jamaica is favorable. The enemy
Booklets 10,087
"Indiclments" distributed 512,t)00 has tried to interrupt the work there but without suc-
SCENAI~IOS 5,470 ~’ess. The loyal ones are happy and are pushing on with
5hi,LION S 2,371 the witness. Books and booklets distributed during the
This makes a total of 2t,197 bool~s and booklets dis- year are as follows:
tribllted, besides many Bibles and other literature. .Books and booklets sold 32,145
Durhlg the year thc attendance at the Photo-Drama of Pil~rims in the service 5
Creation was 14,000. Three brethren have en~ged in Public meetings 131
the pi]gTim work, and have delivered 13 public lectures Attendance 15,20~
CoI)Ort(’urs 5
in different cities and held 117 class meetings. In ad- Letters received 1,214
ditlon to the above there have been free tracts dis- Letters dispatdmd 1,489
tributed to the number of 512,,000 throughout Holland. The brethren there expre,~s their gratitude for the
HUNGARY assistance received from the United States. The world-
wide witness meetings have been a great blessing to
The ~ork in IIungary has been greatly retarded dur-
them in that land.
ing the year by opposition; but d~e brethrc~ have held JAPAN
289 meetings with an attendance of 9,297. Several eol-
porteurs have been at york and distributed a large There is a small congreg-ation friends at Sums,
amount of literature. Wehave been trying to remove Kobe, Japan, who continue in the best way they can
someof the difficulties so as to put the work in better to give the witness in Japanese. The Japanese work
~hape in Hur~gary, but have been m/able to do so up on the Pacific Ccast in the United States has taken
to ~his time. 0nly the Lord can hold back the adver- on a considerable impetus during the year, classes being
sary from interfering. The matter is in the Lord’s hands~ organized in several places. Wehope shortly to send
and our Hungarian brethren are doing their best. a Japanese brother to Japan to assist in the work there.
MILLIONS, COMFORT, HARP OF GOD and Volume One
INDIA of STUDIESIN THE Scmr-rv~s are in the Japanese
The work in India has continued during the year, language. A brother from Japan writes:
and there has been a slight increase over 1924. Besides False teachers are planning to leave Japan. Really what
the English language, literature and books have been these so-called missionaries lmve effeeted in our country is
put out in three different native dialects, to wit: Sin- desecration of home m~d national
n~me ~f the Lord and of a hope of life
~ity, d~’ration
elernaL
of the
They
ghal~e, Tamil, and Malayatam. I* seems that we should have done this in the name of Jesus. Our people have
have a wider witness in India; and yet the Lord con- rejected lheue, and there is now a possibility of their ac-
cepthig the truth when presented to them.
tinues to bless the efforts that are put forth and the
work goes steadily on. The people who really take to JUGOSLAVIA
the truth are very poor, and the work must be financed Several brethren in this country have been quite
from the home of.rice. The reports during the year active during the year, and have made a good witness
from India, however, are quite encouraging; and we by the distribution of free literature and the circulation
rejoice that the Lord is still blessing the efforts there. of a goodly number o;f boo~ and booklets among the
ITALY commonpeopb. They hear the truth gladly.
It is difficult fo do as much in Italy as we do in
KOREA
some other countries, tIowever, the work ttmre is con-
siderably gTeater than it was last year. The organiza- There h~ ~een no particular increase in the work
tion is in better shape and condition, and the brethren in Korea during the year, but the brethren continue
are zealous for the Lord and his cause. Manymeetings zealously and earnestly doing the work the best they
have been held with one general convention, which was can in giving the witness. Our little printing plant
attended by Brother Macmillan during his visit to the there continues to oD.rate , and produces some literature
Rear East. Our Italian brethren distributed 100,000 for the Koreans and the Chinese.
copies of the "Indictment"; and they particularly saw
LITHUANIA
to it that the pope and the other high officials of the
Vatican each received a copy. The local manager says: Lithuania has begun to wake up. During tim year
"We thought the ’Indictment’ would cau~ persecution, considerable literature has been shipped from our office
but the clergy swallowed the pill without breathing." to two different points in that country. Some local
A summary of the work in Italy follows: brethren are doing well in distributing this and plac-
Books distributed 11,280 ing the books in the hands of the people. One pilgrim
Free literature 140,000 brother was sent from America this year ; and in co-
Public meetings 4 operation with others in Lithuania the work there is
Colporteurs in the service 5
Letter8 received 610 getting well started. The meetings held are well at-
Lette~ ~i$1~ate.h~ 740 tendedand the witness i~ being given. The following
BROOKLYN,i. Yo
WA TOWER
]s T~oted from a brother’s letter from there: "Great Norwayand is beginning to show splendid results. See
numbers are crying out for more literature. I have sold also the above report of the Northern European office.
all I had." Weimmediately dispatched a large ship-
ment of literature upon receipt of this information. PALESTINE
There has not been any great increase of the work
MEXICO in Palestine during the year. The class at Ram~llah
Those interested in Mexico are the Spanish-speaking continues to hold together and to encourage each other,
people. This work is conducted from the United States. and occasionally a new one comes to the truth. There
During the year the Mexican frien~ls were visited are now several brethren in Jerusalem. We do not
by a brother from the United States and held a con- expect muchin Palestine yet. But surely there will be
vention. This gq’eatly encouraged them, and they are more to do as soon as the messageis ready to be deliv-
pushing on in giving the witness in that country. ered to the Jews.
NORTHERN EUROPEAN OFFICE PARAGUAY AND PATAGONIA
The work in Sweden has not been satisfactory for During the year there has been considerable free
some time. Constant complaints came from the Swedish literature distributed in these countries, but there are
friends that the local manager was not giving proper no organized classes thus far.
consideration to the work but was trying to carry out
his own selfsh purposes. A convention was held in PHILIPPINE ISLAN~
Orebro in May, attended by about 500 friends; and The little class in the Philippine Islands continues
when they were told that the SOOlET:Zhad decided to to meet together and study the Lord’s Word. They are
organize a Northern European office having jurisdic- doing a limited amount of witnessing to others, and
tion over Swedenand other countries, and that Brother there has been some slight increase in the numbers
Dey of London would be in charge, they unanimously who attend. That the messageis held forth in the Phil-
expressed their appreciation and approval. ippine Islands we are glad.
This office has been established at Copenhagenand
Brother Dey of London is in charge and the countries POLAND
embraced are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, It would seem passing strange if the Lord’s work
Lithuania, Esthonia, Latvia and other states along the got on without some interruptions. Wedo not expect
Baltic Sea. Only three and a half months now has this it to movealong without somedifficulties. Occasionally
office been in operation. During that time Brother Dey the adversary gets the better of one who is put into a
has traveled 9,000 miles in the different countries, position of responsibility. This has been true in Po-
held many meetings and organized the service work as land. The brother who was sent there a few years ago
it is carried on in America; and he reports great in- as the SOCIETY’S representative yielded to the influence
crease of activity on the part of the friends and in- of the adversary, and became wise in his own conceit,
creased interest on the part of the people. He says: and attempted to start an arrangement of his own and
Already in Sweden sets of eight volumes are going out. cooperate with some other opposition. This, however,
At the convention held in all these countries ninny brethren has not materially injured the work. The S0mETY sent
took part in the service work for the first lime; and it was
the unanimous opinion of all that Service Day was the a brother from the Brooklyn office last winter, who
best day of the whole convention. The joy of the Lord spent several months in Poland; and now the work is
was m~mirest on their faces. Everywhere tim friends have
warmly welcomed me, and the Northern European olhce
in much better shape than at any time l~st year. The
is recognized as being of the Lord’s arrangement. Much attendance at the e!asses is better, the interest of the
work remains to be done and the brethren are in good public is better, and it is the pleasure of the SOCIETY
heart to do it. 1 hoI)e to makea tour of Lithuania, Latvia, to report that the Polish work is now in better shape
and Esthonia in November.
than at any other time in Poland. There are now 9
The increased enthusiasm of the brethren in the pilgrims on the list rendering service. These during
countries covered by the Nor{hemEuropean office is the year made457 visits. ]Keetings were held as follows :
an evidence of the Lord’s approval of this arrangement.
Public meetings 479
NORWAY Atlendance 68,833
Class meetings 857
It is gratifying to report increased interest in the Attendance 37,983
Norwegian work, particularly the last few months. The Kilome[ers traveled 57,187
sale of books has increased, also attendance at the meet- (A kilometer is about four-fifths of a mile)
l{egular colporteurs in the field 11
ings and likewise interest generally. Auxiliary colporteurs 33
Total volumes of books sold 3,673
Other books 24,291 A number of the classes in Poland have organized
Letters received 1,295 for service work, and She work is going on nicely. The
Letters sent out 3.966 number of letters r~ceived and dispatched at the office
~heService work has just recently been organized in at Warsa%and books sold during the year~ follows:
WATCH TOWER
Received 2,229 Your Lisbon lecture was used of the Lord in a truly
Dispatched 5.482 wonderful nmnner. The reproduction of the discourse in the
Packages dispatched 5,029 public press created great interest not only throughout Por-
}~ooks sold 2,946 tugal I~ut also throughout the Portuguese colonies. Since
lq, ooklets 26,938 then the work has gone steadily fomvard, and the Jubilee
Bibles 2,435 trumpet is sounding where it has never sounded before.
Fl,ee tracts distributed 77,278 The hosts of Midian are afraid. By careful distribution the
volunteer literature has been distributed throughout prac-
The clergy succeeded in inducing the political autho- tically every city and town in Portugal; also throughout
rities to prevent the "Indictments" from being put out Funehal, the Cape Verde Islands, Mozambique, Portuguese
East Africa, Portuguese West Africa and the Portuguese
in Poland. During the year 11 conventions were held, possessions in tim Indian Ocean. Hundreds of letters of
which greatly strengthened the brethren and encouraged appreciation and orders for books have been received.
them to go on with renewed energy in the Lord’s serv-
iee. The Polish brethren in America have nobly put ROUMANIA
forth their efforts to help the work in Poland. This From Clnj the work of Roumania and Hungary is
of course has been done through the Brooklyn office. directed. The intmfference with the work by the state
1’~onomic conditions are very bad in Poland. Many has been great there during the yeaL Nothwithstand-
x~ho must labor for a living, including our brethren, ing, there have been 9 pilgrims in the service regularly
earu approximately $3.50 per week; and out of this while 10 others have served part of the time, besides 7
small amount they must get their food and raiment local pilgrims.
for themselves and for their families. Tlns makes it Meetings held 2,267
very difficult for the Polish people to buy books; and Attendance 88,066
we must supply them with muchfree literature if they Someof the difficulties are beginning to be removed
get some knowledge of the kingdom and its blessings. and we have great hopes of the Lord’s lifting the ban
it has been the privilege of those who have had some so that we may proceed with a wider service in Rou-
means to comfort others who had little or none. Great mania. A report from there reads:
interest is manifest in the truth. The meetings in
Despite the fact that we have passed through the most
Poland are attended by thousaalds who are becoming severe shaking and trials that ever occurred amongst the
interested, and it is not even necessary to advertise as Lord’s people in this country, the unity and love of the
we would in America. brethren toward the Lord and each other was n~)t affected.
CONTENTS
l~A~mA~rr>Goo~WILL .................................. 371
372
Godof Peac£1 .................................................
374
TheInterim ....................................................
375
PiisName .........................................................
375
Peace on Earth................................................
376
Good Will..........................................................
377
FIVE ]%IEN BELIEVEON JESUS ...........................
:~79
AN INADVERTENT OI%rISSION (Letter) ...............
3~0
~rEslTs ANDNICODEMUS .....................................
rRAYER-I%IEETING TEXT CO.M~IENTS ................. 3~2
370
MONEY LOSTIN" TIIE ]%IAILS .............................
l~IV-~*VI N TERCONVENTIONS ............................... 370
CALENDER FOR1926 ............................................ 370
I’ORTUGUES~ SEavicE ......................................... 370
~~.~-~=-- ~-~.~.:::..
...-~?. = ........
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts faillng.them for fear and for looking
the things coming upon the earth (socmty) ; for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiaaticsm) shall be shaken . . Whe.a ye s.~these things begin to come to pas~,
know that the Kingdom of God *~ at hand. Look up, li~t up your heads, rejo*ce, for your redem~t*oa draweth mgh.-- att. 2:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-81.
THIS JOURNAL A~’D ITS SACRED MISSION
THInpresen~<~l
Journal Is one of the prime factors or ir~trument.~ in the ~ystem of lhble lu.~U’uctmn, or "Seminary ~.xtenslon", now belnff
In all pu1’l~ of the civJ£1sed world by the V,’ATCLI TOX;’I.I~ Y3:r.LE & ~I.’r.ACT .%t+CIET’~, chartered A.D. 18~4, "For 1.he Pro-
~otion o£ Chrl.~uan 1~.uo~;le~a=e". It not only serves as a ela~s room where I;lble stuuents ms)" meet in the study of the divine ~,ord bat
al.~o us n eh.’Hinei of eO::lmunh’atlon through which they may be rcacbe0 with ennotlnCCl.eet~ of tbe ~ocJety’s conventions ~d of th@
doming of 11~ travehng repr~entaUves, styled "l’ii;rlm.~", and retreshcJ with report.~ of its eonventmns.
O.r "Bercan L¢~son~" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our ~oeiet.r’.q published STt’D~ES mo.~t entertainingly arranged, and very
helnful t.~ all ~ho would merit the only honorary degree which the 8ocmty accords, viz., Yerbi Dri JHntster (V. D. M.), which translated
lind l.;n~iish ]s Jlbi~.qtcr ol God’s ll’ord. Our treatment of the lnternnflonal Sunday School 1,euons is eperAally 1or the older Bilge
st,Jdent~ and teachers. /~y some this feature is considered indispensabl~
Th|.~ journ&l stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christlan’e hope ~ow being Im geaerally repudiated
--redem/’t|on throu;:h the preciou~ blood of "the man Christ 3esus, who gave h~mself a ransom tit corresponding price, it subsUtute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 1:~ ; 1 Timothy 2 : GI l~ulldln~ up on this sure foundation the gold, slh’er and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 : 11-
1,5:2 I’etcr 1 : ~+11) of the Word of God, its furthermiesion is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which..
been hhl in God .... to the latent that now micht be made known by the church tim manifold wisdom of God"~"whtch in other age~
~as not made known unto the sons 0f men as it ia now revealed".~l~phesians ,3:,5-9,10.
1t stands free from all parties, eects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to brin: its every utterance into relies|
suh.let’t~on to the will of God ]n Christ, as e=pre.~ed In lhe holy ~crJpture~. ]t J~ thus free 1o docJsre boldly ~’hatsoever the Lord
halli M~okel)--aceordlng to 1be divine wisdom grouted unlo us to unl]erstal;d htq mteram,es, its attitude Js not dogmatic, but eonlident
]or we ~.,)w ~hereof wo affirm, tre:tdin~ with implicit faith upon ttte sure pronu.~c.~ of God. It is livid a.q ~’t trn~t, to be used only in his
~ervil.c : heu(’e our dt~i,~lo~ relat,ve to vqhat may and what may not nppc:.tr in h~ (’oluum~ must be ac,~rmn~ to oar Jud"urent of his
~:oo~ ldca~are, tile leach;~ of his ~VOl’d, ~nr tJlO llpbu||,h1~’." o~ hl.~ ~oDIo in ~race and kl~ov, let~=(,. And ,~o liar only invlle but urge o111"
~ea~cr~ to prove all Its utterances by the lnfallib£e Word to which rclereme is constantly made to facdstate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLYTEACH
¯hat tim church is "the temple of the ]irinR Go,]", pecu]mrly "h~s wo~’kmanship" : that its eon~truction has been In pro~-ess throu~boot
the cospel a’z: aver mm~e Chri.~t became the world’~ ]tedeemer awl the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, throu;.’~ whteh, when
/mi~he~, God’s ble:;.~ing shall come "’to all people", and they find access to him.--1 Cormthmns 3 : 1~, 17 ; £ph~ians 2 : 20-:22;
Geues~s2b : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
~hat meantmre the chiselinG, shapinG, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for stn, progresses : and when the
l:L~t of these "ilvln~ ~tone~", "elect and prcclou.¢, ’’ shall have b~-~n nlatle ready, the great .Mailer V¢or~manwill brm= all Io_~eHmr
~n the l~r.~[ resurrection : and the temple sh~ll be filled with his glory, and be the meetmG place Det~een God and men throughout
the Mil,e~mum+--l:evelntion ].5 : 5-S.
¯hat the ba.~ls of Iiol,e, for tbo church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the ~raee of God, tasted desth f~r ererlf
ma~l." "a ransom fur a:l," a£1d wi.q be "the true h;ht watch ~ghteth e~o-/~ man lbat oomcih Isle IAS ~orld"~ ,,in due time".--
lleblews 2:U; John 1:’.); I Timothy 2:5, G.
¯hat tire hope of the church l,s that mire may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine I~atm~’,’ It.d share his
glory ns his Joint-heir.--1 John 3:2 ; John 17 : 24 ; )romans ~ : 3 7 ; 2 Peter 1 : 4.
|:nat the present ml:-stou of the church Im the perfect;he of the saints for U,~ future work of servia: to develop tn beg+elf every
grace ; ~o I)e Gotl’m wlUJ~s to the world ; itud to ;,repare to be kings and rrmsLs in the ~ext itGe.--I"-l~beslau~ 4" 1:2 ; Alutlhew 2~ :
~4; i~evelatio~, 2: (;; 20:G.
~hat tl~o hnl,C for tile world lies in the blee~in:~ of knowledce and opportunity to he brought to oll I,v Christ’s .Millennial I:ln.~don, tim
re.~llIutlon Of ~ll lh;£t wa.b Jo~t Ill AdUI,L lO uJi ale willll3’-" :lf.d ol|(qllOllt, n~ Ih e hantj s O~ their I~,edecmer uad Ii;s glorlhcd cbur~U.
wheu all the ".~£11ully wivked will bu dcstro~cd.--Acts 3 : 1D :~; Isaiah 35.
L’
1926 CALENDAR
~Vlth pleasure we nnnounee Lh;tt ti~t, ]9’2_~ calendar is a
very hv:uttiful design. The picture is priuted i~l five colnr~
Oil ore- s~(te of the picture will be the year text. Ou the
otiler side a pad contuil~llL~ the weekly te~t nnd the follow-
ln~ description of the symbolic representation, to wit:
It i,t impossible for ms. to describe Gull’s kin:dam. 11o speaks
tllrou=|l lll.~ cr(~11on. ~VIllCil t(~.tllle~ of hl~t nlt.estv. (ltR,l]lll ]~)-"
]-<;I ’~he grenr IllO||n|~ln |n Ihe distance, rearl:.~ |1. ~ hoar., heut|
ahovo Ino cluud:, svnlbU]lCllllv sI+e;tl.q of tho ;,orlveuh I)i1~ Of
I;od’~ klD-~dOlll, l*erl)ottl,tl t .Sll~)w I)lClurc.~ ||le pnrlfv al](lllc)J,lleS.~
IlIOl’O, tI" ’l’hc red 111 111~ ml(]-! I~I Till! gnnv,’ tell~ ~f |he IiJ~,l,~l t~f
~;,,d~ beloved ~o;~. tht’ basl~ tor thu klLIgtJoln erected for the beu-
~|11 O[ rU;Lh
G,,,| s proDhe1" IZechariuh 14 : 4) gives n beautiful deqcrlption of
the kln-~dnm which nla.v be applied Io tile tWO n,ottntaln~ ill the
foregrou|ld and to the valley between, lmo the vnlley of bles~m~
II.. people w}ll ~ather durin~ the Mllle~l reign and rece~vs
ble~lngs nt tire hand of tile Lord.
".t’he csstle at tbe bs.*o of the mountain plctnre~ the nbodo of
lho c:trthly representatives of the kingdom, from which orders of
1he nt*w ~ovcralnent W|]l t~Ue
The ~trean, ot water proceeds from the throne of Grid nnd the
tr~.~ uhall be for the heaitn~ nf the people. (Revclnt~o,l "-’2 : ]
Amn~5 : ’24 ; lsatah 61 : 3 : E;zekiel 4;" : )21 Thn whole c:;rth shall
bo liiled with the glory,of the l~ord. (lLalmkkuk 2:14) Green is
~c+ms to the Lord’s Poor: All Bible ptudents who. Uy read, on of a svmbol of eternal bfe. Tim obedient shall live for ever. "On
u,,J it.t: ol UIIleC iblllllllt.~ or ndvprslty, aro unable to pay for thlq earth peace, good will toward meg:."
~’tllll,tl. ’,~lll Ut: t~Ulll,lletl Ii’L’~ if tltey send a postal cord PAtch 31nY ¯ ’Praise God in his sanctuary."--Paalm 150.
|taring tlleir ca~e aud re(lu~tin~ much provision. We are not only
willing, but auxion~, that all such be on our list eontlnnally aud The calendar is approximately _=°’~ x ]3 inehe~ It will be
in tmwh wHh the Herpnn ~tndl~. ready for shipment about December 1st. Tuz IVATCH TO%VKS
~ot~’c tO Eubxclibrrs: We do not. as n rule. ~,end a card of ncknowl- will cnrry a comment t]lroughout the year on ti~e weck’,q
sd:l.ent for a reimw.’rlor for n flew snb.~eriptlou. U,t~eipt and text. Tim ~dendnr wlll retail nt 3.3¢, and h~ quantities of
entry of r~ll¢~W;ll are llldlcate<l wltllln & IUonth by f.UanGe in exptra.
tio~l date. as Mmwnon wrapper I;ibel. fifty or more, at 25¢ ~harg~es prepaid.
MII)-WI~rER CONVENTIONS
A four dnys’ conv+,ntion will be held at Tamp~ Florida,
bIONEY LOST :la.uary 21st to 24tl. iuelusiv(.. This convention will be ad-
We find that letters contuining currency frequently fall dressed by a number of the pilgrim brethren, Brother
to rc.u(’h us. ’/’here seems Io be u &rstcmutlc rifling of tl,e ltutherfor(! being there on Sunday the 24th.
mails ihr(lu’.’hout the eountry, so that it is no longer safe .k four days’ convent|on will be held at Dallas, Te~es.
to ~em] rt,nlittalt(’t~ except by lneans of money orders or ~anuary 28th to 31st inclusive. A number of the brethren
bank drafts. I’iease do not send currency or personal will address titis eo,wentton. Brother Itutherford will be
eimcks. Always keep a record of tim num|~rs, dates and Ot Ibe conventlou on the 31st.
These are the only two conventions which the Sov:z-t-r
a).ounts of all money orders or drafts which you send,
holding in the South this winter. S~p. 883 £or secretaries.
~o that the money muy be recovered in event of loss.
H TO vV R
AN D HERALD OF PEESENCE
VoL. XLVI DEC~.~rBF.R
15, 1925 NO.24
T WASin the autumn season, at night time, more of peace sermon ; and the people have in some measure
I than nineteen centuries ago that the angelic train expressed a little good will toward one another by giv-
from heaven arrived and stood over the modest lit- ing gifts to each other, particularly to relatives and
tle city of Bethlehem. A band of shepherdmen were friends from whomthey expect to receive something in
guarding their sheep from unfriendly attacks. They return. Someof the great financiers on Christmas oc-
knew nothing of the coming of this heavenly host ; and casions have loosened up their purse strings a little, and
whenthe leading one stood out to announce the birth of have given some temporary relief to the poor that they
the holy child, these watchers were sore afraid. To allay might receive the plaudits of men. The politicians,
their fears that heavenly messenger said to them: "Fear wielding the power to rule, have on such occasions re-
not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, leased some unfortunate ones from prison cells" and at
which shall be to all people For unto you is born this these seasons the ecclesiastics have boasted of the great-
day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the ness and generosity of their allies, the commercial and
Lord." (Luke 2.10, 11) From the presence of the political factors, while with honeyed words upon their
Eternal Godthese holy angels had come. lips they have held forth their hands to receive moregifts
’ Nine months before, the Loges had left the self- from the people. Christmas has been well marked by
~ameheavenly court, having laid aside his spirit nature hypocrisy. But with these governing factors, the com-
to become the Savior of the world. The special mes- mercial, political and ecclesiastical, the name of God
senger from heaven had made announcement to the has not been honored ; neither by their combinedefforts
shepherds that the Savior was born ; and then the mighty has peace come to the people, nor does there nowexist
host with ecstatic joy together sang: "Glory to God in muchgood will amongst men, one toward another.
the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." 6 0nly seven years ago the so-called Christian nations
:Never before had ears of men heard such wondroussong. for a time ceased firing at each other; and when the
Downthrough the corridors of the ages its sweet melody smokeof battle lifted, those who had fallen as the re-
has everberated. Nowat the coming of die new day its sult oZ the expressed malice of the governing factors,
meaning is understood more clearly than a. any time were numbered by the millions. The aftermath is even
past. That anthem, sung by the hosts ol heaven, was worse. Millions of widowsand orphans remain to mourn
indeed a prophecy; and its meaning to ~he people must the loss of their beloved ones, whofell because of ill
in due time be understood. That due time is beginning. will amongst men. Malicious hatred amongst men has
s A prophecy is the foretelling of futme events It is increased an hundredfold since the World War, and the
not intended that menshould understand a divine proph- holy name of God has been defamed even moIe than
ecy at the time it is uttered. In God’s due time those of prior thereto by the ecclesiastics and others whoclaim to
~everential mind and devout heart shall understand. represent the Lord.
7 Nowall the nations called Christian are preparing
¯ The three prominent parts of this prophecy stated
in the order of importance are: (1) The honor, good for a war more terrible and bitter than ever was before
~ame and fame of Jehovah God; (2) peace on earth; M~own. A gruesome cloud appears on the horizon.
and (3) good will toward men. In every language and From all the leading nations in the four quarters of
tongue this prophetic messagehas been read by millions the earth comefleet uponfleet of airships bristling with
of people, but few have understood and less have profited guns fore and aft above and beneath, and laden with
by that understanding. Blessed are they who hear and bombsfilled with poisonous gas and pestilential germs
understand and heed. for the spreading of disease and death. No longer is
The apostles of Jesus preached the message of peace malicious hatred or ill will in war limited to the fighting
and salvation, and manyhave heard and professed to be- menaboard battleships and in the trenches, but nowthe
lieve the same. Since the year 800 A. D., even the na- purpose is to express it against every class in every walk
tions have professed to be Christian nations. Each of life. The women,the old men, the cripples, the in-
Christmas season the preacher~ have preached some kind firm, the insane, the prisoners behind the bars, the deaf
$71
872 rh, WATCHTOWER BROOKLYN, 1~’. ~o
and dumb,the blind and halt, the defensdess children, 12 AgainJesussaid: "Andye shall hearof warsand
yea, even the babes in the mothers’ arms, are nowto be rumorsof wars:seethatye be nottroubled: for all
made the victimJ of warfare. Killing is no longer to be "~
thesethingsmustcometo pass,buttheendis notyet.
confined to the armies facing each other on the battle- (Matthew24:6) Andthishasbeentruethroughout the
field, but wholecities with their millions of civilian pop- entireGospelAge.Thenreferring to theendof theage
ulation are to be wiped out in a few hours. Jesussaid:"Fornation shallriseagainstnation, and
* The people in every nation are being burdened with kingdomagainstkingdom: andthereshallbe famines,
taxation to prepare greater instruments of destruction. andpestilences,
andearthquakes, in divers
places. All
Notwithstanding all of this preparation for war the rul- thesearethebeginning of sorrows."---Matthew
24:7, 8.
ing factors have the audacity to tell the people that a
further war is impossible, but that this preparation for GODOF PEACE
war a, There may seem to be confusion and discord be-
W is necessary to guarantee peace. The clergy, su
porting Iheir allies, big business and big politicians, tween the words sung by the angelic host and the words
prophesy to the people that there is to be no more war, of Jesus. But could there be a real conflict and incon-
but that through the League of Nations peace, even si~ency? The angels were from God and delivered his
lasting peace, is nowassured. message. The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, clothed with
’ Jeremiah once prophesied to the people of Israel con- power and authority to represent Jehovah spoke the
eerning the great time of trouble that God had told truth according to God’s plan. There could be nothing
should come upon them. The ecclesiastics of that time, inconsistent or confusing about Jehovah. "For God is
false prophets they were, preached to the people, telling not the author of confusion, but of peace." (1 Cor-
them that further trouble was impossible, that there was inthians 14: 33) Howthen shall we harmonize the mes-
no danger from the enemy. Of these prophets God said sage delivered by the angels at the birth of Jesus with the
that they prophesied lies ; and because they were false words of Jesus to his disciples? The words of Jesus
prophets and lied to the people and misled them, God told of the conditions as they were and would be for
caused them to die. (Jeremiah 28: 1-17; 14: 14; 23: 25) some time because of the action of the enemy. The
These false prophets find their counterpart at the pres- words delivered by the angels foretold God’s purpose
ent time. which in his owndue time being carried out will bring
a. That there is a great and terrible time of trouble peace on earth and good will toward all men. Before
impending and immediately about to fail is true beyond there could be peace and good will the name of God
a question of a doubt, and there is no power on earth must be honored. Before there could be peace Jesus, as
that can now avert it. Those who prophesy to the peo- the great executive officer of Jehovah, must fight for it.
ple that the Leagueof Nations will bring peace, and that 1, The war and troubles of earth are due to the evil
their troubles will cease thereby, are but a counterpart influence of the wicked one, Satan the Devil. The peo-
of the false prophets of Jeremiah’s time; and their ples are responsible because they have not kept the law
destiny is likewise foretold by the prophet. (Jeremiah of God. The governing factors are particularly respon-
25 : 29-37) In fact the apostle showsus that that which sible because they have ignored the Lord and have not
befell the Jews was but a shadow of what shall befall honored his name. All mankind have sinned and come
Christendom; and the terrible disaster that came upon short. The prophet of God in sorrow cried out : "0 that
that nation is but a bagatelle compared to what shall thou hadst hearkened to my commandmentsl then had
yet befall the governing factors in Satan’s visible em- thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the
pire. The world today stands at the portals of a tribula- waves of the sea; thy seed also had been as the sand,
t-ion such as manhas never before known. and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof;
The birth of Jesus did not bring peace on earth at his name should not have been cut ot~ nor destroyed
that time, nor has there been a time since when com- from before me.... There is no peace, saith the Lord,
plete peace ha8 prevailed in the world. All the preach- unto the wicked." Isaiah 48 : 18, 22.
ing that has been done in the name of Jesus has not x, The trouble on earth is due to rebellion amongst
brought peace. Addressing his disciples Jesus said: the creatures of God, which rebellion includes both men
"Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth ? I and angels. This rebellion has brought dishonor to the
tell you, Nay; but rather division: for from henceforth name of God. The rebellion must be put down and the
there shall be five in one house divided, three against name of the Lord honored before there can be lasting
two, and two against three." (Luke 12: 51, 52) peace and good will amongst men.
this it is understood that those who heard and obeyed ~6 From the beginning God intended that the earth
his message would be despised by those whorejected it, ~hould be a part of his universal empire of peace and
and that there would be trouble in the householdi where good will. lie created man in his own image and like-
therewassuchdivision of opinion. It hasbeenthus. ne~, and gave him dominion over the things of the
Thetruthof God’sgrmtIdauhaseaus~thedivision in earth. God made a covenant with man that he should ex-
manyhomes. ercise dominionover the earth in harmonywith the
WATCH TOWER
Creator’s will. Adamviolated the ~ of that covenant man. B~ this proce~ of reasoning which fed his Meked
by reason of the treachery of his overlord. "But they, ambition~ he had a vision of a time whenthe earth would
like men, have transgressed the oovenant: there have be filled with people all bowing downand worshiping
they dealt treacherously against me."--Hoses 6:7. him. He carried into action his wicked designs. The
lr God had created Adamperfect and endowed him result to manwas the loss of his perfect home,the loss
with the faculties necessary to enable him to keep the law of his right to live, and the loss of fellowship with GOd.
of God perfectly. That he might test Adam’s loyalty ,~ From Eden until now there has been no real peace
and fidelity Godplaced a restriction on his liberty in the on earth. "Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers
use of the fruits of Eden. It was God’s garden, and he have transgressed against me." (Isaiah 43 : 27) Lucifer,
might do with it as he saw best. It was a small thing to Adam’s instructor and overlord, transgressed against
ask Adamto refrain from eating some of his fruit. Jehovah God. Adamsinned, and his wrongful act brought
Adamwas to use the garden and partake of the fruit, evil results uponall his offspring, and all were born sin-
but he mu~ do it in harmony with the will of God. ners. (Romans5: 12) Lucifer, the bearer of light, be-
Doubtless it was God’s intention in his own good time cameSatan the Devil, the prince of darkness. Satan the
to permit Adamto eat of all of the fruits of the garden ; Devil established his rebellious empire on earth and
but until that due time God commanded,saying, "’Of men and angels rushed into it.
every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of *2Serpent is one of the names of the Devil. God de-
the tree of the knowledgeof good and evil, thou shalt clared that from Eden forward there should be enmity
net eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof between the serpent and the serpent’s seed on one side,
thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2: 16. t7) Adamtried and all whoshould be in harmonywith God on the other
to run ahead of God, and got himself into trouble. Every side. (Genesis 3: 15) From then till now Satan’s en-
one since whohas tried to get ahead of Jehovah has had mity has been expressed against every one who has taken
trouble. the side of Jehovah and who has tried to honor his holy
1~ With powerand authority to fill the earth with his name. It follows that every one who has the approval
o~wa race in due time, Adamand his wife Eve would of God must be against the Devil and his empire, and
have had a wonderful family, all dwelling together in have no sympathy with it or any part in it.
peaee and prosperity and in good will and happiness. 2, No one can sympathetically or otherwise support the
q’heir joys would have been bonndless. While Adamand Devil’s organization and have the approval of God.
Eve were perfect in organism they were merely children That organization is the world. The "world" does not
in experience. They had not grown up amidst trying mean what some of the clergy have tried to make it
conditions. They were created perfect and set down in appear; namely, some pastimes or frivolities. It means
a perfect garden. the governing factors of this world, made up of the com-
~9To guide Adamand his posterity in the right way, mercial, political and ecclesiastical elements that rule
to showthem howto profit by the experiences that would the people and oppress them and deprive them of their
come to them, to administer rebukes to them if they just rights and privileges. Manywho have paraded be-
turned in the wrong way, yea, even to put them to death fore the people as the alleged representatives of Godand
if they wilfully violated God’s law, Imcifer was made his beloved Son have formed a part of this evil world, of
the guardian and overlord of mankind. He was a spirit which Satan is god.
2, Most of the time since Eden till now God has had
being of great power and light, and of course was in-
visible to man; yet he was to be man’s instructor and some on earth who were on his side and who served him
guide. He could use visible things through which to to the best of their ability. Every one of these Satan
communicate to man and this he did. The serpent was would have destroyed if possible. Aroundsuch faithful
a subtle beast and served well Lucifer’s purpose. It ones God has thrown his protecting care and to the
was the solemn and sacred duty of Lucifer to guide man enemy he has said: "Touch not mine anointed."--Psalm
in the way of light, because his name signifies ’qight 105: 15.
2~ God’s holy prophets were inspired to foretell the
bearer".
2o Lucifer was ambitious to have a realm of his own complete fall of Satan’s empire and the establishment of
where he would receive worship even as Godis worshiped God’s governmentof everlasting peace on earth. Someof
by those who loved him. To satisfy that ambition not these prophets were given a vision of the comingof that
only was he willing to resort to deceit and fraud to mis- blessed time, and they diligently sought to know the
lead the humanfamily but he was even willing to be a manner and the time of its coming, but they understood
traitor to God, to violate his sacred trust and to dis- not. (1 Peter 1: 10-12) By faith Abrahamsaw the day
honor God’s holy name. Lucifer reasoned that he could when the Prince of Peace would reign and ble~ the
appear as the benefactor of man and thereby alienatm people, and he rejoiced because he saw it.---John 8: 56.
man’s love and affection from God and gain the same 2, Shiloh is one of the title~ of the great Messiah,the
for himself. He further reasoned that once gaining con- Anointed One, and means "peaceful one". The mind
trol of man he would conLrol forever the offspring of of Jacob was movedupon by the holy spirit of Cod and
WATCH TOWER
he wrote : ’Whesceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor A perfect man had sinned, and a perfect human being
a lawgiver from betweenhis feet, until Shiloh tome ; and must voluntarily die in order that Adammight be legal-
unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis ly released from the judgment of death and that his
49: 10) Centuries before this Peaceful One came to offspring might profit thereby.
earth the prophet took his position as though he were sl The Devil and his wicked angels were bent on the
standing by the side of the mangerin the city of David, destruction of Jesus in order that they might have the
and said: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is undisputed control of the human race. Had the Devil
given ; and the governmentshall be upon his shoulder ; and the other princes of his empire understood the plan
and his nameshall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The of God they would not have killed the Lord Jesus and
mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of thereby have defeated their evil purposes. (1 Corinthians
Peace."--Isaiah 9 : 6, 7. 2 : 8) Godpermitted the evil one to go the full extent of
2r The obedient angels of heaven were entrusted with his wickedness in killing Jesus; and then by raising
messages to tell to the earthly representatives of God Jesus out of death God caused the wrath of the evil one
before the birth of Jesus. These angels must have known to work out to his own praise.--Romans 14: 9.
of God’s purpose to bring peace to earth and good will to s2 It was the will of Godthat Jesus should die; there-
men. Nowthe time had come for the greatest of all fore Jesus camenot to be ministered unto but to give his
events to transpire. A mighty host of holy and glorious life a ransom for mankind, that man might have life.
heavenly creatures was organized and under the com- (Matthew 20: 28; John 10: 10) WhenGod had raised
mandof their leader winged their way ta earth. What a his beloved Son out of death he exalted him above all
joyful train and what a blessed mission was theirs as they others and gave him a name above every other name in
carried the messageof eternal peace and joy to the mil- order that in due time every knee shall bow and every
lions og fallen men l These angels did not try to run tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ, to the glory
ahead of God; and although clothed with power and of God. Everything that Jesus did when on earth was to
authority to tell this wondrousmessage on earth, they the glory of God. Everything that he will do in the ages
did not know when the time would come for its fulfil- to comewill be to the glory of his Father. Jesus Christ,
ment. About this there can be no doubt; for Jesus said having triumphed over death and the grave and having
so. (Matthew 24: 36) Their joy was in doing Jehovah’s been exalted to the highest place in heaven, received the
will. Such is the joy of every dutiful and obedient crea- commandfrom God to sit down at his right hand until
ture to Jehovah God. Jehovah made his enemies his footstool. (Psalm 110: 1)
2s In the fulness of time the holy child grew to man- This must be done before there can be peace on earth
hood’s estate and entered upon the performance of his and good will toward men.
divinely-given commission. Could he be at peace with THE INTERIM[
Satan, the traitor and oppressor og man? Satan, as the ss During the past eighteen centuries and more, God
god of this evil world, offered to compromisewith Jesus has made no effort to convert the world, as the clergy
when he offered him the rulership of the evil world, would have the people believe. On the contrary God has
which offer Jesus spurned. (Luke 4: 6-8) The beloved been taking out from amongst the nations % people
Son og God refused to be misled or to be purchased by for his name", which people are to be associated with
flattery or by fame. A similar temptation was presented Christ Jesus in his great work. (Acts 15 : 14-18 ; Romans
to the clergy and they quickly fell. Jesus came to earth 8: 16, 17) These are they who, trusting in the merit of
to glorify his Father’s nameand to do this by joyfully Jesus’ sacrifice, consecrate themselves unreservedly to do
doing the will of God. He came to destroy Satan’s em- the will of God. To such the Lord gave instructions to
pire and the evil works thereof and then to establish pray : "Thy kingdomcome. Thy will be done in earth, aa
peace on earth in God’s due time.--1 John 3: 8. it is in heaven." Neither the followers nor the pro-
2~ But some may ask: Whydid not Jesus destroy the fessed followers of Jesus were instructed to set up the
Devil and set up God’s kingdomat once ? This he could kingdom of God, but on the contrary were commanded
have done, but it would not have established peace on to await the Lord’s coming and the Father’s due time
earth nor good will toward men. The human race was when his great work should be done in his owngood way.
then terribly degraded by reason of sin and the works of The clergy have tried to run ahead of Godand set up tho
the evil one. God’s loving provision was that the human kingdom before the time.
race must be redeemed first, the kingdom of righteous- a~ During this time og selection of the membersof the
ness established, the humanrace afforded a gull oppor- royal family of heaven there has been no peace on earth,
tunity for restoration, and then the Devil should be but the very reverse. Brother has been against brother,
destroyed. father against son and son against father, because all
ao To accomplish Jehovah’s purpose it was necessary the consecrated and faithful followers og Jesus have been
for Jesus to partake of flesh and blood and then to die, oppressed by others under the control of Satan. Satan
that he through death might destroy him that hath the hates the truth and every one whofollows the truth, and
l~OW~af death; mtmely, the Devil. (Hebrews 2: 14) therefore he induces all who are under his control to
WATCH TOWER
oppose the truth. Therefore we see s fulfilment of ~ho ** The g,eat and wonderful time has come. The Lor¢l
words of Jesus: "Suppose ye that ] am come to give Jesus, the King of glory, true to his promise and to his
peace on earth ? I tell you, Nay; bu~t rather division."-- Father’s plan, has returned. He has cometo his temple,
Luke 12 : 51. :He has placed on guard there his faithful ones, the
*~ Manywho have preached in the name of Christ, and zepresentatives of righteousness. Whythen the great
professed to be his followers, will not be of his kingdom. turmoil oll earth? Whydid the great World War come
"Not every one that sa~th unto me, Lord, Lord, shall in 1914, and why do still greater woes confront the na-
enter into the kingdomof heaven; but he that doeth the tions of earth ? Because with the coming of 1914 came
wilt of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7: the end of the Gentile times and the end of the time
21) It is the will of God that those who will be with whenSatan is to be the god of this world, ruling withoui
Jesus in his kingdom must follow in his footsteps. (1 interference. It marked the time of the coming of him
I~et~r 2: 21) Manyof his professed followers have come whose right it is to rule, the great Prince of Peace.
far short of ~that. WhenJe.~us was on earth he refused That was the time for the lord Jesus Christ, in harmony
to have any part in tile pohtics of this world. He said, ~ith God’s will, to take his power and begin his reign;
"IIv kingdom is not of this world: if mykingdom were hence the nations becameangry. (Revelation 11 : 17, 18)
of this world, then would my servants fight, that I The prophecy sung by the angelic ho~ began in 1914 to
should not be dc, livered to the Jews." (John 18: 36) haveits fltlfilment, and the first part thereof is to glorify
~Thy would he say that? Becau~ Satan is the god of God.
HIS NAME
tiffs evil world, directing t]~e affairs of the nations of the
world.--2 Corinthians 4 : 3, 6 : John 12 : 31. ,9 The clergy claim to be the representative~ of God.
88 The clergy, both Catholic and Protestant, while Yet nct only have they failed to honor his same, but they
dishonor it. Having joined hands with the other parts
claiming to represent the I~rd, instead of following his
of Satan’s empire and becomeworshipers at his shrine
e.~ample and following in his footsteps have said: We
they must take the consequences along wi~h the others
will becomea part of the world ; we must bring the poli-
of Satan’s subjects. Nowthe time has come for God ta
ticians and financial giants into the church that we may
express his wrath a~.ainst the nations of earth under the
set up the kingdomof God on earth. Not only have they
control of Satan.--Revelation 11: 18.
failed to follow in- the footsteps of Jesus, but they have ,o The world, particularly the governing factors of the
also igmored the plain stater~ent of the Wordof God:
nations, have pushed the name of God aside. Nowthe
’Keep yourselves unspotted from the world.’ (James 1: time is come when God will make for him~lf a name in
27) The clergj, , ignoring this, have said by word and by
the earth. This he will do by his right arm; to wit,
action: Wemust mix up with the world and bring the Jegus Christ his beloved Son. To him God has said:
world into our church and convert the world; we must "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchize-
be friends of the world and have the world for our
dek." (Psalm 110:4) This means that Christ Jesus,
friend. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not
the Kingof glory, is the executive officer of the divine
that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
plan. To his beloved Son, who for centuries past has
whosoevertherefore will be a friend of the world is the
waited for God’s due time to act, the heavenly Father
enemy of God." (James 4 : 4) Jesus not only refused
now says: "Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies."
mix up with the world, but he declined even to attempt
(Psalm 110:2) "Thou shaft break them with a rod
to reform the world.
.~ The clergy have entirely missed this pointed state- of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s
vessel."--Psalm 2 : 9.
ment. They have attempted to reform the world by "~ NowSatan and his evil allies are gathering all
fashioning the world to their ownends; for example, in their forces for the great and final conflict. It is the
the enactment of a prohibition law which is a farce and battle of God Almighty. (Revelation 16: 13-16) It
a means for greater wickedness in the land. Every true "the great and terrible day of the Lord". (Joel 2:31)
child of Godshould see to it that he follows the course In that fight the Lord Godwill makefor himself a name,
which Jesus blazed out, and keeps himself unspotted from that the peoples and nations of earth may knowthat he
the world. For a Christian to support the world, by his is God; and then they will appreciate the song that the
efforts even sympathetically in his mind means to angels sang: "Glory to Godin the highest! .... Be still,
receive the mark of the beast in his forehead or in his and know that I am God ; I will be exalted among the
hand. The Christian therefore should see to it that he nations, I will be exalted in the earth."~Psalm 46: 10.
holds himself aloof from the world in order that he
might be a faithful and true witness that Jehovah is God, PEACI~ ON EAWrH
that Jesus is the King of kings and lord of lords, and There can be no peace on earth so long as Satan is
that the kingdom of heaven is the only means whereby in control of the a_flairs of men.Satan ha8 nowbeen cast
the people can be relieved from their ills and the only out of heaven, and sees that his power on earth is in
means whereby lasting peace and good will can be jeopardy. (Revelation 12:12) The viciouJ beast
lished amongst man, Romeserved hi* lm~oBea in the pair. Nowhe brings
WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN, N. To
forth the image of the beast in the form of the Lea~e Yes; there are some, but they are in the minority. The
of l~atiana But "he that sitteth in the haawens shall truly consecrated and anointed child of Godof necessity
laugh; the Lord shatl have them in derision". (Psalm must be a person of good will ; othel~vise he could not
2 : 4) Wemaynot be surprised to hear in the near future please God. It is his privilege to do good unto all as he
the prophets of Satan saying more loudly than ever be- has opportunity and especially to the household of faith,
fore : "’Peace and safety’ ; then sudden destruction and having the spirit of the Lord he delights so to do.
eometh upon them."--1 Thessalonians 5 : 3. But the Devil opposes these. There are others who are
48 No power aside from Jehovah’s can nowavert Arma- consecrated to the Lord and who have a desire to serve
geddon, and he will not. The Devil’s organization must him but whobecause of fear fail to take their stand on
fall to makeway for the kingdomof righteousness. God’s the side of the Lord. There are still millions of others
l~rophct, describing the great and terrible day of the Lord whohave an honest desire to see peace, prosperity an,1
and the waves of that trouble dashing to pieces Satan’s happiness amongst the people, but they have been so
institution, says: "They mount up to the heaven, they long misled and mistaught that they are in confusdon
go downagain to the depths : their soul is melted because and knownot which course to take. These have a desire
of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a for better conditions but find no wayto express it.
4runken man, and are at their wits’ end. Then they ,8 Nowthe time has comefor the anointed of the Lor,t
cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringcth them to lift up the standard of the Lord for such people aml
out of their distress."---Psalm 107: 26-28. to aid and comfort and strengthen them that they may
4, The great tribulation will so humblethe hearts of
see the right way and rally to it. The King is here and
men that they will cry unto the Lord and he will lift has begun his reig~n, and soon the people must take
them up and establish peace, lasting peace, on earth. sides either for evil or for good. The great battle of
"He makcth wars to cease unto the end of the earth; Armageddon is approaching. Those of honest heart,
he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; whotherefore possess a measure of good will, should be
he burneth the chariot in the fire." (Psalm 46: 9) But advised of God’s plan that they may take the right
Jesus has declared that this shall be the last trouble; course. It is the privilege of the anointed ones to point
and then with the Lord’s kingdom established "nation all such to the kingdom, to remove from the minds of
ahall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they such people the false doctrines taught them by men and
learn war any more". The Prince of Peace in charge, to aid them to see the wayof holiness and righteousness.
and with the government upon his shoulder, there shall The people must learn righteousness, but they will not
be no end of peace. Then shall the people be led forth learn it unaided. Whenthe judgments of the Lord are
with peaceand they shall rejoice and be glad.--Isa. 55 : 12. in the earth, then will the inhabitants learn righteous-
ness.--Isaiah 26 : 9.
GOOD WILL ,9 The prophecy sung by the angels at the birth of
,u At the time of the birth of Jesus there was little Jesus is nowbeginning to have its fulfilment. The first
good will toward men expressed. A similar condition part of that prophecy is to honor and glorify the name
exists today. Selfishness predominates and controls the of Jehovah. That will be done in the great time of
thoughts and actions of men. Selfishness and good will trouble which is impending. The ne~ step is the estab-
do not harmonize. Good will means that one’s purpose lishment of everlasting peace, and this will be done when
toward another is for good; that he desires to see his Satan is restrained. The next is good will toward men.
~ellow manblessed with goodness, peace, prosperity and It is the privilege of the Christians to see this order now,
takes a keen delight in doing anything that will result to profit by it, to take their stand unequivocally on the
in good to his neighbor. side of the Lord and to have always in mind the words
¯ 6 The commercial,political and ecclesiastical interests of Jehovah: ’Ye are my witnesses that I am God.’
of the world are exceedingly selfish. The profiteers rob (Isaiah 43 : 10, 11) Christians must learn to be the trno
and oppress the people ; the politicians work out their and faithful witnesses of the Lord. There never has been
ownselfish schemesagainst the interest of the people ; such an important time for this to be done as now.
while the clergy teach false doctrines and cooperate with ,6 Christians can have no sympathy with or part in
their allies to deceive and mislead the people and keep the Devil’s organization. As representatives of the Lord
them in subjection and turn their minds away from God. it is nowtheir privilege to comfort those that mournby
These three elements are the governing factors which rule pointing them to Zion, the organization of God, that
the people, and these are the active agents of Satan’s visible they maylearn that out of Zion shall comethe Deliverer.
empire. Their influence is not for good but for evil. Praise God, the day of deliverance is at hand when not
By example at least they teach the laboring ma~ to de- only the church shall enter the fulness of joy but the
fraud his employer. They teach the employe of the gov- people maybegin to see someof the blessed things which
ernmentto rob the mails. They stir up strife, hatred and Godhas in reservation for them and which he purchased
ill will, leading mento evil deeds toward each other. by the blood of his beloved Son, whose birth the angels
"But are there no ]~eol~les of good will nowon earth ? announcedlong centurie6 ago I
DECEMBER
15, 1925 877
WATCH TOWER
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY faith that a Prince of Peace w~uld eventually come and
triumph over Satan’s empire, ~ If 24, 25.
To whom and by whom was the announcement of Jesus’ What is the mealting of the title Shiloh, and what did
birth first made? Quote the words of the announcer and Jacob prophesy relative thereto? Quote Isaiah’s prophecy
of the accompanying angelic chorus. Were these phrases concerning the coming of the Prince of Peace. 11 26.
understood by the shepherds of Bethlehem or by Chris- Did the holy angels know that God had a plan by which
tians throughout the Gospel Age? ~ 1,2. peace on earth would eventually be established? Did they
What is prophecy? Is divine prophecy intended to be under- know when that blessed thne ~ould come? ~l 27.
stood at the time it is first given? What are the three What temptation did Satan place before Jesus? Has he
parts of this prophetic anthem of the angels? If 3, 4. presented similar temptations to others, and with what
tIow has the Christmas season long been marked by hy- result? Why did not Jesus destroy the Devil? Would not
pocrisy? Which spirit now prevails amongst men, that of that have brought peace to earth? If 28, 29.
good will or of malice? If 5, 6. How alone could I~eace be guaranteed to lmmanity? Would
Are the so-called Christian natiuns now preparing for peace Satan have c~used the death of Jesus had he understood
and good will? Why are their present war-plans more God’s plan concerning the ransom? 1] 30-32.
wicked than heretofore? If 7~ 8. Did the Lord commission his followers to convert the world
How were Jeremiah’s prophecies of coming wrath received or to set up his kingdom? ~ 33.
by the ecclesiastics of his time? Do we find a parallel Why should not Christians participate in politics and re-
today? If 9, 10. fiorm movements? ~I 35-37.
What did Jesus mean when he said that he came not to If the Prince of Peace is now present, why the recent World
give peace on earth but division? Is his statement a War and subsequent turmoil? ~[ 38.
contradiction vf the angels’ message at the time of his Will those who persist in dishonoring God’s name be shielded
birth? Was peace to be established gradually throughout by the Lord at this time? How will Jehovah make for
the Gospel Age? If 11-13, 34. himself a name in the earth today? If 39-41.
Whoare responsible for the present time of trouble? I 14, 15. V~qmt agencies has Satan specially employed to perpetuate
Did Jehovah intend that Adam and his posterity should his power in the earth? Can his schemes succeed? Will
dwell on earth in peace? if so, why has man’s experience Armageddon result in a blessing to the x~,orld? If so, how?
been otherwise? If 16-18. 42-44.
What was Lucifer’s commission wlth respect to mankind? What is good will? What are the three controlling factors of
What did his name signify? Why did he violate his trust? this world, and what is the dominant motive of each?
! 19, 20. 45, 46.
What has been the result of Satan’s rebellion? ~ 21. Are there any people now on earth who have good will
Who are meant by "the serpent" and "his seed", and who toward men? If so, who are they, and what is their
were expected to be at enmity with them? What con- present privilege and duty? I] 47.48.
stitutes friendship with the world? ~t 2"2, 23. Is any part of the authem sung by the angels at Jesus’
ttas Jehovah usually had some loyal subjects on earth since birth now in process of fulfilment? What must be our
the fall in Eden? How has lie exercised his care toward course as representatives and uimesses for the Lord~
those who serve him? Have all such had an abiding 49, 50.
AN INADVERTENT OMISSION
Dr~ Ba~rn-~t~ : figure at the bottom of the supplementary list. There were
We have been notified by our Lfverpool brethren that 857 participants there this year. The friends state that
the Liverpool Church Memorial figures are not in the they will be pleased if this can be inserted.
WATCHTOWE~list, and on looking through we do not find With warm love in the Lord,
them. Our repor~ seat On May :Lgtl~ gave the Liverpool WA~C~r Towns B. & T. Soc~T’z0 Br~l~h Bran¢~
JESUS AND NICODEMUS
J~.um~ 17--JoH~ .3: 5-17,~
"Godso laved lhs~odd, that hs gave his only begotten 8on,~hat whosoeverbelit~eth aa him should not perish, but
have eternal life/’--Johet 3: 16. R. V.
FTERthefivemen(John,Andrew, Peter,Philip, could not rise beyond the crude conception of a man be-
A and Nathaniel) who firstmetJesus,the next ing born again according to nature. Jesus made no at-
namedby Johnis Nicodemus, a rulerof the tempt to explain except by saying that the birth of the
Jews.The manyreferences to theJewsin John’sGos- spirit was as real as the power of the wind, which could
pelshowa purpose to recordtheattitude of theJews not be seen but which was felt and heard, and was like
to Jesus;butJohndoesnotreferso muchto thepeo- it in that no humanpower could control it or tell where
pleas to theirleaders--the scribes andPharisees, the it wouldnext be felt.
Sadducees, thelawyers, thechief priests, andtheelders. ¯ Nicodemuscould not understand, and Jesus pointed
John’srecordof the Baptist’s encounter withtheir out the reason why: He and those whomhe in seme
deputation discloses theirknowledge andresponsibllity. measure represented did not believe the things which
Without doubtSatanthentempted John; he wouldhave their Scriptures had revealed, and therefore were un-
destroyed himevenas hesought to destroy Jesus. prepared to understand God’s present works. They had
Johnnowtellsof Jesus’ returnto Jerusalem andof refused John; they had refused the work which Jestm
hiscleansing thetemple. Thisact,apparently thefirst had already done, and of which Nicodemushad testified.
of his ministry in Jerusalem, greatly stirred these peo- Howthencouldtheyexpectto receivegreater things
ple. It was an unheard of thing in Israel that any man fromGodwhentheyhad neglected the lesserthings?
should have the tgmerity to interfere in so daring and WhatNicodemus shouldhavedonewas to act on what
outrageous a manner with their customs and regula- lighthadcometo him.
tions, and show such disregard to the rulers of the ’ No man may consider thathe has a claimon God
synagogues. But it would give courage to those who formorelightunlesshe hasmadehdluseof thatal-
were inclined to believe on Jesus; and it madesome, like readyreceived. The faithful servant will find that the
this man Nicodemus, realize that Jesus could not do Lord will lead him in the way of life, and light will
these things unless God were with him.--John 3 : 2. shine on his pathway as he seeks to serve God. In other
s Nicodemus, who comes twice into John’s narrative, words, he whoseeks to serve Godwalks in the light ; he
but whois never mentioned elsewhere, being a ruler of is never in the dark. See 1 John 1 : 6, 7.
the Jews was therefore a member of the Sanhedrin. s But though Nicodemus was not a man who would
Lacking the courage of earnest inquiry and of decision, make a disciple whoma teacher would desire to have,
he went to Jesus by night. Yet he had more courage Jesus spoke to him someof the most precious truths which
than some, and Jesus did not blame him far going under he had to reveal, and which are amongstthe best knownof
cover of the darkness. But Jesus did not meet the in- all his sayings. It was to him first that Jesus openly said
quirer on his own ground. The questioner would have that he had comefrom heaven; to him also, that he, theSon
had the Lord explain things to him for his sat/sfaction. of man, should be lifted up as Moseslifted up the ser-
~esus was ready to impart knowledge, but was not ready pent in the wilderness, "that whosoeverbetieveth on him
to be at the disposal of a man wholacked both courage should not perish, but have eternal life." And it was
tnd sufficient meditation on the things of God. No to l~icodemus that Jesus spoke those few words which
teacher ought to be expected to give his time to any gave so clear and full a statement of the purposes of
~’hance inquirer. HIS time and service belong to the God through Jesus: "God so loved the world, that he
many; in any case his time must be at his owndisposal. gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth m
¯ So, in answer to the first remark of Nicodemusin- him should not perish, but have everlasting life."--
tended to lead to questions, Jesus made him face the John 3 : 16.
facts which God had presented to Israel by John and Nicodemus would not understand the import of all
now by himself. Jesus would talk about the kingdom of these words of Jesus; but the intimation that everlast-
God, but he declared that what he had to say about it ing life could be gained only by receiving it through ao-
could not be understood unless by the aid of the spirit ceptance of Jesus would be plain. Probably he wondered
of God. This was a new thing. Jesus further said that why Jesus used a simile about himself which compared
it is only as a manis born from above that these things him to the brazen serpent ; if Jesus had meant he was
can be understood. to be exalted, he could surely have expressed himself by
s Nicodemus, whose mind was, of course, purely hu- saying that he should be lifted up as a beacon light in
man and natural in all its conceptions, was set back. the darkness of the world.
~o We knowwhythe similewasused.It wasbecause
That an Israelite should need a new birth, some ex-
traordinary happening in his life, before he could un- this Sonof manwhowa~theSonof God,a manfullof
derstand the kingdomof God which for so long had been graceandtruth, wasto be treated as a ~n-bearer, andas
the expectation of Israel, was too muchfor him ; and he suchbe lifted upbefore allmen,thatit mightbe known
380
881
WATCH TOWER
thathe wasnotolalythelightof It/e,butGod’strue gelists arepolesapart. Truecanvermon is an actofthe
sacrifice offered forhumanity, a sa~-offering, theane willcoupled withfaithbasedon knowledge, a change of
uponwhomthesinoftheworldshoukl be laid,thatfall mindandof purpose whichleadsto a changeof heart.
atonement mightbe made."Whohis own selfbareour SincethedaysofJesusandofPentecost consecration and
sinsin hisownbodyon thetree,thatwe,beingdead justification havebeenaccompanied on thepartof God
to sins,should liveuntorighte~msness: bywhosestripesbytheblessing of theholyspirit which hasstarted a new
ye werehealed."--1 Peter 2: 24:. lifewhichwillfinditsconsummation in spiritlifein
al Herein theGolden Textis thegospel so fulland heaven, in thelikeness of GodandofChrist.
isthedeepsweetwelloflove.He gave a, Thenewbirthof whichJesusspoke, andwhichen-
free.TheFather
hisonlybegotten Son,to be thechannel through which ables a man to ~e and to enter into the kingdomof
theloveof Godflowsoutto theworld."Whosoever be- God, is wrought by the blessing of God’s holy spirit.
Uevcthon him"is theactionby whichonegoesto that It is notof man.It can no morebe gainedby man’s
full flowing channel of love, and drinks unto everlast- ef[ortthanthewindcanbe causedto blowat a certain
ing life. time and in a certain direction; and to the humanmind
~ These gracious words which epitomize the gospel it is as intangible as the wind.
aT Jesus said to Nicodemus that he ought to have
of the grace of God have been terribly misnsc<t. "Evan-
gctistic" preachilag of the gospel has becomesynonymous known these things. He ought to have known that the
~-lth deelaraticns of fiery jud~aents of Godand of his kingdom of Israel could never merge into the kingdom
purpose to condemn and destroy the world. The light of heaven ; that the kingdomof heaven was not a develop-
of the knowted~eof the glory of God nowshines in the ment of Israel. The Jews expected that the kingdom
face of Jesus Christ; and the deliverance to be e~ected of heaven would be theirs whenever it appeared, but
by the kingdomis clearly seen. Jesus showed it was altogether outside their range of
~3 Jesus said that God did not send his Son into the hfe. Also, Jesu~ would have it known that only those
world to condemn it; it was emdemnedalre~dy. It is could have it whomGod chose: Its citizens were to be
true that the light which God sent into the world by born from above. In the same way Christendom ha$
Jesus rather proved that the world was in darkness thsa expected that whenever the kingdom of heaven should
that it becamehis light of life. It is also true that the come it would be a development oi Christendom.
as But the kingdom of heaven is like the new birth
light of the second presence proves the same thing. Yet
God sent his Son to save the world. The light is first in this : It is in no sense a humandevelopment; the king-
a test; if received it is a sure g~tide to the will of God. dom is super-imposed upon humanity and the kingdomJ
It is yet to be v,~ a city set on a hill; it is to be madeas of this world. (Isaiah 2: 2) With the setting up of the
the sun to lighten all the earth, so that the knowledge kingdom,which brings salvation within reach of all men,
of the wilt of God and his purposes and his claim upon the new birth cease; the narrow way to immortality
every man will be knownby all. Jesus is God’s savior doses ; the highway to holiness and perfect humanlife
of mankind. God sen-t his Son to reveal his gracious opena.--lsaiah 35.
purposes and to tell menof his care and love. QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
a, The inability vf N~codcmusto understand what
John’s Gospelnarrates the attitude~oward Jesus of what
Jesus was saying has a close comparison in the ignorance particular class?I I.
of the leaders of Christendom of this day of his second Wlmt was app~trently Jesus’ first ministry in Jerusalem?
What was accomplished thereby? | 2.
presence. Because Jesus spoke of a new birth these must Who was Nicodemus, and how dld he and his associatca
do so. But experience proves that, with a few exceptions, regard Jesus? How did he approach the Master and
they are as ig’norant as the Jew was. To most of the what answer did he receive? 1t 3, 4.
What was it that beclouded the understanding of Nicodemusl
clergy the newbirth, if it is at all mentionsd,meanslit- Did he believe the things stated in the holy Scriptures
tie more than a resolve to lead a charitable or kindly life and act on the light which he had? ~ 5, 6.
and to turn from self-indulgence. Since the days of the Is inhethewhodark?
sincerely seeks to serve God permitted to walk
V 7.
Wesleys and Whitefield there have been those who have Mention some of the precious sayings of the Master uttered
sought for a convulsion of feeling texmed conversion as to Nicodemu~ Did the latter understand tim import of
these? | 8, 9.
a sign that one has been born again.
~s These have claimed the conversion of Saul of Why did Jesu~ compare himself to the brazen serpent of the
w~Ideruess?How does the text of Lhls leuoa eplt~mlze
Tar~s, so quick, so radical, as Scriptural support. the fullgospelmessage? | 11, 12.
Is the light of Jesus now llke unto a city set on a hllll
Wesley’s conversions were accompanied by "spiritual" Explain. | 13.
phenomena which were certainly produced by demons, ttvw is tam "new birth" generally understood by Christen-
and which were entirely wit,bout Scriptural warrant. An dora? What is the true meaning thereof? How does Saul’s
conversion differ from the psychological convulsion8 of
effort of the will may bring a man to determine to do modernevangelism?| 14, 15.
the will of God more perfectly, but no bumaneffort or How does the pharisaicalclaim that the kingdomof Israel
would graduallymerge into the klngOom of heaven com-
psychological convulsion can change nature. Paul’s con- pare with the claims of Chr~tendom today? HOWwill
version andthispsychological convulsion sought byevan- the kingdom come? ~ 17,1~
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXTFOR.IANUARy 6 class who say: "Blessed be the Lord out of Zion."
"The clty of David, which is Zivn."--I Kings 8: 1. By this we understand that this class must be witnesses
for God(Isaiah 43 : 10, 12) and must joyfully proclaim
BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
][p~leh, S. Dak. ........ Jan 3, 4 Luverno, Mlnn ....... ..jan. 12
Condo, S. Dak ..... " 8 Ploe~tone, Mine. ....... ,’ 13
~4ellett$. S. Dak, " 7 Jasper, Mlnn .......... - 14 CONVENTIONS TO BE AOORESSED BY BROTHER RBTHERFORII
~ branOn,
on, S. S. Dak.
Dak.
.: 8
10
Hartford, S. Dak. ......
Mitchell, ~. Dak ........
" 15,
"
17
18 Tampa, Fla, Jan. 21-24 Secretary : E. F. Llmptm, Seff~m-, ]~l~
White, ~. Dak, ~-- " ~L1 Parker, ~. Dak .... " 19 Dallas, Tex., Jan. :i8-31, Secy. : Edward Telkamp, 484.l fi~’ltrhl
88~
INDEX FOR 1925
JANUARY 1 MAY 1 SEPTEMBER 1
Wexi~for the Anointed.............................. 3 For the FAeet’sSake.................................. t31 DiHgenceand Fervency........................... _o~q
Dayof Vengeance .................................... 4 Wt~dsArea S~-n~bot.............................. l’,Jt Diligence for Good.......................... 2~(;~
Is a ClimaxNear?.................................. 8 DayIs Shortened.................................. IL¢4 Dan~erof t)eeeptm]~............................. 6~
The Battle Is the Lord’s ...................... 8 Elish~"~ork........................................ 135 Memorml Reports ................................... ~26’]
~rhy This Training? .............................. 10 Questions on Glomncation of Chm’eh .... 137 TheQuarterly Review.............................. 2(}4
]Prayer-Meeting Text Comments................ 1i l’eter at Lydia and Joppa .................... 13q Paul in Athens.......................................... 263
l’he Lord’sSupper...................................... 12 Peter’s Broadening Vlsmn .................... 140 Paul in Corinth ................................... 26;;
Jesus Comforts His Disciples .................. 14 Prayer-Meeting Text Commentq............ i42 Prayer-Meeting Text Comments ............ 2~0
Calen~larfor 1925...................................... 2 int:erestin~7Letters .................................... 142 Interesting Letters .................................... 271
Erratum........................................................ 2 Annuhl Request for Pilgi’nn Visits .......... l’13 Conventionsill Canada............................ 258
Convention at San Francisco .................... 2 Conventionsfor 1925.............................. 130 ColoredConvention .................................... 258