Y ~ R BOOK

of the
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS
z.\SSOClz.\ TION
with
'Daily cr exts and C90mrnents
(Copyright 1926)
PuoZiahers:
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Brooklyn, New York, U. S. A .
.. USQ: London, Toronto, Melbourne, Cape Town, Magdeburg, Berne. etc.
(Made in U. S. A.)
International Bible Students Association
OFFIOERS
J OSE'PH F. RUTHERFORD
Presiden.t
JESSE HEM:ERY
Vice-President
H. C. THACKWAY
Seeretary
W. E. VAN AMBURGH
Ass't Secretary &; Treasurer
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
OFFIOERS
JOSEPH F. RUTHERFORD
Presiden.t
C. A. WISE
V ice-President
W. E. VAN AMBURGB:
Swretary & Treasurer
Peoples Pulpit Association
OFFIOERS
JOSEPH F. RUTHERFORD
President
H. H. RIEMER
Vice-Prestident
A. R. GoUX
SecretcJiry & Treasurefl
International Bible Students Association
HTke Spirit of tke Lord God is upon me; because t h ~
Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto th,
meek: he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the open-
ing of the prison to them that are bound;
to proclaim the acceptable year of
the Lord, and the day of ven-
geance of our God; to com-
fort all that mourn."
-Isaiah 61: 1,2.
1l
E enemy has attempted to induce the people to
believe that the INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS
ASSOCIATION is another religious sect operated
for selfish purposes. If this representation is not true,
then what is the INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS As-
SOCIATION? The representation is not true. The IN-
TERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION is an ag-
gregation or association of Christian people who are per-
forming their part of the divinely-given commission as
set forth by the prophet of God in the above text. A
more detailed explanation seems proper at this time;
hence it is given.
When Jesus was on earth he began to fulfil the com-
mission above mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah. He
specifically applied it to himself. When he had finished
his earthly course, he sent forth his disciples and told
them that they must carryon the work which he had
begun, and that he would be with them to the end. The
apostles did as they were commanded. They told the
good news of God's great provision for the redemption
and deliverance of the peoples of earth. By and through
Christ Jesus and his apostles God planted his church
I<a noble vine, wholly a right seed". (Jeremiah 2: 21)
~ h n within a short time thereafter Satan the enemy

4
Year Boole
planted the false seed amongst the true. - Matthew
13: 28,39.
Diplomatically and hypocritically selfish men entered
the church and used that organization for their own
personal aggrandizement. Posing as representatives of
the Lord, and calling themselves by the name of the
Lord, they became and were the representatives of the
world, which is the Devil's organization. The apostles
had warned the church against this very subtle course
of the enemy. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye
not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the
enemy of God."-James 4: 4.
The proof of the fulfilment of these prophetic ut-
terances is found in the records of secular history, a
part of which is quoted, to wit:
The clergy, ambitious and worldly, sought rank and dis-
tinction. They even thronged the courts of princes and
aspired to temporal honors. They were no longer supported
by the voluntary contributions of the faithful, but by rev-
enues supplied by government, or property inherited from
the old [pagan) temples. Great legacies were made to the
Church by the rich, and these the clergy controlled. These
bequests became sources of inexhaustible wealth. As wealth
increased and was intrusted to the clergy, they became in-
different to the wants of the people-no longer supported by
them. They became lazy, arrogant and independent. The
people were shut out of the ,government of the Church. The
bishop became a grand personage who controlled and ap-
pointed his clergy. The Ohurch was allied with the State,
and religiOUS dogmas were enforced by the sword of the
magistrate.
AN IMPOSING HIERARCHY WAS ESTABLISHED, OF
VARIOUS GRADES, WHICH CULMINATED IN THE
BISHOP OF ROME.
The Emperor decided pOints of faith, and the clergy were
exempted from the burdens of the state. There was a great
fiocking to the priestly offices when the clergy wielded so
much power and became so rich; and men were elevated
to great sees [bishoprics), not because of their piety' or
talents, but their influence with the great. The mission of
the OhU1'ch was lost sight of in a degrading alliance with
Year BooTe 5
the State. Christianity was a pa,geaut, a ritualism, an arm
of tlie State, a vain philosophy, a superstition, a formula.
The Catholic system, organized in the name of the
Lord, soon became a mighty component part of the
Devil's organization. The true worship of God was for-
gotten, and there was substituted formalism instead, and
the Devil's organization paraded in the name of the Lord.
In the course of time the Reformation was started.
Luther made a bold stroke for religious freedom. Much
good was done toward turning the minds of the peo})le
back to the true worship of God. But soon the Lutheran
organization was captured by the enemy and made a
part of the earthly organization. Many good, honest
Christians were held in bondage both to the Catholic
and to the Lutheran organizations, not knowing a e t t ~ r
place to go.
In due course the Calvinistic system was organized
with many good Christians within its ranks; and it also
contained many hypocrites. This organization in turn
was overreached by the enemy and became a part of
Satan's organization.
Added to this list is the Episcopalian, or Church of
England; then came the Wesleyan, the Baptists, the
}t[ethodists, the Campbellites and many other organiza-
tions. Everyone of these contained some true Chris-
tians and a greater number of diplomatic agents of
Satan the enemy. All of these so-called church organ-
izations combined and affiliated with the political part
of Satan's organization, and there properly applies to
them the name of Babylon.
During all the period of 1500 years and more errors
and ceremonial forms crowded out the truth. Many of
the great fundamental truths taught by Jesus and the
disciples were hidden under the debris and traditions of
false teachers. Many of these truths were never known
by truly consecrated ones, because they were hidden be-
fore many Christians had heard of the"Lord. During all
that period of time some true Christians walked along
6
Year Book
in the same way and in the same organization with the
false ones. The true Christians were not happy with
the course taken by the organizations. They were at all
times looking and praying for the second coming of
Christ when he, according to his promise, would com-
pletely deliver them.
Even these true Christians had become so blinded to
the truth that they understood that the only means of
s8lvation for man was to join some church organization
and in due time go to heaven. From time to time the
Lord used some good and faithful ones to hold up what
truth was understood and to earnestly contend for the
faith as far as they did understand it. Jesus had stated
that the true and the false should walk side by side
until God's due time to separate them in the harvest
and that this would be done at the end of the age.
(Matthew 13: 30) Uppermost in the mind of each
truly consecrated child of the Lord was the second com-
ing of Christ, and his kingdom.
Amongst those who were looking forward and hoping
for the coming of the Lord was Charles Taze Russell,
a young man residing in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, who
had fully consecrated himself to the Lord. While study-
ing the Lord's Word, and it being due time fOT it to be--
gin to be understood, the Lord opened his mind to a
clearer understanding; and about 1878 he began to
preach these truths to a small congregation of Chris-
tians at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The Lord continued
to feed his mind; and from time to time the light upon
the Scriptures increased, even as the Lord had promised
it should to those who honestly walked before him.-
Proverbs 4: 18.
Among some of the great truths that the Lora. made
clear to this consecrated man was that Adam the first
man was created perfect, fell because of sin, died and
went to hell but not to eternal torment; that hell means
the grave or condition of death; that the great ransom
sacrifice provided by the death and resurrection of our
Year
Lord sball in due time result bene:ficially to all man-
ldnd;ihat the church, the body of Christ, must be :first
taken out from amongst men, and that then the
of earth will all have an opportunity to know of and
believe upon the Lord, obey bim and receive life; that
the promise God made to Abraham, "In thy seed shall
all the fam:ilies of the earth be blessed," means what it
says and means that the seed according to the promise
is Christ Jesus and the faithful members of his body;
that when the church is completed, the Lord's kingdom
then being put into full operation, all men shall be brought,
to a knowledge of the truth and the obedient ones re-
.stored to human pel'fection.
These great tl'Uths no,v brought to light thrilled with
joy the hearts of the Christians that understood them,
particUlarly the restoration hope that God held out for
the millions -that are dead and fOl' the other millions
still alive. The joy of these Chl'istians now brought out
of Babylon is expressed by the prophet in these words:
"When the LOl'd turned again the captivity of Zion, we
were like them that dream. Then was our mouth :filled
with laughtel', and om tongue with singing: then said
they among the nations, The Lord hath done great
things for them. The Lord hath done great things for
us; whereof we are glad."-Psalm 126: 1-3.
These true saints of God's organization were in cap-
tivity to the false church systems, to which the name of
Babylon properly applies. As they began to see these
great truths they broke away from Babylon. The Lord
turned theil' captivity into il'eedom, and they rejoiced in
the lmowledge that he had given them and delighted to
spl'ead this good news to othel's.
In all the denominations, Catholic and Protestant,
thel'e were some truly consecl'ated Chl'istians; and now
the LOl'd began to gathel' these togethel' who were his.
By the L{)l'd's gra.ce the young man, Charles Tare
.Russell, took the lead in proclaiming the message of.
truth. He pl'eached to others; and the consecrated ones
8
Year Boole
in various denominations heard with gladness the mes
sage of truth. God now began to gather together his
saints even as he had foretold through the words of the
prophet.
Through his holy prophet God had foretold that he
would have a day of preparation and that then the Mes
senger of the covenant (Ohrist) would suddenly come
to his temple. (Malachi 3: 1) He otherwise identified
this day of preparation by bringing to light great i n ~
ventions. (Nahum 2: 3; Daniel 12: 4) Real activity
of consecrated Ohristians "in the day of God's prepara-
tion" seems to date particularly from about 1878. The
year following, publication of ZION'S W ATOH TOWER and
Herald of Ohrist's Presence, was begun. It was edited
and published by Oharles Taze Russell. Later the name
of the publication was changed to THE W ATOH TOWER,
and it is published to this day. It has been the means
of publication u s ~ to convey to earnest workers in the
Lord's harvest field meat in due season provided for
them from the Lord's table.
It is believed by Ohristians that the work which the
Lord has carried on during his day of preparation"
was foreshadowed by the experiences of Elijah the proph-
et, which experiences are recorded in the Scriptures.
Jesus said: "Elijah truly shall first come, and restore
all things." (Matthew 17: 11) During the period of
"God's preparation" through his beloved Son God did
restore to the church the great fundamental truths which
had been given to the early church and which for a
long time had been taken away by false teachers, i n ~
fiuenced and controlled by Satan's organization. The
man whom the Lord used above all others to bring these
truths to light and to the attention of other consecrated
ones was Oharles Taze Russell.
The truth concerning the creation and fall of man,
the state of the dead, concerning hell, spiritism, the
great ransom sacrifice, the mystery, the resurrection and
the restoration of the human race, were restored to God's
Year Boole
9
people during that period of "the day of preparation".
Charles Taze Russell then was elected as pastor of many
congregations of Christians, and came to be known gen-
erally amongst Christian people throughout the earth
as Pastor Russell. other sincere ones joined him in the
work. That which was made prominent during the day
of the Lord's preparation was the fact of the Lord's
second presence and the gathering together of God's
people who had made a covenant with the Lord. Seldom
did Pastor Russell preach a discourse to the interested
without using the words of the prophet: C<Gather my
saints together unto me; those that have made a cov-
enant with me by sacri:fi.ce."-Psalm 50: 5.
In order that the work might be carried on in an
orderly way, and that title to pl'Operty necessary to be
had and held in the carrying on of the work, and that
the work might continue without interruption, a cor-
poration was formed in 1884 under the name and style
of ZION'S W ATCll TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY.
The original incorporatoTs were Charles Taze Russell
Rnd others. In 1896, at the instance of BTother Russell
l
Ii petition was filed in the court of common pleas of
Allegheny, Pennsylvania,. and an order of court ob-
tained, changing the cOTporate l1ame to that of W ATCll
TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY. Brother Russell
was elected president of the SOCIETY at the time of its
organization and held that office until his death.
The work of the consecmted continued with zeal pe-
culiar to the Lord's house. By means of tracts, papers;
booklets and books, and oral pToclamation the message
of truth was spread far and wide. Many consecrated
ChTistians came fTom diffeTent denominations and
gatheTed themselves together for mutual fellowship and
study of the Word of the Lord. As the truth spread to
countries aside from America it became apparent that
more suitable location should be had for the genera t
headquarters of the SOCIETY and its work.
In the year 1909 the SOCIETY, at the instance of
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Year BooM
Brother Russell, moved its offices to Brooklyn, New
York. It became necessary, under the law of the State
of New York, for a corporation to be formed in that
state to hold title to property and to conduct the work;
and Brother Russell caused to be organized the PEOPLES
PULPIT ASSOCIATION, which is a membership corpora-
tion created and organized under the Membership Cor-
poration Law of the State of New York. Of course the
organization of this corporation in no wise changed or
affected the work of spreading the gospel message. The
PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION, a coordinate corporation
with The W.ATCR TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY,
merely acts as a local agent in the State of New York
for the WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY to
meet the necessary demands and to conduct the work.
Brother Russell was elected president of that corpora-
tion, which office he held until his death.
It seemed necessary to have a corporation in England
in order that the work might be handled there more
efficiently and with less difficulty. At the instance of
Brother Russell a corporation was created and organized
under the laws of England in the year 1914 under the
name and title of INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS As-
SOCIATION. Brother Russell was elected president of that
cOl'poration, and held that office as long as he was on
earth. That corporation in no wise changed the work
begun with the "day of God's preparation", but Wail
merely an added means of carrying it on. The three
corporations above named have always been practically
one and each was organized for the purpose hereinbefore
stated. The name INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS
ASSOCIATION had been applied to the SOCIETY or As-
SOCIATION of Bible Students long before the above cor-
poration under that name was created and organized.
This brief history of the corporations and the reason
fOT their organization is here given in order that no one
may have occasion to misunderstand why there are three
corporaiions and why the work has been thus carried on.
Year Book
11
The body of associated Christians supporting and
carrying on the work through the above organizations is
generally spoken of under the title The SOCIETY. The
thought intended to be conveyed by those who under-
stand the truth of the matter is this: That the SOCIETY,
or The INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION,
consists of all of those truly consecrated Christians who
believe the present truth and who are loyally and faith-
fully supporting the work of canying the message of
Gods kingdom to the people in obedience to his command.
The officers of all three of these corporations are
practically the same. These men are not the SOCIETY.
They are members of the SOCIETY and servants thereof.
Their duties are defined, and the obligation upon them
is to carryon the work of spreading the message of the
kingdom under the Lord's supervision and direction.
The Bible Students believe that it is now the will of
God that the gospel of his kingdom shall be preached
to all the nations as a witness before the final end, and
that it is the duty and privilege of every truly con-
secrated Christian to participate therein. All who are
eamestly and zealously and harmoniously working to-
gether to accomplish this end and purpose are counted as
a l)art of the SOCIETY, or part of the INTERNATIONAL
BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION. Election of officers in
the various corporations is provided for by law and as
set forth in the terms of the charter and the bylaw.
On October 31st, 1916, Brother Russell finished his
earthly course. It can truly be said that he was faithful
unto death. He literally laid down his life in the Lord's
service, and without a doubt the Lord took him to his
everlasting reward. His faithfulness to the Lord stands
as an everlasting monument. There could be no greater
monument erected to man than that of faithfulness to
God.
The charter of the PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION pro-
vides that the president shall hold office for life. The
other corporations of the SOCIETY make provision for
12 Year Boole
the election of officers at stated intervals. In January,
1917, election was held as provided by the charters of
these corporations respectively, and officers were chosen.
In November, 1917, the consecrated throughout the land
voted their choice of the officers of the SOCIETY and by
an overwhelming vote confirmed the votes that had been
cast by the shareholders of the corporation and as is
provided by the terms of the charter. The work of the
Lord proceeded. Without a corporation organized there
might have been much difficulty. It seems clear that
the organization of these corporations for the handling
of the work was done under the supervision and accord-
ing to the will of the Lord. We therefore conclude
that it has pleased the Lord to have the organization
which we commonly call The SOCIETY, as his instru-
ment for the carrying on of his work and that all who
earnestly, zealously, loyally and faithfully support that
work constitute The SOCIETY.
During his ministry Pastor Russell had written and
published six volumes of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES.
In 1917 the SOCIETY published the Seventh Volume of
that series. The World War was then on, and the
United States had entered the war. The Bible Students
continued faithfully to represent the Lord as best they
could. The war furnished the occasion for the enemy,
through his earthly representatives, to bring persecution
upon the faithful Ohristians. The publication of the
Seventh Volume above mentioned, with other things,
furnished a pretext for the indictment against the of-
ficers of the SOCIETY, which was returned in the spring
of the year 1918, charging a violation of the Espionage
Act.
A trial, under the indictment, was had in the southern
district of the United States Oourt at Brooklyn in the
spring of 1918. It hardly seems appropriate to dignify
the proceeding as an orderly, judicial hearing. It was
)argely a farce, notwithstanding it served the purpose.
Excitement was running high on account of the war.
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13
While the case was in progress, and while the jury was
considering it, with brass bands playing martial music
shouting mobs marched through the streets near the
court house and within hearing of those inside. The
judge of the court instructed the jury to convict. A
verdict accordingly followed.
The conviction was on four counts and the sentence
of the court was that the officers of the SOCIETY be re-
quired to serve a term of imprisonment for eighty
years. Bail was denied, and these convicted Bible
Students were hurried away to prison; and for nine
months they lingered behind prison bars, in utter viola-
tion of the Constitution of the United States. At the
end of that time they were admitted to bail, the case was
heard by the Court of Appeals, the judgment of the lower
court reversed, and the case remanded. The government
then dismissed the case and fully released the prisoners.
Thus the Bible Students stood vindicated before the law
of Satan's organization, which had unrighteously sought
to imprison and destroy them. The Lord had graciously
delivered them.
During the period of time from the spring of 1918
until the latter part of 1919 there was very little done
in spreading the gospel of God's kingdom. In fact little
could be done. The home office at Brooklyn had been
dismantled and removed to Pittsburgh, the branch of-
fices in the foreign countries were completely severed
from the home office, and there was practically a cessa-
tion of the work. The persecution of Bible Students
had spread to almost all of the nations engaged in the
war, and many were intimidated and prevented from
telling anything about the Lord's kingdom. Then after
the war had ended there was great difficulty for a time
in starting the work afresh.
In 1919 the proclamation of the message of the king-
dom began to take on renewed activity. It was about
that time that the Lord permitted his people to see that
the work of the church during the ((day of his prepara-
14 Year Book
tion" had been foreshadowed by the experiences of
Elijah; and that now the work of the church, and from
that time forward, was foreshadowed by the Prophet
Elisha. They saw that the Lord was dealing with the
church collectively as members of the body of Christ;
that Elijah had foreshadowed the work up until the
great trouble came in 1918; that the period of inactivity
from 1918 to 1919 was well pictured by the period of
waiting of Elisha by the river Jordan; and that Elisha's
activity, when it did begin, represented the activity of
the church from 1919 forward.
Some time later the Lord made it known to the
faithful students of his Word that "the day of his prep-
aration" ended and the Lord came to his temple in
1918. Even as the Lord had promised, now greater light
began to shine upon the Word of Truth and the minds of
the consecrated began to be more clearly illuminated.
(Revelation 11: 19) Not that the fundamental doctrines
were changed; not that there were new doctrines ad-
vanced nor that some one had discovered new light, but
the truth became clearer and the Lord gave his people a
clearer vision of his plan.
This increased light quickened the brethren and in-
creased their zeal and devotion. Since then the truly
consecrated have appreciated the fact that no man is
responsible for this increased light; that the truth is
not man's truth but the Lord's; that the Lord has not
invited anyone to follow man but to follow Christ; and
that it is the privilege of the consecrated to earnestly
seek for the will of the Lord God and to do that will. The
truth is the Lord God's, the light is his, and he causes
it to shine on his truth in his own due time, and all of
the consecrated who are in proper condition of mind and
heart to receive it do receive and rejoice in the light.
Bible Students have come to see that the prophecies of
the Lord can be understood when fulfilled or while in
the course of fulfilment, and that the Lord himself
makes known these truths to his people in his own due
Year Book
15
time. As the truth is unfolded more and more, as the
(!hurch advances toward the perfect day, greater has
been the joy of the consecrated. These haye entered
iffito the joy of the Lord; and with zeal and devotion to
lb.is cause they have advanced tD the proclamation of the
truth in obedience to his command.
The Kingdom
Aside from the great ransom sacrifice provided for
man's redemption that which is set forth most promin-
ently in the Bible is the kingdom of God. That king-
dom will undo all the evil that has been done and placa
the name of Jehovah where it belongs, far above all
creation. When the work thereof is completed toward
man every creature in heaven and on earth, yea, every-
thing that has breath, will praise God.
When Adam was expelled from Eden he lost his right
to the kingdom on earth arid peace and life everlasting.
From that time forward man has sought to work out
some device or scheme by which he can have a desirable
government. Satan the enemy has at all times over-
reached man and controlled and dominated his organiza-
tions and his attempts at government. This, however,
has not destroyed the desire of man for a government
for his betterment.
At all times in all ages there have been a few men
who have been able to see that the only hope of a satis-
factory government for man is the establishment and
control of a government by Jehovah God. Such men
have had faith that some day God will set up a right-
eous government, and that then the people will return to
him and become his people and he will be their God.
These men of faith began with Abel, and ever and anon
there came upon the stage of earth's activity a man
with like faith in God and by his words and his conrse
of action declared that he desired the civic affairs of
l11an to be controlled by the great Jehovah.
God began to give some vague promises concerning
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Year Boole
his establishment of such a government, and these men
had absolute faith in such promises. By their course of
action they confessed themselves to be strangers amidst
a wicked organization of men dominated by the enemy
Satan. They steadfastly refused to make common cause
with any part of Satan's organization. Casting their
all on the side of God they firmly withstood every at-
tempt to dislodge them from their position of confidence
and faith. They were subjected to cruel and wicked
treatment. They suffered imprisonment; they were tor-
hued, stoned, sawn asunder, enticed, tempted, ostracized,
starved, afllicted and tormented, that they might be
turned away from God. When offered places of ease
and comfort, a position of honor and trust in the organ-
ization of men under the supervision of Satan, they re-
fused all such offers. They preferred to dwell in tents
and in caves and to wander in the desert that they
might remain true and faithful to the great Jehovah.
Why did not these men join with others to try to re-
form the world and establish a better government?
The answer is that they had faith in God, and they knew
that there was no other way aside from his way to bring
their heart's desire. Their course of action bears eloquent
testimony to their faith in the establishment of the
kingdom of righteousness in God's due time. The
Apostle Paul bears testimony to their faithfulness when
he says: "For they that say such things, declare plainly
that they seek a country. And truly if they had been
mindful of that country from whence they came out,
they might have had opportunity to have returned: but
now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly;
wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God;
for he hath prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:
14-16) They desired a government ruled by the God of
heaven; and because of their faith and steadfastness
God has made provision that in due time the civic af-
faIrs of earth shall be ministered by him and that these
faithful men shall have a part therein.
Year BooM 17'
The promise that God made to Abraham implied his
purpose to some day establish a righteous government
for the benefit of man. Abraham believed that promise.
Then the Lord caused his prophets to declare his
pose and intention at some future time to raise up a
mighty ruler, and that unto him shall the gathering of
the people be. Not many of the people believed what
the prophets said, but some did believe. Those of the
Jewish nation who had faith in the promises were
fidently looking for the coming of a king. The last of
the faithful prophets to bear testimony thereof was John,
who came announcing that the day of the anointed of
God had arrived.
Then came Jesus, and some believed him to be the
One sent of God. His disciples followed him. They knew
nothing about heaven and were not induced by a hope
of heaven to follow him. They hoped that Jesus, as the
representative of Jehovah, would establish the kingdom
about which the prophets of God had written and the
Psalmist had sung. They looked forward to the time
when this kingdom would deliver Israel and through
IsrMI bless all the peoples of earth.
Jesus began his ministry by announcing, "The
dom of heaven is at hand." He did not teach his
ciples to pray that they might develop a character in
order that they might have a comfortable place in heaven
but he taught them to pray: "Thy kingdom come; thy
will be done on earth as in heaven." Throughout his
entire ministry he emphasized the importance of the
kingdom. He made the kingdom paramount t{)
thing else and taught his disciples that faithfulness to
his Father was absolutely essential in order to have a
part in that kingdom. By many parables and dark
ings he taught them concerning the kingdom that they
might understand in God's due time. After they had
endured hardships with him for three and one-half years
and had proved their faith and confidence in him, he
said to his disciples: "My Father has covenanted with
18
Year Boole
me for a kingdom, and now I covenant with you for a
kingdom." When about to take his departure from earth
he told them to continue faithfully serving his Father;
that in due time he would return and receive them to
himself.
Having learned the words of the prophets concerning
God's kingdom, having heard the words of Jesus for
three and one-half years magnifying the importance of
the kingdom, understanding that he was the one who
would be at the head of that kingdom and that that
kingdom would be established only at the end of Satan's
rule, it is most reasonable to eJ..'}lect these disciples to
propound the question which they did propound. Their
question was propounded and the answer recorded, not
so much for their benefit but for the benefit of the
Christians who should be on the earth at the time of
the coming of the kingdom. Only five days before his
crucifixion they asked this question of the Lord: "What
will be the evidence of these things, and of thy presence
and of the end of the world?" He then told them of the
conditions that would obtain when that great event
should come to pass.
Bible Students for a long time had been watching for
the fulfilment of the prophetic utterances of the Lord
given in that answer. They expected something to be
manifested in 1914 because Bible chronology shows that
the Gentile Times ended in that year. True to the
prophecy there began the World War, followed by fam-
ine, pestilence, the regathering of Isra-el, and other
things mentioned by the Lord.
It is true that some of the Bible Students expected
1914 to end the earthly pilgrimage of the church and
that the faithful would then go to heaven. But the Lord
had something else to be done. Now Christians are be-
ginning to realize that the Lord God has not called men
out of darkness into his marvelous light merely to get
them into heaven, but that he has been training men
to faithfulness in their devotion to him that he might
Year BooTe
19
put them into positions of honor and trust in the ages
to come to carry out his purposes, and that some of these
positions of trust are in connection with the kingdom.
Such Christians are realizing the great importance of
faithfulness to God, which course was blazed for them
by the faithful men of old.
It was about 1922 that the Lord permitted his light
to shine more clearly upon his Word, and the Bible
Students there began to understand more fully the
words of J eSllS. To these Bible Students the war, famine,
return of I!'rae1 and the persecution of Chris-
tians, marked the time for the incoming of the kingdom
and was therefore to them good news. They also saw
that in due time this must be good news to all peoples
of good will. Jesus had commanded: "This gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a
witness; ... and then shall the end come."-Matthew
24: 14.
Bible Students now began to see that this command
directed them as the witnesses of the Lord to carry this
good news to the peoples of earth. It then became ap-
parent to them that God had set his anointed King upon
his throne, that the Lord was in his holy temple, and
that now it had become the privilege of the Christians
to advertise the King and his kingdom. They saw the
time had come for them to heed the words of Jesus to
look up and lift up their heads. This they did and have
continued to do.
No organization on earth, aside from the Bible Stu-
dents, was then giving or since then has been giving
witness to the name of Jehovah. Bible Students now
understood that God referred to his consecrated people
when he said: ''Ye are my witnesses, that I am God."
They also saw that Zion is God's organization and that
as consecrated and anointed followers of Christ Jesus
they constitute a part of that organization. They began
to appreciate that the words of the prophet applied to
such consecrated ones wherein it is written: ''Thy watch ..
20
Year Boole
men shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall
they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord
shall bring again Zion."-Isaiah 52: 8.
Consequently from 1922 in particular and forward
the truly consecrated, moved by an unselfish devotion
to the Lord, have rejoiced to know not only that the
day had come for the establishment of the long-promised
kingdom of God but that it is their privilege to pro-
claim this good news to mankind. All of the truly con-
secrated who have appreciated this great fact have de-
lighted to put forth their best endeavors to spread the
good news concerning the day of the Lord.
In the past few years these consecrated ones have seen
more clearly the hideous organization of the Devil. It
is God's due time for them to see. They have also ob-
tained a clearer vision of God's wonderful organization.
They now see and appreciate, in some measure at least,
that in attempting to perfect his organization and to use
it for his purposes' the Devil has compelled obedience by
force; that by the military and police power he has
coerced men to obey his orders, and that when men fail
to carry out his orders he enforces his rule by severe
and cruel punishment.
Contrasted with this wicked rule the Christian sees
that God's organization is controlleel by love, which
means an unselfish elevotion to his cause. They see that
the motive prompting the faithful heroes of old 'was
love, and that these set an example for the Christian.
They appreciate the fact that God has set the members
on earth in his organization as it pleases him, and that
it is a great privilege for each one wherever placed to
perform with joy his duty. For this reason the organiza-
tion of the Lord on earth today is stronger and doing
more effective work than in the past. While no one is
compelled to obey, all who because of unselfish elevotion
to the Lord do particivate in his service have the joy of
the Lord and receive hIS favor.
It seems evident that the Lord limits the supply of
Year Book
21
money for the carrying on of his work in order that man
mirrht not tl1ink that he is doing the work hut will rec-
od{ize that it is God's work. It is a noticeable fact that
those who ]1ave much use little in the service of the
Lord, and that those who do the most have the least in
the way of this world's goods. But these are strong in
faith and rich in joy. The Lord always makes the neces-
sary provision for his work, and we may be sure that he
will have his purposes accomplished in his own due time,
To further his work the Lord has graciously per-
mitted his people to build printing and book-making
establishments in America and in Europe. It is there-
by possible to prepare a message concerning the kingdom
to place in the hands of the people at a nominal cost.
He has also permitted them to erect radio stations to
broadcast the message of truth far and wide that it may
reach the prisoners that are held in the denominational
prison-houses and others who could not and would not
otherwise hear the good news.
Elisha was given a double portion of the spirit of the
Lord; and it is quite manifest that since 1919 there has
been a far gJ.eater manifestation of the spirit of the
Lord in carrying on his work. Prior to that time the
thought in the minds of Christians seemed to be gen-
erally that of going to heaven. That was largely selfish.
In more recent years the Christians have seen that it is
their great privilege to represent the Lord and declare
his goodness and that he will reward them in his own
due time. They are therefore prompted more by un-
selfishness, which is a greater manifestation of the
spirit of the Lord. With a burning zeal and devotion
to him they unite in doing the work the Lord has com-
mitted into their hands. To these faithful ones the Lord
has committed the interest of his kingdom on earth at
this time. By his grace they are striving to perform
their commission. This will explain why there has been
a steady increase of the work since 1919. As to the
present status of the Lord's work on earth reference may
22 Year Boole
be had to the annual report of 1926 published herein.
The foregoing statement concerning the Lord's work
is made to establish the fact that the INTERNATIONAL
BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION, together with its as-
sociated corporations, does not constitute a denomina-
tional system 01' systems and is not teaching a new re-
ligion. On the contrary the SOCIETY is an association
of truly consecrated followers of Jesus Ohrist to whom
the Lord Jesus has restored the doctrines of truth taught
by him and his apostles and the holy prophets. They
now see their great privilege to be witnesses to the name
of God.
Throughout the earth there are ecclesias or local or-
ganizations duly constituted and organized in harmony
with the directions given by the apostles. Each one of
these ecclesias has its local servants. There is no mem-
bership roll, and there are no earthly books upon which
the names of the Bible Students are inscribed. The
SOCIETY has no selfish purpose or cause to serve. Those
who constitute this company of Ohristians are fully con-
secrated to do the will of God. They are pleased to wel-
come into their midst any and all who believe in the great
truths taught in the Scriptures and who honestly,
earnestly and zealously engage in the proclamation of
the kingdom.
Teachings
As an evidence that the SOCIETY is strictly adhering
to proclaiming the message of God's Word as taught by
Jesus, the holy prophets, and the apostles, there is set
forth herein an epitome of the truths so taught, to wit:
That Jehovah is the only true God; that his name has
been pushed aside by so-called Ohristians for many cen-
turies; that the Devil has blinded even Ohristians to
the truth concerning him; that the world is totally
blind; that the time has now come for God to make for
himself a name in the earth and he commands his peo-
ple, as his witnesses, to proclaim his truth.
That the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that
Year Book
23
it contains a statement of the divine plan for mall's
salvation and blessing.
That the great fundamental truths prominently set
forth in the Bible are these: Adam, the first man, was
created perfect in organism and endowed with the
faculties of wiEdom, justice, love and powel'; that he
wilfully violated God's law in order to join his wife Eve
in the transgression which Satan had induced her to
commit; that the Lerd God justly sentenced to death
and expelled him from Eden; that all of his children
were thereafter begotten and born, and that hence they
were begotten in sin and brought fOl'th in iniquity.
That God made promise trat through the seed of
Ahraham he would bless all the families of the earth,
and that in due time he would redeem man from death
ar.d ransom him from the power of the grave; that he
would raise up a mighty ruler unto whom the people
shall be gathered; that in due time he sent to earth his
beloved Son who died upon the cross, whom God raised
up from the dead and who by his death and l'esurrection
provided the grcat redemptive price for mankind.
That since the death and resurrection of our Lord, be-
ginning with Pentecost the Lord has been selecting the
members of the body of Christ; and that these, Jesus
the Head and his body members, constitute the "Seed or
Promise" according to the promise which God made to
Abraham.
That Christ Jesus taught his followers to pray for the
coming of God's kingdom that God's will might be done
on earth as in heaven, and he promised that he would
return in d'ne time and set up his kingdom; thut the
great hope of the church from Pentecost forward has
been the second coming of the Lord, the completion of
the church and the inauguration of God's kingdom.
That God's provision for one becoming a member of
the church, which is the body of Christ, is this, to wit:
Belief in Christ Jesus as the great Redeemer of maJl-
kind; a full consecration to do God's holy will; justifica-
Year Book
tion of the one consecrating, which justification is o ~
tained by the act of Jehovah in justifying or determin,
ing that one is right with him.
That justification by faith during the Gospel Age is
for just one pur p 0 S e and that is that the one
justified may be a part of the sacrifice of the Lord, hencE:
such have made a covenant with the Lord by sacrifice;
that then God begets such an one by his spirit to th&
divine nature and inducts him into the body of Christ
and anoints him; that thereafter such Christian must
perform his part of the covenant faithfully unto death
and that thus doing he will receive full membership in
the body of Christ and an abundant entrance into the
heavenly kingdom.
That when Jesus was on earth his disciples pro-
pounded to him the question as to what would be the
proof of his presence and the end of the world; that
his answer was couched in prophetic phrase; that he
gave a statement of conditions that would exist at the
time of the end of the age and the setting up of his
kingdom, to wit, the World War, famines, pestilences,
revolutions, return of the Jews to Palestine, the persecu-
tion of Christians, and then a period in which the gospel
of the kingdom must be proclaimed to all the nations
as a wibless.
That the proof shows that the Gentile Times ended
in 1914; that there God, according to his promise, set
his anointed King, Christ Jesus, upon his throne
(Psalm 2: 6); that there followed a great conflict in
heaven between Christ on one side and Satan on the
other, in which Satan was cast out of heaven; that since
then the Lord has come to his temple and is now
strengthening his people for the final experiences on
earth.
That soon will come the great time of trouble fore-
told by God through his prophets, and specifically men-
tioned by the Lord, which shall result. in the complete
destruction of Satan's empire and the establishment of
Year Boole 25
God's kingdom on earth; that then unrighteous men
shall cease to rule the world, and the world shall be
established in righteousness that it shall-never be moved.
_Psalm 96: 10.
That the reign of Christ will be for the purpose of
granting to everyone of the human race, both dead and
living, an opportunity for life, and that to this end all
those who have died in ignorance of God shall be
mmkened and given a knowledge of the truth; that the
church alone participates in the first resurrection; that
all the families of the earth shall have an opportunity
to know the Lord and to obey him, and that those obey-
ing shall be granted the blessings of life everlasting in
peace and happiness upon the earth for ever.
The Bible Students believe that the ouly reason for
their being on earth at this time, and the only excuse
for the existence of their organization, is that they might
be witnesses that Jehovah is God and that his kingdom
is at hand. The Devil for so long a time has blinded
the people to God's truth that now the time has come for
God to make for himself a name. He will have his peo-
ple bear testimony of him to the world, and then will
follow the great conflict which shall mark the final end
of earth's wicked organizations; that such trouble is not
a fight in which the Christian shall participate, but it is
a fight of God Almighty against the Devil's organization;
and that the part to be performed by the Christians on
earth is to faithfully represent the Lord by telling others
of God's purposes, and thereby to show forth his praises.
The Bible Students are earnestly attempting to do this.
The INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
is not seeking membership and has no meml)ership roll.
All who believe in the truths taught by Jesus and the
apostles, and who now believe in the presence of the Lord
and that the time has come for him to set up his king-
dom, and who desire to participate, and to the best of
their ability and opportunity do participate in giving
the witness to the name of Jehovah, are counted in as
26 Year Boo7e
members of the ASSOOIATION or SOCIETY. All such, in
obedience to the admonition of the Apostle Paul, are
standing shoulder to shoulder, fighting for the gospel of
.Jesus Christ and never quailing before the enemy. These
have entered into the joy of the Lord; namely, seeing
that the time has come for the establishment of the
kingdom, and the vindication of .Jenovah's name, it gives
them great joy and delight to tell this good news to
others.
The Bible Students, in the performance of what they
understand to be their covenant and in diligently trying
to be witnesses for .Jehovah, are now doing their part to
hold up the standard of the Lord to the people, to re-
move the false doctrines that have stumbled the people
and point the people to God's great way of returning to
him, and thereby are bringing consolation to all those
who desire to be free. Believing that the time has come
when a witness must be given to the kings and rulers of
the earth, as well as to the peoples, they are earnestly put-
ting forth their best efforts, gladly spending what little
money they have and also spending their time and energy
in spreading amongst mankind the good news that Je-
hovah is God, that Christ .Jesus is the King of kings and
Lord of lords, that God has set him upon his throne
and that he bids all the peoples of earth to give heed to
his message and to render obedience to his rule. It is
now the privilege and joy of the Bible Students to make
known to Cllristian peoples and to all peoples of good
will that the kingdom, for which .Jesus taught his fol-
lowers to pray, is here; and therefore with gladness they
are declaring that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Annual Report for 1926
~ y e are my witnesses, saith the Lo-rd, aJnd my servant
'whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe
me, and Unde1"stand that I am he: before me
there 1Vas no God formed, neither shall
there be after me ... Therefore ye
a1"e my witnesses, saith the Lord,
that I am God." - Isaiah
43: 10, 12.
'THE words of the above text are prophetic. The
prophecy must have its fulfilment sometime, and
some creatures must fulfil the prophecy as God's
witnesses. The conte}..'i and other Scriptures show that
now is the time for its fulfilment. "'nom is God using
as his witnesses and servants to fulfil this prophecy?
The answer is, That organization of Christians on the
earth which we term "The SOCIETY".
There must be a reason for the existence of any or-
ganized movement. The Prophet Isaiah definitely 10-
,cates that which constitutes the servant of the Lord,
'when he says, "Behold my servant, whom I uphold;
mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my
spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the
Gentiles." (Isaiah 42: 1) We know that this scripture
refers to Christ and the members of his body, whether
operating on earth or in heaven.
The church of God, consisting of Jesus and his faith-
ful followers, was planted by Jehovah in purity. (Jere-
miah 2: 21) The enemy Satan by the exercise of his
wicked influence corrupted men who had become a
part of the earthly organization, but he has not cor-
i'upted the true church. In the parable concerning the
27
28 Year Boole
development of the church, Jesus stated that the "wheat
and tares" must grow together until the time of the
harvest, and that then the unapproved ones would be
gathered out that the approved ones might be left.
This parable clearly shows that there would be two
classes of Christians, one class approved and one disap-
proved. It follows then that the approved ones would
constitute the class mentioned as the servant of the
Lord and the members thereof would constitute the ones
who are his witnesses. These prophecies do not refer
to individuals but to the compact members of the body
of Christ, harmoniously working together with the Head
in obedience to Jehovah's commands.
An organization is properly defined as a company of
persons or individuals working together systematically
and orderly to accomplish some given purpose. If such
an organization has the Lord's approval it follows that
it must function harmoniously. There could be no di-
vision in that organization. Individuals making it up
might from time to time drop out and others :till the
vacant places, but the organization will keep on in the
even tenor of its way just as the Lord intended it. We
believe that which we generally call the SOCIETY is such
an organization.
One or more corporations may be formed and used
in conjunction with the work done by an organization.
Such corporations do not eonstitute the organization.
They are organized for the purpose of meeting the de-
mands of the law of the country or countries wherein
the work is carried on. Such is exactly the case with
reference to the SOCIETY.
When the expression "The SOCIETY" is used it is
not intended to convey the thought that the corpo'ration
is God's visible organization, but the thought intended
to be conveyed is, to wit: The company of individuals
Year Boole
29
working orderly, systematically and harmoniously to-
gether in obedience to God's commands in doing his
work does constitute God's visible organization on earth,
The corpOl'ation or corporations used in connection
therewith are merely servants of the organization. Who
can gainsay this statement? If anyone is wholly de-
voted to the Lord and puts forth his best efforts in
obedience to God's commands to serve him, then he will
work harmoniously together with his brethren; and he
and his brethren as followers of Christ will constitute
the Lord's representatives on earth.
Is it at all reasonable or consistent that God has two
{)l' mOTe organizations to accomplish his purposes? What
would be the necessity fol' more than one? Is it at all
reasonable that he would have more than one organiza-
tion on earth bearing his name as his authol'ized re-
presentative to fulfil the prophecy above mentioned?
It is neither reasonable nor consistent. The only l'eason-
able conclusion in harmony with the SCl'iptures is that
Christ is one, and that all the members of his body who
nre on the eal'th and who are standing togethel' and
hal'moniously working togethel' to accomplish the work
assigned to the members of the body constitute God's
organization on earth.
Clearly this is the thought expressed by the Prophet
Isaiah: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the
feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth
peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that pub-
lisheth salvation; that 'saith unto Zion, Thy God l'eign-
eth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the
voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye
to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion." (Isaiah
52: 7,8) The ~ : f e e t of him" means the members of
the Lord on the earth.
These are one compact body, not two or more. As the
30 Year BooM
Lord's representatives they jointly constItute the watch-
men. They see eye to eye what is to be done, and to-
gether they lift up the voice. The human voice pro-
duces the most harmonious sound known to man. Sym-
bolically therefore the voice represents the harmonious
message which the feet members of Christ must deliver.
These feet members deliver this message as God's wit-
nesses, and they are the only ones who do bear witness
to him and his kingdom.
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in
all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then
shal1 the end come." (Matthew 24: 14) These words
of the Master constitute a positive commandment which
the context and the facts show must be fulfilled after
1914. It is not to be expected that anyone will obey
this commandment and give this testimony except those
who are in harmony with the Lord and therefore in
harmony with one another.
St. Paul, writing to the church, said, "Only let the
lives you live be worthy of the Good News of the Christ,
in order that, whether I come and see you or, being
absent, only hear of you, I may know that you are stand-
ing fast in one spirit and with one mind, fighting
shoulder to shoulder for the faith of the Good News.
N ever for a moment quail before your antagonists. Your
fearlessness will be to them a sure token of impending
destruction, but to you it will be a sure token of your
salvation-a token coming from God." (Philippians 1:
27,28, Weymouth) With greater force do his words
apply now than when written. All of the Lord's people
must now stand shoulder to shoulder, fighting for the
gospel of the kingdom.
In harmony with this it is written, "For this is the
love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his
eommandments are not burdensome." (1 John l): 3,
Year Book 31
Diaglo
tt
) All who are keeping his commandments in
harmony with this text must of necessity be in harmony
with the Lord and with each other. Thus they consti-
tute one company, working together systematically and
orderly for the accomplishment of God's purposes. Such
constitute "the remnant", within the meaning of the
Scriptures, against which the Devil is now making war.
_:Revelation 12: 17.
Wbat company of individuals on earth is meeting
these Scriptural requirements? The only company that
is even attempting so to do is that association of Chris-
tians known by the generic term International Bible
Students Association, otherwise spoken of as "The
SOCIETY". It therefore follows that such an organized
body of true followers of Jesus are the ones meant when
the Lord says: "Ye are my witnesses that I am God."
:Meeting these requirements then shows the only reason
for the existence of such an organization.
The Scriptures show that Satan the enemy would war
against those who keep the commandments of God. The
facts show that he does war against those few composing
the organization who are giving testimony concerning
God's kingdom. The facts also show that some in-
dividuals have yielded to his evil influences and have
fallen. When they fell they ceased to be a part of the
organization and usually became opposers. Some may
stumble for a time, then be recovered and again enter
the ranks. The organization, however, is always intact,
even though the personnel is not always the same. Those
who do stand to the very end will constitute "the rem-
nant" and will receive the final approval of Jehovah.
It does not seem that anyone who is really a Chris-
tian can find any objection whatsoever to this definition
of the SOOIETY. All who are in harmony with the Lord
and who are obeying his commandments constitute the
32 Year Book
SOCIETY. The WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
is the servant of such and merely an instrument which
the Lord's people use in the performance of their Di-
vinely given duties.
Those who are faithfully and joyfully obeying the
commands of the Lord are subjected to all manner of
assaults from the enemy. 1'his is to be expected. They
are learning that God is not trying to get some into
heaven, but that he is giving some an opportunity to
prove their loyalty and faithfulness and loving devotion
to him, to thereby demonstrate their fitness for the
heavenly kingdom. He is permitting all of the pro-
fessed ones to be hindered by conditions that would put
them to the test. All who can be shaken will be shaken.
Only those who by the Lord's grace stand firmly to the
end, joyfully obeying his commandments, are the ones
that cannot be shaken.-Hebrew 12: 27.
Instead of trying to get all into heaven God is
shaking out all that can be shaken. He preserves those
and those only who love him and who are faithful. "0
love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth
the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the prond doer."
(Isaiah 31: 23) It follows then that anyone who re-
ceives the Lord's approval must obey his command-
ments; and since his commandment now is to give a
witness concerning his kingdom this must be done,
joyfully.
As to God's channel on earth for the dispensing of
his message of Truth, is that even an open questIon?
It is not an open question. A channel means that
through wbich anything flows or passes. Who on the
earth is God using through which to pass or cause to
flow his message of truth r His anointed ones, of course,
in a collective capacity, acting as his servant class. No
individual is the Lord's channel, but individuals collee-
Year Boole
33
tively constitute his channel through which the Truth
does pass. The Truth is God's TTUth, and those whom
he has anointed as members of the body of his beloved
Son are the ones whom he uses as his channel and his
witnesses.
Therefore that company of Ohristian people begotten
and anointed of the holy spirit, working together sys-
tematically, orderly and harmoniously, constitute God's
channel, otherwise called the SOCIETY, to give the wit-
ness concerning him and his kingdom, in obedience to
his commandments. God's promises are given to such
in a collective sense. The promises cannot be claimed
by individuals unless these -individuals are members of
the body of Christ. When one puts himself outside of
the pale of the church then he puts himself outside of
the promise of the Lord.
These statements are here made for the purpose of
deal'ly defining what constitutes the SOCIETY and the
reason for the existence thereof, and the reason why each
member thereof should urge every other member to par-
ticipate in the service of the Lord in obedience to his
commandments.
Annual Meeting
A copy of the minutes of the last annual meeting of
the SOCIETY follows:
Pursuant to notice duly given as provided by law and
by the charter and by-laws of the SOCIETY the annual meet-
ing of the 'V ATOH TOWER BIBlE & TRACT SOCIETY was held
at l\Iemol'ial Hall, Pittsburgh, Pa. at ten o'clock Monday.
November 1st, 192(3. The time for the regular annual meet-
ing is Oct'Ober 31st, but this date being Sunday the meet-
ing was held according to law on the day following.
The meeting was called to order by the President in the
chair who called t1pon Brother W. E. Spill to offer tha
opening prayer. Reading of the minutes of the previous
meeting was omitted by common consent. The next ordE)r
of business was the report by the PresIdent on the work of
the SOCIETY during the fiscal year which closed September
34 Year BoDle
30th. This report is quite voluminous, covering some sixty
pages of manuscript. h ~ convention voted to have it read.
The Pre,sic1ent thereupon read the report. It was enthusias-
tic-ally received, and upon motion the members of tIle annual
meeting voted their lUlqualified approval thereof. The
Treasurer then made his report. The law doe;::; not require
these reports to be made, nor does the charter; but tlley are
made for the encouragement of the brethren. This was the
statement made by the President of the meeting.
The next in order was the election of a Board of Directors
of seven members, to serve for a period of three years. The
Board, as constituted at that time, was, to wit: J. F.
Rutherford, C. A. Wise, W. E. Yan Amburgh, A. H. Mac-
millan, C. H. Anderson, H. H. Riemer, and J. A. Baeuer-
lein. A motion was made that the corporation meeting
proceed to re-elect the seven persons above named as the
Board. Brother R. J. Martin was then also placed in nomin-
ation. Thereupon Brother C. H. Anderson arose and stated
to the corporate members that he was so situated that he
could not give personal attention to the duties as a member
of the Board of Directors, and therefore withdrew his name
and asked the corporate body to vote for Brother Martin in
his stead.
Thereupon a motion was made that the Secretary of the
SOCIETY, by unanimous consent, cast the entire vote, pl'esent
and voting, for the following named persons as and for the
Board of Directors for the ensuing term of three years, to
wit: J. F. Rutherford, C. A. Wise, W. E. Van Amburgh,
A. H. Macmillan, R. J. Martin, H. H. Riemer and J. A.
Baeuerlein. The Secretary then announced that there were
present, in person and by proxy, 157,484 votes, all of which
he cast by ballot for the persons above named as a Board
of Directors. Thereupon the President declared that upon
the advice of the voters and of the vote cast accordingly
the above named seven persons were duly elected as mem-
bers of the Board of Directors for the ensuing term of three
years.
The next order of business was the election of officers.
The name of Brother J. F. Rutherford was presented as
President. There were no other names presented. There-
lipan it was moved that by unanimous consent the
Secretary be instructed to cast the entir.e vote of the meet-
:ing for Brother J. F. Rutherford to serve as President for
the term of three years. Brother C. A. Wise was caned
to the chair and put the motion, which was unanimously
adopted. Thereupon the Secretary cast the entire vote of,
to wit, 157,484, for Brother J. F. Rutherford fOl' the office
of President of the SOCIETY for a period of three years.
Year BooTe
35
Brother C. A. Wise was then nominated for Vice Presi-
dent. Brother A. H. Macmillan also was plnce<1 in nomina-
tion. Brother Macmillan witharew his name, and thereupon
the meeting unanimously elected Brother 'Vise as Vice
PreRiclent for the ensuing term of three years.
Brother IV. E. Van Amburgh was nominated and by
unanimous consent of tIle shareholders elected as Secretary
and Treasurer for tIle period of three years. Brother H. H.
Riemer was tl1en nominated and unanimously elected as
Assistant Secretary amI Treasurer.
The President then called the 'Order of unfinisbed business
anu there being none next caneu for new business. There-
upon Brother L. L. Bulleit of Indianapolis announced to the
Chairman that he had a resolution to present and that the
resolution had to d'O with the officers of the S'OOIETY. Tfhe
Prellident tllfm announced, "In view of the statement 'Of
the brother as t'O the nature o-f his resoluti'On I n'Ow ask
Brother C. H. Anderson 'Of Baltim'Ore t'O'take the chair and
preside over the meeting during the c'Onsideration of the
resolution." Br'Other Bulleit was also invited to the plat-
form, t'O read the res'Olution, and at the conclusion there'Of
he moved its adoption. Brother Spill of Pittsburgh, Brother
Saunuers of Pittllburgh, and a number of other brethren,
enthUSiastically seconued the resoluti(}n; whereupon it be-
illg put to a vote was unanimously adopted. The resolution
is as follows, to wit:
As consecrated followers of Christ, in convention at
Pittsburgh, Fa., and at the annual meeting of the WATCH TOWER
BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, we send love and greetings to our brethren
throughout the earth.
We are aware of the fact that all who aTe earnestly 1,eeping the
commandments of God as his witnesses on earth are the targets
of the Devil and his emissaries. The venom of such atiaclts is
manifest more paTticularly against those in the front -ranks of
the batile for the truth.
The enemy has caused to be circulated against officers of the
SOCIETY, and especially against the President of the SOCIETY, false
and wicked accusations which have a tendeney to disturb some of
Our brethren. 'Ve regret to note that these malicious accusations
have been carried about by some who have professed to be in
present truth but who no more walk with us. We would take no
notice of these vicious attacks except for the purpose of encourag-
ing our brethren who are not in a position to klrow the facts as
Well as we know them.
For ten years Brother J. F. Rutherford has zealously and faith
served as President of t1le SOCIETY. His election has bOOli
unanimous each time during that period, and at this meeting he
again has been unoallimously elected.
36
Year Bool!:
The blessing of the Lord attending his efforts Is the best evidence
of the Lord's approval upon him. This convention and annual
meeting now goes on record expressing our full faith and confidence
in Brother Rutherford and "in those who are associated with him
at headquarters, and in his managers in the various countries who
are acting under his appointment. We call upon our brethren
everywhere to stand together fighting for the gospel of the Jdng-
dom and thereby giving their unqualified and loyal support to
Brother Rutherford and the brethren associated with him in con-
ducting this work.
'Ve request that a copy of this resolution be presented to Brother
Rutherford, and a copy be sent to the local manager of each and
every country, and that it be published in THE WATCH TOWER, in
the English and the foreign editions.
Under the leadershIp of om' Lord we are marching to victory,
Let us all march firmly together.
There being no further business to come before the share-
holders' meeting at this time the meeting adjourned.
In witness whereof I have hereuuto set my hand and seal
as Secretary. this first day of November, A. D, 1926.
( Sigued) W. E. VAN A:r.IBURGH, Secretary.
Annual Report
Neither the law of the land nor the charter of the
W ATCR TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY requires an
annual report to be made and submitted to the share-
holders. The only requirement is that meetings be held
at stated times to transact certain formal business. The
brethren of the LOl'd have themselves adopted a custom
of meeting at such time and having presented to them a
statement reviewing the work done in the name of the
Lord, and this is done for the encouragement and com-
fori of one another. 'l'hat is the reason why this report
is now submitted:
Brooklyn Headquartel's
The executiye office of the corporation known as the
W ATCR TOWER BIBI,E & TRACT SOCIETY is at 124
Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y. The manufacturing
plant and olJerating offices. for some time have been
Year Boole
3'1
maintained at 18 Concord Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. The
corporation has a number of branch offices, as will be
seen from this rel}ort. The work of all these offices is
directed from the Brooklyn headquarters, and from
headquarters a geneTal view of the work is taken. OUl'
branch offices keep in close touch with the main office
and follow a general policy outlined by the executive,
and by the Lord's gTace shive to wOTk togetheT harmoni-
ously and to the Lord's glory.
The headquarters of the corpomtions known as the
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION and the
PEonEs PULPIT ASSOCIATION aTe also at 12-:1: Columbia
Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y. These corpomtions aTe 01'-
ganized fOT the cal'l'ying on of the wOTk more efficiently
in conjunction with the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT
SOCIETY; THE PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION being in-
cOTporated under the laws of the State of New York
and the BIBLE S'I.'UDENTS ASSOCIATION
being incorporated under the laws of Great Bl'itain.
These thTee corporations, however, aTe sel'vants of the
SOCIF:TY and meTely instruments for carrying out its
purposes. Each corporation has the same president, and
the other officers are practically the same.
Organization
If efficiency is required in worldly organizations, with
stronger reason efficiency should obtain in the Lord's
work. Of course imperfect men cannot have a perfect
organiz-ation, but best efforts can be put forward to cause
the \York to be done efficiently and economically.
The Bethel famHy at Brooklyn now consists of one
hundred and seventy-two persons, all of whom are en-
gaged in some part of the service at the headquarters.
'rhere are no idlers and no drones. Bethel is a place to
work alld l10t a place to visit or idle ai-yay time. At
38 Year Boole
six-thirty in the morning ihe rising gong is sounded.
At seven the mOTlling worship is had and breakfast is
served, and the work begins at the factory and office
at eight o'clock. There is an intermission of one hour
for .dinner, and supper is served at 6 p. m. Between
these hours everyone is busy. Part of the time a night
shift is operating at the factory.
At each sitting in the Bethel dining room Bible ques-
tions are discussed. The evenings are spent in class
meetings and class study, and each Tuesday evening
there is a stndy especially for the Bethel family, usually
led by the president of the SOCIETY. .This study is of
the current leading article in THE W ATCR TOWER, the
purpose being to enable those present to understand
the Truth more clearly and also to better equip the
brethren to teach. No one is admitted to this particular
study except those who reside in the Bethel Home.
Office and Factory Organization
The best endeavors are used to have an efficient office
and factory organization. This is under the immediate
direction of a1l office manager, and with the president
of the SOCIETY as general manager. Each one is as-
signed to his or her post of duty and puts forth an en-
deavor to get the best results. In the Devil's organiza-
tion men are compelled to obey. In the Lord's organiza-
tion unselfish devotion to the Lord is the moving cause
for efficiency. Each one truly consecrated to the .Lord
realizes that his obligation is to the Lord. He must .ac-
count to the Lord for results, and being zealous for the
Lord he is an..xious to get the best results. This is the
reason why the showing of the SOCIETY'S factory and
office is far above that of any worldly organization.
At the beginning of our liscal year the work for the
ensuing year is marked out. Estimate is made of the
Year Book 39
amount of literature that can be manufactured by the
plant and distributed. Requisitions are made out for
such work and placed on file, and it is then determined
which orders are to be executed at stated times. A
schedule is made out and all the work for cach day is
ma:rked out several months in advance. This schedule
is prepared somewhat on the order of a railway time
schedule, and every department receives notice as to
what is expected of it j and each one in each department
is expected to be on time with what he or she has to
do. Every person- from the president to the office boy
is required to be on time, and if anyone is behind time
with his work he is asked to show cause why the delay.
A cost system is employed for the purpose of deter-
mining whether or not the work is being done economic-
ally, and at any time or at any stage in the' production
or operation the cost of production may be determined.
Work is decreased or enlarged in proportion as the Lord
supplies the monies. Since no money is solicited the
organization proceeds upon the theory that the Lord
will provide what money is needed if each one respon-
sible does his or her part. By faith and by the Lord's
grace the work progresses.
Means Employed
In oruer to render obedience to God's command to
give the witness, the following ways and means are em-
ployed, to wit: THE- WATCH TOWER, THE GOLDEN AGE,
radio, public meetings, free literature, correspondence,
books, pilgrim service, colporteur and class workers.
As'members of the body of Christ are set therein ~ o r d
iug to the will of God, it is understood that each one
of these'means of spreading the Truth is by the Lord's
will and grace; and eacll one engaged in givmg the
witness by"either 'of'these means strives to do so as unto
Year Boole
the Lord. A resume of the work accomplished'in ("aeh
one of these departments is given herein, covering the
fiscal year for 1926, which ended September 30th.
The Watch Tower
The purpose of THE W ATOH TOWER is to communi-
cate to the various ones throughout the earth who are
interested in the Lord's work explanations of the Scrip-
tures. 'l'his is food for the mind of the new creature;
and it is believed that the Lord furnishes it, using im-
perfect creatures, of course, to serve it to the household
of faith. At the Brooklyn headquarters 'l'HE WATCH
TOWER is published in ten languages, and throughout
the world it is published in twenty-three languages.
During the year 1926 there were printed and mailed
out from the Brooklyn office WATCH TOWERS in
the English language to the number of 1,576,300, 'which
shows an increase over that of 1925 of 155,500 copies.
'l'his is a healthy increase and shows there are many
people carefully reading THE WATCH TOWER.
Reports show that throughout the country the classes
are studying THE W TOWER more carefully than
ever, and these are progressing and manifesting greater
zeal for the Lord's service. One of the purposes of TEE
\-y ATCH is to magnify the fact that Jehovah is
God, that Christ Jesus the King has begun his reign,
and that all of the faithful memhers of his body on
earth are privileged to participate in announcing his
bngc10lU to the world. As the Lord is pleased to reveal
to his people a clearer understanding of the prophecies
this understanding increases the zeal of the consecrated
in oheying his commandments to give the witness.
'fHE WATCH TOWER is devoted exclusiyely to the
puhlication of Bible truths. It is not deemed pleasing
to the Lord to use it to answer libelous or sla11derous
Yeal- Book
41
reports made against any of the Lord's people. The
Psalmist says, I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while
the wicked are before me. (Psalm 39: 1) THE WATCH
TOWER proceeds upon the theory that its columns are
closed to controvel"sies with those who indulge in evil
speech. Its purpose is to do good in the name of the
I,OTd and to spread the message of his kingdom.
The Golden Age
THE GOLDEN AGE is a medium of communication
with those inteTested in the Truth who are consecrated
:unti those who are not consecTated. Its columns are
given to the publication of things pertaining to science,
invention, etc., which show a fulfilment of prophecy and
the outwoTlcing of the Divine Plan for the good of
mankind. It also carries addresses given over the radio
by the brethTen and otheT explanations of the Bible. It
is a means of communicating ceTtain things to those
already interested as well as those not yet interested,
that cannot be well carried in the columns of THE
"{ATCH TOWER. Without a doubt the Lord's blessing
has been upon 'THE GOLDEN AGE in a marked degree.
The Radio
The radiocasting of the message is proving one of
the most effective ways of giving the witness concerning
J chovah and his kingdom. The chief stations of the
SOCIETY are WBBH, Staten Island, N. Y., and WORD,
Chicago, Ill. In addition thereto the SOCIETY Tegularly
broadcasts over the following otheT stations; KFWM,
Oakland, Calif.; WRK, Ole-reland, 0.; OKOX, TOTon-
to, Ont.; ORUO, Saskatoon, Sask.; OHOY, Edmonton,
Alta.; OFYC, Vancouver, B. O. Besides these, there are
statio:as controlled by othel" institutions which have
alTanged with local Bible Students classes to calTY their
42
Year Book
programs. There is a wide witness therefore by this
means.
Heretofore the clergy have influenced a large num-
ber of Christian people not to attend meetings of- the
Bible Students. They are unable, however, to keep them
from tuning in on the radio. The result is that many
Catholics and Protestants who desire the Lord's king-
dom are listening in, and a gl'eat many letters are re-
ceived showing their deep appreciation of the Truth that
is thus heard. The radio has opened the way for
the distribution of literature, including the books and
booklets, and doubtless this accounts for the great in-
crease in the sale of the books this year. In addition
theret-o, the radio is encouraging the people who have
our- books and other literature to read the same.
n is impossible to tell how many people are listen-
ing in on our radio programs, but it seems reasonably
safe to say that there are millions now hearing the
Truth who have never heard it before. This is just as
we should expect it to be, in fulfilment of prophecy.
Now is the time in which the Truth is disclosing the
hiding place of falsehoods long promulgated to the
people by Satan and his emissaries. The Truth is de-
stroying the blindness cast over the minds of the peo-
ple, and it is expected that the radio will continue to
be a great means blessed by the Lord, for announcing
the fact that he has set his King upon his throne.
The brethren at Bethel regularly prepare radio lec-
tures which are delivered over WBBR. Many of these
lectures are published in THE GOLDEN AGE and delivered
at other stations. The radio furnishes a means of ser-
vice to many of the brethren. Of course, it is necessary
to have some musical programs in connection with the
brQadcasting of. the Truth, and this has received the.
blessing of the Lord; he haa brought forward qualified
Yea?' Boole 43
ones to produce the music, both instrumental and vocal,
to his glory.
The glad tidings seemingly rise higher ,and higher
each year, and as we come to the close of 1926 it can
be confidently asserted that the radio .has reached a
class of people and a greater number of people than
.any other means heretofore employed in the -same space
of time. Undoubtedly it is one of -the God.:given inven-
tions to spread the message of the Truth. Like a voice
in the wilderness the cry goes out through the air, "The
kingdom of heaven is at hand!" And the common peo-
'ple are hearing, and many are being made glad.
Public Meetings
During the fiscal year of 1926 worldwide witness dateR
have been fixed, and on these days brethren throughout
the earth have proclaimed the message at public .meet-
il1gs. .Reports concerning these are gratifying. At the
date fixed every public speaker, be he a l)ilgrim or Ian
elder, has used the same subject. In this way a uniform
.message 'goes out at the same time. The apostle de-
clared -that the Lord's people should be Iound standing
shoulder to shoulder iighting for the gospel of Jesus
Christ.; and the worldwide witnesses illustrate well how
they with one accord are engaged in ihe same thing at
thesame time, -with theiT faces turned toward the.king-
dam and not toward each other. 'These faithful wit-
nesses are marching.in solid phalanx, singing the praises
of Jehovah as they .go.
During the .fiscal 'year 4,820 public meetings in the
English language were directed and .advertised from the
Brooklyn office. In addition -to this, public meetings
have been .held in America addressed by speakers in the
following languages, to wit: Polish, Greek, German,
Lithuanian, Rungarian, Russian, Slovak, Italian, Swed-
44 Year Book
ish, Syrian, Armenian and .Japanese. In addition there-
to special meetings have been held for the colored people.
The total number of all these public meetings in the
United States during the year was 6,425, with an
attendance of 506,698. Of course the attendance at
the public addresses given over the radio cannot be
positively stated, but the conespondence indicated that
this would he numbered in the millions.
Free Literature
At the convention held in Indianapolis in 1925 a
resolution was passed; and this, together with the puhlic
address delivered by the president of the S'OCIETY, was
published in f01'm of free literature for volunteer dis-
tribution. That literature was called "A Uessage of
Hope". Its publicatioll and distribution were aCC0111-
plished during the fiscal year of 1926.
At the London convention in May of 1926 a resolu-
tion known as "A Testimony" ,,'as passed, supported by
the public address of the presic1ent of the SOCIETY; and
this has been printed and sent out as free literature for
volunteer distribution during the year 1926. The
SOCIETY'S presses at Brooldyn alone printed 35,414,000
copies of these t,,"o resolutions and public addresses,
which were sent out and c1istributed as free literature.
In addition to the English language in which this was
published, it was printed in a number of other languages;
and the total distribution t11l'oughout the nations of
earth of this volunteer matter during the fiscal year of
1926 amounted to about 40,000,000 copies of the Mes
sage of Hope and 50,000,000 copies of the Testimony.
The London resolution and address to the World
Powers has probably had a more thorough and complete
distribution than any other. An attempt has been made
to get copies into the hands of all the rulers of the
Year BoDle
45
earth. The SOCIETY has received acknowledgment from
the king of Great Britain of the receipt of this volunteer
literature; and the reports from the United States,
Germany, Switzerland and pTactically all of the Euro-
pean counhies are to the effect that the rulel's have
received copies; and thus the 'witness has been well
given by volunteer literature, The distribution of this
volunteer matter has brought orders for a great num-
ber of books, showing that the people are reading it
and that thousands of them are approving what is there-
in stated.
COl'l'espondence
The Brooklyn headquarters carries on a large cone-
spondence. Of course there is a great deal of detail
correspondence in filling orders for books and literature,
and conducting the routine work. In addition thereto
a great many letters are received and answered pertain-
ing to the spiritual condition of brethren throughout
the earth. A large amount of this correspondence goes
to the president's office. An attempt is made to answer
every letter that is received, and this entails a tremen-
dous amount of work. '1'he brethren do this gladly and
rejoice in the privilege of having an opportunity to help
others.
The correspondence for the fiscal year of 1926 has
been greater than that of any pl'ece2ding year. It fur-
nishes a means, however, of giving a witness to the Truth.
JUany newly interested ones write, propounding ques-
tions. Many write the radio stations, asking questions,
and these are answered by Tadio and by lettel'. Corre-
spondence, therefore, is one of the means which the Lord
has employed to give the witness which he now com-
mands must be given.
46 Year o o l ~
Booli:S
On61 of the most effedive ways of testifying in obe-
dience to the Lord's command is that of pUblication
and distribution of books. When one picks up a book
to' read: it, seldom does he stop to think of the effort
that must be put forth to produce that b0ok. FOl' the
benefit of those who have a part in the Lord's service
and who might wish to kn0W we give herewith an out-
line of the work that must be done in order to produce
a book and get it into the hands of the people. It is
interesting to follow each step, from the time of the
preparation of the manuscript until the book is carried
by some colporteur or class worker and placed in the
hands of one who might read it. The various steps are
as follows, to wit:
The Birth of a B'oOk
1. 'Yriting the manuscript.
2. Marking manuscript for composition.
3. Linotype composition.
4. First galley proofreading.
5. First ganey linotype cerrections.
6. Second galley proofreading.
7. Second galley linotype corrections.
8. Pasting up the "dummy".
9. Making up the type into pages.
10. First page proofl'eading.
11. First page corrections.
12. Second page proofreading.
13. Second page corrections.
14. Locking up the forms.
15; Matrix impressions of page forms.
16. Make-up on matrices.
17. Making stereotype plates from matrices for rotary press.
18. Stereotype plates bored and routed.
19. Stereotypes bevelled to fit cylinders. on press.
20. Washing plates.
21. Nickel- plating.
22. Make-ready on rotary press.
Year Boolr: 47
23. Printed on rotary press in two 32-page signatures, sixty-
four pages being printed at each cylinder revolution.
24. Folding of printed signatures or sections by means of
special folder attachment on rotary press.
25. Binding folded signatures into bundles on bundling
machine.
26. Storing the bundled signatures in dry rOOJll.
27. Endsheets, previously cut to size, folded and separated.
:28. First .and last signatures run through endsheeting ma-
chine for application of endsheets.
29. '32-page signatures or sections gathered by machine into
complete books.
30. Pressed on smasher, using one hundred tons pressure.
31. Sewed on sewing machine.
32. Cut apart into single books.
33. Books trimmed.
134. First coat of ,glue applied by hand "on ,backbone of books.
1'15. Rounded and backed in machine ,known as the Rounder
and Backer.
136. }j'ed into back-lining maehine, which successively puts
on the back a coat of glue, the gauze hinge, another coat
of glue and finally the back-lining.
37. In the making of the covers, book c10th is first cut to
j'equired width on a special machine,
38, Another machine cuts the chip or cardboard to proper
size.
39. The cut cloth and cardboard are fed into a machine
Imown as the casemaker, which glues the cloth on to
the cardboard and attaches the backlining strip.
40. Covers are then fed into gold leaf stamping machine,
wllere heated brass dies stamp gold leaf outo them.
41. h ~ case-former machine rounds the backbone of cover.
42. Now the books are fed "into a casing-in machine, which
mechanically pastes the cases or coyers outo the books.
43. F-rom the casing-in machine the freshly covel'ed books
are put between brQSs-bound boards in the standing
presses for drying.
44. After six to ten hours in the ,standing presses the books
are taken out and inspected.
45. Books are now packed in cartons and are ready for
shipment.
The machines turn out teu thousand volllmes a day;
thiB means that the brethren at the factory handle
material in the quantity of 250 tons e.ach working day,
48 Year Boo7e
as the material used in each book is handled by them
about 50 times.
Pl'oduction
At the beginning of the 1926 :fiscal year arrangements
were made to increase the output of books to meet the
demand. A press was manufactured in Germany and
brought to America, made especially for our use in the
manufacturing of books. To our knowledge this is the
:first rotary press used in America to manufacture books.
This one pl'ess alone is capable of printing a book or
four hundred pages to the number of ten thousand
volumes per day.
During the year our factory has printed and bound
the following books: The seven volumes of STUDIES IN
THE SCRIPTURES, 'fHE HARP OF GOD, DELIVERAXCE,
COMFORT FOR THE JEWS, WATCH TOWER REPRINTS,
STANDARD FOR THE PEOPLE, HELL, OUR LORD's RETURN,
and other miscellaneous booklets. In addition to print-
ing these in the English language they have also been
published in the following foreign languages, to wit:
Afrikaans, Arabic, Armenian, Bohemian, German,
Greek, Hawaiian, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Lithu-
Qnian, Polish, Russian, Sloyak, Spanish, Ukrainian and
Yiddish. In addition to the above books we are n()w
manufacturing the DIAGLOTT on Bible paper.
Comparing this year's production of our Brooklyn
plant with that of 1925 there was an increase of 12'1,501
bound volumes produced. There was a decrease in the
production of booklets over that of 1925, and this is
accoUl:.ted for because of the running of the large
amount of free literature. The free literature printed
during the year is equivalent to 4,046,376 booklets. The
shipment of English books to colporteurs, classes,
branches, etc., by the Brooklyn headquarters during
the fiscal year is as follows:
Year Boo7e 49
Bonnd Yohul1C's ............................... " ................ 1,482,091
Booklets ............................................................ 1,851,033
Total .............................................................. 3,S33,G24
This shows an increase of bound volumes and book-
lets, in English, over that of 1925 to the number of
1,011,700.
In addition to this, books produced and shipped out
during the fiscal year which were published in languages
other than that of English, are, to wit:
Bound volumes ........................... _....................... 81.344
Booklets ................................................... _........... 378,771
'rotal ............................................................... " {M,110
On the fOT2ign shipments there is a decrease of
59, 935 copies, but all told there is a net increase of
951,'i'65 volumes. Add to this the printing of THE
WATCH TOWER, THE GOLDEN AGE, and the great quanti-
ty of handbills that were pI'il1ted, and 35,414,000 copies
of the volunteeI' liteI'ature, and it is easily seen that the
presses have been busy elUTing the fiscal yeaI' of 19:36.
In addition to the English publications, the type is
set, plates are made and books are manufactured hom
this office in the follolving languages, to wit:
Greek, German, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Rus-
sian, Italian, Hawaiian, Hungarian, Icelandic, Lettish,
Norwegian, Portuguese, Roumanian, Danish, Armenian,
Albanian, Arabic, CI'oatiall, Esperanto, Finnieh, French,
Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish and Turko-Greek.
Recapitulation
PRODUCTION REPORT-YEAR ENDING 30, 1926.
Bound volumes:
Books .. _ ........................ _ ..................................... 1,139,077
Booklets ............................................................ 1,804,484
Total ...................................................... _....... 2,943,561
50
Year Boola
niagazines :
'VATeH TOWER __ ._ ............... 1,576;300
GOLDEN AGE .................................... 1,864,900
Total ............................................................... 3,4.41,200
Tracts:
"Testimony" ................................... _ ............... 20,424,000
"l\1essage of Hope" .................................... 14,990,000
Total ........................................ _ ............. __ ""'_ 35,414,000
Handbills:
Brooklyn (English) ................................. _ ... 3,473,000
" (Foreign) ._ .................... _............. 869,000
Chicago _ .................................................. __ ....... 2,705,000
Oakland .............................................................. 895,000
St. Louis ..... _ ..................................................... ~ 0 5 0 0 0 0
Total ........ '...................................................... 8,992,000
GRAND TOTAL ....................................... 50,790,761
Increased Facilities
There has been a steady gro'\\'-th in the demand for
books and literature bearing the message of God's king-
dom. In order to meet this growing demand it became
apparent that our facilities for the pUblication and
manufacture of books must be increased. This was a
clear indication from the Lord to take some steps to
increase. He has commanded that the witness must be
given, and we may confidently depend upon him to
provide the means. For the past few years we have
rented a building and used much second-hand machinery
which we bought on time and paid for in instalments.
Inasmuch as we are paying a large amount of rent
which, of c{mrse, goes to those other than the Lord's
consecrated, the officers of the SOCIETY decided to at-
tempt the erection of a building. A lot one hundred
feet square, situate at a desirable place in Br<;joldyn,
was purchased. 'l'here is now in course of erection an
Year Boole 51
ei oM-story fireproof building on this lot. This will
g i ~ almost double the floor space we have had during
the past few years.
A notice was sent out through THE WATCH TOWER
announcing that bonds would be issued, secured by first
mortgage on the SOCIETY'S real estate, and in addition
thereto guaranteed by the SOCIETY, and that the money
derivec1 from such bonds would be used for the erection
of a building to increase our capacity for spreading the
message. It is exceedingly gratifying to report that
this issue of bonds was quicldy taken by the brethren,
and was in fact oversubscribed. It is also worthy of
notice that by far the greater amount was subsc;ibed
by those brethren who have a small amount of earthly
means and who took a hundred dollar bond. This is
exactly as we should expect it. The Lord has never
used the earthly rich to carry on his work. It has al-
ways pleased him to use the weaker things to accom-
plish his purposes, thus clearly demonstrating that it
is the poweI' of the Lord that accomplishes the result
and not man.
When OUT new quarters are ready for occupancy it
is the intention to install some new and additional ma-
chinery, and it is believed that then we shall be able to
manufacture 10,000 volumes pel' day. This work is
done by young men consecrated to the Lord who realize
that they aTe enjoying the greatest privilege that any
person on earth could enjoy.
It must be apparent to all that the most effective
way of giving the witness concerning God and his king-
dom is through the books and other printed matter.
Where families can sit down by their own fireside and
read, much can be accomplished in the way of enlighten-
ing the people. The far-reaching effect of the distribu-
tion of a million books cannot be fully estimated, and
52 Ye.ar Book
when we take into consideration that during the, fiscal
year more than three million books and booklets have
gone into the hands of the people of the United States,
besides the great quantity of free literature, we can
have some idea of the extent of this witness.
Pilgrims
A pilgrim is one who travels about under the direc
tion of the SOCIETY, preaching the gospel of the king.
dom. He is able to preach two sermons a day. However,
he who puts a book of approximately four hundred pages
into the hands of one who reads is preaching more than
forty sermons .in one day. From the Brooklyn office
during the year 1926 there have been brethren sent out
as pilgrims, who have engaged in preaching the gospel
in English and in other languages as follows, to wit:
English 116; Polish 10; Greek 8; German 11; Lithu.
Rnian 4; Ukrainian 6 ; Hungarian 3; Russian 2; Slovak
1; Italian 1; Syrian 1; Armenian 1 ; Japanese 1;
Colored 3; Total 168.
These brethren have addressed class meetings to the
number of 10,923, at 'which there was a total attendance
of 432,'191. They have addressed public meetings to the
number of 6,425, with a total attendance of 506,698.
The total mileage traveled by them during the year was
1,027,098.
Now these pilgrim brethren spend their afternoons
visiting the people in person, together with other breth-
ren, then in the evening they hold meetings.
A list of brethren who have engaged in the work dur.
ing 1926 under the direction of the SOCIETY follows:
Almshi, J.
Amidon, C, F.
Andel'soll, C. S.
l.3aeuerlcin, J. A.
Ballard. E, E.
llalzereit, P.
BankR, T. E.
Barber, C. W.
Barber, N. H.
Barber, R. H.
I}arkcr, T. E.
Barnes, W. B.
Bayless, R.
Beaty, C. B.
Beaulieu, E, L.
Beck, D.
Bennett, L. R.
Bergsbaken, E. C.
Bicl<ert, J. J.
Bodnar, P.
Boerner, H.
Boernm', Theo.
Bo:o;ard, J.
Bohnet, ,T. A.
J.
J.
Bridges, C. P.
Broadwater, L.
Bruested, H.
Buenger, P. M. L.
Dure:>"l" O. B.
Burtch, L. D.
Burton. R. G.
Carm<lut, 111. L.
Carr, C. H.
Casola, lit. F.
Casola, P. A.
Cattell, F. R.
Chamberlain, H. L.
Chomialr, D.
Chresomalis, E.
Coble, W. G.
Comuntzis, T. P.
CoufeIlr, 1\1. E.
Cool<, P. J.
Cook, S. H.
Cope, J. W.
Coward. :m. J.
Cutforth, C. W.
Cutrone, F.
Dague, J. ]\f.
Dawson, J.
Dawson, J. E.
Deaehman, A. L.
Dean, T. A.
DeC'ecca, G.
DeFehr, J.
Perderian, D.
Dey, Wm.
Do Wilda, C.
Dickerson, W. H.
Dihlman, W. G.
Dillard, J. W.
Dingus, H. H.
Dinsdale, S. :m.
DockeY, E. L.
Dona.ld, A..
Dorziotis, J. G.
Dougherty, F. H.
Draper, G. H.
Dubose, J. B.
Ebner, R. B.
Edwardes, J. C.
Eicher, C.
Rmery, n. S.
Eshleman, A. D.
Eshleman, A. J.
Fekel, C. J.
Fogh. M. P.
Franz, F. W.
M.
Year Boole
Frost, C. E.
Gamble, R. A.
Gerdes, C. 'V.
Giddings, G. M.
Goings, C.
GOUl', A. R.
Graham, A. 111:.
Gratteau, J. F.
Green. R. G.
Qryuie,yicz, R.
W. D.
Hamilton, R. J.
Hammer, P.
Hannan, G. E.
Harbeel" M. C.
Harding, P.
Harcly, 1. W.
Harteva, K.
Hartman, l\I. L.
Haslett, D.
J. W.
Rawlins, H. D.
Haynych, B.
Hazlett, H. E.
Hegner, G. J.
Hemery. J.
Hen', 111. L.
Hersee, W. lIf.
Hildebrandt, L. F.
Hill. G. C.
Hillman<, E. L.
Honr.:son, E.
lioepl'ich, K. R.
IIolllles, O. W.
Homlak, R. J.
Hoppe, C.
Howlett, II.
Howlett, M. A.
Rm1gings, W. F.
Insberg, A.
Jackson, C. J.
Jensen, K 111.
.r ohn80n, R. A.
Johnston, Wm.
Jones, C.
JoneB, G. W.
Kendall, G. S.
Kikawec, P.
Klein, K. F.
Knorl. N. II.
Koerber, A.
Krett, J.
Kutt. A.
Kuzma, L.
Lefller, R. H.
Lerch. J. :m.
Lindsay, L. M.
Litwin. G.
Loeppke, J. A.
Lowe, E.
Lun!\" J. C.
LuttIChau, C.
MlLcmillan, A. H.
MacI'hersoll', J. p.
lI1ndole, W. J ..
MUl'chant, A. N.
Martin, R J.
Messner, Geo.
Miller. G. R.
1I101in, V. 1,.
MOrtlJn, S.
1\101'ris, lv. O.
lIIosei', A. D.
lIful'l'ay, H. S.
Muzikant, J. R.
Nagel, C.
Naumetz. J.
Kes1,al', T. J.
Norder, T. H.
Orrell, E. D.
Padar, G. L.
Paine, R. E.
Pal1;o, 1If.
Papageorge, D.
Pappas, P.
Park, C. E.
Payne, J". I.
Pelle, W. L.
Perrin, J. R.
Peterson, W.
Petrou, II.
PhHl, N.
Picl'ering, W. II.
Pinnock, H. E.
P()ll<lck, G. R.
Post, J. C.
Prosser, C. S.
Quinn, A. S.
Rainbow, ,r. c.
Ralph, J. :m.
Relnseth, P.
Rhodes, R. H,
Rice, B. M.
Rice, V. C.
Riemer, R. H,
Roherts, C.
Robie. R. L.
Roemhildt, W.
Ro:o;ers, A. S.
Rutherford, J. F.
::!alter, W. F.
SRrgeant, W.
Schmidt, V. F.
Secord, A. H.
Seeley, A. L.
E. E.
Seklemlan, H. A.
Semrau, A.
Sexton, :m. D.
Shakhashiri, G. J'.
shaw, J.
Sheffield, E. D,
Shuter, S. A.
Silvey, T. F.
Sima, J. B.
Skaudvila, L.
D. A.
Smith, S.
Spring. W. H.
Stamoulas, M. A.
Statuch, M.
Stewart, C. E.
Stewart, H. L.
Sullivan, T. J.
Szabo, C.
Szewczyk, J. H.
Talma, G. L.
Taliaferro, E .. P.
Thorn, W. J.
Thornton, T. H.
Toutjian, R. V.
Toutjian, S. H.
Twaroschk, F.
Year Book
Twaroschk, G.
Umlauf, J.
Vanagas, G.
Van Amburgh, W. E.
Van Hyning, R.
V'an Sipma, S. M.
'Vachsmuth, .A. T.
\Vaicekons, J.
'Wainwright, F.
'Yalder, T. A.
Walrod, R.
Walter, E. G.
Watt, J. C.
1Veiss, E.
Wiberg. C .. E.
Williams, J .. B.
Williams, M.
Colporteurs
Wilson. "E. R.
Wise. C. A.
'''norowski, W.
Wood, W. S.
Woodworth, C. J.
Woodworth, W. E.
Woodworth, W. N.
R. D.
Young, Geo.
Zahnow, C. W.
Zakian, A.' S.
Zaryski, E.
Zazist, John,
Zdunelr, F.
Zink, L. F.
A colporteur is one who travels about from door co
door selling books which contain the message of God and
his kingdom. During the -fiscal year of 1926 there have
been in the United Stats 414 colporteurs in the regular
service, and 307 auxiliary colporteurs, or a total of
721 engaged in the service. The record of these colpor-
teurs shows a marked increase in the sale of books over
that of 1925. Their sales of STUDIES IN THE
TURES, 'THE HARP OF GOD, and DELIVERANCE for the
year total 166,181; and booklets 369,476. T.his shows
a net increase of 95, 019 over-the booklet sales of 1925.
The are wonderfully favored 'by the Lord.
They not only preach many sermons by placing the
books in the hands of the people but they hav-e many
opportunities of persona] conversation with the people,
and are thereby enabled to comfort many that .mourn
by telling them God's truth and how he will remove
theiT bm.dens. Of course, some people treat them badly;
and we should expect this, because this is the time for
the goats to manifest themselves. However, many people
treat the colporteurs very kindly, and this too is to be
expected, because now also is the time fOl' the sheep
class to manifest themselv-es. The colporteurs testify
YeaI' BooM 55
that the blessings they enjoy are very- great. The course
that they take, and the results they accomplish, should
be encouraging to others to engage in the service.
Class Workers
On a number of occasions it has been called to the
attention of readers of THE WATCH TOWER that this
is a time when the LOl'd is making manifest-a "remnant"
amongst his people. By the remnant is meant those
who faithfully and joyfully participate in the Lord's
service and 'who continue faithful to the end. In many
eccIesias throughout the country the remnant is being
made manifest. These classes are organized for service
work and delight to go out in the work, and all classes
that are dwelling together in peace are rejoicing in the
opportunity of service. The busier they are in the ser-
vice the greatBr their peace. This is exactly asthe Lord
has promised, because all such love his law and they
permit nothing to offend them.
During the fiscal year 860 classes were organized
for service, and there were 523 additional sharp-sh<Yoters.
The re:rorts show a weekly average of 1540 workers in
the class service organization work. During the pre-
vious year there were 1,089 in this branch of the work.
The reports show class sales during the year as follows:
Bound volumes 169,391; booklets 756,073.
The <combined sales of the classes and colporteurs for
1926 were, to wit: 1,125,549, or an increase of 207,773
over 1925.
Bethel Family Field Work
For the past year it has been thought well for the
Bethel family to serve five days a week in the office
and factory, and give Saturday to field serViice and
Sunday to holding meetings, etc. The results have been
56 Yea1' Book
vel) gratifying indeed. During the fiscal year the
family alone has disposed of 263 sets of eight volumes
and 257 sets of seven volumes, or a total of 520 sets;
also 5,710 copies of THE HARP and DELIVERANCE, and
48,190 booklets, making a grand t<)tal of 57,803 volumes
which they have placed in the hands of the people
dUTing the year. It is therefore seen that the Bethel
family has had the privilege of preaching the witness
in more than one way.
I. B. S. A. Week
The week of August 22nd to 29th was set aside es-
pecially for service work and known as I. B. S. A. Week.
Reports were received from 531 classes in the United
States showing 5,216 workers in the field during that
'week, and a total sale of 87,119 volumes. This was a
decided increase over the result of I. B. S. A. Week for
1925.
Financial
The Good Hopes for 1926 have been less than the
year before, although the cost of doing the work has
been more. The larger portion of the Good Hopes has
been spent in foreign countries, and for 1926 there is
a deficit of more than three thousand dollars. We have
faith that the Lord will provide all that is needed, how-
ever.
COllventions
During the year numerous conventions have been held
in various parts of the country, addressed by the pilgrim
brethren, officers of the SOCIETY and others. These con-
ventions have been helpful and upbuilding to the Lord's
people and have greatly encouraged the workers. The
brethren are coming to a deeper appreciation of the
fact that engaging in the Lord's service is not to be
Year Boole
57
compared with anything else. The Lord God is setting
up his universal empire. He has set his beloved Son,
his King, upon the throne. He has invited all who are
consecrated to him to lift up the standard for the peo-
ple, that their minds might be turned toward the king-
dom.
Everyone of the consecrated is an ambassador for
Christ and a rel)l'esentative of Jehovah God. Each one
mu.st render his account to the Lord. Many of the friends
are realizing that the designation "Faithful and True"
is .one of the titles given to the Lord Jesus, and that
there could be no greater title given to anyone than to
have it said of him or her at the end of his course:
He has been faithful! Loving devotion to the Lord,
and faithfulness, is that which holds the consecrated
in line and enables them to be strong in the Lord and
in the power of his might, and to joyfully march on to
vidory.
Each foreign branch is under the direction of a resi-
dent manager; and each one of these managers makes
a report each month to the SOCIETY'S president, and at
thG end of the fiscal year an annual report. From these
l'epol'ts to headquarters information is gathered, and
from this the annual report in the foreign lands is
made up.
Local Foreign Work
By the term "Local Foreign IV ork" is meant the ser-
vice carried on from the Brooklyn office in languages
othe1' than that of the English. This wOI'k is conducted
in the office under COml}etent assistants speaking the
languages, to wit: Polish, Greek, German, Lithuanian,
Ukrainian, Hungarian, Russian, Slovak, Italian, Syrian,
and Annenian.
Pilgrim service in the various languages is fUl'l1ished
as hereinbefore stated; also correspondence is carried
58 Year BODle
on, translation of the volumes, the publication of THE
W ATOH T{)wER, and the publication and distribution
of books and booklets- by colporteurs and class workers.
These divisions of the work are not set out in detail
for the reason that the total production and sales are
embraced in the account of books manufactured and
sent out from the Brooklyn office.
Of course all these brethren working in the foreign
departments at Brooklyn also speak the English lan-
guage, being members of the Bethel family and under
the general management of the office manager and execu-
tive. In fad the foreign work here is merged tbgether
with the English work, and for this reason a separate
and distinct report is not deemed necessary.
Foreign Countries
The work of all the foreign countries is supervised
from the main headquarters at Brooklyn. Some of these
countries are able to carryon their own work without
financial assistance, while others require practically all
their expenses to be borne by the American office. Of
course, the work in these foreign countries is handi-
capped to some extent by the limited amount of money;
but it is evident that the Lord would have it as it is,
otherwise he would change the situation. Our American
brethren are given the privilege however of being able
to contribute to the Good Hopes fund, much of which is
used for spreading the gospel in countries outside of
America.
British
Great Britain is small in area, but the population
is far above the average in intelligence. The work in
Great Britain has taken on an impetus during the year
suoh as was never before eJ..-perienced. The sale of books
in that small country during the fiscal year 1926 was
Year BooTe 59
far greater than in any previous year, 'and meaSllTes
up to what the annual sales throughout the entire earth
iotale'd prior to 1914. Gradually the order-loving peo-
ple of good will in that land are coming to see that
there is no comfort in what they ale receiving from the
systems and no hope is held out to -them, either by the
systems or by the government. They want to h.'1.l0W some-
thing about the Lord and his kingdom; and the SOOIE-
TY, as the Lord's representative, has the privilege of
carryil1g the message to -them. Brother Hemery, -the
local manager at London, has well covered the situation
in his report and the following is taken therefrom:
It can truly be said that the past year has been the most
ev-entful of all the years in which the Lor'd's people of the
Bi"itish Isles have engaged in the harvest work, in the wit-
ness to God, and in doing that work which the Lord has
now set his people to do for the honour and for the esta]}.
lishment of the kingdom of his dear Son.
The year has been notable in several ways, as ought to
be expected. There has been more activity in the Lord's
service than in any previous year. Those who have long
had a knowledge of the presence .of the Lord have roused
themselves to greater activity, and they have been rein-
forced by many who have recently come to a knowledge of
the Truth, and who have thrown themselves wholeheartedly
into the service of their King and for his kingdom. It is
specially int-eresting to watch how those who now conse-
crate themselves to the Lord enter with avidity into his
work. Only a few years back, when one saw the Truth
he ()ften took a considerable time to get free from the
shackles Qf Babylon; but now, probably because .of the
manifest breakuown of Babylon's claims, those who get
free .are immediately r-eady to jOin the Lord's army of
attack against that great city, the Devil's organization.
The urgent message ()f the Truth in this day of treading
the winepress exactly meets the need of those who now
i:leek the Lord, it gives them just the work they desire.
It is a pleasure to rePort not enly a large sale of books
anu booklets but a very 'Considerable increase over Last
60 Yeai' Boola
year's figures. The total output of books of all kinds carry-
ing the message of the cstabliJ:lhment of the kingdom js
662,006. The two main outflows of books are, of course,
the Colporteur Service and the Service Work by the classes.
The colporteUl's have done very well indeed, and have re-
sponded in a true spirit to their honourable service. Those
who have laboured long in the field do not tire; indeed,
t h e ~ seem to renew their 3'outh; and it is a pleasure to
report to 3'OU that since the London convention the colpor-
teur work llas received a stimulus, and many brethren are
now entering in and taking its opportunities of service.
T-otal books sold by colporteurs 292,]89.
'I.'IJe Service 'York is, of course, more generally confined
to the towns and suburbs. Great work has been done, and
the persistent witness of house-to-house visitation is bear-
ing its fruit. In this phase of the service the ofIice staff and
the other members of the London Bethel Home take share
regularly, according to the arrangement you made. Every
Saturday sees the I!'nmily off to the work in good time,
making an average of about 550 calls, with average sales
per week of 120 books, It is found to be a most enjoyable
feature of tlle service, and an aid to both physical aHd
spiritual health. The total output of books by tIle Service
Work is BeG,OBO.
The Country Witness work, by which is meant the work
done by lllotor parties in towns and villages where there
are no classes, is a very active phase of our service. The
bl'ethren who are engaged in it, though isolated from class
fellowship, are stimulated by their work and report enthu-
siastically of their privilege of service. There is hardly
a hamlet in Great Britain where the witness Ilas not been
given several times, a!\yays followed by regular colporteur
,York; and many classes IHlye been formed as a result of
this work, beside!; that a very large number of books has
been sold by this means. All Britain knows of the INTERNA-
TIONA!. BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATJON and of its message of
the establishment of the kingdom of heaveD, and that
"millions now living will never die".
At present an endeavour is being made to carry the
witness into the Irish Free State. A motor party and some
colporteurs are already there, and a number of other col-
porteurs are being directed thither. It is too early yet to
report on the probabilities. The north of IreJand has had
Year Boole
61
a good witness, but it has not much love for the Truth;
and we have to note with regret that many of those ther'e
who have been blessed by the Truth have not valued it
sufllciently to retain it. Frequently an argumentative spirit
has hindered the spirit of the Lord, and the 'love of the
Truth has faded away. But the Lord has some there who
are very earnest in witnessing for him, and who show much
of his spirit. These are blesseu accordingly.
The outstanding feature of the ~ e a r was the London Con-
vention. Arranged, according to your instruction, on a
larger scale than anything previously attempted, both in
that it had an international character and was timed to last
a full week, it more than met anticipations. As has already
been reported, the immediate preceding conditions, the chief
of which was a general strike ,yhich ended just before the
convention began, brought the blessings of the convention
into greater prominence. But of that outstanding week, the
chiefest feature was the public witness given at the Royal
Albert Hall, when Brother Rutherford addressed great
audiences on two occasions, and when the "Testimony" to
the rulers of the world was promulgated to the public and
to all men. The convention and the public witness, and the
wonderful output of books on the Service Day, when near-
ly 120,000 copies of "The Standard for the People" were sold,
made the convention and this current ~ e a r of 1926 one
which must be preeminent, not only in British service years
but in what has therrby been added to the general work.
The six million copies of the "Testimony" ,vhich were
printed for us in Brooklyn were received and at once dis-
tributed. There has been considerable evidence that the
message has bitten the clergy and some of the-ir adherents.
On the other hand, there is evidence that it lJas been re-
ceived with fav011r here, eyen though Britain is therein
shown to be the "seat of the beast".
There is no great change noticeable in the immediate pros-
peets of the work. At the moment of writing, the long
protracted miners' lockout seems as if it might be brought
to an end; the miners are starving, and apparently are be-
ing compelled to ask the mine owners for work. It is dif-
ficult to get the truth of the prospective trade situation,
but in my judgment there is reason for thinking that ther'e
is plenty of trade to be done as soon as there is coal for
the motive power, and therefore good reason for thinking
G2 Year Boole
that we shall find open doors for the books. We here leak
forward to the time when, in the Lord's own way, the
British people will be brought face to face with the fact
thut they in common with all humanity need Jehovah God.
Though professedly God-fearing people, the nation as a
whole is practically pagan. But undoubtedly there are many
thousands of good people here who, when the test comes and
the degradation of Babylon is clearly seen, will decide for
God as agninst both church and state.
In accordance with your instructions, the Pilgrim Sel"..-ice
was rearranged. The brethren report that the two-day
appointments are preferred; the pilgrims get more oppor-
tunities of getting acquainted with the brethren and of
helping them out into the work. It is reported that in some
of the classes there is not a very ready response to the call
for afternoon service instead of a meeting. However, the
change is certainly profitable.
The Public Witness work has been very actively prose-
cuted; 1,768 meetings having been held, as notified to the
office, and 7,553,800 folders having been distributed to ad-
vertise these.
Forty-five new classes have been formed during the year,
bringing the total number up to 400.
The letters dispatched number 75,9G3 and those received
45,859.
The British friends 1001;: with eagerness for the time when
the minds of the people wHI haye been made ready by force
of circumstances; and in the meantime we are doing what
we can to arouse the people and to comfort all who will
hear, by the ministry which God hns given to his people-
BRITISH TRACT FUND ACCOUNT FOR 1926
Receipts ............................... ___ ._ ....... _ .. _ .. _... 6622. 8. 8
Expenditures:
Pilgrim Service & Conventions .. _ .. __ .... . 932.14. 9
General Expense
Office and Home ......... _._ .......................... 3552. 9. 1
l"ree Literature _ ....................... _ .. _ .. _... 2508. 3. 8
Public Witness & AdvertiSing ................ 1770. - 2
Motor Parties ...... __ .. _........................... 2980. 11. 2
Total ...................................................... 11743.18.10
Year Boole
(i3
Canada
Witnessing for the Lord's kingdom has progressed
in Canada during the fiscal year and the results are
exceedingly gratifying. Every evidence is given that the
Lord is superintending the work there as elsewhere, and
his blessing has been added to this. Here and there are
a few who are cold and inactive and who do little or
nothing in the work. Usually these are the ones who
have been long in the Truth and who have become
dreamers and think there is nothing more to do. Their
inactivity, however, is made up for by the activity of
others who have more recently come to a knowledge of
the Truth, and the Lord's work goes grandly on. The
local manager of the Toronto office, Bl'other Salter, sub-
mits his report and the following excerpts are taken
therefrom:
Once -again it is my blessed privilege to render to you
a report concerning the activities 'Of the Lord's dear children
in Canada, and as I do so my heart is full of thanksgiving
and praise to our Father in heaven who has so richly
blessed his people in their service for the kingdom during
the fiscal year that has now closed. This Is my ninth an
nual report to you and, thanks be to God, it reveals the fact
that the witness 'Of the Truth has far surpassed any year
heretofore.
TORONTO FACTORY
y;ith the transfer of our printing presses to the basement
of the new addition to our premises, and the installation of
the large Premier press recently supplied us by Brooklyn,
We have now an excellent and well-appointed plant in every
respect. During the year it has rendered good and efficient
service. In addition to printing all 'Our printed supplies
required in connection with the office we have been able
to care for all orders for advertising material sent us by
the various Canadian classes which, together with the vol
unteer matter, numbered 2,400,855 pieces, .an increase of
,1.8,803 pieces over last year.
64
Yea-/' BooTe
SERVICE
The year's output of books in Canada shows an increase
of 3] ,904 over 1925, the total sales being 308,333 books and
booldets; and gratifying it is to report that over 40,000 of
this number were STUDIES and that over 33,000 were HARPS
and DELIVERANCE.
The numocr of colporteurs in the field was not quite aB
large as last year, the number being 63; but the result of
these faithful workers was greater than that of 1925. These
colporteurs accounted for the sale of 120,4G3 books, inclucl-
ing 3,094 sets of STL'DlES, which is an increase of ] ,313 in
sets alone over last year.
PILGRUf WORK
There have been engaged in this phase of the work in
Canada 17 regular pilgrims and auxiliary pilgrims, a slight
decrease compared with 1925, and a corresponding decrease
in the attendance at public anu class meetings. The atten-
dance at 1,818 public meetings was 151,709, and at 2,116
class meetings, 92,270.
The new policy adopted by the SOCIETY whereby the pil-
grims are given two-day appointments with evening meet-
ings only, thereby opening to them the privilege of entering
into the canvassing phase of the service, is greatly appre-
ciated by both the pilgrims and the friends. Already it
Is manifest that the Lord's blessing is restil)g in no uncer-
tain way thereon, as revealed in the results and tl1rOllgh
the letters received.
SCHOOL WORK
Formerly various "sc'hool teams" were engaged the whole
year serving the truth in the schools of Canada, with trw
excE'ption of the winter months when, motoring being im-
possible, they were routed to serve classes and to colport('ur
small towns. The results during the six to C'ight weeks of
harvest time were not good, and during the winter months
they wt'nt slightly behind financially, which loss was cared
for by the SOCIETY. This year we closed dO'wn the school
Work during harvest, thus enabling the brethren to go into
the literal harvest fields for six weeks anu thereby finall('e
tbemselves for the coming winter months in t11e colporteur
field. The result for the five anu one-half months of school
Year Boo'k 615
Ilervice this year as compared with the whole of last year
Is as follows:
19211 1926
Number of schools served 526 351
Attendance 12,377 8,131
Sale of books 9,860 14,659
Cost per school $4.52 $1.99
FRENCH WORK IN CANADA
Early in May three zealous colporteurs began an assault
on the enemy's stronghold, and blazed a way from Montreal
along the north shore of the St. Lawrence river by F'ord
to Quebec City. Here they crossed to the soutb side and
continued along the soutb shore with unabated energy,
heading for the Maritime Provinces. Many interested were
found en route, despite the thorough warning by priest!!.
At Riviere du Loup tbeir course was arrested when on
June the 14th the whole party was taken before the court.
They pleaded not guilty, were released on bail and con-
tinued their route. Our lawyer wrote the Quebec Cit]"
authorities informing them of our position and atating that
the action would be defended vigorously. Thereupon thA
authorities decided to drop their charges.
Arrests were by no ml)ans confined to Quebec. At St.
Boniface, Manitoba, a French settlement controlled by the
priests, a colporteur sister was arrested in the month of
May for selling our literature without a license. Sbe was
released on bail, and here again the action was defended
and the charges dismissed. Winnipeg papers carried a fair
report of the trial, and thus a mighty witness was given.
Despite the numerous arrests for distributing the "In-
dictment" in French last year, it was decided to distribute
another 150,000 tracts this year in the city of Montl'eal,
during August. Several brethren applied for license to
distribute, but were refused, whereupon it was decided to
do the work without license. The work was begun and
proceeded well, At the close of the first morning's work
it was found that one brother had been arrested. He was
imprisoned for a few hours. Pending his hearini the re-
m.ainder 01' the friends continued the work and the author-
ities did not interfere, being content to await the verdict
66
Year BooTe
In the one case. A splendid witness was given, and several
communications commending the work were received. In
due time the charge against the brother came up for hear-
Ing; and despite the fact that the same Recorder had pre-
viously condemned four brethren for the same offense, he
dismissed the complaint, and thus an open door was left
for further activity.
A French class numbering eighteen is now organized in
Montreal; and these, together with other French brethren,
are energetically heralding the good news of the kingdom in
the province of Que!Jec.
In Northern Ontario, at a place called Chiswick, a French
class of thirty members just "grew up". The colporteurs
labored in that district last year, and we had also mailed
the French tracts, etc. This year a French colporteur sister
was laboring in that territory again and "found" this class
of about thirty, all out of the Catholic churCh, but not in
touch with the SOCIETY. They were studying the French
HAlU' and rejoicing therein.
OTIIER LANGUAGES
The work is also carried on in Canada in the Polish,
German, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Italian, Greek and Hunga-
rian languages. While the numbers are not great the interest
Is strong, and those who are engaged in the work put forth
zeal peculiar to the Lord's house and much good is accom-
plished. More brethren are needed in that work and in the
Lord's due time it is hoped these will be raised up.
RADIO
The radio stations in Canada are four, and for the In-
formation of brethren elsewhere we give the call letters,
wave lengths and power, as follows:
Place
Call Letters Wave
Power
Toronto, Onto CKCX 291.1
1000
Saskatoon, Sask. CIIUC 329.15
200
Edmonton, Alta.
CHCY 1516.9
2150
Vancouver, B. C.
CFYC 410.7
150Q
CONYENTIONS
During the year twenty-eight conventions have been held
in Canada, nineteen for the English-speaking friends, four
Year BooTe
67
for the Ukrainians, four for the Polish, and one for the
Germans. At each of these conventions the spirit of the
Lord has been manifest in a marked degree and the breth-
ren were greatly built up.
The work of witnessing for the Lord's kingdom in Canada
Is in a healthy condition. The friends are happy and re-
joicing, and are pushiIlg on against all obstacles to com-
plete the work which the Lord has committed into their
hands.
Germany
The W orId War worked greater havoc in Germany and
in a more material way than probably in any other na-
tion involved. Out of the depths of their sorrow many
of the German people have turned to the LDrd and have
received comfort. As our faithful brethren there have
been moved by the spirit of the Uaster they have gone
forward under adverse conditions giving the witness
concerning the kingdom. In 1925 there was a measure
of recovery in a material way, but 1926 has been a year
of great in Germany and the people have had
a hard way financially. The efforts of the governments
to stabilize monetary conditions have caused general un-
employment and high cost of living.
Notwithstanding the great scarcity of money there
has been a wide witness given to the Truth-a decided
increase over 1925. In the year 1926 in Germany there
were sold to the people, and delivered, books and booklets
to the number of 3,3:28,658 volumes. This was a de-
cided increase over the ,Year previous. In addition there-
to our own plant there printed and sent out 7, 615,440
copies of THE WATCH TOWER and THE GOLDEN AGE;
and the London resolution and discourse, produced in
the form of volunteer matter, were distributed this year
in Germany to the number of 12,764,000 copies, freely
to the people.
Meetings were held for the German public to the
68 Year Book
number of 2,816, with a total attendance of 464,512; and
the meetings for the interested numbered 87,791, with
an attendance of 3,010,731. There have been engaged in
the service twenty pilgrims regularly. In addition to
this there have been auxiliary pilgrims in the service.
under the direction of the SOCIETY, to the number of.
222, which is an increase of 90 over 1925.
The brethren in Germany are very self-sacrificing and
are putting forth their best efforts to let it be known
that Jehovah is God and that Christ is King. Special
effort was put forth there during I. B. S. A. service
week. In that week there were sold and delivered in
Germany books and booklets to the total of 1,348,582
copies. It may be of interest here to remark that since
the World War the SOCIETY'S books and booklets in
Germany have gone into the hands of the people to
the number of 10,108,502 volumes, which means practi-
cally an average of one for each family. Of course every
family has not the literature as yet, but this shows a
tremendous witness.
During the year 109 new classes were organized in
Germany and enthusiastically took up the service work.
Besides this there are many towns wherein are small
numbers who are interested in the Truth but who are
not yet fully organized for the service. During the year
1926 there were 55 fewer colporteurs in Germany than
in 1925; nevertheless, the sales were greater. Greater
numbers have entered the class service work, and this
probably accounts for the fewer colporteurs and the
greater number of sales. Some of the German colpor-
teurs have been moved into Austria and Czecho-Slo-
valda to try to carry on the work there. The number
of class workers engaged during the year in Germany
was, to wit: 12,000. In addition to these regular work-
ers there were many others working part time.
Year Boole
69
At Magdeburg our German headquarters is located.
It has the SOCIETY'S best printing plant in Europe, and
is now equipped with modern machinery, has its own.
electric light and power plant, houses all the workers
and feeds them, has some ground on which to grow
vegetables; and about 170 brethren are engaged in the
work there. Our German brethren are becoming expert
in the manufact.ure of books. Only in the last few months,
however, has the Magdeburg factory been able to pro-
duce good cloth-bound books, and that only since cloth
began to be shipped there from America. The Magde-
burg factory during the year produced as follows:
Clot.h bound books, 555,000; paper bound large volumes,
460,000; booklet.s, 2,272,000; magazines, 7,154,000;
free literature, Testimonies, etc., 17,411,330 j making a
grand total of 27,852,330 pieces produced.
There have been sent out from the Magdeburg factory
this year 60,270 parcels and 9,663 boxes or cases of
literature. In addition thereto, in Germany are main-
tained nine shipping depots from which shipments are
made. The total parcels and boxes shipped from Magde-
burg and branches are, to wit: 340,000. Letters received
during the year 90,920; dispatched 78,099.
Notwithstanding the great amount of work c c o m ~
pUshed in Germany the.re has also been much opposi-
tion. The Devil has been waning against those who
keep the commandments of God in giving the witness,
and who have the testimony of Jesus Ohrist. Many of
them have been arrested and haled into court. This
required the employment of lawyers and many legal
battles. There have been pending in the courts this year
in Germany cases against 897 brethren. Out of this
number 460 of the actions have been tried and com-
pleted, and there remain 487 cases yet undisposed of.
In 421 of these actions the brethren were acquitted, and
'10 Year Book
in 1!5 they were :fined because of technicalities and fail-
ures of the attorneys to take advantage of the legal
points at proper times.
Of course this effort on the part of the adversary has
been designed to discourage the brethren and hinder the
work. It became necessary to install a legal department
at the Magdeburg headquarters, with a brother in charge
who is familiar with the law, in order to look after our
brethren who were arrested. The Lord has sustained
them and they go on with joy. The German brethren
are happy because they know that they are giving a wit-
ness to their fellow creatures, and that soon the kingdom
of God will be in full force and the people will be re-
lieved from their distress and suffering.
Central European Office
The SOCIETy'S Central European office is at Berne,
Switzerland, where a factory for the manufacture ol
books and booklets is also maintained and operated.
During the first part of the year there was considerable
disturbance at the headquarters in Berne because of the
activities of the enemy. These things are to be expected
because this is the time when the Devil is warring
against those who keep the commandments of God. The
difficulty has cleared away. A few have gone from the
service, but those who remain are all the more active
and the work goes on. Qlloting from the report of the
manager:
Although there has been It de<!rease or workers, more
actual work has been done wlth less workers who have
nwnifested fill the more zeal; the cost of production has
been decreased also, and the work is now being managed
more economically and systematically .... There is every
Indication that the friends in Swltzerland are renewin,
thelr strength and that the "remnant" are fighting all the
harder to make up for lost time.
Year BooTe
The countries under the jurisdiction of the Central
European office are, to wit: Switr..erland, France, Bel-
gium, Italy, Jugo-Slavia, and Holland. A. report of
these will appear under the heads of these countries.
During the year there were manufactured and shipped
out from the SOClETY'S plant at Berne 837,137 volumes
of books and booklets. The home office has had to carry
quite a heavy expense for this Central European office
during the year, but we hope that in the year coming
conditions will be better. Books, booklets, WATCH
TOWER, GOLDEN AGE, volunteer matter, etc., to the total
amount of 7,259,800 copies have been printed at this
branch and sent out. Letters and cards received 10,430;
dispatched 9,974.
Northern European Office
The SOCIETY'S Northern European office is situated
at Copenhagen, Denmark, under the management of
Brother William Dey. Under the jurisdiction of thai
office are the coulltries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden,
Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Esthonia. The Lord
has manifested in no uncertain way the approval of the
establishment of the Northern European office. Brother
Dey is an untiring and zealous worker, prompted wholly
by love for the Lord. The brethren have taken new
interest under his supervision, and the local managers
and other brethren have been 'working in harmony. From
Brother Dey's report the following quotation is taken:
It is a joy to be alive and sending you the report of the
work in the Northern European countries for the year just
ended. On March 31st the increase in output was but little
over 10,000 volumes, for the winter was severe. \Vith
the spring, however, and the London Convention, there <'IUl1e
a change, so that it rose to ]87,585 volumes. In all 73,003
STUDIES and !IARPs were put out, an increase of 83 percent
over last year; and 819,495 booklets, an increase of US
72
Year Boole
percent. The grand total was thus 392,498 or, including
Bibles, etc., 403,937 pieces for the fiscal year.
There are now directors in 188 of the 232 classes; and
as you advised, the local managers have arranged fewer
public meetings for the pilgrims so that the time freed
might be devoted to helping the brethren to better grasp
the new thoughts and encourage them in the furthering of
the work. As a result 650 brethren are out each week on an
average, while in I. B. S. A. week, 1500 swung into action
and put out 70,000 books. It was a wonderful time, and
we confidently expect next year will see still greater num-
bel'S taking part.
Of colporteurs, the legion of honour in the Lord's army,
there are 53 wholetime ones and about 30 aUXiliaries, and
these have put out 108,134 volumes; although in some parts
they must cycle forty-five miles between villages, with no
Intervening houses.
Bulletins, based on the American one, now go out regu-
larly, and the organization is gradually being perfected so
that the work' may be carried on still more energetically
and systematically.
On the eight dates fixed by the SOCIETY for World-wide
Witnesses there were 1040 "shouts", with 91,544 strangers
present and 9,164 books sold. Soon we trust that the Lord
may arrange for us to use the radio also; we are trying
to obtain permission for broadcasting.
On your advice the Swedish office was on October 1st
moved from Orebro to Stockholm, and we confidently look
forward to still further expansion in the work there. Of-
fices are now also opened at Riga and Reval, as arranged
w1th Brother Rutherford in London; and though at present
the harvest is plenteous and the labourers few, we expect
tn answer to our prayers to see many Dlore classes formed
and organized for service before next year i/3 gone.
The interchange of pilgrims has been much appreciated
In the various countries, and has served to emphasize the
unity of the work. The idea of giving pilgrims two days
Ih a place is proving very I;cneficial in these countries where
the di.stances are so great.
It has been a pleasure to colabour with the local mana-
gers, all of whom have wholeheartedly taken up every sug-
r;estion for the more effective carrying on of the work.
We hope that the lal1:'e Increase in output will enable each
Year BODle
73
of the four old offices to pay their way this year. It is
indeed cheerins to be able to report to you that every-
where the brethren are in good spiritual condition and
are seeing more clearly than ever what a privilege is ours
at the present time.
We shall all be much delighted if we can have a visit
from Brother Rutherford next year; the friends fl:i all
Scandinavia love him very dearly and, though we have no
rights at all, have come to look upon him as belonging to
us in a special way, us until this year he has never failed
to visit us when over in Europe.
In service week the countries under the jurisdiction
of the Northern European office placed in the hands of
the people 68,599 volumes. A little more than a year
ago it looked rather dubious for the work in Northern
Europe because of opposition there; but now, thanks be
to the Lord, the opposition has melted away and the
Lord's work is going on with a greater impetus than
ever in the history of that land.
Africa-South
The SOCIETy'S South African branch at Capetown
exercises management over all the countries of South
Airica, including N yassaland, Rhodesia and the Trans-
vaal. This is a great country in size but small in popu-
lation, comparatively speaking, and the brethren there
work under great handicap. The local manager, Brother
Thomas Walder, assisted by Brother George Phillips,
is putting forth a strenuous efl'ort to bear the message to
the people. The following is a quotation from the re-
port from that office:
I am glad to report that our figures show a substantial
increase over last year, the book sales being about 10,000
In increase. When it is remembered that this phase of the
work is confined almost entirely to the Europeans, and of
these there are only approximately one and a half millions
spread over a subcontinent totaling as many square miles,
74.
Year Book
the figures are very encouraging. Truly the field Is great
and the workers are few; but these have gone forth, some
working under exceedingly lonely and trying conditions,
and have manifested much zeal and self-sacrifice in their
desire to see "The Standard for the People" raised in every
comer of this vast country. In addition to the workers
reported below, there are consiuerubly less than 100 class
workers in the whole of South Africa.
In addition to the books and booklets put out in
South Africa during 1926, the "Message of Rope" was
distributed to the number of 282,500; and now the
"Testimony" is having a wide distribution there. One
hundred and fifty-seven public meetings have been held,
with an attendance of 12,933 ; and 199 pilgrim visits have
been made to the classes, with an attendance of 2,256.
Only one brother is giving all of his time to the pilgrim
service, while others give part time. In N yassaland
and Uhodesia alone 202 meetings have been held, with
an attendance of 6,734. We quote further from Brother
Walder's report:
The country is politics-mad, and just now "patriotic"
and racial feeling Is rUlllling high over the "flag" contro-
versy. l\liclst all this we I'ejoic"e to hold aloft the banner
of our King and the kingdom. and to bear witness that only
by rallying to it will the blessing of life in true peace,
happiness and prosperity be found ... 1\1ost of the ser-
vice work is being done by English-speaking brethren.
'Vhere the bl'ethl'en are busr thel'e is a happy spirit of
peace and hanllony pl'evu4ling. ,,"!Jere they have not ac-
cepted their privileges of service, there is often strife and
discord.
It is gratifying to note that the few brethren working
in South Africa continue with renewed zeal and deter-
mination and that the Lord is richly blessing their
efforts. The local printing press established by the
SOCIETY at Capetown has been a great help in carrying
on the work in that land.
Year Boole
75
Africa-West
The work in West Africa is conducted from Sierra
Leone, and in addition to that country is the country
of the Gold Coast and Nigeria. The Lord's work moves
steadily and majestically on. The following is quoted
from the report of Brother Brown, the local manager:
It is seen that the Lord has blessed the work here, when
we remember how the people suffered financially by the rail
way strike here; many of the strikers had to return to
work at reduced wages. Sierra Leone is well stocked with
books. The volunteer matter for this year has been al><
sorbed by the people more readIly than any previous time
in this country. The denominational churches are in dis-
tress and perplexity. The people are lOOking for the Truth ..
Brother Claude Brown has made an extensive trip
throughout Nigeria during the year and Brother W. R.
Brown is now on a journey to that country. Where dark-
ness once covered that land completely, now the light
of the glorious kingdom is shining there and some of the
people are rejoicing.
Albania
In the early days of the Gospel Age Albania was
known as TIlyricum. The Apostle Paul preached the
gospel there. (Romans 15: 19) It seems in keeping with
the Lord's way of doing things to now have the witness
given in that country at the close of the age. The pop-
ulation is made up of Greeks, Mohammedans and Turks.
They have a language of their own, known as Albanian.
There are only about fifteen consecrated brethren in
Albania, and these are doing their best to spread the
message of the kingdom.
Brother Stamulas of the Greek Department in Brook-
lyn, who is now in Athens, is being sent also into Al-
bania to assist them. Among those who have received
76
Year BooTe
the Truth there is Ii Mohammedan officer of the Turkish
army, who is now quite active in doing the Lord's s r ~
vice. In America there are about thirty consecrated
Albanian brethren, and these are anxious to assist their
fellow countrymen to get a knowledge of the Truth.
The Greek Catholic religion has control of the Albanians,
but now they are breaking away and are looking for
that which is satisfying and which is found in the
Lord's Word.
Argentine
From Buenos Aires the work for the Argentine Re-
public is directed. Brother Muniz, the local manager, in
submitting his report to the SOCIETy'S president says:
All the dear friends here, though not many, send you
their great appreciation for the Truth that the Lord brought
to them by your splendid help. So they .send to you and all
the dear ones with you their love, and I write mine with
theirs; and we all hope that the dear Lord may keep helping
lind blessing you that you may be able to continue impart-
ing those blessings to us In this far-off country.
Brother Muniz reports that there have been distributed
this year in Montevideo and Paraguay, from the local
office at Buenos Aires, 323,400 copies of the volunteer
matter; and books and booklets have been sent out to
the number of 3,355. The number of WATCH TOWER
subscribers in this territory, in Spanish, totals 880. Dur-
ing the year 184 meetings h"ll.ve been held with a total
attendance of 8,800. There are now twelve classes in
Spanish and German in those regions. Brother Ott and
Brother Gimpel went to the Argentine last year from
Germany and have been doing good work amongst the
German people. Although the distances are great these
brethren, together with Brother Muniz, have been put-
ting forth Ii strenuous effort. with splendid result/!.
Year BooTe
77
Generally the people are very irreligious, yet there are
a few who desire to hear the Truth. It is the privilege
of God's consecrated children, however, to give the wit-
ness; and this by his grace is being done.
Armenia
The Armenian work is directed from Beirut. Breth-
ren there have erected a wooden meeting house for
regular meetings. During the year there have been 134
public meetings with an attendance of 9,720; and 227
class meetings with an attendance of 5,912. Two con-
ventions were held in Beirut during the year, with 107
brethren attending. At these conventions 22 were im-
mersed. The Armenian books placed during the year
were 3,439 volumes. Sixteen thousand copies of the
"Indictment" and "Message of Hope" were distributed
amongst the people there. The :field there seems to be
great and the laborers few, but the brethren who are
doing the work are putting forth their best efforts to
give the witness of the kingdom, and the Lord has
blessed them.
Australia
The report from Melbourne, the SOCIETY> s headquar-
iers in Australia, for the year 1926 is gratifying. We
mUE't have in mind that Australia and New Zealand are
vast territories, and much effort is required of the breth-
ren to travel and bear the message there. However; the
witness goes grandly on. To give a full, detailed report
would require much space. A summary of the work as
given by Brother Johnston, the local manager, is here
quoted, and generally covers the situation:
Truly the Lord hath done great things for us whereof
we are glad. The year just ended has been the busiest
78 Year BooTe
and the bpst in the hIstory of the Lord's work in this part
of the field.
You will see by comparison that we have Increased our
output of volumes over last year by more than onehalf.
The brethren throughout Australia and New Zealand are
greatly appreciating their pri\'ileges of service ill the drive
work, and the message is g-oing fOIth with !I vigor and
volume gre8ter than ever before. It is very refreshing to
hear the testimonies of these dpar ones who, filled with
the joy of the Lord, rpcount their experi!'nces in his glad
service. A nMural sequence to the foregoing Is that the
activities of the Melboume otlice have gJ'ea t incrPflspn.
But the staff do not miud that; they are pleased to be fully
occupied in the dear Lord's service.
I. B. S. A. 'Yeek, August was a great succpss
In this part of the wOI'III, By tilP Ullh'PI',ml IIll[Ure of Its
appeal many were Inspired to engage in the sen'ice who
had not heretofore dOlle anything ill the drive work. The
results were highly gratifying. Iteports received f"om a
number of clnsses revea I that fit least 4.1:iG books were
disposed of during that week. That is a good rec'Ord for
Austrailisia, but 1 IUl\'e no uouut LJUt that it will he sur-
passed during the coming witness week in October.
The attendance at the worldwide witnC'ss on A lI!!'ust 2!lth
was not so large as usual, the largest recorded mepting be-
Ing 500, at Cairns, Perhtlps the title was too staid to at-
tract attention. I antieipate that greuter attelltion will be
paid to "Earth's Greatest Conflict Near".
The pilgrim work during the :rear has been considerable,
nearly 90,000 Illiles having been covered in our endeavors
to reach and to feed the Lord's flock. A total of 21.735
people have heard the message of the kingdom, and much
good has been ac('ompIislled. There ;:;tiII rpm a ins much to
do, however, and there will be no slacking of our baud in
that dIrection.
'l'hrough the kindnpss of the Head office we now have
Ii printing press installed unci in operation, and fire hoping
to effect a considerable saving on our heavy printing bill.
We are greatly indeuteu to the I3rooklYIJ oflice lind to
Brother Rutherford fur all the aSSistance, financial and
otherwise, received from time to time, and would continue
to ask for an interest in your prayers.
Year Boole
'19
Austria
During the first part of the year the work in Austria
did not progress so well as it seemed that it should, and
for the sake of economy and bett!'r organization Austria
was placed under the dhedion of the Magdeburg office.
There are five classes in Austria that are well organizer!
and engaging in the work, but there are several small
classes that are not yet organized for service. i n c ~
the reorganization the Austrian work is taking on a new
impetus.
The local manager reports from Austria that not
withstanding the handicap during the first part of the
year, in Austria this year there have been disseminated
55,943 books and booklets, or an increase of 13,070 over
that of 1925. During I. B. S. A. Week alone, in Aus-
tria, there were put into the hands of the people a;!
many books as in any previous three months period.
There is always great opposition to our work in Austria,
because it is a stronghold of Catholicism and the people
are much hindered by the "prison keepers". Notwith-
standing this the witness is being given throughout
Austria, and those who are privileged to give it are re-
joicing.
Blind
The SOCIETY maintains at Logansport, Ind., a branch
for the benefit of the blind people. This is in charge
of Brother A. L. Ball. Fifty-four blind brethren aTe
regularly served wjth the literature of the SOCIETY
which Brother Ball prepares for them in the blind
systems and sends to them. Amongst the literature reg-
ularly printed for the blind are the leading article in
THE WATCH TOWER and the Sunday School lessons.
Other blind people who are not consecrated are becom-
ing interested in reading the literature thus prepared.
80 Year Book
Brazil
Necessarily in a Catholic and priest-ridden country,
wherein the greater part of the population possess a
small degree of intelligence, the giving of the witness is
attended with difficulty. Brazil has a great territory
and few workers, ,but it is gratifying to note that the
work from the SOCIETY'S office at Rio de Janeiro goes
steadfastly forward. The local manager says in his re-
port: "The Lord has opened a large door here at present
to proclaim the 'l'ruth. The brethren are active, the
preachers are constantly preaching against us, but our
glorious King gives us joy and courage and we go on."
There are classes there in Portuguese and Ukrainian,
besides those for American-speaking brethren. Some
colporteurs are doing splendid work. The work is partic-
ularly progressing in Rio-Claro, Villa Americana, Soro-
caba, Parana, St. Catharina and Rio-Grande-Do-Sul.
There is a number of German and Ukrainian brethren
in Brazil who are showing real zeal for the Lord. There
has been a great increase of requests from the people
throughout Rio de Janeiro and other parts of Brazil
for literature concerning the Truth, and the SOCIETY
has furnished this as fast as possible. The SOCIETY has
its own printing press there for local work, and this is
used to print the Portuguese W ATCR TOWER as well
as tracts and advertising matter in the various languages.
British Guiana
The report from British Guiana for 1926 is encourag-
ing. It shows a decided increase over that of 1925.
From the report submitted by Brother Phillips, the
local manager, the following is quoted:
Despite a long drought, followed by a severe rainy season
which ruined most of the remaining crops, and the sub-
lequent depresSion of trade which obtains as a result 4)t
Year Boole
81
this combination, there has been a substantial increase in
our sales during the year. The total number of books sold
is nearly twice as large as that of 1925, and the booklets
fire more than three times as many.
This, we believe, is due in large measure to the regular
Sundaymorning-canvass of the outlying villages, which was
undertaken during the year. Our records show that more
than half the total sales were made in these villages. The
people are desperately in need of money, but are so anxious
for the Truth that the writer has seen, on several occaSions,
the last shilling in the house used to purchase our books,
and at a time when there was no immediate prospect of
replacing the money. We think that there must be many
blessings in store for the people of British Guiana who,
as a rule, listen to our message gladly, even though too
poor to buy the books readily.
The "Message of Hope" also was enthusiastically received,
and many were heard to remark that they needed it.
There has been a better attendance at the class meetings
in Georgetown during 1926: The brethren, in the main,
continue to appreciate THE 'VATeH TOWEll, which is regular-
ly studied; and they are loyal to the SOCIETY, recognizing
it to be the Lord's channel for the organization of his work.
Brethren have also during the year made nine visits to
the leper colony and delivered discourses and answered
questions. Many of these poor, afflicted people expressed
great appreciation for the Truth, and they look forward
to' our monthly visits.
The dear brethren in this part of the world continue
to show zeal and loving devotion to the Lord and to
per.Eorm their part of the work in giving the witness.
Bulgaria
There are now several classes in Bulgaria, small in
number. During the year one pilgrim brother has
visited these classes and has held meetings for 386 of
the friends. The message has been put out, in the form
of books and free literature, but not in great quantities.
ThEI witness is handicapped there by reason of govern-
82 Year BooTe
mental restrictions and opposition, yet the hope is to get
notice into the hands of the powers that be that the
kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Canal Zone
The work in the Canal Zone is under the direct super-
vision of the Brooklyn office and is giving a good ac-
count of itself notwithstanding the difficulties involved.
Colored
Under this heading reference is made to brethren in
America who are of African descent. This work is or-
ganized and conducted as a separate branch only with
the view of giving a more effective witness. Brother
Banks travels practically all the time amongst the
brethren, and several other speaking brethren are work
ing part time. From a report of Brother Banks the
following excerpts are taken:
The common people are ready for the Truth, and if the
clergy were out of the way there would not be halls and
auditoriums enough to hold the people who would assemble
to hear it. The people are dissatisfied with the nominal
churches. It requires about twenty months for one person
to completely cover the field of the present allotment where
there are classes of colored people interested in the Truth.
During the year there have been 240 visits made to the
classes, and the number of miles traveled was 18,375; pub-
lic meetings held 304; class meetings 341; attendance at
public meetings 13,315; attendance at class meetings 5,966.
The loyal and faithful brethren are to be commended
for their hearty cooperation, and the results as shown
from the work done throughout the year are gratifying.
While there is some opposition, of course, this is to be
expected. The adversary will strive to prevent the wit-
ness in every way possible. Amongst the loyal ones,
however, the sweet spirit of the Lord prevails, and the
Year Book
83
lIleal increases. The Lord's blessing upon this separate
division of the work has been manifest in many ways,
showing that the proper course was taken in having a
special witness given amongst the colored people.
Czecho-Slovakia
The work in Czecho-Slovakia during the most of the
year has been directed by our local manager from the
city of Most, but it has seemed more economical and
better to put this work under the management of the
German office, which has now been done. The "Testi.
many" is being given in an effective manner in that
country. A million copies of the "Testimony" tract are
now being distributed throughout Czecho-Slovakia, and
colporteurs are being scnt there from Germany, also
pilgrim brethren, to assist in the work.
There are eight well-organized classes now in Czecho-
Slovakia that are engaged regularly in the service work,
and other smaller classes doing what they can. The
increase this year in C)'A'cho-Slovakia has not been such
a large one, but it has been a healthy increase. The
books sent out during the fiscal year were 9,608 more
than in 1925. Fifty-nine public meetings have be2n held
during the year, with an attendance of 6,618; and there
have been class meetings to the number of 1,18(), with
an attendance of 13,050. The literature is being p u ~
out there in both the Czech and German languages.
Denmark
The local office in Denmark is at Copenhagen, under
the supervision of Brother Luttichau, who has been long
and faithful in the service. Brother Luttichau begins his
report by saying that the number of books from t h ~
office which were sent out this year was more than
double what was sent out in 1925. This is due to the
84
Year Boole
better organization and the greater zeal of the brethren;
the Lord's grace being the chief factor, of course. The
class workers, auxiliary colporteurs and regular
teurs have been putting forth splendid efforts in
mark. During I. B. S. A. Week alone 24,941 books
were put out there. "This has been a means of opening
our eyes to see what can be done by concerted efforts,
and it will surely spur us on to reach out for far greater
results," says the local manager. There have been new
classes formed and these have added fresh and zealous
workers to the field. At present there are twelve Danish
brethren giving all of their time to the colporteur service,
and six auxiliary colporteurs.
Esperanto
Esperanto is a language that some have attempted to
make universal. Brother Alfred Egg of Baden, Ger-
many, devotes his time to the work in the Esperanto
language. Brother Harteva of Finland assists at such
times as he can. During the year letters received in
Esperanto were 103 and letters dispatched numbered
2G5. Four issues of THE GOLDEN AGE have been put
out in Esperanto to the number of 231 copies. MIL-
LIONS, WORLD DISTRESS and STANDARD FOR THE PEOPLE
are translated and published in the Esperanto. There
is also a number of blind people who read the Esperan-
to language, and in about fifteen countries there are
about forty of these blind ones who are corresponding
with the SOCIETY'S office and reading the literature pre-
pared for them in Esperanto. During the year two lec-
tures were delivered in England in Esperanto. It is
interesting to Bible Students to know that the Bible is pub-
lished in the Esperanto language. While this does not
seem to be so important to give the witness, yet it is one
of the means adopted, and the Lord's blessing is upon it.
Year Book
85
Esthonia
The work in Esthonia is now really getting started.
It has been handicapped for lack of workers and for
other reasons. Brother West, the local representative
under Brother Dey, reports amongst other things as
follows:
1 am convinced that many hearts have been comforted
and refreshed as a result of our witness here. The popula-
tion llere is very mixed, as one might imagine, with so
many changes in recent years. Some are prosperous and
quite satisfied with Satan's organization, and others toil
with little gain and hope for a better order. Many who
previously had large estates bave had them confiscated,
and the compensation tbey get Is practically negligible. I
met one such family yesterday. They had borrowed the
WORLD DISTRESS booklet from a friend, and when 1 arrived
they were right l'ady for me and after a short canvass
bought four other booklets. A gentleman whom 1 recentl:y
luet, when 1 first introduced the books said that be
did not want them. Detecting, however, a certain friend-
liness manifested by him, 1 continued tbe canvass; and
f.nally he absolutely broke down and tears ran down bill
.;lIeeks. He really did want the books, but he said, "1 cannot
speak, 1 bave no money and nothing to do." I found that
he already had the 'WORLD DISTRESS booklet, and after mak-
lug another call 1 gi:mced through his window on my wal
"flt'k and he was intently reading that booklet.
Finland
The work in Finland is under the jurisdiction of the
Northern European office, and Brother Kaarlo Harleva
is the local manager at Helsingfors. The report from
Finland thiB year is gratifying, to Bay the least. Not-
withstanding much opposition that was stirred up dur-
ing the past twelve months by the adversary, the Lord'.
witnessing concerning his kingdom goes grandly on.
From Brother Harteva's report to headquarters the fol-
lowing excerpts are taken:
86 Year Boole
It is a great and highly appreciated privilege to send
you the report of the work done In Finland during the last
year. It has been a marvelous time in the service of the
Lord. It is true that the great adversary has made severe
attacks upon us and has succeeded in leading astray some
of those who have been with us; but he has not been able
to hinder the work, which has gone grandly forward, and
we have seen the fulfilment of the prophecy of Jesus, in
Matthew 25: 28: "Take therefore the talent from him, and
give it unto him which hath ten talents." Although some
have left us, those who have been faithful have experienced
the increase of their privllf'ges, and so the work has pros-
pered over all our expectations.
Although we thought that we had come to a very good
result last year, yet the output this year of 118,460 volumes
has been almost twice the amount we put out last year.
This is indeed very encouraging for such a country as is
ours, where the homes are very scattered. All our citiell
and towns together contain only about 100.000 families, and
of the 600,000 families in the country di.i;tricts some live
yery far from one another. But the work is the Lord's
Itnd he will direct it to a happy consummation, and we
feel very happy over our part.
In this connection I would like to express my deep grati-
tude over the arrangement you have made, putting the
Finnish work under the general supervision of the Northern
European office. It has been indeed a very, very great bless-
ing here, and In all the other countries involved.
France
Work in France during the year has not progressed
so rapidly as we might hope. In fact the French people
do not take readily to things religious, especially where
serious thinking is required. However there are several
colporteurs working there, who report good success in
some sections. Several classes in France are quite active,
but with a country as intelligent as it is there should be
a greater witness being given. The financial crisis in
France has made it very difficult to place the literature
in the hanilll of the people. Probably this is one of the
reasons why the work there has not become greater.
Year Book
87'
Belgium
What is said of France may be said of Belgium. There
are several zealous brethren in Belgium who are doing
the best they can, but the work is not so great as we
hoped for. The Belgians, of course, speak the French
language.
During the year there have been placed in the hands
of the people of France and Belgium 43,232 books and
booklets. There have been 412 class workers and 27
col porteurs engaged in the service there. This is a good
showing, but we hoped to see it better, and we believe it
will show up better in the near future.
Greece
The adversary succeeded in doing much against the
Lord's work in Greece during the past year. His priest!
of the Greek system caused orders to be issued against
the distribution of any and all of the SOCIETY'S litera-
ture. Many books were confiscated and destroyed. De-
tectives were sent to our headquarters at Athens and
the books there were seized. Many of the brethren were
arrested and required to appear in court. Their zeal,
however, was not dampened. Trusting in the Lord they
have pressed on energetically, doing with their might
what their hands found to do; and now the Lord is
clearing the ... ray. It was truly a test of their faith,
but true to his promise the Lord has delivered them.
From the local manager at Athens, the report following
is quoted;
H is with great joy and thanks in the Lord that I arn
writing )'uu this letter. I am sure that you will be very
glud to know that the dear Lord has today granted liberty
to the work here. The internal Ministry of Greece today
has given an order to the Post Oft1ces throughout Greece
that all the publications of the WATCH TOWEK BIBLE &I;
88 Year BooTe
TRACT SOCIETY shall be allowed to circulate in Greece, "for
there is no law that can forbid them to be circulated," says
the order.
As you know, the previous government had forbidden our
publications; all the WATCH TOWERS that were sent here
were destroyed by the Post Offices, and some of our books
held, others destroyed, and others sent back to America.
1\ow we are granted the liberty to tell the Truth to the
people, with the stamp of the internal :Ministry that "there
is no law that can forbid" the publications of the WATCH
TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY. 'Ve all rejoiced greatly
and gave thanks to the Lord for his great favor to us.
The brethren now will go out in the work with such zeal
and joy as never before.
During the year three pilgrims have been working
amongst the brethren in Greece and also serving the
public. The report shows that 298 class meetings were
held, with an attendance of 2,107; and 20 public lec-
tures, with an attendance of 3,030. Most of the Greek
colporteurs during the year were compelled to withdraw
from the service, but now they are returning since the
edict of the new government. Notwithstanding this
handicap, during the year 11,263 volumes were placed
amongst the Greek people, and 200,000 copies of the
"Indictment" were distributed. The work now appears
to be in a much more healthy condition, and the breth-
ren are rejoicing and are pushing on with renewed zeal.
Holland
The work in Holland plods along, but a witness is
being given nevertheless. This is directed from the
SOCIETy'S office at Berne. Fourteen public meetings have
been held in Holland during the year. Two colporteurs
are regularly engaged in the service there. During the
year a total of 12,643 books and booklets have been
placed in the hands of the people. There are 250
subscribers to the Hollandish W ATC:a: TOWER.
Year BooTe
89
Hungary
The World War so disrupted the peoples of Hungary
and mixed them in with other governments that there
are many things there to hinder the work of preaching
the message of the Lord's kingdom. Part of the Hun-
garia:ns are within the jurisdiction of Rouma.nia, while
t}e others are under the control of the Czecho-Slovakian
government. In both places there is marked opposition
to the Truth. Frequently the literature is confiscated
by government authorities, on the pretext that it is
enemy lierature. The brethren are ostracized and perse-
cuted because they were non-combatants during the
World War. For some time the Hungarian work has been
directed from Cluj, Roumania, by the SOCIETY'S office
at that place; but the enemy has gotten in his work
and made much disturbance.
The Hungarian work has not been going on satis-
factorily, either in America or in Europe. The brother
in the Brooklyn office who was looking after the Hun-
garian work thought it more important for him to sell
life insurance and do something on the outside, and
the Lord's work has been hindered here in a large mea-
sure. It is regrettable to say that the Hungarian work
is in this condition. We are now pleased to say, however,
that it is being reorganized, particularly in the country
of Czecho-Slovakia; and the Hungarian brethren in
Roumania have also been able to surmount some of the
difficulties there and are pushing on with the work.
There are many zealous brethren amongst the Hun-
garians, and a few ambitious ones whom the adversary
can use to make trouble.
Two brethren have been making pilgrim visits
amongst the Hungarians in Czecho-Slovakia and have
held 139 meetings, with an attendance of 3,109. Five
other brethren have given part of their time to the
90 Year BooTe
service. The exact number of books and other pieces
of literature put out is not available at this time; it
has not always been convenient for the brethren there
to keep memoranda and make reports because of the
opposition. In Roumania four Hungarian brethren have
been engaged in the pilgrim service all the time and one
a portion of the time. These have visited during the
year 979 c l s ~ e s and held meetings at which there was
a total attendance of 43,800.
India
For several years the SOCIETY has maintained a
branch office at Khottayam, India, under the direction
flf Brother Joseph, a native. This dear brother has done
splendid work, has held many meetings, has had the
literature translated into several dialects and has placed
a great quantity of literature in the hands of the peo-
ple. In addition to Brother Joseph three other brethren
have served regularly in the pilgrim service, holding
meetings for the public and visiting the classes. Brother
Joseph is now translating and publishing the "Testi-
mony," and that will be distributed in India within
a short time. Several conventions have been held there
durillg the year. These have been well attended by the
natives and much interest shown.
It was our thought that a greater attempt should be
made to witness also to the English-speaking people of
India. To carry out this purpose Brotlwrs Skinner and
\Vri,;ht were sellt to Bombay in July last, with instruc-
tions to open an office there and begin the holding of
meetings and generally spread the Truth throughout
India amongst the English-speaking people. In addi-
tion to handling the work in India Brothers Skinner
and Wright will also carry the message into Persia.
Year Book
91
Headquarters are now established in Bombay, and the
Khottayam office in southern India is now working Ull-
der the supervision of the Bombay office. Bombay is a
city of a million and a quarter inhabitants. Brothel'
Skiuner reports:
We have found that the Lord has a great work for lllI
to do in this country, a work which wlIl require manT
laborers. We feel sure there are many here who will be
glad to hear the Truth. You will be glad to know that the
work in Bombay is n'Ow assuming a definite and tangible
nature. My heart is cheered by the evident care 'Of the
L'Ord 'Over our labours. The mDnth 'Of September 'Opened
with some 39 addresses to call upon, which had been handed
in at the public meeting 'On August 29th. We canvassed
these peDple and the results have been gratifying-43
VDlumes and 40 b'Ooklets were disposed of in this way.
The reSP'Onse fr'Om English peDple, hDwever, was practically
nil, almost all the bD'Oks were S'Old t'O Indians.
This w'Ork br'Ought us in t'Ouch with a small c'Ommunity
of Kanarese, a pe'Ople from a state south of BDmbay. They
are educated and chiefly employed in business houses. Ther
have responded t'O the message 'Of the kingd'Om in a wonder-
ful way, and we have organized a regular week-night fuIuo
study class in their 'Own private meeting-room. Some 'Of
them, particularly their leader, seem t'O be really conse-
crated tD the Lord.
Last Sunday I was invited to take the regular Sundar
service in the Kanarese Church, a building owned by the
American Missi'On but lent to this c'Ommunity f'Or Sundar
services. Great appreciati'On was manifested by several of
the congregation, which numbers abDut 60.
~ r h e h'Ouse-t'O-house canvass work is also proving a source
of joy; the response SD far bas been fairly gDod, bnt we
have difficulty in learning where to gD to find Englisbo
speaking peDple. One family of Jews told me that tlley bad
bad a book sent 'Out fr'Om England last May, C'OMFDRT FOll
~ l I I :rBWB, which had been a real SDurce of joy to them.
When I showed them the BARl' by the same authDr there
:was great excitement.
The printing of the "Testimony" In Malayalam. UrdU
and Marathl is now being done.
92
Year Book
Italy
Not having any person fully equipped for public work
in all Italy, the work there has been limited largely to
colporteurs and brethren holding small public meetings
in the towns and villages. During the year, however,
there have been placed in the hands of the people 11,729
books and booldets, besides a large quantity of free
literature. The brethren in Italy are not great in num-
ber but they are zealous for the Lord. While the work
is not so large as we might hope, still we are not at all
discouraged, seeing that the witness is being given in
that country and that the people will never be able to say
that they had no opportunity to know of the Lord's
kingdom being brought in.
Jamaica
The efforts on the part of the SOCIETY are put forth
to reach all lands wherein the name of the Lord is
named-the continents and the isles of the sea as well.
During the year there have been in Jamaica, B. W. I.,
four pilgrims in the service. They have held public
meetings to the number of 141, with a total attendance
of 13,337; and have held 121 class meetings, with an
attendance of 3,562; and thus doing, they have traveled
2,197 miles. During the year five colporteurs have been
in the regular service, the total number of books and
booklets placed being 8,139 in that period. In addition
to this, free literature to the number of 41,500 copies
have gone into the hands of the people. The local man-
ager, Brother Davidson, in his report says:
In spite of the many severe trials and testlngs, the year
bas been one of the best, because oj' the rIch blessings which
we have received from being engaged In active servIce
in harmony wIth the head office oj' the SOCIETY, and OD
account of the clearer understanding 01. many 01. the proph-
ecies which are now due to be understood.
Year BooTe
9.3
Bible Students in Jamaica, with few exceptions, appre-
ciate very highly the service of the SOCIETY and esteem it
a privilege to cooperate in the work that is now being done.
I am glad to say that the work progresses under the fol-
lowing heads: Pilgrim work, Colporteur work and Service
work.
Although there are not many who are engaged in the
pilgrim feature of the work, those who are thus engaged
manifest very great interest in the work and esteem it a
great privilege to advertise the King and his kingdom.
The colporteurs are also doing their best in putting out
the books by which the people are being enlightened, and
their joy increases day by day.
The latest feature of work, known as "Service Work",
has brought rich blessings to many who could not be en-
gaged in the other branches of the Lord's work. Many and
varied are the experiences of those engaged in this feature
of tlb.e work, and great is the joy e}"'"P6rienced.
This feature of the work is greatly assisted by the use
of a car which takes some of the workers to various pOints,
and many have the privilege of thus serving. We are trul1
glad for this feature of the work.
I must also say that the classes are receiving much bless-
ing through the study of THE WATCH TOWER. They are also
taking an active part in the work of the kingdom.
Japan
During the past year the work amongst the Japanese
on the Pacific Coast, Hawaii and other places, as well
as in Japan, has progressed in a very satisfactory m n ~
nero Brother Akashi was sent by the SOCIETY to Hawaii
aneL then to Japan. He remained in Hawaii several
months, and during that time a class of fifteen fully
consecrated Japanese was organized; and these are now
participating actively in the spreading of the gospel
amongst the Japanese in the Hawaiian Islands. This
Ha,waiian Japanese class now has two Berean studies
in the HARP each week, on Sunday and Friday, and a
testimony meeting every Wednesday evening. One of
thElie Japanese brethren who has but recently come into
94
Year BooTe
the Truth sold 13 books in one hour, whHe a Japanese
sister sold about the same number in an hour and a
half. A Japanese director has been appointed for the
work in Hawaii.
After the Japanese work in Hawaii was organized,
:Brother Akashi then proceeded to Japan. He is now in
Tokio with a stock of THE HARP, STANDARD FOR THE
PEOPLE, and a number of other booklets, and is now
also making mats for the printing of the DELIVERANCE
book in Japanese. From there he goes to Kobe, where
there is a class of Japanese Bible Students. In his re-
port Brother Akashi says:
The Japnnese people are very hungry for the good news.
They are st"uggling to get their daily brend, and many
commit suicide because it is so hard to live. My privileges
are great to carry them the message of comfort, and I am
glad to rememuer that the battle is not ours but the LoTtI's.
Jugo-Slavia
J ugo-Slavia is one of the new countries carved out
by the League of Nations. Its population is made up of
Serbians, Croatians, Slovenians and Germans. The
Serbians are Greek Catholics, while the Croatians and
Slavians arc Roman Catholics. There are few Protes-
tants in the land. Many of the people are very illiterate,
although some are well educated; and almost all are peo-
pIps of good will. We have considerable of the literature
in the Croatian language, and some in the Serbian and
other languages used there. There are about forty zeal-
ous brethren in the land who are doing their best to
spread the message of the kingdom, giving the witness
as the Lord commands. One brother, who is well edu-
cated and who speaks Serbian, Croatian, German and
French, is translating for the SOCIETY. The SOCIETY is
establishing a local branch at Panceva, with Brother
lliga Yaksic as local manager.
Year Boole
95
Korea
The SOCIETY'S office at Seoul, Korea, continues to
put forth an effort to spread the gospel. The SOCIETY
has a small printing plant there and publishes literature
in the Korean and Chinese languages. N ow Brother
Akashi will go over and use the presses at Seoul for the
Japanese work as well. One of our brethren in Korea,
Brother Park, has made long journeys on foot, one trip
being of about two thousand miles, canvassing for the
books and holding public meetings. He has met special
opposition from the Protestant missionaries, as is the
case everywhere. He reports that in each instance the
native police helped him and got him out of the trouble.
On this journey he put into the hands of the people
2,426 books and booklets carrying the message of the
kingdom. The people are very poor in Korea, and it is
difficult for them to purchase the books. It is also to be
taken into consideration that not many Koreans are m..
terested in the Christian religion.
Latvia
Latvia is one of the countries where the work has
recently started under the direction of the SOCIETy'S
Northern European office. Headquarters for Latvia is
at lUga. During the year a goodly number of free tracts
have been placed in the hands of the people, two classes
have been organized for service work, eleven have entered
the active service, and one brother is in the pilgrim
service there, in addition to the occasional visits of
Brother Dey from the Northern European office.
er Taylor, the local brother looking after the work in
Latvia, says amongst other things in his report:
Lord's blessing bas been very richly upon our worll
here in the last three months. At the beginning of Jul1
a small convention was held in Riga, and the friends tool!
96 Year BooTe
part in their first service drive. Since then they have, been
seeing their privileges even more clearly, and have become
very zealous in their care of the kingdom interests here.
During the war, the people here suffered much, Riga it
s0lf having been occupied four times, including the Bolshe-
yiks. Conditions are now very bad; in Riga alone 240
factories are idle, and in other large towns it is the same.
So ours is a joyful privilege, in being able to tell the pe0-
ple about the incoming kingdom. The harvest, I am sure,
will be a big one, but the labourers are very few indeed.
Additionally, the people here spealr three different languages,
Lettish, German and Russian. This makes it more difficult
to work among them, but we pray the Lord that he will
seud more labourers into the harvest.
In September we held public witness in three towns, and in
all 975 people attended, and 600 books were sold. The Devil
tried his very best to stop these meetings, in many different
ways; but we held them, and very great interest was mani
fested at each. Many were the expressions of gratitude after
the meetings, and numerous requests for further lectures
and studies.
Lithuania
This is another one of the Baltic states where the
Truth has recently been carried under the supervision
of the SOCIETY. During the year there have been distri-
buted upwards of 13,000 books and booklets, and 30,000
copies of the "Message of Hope". There has been one
pilgrim engaged in the service who, with other brethren,
has held 45 public meetings, which have had a total
attendance of 9,313. Two colporteurs are engaged in
the service in Lithuania. Brother Zavist, the local rep-
resentative, in his report says:
It is a pleasure to send you the year's report for 1926.
As you know this is a Catholic country. The clerical party
has been in power. In January they ordered me to leave
the country within seven days. In May, however, the
Social-Democrats came into power and are separating
church from state. Already there is more freedom to ,lve
out the Truth. The people are hungering for it. After ever1
Year Boole
97
lecture they asked: "'Vhen will yQU CQme again?" At Mari-
jampQlis last mQnth the theatre was packed with seven to
eight hundred pe'Ople, and the bQ'Oks went like a sn'Owball
in a fire. It is a real pleasure tQ deliver the message 'Of
Truth with such blessings 'Of the Lord.
During the year 45 public meetings were held, with an
attendance 'Of 9,213; and in all; a tQtal 'Of 13,163 b'OQks and
bQ'Oklets were distributed. In the CQuntry the average wage
is but $3 a week. Theref'Ore I WQuid like if PQssible that
THE WATCH TQWER be made cheaper here than $1.50. In
July a I'Ocal CQnventiQn was held in Mazeikiai, attended by
35, including s'Ome brethren frQm Memel. We disPQsed 'Of
277 bo'Oks in a mQrning's service, and ten dear brethren
syinbolized in a nearby river their cQnsecratiQn tQ the
It is due the class at Memel tQ say that they have helped
very much in the wQrk. ThQugh they have t'O cycle 20 kilo-
.meters miles) each way, frQm what was German
territQry to Lithuania pr'Oper, and can wQrk 'Only 'On Sun-
days, yet they S'Old mQre than half 'Of the ab'Ove b'O'Oks.
Norway
Norway is under the direct management 'Of the
N 'Orthern Eur'Opean 'Office but makes its rep'Ort to the
main 'Office like all 'Other c'Ountries. During the year
8,830 cl'Oth b'Ound books have been placed in the hands
of the people; paper covered books to the number 'Of
43,650; SCENARIOS to the total of 278; Bibles, bo'Oklets,
etc., 1,424; tracts distributed 269,500. There are four-
teen classes organized for the service w'Ork, 120 friends
regularly engaged in the service work, and tW'O brethren
are engaged in the pilgrim service. Brother Enok Oman,
the local manager, in his report says:
The w'Ork-year just ended has given us several mQre
prQ'Ofs 'Of the fact that it is the Lord himself wh'O is leading
his w'Ork, far up here in the n'Orth. As yQU kn'Ow, the n'Orth
'Of N'Orway is the n'OrthernmQst place 'On earth where thl"
Truth is knQwn. Travel and c'OmmunicatiQn are very diffi-
cult. In some parts it takes from fourteen ro eighteen h'Ours
to go from 'One class to another. But we are glad ro sat
98 Year BooM
that the work has been blessed of our dear Lord this year.
The Norwegian people have this year had many troubles;
the ",Vorkers' papers say that Norway has had more lock-
outs and strikes this year than any other place on earth.
Of the two and a half millions of people, more than 20,000
workers are out of work, and the business life is very
slack. The people seem now more and more to listen to
the Truth, and we are enthusiastic to have the privilege
of lifting up the standard for them.
All of us here are very thankful to you for sending us
Brother Dey. We love him; his unselfishness and zeal are
encouraging to us. Through him the work has been better
orgallized, especially the getting of the friends out into the
work; and the exchanging of the speaking brothers from
the different countries is a great help. More and more of
the friends are getting their eyes opened to see their priv-
ileges to get into the ranks in this wonderful time.
Indeed we are enjoying the wonderful light we get
through THE WATCH TOWER. The classes are studying the
leading articles and are feeling much blessed by them.
Palestine
An office of the SOCIETY is still maintained in Ram
Allah, Palestine, and the brethren are doing their best
to give the witness there. Some of them speaking
Arabic and other languages reside in Jerusalem. emf:-
FORT FOR THE JEWS has been delivered to several Jews
in Jerusalem, who have rejoiced very greatly in wha1
they have read. It is a happy privilege that is given to
the Lord's people now to give some witness in the land
where the feet of our Savior trod.
Poland
During the year there has been a great deal of dis-
tress amongst the Lord's people in Poland, in fact
amongst all the population. Notwithstanding this the
SOCIETY'S representative at Warsaw reports that the
efforts of the friends have been greatly blessed. During
the year three brethren have been regularly engaged in
Year Boole
99
the pilgrim service, and six auxiliary brethren engaged
in the same service. Public lectures have been held to
the number of 395, with an attendance of 61,065. Class
meetings have been held to the number of 672, with an
attendance of 29,248. Fifteen conventions have been
held. Books and booklets, including Bibles, placed in
the ha.nds of the people during the year total 259,468.
Recently the friends have been enjoying more liberty
in the spreading of the Truth, and now the Truth is
spreading more rapidly. Publication of THE GOLDEN
AGE in Polish having been done in Switzerland, and
this having been interfered with by the Swiss g o v r n ~
ment, has somewhat hindered the work. A Polish brother
was sent from Warsaw to Berne, Switzerland, to work
on the Polish edition of THE GOLDEN AGE, but the
Swiss government would not permit him to remain
there. The adversary seems to make all the trouhle
he can, and the Lord permits just enough to develop
what he sees is necessary in his people. The Polish work
in Poland, of course, keeps in close touch with the
Brooklyn office, and there is a constant attempt toward
hearty cooperation. All of God's people having one
spirit are anxious to give the witness, and this they are
doing.
Polish Work-In Northern France
In Northern France there is a number of Polish
people, and amongst these has grown up a class of
zealous, consecrated brethren who speak the Polish lan-
guage. The work among them is under the supervision
of the Berne office. 'rhe SOCIETY also maintains a local
depot at Lens, with a brother in charge. The work has
been handicapped there somewhat during the year by
reason of the fact that the brother who formerly was
there has returned to America. There are many zealous
toO
Year Boole
Polish brethren, however, who push on with the work.
During the year class meetings to the number of 303
have been held, with an attendance of 14,841; also 80
public meetings, with an attendance of 9,645. After
all, the chief work is to give the witness that the peo-
ple may know that Jehovah is God and that Christ is
King and the kingdom is here; and this is bei1lg done.
Portugal
The work in Portugal is conducted from the So-
CIETy'S local branch at Lisbon. There are now 450 sub-
scribers to the Portuguese WATCH TOWER. Books and
booklets put out during the year total 764. There have
been many inquiries by letter about the Truth, and these
have received attention. The following is a quotation
from the report of Brother Ferguson, the localmanagel' :
I think there is a great witness :ret to be given to the people
here, and it seems that the time has come when the people
will heed the message of the Truth and more will man-
ifest an interest in it.
Roumania
After great difficulty much of the opposition begins to
clear away in ROllmania, and the prospects are now
better than heretofore. The SOCIETY maintains a print-
ing plant in Roumania and makes many books. Prac-
tic.ally every pUblication that has been started has at
one time or another been stopped by the government,
&nd much expense has been entailed by reason of the
necessity to make defense and contend for the rights of
those who are striving to serve the Lord. Six Roumanian
brethren haye been in the regular pilgrim service dur-
ing the year, and five for a portion of the time, and
theee have visited during the year 1,837 places and have
heM meetings that had a total attendance of 85,149.
The books have to be Pllt out in it secret way, therefore
Yea-l' BooTe
101
the brethren must labor under great difficulty. Yet
they persistently go on in giving the witness. Much
volunteer matter has been distributed, and the SOCIETY'S
presses are now busy printing other literature which we
hope soon to get into the hands of the Roumanian
people.
Russia
It has been almost impossible to do anything as yet
in JRussia. The Russian govel'l1ment refused the
plication of the president of the SOCIETY to enter Russia
during the yeal', on the ground that he hails from
ica and that America does not enter into diplomatio
relationship with Soviet Russia. There are a few
sian bl'ethl'en, however, who are doing their best to give
the witness there. It is very difficult to get books and
litemtme into Russia. One brothel' from Russia writes:
W'e have ten believers on our farm here, also four at
Kourgan, five at Sharapkino, and six at Pavlovka. All these
understand the Truth. I supplied them with books, giving
one or two books to each. We are greatly in Deed of lit-
erature.
The Russian work in America goes on meanwhile,
and we aTe also continuing our efforts to get the
ature into Russia. In the Lm'd's due time he will
mit it there; if it is his will it shall be done. And
since the LOl'Cl has declared that the message must he
preached to aZlnations as a witness, it seems that Russia
must yet have it ere the end comes.
Spain
Dming the year the work in Spain has progl'essed
very satisfactorily, notwithstanding the great opposition
there. In June 1926 two of the largest radio stations,
in Madrid and Barcelona, broadcast two lectmes of tho
president of the SOCIFJrY, which reached all of Spain
102
Year Boole
and nearby countries. Another evidence of how the Lord
blessed the pUblication of the London resolution and
public address is that La Libertad, one of the leading
newspapers in Spain, carried a full and complete report
of that resolution and of the address of the president of
the SOCIETY, as delivered at the Royal Albert Hall,
London. When we call to mind that fourteen months
ago the Truth had not been even heard in Spain it
seems almost a miracle that it has spread there so re-
markably during this short period of time. Only the
Lord could have done it in the face of the great op-
position. From the annual report of Brother Young,
the manager there, the following is taken:
Our loving Father has continued to open the door nnd
has kept it open; and, thanks to your liberal assistance, the
witness has gone steadily forward to all parts of Spain and
her col'Onies during this year. The opposition has increased.
Several of the brethren have been arrested and their liter-
ature confiscated. Some have been thrown out of work, and
others have had to leave their villages because of the per-
secution. Jezebel fears THE W"ATCH TOWER more than aU
the Protestants in Spain. In the press and from the pulpit
the people are warned not to read THE WATCH TOWER; that
to d'O so is to commit mortal sin. In the "Edict" of the
Bishop of Pamplona, THE "WATCH TOWER and all publica-
tions connected with the 1. B. S. A. were classed as "heret-
ical, scandalous and strictly prohibited".
Despite the opposition God has blessed the witness in
Spain, and in the fourteen months since the volunteer liter-
ature bas been published here in WATCH TOWER form tho
interest bas steadily increased. The list of paid subscribers
to THE \V ATCH TOWER in Spain al'One now totals 805. In
addition to this 1023 Spaniards have become subScribers in
other Spanish-speaking countries, a total of 1828. These
have nearly all come in in nine months time I
The publication of the "Testimony" in L(J, Libertaa, Spain'.
lending newspaper, took the Midianites completely by surprise,
In one night over 75,000 copies went out to the people. Tho
entire "Testimony", including your London address in aU
Year Boole
103
Its strength, passed the government's censor without 11
change. Never before has such a powerful rebuke been pub-
lished in this centre of Jezebel's VOwer. This is the Lord's
doing, and is marvelous.
Foll'Owing is the summary of the witness given in Spain
during this year:
Vplunteer literatnre distributed in
WATCH TOWER form ................................. _ .. _ ... _ .... 319.150
Number of "Testimonies" published In La Libel'f;ad 75.000
Number of MILLIONS and other booklets ................ 1,588
Number of HARP OF GOD and Volume One STUDIES 1,337
Number of circulars and letters sent out _ .. _ ..... __ .... 2,527
Number of letters received ....... _ .... _ .... __ .......... _... 1,252
Number of lectures by radio ................ __ ............... 2
Local subscribers to THE WATCH TOWER in Spain 805
Number of foreign subscribers, Argentine, Colombia,
Me..,<ico, the Philippines, Cuba, Paraguay,
U. S. A., etc. .......................................................... 1,023
Number of WATCH ToWERS on regular order for
monthly distribution in foreign Spanish countries 7,150
Because of the many restrictions this witness, except the
foreil,'Il part, has to be carried almost entirely by the of-
fice workers. This makes the work difficult and costly, and
in no way could the witness be given except for the liberal
assistance which Brooklyn has furnished throughout the
yeur.-i\IaUhew 24: 14.
I had over 1,000 extra copies of La Libertad run off, and
those are being mailed to all the government offiCials,
mayors, bishops and cardinals.
Public officials in Spain hold titles from the pope, and
these together with the priests make it rather difficult to
give the witness; they would make it impossible except
for the Lord's intervention. Brother Corzo, who devotes
all of his time to the colporteur work, and Brother
111.aximo, who works at the colporteur service part time,
were recently arrested in Alcoy, a town in Spain; their
books and their literature being seized. The following
is from Brother Young's report:
104
Year BooTe
They were brought before the authorities and questioned
as to their purpose, nature of their work, etc. The mayor of
the city has a title from the pope. After seyeral duys under
vigilance they were told to leave Alcoy immediately. The
chief of police, who questioned them, however, finally bought
a Bible and also a HARP, and subscribed for one year to
THE ,Yj ATCH T o w E r ~ He said confidentially to Brother Corzo,
"You people are the only people in Spain who are telling
the people the Truth."
Spanish WOl'k-In America
The work in America among the Spanish-speaking
people has gone on very satisfactOTily during the year.
About 1,300 Spanish STUDIES and HARPS have been
placed in the hands of the people, also 3,000 booklets
and 80 Spanish Bibles. A large number of Spanish
tracts have been distributed, and a Spanish edition of
THE WATCH TOWER is published in America, regulaTly
every two months, besides the one published in Spain.
Two public meetings have been held in Southern Cal-
ifornia, and three in Texas, for the Spanish-speaking
people.
Spanish Work-In Mexico
Some colporteur work has been done in Mexico during
the year. Besides this, the local classes in Mexico have
been canvassing for the literature in the Spanish Ian
guage. Another new class has been organized in Mex-
ico; these brethren being formerly Baptists.-
Sweden
The SOCIETY'S headquarters for Sweden is now in
Stockholm, having been removed there from Orebro dur-
ing the year. StockholIll is a more convenient point
from which to carryon the work. It is in charge of a
loeal manager, and is lmder the jurisdiction of the
SOOIETY'S Northern European office.
Year BooTe 105
The work in Sweden has never been in as good condi-
tion as it now is. While it is true that some have
stumbled and fallen and turned away and walk with the
world, and some have become more violent in opposition,
yet the work accomplished in Sweden during the year
1'926 has exceeded that of any previous year. Organiza-
ti.on of the classes to do systematic work has been a
wonderful blessing to our Swedish brethren. Brother
E:neroth, the local manager, reports in part as follows:
There is still much to be done alon.g' the line of organ-
i:mtion, but it is a real joy to note how the friends are
grasping the idea more and more, that we are nl).w battling
under the King of kings and Lord of lords. And all the
faithful ones are highly appreciating THE WATCH TOWER
that brings still more light, refreshment and stilDulus
with each coming issue. More and more classes are taking
up THE WATCH TOWER for study, and report great bless-
ings therefrom.
Here we have had the salDe experiencp. as the Lord's peo-
ple everywhere, that the gathering of ourselves together in
<:onventions has been a great help and blessing. Because
of the -expensive traveling in this country, and becltusc only
EL very few of the friends possess motor cars, the numbers
Itt conventions are not great. Our main convention tllis
year was attended by 250 friends only, but its influence has
become far-reaching. We got something of the London
Ilpirit, and quite a number 'Of the Swedish brethren entered
1the colporteUr service as a result of that convention, while
100any decided to and did spend their vacation in cauvassing.
The above-mentioned lack of motor cars was especially
:felt during I. B. S .. A. Week, during which some of the
classes were suffering from lack of territory, i. e., they could
have reached far more pe'Ople during the time at their
disposal had they only had means of transp()rtation. 1. B.
S. A. Week as well as other drives proved to be very help-
ful here. During that week the number of workers engaged
in service was two and a half times as many as ever be-
fore. All wanted to be in the ranks. It was good also to be
able to tell the public that Bible Students were out all over
the world that week with these books. Then they wanted
to listen and know what it was all about ..
LOG
Year BooTe
Switzerland
During the year some of the brethren in Switzerland
became disturbed and caused considerable confusion, not
only disturbed in isolated sections but allover Switzer-
land. Of course, we can trace this to the adversary.
Some of the brethren who had been zealous in the work
became unfaithful and, contending against the work, dis-
turbed others. Brother Harbeck of America was sent to
Switzerland, and the Lord has blessed his efforts in re-
organizing the work there, and it is now going on better.
There is a healthier condition there and the brethren are
happier. Since the convention at Basel in May la.;t,
which has heretofore been reported in THE WATCH
TOWER, the friends have settled down to a more zealous
and earnest work.
Notwithstanding the difficulties the more zealous
Swiss brethren have put forth an effort to give the wit-
ness concerning the kingdom. The government has in-
terfered with the colporteurs and class workers, and has
made it very difficult for them. The distribution of the
"Indictment" stirred up the hatred of the clergy, and
these enlisted the aid of the political wing of the govern-
ment to make it more difficult for the brethren to wit-
ness. Brother Harbeck in making his report says:
The special siftings which came upon Switzerland during
the year have caused some to leave the "remnant", but
others are zealous and there is every indication that the
friends in Switzerland al'e renewing their strength and the
remnant is fighting all the harder to make up for lost time.
During the year the brethren in Switzerland have put
into the hands of the people books and booklets to the
number of 206,858 volumes. The witness is being given
and the Lord is blessing the effort. Sample copies of
THE GOLDEN AGE to the number of 197,808 have been
Year Boole
107
distributed. The subscribers to the Swiss GOLDEN AGE
have increased by 965 during the year. During the year
25 gave all their time to the colporteur service and 1,265
in the classes participated in the service work. There
were 21 Swiss brethren engaged in the pilgrim service
during 1926. Meetings were held for classes to the
ber of 1,738, with an attendance of 78,241; public
ings to the number of 331, with an attendance of 26,469.
After the passing of the storm it is gratifying to see
the Swiss brethren putting forth so much zeal and
earnestness in the Lord's service. They are happy; they
have the spirit of the Master, and are rejoicing in the
Lord and realize that the joy of the Lord is their strength.
Syria
The SOCIETY maintains its headquarters for Asia
Minor at Beirut, under the management of a native
brother, a college professor. This brother has left his
secular work to devote himself entirely to the Lord's
vice. The interest in SJl.'ia has increased during the
year. Quite a number of additions to the class have been
made, and a goodly witness has been given. Thus the
Lord is carrying the message to the ancient lands as well
as to the more modern civilization.
Trinidad
The Trinidad, B. W. 1., branch of the SOCIETY'S work
is in the Port of Spain. Trinidad is an island north of
Venezuela, South America; and while the friends there
are not great in number, they are great in zeal for the
Lord and for his cause. During the year 2,738 class
meetings have been held in Trinidad, with a total at-
tendance of 42,708; aRd 153 public meetings, with a
total attendance of 13,21)4. A total of 6,624 books and
booklets were placed in the hands of the people. ThoSQ
108 Year Boole
of the Port of Spain class called at 2,075 homes during
I. B. S. A. Week and delivered the kingdom message.
Brother Talma, the lQcal manager, Eays:
The brethren as a whole are in good cOl1fUtion, loyal to
the Lord and to his organization; and I think we could do
more were it not for the financial straits.
Conclusion
The little companies of God's faithful witnesses are
united in action under the supervision of the King of
kings. It is our belief that these are the feet of him who
are bringing good tidings of great joy, about which the
angels prophesied at the birth of Jesus. (Isaiah 5 ~ 7)
Having received a commission from Jehovah to be his
witnesses in the earth, these also constitute his watch-
men. They are in harmony with the Lord and in har-
mony with each other, and together they lift up the
voice. This harmonious and sweet message of the king-
dom is sounding throughout the earth. All who are par-
ticipating in it have entered into the joy of the Lord
and appreciate the meaning of that joy. They realize
that the joy of the Lord is their strength. They are not
concerned about time, or just when the work will end,
but they are deeply concerned about faithfully perform-
ing the commission the Lord God has given unto them.
By their actions and by their words they are unitedly
saying, {(Blessed be the Lord out of Zion."
END OF ANNUAL REPORT
January 1
In l ~ h begi1lJfl,ing God c1'eated the kea,ven and the ea'rth.
-Genesis 1 : 1,
J'ehovah testifies to his being the Author of creation,
saying, "1 have made the earth, and created man upon
it: 1, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens,
and, all their host have I commanded," Before him we
bow in profound reverence and in recognition of him
as the great First Cause, We worship him as the true
God, the Designer and Builder of all things, and espe-
cially as the Creator of that which our senses discern;
namely, the earth and the visible heavens whose beauties
and glories delight us by day and by night, Such reverence
of God tends to our gaining eternal life. (Prov. 19: 23)
It is the beginning of godly wisdom, whereby we are
able to enjoy and view properly the manifold works of
Jehovah and to benefit by the earnest consideration of
them, In wisdom Jehovah made all his works, and we
may draw wisdom from the study of them.
Janual'y 2
So God created man in his 01011, image; in the image of
God created he him; male alnd female created he them.
-Genes-is 1: 27.
Jehovah, undoubtedly conversing with his loyal Son,
the Logos, said: "Let us make man." Accordingly the
Father furnished the plans and specifications for build-
ing the first man, even to the numbering of the hairs
necessary to make a perfect creature; and the Logos
carried out the plans to the letter, and has been inter-
ested in man's welfare from that time to this. What
a thrilling moment it must have been for him when
that periect thing, the result of his exquisite workman-
ship, first breathed, and opened his eyes, and began the
exercise of those l)owers which made him once and will
make him again the ruler of all the earth, the earthly
likeness of the Creator! Jehovah was pleased at how
the Logos had faithfully used the power delegated to
him and pronounced the creature, man, very good. He
loved this earthly son.
January 3
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepwreth.
ram for the eadh, who maketh grass to grow upon the
fflmntai'ns. He giveth to the beast his food, and to the
young ravens which cry.-Psalm 11,7: 8, 9.
The holy prophet marked God's providences as they
embraced even the lower creatures of earth, and was
moved to sing the praises of Jehovah therefor. Should
not we do the same? Jesus did so. Hearken to his
words: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And
one of them shall not fallon the ground without your
Father." Listen to God's own words to Job: "Who
provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones
cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat." Jehovah
provided meat for the ravens, even though they were
designated as unclean for Jewish food. Truly God's
love is broad; and we cannot but be benefited by a con-
sideration of his loving provision for fowl and fish and
creeping things. It reassures us of his everlasting love.
January 4
Out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every!
tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; ,
the tree of life also in the midst of the garden.
-Genesis 2: 9.
Jehovah was Adam's Benefactor and Friend. Before
creating him, Jehovah, like a faithful parent, looked
out for his happiness and provided a paradiFe of pleasure
to be his home. JehO\"ah was not merely interested in
planting attractive-looking trees and trees bearing fruit
good for man's daily food; he was also interested in
having man live for ever to delight himself in the Lord
and to glorify him on earth. So he made the tree of
life to gTOW in the midst of the garden. He intended
that Adam, when tested and proved worthy of eteTI1al
life, should partake of it and thereby have God's guaran-
tee that he should revel in the fulness of life for ever.
In due time every intelligent creature will have an
opportunity, under full and fair conditions, to follow
Jehovah's righteous commands and receive the reward
of being permitted to partake of the tree of lile.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
Janual'Y 5
"The works of the L01<d are great, sought out of an
them that have pleasure the1<ein/' -Psalm 111: 2.
I
:N" HIS marvelous works God displays his wisdom,
justice, love and power. '\hen man begins to leam
of these mighty works he is filled with wonder,
admiration, awe and reverence for the great Master
Worker. In that attitude man is beginning to learn
wisdom. No man can begin to be wise until he leams
to reverence and worship Jehovah. With profound re-
spect and reverence, mingled with fear and trembling,
man then seeks more knowledge of .Almighty God.
As his appreciation for God and his wonderful works
increases, his affection and love for the Mighty One
grow. Then he delights to know more of God's works,
and this pleasure leads him to seek them out. The
goodness of God and his works impel man to adore
amI worship him. Consecrating his life to do the will
of God, he now delights in keeping God's command-
ments. Such are the progressive steps of the Christian.
Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God, has always de-
lighted to do his Father's will. The true follower of
Jesus Christ becomes the eamest student of the divine
Word, and his pleasure is found in seeking out the
works of the great Creator. Then he employs his facul-
tiEiS to glorify his heavenly Father's name.
January 6
There is none Wee unto the God of J eshu'run, who rid-
eth upon the heaven in thy help, aJnd in his excel-
lency on the sky.-To him that upon the
heavens of heavens, which were of old.-
Deuteronomy 33: 26; Psalm 68: 33.
Many are the gradations of invisible principalities
and powers of rulership, ranging from the angels up-
ward. Man was made a little lower than the angels;
consequently he has to look up to these invisible plane':!
of power which are above. Very properly therefore he
may call these superior heavenly powers "the heavens".
But neither men nor heavenly beings can look to
anything loftier than to Jehovah God. He surmounts
all heayens; all are beneath his throne. By all these
heavens, or on all of them, he rides to the swift execu-
tion of his purposes. All his heavenly organization
moves in harmony with him. Despite his loftiness J e-
hovah does not slight his cause in so lowly a place as
the earth but rideth upon the heaven to the help of
J eshurun, his righteous ones.
January 7
There is no POWe1' but of God: the powers that be
Q1'dained of God.-Romans 18: 1.
All rightful authority proceeds from Jehovah. The
secular authorities on earth exist only because Jehovah
has allowed a limited period of time in which he suffers
all nations to walk in their own ways. (Acts 14: 16)
Even Jesus, after his ascension on high, must needs
wait until Jehovah authorized him to clear the Devil out
of heaven. The saints here below are not above Jesus.
The test upon them is to resist the world's influences
and remain supremely loyal and obedient to Jehovah
amid the sway of the permitted earthly authorities. We
may be sure, however, that if J ehoyah does not permit
us to strike a blow against these una.pproved earthly
authorities that he forbears to overthrow until his due
time, he will never consistently allow these powers to
crllsh and over his approved people.
-2 Chronicles 20: 10-12.
January 8
Kno'w ye not that ye are the temple of Goa,
and that the spirit of God dwelleth
in you?-l Corinthians 3: 16.
Each one who is a. member of the body of Christ and
who abides in the temple class, is the dwelling place
of God's holy sphit. Though a new creatme his organ-
ism is dill the body of flesh, and the natural tendency
of his flesh will be earthly. If he lets his mind be
governed by such tendency, it will search out and medi-
tate upon facts and things pertaining to gratifying the
flesh" Those who follow this tendency aTe not walking
after the spirit, but are in danger of defiling the tem-
ple of God and suffering destruction from the Lord.
Since Jehovah dwells in us by his spirit, let us not be
carnally-minded. Let us bear in mind that the spirit
of God dwells in us for a purpose; not as a mere hal-
lowing influence that removes us from the realm of the
pl'ofane and secular things, but as a power to enliven
us' and move us to accomplish that which Jehovah's
Word reveals to be his will fo1' us.
January 9
The L01'd of hosts is with us; the God of JMob
is our refuge.---Psalm 46: 7.
Jehovah is with those who are of Zion. The fact
that Almighty God has provided his kingdom, which
kingdom will overthrow the enemy, is p1'oof that he
has an army. "The Lord, The God of hosts, is his
name." (Amos 4: 13) Host means an organized body
prepared for conflict; a company of service soldiers,
waiting upon the Lord, ready for his war. Jehovah
1
the God of Jacob, is the God of Zion. He is the Most
High; making and carrying forward his plan at his
good pleasme; and his power is irresistible. In his own
due time he will lead his righteous hosts against or-
ganized and entrenched wickedness, and will sweep the
n ~ r n y and his organization before him with the broom
of destmction. "So shall the Lord of hosts come down
to flght for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof."-
Isaiah 31: 4.
January 10
The L01'd reigneth " let the people tremble: he sitteth
between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
-Psalm 99: 1.
J ehovall has inaugurated the kingdom of his dear
'Son. Represented by his Messenger, Wl10 came to his
temple in 1918, Jehovah is now seated in glory amidst
the cherubim. The Revelator John caught a vision of
Jehovah upon his throne and round about him four
beasts, symbolically representing wisdom, love
and power. Prior to this time it has been made to
appear that God is unjust, because so much unrighteous-
ness is practised amongst men, who say that God is
responsible for it. It has been represented that God's
power is IDsuffident to restrain evil; that he is not wise
enough to establish a different condition; and that he is
not a God of love, otherwise he would not permit so
much suffering. Now the time has come for the four
divine attributes of Jehovah to be expressed plainly.
Zion, organization, is the instrument being used to
publish these great attributes of his as working in
harmony.
January 11
God hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
-1 Thessalonians it-: 8.
The spirit of Jehovah is love, because God is love.
Ris disposition is to do good unto all. Everything that
our Father and our Lord do is prompted by love. When
begotten and anointed of the holy spirit, we receive the
the spirit of the Lord; hence we receive the spirit as
a gift from him. ".As he is, so are We in this world."
"He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but
God." .As we come in contact with those of the world
and present to them the gospel of the kingdom, we may
be rebuffed, spurned, ill-treated, slandered, and abused.
But, remembering that we have received from God his
spirit, we shall pity those who persecute us and shall
watch for opportunities to do them good, especially to
present unto them the balm of God's message when
trouble breaks their spirit and makes them needy of
God's comfort.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
January 12
"The beginning of the creation of God."
-Revelation 3: 14.
B
EFORE the beginning of creation God was alone.
I Then it delighted the Creator to bring into ex-
istence the Logos his bel-oved Son. The beginning
of God's crcation has always been and ever will be his
greatest joy. One of the titles of the Logos is "The
Bright and Morning Star". He is always resplendently
shedding forth the glory of his Father. He has always
occupied a confidential relationship to Jehovah. He
was entrusted with the great work of the redemption
of man. Under the most crucial test he proved the most
com plete devotion to his Father and was given the title
"Faithful and True". He was made the mighty Priest
unto God, 'which office was foreshadowed by Uelchizedek,
and is henceforth and for ever the great Executive
Officer of the Almighty God. He occupies the highest
position next to his Father. He is the anointed King
whom God has placed upon his throne. Now with joy
he engages in the work of cleansing the universe and
establishing a righteous government which shall endure
for ever. God has graciously arranged that the church,
the bride of his beloved Son, shall be associated with
him in this marvelous work.
January 13
PM the word of the Lord is righL' and all his works
m'e done in t1uth.-Psalm 33: 4.
The works of Jehovah are not like those of Satan,
works of hypocrisy, sham, imitation or counterfeiting.
They are true works, able to bear the most searching
investigation. Hence they have his approval. The Bible,
written by holy men of old who were inspired by his
spirit, is his Word; and hence it is right and true Rnd
will abide for ever. God has manifested his works and
his dealings unto his church in recent yeare. These are
not deceptive nor imaginary works, as those who go out
from us would like to make us believe. They are hue
works of Jehovah, unerring in the glorious objective
toward which they are working. It is because of this
that these works have successfully withstood the com-
bined assaults of all the forces of darkness and untruth,
They shall continue to stand through the shaking
period now on; for they are true.
January 14
He that spared not his own, Son, but deli've1'ed him up
fM us all, how shall he not with him also f'reely
give 'U.s all things?-Rornans 8: 32,
In his unbounded love Jehovah did not shrink from
delivering up his own Son, his firstborn and only-be-
gotten One, to die for the sinner race, Could any gift
transcend this gift in behalf of man? No! for in it was
\Happed up everything for which either church or
mankind could hope of life and happiness, It was
Jehovah's supreme sacrifice, Hence all gifts that he
might bestow thereafter could not but be less in valuA
in the affections of Jehovah than this gift of his precious
Son. Out of this great gift all other gifts to us grow,
and thus "to us there is but one God, the Father, of
whom are all things, ... and one Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom are all things, and we by him". What an
assurance this gives us that Jehovah's lovingkindness
shall continue to us and that "no good thing will be
withhold from them that walk uprightly" until the
kingdom is surely gained!
January 15
What the law could not do, in that it was weak;
thl'ough the flesh, God sendilng his own Son in
the likeness of sinful flesh, and fOI' sin,
condemned sin in the flesh.-Ro-
mans 8: 3.
The law of God is good. It is perfect. The spirit of
it is love; "the end of the commandment is love out
of a pure heart." But alas! even if ,ve have the spirit
of that law in our hearts, yet our flesh is weak as re-
spects keeping that law perfectly. In our flesh dwells
no good thing, so that we cannot do the things that we
would. Consequently the law, delivered to the Jews,
'was inefficacious of itself to perfect the Jews in right-
eousness because the law of sin and death operated in
their flesh; their attempts to keep the law could not
make them worthy of justification in God's sight. But
thank God! what the law could not do under present
conditions, Jehovah did. He sent his righteous Son to
die, and thus provided for the imputation of righteous-
ness to the church on the basis of Christ's ransom
sacrifice.
January 16
[Him] God hath set f01'ih to be a propitiation tMough
faith in his blood, to declare his righteouSrness for
the rem,ission of sins thnt a1'e past, through the
f01'beamnce of God.-Romans 3: 25.
Jehovah's righteousness shines forth with unsullied
lustre in all his works, He has been reproached with
charges of barbarism and unrighteousness in arranging
for the vicarious sacrifice of his innocent Son. His
judicial ability to remit the sins done beforehand and
to justify those who consecrate themselves to him with
hue faith in Christ's blood has been questioned. But
when we remember God's law: "Life shall go for life,"
and appreciate that the majesty and inviolableness of
that law must be maintained, it is then we see that
Jehovah is tme to his own standard of righteousness
in that he set forth Jesus to be a propitiatory, or victim
that makes propitiation, for the sins of the whole world.
January 17
'Behold my servant} whom 1 uphold} mine elec:t} in whom
my soul delighteth; 1 have put my spirit upon him.
-Isaiah 42: 1.
The servant whom Jehovah stays up, and in whom
he deHghts as his elect or chosen one, seems clearly to
be composed of those who are devoted to the Lord Je-
hovah and are faithfully serving him. Of this class
Christ Jesus is the Head. He was always faithful in
his service and is designated The Faithful and True.
Upon him Jehovah put his spirit that he might do the
Father's will. Upon those who are in Christ Jesus this
same holy spirit has come through the Head, Christ
Jesus. Without question these must be serving the pur-
poses of Jehovah as opportunity affords. To them J e-
hovah announces their present form of service, saying,
"Y are my witnesses." Whereas Satan is employing
all his power to discredit God, it is the privilege of the
servant class to testify of the goodness and greatness
of Jehovah.
January 18
He hath chosen us iln him before the foundation of the
world} that we should be holy and without blame
before him in love.-Ephesians 1: 4.
Jehovah chose the Logos as the great Melchizedek
Priest to execute his purposes and also chose to associate
a company of saints with him in the great work. Jehovah
made this choice before ever Satan had founded his
wicked world organization. And what was Jehovah's
conception of these saints in Christ Jesus away back
there? It was of a class distinguished because of holi-
ness unto the Lord-not divided in their allegiance to
the cause of righteousness, not fractional in their de-
votion to Jehovah, but fully dedicated to God's will
and purposes not for a day or to any fixed date but
for ever. Their heart condition, as Jehovah foresaw it,
would be blameless in love; they would hold him upper-
most in their affections and be sincere and genuine in
their expression of unselfishness. To such Jehovah will
give the kingdom.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
January 19
"GOI1, commendeth his love toward us."-Romans 5: 8.
P
,ERFECT love is the perfect expression of unself-
ishness. All of God's works are perfect. God is
love. In everything he has done and does is found
the perfect expression of unselfishness. Because of Adam's
sin the entire human family was alienated from God.
Unselfishly God sent his beloved Son to the earth to
die that we might live. Then he brought us to a knowl-
edge of his goodness by showing us some of his marvel-
ous works. His unselfish course brings him pleasure,
exemplified in the words of Jesus that it is more blessed
to give than to receive.
This expressed love of God he commends to us who
are his children by adoption into his family through
Jesus Christ. From him we learn that an unselfish de-
votion of our all to him will result in fulness of joy and
pleasures for evermore. With ever increasing pleasure
we seek out his works; and as our vision broadens and
our knowledge of his loving kindness increases, in the
language of the poet we exclaim: "0 Lord, how mani-
fold are thy works; in wisdom thou hast made them all I"
January 20
He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in
him.-2 Oorinthians 5: 21.
What a rare and inimitable exhibition of love by
Jehovah ! Jesus his Son had never tasted or been de-
filed with sin, and yet Jehovah's love prompted him to
~ k e that Holy One as it were the personification of sin
in order that sin might no longer be imputed to man.
It is true that the ransom feature of God's plan made
it necesary that Jesus die in taking the sinner's place,
but still-to what unscalable heights Jehovah's love
must have risen for OUI' sakes to be willing even to im-
pute sin to One so pure and innocent and loyal as his
faithful Son Jesus. How gratifying, though, the results
must be to Jehovah now! For his Son proved true even
to the death of the cross; and we, who have been washed
in his blood from all sin, now appear unto Jehovah as
the embodiment of righteousness in Ohrist Jesus.
January 21
The Lord is my defence; and my God 1$ the rocle
of my refuge.-Psalm 94: 22.
The present conflict is the greatest war of the ages.
This is the time when the enemy is assaulting Jehovah's
faithful representatives on earth. The nation has been
born; and the dragon, namely, the Devil and his or-
ganization, makes war against those who observe the
commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus
Christ. "They gather themselves together against the
soul of the righteous." (Y. 21) The only righteous ones
are those who are in Ohrist, and their righteousness: is
by virtue of being in Ohrist. They need not fear in the
present crisis. Jehovah is the defensive rock of their
refuge. Abiding in the shadow of this great rock, they
abide in the secret place of the Most High; and, know-
ing their security in him, they may boldly continue sing-
ing forth his praises, letting even the enemies hear their
t'oices for a testimony.
January 22
There are diversities of operations; but it is the samlJ
God which worlceth all in all.-1 Oorinthians 12: 6.
It should ever be borne in mind that the church is
Jehovah's organization and that he is supervising its
opemtions, because it is devoted to him. He is the One
who is really doing the work, and hence all credit and
praise should go to him. He pours out the one spirit
upon the whole church that it may be one with him
al1d with. Christ Jesus, the Head, and that the members
th01'eof may be one with themselves. There necessarily
will be differences of operation of God's spirit, or power,
with different members of the church according as their
appointed tasks and duties may differ. Nevertheless, a
brother should not become discouraged if he sees another
brother in a prominent service accomplishing what ap-
pears to be much, while he himself is engaged in a minor
service not bringing such noticeable results. Why not?
Because he possesses the same spirit as his more capable
brother; he serves the same God; and the same God is
using him as well as his more prominent brethren.
January 23
God giveth not the spit'it by mea.sure unto him. The
Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things
into his ha.nd.-J ohn 3: 34, 35,
Jehovah committed to Jesus all his interests. Surely
Jesus possessed the greatest ability of anyone ever on
earth. His ability did not consist of physical strength
and a collegiate education; for he did not use his physi-
cal strength particularly, nor did he ever attend
a theological school. Of what, then, did the ability of
Jesus consist? His absolute, complete devotion to the
Father's will, his complete loyalty to Jehovah. This
finds expression in his words: "Lo, I come: in the
vol.ume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do
thy will, 0 my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
His capacity was complete; Jehovah filled him
with his spirit in the complete sense, and he proved hi:;
loyalty to Jehovah to the utmost. Let us be conformed
unto Jesus' image by J ehoyah's spirit.
January 24
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people,
a leader and commander to the people.-Isa. 55: 4.
Jesus testified of his own mission in coming to earth
and in appearing publicly in the midst of Satan's world:
"To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into
the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth."
(John 18: 37) Whatsoever .Jesus had seen and heard
of the Father, that he testified. (John 3: 32) Conse-
quently Jehovah could give him as one who can lead
the people into truth and who can command them in the
ways of the Lord. As Jehovah used Moses as his wit-
ness before Pharaoh and Egypt and then used him in
leading Israel out of Egypt and in commanding them all
the words of the Lord, so the Lord will use the Christ,
the Prophet like unto Moses. Could Jehovah state and
illustrate his commission to us more plainly? Surely
our privileged part of the present is to witness to the
people and to go through the gates and thus lead them.
January 25
The temple of God was opened in heaven .. and there was
seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and
there u'ere lightnings.-Revelation 11: 19.
The temple of Jehovah God is made up of the living
members who are saints and whom the Lord finds to
be faithful when he comes to take an account with them.
It is well settled by the Scriptures that the Lord comes
to his temple aftcr he takes his great power and reigns.
In 1914 Jehovah's Vicegerent Jesus began to reign, and
thereafter at the beginning of 1918 the facts show that
a great trial came upon all the true church throughout
the earth. That marked the time when Jehovah opened
his temple in heaven; and now the enlightened eyes of
the faithful behold the "Messenger of the Covenant",
or testament, enthroned in glory in the temple. Inter-
mittent flashes of light on God's truth, like lightnings,
accompany and follow this notable event. As the flashes
of light have come to the temple class since 1918, they
have appreciated the greater illumination of their under-
standing and have rejoiced.
PItA YER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
January 26
UThe Lord trieth the righteous."-Psalm 11: 5.
l
rHE faithful followers of Christ Jesus are right-
l cous because of being in Christ. Such constitute
the temple class. At the end of the day of God's
preparation Christ Jesus comes to his temple. One of
the purposes of his coming is tD take account with those
who profess to be the Lord's. The trial leading to judg-
ment begins with those who compose the house of God.
Being put to the test the Lord finds some who have been
faithfully safeguarding his kingdom interests. To such
he says: "You have been faithful in a few things ..
Enter into my joy." His joy is in vindicating the name
of his Father and in magnifying all of God's mighty
works. In doing this he cleans heaven and earth of the
wicked system, and he delivers the people from the op-
pressive hand of the enemy. He invites his faithful
body members to share this joy. He gives to them the
garments of salvation, identifying them as the true sons
of God, and the robe of righteousness, marking their
approval as members of the temple class. To such Je-
hovah says: "Ye are my witnesses, that I am God."
These will boldly declare his message, thus proving their
perfect love for God.
January 27
It came to' pass, that when he was j'etu'I'nea, having
j'ecei,ved the lcingdDm, then he cDmmanded these
servants to' be called untO' him, to' whom he ha.d
gi1.'en the money,-Luke 19: 15.
In 1914 Jehovah gave the kingdom of earth to his
noble Son, Jesus. The new King has servants in the
earth; and to these he has committed the interests of
his kingdom, represented in the parable by the money or
pounds. This servant class has undertaken to look after
his interests in the earth. The Lord furnishes them with
opportunities faithfully to represent him; namely, to
advertise the King and the kingdom of which they are
ambassadors. By utilizing these opportunities, so mani-
fold and numerous today, the servants give evidence of
their faithfulness to the Lol'd. Those who will shine
the brightest in the kingdom will not be the ones who
hold the most prominent positions on this side the vail,
necessarily. It is faithfulness that warrants the Lord
in advancing anyone to a position in the kingdom.
Janual'y 28
}[Dl'eDVel', the light Df the mDon shall be as the light of
the Slln, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfDld,
as the light Df seven days, in the day that the
Lord bindeth up the breach of his people.
-Isaia,h 30: 26.
This is the day in which Jehovah is binding up the
hurt of his people, and hence they now dwell in Zion,
and their eyes see their teachers. In times past Chris-
tians have had some difficulty in determining what is
Jehovah's will concerning them. Now they can see his
will, as symbolized by the moon, more clearly than v ~
before. They know it is God's will that they should
have boldness now in proclaiming the message of the
kingdom. The light of that kingdom is symbolized by
the sun. The Sun of righteousness is arising; and the
light of God is shining round his organization, Zion,
and particularly upon the Head thereof. This increased
light the Lord Jesus, the Head of Zion, sheds on those
who are of Zion walking in the path of the light.
January 29
'The Lord shall b1ing a.gain Zion.-Isaiah 5f!,: 8.
Prior to 1874 A. D. the Lord's people for the most
part were languishing in Babylon under ecclesiasticism,
and Zion was as a captive daughter. Thereafter Jehovah
sent fmth his command: "Gather my saints togethcl"
unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by
sacrifice." It was by the carrying out of this command
by the Elijah class under their Head, Christ Jesus, that
Jehovah brought again Zion, bringing her out of cap-
tivi.ty and giving her a proper position in his arrange-
ment and also freedom of activity in his service. The
regathered saints have specially appreciated this gl'eat
delivcrance and restoration since the Lord has come to
his temple. '1'herefore Zion's watchmen now vehemently
lift up their voices, seeing eye to eye throughout the
ear-tho
January 30
He pO'll1'eth contempt upon princes, and causeth them
j;o wander in the wilderness, where there is no 1/Jay.
-Psalm 107: 40.
:Princes are favored ones in the courts of the earth;
they do not possess the highest authority, but occupy
only a minor position in government. They may well
picture the ecclesiastical wing of Satau's world organi-
zation. These princes have been rebellious, and com-
panions of thievish financiers; they have loved gifts and
followed after reward like Balaam. (Isaiah 1 : 23) While
JeJl.Ovah',s faithful ones have stood in awe of his Word,
these princes have persecuted them without a cause;
they did sit in judgment and speak against them.
(Psalm 119: 23, 161) Now their day of visitation has
come. Already he has poured out contempt upon them
in the form of warnings, indictments, and adverse testi-
monies; and he has contemned them in taking away
from them the kingdom and giving it to a nation bring-
ing forth the fruit thereof. In the wilderness which
Saltan has made in the earth, they wander wtth no way
to flee or escape Armageddon. Will any individuals a-
nHlng these princes yet worship? (Isaiah 49: 7) Let
us hope so.
January 31
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselve&
about with sparles: . . . This shall ye have of mine
hood, ye shall tie down in sOTTow.-Isa. 50: 11.
The true Christians should never look to man or men
as the source of light, and wantonly kindle their own
spark-giving fires for illumination. Nominal Christen-
dom, as we now see it, has fallen into this very snarf'.
The ecclesiastical leaders have put away the Word of
God, the Lamp that Jehovah lit to lighten the Chris-
tian's pathway, and have walked in their own wisdom,
and the people with them. Some of these leaders have
been more brilliant than other men ancl have leaped
out into prominence. Their natural brilliancy and lack
of humility were a misfortune to them. Jehovah likens
their brilliancy merely to sparks that flare up and soon
disappear in the darkness. The people have walked in
the light of this ecclesiastical fire and its spark-like
bright lights. 'Yhat portion do they now have from
the Lord's hand? Let us hasten to their help.
February 1
God, who commanded ihe l'ight to shine out of darleness,
hath shined in OUT hea.ris, to give ihe light at the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
J eS'lIS Christ.-2 1,: 6.
When Jehovah created the earth he made thick dark-
ness a swadliling band for it. (Job 38: 9) At his com-
mand the darkness fled away. This miracle Jehovah has
repeated in a far grander sense toward those who walk
in the path of the just, the justified ones of the Gospel
Age. He has shined in their hparts because there in the
seat of their affections he has found a love of righteous-
ness, of truth and of light. The light of the Lord that
shines in this world of mental darkness is not for those
who refuse to walk in it. It is not for those who love
wickedness. It is for those who do truth and who come
to the light that shines and who advance with it onward
to perfection. Everyone who receives the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God r,eceives a favor of price--
less value.
]PRA YER-MEE1'ING TEXT COMMENT
February 2
"Who cov'e1'est thyself 1vith light as with a garment."1
-Psalm 104: 2.
A GARMENT or mantle is a symbol of identifi-
~ cation. In beautiful poetic phrase, nowhere sur-
passed, the gl'eat Jehovah identifies himself as
the Author of light. 'l'hjs he does by covering himself
with a garment or mantle of light. Light is a symbol
of life. Jehovah is the great Life-giver. All creation
is indebted to him for life. Things are created by the
invisible power of Jehovah operating as he wills. "Thou
sendest forth thy spirit, they are created."
For more than sixty centuries the human race has
been without life because of Adam's sin. God has pro-
v-ided that the race may have life through his beloved
Son. Hence Jesus said: "This is life eternal, to know
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou
hast sent." With humble mind and dev-out heart the
Christian delights to search out God's works. Beholding
the Mighty One wrapt in a mantle of light he exclaims:
"Bless Jehovah, 0 my soul; thou art exceeding great.
Ma;jesty and state hast thou put on I"
February 3
He telleth the number of the stm's; he calleth them all
by thei1' names.-Psalm 1-47:-4.
The magnitude of God's universe cannot be approxi-
mated by the mental powers of man. Abraham, in cast-
ing his eyes to the heavens at God's command, could
not count or tell the number of the stellar luminaries
of the night. Applying the eye to great telescopes of
today there burst upon the vision countless myriads of
bright shining stars which Abraham could never dis-
cern with the naked eye. AstronomeTs, in mapping out
the heavens which can be brought within the range of
our vision, calculate that there are thirty thousand
million stars in our universe. But Jehovah, the Creator,
has accurately tabulated the number of the celestial orbs
of light and even holds in memory their originally-
given names. What assurance this gives to the saints
that the LOTd knoweth them that are truly his and re-
tains in his unlimited memory their names!
February 4,
God lO'l!eth a cheerful giver.-2 Co-rinthians 9: 7.
Jehovah is the greatest Giver, and he gives largely
and cheeTfully. Therefore he loves a cheerful giver, not
because the giving is done UlltO him or that he is at
all enriched by the giving, but because it reflects his
likeness and savors of love. It is not the gift that J e-
hovah values so much as it is the glad spirit in whieh
the gift is made, grateful for the chance to give that
good might be done and the Lord glorified. We cannot
always makc large, bountiful gifts, but what we do give
we can give cheerfully in the Lord's spirit. The anti-
typical "sons of Levi" now have the opportunity as never
befoTe to be cheerful givers toward the greatest of
causes. The Lord is now in kingdom power, and they
may now conform to the prophetic picture and be will-
ing in this day of his power by giving their all toward
his cause. He is in his temple, purifying them that
they may cheeTfully offer theiT every faculty as "an
offering in unto the LOTd.
February 5
For I, saith the Lord, wnz be unto her a wall of fire
TO/l.nd about, and 1uill be the gZory in the midst of
her.-Zechariah 2: 5.
The .glory of the Lord herein spoken .of is the visible
blessing of honor that he bestows upon his faithful
witnesses. Glory means honor. To be singled out and
distinguished 01' marked by the Lord's favor is to be
highly honored of the Lord. Is not then the Lord's
glory amidst his people today, inasmuch as he has
singled them out and distinguished them with the ex-
alted honor of publishing the glorious tidings of the
kingdom? Are they unprotected while in this honor-
able service? No I True, the Tanks of those in Zion
were thinned down by the Lord's gathering those tllat
offend and do iniquity out from the kingdom class. But
the Lord has added othel'S, and more also, so that
"Jerusalem [has become] inhabited as towns without
walls for the multitude". Though without visible walls,
Zion has Jehovah as a wall of fire round about her.
February 6
If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs
with Ch1'ist; if so be that we suffer with him, that
we may be also g701'ified together.-Rom. 8: 17.
Jehovah has begotten us and anointed us with his
spirit and made us his children. He has thereby made
us also his heirs, to share a divine inheritance with the
victorious One, Jesus, "whom he hath appointed heir
of all things." The reading of the Apostle Paul's mig-
inal letter is "if so be that we suffer together", ana
bears out the thought that the suffering is shared by the
heavenly Father as well as by the Son and the church,
and that likewise the future inheritance will be shared
jointly by all three. It is to fellowship with this infinite
heart of love that the saints are called and begotten, to
fellowship with the One who for thousands of years
has been reproached by evil angels and evil men, who
have not understood and who have sought to thwart his
benev.olent designs and thus have caused him sorrow.
Let us share the and prove wort.hy as his heirs.
February 7
For since the beginning of the world m.en have not
heard, nor perceived by the ea.r, neither hath
the eye seen, 0 God, beside thee, what he
hath prepared for him that waiteth
for him..-Isaiah 64: 1,.
During the Gospel Age Jehovah reveals his derp
things only to the members of his family. This family
relationship is attained by exercising faith in the shed
blood of Jesus, by full consecration, justification, spirit-
begetting and anointing. Then the new creature begins
to have the eyes of his understanding opened. As he
gazes into the perfect mirror (God's Word of Truth),
and strives to reflect or conform himself to the glorious
things set forth therein, the revelation grows brighter
Rnd brighter "unto the perfect day". 'l'his revelation of
the deeper things of God's Word is not by natural keen-
ness of perception, nor by human mental brightness,
but by God's spirit. Blessed are they who have waited
for him, and whose eyes now see the temple of God in
heaven opened and witness the flashes of the lightning
of his truth.
February 8
All things are of God, who hath reconciled US to himself
by Jesus Ch1"ist, and hath given to us the ministry
of 1'econciliation.-2 Corinthians 5: 18.
Jehovah is the source of all the "new" things which
we so abundantly enjoy in Christ Jesus. He has not
reconciled us to himself by Christ Jesus that we might
merely rejoice selfishly and with self-complacency in our
spiritual blessings and our peaceful relationship with
God. Rather he has reconciled us in order that we might
be made acceptable to be put in trust with his great
work. He has given us a ministry, and ministry means
service. It means to attend upon Jehovah's will; it
means to run errands as his messengers with his official
messages. It is an unselfish service and brings with it
a large opportunity to exercise supreme love for God a
pure love for our brethren in Christ, and a broad a'nd
compassionate love for the groaning creation.
PRAYER-nIEETING TEXT COMMENT
February 9
"God .. created all things by Jesus Christ."
-Ephesians 3: 9.
1
-fHE unsearchable riches of God's creation reaches
the pinnacle in the creation of The Christ. For
ages this creation has been a mystery, which
mystery is made knO\vn during the Gospel Age to the
saints. It seems certain, however, that restored man
will understand the mystery of God, because he will see
that he has received life from God through Christ
Jesus. All mud know of the ransom sacrifice and accept
it in order to obtain life. When the record of Jehovah
is written up, the people will know who is bom in Zion
and therefore who is of the mystery class. They will
know then that Jesus died and arose from the deau and
was exalted; that then God through Jesus Christ created
the members of his body, who together with the Head
constitute the mystery; and that Christ is the great
agency of Jehovah to give life to all the obedient ones
of earth. 'The day has come for this witness conceming
God to be given in the earth, and the true Christian
must now begin to tell the people of this good news.
February 10
The kingdom of hea'ven is like 1tnto a cedain king,
which made a ma1'riage for his son.
-][atthew 2fJ: 2.
Jehovah is the great King who has made the marriage
for his Son, Christ Jesus. That the members of the
church may be made ready for the marriage Jehovah
grants them wedding garments through his Son, to
whom they are espoused. 'fhe wedding garment is II
symbol of distinction to identify one as rcady for the
wedding. It must be worn by those expecting to be
members of Christ's bridal company. This garment does
not picture justification, because it is the new creature
that dons the garment and one becomes a new creature
after he receives justifica.tion. It represents that which
the new creature must keep on if he would win
approva.l of the King. Surely then it must picture the
doing of Jehovah's will, the keeping of his command-
ments in the way he has pointed out that the same must
be done. Take heed, then! The King has come in.
February 11
So now it ti'aS not you that sent me kUher, b1tt God:
and he hath 'made me a fathe?' to Pharaoh, and lord
of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the
land of E gypt.-Gernesis 45: 8.
Jehovah ordered in Joseph's affairs so as to have him
brought do,m to Egypt and finally elevated to the
prime ministry of Satan's first great world power. By
this providence of Jehovah it worked out that Joseph
became a mighty witness for the Lord in the land of
Hum. Joseph's case is an instance of how Jehovah
"bringeth out those which are bound with chains". His
keepers hurt his feet with fetters and laid him in irons
"mltil the time that [God's] word came; the word of the
tried him". Joseph therefore acknowledged that
Jehovah was responsible for having Pharaoh make him
"lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance; to
bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his senators
wisdom". In Joseph's experience Jehovah gives us a
likeness of what he will do with his 8el'Vant class.
February 12
1 will betroth thee nnto -me for ever; . 1 will even
thee unto -me in faithfttlness; and thou
shalt k1W1V the Lord.-Hosea 2: 19, 20.
Addressing Zion, who is the mother of the kingdom
cla&s. Jehovah says through the Prophet Isaiah: "Thy
:Maker is thine husband; Jehovah of hosts is his name."
Hence the words of our text apply to the church on
em"tll, which represents Zion. Jehovah planted the
church a noble vine, wholly a right seed; but ecclesiasti-
cism caused a strange vine of a degeneTate plant to
grow. This vine the Lord openly repudiated in 1919,
and soon it will be trodden in the wine-press. But the
remnant in Zion is now being gathered to Jehovah.
He is making them to know him. He is proving their
loyalty to him. He knows that this proved class will
ever be faithful unto him. 'l'herefore he lovingly and
devotedly assures them that they shall never be es-
tranged from him, but be joined to him and to his
glorious Son, the Bridegroom, for ever. What a blessed
consolation and stimulus to faithfulness I
February 13
Th01t il!rt -my hiding place; tho'u shalt pl"eSe1've me fro'ln
tro'uble; thOtl shalt compass -me about w-i.th songs
of delivera.nce.-Psalrn 3,rg: 7.
Trouble smrounds th(l clnnch, but God becomes her
hiding place. rrhe floods of trouble envelop others, but
s11an not come nigh to the chosen of the Lora. 'rhose
who are of the temple class, and who are therefore under
the I'obe of appreciate the fact that the
times ate perilous, never was danger so great; yet at
the Eame time they feel absolutely secure in the strength
of the Lord. 'rhey find that Jehovah has compassed
them about with songs of deliverance, and they sing for
joy. Snrely this is the happy condition of the temple
class at this time. 'rhey know that the time of deliver-
ance is at hand, even as J eSllS long ago told them to
expect. 'l'herefore they lift up the head and let their
lips echo the songs of deliverance that others might heaT.
February 14
Surely tke 1()rath of man shall praise thee: the residue
of 1()ratk shalt thou gird upon thee.-Psalm 76: 10,
Revised Versi-on.
"The weakness of God is stronger than men." J e-
hovah's plans and arrangements have seemed to men to
be weak because they have permitted the wrath of man
to a-ssert itself and have permitted wickedness and evil
devices seemingly to triumph. But in these very re-
spects Jehovah will display his strength by completely
reversing what the enemy intended and by making their
activities serve in conjunction with his good purposes.
He will make all work out for the good of those who
love him, and thus will enhance his praise. As in the
case of Pharaoh, he lets the wrath of his enemies rise
to its whitest heat. When their wrath is come t() the
full, then it remains for him to gird wrath on him to
uphold him (Isaiah 63: 5) while he shows forth his
power over the enemy and gets name and honor upon
them. Patience and courage then, ye saints of God I
February 15
So thou, 0 son of man, I have set thee a watchm(lIn unto
the h o u ~ of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the
word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
-Ezekiel 33: 7.
The word watchman, when properly defined, includes
the thought of leaning forward to penetrate into the
distance, 01 observing and taking heed to orders and
acting accordingly. Through his beloved Son, the great
Watcher over the interests of his own has put his an-
ointed ones on guard as watchmen to watch the interests
of the Messianic kingdom and to testify from time to
time to the unfolding of his plan. These are not looking
out for self-interests, nor are they making a studied
effort to reach some easy place in the heavenly kingdom.
They forget self; they warn their brethren and ofher'3
who are in danger; they observe the word at Jehovah's
mouth, and seek always to honor his name and to serva
him. They sing in their hearts, singing the praises of
.Jehovah God and his mighty Son Jesus.
PRA YER-lVLEETING TEXT COMMENT
February 16
"[God] haoth raised us up together. and o1nade us sit
together in heavenly places." -Ephesians [2: 6.
T
HE apostle addresses these words to the new
creatures in Christ, of whom he is one. Among
the other mighty works of God is that of the
new The members thereof have been raised
up together in Christ and by faith given sweet repose
in the heavenly condition. 'l'hese are the offspring of
Jerusalem which is above. Their citizenship is in
heaven, where all creatures in harmony with God reflect
his glory. Above and higher than all the creation or
heaven is the IJord JOesus Christ; and the great God,
Jehovah, rides upon the heavens of the heavens because
all of his righteolls organization uphold him. The faith-
ful Christian, even though in the world, is not of the
world. His heaven, or invisible ruling power, is the
righteous organization of Jehovah, of which Jesus is
the Head. By faith he has association and companion-
ship with those of heaven looking forward to that blessed
day when he may see the Lord in all his glory and
beauty.
February 17
ThV' 1'ighteousness is Wee the great mountains,' thy judg-
111 Nds are a g1'eat deep: 0 God, thou p1"escrvest
man and beast.-Psalm 36: 6.
Righteousness marks all the acts and wOl'l;::; of Jc-
hovah, and it shall stand forth prominently for ever like
"mountains of God" (margin). His judgments are laiJ
deep in the unfathomable depths of his wisdom, and
shall tnerefore never fail. nor go astray. Modern sayants
frighten men with fears that in time this earth shall
become a dead. planet and creature life become e:.\.iind
upon it; while militarists devise and pl'epare fol' the
next war, that imperils the life of every human being.
Jehovah in his righteousness has renderc(l judgment,
and it shall stand. His decision is to carry millions
alive through the great day of battle and to recreate and
pl'eserve the dead mcIilbel's of Adam's family in the re-
genemtion under Chl'ist's kingdom.
Febl'uary 18
The earth is the Lord's, and the tulness thereof; the
world, and they that d1vell therein: fO.l' he hath
founded it ujlon the seas, and established it
upon the floods.-Psalm 21,.: 1, 2.
In prepal'ing the literal earth for man's habitation,
God gathered into basins the waters of the deep that
covered the face of our planet, and made the dry land
to appear. In the terrific deluge that destroyed the old
world, the flood waters covered even the high hills; but
Jehovah made the floodwaters to assuage and the dry
la.nd to appeal', and another world was founded upon it.
Again, "the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods
lift up their waves," but this time they are the floods
of the ungodly and conscienceless who would swell and
overwhelm all humanity. But again ",HI it be proven
that "the Lord on high is mightier than the noise of
many waters, yea, than mighty waves of the sea". He
will rebuke them and will establish the new world upon
or in spite of the storm-struck seas and floods.
February 19
If the spirit of him that raJised up JeS'll.s from the dead
dwell in you, he that mised t Christ from the deaod
shall also quiclcen YOU?' m01tal bodies by his
spirit that dwelleth in you.-Rom. 8: 11.
The word "quicken" as here used means to vitalize;
to energize; to enliven; to cause to move with rapidity.
It means to do something to the Lord's glory, and not
to remain inactive. It means to glorify God with the
body, which is his. The holy spirit, the spirit of Je-
hovah, is so mighty that it raised up Jesus from the
dead. It is logically able also to make alive, energize,
the human body to activity in service for righteousness,
even though that body was once given over to sin. The
new creature now is responsible for the mortal body.
Hence the spirit of Jehovah dwelling in him should
lead him to use his strength, energy, time, influence,
money, and everything he has, to the Lord's glory. He
who faithfully does so unto the end of his earthly life,
shall be made alive in a divine body by the spirit of
J ahovah in the first resurrection.
February 20
1.'11,13 Lord b1'ingeth the counsel of the heathen to nmtght:
he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
-Psalm 33: 10.
The nations are raging; their governors take COllUscl
together against Jehovah "and his anointed One. It is
ungodly and selfish counsel, inimical to the interests of
the people and dishonoring to the Lord. The people in
their vanity give way to imaginations, and rely on hu-
man organizations for deliverance. Their devices; whilo
evidently sincere and well-intentioned, are inadequate
2nd short-sighted. Jehovah has his own counsel for
hlessing the people, the living and the dead. He will
not further the wicked devices of Satan's organization,
lest they exalt themselves. (Psalm 140: 8) "There is
no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel, ag.ainst the
JL.ol'd." (Proverbs 21: 30) This should elicit our strong
(xmfidence in Jehovah; it should urge U$ onward in ex-
lplaining why human devices and counsels are doomc(l.
February 21
Behold, the da.rkness shall cover the earth, and gross
darlcness the people: but the Lord shall a-rise upon
thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.-
Isaiah 60: 2.
Like the ninth plague that atIlicted Egypt jw:t before
the ddiverance of Israel came, the gross darkness en-
shrouding the earth today is a darkness that can he
felt; and the people are much pained. The ruleI'll' h('arts
are failing them for fear. But "unto the upright there'
ariscth light in the darkness"; for Jehovah has riseu
upon Zion as a great Sun, and shoe stands as though
clothed with the golden beams of the great Star of day.
The full light of the kingdom meRsag-e is hers. The
glory of Jehoyah as manifested in his loving favor alld
his unfailing protection is also seen upon her. The
prophet of the Lord, looking' forward to the unique
position of the temple class in this time, rouses t ~ m
to action with the cry: "A1'ise, shine; for thy light is
come."
February 22
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inhe1"it the kingdom pre-
pared for you f1'0171 the foundation of the world.-
Jl(dthew 25: 3-'1.
On the ea1'th at this time there are millions of peo-
ple of good will, who sincerely desire a better condition
for themselves and for others, but who are not alive to
Jehovah's way. :MallY of these see the efforts put forth
by God's witnesses in telling of the good tidings of
the kingdom; and insofar as they can they are moved
to extend aid and comfort to God's servants because they
are his servants. 'l'his they do because of the gooa that
is still in them. It is for such sheeplike, hwiIell8i ve
ones that Jehovah has prepared the kingdom from the
foundation of the world. Many of this righteously dis-
posed class of people will pass through the coming
trouble and be the first ones to have a trial for restora-
tion. On proving their righteousness when God's jlldg-
ments are in the earth, Jehovah will bless them through
the Christ and will welcome them into life eternal.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
February 23
"J will plant them upon their land, and they shall no
more be pulled 'I1p."-Amos 9: 15.
rrHE work of Jehovah is not limited. With the com-
pletion of the new creation there shall come out
, of Zion, God's organization, the great Deliverer;
and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. The
people of Israel shall again hear and understand the
gLad song of Moses and shall learn the sweet refrain
o.f the Lamb of God. The great Jehovah has now set
his anointed King upon his throne, and bids those who
are his faithful followers to go and bear witness of this
great truth to the rulers and peoples of the earth. These
are also commissioned to carry the good news to the
oppressed of Israel, that the Jews may know that the
aay of deliverance is at hand. In the custody of these
witnesses God has placed his message of l'econciliation.
,]:he faithful remnant not only delight to search out the
works of Jehovah but rejoice to be workers under the
(Jlirection of his beloved Son; and they now declare to
the Jews that God is sending to them their King, who
will plant them in their land that they may abide there
for ever.
February 24
[TILe L01'd] frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and
malceth i{iviners mad; . . . confirrneth the word of
his sM'vant, and perforrneth the counsel of his
messengers.-lsaiah 44: 25, 26.
The lying prophets of Christendom, whom Jehovah
did not send and to whom he spake not, sanctified war
and held out plausible tokens of the Lord's blessing upon
the nations that engaged in the war. They divined that
much spiritual good would result from the war, and that
the world would be purged by its great trial and made
"safe for democracy". They have given their manifesto
and votes as tokens that the League of Nations is tlthe
political expression of God's kingdom on- earth", Sub-
'sequent events to date have proved that they are mad,
wild, in their false divinations; for the Lord is fnlstrut-
ing all their tokens and exposing them as false prophets.
But the word of his servant class, whom he truly sent
forth as his messengers of the gospel to the nations, is
steadily being confinlled. God's counsel is sure.
February 25
The Lord said unto lJf ose8, See, 1 have made thee a god
to Pharaoh: and Am'on thy b'rothe1' shall be thy
prophet.-Exodus 7: 1.
Jehovah sent Aaron with to Egypt to act as a
mouthpiece for ].foses. It was Aaron's business to talk.
Soon thereafter Egypt was overthrown that Jehovah
might maJce a name for himself. Now in the end of the
wodd God will overthrow Satan al).d hisorganizution,
of which Pharaoh and Egypt were types; and this he
will do that he may make a glorious everlasting name
for himself. His saints are to be witnesses conC1'lling
this fact and to give testimony in the earth. He
made Jesus, the antitypical Moses, "the mighty God"
(Isaiah 9: 6), to do this stupendous work. Jesus'
brethren, the members of his body who are on earth;
8,r,e pictured by Aaron; and these Jehovah has made the
ll,Pokesman of the inyisible One to declaTe the messag:e
of the Lord to the peoples of earth. Jehovah requires
faithfulness on the part of thp-se spokesmen.
February 26
See. I have this day set thee over the nations and over
the kingdoms, to 1'00t out, and to pull down, and to
dest1oy, and to thrown down, to build, and to
plarnt.-Jeremiah 1: 10.
Jeremiah's commission represents that given to God's
anointed ones. Jehovah has set them over the nation:;
to declare unto them the uprooting, pulling down,
throwing down and destruction that is in store for
ealth's iniquitous systems, and the upbuilding and
planting irremovably of the new heavens and the new
earth. The proclamation of this program of Jehovah
must be given before many peoples, nations, and kings
(Revelation 10: 11); and it must be given by the
anointed ones with zeal for Jehovah and without fear.
There can be no slacking of their hand now. Great is
the honor bestowed upon them. With Christ Jesus and
the members of his body on the other side of the vail,
they are to have a part in the great battle of Armaged-
don, which shall crush the international "vine of the
earth" and its fruitage. None others will have a part
therein. Faithfulness brings them a heav..enly reward.
February 27
God so loved the world, that he gave h i ~ only begotten
Bon, that whosoever believeth in him. sh01.tld not
perish, but have everlasting life.-J ohn 3: 16.
God loves the oppressed people of the world. So great
is lllis love that he gave his only begotten Son that the
people might not perish, but that those who should hear
and obey might live. It would be just like Jehovah to
make everything ready for them to hear at the proper
time. For more than six thousand years man has been
alienated from God. Anticipating the time of the glad
return of the exiles unto himself, God through his
prophet bids his anointed servant class to mark out to
them the way that leads to life. He tells them to go
and make ready the road for the entry of the people;
to bank up the causeway; to gather out the stones; and
thlm to lift up a standard to which the people Dlay rally.
February 28
He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word
which he commanded to a thousand generations:
which covenant he made with Abraham, and
h-i..s oath unto Isaac.-Psalm 105: 8, 9.
Those who are of the faith of Abraham can surely
bear witness that Jehovah has remembered his covenant,
as they behold his work among the Jews in this eventful
period of histOTY. Jehovah confirmed the covenant unto
Israel, saying, "Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan,
the lot cf thine inheritance." Modern facts forcefully
prove that he has not forgotten his promise to Israel
throughout all the thousand or more generations which
have been born since the covenant was made. He is
today prospering the word of his covenant in a most
perceptible manner; for lo! the natural sons and daugh-
ters of Abraham are returning thousands upon thous-
ands to the promised land. The time has come there-
fore for the spiritual seed of Abraham to say unto the
cities of Judaism: "0 ye seed of Abraham his servant,
ye children of J acoh his chosen. Seek Jehovah, and hia
strength; seek his face for evermore."
March 1
Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to
Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers
from the days of old.-JIicah 7: 20.
Jehovah is "the God of truth". He keeps covenant
and shows mercy. Jacob prayed: "I am not worthy of
the least of all the mercies, and of all the tmth, which
thou had shewed unto thy servant." The truth that
Jehovah revealed to Jacob grew cut of his mercy to
Abraham. He had showed unto Abraham his covenant,
which promised blessings to all the families of the
earth. God will perform all this tmth and the terms
of mercy in the Abrahamic covenant, and Abraham and
Jacob Ehall themselves witness its perronnance when
Messiah's kingdom wakens them to life. Jehovah gave
his own word, and he swore to it by his own name. The
Apostle Paul tells us that he did this that we, the heirs
of God's promise, might have strong consolation.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
March 2
~ B i s work is no-no1'able and glorious."-Psalm 111: 3.
l
rHE prophet here states a great truth. Honorable
L means excellent, beautiful and imposing in foun
and appearance. Glorious, when applied to God's
works, means that these are majestic, magnificent, and
clothed with splendor. All the works of Jehovah reflect
hi8 honor and glory, and are in keeping with his name.
This truth thus stated suggests the thought that all
creatures approved by him will reflect the honor and
glory of God, and that their chief function is to magnify
his holy name. The time has come for God to make for
himself a name in the earth. He will make manifest
hiB power and majesty to all creation. He commands
that his saints on earth shall now be his witnesses and
beltr testimony to the peoples of earth of his purpose to
shortly reveal his majesty, honor and glory by establish-
i n J ~ his kingdom of righteousness and through Christ to
bring deliverance to the people. The remnant must now
lift up this standard to the people.
March 3
lie 1'evealeth the deep and secret thingS!: he knoweth.
what is in the dMlcness, and the light dwelleth with
him,.-Daniel 2: 22.
'1'here is nothing hid from the ken of Jehovah God.
"Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee: but the night
shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both
alike to thee." (Psalm 139: 12) '1'he secrets of men are
known to him because the day comes when he shall
judge them by his Son J esus But Jehovah has
deep secrets of his own pertaining to his designs toward
his saints and toward the human family. These secret
things are impossible for human insight to penetrate
and know; they are as dark sayings to human minds.
'1'he secret of the Lord is with them that fear him;
and he will show them his covenant." To them he re-
veals his secrets by the l)ower of his spirit, as these
secrets becfrme clue to be understood by his servants.
March 4
The angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gath-
ered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great
winepress of the wrath of God.-Rev. 1-4-: 1V.
The yine of the ('arth is the wicked organization of
which the Devil is the head. It produces the grapes of
the earth, the fruit of wickedness. The winepress is
Jehovah's. It is the instrument or means which he
uses to crush the life-blood out of the grapes of the
earth. He employs in the treading process his beloved
Son, who is willingly and joyfully supported by his
faithful body Noone this side the vail can
see every detail of the opcration of God's winepress.
The earnest watchmen of the tem11le of God, however,
can see that it means the agency which Jehovah will
employ to annihilate that wicked system that has long
defamed his name and oppressed the human race. See-
ing the wonderful results that will follow the treading
of the yine OT the earth in the battle of Armageddon,
these watchmen are thrilled, becanse they know that the
day of deliverance for themselves and mankind in gen-
eral has approached.
March 5
Appoint- ont for you, ci.t-ies of 1efuge, whereof 1 spa7ce
'unto y ~ l by -the hand of ],f oses.-J oshita 20: 2.
J ehovah'8 provision in the law given through 110ses
for six dUes of refuge must be a shadow of something
to follow. AccOTdingly Satan, who has the po_weI' of
death, seems surely to be the avenger of blood. The
consecratcd Christian is the one who flees to the city
of refuge; for in making a consecration and being ac-
cepted of the Lord for sacrifice he agrees in effect to
the slaying of his humanity, the putting to death of
the old man. Christ Jesus is thc city of refuge to which
.T d1O'\'uh has ordaincfl aJld made a "ray that he shall flee
from t b ~ vengeance of Satan. As the preservation of
the unwitting slayer of old dC'pended upon his faithfully
abiding in the city of refuge until the death of the
high priest, even so the preservation of the saints de-
pends upon faithfully abiding in Christ until the high-
priestly class is completed. The Lord does not preserve
those who become unfaithful and who despise their cove-
nant with him and forsake their haven of refuge.
March 6
As one tl'hom his mothe'r comforteth, so will 1 comfort
you; a.nd ye shall be comforted in J e1"'Usalem.-
J sa-iah 66: 13.
The effort of the enemy is to dif!courage and frighten
the Lord's servants and thereby to weaken them and
cause their spiTit to mourn and their hands to hang limp
and inactive at their sides. On the other hand the Lord
comforts those who are in his organization, J ernsalem,
with all the tenderness of a moiher consoling her child.
To comfort means to strengthen, to make confident and
fearless, to make cheerful and of good hope. The need
of comfort imIJlies testings. Of these the last members
of the body of Christ seem to he marked out for iheir
portion; but while they aTe passing through their fiery
experiences, the Father or mercies and the God of all
com:Eort 'will not leave his own comfortless. -Whatsoever
is written in his Word is writtm fOT their encourage-
ment and comfort, that t.hey might patiently endure.
March 7
This people have 1 formed for myself; they shall shew
forth my praise.-Isaiah 43: 21.
Jehovah has formed or organized spiritual Israel not
for his selfish enjoyment but for his altruistic purposes.
He has not called the church merely in order to take a
limited number intD heaven. True, the heavenly glory
will be the great reward of the faithful. However, faith-
fulness is a condition precedent and one which is re-
quired to be proven before the one who possesses it can
be taken into heavenly glory. Peter plainly states that
God has called his church out of darkness into marvel-
ous light that the members thereof might show forth
his praise. It follows, therefore, that faithfulness must
be manifested in showing abroad his praises; and this
must be done at least to a degree this side the vail.
March 8
Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to recei'Ve glory and honour
and power: for thou hast created all things, and for
thy pleasu-re they are and were created.-
Revelation 4: 11.
All the creatures of the universe-the Logos, the
divine family, angels, cherubim, seraphim, man, the
beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, and whatsoever
passeth through the depths of the seas-all were created
by Jehovah. The inanimate things of this realm of
existence-the sun, moon, and stars, things visible and
invisible, indescribably grand-all emanate from his
creative powers. Did God create all these wonders for
his selfish pleasure? That he derives pleasure therefrom
should not argue selfishness on his part. Jehovah de-
lights and finds pleasure in activity and work of crea-
tion. He properly experiences pleasure in seeing crea-
tures that he approves happy and blessed. He is love.
If love is unselfishness perfectly expressed, how could
Jehovah's unselfishness have been expressed toward any-
one or anything had he, who was originally alone, not
engaged in creation? Truly he is worthy of worship,
not alone as Creator but as Love personified.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
March 9
((My Patherworketh hithe-rto, and! work."-John 5: 17.
I
T WAS on the Sabbath day that Jesus healed th9
man who had for a long time been afflicted. For
this good work the Jews sought to kill him. These
Jews claimed to be representatives of Jehovah. In re-
bukin g them Jesus said: "ll y Father worketh hitherto,
and I work." Therehy he proved that work is honorable
and pleasing to God. Some now who claim to be s o ~
and l3ervants of God object to work. They refuse tv
engage in the proclamation of the kingdom message and
critic'ize those who thus work in the Lord's name. Such
are selfish. All in whom the love of God will now be
made perfect must have boldness in declaring his mes-
sage and in using every opportunity so to do. Both
Jehovah and his beloved Son, by example, declare that
work done according to God's way and in his name is
honomble and pleasing to him. Only those who work
and do so joyfully in obedience to God's command, have
an assurance of an abundant entrance into his kingdom.
March 10
God blessed the seventh day. lbnd sanctified it;
that in it he had 1'ested from all his wade which God
created and made.-Genesis 2: 3,
Jehovah entered into his rest after the creation of
man, to continue in that rest unto the conclusion of the
great seventh day. He did not make the whole earth a
paradise for man,. but placed man in the garden of Eden,
and blessed him with the faculties and strength to carry
out the divine commission to subdue the earth. Then
he left man to do the work of extending Paradise
earth-wide, But now that man has fallen in sin and
death, Jehovah has committed that work to the great
Executor of his plan, meantime continuing in his rest.
He has blessed his day of rest, ordaining that the out-
come of it shall be blessed to all concerned. Man by
his disobedient course has filled the day with sorrows;
but the blessings of the mercy and goodness of Jehovah
faithfully continue to distinguish the day.
March 11
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anoimtest my head with oil; my cup
runneth 23: 5.
Losing faith, the children of Israel cried: "Can God
furnish a table in the wilderness?" Jehovah 'did not
fail them, nor has he ever failed his people. In the
tabernacle arrangement, he provided for the priests'
bread by having a table of shewbread stationed in the
holy of the tabernacle. The enemies are not permitter!
to interfere with Jehovah's feeding of his people. The
great enemy, Satan, the Dmgon, has been expelled from
heaven, and is especially near now; and all the church's
enemies would come upon her and eat her flesh, but they
stumble and fall. And while the vicious Dragon looks
on, Jehovah provides spiritual meat and commands his
earthly organization: "Prepare the table, watch in thc!
watchtower, eat, drink." (Isaiah 21: 5) Never may
$ay, as did unappreciative ones in Malachi's day, "The
table of the Lord is contemptible"; but let us give
thanks in faith for what the Lord provides.
March 12
Thou kast sinned: theref()re 1 will oast thee as profane
Ottl of the mountm:n of God: and l1Uill destroy
thee, 0 covel'ing che1'ub, f1'om the midst of
the stones of fire.-Ezelciel 28: 16.
That the end of Satan is destruction there should be
no doubt. That his destruction will be deferred until
his wicked works are destroyed is also sure. (Hebrews
2: 14; 1 John 3: 8) The great author of sin and the
relentless opposer of righteousness shall not live for ever
as a blot on J ehovah'8 creation. This means that even-
tually peace shaH reign in earth as well as now in heayen,
and that Jehovah's will shall be done on earth as it is
done in his own official court. Since the coming of the
kingdom in 1914 and the warfare in heaven that
followed, this erstwhile covering cherub has been cast
out of the mountain of God as an unreformably pro-
fane {lreatUl'e. Let no one be deceived into thinking
that he will be recovered to virtue and to Jehovah's
realm of holiness. His binding is imminent, and in his
eventual destruction the justice and truth of God's ways
will be; made manifest.
March 13
Fol' this God is OU1' God f01' eVe1' a.nd mJe1'; he will be
our guide even unto death.-Psalm 48: 14.
Why then should 'we be anxious about the future?
Armed with the message of truth which proceeds out of
their mouth like a sharp s,Yord, held by Jehovah in the
shadow of his hand, and protected as a hunter protects
his arrows in his quiver, let the anointed' opes go forth
to the battle, singing the praises of Jehovah as they
go. Let fear be flung to the winds; and, moved by it
burning zeal for the Lord, let the saints march on
under the guidance of Jehovah to victory and to the
kingdom of God. Arouse the great comIlany class. Bid
them leave their dark prisons and come forth and take
their stand on the LOTd's side. Hold on high the stand-
ard of the Lord for the people. Point them to the
highway. Grand now is your work, ye anointed ones t
Blessed are all they ,vho participate therein!
March 14
73efore 1 formed thee in the belly 1 knew thee; and be-
fore thou camest fo-rth out of the womb 1 sanctified
thee; and 1 ordained thee a prophet unto the
nations.-J eremiah 1: 5.
For forty years prior to Jerusalem's first destmction
Jeremiah prophf'sied respecting it and the nations.
Peter assures us that Jeremiah did not realize the full
significance of God's words to him, but that they apply
particularly to us upon whom the ends of the ages are
come. Jehovah forelmew his remnant class in this end
of the age before ever that remnant emerged into its
present great work. Foreknowing the work they would
do he inspired Jesus to prophesy: "This gospel of the
kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness
unto all nations." Hence he sanctified or set apart the
remnant class which he was forming or preparing to
this work. When the Lord came to his temple and the
spirit was poured out upon all flesh, there Jehovah or-
dained the remnant to stand forth and testify as his
mouthpiece to the nations. What strength the knowl-
edge of Jehovah's supervision gives to us I
March 15
For thus sa'ith the Lord God, Behold I, even I, will both
search my sheep, and seek them out.-
Ezekiel 34: 11.
"Jehovah is my Shepherd." ''We are the people of
his pasture, and the sheep of his hand." His faithful
Son is the good Shepherd who gave his life for the
sheep. For centuries the hireling "shepherds and the
principal of the flock" have made havoc of Jehovah's
sheep and scattered them with their rule of force and
cruelty. Now the day of deliverance has come; and
Jehovah, even Jehovah, is engaged in searching and
seeking out his sheep. Those who respond to his mes-
sage, he feeds in good pasture and makes to lie down
in a good fold. Since the Lord Jesus has taken his
seat on his glorious throne for jUdging the nations, J e-
hovah uses him to bless those sheeplike ones who do good
unto his sheep.
PRA YERr .. IEETING TEXT COMMENT
March 16
"God shall help her, and that right early."-Psa. 46: 5.
T
HEIlE is a due time for every part of the w o r ~ {
of Jehovah. The due time for carrying out this
command is at the end of the Gentile 'l'ime:l.
The command is addressed to the temple or servant
class, and such arc designated as witnesses to testify
that Jehovah is Ged. '1'he proclaiming of this gospel
of the kingdom God will have done by his saints this
side the yail and before the complete fall of Satan's
crganization. Who will delight to give the witness?
The answer is: Those whose rGligion is Christ Jesus
and his kingdom. Some who claim to he consecrated to
the Lord put forth all their efforts to make many believe
that by developing a character they will get to heaven.
Such deceive themselyes. Those who have real faith in
the kingdom of God as his means of delivering the lm-
man race joyfully seize the opportunity to devote their
faculties to the Lord's service in declaring the message
of his kingdom. When this witness has been given then
all opportunity of participating therein will be gone.
When too late some may awake to the fact that they
have failed to heed the Lord's commands and that they
are not of the kingdom. Only the remnant will be dili-
gent in obeying the Lord's commands and will receive
the everlasting reward.
March 17
The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people,
that this rnan was there.-Psalrn 87: 6.
Jehovah has predestinated that Christ's glorified body
shall comprise one hundred and forty-four thousand
members. Each member is to be born in Zion, the
heavenly city of God, in the first resurrection. The Lord
is supremely interested in this elect company, and he
counts them as they are born in Zion. He will continue
to count until the last member is born to make the eleCt
complete. Not one member shall be left out of
the count or overlooked, because Jehovah can tell eveu
the number of the stars. Jehovah is not ashamed of
them, because they have not been ashamed to confess
him as their God on earth. Because they have spoken
oft one with another, honoring his name among them-
selves and before men, he has had a book of remem-
brance written before him in which their names are re-
corded.
March 18
Out of the mouth of babes a,nd sucklings hast th01t or-
dained strength, because of thine e.nemies; that
tho1t rnightest still the enemy atrd the avenger.
-Psalm 8:' 2.
When Jesus rode 011 the aes into Jerusalem .and went
into the temple, and the priests and scribes objected to
the children crying out in the temple, Hosanna to the
Bon of David! the Lord asked: "Have ye never read,
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has per-
fected praise"? Similar circumstances. have arisen in
these times: The King has offered himself to Christen-
dom and has come to his temple for judgment. The
saints in the temple condition are crying as never be-
fore: "The kingdom is come. Hail to the King!" The
giantlike ruling powers of Christendom frown upon
these saints, who arc like habes and sucklings intellectu-
ally and numerically in their sight. They object to the
joyful acclamations of the new King. But again Je-
hovah has perfected praise: out of the mouths of hi"
little ones; he has ordained strength unto them to raise
their voice.
March 19
The Lord IJreserveth all them that love him: but all the
wUl he destroy.-Psalm 145: 20.
The enemy is vigorous and powerful. He is seeking
to destroy the members of the body of Christ. All his
forces are arrayed against the seed of promise. However,
these latter, observing the rules or laws which the Lord
has laid down, are safe from all harm. Jehovah pre-
serveth them. Their continued safety depends upon
their loving devotion and faithfulness to the Lord and
his cause. Pleadingly the Lord therefore says to them
through his prophet: "0 love the Lord, all ye his saints:
for the Lord preseTVeth the faithful." As the enemy
advances to the assault let each member of the body
remember that the battle is not his but Jehovah's. The
Lord is leading, and he is certain of victory. ObserY{j
the orders of the Leader, carryon strenuously in the
conflict, and trust to the Lord for preservation.
March 20
He sendeth his commandment upon earth: his
word runneth very swiftly.-Psalm 147 :15.
Whatsoever .T ehovah commands or' orders, that thing
specifically comes to pass or into being. 'l'he inanimate
Gl'eations and forces of nature and of the universe obey
his commands; but his special creation, his saints, dis-
tinguish themselves by intelligent obedience to his com-
mands. Since the great W orId War Jehovah has sent
forth his commandment to his saints on earth in these
words: "'fhis gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness." And readily and jov-
fully the faithful saints respond. In consequence of
their willingness and in view of the Lord's blessing,
his Word runs very swiftly to all the nations of earth
as a testimony. Yea, it rushes through the air at the
rate of one hundred and eighty thousand and three
hundred miles a second by means of the radio waves,
penetrating even the walls of the houses and bringing
to the people the most gladsome tidings ever broadcast.
March 21
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
and from the noisome pestilence.-Psalm 91: S.
In this period when Satan, the abased Dragon, is
waging war against those who keep the commandments
of God, he is using various devices to get them into his
toils. He takes on the guise of a fowler, intent on en-
snaring the unwary. Jehovah God has given the assur-
ance that he shall deliver those who, like helpless birds,
take refuge in the covert of his wings. One of the snares
of the malicious Fowler from which Jehovah has de-
livered us is ecclesiasticism, "the false prophet." (Hosea
9: 8) No more does the rod of the great wicked one 01'
of his ecclesiastical element rest upon the let of the
righteous. (Psalm 125: 3) Nor can the destructive
peEtilence that dall;:s ahrcad in the gross darkness cov-
ering the earth touch them with its deadly contagion.
March 22
My God hath sent his angel, a.nd hath shut the lions'
mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasm1lch as
before him innocency was found in me.
-Daniel 6: 22.
Daniel, as a member of that "cloud of witnesses" of
whom the world ,ras not worthy, was innocent before
the Lord, and therefore Jehovah stopped the mouths of
the ferocious monarchs of the forest. The Apostle Paul,
another witness for Jehovah, also testified: "1 was de-
livered out of the month of the lion," out of Nero's
clutches, who was verily more cruel than the lions of
the wood. Looking back at the enemies of the Lord's
pMple who rose up during the W orid War and would
have swallowed up the church alive, we too can say:
"Blessed he the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey
to their teeth." 'l'oday the great accuser of the brethren,
deposed from heaven, roams abroad as a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour; but we know that our
innocency is established before Jehovah because we are
under the robe of righteousness. And as long as we are
faithfully engaged in making known that Jehovah is
God, the lion's mouth is shut by Jehovah.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
March 23
&<'1 he Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself:'
-Psalm 4: 3.
A
s USED in this text godly means holy. Only
those are holy who, being in Christ, are fully
and entirely devoted to the Lord. In such God
is working to will and to perform his good purposes.
Such he sets apart for himself to use now as his witnesses
and for ever to glorify his name.
It will not do for the Christian to devote his facul ..
ties to selfish purposes and to give sparingly to the
Lord's service. Such are not holy unto the Lord and
are chiefly for self. The depth of each one's consecra-
tion is put to t.he test. He fails in the test when he
considers the Lord's service of secondary importance.
He meets the test when he joyfully bends his energies
in obedience to the commands of the Lord and delights
to tell others, and does tell them, about the works of
Jehovah and the blessings his kingdom will bring. As a
rule those who possess most of the material riches find
it very difficult to meet the test. Those who are whole-
heartedly engaged in the Lord's service because of their
love for him and his works constitute the remnant of
his people in these last days.
March 24
I have satiated the weary soul, and 1 have replenished
every sorrowf11,l soul. Upon this 1 awaked, atnd
beheld; and my sleep 1iJM sweet ttnto me.-
Jeremiah 31: 25, 26.
Jehovah had promised (verse 14): "1 will satiate
the fOul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall
be mtisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord. How
wondrously he has made this prophecy to go into ful-
filment even this side the vail! Incidental to the great
World War, the soul of the church became weary of
life, like Elijah. "Take away my life," she said, as her
Eonl became sorrowful amid the trialsome experiences
of 1918. But in 1919 in the Fall the wise virgins of the
church awaked; and Jehovah multiplied the proofs and
assurances to them that the kingdom was established
and their Bridegroom was truly here. He began to un-
fold the parables and respecting the kingdom
and the present honor and favor and work of the
church. What fatness God's priestly class now enjoy I
How all this goodness satiates the souls of his people,
who have been weary and sOl'1'owful!
March 25
When Israel was a child, then 1 loved him, and called
my son out of Egypt.-Ho'sea 11: 1.
How tender is the message of Jehovah to'war-d IsraelI
His taking Israel by the hanc1 unel leading him out of
Egyptian bondage was a sincel'e manifestation of love
for him. His love was again displayed when he brought
his only-begotten Son out of Egypt, where Joseph and
Mary had bome him as a babe. Similarly, Jehovah
has bestowed great love upon his church, his first-bom
ones, in these (lays in delivering them from slavishness
to Egypt. He has called them out of the world, typified
f}y Egypt, to draw near to the m()ll11t of God to worship
and serve and know him. To them he says: "Fear ye
nat, neithel' be afraid: have not I told thee from that
time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses.'-I
(lsaiah 44; E) His to them is not to go
down to Egypt again, but to maintain fealty to him.
Marcil 26
o visit mil with thy salvation; that I may see the good
of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in thl} gladness of
thy nation, that I may gl01'Y with thine inher-
itl1lncll.-Psalm 106: 4, 5.
The Lord has visited his chosen ones with salvation
and has made them to see good while still in the land
of the living here on earth. By one master-stroke of
Jehovah in 1914 the new nation, the new heavenly
governing factor over earth, was born. Shortly there-
after the great adversary was unseated and cast out of
heaven; and the cry rang throughout heaven: "Rejoice,
ye heavens, and ye that, dwell in them." Not only the
heavens rejoiced, but "Zion heard, and was glad". That
is, Jehovah made the children whom Zion brought forth
since 19'18 to rejoice in the gladness of the newborn na-
tion. He has adorned them with the robe of righteous-
ness and the garments of salvation. Should they not
glory as his inheritance and bless him out of Zion?
March 27
Not 1lnto us, 0 Lord, not unto us, but unto thy n m ~
give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's salce.
-Psalm 115: 1.
This prayer expresses the proper heart condition and.
the real objective of all true prayer; namely, that unto
his own name Jehovah might bring the glory rather
than answer anything of a selfish kind in our prayers.
This type of prayer is the true heart sentiment of all the
active ser\Tants of the Lord at this time. They know
that the day has arrived in which Jehovah will make
a name for himself. He is to be exalted in the earth.
All selfish considerations should be dismissed; perfect
love should be displayed in the full devotion of all our
powers and faculties to Jehovah and his service. God's
mercy and truth are at stake because Satan's organi.
zation would hinder his mercy from coming to the
people and would prevent the spread of divine truth.
But J ehoyah will triumph over all opposition and will
add the laurels of glory to his name.
Marc'h 28
11e brought them out of darlcness and the slwdow of
death, and brake their bands in sunder.
-Psalm 107: 14.
In all the great deliverances recorded in the annals
of God's people, Jehovah comes to the fore as the great
Emancipator, the great Champion of true freedom.
What wonder then that it is written: "Oh that men
would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his WOJl-
derful works to the children of men!" 'l'he sad condi-
tion of the "great multitude" is now becoming promi-
nent. They have been divided in their love between
Jehovah and the attractive things of Satan's empire,
and have contemned the Most High, who counseled them
to render fulness of devotion and complete holiness to
the Lord. Therefore they have been taken into bondage
in Babylon, where they now sit in darkness ana in the
shadow of the second death, languifhing in the foul
cage of ccclesiltfticism with every unclean 1)ir<1 for their
companion. Is there none to help? Ah, yes; Jehovah!
'l'darcllt 29
What saith the MLS1ver of God unto /Lim? I have 're-
served to myself set'en tho'usand men, who have
not bowed the knee to the ima.ge of Baal.-
Romans 11: 4.
At the time that the Elijah feature of the church'i!
work passed and the Elisha work began, only a remnant
were filled with such zeal for Jehovah that they were
joyfully willing to take up the new phase of the work
and to respond to his call, saying: "Here am I; senll
me." 'l'hose who volunteered for service Jehovah has
reserved for himself to carry out his purposes before he
overthrow the worship of Baal, the Devil, in the battle
of Armageddon. 'l'his remnant refuses to bow the knee
servilely to Baal or to receive the mark of the beast or
the Dumber of his name in either forehead or hand.
Emboldened by love for the true God, they courageously
stand erect amid Baal's bowing worshipers and shout;
"Jehovah, he is the God." Who will be of the remnant?
l'If Jehovah be God, follow h.im."
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
March 30
"He will finish the work, and cut it short in right-
eousness."-Romans 9: 28.
T
HIS text is a quotation from the Prophet Isaiah.
The prophecy had a miniature fulfilment upon
f l ~ h l y Israel. It has a more important applica-
cation to those of spiritual Israel. There was a remnant
of fleshly Israel who were loyal to the Lord to the end.
The Scriptures abundantly prove that only a remnant
of the spirit-begotten ones will be entirely devoted to
the Lord to the end. When dates were named, fixing
the time that the church might be glorified, some were
spuned on with greater zeal evidently because thp.y
hoped to get into the kingdom early. When no dates
are named some become doubtful, negligent, and think
it is time to lay up earthly treasures and go slowly with
the work of the Lord. Thus they do. 'The Lord's work
is a righteous work; and when the due time comes for
him to finish it with spiritual Israel he will finish it
quickly; and those composing the remnant will be found
to be the faithful ones. The promise is not to those
who are faithful to a date; but "Be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee the crown of life".
Ma.rch 31
When the enerny shall come in like a flood, the spirit o.f
the Lord shaZl lift ttp a standard against him.-
Isaiah 59:19.
World powers, commercial giants, scienti sts, philoso-
phers, and ecclesiastics-all have put up their respec-
tive standards. By these the enemy Satan has come in
like a flood, hoping to confuse the people and turn them
in disgust away from Jehovah God. 'J.'he cries of the
people have come up to God, and he has commanded
another standard to be mised. It is the standl1l'd of
divine truth; and the spirit of Jehovah, poured out
on all flesh since the Lord's coming to his temple, causes
his anointed ones to lift it aloft. 'J.'he standard of the
Lord serves to mark the rallying point for the people,
and to define the way of l'ighteousness and holiness
through which the people must pass in order to be the
recipients of the blessings which Jehovah has reserved
for them that obey him.
April 1
The Lotd shall roar f1'01n on high, ... he shall g1've
a shout, as they that tread thm grapes, agai,nst all
the ilnhabita,nts of tiLe ea1th.-J 131'. 25: 30.
The heading of the wine press is a picture of the
great battle of God Almighty againRt the Devil. It
pictUl'es the complete destruction of the enemy's entiTe
organization, and not merely the humiliation of false
religious systems. 'rhe treading takes place dUl'ing the
period of the wrath of God; it is ncar at hand, because
since 1918 the day of God's wrath has come. It will
be a time of tribulation snch as mankind has never be-
fore known. Jehovah employs J'esus and his faithful
following in the trel1(ling. Prophecy pictures the Lorn
as going into the winelat and with his feet treading
out the grapes of the vine of the emth. The last meni-
bel'S of the body of Christ on em'th who remain faithful
till death are designated as "the feet of him", and there-
fore ~ a part of him they have a }JUl't to play. Jehovah
rOal'S from on high and shouts by having them as his
witnesses to declare the day of his vengea11ce.
April 2
When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in
his glol'y.-Psal'ln 102: 16.
For the foundation of Zion Jehovah laid his beloved
Son, a precious stone. Before he laid him he tested and
tried him; hence he is spoken of by the prophet as a
tried stone. At Pentecost God began the selection of the
other living stones to be God's holy temple, the residence
of the official family of God. Because Jesus and the
other members of the temple class are the ruling factor
in earth's new government, the name Zion applies to
them; and in a special sense therefore God began to
build up Zion in 1914, when the new nation was born.
In 1919 the builders of Satan's organiza
tion rejected Jehovah's tried and precious stone. None-
theless that stone inaintains its position .as the "head of
the corner"; and" Satan's henchmen are being over-
thrown that "glory to God in the highest" may result
and thus appear in his glory in Zion.
April 3
He maketh the storm, a calm, so that the waves
thereof a'l'e still.-Psalm, 107: 29.
The storm pictures Jehovah's fight against the ini-
quitous empire of the Deyil in the battle of Armaged-
don. Jehovah commands the fight to begin, and the
Prophet David describes the tempestuous waves of trou
ble stirred up by the stOl'::ny wind that Jehovah raises
up. In the deep distress that smites the nations they
will discern the Lord; that is, they will see the manifes-
tation of his power in the troublesome events. "Their
soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro,
and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits'
end." This great tribulation will so humble the hearhl
of men that they will cry unto the Lord; and he will lift
them up and establish peace, lasting peace, on earth.
He will bring them to their desired haven, God's king-
dam; and there "nation shall not lift up sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any mOl'e" ..
April 4
The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, eve'lt
the wicked for the day of evil.-Prove?bs 16: 4.
The thought is that Jehovah has made and reserves
all things for their own due time. He holds the times
and seasons within the unyielding grasp of his own
hand. Be assured thai God could have imprisoned or
destroyed the Devil at any time, but his Word discloses
that it is Jehovah's purpose to let the Evil One come
to the full in his wicked course before he executes his
final judgment against him. While he is doing this, the
Lord permits others of his intelligent creatures either
to follow the Devil in his wrongful course or to war
against iniquity and follow righteousness and be classed
as "the hue". The Lord's people should therefore not
fret because of those who prosper in their wicked ways.
The day of evil fol' which Jehovah has reserved the
wicked has come. Therefore his obedient ones should
not hesitate to take the slaughter weapons and smite.
April 5
1 have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered
thee in the shadow of I ~ i n e hand, that I may plant
the heavens, and lay the foundations of the
earth, and say unto Zion, Thou a1t my
people.-Isaiah 51: 16.
'1'1118 means that Jehovah has commissioned the mem-
bel'S of the church on earth to deliver the message of
new heavens and a new earth. This is the real duty
of each one. Lest he fear, Jehovah gives to him the full
assurance that his divine power is shielding and protect-
ing each one of the faithful ones. As we visualize tha
powers of evil, we can with certainty know that Satan
would wipe out the members of the church instantly if
God would permit him so to do. But those who are hid
within the shadow oJ: Jehovah's hand occupy a posi-
tion of absolute security. When his work is accom-
plished and the record is written up, then Jehovah will
point to those of Zion, that all the peoples of the earth
may know who they are; and to these favored ones he
will say: "Thou art my people."
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
April 6
"The counsel of the Lord stGlndeth for ever, the thoughts
of his heart to all generations."-Psalm 33: 11.
T
HE counsel of the Lord is synonymous with
his plan or purpose. From the foundation of the
world his plan was dennitely made. God does
not change. He says: "!iy counsel shall stand, and I
will do all my pleasure: . . . I have purposed it, I
will also do it." For this reason the creature can abso-
lutely rely upon the promises of the Lord. When God
makes a covenant with one whereby he promises to give
him the divine nature God's part of that covenant is
absolutely certain. If the creature now performs his
part of the covenant faithfully, he is certain to have an
abundant entrance into the kingdom. The Scriptures
denne what the creature shall do in the performance
of his covenant. (2 Peter 1: 4-11) '1'he Scriptures do
not say that he is to develop a character, but that he is
to work out his salvation by faithfully performing the
work that God has given him to do. He must take his
stand for the Lord and be God's true and faithful wit-
ness. For that is the purpose of God concerning th3
Christian at this time.
April 7
The glory of the Lo'rd shall endure for eve?': the Lord
shall rejoice in h-is works.-Psalm 104: 31..
"His work is perfcct." When Jehovah had brought
forth man in his image and had :finished his preparatory
work on earth, he beheld everything that he had made
and rejoiced because it was good. When the work. of
sin..,atonement is consummated and all things in heaven
and in earth have been gathered together in one under
Christ, Jehovah will rejoice again. lIonor and glory
shall then crown man once more to the praise of J e-
hovah! But exceeding the glory and brightness of all
his works, the work in which he will rejoice most, will
be the new creation, "the precious sons of Zion, com-
parable to :fine gold." Giving us what is only a faint
conception of the joy he will have in them, he addresses
Zion, whom they represent, saying, "As the bridegroom
rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over
thee."
April 8
Behold, the Lord hath p'roclaimed unto the e.nd of the
1JJ01'ld, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy
salvation cometh; behold, his 1'eward is 1I.)ith
him, a.nd his 1vor7c before him.-Isa. 62: 11.
Jehovah is responsible for the proclamation of the
message of the King and his kingdom unto the ends
of the earth and in this the time of the end of the
world. It is by his command that this proclamation is
made; and it is by his witnesses whom. he hath raised
up and anointed with his spirit, and in whose mouths
he hath put his WOl'ds. They are ordained not only to be
a prophet to the nations hut also to comfort those that
mourn in Zion, to strengthen the hands of their breth-
ren in the work in Zion. This they do by announcing
to them that the King is come, and hy not ceasing to
remind them that the King is here. He is come with
great present rewards .for those who faithfully devote
themselves to the woxlc which is before him.
Memorial Week
April 9
It is the sacrifice of the Lord}s passover} who passed over
ihe houses of the children of Israel} when he smote
the Egyptians, an4 delivered our houses.-
ExodtlS 12: 27.
'l'he memorial of the Passover as celebrated by the
Jews was not to glorify or eulogize primarily the lamb
whose blood provided a covering for them from death,
but was to exalt Jehovah, who provided the means of
deliverance Rnd who intervened in their behalf with a
display of mighty power. Hence the purpose of the
Passover and the demonstration of Jehovah's power in
conjunction with it was to glorify God and convince the
people that Jehovah is the Almighty God, that there
is none other besides i m ~ and that all who receive his
means of salvation and obey him are absolutely certain
to receive the blessings he has promised. Likewise, in
memorializing the sacrifice of our PaEsover Lamb, Christ
Jesus, we should seek first of all to extol and honor Je"
hovah, giving thanks to him for providing a Lamb for
our salvation and deliverance as well as that of mankind.
April 10
My Father giveth you ihe true bread from heaven. For
the bread of God is he wn'ich cometh down from
heaven} and giveth life unto the world.-
John 6: !3:3, 38.
Except we eat this bread which Jehovah sent down
from heaven ,ye can never attain eyerlasting life. To
"eat of this bread" is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
A man eats, and therefore absorbs, natural food through
his mouth. He eats or absorlJs spiritual food throua;h
his mind; and when he sets his affections upon that
which he believes, he is said to believe with his heart.
(Romans 10: 10) The world of mankind will hav(l to
eat this bread, that is, exercise belief in Jesus, during
the reign of Christ, in order to get life under the tel'll'l1l
of the new covenant. The members of the body of Christ
also have to eat of this same bread.
Memorial Week
April 11
And this da.y shall be Wl,to you for a memorial}'
f01' in this selfsam.e d.ay have I brought yo'u.r armies
out of the land of Egypt: thm'efore ghall ye
observe this day.-Exod.us 11&: 14, 17.
Why should J ehoyah command Israel to keep th0.
Passover as a memorial each year? Evidently that the)'
might not forget that Jehovah is the Almighty God,
their friend and benefactor, and the only source of life.
Hence, in enjoining upon his disciples the keeping of
the Memorial of his death Jesus followed the course that
his heavenly Father took. He knew that the safety of
all his follo,Yers depends upon to Jehovah
and to himself. Therefore he knew that if his disciples
would keep constantly before their minds the reason why
he, the Lamb of God, had died, and that this reason
was that they might be delivered from Satan and live,
then they would be better enabled to resist the Devil
and stand firmly for Jehovah and his cause. 'l'he real
purpose of the Memorial of Jesus' death is the safety
and welfare of his followers.
April 12
lTltat shalt I 1'ende1' unto the Lord fo1' all h-is benefits
t01L'a1'd me? I will take the C1.lp of salvation, and
call upon the name of the Lord.-
Psalm 116: 12, 13.
In view of Jehovah's benefits to us, let us thankfully
drink the cup which Jesus, his Son, offers to us. By
inviting us to drink the Memorial wine Jesus was not
simply inviting us to accept and believe on his blood as
providing the price of redemption for oursehes and all
mankind. He was also plainly inviting us to suffer
death with him, because the wine symbolized his blood
and drinking bluod was punished among the Jews with
the death penalty. 'rhat this was his meaning is sup
ported by his statement: "Except ye eat the flesh of the
Son of mall, and drink his blood, ye have no life in
you." In other words, only those who are broken with
Christ will receive inherent life, immortality.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
April 13
"You however have remained with me amid my trials;
ancl I covenant to give you, as my Father has cove-
naJnted to give me, a Kingdom-so that you
shall eat and d1"ink at my table in my
Kingdom, and sit on th1"ones as judg-
A
es over the twelve tribes of Isra-
el."-Luke 22: 29, 30,
Weymouth.
COVENANT is a solemn promise to do a thing
certain. God gave his solemn promise to his
beloved Son that because of his faithfulness hl3
should have a kiDgdom to rule and bless mankind. i ~
faithfulness meant his death. Taking the cup of wine
Jesus said to his disciples: "This cup is the new cove-
nant in my blood, which is poured for you." By that
he meant that his blood provided the ransom, without
the shedding of which blood no man can be saved. The
disciples must receive the benefit of the ransom price.
This they did receive at Pentecost, when they were justi-
fied and begotten of the holy spirit. By inviting his
followers to partake of his cup, Jesus offers such who
continue faithful the great privilege of being in the
coveDant and sharing with him in his kingdom. There-
fore he said to his disciples: "I covenant with you for
a kingdom, even as my Father has covenanted with
me for a kingdom." Those who die with Christ Jesus
the sacrificial death shall live with him. Those who by
faithful service suffer reproach that came upon him by
reason of his faithfulness shall share with him in his
glorious reign. This is one of the great works of J eho-
vah which is the result of complete unselfishness.
Memorial Week
April 14
The blood shall be to you [01' (1, token upon the houses
where ye are: and token J see the blood, I will pass
Over you.--Exodus.lfJ: 13.
The law covenant was made in Egypt between God
on one side and Moses as a mediator for the people on
the other side; and the blood testifying thereto was the
blood of the Passover lamb, which blood also furnished
a special protection to the first-bol'ns. The new C0venant
was made on calth between Jehovah on one side and
Christ Jesus as Mediator for the people on the other
side, at the time of the breaking of the bread and the
drinking of the wine the night before our Lord's death.
The blood testifying to this new covenant 'Was the blood
of Christ Jesus (Matthew 26: 28), and it has furnished
a special protection to the "church of the firstborn"
throughout the Gospel Age. The Lord Jesus' follo'wers
will be passed over and saved from the "second death"
if they faithfully abide under the covering of that blood.
April 15
me, 0 L01"d, a.nd prove me; try 'my reins and
my hea1't.-Psalm fJ6: fJ.
This should be the attitude. of all the anointed ones
toward Jehovah at Memorial time. For a. person may
claim to be cOl,lsecrated to Jehovah, and indeed be con-
secrated, and have a vision of the Devil's organization
and of God's organization, and yet try to have fellow-
ship with both. But he cannot be. faithful to Jehovah
unless he refuses to lend his inflnence, sympathy and
love to Satan's organization, "Ye cannot drink the cnp
of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be par-
takers of the Lord's table, and the table of devils." Let
ali the consecrated then snbmit themselves to examina-
tion in the light of Jehovah's Word and see if they can
truthfully say: "1 haye consecrated my life to the Lord.
With me it is God first and all the time. Unreservedly
I will support his cause. I delight to identify myself
with hiE< organization, of which Christ Jesus is the
Head." All who can may partake of the Memorial.
April 16
Thou has multiplied the nation, thou hast incteased their
.'loy: they joy before thee according to the Joy in
hW1:vest, as men rejoice when they divide the
spoil.-lsaiah 9: 3.
At the fir-st Memorial supper Jesus said to his dis-
ciples, "I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the
vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in
my Father's kingdom." What did he mean? The wine
in the cup not only represented the blood of our Lord
J esns but it also symbolizes joy and good cheer as part
of the potion that Jehovah God pours for the church.
Hence drinking the wine with his .faithful followers in
the kingdom must refer to his sharing the joys of thc
kingdom with us. Now the nation has been born, .and
Jesus began the exercise of his kingdom power in 1914.
In 1918 he came to his temple. Verily then this is the
time of the application of the scripture, "Let the saints
be joyful in glory"; for now :it is that the Lord in his
temple bids his faithful servants to enter into the joys
of their Lord. Has not Jehovah multiplied their joy
at this time? And are they not already in a measure
drinking of the cup of joy with Jesus? Surely!
April 17
God hl1.Jth both mised up the Lord, a.nd will also ra1se
up u.s by his own power --1 Cori-nthians 6: 14-
Blessed consolation! The mighty power of Jehovah
which he demonstrated toward Christ Jesus when he
raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right
hand in the heavenly places, will save us out of death
and raise us to life divine. The gates of hade.s shall
not prevail against the members of God's church in
Christ. Standing face to face with death is the greatest
of all ordeals. But if one can face it, fully assured of
the fact that if he is faithful Jehoyah will raise him up
out of death to endless life, the ordeal loses its sting.
If he can appreciate the further fact that his death and
resurrection will result in vindicating the name of J e-
hovah God and be to the glory of God, then he can face
the ordeal peacefully and with joy.
April ][8
God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to eVe1'y
seed his own body.-1 Corinthians 15: 38.
Jehovah in his manifold wisdom has given to each
of the many, many seeds of the plant and vegetable
kingdom a distinct and individual body. So has he pre-
pared for each member of the divine family a body, "a
building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens." The divine family, the kingdom class,
is begotten again, "not of corruptible seed, but of in-
corruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abid-
eth for ever." As every creature must possess an organ-
ism, so must the kingdom class in the resurrectioll.
When they have their part in the first resurrection, J e-
hovah will give them bodies, and they shall awake in the
likeness of the Lord. It will please him to give them
spiritual bodies, of the divine nature. What an incentive
this prospect is to faithfulness in doing the will of God!
What a supcl'l1ul reward!
April 19
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech by us: we pmy ~ Christ's stead, Be ye
reconciled to God.- [2 Cori.nthians 5: .0.
Jehovah by his anointing has made us ambassadors
for Christ, clothing us with a warrant of authority to
represent the King and the interests of his kingdom.
Our citizenship is in the heavenly kingdom. Our un-
qualified allcgiance is to the King of kings and his
king-dom of righteousness. It is therefore our duty and
privilege joyfully to obey the commands of the King.
Our message to the people is in effect, "Be ye recon-
ciled to God." What entreaty or earnest recommenda-
tion to the people could be more appropriate than this,
seeing that the kingdom is already established, and the
new covenant will soon be inaugurated through which
the blessings of reconciliation with God wHl be thrown
open to the people! Let us see to it that we do not
receive in yain this grace of Gad; that is, our honorable
appointment as his ambassadors.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
April 20
"The Lord saveth his anointed." -Psalm 0: 8.
I
T SEE1fS probable that the occasion of this Psalm
was the peril and deliverance of Jehoshaphat. ~
Chronicles 20) The enemy, in three divisions, WI!.!
advancing upon J ehoshapbat. A prayer was sent up
to God for help. The spirit of the Lord came upon a
Levite, who delivered a message from God giving as-
surance of victory and complete deliverance.
Now God's anointed ones on earth see the hideous
organization of the Devil and the day of Armageddon
approaching. They discern the enemy in three divisions
advancing. From the Word of God comes the full
assurance that the Lord will preserve his anointed.
Those who love the Lord will faithfully keep his com-
mandments. Bearing witness that Jehovah is God, they
will gladly declare the day of his vengeance and the
time for the complete deliverance by and through his
beloved Son the anointed King. "Oh love the Lord, all
ye saints; for the Lord preserveth the faithful."
April 21
She Drought f(wth a man ch'ild, who was to 'f.ule all na-
Nons with a rod of i1'on: and he'r child was caught
1lp unto God, and to his tMone.-Rev. lfJ; 5.
When Jehovah anointed Lucifer as the covering
cherub to safeguard Adam and Eve, he began his or-
ganization with respect to mankind. But Satan plied
his arts of temptation against the human pair and, like
a dragon, swallowed them up within his power. Subse-
quently Jehovah organized Israel as his nation, but
Satan eventually overreached that organization. Still
later Jehovah began the tTUe church. Apostates went out
from the church and developed the ecclesiastical organi-
zation of Christendom; and Satan, the great Dragon,
devoured them. In 1914 A. D. Zion, Jehovah's true
organization, gave birth to the ruling factor of the new
world. Pr.aise Jehovah that he has delivered it, the
man child, from the voracious jaws and power of the
vicious Dragon, Satan, and has enthroned it!
April 22
For, behold, the stone that 1 ha've la.id before Joshua:
upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, 1 w'ill
engr.ave the gr(J;ving thereof, saith the Lord of
hosts.-Zechartah 3: 9.
The appellation "Joshua", used alone, refers to the
members of ChI'ist's body this side the vail who have not
yet proven themselves as overcomers; whereas the ex-
pression "Joshua the high priest" applies to the glori-
fied Christ, the anointed King. In 1914 Jesus Christ,
the glorified One, began operations against Satan in
heaven and expelled him therefrom. In 1918 he came
to his temple; and it was there that Jehovah laid The
Stone before Joshua, the saints on earth. This Stone,
the anointed King, is also called "the chief corner
stone". It is the angle stone by which all other stones
of God's temple must be measured, and all the approved
ones must be engraved with the engraving like unto
the chief stone. Seven is a symbol of completeness, and
the seven eyes therefore symbolize the complete light
of truth streaming upon the LOl'd, The Stone.
April 23
'Ili1'o-ugh God we shall do valiantly, for he it is that
shall tread dou'n our enemies.-Psalm 60: 12.
Only in the strength of J ehoyah shall anyone do
valiantly. He it is that shall really tread down his and
our enemies in the battle of Armageddon. Armageddon
shall mark the use of God's wine-press for treading out
the life-blood of the "vine of the earth" and its ripe
grapes of wickedness. In just what manner Jehovah will
do the treading is not yet revealed, but certain it is that
the Lord himself will do the crushing. What part then
in that great work is to be performed by the Lord's
remnant, yet on earth? God's Word makes it clear that
their part is to declare the day of God's vengeance; tv
be witnesses that he is God; to sing forth his praises;
to be unreservedly and whole-heartedly on his side; and
to hold forth his standard for the people, that they may
know which way to go. This the remnant does by con-
dantly participatin;j in the Lord's service a;; opportun-
ity m ~ afford.
April 24
God giveth to a man tha.t is good in his sigh t.. wisdom,
and knowledge, and joy.-Ecclesi(1,stes 2: 26.
"There is one good, that is, God," said Jesus. Jeho-
vah God is goodness personified. Logically then his will
and his commandments mlist be good. Hence those who
are whole-heartedly devoted to Jehovah and who from
sincere hearts are striving to do his will and and keep
his commandments are good in the eyes of the Lord;
they are engaged in doing good. rrrue, their works are
imperfect, but their hearts are perfect toward Jehovah
as they busy themselves in that which is good in his
sight. All others are classed as workers of iniquity and
have Jehovah's disapproval. To those who are good ac-
corclil1g to his standard J ehovuh gives three essentials
to their proper performance of his service: He giw\s
them a knowledge of his good und holy will through
his Word; he answers their prayers for wisdom as to
how to perfonll; and he refreshes them with joy, which
makes them happy in his service.
Allril 25
Do good in thy good pleasure unto Z.ion: 'build thou the
walls of Jerusalem.-Psalm 51: 18.
The rebuilding of the wall round about ;r erusalem by
Nehemiah foreshadowed the work of the church in re-
storing and proclaiming the truth for a purpose, and
seems specially to represent the work of the church from
and after 1918. It is in reality, however, ;r ehovah who
in his good pleasure builds the walls, because it is in
his strength and by virtue of his favor and protection
that the work is accomplished. A wall represents n
protection to those inside. Therefore the holding forth
of the truth, as foreshadowed by the rebuilding of the
walls, serves as a protection to God's people in Zion;
also as a testimony that God has a people in the earth.
a testimony that vindicates the honor and dignity of
God, a testimony that the present evil order is of Satan
and must fall, and a testimony that ;r ehovah will have
the victory and set up his kingdom.
Allril 26
The Lord looseth the prisonMs.-Psalm 146: 7.
The Lord loves these prisoners despite the fact that
their rebellion against the Most High and then: slight-
ing of the counsel of their true Friend, ;r ellovah, have
brought them into the solitude of prison life in spiritual
Babylon. He is moved by their groanings and cries for
deliverance. He can force open the prison doors and
release them. Even now he is sending messages of truth
and deliverance through the very walls and doors of the
prison by means of the aU-penetrating radio waves. It
is the advance notice of approaching deliverance. Seeing
that ;r ehovah has anointed and preserved his servants,
his elect, "to proclaim . . . the opening of the prison
to them that are bound," let us manifest our obedience
to ;r ehovah and our love for our imprisoned spiritual
brethren by hastening Ullto them with God's message
and bidding them to "go forth" and show themselves,
unashamed, on the Lord's side.
PRAYERMEETING TEXT COMMENT
April 27
"God . . hath prepared for them a city."
-Hebrews 11: 16.
G
OD is so completely unselfish that he always
shows his appreciation of everything that is
done to please him. His faithful creatures profit
by this knowledge. In the outworking of his plan God
honored certain men, among whom was Abraham, by
giving them the privilege of being his witnesses. These
men were imperfect, but they had an honest desire to
see better conditions for mankind. They were in the
world over which Satan presided as god; and yet they
had no sympathy with that world. Their desire was
for a government ruled over by the righteous One of
heaven. They took their stand unreservedly on the side
of God, and all manner of persecution failed to move
them from their course. Because of their faithfulness
God was not ashamed to be called their God; and in
further recognition of their devotion to righteousness
he provided that their citizenship shall be in the new
earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, which new earth
will be presided over by the new heaven, of which Christ
is the Head. The devoted followers of Jesus Christ, who
now continue to faithfully represent the Lord to the
end, will be granted the privilege of associating with
Christ Jesus in that glorious heaven and of aiding in
directing the civic affairs of the new earth, wherein will
be the ancient worthies.
April 28
Behold, 1 will send my messenge'f, and he shall prepare
the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye s,;elc,
shall s1Lddenly come to his temple, even the
of the covenant.-Malachi 3: 1.
The promise was that Jehovah would send a deputy
or ambassador, clothed with full power and authority
to act for him. The coming of the Adonai, the Mes-
senger of the Abrahamic Covenant, to the temple class
is not an imaginary thing; it is a fact, positively and
emphatically stated in the Scriptures, and fully corrob-
orated by the physical facts since 1918. Jehovah states
that his Messenger will prepare "the way" before him.
A way means a course to be pursued or a mode of
action; and here it clearly seems to mean "the way"
which Jehovah has prepared for men to get life, whether
upon the spirit plane or the human plane. The pre-
paring of the way must refer first to the p;reparation
oi"the church since 1874, and later to the way for all
the people who will come into harmony with God.
April 29
Except the L01"d build the house, they labour in vain
that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the
watchma,n wa.7ceth b'ut in vavn.-Psalm 127: 1.
It is J"ehovah that builds the house; otherwise the
efforts of all those laboring in God's cause would be
vainly spent. The time has now come for him to build
the house, the temple, both by resurrecting the sleep-
ing saints and by further preparing the temple stones
which are still in the quanies of earth. The time hav-
ing come for the work, the temple must be reared; and
it is being reared. The Lord has COme to his temple
class, and those who re:Euse to conform to his plan of
work or who in self-conceit choose to work independently
of his organiz.ation are cleared out. Happy are they who
think soberly. They realize that they are not necessary,
but that the Lord has fa-wred them with an opporhmity
to serve in his cause and by this COurse to prove thdr
fealty, obedience and loving devotion to him.
April 30
I will shrike all nation8, a.nd the desire of all nation.$
shall oome: and I will fill this house wUh glory,
saith the Lord of hosts.-Haggai 2: 7.
"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than
of the former, Baith the Lord of hosts." This is a
promise that the glory with which Jehovah shall fill
the antitypical temple shall far outshine the glory of
the typical temples, not even excluding Solomon'-s tem-
ple, which is estimated to have cost eighty-seven thou-
sand million dollars or more. What a transporting
prospect of glory, honor, and immortality rises befol'e
the church's vision! How it spurs her on to patient
continuance in the Lord's service! The present shaking
of the nations but assures her that the glorification ig
nigh at hand. Even now the glory of the Lord has risen
upon his temple class in the earth. Lo, it stands efful-
gent with the glorious light of the kingdom m e s s a g ~
streaming l'om it to the peoples in darkness. "Happy
Zion, what a blessed lot is thine!"
May 1
o let the nations be glad, and sing for joy; for thou
shalt jttdge the people 1"{ghtMnsly, Ofl1d govem the
na.tions upon earth.-Psalm 67: 4.
Jehovah will be the Governor. The dominion, the
rule or power of the kingdom, will reside in him. 'Fo
govern means not only to rule but primarily to guide
and thus to control. All this Jehovah will do. He will
open the highway to life, and use the Christ as the
fa.ithful Guide to direct mankind's steps in the wa.y of
holiness that they might ascend the high,vay and un-
erringly reach the glorious goal, life eternal. Through-
out all their wayfaring up this highway to life, they
shall receive righteous judgment and shall learn right-
eousness at the hands of him whom Jehovah has or-
dained to judge the world in righteousness. This hope
should be cause for unbounded joy on the part of the
peo-ple. Let us create this hope in their hearts by tell-
ing them the Lord's lnessage that their joy may begin
now, and that they may sing unto the Lord for gladness.
May 2
In the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might
gather together in one an things in Christ, both
which are in heaven, .rLnd which are on earth;
even in him.-Ephesians 1: 10.
Jehovah's plan, as revealed to man, is that God has
appointed his beloved Son to be King; that he has made
him the chief corner and foundation of his organization
Zion; that in due time he is pl'esented as earth's rightful
King; that although rejected by all, God completely
establishes his ol'ganization, which brings righteousness
to the eal'th; that when the work of restoration of man
is completed, every creatUl'e who is obedient to God
will be granted evel'lasting life and will joyfully support
and l'ender homage to the great King. When Jehovah's
plan is fully accomplished and all creatures in heaven
and in earth are gathered under one Head, Christ Jesus,
and all are through him subject to the Father, then all
things will be to the glory of God.
May 3
Instead of thy fathm's shall be thy children, whom thou
mayest make p1inces in all the earth.-Psa. 45: 16.
For many centuries Satan and his angels have COl1-
stituted the heavens of the evil world, and mankind
organized into forms of government under Satan's
suzerail1ty have constituted the earth. Satal1's earthly
princelings have comprised the commercial, political and
ecclesiastical elemel1ts. But now we are hasting unto
a new heavel1S and a l1ew earth. Satan and his angels
have already been deposed from their erstwhile heavenly
position, but they still exercise their baneful influence
as heavel1ly powers over mankind. Yet their time is
short. Preparations are now moving rapidly forward for
the great and final conflict, in which the old world will
be utterly destroyed and new heavens al1d a new earth
be established. In the ne'l' earth Jehovah's appointment
is that all the martyrs, of whom Satan's world was not
worthy, the faithful ones from Abel to John the Baptist,
shall be the princes. They shall be the children of the
Christ.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
May 4
"He hath made his wondm'ful w01'ks to be remembered,"
-Psalm 111: 4.
T
HE works of Jehovah are wonderful, and marvel-
ous in our eyes. They stand as memorials to the
wisdom and loving kindness of our God. Among
these memorial works may be noted the sending of
.T oseph into Egypt and his experiences there; the insti-
tution of the Passover; the deliverance of Israel from
Egypt and the giving of the law at :Mount Sinai; the
atonement day sacrifices and the blessing of the people
that followed. All these things foreshadowed greater
things to come and to stand as memorials to keep the
mind of the creature f ~ e d upon Jehovah. Offering his
beloved Son as a great sacrifice for sin, he caused this
wonderful work to be kept as a memorial by the church
until the coming again of the anointed One; and for
ever thereafter that great sacrifice will stand as an
eternal monument to the love of Jehovah and of his
dear Son. It is the will of God that his creatures shall
keep these marvelous works in mind and from them
learn to likewise wholly devote themselves to the cause
of righteousness, learn concerning these wonderful
works, and help others to understand them.
May 5
Not by works of righteousness which we have do-ne, but
according to his mercy he salved us, by the 1va.shing
of regeneration, and 1'enewing of the holy
spirit.--Titus 3: 5.
Our ownl'ighteousnesses are hut as filthy rags; they are
not fit as a covering for our naturally undone condition
before the eyes of Jehovah. By our own works we can
never be justified in his sight. Jehovah well understood
this; and in his mercy he provided for our salvation
from death, arranging for us to be washed in the blood
of his dear Son that thus we might be presented before
him as regenerated human beings deserving of the right
tQ live on earth. But over and above this mercy Jehovah
has shown us greater favor by accepting us for sacrifice
with Jesus and begetting us hy his spirit al'ld in this
D;launer renewing us, making us new creatmes in Christ.
o an we keep silent in view of such grace? No!
May 6
'l'he Lord rnake you to increase and abound in love one
tnward a.1wther, and to-ward all men-, even as we do
towu1'd you.-l Thessalonians 3: 12.
Jehovah sheds abroad his love into our hearts by his
spirit which he imparts to us. 'l'he more we have of his
spirit the more we increase in love of the brethren. Thi"
will mean that we will unselfishly consider the interest
of om brethren. Knowing that they also have made a
covenant with the Lord by sacrifice, we will be anxious
to see them -perform their part of the covenant, that
they too may have an entrance into the kingdom. W <3
will earnef'Uy beseech our brethren to render their
"reasonable service" unto the Lord. (Romans 12: 1)
We will not be anxious to enjoy some h01101' at the ex-
pense of our bl'ethl't'n, but will rather in honor prefer
one another. 'rhere will exist a real family feeling as
becomes memLers of the household of God; and as such
we shall fight ehoulder to shoulder, safeguarding each
other's interests, "fighting for [our] brethren," a11l1
always contending for the gospel of ,T esus Christ.
May 7
Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my
haruls to WM, and my fingers to fight.-Psa. 144: 1.
The hand is a symbol of active power. Jehovah has
placed certain powers, duties, and obligations in the
hands of his people; hence there is a responsibility upon
them to use the same. There is no allowance for slack-
ing the hand, or for failing to use our smallest powers,
as pictured by the fingers, in the conilict now raging.
The Lord has given his "young men" who are endowed
with vision, a searching insight into the Devil's organi-
zation and warned them earnestly of the maliciousness
of the Dragon, the Devil, who now wars against those
who keep Jeho\'ah's commandments. The war is on; the
Lord is pressing the battle to the gates of the enemy.
Those of the Lord's army must fight; the enemy must
not be spared. No consecrated Christian can aflord to
yield to fear and withdraw from the active Iront and
remain 13ilent.
May 8
Now the God of patience and consolaiian grant you to
be likern.indecl one toward anothe'r.. according to
Chr1st Jesus.-Romans 15: 5.
Jehovah is a God of patience. During all the centuries
during which reproaches have been cast upon him and
his he has borne up forbearingly and has steadfastly
and zealously pursued his holy and righteous plans,
allotting sufficient time for all his good purposes to
ripen. He is now granting time to his remnant on earth
to display the like calibre of mind, patience, in his
service. Patience means constancy in the performance of
duty, endming hardship as a good Foldiel', and doing
so with inward joy, leno,viug that a right course is being
pursued which is pleasing to God. The faithful Chris-
tian never becomes impatient with serving the Lord by
trying to run ahead of the Lord or by quitting the
service because his expectations are not realized when
he wants them. He is certain that Jehovah is not un-
faithful to forget what he is doing, but will keep his
every promise.
May 9
o send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me;
let them bring me ttnto thy holy hill, and to thy
tabernaotes.-Psalm 43: 3.
Since the coming of the Lord to his temple and the
opening of the temple of God in heaven, there have been
flashes of lightning; that is to say, intermittent illumin-
ations of the 'Yord of God, giving further glimpses of
truth in his great plan. These flashes of light do not
emanate from any member of the temple class, but from
the Lord. It is Jehovah who is sending out his light
and h'i.s truth, and at the critical time for the church,
The church, who had expected to go home in 1914 and
whose soul was inclined to be cast down and disquieted
within her, was puzzled temporarily as to why the Lord
stopped the war n ~ left her still on earth. Responding
to her prayer for leading, Jehovah has indeed sent out
the needed light and truth to show which is the way
unto his holy hill of Z'ion, the heavenly kingdom. And
110W, praising Jehovah, her exceeding joy, on the harp,
she joyfully goes to his altar.
May 10
Th e 71'01'ks of his hands are ve1'ity and judgment: all
hiB comma,ndmenis are sure.-Psalm 111: 7.
The hands of Jehovah are always busied with truth
and judgment. His works, which will accomplish tha
redemption of mankind and the deliverance of the
church, are verity; that is, they are in full harmony
with, and in fulfilment of, his Word, which is truth.
He backs up his truth with works so that his W 01'<1
comes true and does not return unto him void. Surely
as we scan all his works in our behalf we can testify:
"There hath not failed one word of aU his good prom-
ise." Additionally, all his works are judgment; that is,
they are in absolute accord with Jehovah's sound judg-
ment and they never err or diverge from strict right-
eousness. "'l'he judgments of the Lord are true and
righteous altogether." Summing up the consistent testi
mony of Jehovah's works we can say: "Holy and rev
erend is his name."
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
May 11
"Jehovah is a God of lonowledge, and by him act'ions
arc weighed."-l Sam1wl 2: 3.
T
HE Prophetess Hannah gave utterance to these
words. They may be talcen as stating a great
truth; to wit, that God has a clear perception of
all truth and that he measures and tests his creatures
according to their actions. As a man thinks, so is he.
His course of action indicates what is the operation of
his mind. God knows every secret thought and knows
that these often govern the actions of his creatures. If
one really loves the Lord God he will wholly devote
himself to the Lord. Hannah loved Jehovah and served
him. She consecrated her son to the Lord before his
birth, and at a tender age put him into the Lord's
service.
Here is an example for all consecrated parents.
The new creature in Christ should be wholly devoted to
the Lord and should devote all he has to the Lord, which
includes his infants, if he has any. The kingdom of
heaven is here. 'l'each the little ones to devote them-
selves to the King and his kingdom. By your actions
God will weigh you.
May 12
Thy rB'lwu'n went forth among the heathen for thy
beauty: f01' it was perfect through my comeliness,
which 1 had put uporn thee, saith the L01'd God.
-Eze7.:iel16: 11,.
We are to remember whatever comeliness we have as
Christians is of the Lord Jehovah. He has bestowed it
upon us; and we should llse it, not for self-gratification,
but to his pm:ise. He has made us acceptable and
comely in his beloved One, Christ Jesus. In that One
alone we stand complete. We have no natural beauty
to trust in before the LOTd's eyes, nor should we become
heady over any spiritual grace that we possess 01' think
we possess. What makes us really comely in the Lord's
sight is our obediencc to his commands, as a result of
which we are perfected in love and conformed unto the
image of Christ.) the "altogether lovely" One. Gazing
upon his faithful witnesses in the earth today, Jehovah
through his prol)het exclaims: "How beautiful upon the
mountains are the f ('('t of him that publisheth peace;
that bringeth good tiJings!" God's n1essage as they ten
it forth makes them beautiful.
May 13
He U'ill not suff.er thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth
thee w'dl not slumber.-Psalrn 121: 3.
All who are in Christ Jesus and who diligently strive
to keep themselves in the love of God, who with all their
keeping keep their hearts pure, who trust in the Lord
with all their heart and. lean not to their own under-
standing, who in all their ways acknowledge him-these
he will keep. All the powers of the evil one and his
agencies cannot separate them from the love of God
and cannot pluck -them out of his hand. Slumbering
nevel', he is not oft guard 01' a moment. What a great-
God we have! ,\Yhat an invulnerable fortress! Here
We may dwell in peace, confident that as long as we
strive to do our part ill keeping our covenant of sacri
fice and rendering our reasonable service we are sure
of Jehovah'g:favor.
May 14
lJ.[ake me to unde'l'siwnd the wa.y of thy precepts: so
shalll talk of thy wondrous worlcs.-Psa. 119: 27.
Are any bewildered at the great changes which have
come into the life of the church since 1918? Are they
still in doubt as to what is the way of his precepts, what
course of action Jehovah commands? Let them dili-
gently hearken unto the Word of the Lord; let. them
take heed unto the great signs from heaven, the great
events in church and world which are ordered from
heaven and which speak louder than words, testifying
that the kingdom of God is at the door. By thus looking
unto the Lord and the manifestation of his power, they
will be guided by his spirit aright. ]'or Jehovah has
not failed to make his church nnderstand which way he
commands them now to go. Having given them the clear
proof that the kingdom is at hand and that the King
is here, he now gives them to nnderstand that their
husiness is not to keep silence.
May 15
Behold, tlw eye of the Lord is them tha.t fear him,
upon them that hope in his mercy,' to deliver ther
soul from death, and to keep them alive in fam-
ine.--Psalm 33: 18.
This statement of truth was written by one of God's
people who had only earthly hopes. What a blessed word
of consolation it is for us to pass along to those en-
gulfed in the present distress of the world! MourninO'
fills the earth; and in their trepidation many who
meek and many who are poor know not which way they
may turn or what they may do and on whom they may
hope and why. To them God seems to have covered
himself with a cloud that their prayers pass not through.
It is our noble and ennobling privilege to assure them
that Jehovah is gracious; that he will consider them
favorably who reverence him, and that such may hope
in his mercy through the time of trouble. It may be
that amid the destructions of Armageddon he will de-
liver their soul from death and spare them to be among
those millions now living who will .never die.
May 16
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit
is good>' lead me into the land of uprightness.-
Psalm 1-'13: 10.
Each one who has Jehovah as his God, and who has
his good spirit, the spirit of love, abiding in him, de-
lights to do the will of God and to keep his commanu-
ments. He will pray that his heavenly Father will teach
him his will that he may do it joyfully. True to faith,
the Lord is leading his teachable ones in the course of
uprightness; he is not leaving them to the mercies of
misleading teachers. He leaves no ambiguity or uncer-
tainty about nis commands laid upon his people today.
He has given them a clearer vision of his purposes and
made clearer his will. Obedience thereto is now
imperative. The responsibility attaching to the office
of the anointed cannot be evaded by any kind of reason
ing or sophistry. Each anointed one is being put to
the teet.
Ma.y 17
The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the leamed,
that I sh01Lld 7cnow how to speak a word in season
to him that is wear'Y: . . . he wakeneth mine
ear to heaT as the leamed.-Isaiah 50: 4.
Our vocal powers, our powers of expressing thought to
others, are gifts from Jehovah. In view of having con-
secrated our all to him, it is eminently proper that we
use these powers to glorify Jehovah. Using our tongues
slanderously, or in backbiting and gossiping, is not in
hal'mony with our consecration. It is dishonoring to the
Lord and not in accord with the learning which he has
given us through his Word. He has made us responsible
for our tongues, because their power can be used either
for or against the kingdom interests. He has wakened
our ears to the kingdom message and has made us
leamed in the things of the kingdom, for what purpose?
That we might use our tongues and other powers in
comforting all that moum and in strengthening the
brethren who might be growing weary.
1 RAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
May 18
"Jehovah at thy right hand shall strilce tMough kings
in the dcty of his 110: 5.
C
HRIST JESUS, the Priest and Executive Officer of
the ]\,fost High God, is here shown going into
action against the Devil and all of his representa-
tiYes and rulers on the earth. Jehovah God is the great
King's right-haud support. It is the day of Jehovah's
wrath and the great battle of God Almighty. He uses
Christ as his field marshal to lead the fight. Fully
equipped for ,mr with his sword upon his thigh, clothed
with dignity and majesty, he rides prosperously to cer-
tain victory. His faithful followers in heaven and earth
support him, doing their bit. The part to be performed
by those on earth is to sing the praises of God and his
anointed One just before and while the battle is on.
The forces are marching to that happy day when God,
through Christ, will strike through and defeat the en-
emy. The temple class now begins the glad song of de-
liverance.
May 19
In that day willI ra-ise tlP the tabe-rnacle of David that
is fallen, and close up the brea.ches thereof: and 1
will mise tlP his 1'uins, and I will build it as
in the days of old.-A.mos 9: 11.
The tabernacle of David symbolizes the reigning house
()r family of David. Jehovah determined upon this
royal line, as it is- written: "Moreover, he refused the
tabernacle of Joseph, and chose llot the tribe of Ephraim ;
but chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion, which
he loved." In 606 B. C., the reigning house of David
fell; its tabernacle collapsed when Jehovah overturned
the kingdom. But Jehovah had promised that a man
should never fail fro111 the throne of David. With the
coming of Jesus, who was of the line of David, and with
his anointing as the :M:essiah, Jehovah gave to him the
right to the kingdom; and there he began to restore and
ra.ise up the fallen tabernacle of David. Throughout the
Gospel Age Jehovah has been in process of raising it up
by the selection of the body members of the Christ, who
should reign with Jesus. In 1914 Jehovah established
the throne in mercy; and the King now sits upon it in
the tabernacle. of David, judging.-Ieaiah 16: 5.
May 20
He g-iveth power to the faint; and to them that have 'no
l ~ i g h t he vllCl'easeth strengfh.-Isaiah 40: 29.
"Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faint-
eth not, neither is weary." In him is.evedasti'llg strength.
His work goes on unceasingly. When the afflictions of
the World ,Yar had made the church faint and they
seemed no longer to have nught, Jehovah gave power
and strength to them that they might keep up with his
work and finish the wOTk he has given us to do. Youths
may faint and grow weary despit-e their physical vigor,
and the young men may utterly fail, and no one can
rely on the strength of al'm. "But they that wait upon
the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount
up with wings as eagles." Jehovah -never proves un-
reliable. In him alone can we truly be strong.
May 21
Rebuke the company of spearmen, ... scaUer thou the
people that delight- in wal'.-Psalrn 68: 30.
The earth has shaken in all ages with the rumblings
of the wars provoked by the Devil's servants; who have
delight in pitting their fellow men against one another
in battle. As a consequcnce, the. wealth of nations has
been wasted, the sorrows of those who were forced to
provide the men for battle have been multiplied, and
the burdens and debts of the people have been increased.
'The clergy have sanctified war in cowardly servility to
the state, and the true church has suffered. The Chris-
tians are for peace; yet when they speak Jehovah's mes-
Fage, the dupes of Satan arc for war and fight against
them. 1'he day of reverscs for the enemies of God and
mankind is at hand. In the battle of the great day of
God Almighty a sharp rebuke shall be administered to
them, and they shall be scattered. Then peace shall un-
furl her banner 'without fear.
May 22
NoUJ the Lord had prepa.red a great fish to swallow 1tp
Jonah . ... A.nd the Lord spake unto the fish,
and it vomited Ollt Jonah upon the d1'Y l.J.nd.
-Janak 1: 17 " 2: 10.
Jehovah is able to take care of any contingency in
order that the witness to his llame shall be given. He is
able to preserve his witnesses in a most miraculous man-
ncr, that the work assigned to them might be effected.
He is able to overrule also the disobedience of those who
grow fearful or who doubt the Lord's message and who
shrink from exposing themselves as witncsRes in a hostile
world. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against
Jehovah's true senants. The adversary sehemed to bring
about Jesus' death; and whru that One lay prone in the
tomb Satan imagined that he had for ever silenced J e
bovah's g.reatest Witricss. But in vain! On the third
day Jehovah brought .Tesus' soul up out of hell and
showed him unto faithful disciples who should be God's
witnesses unto the people.
May 23
The Lord of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of
all glory, and to bring into contempt all the
honourable of the ea1,th.-Isa. 23: 9.
"This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole
earth. . . . For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and
who shall disannul it 7" The time has arrived for the
accomplishment of his purpose to dissolve the glory of
earth and humble pride in it. Jehovah alone shall be
exalted in this day. The new nation was born in 1914;
and the fulfilment of the angels' prophetic anthem must
go into effect: "Glory to God in the highest." Jehovah's
cause has been dishonored by those whom the world con-
siders honorable; but now the contemptible course of
these honored servants of Satan is being exposed, and
the honorable name of Jehovah rises more and more in-
to prominence. Seeing then that this is Jehovah's pur-
pose, let us by his grace resist present temptations.
May 24
Of the people there lOas none lO-ith me,' for I lOill tread
them in mine anger, and trample them
in my fury.--Isaiah 63: S.
When Jehovah says: "Of the people there was none
with me," it proves that no religious system on earth will
be supporting Jehovah in his battle to overthrow the
Devil's organization; because the religious systems are
now a part of that enemy organization. Christ Jesus
will be Jehovah's Chief Executive in treading the vine
of the earth. Of all the people of earth who profess to
be followers of Christ, none are in fact with him except
those whom he counts as a part of himself, as his body
members, because of their faithfulness. It follows that
none now on earth, regardless of what he may have here-
tofore done in the name of the Lord, can be counted in
as a part of the Lord, the Christ, unless he is with the
Lord, actively supporting him in the fight against
Satan's organization. He could not include any of those
in present truth or other professed Christians who in
any wise compromise with the Devil's organization or
sympathize with it. Are you in the Lord's ranks 7
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
May 25
"God . hath given us everlasting consola.tion and
good hope."-2 Thessalonians 2: 16.
T
HIS text applied to the church throughout the age,
but with stronger force it applies now. The dark-
ness of the long night is llfting, and the light is
shining into the minds and hearts of God's people as never
before, because the day is at hand. The Lord is in his
holy temple; and the test of the temple class must of
necessity continue until the end. The members of the
temple class are admonished to stand fast, tenaciously
holding to the law of God, which is his will concerning
them which they have learned by the unfolding of his
plan. Christ Jesus has begun his reign. The saints now
abiding under the robe of righteousness are given ever-
lasting consolation and great hope, looking forward with
confidence to the happy time when they shall see J e-
hovah and the mighty King face to face. The admoni-
tion to the saints now is: "Comfort your hearts, and
stablish you in every good word and work." These
faithful ones will constantly feed upon the Word and
joyfully engage in the Lord's work.
:May 26
The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice; let the mul-
titude of isles be glad thereof.-Psalm 97: 1.
Jehovah reigns; for he has set his anointed One, his
Son, as King upon his holy hill of Zion. The Lord
would have all the peoples of earth rejoice over this
auspicious fact; especiaIly would he have "the multitude
of isles" rejoice, that is, the "great multitude" who shall
yd wash their robes and make them white in the blood
of the Lamb. But "clouds and darkness are round about
him", and the world is in the gloom of the greatest crisis
of all time and cOD.lplete collapse is approaching. What
shall the Christian do whose eyes of faith perceive that
the reign of the Lord has begun? Rejoice to himself?
No; but let him point the people to the fact that
Michael, the great Prince of Peace, has stood up and
will bring to the peaple the desil'e of their hearts;
May 27
Thou a.rt my battle axe and -weapons of wa1': for with
thee will 1 b1'ealc in pieces the nations; and with
thee wi7:l 1 destroy k'l:ngdoms,-J er. 51: fdO.
Jesus is the Head of Zion; and Jehovah will actually
em p loy him as his war-club, as his g rea t
Executive, Melchizedek, in breaking to pieces and de-
stroying the nations and kingdoms of Satan's world
system. The Lord's followers, a remnant, this side the
vail, do not use violent means in their warfare under
Jehovah's standard; nevertheless the Lord has given
them a measure of "power [authority] over the nations"
in furnishing them with challenges, warnings, indict-
ments, and testimonies embodied in resolutions to be
circulated am011g the nations. These fall like a starIn
of hail upon mlers and ruled; and while they do not
break nations and kingdoms to pieces, yet it is to be
hoped that they serve to break up and destroy the faith
and reliance of many of: the governors as well as the
governed upon the nations and kingdoms of Satan's
organization. What we cannot do Jehoyah will do.
May 28
Gome .. behold the works ot the L01'd, what desoZaUons he
hath 'made in the emth. He maketh wars to cease
unto the end of the earth.-Psalm 46: 8, 9.
To the League of Nations or any human organization
for the promotion of international peace will not go the
credit of outlawing, abolishing and suppressing wars in
t.he earth. To the Lord Jehovah alone will go the glory
of this grand achievement. But iirst must come his fear-
fnl works of desolation in the earth. No power s i d ~
from Jehovah's can now avert A.rmageddon, and he wlll
not use his power t{) avert it. The Devil's organization
must fall to make way for the kingdom of righteoueness;
his war-machine must be desolated. Then, the Prince
of Peace in charge and with the government resting
upon his shoulder, thel'e shall be an end of war but nO
end of peace. Then shall the people be led forth with
peace, and they shall rejoice and be glad.-Isa. 55: 12.
May 29
011t of Zion, the perfect-ion of beauty, God hath shined.
-Psalm 50: 2.
'Ihis pl'ophecy is now in course of fulfilment. God
has not shined out of nominal Ohristendom. On the
contral'y nominal Ohristendom has defamed his holy
name, and pushed him into a corner, and made him
a.ppear in a bad light. But now the new governmeni
has been born from the womb of the morning, and hai
come forth with the dew or freshness of youth and vigor,
and is shining to the glol'y of God. A.h, yes; out of the
true Zion Jehovah is shining, because his organization
is praising his holy name and is testifying that he is the
true and only God. Never was such a privilege granted
before to beings on earth. Now as never previously ia
the time for God's saints on earth to let their light shine
that men might see their good and faithful work of wit-
nessing, and glorify God.
May 30
Remember me, 0 my aod, for good.-NehemialL 13: 31.
God remembers. He is not unrighteous to forget any
work of love or service of faith. It is not inappropriate
when we go to the Lord in prayer to ask him to remem-
ber some of the things that we have done to his praise,
as did Nehemiah, especially when the enemy opposes and
the way is fraught with difficulties, and when the best
we can do is to leavEl our judgment with the Lord.
Nehemiah prayed for service. He prayed that he might
win favor in order to get to go to Jerusalem and re-
build the ruined walls. The members of the church now
are building, and in bringing the truth to the people
.hould pray for wider opportunities of service. God will
remember them for what good they have done and in a
good way.
May 31
Many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go
up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the
God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and
we will walk in his paths.-Micah 4: 2.
While Satan, the enemy of God and righteousness,
Jtill exercises his power over men, it is impossible to
teach all people the truth. Only those who have a desire
for a better and happier condition will heed the mes-
sage. When Satan is restrained and shorn of his power
to deceive the people, then the message of the truth will
freely flow and be received with welcome by the millions
of earth. Jehovah will use the great Prophet and Priest
whose lips have kept knowledge, to teach the people his
way of holiness; and the people shall seek the law at his
mouth and speedily learn righteousness and walk in the
paths that Jehovah has opened for them to attain life.
At this time it is our privilege to carry the Lord's mes-
sage to the teachable ones of earth, that they may see in
advance the way that Jehovah has prepared in their
behalf.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
June 1
"1 meditate on all thy works; 1 muse 1m the works of
thy hand."-Psalm 143: 5.
B
EING persecuted by Saul his enemy, David hid him-
self among the rocks. There he prayed God that he
might be rescued from his foes. Being acquainted
with what God through Moses had written concerning
his works David, while there alone, meditated upon those
mighty works and soliloquized concerning the same. He
talked to himself about them and thus gained courage
and strength. David represented the church hard pressed
by the enemy Satan, whom Saul represented. '1'he Devil
is making a desperate attempt to destroy those who
keep God's commandments. These constitute the rem-
nant, and they gain courage and strength while they
meditate upon the mighty works of Jehovah. Seeing
some of the marvelous things he has accomplished in
Christ, the saints have full assurance of faith that God
in his due time will deliver all those who love and serve
him faithfully to the end. These can truly say: Seeing
God loved us so much as to perform the great ransom
work, surely since we have become his sons he loves us
more and will love us to the end if we are faithful to
him. We will meditate upon his wondrous works, which
constantly remind us of his power and willingness to
bring to us full deliverance.
June 2
Heal', aU 'lie pe.tJple; kea,dcen, 0 eartk, and all that there-
in is: and let tke LO:/'d God be witness against you,
tke Lord from ku; holy temple.-Micah 1: 2 .
T ehovah has sent hill deputy, "the messenger of the
covenant" j and now he sits upon his throne of judg-
ment, in the temple, ill the house of God. Those who
are loyal in action as well as in heaIi abide the day of
the messenger's coming, but all others are cleared out
of the temple as they fall under the judgment tests.
However, the Scriptures indicate that the judgment
would e2...iend to othelrs than the spiritual "sons of
Levi"; namely, to those of nominal Christendom and
their allies. Evidences prove that Christendom did not
stand the test but completely repudiated Christ's king-
dom, and has been rejeeted by Jehovah. It follows that
the time is come to let the people hear the judgment of
the Lord. Appropriately the declaration of God's ven-
g'eance is proceeding out from or through the temple class.
June 3
The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree,
the tJine tree, and the box together, to beautify the
place of my sanctuary; a.nd I will make the
place of my feet glorious.-Isaiak 60: 13.
The eal'th will be the place of God's sanctuary during
the Millennium; for then it shall be said: "Behold, the
tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with
them, and they shall be his people, and God himself
shall be with them, :and be their God." Jehovah's
sanctuary or tabernacle is his great mediatorial body, the
Christ, through whom mankind will have access to God
and be reconciled to him. The presence of Jehovah's
ea.nctuary will make the earth the place of his feet, and
there men shall worship at his footstool. He will there-
fore make the earth beautiful, glorifying it with Edenic
beauties. The glory and grandeur of Lebanon's forests
of evergreen trees will be given unto it. Yea, the willing
and obedient of mankin,a shall be planted in the earth
and grow up aa Ivel'living trees to the glory of Jehovah.
June 4
Who is a God like unto thee) that pa1'doneth iniquity) and
passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his 11,61"-
itagef He retaineth not his ang81' for ever) because
he delighteth mercy.-Micah 7: 18.
The blessings of Jehovah are poured out upon hill
creatures, They aTe bestowed so lavishly that they can
be said to be multiplied. God is the fountain from
which flow multiplied meTcies, like the waters of a peace-
ful Tiver. The centeT and channel of God's mercy is
Jesus. It is particulaTly made manifest during the
Gospel Age towaTd those who make a covenant with him
by sacTifice and diligently strive to keep that covenant.
And in these days he has shown special mercy to the
remnant of his heritage in passing by whatever may
have been their transgressions dUTing their trials of
1918 and 1919, and has mercifully favored them with
the blessed Elisha work. All who will finally enter into
the kingdom must imitate Jehovah as to mercy.
June 5
1 the Lord have called thee in righteousness) and tv,ill
hold thine hand) and will keep thee) and give thee
for a covenant of the people) for a light of the
Gentiles.-lsaiah 42: 6.
Never were the opportunities of the church to
exercise herself in her calling greater than now 1 The
Lord has kept his servant class, his elect, unto this very
hour and opportunity. Gl'OSS darkness blankets the peo-
ple's understanding of Jehovah and his plans for human
welfare, but Jehovah has preserved us to be light unto
the people. This means that our mission and responsi-
bility is to let the light of God's kingdom message
unto all the Gentile nations. Jehovah has manifold
blessings to bestow upon mankind through his kingdom J
and that the people might have a surety, token, or
enRnt by which to know that the kingdom is begun and
the blessings are about to flow forth he has given his
covenant-people, his faithful remnant, to preach the
sacred Word and promise t{) them.
June 6
It shall come to pass Izfterward, that I will poor out my
spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters
shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions.--J oel 2: 28.
Pouring out means a libation, a gushing out or shed-
ding forth. The spirit is the invisible power which J e-
hovah exercises toward his saints to accomplish his pur-
poses. He pours it out on no one unless that one is
willingly in heart harmony with God. He must have an
honest, sincere desire to do God's will. As at Pentecost,
so since the coming oJ[ the Lord to his temple in 1918,
Jehovah is not now limiting his spirit to a few, for we
have reached the last aays spoken of. The tremendous
work of the Elisha class must be accomplished. Those
who are young men" in spirit and determination must
ttsee visions" in order to be inspired onward; and a
"double portion" of the spirit of the Lord must needs
embolden them and energize and nerve their faculties to
the great work that is to be done before the end comes.
June 7
If God spared not the natural bmnches, take he.ed lest
he also spare not thee.-Romans 11: 21.
Addressing Israel as the natural seed of Abraham be-
fore whom lay the opportunity to become the heavenly
blessers of all the families of the earth, Jeremiah said:
"The Lord called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and
of goodly fruit." After Pentecost only a remnant of the
Jews retained their position as branches in this tree,
which symbolized heavenly kingdom blessings and op-
portunities. The vast majority of the tree's natural
branches were broken off at the close of the seventy
symbolic weeks of exclusive favor to the Jews in A. D.
80. Jehovah spared them not because they failed to meet
the test of faith and obedience. Let us, who have been
grafted into the olive tree, take heed to our ways. God is
unchanged. The Lord is in his holy temple. The judg-
ment is on. What we were and have done in the past
does not count now.
PRA YER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
June 8
"Called of God an high priest after the order of
:Melch-isedec."-Hebrews 5: 10.
H
E WHO filled the office of the Levitical priesthood
must be born of the tribe of Levi; hence he had
father and mother. (Exo. 2: 1; N um. 16: 10;
17: 3; 18: 1) In contrast Jehovah appointed :M:elchizedek
as his high priest without regard to parentage. This
priesthood was "without father, without mother, with-
01lt descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end
of life". (Hebrews 7: 3) Melchizedek was a type, and
I'as designated or called by the name of "priest of the
most high God". Priest means chief executive or princi-
pal officer. :M:elchizedek was therefore typical of God's
principal officer, the Logos, the anointed Jesus, and
,I ('sus Christ in glory. The Logos was the beginning of
God's creation, and there is no record of the time of that
creation.
The beloved Son has always been the chief or
principal executive of Jehovah in carrying out his plan.
He is called of God by the title of "priest after the order
uf Melchizedek". His work is not confined to the Millen-
I1lal Age, but he has always been and ever will be Priest
or Chief Officer of Jehovah. Therefore there is a priest-
hood without parentage, without descendants, without
beginning of time or ending thereof. Thii is one of the
marvelous works of Jehovah.
June 9
Then thotl spalcest in 1Jision to thy holy one, and saidst,
I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have ex-
alted one chosen out of the people.-Psalm 89: 19.
lfankind apparently have not yet come to realize that
there is no help in themselves. But Jehovah has per-
ceived from the very beginning that none of them could
by any means give to God a ransom for his brother.
Therefore he laid help on One who was mighty to pre-
vail above sin, and who was mighty in his love for God
to the point of being obedient even to the death of the
cross. The Lord hath highly exalted this One who once
was man among the people, yet holy and separate from
sinners. Him he has made King of kings and Lord of
lords. He has laid for man's help all power in heaven
and in earth upon that One and has made him "the
mighty God". Ye holy ones, advertise this Mighty One.
,June 10
And saViO'U1"S shall corne up on mOttnt Zion to judge the
mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the
Lord's.-Obadiah 21.
The Gentile kings :have had their day, and now
the kingdom over earth is the Lord's. The mount of
Esau represents the Devil's organization, which is im-
pregnated with the selfish spirit of Satan and the pro-
fane disposition of Esan to sell his birthright for the
pottage that the lust of the fiesh, the lust of the eye, and
the pride of life craved. This organization, particularly
its ecclesiastical element, is noted for its violence to the
Lord's true people; in ihe day of assault on God's or-
ganization it stood on the other side. (Obad. 10 : 11) The
judgment of the mount of Esan is at present in pro-
gress. Jehovah has set his anointed One on his holy hill
of Zion. He is the Savior of mankind. With him are t.he
saints who slept, but who are now risen and acting in
the capacity of saviors with him. On earth the saints
who Beek to ascend into the hill of the Lord are engaged
in pronounoing the Lord's judgment against Satan's or-
ganization.
June 11
Behold, 1 will gathet them O ~ t of all cO'unfries whither
1 have dr-iven them in mine anger, . . . and I will
bring them ag(J;in unto th-is place, and I will
cause them to dwell sa.fely.-J er. 32: 37,
Behold Jehovah now bringing his Word to pass and
gathering the Jews at the rate of thousands monthly to
Palestine. In consequence of their iniquity in rejecting
the divine Word allCl also him of whom that Word testi-
iied, Jehovah's angel' has caused them to be dispersed
far and wide among the Gentiles, debarred from resi-
dence in their beloved land. But their warfare and their
appointed time were accomplished by 1878 A. D.; fot'
by then Israel's double of disfavor from the Lord ended.
'1'hey shall be lJlanted anew in the land, never to be up-
rooted again but to dwell safely. These facts mark the
present as the time to speak comfortably unto Jerusalem.
Wherefore, 0 thou that bringest good tidings unto Jeru-
salem, ''lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not
afraid; say unto the cities of Judall, Behold your God."
-Isaiah 40: 9.
June 12
The LO-I'd hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast
out thine enemy: the ki,ng of Israel, even the Lord,
is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil
any more.-Zephaniah 3: 15.
Jehovah hath taken away the church's judgment, hav-
ing clothed her with the robe of righteousness in mani-
festation of his approval. He hath cast out of heaven
her great enemy, the accusel' of the brethren; and h:l
himself, as represented in his Messenger who has come
to his temple, is amongst his people. Spcdal protection
from evil is promised to them while engaged in his work.
The enemy, though cast out, is not yet bound. He is
desperately fighting to maintain his empire, but the vic-
torious Lord is majestically marching against him. Be-
hold, the "Faithful and '1'rue" leading his army to cer-
tain victory I Ye soldiers of the cross, yield not to th!!
seductive wiles of the Devil. With armor girded on and
with the sword of the spirit, march on to certain triumph.
June 13
~ put on righteousness as a breastplate, GJnd an helmet
of salvatioln upon his head; and he put on the gar-
ments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad
with zeal as a cloke.-Isaiah 59: 17.
The accoutrements of Jehovah as he wages a vktori-
ous warfare against the adversary and his auxiliary
forces picture those qualities which jdentify and dis-
tinguish Jehovah in battle. He presents a clean or right-
eous breast to the eyes of all; he has righteous motives
and causes for carrying out his destructive program
against Satan's organization. He has in mind the ~ a l v a
tion of his remnant and all those for whom his Son died.
He comes arrayed in the eapacity of an Avenger: the day
of vengeance is in his hrart. Zeal as a cloak marks him in
all his activities. All those who take their stand on the
Lord's side should take their clue from this.
June 14
1 the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a
prince among them; Ilhe Lord hrtve spol.-en it. And
1 will make with them a covenant of peace, and
will CG/Use the evil beasts to cease out of
the laJn(J..-Ezelciel 34: 24, 25.
The time will come when Jehovah will establish peace
amongst all the peoples of earth who will trust him. He
made a covenant with the Isradites at Mount Sinai,
and in that covenant he promised to keep them in safety
and in peace. He said: "And I will give peace in the
land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you
afraid: and I will rid the evil beasts out of the land,
neither shall the sword go through your land." The
Israelites violated that covenant; but God will make !l
new covenant with the house of Israel, through David,
his beloved One, the Prince of Peace. Israel and all
mankind shall turn to Jehovah as their God, and he in
turn will bless them. He will rid the earth of all that
have ravaged and preyed upon the human race; and even
the beasts shall be at peace among themselves and with
man. Oh the glad times coming I "Tell the whole world
these blessed tidings."
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
June 15
~ ~ e led them forth by the. right way} that they migkt
go to a city of habitatian.JI-Psalm 107: 7.
T
HE true Ohristians, although being in the world,
:find no abiding place there. Their citizenship is
in heaven because their affairs are directed from
on high. For a long while these true saints were held
in captivity to the Babylonish systems. That was a
wilderness condition. God's due time came to gather to-
gether unto him those who had made a covenant with him.
(Psalm 50: 5) These saints, hungered and famished for
truth and for sweet fellowship with others of like pre-
cious faith, cried unto the Lord, who heard their cry.
He then led them forth out of captivity that they might
journey to the blessed city of God's kingdom. Now the
true saints are journeying through the gates, that is to
say, moving toward the kingdom, and with joy are sing-
ing Jehovah's praises while holding high to others his
standard of righteousness. They are privileged now to
be his witnesses that others might know that he is God.
Blessed is the privilege of any who thus bear witness
for Jehovah.
June 16
Th,e Vo1c4 of him that in the wilderness, Prepare
ye the wa'!/ of the Lortt, make straight in the desert
a htghway for our God.-Isaiah 40: 3.
Wilderness means a wild or neglected place, a desert.
It describes the wild or deserted place of the world; for
the clergy and the princ:ipal men of the flock have per-
mitted the truth to be so obscured that Christendom
haa become a desert place. The word voice is a symbol
of a message. It is the voice of him; that is, the message
of Jehovah. The wilderness is the place where the
prophecy shows that it c:ries. Since the world has been
made a 'wilderness, the time has come when those who
are associated with the Lord must, as his voice, cry
forth in the wilderness the message of truth that has
been placed in their possession for that purpose. The
message is for the people of the earth to prepare to
receive the King.
June 17
For fh,e Lord shall rise up as in mount Pera.zim, he shall
be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do
his wo-rlc, his strange worlc; and bring to pass
his act, his strang'e act.-lsaUiJh 28: 21.
The memories of Mount Perazim and the valley of
Gibeon glorify the Lord. There the Lord got glory for
his name-how? By the visible manifestation of his
conquering power over his enemies, and by openly es-
pousing the cause of his people and protecting them and
giving them victory in the conflict. The record is that
Jehovah fought for Israel. Once again Jehovah will
rise up in behalf of his eause and his elect ones, and
will manifest his just wrath against the enemies of the
kingdom of his dear Son. His glory will now be estab-
lished in all the earth by visiting the multitude of his
enemies and shielding anOl delivering his faithful rem-
nimt. To those who pin their faith to the Devil's or-
ganization it will be a stmnge act and work. "Let God
arise, let his enemies be scattered: . . . but let the
righteous be glad: let them rejoice before God.'''-
Pwlm 68: 1.
June 18
The Lord shall cause his glrH'ious voice to be heal'd. and
shall shot/} the lighiing do-wn of his a1'm, w'ith the
indignation of h-is angel'.-Isaiah 30,' 30.
'The voice of Jehovah is his message. It is a glorious
message, telling of the establishment of the kingdom of
Christ and or the glory of the Lord with which it will
fill the earth and of the blessing it will bear to the
pIe. By his spirit which has been poured out his
servants and handmaids in these "the last days' h8 j:J
causing these gracious messages to be heard in aU C011-
tinents and in the isles of the sea. While this voice of
the Lord goes forth, Jehovah's four angels hold back
the winds of strife that the message may be heard, and
the great tribulation of Armageddon is held back; its
days are cut short. When the kingdom message has
resounded long and far enough in the earth, then
end shall come and Jehovah manifest the descent of
his arm of strength upon his enemies in his indignant
anger. The Lord Jesus is the Arm he will employ.
June 19
Then shall the earth yield her inc-rease; and God) even
au', awn God, shall bless u8.-Psalm 67,' 6.
When the new heavens have full control of the situa-
tion in the earth without the interference of Satan's
organization, then the earth shall yield her fruit abun-
dantly and blossom the garden of Eden. Then the
people will be illuminated with the knowledge 01 the
truth and come to know Jehovah; then they will respond
to the Scripture admonition, "Let all the people praise
thee, 0 God." They will say, Jehovah is God, even our
own God; and Jehovah will say, It is my people. The
new heavens, the Christ, will hear the new earth; and
Jehovah will hear the new heavens, and through them he
will shower his blessings upon mankind. The harvests
of earth's crops shall be increased so greatly t.hat the
reaping thereof will extend up to plowing time; the in-
crease of their vineyards will be so enormous that sood-
sowing time will arrive before the treading of the
is 9: 13.
June 20
I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; 1
will lead them in pal:hs that they ha,ve not known:
I wUl make darkness light before them, and
ct'ooked things straight.-lsaiah J,.2: 16.
The people have been blinded by Satan, the god of
this world. They have Jain under the spell of darkness.
They have been led in crooked ways while they groped
in search of life, liberty and happiness. They, like even
the true church for many centuries past, have not knowll
of the Lord's way for the people, the highway to life.
Hark! the hour has struck for deliverance. God's Wonl
is now heard saying to his servants, "Bring forth the
blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have eal'>' .
. Let them hear and say, It is truth." Anoint the
blinded eyes with the message that tell1' of the way by
which the Lord will lead the people to life.
June 21
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name:
the righteous shall com,pass me about,' tor thou shalt
deal bourntitully u;ith me.-Psalm 1J,.2: 7.
This expresses the prayer of the "great multitude"
in the denominational cells of that great prison-house,
ecclesiasticism. Their hearts are being brought low with
labor for that which is vanity, and they are beginning to
realize the wretchedness of their condition of restraint.
Their prison rations are poor and unsatisfying to those
who are consecrated and spirit-begotten; and they long
for liberty to learn more of the knowledge of .Jehovah
and his plan without the impudent and dictatorial inter-
ference of their ecclesiastical guards, in order that they
might freely praise the ] ~ l d . They have been disobe-
dient children; and their tears of disappointment shall
yet flow profusely over their loss of membership in the
body of the Anointed One, the Christ. But Jehovah
will deal bountifully with them and bring them out of
the prison, wiping away their tears and leading them to
the springs of the water of truth. Ye righteous ones
in Christ Jesus, hear the cry of the prisoners and com-
pass them a.bout with thEl Lord's message.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
June 22
"The Lord, f"ooealeth his secret unto his servants
the prophets."-Amos 8: 7.
T
HE new creature in Christ becomes a prophet of
the Lord when that new creature avails himself
of opportunities to proclaim the message of the
kingdom of the Lord. Such are members of the "servant"
class to whom God has given the commission to declare
that Jehovah is God and Christ is his anointed King
upon his throne. This faithful servant class of the Lord
constitute those who are of the temple and under the robe
of righteousness. Agreeable to his promise, since the
Lord has come to his temple thera are flashes of light
revealing more of the secrets of God's marvelous works.
Those who love the Lord obey his commandments, and
more and more he leads them into the light. Those who
are negligent and indifferent, and who fail or refuse to
participate in the service of the Lord, quickly become
blind. Only those who abide in Christ and faithfully
perform their covenant by serving the Lord claim this
promise of having the secrets of God. The importance
of the Lord's service cannot be overstated. All those
who are of the temple ('lass will proclaim his pra.ises.-
Psalm 29: 9,
June 23
Behold, 1 will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set
up my standard to the people: and they shall bring
thy sons in thei1' a1'ms, aJnd thy daughters shall
be carried upon their shoulders.-
Isaiah 49: 22.
Jehovah is today signaling with his hand of power
to the Gentiles. The standard that he has set up is the
message of life that hi:3 "servant" class is bringing to
the people. lIas not the slogan for the past few years
been ":Millions now living will never die"? A great
many who have heard this message have manifested the
keenest interest in the message and expressed their dc-
sire to see the kingdom established. These may with
propriety be designated as children of Jehovah's "sel'-
vant", inasmuch as the lIead of the "servant" class is
Jesus The everlasting Pather", and the saints this sida
the vail are bringing to them the message of life, that.
is to say, the message that shall lead them to receive life.
Uany of these are rejoicing in the truth and in its
message of life, and are expressing this joy in their
own way, as illustrated by bearing children up in their
arms and on their shoulders.
June 24
The Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people
shall tT1lSt in it.-Isaiah 14: 32.
When we consider Zion, and that no enchantment 01'
divination can avail against her and every weapon
formed against her shall prove futile, can we not say
in the language of the prophet: "What hath God
wrought 1" Centuries ago at the baptism and anointing
of his obedient Son, J esns, Jehovah brought forth the
foundation s t o ~ l thereof; and after he bad tested out
his preciousness and surelless he laid him in Zion. Now
the holy city rises in new national glory on her sure
:foundation. Should anyo:ne in trepidation ask: "If the
foundations [ of Christendom] be destroyed, what can
the righteous do?" the messengers of the new nation can
respond: Jehovah hath founded Zion. The poor in
spirit may trust in it and betake themselves to it.
June 25
Thou art my K1:ng, 0 God: commatnd deliverance f01'
J acob.-Psalm 44: 4.
It is not our rightful province to dictate to the Lord
os to when shall come deliverance. Jehovah has marked
his own times in his plan, and our times are in his hands,
and it is best that so it is. 1?orbid then that we should
either presume to get ahead of Jehovah or to let the
acceptable time of the Lord slip by without availing
ourselves of the divinely-provided mercies and opportun-
ities. Jehovah is our King, and he commands when
deliverance shall come for his elect ones. Happy is our
Jot to be his subjects, living in this thrilling time. For
even now are we compassed about with songs of deliv-
emnce; yea, we see fulfilling the prophecies presaging
that our deliverance, to wit, the redempti011 of om body,
c1raweth nigh. Shortly Jehovah will arise for our help
and command deliverance for us; and, freed from earth-
ly evils for ever, we shall enter his temple above.
June 26
I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, . . . I will set
in the desert the fir b'ce, ... that they may see,
(lind know, and consider, and unde1'stand to-
gethm', thCbt the hand of the Lord hath
done this.-Isaiah 41: 19,20.
Who is so blind but that he can already see the fulfil-
ment of this prophecy of the Lord beginning? Turn
your eyes eastward to the holy land, and behold the
irrigation schemes that the repatriated Jews are can.
ducting in a land that has lain barren for centuries,
laden with malaria and trachoma 1 See the zealous Zion-
ists, being given the worst of lands, draining swamps,
watering sand dunes and converting them into gardens
and farmlands! See them planting trees by the milliona
in the waste lands, and majestic forests beginning to
:i.'ear their heads! This is the hand of the Lord; for it
verifies his Word. He has caused it to come to pass in
this the due time that all, whether Christian, Jew or
Gentile, might see, know, and consider that Jehovah is
receiving the Jew to favor again.
June 27
'Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in tk.8
Lord your God: f01' he hath given you the former
rain accordmg to righteousness, and he will
cause to come down for you the rain, the
former ram, and the latter rain in
the first manth.-J oel 13: 23.
The early rain is to sprout the seeds, and the latter
rain to mature the grain in the ear. From the time of
our Lord's parousia, and during the period of prepara-
tion, was a time of the early rain. That was a time of
refreshing, because Jehovah turned his face to his
pIe. It was a time of gathering together God's people,
and this work was done generally prior to 1918. Then
followed a period of expectation and impatient waiting
until the completion of the work. Une}.:pectedly the
evidence was given that the Lord came to his temple
1n 1918. That was the time of the latter rain, which
greatly revived the saints and which has brought joy to
their hearts. During the former rain was performed the
Elijah work. During the latter rain is performed the
Elisha work. Ye workers, haste along with it.
June 28
'Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make
a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with
the house of Judah.-J eremiah 31: 31.
The breaking of bread and the drinking of wine the
night before our Lord'B death by the Lord and his
ciples was the commeneemellt of the new law covenant.
This new covenant willl bring life to the obedient ones
of Israel and to all mankind. The blood as a basis for
the covenant was shed lOll earth, or in the world, which
was pictured by Egypt, at the time that Jesus died upon
the cross. There the antitypical Lamb was slain. The
Dew covenant will be inaugurated in heaven. The out ..
come of it will be to release mankind from bondage and
to regenerate and give life to all who will be obedient
to its terms. The inauguration of this blessed
JUent is nigh at hand. JGet all those who would be "able
ministers of the new covenant" announce the fact.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
June 29
"God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth
before all the nations."-Isaiah 61: 11.
T
HIS wonderful work of Jehovah will be accom-
plished by his Chief Officer, the great Priest after
the order of Melchizedek. Even now Satan has
been expelled from h('aven and soon shall be shorn of
all of his power. Wbile this work is in progress the rem-
D<lllt class on earth joyfully bear witness to the people
that Jehovah is God and that his kingdom is at hand.
The time is at hand when the new world shall be estab-
li;:hed. This will comtitute the new heaven and new
earth; to wit, Christ, the invisible ruling power and his
visible agencies working righteousness on the earth.
From his organization God will cause righteousness and
his praise to spring forth before all the peoples of the
earth, and then all shall learn of the glory of God. The
tern pIe class has begun the glad song of deliverance.
The knowledge of the righteousness of God will continue
until every creature that breathes will participate in
singing the praises of Jehovab.-Pialm 150.
June 30
God . . hath rna.de of one blood all na.tions of men .
for to dwell on all the faoe of the earth; and hath
determined the i(imes before appointed, and the
bounds of the:ir habitaii01'/'.-Aots 17: 26.
Jehovah has always taken an unselfish interest in the
ultimate welfare of the nations. Uninfluenced by any
selfish consideration, he covenanted to bless all nuHom
of earth in Abraham's seed, the Christ. While the na-
tions were yet sinnerll, God commended his love to them
in that his Son J'esUil died for them. Further, Jehovah
determined beforehand on the time when the misei'ablc
times of Gentile supremacy over the nations should ter-
minate. In arranging for !tIl nations to have a common
blood stream by all being descendants of the first Adam,
we observe Jehovah's farsighted polky of economy in his
scheme for human salvation. For as in Adam all peo-
ples that descend from him die, so all these peoples shaH
be made aliye through one sacrifice, the sacrifice of the
One who spilled his Bood on Calvary. In view of this
provision for them Jehovah has decreed that the gospel
of the kingdom shall be preached to all nations.
July 1
God setteth the solitar'Y t ~ n families: he bl'ingeth out
those which are bov,nd with chains; but the rebel-
lious dwell in a dry lamd.-PsaZm 68: 6.
The "great multitude", with soiled garments, now sit
solitary, where they feel the want of the fellowship of
Jehovah and of the Bridegroom and the bride. Like the
scapegoat of old, unclean and bearing iniquity, they
have been led away into this solitary land or condition
by the hand of the clergy of Christendom, who stood.
convenient and in readiness in 1919. There the ecclesi.
astics, as prison-warders, keep them bound with the
chains of intim [dations, threats, misrepresentations, and
false teachin&:s. In their loneliness their souls are set
~ l o n i n ~ j and they are: now crying unto the Lord that
they mIght dwell with the Lord's true family, the true
household of faith. The time for Jehovah to hear their
prayers has come; and :b.e bids them now, "Come forth".
July 2
For he ha.th looked down from the heights of his sa:nctu
an}; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
to hear the groaning of the p1'isoner, to loose
those that are appointed to death.-
Psalm 102: 19, 20.
Jehovah condescends to look down and consider the
affairs of earth. One of his special considerations at
this time is the interests of a "great multitude" of his
spirit-begotten children who are imprisoned by tha
ecclesiastical servants of the great gaoler or prison
warden, the Devil. Up to this hour this great
keeper "did not let his pl'isoners loose homeward" (Isa.
14: 17, margin); and DOW Jehovah purposcs to inter-
vene in their behalf. For they have made a covenant
with Jehovah; they have been justified and accepted
and begottcn by his spirit, and therefore are appointed
to death that their spil'its might be saved in the day
of the Lord Jesus. Their groanings have come up to
the ears of their God and Father; and DOW, just prior
to loosing them from "affliction and iron", he sends his
anointed ones to proclaim the opening of the prison.
July 3
He hath founded the eaTih upom her bases [mafginJ,
that it should not be ,'6moved for ever.
-Psalm 10J,.: 5.
Jehovah thus gives a foundation for the hope that the
earth shall abide for ever, that th:rough the everlasting
future it shall revolve on its axis and traverse its yearly
orbit with faithfulness and obedience to its Creator and
be the beautiful home of restored mankind. Therefore
human creatures and all that live and move and exist
on earth may be gla.d. "Praise the Lord from the earth,
ye dragons
1
and all deeps: fire> and hail; snow) and
vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word: mountains,
and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: beasts, and
all cattle; creephlg things, and flying fowl: kings of the
earth, a.nd all people; and all judges of the
earth: both young men and mal dens ; old men and
dren: let them praise the name of the Lord."
July 4
The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and
his kingdom ruleth over all.-Psalm 103: 19.
A throne is a symbol of sovereign power and author4
ity. It signifies that he who possesses the throne has
original jurisdiction and supreme power, absolute aU
4
thority; and that there is none above him, but that he
exercises power altd authority without limitation. Where
Jehovah has prepared or set up his regal seat is in the
celestial universe. The stellar group, known as the con-
stellation of Pleiades and situated in the north, seems
to be marked by the ~ i b l e as the center of the celestial
universe, the place of the throne of Jehovah, from which
supreme authority is exercised. From this place of
sovereign authority established in heaven above us J ~
hovah directs all things of the depthless heavens. From
there he will in due time direct all things of the earth
through the Christ.
July 5
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattZe, and herb far
the service of man, that he may bring forth food out
of the eatth.-Psalm 104: 14.
Jehovah has made all his creatures dependent upon
him for their continual provision, fulness, and happi-
ness. All his works bespeak his manifold wisdom and
his love. He carpets the earth with green grass not only
for beauty's eye but in behalf of the grazing animals;
he makes the ground to teem with forms of plant life
not merely to delight the sensibilities of man but also
for man's service and for his daily food. From all this
Jesus drew a wholesome lesson for us, saying, If God
so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and t04
morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more
clothe you?" How wretched that men should yield
mentally to teachings that Jehovah is a God of hate
and eternal torment, and that they should overlook the
lesson of his love which he teaches even in his provision
in nature for beast as well as man I Oh, let us gather
out the stones from maIl's pathway and hold aloft the
lltanda.rd that "God is love" 1
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
July 6
uWho hath measured the waters in the hollow of hi3
hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and
comprehended the dust of the earth in a mea-
sure, and weighed the mountaims in scales,
arnd the hills in a balance?"-
Isaiah 40: 12.
T
HIS text is a tribute to the majesty, greatness,
wisdom and power of Jehovah. To know God and
his beloved Son means life. The masses of man-
kind know not God and are therefore without hope.
~ i l l i o n s of Christians know so little of God and his.
plan that they are fearful and weak, and permit them-
selves to be held in prison. The context shows that the
time has come for the anointed Servant Class to tell
the people concerning the true God. The works of J e-
hovah that are visible to the natural eye bespeak his.
greatness and tend to establish faith in him. There is
none to compare with bim. Satan the mimic god for
centuries has made a great show, but his show days are
about to end. The works of Jehovah will endure for
ever. The anointed Servant Class is now commanded to
lift up the standard of God and testify to his name j
and this will result beneficially to the prisoners and to
the peoples of good will. All the power and pomp dis-
played by the Devil's organization and his agencies are
as nothing in the sight of God. The testimony must be
given concerning this. Soon God will convince all man-
kind of his great power and that his power always works
in harmony with wisdom, justice and love. It is his
expressed will that the Servant elMS &hall give this
testimony at the present time.
July 7
'Now he which stabb'.sheth us with you in Ohrist, and
ha.th anoi.nted us, is God.-2 Oorinthians 1: 21.
Jehovah it is who has given each consecrated one his
station in Ohrist, hut let no one conceitedly imagine
that he is so immovably established in the body that he
cannot be removed because of unfaithfulness and barren-
ness. Each one thw; baptized into the body of Ohrist
is anointed by Jehovah's spirit. The anointing means
a divine desig'aation to a position of service of authority.
It carries with it a commission to do certain things,
Rnd this commission :[s well covered by the Lord's proph-
et, Isaiah (chapter 61: 1-3). It is not beyond the bounds
of modesty to assume that those thus anointed will be
given an opportunity to exercise themselves in thcir
commission. This is even the case: The' opportunity to
serve as ambassadors for the kingdom is given to the
anointed ones now in this present time as never before.
:May gratitude for this favor of being among the
anointed ones now impel us to faithful effort in rep-
resenting Jehovah.
July 8
'Who shall.lay a.ny thing to the charge of God's elect? It
is God that fustifietlt.-Roma.ns 8: 33.
Does Jehovah lay anything to the charge of his elect?
No, he justifies. '1'0 justify means to make right with
God, to approve as being perfect, whole or holy unto
him. God justifies the consecrated one in order that he
might be an acceptable sacrifice as a part of the body of
Christ Jesus. No blemished sacrifice can be accepted by
Jehovah. Perfection is counted unto him not by reason
of his own righteousness, but by reason of the fact that
he has exercised faith in the blood of Jesus shed for
him as a sin-offering. When justified, the consecrated
one has the right to liye as a human being, because he
is counted pel'fect; evel'Y perfect man has the right to
life. This right to live thus counted to him by J ehovip
is the right to live on eal'th as a human being. Thifl
right is what is sacrificed.
July 9
He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteous-
ness: because a short worle will the Lard rnalee upoon
the eartk.-Romans 9: :88.
Jehovah will make a sharp and quick ,rork of gather-
ing his remnant unto him and of announcing the king-
dom before the complete cnd of the evil order. He will
cut it short in righteousncss, or righteously, because his
good purposes have ripened unto their consummation
and the world's iniquity has come to the full. 'rIle time
is therefore short, and the privileges of the l'emnant are
great beyond the description of human words. 'fhe issue
today is clearly drawn; the fight is on to the finish; the
campaign grows with intensity. Let every Christian
who loves Goel, and who possesses the zeal of Christ in
his heart, now give full expression to unselfishness by
showing forth the praises of him who hath translated
us out of the power of darkness into his kingdom.
July 10
Behold, the clays come, saitk the Lord God, that I will
send a famine in the land; not a fa'mine of bread,
nor It thi1'st for u'ater, b1lt of hearing the words
of the Lord.-Amos 8: 11.
Because the Israelites walked contrary to Jehovah's
law, he visited them with a great famine in the days
of Elijah, true to his warning of Leviticus 26: 26. Simi-
larly, during the Gospel Age the disobedient course of
the people under the leadership of "the shepherds and
the principal of the flock" has resulted in the earth's
being famine-stricken for hearing the pure message of
God's comforting Word. 'fhe people are spiritually
"sick with famine". 'Ihey wander to and fro seeking thtl
Word of the Lord and are faint. "What an opportunity
for the anointed ones of Jehovah on earth at this time,
to feed the famine sufferers! God lays his charge upon
them, saying, "'1'he priest's lips should keep knowledge,
and they shoultl seek the law at his mouth: for he i;l
the messenger of the Lord of hosts." The best way to
keep the knowledge of the truth is to use the truth by
telling it to others and thus feeding the hungered ones.
July 11
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation
also make a way to escape, that ye may be able
to bear it.-l Corinthians 10: 13.
The temptations that beset those of the world like-
wise beset those of the c.hurch, but Jehovah has pre-
pared a way for the church to escape. That way of
escape is by fastening our anchor to the Lord, relying
upon his promises, and conforming ourselves to the
commandment of his Word. Since the ejection of Satan
from heaven and his restraint unto the earth, he is
assiduously warring with those who keep the command-
ments of God, and the ''hour of temptation" has verily
come to the church as well: as to the world. The great
foe is ap}learing as an angel of light, and insidiously
seeks to appeal to the consecrated ones by the avenues of
the "lust of the fiesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life". Their way of escape lies in setting their
affections on things above" waiting on the Lord, and
unselfishly prosecuting the Lord's work to the glory of
Jehovah.
July 12
Now hath God set the membe1'S every one of them in the
body, as it hath pleased him.-l Cerr. 12: 18.
Order is one of the fundarnentallaws of Jehovah. He
does everything orderly. The Christ is the new creation
of God. It is that which will overshadow all other
creations of Jehovah. It follows that everything about
the new creation must learn to be orderly; and, when
finished, everything about i1; will be orderly. It is cer-
tain that each member of the church must learn order.
It is one of the hardest lessons for many to learn. No
one sets himself in the body of Christ. Jehovah hath
done the setting according an it hath pleased him. Then
let each one perform the duties assigned to him in t ~
Lord's arrangement and not be meddling in the affairs
assigned to some one else. Order in the body requires
each member to do diligently what is appointed hun to
cla.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
July 13
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers;
the moon and the stars, which thou hast oroomed."
-Psalm 8:3.
T
HE selfish, ignorant man boasts of his own accom-
plishments and of the greatness of other men.
The man devoted to Jehovah gives honor to his
Creator. He sees that the things of Satan's organization
are all vanity. He knows that the works of Jehovah are
evel'lasting. !fan beholds the moon and the stars, shed-
ding forth their gentle light at night time, and the sun,
which dispels darkness and rules the day and gives life
to the vegetation of earth. He views himself in the light
of these works of the great Creator, and begins to appre-
ciate his ovm insignificance when compared with J e-
hovah God. He reveTences 11jS Maker, and his TeveTenC6
of Jehovah leads man into the way of wisdom. Learn-
ing of God's plan of redemption through his beloved
Son, he consecrates his life to the Lord and walks in
the light. He appreciates the great honor of being the
ambassador of the Lord and in faithfully representing
the kingdom interests. He forgets self and honors God. He
delights to tell others of the majesty and power and
greatness of Jehovah and his works. He learns to think
soberly, and does not think more highly of himselt
than he ought to think. He becomes unselfish and gTowi
more like the LoTd.
July 14
God . .. hath also sealed 1[S, and given the earnest of
the spi'rit in o'ur hea1"ts.-2 C01"inth'ians 1: 22.
A seal of one possessing authority is placed upon a
document to authenticate it, and thereby to give assur-
ance that it is genuine. The seal of no higher authority
could one have than tha t of Jehovah, nor could one have
a grander seal. When one is justified, accepted, and
begotten by the spirit of Jehovah, he becomelt a
creature. God then seals him with the holy spirit, which
is an earnest or guarantee of inherHance, which guaran-
tee holds good during one's faithfulness until the in-
heritance is received. The one thus receiving the holy
spirit, and the witness .of the spirit that he is the son
of God, thereby has the authentication of his genuine-
n:ess as a new creature in Christ Jesus. He is not left to
doubt or to grope about in the dark, but has the full
assUTance, given to him by this guarantee.
July 15
The spirit of the Lord God is upon because the Lord
hath anointed me . . . to appoint unto them that
mourn in Zion, to i7ive unto them beauty for
ashes.-Isaiah 61: 1, 3.
The unselfish ones in Zion remember this part of the
commission that accompanies their anointing. "Ashes"
symbolize deep humiliation, great SOl;row and woe. These
may come to the Christian because of the seeming tri-
umph of the enemy, or because of treachery on the part
of others, or because of injustice that others may prac-
tise against him. If an anointed one of the Lord findg
his brother in Zion suffering such humiliation, sorrow
or woe, from any reason, Jehovah commissions him to
give him beauty for ashes. "Beauty" is a symbol of
embellishment or ornament about the head or of the
mind. To give beauty then means to point the mourning
ones to something that will ornament their minds, to
induce happy and bea.utiflll thoughts, and thereby bring
strength. We should call their nttention to their
given commission and bid them to arise and shine in the
beauty of God's Eervice.
July 16
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord
ha,th a,nointed me . . . to a,ppoint unto them tha,t
lIW1lrn in Zion, to give unto them . . . the oil
of joy fa]" mourn-itrLg.-Isaiah 61: 1,3.
"Joy" means gla dness, satisfaction and delight be-
cause of the blessings of goodness, present or hoped for,
both for oneself and for other creatures obedient to J e-
hoyull's law. Jesus' joy consisted ill possessing swer.t
fellowship with .J ehoyah, and the prospect and certainty
of vindicating his Father's name and bringing all the
obedient ones of back into full harmony with
God. If we possess the blessings of the goodness of the
Lord now, or have reason to expect snch blessings in
the neal' future and therefore have a hope for the same,
such brings joy and delight. If the anointed ones en-
couuter any of their brethren in Zion in mournful dis-
tress, Jehoyah's commission to them is to dispel this
mourning by giving him the oil of joy.
July 17
The spirit of the L01'Cl God is upon me; beca;use the LO]"ll
hath anointed me ... to appoint unto them that
moum in to gi1'e unto thf:m . . . the
ga1'1nent of praise for the spirit of hcat'i-
ness.-lsa;iaJt 61: 1, 8.
A garment is a covering by which one is llwl'ked or
distinguished, and which reflects one's state of mind.
Praise means due acknowledgment and proclamation of
the perfections, the great and wonderful excellencies of
Jehovah, and to laud and magnify his name. It means
to mention with joy Jehovah's great plan and how it is
revealed and carried into action. To put on the gar-
Jnent of praise therefore means to distillguish oneself
by boldly, fearlessly and joyfully proclaiming the truth,
the King and his kingdom; and by pointing
the people to the fact that. Jehovah is God, and that
his power is now being lovingly manifested on behalf o
;nankind. If anyone finds any of the brethren in Zion
in the "spirit of heaviness", Jehovah commissions his
anointed one to encourage and assist them.
Jruly 18
Tke spirit of tke Lord God is upon me, because the Lord
kath anointed me ... that they might be called
trees at righteousneS!.:, the plantimg of tke Lord,
that he might be glorified.-Isa. 61: 1,3.
In the vision of the kingdom given to the Revelator,
the Christ, Head and body, is pictured as a tree or wood
of life, the leaves of which are for the healing of the
nations. This picture suggests that the nourishment and
healing for the sin-sick and starving world and for their
up building and restoration come through the Christ. It
images the philanthropic: purposes of Jehovah in the
Christ. In view of these beneficent purposes Jehovah
is putting Zion through a course of instruction. He
commissions each one in Zion to do certain things. The
faithful performance of these things shall result in the
faithful one's being called a tree of righteousness, the
planting of Jehovah; and this shall reflect the glory
of Jehovah God, the great Husbandman and Creator.
July 19
He appointed the moon tOlr seasons: the sun hwweth his
going dOll'n.--Psalm 101,.: 19.
Jehovah is the Creator ,of lights. He created the sun
and the moon of our heavens, and ordained them to give
light to the physical sight of man by day and by night.
But grander far! he has given to sniritual Israel, "the
children of light," a knowledge of his v; ill, which illu-
minates their pathway as the gilvery moon of night and
which now in this season of God's plan shines with the
effulgence of the sun. He has given them the light of
the new day, the sunlight of the kingdom message
1
which now shines with the brilliancy of seven suns, as
the light of seven days. ']'0 those who faithfully walk
in the path of God's light and reflect the light upon
others Jehovah's Word says: "Thus saith the Lord,
which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the or-
dinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by
night, . . . If those ordinances depart from before me,
laith the Lord. then the seed of Israel also shall cease
tram being a nation befort' me for ever!'
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
July 20
"Thou w ~ t keep him in perfect peace, whose mind i.t
stayed on thee."-lsa,Uih, 26: S.
J
EROV AR is a God of peace. Regardless of confu-
sion caused by the enemy Jehovah is always tran-
quil, calm and undisturbed. Ris mighty works be--
speak his majesty, dignity and quiet serenity. The peaca
which he enjoys is centered in himself. The peace which
his intelligent creatures enjoy results from an abiding
confidence in the Lord. The visible and inanimate work
of his hands testify in his behalf. The mountain peaks
stand as though they were silent sentinels on watch,
and witness to the greatness of his work. The faithful
followers of Christ Jesus enjoy the peace of God. These
continually trust in and serve him. The prophet likens
them to watchmen who are also made witnesses for God:
"Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice
together shall they sing." The voice is the harmonious
message of truth which they delight to proclaim. The
precious promises of God are for these faithful ones.
Because of their faithfulness and loving devotion to
him he keeps them in sweet peace and leads them into
ways everlasting.
July 21
How much more shall your Father 1vh1ch 1,9 in heaven
give good things to them that a.sk him?-
][a:tthew 7: 11.
We may be sure that the Father is pleased to have us
ask for such things as we need. But asking, we must
also exercise our faculties with which we are endowed
to provide such things as are necessary. No one should
think that he can sit down and idly fold his hands and
expect the Lord to put into his lap just such things as
he may need. Jehovah's way of providing is by giving
us an opportunity of cooperating with him in acquiring
the things needed. His child, then, will pray and dili-
gently act in harmony with his prayer. This is the rule
:in spiritual things: "Aslr and ye shall receive." But act
in harmony with such asking. Having acquired the
knowledge by which we may know the will of God, then
we must diligently endeavor to conform ourselves to
that will. Following the divine rule, the child of God
does not wal1t. No good thing will Jehoyah withho1c1.
July 22
We have such an high p"iest, ... a min-isler of tll;)
sanctuary, an(l of the true tabernacle, which the
Lord pitched, and not 8: 1, 2.
Jehovah, and not man,. pitched or set up the true and
spiritual tabernacle, in which by his spirit he will dwell
with mankind during the Millennial Day. When the time
came for building the typical tabernacle in the Wilder-
ness of Sin Jehovah called by name, and particularly
and specially designated and invited, one individual to
have charge of the work .and with his assistants to pre-
pare the tabel'l1acle fUl'l1ishings. Jehovah said to
"See, I have called by name Bezaleel r meaning, God is
Protection or in the Shadow (i. e., protection) of God],
the Bon or Uri [Light-the light of the world], the son
of Hur [white, noble, also pit-the noble One lay dead
three days in the pit], of the tribe of Judah [Praised-
in his prehuman condition] : and I have filled him with
the spirit of God." Bezaleel l'epresented Ohrist Jesus,
whom Jehovah made the minister of the true tabernacle.
July 23
}'Ioreo'Ver, whom he did predestinate, them he also called:
and whom he Clblled, them he also justified.
-Romans 8: 30.
Jehovah calls or invites none with the heavenly call-
ing except those who are justified. None should get the
thought that because they have once been called with the
one hope of our calling they are always in the called
class. '1'here is a limit to God's favors. He is not calling
into the bride class any who have once known him and
then have measurably forgotten him. The Scriptures
define these as wicked because, though once they heard,
they have turned away from the truth again to the
exercise of their selfish wills. (Psalm 50: 16,17) Those
who have been invited to Jehovah's great feast of love,
and who remain in the heart relationship with him in
which they were when they responded to his gracious
call, and who keep on showing forth the praises of him
\\-ho called them, will be the ones upon whom Jehovah
h33 predestinated that the laurels of victory 811a11 rest.
July 24
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of
God: for God cantnot be tempted with e'vil, neither
tcrnpteth he any man.-James 1: 13.
Jehovah is infil1itely above all the enticements of
temptation to evil. He is holy and righteous and cannot
deny the law of his own being. Hence the present temp-
tation of the chnrch comes not from Jehovah, but from
Satan through the avenue of the world. It is presented
now in three ways; llamely, as to the body, as to the
mind, and as to the will. Everyone who will be of the
kingdom must resist and overcome this threefold temp-
tation. He must refuse to use his spiritual powers for
personal gain, but must present his body a ''living sacri-
fice" daily; he must be absolutely invulnerable to the
influence of the glamour of the world and be loyal to
Jehovah, to Jesus, to God's Word, and to his work; he
mllst have no self-pride or self-ambition to run ahead
of the Lord, but be willing and anxious to follow where
thf' Lord leads and to do what the Lord directs.
July 25
The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a
place prepared of God, that they should feed her
there (b th01.lsand two hundred and threescore
days.-Bevelation 12: 6.
Jehovah duly provided a place for the safety and
nourishment of his ano:mted ones on earth who repre-
sented Zion, the woman. On !:farch 27th, 1919, the day
immediately following release from prison, the officers
of the Lord's organization on earth began formulating
plans for aiding the church and furthering the witness.
['hen it was that the woman, Zion, fled into the wilder-
ness unto the divinely pl'ovided place. This place seems
to symbolize the condition prepared by Jehovah's provi-
dence for those on earth who represented Zion and in
whose mouths he put his words and whom he covered
with the shadow of his hand. In that condition they
remained until "the day" when, with the fea.rlessness of
Elisha and with the glorious vision of the Lord en-
throned in his temple, they joyfully emerged.
July 26
He giveth more g1'ace. Wherefore he saith, God resistetk
the proud, but giveth gra.ce unto the humble.-
James 1;.: 6.
A refusal to submit to God's law or to be governed
by his rule of action is the result of selfishness and
pride; and such Jehovah pushes away from him. For
one to seek his own glory and honor could not be pleas-
ing to the heavenly Father. When Jesus was on earth
he did not seek to glorify himself, but always sought to
honor and glorify Jehovah. Each one to be pleasing
to the Lord must likew:ise keep himself in the back-
ground and should always honor Jehovah and Jesus.
Humility is plainly an essential in those who seek so
to do. Humility means 10 be submissive to God:'s will.
His will concerning the church is expressed in his Word.
Humility therefore means to obey God's law. Those who
cheerfully obey receive unfailing supplies of grace from
Jehovah through Ohrist Jr esus and the honor of serving
him always upholds them.-Proverbs 29: 23.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
July 27
"Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of
every living thing.I)-Psalm 145: 16.
C
OMPLETE dependence of the creature upon the
great Creator for life and happiness is here ex-
pressed. One may live for a time and ignore God;
but he who would live for ever must know God and his
beloved Son. The speaker in this Psalm being David,
the words express the heart sentiment of members of
the new creation and particularly of "The Servant
Class" at the present time. These see the goodness of
Jehovah in everyone of his acts and learn that all who
love him are the recipients of his bounties. They see
that the greatest achievement of the creature is to be
like the Creator. He is righteous in all his ways. Mercy,
generosity and loving kindness are bestowed upon all
his creation. He is the perfect expression of unselfish-
ness. He is love.
:hlembers of the new creation devote their lives to
the service of God and delight to meditate upon his
works and proclaim his praises. They are works of hi>1
hands. Their reward will be life inherent, with the
privilege of extending blessings to others as agents of
the !iighty One. When the human race is restored and
all the universe made clean then every creature will be
completely satisfied with the bounties received from the
open hand of the great Jehovah God.
.ruly 28
Unto you first God, havi:ng raised up his So,n JeS1tS, sent
him to bless you, in turning away eVe1'y one of you
from his iniquitws.-Acts 3: 26.
The seed of Abraham in whom all the families of the
earth are to be blessed is primarily J eSllS. Even those
who are to be associated with J eSllS as the heirs of the
promise mUllt first themselves be blessed in
Jesus. It is by him that we have "access by faith into
this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the
glory of God". To us there is "one Lord Jesus Ohrist,
by whom are all things, and we by him". When Jehovah
raised Jesus from the dead as the assured seed of Abra-
ham, he sent him first to the Jews to bless them with
the kingdom opportunities, because they were the chil-
dren of the prophets and of the covenant made with
their fathers. But they refusing the first offers, Jehovah
turned to the Gentiles. Let us therefore be responsive
to the great kingdom op:portunities.
July 29
Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the
west, nor from the south: but God is the judge; he
putteth down one, {J,nd setteth up another.-
Psalm 75: 6, 7.
It seems to be entirely in harmony with the Scriptures
to say that one's position in the body of Ohrist may be
changed by Jehovah from time to time. As one proves
faithful to that which has been committed to him he
be advanced to a different place. Since the
is God's organization, it follows that if the church or-
ganization acts according to the prescribed rule laid
down in the Lord's Word, we are warranted in the view
that the Lord promotes his servants in the body of
Christ this side the vail. If such continue faithful unto
death, then they have the assurance that God, through
Christ, will assign them to a position of relative impor-
tance in the glorified body of Ohrist beyond the vail. May
all then, who are heartily striving to please and serve
the Lord, take their changes in his service as being from
him, the great Judge, and endeavor to be unmurmuring.
July 30
Work out your own salvation with tear and trembling:
for it is God which worketh i.n you both to will and
to do of his good pleasure.-Phil. fJ: 1fJ, 13.
The Apostle Paul straightforwardly told the church
that his presence with the brethren should not be t ~
incentive for them to work out their salvation according
to the rules laid down in God's Word. They should not
seek to please men, even men who are prominent ser-
vants of the Lord, with eyeservice. They should seek to
be faithful just as much when out of sight of their more
prominent brethren as when these brethren are present,
always bearing this in mind that it is not a mere man
or human force that is working in their midst but that
it is .Jehovah God who is working among them. His
power rests upon them; his eye observes their efforts;
and he is the one to be pleased first of all. He is the
one who should furnish the incentive to be faithful.
July 31
The Fa.ther loveth the Son, and sh17Weth him all tht:ngs
that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater
1001'7.:S than these, that ye may marvel.-
John 5: fJO
.Jehovah's deep love for his only-begotten Son
prompted him to take his Son into close counsel with
himself and to show him all his works which were dua
to be perfonned in behalf of man's salvation. This he
did that his Son might be his trustworthy witness to
the world and might keep in harmony with the will
and ,york of his Father. While.J esns was here on earth,
it was at his anointing of the spirit that .Jehovah began
to show him the work in which his Son was to be his
great Executive Officer, a high priest after the order ot
Melchisedec. It was at that time that "the heavens were
opened unto him" and the La:rpb of God began to unroll
the scroll of the divine plan which he had received ot
the Father. Similarly, .Jehovah loves his children, tho
body members of Christ, revealing unto them the works
he is doing and granting them to be workers togdher
with him.
A1l1gust 1
Thus saith the Lord God, Remove the d1iLdem, and ta'kB
off the crowrn, .. I 'will overturn, overturn, over-
turn it; and it shall be no more, until he come
whose right it is; and I will give it him.
21: 26, 27.
Six hundred and six y,ears before Christ Jehovah exe-
cuted his decree of overturning. The right of the
Solomonic line to the kingdom passed from them, as
the diadem and crown VTere removed from their heads
and overturned. But the sceptre did not depart from
Judah. Our Lord Jesus sprang from the tribe of Judah;
and when he had been immersed in Jordan's stream
and the spirit of Jehovah anointed him, there Shiloh
came, and Jehovah gave i,o him the sceptre and the right
to the regal diadem and crown. For nearly nineteen
centuries the exalted Jesus was seated at the right hand
of the majesty on high. JBut it was not until 1914 A. D.
that he wielded his sceptre; for then it was that Jehovah
sent the rod of his strength out of Zion. This is the day
of Jesus' power as King. If so, then we as his people
should be willing and joyfully volunteer to serve.
August 2
In the days of these king<: shall the God of heaven set up
a kingdom which shall never be dest1oyed.
-Da;niel 2: 44.
The Gentile Times ended in 1914. Earth's rightful
King was then present, but his first work (since 1874)
was a preparatory work for the beginning of his reign.
In the last days of the Gentile kings the God of heaven
has begun to set up the promised kingdom, and since
1918 it is breaking to pieces the kingdoms of this world.
The members of the kingdom class now on earth occupy
a position of honor that no one else on earth can hold.
They are the honored servants of the Lord. They, as
earthly representatives, a:re the ambassadors of the king-
dom of God, and are clothed with authority to tell man-
kind of that kingdom and the blessings it will bring to
them. Their mission is one of love. The angels of
heaven have never enjoyed such honor as theirs.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
August 3
"For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be Gem-
f01'med to the image of his Son."-Rom. 8: 29, R. V.
T
HE new creation is the highest part of the works
of .Jehovah. The nature of that creation is divine.
Jesus Christ is the beginning and head thereof.
He stands preeminently above all. Having foreordained
the new creation, God's will is that each member thereof
shall be conformed to the image of his beloved Son.
Each one must resemble the Head. Jesus was wholly
devoted to his Father. Each one who will ultimately be
a member of the new creation must, while on earth,
wholly devote his life to God.
When one is begotten to the divine nature he does
not see so clearly the divine requirements. As he walks
in the light and comes nearer to the perfect day, more
clearly he sees the necessity of being like Jesus. As
J erus delighted to do the will of his Father, so his true
followers delight to do God's will. The law of God con-
cerning all such, as clearly shown by the Scriptures, now
is to bear testimony that Jehovah is God and Christ is
King and that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The
foreordained likeness means a complete devotion to J e-
hovah in harmony with the covenant of sacrifice.
August 4
'Blessed are they whose inl:quit'ies are for.given, and whose
sins (J;re covered. Blessed is the man to whom the
Lord will not imJYute sin.-Ro1n(1;l1s -4: 7,8.
The covering for sins is the merit of Christ Jesus,
Imputed to such as confess theh transgressions and
"rave J ehoyah's forgiveness, and who have a desire to
do his will. This covering should not be confused with
"the robe of righteousnes,s". (Isaiah 61: 10) The non-
imputation of sin to the Christian is equal to the actual
imputation of righteousness. Otherwise stated, where
one has an abiding faith in Christ Jesus and in God's
lV ord and has an honest 11nd sincere desire in his heart
to be free from sin and to be righteous, J ehoyah can
treat such an one as whole or righteous. The reason is
that God looks at the hea.rt; that is to say, God counts
evil to the one who haH an evil intent, whether he
commits the overt act or not; and likewise God counts
righteousness unto the Christian, who naturally is not
righteous, because of his heart's devotion to righteous-
ness.
August 5
1/ this c()'Unsel or this work be of men, it will come to
nought: but if it be of {{-ad, ye cannot overthrow it,
lest ha.ply -ye be found even to fight against
God.-Ads 5: 38, 39.
While we should feel and faithfully seek to discharge
our responsibilities in the Lord's work, fearing lest we
displease him whom we so love, we should on the other
hand not feel any anxiolls fears respecting Jehovah's
,,'ork. It is his work, and he is fully able to take care
every feature of it. It js not our counsel that we are
heralding to aU the nations of the earth; it is Jehovah's
and it shall therefore never fail of accomplishment.
Xt follows that when men oppose us in our work as his
in the earth, they are in reality fighting a-
gainst Jehovah; and they shall not prevail. The Lord
therefore wants his serval1ts to be bold and afjgreasive
in his servke, knowing that they are in the rIght.
August 6
I will shew wonders in the heavens mnd in the ~ a r t k
blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. . . . before
the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.
-Joel 2: 30, 31.
Has not Jehovah shown his people wonders in the
heavens, by giving them a better vision than heretofore
of the Devil's organization and of the birth of the na-
tion, of the casting of Satan out of heaven, and-of t ~ e
preparation for the great and final battle on the earth?
Blood and fire are symbols of death and destruction.
In the earth during the past few years there has been
a great amount of death and destruction. Smoke is a
symbol of confusion, and now we see such great confu-
sion as never before in history. The nominal Christian
system is all in confusion, and its leaders have turned
the light of the kingdom message into darkness by
openly uniting with Satan's makeshift for Christ's
kingdom. The will of Jehovah, symbolized by the moon,
has become to many the symbol of death. Noting these
fulfilments of prophecy, God's witnesses should rejoice.
August 7
After that he gave unto them judges, about the space of
fOU1' hund1"ed and fifty years, wnW Samuel the
prophet.-Acts 13: 20.
The period of the judges, from Joshua to Samuel,
was a period marked by Jehovah's deliverances of the
peo})le. 'rhe record of this time is one of repeated de-
partures of the people of Israel from the law of the
Lord. What did the Lord do? Cast them off for ever?
No! He permitted them to be chastised at the hand of
their enemies; and then when they had learned their
lesson and were penitent and cried unto the Lord, he
brought them deliverance. "When the Lord raised them
up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and de-
livered them out of the hand of their enemies all the
days of the judge." Herein we see illustrated greater
deliverance, not alone for Israel but for all mankind,
from Satan, sin, and death. The great Judge whom
:r ehovah has ordained to be the Deliverer is Jesus.
August 8
Let aU those th,at put their trust in thee rejoice; let
them ev'er shout for joy, because thou defendest
them: let them also that l(fIJe thy name be joy-
ful-itn the e.-Psalm 5: 11.
Jehovah defends them! The thought makes the
Christians shout for joy. In giving their testimony to
the name of Jehovah, which they love, they realize the
danger to which they are subjected, because they know
that the evil one now Beeks to destroy all those who
keep the commandments of God. Yet they have greater
boldness than ever in proclaiming the message of God's
kingdom, because they Jove God. They have no fear.
Confidently they rely upon Jehovah, who has promised
to preserve those who love him and who are faithful.
Threatening evil does not deter one when he lmows he
is perfectly protected. A.s long as he is faithful the
Christian is perfectly and completely defended by Je-
hovah. Over such God places his hand in love. The
Christian's joy overflows in singing the praises of Je-
hovah.
August 9
Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteih eter-
nity, whoo() 1ULme is Holy; I dwell in the high and
holy plaoee.-Isaiah 57: 15.
Jehovah is holy. He dwells in the holy place because
in that place of his sacred dwelling his will is always
dJne and it is always right. Wrong never defiles that
holy place. Jehovah God the lofty One has ever pursued
and will evermore pursue a course of righteousness and
perfection. "The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and
holy in all his works." (J?salm 145: 17) His course is
always the same; there is no change in him. He says:
"I am Jehovah, I change not." (:Malachi 3: 6) From
the course of righteousness he never deviates. His law,
his rule of action, is always perfect. His every act is
unselfish; therefore he is love. How could we come into
the presence of the Holy One without holiness! No
wonder Jehovah admonishes us through his apostle, say-
ing, 'Without holiness sha,11 no man ~ the Lord.'
PRAYERMEETING TEXT COMMENT
August 10
"God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness ab01J'
thy fellows."-Hebrews 1: 9.
T
HIS prophecy was written concerning Jesus.
From the beginning he was always in harmony
with his Father and always the delight of Jeho-
vah. The other morning star turned to lawlessness. The
beloved Son hated lawlessness and loved righteousness.
For this reason Jehovah anointed him to the highest
place, far above all others of his creation. Hereby is
the rule of God proven that he who devotes himself
wholly to God is always rewarded. This is not selfish-
ness on the part of Jehovah, but it is prompted entirely
by love. God is righteous. All who faithfully serve God
must follow righteousness. All the righteous shall live.
Such is the law of God. The reward is to all who delight
to be obedient to God. Obedience means to keep his
commandments and to do so joyfully.
In these closing days of Satan's empire, and just
before the fall thereof, God will have his saints giV0 a
strong testimony. The remnant of his peopla will de-.
light to give this witness. While so doing God will
protect them and be to them a crown of glory and a.
diadem of beauty, and their future reward will be ex-.
altation. Then they will be for ever with the Anointed
and highly exalted One.
August 11
Behold ye among the heathen) a,nd rega1'd) a:nd ?Vander
marvell01.lS1y: for I wm work a work; in your days)
which ye will not beUe'Ve) tho'ugh it be told you.
-Habalckulc 1: 5.
The Lord is at work in our days in a manner most
manifest to Christian eyes. Among all the heathen, OJ'
nations, this work is being projected; and the people
of Christendom regard it and wonder and marvel. Con-
trary to what human mi:o.ds would think or believe, J e-
hovah has raised up the meek, the insignificant, and the
poor of this world, and a few in number they are at
that, and has entrusted to them the most glorious and
also the boldest of messages, the message of destruction
to Satan's empire and the victorious rise of Christ's
kingdom. These Jehovah has made his representatives
and witnesses, but has passed by the ecclesiastical lords
and leaders of Christendom and made their wisdom to
perish and their understanding to be hid. Their nn-
usual message challenges' Satan's organization.
August 12
He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have
been since the world be17an: tha.t we should be salved
from O1.lr enemt:es) and from the hand of all
that hate 1lS.-Luke 1: 70,71.
God's prophets were "holy men of old"; therefore
Jehovah put his Word into their mouths anll spake by
them. Their message was holy, because Jehovah is holy
and any message which would proceed from him would
partake of and reflect his own qualities and would be as
much a part of him as hig own organism. The prophets
all spake of deliverance, of restitution. The Bible records
stern truths about these men; and judged by the false
standard that Satan holds up by his representatives,
they could never be counted holy. They were far from
coming up to the Lord's high standard. Nevertheless,
Jehovah counted them holy, not because they were per-
fect in the flesh, not b e ~ a u s e they had "developed a
character", but because despite their human weaknesses
they were absolutely and 'Illlswervingly devoted to God.
August 13
God hath spoken in his holiness.-Psalm 108: 7.
Because Jehovah is holy he speaks in holiness, and
everything that proceeds from him is holy. God's apostle
therefore consistently refers to the Bible, God's Word as
((the holy scriptures". (Romans 1; 2) How foolish tllen
for mortals of the present time, who "despise dominion,
and speak evil of dignities", to refer to the Bible in
disrespect;ful terms! How foolish for any man so far
to forget himself as to reject the Word of God, particu-
larly for those who once believed upon the Word of the
Lord! The Bible's precious truths are not to be cast be-
fore everybody. For this reason Jesus said; "Give not
that which is holy unto the dogs." The message of Je-
hovah is holy, and should be regarded and treated thus
by all who claim to know the Lord. The time will come
when every creature that is granted the privilege of
life will realize that God's Word is holy.
August 14
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that
he did good, and gave us ram from heaven, and
fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food
and gladness.-Acts 14: 17.
All the works of Jehovah and all his acts testify as
unimpeachable witnesses to his goodness. His goodness
has been from everlasting and will be to everlasting.
His goodness, in the full meaning of that word, meanil
being everything that is true, reliable, benevolent, gra-
cious, pure, righteous, holy, and in everything and in
every way being opposed to that which is evil. Jehovah's
goodness has been manifested to all who have sought to
know him. But even the nations who have not known
God and whom he has suffered to walk in their own
ways have had witness given to them of the goodness of
the great invisible One, in that he has permitted them
to reap the benefits and bounties of the rain and the
seasons and the forces of nature which Jehovah has put
into operation. Nor will this testimony be lost; f01"
some not distant day all nations shall intelligently know
the. Lord, and then shall they look back and remember.
August 15
God did visit thtl Gelntiles, to talce out of them a
people for his name.-Acts 15: 14.
It was at the sending of Peter to the Gentile house-
hold of Cornelius, a deyout man whose prayers and ahm
had come up before Him for a memorIal, that Jehovah
God visited the Gentiles. It was there that the angels
(messengers) of God c,'lrried the Lazarus of the parable
into the bosom or favor of Abraham, who typifies J eho-
yah, the lofty Father. 'rhus was opened the opportunity
for the Gentiles to become members of "Abraham's seed"
in whom all nations are to be blessed. From then until
now God has been occupied in taking out from Gentiles
a people for his own n.ame, Jehovah. Seeing then that
we are called by his name, and seeing too that Jehovah
has in these last days brought us to a keener apprecia-
tion of the fame and dignity and majesty of his name,
we above all people on earth should seek to honor that
name and publish the j'ame of that name.
August 16
God anointed Jems of Nazareth with the holy spirit and
with power; who went about dojng good, and heal-
ing all that were opp1'essed of the devil: for
God was with him.-Acts 10: 38.
When Jesus was baptized at Jordan, the holy spirit
of Jehovah came upon him, not only begetting him to
a new nature but also anointing him to preach the
blessed news of God's kingdom. The power of Jehovah
accompanied the anointing. When our Lord went forth
with his heart burning with the desire to proclaim the
good news to the people, he was met with an indiffer-
ence, a coldness of heart, an opposition to righteousness,
and a disposition to c;riticize everything new which,
upon anyone less determined, would have had a chilling
effect. '1'0 verify his meElsage as being from Jehovah he
performed his many miracles, thus testifying that God
was with him. Today the people are receiving God's
kingdom message as never before. But should we at
~ i m s encounter the conditions that Jesus did, let us
look unto him who proved faithful to his anointing.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
August 17
"The Lord preserveth the faithful." -PsaJ,m 31: 133.
N
OONE could prove faithful without being put
to the test. For this reason God graciously
permits the adversary to beset His anointed
ones. Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with
grief. He was subjected to the most severe trials, and
in all of them he was faithful to his Father. He was
tempted to compromise with the Devil and his organiza-
tion. He gained the victory in the test. All his followers
must be subjected to similar tests. Now the test is
severe.
Some who receive the truth at God's gracious hand
are inclined to draw back from being his faithful wit-
nesses. Others who walk in the light rejoice to avail
themselves of every opportunity to tell of God and his
King and his kingdom. Such enjoy sweet peace, because
they are fully confident that God will keep them and
preserve them from all evil. Regardless of the perils
that may surround them the faithful have no need to
fear; for God is greater than all who can be against
them. He will keep the faithful ones in the hollow of
his hwd.
August 18
For, behold, the stonll that I have laid before Joshua;
upon one stone shall' be seven eyes: behold, I will erv-
grave the gmving thereof, saith the Lord of
hosts.--Zechariah 3: 9.
Joshua was the high priest of the Lord in the day"
of Zechariah, the prophet whom Jehovah used to en-
courage Joshua in the rebuilding of the temple and
reordering of its serviee. The high priest therefore rep-
resents the antitypici3.1 priests, the body of Christ,
particularly in these days when "the Lord is in his holy
temple". Before us therefore Jehovah has laid the fore-
told stone, not for us to stumble over it as have both
the houses of Israel, but to believe on it and to acknowl-
edge it as the stone which the Lord made the headstone
of the corner. Jehovah has tried this precious stone,
and his power has engraved it with the express image
of his own person. He has endowed this living stone,
Christ Jesus, with the seven eyes, hiding in him all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge.-Colossians 2: 3.
August 19
The L01'd also shall the tents of Judah, first, that
the glory of the of Dav-id and the glory of the
inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magrnify them-
selves against 12: 7.
One may be a natural descendant of Israel, and even
of the tribe of Judah, and yet not be a Jew. A Jew
therefore is one who is the natural descendant of Jacob
(Israel), and who has faith in the words uttered by
Jacob concerning Juda-h. Such a one will have faith
in all the promises which Jehovah has made to the
Israelites through his holy prophets of old. Such dwell
in the tents of Judah;. such comprise the "cities of
Judah", and such will the Lord save first in the Mes-
sianic kingdom. With them and the holy patl'iarchs and
prophets, resurrected ana restored, Jehovah will make
the New Covenant, that through that covenant all the
Gentiles might be blessed. Thus Jehovah will faithfully
follow his announced order of bringing salvation; name-
ly, "to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile."
August 20
I will b1-ing the thil'd pa1't through the fire, and will re-
fine them as silver is refined, and will try them as
gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and
1 will hear them.-Zechariah 13: 9,
What a hope-hlspiring message from the Lord we
have to give to the meek and poor and righteously-dis-
posed people of the earth! It is laden with the tidings
of deliverance, yea, even deliverance from going dow.n
into the pit of death. We cannot now assure the peonle
that Al'mageddon may be averted; the fire of God'1
jealousy will :flare out and devour Satan's earthly insti-
tutions; and the "shepherds and the principal of the
flock" will be cut off. But we can assure them that
Jehovah will protect and bring through the period of
fiery destruction a third element found among the peo-
ple, the element that hungers and thirsts after right-
eousness and that now rallies to the standard of the Lord.
August 21
In that day Jerusalem a burdensome ston,
for all people: all that burden themselves with it
shall be cd in pieces, though all the people of
the ea.rth be gathered together against it.
-Zechariah 12: 3.
Jerusalem in the setting the lJOrd here gives it in
the prophecy evidently refers to his organization of aU
his spirit-begotten ones in the earth, OPl)Osition in this
day is to be expected by them; for Satan would continue
as the god of this world, and will logically oppose all
who stand for Jehovah as God. The anointed ones of the
Lord, as they faithfully giye their witness and advertise
the King and the kingdom, are naturally burdensome
to those who are in favor of the king"f1 and kingdoms
of Satan's organization. These may be expected to gath-
ther against God's organiza Jerusalem, in the earth
in the effort to rid themselves of this weight burdensome
to them. But Jehovah's l'f:mnal1t should take courage;
those who tonch them touch the apple of his eye; he
will protect and deliver his own and will disperse and
destroy their assailants.
August 22
Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I
will not open you tht: windows of heave.n, and pour
you out a blessing, that there shall not be room
enough to r e i ~ i v e it.-j[aZachi 3: 10.
It is written, "Thou. shalt not tempt the Lord thy
God"; but Jehovah eneourages his saints to prove him
true to his promises hy continuing in that course of
faithfulness which me'rits the fulfilment of his good
fcromises. The Lord in his temple is now purifying the
'sons of Levi" that they may offer unto him an offering
in righteousness. His command now goes to them:
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse." A tithe
is a tenth. Ten symbolizes all in an earthly sense; a
tenth, or tithe, represents the whole and likewise sym-
bolizes all. (Numbers 18: 25-28) The Levites of old
offered tithes to the high priest as unto the Lord. "The
sons of Levi" who now bring their tithes, their earthly
all, what blessings Jehovah pours down upon them from
thc windows of heaven 1
August 23
It came to pass, when the Lord would ta7ee up Elijah
into heaven by a whirlwind.-2 Kings 2: 1.
The Prophet Elijah and his companion, Elisha, both
represented the same class of Christians but at different
periods in the church's history, and pictured therefore
different works to be done by the same people. A fiery
chm'iot separated Elijah and Elijah, and Jehovah took
Elijah away heavenward in a whirlwind. In the spring
of 1918 the World War) pictured by the whirlwind, was
at its height. During this raging whirlwind fiery ex-
periences arose in the chariot, the vehicle, the W ATOH
TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, throughout the earth;
and a separation of the work to be done by the Elijah
and the Elisha class was clearly marked. There was a
sudden cessation of the work. The fiery experiencea
which came as a result of the assault upon the SOOIETY
and its work marked the dividing line of the two phaoos
of the work. The Elijah part of the church's work
crased, to be followed by the Elisha work.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
August 24
"Thou hast give'n a banner to them that fear thee, that
it may be displayed because of the truth."-
Psalm 60:,4..
T
HE day is here when Jehovah will make it known
that he is the Uighty One who has placed hi8
King upon his throne. To his faithful remnant
class he says: "Ye are my witnesses, that I am God."
To these he gives a banner that it may be displayed
because of the truth. A banner is a flag on a staff o:r
standard which is held high that others may be guided
thereby. The Lord has placed in the hands of his peo-
ple his banner or standard of his kingdom, and he com-
mands them to march with it toward the kingdom and
to lift it up for the benefit of others. So clearly is the
course of the saints marked out there can be no douhf
about what they are to do. The message of truth is pre-
pared in such form that all the saints may have a part
in holding it forth to the glory of the Lord. Why does
THE WATCH TOWER repeatedly remind the saints of
opportunities of service? Because this is the day when
the truth must be proclaimed, and the Lord will have
his people at all times made aware of their duties and
privileges. Blessed is the Christian who joyfully seizes
the banner of truth and lifts it high to the glory of the
Lord 1
Alllgust 25
Theref01'e wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until th"
day that 1 rise up fO'r a testimony [ROTHERHAM
and LXX]; ... for all the earth shall be de-
voured with the fire of my jealousy.-
Zephaniah 3: 8.
The Lord's obedient ones need wait no longer; for J eho-
vah has commanded the warring to cease firing temporari-
ly and has risen up in his authority to give an unparalleled
witness in the earth. '1'he testimony to be given is to
the effect that he is Jehovah, and that the world is his
anu the fulness thereof, and that he has set his King
on his holy hill of Zion, .and that all earth's inhabitants,
the rulers and the ruled, should bow and render obedi-
ence to him as King of kings and Lord of lords; also
that his judgment is to assemble the kingdoms and
nations for destruction in the great battle of Armaged-
don. In this battle Jehovah will arise in the fulness of
his power, and give a most impressive testimony to
his deity and supremacy, Therefore let none delay any
longer but go forth with Jehovah's testimony. '
August 26
God . . . quic7ceneth t l ~ dead, and calleth those things
which be not as though they were.-Romans 4: 17.
Jehovah called Abraham "a father of many nations"
when as yet he was not such. At the burning bush
which Moses beheld at the mount of God, Jehovah
called himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
when in fact these patriarchs did. not exist but were
dead. This manifests Jehovah's utmost confidence in
his own plans. It shows his own certainty that his call-
ings and promises are sure of fulfilment. It expresses
his own unchanging purpose nevel' to deviate from the
course outlined in his Word; not one jot or tittle shall
go unkept. It evinces his own foreknowledge of what
ahall be according to his perfect and righteous plana.
From this all may take consolation, knowing, however,
that inasmuch as Jehovah hath called them to the
heavenly kingdom he will surely give them a place
therejn if they are faithful.
August 27
The Lord hath his way in the 1vhi1'lwind and in th'
storm, and the clO1tds are the dllst of his feet.-
Na.hum 1:3.
"Jehoyah reigneth." In 1914 he set his kingly Son
upon the throne as King of kings and Lord of lords.
The beginning of his reign is while his enemies are
still in power on the earth, and hence is accompanied
by the storm clouds of trouble. "Clouds and
darkness are round about him" ; but the clouds are simply
the dust stirred up by his feet, the outward indication
of his steady march to victory. In due time he will
raise up a. great whirlwind from the coasts of the earth,
and the slain of the Lord in that day shall be from one
end of the earth to the other. This will be the way the
Lord Jehovah will take to awe even Satan's hosts with
his might and to exalt his name above all and bring
deliverance to enslaved and dying mankind. Wherefore
"strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble
knees. 8ay to them of a fearful heart, Be strong."
August 28
The shl:eld of his mighty men is made red, the valiant
men are in scarlet: tll e chariots shall be with !la.Tn-
in!] torches in the day of his prepara.tion, and
the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.-
Nahum 2:3.
The Gentile Times under the supervision of t11e god
of this world ended in August 1, 1914. Before that
date it would not have been consistent for the Lord, the
King of glory, to take unto himself his great power and
reign. Since he has been present from 1874 it follows,
fro111 the facts as we now see them, that the period from
1874 to 1914 is the day of preparation. This in no wise
militates against the thought that "the time of the
end" is from 1799 until 1914. The period from 1799
to 1874 could not be said to be a day of preparation,
but a day of increasing light. It is not reasonable to
think that the King began to make preparations until
he was present. The Elijah work was done under his
supervision from 1874 forward, ending in 1918.
Alllgust 29
The angel of the Lo-rd enCfllmpeth round about them that
fear him) and delivereth them.-Psalm 34: 7.
Elisha was at Dothan, performing the duties which
God had laid upon him. He was beset by a great host
of the enemy. Elisha 'had no fear, because he knew
that God was with holm. At that time there was
surrounding Elisha, but invisible to others, an heavenly
host there for his proteetion. Now the church is doing
the Elisha work at Jehovah's command. The enemy has
gathered in great force to make war against those who
keep God's commandments, bearing testimony to his
name. But the Elisha class have no cause for fear, be-
cause God has surrounded them with a wall of perfect
protection to shield them from the assaults of the enemy.
This is the fight of J e'hovah God, and not our fight.
True, we are privileged to have part in the fight, but
our part is to sing the praises of God with boldness and
with joy, and God will see to it that his angels protect us.
Alllgust 30
7t shall be given 'You that same hour what ?Ie shall
speak. For it is not ye that speak) but the spitrit of
your Father wh1:ch spea7ceth in you.-
ltfatthew 10: 19) 20.
Wherever the witnesE. is to be given, and wherever
Jehovah may bring his witnesses to deliver testimony to
his name, we may be sure that the spirit of the Lord will
be present to empower his witnesses. Not that Jehovah's
spirit will operate the tongue and lips of his servants
mechanically, and cause them to utter things for which
they have no moral reBponsibility before him; but if
one is filled with the spirit, that is, if one is
willing to witness for Jehovah under e:A.'iraordinary
conditions and one's love of the Lord is perfect and
casts out fear of man which brings a snare, then J eho-
vah will display the power of his spirit in his servants.
They will speak not their own message, but the things
which Jehovah speaks in his Word and which he has
made them to know and understand by the power of his
spirit. He will bless their minds.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
August 81
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: The Lord will
. . keep him alive." -Psalm 41: 1, 2.
S
ATAN, through members of his organization, has
always oppressed the poor. The hme draws near
when his organization of oppressors shall be brok-
en. That will be in the great time of trouble. The poor are
not confined to those who.have little of money or goods,
but the term embraces the poor in spirit who sigh for
relief from the workers of iniquity. These are people of
good will. Such the saints now consider, and endeavor
to carry to them the message of truth. When God's
righteous indignation is expressed against the organiza-
tion of Satan in the time of tribulation, such as never
was upon the earth, those who have in obedience to God's
command considered the poor shall be kept in the hollow
of God's hand. This text seems particularly to apply
to those honest peoples on earth who are now considerate
of the poor and oppressed and who honestly endeavor
to do them good. The promise is that they, because of
their kindness, shall be blessed upon the earth.
Doubtless there are tllose who are hearing the truth
and believe it to an extent who will pass through the
time of trouble and live for ever. It is the privilege of
the saints now to enlighten such, and to tell them of
God's kingdom and how they may be of the millions
living that shall never die and who may be of the class
that shall early receive the benefits of the kingdom; to
tell them also that their kind consideration of the poor
will be remembered for their own good.
Seliltern ber 1
He shall turn the hearl; of the fathe1's to the children,
and the heart of the child'ren to their fathers, lest
1 come and smite the e(Jfl'th with a CU1se.-
1Iolachi 4: 6.
Elijah's activitics pictured a particular work done by
thc church under the supervision of her Head, Christ
Jesus. It follows, then, that the Elijah work must be
done between the beginning of the Lord's presence and
the day of smiting the earth with a curse. The effort
was to convert Christendom to a humble, childlike con-
dition, making them telwhable as children, and turning
their hearts from errol', sin, and unfaithfulness, and
leading them back into harmony with the great heavenly
Father and the writings of his holy men of old. The work
diel not succeed in accomplishing this, but elid fulfil J e-
hoyah's command: "Gather my saints together unto me,
those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
Because the Elijah work did not result in turning Chris-
tenelom to the Lord, J'ehovah cast off its systems in
1918; and now the earth is being smitten.
September 2
lIe malceth his sun to 1'ise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.-
Matthew 5:45.
Of the 1Iiillennium it is written that whosoever will
not come up submissively to God's Ol'ganization, Jerusa-
lem, to \yorship and serve the Lorel, upon such there
shall be no rain. Other natural blessings will be held
from thc refractory ones then, but during the present
season J choyah is showing forbearance and mercy even
in the bestowal of the common blessings of nature. God
exercises mcrcy. :Mercy may be defined as a forbearance
to inflict harm under circumstances of provocation when
one has the 1)ower to inflict it. It is a compassionate
treatment of another. It is pity put into action. The
Apostle Paul exhorts the Christians in respect of show-
ing mercy, saying, "Bc ye imitators of God, as dear
children," "forgiving one another, even as God for
Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Septembel' 3
Ye shall serve: I hclt'e g11-'On you'r p1iest's office unto you
as a service of gift.-Numbers 18: '7.
3 ehoyah 11as giyen both 3 esus and the church, his
bolly, the ofiice of the l)riesthood. On the typical Atone-
mellt Day the high pried did the sacrificing. Serving
with the high priest the unc1erpriests would bring to the
high priest that which was to be sacrificed. Christ
3 csus is the great antitypical High Priest, arid it is he
who is offering up his body members as a part of his o\Yl1
sacrifice. The body members are counted in by him as
a l;al't of his sacrifice. No member of the body, while
in the flesh, is qualified to offer anything unto. God.
That office of offering unto God belongs to 3esus Chl'ist.
His body members, when complete and glorified, will
thcn become a part of the High Priest; and then, and
not until then, will such body members participate in
the sin-offering .. They participate by virtue of the fact
that they aTe members of the body. But while in the
flesh each one must do something in mder to peTform
his covenant with 3 ellO'mh.
September 4
God is no respecter of persons.-AGts 10: 3it-.
As a man each consecTating one gives up his right
to live on earth as a perfect human being. Thel'efore
it is apparent that the sacrifice of each and every justi-
fied oue is exactly the same. Let no one then exalt him-
self in his own estimation by thinking that he has made
a greater sacrifice than has his brother who is weak and
unpolished. Let no poor, uneducated one, without ability
to make for himself a name or to accomplish much of
anything else, be discouraged by thinking that his sacri-
fice as a man is much less than that of his abler brotht!r.
Up to this point 3ehovah respects them exactly the same,
so far as their sacrifice is concemed. They each have
made a like covenant with him. The question thereafter
is, Will each perform his coycnant with faithfulness?
The one who does perform his covenant with faithfulness
will have an abundant entrance into the kingdom.
September 5
Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears
hast thou operned: bU1'l1ft offering and sin offerirng
hast thou not require d.-Psalm 40: 6.
The mere surrendering of something unto God at the
loss of another is not th&lt which is pleasing unto him.
God never profits by reaBon of sacrifice. "I will praise
the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with
thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than
an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs." (Psalm
69: 30, 31) ) It is the doing of the will of God that is
pleasing to him. The pleasing part that the Christian
performs is to heed God's admonition as given through
the Apostle Paul to present his body daily; that is to
say, to keep himself always ready and on the alert to
use all faculties with which he is endowed and which
operate through his body, to the glory of God in the
performance of his covenant. This is his "reasonable
service". He who does this with joy and rejoicing unto
the end shall receive the glorious reward.
6
He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his
life shall see the light.-J ob 33: 28.
At this time the sick and afflicted human race is in
the miserable and unhappy condition described by Job's
visitor, Elihu. Their souls verily draw near to the grave
and their life to the destroyers who are preparing for
the worst conflict of human history. Is there nothing
we can do for them in their distresses and fears? Ah
yes, indeed; for we can bo2ar to them the enlightening
and comforting message of God's Word. We can assure
them that Jehovah has sent a Messenger, to interpret
God's Word and make it plain, that they might know
the only true God and Jesus Christ his Son, and go
over the highway that leads to life. And if they now
draw near to God through his Word, and find and accept
their ransom, Jehovah may be gracious unto them and
say: "Deliver him from going down to the pit." Let
him not die.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
September 7
"Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothmg can
be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and God
doeth it that men should fear before him."-
Ecclesiastes 3: 14.
T
HE works of Jehovah are complete in themselves.
All his works are perfect. His works bear witness
to the absolute supremacy of God. "To whom
then will ye liken God, or what likeness will ye compare
unto him?" He is the complete expression of wisdom,
justice, love and power. He is worthy of the adoration
and worship of all his creatures. He has made all his
works complete, that man might reverence him. Why
are there so few men who really reverence and serve the
Lord? The enemy has blinded most men, and they know
not God. The evil cause dates from Eden. God has not
prevented the exercising of this blinding influence by
the enemy, knowing that in his own due time he will
cause even this to magnify his glory. Now he is turning
the light upon his plan that men who love him may
know him. The masses of the people do not know God
because ignorant of him and his works. Now he directs
the saints on earth as his witnesses to declare to the
people that he is God and to lift up to them his stan-
dard, that they may know the way that leads to life.
A U who are of the temple class will now delight to tell
the people concerning the great God and the blessings
that his kingdom now at hand will bring to them.
September 8
It came to pass, the selfsame day, that the Lord diel
bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt
by their armies.-Exodus 12: 51.
Speaking of his deliverance of the children of Israel
after the economic wrecking of Egypt and the bereave-
ment of its firstborn, Jebovah says: "For I am the Lord
thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Sa, iour: I gave
Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee."
It was at a tremendous ransom-cost to Egypt that God
delivered his typical people. Though they were disposed
to complain of the lengthening out of thcir oppressions,
yet theh deliverance was not delayed one day. Four
hundred and thirty years, to the day after Jehovah had
made his covenant with their forefather, Abraham, he
brought them forth. Let us be patient, then. Though
some of our expectations as to what Jehovah would do at
certain Biblically marked: dates have not been realized,
we may be sure that the plan of God, as revealed, is
correct and will be worked out exactly on time. But
with us, "Time is no more."
September 9
Moses st1'etched out his o'ver the sea; and the Lord
catused the sea to go back by a strong east wit/td all
that night, a,nd made the sea dry land, and the
watM's wm'e divi/led.-Exodus 14: 21.
The arm of Jehovah is as strong today as it was at
the deliverance of Israel at, the Red Sea. In an apostrophe
to it Isaiah speaks for us today : Art thou not it which
hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that
hath made the depths of t:lie sea Ii way for the ransomed
to pass over?" '1'he day of grander deliverance is now
come, both for the antitypical firstborns of the Lord
and for the people for whom Jesus died. Therefore can
we take up tpe divinely impired pmyer: "Awake, awake,
put on thy strength, 0 arn;, of the Lord; awake, as in the
ancient days, in the geneTations of old. Art thqu not
it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the An}
cOllfident in the coming .fulfilment of this Scriptural
prayer, we can joyfully announce deliverance at hand.
Septembel" 10
The Lord went before them by dwy ~ a l)fllar of a cloud,
to lead them the 7vay; and by mght tn a pillar of
fi1"e, to give them light," to go by day and night.
-Exodus 13: 21.
"So didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a
glorious name," writes Isaiah (63: 14). The glory of
the Lord was manifest in the cloud. Seeing that there
was an outward manifestation of God's presence and
favor upon his people when he brought them out of
Egypt, many scriptures lead us to expect that the
Lord will give some outward manifestation of his pres-
ence and favor to his faithful ones in the great impend-
ing conflict. It is very manifest that God intends his
work to go forward to a full consummation, and that
his remnant, which are the faithful ones, shall not again
be scattered by evil powers or evil teachings. In shield-
ing and preserving them from the enemy, God manifests
his glory upon bis own.
September 11
In the same day, the Lord made a covenant with Abram,
saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from
the river of Egypt 'l./Into the great river, the
river Euphrates.-Genesis 15: 18.
Let it be settled in the mind of each one that when
God Almighty makes a covenant that covenant will
never be forgotten but that its provisions will cer-
tainly be fulfilled in God's due time. Over two thousand
years before Christ's birth Jehovah promised to give
Abraham and his seed the land of Palestine. What
though Abraham still sleeps in the grave and has not
yet taken possession of the land, the period of the typical
jubilees expired in 1925 and the regathering of the
natural seed of Abraham to their homeland is taking
place before our eyes. The rebuilding of Palestine is
now beginning and is well under way, and gives the
most trustworthy assurance that God's covenant will
be made good to Abraham. This alone should command
the respectful attention of everyone believing that J e-
hovah is God. It should strengthen our faith.
September 12
Very high priest is ordained to otJer gifts ood sac.rifices!
wherefore it is of necessity that this ma.n have some-
what also to otJer.-Hebrews 8: 3.
Has Jehovah ordained the new creature to sacrifice?
No I The new creature does not sacrifice. He must per-
form his covenant with .ifiligence, and that covenant is to
do the will of God. Jehovah has ordained Christ Jesus the
High Priest to offer up the consecrated one as a part of
his own sacrifice. The office of offering unto God falls to
Christ Jesus. The paIt to be performed by the new
creature, as an underpl'iest, is always to be ready and
on the alert to do the will of God. Such is his reason-
able service. It is the service that is reasonably required
by his covenant. The performance of a reasonable ser-
vice could not be a sacrifice on the part of the one ren-
dering it. It is of the utmost and vital importance that
every new creature in Christ Jesus carry out his reason-
able service. The performance of service means the joy-
ful obeying of Goel's commands.
September 13
(iud hath not called us unto wncleamness, but unto
holiness.-l Thessalonians 4-: 7.
Holiness, unto which Jehovah has called us, is not
merely a standard which the mind can reach up to
and endorse, but one which must be attained. Absolute
holiness, within the meaning of the Scriptures, mlist be
attained by the overcoming Christian on this side the
vail. It means that he must be pure in his thoughts
and words and actions, insofar as that is possible with
his imperfect organism; but it means much more than
this. It means a complete and absolute devotion to
Jehovah's cause, prompted by love for him; it means the
faithful performance of the Christian's covenant as a
witness of the Lord. A Christian can, on this side the
vail, refuse to with or support in any way
the Devil's organization; he can devote every faculty
that he possesses to the support of and witness for God's
organization. By so doing he will attain to the standard
of holiness.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
September 14
wI will make him my firstborn, higher than the lcVngs ot
the earth." -Psalm 89: 27.
T
HIS text, together with the context, is a prophecy
relating to Christ. Anointed at the Jordan to be
King he was clothed with all power and authority
at his resurrection. Abiding God's due time for him to
act against the enemy, the mighty King as God's x e ~
cutive Officer now goes to make war. The kings of earth
have long been controlled by the invisible overlord
Satan, but the time draws near when Satan shall be
shom of his power and all of the peoples of earth shall
become subject to Christ. God has placed his beloved
Son upon his throne, and commands that all shall obey
him because he is higher than all the kings of earth.
Upon earth there are yet some of the feet members of
the Christ. These are commissioned to tell the people
of the blessed time now at hand that Jehovah is God,
that Christ is King, and that the day of deliverance is
here. To fulfil such commission seems to be the only
reason why the last members of Christ are yet on the
earth. The faithful will finish the work assigned to
them, and then will be received into heavenly glory.
The promise is to those who faithfully represent the
Lord unto the end.
Se:ptem her 15
It pleased tke Lord to bruise kim; he hath put him tD
g1-ief.--Isaiah. 53: 10.
It was while engaged in furnishing the sin-offering
for our iniquities that God's loyal Son Jesus was bruised
and put to grief with what would have crushed any other
man. It was not the pain of heart or feeling or of body
that racked Jesus that was pleasing unto Jehovah. It
was the demonstration of trustful, uncomplaining sub-
mission and active obedience on Jesus' part that gave
God warm pleasure; and this demonstration could not
be made unless Jehovah had permitted Jesus to en-
counter bruises and grief here in this world of sin. In
such testing and perfecting of the obedience of his dear-
est Son there was no heartlessness on Jehovah's part;
"for it became him [ Jehovah], for whom are all things.,
and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons
unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation [JP-
sus] perfect through sufferings."-Hebrews 2: 10.
September 16
Lord) it is nothing with lhee to help) whether with 'TII.any,
or with them that have no power: help us) 0 Lora
our God; for we rest (}In thee) and vn thy name
we go against this multitude.-
2 ekronides 14: 11.
There is no restraint to Jehovah to save with many or
with few. Jehovah has always won his battles with
apparently overwhelming odds against his cause. This
is because greater is he, the Almighty One, than all that
can be arrayed against him and his, and because Jeho-
vah would have no one glory in man but reserves the
glory of the victory for himself. Thereby he wisely
guards his people from vaunting themselves against him,
saying, "Mine own hand hath saved me." This fact
should humble us and make us realize that Jehovah does
not need us to accomplish his work nor to win his battles,
but that he greatly honoTs us in granting us to enlist
in his cause. This fact should also embolden us because,
though we have no power of ourselves and go forth
against a multitude, we have Jehovah with us.
September 17
The Lord killeth, and malceth alive: he bringetk doum
to the grave, and bringeth up.-l Samuel 2: 6.
To Lucifer in Eden was entrusted the power of death
with l'espect to man, but the exigencies of the case
caused Jehovah to intervene and to pronounce sentence,
upon Adam and to execute that death sentence upon
him. In his justice and in vindication of the honor of
his name and his "\-yord, Jehovah brought Adam down
to the grave. In minor strains we praise this wonderful
manifestation of his justice, but in melodies of faith and
joy we praise him for his mercy and love in his good
purposes to bring back and make alive again. He spared
not his Son from death, but by greatness of power
brought him up again from the grave. By this he fur-
nished the ransom for all that are in their graves, aud
gave assurance that in the fulness of his times he shall
display his power in Ohrist by bringing them up from
the graves.
September 18
It was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they
sh01.dd come ag(];trnst Israel in battle, that he might
dest1oy them utterly, and that they might
have no fa,v0111.-J oshua 11: 20.
It is according to the plan and purpose of Jehovah
to let the hardness of men's hearts continue and in-
crease in opposition to his program of deliverance for
mankind. In the days of old did he not let the iniquity
of the Amorites fill the measure of the cup before he
brought Israel into the land and destroyed them? There-
by the righteousness of his act was vindicated. Further,
the hardness of Satan's organization has proved tha
mettle and faithful endurance of his saints today, be-
cause it becomes necessary for them to be bold and pel'-
severing and to fight; and it manifests the worthiness
of Satan's organization to no divine favor but to be
destroyed utterly. Jehovah's little army in the earth
should not be dismayed. He has left them a:pparently
unprotected in order that their hardened enemles might
come against them in final battle 'only to be destroyed.
September 19
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their breth-
ren, like unto thee, rond will put my words in his
mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I
shall command Mm.-Deuteronomy 18: 18 .
.T ehovah will not for ever leave the groping masf'eS
of mankind to seek unto the observers of times, the
diviners, the enchanters!, the necromancers, and clergy
of Satan's dominion in their blind attempts to know
the divine will and to get into harmony with the Su-
preme One. lIe has promised to raise up in their behalf
a prophet of truth, who really representS Jehovah and
is ordained to be mediator between God and man. He
has put his words into the mouth of this prophet, and
by him he shall bring an the teachable out from under
the deceptions of the evil one and his servants and unto
an accurate knowledge o:E the truth. The Christ, Head
and body, is this great Prophet and Mediator like unto.
yet greater than, Moses. During the Gospel Age God
has been gradually raising up this prophet. Soon mem-
bership in this mediatorial body will be complete, and
the blessings will begin to flow to benighted mankind.
Sept,ember 20
Yet hwe I set my king upon my holy hill of Zwn.-
Psalm 2: 6.
The people vainly imagine that present world powers
can bring their desire by giving them a government of
peace and happiness. At the same time the ruling fac-
tors of the present evil world take counsel together a-
gainst Jehovah and against his anointed One. Their
efforts will be in vain. The time has come that Jehovah
has placed his King upon the throne. He has set him
upon the "hill", or highest position of rela-
tive to his kingdom. Ours is therefore a transition peri-
od; and what a wonderful time it is for us to be on the
earth I What a great privilege to have 80me part in
announcing to the sin-sick and suffering world that the
King of glory is set upon his throne; and that soon
the blessings, for which they have hoped, will be offered
to mankind I
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
September 21
HGod resisteth the proud, and gimetk grace to thfJ
humble."-l Peter 5: 5.
A
PROUD person is one who overrates his own
excellencies and becomes presnmptuous before
the Lord and therefore lawless. Such will not
be submissive to the ways of the Lord. A humble person
does not think too highly of himself. He has full faith and
confidence that the Lord is at the helm and capable of
handling his own affairs; that he causes his work to be
done according to his own good way and that he has but
one way. Such humbly and gladly submit to the Lord.
The proud ones do not progress in the light shining
upon the divine plan, but in due course lose the spirit
of the Lord and of the truth because God resists them.
The humble ones are the constant recipients of God'.
favor. They rejoice that the truth is the Lord's, and
delight to honor him as the author of all truth. They
humbly ask and receive increased light and greater
blessings because they love the Lord and prove their l()ve
for him by joyfully keeping his commandments. Such
do those things that are llieasing in his sight.
Selptember 22
1 am the Lord which sanctify you.-LevitirJUs 20: 8.
The word sanctificat.ion in Scriptures usage properly
means set apart for a holy purpose. The purpose of
God is a holy one; namely, the selection of joint-heirs
with Christ to reign with him in his kingdom for the
blessing of all the families of the human race. .All
associated with Christ must be holy. Christ was holy,
~ n everyone joined with him must be set apart to that
holy purpose. Anyone connected, therefore, with this
part of Jehovah's great plan would have to be separated
unto this holy purpose or work, be fully sanctified. In
all this, however, Jehovah does not coerce anyone. Be-
fore appointing any to a position of glory, honor and
immortality he enlists tlb.eir willing and hearty coopera-
tion by informing them of his plan for them and by
setting before them joys and rewards.
September 23
In my distress 1 called upon the Lord, arnd cried unto my
God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my
cry came b&fore him, even into his ears.
-P8alm 18: 6.
"The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth
keep silence before him." (Habakkuk 2: 20) But the
earthly organization of Satan will not keep silence for
1ong. When this gospel of the kingdom has been
:preached in all the world to the limit, then a tumult
will arise again. The floods of illlgodly men will menace
God's organization, symbolized by Jerusalem, in the
~ t t e m p t to frighten the saints and overcome and take
them captive. In their distress it is the privilege of
God's remnant to cry unto the Lord. His countenance
doth behold the upright, nnd their voice he will hear out
of his temple. Then the earth shall shake and tremble
jS Jehovah goes forth and :lights against those nationt!
beleaguering Jerusalem. He will deliver his faithful
remnant, and th<,y shall riot be cut off from the city.
September 24:
He came with ten thousands of his saints . ... Yea, he
loved the people J' all his saints are in thy hand.-
Dwte1"onomy 33: 2, 3.
Moses told the people of Israel that were then before
him that Jehovah loves them, and that the reason why
he loves them is that he loves them ("What better reason
can anybody give for loving anybody that he truly
loves?) and because he would keep his promise to their
fathers. It is easy to comprehend the reasons for God's
great love for his only-begotten Son, Jesus, but we like
Israel do not find so many reasons for him to love us,
his saints. Nevertheless, he does love us; and all the
expressions of love to natural Israel come with peculiar
force to apply to those whom natural Israel typified.
For this reason the saints may unwaveringly trust that
Jehovah will hold them in the hollow of his hand as
they now seek to proclaim the words which they re-
ceived while sitting at his feet.
September 25
The Lord fought for Israel.-Joshua 10: 14.
Because the cause of his people is really his cause,
the Lord did the fighting; and more were they that fell
as a result of the miraculous storm of hailstones than
they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Thus victory crowned the day for Israel. This reminds
the Christians that the present fight is not their fight,
but it is really God's fight against the Devil's organiza ..
tion, and that in his due time he will clear out that
organization completely. Happy are we that we do not
have to fight with carnal weapons, but that this warfare
means battling for the truth and standing firmly for
the Lord under the most trying and adverse conditions
with full faith that if we abide in him we shall stand
victorious with him at the end.
Septem ber 26
Uy sons, be not nO1/) negligent: ferr fhl! Lord hath chosen
you to stand beferre him, to serve him. and thai ye
should rnini.ster WI to hi .... n, and bu.rn incense.
---2 ChrollJr;les '29: 11.
Wondrous thought! We are not to be made
of the world; but Jehoyah has cho"en his SOllS, 1he
anointed Christ, to stand berore him to serve him; and
their loving devotion to him rises upward to him as a
sweet incense. God encourages his sons in diligence, and
commands diligence. He looks with disfavor upon
negligence. Diligence and fervency show a heart
ciation of God's favors and a loving devotion to him.
God's sons are now, while on earth, to be diligent as
witnesses that Jehovah is God. If they keep faithful to
death, they will enter into Jehovah's sanctuary to minis-
ter unto him, and be aBsociated with his beloved Sou
in the reconstruction and blessing of the world.
Sept.ember 27
All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great
shall be the peaoe of thy ohildren.-Isaimh 51r: 13.
It is the children of Zion, God's organization, of
whom Jehovah is the teacher. In the Psalms he
courages us with the promise: "I will instruct thee, and
teach thee in the way whieh thou shalt go." These words
cannot apply to the individual. No one can claim th3
precious promises until he becomes a member of the
church. The promise is that Jehovah will teach his
church. With this thought in mind let us remember
that Jehovah will reveal to his church his great truth
when he sees it is good i10r her to have the same. No
man is entrusted with the interpretation of the Scrip-
tures which contain Jehovah's written teachings. The
Scriptures are not of private interpretation. The Lord
is his own interpreter, and he uses such instrument as
he may choose to bring to the children of his organiza-
tion the things that he desires them to have. What
peace and assurance it gives us to know that we are
being taught of Jehovah!
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
September 28
"Be hath shcwea h i ~ people the power of his works."-
Psalm 111: 6.
H
IS people are members of the Christ, God's new
creation. This text is Ii prophecy, and applies
approximately at the end of the age. These
favored and faithful ones have been privileged to see
the power of the works of Jehovah in advance of others.
Many professed Christians throughout the age have been
greatly engrossed with the things of this world, which
is the Devil's organization. These were influenced in
a measure by that organization. Now the saints see that
evil organization in its true light, and at the same time
see the mighty. works of the great Jehovah and that his
due time is at hand to make for himself a name in the
earth.
There must be a reason why the Lord God has shown
his people these wonderful things. The Psalmist gives
the reason: "That he may give them the heritage of
the nations." The greatest blessing that could come to
anyone is to be made a member of the royal family of
heaven. But members of the anointed class should al-
ways keep in mind that before God will exalt them to
heavenly power and glory they must be gladly submissive
to him and must prove their faithfulness by loving and
joyful devotion to the Lord. For this reason the Servant
Class now see that it is of utmost importance to the
Christian to be engaged in the Lord's service. Such have
a clearer vision of God's wonderful works and the bless-
ing that these will bring to the children of men.
Sept,ember 29
1" ea, torty years didst thou sustain them in the wilder-
ness, so that they lacked nothirng; their clothes
waxed not old, aUHZ their feet welled not.
-Nehllmi.ah 9: 131.
This is a testimony to the faithfulness of God's pro-
viding for the congregation of his people in the wilder-
ness. About 1874 the true church began to announce the
second coming of Christ Jresus and the setting up of his
kingdom. This, of course, was in harmony with God's
will and was the command of the Lord. Then and there
the saints began with zeal and energy their journey to-
ward the kingdom. In 1914 they reached the mountain
of God's kingdom, from whence the law of the new
covenant will be proclaimed. During all the intervening
forty years of journeying did the church lack anything?
The experience of the church stands as a faithful monu-
tnent of testimony: "They lacked nothing." Then let
not our faith in God's providence for the future fail us.
Septe:mber 30
.'hus the L01Yl. saved Israel that day out of the hand of
the Egyptiansj ... An.d Israel saw that great
work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians:
and the people feared the Lord.-
Exodus 14: 30, 31.
After Jehovah had overthrown the pursuing hosts of
Satan's world power, Egypt, in the Red Sea, a song of
deliverance was sung unto the Lord, extolling the
mercies of God. In a more: wonderful sense will a song
be sung when Jehovah has delivered mankind from the
thraldom of Satan's empim and has placed them upon
the highway that they may journey back in holiness to
endless peace and happiness. Then in a :fuller sense
lnay it be said: "Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the
people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided
t.hem in thy strength unto thy holy habitation." (Exo-
4us ~ ; 13) This will be true when the Christ has
guided to the end of the Millennium the people who
~ y and when Jehovah has received them into the
bleSsedness of his eternal kingdom.
October 1
Hast thou seen the treOiSUres of the hail, whWh 1 have
rese1'1Jed agamst the time of t1'oubZf!), against the
day of battle and war?-Job 38: 22, 23.
Jehovah has stored up great treasures of natural
forces which he has used and still purposes to use in a
supernatural way to glorify his name. In the visitation
of the plagues upon the land of Egygt to effect the de-
liverance of his chosen people, he 'sent thunder and
hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground". In fight-
ing to victory for Israel at the city of Gibeon, he cast
down great stones of hail upon the Canaanites and slew
more therewith than the children of Israel slaughtered
with carnal weapons. Jehovah purposes to be wroth
again as in the valley of Gibeon; and against that day
of battle and war he has reserved his treasures of hail.
He has decreed that "the hail shall sweep away the ref-
uge of lies". Have you entered into the treasures of
the hail since the temple of God has been opened in
heaven? (Revelation 11: 19) Or have you withheld
your hand?
October 2
My Fathe?' is the husbarndman. E17ery brarnch in me that
bea1'eth not fruit he taketh away: and every bmnch
that beareth fruit, he p1trgeth it, that it may
bring forth more f1'Uit.-J ohn 15: 1, 13.
Jehovah has planted the Christ vine to accomplish
his great work in the earth. He takes personal interest
in the care of this vine. The fruit for which he is look-
in!? is not character so-called, nor is it the fruit ot t ~
spIrit. It is really the outgrowth of the possession of
the fruit of the spirit, love. The chief office of a v i n ~
is to bear fruit that by its wine it may cheer God and
man. (Judges 9: 13) Correspondingly, Jehovah has
planted his vine
l
the Christ company, that it may cheer
him by its obedience in 'showing forth the praises of
him who hath called them out of darkness into his
marvelous light'; and also cheer men by bearing to
them the knowledge of Jehovah and his glorious king-
dom for making them everlastingly happy.
October 3
Arise, 0 Lord; let not moo prevail; let the heathen b,
judged. in thy sight. Put them in fear, 0 Lord;
that the nations l1W,Y lcnow themselJves to be
but men.--P.'3alm 9: 19,20.
The battle is being joined more closely day by day;
and men, particularly the human ruling factors serving
in the Devil's organization, would, and verily think they
can, prevail over the Lord's cause. While they in com-
parison with Jehovah God apparently do not
themselves to be but men of dust, yet God's remDllllL
should not forget that "the shepherds and the pnncIpal
of their flock" are merely puny men. and should tht:re-
fore not be ensnared by the fear of man but be bold IlI1d
uncompromising in giving testimony to the rulers of
the world as well as to the ruled. Man shall not prevail j
but shortly God will arille in his strength amid Arrna-
geddon's tumult and will display his power and suprem-
acy in such awe-inspiring manner that the natior.s
will fear and know themllelves to be creatures of clay.
October 4
The King of glOf"1J shall rome in. Who i8 this King of
glory 'I The Lord strong and mighty, the Lora
mighty in battle.-Psalm 24: 7,8.
Now the time has come in which Satan's wicked sys-
tems are to be dashed to pieces. The members of the
church on earth do not do this work of dashing to
shivers. They are not the ones who will bind Satan aud
destroy his power. Matched against him they of tht!m-
selves are too weak. Who will do this mighty work?
The King of glory. Who is he? "Jehovah of hosto, DO
is the King of glory." He is the Almighty One, stronger
than the strong one, Satan. He never lost a battle.
Beholding the King of glory majestically marching
on to victorl and to the deliverance of suffering hu-
manity, God 8 remnant cannot keep back their songs of
elation and praise. JehovB:h finds them joyfully willing
to be used as his witnesses to make known the gloriea
of his kingdom to the oppressed people.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
October 5
rtKn.()u'n unto God are all his worlcs) from the beg1:nning
of the world."-Acts15:18.
W
HILE it is necessarily true that the knowledge
of God is without limitation at all times it is cer-
tain that this text has reference to his plan for
the salvation of mankind. At the beginning of the world
man's overlord was Lucifer. It seems quite reasonable
that God would make his plan at that time in the alter-
native; that is to say, if man should prove faithful a
certain course should be followed, but if man should
fall, a different course would be taken by the Lord In
dealing with him. :Man would therefore be morally free
to choose right or wrong. Predestination would not enter
into the matter. The facts show that man chose the
wrong course and from the very beginning God knew
all the details of his plan for the full recovery of man.
From then till now God has been carrying forward
his plan. The seed according to his promise, through
which salvation and blessing shall come, is The Christ.
While everything of value that is accomplished for the
salvation of man is through Christ Jesus the beloved
Son, God has graciously provided that there shall be
members of his body which are taken from amongst
men. The approved ones among such wholly devote
their lives to the Lord and it is their real joy to obey
his commands. The great program of God is now
reaching a climax; and the remnant on earth in obedi-
ence to his command delight to proclaim to the people
that Jehovah is God and that his kingdom is the means
of relief and blessing for the human race.
October 6
God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might
have mercy upon all.-Ro'/IWJn8 11: 32.
As we view the varied features of Jehovah's plan, we
exclaim in the language of the Apostle Paul: "0 thG
depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge
of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his
ways past finding out!" For centuries now the Jews
as a nation have been shut up in unbelief, that God'a
tender mercies in the way of kingdom favors and oppor-
tunities might be extended to the Gentiles. God is under
no obligation to the J eVlS, and yet he has arranged that
his mercies on those whom he calls to the kingdom
from the Gentiles should rebound in mercies upon Isra-
el when he removes Israel's blindness. The time for
showing mercy upon Isr,ael at the hands of the kingdom
class is now begun. God has given us a message of com-
fort and enlightenment for Israel. Let us who have
received God's mercies at the expense of the Jews show
mercy in turn upon the ~ r e w s "Speak ye comfortably to
Jerusalem."
Odober 7
I will sing unto the Lorti, fo-r he hath triumphed glorf,.
ously: . . . Thy rigM hand, 0 Lord, is become
glori()US in pou'e'r: thy right harr1d, 0 Lord,
hath dashed in pieces the enemy.-
Exod:us 15: 1, 6.
It is a great consolation to the hearts of God's rem
nant to have this picture described "aforetime" to as-
sure them that in the approaching struggle Jehovah
God is certain to triumph. That which is required of
the remnant is that they, having been called and chosen,
should thenceforth be :faithful unto death. With com-
plete confidence in J ehova:b. and his right hand of power,
the Christian can joyfully go forward in the battle, not-
withstanding that the enemy is strong and great. He
l.-nows that he is right, a:ad that he who is for him fa
greater than all that can 'be against him. He seeks not
to exalt himself but to exalt and magnify the Lord and
to declare his name and his great plan unto the people
October 8
When the children of Israel saw it, they said one to an-
o-ther, It is manna: for they wist not what it was.
And Moses said unto them, This is the bread
which the Lord hath gwen you to eat.-
Exodus 16: 15.
Each day of thei! journey Jehovah supplied Israel
with his daily bread. It was a miraculous supply, com-
ing from heaven, and in "a land of deserts and pits;
a land of drought, and of the shadow of death;
. . a land that no man passed through, and where no
man dwelt". Jehovah gave them of "the corn of heaven"
and "everyone did eat the bread of the mighty". More
miraculously yet, Jehovah has in a grander and more
vital sense sent down bread from heaven. The Israelit-
ish fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are
dead. He that eats of this latter bread shall live for
ever. Mankind does not know what it is; but the Lord's
servant class has the privilege of announcing to starving
mankind that it is Jesus, "the living bread."
October 9
The tables were the work of God, Ofnd the writing was
the w r i i ~ n g of God, graven upon the tables.
-Exodus 32: 16.
Everything upon or about the two tables of the
Mosaic law was of Jehovah. He is the one Lawgiver,
who is able to save and to destroy. On the stony tablets
the finger of God wrote according to all the words which
the Lord spake with Israel in the mount, out of tha
midst of the fire, in the day of their assembly there.
Writing the law on stone did not effect any writing of
it in the hearts of Israel; but the days come that J eho-
vah will put his law into the inward parts and they will
not need to wear phylacteries bearing written portions
of the law or to write them upon the posts of their
houses and on their gates. He will take away the head
of stone, and give mankind a heart of flesh and will
write his law in their hearts. He will then be their God;
and they will be his people, because his law will be en-
throned in their hearts' affections and they will keep it.
October 10
Behold, I send am, Angel before thee, to keep thee in the
way, and to bring thee into the place which 1 have
prepared . ... My name is in him.-
Exodus 23: 20, 21.
In all Jehovah's dealings with his natural people,
Israel, he used angels in an official or representative
capacity. In the text above, the Lord Jehovah promised
that his executive officer, invisible to the eyes of the host
of Israel, would be their guardian and protector if they
would obey him. Thus he foreshadows that his heavenly
messengers are faithiullJ looking after the interests of
spiritual Israel. '1'hey ;!tre the official friends of the
church. Vlhen one of the Lord's little ones goes forth
in the proclamation of the King's message, he may feel
absolute rest and confidence in the Lord, because his
official protector walks by his side to shield him.
October 11
When the Most Hi.gh divided to the 1Ultions the'ir inheri-
tance, when he the sons of Adam, he set
the boun&s of the people according to the
number of the children of Jsmel.-
Deuteronomy 32: 8.
The Lord takes foreknmdedge of his own, and makcs
all due preparation and provision for them. Jehovah
foreknew the natural seed of Abraham; and because he
purposed to use them in making types and pictures of
better things to come to the mass of humankind, he let
his eyes fall on a land "Howing with milk and honey,
which is the glory of all nations". For their sakes he
eared for it from one end of the year to the other
(Deuteronomy 11: 12), and so disposed the habitations
of the nations of earth that Israel might have it. He
did so because he took Israel to him to be a peculiar
treasure to him above all ihe peoples of the earth. The
same J eho"ah has appointed the earth as man's inheri-
tance, but has prepared a fair habitation, the glory of
the universe, for spiritual Israel, the new creation. He
will not permit men or hea"Venly beings to interfere with
their getting it.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
October 12
Itt All things UI1'8 delivered unto m8 of my Father."
-Matthew 11: 27.
T
HE "all things" here mentioned seem clearly to
refer to God's provision for the salvation of man.
The people had listened to the teachings of the
Jewish clergy, but without profit. John the Baptist
had come and announced himself as the forerunner of
the Messiah. God's anointed One now stood in their
presence, the One to whom God had committed every
thing pertaining to the salvation of the people. J eS118
would have those then hearing him know that he is
the only way, and that it was folly for them to follow
further the clergy of that time. He then invites those
laden with burdens to come unto him.
What was then true has since been true; to wit, that
there is no other name given under heaven whereby
salvation comes to man. Christ and his kingdom alone
is the hope of the people. A knowledge of this fact must
be given to the people. The Lord has constituted his
faithful body members on earth his ambassadors to tell
the people of Jehovah's plan of salvation. These Chris-
tians were not given the truth merely to enable them to
prepare to go to heaven, but for the purpose of affording
opportunity to prove their faithfulness and devotioll
to the Lord. Those really devoted to the Lord forget
selt, and with uruclfish devotion to the cause of J ehovll h
1oyully proclaim that he is God, that Chriet is Killg.
and that the means of salvation is in God's appointed
way.
Odober 13
When he bringeth agam [margin.] the firstbegotten into
the world, he saith, Let all the angels of God 1001'-
ship him.-Hebrews 1: 6.
The selection of The Stone, the anointing and tho
laying of the foundatio:1l of the world, that is to say,
the new heavens and the new earth, took place at the
time of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan. The laying in
miniature of The Stone Jin Zion, the tried" and proven
One, took place three and a half years thereafter, when
Jesus presented himself to the Jews as their King. The
evidence is therefore conclusive that God's anoint-ed
King is The Stone and that the laying of The Stone
is the presentation of thH King to those over whom he
is to rule. The fulfilment of all this in completion has
come in our day. In 1914 Jesus began his activity as
priest of the Most High God and as the anointed King.
In 1918 he came to his temple; and to all professed
spiritual Israelites Jehovah offered him as King, which
act constituted the laying of The Stone in Zion.
October 14
Ghrist J esu.8, . . . of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
-1 Corinthians 1: 30.
Jehovah has made Ohrist Jesus 'wisdom unto us in
two ways, viz., by precept and by eXa111]11e. As Spokes-
man of Jehovah the Lord .T esus gives precepts. He also
took the proper course, leaving 'us the example that we
are to follow in his steps. Our justification from J e-
hovah comes because of the imputed merit of Jesus,
who as High Priest presents us to God; and thus is he
made righteousness unto m;. The justified ones Jehovah
begets by his spirit and an,oints them by receiving them
into the body of Ohrist, thus sanctifying them to his own
use. The standing, an instantaneous one, of the anointed
ones is in Christ Jesus; and thereby he is made unto us
sanctification. By pursuing the wise and faithful course
in Jesus' footsteps we shall become conformed to hill
image, and Jehovah will raise us up by him in the first
resurrection.
October 15
Then 1t: ill I turn to the people a pure language, that they
ma.y all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve
kim with one consent.-Zephamah 3: 9.
"The whole world lieth in the wicked one"; and as
he speaks, so it speaks. The ruling factors speak a
lunguage of lies and religious hypocrisy to the people.
1'he people speak a language of hate, jealousy, fear,
pride, malice, envy, vanity, and false religion to one
another. They draw neal' to God with sanctimonious
language and call upon him; but their language is
impure and foreign to him because their hearts are
estranged from him. After the fire of Jehovah's jealousy
has devoured the visible earthly organization of Satan,
then the Lord's kingdom shall purify the people and
convert their language, their met.hods of intercourse, to
a pure form by bringing them all to a knowledge of the
truth. They shall learn to know and love Jehovah, and
sincerely desire to serve him unitedly.
October 16
He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved
lcilngs fOt their sakes,' s(()ying, Touch not mine
anointed, and do my prophets no harm.-
Psa,7m 105: 1.1", 15.
This has been the course of Jehovah from the days
of ~ ~ b ] a h a m and the patriarchs down to the present.
Till their work is done he preserves those whom he has
anointed and made his prophets, his mouthpieces. His
preservation of the anointed class, the Christ company,
during the Gospel Age has been nothing short of miracu
lous. Jehovah has not considered even the mighty kings
of earth above deserving reproof when it comes to touch
iug injuriously those whom he tenderly regards as the
apple of his eye. God's unfolding Word shows that his
anointed mouthpieces must at this time, and before
Armageddon breaks, deliver a testimony to the rulers
of the world order. They should not be abashed at the
austerity or the outward dignity of these earthly poten-
tates, because the Lord purposes to punish the high onel
and the kings; but his faithful witnesses he protects.
October 17
'1 heara the voice of the Lora, saying, Whom shall I send,
(JJna who will go fo:r us? The.n said I, Here am I,'
sena me.-Isaiah, 6: 8.
St. Paul asks the G:uestion: "How shall they preach,
except they be sent?" It is God who sends the messen-
gers of truth. When fsaiah had the vision of the Lord
in his temple, he cried out: "Woe is me! for I am un-
done." It seems clea:r that his uncleanness, which he
confessed, had sometbing to do with the words of his
mouth, or rather words which he had failed to speak.
He recognized that he ought to be praising God, as the
Beraphim were doing. His penitent cry led to purgation.
Isaiah's mouth was clE!ansed by a live coal of fire taken
off the altar. This indicates that in harmony with the
work done by the Refililer since 1918 in refining the sons
of lvi, their lips were purged; that is, the temple class
was awakened to the fB,ct that greater activity should be
manifested in representing the Lord. Henceforth they
zealously manifested their willingness to be sent.
October 18
The Lo-rd saia unto my Lord, Bit thou ()t my 1-ight hana,
wnW I make thine enemies thy footstool.
-Psalm 110: 1.
Jehovah took J eSllS away from earth, the place of
activity of his enemies, and seated him in the position
of favor in heaven. '1'he enemy Satan continued his
nefarious operations without interference; but this was
to be permitted only until a fixed time in the Father's
plan. Jesus, of course, observed the efforts of the enemy;
but he must patiently IVait upon the Father until the
due time to act. He po,ssessed all power in heaven and
in earth, but he was not to use it against the Devil until
the order for action came from Jehovah. Now the time
limit has expired in 19'14, and God's wrath h8.!l come
since 1918. Very soon he will triumph in Armageddo:Q's
conflict, and make the ~ m m i s the footstool of Chrietl
and then the Lord will begin the stupendoua work of
restoring the human race.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
October 19
"The Lord taketh pleasure in hiJ; people: he will beauti-
fy the meek with sal1)atio,n."-Psalm 1.J,.9: 4.
T
HE people of God here mentioned are those wholly
devoted to him. These follow in the ways of the
truth not for selfish reasons, but because they
delight to serve G<ld. They are meek because they think
of themselves only as the favored servants of the Most
High. Their delight is to honor his name, lmowing that
the reward he will grant will be far greater than they
could now imagine.
Perfect love is the pedect expression of unselfishness ;
therefore no one can be perfect in love unless he un-
selfishly devotes himself to the Lord. For this reason
the Scriptures declare that in the day of judgment upon
the nations, which day is now here, the faithful will
boldly declare the message of truth. They will not fear,
because their love is perfect. The Lord takes pleasure
in such. This pleasure he manifests by placing them
under his protection; and in the day of his wrath against
the evil one's organization God completely shields and
preserves his own. Unto such he will be a crown of
glory and a diadem of beauty. The faithful remnant
walk in the light, and see these great truths as the Lord
reveals them. Their faith is increased because they
appreciate the garments of salvation and the robe of
righteousness which the Lord has provided for them
in this day. They have entered into the joy of the Lord,
and together they lilt up the voice with singing. Go.
takes delight in them.
October 20
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and
to present you faultless before the presence of his
glory with exceelUng joy, ... be glory atnd
majesty, and power.
--Jude 21,.,25.
Likely our guardian angels, who have ministered
to us as heirs of salvation, will be the first to greet u,
beyond the vail. That will be a happy meeting.
Doubtless these angels will instruct us with reference to
being presented to Jehovah, because they have access to
the courts of heaven. Then will follow the "general
assembly [of the] church of the firstborn", whose names
are written in heaven" when we shall meet our "alto-
gether lovely" Bridegroom. Finally will come the crown-
ing experience, the granting of the "one thing [we]
have desired of the Lord": for the Lord Jesus will pre-
sent us without spot a:nd faultless before the throne of
God and we shall ''behold the beauty of Jehovah", the
great, strong and loving One who has kept us from
falling and resurrected us faultless characters.
October 21
God has chosen the foolish things of the tlJo'rld, to con-
found the wise; ... and things tvhich are not, to
bring to noui7ht things that are.-
1 Oorinthians 1: 27,28.
Sometimes the question is asked: Why is it that per-
Eons of slight education in the ordinary walks of life,
who have no particula'r influence among men, would
even pretend to present the message of truth? And why
is it, that when they do, it is clearly and lucidly pre-
sented and puts to flight and to shame the learned theo-
logians who are professed followers of the Lord? God's
own Word answers: It is because Jehovah ha s chosen
them and has put his words into their mouths; and his
spirit, operating on their minds and hearts, makes them
bold and strong in the Lord, with the ability to makB
clear the of the truth now revealed. Jehovah
Qharges them: (Speak llnto them all that I command
thee: be not dismayed a G their faces." -.T eremiah 1: 17.
October 22
He -shall set 11;; an ensign for the nat-ioJl.s, ana shall as-
semble the outcasts of lsrael.-Isatah 11: 12.
An ensign means a flag or signal, banner or beacon,
which is a token of relief or deliverance. This text shows
that when the inhabitants of the earth are in distress
and perplexity, when the storms of adversity are beating
upon the people and they mourn and cry unto the Lord
for relief, Jehovah will set up an ensign for the people
of the nations. '],his ensign or beacon light is the Christ
and his message of the kingdom for the deliverance and
blessing of mankind. He is the embodiment of light
and truth, and is crowding the enemy to the wall, and
soon will make known to the world the complete victory
of truth. Now he is raising the ensign of truth for the
benefit of those that have a desire for righteousness, that
they may be safely led over the dark morass into paths
of light and truth. Blessed are the saints whom he uses
to deliver the glad message now.
October 23
The LO'J'd shall preserve thy going out, and thy corning
m, from this tirne forth, Gffld even for evermore.
-Psa,.lrn 121: 8.
The Lord Jehovah hereby encourages his children to
trust confidcntly in him, to keep themselves in his love
and to hold fast that which they have. It would be
reasonable to look forward to a time when error would
no longer be permitted to blind God's people, and to
expect that that time would come during the presence
of the Lord Jesus, at his appearing to claim his own.
The Psalmist evidently refers to this time when he
wrote: "The rod of the wicked ~ h 3 not rest upon the
lot of the ri/?hteous; lest thc righteous put forth their
hands unto miquity." To that end Jehovah speciall!
guards his servant class since 1918; for then the great
adversary was cast out of heaven and came down to
earth, having great wrath. From that time forth, yea,
even for evermore, Jehovah preserves them as they go in
and out in their activities in his service.
October 21
If any of you 7ack wisd01n .. let him aslc of God, that
U'iveth to all men liberally, and upbra'ideth and
it shall be him.-J CLmes 1: 5.
Jchoyoh is "the only wise God". To his spirit-begotten
ones he faYs: "lie' not wise in thine own eyes." "Jllly
son, attend unto my wisdom." The sincere Christian,
desiring to keep this cO"llllsel and to grow in wisdom, is
instructed to go to Jehovah in prayer, believing that he
will reward him, asking in faith through the merit of
Christ Jesus; then to stu dy the Word of God and
diligently apply his mind and heart to gain a knowledge
thereof. Every question that may arise in his mind con-
cerning his course he will :find answered according to
the fixed rules of the Lord as set forth in the Bible.
And rendering himself in obedience to the command-
ments and fixed rules of Jehovah will make him wisa
according to the divine standard. "The wise shall in-
herit glory."-Proverbs 3: 35.
October 25
Who malceth his angels spirits: his ministers (]) flaming
fire.-Psalm 104: 4.
God made the angelic beings. '1'hey must be lovable
spirit creatures, fair to behold, and gloriously imaging
their heavenly Father, so that he is well pleasPd to grant
them access to behold his face. The revealed record
shows that he sends angels on important missions as
his messengers and to represent his cause
and to act as executive officers in the carrying out of
his holy will. Once he sent an angel to appear Ullto
Moses as a flaming fire and deliver a message of coming
deliverance. It should th rill the heart of man to realize
and appreciate that angels are not mere myths, but aN
mighty creatures, acting in an official capacity in carry-
ing out God's orders; and that men who devote them-
selves to the Lord are privileged to be used with theSIl
invisible and mighty ones.
PItA TEXT COl\U\1ENT
October 26
"The de.se-rt shall f"ejoir.e. and hlD.';sv77i lLS tI.e rase."
-);;1l.11l.h Sb: 1.
.. of the tkorn corne up the fiT tn;p" (J,nd ilV
steo.d. of the brie" sh.aH come up the myrtle tre6:
and it shall be to the Lord lar a name, tor an.
everlastvng sign that shall not be cut off."
-Isaiah 55: 13.
T
HESE texts relate to the completion of Jehovah's
work in the deliverance of man. God having made
the earth for the habitation of man, when the
obedient men of earth are restored to perfection the
earth will be a place of rea] delight. The desert, now
parehed and barren, will then yield its increase; and
its beauty and fragrance wiI! be like the newblown rose.
No thorn shall then encumber the ground, nor any brier
disturb the feelings of the tiller of the soil. Instead,
the earth shall bring forth trees and plants of beauty,
and shall yield fruit for the pleasure and sustenance of
man. Then will the footstool of Jehovah be glorious.
The things of earth in full harmony with the things
of heaven will join in endless praise of the Mastel
W orkRlan. By faith the saints are shown these things
in advance. They enjoy them by anticipation, and will
delight to see the peoples of earth enjoy them in God'.
due time. It is the privilege of the saints to now tell the
people of these coming blessings and thus bear witness
to the goodness of Jehovah God.
October 27
~ n d 1, behold, 1 establish my covernant with you, and
with your seed after you: ... 1 do set my bow in
the cloud, atnd it shall be for a token of a cove-
nant between me and the earth.-
GerMsis 9: 9, 13.
The rainbow is a w,(}rk of Jehovah, who causes the
rain to fall and the beams of sunshine to stream through
the curtain of mist and moisture. He has set the bow in
the cloud to serve as a. token of the covenant he has
made with Noah and, through him, with all descendants
of his who dwell upon the earth. Thus Jehovah has
given visible evidence a-ad confirmation to all mankind,
which they can read for themselves, that never again
need man fear deluge of waters or the chilling spread
of a glacial ice-cap. That evidence shall abide as long
as the rain continues to fall, the sun to shine. The bow
in the clouds is a reassuring and consoling testimony in
iridescent colors of the goodness_ and faithfulness of J e-
hovah, the Father of lights. Enthroned in glory, he
sits as though with a minbow encircling him.
October 28
1 have commanded my s{(Jnctified ones, 1 ha'Ve also called
my mighty ones for mine anger, e1Jffl them that re-
joice in my hi,qhness.-lsairih 13: 3.
These ones are sanctified through the blood of Jesus,
set aside for God's holy ]mrposes, made mighty through
the Lord because of having on the armor of God, and
are soldiers under a Captain who knows no defeat. They
are called to be associated. with their Head in declaring
God's vengeance. They rejoice in Jehovah's highness,
and at the same time are impressed profoundly with
their own and other men's littleness. Clearly Jehovah's
command rings in their ears: L i f ~ ye up a banner upon
the high mountain!" Th:is means to lift up the message
announcing the King and his kingdom. "Exalt the voice
unto them, wave the hand, that they may go into the
gates of the nobles." Use the voice and the might of
the hands in earnestly ana cleaTly proclaiming the mes-
.age to all that have hearing ears.
October 29
The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion:
rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
-Psalm 110: 2.
'l'he rod is the sceptre of authority and power right-
fully reposed in Jehovah's beloved Son. Jehovah sent
the rod out of Zion, his organization, in 1914; where-
upon Jesus Ohrist, the King, stood up and assumed his
power and authority and began his reign even while his
enemies were and still are exercising power, although
their right thus to do has expired. Necessarily this
marked the beginning of the battle in heaven by God's
loyal Son and his angels on one side, and Satan, the
old Dragon, and his angels on the other side. It is the
fight of God Almighty in heaven against the Devil,
God's forces being led by his beloved Son. The purpose
is to subdue the enemy and make them the footstool of
Jesus Ohrist the King. "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens,"
and let saints on earth catch up the rejoicing.
October 30
No man taJceth this honour unto himself, but he that is
calleil of God, as was Aa1"on.-Hebrews 5: It.
Jehovah has called or designated Jesus as an high
priest of the Melchizedekian order. Our Savior is there-
fore the Head of the royal priesthood. He did not place
himself in that position. "Ohrist glorified not himself
to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him,
Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee." Mel-
chizedek was a priest of the great Most High, and pic-
tures the One who is superior to the Levitical priesthood
and the blesser of Abraham. He is fittingly a picture,
therefore, of the great Executor of the divine plan. The
church, by virtue of its Head is a part of the Melchize-
dek priesthood. God has called them to this honorable
station. Faithfulness now in the performance of their
4uties gives assurance that they shall be members of
this glorious priestly order for ever.
October 31
1 $P-t watchmen (Y'<Jer you. sf.Lyir.g, Rearlren to the sound
of the trumpi!l.--J eremiali. 6: n.
Amongst alJ the conspcrat.t"i, spint-begotten Olit!$ who
compose .Jehovah's orgallizl:JtwD ,JU earth, by
Jerusalem. there is a faithflu ('rmIlllant" who be-
cause of their course of couduct aTe called ,nltdl1I!en.
are the ones who are wholly devoted to the Lord
and who have their heart set UIJdn the of
his kingdom. They are not vartkular about COl! vention-
alities a.nd nuiJy formalities, knowing that these do not
prepare them for the k.ingdom. They are concerned with
watching the movements of the Lord and with diligently
performing their part \:)f the covenant entered into with
God, that they might glorify him and have his approval.
They are of that class of "young men r who] see visions"
of what Jehovah is doing and wants done. They are
unselfishly interested in the welfare of their spiritual
brethren, and sound the trumpet of the Lord's Word to
warn them.
November!
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the L()'["d.
-Romans 12: 19.
Jehovah is the only one who has the authority to in-
flict punishment. His spirit does not authorize anyone
Christian to act as a prosecuting or a persecuting officer
of another in the body of Christ. Not even has an ecclesia
of the Lord's people the right delegated to it to impose
punishment. Jehovah has reserved this power to himself.
If then there is evidence that one is begotten and anointed
of the holy spirit, let ev,eryone hesitate to act hastily in
punishing that brother. For instance, some will go to a
meeting of the Lord's people with the determination to
humiliate a brother by Jrelegating him to a position of
inferiority or inactivity. Such is not the spirit of the
Lord. The Lord said: "Touch not mine anointed."
Degradation or promotion comes from Jehovah.-Psalm
'15: 6.
pnAYER!',IEE'l'ING TEXT COMMENT
November 2
~ H e revealeth the deep and secret things."-Dan. 2: 2!1J.
N
o MAN can understand the secret things of
Jehovah until his due time to reveal them.
These secret things he reveals to those who
reverence him. Daniel worshiped God in sincerity. It
pleaRed God to use Daniel to give a brief outline of the
world powers which should arise in successive order and
all of which shall go down in the great battle of God
Almighty. That which executes God's judgment against
these world powers is The Stone, Jehovah's anointed
King. His power e1..'iends to all the earth and all na-
tions, kindred and peoples must become subject to him.
These great secrets, first made known to Daniel, have
been little understood by men; but now the day is come
when it pleases God to make known to his devoted ser-
vants some of his deep and secret things pertaining to
the establishment of his kingdom. The great Jehovah
commands those who love him to prove it by going forth
and bearing witness to the fact that he is God, and that
the day is at hand when the secret things of salvation
shall be revealed to all who will love and obey the Lord.
November 3
I will b l e ~ them that bless thee, and curse him that curs-
eth thee: and in- thlle shall all families of the eMth
be blessed.-Genesis 12: 3.
In this text Abraham is a type of Jehovah, from whom
the blessing of all creatures derives. Here is Jehovah's
unqualified declaration of his purpose to produce a seed
through which he will bless all the families of the earth,
even Abraham included. The mere fact that therein we
find the expression of the divine will is conclusive proof
that the same will be carried out to the letter and spirit
regardless of what any of God's creatures might do.
The Abrahamic promiE:e is a unilateral covenant, which
means that its accomplishment by Jehovah does not de-
pend upon whether anyone else performs. It is Jeho-
vah's work. God gave his word and his oath, and be-
yond his word there is no controversy.
November 4
The Lord gave the word; great was the company of
those that publ'ished it.-Psalm 68: 11.
Raving bidden the nations to cease warring and be
silent till the Elisha work is done, Jehovah gave the
word; that is, the messa.ge that Christ's kingdom is DOW
established and that tne King is here to bless. 1Yhat
shall his anointed company do with this word which he
has spoken? The scripture replies: "The Lord God hath
spoken, who can but prophecy?" How then can we hold
back from publishing the word spoken? How can we
clear ourselves of our responsibilities except that we
prophesy and preach th:is gospel of the kingdom in all
the world for a witness unto all nations? The proclama-
tion does not wait upon any individuals: It "shall be
preached", Jesus said. Ijet us take the matter to heart,
and joyfully avail ourselves of the opportunity and be
among the myriads of the Elisha company that publish
the word that Jehovah, and not m n ~ has given. Tell
it out I
November 5
The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all
judgment unto the Son.-J ohn 5: 22.
Judgment means a judicial determination. The one
to whom judgment is committed must have authority
and jurisdiction to hear all cases and to enter a finding
or decree and to execute that decree. Jehovah has com-
tnitt.ed all judgment unto his Son. The Son, as earth's
new King, has assumed power and authority, and is
binding the kings and the nobles. His judicial decree
upon those who resist the increase of his kingdom will
be destruction. As he sits upon the throne of glory in
the temple of God, he also judges and refines the mem-
bers of the temple class. Du.ring the Millennium he
will judge the people of earth. He will hear their causes,
determine as judge what shall be done, pronounce thll
decree, and enforce it. As a result of his judgment
earth's inhabitants shall learn righteousness. The over-
coming saints shall participate in this worthy work.
November 6
[God] hath 'TIULde us able ministM's of the new testa,..
ment; not of the letter, but of the spi.rit): for the
letter lcilleth, but the spirit giveth life.-
2 Oorinthians 8: 6.
The new testament, or covenant, will be inaugurated
and go into operation toward the world when all the
sacrificing performed by the great High Priest is com-
pleted. Jesus, "the Messenger of the covenant," is the
Head of the great Mediator of that covenant. To each
of the body members of Christ Jehovah has committed
certain interests of the kingdom, and thereby he has
malie them able ministers of the new testament. That is
to say, he has appointed them to the position of minis-
tering in connection with the new covenant under the
direction of their Head, CllTist Jesus, It is our privilege
and duty to prove our worthiness of this able ministry
of the new testanlent now by advertising far and wida
the impending new covenant and its blessings. Those who
dilip;ently do so to the end shall join with Jesus in
scattering the blessings upon the people,
November 7
1 will put enmity between thee and the woman, and be-
tween thy seed ood ker seed.-Gene.<Jis 3: 15.
It was God's purpose from the beginning to use his
beloved Son to destroy the works of his disloyal, treach-
erous Bon. It was Jehovah who put or decreed enmity
between the serpent-like organization of Satan and God'"
organization typified bJ the woman. God's bare an-
nouncement of his determination to annihilate the evil
one fanned to a furious flame the enmity of Satan;
and God simultaneouslJ laid down the rule that his
servants, the seed of the woman, shall not love the great
adversary or anything that pertains to him. uWhoso-
ever . . . will be a friend of the world f the Serpent's
system] is the enemy of God." Under the feet of only
his true friel1ds and lovers will God eventually accom-
plish his work of bruising Satan.
November 8
1 will restore thy judge" (}); at the first, and thy counsel-
lors as at the beginni:/l,g: afte1"1.lJard thou shalt be
called, The dty of lrighteousness, the faithful
city.-Jsaiah 1: 26.
Originally Jehovah pli!lnted the church a pure vine.
The Word of the Lord was her standard of judgment;
and the writings of God'.: imp ired witnesses, the proph-
ets and the apostles, we:re the source of her coull8pls.
The religious system that later grew up degenerated
into a strange vine, unrecognizable by the Lord. "In
Christendom, which claimed to be the city of the Lord.
the unfaithful shepherds and the principal of the fi('t:k
rejected the judgments and counsels of the Lord's Word.
Both true Christians and the people have suffered as a
result. But now the times of restoration have come.
The Elijab work has been accomplished; and by th!j
work Jehovah has restored to their original authority
Rnd position in Zion, his city, the judgments and counsel.
of his sacred Word. His promise to the church is now ful-
filled, which says: ''Y et i ~ h n not thy teachers be re-
moved into a corner any more, but ~ h i n e eyes shall set
thy teachers." And Zion is now the faithful city.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
November 9
hath . made my mouth like a sharp sword."
-Isaiah 49: 1, 2.
I
T IS the Christ who thus speaks. He speaks for
himself and for the faithful members of his body.
Some of the latter are on earth at the time of the
fulfilment of this prophecy. These are represented as
"the feet of him", and it is the privilege and pleasure
of such to bear the message concerning God and his
kingdom. It is in the day of God's vengeance that "the
servant class" must plainly declare the truth, which
truth serves as a sharp sword and as a polished shaft
directed against the enemy of the Lord. Let no one
construe this to mean that harsh and vindicative speech
is authorized. Those of "the servant class" tell the truth
in the spirit of the Lord; and the truth, sharp as a
two-edged sword and like a polished shaft, accomplishes
the purposes of God. It is manifest then that those who
bear witness are to use no carnal weapons to accomplish
destructive work. "The servant class" on earth will tell
the people plainly of Satan's wicked organization, and
that Jehovah is God and that through his organization
complete deliverance shall come. All of "the servant
class" will join in this proclamation as opportunity is
afforded.
November 10
Truly I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, and
of judgment, and of might, to deolare unto Jacob
his transgression, and to Isra,eZ his sin.-
11licah 3:8.
Jehovah instructed E.lijah to anoint Elisha as prophet
in his place or stead to finish the work which he hail
begun. This pictured how with the cessation of the
Elijah work in 1918 Jehovah would anoint with a double
portion of the spirit a faithful remnant who should
further carry on his wo:rk in the earth. This work was
to proceed from that time forward into the great and
terrible day of the Lord, and is pictured by Elisha's
activities. Part of God's commission to Elisha was a
slaying work. (1 King 19: 17) Similarly, the work
of the Elisha class includes in part the smiting of the
false and evil systems w:ith the sword of the spirit. The
Elisha class has receiveil. power and might to do this
appointed work by the outpouring of Jehovah's spirit
on all flesh in his service in these last days.
November 11
I ha.ve declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when
there was no stra,nge god among you: therefore ye
are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am
God.-Isaiah 43: 12.
The day is here when the Lord will make his name
Jehovah stand forth in glory and majesty before the
eyes of all nations. He will perform his strange work
"that men may know that thou, whose name alone is
Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth". His
annOlllced purpose was to have competent witnesses in
the earth to give faithful testimony before the great
climax of the ages is For this purpose he has
separated his people from all strange gods, and has made
his name first known unto them. He has taken his wit-
nesses into intimate relationship with himself, declaring
his counsels unto them, clothing them with the garments
of salvation, and showing unto them the power of his
works, that so they might be qualified as witnesses,
thoroughly reliable and able to speak with authority.
November 12
Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took
Mm.-Genesis 5:
Jehovah knows how to deliver the godly out of temp-
tation. (2 Peter 2: 9) Enoch, because of his faith in
God, was an outstanding figure in the midst of the
religious hypocrisy and infidelity of his day. He was a
witness on the earth for God. Satan the Devil had the
power of death, and without doubt would have killed
Enoch; but God prevented. The Devil had nothing to
do with putting Enoch to death; nor did Enoch die be-
cause of sickness, the result of the inheritance from
Adam, his forefather; nor did Jehovah put him to
death Tor any wrongful act on Enoch's part. While he
was in the vigor of youth, and while he walked with
God and joyfully conformed himself to God's
law, the Lord manifested his pleasure in Enoch s faith
by taking him away-whither no one knows-from the
scene of temptation.
November 13
I will harden Pharaoh's head, and multiply my slUM
and my 11.Imders in the land of Egypt.-Exod. '1: 3.
It was of the Lord Jehovah that the heart of the
autocratic ruler of Egypt was hardened. God's mercy
in giving respite from the plagues should have softened
Pharaoh's heart; but the effect of this remission was
just the opposite; Pharaoh selfishly tried to take ad-
vantage of Jehovah's forbearance, and hardened his
heart against the mercies of God. As a result Israel's
deliverance was delayed; but Jehovah used the occa-
sion to magnify his power and to prove painfully, yet
convincingly, that Jehovah is the name of the true
God of heaven and earth. The Lord's people now in the
earth should not grow discouraged because Satan's ser-
vants continue to harden their hearts and the deliveranctl
of the church and the people is delayed apparently. J e-
houh permits this that he may multiply his signs and
wonders in earth and testify in his overwhelming dem, ..
()nstration amid the battle of Armageddon that he
fs God.
Nmrember 14
The Lord at thy right ha;nd shall strilce through kings in
the day of his wrath.-Psalm 110: 5.
The armies of the two contending forces are ranging
up for the greatest of all conflicts, the battle of Arma-
geddon. .Jehovah is at the right hand of the FieJ d
:Marshal of his appointment, lending him his fulled
support. He undertakes the work of subduing the en-
emy, and in doing so he uses Christ Jesus as his great
Arm and Power to plunge through and smash the stout-
10Dking battle lines Df the fDe. Thereat those who dur-
ing long centuries past have led mankind into captivity
themselves go into captivity. Meantime.J ehDvah has
stationed his servant class in the fDrefront Df the conse-
crated Dnes this side of vail. They do not strike a
blDW; but their part in the battle is toO sing in the
hearing Df friend and foe, saying, "Praise the LDrd;
fDr his mercy endureth for ever."
15
It came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote aU the
firstborn in the land of Egypt.-Exodus 12: 29.
Psalm 136 bids God's delivered Dnes toO give thanks
untD "him that smote ]Dgypt in their :firstborn: for
his mercy endureth for ever". It was a wDrk of mercy to
smite thus "the chief of taeir strength" because it oper-
ated in behalf Df the liberation Df God's peDple; it dem-
onstrated to the blinded Egyptians that Jehovah is
the Dnly true God; and it spared their :first-born from
further grDwing up in the idolatrDus and Satan-bound
conditiDn Df their fathers. These :first-borns represent
the ruling class of today, "the shepherds and the prin-
cipal of their flock." Their death seems, therefore, to
picture what Satan's age:ncies will suffer in the final
calamity immediately prec
I
3ding the inauguration of the
new covenant.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
November 16
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High.
-shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."- .
Psalm 91: 1.
T
HIS text is a prophecy. .All prophecy has fulfil-
ment in God's due time. In this text is proof that
there is a place of security; that the place is
secret to all except those who enter therein; ihat the
place is provided by the Most High; and that almighty
power may be used in behalf of all who dwell there.
The name Most High first appears in the Bible in con-
nection with Melchizedek. Most High signifies J eho-
vah's relationship to all creation, and that he is supreme
over all. Since Melchizedek was a type of Christ, the
Executive Officer of Jehovah, when that great anti-
typical Priest begins to exercise his power would seem
to be approximately the time when the saints would un-
derstand the prophecy and be permitted to enter into
the secret place.
In 1914 Christ began the exercise of his power as thG
antitypical Melchizedek. In 1918 he came to his temple;
and those found faithful received the garments of sal-
vation and the robe of righteousness and entered into
the joy of the Lord. These therefore entered into the
secret place of the Most High. From then forward is
a time fraught with great danger; but those who dwell
in the secret place are kept in security by the Almighty.
These are commissioned to perform certain duties in
the name of the Lord, and while faithfully so doing have
the assurance of complete protection. As long as they
are faithful they abide in the secret place and are free
from all harm.
17
Hath not God chosen the 1?00r of thiJ! world, rich in f-a,itl,
and heirs of the kingdom which he hath p1'omised
to them that Zove him?--James 2: 5.
This does not mean that one must be poor in order
for Jehovah to choose him, but he must possess some-
thing else. He must be rich in another way. He must
possess the riches of faith. In order to have faith he
must have a reverential mind; for "the reverence of
Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom". The natural
course will then be to seek a knowledge of the Lord.
As he increases in knowledge of the Lord's Word, he
will increase in confidence in it; and thus will his faith
grow. When he has an abundance of faith, a copious
supply of it, he may be said to be rich in faith. If he
becomes an heir of the kingdom these riches of faith
must increase. His treasure, then, is in doing the Lord's
will; and in this he delights. There is where his }m"e,
his affection, is. What great condescension of J ehoyah
to choose the poor of this "World and to make them heirs
of the promised kingdom 1
N overnber 18
Beca1lse ye are sons, God sent forth the spirit of
Son into your hearts, crying, A.bba, F'ather.-
Galatuuns 4: 6.
Father means life-giver. The realization that one has
life brings joy of heart with gratitude and thankfulness
to the Giver. The ideal relationship between the father,
the life-giver, and the son is a sweet and blessed one.
There is a perfect confidence on both sides. There is
true fellowship between them. Each delights in the
other. We have become sons of God because Jehovah has
freely justified us upon the basis of the precious blood
of Jesus Christ and has begotten us by his spirit, thus
adopting us into the house of sons, if so be that we con-
tinue to fulfil our covenant, rejoicing' in the hope even
to the end. Now we can truly and delightedly say:
"Jehovah, thou art my Father; and thy will I delight
to do." This spirit of sonsltip impels us to look about
earnestly to see what we can do to glorify his name.
November 19
I'he Lora hath chosen Zion: he hath aesirea if for klt
halJitation.-Psalm 18i]: 18.
For Jehovah to desire a thing means that W due
that thing shall exist. In due time he founded Zion in
his faithful Son Jesus and chose it, having desired it
for his habitation. Habitation means a site or seat of
government, a permanent place of operation. Such Zion
is; for it is Jehovah's organization for the purpose of
canying into effect the various provisions of the divine
plan. Thus in poetic phrase the Lord's prophet states
that God's seat of government for the establishment of
order in the earth, and for the gathering together of all
things in heaven and in earth under one head, is Zion.
Hence the church, now in the pinnacle of her earthly
experience, is no longer in doubt as to the Lord's pur-
poses towards all his creatures; but she exercises herself
she might eventually stand victorious with Christ
Jesus on Yount Zion.
November 20
The Lora shall aeli'vl!r me from every evil work, ana will
preserve mil unto his keavenJ;y kingdom; to whom
be glory for ever a.nd ever. Amen.-S Tim. 4: 18.
The Christian finds it necessary to battle unoeasingly
against the unholy influences of the world. He is mis-
understood by his friends, and deliberately misrepre-
sented by his enemies. At times he finds himself stand-
ing seemingly alone; all have forsaken him except the
Lord. He must fight OD, consoled with the assuranCQ
that many indeed are the of the righteous,
yet these affiictions shall not prevail over the faithful
but Jehovah will deliver him out of them all when the
time is ripe. For Jehovah is true to his side of the C()ll-
tract. Having called us to his kingdom and glory, he
will preserve through the hottest of the conflict
who enthrone him in the chiefest place in their affec-
tions and who make it their effort unto the end to
please and glorify him. Courage, then; the church
pro aches the last stages of the battle.
Nov'ember 21
For whom the Lord ldVeth he chru;tfJneth, Ulnd scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth.-Hebrews 12: 6.
Jehovah's love is of the rare sort that does not hesitate
to chastise, to wound deeply, if thereby the loved one
is to be brought to a proper course. When about to send
fleshly Israel into the seventy years' captivity, he does
not hesitate to say, "I have given the dearly beloved of
my soul into the hand of her enemies." Throllghout the
Gospel Age Jehovah's mtle ones have been chosen and
have been undergoing testing as to their faithfulness
and love. Their journey has been through a vale of
tears. But amidst all the trials and tears that have lined
the:(r pathway, Jehovah has exercised his loving power
in their behalf, turning their sorrow and tears into joy,
and proving throughout that they are his sons. His
love planned it all.
NovE'mber 22
Of his own will begat he 1,/,S with the word of truth, that
we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
-James 1: 18.
This begetting is likened unto a contract. At the
time one is justified and accepted as a part of the sacri,.
ace of our Lord, he is begotten by the holy spirit. For
God to will means for him to exercise his power; there
tore, it is the power of God, or his will in action through
his Word, by which the begetting is accomplished. By
his Word he brings to Christ one who desires a knowl-
edge of the truth. Such a one sees his privilege of mak-
ing a consecration to do God's will. Voluntarily submit-
ting himself to the exercise of the will of God, and hav-
ing faith in the merit of Ohrist Jesus, he is received and
hstified. God's will is that the right of such a one to
live {l.8 a man shall cease; and that there shall begin in
hi4u A newness of life
l
tha,t is to say, a life upon the
spirit plane. Begetting means beginning, and the eX'-
eroise of J ehove..h'1I will begIns the new creature.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
November 23
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; ... let us
be glad."-Psalm 118: 24.
T
HIS text and context disclose a class rejoicing and
at the same time praying for complete victory.
The members of the body of Christ are the ones
who are speaking. Whenever a text shows these rejoic-
ing, its application is at the time when the Lord is
present, gathering his own unto himself. The text there-
fore specifically applies to the time when the Lord comes
to his temple.
This is the day when the Chief Corner Stone is com-
pletely laid; to wit, a time when God sets his Beloved
upon his throne and offers him as King. The nation
is born, and the King begins his reign. It is the day
that the great King is finally rejected by those who have
claimed to walk in his name and he becomes the Head
and Chief Corner Stone. It is the day in which some
are falling upon that Stone and are being broken, and
in which others are being ground to powder by the
Stone. The Lord has come to his temple and has in-
vited the faithful to enter into his joy. To these he
gives greater light and shows them the wonderful priv-
ilege of being witnesses in his name. It is the day in
which the message of truth is being proclaimed with
boldness and in which the Lord holds back the evil
powers until the testimony is finished. The time of
deliverance is at hand. The saints lift up their heads.
They rejoice because it is the day foretold by the proph-
ets. It is the day which the Lord has made and in which
his name must be magnified.
November 24
In this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all
peopZe OJ feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the
lees, of fat things full of ma;rrow, of wines on
the lees well rtrfined.-Isaiah 25: 6.
Both contemporaneoU13ly with, and also since, the
World War the earth has borne great famines, and more
millions have died from want and scarcity than from
the war. But not far di!stantly the new covenant will
he inaugurated; and Jehovah will bless the people in
their homes, in their corn, their wine, their fruits, their
herds and their flocks. He will relieve them of profiteers.
lIe will bring them to :an accurate knowledge of the
truth and bless them with health, happiness. and life
almndantly. It will indeed be a feast of fat things; and
all the people, being comforted in their hearts, will
learn to sing the praises oJ: Jehovah. It is now the blessed
privilege of the church to inform the groaning creation
of these marvelous blessings that are just ahead.
November .25
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Ghrist,
who hath blessed us with aU spiritual blessings in
heavenZy places in Ohrist.-Ephesians 1: 3.
Jehovah has made us to sit with Christ in heavenly
places. The spiritual bleflsings that he has bestowed,
and daily does bestow, upon us there exceed anything
that we can sum up in human language. Never may we
forget that we were originally taken from fallen Im-
manity, justified, begotten as children and heirs of God,
and anointed as partakers Df the body of Christ. Those
who fail to progress with the light or to keep abreast
with Jehovah's advancing work remain as it were sta-
tionary in their blessings. But what blessings, both of
understanding parables and spiritual things not pre-
Viously illuminated and of JDYS of service not previously
Ettperienced, the Lord has blessed those with who are
keeping his commandments since his temple was opened
in 19181 They are heard saying today: "Blessed be
Jehovah out of Zion."
November 26
Thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to b4
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
-Oolossians 1: 12.
Jehovah is the Father of lights. How variegated these
lights must be we can slightly apprehend in that dye-
makers have been able to make thousands upon thou-
sands of variations of color, each color representing a
hue of light. Wonderful and entrancing beyond degree
must be the light in which Jehovah dwelleth I In that
place of light he hath prepared an inheritance for his
saints. No JUan can approach unto this light, so radiant
is it; but Jehovah has made his saints meet for their
inheritance in light by translating them now out of
darkness into the kingdom of his dear Son. When their
earthly course is run, he will usher them into their
inheritanoe by resurrecting them as divine characters
of light. Oh, let us give thanks unto the Father, and
faithfully "walk in the light, as he is in the light!"
November 27
[The Lord] satisfieth thy m.outh with gOOtl things; so
that thy youth is renewed like the eaglels.-
Psalm 103:5.
Pointing forward to our day the Prophet Daniel
wrote: "Oh, the blessedness of him that waiteth, and
cometh to the thousand three hundred and :live and
thirty days!" Are we not blessed? Has not the Lord
Eatisfied our mouths with good things, even the most
l)recious things of his Word? How much more true is
God's promise since the Lord has come to his temple
and has bidden the faithful members thereof to enter
into his joy! The strength of those who had been en-
gaged in the Elijah work needed to be renewed, that
they might be adequate to the requirements of the stren-
uous Elisha work that lay before them. Jehovah duly
renewed our strength. He gave brighter vision; he put
his choice Word into our mouths, and has made us as
youths again-strong, vigorous and clear-eyed like the
eagle. Shall not our soul a,nd all that is within us
bless God out of Zion?
November 28
The Lora my God shall oome, and all the saints with
thee. . And the Lord shall be king o'1Jer aU the
earth.-Zechariah lit-: 5, 9.
When all the nations under the command of Satan
have gathered unto the place caUed in the Hebrew
tongue Armageddon, in other words, when they have
assembled against Jerusalem and launched their fearful
attack against it, then Jehovah will come with ven-
geance. His Son, in martial accoutrements, will be active
in the forefront of the engagement; and the army of
those saints already in the glory of their resurrection
will closely follow him into the battle. The saints who
will abide the onslaught of the enemy and refuse to leave
their posts on the battlements of Jerusalem shall
dwindle to a remnant; yet the foe shall not prevail.
The attacking hosts of the enemy shall be smitten with
the plague of destruction, hut the remnant shall be de-
livered and honored with elevation to the kingdom
glory. Then, all the saints being with him, Jehovah
shall be King over all the earth.
November 29
They shall be mine for a treasure, saith the Lord of hosts,
in the day that 1 make,' and 1 will spare them, as a
man spareth his own son that serveth him.-
Malachi 3: 17, R. V.
"This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will
rejoice and be glad in it." "Why should we not rejoice
in this day? It is the period of the Savior's second pres-
ence, in which he begins his reign and has arrayed those
who are approved of him while still this side of the
vail with the robe of righteGusness and the garments of
salvation. To these Jehovah has said: "Ye shall be a
peculiar treasure unto me above all people. . . . And
ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy
nation." They are very dear unto his heart; and he
confesses them as his before the world by openly mani-
festing his favor toward them, because they confess him
in testifying that Jehovah is God. Because they as sons
obediently serve their heavenly Father, he spares them.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
November 30
UJ ehovah hath called thee in righteousness, and will hold
thine hood, and will keep thee, and give thee for a
covenant of the people." -Isaiah 42: 6.
T
HIS prophecy applies to the members of the body
of Christ who compose "the servant class" while
on the earth. God's precious promise to such is I
"I will hold thine hand, and I will keep thee." These
words show the application is at a time fraught with
great danger to the ones performing service in the name
of the Lord. The proof therefore shows that the applica-
tion is while the saints are on earth and not after their
gIOl'i:fication. The enemy goes forth to make war against
the remnant of God's people because these are the only
ones who expose him. Except for divine intervention
the enemy would destroy them.
God makes these faithful ones his witnesses and gives
them for a covenant or solemn guarantee that the peo-
ple shall have the opportunity to hear the truth. Partic-
ularly does he commission these faithful ones to carry
the message of truth to the great company class, who
are held in the prisons of the denominational systems.
He commands his servants to say "to the prisoners, Go
forth; and to them that sit in darkness, Show YOUl'-
selves". The work of Jehovah in establishing his king-
dom is dTawing to a close, and the remnant is commis-
sioned to declare this fact to the people that they might
know that for them there is relief near at hand.
Dece:mber 1
Ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called
Y01l out of darkness i:ltto his marvellous light.
-1 P(,ter fZ: 9.
Each Christian was on,ce in darkness, even as the
world is in darkness; bu1; now Jehovah has brought
him out of darkness into really marvelous light, for-
asmuch as in that light he /lees things which the natural
man cannot perceive. However, the mere fact that a
member of the church has been translated out of dark-
ness, does not mean that he will not continue to have
a battle with the powers of darkness. There is a battle-
ground now existent in hig mind; and he must needs
llght against principalities, powers, and the rulers of
the darkness of this world. He must avail himself of
the provision Jehovah has made to keep him in the light,
and thus walk in the light. He must also turn the rays
of this light outward from himself and reflect it upon
others, because everything in harmony with Jehovah,
the great Source of light, must shine out like him.
December 2
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed
upon us, that we should b,e called the sons of Gad:
therefore the world lonotlJeth us not, because it
knew him not.--l John 3: 1.
To be loved by Jehovah, the eternal God, what a
blessed privilege! How shall we express our deep regard
and high valuation of his UJrrusual manner of love be-
stowed upon us in begetting us and calling us sons or
the divine family? Love begets love. "If God so loved
us, we ought also to love one another." We ought to
have an unselfish love of our brethren that shall prompt
us to lay down our lives for them that they may be aided
in proving faithful unto death and gain the crown of
life. Yea, and uif God so loved us" and was the first
to demonstrate love in this now mutual interchange of
{
ove between the new creation and himself, we ought tQ
ove God above all. How may we possibly do this?
t'This is the love of God, that we keep his command-
ments: and his commandments are not grievous."
December 3
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty,' he
will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will
1'est in his love; he will jo,!! over thee with sing-
ing.-Zephamah 3: 17.
Since the pouring out of his spirit on his servants
and handmaids and the coming of the Adonai to his
temple, Jehovah is in a special sense in the midst of
his people. The vicious Dragon would harm those who
keep God's commandments, but Jehovah protects them
like the mountains round about Jerusalem and promise3
early to deliver them. Jehovah's love for them is not
the demonstrative, shallow kind. It is the deep love
that Howeth like a river. He will rest, that is, ''be silent"
(margin), while his plans of love are working out. He
will rejoice when they come to fruition. Everybody in
heaven and !n earth will, then,
the Father hlmself, who will JOY unto the pomt of smg-
ing. Then Go'd will be "all in all"-everything to every-
body. Then all will be God's family, united for ever.
December 4
I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle;
. . . and half of the city shall go forth into captiv-
ity, and the residue of the people shall not be
c'ut off from the city.-Zecha'l'iah 14: 2.
All the nations of the earth belong to Satan's organi-
zation. Jehovah God is gathering them against Jerusa-
lem, his organization; because he is choosing their de-
lusions for them, having decreed that the time of their
destruction has come. As Joshua of old wrote: "It was
of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come
against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them
utterly, and that they might have no favor." Under the
stress of the assault against those who take their stand
on the Lord's side, a part, and doubtless the greater
part, shall fall to the enemy; but the remnant who will
refuse to budge from their position of holy devotion to
iJ ehovah shall have the Lord's protection and shall be
delivered. Let us look to our course of action that it
always be 011e of allegiauce and holiness unto the Lord.
December 5
1 will come near to ymt: to judgment; and I will be a
swift witness against the sorcerers, mnd against those
that . fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.
-Malachi 3: 5 .
.T ehovah has come near to judgment against nominal
spiritual Israel, Christendom, in that his Son, the Lord
whom they profess to seek after, has come to his temple
to cleanse it. The judgment is not limited to the anti-
typical priests, the "SOIlS of Levi", but to the entire
religious system which calls itself by the name of the
Lord. The sorcerers, the adulterers, the false swearers,
the oppressors of the hireling and the widow and the
fatherless, and the defrauders of the stranger of his
right, draw near with a profession of fear of the Lord
on their lips and in their sanctimonious ways; but their
heart is far from him. They have denied the coming of
the Lord and his kingdom to bless mankind, and hava
openly allied themselves with the Devil's scheme of
salvation by human effort and leagues. The Lord has
not delayed to expose them, but has been swift or prompt
to witness against them.
December 6
Except those days should be shortened, there should no
flesh be sa'Ved: but for the elect's sake those days
shall be shortooed.-Matihew 21;: 22.
Many have expressed surprise that the war stopped
so suddenly. Jehovah wanted it stopped. In due time
the Lord saw that his servants in various parts of the
earth were released from prison that preparation might
be made for the Elisha work, the witness to the nations
of the earth. A knowledge of this fact should thrill the
heart of every Christian. The fact that the great J e-
hovah God and the Lord Jesus, the King of kings,
should intervene and stop the warring nations and
command peace, in order to give a little handful of
Christians in the earth an opportunity to be his wit-
nesses, is too marvelous to be expressed in words. It
should humble every Christian in the presence of the
Lord and cause him to tighten up his armor.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
December 7
".All thy works shall praise thee." -Psalm 145: 10.
T
HE evil things are no part of Jehovah's works.
Whatsoever he does is done perfectly. The Son of
God was manifested that he might destroy the
works of the Devil. That done, and the Devil himself de-
stroyed, there will be a clean universe; and every living
thing will be then in harmony with God. Then all
creation will praise the Lord.
As God moves forward now in his great work of
establishing the kingdom for the blessing of humankind,
it is his will that all true Christians bestir themselves.
He commissions them to do something more than merely
wait the receipt of a crown of life. They are now to
represent the Lord by being witnesses. This requires
activity. "They shall speak of the glory of thy king-
dom, and talk of thy power; to make known to the sons
of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of
his kingdom." Let the consecrated bear in mind that a
mere passive course on their part will not bring the
approval of the Lord. The Lord expresses his pleasure
concerning those who love him. To love him means to
obey his commandments, which are to proclaim the
message of truth and to lift up his standard to the
people that the name of the Lord might be made known
amongst men.
Dtecember 8
1 thank thee, 0 Fathe:r, Lord of heapen and earth, be-
cause thou h a ~ t hid t:hese things from the wise and
prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
-Mtttthew 11: 25.
Jehovah's secrets are with them that fear him. They
are hid to those who are wise and prudent in a worldly
sense. Jehovah has so arranged it that if anyone would
be wise in the things of the Lord he must become a fool
in the eyes of the world, and he must become as a bahe
in receiving the milk of the Word. To such the Lord
reveals the deep things, the mysteries of the kingdom,
by his spirit. This should be a cause for thanksgiving.
Yet it follows that grea1;er knowledge brings that much
greater responsibility. A knowledge of these mysteries
requires everyone to whom they are revealed to use his
faculties to the glory of the One who grants him this
privilege. Blessed is the portion of the Ohristian no,Y,
when "none of the wicked . . . understand", to know
the mysteries of the kingdom.
De(!ember 9
Pmy to thy Father in secret; and thy Father, which
seeth in seC/'et, shall1'eward thee openly.
-lJfa.tthew 6: 6.
If you desired a speci<al favor at the hands of some
earthly ruler, you would not wish to call a public as-
sembly of the people, and loudly announce in their
presence your requests addressed to the ruler. You would
prefer to have a secret audience with him that you
might present your matter in a better and more direct
way. Since :rrayers are addressed to Jehovah, the effec-
tual prayer IS that petition which is secretly presented
to Jehovah God in the :name of Jesus Ohrist. Long
prayers uttered in the presence of others, and praying
openly with a sanctimonious attitude that can be seen
of others, are generally intended to attract attention to
the one praying and not i:o God. We may be sure that
jehovah does not hear anCl answer such prayers. Let us
tememher that Jehovah sees and hears us, even though
we but come to him in prayerul attitude in secret.
December 10
When the Lord turned again the capN>vity of Zion, ~
we were like them that dleam.-Psalm 126: 1.
Jehovah anointed Jesus with the holy spirit to pro-
claim liberty to the captives. In harmony with this
proclamation Jehovah sent him in 1874 as the great
Cyrus or Sun to bring "deliverance to the captives" 01
mystic Babylon, who longed for freedom and who would
gladly avail themselves of the opportunity to leave
Babylon and go up and build the house of the Lord
God. There Jehovah turned the captivity of Zion. The
Psalmist had previously composed a song of gladness
which now they could sing: "Then was our mouth filled
with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said
they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great
things for them. The Lord hath done great things for
us; whereof we are glad." That which first made glad
the hearts of Christians then was the revealing of the
great truth that Jehovah had provided restoration bless-
ings for all the nations of the earth.
December 11
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him open,..
ly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen
before of God, even to us.-Acts 10: 40, 41.
In the apostles' day Jehovah did not openly display
the resurrected Jesus to the vulgar gaze of the people
who three days before had cried for his crucifixion, nor
to the ~ r i e s t s and other chief religionaries of the time
to conVlllce them of Jesus' resurrection and thereby
constitute them his witnesses. Jehovah authorized Jesus
to manifest himself to the few faithful ones, whom he
thus made his witnesses in behalf of the rest of the
people. This illustrates Jehovah's order of dealing;
namely, to favor the approved ones and make them com-
petent and reliable witnesses to the peoples of his mani-
fold works. His witnesses are never the mighty, the
haughty or the proud. He does not choose evil men to
represent him. His witnesses at this time are, like the
apostles of old, the meek and teachable ones, who are
moved by love in his service.
December 12
'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which according to his abwndant mercy hath begot-
ten us again unto a lively hope by the resur-
rection of J es-us Christ from the dead.
-1 Peter 1: 3.
Jesus, the Head of the new creation, was begotten
by his heavenly Father's spirit at Jordan river. Inas-
much as begetting means to give a start in life, here
was the beginning of the new creation. For three and
a half years he taught his disciples. Though fully conse-
crated, they could not, however, become new creatures
before the great ransom sacrifice was presented to divine
justice as a sin-offering. When Jesus was resurrected
from the dead and ascended on high, this was presented;
and evidence of the presentation and the divine accep-
tance was given at Pentecost, when the holy spirit was
poured out upon the d:isciples. Now the disciples were
justified, and begotten unto a hope of life.
December 13
1 will sanctify m.y grea:t name, which was profaned a-
mong the heathen, whiCh ye have profaned in the
midst of them; and the heathen shall know that
1 am the Lord, sa,itk the Lord God, when I
shall be sanctified in you before their
eyes.-Bzekiel 36: 26,
The people of Israel, as organized by Jehovah, were
typical of real Zion. They were unfaithful to God, for
which reason he removeil his name from them and per-
mitted them to go into captivity. As only a remnant of
the Jews returned in due time from Babylon thus to
testify for Jehovah, so now only a remnant of those
professing to be Christi'ans will be faithful and true
witnesses of our God. Now all the nations calling them-
selves Christian have defamed God's holy name; he will
bring upon the world a great time of and will
make for himself a name that the people may know
that he is God. He is having a witness of this fact
given now, and this witness he has privileged Zion to
give. Thus .Jehovah is being sanctified in Zion.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
December 14
"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me."
-Psalm 138: 8.
W
HAT is it that concerneth me? Eternal salva-
tion to the glory of God. I was born, like all
other sinners, with no right to live and destined
for certain destruction. Jehovah began his good work for
the salvation of men, including me. By the inexpressible
gift of his beloved Son the redemption price was pro-
vided. I was permitted to hear the good news. When
I believed and consecrated myself to the Lord, he justi-
fied me and begat me to a hope of life on the divino
plane.
The good work was there begun in me. Now can I
work out my own salvation by developing a character
which the Lord will approve and which will guaralltee
my eternal salvation? The Scriptures do not so indicate.
If I could do that, then I would not further need the
work of the Lord. On the contrary the Scriptures say:
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
for it is God that worketh effectually in you to will and
to do his good pleasure." My part is, with the greatest
care and concern, to perform my covenant. The more
of the Lord's spirit I have, the greater effort I will put
forth to obey and to please him. God, exercising his
power in my behalf, will perfect my salvation; but this
he will do upon condition that I am faithful to my side
of the covenant. The promise is: ''Be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life."
December 15
The gift of God eternal life, through Jesus OMist our
L01d.-Romans 6: 23.
It seems to be a clearly settled rule of Jehovah to
compel no one to acoept life; but he provides the way
whereby eternal life may be gained, and then ofl'ers it
as a gracious gift. There can be no gift without knowl-
edge and without com:ent and acquiescence on the part
of the recipient to the terms governing the gift. In
harmony with this faet, the great God of love has so
arranged it that in his own due time all men shall be
brought to a knowledge of divine truth in ol'der to
furnish them an opportunity to accept life on the gener-
ous terms offered. 0 truth-favored ones, give thanks
to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, for this
boon of life! Oh, bear the knowledge of the truth which
you now possess to others that they too may rejoice in
knowing of Jehovah's loving provision for eternal life!
16
l1cill greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joy-
ful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the
garments of salvation, he hath cdven')d me with
the robe of rigMeousness.-lsatiah 61: 10.
The garments of salYation and the robe of righteous-
ness are Jehovah's; ana he furnishes them to his loyal
Son, the Bridegroom, that he may invest the prospec-
tive members of his bride therewith. The company of
approved ones, manifested since the great Refiner began
his purifying of the antitypical sons of Levi in 1918,
now stand gloriously arrayed in these vestments of di-
vine approval, favor, and protection. It is a time of
great rej oicing on thei r part; and their joy is not in
themselves but in Jehovah, who has so highly honored
them. They are zealollsly striving to manifest their
appreciation to their great Benefactor by being true to
the insignia of office conferred upon them. The high
praises of God are in their mouths.
December 17
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before thei
coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
-Malachi 4: 5.
Jehovah has sent Elijah. Consistent with this fact,
restitution began in 1874. Restitution is not confined
alone to the restoring of man to his original state of
perfection. Jesus said: "Elias [Greek form for Elijah]
truly shall :first come, and restore all things." (Matthew
17: 11) Elijah pictured the work of the church on this
side the vail done prior to 1918. About 1874 began the
restoration of the great fundamental truths of God's
plan. This same thing was pictured by the restoring
of the golden vessels to the house of the Lord in Ezra's
day. The church has been doing a restoration work
under the supervision of the King, Christ Jesus; and
now all the great fundamental truths long hidden from
view have been restored. For mankind to accept J eho-
vah's gift of life, they must first come to an accurate
knowledge of the truth.
December 18
Behold, I create new heavens mnd a new earth: and the
former shall not be remembered, nor come irnto
mind.-Isaiah 65: 17.
God's announced purpose is to plant the new heavens
and lay the foundation of the earth; and this he does
through his organization, Zion. It is his purpose to
establish his kingdom, both visible and invisible to man,
which kingdom shall rule the people of earth and estab-
lish righteousness among them; and this work he does
through Zion, whom he calls his people. While this
work is proceeding, he has appointed his faithful rem-
nant still on earth to bear witness to the inauguration
of the new order. lIe has placed his message in thei!'
mouths that their lips might speak forth his praise.
That they might be dauntless in the delivery of the
message he assures them that they are sheltered under
his overshadowing hand of power.
]J)ecember 19
Ope:n to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into
them, and I will praise the Lord.-Psalm 118: 19.
A gate is a means of passage or a way through and
into the wall of a city. A. city symbolizes a government.
The new government of earth was born in 1914; for
there .T ehovah placed the government upon the shoulder
of the Prince of Peaee. That new government or city
is Scripturally termed Zion. Of it the Prophet Isaiah
writes: "Thou shalt Clall thy walls Salvation, and thy
gates Praise." Since 1918 those who desire to serve the
Lord in pointing the people to the way that leads into
the kingdom have called upon the Lord to clear the way
for service. .T ehovah has opened the gates, opening the
avenues of service; and they have entered into them by
publicly showing forth the praises of the Lord. Thus
they offer the Lord an offering in righteousness.
D(!cember 20
I will ransom them from the power of the grave, I will
redeem them from death: 0 death, I will be thy
plagues, 0 grave) I will be thy destruction: re-
pentOJnce shall be hid from mine eyes.-
Hosea 13: 14.
By virtue of the ransom which .T ehovah provided in
his obedient Son, .T esus,_ the redemption from death has
been accomplished. Soon the :immortal ones, the Christ,
Head and body, will begin the great work of bringing
the dead back to life. Out of tombs the Lord shall bring
the millions that are sleeping there, and thus work the
destrnction of the grave. Millions of these shall come
unto him with songs o;E joy upon their lips. He will
gain for them the victory over death by restoring them
to life. When his reign is finished, death will have
received its plague, its death blow. It will be swallowed
up in victory. lIfay we tell this good news to the sorrow-
ing ones of earth, that their hearts may be comforted
now in this time of stress! It is our privilege so to do,
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
December 21
"Behold, I lay in Zion . .. a tried stone."-Isa. 28: 18.
Z
ION is God's organization; and one of the chief
purposes thereof is to recover mankind and to
establish and rule the world in righteousness.
The Stone mentioned in the text is God's anointed King.
He is the One appointed and anointed to carry out God's
plan. The anointing took place at the time of his bap-
tism in the Jordan. For three and one-half years there-
after he was subject to severe trials. He was then offereJ.
to Israel as King, and was rejected.
The prophecy has a double fulfilment: In miniature
at his first advent, and in completion at his second ad-
vent. In 1914 he began the ousting of Satan from
heaven. Three and one-half years thereafter he came to
his temple. Thereabouts he offered himself as King to
all Christians. Nominal Christendom rej ected him. Other
professed Christians fell over The Stone, while upon
others The Stone fell and ground them to powder. He
is now the Head and Chief Corner Stone.
When Jesus was born to be King, there the
hosts sang to the glory of God and prophesied concerning
the blessings that were to result to man. Now that
blessed One is King, and is proceeding to plant the
new heavens and new earth that shall completely fulfil
the prophecy sung by the host of heaven. Those of ths
temple class, being living stones and being built into
God's organization, now join in the song of praise testi-
fying that Jehovah is God and that the beloved One is
the King upon his throne.
December 22
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not aismayed, for
I am thy u-od: I will strengthen thee,' yea, I will
help thee,' yea, I will uphold thee with the
right hand of my righteousness.
--Isaiah 41: 10.
What a consoling and strengthening word this is!
What a repellant of fear and dismay it is! Jehovah is
with us. Blessed t h o u ~ h t And why? Because we have
made him the God whom we worship; we are his ser-
vants, and he has chosen us and not cast us away. He
has taken us from the ends of the earth, and called us
from the extremities thereof. He has called us to be
his witnesses. Surely then, his righteousness would.
prompt him to be faithful to his calling and to uphold
us in our capacity as his witnesses. Were it not for his
support and defense we could not continue to carryon
in this world of hateful enemies. But the right hand
of his righteousness bears us up.
J)iecem her 23
o sing unto the Lord lL new sOlng; for he hath done mar-
vellous things: his right hand, and his holy (ljrm,
hath gotten him the viotory.-Psalm 9!i: 1.
The Lord Jesus Ch:dst is the great Executive Officer
of Jehovah to carry into action the divine plan. There-
fore he is the Right Hand and Holy Arm of Jehovah,
the Most High. Christ is the One whom Jehovah uses
to get the victory for the church; and in the great war
in heaven against the Dragon, it is this same Right Hand
and Holy Arm of God that gains the victory. In the
tight on earth between the beast, the Devil's organiza-
tion, and the Lamb, it is the mighty Executive Officcr
of God that is triumphant. The victory over the Devil and
JIis organization will be complete; and when that vic-
tory is won there will Btand with the great Executor of
Jehovah the one hundred and forty and four thousand
called, chosen, and faithful ones. The victory is God'::;,
which he gets in his own due time through his "holy
arm". With faith in the coming victory, oh, let us
sing the Lord's praises throughout the earth!
December 24
He hath givetn meat unto them that fear him: he will
ever be mindful of his covenant.-Psalm 111: 5.
It was the love of Jehovah and faithfulness to his
covenant that caused him to provide "whatsoever things
were written aforetime ... for our learning". He did
not provide that all the meat or food should be served
to his household of sons at one time. He provided it as
it was needed. "Thou givest them their meat in due
season," writes his prophet. As the perfect day has
drawn nigh, Jehovah has caused greater light to shine
upon his Word, thereby increasing the provision for
those that fear him. He has given meat to the household
through the Head of the house of sons, Jesus; for all
things are of the Father and all things by the Son.
Let no one flatter himself into believing that the Lord
has specially authorized him to provide food for the
household of faith by interpreting the Scriptures; for
the Scriptures are not of private interpretation.
December 25
Theref01e the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Be-
hold, a, 'Virgin shall conceive, a.nd bear a son, and
shall call his name Imm(hnuel.-Isaiah 7: 14.
Jehovah God promised over seven hundred years be-
forehand that he would give a sign or token of coming
deliverance. It was to be that by divine power a virgin
handmaid Q.f the Lord would conceive a son in purity.
His name Immanuel would indicate that Jehovah God
was with him and was with the cause of the people.
Nineteen hundred years ago Jehovah gave the sign in
the birth of the man child Jesus, and the angels of heav-
en glorified God in song and interpreted the sign to the
lowly shepherds. It was the greatest event of human
history up to that time. A far grander event now out-
shines, nay, rather has grown out of, that event of
nineteen centuries ago. For chaste Zion has conceived;
and in due time, in 1914, the birth of the man child,
the new nation, took place. It is the greatest sign yet
of deliverance, and Jehovah's anointed ones now jubi-
lantly announce the glad tidings to all the world.
D(!cember 26
God shall wipe away all tea1'S from their eyes; and there
shall be no mare deai:h, neither sarraw, nor crying.
21 : 4.
Jehovah's plan reveals him as the great Comforter.
He is not unmoved by the sorrows and sufferings of
others; he even has nO' pleasure in the death of him
that dieth. Infinite joy it has given him to arrange plans
to right all things in behalf of those whom sorrow and
death have made to cry out in anguish and to shed hot
tears. Greater joy will he have in actually using those
who have already received of his comfort, and who have
displayed his spirit in promptly trying to comfort others,
to swallow up death in victory and to wipe away tears
from off all faces. Then Jehovah's restored creatures
will be happy in him, and he in them; and they will
again be members of his great family in heaven and
earth. All who would participate in this heart-soothing
work with Jehovah, impart ye the comfort of his king-
dom message now to all those that mourn.
Declember 27
God stamdeth in the congregation of God [R. V.L he
judgeth amarng the gods.-Psalm 82: 1.
Jehovah's great Deputy, "the messenger of the cove-
nant," has come to his temple and now stands in the
congregation of God. His judgment is not confined to
Jehovah's congregation, the true saints, but extends to
the gods of Satan's organization. The word "gods"
means mighty ones, and 1.s often applied to judges.
ecclesiastics have assumed to judge everything concern-
ing the church and the Word of God, and to pronounce
judgment concerning the world. The great opportunity
was given them from 1914 to 1918 to defend the poor,
to do justice to the affiicted and needy, and to tell the
truth to the people conceming the Lord and his king-
dom. Now it is God's time to judge them. The church
must fulfil her commission by declaring the judgments
of God and his day of vengeance.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENT
December 28
~ Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord Goa
Almighty."-Revelatio.n 15: 3.
T
HE fulfilment of this prophecy seems to be after
Jesus Christ was placed upon his throne. (Psalm
2; 6) The ones singing are those who have re
ceived a vision of Satan's beastly organization and who
hold themselves entirely aloof from every part thereof.
They are wholly devoted to the Lord, and as his ser
vants they together lift up the voice and sing. Harmo-
niously and joyfully these engage in proclaiming the
praises of Jehovah and his beloved Son.
The song of Moses was a song of deliverance. The
fall of Egypt was typical of the fall of Satan's empire.
The saints by faith now see that redemption through the
blood of Jesus will soon be complete; that the new crea-
tion is near completion; that the King is upon his
throne; that Satan is cast out of heaven; that the rest-
less sea of humanity is greatly disturbed, and all the
forces of Satan are gathering for Armageddon; that
Armageddon will make for Jehovah a name in the earth,
and that the people in due time will come to know that
Jehovah is God. They see that all of these marvelous
things are works of Jehovah, and they laud and magnify
his name and the name of his beloved Son. Seeing the
complete deliverance of the church, near at hand, and
of ihe human race, these faithful witnesses cannot keep
back the song of praise.
De,cember 29
1 howe ca,used thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I
tvill clothe thee with change of raiment.
-Zechariah 3: 4.
The travel-stained garments that the faithful wore on
their return from captiYity in mystic Babylon will not
do, now that the Lord has come to his temple. They are
not suitable for the church's condition during the pres-
ence of her Bridegroom. Satan accusingly pointed to
these soiled garments 'Worn by the faithful church,
pictured by Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3: 1),
and by this means accused her. The Lord rebuked
Satan, and through his own messenger says concerning
the faithful: "Take away the filthy garments from him
[Joshua, the church]. . . . I will clothe thee with
change of raiment." ThIs pictures the faithful ones as
a company receiving the robe of righteousness when th3
Lord comes to his temple. The receiving of the robe of
righteousness is marked by a time of rejoicing by all
who are faithful priests under the great High Priest.
December 80
Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Oh"ult.-1 Oorinthians 15: 57.
Jehovah believes in victory for himself, for his cause.
and for his people. Victory means the overthrow of that
which is opposed to him. It means the triumph of
righteousness. It means the vindication of his name and
honor. It will result in blessings to those who benefit
by the victory. It means the climax of joy and the
dividing of the spoil on the part of those who share in
the battle and stand on the victor's side. It was by the
exercise of God's power through Christ Jesus that the
great accuser of the breth:ren was ejected from heaven;
and it is through Christ Jesus that God's remnant, by
remaining unequivocally loyal to Jehovah's organiza-
tion, get the victory in this day over the beast and over
his image and over his mark and over the number of his
name. Through Christ also will Jehovah give us the
victory over death by the flrst resurrection. Can we not
then take our harps and sing?
Decembel' 31
Thou the year of thy goodness [margin] " and
thy paths d1'op fatness.-Psalrn 65: 11.
"The year" evidently means the period of time in
which the goodness of God will be manifested toward
all; that is to say, all will come to a knowledge of thl3
glory and goodness and loving kindness of our God.
When that year, namely the Millennium, is done, that,
year will be crowned; and its crown will be God himself,
who is the perfect expression of goodness. Then will
the prophecy spoken by David have its complete ful-
filment, and the way of the Lord will drop with fatness
or showers of blessings and joy for all of his creatures.
Now the temple class of the Lord see by faith the glori-
ous prospect; and they cannot keep the vision to them-
seh'es, but act upon their privilege of being witnesses
for God and telling the people of the goodness that he
hath in reservation for mankind.
The zea.l of the Lord of hosts will perforrn this.
-Isaiah 9: 7.
The Lord is never slack; he performs all his w01;k
with zeal and intense earnestness. But he likewise bides
his own times and seasons for the various features of
his work. Whatsoever he has promised he puts such
energy of spirit behind it that his word does not return
unto him void, but accomplishes that which he pleases.
Is it any wonder therefore that Jehovah takes no plea-
sure in those who are lukewarm and deficient in zeal
in his service, but expresses warm appreciation of those
who are hot and "zealous of good works"? Full dedica-
tion of one's faculties and strength and time, yea, one's
entire being, is what is required of those who would now
manifest "the zeal of the Lord's house". Thus shall
we be like Jehovah.
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