r':~(~rltte1r)l1liJjJ @}1li1 9 <Wt1biiOJ~ ~1F ~1ij@ NU~llyt (J

<t1:?~ 1li~mUl11lg ~1l\liJ~~Jlyj &l11ldt C1\. )\Jus~ al!lsoR 9f- ~ai~

I.

No.1
Anno Mundi 6052 January 1, 1924

OONTENTS
3

'JIIF: OUTLOOK FOR 1924

'l'he KiJ1~.............................
G:ltherill~ the Saints.

4
4
4
:;

Tune of the lIan esL.............

Its Meanin~ to the Church....
Increa,ed Opportulli ties............
Glorification
'l'o the \\'orld.................. ..
The Kin:.:dom..........................

.:>

7
7

PRAYER~IEE1'ING TEXT CO)"IE~TS....

TilE ~lAKING OF A BOOK

8
__ ....... __

ISRAEL SAn;o .AT TIlE HEO SEA.........

..

13
1~

(Letter).

PASTOR RL:SSELL MEMORIAL COM)IIT'l'EE

~l 1l"11l xta1tr{

upon my u:atch and

1nll

,.

11

"'!TAT ISRAEL LEARI<EO .AT Sl~'-'I......

ACTIVITIES II< SOUTH AFRICA

10

Pt

my rno'

UPUII tile Tower, alld Irtll 1catch to spe u hat HI' wiLJ

.ny Ullto me, alld ullOt (,II'Ieer I shall make to the,.

'hat opjJo~e me."-llabat./"uk It: 1.

Opon the earth distreso of n"tions with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men's hearts failing thpm fnt ~el\r !lnd for look." . te
'he things coming upon the ea.rth (society); for the powerd ot the lIt-avens (t('('l(,~lastH'sm) shall be shaken. . . "'"hen ye Bee these thingb be~it: (;C ~ome to paSl, thea
....ow th..t the Kinl'dom of God is at hand. Look up, hit up your heads. rcjOlce, for Your redemptIOn draweth mgh.-Matt. 24:33. Mf,rk 13:29; Luke 21:25-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS 'otlrnlll Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of DIble instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now beln~
presented In all (,arts of the ciYllized world by the 'VATeH TOWIOlt BWLE & TRACT SUCIETY, chartered A. D. 1H84, "For ilie l'romotion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students DillY meet in the study of the divine Word lJut
also as a channel of communication through which they may be rcached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of Its travellng representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of Its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals 01' reviews of our Societ~'s puullshed STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the SOCicty accorlls, viz., Verb. Dei Mini.,ter (V. D. :ilL), which translated
into Engllsh Is Minister ot God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Elule
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This 'ournal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who g:lYe himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (l Peter 1: 19; 1 Tlmoiliy 2: 6) Building up on this sure founllation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corintlllans 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see "'hat is the fellowship of the mystery which . . .has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might he made known by the churl'll the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revcaled".-Ephesians :l: 5-9, 10.
lt stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while It seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into full,',t
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expres,ed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to dpclare boldly whatsoeyer the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but contldplIt;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promhcs of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only III
,
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment 01' lu3
Itood pleasure, the tea~hing of his 'Vord, for th" upbuilding of hIs people in g-race and knowledge. And we not only inVite but urge ou.r
readers to prove all its utterancea by the infallible Word to which reference is constant:4>' made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRJPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

"that the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmnnship"; that its construction hns been in progress throu~hout
the gospel age--ever since Christ became the world's Redeemer and tile Chief Corner Stone of his temple, thro\1~h WhiCh, "II I
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find aecess to hlm.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-:':~.
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
''hat meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers In Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and whcli thq
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the g-reat Mastl'r Workman will brin~ all to!;tt:ler
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place uetween God and men throughou
the Millennium.-Re\-elation 15: 58.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the W<lrld, lies in the fact tllat "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death fO[ every
man," "n ransom for all," and wlll be "the true light which lighteth every man that comet/l into the world", "i" due tlme".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2 : 5. 6.
Toat the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he Is," be partaker of the divine nature,' and share his
glory as his jomt-heir.-1 John 3:2; John 1/: 24; Romans 8: 1/; 2 I'eter 1: 4.
'hat the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of sen'ice: to rle\-elop in hprsplf ('very
grace; to be God's witness to the world; and to prepare to ue klllgs and prIests in the next a::;e.-Ephesians 4: 12; Matthew 24:
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for the world lies In the blessings of kno"']erh:e and opportunity to bp. urought to all by (,hri,t'9 MiIlp.lllllal I:in;:llom, tps
restitutIOn of all 111nt \vas lost in ..\uurn, to all tile \\lllin~ rind oh(\(IIP~11, lit tl.e 1l.l.UUS of thell" l~ctlecil1Cr and his glorlt..loo church9
when all the wiltuHy wicked will be destroyed.-.\cts ;l: lD .c.:: h.llall .;:;.

CO:\'DtlTTEE APPOl::-<'l'ED

WATCH TOWER. BIBLE & TRACT SOCIET)'

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Express or Postal1\10ney Orders. or by Bank Draft. CanUllian, Hriti"h,

South African, and AU9traiasian remIttances should be made to bl aIH'/l
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to the Brooklyn office, but by Interllatwnal Postal Money Orders oilly.
(Fo"eign translations at this .journal appear in several languages)
E.litorial Committee: This journal Is published under the supen'ision

or an editorial committee, at least three of whom have r~a(1 and

"proved as truth each and eyery article appearing in tllPse CO]UlllIlS.
'1 he names of the editorial cOInluittee are: J. I1'. RI TIII'HI,'onD,
'V. E. VAN AMBURGH, J. HEMERY, G. H. FISHER, R. n. HARnER.
1'ernzs to the fJord's Poor: All Biule students who..uy rca,o" ,f

tl

old age or other infirmity or advorsity, are unable to pav for thIS

journal, wiII be supplied free If they send a postal card each 'IllY
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willing, bnt an~lOn,. til at all snch be on our lIst contll1ually and

in touch with 111." B~rean l':tndl~.

Notice to Sub"c} li)rn~ - 'Ye do not, n<;: :l rule. ~end a c:Ird of ncl\IlOWl~
edg-ment for a n I\('\\ al or for a new ~1l1l . . ( riptlOll. nC~'el{)t ::uu
entry of rell"\\:!l ;1l'e llldje:ltt.\d within a nlOll1h by ehallge III explfation date, }l'" ~ho\';n 011 \\ l:JjH,rl' l:dH'}
En;ered as Second

-== _

Agreeable to the f(~"olution passed by the annual mef'ting of the SOCIETY the following committee has been
appointed to collect data and prepare mannscript as a
mcmorial to Brother Russell, to wit: Brothers C. J.
,\"oodworth, W. R Van Ambur:.;h, W. R Page, E. D.
Sexton, J. A. Bohnet. Any of the friends desiring to
contrtllUte to thIS lllay adclre,s C. .J. \i'00l1\\"orth, 18
COllCorU :-:;tr,d. BI\)O!J::Jl, ~('\\" YCl'k.
CILLDlC':'S NEW nOOK

The new book for children, "Thl' \Yay to Para(:isc,"

,,-ill not be ready for shipment until about Febrnary l.
SI1:!~le copies, G5c; in quantities of;,O or 1110re, 40c each.
01 dl'r, may be sent at any time. '1'1](' kok \\ ill eortain
2,-,(j pa,,;e< with 40 illu~trations. lYe hope it will be
specially helpful for the jmenile classes.
A song book is also being published to go with this
ch ild's book. It eontni,', a n11mbe1' of songs especially
adapted for use by childl'l'n.

Cl(.~~___
~L_a[er-aroB:a~}J)-;;:::Y~\J\'l':JlLe
. ,,1,ct of \f~rch 3rd 1879_
--- "'-_'-_-=----=...;0;0;---====
~

CO::-<VENTlO:i'< AT INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

'rhe Bible Students will hold a three-day comelltion

at Indianapolis, ]wp;inninp: .Tanllary 2,"ith 31](1 coneludll1g
with a public meeting Snnuay, January 2~th. This eonYClltion will be adclressed bv nrd!lrr.:; Rutherford. Wise,
'Thorn, Stewart ' Murrav,
. a'ml H. Howlett. For f1l1'the1'
prtieu1ars addre,:s P,I'CC1~r Eo It Dunn, 1120 ,Y. 30th
:::; 1.. Indi~.nll.l'0lis, luli.

BETHEL

HY'l~S

FOR FEBRUARY

'Pllf"~(la:,'"

\ .. ('(]IH',,<1 a y

6 217
7 ~3
8 174

10 ~G7
11 11!)
12 lOG
13 208
14 141
15 -,

9 46

16328

3 ::G-!
4 ]S!)

~ll'l(lay

..

~o:id:l~V-

T"l'~'-::(l:lY

1'1

ill:1~

Saturuay

1 4rl
2: 119

2j!)

..,~

17 284
18 71
19 1O~
20 :1"
21 ~:::~
2~ ,,q-,
23 242

2454
2rl

1.11~

26 147

......
... , :1:12
~S

2fl3

29 62

&1MIATCH TO\;VE~
Aj\JD HERALD OF CHRliSTS PRESENCE

YOL. XIX

,L\."\

I ,'It\-

I. lU:!-!

:"0. 1

THE OUTLOOK FOR 1924

"The kUl!J(/OIJl I)) heaeen

i~

at Iwnd."-JIall/u'lI' 10: 7.

I~rJel agaill,t tIl(' pa.-tors that feed my people: Ye have

IlE year 1921 open;; dn l'k and hlack to thm:p \rho
~cattrred Ill) fioek, and drivell them alray. and ha\'(~ no1
b:o\\' lI0t God. '1'0 the Chri~tiall it oprll~ with a
visited them: behold, I will \i~it upon you the evil ot
n'~plendent hrightness never before experienced.
your doings, saith the Lord."
80 dark it is to thr llon-he~
(Jeremiah ~:3: 1, 2) Linto
liever that 11(' i~ ho\l"(~d do\\'n
the faithful followers of .J ewith S01TO\\' and drspair. So
sus Jehovah says: "Be glad
bright it is to tlw faithful
in the Lori], and rejoice, ye
follower of Jesus that he
righteous and ~hout for jo~',
lifts up his head arH], lookall ye that are upright in
ing up, rejoices because ho
beart."-Psalm 32: 11.
knows that the day of de3DoWll through the corriliverance i~ at hand. The
prophrt Joel described it
dors of tlw ages come thundering the words which
from the worldly viewpoint
:ni1J(~t('cn hun<1r('<1 years ago
thus: "A clay of (]arkness
3esus uttered: "'1'he kingand glooIllines~, a day of
dom of l)('a\"en is at hUI'<1."
clouds and of thick darkTo those who with joy j, 'ar
ness, as the morning spread
and repeat this message the
upon the mountains." ( Joel
Lord ~ays: "Blessed is the
2: 2) J e~ns of Nazareth reIoeople that know the joy' ;l
ferred to the same day from
sound: they shall ,ralk, 0
the viewpoint of the faithful
Lonl, in the light of
1
Christian as a day of joy
<countena11cc."-Psa. R9: 15.
an(l rejoicing, because it
marks tlw time for the glo4It is only the truly conrification of the ch11l'eh and
3ecrated now that Imow and
is a harbinger for the early
oppl'eciatp t1IP.1 uhilre ,olmd;
liberation of the oppressed
and it is the light of the
peoples of earth. What a
)Lord's COllntenallce that now
contrast! Truly it is the
enables tlwlll to walk ill the
worst of times and it is the
narrm\' \ray alld \\'rather the
be~t of times: The ,,'orst of
storm that is h('a1 illg' upon
time~ for the world, and
all things \"isihlr. It is now,
abo\"e all otbrr times. essenbest of timl'S for the church
tial
for each 1111'mher of the
of thi, (]a\'.
house
of sons yeo ,'1 earth
2In this hour of darkness
to
be
in
close to""/" il ;LlI the
npon the earth a11(l gross
Lord
and
to\alk ix: the
(]arkne,:" upon the people Je1!be ~ino~om of IKeat'cn is at J1:tan~
light
of
his
IJving '3(11JjlT:"hovah, throngh hi,: prophet.
mattbew 10:7
1]car 'Celt 1924
nallC'e.
This
p
?l'Tn+UTc, 'N'th~
,:ays: "Woe be unto the pastors that (]estroy and ,:catter thp .-hppp of my pasture! OUL a doubt, applies to the time of tIlr l:rcv<' f.)Ies~ytce.
saith tllP Lord. Therefore thus ~aith the Lord God of The Ironl "countenance" is from the T( .at word mean-

tr

'fhe

WATCH TOWER

ing the face, the appearance, one present. To appreciate

the real import of Psalm 89: 15 and to have the blessings it implies, one must not only believe in the presence
of the Lord, but must love his presence and rejoice in it.
Thus doing, he will be diligent in his endeavor to walk
in the light of his presence and to call attention of others
to the joyful message of the hour.
THE KING

IThere can be no kingdom without a king. The words

of the text imply the presence of the King. These words
were spoken by .T esus as a command to his followers
nearly nineteen centuries ago. At that time .T ehoyah
had anointed him to be King of kings and Lord of lords,
the duties of which office he would assume long thereafter. This anointing he had received at the time of his
immersion in the Jordan. This was made manifest by
the voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased." He who was to be King
of the earth was there. He began his ministry by declaring this fact, and he has commanded his followers
ever thereafter to proclaim this great truth.
BIt pleased God to have associated with Christ Jesus,
the great King, the 144,000 members of the royal house;
and he made provision therefor accordingly. The royal
house of God is a spiritual house, each member being of
the divine nature. This royal line is the highest of God's
creation, and to the Head of that royal line Jehovah
grants preeminence over all things.
'But he who was anointed to be King must, before he
could reign, die as a man and be raised out of death to
the divine nature. This was accomplished, and he was
exalted above all others and given a name above every
name. It was his death and resurrection and the presentation of his merit in the divine court that opened the
way whereby the other members of the royal line could
be selected.
BIt was after Jesus had made announcement of his
kingship that he told his disciples that he must lay down
his life and take it up again in harmony with the commandment which he had from Jehovah. (John 10: 18)
He must then abide the Father's good time and pleasure
when as King he would take unto himself his power and
reign, at which time he would have associated with him
his bride, as members of the royal house. Hence he said
to his disciples before his departure: "I go to prepare a
place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that
where I am there ye may be also."-John 14: 2, 3.
9During the eighteen and more centuries past, God
has been selecting through Christ Jesus those who shall
constitute his bride and, therefore, be members of the
royal line. These being first justified by Jehovah through
faith in the precious blood of Jesus, and begotten to the
divine nature and inducted into the body of Christ, have
through the Head received also the anointing to be kings

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

and priests unto God and unto Christ and to reign with
him. (Revelation 20: 6) The time must come then, when
the kingship would embrace not only the Head, but all
the members of the body.
laThe fact that Christ ,Tesus would return and receive
unto himself his bride, the church, is definitely fixed by
the above scripture. 'The time of his coming the Scriptures clearly indicate would be in A. D. 1874. Prophecy
now fulfilled, which we call the phy~j('al facts, shows
that his second presence dates from that time. What
would be the first work that he would do after his second
presence?
GATHERING THE SAINTS

llThe fact that Jesus said: "I will come again and
receive you unto myself," is proof conclusive that at his
second presence he would begin the gathering of the
saints together for the purpose of receiving them. In
harmony with this thought the prophd of God had previously written: "Gather my saints together unto me;
those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
(Psalm 50: 5) This time of gathering Jesus designated
as a harvest time, during which time there would be a
harvesting work. It is reasonable to conclude that he, as
the Master of the harvest, would begin the work of gathering the saints h'gether immediately upon his return;
and thai this work of the harvest, the gathering, would
continue in some degree until the last member of that
royal family is gathered unto the Lord. 'I'he physical
facts establish beyond all question that since 1874 the
Lord has been harvesting the saints by gathering them
together from all quarters of the earth and from every
denomination, and outside of all denominations.
TIME OF THE HARVEST

l2There is nothing in the Scriptures that positively

and definitely fixes the duration of the harvest period.
By the process of reasoning, in the light of the parallel
dispensations, we have been taught and have believed
that the harvest of the Gospel age covers a period of
forty years. The facts as they have occurred, however,
raise a doubt as to this time being correct. Whether we
date the harvest from 1874 or from 1878, the fact still
remains that the work of gathering the saints has covered a period of more than forty years. The best proof
that the harvest is not done is the fact that it is still in
progress. Since Jesus used the natural hanest of the
nation of Israel to illustrate the harvest of the saints,
then we would be justified in carrying the illustration
to the further point of time or duration as indicated by
the time of the .Tewish natural harvest. The natural
harvest of Israel began with the presentation to God of
the first sheaf of wheat after the Passover and continued
until Pentecost, a period of fifty days.
lSFrom Doctor Smith's "Bible Dictionary," page 516,
we quote:

,JANUARY

1, 1924

'l'hcWATCH TOWER

14"Pentecost, that is, the fiftieth day, or Harvest Feast, or

Feast of 'Weeks, may be regarded as a supplement to the
Passover. It lasted only for one day; but the modern Jews
extend it over two. The people, having at the Passover presented bef'Ore God the first sheaf of the harvest, departed to
their homes to gather it in, and then returned to keep the
harvest-feast before Jehovah. From the sixteenth of l'.'isun
seven weeks were reckoned inclusively, and the next or
fiftieth day was the Day of Pentecost, which fell on the
sixth of Sivan tauout the end of May) (Exodus :23: W,
34: 22; Leviticus 23: 15-22; Numbers 28: 26-31; Deuteronomy 16: 9-12; 2 Maccabees 12: 32; Acts 2: I, 20: IG; 1 Corinthians 16: 8). 'l'he intervening period included the whole
of the grain harvest, of which the wheat was the latest crop,
Its commencement is also marked as from the time when
'thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn.' The Pentecost
was the Jewish harvest-home; and the people were <,sped,llly
exhorted to rejoice before Jehovah with their families, their
servants, the Levlte within their gates, the stranger, the
fatherless, and the widow, in the place chosen by God for
His name, as they brought a freewill-offering of their hand
to Jehovah their God.-Deuteronomy 16: 10, 11."

15If we assume that the harvest of the wheat class,

namely, the saints, began with the beginning of the second presence of our Lord in 1874, then would it be unreasonable to conclude that the harvest must continue
for fifty symbolic days, or fifty literal years? If so, then
we might expect the harvest to end fifty years after 1814,
or with the year 1924. If this be true, what a wonderful
incentive for the saints to be watchful, prayerful, active,
and rejoicing in their privileges to have a part in the
Lord's work in these concluding days of the harvest.
rl'hat would mean that the selection of the royal family
would be completed with the end of 1924. If this be
true, then surely with confidence the saints now on earth
can announce with the opening of this year, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand," because all the members of
the royal line are about completed for the kingdom.
ITS MEANING TO THE CHURCH

USurely there is not the slightest room for doubt in

the mind of a truly consecrated child of God that the
Lord Jesus is present and has been since 1874; that the
han'est has been in progress during that time; that most
of the saints have now been gathered. Therefore, can
there be a reasonable doubt about the early completion
of the church and its glorification in view of the fulfilment of prophecy? Do not all the physical facts about
us indicate just exactly what we expected during the
concluding hours of the church's earthly pilgrimage?
17Then should we expect the closing days of the harvest work and witnessing for the Lord to be all joy and
no trials? To answer this question we must take into
consideration the words of Jesus relative to the last
work of the church. It seems quite clear that the last
work of the church while in the flesh is to be that of
proclaiming the good news that Satan's empire is falling; that the kingdom of heaven is here, and the blessing that the people will reap from that kingdom. Concerning this J eSliS said: "And this gospel of the king-

dom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto

all nations; and then shall the end corne." (Matthew
24: 14) The root word from which the word "end" is
taken in this text is "telos"; and the meaning given to
it by Doctor Strong is: "The point aimed at, as a limit,
final or uttermost."
18The Lord's words here then, we would understand,
mcan to say: The point aimed at, as a limit of the work
of the church while in the flesh, the final and uttermost
part of that work, is and will be that of proclaiming the
good. tidings of the end of the old order and that the
kingdom of h0aven is here and of the blessings it will
bring; and. this should be done as a witness to the nations; that when this work of witnessing is done, that is,
the end or final point aimed at, then will follow the great
tribulation that will completely wreck all the nations.
19Necessarily there must be much joy in the heart of
the Christian while proclaiming this blessed message,
because it means the bringing to the people that which
will comfort and console them in the hour of distress.
It means to tell the groaning creation that the time hI'
their deliverance is at hand. At the same time the word.s
of Jesus in the context show that this final work to be
done will be accompanied by many severe tests and trials.
In verse thirteen he says: "He that endures unto the
end, the same shall be saved." Here the word "end" is
translated from the same Greek word "telos." Therefore
we conclude that the endurance must relate to the same
time that this message is to be delivered. If those who
endure to the end are to be saved, the converse of the
statement is true: That those who do not endure to the
end will not be of the royal family. Since the endurance
to the end and the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom referred. to the same time, then it follows that there
will be much to endure. The word "endure" means to
bear trials, have fortitude, patiently suffer and persevere. Persevere means to persist in any business or enterprise undertaken, to maintain a purpose in spite of
counter influences, opposition or discouragement; not
to give over or abandon what is undertaken. The inference is, therefore, that there will be a great temptation
to relax, to become discouraged, to yield to opposing
influences and to give over or abandon the final work.
2The only conclusion to be drawn from these texts is
that having put our hand to the plow we must keep on;
that since the Lord has committed to his people the
interests of his kingdom and commanded that these interests can be properly cared for by proclaiming the
message of his kingdom, then a failure or refusal to do
so would preclude one from being of the royal line.
Strange as it may seem, many of these fiery trials, which
will tend to discourage, will come from amongst the
consecrated. St. Peter concerning this said: "Belovpcl,
think it not strange concerning the fire that is amnnl{
you to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you." Many of these trials will be due to

Rnomn

'JReWATCH TOWER
the fact tbat o:n~ is tired, worn an1 weary, nervous and
irritable. They will find it easy to misunderstand and
will be often misunderstood Petty matters will be magnified into larger ones; and one will remark: "It is
strange that a brother or sister in the truth would make
it so disagreeable for me." Being warned against such
we are not to think it strange; but let each consecrated
child of God study to provoke his brethren to love rather
than otherwise and to do everytLing within his power
to aid his brother to keep in the acti ve ranks of the
Lord's little ones, and to enable him to march on with
even step th'lt he may rejoice as he goes.
21But let no one become discouraged because of these
temptations or tests. Let him endure with joy. St. James
says: "Beloved, we count them happy which endure."
And again: "Count it all joy when you fall into divers
tern ptatlons, knowing this, that the tryiIlg of your faith
workcth patience." One of the trials peculiar to the
church in its last experiences, of necessity must be paticnt endurance, and in order to stand this trial each
one's faith must be strong. The apostle Paul makes it
clear that those who are ultimately received into the
Lord's family as members of the royal home must
endure joyfully to the end. "But Chri~t as a son over
his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the
confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the
end." (Hebrews 3: 6) We conclude, therefore, that the
Christian continuing persistently as a witness for the
Lord will find much to endure, but the joy will far overbalance the fiery trials if our faith and love continue
strong. For our encouragement St. Paul says: "For our
light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."2 Corinthians 4: 17.
22It means, therefore, for the church, the concluding
work will be accompanied by fiery trials and tremendous
joy. The wise virgins will have the oil of joy in their
vessels. The faithful servants will have responded to the
invitation of the Lord to enter into his joy. They will
rejoice greatly because of the presence of the King and
his kingdom, and will delight to tell others about it.
They will rcjoice in the fact that their own deliverance
draweth nigh, and with greater joy will they rejoice in
the hope of early seeing the Lord face to face; and when
the trials are the most severe, they will remember these
precious words: "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
INr.REASED OPPORTUNITIES

28Full consecration means an agreement with the Lord

to be faithful unto death. It should matter not, then,
whether we have one year or ten years more for activity
in wit,eessing to the kingdom. We should meet these
opportunities with gladness of heart. Every indication
points to the fact that 1924 will be a year of tremendous
activity in witnessing to the Lord's kingdom. The year
1923 WllfI by far the greatest year of activity since the

VN',

N. Y.

beguming of the harvest. Rrference to the annual report proyes that fact. During 1924, by the Lord's grace,
the work will be pnshe<l to the uttermost parts of Christendom that the witness may be given in harmony with
that command. Therdore, at this time let each faithful
soldier of the cross say to his brethren, as he comes in
contact with them: "Fear thou not; let not thy hand be
slack."
SALES SUPERVISION

uFor the encouragement of the faithful workers in

the field we take this occasion to say that the records in
our office show that during the rast year the classes which
have followed explicitly instructions and suggestions sent
out from time to time by the SOCIETY, have obtained the
best results and the workers have received the greater
blessings. 'rhis is exactly as we should expect it. If we
believe the Lord is directing his work in an organized
manner, then what else could we expect than that he
would direct his work in the sales of literature and books
in a harmonious manner? 'Ye hope <luring the year to
see every consecrated one engaged in some part of the
service work, giving what time each can. We urge upon
the classes, in harmony with the Apostle's admonition,
that every class and every one in erery class do show
forth the same dIligence to observe the prescribed rules
for pushing the Lord's we'rk and to do everything in
their power to further the interests of the kingdom that
is at hand.
GLORIFICATION SOON
20 H we have receiyed the truth in the love of the truth,
then we shall not be so deeply concerned as to just what
day or hour we can finish our course here on earth; but
our chief concern will be to please the Lord at all times,
delighting to do his holy will. Whether 1924 ends the
harvest work or not (and no one knows for a certainty)
we do know that the completion and glorification of the
church is near at hand. That fact alone should thrill
every consecrated heart; for it means entering into the
presence of the Lord, where there is fulness of joy and
pleasures for evermore.
26It means that the time draws near when we shall
make the acquaintance of the glorious guardian angels
that have faithfully watched our intf'rcsts at the direction of our Lord. What pleasure it will be to greet these
lovable creatures and to have them tell us of the many
times they have rendered aid to us to keep us from
stumbling or falling I We shall delight to tell them of
our love.
21It means that we shall meet those whom we have
known as faithful workers in the cause of the Lord. and
whom we have loved and lost for awhile only. It means
to be nnited together with them forever in endless joy,
nrver to be parted again. Each one of these will be a
bright shining star in the kingdom of our Father, differing in brilliancy, to be sure, yet all glorious within
the palace of the King.

JANUARY

1, 1924

'fheWATCH TOWER

28It means that we shall soon make the acquaintance

of all the nl\'lllher,; of thr royal house of sons, the beauty
of whom even the Lonl himself has desired. Clothed in
their garments of glory, the countenance of each shining
\yith the everlasting love of God, followed by the bridesmaius, this glorious company of priests and kings will
oe presented spotless brIore the throne of Jehovah. What
a ~pretacle of wonderment that will be!
2UIt will mean that soon, if faithful, we shall see the
Lord of glory face to face and tell him of our love for
him as we desire. He who purchased us with his own
precious blood, covered us with the robe of his righteousn<'ss, advocated our cause in the courts of Jehovah, led
w' through the narrow way, shielded and protected us.
ucllyered us from our enemies and brought us safely to
our glory home, is the Lord of lords and King of kings.
lIe it is that will present his glorified bride before the
Father's throne amid,t the pa?alls of entrancing music
of the heavrnly chorn,;.
3lt means that soon we shall see Jehovah, the Eternal
One, who never had a beginning and who shall never
ha\'e an end; who is love and whose love planned it all
for us. IVe shall then see his glorious countenance and
abid(~ in his presence. We shall then be of the kingdom
awl ~hall appreciate the words of his holy prophet, who
wrote for our encouragement and benefit: "For thou
hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made
him exceeuing glad with thy countenance. For the king
trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the :Most
High he shall not be moved."-Psalm 21: 6, 7.
31These are some of the precious promises made for
us to hold before the people of God for their encouragement. Let everyone now in the narrow way, journeying
toward the kingdom, be encouraged and comfortc<1 thereby. A little while, and we shall see him face to face,
and know him even as we are h.l1own. Then we shall
dwell in his house forever, beholding his beauty and continuing to gain knowledge in his temple.
32The outlook for the year is marvelous. Be encouraged and press on, a ye Israel of God. "The kingdom of
heaven is at hand."
TO THE WORLD

83The world has long lain in darkness under the oppres:::i \ e power of the mimic god, the devil. So thoroughly
ha::: he been entrenched that he thought he could never
be dislodged. But the mighty King is here, and is now
dashing to pieces Satan's empire, and will destroy all of
his wicked works. It is a major operation. Necessarily
it will be attended by much pain and suffering. It is to
be a time of tribulation such as mankind has nevrr
known; and, thanks be to God I Jesus tells us there will
nevcr be another. The nations of earth are now in great
distress. Soon the peoples thrreof shall go down into
the very depths, and the trouble will melt the souls of
the haughty and of the proud. The whole world will reel

to and fro and stagger like a drunken man, and come to

its wit's end. 'l'hen shall the people cry unto the Lord
in their trouble, and he will deliver them out of their
distress.
34But before this, the darkest hour, the church must
hurry to place some food within the reach of suffering
humanity; some food upon which the minds of the people may feed that there may be planted within them a
hope. It is the will of God that this shall be done.
(Matthew 24: 14) Therefore let every member of the
Lord's consecrated on earth keep in mind that 1924 is,
and must be, a year of strenuous activity. The Lord will
grant the necessary strength to his people, and their joy
in the Lord will be their strength.
THE KINGDOM

a50ut over the blackness of earth's darkest night shall

burst forth the brilliant rays of the Sun of Righteousness rising with healing in its beams. It will bring peace
and rest to the weary souls. The kingdom is pictured as
being in two phases, one part toward the north, that is,
toward the throne of Jehovah, the celestial center of
all the universe, the seat of the divine empire; and the
other toward the sonth, the earthly phase of the kingdom directed by the faIthful men of old raised to power
and authority, acting under the supervision of the Christ.
The valley between, formed by these two phases of the
kingdom, will furnish a place of refuge and blessing- to
the poor and oppressed, who are hungering and thirsting
for righteousness. Into this yalley of blessings they shall
flee, and there find sweet relief.
36Behold, the Llind, the lame, the halt, the sick, the
worn, the weary, the oppressed, and the poor-all hurrying into this valley of blessing. And why? Because the
King of Glory is reigning in righteousness. The new
government is upon his shoulder; it is a government of
equity and justice administered in behalf of all people.
The people shall then learn to call his name Wonderful,
because there is none like unto the great King. They
will learn that he is the great Counselor, because he shall
show them the way over the highway of holiness that
leads to endless joy. They will learn that he is the
mighty God next to Jehovah, because he exercises all
power for good. They will learn that he is the Everlasting Father, because the King will grant life everlasting
to those who obey his law. They will learn that he is
the Prince of Peace, because he will establish peace on
earth and never again will it be disturbed. Under hi!!
peaceable and righteous reig;t. the people who obey will
be granted health Rlld strength, happiness and life. Fear
will flee away from them, and in that blrssed day every man shall sit under the vine (the ruler!!hip of the
Christ) and under the fig tree (the earthly phase of
the government), and none shall make them afraid. This
glorious and happy work will continue until all the
people shall praise him; and throughout the earth shall

erheWATCH TOWER
resound their songs of gladness, saying one to another:
., Let everything [hat hath breath praise the Lord."
d1The 144,000 kings, under the headship of the great
King of kings, Christ Jesus, will be privileged to give
these blessings to mankind. Now, even this day, the God
of hea yen is speaking to the kingdom class on earth
through his prophet, thus: "Say among the nations that
the Lord reigncth: the world also shall be established
tha t it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people
righteously." (Psalm 9G: 10) This is a call to action.
messed the Christian who hears and obeys this call.
.. \rherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and
hupe to the end."
38The ontJook for 1924 is wonderful. It is inspiring.
rt is thrilling. Rejoice, ye sons of God, ye prospective
kings, as you herald to the world the message of deliverance, "The kingclom of heaven is at hand."
"'Watchman, tell us of the ni~ht;
Fo!' the mo!'ning sef'ms to dawn.
Traveler, darkness takes its flight;
Doubt and terror are withdrawn.
\Vatehman, will earth's sorrows cease,
And God's will on earth be done?
TnlVelf'J', yes, the Prince of Peace,
Earth's appointed King, has come I"

BROOKT,YIi, N.

Y.

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

How does 1024 op~n to the worlo? I [ow Is it described by the
prophet Joel? What Is the Christian's view, and did JesUs refer
to it! ~ 1.
What is .Jehovah's indictment against the pastors and shepherds In
nomlllul :t,ion? '\I 2.
"'hut dOL'S it meun to walk In the light of Jeho"ah's countenance?
'\13,4.
Who Is the King, and what was necessary for the King to do before
he could reIgn? , [)8.
When und how are the under-priests and under-Idngs selected?
'II(J, Ill.
When and how are the saints gathereo? What is that period of
time called? ~ 11.
JIo,w long," the "harvest," ano "'hat I, the evidence? '\112-15.
'Vhat doe~ the 'harvest" mean to the Chul"('h? \. hat Rhoul<1 lw itR
mesRn,ge? "~ha t experiellce.s WIll accompany the proclama tioll ot
the

Illes~age?

'iI 1 B-1 S.

What is the significance In the word "end" In lIIatthew 24: 14?

And "endure"? '\I 17-19.
What are the coneluslons to be drawn from the,e word'? WiII
some of the trials ('orne from within our own rank~? 'iI 20.
What ",'l'iptures will bring us joy and happineRR. if we exel'('l~e
oursel\'es In them? In wbat ligbt &hould we \'lew our eal'lhly
pilgrimage? '\I 21.
If we are in the mldRt of fiery trials within our ranks and without,
how IR it 1'0R,ible Rimultaneously to hare tremendous joy? Whence
doeR that joy <,orne? ~ 22.
ASRuming that full ('onsecratlons are the only acceptable kind, what
does it Imply? 1 23.
The best saleR su('('es,-the one the Lord Rpccially blesses-comes
from foll()win~ what {'onr~e? 'iI 24.
What are the logical, joyful and inspirino: thoughts that come into
our minds as we contemplate the glorilication of the saints?
'\I 25-32.
Wh~' ooes the world see only r]arkne"
and blackne", allll hn'-e
perplexity of 1Il1lld as they allow themselves to think soberly of
the future? '\I 3:1.
What object has the Lord In view In placing the kingdom message
before the world? 11 34.
"'hat will dl'Ripa te the dense cloud hano:lnl: over the world? 11 311.
A, we viRualIze the Millennium, what do we see? Why? '\I 36.
What Is the meaning of Psalm 06: 10? 'Yhat will It mean to those
who fulfil It in themselves? '\I 37, 31<

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

T~XT

FOR JANUARY 16

"The LrJrd [Jehovah] hath prepared his throne

Aeavl'lls." --Psalm 103: 19.

im

the

HE kingdom for which Christians were taught

by the Great Ma~ter to pray, and for which they
have prayed and continue to pray, is Jehovah's
kingdom. Jesus said: "When ye pray, say: Our Father
\I'hich art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come," etc. While it is true that Christ Jesus will
be king over all the earth, yrt he will exercise this authority in complrte harmony with Jehovah and in accordance with Jehoyah's will. All things are from the
Father; and there is one Lord Jesus, by whom are all
things. (1 Corinthians 8: 6) The kingdom, therefore, is
God's kingdom and Christ's kingdom.
The text for the week shows Jehovah hath prepared
his throne in the heavens. Throne is a symbol of sovereign power and authority. It means that he who possesses the throne has original jurisdiction and supreme
power, absolute authority; and that there is none above
him. It means that that power and authority is exercised without limitation. "Hpavens," as used in this
text, has reference to thE' ceJE'l'tial universe. The group
of the Pleiades is supposed to be the center of the celestial universe, the place of the throne of Jehovah, from
which supreme authority is exercised. "Prepared," as

used in the week's text, means to set up or establish.

We therefore understand that Jehovah has established,
or set up in the heavens, the place of sovereign authority, and from there directs all things of the heavens,
and in due time will direct all things of the earth
through Christ.
When Jesus ascended on high he was a~signed by the
Father to the highest place of favor next to Jehovah and
upon his throne, and put into the place of suprrme authority next to the Father. (Philippians 2: 9, 11; Revelation 3: 21) It seems quite clrar that Jehovah purposes to rule the new world through the nrw creation,
partirularly through Christ Jesus, the Head thereof;
and that in the exercise of this power over the things of
the earth, the Church will be associated with Christ
Jesus as kings and prie~ts unto God and unto Christ.
(Revelation 20: 6) For the comfort and encouragemrnt
of the Church while running in the narrow way J csus
gives this exceedingly great and precious promise: "To
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with
my Father in his throne."-Revelation 3: 21.
The very fountain of all authority proceeds from
,Jehovah God; and as this authority relates to the goverumE'nt of the earth and the restoration of man it is
exercised through Christ. His throne, or seat of judg-

.JANUARY I,

1924

ment of original jurisdiction and supreme authority,

Jehovah has set up or prepare<l in the heavel18. lIe has
been making ready the new creation 01' royal an111y for
many centuries, which is now about complete. The Head
thereof has already begun the exerCIse of power relative
to the earth, and is <lashing to pieces the evil nations
and systems preparatory to the complete establishment
of his kingdom of righteousness, peace and eternal blessings, through which blessings will flow out to all obedient ones of earth. Thus we have a brief ontline or picture of the exercise of divine authority relative to the
blessing of mankind. The keener our appreciation .of
this fact the more marvelous it appears to us, that the
great Jehovah God would bc pleased to take from among
men those whom he is transforming into the likeness of
his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, and to make them jointheirs, joint-judges, joint-rulers of things pertaining to
the earth. Meditation upon this wonderful arrangement
should cause us to \ralk humbly before God and diligently seek to know and to do his holy will.
TEXT FOR JANUARY 23

"1 !In/'r set my hng upon my holy hill."-Psalm 2: 6.

I'l'HIN the meaning of this text the word
"hill" is used to symbolize the highest place in
God's holy kingdom. As we have seen in the
week's text preceding, the kingdom is Jehovah's kingdom because all the arrangement is from him. Here the
Prophet, as thc mouthpiece of Jehovah, speaks of Christ
Jesus as God's King, whom Jehovah has placed in the
highest position of authority relative to his kingdom.
This text seems clearly to have its application at a time
certain. That time is when the great King, Christ J es'.lS,
assumcs his power and begins his reign.
Jesus Christ has been King ever since he was anointed
at the Jordan, and particularly from the time he ascended on high and sat down at the right hand of Jehovah. But before bcginning his reign he must wait
until the Gentile times end. His presrnce dates from
1874. The forty years following that date seems to be
a day of preparation. With the end of 1914 came the
time "'hen 'he whose right it is takes his power and
Iluthority and begins his reign.' This was done just at
the time when the nations were tumultuously assembling
and going to war. They continue their military preparations for the great battle of Armageddon.
The people imagine that present world powers can
bring their desire by giving to them a government of
peace and happiness. This is a vain imagination. At
the same time the ruling factors of the present evil world
take counsel together against Jehovah and against his
anointed, the Christ, and say in substance: We will not
have this Christ to rule over us; let us break their bands
asunder and cast their cords from us. Their imagination
is vain, and their efforts will be in vain. The time has
come that Jehovah has placed his king upon the throne.

'TheWATCH TOWER

It is the tranSItion period, hencG ~he time of the great

battle betwcen the beast and the Lamb, which oonflict
will end with the Lamb being completely successful and
in which yictory will be associated with him the overcoming saints.
'Yhat a wonderful time to be on the earth and witness
the pabsing of the old and the incoming of the new ruling power! What a great privilege and blessing to have
some 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 long hoped,
will be offered to mankind, and the kingdom will bring
the tlesire of evcry honest heart. These things should
be a great incentive to the Christian to press on with
vigor, declaring with joy "the kingdom of heaven is at
hantl." Surely all the m-:mbers of the new creation this
side the vail, ,rho appreciate the blessed time in which
we are now, will possess and exercise a zeal peculiar to
the King's house in making known to others his glorious
kingdom. These glad tidings must go to the nations of
earth as a witness before the end. Let everyone who
loyes the Lord supremely, have his or her part in prorlaiming the m0ssage.
TEXT FOR JANUARY 30

"The government shall be upon his shoulder."

Isaiah 9: 6.
OVERNl\fENT means the exercise of authority
in the administration of the laws and rules of
actions, directing the people what is right ancl
prohibiting that which is wrong.
"Shoultler" represents the place of bearing burdens.
The burdens or responsibilities of adminstrating the new
government mot upon Christ.
Since the time when
man was expelled from Eden he has been attempting to
ilwent and to establish a form of g-overnment that would
bring to him ease and comfort, -peace and prosperity,
liberty and happiness. Good men have sacrificed their
lives to the end that they might accomplish this good
result. The~r efforts have Leen in vain. This is due to
their own imperfcction amI to the fact that Satan, the
mimic god, has influenced the mind and course of men;
and now after more than six thousand years of effort to
establish a desirable government man has reached his
extremity, and failure stares him in the face.
J chovah knew all this from the beginning. He planned
to let man learn his lesson by experience. He provided
redemption for the human race and is preparing his
royal house, has set his throne in the heavens, has set
his King upon his throne, and soon will give to the people a government that will more than fulfil their honest
desire. The burtlen of that new government rests upon
Christ Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. We
are not left in doubt as to what kind of govrrnment that
will be. "Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness."
(Isaiah 32: 1) The masses of mankind have long desired

10

rneWATCH TOWER

to have a righteous government, but now realize their

helplessness to establish such. But the time is at hand
when they will learn the right way. "For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will
learn righteousness." (Isaiah 26: 9) This is true because
"judgment also will I lay to the line and righteousness
tc the plummet." (Isaiah 28: 17) Judgment means the
fixed laws of J ehoyah; and therefore he will require,
through Christ, the people to observe his fixed laws, and
they will learn to be as righteous as the plummet is true.
Until now the whole creation has been groaning and
travailing in pain, waiting for the manifestation of the
royal family of Jehovah's kingdom. (Romans 8: 1D, 22)
The whole world is groaning because it sees nothing

BROOKLYN.

N. Y.

upon which to base a hope. Now is the time for the

Christian to exercise his (;od-given commission to "bind
up the broken-hrarted amI comfort those that mourn,"
by telling the people that a righteous goyernment i~ here,
because the kingdc,m is at hand. Surely one of the joys
of the Lord at this time is that the time has come to
take his power and binrl Satan, cleanse the earth of
,yicked systems and establish a righteous gmernment.
He invites the members of the Church this side the vail
to enter into this joy. Haye you entered into this joy?
Remember, "The joy of the Lord is your strength"; and
surely seeing these wonderful events transpiring, evrry
child of God will rejoice in declaring: Behold the King
of glory. His kingdom is at hand.

THE MAKING OF A BOOK

HEIlE are forty major operations in the manufacture of a cloth-bound book, and twenty additional operations in the making of the electroplates
from which it is printed. In other words, every book
must pass through that many processes from the time
it is prepared in manuscript by the author until it
finally reaches the shipping room of the bindery. These
processes are, briefly, as follows:
1

2
3
4
5
.(l

7
8
9
10
1.1
12

13
14
15
16
17
1.8

'Writing the manuscript

Editing and marking It for the compositors
Setting up the type into galleys
Proof-reading the galleys
Correcting the type galleys
Making the "dummy" (pasting the proofs into page form)
Arranging the type into pages
Reading the page-proofs
Correcting the type pages
Locking' up the type pages for electroplating
Making the plates (there are twenty different operations
in platemaking)
Locking up the plate forms for printing (64 pages in
each form)
Piling the paper stock tor the presses
Printing the forms
Folding the sheets into folios
BundUng and storing the folded parts
Gathering the folios into books
Cutting the end sheets

19
20
21
22

23
24
2:)

26

27
28
29

30
31

32
33
34

35
36

37
38
39
40

Folding the end sheets

Pa-ting the end sheets
Smashing the books tint
Sewing
Rlicing the books apm't after sewing
Trimming the books to size
Gluing the backbone of the books
Rounding and forming the backbone
GlUing the crash hinge onto backbone
Lining the baekhone
Cutting the e!oth for the COYers
Cutting the cnnllJoard for the covers
Making the coyers
Printing the covers
Ironing the covers
Rounding the backbone of covers
Gluing covers onto the books
Stacking books into standing )l1'PSS(,~ to dry
Emptying the standing presses
Inspecting the fini~hed books
Storing the books into bins
Packing and shipping

Of the above operations sixteen are done by machine,

and twenty-four are accomplished by hand, In order to
do the sixteen mechanical operations there are forty-five
machines employed in the SOCU1TY'S plant (for tvpesetting, pri:1ting, binding, and platemaking), with 8
capacity of 1.000 books per day.

NEW YEAR GREETING

Happy New Year unto those who have learned
How rich are the guerdons which labor has earned j
And a Happy New Year to the weary, who cling
Through sorrow and pain to the cross of the King.
Far down thy fair vista, blithe New Year, we see
The snn gleam of the bpautiful Sabbath to be j
From sfar o'er the billows of trouble we hear
The anthems of praise and the notes of good cheer.
God speed the full time when all idols shall fall.
And the bannpr of Jesus \"<lye high ovp1' all;
When the nations shall walk in the light of the Lord,
And Eden'il lost verdure to earth be restored.
4'A

"Deur Christ, by thy passion, thy grace and thy power,

Assist us, uplift us, in each clouded hour,
And still. by denial, bestowal, delay,
"'ha tt'yer is needful, oh give us, we pray I
The )'ear that is far above rubies shall be
The year of our lives that is clasps! to thee.
And precious and sacred our changes shall grow,
If heaven-light o'er them in tendemess glow.
Let the burdens of woe, and the ('onflicts of care,
Alike be relieved by the breathings of praypr;
And happy. or only rpsigl](,(1, let us raise
Each Illoming and evenin/j; the songs of our praise.-

ISRAEL SAVE~ AT THE RED SEA

--JANUARY 27--ExODUS
GOD'S POWER MANIFESTED AGAINST EGYl'T--MOSES

HAPPY

IN

12: 37

TO

ISRAEL'S

18: 2 7 - -

DELIVERANCE-FAITHLESS ISRAEL SORELY TBDlD

-ISRAEL ALSO TYPE OF WORLD.

"Jeho1:uh is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation."-ExodfU 15:!.

HE sudden shock which Isra!>! felt when the angel of

dpath passed through the land, and all the firs,-born
of Egypt were slain, served God's immediate purpose
of obtaining freedom for his people. The Egyptians not
only were willing to let Israel go, but wanted the-Ill to be
gone. They realized that fighting for Israel were forces
altogether beyond their power to withstand, Gold, siiver,
and jewelry were offered Israel, no doubt to induce them
to depart quickly. The Egyptians did not know, nor was
thNe any f('ason why they should be told, that Israel were
ready for the march to freedom. Israel went out of Egypt
in the early morning a rich people (Exodus 12: 36), freQ
and unfettel'ed, with not a dog to bark as thpy went, and
not a feeble person amongst thpm. (Psalm 10:i: 37. :18) They
were led, not directly towards Canaan, but towards the
Hed Sea; for God had '3till some manift'station of his love
and power to display. Pharaoh woull] cOllie to think Israel
were badly led, and that Jehovah had not discernment;
for Israel were "('ntangled in the land."-Exodus 14: 3.
2The stirring events of the past months, which had
culminated in that awful night to Egypt, and in Israel's
experience in being sheltered by the passover "blood", and
then delivered-saved in a double sense, their first-born
saved, ami themselves saved from Egypt-must have stirred
many in Israel to fervor and a high exaltation of spirit;
and all would see the hand of Jehovah stretched out to
their aid.
3But the shock of the loss of their first-born prostrated
Egypt only temporarily, and the madness of Pharaoh quickly
rl't limed. He was soon again in the attitude of defiance;
and as Iilgypt was Not yet broken (even as France and
Bri tain are not yet broken by the great war's destruction
of life and material wealth), Pharaoh and his offi('prs of
war and state, believing that no further hurt could now
come to them, determinpd to bring Israel back to bondage.
By the time Pharaoh had gathered his army, Israel were
at the sea, led there by the angel of the Lord and the
cloud. (Exodus 13: 21, 22) As Israel waited for guidance,
tlH'y saw the Egyptian army approaching. They were
seized with terror; for they could not possibly withstand
the Eg~')Jtians, and they had no escape. They blarrwd Moses
for their predicament, and forgot God.-Psalm 106: 7.

GOD'S POWER MANIFESTED AGAINST EGYPT

4God had showed l\Ioses that he had further purpose
with Eg)'pt (Exodus 14: 1-4); and Moses bade the people
trust In their God, who had manifested such wonderful
power on their behalf, and who had such good purpose
towards til em. The meekness and largenpss of Moses' hpart
which were later so manifest in hIs character, and without
which no man can be a worthy leader of God's people,
were already showing. He bore the complaints of the
people uncolllplainingly. He said to the people: "Stand
still, and see the salvation of the Lord. . . . The Lord
shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." (Exodus
14: 13, 14) He further declared that was the last time
they should ever see the Egyptians.
8Moses rpallzed that this matter was Jehovah's, and
that this powPrful and arrogant people in attacking Israel
were fighting against God. But when he went to the Lord
for gUidance, the Lord said: "Wherefore criest thou unto
me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward."
(Exodus 14: 15) The measure of rebuke In this word seems

to mean that Moses should have expectf'd to lead his people

out of their danger even through the impassable sea. The
Lord continued: "Lift up thy rod and stretch it over the
spa," as If he would remind Moses of all that had been
done in Eg~'pt by that rod, and as if Moses should have
takl'n for granted that as the Lord had led them to the
sea l\loses would be expecwd to use his miracle-working
rod to make a way through it.
6The Lord then moved the cloudy light from before Israel
to behind them, thus giving them a sense of protection by
shutting off their enemies from sight. This also confused
the Egyptians; for they could not know what the Israelites
were lloing. As Moses stretched forth his rod, the waters
divided before it. The Psalmist says of this wonderful
thing: ""'ha t ailed thee. 0 thou sea, that thou fieddest?"
(Psalm 114: 5) The Lord raised a strong wind all night;
and a path was made and kept through the waters.
7Israel eulered on the new road, and God blessed th~ir
going. As the cloud moved, following Israel, the Egyptians
saw what had happpned, and pressed on, now determined to
de,~tl'oy Isme!. \\'hen the Eg~'ptians were in the midst ot
the sea, the light of the moon failed them, and the heavens
darkened. A heavy thunderstorm with vivid lightning arose
(Psalm 77: 16-20), so unusual in that land. They realized
that God was fighting for his people. They turned to fiee,
but found their going hard. The sea returned to its
strength, Pharaoh's army was caught, not a man or horse
was saved, and there the power of Egypt was brokl'n.
The faithful sen'ant of the Lord must not be at the disposal
of his own imperfect judgment. He must when G1ld commands be as rpady to stretch forth the rod for the destru~
tion of the enemies of God as he was to stretch it forth
for the salvation of the people of God.
MOSES HAPPY IN ISRAEL'S DELIVERANCE
sIsrael was free. The sea now rolled between them and
the land of bondage, and their enemies were destroyed.
There was no possibility of renewed attack. Moses, upon
whom so heavy a burden had lain, broke into the song ot
triumph from which our Golden Text is taken. This song
is lifted into the realm of prophecy because the event which
it rpcords Is typical. It is the first triumphant song of the
Bible, which fact marks the event which it records as
typical of the final victory of God over the hosts and power
of sin. It may be said to be the basis of all the songs of
triumph which follow; for it both sets the key for all subsequent prophetic songs, and determines their style.
9\\'e have previously noted that wherever in the Scriptures
the Lord's people are called upon to sing, or words are put
Into their mouth as rejoicing in a rpallzed deliverance, that
word alwa~'s has reference to the time of the return ot
the Lord and the establishment of the kingdom of heaven,
and to his ppople's victory over sin and the forces 01 evIL
Psalms 95 to 98 are examples of this usage In the Scriptures.
The songs of Moses and Miriam (Exodus 15:1-21), are
therefore prophetical expressions for the Lord's people ot
this day, rejoicing in all the triumphs of his grace and
goodness towards them, and in the break-Up of the !lOwers
that have oppressed mankind.
lOThe Bible student cannot fall to see the correspondency
of the Lord's people. The secret is, of course, that its
Author Is God; and that the things he wrought for the
deliverance of Israel were lllustratloo8 ot the things whicll

12

CfheWATCH TOWER

should be brought to pass when he would destroy the kingdom of Satan and the world powers, and the present evil
order of things.
llThe Bible student cannot fail to see the correspondency
between the song on the further shore of the ned Sea, and
the song of those who stantl on the "sea of glass," who
have gotten the victory over the beast and his image, who
are harping with the harp of God, and who sing the song
"f Moses the serYitnt of God, and the song of the Lamb.
(Revelation 15: 2, 3) These are delivered from the power
of the beast, and are serving God in the light of his revealed will glorifying his name while yet the opportunities
of service are open to tnem.
12Not only does the deliverance of Israel represent the
salvation of the church when Satan's powers are being
destroyed, but it is also a picture of the deliverance of the
individual member of the body of Christ, his getting his
freedom from the bondage of evil. He who is buried With
Christ dies to the authority of Satan and is made free in
Christ. He is translated from the kingdom of darkness
into the kingdom of God's df'ar Son. (Colossians 1: 13)
Satan sometimes shouts from his side of the sea, and trics
to make the child of God believe he is not yet freed; and
sometimes he succeeds to the extent of producing needless
fears. The consecrated followers of Jesus may not hope
to get deliverance from all human weakness, but he must
realize his deliverance from Satan's authority.
FAITHLESS ISRAEL SORELY TRIED
13There is another tJ'pe in these events: The deliverance
of Israel, Go(l's chosen peoplp, from Egypt represents also
the deliverance of God's human sons (Acts 17: 28,2D) fl'om
the bondage of all the powers of evil. The leaders of this
evil order are dragging the world on to a conflict with God
which wiiI bring distress upon the peoples and destruction
upon themselves; and it will only be when the destroYers
of the earth are destroyed that the peoples wiil be ready
to listen to the word of truth, and to accept the new
arrangement of the kingdom of heaven. It wili not now be
a long time before the delivered human family wiiI take
up the song of the Redeemer. They \ViiI rejoice in their
Moses, the Christ, and wiiI bless God for his goodness to
them even when they had no respect to his will.
14\Vithout any more delay than was necessary for the
ordering of the march, the Israelites were led forth. Again
they turned southward towards Sinai. They came to Marah,
where, to their intense disappointment, the waters of tile
place were bitter. Under tile burning heat of the eastern
sun a lack of water is a great calamity; and the somewhat
ungrateful people immediately fell to murmuring against
Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" Mose,., cried unto
the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree which, cast into
the waters, made them sweet. The incident is related very
briefly; but from the setting it is evident that the occasion
was an important one in the eyes of the Lord; for "there
the Lord proved them." (Fjxodus 15: 25) It was a time of
testing, and there the Lord began to make conditional
arrangements for their blessings. Their freedom from the
diseases of Egypt was dependent upon theIr acceptance of
his ordinances.
uFrom Marah Israel moved to Elim, "where were twelve
wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: anti
they encamped there by the waters." (Exodus 15: 27) Elim
was a restful place, as if God, now in a special relationship
with his people, would bring them to a place of rest and
blessing. Israel stayed some time in Elim; and afterwards
they were led into the wilderness between Ellm and Sinal.
The wilderness had no food for such a multitUde; and the
whole conll'relwtion murmured against Moses and Aaron,

BllaQ1er

YN,

N. Y.

saying that they wished they had died by the hand of the
Lord in Egypt, where they sat by the flesh-pots and atc
bread to the full, rather than be led by Moses and Aaron
to be kiiled with hunger in the wildi'rness. These murm'll'ers were so perverse that they would not see that all the,.,e
miraclcs were Jehovah's manifpsiation of himself. TIH'y
pcrsistpd in seeing' !lathing beyond some enden.Val' of 1\1oses
and Aaron, even as some now see only human endeavor in
the direction of tlte Lord's work. Apparently without any
caU from 1\1oses, the Lord arranged to give them brewl
from heaven; and the manna was God's answer to tile
murnlllrings of the people. From that time the manna cot!tinup(] to fall until, forty years later, Israel cro~sed ihe
Jonlan and were in the land of promise. \\'ith the COll1l11g
of the manna God maniles(pd himself to Isral'1; for he
would have his people know that he had heard their murmurings.-Exodus IG: 10-12.
ISRAEL ALSO TYPE OF WORLD
16From the wilderness of Sin the people were led to
Rephidim, where there was no waipr to drink. When the
people chidcd with 1\1oses, he replied that really they wcre
tempting the Lord; for they even qup,.,tioned: "Is the Lord
among us or not?" They quickly forgot both the mercy
and the power of their Great Deliverer. Moses cried lo
the Lord, and told him that the people were almost ready
to stone him. It was then that Moses was told to smite
the rock. "And there shall come water out of it, that the
people may drink." (Exodus 17; 1-6) Meribah was a place
with bitter memories.
171n the light of present truth it seems almost self-evident
that in this journey of Israel from the Red Sea to Sinai
God has given a picture of the early journeying of the
human family as it starts up the highway of IlOli; '( ~-;.
After its freedom from Satan it will need shephenlin;:: It
will lind that the brackish waters of human nalure ;Ind
desire can be made sweet in God's own way. The bran('lIps
of the tree whieh sweetened the waters of Marah may wpl!
reprcsent acceptance of and compliance with the will of
God, which will adjust the tholl9:hts of mankind, and
sweetl'n their minds. The pleasures of rest at Elim represent the sweet refreshment which mankind will get from
the twelve wells of water, the church of God, and from
the shade of the threescore and ten palm trees, the ancient
worthies, 1hcn princes in all the earth. (P~alm 4G; 16) The
manna which came in the wilderness easily rcprespllts the
bread of life which will be given to the hungry, and as yet
unreasonable, pcople; and the water which flowed from the
rock at Rephidim as easily represents the water of lifegivin9: truth which will flow freely supplying every nepd.
The journey from the Red Sea to Sinai, which was Israel's
objective, therefore represents the world's progress from
the time of its deliverance from Satan until it comes to a
time when it must enter into a covenant with God.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What were the immediate circumstances surrounding Israel's exodus? '1'1.
How WaR there a "dOUble" salvation? What should have been the
reRllit to Israel? 'I 2.
Is the hard-hearted, worldly spirit difficult to break? Why was
Israel seized with terror? 'I' 3.
What were some of the outstandinl; charnctcriRties of Moses? , 4.
Was Moses excuRable for waiting for God's further direction? , II.
How und why were the Egyptians now confused? 'I' 6.
Describe the swallowing up of the Egyptians In the sea. 'I 7.
Explain how the song of Moses is lifted Into the realm of prophecT.

118.

What pecullar thlnr; Is there about the Bonr;s of triumph reCOrded

in the Bible? 119.
How can the Bible be ever new, since It was written from 1,800
to 3.1\00 years a~o? 11 10.
Who stand upon the sea of glass? What do they sing? 'I' 11.
What does the deliverance of Israel typify? What is our privilege
lUI respects Satan's influence? '/12.

lANUARY

1. 192.

'fhcWATCH TOWER
fed? How did God continually
Israel for the next forty years?
Where did Israel next stop? Now
come to the rescue? 'I 16.
What are the t~ pieal lessons the
this narratin: , 17.

Name another typical feature. What are the leaders In churchianity

now doing? Is the world to have deliverance also? , 13.
Where waR l"'ael's next experience? Were they happy? Did God
further tl'At them? , 14.
Where did Israel next go? Was food plentiful? How were they

manifest himself on behalf ot

'i 15.
what happened? How did God
Bible student

Ill&)'

draw trom

WHAT ISRAEL LEARNED AT SINAI

--FEBRUARY 3--ExODus

19: 1

TO

24: 8;

LEVITICUS

19;

DEUTERONOMY

4:

32-40--

GOD ~fAxrFESTS HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AT SINAI-SINAI REPlUiSENTS THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM--THE CHURCH APPROACHING THE
HEAV~;NLY ArT. ZION.

"Thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, a.nd with aU thy soul, and with all thy might." (DeuteronO'11/JJl 6:5)
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor 1M thyself."-Leviticu8 19: 18.

inheritance, who would prevent God from blessing his people.

who would prevent the world from entering into the covenant blessings which God has for his children. God declares
war against all such; and their end is destruction.

HEN God by his angel appeared to Moses near Mount

Horeb and gave him the commission to go to Egypt
for the deliverance of his people, he told Moses to
bring Israel to him in Horeb (Sinai). The picture presented
by Exodus 19: 3-7 is of God waiting at Sinai for his chosen
people. Whcn Israel reached Sinai Moses immediately went
up the mountain, as if to report to God. God told Moses
his purpose, and sent him back to ask the people if they
were ready to enter into a covenant with him. It was a
loving welcome that God gave them. In the words of our
lesson he told them how he had sent for them, delivered
them,' and then had borne them on eagles' wings to himself.
Israel must have wondered why God now took so great an
interest in them. The right-minded would understand that
God was working out his own purposes, and that the time
had corne when he could do this; for without doubt Moses
had shown that God had a set time for their deliverance.
But the loyal-hearted would trust, even though they did not
understand why God had permitted so great a tribulation
to come upon them In Egypt. This was the first time-prophecy
to be fulfilled. Like all God's subsequent works It reveals
that he keeps exact time in all his plans.
2His mighty works In Egypt had shown what great consideration God had for his people. They were his first-born
among the na tions; the others were his children also, but
Israel was to have the first-barn's portion and rights. However, his covenant of blessing was not with them, but with
their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; though it is evldent from the declarations respecting the covenants that God
purposed that these should have associated with them a
company of ministers who should be their servants. The
particular work God had for Israel Is revealed in our lesson. He would make them a nation of priests; an elect
nation to serve the non-elect nations.
8Israel reached Sinal in the third month. The events of
the journey from the Red Sea, apart from the miracles of
Eg.ypt, were in themselves sufficient preparation for the covenant into which they were to enter. They had seen the dellverance from Eg-ypt, and water had been given out of a
rock. At Rephidim tlwre was provided a supply of water
sufficient for their needs during the long wait at Sinai. God
had it stored ready, and In due time the hidden reservoir
was tapped. Bread had fallen from heaven in constant supplies sufficient for the daily needs of all that great multitude. Without weapons of war they had resisted their enemy
Amalek, and had prevailed. That this action of Amalek was
of particular Importance is shown by the fact that after the
battle Moses erected an altar which he called Jehovah-nissi
(Exodus 17: 15) ; that is, "The Lord is my banner." God
there raised his banner and declared war with Amalek,
Which meant the certain destruction of that people. Amalek
represents those who would keep God's people from their

GOD MANIFESTS HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AT SINAI

.The people were willing to enter into covenant relation
with God, and Moses returned to report this. He was sent
down to tell the people to be ready against the third day,
when the terms of the covenant should be stated. But when
the third day came it proved to be a day of dread glory.
'l.'hick darkness gathered about the mountain, and it seemed
to be on fire. A heavy thunderstorm gathered, with much
lightning and apparently much rain. The whole mountain
was shaken with an earthquake; and out of the darkness,
and above the thunder there was the sound of a trumpet
waxing louder and lOUder, and then a voice speaking in the
hearing of the people all the words of the Ten Commandments. (Hebrews 12: 18, 19, 26) These phenomena seemed
to be more than flesh and blood could stand; and the people
fled from the presence of God. They asked that Moses should
stand between God and them, and said: "Let not God speak
with us, lest we die."-Exodus 20: 19.
5After this demonstration of the presence of God and after
the people had heard God speaking, Moses was called to go
up the mount of God. He was there forty days, during which
time God gave him various instructions which were to be
considered part of the covenant, and certain obligations concerning their domestic relationships, and of their worship
of himself.
6How Moses cast down the two tables of stone on which
God had written the commandments, and how these were
rewritten is almost cornman knowledge.
7Israel saw by these things that though they were a speclally favored people, there were obligations on them which
must be kept if they were to retain their place of favor.
At Sinal they learned something of the righteousness of God.
They also learned something of their inherent weakness and
of their dependence upon God's merciful provision to receive
and accept them even in their weakness. The position is
given by Paul in Homans 7: 7-13. Israel went out of Egypt
as God's favored people "alive" to the hope of Canaan. But
when the Law was given, it both revealed and quickened
sin in them; and Israel "died," Every good man in Israel
realized he could not get nor retain the favor of God by
keeping the covenant of Sinai. The very provision of the
Law not to do: "Thou shalt not"-and It was almost wholly
negative in character-stirred the fallen nature to do those
things which were forbidden. But the associated provision
of a priesthood, also instituted at Sinai, led the people to
the merciful provision of God in the sacrifice for sin and
sin-atonement. So the Law in its severity, and also in the
13

,t

rrheWATCH TOWER

provision 01' a prlesthooa ror the covering of sin, pointed to

Christ.-Galatians 3: 24.
8Though God had his special purpose in Israel for themselves, for their instmetion, and that they might enjoy his
favors. he had other purposes also. Here something of permanent value was done for the world. 'I'here were two things
which God at that time purposed to do for the benefit of
men: (1) The Canaanites, whose land Israel was soon to
enter, had become so corrupt as to be a positive danger to
the race. God therefore determined to destroy them as he
had destroyed Sadam. The~' were among JIlen as a cancer is
to the human body; and Israel was God's instrument to exterminate them, It'st the world should sink in corruption.
(Leviticus 18:3, 2~-~;:;) (2) At Sinai, in the covenant which
God made with his people, and in the statutl'S and ordinances which he gave for thPir guidance in all things, those
which affected their social and national relationships, there
was health-giving medicine for the world.
9What God did in Egypt when he smote Pharaoh and destroyed the power of Egypt was a lesson for the world for
all its days as to the authority and power of God; and
without doubt the world was thert'by very vitally and dl!'ectly affected for many years, and, but less directly, It has
been affected ever since. Also the Law of Hinai has bel'n a
preservative to the nations as well as a guide. Christt'ndom,
while professing to follow Christ and his teaching, really
took the Ten Commandments of Sinai as Its standard, and
has In Its error been of some service in pointing out the
righteousness and the sanctions of God's laws. Dut as it
was with the Jews, so Is It with Christendom. The salt has
lost Its savor: It Is cast out, and will be trodden under foot.
-Matthew 5: 13.
SINAI REPRESENTS MILLENNIAL KINGDOM
lOSinal Is thus seen as very closely related to the establishment of the kingdom of heaven, when the righteous requirements of God will be made known to all ml'n. And
Sinal does in a very special way represent the kingdom.
Bible Students have long known that In the s~'mbology of
Scripture mountains represent kingdoms (Isaiah 2: 2) ; but
they have not always pl'rceived that Sinai Is God's pictorial
representation of his kingdom. This Is shown in several
ways; but perhaps most particularly when on the fifth ot
the seven occasions !\loses went up the mountain. (Exodus
24: 12,15) Then Moses at God's bidding took seventy of the
elders of Israel and Aaron and his sons; he took also Joshua.
After the mountain had been elimbl'd to a considerable
height, and after some days waiting there, Moses left the
seventy elders while he and .Joshua went through thl' cloud
which restl'd on the mountain, Into the blue sky above it.
Here Is God's rl'prest'ntation of his kingdom. Moses on the
top, above the cloud, rl'prpsented the Christ; and .Joshua, his
servant, representt'd the great company class, the "servants"
of the Christ; whUe below the cloud, but still up the mountain, neither party seeing each other, Wl're the seventy elders
of Israel, reprl'senting the ancient worth ips who shall be
princes In all the earth. At the foot of the mountain were
the people gathered, waiting to hear what l\loses and their
elders might bring from God, rl'presenting the world of mankind gl'tting guidance and blessing through the powers 01'
the kln~dom.
uTl.ose who rl'fuse to see in these Incillents more than
historkal records are those who refuse him that spl'aks from
heaven (Hebrews 12: 25); for God as truly speaks to his
people now through these records as he spoke in the ears
of Israel on that day, for the phl'nomena of Sinai were also
symbols 01' those things which accompany the second pres?Ilce 01' the Lord. Sad to sa,., nearly all the clergy ot Chris-

DrnOKT,YN, N

Yo.

tellliom refuse to accept these recon'ls as being truthful. 'Ie

them these are Imaginar~', not historical. Therefore they are
not prepared to hear what God is sa~'ing, and they are unable to discern the Yoi"e und manifestation of God in the
strange things of this day. Sinai is bl'ing repeated on a grand
scale: God now speaks by his 'Vord. The world will soon
be urought to an experience where the terrors of the manI
festation of God are Upon them. Like Israel they will call
for someone to stand betw('en them and God; and they will
then see that God has already proYided a Mediator, even
Jesus and his joint-heirs In the kingdom, and that the !\lediator Is ready to take up his work.
THE CHURCH APPROACHING HEAVENLY MT. ZION
12The manifestation of God at Sinai was wonderful. Therp
has upen nothing like it before or since. IIloses rt'ferring to
it says: "Did eyer people hear the voice of God speaking
out Of the midst of the fire, as thou hust heard, and liveO"
(Deuteronomy 4: 33) It was God's direct evidence to his
chosen people that he was with thl'm. No human agency
pould lun'e produced that which ISl'llel saw and hl'ard and
fplt at Sinai; there can be no explanation; thl're must be
either acceptance or rl'jcction. The Apostle in Ht'urews 1'1'fl'l's to God's demonstration at Sinal, and speaks of the
('hurch's approach to the heavenly lilt. Zion, where God Is.
Bnt uesides that simile he states there Is a time coming
"'hm the voice of God will shake heaven and earth: 'the
experience of Israel at Sinal corresponds with that which
the world must have in the establishment of the kingdom
of heaven. 'I'he quaking mountain rl'prpsents the kingdoms
of this world when shaken at the presence of God. "And I
will shake all nations, and the desire 01' all nations shall
come" (Haggai 2: 7), when God manifests his holiness, and
will demand from the world that which he asked of Israel.
'I'he ml'ssages of truth are God's means of shaking the earth
to its foundations, and while his messpngers declare there
is an inheritance for the world of mankind, eyen the restitution blessings which all the prophets of God have declared;
but it can be enjoyed only as men come Into harmony with
God, loving him with all the heart, and each loving his
fellow men as he loves himself.
13Though natural Israel in so many ways prefigured spIrItual Israel, their expl'ril'llCl'S being for types of things that
should happen to spiritual Israel, the footstep follower of
Jesus does not look to Sinal as his guide. He sel'S that there
Israel represented the world of mankind brought before God
In the establishment of the kingdom, rathl'r than any experl.
ence In the life of spiritual Isral'l. The nearest experil'nce
In the life of spiritual Israel which eorrl'sponds to Sinal Is
Pentecost, where also thl're was a manifestation of the
power of God; but the great dissimilarity shows these are
not type and antit~'pe. To spiritual Israel was given the
spirit of truth, not only as a blessing to the whole Church,
but to be within each ml'mbt'r as a qnickening power. Hence
as the apostle Paul shows, the rightrousness of the Law Is
wrought in eyery one begotten by the spirit. To such the
Law of Sinai is not npcessary. for the spirit within him
works righteousness.-Romans 8: 4; 10: 4.
140ur ll'sson calls attl'ntlon to the ordinances 01' Moses as
given in Leyiticus 19. The Ten Commandments, as given In
the two tables of the Law, cover the whole ground of man's
relationship to God and to his neighbor. But beyond those
there were many things In which Israel were Instructed
which sharpened and pointed the Law as embodied In the
Ten Commandments, but which, as stated. wl're of a negative character. The Ten Commandments represent the covenant; but the ordinances which Moses spoke, 80mI' of whlclil
are given in Leviticuil 1.9, wll ot the obllgatiou of that cov~

JANCARY

1. 1024

'TheWATCH TOWER

nunt, even as the ju~tifi('ntion of tIl(' follo\ver of ,Jesus, who

is ltlll~('cri1tl'tl to (;od, ulJilhatl'~ lJIllbelf to fullow thl' will of
Goll. The fact of justification, with its oblig-ations of a previouS consecration, is not in itself suflicient; for the just
shall li\'e by his faithfulness, and not because he has been
justified by faith.-Hebrews 10: 38, Rotllcrham.
15Besides the neg-ative plH\~e of the Law as denoted in
the 'ren COlllmandlllPllt~, there IS the positive phase to which
they inevitably point, a!\(1 whieh is expressed by our GOlden
Tl'xt. A law to aiJ,;lain fro111 the worship of other gods, and
to refrain from doing- injur~' to a lwighhol'. When recei\'ed
by a good heart, inevitably leads to the positi\'e, sincere worship of God, and to love for one'::; neig-hhor. This is the
SUlllmary of the Law as given by our Lonl (Matthew 22;
37--10) ; this standard all who would have life must attain.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Bow (li.!
put

10

(;0']

'Twnk to

1 " (,I

~r,)R~'

l!i,O 1 t1Jt'll

lJe a GoU 01 oluel'l

at Mt.

Hor~b?

\';h.lt

<l1l'l\al at Biwu'! lip\\,

WaR th~ que,tion

l~ God ~hown to

1.

15

What WaR IRrael's portion? In what way was I,raeI a nation of

Jlrie-~ts?

,,~.

What hau Israel s~en in their tn1\ el" toward Sinai? Whom does
Amalek represent, '1 3.
Descnbe the scene just before :lIo"es was called into the mountain.
~

4, 5.

What was the lesson to Israel re'[leeting the breaking of the tables
of stone and the rewritIng of the commandments? What is Paul's
argument'! ~6, 7.
What tw 0 things did Go(1 do which are of permanent value to the
world? "0.
What le~~on is there in the smiting of Egypt? In what way ha_
the :llo~,"c [aw been b~netieia[ to the wor[o? ~ 9.
In ~,\ moology, what does l<mountain" represent? How doeR the scent.
of Sinal repl'esent the bleSSing of the various classes in Messiah's
kll1gdoll1? ~, 10.
Are these things more than historical facts? Are the preachl'rs
prepared to hear the "vOIce" of God? If not. why not? ~ 11.
What was (;od's dil'ect evidence that he was with his pcople'l To
what (loes I aul liken it? What is the antitype'l ~ 12.
Do spiritual l-meHte' look to Sinai for guidance? How do Sinat
antI Penteco~t compure? ~ 13.
The 'l'en Commandments cover the o:rouno of what? "'hnt do they
represent? How is jU"itdication lllnintni'ied? '1114.
How IS thc ncgative dla, aetel' of Ihe I,aw taken by Jesus ano
tranSfOl'llled Into a [l%itlve declaration? Quote Jesus' words. 'i Hi.

AN INTERESTING LETTER
ACTIVITIES IN SOUTH .\HHCA
DR.\R BRETIlUE:-; "

('lll'I"T:

I feel sure tlla t you would be interest('ll to have a slight

rP<~ord of the remarkable work that has [wen done in the
co'porteur field b~' two of our sister~, wlIo haye lJeen a
101lg' time members of the Johannesburg; I~eelesia. 'rheir
nalilPS are Sister L. Theron and Sister E. Ad~IHt(le. Some
months ago they deeitled to give up their duties as teachers
in the Government Educntion Schools and to devote all
their time to the worl, of the Lord in the colporteur field.
The period I particularly wish to speak of covers only three
months, during Which a tour was made through the northern
districts of Natal and the Transntal. During this time
3,::!~2 calls were madl' in thirty-one varions places visitetl
and a total of 3,188 books were sold as follows:

Yols. SCRll'TI'HE STl:DIES

II \I"'~ (mo"ll~ btl'ge)
"~lllll.

I,

l K' I

~ __

1.218
1,0-11
929
3,188

This Is quite a remarkable record, and entaIled tireless

activity and zl'al.
In one of the letters received from one of the sisters,
she sa~''': "I seem to have been going at top speed all the
time, cntching all sorts of trains, perishablE'S and goods,
all the "ame to me as long as I could get to my destination. O,lcn lmve I arrived late at lllght, the train beingIInduly cle\ayed, at a lone station; but, true to his promise,
t lIe Lord rW\'er lean'S one in the lurch. On every occasion
he put it into the Iwart of someone to help me. It strengthens one's faith and increases one's love to see his devoted
and providential care.
"One (lay after rl'ading ag-ain that beautiful article on
'Service Essential,' I was so exciteu that I could not sleep.
At last I g-ot up, held out the map, and discovered that we
Wl'l'e leaving out Barberton and some other places on a
hraneh line off our route, and at once determined that we
s~\ould not leavl' thl'l11 out. I mentioned it to my companion;
and we decirled that she should go there "'ldle I mme on
ann finishE'd my s('etion. The pla('e I visitl'n next was a
very small place; I made only eigllteen calls, but I sold
fort~'-nine Volunws. sixteen '~Ii1lions,' and thirteen large
IiARPs, I had very little sleep the night before, only three

hours; for I was tall,ing until 11: 30 p. m. to sOllie very

interested people and then paeldng up to 2: 00 a. m. and
up again to catch a train at 5: 30 a. m. I would just love
to tell ~'ou all the little experiences we get, and how
obviously our Savior is leading us; but I have not the time."
In a further letter, written from l\llddelbpr~ in thl'
Transvaal, the same writer expresses slltis:action at l'p.
ceiving her colleague back after the separation; antl she
finds that it is a better way to divide up their cnergiE'S in
visiting the small places, but for the larger places it is
lJetter to work together. She continues;
"I have had tremendous opposition here; for the majority
of the Dutch people have been greatly prejudiced by the
ministers. . . . Thus far we have put out six sets, some odd
volumes, sixty IIAHPs and ninety 'l\Ii1lions.' I have ('am
across three ppople thus far who are deeply interestprl
since the Ipctures and who enjoy the volumes very much.
. . . The first r!ny I went to the privMe houses I landed
at the house of one of the three Dutch ministers here. T
,"()I~c to his wife; and after a while slIe snid; 'I'll call
n' IlUsband; lIe is a minister and would like to Sl'e the
I II!,..,.' I hid Illy surprise by saying, 'rl'S do; I would
11~;c to speak to him.' He cnme to the door <juivel'ing with
l'HC!:e and maligned the truth, our dear Brother Russell,
anll all of us very unmercifully. I felt very sorry for him
and spoke to him gently yet finJlly. GI'adually he mlmpd
do\\n. but would not aecept a II \RP. IIis wife, I could see
and feel, was deeply impresspd by what I was telling him,
and several times suggested that he Should take a book'
hut he would not, saying thnt he would not have a book i~
hh house written by HUSSE'11. I told IIim that he would
rpad it in the very nenr future and deeply regret, too, that
he had not done so before. What wns my delight the next
morning when my landlady came to my room for a HARP
saying that somebody had cnlled for one late last night:
After some persuasion she told me how this minister's wife
gently tapped on her Window pune after she had gone to
bed, gave her 2/6, and asked her if she could get her a
book but Dot to tell anybody for fear her husband should
hear. She stole away from the house after he had gone to
bed. Another Nicodf'mus! It made me realize afresh how
i.mportant it is that we should tell the truth in love, and
always remember our dignity as ambassadors for Christ."
Your brother in the service of the Lord,
B. A.NcXETILL, Sooth Afrlc4.

mtelnational Bible Students A~sociation Oasses

LectureI') <IDd ptudle8 by Trdveling Brethren
BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Orchid, Va
Jan.
14
Newport News, Va. _. __ ..
15
Xorfolk, Ya.
Hj
Currituck, Va.
17,18
:-;orfolk, Va. .........._
20. 22
~~xmore. Va. ~_._
_. JI
21
Suffolk, Va
"
23

BROTHER J.
Fenton,

~!leh.

Tall.14

~llt'h
Huron. ~Ijrh.

nurand.

I'ort

"

~It.

Clemen'. :llieh.
Brightmoor, ~IICh
__

Adrian, Mich.

Crewe. \"a.
Kel'"\ illc. Va.
Doipilln. Va.
Re!,ub. Grove, Va

A.

28
29
30
.Tan 31. Feb. 1

Greensburg, Ind
Madison. Ind.
Xe\\' Albany. Ind.

1a ". 16

Loulsvil1e, Ky. __
:r\a~lJnlle. Ind. __

"
_....

lIIal'tinsviIle, Ind.
Bedford, Ind.

_.Jan.

1(;
17

Lima.O

:20

(;;1I'I'('tt. Ind
Auburn, Ind

~larlOll,

O. ..

ro!'t \YaYlle, Ind

__

Ada, Okla
Hi< kOIY. Okla
Stratfonl, Okla
l'ul'pplI, Okla.

"

.
.

::1

20
::!1

lIIit~hell. Ind
Spal'ksnlIe. In(!.

Jan.24
, 21i

l\H)lltgollll~I'Y,

Iud.
Orleans, Ind. ._.. _

"
"

27
28

Sa1p,,. Ind.

Je1Tl'I'~ollvi1le,

:!9
Ind

_."

30

Jan.

22
23

De l'auw, Ind. _.

31

_.. "

BROTHER V. C. RICE

~-t

.
.

17
18
22
:!:.l

BOHNET

Findlay. O...
Fn-., tori a, O.

23

J In. 2-\
.. ~~

Emporia. Va
_....
l'eter~bUI g, Va
--

15
1,~

"

l>lymouth, :\IICh. . __

South 11111, Va.

Jan. 13. 15
"
H
"
16
..
17
J,~

l\'ohle, Okla
:-ionnan. Okla.
OklallOlIl:l City. Okla.
l:tllllOlld. Okla.

"24,

~~

Hedrock, Okla

"

28

Elmore. Okla.
',"ynncwood, Okla.... "

:!O

l'el'l'Y, UI't,l. ._

Paoli. Okla. ..

21

Pawnee, Okla.

_I

" 2U, a1

..

:;0

Jan.

23

BI:OTHER n. H. BOYD
Tampa, Fla.

.. .....Jan. 1, 2

Olflsnlar, Fla.
St. Pet(,l"Rhul'g-, Fla
Bradentown, Fla
Rarn.,sota, I la
Arcadia, Fla. ._

"3
" 4, G
_ "
7
"
k
"
n
1U

Fort !\Iyers. Fla.

Punta (;orda, Fla

Jan.

Fort Ogden. Fla

"
Lakeland. Fla.
A"on Park. l'la.
::\io()I'e HaYen, rIa.
'\'est Palm npuch. Fla. .. 17,

Key West, Fla.....

BROTHER C. ROBERTS

11

I"
14

15
16
IS
20

E1mva]e, Onto

Jan.

KIO~,:Z~7~~~O~~t:)~1t.

;;

Wia! ton. Onto

l\lar, Unto _._ ....

10

~1: t~
] fi

17

Owen Sound. Onto ._._.. "

Allenford, Onto

1~, ~o

" 21,:!:l

Harriston, Onto

..

ri~\I/;1\17\i::.:~~~1~nt.-

Forrh\'lch. Onto
..
'Yill~hatll, Onto ._ __
(jodel'it'h, Onto _
Seaforth, Onto

24
" 23,21
28
~9

::0

..

..

31

BROTHER J. W. COPE
Madison, Wis
Jan.
Monticello, Wis.
Gratiot, 'Vis.__
_
__ "
Dubuque, Ia.
Omaha Neb.
Denver: Colo
::
Colorado Springs, Colo.....

2
:1
4

6
7

12~'

Cripplp Creek. Colo... .. Jan.28

GoldfIeld. Colo. .........
29
Colorado Springs, Coin.
::;0
Trinidad, Colo.
31
'Yal,enbllrg-. Colo.
.... Feb. 1
Puehlo. Colo.
3
Holl~" Colo.
4

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
Atascadero, Calif
Jan.
Iii
Ran Luis Obispo. Calif."
16
Orcutt, Cnlif.
17
S~lnta Bnrhara, Calif
" 18,20
Santa Paula, Cnllf.
"
21
Eag-Ie Rock, Calif. ..... ..
22
Sawtelle, Calif.
23

Maywood. Calif.
Hawthn!np. Calif.
Long- Ileal h. en! f.
San Pedro. Cal:f.
Pasadena. Calif.
1II0nro\ in. ('alif.
Alhambra, Calif.

.....Jan.24

"

25

:;7
2S

~9'

30
31

BROTIIn: A. J. ESHLEMAN
Blrthrl/!;ht, Tex

Jan. 11, 13

Greenville, Tex.

"1-1 1 n

Lon,: Oak, Tex

Demson, Tex.
Sherman, Tex
Da lias. Tex.
Me Kinney, Tex

::
,

' 1j
17
1S
20. ~:l
:l1

BROTH~R

Scranton, 1'a
Tllroop, Pa.
Benton. Pa
.
Nflntif'oke, Pa
__ .
Hazleton, Pa
.
Mahanoy City, Pol
TRmaqua, Pa...

Jan. 23. 2-1

Teague, Tex

_ ..

2:l

~~~;iJ~.~:n;~~p~e~:__ :::::::~~~
Athens, Tex

Brownshoro. Tex
Tyler, Tex. .

~~

::
_.. "

:!B
:1O

"

_.. _._. "

~1

A. 1\1. GRAHAl\1

..1-In. 1 I
l!)

Jn
17

..

Normang-ee. Tex

1S
20
21

Pottsville, Pa.
....Jan. 22. ~:\
Shamokm, Pa.
"
:'-1
1\orthnml>prland, Pa.
25,:.!~
Dan"illp, I'a
_"
27
~')
Sunbury, Pa.
:~()
Selin"s Gro\'e, I'a.
McClure, 1'a
.
31

BROTHER W. J. THORN

~~1T~~~e?o:::::...:. .:. :......:J ~n'1 ~

Lornin. O....
R;m<lllsky. O. .....
FrPlllont. O. .
Fostoria, O.
~Iarion, O.

....

14
15
1n
17

J~~Il.I~'

nuelph

Ont
prpsto~, Onto .. ~:::::~:~~-:::::~::: :: 11~
qaIt, Onto . .. _
'J
~Iilton

West, Onto
Brampton, Onto
~Iarkham. Onto

..;.:
.. 1'(~
,

Stonffs\'ille. Onto
LindKay, Onto
CamPIon, Onto .II:llIh!ll'ton. Onto
I'pterhol'o, Onto
Ha\elotk. Onto
Smiths Falls. Onto

Jan.
17
,. 1 R. 20
" 21.23
23,:!7

2". ~i
'.11

unOTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Piedmont, Ala.
Boaz, Ala
..
Pell ('ity, Ala
.
Seddon, Ala
..
Lln~oln, Ala
.
Binnlngham, Ala..
Littleton, Ala
..

.ra".

14

., 1 ri, ] n
17

18
1f)
20
22

lI!onto;ompry. Ala

Jan.

f.;plma. Ala. _ ._

__.. __.. "

Xota~1I1g-a, ~\la.

._ .. _ "

C'olullJhll~. Ga..__
Seale. Ala.
Eufaula, Ala.
Clayton, Ala.

~.: .

Aberdeen. Wa,h

_. "

1S

Cincinnati, O. .__
Co,in~tnn. Ky
_
(;reenl-:bttl'1:. Ind. .

. "

Illdiana[Jolis. Ind..

"

25-27

~O

21
" 22,25

]'o",hattan. Knn
Horton, I\:an. _._

_.

Jan, 23
21

Kansas elf,V, 1\To

_.
LraYenwol'th. Kan. _
].awreucp. Kan.
Toprl\fi. Kun
'..
__.

Riley, Kan

27

2"
2!1
30

.Tan 31. Feb 1

BROTHER J. B. WILLIAMS
Drampton, Onto

Jan. 23

~[iIton. 0'11
Toronto. Onto ..
Pr0ston, Onto ..
Galt. Onto .......
Kit~hener. Onto

25
27
29
30
31

(~\l .... lrh.

~nt . _...

24

..: I
~;)

27
~S

:!9
30. 31

Jan.
.. _ _ ,.

15
16
J7
IS

Saulte Ste. lIIarie, Ont..Ian. 12.13

1Ilaelennan. Onto
"
1-1
\Yarl'cn. Onto
15
North Bay. Onto
"
17
Braeehridl"e. Onto
"
18
Orillia. Onto
"
20
Barrie. Onto
21

1.8S'A. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIESBy rl\eans of

Jan.14

Jan.
"
__ . "

:!o
21
22
23
24

\Vilmin~ton.

2(,

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Lynden, Wash

Jan.
"
_ _ "

Jeffprsnn City. Mo.

St. Joseph. Mo. .

8ROTHER W. M. HERSEE

Delaware. O
Lancaster, O

BROTHER T. H. THOR:\'TON
Indianapolis, Ind
Terre Haute, Ind
\'an<lalia. III.
East Rt. Louis, Ill.
St. Loui::-, 1\ro

Kltchener. Onto

l:l

22

Everson, \VRsh._.__....... "

15

Olympia. \Yu!-:h.

Belllnl';bam. Wash
_.......
Blaine Wash
_
,
Mt. Y~rnon. ""ash...._.._."
Tacoma, Wash. _
"
CMhIlJlA. Wasil.
_..

Hl
17
1S
20
21

LOllg- Rranell. Wash

.. 21.2ri
l'uyalIup, Wasil.
" 27,~~
Enumclaw, 'Va':.'h......._ It
~~
30
Stanwood, Wasb
..
Everett, Wash. _
Of
81

2:1

"The At-one-ment"

STUDY 2: THE AUTHOR OI<' TIlE ATONElIIENT

Week of Feb. 3
Q. 5965 Week of Feb. 17..
Q. 7380
eek of }<'eb. 10
Q.6672 Week of Feb. 24
_.Q.8187

Question books on "The Atonement," lOc postp,JCd

".'ltlC~fiiIjJ~1l1l9~~~lC ~{['lt1ij~Nn~1l)tt>
A~'W~mivng ~$~b.amd&~iSv,t~502"-I!ai~
VOL.

XLV

No.2

SEMI-MONTHLY

Anno Mundi 6052 -January 15, 1924

CONTENTS
MULTIPI,IED lIIERCIES OF GOD......._ _ _ ..... 19

Examples of Mercy
World ,",ot Ready for lIIercy
Center of God's lIIercy
l\len'J' and ~ot Snerihce..__
Vessels of Mercy
lIIercy for Those Who Seek
When ~fercy Is Dellled
In the ~lnltitude of Thy l\Iercy

19
20
21
22

_
_

~'!2

23
23
23

PnAYERl\18ETING TEXT Co~nIENTs....................2l)

"HE CARETH FOR You" (Poem)
_
26
THE FAILURE A~' KADESH ...................................... 27
JOSHUA AND THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN .............29
LETTERS FROM AFIELD ............................................31
REQUESTS FOR GERMAN PILGRIM ......................... 17

"I ",ill Rtand "pan my watch and u'lll Ret my 100.

upon the Tower, and ""II watch to Bee ,chat He wUI
.ay unto me, and ,chat anBwer I .hall make to them
that OIJPORe me."-Habakkuk f: 1.
_t: .

Qpan the eart~ dIotress of nations wit!, perplexity; the sea and the waves (the r~st1ess, discontented) roaring; men's hearts failing .them for fear and for lool<:nl te
the thinll:s comlnCl; noon the earth (society) i for the powers of the hCHvpns ('('p)pslabtl r sm) shall be shaken. . . When ye see these thIngs begIn to com6"o PaBS, theD
GOW

that the Km;:dom of God is at hand. Look up, lift lip your heads, rejOIce. fur your redemptIOn draweth nigb.-Matt. 24:33: Mark 13:29: Luk.. 21:25-3L

0_

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED 1\USSION

MS jourDlll Is
of the prime factors or instrument.," the system of Bible instructton, or. "SemllllU'T 1ilsteDstoa". IIOW' beIq
j)reseuted in all partB of the c1\"1lill8d world by the WATCH TOllo-"ER BIBLIll '" TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Pr0motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a claslf room where Bible students may meet in the study of the dime Word bat
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "PUgrilDl5", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean LeftsoD&" are topical- rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arranlfed, and vOl7
helpful to all who would merit the only hOIlOl'llry degree which the Society accords, \"iz., Verb. Dei Mim&ter (V. D. M.), which translated
into Engll8h Is Min4rier 0/ God'. Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is speclalJ,' for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some tbJa feature is considered indJ8pensable.
This ;Journal stands firmly for the defense of the oniy true foundation of the ChrIstian's hope now be11- 80 generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesas, who gave himself a ralla.tIl la corresponding prfee, a substitute] for
all". (l Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on thia sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11ll); 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mill8wn is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery Which has
heen hid In God, to the InteDi that now might be made Jmown by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"wbich 111 other acs
W&ll DOt made knOWll unto the SODS of men as it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, seets and creeds of men, while It seeks more and more to bring Its every utterance into fullest:
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed In the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
batJr epoken-accordlng to the divine wisdom r;ranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
fOll we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
ser1ice; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear In its columns must be according to our judgment of W.
lIood pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbullding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge OQ
ftllders to prove all its utterances bT the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such test1Dc.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

Irbat the church :\a. "the temple ot the Jiving God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that Its construction hall been In progress throuShout
the gospel age-ever .ince Christ beeame the world's Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, whell
finished, God's blesab)g shall COlD.' '''to all people". and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesisns 2: 2(J022;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
!1'lIat meantime the chiseling, shaping, and poUshJng of consecrated believers In Christ's atonement for sin, progrellllcs; and ",hell tbir
last of these "living stones", "eleet and precious," ~h~ll have been made ready, the great Master Workman wi:! brio,: ali togetht!ll"
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be 1.
. '.. his &lory, and be the meeti~ place between God and men throughoull
the lWliennium.-Revelation Hi: 6-8.
nat the basis of hope, for the church aad the -ld> liM ia the.ctact: that "lesus Christ, by the ~ of God, tasted death for "'tW'fI
man," "a ransom for all," and will lie "the- true light wb.1cb. JlChtetll- l!l~ man that comet,. Wo th' worl.", "in due tlllle".Hebrews 2: 9; lolID 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: II, 6.
'J'tIat the hope et the church is that she may be 1fk& heP LoN,. ..... him sa he is," be' part:alter of the divine Datura,' and share biI
glor,. 88 his joint-heir.-l .Tolm 3:2; lolID 17: U; B.....- It: 1T. 2 Peter 1: 4.Il'hat the preseot..JIIJaaIaa of..the. church is tile ~. .tbIc IlL tIa IIlliBts for tbe futua
of servI~,!O~develop III herself _ _
grace; to be Goci'a wtm-1II tlre-werld; uiii. at prepRa'1Gbeking;ll and' priutll bI tIl . - t qe.-p....'naD8 .: U; Matthew 24.
14; Reve1at1oD 1: CI; 20: 6.
ll'hat the hoPe fOJ' tbe-wwld liea,m the Ille
.
oppertuniq to . . bnudat.w..u. b~ ChrfBt'lllfiJJemdBt Idq'e., t:IIf
~ of. all tIIat ..... JaR mo
' ~'the
..11
aJlti obedlOllt, at tile luuWe 01 thel1' B - - . r and. JI1a 1fori1Ie 'c:IIiIIdIa
wIleD all tltlnrHf1d4r wieIIIIlt,wa _'Ii'.we;eli' Aeta a:
; IaJaIl all.

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&ifMlATCH TO\lVER
PRESENCE
AND HE~ALD OF CHRiSTS

VOL, XLV

JANUARY

15, 1924

,No.

MULTIPLIED MERCIES OF GOD

"Mercy unto you) and peace) and love) be multiplied.))-Jude 2.
HEN St. Jude addressed his epistle to the beloved of God, he held before them the godlike
qualities that they might learn and develop
the same qualities. Among these is mercy. The Psalmist
declares that the mercy of the Lord endures forever.
Mercy is defined as forbearance to inflict harm under
circumstances of provocation when one has the power to
inflict it. It is compassionate treatment of another. It
is pity put into action. While the first man must have
possessed this godlike quality in his perfection, through
the fall he has lost most of it, until we see little or no
mercy among the men of earth.
2Men with power exercise it in order to satisfy their
own selfish ill will. An instance of this was recently
marked by the act of a federal judge. A public official
had called attention to the fact that the decision of a
certain court was out of harmony with the interests of
the people and more particularly in the interests of selfish, heartless corporations. This official who had exercised his right of speech the judge sentenced to a term
in prison. This was the very opposite of mercy. Even
had the official who wrote the words been guilty of
wrong, the generous heart would have exercised mercy.
How differently our heavenly Father deals with those
who offend him I
sThe virtues of men increase slowly, and we mention
them by the relative process of addition. God's mercy
is multiplied toward us. St. Jude here urges that those
who are consecrated to the Lord should exercise the godlike quality. The apostle Peter says that as Christians
we should add to our faith fortitude, and knowledge,
and self-control, and patient endurance, and godliness,
and brotherly-kindness, and love. We cannot do this unless we also exercise the quality of mercy.
'The blessings of God are poured out upon his creatures. They are bestowed so lavishly that they are said
to be multiplied. We may expect, then, that if we strive
to conform ourselves to the divine rules of action the
blessings of the Lord, including mercy, will be multiplied unto us.
IlOnd is the fountain from which flow multiplied mercies, like the waters of a peaceful river. The prophet
of God wrote a song dealing with this fountain of mercy,

in which he says: "0 give thanks unto the Lord; for

he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Then the
Psalmist proceeds to say that Jehovah "alone doeth great
wonders"; that by wisdom he made the heavens and
stretched out the earth above the waters; he made the
great lights, the sun to rule by day, the moon and the
stars to rule by night, and his mercy endures for ever;
that it is this mighty God who remembered us in our
low estate, provided redemption for us, and feeds us
upon the food we need, and leads us into paths of righteousness. "0 give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his
mercy endureth for ever."-Psalm 136: 26.
6St. Paul tells us that no temptation comes to us' but
what is common to man; that is to say, the common
temptations of the world we must come in contal ~ \"ith.
In this hour of hatred and ill will, of cruelty aud oppression in the world, what an opportune time for the
Christian to consider the subject of mercy and to acquire,
insofar as it is possible, this Godlike quality I
TConcerning our great God his prophet writes: "Who
is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and
passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have com
passion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou
wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."Micah 'l': 18, 19.

EXAMPLES OF MERCY

80 ur first parents delibrrately violated God's la\\', snhjecting themselves to immediate destruction. It "'as the
mercy of God that permitted them to live on therpafter.
It was the mercy of God that preserved the life of Cain
and set a mark upon him lest he should be killed by any
of those who found him. Mercy spared Noah and his
family in the flood. It was the mercy of God that brought
Lot and his daughters out of Sodom. When Eliezer went
in search of a bride for Isaac. it is stated that mercy
directed his steps that way.-Genesis 24: 27.
9Jehovah is under no obligation to do anything for
either Jew or Gentile. His law having been infracted,
justice could claim the life of all. But he has expressed
his purpose of exercising mercy toward both Jew and
19

2Q

crt.eWATCH TOWER

Gentile in providing a pIan of redemption and deliverance for all those who will turn away from unrighteousness and do that which is right. He expresses his absolute right to bestow his mercy upon whomsoever he wills.
In bestowing this mercy he is not violating any of his
divine attributes. To Moses he said: "1 will have mercy
on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion
on whom I will have compassion."-Romans 9: 15.
10After Jehovah had led the children of Israel out of
the land of Egypt by the hand of Moses, a song of deliverance was sung unto the Lord, in which Moses referred to the mercies of God. In a more wonderful sense
will this be true in a future time, when the Lord has
delivered the people from the thraldom of Satan's empire and placed them upon the highw~ of holiness that
they may journey back to endless peace and hapI-iness.
IJ'hen in a truer sense can it be said: "Thou in thy mercy
hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed; thou
hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation." (Exodus 15 : 13) This will be true when the Christ
has guided the people who obey to the end of the Millennial age and the Lord Jelmvah has received them into
the blessedness of his eternal kingdom.
llMen are naturally narrow; and when mercy is manifested by them, it is often in a stingy fashion. The mercy
of Jehovah is abundan1ly manifested. "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteons in mercy." (Psalm 103: 8) "Jehovah is gracious, and full of
compassien; slow to anger, and of great mercy. Jehovah
is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his
works."--Psalm 145: 8, 9,.
12Concerning his mercy St. Paul says: "God . is
rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us."
(Ephesians 2: 4) St. Peter, extolling the mercy of Jehovah, says: ''Who according to his abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a hope of life by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1: 3) Truly,
then, plenteous, abundant, rich, great and tender are the
mercies of Jehovah.
13Moses was the mediator between Jehovah and the
people of Israel God's covenant having been made with
that nation through Moses as mediator. Moses was a
type of Christ, the Mediator between God and man,
through whom God will exercise his mercy toward the
world of mankind. When the spies were sent to spy out
the land, upon their return some of them presented an
untruthful report; and when Jehovah proposed to Moses
to smite them with a pestilence and to create a greater
nation, Moses appealed for forgiveness of the people in
the following words: " And now, I beseech thee, let the
power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is longsuffering, and of great
mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no
means clearing the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the
fathetBupon the children unto the third and fourth generation. Pardon, I beseech thee. the iniquity of this

lJaooKLYN.

N. Y.

people according unto the greathess of thy mercy, and

as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until
now."-Numbers 14: 17-19.
THE WORLD NOT READY FOR MERCY

HBefore man can receive and appreciate the mercy of

God he must be in a heart condition to appreciate it.
'l'he world of mankind, long under the dominion of the
oppressor Satan, has become exceedingly wicked. The
majority of the people have hearts of stone. But they
are now reaching their extremity. The hard trials and
distressing conditions upon the nations will put mankind
in an attitude of mind and heart to receive and appreciate the mercies of God. Their extremity will be God's opportunity. Then "God shall send forth his merey and
his truth." (Psalm 57: 3) Then the saying will become
true: "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness
and peace have kissed each othel'_ Truth shall spring out
of the earth [out of the heart-gardens of a renewed society] ; and righteousness shall look down from heaven
[from the new heavens, Christ and his bride]. Yea,
Jehovah shall give that which is good; and our land shall
yield her increase. Righteousness shall go forth from him
[Jehovah]; and shall set us in the way of his steps"those who observe and obey the rule of the Messiah.Psalm 85: 10-13.
1GGod's mercy is particularly made manifest during
the Gospel age toward .those who make a covenant with
him by sacrifice and diligently strive to keep that covenant. It is vitally essential that each one who will finally
enter into the kingdom shall develop and apply the
qUality of mercy. He must learn to apply it toward his
brethren in particular, and toward all as he has opportunity.
16God manifests his mercy toward those who will
compose the Christ; and then through Christ he will
show forth his mercy to both Jew and Gentile during
the Millennial reign of Christ. Concerning this St. Paul
says: "For as ye in times past have not believed God,
yet have now obtained mercy through their [Israel's]
unbelief: even so have these also now not believed, that
through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For
God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might
have mercy upon all."-,Romans 11: 30-32.
17Therefore the way for the Christian now to learn
mercy, and how it shall be applied, is to study carefully
and consider the mercy as manifested by Jehovah and
his beloved Son Christ Jesus toward those who seek to
know and do his will. To this end examples as given in
the Scriptures are herein set forth. The world has long
waited for the time when mercy and blessings will be
bestowed upon it. The peoples have groaned and travailed in pain, waiting for the manifestation of God's
mercy through the Christ, not knowing for what they
have waited. They soon shall know, because the kingdom
is at hand.

erneWATCH TOWER

l.tNUAIlY 15, 192;1,

1"J.laking his stand down at the beginning of the reign

of Christ when the means. by which Jehovah will bring
the ransomed race to himself begin to be clearly seen
by the peoples of earth, the Psalmist exultingly points
out that the long-expected mercy and truth have appeared, saying, "0 sing unto Jehovah a new song; f~r
he hath done marvelous things: his right hand [hIS
own great power], and his holy arm [the Lord Jesus,
stretched down to lift man up out of the pit], hath
gotten him the victory. Jehovah hath made known his
salvation: his righteousness [until then concealed] hath
he openly showed in the sight of the heathen. He hath
remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of
Israel: [on the principle of "to the Jew first," but subsequently] all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,
all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing
praise. Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp,
and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of
cornet make a joyful noise before Jehovah, the King.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and
they that dwell therein. Let the floods clap their hands:
let the hills be joyful together before Jehovah; for he
cometh to judge the earth; with righteousness shall he
judge the world, and the people with equity."-Psalm
98: 1-9.
HOPING IN HIS MERCY

19The coming reign of mercy and truth is for a special

class; it is not for those who invent and practise evil.
'rhe wise man asks: "Do they not err [against their own
souls] that devise evil? but mercy and tmth shall be to
them that devise good"-the good-hearted, those interested in their fellow men, the only ones fit to be saved
and the only ones that will be saved.-Proverbs 14 :22.
2It will be by that coming reign of mercy and truth,
and by the incident reverence of Jehovah in men's
hearts, that the earth will be cleansed of every evil thing.
"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged; and by the fear
of Jehovah men depart from evil." (Proverbs 16: 6)
And those who would be benefited by that reign should
embrace its principles and hold fast to them. "Let not
mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy
neck; write them upon the table of thine heart. So shalt
thou find favor and good success in the sight of God
and man."-Proverbs 3: 3, 4.
21As a truly great man is always merciful and could
not fail to take pleasure in those who have confidence in
him, because they know him as he is, so "Jehovah taketh
pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his
mercy."-Psalm 147: 11.
22Jehovah is specially watching out for the interests
of such, and in Psalm 33: 17-22 we seem to have a clear
indication that at the time in which we are now living
there are many who have such a hope. It will not be
merely because they have heard the message that "mil-

21

lions now living will never die" that they shall be spared
in the hour of darkness which is to cover all the earth,
but because their hope has been centered in Jehovah.
2a"A horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he
deliver any by his great strength. Behold the eye of
Jehovah is upon them that fear him, upon them that
hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and
to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for J ehovah: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall
rejoice in him; because we have trusted in his holy name.
Let thy mercy, 0 Jehovah, be upon us, according as we
hope in thee."
uOn his own behalf the Psalmist says: "1 am like a
green [young, vigorous] olive tree [which grows to be
thousands of years old] in the house of God: 1 trust in
the mercy of God for ever and ever." (Psalm 52: 8) He
was sure that he had put his trust in One whose mercies
never fail; he was sure that wherever he went all needful
provision for his protection and his welfare would be
made; for he says: "God is my defence. The God of my
mercy shall go before me"-preventing me from harm.
-Psalm 59: 9, 10.
THE CENTER OF HIS MERCY

25The center of God's mercy is Jesus. When Mary

knew that she was to be the mother of the world's Savior
she said of God: "He hath holpen his servant Israel, in
remembrance of his mercy." (Luke 1: 54) And when
Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, "was filled
with the holy spirit and prophesied" after John's birth,
he said of Jesus that his coming was "to perform the
mercy promised to our fathers" (Luke 1: 67, 72); -and
in most poetic and beautiful language refers to "thE>
tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring [margi~> sunrisingJ from on high hath visited us, to give
light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of
death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."-Luke
1: 78, 79.
26What was prophesied of our Lord as respects his
mercy was abundantly fulfilled at his first advent, and
will be still more completely fulfilled in his kingdom
now at hand. His whole ministry was filled with acts of
benevolence for the distressed and the unfortunate. The
people understood this very well; and it made them. long
for the coming of his kingdom.
21When the two blind men of Capernaum found their
way to Jesus in Capernaum, they were crying out after
him, as they followed him to his lodging, "Thou SOlJ
of David, have mercy on us." And what a mercy it was
to them, after the windows of the soul had been darkened perhaps for many years, to have them opened again
to see the beauties of the Lake of Galilee, the brooks and
fields and woods and rocks, the birds and beasts anJ
fishes, and the ever-changing panorama of the skies 1Matthew 9: 27-31.

'Ihe

WATCH TOWER

18An almost similar incident is that of Bartimams and

the other blind man sitting by the wayside near Jericho;
and "when they heard that Jesus passed by, they cried
out, saying, Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, thou Son of
David." (Matthew 20: 30-34; Mark 10: 46-52) In both
cases the needed mercy was forthcoming.
29When the ten lepers of the Samaritan village knew
that Jesus was passing through their community on his
way to Jerusalem, th('y knew that it was a possibility for
them to escape from their living death; and they lifted
up their voices in the cry, "Jesus, Master, have mercy
on us." (Luke 17: 11-19) The ten were cleansed, but
only one of them had sufficient gratitude to return and
throw himself at the Master's feet. The proportions are
no better today. The great multitude of even professed
Chridians receive the multiplied mercies and favors of
God with no thought whatever of giving themselves to
him in return, consecrating their all to his service.
BOThe Syro-Phumician woman met Jesus with the cry:
"Have mercy on me, Lord, thou Son of David; my
daughter is grievously vexed with a deviL" Jesus heard
her cry, even though she were not an Israelite, and
granted the mercy desired. (l\Iatthew 15: 22) A fath('r in
Israel addressed Jesus in similar language, for a similar
reason, and received a similar shadowing forth of the
mercies of the age that is to be.-Matthew 17: 14-2l.

MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE

8IWhile Jesus was at Capernaum the Pharisees criticized the Lord because he ate with publicans and sinners; but Jesus reproved them, saying, "They that be
whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But
go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy,
and not sacrifice."-Matthew 9: 12, 13.
82The Lord made another reference to this same prophecy (Hosea 6: 6), and quoted it again when on a later
occasion the Pharisees took him to task for allowing his
disciples to ''harvest and winnow" grain on the sabbath
day, their offense being the mere gathering of a few
grains of wheat as they passed through a field, and the
eating of them because they were hungry. (Matthew 12:
1-8) The Lord said that in doing this they were guiltless.
33Later the Lord reproved the same class (Matthew
23: 1-39) in the most severe language used during his
ministry; and the burden of his reproof largely rested
in the fact that these supposedly religious leaders of the
people were selfish, avaricious and merciless, paying attention to the little things but omitting "the weightier
matters of the law, justice, mercy, and faith."-Matthew 23: 23.
34Merciful as the spirit of our Lord Jesus must always have been, yet the Father knew that in his prehuman estate he could not be sufficiently so; and hence
"it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that
he m~t be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reeonciliation for the sins of
the people."-Hebrews 2: 17.

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

35The greatest mercies of Jesus are yet to come. All

that has gone before is but a foretaste of that which is
to follow. St. Jude admonishes: "Keep yourselves in the
love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ unto et~l'llal life." (Jude 21) The specific thing
for which the saints are to look is the Lord's glorious
appearing. (Titus 2: 13) The early disciples well knew
that the resurrection, even of the Church, could not take
place until Jesus should return; and that the world's
restoration must, as a matter of course, await the world's
Restorer. The early Church seems to have been blessed
with better reasoning powers than many professed Chris'
tians of today.
VESSELS OF MERCY

36The apostle Paul refers to the Church as "the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
even us whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but
also of the Gentiles." (Romans 9: 23,24) The Apostle
was one of these vessels himself. He never forgot that
he had at one time been a persecutor of God's saints;
and so he often referred to himself "as one that hath
obtained mercy of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7: 25), declaring that the reasons why mercy was ~T[I"trd to him
was so that he might thereafter be a pat
1 to other
believers (1 Timothy 1: 16), and because the persccutions were carried on by him in ignorance. (1 Timothy
1: 13) And in proporti.on as he had received mercy from
God he was extending it to those to whom he ministered.
-2 Corinthians 4: l.
87The Apostle knew full well that the salvation of
which he was an heir had come to him not because of
his faithful keeping of the law, nor because of works in
any other sense of the word; for he declares that it was
"not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
accrrding to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the holy spirit."-'l'itus
3: 5.
B8The apostle Paul was noble-minded; and nobleminded people are always grateful to others who have
ministered to them. How it warms our hearts toward
him, and toward Onesiphorus, too, when we read of how
all that were of Asia turned away from him when he
was imprisoned at Rome, with one grand exceptionl And
surely the Lord will grant the Apostle's request: "The
Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he
oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but
when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently,
and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may
find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many
things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest
very weIl."-2 Timothy 1: 16-18.
8The apostle Peter, the first one to bear the message
to the Gentiles, writing to the "vessels of mercy" scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and
Bithynia, tells them that they "are a chosen generation,

IdUAIlY 15, 1924.

cneWATCH TOWER

a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;

that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
which in time past were not a people, but are now the
people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now
have obtained mercy."-l Peter 2: 9, 10.
MERCY FOR THOSE WHO SEEK

,oThe Lord's mercies are specially for those who seek

his face; "for thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive;
and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon
thee." (Psalm 8G : [j) "For as the heaven is high above
the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear
him." (Psalm 193 : 11) "His mercy is on them that fear
him, from generation to generation."-Luke 1: 50.
HIt is when we come boldly to the throne of grace
that we "obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time
of need." (Hebrews 4: 16) It was when the Psalmist
said in despair: ":My foot slippeth," that "thy mercy, 0
Lord, held me up."-Psalm 94: 18.
~2There are other conditions attached to the bestowal
of God's mercies. They are for those'that trust in him
(Psalm 32: 10); for those t1:lat love him (Nehemiah 1:
5); for those that sow to themselves in righteousness
(Hosea 10: 12); for those that are led by the spirit
{Galatians 6: 16); and for those that are themselves
merciful.-Matthew 5: 7.
'3'l'he surest way that one can seek .mercy for himself
is to cultivate a merciful atUude toward others-to
show mercy and to show it cheerfully. (Romans 12: 8)
The wisdom that is from above is "full of mercy and
good fruits." (James 3: 17) "To do justly, and to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God"(~ncah 6: 8),
are the three prime requisites that Jehovah requires of
all; and the Lord's parable of the Good Samaritan shows
that the real kee,per of the commandment, "Love thy
neighbor as thyself," is the one that shows mercy toward
the unfortunate (Luke 10: 37) ; and this Hplics to the
spiritually unfortunate quite as much as to the phYRically unfortunate. (Jude 22) The wise man declares:
"He that followeth after righteousness and mercy, findeth life, righteousness, and honor."-Proverbs 21: 21.

21

brother his trespasses." (Matthew 18: 35) "For he shall

have judgment without mercy, that showed no mercy;
and mercy glorieth against justice." (James 2: 13) One
reason given for the approach of the time of trouble is
''because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of
God in the land."-Hosea 4: 1.
.sIt is possible for the Lord's mercy to be with a person for a time and then, when he has proven unworthy
of it, to have that mercy withdrawn, as it was in the
case of Judas and as it was in the case of King Saul.
There was a time when David was so troubled that he
could not commune with God (probably because of his
sin in the matter of Uriah) ; and he thought and questioned deeply whether he, too, had been cast off, though
he had not been. And when God had assured him by
Nathan (2 Samuel 7: 14, Hi) that he never would be,
then David pathetically said: "In the day of my trouble
I sought the Lord; my sore [wound in the hand, margin]
ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be
comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled>: 1
complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
[Stop and think.] Thou holdest mine eyes waking: 1
am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered
[tried to draw comfort from] the days of old, the years
of ancient times [GOd's dealing with the fathers in bygone years]. I call to remembrance my [own] song in
the night [when I was previously happy in the Lord] :
I commune with mine own heart, and my spirit made
diligent search [for a ray of hope]. Will the Lord cast
off for ever? and will he be favorable no more? Is hi,
mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for
evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he
in anger shut up his tender mercies?"-Psalm 77: 2-9.
wl'he Lord will not go out of his way to bestow his mercies upon those who love falsehoods and follow vanities
rather than realities, when the time has come for them
to know and to do what is right. As the Prophet puts
the matter: "They that observe lying vanities forsake
their own mercy." (Jonah 2: 8) It will be an everlasting
mercy to all who wish to be right and to do right when
those who wish to be wrong and to do wrong are forever
cut off; and David prayed for that time to come.Psalm 143: 12.

WHEN MERCY IS DENIED

44There is an opposite side to this. To deny mercy to

othrrs is to he denied it for oneself. The Psalm of David
which showed that another would take the place left
vacant by Judas, prophesied: "Let there be none to extend mere,' unto him: . . . because that he remembered
not to show mercy. but persecuted the poor and needy
man [Christ Jesus], that he might even slay the broken
in heart." (Psalm 109: 8, 12, 16) And in the parable of
the unforgiving servants, the one who withheld mercy
fr{)m his fellow servant had it withheld from himself in
turn. "So likewise shall my heaveuly Father do also unto
you, if ye from your heart forgive not everyone his

IN THE MULTITUDE OF THY MERCY

w'I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy

mercy," the Psalmist says (Psalm 5: 7) ; and that is
just how we come in. There is no other way in which to
gain an entrance into the house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. We are all objects of God's multiplied mercies.
48We have other treasures along with God's mercy.
Once the apostle John (2 John 3) bestows upon us God's
benediction of grace, mercy and peace; and three times
the apostle Paul bestows the same benediction. (1 Timothy 1: 2; 2 Timothy 1: 2; Titus 1: 4) And the Psalm.

rneWATCH TOWER
fst declares that "goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life."-Psalm 23: 6.
49probably David understood not what he uttered;
but we can now see that when he said, "Thy mercy, 0
Lord, is in the heavens" (Psalm 36: 5), the holy spirit
of God was looking down the stream of time to the
blessed hour whcn the risen Church of God, with Christ
their Lord and Hcad, shall begin the work of refreshing,
the work of raising up thc dead and dying race, bringing
them back to life, back into the image and likeness of
God.
50When that time comes the Gentiles will indeed "glorify God for his mercy" (Romans 15: 9); and fleshly
Israel and all mankind will see a new and deeper meaning in the Apostle's statement concerning his kinsmen
after the flesh, a meaning which we hope has been made
clearer to our rcadel'S as they have given heed to the
lesson wc have been studying together: "Blindness in
part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it
is written, There shall come out of Sian the Deliverer,
and shall turn away ungodliness from Jaeob: for this
is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their
sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for
your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake~. For the gifts and calling
of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past
have not belien~d God, yet have now obtained mercy
through their unhdicf: even so have these also now not
believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain
mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief,
that he might have mercy upon all. 0 the depth of the
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how
unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out !"-Romans 11: 25-33.
51Truly, 0 Lord, "thy mercy is great above the heavens" (Psalm 108: 4); and when we Sf>e the gracious
arrangements we can but echo for ourselvcs and for all
men the Psalmist's happy prayer: "0 satisfy us early
with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our
days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou
hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have sef>11 evil.
Let thy work [of blessing mankind] appear unto thy
lervants [<'agel' to get into it], and thy glory unto their
~hildren [all mankindl- And let the beauty of our God
)e upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands

BROOKLYN. N. Y.

upon us; yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it."
-Psalm 90: 14-17.
52A narrow-minded person is usually unmerciful. He
sees the high standard which another should measure up
to, but he never himself measures up to it. He does not
apprec!: i.~ the fact that it is impossible for him to measure up to the perfect standard, and hence he is unmerciful to those who do not come to the perfect mark. 'rhe
one of broader mind sees his own imperfections to a
larg n degree. He aT1preciates that he must go to the Lord
for mercy, and therefore he is anxious to develop the
quality of mercy and manifest it to\vard others. 1'he
more we understand and appreciate the character of God,
the more clearly we see the necessity of leaving judgment to him, dealing kindly and gently with all of our
brethren in particular and with mankind in gpneral, remembering the words of Jesus: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Wha t object had Jude In mentioning mercy as a godlike quality'
"'hat iR mercy? 11l.
How iR powpr RometillJe" wronA'fully exerPiRed? Oi"e iIIuRtration, 11 ~
How Rhonl(l the relative jn('rt?n~e of man's ,irtne~ be computed"J
fiod'R? What do .Tude and Peter urge upon tlw ChriRtian? 11 3, ,I,
Where Is the fountain of mercy? What <Ioes it do for UR? 11 5.
Is our day an especially propitious time in which to develop merc~'?
'II 6, 7.
Explain some notable examples of mercy. 11 8.
Is God under any obllA'ations toward humanity? What did God do
to manifeRt his m"rey toward mankind? 11 9.
When wiII Exodu" 15: 13 have its real fulfilment? 1110.
How does man exercl..e mercy In contraRt with Jehoyah? 'II 11, 12
Th"ough whom wiII God exerciRe his mercy unto man? How waR
this lIhl'trated in MORes? 1113.
What Is first necesRary for man to experience In order to appreciate
the mercy of God? 1114.
DO"R God exerciRe his mercy accordln!!: to a plan? 1115-17.
How r'oes the Psalmist speak concerning the coming reign of ChriRt'
1118.
'Vho wiII not fall to receive the blessinA's of mercy In the next ace'"
b it belleficlal to these to have reverence for God and exerc;
mer('y eyen now? 111922.
What are the advantages of putting trust and faith and hope in
.Teho\ah? 11 23. 24.
Whpre is the center of Jeho"ah's mercy? Quote proof texts. 1125, 2G.
In what way did Jesus show forth God's mercy? Cite Instances.
11 27-30.
"'hkh Is the more plea"ln!!: too God: mercy or Racritke? 11 3l.
Is it an Infringement of the Law to exerciRe mercy and jURtlce and
faith? '1132. 33.
Did JeRUR learn Rome of the superfine qualities of mercy while here
as a man? 1134.
Are the nlpetleR of this gracious attribute yet to shine forth more
resplendently? '1135.
Are there to be other vesselR of mercy heRldeR the Lord .TeRuR?
Who are they? IIfURt they needR be nohle-mlnded perRonR? 11 36-39.
ITow may we be the continual rpPiplents of the mercy of God, and
nnder what conditions? '1140-43.
What do we do when we deny mercy to otherR? GI"e example. . 1144.
Haying sought for and receiw>d the merc\' of God, Is it possible to
lose It? Under what circumstances? 11 45. 46.
How do we come into the mercies of the Lord? What other treasures are ours? 114749.
What are God's provisions for blessing Israel and all the families
of the earth? 11 50. 51.
Generally speaking what difference Is there between the narrowminded and the broad-minded peoples of earth? 'II 52.

THANKFULNESS
"I thank thee, Lord, that I have seen
A little of the light;
A glimpl'e of thy grf'at splendor through
The c:loom of earthly night
Has shone tnto my weary 80ul,
And made my way more brIght.

"I thank thee, Lord, that I havp

Beyond this life's brief span,
A glimpse of love divine that stooped
To rescue fallen man;
Great mystery of mysteries,
Once hidden In God's plan.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COM\1ENTS

TEXT FOR FEBRUARY 6

"He shall have dominion . .. from sea to sea."Psalm 72: 8.

HE kingdom of the Lord will be a universal kingdom. Expressed in symbolic phrase, it will constitute the new heavens and the new earth. Satan
has been the god of the old heavens and earth, which is
now being destroyed to make the way for the kingdom
of righteousness and glory. While Satan's empire has
extended over the earth, during all the time God had
some witnesses in the earth. During the reign of Messiah, the King of glory, Satan will not be permitted to
have any representatives in the earth; for he WI'11 be
restrained. (Hevelation 20: 1-3) The kingdom of righteousness will extend from sea to sea and from the great
river unto the ends of the earth, and in due time the
whole earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.
All kingdoms under Satan have been wicked, and the
laws thereof have been used to oppress many who loye
righteousness and to favor the ultra-wicked class. Un~er
the government of Christ the people shall be judged Impartially and with righteousness, and the ~oor with ju~gment; that is to say, by fixed rules of actlOn from whIch
there will be no deviation. Then every person shall stand
equal before the law. There will be no partiality shown.
The kingdom of the Lord will be a government administered in behalf of all the people, the wicked oppressors
shall be destroyed, while every righteous act will receive
.
.
a just reward.
Concerning the blessings that the people WIll enJoy,
the Psalmist in beautiful poetic phrase expressed it
thus: "He shall come down like rain upon the mown
grass, as showers that water the earth." Rain is symbolic of refreshing truths. No deception will be permitted to be practised there. It will be indeed a time
of refreshing. The people will be literally showered with
blessings. Rain upon new mown grass yidds a. sweet
perfume, pleasing and delightful to the soul. Everyone
EO blessed of the new government and responding to that
blessing will yield a sweet and pleasing perfume, making
joyful every righteous heart. Showers that water the
earih make it respond with gladness. Even so the blessinrrs of the Lord upon the people will make them rich
in'"'health, strength and peace, fill their hearts with gladness and their lips with songs of praise. From every
quarter of the earth the people will come to~ether to
praise him. They willirarn the truth and tell It to each
other. Then "tnIth shall spring out of the earth and
rirrhteousness'shalliook down from heavrn." Earth here
b
means
organized society, which will learn the truth an d
. h
speak the truth only and speak it in love. The ng teousthe
heavenly
phase
of
the
Lord's
kingdom
will
ness of
smile down upon them until it is truly realized that
"mercv and truth are met together; righteousness and
peace have kissed each other." The a:ffai?s of earth will

go on from good to better until everyone, from the

least to the greatest, shall know the Lord and thei?
tOlF'Ues shall sing praises to the glory of God.
rtLs is the blessed kingdom that the church is now
priyileged to annOllnce. This is thp ki~gdum of which
the faithful members no\\ on eal th WIll form a part.
Happy Zion, what a blessed lot is thine! Be of good
courage now and press on as the representatives of the
glorious King.
TEXT FOR FEBRUARY 13

h [J h h] h th
d h 'r of all tht'ngs"
"TV om e
e ova
a rna e et

-Hebrews 1: 2.
h

A N HEIR is one who rightfully comes into possession of that which at one time belonged to
another. The Lord's Word declares: "Thou hast
created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and
were created." (Hcvelation 4: 11) This is a very comprehensive statement and takes in everythi~g. The magnitude of God's universe cannot be approxImated by the
mental powers of man. For instance, one stan~ing on
Mount Wilson in the clearest of nights, and WIth the
naked eye looking into the heavens in the direction of the
constellation of Hercules, cannot see a single star of that
group. Applying the eye, then, to the gr~a~ telescope on
that mountain there bursts upon the VISlOn the most
marvelous group of bright shining stars, the brilliancy
of which dazzle the heavens. 'The constellation contains
many thousands of stars, yea, more stars than the naked
eye could behold during the entire night. T~e b.eauty
and brilliancy of this group of heavenly bodIes IS entrancing. Truly the heavens declare the glory ?f God;
but that glory is so far beyond human conceptlOn that
man in his imperfect state cannot know it. These things
were created for Jehovah's pleasure.
All the creatures of the universe--angels, cherubim,
seraphim, etc.-God has made for his own pleasure. All
the beauties and glories of the earth and the hidden
riches of the seas are likewise his. The perfection of the
human race reflecting the glory of the Lord will be likewise his. All these things the Scriptures declare shall
be possessed by the Lord Jesus Christ as heir of all
things. Then every living creature shall come and worship before him, for he is Lord of lords and King of
kings; and every tongue shall confess that he is the
Christ to the glory of God.
For the encouragement of the members of the body of
Christ while journeying the narrow way St. Paul, moved
If
by the power of the holy spiI;it, wrote:
] b "The
h 'spirit itse. h
[Jehovah's spirit, invisible power earet WItness WIt
our spirit [mental faculties] that we are the children of
Gild; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and
joint-heirs with. Christ." (Romans 8:.16, 17) Thus the
Lord assures hIS people that the faIthful ones of the
2G

28

CfheWATCH TOWER

chl1l'ch shall have the indescribable pleasure and blessing

of sharing with the Lord Jesus all the glories and beauties of Jehovah's creation.
Among many things which the Christ will be privileged to inherit, will be the restored race of human beings. Blessed will be that work. In that holy kingdom
of Christ they shall lead the obedient ones of the people
clear over the highway of holiness and at the end thereof
deliver them into the hands of Jehovah God. So thankful will the people be that they will sing the praises of
the Christ forever and ever. By faith now seeing these
marvelous things in store for the kingdom class, and the
blessings that shall flow out to those within the jurisdiction of the kingr'om, who now could refrain from
joyfully pressing 011 announcing to the world:, "The
kingdom of heaven is at hand/'
TEXT FOR FEBRUARY 2.

"And unto him shaU the gathering of the people be."

-Genesis lr9: 10.
rrnIS is a prophetic statement relating to the work
~ ~f the Christ. The time for this fulfilment is at
hand. It means that the peoples of every nation,
kindred and tongue, who desire and love righteousness,
shall be gathered unto the Lord. Jesus said: "And other
sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my voice and there
shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (John 10: 16) A
sheep is a docile, peaceable and teachable animal; hence
it is used to symbolize people that love peace and desire
better things. At all times there have been some of this
kind of people on earth but who have been deceived by
their leaders, or shepherds, yielding to the wicked and
seductive influences of Satan. These shepherds have
neglected the sheep and have permitted them to sicken,
suffer and die. The prophet of God, speaking concerning these false leaders, says that these shepherds have
fed themselves and not the sheep. "The diseased have ye
not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was
sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken,
neither have ye brought again that which was driven
away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but
with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And
they were scattered . . . and they became meat to all

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

the beasts of the field. My sheep wandered through

all the mountains [kingdoms] . . . my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth." (Ezekiel 34: 3-6)
Again God's prophet, seemingly looking down to the end
of the age, writes: "I did see all Israel scattered upon the
mountains [kingdoms], as sheep that have no shepherd."
(2 Chronicles 18: 16) When Jesus was here in the flesh
he saw some of these sheep scattered abroad without a
shepherd; and he was moved with compassion for them.
(Matthew 9: 36) Surely now is the day of joy in his
great loving heart when he comes to gathered these
scattered ones unto himself. For ages and generations
he has awaited Jehovah's good time to begin this blessed
work. Concerning that time the prophet of God wrote:
"As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he
is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out
my sheep, and will deliver them out of the places where
they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
And I will bring them . . . to their own land and feed
them upon_the mountail1s."-Ezekiel 34: 12,13.
Gathering the people unto him, the great Prince of
Peace will turn to all. the people the pure message of
truth, that they may all call upon hill name and serve him
with one consent. When Jesus was on earth great multitudes flocked to him to receive bodily comfort. This
was but a sample of the work of the Christ during the
Millennial reign. We can now, with a mental vision,
behold the teeming millions fleeing from their environment of sorrow and suffering and hastening unto the
great and loving King. Then the Christ will be a priest
unto them, ministering unto their needs. He will be a
Prophet unto them, teaching them the right way. He
will be a King unto them, ruling them with righteousness. Then the people will rejoice as they bask in the
sunshine of his love and praise their Prophet, Priest and
King. Now the whole world mourns; darkness covers the
earth and gross darkness the people. The Lord says unto
his people: "Arise and shine for thy light is come and
the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Hence the
blessed privilege of the remaining members of the body
of Christ on earth is to tell the message of peace and
consolation to the world, to bring- to them the glad tidings of salvation and to say unto them: Behold the King
of glory is here: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

''HE CARETH FOR YOU"

1 Peter 5:7

"Bow strong and sweet my Father's care I

The words, like music In the air,
<:lome answering to my whispered prayerHe cares for thee.

"Yes, keep me ever In thy love,

Dear Father, watching from above.
And let me still thy mercy prove,
And care for me.

"The thought great wonder with It brings.

My cares are all such little things,
But to this tl'11th my glad faith clings,
He cares for me.

"Cast me not off because of sin,

But make me pure and true within,
And teach me how thy smile to win,
Wbo cares for me."

THE FAILURE AT KADESH

--FEBRUARY lo--Nl;1>IBERS

13: 17

TO

14: 45;

DEUTERONOMY

1: 26-40---

KOSES PRAYS FOR REBELLIOUS ISRAEL-TWELVE SPIES SENT INTO CANAAN-THE OLDER ISRAELITES PERISH IN THE WILDEBNBSI
-IMPORTANT LESSONS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE TODAY.

"Jehovah is with

US:

fear them not."-Numbcrs 11, : 9.

ODAY'S lesson brings us to an event in the history of

Israel which much affected their relationship \\ ith God.
It was one of the kind which makp historr and change
the course of peoples. Arrived at Kadesh-barnea on the
border of Canaan, the children of Israel rebelled against
God, even to appointiilg a leader to take them back to Egypt.
The account in Numbers oniy sars such a suggestion was
made j but Nehemiah, when reviewing the incident, declares
that a rebel ieader was appointed.-Nehemiah 9: 17.
2The children of Israel were alJout eleven months at Sinai
-an important time in their history, and indeed so to all
the human family, from whom in considerable measure they
were separated. On the ~ew Ypar's day the Tabernacle had
been set up, and the consecration of the priests begun. For
seven days they were in the court, separate from their people, learning ail the particulars necessary to the proper execution of their duties. On the eighth day they were accepted
of the Lord, and the ministry of the Tabernacie began. Then
as soon as convenient after the keeping of the Passover feast,
Israel was prepared for the march to Canaan. On the twentieth day of the second month, In the second year, the pillar
Of cloud which rested over the Tabernacle moved (Numbers
10: 11), an instruction to Israel to follow; and the journey
to Canaan was begun.
3The first occasion of the moving of the ark was used by
Moses to signify what this meant in the purpose of God.
He knew that Israel represented more than the fact of God
blessing the people of his choice, and that ultimately God
would bring ail the world into subjection to his holiness j
and in these movements of the ark he saw the future movements of God against his enemies. Mosf's well understood
that the nations of earth were opposed to God. As the ark
moved forward .Moses, in prophetic song of triumph said:
"Hise up, Lord, and let thine enpmies be scattered; and let
them that hate thee flee hefore thee." And when the ark
rested he said: "Return, 0 Lord, unto the many thousands of
Israel,"-Numbers 10: 35, 36.
MOSES PRAYS FOR REBELLIOUS ISRAEL
'The way of the wilderness was hard. Moses said of that
partiCUlar journey that it was "through ali that great and
terrible wilderness." (Deuteronomy 1: 19) At Sinai Israel
had a comparatively eas~' time, Intended for their recuperation after the weariness of Egypt. The cool of the mountains
had been pleasant. Now, In this barren and hot journey,
thl'ou;:;h a no-man's land (and therefore one which saved
them from the need of attacking enemies or of being attacked by them), the people bE'~an again to complain. Then
the mixed multitude that went out of Egypt with Israel
"fell a lusting"; and Israel, ever ready to complain, also
cried out for a change from the manna and for the tasty
food thE'Y had enjoyed in Egypt. The people fell to weeping
about their hard condition, and the anger of the Lord was
kindled greatly. Moses was also much disturbed in spirit,
and he cried to the Lord because of the care and burden of
this ungrateful, forgetful people. (Numbers 11: 10-15) Jehovah heard Moses' cry for reliE'f; and seventy elders of the
people were chosen, to whom God gave of the spirit of l\IO!"es,
that they might share with him as caretakers of the people.
God also heard the cry of the pE'Ople for meat; and he gave
it to them in such plenty, and they ate so greedily, and for
27

so long a time-a month-that a plague broke out and man1.

died.
5.l\firiam spoke to Aaron about Moses, and they together
complained against him because of the Ethiopian woman he
had married. Because of this God smote Miriam with leprosy. Moses had trouble enough to bear without these who
were in responsible positions and high places making complaint about him; and God wouid not have his servant eviUy
spoken of. God declared that his servant Moses was special
amongst all his servants, inasmuch as God would not speak
to Moses by vision, but mouth to mouth, apparently; that is,
openly, not in dark speeches. In other words, God spoke with
Moses, and together they held conversation as friend speaks
with friend. (Exodus 33: 11) On Moses' prayer Miriam was
healed. but she had to be kept apart seven days for cleansing.
6In time Israel arrived at Kadesh-barnea, on the south
border of the land of promise. Deuteronomy 1: 2 says that
it was eleven days journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea:
but it is evident that this great host did not and could not
complete that journey in so short a time. Indeed, as afore
noted, they were on that journey a whole month, during
which time they were eating quails.
TWELVE SPIES SENT INTO CANAAN
'Moses now urged the people to go forward in the strength
of the Lord (Deuteronomy 1: 21); but they showed that
they were not prepared to foliow the pillar of cloud and
fire. They determined to send spies into the land to report.
From a human point of view this seemed to be a reasonabie
and proper precaution; but in their circumstances Israel was
not called upon to reason, but to follow the light, for theIr
circumstances were in Jehovah's hands, and were outside
human reasonings. They took this matter to Moses, and he
took It to the Lord. The Lord instructed him to send one
representative man out of each of the twelve tribes, Levi
not included. The spif's were away forty da~'s. It may be
held as a certainty that doubt grew In those days of waiting; for the idea of sending spies was Qorn of doubt. Days
of waiting upon God in faith develop character, but days of
waiting through lack of faith increase doubt and develop
fear.
sThe spies brought back glowing accounts of the fertlllty
and productiveness of the land; they showed samples of figs
and pomegranates, and a bunch of grapes which could be
carried safely only on a pole borne by two men. But teo of
the spies were of one mind to discourage their pE'ople from
going forward. They said that the inhabitants of the land
were strong, that the cities had walls which reached to heaven, and that they had seen giants; and they l;uggf'sted that
Israel was quite unable to cope with the diffiCUlties to be
met. The spies made the people afraid, and they wept all
that night. (Numbers 14: 1) It was a dangerous time for
Israel. And though Caleb and Joshua tried to move the peapIe from their fears, and reminded them that their dim.
culties were as nothing to God, Whose people they were, and
who had taken upon him!lelf the task of giving them the
land, the people fell before the evil suggestions.
0A return to Egypt was actually eontemplated, and al'rangements begun. They went to the length of ,appointing
a captain, one who should stand instead of Moses. Here Was
rebellion against the revealed will of God. In their fear, anti

rtheWATCH TOWER
their feeling of having to suffer hardships, and In their desire for self-indulgence, all their sufferings In Egypt were
forgotten. In their foolishness they also forgot that their
freedom had almost caused the destruction of Egypt; and
that Egypt would not welcome them, but would treat them
as enemies. This rebellion of the people vitally affected their
relation with JehoYah. The Lord said that they had now
sbmed ten times against him, and that they shouid know hls
breach of promise, or alteration of purpose. (Numbers 14:
84, margin) God was ready to destroy this rebellious peonIe;
and he offered to Moses, as once before at Sinai, that Moses
should be the progenitor of a new race of seed of Abraham
--God would fulfil the promises in him. But Moses pleaded
for Israei( and used God's own words (Numbers 14: 18);
and judgment was tempered with a measure of forbearance.
THE OLDER ISRAELITES PERISH IN THE WILDERNESS

lOThe sentence now was that all who were twenty years
of age when they left Egypt, save,Coleb and Joshua (who
of the spies had been faithful and Joyal to God, and whom
the people wen! ready to stone to death), should die in the
wilderness which they in their unbelief said would be their
death. They were to wander in it forty years, a year for
every day of their disobedience and unbelief waiting while
the spies were away. A plague broke out, and the ten spies
of evil heart perished by it. The sentence fell hard upon
Israel, but it did not soften their hearts. They were still
rebellious; for now, when God said that they should wander
in the wilderness, and the fooUslmess of appointln/ra captaiD
to lead them back to Egypt was apparent to them, they d&termined to go forward into Canaan. They said that they
had sinned, but they showed no repentance. Whatever God
said they should do, they were read3 to do the contrary.
An attempt was made to pusll forward. But the Amorites,
who dweit in the highlands, came down upon them in force;
and as the people had no faith in God, and as God did not
fight for them, they fled before their enemies as l\ man flees
when chased by bees (Deuteronomy 1: 44), back into the
waste howling wilderness. They quickly proved they could
not take the land without God's ald.
llThis decisive and calamitous rebel action could not have
happened apart from pre-dlspos~ Cl.lJRS. They had never
been grateful to God for their deliverance from Egypt, and
in God's forbearance with them in their murmurings they
had not once expressed sorrow or repentance. It was their
constant readiness to find fault which paved the way for the
rebellion. An ungrateful heart ever makes a highroad for
the enemy. In the days after Sinai Israel were really deciding their way. After the manifestations there they ought to
have been ready to trust God under all circumstances; but
they acted as If they thought they were doing God good
service by being ready for the manifestation of his power
and his favors. They did not realiu that God was proving
them to try their hearts.
IMPORTANT LESSONS FOB GOD'S PEOPLE TODAY

12Here are Important lessons for all the Lord's people.

God's mercy endures for those who seek his face (Psalm
103: 17, 18), but it does not continue to come upon those
who are Indifferent, or who are at heart opposed to his will

"No, Lord, It cannot shortened be,

That hand which plagued the Egyptian race,
Which brought thy people through the sea,
Which led them through the wildemes&,
Which hath to us so oft.!ln gina
Drink from the rock, and bread frOID hea~en.

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

As to forgiveness of faults, Jesus said that his disciples

should forgive till seventy times seven if forgiveness were
sought; but these people were rebellious, and neither sought
forgiveness nor desired it. Their hearts ,vere rebellious
against their gracious God, a very different condition of
heart from that of an erring brother who foolishly continues
to make mistakes. It is true that when they were refused
to go forward Israei wept before the Lord, but these were
not tears of sorrow and repentance, but, like Esau's were
tears of vexatlon.-Deuteronomy 1: 45.
13Israel at Kadesh in wanting to have the land spied out
for them and in refusing to follow the light, correspond with
those who in these days when the Lord has so clearly shown
his purpose, wish to "examine the matter" to see whether or
not things are in accordance with their ideas of what ought
to be, who bring reason to bear upon the Lord's dealing. The
Lord always l~ads his people aright; and if he has shown
that he is leading, reasoning is out of place. Those who in
these daJs of his presence have neglected the plain evidence
that the Lord is leading his people, and who for their own
assurance have sat down to inquire. have usually sat until
the march has gone past them; and they are left to their
doubt. They are also an example of those who, doubting
the Lord's way, set up leaders for themseives. Israel also
here stands out as a marked example of those who have
been recipients of manifest favors of God, and who despise
them-who are pleased enough to enjoy the blessings of God,
but who want them for themsel~es and not for hiB praise.
1I'In figure these people rejected the laftd of promise, the
hope of God's people. even though they had not entered it.
God is not bound to give anyone a resurrection from the
dead in oroer to prove whether or not he is worthy of death.
Every true spiritual Israelite seeks so to keep the purpose
of God before him, so to conform himself to" the will of God,
so to profit by these exampies of unbelief, as to be like Caleb
in his reward. "But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with hUn. and hath followed me fully, him will
I bring Into the land whereinto he went; and liis seed shall
possess it."-Numbers 14: 24.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Where are tbe Israelltu In tod&7'a.1eEoD 1 What twe foolish things
did they do? , 1.
How long were the Israelites at Sinai? What did they do on their
New Year's day? Why did they move from Sinai? , 2.
What did the moving of the ark signify? '1\ 3.
How does Moses describe the wilderness? How did the Israelites
conduct themselves? , 4.
Who were now setting themselves up as judges of Moses? What Is
evidently the meaning of GOd spealdng to Moses mouth to mouth?
, ll.
How long a trip was it from Horeb (Sinai) to Kadesh-barnea? 'Ij 6.
How did Moses honOl' the Lord? How were the rebellious hearts
of Israel stlll manifeBt7 LiBtening to their whims, what did God
now do? , 7.
What kind of report did the spies bring to Israel? , 8.
In view of the majority report, what did they contemplate dolnlr?
What was God's proposition to Moses? Did Moses prove him"clf
a worthy mediator? , 9.
In harkening to Moses's pleadings what did God decide to do as
a punishment? When Israel saw their lin, what did they fail to
do? 110.
What Is the punishment to oneself tor Ingratitude? Was God longsull'erlng? , 11.
Upon whom are the mercies of God specially bestowed? What kind
of tears did Israel shed? , 12.
Who are the rebellious-hearted of our day? Can the selfishly in.
cllned prosper in the Lord's way? , 13, 14.

"That haLd hath opened wide mine eyes;

That hand, which now by faith I see,
Measures the 1l00ds and spans the skies,
.And graspi the winds, and covers me I
It brings the blind through way unknown.
It hf>1ds, 1t lifts me to a thrOll.e."

JOSHUA AND THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN

--FEBRUARY 17--JOSHUA 1: 1 TO

11: 23, 24----

CROSSING THE JORDAN INTO CANAAN-8UN AND MOON HID FROM VIEW-JOSHUA AND CANAAN IN ANTITYPE.

"Not OM thmg MtA fa4k1d of

au t1l.e good, thill,gs

which Jehovah flour God 8pake concerning lIou."-JQ/111.1Ua 2~: 1'"

DR study covers the whole of the book of Joshua, and

therefore includes the conquest of Canaan and its dlvijlion among the tribes, and Joshua's covenant with
the people in his last days. The Israel which was led into
the land by Joshua was very different from that which was
led out of Egypt by Moses. Moses led out an ungrateful,
unresponsive people j but it was an eager people that Joshua
led through Jordan. The sentence which Israel had brought
on themselves at Kadesh was carried out. (Numbers 32: 13)
The people fell by the way, and their children took their
place. From that which may be called a human point of
view, this sad circumstance was rather a gain to Israel, inasmuch as in the very strenuous work of the six years of
conquest there was a young and strong generation ready
for the work. The younger men would, of course, have been
there with Joshua just the same if the dread sentence had
not needed to be carried out; but as it was, it so came about
that J<lshua had an army of men all able and free to go
to the war. Apart from the fact that the older generation
bad tllways lacked faith and energy, it is clear these would
have been a care upon Joshua, and to that extent a hindrance la the warfare. Go4 had this work done by a comparatively f{)ung and active people.
~Lack of faith was the great fault In the people woo Weftl
brought out of Egypt. (Hebrews S: 19) They saw much but
believed little: for their hearts were hard. An ungratefui
heurt is a great destroyer of faith; for the hope of the future
Is JORt in dissatisfaction with the present. There aN some
things in human life which are positive desuoyers of faith.
Je;;us said to the Pharisees: "How can ye believe who r&ceh-e honor one of another, and seek not the honor that
cometh from God only?" (John 5: 44) Those who seek honor
from their fellows effectually close the door on falth, and it
seems as certain that an ungrateful heart does the same.
3'rhe generation which left Egypt had been born and reared
in slavery, and it was difficult for them to grasp the opportunities of free men and to use these properly. Their minds
were too sluggish. The power of habit could not be tllrown
off in a day. The younger generation who were led into the
land under Joshua, has either iost or never had the keen
memory of the indulgences of Egypt. The past faded from
them j the future was before them. The defiling effects of
Egypt did not hinder them j and the hope of the rest of God,
Which was set before them, made them ever ready for their
work. It is evident that the trials of the wilderness had a
better preparatory effect upon that generation than the bondage of Egypt had on their fathers.

CROSSING THE JORDAN INTO CANAAN

When, a month after the death of Moses, the time had

come for the Israelites to enter into their Jund, God com
missioned Joshua for his work, and said: "As I was with
Moses, so I wlll be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Joshua 1: 5) Although Joshua was leader of the
host of Israel against Amalek when first that nation fought
against Israel soon after their deliverance from Egypt, he
does not seem to have been of a military disposition. But
God encouraged and strengthened him; and he, ever ready
to seek the will of God, sought earnestly to be obedient. He
was always ready, and never faltered. Surely it was the oft
repeated "Be strong and of good courage" whlcl1 enconra~
him.-Joshua 1:6,1.
lit

5There seems to have been no special instructIon as to how

the chlldren of Israel were to pass through Jordan, then
swollen by the melting of the snows of Lebanon ~ Joshua S':
15) j for the plllar of cloud no longer led the way. Joshua
ordered tbat the ark of God shOUld go first. The people
were to wait about half a mlle behind until the way was
opened for them. The priests stepped forward with the ark;
and as soon as the feet of the leading priests touched the
brim of the river, the water receded. That on their left
flowed onward to the Dead Sea j that on their right rolled
back on itself and filled up the valley of the Jordan for
many mlles. The Psalmist says of this: "What ailed thee,
.. thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?"-Psa.114: 5.
6The people passed through' the valley of the river Into
the land of promise on the tenth day vf the first month. As
soon as they were in the land, the Lord ordered that all
the males should be circumcised j for the covenant of whim
circumcision was the sign (Joshua 5: 7) had been in abeyance in the wilderness. God could not give the inheritance
to an uncircumcised people, nor could the PIlSSO'Y'et' feast be
shared by any save the circumcised. (Exodu 12: 48) The
fear of God wall on the nations roond about whim they heard
of the passage through the swollen river, and they were thus
kept from attacking or harassing I1rael at that time. Joshua's first attack was on Jericho. It was done in anything
but mllltary style, except for the fact that Israel marched as
an army. They marched not against the city but around it;
they went and came. On the seventh day the walls of Jericho
fell according to the word of the Lord. and Jericho was
razed to tile ground.-Joshua 6: 24TIn the second attack, on the city of .A.1, Israel tIed before
the men of .A.1; and thirty-six Israelltes were smitten. In
shame, and sorrow, and in wondering fear Joshua and the
elders of Israel fell on their faces before the Lord. Had the
Lord forsaken them so soon? This untoward circumstance
was discovered to be the result of the sin of Acball Who,
b~irtg taken by lot, was found to have seized .some spoil from
Jericho. He was'destroyed with his family and all his posReSsions.
SUN AND MOON HID FROM VIEW

SAfter Jericho had fallen, and Ai had been taken, the

Gibeonites and some others with them, who lived in the hill
country not far away, came to Joshua with a lle in their
mouth, in their hand, and on their feet (Joshua 9: 3~5), to
say they wanted to make an alUance with Israel. Joshua
and the elders, accepting their statement, were deceived j
alid an alliance was made. When the deception was discovered, the agreement was adhered to, but the Glbeonltes
were forever bound to service in Israel. They were given
to the Levites for the service of the altar. This roused
Adoni-zedec (lord of righteousness), king of Jerusalem, to
make a confederacy with four other kings j and jointly they
made an attack upon Gibeon. Gibeon sent urgently to Joshua j and he marched all night to the rescue.
9Joshua was ready for his attack just as morninr was
dawning, and ere the moon had set in the west. His force
was probably smaller than that encamped about Gibeon;
and he preferred the darkness of the night father than the
llght of day. Boldly he bade the sun and the moon be silent,
or not to shine (as the Hebrew dtmWlm slgn11les) : and darkness immediately covered the heavens. God answered JOshua

so

rrheWATCH TOWER

by a thunderstorm. The confederate armies were thrown

Into a panic, and ftpd down the long mountain passes on the
west. Heavy hailstones fell from heaven and slew more
than had Joshua's army. (Joshua 10: 11) Gibeon was ft'eed;
but by this victory the whole of the south laml came under
Joshua's control. Thus the confpderucy, so strong in appearllnce, proved to be one of the best aids to Joshua.
l0800n another combination was formed against Israel,
this time under the lead of Jabin, kirlg in the lIorth. It was
much more formidable than the pl'el'ious one led by the king
of Jerusalem, but it al~o s('l'\'e(1 the Lord's purpose; for their
defeat meallt the subjugation of all the northern territory.
These comhinations merely meant that all the enemies of
[srapi stood up together in order that they might fall with
)lie blow. After six years of strenuous fighting Canaan was
so far conquered as to allow of Its division amongst the
tribes; for each tribe was powerful enough to complete the
~onquest of its own territory.
11Two sets of t~'pes are to be seen In these things. In one
Israel represents the Lord's people entering the rest of faith
under their Joshua. Jesus, as is shown by the Apostle in
Hebrews 4: 8, margim: Jesus, the church's .Joshua. leads his
people into the rest of the I1fe of faith. The rest of faith
is not idleness; fOI' though those who enter It enjoy rest of
heart and the peace of God, they like Israel must fight, must
conquer the fallen nature, so Wf'lI reprf'sented by the seVf'n
nations of Canaan, If they would Inherit the final and full
rest of the divine nature. It was long ago suggested that as
there are seven cardillal virtues, so there are seven deadly
sins: Pride, avarice, envy, hatred, appptite, sloth, luxurysome of the spirit, some of the flesh. See 2 Cor. 7: 1.
JOSHUA AND CANAAN IN ANTITYPE
12'1'0 the Lord's people Jordan rf'presents consecration, even
as it did to .Jesus; and the land of promise. the life of consecratlon; and the measure of rest and blessing which the
child of God receives Is according to the measure of his endeavor and his faith. To Israel it was said: "Every place
whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours"
(Deuteronomy 11: 24) ; that is, wherever in faith ~-ou seek
to make this land your own, it shall be to you for an inheritance. Even so the largpness and fullnf'Ss of the consecrated life depf'nd upon the Christian's faith, and upon
his endeavor to live out that I1fe and to make all the promises of God apply to himself.
18The other picture is a representation of God leading his
forces for the establishment of his kingdom. It Is pointed
out particularly by the Prophet (Habakkuk 3), and is
clellrly seen In the light of the fulfilment of prophecy.
Standing on his watch-tower he sees Jehovah doing on a
much grander scale that which the Lord did whpn he
brought Israel out of the wilderness into the land. The
Prophet speaks for the church of this day. These see that
God has again manifested himself, ac('ording to his \YOI'd
through the prophets. He has stood and has measurell the
earth; and the great kingdoms are falling before him (Habakkuk 3: 6), even as the seven nations of Canaan fell before Joshua. It is the priYilege of the Lord's servants at
this time to follow the lead of their Joshua, the retul'ned
Lord, and in faith and without fear to go for\fard till all

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

his work is done. And no one acquainted with God's provldences can fail to see a correspondency in the two armies.
Now, as then, the energy and earnestness .of ~:outh are,. neeessary for the Lord's work; and he has so provided.
14The deff'at of the combination against Gibeon seems particularly typical. It is almost certain Isaiah makes reference
to it when he says of the time when God will arise: "He
shall he wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do
his work, his strange work; and bring" to pass his act, his
strange act." (Isaiah 28: 21) Habakkuk, refprring to this
incident, writps as if the glittering of the spears of Israel
had made the sun hide its head (Habakkuk 3:]]) ; even as
now the light of the truth when God establishes his kingdom
puts to shame and causes the darkening of all other lights.
15At the end of his da~'s Joshua called Israel to 8hechem.
He remembered the wilderness journey and all the disaffection of Israel; and better than anyone else he knew their
wf'akness. He reminded them that not one good thing which
God had promised had failed, but that tribUlation was just
as certain if they did not keep the covenant. He cau>;ed them
there and then to renew their covenant with the Lord: Probably he saw that the remnant of the Canaanites, whom the
tribes were allOWing to remain in their midst, wouid become
a temptation to them.-Joshua 24: 1-25.
16Fidplity to the Lord and to the privileges of service Is
the outstanding feature of Joshua's charalter. WIlen appointed leader, the Lord told him to meditate In his Word
day and night. (Joshua 1: 8) No doubt he would have been
glad of the pillar of cloud to tell whpn and where to go;
but its work was done. There was enough written of the
Word of the Lord to guide him, and Joshua hf'comps a type
of the man who prospers. (Psalm 1:2) He is therefore a
type of .Jesus, whose name he bears (Hebrews 4:8), both In
his earthly ministry, and of the Chur('\1 under the lead of
the Lord on his return. Joshua was the first leader in Israel
to be guided by the revealed Word.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Who succeeded lIfoses? How was It that Israel now was such a
different people? ~ 1. 3.
What was Israel's great fault? Is destruction of faith an easy
matter? 11 2.
Was Joshua of military disposition? How did God encourage him?
~ 4.
What was Joshua's procedure In crossing the swollen .Jordan? ~ 5.
On what day did Israel enter the land of promise? Why were the
males eir~umclsed? Upon what city did Joshua make his lirst
atta~k? ~ 6.
Upon what city was his second attack? Why did it turn out rather
disastrously? 11 7.
What Is the explanation of the faet that the Gibeonltes wanted to
make an alliance with Israel? Did Joshua break the agreement?
~ 8.
What notable thlBg did the faith of Joshua prompt him to do. and
just what was done? \I 9.
How did the ne"t l'omhination whleh formed against Israel turn
out for Israel's benefit? ~ 10.
What mllst he do who has ~ntercd the "rest of faith"? What may
be said to be the seven cardinal sins? ~ 11.
What does Jordan represent? The land of promise? Joshua? And
\\"hy? 'II 12.
What other lesson may be drawn? Is It by chance that so many
~'oung people are In the truth? 11 13.
In what way Is the defeat of the combination that came against
Gibeon typil>al? 11 14.
What did Joshua do In his old age for the special good of Israel?

'IJl5.
What Is the outstandln~ feature of Joshua's character? What particular thing was Joshua's guide? In what was he the tlrst? 116.

THE CHURCH MILITANT

Nehemiah 8:10
"Lord, gladly will we walt thine own good time,
(For oil of joy' is won by sacrifice!)
The day is holy; resting would be crime,
And yielding up the pearl of utmost price!

"And so with one accord we onward press:

(Our 'joY' becomes the 'stronghold of the Lord'!)
The King Is here! His kingdom ('omes to blpss
Those who shllll conquer with hill mighty sword I-

LETTERS FROM AFIELD

CHRONOLOGY CONFIRMED BY RETURNED VESSELS
[The following letter was received from two brethren in
Ohrist. Whether or not the number of vessels had any
significance we are not certain. We simply publish it as
Interesting, without comment.]

bel' of years from the ratification of the Abrahamic Covenant, in 2035 B. C., to the time when Abraham will inherit
the promised land, in the spring of 1926. (2,034% plus
1,92514 equals 3,960.) See Z. 1920, pp. 204, 205.

ENCOURAGED BY PARABLE EXPLANATION

When Cyrus issued his edict for the Jews ro return to
DEAR BROTHER RUTHEBFOBD:
1erusalem, in 536 B. C., the following vessels were ordered
Many, many times, as I have read the wonderful articles
to be restored to Sheshbamar, the prince of Judah: 30
chargers of gold, 30 basins of gold, 1,000 chargers of silver, of the WATCH 't'OWER, I have felt that I must write and
1,000 other vessels, 29 l.11ives, 410 silver basins of a second tell you how much they mean to me, but have heretofore
sort, which makes 2,499 vessels. But the total number refrained, because I knew that you were so busy and felt
returned was 5,400 vessels; therefore there were (5,400 less that I would not do right to lay even the extra burden of
2,499) 2.001 vessels which were not enumerated as to reading a letter upon you. But today, when I read that
wonderful article regarding the Wise and Foolish Virgins,
kinds.-Ezra 1: 9-11.
We note that the 2,499 vessels correspond to the number I must break over.
This article has stirred me to the very depth of my being.
of years from 625 B. C., when the last typical jubilee Was
I have read it three times today and my heart leaps and
celebrated by the Israelites, to the Yffir 1874, when the
bounds in praise to the dear heavenly Father for the wonantitypical gold and silver vessels (truths of divine and
spiritual promises) were restored to the antitypical temple derful way he is leading us on, unfolding his plan little by
little. for our encouragement.
class, the church, at the end of the 1,335 da~'s of Daniel.
Nineteen twenty-three has been indeed a trying year, and
Adding the 29 plus 30 plus 30 vessels gives 89, which
correspond to the Humber of years from the celebration of yet what blessings! As we try' to advertise the King anfl
the last typical jubilee in 625 B. C. to 536 B. C. Or, taking his kingdom, how puny our efforts aU seem! But just wlwl.
the 410 plus 1,000 plUS 1,000 gives a total of 2,410 vessels, we are most discouraged, along comes the \VATCH '1'0 \\'E Il
which is the same as the number of years from 536 B. C. and gives us its precious message; and our hearts 1t>:lp with
joy that we are still able to walk In the light, still pri\'ito our Lord's second advent in 1874--tbe 2,410 years from
the time the typical tessels were restored by Cyrus until leged to carry forth the message of the King..
How plain that this Pll-I'tlble has Its fulfilment now! How
the antltypical vessels were- restored by Christ, the greater
than Cyrus, the deliverer of God's people. The double enu- clear that the tarrying did not apply before 1914! JIo,...
meration of the 80 plus 30 vessels seems to mark doubJoe forceful the slumbering and sleeping! HO\v zealously we
should seek to put away self-will and, joyfully bowin~ to
periods of 30 years. The first antitypical gold (divine)
vessel of the spiritual temple, the church, was Christ. 'rile the Lord's will, l....lily walt our change, working while we
SO years of his life, from B. C. 1JA, to A. D. 28%" corr!'- wait!
May the heavenly Father strengthen you for continue'l
spond, in the parallel preaching of the kingdom, to the 30
service. Pray for us, that we 000 may dally seek to hl,hl.
years from 1844 to 1874. (G594) The Miller movement in
1844 especially marked a time when the divine truths up the. banner of our King. Brother Tope joins me in
(golden vessels) began to be resrored to the true temple sending our love.
Yours in the service of the King,
SR. J. G. ToPE, Ohio.
class, the church. Both sets of 30 vessels were of gol4,
probably meant to point out the realization of divine promWORK IN BRAZIL GOES ON
las at the end of the 3O-year periOlls. The first advent of
Ohrist was at the end of the first 30-year period in 29 DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:
A. D., and the second advent of Christ was at the end of
I have much pleasure in reporting the Lord's blessings
tee second 3O-year period in 1874.
upon the work in Brazil. Some time ago I wrote a brothel'
The 2,901 vessels (5,400 less 2,499) which were not in Canada regarding the opportunity of introducing the
specified as to kind, equal the number of yelil'S from the message to this nation. I received a pleasant surprise. '1'he
time the gold and silver vessels were installed in the ('om- brother sent $1,200 to assist in the work here.
pleted temple, under King Solomon, In the autumn of 1028
Our loving Father hus provided the funds through one
B. 0., to the time when Christ, the antityplcal King Solomon, of his saints just at the right time. My funds from the
arrived and began the preparation for the harvesting work office were running low; and I was thinking of leaving
for installing the antitypical gold and silver vessels-gar- soon for Argentine. Now God has provided the means to
nering the members ot his church to partake of the divine establish the work on a permanent basis, not only in Rio
and spirit natures-which began in the autumn of 1874.- de Janeiro but also in the great city of Sao Paulo, as well
1 Kings 6: 1, 37, 38; B53.
as publish "The Harp of God" in Portuguese, which is necThe 1,000 plus 1,000 plus 410, totaling 2,410, correspond essary for the development of the Brazilian saints.
to the number ot years from the return of the gold and
Please have this amount recorded and the usual letter
sUver vessels by King Cyrus in 536 B. C. to 1874, when the forwarded the dear brother who, from the fulness of his
antltypical gold and silver vessels (truths relating to divine heart, has so kindly and liberally donated to the spread of
and spiritual promises) began to be restored to the anti- God's message to this nation.
typical temple, the church, by the antltypical Cyrus, Christ.
As you reali7:e (and as ~ou said in one of your letters)
The specially enumerated vessels, 1,000 plus 1,000 plus it costs much to introduce the message. This Is especially
410 plus 30 plus 30, totaling 2,470 vessels, correspond to true where all the literature has to be translated and pubthe number of years from Ezekiel's vision of God's temple, lished. Yet God has blessed the effort and many people
in 592%, B. C., ro the awakening and resurrection of the seem anxious to know the truth.
Some fine characters have consecrated, who in a while
spiritual temple, the church, in the spring of 1878. (592%
plus 1,877JA, equals 2,470.)
will be able to do much in the spreading of the message.
The 2,901 vessels, plus the 1,000 plus 30 plus 29 enumer- God's name be praised I
ated vessels, totaling 3,960 vessels, correspond to the numYour loving brother in Chrlst,
GIWBGB: YOUNG, Brtl4fl..
31

International Bible Students A~sociation Qasses

liecturel3 dl1d .3tUdlC6 by Trdvelin'J Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Republican Grove, \ a ..... l cu.
1
LYllchburg, Va. ._._
._." 3,4
Hurt, \'a. _
__ _
__ "
5
Gretna, \T a. __
_............ "
6
Chatham, Va.
..
7
Danville, Va. ..
.. 8,10

BROTHER H. HOWLETT

Leak" Hie, ~. C.
Feb.
Wlllston Salem, N. C.
"
State Hoad, N. C
_."
Slioalll, N. C_._.__
"
Winston Salem, N. C.
Greensboro, N. C.

11
12
13
14
15
17

Wilmington, O
..
Fl'iJ.l
Lancaster, O....._............... j
l'>elsonnlle, O
_
"
Shawnee, O. __
_.._...........
CrookSVIlle, O
__.._._.._ "
Zanesville, O __._.................

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Goshen, Ind. .
Eikhart, Ind
South Bend, Ind.
La Porte, y-td.
.
Michigan City, Ind.
Gary, Ind.. .

Feb. 1
3
4
_..__.:; I)
6
__
7
__

Feb.
1
" 3, 4
..
5
..
6
7
8,10

Feb.
8
..
10
..
11
_ "
12
.. 13,14
.. 15,17

Wenatchee, Wash
Svokane, """ash
ChC'~aw,

__.Feb. 1,3
"
4

\Va:-;h ........... "

Dam'lIle, Wash
Colnlle, Wash. .__
Spokane, Wash

"
..

Feb. 1
3

fl;~~'U~~11(';:n:"::::::::::::::::::

Palmyra, Ind.
__
Feh. 1
Lonis"illp, K~', .
__ . .,
3
New ..lJhany, Ind...._
"
3
Brandeuuul';';, !(y _
"
4
1t-lag'llel, Iud
" 5, (j
Owensuoro, Ky. __
"
i

.l<'eb. 1
__. " 3
__
4
5

~~~~~' :fe~~' ..:::::::::::::::::::::: ~

Feb.10
11

Tonkawa, Okla
I<'eb. 1
Arkansas Cit)', Okla
__ "
a
Shidler, Olda
__.. .
4

Wilmore. Kan.

17

Drumright. Okla

_.. " 5,6

Chandler, Olda.
Shawnee, Okla

"

Rheems, ra.._.....................

1
3
3
4
6

BROTHER
Parkersburg, W. Va... Jan.
Pittsburgh. Pa
.... "
Marietta, O. __ __...... ..Feb.
Parkersbur~, W. Va.
Ashland, Ky
Lexington, Ky. ..
__

24
27
10
11
12
13

~~?;'~2~~'n,T~,~'x:'::::::::::::::

15.

Stratford, Onto
1-'eo. 1
London. Onto
" 3, 4
Sal'llia, Onto
_
__
"
5
Chatham, Onto .............. It 6, 7
Windsor, Onto ............. It 8-10
Kingsville. Onto ....__.....__... 11

Boyertown, Pa

Jt

IJ

Brea, Calif......__..__
.... Feb.1
Santa Ana, Calif. ._ __. ~ J' 3
AnallPim. Cali!. _
_.. U 4
Ri\ pr:-. .. de, Calif. ._.. __
U
5
Redlands, Calif.
6
San I ;ernardino. Calif.
7

Feb.
14
"
15
.. 17.18
.. 19.20
..__
21
.
22

East St. Louis, Ill.

St. Louis, 1110.
Flat Ri\er. 1110.
Farmington, 1110.
Fredericktown, 1Il0.
Dexter, :110.

__ Feb.
__
"
__. "

~1~~ tl:: :::::::::::::::::::::::

Alldalua1a, Ala.

3
4
5

::.. 8. 10~

Florala. Ala
Stella. Fla.._

Gal'lleld, Wash.
.
Mos<:ow, Ida. __.__..
Hosalia, Wash.

_.. "

14
IS

17
18

}ojvans\'ille, Ind.
Feb.8
Tell City, Ind
10
nO,-)}lyjHe, Ind
__ ~
_ " 11
\\a,~h111~ton. Ind. .'.' '..'_.. " 12
BI('.~uell.

Ind

SUllivan, Ind

__

__

__

" 1'3
14

Tecumseh, Okla.
M<:Lolid. Olda. ....__
Stuart, Okla.....
.Me Alester, Okla. .
Wilburton, Okla
AlulOn, Okla

I<'eb.
" 12
"
"

__
__..

11
14
Ij

17
18
20

C ROBERTS
Leamington, Onto .. ....Feb. 12
Blenheim, Onto ............_ "
13
Itidgetown, Out........... "
14
St. Thomas, Onto
't 1517
AJtlmer~ Ont: ._ _
_.. "
1~
Courtland, Ont.
19

Ontario, Callf.
__
l<'eb.
8
Los Angeles, Calif
"
10
San Diego, Calif........ " 11.12
OceanRide, Calif
_.. "
13
Los Angeles, Calif
..
14
Bakersfield, Calif.
__ ..
17

Feb. 1
"3
4
5
6
7

NeeleyvlIle, lIlo. .
Poplar IlIuff, 1110.
Chaonia, ~ro...
Willow Sprin-,,,, ~ro.
South Fork, 31u.
'l'ha)'el', :110.

F~b.

8
10
11
..
12
.. 13.14
15

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON

Hampstead, N. B. ..__..Feb.
12
Mon~ton, N. B
__
..
14
Springhill, N. S.
..
15
Truro. N. S ...__......__
.. 17,lS
Port'Williams, N. S
..
19
East Hall's Harbor, :-I.S .. 20,21

Manhattan, Kan
Randolph, Kan. ..
Clay Center, Kan
Jame~town, Kan
Lenora, Kan.
Achilles, Kan

Feb.
__ .. ..
_." 5.
It
7,
..
" 11,

3
4
6
8
10
12

Oberlin, Kan
Feb.13
Lenora, Kan
__
HI
.JalJle~town, Kan
_." 17
Solomon, Kan
_._............
18
Salina, Kan. ..
19
Waldo, Kan.
20

BROTHER J. B. WILLIAMS

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Do1l'tan l Ala........__
t-ildlana City. Ala
Eat ..prise, Ala.

Oakesdale, \\ash

BROTHER W. J. THOR:\'

L. HERR

Frankfort, Ky. .
Shelbyvllle, Ky
Louisville, Ky _
Guthrie. Ky
Palmyra, Tenn.
Gadsden, 'l'enn.....

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Ottawa, Ont. ......__..
Feb.
1
Montreal. Que.
" 3. 4
Sherllrooke. P. Q
. ..
5
Mf>Ore'B 1II1lIB. N. B. __
"
7
St. John. N. B.
__
8,10
Flvandale, N. B.
11

Feb. 11
" 13

CiPuer d'Alene, Ida

!Jutah, '''noSh
_ _

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

Harrisburg, Pa
_. . ..Feb. 7
Plainfield, Pa.
_..
8
Leballon, Pa
..__
10
Heading', Pa. _."" .._'.'._._ '_" " 11
Pottstown, Pa
__
" 12

7,8
10

BROTHER

Beaumont, Tex. __
Feb.
10
Port ArthUJ, Tex. __
..
11
De"er" Tex __
..
12
CroslJ.I', Tex.
_
13.14

BROTHER A. M. GRAHAM
Lewistown. Pa
__.Feb.
York. Pa. __
Baltimore, Md.
Hanover, Pa
_ _.._.._.__ It
Lanca8te~ Pa.
_ _._
"

BROTHER V. C. RICE

Dodge City. Kan

Elkhart, Kan.

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Dlalsvllle, Tex
Palestine, Tex.
Rusk, Tex. __
Clawson. Tex.

7
8
10,12

Feb. 11
12
13
14
15
17

: ~~~Itt
~:~: :::::::::::::::::=::::: ~~
6.8
Wichita, Kan.
15

Garden Cit).. Kan

Friend. Kan

Fpb.8
,. 10
" 11
" 12
" 13
IIi

__

BROTHER B. M. RICE

Apopka, Fla
Orlamlo, Fla.
Sanford, Fla.
De Land, Fla.
Palatka, Fla.
Jacksonville, Fla.

BROTHER J. W. COPE
Walsenburg, Colo
Pueblo. Colo.

-"e" ark, O
Columuus, O
_._ __
Chdlieothe, O. .
Wellston, O.
__
Portsmouth, O
_
Ironton, O....
..__

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

Hammond, Ind
IIegcwlsch, Ill.
Chicago, Ill
Gratiot, 'Yis __.._
lIIonticello, Wis
lIIadison, Wis

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Naranja, I~la
Miami, Fla. __
Titusvllle. Fill
__
Ormond, Fla.
New Smyrna, Fla.
Orlando. Fla

4
5
6
7

__..__....I"eb. II. 1:-1

_ ~._ .. "
I~

l\farianna, f1-'la
POIH'e de LeoD, Fla

_. "

14

"
Pen:-.Hrola, li']a .... _.. "
Brewton, Ala
_. ..

15
17,] S
III

Brantford, Onto
Wood,to~k, Onto
Stratford. Ont
PalIuerston, Onto
Allenford, Onto
Owen Sound. Onto

Feb
L3
" 4.;;
"
()
..
7
..
8
10, 11

Camilla, O::t.
. Feb.
O"angeville, Onto
_ ..
Toronto, Onto -- _
"
Osha1va, Onto
_ "
Trenton, Onto
_ "
Belleville, Ont. _ _ .. 20,

14
11
11'
18
19
21

VOL.

No.S

SE."\{I-MONTl:ILY

Anno Mundi 6052- February I, 19U

CONTENTfJ
VIl!~W.S ll'ROM THE WATCH TOWElt..........__
U OlOn of Cl~u:ches Striven for
'

.35
_ 35
Churches IIhXlllf: with Politic, .........................315
European Conditions Bad for Preachcrs.........36
~aPt~stJ!T Ar~ S~elng Thln~L..
.
38
B~~;180n ~~ ~oo 18soo............
.
38
moo.............................
.
39
Interchurch World Movement Is D('n.I..
39
P1uYERMEIIlTUlG TEXT COIIUdE:"TS .........._ .40
PERIOD 01/' THE JUDGES ........................._ 42

THE

REVIVAL UNDER SAMUEL......_.

THE

REIGN 01/'

.44

(POEM) ......... _ .415

PH.GRIUS Oll' THE IIIORNINO

SAUL................_ 46

TRUTH MAKING INROADS AMONG JAPA..1FJSE. _.47

MEMORIAL DATE-1924

84

"1 trill stand upon my watch and ",'l! RPt mil faa'
.pDn tM Toteer. anrf ,rill w(ltch to Rpt tehat He t/liZl
unto - , am' what MUt/le1" I .hall make to ,,__
OPPO'6 me!'-Habakkuk e: 1.

!til

.,...t

Qpon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men's hearts failing them for rear and for !ook,..,1t te
the thln'!9 comi~q; 'Jnnn the eart!t (society); for the powers of the

know that the

r"..,~.lon

hPrlypnS (c('(l p ",iaRtl( ~m)

shrill be shaken. . . ""he!! ye see these things begln to

COIllP l,(, paQ8,

the.

of God IS at hand. Look up, hft up your heads. reJOl"". for your redemptIon draweth wgb.-Matt. 24:33: Mark 13:29: I.uk" 21 :2~aL

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

ID! ",urnal is one ot the prIme factors or instruments in the Bystem at Bible Instruction, or "SemInary ExtenBlon", now helD,
presented in nIl parts at the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE &; TRACT SOCIIllTY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Promotion of (''briStill'l Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and at the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. lIf.l, which translated
blto Enr;fulh '8 Minister 01 God's lVOld. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
.tudent.l and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
!I'biII ;journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation at the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the predous blood of "the lian Chl'ist Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11lei; 2 Peter 1: 6-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what Is the fellowship of the mystery which .bas
been hid in God, to the Intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"whlch in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 59, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-acco:'ding to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude Is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
Bervice; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
cood pleasure, tho teaching of his Word, for the upbulld';ng of his people in race and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ow:
readerB to praTe all its utterances hT the infallible Word to which reference is CODstantly made to facilitate suell testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

IDtat the church is "the temple ot the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been In progress throUhout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they lInd access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22:
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated bel1evel'll in Christ's atonement for sin, pro1'esses; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman wUl brln all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple Bhall be filled with hiB glorT, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout
the MllIennium.-Revelation Hi: 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the tact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for evetll
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true liht which Itghteth every man that cometh into the world". "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the church Is that she may he like her Lord, "see him as he Is," be partaker of the divine nature,' and Bhare 1WI
glory as his jointheir.-1 John 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the praqent mission of the church is the perfectln of the saints for the future work of Bervicl!j to develop In henelt ever'l
race; to be. God's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kIngs and priests in the naxt age.-JjJphesians 4: 12; Matthew 241
4; Revelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for the world lies In the blessinga ot knowlede and opportunity to be broudlt to all by Christ's Ml11ennlal klndom, the
restitutIOn of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hanas of their Redeemer and his glorified cburcbo
when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 19-23; IllIliah 311.

-=:==========================-===---====
WATCH TOWER. BI BLE &- TRACT SOCIET)'
18 CONCORD STREET 0 D BROOKLYN, NV. U.S'A:
FoREIGN OIl'J'ICES: Briti8h: 34 ('raven 'l'errace, Lancaster Gate,
London W. 2; Canadian: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario;
Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbou~.AutraUa;Bovth African:
Leile St., Cape Town. South Africa.
PLEASR ADDRESS THill SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: UNITED STATIllS, $1.00; CANADA
AND MISCELLANIl:OOS FOREION, $1.110; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA,
AND SOOTH AFRICA, !ls. American remittances should be made by
Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Bank Draft. Canadian, British,
South African, and Australasian remittances should be made to branch
o!flces only. Remittanc611 from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn office, but by International Postal Money Orders only.

(Foreign translations 01 this journal appear in several languag",,)

Editori.' C miUee: This journal Is published under the supervision

of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth each and eve,i'y article appearing In these columns.
'l'he names of the editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORD,
W. E. VAN AM.BURGII, J. REMEDY, G. H. FISHER, R. H. BARBER.
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students wilo. by reasoa of
old age or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
;tournaI, will be supplied free If they send a postal card each May
statlDg their case and requesting such provision. We are not only
Willing but anxious. that RII such be on our list continually and
In tou~h with the Berean studies.
Notice to Subsoribers: \Ve do not, as a rule, Bend a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt l.'-nd
entry of ren~wal are Indicated within a month by change in expIration date. as ,llOwn on wrRpper labf'!.

EUROPEAN TOUR
Some of the brethren are inquiring when Brother Rutherford expects to make another trip to Europe, with the
thought of making up a party to take the trip at the same
time. THll: WATCH TOWER announces that probably this tour
w1ll be made in the early Spring. The exact date is not yet
fixed. Those particularly interested may ascertain definitely
by addressing Brother Rutherford personally.
RADIO
For a long time the WATCH TOWER readers have been
expecting some announcement about a radio station. The
SOCIETY has had one in course of construction now for more
than a year, and we have been disappointed in not having
it completed earlier. There have been many interferences.
Doubtless the adversary has been doing what he can. We
are not quite ready at this time to make a definite announcement, but may do so by letter before the next issue of
THE 'VATCH TOWER.
We have had a number of inquiries about receiving sets.
Some brethren In Brooklyn are seeing what they can do to
assemble some receiving sets, which can be furnished the
friends at a lower rate; and this we will announce as soon
as we are able to do so.
We make this general announcement now, suggesting that
the friends be patient a little longer; and we hope to be
able to serve you in due time.

E'nteTedas Second Class \1'attera[ Bro~klyn, N.Y. Posroffice., Act a/March 3..d 1Bre

MEMORIAL DATE-19U

The proper date for celebrating the Memorial of our

Lord's death for 1924 will be Friday, April 18, after six
o'clock p. m. The Spring pquinox is March 21. The new
moon nearest the Spring equinox appears on April 4. This
moon is full on Saturday, April 19. Saturday, the 19th,
Jewish time, begins at six o'clock Friday evening, the 18th;
therefore the proper date for celebrating the Memorial.

I.I3SA. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIE.S

ByMeans of

"ThE; Atone-tlu ent'l

STUDY II. THE AUTHOR OB' THE ATONEMENT

STUDY III: THII MEDIATOR or THE ATONEMIllNT
Week of March 2
Q.88-93 Week of March 16
Q. 8-14
Week of March 9
Q. 1- 7 Week of March 2~3 _ Q 15-21
Week of March 30
Q.22

Questton books on "The At-one-ment," 100 postpaid

L--.

&heWATCH TOWER
AND HE~ALD OF CHR~STS PRESENCE

VOL

XLV

FEBRUARY

1'\0.3

1, 1923

VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER

A cartoon hat bec~' received by us emphasizing the
uniOll spmt, showing that all churches are on the verge
of a gigantic merger which will startle the world. 'fhe
cartoon was drawn by a Catholic, the engraving was
madc by a Jew, and the printing was done by a Protestant. '1'he priest is beating the snare drum, the
mil1l~tCl' is blO\ring the fife, and the rabbi between them
is carrying the banner llpon which is printed: "Unity,
by this sign we conquer."
Truly, we are in the time when there is a famine in
the land, not a famine for bread (only as it is made to
satisfy the insatiable hunger of the profiteer), but a
famine for hearing the Word of the Lord. And as the
hunger increases the true bread from heaven is being
broken, and at the opportune moment it will accomplish
the l"ather's will.

tJNION OF CHURCHES STRIVEN FOR

ROM all over the country come newspaper clippings showing the efforts put forth and the
schemes put into operation to unite the churches
in the various communities.
In New York city twelve leading denominations
joined recently into a new religious educational body
known as "The Institute for the AdYancrment of
Christian Knowledge." One of the things they will
undertake is the publishing of a twelve-volume library
of impartial Christian knowledge. These volumes are to
have a million words each; nine editors will have the
work in charge, which will cover a period of six years.
This is something else to help drain the pockets of the
poor people. The work will never be finished!

In Gennany, France, Switzerland, etc., the work of

federating the churches goes on. Foreign missions and
theological schools have united in France. Free churches
have assumed substantial form in Germany; perhaps
because of the value of the mark, which has declined to
one trillion marks to the cent, America money, at the
present writing. They would not be free if they could
be anything else.
Congregational churches are merging with the Presbyterians in Massachusetts. It is union in name only;
the hearts may still be separated as heretofore. Because
they could not agree as to creed, church government and
the status of the ministry it was finally agreed to disagree, after the Ohio plan of union, as follows:

CHURCHES MIXING WITH POLITICS

There is every reason to believe that the churchr" are

totally blind to one thing: That the kingdoms or tile
world are Satan's; that Satan as god (2 Corinthifl"~
4: 4) has control of the politics in every nation. Hecently a delegation representing the Protestant chur' ~lf'S
of tIre United States urged President Coolidge to use
his influence for American participation in the ,rorld
Court, and also invited Secretary Hughes to take the
initiative in calling an economic conference to consider
the European problems. George W. Wickersham of New
York acted as spokesman for the delegation, whir'h
included several high church officials and represented
virtually every large Protestant body in the country.
including those in the Federal Council of Churches alld
several not affiliated with that organization. The statrment of the delegation was in part as follows:

"In the proposed union it shall be understood both parties

retain their existing authorized formulas of belief. Either
one or both of these shall be accepted as representing the
substance of doctrine for that part of the united body which
holds it and shall be recognized as adequate for It by every
other part. Each church now existing in either church body
may retain its present creed."

"In the world court of justice we see not only the fruition
and consummation of many decades of American discussions, plam" and desires for peace through justice based on
law, but also concrete expressions of the Christian spirit
that Is needed, the promise of a larger and truer righteousness and justice among nations, a step forward In the
establishment of the kingdom of God."

The assemblage sanctified its spineless deliberations

by electing President Coolidge the Honorary Moderator.
A few Congregationalist preachers are now receiving
Episcopal ordination, evidently not that they may preach
in Episcopal churches but that they may preach with
greater authority in their own churches by getting into
larger churches where the pay is better.

This statement is on a par with that made relative to

the League of Nations, to wit: that it would be "the
political expression of the kingdom of God on earth."
III

crneWATCH TOWER
We hold this statement as blasphemy against God;
for it mppo~e~ t 11c roosibility of man's establishing God's
kingdom on the earth irrC'speetive of the plan and purpose of God. and it practically ignores the Lord Jesus
as King of kings and Lord of lords.
As PrC'sidC'nt Coolidge strongly advocated for the
'YorIll Court in his message to Congress we naturally
su~pC'ct that this delegation furnished much inspiration
on the 811 hject. Politics is class rule; and the churches
as organized arc clannish. Both of these are divided
against themselves; hence strife, turmoil and misunderstanding::; block the good which either might do. Ann
Satan would have it so; his tactics to pit one class
against another started in the days of Cain and Abel.
Many today desire cooperation; they pray for it;
they yearn for it. But under the present order of things
cooperation is an impossibility. Governments are confessedly human; and they should function for the benefit of all their subjects, in economics, in finances, in the
ndministration of just and wholesome laws, in caring
for the Eocial structure of civilization, in sanitation and
health, in building useful parks, and in general beautifying the land and conserving the people's interests
impartially. But in religious matters they should keep
hands off, allowing the people to worship God according
to the dictates of their own consciences, where they do
not interfere with the moral and property rights of any
one. Reversely, the religionists should keep their hands
from off the government, state, county and city affairs.
Religion and politics do not mix, and are not intended
to mix.
The nation of Israel was a church-state arrangement; their judges, rulers and priests were appointed
of God, especially at the time when organized. In the
Millennial kingdom the judges, rulers, and priests will
again be of God's arrangement; and therefore the
church-state arrangement shall again function for the
blessing of the people. While under the Jewish regime
it was a failure and was overthrown, under Christ as
earth's new Ruler it will be a complete success. All
eiIOl,ts to unite the church and state into coordinating
authority for rulership over the peoples of earth before
Chl'i::;t's kingdom is set up is an effort to counterfeit
i hat kingdom by the master deceiver, Satan; and the
results are sure to prove disastrous. In proof that the
mill1 ic god, flatan, is trying to imitate Christ we have
to r"lllember that these are, as they claim, but "the
political expression of the ki" gdom of God on earth I"
All the governments of ea. ch are in trouble and most
of them in despair. for the reason that they are laboring
under the hallucination that the kings and priests, the
rulers ana clergy, are ordained of God and therefore
are representing him in the governing of the peoples of
earth. Thu::; by takjng themselves too seriously they
really are menacing the peace of the world instead of
hewfHing anybody.

BROO"I.YS. N.

Y.

PREACHERS BEING SHOWN UP

In a recent Dearborn Independent was an editorial

on the subject of "The Pulpit and Topics," which is
in part as follows:
" . . . It agrees with a large and growing spirit of dissatisfaction among church members . . . the gentleman undertakes to des<'ribe What he understands Christianity to
be, showfing) the lamentable failure of the church to tt>ach
its people what Christianity rt>ally is . . . the teaching
function is all but dead. . . . 'file wildt>st and most various
opinions exist as to what religion consists in generally, and
Christianity particularly. And this must be laid at the
door of the Christian ministry, which has left its main
business of teaching to follow all sorts of things suppospd
to be useful and inspiring, . . . The curse of 'topics' h:tS
been the ruin of the pulpit. . . . r:very city in the country
is deluged with .. sermons on European conditions, most
of which are based on editorials in the London Ti/l~eJ5,
interlarded with the hearsay und casual experiences of the
hurried tourist. That is what makes the intelligent churchgoer 'tired.' He can get this sort of material, of much
better quality and higher authority, elsewhere. . . . Churchgoers are beginning to suspect that the ministry is no more
proficient in matters of religion than it is in international
or local politics. . . . The textbook is the Bible. but an
examination of the clergy in that Book would disclose fearful and wonderful conditions. . . . 'I'he real cause of this,
however, may be that an increasing number of ministers
do not believe the Bible as the people understand believing
it.. As everyone knows, the vast majority of sermons
today are neither lItl'rature nor religion. If the Christian
church is looking for novelty, it might try Christianity. Certainly the theme would be new to millions of its adherents."

The above was aimed particularly at the Protestant

church; for mention of the Catholic church was studiously avoided. We wonder why. Is the Dearborn
Independent also afraid of the Catholic political systern? There is as much or more of a dearth of preaching
the Bible in Catholicism as in Protestantism. There
may be as much piety and devotion; but certainly there
are more superstition, tobacco smoking and near-beer
drinking.
EUROPEAN CONDITIONS BAD FOR PREACHERS

The preachers in Europe have been having increasingly hard times ever since the World War started. In
Russia they were manhandled and butchered for hypocrisy and duplicity in connection with the expositions
made of the padded and manufactured idols which were
sold to the ignorant votaries of the church-state, who
were taught to worship the idols instead of being taught
the precepts of Christianity.
The following is from the Sacramento Bet:
"Life is expected to become still harder for the majority
of the clergy in Rumania as the result of a recent order
by the Rumanian Minister of Cults withdrawing a number
of the economic advantages enjoyed by the church. The
PeJ5ter Lloyd points out that the church already had been
hit hard by the expropriation of a large part of its lands
in c'arrying out the agrarian reforms, and that the economic
situation makes 1t di1ficult for Rumanians to support the

F'EBRU AllY

I, 1923

'file

clergy. Consequently, many of the country preachers are

learning tradt's, with the permis"ioa of tlwir suppriors, in
order to lw alll" to earn tlwir living indppemlcnl nf tlIeir
church allO\qLncps.
"In Germany the d"speratc situntion of most of the
country nnll village ministers of the Evangelical Church
has long been a suhjpct of comlllon comment. Under the
heading "l'he First I'russian l'reae~ler to Starve to Death,'
the Pre1lAsisches Pfarrcrblatt recently printed an account of
the lleath of a minister named Eybisch, at Duchenbeuren,
in the Coblenz district, who cut down his own consumption
of fooll so much, in or(ler to proville for his wife and four
chilliren, that be actually perished from hunger."

We have great sympathy for a man who cannot support his wife and chil aren; we are sorry for the conditions that make starvation a possibility; but we know
that these are permitted of God to teach a much-needed
lesson. The Bible points out the plight of the false
shepherds of our day, as we are in the transition period
from the old order to the Hew order. The people are
learning that they have less and lrss use for the services
of the clrrgy; so the pay dwindles. The clergy have
studied books and stars, and have sought ease; they
have learned Latin, Greek and Hebrew; they have not
learned the art of using a screwdriver, a hammer, and
a wrench; consequently their hands are as tender as a
child's. They have been too "wise" to learn something
useful for mankind. And now, when it becomes necessary to labor, to earn an honest day's wage, they are
unable to do so. Their position as "ministers of the
most high" makes it impossible for them to do downright begging. Their present predicament is a just retribution for their lack of faith in God, for their disrespect
of his Word, and for their dishonesty in fooling the
people so that they might live on the fat of the land.
Synchronizing with the dying out of the preacher
busmess, comes the greater field for zeal and activity
on a much larger scale than ever before known in the
history of man for dispensing the Word of the living
God in sincerity and truth; for j list now there is an
inclination of the people everywhere to hear the message
of the incoming kingdom and to learn that millions now
living will never die.
MISCELLANEOUS ITE!\IS OF L....TEREST

Early in November Horatio S. Earle, former State

High\\ ay Commissioner, of Detroit, called a mass meeting of persons of all ages and creeds as a protest to the
preaching- of pol ities in the pulpits. It was advertised
as an "old-fa~hiolled gospd meeting," and 500 turned
out. The meeting was to determine whrther Mr. Earle
stood alone in his protest againbt the church becoming
more of a political organization than a religious one.
The preachers were notified to do as St. Paul did:
Preach Christ and him crucified.

* * *

81

WATCH TOWTER

A British rector has hit upon a novel plan to get

people to come to church. He says that the church and
labor people should get together; so he invites laborite5

to discuss the church, and particularly his sermon, af1:'r

the srrviccs. After some remarks one observed: "The
clll:]'('h reCO~Jllzes the need fol' profits, because it 11\, i
by flrm." Another said: "To unite church and laboT
must be a tremendous revolution of mind and outlook
by clergy and cOllgrcgation." Others said that they left
the chlll'ch when it became a propaganda bureau for the
War Office. Evident.ly here is one preacher who is now
busy; and if he ge-:'ll tis bread, he will earn it.

* * *

Ch 11 :~hlllen are seeing the necessity for a closer union

of the (hurch and press. There is now a Church Federation l'ublH'ity Commission which is working for t~le
cooperatIOn of the newspapers. Dr. Smith, the chalfman, addncssing a convention at Chicago, made some
very plain statements. After his introductory, he leads
off with:
"In the church there are both ministers and laymen who
are constantly berating, belittling, and in more cases b~pat
ing constantly about a (lecadent pre~s. Among newspaper
('ditors, publishers and writers there are a few who do I:ot
see much in the church thnt is worth while printing as news
in the press."

Churchmen recognize that should they lose the BU pport of the press their cause is lost. Editors as a class
are intelligent, but they have not always the liberty to
express their conscientious scruples; for the managers
and owners are in the newspaper business for the same
reason that other men are in the preacher business--for
money. If they were in the business for the good of the
community they would allow the editors a freedom of
speech that would many times be very wholesome for
the wrlfare of the people. The liability of boycott by the
Roman Catholic hierarchy, through the withdrawal of
advertising, keeps the press measurably lined up to bow
to its bidding. The dying church sees that "it must
use the newspapers more and more" ; and in its struggle
"for the betterment of the community" it must take
hold of the arm of the press and consider it a "brother
and not an enemy."
Dr. Smith, like other clergymen, has a very crude
idea of what Christianity really is; for he says: "With
very few exceptions the majority of newspapers are not
what the founder of Christianity would think ideal."
If there is anything which needs revolutionizing it is
the press. By "press" we mean what Dr. Smith means.
The newspapers which are used for advertising purposes. When the Lord's kingdom gets fully under way
not one of them will function as it now does, but will
publish the truth in the interest of the people.
\Yhat the Church Federation Publicity Commission
wants is favor, the publication of sermons and church
news free of cost. We see no reason why the churches
should not pay for what they get.

* * *

Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, Norwegian statesman and arctic

explorer, made some pithy remarks about European
condltiollS recently in Chicago. He said:

88

'The

WATCH TOWER

"If trouble breaks out In Greece all the Balkans will go

on fire dlreet1~ unless some international :\ction is taken in
the meantime. The Balkans are sUll t he ammunition box
In EuropE'. The situation is very grave.
"If France succeeds in tearing Germany apart into little
soYer('i~nties I look for trouble of the gravest kind. Seed!!
of hate will be planted which will last for centuries The
reparations will go by the board. I consider a new war,
more fearful than the last one, u very possible prospect.
We live in very gloomy times. and we face a desperate
situation. Unless we achieve a great international co1iperation soon, or unlE'SS some miracle intervenes, Europe is
plunging straight for a new war far more terrible than
the last one,"

Dr. Nansen said that he gave up trying to give advice

many years ago, So he has no peace plan to head off
the impending carnage. We must not forget that the
world is on fire; that the blaze started in 1914, and
presumably will reach the climax in 1925. 'I'ruly the'
world is sitting on a powder keg. 'Yill the miracle
intenene which Dr. N ausen hopes for? I nueed it will;
but he has no knmdedge of what to expect, Our Lord,
referring to our du,\'. said (:Matthew 24: 21, 22): "For
then "hall be great tribulation, such as was not since
the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever
shall be [again] ; and except those days should be shortenerl Iby divine power], there should no flesh be saved
[humanity would be exterminated] ; but for the elect's
sake those days shall be shortened'." Blessed promise
this is: for when man reaches his extremity he will call
upon the Lord, who will have mercy and bring order out
of chaos, establish his kingdom, bring peace, and grant
to man his first opportulllty to live forever and not die.
-John 8: 51.

* * *

A vicar in Leeds, England, says that he would like to

~ee the thirty-fifth, sixty-ninth and one hundred-ninth
Psalms eliminated from the church service, because they
contain curses and represent human nature at its very
worst.
All three of these Psalms contain prophetic statements regarding Jesus, which had fulfilment at his first
advent. No one except the devil could be interested in
having them eliminated from anything. He would be
glad to have all reference to Jesus eliminated from the
human mind; so that men would become more than they
are the vassals of Satan, shutting off the prospects of the
freedom which Jesus is to give them before very long.
THE BAPTISTS ARE SEEING THINGS

The General Association of Baptists of Kentucky

recently held a convention at Covington. There was a
report submitted, which in part is as follows:
"The world today is disgraced and dishonored by mon.trous forms of evil There is a sense in which it may
~afely be said that the world Is worse than it has ever been;
for unless the society of today is bettf'r than the society of
the past, it is really worse. It is not statistic. This age can
well be spoken of as a 'reign of lawlessness.'

BROOKLYN,

N.

r.

"The world today is drunk with pleasure, w\f'\ passion,

with pride and with prosperity. It is on a constant debauct: It sits always ar Delsl1azznr's feast. It is money
aDd movie mad, and drunk with the strong wine therrof.
H is the wine of indUlgence and inebriety. It staggers and
reels, fawns and spawns and vomits like an overfed gourmand. Its reason is 11"1 hr01H'd, its steps are unsteady, and
its tongue is loose and glib. It quaffs the brew of hell and
drinks from the still of Ratan.
"We should be greatly concerned and profoundly disturbed through our beloved stn te as ]'egarding the fashioJls,
the manners and the amusemf'nts of the YO\ll1g and growing
generation about the moral health of our youth, the safety
of the American home, the sanctity of the marriage bond,
the spcul'ity of tIle state and tIle perpetuity of CIlrIstIan
colleges,
"The automobile, the modern dances, of which some are
the last blush of shame and tIle very abortion of hell, the
craze' for jazz, the unconYentional ~ocinl practices, the increasing usp of tobacco on tllP part of many young women,
and of dru!!'s by an increasing number of both spxes, !'pem
to keen observers symptoms of decay such as have marked
the beginning of the downfall of nation after nation In
the past."

The report took up bootlegging and moonshine, desecration of the Sabbath, gambling, card playing. etc.,
and summing up the moral conditions of today closed
with these words:
"The general tendency in America today is to see ho'"
close we can get to the fire and not get burned. When the
shadows of the thousands of coffins filled our land, When
the SOUls of thousands of our soldiers were gathered to the
skies and our armies came from the awful est carnage the
world has ever known, What hnppenpd? Did we fall on our
faces In the dust and thank God? No. Hell broke loose in
the form of the most Voluptuous dances ever known.
was the work of the devil, and still goes on."

The General Association asserts that the world as

never before needs lraders; and as an organization which
demands purity and righteousne~s it pledgrs itself to
bring to account men who are derelict of their duty.
It would be a splendid thing for this body of men t<>
begin at home, by investigating the causes which have
led to the present low standards of civilization, with the
purpose in view of determining just what percent can
be laid at their own doors, in the lack of Christian
deportment and deviation from the true doctrines and
precepts of the Bible. Let them study the situation ir
the light of Pastor Russell's books!
POPE'S TOE IS KISSED

In November, King Alfonso and Queen Victoria of

Spain ~vent to the Vatican, and were received in papal
splendor. The pope, amid the sacred college of cardinals, was attired in choice snow-white gown and slippers
of white; and around his neck hung a heavy gold chain,
from which dangled the golden pectoral cross. The pope
was seated in his crimson throne. As the king and his
consort approached to kiss the pope's toe, in sign of
their devotion, the wonderful consistorial hall presented
a marvelous mystical beauty as the dim light entered
through the stained glass windows and Mfiected deli-

FEBRUARY

1, 1923

CfheWATCH TOWER

eately from the frescoed walls. As they approached for

the ki,,: "; of the pope's toe they marched between two
lines of members of the papal court, arrayed in the glittering apparel of medieval days. As the kissing of the
pope's toe was going on, the cardinals-white-haired,
scarlet-robed, venerable-looking-formed a hollow square
about the trinity. After the kissing of the pope's toe,
King Alfonso delivered a short address on the faithfulness and devotion of Spain to the pope and thc Catholic
faith, and then seated himself together with the qupcn
on the thrones which had been prcpared beside the
pope's throne, but at a lower level. It is undprstood
that the kissing of the pope's toe by the king and queen
was not indnded in the official protocol, but that the
kissing of the pope's toe which Alfonso and Victoria
did was as a spontaneous aet of homage.
'1'he New York Times had a full column of small
type devoted to the above gross and groveling procedure
without a hint of criticism. To them it was a bit of
news for some of their patrons. But why a column?
The article is copyrighted, and came by wireless.
Satan, the prince of the power of the air, will soon
be divested of all his power, the Lord Jesus will take
his place and assume control, and then we may rest
assured that no such messages will be tolerated which
tend to show how foolish some people can be. Furthermore, no such kissing bee will take place anywhere; for
there will be an altogether different manner in showing
homage, devotion and reverence. Moreover, these will
be directed in a legitimate way pleasing to God, and
will not be an abomination.
BABYLON IS DOOMED

That the preachers generally are blind is evidenced

from the fact that they cannot see that ancient Babylon
was typical of modern Christianity, which has gotten
so far off the track of righteousness and truth as to be
a blasphemous outrage in the sight of God. The denominations have been so many vessels plying the religious
seas during the "dark ages," and have carried both true
and false Christians, and in them the "wheat" and
"tares" have been allowed to mingle together.
The reckoning time has come; and 1878 marked the
beginning of the cleavage between the true disciple and
those who are Christians in name only. Gradually the
truth has been dawning in the minds of the truly consecrated; and seeking refuge from the plagues which
are coming upon Babylon they have sought the Lord
alone, and thereby have been drawn into communion
and fellowship with Bible Students, separate and distinct from all denominational affiliation. We believe
that in the Spring of 1918 the Lord withdrew entirely
his spirit and supervision over every religious system;
and that now, like ships at sea without rudder or compass, they are adrift. They are not accomplishing anything for the good of humanity, and are really a menace
to civilization.

Belshazzar's feast, the coming together in the Federal

Council of Churches, is having its effect of hilarity a'ld
drunkenness among the "nobles." The hanuwriting has
appeared on the walls; and the Daniel class has interpreted its meaning: Weighe<l in the balances and found
wanting. The waters of the Euphrates (the means of
sup port) art' heing turned aside, and very soon the "city"
will fall. The prophetic word has gone forth: "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, <leath, m:d
mourning and famine; and she shall be utterly burned
with nre: for strong is the Lord God who judgcth her."
-Revelation 18: 1-8.
INTERCHURCH WORLD MOVEMENT IS DEAD

The Interchureh World Movement, which ,vas to convert the world and bring peace to suffering humanity,
is dead. It started out to collect $1,320,214,551 of the
people's hard-earned cash, and in a drive for $336,547,724.26 they collected several millions, enough we would
think to accomplish something for the Lord had thf'l'e
been an honest effort to glorify God and his bless.'d
truth. It functioned famously while the money was
coming in and while it was doing nothing worth while.
But when it did something, it was lassoed and brought
to bay. It criticised the United States Steel Corpor.ltion for their conduct in the strike of 1919, whereupon
it was chloroformed and put to a slow death.
The assets are said to be as follows: Office furniture,
$252.00; cash in bank, $2,548.00; and on deposit io
meet a claim of one W. J. Thompson, $1,221.00, for
alleged breach of agreement still pending in court.
'rhere is no mention made of the amount collected, but
large sums were paid in salaries and in making proud
and pompous spreads of earthly glory.
The directors announced that they had conclUlbd
that the objects for which the movement was founded
could not be accomplished in the manner undertakell;
implying, of course, that perhaps it could be aerO! l~
plished some other way. Thus we may expect Babylol:'S
wise men to inaugurate another scheme as an excuse 1')
"drive" for other millions. But each time that t:, 3
sheep are fleeced and the goats are milked, the wor.1
should be wiser. So obsessed are the people with tll~
glitter and gloss of Babylon that they do not see th ~
gall. The lesson is hard to learn. Even to the casual
observer it should be apparent, with so many denominations and so much friction drveloping between Modernists and Pundamentalists, that something is radically
wrong somewhere.
So the Interchurch World Movement is now proven
to be nothing more than a bleeding machine. When it
honestly undertook to oppose financialdom somei.h;ng
was pulled off in the secret chambers that caused it to
wither away. It is now awaiting burial; but a permit
must be obtained from the doctor (Supreme Court).
Then the sad requiem will be sung by the choir (directors), and the congregation may join in the tears.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

'!'EXT FOR FEBRUARY 27

kingdom is now being established. The legal representatives of the kingdom on earth ,rill be visible men,
pf'Tfect in organism, directed by the great King, the
Christ. That kingdom will extend allover the earth
until all the nations shall come to render obedience joyfully unto him. Then it shall come to pass that all the
nations and peoples of earth shall go up from year to
year to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, and to
render their full homage to him. "And it shall be, that
whoso will not come up of all the families of the carih
unto Jermalem to "'orship the King. the Lord of ho~ts,
evE'll upon them shall be no rain." (Zechariah 14: 17)
Rain is a symbol of bl('ssings falling down from heaven
upon the earth. This is a promise, then. that only those
who render themsrlves in obedience to this great King
shall have his blessings.
This kingdom will be the desire of all nations. (Haggai 2: 7) In that day (the day of his glorious reign
now beginning) there shall be one Lord, and his name
one, and that Lord the great Messiah.
This government will prove to be so completely satisfactory and perfect that it will fill the minds and hearts
of all honest people with gladness. Thus the heaYens
will rejoice and the earth be glau, and all that is therein;
then all the trees of the wood will rejoice. Then every
creature that breathes under the sun will be singing
praises to the King of kings, saying, "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, jnst and true
are thy ways," thou King of the earth and the heavens.
It is granted unto the Christian at this time to announce to the suffering nations of the earth that this
kingdom is at hanel. Happy is the lot of the Christianl
Truly each one can say now: (The Lord hath done great
things for us.' (Psalm 126: 2) As the spirit of the Lord
fills each consecrated hrart he appreciates more and
more the fact that "love never fa ileth." What an inducement now to develop and manifest the spirit of the
Lord and to announce his kingdom I

NThe Lord shall be King over all the ewrth."-Zecht1Mah 14: 9.

OR more than six thousand years man has attempted

to establish a government that will guarantee to
all mankind liberty and the pursuit of happiness
uninterrupted, and life everlasting. Men were first 01'~anized into tribes. Later they formed kingdoms, putting
under one man the rulership, which was known as an
absolute monarchy. Limited monarchies have also been
tried, having a king or chief ruler with certain other
powers that function with him. Then man carved for
himself the term "Democracy" ; by that meaning a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
In this form of government all the people w('re granted
a voice, by exercise of the right of suffrage. Other forms
of government thus attempted by man have been a failure. Some good, of course, has resulted; but now at the
end of sixty centuries all the governments of earth are
in distress and the people in perplexity. They do not
understand the reason; otherwise they would not be perplexed. Man has no adequate remedy; therefore he is
distresSQd. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. Now
the great crisis has been reached.
God foreknew that man would take this course. He
likewise foreknew the lessons that man needed to learn,
and knew that man could get them in no better way
than by experience. Hence he permitted evil, permitted
man to fight against evil to demonstrate his complete
inadequacy to meet conditions and to establish a government that would bring the desire of every honest
heart. Foreknowing the course of man and his complete failure, God long ago put in operation his plan
to establish a government of righteousness that would
bring far greater blessings than man has ever dreamed
of. His government, when established, will be a lasting
government. It will have no successors. It will be one
government for all the people. It will not be a democracy; it will be neither a limited nor an absolute monarchy; it will be a theocracy. J ehovab will thus demonBtrate that the only kind of government that can succeed
is where the power in the ruler is absolute and where
the motive prompting the act of governing, is love. To
this end he has appointed his beloved Son, Lord of
lords and King of kings, the King of the whole earth,
appointed him to this high position more than nineteen
hundred years ago.
It was first necessary for the Son to become a man,
to die as a man, and to rise from the dead as a divine
creature, thus providing the redemption price for man,
with the ability to present that price in the heavenly
ClOIlrts for the release of man. From the time of his
aecensioa on high until now he has been preparing those
who shl>.il be associated with him in the kingdom, those
who will constitute the royal family of heaven. Thili

TEXT FOR MARCH 5

"It is given unto you to know the mysteries of th,

kingrkJm."-Matfhew 13: 11.
T IS almost impossible for the Christian on earth
at this time to appreciate the magnitude of the
blessings he enjoys. He has reached the very pinnacle of the experiences of mankind on earth to this
hour. Looking back over the way the human race has
come, we are reminded that six thousand years ago Abel
had faith in God's promises and offered unto him an
acceptable sacrifice. When all the world had turned to
wickedness Noab had faith in God and a coming day
of blelll!ling for mankind, and God brought him over
from the old to the then new world. Four thousand
years ago Jehovah made a ~romise to Abraham that

FEBRUARY

1. 1923

~WATCH

thrilll'd his heart and induced him to leave the land of

his fathers and j01ll'ney into a strange country, hoping
for the blessings that ,,-auld come to him, to his children, and to the nations of earth through him. The
promise was: "In thy seed shall all the familirs of the
earth be blessed."
Abraham died; and the promise was renewed to Isaac.
then to Jacob, then to the twelve tribes, and ag:lin to
the people through the prophets, as God's mouthpiece.
These men from Abel t<l John were greatly favored;
and they appreciated that favor, and endured all manner of hardships that they might plrase God. St. Peter
says that these holy men of old inquircll and searched
diligently as to what manner of time the spirit of Messiah which was in them did signify, searching for this
.;reat mystery by which Jrhovah would bring about the
IJfomised blessing. All these men died not knowing
what it meant.
Jesus came, and taught his llisciples for three and
one-half years. He dird, anll rose from the dead', and
not yet anyone asille from the Lord Jesus knpw anything about the mystery. He told his disciples just
brfore his departure the words of our text: "It is given
unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom." Later
at Pentecost that mystery began to be revealed to them
concerning which St. Paul thereafter testified: "Even
thc mystery \\hich hath been hid from ages and from
generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.
To whom God woulll make known what is the riches of
the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory."-Colossians 1 : 26, 27.
Thus we see that from Abel to John these faithful
men endured all manner of hardship, proving their
loyalty, and that not one of them was permitted to know
the mystery. Kow the consecrated child of God on earth
not only is permitted to know the mystery, but if faithful is permitted to be a part of the m:"stery class constituting the royal family of heaven. What a privilege I
N ever before was anything compared to this granted to
any creatures.
It follows that greater knowledge brings that much
greater responsibility. A knowledge of this mystery,
then, requires everyone to whom is given this knowledge
to use his faculties to the glory of the One who granted
the privilege; and this glory may be used by beinO' obedient to his commandments. The commandment that ill
now given to every Christian is that he must proclaim
the message of the kingdom: "The kingdom of heaven
is at hand." Jesus gave this commandment, sayin~,
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all
the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall
the end come."-Yatthew 24: 1~.
Blessed, then, is the portion of the Christian now to
bow the mysteries of the kinlrdom. More blessed it is
soon to be a part of that kingdom; anll blessed arc those
of the kiItgdom who now are privileged to proclaim to

41

TOWER
th~

world that it is at hand and the blessings it will

brmg to othrrs. Thereforr, thrice blessed is the Christian. Surely he may say unto the Lord: "Thou art
with me." Thou art my friend and "a friend loveth at
all timrs"; for tho loye of our Lonl, our blessed Friend,
has been manifrst to us at all timrs and will be manifest
to the faithful throughout all the ages to come.

TEXT FOR MARCH 12

uHe that loveth with a pure heart . . . th e K'~ng

shall be his frin/d."-Proverbs 22: 11.
H PJ word "friend" used in this text means a close
as,ociation to another. It is the most emphatic
expression of loye to another. It really means
"lover."
Men have always craved the favor of kings and rulers.
Men hare made the greatest sacrifices in order to obtain
such favor; and that friencbhi p, when obtainl'll, was
seldom sincere. But for the grcat King of kings and
Lord of lords to be one's true and lasting friend is a
favor that cannot be fully exprcssed in human phrase.
As t~e Lord's 'Yard shows, a true friend loves you at
a!l tlm~s. (ProYf~rbs 17: 17) The great King, the Messlah, Wlll l.ove his friends throughout all eternity with
an everlastmg love. Eager, then, should one be to ascertain upon what conditions he might obtain this lastin"
friendship; and our text answers: "He that loveth with
a pure heart and hath grace upon his lips shall have the
king for his friend." The heart represents the scat of
affection. It is that part of our being which induces
action, therefore, the seat of motive.
''''hen one becomes a Christian, he is invited by the
Lord to devote his love to him. "My son give me thine
~eart." (Proverbs 23: 2G) Again, the Apostle admonl~hes : "Set your affection on things above." (ColosSians 3 : 2) To all his followers, Jesus says: "If yc love
me, keep my commandments. . . . He that hath my
commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth
me; anll. he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I ,nil love him, and will manifest myself to him."
(John 14: 15, 21) Our love for the Lord must be sincere. It must be ,,-ithout rescrvation. Let us love in
deed and in truth.-1 John 3: 18.
~ot only is love of the Lord a Jondition precedent to
havmg his friendship, but this love must be with a pure
heart. A heart that is pure means one that is free from
guile an~ that has a motive which is sincere, prompted
by a desue to do good unto all and especially unto those
who are members of the Lord's family. Those who thus
love with a pure heart have the additional promise that
they shall sec their Friend and be with him and see
Jehovah. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall
see God." (~Iatthew 5: 8) The other condition precedent to havmg the friendship of the King i, that the
one who thus loves must have grace upon his lips. n.

42

'The

BBOOll:LY~, N.

WATCH TOWER

must speak forth words of favor. In this hour of the

King's presence, how thcn could we properly construe
these words other than to say that the one who expects
to have the King's friendship must speak forth the
words concerning his kingdom? St. John emphasizes
this when he says: "Herein is our love made perfect,
that we may have boldness [freedom of expression and
gracious words] in the day of judgment." (1 John 4 :17)
Weare now in the day of judgment; the Lord is in his
temple, judging his people and judging the nations of
the earth. The great King i~ present. Then what is
expected of the one who will be the recipient of the
great favor of having the King for his everlasting
friend? The answer must be this: With a joyful and
loving heart, he will honor the King and will avail him-

Y.

self of every opportunity to tell forth to others the good

news that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The Christian who today has responded to the invitation of the King to enter into his joy, and who is with
a joyful heart telling the wQrld of God's great plan of
redemption, realizes and appreciates the fact that the
King is now his friend. He has contentment of heart;
but real satisfaction will follow when he awakes in the
likeness of the King of glory and is blessed with the
privilege of personal association and close relationship
with this grC'ut King in all the ages to come. That is a
friend~hip that will never end. Not only will each
member of the body of Christ be a friend of the Lord,
and have the King for his friend, but each member will
be a true, loyal and devoted friend of every other member.

THE PERIOD OF THE JUDGES

--li'EIlRUARY 24--JUDGES, CHAPTERS

TO

16-

ISRAEL SOON YOBGETS GOD--GIDEON'S VICTORY OVER THE MIDIANITES-HUMAN WORSHIP THE BANE OF CHRISTENDOK,

"1 will heal their backsliding, I will love them lreely."-HQlJea 14: 4.
ODAY'S lesson covers the time from the death of
.Joshua to the death of Samson, practically the same
as that of the Book of Judges. The period of the
judges we know was 450 years (Acts 13: 20), though only
portions of that period were actually under the direction
of the judges. The judges were deliverers, and during their
lifetime theV were directors of the national interests. The
office was not hereditary. The record of that time is chiefly
one of Israel's weak failures, of their bondage to one or
another of the surrounding nations, and of heroic efforts by
faithful men raised up by God to retrieve their position. In
no case except under the impulse and excitement of an effort
llt salvation do the people reveal themselves as faithful to
God, or even as mindful of the traditions of their history.
20ur Golden Text gives indirectly the summary of this
very strange period of Israel's history; for while tile reading leaves an impression of the greatness of the men of faith
whom God raised up as deliverers and judges, it leaves a
stronger impression of the weakness and perversity of the
people. The i,ltention of the Book of Judges is clearly: (1)
To give the necessary link in the history of the people fro::.
the time of the entrance into the land until the time of the
establishment of the kingdom; (2) to bring certain facts of
God's dealing Into prominence, chiefly those of some of the
deliverances; (3) to show the mercy and forbearance of
God; and (4) to show what Israel might have had and what
they ought to have been under the arrangement which God
made for their happiness and prosperity in the land which
he had given them.
SThough God knew that Israel would want a king (Deuteronomy 7: 14, 15), and that he would arrange one for
them in his own due time, yet that was not his ideal for
them. Israel was to be a theocracy, a people living under
the ca~e of God, and in harmony amongst themselves, enjoying the blessings of his favor in the land which he had given
them. Rule was to be exercised by neither prophet, priest,
nor king. It was an illustration of that which will obtain
when mankind, rpstored to perfection, and after the kingdom
Is given up to the Father (1 Corinthians 15: 24), will enter
into the full blessings of God. (Genesis 1: 26-28) No one

can read these records of a people who so rarely seemed In

an attitude of mind to please God, and who so frequently
deflected from his known will, without realiZing that God
had chosen for himself one of the most perverse of peoples.
~he covenant of fidelity which Joshua caused Israel to
enter with him was soon forgotten. After his death, and
when the older of those who had fought the battles had
died, they quickly showed their lack of appreciation of the
favor of God. The land was luxurious, and they settled
down to enjoy it. They forgot their history and the purpose
of God in calling them to himself. (Judges 2: 10) Had they
been mindful in this respect they would have realized that
God wanted them to be an illustration of the blessings which
came from serving him, and that the world thereby might
learn the benefits of righteousness, and have their attention
drawn towards the God of Israel, who was also the God of
the whole earth. (Deuteronomy 4: 6,7) Neither did any tribtl
destroy from out its portion the remnant of the CanaanItes
left after the battle; and these became a temptation and
snare.-Judges 1: 27-33.
'oProbably a period of not more than twenty years elapsed
from the division of the land until Israel was conquered by
the king of Mesopotamia, who held them in bondage for eight
years. Then they cried to the Lord; and God raised up
Othniel, Caleb's younger brother. The spirit of the Lord
came upon him, and he was the means of delivering Israpl
and of keeping them in the way of the Lord. He became the
first of the Judges. Forgetfulness of God, idolatry, and con.
sequent bondage under the rule of oppressing neighbors, and
deliverance by God-given men, is the record of Israel's history for four hundred years. During that time they had
judges who were men of varying degrees of worth as to
character. Following the lead given in Hebrews 4: 8-11 we
know that spiritually these things represent spiritual Israel's
fallure to get the rest of faith and the blessing of a consecrated life because of not holding fast the things given.
6Israel in the period of the Judges represents those who,
while professing to be God's people, fail to seek his glory
or to abide by the things which he has given for ,hpir
guidance. They fail to make real attempts to clear (jut

~RUARY

1, 1923

43

tneWATCH TOWER

from their hearts those evils represented by the natives of

Canaan-the defilements of flesh and the human spirit.
Satan never did a greater dis-service to God's people than
when he made them believe that they cannot get the mastery in Christ, but must always be subject to the forces
which are under his command. Such are "in and out" of
God's b10ssing8 because they are feeble in faith and in
energy of spirit.
TIn these things also God made use of the diverse circumstances of the dcliverances of Israel from their captivities
to illustrate things to come. In Joshuu the pictures presented are of God beating down the enemies of his people
that they may occupy their inheritance; and those who had
inhabited it proved that they were not worthy to live among
men. (Leviticus 18: 25) In Judg-es the battle is pre"ented
from another point of view. It is that of the Lord's people
freeing- themselves from those iniquitous institutions which
are foreign to the polity of Israel, and which have been
allowed to fasten themselves upon Israel through lack of
fidelity; and of God's helping them to cast off the yokes.
8Without doubt the fighting at Jezreel under Gideon,
which broke the Midianitish power and dispersed their
army, is a representation of God's delivering his people
from bondage and scattering the powers who have held
them. Also the earlier battle which was led by Barak and
fought in the valley below the hill of Megiddo, and which
freell Israel from the yoke of Jabin, is a picture of the
battle of Armageddon, when the forces of the north, Satan's
army, shall be broken by the power of heaven. That both
thes0 battles are intended to represent the fight of the last
day,; is shown by Psalm 83. There the Psalmist describes a
combination of ten nations against God's people (Psalm
83: 4-8), and prays that God will scatter them as when he
scattered Midlan like stubble driven by the wind. No doubt
reference is made to a Combination of the ten po", ,~rs of
the world against the Lord's people, and to the v;c (II y of
spiritual Israel by the power of God.
HUMAN WORSHIP THE BANE OF CHRISTENDO VI
9ThI' carefully detailed acount of the call of Gideon, and
the deliw'runce of Israel under him, is itself an indication
that the Lord has much to say by it to his people. Gideon,
in whom God saw an instrument ready for service, was a
modest, energetic young man of the tribe of Manasseh. God
would cail him to his service, but first would prove him.
Under his father's care were an image of Baal and a grove
for worship. Oideon was commanded to destroy these. The
l\Iidianites were the troublers of Israel; but the reai troubie
was Israel's worship of Daal, and God would show that
fact, and at the same time Ipt Gideon prove himself even at
the cost of 'his father's anger. He obeyed God instantly.
loGideon was directed What to do, and soon had a con.
siderable army of 32.000 men at his command. But God
knew that if he usN all that army they would say they
had delivered themselves from l\Iidian; and so for his glory,
for their sakes, and because the deliverance was to be typical, Gideon's army was reduced to only 300 men. The 32,000
were tested. First, those who had any fear, now that the
first enthusiasm was past, were told that they might return.
Twenty-two thousand of them felt that way, and disappeared. Then the others were tested as to their readiness.
Only three hundred showed alertness, readiness, aEld selfcontrol; and these were chosen for the special purpose.
By a ruse, with only this small band of faithful, energetie
men, Gideon succeeded in throwing the Midianite hosts int.
such confusion that they began mutual destruction. Then
they fled; and those of Israel who at the first were afraid
Ilew jeined in the pursuit and the invaders were almost
destro~'ed. It was a great deliverance, and the present help
of God was plainly "manifested.

lIBaal worship, which was narnre worship, represents

that worship of human force and Wisdom, or the endeavor
by these means to restore the churches tu prosperity and
the world to peace, which has fastened it:;.elf on Christendom. All the churches of Christendom ~eek by human
means that which would have been their Inheritance if they
had remained faithful to God. The Midianite bondage repJ'Psents the afflictions which come upon an unfaithful people.
12Today there are many who bemoan the lack of spirituality in the churches, and who would be glad to see
religion freed from the worldliness which has sapped its
spiritual vitality; but as yet these will not free themselves
from the systems which support the Baalism abomination.
They as yet are not Willing to be associated with any
at tempt at the overthrow of the religious systems; they
have not yet seen that these are now in God's sight as the
abomination of Baal. Only those who are willing to follow
the Lord in the destruction of the Baalism of today may
hope to be used in his service. Some who have seen these
things have, like the ten thousand who lay down by the
water to drink their fill, proved that they are not so ready
for the Lord's work as they professed to be, and perhaps
as they thought themselves to be.
13ThI' account of Deborah and Barak is significant.
Kedesh signifies holiness. The ten thousand who followed
Barak were led up into the mountain of Tabor, probably
the mount of transfiguration. The Lord undertook to gather
the hosts of Sisera. Informed of Barak's movements, Sisera
immediately gathered his army which, amongst other forces,
had nine hundred chariots of iron, Sisera was ready for
the attack. Barak, directed by Deborah (Judges 4: 14).
came down from the mountain with his ten thousand men.
The heavens fought against Sisera; there was evidently a
thunderstorm with heavy rain. The valley of the Kishon,
where Sisera's army was, became flooded; and his chariots
were as helpless as were Pharaoh's when caught by a similar storm in the valley of the Red Sea.-Judges 5: 20, 21.
14Sisera's army was slain to the last man, (Judges 4: 16)
Sisera fled, only to lose his life Lgnominiously at the hands
of .Iael the Kenite in her tent where, contrary to all custom
and expectation, he sought refuge. When he was asleep
Jael drove a tent peg through his temples, and nailed him
to the ground. Both this battle and that by which Gideon
deliver'ed [:;rnel from the l\lidianites, were fought in the
same neighborhood, just below the hill of l\1egiddo. It is
impossible to avoid seeing in this deliverance by Barak
some reference to the Lord leading his army, coming with
ten thousand of his saints (JUde 14) to fight the battle
which shall break the forces of the enemy and deliver
God's people.-Habakkuk 3.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Today's lesson covers what perIod of time? What were the Judges'

1t.

What two thIngs does the Golden Text teach? What four thIngs
does the Book of Judges teach? '2.
Why was Israel to be a theocracy, and not a kIngdom? As a theocracy what period of tIme was It Intended to Illustrate? , 3.
Why did Israel lose Its appreclatlon of God atter Joshua's death'

U.

Whll was the flnt of the Judges? What Is to be deduced from

Hebrews 4: 8-11' , li.
What Is the antltype of Israel's hIstory under the judges?
What other pIctures are Shown In the Book of Josbua? lD
Judges?
What pIctures the Armageddon conflict? Where W88 It fought?
Describe Gideon's routing of the Midianltes, and explain Its meanIng. , 9, 10.
What great mistake do the churches of "Chrlstendllm" make con.
tlnually? , 11.
What saps spiritual vitality? What Is Baal worshIp? Where II
It found? 1 12.
How \\'as the army of Sisera destroyed? What happened to hIJ
chanols? 113.
What became ot Sisera? The battles of Gideon and Barak rep~
sent what! , U.

'7.

'6.

,8.

THE REVIVAL UNDER SAMUEL

--MARCH

2--1

SAMUEL, CH_~p'n;RS

TO

7--

SAUUEI. REMAINS PURE AMID ~;VIL SURROUNDINGS--ARK BECOMES A PLAGUE TO PHILISTINES-SAMUEL JUDGES AND
INSTReCTS ISRAEL.

"Direat your hearts unto Jehovah, and serve him only."-l Samuel: S.
HE history of Israel in the land of promise is divisible
into three main periods: I. 1) That of the ju<\ges, hefore there was a king in isme I (450 years): (2)
that of the kings (513 years) ; and (3) that which lastpd
from the captivity under Babylon until the dispersion b~'
Rome, during which time Israel was always under the
domination of the Gentiles (676 years). Each of these
periods ended in failure. At the end of the period of the
judges the Ark of God was taken captlve by the Philistines;
and Shiloh, where the tabernacle was, and which was the
center of Israel's worship, was destroyed. TIl(> period of
the kings ended with the burning of the temple and the
destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian hosts. The
third period also ended with the burning of the' restored
temple, and the massacre or captivity of a million Jews.
~'o complete the number of desolations of what may be
called organized religion, there is the fourth: That of
Christendom, which has the features of the other three
In an intensified form.
20ur study today begins with the time of the first desolation, and tells us of the revival which God brought about
through his faithful servant Samuel. At the time of Samuel's birth matters in Israel were hastening to a crisis.
The people seem to have been then less prone to idolatry
than in their earlier years; the many sharp lessons they
had received put a check on that form of unfaithfuiness.
There also seems to have been some trouble not recorded
in respect to the priesthood; for Eli was not of the .line
of Eleazar, but had sprung from Ithamar. If there had
been a professed attempt at reform it surely rpsulted in
loss of reality and in the growth of hypocrisy; for in the
days in which our lesson begins, the priests, the sons of
Eli, were both thieves and prolligates, and the service of
the tabernacle had become an open scandal. God determin( 1
to wipe out the whole organization, and to cut out that
priesthood.
SOUI' lesson shows also that God was preparing for his
people's welfare as soon as they should be ready to receive
his blessings; and that also the outward condition of Isrnel
at this time was pitiable, for the Philistines, who until the
later days of David were ever as a thorn in the side of
Israel, had then been masters of Israel for many years.
Samson had begun to deliver the people from that yolw,
but his C'xploits only servpd to keep them in check. They
were afraid to attack Ist'liel while Samson was free. After
his death they used their power cruelly. (1 Samuel 13: 20)
The high priest Eli seems to have assumed the position of
ruler or judge, as well as that of priest. Ypt as ]<Jli is said
to have judged Israel for forty ~'ears (1 Samuel 4: 18), it
is probable that he had some position of authority during
all the days of Samson's judgeship. Samson seems to have
lJeen too much of a roving disposition to have a settled
order, and probably the people apppuled for guidance as
much to Eli a" to him. But gli helped Israel very little,
and certainl~' the Philistines troubled them all his days.

It seems more than probable Clat Hannah was prompted to

her prayer by the birth of Samson; for the angPi of the
Lord had aPlwnred to )Ianoah's wiff', who also was bar,'pn,
and had told her that she should have a son, and that he
was to be a :;-';azarite, lJy whom the Lord would bpgill to
deliver Israel. (JUdges 13: 5) The Lord heard Hannah's
prayer, and Samuel was born. As soon as possiblp, ,,,hill'
very young, his mother took him to Shiloh, and prl's~':lted
him to Eli the high priest. Evidently the child's sprvice
was acceptable.
5God had a work then to be done for Israel and for him
self which, in some measure, was comparable to tha t <lone
by Moses. Israel was a broken lJ{'<.lple, for the I'hLi~tilles
sorely oppressed them; and Samuel, like Moses, was to be
God's instrument to bring a revival of the national 'lOpes
and ideals, and also deliverance from bondage. If ~r()ses
found Israel a people apathetic, and without hope, so also
did Samuel. Samuel, like Moses as to fact but di il'erent
as to method, was early brought into training for the work
which God had for him. It speaks well for him that the
profligacy of Eli's sons, and the wickedness which was
openly carried on in the courts of the Lord's house, did not
vitiate the young life. The purity of his young mill <I prevented him from seeing and understanding much of the
wickedness which was done openly there; and his set purpose to serve God enabled him to withstand many temptations. While he was yet very young God honored him by
making him his messenger even to Eli, and Samuel then
understood that he was called of the Lord. Before lone: all
Israel knew thl. t Samuel was established as a prophet of
the Lord; and the Lord again revealed himself in Shiloh.
--1 Samuel 3: 20,21.

ARK BECOMES A PLAGUE TO PHILISTINES

6We are not informed as to any message to Israel by
Samuel; but from chapter 4: 1 it is evident that he had
something to say to the people. We may properly suppose
that the young man, faithful to Jehovah and full of enthusiasm, would endeavor to remind the people of their laek
and to rouse them to a revival of loyalty and faith and
hope. It is very probable that the death of Samson about
that time, which had been so calamitous to the Philistines,
raised Israel's hopes. Perhaps Samuel thought that the
Lord would complete under him the work begun by Samson,
and that Israel would now be delivered from their enemies
as so many times in the past.
7Israel went out to battle, but the Philistines heavily
defeated them. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli and
therefore the priests of the Lord, then determined to take
the Ark of the Covenant with them to battle. They had no
right to do this; their hands were un<:\eaIl, as their lives
were unholy. The Lord showed his displeasure by permitting the Ark to be taken by the Philistines. Israel was defeated; Hophni and Phinehas were slain; and when word
of this was brought to Eli, the old man, now ninety-pight
years of age, fell backward from his seat and broke his
neck. Evidently the tabernacle was taken down as swiftly
as possible; for we know that it was saved. (2Chronicles
1: 3) But the Philistines came, and Shiloh was destroyed.
Samuel 'Tas left alone to represent the Lord.
8lf Samuel's messal,"e was as suggested, and if he had
been insrumental in rousing Israel to renewed faith and to

SAMUEL RE)IAINS PURE AMID EVIL SURROUNDrlGS

'About the time when Samson began to judge Israel,
Hannah, the wife of Elkanah of Ephraim, cried to the Lord
that sit' might have the blpssing of a son; and she promispu the Lord that if one was given to her, she would devote
him to the Y,ord's service, and that he should be a Nazarite.
44

FEBR[JARY

1, 1923

'TheWATCH TOWER

this ('ffort, the result (which was the destruction of the

pril'!<thood and of the whole of the tabernacle arrangements,
makin~ complete devastation of Israel's polity) must huve
appeart'd to him as a most serious setback. Rut he did not
I"se faith nor coura~e; and he would soon come to Sf'(' that
tllis was the means God used to fulfil his earlier word, and
that the destt'uction was a necessary prl'liminary to the
restitution of Israel In faith and fidt'lity. The corrupt
priesthood needed to be removed out of the wa~'.
9The Ark was not kl'pt long by the Philistines. This
trophy of their conquest became a burden and a troubll'r to
thl'm. TllPir god Dagon fell befor\' it; and wherever they
took it a plague broke out. They returned it to Israel in a
new cart drawn by oxen and unled. On its restoration no
attempt was made to restore the tabernacle arran~ement
and worship. The Ark was cared for in the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-jearim. Samuel was as faithful in this as in
other things. Natural desire and expectation would be to
have the tabernacle and its worship again established. But
Shiloh had been destroyed, and the gathering place of Israel
was under Jehovah's direction. (1 Kings 14: 21) Samuel
made no move: he would not go ahead of the Lord. From
that time Samuel SCl'IllS 10 have spent his time in going
about in Israel in an endeavor to hring the people to the
sense of their loss and to a proper relationship to the Lord.
At the end of twenty years (1 Samuel 7: 2) they realized
their sad position, and cried to the Lord; and the Lord
ever ready was prepared to help them. They gathered again
at Mizpeh, and made a covenant with the Lord. (1 Samuel
7 : 5, G) Again the Philistines came upon them; but God
gave Israel a great victory, and the power of the Philistinel!
was broken.-1 Samuel 7: 1(}'12.

that they were looking to human means rather than looking

to God. The immediate cause was in Samuel's sons, whvm
he had made jndg-es in the south, and who were taking
bribes and perverting judgment. (1 Samuel 8: 2) Probably
Israp] <lid not realize that this request on their part showed
a lack of trust in God, and certainly thE'Y never looked at
their separation from the nations from God's point of vi"''1/'.
Thpy npver rose beyond their own limited view and their
own desires. Samuel was grievously disappointed, and sel''.Ins
to ha ye been sorely wounded in heart by this defect in
Israel. He felt not only that his life work was going for
very little, but that his labor for Israel might in some
measure appear to ha\'e f;PTved to lead the people to their
prC'sent desire. God co:nforted him by telling him that the
people were only doing with him as thl'Y had done to Himself, He agTeed to give a king, but Samuel was to warn
thplll of the consequl'nces. (1 Samuel 8: 6-9) The people
werp set, and God gave them a king.
12Samuel's work and the circumstances under which It
was doae correspond very closely to the earlier portion of
the present harvest time, "the day of preparation," and are
Indeed very probably intended to be understood as type and
antitype. In all these things God was preparing for the
typical kingdom to be seen in its full significance in the
rorlier portion of the rei,gn of Solomon. The restoration of
Israel under the guidance of Samuel represents the work
which the Lord did for his people in instruction in the
Word, and in tl10se things written during the day of preparation, that t]'e man of God may be perfect, and that he
may know how to conduct himself in the church ot God.
-1 Timothy 3: 15.

SAMUEL JUDGES AND INSTRUCTS ISRAEL

What divisions are seen in the history of Israel while th~ were In
the promised land? How did oocli ppriod end? , 1.
What were the conditions In Israel about the time of Samuel'.
birth? Of whom was Eli a descendant? What was the COndition of tile priesthood? 'I 2.
What nation was menacing Israel? Who helped Samson durin,
the poriod of his judgeship? What was a notable characteri.tic
of Samson's? 'I 3.
What remarkable thing now occnrred for Israel's benefit? , 4.
What Is the comparison between Israel under Samuel and under
Moses? What protection had Samuel from imbibing the spirit
of IllS time'! 11 5.
What blasted the rising hopee of Israel? 'I G.
Who exceeded their authority by taking the ark to battle? What
hapvened? 11 7.
What was the situatiOll which confronted Samuel? Was Samuel
disheartened? , 8.
Why did the Philistines return the ark? In what respect did Samuel show that he was not presumptuous? '1l 9.
What two things did Samuel organize, and for what purpose?
Wberein did Samuel's strength lie? What did this wayward,
rebellious, still'necked people now want? ~ 10.
Why did Israel dffill'e a king? What were the circumstances which
sup;JOse,lly ',roIllpled it? Was it an occ'lslon for disappointment
on Samuel's part? What consolation did he receive? 11 11.
As God WllS preparing for the typical kingdom, do \.he circumstances correspond in antitype? 11 12.

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

Samuel afterwards judged Israel for twenty years; and,

as previously shown, he organized a regular circuit of
assizes (lSamuel 7:16,17), and also the school of the
prophets. Thus he gave Israel an effective system of both
judicature and instruction. Without doubt his work was
one of the greatest which was done for Israel. He was one
of Israel's great men with much originality and initiative.
His strength was in his loyalty to God, and in the fact that
he kept in constant communioll with God on behalf of Israel.
His name means "Asked of Gou," and he lived in harmony
with it. In all his work for Israel he kept the ideal of a
theocracy before the people. Yet as soon as the ideal seemed
establIshed, these wayward people wanted something else.
They wanted to be like their neighbors and to have a king
who should lead them to battle.
llThese people, -who had been so feeble and unwarllke in
their actions, now wanted to have a war-lord. It is evident

PILGRIMS OF THE MORNING

PilgrIms of the l\Iornin~, blessed pilgrims of the Light,
Go ye forth to banish the "gross darkness" of the night;
Every heart enkindled with "a flame of sacred love,"
Every face illumined with u a radiance from above."

Blow the "silver trump<:>ts" o'er the land and o'er the sea,
Publish on the mountains the great "Year of Jubilee";
Sing it through the valleys; shout aloud upon the plains i
Tell the whole creation that the Lord Jehovah reigwJ I

Angel hosts surround you; strength is promised from on high.

Lift your heads rejoicing; "your redemption dru\wth nigh."
COur:lg'l' y<:>t a little while; and then, the battie WOIl,
Sweet will be the sure reward In your dear Lord's "Well done."

THE REIGN OF SAUL

IlAUI.'1l

--MARCH 9--1 SAMUEL, CHAPTERS 8 TO 15-GOOD AND BAD QUALITmS-SAUL'S PROUD PROCLIVITIES PREDO~I!NATE-SAUL'S CONDUCT REVEALS
TYPICAL PICTURE OJ' SAUL'S DEFLECTION.
"B81oold, to obey is better then sacrifice."-l Samuel 15: 22.

AUL had the honor of being Israel's Ill'se king, but hts
life's story Is one of the saddest In the Bible. It may
be said to be a record written to show how God's
mercies are wasted and finally lost through wilfulness lIud
disobedience. Our Golden Text giyes a reminder of the ~Teat
defect In Saul's attltude towards God, which led to his
rejection and to a calamitous end. Saul was a great professor. With splendid opportunities he never developed, nor
learned that It Is a greater thing to serve In sincerity than
to occupy and merely enjoy a position of privilege or
authority.
2The meeting of Samuel and Saul, who was chosen of
God to be king, came about In an unusual way. Suul, of
the tribe of Benjamin, seeking his futher's strayed asses,
wandered to the place where Samuel lived. God iwlic,lt,,1
to Samuel that this tall ~'oung man who called upon him
for help In finding the lost asses, was the one who should
be anointed king In Israel. Samuel anointed him as future
king. 'i'hen Samuel called all Israel together at l\!i;r,peh and
set them in tribes and companies, that the king should be
chosen by lot.
BAs one of the reasons for the request for a king was the
perversion of justice by Samuel's sons, It was of the Lord's
order, and as a protection for Samuel, that Saul was thus
shown to be God's choice. Otherwise Samuel might have
been suspected of favoritism. Of the tribes, Benjamin was
chosen; of Benjamin, the family of Kish; of the sons of
Klsh, Saul was chosen. But when the people looked for
Saul he was not to be found; he had hidden himself. This
evidently set the people bnk a little; for they Inquired of
the Lord It they should seek Saul. The Lord answered that
he was the one chosen. When he was brought amongst the
peQple he was seen to be head and shoulders above all the
others. The people wanted something that they could Fee;
and God gave them the tallest man In Israel.-1 Samuel
10: 17-24.

SAUL'S GOOD AND BAD QUALITIES

had no preparation for his office; but God does not
call a man to serve him without giving the necessary help,
sometimes indeed by means of a long preparation; sometimes, as In Saul's case, by that which seems special equipment. It Is said of Saul that "God gave him another heart"
(1 Samuel 10: 9) ; that Is, this man who had been accustomed to the comparatively small things of his father's
household and farm, now called to look to the Interests of
God's people, had a mind and heart given him which enlarged his vision, and fltted him for the service to which he
was called.
DSaul showed qualities which would make a good leader
and which, under the blessing of God, might make him a
good caretaker over the Interests of God's people. His quick
action against Ammon, who had lll-treated some of the
messengers of Israel, proved this; for within seven days
Saul's messengers had gone throughout all Israel, and an
army was gathered to go to the relief of their brethren
held In bondage. Saul was a man of impulses, sometimes
generous, but often vindictive and cruel. He had an impat1ent, proud spirit which, apparently, he made no attempt
to conquer, and which ultimately led him astray.
6Saul's first great fault was manifested on an occasion
when the Philistines had gathered a great army against
Israel. Samuel had arrauged to go down to where Saul's
army was gathered to gin, them the Lord's blessing. A
~Saul

HEART

CONDITION-ANTI-

time was appointed; but the Prophet seemed to delay, and

at last Saul decided that he could walt no longer. Naturally
impatient, his imperious spirit chafed at the thought of
waiting for the Prophet; and probably he was somewhat
piqued that he the king should be left thus in uncertainty.
He presumptuousiy took upon himself the office of priest,
and olTered the sacritice Samuel was to otTer. He who
would act thus could not honor GOll; rather he proved that
he dl'spised God's arrangement. The presumption and the
offense were too serious to be passed over. God could not
permit the matter to pass; for if the first king In Israel
were permitted to do these things with Impunity, or even
with a measure of condemnation, his sons would surely
presume to do likewise. Therefore God cut Saul's family
off from the privilege of being Israel's kings. An example
must be set, lest any should presume on the forbearance
of God.
SAUL'S PROUD PROCLIVITIES PREDOMINATE
'Sometime later S:lUl was given another commission. Now
that God had established a kingdom the time had come to
fulfil his word concerning the Amalekites, the nation which
first attempted to keep God from giving his people their
promised inheritance. (Exodus 17: 14) Saul was told to go
south and destroy the Amalekites. The commission was
definite. It Is possible to see a note of pleading In Samuel's
Instruction to Saul. (1 Samuel 15: 1-3) It almost carries a
hint to say that if in this commission he would be mindful
to do as commanded, the situation brought about by his
former action could be relieved. Saul went out to fulfil the
commission, but his self-will again prevailed. When he
returned, the Lord told Samuel of Saul's disobedience, and
God said he repented that he had made Saul king. (1 Samuel
15: 11) This is not to be understood as being the same as
when it Is said a man regrets his wrongdoing or his foolishness, but as Indicating a change of purpose on God's part.
8There was now to be no question in Samuel's mind about
God's will. Saul and his family could not possibly hold the
kingdom. Yet Samuel pleaded with the Lord all night, for
his heart was sore; and perhaps he thought that the people
would think that God had not foreknowledge and had himself made a mistake in respect to Saul.
9S11UI's disobedience was proved to be neither a mistake
of judgment nor a momentary slip; for he met Samuel with
an untruth and with hypocrisy, making profession of having
done all that was to be done. His words carry that very
disagreeable unctuousness found in hypocritical disposltlon&
Saul said unto him: "Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have
performed the commandment of the Lord." And when
Samuel cuttingly inquired: "What meaneth then this bleatIng of the sheep In mine ears, and the lOWing of the oxen
which I hear?" Saul replied: "They have brought them
from the Amalekltes: for the people spared the best of the
sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God;
and the rest we have utterly destroyed."-1 Samuel 15 :13-15.
SAUL'S CONDUCT REVEALS HEART CONDITION
Saul had not wished to flatter Samuel, as hypocrites
are ever ready to do when In doubt or fear, he wou1<l not
have spoken. of Jehovah as Samuel's God. And with that
readiness which Is always found in such like characters, he
laid the blame of his misdoings on others. He said that he
had only agreed to the wishes of the people, who themselves
had wanted to offer a creat sacrifice to God. Agag, the
IOIf

46

nBnUABY

1, 1923

neWATCH TOWER

chief sinner, he had spared. On getting his sentence Saul

showed no remorse for his wrong attitude towards God,
nor regrf!t for the wrong he had done, nor for the bad
example he hall given to the people of God. But he mani
fested consillerable feeling for himself. He asked Samuel,
Importuned him indeed, even to the extent of laying holll of
Samuel anll tearing his clothes when Samuel made as if he
would leave him, that Samuel should at least stay with him
that the people might not see that there had been a break
between them.
llLater Saul's hatred of David, U1111 his persistent en
deavor to kill this one whom he knew, or ou~ht to have
known, was anointed to be his successor, showell his hatred
of the will of God. His final loss in the darkness of a cast
off condition is pitiable to read. He went to the devil for
guidance, and lost out accordingly.
12While here are lessons for every one who has come
Into covenant relationship with God, they speak loudly for
the instruction of the children of God in these last days.
Saul represents those who have had an opportunity of representing God among men, but who forfeit It, being rejected
for lack of loyalty and faithfulness. He represents both
those of our Lord's day to whom Jesus said: "Woe unto
you I , for ye have taken away the key of knowledge:
ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering
in ye hindered" (Luke 11: 52), and the nominal church
leaders of our day, who also are cast off from their place
of favor, and some of whom, like Saul, seek demoniacal
aid for light in darkness.
ANTITYPICAL PICTURE OP SAUL'S DEFLECTION

lSThere is not merely a general correspondency; for the

order to Saul to destroy the Amalekites and his disobedience
corresponds with the events of the years 1914-1918. After
the Great War the Lord brought certain matters in his
kingdom to a decision. The leaders of the nominal church
stood before God in the same relation as Saul: They had
been told that they could not continue to represent GodBrother Russell's message had made that matter plain.
But God's mercy was not wholly withdrawn until they
decided, even after the paganism of the world was demonstrated, to stand with it rather than with God. They said
that the League of Nations is the "political expression of
the kingdom of God on earth." The Amalekites represent
the opponents of God's kingdom; and Saul represents those
who are the professed servants of God whether of the
"nominal" church, or those who have left the systems and
know the truth, who deliberately disobey their orders and
refuse to labor with the Lord for the destruction of the
world-opposition to the kingdom of heaven.

47

UThe warning of the Golden Text has ever been n~s

sary to the people of God; for to some extent they are
always tempted to rely upon service not fully supported by
the heart. Spoken by a priest the warning comes with
greater force; for a priest can live only by the sacrifices
which are offered. But Samuel was a prophet as well as a
priest, and the prophet's office is ever the superior; far ~he
service must be rendered accordin,g to direction. ~allluel
went to the heart of the matter. The obedience of the IOY111
heart is greater in the sight of God than the offering of
multitudes of sheep and oxen. What are such offering'S to
God! "Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?" (Micah G: 7)
Israel were taught to sacrifice; but when their service
became formal, the sacrifices were worse than usdell.
They became obnoxious to God.-Isaiah 1: 11.
15There are some who serve God because others do so;
such should rouse themselves to the spirit of service, which
is seeking to glorify God. Also there are those who decline
to do the work of the Lord so clearly revealed as his will,
saying that too much service is dangerous to spiritual life.
They will, they say. seek to render their sacrifice more
complete by perfecting themselves in holiness. These are in
danger of Saul's mistake; to all such the word comp3,
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice," (1 Samuel 15: 22)
No one can offer any sacrifice acceptable to the Lord unless
his heart is truly loyal to the expressed will of God,
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Who was Israel's first king? What Is sai<l ot his life's history? 11
Ot what tribe was Saul? What was thb circumstance ot his meeting Samuel? .. 2.
What was the object ot choosing the king by lot after Saul had
been anointed? .. 3.
What had been Saul's t:raiJl1q? How did God prepare him tor his
duties? 14.
Did Saul make a good begiDJling? What were his general characteristics? 1 5.
How did Saul hazard hi8 tavor with God? What calamity betell
him? 16.
How was God's mere)' manltested toward Saul? How wu God'.
tavor forteited? What ill the meaning ot "repented" In the text
cited? .. 7.
How did Saul's deflection Impress Samuel? 1 8.
Was Saul's disobedience a mistake ot judgment or a lapse ot memo
ory? How do we know what it was "I 11 9,
How did Saul indicate hypocrisy? Cowardice? Pride? Selfishness?

pO.

what way did the grosiiness ot Saul's character now display

Itselt? What was the occasion on which Saul went to the devil
tor advice? 1 11.
What are the lessons tor us? Whom did Saul represent? '112
Has God been good to the antitypical Saul class? What do these
modern Sauls say about the League of Nations? Who are the
Amalekites in antitype? 113.
What is a prominent temptation for the people ot God? What is
the ~hreefoldo strength in the warning of the Golden 'l'ext? '1114.
What IS the dIfference between service and ihe spirit of service?
Acceptable sacrifice is offered to the Lord how? How may we
safeguard oursehoes? .. 15.

TRUTH MAKING INROADS AMONGST JAPANESE

BROTHER RUTHERFORD:
Christian greeting. The Japanese manuscript of "The
Harp of God" will be ready in two weeks [December 15].
As soon as It is ready, I wi'l send it to you.
1 was given the privilege to speak at the Japanese Baptist Church of East San Pedro, Cal., last Sunday night
Rev. Ito, the pastor of the church, welcomed me and olfered
me the opportunity to speak once a month at the Sunday
night service. The topic of my last lecture was, "The Bible
is the Word of God." There were forty present and they
were agreed in THE TRUTH.
Rev. Ito is a Fundamentalist He can neither speak nor
read English, So he said: "I don't know anything about
this Modernism. 1 wish to stick to the fundamental doctrines of the Lord and the apostles. It Is horrible to look
DEAB

at the present condition of Christian people now. And 1

am so glad that the Lord keeps me in this old-fashioned
faith."
There is another Japanese minister coming to my home
every Thursday night to study the "Harp." His name is
Rev. Ishiguro, of Los Angeles Japanese Independent Christian Church. He says that he is not satisfied with the
doctrines which he was taught.
So, Brother Rutherford, the separation of sheep and goats
Is clearly going on among Japanese nominal Christian
people now. Praise the Lord I
1 have sold thirty-four "whole sets," two Bible-Student
Bibles, and some other books since September 20th. 1 sold
them all to Japanese.
Yours in him by his grace.
J. AKAslU, Cali/.

Intelnational Bible Students A~sociation Gasses

ltecture~

cmd iStudiC8 by TrdvelineJ Brethren

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

BROTHER T. E. BARKER

Siloam, N. C._....__ Feb. 14

Winston Salem, N. C
"
III
Green~boro, N. C
"
17
High Point, N. C........ "
18
Staley, N. C........._. ..
19
Durham, N. C.
.. 20,21

Stem, N. C
_ _ Feb.
Henderson, N. C
,
"
LouiSburg, ~. c.._ _..__ n
Selma, N. C. ._ _._
"
Raleigh, N. C
_. __
Wendall, N. C._.___ "

22
24
26
27
28
29

Oakesdale, Wash
Garfield, Wash.._
lIloscow, Ida. __.__
Rosalia, Wash.
Colfax, Wash.
Pomeroy, Wash.

...Feb. 22
" 24
25
26
27
.. 28

'.rell City, Ind.

Boom'ille, Ind. .
\Va:-.Illllgton, Ind.
Bicknell, Ind . ._._
Sullivan, Ind
Dugger, Ind. ._

_Feb. 14
" 1:5
" 17
18
19
20

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Gratiot, Wis.. ..__
Feb.
12
l\Ionticello, 'Vis
_._
" 13,14
Madison, Wi~
_._ _ " 15,17
Boaz, 'Vis. . __ . .. _
" 18,19
;VIadison, Wis
-....... ..
221
Lake 1Illlls, Wis
..

{)conomowoc, Wk
Waukesha, \\1 . .
11111\\ aukee, W ,
Waukegan, III
KZieOnnO'shIall,' Wis.--...::

..

15
17
IS

19
20
21

Eastman, Ga. __

_ _. __Feb.22

~~~~~~~:aTh~ij~': ::~~~:::::::::~::::: ~~
Th?Hlasyille, (~a
:: 2~
CaIro, Ga
_
_..
2,
Dothan, Ala. ._ .Feb. 29, Mar. 2

Feu. 10
" 11
12
_. " 13
.. 14
_.._. " Hi

Pampa, Tex.
Shattuck, Okla.
Follett. Tex. _
Arnett. Okla. .
"oIHlward, Ol\~a
Clinton, Okla

Feb.

22
24
25
, " ~n. 27
~.~ " 28,29
lI1ar. 2

12
14
17
18
19
20

Hou~ton, Tex.
Seal~', Tex. ...

. .. _Feb.

21
22
Halletts\"ille, Tex... ..
24
Corvus Chl'lstl, Tex.._.. " 25,26
Allee, Tex. ._. _.._ _
"
27
Premont, Tex
_.._ ..
29

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Lexington Ky
Feb. 13
t' K y. --- --- - "
14
I .' "an kfor,
Shelbyville, Ky. .. .. _._. "
15
Louisville, Ky
17,18
Guthrie, Ky
" 19,20
Palmyra, Tenn.
_..
21

E. Hall'~ Harbor, N.S. Feb. 20, 21

Kl'ntnlle, N S. ._. __... 'I 22,24
l\Iiddlcton, N. S .. _. __.. ~ "
25
Torhrook, K. S
"
26
Bridgewater, N. S. ~_ .. " 27,28
Halifax, N. S
Feb. 29, iliaI'. 2

Deer Park, Ala

Lucedale, :\Iiss
Laurel, :\li88
_ _
Hattiesburg, ~Iiss
Weathersby, :\118S.
Jackson, lIIiss

Feb.
"
_....
"
_._..

22
25
26
27
28
29

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
port.mouth, O.
Feb.
Ironton, o.._.~.__ ~ ..
"
Ashland, Ky. _
_ _."
Huntington, 'V. Va. ._.....
Gallipolis, O
:
Parkersburc, W. Va.

13
15
17
18
19
20

_.. ~'eb. 24
" 20
26
27
28
29

BROTHER C. ROBERTS
DuunVille, Onto ._
Feb.
21
Weiland, Onto
..
22
Klagara Falls, 0'11
24, 20
St. Catherinc:-l, (I J t ...... "
26
Bea1ll8ville, Ont. .......
.27
Hamil ton, Onto ._.......... ..
28

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
Bakersfield, Calif.
Tulare. Calif. __
Selma, Calif. ._._
Fresno, Calif
Orosi, Calif _._
Reedley, Calif.

__ Feb.
__ .. _"
_ _ "
"
"

17
18
19
20
21
22

Sonth Fork, 1\10.... _.Feb. 13, 14

Tharer, 1110.
..
15
1I10nntain (i"oYe, ]\10 .. _ ..
17
Norwood, 1110
..
18
Ava, 1110..._................
19
Springfield, Mo
" 21, 24

Porterville, Cahf.
.......Feb.24
Turlock, Calif.
" 25
1\10desto, Calif.
.
26
Stockton, Calif
.
27
Oakdale, Calif. .
.
28
Tuolumne, Calif....._.._ It ?-9

lIIaril'tta. O
_ .... F'e1' 21,24
Stockport, O
_ ~ .. _~. "
22
N. :\lartinsvilll', W. Va. ..
25
CI:"lnc:!on. O
__
"
26
WhoE'ling. W. Va
" 27,2 8
Bellaire, O__..__ ..
29

Bolivar, 1110
Feb. 2J
St..Tames, lifo.
..
211
Rolla, Mo
_
"
28
Lebanon, 1110.. _
27,28
Garden City. 1II0,..... ..
29
Ash Grove, Mo
Mar. 2

BROTHER J. B. WILLIAMS
Owen Sound, Ont.. .... _Feb. 10, 11
Canll11a. Onto .._......... ..
14
Oran~eyille. Onto _.~.~
"
15
'l'orOlVo, Onto
..
17
Oshawa, Onto
..
18
Trenton, Onto ...._._ ..
19

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Marianna, Fla
__ Feb
14
DeFuniak Springs, Fla. ..
15
Pensacola Flu
17,18
Brewton, 'Ala
__
19
Bay lIIinette, Ala
"
20
Mobile, Ala
_
21, 24

Ft. Smith, Ark.

Kansas CIty, Kan.
St. J oseph, ~lo.
KehI'll8ka CIt)". :,. h.
Lincoln, Xeb.._._
Beatrice, Keb...... _

BROTHER W. J. 'THORN

Gadsden, Tenn
Feb.
22
Jl[ellll,his, Tenn
..
24
KeisCl', Ark.
__ .. _
.
2:5
Jonesboro, Ark
. .. 26,27
28
Pil;g'ott, Ark... ..
29
Forrest City, Ark..._ ..

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
EvandaJe, N. B
__ .. _.. _Feb.
11
Hampstead, N. B
"
12
lIIoncton, N. B
_......
14
Springhill, N. S
,... ..
15
Truro, N. S
_
17,18
Port Williamson, N. S. ..
19

15
17
18
20
21
22

Blenheim, Ont.
Feb. 13
Ridgetown, Onto
"
14
St. Thomas, Onto
.. 1517
i" yhller, Onto ..
.. ~~ .. ~ .. n
18
('uurtland, Ont.
..
19
Simcoe, Onto
..
20

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Devers, Tex.
_Feb.
Crosby, Tex.
.. 13,
Houston, ~ex. ._..
" 15,
Galveston, ',rex
"
Alvin, Tex.
..
Waller, Tex. _ .._.........

Linton, Ind.._...
Feb.
17
New (Joshen, Ind
"
18
Brazil, Ind
_
19
.. 20,21
Terre Haute, Ind.
22
New Richmohd, Ind.
Champalgu, 111.
_
24

BROTHER V. C. RICE
Stuart, Okla. ..
_..._.._.Feb.
IIlcAlester, Okla.
"
WIlhurtoll, Okla. ..__ ._.
"
AlulOn, Okla
__
"
Yaliant, Okla
"
Idabel, Okla. ................. "

BROTHER J. W. COPE
Rolla, Kan
Feb.
12
P~.att! Kan
::
14
"Ielllta, Kan.
15
\Yilmore, Kan
"
17
!-iardtner, Kan
" 18,19
Alva, Okla. _._"_...... ..
20

Feb.
21
22
"
24
..
20
..
.. 27,28
..
28

BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Palatka, Fla.................__.Fcb.
Jacksonville, Fla.......__... "
Green Cove Springs, Fla."
"'arcross, Ga
_
"
Savannah, Ga.
Dublin, Ga. _.__

Dayton, Wash
_
Waitsburg, Wash
Walla Waila, '''ash
LaGrande, Ore
Weiser, Ida
Ontario, Ore. _

BelleYille, Ont.
Feb. 20. 21
Stil'linl;, Onto .
" ')') 24
--'211
Kin~ston, Onto _
Gananoque, Onto
26
Brockville, Ont. .....
27
Prescott, Onto
_. It
28

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
Monongahela, Pa
Duqnesne. Pa
K ew Kensi n~ton, Pa
IGttaning, Pa
~_
Oil City, I'll
Warren, Pa.

Feb.
"
"
_ "

"

17
18
19
20
21
22

Bradford, Pa. .
Feb.
Hew City, Pa
"
I{anf? Pa. --- - ~_
~
__.
DeYoung, PR.
. ~_ _..
Clal'ington, I'a. ..
_.. "
Clarion, Pa --..................

24
25
26
27
28
2.

CONVENTIONS TO BE AODRESSED BY BROTHER RUTHERFORD

St. Petersburg, Fla., Feb 17-Secretary: A. P. Walker, 1900 30t'
Ave., Korth.
Greenville. S. C., IlIaI'. 9-Secretary : T. W Brockman, 107 AtwOOd St.
New Bedfol'd, IIIass., Mar. 23-Secretary: W. W.Greaves, 21180cial St.

"".1tle11y1illi111il9<!@1l))~~~1flt~~~~~btt>
~:W~fVihllg ~1llIlI$~bfal1llld4\.~ngv,tlJlfO!"-Isaia!1
VOL. XLV

r;;o.4

SEMI-MONTHLY
19~

Anno Mundi 6052 - February 15,

CONTENTS
ll'HE DESTINY OF THE GOATS_._._ .......... 151

The Ransom the Test..

Some Examples
Pharisees
Why Hesponsible?
Pharisees' Counterpart
Time of FulfIlment

_.................

a __

51
54
:>4
54
;-,5
57

Judgrnent Time ...._....._

,')8

The Heal Issue...__

A Jealous God

:>8
;;9

__

, ,

I(

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT CO~IMENTS.............()1

'['HE REIGN OF DAVID..................................... 62
Three Phases of David's Life
_
62

David Restores Wor,hip of God

MEMORIAL DATE-1924

63
50

"I .cill stand "pon my watch and will set my fOO'

.pon the Towe,', and will watch to 8ee what He wtll
say unto me, and "hat an.wer I 8hall make

'0 ,11._

QpeD the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless. discontented) roaring; men's hearts failing thom till 'ear .nr 'or look'''_ . .
&lie things coming upon the earth (society); for the power. of the heavens (ccclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. . . When ye see these thingb begk or: m".. .r: p....., ohea
bow that dae Kin,cdgm of God is at hand. Look UP. lift up your headb. re.ioice. for Your redemption draweth nigh,-Matt. 24:33, Mr.rk 13:29. Luke 21:25-3L

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

IDS journal 1s one of the prime filctors or InstrllJIlents in the system of Bib~ instruction, or "SemInary Extension", now beln
presented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWEll BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertaininglY arrant;ed, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verb' Dei Minister (V. D. lIf.), which translated
blto English Is Minister 01 God'. Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
ltudents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
_redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11lli; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . . .has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"whlch In other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 59, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while It seeks more and more to bring its every ntterance into fullest
lIubjection to the w1ll of God in Christ, as expressed In the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust. to be used only in his
lIervice; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
ood pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuild4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ou
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly ''his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throu~hoU1l
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple. through which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 2022;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will brin~ all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be tilled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughou1l
the Millennium.-Revelation 15: 58.
That the basis of hope. for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "n ransom for all," and wlli be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world", "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord. "see him as he is," be partaker of the divine nature,' and share his
glory as his joint-helr.-1 John 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the salnts for the future work of service-i to develop in herself every
grace; to be God's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.--,"phesians 4: 12; Matthew 24 =
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
'rhat the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledp;e and opportunity to be brought to all by (Christ's Millennial kin/(dom, the
restitutIOn of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of thmr Redeemer and his glorified church.
when all the Wilfully wicked will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 35.
'PUBL.ISH~O 8Y

WATCH TOWER BI BLE &- TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BROOKLYN, ~Y. U.S'A'
P'OREIGN OF~'ICES: British: 34 Cravpn Terrace, Lancaster lYate,
London W. 2; Canadian: 3840 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontl,lrlo;
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PLEASl'J ADDRESS THl'J SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
YEARLY SUBSGIUP1'ION PRICE: UNITED STATES, $1.00; CANADA

AND MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN, $1./10; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA,

AND SOUTH A~'RICA, 8s. American remittances should be made by
Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Bank Draft. Canadian, British,
South Afrlcan, and Australasian remittances should be made to branch
ojJlaes only. Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn office, but by International l'ostal l\Ioney Orders only.
(Foreign translations

01

this Journal appear

III

scveral languages)

Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision

of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORD,
W. E. VAN AMBURGH, J. HEMERY, G. H. FISHER, R. H. BARBER.
Terms to the Lord's Paor: All Bible students Who, by reason of
old age or other Infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
journal, will be supplied free if they send a !,osta.! card each l\Iay
stating their case and requesting such provisIo~. 'Ve are not only
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our lIst continually and
in touch with the Berean studies.
Notice to Subscribers: 'Ve do not, as a rule, send a card of admowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper label.

CONVENTIONS
A convention will be held at Miami, Fla., February 23
and 24, and will be addressed by Brother Rutherford and
one or more Pilgrims. Address E. R. Wills, Route 1, Box
657. for further particulars.
There will be a threeday convention of the International
Bible Students Association at Greenville, S. C., beginning
March 7th and concluding March 9th with a public meeting.
The convention will be addressed by Brothers Murray,
Rutherford, and Wise. 1<'01' further particulars address
W. H. George, care of Box 473.

VENTILATION OF HALLS
It Is very important to have the hall where meetings are
held properly ventilated, this for the comfort of the audience
as well as that of the speaker. It keeps the circulation of
the blood in bctter condition and the mind clearer so that
what is said can be heard and digested. We ur~e the friends
to look well to the ventilation of their halls for public meetlngs, It is also in the interest of health.

Entered '" Second Class Matt"" at Brooklyn, N. Y. posroffice., Act of March 3,d 1879-

EUROPEAN TOUR
Some of the brethren are inquiring when Brother Rutherford expects to make another trip to Europe, with the
thought of making up a party to take the trip at the same
time. THE WATCH 'rOWER announces that probably this tour
will be made in the early Spring. The exact date is not yet
fixed. Those particularly interested may ascertain definitely
by addressing Brother Rutherford personally.

MEMORIAL DATE-1924
The proper date for celebrating the Memorial of our
Lord's death for 1924 will be Friday, April 18, after siX
o'clock p. m. The Spring equinox is l\Iarch 21. The new
moon nearest the Spring equinox appears on April 4. This
moon is full on Saturday, April 19. Saturday, the 19th,
Jewish time, begins at six o'clock Friday evening, th? 18th;
therefQre the proper date for celebrating the MemOrIal.

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 1 307

BETHEL HYMNS FOR MARCH

2
1
9 245 16 39 23
3 291 10 65 1'1 78 24
4 153 11 20 18 230 25
5 296 12 21 19 256 26
6 233 13 13 20
8 2'1
'1 H.i5 14 44 21 136 28
8 275 15 4 22 194 29

322
:!09

300
136
105
272

68

30 7
3141

01WATCH TOvVE~
AND HE~ALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

FEBRUARY

No.4

15, 1924

THE DESTINY OF THE GOATS

nAnd to you who are troubled, rest with us; when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty
angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the
glory of his power."-2 Thessalonians 1: 7-9.

HE explanation of the parable of the Sheep and

Goats, published in the October 15, 1923, issue
of this journal, has provoked much discussion.
Many readers of THE WATCH TOWER have propounded
questions based upon the article. By the Lord's grace
we shall attempt here to answer some of these questions.
2There is no desire on the part of THE WATCH TOWER
to judge anyone. A Christian while in the narrow way
cannot properly judge any individual. To attempt to
perform the office of judge before the time might prevent one from ever occupying that office with the Lord.
It does seem pleasing to the Lord, however, for his
children to examine the Scriptures and try to ascertain
the true meaning and application thereof. It is the
Christian's desire to understand the Scriptures. God's
promise is that this understanding will become clearer
as we near the day of complete light.-Proverbs 4: 18.
8With criticism some have quoted paragraph 6 of the
above mentioned article, which is as follows:
'''The parable relates to the final judgment involving
two distinct classes of persons."
GThe objection is raised that we deny that the persons
in either of the classes mentioned will have further trial
during the Millennial age. Read the quotation again
carefully. Note that it does not say that the parable
relates to the final judgment of each individual making up those classes. There is a distinction between
judging classes composed of persons and judging individuals making up those classes. The judgment will
be final upon the classes as classes, and may be final upon
some individuals composing the "goat" class. The individual who manifests the "sheep" disposition surely
will have a trial for life during the Millennial age. The
individual who persists in manifesting the "goat" disposition after receiving a certain degree of knowledge
may not (as indeed it does not seem reasonable that he
could) have a further individual opportunity for trial.
'1'he "goats" as a class will be forever destroyed, according to the judgment written.
11

6We believe the Scriptures warrant the conclusion

that many individuals making up the "goat" class who
persist in manifesting the "goat" disposition after receiYing a certain degree of light will not be resurrected;
and on this point we hope here to bring to bear Scriptural proof which seems to warrant this conclusion. Be
it noted that this is not a pronouncement of judbrrnent
upon individuals. We do not know who the individuals
are; neither do we want to know. The purpose here is
to discuss, and if possible more clearly see, God's purposes toward his intelligent creatures.
RANSOM THE TEST

1The great ransom sacrifice we as Christians all agree

is the touchstone or measuring square by which we are
to determine whether or not a doctrine is true or false.
H a doctrine does not square with the ransom it cannot
be true and should be discarded. If a conclusion or
doctI:ine is entirely in harmony with the ransom, then
we should hesitate to discard it without careful and
prayerful consideration.
8Some of the Lord's dear saints have had difficulty
in applying this parable at the end of the Gospel age
and before the beginning of the indiyidual trial for
restoration blessings. Our hope is to help such to a
clearer understanding.
9The following is a sample of many like questions
which have been propounded to THE WATOll TOWER
and to which answers are requested, to wit: "If th~
final judgment of the 'sheep' and 'goat' classes is based
upon certain events that transpire before the restoration trial begins, and if some in the 'goat' class who
never have been justified to life are everlastingly cut
off or destroyed, would not this nullify or make void the
doctrine of the ransom as expounded in Romans 5 :18?"
lBefore attempting to answer the question propounded we will analyze the text cited. It reads: "Therefore
as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men
to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one
the free gift came upon all men unto justification of

52

CfheWATCH TOWER

life." The argument of the Apostle here is., as we

understand it, this: Adam sinned and was sentenced to
dcath, and by reason thereof all of his children came
under condernnation. Christ Jesus the righteous laid
down his life and arose from the dcad, thereby providi!}g the ransom price. By reason of the merit of Christ's
sacrifice there is to be offered to all a free gift unto
justification of life. In Romans 6: 23 the Apostlc says
that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
llThese scriptures prove beyond a doubt that all men
were born sinners and that all will be offered the free
gift of justification to life. But these texts do not prove
that all will accept the free gift, nor that all will be
justified to life. Those who refuse to aecept the gift
of life freely offcred surely cannot be justified to life.
12We emphasize the point that justification to life
results from the free gift. There are certain things
that are absolutely essential before a gift is effective.
In the absence of anyone of these there is no gift,
within the meaning of the Scripture. A gift is a contract. The things essential to a contract are: Two or
more parties acting intelligently, a sufficient consideration, and a meeting of the minds. There must be the
donor, who offers, and the donee, who accepts; and there
must be knowledge on the part of both the donor and
the donee. There must be a meeting of the minds of
both parties to the contract of gift. By meeting of the
minds we mean an agreement of mind. If there is an
absence of knowledge or an absence of agreement of
mind, then the gift fails. These abstract propositions
cannot be gainsaid, as applird to a gift.
13As an illustration: Ten men are confined in prison
because of their failure to pay a fine of one hundred
dollars each. A philanthropic man learns of their disability and imprisonment, goes to the court which has
entered the judgment, and puts down one thousand
dollars in payment of the fines. The court accepts the
money. A messenger is sent to the prison to inform all
ten men that the redemptive price, or price for their
release, has been paid; and that each one will have the
opportunity of accepting the kind offer and being released and restored to his former condition. Five of
these men are blind and deaf. The messenger speaks
to them with his voice and with his hands, but they
hear not. It is impossible for them to acquire knowledge
of ,,,hat has been done for them; consequently it is
impossible for them to accept the gift. As to these five
men the gift fails.
HOf the other five men three hear what has been
done for them and respond like this: 'Weare very
grateful to this good man for ,,,hat he has done for us,
and gladly we accept his kind offer.' To these three
the gift is complete brcuuse it results in restoring them
to their former condition. The other two also hear of
what has been done for them and say: 'Yes, we believe

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

the money is there, but we do not believe in that kind

of release. The court has no right to demand that some
man put up money for us, and we refuse to accept the
offer. We will depend upon our own virtue to lift us out
of this miserable condition.' 'rhese two have a knowledge
of what has been done; they refuse to aeeept; there is
no meeting of the minds of the donor and the proposed
donee; hence the gift fails as to them.
15The five that are blind and ueaf may be said to
represent the entire world of mmlkind, blind and draf
to God's gracious provision for their salvation, which
incapacity has been crrated by the influence of Satan.
(2 Corinthians 4: 3, 4) Being ignorant of such provision, it would be impossible for them to persecute a
Christian because that Christian had aeceptrd the
precious gift. This must be apparent for the rrason
that they could not know a man as a Christian unless
they had some knowledge of what constitutes a Christian. The blind ones, however, during the l\Iillennial
age will have the eyes of their understanding opened
and their deaf cars unstopped and will all go upon
trial for life. The three who received the knowledge
of what has been done, and accepted the kind offer and
are released from prison, represent all in the Gospel age
who hear concerning the ransom sacrifice, accept it, and
act upon it by making a consecration of themsdyes
unto the Lord. The two who refuse after receiving the
knowledge represent the class of persons who hear and
understand that Jesus is the great Redeemer and who
believe this to be a fact, but who love the plaudits of
men, love position and honor in this world, love money
and the power that money will bring, and love self
more than they love God. They know that certain others
are not only professed Christians, but are striving to
live the life of Christians. ,[hey know that these
Chridians are active in testifying to the people ,rhat
they bplieve to be the truth, and their testimony senes
as a rebuke to those who refuse to conform to what
knowledge they have. The self-centered ones have a
contempt for the ones who humbly try to tell the truth
about God's plan. 'fhis contempt uevrlops into ill
will, hatred and malice. This bad condition of heart
leads them to persecute and imprison those who are
striving to follow the Lord. When they find a Christian
hungry, naked, sick or in prison, they refuse to minister unto him because he is a Christian and his testimony is a rebul(e to them.-Ezekiel 34: 4; Jeremiah
23: 1, 2.
16There is a grrat number of men who claim to be
ministers of the gospcl of Jesus Christ and who ll
the office of minister in some denominational church
and who call themselves pastors; and there are great
numbers associated with them, who might be termed
the principal of the flock, who also claim to be Christians. Have they heard of the ransom sacrifice which
is provided for all and is offered as a free gift for all?

FEBRLARY

15, 1024

~heWATCH

Certainly they haye heard of this; but they decline to

abide by it. They say in substance: 'When we first
became Christians we believed that stuff; but now we
have improved, and we see that man is a creature of
evolution.'
17\Ve quote here from the press a statement of what
many clergymen now believe and teach who call themsclves "Modernists":
18"The Bible contains the Word of God. Jesus Christ
Is a Son of God in the sense that all men are. The birth
of Jesus was natural. The death of Jcsus was exemplary.
Mun is the product of evolution. Man is the unfortunate
vi<'tim of environnwnt, but throug-h self-culture <:Hn make
good. Man is ju~tit]l'd by works in following Christ's example. Result, natural deyelopment from within."

lIt must be manifest that the responsibility of these

is greater because they claim that the Bible contains
the Word of God and yet they deny the power of it.
They must know concerning the ransom sacrifice; else
they would not attempt to deny its value.
2There is a great multitude of persons who call themaelYes Christians and who also name themselves "Fundamentalists." They claim to accept the great ransom
sacrifice, and yet insist that the way to establish God's
kingdom on rarth is for them to ally themselves with
earthly organizations, claiming that the League of
Nations, for instance, is the political expression of
God's kingdom on earth. Notwithstanding all the evidence offered by the Lord concerning his kingdom and
the necessity for those who would be of it to separate
themselves from earthly institutions, these ignore that
testimony and persecute others who claim to be
Christians and who are striving to follow in the Master's
footsteps. Surdy the one 'who today claims to be a
teacher of Christianity as set forth in the Bible has far
greater Imowlcuge of God's plan than the Pharisees
could have had in the days of our Lord's first presence.
21Jehovah provided the way to life through the merit
of the sacrifice of his beloved Son, and this he offers
as a gracious gift. But the offer is effective only to those
who accept and conform their lives to the divine terms,
that lrad to endless life. Jehovah will not force acceptance of the gift upon anyone. In fact, it would
not be a gift if its acceptance were compulsory. Justification cannot come to anyone without his own consent;. that is to say, he must willingly respond and
gladly accept the gift.
22'1'he mere fact that one during the Gospel age
learns of the ransom, and fails or refuses to accept it,
and does not take action in connection therewith-that
fact alone would not put him upon trial for life. If,
however, he receives the knowledge of the ransom, understanuing that to be God's appointed way that leads
to life as set forth in the Scriptures, and learns that
others have accepted it and are conforming their liyes
thereto, and then becomes a persecutor of such because
of their faithfulness and persistency in telling the truth

TOWER

of God's plan, that course would put such a one, it

seems, into the "goat" class.
23
1t seems that these two elements must be present
in those who compose the "goat" class, to wit: A knowledge of the raJIS0m sacrifice and a manifestation of an
evil disposition against brethren of the Lord because
they are engaged in the work of spreading the message
of the Lord's kingdom. The fact that one knows of the
ransom sacrifice and deliberately ill treats another because that one exercises faith in the ransom sacrifice is
of itself equivalent to rejecting the ransom.
24During the Millennial age no one will be justified
until the very end of that age, yet the Scriptures show
that some will be cut off after a hundred years of trial.
The reason for this seems to be that the individual refuses to show any appreciation of God's provision for
him. So long as one has an appreciation of the yalue of
the ransom sacrifice and is trying to conform himselJ
to the precious provisions thereof even though he is
guilty of many indiscretions, doubtless the Lord will
show such a one mercy. But when one knows what the
ransom sacrifice is and then deliberately by expressed
word or conduct shows a lack of appreciation, the time
would come whe11 that one would be counted by the Lord
as unworthy of further opportunity for life.
25Answering the queshon, then, as propounded: The
fact that some may at the end of the Gospel age go into
death who have not been justified to lifc, and that these
will not be resurred<'d, does not in any sense nullify or
make void the Apo~tle's statement in Romans 5: 18.
26Another text is cited as bearing upon the question.
It is 1 Timothy 2: 3-6: "For this is good and acceptable
in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to
be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God
and men, the man Christ .Tesus; who gave himself a
ransom for all, to be te~tified in due time." The Diaglott
makes this somC'\yhat more emphatic by inserting the
word "accurate" before knowledge. God is willing that
all shall be saved. He is no respecter of persons. He
provided the great ransom sacrifice, which is the means
of salvation. As the sin of man brought death upon
all, even the obedience of one man brings to all the
opportunity of life.
27But the Lord does not compel anyone to accept this
means of salvation. The fact that this text shows that
the means of salvation is to be testified in due time to
all, conclusively shows that each one must have the
opportunity of accepting or rejecting the value of tl:e
ransom sacrifice. In God's own due time this knowle<lr 0
must come to everyone. But if one hears the testi11l011~',
understands what it means, claims to accept it. calls
himself a Christian, yet in fact does not accept the
ransom sacrifice and then manifests the persecuting
spirit against the brethren of the Lord, it could not be
said that he was ignorant of the great ransom sacrifice.

crneWATCH TOWER

54

Tr.:l qu~stion would be, Has be manifested a disposition

wo rthy of trial for ewrnal life?
28Knowledge will not save anyone; but an appreciation of God's provision and a manifestation of that
appreciation by developing love is the great essential
tv a trial for life. The point here made is that it is
possible for one in the Gospel age to have a knowledge
of the ransom sacrifice without being begotten of the
holy spirit, and then to manifest such a lack of appreciation of God's provision that the Lord would count
him unworthy of a further opportunity for life.
SOME EXAMPLES

29When Jesus appeared at the age of thirty years,

many Jews were expecting the coming of the Messiah.
Amongst those who accepted him, whom Jesus chose,
was Judas. Judas knew that Jesus was the Messiah.
He could not understand the philosophy of the ransom;
for none of the disciples at that time even understood
that Jesus was to die and rise from the dead. He did
know, however, that Jesus was the Son of God and that
God was dealing through him. He developed the spirit
of hatred in his heart, first engendered by selftshness;
and this led him to the point of being a murderer of
our Lord. Concerning him the Lord said: "It had been
good for that man if he had not been born." (Matthew
26: 24) This would seem to mean that the Lord would
not raise him out of death.
8Is this advocating some new doctrine? We answer:
No. Brother Russell in THE WATCH TOWER as far back
liS 1898 pointed out the improbability of Judas' being
resurrecwd. He restated it in THE WATCH TOWER for
November 1, 1911, column 1, paragraphs 3 and 4:
81"Jesus testified that his death would not be a victory
on the part of his betraYl'r and his enemies, but in harmony
with What had be(>n writt(>n of him by the prophets. Nor
are WI' to consid(>r that Judas was simply fulfllling a prophecy irrespecth'e of his own re"ponsibility, his o\yn wHfuln(>ss in the matt(>r. Such a thou~ht is negatived by our
LQrd's stat(>ment, 'Woe unto the man by whom the Son of
Man is betraypd. It would have been better for that man
if he had not been born.'
82"This statement impli(>s to us that, from the Lord's
standpoint, Judas had already experienced so lar~e a measure of knowledg-p and opportunity for better things that
his responsibility for his act was complete, and that there
would be no hope for him at any time in the future. These
,,'" "- Ip,'\T I'"~ "lI,~tl(l:,. \IP tllin]" that .Judas had already
enjoyed his full share of the great atonement work through
the intimate association with our Lord and the abundant
opportunities he had of coming into a eh'ar knowledge of
the truth, and the corresponding responsibilities. From
our standpoint Judas sinned against great light. Evidently
his was the 'sin unto death'-the 'second death.' Hence,
aside from any future eXistence, we are to consider that
his life was a useless, wasted one; and that its joys did
not overbalance its sorrows and anguish when to the
latter were added his despair and suicide. Judas' end was
a sad one. Every suicide, by his act, confesses his wish
that he had never been born."

BIlOOJl:LYW. N.

Y.

PHARISEES

83'1'he Phariseees were not begotten of the holy spirit.

They were educated men, learned in the law of Moses
and the teaching of the prophets. 'l'hey knew the Scriptures that taught of the coming of the Messiah; that
he should be born at Bethlehem; that he would save his
people and that unto him the people should be gathered.
They were really the clergy of their time, claiming to
represent God and to preach the truth. Jesus denounced
them as liars and hypocrites, and then said to them:
"Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers! how can ye escape
the damnation of hell?" (Matthew 23: 33) The word
"hell" herc is from the Greek gehenna,) and means destruction. It would be difficult to draw any other inference from this statement than that they were subject
to the second death.
84In THE WATCH TOWER for November 1, 1911, page
405, Brother Russell says: "We confess little hope for
the scribes and Pharisees, who when they could find no
other fault ascribed our Lord's works to the devil."
WHY RESPONSIBLE?

85Why should the Pharisees be more reprehensible

and therefore more responsible than others? The answer
seems to be that they had more light, more reason to
understand, and therefore greater responsibility. They
had reason to expect the coming of Messiah about the
time he came. At his birth the matter was called to
their special attention when Herod summoned the leaders to advise him. Thirty years later they knew that
Jesus was at the proper age to enter upon the office of
a priest. At that very time came John the Immerser,
proclaiming publicly that Jesus was the Messiah. The
Pharisees, scribes and leaders heard this. They heard
the gracious words that fell from the lips of our Lord
when he spake as no man had ever spoken. They
saw the miracles performed by him, which should have
been convincing to them that he was what he claimed
to be, the Son of God. Furthermore, they saw that if
they accepted him as the Messiah it would mean the
complete overturning of their own system; and they did
not like that.
S6The Lord Jesus in the earth was a grrat light,
shining in a dark place; and all who saw that light had
a responsibility toward God and the truth in proportion
to their enlightenment. All the Jews were servants;
for they were the house 6f servants. Jesus said: "That
servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not
himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten
with many stripes."-Luke 12: 47.
8Tln the WATCH TOWER article just mentioned Brother
Russell has this further to say concerning the Pharisees:
88The truth was presented to the peoDle In such a manner
that the Lord declared that its rejection would bring
'stripes' and 'woes' upon those Who, after hearing, loved
darkness rather than light. lle declared that some of those,

FEBRUARY 15, 1924

~WATCH

because of their rejection of the truth, would be counted

worU1Y of 'many stripes'; and that it would 1)(', therefore,
more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of
judgment than for those. Our Lord's dedaration was, 'If
I had not llone among them the works which none other
man did, they had not had sin.'-John 16: 22, 24.
89"We judge that if Pilate and Herod and the Roman
soldiers had some responsibility for Christ's death; that the
multitude who clamored, 'Crucify him! His blood be upon
us and on our children!' had much more responsillliity;
that the better edueated, envious Pharisees "lind priests \\'110
jncitl'(1 the i11i1l'rate common people had a ;I pt I'I'l'at"I'
responsibility; and that Judas, his betrayer, was the chief,
the real crucitier, because of his knowledge and wilfulness."

400ur Lord was instructing the disciples just before

his crucifixion. He pointed out how he was hated by
the rulers, scrib('s, Pharisees, politicians, etc.; and that
the same class of men would hatc his followers. He told
his disciples that the servant is not above his lord, and
then added: "But all these things will they do unto yOll
for my name's sake, because they know not him that
sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them,
they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for
their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
If I had not done among them the works which none
other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they
both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this
cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that
is written in their law, They hated me without a cause."
-John 15: 21-25.
uThe real reason why the Pharisees seem to be in
danger of gehenna was that they had reason to believe
the Lord Jesus was the long-Iooked-for Messiah; that
they saw and heard him; and that notwithstanding this,
developed a bitter spirit of hatred and persecution,
which led them to heap upon him all manner of abuse,
and then to conspire to have him put to death. He was
God's anointed; and therefore their hatred of Jesus was
a hatred of the Father; and that bitterness of heart
resulting to those who indulged in hatred showed their
absolute disloyalty to the principles of God's righteous
arrangement. If disloyal when having some light, they
would likewise be disloyal when having greater light.
They permitted their hatred to go to the point that they
called a council and in that council formed a conspiracy
to have Jesus arrested, tried and put to death.-John
11: 47-53.
PHARISEES' COUNTERPART

'2About 1874 many were expecting the second coming

of the Lord. About 1881 many were preaching that

his second presence was about to take place. Doubtless
many of these were not consecrated, justified, nor spiritbegotten; nor would this be required in order that a
man might see the physical facts in fulfilment of prophecy. From 1881 to 1916 in particular the Lord's
f'pecial ~ervant was "Todaiming throughout the earth
the presence of the Lord, gathering together his saints;

TOWER

and during that time great numbrTs of mini~tcr~ [Illd

the principal of their ilock:; were iildlI!!~ing in wilful
slander, vituperative abu:;e, and malilioll' L:L I a,~'aill~t
the Lord's servant. '1'he Lord had jll'I,ll]i,,:I that gl'cutC'l'
light would shine during his presrillP: lInd tlwt light
has been shining; and those who ar,' 1'c1IIh lookil go for
the light would have no rr1l8011 not to s. C' It.
43Uany recognized that the Lord's serrant was t<:;lLUt~
the truth; but they saw that 1 they were to adopt it
their system would fall. ~Iany have been heard to , ay,
"I believe that is the truth, but I canllot preach ]t because my bread is not hutten'd on that side." III all
probability such were lIOt spirit-b('gotten; yet the}' admitted considrrable light. and deliberately lJ('rsec::r'd
the one who was holding forth that light. aud et',!,s
associatrd with him in doing so.
441n 1014 the Lord began to fulii! hi" great jlrojllH'bc
utterances concerning' the end of the world, his preSfllce,
and the setting up of his kingdom. Attention was caJled
to this all over the land. But the greater number of the
clergymen, together with the principal of their floek,
not only ignored these truths so manifest, but becam'l
angered and ilJdulged in hatred, vituperative abuse and
persecution of those who dared to herald these faets.
'rhey prctended to be the teachers of the Word of Uod,
and yet deliberately ignored the teachings of God's
Word. They had been instructed and themsrlyes at
other times had instructrd their flocks concerning the
Lord's Word. Therein they had read these words:
"Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto
him [the forcrunncr of Jesus], ?lIaster, what shall we
do? And he said unto them, l~xact no more than that
which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he
said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse allY
falsely." (Luke 3: 12-14) They were familiar with th~
words of Jesus and had taught these words to others at
various times: "But I say unto you, Love your enemie's,
bless them that curse you, do good -to them that hate
you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, anll
persecute you." They were familiar with this saying of
Jesus, "That whosoever is angry with his brother shall
be in danger of the judgment"; and furthermore, "ThOll
shalt not kill."-M:atthew 5: 44. 22, 21.
45N otwithstanding these things, when the World \Y ar
broke out in 1014, notwithstanding it was a clear fulfilment of the prophetic utterances of the Lord COllcerning the end of the world and notwithstanding it
was their duty to preach the message of his kingdom,
thousamls of ministers turned their churches into re..
cruiting stations, urged the young men to go to war awl
stated to them that if they died upon the battlefield
they would be a part of the vicarious atonement, and of
course go straight to heaven.
460ne of thr charges that .Te,-ll. ~ "I agaimt the P;~3I'i
sees was this: That they were hYlJocL'ites, liars. A hypo-

cneWATCH TOWER
crite is ttne who knowingly deceives. A liar is one who
deliberately tells a lie. The clergymen who preached
to the young men concerning the vicarious atonement
must have known about the ransom sacrifice, or else
they would not have told the young men about it. They
must have known that they were lying when they said to
the young men that they could be a part of the vicarious
atonement. They must have intended to deceive when
they told the young men it was their Christian duty
to kill their fellow man.
47Many of the clergymen and the principal of their
flock were not content with deception. They found a few
humble Christians in the world who believe in Christ,
and who were anxious to tell about his kingdom, and
who are explaining to the people that the World War,
the famine and pestilence were evidences of the end of
the world and the presence of the Lord and of his incoming kingdom; and many of these clergymen and
the principal of their flocks instead of uniting in this
work to make known this message to the people conspired
together to persecute, beat, ill-treat, imprison and kill
those whom they had reason to believe were Christians.
Their excuse for doing so was that what these were
telling would interfere with the war I The only charge
that they could lay against the door of these humble
Christians, the brethren of the Lord, was, that they
were speaking forth words concerning the Bible that
would be against the government and therefore against
their church organization. They developed ill will,
malice, and a murderous hatred against followers of the
Lord in fulfilment of what the Lord had foretold.
.sIt is not for us to judge how many of them are
responsible, what degree of knowledge each one had,
who was justified and who was not; but without doubt
many of them had much light, and without question
they indulged in persecution of the Lord's brethren.
4Nor has this been all. The evidence which the Lord
brought to bear from 1914 to 1918 in fulfilment of prophecy clearly showed that it marked his presence, the
end of the worltl, and the time for the setting up of his
kingdom. This evidence is sufficiently strong to convince
anyone who believes the Bible; and it was therefore to
be expected that in 1918, when the war ended, all
Christians could have recognized this fulfilment of prophecy and advised the people to take note of it and
accept the Lord's kingdom.
50We find, however, that a great majority of the clergy
and the principal of their flocks not only repudiated this
divinely-given proof, but went further and called upon
their churches, the denominations, and the people in
general, to enter into a combine with those who did not
profess to be Christians, to form a League of Nations
to control the world, and freely heralded to the people
tLc Lad tbt this League of 1\at:()ll" is the political
expression of God's kingdom on earth.

BllOOKLYN,

N. Y.

5lIn NOH'mber, 1923, the puhlic press carried a report

to this effect, that the churches had combined to battle
for a world court. A despatch from Washington dated
November 5, 1923, says:
52"An army of churchgoers, one million strong, will de\"ote the entire week beginning today to a spiritual march
011 the national capital to induce the United States to join
the world court. The drive will reach its climax on
Armistice Day, November 11, which will be known as
World Court Sunday. The Federal Council of Churches is
behind the move, with twenty-nine communions and a
membership of more than twenty million adults support
ing. About 150,000 pastors throughout the United States
have been invited to participate.
G3"'l'he Federal Council of Churches points out that mankind will never reach the Millennium by a bound, but only
by a steady march."

"'In other words, their man-made institution is God's

kingdom I and this position is taken by them in the light
of all the evidence now plainly given by the Lord.
55The present leaders of the denominational systems
are educated men. They have far greater opportunity
to know than did the Pharisees of old. They have the
same Scriptures that the Pharisees had; they have the
experience and history of the Christians for nearly nineteen hundred years; they have the fulfilment of prophecy proving the correctness of the Scriptures. There
is far greater light in the world, due to the presence of
the Lord, than the Pharisees had. Notwithstanding all
of this, many of them, professed ministers of the gospel,
openly declare against the great ransom sacrifice, stating
that man is a creature of evolution and that they, men,
in utter disregard of the Lord and his arrangement,
through their organizations can bring about the desire
of the people.
56Catholics and Protestants fight each other; Modernists and Fundamentalists war against each other; but
of them are a unit on one thing, and that is, to be
against those who humbly teach the presence of the
Lord, the nearness of his kingdom, and that millions
now living will never die. They are angered at these followers of the Master, not because their numbers are great
and not because any of them are trying to get the
clergymen's jobs; but their anger is due to the fact
that these followers of the Master persist in proclaiming
the message of his kingdom. This message of his kingdom is a rebuke to them; and as they hated the Master,
so they hate his followers, as Jesus said: "If ye were
of the world, the world would love his own: but because
ye are not of the I,"orltl, but I have chosen yon out of the
world, therefore the world hateth you. . . . If they have
persecuted me, they will also persecute you."-John 15:
19,20.
5fJust at this time a colporteur brother, who is
dumb and who is therefore compelled to have his canvass
\nittcn out, brings to our attention the following information: In his usual cour::e of caJwassing he called at
a door and was met by a lady. She read his canvass.

all

FEBRUARY 15. 1924

'fheWATCH TOWER

It was the t:allVass for "The Harp of God." She returned the canvass, and declined to buy the book. Then
he opened the book and pointed to her some of the
subjects treated. He pointed out some of the questions
also. Then she bought the book. The dumb brother
left, not knowing at the time that she was the wife of
a duly ordained minister of the church denomination
and that he was in the minister's house. In a few days
thereafter the minister wrote this brother a letter, which
we set out here in full, omitting the names:
5S"East Quogue, L. 1.. Dec. 28. 1923.
"You will please keep your damnable propaganda away
from our borne. We could ill spare the half dollar you
\\TUn~ from my wife with your IInmb tactics; you were so
per~istent in taking her time while our baby was crying
that you made her lmy ~'our book to get rid of you. We
Ilaye no use for ~'our Harp Bible Course and the sooner
~'ou get your nussellite stuff away from bere tbe better
we will like it."

59Accom panying the letter was the first quiz-card,

which the mini~ter returned, and these are some of the
qUf',.tions it cOlltainF: 'What are the ten fundamental
teachings of the Bible? How do we know that Jesus
was the promised Messiah?
6Whether this millister had been justified and begotten of the holy spirit we do not know; nor does it
matter materially as to the result. He claims to be a
Chl'iFtian, and therefore claims to believe in the ransom sacrifice. A Christian called at his door, unable
to talk. His good wife purchased a book which is devoted entirely to explaining God's plan of love based
upon the ransom sacrifice. If the minister is a Christian. he should be doing the very same thing that this
dumb brother was doing-advertising the King and his
king-dam. Suppose he is not spirit-begotten. He must
kIlow that Christianity is for the good of mankind;
othenl'ise he could not honestly engage in it. And if
good for mankind. then he could not honestly persecute
his brother for trying to tell of Christ and his kingdom.
TIME OF

FULFILME~T

elln the former if'SllC of THE WATCH TOWER it is

stated that the final judgment is based upon certain
events that transpircli while our Lord was in heaven
and before the restoration trial beginF. Still holding to
this, we here amplify that statement somewhat. Just
before the coming of the Lord in 1874 tlwre were many
clergymen and principal ones of thpir flocks looking for
and speaking about the srcond coming of the Lord.
Kotwithstanding, some doubtless were devrloping the
"goat" disposition. The Lord has been present since
1874, but not until 1914 did he take unto himself his
power and reign. From the language used by our Lord
in the parable it seems that the particular application
should be made after 1914. He said: "When the Son
of man shall come . . . then shall he sit upon the
throne of his glory."-Matthew 25: 31.

IT

62From 1874 to 1914 there was much evidence showing the fulfilment of prophecy and testifying to the
time of the end and to the presence of the Lord. From
1914 to 1918 there was such a plain fulfilment of the
prophecies of the Lord that all who believed the Bible
and read it should be able to understand and know of
his presence. It would be expected that all who did
believe this would be doing something to further the
interests of his kingdom. If anyone came to them in
the name of the Lord teaching the Bible concerning the
plan of salvation of God based upon love, it would be
expected that all who believed them to be Christians
and had the right spirit would treat them kindly. If
some, whether begotten of the holy spirit or not, knew
that these who went about spreading the gospel were
Christians, and because of that fact refused to minister
unto them when they found them sick or in prison,
turned them away from their doors and ill-treated them
and manifested toward them the spirit of hatred and
ill will, such would be manifesting the "goat" spirit.
63It would not be necessary that all who manifested
this spirit be justified and begotten of the holy spirit
in order to be responsible. The chief thing would be
his knowing that one is a Christian and ill-treating him
because of that fact. That, it seems, would be reprehensible in the sight of the Lord. It would seem impossible to persecute a man because he is a Christian, and
because he is teaching Christian doctrines, unless the
one persecuting knows something about God's arrangement for salvation. It would follow, then, that the persecutor is sinning against light. To that extent he would
be disloyal to the Lord. If disloyal, the Lord might
regard such a one as unworthy of further opportunity
for life, knowing that he would still be disloyal if further opportunity were granted.
64 Again we reiterate the statement that it is not for
us to judge who is of one class and who is of another;
but the purpose of the parable is to show that at the
end of the Gospel age there is a judgment upon nominal
Christendom, which judgment will destroy the wicked
"goat" class as a class, and which judgment may reach
individuals composing that class who, haying light, persist in wickedly persecuting the followers of Jesus, on
the same principle that the Pharisees, who had light,
deliberately persecuted the Lord. Since the Lord is
judging his church and judging the nations, surely there
must be upon nominal Christendom some judgment
which would embrace the class just mentioned.
65The priests, elders, Pharisees, and other leaders were
fearful that the Lord would be resurrected; and hence
they called upon the Roman governor for a guard over
the sepulchre. They were among the first to learn that
the Lord had been resurrected. This should have been
to them sufficient evidence that he was the Son of God,
the 1Iessiah, as he had claimed. Instead of heeding this
evidence, they met together immediately, took counsel

'The

WATCH TOW ER

together, took up a collection, gave a large sum of

money to the sol<liers as a bribe, and asked them to
state falsely that the disciples of Jesus had come by
night and stolen him away; and they agreed to use
their influence with the political power for the protection of the soldiers.
66By the great amount of evidence the Lord bro'lght
to bear from 1914 to 1918 the clergy, the pastors and
leaders, must haye known of the second presence of th'3
Lord and the nearness of his kingdom. They werr not
willing to heed this evidence, but conspired togdh'r to
persecute and have arrested and imprisonrd many humble Christians who were doing nothing but tclling tIl()
people that the signs of the times meant the Jln'~elJcc
of the Lord and his kingdom at hand. If the Phari~ces
were reprehensible before God for their condud, what
can be said for those who had greater light?
JUDGMENT TIME

67In the text first cited (2 Thessalonians 1: 6-10)

the Apostle is addressing himself to the Thrssalonians,
members of the new creation and brethren of the Lord.
His words, of course, apply to all members of the new
creation and, because of the setting, would seem more
particularly to apply to the new creation, the brethren
of the Lord, at the end of the Gosp'el age. The Apostle
says: "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you." These
Christians had evidently been suffering persecution at
the hands of others, and St. Paul was commending
them for their patience and faith in all these tribulations. He was encouraging them also to continue in
patience and to wait upon the Lord, pointing out that
It is a righteous thing with God to recomppnse troubleInakers with tribulation.
68Who are they who have troubled Christians? Is it
not true that practically all the persecution that has
come upon the faithful followers of Jesus has been
Instigatrd, incited and carried on by the clergy and the
principal of their flocks, in both ancirnt and modern
limes? During the modern persecution did not praeti~ally all the persecution result from the influence exercised against Christians by men of the unholy alliance
-big preachers, big politicians, and a few big business
Inen as t:1e principal of the flocks? Then, as if to comfort those in tribulation, the Apostle says: "And to
you who are troubled rest with us [that is to say, Be
calm and at ease, rest in faith until the Lord's due
time]; when the Lord Jesus shall be reyca]('d from
heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God and that obey
hot the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."
69Eyidently the rC'f<'l'cnce here is to the same time
mentioned by our Lord in the parable of the Sheep and
Goats-"Wlwn the Son of man shall eon1(' in his [;~"rY
and all the holy angels with him." 'l'herdore the' tl111~

BIlOOKLH1, N, Y.

of judgment seems to be fixed and to apply to a cedain

class. The words of verse 8 seem to 'pc<.:iiy two divIHions of the same cla,,,: (a) "Them that know not God;
and (b) that ohey not the gospel of our Lord J esu,
Christ." HotlH'rham renders this text as follows:
"Against them that rdme to know God and a,\'aimt
them who decline tGl harken unto the glad messa,rye of.
our Lord .J <'''us."
70 (a) '1'1:('re are those who claim to be Chri~tia]ls,
who claim to know God, alld who do know of God. ','lwse
in fact do Hot know Ood. These know of the BIhle, know
of its contents, know of Jehovah; bnt they rC'fuse to
know. that is to say, ulld('r~trllld and heed, God's instruction. Thr~' say that the Bible contains the 'YOI'd
of God, mpanillg thereby that some of the Bible is God's
Word. Thc',I' my that Jl'sns Christ is a Son of God, in
the srnse that all men arc sons; thereby meaning that
there was nothing particularly superior about Jesus.
'rhey say that the death of Jesus was exemplar.", but
without value as to the purcha"il1g of man, thus "<1('nying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Jude 4) 'l'hey han' had the testimony of the ransom
given to them; but they rrfuse to accept it.
71 (h)
'l'here is another large body. claiming to be
Christians who claim to accept the Rible as God's Word
of Truth and Jesus as the l{('deemer; and yet these
"decline to harken unto the glad message of our Lord
Jesus Christ." What is that gospel or glad message?
It is the good news that Jesus is the King; that the old
world has ended; that the kingdom of heayen is at
hand, and that this is the kingdom promised by J ehovah, through which all the nations and families of the
earth will be blessed. It is the kingdom that will bring
peace and happiness to the people. It is the desirable
government foretold by the Lord. The leaders and
teachers among this class particularly ignore the great
truths which are set forth in the Bible and which are
manifest before all eyes now; and they announce that
they will form a combination in the nature of a Leagne
of ~ ations and a World Court, and set up a governnH':lt
that will rule the p('oples of earth; and that this is the
way the Lord will express his will all earth.
7~While making much noise about believing in the
Lord, they refuse eycn to listen to those who desire to
present the mesmge concrrnillg the kingdom, and nse
theIr best efforts to keep the people from hearing the
message concerning the kIngdom of the Lord Jesus.
THE REAL ISSUE

18The real issue now before. the peoples of Chrish'ndam is, The kingdom of God yersus the kingdom of
Satan. Worldly "tatrsmen admit the failure of men up
to this time to ('stahl ish a desirable government. 1;ow
the ecclesiastical leauers and teachers, following tlwir
mnl ,,-i"dom ar:,l ckvlerf', haH' att""l~tpd to set IIp a
kingdom Ly a "oddly al'l'angemellt in utter disregard

FEBRUARY

Hi, 1924

lfheWATCH TOWER

of the divine arrangement. They fail to heed the words

of God's prophet, which without doubt apply to this
very time, and which read: "And in the days of these
kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which
shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be
lett to other people, but it shall break in pieces and
consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for
ever."-Daniel 2: 44.
HIt will be observed in this text that the Prophet
says: "And the kingdom shall not be left to other
people"; that is to say, God is setting up this kingdom
tL'ough the Lord Jesus Christ; and it is highly presumptuous on the part of men to ignore utterly the
oven\'helming testimony of the presence of the Lord
and the long line of testimony of the prophets and
apostles, given as witnesses of the Lord, concerning his
kingdom, and to attempt to set up a man-made arrangement to take the place of the Lord's kingdom.
75Jesus declared what would be the evidences of his
pr0sencr. the end of the world, and the setting up of
his king-<10m. Now the physical faets show beyond any
question of doubt-sufficient at least to convince every
one who listens and thinks-that the time has come
when the old world is passing away and the Lord's
kingdom is lwre. All the nations of earth are crumbling
to pieces. Ecdesiasticalleaders, joining hands with professional politicians and big business men, are striving
to hold the devil's order intact. The issue, therefore, is
squarely put up to everyone who hears: Will you
accept Satan's makeshift of a government that oppresses
mankind, or will you accept the kingdom of peace and
blessing and salvation, the kingdom of the great Prince
of Peace and Lord of lords?
76Those who knowingly ally themselves with the old,
crumbling order of Satan thereby prove their disloyalty
Ullto the Lord. If disloyal now in the light of all the
evidence that the Lord has given, "'hat assurance is
t~:('re that they 'would be loyal when the kingdom is in
full operation? The Lord knows, and he alone will
judge. After all, the real test is loyalty of heart to the
Lord. Love for God and 10v0 for Jesus and love for his
came above everything earthly is that which is required
to make one loyal.
77It would seem that if there are those who have
prrached that the Bible is God's 'Yard, that J csus is the
gl'('at Redeemer and Savior of the world, and the coming
of his kingdom, and then see all the evidences about
them of the Lord's presence and of the kingdom being
set up, if such then deliberately mislead the people,
they come within that class denounced by the Lord
himself when he called certain ones liars and hypocrites, whom he will judge. It is not for man to say
what judgment the Lord will pronounce upon these.
HE' knows the heart of cach one, the extrnt of loyalty or
disloyalty. He knows whether or not it would be worth
while to give them an opportunity under his righteous

reign, and he alone will determine as to the judgment.

The Apostle indicates what kind of judgment will be
pronounced when he says: "Who shall be punished
with everlasting destruction from the presence of the
Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall
come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired
in all them that believe . . . in that day."-2 Thessalonians 1: 9, 10.
78The prophet Daniel (2: 44) plainly states that the
God of heaven shall set up a kingdom. The same
Prophet (chapter 12) designates the time when Michael
the great Prince shall stand forth. The Lord Jesus
quotes from this prophecy with approval in his great
discourse recorded in Matthew 24; therefore linking
the whole matter of the kingdom foretold with his
words, the fulfilment of which is now in progress. Our
conclusion therefore is that the parable of the Sheep
and Goats has a particular and specific fulfilment between the year 1914, at the beginning of the World War,
and the beginning of individual restoration blessings.
79The Psalmist says: "For as the heaven is high above
the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear
him." "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting
to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children." (Psalm 103: 11, 17)
If those of the goat disposition should repent and reform, doubtless the Lord would show mercy unto them.
86The Scriptures seem to indicate that during the
Millennial age restoration trial there will be some and
probably many who will refuse to accept the great
ransom sacrifice and of course will not be justified unto
life; that God's mercy will extend to them for a period
of one hundred years, and that then they will be cut off.
If there were some in the close of the Jewish age who
had light and deliberately sinned against it and suffered
eternal destruction, if there be some in the Millennial
age who will suffer a like punishment, who will say
that God may not minister such a punishment unto
some at the elose of the Gospel age who, claiming to
be the followers of the Lord, at the same time prove
their disloyalty to him by refusing to obey his message
of good news and who go to the further extent of persecnting his humble messengers who are striving to be
loyal and trying to tell the good news of the kingdom
to others?
A JEALOUS GOD

81The Scriptures declare: "God is jealous, and the

Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious: the
Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he
resen-eth wrath for his enemies." (Nahum 1: 2; Zechariah 8: 2; 2 Corinthians 11: 2) By these scriptures we
understand that the Lord does not look with pleasure
upon those who deliberately interfere or attempt to
interfere with his plan. Those who are begotten and.
anointed of his holy spirit are the brethren of the Lord
Jesus. They are anointed of God. "He suil'ered no man

60

rneWATCH TOWER

to do them wrong; yea, he reproved kings for their sakes ;

saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets
no harm." (Psalm 105: 14, 15) If, then, the Lord has
chosen to have his humble anointed ones announce the
kingdom and if others who claim to be his representatives
dl'dine to obey the message concerning his kingdom, illtreat and ill use, misrepresent and persecute those who
are anointed of the Lord, this would seem in the light
of Scriptures to be such conduct as to call forth the
Lord's indignation against those who presume to take
such a course.
82Stated in plainer phrase, the Lord does his own
business. He works out his sovereign will as it ph'ases
him. Who is man that he should attempt to interfere?
What business is it of his to say that a company of
men will set up a kingdom which will be the political
expression of God's will on earth? Who authorized them
to do this? Would it not seem presumptuous, to say
the least, for leaders in the name of the Lord to assume
such a position? WOlllcl it not also seem reprehensible
for them to ill-treat humble servants of the Lord who
are merely announcing that the God of heaven is setting
up a kingdom and that the men of the world have
nothing to do with it?
82'1'he Christian here has a lesson to learn. It is importaut, of course, first to accept the ransom sacrifice;
for this is the only way that leads to life. One might
receive the benefit of the ransom sacrifice and still not
reach the goal. It becomes equally important thereafter
that he maintain the right attitude of heart toward God
and the Lord Jesus, and a proper attitude toward his
brethren. The Lord cannot be pleased with us if we
attempt to do injury to another and especially to one of
the household of faith. Let everyone, then, who names
the name of Christ depart from iniquity, which means
lawlessness; and let him render good unto others, especially unto those who are of the household of faith. The
Lord is watching his little ones with a jealous eye,
jealous for their interests; and whatsoever is done unto
one of the least of his he counts as done unto himself.
Therefore each Christian should watch for the interests
of his brother with a loving desire to help his brother
even as he would help himself.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Why is a Chri"tian forbidden to jndo;e any individnal? How does
judgment of classes differ from that of individuals? 111,2.
Quote the sentence f,.om the October 15, 1!l2:l, WATCH TOWER which
has IH'ovoked much discussion among Bible Students. l1:l, 4,
What ha,'e some misunderstood that sentenre to menn? Gh'e its
true JIle,ming'. Point out the distinction between judging classes
and judging individuals. 11 5, G.
To what test must all teaching be subjected which claims to be
Scriptural? 11 7.

"Watchman, tell us of the night;

"'hat Its signs of promise arc,
Traveler, o'er yon mountain's height,
See that glory-beaming star!

BnOOKLYN, N. Y.

What question is puzzling the minds of some Bible Students with

regard to the "goat" class? In this connection explain Homans
5: 18 and 6: 23. 'll 8-1l.
What results to the individual who accepts God's free gift? In
what way is a gift a contract? Name the three essentials to a
gift. 1112.
Illustrate this matter by applying these principles to the case of
the ten men in prison, and show why but three of them received
the free gift. 1113, 14.
Apply this illustration to the world of mankind and God's free
gift of life. 1115.
What two classes in the nominal church are now rejecting the
ransom sacrifice? 111G-18.
What fact increases the responsibility of these men before God?
1119.
Point out the distinction between Modernists and Fundamentalists.
In what way are the Fundamentalists also responsible before
God? 11 20.
To whom alone is Jehovah's free gift effective? 'Vhat com'se will
put a professing Christian into the "goat" class? 1121-:!3.
Point out how the Scriptures show that the second dea1l, sentel1C'e
will operate throughout the lIlill(>nnium. What evidently , ill
constitute in God's sight worthiness or unworthiness of fmther
opportunity for life? 'If 24.
Ans" er brif'fly the' 'luestion propounded in paragraph 9. 11 25.
In what way will the ,vorld's trial for life eHrlasting be conduded? Why is "aceurate knowledge" an essential to that trial?
"'hat <'onstitutes a slI('('essflll trial? 11 2G-2s,
Illustrate thiS poiut by applying' it to the rase of Judas. 'V 29.
Give proofs from THE WATCH TOWEl< that Brother Russell did not
expect Judas to he raised from the dead. ~ JO-:~2.
Why did our LOrll denounce the Pharisees as in danger of the
second death? 11 33.
Whv shoul,1 this e:a" he more reprehensible than the rank and file
of the Jews? ~ ~{j. :10.
What has llrothf'r Russell said as to their chance for a future
life? 11 34, 37-39.
What acts on the part of the Pharisees demonstrated their wrong
condition of he",t? Show that our Lord understood their heart
condition. 1140,4l.
Trace the development of the modern Pharisee class. and sho,v
their res('mblance to the Pharisees at the time of the first advent. 1142-44.
How did the World War demonstrate the real heart condition ot
this class? '1145-47.
Can we judge the heart condition of individuals of this class?
If not, why not? 11 48.
How do we know that the modern Pharisees have rejected the
incoming kingdom? 11 49-54.
In what way is this dass far more reprehensible than were the
Pharisees of old? 'll 55.
On what issue are the warring factions of Christendom at one with
earh onwr? 11 56.
Show how the experience of a colporteur demonstrated the heart
condition of one who professes to represent the Lord. 'If 57-GO.
When did the "goat" cla"s begin to de"e]op? "'hen does the parable
",ve are diHcussing avply? ~ fit.
How does the "goat" dbposition manif"st itself? Is the manifestatinn of such a spirit an e, idence of heart loyalty to the Lord?
'I G2, G3.
How do we know that the parable of the Sheep and the Goats applies to th" end of the Gospel age? What is the purpose of this
parable? ~, 04.
Point out the parallel between the ancient and the modern Pharisees. 11 (;5, GG,
What e,'idenre hove we that 2 Thessalonians 1: 6-10 applies to
thp pre~ent? 1, (;7-72.
What impultant i"sue is now before Christendom? In what wav is
the dh iu(' nrrang('Illcnt now being disregarded by the eccleSlustirs? 11 7:1-75.
In thiS ('J'udal time how are loyalty and disloyalty to the Lord
demonstrated? 11 7G, 77.
Cite snipt Ill'pS to show that the parahle under discus~ion co,'ers
11", Iwr10d hetwE'en 1!)14 aIllI the actual restoration of individual
blessings to munkind. 'll 78.
Is there any hope for those who overcome the "goat" disposition
in themsel "es? 11 79.
What grounds are there for believin~ that some now living will
ne\ er he g-i yen life cverlast iJlg'? ,-r ~O.
What do 'Ie understand by the Scriptural statement that God is a
jealou, (:orl? In what way does that jealousy protect his anointefl

onPR')

-,r

~1.

By ,,,hat a"thorH>' do ('cdesiastirs meddle with the world's affairs?

How <10(": the ,\llIl;,~hty view such proeeedings'! '1182.
What ]("oll Illay the (,hnstian learn as to his duty now In the end
of the old order? ~ s;t

"'Vatchman, does its beauteous ray

Aught of hope or joy foretell?
Traveler, yes; it brings the dayPromised day of IsraeL"

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

But who is a wise servant? The answer is: That
servant who hears the command of his master, ascertains his will, and joyfully does it. Otherwise stated, it
is the application of knowledge concerning the kingdom
according to the divine standard. The King himself
says to his servants now: 'This message must be told
to the nations.' (Matthew 24: 14) Again: "Herein is
our love made perfect, that we may have boldness
[fluency and readiness of speech] in the day of judgment." (1 John 4: 17) A wise servant is he who heeds
these commands and joyfully performs them. And thus
performing faithfully to the best of his abilitv when
he approaches the presence of the great King ~f kings
al1(~ Lord of lords, he may expect that mighty and
lonng Potentate to stretch forth the golden sceptre
toward him and lovingly smile upon him. What a wonderful privilege that! "'hat an inducement to love and
action now in advertising the> King and his kingdom I

TEXT FOR MARCH 19

"The king's favor is toward a wise servant."-Proverl)'; lit: 35.

HB word "favor" here used means approval, with

joy and delight. It means to be the rc<.:ipicnt of
a smile from one who approves. It means to be
regardcd propitiously. The king, according to ancient
cm:tom, manifrsted his approval of one appearing in his
presence by stretching the hand toward the one approved. (Esther 5: 2) '1'he tcxt for our consideration
here suggests that the King will extend his favor toward
a wise servant. All the members of Christ this side
the . vail . recognize the presence of the KinO"
and bO"reatly
b
desm~ hIS approml. The condition precedcnt to receiving
that approval is indicated by this text.
But why, one may ask, should the prospective member
of the royal house of sons, be called a servant now ? We
are not left in doubt as to the correct answer to this
question. The apostle Paul, addressing himself to the
TEXT FOR MARCH 26
mem 11rrs 0 f t h e house of sons, and particularly to those
on earth during the final conflict between the rrprcsen- "Seek ye first the kingdom of God/'-Matthew 6: 33.
tatlvcs of the King and those of the evil one, and detext is a part of the sermon of our Lord on
the mount. It contains specific instructions to
scribing the armor that each one of such faithful ones
must wear, said: "Having your loins girt about with
those who hope to be members of the Messianic
truth." Another ancient custom, which still prevails in kingdom. In the text the word "kingdom" means the
the Orient, is for a servant to wear a girdle. Before royal family of heaven. The word "kingdom" is synonyundertaking a heavy task, you will notice that these mous to the new creation. rfhe new creation is the
servants draw the girdle tightly about the loins. These highest of Jehovah's creation, therefore the chiefest of
ancient customs may have bcen in the minds of the all and of first importance. The great Master knew that
Scriptural writers. rfhe thought then is this: Everv there would be a temptation to his followers to look
prospective member of the royal house of sons must b~ after things pcrtaining to worldly life and to let these
a servant of the k;Lh. This means that they must love occupy much time and thought. He wished to assure
the truth for the truth's sake, and must anxiously serve them that whatsoever things they might need as new
the truth to the glory of the Lord.
creatures in Christ, even the temporal necessities, the
This text, then, would seem to indicate that no one heavenly Father would supply.
could expect to have the hand of the King stretched . The word "first," as used in this text, means chief in
forth toward him now unless he would be a voluntarv Importance. Paraphrasing the Master's language, we
servant of the truth. A servant is one who serves. On~ would under,:iand him to say: 'You who hope to be of
who merely receives but who does not minister to others th~ royal family of heaven have the greatest hope set
could not be regarded as a servant. What lesson, then, before you of any of Jehovah's creatures. That which is
can we gather from this text as applying now to the of chief importance to you, therefore, and which should
Christian; what lesson appropriate to the, year text have first place in your thoughts and actions is the
"The kingdom of heaven is at hand"? Can any Chris~ King and his kingdom. If it requires you to ~acrifice
tian have a doubt as to the correct answer? It is this: all your time, your influence, your money, your strength
We recognize that the great King of kings and Lord of and y?ur ea~hly friends, do that. Instead of giving
lords is here. He has committed to the members on your tIme chIefly to the acquisition of wealth, ease and
earth the interests of his kingdom, including the an- comfort, let these have secondary importance. Have
nouncing of the fact of his prrscnce, of his kingdom your mind and a~ections set upon the heavenly kingand the blessings that will follow to others. These dom; watch the mterests of that kingdom' serve its
recognize that this message must go to the nations of interests faithfully and truly represent it' and have
the carth as a testimony and that it must be delivered faith in Jehovah, that he will add all the oTher things
unto you that you may need.
bef ore th e fi na1 end. No one, then, could reasonably
We see how wonderfully the Lord's words ~t the
expect uI timately to stand approved before the Lord experiences of Christians today. Some consecrateIIthemunless he becomes a servant of the truth in proclaiming selves to the Lord, and feel that they have performed
the message of the kingdom.
all their duty when they have accepted the lArd and

THIS

Gl

rneWATCH TOWER
his message of truth. They feel under no obligation to
make any sacrifice in passing the message on to others.
They devote the major portion, if not all, of their time,
influence and money to the acquisition of more money
and other temporal needs, excluding the service of the
King, and failing to look after the interests of the kingdom committed unto them at the time of consecration.
The importance of this matter cannot be overstated.
If one is enlisted with the Lord and has the hope set
before him of being of the kingdom class, then he
should make everything else subservient to that one
end. If any question arises as to whether he should
take this course or that course, he should am"'er it by

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

the other question, Which course would advance me

more rapidly toward the kingdom? Our Master's instructions to us are so explicit that no consecrated child
of God at this time, when he knows that the King is here
and has taken unto himself his power to reign, can find
a just cause or excuse for failing to engage in the Lord's
service insofar as it is possible for him to do so. This
will mean, then, that he will seek opportunities of
serving others with the truth, thus keeping his mind
and heart set upon things pertaining to the kingdom,
looking to that blessed day when he shall have a triumphant entry into the glorious house of the Lord,
whnc he will have endless joys and pleasures forever.

THE REIGN OF DAVID

16--1 SAMUEL 16 TO 2 SAMUEL 24-m' GOD--THE GAMENESS
"I delight to do thy will, 0 my God."-Psalm 40: 8.
--MARCH

THBEE PHASES OF DAVID'S LIFE-DAVID RESTORES WORSHIP

HE outstanding feature of Saul's reign was his wilfulness. He wanted his own way in his own time.
Coupled with this disqualification was a profession of
humility which covered the most obnoxious hypocrisy. On
the other hand, of David, whose reign gives the subject for
today's lesson, It may be truly said that our Golden Text
~ives the keynote of his Ufe. Unlike Saul, who was made
king almost Immediately after being called, David was
kept waiting for many years before he came to the throne,
and had much hardship to bear, with few outward tokens
to show that the favor of God was with him or even that
the kingdom would come to him on Saul's death. Another
feature which contrasts almost violently was David's real
concern for the honor of Jehovah, and for the welfare of
the people.
2The Scriptures set for our study carry us from the
anointing of David when a boy to his death; we have therefore before us not only his reign, but the preparation for It.
Long before Saul ceased to be klng, Samuel was sent to
anoint David, the young shepherd boy of Bethlehem. There
were at least two reasons for God's action at that time;
one specially for Samuel's sake, and the other for David's
sake. Saul had been dear to Samuel. The Prophet had an
earnest desire that Saul might be a worthy king, not only
as the Lord's chosen but for his own sake; for Samuel
loved the tall, modest young man. Saul's deflection was a
sore thing to Samuel. When God told him that Saul was
cast off from being king, Samuel cried all night to the Lord.
The Lord administered a rebuke, saying, "How long wilt
thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from
reigning over Israel?" (1 Samuel 16: 1) The continual fretting for Saul showed a reluctance to accept God's will; so
to help Samuel divert his mind, and to show him conclusively that there was no further chance for Saul, God sent
the Prophet to anoint David. He fell in love with the boy;
and a friendship was begun which lasted to his death. In
view of the great work which God had for David, It was
necessary that he should begin training while yet he was
young. That he meditated much and learned much while
mlnding his sheep, all his later life bears evidence. It was
a specially formative time.
8David was flrst brought into prominence at the time
"'hen Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, was openly
defying and despising Israel. David, then only a youth,
IIIW no reason why that stalking monster who paraded

AND EXCEI.LENCE OF DAVID.

before the hosts of Israel every day defying them, should

not be silenced. To him this boasting giant was an opponent
of the Lord; and David, who believed that God would save
Israel according to his promise, had no fear because ot
Goliath's size. He proffered himself as an instrument for
the Lord aoo, thou..gh despised by his brother Eliab, was
accepted by Saul. As Goliath saw the youth approaching
unarmed, he derided him. But David, who fought not with
such weapons as Goliath had but with the simple armor ot
a shepherd boy, used his sling as he was accustomed to
do in the fields; and the pebble, surely guided by God,
killed the giant. The sneers were short-lived.
4o'l'he incident Is not singular in the history of the Lord's
peopie; it has been duplicated In our day. Probably no
meaner thing has ever been done by any body of people
than that done by the clergy of this generation in their
endeavor to hurt the truth. When God raised up his messenger, Brother Russell, the champion of the truth, these
laughed at him, despised him; then they slandered him,
expecting soon "to give his body to the birds of the air."
But the pebble of truth from his sling has entered into the
head of the great giant of higher criticism and false doctrine, and will surely be the death of this much overgrown
and monstrous representative of organized religion. ThuS
to use this Incident is, we know, distinctly different from
that to which it Is ordinarily put. But it is manifest that
David represents the forces of present truth, and not
organized reli6rion; and that Goliath represents those who
oppose the truth; and it is certain that the clergy claSS
are in deadly opposition to the truth, and are indeed In
active cooperation with the giants of this world's organizations.
THREE PHASES OF DAVID'S LIFE

6There are three phases in David's life after his anointIng: (1) The Bethlehem phase, (2) the willlerness of persecution phase, (3) the time when he was king. These represent the three phases of the Church's history. Bethlehem
represents the early days of the Church, when it was
learning the things of the Lord. The wilderness represents
Its tlays of persecution at the hands of the false professors;
while David's work as king represents the work WhiCh
begall in 1878 under the guidance of the returned Lord,
anti which is now stilI continued.
6If we ask what it was that kept David faithfully mindIng his father's sheep, willing to wait until the providenees

FlWaUARY 15, 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

01' God should reveal the will 01' God, and 'fhat kept him
during those hard years when he fled before Saui, hunted
as a partridge on the mountains, the answer is: It was
because he had studied the writings of Moses and Joshua,
an<1 was <1eeply instructe<1 in the will of God so far as then
revealed, and had abiding faith in, and loyalty to the God
of his fathers. He saw clearly the purpose of God in Israel,
and waited the will of God; he also honored Israel as
God's people.
7That David came out of the hard trial through Saul
speaks well for his character. It is evident that he had
the spirit of God in him, or he could not have borne it.
Loyal and true to all that had been revealed, David was
confident that the Lord was his shepher<1, eyen as he
himself had been a faithful caretaker of his father's sheep.
His faith was rewarded.
sAs we have previously seen, Israel ought to have been
God's illustration among men of a people resting under his
care, living in harmony with each other, an<1 enjoying the
blessings of a beneficent Creator and Protector. They failed
to live np to their calling and privilege. When the kingdom
was established, another picture was presented, that of the
kingdom of heaven on earth. But Saul spoiled it; for he
was not true-hearted towards the Lord. And under such a
leader it was morally impossible that Israel could be. But
when David became king, the kingdom of Israel did become
an illustration of the kingdom of heaven rUling and guiding
tpe affairs of men, and bringing heaven's blessing, of God
protecting his own, and rendering" powerless all those forces
which woul<l hinder or oppose him. The kingdom under
Saul had not realized its possibilities, and therefore it was
not God's representative kingdom.
DAVID RESTORES WORSHIP OF GOD

9However, the wars in Saul's time in which Israel bf>came

Involved, and the changed conditions of life, developed
amongst them men who became educated in governmental
matters. When on the death of Saul the time came for
David to be made king, many of those who had positions
of authority refused to acknowledge him as king an<1 opposed him, though it was apparent to all Israel that David
was chosen of God to be their ruler. Having helped Saul
In his persecution of David, probably they were afraid for
their lives; and certainly they would fear the loss of their
office. Because of this, for seven years David reigned over
Ju<1ah only. Then right prevaile<1 even though by rough
methods, and Da vid came into his proper place as king
over all Israel. Zion in Jerusaiem was then chosen as the
seat of government; and henceforth the kingdom of Israel
was God's representative kingdom on earth, but in its warfare phase.
10At this time, about 500 years after the death of Joshua,
the land marked out by God as his gift to Abraham and his
seed (Genesis 15: 18) had not yet come under Israel's control. In<1eed, even then they had not fully conquered that
portion of the laml which was divided amongst the tribes;
for many Canaanites were yet in the land, and until then
even l\It. Zion had been occupied by a colony of Jebusites
whom Judah and Benjamin had been unable to dispossess.
Much of the land not conquered by Joshua was occupied by
peoples related to Israel, i. e., the Edomites, Ammonites,
Moabites; occupied also by the Philistines, who were ever
the opponents of Israel, and by the Syriuns and their neighbors, all enemies of Israel. David brought ali these into
subjection and un<1er the rule of Zion, but made no attempt
to extend his dominion to extra-Abrahamic territory. After
these victories were 'Yon, and the land was settled, and the
country at peace, David turned his attention to another
lIlatter long in his mind.

63

llBlessed of God with musical and poetical gifts, and

with organizing ability, David desired to restore the worship of God, and to establish it on a much more elaborate
scale than anything hitherto conceived. It was not Go<1's
purpose to restore his worship in formal order at that time;
but David was permitted to gather much costly material,
chiefly for the adornment of the ~emple, and to arrange the
musicul services, and the courses of the priests. Moreover,
as he had composed many hymns for the temple sei"vice, to
him was given the great privilege of arranging almost everything connected with the temple.
12As could almost be expected, a man of such capacity
and of excellent an<1 great qualities would have the corresponding defects if he made a slip. David's record discloses
these. But his life was so set for Go<1 that these, though
they vitally affected his life, did not spoil his record as a
faithful king after God's own heart. Yet though David was
so great a king, the kingdom did not come to its full glory
in his day. His reign was rather a "day of preparation"
for one to follow, and correspolllls with 'the day of preparation" for the king<1om, from 187-1 to 1914, when all the
truth belonging to Israel, as included in the Abrahamic
covenant, became the possession of the Israel of God.
THE GAMENESS AND EXCELLENCE OF DAVID
13Tho~gh

there was so much injustice in Saul's persecution of David, an<1 David could say that he was hunted as
a partridge on the mountains, it would be wrong to suppo~e
that those years were years of constant trial to David, or
that he was always in fear of his life. Indeed, we m'ly
safely assume that he woul<1 sometimes enjoy the hunt as
an exercise of skill in Ipa<1ership. The partri<1ge 100 the
hunter ,?n; an<1 now and again the hunter himself was
caught in a trap. (1 Samuel 24: 8-11; 26: 11-20) True men
of faith are grateful to the Lord for the privilege of its
exercise; for they are not fearful but confident.
14The greatness of David and the excellence of his character do not hide his lack nor the mist akes he made. He
did not set a good example in the mattei' of his home life.
He married many women. Already he had seven wives when
he was made king in Israel. His punishment was heavy
upon him in the trouble which came to his own family, and
in the loss of respect amongst his people.
15David died at seventy, much worn with his labors; for
his life had been one of ceaseless activity of body and mind.
He has the fullest record in the Old Testament, an indication of the place of honor he occupied in the mind of God.
His record is well summarized in our text, "I delight to do
thy will, 0 my God."
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What did Saul want that many children want? Was his humility
genuine? What was David's chafacter in contrast? If 1.
Why did God select David as king so far in aclnuH'p of til(' need?
How was this a blessing for both Samuel and Da\ id 'I If:!.
When was David first brought into prominence? What did he do
to attract attention? If 3.
What may we learn from David's experience With Goliath? If 4.
Into what three phasl'S is David's life divided? If 5.
Was Davie! a good Bible stndcnt as far as was 1hen possiblo? If fl.
What qualities stood David in good stead as he dodged the murderous intent of King Saul? 'II 7.
Why should Israel represent the Lord's kingdom under David and
not under Saul? If 8.
How long did David reign over Judah only? Why not over all
Israel from the beginning? If 9.
Did Israel have full possession of Canaan? If not, why not? How
did David manifest his faith in the Abrahamic promise? If 10.
To what did DaYid now turn his attention? In what was he specially qualified? If 11.
D!1vid's ~eign w:l;s what" and. correspo~ds to what time? 112.
Did Dand sometimes enJoy hnllself while he was being hunted and
how is it illustrated In thll partridge? 'i 13.

Did David set a good example in his home life? If 14.

How large a record does David have in the Old Testament? How
may his record be summarized 7 'IS.

Intelnationm Bible Students Association Qasses

Lecture~

cmd &ud.ie~ by TrdVelin~ Brethren

BROTHERT. E. BARKER

Wilson, N. C_.._
:llar. 2
Rocky Monnt, N. C. .......,
3
Whitakers, N. C. ............"
4
Enfield. N. C
_..."
5
Seotland Neck, N. C. ....."
6
Vanceboro, N. C__ .. 7,9

Kinston, N. C. _._
l\Iar.
Mount Olive, N. C........... "
Wilmington, N. C.
"
SalClnuurg, N. C.
..
Hayne. N. C.
..
]j'aYlltteville, N. C. _ . _

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

11
12
13
14
16
17

Boise, Ida
:I[ar.
2
Emmett, Ida.
3
l'alllpa, Ida.
.. 4, 5
Po('atella, Ida.
7
Twin Falls, Ida. ........"
9
Buhl, Ida.
.. 10,11

Black Creek, Wis

~!:Ir. 9
Plover, Wis.
10
Stevens Point, Wis.
11
l\lilladore, Wis.
.. 12
Withee, Wis.
.. 13
Unity, Wis_................... " 14

La Porte, Ind
:I[ar.11
Toledo. O.
.. 12
('l!',"eland, O.
.. 13
"'..stheld. N. Y
" 14
Jamestown, N. Y
" 16
Clymer, N. Y......_.._....... .. 17

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Mllwaukee, Wis. ...
l\Iarkesan. Wis .
Oshkosh, Wi.. .
.
Appleton. Wis
.
Green Bay, ~Vis. .
Seymour, WIS

..

.\la,. 2
. 3
4
5
:: 6

BROTHER B. M. RICE

BPOTHERR H.BOYD
Fitzgerald, Ga
'fhomasYilIe, Ga.
Cairo, Ga. ..
!lothan, Ala.
..
Albanv, Ga.
Dawson, Ga.

:'ar.2
.. 3
4

_.._... ..

5
6
7

Bronwood, Ga
!\Iar.
9
Columlms, Ga.
., 10,12
Seale, Ala. ...................."
11
Chipley, Ga
"
13
RaJ'mond, Ga.
14
Chattanooga, Tenn.
"
16

Aline, Okla
Mar. 10
Enid, Okla.
" 11, 12
Pawnee, Okla. ............"
13
Perry, Okla.
14
Redrock, Okla.
15
Ponca City, Okla. _ _ "
16

C?rpus Christl, Tex l\f~r. 10

Sillunons, Tex.
II, 12
San Antomo, Tex
" 13,14
Kerrville, Tex
_"
16
Comfort, Tex.._.............
17
Pipe Creek, Tex. ......_..
18

..

: I,~r.

L()llOl\:e. Arl" .._ __ ..__

Scott, Ark
__
1.lttle Rock, Ark

__

Marshall, Ark. _._

JUdsonia. Ark.

BatesYille, Ark.....

lS

;; 6, 97
- ..- ..

1Ifar. 10
.. 12
"

13

!\Iarcclla, Ark.
..
Three Brothers, Ark....... ..
Cotter, Ark. _._
_... ..

14
16
17

Glace B~y. N. S
!\Iar. 11
Black Rn'er, N. S...........
13
:r;~'ook Yi!lage, N. S
::
14
IlctoU, N. S.
16
Charlottetown, p. E. I. " 17,18
lIazelbrook, p. E.!....."
19

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Wanilla, lIliss.
Jackson, !\Iiss.

Yick~burg, ~liss

Kelly, La.
Shreveport, La.
Leesville, La..

..~Iar.

..
__
.., "
..
_.......

"

2
3
4
6
7
9

Lake Charles, La.......l\far. 10, 12

Glenmora, La. .........."
11
JennllH~'s, La. ............"
13
Crowley. La.._.............
14
Baton !touge, La.
16
New Orleans, La.
.. 23, 30

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
Cambridge, O
Dresden 0
Coshocton,
New Comerstown, O.
Port Washington, O.
IJrichsvWe, O. .....

~Iar.

2
"3
4
5
:: 6
7

'0:":::::::: ::::::::: :;

:'\ew Philadelphia, O
l\far. 9
DO"er, O.
.. 10
Sherollsville, O. __
__
" 11
Steubem'ille, O.
.. 12
pTorontop'~' ..0.._ _
;; 1 43
ower omt,
.

!\Iar. 18, 111

20
21
23
.. 24,26
20

9
10

Sidney, Neb
Big Springs, Neb.
l'orth Platte, l\eb.
Brady, Neb.
Grand Island, Neb.
Ravenna, Neb

1Ifar.

11

12
13
14
18
17,1 't

BROTHER C. ROBERTS
Fort William, Onto
!\far. 9, 10
Oxdrlft, Onto
11
Kenora, Ont.
12,13
Transcona, Man. ........"
14
Winnipeg, Man.
16
Treherne, Man
"
11

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
Riverbank, Calif.
Lo<li. Calif.
Sacramento, Calif.
Chico, Calif.
Quincy, Calif.
Paradise, CaUf.

~rar.

2
3
4
.. 5, 9
7
" 10, 11

Chico, Calif. _
Ashland, Ore.
MeMord, Ore.
Jacksonville, Ore.
Rogue River, Ore.
Wolf Creek, Ore.

Mar. 12
.. 14
" 16
" 17
" 18
.. 19

BROTHER W. J. THORN
Ash Grove, Mo
Mar.
V erona, ~fo. . _
."
Monett. !\Io.
Wheaton, lifo.
J 0lllin, 1\10..... _........."
Noel, Mo.
..__ ..

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Halifax, N. S
~Iar.
2
South Rawdon, N. S....."
3
nl'ookfield, N. S
..::
5
Stellarton, N. S.
6
:'\o,th SYdney :'\. S.......
7
Sydney, N. S.'
_.... .. 9,10

2
4
5
7

Toronto, Ont.
;,[ar. 2
Orillia, Ont.
4
Gravenhurst, Onto
5
Bracebl'ldge, Onto ........"
6
North Bay, Onto
7
Port Arthur, Onto
" 9, 10

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Helena, Ark.
Pine Blufl', Ark
Little Rock, Ark.

~[al'.

Neb. _.._._
"
W,lsondlle, Neb. .............,
Sutton, Neb.
Hastings, l'eb.
Kearney, Neb.
..

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Driscoll, Tex
:.lar. 2
Brownsville, Tex. .............,
3
Sam Fordyce, 'Tex.
4
lIlcAllen, Tex.
.. 5, 6
Harlingen, Tex.
7
Kingsville, Tex.
.....
9

Warren, Pa
Ono\ ille, Pa.
Salamanca, N. Y.
Shinglehouse, Pa.
Bolivar, N. Y.
Allentown, N. Y.

BROTHER V. C. RICE
Wymore, Neb

DloOIlliIl~tOll,

BROTHER J. W. COPE
Clinton, Okla
:llar. 2
Hlair, Olda.
,. 3, 4
Hobart, Okla. ...................,
5
HooseyeIt, Okla.
6
'rhonlRs, Okla
_. .. _.. tI
7
Canton, Okla_
_..
9

PocatellO, Ida
l\far. 12
Ogden, Utah
" 13, 14
Salt Lake City, Utah......
16
l\lldYale, Utah
17
POl,uello, Ida.
18
Butte, l\lont.
.. 19,20

2
3
4
6
9

10

Baxter Springs, Kan

Mar.
Cardin, Okla.,
..
Webb City. Mo. ..
Carthage. Mo
__ .__
Ja,per, Mo.
..
Pleasant Hill, Mo........... ..

11

12
13
14
16
17

BROTHER J. B. WILLIAMS
Montreal, P. Q
Mar.
Brilliant Cove, p. Q..... ..
Npw Ca,tle N. B.
Moncton,
B.
Amher.t, N. S.
Athol, N. S.

N:

2, 3
6, 7
11
12
13
14

Truro, N. S
l\far. 16, 11'
Port Williams, N. S."
18
E. Hall's Harbor, N. S. .. 19,20
Kentville~.N. S.
" 21,23
Auburn, N. S.
24
Deep Brook, N. S. ...."
21

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
BrockwayvlIIe. Pa
~[,~r. 2
I'alls Creek, Pa.
3
I"lunxlltawney, Pa
__
4
!\IcGees Mills, Pa.
" 5
Mahaffey, Pa.
6
Altoona, Pa
_.........
7

Bellefonte, Pa. _
Mar.

Alexandria, Pa.
1.
Williamsport, Pa.
11
Gaines, Pa.
.. 12,13
Elmira, N. Y.
14
Alba, Pa. ......................"
1.

CONVENTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BY BROTHER RUTHERFORD

St. Petersburg, Fla., Feb. 17-Secretary: A. P. Walker, 1~0 30~
AYe. North.
Greenville, S. C., Mar. 9-Secretary : T. W. BrOCkman, 107 Atwood St.
New Bedford, !4llss., Mar. 23-Secretary: W. W. Greaves, 25 Social St.

m...it1ly:&W, @IT~i ~H~N~Iyt?

I '!I

,!

hi~1ifl>ni1J'ilg ~1l\Jil~~1Jj9&1JIldlaJ,~nsll,td9@~Pf-15al~
VOL. XLV

SE~n-Mo]l;THLY

Anno Mundi 6052 -

No.5

March 1, 1924

CONTENTS
A

n.'l.XSO:\! ron. ALL _"'~"_" '

'_'_"_""'_"_""_""_'_ fJ7
C,'O," of ChrIst HlP Power Plant
I;,",
Hansom
~el[-Ex<unlnation l'rotltaLle .._.._.
... __ .. _.
11\)
hi lIll" Knowledge and "Ai.:eurate" Kno\\ledge __ 10
~ah'ation in Gou's Wisdom
l
Pit \, L'"~lEETINU TEXT COJlIMENTS
72

The

Not .rypifie<l

TIl ~~ rteu,:\' OF SOLOMON .....

:::::::::::::::::::ns

. __

IrRUTH SPREADING IN CALIFORNIA

__ ..

7-1

(Letter).

7:>

Al~!~.\ IlA).! '1'0 SOLU:\lON __ ..... _....... _...................... 76

THe KrXGDO),! ItEX' ASl.,I>ER

__

78

WUltLD,WIDC Wn;\ESS

Ho

RAUW

lHi

CON\ENTION

AT lI1ANCHESTER

lio

(Jru""T\ the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, dilmontented) roaring; men's hearts failing them 'or Tear and fOr lo('lk na ta
tl
'''~8 coming upon the eJ\rth (society); for the powers of the lwewhH (eoolo<\astlrsm) <hall be shaken. . . When ye Bee theBe thmgs O"glll to come to pa
thell
k~vw \nat the Ki~dom 01 God is at hand. Lo,)k up. hIt up your heaus, reJo,""- ior your redemptIOn drawcth nigh.-Matt. 24:33: Mark 13:29; Lulu. 21.25-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS journal Is one of the prime factors or Instruments in the ~ystem of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now beln~
presented In all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Promotion of ClJrisHan Knowiedge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessolls" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. 1II.), which translated
into English is Minister of ood's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons Is speciall~' for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's bope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitutel for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . . .!las
been hid in God, to the Intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which In other a,;es
was not made known unto the sons of men as It is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
lt stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fulle,t
lubjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoe,"er the L')l"d
hath spoken-according to the dl,ine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confid""t;
for we know whereof we atllrm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. lt is held as a trust, to be used only in IllS
service; hence our deciSIOns relative to what may and what may not appear in its colnmns must be according to our judgment of Ids
~ood pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuild.ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only Invite but urge OL-:
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is "the tempi~ of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age-e,"er since Christ became the world's Redecmer and the Chief Corner Stone of his tempie, through which, wL~n
finished, God's blessing shall come "to ali people", and they find access to him.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-:'~ ;
Genesis 28 : 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of eonsecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when t!Iq
last of these "iivinl'( stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all togetl1~r
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men through,,,,t
the MiIlennium.-Revelation 15: 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for cvery
man," "a ransom for aU," and will be ,the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world", "in due time".Hebrews 2 : 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may he like her Lord, "se<' him as he is," be partaker of the divine nature,' and share his
glory as his joint-heir.-1 John 3::J; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 l'eter 1: 4.
'l'hat the present mipsion of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace; to be God's witne.,s to the world i and to prepare to be klllgS and priests in the next age.-Ephesians 4: 12; lIlatthew 2ol:
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessinA"s of knowledl'(e and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's lIIiUennial kingdom, the
restitutIOn of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and olwdient. at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church.
when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah ;J;:;.
NEW BOOKLET

WATCH TOWER BI BLE &- TRACT SOCIEr)'

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Editorial Committee: l.'hi, journal Is published under the supervision

of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and

approved as truth each and e,-ery article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editonal cOIllmittee are: J. F. Hr"rHEHFoRD,
W. E. VAN AUBuRaIT, J. ITE~fERY, G. H. FISITEIl, R. H. B~RBER.
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Entered as Second Class Matter ar Brooklyn, N. Y Postoffice Act of March. 3rd z87&
J

WORLD-WIDE WITNESS

It is the desire of tlw HOCn;TY to have classes in every

part of the earth engage in a world-wide public witness on
Sunday, April 27. and Sunday, :'IIay 18. "All Nations
MarChing to Armageddon, but millions now living will never
die" is the subjed to be usel!. Detailed instructions are
being selit to the Class Secretary.

About February 15 the SOCIETY began pUblishilIg" a Ill'W

booklet entitled "A DESIRABLE GOVER:'OfEXT." It contains
64 pages, bound in grl't'n cover, gold stamped and embossl'd.
It assembles the prophecies describing the kingdom In preparation and in operation. It examinl's present-day events in
the light of these prophecies, emphasizing the great neCl ssity for the kingdom-just what the people need this campaign ypar. Pricp, 10 cents per copy; to classt's in lots ot
50 or more, G cents per copy. Following our custom, we "'ill
forward a limited number to the classes in the United
States on consignment, in care of the Director, and bill
the class for the same.
RADIO
For Dlore than a year the SOCmTY has had under construction
a radio broadcasting statIOn. 'I'he larger equipment is not >'et
complete. A junior eqUIpment, however, is alrt'ady installed, :Iud
licen-.:e ha.c; been if-iRUed by the Government. Ikf'ause the lar'~er
corporations virtually control the air, the SOCIETY was eOIll!H'Upd
to accept for the present a 244-rueter wave length. "'e have mueh
confidence, however, that the Lord will o"erruJe this for Our good
and to his glory.
All receiving sets should be tuned In for the 244-meter wa va
length. It is expectpd that the first otllcial program will have
been put on the air Suntlay e,-ening, :February 2ol, from 8: 30 to
10: 30 o'clock. In the lIl<,untime there will be some promiscuous
broadcasting from this station.

CO;>,TVENTION AT MANCHESTER
The Int"rnational Bible Stmlpnls will hold a three-day convention
at l\1,"]("h""t<'r, Ellglantl, for the I<;aster s""son, April 19-21. A number of the British PIIe;rim br<,l!Jren will be p"esent and addro;;e
the convention. also Brotl"'f \"an Anlburgh and Brother Rutherford
from America.

THE SERVICE
From time to time we ha\-e need to increase the force at head
quarters in Brooklyn. Any unencumbered brethren between the ages
of twenty and forly-fiye who feel that they might want to enter the
service here will kindiy write for a 'luelltionnalre. and when r ..
ceived flll it out and return it to the SOCIB~r.

&heWATCH TOWE~
AND HERALD OF CHRliSTS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

MARCH I, 1924

No.5

A RANSOM FOR ALL

"Who will haDe all men to be sal'cd. and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there ~ one God, and
one mediator between God and men, the man Christ J CSllS,' lI:ho ga,De himself a ransom for
all, to be testified in due time."-1 Timothy {i3: 4-6.

;{E light of God's smile shone brightly upon man

in the Garden of Eden. When Adam disobeyed,
God turned the light of his favor away from him
awl drove him out of the Garden; and ever since man
has been groping in the dark, without God or hope,
falling into the uitch of despair and death.
2God did not put out the light of his favor towards
man, but moved it far into the future, beyond man's
sight, and set it up at the time of the first advent of
Christ. A yery dim ray from that light reflected backward, and gave hope to some who were feeling after
God. It did not give light to many, nor much to those
who saw it; but it indicated to them the right direction
out of the hopclessness of despair. Little by little the
light was increased, as God gave clearer expressions of
his purposes through messengers and prophets, until
there was sufficient IJght to form dim outlines upon the
surrounding darkness. Gael so overruled the experiences
of some of these searching ones that they formed outline
pictures. Those who acted out the pantomime pictures
did not know that they were casting shadows; but God
had the shadows registered upon the films of history,
to bc developed in due time.
3 Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, :Moses, David, and others
were thus uscd. After :Moses had led the children of
Israel out from Egyptian bondage, God gave thcm a
law, of "hich the Apostle says: "The law [was] a
shadow of good things to come." (Hebrews 10: 1) In
another place he says: "Now all these things happened
unto thcm for ensamples: and they were writtl'll for
our admonition, upon whom the ends of the \Vorle] are
come." (1 Corinthwns 10: 11) As the light was shining
bacbrard from the cross, and as the actors were trying
to go forward, they did not see the shadows they cast;
nor could they have understood these if they had seen
them. HO\n~vcr, there could have been no shadows
unless there had bcen somc light.
4When Christ came the li,~ht shone brilliantly for a
time. "That it might be fulfillcd which was spoken by
Esaias the prophet, sayil1g, The land of Zabulon, and
the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond

Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat

in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in
the shadow of death light is sprung up." (Matthew
4: 14-16) "Then spake Jesns again unto them, saying,
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall
not walk in darkness, but shall haye the light of life."
(John 8: 12) He was the light which had cast the
shadmys upon the wall of the past; and those shadows
had remained hidden, like the films in a camera. But
when the due time came, God began to develop those
films and to present the pictures for our edification.
They were not all developed at once, but gradually, as
they might be needed by the Church.
5Jesus brought forth some of the developed pictures
and showed them to his disciples, explaining to them,
"Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for
they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many
prophets and rightcons men have desired to see those
things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to
hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard
them." (Matthew 13: 16, 17) The disciples testificd to
their ability to see and understand some of the pictures,
exclaiming, "Did not our hearts burn within us, while
he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to
us the scriptures?" and "We have not followed cunningly deviscd fables, when we made known unto you
the power and prescnce of our Lord Jesus Christ, but
were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from
God the Father honor and glory, whcn there came such
a voicc to him from thc excellent glory, This is my be-loved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice
which came from heaven we heard, when we were with
him in the holy mount. T\'e have also a more sure word
of prophecy; whereunto ye do "'ell that ye take hced, as
unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day
dawn. anli the day star arise in your hearts [not in the
"'orld] ."-Luke 24: 32; 2 Pder 1: 16-19.
6These texts imply that man was in the dismal swamp
of death, with no hope of escape; but that Christ had
thrown a ray of bright light into the swamp; and that
as many as saw it and followed the direction it indi-

67

68

'fheWATCH TOWER

cated, would find escape. It was not a will-o-the-wisp,

but an accurate light. which if followed would lead to
the full daylight of God's favor.
7The apostle Paul al~o brought forth several more
pictures, explaining, "Which things are an allegory:
for these are the two covenants." referring to some
experiences of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar.-Galatians
4: 24; Colossians 2: 17; Hebrews 8: 5; 9: 11, 24; 10: 1.
THE CROSS OF CHRIST IS THE POWER PLANT

8Knowledge of God's Word is often referred to as

light: "The entrance of thy words giveth light." "Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
(Psalm 119: 130, 105) The ransom which God had
provided was to bring blessings to all the children of
Adam. (Romans 5: 12-18) It would be necessary for
the knowledge of that fact to reach all. "That is the
true Light, which lighteth every man that comcth into
the world." "They shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord:
for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest."
-John 1: 9; Hebrews 8: 11.
9The cross might be said to be the power plant which
supplies all the light upon the lllan of God for the
salvation of the world, and also the light upon the path
to glory for the Church. Had there heen no ransom
provided, no light would have been needed. ~lan would
have been left to die like the beast. The light from the
cross brought out three prominent features of God's
great plan:
10 (1) '1'he foundation, a ransom for all: "For other
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is
Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3: 11) ; "Neither is there
salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven gin>n among men, whereby we must be
saved."-Acts 4: 12.
11(2) Restitution for the world: "'l'he Son of man
is come to S('f'k awl to save that which \ras lost"; "The
times of restitution of all things, which Uod hath spoken
by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world
began."-Lnke 19: 10; Aet~ 3: 21.
12 (3) "The prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus."-Philippiam. 3: 14.
130then\'ise stated, these features are: The Ransom,
the Hestitution, and the High Calling. These were all
seen clearly by the early Church during the time of the
apostles, and for some time thereafter. But during the
dark ages which followed, this light gradually faded
until it became so dim that even the outlines of the
plan could not be seen distinctly. As the time neared
for the clo~ing of the heavenly race and the work of
restitution to begin, God again shed forth light from
his Word through his messenger to the Laodieean
Church; and the beauty of not only the outlines, but
many of the details, \I'as thrown upon the screen. The
sight thrilled the hearts of all the consecrated ones who
were running for the prize of the high calling, and

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

stimulatpd them to greater love, activity, and devotion

to God,
14The po~~es"ion of light, or knowledge, always brings
respollsibility. Jesus statpd the case dmrly, saying,
"And that servant which knew his Lord's will, and
prepared not himself, neither did according to his \I'ill,
shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew
not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall he
beaten with few stripes. For unto whOI1l~o('ver much is
given, of him shall much be re(}uired: and to whom
men have committed much, of him they will a,k the
more."-Luke 1'Z: 47,48.
"'Being inormrd that God's dealings with tlw children of hrad were intended as illustratiolls or }(',-OllS
for our edification, it is well that we cal'dllll. note how
he dralt with them, to what eAtent he held tlWlll accountable, what punishments he meted out to them for
disobedience of various kinds. Whatever light they had
\I'as a reJlretion from the ransom. It shone backwards
through the Law and its ordinancrs, and might be called
a moonlight, or reflection of the sunlight.
1GBefore proceeding further it might be well to have
in our minds a elmr definition of the word ran~om.
The "Standard Dictwnary" gives the following: "To
secure the release of, as a person or property, from
bondage, detention or punishment, by paying a sum of
money or its equivalent. To rescue. The amount or
considerlltion paid for the release of a person or property captured or detained. Hclease from captivity, bondage or the like, for a consideration."
HIt is therefore impossible to use the word ransom
properly without implying damage or danger in some
way to some one or thing. The ransom price, or stipulation of the conditions of release, is usually stated by
the one who holds the property or captive. JUan stood
condemned before God; therefore it was for God to
state the amount of the ransom demanded, or any other
conditions on which he might permit the debt'lr to go free.
18In the Old Testament the word ransom is not used
very often, ancI even then not made prominent. The
word atonement, which carries a similar thought, is
more frequently used, especially in connection with the
tabernacle services. Both \rords imply estran~f'lllent
between God and man, and the necessity for some means
by which the estranged parties might be brought together. The conditions were always stated by Jehovah.
THE RANSOM IS NOT TYPIFIED

19In the New Testament the subject of the ransom is

made prominent, both by the Lord and by the apostles.
The definition of the word in 1 Timothy 2: 6 is given
by Professor Young as "a eorrespondlllg price." This
definition is borne out by the Law in the Old Testament.
'1'he meaning of the word could not be pictured or
typified. It would take the life of a ram to redeem a
ram, or the life of a bullock to redeem a bullock. No
provision had been made to redeem animals; therefore

MARCH 1, 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

thry could not be used for such a picture. The Law,

however, states the demands very clearly: Life for life;
eye for eye; tooth for tooth; hand for hand; foot for
foot; burning for burning; \vound for \volmd; stripe
for stripe. (Exodus 21: 23-25) 'fhe Apostle verifies
this, saying, "Since by man came death, by man came
also the resurrection of the dead."-l Corinthians 15: 21.
20As the benefits resulting from the sacrifice of the
bullock on the atonement day were applicable to every
hrarlite, so the benefits resulting from the sin-offering
by Christ will be applicahle to eYrry ROll of Adam in
duC' time. (Homans 5: 12-18; 1 Corinthians 15: 23)
] lad there been no sin-offering planned and provided
for, there would have been no sacrifice of the bullock
on the typical atDnement day; for there would have
been nothing to typify.
21'fhr giving of rYen the reflected light brought grave
rrspomihility to the ,J e'l'I'. (Amos 3: 2) The light,
responl'lbilities, blrRsing", and punishments g-l\'('n them
were pictures of grrater light, respollSlbihtie~, ble~sings,
and pUlllshments to follow during the Gospel and Millennial ages.
22Let us note some of the incidents recorded for our
admonition; for "he that despisell ,Moses' law died without mercy umler two or three witnesses: Of how much
SOrl'r punishm(~llt, supposc ye, shall he be thought
worthy, who hath trou(ll'n under foot tlw Son of God,
amI hath counted the blood of the covenant, \Vhl~rewith
he \ras sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the I'pirit of grace ?"-Hebrcws 10: 28, 29.
21Shortly after the installation of thc typical priesthood the two elder sons of Aaron, N adab and Abihu,
were smittrn by fire from God for offering "strange
fire." They mw;t have known that they were acting
COJltrary to the commands of God; hence their culpability, and thr swift punishment which followed.-LevitlCUS 10: 1, 2.
2lKorah, Daihan, Ahirarn, and all those with them,
suHered the jlllui,llluent of death for not recognizing
Cod's appointment of ~Ioscs. '1'l1('y had covenanted to
do all that God had commanded, and to abide by his
alTangements.--~ umbcrs 16.
231firiam, the sister of Moses, was stricken with leprosy as a pUllishment for even criticizing Moses for
marrying an Ethiopian woman. It was none of her
business; and if God had chosen :Moses for the pOSItion
of leadin,C; the children of Israel out of bondage to
liberty, that was none of her business, either. She
should have been very thankful to God for her own
deliverance, no matter by whom God may have been
pleased to bring it about.-Numbers 12.
26 Uzzah, the Levite, was instantly smitten with death
for putting forth his hand to steady the Ark of God,
which King Dayid de~ired to take to Jerusalem. U zzah
and Ahio, as Leyites, should have known better than to
set the Ark upon a cart. ( See Numbers 4: 15) They
were supposed to carry it.-2 Samuel 6: 1-11.

69

27:Uoses was not permitted to lead his people into the

promised land because he had disobeyed Jehovah by
smiting the rock in~tead of Rpeaking to it, as he had
been commanded.-Numbers 20: 7-12.
28David and the whole nation of Israel were punished
because David ordereu J oab to take a cen:ms of the
nation. (1 Chronicles 21: 1-17) 'fhese and many other
instances show that God did not hold his people guiltless when they transgressed.
OCCASIONAL SELFEXAMINATION IS PROFITABLE

29Tlw Apostle advises: "Examine yourselves, whether

ye be in the faith. Prove [test] your own selves. Know
ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,
excrpt ye be reprobates?" (2 Corinthians 13: 5) Each
runllcr for the heavenly prize should carefully test himself or hersclf occasionally. Are we bringing any sacrifices to the 1... ord? Are they prompted by love? And
are they (;ollsumed by the fire of obedience? A little
practice will enable each one to apply the test quickly
and effectively.
3'1'he Lord's rule for applying the test is very simple:
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14 :15)
No one who strives to do that to the best of his ability
need have any fears; for "if ye keep my commandments,
ye shall abide in [rrmain in] my love, even as [in the
same way that] I have kept my Father's commandments
and abide in his love." (John 15: 10) We have the
light of knowledge of what his commandments are;
and if we are lacking, we have his promise to give us
the necessary wisdom. (James 1: 5) Whatever light
we have radiates from the ransom. Therefore if we
deliberately disobey, or even prove careless of the commandments, indifferent to them, we are proportionately
disregarding the ransom, whether we say so in so many
words or not. Weare not yet out into the full daylight;
therefore if we 'hesitate, stop, or turn back, we shall
never reach it. Disapproval by God will follow, and the
second death may be the result.-Hebrews 10: 25-31.
31 We here quote from THE WATCH TOWER of November 1, 1911, page 405:
32"1\1ore than thirty years ago we were inclined to think
that all must come to a full know!ellge of all truth ere
they could be liable to the second death; l.mt we have
come to the conelusion from the genera! tenor of the
Scriptures that this is not the Lord's view and plan. On
the contrary, delibenlle and intellihpnt rejection of the first
prineip!cs of the Gospp! seems to imply an unfitness for
further favors, on the ground that he that is unfaithful in
that \\'hich is least would be unfaithfUl also in lIUJ/'6
[Italics are Brother Russell's] . . . . 'Ve confess little hope
for the scribes and Pharisees who, when they could find no
other fault, ascribed our Lord's good works to the devil."

33Did Judas deny the ransom? He had the light of

the Master's presence and teaching for three years. He
knew that Jesus was the representative of Jehovah; for
he had witnessed many miraclc~, and had himself been
sent out by the Master to preach that the ~dom of

70

'The

WATCH TOWER

God was at hand. He deliberately turned from that

light, and did what he knew was reprehemible, traitorous, unjust, murderous. His act ""as against the light
which hau come to him as a result of the ransom.
34But there were others at that time, also. The very
ones who hau bargained with Judas had been witnesses
of Christ's miraeles; but because his teachin:~s had
l'hown up their h?pocrisics, instead of repentin:,' and
trying to reform they deliberately set about to lll"troy,
to murder him. (,J ohn 11: 47-53) This they did in
direct disobedience to the command, "Thou shalt not
kill." Seven times in the twenty-thinl chapter of Uatthew docs the Lord call the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers hypocrites. A hypocrite is not a deceivoll person,
but a ueceivcr, one who knows that he is dc'cC'iviJlg;
therefore his actions are intentional. Those scribes,
Pharisees and lawyers knew that they had been deceiving the people (Y ersc 14), and that thcy were then
trying to ke('p the people deceived as regards his mission.-l\Intthew 12: 22-24.
35These men professed to be the represeJltatives 0.
Jehovah, keeping his commandments, making long
prayers, anu parading before the people as special favorites of Jehovah. Prior to the coming of Jesus there
might have been some excuse for their ignorance, as he
said: "If I had not corne and spoken unto them, they
had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their
sin. lIe that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I
had not done among them the works which none other
man did, they had not had [thel sin [the Greek is
emphatic here], but now they have both seen and hated
both me and my Fathcr." (John 15: 22, 23) To these
classes ho said in sub~tance: 'You liars and hypocrites!
You know that you arc lying and trying to deceive the
people. lOU are doing it deliberately and wilfully,
dircctly contrary to the express commands in the Law
which you profcss to uphold. How can you escape the
judgmcnt of the second death l'
"FULL" KNOWLEDGE AND "ACCURATE" KNOWLEDGE

3GWere they denyillg thr ransom? They had thr light

and also the Law, which tau!-:ht \yhat was right and
what was wrong. Jesus \\'as therc to lead tlwlll to freedom. Tlwy \\'ere uuder the eOlHll'lllllation of the first
death. If they refused to follow the light \"hich would
lead to liberty, they would remain uuder condcmnation;
and it would en,ntuate in the seconcJ drath. Tlwy would
not haw to be brou;::-ht clear out from under the first
condemnation in order to be considrred unworthy of
life. All thcy needed to do was to refuse to take advantage of the opportunity to escape. "I am the light
of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in
darkness."
37Some may say that the Apostle distillctly says,
according to literal rendering of the Greek: "God will
have all men corne to an accurate knowledge of the
truth." When did these men get a full and accurate

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

knowledge of the truth, that would make them amenable

to the second drath? Thcrc may be considcrable difference betwPe'n the definitions of an accurate knowledge
an(1 of a full knowledge. It is an accnrate mathematIcal
fact that tI\'o times two are four. That is accurate as
far as it goes, hut it is far from a full knowleclge of
mathematics. Jf one werr to refuse to :](,l'rpt that fact
because he could llet f-r(> all there is in r,:'thcl1latlu. he
might as well stop. He \\'olll,l neyrr 1'(',:l'l1 correct conclusions. Jrsus had the right kinu of li,dlt. It wa~ not
all the light, but it was enoll,~h for the time to show
the way to life to all \\'ho dem'CCl to seek it.
3SSuppose the whole human race \yere in a dismal
swamp, with no light \i'hatever, and it wrre impo;-;-:ble
for anyone to find a way out. 80me one might holll
forth a small light, suffieirnt to show all who follo\,,'ed
it the way to safety. 1,"hat woul,l be the result if some
,,"ere to refme to follow it, and giye as an excuse' that
it did not light the path to the end, nor show wb:1t \\"as
at the end, and were to dc~serihe all tlll'Y would enjoy
when they did get out? \Voul,1 that be rt'fu<ing the oir,'!'
of help? Most certainly! Suppose others had In-ml
something of the expected deliverancl', and had their
iJ]]a,'~inations set upon the way it wa~ to come; hnt
because it did not come in the way the~" ('x-pected, wonld
not accept. Would they lose the op;1odnnity for salvation? Possibly they might say: 'If \\'(~ cannot haye a
better light we will not accept any. We don't \"allt un
old candle or torch. We want an electric light. and a
paved road to our destination, and a fine automobile to
come and take us out.' What would be thc remIt?
They would remain where they were, and would e\'entually perish. Thry had an opportunity to escape, and
refused.
30'!'he offer of salvation was from Jehovah, and he
could send it as he chose. He chose to send it through
humble representatives. Jesus was born in a man.~er,
and li\'ed in humble surroumlings. His disciples \\'ere
all from the humble walks of life. God chose to send
his light through such instrumentalities. If those who
saw it refusrd to follow it, God was not under obligation to sClICl tlwlll more light. They had one fair opportUlllty to escape from their peril. The light \\'hich they
had, came because of the ransom; therrfore if they
denied it, they were 'denying the ransom, whether they
knew all the details or not.
<"That light was to reach eyery man in the swamp,
but it would depend upon whether the individuals accepted it or not. As fast as it came to them it became
a means of salvation. They would not need to get
entirely out, look all around and examine all the beauties of restitution, ano. then dccide not to accept of
them, before they could be saiu to have denied the
ransom. They could rdnsc the light that leads to life
and stay in the swamp. '1'he result would eventuate in
the second death, jtd the ~ame.
41'1'he second advent of the Lord is here. The light

MARCH 1, 1924

rrheWATCH TOWER

is far more brilliant than at his first advent. rrhe light

still comes from the ransom. A knowledge of what is
right and wrong has been sent broadcast. There are
thousands who profess to be the servants of the Lord,
representatives of Christ and his law. Thry claim to
wear his livery, and call themselves by his name. They
form a large and influential class. They also have come
in contact with the truth as given forth by the Lord"s
consecrated ones. As a class they haw drliberately and
wilfully not only refused the light for themselves, but
have often vilified and mistreated those who brought it
to th('m, and warned all others to have nothing to do
with the light. 1 "woe unto you, lawyrrs Ithose who
professed to expound the law of God to the people] !
for ye have taken away th~ key of knowledgr: ye
entered not in yourselves, and them that were entermg
in ye hindered" (Luke 11: 52) was applicable at the
first advent, how much more so now! Many of these
ecclesiastical lawyers know that they are lying, trying
to ueceive the people. Some have aumitted it in pri,ate
conwr:,ation, but give as an excuse: "We cannot afford
it; our bread is not buttered on that sidc." rl'he records
of the recent wartime show how vicious some of them
can be.
MAN SHOULD SEE SALVATION IN GOD'S WISDOM

42Have such denied the ransom? Some may say:

How could they; for they know nothing about it? The
Jews of Christ's day knew nothing of the philosophy
of the ransom. They claimed to have light of their own,
and therefore would not accept Christ. "Jesus said unto
thcm. If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but nOW
yr say, We see; therefore your sin remailleth." (J1hn
9 : 41) If that were true then, would it be any less true
today, under the incrrased light now shining? How
much did any of us who are now in present truth know
of all the details before we btarted to follow its light?
For that matter, how many know all the details yet?
Not one. Yet eve'ry one of us is responsible for the ltght
we do have. We expect increasing light and knowledge;
for "the path of the jnst is as a shining light lit is
light, and accurate light J, that shineth more and more
[ever on the incrcase] unto the perfect day [until we
reach the full light of perfect day I." (Proverbs 4: 18)
Nat even our Lord himself sawall the way at first.
43For whatever light we have, or might have if we
requested it, God will hold us rebpon~ible. We must
follow what we have, or no more WIll be given. This
has been our unuerstamling all down through the harvest period. This is specially true of the consecrated.
But what about those who are not consecrated, not
spirit-bcgotten?
44During the )Iillennial age no one will be spiritbegotten; yet all who refuse to follow the light will be
cut off, go into the second death. It is not therefore
necessary to become spiriVJegottcn to commit the sin
unto death. If there were some who were not spirit-

71

begotten at the Lord's first advent who were in danger

of that severe punishment, it would not seem at all
unreasonable that if any manifested a similar spirit at
the second advent, they would merit the same sentence.
45Some did not like the way God sent his light then;
some do not like the way he is sending it forth now.
They know enough to know that the work which the
Lord has been doing, and the means which he has been
using, are along the way of righteousness and holiness
and in harmony with the commands of God, Yet they
refuse to accept it. It is not put forth in the way that
just suit~ them. 'rhey would prefer to have more polished "chandeliers," and more popular places for meeting, and better social fellowship. If it were to come in
some other 'ray, or through some other channel, they
might accept it. But Jehovah has seen fit to choose his
own instruments and methods.
46Are those wh:> refuse to accept the light now shining, denying the ransom? At any rate they are refusing
some of the light which comes from the ransom; for
if there had been n 1 ransom, there would never have
been the great light now shining upon the world in
all directions-scien tifically, educationally, doctrinally,
governmentally, and in many other ways. To what
extent such are individually responsible, it is not for
us to say; for we have the specific command, "Judge
not that ye be not jldgeel." If we disobey that command we place ourselves in the list of those who do not
obey Oo'}'s commands, and immediately come under
condemI~ati)n ourselves. But the Lord did tell us to
observe ,,'lwt kind of fruit a tree bore. His Word is not
given us for a whip with which to sco'lTge others, but
for our own sanctification and edification, that the man
of God may be perfected.
47But some may say: 'Your picture does not give a
true scene; for Ood intenus to clean up the swamp, and
all who are there will have to ccme out whether they
desire to do so or not. God will have all to come forth
from the grave; for he "will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.'" The
swamp was used to picture the conuemnatlOn to ueath,
and not the grave. All who have gone into the grave
under conuemnation to death in .\dam. and who have
not had any opportunity to see the light, will have that
opportunity granted them in due time. If God sendE'
that light to some before they go into drath the first
time, and they refuse to accept it, they will go into the
grave; and theIr first death will become the second
death. The death condition is the same in both cases,
WIth the exception that the first death has a termination
to all whom Christ awakens. Thus the first death of
Judas becomes the second death to him, because he
refused to come out from under the condemnation. How
many others there may have been associated with him,
we know not. How many there may be at the present
tune who will experience a similar sentence, we know
not. Enough light will be given that "whosoever will"

72

me WATCH TOW'ER

may be enabled to return to th<' full favor of God.

will not, will not be compelled to accept.
4SWe know of no scripture which implies that every
one must come to a full knowled;;c of all the detail~ of
God's plan, or even of all the dctail~ of restitution,
before he can deliberately delly the ransom.
49In view of the foregoing, it should lead each of us
to a sober consideration of our own relatiomhip towards
Jehovah, and lI'hether we arc not liable to come short of
our consecration and opportunities. If God severely
punished Miriam, K orah, Dathan, and Ahil'U1l1 for not
recognizing and working in harmony with his arrangements then, shall he do less now? Suppose we have seen
the great light now shining, and the opportllluhes now
at hand, and have rejoiced in them, and later have
become cool or indifferent" or 0ppUSN]! What do the
lessons from the shadow pictures teach?
GOlf Ezekiel 9: 1-4, 11, refer to the Laodircan messenger, then verses 5-7 must refer to a great work to
follow his work. Arc we in the class that is doing any
such work? There is also a great work to do. as mentioned in Isaiah 13: 2 and ,loel 2: 1, to dl'clare the
messages of Isaiah 13: 4-13 and Joel 1: 2-11; also the
beautiful message of Isaiah 52: 7, 8; and the proclamation of Isaiah 61: 3. Surely there is plenty of work
for everyone.
Gllf we criticise the Lord's servants, ,ve criticise the
Lord himself for selecting and using such servants. If
we cannot get along with the servants he may be disposed to use, it will not be long ere we cannot get along
with the Lord himself. The Lord "'ould have us come
to an accurate knowledge of his methods, though it may
not yet be a full kn 0\\'] edge. When we realize, further,
that this is a time when he is shaking everything that
can be shaken, it behooves us more than ever to be on
the alert, that we 1)1' not among the things shaken.
"He shall sit as a 1'< : ner anc[ purifier of silver; and
he shall purify the sons oI Levi, an<l shall purge them
as gold and silver, that they may offrr unto Jtllovah an
offering in righteousness. And the Lord, whom ye seek,
Who~oeYer

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

shall sud<lellly come to his temple, even the messenger

of the cownant, \I'hom ye delight in: lJt hold, he t:lwll
come, saith J ehoval! of hosts. But \i ho may ahide the
day of his coming? And who shall stand ,;hell he ,1))peareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fulLer'g
soap." (Malachi 3: 3, 1. 2) But "he that dweJldh in
the secret place of tIll' Most High shall abide uL~~r the
shadow of the Almlghty."-I\alm 91: 1.
QUESTIONS FOR I3EREAN STUDY
What was the plight of man after he was driyen from the Garden
of Rden? 11 1.
In \\"h"t way did God show his fa\'or toward man after the fall
of Adanl? ~! 2.
Why could nut the Old 'fe,tament worthie, see the shadows they
were maklllg? ~ 3.
Wh" t did halah write conceming a hght? "'ho was that h;.:ht?
,~.

'Vh" hl'ou;.:ht forth de\'doped pictures? How were the disciples

flnrouragcd thereby? ~ D. n
'VIII) broll:..;ht Jor1h other JlI( tlll'C'k? 'Vhnt were Rome of them? ~ 7.
To \\ hat 1:-. God . . \\'ord oj j(,11 lIkened? How i~ it dl)lH-~? '1 R.

1,YILtt may Iw ...:lld to Ill" llll'

],0\\('1

nlant ,,1J1( It

:-;ullplie~

the light?

"'hat arc three IlI'ntlll~]l'l1t fe;!.l111'<'S: ~ !)-1~

How ,,]:--e may we rct('l' to th~~e thl'pe feal1P'('S '? IItn-e they been
distinctly N('('Tl thl'Oll'~hont the (;m,!l('l af;C' 1 "~1:1lItH\ h l'e~pOll~lhiI1ty to Ii~ht \hOWll in Srl'illtlll'e? ,-r l-l, 13.
\Yha t (/oc-; the word "rauboill" IlICUIl? "~llo deternlllles its value?
~ lG-lS.
Is t h,'j'(' any type of the I'an,om? If not. wI'" not? II 10.
Could the sin-oll't'ring be typil1ed, and how \"as it clone '! 11 20.
(;1\(' :-;0].1(' exuIllpl(>~ ot ItO\\ 11f..:.ht brIng'S rC':,-poll-,J!Hlit\'.
'I :!1-~"'::.
Why should we be admonished to examine ollr,eln,,,, '! ]lU\\" is it
done'! ~ 20.
'VJ,at i, tIle test of our standing? What are the consequences of
dJSre"a]'(hn;.: t he ransom' ~ 30.
Is it lleceS'ary to h'" e ful! knowledge before one DIay die the
secolld death? 1: 31, 32.
In what way did .Tu(las deny The ran Rom ? "J ~3,
How did Jesus refer to the scnbe" Pharis("',, ,PHI lawyers? Why
were they in danger of the second death" ~ 34-3G.
What nlU;r be flnid of the difference betweell a Hfull !.;:nowledg-c"
:tud nn "act'urate k1 1 o",Jcdge"'j IIJ :~7.
What would he the plight of the race in a dark swamp, refusing
to follow a lI~h t '! ~ 3S.
As God is the author of sal\"ation. ,11OUId it be according to his
choice as to the way it reaches hnmanity? ~ :lIJ, 40.
What great event has already transJJlred? What class is willingly
l~norallt of it '? ~ 41.
How does the Lord "how that there is responsibility with comprehended truth? 11 ~~, 43.
Is it nec","ary to he bpiri t begotten before one is subject to the
second dea tiI? 'I: 4~,
Are God's ways (','er pl"a,in;.: to the reprobate mind? 'II 15.
Is .it for us to decide the re,pou,ilJilI ty of anyone and to render
judgment? 11 46.
\Vhat doe~ the "Rw:unp" in onr picture represent? IR erl,] the
JWl2..P of tlIp alllount of l'cht to he ~l,l'n In ea<:h indl\l\lual
(',)
before til(' fo:ccond death become::; :1~ l)(,~"IIHlity'j ,-r 1-;-, -I-,'~,
Is It lIot obligatory 1l1l(}Jl liS daily to SClutluize our words and
thoughts anti (jOIn',;-:,:"! ~j --lB.
'Vhat are f-:OlllP of the "C"'!Jltnre" f'howing that there i::; now a
great work for us to do'f ~ 50.
'Vh" t is the danger of unfriendly criticism of the Lord's servants 7
'II 51.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR APRIL 2

"Gather my saints together unto me."-Psalm 50: 5.

HIS is strictly a harvest message. "The saints,"
as the term is here used, is synonymous 'I'ith the
kingdom class. These Jehovah has be('n preparing since the first advent of our Lord. The time for
gathering these together began at the second appearing
of our Lord. "Saints" means purified ones, the same as
the virgin class. The text therefore has reference to a
class who are looking for, and who love, the appearing
of the Lord Jesus. Such have a hope of being members

of the house royal, the? Chief over which house is the

Lord Jesus. He stated that he would come again and
receivc the members oI the house to himself, and that
the time of his "ecol1tl presence would be a h<1 n l'ot time.
Hence the appropriate time for gathering together those
who have entered into a covenant with Jehovah by
sacrifice.
When members of a household have been separated
for a long while and thc time grows near for a reunion,
each one with a good heart looks forward with joy to
that time. Those who will compose the completed house
of sons have been journeying in separate companies,

CfheWATCH TOWER

MAllen 1, 1924

many 01 them Sil:g1y and alone, for a long whilr. '1'hey

have loo};:ed ;'onml'd to thr honw-eommg. d1l'1l they
should sec th"ir below,a Lord ami .Master and by him be
presented to the great l:t,'rnal Father, .1 ehovah GOll.
It has 1)('('n a joyful hope. Xow Sl11ee the Lord hao been
present for mallY yrars, and the gathering of his saints
together has pr()gn,,,~('d almost to a completion, those
who appreciatc' their blessed privikges are now greatly
rejoicing in thrir hearts. '1'hose who have remained
faithful untll the time when the Lord has come to his
temple, who have been approved by him, have been invited to entrr into his joy. '1'hrrefore it has been truly
a joyful gatlwrilJg. Creater joy fills the heart of these
as they look I'orlyanl to the consummation of their
hopes so ncar at hand. The apostle Paul says that this
joy, which bep;ins at the time "hen one makes a covel ant by sacrifice, must continue with increased intenSity, of course, until such joy is full and complete.
-Hebrews 3: 6.
The 118th Psalm seems to have a special application
also at this time, when the gathering is about completed
and when the Lord is in his temple. The heart sentiment of the gathered ones is expressed in the words of
the Psalmist: "The Lord is my strength and song, and
is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salYation is in the tabernacles of the righteous." They see
how wonderfully the Lord has dealt with them; and
a~ain the Psalmist expresses their sentiments thus:
"This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day which the Lord hath made;, we will
rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, 0
Lord: 0 Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity."
(Psalm 118: 1-1, 15, 23-25) Thus the saints gathered
togetllPr arc no\\' anxious that complete prosperity shall
crown their eiIorts, and that soon they shall be in their
home, etcrnal in thr h,'u\ens, not made with hands,
there to behold the beauty of Jehovah and to inquire
in his trmple forewl'. y, hat a wonderful home-coming
that will be! :May cach one \yho is inspired by this
hope bend every <,Hort now to show appn'ciatioll of the
Lord's goodness by fnJthfully representing him and his
interests in telling to othrrs the blessings that his kingdom will bring to the \vorld.

TEXT FOR APRIL 9

"The kingdom of God is . . . righteousness, and

peace, and joy."-Rol1wlIS 14:17.
N THIS text St. Paul is addressing those who are
prospective members of the royal family of heaven.
He is pointing out to them the proper course of
action. In the context he emphasizes the fact that the
course of action should be to the glory of the Lord and
to the upbuilding of others who have faith; for no one
in the Lord lives unto himself. He owes a duty to every
other member of the body'. Therefore those who go to

make up the ki:l:~(lom class do not 'Progress to\\"<nd their

ulLlllatc home 1)' 0110\\ ing a s"L:~h course; for the
proper course is righteousness, peace, and joy in the
holy spirit.
Highteousness as hrre used docs not mean merely" a
justified cOlldition. It means more than that. It nwans
a right comse of action; following that which is right
and true, as distinguished from that which is wrong
and untrue. No one is righteous in himself. His nghteousness is through Christ Jesus. But this means a
justified condition. When one becomes a new creature
he sees that the right course for him to pursue is
marked out by the "Vord of God. '1'0 show that this is
what the Lord intended, the Psalmist said: "Thou hast
seized hold of me by my right hand. With thy counsel
[\yord of truth] wilt thou guide me, and afterward
takp. me on to glory." (Psalm 73: 24, Leeser) A Chris,
tian cannot, therefore, follow a selfish course.
His course must be one of peace: "Follow peace with
all, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord." (Hebrews 12: 14.) Haye "your feet shod with
the preparation of the gospel of peace."-Eph. 6: 15.
One must first be at peace with God before he is even
started in the way of membership in the royal family
of heaven. Peace with God means justification by faith
through the merit of Christ Jesus. Thereafter he must
pursue a course of peace with his brethren; and diligently striving to obey the commandments of the Lord,
he will enjoy the peace of God that passeth understanding. This peace is the condition of mind and heart
resulting from an abiding confidence in Jehovah, in the
Lord Jesus, and in the Word of God. As Jehovah's
prophet says: "Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee: because he truste th in
thee." (Isaiah 26: 3) One who has his mind fastened
upon the Lord "'ill enjoy a quiet rtrrnity by yirtue of
his confidence in the absolute stalJility of the Lord.
The course of the Chridian, \lllO hopes to be of the
kingdom, must be one 01 joy. There must be joy at the
beginning of his course, the joy must continue thronghout his Christian experience, the joy mmt abiue with
him until it reaches its fulness in the presencc of the
Lord. This joy may not be out \rardly manifested at
all times. Many will be the fiery experiences of the
Christian; yet through all of these he can rejoice that
he is in the hand of the Lord, that he dwells in the
shadow of his wing and is kept by his power. If he
suffers as a Christian, he has reason to TC'joiee becau~r,
as St. Peter puts it: "If ye be reproached for the name
of Christ, happy are ye; for the spi l'it of glory and of
Gnd resteth upon you." (1 Peter 4: 14) 'l'he Christian
will have a special joy in the fact that the Lord is present, gathering unto himself his saints in his temple,
examining the members; and in the further fact that
the Lord has invited his followers to enter into his Own
jO~T. These conditions are made vital to membership in
the divine family.

THE REIGN OF SOLOMON

--MARCH

23--1

KINGS

TO

11; 2

CHRONICLES

1--

SOLO~!ON'S WISE CHOICE--SOLO~LON'S TEMPLE DEDICATED--SOLOMON AND DAVID AS TYPES.

"Tloc tear ot .Jehovah is the beginning ot kllowledge."-Proreros 1: 7.

NDEn Solomon the kingdom of Israel reached its

apex of earthly honor, and Solomon has also the
SCriptural record of being the wisest man among
men. (1 Kings 4: 31) But the honor which came to Israel
in his days was only in part uue to him; for neitllPr he
nor Israel could have enjoyed these favors hau the reign
of David not prepared the conditions. It is said of Solomon,
as of his father David that he "sat on the throne of the
Lord." (1 Chronicles 29: 23) As David was approaching
his end factions in Israel disclosed themselves; and his lust
days were much disturbed. He had many sons, and many
selfish interests were raised by those who sought privilege
and authority rather than the good of the king-llom. 'I'he
choice of Solomon to be king- was not favoritism on Daviu's
part; for the Lord Imd said that Solomon should sit on
the tllrone.-l Chronicles 28: 5, 6.
2Jf the question is raised why a son of Bath-sl12ba was
chosen by God in preference to the other sons of David, the
answer would at least partly be in that Bat h-sh~'ba beeame
wife to David after he had been made king over all Israel.
David was twice married before being king at all; then he
married several times while king in Hebron. Bath-sheba
was therefore queen to Davil as king over all Israel. It
pleased God to give his kingdom into the care of Solomon,
the second son of Bath-slwha; and witbout doubt Solomon
was by far the most suitable in disposition for the high
llrivilege. David when dying spoke of Solomon as young
and tender; his name means "peace," and was agl'eeahle to
his disposition. His young heart leaned towards righteousness. His father, in words full of true worship and of tender
feeling, had alreudy given Solomon ins( rllctions for the
<,rection of the temple.-l ChronicleS 28: 9-:21.
3The earliest days of Solomon's reign were disturbed by
the trouble which broke the peace of David's last days.
Rolomon has been accused of harshness, and even of judicial
murder in the matter of the uenth of Joab, Shimei, and
.~donijah; but in the case of the former two he had a
charge from his father. Joab, who had heen chief of the
army during all the time David reigned in Jerllsalem, had
done much for Israel; for he was a very bold awl clpver
leader. But he was a self-seel{er. wit h a very unruly Sl)irit
which had led him into brutal murders of men who might
stand in his way to adnlucement. David said of him and
Abishai his brother: "Th"se men be too hard for me. "2 Samuel 3: 3D.
.1SbiIllei, who bad cursed Duvid, was really unrepentant;
and David charged Rolomon to see that neither he nor
Joab died in peace. Vavill without any vindictiveness saw
that justice would not he done were these two men allowed
to die in peace. If therefore they did not offend, Solomon
was to circumscribe them with circumstances which would
demonstrate their pervcrseness. Both were dangerous to the
peace of Israel, and Solomon acted wisely in clearing Israel
of all who would hurt the peace of God's kingdom of peace.
5.No doubt there was also a divine purpose to show in
t;rpe that a time Of judgment and retribution comes with
the establishment of the kingdom of heaven. Solomon, both
for his own sake and, we may safely say, led by the spirit
of justice. sought out the things which would offend, even
as the Lord said he would do when he should retul'!l: "The
Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall
gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them
\-, hich do iniquity."-:Uatthew 13: 41.

SOLOMON'S WISE CHOICE

GAs soon as the kingdom was setUPd, Solomon gathered
all Israel to Gibeou, where the tahernacle of Moses was.
He reerected the bra7.en altar; but the Ark was left ou
l\It. Ziou, in thc tent that David had made for it. (2 Chronicles 1: 1-3; 5: 2-5) A great sacrifice was offered to the
Lord, Solomon wisely showing Israel that he wished as
their king both to honor Jehovah and to lead them to do
the same. That night the Lord nppearPd to Solomon in
vision, and o/Tpred to him to ask Whatever he woulu.
Solomon chose wisely. In humility, and in desire to be a
true king to Israel, he askpd that wisllom be given him that
he might rule this great people aright.-2 Chronicles 1: 7-12.
7If we ask what it was that gUidel! this young man of
tpnder years to so true a determination, the answer h:
He had a proper appreciation of the relationship o[ Israel
to God as God's chosen people. Had he been of u proud
spirit, he might have thought that Israel was nothing vpry
specitil, that there were not many learned or wise amongst
them; and he might have despised them as Hehoboam hi~
son did in a later day. (:2 Chronicles 10: 13, 14) He honored
them because God had honored them. He askpd accordingly,
and God rewarded him exceel!ingly.-l Kings 4: 29.
8ThI' building of the temple for the honor of God, which
David his father ever had in mind, was a vrojpct according
to Solomon's own heart. He also decided to huild a house
for himself, for the kingdom. (2 Chronicles 2: 1) In preparation for this work he enterpu into an agl'l'ement or mvenant with Hiram, king of Tyre, for men accustomed to cut
timber to go into the forest o[ Lelmnon and get cedar wood
for tlle huilding of the tem}Jle and for the house which he
was to have [or the glory of the kingdom. (2 Chronicles
2: 3-10) Solomon also set all the foreigners in Israel to the
rougher labor entailed in the work. Ill' gained the help of
Hiram of 'l'~Te by frielHlJilwss, partly because Hiram had
been a friend of his father Va l'id. I1is letter to I1iram is
an example of courtliness, anl! a faithful witness of ltis
faith in the God of Israel as the God of heaven. Lebanon
was in Israel's territory, but was held by 'l'yre as unlkr
suzerainty. Probably Solomon hall tlle right to demand;
but as 'l'~TP was strong, and as there was no reason why he
should attempt to compel 'l'yre, his course was a wise one.

SOLOMON'S TEMPLE DEDICATED

9It was not until three and a half years after Solomon
had ascenl!ed the throne that the bUilding of the temple was
begun. Those years were spent in settling the affairs of the
kingl!om, and in such preparation as was necessary for the
work of the building. The actual erection tool{ seven years
and six months (IKings 6:37,38), so that ;';olomon was
in his eleventh year when the temple was completed. It was
one of the world's most wonderful buildings, both because
of its costly adornments and because of the manner of its
building. The stone and heavy material were prepared
before they were brought to Mount l\Ioriah, and then not a
sound of a hammer or of an iron tool was heard in its
construction. Sill'ntly all the various parts got each into its
place. (1 Kings 6: 7) '1'he stone was quarried underneath
Jerusalem. In its natural state, as was recently discovered,
it was so soft that it could be worked with a joiner's tool;
but when exposed to the air it sets ver~' hard.
10\\'hen the tpmple was cornpleted, anl! all preparation
had been made for its dedication to Jehovah, "SolomOIl

14.

'13

crkWATCH TOWER

MARCH 1, 1924

assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes,
the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto
Jerusalem in order to bring up the ark of the covenant of
the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion." (2 Chronicles [j: 2) The Ark was then removed from Zion to its
place in the temple on ;\It. :\Ioriah.
llWhen the pl'ieHts who oOl'e the Ark had put it into the
holy place, and had come out, and as the Levites, and the
sinf.;ers, cloth('d in white linen with their cymbals and
harp~, stood at the t'aHt end of the altar, and with them the
trumppters and sinf.;f'rs, all made "one sound to be heard in
prabilif.; and thanking the Lord," Then the house was filled
wi (11 a clom!, even the house of the Lord, and the priests
couid not stand in the house to minister by reason of the
doud; for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of
Uod, (:2 Chronides ;:;: 11-14) Thus God acknowledged it
as hi:; houHe and to hiH praise.
12So!omon had causl'li a brazf'n scaffold to be erected in
the midst of the COUI'!. On this he stood bE'fore the altar in
tlll' lll't'sence of all thc congl't'gation of Israel and spread
f()J'lh his hatHIH; then he kndt down and spread forth his
lUIH!H 10wanlH heaY,'n, IliH 1)J'ay"r rcyeals true devotion of
1,,'al'l, and an underslalHli"s of the purpose of God. He rose
alloyc the conception of the Law, and showcd a faith in
(;od's mercy as well as a trust in his righteousness. He
kllPW that thouf.;h beautiful amI costly the temple could not
tlH'I'l'b~' han, glory of itself in God's eyes; but it was a
Ij()u~p of praYl'r \\ IH'l'c Gou's namc would oe confes:-.ed and
110.101'('(1, and where supplication would be made before him.
\\'llt'n he made an end of praying, "Ihe fire came do\yn from
hen wn, and consumed the bUl'llt offering and the sacrifices;
am! the glory of the Loru JiIl"I! the house" (2 Chronicles
7: J) ; and again the sacred lire was kindled as it had been
in the tabernacle in the wildernf'ss, (2 Chronicles 7: 3;
Ll'vitieus D: :24) Thus Gou showeu that he accepted it as
his altar. The time was the Feast of Tabernacles, in the
t\veHlh J'ear,
SOLO:\10N AND DAVID AS TYPES

l3Saui as king n'presents the great nominal system as a

wholp, and also the many who in later days hayc had the
Wi\ Ih'ge of holding the kingdom blessings, hut who have
losl them through self-will. Dayid as king rl'pl"l'sents the
Lor,] e:-.tablishing truth through his senants dul"ing the
earli"I' phase of the Parousia, breaking down all those
fo]"('ps of evil which hil1(lpr,,11 his people from realizing
tlwir privilpgps. But there are two phases in the establishment of the kingl10m of lwa Yen, alH! Solomon in the earlier
part of his reign represents the Lord ouillling up those
arrangements which will provide a tcmple of wors1lill for
all people, the outward manifestation of the kingllolll,

14These two phases of the establishment of the kingdom

were hidden until the due time of their disclosure. Now the
Lord's people see his work and the scriptures which portray it; and by this means they not only are comforted and
assured in their faith and hope, but are guided into full
cooperation with the Lord. They are ready, like David, to
follow the Lord's diredion in battle against the enemies
of God or, like Solomon, to u,!just the things which must be
settled before the building of the temple can begin.
15Solo111on hau great desire for thi ngs magnificent; and
as he had an abundance of eveQ'thing his heart could wish
and the means of fulfilling his desires, and as he failed to
keep the glory of God before him, he was led on from point
to point until his luxury and self-gratification were altogether out of bounds, Solomon experienced the truth of his
own teachings that luxnry with leisure to indulge it weakens
the character; and he well summarized this side of his life
when he said: "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 1: 2) The glory of the kingdom as representing
Jehovah departed. 'fhe blessings of plenty became a snare;
and the kingdom quickly df'generated into a representation
of the luxury of the antichri,.;t system. Perhaps there may
bc no direct reference intenl1eu, but the fact that 666 talent.
of gold came to Solomon in one J'ear (2 Chronicles 9: 13)
is worth notice in view of the fact that the mark of tb.
luxurious and profligate antichrist is 666.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
'Vhat underlyinl; caUSes made Rolomon's reign the most ~lorlous In
Israel's history? What difficulties were inherent in the situation
which confronted him on his aCCC'K1on 'I ~ 1.
lIow can we explain the raising up to the throne of a son of
Bath-shcba? ~ 2.
How do we explain Solomon's part in the death of Joab?
What object did David have in seeking the death of Shimei? \I 4.
What tYTllcal sl;:niticancc do we see in the deaths of Joab, Shimel.

'3.

and AdoniJah '!

5.

By whal acts on Solomon's part was the wisdom of God's choice

of IJadd's snccessor made apparent? ~ 6.
What wa' it that lcd Solomon to choose wisdom rather than richlll
or Icngth of days? ~ 7.
Explalll the initial steps which Solomon took to insure the construction of the temple. ~ 8.
How long; was it after Solomon ascended the throne before he begall
the construction of the temple'! In what year of Solomon's reign,
was the construction of the temple completed? '1'0 what characteri:,Uc of the stone of the tcmple is due the interesting fact that
the temple was constructed without sound of a hammer or ot
an iron tool '! ~ 9.
What impresslvc step preceded the dedication of the temple, afte~
its completion? ~ 10.
In what wa~' did God acknowledge the temple as his own? OJ 11.
How dill ::lololllon, at the dedication of the temple, show that he
had built 1t with the right thou;:ht in his heart? OJ 12.
Explain the typical signillcance, as the first three kings of Israel,
of ::lauI, Dal'id, and ::lolomon. ~ 13,
1I0w are the two phases of Christ's kingdom shown In Solomon's
reign'l ~ 14.
'Vhat was the underlying cause of Solomon's unwisdom In his old
age? ~ 15.

AN INTERESTING LETTER
TRUTH SPREADING IN

SOUTHER~

CALIFORNIA

DE_\R nRl~rl[ltlc:'i:

In the la,.;l week in Si'ptember we had a ImbUc nweting

every night anu much inlPl"l'st was shown at the different
meetinf.;R. A total of ;]04 books were sold.
Possibly the most interesting meeting of the wi'ek was
the one at Eaglf' Hock, ,,'here an answer was given to the
statement of a Congregational minister, who declared that
the message, "All :\ation~ :\Iarching to Armageddon" and
"Millions Now LiYin,C:: "ill :\l'\"pr Die," was a "monomaniac's
nightmare," ele. TIll' orp(hren at Ea;d" Hock made it an
issue, and the adwrtisillg brought out the largest audience
ever assembled in Ea,c::le Hock, according to the paper. The
minister was a MLJdprnist, so that was the basis of the

anHWe1', The nUlliellee gaye approval by general applause,

and the clergyman gaye his (lisapproval by a long newspaper article, in which a challenge was made.
'rhe meeting at Monrovia was also well attended, and 88
books were solu to the 230 who were there.
"'hell1f'r it is the result of the big Coliseum meeting, or
beca lise of the general conditions, or because the people
are awa!,elling, I do not know; likely some of all. But I
do know tlIat the crowds have been biggpr in Southern
California than in the past, and at Iwaclically every place
th('~' (('II me that it is the biggest turn-out they have ever had.
May the Lord bless the message, and also the part that
you haye in declaring it.
I am, by his grace,
G. R. POLLOCK, Pilgrim.

ABRAHAM TO SOLOMON
--MARCH 3O--QUARTERLY REVIEW-MANKIND'S ULTIMATE DELIVERANCE PICTVRED--ESTABLISHlIENT OF ~n;SSIAH'S KINGDOM ILLl'STRATED--OTBER TYPICAL EVENTS
IN ISRAEL'S HISTOIIY.

"Jehovah is merciful and graciolls, slow to anger, mid abundant

HE selection of the lessons for the past quarter was

surely under the guidance of the Lord; for they bring"
specially to notice those things which are necessary
for the gUidance and encourug('nlt'nt of the Lord's people at
this time. The Bible is always ahead of the times: It is
the pillar of clOUd and of lire to the Lord's people. The
great things which God is doing at this present time throug-h
the Lord and his body members fulfilling the typical pictures begun to be reeonled thousands of years ago.
20ur lessons began with Abraham, the father of them that
believe, and the first holder of a covenant with God, which
was to make Abraham and his seed blessers of all the
families of the earth. The c(wenant was "opened out,"
and was seen to provide for a heavenly seed and an earthly
seed; and also to include the land of Canaan as the everlasting inheritance of Abraham and his earthly seed. The
spiritual seed proved to be the Church of God-Jesus and
his faithful footstep followers who, begotten of the "pirit,
are called to be joint-heirs with him, and who together
with him form tlrat seed of Abraham in whom the blessing

inheres.
MANKIND'S ULTIMATE DELIVERANCE PICTURED
3The history of Abraham's sped tllrougll .Tacob, conllllonly
called the children of Israel (from out of whom chiefly
the men of faith who will form the earthl~' seed of blessers
were gathered), forms the basis of the Old Testament
Scripture. It provides many illustrations of the then far
future work of God when !Ie would deal with the whole
human family, making himself known to them as to Israel.
'1'0 this eud Israel was brought into many experiences.
One of the first and most notable was their bondage in
Egypt. Brought thither in God's providences, it almost
apveared as if God had forgotten them as completely as
tlH'y had forgol tpn him-a true picture of the human race
and its circumstanccs in the immediate prewar days.
4.Moses was raised to be Ismpl's deliverer, Especially
prepared by his training' in Pharaoh's IIOUSC he offered himself to his people when he was forty years oid. He was
not accepted. But the fact of his offer and his loss on their
behalf would cause nlUch discussion amongst them; and
as their bondage grew harder, when God's time already
foretold drew near (Genesis 15: 13) they were much readier
to listen. When the due time came and God sent Moses,
Pharaoh absolutely refused to consider his request on behalf of Israel, and wilen ~roses said that Jehovah, Israel's
God, Imd bidden him demand this, he imperiously and
impiously asked: "Who is .Tl'llOvah ?"-Exodus 5: 2.
6 It was necessary for God to manifest his authority;
and so, one after another, nine severe plagues came upon
Eg~'pt at the word of Moses. When Pharaoh cried for relief, these were removed at Moses' word. It was the tenth
which broke the wiil of Pharaoh and his officers, and which
roused the people to fear and despair. The Egyptians were
tben not only willing to let Jehovah's people go, but requested
them to go and go quickly, and willingly provided them with
raiment and much jewelry.-Exodus 12: 35.
6Thi,:; deliverance of Israel is also a pictorial representation of God's manifestation of bis purpose and power at
this present time to deliver his faithful people from the
bonrl:Jge of evil, and take them to himself; and to deliver

ill

lovingkindnes8."-Psalm 103: 8.

his oppressed human family from the power of Satan

(Pharaoh) and of the evil in"titutions of the world's present organization, sO('ial, political, and eccll'siastical. 'I'ht~
plagues reduced E~ypt to fear and despair; but the 1I0IC(,/,
of Egypt was bmkpn in the Red Sea. God made a way for
his p('ople through the waters, and closed it II hen th('y had
passed, drowning all the Bg-yptian army, which hud presumed to take advantage of Uod's providences in order to
destroy his people.
10n the further shore, Moses rejoiced in the salvation of
God in wortIs which form the hasis of all the later scriptures which giye pxpr('s~io[] to the sah-ation by God of Ius
peop!p, or to the assprtion by himself of his authoritv.
8\yllen Israel reached Sinai, God manifested hims~lf to
them and made known the proyisions of the COI-eUllllt by
which they might retain their position as his chosen peop!p,
favored with the first of his lllessing-s. in ortIer that in his
own time thpr might be ready for his service when he would
bless all mankind. At Sinai Israel learned that God could
be served only in holitwsS; and they proved to themsell es
that they wpre afraid of him, for they tied from his
prespnce. God graciously made Moses mediator for them,
and also established a priesthood for them whereby they
might be accpptable to him,
9The law of Sinai reyealed God's righteous requirements.
By it and t!lrough his people, and also even through the
error of Christendom, w!lich has wrongly taken the lnw
of Sinai as its professed standard, a considerable part of
the world has heen sayed from the df>gradation into Wllkh
it must inevitably have sunk. The condition of the "civilizpd"
world in the days of Paul-and the Greeks and Romans
consid('red all other nations barbarian-reveals the impossibility of the world's heing kept from perishing in corruption save by some help from God. This manifestation
of God represpnts his manifestation in the establishment of
the kingdom, now in process. The Scripture foretells this
revelation of GOll by the symhols of thunders, lightnings,
and earthquake, in doud, storms, and world troubies, all of
which were the phenomena of Sinai.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MESSIAH'S KINGDOM ILLUSTRATED
lOThe childrPll of Israel wpre nearly tweh'e months at
Sinai. The wait served many purposes, Moses was twice
forty days up the mountain, getting instructions from God;
the people wpre resting and gaining strength after their
weary time in Egypt; also the tabernacle was prepareda work impossible while on the march. When they were
moved forward, it was along a portion of the desert uninhabited so that no opposition was to he expected. But the
lack of ease was taken badly; also complaints were made
about the manna, and altogether Israel became discontented
with what God was doing for them.
l1When Israel arrived at the border of Canaan, they
determined to send spies into Canaan. G1>d agreed, as he
usually does when his people want their own way. But this
was done to their hurt; for an evil report was brought and
accepted. 'l'hey were more ready to believe the evil report
than the good because of their wrong disposition of heart.
Inquiry into the way of the Lord when he has arranged
for guidance must always bring or tend to doubt. The
people were to be taken at their word. They had said that
16

MARCH 1,

1924

Cfhe

WATCH TOWER

the wilderness would kill them, and God said that that
generation should die in the wilderness, while their children
should inherit the land, The~' were to wander in the wilderness for forty ~'ears, till all above twenty when they left
[<;g-ypt should die. Israel really rejected God, and so he
rejected that generation: "Unto whom I sware in IllY
wrath that they should not cnter into my rpst."-Psalm
9J: 11.
12At the end of the forty years, when all that g'pneration
had <lied, including ~Ioses and Aaron, God led Israel through
the Jordan inlo the land of promise, Bul it could be theirs
only by conquest. God might have caused the inhabitants
of the land to perish, but that would have meant Israel
would need to go into a wasted land; and God purpo~('d
that thpy should at once enjoy the blessings of the land.
.\Iso a lesson to humanity was requir('d, and God used
Israel as his instrument of des! ruction to nUl!':, !l is dis fa VOl'
upon and punishment for the awful wickedness of the inhabitants of the land.-Leviticus 18: 2J.
13In six ~'ears the conquest of Canaan was so far complptpd as to allow of its division amongst the tribes. It was
divi<led into twelve portions. Levi, who represpnts the conse('rated of the Gospel age, <lid not receive any portion,
theirs being the inheritance of service, seIHlraled from earth
unto God. Some of the incidents of the conquest of the
land are typical of the final war which God makes on evil
and evil institutions. Isaiah shows that the baltle of Belhhoron is a picture of one phase of God's work at the time
of the setting up of his kingdom.-Isaiah 28: 21.
OTHER TYPICAL EVENTS IN ISRAEL'S HISTORY
14Israel was not long faithful to God, nor to themselves
as his people. They failed to continue the wOI'k of destroying the Canaanites; and soon thp~' \\'PI'P actually fallen into
idolatry, and Go(\ let them get into bondage to the neighboring nations. Himple loyalty to God would have prpsprved
them; uut they upgan to look at their neighbors, and lhe
weakness of human nature asserted itself. They found
that they wanted, and perhaps persuaded themselves that
they needed, an object by which they might more readily
give expression to thdr worship.
15Satan has not tried to >:top the human family from
worship, but he has sought to (~i\"('rt it fl'Olll faith in an
Unspen (lod. Faith in (;od he hail'S; cre(lulity he seeks to
foster. '1'his long period in Israel's history is little to their
credit, hut is a recor<1 of the mercy and forbearance of God.
Sharp retribution thpy got; but on their cry for his mercy
he never faile(l to respond, TIere also the chit'f fpatures are
types of God's warfn rc witll the evil pO\VPrs. Gideon's
battle at J ezreel is distinctly shown to be typical; and the
earlier deliverance from the northern Cunaanites by Barak
is clearly typical of the Lord's descent upon the forces of
the oppressors and their utter disruption and destruction.
-Psalm ~;l.
IGEach of their lapses left Israel weakened, and the end
of the period of judges \yas one of calamity, The Philistines
attacked an<l upfeatcd Israel. and took the .\rk of the
Covenant into captivity, The llriesthoo<l, as represented in
Eli and his sons, was destroyed. The tabernacle was removed, and Shiloh perished.
17It was at such a tillle God prepared Samuel as a restorer.
The young child, promised to God before birth, was faithful to God even amid the corruption of the daily life of the
priestly service. In due time God raist'u him to a position
of trust and responsibility in Israel such as ('nabled him to
deliver, to enthuse, to instruct, and to lead the people to
righteousness. Under Samuel Israel rose from a broken,
dej('<:1pd people to a well-organized, happy, amI enlightened
nation. Samuel is' a pattern for aU the Lord's servants.

His labor was solitary; he had few with him of like mind:
it was not done under tl1l' stimulm; of popularity or apparent

success; but he sen'ed his God and his people with singleness of purpose; and God blessed him with a record rarely
'equaled in Israel.
I8But Israel was not satisfied. They wanted to be like
the other nations; they thought they would do better if
they had a king. It was as difficult for them to see Jehovah
as their king as it was to worship him without a visible
repr'sentation. God, while telling Hallluel to agree to this.
nevertheless "ai(l that Isruel's action really meant the people
rejected him as their king; and Jehoyah was to be Israel's
king. (I>euleronolllY 33: J) SaUl was chosen, and God
blessed him 'Yith the necessary heart to look after the
nalional intere"ls. But he was sP]f-willed; and ultimately
this led him to impatienee of all restraint and authority,
and to such di>'oiJedience as caused his rejection as king.
19Saul represPllls all those who indiVidually or collectively
have enjoyed the favors of Go<l and have misused them;
those who are called "wicked senants," who find weeping
ami wailing and gnashing' of teeth their portion, He is a
representative of those \"ho profess to serve God, but who
at heart are hypocrites. Samuel mourned for Saul, and had
to learn that tllpre were other outlets for his sympathy
than those who rpjectcd the plainly expressed will of God.
2oVi'bile God rpjecled Saul he had another in mind, even
young David of Bethlehem. Him he caused to be anointed
while ~'et a boy, so that his mind, already quick, and his
disposition, alrpady faithful and energetic, might be developed on the necessary lines for the future office. By
many expcrienct's, some "ery pleH~atlt, ~Oll1e very hard, the
boy grpw into full manhood faithful to Jehovah, and with
great dpsigns of what he would do when he came into the
power of the kingdom. His life was one of devotion to God,
and his intere~ts were chielly expressed in the care of God's
people over whom he was anointed king. The work David
did in the establishment of the kingdom and consolidating
its interests, greatly neglecled under Saul, and in his conqupsts of all the nations who occupied territory in that which
was ineluded in the covenant made with Abraham, has
been shown to be typical of that done hy the Lord, through
his Church, since the time of the Parousia.
21Before the outward phase of the kingdom, represented
by Solomon's reign could come, a preparatory wOl'k had to
be done. The last mClllbprs of spiritual Israel must be
prepared, and the truth due must be made clear so that
thpy ('o\lld Sl'1"\'e with understanding, That lias lwen done;
and the time is at hand when the ontward phase will be
"sN up", wllpn Israel after the flesh will be rE'stured to their
land, an (I wh<,n all the nations of thp mrth will share in
the bkssing of God. All the Lor<l's people of this day are
privileged to share in this great work, of which those of
our studies, thotl,gh great in themselves, were only types.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What is the antitype of the pillar of cloud and fire which guided
Isnwl in the wlluerness 'I ~ 1.
'Vhat are the prilH'lpal things included in God's coyenant with
Abraham? ~:!.
''''hy ",vax ]:;rael brought into many and peculiar experiences? ,-r 3.

What good result WliB uccompli"hcu by Israel's initial rejection

of ~Io,~s a" a uelh'erer '! ~ 4.
What was it that tinally broke Pharaoh's spirit and led to Israel's
deliYerance: ~ 5.
What was repre'ented by Israel's deliyerance out of Egypt? What
waR it that broke Egypt's power: ~ 6.
Of what ]a,ting yalne is 1\1oses' song of deliverance, at the shore
of the Hed Sea '! 11 7.
Why was Moses appointed a mediator for Israel: ~ 8.
What error of Christendom has resulted in its great benefit, and
why? 11 0,
What good results were accomplisherl by ]'I'uel's delay of a year
at ~ill'lI'! Why was it that their route was through an uninhabi ted <Iesert? ~ 10.
Why did God permit the sending out of the twelve spies1 , U.

78

'fheWATCH TOWER

Why did God choose the sword rather than famine or pestilence
for deetl'oying the Canaanites? 11 12.
Why did the tribe of Levi receive no inheritance in the land?
What was represented by the battle of Bethhoron? '113.
What was it that led Israel into idolatry? ~ 14.
How does Satan takc arl\'antage of man's inherent veneration?
What was rejll'c'cnted by Gideon's battle at Jczreel? '1115.
What was the cumulative effect of Israel's lapses into idolatry?
11 16.

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

In what way does Samuel's career serve as an inspiration to

God's people now? 11 17.
Why did Israel seek to have an earthly king? 1118.
What class of persons Is represented by King- Saul? Was it proper
for Samuel to mourn for Saul? Why? ~ Hl.
Why was David anointed while still a lad? What did David's con
qlle.o;;;ts ]'('pl"c.:;;ent in nntitype?

,; 20.

In lhe ant '1,\ pc, has the pl'eparntol'.\ work, preceding the reign Of
tile antit,\ I,ieal Solomon, been accomplished? '1121.

THE KINGDOM RENT ASUNDER

--APRIL

REASON

WHY

THE KINGDOM

WAS

6--1 KINGS 12: 1

TO

16: 28--

DIVIDED-RAPID DETERIORATION OF THE TEN-TRIBE

l\"O~[INAL CHURCH.

KIl\"GDO~[-TWO-TRIBE

KINGDOM TYPE OF

"Pride goeth before destruction. and an llJ(Lughty spirit before a faU."-Proverbs 16: 18.

HE current lessons continue the studies of the past

quarter. 'l'hey begin with llehoboam's accl'ssion to
the throne of Israel and the immediate division of
the kingdom into the northern ami southern kingdoms of
Israel and Judah, and continue to the restoration under
Ezra and Nehemiah.
2Today's Golden Text may be applied either to llphoboam,
who surely forgot those words of his father, or to the kingdom under Solomon; for its glory came to a sudden end,
surely throngh pride. Solomon's words got their tirst illustration in the sudden fall of that apparently rich and strong
kingdom. We have noted that Solomon's reign had two
distinct phases: One, the earlier, which represented the
king-dom of heaven upon earth, the 1\1illennial reign of
Christ; the later, in the time of Solomon's deflection, which
provides an illustration of the church nominal carried away
with the riches and pomp of this world. TIle swift change
from honor and pride of position to that of disruption and
meanness, is an illustration of the desolation which has
now fallen upon the churches, foretold by our Lurd in Revelation 3: 17,18. The church of the Laodiceans is rich and
Is poor, is increased with goods and is wretched, blind, and
naked. Wisdom cannot be tran~lnitted. Solomon himself
had said of the lIIan Ihat should come after him: "Who
knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool 1"Ecclesiastes 2: 19.
8Heboboam was forty-one years of age when his father
died, and tl1Pn he began to reign. His character was soon
put to the test. He went to Shechem in Ephraim to be
crowned king, a fact which indicates that alrt'ady there
was a feeling abroad which must be considered; for Jerusalem, the center of the kingdom, was sUt'ely the place for
the ceremony. Probably tllis act was to conciliate the tribe
of Ephraim, though intended also as an indication of his
desire to please all the northern tribes. Ephraim was ever
jealous of pride of position, especially so in respect to
Judah. Joseph had the birthright blessing because of Reuben's defection, and Ephraim claimed to have priority of
position in Israel. (Judges 8: 1; 12: 1) After .loshua's
dl'ath Shechem was Israel's civil center (Joshua 24: I),
as Rhiloh, nearby, was the rl'ligious center. (Joshua 18: 1)
But apart from these thing'S there '''us the positive declaration by Ahijah that Jeroboam of Ephraim should be king
over ten tribes in Israel.-l Kings 11: 3.

REASON WHY THE KINGDOM WAS DIVIDED

41.'he forced labor of Solomon, and the heavy taxation
which accompanied it, produced a crop of llissatisfaction.
It was no pleasure to the tribes to know that Solomon and
his ofilcers lived in grandeur and luxury which in part was
at their cost. When Solomon died, the voice of discontent
was raised. Hence Reboboam went to Shechem in deference

to some expression of feeling. "'hile there the people came

re,:dy to acclaim him king if he would sonlPwhat ease tho
l1Payy burdens tlley were bearing-; Jerouoam was their
s[1okcsman. Rehoboam askell for thn'e days to consider the
situation. He first consulte(l with the elder men wlio llad
known Solomon's earlier days, and tht'y with one voice
counseled him to nH'ct tIle wi~hes of the people; for they
knew that the people were bUl'llenpd to keep up a kingly
state. Their counsel was not welcome, and he consulted the
younger men, who had enjoyed the luxuries with him. They
counseled him to take har~h and severe measures with the
people. This advice was welcome, and llehoboam g-ave his
reply. He said: "I\Iy father made your yoke heavy, and I
will add to ~'our yoke: my father also chastised you with
Whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."-l Kings
12: 14.
5};'rom that moment the kingdom slipped from under
Rehoboam. The people immediately said: "What portion
have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son
of Jesse: to your tpnts, 0 Israel: now see to thine own
house, D:wid." (1 Kings 12: 16) llehoboam waited in
ShecIlem for some days, and then sent out Adoram, his
father's tax gatherer, to bp,:tin to collect the taxes. But
the people sloned him. Tile king fled to Jerusalem. At once
he mobilized an army; but warned of God not to make any
attempt to subdue the nortlwrn tribes, and that the thing
was of God, he desisted.-l Kings 12: 24.
RAPID DETERIORATION OF TEN-TRIBE KINGDOM
6Jet'oboum, a man of much energy, was mark king of the
ten tribes according to God's word; and the glory of Solomon's kingdom ",as gone. It may not be said that because
God said the kingdom should be divided, he desired it to be.
He had some advantage to come to spiritual Israel, and so
he made use of this grievous fault in his people. Ephraim
had previously proven unworthy of the favor which the
birthright gave them. Psalm 78: 9-11, 67, 68 gives the reason ,,,hy the tabemucle was removed from the tribe of
Epllrll-im to Judah and why the kings were not chosen from
that tribe. The ten tribes got that which they desired, but
there was no sign of fprvor towards God. On the contrary,
as thpir luter conduct shows, they were ready to ignore
the will of God at any time.
7,Teroboam, ignoring the warning given by the prophet
Ahijah, set a course which deliberately turned the people
astray. He saw that if the tribes went up to Jerusalem to
the feasts, that city would again become the real center of
all Israel. To keep them away from Jerusalem he set up
two golden calves, one in Dan, the other in Bethel, making
a profession to serve Jehovah through these representations
of God. Jeroboam assumed the office of priest and arranged
a priesthood, taking for this service even the lowest of the
people. (1 Kings 13: 33) Because of all this his Dame 1Il

MARCH 1, 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

Scripture is "Jeroboam the son of ","phnt," "who did Sill

and who made Israel to sin,"-- 1 Kin,:3 14: Hl.
sJf'roboam rf'ig-neLi t\vpnty-tl\'o years. auLi was slain in a
rebellioll led by Baasha. Baashn bc~ame killg, unLi then
smote the house of Jeroboam till "lie left not any that
breatheLl." (1 Kings 15: ~9) Baasha was a drunka rd. Hh;
servant Zimri conspireLi successfully against him; and as
soon as Zimri became king lie destroypd all the males of
the house of Baasha, and all of his kinsfolk and friends.
Zinni reigned only seven days-tlays of wi Id bJoodshptl.
B('~ie,~ed uy Omri, till' captain of the army, hI' bUl'lIed his
palace ovpr his 11pl1(1 and pprished in the tin'. Olllri, a lIlHIl
of ~onsiderable ability, now reigned for twplve ~ L'<\I'S. lIe
built Samaria, and made it the calMal of the 1I0rthern
klll"llom. But his record is had; for "Omri wrou~ht evil
in tile pyes of the LOI'lI, and did worse than all thut wpre
bf'fore him."-l Kings Hi: 25.
o.\fter Omri came AlIab, "'ho "did more to provoke the
LOI'lI God of Israel to anger than all the ld'lgs of Israel
thll t were before him." (1 Kings 1G: 33) The bot1 om of
tlll' valley of llpgral!atioll was reaclwd wl1(>n Ahah mal'l'ieLi
Jezt'bel, daughtpr of the killg of ~idoa, who (acL'ol'ding to
Jl1sepllus) wa;; nlso priest of Bna!. .\1\(1 \\ hpn tOgl'! hl'r thpy
introLlucell into IsI'tel the wor~hip of Baal, and .\hnb gave
hilllself up to that abomination, .Jezpbel bpcame Ihe real
1'\1:,'1' of Israel, and Ahab a pUllllet in lll'r hanlb.
Soon
t Ilt're were four huntlred anu fifty prophets of Baal, anLi
follt' hunLired of A~tarte, all of whom were k<,\,\ at ,J ezebel's
('xjlensp. (1 Kings 18: 1[) She also slew the J)l'OjllH'ts of the
LOI'd, and all who were faithful to him.-~ Ki'lgS U: 7.
l01'he leaLiers of Israel hall now reall~' lett the God of
thpir fathers, and had llespiseLi thPir cownant. But the
ppoplp \\ ere not Wholly ,gone a way from (lod. The best of
1Ill' Ll'vites had migmteLi to JUdah; and with no reg\llnr
pinel' for the worShip of Jehovah, such a;< was proviLied by
,JP1'us,l!pm and the temple, and with leaders who continually led them further astray, the Israelites were losing ;;ight
of their covenant, antI wpre fast beL'oming as the heathen
nations which inhabitpLi the jlromised lunll. They were fast
forgetting that they were GoLl's inheritance.-Deut. 7: 6.

sueLi his worK of dirl'cting the people to the fear of the

Lord, unrl as a conspquence there was a revival of worship
which aft\'ell'll many in the northern kingdom so that many
came to dwell in JuLiah.
13After twenty ypurs of quiet Baashu of Israel made war
against Asa; and the king, forgetting the things which God
haLl done for thpm, sent to Syria to ;;eek help from them.
In conSHlUl'nce Baasha llesisted from the attack, but Asa
was warned by the prophet Hanuni that he had done wronl
in not sel'ldng the Lord. Asa got into a rage over this, put
the Prophl't into prison, and crushed some who dared to
SUllport the Prophet. (2 Chronicles 16: 10) Soon after, Asa
was taken witlt a disease in his feet: and "he sought not
to t he Lord but to the physicians." He was not humbled,
dirl not seek to Itt' forgiven. Instead, he turned away from
the Lord, and sought to get relief from this judgment by
the aid of physicians Who, vf'ry probably, were Bgyptlan
practicers of sorceries. Asa reigned forty-one years. By
this tinH', sixty Yl'ars after the tlivision, the northern kingdom was wpll Sl't in its wrong COU!'f;e. The wicked Ahab
hall bpgun his rpign, thrpe y,'ars before the death of Asa.
By Ahab 1smel was led into the depths of shame.
14As the ]Jrpvious periotls of the history of God's chosen
people were for illustrations of future hislory, for the guidance of the Chur~h, so the same purpose is manifest in these
two kingrlotlls. Our stuLlies will show that they illustrate
the ChurPll during the Gospel age. The northern kingdom
fell rapidly into sin against God and into bolLi transgression
of their eQvpnant. JuLiah remained more faithful, and their
fall was not nearly so rajlid; their trouble turned rather to
hypocrisy than to bold carelessnpss. Yet it must be remembered that it is Israel "'hich carries the name and the traditions of the kingdom. It was in Israel that Elijah and
Elisha wrought out the great types, fighting the evil brought
about by Jpzebf'l, who herself is a well-known type of a
fallen church. (Hevelation 2: 20) The kingLiom of Judah
ra t her serves for types of certain phases of the church's
experience than as all illustration of its history. This rule
obtains till the tlisruption of the northern kingdom, when
JuLiah becotllPs the scene and instrument of God's typical
dealings with his people.
loOur GolLlen Text is good for all to remember. Perhaps
Rehoboam did not show much pride; but he had a haughty
spirit, which alwa~'s has prirle as its chief support. Both
pride and a haughty spirit are often found in unexpected
places, in the poot as well as the rich; but wherever found
they are sure precursors of a fall.

TWOTRIBE KINGDOM A TYPE OF NOMINAL CHURCH

llThe soutllPt'n kingdom, cOlllllo~ed of Judah and Illany of
the tribe of Benjamin, was also early in tl'Ouble; for after
a period of tlu'Pp ~ ear~, Ot as soon as Rehobo:lln !lad established himsplf in Judah, he left off folhl\Yin~ the LorLl, and
began to take his own course. (2 Chronic-I, s l~: 1) Soon
there was an inva;;ioll from E~~pt. Shish:!k canll' and conQUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
ljUerPll all the sout lIern port ion of .JUdah; ami Hehoboam
became subject to him, paying as trihute all the shields of From where and to where do the present quarterly lessons lead
us? 'If 1.
gold wherewit h his father had decoratell the tcmple of the To whom does the Golden Text apply? What are the two distinct
)1:la~eR of the SOIomonie l'f'ign? 'il 2.
Lord. Hehoboalll ;<\lh~titutpd cOPlwr which. whpn llllrni;;hed,
dId Rehohoam P;o. to i:i!ledll'm 10 he crowned lung? Why did
100keLi something' hke t he gold whidl hnll bepn taken away, "iI,\
~ }.phrUlIIl claIm prIOrIty of positIon in I;-,racl? ~ 3~
a fit emhlem of that hypocrisy whidt setlled on JuLiah and \\ hat appeal was marie (0 HeholJoam by the people through Jero.
lJoall';? J [ow llid Rehoboam meet the demand? 'If 4.
at last destroyed it. Uehoboam reigneLi for seventeen years. How
dId the ten tnlJes re\'ult against heavy taxation? What did
Hehoboam do? 'If 5.
His son Abijam followf'd him for three years, and was in
Who
wa,"
<,hosen king of th<; ~en tribes? Was it God's desire that
turn followed hy Asa, who for a considerable portion of his
the l'llIgdom sh,?uld be (hvlded? Why was the tribe of Judah
time preserYpLi the worship of the Lord, and sought to do
chosen for the ktllgly hne? 11 6.
How llid Jeroboam delil)('l'll tely turn the people ,1\\'ay from J eruthat which was right in God's sight. (1 Kings 15: 11)
salem; What otller thing did he do to conser,'e his base purDuring Asa's re~gn Judah recoverl'd much of the glory it
poses. 'If 7.
State
briefly. the havoc wrought by a few of the mean kings of
had lost; for the king sought to lead the people in the way
Israel, notmg that the morale sank lower and lower, reaclling
of the Lord, commanLiing Judah to seek the God of their
to the usurped power of J ezelwt. 11 S, fl.
Were the rulers now ~ecome wor.,e than the ruled? 11 10.
fathers and to do the law and the commandment.
u;ouble al~o dId Judah and Benjamin have? How wa.
12Asa built fenced cities, and the land had rest; for the What
Judah s hypocrIsy symlJohzed? What king restored considerable
of t~e lost glory? How was tillS possible? 'J 11.
LorLi had given him rest. At that time Judah was enriched
dId the Lord materially assist Judah under King Asa? Why
through an invasion by the l'Jgyptians, who came against How
were some out of the ten tribes influenced to worship the God
of their father.? '112.
them with an army numbering a million men. The Lord
did Asa do to provoke the anger of the Lord? Why was not
heard the cry of Asa; and as JuLiah attacked the great What
Asa humbled'l '113.
host the Lord gave them the victory, and they cal't'ied away What period of future history do the two kingdoms UIustrate? Of
what was Israel particularly an illustration? Judah? .. 14 .
very much spoil. (2 Chronicles 14) Asa still furt1.ler pur- How
may we differentiate between pride and a baughq sp1lllt?', lei.

Internationcl Bible Students Association Gasses

~ec(ure~

and Ptudieli btl 'frdVelin~ Brethren

BROTHER V. C. RICE

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
J'ayettevllle, N. C
__ ~lar.
17
Shelby, N. C
" '_ " lB, In
Chel'l'p'llIe, N. C
_.."
20
Lincolntoll, X. C. ._.
"
21
Charlotte, N. C.
23
Gastonia, N. C.
24

Kannapon"

N. C

1\1ar.25

Ht;.~~II:,\\l.U.I:',Y,:,,'?\.'cC.'
. _. :~::::::::::;
.,

j~

Cru::..tJ, X. C. __.__ ._
Asheville, N. C,
Hendersonville, X. C..... "

~ ~

;;0
31

----

Brady, ;\;01>.
:11,,1'.
14
('raud bland, :,el>. __ ..
16
Hal'enna, XcI>....
17,18
COlllIl1bu.s,

~plJ

DaVId City, :\el>

1\'orfolk, Neb.

._

" IU,:21

__

20
2J

Stanton, ""..b.
Clearwater, X~l).
Wlll,dde, :\eb.
SWL1X City, lao
Alton, Ia. .......
Inwood, Ia. _ ..__

lIlar.24
" 25
26

27

..

28
30

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Unity, Wis
1\1ar.
14
Marshfield, Wis. , __
"
16
Black Ittver Falls. Wis. ,.
17
Tunnel City, \\";'4
... " 18,19
JunctIOn City, \1 J"..__ '0 20,21
'Vausau, WIS.
" 23,25

Merri11, Wis
1\1ar.
I\Iarjoti, \\'1:'';.
.. _.. "
CHnton \ U''- "is.
Bl)lldud, \\ h.
Green lJaj, h, '.
Marinette, \\,,,.

----

24
:!,)

:!7
2";
~W

31

BIWTHER C. ROBERTS
Winnipeg, Man. ___ .......1I1ar.
"

16
17
18
" 19,20
21
20

'l'1l'hcI'l1e, ~Ian.
S0\ll'1"';, ~\Ian.

Ll'andoll, l'Ian.
II a>' held, lIIall.
La Hiviere, :1-.__ 1.

Darllllglorcl, ;11:< n ...

'VinkIer, lUau
Mon IH, ~la,J.
lJomiIuon City. ,1a.1.
\\-illlllveg, l\la.u.. . __
S m eton, .Man
.

;llar.

24
2;)
:!(j

:27
" ZS-:10

31

LlWTHER B. H. BOYD
Rock Springs, Ga
Mar.
17
Rome, Ga.. ... .._ ,.."
18
Cave Spring, Ga
_
"
19
Roule, Ga
_._
"
20
Rockmurt, Ga.
..
2l
Atlanta. Ga........
.. 23,2,

...... ~Iar.:!4

Dallas, Ga...... ....

fl'allapomm, Ga. _
DOllglas\'ille, (;a.
~\tltens, Ga. _..
Irwinton, Ga.
DuYisboro, Ga.

~
~

;
)
30
31

.T. W. COPE
Arkansas City, 1\.an..... ~lar. 17
Shidler, Okla.
..
18
Arkall~as ('1 ty, Kan._
It
19
Pawfill:-.1~a, Okla. ....... " 20,21
Bartles\ ille, Okla
"
23
Coffeyville, Kan.
..
24

Kowata, Okla.
..
Mal'. 25
Claremore, Okla. .._____
"26
Tulsa, Okla.
.....
27
Sapulpa, Okla. .
21>
Okmulgee, Okla. --~10
Hickory, Okla.
........
..

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Kerrville, Tex
Comfort, Tex.
Pipe Creek, Tex.
Tarpley, 'J'ex.
San Antonio, 'rex.
San Marcos, Te,.

__..lIIar.
..
..
..

16
17
18
20
23
24

Austin, Tox. ..
Mar.
25
Taylor, Tex
__
__
26
Ba~tl'Op, Tt'x.
27,2H
Templp, Te.\..
. _. __ .. __. "
30
LUIIlva::;as, 'l'e~':: __ ~lar. :n, Apr. 1
Kempner, TeA.
2
II

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Batesville, Ark....
:\hu.
Marcella, Ark. .
Three Brothers, Ark.._....
Cotter, Ark.
Flippin, Ark
_ __. "
Monett, Mo.
" 20,

14
16
17
18
19
21

Joplin, Mo
.....__.....Mar.
Koel, Mo. __ __ ..
.. __..
Siloam SpringH. Ark....."
Spl'lngdale. ,\ 1
. . . . . 26,
Faj ett eVll1e, .:''t. i'J\:. ._....
28,
Fort Smith, Ark.
II

-----

23
24
25
27
30
31

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Glace Bay, N. S ... ..Mar.
11
Black River, N. S. _..... "
13
Brook Villa!,:e, N. S ..
"
14
Pictou, 1\. ~ ... _
16
Charlottetown, P. E I. "17, 18
Hazelbrook, P. E. 1. _
19

BIWTIIER !{. L. ROBIE

':!.)

Amhprst, N. S.
.. __ ..1\1ar. 21. 23
Kasll\\aak n<l~., X. D."
25
Fre<\el'ld,toll,?\ B .. _....
2H
TrncC'y ~ta . ~. D .. _._.. " 27, ~,I.)
\YOI)(h-, tod..::, X. n .....__"
30
1I1r1l I ille, X. B.
31

A,hland, Ore
_
lIIar.14
l\fedford, Ore
_.............. " IG
Jal'i,.,o1l\i!1e, Ore.
.._.... .. 17
}to!.:,IJC lti\-er, ' ) j l',
1R
\\'011' Cj'eek, 01 e.
H)
Can~omiIIe. Ore.
20

__..:\Iar.
21
" ')" ')7
-", 25
Hecd:-.po1't, Ore. ..
28
Eugi..-'tle, Ore..._..'_ .___
30
.dbany, Ore. __..... _..
.Ipr.
2

Roseburg, Ore
}\[arshfield, Ore. .
\\'edd'll>um. Ore.

BROTHER O. L. SULLlVAN
Dayenport, la. .
I\:cwanee. III .__
prJ Beeton, Ill.
__
Peru, 111.
.....
Streator, Ill.
Kankakee, Ill.
..

~Iar.

"
"

"
"

18
19
20
21
23
24

Blue Island, Ill. ..--

Chica~o Hei'~:lh, Iii

Pullman, III.
Heg-ewis('h. Ill. __.. ...
Chicago, 111.
..__..
Zion City, III. __

..__ .JlIar.25
_. " ~G
27
2.~

30
31

BROTHER \'-1. J. THORN

Jasper, JlIo. __ ......__ ..... lII:<r.
16
1'1"as'lllt II ill, ~Io. ____"
17
Frpoman, ~lo.
18
Deepwater, Mo. ._
"19,20
Co:li. :\10. _
_......
21
Clinton, JlIo.
23

Sedalia, lIlo...__.....__...__ Mar.

Jefferson City, Mo. __.. " 25,
Loose Creek, lIlo.
.."
Burton, lIlo
__
__....
:Macon, 1\10
_....
Warren, Mo.

24
27
26
28
30
31

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
Solomon, Kan
:\Iar.
R,liina, KaJl
__
"
\\':lIdo, 1\.:<n. __.__._
"
Abilene, Kall.
.._
"
St l'ong, Kan
__.._
"21,
Elnporia, lian .
II

17
18
10
~O

:!;J

2-1

Olpe, Kan. Eureka, Kan

Hrou:-;on, 1(a 11.
lola, 1\.an. ---Centropolis, L.l.1.
POIllona, Kan

Mar.25
_........ " 26
27
28
.. __
30
~..... "
31

BROTlIEI{ J. B. WILLIAMS
BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Shreveport, La... .... ~Lll.
Leesville, La. .............."
Lake Charles, La.
.. 10,
Glenmora, La.....
Jennings, La.
Crowley, La.

7
9
12
11
13
14

Baton Houge, La...__ .. lilaI'.

""ew Orleans, La. __
...,.,
Bo~alu,.l, La. .
.. ... " _u,
Zona, La. ....... ....
Apr.
FOl:,OIH, La. ,.__ .,. .. _.. _ .,
2,
SlliJelJ, La....__ ..
.... __"

16
'j()

31
1
3
4

Amherst, N. S. .. __...JlIar.
13
Atliol, X. S. __
__.. "
14
'1'1'111'0, ~. S. _
" 1(i, 17
l'ort Williams, :: :-<.
1.~
E. I-Iall's Haril )1', X. S. "1 fl, 20
Kentville, N. S........_.. " 21,23

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
Negley, O
.~Ial'.
LiRbon, O.
;;
Salem, O.
East Palestine, O. ._. __ .. __. "
..:olumbiana, O.
Youngstown, O.

17
8
t9
20
21
23

KileR. O.
\C\':tl'r en , 0 ,
Ol't and, 0

A;;:;htahllla, O

__

Clc\'Cland, O
l'ainesville, O.

__ .. lIIar.
24
__...."
25
_... .. 26,27
....."
28
...__. . "
30
31

Auburn, N. S. -__
lIfar. 24
De,'p Brook, N. S
" 25
~mlth's Cove, X. ~
_
"
26
lJii'by, N. S ...
..
" 27
Yarmouth, N. S.
28
Liyerpool, N. S.
30

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
Williamsport, Pa
Mar.
Towanda. Pa
_........."
!\an1I('ol~e.

Pa

Carhondale, Pa. _ _
I1on",llale, Pa.... __
Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

"

16

S('ranton, Pa.

IS
19

Cortez, I'a._.._.._......"
Tll;'OOP, rae _
__
"

"
20
"
21
"23,28

Mar. 23, 25
24

Hpnton, Pa.._
"
Hazleton, Pa
_..__
Mahanoy City, l'a.......

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Og-den, Utah
Mar. 13, 14
Salt Lake City, Utah"
16
JI!i,iI'ale, Utah ..__
17
Pocatello, Ida.
18
Butte, :\lont.
.. 19,20
Deer Lodge, Mont.......
21

lIlissoula, :lront
Pablo, ~I"nt.
Great Fall,. :\Iont

yir~eI'0. ~Iont.

__

J\Iar. 23, 26
.. ~4, 2:>
2~, 30
11.(\1'.

C!lIl1ook, :\Iont. _.. _______..

Tampko, Mont.

----

2, 3
4

II I.BSA. BEREAN BIBLE

8yMeansof

Shinglehouse, Pa. ._...."

16
17
19
20
21

23

Bolivar, N. Y
11ar. 24, 26
Allentown. N. Y. ~_ .._"
23
ji"rallklJndlle, N. Y..."
27
Olean, X. Y.
2"
Ehrura, N. Y
~ . tr
30
Hammondsport, N. Y."
31

"The At-one-ment"

III: THE MEDIATOR-THE O:-:LY BEGO'l'TEN ONIII

STUDY IV: THE MEDIATOR-THE UNDEFILED ONE

STUDT

BROTHER B. M. RICE
Jamestown, N. Y .......lIIar.
Clymer, N. Y. .............."
Warren, Pa.
.. 18,
Ono\"lIIe, N. Y. ............"
Salamanca, N. Y. ......

STUDIES

I!

Week of April 13.. __

Week of April 6

6.

Q. 1- 7
Q.29-36

Week of April 27..

Week of April 20

Q.1521
Q. 8-14

Question book8 on "The Atone-liIetlt," 10e postpaid

26

27
30
31

""('l&nttelljlwu @).;)l)9 <'11l@l~ l1 ~]}y ~n~~t 7>

~~ W@l1i'1li\n 111lg ~llilil~\'(1lp. ~111ltill g). ~US,t Clll~~~" - ~alalJ
VOL.

XLV

Ii

No.6

SEMI-u.. ONTHr.~

Anno Mundi 6052 - March 15. 1924

CONTENTS
PRECIOUS ME~IORIES .... _ ....... 83
~5
,j

Antityplcal Passover
lIIemorial Instituted
'.I'he Cup
Our ParticIpation
Fulness of J or
Heart Condition
\\'ho 1\Iay Partake

,G
"6
,I;

PI:."ER:lILLTlXG TEXT CO~D["XTS

Itr.LATIVE VALUE OF ILLUSTRATED L;;l'n'I"~S

S8
S9
')0
:11

EI.lJAH AND THE STRUGGLE WITH BAAl,

!):<;

ELISHA: TEACHER ANn STATESMAX...............

:)4

R\OIO STATION _ .................. S2

llLIC WI'INESS ._..__._ _ ._ ._ ....... "2

p,
,II

'II
~ ), I

.I

~.:

,-",<_

'.

;-. ,,-, I

'-j~"'~'

I ,eill .tand upon m1/ '"atch and will set ,,'1/ fnnt
upon the '1'ou'cr, and will watch to ,pe what , ~ u
shall make I tI,e,..,

'01 8ay "nto me, and what answer 1

, ," '~s.:.; '-? ~~ 1\'11 Chat oppose me!'-llabakkuk $: 1.
'0. "::'~~~"::--"-'-'~l&l
'~_:;-":o';;';21.."Sd-J _~"

~"

_~II'li'

~:

FReNCH LITERATURI!I _ _ .__ .__.. 82

.'

'~t? ,;_-:c:-""

~,_~_J_"':'~"'::,\~ ,,"0rl'~Q-~~~~~

.1'

_t.

~{~!~.~,<;";I~~~~~i5'7~~O~I~,Ll{c;s
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the ",aves (the r...tle.s. discontented) roaring; men's hearts railing their. tor fear and for looking to
tli e things COIIUll~ upon the ~art!, (society); for the powers of the heavens (eeelesiastu'sm) Bhall be Bhaken. . . Whe!, ye Bee these things bcglll to c0',Ile to PI"': !hcn
know th'\t the l"ngtlum of ('uti IS at hand. Look up. hft up your heads. reJOice. for your redemptlOn draweth mgh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29, Luke 21:2,')-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS ,ournal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", n01'l' beln
presented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 11>84, "For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with annonncements of the Society's conventions and of the
earning of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Rerean Lessons" are toptcal rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verb. De. Minister (V. D. lIf.), which translated
into Bnglish is Minister 0/ God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
IItudents and teachers. By some this feature is conSIdered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all''. (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: G) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11
15; 2 Peter 1: 6-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . haa
:teen hid in God, to the intent that now migbt be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Epbesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
Bubjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly wbatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know wb0reof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is beld as a trust, to be used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
cood pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuild,ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge o~
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing,

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

What the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age--ever since Christ became the world's Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 2022 :
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of cODsecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when th.
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the tempie shall be fl1led with hill glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout
the MiIlennium.-Revelation 15: 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies tn the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and wiII be "the true light which lighteth ever]! man that cometh into the worla", "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
ll'hat the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be partaker of the divine nature,' and share hts
glory as his jointheir.-l John 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Petcr 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of servict; to develop in herself lWery
race; to be, God's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.--",pbesians 4: 12; Matthew 24:
4; RevelatIOn 1; 6; 20; 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brou~ht to all by Christ's IIflllennial kingdom, the
restitution of all that wu lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church,
when all the wilfully wicked will be a"stroyea.-Acts 3: 1923; Isaiab 3a.

1)UI!ll,.ll!JHl!-t) 8)1

PUBLIC WITNESS

WATCH TOWER BIBLE. &TRACT SOCIET)'

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of an editoriai committee, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth eacb and every article appearing in these columns.
'he names of the editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORD,
W. E. VAN AM BURGH, J. HEMERY,
R. H. BARBER.
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BETHEL HYMNS FOR APRIL

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
'l'hursday
Friday
Saturday

1 184

60

3 216

4 238
5 181

6 221:l
'1 254
8 125
9 29
10 95
11 317

12

13
14
15
16
1'1
18

122

168
308

133
90

231
19 278

20
21
22
23
24
25

275

9
224
70
192
93

26 220

2'1 325
28 19
29120
30 236

It should be remembered that one of the chief commis-

sions to the Church at this time is to give a witness to

the kingdom. Pilgrims are sent out for this purpose. We
earnestly urge upon the classes that with each Pilgrim
visit they make an effort for one public witness. A good
hall should be taken, and the meeting well advertised.
Remember that it is the witness that is to be given. Do
not leave the public witness to local brethren to the exclusion of the Pilgrim brethren. Unless an effort Is made to
have a well-advertised public meeting when a Pilgrim
brother visits a class we think a mistake is made. We
hope the classes will proceed in accordance with this, and
cooperate fUlly. When the meeting is on Sunday, a special
effort should be made to have it in a well-located hall and
thoroughly advertised.
FRENCH LITERATURE

The SOCIETY'S office at Brooklyn is supplied with all the

French literature of present truth, and our French friendl
in America desiring to have any of this literature will pleast
communicate with us. Address WATCH TOWER BIBLE &
TRACT SOCIETY, French Department, 18 Concord Street:.
Brooklyn, New York.
RADIO STATION
The SOCIETY'S radio station began broadcasting Sunday evenIn,;,
February 24. The call letters are WBBR, operating on a 244-meter
wave lent;th. The program proceeds daily. Onr friends will please
tune in their radio receiving sets for thia wave length. Kindly
report by letter or post card to the ~OCIETY at 124 <;<>1 umbia
Heights as to the distinctness with which the program IS heard.
In order that the friends may not misunderstand, the SOCIETY in
no way is manufacturing or selling radio sets. We have merely
tried to get some information to help the friends buy a cheaper
set. but we are not recommending any special set. It will be more
lIatisfactory if each one decides that for himself.

&h~ATCH

TOWER
PRESENCE

AND HEJRALD OF CHR~STS

VOL

XLV

MARCH

Ko.G

15, 1924

PRECIOUS MEMORIES
UThi.s do in remembrance of me."-Luke 22: 19.
time this year is afrer six o'clock the evening of Friday,
April 18.
T A thing that is precious in our memory we love to
talk over together. It is sacred to us. As we approach
the Memorial season the events leading up to and foreshadowing the death of our Lord crowd in upon the
mind, and we love to recount them. Hence THE WATCH
TOWER delights to speak each year of things precious
to our memory. These are not new in fact, but so
beautifully sweet that they seem new every morning
and fresh every evening.

ERTAIN events in the development of the divine

plan are specially marked by Jehovah. This seems
to have been done for the particular benefit of
the new creation. To the new creature in Christ these
events are held in precious memory. The great pivotal
event, from which radiates the light upon all J ehovah's plan concerning man, is the sacrificial death of
our Lord. This feature of the divine plan particularly
makes manifest the love of Jehovah and the love of our
Lord Jesus toward the Church and toward all mankind.
2 As we keep in memory the death of our Lord we
should also keep in memory the great love of the Father,
Jehovah, which provided the unspeakable gift that we
night have life and have it more abundantly. The
betrer understanding we have of the love of God the
more he becomes our exceeding joy. As our Lord leads
us more into the light of his truth the more keenly we
can appreciare the words of our prototype David, who
wrote: "0 send out thy light and thy truth: let them
lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to
thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God,
unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I
praise thee, 0 God, my God."-Psalm 43: 3,4.
3The immeasurable love of God for us was made
mani.fest in providing redemption for us. "But God
commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 8; 1 John
4: 10) This was the great unselfish sacrifice for us.
Our Father would have us keep it in memory. It is a
precious memory.
'It was the unselfish love of Jesus to do the Fai her's
will and to deliver us, that led him to the cross for us
and for all men. Jehovah would have us keep this in
memory. It is a precious memory.
5Long centuries ago Jehovah made pictures of the
great sacrifice to enable us now more keenly to appreciate the reality. Having fulfilled the picture Jesus
i::lstituted a memorial of that fulfilment.
6It is his expressed will that we should keep this in
memory. It is a precious memory to us, and becomes
more so as we appreciate its significance. As we celebrate the Memorial on the anniversary date the proper

THE PICTURE

SAt the death of Jacob the Israelites became the

people of God, chosen for a purpose. That purpose was
to foreshadow the development of the new creation.
The Israelites were domiciled in Egypt, serving under
the iron and despotic rule of Pharaoh. That tyrannical
ruler was a type of Satan, and his supporrers typified
all the visible and invisible agencies used by Satan. The
Israelites in general pictured the people of earth, who
are in bondage, and who in God's due time will come
out therefrom. The first-born of Israel, made prominent
on the night of the Passover, pictured the Church of the
first-born whose names are written in heaven.
9The cruel lash of the Egyptian masrers fell heavily
upon the backs of the enslaved Israelites, and the cries
of the latter ascended and were heard by the God of
heaven. Hesponding to their groans and weepings, J ehovah in the exercise of his loving-kindness sent his
senant Moses to testify against Satan and his representatives and to deliver the Israelites into freedom. Moses
here pictured Christ, the great Deliverer, who in obedienc,~ to the Father's will comes to deliver mankind
from the iron hand of the great oppressor.
lONine times had Moses appeared before Phar:wh the
king and served notice upon him that he should let
God's people go. Each time Moses had received 8
promise that the Israelites might go, and as man~ time!"
did the king break his own word. Each time Pharaoh
increased the burdens upon the people. The tenth time
God caused Moses to appear before rlwraoh. God now
~3

84

'fheWATCH TOWER

instructed Moses that he intended to make such a manifcstatiw of his power that the Egyptians would be
anxious to have the Israelites go and would even thrust
thcm out. Moses announced God's decree that at midnight on the 14th of Nisan all the first-born in Egypt
~hould die, from Pharaoh's son to the humblest servant.
This decree was fulfilled.
llBy the law of succession the first-born son was
always the heir. Pharaoh's first-born son was heir apparent to the tInone. The first-born expected to carry
into futurity the father's institutions. The first-borns
of Egypt would therefore picture the visible reprC'sentati \'8S of Satan on earth who compose the ruling factors,
otherwise designatcd by the Prophet as "the shepherds
and the principal of the flock," and who expect to perpC'tuate the unrighteous reign of their father Satan
through some combination or arrangement which they
will keep in force.
12The first-barns of Israel pictured the promised heirs
of the kingdom of God, who have hope of sharing the
throne with Christ Jesus in his great Millennial reign.
13God made provision whereby the first-born of Israel
might be saved from death; that is to say, a lamb should
be slain upon the evening of the 14th day of Nisan, and
its blood sprinkled upon the door posts and lintels of
the family residence. The family should go inside and
remain there. The lamb should be roasted whole and
then eaten, together with unleavened bread and hitter
herbs. In every household that observed this law of God
the first-born was passed over and spared alive. Ever
thereafter the event is known as the Passover. God
commanded that the Jews should observe this once each
year. Hence it was incumbent upon Jesus to celebrate
the Passover.
HAt the given hour the death angel passed through
Egypt, and every first-born of man and beast died.
'rhere was a great mourning amongst the people. They
crowded into the palace of the king, bearing their dead.
A messenger bore before Pharaoh the lifeless body of his
first-born. Pharaoh mourned for some time the loss of
his son, thus giving ample time for the Israelites to
march on their journey to the Red Sea. This delay
pictures the period of time that Satan will be bound.
Arousing himself to what had taken place Pharaoh
summoned all of his military force and hurried on after
the Israelites with the avowed determination of destroying them, thus picturing how Satan will go up and
down the earth and gather together his adherents, who
will seek to destroy the people who have turned to Jehovah through the Lord Jesus, the great antitypical Moses.
When the hosts of Pharaoh approached the Israelites on
the shore of the Red S~a God manifested his love to
them by causing a pillar of fire to stand between the
Israelites and Satan's forces. Then Jehovah opened thc
waters and led the Israelites across the sea on dry
ground. Quickly they were followed by Pharaoh and his
hosts, all of whom were destroyed in the sea, thus pic-

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

turing how Satan and all of his followers at the end of

the Millennium will be completely wiped out.
15The death of the first-barns of Egypt seems clearly
to represent Satan's agencies now in the earth. Jesus
plainly pointed out that these are the offspring of Satan.
(John 8: 44) Now the ruling factors, made up of
shepherds and the principal of the flock, rule the world
and hope to perpetuate Satan's wicked institutions. The
death of the first-born in Bgypt pictured that with the
great trouble now impending these wicked institutions
on carth will be forever and completely destroyed.
1G'.l'hc great antitypical Moses now present is leauing
his people on to certain and complcte victory. The
wicked systems that dominate and control the world,
the offspring of Satan and therefore the first-born, shall
dic; and for them there shall be no resurrection. Satan
himself will go into the abyss and there await the time
of his own destruction at the end of the Millennial age.
AMPLIFIED PICTURE

11The foregoing is a general picture, but there is one

given more in detail, in which we are more particularly
interested. It is a shadow of instructions enabling the
people of God to prepare themselves for the kingdom.
We cannot learn it too well.
l8'1'he lamb for the PassO'Ver must be a male without
blemish. The lamb represented the One who must be
slain to provide the great redemptive price and sinoffering for the first-barns and for the whole world.
-John 1: 29.
19'1'he head of each Jewish household must select the
lamb. It therefore became incumbent upon the great
heavenly Father to select the antitypiclIl Lamb. Herein
again we see the love of God marvelously manifested.
As imperfect human beings, if it would be necessary
for us to sacrifice one of our flock we might select th~
least desirable one with a view of saving the better.
Could not God have selected one of the lesser heavenly
creatures, made of him a man and used him to redcem
the human race? Why did God not do that? It seems
certain that the chief reason in selecting his bcloved
Son to provide this great ransom sacrifice was to make
manifest his unselfish love. (John 3: 16) God cannot
deny himself. When he' came tD select from his heavenly
creatures the one for this great sacrifice, he selected the
dearest treasure of his heart. He chose the only one of
his direct creation, his dearly beloved and only begotten
Son as a sacrifice, that man might live. He chose that
one whom it would cause him the greatest amount of
suffering to see die. Thereby was made possible the
greatest manifestation of his own love. There could be
no greater manifestation of love than this. "In this
was manifest the love of God toward us, because that
God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we
might live through him. ITerein is love, not that we
loved God. but that he loved us, all<l sent his ROll to be
the propitiation for our sins."-l J oh11 4: 9, 10.

J(ARCH 15, 1924

'The

WATCH TOW ER

2Call to mind the sorrow in a family where some away from his disciples and they would not again see
pet animal is killed or dies; or the far greater sorrow him in the flesh. He knew that his body members would
that comes to a household where the one much beloved, have a long, tedious journey in preparation for their
or pet of that hom'ehold, dies. Thus doing we can have hra \ enly inhrl'ltance. It was the desire of our Lord that
some smaH appreciation of the great suffering that the the~e should have in mind that he, by his death, fulfiHed
heavenly Father had in providing his dearest beloved the type of the PassowI' lamb; and that they have
One to die as man's rallsom. Nat only this, but his in mind the meaning of his dpath and the privilege of
death must be reached through a course of great suffer- his followers in participating therein. To this end we
find the record.-Matthew 26: 26-29.
ing. Again another manifestation of Jehovah's love.
21The blood sprinkled upon the door-posts and lintels
MEMORIAL INSTITUTED
of the house was it complete guarantee that the first27,],here were two particular clements used in institutborn in that J emsh house should not die. The blood of
the antitypical Lamb is a guarantee to all who have, ing this Memorial: One, the bread which Jesus baid
by reason of consecration, justification and spirit-beget- represented his body, that is to say, his humanity; the
ting, received the benefits of the antitypieal Lamb, that other, the wine which he said represented his blood for
if they remain within Christ or under the protection of the remission of sins and by which the New Covenant
was to be sealed. It seems quite probable that Jesus
that blood they shaH be saved from second death.
22The roasting of the lamb by fire required a far took the entire loaf of bread, broke it, and said to his
greater heat than its boiling would. This foreshadowed disciples: 'This represents my body broken for you,
the great degree of Jesus' suffering. The roasting sealed and 1 invite you to eat it.' The loaf of bread was made
the strength of the meat within itself, whereas boiling of grains of wheat, wheat being a seed which when
extracts the strength. Hence God's command in the planted will bring forth its own kind in many fold,
type that the lamb should be roasted and not boiled. demonstrating that it has life in itself, but must be
The eating of the roasted flesh was intended to give the broken in order to produce life for others. So it was
Israelites strength for a strenuous ordeal. The bitter with Jesus. He possessed life and the right to life. He
herbs stimulated their appetite. The staff in hand and had the powers of procreation. He might have filled the
sandals on the feet were a notice to move at any moment. earth with a race of people. This was not the Father's
23The strength of the Christian results from partak- will. Jesus submitted to the breaking of his humanity in
ing of Christ. The bitter trials that come, pictured by order that he might bring back Adam and his race to a
the bitter herbs, increase the desire for Christ and for condition of life. Thus his own human life and the
sweet fellowship with him. In other words, they create possibility of a race springing from him were given up.
Wheat contains all of the elements needed to supply the
a greater appetite for the Lamb.
various organs and tissues of the human body. Thus a
24The unleavened bread suggests to us the mental and
loaf of bread made from wheat very beautifully reprrheart appreciation of the truth, so that our heart affecsents the perfection of Jesus sufficient to provide life
tions may feed upon the love manifested toward us by
for all mankind.
the Father and the beloved Son; and that from this
28'1'0 eat means to appropriate to ourselves. Theresource we receive strength for help in every time of need.
fore, eating or appropriating to ourselves by faith the
perfect sacrifice of our Lord is a basis for our justificaANTITYPICAL PASSOVER
The world of mankind during the Millennial age,
tion.
25The Passover type was fulfilled by Jesus. The
Jesus as the great Redeemer and being obeaccepting
Memorial was instituted to commemorate that fact and
in memory of a new thing. 'rhe Passover pointed for- dient to him, shall receive the sustenance of life and
ward to the death of Jesus, the Lamb of God. The be restored to life. Jesus did not refer to himself as
Memorial point.ed backward to the great event of his eating of the loaf, nor was such necessary. He was
death and its significance. Jesus became the Passover always just; therefore perfect. It is needful, however,
Lamb of the Church of the first-barns. Hence St. Paul for his body members to be justified; and their justifiooys: "For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for cation must come in partaking of Christ's great sacrifice.
290n another occasion Jesus said: "I am that bread
us: therefore let us keep the feast." (1 Corinthians 5:
7,8) It was incumbent upon Jesus to fulfil the Law. of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness,
Therefore it was necessary for him to partake of the and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down
Passover supper, and on the same day be slain as the from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
antitypical Lamb to provide the great redemptive price I am the living bread, which came down from heaven:
if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:
of mankind. God does everything exactly on time.
and
the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will
26At the time of the celebration of the Passover Jesus
give
for the life of the world." (John 6: 48-51) It was
instituted a new ceremony for the purpose of memorialthe
humanity
of Jesli.'l, pictured by the bread, which he
izing his death, which at the same time shows the
importance of his great sacrifice. He was about to go gave up and which will provide life for the whole world.

86

CfheWATCH TOWER

It provides life on the human plane for the Church

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

the purchasing of mankind. The value of that perfect

first; that is to say, God counts the members of the human life God provided should be used as a sin-offerChurch perfect as human beings in order that they may ing to be presented to divine justice for the redemption
participate in the Lord's sacrifice. Those who compose and release of man. This blood, or valuable merit, will
the Church receive instantaneously at justification a be used to seal the New Covenant through the terms of
similar thing to that which will be received by the which the obedient ones of mankind must get life. In
world at the end of the Millennial age, to wit, perfect no other way could sins be remitted and man brought
human life. This is counted to them by Jehovah. For back into harmony with God. Hence Jesus said: 'This
this reason we can see that justification by faith in the wine represents my blood. My blood is for the purpose
precious blood of Jesus has been granted by Jehovah of sealing the New Covenant and for the remission of
during the Gospel age for the very purpose of making sins.'-Matthew 26: 28.
it possible for those thus justified to be joint-sacrificers
S40ur Lord's life could have been poured out instanwith Christ Jesus. Each one must partake of the loaf taneously, and without any particular degree of sufferbefore he can be made an acceptable sacrifice; that is ing could have provided the ransom price. But that
to say, each one by faith must accept Jesus Chri~t as was not the Father's plan. The gl'f'at Redeemer must
the great Redeemer, and make manifest this faith by a become a sympathetic high priest. He must be touched
full consecration of himself to do God's holy will.
with a feeling sympathetically of the infirmities of
others. (Hebrews 4: 15) He must learn full obedience
THE CUP
to the Father's will under the most adverse circum30"And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and Ijave it stances. This could be attained unto only by and
to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood through suffering. The heavenly Father, in giving his
of the new testament, which is shed for many for the only beloved Son to die, must have suffered much,
remission of sins."-Matthew 26: 27, 28.
thereby exhibiting his great and boundless love for
31The heavenly Father had prepared the cup for his mankind. His beloved Son, by suffering, was afforded
beloved Son Jesus. Jesus understood that he must drink the opportunity of exhibiting that like boundless love.
that cup. He did so. "'rhe cup which my Father hath
3ilThe Father has great joy and delight in his Son
given me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18: 11) It because his Son proved loyal to him under the greatest
seems quite elear, therefore, that the cup represented test. (Isaiah 42: 1) Jesus, the beloved Son, by being
the potion provided by the heavenly Father for his be- fully obedient to the Father's will was rewarded by
loved Son. The cup was emblematic of the conditions boundless joy. Hence the crowning feature pictured by
which the Son must meet in order to become the world's the cup was love and joy attained unto only through
Redeemer. The three primary things which the cup suffering and death. Jesus evidently understood that
seems to bespeak as a potion for our Lord were: (1) the cup pictured both sorrow and joy. On one occasion
That he must pour out his life blood; (2) that in doing he prayed to God that if possible the cup might pass
so he must undergo suffering; and (3) that the meeting from him, evidently meaning the most sorrowful part
of those conditions would lead to boundless joy.
of it. Concerning the crowning feature thereof it is
32The life is in the blood stream. Ii the blood is written of him: "Who for the joy that was set before
poured out, it means that the creature has ceased to him endured the cross, despising thr shame, and is set
live. No human being can live unless the blood is cir- down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews
culating through the body. The plan of God was that 12: 2) The pathway that led to divine life was through
the ransom sacrifice must be provided, and could be sufferings ending in a fulness of joy with J ehoyah.
provided, only by the pouring out of the life of the per- Hence the Psalmist, speaking as the mouthpiece of
fect man. God foretold this through the words of his Jesus, said: "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in
prophet concerning Jesus, saying, "He hath poured out thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand are
his soul unto death." (Isaiah 53: 12) The pouring out pleasures for evermore."-Psalm 16: 11.
of his life blood, that is to say the giving up of life as a
OUR PARTICIPATION
human being, provided the ransom price. "The Son of
86Jehovah in preparing his loving plan provided that
man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many."-Matt. 20: 28. Jesus should have associated with him in the glories of
sSOur Lord's life as a human being was poured out, his kingdom 144,000 joint-heirs who should also be kings
but his right to that human life still existed. The right and priests and reign with him. These, together with
to life could be extinguished only by his own wl'ongful Christ Jesus, the Scriptures designate as the new creaaet. Since he was alwllys in harmony with the Father tion. All the body members must follow the same course
that right to life as a human being continued. The lay- taken by the beloved Son. These must literally follow in
ing down of that human life, the pouring out of his his steps. (1 Peter 2: 21) Hence the cup would represoul, was the process of reducing his life to a purchasing sent to each member of the body the same things that
vallie which we term merit and which is valuable for it represented to our Lord. With this evident thought

MARCil 15, 1924

tI?teWATCH TOWER

in mind Jesus said to his diBciples: "Are ye able to

drink of the cup that I shall drink of?" Being- assured
that they were, thcn Jesus added: "Ye shall drink
indeed of my cup." (Matthew 20: 22, 23) This proves
conelll8ivcly that the cup must mean the same thing to
the followers of .T esus that it meant to him.
37When our Lord was about to take his departure
from them hi' desired that they should have in mind
in due time the signifieallce of the cup. Therefore, at
the time of instituting- the Memorial he handed to
them a cup of wine and said, in substance: 'You have
signified your willingness to drink of my cup, now I
offer you the privilege of doing so. Tn kc it and drink
ye all of it.' '1'0 each one, then, who will attain unto the
great prize of joint-heirship ,,"jth our Lord in his kingdom the cup means: (1) The pouring out of a justified
life unto death; (2) the undergoing of sufferings like
unto those to which the Lord was subjected; and (3)
the doing of this leads to boundless joy in the kingdom.
38The appropriation of the humanity of our Lord is
pictured in cating the loaf of bread. That is the basis
of the Christian's justification, which justification results in the right to life as a human being. God counts
this right to life through the merit of Christ in order
that such might be an acceptable sacrifice. Such life
now must be poured out in death. It must be a sacrificial
death. "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with
him, we shall also live with him."-2 Timothy 2: 11.
39Death itself is not sufficient. One might be justified
and spirit-begotten and die instantly, but that would
not meet the divine requirements. Each one must suffer
as the Lord suffered, and thereby be afforded the opportunity to be developed into his character likeness and
particularly the attribute of love. Thc suffering must
not bring bitterness; but realizing that our Father suffered in the exhibition of his love toward us, and that
our beloved Lord exhibited his wonderful love for us by
suffering, therefore, our suffering as a Christian must
develop in us a greater measure of unselfish love. '1'he
Apostle says: "Because to you it was graciously given
on behalf of Christ, not only to believe into him, but
also to suffer on his account." (Philippians 1: 29, Diaglott) And again: "Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may
be also glorified together." (Romans 8: 17) Suffering
with Christ is a condition precedent to sharing his joy
and his glory. "If we suffer [with him], we shall also
reign with him." (2 Timothy 2: 12) St. Paul appreciated this fact when he said: "Who now rejoice in my
sufferings for you, and :fill up that which is behind of
the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake,
which is the church."-Colossians 1: 24.
,oPassing through these trying and fiery experiences
as Christians is proof that we have the spirit of God
resting upon us. It is one of the witnesses of the holy
spirit. Concerning this St. Peter says: "But rejoice,
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;

87

that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad

also with exceeding joy. 1 ye be reproached for the
name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory
and of God restrth upon you: on thi'ir part he is evil
spohn of, but on your part he is glorified."-l Peter
4: 1;l.14.

41'l'he chief purpose of this suffering is to develop and

exhlbit the godlike attl'lhute of love. This is proven to
be true by the argument of St. John in which he says:
"In this was mani.f('sted the love of God toward us,
because that God sent his only begotten Son into the
II'orld, that II'e might liye through him." Jesus laid
down his life for us, and "we ought to lay down our
lives for the brethren." If God so loved us, and the
Lord Jesus so loyed us. ,. we ought also to love one
another."-l John 4: 9; 3: 16.
42The highest degree of love can be exhibited only by
reason of sacrifice. We exhibit our love for the brethren
by making sacrifices in their behalf, and our love for
the peoples of earth is likewise manifested. If we
appreciate the love of God exhibited for us, and the
love of Jesus manifested for us, then we shall appreciate the privilege or drinking of the cup of the Lord
Jesus, which means: (1) Death; (2) which is accompanied by suffering; and (3) which leads to endless joy.
43The Christian who discerns the body of Christ, and
appreciates his privilege and hope of being a part
thereof, can likewise appreciate the words of the ApostIe: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight
of glory."-2 Corinthians 4: 17.
MUST PARTICIPATE

HJesus laid down the inflexible rule when he said:

"Except ye eat of the flesh of the Son of man and
drink his blood ye have no life in you." Inherent life,
that is to say, immortality, is the result only of first
partaking of the humanity of Jesus, which leads to
justification to life, and the pouring out of that life in
sacrificial death. The reward for this is the crown of
life. '1'0 such Jesus says: "Be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life." The faithfulness
here includes the joyful participation in the sufferings
of Christ even unto the end.
PARTNERSHIP

'5St. Paul, writing to the Church concerning the

bread and the cup, said: "The cup of blessing which
we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of
Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we .being many are
one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of
that one bread." (1 Corinthians 10: 16, 17) The word
"communion" as used in this text means common union
or partnership in. Paraphrasing the Apostle's words,
then, we understand them to mean: The body of Christ
is made up of many members just as a loaf of bread is

88

me WATCH TOWER

BnOOKLYN, N. Y.

made up of many grains of wheat. The members of that Father's kingdom. Otherwise stated, the joy has already
body must first partake of that one loaf. '1'he breaking hegun. So surely as he has taken unto himself his
of this loaf of bread pictures how that each one of power to reign, then he has begun the establishment of
those who compose the loaf must be broken; that is to his Father's kingdom; and with those who are in full
say, they must have partnership with the Lord in the heart harmony with him he has begun to share the good
breaking of their humanity.
cheer of the kingdom. This joy, or good cheer, will
.8The cup of blessing which we bless pictures our reach the superlative degree when all the members have
common union with the Lord or our partnership with passed beyond the vail and stand approved before J ehovah with the great Captain of their salvation, their Head
the Lord in his sufferings.
.7To recapitulate: In our participation with the Lord and Bridcgroom, Christ Jesus. Then they will expein his cup we see this: Jehovah, by sacrificing the rience fulness of joy and pleasures forevermore.
51There must still be some suffering for those who are
dearest treasure of his heart, exhibited his love for us;
and now he bestows his love upon us by calling us his this side the vail, but with the suffering comes a keener
sons. Jesus manifested his great love for us in laying appreciation of the divine provision which is accomdown his life for us. We have the opportunity of mani- Jl" lied with much joy. True Christians appreciate the
festing our love for God and of showing our apprecia- fact that the Lord Jesns, the glorified One, is now
tion of his love for us by joyfully meeting the require- ]In'sent setting up his kingdom which shall accomplish
ments that he has laid upon us, and of showing our the divine purpose of bringing the human race back
love for the brethren by joyfully laying down our lives into harmony with the Father. These enter now into
tht' joy of the Lord, in this, that the time has come for
for them.
llw
overthrow of Satan's empire, and the establishment
.8The Memorial season then brings to us sweet memoof
the
government of righteousness.
ries of what the Lord Jehovah and the Lord .Jems have
is a great incentive to press on for the remain52This
done for us, and sweet memories of the precious experiences through which we have passed since first we ing way of the battle, looking to that happy time when
knew the Lord. All the suffering through which we the last member shall enter into the full and complete
have passed in our devotion to the Lord, and \rhich was joy, sharing with the Lord in the glories of the kingdom.
pictured in the cup our Lord graciously ofl'el'l'd us, we
HEART CONDITION
rejoice in; for it is the way that leads to participating
5"Thc Memorial season is a time for a careful search~
in the boundless joys of our Lord.
ing of the heart, to each one who comes to participate.
No one could be pleasing to the Lord and participate
FULNESS OF JOY
in the Memorial with the wrong condition of heart. No
.9Mter the llfaster handed the cup to the disciples he
said to them: "I will not drink henceforth of this fruit one is pleasing to the Lord who participates not discernof the vine, until that day when I drink it new with ing the body of Christ. '1'he Apostle says that we are
you in my Father's kingdom." In the words here used members one of another, "or the body is not one memby the Master he seems to have particularly in mind ber but many." "Now ye are the body of Christ, and
that potion contained in the cup which represented good members in particular." (1 Corinthians 12: 14, 27)
cheer and joy. He was about to reach the sn preme Each one, therefore, ,,-ho is pleasing to the Lord must
moment of his sufferings; he was about to take his appreciate the fact that each member of the body is a
departure from his disciples; and he said to them: "In part of ('wry other member, that all are one in Christ
the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good Jesus and that they have a mutual interest in each other.
54The Apostle tells us the proper condition of heart
cheer; I have overcome the world." ( John 16: 33)
He knew the Church would pass through great trilmla- one should bc in when partaking of the Memorial, saytion. He had foreshadowed in the parable of the Vir- ing, "For even CIlTist our passover is sacrificcd for us:
gins that the bride would greatly rejoice in receiving Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven,
the Bridegroom. He had pictured the joy that would neither WIth the lcaven of malice awl wickedness; but
come to the Church when the time arrived for hir,l to with the lllllea\'ened bread of sinccrity and truth." (1
come to his temple to examine and prove those who are Corinthians 5: 7, 8) And again: "Let all bitterness,
in the temple condition. We understand that the Lord and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be
took unto himself his powcr in 1914, and that in 1918 put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind
he came to his temple and bcgan the judgment of his one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
house. To those who had been faithful he said: "Enter even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
[now] into the joy of thy Lord."
(Ephesians 4: 31, 32) Malice means a bad condition
50~ow our Lord's followers, who appreciate the fact of heart regardless of duty and obligations to another.
that he is present setting up his kingdom and that he Leaven is a symbol of sin. The Apostle, therefore, says
has come unto his temple, can be said to be participating in substance: Purify your hearts to see that there it
now in the good cheer and joy of the Lord in the no wrong feeling toward anyone, and especially toward

MARCH

115, 192.

Cfhe

WATCH TOWER

any members of the body of Christ, and put aside all

sin. See to it that no bitterness or wrath or anger is
in your heart, and thus be in a proper condition to
appreciate the fact that our covenant to be dead with
Christ means also a covenant to be dead with each
other, and to die with and for each other; to lay down
our lives for the brethren.
55Approaching the Memorial season is an appropriate
time for us to examine ourselves and see to it that we
are in the right condition of heart, having joyful fellowship with the Lord at this time.

89

69May that sweet reciprocal love exist between all the

members of the Church that is becoming to the house
of God; and may this blessed bond draw together the
little companies in various parts of the earth on this
day to recount and keep in memory God's wonderful
provision for the salvation of man, and particularly for
the Church; and to rejoice in the privileges that are
now ours, and to look forwara to that happy time when
our joy shall be boundless, when we stanl approved at
the right hand of our Lord before the throne of our
heavenly Father.

WHO MAY PARTAKE

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

66Some may be inclined to think, upon self-examination, that they are unworthy to partake of the Memorial
rmblems and therefore remain away. We think that
this is the wrong conclusion. The self-examination is
for the very purpose of sending us to the Lord that we
might be freed from spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.
If we have wronged anyone we should try to right it;
if we have done wrong before the Lord then we should
confess our wrong and ask the Lord's forgiveness. We
~hould ask in faith, remembering that the Apostle has
said: "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous," and, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins." For this reason, "let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need."-1 John 2: 1,
2; 1: 9; Hebrews 4: 16.
57The Memorial should be celebrated by all who have
fully consecrated themselves to the Lord, and who are
striving to walk in the narrow way. All such should
expect trials and tribulations, nor should they be discouraged when these Come but rather rejoice therein,
knowi ng that these tribulations are working experience
and these experiences are prrparing us for the reward.
All of those who have the witness of the holy spirit that
they are the Lord's will be anxious to meet together
with others that they may participate in the sweet
memories of the things which our Father and our Lord
Jesus have provided for us.
S8We may be hated of the world, and shall be if we
are faithful to the Lord. Instead of being disturbed by
this we should rrjoice: "Marvel not, my brethren, if the
world hate you." If we are of the Lord we will love the
brethren and want to assemble with them and keep in
memory our Elder Brother and all his great love exhibited for us. "We know we have passed from death unto
life, because we love the brethren." (1 John 3: 13, 14)
By this we shall know that we are of the Lord. All that
have the spirit of the Lord will be anxious to participate
in this Memorial.

What is the pivotal event In the plan of God? What Is thereby

made manifest? '/1.
What prompted Jesus to deliver us from death? What should we
keep in memory? 'I 2-4.
What was it that Jesus Instituted? What is the date of Its observance? '/ 5, 6.
How may we know that the Memorial Is precious to the memory?
,/1.
How did God forespadow the new creation? Of whom are Pharaoh
and his supporters t~'pes? And the first-born of Israel? , 8.
Whom did God. send to deliver Israel? How was it done? , 9, 10.
Who were typified by the first-bol"ns of Egypt and of Israel?
,/11.12.
What arrangement did God make to save Israel's 1Irllt-Dorn on the
ni~ht of the Passover? '113.
What do the death of the first-borns of Egypt, Pharaoh's waitltlt;, and the vanquishing of the Egyptian hosts In the Red Sea
typify? '/14-16.
What is the more important lesson? 'I 17.
Whom does the lamb represent? What remarkable thing did God
do to manifest his unselfish love for the world? ,/18, 19.
Did the sacrifice of Jesus cause the heavenly Father any heartaches? ,/20.
What does the blood of the antitypical Lamb guarantee? '/ 21.
What did the roasting of the lamb do? What was thereby pictured? '/ 22.
What did the bitter herbs and unleavened bread l"epl"osent, and
why? 'i 23, 24.
The Passovel" points forward, and the Memonal points backward,
to what event? The Memorial is what? ,/25.
What was the desire of Jesus respecting his disciples In the Memorial? 11 26.
Wh" t were the emblems used? What does each represent? What
01 the appropriateness of the wheat? '/27.
Eating means what? Did Jesus need to eat the emblematic bl'elld'
'/21-1.

What did Jesus declare the bread represented? To Whom Is it

first applied, and for what purpooe? ,/29.
What does the wine represent? The cup? '130,31.
"'hat d?es the scripture mean which says of Jesus: He "poured
out hiS soul unto death"? 'I 32, 33.
Conld Jesus have died instantly as the ransom-price? If so why
the suffering? '/ 34.
'
What was the cl"owning feature of the cup, and why? '135.
Wllat is the Father's plan concerning the Church? Does the cup
mean the same to Jesus' followers as to himself? '136.
Wha t does the cup signify to Jesus' disciples? '/ 37.
WI.lat .is th.e basis of the Christian's justification? In what does
JustIficatIOn result? '/ 38.
Is it necessary for each member of the Church to suffer for righteousness' sake? '/ 39.
What is the proof of discipleship? What Is the chief purpose of
suffel'ing'! ,/40,41.
How Is the highest degree of love exhibited? How should we esteem suffering? '/ 42. 43.
What is the only way to gain immortality? '/ 44,
Is It true that we have participation with Jesus In his su1fenngs?
,/45,46.
The participation in the cup leads to what? ,/47,48.
How did Je"us refer to the fulness of joy that wonld come at the
end of the suffering epoch? And have we measurably entered
Into that joy now? '/ !(l.
"'ho are they who can truly have great jo"y even now? '1150-152.
Is the Memonal season pre-eminently the time for searching out
llie Jea, en in our own hearts '! '/53-55.
,\
i, the purpose of self-examination of those who have the
hoi" 8pirit? '/56,57.
Should we be disturbed by ha tred from the world? What Is the
supreme test of our relationship to the Lord? , 118, 119.

"And SO beside thy sacrifice,

I would lay down my little all.
'Tis lean and poor, I must confess;
I would that it were not so small

"But then I know thou dost accept

My gratefUl ofl"ring unto thee;
For, Lord, 'tis love that doth it prompt,
And love is incense sweet to thee."

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR APRIL 16

tians. He appreciates the words of the Apostle that if

he suffers as a Christian he may have confidence that
the spirit of God that leads to glory rests upon him.
Having his heart's affections set upon heavenly things
he delights, then, to lay up treasure in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves cannot break through and steal or carry away. As his
riches of faith increase, his joy in the Lord increases;
and with confidence he looks forward to the time when
he shall dwell forever in the house of the Lord, beholding his beauty and inquiring in his temple.
At this season we are reminded how graciously the
Lord has provided that we, as his followers, may fill up
some of the sufferings left behind and afterwards share
his glory. He privileges us to be broken with him and
to pour out our lives with him. If our faith abounds,
and we continue joyfully to be broken with him and to
pour out our lives with him, we shall share the abundance of the riches of his kingdom as heirs of God
and joint-heirs with Christ Jesus. Hence the Apostle
says: "If so be that we suffer with him, that we may
be also glorified together." (Romans 8: 16, 17) As we
celebrate the Memorial of our Lord's death we look forward with great anticipation to the time when we shall
drink anew in the kingdom the wine of good cheer with
him, where there is fulness of joy and pleasures forevermore.

'God hath chosen the rich in faith, heirs of the lcingdom:-James :2: 5.

ICHES means to possess a thing in abundance; to

have a copious supply. Material riches are almost
always a hindrance to one faithfully following
the Lord's footsteps. Jesus said: "For \\ hcre your
treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew
6: 21) A man's treasure is sometimes in his reputation
amongst men. He enjoys this for a season; and maybe
within a day he lwcomes the object of ridicule, and is
in disgrace. His treasure may be in houses and land.
A calamity befalls him, and these are swept away. If
he has these material things in abundance his affections
are set thereon. He has no time for meditation about
how his condition may be bettered.
On the contrary, the man who possesses little of this
earth's material wealth, who is pinched with poverty,
subjected to trials and hardships, often turns his heart
to the Lord. Particularly is this true if he has a reverential mind. Hence the Apostle says: "Hath not God
chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs
of the kingdom?" It does not mean that a man needs
to be poor in order to be chosen, but he must possess
something 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 the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "the
secret of the Lord is with them that reverence him,"
TEXT FOR APRIL 23
and to them he will show his plan. Possessing such a
reverential mind, not having his affections set on earthly
"It is your Father's good pleasure to give you ths
things, the natural course will be to seek a knowledge kingdom."-Lulce 12: 32.
of the Lord.
Faith means to know God through his Word, to beMPERFECT man, with his limited vision and
powers of appreciation, cannot fathom the goodlieve that he is the great Giver of every good and perfect
gift, and then to rely confidently upon his Word. As a
ness of Jehovah God. He cannot even approximate
man with a reverential mind increases in a knowledge what real goodness means. Selfish men, at times, beof the Lord's Word, he will increase in confidence in it; stow favors upon others with the hope that such favors
and thus will his faith grow. When he has an abun- will result beneficially to themselves. This is said to be
dance of faith, a copious supply, he may be said to be doing good. Jehovah bestows his goodness upon his
rich in faith. If he becomes an heir of the kingdom creatures with no possibility or even thought of receivthese riches of faith must increase. 'rhese will increase ing any beneficial thing in return. The Psalmist beautibecause he continues to feed his mind upon the Word fully expresses it thus: "Oh how great is thy goodness,
of God, confidently relies upon the Lord's Word, and which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which
strives to conform his course in life thereto.
thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before
His treasure, then, is in doing the Lord's will, and in the sons of men I" (Psalm 31: 19) Again the Psalmist,
this he delights. There is where his affections are. He describing God's dealings with his human creatures at
consecrates himself entirely to the Lord, strives to grow different periods in the development of his plan, says:
in the likeness of his Master and looks forward with "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,
gladness to the time when he may be the recipient of an and for his wonderful works to the children of men 1"
abundant entrance into his kingdom. He appreciates -Psalm 107: 8.
the fact that Christ Jesus is heir of all things. He has
Five times within this one Psalm these words are
faith and confidence that he has been called according used. Each time, however, as observed from the original,
to God's purpose, and that he has the promise of being the expression applies to a different class. In verse eight
a joint-heir with Christ in the kingdom upon condition it refers to the Church; in verse fifteen to the great
that he endures patiently the trials that come to Chris- company i in verse twenty-one to Israel after the flesh,

110

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'fhe

91

WATCH TOWER

and in verse thirty-one to the world of mankind restored. The apostle Paul, concerning the goodness of
God towards the Church, which he desires to have, says:
"Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God
would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all
the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith
with power."-2 Thessalonians 1: 11.
God began to bestow his goodness upon the world
without man's knowledge. As the supreme sacrifice to
himsf'lf he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever
will believe on him might live. It was his goodness and
loving-kindness that permitted this. Then it pleased
him to draw to Jesus those who had a desire for righteousness and to show them the way, through Jesus,
back into harmony with himself. These he justified,
begat to the divine nature, and anointed to membership
in the kingdom. He began many centuries ago to prepare the royal family of heaven, the new creation, the
highest of all his creation. He prepared the plan and
developed it that in his own due time he might have a
kingdom that would restore the human race, establish
human society upon the basis of complete righteousness,
and give to the people a desirable and everlasting govemment of equity.
Instructing those who have the promise of being heirs
of the kingdom and joint-heirs of Christ Jesus in his
reign of glory, Jesus, as the spokesman of the heavenly
Father, says: 'It is your Father's good pleasure to give
you this wonderful kingdom.' Good pleasure means
that the heavenly Father takes a delight in bestowing
this marvelous favor upon the children of men. He digs

them from the pit and from the ndty clay, prepares
and shapes them for his own use, transforms them into
the likeness of his beloved Son and then sets them upon
the throne of glory with Christ Jesus the Head, to rule
and bless and uplift mankind. Truly the saints should
always sing: i'Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord
God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King
of saints."-Revelation 15: 3.
Seeing then the goodness of our Father bestowed upon
us, what an incentive to develop his likeness and extend
our goodness to others for the real delight and pleasure
of doing good! This means that such must possess
pure hearts. Concerning them Jesus said: "Blessed are
the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew
5: 8) That means an unselfish desire to do good unto
all, as we have opportunity, and to put that desire into
oppration, even at a sacrifice to ourselves, in order that
others might reap the benefit of it. Such ones are willing to endure persecution at the hands of the evil one in
order that they might develop the patient long-suffering
and loving characteristics of our Father, and will delight
to hear the words of the Master saying, "Blessed are
they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for
thC'irs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 10)
It is a delight to the soul of the Christian as he contemplates participating in the heavenly glories and knows
that this is granted to him, not because of any worth
of his own, but out of the great goodness of the Eternal
Father. Surely the Christian then may say at all times:
"Bless the Lora. 0 my soul, and forget not all his
benefits."-Psalm 103: 2.

RELATIVE VALUE OF ILLUSTRATED LECTURES

Chic-ago, where the illustmted lectures have been used for

several years. This test confirms my opinion that the use
of pictures to illust rate lectures may be very entertaining,
but not at all instructive; and that the results are very
small indeed.
A. H. MACMILLAN.
Yours in the Master's service,

DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

During- the Chicago Convention a discussion arose as to

the merits of using pictures to illustrate Bible lectures.
FOI' seyeral ycars some of thE' hrc-thn'n at Chicago haye hpen
uF'ing lantern slides and moving pictures to illustrate their
talks, and the brethren in this vicinity felt that many had
become interested in the truth as a result of these le;tures.
l\Iy thought was that pictures are very entertaining, but
not at all instructive. However, this view was not generally
accepted.
During the testimony meeting a canvass was made to
lean! how the ditIerent friends got started in the truth.
Tlj(~ result, as follows, was quite interesting to me, and no
doubt will be to you:
156 of those present became interested in the truth
through personal conn>rsation;
52 by purchasing books from colporteurs;
52 by receiving tracts distributed from house to house;
52 by hearing lectures of pilgrims and elders, without
slides;
35 by the influence of consecrated parents; and
2 through lectures illustrated with pictures.

This test was rather remarkable in view of the fact that

all of the friends attending the convention came
from within a radius of one hundred and fifty miles of
practical1~'

DE \R BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

'l'he eceJpsia at Gl'c-flt Falls, Montana, at the recent New

Year's 'Vatch, went on record unanimously as exptessing to
~~ou and to the SOCIETY at Bethel our I,pen apprt!ciation 01
your work and labor of loye this past year, and reaffirm
our faith in the Watch 'rower Bible & Tract Society as
the channel being used of the Lord in providing the meat
in due season for his hungry ones, and in proclaiming the
pn's('ncc of the King' and the announcement of his kingdom.
By the Lord's grace we are able t{) report complete harmony and unity in our little family of twenty consecrated,
and no drones. All elders have been elected unanimously,
and our s('rvice director shows total sales of 1,613 books
during the past year. Our determination [s to "keep on
keeping on" until our course is finished in death.
May the God of all comfort keep you faithful and continue to use you in the future as he has in the past.
Your fellow-servants by his grace,
GREAT FALLS (MONTANA) ECCLESIA,

W. Clavier, SecretfM'1l.

ELIJAH AND THE STRUGGLE WITH BAAL

--APRIL

13--1 KINGS IG: 29

TO

19: 21; 1

KINGS

21; 2

KlNGS

1:]

TO

:!: 12--

THE CONTEST BETWEEN JEHOYAH AND BAAL-GOD'S MAXIFESTArrO:,,/ TYPIC~\L-FA~lILY OF .\IL\1l llROL'GIIT TO JDDGMENT.

"No man can scrve tteo masters: . . Ye can/lOt seree God alld 1IIumllloll."-.llutihew 6: 24.

HID study for torlaY is the story of Elijah and his

contention with AiIab allli the priests of Baal for the
honor of Jehovah. Both Elijah and the great drama
on Mount Carmel, the ontstanding fC'ature of his sel'vice,
are unusually interesting as studies. But it is impossible to
get the instruction intended to be conyeyed in the record
unless it is seen that these things are set for types, that
"the man of God" may be guided; amI that this is spe('ially
true in its application to 'the servant of Jeho\'ah' (Isaiah
42: 1) of this day of the Lord's return. It shonld be understood that while it lasted the northern king-dom, which
carried the name of Israel, was God's representative kingdom rather than Judah. Hence the chief typical features
are to be seen in that kingdom.
21t was with very deep steps that the northern kingdom
descended into the vallpy of deg-radation. Jeroboam took
the first step with the worship of the calves and with the
degraded priesthood; and it was not long till Ahab, submitting to Jezebel's almost desperate energy, allowC'd the
worship of Baal to substitute that of Jehovah. The worship of the calves at Bethel and Dan was in itself a sin
against the second commandment; for in them Israel professed to have representations of Jehovah. But in accepting
Baal, they put Jehovah aside; for Baal was worshiped as
the giver of life and the powers of nature. This worship
was degrading and licentious to an unusual degree. 'When
Jezebel seemed to be getting all her own way, and Ahab
was enjoying the luxury of being king, and Israel were
qUickly losing sight of their inheritance, God raised up
Elijah the Tishbite.
8Elijah was a man of earnest mind, a diligent student of
the Word, a lover of God and his people. He saw that
Israel were settling down to the iniquity and abomination
of Baal, and that they were fast leaving the God of their
fathers. He had read what God had said that he would do
under such circumstances as then prevailed-that he would
send a famine in the land. (Deuteronomy 11: 16, 17) Elijah
deliberately prayed that rain might be withheld from Israel
in the hope that such a calamity might show that God was
displeased with their ways; and by this means also prove
that Jehovah was the God of nature, which Baalism denied;
and that he might bring Israel ba~k to God. Elijah appeared
suddenly on the scene, and declared to Ahab that there
should be neither dew nor rain except according to his
word. (1 Kings 17: 1) Here was mighty faith, with a sure
conviction that the Lord had sent him, and would honor
his word. He believed that rain and dew would cease at
his word; and that he would be the messenger of the Lord
to declare the time when rain and dew should again water
and refresh the iand. The dearth began.

their god to an;,wer by tire. Elijah derided them. He said:

'Of course Baal is a g;od, therefore if !Ie does not answer
he is either busy, 01' talking, or slccping: you should cry
much ioudpr if you would gain llis attention.' Elijah W:iS
merciless. 'fhe pripsls cut tlIelllselYes with knives to supplicate Baal and to obtain ackno\dedgment. But in answer to
glijah's prayer, at the time of the e\'ening sacrifice fire
callle down from lwaypn anll burnt the sacrifice Elijah
offered; it also burnt the altar and licked up all the water
with which the sacrifice and the altar had been drenched,
thus manifesting that it was not ordinary fire. The people
saw that Baal was nothing, that they had been humbugged
by the priests of Baal.
sGod proved !limself that day; and by answering Elijah,
acknowlcdged him to be his prophet. The people cried:
"Jehovah is God," and readily agreed to l~lijah's command
to slay tlIe priPRts of Baal; and four hundred and fifty
priests met sudden death. Elijah, believing that the time
for rain had come, prayed earnestly that it might be given.
(James G: 18) Ill' saw that God was about to answer, and
he warned Ahab. Soon the rain came down in to'lTents. As
that wonderful day was closing in, Elijah, with "the llUnd
of the Lord upon him," ran before the chariot of Ahab all
the way from Carmel to Jezreel, a distance of fourteen to
sixteen miles.
6Jezebel was at Jezreel, and Ahab related to her all that
had been done that day. She sent to Elijah, saying, "So let
the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as
the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time."
(1 Kings 19; 2) The Lord had led Elijah to the den of the
tigress; for the Prophet needed to realize his weakness.
At Jezebel's word fear came upon Elijah, and he fled for
his life.

GOD'S MANIFESTATION TYPICAL

TElijah went south, perhaps by natural impulse, but surely
because his goings were overruled of the Lord. When he
got to the edge of the wilderness at Beer-sheba he left his
servant and, miraculously fed by the angel of God, made his
way to Horeb the mount of God. There in the mount where
his great predecessor Moses had been before him, God
manifested himself to Elijah as he had done there to Israel.
There were the storm, the earthquake, and the fire, the
same phenomena that Israel felt and saw. (Exodus 19: 1619) Elijah also he'dI'd the voice of God, not then as when
all the people heard, but in a still small voice, or as a gentle
breeze. In answer to God's question, "What doest thou
here, Elijah?" he rather complainingly replied that he alone
remained faithful to God, and that he had bad to flee for
his life, thus almost intimating that God had not been so
faithful in protecting his servant as he had been towards
God. God gaye him no comfort; for the servant had left
his work just when God was bringing it to a conclusion.
He was continued in service; not, however, to carryon the
work he had begun, and from which he had fled in fear,
but to go back and anoint in Damascus a king who was to
harass Israel. He was sent to anoint in Israel a new king,
who was to destroy the house of Ahab; and to anoint
Elisha to be prophet in hIs room.-l Kings 19: 15, 16.
sit is impossible for the Bible student to think other than
that the steps of Elijah were guided to Horeb. Nor can he
avoid comparison between Moses and Elijah in their communion with God at Sinal. Perhaps Elijah got to the same
cleft of the rock where God placed Moses when he passed
by. Both these men are forever associated in the purposes

THE CONTEST BETWEEN JEHOVAH AND BAAL

.In the time of famine which followed, Elijah was speclally preserved, first at the brook Cherith on the east side
of Jordan, and later by the widow of Zarephath. After
many days-both our Lord and James tell us it was three
and one-half years (Luke 4: 25; James 5: 17, 18)-the
Lord's time had come for bringing matters to a crisis.
Elijah was sent to meet the king. This he did, and was
challenged by the king as the troubler of Israel. Elijah
replied that it was he, the king, who was the troubler of
Israel; and he challenged the king to a decision as to
whether Baal or Jehovah were God. The king agreed, and
the well-known scene on Mount Carmel resulted. The priests
of Bn.! placed their S.B.crifice ready, but called in vain upon
92

MARCH 15, 1924

rrneWATCH TOWER

of God; but Moses at Sinai was a pleader for God's people,

and Elijah complained.
9Why did God manifest himself to Elijah thus? The
answer is, Elijah reprE'sentcd the Church of God in commission for service and for a special work; and God would
show by these things how his work would be accomplished.
This was seen clearly by Brother Russell as long ago as
1898. (See preface to Volume VII) That interpretation
served to guide him, and it has guided the Church. No
doubt it also signifies that only when the storm, the fire, the
earthquake have passed will the revelation of God be clear.
lOElijah returned, but did not carry out his commission.
He anointed TlPither Hazael, Jehu, nor Elisha. But he
sought out Elisha, and found him plowing in his father's
fields. Passin,g by him, Elijah cast his mantle over Elisha.
The young man apparently took this as a call to go with
Elijah to serve him; but the action meant much more to
Elijah than that. Elisha ran after Elijah to say that he
wouid come immediately; but Elijah answerE'd: "Go back
again: for what have I done to thee?" (1 Kings 19: 20)
Apparently he was not seeking to have Eli;,;ha as a disciple.
But Elisha killed his yoke of oxen, boiled their tIt'sh with
the plowing instruments, and made a feast for the people, and
then went after Elijah, now gone, and became his servant.
FAMILY OF AHAB BROUGHT TO JUDGMENT
11In respect to Elisha, Elijah in part did what he was
told; but he appears to have been unwilling to let the work
go out of his own hands. After this, there is no record of
any work done by Elijah. He would serve the Lord as
opportunity afforded, and would surely try to find and help
the 7,000 whom the Lord knew, who had not bowed the knee
to Baal. The Lord had not at all discredited his servant.
Elijah knew what had been said to him, and the wililng
would rC'ceive him as the Lord's prophet. Some years' work
in this quiet way had its elIect; for Israel was checked in
its madness: no more is said about Baal in Elijah's days.
12God had further purpost's to serve. The family of Ahab
had to be brought into judgment, and time was necessary
for that. The matter of Naboth's vineyard showed Ahab as
in no way reformed, but continUing in his selfish and
wicked way; and by it Jezebel was revealed as altogether
!1;iven up to evil. To accomplish her dt'sign she did not
hesitate to have Naboth acew('d of blasphemy against
Jehovah, whose name she had eudt'avored to banish from
the miluls of Israel. Ahab was very ready to take possession of Naboth's vineyard; for on the day following the
murder he went down with all his retinue to take it. It is
remarkable that two of his young officers who rode with
him then, and who heard Elijah's denunciation and sentence, should be Jehu, and Bidkar, who later was JdlU'S
captain. Thus these were witnesses to the Prophet's words,
and afterwards executors of the sentenc~in Ahab's case
partly transferred to his son because Ahab showed some
signs of remorse before the Lord. (2 Kings 9 : 25, 26; 1 Kings
21: 29) One other commission was given to Elijah. He
was sent to meet the mt'sst'lI!1;ers of Ahaziah when on the
way to Ekt'on of the Philistines to inquire there of Baal
Whether or not he would rceover from his accident, which
is evidence that Elijah's work had been effective in Israel.

"But lo! upon the evening air

Was heard the Prophet's voice In prayer:
'0 Lord, the fount of fire ullseal;
As thou art God, thyself reveal.'
That prayer so earnest, so intense,
Went up with faith's true eloquPllce;
And wingl'd from heaven with rushing flame,
The suppliant's awful answer carne.

95

lSThe end of Elijah's ministry and of his life carne with

a wonderful manifestation of God's favor. He was taken
away in a whirlwind while he and EUsha were walking
together, expect ing the end; for both knew the time had
come. He shares with Moses the honor that God alone
knew the place of his burial. But Elijah was a man of sign
or type (Zechariah 3: 8, margitn) , and this dramatic end
was to tell, in due time, when the work of God as represented by him should end, and that to be done by Elisha
continuing the work, should commence.
UNo doubt, there was a purpose to put a test upon Elisha,
upon whose shoulders the mantle of Elijah had alrendy
rested, (1 Kings 19: 19) Probably It would be true to say
that on occasion no bolder spirit is to be found amongst
the servants of God than Elijah's. But Elijah serves to
give another illustration of the fact that when we are
strong we are weak, and that a man's wf'akness is found
associated with his strength, Perhaps Elijah was somewhat
carried away by his feeling of strength: certainly when
Jezebel threatened he forgot that God was with him.
15The name I~Iijah means "Jehovah is God." No doubt
his name greatly affected his life; for certainly he had a
clear vision of the fact, and that was his witness to Israel
on Mount Carmel. It may be that he felt when he had
been the means in God's hands of bringing Baal into
derision, and as Jehovah had proved himself as God, that
his work was for the most part accomplished.
Ib'l'he Church has now passed from the Elijah phase ().f
service; but it is not to be thought that all its Elijah witness is over, Many yet believe in the power of Baal, and
much destruction is yet to be seen. And certainly there will
be attempts to intimidate the Lord's faithful servants who
carry the message of present truth. They, taking the Lord's
words to Joshua (Joshua 1: 9), will go forward in his
work till their part is done.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What is the outstanding feature of Elijah's experiences? Why Is
this feature so attractive to the Church? Why were the chief
typical features carried out in the northern kingdom-Israel? 'Ill.
When was the worship of Jehovah completely set aside, and by
whose iufluence? 'II 2,
What were some of Il..,ijah's characteristics? What did he deliberately do? 'II 3.
How long was the drouth? Who was right in the counter charges.
Ahab or Elijah? How is this shown? 'II 4.
What did the people cry? What did they do at the command of
Elijah? 'II 5.
What was the word Jezebel sent to Elijah? What did he do? 'II 6,
How did God manifest himself to Elijah '! What was Elijah's mistake? What was he now commissioned to 1I0'! '117.
With whom is Elijah associated in the purposes of God? 'II 8.
What is signified in the means emplo~'ed by God to manifest himself to Elijah '! 'II 9.
Elijah cast his mantle over whom? What did Elisha think about
it? What did Elisha then do? '1110.
How did Elijah show a little selfish trait? Did God discredit his
servant? '1111.
Were Ahab and Jezebel unrepentant and unreformed? Who were
the young officers with Ahah when he went to po""ess :Kaboth's
vineyard? What other commission had Elijah? '1112.
How did Elijah's career end? What honor does he share with
Moses? Ii 13,
What do Elijah's boldness and his fearfnlness serve to teach
us? '1114.
What does "Elijah" mean? I-To\\' lllay we make a plausible excnse
for Elijah's weakness '! 'Ill:>.
As the (,hurch has pussed the Elijah phase, does this Imply that
the BliJah witness IS over? '1116.

"The astonished people in amaze

Shrink from the preternatural blaze,
Then falling on their faces cry:
'The Lord, he is the God most high !'
In every age, and everYWhere,
'fhe burden of the Prophet's prayer,
Though not of fire or vengeful sword,
Shall win an answer from the Lord."

ELISHA: TEACHER AND STATESMAN

--APRIL

2Q.-l KINGS 19: 15-21; 2 KINGS 2

TO

10,

AND

13: 14-21--

ELISHA ACCOMPANIES ELIJAH-ELISHA SEES ELIJAH CARRIED AWAY-ELISHA FINISHES THE ELIJAH WORK.

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with goaa."-Roman8 12: fl.
HE study for today is very closely related to our last
lesson. Elisha was so dUl'erent from Elijah in character and methods of service that it was natural to
think of the one as representing the Church in the Gospel
age, and the other as representing the Millennial blessings
Which are to follow. Now it is clearly understood that
their work was one, and that Elisha took up and completed
the work which Elijah had begun.
2We are told little about the communion of these two
men save of that on their last days together. We know that
Elisha followed Elijah immediately he was called, and that
he ministered to Elijah; in later days he was known as the
one who "poured water on the hands of Elijah." (2 Kings
3: 11) After Elijah fled from Jezebel, the great work of
destroying the worship of Baal could not be continued; for
the people would have little confidence in a man who had
failed to believe that his God could keep him. Ahab continued his idolatry; Jezebel continued as before.
IAfter calling Elisha, Elijah would certainly endeavor to
make as much use as possible of the recent events. At the
time of his death we know that there were schools of
prophets in Bethel an<;l Jericho, and evidently in several
other places. Many of these young men and their parents
would be of the 7,000 who had not bowed their knpes to
Baal; and we may safely assume that during those days
Elijah started a number of these schools, the prototype of
the Berean classes of our day.
At Horeb Elijah told the Lord that he was the only
faithful one left in the land; but Gorl knew of Elisha,
worthy even to wear the prophet's mantle. It is not proper
to assume that the 7,000 had lacked in faithfulness; probably they lacked only a leader. Elijah had been out of
sight all the time of the famine, and after Carmel he had
fled. Elisha immediately proved himself as soon as he got
the strange but definite call. His promptness showed that
he had both that good quality and earnestness; also his
wiIllngness to become even a personal servant is wholly to
his credit; for evidently his home was a comfortable one.
(1 Kings 19: 21; 2 Kings 3: 11) We know nothing more of
Elisha until the day when he and his master were separated.
When the time came that Elijah must relinqUish the
prophet's mantle, all the schools of the prophets seem to
have known of it. Evidently there was a time question
then; as seems always the case where there is an Elijah.

ELISHA ACCmIPANIES ELIJAH

&When in Gilgal where, probauly, there was a school of
the prophets, Elijah said: "Tarry here, I pray thee; for
the Lord hath sent me to Bethel." (2 Kings 2: 2) TIlUt
there was something unusual in Elijah's rpquest was evident; for Elisha refused to let his beloved leader go alone.
He realized that the end was near, and he wanted Elijah's
parting blessing. 'I'hey went to Bethel. 'Vhen there the sons
of the prophets said to Elisha: "Knowest thou that the
Lord will take away thy master from thy head today? And
he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace." (2 Kings 2: 3)
Elijah again made the same request of Elisha, sa~'ing that
the Lord had sent him to Jericho. Elisha again refused;
and there the sons of the prophets said the same thing. At
Jericho once again Elijah apparently tried to turn Elisha
01'1'; but Elisha would not be parted from his master. The
incidents of the journey had made Elisha certain that Elijah
was about to be taken away, though how he could not tell.
It must have been evidpnt to these schools that Elijah was
paying a valedictory visit to them.
94

6There seems no good reason for thinking that the "today"

at Bethel and .Jericho should be taken so literally as to
mean that all the events recorded on this occasion happened in one day. The journey from Gilgal to the mountain
side beyond Jordan would probably amount to thirty-five
miles or more, much of it over hard mountain roads; and
the two delays at Bethel and Jericho would take considerable time. At the river brink Elijah took his mantle,
wrapped it, and smote the waters, which divided while they
two went over on dry ground. Then, as if the moment of
separation were at hand, Elijah said: "Ask what I shall do
for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said,
I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: if thou see
mp taken from thee, it shaH be so unto thee; but if not
it shall not be so." (2 Kings 2: 9, 10) They still went on,
talking as they walked, when a chariot of fire and horses
of lire parted them asunder; and Elijah was carried away
by a whirlwind.
7Elijah's remark shows that Elisha's request came unexpectpdly. Probably the text does not give the true thought;
the marginal reading seems better. Elisha could not ask a
hard thing for God to give, for the giving was Jehovah's;
but the request was hard on Elijah, as the margin has it,
"Thou hast done hard in asking." Why did Elisha ask this?
SometilIlPs the question has been answered by saying that
he sought the first-born's rights, desiring thus to be distinguishpd from the sons of the prophets. But that could
not be so; for already, at his call, the Prophet's mantle
had been on his shoulders. It was because Elisha had a
true view of the circumstances. For reasons which do not
appear, except as they may be associated with the fear
which had seized him, Elijah had not fulfilled his commission given at Horeb, when God gave him an extended opportunity of service. Both these things, the anointing of Jehu
and of Hazael, were sure to precipitate trouble; for he who
dill them would be accused of both treachery and treason.
Perhaps Elijah still had fear on him. Elisha, of course,
knew that these parts of Elijah's commission still remained
unfulfilled; and he forpsaw the possible consequences. He
therefore asked for double of the spirit of Elijah in order
that he might not fear, and that he might stand when the
work was being done.
ELISHA SEES ELIJAH CARRIED AWAY
sIt was a hard thing to a;-;k; for Elijah could not but
feel in the request that Elisha had his failure in mind;
and even in the asking Elisha proved that he already had
courage. But there was also compliment or grace in his
request; for none knew better than Elisha what Elijah
had done for the Lord. In response Elijah continued the
test which Elisha had put on himself, as if he would try
his fidelity. He said: "If thou see me when I am taken
from thee, it shaH be so unto thee; but if not it shall not
be so." Here was a closer test.
9Elisha had said that he would not leave Elijah; but
now the test was whether or not he would be so watchful
under any circumstances as to see Elijah go. Elisha was soon
put to the test. Right on them came the chariot and horses
of fire. To see the chariot stop and to watch Elijah get in
would be an easy thing; there would be little test In that.
But the chariot drove at them rather than as stopping for
a passenger. Each moved aside to let it pass between them,
and they were parted asunder. The chariot sped on. Was
Elisha's attention so taken by this new, strange thing that

MARCH 15, 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

hb C'ye had uf'en divC'rted from his beloved master? No.

Elijah as if to take care of him, he saw Elijah
call~ht by a whirhyiOlI allli carri"d awa~', "and he saw him
no more," Fiery chariots might come and go; but to him
Elijah was the dwriot of Israel and the horsemen thereof,
amI so he crieLl.-2 Kings 2: [J-12.
lWhat can these things mean in antitype? That the
Elisha class refuse to have their attention drawn from thPir
purpose of beill~ fully (,lJllivvetl for the work of the Lord,
and that strange proYid('lIC"es are not allo\ved to distract
that attention. Also, only those Who "see" the change from
the Elijah phase of the Lord's work can have the privileg-e
of carr~'lng on the Elisha IJhase of that work. The 1ier~'
chariot took neither the one nor the other; it served to
divide them.
llWhen Elijah had passed from sight, Elisha picked up
the mantle which represented the office of prophpt, and
retraceLl his steps to Jordan, now to put to the test whether
or not God was with him as with Elijah. He smote the
\\-aters, saying, "Where is the God of Elijah?" (2 Kings
2: 14) The waters pmt('d, God thus shOWing that Elisha
was his prophpt. Elisha was now soml'what embarrassed
by the apparent sincerity but persistency of the prophets oE
Jericho, who wanted to search for Elijah. Elisha knew that
Elijah had gone, and that he had been given Elijah's worl;:.
Therefore he knew that it was foolish to search; also he
knew that their request was really a non-acknowledgment
of his office, and that they preferred to have Elijah-hence
his emiJarrassment.
12Elisha stayed in Jericho a little while and healed the
brackish waters there. When he was leaving .Tericho and
going up the hill road to Bethel, some of the young men of
the city went out after him and derided him, saying, "Go
np, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head." (2 Kings 2: 23)
They rUdely signified their pleasure in his going, and derided him as if he carried no signs of being the successor
to the well-known Elijah. Elijah had long hair and looked
his office; Elisha was bald at the back of his head, so the
Hebrew word shows. The young hoodlums poured contempt upon him. He turned and cursed them; that is, cut
thpm off from the favor of God. Forty-two of them were
torn by two she-bears which came out of the woods. Elisha
had begun to ha Ye his trials; his right to his office was
questioned. But those who opposed him had to suffer for
their opposition; for God would show who was his servant.
'Vatchin~

ELISHA I<'INISHES THE ELIJAH WORK

130ur lesson is named "Elisha, Teacher and Statesman."
Teacher he was; but he was not a statesman as that term
is properly undE'rstood. He made no attempt to direct or to
interfere with the policy of the leaders of the kingdom. It
Is true that he directed the king to certain advantages to
be gained; but it is also true that he anointed Hazael of
Syria to be king in Damascus, welI knowing that he would
prove a dangerous and hurtful enemy of Israel. Elisha's
ministry was one of moving about amongst the people,
directing their attention to Jehovah, as opportunity served.
He was much with the sons of the prophets (2 Kings 4: 3841; 6: 4-7), who avparently were engaged in the I'ervice of
Jehovah, probably in the work of instruction, doing the
work which God originally intended to be done by the
prlests.-Deuterollomy 24: 8; 33: 10.

"0 ye that stand for truth and God,

Trust not your mortal sight!
Fear not the thronging multitudes;
Fear not their marshalled might.
One soul In panoply of heaven
Is stronger than their host.
tl'he cause which God befriends cannot
Outnumbered be, or lost.

95

HIt was while engaged in this ministry that the Shunammite saw Elisha frequently pass her home. (2 Kings 4: 9)
Agreeable to her husband a room was provided for Elisha
whenever he should pass, and he often used the hospitality
so generously given. Seeking to reward her, at his servant's
sug~estion Elisha promised tbat a son should be born to the
now aged husband and this large-Ileal'ted woman. The chlld
was born; hilt when he was about four years of age, following his father into the field, he was smitten by the
iJlazing sun. Elisha was appealed to, and in turn he prayed
to God, and the little fellow was given back to his mother.
Soon after this Elisha warned the Shnnammite that a famine was about to come, and that she suould go out of the
district. She went into the land of the Philistines. On her
return seven years later she found her land occupied. She
appealed to the king. Just as she approached, Elisha's former servant was rl'lating to the king the story of the raising
of the child, and he cried: "My lord, 0 king, this is the
woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life."
(2 Kings 8: 5) So struck was the king, so timely the appeal,
that he ordered that she should have her house, her land,
and whatever profits had been made from the land during
her absence. (2 Kings 8: 6) Here are two pictures beautifully showing God's plan for the restoration and restitution
of the human family, its salvation from its sorrows and its
distress.
15AbQut this time Ahaziah of Judah joined Jehoram ot
Israel in an attack on Ramoth-Gllead. (2 Chronicles 22: 1-5)
Elisha, who had previously anointed Hazael of Syria, and
who now was distressing Israel, now saw that the time to
anoint Jehu had come. He acted quickly. Jehu acted as
promptly, and within a few days the house of Ahab was
destroyed. Within a short time all the priests of Baal, the
temple of Baal, and the worship of Baal were destroyed
out of Israel.-2 Kings 10: 28.
16Elisha's work was done, but he continued to serve.
He died in a good uld age, faithful to the interests of
Israel and to Jehovah.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What was the former tllOught relative to Elijah and Elisha as to
typical features? What did Elisha do as the Lord's servant? '11 1
Why could not the destruction of Baai worship be completed? '11
Who started the schoois of the prophets? Who evidently attended?
How were these a prototype of present-day Berean classes? 11 3
Why couid Elijah thi~k that he was God's only servant? What
were the probabie cIrcumstances of Elisha? Why was there a
"time" question then? '11 4.
What piaces did Elijah and Elisha visit together? What were the
circumstances of Elisha's going along? 'II 5.
Were all these places visited in one day? What remarkable thing
did Elijah now do? OJ 6.
What is meant by "thou hast asked a hard thing"? Why did Elisha
ask for a double portion of Elijah's spint? '11 7.
Was the .requ~t a delicate one, slightly embarrassing to Elijah?
How did Elijah reply? OJ S.
What was the harder test now put upon Elisha? How did he
meet the test? OJ 9.
What is the antitypical significance? What Is the importance to II.
of the word "see"? Did Elijah get a chariot ride? 1110.
What did Elisha now do? How did God acknOWledge Elisha as Ilis
prophet? How was Elisha embarrassed? 11 1l.
With what impoliteness did some of the young men address Elisha?
What did Elisha's curse amount to? OJ 12.
Wa~ Elisha a teacher? A statesman? Where did he spend much
of his time? '1113.
What beautiful story is woven Into the life of Elisha? How are
the two pictures-restoration and restitution-shown? '11 14.
What Hents now transpired showing the termination of the Elisha
work? '11 15, 16.

2:

"Celestial hosts muster their ranks,

Waving on high their swords;
Voices of God, voices of heaven,
Speak throug-h their burning words.
Brigh ter than fiaming chariot,
Stronger than fiery horse,
All heaven is marshalled on your side.
God and the Universe I"

1I1ternational Bible Students A~sociation Qasse9

liecture~

dnd StUdl<:.3 by Traveling Brethren

BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Skyland. N. C_
Apr. 1
Asheville. N. C. ._.............
2
Morristown, Tenn.
___"
3
Greenville. Tenn.
4
Bristol. Tenn.
6
Wytheville, Va
7,8

East Radford. Va
Roanoke. Ya
Chfton Forge. Th.
WaynC>lboro. Va. ..
Dayton. Va.
Berryville, Va.._..... ...

Apr. 9
'. 10
13
14
15
16

Rochester. :-.I. Y.
Pprry. ;-';. Y.
Buffalo. N. Y.
rronawanda, N. Y. ._
Kla~ara Falls, N. Y.
Lockvort, N. Y. .

1
3
4
6
7
8

Superior. Wis. ._
Proctor. lIlinn.
'1'\\"0 Harbors, Minn.
Duluth. Min.n.
SuperIOr, WIS
Hibbing, lIlinn. .

Apr.
.,
.

-----

9
10
11

:: 13.

"

14

E,therville. Ia.
::-;1l11erior, la. ._ _
1..,oe Mills. Ia
.
IJt~S .Moines, lao __ .
('ambridge, Ia.
Coon Rapids. Ia

BROTHER B. H. BOYD

~~~~R;t;a.Ga~".:':.~:.':.'.'.'.'.'.'.'....'...\ ~r. ~

Tborfl80n, Ga.
Boneville. Ga
Vearing. Ga.
Augusta, Ga.

~_ .._

__ ..

"

.,
4
()
7

1
2
3
4
6
7

Gn~t1ne,

Tex

..Apr. 2
"
3
4
6, 8
7

"

. Apr.
9
Enterprise. lIliss..
\YaYllc",lJoro, .~\liss.
" 10 11
'13
('01 umbus. ]\[ISS. .
\\'c"t Point, 1\11S8. _ .
14
15
A !H'l"(1een, :Miss. .
"
McCool, )Iiss
__
..
16

BROTHER H. HOWLETT

rr.1e~~h~I<~>0:..::::::::::::::::....... ;i

BaJ berton. O.

..

K,'nt. O.
Fleedom,
AI,ron.
O O

.'. T\r.
~
__ .. 11.13

__

~n~~;;:.~~ o~ ..::::::::::::::::::

Louisville. O.

..

~~

16

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
1
Virgelle, Mont. ...............\nr.
" 2,3
Chinook. Mont.
4
Tampico, l\lont
-- ..
H
Wolf Point, Mont
----..
7
poplar, :Mont ._
::
9, 10
Bonetrall. N. D
.

A"ondale, )Iont

__ .Apr.
..

Outlook,

~Jont

Hp:-.t'1"\

.:\Jont.
_.

"
_. "

Dore, K. V
Miles City, Mont

..

Froid,

t'

~\l.)l}t.

:l

()

Kirkman. Ia._
Apr.
II
Omaha, Neb.
.. .. 10,13
EXira. Ia.
..
11
Little SIOUX. Ia.
..
14
Wall Lake. Ia.
..
16
Hed Oak. Ia._............. .. 16. 18

Brandon, ~lan
Apr.
Qu'Appelle. Sask.
..
Hl'g"lna, Sask
_"
Moose Ja,v, Susko ._._._"
CII,lplin. Sask.
Helbert, Sask
"

11, III

16
16, 17
18,20
21. 22
23

Albany. Ore.
..
~rarion, Ore
__ . ._
Salem, are.
Falls City, Ore.
Dallas, Ore. .__ .. _._._.. _. .__
:\lc)I1nn\'ille, are

\ :~". }

:3
l
(j

"

Poptland. Ore
Yancouver, \Vash
Portland. Ore
Bend. Ore
Pendleton, Ore
Hermiston. Ore.

.Apr.
I
"
II
..
10
.. 13,14
"
16

-----

18

Waukegan. Ill
Des Plaines, Ill.
Park IUdge. Ill.
Joliet. Ill.
Geneva, Ill.
Aurora, Ill.

Apr. 1
2

4
6
7.8

E1"ln. Ill
_
_
Apr.
:\farengo, Ill.
Bpi videre. Ill.
"
Hopkford. Ill.
FI'l'(']Jort, Ill. _.................
llulmque, Is. ._.._.._.........

II
11
13
14
16
18

ITannilJal, 1110.
Modill. )10.
lll1tledge, Mo. . ..
Wheeling, lIlo.
Chillicothe, 1Il0. ..
Hopkins. 1110

..

.~ 01'.

1
2
3
...6
"
7
8, 9

St. .Joseph. Mo
Apr.
10
Inllerendence. 1Il0. "'''' ..
11
Kan"aR City, 1\10
' .._. " 13.111
Spkkard, Mo
..
14
Joplin, 1110. ._
..
18
Koel. 1Il0
..
11

BROTHER T. H. THOnNTON

Orono, ant
Apr.H, Hi
O,hawa. Onto
..__
"
16
If:1I11111on, Onto _._____
lS,:'W
BomB"" Ille, Onto .. _..
~1" ~~
St. Catharines. Ont .
.. '. -'%
Xiagul'u Falls, Onto
:25, ~7

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER

Lorain. O_
__
.. A!~l. ~
EwleYjrlil.an'::tOon.
0
...-....................
3
;,;

..

BROTHER W. .T. THORN

Holan,l. Ark
__
\pr.
10
lIot
Sjlrin~",
IIomun,
AI'IL _Ark....
_
_. " 11,13
14
llonald"on, Ark
_...... ..
Hi
Little Hock, Ark.
._
"
16
St. Louis. Mo
__
18.20

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE

Zona La
\nr 1
Fols~nl, La
_ _
__ ._
:!,3
Slidell La
__
__
4
New drleans, La..._._ _."
6
Picayune ~liss
_. __ "
7
Vosburg. :>1Iss
__
8

14

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

Purmela. Tex
Apr. 10. 11
Y'aco. Tex.
. ..
13
Ee;an, Tex
" 14. 15
Cleburne, rrex. _.__ _._.. "
16
Weatherford, Tex...
17
Fort Worth. Tex. ........ 18.20

----

Montreal, P. Q.
AI;r. 2.3
Iroquol8. Onto
.........
4
Brockville, Ont.
0,7
Kingston. Onto .__
8.9
Belleville. Ont.
.. ..
10
Trenton, Onto __ _ __ " 11,13

I
~
II
10
"
_.._. " 11,13
_ _"
13
Apr.

BROTHEl{ R. L. ROBIE

Watonga. Okla
\, ,..
8
Oklahoma City. Okla.....
9.10
Minco. Okla.
~1
3
Chickasha. Okla
.
lIlinco. Okla.
..
14
Oklahoma City, Okla
" 15.16

BROTHEIl M. L. HERR
O.ark. Ark._
__.__ A.l~r.) ~
Laomvearr!'AArkrk .-....................-_","t
D
Russe Ivme, Ark
6
Havana, Ark. __._ _
" 7,8
Danville, Ark, __
_............
9

..\)\1'.1.3

Xf'\ pton, l\Iall

__ ._ _ \pr. 1
l'()rta~e La PraIrie, ::\Ian. " ~. 3
n~lpl(l City, :t\lan.
l, G
~Il-Connell. Man. ...
7
llanllota, l\IaIl.
8
C, audall. Man. ......
9

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Kempner, Tex.
San Anlfelo. Tex.
MIles. Tex.
Brownwood. Tex. .
Brooksmith. Tex.

._"

Batavia. N. Y
Xewark. X. Y. ._
.~"hul'll. N. Y. __
HYl'acuse, N. Y
Hot'hester, N. Y
o~\\ego, N. Y.

BROTHER C. ROBERTS

.\nr
S
Elko. S. C.
9,11
Challeston. S. C
.
10
Ridi';eland. S. C
.
13
Flot ('uee, S. C. . __
.. 14.1:)
l\'"ew. Brookland, S. C.
10
Greenwood, S. C....

BROTHr:R J. W. COPE
Ada. Okla
' "I'
Stratford. Okla.
Purcell, Okla.
Chickasha. Okla.
Lawton, Okla. ._................
Hinton, Okla
"

2
3
l
G
7

BROTHER V. C. RICE

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Vulcan. Mich.
. ..~pr.
Manistique. Mich
'.
Sault Ste. Marie. Mich.........
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont......
Marquette. lIIich.
Bruces Crossing. Mich. .
"

.\ '11' I

..

11.12
13.14
I;', 16
17.18,20
21.22
24

Oltawa, Kan.
..
Lane, Kan. _.
__
Gal'nett, I{an. _. __ ._
Paola, !{all . . .
_
1Il0und CiIO'. Kan.
Fort Scott, Kan.

\"1'.1

3
4
6
7

Pittsburg. Ksn
Apr.
I
Scammon, Kan.._ _._.
"
9
Parsons, Ka.n.. _.._.._..'.
" 10,11
Independence, Kan
"
111
Coffeyville. Kan
"
14
Augusta, Kan. ._
..
111

-----

BROTHER J. B. WILLIAMS
Bridgewater. N. S.
..\ pl'. 1
Halifax. l". S.
~. :1
Brookfield. N. S.
..
Stellarton. N. S
"
()
Lonl':" Hill. N. S
" 7.8
Whitney Pier. C. B.. N. S."
9

Sydney. N. S
Apr. 10. 111
Glace Bay, N, S.
11.13
Pictou. N. S.
US
~{()j' ..(lJUrn, N. S ._._ _ "
16
Charlottetown. P. E. r." 17,18
Amherst, ~. S
"
20

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
Tamaqua, Pa, .~_._
.__._. .\nr 1
Pottsnlle. Pa.
2
Shamokin, Pa __ .__ .. _.
_" 3
KorthurnberJand. Pa.
4
Danville. Pa.
6
Sunbury, Pa
" 7

S ,"It nsgro\'c, Pa
Apr.8
~Ic(']ure. Pa
_
" It
LewistowIl, Pa,
_. .. " 10
('ol('~ Summit, Pa. ._
__: " 11
York, Pa
" III
Baltimore. Md
13

CONVENTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BY BROTHER RUTHERFORD

Kew Bedford. ~Iass.. :\Iar. 23-Secretary: W. W. Greaves, 25 SocialS"
'l'hcre will be a local con\'ention lit Philadelphia. Pa., Marell
28-30. with a number of l'ilg1'lm brethren in attendance, and co..
cluding with a public lecture by Brother Rutherford. For IntOl"lllao
tion address Geo. G. Calhoon. 6019 N. 10th St. Philadelphia. Pa.

rOL.

XLV

No.7

SE"llI-l\IONTHLY

Anno l\fu:1di 6052 .- April 1, 1924

OONTENTS
THE CHRISTIA~'S S'nn;~GTH _..._.. 99

raith, Prayer, Loyalty

of Rest! tution

llC;.!.lllllill:,!

.~_

_
_..__._.__.__.__._

99
_l 0 1

~~(\';~~;)(~l:':~r~Tl~~ __ ~~~~_~~~~~~~~~~~::::~:::~::::::::::::::::::::::~--- }~~~

i.;~~; 11: ~ ,;~: ::711~_~~~.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::-~ ~)-~

Pn \., :.J: :'.II~I:l'I:i\G T:cx'l' CO~Dll:~ l'S ._________________

LE'! J'J:lL -; FIlO'I AFIELD.
...... _
Urolllf'r Fisher 'l'cmporarlly \YltlHll':l\v:;; __ _
A",lS A:-;O HOSEA PLEAD FOIl It.G.trr:OL~:-;E~S

t 0.1
107
lU7
lOS

TIn; .\~SYJLlAN EXILE OF' I~Il u;,

110

CONVL~l'ION OF' COLORlm FRIE:-;DS

W ATell

TOWER BEREAN STUDY

RADIO RECEIVING SETS _____

_.. _

9S
9S
__ .98

"I u-ill stand upon m1/ watch and will set "'1/ foot
vpon the Tower, and "'ill watch to see what He will
.oy lInto me, and what ans,I'('r I shall make to them

'hut oppose me."-IlubuHui.

2 1,

Upon ~,h" c'.nth dhtress;f na.tions wit~ perplexity; the sea and the waves (the r~st1eBsf discontented) roaring; mrn's hearts failing.them fo! fear un,l f2J. 108' ~~.
the thm~". (',)Tl!l'\'~ ','-" !i t,bp Pluth (soCIety); for the powers of the beavens (eccles1asbcsm) shall be shakC'n.... Whf'n ye see th'se thIngs begIn to ~oJY'P 0 nR~ -'-hen
know t u,- L:"! 1._ ',- 1, ,J (,c Cod IS at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemptIOll draweth nlgh.-l\.fatt. 24:33; Mark 1')
},,-?1.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", DOW being
presented in aU parts of the civlHzed world by the WATCH TOWBB BIBLE'" TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "ror the Pr0motion of Cbrlstian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet In the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of Its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's pUblisbed STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and ve;:y
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Yerbi Dei Minister (V. D. lIf.), which translated
into English is Minister of God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some thls feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stsnds firmly for the defense of the Only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] tor
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and prec;Aus stones (1 Corinthians 3: J 115; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which ,has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed",-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly \\ hatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom ~ranted unto us to understand his utterances. lIs attituue is not dogmatic, but contident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure prOIllise~ of God. It is held as a trust, to oe used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbulld~ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
l'eaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference Is constantly made to facilitate such testing,

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

':rhat the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's R'!deemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, throug-h which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3; 10, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3; 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman WIll oring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the mceting place between God and men throughout
the Millellluum.-Revelation 15: 0-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for everll
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world", "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2; 0, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as his joint-heir.-l John 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church Is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop In herself every
gmce; to oe (;ou's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.-Bphesians 4: 12; Matthew 24:
14; HeveJation 1: 6; 20: 6.
Xhat the hope for the world lies in the blessing-s of knowled~e and opportunity to be brought to all by Cbrist's :llillennial kine:dom, the
restitutlon of all toat was lost in Allam, to all tlJe wilfin~ and obedient, at the banlls of their Hedeemer and his glorified church,
when all tbe wilfully wicked will oe destroyed.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 35.

CONVENTION OF COLORED FRIENDS

WATCM TOWER. BI BLE &- TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BROOKLYN, NY~ U.SA'l
FOmJlON O.'.'ICEH: jJ/ltI811: 34 ('raven 'l'errace, Lancaster Gate,
London W. 2; (Jun""""l' 38-40 IrwIn AvenlJe, Toronto, Ontario;
Al/stralasi"n: 495 ('olin" St.. Melbourne, Australia; South African:
6 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PLEAH>] AllllllE3S THFl SOCIFlTY IN EVERY CASE.

The Colored friends will hold a convention at St. Loui,;,

Mo., May 29th to .Tune 1st. inclusive. Pil~I'im Brother Dnnks
will be in attendunce. l.'or further information address
Brother W. 8. Squire, .Jr., 2ROfi-a Morgan St., 81. Louis, lIlo.

WATCH TOWER BEREAN STUDY

YEARLY SUBSOIUP'l'ION PRICE: UNITED STATFlS, $1.00; CANADA

MiD MiSCELLANEOUS FOREIGN, $1.50; GREAT BlllTAIN, AUSTllALASIA,
AND SOUTH AFRICA, 7S. American remittances shOUld he made by
Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Bank Draft. Canadian, British,
South African. and Australasian remittances should be made to branch
ojJices only. Remittances from scattere~ foreign terrttory may be made
to the Brooklyn office, but by International Postal Money Orders only.

Quite frequently we have a let"ter from 11 class, stating

that they have a special nprean study on the leading article
in 'l'HE \VATCR 'l'OW~~R, aml reporting a great blessing from
tlw study. We reeoIIlmend such a study, helieving that it
will be helpful to all who partidpate in it.

Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision

of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee lire: J. ],'. HUTIiE1WOIW.
W. E. VAN AMBURorr, J. HEMERY. R. H. BARBER.
Tenns to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students Who. by reason of
old age "r other inl11"ll1lty or adversity. are unable to pay for thig
joul"llal, will be ~uVVlIerJ free if they send a postal card each May
stating their case and requesting such provi~ion. We are not only
Willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
in touch with the Rerean studies.
Notice to Subscribers: 'We do not, as a rul,'. spud a card of aclmowletl/;ment for R renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indir:lted withiu a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrap)!'r lalwl.

RADIO RECEIVING SETS

A number of friends have written the SOCIETY concerning
the purchase of radio receiving sets. This is to ad,'ise that
the Socn:TY does not manufadlTe them nor sell them, but
several brethren in different parts of t he country are doing
this and furnishing sets to the frientis at reduced rates.
The SOCIETY cannot and is not handling them because it
cannot engage in any commercial business.

(Foreign translations 0/ this journal appear in several languuqcs)

Entered as Second

cia." Malt"" at B,ooi<lyn. ';:N~Y~P:=os~wcffi;Cc~e=.,=A~ct""o=;f"'Ma~T=C';"h=3=Td":='8;:=v=9=.

BETHEL HYMNS FOR MAY
4 1:1:;
:11. 305
18 252
5 :.!!l;'
1~
52
19 267
6!H
13 :306
~O
81

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Weclnesday
Thursday
1 1flO
Fridny
~ 31:1
Sntr;rday
3 24

7
8
9
1.0

2.:)
30:3
178
286

14 lon
15 3:n
1.6
6
17 326

~5

~7

8;;
202
221

21 311

~8

117

~2

~9

~3

~4

330
]54
208

~6

I! I.GSA. BEREAN
By ,vieans of

S'rupy IV: "'rIlE MEDIATOR-THE UNDEFILED ONE"

STUDY Y: "TIlE MEDIATOR-I,PHJ l'XTO HIS BRETHREN"
Wt>ek of May 4. . .Q.22-27 Week of May 18__.. _.. Q. 1 - 7
Wt'el' of May 11 __ .
.Q.28-33 Week of Nay 25.....-.-----Q.8-14J

128
30 186
31 244

BIBLE STUDIES

"The At.onement"

Question books on "The At-one-ment," IOc postpa.d

&1M!ATCH TOWE~
PRESENCE
AND HEJRALD OF CHR~STS

:\0.7

APRIL I, 1924

VOL. XLV

THE CHRISTIAN'S STRENGTH

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."-NehemUih 8:10.

PRAYER

HE detailed eYents mentioned in the Bible in

6Nehemiah was a man of prayer. Realizing his dependence upon the Lord, he often went to God in
prayer. His prayers were not long. He did not tell
Jehovah what should be done about everything, as some
do; but with a proper attitude of devotion he often
expressed the model prayer: "Think of me, my God,
for good."

counection with man evidently are recorded for

the purpose of encouraging the members of the
Church. God has a purpose in everything he does, and
there seems to be no other reason why this record is
made. In support of this position we have the positive
words of the inspired Apostle: "For whatsoever things
were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope."-Romans 15: 4.
2The words of our text were spoken by Nehemiah, a
man who served God with a pure and unselfish heart.
The circumstances leading up to the utterance of these
words are important.
3The name Nehemiah means "comfort of God." His
experience shows that he was true to his name. He was
a man of strong character; yet he fully realized that he
needed comfort from God, and he received it because
he asked in faith. He appreciated the privilege of comforting the people of Israel with the comfort wherewith
God had comforted him. In this connection we can say
that no man can be even content, much less satisfied,
aside from Jehovah. God's servants have always recognized this, and have sought to obtain this consolation.
A man may appear strong in the eyes of others; yea, he
may at times feel strong in himself; but quickly he
realizrs that he needs comfort from the heaYcnly Father,
and this he receives if he seeks it in the appointed way.
::3oon all the pcople will realize the fact that all consolation comes from the Lord, and will fully turn to him.

WISE

6The knowledge which God had permitted him to

acquire, Nehemiah used according to the divine rule.
This made him wise. A wise man is one who appliee
his knowledge according to the divinely appointed
standard. Nehemiah held an honorable position. Ha
was chosen by the king as his counselor. It was, therefore, his duty to advise the king upon matters of importance when requested so to do. He acted with prudence
and discretion, whether about the affairs of the king or
engaged in matters which he understood God would
have him do.
ACTION

TNehemiah was a man of action. Having once determined in his mind that a certain thing was to be done,
he set about to do it in no uncertain manner. He was
neither slothful nor imlifferent. He was energetic and
zealous, whether following his vocation or his avocation.
LOYALTY

sWhen put to the test Nehemiah proved his loyalty to

God. He was beset by false brethren of his own nation,
he was vilified by his neighbors, he was the object of
scorn and derision at the hands of his enemies. Yet he
permitted none of these, in any manner, to swerve him
from the path of loyalty and devotion to God. On the
contrary the adverse action toward him only spurred
him on to greater determination and to deeds of valor
in doing the will of God.
DAll of these qualities of character the Christian can
consider and copy with profit. They were recorded in
the Holy Writ for this purpose.

FAITH

4Nehemiah was a man of faith. He was familiar with

the Scriptures. He believed God, and evidently relied
upon him. Amidst all of his trials, separation from his
native land and people and the home of his fathers,
with a position of trust and importance under a heathen
ruler, he always trusted in Jehovah. Not only was he a
man of faith, but he was a faithful man, because always
loyal to God, rendering to his employer all to which the
employer was entitled, yet he never forgot to be loyal
to his God.
011

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HISTORICAL

lLong prior to the happening of the events here

recorded, Israel had been carried away captive to Babylon. That captivity had now ended. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel the temple had been rebuilt and
some work done on the walls of Jerusalem. The king of
Babylon, at the instance of others, had issued a decree
stopping the work. Some Jews had returned to J erusalem. Nehemiah remained in Babylon, filling his position as counselor to the king. Information was brought
to him from Jerusalem concerning its dilapidated condition. He greatly loved his people, and dl'sired to see
them established in the land of their fathers. Upon
receiving this information, so greatly was he moved
that he sat down and wept. He fasted and prayed. For
nearly four months he continued to pray, thus demonstrating his faith in God.
lIThe occasion arose for his presence before the king,
in performing his official duties. His countenance appeared sad. He was sad of heart. Notwithstanding that
appearance before the king with a sad countenance
subjected him to the most severe punishment, yet he
could not hide his depressed condition. Being pressed
by the king for the cause of his grief he immediately
lifted his heart to God in prayer that he might now
find favor in the sight of this man. (Nehemiah 1: 11)
Addressing himself to the ki: :~ he said: 'Why should
not I be sad, seeing that thc city of my fathers lies in
waste and the walls thereof are consumed by fire?'
(Nehemiah 2: 2) Thereupon he made request of the
king that he might go to Jerusalem and rebuild the
city and the walls. His petition was granted. A letter
of authority was issued, appointing him Provin\: ,1
Governor. He was furnished with building material,
granted a military escort and sent on his way to build.
That must have been a joy to his heart. Most men of
this world who have amounted to anything have been
builders. This rule seems to apply to everyone of the
ancient worthies mentioned in the Bible.
ENEMIES

Arriving at Jerusalem Nehemiah did not tell his

business to anyone-another evidence of his wisdom.
In silence he went about to view the work he had in
mind. He did this by moonlight. Then he called together the leaders of Israel, and laid before them plans
for work to be done. It was necessary then to act;
therefore necessary to disclose his purpose to some others. He appreciated the importance of enthusiasm in
anything. He made a speech before them, telling them
how the hand of God had been manifested toward him
and also of the king's words. His fellGw countrymen
were so moved by his speech that they said: "Let us
rise up and build." Action began immediately, and
continued enthusiastically until the work was completed.
13Nehemiah's enemies appeared, scoffing and mocking
at him, and accusing him and his associatcs with rebd12

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

lion and sedition. This is a favorite charge that the

devil and his emissaries always use against God's pl'ople.
To this charge Nehemiah replied: "'1'he God of hea\'en,
he will prosper us; therefore we his servants ,rill arise
and build; but ye have no portion, nor right, nor
memorial, in Jerusalem." Thus he showed his abiding
confidence in the Lord. Then Nehemiah's enemies
entered into a conspiracy to fight against him and
hinder the buil(ling. Immediately Nehemiah went to
the Lord in prayer. Not only did he pray, but he set
a watch against the enemy day and night, and continurd
to work. Then he armed his men, and placed each one
at work in a position nearest his own residence. ll~
went amongst his men, and for their encouragemellt
said: "Be not afraid of them: remember the Lord
which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren,
your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your
houses." (Nehemiah 4: 14) He and his men continued
to work with their instruments of war by their sides,
never for a moment bemg dismayed by the threats
leveled against them.
14The enemy even accused Nehemiah of appointing
preachers to preach in Jerusalem: "There is a king in
Judah." (Nehemiah 6: 7) The purpose was to show
that Nehemiah planned a rebellion. They tried to get
Nehemiah to leave the work and meet in some other
town for a conference; in other words: 'Come, let m
talk it over.' Nehemiah knew his own business and said
to them: "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot
come down." (Nehemiah 6: 3) Then some false Jews,
who pretended to be brethren, tried to induce him to
quit work and go into the temple, upon the theory that
this would protect him from his enemies. To this Nehemiah replied: "Should such a man as I flee? and who
is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple
to save his life? I will not go in." (Nehemiah 6: 11)
Nehemiah was there for action. He knew what he had
to do, and went about doing it.
15In course of time the wall was completed, and all
the people wrre gathered together to hear the reading d
the Law. As they listened to the Law the people wept.
Nehemiah said unto them: "This day is holy unto our
Lord. Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is
your strength."-Nehemiah 8: 10.
16To some it may appear that the events concerning
Nehemiah referred to individual character building. It
is quite clear that this is not the purpose. God deals
with his Church as a whole in a picture like this. The
events recorded concerning Nehemiah seem fitly to foreshadow some of the experiences of the Church; and
when we view them thus, we have cause to be encouraged.
IN BABYLON

11'1'he work of Nehemiah was preceded by the work

of Zerubbabel, who had received the commission to rehuild the trmple. He had proceeded with this work,
awl many of the Jews had returned to Palestine.

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21Restitution began in 1874. Some have had difficulty

ill seeing this, replying that they do not yet see restitution. Restitution is not confined alone to the restoring
cl' man to his original statc of perfection. Jesus mid:
".Elias [meaning Elijah1 truly shall first come, and
rcstore all things." (Matthew 17: 11) Elij ah pictureu
the work of the Church on this side the vail, done under
the leadership of the Lord's faithful and wise servant.
There 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. (C120) The Church has been doing a rrstoration
work under the supervision of the King, Christ Jesus;
and now all the great fundamental truths long hidden
from view have been restored.

2".\s these have bern gathered out from Babylon and

unt,) thr Lord, and have associated with other brethren,
joy has filled their hearts. They see and unuerstand
that God's love for the world is so .<;reat that he provided, through Christ Jesus, the redemption; and that
this redemption must be available for all mankind.John 3: 16; 1 Timothy 2: 5,6; Hebrews 2: 9,
24As the vessels of truth arc ri'stored, the Lord's
people heard and appreciated justification by faith;
and this brought joy to their hearts. (Romans 8: :\:\,
34) They hf'gan to appreciate the high calling, to perceive that the called ones are invited to joint-heirship
with Christ Jesus in his kinL 'am for the purpose of
accomplishing good for man, not merely to go to heaven
for a selfish reason. The Abrahamie promise was not
understood; but the Lord through his faithful and wise
servant restored this great truth to his r- 'pIe. It fillerl
their hearts with joy. Then it was that the Church
began to understand that the purpose of the seed of
Abraham id to accomplish restoration blessings to mallkind and to establish in the earth for the benefit of the
people a government that will bring prace, joy, liberty,
life and eternal happinl'ss. The restoration of these great
truths brought to light God's purpose to restore mankind, which had been foretold by all the holy prophets.
25How true that the first real thrill that a Christian
has, when coming to a knowledge of the truth, is
restoration! 'I'll(' 1.0rd foreknew this, and foretold it
in these words: "When the Lord turne<l again the captivity of Zion, we wcre like them that dream. Then
was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue
with singing: then said thcy among the nations, The
Lord hath done great things for them." (Psalm 12(;:
1,2) It was the restoration of these great truths after
Zion had returned from Babylon that filled the mouth
of each with laughtr and the tongue with singing;
and all the time this joy has been a strength to allY
one who has really had the truth.

RESTORED WITH JOY

THE WALL

22Consecrated Christians in Babylon, hungry and

famishing, loving righteousness and hating iniquity,
have since 1874 been gathered into the fold of Ood.
'1'11eir coming has been with joy. In the eyes of the
world these were disreputable and black. The Psalmist
pictures them in distress, longing for relief. "In my
distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. . . .
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in
the tents of Kedar! :My soul hath long dwelt with him
that hateth peace. I am for peace; but when I speak,
they are for war." (Psalm 120: 1-7) Thus the Psalmist
pictures the Christian in Babylon, desiring to be gathered to the Lord. Then says the Psalmist, as the mouthpiece of the Christian: "I will lift up mine ryes unto
the hills, from whence cometh my help. :My lwl Jl cometh
from the Lord, whlch made heaven and earth."-Psalm
121: 1,2.

26The rebuilding of the ,mIl round about Jerusalem

by Nehemiah forC'shadowed the work of the Church in
restoring and proclaiming the truth for a purpose. 1t
sccms specially to represent the Chureh from and after
1918. A wall represents a protection to those inside.
Therefore the holding forth of the truth, as foreshadowed by the rebuilding of the wall, may be said to be
for the following purposes:
27 (1) -As a protection to the people of God, who are
in Zion. Since they are certain that they have the truth
concerning the kingdom, it serves as a shield and protcctlOn from all opposing influences.
28 (2) It serves as a testimony that God has a people
on l'al'th ,1"110 are in his favor when all thillgS clse are
crumbliug into ruin.
29 (3) It "en es as a testimony vindicating the llonor

18Prior to 1874 the Church for a long time hau been

ill bondage to Babylonish ~y~tems. That year markeu
the second presence of our Lord and the beginning of
the regathering of his people from Babylon. That was
the first work to be done after the return of the Lord.
"(}ather my saints togethrr unto me; those that have
made a covenant with me by sacrifLCe." (Psalm 50: 5)
1lay after day, year after year, the Lord has gathered
some unto him"elf.
l"Without reference to dates, the rebuilding of the
house of the Lord in Jerusalem pictures the gatlH'r;lI,'~
of God's people together out from Babylon. The restorillg of the vessels to the tpmple pictures the rrstoration
of the great fundamental truths of God's plan of sahation. Jesus foretold that he would have a sprciaUy
appointed servant to superintend this work. lIe prvviucd such a servant who carried out his instructions.
2When we can understanu that the Lord nEed men
of old to picture a work to be done by the Church as 11
whole, then we call have a keener appreciation of God's
C<lre for and dealings with the members of his house
of sons.
BEGINNING OF RESTITUTION

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me WATCH TOWER

and dignity of God; while others, claiming to be Christians, are denying the Lord.
80 ( 4) It is a further testimony that the present evil
order is of Satan and must fall before the onward march
of the :M:essiah.
31 ( 5) It is a testimony against the enemies of God
that he will have the victory, will establish his kingdom,
and will establish society that it cannot be moved.
B2These are some of the interests of the kingdom
which the King, as the direct Hepresentative of Jehovah, has committed into the hands of his people. This
is the most honorable position the Church has yet
occupied this side the vail; for it means to take an
uncompromising stand against all opposing the Lord
and his kingdom. Those who do it with a zeal befitting
the Lord's house will be thrilled with the joy that it
brings.
COMFORTERS

Y.

ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John

15: 7) Again, he said: "That if two of you shall agree
on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it
shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
(:M:atthew 18: 19) Do you believe it? If not, put it to
the test some time with a friend. Our devotion must
be to the Lord and to his cause. 'Then we shall ask in
accordance with his will; and thus doing we shall receive that for which we ask.
8It is not inappropriate when we go to the Lord in
prayer to ask him to remember some of the things that
we have done to his praise, as did Nehemiah. We can
pray: "0 my God, remember me for good." Nehemiah
prayed for service. He prayed that he might find favor
with the king in order that he might go to Jerusalem
to rebuild the wall. The members of the Chureh now
are building, and in bringing the truth to the people
should pray for wider opportunities of service. Of
course if we pray for a thing, we should try to obtain
that thing insofar as it is possible for us to obtain it.
We must have persistency in prayer, not willing to
present one petition and leave it there. Nehemiah
prayed for four months for one thing. Did you ever
pray for months for opportunities of service, and then
have that prayer answered by the Lord in opening the
way for you to enter the service?

33Everything that we see Nehemiah doing relative to

the rebuilding of the wall, foreshadows something that
the true saints arc doing or will do; and a knowledge
of these facts should greatly encourage each heart.
Nehemiah was a comforter. He comforted his people.
The truth, fully established and tenaciously held, is a
means of great comfort to the members of Zion. Each
one, therefore, should see to it that he tries to bring
WISE
comfort ~o the other members of Zion and particularly
37:M:en
of
this
world
are
not wise. Worldly wisdom
to all ,rho mourn and who seck and desire to be comis
fooli~hness
in
God's
sight.
(1 Corinthians 1: 20)
forted. That this is the correct conclusion we read:
"messed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Knowledge conceming God's plan and his purposes,
Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all com- applied according to his standard, makes one wise. In
fort: who comforteth us in all OnT i ribulation, that we order to grow wise it is necessary to know God's Word
may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, and to love it. For this reason St. James advises us to
by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted pray for wisdom and tells us that God will give it
liberally.-James 1: 5.
of God."-2 Corinthians 1: 3,4.
38N ehemiah examined the city by moonlight. He was
FAITH
silent while he was doing it. A wise man lays his plans
84As Nehemiah was a man of faith, so each one of before he acts. He loads his gun before he shoots. Most
the builders in Zion must have faith in God, in Jesus, people talk too much. Th:, divine rule is: Do not talk
and in the divine provisions made for their nerd;::. They too much. "A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise
must have flith that be Lord is guiding and doing his man keepeth it in till afterwardf'." (Proverbs 29: 11)
work in his mm g00l1 ,ray; that he has madc provision He keep' his counsel until he has accomplished his
for all the needs of the Church, and supplies those needs purpose. "Wisdom rcstdh in the h art of him that hath
at the proper time. '1'hey must know God's plans and understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools
is made known."-Proverbs 14: 33.
rely upon his promises. Such constitutes faith.
39Some who think that they are wise make fools of
PRAYER
themselves by meddling in other people's business. One
85Prayer is a great privilege enjoyed by the Christian. who would be wise should remember that 'God hath
Each member of the Church must appreciate the privi- placed the members in the body as it pleaseth him.'
lege of prayer. Nehemiah was a man of prayer. Each (1 Corinthians 12: 18) It is the business of each thus
member in Zion must be. To pray does not mean that placed to perform the duties assigned to him. He should
one must spend all his time on his knees. Hcalizing his not try to do the other man's business. Each one should
dependence upon the Lord, each builder in Zion must study to be quiet and do his own business. (1 Thessalive a life of prayer. Each one must pray with confi- lonians 4: 11) "It is an honor for a man to cease from
dellC'e of receiving aid in time of need. Jesus said: "If strife: but every fool will be meddling." (Proverbs
'Ie abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall 20: 3) Those who meddle in others' affairs suffer for
0

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it. They get no credit for that kind of suffering.1 Pdcr -to: 13.
4uIf one has a place assigned in the harvest work, he
should do that, and not get in the way of the other one
,\ ho is trying to work. Nehemiah assigned each man to
his work, and there each worked. The Lord is directing
his own work. Let each one do his very best to please
the Lord in the work that is assigned to him. Do not
i,.et and worry because somebody else will not do his
rart. The Lord is able to take care of each one who
does not prove faithful. The lesson for each of us to
I-am is to be diligent about the business of the Lord
t hat has been committed to us. And let us rcmembcr
that if efficiency is good in worldly business, thc very
best grade of efficiency should be applied to the Lord's
business. Anything that is worth doing is worth doing
well, and not only well but the very best that can be
done. The king's business requires energy, perseverance,
efficiency, and loyalty.
ACTION
41N ehemiah was a man of action.
Every Christian
ean learn a lesson from this. "Not slothful in business;
rbut] fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." (Homans
12: 11) Fervency in spirit means real action. Some
who claim to be wholly consecrated to thc Lord reach
the conclusion that nothing is required of them but to
appear sanctimonious, look wise, hold their hands, do
nothing, and pray all the time. Prayer is proper, but it
must go with adIOn. No member of the Church can be
a builder in the house of the Lord, nor in the reestablishment of the trl1th, unless he is a worker. "Seest
thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand
before kings." (Proverbs 22: 29) Thc Christian's business is the busine::;s of the King. We would infer from
this text that one who is negligent of his business is not
likely to stand before the King. He may go to sleep,
and sleep so long that the light will pass on.
42The policy of Nehemiah was to enlist all of the
people in the work. The policy of Christians should be
to get everybody that is a cOllSPcratcd child of God into
the work of proclaiming the message of the King and
the kingdom. That is what Jesus mpant when he said:
"Pray ye therefore the Lord of the htL ,'pst, that he will
send forth laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9: 38)
To have the proper consideration of the kingdom will
so enthuse one that he could not become idle. 1 he
does become idle he will lose his enthusiasm.
43Nehemiah put cvery man to work as near as possible to his own residence. Each man then felt that he
was working for those near and dear to him; therefore
each had a personal interest in the building. We believe
the Lord would have everyone of the workers feel a
keen, personal interest in his kingdom and in the interests of that kingdom committed to him. We believe
that is why he stated: 'Well done, good and faithful
servant, you have been faithful over a few things; now
I will give you something to do.'-Matthew 25: 21.

ARMED

HNehemiah armed his men and put them to wor~,

with th~ir swords by their ~ide. This \\ as for the purpose
of fighting the enemy. We are not left in doubt as to
what this really means. S1. Paul, with boldne::,s, said:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in
the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of
God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of
the devil." (Ephesians G: 10, 11) The word "finally"
shows that St. Paul intended his wonl to apply to the
Church when nearing- the end of the conflict. Weare
th~)re now. The word "devil" here is not limited to a
creature with hoofs, horns and pitchfork. It means
Satan's organization, visible and imisible, which is pitted against the kingdom of Messiah; and it is a war
unto death. St. Paul plainly shows this in verse twelve.
Jesus corroborates it. (Revelation 17: 14) Then the
inspired Apostle describes the armor that the Christian
must wear, and particularly shows that he must be an
adept in wielding the sword of the spirit. It is important to keep in mind against whom we are to fight.
-Ephesians 6: 12.
45Frequently there is trouble in classes amongst professed brethren in Christ. They fight against each other.
They form separate classes in the same town, to the dishonor of the truth and the kingdom. They think that
they are serving the Lord. They are not. There is no
division in the body of Christ. Nehemiah, instructing
his men, said: "Fight FOR your brethren." He did not
say: "Fight against them." There is strength in unit.v
of action. Chrisians are strong when they fight for each
other under the banner of their King.
4GA simple illustration may help us to understand
this point: Four strong, vigorous bulls fed together for
many days in the same green pasture. They were always close together. An envious lion lurked in the
underbrush near by, and watched them. He was afraid
to attack the four because they stood together. He set
about to awaken jealousy among them, and succeeded
in doing- this. The bulls soon separated, and went to
different parts of the pasture. Taking them one at n
time, the lion attacked and killed all of them. Thll
moral is that Satan is lurking about to destroy tll:!
members of the Church. While they stick together, lw
cannot do it. If he can cause jealousy among them and
war among them, he can succeed. Do not help the devil.
Fight for your brethren.
41After Nehemiah was attacked by his enemies he
prayed to God. S1. Paul says: "Praying always with
all prayer . . . for all saints." If during the final conflict you are praying for all saints you will not be
fighting against some of the saints. It is inconsistent
to pray for a brother and, at the same time, to fight him.
48N ehemiah's enemies ridiculed him, scoffed and
mocked at him, and threatened him. None of these
disturbed his loyal devotion to the Lord. He respo'1ded:
"The God of heaven will prosper us; our God Eh~U

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fight for us." (Nehemiah 4: 20) He showed his reliance upon and his devotion and loyalty to God. The
builders in Zion now are not to fear nor be dismayed.
Where there is perfect love there can be no fear. Perfect love means complete loyalty. To the Ohurch St.
Paul says: "Fighting shouluer to shoulder for the faith
of the Good News. Never for a moment quail before
your antagonists." (Philippians 1: 27, Weymouth) Let
each one remember that "if God be for us, who can be
against u~?" (Romans 8: 31) The loyal ones must now
be in the heavenly army, following the Oaptain of their
salvation; these are pictured by his vesture dipped in
blood, which means the body members' loyalty unto
death. (Revelation 19: 11-15) These loyal ones will
stand before the King and stand with him, victorious,
in the kingdom. (Revelation 15: 2,4; 17: 14) There
will be no disloyal ones in the kingdom.
JOY IS STRENGTH

'9The wall of Jerusalem, once completed, aroused the

ire of the enemy. It was an offence to them. 'l'hen the
people assembled to hear the Law read.
6Today the wall of truth is erected in the earth. The
great fundamental truths of the Bible are definitely
restored by the Lord, and are held forth by his faithful
followers. It has become very offensive to Satan and his
cohorts, to wit: the unholy trinity. The world has
begun to know that there is a people on earth who dare
stand for the Lord, fearlessly proclaiming his message.
While it is true that these great truths arc restored;
yet it is necessary for the kingdom class to hold them
forth and proclaim them to the world until the Lord
says: "Enough." They read and hear the law of God,
as contained in his Word, which means the rule of
action governing the new creation; and that law directs
activity on their part. When the people were assembled
to hear the Law read by Nehemiah and his associates,
they wept. Nehemiah said to them: "This day is holy
unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; f01' the joy of the
Lord is your strength."
61Today, as the message of the kingdom is being proclaimed, there are some who claim to be faithful followers of the King, who weep and exhibit sorrow because they think that things are not going just as they
should, ,yhen measured by their own stanuard. They
murmur, finu fault, complain. They have failed to
receive the joy of the Lord. But, thanks be to God I a
majority of the saints have entered into the joy of the
Lord; and today they can say to each other: "This day
is holy unto OUR Lord; the joy of the Lord is your
stren~th." The King is in his temple. They recognize
it. These can appreciate that the things written aforetime were written for the benefit of the Ohurch. There
comes to their ears the sweet message, thundering down
through the corridors of the ages: "The jay of the
Lord is your strength." They lift up their heads and
look up. They even shout for joy.

JOY

62What is that joy? The Church is pictured by Virgins Fair, the prospective bride of Christ. The Lord is
the Bridegroom. He promised to return anu take unto
himself his bride. The Prophet shows that the Lord
would joy over her. This is one of the joys of the Lord.
But it is not the only one. Centuries ago Jesus saw
humankind plunged into uegradation, suffering, and
death. He was invited to undertake man's recovery.
His Father began the development of his plan to establish a kingdom or government of righteousness, through
which he would restore man and establish society that
it cannot be moved. Jesus must first go through the
deep waters of death, be resurrected to the divine nature,
assume the office of king, set up his kingdom, and then
accomplish the divine purpose with reference to man's
restoration.
530ur Lord has now come, and has assumed authority,
and is dashing to pieces Satan's empire. It must be a
tremendous joy to his loving heart that the time has
come for beginning the rclease of man from the great
oppressor. He invited his bride to participate in this
joy. Every true Ohristian's heart is thrilled with the
thought and the hope that the kingdom of righteousness
established in the earth will bring to man a perfect
government, in which justice will be done to all, and
in which love will finally become the great motive power
that will direct the actions of each human being.
540nc who really catches the purpose of the kingdom
appreciates the fact that he has not received the truth
for a selfish reason, but that he has been admitted into
the house of the Lord in order that he might participate
in administering blessings to others. Each one also
appreciates that this is the time now to vindicate the
name and character of Jehovah. Great is the joy in
so doing.
ENTHUSIASM

MIt would have been exceedingly difficult to build the

wall at Jerusalem, under the conditions existing, had
there been no enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is a great factor
in any enterprise. Let every member of the Church
now be inspired and moved with enthusiasm in participating in the announcing of the kingdom. Hold not the
truth in selfishness, but rejoice in the fact that the truth
is for mankind. Appreciating this, each one will participate in spreading the truth, either by word of mouth or
by the printed literature.
56The Lord has graciously provided books, booklets,
tracts, and magazines in many languages for many peoples, kindreds, and tongues. He invites his people to
use these in advertising the King and his kingdom.
Oatch the enthusiasm, and go forward with the zeal
peculiar to the Lord's house. This joy will be a strength.
It will make everyone who has it invincible to any
darts the adversary may fire against him. If you have
not the joy that you think you should have, take your

APRIL

I, 1924

1M

crneWATCH TOWER

arm full of books, and go call on your neighbors and

tell them about the kinljdom. Do it enthusiastically,
and see if you do not have th2 j ,y of the Lord. Hemember his words: "It is more blessed to give than to
recrive." (Acts 20: 35) Remember again: "Freely ye
hare received, freely give."-Matthew 10: 8.
51Behold, the day of deliverance for the Church is at
hand! The time for the world to be relieved draws
nigh. Therefore "rejoice in the Lord alway: and again
I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4: 4) The Lord indicated
what would be the heart sentiment of those who participate in the last work of the harvest, those who stand
firm in the line of battle, reprcse'l1ting the King and
IllS kingdom. These are pictured as singing, one to
another: "Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of
the Lord, which by night sland in the house of the
Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless
the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth, bless
thee out of Zion."-Psalm 134: 1-3.

Give another example of Nehemiah's wisdom. What is necessary to

accolllplish the succeRS of any project or l'nterprise? '112.
Wllat was the accusatlUn made again,t Nchemiah? How was it
recel\"&I'! 1I0w did he hack up his faith in God? '113.
To what cunning chicanery did Nehemiah's enemies resort? HoW
was it mct '! '\114,
Did l\ehemiah's work merely foreshadow character building? , 15.
16,
Why were many of the Jews already in Palestine? Where was the
t:lllIrch prior to 1874? What has been tho work since then?
~

17, IS.

The rebuilding of the house of the Lord in Jcrnsalem, and the

re'toring of the vessels of the temple, picture what? '119,20.
Restitution began when, and what kind of restitution was it? '121.
How does the Psalmist picture the Christian in Babylon, and also
tho Christian's desire to flee out of Babylon? ~ 22.
Why does the Christian have such joy On his deliverance from
eaptivity? , 23-25,
The ['ebuilding of the wall foreshadows what? It has special appU<alion after what date? And what Is the purpose'l 'I2G-:l2.
In what way was Nehemiah a comforter, and what lesson is there
in this for us? '\I 33, 34, 13.
What is onc of the great privileges of the Christian? What should
"c pray for? '/ 35, 36,
What is the best thmg one can say of worldly wisdom? How may
we attain true wisdom? '\I 37.
ITow did ]\'ehemlah e~emplify wisdom? Quote two texts on the
subject of wisdom. 'I 38.
Is each one accountable to his Lord for his own conrluct? How
may "''tch do his own business and yet coopcra te with others?
'/39,40.
What is a concomitant of prayer? 'Vhat is apt to overtake one
wlio is negligent? ~ 41.
Wlia t shonlll he the policy of every Christian? 'Vhat example have
\\ ~~? , 42, -13.

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

"-hat was the eddent purpose of recording in the Bible the detaBoo eventR concerning man? ~ 1.
,,'\"'\ does the nalllc XelwHllah mean? What sort of man was
Xehemiah '! How may we obtain comfort from the heavenly
Father? ~ 2-4_
In what respect were Nehemiah's prayers models? How did he
apply his knowlcdge? What spurred him on to greater loyalty?
~

5-8-

'Vh\" is the delineation of these characteristics profitable to us?

~

D.
Wli" are the historical facts surrounding our lesson?

How was
:;ehemiah affected by them? ~ 10,
"'hat werc the circumstanees w-hieh led up to Nehemiah's making
known to the king his heart's desire? How was this Infonnation received? ~ 11.

'Yhat are tho weapons of the soldier of the cross? Whom do we

Ilght? 'I" 44.
".-IH,n there is trouble in a class, what is the cause? What is the
r(>lIIody? '/ 45-47.
\\",'re ]\'ehemiah's enemies any ,liffcrent from those of the Christian
tmlay'! What does perfen 10\ c mean? 'I4.~.
Whcre is the wall of truth ereeted? Is it the prh-ilcge of the kingdOIn class no\\' to lllake the fact known?

4H, ,-)0, :12.

Who arc they who do not nperience kingdom joy! Who do? '\J 51.
What are tbese kingdom joys? What momentous events are now
tntnspiring? ~ 52-54.
Set ting forth this wall of truth so that everybody may see it. it
becomes necessary for us to ha,'e what? ~ 55.
IIa, the Lord left any stone unturned that we should not have
full opportunity to obtain tbe strength which comes with kingdom joy? ~ 5G,
Where are we on the stream of time? What should be our heart'.
sentiment? '/ 57.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR APRIL 30

"The saints shall possess the kingdom."-Daniel 7: 18.

HE saints mean holy ones, those purified and pure.

The chiefest of all the saints is Christ Jesus, he
,,'ho is fairest of ten thousand and altogether
lowly. '1'ho,e ,vho stand triumphant with him will be
the called, chosen and faithful, therefore overcomers.
They will be pure, holy ones, joint-heirs with Christ
Jesus in his kingdom.
In the context the prophet Daniel has described the
beastly kingdoms of earth. These will never consent to
the establishment of the kingdom of righteousness. For
this reason the kingdom must be taken, and is taken by
the saints, by force. rfhis does not mean that men who
are the followers of Jesus resort to force of arms or
violence. Far different from this. God, through his
prophet, has declared that when he whose right it is
ehall come he shall take the kingdom. Through his
prophet God also foretold that during the existence of
the beastly kingdoms he by and through his beloved
eaints, Christ Jesus the Head and associated with him
his bride, sets up a kingdom; and that this kingdom

shall <la~h to pieces all other kingdoms. This is the

same kingdom referred to by the Lord in Revelation
whe'n h3 said that he would give to the overcomers
"power oyer the nations: and he shall rule them with a
rod of iron; as the vcsscls of a potter shall they be
broken to shivers."-Revelation 2: 25, 26.
Today we see conditions exactly fulfilling these prophetic utterances. The beastly kingdoms of earth are
holclil1g sway and through their super-head, Satan, arc
maklllg a desperate effort to continue in control of the
affair~ of earth. But now he whose right it is has taken
unto himself his power and begun his reign and the old
order is being dashed to pieces. He is majestically
marching on to triumph. His heavenly army is following after him. Whithersoever he leads, the divisions of
his army delight to go. These are declaring within the
hearing of the peoples of earth: "The kingdom of
heawn is at hand." While this proclamation is going
forth the great King of kings and Lord of lords is
forcibly taking possession and ousting the usurper and
his representatives.
The text says: "The saints shall possess the kingdom." To possess means to hold in occupancy. That

100

CfheWATCH TOWER

means) then, that the Lord Jesus, the great King, and
his associates, the faithful ones now coming into power
and control, when that power and control is complete
will possess the kingdoms, having complete control of
affairs of the earth; and that from this rule or control
will spring forth righteousness and truth as the grass
springs forth from the earth, and as the garden brings
forth the flovrers. They wil' possess the kingdom, not
until some one else succeeds, but throughout the entire
age. The human race, being restored to perfection, shall
then be sunendcred to Jehovah; and man will be in the
condition enjoyed by man prior to Adam's deflection.
The wonderful part now is that many of these saints
are in glory with the Lord beyond the vail, while some
are serving on this side the vail. These, while still in the
flesh, are beholding the tottering and falling conditions
of the kingdoms of earth and the progress of the great
Messiah in taking possession. These faithful ones are
participating with him. They are his ambassadors and
visible representatives on earth.
What greater incentive could there be at this time, or
any other time, to be faithful to the Lord? Let every
one who bears to the great King the relationship of
joint-heir and ambassador fearlessly, boldly, and with
gladness of heart continue to prodaim: 'The kingdom
of heaven is at hand. The Kmg Imngs peace and lasting salvation. There is none other.'
TEXT FOR MAY 7

uThe righteous shall shine forth as the sun

kingdom."-Matthew 13: 43.

tn

the

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

It is written by the Prophet that when Jehovah laid

the foundation of the earth as man's habitaticn the
morning stars sang together. One of these morning
stal's was dou ~Jtl('ss the Logos, the great active Agent
in the creation of all things. When Jehovah had raised
him from the dead he exalted our Lord to the position
next to himself and clothed him with power and authority to grant life unto others. Thereafter Jehovah began
the selection and development of the other bright shining ones to be associated with our Lord. These, after
having been completed and associated with the Head,
will constitute not the stars but the great Runlight in
the vast universe of Jehovah, shedding forth life ami
blessings to all the obedient creatures of the earth. It
will then be the privilege of the new creation to lavish
blessings all around.
rt is heart-cheering to the Christian now to know
that God haih in rrservatron such marvelous things for
the faithful. rt is a great source of strength in battlin,~
the difficulties encountrrc~d in the narrow way. It brightens the hope of each one as he sets his mind upon th~
provisions the Lord hath made for him, well knowing
that if faithful to the end he shall be of the brightshining ones constituting a glory to the great Creator
and a blessing to others of God's creatures.
Such a manifestation of the love of God for us is an
encouragement and an inducement to show our love and
devotion to him by faithiully and joyfully proclaiming
at this critical time the message now due: 'rhe kingdom
of heaven is at hand t
TEXT FOR MAY 14

HE sun is the great light made by Jehovah to

give light to the peoples of earth. Scientists
claim that it throws off an incandescent gas light
more than five thousand miles from its surface. To
man it is the greatest of all lights open to his vision.
The sun is also used as a symbol of life. Its rays arc
life-giving. The rays of light proceeding from it cause
a vibration in the vegetation of earth that gives life. It
also has a similar effect upon animal creatures.
When the kingdom class is made up, our Lord says
of these that they shall shine forth as the sun. Each
one will constitute a great light in the constellation of
God's great organization. '1'his new creation will be the
greatest light of all the lights in the universe, Jehovah
alone excepted. As the sun is a symbol of life, so those
composing the kingdom will have life inherent and the
power to implant life in other creatures. No more
wonderfully beautiful description could be given of the
saintly ones than this promise that they shall shine
forth as givers of light and givers of life. This is one
of the precious promises held forth by our Lord which
bespeaks the love of Jehovah for his new creation to
grant unto the members thereof this exalted and glorious position in his realm. No other creatures will
PO~Sl'fS such a power and glory.

uTo him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me

in my throne."-Revelation /1: 21.
"'J'1HIS text applies specifically to the heavenly phase
~
~f Messiah's kingdom. The royal or reignin~
family of the kingdom of God is and will always
be invisible to human eyes. '1'he power thereof will be
so plainly manifested, however, that in due time every
human being will discern that kingdom. Jesus is the
Head of the kingdom. '1'he Scriptures disclose that God
has graciously provided that 144,000 glorified saint"
shall be associated with Jesus Christ in the possession
of power and authority in the invisible phase of the
kingdom.
Jesus was the first overcomer. All of his body members must be overcomers. The royal family is of the
divine nature, occupying the most exalted position in the
universe, next to Jehovah. Each one, therefore, must
be put to the test and prove acceptable to Jehovah.
An overcomer is one who, in conquest, gains complete
victory and success over all foes; the one who completely
puts to rout every adversary upon the field of battle.
Jesus told his disciples that they would have many
difficulties and troubles while in the world and then
added: "Be of goou cheer, I have overcome the world."

APRIL 1.

1<)~4

'fhe

WATCH TOWER

It is, therefore, definitely stated that the world is one

of the great enemies of the new creation. World here is
from the Greek word kosmos, which means existing
order or arrangement. At the time Jesus spoke these
words Satan was the god of this world, or arrangement.
It is evident that Satan is yet exercising his power, even
though his time has expired. Therefore Satan is the
great enemy of the new creation, and he operates against
the members thereof through the influences of the world
and their own imperfect organisms. These foes must be
overcome by everyone who will be forever with the Lord
in the kingdom.
Throughout the age the issue has been and now more
prominently than ever is: Satan versus Messiah. To be
a friend of the world is to be the enemy of God. (James
4: 4) Weare especially admonished to love not the
world nor to seek the honor that cometh from it.-1
John 2: 15.
A tremendous influence is exercised in many subtle

107

ways to induce the saints to show some consideration for

Satan's old world. This influence must be overcome.
Throne means a position of authority to rule. The
specific promise is that the overcomers shall be there
with the Lord Jesus. The condition precedent is "overcoming."
Let every Christian then see to it that he has not the
slightest sympathy in his mind or heart for the old
order of things. On the contrary let him see to it that
his devotion and loyalty to the Lord is absolute; that
he stands unreservedly on the Lord's side battling for
the right. Let him take advantage of every opportunity
to state in no uncertain terms his position for the Lord,
the great Messiah, the King of kings. If he does this,
battling against the weaknesses of the flesh, our great
Captain will furnish all the needed strength that each
valiant soldier of the cross requires to be a complete
vietor, driving his enemies from the battlefield and
standing triumphantly in glory at the last roll-call.

LETTERS FROM AFIELD

BROTHER FISHER TEMPORARILY WITHDRAWS

Brooklyn, N. Y., February 27, 1924.

To the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society and the Editorial
Committee of THE WATCH TOWER.
DE.\R BUETHRE:'< IN CHRIST:
For more than a year my physical condition has been such
that I could not rt>side in Bethel and perform my full duty
by devoting my time wholly to the service required there.
Unllel'standing that it is the rule that the members of the
Editorial Committee should devote all their time to the
Lorll's service, and being unable to measure np to that rule
because of conditions over which I have no control, I there
fore r\'spcctful1y ask (l1flt my name be dropped from the
Editorial Committee for the tiIlle being, with the hope that
if at some time in the future conditions change I may be
reinstated as a member of that Committee.
I assure you one and all that I love you dearly as brethren in Christ and you have my very best wishes and prayers,
and I ask that ;your prayers be offered in my behalf.
Your brother in Christ,
G. H. FISHER.
LIGHT OF TRUTH GETS BRIGHTER
BELovI:n BRETHRE:'< IN THE LORD:
\Yc "r('('t you in His tll'ar name and feci that n word of
encOlll'ac:t'ment is due to ~ou as the Editorial ("'mmit:ee of
thl' "',\TeH 'rOWER and the wondprfUl, clear arlicl('s that
are coming to us through its pages. It is difficult to distin
guish \vhich are the best, but we might say the Parables of
the Pounds and the Talents, and now the Parable of the
Sheep and Goats, are grand indeed; and we have no difficulty in accepting the new and better thoughts. They have
made the whole plain ipdeed, and we conclude that they
must be the right thoughts.
As I read throngh the first, second, and half of the third
volump of }{l'print Towers. I find tllat dE'ar Broth"l' Russell
gave up quite a few thoughts he onl:e hehl for bf'tter ones.
They were all good at the time alHI en('ourflgwl him in the
work, but the dear Lord had sOlllething bctter each time;
and It seems now that the path still gets brighter with the
increased light as time goes by.

\Ve were glad to see dear Brother Russell's humbleness of

lwart, and we are also glad to see you, dear Brother Rutherford, aIltI the dear brethren with you, of t he same dispo
sition as that servant. It clearly indicates to my mind that
the Lord is still guiding the work and will do so to the end.
\Ve are just two in a lOlwly little village here in EnglalHI,
but they know us as the ":\Iillions" people. Our prayers are
always for you and the work. Pray for us.
With much love in the Lord,
BROTHER AND SISTER SYLVESTER, England.
PROCLAIMING TRUTH IN SOUTH AFRICA
DEAR BROTHER Hl'TIIERFORD:
Your very welcome letter to hand safely, Your very kind
offer to assist me financially in order to go out fully into
the work fairly took my breath away. I am busy tr~'ing to
sell my practice so that if possible I may be able to put my
Whole p[[ort and time into the proclamation of the King
and the kingllolll, and that without drawing on the funds
of the SOCIETY.
How can I express my gratitude to the heavenly Father
and to you, his humble instrument, for giving such a glorious repast as the exposition of the Parable of the Yirgins?
For years I have been waiting for the full force of this
parablp. and now I am full of joy. Those who imac:ine
that Brot her HllSRell had written the last word on this
parable are s1Il'ely not fUlly awake; and they are missing
a lot. Perhaps they do not realize that if Brother Russell
were on earth today he would int"rpret the parables exactly
as they are giyen in the \VATCH TOWI:J:s now. Ma~'be he is
the very one whom our heavenly Bridegroom is nsing to
illuminate the minds of the Editorial Committl'e. (Revela
tion 14: 13) I hope you will forgive me for writing so
fcelingly; but I wish to let rou know what a great joy
and happiness ('omes to me amid the turmoil and trials of
this time Whenever the 'WATCH TOWER comcs along. Praise
unto .Tehovah and unto his dear Son!
Your brother and servant in him,
H. PA.RRY WILLIA.MS, So. AfriceJ.

AMOS AND HOSEA PLEADING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

--APRIL 27--A~IOS
THE PROPENSITY t'OR "DRIVING" BARGAINS llJS"TKS-llOSE.\

G: l-G;

HOSt;A

6: 1-6--

II.\S filTTEI~ EXPEnm",CES-A~[QS, 1:l":D_\t::STED, DELIVERS HIS ~[ESSAGI!l

-IlESTORATION MAr\III:STS GOD'S LONGSI'FFERTNG.

"Hate the evil, and lure the good."-AmQ8 5: 15.

DR lesson for today is set in a time eighty to one

hundred years after the stirring events which immediately followed the anointing uf Jehu to be king in
Israel. When Jehu was settled on the throne, he ceased his
efforts at reformation; he was an ardent reformer to a
certain limit. He had a vpry strong feeling in rpgard to
the enormity of Baal worship and the conduct of Ahah and
Jezebel, but had little regard for the honor of the God of
Israel. '1'he northern king-dam had spttlpd in the way of
Jeroboam, "who made },;I': pI to sin" in 1he worship of the
golden calves at Bethel and Dan; and they (lid not alwa~'s
realize how wrong this was in the sight of God.
20n Jehu's death his son Jehoahaz, who reigned seventepn
years, followed in his steps, as did also his ,grandson Joash,
who reigned for sixteen years. Both continued the worshIp
of the golden calves. (2 Kings 13: 2, 11) Jeroboam II followed, and with him came a great change in Israel's
national condition. Taking advantage of the victorif'S of
his father Joash over the S~Tians, as promised by Elisha
on his death-bed (2 lOngs 13: 19), he pushed back the
north border of Ismel 10 the Euphrates, and therefore to
the limits of the kingdom as under the rule of David and
Solomon. 'I'he northern kingdom at that time experienced
it!! greatest extent of Il0Wf'r and dominion.
3Contemporaneous with the reign of Jeroboam in Samaria
was that of Uzziah in tile southern kingdom of Judah.
Jeroboam began to rei!-(n in Israel a few years before
Uzziah Hscended the throne of Judah. Jeroboam's reign
lasted forty-one years; Uzziah's extended to fifty-two years.
Both enjoyed the longest reign in either Israel or Judah
(Manasseh of Judah excepted), and both had much favor
from God. During this time the kingdom of Judah also
recovered much of its former glory; for neithpr E,t,rypt on
the south nor Assyria on the north troubled the kingdoms.
Assytia had begun to extend its power westward, but it
had not yet vitally affected the land of Palestine. This was
also a time of respite from internal disorders, a time of
grace; but neither kingdom took advantage, though IsmPI
was less careful of the things of God than Judah. Both
kingdoms increased considerably in power and affluence. In
both there was a considl'rable access of building of strong
cities, fortresses and gn'at houses; also Uzziah of Jmlah
invented some engines of war. Both kingdoms began to get
comparatively strong alltl rich, and apparently a change
came in their national life.
THE PROPENSITY FOR "DRIVING" BARGAINS BEGINS
4In the northern kingdom many left their agricultural life
for 8. life of commerce. 'l'hey became traders, or Canuan!tes; for the word Canaan means "a trader." (Hosea 12:7,
margin) And there, it may be said, began that manner of
life for which the Israelite is noted even in this day. 'l'he
Jews are still traders. With the changed conditions of lif!',
intercourse with foreign nations was much more frequent;
but this did not now corrupt their worship so much as their
manner of living. They began to cheat in their trade, and
to get sharper in their bargains; they used unjust balances;
the rich and the poor became more definitely separated;
robbery was very freely practised; even the priests joined
bands of robbers. (Hosea 4: 2; 6: 9; Amos 5: 8-12) Israel
emerged, as they thought, from a condition of comparative
limitation, isobtUin, and backwardness, into a more en-

lightpl:N1 and frf'er existence; but with this increase of

outward prosperity came an increase of wine drinking, of
loose living, and licentiousness.
"It was at this time that God raised up his servant"
Hosea and Amos. Of Hosea's general circumstances we
know little; evidently he was of the norther!! kingdom. We
do Imow that he was a faithful servant, and that in his
service for the Lord he was caused to undergo much trial.
His life was a painful one, and the fact that the re('ord
must be made known added to his pain. He married a
woman whom he deeply loved. A son was born and named
Jezreel, because God had a message to give to his peoplf';
for .Tl'zrpel means both "to scatter" and "to sow." The
valley of ,Tezreel had been made a field of blood; for there
both Naboth and the house of Ahab had been slaughtered;
and Hos!'a prophesit'd that the house of Jehu should fall
in bloolished because they had not sought the honor of God
in tl[('ir fierce destl'u1ion of Ahab's house. (Hosf'a 1: 1-4)
But God would also sow Israel with the blessings of 1he
earth, seen in so rich profusion in the pleasant valle~' of
Jezreel, and would again draw his people to himself.
HOSEA HAS BITTER EXPERIENCES
6Soon after the birth of Jezreel, Hosea's wife Gomer
played him false. She broke down in character and ga Y6
herself to her 10\'('1'". Two other children, a boy and a ,~'irl,
were born; but apparently Hosea repudiated the fatherhooll
of both. The names of the children were Lo-ruhamah,
meaning "not haVing obtained mercy," or recognition, and
Lo-ammi, meaning "not my people," or not acknowled!-(ed.
But these were afterwards changed; for Hosea took them
under his care. They were now Ammi and Ruhamah; both
were accepted and cared for. (Hosea:!: 2) His wife left
him and sold herself as a loose woman. But Hosea loved
her still; and, after some years, directed by the Lord, he
purchased her from slavery and took her back to safeguard
her and to restore her; he does not, however, appear to
have received her back into full relationship. Hosea saw
that God had caused this experience to come upon him to
enable him to see his own suffering in the deftection of
Israel. Jehovah said that Israel was as a wife to him, bJt
had proven false even as Gomer to Hosea. And even Jehovah said: "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? .. , mine
heart is turned within me."-Hosea 11: 8.
7God showed by Hosea's experiences that he would bring
Israel back into relationship and family harmony, even
though they had sinned so ,grievously. He would do this by
first Withdrawing his favor. He says: "I will go and return
to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek
my face: in their affiiction they will seek me early."
(Hosea 5: 15) God then puts these words into the mouth
of his people: "Come, and let us return unto the Lord:
for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and
he wIll bind us up. After two days will he revive us: ill
the third Llay he will raise us up, and we shall live in his
sight."-Hosea 6: 1, 2.
BIsrael did not repent under Hosea's message, but forsook their covenant (Hosea 6: 7), were carried away into
captivity and, as a people, were lost. This well-known
passage should not be read as if spoken by Israel in Hosea's
time, nor as if spoken by some of Israel in Jesus' dn~, as
if it were then U1Hlpl'stoo(1 that after two thousand ,\"f'ars
deliverance would come. It is only when Israel have ae--

lO~

APRIL

I, 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

knowl('!lged their offence that they will seek God early, as

if bl'fore full sunrise. 'i'hen they will realize that the time
of t IIpir deliverance has coml': anti that tllpir ~('riptUI'es
S"OI\" Ihat their blessings would COIlle with the third day.
'1'llpn also they will say: "'Ve shall know. if WI' follow 011
to know the Lord." They will know that the time h:ls come
wilen God's eveI'lasting blessings ure due to come UpOIl
them. Spiritual Israel has already realized tllis, aIHI Ila ~
elltered into the enjoyment of the favoI's of God; also t IlI'Y
see that the movement which will accomplish the rees;aIJlishment of natural Israel in the favor of God is already
in ('v idence.
9TlIe prophet Amos was a cOlltpmporary of Hosea. He
was of the herdmen of Tekoa, whit'h, of course, means that
he was of the soutlwrn kingdom. God gave him a message
which took him to Bpthel; and there, in the city which wa~
one of the religious centers of Israel, Amos poured out his
message from the Lord.
AMOS, UNDAUNTED, DELIVERS HIS MESSAGE

lOWhen Amos was prophesying in Bethel in the words

which are recorded in the portion set for referf'nce (Amo~
6; 1-6) and with othprs equally strong, Amaziah, the pripst
of Bpthel, sent to .JerolJoam the king to say: "Amos h,lUI
conspired against thee in the midst of the house of IsnlPl;
the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos
saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall
surely be led away captive out of their own land." (Amos
7: 10,11) These false priests, whether of Amos' day or
Jesus' day or now, have no hesitation in lying. Amos had
not conspired against the king or the kingdom, nor had he
said that Jeroboam should (lie by the sword. Amaziah also
bade Amos get away quickly to Judah, whence he lIud come,
and to eat his bread and prophesy tlH're, and not come any
more to Bethel; for that was the king's sanctuary and the
king's court.
llAmos replied that he was no prophet by profession, but a
herdman and a gatherer of wild figs; but that the Lord had
takell him from following the flock and said: "Go, prophesy
unto my people Israel." Amos then prophesied that Amaziah
the false priest should die in a polluted land with his wife
unfaithful to him, that his SOl'S lind daughters should fall
by the sword, and that his inl\(' ,ranee should be divided.
(Amos 7: 14-17) Amos says: "I was no prophet"; but,
he said, the Lord had spoken and how could he do other
than prophesy?-Amos 3: 8.
12Here was a lllan of simple life whose heart was set for
God, to whom God ,gave a vision; and Amos was strong
with God's own strength, and nothing could daunt him.
Amos in vision had seen the Lord standing upon the altar.
(Amos 9: 1) He does not say which altar, whether the
one at Bethel or at Jerusalem, but we may take it as the
latter; for the Lord did not in any way accept the Bethel
altar. Also he was told to smite the crown of the threshold
of the temple so that the structure would fall on and break
the heads of the hypocritical worshipers. They would flee
in their fear and distress; but though they fled far, or hid
near, high or low, God would flnd them out and would set
his eyes on them for evil and not for good.-Amos 9: 1-4.
l3The vision meant that a time was at hand when no
more sacrifices could be offered; hence Amos' message was
definite. Both Hosea and Amos saw desolation approaching
Israel and Judah. Amos says their sun would go down
at noonday: when least expected, when all things seemed
well, suddenly their skies would darken and they would be
brou,ght into an eclipse of national disaster. It was no light
or easy task the Lord laid upon his servants. Both would
certainly be looked upon as enemies of the peace of the
people rather than as faithful men who sought the good of

10!)

their own people, and sought the honor of the God ot ISI'ue:
'rhe words of Amos, as gin'n in chapter 6: 1-6. must havt
fallen heavily Oil the ears of Israel and Judah; for they
were intended for Judah lIlso. It is a terrible indictmpnt.
The courage, fidelity, and loyalty of these men of God is
food for the hearts of all the servants of God; and these
faithful men served not only those of their own day who
listened but us also, who in point of time live at so gFeat
distance from them.
RESTORATION MANIFESTS GOD'S LONGSUFFERING

HBoth Hosea and Amos clearly saw and foretold national

disaster. They knew that God could not permit such a false
eOlldition to continue. They had his Word for this as recorded by Moses, and by those who had written the histOI'y
of God's dealings with his people; and each had his message
fl'Om God and boldly proclaimed it. But both were prophets
of restitution, as indeed all the holy prophets are.-Acts
:l: 19-21.
15Hosea saw that his family and his experienceiii represented God and his dealings with Israel. Israel, like Gomer,
was an unfaithful wife. There had been one child of the
marriage acceptable to the covenant; namely, the kingdom
of Israel under David. But the divided kingdoms were not
rppresentatiyC' of God. However, God would not repudiate
them, but would restore them. 'rhe new covenant will restore them, but the covenant of Sinai, their mother, could
never get back the former relationship. And they could
never be God's priests; that opportunity had passed. It is
II beautiful picture which Hosea presents when he tells of
the restoration. He bids his people come near to God, and
to take God's own words, and assures them that if they
will give themselves to the Lord and will not trust to
Ass:rria for salvation, God will heal them and love them
freely. Jehovah will be as the dew to Israel, and Israel
shall grow as the lily and spread forth his roots as Lebanon.
-Hosea 14: 1-8.
IGAmos also tells of restitution. He foretold the time
when, after the desolation had come upon the kingdoms of
Judah and Israel, after the time of which Hosea spoke,
when for long years Israel would have neither priest nor
place for sacrifice, nor king, nor prophet (Hosea 3: 4, f)) ,
God would again build the tabernacle of David, which had
fallen down: God would build the ruins thereof, would
again set up his kingdom, no longer divided as then, but in
the unity of the best days. Then the blessing of the Loni
would be upon the land, and instead of dearth and familH~
should be such blessings as would cause that they should
not have gathered in one harvest before it was time to
plow for the next, and when the treaoing of grapes woulll
ne('d to be continued till sowing time; thus fulfilling Le\'iticus 26: 5. And the blessing which is soon to come to Israel
is to be for all mankind; for when Israel is restored the
nations shall rejoice with them, and so all flesh shall see
the salvation of God.-Romans 15: 10; Isaiah 40: 5.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
When Jehu WIlS settled in his throne, what did he do? Our lesson
today is how 100ng after the anointing of Jehu? 111:
Who reigned after Jehu? Who brought reformation to Israel? 11 2.
Who was contemporaneous with Jeroboam? How long did .Jeroboam and Uzziah reign, and over what? 'Vas there also prosperity in the southern kingdom? 'lJ 3.
What does the word Canaan mean? What corrupted the Israelites? Were the priests immune from demoralizing influences?
What did prosperity bring the people? 'II 4.
What did God do to estop the downward tendencies of his chosen
people? Hosea belonged to which kingdom? 11 5.
What bitter experience did Hosea have? In what way did Ho,ea
show himself Godlike? 1 6.
.
Will God's longsutl'ering be rewarded with the return of Israel? If 7.
When will Hosea 5: 15 and Hosea 6: 1, 2 have fulfilment? W1Jo.lt
time is indicated by "before fulI sunrise"? 11 8.
Amos belonged to which kingdom? What was his occupati(,D.? I a.

'fhcWATCH TO\VER
What Will the me!lsa~ Amos delivered? Did the priests lie about
It-as usual? ,/10.
What calamity came to the lyin~ priest? 'Il1l.
'Yhat was the vision that Amos saw? Why was he to weaken the
temple entrance? '1112.
"'hat did the vision mean? What did the t\Yo pror'lets see? Were
their dutIes easy to perform? May we dra\Y a ,'aluable lesson
for ourselves? ,/13.

BROOltLY"l, N. Y.

While these prophets foretold disaster, were they also prophets of

restitution? '1114.
How did 11 osca 's family represent the united kingdom under David,
the divided kingdoms of the north and the south, and their
hnal restoration? 'Il15.
In what manner did Amos foretell of the restitntion blc,sings?
Is tlwrc a splendid outlook for Israel and for the world, as
"iewed from God's Word'! 'Il1G.

THE ASSYRIAN EXILE OF ISRAEL

--MAY 4--2 KINGS, CH.\PrICRS 11 TO 17-ISRAEL'S LINE OF KINGS OFTEN BROKEN-JUDGlIENT REPRESENTED IX ISRAEL'S TREAT:llENT-ISRAELITES INCLl:DED IN THE RANSOM.
"1 tcUl deligM myself in thy statutes: 1 toill not forget thy 1cord."-Psalm 119: 16.

AST Sunday's lesson disclosed the sorrow and pain

which God felt because of Israel's sad condition. Today's lesson carries us to the time and the event, foretold by Amos and Ho~en, when the Assyrian came and
carried Israel away captive and closed one chapter in the
history of God's dealings with his people.
2The increase in the extent and power of the northern
kingdom under Jeroboam II came unexpectedly. Beclluse of
the sins of Ahab in the matters of Daal worship and
Naboth's munlt'r, and of Jehu and his hou~e in their nE:'glect to honor Jehovah, God permitted Israel to be cut short
by Syria. (2 Kings 10: 31, 32) On their cry favor was
granted them. But in the expansion of the kingdom "'hich
followed they went further from God, and their increase
served only to draw the attention of the Assyrian power;
for Israel grew to be a prize worth taking. After the death
of Jeroboam the nation fell on evil times. His son Zachariah was slain by a usurper after only six months' reign;
l!lid the usurper himself was slain after he had reigned a
full month."-2 Kings 15: 8-13.
3CiviJ war resulted; and Menahem captured the throne
nnd reigned ten years. During his days Pul, king of Assyria,
invaded Israel and took many captives, particularly from
the tribes on the east of Jor<1an-Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. These tribes had chosen their own inheritance instead
of waiting the Lord's time. They suffered accordingly; for
they were the most exposed to the frequent attacks of
Israel's enemies, and were amongst the first to be carried
captive. (1 Chronicles 5: 23, 26) l'IIenahem bought his freedom from damage by Pul by paying 1,000 talents of silver
as tribute. In order to pay it he put a capital levy on his
weal thy subjects.-2 Kings 15: 10, 20.
'On the death of Menahem his son pphlhiah reigned for
two years. He was murdered in his palaep, along with fifty
to sixty of his valiant men, by Pekalt, the leader of an
insnrrection. Pekah reigned for the comparatively long
periofl of h'pnty years. Towanls the ellLI of his reign he
\VHS stirred up of God to oppress Judalt, then under the
control of Ahaz, a violent transgressor against the Lord.
(2 Chronicles 28: 22-25) Ahaz favored a policy of making
alliance with Assyria; and Pekah entered into a confederacy
with Syria against him in order to put on the throne of
David a nominee of their own, who would joIn with them
against Assyria (Isaiah 7: 6) ; but this was so definite an
interference with God's arrangements that Jehovah interfered.-Isaiah 7: 7.
51'ekah died soon after this, by the hand of a conspirator.
His successor Hoshea was early in trouble; for Assyria
found that he was seeking help from Egypt against them.
Assyria invaded Israel and Hoshea was taken and imprisoned, lind Samaria was besieged, but withstood the enemy
so courageously as to keep him out for nearly three years.
It was Cll])tured in tIle ninth year of Hoshea, and with Its
fall came the end of the northern kingdom, 260 years from
the division under Rehoboam.

6As Israel had left God out of their national life there
was now no reason why God should preserve them as his
people. Also it was to punish them that he stirred up the
fierce Assyrian power, according to the words of his sermn ts the prophets.-2 Kings 17: 23.
ISRAEL'S LINE OF KINGS OFTEN BROKEN

7The history of the northt'rn kingdom had been very

troubled. Its succession of kings was broken eight times,
and few of its rulers died in peace. It never got free from
the God-dishonoring worship of the golden calves, nor recovered from the downward step it then took; and though God
dhl not cast them off from his favor because of that sin,
the worship of the calves was a weight around the neck of
the kingdom. It never was able to lift its head as a kingdom representative of God.
sThe desperate efforts at reform led by Jehu, reached no
hip;her than an attempt to eradicate the worship of Baal;
iIHked it is to be noted that neither Elijah nor Elisha
appears to have attempted a full reformation; and it almost
seems as if the lower standard was all they could reach:
certainly this kingdom did not seek to reach the height of
Israel's covenant with God. This national example is true
to Christian experience. If something has been allowed to
come into the life which is an incubus or limitation, it may
afterwards be almost impossible to obtain freedom, and the
life may have to Iw accommodated to the limitation, as
when the human body is deprived of a member.
9Israel's last kings went from bad to worse and the people
willingly followed, until God said that he would put them
out of his sight. (2 Kings 17: 18) We may properly presume that, knowing the tendency of his people to turn to
the ways of the nations round about them, God saw that it
would be impossible to preserve the Davidic line unless the
fli\'ision of the tribe'S was made. Hence, though it was in
punishment for Solomon's wrong course that the ten tribes
were torn from David's line, the segregation of Judah had
the effect of preserving David's seed as kings as long as it
pleased God to do so.
lODuring this period, the eighth century B. C., the AssyrIan power shows for the second time in the Bible history.
It began with bold Nimrod, a defier of the Lord. (Genesis
10: 8-11) Though the Scripture does not so say, it seems
certain from Assyrian records that Jehu paid tribute of
some kind to Assyria. But as about that time that empire
had domestic troubles, it did not then invade Palestine.
Soon after Jehu's days the prophet Jonah was used ot
God to tell Israel that they should have an extension of
territory and some prosperity because in their distress they
cried to the Lord. (2 Kings 14: 26, 27) It was also about
that time, B. C. 850, one hundred years before Assyria became God's instrument to chastise the northern kingdom
and take its people into captivity, and about two hnndred
years before Assyria's own overthrow by Babylon, that
Jonah was sent to Nineveh to cry against it.

APRIL I, 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

lIIn .Tonah's day C\ineveh had a population of about

600,000 inhabitants. It was the world's greatest city and
one of the oldest; and though within its walls there was
land for the cultivation of food supplies, great numbers of
human beings were crowded together, and then, as now,
this meant much wickedness. The cry against Nineveh had
reached up to heaven. (Jonah 1: 2; cf. Genesis 19: 13)
Jonah appears to have been sent to Nineveh for two reasons: (1) To prove that a "heathen" people would repent
when God sent his m('Ssages, and that they might be a
witness against Israel, even as our Lord says (Matthew
12: 41); (2) because the Assyrian power, which was about
to be used as God's instrument (Isaiah 7: 20), must first
be cleansed from some of its defilements.
l2When, therefQre, God brought Assyria against Israel,
t1wre was the witness of Jonah that these people had rel'pnted and proclaimed a fast when God's message came to
them, and had therefore proved that they were better in
spirit than Israel. Thus the Assyrian, the chastiser of
Israel, was a great witness against Israel; and this pr0vPs,
as our Lord showed, that these people were made of better
material, and were not as perverse as Israel; and that if
they had had the chances that Israel had in Jesus' day they
would have repented.
JUDGMENT REPRESENTED IN ISRAEL'S TREATMENT

l3As if to mark God's abiding disfavor against Israel he

[lprmitted the Assyrians not only to take them out of the
land of promise, but to re-people the land with strangers
gathered from all parts of tlwir \vide-spread empire. Israel's
place was filled up, but only outwardly and in type, and
not as regards the covenant; for God wos making an illustration for the i"struction of the Church.
14\Yhen later God caused Judah to be taken captive to
Babylonia he dealt very differently with them; for while
Israel were scattered afar and, as stated, their place filled
with strangers, the southern kingdom in captivity were kept
very much together, and the Lord kept their land vacant
to await the time of their return.
l5Israei becomes a type of those who lose out their
covenant blessings, and are lost to the favor of God without
hope of restoration. The chapter already referred to (2
Kings 17), which gives the reason why God acted so, is
pitiable reading. Israel had sinned against light openly
and secretly; that is, against the known works and providences of God. They made themselves laws the same as
those of the vile people whose place in the land they had
taken; and the kings, even Omri, were allowed to supplant
the law of God with perverse statutes. They burned incense
to all the gods of the peoples. They rejected the Lord
altogether, and went from bad to worse until at last God
rejected them and delivered them into the hands of spoilers,
"until he had cast them out of his sigh1."-2 Kings 17: 20.
lGIt seems almost an irony to read that the name of the
last king was Hoshea, which means "salvation." Their
fathers were not permitted to enter the land because of
unbelief. These were turned out of the land because they
despised the covenant, and were unmindful of God.
ISRAELITES INCLUDED IN THE RANSOM
l1We know not who wrote the account to which reference
is made; but we do see that the writer had a cIear conception of the causes, and of the sharp sorrows of God, as
expressed by Hosea in the most sorrowful reading in the
Scriptures. Israel died ont in discredit and disgrace---disowned of God. Although they make a type of thosp who arc
cast off from favor, we know that they also are inelnded in
the ransom of the Lord, and that God will bring them back

IH

from the land of the enemy. Their transgressions ,vere

serious; but they were not so heinous as the sins of 1hose
whom they typify who have had the light of the gosl-Jel of
the Son of God and who persistently refuse the way of truth.
l8These things also are pictures for our learning. \Ve
have previously stated that the two kingdoms ure illustrations of the two great divisions of Christendom-the great
;;ystellls, the one Rome and England, and the other the nonl'onformist churches which, like Judah, have retained more
of the true idea of worship and of the truth. 'L'o the good
Catholic, whether of Rome or of England, the authority of
the church is higher than that of the Bible. And the form
of sen"ice is to these as the worShip of the golden calves
was to Israel, and as much unauthorized. Israel did not
profess to leave Jehovah to worship the calves: rather
those were to be understood as helps to his worship. The
order and form of service is to these an absolute necessity
to acceptance with God; but all such worship leads away
from God. It surely leads to idolatry, to a worshiping ofj
the form rather than to a heart worship of God.
lnBabylon conquered Assyria; and when in later days
Cyrus the Mede took Babylon and freed its captives, some
out of all the tribes returned to Palestine. But the ten
tribes, as such, were lost amongst the nations. The remnant
who returned were chiefly of Judah; but the remnant became Israel, and are so named in the New Testament.Luke 1: 54; John 3: 10.
2Those who set out to seek the "lost tribes" are liable
to waste precious time. Those who find them in the Danes
and Saxons and the British and American peoples get
bewitched with ideas which are almost impossible to lose.
Even if these deported captives could be located amongst
the peoples of the earth, there could be no advantage either
to the finder or to them. Their hope is in the ransom, and
in the fact that it is to be applied for all. 'L'hey will have
their opportuuity with those whose ways they preferred
before those of their God.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Where does today's lesson carry us to? Why did God permit Israel
to be cut 8hort by Syria? W!hat drew the attention of the
Assyrian power to Israel? 'i I, 2.
How long did lIIenahem reign? What did he do when Assyria
threatened? '13.
Were 18rael and Syria pitted against Judah and Assyria? And
why? '114.
What was the closing chapter of the northern kingdom? 'Il 5, 6.
How many times was the line of kings In Israel broken? In what
way did the golden-calf worship hinder Israel? '117.
What was the height of the reformation under Jehu? What limited
it? 'Il8.
What was a probable reason why God permitted the division of
the tribes? 'Il 9.
What do Assyrian records se{'ffi to show about Jehu? When was
Jonah sent to cry against Nineveh? '1110.
How large was Kineveh? Wbat was evidently one of the causes of
Nineveh'S wickedness? Give two reasons why Jonah was sent to
prophesy against it. 'II 11,
What good came from Nineveh's repentance? What commendable
thing did Jesus say of the people of Nineveh? 'Il12.
In what respect was Israel's place taken by the Assyrians? '1113.
How did God's treatment of Judah and Israel differ? '1114.
Israel being scattered and becoming "lost" becomes a type of what.
Why were they rejected entirely? '115.
.
What Is the meaning of Hoshea, the name of Israel's last king
and how well does it fit the occasion? Could It represent tho
claim of the antitype? '1116.
Were the northern tribes Included In the ransom? As mean as
they were, will they fare better in the resurrection than some
who are living today? '1117.
What did the two kingdoms, Judah and Israel, illustrate for Our
learning? ,. 18.
After Cyrus had freed the people of God, some havin~ faith in
God out of all the tribes returned to Palestine; joinIng Judah
they became the remnant of Israel, and the ten u'ibes became
lost. 1) 19.
What arlvantal':e ""ould it be to find the "lost" tribes? In what la
their h0l-Ie 'j

20.

Intelnational Bible Students A~sociation QasseS

4ecture~ dIld S(udlel) by Trdveling Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER
I~onaconil1g. l\ld
Apr.
23
RerryvilJe, Va
Apr. 16
Hoek Enon Springs, Ya..
" 17
~Ioulltalll L,lke l':ll'l;;:
:'!,1, ~
'VillchestC"l', \r a . ... u"'._ U 18
Oal-Ian:!. Md ....
Berrynlle, ,"a
_............. 20
Clarl"IHlrg, \\". \a ..... "
~~
CUIlluerlalltl,

~l(I.

Frostburg, lIId.

21

22

',"alluce, \V. Ya. . __..__.. , "

~I()hleo', \Y. Ya.

30

Poplar, 1I10nt
BonetraiI, ;-,. D.
A\,ondale, ~Iont.
Outlook, Mont.
Heser\'e, :'Iont.
Froid, Mont

BROTHER G.
Apr.
7
..
9,10
..
11,12
..
13,14
..
Hi. 16
17, It>, 20

BROTHER B. M. RICE
Apr.17
Port Jervh, N. Y
0' 18
1I,Ilt1dletown, N. Y
" 20
Kewburgh, N. Y. ._
" 21
Kingston, N. Y
" 22
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
23
Stottville, N. Y.

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Onamia, lIlinn.
...Apr.23
Duluth, Minn
.
15
Pease, .:\11nn. .
__ __
0'
::!5
Ironton, lIlinn. .
.
16
l'rlllceton, lIlinn. ""'"
:!7
17
Aitkin, :'linn. """'"
~'ederal Dam. l\1inn .. __
IS,20
C~~B1hrJ(lge: l\llJ~n. -..--., ~89
1\hllueapoho;;, :\llllD... __ _ ...
Boy River, lIlinn
"
21
CentUl m, \\"is..... Apr. ::Il. :'Iay 1
Superior, Wis.
22

Utica, N. Y
Cortland, N. Y
..
Binghamton, N. Y
Oneonta, ~. Y
Johnson City,1\'. Y
Eldred, N. Y.

BROTHER B. II. BOYD

..\1'1',24
Greenwood, S. C
Apr.
16
Clwrryville,::-:. C
.
.
~5
Anderson, S. C
"
17
Lincolnton,:". ('
.
27
Greennlle, i:i. C ,...... ,. 18,20
Charlotte, X. C
.
28
Greer, S. C
"
21
Gastonia, N. C
..
Spartanburg, S. C.
..
22
Hoel< lIlll, S. C. ""'"
" 2H
Shelby, N. C.
23
Kannapolis, N. C
" 30

Wall Lake, Ia
Hed Oak, Ia. ..
Prescott, la
Chariton, Ia.
IndIanola, Ia.
Albia, Ia.

BP')TIIER J. W. COPE
Comanche, Okla
Apr.
14
Guthrie, Ol<la
Oklahoma City, Okla,
115,16
Edmoud, Ol<la
lIIcLoud, Okla.
.. 17, 18
Chan(Iler, Okla. .
Shawnee, Okla.
20
Norman, Okla
Tecumseh, Okla.
21
Noblf', Okla. ..
Drumright, Okla.
22
Purcell, Okla. .

BROTHER
Qu'Appelle, Sasl<
Apr. 15
Hegina, Sask
"
16
1IIedicine Hat, Alta
1820
i:iuftield, Alta.
21
Bow Island, Alta.
23
Taber, Alta.
24

..
..
.
.

C. W. CUTFORTH
25
Apr.
14
Camrose, Alta
.. ..\r.
"
16
E,lmonlon, .~Ita .
:27, :!'~
"
2U
30
" 18, 20
Calmar, Alta
.
".'\Iay , 1
.. 21, '22'32
Leduc, Alta
"''''
4, 5
"
rrince Geor!':e. H. C.
7, 8
24
l'rlllce UUjler!, D. C.

Y'rkton, SaRk
lI'oose Jaw, Sask
lIIedlclne Hat, Alta
C [gary, Alta.
B iseker Alta
R ,'alwel j , Alta.

BROTHER H.
Apr.
15
~[ontgomery, Ala.
"
16
Selma, Ala.
17
Notasulga, Ala.....------18
Columbus, Ga
_ __. " 20, 22
Seale, Ala.
21
Clayton, Ala

H. DINGUS
llirminf;ham, Ala
Apr.
Littleton, Ala
"
Bessemer, Ala.
..
Birmingham, Ala
------ "
'rllRca}oosa, Ala. .
"
Boaz, Ala
" 29,

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Apl'.
13
])e"lemona, Tex
I(~lgeabnu'rnTee,xT'e"x:'."'..'.".'..'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.' :: 14, 11 65 Eastland,
Tex
J\!prkel, Tex
_._. __
"eatherford, Tex.
._ "
17
.\ hIlt-ne, Tex .
1"ort WoTrth, Tcx
" 18, ~01
iYiChtlta F~IlS, Tex.
Dublin,
ex.
_
eca ur,
ex.
Waco, Tex

BROTHER M. L. HERR
~\nf'.
14
Pol'",il, Ind
SUlhnlD, Ind
15
DuggpI", Ind
] Ii
Llntoll. Ind
" 18, ~(1)
Bicknell, Ind
"'nsjungton, Ind.
22

lfoman, Ark.....__
1 >oual<lRon, Ark.
r ittle Rock. Ark.
St. Louis, 1110
1'("1'1'0 HUUlt',

11111.

Kew Goshen, Ind.

BROTHER W.
O"ono, Ont.....
. Apl', 14,1')
(hha;"a. Onto ._---_.. _._
:: 1 R ~~
J[31111lt')n, Ont,
. , __ )
1;"~Ull~\illp.

23

27
28
29

.
.

-----

Apr. 23
" 24

Out. .__

St. Cathal'ines, Onto ..

:Kiagara Falls, Onto ._"

:!t.22

\pr

23
24
25
:"'2'-,\'
n

30

22

':~,:14
,. .:2,'5,
27
:!S
..
~g

Apr.
23
,.
24
_
"
25
__ " wi' f)S
- '29
30

M. HERSEE
\Yclland, Onto ._
Apr.28
I)nllll\ jl:". Onto .. ------.--. " 29
Nanticoke, Onto
..
30
J::l

"\fay

1 .... \ l:e.Ont

2:1,24
Port Dover, Onto _
"
2_5_,_2. .7_ _"_1_1l_1_t'oe, Onto
_..........

2
4

Pendleton, Ore
Hermiston, Ore
IIepvner, Ore
Pendleton, Ore.
LaGrande, Ore
Joseph, Ore

Fresno, Calif
Sclma, Calif
'.l'ula!'e, Calif,
Baker~1ield, Calif
(;lellYllil', Calif
Porter\'ille, Calif

R. POLLOCK
Dore, X. D
_ ...Apr. 21, 22
lIIiles City, Mont.
..
24
lIIellstone, Mont
" 25,27
Wason Flats, 1I10nt.
"
2830
l\IIles City, Mont
May
1
Hillings, l\Iont.
..
:&

.Apr.24
" 25
" 27
" 28
29
30

BROTHER V. C. RICE
AVr. 15
Keosauqua, Ia
_
.A.pr.24
16, 18
~urllll"ton, Ia. ..
:: 2257
_...... "
20
.J. Iuscatloe, la._
_
.
..
21
Iowa City, Ia. .................." 28
..
22
Marengo, Ia. ...................." 29
23
Davenport, Ia.
30

---C

ROBERTS
Lethbridge, Alta.
lIlacleod, Alta.
Fernie, B. C
Elko, B. C. .
Cranbrook, B. C. ..
Balfour, B. C.

Apr. 23, 27
..
28
" 29,30
lIlay
1
"
2, 4
..
6

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
Apr.
115
Pendleton, Ore
__.Apr. 25
"
16
Walla Walla, Wash.
27
"17,18
Weston, Ore.
28
..
20
Waitsburg, Wash.
29
21,24
Dayton, Wash.
30
22,23
Pomeroy, Wash
lIIay 1
E. D. SEXTON
Apr. 16
Orosi, Calif
" 17
H,,'dley, Calif
" 18
Fresno, CalIf,
" 20
Hh PI bank, Calif
" 21
U.t]Hlale, Calif.
_
'_'_2_3
_ _'I_'_u_o_lumne, Calif.

Apr. 24
" 215
27
" 28
_
" 29
30

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN
Clinton, Ia
Agr.1 7
Denton Harbor, Mlch
.Apr. 22~
18
A-.;hton, Ill.
II,,, !ford, 1IIH'h
"
u
Hoehelle, Ill.
20
South Haven, Mich.
27
I-Iammond, Ind .............. " 21
Kalamazoo, .:\lich............ " 28
l\!ichlf;an City, Ind.
222
Ot"ego, 1IIieh.
29
3
Kiles, 1IIich.
'.rhree Rivers, 1I1ich.
30
BROTHER W. J. THORN
Apr. 15
Fort Smith, Ark
.Apr. 22
' 16
Lamal', Ark. ..
23,24
~ nel, ::\10
_." 17
Dover, Ark. ................. "
25
S110am Springs, Ark.
18
HnssellYiIle, Ark.
27
Spl'lngdale, Arlc
20
IIa, ana, Arl<.
.. 28 29
FayetteYille, Ark.
21
Daunlle, Ark.
' 30

Kansas City, Mo

.J aplin, Mo.

BROTHER
Augusta, Kan
.Apr.
Eldorado, Kan.
Dou~lass, Kan
"
Arkan:-.a...; City, Kan.
Winlleill, Kan,
"
Wellington, Kan.

T. H. THOR?'<TON
15
Wichita, Kan
_ ...Apr. 22
16
Hardtncr, Kan
" 23 24
17
\Yichita. Kan
_....._ " 25' 27
18
Pratt, l(ao
_ _u_._"
' 28
20
Arlinf;ton, Kan. _ . _ ..
29
21
Hutchinson, Kan.
..
30

-----

~~i~J~:k~~:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:~:. ~~~:: ~~ ~!\~:;rg: ~::::::::::.::::::::::::" ~~

BROTHER J. B. WILLIAMS
Pictou, ~. S
Apr. 115
TI'!l.rf'\" Sta., N. B
Apr. 23, 24
Scotsbnru, N. S.
16
Hnl1ln;,dam Sta., N. B. ..
25
Charlottetown, P. E. I. .. 17, 18
St. ,I nlln, ~. B.
..
27
Amherst, N. S.
..
20
E\"andale, N. B.
28,29
Moncton, N. B _......... ..
21
Frederirton, N. B.
..
30
St. John, N. B.
22
Millville, N. B. _._..:May
1

H. S. l\IURRAY
Palm Beach, Fla
A,'on Pnl'k. Fla
\pr.
14
~lpiiJourne, Fla
_
~[oo,.e I i:l, "n, Fla, '.... ..
15
Titu~dlle, Fla. ._.......
PaInl B(;)('h. Flu
_
"
17
OrnlolHl, 11"la.
Key We,t. Fla
;;
20
New Smyrna, Fla.
KRi-ania~ Fla
_
22 2 1
Miami, ~la. _._.___
,2 3
Sanford, Fla.

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
Heading, Pa....
...Apr.21
Hanover, Pa
_
Ap,r.
14
Lancaster, Pa
15,16
Pottstown, Pa. .. _........... 22
Rhecms, Pa.
..
17
Boyprtown, Pa. ._
_
" 21
Lebanon. Pa
__. "
18
Linfield, Pa......_............. 24
Norristown, Pa. _._.__ " 25
Plainfield, Pa
_
"
20
Harrisburg, Pa. _ _
20
YhlJadelphia, Pa.
" 21

('"nton, O
Pnlton 0

Marion, O.

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
Apr.17
Delaware, O
" 18
AllllIll. O...__

23

Apr.24
" 25

Chicago, Ill.

29

-----

.Apr. 215

f'

27
2R
:!9

30
lIIay 1, 4

'V~I@ntlelry1MD~1Ji)9 ~1}y~~ ~1F~UJ~ ffug/llyt?

Q~ 11J(lll'1li1niJ1lg ~1lIliJ$~1l. ~iJ1Iidl ~ ~nsU)t il!s@2"- I.eai~
Var.. XLV

No. .')

SE~n-l\[o~THLT

Anno Mundi 6052-April15, 1924

CONTENTS
KEPT IN PEACE............................................. 1111

Examples for Our .\thllonition.................

]lalld's Implicit Confld~I"'0 in Jehoyah...
l'p,tce 1Il the Church......
('onditions of Peace
r1'l11' Tranquility of God'~ II. ,ace
.
]'1: \Y1;R~IEE"lIXG TEXT CO~I"EXTS

122

Is ILIlI AND TIlE ASSyItIAN ('IUSIS

Sennacherib Represents Satan

12-l
12:!
12G
127

CRISIS...........

:ME~lOItIAL REPORTS D~,~IRED PROMPTLY

SER\'ICE AT BETHEL
GERMAN CONVENTION AT CLEVELAND

."

/. (III

>::':'<:",- "';;-;-c.
--.A ~~---'~%-

, : '

119

120

Jeremiah Foretells Babylon's Destruction

~f~~~;-~,~:'\ \~ '>.

llf.

117
llS

J l;HOIADA'S VICTORY OVER RIAL

JERE~IIAH AND THE BATlYLOXlA:-I

'121l~" 't'.

..1UI

114
114
114

"I will stand upon my watch and will set my foot

upon the Tower, and will watch to see what He wlll
say unto me, and what answer 1 shall make to them
that oppose me."-Habakkuk II: 1.

\,\,:~
.2:.>0, "". . ~. ~..s~E,'?-.:';~o~~-"'till~~~~~~~~~~E~~~~~
~, \',.,~
~
_~
~_
c~,=':,,::~~J

t~~i:0~~~~i~~B;('~~~~c

Upon the enrth distress of !lations with perple:r:ity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men's heart\) failillg them for fear ltnd for looking to
t hI' I \llJI'!~ f'OIIllIlI!: upon t hf" f'arth (society); for the powers of the heavf"ns (f'cclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. When ye see these things begin to com' to P&..~Fi. then
klJlIW l ' ~L thf' Kmgdulll ot nod is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejOIce, for your redemption draweth nigh.-11att. 24:33; Mark 13:2\:1; Luke 21:2,=)-:)1.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

~

journal Is one of the prime factors or Instruments in the system of Bible inStructlOll, or "Seminary Extension", now belnllr
.I. pl"I!Bent,ed in all partli of the civilized world by tbe WATCR TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIB:TY, chartered A. D. 1~, "For the Promotion of Christlan Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible' students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which thl'Y may be reached with anuouncements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's puu!ished STUDIES moRt entertainingly arrant:ed, and very
belpflll to all who would merit tire only honorary degree wbich the Society accords, viz., 'Verb{ Dei Minister (V. 1); M.), which translated
into English is Minister -a! God'~ Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
ltudents and teachers. By some this featnre is cODsidered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the oDly true fouDdation of the Christian's hope now being so geDerally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] tor
all". (l Peter 1: 19; 1 Timllthy 2: 0) BUilding up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 CorinthiaDs 3: 11111; 2 Peter 1: li-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the m~'stery which .has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in oilier ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is DOW revealed".-EphesiaDs 3: 5-9, 10.
It staDds free from all parties, sects aDd creeds of meD, while it seeks more aDd more to briDg its every utteraDce iDto fullest
subjection to the will of God iD Christ, as expressed iD tlle holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
bath spoken-according to the divine wisdom I\'ranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is Dot dogmatic, but confideDt;
for we know whereof we affirm, treadiDg with implicit faitll upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgmeDt of his
good pleasure, the tea<,hing of his Word, for the upbuild,ng' of his people in grace and knowledge. ADd we not only invite but urge ow:
readers to prove all its utterances by the iDfallible Word to which reference is cODstantly made to facilitate such testing,

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is "the temple of the llviDg God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its cODstructioD has been in progress throughout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's Redeeme.. and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and tirey find access to him.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 2022 ;
GeDesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseliDg, shapiDg, and polishiDg of consecrated believers in Christ's atonemeDt for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "liYing stones", "elect and precious," shall bave been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together
in the first resurrection; aDd the tempie shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men througbout
the MillenDium.-RevelatioD 15: 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
maD," "a raDsom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world/', "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as his joint-heir.-1 Joim 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
'l'hat the present mission of the church Is the perfectiDg of the saints for the future work of service; to develop iD herself every
grace; to be Goll's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the Dext age.-Ephesians 4: 12; Matthew 24:
14; Hevelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
O'hat the bope for tbe world lies in the blessiDgs of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's lIIillennial kingdom, the
restitution of all that was lost ID Adam, to all the willing and ouellient, at tbe hands of tlleir Uedeemer aDd bis glorified churcb,
when all tbe wilfUlly wicked will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 19 23; Isaiah 35.

WATCH TOWER. BI BLE &- TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BROOKL'YN, MY. u.s~
FOREIGN OFFICES: British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate,
London ,Y. 2; Canadian: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Outario;
Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne. Australia; South African:
6 Lelle St., Cape 'I'own, Soutb Africa.
PLEASE ADDRESS THE SOCIETY 1:'1 EVERY CASE.
YEARLY BUBSCmp2'ION PRICE: UNITED STATES, $1.00; CAXAnA
AND IIIISCELLANBOUS FOREIGN, $1.50; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA,
AND SOUTH AFRICA, 7s, American remittances should be made by
Express or PostallIIoney Orders, or by Bank Draft. Canadian. llriti~h,
60uthAfrlcan,andAustl'alasian remittances should be made to braneh
ojJtces only. Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the BrooklYD office, but by Intertlational1'ostai MODey Orders only.
(Foreign transiatioIl8 of this journal appear in several languages)
Bditorial Committee: This journal Is published nnder the supervision

flf an editorial co=ittee, at least three of whom have read IllHI

approved as trutb each and every article appearing in these columns.
T)le names of the editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORI'.
W. E. VAN AMBURO~, J. HE~lERY, R. H. BARBER, C. K RTF-WART.
Terms to ths Lord's Poor: All Bible studoots who, by reason of
old age or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
journal, will be supplIed free if they send a postal card each May
Btatinl\' tlrelr case and requesting such provision. We are not only
wiliiDg, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
In touch with the Berean studies.
Notice to Subsc,'ibers: We do not, as a rule, send a card (If u<,lmowledgmeDt for a renewal or for a new subscription. Hf'reipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expira.tion date, as shown on wrapper label.
EnUred as Secand

Class 'Ma".,. at Brookl,;', N, Y

Po.rolfi~~" Ac, of M;;rch

BETHEL HYMNS FOR

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1. 190
2 313
I"riday
:1 24
Saturda;'

4
5
6
'1
8
9
1.0

la5
295
91
2::;5
31)3
178

2M

1.1.
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.'1

305
52
306
109
331
6

326

GERMAN CONVENTION AT CLEVELAND, OHIO

The German friends at Cleveland, Ohio, have arrangc,l

for a German three-day Convention, May 30th (Decoration
Day), May 31st, and Sunday, June 1st. A number of able
German speakers will serve the friends on this occasion.
For particulars and pro~ram address Brothl'r Aug. Juncker.
2502 Tampa Ave., Clen~land, Ohio.

MEMORIAL REPORTS DESIRED PROMPTLY

It is {lPsired that we rcceive the rej10rts of the Memorial
attendance as promj1tly fiS possibll'. Kindly assist us in
this, so that the compiling and publishing of the report
will not be delayed.

SERVICE AT BETHEL

rd ,879.

In order that our questionnaires might be up to date, we

shall be j1leased to selld blanks to any brothers or sisters
who could render service at Bethel. Young men, unencumbered, are preferred. There is also a limited amount of
service for sisters desiring to do housework.

25 85
26202
2'1 221
28117
29 128
30 186
31. 244

QUite frequently we have a letter from a class, statin~

that they have a special Berean study on the leading article
in THE 'VATeR TOWER, and reporting a great blessing from
the study. We recommend such a study, believing that it
will be helpfUl to all who participate in it.

~lA Y

1.8
1.9
20
21.
22
23
24

2G2

267
81

311
330
li)4

:!08

WATCH TOWER BEREAN STUDY

~WATCH

TOWER
PRESENCE

AfID HEuALD OF CHR~STS

VOL. XLV

APRIL

No.8

If), 1924

KEPT IN PEACE
"Thou lfJl~7t kcep him in pcace, peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee."-Isatah !J6: 9.

Il E Almighty is the God of peace. Regardless of

disorder and confusion among the creatures of
his universe, Jehovah is always tranquil, calm
amI undi~hubed. The very creation bespeaks his majesty,
dignity, and quiet serenity. The lofty mountain peaks,
II fting their hoary heads into the heavens, testify to the
calmness and repose of the great First Cause. 'l'he peace
hich God enjoys is centered in himself. The peace
"hieh his intelligent creatures enjoy can be had only
when such creatures have an abiding confidence in
Jrhoyah.
2 Peace is properly defined as a state of calmness and
repose, of tranquility and quiet, free from disturbance.
At times one may enjoy physical peace; but the peace
which the Christian enjoys is that state of mind and
heart wherein is calmness and repose resulting from an
abiding confidence in .T ('hovah and in the Lord Jesus.
'There may be, and frrquently are, outward stormy cand itions tending to disturb the equilibrium of one; but
thrre is the promise from God that he will keep such
an one in peace, even amidst the greatest time of Conf11sion and outward disturbances. The condition precedrllt to enjoying this peace is that the mind of the
crcature must be stayed upon the Creator.
:lA stay is a strong rope or cable employcct to hold
fast and to keep steadfast and in place a mast or other
object that needs to be supportect. To animate, intelligent creatures a stay is an anchor or strong support,
giying confidence to jhe one who enjoys such support.
~L Paul tells us of the willingness of God to show to
thl' heirs of promise (the spiritual seed of Abraham)
the unchangeableness of his ,\'Ord; and that to do this
he confirms or binds it with his oath. By these two
unchangeable things God provides strong consolation to
those who have laid hold upon the precious promises,
and plants a blessed hope ill the breasts of such, and
thereby furnishes them a stay or anchor which is both
('C'rtain and steadfast. This is true because that anchor
is fastenC'd in heavrn, wherein Jesus, who is the Advocaje of our cause, faithfully looks after the interest of
r"Ny new crraturr. The terms are that those who trust
the Lord, confidently relying upon him, keeping the

111ll1d fastened upon him and his precious promises, he

will keep in peace, peace.
4 I t will be noticed that the word "peace"
is emphasized by repetition, as shown by marginal reading. Othenyise stated, God promises to give those that confidently
trust him, and who have their minds stayed or anchored
upon him, an abundance of peace. The adversary may
assault from every side, cause much commotion and
confusion. Yet if the way is clear between the creature
and the Creator, and the creature keeps his mind upon
the great Creator, he is held sure and steadfast by this
s~ay or support; and there results to him a peace that
passeth human understanding. It seems quite certain,
from the recorded dealings of Jehovah with those who
have attempted to serve him, that he permits trying
circumstances and disturbed conditions round about in
order that those who have faith in him might have an
opportunity to test the willingness of Jehovah and his
ability to give peace and quietude. He is the God of
peace, therefore the source of all peace; and when he
giveth quietness, who can disturb?

'I

EXAMPLES FOR OUR ADMONITION

fiIt has pleased Jehovah to teach the church by pre-

cept and by example. By precept is meant the plain

statement of his Word of Truth. By example is meant
his manner of dealing with faithful men We are expressly told that these faithful men of ancient times
were used as types to foreshadow God's dealing with the
new creation. Isaac was one who loved peace. He is
referred to in history as "Isaac, the peaceable." He was
quiet, thoughtful, and non-resistant, both as a man and
as a child. He yielded rradily to the cords with which
his father bound him to the altar for sacrifice. He
readily submitted to his father's will in the selection of
his bride. He permitted the herdsmen of Abimeleeh to
monopolize the lands and wells which were rightfully
his own by divine inheritance. He loved peace and not
strife. Isaac was a type of the church, expressly so stated
by the apostle Paul.-Galatians 4: 28.
6Isaac was persecuted by the fleshly minded; and even
so it is with the antitypical ISllac. It seems that there

116

CfheWATCH TOWER
are always some who claim to bc consecrated to the Lord,
and who are associated with others who are consecrated,
but who are vf a contentious spirit, and love strife more
than peace. They even claim to be insisting on principle, and for the enforcement of what they call principle, and thereby find an excuse to level harsh criticism
and judgment against their brethren. In this they are
wrong. Principle is a synonymous term for God's law,
or rule of action. Where one is governed by principle
that one is governed by the law of God; and if governed
by the law of God such will avoid strife and contention
because it is expressly stated that these arc the fruitR of
the flesh. (Galatians 5: 20) They evidently fail to ha\'e
the peace of God because neglecting to stay or fasten
their minds upon him, his character, and his Word. It
should be remembered that the promise is to keep in
peace, real peace, the one who confidently trusts in the
Lord and is governed according to his Word.
7There are other notable examples in the Old Testament, given for the benefit of the church, that the spiritually minded might obtain profitable lessons therefrom.
Jacob was compelled to flee from home because of the
wrath of his dishonest brother Esau. He carried with
him virtually nothing, except his shepherd's staff, leu\'ing all his earthly possessions behind. They were rightfully his, because he had bought them and earned them.
'fhe Lord had granted his blessing. As a lonely fugitive
he craved the peace and quietude again of his father's
house. The Lord blessed him by granting his desire.
-Genesis 28: 21.
SIn olden times heavenly angels materialized in human
form, appearing as messengers from God to man on
earth. An angel appeared to Manoah and his wife,
g-iving them assurance of the birth of their son Samson.
When the angel had ascended up to heaven in a flame
from off the altar, where Manoah had offered a sacrifice,
and appeared no more, Manoah said to his wife: "We
shall surely die, because we have seen God. But his
wife said unto him, If the Lord were pleased to kill us.
he would not have reoeived a burnt offering and a meat
offering at our hands, neither would he have showed us
all these things, nor would, as at this time, have told UB
such things as these." (Judges 13: 18-23) Here the
husband was frightened. His peace of mind was disturbed. His good wife had more faith than he and was
a comfort to him. And why? Because her mind was
fixed upon the Lord. his goodness, and his promises.
90ften a good woman is a great blessing to a man.
Often her faith is stronger than the man's, and enables
the man's faith to grow stronger, also. The most blessed
gift that God gives to a man in a tangible form is a
good woman, who trusts in the JJOrd. This statement
is borne out by Biblical proof. If the woman would
always study to be a blessing to the man, as the Lord's
Word points out, the Lord would honor her efforts.
Likewise where the man diligcntly seeks to be governed
according to the Lord's Word and t.o aid the woman, he

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

is a hl('~"IJlg to lwf. There mu~t he rcciprocJty \nth a

view to hOllonng the Lord. Manoah's wife, having her
mind stayed upon the Lord, was in a better condition of
mind to reason concerning the Lord's dealings with them.
Peace of mind, thereforc, is essential to sound reasoning.
lOBut it is natural for man to fear, because he i;;
imperfect. An angel appeared unto Gideon who, when
he discovered that he had been talking with an angel,
was afraid that it meant for him the loss of life. But
the Lord comforted him by saying, "Peace be unto thee;
fear not." (Judges 6: 23) Gideon was a natural man.
'fhe new creature in Christ Jesus has a greater basis for
his hope and trust in the Lord, and therefore for his
peace of mind and heart.
llIt is expressly observed from our text that an abiding faith is the basis for this peace. David was a strong
example of faith. He was also a target for the adver~ary. David was a type of the church. While yet a
youth he had been anointed to succeed King Saul; but
he made no effort to assume the office as king, prpferring
to wait for the Lord to arrange the matter. Saul attempted to take David'!'\ life. For many years David fled
from Saul's presence. While in the land of Philistia
there came to him a deputation of discontented onps
from Saul's domain. David was not sure whether they
were on a mission of peace or were bent on evil. Hence
he said unto them that if they came peaceably he was
glad to see them, and his heart would be knit to them;
but if they came to betray him, inasmuch as he had
done no wrong, he would appeal his case to Jehovah
and Jehovah would rebuke them. The Lord without
doubt was pleased with this act of David. Using one
of the men, the Lord spoke to David this sweet message:
"Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of
Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine
helpers; for thy God helpeth thee." (1 Chronicles 12:
17,18) Shortly thereafter David came into possession
of the throne of Israel.
DAVIIYS IMPLICIT CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH

12We seem warranted in concluding that the Lord

often permits trials to test the faith of his people. Whm
David was being pursued by his enemy he cried unto
the Lord, saying, "Hear me when I call, 0 God of my
righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in
distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."
After he had prayed unto God he said: "I will both lay
me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only
makest me dwell in safety."-Psalm 4: 1-8.
l3The peace of God adds strength to the one who is
weak and weary. An example is given of this in the
experience of the prophet Daniel. He was sick and discouraged because of the trouble which he saw coming
upon the Israelites. Then the Lord sent unto him a
message by his angel, saying, "0 man greatly beloved,
fear not; peace be unto thee: be strong, yea. he Rtrong.
And when he hau. spoken unto me, I was strengthened,

Al'lI1L

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111

erne WATCH TOWER

and ~aiu, Let my Lord speak; for thou ha~t ,trell 6 thened
me:' (DaniellO: 19) A Chri"tlUll who has experiencrd
some of the fiery trials along the way knows how to
appreciate this. II conditions round about di"turb the
mind and shake the faith, he becomes weak and sick at
heart; but when he turns his mind to the Lord, trusting
in him and relying confiuently 1I pan his promises, th<'n
the Lord brings to him sweet peace; and strength results.
These C'xamples were put into the Scriptures for our
benC'fit; for St. Paul says that the things heretofore
,rritten were written for our romfort.-Homans 15: 4.
l4The time will come when Clod will establish peace
amongst all the peoples of earth who will trust him.
He made a covenant with the 1~raelites 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 evil beasts out of the land, neither
shall the sword go through your land." (Leviticus 26 : G)
The Israelites violated that covenant; but Clod will
make a new covenant with the house of Israel, through
Christ, the great Prince of Peace. (Hebrews 8: 8-13)
'rhe prophet Isaiah had faith that this will be so and
testified to it: "Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us:
for thou also hast wrought all our works in us."Isaiah 26: 12.
15 After Israel comes to appreciate God's loving kindness and trusts the Lord implicitly, then tIl<' Lord "will
reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth."
( Jeremiah 33: 6) The Lord Jesus came to Israel, bearing to them the message of peace and reconciliation;
but their leaders refused his message, and influenced
the common people to refuse it. Their repeatcd refusal
caused Jesus to weep and say: "If thou hadst known,
even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which
belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine
eyes." (Luke 19: 42) Being permitted to understand
God's plan, a Christian now has much consolation when
he reads in God's Word : "Behold, I will [yet] exten d
peace to her [Israel] like a river, and the glory of the
nations like a flowing stream." (Isaiah 66: 12) Knowing that this peace is coming to Israel and through
Israel to all the world, the Christian delights in telling
it to those who have the hearing ear.

ment of our peace was npon him." (Isaiah 53: 5) He

was put to death for our sins, he was raised again for
our jllRtification, by which means he brings us to peace
with God. "'But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes
were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For
he is our peace." (Ephesians 2: 13, 14) From the one
who presents himself in full consecration to the Lord,
trusting in the merit of Christ Jesus' sacrifice, the Lord
will in no wise turn away. Such a one is seeking peaee
with God. When the Lord Jesus becomes his Advocate
and presents him to the Father, and the Father justitirs
him, then is made true the statement of St. Paul:
"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 1) This
is the one and only way that leads to peace with God.
LEGACY OF PEACE

l7PE'ace is a priceless jewel. Would that all profeR~('l1

Chri"tians would 1110]'C' keenly appreciate it. It is said
of Jesus that he was so poor that he had not a place to
lay his head. When he died upon the cross he left no
real or personal propC'rty; even his elothing was taken
from him and divided amongst the soldiers. The legacy
he left to the Church, however, cannot be measured by
any earthly value. His last night with his disciples on
earth was the occasion of committing into their hands
this legacy for them, and for those who should afterwards believe upon him. He said: "Peace I leave with
you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth,
give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither
let it be afraid." (John 14: 27) And again: "The8c
things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world."
(John 16: 33) The peace here mentioned is not an
outward peace but that reRttnl condition of mind and
heart resulting from an abiding confidence in the Lord.
This is the peace of God that passeth understanding,
enjoyed by the one who has already been brought to the
relationship of peace with God and who has learned to
appropriate to himself the precious promises and rely
upon them.
PEACE IN THE CHURCH

l8The importance of peace in the church cannot be

PEACE WITH GOD
overstated. St. Paul says: "Follow peace with all men,
:J.6Before one can have the peace of God he first must and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
be at peace with God. .rehovah, in his loving kindnesR, (Hebrews 12: 14) It is not an unusual thing to find a
has provided the way for establishing such peace. All disturbance in a congregation of Christians. Some are
the human race, being bol'll in sin and shapen in in- naturally of a contentious spirit, and insist on having
iquity, are at enmity with God. When one is tired and tV.eir own way. They cause contention and strife. Consick of being separated from God, and has the desire to cerning this the Apostle says: "If ye bite and devour
come into harmony with Jehovah, the great and loving one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of
God draws him to Jesus. The means of our peace with another." (Galatians 5: 15) Some have greater diffiGod is through thr Lord Jesus, our Redeemer. Of him culty than others to dwell in peace. This is due to the
it was written: "He was wounded for our transgres- imprrfectiom of the flesh; and it will be found that
sions, he was brui,'rl1 for our iniqnities: the chastise- where strife and contention exist, selfishness is beini

'BnooKLT~. ~.

CfheWATCH TOWER

11S

manifested. This selfishness somrtimes appears in the

form of amhition to lord it over God's heritage. It may
be mani.frsted because of envy. Either of these will lead
to disastrous remlts, if not amcnued. The Lord foreknew this condition would exist in the Church, otherwise he would not have ,,-arned against it through the
Apostle.
19The temptations that beset those of the world likewise beset those of the Church, but the Lord has prepared a way for the Church to escape. (1 Corinthians
10: 13) 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. The Apostle, in admonishing the Church as to duties and obligations, says: "Be at peace among yourselves." This
requires a large measure of heavenly wisdom. Wisdom
that is mentioned by the Apostle is: "First pure, then
peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy
and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." (James 3: 17) Every Christian needs this wisdom. and the Lord has graciously promised to give it
for the asking. (James 1: 5) Wisdom's "ways are ways
of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."-Prov. 3 :17.
2Wisdom means to know the Word of God and to
conform our li1'es to that Word. Where there is confusion and contention in an ecclesia, if each one would
calmly ask himself: Is this a manifestation of the spirit
of the Lord? and then remember the Apostle's words:
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,
[IS in all churches of the saints" (1 Corinthians 14: 33),
i hen govern himself according to the Word, cOlltrover~ ics could not long last amongst God's people. Each
one in the Church must strive to keep the unity of the
spirit in the bond of lleace (Ephesians 4: 3) and,
l'hi1'ing thus to do, may know that the result will be
benefLCial to the members of the body and pleasing
to the Lord.
210ne of the good ways to O1'ercome this contentious
l'pirit is for those ,yho have it to pray for peace, and
then to conform their lives to such prayer. This suggestion is given by the Psalmist: "Pray for the peace
of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace
be within thy ,valls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say,
Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord
our God I 'Yill seek thy good." (Psalm 122: 6-9) When
one feels desirous of fighting his brethren, let him
remember the words of the apostle Peter: "Be diligent
that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot,
and blameless." (2 Peter 3: 14) It is better to overlook
non-es~entials than to be contentious about many things
and lose all. He ,,,ho is willing thus to do will enjoy a
greater measure of peace in his own mind.
CO~DITIO.NS

OF PEACE

22Col'fohorating the ,yards of the prophet Isaiah that

God will kerp in peace, peace those whose minds are

Y.

stayed upon him, the prophet Dayid adds: "Great pruce

ha1'e they which 101'e thy law: and nothing shall offend
them." (Psalm 119: 1(5) The law of God is his Word;
and they that meditate upon his Word and love it will
strive to conform themselves to it, and will enjoy a
peace that passeth understanding. "My son, forget not
my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they
add to thee." (Proverbs 3: 1, 2) That peace is the
result of heeding the commandment of the Lord. As
further proof on this point the Prophet says: "0
that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments [ then
had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as
the waves of the sea." (Isaiah 48: 18) To keep God's
law or commanclments means to appreciate the spirit
thereof. It means really to love God and to delight to
do that which would please him. The Christian must,
in order to enjoy peace, mind the things of the spirit
and not pamper the desires of the flesh. As St. Paul
says: "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be
spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8: 6)
To continue in peace one must continue to feed upon
the precious words of truth.
23"The fruit of the spirit is love." (Galatians 5: 22)
Then the Apostle a(~ds "peace," as one of the elements
that go to make up this fruit. Therefore, we conclude
that there can be no real peace unless our love for God
is supreme. It must be the love of God that will cause
us to desire to know and to do his will. We must have
the love of Christ that binds us together as one family.
THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

24It is not surprising that we see the Scriptures speak

of the true gospel as the "gospel of peace." It is remarkable to note the instances in which this phrase "gospel
of peace" is used. The term seemingly applies to the
Church ,yhen nearing the end of its earthly journey. It
seems that to the feet members is left the chief work of
proclaiming the "gospel of peace." Seeing, then, that
the Lord of the kingdom is here and has committed to
the Church the message of reconciliation to the world,
how important, therefore, that every member of the
Church follow peace and holiness, looking to that blessed
time when they may see the Lord face to face and have
his appro1'al.
25The Church is nearing the end of her earthly journey. This period of her journey should be marked by
sweet praee in the mind and heart of each one of those
who expects to enter the kingdom. God assures UB
through the words of his prophet that this condition of
mind and heart will be granted to those who keep the
mind stayed upon him. We sometimes wish to emphasize a thonght. For instance we say: I am l'cry happy.
Another will say: I am very, 11ery happy. And so the
Lord emphasizes this fruit of the spirit which he gives
to the Church, saying, 'I will give pcace, peace, to those
who trmt me and meditate upon my law.'

APRIL

15, 1924

cne\VATCH TOWER

2bXrH'r was there a time more appropriate for the

Church and all of its members this side the vail to dwrll
in peace and unity than right now. When one has journeyed for a long way through the hot and dusty desert.
and with great effort has struggled up the mountainside, reaching the very summit thereof, and in that calm
and quiet environment reclines to rest, there comcs to
the body and mind an outward and inward peace that
human words cannot describe. The very environment
be~peaks peace and quietudc. The lofty mountain prab
round about silently lifting their heads heavenward
testify that all peace cometh down from him who doeth
all things well. These inanimate witnesses are in exact
harmony with each other. 'l'here is no confusion, no
noise, no voice; yet their t:"timony is more powerful
than spoken words. The wpary traveler, calm and in
repose, seemingly hears whispcring through the pines of
these lofty mountains the sweet words of the Lord, telling of his great love for those who dwell in peace and
in holiness. It suggests to the traveler's mind the blessed
sweetness that must and will prevail in the heavrnl:"
realm, where all things are in harmony and where then'
is not even a discordant note or sound. As he meditatrs
upon these things of God's creation, from them he has
a keener appreciation of the words uttered by the Psalmist: "How good and how blessed for brethren to dwell
together in unity!"-Psalm 133: l.
27Long has the Church journeyed through the valley
of the shadow of death. Many have been the fiery experiences of the various members. Often have they bcrn
bowed down with burdens grievous to be borne. They
have been subjected to evil report, slandered, misundrrstood, and misrepresented; they have grown tired and
worn and weary. These have been real desert cxperiences. Now the church has ascended Pisgah's mountain, and from its summit by faith beholds the promised
blessings of her glory home. Now is committed to her
the great and wonderful privilege of carrying the mrssage of peace to the world. The prophet Isaiah had a
vision of the feet members of the Church in this favored
position. The vision thrilled his soul, and in ecstasy he
wrote: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet
of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth praee;
that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"Isaiah 52: 7.
THE TRANQUILITY OF GOD'S PEACE

28As the eternal peaks stand as silent sentinels on

watch, even so the PropllPt likens these faithful ones of
the Church, who love peace and pursue it, to watchmen.
Because of their faithfulness the Lord has rewardrd
them with peace of mind and repose of heart. He reprrsents them as having their hearts knittrd together in
love, having a clearer knowledge of God's plan, seeing
eye to eye in all things pcrtaining to the kingdom, amI

119

then aods: "Th.v watchmen shall lift up the voice;

with the voice together shall they sing." By this we
unden;tand that these watchmen, the faithful followers
of the rAJrd Jesus, to whom now is committed the message of peace, are joyfully proclaiming that message
that others may know that Jehovah is God and that
Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.
291 only we daily, yea hourly, could keep our minds
fixed upon the exceeding great and precious promises
that the Lord has given to us, and know that these
promises are ours and intended for our consolation,
what a sweet peace it would bring I If each one in the
narrow way, meditating upon these precious promises,
could at all times fully appreciate the high office to
which he is called, what a great inducement it would
be to follow peace with the brethren and with alII
Where this peace of mind results there would be little
or no controversy in the ecclesia; and if some insisted
on causing disturbances, no storm nor confusion would
interrupt the peace and calm that would continue in
thc IlC'art of each one who refrains from strife, and
who stays his heart upon the Lord and his promises,
and strives to obey the same.
30 Everything in the world is turmoil and strife and
confusion. There is no peace in the world, and there is
no power of the world that can bring peace. But the
messengers of the Lord, because their minds are stayed
upon him and they trust him, have in themselves the
peace of God that passeth understanding. They know
what will bring peace to the world. With joy and gladness they announce to the world: The Prince of Peace
is here. He has taken unto himself his power; he has
begun his reign; he will establish the world in righteousness that it cannot be moved. "Blessed are the peacemakers." No storm disturbs their inmost calm; no
trial or tribulation drives them away from the duties of
their high office to which they are anointed. No persecution nor misrepresentation causes them to falter or
turn back; but with complete confidence in the Lord,
with hearts moved by pure and unselfish love, and
united together in love for each other and dwelling in
harmony, they with one accord joyfully proclaim: "The
kingdom of heaven is at hand." They enjoy sweet !:llowship with each other because they are one in Christ;
and with gladness they are looking forward to that
happy day when they shall be made perfect as members
of the body of Christ in glory, to that blessed time when
they may enter the house of eternal peace and glory of
the Lord, there to dwell forever, to behold his glory and
to gain knowledge in his temple. Blessed is the portion
of the Church at this hour; blessed are those that have
the peace of God, and that continue in peace. More
blessed will they be in a little while, when, for faithful,
ness to their King, they shall enter into their full
reward.

cneWATCH TOWER
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What beepeaks the tranquil and undisturbed character of God 7

Why is his peace never disturbed? ~ 1.

How Is peace defined 7 What kind of peace has the Christian 7 ~ 2.
What is a "stav" 7 What makes a Christian's hope steadfast? ~ 3.
How may peace be emphasized 7 How may peace be maintained
amid outward storms? '14. 25.
How does God teach his children? What title is applied to Isaac 7
, IS.
By whom was Isaac persecuted? The antitypical Isaac 7 How Is it
done 7 What Is the meaning of "principle" 7 'I 6.
Was Jacob a lover of peace? How wa~ it demonstrated7 '17.
How was the father of Samson reproved by his wife7 What enabled her to do it 7 'I 8.
What relationship may be a great blessing to a man 7 How maya
husband and a wife be a great blessing to each other 7 , 9.
Why do men sometimes have fear7 What made Gideon afraid 7 '110.
How did David demonstrate his confidence in Jehovah? '111,12.
What strengthens the weak and weary? How did God encourage
Daniel? 'I 13.
Has God promised to establish peace in the earth 7 'I 14.
How did Jesus express his sympathy for Israel7 What gives the
Christian consolation? 'I 15.
How do we differentiate between "peace with God" and "peace of
God" 7 Does Isaiah 1)3: IS mean that peace must come to human-

ity? '16.

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

'Vhat is the legacy "'hich Jesus left us? By what means should we
approJ1nate that legacy to Olllsp[ves? '1117.
Is p"ace something to be dealt with lightly? \Vhy do some have
!II ore difficulty In being at peace with their brethren than do
others? '/18.
.-\.1 e the surroundings of all mankind practically the same? How
does the Chl"l,tian (llffer from the man of the world? , 19.
'Vhat does "wisdom" mean? What is the duty of every member in
t he Church? 'II 20.
How may the contentious spirit be gotten rid of? What does 2
Peter 3: 14 say? 'II 21.
Where are the Instructions for maintaining perfect peace7 What
does it mean to appreciate the spirit of God's Word'l 'II 22.
What is the fruit of the spirit? '''hat has love to do with peace?
'1123.
What expression do we find often in the Bible? When does it have
a special meaning to the Church? ,/2'4.
'Yhy is now an especially appropriate time for the Church to dwell
together in unity? , 25,20.
Where has the Church been for a long time? Where is she now?
~ 27.
1:lIto what are the eternal peaks likened 7 What Is the joyful song
of triumph 7 , 28.
rpon what should we fix our minds7 What should be our attitude
when strife threatens? , 29.
Is peace in the world posslble7 What special blessing Is there for
heralders of peace at the present time, and in the future? ~ 30.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR MAY 21

"For the 7cingdom is the Lord's: and he is the governor."-Psalm !!2: !!8.
N THIS text the Psalmist says that the kingdom
is Jehovah's, that he is the governor, meaning
thereby that the dominion, the rule or power of
the kingdom, resides in Jehovah. This does not at all
militate against the fact that it is the kingdom of
Messiah, and that he is the ruler.
The Apostle plainly tells us that "all things [are] of
God," and that God <'hath put all things under his
[Christ's] feet," and given him to be the Head over all
things to the Church, "that in the dispensation of the
fulness of times he might gather together in one all
things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which
are on earth."-l Cor. 11: 12; 15: 25; Eph. 1: 22,10.
It is always understood, thereiore, that the kingdom
of God and the kingdom of Christ are one and the
same; that Christ exercises all authority and governing
power in the kingdom in harmony with the Father's will.
During the Millennial age Christ will be engaged in
subduing all things unto himself. "When all things
shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject" unto Jehovah.-1 Corinthians 15: 28.
Graciously has Jehovah provided that there shall be
associated with Christ Jesus, in the Millennial reign
and time 6f blessing the people, the overcoming saints.
Their importance in his kingdom may be somewhat
approximated when we call to mind that Jehovah,
through Christ J eeus, has occupied a long period of
time in preparing those who are to be the saints in glory.
It is well that we keep before our minds this exalted
position in order to appreciate why the Lord would
permit each one of the kingdom class to pass through
many tiery trials. These trying experiences are for the
Ip<-eial benefit of those who are tried. Hence St. Paul

sa~s: "\Ye glory in trilmlatlOn also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and
experience, hope."-Romans 5: 3,4.
All these trying experiences constitute a test of faith.
St. James knew this; hence he wrote: "Count it all joy
when ye fall into divers temptations [tests]; knowing
this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be
perfect and entirc, wanting nothing." (James 1: 2-4)
Then he adds: "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown
of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love
him." (James 1: 12) This shows that no one will
attain unto the position of membership in the royal
family without passing through trying experiences and
getting the victory over them.
It is difficult often for a Christian to understand
some of his experiences; but if he patiently waits on
the Lord, in due time he will see that God is making
good his promise to cause all things to work out for the
benefit of the one who is really the Lord's. God's wisdom caused him to prepare the way that leads to glory,
not through flowery beds of ease but through tribulation. In no other way could loyalty be so well proven.
Loyalty to the very core, loyalty in everything, is that
which is pleasing to the Lord. This means that he who
shall be assocIated with Christ Jesus in the kingdom
would be loyal under any possible conditions that might
arise. He who rcally has some appreciation of the great
privilege of being a member of the kingdom class, which
shall govern the whole world and uplift and bless mankind, can appreciate fiery trials. St. Paul had many of
these. He rejoiced in filling up that which is behind of
the sufferings of Christ; for he saw that that was a
condition precedent to reigning with Christ. With real
enthusiasm he wrote: "0 the depth 01 the riches both
of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable

APRIL

15, 1924

'<fheWATCH TOWER

are his judgments, and his ways pa~t finding out! For
who hath known the mind of the Lord? or \"ho hath
be<'ll his counsellor?"-Homans 11: 33, 34.
These wonderful things revealed in the Word of God
illSpire the Christian to battle on with joy in his heart,
that he may attain unto the great goal to which Jehovah
has called him. Blessed is the man who is now being
i rained for the office of king and who successfully passes
the examination.
TEXT FOR M.\Y 28

"All kings shall fall down before him."-Psalm 72: 11.

HE personal pronoun him in this text applies to
Christ, the King of glory. The first verse of the
Psalm discloses that fact. The Psalmist pictures
olle standing before Jehovah with reverential respect,
\\ ho presents a petition to Jehovah, saying, "Give the
king thy judgments, 0 God."
Judgment means a judicial determination. The one
to whom judgment is committed must have authority
and jurisdiction to hear all causes and to enter a finding
01' decree, and to execute that decree. That will be the
office of the Messiah during the Millennial age.
The petition presented in the first verse of this Psalm
seems to be answered subsequently when David, as the
mouthpiece of Jehovah, says: "The Lord [Jehovah]
said unto my Lord [Christ Jesus], Sit thou at my
right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
(Psalm 110: 1) Othen"ise stated, Jehovah says to his
beloved Son: (Thou shalt occupy my throne for the
judicial determination of all things that pertain to man,
until all thine enemies have been brought under thy
feet.'
Jesus understood that to be the decree of Jehovah;
and when on earth he ~aid: "For the Father judgeth no
man, but hath committrd all judgment unto the Son;
.. and hath given him authority to execute judgment also."-John 5: 22,27.
St. Paul understood such to be Jehovah's determination, when he wrote: "For he [Christ] must reign,
till he hath put all enemies under his feet."-l Corinthians 15: 25.
'These texts show that our week-text means that all
the kings shall fall before the Lord Jesus and that all
the nations shall serve him.
Kings, within the meaning of this text, are the ruling
factors of the earth. 'l'hr term is not necessariJ y confined to those who wear the crown and regal garments
and sit on thrones, but it includes big business, big- politicians, and big preachers. It is the same class described
in Psalm 149 in the words: "To bind their kings with

"In memory of the Savior's IOVl

We keep this simple feast,
Where every consecrated heart
Is made a welcome guest.

121

chains and their nohles with feUers of iron." In this

work the ~aints of Christ shall participate.
The great King of glory, now present, has assumed
his power am], authority, and is binding the kings and
nobles; and 110W the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of God and of his Christ. From this
tl111e forward, as his kingdom increases, these mighty
Olles of earth must be submissive. Some of them will
refuse to be submissive. however. The Scriptures disclose that the judicial determination of the great King
upon these will be destruction. All of those who, after a
full and fair opportunity before his tribunal, prostrate
themselves before the great King and render homage
aIld loyalty to him, shall receive the blessings of life,
llberty and happiness.
Throughout the Millennial age the great King
glory shall sit upon his throne, judging the peoples of
rarth. '1'hat is to ~ay. he will hear their causes, judicially determine what shall be done, pronounce the
drcree, and enforce it. In this wondrrful work the
oyercoming saints shall participate; for Jesus said:
"Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed
me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit
in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew
19: 28) That this means his faithful followers we know;
for he said: "To him that overcometh will I grant to
sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and
am set down with my Father in his throne."-Rev. 3 :21.
It is a tremendous incentive to the faithful child of
God now to appreciate the fact that he is privileged to
liH~ when the King is present; that he is privileged
now to be the ambassador of the great King and tell
the people that the kingdom is being set up; and to
know that soon the evil forces shall be completely restrained; and that the judgments of the Lord shall be
ill the earth, during which the people will learn righteousness. The Lord permits his people now to appreciatr these things for their own encouragement; and
tho~e who do appreciate are entering into the joy of
the ],ord.
'I'hr words "fall before him" in this text, in addition
to what has been said, have the thought of doing reverence and worship to the Lord. As the judgments of the
Lord proceed, the obedient ones will learn righteousness;
and when the work of his great court is complete, and
he with his associate justices surrender the kingdom to
the Father, then at the name of Jesus every knee shall
bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things
under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God, the Father.
A beautiful, wonderful, happy universe then it will b6.
Praise ye the Lord!

or

"By faith we take the bread of life

Which this doth symbolize;
This cup ill token of his blood,
Our costly sacrifice."

JEHOIADA'S VICTORY OVER BAAL

--~Lw

] 1--:; !\:1:\"GS 11 : 1-4. 11-18--

GOD PROTECTS HTS CHOSE:\" PEOPU,-DAVIDIC 1,11\"E A1,)IOST ORLITER_\1'~;I)--.Il':HOL\I).\ RI!:CEI\T~

sn'poltr

OF THE

PEOPLE-PRESENT

I'ltl\ 11.l'I:LS PREFIGLRI'I).

"Be Ii/rong ill the Lord, alld III the power of IllS lIIight."-E()ll'c~illIlS 6: 10.

DR lessons now return to Judah. Today's study brings

under review the history of that kingdom from the
time of the division to its deliverance from the curse
of Baal, which wrought so much destruction in the northern kingdom, and which had been fastened upon it also.
Partly because of the overruling providences of Jehovah,
and partly through the fact that the temple of the Lord
with ail its ordained services was in Jerusalem, Judah did
not forsake the Lord so quickly as Israel had done. But
though they kept more faithful to the worship of Jehovah,
they never got free from the worship in the high places.
-2 Kings 23: 5, 8, 9.
2Sometimes this was worship of the gods of the neighboring nations, but very frequently was professedly worship of
Jehovah; for before the erection of the temple high places
were chosen for the place of sacrifice. (See 1 Samuel 9: 12)
There were some in Judah who preferred to continue to
worship at these shrines even after God had very clearly
appointed his altar in the temple in Jerusalem; and there
were priests who were content to serve them. Each of
these priests had his own little kingdom, and preferred to
have that rather than be lost in the large number of the
Lord's servants.
aHere is a point still worth attention: All leaders in
classes should remember that the Church is one, and that
there are general as well as local interests which call for
attention. These priests in Judah who served locally lost
the idea of general unity which God intended should obtain
in Israel, and for which purpose a central place of worship
and a thrice-yearly pilgrimage were provided.
4No one can truly serve local interests who does not see
them first in the larger view as parts of the whole. It was
this weakness in Judah which helped to bring on the crisis
set before us in today's study. Rehoboam died with a poor
record. (2 Chronicles 12: 14) He was followed by Ahijah
(three years), and by Asa (forty-one years). Asa brought
his people to a high pitCh of fervor towards Jehovah (2
ChroniCles 15: 12-14), but in his last years his own fervor
dwindled. (2 Chronicles 16: 10) Jehoshaphat his son reigned
in his stead. He saw that the knowledge of Israel's calling
was being lost; and to help them he appointed teachers
accompanied by Levites to go throughout the kingdom to
instruct the people in the way of the Lord.-2 Chron. 17: 7-9.

GOD PROTECTS HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE

6After some years of service on behalf of the Lord's
people, and while Jehoshaplmt was yet seeking diligently to
walk in the right way, Edom, Moab, Ammon, and a mixed
multitude came against Judah unawares. When Jehoshaphat was informed of the danger he sought the Lord earnestly. Crying for help he told the Lord how these nations
had combined to destroy JUdah, God's people, and to take
possession of the inheritance which God had given them.
God assured Jehoshaphat that he would attend to this
matter, and that this evil combination should be broken.
Judah was to march out as if to battle. As they did so,
their foes were thrown into confusion and began to slay
each other-none escaped. Judah was much enriched with
the spoil; for these people had come in confident expectation of staying, and had brought much valuable property
with them.-2 Chronicles 20: 1-30.
6It is from this event that we get the phrase "the valley of
blessing," so s\yeet to the ears of the Lord's people; and
also the words of the song, "I have entered the Yalley of
1"'~

blessing so sweet"; though probably the song is inspired

more by the thought than by the incident. To get the true
thought and the most helpful meaning it should be noted
that the valley of blessing was so named because "there
they blessed God." (2 Chronicles 20: 26) 'I'he valley of
blessing is found wJ.ll'eVer the lwart is ready to praise God
for all his goodness. An ungrateful heart never gets into
that valley.
7,Jehoshaphat, apparently bewitched by the brilliancy of
.-\hab and ,Jezebel, made affinity with them and married hiR
son to their daughter. Later he visited them in Samaria,
and there was a great time of feasting. Ahab invitell
Jehoshaphat to go with him to an attack on Ramothg-ilead, then held by the Syrians. (2 Chronicles 18: 1-3)
'I'he attack cost Ahab his life. (2 Chronicles IS: 34) Jehoshaphat was very unequally yoked with Ahab, and the alliance
wrought havoc in .Judah. Jehoshaphat died a few years
later, soon after the time when ]~lijah was taken away in
the whirlwind. Jehoram of Judah, his son, was a brutal
king, evidently under the dominion of his wife. He died a
terrible death, unwept and unhonored. (2 Chronicles 21: 18,
19) Ahaziah reigned in his stead.
8Ahaziah, of JUdah, took counsel with those of the house
of Ahab, and walked therein. (2 Chronicles 22: 3) When
he had reigned a year Jehoram of Israel, his uncle, invited
him to Ramoth-gilead, where Ahab had received his death
wound. Jehoram was wounded in the battle and returned
to Jezreel, and was followed there by Ahaziah to visit him.
His going was of God; for it was then, when these two
were together at Jezreel, that Elisha sent to Ramoth-gilead
to anoint Jehu, who was conducting the battle as captain of
Israel's army. Ahaziah fell into the destruction of Ahab's
house, and forty-two of his relatives who went down to
Samaria to visit him were also slain by Jehu.-2 Chronicles
22: 5-9; 2 Kings 10: 14.
9When Athaliah the queen-mother of Judah heard of all
this slaughter, she made a mad attempt to slay all the
remaining royal seed of the house of David. Believing that
she had succeeded, she assumed the royal prerogative, antI
immediately took steps to destroy the worship of Jehovah
and to establish that of Baal. The temple was closed, and
in its precincts a temple to Baal was built. It then seemed
as if all God had said about the preservation of David's
family had failed. But God docs not permit either the
devil or any of his agents or dupes to alter the divine
plans; and there was a surprise for the usurper.
10ThI' plan of Satan, of whom Athaliah was a willin;.:
agent, had been frustrated by the fidelity of a few faithful
persons. On the day when Athaliah, as she thought, had
slain all the sons of the royal house, the life of one,
Ahaziah's baby boy, was saved. His nurse had stolen him
from amongst the king's sons who were slain. (2 Chronicles
22: 11) Apparently the little fellow had been thrown
amongst the dead, perhaps after getting a blow which
stunned him. The nurse "stole him," and passed him to
the care of the wife of Jehoiada the high priest, the sister
of the boy's father, though Athaliah was not her mother.
For six years the child was hidden in the temple, now
unused for worship.
llJehoiada watched carefully over the boy and was faithful to the Lord, and in the seventh year "Jehoiada strengthpned himself in the Lord," and secretly prepared to set the
boy on the throne. He sent messengers throughout .TlIllah
to stir up the Levites, and a scheme was made to be brougllt

ArnIL 15,1924

CJkWATCH TOWER

to completion on a certain sabhath day. The arrangement

,vorked well. On the day appointed the bo~' Joash was prollu\:ed, placed at the l)ilIar in the temple where the kings
were proclaimed, a crown was put on his head, and with
much shouting the people accepted him king.
l2Athaliuh, who lived in the rOJ'al palace nearby, came
quickly, and apparently alone, to see what the noise was
nhout, The bold woman was ready to face the crowd; but
\v!lpn ~he saw the boy crowned, and the people proclaiming
llim king, she cried, as all usurpers do in such cases:
"'L'rpason, treason!" (2 Kings 11: 14) Jehoiada instructed
that ~he should be led out beyond the ranks of the priests,
who were there set In order; and that he who followed her
should slay her. And there, just outside the temple courts,
perished the wicked woman who had established Baalism
in Judah.
l3Jehoiada, supported by the people, acted immediately.
The high priest of Baal was slain, apparently on the
threshold of Baal's temple. The temple of Baal itself was
destroyed, and all the images were broken. Thus in the
seventh year of the boy's life, and of the permission of this
evil, and in the seventh J'ear after the death of Jezebel,
Baalism in Judah came to a sudden end. (2 Chronicles
23: 17; 2 Kings 10: 28) It was on a sabbath day this
great thing was done, surE'ly typical of the great sabbath
,,'hen all evil things will be destroyed, and when the rightful King is set on his throne and proclaimed king.
14'1'0 the Bible student therc can be no question that this
('\'ent in Judah is immediately connected with the work of
nijah and Elisha in Israel. It is another picture of the
dp~truction of Baalism from among God's people, in this
time, when God is establishing his kingdom in the earth.
loThere were three separate acts used by Jehovah for the
t}Pst ruction of this abomination which had been fastened
lljlOll God's people; and they were done untler three differedt aspects, each closely fitting to the work done by the
rpturned Lord through his Church, the Elijah and Elisha
dass, Our Lonl has returned to take up the office and work
of PROPHET, PIllEST, and KING, 'L'hese three phases are not,
however, limited to the work of the kingdom after it Is
f'stablished on earth, The~' are put into operation during
the time of its establishment, and they are portrayed in
the lessons set for our study.
lGThe work which was done by Pastor Russell from the
time when God gave him his commission (Which, as in
Elijah's case, was given because of his showing an earnest
desire to sprelHl the true knowledge of God abroad) corresponds With Elijah's witness, Both these senants of God
thought that the people would be ready to receive the truth
a<; soon as it was pointed out to them; and both were disnppointed in this, Elijah was God's prophet, declaring the
truth as to the true place of God-his rii::ht to rule and his
power to do so. Pastor Russell's message to the people was
that God Is the great Ruler of the world, and is working
ull things according to his own purpose.
l7There was, ant! still is, much worship of an unknown
God, with only little reverential worship of "the God and
Father of the Lord Jesus Christ," worship which means a
dl'sire to know and to do the divine will with a readiness
to Iiye according to its requirements. The knowledge of the
plan of the ages brought God back to his people as clearly
lind as definitely as Jehovah was revealed to Israel on
Mount Carmel. It is this knowledge which will bring those
'\'ho have any love for God into the truth; lind this knowledge of the divine purpose amI its operation must continue
to be proclaimed and taught, that all lIlen may know and
see the glory of God, It has pleased God to give his ser"ants this ministry at this time, the work and ministry
of the PROPHET.

123

lSThere was other work to be done; for the evil was

rooted in high authority. Therefore Jehu was appointed
king and charged with the work of destroying all who supportell this terrible thing. Baalism, whether as a s~'stem of
worship in those daJ's, or seen in its symbolic state as now,
existing in the high places of the ecclesiastical world where
it has substituted the worship of Jehovah, is an evil which
has no cure; and those into whom the poison has entered
are incurable. Hence our Lord has a great breaking-down
work to do; for those in power In this world, whether in
ecclesiastical circles or elsewhere, are opposed to the w11l
of God, and to all his interests.
19Some of this work of J elm has been done, and the
servants of the Lord see that it must all be accomplished
before the kingdom is fully established in power. Nothing
but the complete destruction of the temple of Baal and the
priests of Baal and of all those who voluntarily give their
power to this "beast" will sen'e the purpose of God. These
are they who destroy the earth under pretence of saving it.
(ReYelation 11: 18) 'L'he Lord's people tell out the truth,
and the Lord himself will see to whatever destruction is
necessary.
2Besides this the Lord's people have a further work to
do. '1'he Prop/let declares the truth, showing that Jehovah is
the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83: 18) ; and the
KlIlg asserts his control and his right to destroy the force
of evil. The Priest must also serve In his place.
21This third phase is that shown by Jehoiada's service for
.Jehoyah in the production of the young king and in the
destrnction in Judah of everything which represented Baal.
It is no\\' the business of the Lord's people to declare the
presence of the King-not merely to say that he is coming j
and at the same time to restore the worship of Jehovah.
Here is a true priestly service. Not only is theirs the privilege to tell the truth as to the fact of God and his right to
rule, and to spread the knowledge of the Lord which will
serve to bring about the destruction of all the supporters of
this present evil world; but it is theirs, also, to seek to
restore true worship; to set the honor of the Lord on high;
to open, as it were, a temple of !t'uth wherein all the
true-hearted may worship the Lord, and whence they will
find his blessings flow.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Our lesson today returns us to the southern kingdom between what
events '! What seemed to retard Judah toward Uaal worship? 1 1.
'What were some of the outstanding characteristics of worship in
Judah 'I 'Ii 2,
\Vhat is the danger in an exclusive local interest? 'II 3,
Is there a larger interest to be borne In mind? What did Jehoshaphat do? '\l4.
\\'llpn the mixed mnltitude came against Judah and their good kin~
Jeho,haphat, what did God do to assist his chosen people? '15.
From the slaughter of Judah's foes at this place comes what
phrase 'I What does the ungrateful heart never experience? '16.
\"hat blunder did Jehoshaphat make? May the brutality of Judah's
,Jehoram be traced to Jezebel? '17.
What was Ahaziah's punishment for seeking coumel with the house
of Ahab? What happened to Jehoram of Israel? '18.
What d"l Athaliah presumptuously design to do? Why would the
devil be interested in the dPstructlon of the family of David? 'Il 9.
How was Satan thwarted In his purpose? Who was Jeholada? , 10.
What wisdom was displayed by Jehoiada in crowning JOll8h king
over Judah? 'Ill.
What did Athaliah do when she saw that she was defied? What
was her fate? 'I 12.
What became of the Baal worship? What Is illustrated by this? 1 13.
Did Elijah and Elisha have anything to do with the demolition of
Baal worship? What Inference may be drawn? , 14.
How soon did the Lord put into operation fr,e work of Prophet,
King and Priest? '\l ]5.
Brother Russell's work corresponds to whose witness? What was
the message? '\l16,
What has a knowledge of the plan of God done for his people?
Who have the ministry of the prophet? 'IJ 17.
Is there a cure for Baallsm? Is the destruciion of ecclesiasticism
prefigured? 'Ii 18.
Where are the temple of Baal and the priests Of Baal? What III
our duty? '119,
The threefold work of the saints is what? TIow is the third phase
carried out? Is the priestly work being done', 'I 20, 21.

ISAIAH AND THE ASSYRIAN CRISIS

--~L\y

]S--~ KI:-;GS

18

TO :!O; ISAIAH

36

TO

38--

%lEZEKIAH, SUCCESSOR TO AIL\Z, POET A:-;D ~lC"lU\:"-\,(;EI OF THE I,ORD DESTROYS ASSYRIAN AlOlY-SENNACHF.RIB SHORN OJ'

Po\n:K

m:l'lmSENTS S.\1'A:"'.

"God is aliI' refuge alld strellgt!., a very presellt help in troub/e/'-Psalm 46: 1.

UR lesson lJring'~ into rl'lationsllJp two of the greatest

men of tIl(' (lid Testament, Isaiah the prophet and
Her.ekiah the king'; amI also Sennacherlb, the great
Assyrian king, who was made a servant of .Jehovah to
chastise his people. (Isaiah 7::!0) It was to a decadent
people Isaiah was spnt; for the development of national
wealth under Uzziah had brought the usual accompaniment
of social evils. (Isaiah 1: 10) There was the accumulation
of large estates (Isaiah.u: 8), oppression of the poor (lsaiah 3: 14, 15), perversion of justice (Isaiah 5: 7,23), the
indulgence of luxury (Isaiah 2: 7; 3: 16), besides the worship of idols (Isaiah 2: 8, 20), superstition and necromancy
(Isaiah 2: 6; 8: 19) ; anll the people were skeptical. (Isaiah
5: 19) Human nature is ever the same; and that little state
is a true miniature of the now universal condition.
2Ahar., grandson of Uzziah, was one of the most wilful
kings of Juuah. He closed the temple, and in every available corner in Jerusalem he erected an aitar; anll apparently the priests were willingly submissive. (2 Chronicles
28: 24) In those days the priesthood !lad grown in power;
but the priests were corrupt, as is seen from Isaiah's cry
against them.-Isaiah 1: 10.
3Isaiah's message called for courage and a cleat' com-ietion, It meant that Isaiah must be separate from the
people; and separated he was, not only by the fact of his
witness but by the favor that he had from Goll in beillg'
called. He said: "Behold, I anll the children whom the
Lord hath given me, are for signs and for wonllers in Israel
from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion"
(Isaiah 8: 18) ; and his testimony, rejected by the nation,
was to be bound up amongst his disciples. His fuller witness is being given now, by the faithful servants of the
Lord, whom Isaiah anll his children represent, in this time
when the Lord of Hosts establishes true Zion.-Isa. 8: 16-18.
4During all this time Assyria was darkening the eastern
horizon. It had begun to push westward in order to bring
Syria and Palestine and Egypt under its dominion and thus
b ecom e th e wor Id power. A s prev i ous 1essons 1lave s 1lown,
the kings of Syria and Israel wanted ,Judah to enter into
confederacy with them to resist Assyria. Ahaz declined;

indeed, he sou/-{ht the aid of Assyria against them in order

to brin/-{ retribution on Syria and Israel for harm they had
llone to Judah. Syria anll Israel then combined to punish
Ahaz and to put their nominee on his throne. Ahaz was a
bad king, but God would not have others setting whom
they would upon the throne of David. That was God's
prerogative, and none might interfere,
5Isaiah assured Ahaz that the confederacy should not
stand, but warned him against entering into one with
AssFia. (Isaiah 7 anll 8) Yet the king made a compact
with Assyria, but got nothing but trouble out of it. On his
death, his son Hezekiah reigned. Hezekiah's heart was
right towards God, and he immediately set about a general
reform. The temple was ll,gain openell for worship; sixteen
days were required to cleanse it from the rubbish which
had been dumped into it. (2 Chronicles 29: 16,17) Helped
by Isaiah and probably by l\Iicah, Hezekiah was urgent in
his reforms. He decided to keep the Passover; and in
order that all the faithful might share he sent messengers
throughout all the northern territol'y, inviting all who
would to come to Jerusall'm. Many laughed the messengers
to scorn, but some went up; and Jerusalem had a time of
l'ejoiciDg !Jetter than an~- since Dn vid's day.-2 ehron. 30 :~7

HEZEKIAH, SUCCESSOR TO AHAZ, POET AND MUSICIAN

6Her.ekiah was also a poet and a musician. He speaks of
his songs to be sung in the house of the Lord. (Isaiah
38: 20) Like his great predecessor David, he took delight
in the worship of Jehovah in the temple; and once again
praises to Jehovah ascpnded in the house of God.
71t was in the sixth ~-ear of Hezekiah's reign that the
northern kingdom was broken up and its people taken captive. In his fourteenth year Assyria, then ruled by the great
Sennacherib, again im-adell the land, evidently on the way
to Bgypt. Hezekiah in weakness acknowledged an offence
in not paying tribute, and now paid heavily. (2 Kings 18:
14-Hi) Rut soon after he was perhaps encouraged by Isaiah
to a fuller confidence in the Lorll (or it may be that he
hoped for help from Egypt); for Sennacherib uiseernell
that he was rebellious. Sennacherib was at Lachish, thirty
miles southwest of Jerusalem, laying siege to that city.
From there he sent some of his officers with an armed
escort to Jerusalem to claim its submission. The messengel's came and stood on the high ground on the northwest
side of the city, anll in bolll and blasphemous language
called for its submission.
8The leaders of Jerusalem asked the chief, the Rabshakeh,
to speak in the Syrian language that their people might not
understand; but he continued to use the Jews' language,
(Isaiah 36: 11, ]3) He spoke arrogantly against both their
king and their God. He extolled the power of Sennacherib,
of whom he said that no golls could save those whom he
intended to destroy. IIezekiah's officers reported these sayings (0 him; and he, filled with fear and distress, sent to
Isaiah, telling him of the enemy's words of bl:u.;phemy, and
saying, "This is a day of trouble and of rebuke," and askerl
him to seek the face of the Lord for the remnant that was
left.-2 Kings 19: 3-5.
DAs the Rabshakeh received no answer, he retur~led to
Sennacherib, now at LibLah. Sennacherib sent a letter to
Her.ekiah, saying, "Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest,
deceive thee." (Isaiah 37: 10) Hezekiah went up to tile
house of the Lord and spread the letter before the Lord,
and asked him to vindicate himself and save his people
"that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Uu'u
are the Lord, even thou only." (Isaiah 37: 14-20) The Lord
answered through Isaiah in the wonderful words recortkll
in Isaiah 37: 22-34. Isaiah declared that the Assyrian should
not come into the city, nor shoot an arrow, nor cast a balll{
a/-{ainst it; but that by the way he came so should he retuI'll.
The Lord dill not delay. That night the angel of the Lonl
went out to Libnah, and smote the Assyrian army; and in
the morning there were 185,000 corpses. (2 Kings 19: 33)
Sennacherib was not smitten; for the hand of the Lonl
needed to be manifested on him and his pride be broken,
and this could not have been done had he been slain with
his army,
l0lt was at that time that Isaiah was sent to Hezekiah to
tell him to prepare for his end, for his last days had come.
(Isaiah 38: 1) This was a terrible blow. The message was
in0xplicable to Her.ekiah. lIe W0pt sore, anll pleaded his
endeavor to walk before the Lord in truth and with a perfeet heart, and <lpelared that he had Qone that which was
ri/-{ht in the Lon}'s sight. None of the kinl-{S of Israel hUll
sought the Lord's honor more than he-at least in outward
things. As yet he was not married, and had no son to follow
him on the throne. His father, who had sinnpll grienlllsly
against the Lord, had been preserved; and it seemed, there12-1

APRIL 15, 19:!t

'[he

WATCH TOW ER

f(l~. as if there wa~ double condpIlllL tion corning upon him.

Death he must meet at some time; but to be sentenced to
dpath as under condemnation, am] for no apparent reason,
was as a second death to him. God heard his prayer, and
answered it by Isaiah. He gave the king a sign that he
should recover, and on the third day should go up to the
hou~e of the Lord.
Hezekiah's hymn of praise on his
recovery is exalted in both conception and language.Isaiah 38: 10-20.
11 In these incidents are many points of special interest to
the Bible student. He cannot but notice that whereas the
Assyrian power was used of God to conquer the northern
kinl;"dom and to take the ten tribes into captivity, the same
power was almost destroyed when it would make an attempt
on Jerusalem. The question naturally arises, 'Vhy was there
a difference? The answer in part is that the time had not
come when God would turn the crown of David over to the
Gelltiles, to be held by them until "he come whose right it
is" to hold it. (l~zekiel 21: 27) At that time .Jerusalem did
not represent that phase of rcligious life which later God
wouid destroy. UrHler Hezekiah it rathel' represented the
Church at this presmt time, under God's protection saved
from an apparently overwhelming power.

SENNACHERIB SHORN OF POWER REPRESENTS SATAN

12The attack of As~yria on Jerusalem represents an attack

by Satan on the Church in an attempt to destroy it and to
set up a universal kingdom with God's people crushed out,
a purpose and effort the Lord frustrates. Sutan makes war
with the Lamb for this purpose; but, as with Sennacherib,
his army will be smitten while he himself escapes, only to
find a harder fate. (Isaiah 37: 38; Revelation 20: 1-3) The
same kind of attempt will be made at the end of the Millennial age. But again Satan's army will be smitten, and
he will find the most terrible end to his long and perverted
existence. (Revelation 20: D, 10) The Lord's people can
take comfort from this typical picture; they need have no
fear that they will be crushed out of the earth; for they
will be preserved and, as other illustrations show, will be
partakers in the victory of righteousness. 'l'he virgin daughter of Zion again despises the loud and blasphemous threats
of Satan and his representatives.-Isaiah 37: 22.
13After the threatened attal'\;: on Jerusalem, and after
Hezekiah's recovery from a sickllPs~ unto death, he married
and had a son to follow him on the throne. There can be
little doubt that these experiences provide the illustration
for Isaiah's prophecy in chapter fifty-three concerning
Christ; for Hezekiah was threatened with being cut off
without generation, and judgment seemed to be withheld
from him, inasmuch as there was no reason, apparent or
expressed, why he should be sentenced to death. Hezekiah
was being used of God for the divine purposes; and his
bitter experiences were not only, nor perhaps specially, for
lessons for himself.
14His marriage to Hephzibah represents the marriage of
the Lord and his bride. Beyond this the picture fails, as all
these illustrations do. Hezekiah fell into pride and a measure of condemnation. (2 Chronicles 32: 25) His sufferings
remind us that God has a right to use his own for his own
purposes; and that he may bring circumstances upon one
of his children, or upon his Church, which entail much
suffering, and may seem even to indicate his displeasure,
but which are for his own glory, to be used in behalf of
the Church.-John 11: 4.
15Some time previous to the time of crisis, when Hezekiah
was threatened by the enemy and sick unto death, Isaiah
was sent to Shebna, the treasurer of the king's house. This
man, apparently a foreigner and certainly untrue to his
trust, was so sure of his position that he had determined to
have a sepulchre hewn out for himself according to the

125

fashion of the nobles and kings of Judah. While he was

busied Isaiah denounced him. He told Shebna that his body
should not rt'st there; but that God would have him tossed
out into the wildpI'IlPss as a ball is tossed by the wind;
and that there, in discredit and loss and without burial,
should his end be. Isaiah also said that Eliakim [whom God
sets up] should take Shehna's place; that he would be as a
nail in a sure place, dr!\"en in by Jehovah; that he should
have the kl'y to the treasury of David's hou~e, and the
government of all this should be upon his shoulders. The
nail (Shebna), which seemed to be so secure, should be
smitten, pulled out; and everything hung upon it should
fall to the ground.-Isaiah 22: 15-2;:;.
lGHere is the Old 'l'estament representation of the servant to whom the Lord "in that day" of his return gives
his treasures. Shebna represents the nominal church representatives, foreigners to the covenant of God, who were, as
they thou).(ht, secure in their strong position. At heart they,
like Shebna, seek not the interests of their king nor his
kingdom, but seek how they can enrich themselves and
make their position secure. They are cut down, and everything hung upon theil' organization falls to the ground.
They themselves are contemptuously tossed like a rolling
ball into the wilderness, to be the sport of the winds
which blow.
I1God appoints his own steward, his own organization,
and driyes it as a nail in a sure place. He gives it the
care of the King's treasury of truth; none other opens or
shuts-some things are opened out, some are shut down.
The key, the goyernment of the treasury, is in the servant's
care, and all the yesspls of truth, bo~h the small cups and
the flagons, are hung there. As in Isaiah's day the change
of stewanlship was made in preparation for the time of
crisis whil'h was approaching, so now: An appointment of
a treasurer of the things connected with the throne (covenant) of David was made by the Lord "in due time." The
appointment is the Lord's; and the nail upon which all
the appointments of the household hang is securely fixed
by him, and will not be removed.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
'Vho are the prominent chhracters in 0111' leRson? What Is the
miniature picture of the universal condition today? 'V 1.
What did Ahaz do? What was the priests' attitude toward the
government? 'V 2.
What did Isaiah's message call for? What did Isaiah say of himself? 'If 3.
What was Assyria trying to do? What were the governmental
coalitions at that time? What did the Syro-Israel combination
want to do? 'V t.
What did Isaiah tell Ahaz, king of Judah? How well did he obey Y
Who became king? What was the big undertaking assumed hy
Hezekiah? 'V 5.
What were some of the characteristics of Hezekiah? If 6.
What was the fate of Israel in the sixth year of Hf'zekiah's rei~n?
"'ho menaced Judah in the fourt6Cnth year of Hezeluah's reign?
What did the messengers of Sennacherib do? '117.
Why did the Rabshakeh use the Jews' language? How did Hezeklah receive the threats of Sennacherib, and what did he do? 'V 8.
What did Hezekiah do with Sennacherib's letter? How did the
Lord answer, and by whom did he send the answer? What happened to the Assyrian army? 'I 9.
What terrible blow fell to the lot of Hezekiah, and how was It
received? What words did Hezekiah use implying that it meant
the second death to him? What was the sign of Hezekiah's
recovery? '1110.
Why did God permit the northern kingdom (Israel) to be taken
captive, and would not permit the victorious nation to take the
southern kingdom (Judah)? 'V 11.
The Assyrian attack on Jerusalem rl'Prf'sents what? What was
represented by Sennacherib escaping when his army wa~ slain?
Wherein is the comfort for the Lord's people? '1112.
.
By what experience is it likely that Isaiah was assisted in hIS
prophecy as recorded in Isaiah 53rd dlapter? '1113.
Hezekiah's marriage represents what? Is it necessary to carry the
picture further? 11 14.
What was the treasurer of the king's house determined to do for
himself? What was the message from Isaiah? What does the
word Ellakim mean? 1115.
Whom does Shehna represent? What wllI be the fultllment in the
antitype? '1116.
Who now has charge of the King's treasury? What is the key to
the treasury? For what reason is the change in stewardship
made? Is Jehovah at the head of affairs? '1117.

JEREMIAH AND THE BABYLONIAN CRISIS

--:\IAY 25--.JEREMIAH 7: 1-26; 9: 1-9; 15: 1-10; 18: 1-12; 25: 1-14; 26: 1-24; 36: 1-32; 38: 1-28-TEI:RIBLE CONDITIONS EXISTING IN JERUSALEM-JEREMIAH FORETELLS BABYLON'S UTTER
DELIVERS HIS MESSAGE.

nESTRVCTION-JERE~flAH.

UNDAUNTED,

"Amend YOU1' ways and your doings, and obey the voice of Jehovah your God."-Jeremiah 26: 13,

HE terrible calamity which befell Sennacherib's army

at Libnah vitally afl'ecteu Assyria's power; for at
that time Babylon was beginning to assert itself
against ~ineveh, which for a long time had held it in subjection. The flattering visit of Babylon's messengers to
Hezekiah after Sennacherib's disaster is an interesting sidelight on secular records. (2 Chronicles 32: 23) But its end,
as foretold by Nahum, was not yet due. Sennacherib lived
fourteen or fifteen years longer, and was succeeded by his
son Esar-haddon. He revived the empire's waning strength.
Rebellious Babylon was subdued and made a place of residence from time to time. Hence the king of Assyria was
then also king of Babylon.-Isaiah 14: 4.
2Perhaps to punish Judah for its friendliness to Babylon
Esar-haddon invaded it, and tool> Manasseh captive. A
wicked son of a good father, Manasseh wasted all the good
his father had done, and did more to cause Judah to sin
than all the kings who preceded him. (2 Chronicles 33: 9)
Because of this God declared that he would bring such
trouble upon Judah that even hearing of it would make the
ears tingle. (Jeremiah 19: 3) In captivity Manasseh repented ; and God caused him to be released, perhaps at the
time of Esar-haddon's death. On his return to Jerusalem
some of the worst of the idol abominations were removed.
But he was not truly repentant, and his fifty-five years'
reign saw Judah sink to a very low level. His son Amon
reigned for two years, and was worse than his father had
been at his worst. He was slain by his servants, and his
young son Josiah began to reign when only eight years old.
\Vhen the was sixteen years of age he began to seek God,
and when twenty to purge Jerusalem. The images of Baal
and other gods which his father had placed In the temple
and throughout the city he broke into pieces, personally
supervising the destruction.-2 Chronicles 34: 1-4.
SIn the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign the Book of the
Law was found in the temple, evidently the copy which
contained the records of God's dealings with his people.
(Deuteronomy 31: 24) When it was read before the king,
he saw that his reforms were only negative in character;
111](1 he began anew.
Like his predecessor Hezeklah he
arranged for a Passover, and the greatest Passover feast
in the days of Israel was then kept. For thirtepn years
more Josiah continued to uphold the temple worship; and
111rn his end came, unexpectedly. Pharaoh-~echo was crossing Palestine to invade Syria, and Josiah took upon himself
tllP task of opposing him. Pharaoh warned him off in the
name of God; but he would take no warning, and in the
battle which ensued he received a mortal wound. He was
hurried to Jerusalem, but died on the road at Hadadrimmon, after reigning for thirty-one years.-Zechariah 12: 11.
'Eighteen years had now passed since Jeremiah received
his commission to "root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant" (Jeremiah 1: 10)-a commission which had prevented him from
taking part in the attf'mpts to restore the temple ceremonip~, He saw that the time was past when God could send
m('ssages of comfort or exhortation to these people; and
that he was sent to warn them against impending disaster,
and to give them opportunity of mending their ways and of
softening their fall in that time of trouble. It was evident
to him that their reforms served only to deepen hypocrisy
l!pcause the people were not really seeking to honor God.
5Jeremiah's statement, "For according to the number of
thy cities were thy gods, 0 Judah; and according to the

number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars

to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto
Baal" (Jeremiah 11: 13), reveals the terrible condition of
.Judah in the early part of Josiah's reign. Probably the
Prophet's denunciation urgeu the young king to clear out
this evil, though there is no indication that Josiah sought
.Jeremiah's counsel. Jerusalem was in its own sight a city
of righteous persons, but in God's sight It was as Sodom
-indeed worse; for not one righteous man was to be found
in it, neither amongst the prophets, the priests, nor the
people.-Jeremiah 5: 1.
6The death of Josiah was an altogether unexpected event,
and a great blow to the people; their disappointment and
('ven consternation are referred to as the great mourning of
Hadadrimmon. (Zechariah 12: 11) Why did Jehovah not
preserve a king who had wrought so many reforms, and
who in the conflict which had brought his death was endeavoring to resist an Intrusion on the land of Israel?
The people failed to perceive the terrible import of the
warnings of God's servants, and that the days when he
would specially Interfere on their behalf had passed.-2
Kings 21: 13.
7.Tosiah had followed his own polley - even Pharaoh
warned him as from God (2 Chronicles 35: 21); and he
perished. These things correspond with the experience and
condition of the nominal house of Israel in our day. Again
the time is present when, for its sins, God has cast off his
unfaithful representative. Since 1878 the Lord has left It
to its own devices; and, like Judah then, it is divided in its
counsels. Some are for entering into friendly relations with
the world (EgJ'pt), seeking the favor of the masses; while
some seek power through political combinations, which is
like unto seeking the help of Assyria. They are now guided
solely by policy; for, though they profess to seek the face of
God, they discuss their organization's affairs just as a business management discusses Its plans. They do not expect
the mind of the Lord to be expressed to them as when the
Church first met.-Acts 15: 28.
sThe revivals in Judah's last days are comparable to
those revivals of religion which began in the days of the
\Vesleys, and which have been continued from time to time
in America and Britain by various evangelists (?). Both
then and in these last days these have had the same result,
both being equally effective in producing a wrong idea of a
religious life which serves rather to benumb the true sense
of worship, and which in these last days has blinded the
e~'es of the people to the fact and purpose of the kingdom
\vhich God will establish by Christ.
9The death of Josiah ought to have re,ealed to the people
their need of guillance; but, like the rplig;ionists of today,
they had no belief in the overruling prOVidence of God, and
they merely went deeper Into their own schemes for the
prrservation of their kingdom. At that time the whole
"'orld was In a state of unrest; for dominant Assyria was
weakening, and both Babylon and Egypt were strengthening
themselves for dominion. Judah was in a difficult position;
for these rival powers were almost certain to overrun it in
their endeavors to get at each other. Its safety was in God,
but in its multitude of religious performances it forgot
that fact.
10Josiah's misguided action served to bring Judah under
the control of E~pt. After his success in Syria, Pharaoh,
while still there, sent for Jehoahaz, Josiah's youngest son,
find from there sent him captive to Egypt, and placed hla

126

APRIL

15. I !l~!

tTheWATCH TOWER

brother Eliakitn on the throne. changing his name to JeIwiakilll. (2 Kings 23: 33, 34) Probably Jel1oal1az was opposed to Pharaoh and the Eg~'ptian party in Jerusalem.
Rut evidently the disposition was of God; for the other
SOil served the purpose of hardening the hearts of the people
against Jeremiah and against Jehovah. \Vithout doubt Jehoiakim was one of the most perverse of Judah's kings.
JEREMIAH FORETELLS BABYLON'S UTTER DESTRUCTION

llFrom the beginning of his ministry Jeremiah had foretoid trouble from the north, and history tells of a great
l'ruption of Scythians about that time. 'l'hey came in great
numbers from the Caucasus, overran Assyria, and made
their way to Egypt. Probably Jeremiah thought that these
would bring the desolation he had seen in vision. (Jeremiah 1: 13) But they passed Judah on theIr way to and
from Egypt without doing it any hurt; and no doubt many
who had heard Jeremiah would convince themselves that he
was not wholly dependable. With the accession of Jehoiakim to the throne, there came a change in Jeremiah's mes!lage and method. The L()rd now dIrected him to go and
stand in the temple court and to say to all the people,
"Then wlll I mak~ this house like Shiloh, and will make
this city a curse to all the nations of the earth." (Jeremiah
26: 6) From that time he definitely proclaimed the overlordship of Babylon, and foretold desolation by that power,
and afterward its own desolation at the hands of Jehovah.
(Jeremiah 25) He was treated as a traitor because he
advised acceptance of the inevitable rule of Bab~'lon. His
message was a hard one for him to give, made all the more
so because it was so different from Isaiah's message to
Judah under a somewhat similar threat to Jerusalem.
(Isaiah 37: 33) But Jeremiah by keeping true to Jehovah
got all the courage he needed.
12As Jehoiakim was the vassal of Egypt, this message
brought Jeremiah Into danger of his life. The prophets, of
whom there were many, and the priests demanded his
death; they claimed of the princes and the people that he
was not worthy t() live. (Jeremiah 26: 11) But the princes
and the people reheard hIm, and he was saved from the
rabid priests. In the fourth year of Jehoiakim Jeremiah
wrote his message from the Lord by Baruch, his scribe;
and the roll was read in the court of the temple. (Jeremiah
36) It immediately caused a sensation. It was brought to
the king to be read to him. As the roll was read, telling of
the desolation to come upon Jerusalem and Judah in common with all the neighboring countries, the king's anger
rose. He snatched the penknife from his scrihe's side, and
hacked at the roll till It was destroyed, and then cast it
into the fire; for it was then winter-time. (Jeremiah 36: 23)
JehoIakim is not the only one who has thus tried to destroy
the Word of the Lord. The higher critics of today cut up
the Book to make it more readable. Theirs Is a method
less crude than the king's.
lIJeremiah was in hiding at that time; but on hearIng
what had happened to his roll, he dictated his message
agaIn, and added many more words thereto. (Jeremiah
36: 32) There is an almost exact correspondency in our
day, so true and so fitting as to seem as if specially connected. The incident easily corresponds to the attempt on
the part of Great Babylon, while the 'World War was on,
to cut up and destroy the message of the truth; and to the
reiteration of the message with many added words after
the release of the SOCIETY'S representatives from prison.
HFrom that time to the end of the kingdom, eighteen
years later, Jeremiah had a hard time of service. His
advice to accept the yoke of Babylon (Jeremiah 27: 12),
and thus to make it easier to bear, was hateful to the
people. He was a very lonely man. Even Baruch does not
appear as a comforter, not even as one into whose ears

Jeremiah could tell his sorrows and thus ease his mental
pressure. Rut nonc of these thhlgS moved him from llis
fidelity to the Lord. After the deportation of many of the
people, soon after the death of Jehoiakilll, Jeremiah saw in
vision two baskets of figs. one very good, the other very
corrupt. lie toid the meaning: The good figs were those
who had been taken into captivity; and the other were
those left under Zedekiah in Jerusalem, and fit only for
destruction. It was a hard message, but was faithfully
delivered.-Jeremiah 24: 1-10.
15Again and again in danger of his life Jeremiah flinched
not. He suffered much physical discomfort and pain; for
he was beaten as well as put into the stocks and cast into
prison. But the Lord sustained him. His message was not
wholly of evil; for it was to him more than to any other
that God gave the message of restoration. He is preeminently the prophet of the New Covenant. (Jeremiah 31: 31)
He had a clear conception of his mission as the messen~er
of the Lord to the nations as well as to Judah. The 1IIustra tion of the broken earthen vessel (Jeremiah 19), and
the Word of the Lord with it, was very definite to him.
He saw the world in distress because of its corruption.
The light which God lit at Sinai was well-nigh extinguished!
Isruel's claim to represent the God of heaven was a derision
to the -nations; for force ruled, and Israel was as nothinj{.
The Chaldees were a fierce people, and it seemed as if the
world was settling in the dark; and when these had
served Jehovah's purpose they also should drink the bitter
cup.-Jeremiah 25: 26.
16These things are figurative of world conditions in this
day, when the worid is in its last great upheaval. Jehovah
has now a controversy with all flesh, and the time of the
great whirlwind has come. (Jeremiah 23: 19,30-33) As
then in miniature, so now in fullest Ilossible extent, the
world is involved in trouble. But God's controversy is not
merely punitive. He will not smite the earth to destruction,
but "will make it aguin."-Jeremiah 18: 4.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
After the calamity of Sennacherib's army did the Assyrians regain
any of their old power 1 Did Babylon court the favors of the
conquerors '! 11 1.
What did Bsar-haddon do because of the friendliness of the conqueror with Babylon 1 What kind of king was Manasseil,?
Whose son was Josiah, and what did he begin to do at the age
of twenty 1 11 2.
What did Josiah do upon hearing the Book of the Law read 1
How did he come to his end? 11 3.
What was the commission given to Jeremiah, as recorded In Jeremiah 1: 101 What did Jeremiah's far-seeing and close-discerning eyes see? 11 4.
By what statement was the terrible condition in Jerusalem disclosed 1 How was Jerusalem deceived as to its righteousness? 11 &.
DId the people have reason to expect that'Josiah would live to a
ripe old age 1 Why was he permitted to be killed while resisting
an intruding army? 'I 6.
Josiah neglecting to consult Jeremiah represents what in antit~pe?
Was Josiah's death chargeable to Necho, king of Bgypt1 11 7.
\Vhat ill effect have revivals and the preaching of evangelists upon
religionists? 'II 8.
What should the death of Josiah have taught the people? Should
not the unrest and religious shakings today alarm the people to
arouse them out of their stupor? 11 9.
Forsaken Judah coming under control of Egypt, and the people
turning against Jeremiah, were caused by what? , 10.
Does God sometimes permit circumstances to shape themselves to
bring reproach upon his faithful people? After Jeremiah changed
his meesage, whom did he address? What did he foretell respectIng Babylon? '1111.
Did the prophets and priests try to stir up the people against
Jeremiah? In what year did Baruch write JeremIah'" message'!
What did the king do? Whose conduct antitypes the king's? 11 12.
When Jeremiah heard that his message had been destroyed, what
did he do? What is the correspondency in our day? '113.
What gave Jeremiah fortitude to withstand his sorrows, and mental pressure, and lack of friends? What was the meaning of the
two baskets of figs? 'I 14.
Was Jeremiah a coward? While many of his prophecies were about
pending calamities, what part of his prophecies tended to buoy
him up? '115.
The light of Sinal being dim, force ruling, and the people belnl!:
fierce, represent what? Does God intend to destroy the people
and take them away altogether? What will the grand outcome
be? '111(1.

Intelnational Bible Students Association Qasses

Lecture6 and ptud.ie~ by TrdVelin<;j Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER
New Martlnsville,W.Va. May 1, 2
Wheeling. W. Va
"
4
Burton, ,Yo Va............. "
IS
Fairmont. W. Va
"
6
Morgantown, W. Va.... "
7
Connellsville, Pa.
8

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

Harrisburg. Pa
Boston, ~lass.
Greenfield. Mass

1I1ay 9
.. 11
., 2i)

tW~~,yk\:.~~ ..::::::::::::::::::..

:: ~

Buffalo, X. Y.................... " 28

~IIl"s

City. Mont.
May 1
Billings. Mont._
"
2
HapelJe, Mont
"
4
BIllmgs, Mont
" 5.6
I:elt,eld. N. Dak
" 7.8
Dunn Center, )l. Dak.. _. ., 9,11

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Amery. Wis.
St. Paul. Minn
Glenwood. Wis
Ellsworth. Wis
Eureka Center, Minn
Minneapolis, Minn.

1I1ay 2
" 4,5
"
6
_
"
T
" 8.9
11

BROTHER B. M. RICE

Rochester. Minn
Winona, ;\lInn
Whalen, 1I1lnn
Mankato, ~linn
Evan, Minn
Lake Benton. lIlinn

May 12. 13
"
15
"
16
"
IF!
" 19, 20
" 21, 22

Brainard, N. Y

"Iay 1

tw~~,Yx~y~..:::::::::::::::::::::::; ~
CanaJoharie. N. Y.

~chenectady.

l;loyen-q ille, N. Y.

N. Y.

BROTHER
Elmore. Okla. ..
Wynn{>wood. Okla
Leon, Okla
Ardmore). Okla
Madill, vkla
Durant, Okla.

May 1
"
2
"
4
"
5
_._
6.7
8

~Ia~ 9
~~3)

Hendersonville. N C
~kyland, N. C
.:\:lorristowD, Tenn
Knoxyillc, Tenn. ..
Xew Tazewell, Tenn
Knoxville, Tenn

.r.

"

" ]4
__. " 15
" 16

Oxford Junction, Ia
Cedar Rapids, Ia

-----

l\[ay 1
" 2,4

YilltOIl, la
~hell"burg. Ia
Waterloo. Ia.
Uelwein. Ia

May 1
' 4,:;
,. 7.8
11
13
" 14

"
"
"
"
_... ..

9. 11
12
13
14. Ii)
16
18

May 1. 2
"
4
5
"
6
"
7
8

May 1
"
2
4
" 5.6
"
7
_...
8

"

Pomeroy, Wash
"'alia Walla, Wash
,-akima, Wash.
\\'apato, Wash
Ellensburg. Wash
Enumclaw, Wash

May
1
:.
2. 4
..
Ii
"
6
7,8.9
..
11

AtllCns, Ala
_
_
Albany. Ala
Tuscumbia, Ala. ..
l'ash"ille, Tenn
Lebanon. Tenn
Milton. Tenn
_

Sweetwater. Tex
Luhbock. '.rex
PlamYiew, Tex._
Lockney. Tex
Snyder. Tex
Sweetwater. Tex

DePauw. Ind
Ind
.JelTer,ol1\'llle. Ind.
i'ew Albany. Ind
Salem. Ind
Bedford. Ind

Palm~'l"a,

---

May 9
" 11
" 12
" 13
" 14
" 11i

May
"
"
. "

2
4
5
7
8
9

_ ..May 9
" 11
" 12
" 13
_
" 14
15

May 1
_." 2
4
" II
" 6
8

St. Thomas, Ont..

RH!gelo\\ n, Onto
Blenheilll Ont,
Lealllill~tOll. Onto
Pelee 1,land. Onto
King" Ille, Onto

"'innil,,,g, Man
Bl'andOlJ. )Ian. ,.. ..
H"gina, ~a ,I;,
~Ioo," .Jaw. Sask.
lIIaple Creek. Sask
lIIedicine Hat. Alta. _

Peachland. B. C
May 1lJ
Vernon. B. C. _
_
" 16.18
Armstrong. B. C
"
19
Kamloops, B. C
" 21.22
Vancouver. B. C
" :!323
Nanaimo, B. C. _._..... ..
26

May 1
"
2
4
"
5
6.7
_.....
8

Puyallup. Wash
_.May
II
Tacoma, Wash
"
11
Olympia. Wash
..
12
Aberdeen, 'Vash.
"
13
Chehalis. Wash
_
..
14
Long Branch, Wash._. " 15,16

----

Lodl. Calif
Stockton. Calif
San Francisco. Calif
X. Yallejo, Calif
Sacramento. Calif.
Chico. Calif

May
"
"
"

1
2
4
I)

6
" 7,11

Quincy. Calif_
Paradise. Calif. _
Ashland, Ore. _
Medford. Ore.._._
Jacksonville, Ore.
Rogue River, Ore.

----

_.._ May 9
" 12
, 14
" III
" 16
" 18

sturgis. 1I1ich
Elkhart. Ind
Routh Bend. Ind
Marcellus. Mich.
Charlotte, Mich
Battle Creek. 1I1lch.

May 1
"
2
"
4
5
" 6.7
8

HI\l~dale. Mich. - .._

Adrian, Mich. _
Dundee. Mich
Ann Arbor. Mich
Jackson. Mich
Lansing. Mich. _

_ ..May 9
11
" 12
13
" 14
" lIi

]toland. Ark. ..
Little Rock, Ark
i','ott. Ark
I'.ne Bluff. Arl;.
I' ot Springs. Ark
lioman. Ark.

lI1ay 1
" 2,4
"
5
" 6.7'
"
8
9

Donaldson. Ark. ._
Little Rock. Ark.
.Judsonia, Ark.
RatesYille, Ark
Marcella, Ark.
Cotter. Ark.

----

_ May 11
12
13
" 14
15

1.

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
May 11,
"
"
" 115,
" 18,
"

12
13
]4
16
19
20

May 911
"
12
13
14
"
15
"
16

H. S. MURRAY
Banford. Fla......_ _ 1IIay 1. 4
Grand Island, FIa.
..
7
Apopka. FIa.
8. 9
Orlando. FIa. ._
_.......
11
Palatka. Fla
"
12
Green Cove Springs, Fla. ..
13

11
12
13
14
18
211

BROTHER W. J. THORN
May 12
" 13
14
" 1i)
" IG
" 18

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
Black River Falls, Wls
:hlinneapolis, Minn..
St. Panl, lIfin'n.
Fergus Falls. Minn
Northcote. Minn
_
Dominion City, Man.

May
"
"
"

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Port Doyer. Onto
Simcoe, Onto
St. "'illiams. Onto
DelhI, Onto ..................
Courtland. Onto
Aylmer. Onto

E. D. SEXTON

BROTHER M. L. HERR
MontgomerY Ind
Evansville. t nd
Boonville. Ind.
Tell City. Ind
Magnet. Ind
LouisYille, Ky.

6
8
9

Dubuque. Ia. .._

Clinton, Ia
_
South Bend. Ind
Clenland. O
Schenectady, N. Y.
l<'ort Edward, N. Y.

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

Mlliahat. B. C
lIIay lli
Yictoria. B. C.
" 1618
Sidney, B. C
_
"
19
New Westminster. B. C."
21
Yancollver, n. C
_
" 2325
Chilliwack, B. C
_. "
26

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Bowie, Tex
Stoneburg, Tex
Wichita Falls. Tex.
Childress. Tex
Electra. Tex
Rochester, Tex

_.......

J:ilw. B. C
l\Iay
1
"railbrook, B. C.
2. 4
1:a11ou1', B. C.....
6
"'elson, B. C
_ tt 7, 8
Trail, B. C.
9.11
Penticton. B. C.
.. 13. 14

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
PiedmQilt, Ala
Bome)..Ga
Pell City, Ala.
Lincoln, Ala.
Seddon, Ala. _
Cullman, Ala.

:;

BROTHER C. ROBERTS
~Iay

C. W. CUTFORTH
Leduc, Alta
Prince George, B. C.
Prince Rupert. B. C
Vancouver. B. C.
Nanalmo, B. C.
Ladysmith, B. C

"

_...

W. COPE
l!'orcmau, Ark
Idabel. Ukla. ._
Valliant, Okla
Durant. OI;la
Atoka. Okla
McAlester. Okla

Watervliet, N. Y
_ May 8
Troy, N. Y
" 9
(:len, Falls. N. Y
" 11
.\thol, N. Y
" 12
:-laratoga Springs. N. Y
" 13
I'ort Edward, N. Y
" 14

BROTHER V. C. RICE

BRo'rHER B. H. BOYD
Salisburyt.N. C
May 1
Hickory, !'OJ. C.
"
2
Asheville, N. C._..__.. "
-I
('ruso. N. C
_._. "
5
BrasstowntJ'l'. C
_._
" 6.7
Asherllle, !'OJ. -C
" 8, 11

Fargo. N. Dak
_.May 13
New Rockford. N. Dak. "
14
Minot. N. Dak
" 15.16
l;nderlin. N. Dak
" 18,19
Wyndmere. N. Dak.......
20
Fergus Falls, Minn__ " 21,22

Jacbonyille. Fla
1IIay
"lonticelio. Fla. .
"
Thoma"'iIle, Ga
"
Cairo. Ga.
Marianna, Fla. ..
" 19,
DeFuniak Springs, Fla. .. 21,

Garfield, Kan
Lewis, Kan.
Dodge City. Kan.
l~lkhart, Kan.
Rolla, Kan.
Garden City. Kan.

~ay

'

1
2
4
5
6
7

Friend. Kan
Garden City. Kan.
Syracuse. Kan. _
Holly, Colo.
Pueblo, Colo. __
Trinidad. Colo. _

_ ..lIfay S
9
" 11
" 12
" 13
11

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN
Reno, N",Ogden. Utah
~lid'-ale. c;tah
Salt Lake City. Utah
Pocatello, Ida
Challis. Ida. ..

lIIay 2
"
4
"
5
"
6
" 7.11
" 8, 9

Buhl, Ida
_.._.-May 12
Twin Falls. Ida.
..
18
Welser. Ida. ._
_
"
14
Ontario. Ore.
" 15,18
Boise, Ida
"
Emmett. Ida.
"

t3

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
14
15
16
18
20
22

Paola. Pa
Apr. 29
Downingtown, Pa. ..
" 30
I,ansdale. Pa
lIIay 1
Lehighton, Pa.____
" 2
Kunkletown. Pa. _ ..__
" 3
Danielsville, Pa. _ _....__ .. 4

Easton, Pa
J [ q .
Allentown. Pa.
T
Bangor. Pa.

Pen Argyl, Pa. _.................

Brooklyn. N. Y
_
11
East Stroudsburg, Pa.

1.

VOL. XLV

SEMI-MONTHLY

Anno Mundi 6052

;No.9

May I, 1924

CONTENTS
AN IDEAL GOVERNMENT - ........ 131

~~~~;:Ei.~i:~~::;E:_:~::iil

PRA \ 1.;[(-.'\1 EI,,'I' 1NG TK,' COMMENTS

IN~"R".'TIO"AL C NVENTION
ANNVAL Rl"(JCES'" FOR PILGRIM VISITH

TH~] ~An~LONIAN BXILE OF .lUDAR

137

138
_..139

140

:141

.1

EZEKIEL ENCOPRAGES TIlE l';XILES ...... 142

I'

God s I urposes Outworking

LITI'IVANIAN WATCH TOWER

GERMAN CONVENTION CANCELED
MEMORIAL REPORTS DESIRED PROMPTLY. _

130
130
.130

"1 will stand upon my watch and will set my foot

upon the Tower, and will watch to see what He will
BaY unto me, and what answer I shall make to them
'hat oppose me."-Habakkuk Ii: L

Upon the earth distresB of nationB with perplexity; the Bea and the waves (the restleBB, diBcontented) roaring; men'B hearts failing them for fear and for looking to
the things coming upon the earth (socicty); for the powerB of the heavens (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. When ye Bee these things begin to come to paBB, then
know that the Kmgdom of God 15 at hand. Look up, lift up your headB, rejoice, for your rcdemption draweth mgh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-31,

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACllED MISSION

mute JDttmal

Is on& of the prime factorB or instru_tIl in the lIylltem of Btble iJlStTodion, or "SemfJlary Extenaloll", 11011' befDr
.I. presented in all parts of the ch1lized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, clIartered A. D. 1884, "For the Pro_tion of L'hristian Knowledge". It not ollly serVell as a class room where Bible studeBts may IIM!et in the study of tho divine Wom but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
eomiDg of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arran!:ed, and yery
belpful to all who would merit the only honorary d~ree which the Society accords, viz., Verbl Dei Minister (V. D-. lIf.), which translated
Illto English is ,Minister 0/ God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is speciaUy for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This jonrnal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generaUy repudiated
-redemption through the preeious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Buildin~ np on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 15-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the feUowship of the mystery whict> has
been hid in God, , , to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects /lnd creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
snbjection to the will of God in Christ, Bs(expressed in the hoiy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
bath spol<en_ecording to the divine wisdom !:ranted unto us to nnderstand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith npon the snre promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used oniy in his
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the npbuild4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge OUI:
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing,

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is "the temple of the living God", pecnliarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in pro/:ress throu~hont
the gospel age--ever since Christ became the world's H!'deemei' /lnd the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, throng-h which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of the,e "living stones", "elect and precious," shall han) been made ready, the great :Master Workman will bring all tog-ether
in the first r,,'urrection: and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughou~
the .lI1illenDlum.-Revelatlon 15: 1i-8.
"I'hat the hasis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true hght which lighteth every man that cometh into the world", "in due time".Hebrews 2; 9; John 1: D; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
Tbat the bope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine natnre',' and share his
glory as bis joint-heir.-l John 3::l; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace: to be Goll's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kIngs Bnd priests in the next age.-Epbesians 4: 1:l; lIlatthew 24:
14; Hevelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That tlle bope for tbe world lies in t~ blessings of knowledge and opportunIty to be brought to all by Cbrist's 1I1illenniai kingdom, the
..eslItutJon of all lhat was lost in AtIam, to all the Willing /lnd obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer antI his glorifteu churcb,
when all the wilfully wlcketI will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 35.

1)UBL.ISH~O 8Y

WATC~ TOWER. BI BlE

THE LITHUANIAN WATCH TOWER

& TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BROOKLYN, fIJ..y U.S-A'

FoREraN OFFICER: British: 34 ('raven Terrace, Lancaster Gate,
London 'V. 2; Canadian 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario;
AustralaNwn: 4D5 COlllllS St., Melbourne, Australia; SQttth Afncan;
6 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PU:ARIC ADDlmC;R THE SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
YEARLY SUBSCRIPTIUS PRICE: UNITED STATES, $1.00; CANADA
AND l\[rscJ<:LLANJ:UL,S FOREIGN, $1.50; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTItALASIA,

'Ve wish to inform the friends that the May and June
issups of the Lithuanian WATCH TOW~;R will contain a serie's
of trpatises on man, especially adapte(l for the puhlil' amI
very suitable for sample copips. l'riee 5 a cop~'. Colpor.
teurs and class workt'rs now have thl'ir opportunity to
intro(luce this 'YAfl'!l TOWEll to tllC Lithuanian ppoplt'.

GERMA~ CO:"VENTIO~

IS CANCELED

AND SmiTH AFJUCA. 1s. Amerkan remittances shoultI be made by

Express or Postall\louey Orders, or by Dank Draft. Canadian, British,
South African, auu Australlu,lUll rcmittalH"l'S should be matIe to branch
Offices only. Henuttances from scattered fOleign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn o!lice, but by IntcrnatlOnal Postal ::Iloney Orders only.
(Foreign translations of lias Journal appcar '" saeral language8)

The German ConY<'ntion which was to have been lwld in

OlevpJand, May 30 10 .TllllP 1. is cam'plerl, on account of the
Inlprn:ltional (;onv,'nrio!l whl('h will be held in ColumbUS,
Ohio, Jul~' 20-27. AllnonnC'PI1](,llt~ lnte'r.

Editorial Committee: ThlR journal is pnblished under the supervision

of Iln editonal committee, at least three of whom have rcau and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are: J. Ji. RUTHERFORD,
W. FJ. VAN AMllURGH, J. HEMERY, R. H. BARBER, C. K R'l'I"WART:
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of

MEMOHIAL REPORTS DESIRED PRO!\fPTLY

It is dpsil't'd tha t we receh e the rcports of the l\It'Il1orial

ofd age or other lllrlruuty or adversity. are unable to {Jay 101" this
journal, will be suppllcd iree if they sentI a postal card eael! ::Ilay

stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only
continuall~' and

attendance liS promptly as possible'. Kindly assist us in

this, so that the compiling and publishing of the report
will not be delaye(J.

willing, but anxious. that nil Ruch be on our list

In touch with the Df'rp:l11 studies.

Notice to Subscribers: We do not, as a ruJf', Rend a card of aclmowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt /lnd
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper llllwi.
EnteTed as Second Cia;, M';"eT at Brooklyn. N. Y. Postoffice" Ace of MaTch 3ed ,879.

SERYICE AT BETHEL
In order that onr qUl,,,tionnairt's might be np to date, we
shall be pleasell to spnd blanks to an~' brothers or sisters
who could render s,'rviee at BptlJeJ. Young men, unencumbered, are prp1't'!Tp,l. '1'here is also a lilllltl-'d amount of
service for sisters (l<'si ring to (10 house\vork.

BETHEL HYMNS FOR JUNE

1. 1~()
2 15
3 283

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday

5 294

Friday

48

S!lturday

'1

88

G1

8 101
9 12(;

1.0
1. 1.
1.2
1.3
1.4

32D

201
121
227
13i:i

1.5 21
1.6 67
1. '1 30
1.8 282
1.9 260
20312
21. 132

22 210

29 194

23 197
24327
25 298
26259
2'1 235
28251

30232

WATCH TOWER BEREAN STUDY

Quite frequf'lItly Wf' have a letter from a class, stating
that thpy lune a ~pecial Bereun study on the leading article
in THE WATCH TOWI*, and reporting a great blessing from
the study. We recommend such a study, believing that it
wiII be helpful to atI who participate tn ft.

&tNVATCH TOWE~
AND HElRALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

No.!;

MAY I, 1924

AN IDEAL GOVERNMENT
"A.nd in the days of these lcings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and
the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all
these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."-Daniel :2: 44.

ANY of THE WATCH TOWER readers have been

for years in the narrow way. Many of them
have drunk deep at the fountain of present
truth and have reveled in its exhilarating and blesseu
influence. Some one has said: I am so happy that
there is no place of eternal torment, and that none of
my loved ones will have to spend eternity there. Another has said: I am so joyful to have a foregleam of
the blessedness of heaven with the prospects of being
there. Still another has said: I am so thankful that
there is a chance for me to get to heaven, and if only I
can slip in at the back door I shall be satisfied.
2While these expressions of sentiment are not improp:r, yet there is a measure of selfishness in each one
of them. 'fo receive the good things and enjoy them
alone is selfishness, at least in a degree. To receive the
truth and limit its joys to personal benefits and blessings is somewhat selfish.
3God is love. Love is the perfect expression of unselfishness. He who grows like the Lord must develop
unselfishness even in things pertaining to the truth.
As the Christian progresses toward his glory home he
should expand in love, grow more liberal in heart and
broader in mind. He will learn that the truth cannot
be received and held like as a sponge absorbs and holds
water. He will see that in God's great plan there is a
definite purpose, and he will desire to enter fully into
the spirit thereof. As he grows in appreciation of the
truth he will become more Godlike; and this will mean
that he will want to do, and try to do, something for
others. In no other way can one develop the spirit of
perfect love.
'It was the perfect expression of unselfishness that
caused Jehovah to give the dearest treasure of his heart,
his beloved Son, that man might benefit therefrom. It
was a perfect expression of unselfishness that led Jesus
to the cross. A perfect expression of unselfishness involves some sacrifice. This we call love. Noone will
be forever with the Lord unless that one is perfected
in love.
liThe royal family of heaven is God's family, all the

members of which must possess his spirit. "God is

love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and
God in him." (1 John 4: 16) This means that the
creature who abides in the same spirit or disposition
that God has and possesses will be perfect in lovl'.
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us,
because he hath given us of his spirit."-1 John 4: 13.
GThese scriptures prove that the Christian who receives God's approval must receive the truth, not in a
narrow-minded or selfish manner, but with a broad and
liberal view of glorifying God, entering fully into the
spirit of the Lord; and must appreciate the fact thai
God will use the truth for the blessing of all the familiel
of the earth. It means to ascertain God's purpose in
formulating his plan and to then enter fully into th.
spirit of the Lord, cooperating with him, insofar as il
is possible, in the execution of his plan. To do thil
means much more than merely to drink deep at tht
precious fountain of truth, and then to indulge ill
dreams of the personal happiness that will result front
the emoluments of the kingdom.
GOD'S PURPOSE

lIt has been the purpose of Jehovah from the beginning of creation that man should have on earth an ideal
government. For centuries God has been working ou1
his plan to that end. The Bible, and the extraneou~
evidences, are cumulative that a climax in the progressive steps of his great plan is now at hand. Blessed is
the man who can now see and appreciate the fact, and
can enter fully into the spirit of that divine arrangement.
8An ideal thing is that which is perfect, supremely
excellent; hence very desirable. An ideal government is
a supremely excellent and perfect government. Because
such a government seems impossible to man after long
experience, he says: 'An ideal government exists and
can exist only in the imagination of men. It is unattainable and therefore impossible.' With God it is not
impossible; for in his due time such a government
among men is absolutely certain. An abiding faith that

131

1~2

thi~

'fheWATCH TOWER

conclusion is correct, and that faith supported b::

perfect love, make the Christian a power in the hand
of the Lord. When the Christian, under the supervision
of the Lord, exercises that divinely given power, he is
approximately living up to his privileges.

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

"Then selfi,.lllle,.i', the Yer)' opposite of Ion" came to

the fore. An ambItious deSIre arose in LUCIfer's breast;
and to gratify that selfish desire he resorted to fraud,
lying, deceit, and murder. The re~ult was that man lost
his home, his ideal government, his peace of mind, his
joy and happiness; and from then till now the cruel and
THE GREAT ISSUE
relentless storms of suffering and death have braten
9The coming ideal government, and our attitude upon his head. The whole creation has since hung its
toward it, is the great issue. The word issuc, as here heall and ,,ept.
I:JUpon 'whom is the blame properly laid? A selfbh
used, mrans the vital question for determination. It
means the point to be <1eeided. The question for deter- creature. Selfish ambition overleaped itseLf and wrought
mination or point to be decided, the paramount issue havoc in the universe. From Eden until lIOW ther(' has
before the minds of men, is: Satan's kingdom versus been uppermost in the mind and heart of man a drsire
God's kingdom. Shall Satan continue to be the "god to return to the ideal conditions. He has desired life,
of this world" and rule with an opprrssive hand? Or lih<'rty. and happiness. He has sought ant devices an<l
has the time come for the great God of heaven to sct mnde every possible effort to satisfy this longing and
up an idral governmrnt on earth? This is the great desire. Reformation has followed reformatIon; and
issue in the campaign that is now on. Let every new when every effort of the noble-hearted rcformrrs hall
creature settle that in his mind now. To the members failrd, othrrs have taken up something to revive a hope
of the new crration thrre is no middle ground in this in man's heart that SOPle day there would be a satisfycampaign. There is no compromise. He must unre- ing condition. Man has tried an absolute monarchy, 11
servC'dly take the side of the Lord or lose what he has. representative monarchy, a democracy, and other fo'rms
No real Christian can be passive in this campaign. He of government, hoping to find one that would prove
must be active as opportunities are afforded. He must satisfactory; but ahrays without success.
be either cold or hot. To be lukC'warm will not do.
14Now after 6,000 yrars, the thinking men of the
(Revclation 3: 16) The more quickly every consecrated world stand aghast at the conditions that exist politione gets this fact thoroughly fixed in his mind and cally, financially, socially, and religiously. They are
indeed in perplexity and in distrrss. Not only do they
heart, the better for him.
lOZeal means heated. It is translated from the word fear for the things they see coming upon thr earth, but
which means to bOll. It means ardur for a cause, an that frar has grown to such proportions that practically
enthusiastic frrvor and devotion to that cause. The everyone has turned to an unusual degrre of selfishness;
zeal peculiar to the Lord's house is the boiling, enthu- and rvery man of the world is for himsdf without
siastic fl~rvor and devotion for the Lord's kingdom, for regard to the genrral weLfare of others. Tlwre is great
his ideal government for man. This is the t~rne when wickedness in high official places; disloya Ity and nnzeal for the kingdom is requircd. In order to exercise faithfulnrss in public service. The hope of the prople
that zral peculIar to the Lord's house we must undrr- for a ~tahle goyernmrnt has been dashed to the ground.
stand a]](l apprrciate the purposes of the Lord. For this Dt"spair has taken hold upon many; aTIlI their cn is:
"There is no peace; there is no settlcmrnt; we ca~l do
reason we here recount some of them.
nothing." ~ran has approached his extremity b('C'Cluse
selfishness has gone to serd and the crop of hatre<l and
MAN'S DESIRE
n Adam, in Eden, was prrfect and enjoyed a perfrct malicl' is being reaped. Foreknowing the end from th,~
beginning, God has timed the outworking of his plan so
home. Peace and happiness reigned there supreme. Bethat man's extremity is .Jehoyah's opportunity.
fore ambition was exercised by Lucifer Eden was an
ideal place. :Man there had an ideal governmC'nt. There
GOD'S PROVISION
were no expressions of hatred or ill will; there was no
l5Jehoyah permitted man to take his own course that
oppression there, no profiteering; there was no selfishness; thrrr was no evil of any kind. The climate was he might fully and completely learn the needed lesson.
all that could be desired; there were no storms from During all these years his plan for man's benefit has
without, nor tempests to distnrb man's serene and in- been majestically moving forward. The unselfishness of
most calm. The birds warbled their swert songs; beasts .Jehovah was perfectly expressed in his words to Abragave expression to contentment and peace; flowers shed ham, when he said: "In thy seed shall all the families
their sweet fragrance of perfume on the morning air. of the earth be blessed."
l6Looking to that time when the seed of promise
The trees waved their arms to welcome the sweet-scented
zephyrs, and clapped their hands together for gladness; would be greatly tested as to faitt,. and in order that
and the fields were joyful, and all that was therein. these might fully understand and appreciate the unMan was monarch of all he surveyed, and he walked changeableness of his Word, Jehovah renewed that promise to Abraham and bound it with his oath. (Hebrews
and communed with God.

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133

that government. He made them to understand fl.wt h~

was going away to prepare a place for them, and that
later he would return and receive unto himself his loyal
followers. During his absence he committed to the
keeping of his true and faithful servants the interests of
that kingdom, charging them to look well to those
intercsts. Anxious to know when that blessed time
would come when the Lord would return and when the
old world would end, his disciples propounded to him
the question recorded in Matthew 24: 3.
220ur Lord answered, and his answer was intended
to thrill the faithful watchers who should observe its
fulfilment. He said: 'When that time comes the nations
will become angry, and nation will rise against nation,
kingdom against kingdom, and the whole world will be
subjected to sorrow; the war, famine, and pestilence
will be the beginning of sorrows.' He further said that
then there would be a great falling away from the faith,
there would be pNspcution of Christians, many would
become offended and hate one another; that the natiom
and peoples would be in distress and perplexity; and
that men's hearts would fail them for fear. He foresaw and foreknew that the rulers of earth, acting under
the super-mind of Satan, would be making a desperate
effort to hold the old order together, and to this end
,rould resort to combinatiom, leagues, and all sorts of
agreements, ignoring the Lord; but that all of these
would fail.
23 And then would come to pass the promipe of God,
made through his prophet, saying, "And in the days of
these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom,
which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall
not b0 ldt to other peopl!', but it shall break in pieces
and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand
for ever."-Daniel 2: 44.
24Kings, here referred to, are the rulers, the governing factors of the earth. These are composed of the
political, commercial, and ecclesiastical strong oncs of
the earth, directed by their invisiblc god. The declaration of Jehovah is that such shall have no part in the
new government. It will be a kingdom, through hiB
Christ; and it shall not be left to other people. He will
not
take the advice of the \I'orldly ones, nor permit them
FURTHER PROVISION
to participate in his kingdom. None will be in that
2('1n the long-distant pa,t God ordained that there kingdom except those who shall be on the Lord's side.
~ho1l1d be in the kingdom and associated with his
2GThis kingdom of the Lord's shall be a complete
l,Ilm'ed Son, the Head thcreof, 14cl,OOO who should be
yictory for righteollsness and a triumph for um:elfishkmgR and priests and reign with Christ. these to eonness. It will not be a temporary government, but one
Hitute the royal family of heaven. Why should hp takc
that will stand forever and bring every desire of every
these from amongst men? Herein ,re find again a perhonest heart. It ii' the will of God that the evidences of
frct expression of unselfishness, both on the part of the fulfilment of tlw prophetic utterance of Jesus shall
JehO\'ah and on the part of Jesui', that God should
be a signal to the faithful ones to mount the battlements
invite imperfect men to ~hare the glories and blessings
of Zion and cry aloud: The kingdom of heaven is at
of that kingdom. It was loye that made this provision. hand. To all in Zion now comes the command of the
21'Ine kingdom of heaven, the ideal government, Jesus Captain of Jehovah's host, saying, This gospel of the
always held before the mind of his hearers. His faithful kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world for a witdisciples walked with him, and talked with him about ness unto all the nations, and then the end shall come.
6: 17, 18) The Lord knrw that in this trying campaign
there would be mueh to shakp the hope of those walking
in faith. 'l'he Apostle, therefore, assures us that God
bound this promise with his oath in order that we might
have a greater hope, "which hope we have as an anchor
of the soul both sure and steadfast and which entereth
into that within the VaIl." It was love that caused
JdlOvah to do this, It ,ras another perfect expression
of his unselfishness.
171n the course of time the beloved Logos ,,'as sent
away from the courts of hpaven to take upon him the
form and nature 01 selfish man. For thirty-three and
one-half years he mingled with imperfect and selfish
mpn. the most despicable of "'hom wcrc the hypocritical
dergy 01 his day. Jesus was misunderstood by his
friends among men, and misrepresented by his enpmies.
He suffered from both. Charged with almost every
crime known to the criminal calendar, he was subjected
to a wicked and brutal trial, unjustly condemned and
ignominiously put to death. The experience east Jesus
everything that perfect man could enjoy, and above all
the loss, for a time, of fellowship with the Father. His
was the supreme sacrifice.
18'I'he experience cost Jehovah the d('arest treasure, of
his heart, Here again we find in Jesus and in Jehovah
the perfect expression of unselfishness, which is eallell,
and is, true love. And why? The answer is, In order
that man might live and in due time enjoy the blessings
of an ideal gOYrrnment. It was about this government
that Jesus spoke at the beginning of his ministry. It
was that ideal gowrnment which constituted the burden
of his message during his parthly career. He left with
his followers the command that they should continue to
preach the coming of that blessed and ideal government.
19nIany Christians have thought that to build character ,,'ai'. and is, the chief thing for thpm to do, ignoring
thl' interests of the king(lom. Be it known that no one
,nll ever be perfected in charactpr and be of the kinguom ,rho does not appreeiatc the importance of the
kingdom. This is particularly true from this time for,,'anI. The kingdom of heaven is at hand. It is the
great issue.

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'The
THE CHRISTIAJ."l'S PRIVILEGES

26The privileges now to be enjoyed by the true follower of Christ cannot be overstated. Yea, no privilrges
equal thereto have ever been the portion of any creature
in heaven or on earth. The deeper our appreciation or
these privileges, the better equipped shall we be for tIl<,
warfare. Christians, in other times of the age, have
enjoyed the great privilege of being ambassadors for
Christ; but the Christian now has that privilege and
more. It is his privilege now to make known to the
world that the ideal government is here and is being
put in control of earth's affairs.
27Abraham had the promise that the kingdom would
be provided for the blessing of man. The prophets had
visions of the coming thereof and wrote down these
visions. The Psalmist composed songs of its coming
blessings and sang them to the praise of the Lord.
Jesus opened the way, and told of its coming and the
blessings it would bring. The apostles dwelt upon the
qualifications nccessary and the rewards of those who
would be in the kingdom. But now the Christian, who
is of the feet of him, is commanded to say unto Zion:
"Thy God reigneth." (Isaiah 52: 7) With authority
can he speak; for this command comes from the Lord.
These are they who bring good news of good, who publish peace, and tell of God's salvation for the people,
and inform the world that millions now living will
never die. Such a privilege was never before granted
to any creature. Are we shmring a proper appreciation
of that privilege?
QUALIFICATIO~S

Baoo,:LYK, N. Y.

WATCH TOWER

OF KINGS

28Disloyalty to God east Adam his life and all blessings incident thereto. Loyalty will be required of evrrv
creature who will be granted lile on any plane. Loyalty
to the very core is the chief qualification of those who
shall inherit the kingdom and be members of the royal
family of God. Loyalty cannot be proven hy merel.\'
feeding upon the Word of God, mentally enjoying the
same, and remaining in a pa~sive attitude, waiting to
be taken to heaven. This is the hour of real activity;
and the great issue before us demands that each one
assert himself positively and actively for the King. All
must make a sacrifice who enter the race for a place in
the kingdom; and all who enter the kingdom as overcomers must do more than sacrifice. They must obey.
"To obey is better than saerifice."-1 Samuel 15: 22.
29Jesus said: "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18: 4) Humble here clearly
means to be obedient. The f'haracteristies of a good
child are these: Freedom from ambition and rivalry,
confidently trusting in its ll'ader; t('achableness and
loving obedience. That is what Jcsus meant. St. Peter
announced the same rule when he said: "Humble yourselves therefore uuder the mighty hand of God, that he
may exalt you in due time."-1 Peter 5: 6.

80Some content themselYes by appearing to be sanctified, meek, quiet, and inactive, believing that such an
attitude, and the constant feeding upon the Word of
God by studying it, will assure them a place in the
kingdom. In such a course there is a large measure of
selfishness; for such an attitude of inactivity is looking
and hoping only for self-ease, self-comfort, self-blessing,
and ~elf-joy. With such it is impossible to be perfect in
love. There can be no perfect expression of love without
a sacrifice, and an earnest desire and activity to do good
unto others.
31Concerning such qualifications Jesus said : "Not
everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will
of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7: 21)
To do the will of God means. to be diligent, active, and
energetic. It means to possess and exercise that zeal
peculiar to the Lord's house, possessed and exercised by
the Lord himself. (Psalm Gl: 9) Such zeal means 11
fervent ardor for the Lord and his ideal government.
It means that one will be actively engaged in the campaign as opportnnity is oi1'ered.
32What then can I do? you ask. Jesus answers: Tell
the good news to the people of all nations as a 'witness
before the end come~. Tell it now. 'rell it by word of
mouth; preach it to the people as you have ollportunity;
tell it out by the printed page by placing in the hamb
of the people the books and other literature containing
the message of the kingdom. The Lord has provided
the printing presses and other machinery to print and
manufacture the books in the various languages, and
offer~ an opportunity to the consccrated to enter activelv
into the campaign on the side of the Lord. He h~s
provided the ,ray for some to be colporteurs, some sharpshooters, some helpers in the classes, some volunteers to
put the message into the hands of the people. He has
brought to light at the proper time the radio broadcasting apparatus and provided for the sending: forth of
the message in this way. He has opened a way for every
one "'ho is on his side to do something in the campaign.
Hence there is no just cause or excuse for any \rho
really love the Lord to remain silent now. Remember
those who went with Gideon and bowed down, burying
their faces in the brook to drink. Be not of that kind,
but be of those who dipped the water in their hanch
and lapped it like a dog, while earnestly watching for
opportunities to glorify the King.
THE CAMPAIGN

33l{emember, brethren, we are now engaged in the

greatest campaign of all tinH'. Let us acquit ourselves
as becomes the true reprrscntatives of the great and new
government. Call to mind the campaign in worldly
politics, how some have engaged in times past, how
they endured hardships in behalf thereof. How many
times have you carried a torch, marched in the ranks
or rode in a \ragon, wavrd a flag and shouted and

MAY

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cr.a.e

135

WATCH TOWER

urged the people to vote? How many times have you

made a political speech, and diligently distributed literature showing the people what you believed to be the
proper way to vote? And why did you do it? If you
were honest you did it because you believed that the
officers you were trying to elect, the government you
were trying to inaugurate, would help to bring about a
better condition amon~st the people jn general. Those
efforts failed because of the imperfections of man.
34Now we are enlistrd in a campaign of the Lord for
hjs ideal government. We are not in doubt as to the
result. We know that his kingdom will win. We kIlow
that his will be an idral government and will bring the
very thjngs for which man has hoped and \yntclwd a:ld
prayed, 10, these many centuries past. Do you possess
the spirit of thc Lord? Have you perfect love in your
heart? I.f so, then with a burning zeal for his cause
you will go forth to do your little part, not because he
needs anv of us but because we need the opportunity
to prove 'our loyalty and our love. Remember that the
chief qualification of those who will be kings and priests
unto God is love. Remember that love is the pcrfect
expression of unsrlfishness. Hemember that Jesus gave
us the example and that we must follow in his steps.
The way for us now to give expression to unselfishness
js joyfully to announce the kjngdom that will bring
lasting blessings to mankind. This must be done with
diligence if we would have an abundant entrance into
his kingdom.-2 Peter 1: 3-1l.
35How can anyone in prcsent truth, who apprcciates
the situation, remain silent and inactive? Let no one
deceive you; and if you arc to be of the elect you will
not be deceived into believing that you can be inactive
and please the Lord. The Lord has promised that the
elect shall not be deceived jn doctrine. (Psalm 125: 3 ;
Isaiah 52: 8) There js a manjfest attempt on the part
of the adversary to deeejve by jnducing the soldiers of
the cross to remain jnactive and silent.
36In agcs past govcrnments have risen only to fall
again. Now the Church is engagcd in a campaign for
the ideal government which is certain and which will
endure forever. Having this in mind, and referring to
the duty of the Christian at this time, St. Paul wrote:
''Wherefore ,ve receiving a kjngdom which cannot be
moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews
12: 28) This means that seeing we are receiving the
long-promised kingdom of the Lord, that jdeal government, let us show forth our gratitude, and joyfully
drport ourselves in a manner in keeping with the blessed
privileges of that kingdom. Let the djvine jnfluence be
~o reflected in our lives that we may show that we are
indeed grateful to God and to the Lord Jesus that we
arc permitted to participate in announcing this blessing
to the people. To serve God acceptably now means that
we will enter jnto the very spirit of his kingdom and
announce it with joy-

37'he spirit of that kingdom is love, and love is the

perfect expression of unselfishness. This can be manifested only by a sacrifice, and service entails sacrifice.
How could we possjbly serve acceptably and remajn idle
or inactive? Service will mean a sacrifice of worldly
ease, wealth, and comfort. It mIl cost us much, but it
is ',"orth more than it costs. If we have started to serve
the Lord, we cannot stop and still bc pleasing to hjm.
Do not for one momcnt think that \yhat you did last
year will win for you a plael~ in tlw kingdom. Our
victory will br com plete at the end provided we do not
relax. (Galatians G: 9) rrhis is no time for quitters.
Jesus made this clear when he said: "No man, havjng
put his hand to the plough. and looking back, js fit for
the kingdom of God."-Luke 9: 62.
REWARDS OF KINGS

38'1'he love of God has prOVIded priceless rewards for

those who prove thrir loyalty to the very end. To such
J ems SaId: "Be thou faithful unto (kath, and I wHI
give thee a crown of life." (Hevelation 2: 10) Life is
the great desirr of every sane creature. ,Vhen the chjld
of God learned that he was brgotten and anointed. and
adopted into the family of the Lord, it brought much
joy to his heart. He rejoiced in the great salvation set
before him. As he imbibe(l the spirit of the Master, ho
pressed along the narrow way; and when he stumbled
and his foot was about to slip over the brink, the goodness of the Lord prevented him from falling.
39When the Christian has fought his way through and
triumphed in Christ he will possess the divine nature
with authority to act, which js pictured particularly by
the words of the Psalmist concerning the crown of gold
upon his head. All the way his heart's desire has been
to live and see the Lord. God caused his prophet David,
a type of the Christ, to paint a word picture of the
bngdom elass, which thosc this side the vail might now
observe and be encouraged. The picture js painted in
these words: "The king shall joy jn thy strength, 0
Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Thou hast given hjm his heart's desire, and hast not mthholden the request of his lips. For thou preventest him
with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of
pure gold on his head. He asked life of thee, and thou
gayest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.
His glory is great in thy salvation: honor and majesty
hast thou laid upon him."-Psalm 21: 1-5.
41'hen again for our encouragement the Psalmist
expresses the Christian's desire thus: "One thing have
I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may
dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire jn his
temple." (Psalm 27: 4) To those who continue faithfully unto the end Jesus said: "And I appoint unto
you a kjngdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom,
and sit on thrones, judging the twelve trjbea of Israel."
-Luke 22: 29, 30.

136

neWATCH TOWER

41What a marvelous expression of unselfishness! These,

together with Christ Jesus, shall constitute the invisible
ruling power of the ideal government, through which
government all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
What a blessed satisfaction to know that these kings will
have a part in blessing the groaning creation!
MAN'S PROFIT

42'1'0 man an ideal government is one whose governor

possesses absolute power and exercises that power always
equally in behalf of all, and with partiality to none,
granting to each one his full rights and privileges. It
means a government of everlasting peace in which the
people will have plenty, will live in contentment, enjoy
liberty, life, and uninterrupted happiness. rl'hat is why,
to man, an ideal government has seemed impossIble.
The kingdom of God and his Christ will bring to man
all of these and much more. That the heirs of promi~e
might be fully assured, that they might be comforted
and encouraged, the Lord has given us cumulative cviden'Ce of what blessings that kingdom shall bring to our
loved ones on earth.
nWe are assured that the Lord shall be king over all
the earth (Zechariah 14: 9) ; that the government shall
be upon his shoulders (Isaiah 9: G, 7); that he shall
have dominion from sea to sea (Psalm 72: 8) ; that all
power and authority is in the hands of the king (Matthew 28: 18) ; that out from Zion, the invisible part of
the kingdom, shall go forth the law (Isaiah 2: 3) ;
that the king shall rule in righteousness, therefore without partiality (Isaiah 32: 1); that unto his kingdom
shall all the people be gathered (Genesis 49: 10) ; that
wars shall be no more and the people shall dwell in
peace, and of his peace and his kingdom there shall be
no end (Isaiah 2: 4; 9: 6, 7); that the people shall
have plenty and feast to their heart's content (Isaiah
25: 6) ; that the earth shall yield its increase and the
people shall be supplied with an abundance (Isaiah
30: 23; Psalm 67: 6) ; that there shall be amongst the
people no beastly organization to oppress them, for the
Lord shall destroy the oppressor (Psalm 72: 4); that
every man shall own his home and shall sit under his
vine and fig tree and shall fear no one (Micah 4: 1-4) ;
that the obedient shall return to the days of their youth
and their flesh shall become fresher than that of a child
(Job 33: 25) ; that none shall fear sickness nor be sick
(Isaiah 33: 24); that full restoration of life will be
granted to those who prove their loyalty to the King
because he gave his life that all such shall live (John
3: 15; 10: 10); that then they that keep his Word
shall never die (John 8: 51; Revelation 21: 4); that
the earth, created for man's happiness, will be brought
to a state of Edenic Paradise, and the desert will blossom with abundance (Isaiah 35: 1) ; that everyone will
know of the Lord Jesus and will dwell in endless happiness and sing songs of praise to the Lord for ever and
ever.-Isaiah 11: 9; Psalm 150: 6.

BaOOKLYlIl,

N. Y.

HThe kingdom of the Lord will establish an ideal

condition upon the earth for man. That will be an ideal
government. There is not the slightest doubt in the
mind of the Christian that such is true and that the
kingdom is now beginning. Weare not following some
cunningly devised fable; but we have the sure Word of
God spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets. (2 Peter
1: 16-21) These prophecies have been and are being
fulfilled; and we know that the Dayspring has visited
man, and that the portals of the Golden Age are swingmg open.
45The Lord will make a sharp and quick work of
announcing the kingdom before the complete end of
the evil order. The time is short, and the privileges
are great beyond the description of human words. The
issue is clearly drawn; the fight is on to the finish; the
campaign grows with intensity.
46Let every Christian who loves God, and possesses
the zeal of Christ in his heart, now give full expression
to unselfishness by sho\ring forth the praises of him wh0
hath called us out of darkness into the marvelous light.
The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Our commission is
now to tell the good news to the world. Blessed is the
man who fulfils that commission. Soldiers of the Cl'OSS,
with zeal and vigor press on to vidory and boundless joy.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Is it po",<.;ible for our joy in the truth to be tinged with selfish
I1P-';S ':
\\'hat should be the cuntrolling motiYe~: ~ 1-3.
What lu'olllllt0d God to do sOlllPtiung for J;Uan's LJenelit? ~ 4,
\Y1mt ''''l'iptul'es ]>1'O\'e that Chr"tians Illust glorlfy the Lord?
\\'hat doc;.., this ruean tu us, a" to our attitude'! ,-; J, G.
For ,\ hat end has God been" orklng out his gnlo:lt plan? 'Yhat is
an Ideal gO\Crllluclltl Is thIS lJos:-.lble WIth Goll? ~ 7, 8.
\Vhat IS now the vital question? What is the meaning of "zeal"?
~ H, 10.
\\lmt \\ as the condition in Eden? \\-hat resulted from selfishness?
~ 11, 1~,
What has bel'n the struggle to regain the lost estate? ~ 13.
\\-hat is the attitude of th1l1kinF( lllen today'! '1114,
lIas God frolll the LJcginuing been unselfishly interested in man?
1i 1[;, 1G,
How are the supreme sacrifices of God and Jesus seen in the (lidne
plan'! Are these preponutrating evidences of extrerne unselfi~li
11(>'1-;:-; '!
,-; 17, ] S.
Do Christial]'; ,ometimes halm themselves by p0rmitting- the develOpllll'nt of character to aLJ",,'LJ their whole attentiou? ~ Ill.
Why d,,1 God lllal;e choice from among lllen for IllS uew creation?
~ ~O,

\Vhat was it that Jc.,n, ab\'a"s held LJefore the minds of his hearers? "Then he departed ,rlmt Interests were cOIllmitted to his
dlsclples? "hat IH umpt0d the disciple:-, to propound tbe qU~bOll
of .:\1.1 tthew 2-1: 0 '! How" as it :lnEo.\\ et'f'(}? ~ 21, 22.
Is J)allh'l 2: 44 hanng fulfilment in our day? 'Vhat dot?'s it mean?
\Yhat IS our specIal prinlege, not grunted to others of the pa"t'!
~ ~3-:!(;'

What was the promise made to Abraham? Who recei\'ed "islon' of

the ldngdom of IJleRsIIl~K? 'Vho :san~ song:-; about it? \Vho
opened the way to it? Who told of the qualifications necessary t<>
obtain it '! \rho will anllonnce the pre....ence of the King'! '12 .
What is the chIef qualificatIOn of tile Christian? What will be
required of the world in onler that the;\' lllay receive the LJlessin~s of life everlaxting? 'iI 2:3.
What is the underlyinl( principle of humility? 1) ~().
Is it possible for one to fool himself'! What is meant by doing the
will of God? ~ 30, 31.
Has the Lord lIlade ample provision for activity in announcing the
kingdom? What has he done'! ~ 3:!,
How does the worl<l1y campal;::n compare with ours? ~ 33, 34.
Is it possible to decei"e the elect into inactidty'! 1) 35, 3G.
\Vhat is the spirit of the kingdom? How may we all sacrifice? If
one has made a start, where is the quitting place? 1) 37.
\Vhat is the reward at the end of the way? What is the Christian's glorious lot on this side the "ail? And what on the other
side? 1) 38-41.
Why has an ideal government seemed impossible to man? Will an
ideal government ever be realized? How? ~ 42, 43.
Where is the ideal !(o"ernment to be estahlished? Are the prophecies concerning it now beginning to Inn'e fulfilment? Is the
announcement to continue uninterruptedly untIl victory comes 1

'44-46.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR JUNE 4.

"Righteousness shall be the girdle

IsaUih 11: 5.

of

his loins."-

UR text deals with Christ Jesus, the Messiah, as

King of glory. The Prophet here describes the
Coming One as a stem of Jesse. Jesse was the
father of David, and David was a type of the Christ.
The time referred to in the text is the :Millennial reign
of Christ.
Describing the attributes that will be exhibited by
the King at that time the Prophet says: "The spirit of
the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the
spirit of knowledge, and of reverence. . . . But with
righteousness shall he judge the poor [meaning poor in
spirit, humble-minded], and reprove with equity [justice 1 for the meek of the earth."-Isaiah 11: 2, 4.
The King will not resort to force of arms, as the
kings of earth have done; but with the rod of his
mouth, his message of truth, and with the breath of his
lips shall he slay the wicked. Otherwise stated, his
truth will be such a reproof to the wicked that they
will flee before him. Righteousness shall mark his
decrees.
The girdle is a symbol of servitude. The suggestion
is that the King is serving as the great Judge, representative of Jehovah, to establish righteousness in the earth.
The representatives of Satan in this world have not
been faithful, even to Satan. Each one has been looking
out for seH; and the course of each one of thcm has
been marked by unrighteousness.
In striking contrast to this we see in the Lord Jesus,
the King of glory, absolute faithfulness and loyalty to
Jehovah; and every act and deed of his is marked by
unselfishness, loyalty, truth, and righteousness. As th~
people begin to witness his righteous judgment, and to
learn that in all things he is aetuatd by love, their
hearts of stone will melt; and he will give them a heart
of flesh, and love shall begin to well up in their hearts.
It will be through the terms of the New Covenant,
administered by Christ Jesus, the great Judge, that
these blessings shall come to the people. Concerning
this the Lord says: "I will put my laws [rules of action
for governing their conduct] into their mind, and write
them in their hcarts: and I will be to them a God, and
they shall be to me a people. And they shall not teach
every man his neighbor, and every man his brother,
saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from
the least to the greatest."-Hebrews 8: 10, 11.
This wonderful work will be done by the Christ. As
the people progress up over the highway of holiness,
and respond to the loving ministrations of the Christ,
their hearts will be filled with joy and their tongues
with songs of praise. As the dead return from the tombs
and learn of his righteous judgments, they shall come

131

unto him with songs of praise upon their lips; and sorrow and sadness shall flee away.
With the eye of faith we can now behold the teeming
millions of earth marching over the highway of holiness
back to the state of perfection; and in this wonderful
work of helping them the overcoming Christians will
participate. What a joyful work that will be! And
when it is finished and all creatures have learned of the
righteousness of the Lord and have themselves become
righteous, then every creature in heaven and in earth
will join together in singing his praises. With one
accord will they say: "Great and marvelous are thy
works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways,
thou King of saints."-Revelation 15: 3.
Happy is the man now who is privileged to know the
Lord and to participate in the announcing to the oppressed world that these blessings are just ahead. Let
everyone then be strong and very courageous, and press
on as the representative of the King, telling these glad
tidings to those who have a hearing ear.
TEXT FOR JUNE 11
It

Out of Zion shall go fo rth the law."-IsaUih 2: 3.

ZION literally signifies a permanent capital. Capital means the seat of government. In this
scripture Zion means the seat of God's government for the blessing of man. It is God's organization.
Jehovah is a God of order; therefore he must have an
organization.
Satan, the mimic god, has long had an organization.
He has had a chief seat of government as the god of
this world, and from there has controlled the kingdoms
and nations of this earth.' Many good men have endeavored to make good laws, but selfishness has influenced
them all. Other men have attempted to enforce the
laws. Selfishness and self-interests of men and organizations have greatly thwarted the purpose of the laws.
For this reason the laws of the old world, because of
being selfishly made and selfishly enforced, have greatly
increased the burdens of the poor. It will be entirely
different in God's organization.
The Psalmist, describing God's capital or seat of government for the benefit of man, says: "Great is the
Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God,
in the mountain [kingdom] of his holiness. Beautiful
for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion,
on the sides of the north, the city of the great King."
-Psalm 48: 1, 2.
Thus Jehovah's organization, with Christ at the head
of it, is beautifully described in poetic phrase. That
this is God's organization we are assured; for thd
Psalmist says: "For the Lord hath chosen Zion: he
hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for
ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it." (Psalm
132: 13, 14) It means that througl;l God's organized

138

'1M

WATCH TOWER

power, thus manifested, he shall receive back into at-onement with himself the members of the human family,
and that the ministration of bringing them back will be
through his Christ.
Law mcans rule of action; commanding that which
is right, prohibiting that which is wrong. The rules by
which man will be commanded to act will be made
known and will proceed from Zion, the organization of
Jehovah, the permanent seat of government, the throne
of Christ.
There will be no selfishness in those laws, either
in the making or in the administration. Every law,
made and executed, will be prompted by love. That
means no selfishness; for love is the perfect expression
of unselfishness. Mankind will have the absolute assurance that the rules of action laid down for his deportment and government are right, just, and true; that
there will be no need to fear that any selfish interests
shall deprive him of his just rights and privileges. This
will completely establish the confidence of the people in
the capital and its governing power. The people will not
be in fear of corporations, or mighty combines to deprive them of their just rights and interests. Of this we
have the positive assurance of our Lord when he says:
uNo lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast." "I
will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land."
(Isaiah 35: 9; Ezekiel 34: 25) These are symbolic expressions representing beastly forms of government.
Our knowledge of the truth cannot be a really abiding joy with us if we receive it only for a selfish purpose, with a hope of escaping some punishmeJat or of
enjoying some special place. The real joy of the Lord
is the fact that he will relieve the people from oppres-

IlROOIrLYN, N. Y.

sian and estahl j~h a rightpollS goyernment. If we enter

into thc joy of the Lord, love must be the controlling
motive in our actions: and our love for the kingdom
nnd for the truth will be increased as we appreciate
the fact that this kingdom shall bless our fellow crealures. Those who have this spirit and maintain it until
the end shall be of :Mount Zion; and the people shall
know who they are, as it is written in Psalm 87: 5, G.
That this will be a happy, joyful people, the Psalmist
says: "As well the singers as the players on instnm1enb
shall be there: aU my springs are in thee." (Psalm
87: 7) A spring is a fountain from which source flow
the rivers. Then the Psalmist tells us that out from
Zion shall spring the truth and the life which shall
bless the people as they have' long desired to be blessed.
God now gives his people a vision of the glories and
beauty of Zion and the blessings that shall flow ant
from her, to encourage those who are in the narrow way
to press on. With renewed zeal and loving devotion to
our Father and our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, let
each one gird up the loins of his mind and be sober,
and with joy in his heart press along the way until he
stands triumphantly in 1lfount Zion with the King- of
glory. Mark the words of Jehovah: "All my springs
are in thee," which means that all the fountains of life
are in Zion. It will be the blessed privilege of the Zion
class, God's organization, throughout the Millennial age
to grant life to mankind. This is in harmony with
Jesus' statement: "As the Father hath life in himself;
so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself."
Also his statement to his disciples: "Except ye eat the
flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have
no life in you."-John [): 26; 6: 53.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
IBLE STUDENTS all over the earth have been looking
forwanl to 1924 with great eXllt'ctancy. It seemed fitting- that we should have a large convention this year.
In casting about for a place Columbus, Ohio, offers the
best advantages.
THE 'V ATCH TOWER takes pll'asure in announcing, therefore, that the convention of Bible Students this year wiil
be an international convention held at Columbus, Ohio, July
20 to 27, inclusive. It will be international in two senses:
First, in that it wlll be a conwntion of brethrcn who speak
various languages; and secondly, bret h l'en will be expected
to attend from various countries throughout the earth.
The main meeting hall for the conventioners will be the
CoUseum, which has a seating capacity of 14,000. Connected
with the CoUseum, and all under roof, are seven other halls,
Which wlll accommodate meetings of brethren speaking the
various languages. All these bUildings are located at the
Ohio State Exposition Grounds, which are practically in the
center of the city of Columbus. The grounds are private,
with a grove, lakes, beautifUl place for resting; and there
the friends can be entirely isolated from the public.
In addition to this is Memorial Hall, with a capacity of
4,000, which wlll be in use each evening for a public meeting and which may be used in the da;\( time If required for
other meetings.
It Is the Intention to have a large, well-advertised pubUc
meetIng on Sunday, July 27, In tile Stadium of the OhIo

State University, the seating capacity of which is 62,000.

Columhus, Ohio, is located in the center of a very populous dist rict, including lIIichigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and
Ontario. It has the best illterurban railway system of any
city in the country, and is easy of access. The highways
lpading into it are of the very best, and great numbers of
friends will be expected to come by automobile.
Within live blocks of the meeting place there are rooming
accommodations for 60,000 people. There are thirty large
hotels and a large number of dormitories.
We are giving this early notice in order to enable the
friends throughout the lund to arrange their vacations
during this period. We confidently expect that this will be
the largest convention of Bible Students ever held on earth.
1.'he SOCIETY expects to open an omce at Columbus for the
purpose of handling all the convention correspondence so as
not to interfere with the regular work at Brooklyn. Announcement of the address will be made later.
We sug-gest that the friends throughout the earth daily
present the matter of the convention to the throne of heavenly grace, that the Lord may be pleased to bless it and
the witness to be given from there, In a marked degree
and to his glory.
In subsequent issues of THE WATCH TOWER a detailed
statement of the arrangements will be published.

ANNUAL REQUEST FOR PILGRIM VISITS

HE visit of the Pilgrim brethren results in a double
blessing. It blesses him who serves and blesses them
that are served. It is in obedience to the Apostle's
admonition concerning the assembling of ourselves together.
The Lord has blessed this branch of the work, thereby
stamping it with his approval. The class that fails to have
these visits misses a blessing. The SOCIETY routes the Pilgrims, however, in harmony with the requests; and this
request is expected to be made once annually.
In making these requests use postal cards, for convenience
in our files. The questions herewith set forth should be
answered, numberin,g' your answer to correspond with the
number of the qupstion. The question itself need not be
repeated. Please write the names distinctly.
We advise that the class secretary be not changed any
oftener than necessary. Each change requires a new stencil
to be cut in our ofIice and a chan~e in our records. But
when a change is made, please notify us promptly. Failure
to do this often causes inconvenience, both to the class
and to the Pilgrims, as well as to this ofiice, and thus
hinders the work.
In giving the name of the secretary or any other address,
do not give a post-office-box address, but give the street
and number. Telt'~rams ana other messa~es cannot be
<.1elivered when sent to a post-ofiice-box address.
The SOCIETY desires to serve all the classes, regardless of
size, insofar as it is possible; and believin~ that all the
consecrated (Iesire the visits of the Pilgrim brethren we are
pleased to have the information requested in order to
facilitate our routing of these brethren. Where there are
isolated friends, only one or two, and you desire a Pilgrim
visit, please send in your request; and if possible the
PilgTim will call on you When passing your way.
Great care is used in selecting brethren for the Pilgrim
sprvice. In a special sense they arc representatives of the
'VATCH TOWER BlilLE & TR_{CT SOCIETY, as it represents the
Lord. They therefore represent the kingdom now so close at
hand. Their auties are to serve the friefHls in spiritual
matters, to advise, aid and comfort t!Wlll for their development as new creatures. They come prepared to hold two
meetings each day, one in the afternoon and one in the
evening.
The friends everywhere take pleasure in entertaining the
Pilgrim brethren as servanls of the Lord. They do not
expect luxurious entertainment, but only wholesome food
llIHI a comfortable room where the nl'cessary rest can be
had. They travel at the expense of the SOCIETY; hence
al'e its representatives.
Decause of the importance of the time, there is now an
increased dcsire on the part of the public to hear the truth.
Therefore we urge the friends to arrange for at least one
public meeting during the visit of the Pilgrim. To this end
a good, well-locate(l, reputable hall should be prOVided,
special efforts bein~ made for the public witness Sunday
afternoon or evenin~, as it may be convenient to the class.
Remember, dear brethren, the blessed privilpge we have to
be coworkers with t he Lord in the proclamation of the
message now due. I Ience we ask your cooperation with us
and with the Pilgl'im brethren in this behalf.
We ask you to answer the following qupstions, which
information is needed for our immediate guidance in preparing the Pilgrim routes:

(d)
(e)
(f)

State number of Bible Studentll in your class who accept

the complete series of STUDIElI IN THE SCRIPTURES.
(b) Are weekly meetings held?
(c) Whl're do you now meet on Sunday? (Give full street
address lind name of auditorium, hall, or home. :Kotify
us of changes.)
(a)

(g)
(h)

(1)
(j)
(k)

At what hours are the Sunday meetings held?

Was a vote taken on the Pilgrim invitation?
If a Sunday appointment is made, will a thoroughly
advertised public meeting be arranged?
Have the members of your class chosen leaders in accordance with Volume VI, chapters 5 and 6?
Give name and address of one member of class (other
than Secretary) whom we may notify regarding PIl
grim visits.
Give the name of proper railroad station at which the
Pilgrim is to stop.
How many miles from station is the meeting place?
If at a distance from railroad station, does some member of the class have a conveyance to transport the
Pil,~rim?

(1)

Give full name and address of Class Secretary (always

notify us of changes).
GOOD HOPES FOR 1924

HE work of the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY

is the preaching of the gospel of Messiah's kingdom.
Every consecrated child of God is pri'Vi1pged to participate in this work. Brother Russell always outlined the work
during the year in proportion as the Lord provided the
money through his consecratl'll children. We continue to
follow that example, as appropriate in the Church.
Each one who has been enlightened by the truth appreciates the fact that this blessing came to him as a gracious
gift; and as he has a zeal for the Lord he appreciates his
privilege of using time, energy, and money in telling the
message to others. Some are not blessed with endowments
for going about and telling it to others, while they are
blessed With some money which they desire to use in the
Lord's service, to the end that hungry souls might be fed
upon the precious truths, as we have been fed.
The custom of setting aside each week so much to be
used in the Lord's service has always proved beneficial to
the giver. A notice to the SOCIETY that you hope to give
so much enables us to outline the work, based upon what
is expected.
Since a large portion of such donations is used to defray
the Pilgrim expenses, we have thou~ht it wise to let the
notice for Pilgrim requests and the "Good Hopes" notice
appear in the same issue of THE 'VATCH TOW~;R.
Upon receipt of this issue of THE WATCH TOWER kindly
write two carlls, exactly alike. One of these put aside for
your own record of what you have promised; the other
send to us. Or, if you prefer, put it in the form of a letter,
keeping a copy of the letter for your own convenience. We
suggest that it be brid and that nothing else be written
except the following: "By the Lord's grace I hope to be
able to give to his work for spreading the gospel during
the ensuing year the amount of $__________________________________ I will
remit in such amounts and at such times as I can find convenient, according as the Lord prospers me. (Signature)
_----------------- . .
..._. .." Kindly address this card to the
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, Financial Depart.
ment, 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Brethren residing outside of the United States should
write t1ll'ir respective oftlces in the countries where they
reside, and remit their "Good Hopes" to such offices.
Of our own selves we can do nothing, but we are assurel1
that the prayers of the righteous avail much. lIence we ask
the brethren to present us daily before the throne of heavenly grace, that we may be given wisdom and grace to use
the money to the best advantage in spreading the gospel to
the Lord's glory, and to do the work entrusted to U8.

139

THE BABYWNIAN EXILE OF JUDAH

--JUNE

1--2 Kll'iGS,

CUAPTEJIS

21

TO

25; 2

CHRO:'ilVLES, CHAPTER

;W--

NIWUCIIADJ'iEZZAR ~Uln;s ZE.'EKIAH KI;\"a---JEltl'S.\LE~1 lJE,~rROYEIl; lSItAELlTES 'L\KE:\ CAI'T1\ E-(;I\.\XO

OF GOD

"R'ighteou.sneS8 exaUeU~ a nation: but sin

Pl'RPOSES

OVJ'WORKIl'.;u,

i8

DDAY'S lesson closes the history of the kingdom of

Judah. .Judah sank into the darkness and gloom
which, through the ravages of Babylon, then settled
ove!' all the western world. \Vhen the plag-ue of darkness
fell on Egypt, there was Ught in the dwellings of Israel;
but now, when the Babylonian cloud eoverl'd the heavens,
the darknes8 was felt most by Israel. The last eleven years
of the kingdom WE're vpry much troubled. Indeed, that time
'\lrovidell a minimure, in fact and in intent, of the very
UJueh-t!'oublcd statt' of the world since the outbreak of the
great World War in 1914.
2'I'lw rliscoyery of the Book of the Law, and the devotion
of Josiah, oU,~ht to have broug-ht II real rE'formation. But
three powerful forces were in operation, each of which was
strong enough to bring about the corruption of the kingdom.
There \H're the prill('ps who really controllE'd affairs, and
who (UrN'ted thE' policy of the statp. There were the nIany
prophets. all f:tlsp pl'OphE'ts, self-seekers who. while pI'ofessing to 81)<'.,k t'l" word of the Lord, really spoke according
to the policy which for the time bE'ing was most favorable
to tlHnl. .\lld tllP!'e were the pril'st;;. who had bpl'ome
almost a kingdom in themselves. God had 110 place in their
hearts; neither' kin,g nor prophet no!' priest nor princes had
any interest otlw!' than their OWI1, and the people were the
victims of their policy. But .Jeremiah says that the people
loved to have it "0. (Jeremiah 5: 31) It was impossible
that a kingdom which pl'Ofessed to lw the rE'presentatiYe of
Jehovah should be continued under such corrupt conditions.
IndE'eli, its death spntence had been pronounced; the days
were past when God could heal it. NeverttlPless, all this
time' (TOll continued to have Jeremiah in the cit~ represpnting him, speaking wOl'ds of warning; and though the Lord
had declal'E'<] Iha.( no mediation 01' supplicatiol1 would avail
to turn his pur]Jose aside, yet all the history of God's dealings shows that he would haw softenpd their fall had they
been repentant and shown contrition of heart.
NEBUCHADNEZZAR MAKES ZEDEKIAH KING
sDurin,g its last twenty-two yl'ars the kingdom was under
foreign llominion, Pithpr of l';gypt or of BabJ'on ; for Jehoahaz
was (!p!losetl by Pharaoh, who spt up in his place .Tehoiakim,
on whose death Ilis son Jehoiachin was taken captive to
Bahylon, and Jchoiachin's uncle Zedekiah was put on the
throne by 1\l'lmchadnezzar. 'rhe Lonl's kingdom was not
under the direct care of the Lord, but was ruled by kings
who were the nominef's of a forei.!..'11 power. .TE'llOiakim was
a bold spirit, well fittpd to !ear! his people into opposition
to God. Althon2;h the country was UTuler heavy tribute to
Pllaraoh, colll'cted by means of a capital-levy, and though
desolation was thrpat,'ning the countr~', he shut his Pyes to
all but his own will and pleasure. He made the people's
burdpns heavier by uRing forced labor to build himself a
fine palace in JE'rusalem. (Jerpllliah 22: 13,14) His fourth
year is the connecting link (and thcrpfore the first tixed
point) betwE'en sacred and secular history; for it was the
first ypar of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, whose nineteenth year was 606 I3. C. In that year, 6ZiJ B. C., Nebuchadnezzar came to Jerusalem. and put the eity and kingdom in subjection. .Tf'llOiakim served him for three ypars
and then rebpIlpIJ.-2 Kings 24: 1.
4Nebuchadnezzar could not then give personal attplltion
to bring Jehoiakim into subjection; but he sP,t Syria, Moab,
and Ammon against Judah; and evidently these hereditary

repl'oach to am) peopw."-Pro1Jcrbs

(L

14: 34.

enemies were very well pleas!"d to have the opportunity of

wasting the Jews, whom they Illltel\. (2 Kings 24: 2) Jehoiakim reignE'd for eleven years. lIe diell a terrihle death,
according to .TerE'miah's propllE'l'Y (Jeremiah 22: 19), a fpw
months before Nebue]JadnE'zzar's arrival to rE'du('(' the cit~'
to submission and punish Jf'lwiakim for his rE'belIion. The
young son Jehoiachin had been put upon the throne; but
when Ne'buchadnezzar's army iU\'Psted the city he, probably
advised by his mother concertling Jeremiah's prophef'!ps,
gave hirm:elf and his family up to the Babylonians. Nehnehadnezzar stripped the treasures of Jerusalem and tile
temple (2Kings 24:13), and took captive those of the
people who were represented by the basket of good lk<;
of .Terf'lJIiah's vision (.lP!'emiah 24: 5), and amongst thplJI
were Ezpldl'l, and Daniel and his companions.
5Nebuchadnezzar phlCpd Zedekiah, !lIe youngest son of
Josiah, on the tlll'one, and made him swear uy God that he
would be loyal. But ZpdE'kiah, like his brother, perverse' in
his opposition to Jehonlh, was weak in character. The
prinCPR, who were the real rulers, were all for an allhlll('e
with E~~ pt. In this tlll'y were supported by the propll"l8
and pl'il'sts; and at last they prpvailed upon the king; for
he broke his covenant With 1\ehuchadnezzar. (2 Chronir:lp<;
36: 13; Ezekiel ]7: 12-HJ) NC]l1wh:ulnezzar's anger aro,,",P.
He came again, rletermined finally to brE'ak the powpr of
this treacherous (ity. He bespigp(l Jerusalem, and it began
to suffpr the agonies of a bpleaguprecl city. But Pharaoh
came up from Egypt to oppose ~ ebuchadllezzar, and Ihp
siege was raised. The pf'ople thought that their' free(lom
had come; but Jeremiah continued his witness that tlH'11'
salvation was tf\ be found only in accepting the will of Uod,
which waR the yoke of BahJ'lon. Jeremiah started to go to
Anathoth, his native \ !lIage, four milE'S out of .Terusalem;
but the olllepr at the gate challenged him as a deserter to
the Chaldeans, and he was cast into prison.
JERUSALEM DESTROYED; ISRAELITES TAKEN CAPTIYE
&Xebucltadnezzar conqllPred Pharaoh, came back to Jprllsalem, lUI,] again ;;et thl' sicg'e; ant! the city enterell into it<;
dpath agony. .Teremiah hatl told them what tllPY would
suffer (.TE'I'l'miah ]f): 7-f); but the people resisted With
that fiE'rCE'ness alwa~'s associatpr! with the Je\vs in warfarE'.
After eightPen months a hrpach was made in the wallf:;
and the Babylonians at last entered the city. Zedekiah
sought to escape hy night. He got some distance away, but
was followpd and captmer!. TI;e strong-holr!s of the city
were not reduced till a rllonth later, and then the work of
destruction began. The beautiful tE'mple was set on fire;
the palaces were dpstro~'('(l; and the stronghold of Zion
was thrown down. Such complE'tp desolation of so strong
alHI glorioUR a city in so short time has rarely been eqnaled.
The inllahitants were drh'f'n out; and Jf'rusalem, the city
of the great King and the glory of his people, was a dE'solation. l':E'dE'kiah and his chilrlrE'n were taken to TIiblah,
where Nebuchadnezzar was. There Zedekiah's t,,'o Son~
were slain before his eyes, and that was the last sight hi;;
eyes beheld; for his own were then piE'rcE'd, even as .Jeremiah had propllesied. (:2 Kings 25: 5, 7; Jf'!'PlI1iall :H: fl, G)
Zedekiah was taken to Babylon, a prisoner in clJ:lins ami
in r!:lIlmess. It was a sad procession - king, prophets,
priests, and the people, all herded together, wearily retracing
the steps of their father Abraham, going back to the land
out of which God had led him.

140

lIIAY 1, 1924

'fI..e

WATCH

7Jeremiah was also taken to Riblah, apparently bound

with the chains placed on him by Zedekiah, There he was
kindly dealt with, and was given the choice of going to
Babylon and there being cared for or of returning to Judah.
But bpfore he had decided, he was sent back to Judah;
and money was given him for his needs. On his arrival
there he was carried off to E;"'Ypt by his countrymen; and
there he died, almost certainly a violent death. In all that
turmoil and desolation Jeremiah was the one unbreakable,
unyiplllin~ spirit. His faithfulness to God never wavered,
and God blessed him and kept him faithful to the end. The
kindness of Jehovah was about him in the sharp<'St trials.
8During the siege Jerpmiah saw some dreadful thingls,
and ~'et he was spared from the worst. His imprisonment
cost him much suffering; for no man likes to be bound.
Yet that sanw bondage preserY(~d him from the daily agony
of witnessin~ the terrible condition and degradation of the
people. God spared the tender heart of the Prophet. And
even in his forcibl\' rt'llloYal to Eg;~']1t there was compensation; he was spared the pain of looking on the desolated
city of ,Jprnsalem. Yet he suffered mueh: for in mental
visioll his heart was sore for the bdoypd city. He saw the
"(lauglltei'" of Zion scatPl1 on the broken wal\'; of the desolaled Zion, crying aloud, "Is it nothing to ~'ou, all ye that
pas" by? behold, and sce if tlwre be any sorrow like unto
my sorrow, which is done unto me, wher\'with the Lord
hath afllicted me in the llay of his fiprce anger." (Lamentation" 1; l~) The picturp of dpsolation stirs the heart of
evcry lover of God. God's land lay desolate because of the
sins of his pcople who, bearing his name, had discredited
aIHI disgrace<! it, bringing dprision upon it amongst the
natiolls; anll who tller<'fore coulll no longpr represent his
nalllP, l\OW, representatively, God no longer hall a people
on earth.
GRAND PURPOSES OF GOD OUTWORKING

SHut tile prophecies of the S\'rvants of God reach out

heY0ll{! the desolation. Jeremiah had foretold that it should
hav{' an end, and that the people should return. In God's
o\Yn time the voice of song would again be heard on Zion,
no longcr in the mournfUl strains of the "daughter" of Zion
w{,p]ling for her hurt, but the voice of God's glad messenger.
And now the time is cOllle! The feet of him that speaketh
pence are on the mountains.-Isaiah 52: 7.
"Dau~hter

of Zion! awake from thy sadness!

Awake! for th,\' foe' shall oppress thee no more;
Bri~ht o'er 1110 hills dawll" the daystar of ~iadlle>ls;
~\rise! for the night of thy sorrow is o'cr."

1To the unfaithful in Judah, the fall and desolation of

J('['usalem must have sf'emed the end of all things. Israel
had long be<'n peopled hy nllpns. Kow Judah \Yas gone, the
temple burnt, and God's people were led back captives to
th.. lal\(! oul of which tllPir fatlwr Abraham hnd come. The
nor11wrtl kingllom, Israel, had despised the covenant; but
JUtlah lost out through hypocrisy, led thereto by a false
allli ('Ol'l'Upt priesthood. But the end had not come; for
the sure \Yort! of proplwcy linked the hope of Israe! with
the future. Thcy were the chosen people, chosen because
of their fathers. (Ezekiel 3G: 22, 23) They woulll yet find
favor with Jehovah; ant! Jeremiah had limited the desolation to seventy years, when tribulation would come on their
Oppl'l'SSOrS and they would find freedom.
llep to the destruction of Jerusalem Judah could have
kept nineteen jubilees, though they either entirely omitted

"ll, lift ye the banner on high o'er the mountain!

Let the trumpet be loud and the scimitar keen;

TO~TER

141

this important feature of their Law, or but imperfectly

observed it. (Leviticus 26: 35) GQd knew that they would
have no further opportunity of observing it; so the other
fifty-one were kept by the land at the same time. It therefore kept its full number of seventy sabbaths while its
inhabitants were in Babylon, and while Jerusalem was
desolate. It sh<luld be noted that the desolation of Jerusalem was to be seventy years. (Daniel 9: 2) It is that
fact, and not the captivities of the people at various times,
which determined the bl'ginnin,g and the end of the seventy
years. As they ended in 536 B. C., 600 B. C, was the date
when Jerusalem was desolated; and all true chronology
must be based on that date. This Babylonian captivity was
to \'xtend to seventy ~'ears, till the land had enjoyed her
sabbaths; "for as long as she iay desolate she kept sabbath,
to fulfil threescore and ten years."-2 Chronicles 36: 21.
12There seems no reason for thinking, as some do, that
these seventy sabbath years are the exact number of omissions to keep the recurring seventh-year sabbath. But there
is every reason to take them as an indication of the number
of jubilee sabbaths which God had ordained between the
two points of time: (1) The entrance of Israel under
Joshua into their land of inheritance; and, after all the
vicissitudes of their hif;tory, (2) when thllY shall again
enter in under the leatlership of the greater Joshua, the
Captain of the Lord's hosts, a leader unseen by human eye.
These two points are 3,500 years apart. Then the day will
have come when the prophecy of Jeremiah must be fulfilled.
The Npw Covenant. will begin to come into operation, and
with its comin~ the days of sorrow pass forever: for such
sorrow as has been shall never be again. (Matthew 24: 21)
Then the days of Israel's peace will have come, Then Judah
will no more go astray, nor Israel vex JUdah (Isaiah 11:
13); for the luw of God will be written in the heart of
eVfOry one, and all will do justice, love mercy, and walk:
humbly with God.
13It would be hopeless to expect Christendom to see itself
pictured by Jerusalpm. Christendom is as unable to see
itself as was that city, even though the mIrror of prophetic
truth is held for it by God's faithfUl servants. But his
servants see the correspondency, and are guided by it in
their work for the Lord.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What waS Israel's relation to th{' pla~ue of darkness which eame
UlJon Egj'J)t. and her position when the Babylonian cloud {'overed
the hpayens? 'rhe last eleven :,-ears of the kingdom of Judah are
a mlllia1,lre of what! ')1.
What three powerful forces were there, anyone of which was
Rtron~ enough to corrupt the kingdom'! What is the meaning of
.Tt'remiah 5: 31? ~ 2_
WI~a,t were Judah's experiences during the last twenty-two years?
,,3.

What did Nebuehadnezzar do because of the rebellion of Jehoialdm',

Who were represe'ltecl by the lJasket of fi~s? ~ 4. '
Who placed 7,edekiah on the throne of .Tudah? What made NebuelllIllne'l,1.ar's ire rise the second time'! Who stood as Jehovah's
s{'ntinel all this time? ~ 5.
""hen did th~ death a~ony of Jerusalem come? What became of
Zedekiah and his family? ~ 6_
What were Jeremiah's experiences? Why may it be said that Jehovah was kind to him? Was God grieVed by reason of the dis~race and discredit heaped upon his faithfUl servant by the
disloyalty of his covenanted people? ~ 7, 8.
Do the prophecies reach beyond the desolation? Is the daughter of
Zion about to have her sorrow taken away (Lam. 1: 6, 7)? 'If 9.
What is the si~nificance of the children of Israel's being led back
mto the land from whleh Abraham was called? I"or how long
was the {'apti vity? ~ 10.
'Vhy was the land de..olate during the capti\-ity? "'hy was it
desolate for seventy years? 'If 11.
From what and to what points of time do the jnbilees extend?
For whom primarily is the New Covenant to be mau~urated? '1112What is the present deplorable condition of Christendom? '\113.

For Babel shall fall like a drop from the fountain,

And leave not a trace where her glories hav~ been."

EZEKIEL ENCOURAGES THE EXILES

--JUNE 8--PSALM
1'0 CONJ'USION UNDER DIVINE CONTROL-NEW

137: 1-6;

DOCTHINE

OF

EmKIEL. Cn.\PTJl:R :l4~-

PERSONAL

RESPOXSIlllLITY-HOPEFUL MESSAGE OJ'

RESTITUTION PREACHED.

"I

win seek that which was wst, amd will bring again that

ZEKIEL was one of the first lot of captives, taken when

Jeholachin surrendered himself to l'\ebuchadnezzar in
617 B. C., eleven years before the fall of Jerusalem.
That great break into the life of Judah was a never-forIfOtten date; for to the faithful in Judah it was the beginDing of the end, a sure sign that all the words of God
were about to be fulfilled. Ezekiel dates all his prophecies
trom that year. (Ezekiel 1: 2; 24: 1,2) Some of the captlves, as Daniel and his three companions, were taken to
Babylon; but most of them were located about fifty milt'S
north of Babylon, where Nebuchadnezzar was cutting a
canal between the Euphrates and the Tigris at their nearest
points of approach to each other. Here Ezekiel was settled.
and probably shared in their labors, though his writings do
Dot indicate that he was hard pressed by the Babylonians.
2Ezekiel was a priest. (Ezekiel 1: 3) But it is unlikely
that he had done service in the temple; for he was only
twenty-five years of age when taken captive. The thirtieth
year of Ezekiel 1: 1 refers to his age; for he says that it
was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity. But if
Ezekiel was not permitted to serve in the temple at Jerusalem, he was greatly used of God in the temple of truth;
and he has done much priestly service. in ministering in
holy things for the Church of God in these its last days in
the flesh. A comparison of the prophecies of God's three
great witnesses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, reveals three
phases of God's message. Isaiah's is concerned with the
great Ruler, the Son who should come, upon whose shoulder
would be laid the government of the kingdom. (Isaiah 9: 6)
Jeremiah tha priest was the proplwt, the declarer of the
word of God, and foreteller of the times of restitution under
the New Covenant. Ezekiel the priest has much of the
priestly phase attached to his prophetic service. He tells
of the restored temple of God, and was privileged to see
the secrets of the Most Holy.
8Five years after his captivity, six years before the fall
of Jerusalem, the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel. He
saw the heavens opened and visions of Goll. 'l'here came
trom the north a whirlwind and fire (Ezekiel 1: 1-4), symboIs of trouble. Jeremiah saw trouble from the north, a
seething pot with its contents spilled, bringing desolation on
the world. His vision was the earthly phase. (Jeremiah
;I.: 13-16) Ezekiel's vision disclosed the fact that whatever
things were happening on earth were according to divine
arrangements. Ezekiel saw the cherubim moving rapidly
every way, but making no tUl'llings, and accompanied by
great wheels revolving within each other-complex movements which never resulted in confusion.
4Ezekiel's visions were different from any previously
given; they were strange and even terrifying'. He was not
unfamiliar with the figure of the cherUbim; for they were
represented in the tabernacle. But the Israelites as they
reached Assyria and Babylon must have looked with wonderlng surprise upon the man-headed winged bull, or manheaded Winged lion, sculptured figures which can be seen
even now in the great museums. The faithful captives
would see in these figures a desecration of God; but when
Ezekiel's message came with visions of the cherubim It was
as if God would say that though Assyria had intruded upon
the divine prerogative, they as well as Israel were to come
under the judgments and the blessings represented by the
cherubim. Ezekiel's immediate message was to those who
were with him; for though, generally speakIng, they were
better than those left behind, there were many amoog'!"t

If)1~ich

was driven away."-Ezekiel 94: 16.

them who were rebellious, and were not inclined to settle

down to captivity. Jeremiah had written to them, urging
them to accept the will of God for them (Jeremiah 2D) ;
and now Ezekiel told them of the sure destruction coming
on Jerusalem, and that there was no hope of a return till
the full time had come.
5Ezekiel's commission was made very plain to him. He
was to be a watchman to Israel, with the blood of the
people upon him if he were unfaithful In his message.
(Ezekiel 3: 17-21) 'Vhile in the company of some of the
elders he was, in vision, carried to Jerusalem. There he
saw that nothing had been learned from the punishment
which had befallen it; for abominable things were done.
In the temple itself was an "image of jealousy"; in one
of the hidden chambets of the temple were seen seventy
men offering incense to images; he saw women weeping for
'l'ammuz, and twenty-five of the honorable men standing in
the temple court worshiping the sun. He saw six men
called, each with a slaughter weapon; and another with an
inkhorn, who was told to go through the city to put a
mark on the foreheads of all who mourned for its sin. The
six WE're to follow and slay all who were not markel!.
(Ezekiel, chaps. 8,9) He saw the glory of the Lord come
out of the inner place, wait on the threshold, and finally
leave the house and tile city and rest on the Mount of
Olives. He understood that the glory of the cherubim seen
at the river ChebaI' was that of the cherubim of the Most
Holy.-Ezekiel 10: 20.
GEzekiel's words to the captives were sharp. He told them
that the sins which had brought them into captivity and
Jerusalem to destruction were still practised by them. (Ezekiel 16: 15-2D) He gave them no hope of a national restoratlon; and thou::\,h, when seventy years of Jeremiah's prophecy were accomplished their captivity would end, restoration
would not come by a forced movement as in their captivity,
but by a voluntary and therefore individual retul'll, denot
ing desire.
7Ezekicl now preached personal responsibility, and this
was his special messag-p. Jeremiah had told of a time when
they would no more say: "The fathers have eaten a sour
grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge. But every
one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth
the sour ::\,rape, his teeth shall be set on edge." (Jeremiah
31: 2(J, 30) Isl':\<'1 blamed the ways of God for tlwir trouble.
They said: "The way of God is not equal" (Ezekiel 18: :2G),
and maintained that they were suffering because their fathers had sinned. Ezekiel now declared from God that Israel
should have no more occasion to say this (Ezekiel 18: 2,3) ;
thus indicating a change in God's dealings with Israel, as
if the captivity had ended that feature of the Law. lIe
declared that the righteous man who turned from his way
should not have his fonner righteousness counted to him;
and that the wicked man who turned from his sin to keep
the statutes of God should not have his former wickedness
counted against him. This doctrine of individual responsibility was new and seemed contradictory to the teachings
of 1\1oses. (Exodus 20: 5) This declaration must have had
a great effect upon the best of the captives; for they would
realize as never before that any hope of a return for themselves or their children depended upon their individual
attitude to God.
8Ezekiel declared that all souls were God's, and that each
must stand in individual relationship to him, and that the
time had come when the soul that sinned should die. (Eze-

142

MAY 1, 1D24

CfJieWATCH TOWER

kiel18: 4) No one would be saved from punishment because

he was an Israelite, but only because as an Israelite he had
taken Ildvantag-e of this favor of God, Nor even would such
covering be llrovided--even if Noah, whose righteonsness
saved his family; or Job, who made sacrifice for the SlllS of
his sons; or Daniel, whose wisdom saved his fellows and
the wise men of Babylon from death, were there, "Though
these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they
should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness,
saith the Lord God,"-EzC'kiel 14; 14,
9This shoUld not be unuerstood as meaning that the capti ves were plaeed upon individual trial for everlasting life,
hut rathpr that they were placed on trial for the hope of
Israel, God did not put them out of his covenant, but he
took aWay some of its provisions, That which was spoken
hy Ezekiel was typical, The world was breaking up, t}zpkiel
saw hell opened. Assyria had falll'n into the yawning
ehasm; Egypt was falling into it; Tyre and Ammon, Damascus, Philistia, and all the nations wpre to fall into it before
1he "terrible of till' nations," t he great destroyprs; and
Israel seemed as if they also were to be lost in that great
dpstruction. But Uod would have a remnant, those who
would nuke a decision for him.-Ezekit'l 25: 1-17; 32:
~ 1-:!3: 14: 22.
10All this correRponds with our day. A rpvelation of the
cherubim is a certain indication that the judgments of God
a I"e acl ive amongst ml'n; as when the cheruhim Wl're placed
at the gate of the gardPl1 to prl'serve the way of the tree
ot" life (Genesis 3: :!4) ; aml as when, in Hcvelation (4: B),
thl'Y were seen round about the throne, becau;;c the judgments of God were about to he revealed. And fiS it was
with Ezekiel undl'r the special circumstances of his day, so
it is now with the Church since the plan of God, and the
sdting up of his kingdom with the COnSl'qllent jlHlgm...nts,
were revealed through his servant, Pastor Russell. We live
in the time when the world is to be broken up at the hands
of "the worst of the nations," by those great massI's of
mankind who will knew no control save that of a destructive impulse. Sheol has enlarged itsplf (Isaiah 5: 14) ; and
everything contrary to the will of God will be destroYed.
11God's jUdgmentR are being made manifest; and his
faithful senants are, Ii':l' gzekiel, given visions of God,
and permitted to see those movements which work out his
purposes. This is specially true of these last days. 'I'he
senants of God are not only permitted to know that the
<'llCrubim represent the wisdom, justice, love, and power, of
God, but to see these in swift movenH'nt; and alSO, by the
fulfilmpnt of the times, to know tlmt the hour has come for
the purposps of God to be fulfilled. As E7.ekiel saw the
swift movements of the eherubim going four ways but without turning, so we see swift action. Some mOVl'ments of
God are headed by justice, some by love, some by wisdom,
some by power. But there is no confusion, no turning;
and whichever way these go, i. e., whichever is most prominent, the others are seen cooperating. The cherUbim, the
attributes of God, are not enl'mies to man. If they kept
the way of the tree of life (Genesis 3: 24) So that man
might not return, they also keDt it for him so that in God'S
due time man might be restored.
12The Lord's people have a special message for these who
are now represented by the basket of good figs, those more
readily submissive to the will of God, a message that the
time has come whpn none may trust to finy relationship
with human institutions, and when a denominational covering is of no avail. The Lord's people are now sent with the
message of present truth to witness to the establishment of
the kingdom of heaven, and to tell the meek of the earth
of the need for accepting the way of the Lord, and that the
time for individuul action has come. He who will turn to
the Lord will find that the mistakes of the past will not

143

prevent his acceptance with the Lord. A.nd those who have
served in church work will find in it nothing to recommend
them to the favor of God. The time is come when Christendom must hear that "the soul that sinneth, it shall die,"
and that all who turn to God will live. (Ezekiel 18: 4,21)
Ezekiel's message seemed contradictory to all that had gone
before-when the chosen people were under special and
particular covering. Our message now is to the peoples of
Christendom specially to tell them that they can find favor
with God only as they individually come into harmony with
hilll. The Church in the rtesh has this witness laid upon it,
as Ezekiel's was upon him; and he Who knows of it and
will not cry out will find that he is held responsible.
13Like all God's prophets Ezekiel's service for God
brought him much suffering; but he Was given strength for
hi" service, and seems never to have slackened. On the day
when Nebuchadnezzar's army besieged Jerusalem Ezekiel
was told that his Wife, the beloved of his eyes, should die;
and t1,at he was not to curry signs of mourning-a witness
to the captives of the loss that God felt, but could not show,
in having Jerusalpm given up to a foreign power. (Ezekiel
24: 21) Ezekiel's message was one of lamentation and
wppping and woe for the sins of his people, and for the
tl'olllJle coming upon the whole world. (Ezekiel 3: 1-3) But
like all the holy nrophets l<~zekiel is a foreteller of the times
of rp"titution.-Acts 3: 1!l.
"Ezekiel's ml'ssagp of the good and faithful pastors which
God would prOVide for his sheep, so long rteeced instead of
fell, is one of the sweet words of the Bible. (Ezekiel 34;
ll-iS) And his dt'daration of God's care for hili< people,
and of how he will gather them and sprinkle tllem from
their uncleanness is a precious word. (E7.ekiel 36: 25) He
saw Israel allli its hope as detld men; but his vision of the
valley of dry bones is a vivid account of the resurrection of
the hope of Israel, and of their restoration to the care of
God He tells of the latter days when God will bring his
pE'ople back into his land, which had cast them out because
of thdr sins, to be established forever. His last words
(Ezekiel 38 and 3!)) tell of the last trial of Israel, of the
days now almost immediately to come, when they, regathered in their land, shall be threatened with the hordes of
God and Magog, allli of the great deliverance to he realized
by Israel, which will convince them of their time of favor,
and will convince the nations of the fact that the iongpromised kingdom is established. (Ezekiel 38: 2R; 3fJ: 23,
28,213) His last visions were of the worship of God restored
and of Israel set amongst the nations as priest to God.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
From what point does l<}l;ekiel date his prophecies? Where was
Ezekiel settled? 1i 1.
.
lIow old wa" Ezekiel ~-hen the heavens were opened unto him?
What do,:s a comparison of the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah
and' Ezeluel reveal? 11 2.
'
What was the nature of Ewldel's vision 'I lIow did Assyria intrude
upon the divine prero,gative'l 11 3, 4.
What was the cOIllmlssion to Ezekiel? How Important was it?
How. waR I"r:eklcl carried to Jeru,alem? What dill he see? 11 5:
How dIfI EzekIel "ddress the captl\'es? What is suggested by the
voluntary return at the end of the captivity? 'If 6.
The spedal message of Ezekiel was what? How did Israel try to
shift the responsihllity'l How did God set forth the doctrine of
indiddual reRpo1"ilJiJity? '117, R.
Were Ule captIves placed on trial for everlasting life? Or was this
further unfoldinl; of the divine taw typical 'I 11 D.
Where is the lesson in this for Christians 'I What is the meaning
of the revelation of the cherubim? What is signified by hell's
being opened or enlarged? '1110.
How are the heavens opened to the Lord's faithful sen-ants? The
!'wift movements of the cherubim going four ways without turnmg mean what? 'j 11.
Who in our day are represented by the basket of gOod figs? What
surprise is in store for some well-meaning people? Is the world
to have forced upon it the doctrine of individual responsibility?
'Il12.

Is there always suffering entailed upon those who represent J 000yah during the rei/(n of sin and death 'I What was a specially
severe trial for Ezekiel because of his being used as a sign? 'j 13.
Has God kept his word to provide food for his sheep? Is theboP&of
Israel being reviVed now? What is theglorions outcome to be? '1'-

International Bible Students A~sociation Gasses

Lecturel5 6nd Studies by TrdVelint1 Brethren
BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK:

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Hamsburg, Pa.
May 9
Boston. lI1ass.
. _ .. 11
GreenlJeld. lI1as8. _ _--June 1
Albany. N. Y.
.. 2
Utica. N. Y.
3
Bu1fa.lo. N. Y.
4

Cleveland, O. _..
.June ~
'l'ole<lo. v. _
__
v
South Bend. Ind. ._...........
II
Chicago. Ill._
__._..... 9
lJanVllle, Ill. ._
_........ .. 10
Paris, Ill......_
_....... .. 11

Fargo, ~. Dak
)lay
Hockfol'lJ. ~. Dak."
:lllOOt, ~. Vak. _
15,
Lnderlln. N. Dak. __
18,
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.. 21,
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1I1ay 30, June 1

13
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16
18
20

BROTHER
Salem, Ind.
Bedford. Ind.
Mitchell. Ind.
Bparksville. Ind. _
Orleans. Ind._
Nashville, Ind.

May
..

16
18
19
20
..
21
.. 22,23

f hlltP\\ tll

l\lay
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'lut:e\\ ~d, Teull

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L1 Pa:-:o. 1.(').

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1
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London, Ont. ._._ _ " 26,
~llestown, Unto
..
Ingersoll, Onto
..

_.......

~1
~2

.J.one-boro. Ark

:l1ay

h.t"I"'{,f \rk....__.._. ,.
Blythe\"llJc...uk. _
"

Holl:v, Colo. _
)~a)' 12
Puell10. Col"
: ]~
Trill ICln rl. Col"
1..
Walsenburg, Colo.
16
Florellce. Lolo. _..................]
Rockvale, Colo. __._.....
19

22
23
25

~j

~7
2~

29

Colo. SprlD~, COlo.._May 20, ~5

Cripple Creek. Colo._." 21,22
GoJdheJd. Colo
_.... ..
23
lJemer. Colo.
..
26
Fort ;lIor:.<an. Colo....... 27. 28
Sterling, Colo.
..
29

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN
Pocatello, Ida. __._...lIJay 11
Buhl, Ida
_
_... ..
12
Twin Falls, Ida. _
_. ..
13
'Veiser. Ida......_._ _ ..
14
OntarIO. Ole. _._.._._... 15.16
!>olse, Ida.
....._ ..
18

llliclllewaet. B. C. ~!iY
19
:-Oortb Bend. n. C.
21
Yancou'er. n. C
_ .. 23.25
nellinltham. Wash. _
..
26
Everett, Wash.
.. 27,28
Tacoma, Wash.
.. 29,30

Emmett. Ida.
...Mav 19
r\ampa. Ida.
._ .. '20 21
Laramie. Wyo. _ _._"
23
Ch..)'enn... Wl'o. _.......
25
Casper, Wyo.
._ .. 27,30
Lauder. WlO. _ _..... 28, 29

1.8SA. BEREAN BIBLEr STUDIE.S

Byiv\eansof
STUDY

H. S. MURRAY
Monticello.
15
Thomasville,Fla.
Ga.-1>l:ay
_ _ ..
16
Cairo. Ga.........
..
1~
Marianna Fla.
.. 19, 20
DeFuniak'Spl'lnp, FJa. .. 21,22
Penaacola, Fla. _
..
23

23

:.:4

Huicomu. Ark.__
_ tt 20, ~7
IJl:;~ott, Ark
"
28
::it. LOUiS, Mo --May 29June 1

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
12
13
14
15
16
18

1
5

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON

Indianapolis. Ind.
..1>1ay 25
MaJ'l1nsnlle. Ind. _.......... ~IJ
Whiteland. Ind.
..... 2;1I1a(hson. In,!. ...._ ....._.... 2-;
Greensburg. Ind. _ .._ _. " 29
liatS\ille. 1ud.
30

----

Brandon Mao. _.
..l\.Iay
Re~lna Sask....
..
Moose 'Jaw Sask. _ _......
Maple Creek. Sask.
"
ll:edlclne Hat. Alta. _._."
Ca!&ary. Alta.
..

28
29

ao

----

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
St. Thomas Ont--lllay 11. 12
Rld~etown, 'Ont. _ . . ..
13
Blenheim Ont.
..
14
Leamlll~ton. Ont. _ " 15, 16
Pelee Island. Ont. _ " II:!, 19
Kingpvllle, Ont. _ _ ..
20

Port Alberni, n. C
~loy ~7.
Lad)slUltlt. ll. C.
..
1Ilalallat. 1;' C
_ ..
YictorUl, 11. C._._...Jun8
Su.lne)'. Ii. C....._....._ "
\ aucouver, B. C. _ _ ..

BROTHER W.J. THORN

Cloudcroft~.
Barstow, Tf"\.

Waten-liet. ~. Y.
....... June 1
Tror. ~. 1.
_._....... .. 1
Hocllester. ~. Y
_...... .. 3
r\la~IiJ'a Falls. ~. Y. _..... ..
4
:\lal;aJ'Ii Fulls. Onto
_... .. :;
Hallulton, Ont...._ _.....
6

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

110\ Ie. Tellll

Bean . . t'rf>pl\. Teuu
ChattUllno:.:a. Telln

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Lockney. Tex.
1I~~)
~nyt1er. 'rc),.
__ _ _... "
~wectwater. Tex. __
};arsTow. 'lex.
"
El Paso. Tex. _ ._._._.. "
Hot Sprmgs, N. Mex. _ "

Burlington, Vt. _.
May 25
1Ilorrls\'llle, Vt
_._.. 20
St. Johw.bur~. Vt. ._..... 27
~ewport, Vt
_....... 2::1
Hano,er. ~. H
_.....
29
Wlhler, Vt. _
_._....... 30

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

---12
IJ
14
15
16
IS

:I!ay 11
1::
13
14
IS
25

Penchland. n. C
;lla)
15
Vernon. D. C
16, lIS
Arl1lstl'on;. U. C.
..
19
n.:.lIuloOI's, D. C. _
" ~1, 2:!
Yancou\er. D. C. _ ...... "~3~:J
:\anaUllO, ll. C.
:!Ii

BROTHER H. H. DL"'iGUS
Tuscumbia. Ala. __...JIo)
l'ashvllle. Tenn. _ .._.._ .... II
Lehanon. Tenn _._.._ _ "
l\lilton. '.fenn
_.._._ U
1IIurfreeslJOro, Tenn._.....
l'ormano)', Tenn.
"

16
18
19
20
21
22

23
May
..
~5
:!lj
..
"
"
2"
_ .. 20,30

Fort Smith. Ark

lI(cCnrtalll. UI,I
\\'alb. UI;I.l
Qu,"ton. Ukla
)Iu"kn:.<ee. UI;la
Tamaha, Okla. .._

C. W. CUTFORTH

Vancouver. n. c.
1\analffio. n. ~.
LadvslUith. n. C.

l<'redonia, K Dak. _ " 28,29

Berlin, K Vak
_... ..
30
Conde. S. lJak.._ -June
1
Mellette, S. lJaJ,;. _ _ ..
:l

BROTHER C ROBERTS

BROTHER J. W. COPE
Durant. Okla. --lIIay H.
Atoka, Okla
_._ _ ..
McAlester. Okla. _._ ..
Stuart. Okla. .
..
'Vilburton. Okla. _ _ ..
Albion, Okla.
" 21.

Far~o, K Dak. _
l\Jay 2:l. 25
lierlln.~. lJ:tk ....._.....
:.!ti. ~7

BROTHER V. C. RICE

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
New Tazewell, Tenn .lI1ay 15
Knoxville. Teno.
..
16
Greenvllle. Tenn...._ . ..
18
Baileyton, Tenn. _ _ ..
19
BrIstol, Tenn. _ .._ _ .. 20, 21
Wytheville, Va.
.. 2~. 23

14

16
19
20
22

BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Minneapolis. lonon. _ ..May 11
Rochester. !Illnn.
.. 12. 13
Winona. Minn. _ _ _ ..
15
Whalen, 1I1Inn. _ _
..
16
Mankato. Minn. _
_ ..
18
Evan, Minn.
.. 19, 20

13

Florala.
Ala.~-=====M~aY25
Stella. Fla.

.. 26
Vothan. AI~.
.
27
Bronwood. Ga. __.._......... 2'1
Dawson. Ga.
..
29
Albany. Ga
_..... 30

v:

"The At-one-ment"

THE ~lEDIATOn-"LIli.E UNTO BIS BllETIIltEN"

Week or June l _ _ .Q. 1520 Week or June 15_ _Q.2630

Week of June 8_ _.Q.2125 Week or June 22_ _Q. 31-35
Week of June 29
Q.36-41
~kJ"

bo01l:, on "The ..Uo"e-mmt," JOo po,tpldd

VOL. XLV

SE~fI -l\IoXTI-fLY

Anno Mundi 60i)2

No. 10

May 15. 1924

CONTENTS
CONTEND FOR ~'IIE FAITlL

__

Faith Define..-l
Life by Faith

__

.. 147

__ .

148
149

~~~~I;rf~\~~t~~ ~~i:~~~.~~~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::-:-.:::~~g
~~\~-I~~~n~il~~~i.Jl'~i;.i-;a;;:::::::::::::::::::.:::::::::::::__::::: ~ gi
PltAYER-!lIEETINO TEXT CO'DIENTS

153

J:ETl:RN AND REBrllLDING OF THE TEMPLE

154

HRFORMS UNDER EZRA AND KF.IIfJ~llAH... _

_ ljG

'rhree Phases of Harvest Work........_....

157

nEIIonoAM '1'0 Nr.UE:\IIAH . -.................

IIp-to-riate Prophets

--

I,E'l'TER FRO'I NATIVE AFRICAN

LITHU""''',.,- WATCH TOWER

-- __ .. __

__

.15S
159
159

146

"I will .tand upon my watch and will set my !oof

upon the Tower, and will watch to see what He will
8ay unto me, and ,,-hat answer I shall make to them
that oppose me."-llabakkuk 2: 1.
-~-

....- -

- -e::.

~-_.--

llpou the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking to
tIl(> thUHZ;S ('omin~ upon the earth (:;OCl(lty); for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasth'-~snl)shall be shaken. . When ye see these things begin to come to p8.88, tbt'n
knnw t~llt the Kin~dom of God IS at haud. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemptlou draweth nigh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-31.

ms

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

'ournal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the ~ystem of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now being
prllSented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIE~'Y, chartered A. D. 18~4, "For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
alao as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Soci~ty's conventions and ot the
coming of tts traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refresllCd with reports of its conventions.
011l' "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Societ~"s pUblished STl:DIES most entertainingly arran~ed, and very
Ile!.pfnl to all who wonld merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, \ iz., Vel'bi Dei !finister (V. D. IlL), which translated
Into EnsIlsh is Minister of God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specw.!ly for the older Bible
atudents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiaten
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, "'ho 1''"\ e himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all", (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure fou1ll1atlOn the golLl, sih'er and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission iG to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . .has
been hid in God, ' to the intent that now might be made lmown h:-' the ehurch the manifoid wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now rev":lIed'.-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all part ies, seets and creeds of men. while it seeks more and mrore to bring its evcry utterance into fnllest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in tile holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whntsoever the Lord
bath spoken-according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to UlHler,t,lIlu his utternl.ee c :ts atlituue is nol uo"matlc, but contident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the "ure prorui,es of God. It is held a' 11. trust, to be used only ill his
service; henee our decisions relative to what may and what may not appe"r in its columns must he accorLling to our juLlgment of his
&,ood pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuild4ng of hls people in "race and kno",le(lge. And we not only invite hut urge OW;
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which referenee is constantiy made to facilitate 5uch testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

lrhat the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly

"hi~

workma'"hip"; that its construction has been in pro<:ress throu,;hout

the g-ospel a~e-evcr since Christ became the worll1's H"'(]eemb' and tIle Chief ('OrUi'r ~tone of his t~mpl(', tllroll:..:ll which, "hen
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find aecess to him.-l Corinthians;): 16, 17; E1'ile,ians 2: 2()~22;

Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.

That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated helievers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresHes; and when the
last of those Uliving stones", "elect and precious," shall ha,e been lllade r0ady, the great

~Ia.ster

\VoJ'kman vnll bring all together

in the iirst resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with hIS glory, and be the m(,eting place between God and men throughout
the lIlillennium.-Re\'elation 15: 5-~.
'That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the ;;race of God, tasted death for e'1,erll
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which ligiltelh every man that eometh into the teorld", "in dne time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the chnrch is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature'; and share his
glory as bis jomt,llCir.-l John 3:2; John Ii: 24; Romans ~: 17; :: l'et~r 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to rlevelop in her,p]f every
grace; to be (;od's witne,s to the world; and to prepare to be klllgS and priests in tile next age.-Ephesians 4: 12; Matthew 24;
14; Heveiation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessinjrs of knowledge and OPPOI tllnity to be brought to all by Christ's IIli11ennial kinl':dom, the
re~tltutlon of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and olJedlPut, at the bands of their Redeemer and his glorilied church.
when all the wilfully wlel<ed will he destroyed.-Acts 3: 19,23; Isaiah 35.

WATCH TOWER.. BI BLE & TRACT SOCIET)'

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Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Bank Draft. Canadian, British,
SouthAfrican,andAustralasian remIttances should be made to braneh
o!/lces only. HemlttancPH from scattered foreign territory llIay be made
to the Brooklyn oflice, but hy International Postal Money Orders only.
(Foreign translnttons of this journal appear in several Inngu(!geB)
Editorial Committee: ThlR journal Is published under the supervision
of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORD.
W. E. VAN AM BURGH, J. HE~1F.RY, It. II. BARBER, C. E. STR"'ART.
Terms to the Lo1'(l's Poo/': All Bible studentH who, by reason of
old age or otllel' llltlrllllty or adyersity, are unalJle to pay for this
journal, WIll be ,u1'1'lle<1 tree If they send a postal card each May
statln,; their case and requestin!( such provi"ion. \Ye are not only
wlllinjr, but anxious, that all such he on our list continually and
in toueh with th" Berean stu<lip".
Nottcc to Sllbscri/,el's: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt llDd
entry of rt'np-wal are indieatpd within a month by change in expiration date, as Hhown on wrap!,"r label.
Entered ~ Second Class Matter ~t Brooklyn, N. Y. Poswffice., Act of MaTch Jf'd 1879-

THE LlTHUA.."HAN WATCH TOWER

We wish to inform the friends that the May and June
Issues of the Lithuanian 'VATCH TOWER will contain a series
of treatises on man, especially adapted for the public and
very suitable for sample copies. Price 51/ a copy. Colportenrs and class workers now have tlH'ir opportunity to
introduce this WATCH TOWER to the Lithuanian people.

INTERNATIONAL CONVE:\ITlON AT COLUMBUS

IBLE STUDENTS all over the earth bav" been looking

"
,I ani tu 1 ~J:!-! wnil grl'at expt>ctancy.
It seeIlled titt Ing that we shoulll have a large convention this year.
III casting about for a place Columbus, Ohio, offers the
beRt advantages.
THE W ATClJ TOWER takes pleaRure in announcing, tl1l'refore, that thp convention uf Bihle Students this year will
be an international convention held at COlUIIlhUR, Ohio, .Tuly
20 to 27, Inclusive. It will be international in two SCllses:
First, iu that it will be a conwntion of brethren who R[Jeak
various languages; and secoJ1(lly, brel hren will be exppeted
to attend from various countries throughout tlH' eartll.
Columbus, Ohio, is located in the c('nter of a vpry populous district, including 1I1khignn, "'i~consin, IlIinoi, Tennessee, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Gporgia, Alabllma. Virginia, Maryland, ppllnsylvania, New York and
Ontario. It has the best Interurban railway systpm of any
city in the country, alHl is easy of ac('pss. The highways
leading Into it are of the very best, and grpat numbers of
friends will be expected to com(' by automolllie.
Within five blocks of the meeting place tlwre are rooming
accommodations for 60,000 people. There are thirty large
hotels and a large number of dOlmitories.
"'e are giving this early notice in order to enable the
frlenlls throughout the land to arrange their vacations
during this period. We conf!(lpntly expect that this will be
the largest convention of Bibll' I'tllllents eypJ' 1I,'ld on earth.
The SOCIETY expects to open an of!l('e at ColullllJlI~ for the
purpose of handling all the co!wention ('orresponl1plI('e SO as
not to int('rfere with the regular work at Brooklyn. Announcement of the addrpss wiil be made later.
'Ve suggest that the friends throughout the earth daily
present the matter of the convention to the throne of hpavenly grace, that the Lord may bp pleased to iJless it and
the witnpss to be given from there, in a markt'l1 degree
and to his glary.
In subsequent issues of THE WATCH TOWER a detailed
statement of the arrangements will be published.

?9hWATCH r1DvVER
Al\JD HERALD OF CHR~STS PRESENCE

YOLo XIX

I." UJ::-l

MAY

No. 10

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

aYe shou7d earnestly contend for the fail h 1ehl:ch 1eas Once delivered unto the saints."-Jude 3.

'IE importance of faith is magnified by the apostle

Paul. He says: "Without faith it is impossible

to please him [God] : for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek him." (Hrbrews 11: 6) 'rhus
we obsene that Jehovah has put a premium upon faith.
No one could come into harmony with him without faith.
2 At the first advent of the Master a class of ultrareligionists, led by the Pharisees, placed great value
upon piety. At the second coming of the Lord we find
their counterpart, clergymen and their close supporters,
who likewise lay great stress upon piety. To them piety
means an outward sanctimonious appearance; whereas
the word as used by the Apostle (1 Timothy 5: 4)
means a respect to\rUl'd parent", a worshipful adoration
toward Jehovah. Our King James Yersion mistranslates
the Greek word rendered piety. The lJiaglott gives the
proper rendering. It is entirely proper to have respect
for parents and worship of Jehovah; but this is not
counted as the most essential thing by the Lord. When
he mentions the weightier matters which have first consideration with our Father in heaven he does not mention piety, but does mention faith. Justice, mercy and
faith must be integral parts of every character that
would have the approval of Jehovah.
3St. Paul enumerated the pieces of the armor needed
for the Chri,tian's warfare. He emphasizes one piece as
of greatest importance: "Above all, taking the shield
of faith, where,,-ith ye shall be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the wicked [one]." (Ephesianfl 6: 16)
There ,,-as a reason for his use of the words "above all."
God identifirs himself with that shield of faith. Long
before, Jehovah had said to Abraham: "Fear not,
Abram: I am thy shicld, and thy exceeding great
reward." (Genesis 15: 1) Jehovah was the great shield
of Abraham because of Abraham's faith. Abraham is
known as the father of the faithful. (Romans 4: 16)
He is placed on the honor roll by the Apostle. We may
be certain that if we have the shield of faith nothing
will ever penetrate it. If one lays aside that shield, his
injury is certain. God is always faithful; and if we
continue our faith in him. our safety is assured.

4There could be no real love unless there is faith, and

the loss of one would be the loss of both. The importance of undnstanding the meaning of faith and of
exercising that faith cannot be ovprstated. There never
wa s a time in the history of the Church \\ hen a stron:~
faith was needed more than now. Jesus ::;aid: "\rheu
the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on th(>
earth?" (Luke 18: 8) During the presence of the I,onl
there has been a grrat falling away from the fUlth alice
delivered to the saints; and while there are mJll ions
who claim to be Christians, a very small percentage of
these possess real faith.
5The faith of the saints was delivered to them bv
Jehovah through the Lord Jesus and the prophets. Th"e
Lord further amplified these great truths through the
teachings of the inspired apostles. These great fundamental doctrines delivered to the saints may be sUlllme(1
up under ten heads, as follows: Creation, justice manifested, the Abrahamic promise, the birth of Jesus, thl)
ransom, the resurrection, the mystery, our Lord's return
the glorification of the Church, and the restoration.
6:Modernists, claiming to be Christians, contend that
man is a creature of evolution. This is contrary to th,
faith delivered to the saints. "I have made the earth,
and created man upon it." (Isaiah 45: 12; GenesH
2: 7) The very center or pivotal point of the faith of
the Christian is the ransom sacrifice; in fact, it is tIll'
keystone of the entire strueture of faith. It is th ~
measuring rod by \\ hieh all of the doctrines may h,~
determined. That \rhieh is out of harmony with the
ransom may be certa inly considered as a false doctrine,
and should be cast away.
1There are those who have been enlightened upon
God's Word who have fallen a\mv from the faith in
this, that they hold that God ~-iU save everybody,
including all the wicked, in due time. 'l'his is out of
harmony with the faith delivered to the saints and is a
denial of the philosophy of the ransom sacrifice. "With.,
out shedding of blood is no remission [of sin] .'"
(Hebrews 9: 22) Those who sin wilfully after having
received a knowledge of the truth-for such there is no
more sacrific0 fer sillS. (Hebrews 10: 26) "All the

147

143

'fheWATCH TO\VER

wicked \.111l.c [God] destroy." (Psalm 145: 20) The

great ransom sacrifice was provided in onler that every
one may have an opportunity to know of God and
to avail himself of the gracious provisions of salvation.
A univcrsal salvation. therefore, would be a denial of
the ransom sacrifice.
S Adam was sentcnced to death.
All of his off~pring
were born in sin and shapen in iniquity. Therefore all
are sinners (Psalm 51: 5; Romans 5: 12); and there
is no name given under heaven whereby man can be
relieved of this disahility except through the merit of
Christ's sacrifice. 'rhe promise made to Abraham was
that in his seed all the families of the earth shall be
blessed. (Genesis 22: 18) This seed is defined hy the
Scriptures as the Christ, the anointed one. (G alatians
3: 16) Hence without the Christ there could be no
blessing of the families of the earth.
9Since a perfect man had sinned, nothing short of a
period man could be the redeemer of mankind. Hence
it was nccessary for Jesus to be born free from any of
the contamination of sin; and the Scriptures declare
that he was born holy. harmless, and without sin.Hebrews 7: 26.
10Jesus declared that he came to give his life a ransom
for many (Matthew 20: 28) and that those who believed on him shoulu not perish but have life. (John
3: 16; 10: 10) The irresistible conclusion is that without the ransom no one could have life. Jesus gave his
life a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2: 5, 6). which means
that all must come to a knowledge of that fact and
have a chance to accept or reject the ransom sacrifice.
llJesus as a human being died in order that he might
provide the ransom price for Adam and all of his offspring. It was necessary for Jehovah to resurrect our
Lord in order that he might carry out J ehm'ah's purposes. He was resurrected to the divine nature, and his
resurrection is a guarantee that all men shall have an
opportunity for life. (Acts 17: 31) Without the death
and resurrection of our Lord there could be no hope
for either the dead or the living.
12The mystery of God is Christ, the anointed. Head
and body. In God's due time he revealed this fact to
the saints. None other can understand this except those
who are of the saintly class. Though they hear of it, to
appreciate it is impossible.-Colossians 1: 26, 27.
130ne of th" all-important doctrines upon which our
faith rests is the second coming of our Lord. He promised that he would return and receive his bride to himself. ( John 14: 1-4) The purpose of his return is to
gather the saints to himself, to take charge of earth's
affairs, set up his kingdom, and with the members of
his bouy rule the affairs of earth according to Jehovah's
great provision.
14The royal family of heaven consists of Jesus and his
body members, the bride of Christ. the Church. That
these body members mu"t be glorifird with the Head
the Scriptures clearly teach; and this constitutes one

of the uoctl'lnes deliycred to the saints.-1 Corinthians

15: H-44; Hevelation 20: G; Colo~"ialls :3: :1. 1.
15The great work of the Christ follo\yillg the ~etting
up of his kingdom is the ro"toration of all mankind who
will obey the laws of that governmmt.-Acts :J: 19-;24.
lGThe word which is translated in our text "earne:'tly
contend" is the equivalent of the ordir13l'Y word COll!Cllri
with a prefix indicating the Eerionslless of the cOllJllet.
The prefix emphasizes the importance of tnkmg an
immovable stand for the faith once delirere<.1 to the
Eainb. \Vithout this prrll:, It is the f'an,,' \\'ord 11'-0<.1 hv
our Lord when he sald: "If my kin n doll1 ,,-ere or th(,
world my officers would fight for it." (John IS: :3G,
DiagloLt) The wordE "eame"tly contelld." thrrdore,
mean a fight to death. a fight in whieh th('r(~ i~ no
quarter asked or expected, given or recei\'cd. 0111' unseen foes will strive to di"lodge us from this faith.
Defeat is easy if we give over to them. This is a
serious matter. It is a .tlme, therefore, ill whIch eyery
Chnstian nec(ls the armor of God. [l nel in order to "'ain
the victory he mnst keep that armor on and u; it
faithfully unto the very end.
c

FAITH DEFINED

17In Hebrews 11: 1 Rt. Paul d('fines faith as "the

substance of things hoped for. the cvillolc,' of thing'!
not seen." ThJ~ tralltilatlOll, a" it appears ill our common version, poorly expresses the thonght. Thc Di(/(I!ott
renders it in better form: "Faith is the ba~is of tl~J!lgs
hoped for, a conviction of things unseen." The thing
hoped for is life in a state of happine~~. The baqis for
this is God's \V ord of truth. The tlllllg for ,,-hieh we
now hope is not seen. Hope means to expect that thing,
however; and there must be a rca.~on for that hope.
Hence faith may be defined as an intellectual unuerstanding and appreciation of God's Word and a confident reliance upon that Word.
18Faith rests not upon sentimentality or ferling. It
rests upon facts. Those fact~ arc recor.!cd in the Scriptures; and these facts are the great fundamental doctrines above mentioned, over and above all of \yhich is
the existence of the great Jehovah God, thi' all-wise. allpowerful, loying One,. the Creator of all thing" alllI the
Giver of every goo(l and perfect gift, the H,'warder of
all who diligenti.'- -"e]; him. Hr i, just ~llrh a God as
the honest heart Ci,lll'S. In order to hare faith we milst
know of him; and the more we know him the gn'at('r
our faith and the greater our Ioy('. "So then f[lith
cometh by hraring. and hearing by the word of God."
-Homans 10: 17.
19The mere hearing of the Word of God of itself will
not cOll~titute faith. There must be a yidding to that
Wonl, a confidence in it, an honest d('sire to know what
is right. and a confident reliance upon his Word as the
right thing and the proper guide. Many hear the gospel
in their ears, but it profits them not. As St. Paul
states: "But the word preached did not profit them,

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CfheWATCH TOWER
not bl'lllf; lllncd ,,,ith faith in thC')11 that hf'ard it."Hebrews 4: 2.
"o]'rom Abel to John a few men hay(' C'xercised fa ith.
These are known as the hC'roes of faith. They are
specially mentioned by St. Paul in HeLrews 11. Jf'hoyah's dealings with them and others about thf'm inspiret1
them to endure hardships of indescribable charader.
looking for a better day; and because of their devotion
to the Lord and the principles of righteonmess they
"obtained a good report throngh faith." (Hebrews 11 :
39) Neverthdess, the faith did not come in the prop('r
and true sense of that word until Christ came. :':1.
Paul elariftes this "'hen he says: '''1'he scripture hath
concluded alllll1(ler sin. that th" promise [of thf' ]'ail10rl
by faith of J f'>'us Christ might be given to them that
believE'. But before faith came, we were kept under the
law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards b2
revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to
bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by
faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer
under a schoolmaster. :1<'01' ye are all the children of God
by faith in Christ Jesus."-Galatiam :~: 22-26.
. 21After the first coming of our I,ord the Scriptures
recognize that there is but onE' faith, one tnw ana C01'lwt statement of the divine plan; and that was the one
deliyered to the saint~. (Ephesians 4: 5) St. Prier
TPIers to this as our "precious faith." (2 Peter 1: 1)
~t. Paul, writing to the Philippian brethren, said:
"Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1: 27)
It seems <]l1it<, clear that tIllS one true faith of the
gospel is ,rhat the Lord had in mind when he intimated
that it ,,"ould be very rare at his second coming. Even
~o we find it. Few there be that hold to thes0 great
fundamental doetrine~" It is the part of the adver~ary
to dislodge all from these doctrines, if possihle. Hf'IlCe
It is a fight; not in strife, but a steadfast holdinf; to
these great doctrines that arc so necessary for the
Chri~tian.

""St. Paul refers to the doctrines as "the faith of God"

3: 3); and the faith that we haY(~ as "the
gift of God" (Ephrsians 2: 8) ; thus sho,\ illg that the
sy~tem of bdirf which 'I"e accept a~ Cbridialls eonW8 to
llS from God as a result of his intrrc'st in onr welIare.
n r has provided for us in his Wonl a' Jd sets forth his
aud the only way that If'ac!s to everlading life.
")Again the SeripturC's speak of "the faith of Jesus."
(Hevdation 14: 12; James 2: 1) All thiugs are from
the Father, and all things arc by the Son. (1 Corinthians 8: 6) Hence these Rrripture texts in connection
with the ones prf'viou::;ly cited show that the grf'ut fundamental doctrines came from Jehoyah by and throu.gh
his beloved Son Christ Jesus. For this reason the
apostle Paul speaks of Jesus as "the author and finisher
of our faith." (Hebrews 12: 2) God having planned it,
the plan having been given to us from him by Christ
Jesus must stand forever. There is neither change nor
deviation.
(Roman~

LIFE BY FAITH

w1':1(' Scriptures plainly state: "The just shall live

hv fai1h." (Hnhakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians
:l: 11; Hebrews 10: 38) Primarily this rders to the
Lord Jems. He was always just, because always right
II i1 11 the Father. By his steadfast belief in and deyotion
i,) the hC'avenly Father in the doing of the Father's will
even unto death he was granted the great reward of
inherent hfe, Immortality, and exalted to a position
;j hove an others.
Then it was that a way was opened
to others to follow in his foobteps, that these through
th0 merit of his sacrifice might be justified, made right
wih God. and then become members of his body.
25Thrn' is life for those who walk in his footstC'ps.
The Apm'tlC' says that by faith are we justified. (Romans
.): 1) Ag~ill he speaks of the "obedience of faith."
(Homans 1: 5; 16: 26) It may be set down as a cert;linty that there is no justification by faith unless ther"
is an obedience of faith. One begins to exeTcise faith
when he learns of the great ransom sacrifice. He turns
away from sin and the wOTld and seeks the Lord, and
in obedi0nce to the LOTd's admonition surrenders himsC'1 in full consecration. Upon the basis of his faith
)11[[nifested by obedience in consecration, and upon the
hasis of the imputed merit of Christ Jesus, God judicially determines that he is right; hence justified.
2(;Therefore the Apostle says that by faith are we
justified, by the blood of Jesus are we justified, and
"It is God that justifieth." (Romans 5: 1, 9; 8: 33)
H0 would be a strange child who would claim adoption
into the family of God and at the same time have no
intention of abiding by the rules of that family. None
could consistently be admitted, and hence we conclude
that none are admitted, into the household of sons,
except those who have that condition of heart which is
ohC'dient to the divinely provided Head. This obedience
lllust first be manifested by a submissive attitude of
hf'art, consecration. Hence consecration must precede
and does precede justification.
27It is true, the Apostle says, that a man is justified
hv faith without deeds: (Romans 3: 28) This is entirely
f'onsist{'nt with what is above said. It is not his deed~
that constitute the basis of justification, but his faith
and the merit of Christ Jesus; and upon this .Tehovah
acts judicially, and he is the one that justifif's.
2SIt is the exercise of our faith that makes reconciliation with God possible. It is not the performance of
deeds of piety that will justify. ]<'01' more than sixteen
cC'ntUTiC's the Jews tried to keep the Law that thev
might havC' peace with God, but they failed because of
their inability. It is only those who exeTcise confidence
in the Lord and in his provisions, and who demonstrate
that confidence by a consecration, namely, a submission
of themorlves unto the Lord, relying upon the merit of
Christ's sacrifice, that Jehovah justifies. This is the rule
during the Gosprl Age. Hence we read: "Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with Goo through
our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 1) And this justi-

lfiO

'fheWATCH TO\VER

fication is through the blood of Christ. (Homans 3: 2::;)

During the Millcnnial Age all must ('xercise faith in
Christ as the great Redcemer and Mediator in order to
be led over the highway of holincss.
29 As showing conclusively that it is our faith and not
our deeds that is the reason for our being justified, the
Apostle says: "We who are Jews by nature, and not
sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not
justified by the works of the law, but by the faith
[system of belief] of Jesus Christ, even we have believed
in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith
of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the
works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians
2:15,16) If this rule is true with the Jew, for a
stronger reason it is true with the Gentile. '1'he Gentile
did not have the benefit of the Law.
30That faith will be necessary in the Millennial Age is
conclusively shown by the words of the Apostle when he
says: "The scripture, foreseeing that God would justify
the heathen [nations] through faith, preached before
the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all
nations be blessed."-Galatians 3: 8.
RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Beca.use they

sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of
the law."-Romans 9: 30-32.
33Evcn at this time the saints are not actually righteous. They are pursuing a righteous course, striving to
live up to the perlect standard; and the Lord judges
them according to their heart's sincere desire and honest
endeavor. The Apostle's argument establishes this fact:
"I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have
suffercd the loss of all things, and do count them Jut
dung, that I might win Christ, and be found in him,
not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law,
but that whieh is through the faith [the system of
belief J of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by
faith." (Philippians 3: 8, 9) The Apostle emphasize'';
the fact that we have not now the ability to be aetuallv
righteous. Weare hoping for actual righteousness and
striving for it now, our imperfections being covered with
the robe of Christ's righteousness. "We through the
spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith."
(Galatians 5: 5) Weare hoping for it, hoping and
longing for the time when we shall have perfect organisms and be able to serve God perfectly.

8lThere is a slight difl'erence between jnstification and

righteousness. Justification is that condition of perfection (real or counted thus) into which man comes by
reason of a judicial decree pronounced by Jehovah after
the conditions leading thereto have been mct; namely,
belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and a full consecration.
Righteousness literally means a course of right doing;
that is to say, the active application of the principles of
goodness. There is no, ground in the Scriptures for the
belief that one can retain his justification who does not
embark upon and continue in a course of right doing.
It is true he may halt, he may lapse, he may stumble
and fall; but a deliberate turning back from right doing
and a right course would mean a loss of justification;
hence the second death. (Hebrews 10: 26) The Jews
tried to do right, but they failed. The Gentiles during
the Jewish Age were not invited to make the attempt.
When Jesus came he was able to make the efforts of
the Jews of amil. lIe alone could provide for them the
blessings thcy desired. But they rejected him.
32Some of the Jews individually accepted Christ, and
were transfened from the house of servants to the house
of sons. In due time this opportnnity was offered to the
Gentiles, and some of these have accepted and consccrated themselves. The justification 01 both Jew and
Gentile was by 1'(%'on of faith ill the blood of Jesus.
N ow, by his grace, they could from that time forward
pursue a course of right-doing, or righteousness, that
would be pleasing to the Father. Hence the argument
of the Apc"tle: "'1'he Gentiles. which followed not after
righteousness. haw attained to righteousness, even the
rightf;ousness which is of faith. Dut Isracl, which fol10"'d after the law of rirrhtecuslless, hath not attained

84When St. Paul revisited the churches in Asia Minor

which he had originally founded on his first trip to that
vicinity, it is recorded that the churches \\-ere "established in the faith, and increased in numbers daily."
(Acts 16: 5) The word "established" means solidifi~d:
that is to say, the doctrines were by now so clearL
understood by these saintly ones that they may be said
to have been solid in the truth. It follows that befOl\~
oue can be established in the faith he must be first
established in the teachings of God's Word; hence the
necessity for keeping these great truths clearly in mind,
and not deviating from thc doctrinr'S givcn to us by the
Father through Christ.
3lt seems that some after having been long in the
truth are not cstablished in the faith, because bein,~
uncertain they grope about, feeding upon things which
are of doubtIul origin and which have not the tendellC\'
to build up in Christ Jesus. Such a condition is almo,t
certain to result where one fails to contend earnestl v
for the faith delivered to the saints, or fails to fight th'e
good fight of faith, or fails to stand fast in the faith of
Christ Jesus, the great system of doctrine, or the divine
plan as revealed in the Scriptures.
3GOne of the particular parts of the doctr"".le now so
important is the second presence 01 the Lord and the
things partIcularly appertaining to his second pres('llce.
Where one having been enlightened concerning our
Lord's presence turns away therefrom, necessarily he
loses the light concerning the harvest, the Lord's faithful and wise servant, and the particular work that the
Church is to do ill the proclamation of the mcs~agc 01

ESTABLISHED IN FAITH

'PleWATCH TOWER

MAY 15, 1n24

the kingdom. Hence the adversary, taking advantage of

his weakness of faith, has greatcr opportunity to turn
such a one completely away from the Lord and from
his work.
wfo be established in the faith is not an instantaneous matter. It is the result of acquiring knowledge
of the divine plan and a confident reliance upon that
plan. In St. Paul's day there were some in the truth
who were not yet e"tabli,hl'd. They evidently were progressing, howen'1'. He had not seen the saints at Colosse.
He wrotc them 011colll'agingly,. saying, "Though I be
ab::ent in the fle~h, yet am I with yon in the spirit,
joying and beholding Y0lly order, and the steadfastness
of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received
Christ Jesus the Lorn, so walk ye in him: rooted and
built up in him, and established in the faith."-Colossians 2: 5-7.
38It would seem, therefore, that the Apostle's argument was this: The saids at ColoBse wrre pursuing an
onlerly course, dradfaf-tly continuing in the doctrines
of the divine plan; and his sincere desire for them was
that they might be builded up and become solidified,
immovable in that faith. The word "stablished" here
used has the thought of stabilize. meaning a person who
has taken a final and definit0 stand for something. This
was the desire of the Apostle for the saints above
addressed; that is, that they should continue to be
grounded and settled and not moved away from the
gospel by any influcnce.-Colossians 1: 23.
39St. Paul also admonished the church at Corinth to
stand fast in the faith. (1 Corinthians 16: 13) It is
not the proper thought that they should become idlers
and do nothing; but that they should be immovable in
their determination to hold fast that which the Lord
had delivered to them. That he expected them to do
something, to be active and energetic in the service of
the Lord, is indicated by his statement in this same
Epistle: "Quit you like men, be strong." In other
words. labor manfully to win the Lord's approval by
deportment and by service.
SELF-EXAMINATION

4It is a good thing for the Lord's children to examine

themselves, especially when sin has been working in
their midst. to see whether or not they are still in the
faith. St. Paul says: "Examine yoursclves, whether ye
be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not
your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except
ye be reprobates?" (2 Corinthians 13: 5) Because of
physical weaknesses, because of persecution or trials,
one may become discouraged and doubtful as to whether
or not he belongs to the Lord. We should remember
that we cannot judge ourselves by feelings. We, as new
cr0atures, are not creatures of feelings, but creatures of
faith. One therefore should examine himself to sp"
whether or not hc is in the faith, became if not in th'
faith he is not in the truth.
41If upon examination he finds himself clear on the

151

fundamental doctrines given by the Lord Jesus to the

Church; that he has not repudiatd his consecration to
the Lord; that he has full confidence in the Lord and
his Word and in the Lord's methods of dealing with the
Church; that he is submissive to the divine will; and
that he is doing what he finds to do to glorify the Lord,
and is loyal to the Lord, the truth and his brethren,
then he has no cause for discouragement, even though he
is receiving discipline through trials. If he finds that
his love for the brethren is strong, that his love for the
Lor<l is supreme, and that he has a great desire to
glorify God, then he may be sure that he still has the
witness of the spirit, that the Father continues to own
him as his son. It will not do to rely upon knowledge
alone, nor upon the wisdom of men. Your faith should
not stand in the wisdom of men." (1 Corinthians 2: 5)
Our examination should be frequent in order that we
lilay bc thoroughly convinced that our faith is standing
upon the wisdom of God, that we know his doctrincs
and rely upon them.
42While it is very desirable for each member of an
ecclesia to be in harmony with all the ecclesia; yet
this of itself is not sufficient. If one should find that
the majority of the ecclesia was deviating from the
faith, then he could not be in harmony with that position. In the early Church it was necessary to exhort
some to continue in the faith; and this seems to be still
proper. (Acts 14: 22) It may become necessary at
times for those of the ecelesia upon whom the responsibility rests to rebuke sharply those who are stepping
aside, in order that they may be sound in the faith.
-Titus 1: 13, 14.
FAITH IN THE CHRISTIAN

43The Scriptures seem to hold forth the thought that

the heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus exercise faith
toward those who have faith in them. The Apostle says:
"But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in
unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding
abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jpsus."
(1 Timothy 1: 13, 14) The Apostle here was bemoaning
the fact that at one time he had been a persecutor of
the saints and had caused injury to the Church. This
text would seem to indicate, then, that the Lord, knowing his honest heart and his desire to do right, maintained a confidence in him and in due season brought
him to a full realization of his own position. It s'uggests
the thought further, that wmn the Church is glorified
its members will look with kindly eyes upon those of
the world who are stumbling along, beset with weaknesses and many difficulties, yet honestly and earnestly
trying to get over the highway of holiness.
"In his epistle to the Ephesians St. Paul coneludes
with these words: "Peace bc to the brethren, and love
with faith, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus
(,h rist." (Ephesians 6: 23) This suggests the thought
1"at Jehovah himself has confidence in the Christian.
One may stumble badly, lose confidence in himself, auel

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crneWATCH TOWER

become <kcou;aged ; but thE' Father of mercies, knowing

his lwart, maintains n confidence in him, and in due
time lifts him out of his difficulty. The Christian may
even come to the point that he fears he hil'i committer]
the sin nnto death; hut the hea venlv Father and the
Lord Jesus, blowing his lwart, maillt~in their faith and
confidence in him find, being able to judge perfectly,
relieve the Christian of this difficulty by showing him
that he is still in their favor.
45We may ~('ttle It in our minds once for all that
there is but one tme religion and that iei the religion of
Jesus Christ; that the plan of God changf's not; that
his method of operation \vith referf'nce to the nell' creation changes not. His laws arc D\i'll. Hf' is falthflll to
his side of the covcnalJt. If \I'e h:l ve maul' a eOH'na nt
with him by sacrifice alld have lli'en bl'gotten of the
holy spirit; if we steadfastly hold to the doctrines that
we received and earnestly and hOlli,,;tly contend for the
faith, fighting the good fight of faith to the end, we are
certain to be approved by him. The apostle Peter emphasizes this fact. Addressing himself to those who are
in Christ Jesus, he states in substance that God has
given to us his exceeding great and precious promises;
and these promises are that we shall be partakers of
the divine nature.
46What, then, we must do is to give all diligence and
add to faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to
knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience;
and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly
kindness; and to brotherly kindness love. "For if these
things be in you, and abound, thry make you that ye
shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge
of our Lord .Tesus Christ." (2 Peter 1: 5-8) If we are
not barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus
Christ, then we shall be holding fast to the faith or
doctrines delivered to us and earnestly contending for
them. The Apo:-tle then Rays: "Wherefore the rather,
brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall nevrr fall:
for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Chri"t."-2 Peter 1: 10, 11.
47Eriefiy sUllllned up, then, the Chri,..ti::m has brrn
properly instrnetell in the (livine plan. '1'l1('se great doctrines contain the eommandments of the Lord concerning him. If he loyes the Lord he will keep these commandments to the very bcst of his ahility. This will
mean a 10~'al derotion to the Lord and his cause, and a
diligence in conforming his own life to those principles
and commandments. and a like diligence in witne,;sing
to others concerning the goodness of the Lord in provicling for the sahation of mankind.
'8'1'here is but a small company of people on earth

"For I must fip;pt if I would conquer;

'Tis not by flight that fields are won;

BROOKLYlIl,

N. T.

who ('ycn prdend to be Christians. There is a still

smaller number that are carnrstly contending for this
faith once deliyered to the saints. 'l'hose who will ultimately enjoy the complete victory through faith will be
the ones who arc called and maintain that calling, who
are chosen and !\:rep thrmsc1ves in a proper relationship
with the Lord, and \rho continue faithfnl, loyal even
unto thr end, neyer deviating from the course marked
out by the Lord.-Revclation 17: 14.
49The YletOI'V cannot be \von of ourselves, but it mnst
be gained thr~ugh Christ; in fact, the victory will be
that of Jehovah, hecause his great doctrine will triumph;
and the saints when complctf'd will be a monument of
his grace.
5The Christian has no need to fear at this time if
he follows this admonition of St. Jude, and coutcn 11 s
for the grrat fundami'lltal doctrines and conforms his
life tl1l'rdo. ,Y I' are at that tune in the Church's histor,V
when the last mcmbers mav soon be able to say with ~t.
Paul: "I have fonght a good fight, . . . I have kcpt
thr faith." Alld all who thus do shall receive the crO\\ 11
of hfe which God ha.; III resenation for those that loye
him supremely.
QUESTIONS FOR BElmAN STUDY
Has God put a prcmium on faith? What is thc meanin~ of piety?
How do these "'ulracti'ristics cOIIlpare? What are the integral
parts of apvro\ 0d ('hal'aeh.'ls"! ~ 1. 2.
.
What is tlIc importance of faith' lIow is God our slllchl? '\I:l.
How are fnnll and love associatcd '! How docs the faIth vecome
ours? '\I'I,:i,
\VlIat is the huv of the Christian's creed? How may the ranSOIU
sacrifice ve di'nied? 'II 6, 7.
What is the pllIlo,ophy of the ransom sacrifil'i'? '\I 8-11.
\Vho understands the mysti'ry of God? What is the purpose of the
Lord's second advcnt? 1112-15.
\Vhat is elllbodJ(~fl in the IlllraRe "carne:-:tly contend"? ,-r 16.
How may faith ve del\neil? Is faltll based upon sentimentality?
What does it mean to exercise faith? '\I ]7-1\l.
\Vho are the hcrocs of faith? \Vhy could they endnre hardshIps
with great fortitude? When did faith I\rst come in its fulnc", ') ~ 20.
I-Iow many faiths are there? "'hy IS faith such a scarce thing in
our <lay"! What kind of tIght are we engaged in? '\121
flow does God show his intl'l'pst in onr welfare? ,-r 22, ~;~
lIow did ,Ti"US Ih'e hy faith" Hnw do we Ih'e hy faith? '\I 24,25.
'Vllo is the ju:::,tihpr'! Does consecratIOn precede justiti,'atlOll? Are
we jusllficfl by our deeds 'I Will taith be required In the next
age? '\I 2G-28.
Was any .Ti'\\' ilHtlfii'il hy the works of the I,aw? If not, is there
any excu,e 10" t Illnkin~ that a (;entile can be justified by his
(leeds? ~ 2~). :10.
DifToff'ontiate lwt\\('Pl1 ju<.::tiftcation and rig-htcouSllPSS. IIow may
jusllllcallOn be lost? \\'ha t is the vasis for justification? '\I 3], 3:!.
AI:c the Saillts aciually nc:1Jtcous'! Why not? \Vhen is it possible
to be actually ri~hteollS 'I ~. :13
'''hat is ncecs~ilr:v first before one r:tn be establish eo in the truth?
\Vha t ,i'i'InS tll ve necessary for one to be estavlJshed in the
truth? '\I :H. 3:i.
When is it possible for the adversary to turn one complctely away
fl'om the Lord and hi.., \\ Ol'k ': Ilow did tIll' Apmd jp .:;how Ius
f.;OliCltudp for the ~:lintR at Colos~\C? At Corinth? ~ :~(j-3D
Is if protitavle for the Christian to walk circumspi'ctly. and vet
o('('a~Honally to make introspeption of his heart';.; rondition?
\Yhat is the encouragement we may draw theri'from '! 11 40, l].
IR harmonY in a class alwa~'s an indication that all is well'! ~ 1:!.
Do the Scl'iptures te:teh that the hea"enly Father and the Lord
.resus exerl'I'e f:uth to\1ard the "unts? What does Illis fact
indicate'l '\I 4:~.
.
What further proof ,10 we have that the Father trusts his chi!<ll'\'n,
and thpl'eby shows himsplf to be the Fathcr of Mercies? '\I ,H.
'Yhat h; the trw'" l"f'lig-ion? How may we prove ourselves members
in particnlar of the boil,\' of Christ? '\I4",4t\.
If we sincerely lo,'c the Loril we .hall be diligent in following what
coursi"! Arp there lllany following' that course? 'II 47, 4.",
Is It possihlc 1'01' p:II'h of us to win the victory alone? Who is the
real victor? Where are we on the stream of time? 'II 49, ao.

And I must conquer if I would inherit

The victor's joy anil c]'own and throne."

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR JUNE 25

TEXT FOR JUNE 18

"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached.

"We must through much tribulation enter into

kingdom."-Acts 111 : 22.

Matthew 24: 14.

EFORE the foundation of the world God determined that he would haye a kingdom in which
his will shall be dOlle on earth as it is done in
heaven. He had this in mind when he said to Abraham:
"In thy seed shall all families of the rarth be blessed."
For this reason God caused all hIS holy prophets to
tr~tify concerning the kingdom. It was for this purpose
that the sweet singrrs of Israel sang of the coming glory
and blessings to man. To this end God's beloved Son
lr[t the courts of heaven and came to earth; and when
he was on this earth the chief message of Jesus was
concerning the kingdom of God.
In order that it might be emblazoned upon the minds
and hearts of his followers he bade them pray: "Thy
killgdom come; thy will be done." Christians throughout the entire age have daily offered this prayer.
All devout Jews looked for the coming of the kingdom. The faithful disciples of the Lord were devout
Jews. 'l'hey could not understand how it would be
established and what it would mean; yet the greatest
thing to thcm was that coming kingdom. For this
reason the apostles diligently inquired of the Lord what
should be the evidence of its approach. He gave answer
to them, but they under~tood not. Afterwards, when
begotten of the holy spirit, they had some conception of
the coming and the work of the kingdom. The testimony of Jesus, in answering their question, was given
chiefly for the benefit of hIS followers who should be
upon the earth at the time of his coming and the
beginning of his reign.
The world has been groaning and waiting for deliverance, not knowing just how and when it would come.
But now it is here. Now it can be truly said: The
kingdom of heaven is at hand.
There is now laid upon ewry Christians an obligation,
Fa, a command; and to be pleasing to the Lord he
must respond gladly to the commandment given in this
text. 'rhis commandment i~ not to sit idly by and revel
in the beauties of the trnth, but to herald from the
housetops by word of mouth, by printed page, by radio,
bv eyery mrl1TIS within our power, the good news of the
kmgdom. There comes ringing out the command, as
clear as clarion notes upon the morning air, from the
Captain of our salvation, directed to everyone of his
faithful soldier,:, saying, This gospel of the kingdom
shaH be preached throughout the world as a witness to
all nations, and this must be done before the final end.
Let each one, then, who has put on the armor of the
Lord and acknowledged his allegiance to the King of
glory, ask him,elf this question: _~m I doing my part
to make known this good news of the kingdom to the
people? Am I teHing them that deliverance is here?

153

th~

TIUBULATION means affliction from pressure or

persecution. The truly consecrated Christian
must at once become a soldier. As such he has
great pressure upon him, pressure from without and
from within. From \Vithout there is the seductive influence of the world, the tendency of which is to crowd
the Christian out of the narrow way. From within is
the pressure of the down"ward tendency of the flesh.
Satan takes advantage of all this, and increases the
afflictions upon the child of God insofar as he can. This
pressure from without and from within requires constant, diligent and vigorous warfare. The afflictions
therefrom often become very burdensome.
The course of the true Christian is a rebuke to the
world and to those who love and manifest the worldly
spirit. This rebuke causes the evil-minded to develop
ill will, hatred and malice, resulting in persecution of
the one who is striving to follow in the Master's footsteps. Such persecution often comes from members of
one's own family. It often breal(s all human ties that
were once dear. Sometimes a Christian is persecuted by
members of the church denomination where once he
found some fellowship. All these tend to make his burdens grievous and heavy. It is only by the grace of the
Lord that the Christian can bear up under such pressure.
Many, observing the way of the Christian, have remarked: I prefer to have nothing to do with Christianity; it makes the way harder than that of the world.
But why, we ask, should the Christian suffer more than
they of the world? Is there a good reason for it?
Knowing that tribulations were necessary St. Paul
exultantly wrote: "We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience,
experience; and expcrience, hope." (Romans 5: 3,4)
While the trials bore heavily upon him he appreciated
why they had to come, and hence he said: "Our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."2 Corinthians 4: 17.
St. Paul appreciated the way that leads to glory, and
the fact that, regardless of how many years of a man's
life it should last, it would be but a moment compared
to eternity wherein the overcoming Christian would
enjoy an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. That
glory is the holding of a place in the kingdom of our
Lord. Hence, for the encouragement of all the followers
of Jesus he wrote that "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom."
The prize is worth all it costs, yea, far more than it
costs. Be of good courage, therefore, beloved of the
Lord. In due time ye shall reap the eternal blMSings of
the kingdom if you battle faithfully to the end.

THE RETURN AND THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE

--JUNE 15--EzRA, CHAPTERS 1,3,
OBJECT OF

RETl'R~

4, 5, 6 - -

THE WORSHIP OF GOD-KINo(} DARIUS SUPPORTS EDICT OF CYRUS-RESTORATION OF DIVINE

WORSHIP SEEN IN LESSON.

"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God."-Isaiah 40: 1.

HE long period of seventy years of captivity weakened

the desire of many Israelites for a return to the land
which God had given to their fathers, and which God
bad said he would give to them for an everlasting inheritance. (Psalm 105: 10,11) Babylon gave opportunity for
riches and gain not possible in .Tudea; and to the new
generation born in captivity, life there was natural. But
the hope of Israel was kept alive by those who had been
helped by Ezekiel and Jpremiah, and these in turn wouW
keep before the minds of their childn'n the hope which
God had set in Israel.
2It was these of whom the Psalmist wrote: "They...
required of us a song; . . . and mirth," and who replied:
"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?"
(Psalm 137: 3, 4) Lo~'al at heart to God, they would wish
to lose the use of their right hand that they might never
again play the harp, or that their tongue might c1pave to
their mouth that they might nevpr sin,go again, if in Babylon
they should act as if they had lost the hope of Ismt'J, or
try to amuse the Babylonians by singing to them the sacreel
songs of Zion. In Goo's due time Babylon was captured,
and Cyrus the Persian issued a proclamation that tlw .Jews
might go back to their own land; and it was these who
were ready to follow the lead of Zerubbabel.

3The decree of Cyrus, giving liberty to the thousands of

Israel to leave Babylon and without special military control, is unique in human history. No doubt Cyrus hated
Babylon's methods even as he hated its idolatry; but it is
almost certain that Daniel had told him of the prophecy of
Isaiah which nameel him as the liberator of God's chosen
people (Isaiah 45: 1), and also had pointed out that he had
conquered Babylon at the time foretold by .Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 29: 10) Cyrus saw himself as the agent of the God
of heaven.
40ver 42,000 Jews responded; and as they were accompanied by mor~ than 7,000 servants and maids and others,
altogether about 50,000 left Babylon for Jerusalem. It is
easy to imagine their joy wb,en in freedom their faces and
their steps were turned toward the land of their fathers
and of their hope. It was a repetition of the EXOllus, but
on a far smaller scale. Many of Israel preferred to remain
behind rather than take the journey with its discomforts
and then begin life afresh; and doubtless many had lost
the hope of Israel. Some of these were kindly disposed
towards those returning, but all were expected to contribute
towards the cost of the temple. The journey was a long
one. In time the mountains of Lebanon were seen on the
horizon, and snow,cappe,l, towering Hermon appeared. It
was their first sight of the promised land.
5When at last they arriYCel in sight of Jerusalem it was
a pitiable scpnp which tlwre met their eyes; for the beloved
city had been a desolation for seventy years, and Zion, the
city of David's glory, was covered with heaps of rubbish.
(Micah 3: 12) Some settled in Jerusalem; but many went
to the other cities and villages, seeking their former homes
or the homes of their fathers. The object of their return
was understood to be to rebuild the temple In Jerusalem,
and to reestablish the worship of Jehovah. Their own
return was a second consideration. (Ezra 1:2-4) In the
seventh month they gathered as one man to Jerusalem and
built an altar, probably in the place where the altar had
stood In the temple court. They offered sacrifices, and
benceforth continued the dally sacrifices. (Ezra 3: 3, 4)

Some of the chief of the fathers gave money according to

thPir ability, and Zerubbabel donated heavily.-Ezra 2: 68,
69; Nehpmiah 7: 70.
"Zerubbabel has been compared to a second Moses. He
was, of course, of the line of David, heing' grandson of
Jehoinkim, and evidently a man of ability. He arru:lged to
have timber cut from Lebanon and transportPLI by sea from
1'yr(' or Sidon via Joppa. a work at any time of much difficult,'. but all the more so beenuse of the poverty of tlwir
appliances and the f",wness of their numbf'rs. The actual
builtling did not ('ommence uutil the seeoud montll of the
speoud year of the return. The people work,'d with a gooll
lwart, and the foundations of the temple were laid with
mudl rejoicing.
7The people of the land, commonly known as Samaritans,
came offering to help; but their help was declined. TIll'y
were told that tht'y had nothing to do with the work o( the
Lorel; that neither their money nor their help was desired
nor could be accPj)teel. (Ezl'U 4: 1-3) This madc tlwm oj)pn
enemies to the Jews and opponpnts of the work of rebuildiug the temple. Zerubbabel has been blanH'd for exclusiveness, and his act ion has bepn criticized. Ill' was no bigot,
but a man of right views. The Samaritans quickly showed
that they had no love for Jehovah, nor any desire for the
rpbnileling of the temple; for the momt'nt thpy did not get
what they wanted, they hindered the work which they hael
professed to be desirous to see qUickly carried out. They
delayed it all the days of C"rus. and later wrote to the
Persian king; and as events in Persia were disturbed at
that time, and the decree of Cyrus was not known by the
then king, the work was stopped. The letter of these pnemies, which the Lord has seen good to have placeel on
record (Ezra 4: 11,16), is a clever piece of sppcial plea(ling.
Apparently it has since been used by man~' where charges
have been made against the Lord's people. The king's
answer was just what they desired; and on its receipt
they immediately went to Jerusalem, and by force and
power caused the work of building the house of God to
cease.-Ezra 4: 23, 24.
8IIpre was a sore trial for those whose hearts were set
for Jehovah's honor. Everything had seemed to indicate
that the good hand of the Lord was upon them; but now,
altogether unexpectedly, when the work was bpgun tllPY
could not continue. We may not say that Zerubbabel and
his colaborers were intimidated and lacked faith. but ra ther
that for the time bping they were overpowered. and could
not proceed. Nor may we say that tlll'y could have made
an appeal to the king; for the kings of Persia were autocrats, and apart from the favor of God such a course might
cause additional hardships. It seemed to be a casp whpre
God's overruling providence must be manifestPd. and whether
or not he would allow the Samaritans to interfere With
his plans.
9About sixteen years had elapsed from the time when the
foundations of the house were laid until the Lord raised up
Haggai and Zechariah to sUr up the people anel to strengthen
the hands of Zerubbabel. Haggai began his prophecy six:
months before Zechariah. His word was direct; it came
with a rebuKe: "Is it Ume for you . . . to dwell in your
ceiled houses, and this house lie waste?" (Haggai 1:4)
Evidently the pE'Ople had thought that as the Lord had permitted the work of rebuilding the temple to be stopped,
they need not specially consider It; and they were very
calmly waiting the time when he would indicate that the

154

MAY 15. 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

time for rebuilding had com('. T1lPY were planting and

sowing, and saying, "The time is not come, the time that
the Lord's house should be built:' Haggai reminded them
that they were sowing much but reaping little, and were
not being satisfied with eitlH'r food or clothing, while the
laboring man was no better off than if he put his wages int':>
a bag with holes. The reason was declared to be that they
had neglected their responsibility to the Lord; they had
not considered the Lord nor his honor, nor the real reason
of their return.-Haggai 1: I-II.
10Encouraged by the words of the Lord, Zerubbabel and
the people did not wait for the Persian monarch's authorit~,
but began the rebuilding of the temple. Immediately they
began to rebuild, the Syrian governor asked their authority.
Doubting their word he wrote the Persian government
respecting the professed edict of Cyrus which the Jews
claimed had been promulgated on their behalf. This information gave the clue to the records, and it was found that
the Jews were correct. Then came the letter of King Darius
to these men, with instruction to the governors in all that
part to aid the Jews in every way in the furtherance of
their work. l\laterial was to be supplied, ami even money
out of the taxes; and strict penalties and punishments
were laid upon all who would in any way hinder. (Ezra
6: 1-18) Thus in the Lord's hand silver and gold and
material were supplied for the building of the temple.
lIRere are lessons for the Lord's people, lessons which
seem specially written for our day, when the temple of
t ruth is being reerected and the worship of Jehovah reestablished. One object of the manifestation of the present
time is: "That men may know that thou, whose name alone
is .r pllOvah, art the 1\1ost High over all the parth." (Psalm
83: 18) At the prespnt the Christian world is determined
that it will not worship Jehovah, "the tribal God of the
lIebrews," whose ordinances and sacrifices they despise.
1'hey have yet to learn, to their vexation, that Jehovah is
the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose worf>hip they pwfess to maintain.
12The ('xperiences of Israel under Zerubbabel may be
taken as ('xamples for our instruction, both for the Church
as a whole and for the individual. It may be that through
force of circumstances the work of the Lord is hindered
for a time, or even stopped. In such a case those who have
been awakened to the facts of God's will, and who have
had his work in their hands, should not leave that work as
if it must now wait until the Lord indicated a change in
his purpose. It must be a charge upon their heart, and
earnest prayer be madp, and there be a watching in prayet
for every indication of his wilI. No doubt the Church has
sometimes suffered loss because it has not charged itself as
fully as it ought to have done with the care of the Lord's
interests. That which has seemed to be an overruling providence has probably been, as in Israel's case, only a time of
testing, permitt('d to disclose the lack of proper appreciation and tesponsibility.
13Another important lesson is that if there is spiritual
poverty, either personally felt, or realized in a church, it
is a wise thing to ask oneself whether or not the Lord's
interests are bdng neglected. It is not God's way to give
spiritual blessings to those who neg-Ieet divine interests,
even as he withheld his more tpmporal blessings and favors
from nat nral Israel when they neglected tllf'se in fa VOl' of
their own. Also the imlividual member of the Church who
is hindered from doing some work for the Lord shou](] not
take it that hen<:pforth he is not to expect to resume his
work until the Lord changes his circumstances, but rather
he should pray to the Lord, seeking that if possible those
Circumstances could be chang.,(l for him.
14probably the outstanding lesson is that which is the
bunlen of lIaggai's message. Tllese returned CapliYe5 foroot

155

that freedom was given to them that they might build the
house of the Lord. (Ezra 1: :!-4) Instead of continuing to
do so, they proceeded to build houses for themselves and to
settle down to ease. One of thp great dangers which has
assailed those who have in these days bpen freed from Great
Babylon's errors has lwen that of forgetfUlness of the reason why God g-ave them the truth which freed them. They
have been content to enjoy it, and to settle down ('omforlably in the meeting rooms. Tbey llaye allowed untowal'll
circumstances to prevent them from carrying out the plain ly
indicatpd will of the Lord: am] sometimes, like Israel, thpy
have said: "The time is noL <:onH', the time that the Lord's
house should be built."
15In their parly rejoicing- in their return Israel gave
gladly of their money. Aftel'\vards, wlH'n much of the
money was used up, and allllarently partially wasted, and
as in later years they had not pIospered. it may IJe supposed that they lwsitated to begin again because of tll(~
~xpense. It was undpr tllPse circumstances that Haggai
bade them be stl'on,e;; for the Lord was with them as wlwn
he had brought thenl out of Egypt. lIe dpclared that God
would shake heayen and parth and all nations, that the
desire of all nations should came.-Haggai ::2: 4-9.
16Zechariah's message came by yisions. By these God
showed that he had forces at work which, unseen by human
eyes, were bringing his Jlurposes to a completion. ()l:echariah 1: 1-17) The Prophet was permitted to h('ar the angel
of the Lord pleading for Israel. He was shown that the
work (0 be done by Z('rubIHlbel and ,Joshua, the higlt vries;,
was also necessary. (Zechariah 4 :-1-14) 'rhese things are
still true; and the Lord's p('ople of this day, who have the
work and privilege of building the temple of God and of
establishing truth in the earth, and the honor of .Jehovah,
need have no fear that the Lord's work will stop for tack
of means. 1'here is great work to be done. but the material
wealth of the nations is the Lord's; for it has been taken
out of the earth by means of the labor of mpn; and it is
still true that the silver and the gold belong to God. Zerubbabel was assured that as he had begun the work so 1m
should finish it; that the mountain of difficulty should
become a plain. (Zpchariah 4: 7-9) Zerubbabel and Joshua
represent the Church in this day; and the prophets represent the 'Von] of the Lon], \vhleh comes to them to pncourage tltem against the difIiculties of the work. to allay thei r
fears, lind to assure them that they who have begun the
work will finish it, bringing forth the llPadstone, crying,
"Grace, grace unto it." The work is not done by might, nor
by power, but by the spirit of the Lord. Let everyone take
('oura;e and carry out his own responsibility.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What two thl!l~s weakeIH>f] the f"ith of the Israelites in captivity?
What kept the hope of Israel from dying out? ~ 1.
What was the sentiment of those who weI''' lop I to God and who

responded Wh011 Cyrus issued hi!'; IJroclamation '! ~ 2.

\Vhat uni(lUe plul;e doeR Cyrus oeeupy anlOllg- heathen lnngs? ~ 3.

IIow many Jews retumed to Jerusalem? Of what was this a reminder'! ~ 4.

What -",~s tl:e tirst consideration for the returning? How is it
show n! ~ D.
What did ZerlllJlJabel do? Who w,,, he? ~ 6.
Who were "the people of the land"'! Why was their proffered
assistance refused? \Vas the refusal wise or unwise? What was
their leUer to the king of Penda? ~ 7.
Why did the Israehtes then cease their labor of relJllildin~ the
temple? Why was it unwise to appeal their case to Artaxerxes'1 '/ S.
How did God again stir llP his chosen people? When was this? '/ O.
What was the response to Hag!;ai's 1lIe.,sa~e? How were the J"ews'
enemies defeated in their purpose? ~ 10.
What l""son is there for spiritual Israel? ~ 11. 12.
Spiritual poverty either in the individual or in the congregation is
an indication of what? When the cause is discerned what is
the remedy? OJ 13.
'
What is the outstanding lesson for us today? What is the tendency
when freed from mystic Babylon's captiVIty? '1114.
What were the visible circumstances of Israel when Haggai d<\lIivered his message? ~ 15.
What were the invisible circumstances as seen in Zechariah's visiOllS'! What are our lessons in these matters? '16.

REFORMS UNDER EZRA AND NEHEMIAH

--JUNE

22--EzRA,

CHAPTERS

TO

10;

NEHEMIAH, CHAPTERS

5, S, ]3--

EZRA. EXERCISES FAITH IN JOURNEY TO JER{TS.\LEM-NF.HE~II.\H,YALr.\:\'T LL\DEIl, HULlJS .11':1t1S.'.LE\[ "'AU.-THREE

PHASES OF IL\RYEST "OHK.

"Return unto me, and I will return unto

A FTER the events

l'"\. tural record of

yOll,

saitn Jehovah of IlOsts."-Jla/{u:hi 3: 1.

of our last lesson there is no Scrip- wrath is ag'linst all them th:lt forsake him." (E7:1'a 8: ~~)
the life of Isra('\ for the next fifty On the twelfth (lay, in full confidence, they started on thl'ir
years or more. 'rhen suddenly Ezra is introduced. long journey. They took the longer route and w,'re thus
Ezra was a priest of the line of Eleazar (Ezra 7: 1-5), but saved from many enemy marauders who Infestptl the less
he is best known as Ezra the scribe. lIe is not the first so frequpnted ways. (Ezra 8: :U) On arrintl at .ferusalPm
named in Scripturp, but is the first who bears the title they rested three duys. Then Ezra met t1w jlrince~ of the
"scribe" in the law of l\Ioses. Tho mention of Ezra in the people, and at once lit' was thrown into gl'l'at disappoint
book of his name is in order to tell of 11is leaving Babylon ment and sorrow. 'rhl'Y told 11im of a sad stale of arluirs.
with a company of faithful Israelites who took the 0pjlor- There had been much marryin~ with the women of all the
tunity of returning to thp land of their fathers. What prep- surronnding nalions; and the people, the ]lriest~, anll th'l
aration there had been with the authorities we are not tolt!; Levites were doing aecor(ling to the auonJlllatioll;, of the
but it is said that "Ezra had prejlared his heart to spek the nations; indeed, the l'rinces and rulers had been ehief in
law of the Lord, and to (10 it, and to teach in Israel stat- the trespass.-Ezra 9: 1,2.
ntes and judgments." (Ezra 7: 10) 'I.'he preparation was
5Ezra was struek (Iumb at the seriousIH'SS of this thing,
good; he had taught himself in the law of his God, and had and in Eastern fashioll he tore his hail' and relit his garalso prepared his heart. It seems Cl'rtain that he hall ments and sat in grief and eoneern. (Ezra (): 3) It was
thought about his people in Palestine, and had hear(l of not only the sin and the moral injury wlJich pl"l~,ente"
them and of thl'ir laek of te:1chers, alld had prppared him- themselves to him, !Jnt the dire cons"qupncp whieh must
self for service if so bl' that God should choose to use him;
soon result. The holy see(l was corruptell; anll, II ere tIll'
an example good to follow, and a course always blessed of evil not stopped at once, there would soon b(~ no separated
God. Apparently he stood well with the king; and when jlPople. Without doubt this intermarrying of the ret unw,l
he thought that the time had come that he could be of peOI)le was the devil's attempt to mix up the ch<:s,>n people
service, he made his desire known to the king, and at once \\'ith the peoples of earth in order that God would have no
found acceptance. Without any explanation Ezra tells us people separated unto himself. Ezra sat beforp the house of
(Ezra 7: 11-26) of the favor he received from the Persian the Lord till the time of evening sacrifice. TheIl he jIl"ayed,
monarch. It was a very generous provision the king made confessing the sin and their inability to stand before God.
for him, and a very favorable charter he gave him to take His distress affected the people, and thpy too saw the
to Jerusalem.
seriousness of the case. A deeision was made and a coYe2Ezra was sent by the king as a commissioner to go to nant elltered into that they would cleanse themselves from
Jerusalem to inquire after its welfare, and to carry there thi'S sin.-Ezra 10: 5.
silver and gold which the king and his council freely offered;
6A proclamation was sent out through Judah, bid,!illg all
also to take up moneys from his compatriots, and the king's "the children of the captivity," that is, all Israel, to appear
command to the treasurers on the Syrian side of the at Jerusalem within three days under penalty of confiseation
Euphrates to provide what was necessary for the carrying of their goods and excommunication from fellowship. Ezra
out of his commission. Further, it was commanded that the would now understand why, ill the providence of GOll, magispriests and the Levites and those ministering in the temple terial power had been given him. God saw that he woul,l
were not to be taxed. Besides this, Ezra was given magiste- have need of it, and had moved the mind of the king
rIal powers with authority to punish offenders against the accordingly. The people assembled on the twentieth day of
law of his God (Ezra 7: 25,26) ; i. e., that Ezra should act the ninth month, the early part of our Decpmber. It was a
not only with priestly authority but also as a deputy of the day of much rain; and as the work was great, a commission
king of Persia, a gratuitous authority which proved to be was appointed. The cleansing work went on, and by the
of much serYice to him.
Ilrst day of the first month all the mixed marriages were
3A proclamation was made amongst Ezra's people, and disannulled. Israel was again a sqmrated I)('ople.
about 7,000 persons gathered together for the journey to
7The book of Ezra eloses abruptly after the aecount of
Jerusalem. They started from Babylon on New Year's day, this reform, and we are not told what his work W!lS after
but stayell at Ahava for three days. There Ezra reviewed those tirst months. He is not again mentioned till the time
the peol'le, and found that while there were priests amongst of Xehemiah, thirteen to fourteen years aftprwards. Some
the numbl'r, there were "none of the sons of Levi." (Ezra think that he returned to Bahylon; but in the ahsencp of
8: 1;)) Ill' sent messengers to certain of the chief men of !lny statement it seems proper to assume that he stayell in
the Levites, inviting them to share with their brethren on Jerusalpm aml attended to the duties of tlw king's commisthl' journ,>y to Jl'rusalem. Thirty-eight Levites resjloll(led, sion. 'Vith his heart set upon the work whieh Ile expect"ll
witll 220 :\,pthinims, or servants, all of whom wpre exprl'ssed to do, and which he would surely believe \\'as tile purpose
hy name. It is apparl'nt that then, as seventy years lll>fore, of God for him, he coultl hardly fail to f,>pI a meaSlll'e of
the Levitps wpre amongst the least willing to return to disappointment as he found himself iTlvolvl'd in the mattpr
Jeru'Salcm anll Palestine. They appear to have been like the of the mixed marriages, aml that aftprwanls the Lord hall
Clergy, their antitypes of today, more willing to stay in apparently no other special work for him. Hut, as he himBabylon than to serve the Lord in the truth. The tribe of self had diseerned, the work he hall done was the most
Levi had lost its early love and devotion.
important; for reform and cleansing must prl'cede particu4At Ahava they fasted, and prayed that the Lord would lar instruction. It was hopl'less to expect those who were
guide their way; for Ezra naively sa~'s: "I was ashamed so contaminated to care for the instruction of the Lord.
to require of the king a band of sohliers and horsemen to
8Thirteen years after Artaxerxes had commissioned Ezra,
hplp us against the enemy in the way: because we had Nehemiah, the cupbearer, with a sad countenance ministered
spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon to the kin,g. lIe had heard of the desolations of Jerusalpm.
all them for good that seek him: but his power and his The walls were still broken down, and the gates burned with
lGO

137

tfheWATCH TOWER
fir" (:s'ehcllliah 1: 3) ; and Iw had prn, ptl 1IUlt Goel woulu
giye him favor in the sight of the kl"~ that he nu;:ht go
to restore the beloved city, and romfort the desolate people,
who \Yere in great affliction and reproach. '1'he king was
gracious to him, gave him his desire, ami Il"tters to call upon
thl' governors of Syria fOl' anything he required. antI also
an escort of soldiers to see him safely to JpIlIsalf'lll. On
arriyal he at once pcrceiwd that there w('re en('mi(''1 about:
:S:lllballat, a ~loabite; Tohiah, an Ammonite; anrl later,
Goshem, an Arabian-an men of position and power. 'who
,n'rp excepuingly r:;rieyec! that a man hau come to sppk the
welfare of Israpl. Berause of this, and because his judglllPllt as to conditions saw that it was the betti'r way,
);lhellliah told no one of his imnw'Ji:ltp purpoRP, but went
round tbe city walls b~' night. Then he called tllP rulers
and told them of his dt'sire. Ill" said: "Come, and let us
bui Id up the \Yall of .TerusrJem, that we be no more a
r('proach."-~l'heJlliah 2: 17.
0:Nchemiah tolel them of the good hand of the Lord upon
himself, and of the king's COIn mission ; and they saiel: "Let
\IS rise up and builtl." So they strengtlIPued their Lands for
tbis good work (Nehemia h ~: 18) ; and the work was [JPgUil
and proceede(l apace. In fifty-two days after tI1l'Y hld
started. the wall was built up dpspite sneers, and thre:lts,
and the hardship of having to watch their enpmies and be
ready to fight even aR they built. Though t he work was
done with good will, there was some trouble besides that
from their enemies; for the profiteer was abroad. The
poorer ones were held in debt by the richer, who not only
held them as slaYes, but exacted heavy interl'st on money
lent. '1'hen the enemies raised a chm'ge of insurrection and
rebellion against Nehemiah. But, unlike Zeruhhabel, Nehemiah would not be hindl'red b,l' the enemies without, nor by
the more treacherous olles within. He was a man of much
decision and energy, and one wllQse enthusiasm was catching.
Ilt was then, when the city wall was built, and the
reproach of Jel usulem antI of Israel was taken away, thut
Ezra again comes into view. 'l'he Lord could now use him
in the special service for which he was prepared; for the
people were now desirous of lwaring him, and they asked
him to bring the book of the law of Moses. (Nehemiah 8: 1)
It was a great day in Israel. From early light until midday
the people stood listening to the reading. The Law was
read and explaineel, so that the people understood, and
wept when they realized how far they were astray from
that Law. But Nehemiah and Ezra and the Levites bade
them ,ejoicp; for the day WllS holy to the Lord. Nehemiah
said: "Neither be ye sorry; for thl' joy of the Lord is your
strength." (Nehemiah 8: 10) That was the beg-inning of a
grpat revival in Israel. They learned allew about the feast
of t:lhernacles, and they kl'pt it two weeks aftprwards with
grpat rejoicing. The~' reviewed the history of Israel bdore
the Lord, and enterl'll into a eovenant to keep the law of
the Loru. TIley vowpd that thpy would observe the Rabbath
years, and thp sahbath day, the sign of the covpnant between
Jehovah and Israt'l. (Nphemiah 9: 14; I<Jxodus 31: ]3) It
was the most eomplete o!ls('rvance of the law of l'1oses
unfh'rtaken by Israpl, alld is a very good type of that
restoratioll of truth :11l(1 a vow to live in harmony with the
will of Goel whi('1J has hl'en and is the experience of the
true followers of the Lord in present truth.
THREE PHASES OF HARVEST WORK FORESHADOWED
11\'ie\Yed in the li:!:ht of these <lpH'lopments it &'ems easy
to Sl'e why Ezra could not enter into the work on which he
hall set his heart. The simple fact is that the people were
unprepared. Two reasons m'e apparent: Onl', alrearly mentioned, is that the people had transgressed so ])('avily in the
matter of marriage with the people of the land; the other,
their lack of care for Jerusalem and the honor of God.

'l'heir clean"ing from defilement was nJt sufficient. They

failed to realize that tbey bad a responsiblhty towards God;
also they had forgotten the message of Haggai spoken to
their forefathers. This lack must be removed if thl'Y were
to have the blessings of God, Hence God raised up Nehemiah to remind them of their neglect, and to bring about a
reformation. Then when thpy were cleansed from defilement
and also alive towards God they were in a condition for
inRtruetion. And thpn, as was natural, they asked for it,
and Ezra's time had come.-Ezra 8: 1.
I2Ezra was neither the first nor the last of God's servants
"'ho have found that they were called to wait when ready
1"01' sl?t',ice. The Lord has often tried his faithful ones thus;
lmt it is probably true that all who in sincerity have prepm'ell themselves for him have found 1heir service used in
COIl'S time and way. The work which the people did in
Xehemiah's day could not have been done by them thirteen
years bpfore: and therefore :Kehemiah could not have done
his work unless Ezra had preceded him. And during the
time of wait ing the Lord was preparing his servant Nehemiah for the spPC'ial work which needed a man of certain
temperament and fitness.
13The thrpe phases of the return and the reestablishment
under Jl;eruhhabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, represent three
phases of the harvest work. The first repr('8ents the reestablishment of the truth respecting the character and the
plan of God. The second is that which shows the necessity
of a complete separation of the Lord's people from all other
work, however plausibly it may present itself as a power
of God. It is as harmful for the Lord's people of today to
associllte with the world's institutions as for Israel in
I<::zra's day. The third or Nehemiah phase is the latest, and
is, of course, that which corresponds to the rebuilding of
the walls of Jerusalem.
14The Lord's people are now called upon to build up the
truth as a city, a place of refuge for the many who will
yet find it so. This is the work of witnessing for God and
of making his name known in the earth. The thousands of
those who will yet seek God in the time of trouble must
know to whom they can go for truth; and those who have
been privileged to come to a knowledge of the truth must
realize that if the full blessings of joy in the Lord are to be
received and maintained, they must enter into the service
for his name's sake. No one may expect to continue to
receive instruction in the way of the Lord who dOl'S not
maintain interest in the Lord's work. But he who is stimulated by love for the Lord and serves according to the
revealed will can expect to ket>p up with the onward
progress of the blessings.
QUESTIONS FOR

BEREA..~

STUDY

What time has elapsf'd sillf'e our last If'sson? Who was Ezra?
\Vhat was his ambition? What distinction has he as a scribe? , 1.
How did the kmg of I'ersia fa, or El.ra? 'J 2.
How lIIany made the journey with Ezra? How many Levites responded to a specIal invitation? What was the matter WIth the
Len tes ? 11 3.
Why was Ezra justified in not aRking for a band of soldiers? Why
was Ezra's heart ~addened because of the lllixed marriages? 14.
Why was tho df'vil interestefl in IDlxf'd marrIages? What did the
Israelites do to cleanse themselveR? 'J 5.
How was God's overrulmg providence sho"'n in the matter? '!l6.
\Vhat was the probable duty of Ezra for the next fourteen years?
~ 7.
What turn had the Lord now taken in behalf of Israel? 'J 8.
How many days was the wall in building? '''ere those days in
some respects like our da) s? 11 9.
What were the circumstances that brought Ezra to the front again?
"'h"t was the feast of taueruacles'! 'Vhat may ue swd of that
I'C\ ivai of the Law of the LOld'! 11 10.
What hefore this time had hindered Ezra from serving- the people
in teacillng and instructin;,: them in the ways of the Lord? 'Ill.
How cloes God sometimes try his servants? What advanta~ed Nehemiah's work? 'I1:.l.
What are the three phases of the harvest work? Which are we
in? 11 13.
What is the wonderful Inheritance of the saints this side the vall
now? How may we expect to keep abreast of the blessings? 1 14.

REHOBOAM TO NEHEMIAH
- - J U ' ; E ~QL\IlTERLY HEYIEW-HISTORY OF NATURAL ISRAEL FORESH_\DOWS CHCUCHL\NITY-CIICUCHI.\'ITY WAS TYPIFIED IN BABYr.O"-.JEUE~JL\H AND
ELEKJEI, AI:E 1 P-TO-D_\TE.

"Righteou~lteli~.

exalteth a natwn: b'ut sin is a 1'eproaeh to any

lIE scriptures se.t for our stmlies during the past three
months have been found to be full of instruction. As
the Church continues on her wa~. she finds that her
path is truly "as the shining light, that shineth more and
more unto the perfect day." (Proyerbs 4: J8) Our Lor(\'s
return was the time of sunrise. Since thPll the lii(ht grows
in strength, aJl(l will gTow until at its high uoon it will Iw
merged into the lii(ht of the glory of God.
2The lessons carried us rapidly through the history of the
two king(lollls of Israel and Judah, too quickly to allow
detailed stuLly, but sufficiently speeLly to enable us to view
them in true llersppctiye, and to note the thin~s which are
of partiCUlar importance to the Dible Student of toLlay;
for while the Bihle has a messagp for the ppopip of GoLl at
any timp. it speaks specially to his sen-ants now.
3The northern kingdom took the name Israel as if it continue(l the kingdom. Evidently this was of the Lord; for it
was said to .Jeroboam: "I will renLl tlll' kin[;dom out of the
hand of Solomon, anLl will g1Ye ten tribes to the<'." One
trib~ only was reserved to DayiLl's line.-1 Kings 11 : 31, 3~.
4That kingdom lasteLl ~;:;f) years, from B. C. W9 to B. C.
740, in the tifth j'ear of Hpzf'kiah of .Tudah. It was destroypLI by Sargon, king of Assyria; for he carried its
people to the far-off parts of his empire, and repeopled the
lanLl \Yith a mixed crowd from places nf'ar anLl far. (2 Kings
17: 24) Thpse, still having Samaria for tlwir chief city,
were the progpnitors of "the people of tlIe land," who were
so much trouble to the returnetl exiles, and who wen' the
progpnitors of the Samaritans of our Lord's day. Thus the
ten tribes, having broken the covenant of Israel (.Jeremiah
3 t : 3~ J, werp carried back to the laml from which GOll hall
caliI'll their fathers, and there tlIpy were scattered abroaLl
amongst the nations as unworthy of his COYeIwnt. 'Vhatever
claim that kingdom hall to the title of KingLlom of Israel
then lapspd.
5The southern kingdom, Judah, was of course the smaller.
Bnt it had the imIJortance and (lignity of being DaviLl's
tribe, out of whose seed the hope of Israel was to come.
(Gpnesis 49: 10) It also had the city of Jerusalem as its
center, anLl the temple which Jehovah acknowledged as his.
Thp southern kingdom lasted mJ3 years. It enLled by the
destruction of .1erusalem and the captivity of its pPople by
NebuclIadnezzar. The people of the southern kingLlom (till
not n'pudiate their covenant in the sallIe way as the northern kingdom, but they also fell into idolatry, and their sin
was aggravatpd by much hypocris~' aIHI persistent refusals
to hear the word of the Lonl by his proplwts. Judah's
pride and splf-will an(I hj'pocrisy led it as surely away
from God as the open idolatry and inLlifference of the northern tribes hall led them away.-Jeremiah 7:15.
6The fall of .Jerusalem was the end of God's typical kin~dom; for with its destruction and the desolation of the
land, God had neither temple, nor city, nor peoplp in the
land. Outwardly there was then nothing to be seen of all
the greatness he had claime<I for himself: his house was
burned and his people wpre llrOYl.'d unfaithful. To thp onlooking nations it appearpLl as if he and they had suffered
eclipse. (Isaiah 52: 5; Homans 2: 24) It was a picture in
miniature of the apparent failure of God's work in the
earth at the return of our Lord.-Luke 18: 8.
7'1'J[(' histories of the two king-(Ioltls forpshadowed the two
chief phases of organizeLl CIll'istianity during- the Gospel
Age: The one, the sj'stems like the Church of England and

Hi3

peopte."--l'rorerb~ 14:

34.

Catholicism; and the other. that which is represented by

the Free Churches of England and America. The passing
of the northern l{ini(dom into obllYion portrays political
Christianity sinking into oblivion; and that of Judah WUli
the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, represents the
destruction of a hYllocritical Christianity which at heart
hates the way of the Lor(\, and is ready to destroy hi~
faithful servants who tell of the coming disaster and point
out the only way to make it pasier to bpar. In their witness
the faithful people of God find it as impossible to persuade
those who by service anLl lIloney support the systems that
disaster is coming to organized rpligion as Jeremiah found
it impossiblE' to persuaLle the Jews of the disaster ahout
to fall on Jerusalem.
SThere are now more forewarning evidences than there
were tlwn. Christendom has exalted itsplf as the kingdom
of heayen on earth; but its history is written as with a pen
of iron dipped in blood, for it has bpen anLl is yet responsihIe for most of the great conflicts which have torn humanity.
Thus its history has been written twice. It is written in the
chroniclps of its historians, but was also written beforehand
in those of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It is a history of quarrels and wars, of defection from covenants, of
an unfaithful and hypocritical ppople, in heart far from
wanting to do the will of God, whom they professed to serve.
9The mercy of God is abundantly shown in the histories
of both Israel and Judah. It was only after he had borne
their ways till they hall (lemonstrateLl their utter unworthiness to represent him that he caused them to be removed
out of the lanLl. He had not withdrawn from his purposes;
and the crown or the right of the kingdom was not taken
away from Judah, but was transferred to tl[(' l~entiles to be
held by them "until he come whose right
is." (Ezekiel
21: 27) Also hi" covenant with David rPlll:tined (Psalm
89: 3) ; and by .Jeremiah he had told of a new covenant he
woulLl make with them, a covenant of grace which would
bring them forever into those blessings which he had spoken
to thE'ir fathers.-Jeremiah 3J : 31.
lOExactly according to the prophecies of Isaiah and .Jeremiah, Bilbylon the great destroyer was itself taken captive.
The Medes alHl Persians took it. altogether unexpectedly.
while it was foasting secure in its strength. (Daniel 5: 30)
The exiles were then given liberty to return; and more than
42,000, mainly of .1u(lah, re.turne(1 accompanied by nE'arly
8,000 servants and others, under the guidance and care of
Zerubbabel, the prince of .Judah, and .Joshua the priest.
But these were not merely captiyes set free and allowed to
rpturIl home; they were set at liberty in order that they
might build the temple of Jehovah, and reestablish his worship. (Ezra 1:3) That work was begun as soon as materials could be obtained. But from the beginning it was
hindered by the people of the land. These profpssell a
desire to aiLl the new work; but Zerubbabel treated them
as insincere amI as a(lversaries, and his judgment was justifled, for they imlllPLliately proved themselves to be Such.
(Ezra 4: 4, 5) These are typps of those Christians who ila ve
known present truth and have professed their desire to hplp
in the work of the LorLl, but who, when they have not il('en
pleaseLl in some matter. have left the work and become its
enemy.
llThe restoration of Israel must not be taken as typical
of the rpstoration of Christianity as we know it; for Christendom has L1eliberately passed its last chance and Is now

1\11 Y 1;', 1!l21

tTheWATCH TOWER

the great Babylon which was to be destroyed, and whose

~e"truetion is likenell to that of a millstone lifted up and
cast into the sea.-RevelatlOn 18: 21.
12Bauylon is both the destroyer of a h~'pocritical Christianity, and itself specially the representative of the great
world sy"tem whil'h has ineorporated a spurious Christianity. Bah~'lon, under lS'ebuchadnezzar, the overflowing scourge
which darkened the world in the days of the fall of Jerusalem, was also a figure of the great darkness of Bolshevism
awl anarchy, now creeping up from the f?a,st. But Babylon
the grf?at worl(l-poWf?I', rpligiou'S and political, holding sway
ovpr the f?arth, and the stronghold of the world's powers, Is
the cage of every evil bird (doctrine or philosophy), is the
w',rltl's organization called Christendom whiell is being
1m lien down uy the great Cyrus, the Prince, the Righteous
Olle from the east, the Prince of Pf?ace, Who will gi ve
liberty to all the captives of this world's darkness.
13Tl1<'8e scriptures are the treasure store out of which
lTIeat in dnp season Is provi<1l'd. The records of the faithfulness of Elijah, and the alNt, active service of Elisha, are
now dnily proving a stimulus to the servants of God; while
the incidpnts of their typical service are a guide to them
to know wllat is to be <lone and when it is to be done in
thpir senice for Uod. The service of the ChurCh, the antitypical Elijah and l';lisha, mnst continue until the worship
of human philosophy and power is destroyed. Tile proclamation of the Lord's presence and of the establishml'nt of the
kinguom, with that of Christ Jesus as a ransom for all, is
the only power which will break down present-day Baalism.
JEREMIAH AND EZEKIEL ARE UP-TO-DATE
14The lessons of God's protection of his people in the days
of .Jehoshaphat, when they were saved from almost certain
destruction at the hands of combined Moab, Ammon, and
Edom, and a mixed multitude, and again when they were
saved in the days of I-: ezekiah from the mighty power of
Assyria, tell of another phase in the life of the Church.
The servants of the Lord now under his banner and care
need have no fear of there being any failure of God's proteetiml while thl'y are faithful to him. They may be threatened with what seems to be overpowering force; but no
wf'apon that is formi?d against the servant of the Lord shall
prosper-a sj)rcial promise for a special time.-Isaiah 54 :17.
15The courage and fidelity of Jeremiah and Ezekiel are set
as exampIpS for all those who are now called upon to witness for .T "'lOvah, and their messages are as appropriate to
present conditions as they were then. The clearer the servant of the Lonl sees the things written, the better he will
understand and do his work. These studies not only have

139

revealed the readiness of God to forgive whrneyer there are

signs of repentance, but also show his forbearance under
provocation. And just as clearly they inuicate that there
comes a time when presumption on his grace has an end.
Also his care over his own, and his particularity In the
carrying out of his plans, are diselosed. '1'he Babylonian
empire under Nrbuchadnezzar seemed strong enough to last
more than seventy years. It reared its proud buildings to
the skies. But God had started forcl's which brought DabyIon to captivity, and its empire to disruption exactly at an
appointed time which had already bf~en stat((l. (Jeremiah
23: 11) The seventy yeal'S of Juuah's captivity in Babylon
were the fixed number of Israel's juhilee sabbath years, all
of them unkept by them. (2 Chronieles 36: 21) The fact
that they were kept (though by means of the captiyity)
indicates that Israel's covenant is to be continued. 'rile
actual end of the jubilees brought the destrudion of literal
Babylon; and the end of the seVl'nty cycles (as indicated
by seventy jubilees), in the fall of 1D25, will surely bring
the drathblow to symbolic Babylon.
16The lessons of the returning exiles should remain as
eXhortations. They forgot why theil' freedom was given to
thl'm; and it was only when God stirred up Haggai and
Zpchariah to remind them of their obligation that they
returned to the neglf'cted foundations of the temple and
again took up the work which they had dropped. Let us all
remember that the present-day faYors, so richly given to us,
are not for our own sakes, but are that we may serve those
interests wbich the Lord has given into OUi' hands.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
'Vhen is the 1ime of "sunrise" and of "high noon"? ~ l.
Give a brief history of the two kingdoms. What is the significance
of the fact that the northern Jdngdom took the Ilame of Israel?
Who were the Samaritans? What advantage had the southern
kin;::dom? 11 2-5.
When God's typical kingdom ceased, did It appear to the Gentile
nations that God and his people had been eclipsed? '\l G.
Did God permit that condition of affairs in order to foreshadow 8
picture for the hf>neht of his faithful children now? 117.
Are tllt're, 1110re .for<~wa.rnin~ pvidences now than then? ~ 8.
Does God s dealings WIth natural Israel give us confidence in the
future'! Has God withdrawn his purpose to bless all the families
of the earth? '\l 9.
What doe-; the unexpected taking of typical Babylon teach? A.re
the materIals about ready for the antityplcal temple? '\l10.
D~es Ow restor~tlOn of Israel mean the restoration of churchianlty? Whom did Cyrus represent? The deliverance of Israel then
reprf>sent s what? 1111, 12.
Why are these scriptures a storehouse of infonnation to true
Christians? 11 13,
How has God manifested his protecting care in the past? What Is
our nSfHlrancp'! ~ 14.
What ma.y be said of the messages of Jer"miah and Ezekiel. whkh
the prIe~ts of naal, do ll?t see, neither can they cOInpl'chend?
~Vhen was t~e app.ollltf>fl tune for typical Bab~'lon to fall? What
IS the date III alltltype? 'Il15.
Why has ,Ieih'erallce from Babylonish bondage come to us? ,. 16.

----------

AN INTERESTING LETTER
RECOGNIZES THE SPIRIT OF GOD

DEAR DRETUREl'\ :
In aclmowll'llging the receipt of your letter of the 31st,
ultimo, you will allow me to say that no othpr than God's
8ervant could havl' 8poken the words of encourngpmpnt contained in your letter. They were words which at once revealerl grace, lOVing and tender mercies. I was touched,
touched to the heart. I have always found this same mysterious spirit in re~l(ling tIle four GOSpf'ls of Christ. His
teachings and words were infused with grf'at love and
tender mpreies.
Aftf'r thoroughly comparing the seven volumes of Pastor
Russell with the Word of God I was touched with this
eame spirit of grace, love and tender mercies in his teachings and explanations, accompanied with firmness of pur-

pose. This was the spirit of Christ. The writings of the

apostles show that this was also their spirit. The writings
of Pastor Hussell show this same spirit; your letter referrl'd to shllws forth this same spirit; allll, thank God,
his "'onl ]lrolJ1isps me this !>,lIne spirit. The Lord who now
wounus to he'al will mal,e a clwin of thi'S spirit around the
world. Then shall the end come. Yes, I am satisfied; my
joy is complete.
The doctrine of the Atonl'ment as presented in Volume 5,
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES. completply f'stablisllC'd my faith
in the divine plan of salnltion. ::"ot only 80. but it cleansed
me of the rirlIcnlous doctrincs of the trillily, incarnation.
human immortality. and the God-dishonoring doctrine of
eternal torment in hell.
Thanking you, by the grace of Gnd,
MEMO. A. DZINGEWA (Kative Of Africa)

International Bible Students A~sociation Qasses

Lecture~

cmd p(udle.3 by1tdvelin~ Brethren

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Gr811nfteld, Mass
_June
Albany, N. Y. ................ ..
Utica. N. Y
_ _ _....... ..
Buffalo, N. Y.
..
Cleveland. O
__
..
Toledo, O. ._.......................

1
2
3
4
5
6

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY

South Bend, Ind

_ _ June
Cillcap;o, Ill.
_
_."
DanvIlle, Ill. . __..__
..
Paris, 111.
"
!\larshall, 111.
_.......
Uobinson. Ill. . _
__.

8
9
10
11
12
13

Waycross, Ga...._
FItzgerald, Ga. _
l\1c]{ae, Ga.
_
Eastman, Ga. .
lJublln, Ga. __
SaYunnah, Ga

13

Conde, S. Dak.
_.. June 1
!\lellette, S. ]lak
_.......... .. 2
Ip.swirh, H. Val\:.
" 4
Leballoll. S. I )al\:. ............. " 5
11 uron, S. lJak.
8
l'al'kor, S. lJak.
9

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Erskine, 1Ilinn
J
Haug. Minn. _. __
_..
Zippel, Mlllll. . _................
~ ortbollle, l\JIinn. .
_...
MillllCUpolis, 1\111111. ._._____
St .Paul. Minn.

une 1
.. 2, 3
.. 5, 6
n
S, 9
"
10
11

_._
June 1
__ _.."
2
" 3,4
_.........
5
6
_
8
a

I;}

16
18
19
2~

.,

Chatham, Ya
_
_June
DaJlVll1e, Va.
Leakesnlle, N. C.
\Ylll:::iton ~alelll, X. C. "
State Road, N. C.
SIloam. N. C.
.. 17,

"

11
12
113,}~

IG
IS

Greenfield, lIlas.<
Urange, 31aH,.
Fil~hburg, 31""
Illtt~J1eld, :\. 11.
.Munche::-.ter, 1\. H
lIlilford. K II.

lIIuskogee, Okla
June
l'eggs, Ukl,l,
_
_... ..
Cal'llIn, UJd,l, __. .._
__ ..
Balder Sl'nngs. Kan. ._... '.

2
3
4
5

TUllwha, Okla.............. " 29, 30

\\'It'luta, Jian

_.._._

,.

l:>tlgler, Okla

lJem er, Colo

_._

.. Hi

25
26
27
2S

J line 1

1
5
6
oS

Nanaimo, B. C
.. _ _l\~:'y
1I1alahat, B. C..._
_.__
Ylctona, B. C......_ _June
Ocean Falls, B. C. __ .___
3,
Prince Hupert, B. C..... " U,
l'rlllce George, B. C..... .. 10,
l!

BROTHER
Cincinnati, O_
ActIOn, Ind.
Ridullond, Ind. .
New Castle, Ind
Anuer~oll,

Inu

aa

__

aaa a aaa _

Farmland. Ind. ..

"

"

..

BROTHER W.
Woodstock. Onto __
__Juno
Brantford, Onto
" G.
Galt, Onto
_
_. " 9,
Preston, Onto .............."
Kitchcllcr, Ont. ....._.. .,
Gu"~n, Ont. ._............. .. 13,

1
S
10
11
12
15

. _._._ __

1j
19, 20
22
23, 24

L. HERR

_J\lay 23-25
Vlct'VIIi, tl. C
27,28
Chilli", a~k. B. C. ... . ..
30
Kam'"",,". B. C
_._.June
1
Verllf.D, B. C.
2.3

Pentic-tO.ll. B. C.

4. 5

ROBERTS

'Edmonton, Alta. __.._.June 12,13

l:>a,katoon. l:>a"k. ......"
15
Bredenburj', Sask..... " 17, IS
\\'illo\vurook, :5a.bk. u"
20
Yorkton, Susko ...._._ U
2:ilIIlllwood. lIlan.
2~

Empire, Mich
J~,ne
Lake .\.nn. ~lIcll,
'l'nn-ersc CIty, ~Iich. ..... " 3,
E.p\\a(hn, .:\11('11
..... u
;\lidland, lIli~lJ
_............ .. 6,
Day CIty, lIlich.

ij

8
9

[)
4
8
9

St. Louis, ;\10

_ .. _June 1
Indianapo}i:-;, Ind. .........."
2
RIH'lbj', U
" 3,-1
"'""Weld, c-i. Y
"
5
('lymeI', X. Y ..: ..__; _
::
6
Jame.-;town, ;-';. L
IS

BROTHER

HERSEE

Elora. On!.
_ June
16
l'allllerston, Onto
" 17. Ifl
~Iollllt Forest, Ont... "
19
Oran/.{cville, Onto .'._a_ " 20,:22
Singlialliptoll, Onto
24
Collingwood, Onto ........
25
a.a."

NelHon, B. C
F(,I'II1<'. B. C
_
Lelhbl'idge, Alla.
Call'arj', Alt:!. _
Lacombe, Alta.
Edmonton, Alta.

" 5,

l;llrlIngton. \\ a~.. _~.

."
Sedro Wooile~', Wasil.......

lIIount Yernon, Wash. Jnne

:ru
Stanwood, \Vash. ........"
11
Bremertoll, \Vash. ......"
12
Alderwood lIlanor,Wash. ..
13
Everett, Wasil.
15
Wenatchee, Wash.
.. 17,18

Haginaw. lIIieh
June 10
Wheeler, :\lIch.
" 11
Alma, .:\Iich...._.._........... " 12
Durand, l\lieh.
_ .. 13
Fenton. lIlich
_........... .. 15
Burt, lIIich
_....... .. 16

BROTHER W. J. THORN

Muncie, Ind..
June
8
AlcJ..andria, Inti.
_..."
9
Elwood, lull... __.__
_...."
10
'~eipton, Ind. ._
a"
11
Frankfort, Ind. .
._. .. 12 15
New HichIllOllU, Incl....,.
, 13

EROTHEK H. HOWLETT
Van~ve~ li.

Pawtucket, R. I.
June 8
Woonsocket, R. I.
_...."
9
1I1.lford, lIlass.
.. 10
Franklin, l\lass. .__.._........ u 11
Brockton. lIlass.
.. 12
l:>toughton, lIlass.
13

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

~,j

1
4
8
11

Fl'luay HUl'UOI,

~3

1 WI ellce, Colo
__
"
Pueblo, Colo
.
.."
'.rrlnluau, Colo
_.... "
Walsenburg, Colo.
~

June 1
.. 2
3
.. 4

~67

~o

23

1Q

COlO

1\ashua. ;-;/. H
June
8
l\loulton\"llIe, N. H
_."
9
East WoHbol'o, N. H
"
10
SvrlI1gnlle, ~le.
" 11, 12
South \\'indham, :\le
"
13
l'ortlull\._, l\le.
15

.ne 2
" 3
" 4
" 5
6
8

Bellingham, "ash...__.... June 1

Uak Harbor, \, _,h.
" .) 3
Anacortes, .\Va ..., 4

~~a~.d J~t., ColO........ _J~~e 15,

l,a~.llt,

_.._._June 1
" 2
_...... .. 3
" 4
" 5
_...
6

IG
17
IS

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Tabian, N. ;\Iex. . . June
1
Albuquerque, ;-.;. 1\le". .. " 2, 3
Farnllngton, N. lIle". . . "
G
Azte~, ;". lIle"...
. .. 8 10
Farmington Glade, X. l\1. .. ' 9
Durango. Colo.
11

la

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

East Radford, Va
__ Jllne
Ashland, Kj.
.. _....
PaIntsville, Ky.
..
"
l\lcHobert8, Ky. __
" 19,
LeX1l1glo11, KJ-'
.Frankfort. Ky.

9
I;)

BROTHER

Nelson, B. C
__
__
June 5
Balfour, B. C. .................."
(j
Cranbrook, B. C
__ " 8,9
l\luel eotl, Alta
"
11
:Medl~lUe IIat, Alta.
.. 13
:MalJle Creek. iiask.__ .. 15

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
Bristol. Tenn
__ June
Wytheville, Va. ._........"
East Hudford, Va.
"
Roallol\.e, Va............._."
Honaker, \ a . .........,.
Coeburn. Ya
10.

Pitt, field, ;\Ia"

__ J
Easthampt')ll, 3Iass.
1101.) oke, l\la.s~.
SprIngfIeld, 1\Iass. ..........
\Vor('c.ster, l\1a.s.s.
.PrOVIdence, H. I.

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Bradner, B. C......_ lIlay
26
~lalS<llll, B. C
"
~7
Ca",\()n, B. C
_
211,;;0
l'elltH'toll, B. C. __ __
J une 1
Ro~k Cn..'C1<, B. C.
., 2
Trail. B. C.
4

10
12
15
16
17

BROTHER V. C. RICE

BROTHER J. W. COPE
lIIeCurtain. Okla
__._.llIay
Walls. Ukla. ._
_ ..
QUlnlon, Ukla
_.._..... ..
lIluskogee, U,da. ._........ ..

Chancellor, S. Dak
June
;\[enno, l:>. D.':'.
" 11
:\li tchell, S. 1 'ak.
.. 13:
Hartford, S. Oak. __...."
Luverne, 1\11llU. .........."
White, l:>. lJak.

BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHER B. H. BOYD

June 9
_ " 10
11
_ _._... .. 12
" 13
__..__
1:i
ao __

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

Fargo. K Dak
June
!\linot, ;-.;. !JaiL
..
~ew HocktonJ, N. Dak."
'Vyndmcl'e, N. Vak. . _0. u
Enderllll, N. Dak. ......"
BerlIn, N. Dak.
It 20,

Clifton Forge, Va..

June2, 3
Lynchburg, Va .. .__ ~ ...._"
4
Uepublican Gnn e, Va..."
5
Lynchburg, \ u
6, S
Hurt, Va.
9
Gretna, Va.
10

Irwinton, t:a
DuvIsboro, Ga
Avera, Ga.
Augusta, Ga. .
Dearing, Ga.
Thomson. Ga. .

Denver, Colo
June
Rou1fl"r, Colo
_............"
Berthoud, ('010. ........ " 3,
Loveland, Colo. .............."
(}reeley, Coin
_..."
Cheyenne. Wyo.

1
2
4:
5
G
8

Warr~n.

Pa.
Onovllle, N. Y.
~aJamullca, N. Y
Hew CIly, I'a.
Bradford, I'a.
l:>hinglehouse, Pa.

Jnne 9
.. 10
u
11
.. 12
.. 13
.. 15

_.......

H. THORNTON
Casper, Wyo.
June
10
Lander. Wyo. "
_... .. 11.12
Casiler, \V:} o. ............. "
13
Cheyenne, Wyo.
15
LaramIe, Wyo.
.. 16.17
Sidnej'. 1\ebr
_..
18

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN
June 7,8
., 9,10
11
12
13
.. 15, 16

Grand Island, Nebr _June

Ravenna, !\ebr.
" 12,
Grand Island, Nebr....."
Hastings, 1\'ehr. _...........
Blocmington, 1\'ebr.
Wilsonviile. Nebr
_"

11
13
15
IG
18
19

lIIorrill, Nebr
_
Jnne 3
~i.dn~y, .Nebr.
4,5
r,lg' SprIn~~, Nebr
6
1\orth Platte, Xebr. _ _ "
8
Brady, 1\ebr
_..
~
Overton, 1\ebr. _
_ .._
10
T - - - -

;;

~".lcd'PWi1~1J\)9(@1~~11 Jiflt~~nn~lijt?
~~ 11f~mfi 1J1l~ ~WiJ$'fl~. ~1J1ldl aJ. WfigU)UII~@~" -l.5aialJ
VOL,

S~:~fI-Mo:XTHLY

XLV

Anno Mundi 6052

1\0.11

June I, 1924

CONTENTS
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION A'r COLUMBUS
~pecial Trains
Automoblles

.... lG3

103
164

VIEWS FROM TIlE WATCn TO\n:[(..................

.. l(j5

WarR to be Ontlawed........ ......

.. ..... 1 G5
Nonlinal Churches Foun(1 \\~antin~
1G5
Nominal Chureh nominate<] hy Satan
1 (j..(j
In and Around J('rll~alelll
.
...... _.
10i
Preparations ::\Inde to Free the- POPf'__
1 n...,
Evirlen<'p:-; 01 ('hanging J)i~pcnsatlOn..
1 fin
Jesu:-; a-.; ::5ador allcl KIng
.. J ,0
PnAYER-~h~I;TI.NG TEXT CO'f\rE~! ~

~'IlE

.J'~_.-

(',~.

_.-

,"'-\.. . :;:-

;S

"'0',-

",-

.....

~:. '~'.:;;
~,.~
--

~
.'>

__ 170

'I.'IIE llOYHOOD OF JESUS

172
174-

RADIO

1 G~

"1 will Rtaltd "pon my watch and will Ret my toot

"pon the Tower, and 'till ,catch to see what lIe will
,ay "nto me, and what answer I shall make to them
that oppose me.n-Habakkuk ~: 1.
't~

~~,...->... ~"'!-

~~~ t. ~,~ ... '. ~

. ~.-?.a:~~
~~.:.....~ .~~ . ~:.. ~ -:"~ ~

=~~~

BIIl'l'lI OF JESUS

~;-'-

:.=~

."- ~:~'::~--=-~---;::>~~
'-'.:. . >~~~~ .-,~.. ~--==:~WTBiTS'"
~~~~~"'S

-=.~:~:.'

"'i-~-"';J. .. , ...- o""~--~~~

~ ~

..

.. -:' '----

~ ~~;~'~ht_:}~::~~--"'"~= ~.~.~.~~-:.~~-.~:-~''----',. ~-

_00_ ,

Upon ~he e..rl~ distress of nations IVItD perpleXIty; the sea and the waVes (the 1'eStless, discontented) roaring; men's heart~ failing their. for fear and for looking tc>
the things comm~ upon the earth (society); for the powers of the hea"ens (ecclesiastlCsm) .hall beshal...",.. When ye see these things begm ,;c "orne to pass, then
know tllat LIe Kingdom of Dod is at hanC:. Look up, hft up yuur heads, rejOIce, for your redcmptlOn draweth nigh.-Mlllt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21 :25-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

IllS 'ournal Is one of the prime tnctors or illiltruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension" now beiDll.'
presented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER EIBLE '" TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A.. D. 11184, "For the ProlllOtiOJl. of Christian Knowledge". It Dot only serves as a class room where Bible studl'nts may meet in the stndy of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which thpy lllay be reached with announcements of the Societ~s conventions and of thll
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with repol t, of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Societ~s publi,hed :;TLDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society acconl" ,iz" re.bi Dei JIini8ter (Y. D. 111.), which translated
into English is Minister of God's Word. Our treatment of the Interuational Sunday S~hocl Lessons 's specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is conshlered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now hpiug SO generall~' repudlaten
-redemption through the precious blood of "the IIIan Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ranRom [a corre,poIHJing price, a substitute] for
nil". (1 l'eter 1:]f); 1 'rimoth~' ~: G) lluilding up on this sure foundation tlie gold, sih'er and pretlous ,tOIll'S (1 Corinthians 3: 111,,; 2 l'eter J : 5-lJ) of the Word of Cod, its furtlier mission is to "make all see what is the fellow>hip of the mJ'stery whoch . .has
LJeen hid in Cod, to the intent that now mip:ht be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
wa:-; not llUH)P }.;:nown unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-EphesiuDs :3: 59, 10.
lt ,tam I, frpe from all 1>:"'lle', ,pcts and creeds of men, while it seeks wore and more to bring its e\,pry utterance into fullest
~uh.iP(\ion to til(' \\ III of (;,,01 In ehr!"t, as eXl'n'"ed in the holy Scriptures. It IS thus free to deda"e voldl~' "hatsoe\'er the Lord
hath ::-.po},eu-;u l'oJ'{lin:: to the tlldne wbdOIll granted unto us to understand his uttcrullees. Its attJtude iR Hot dogmatic, but clJutident;
fol' we l';:llow ,,11('lpol wn atlirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure pronlbe~ of God. It is Jwld as a 1111bt, to UP. used only in hh
Rel'\ lee; hence our ue!'i:-'lOns relative to what ma~ and what IllUy not appear in its columnH InuSt be aeeording to our judgment of hi~
,::ooll plea'l,r... th.. l"""'"ll~ of his 'YOI'd, for the upvuild,ing of his peop!" in !!ra~e and knowledge. AmI \\e llot only invite but urge OU1'
readers to prove all its utterances by tlle infallible "'ord to which referenee is constantly made to faCIlitate such te,ting.

1'0 US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That tlle {'hnr~h is "the teml)le of the living God", p(>euliarly "his worllman_hip"; that its construction has been In progress throughout
the go"-!,,,I a;:,('~(\n~r ~illt.'e Christ u('cnme the world'~ H~deeme!' and the Chief COrnf'f Stone of lIiH temllle, tbroug-h wblch, when
finiRlwd, (;od's lJl""ing shall come "to all people", and they find a{'~e"s to llim.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22;
Cene>!s 2t.: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, sIJaping, and poliRbing of eonseeratl'd believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of the"e Hlh in;; ~ton('~", "elc(,t and precious," ~hall hu'"e been IHuue ready, the ~Teat )Iaster \Yorkman will brin~ all to:.;ether
in the first resurrection; nnd tlie t"lllple shall be filled with his glor~', and be tlle meeting place between God and men thlOllgllout
the MiJJellll1uIl\.~-Revelation 15: 5-S.
""rImt the basis of hope, for the church aud the world, lies in th .. fa~t that "Jesus Christ, by the /(race of God, tasted death for every
man," 'n runSOIn for all," and" ill be 'the true Jig-lit ,,11lCh IJglltcth et'ery man that cometh into the 'u:orld", "in due time"..____
lleur('\\s 2: U; John 1:!J; 1 TiulOthy 2: G, G,
<I'llat the hO(le of till' ~hllr~h Is that ,h .. may ve like her Lord. "see him as he I'," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory a:.-; llis jOlllt)ll'll'.-l John ~;:.!; JolJn 17: 2-1; Homaus .s: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
'rlmt the preo;ent mi''''on of the chnr~h is the perfe~tiIlg of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
~ral'e; to be (;011 ~ \\IIIW,S to tlle world; and to prepare to ve longs and priests III the next age.-Ephesians 4: 12; Matthew 24:
14; Hevelauon 1: (); 20: 6.
<J'hat the hope for tbe world lies in tbe hlessinp:, of knowledp:e and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's Millennial kinl!:dom, the
restllntlOll of all t hat Was lost in Adam, to uJ] tlle willinc; and obedIent, at the hands of their Redeemer and his r;lorified church,
when all the wilfully Wicked will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 1923; Isaiah 35.
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1.8SA. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES ~

By rik'ansof
STVDY

YI:

Week of July 6
Week of July 13

"The At-one-ment"

Qlleslion books on "The A t-one-ment,"

10C

Announcement is made that the SOCIETY'S radio broadcasting station, "\VATCHTOWER WBnn," locale(] on Staten
Island, New York city, which began operation February 2
last, using a 24-1meter wave length, has been authorized by
the Government to broadcast on a wave length of 273 meter~
on and after May 14. A revised time schedule became f'ffective on the same date. Programs are now broadcast on
Sunday and 'l'hursday evenings from 9: 10 to 10: 30; on
::\I,,!ll]ay, \VedIlPstlay, and Saturday evenings from 8: 00 to
!): 1)0. The ~tation is silpnt on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
Opel':iI ion during' the summer months is on Eastern Daylight
~:l"ll:':-

Timl'.

~I:JlIY

interesting reports have been received from all varts

of the '['nited States and Canada from those who have listenl'tl to till' programs of Station WBER. Those who have
had ditHcull~' in pieldng up the 244-meter wave length we
trust will lIave bptter results with the l1I'W wave length.
Ilel)Orts of reception are appreciated. Kindly address
WA1'('1I10WEI:
ST.\TION
WBBH, ]24 Columbia Heights,
Hrlltd~IYIl, ~.

Q. 13-17
Q. 18-22

postpaid

Y.

BETHEL Hnl:\'S rOR JULY

SUllday

1:.!

~I()ilda~'

:lD

TUl'~tlay

HDAYll>'S So~ A~U D.\.YID'S LORD"

_.. Q. 1- G \Yeek of July 20

Q. 7~12 Week of July 27

RADIO BROADCASTING ON 273 METERS

""'llne,day
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

1 Rl3
2 228
3 2:!1
4 268
5 2Gii

8 kl
9 288
10 1.,
11 ]37
12 ~"
t ..

13 :!](j
14 ~-!:~
15 ~l~
16 80
17 18:)
18 1.,1
19 114

20
~1

flO
:':80

22
"
23 108
24 241
25 89
"..,
26 .),)

27 320
28
29
30
31

203
333
136
214

&1~ATCH

TOWEIZ
PRESENCE

AND HElRALD OF CHR~STS

VOL. XLV

No. 11

1, 1924

JUNE

THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT COLUMBUS, OHIO

T IS good for the people of the Lord to come aside
and rest awhile and <'neourage one another for t~e
remaining work that is to be done this side the vall.
In looking over the field for a pla<:e of meetmg COhllllbus, Ohio, was selected because it is the most accessible
place withm tk~ territory where the larger number of
Bible StudC'nts rC'~i(le. It is on the main line of the
Pennsylvania aud the New York C('ntral Hailways,
besides other st{'am and interurban electric railways.
~\.ll the rmlroa<'" in the United ~iaies and Canada
have granted a I-])('cial rate for i hi~ con\"('ntion of one
anrl one-half fa n' for ihe round inp, tickets to be
obiained upon the' <:('rtJlicate plan. T]wse certificates
will be fumii'hed by the :-;oorE I'Y through its Spe<:ial
Convention Comllllttce. For conYeniencl~ "'e urge uJlon
the friends the handlill~ of their transportation through
their sen ICC din'dor 01' "'Tvier dcpartlllrnt and thll.,;
lessen the correspondence behyeen the committee alld
oth('rs. In due course let each class have a meeting,
all I Loe their seniee dircd\)r hO\I' many expect to attellu,
awl ihen wnte the eonw1'tion corl1lmttre at thr addl'<'ss
gm'll below for the CtTL licut",.: required. The hushanrl
may sign the certificate for himsel a1l(1 his wife amI
anv other members of his family. In that event one
cer:tIficate will do for the entire family. Where one
per,on travels alone one cc'rtiJl<:ate i,.: required. It is
betier to order more blank crrtiJicatcs than actually arc
l1('('ded; for at tl1(' last moment somebody "'ill wish onr.
These eerti ficates the class director will deliver to ihe
persons who req uire them and will kerp a record of
certificates dclivel'<'d a1l(1 to \rhom deli \ elnl, this record
to include the serial letter and llum])('r marhd on the
left-hand margin. This record of certificates dcliyrred
must be kept safe by the dll'('dor, ,vho makes out ihe
report, until called for by the Convention Committee.
The date of the convention, as herdolore announcerl,
is July 20 to 27 inclusive. Beginning July 15th and
until the 22nd for the going trip, tickets will be on sale
at. all railway stations. No tickets can be obtained for
the going trip, on the certificate plan, after .1uly 22nrl.
When purchasing your ticket, present your certificate to
the ticket agent and ask for a return ticket. To protect
oneself in case of a lost ticket, it will be advalliag('ous
at the time of purchasing ticket to make a memorandum
of the time bought and amount paid for it and the
number on the ticket. The tickets should read from
starting point to Columbus, Ohio.

As to i~olated friemb where there ar(' no classes, each

one individually ~houlJ write to the Convention Committee for a eertificat<'.
It will be foull<] a<hantageous for the cla~ses on the
Pacific coast to appoint a committee to coni;>r with local
railway officials regarding obtainin~ spe<:ial summer
ex<:ursion rates East and return. Such ruies may be
more adYalltageous than the certificate rate of fare one
and one-half as above rnentiOlIC'd.
SPECIAL TRAINS

There will be a number of special trains, including

thl' Bethel Special, which will leave New York city.
Furth('r (ldaib \I'ill be furnished in a subsequent issue
of THE \VATClI TOWEl\.
Arrangemenb are bel1lg made, as we arc informed, to
n111 a Sll( cial tram from the Pacific coast to Columbus.
Thls train will start from Los Ang('lcs, picking up p3l8S(,llgcrs ell route via San Francisco, Sacramento, aJld
O,n;dnn, Utnh. Friend, from the Northwestern territory
11 WI' join the special tram party at Ogden. and the train
IV ill proceed from there hy II a y of Chicago. The return
trip will be via St. Loni,.:. A minimum round-trip fare
of approximately $150.00. meludillg sleeping-car accommodatJon and meals, has been arranged. For full particula 1'S and reservations on this Pacific Coast Special
address Eo D. Sexton, 200 Trimty Au(litorium, Los
Angeles, Calif. In ord('r that necessary advance arrangem('Eb for sleeping-car,.:. etc., may be mack to best advantage, those who contc'lll plate joining this special train
party should eommunieatc' promptly with Brother Sexton.
CONVENTION COMMITTEE

The SOCIETY has appoint('(l the following brethren

as a Convention Comm ittf'e, to wit:
Brothrr C. A. Wise, Chairman;
Brdhcr R. A. Johnson, Sreretary;
BI\)thcr A. H. Ma<:lllillan,
This committee will opell office in the latter part of
,TUlle in Columbus, and all convention matters will be
handled by the commlttre. thus relieving the Brooklyn
office of this extra \I'ork. A corps of stenographers will
be engaged to a,ssist the committe('. Any stenographers
who are at libeTty to serve for two or three weeks, beginning the latter part of June up until the time of the
conventio.n, will please address the committee or this
office and arrange to go to Columbus and take up the
work. The Convention Committee will have genetal

163

164

'fhe \ : /

ATC H TOW ER

~llJH'l'Yision

of the arrangrments lor tht' com ('lltion alld

11111 appoi11t ,uch other commIttl'l''' a'i lllay btl requi1"I1.
mbjeet to the [1111'1")\"<11 o[ the Pl'r,ident of the A~socia
bon. All rolll'('}/lilin WJlII/lullitaliollS aftcl' June g!Jth
should be addrc,'''et! to I:icl/(/I'd .1. Johll'oll. Sccretary,
5;2~~ N rilL Froil t Stl'fCt, Colu mbus, Oh io.
ACCO;\lMODATIO~S

A~D

RESERY.\TIO~S

Columbus has thirty hotd~ with a rate of ~l.OO per

day and up, all of ,~'hich fire ,,'ithin flIlI'I'1l minutes
str('rt-rar ride o[ the Coli:,emn. .\djoining' tht' grouJI(],
where the COnyell] iOll is to be lwld arc private rooms
,rhieh wiJl accommodate ] 0,000 or more, all of ,,'hwh
are witllln \Ialkillp." r1i:,tnnee of the Coli,:eum. The ra\l~s
for thrs'" rooms "ill 1)(' flfty cents, ,:rycnty-five ccnt~,
anr1 (me Ilollar IH'l' }ler,:on. accordlll!-, to accommodations; am1 aho a rate will he made for room allll hrcakfast. It is expeetpd that this rate will be one dollar }leI'
tlay. It is the pu "posc now to haye a ca[('t''1'ia all the
grounds ~('rring meals at noon and even1llp." at yery
rea~onahle rates. A per,..:on ther,'[oye mav figure on an
exprn~e of not to I'xcerd two dollar,: a day .for a room
and meals. If it i,: pOi'siblr to mnkr thr 1'atr less it w111
he done. The de~ire is tD mah 1t po..:~ible 01' the
friends everywlwre to attend thi,: com elltion.
Those attrnding the eonvelltilll\ \\'111 have aeeri'S to the
Ohio StatB Fair (}rounds. The grounds contain many
shadr tr('es. plent.'" of pure water. comfort stations,
emergency hospitaL childrrn's plavgrounds, barhrr shop,
dairy buildings \\'hich supply flwh milk and iee-cream,
all o.f which \I"ill btl Ior the exdusi\e U':l~ of t;lllSe attending- the convrntion during the datra of the convention.
Some one will he put in charge of the children, and thm
an opportunity will be afforded for their mothers to
a1telltl thr mretings when drsircd.
Thr Coliseum, where the mrctings of the Englishspeaking friends will be held, has a capacity of 14,000
~('at~. An electric loud-sJlPaker will be iw;talled so that
every pers01l in the auditorium can hear with perfect
ease without extra effort heing put forth by the speaker.
For the Sunday meeting an electric loud-speaker will
be installrd in the Stadinm so that evrry person in the
Staclinm (which has a capacity of 62,000) can hear.
HALL FOR SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Hall KlIlll]wr Seven, connected ,,'itll the main Coliseum. \nll he usrd for a service building. The SOCIETY
,,"ill there havc a book store with sufficient nnmber to
~erYe all \1 ho desire to avail themsrlves of its advantages.
111 this room will be the headqllartrrs of the servicr
director of the convrntion. All advertising maHer will
he stored there. amI those who partieipatc in advertising
tl1:' public meeting II ill rrport to this hall for assignnwnt. It is hoped that the service director, assistant
director, a1ld stock kl,t'jH'r of all classes in the country,
will report for service 1Ultler the special direction of a
C01lYCI1tJon ~ervice director ~o that all ,the work may be
prolwrly orl!:l11ized. Ll:'t each one rCIl1t'mlwr that this is
the greatr,t campaign eYer on earth, and that t'l eryone

BnOOKLYN,

N. Y.

vi the cuw,eC1'att'd will \ri,h to have ~omc part ill it.

'Jhlll',da\'..hih' 2L II III he field Senice Day; anti
on thIS dntl', ulltler Uw t!tn,ctiun o.f oue "upcrvisor,
t'Yl'l'yo]]e \I llo dl,irr~ io ~pnp ,rill ht~ asslgllPU ,01111' terriior.\'. .\11 <lllloll1ohllps ,\'ill he employed. AllY one
tIn I lug a car, ,rho \1 ill hal I' it in service that day,
\l'i II report to the Convention Committee and lJ(~ as"igned
ttnitory for sl'l'I'ice. All \rho exped to come to tll!' eonYt'lltion in their automobiles and put their machines
iuto senice on Srrvice Day mil rlease notify tIll' Convention Committee, marking the envelope SCiTiN Department, by .T uly 1, ~tat mg in .'our letter whether ."our
cal' will accomll1odatp five or ~cvcn pa~~rngers. Those
\I'ho make this report carly mil be assigned a place for
pa rking car and knoll' exactly where to re1101'1 for "erI ice. This ,,,ill avoid eonllblOll. TIllS detaill'll 111 [0]']11 at ion \1 III enahlt~ illc committee to assign every ear to Its
l'pspcctive positio]].
AUTOMOBILES

The higlmays in Ohio autl adjoining vlaees arc in

fine conti it ion, anrl rna;)." Bihle Studeuts will bc exp"ded
to come Jll their allto;~lobiles. '1'hrr.. i~ a eo\"('rell building near the Coliseum that will aecoullllotlat(~ frye hundred machines. This will 1)(, 11\'ailable for thoi'r who
come with their caI'S, and preicl'ener to usc this h1l11tling
will be gin'n to tho~e who use their autolllolJiles on
Senicc Day. Other garage and parking spaces will be
available in the city at reasouable rates.
COLPORTEURS

A~D

SPEAKERS

It is hoped that every colporteur in the Unitrtl States

alld Canada \I'ill be able to attpl\(l this eonvrlltion. .\ny
colporteur actiH'ly in the senice during the pa,:t SIX
months anll over who is unable to pay his or her expenses
to the eonycntion ,vill please acltll'ess a personallctter to
Brother Hutheriord at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn,
Nell' York. gi\'ing exad eondition and situation, how
murh will be required to enahle each to attrnd the con\'clltlon, stating color, age, and national it}". Some arrangement will be made to assist tho~e \I"ho are Ulwble
to provide all their expenses. The details of this will
he given by letter.
Every brother in the Pilgrim Service in the United
Statrs and Cll11acla will be routcll to the convention, and
it IS exprcted that a number of the Pilgrim brethren
from other countries will attrnd.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES

In the Uniterl States and Canada there is a number

of foreign-spcaking brethren, Germans, Greeks, LIthuanians, Polrs. Ukrainiam, Rlm'aks, Hungarians, Italians,
dc. It will he expectul that the brethren of these foreign languages will attend. and that all the Pilgrim
hrethren who s('rve the foreigu-speaking brethren will
also attend. ~leetings of the brethren ,peaking each of
the languages will be conducted regularly. There will
he no distinction in race, color or language, but all will
be one in Chri::,t.
(Concluded on page 171)

VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER

WARS TO BE OVTLAWED

1~R

Lord throngh thc Prophet "<lV": "He shall

judgc amollg" the nations, and shall rebuk\' many
people; and they shall beat their sword, into
plowsharE's, and their spears into pruning hook,.;: nahan
shall not lift up sworel against nation, neither shall tllPY
learn war any more." (Isaiah 2: 4) This scripturc
applies to the Messianic kingdom, which God has in
reservation for the blessing of all mankmd through thc
rulership of Ohrist J csus and his glorified Ohurch. The
transition period from the domination of Satan to the
rul(,rohip of Messiah is one which in round numbers
may be called a fifty-year period. As this perioll is
almost expired it is reasonable to expect manifestations
of this preparatory work in process of fulfilment.
The Ohurch nominal is bcginning to discern that it is
very unbefl.tting for them to bow down to the god of
war; and therefore efforts are being made to outlaw
force as a means of making the ((world safe for democracy," or safe for anything else. Reverend Doctor Studdf'rt Kennedy, M. 0., O. F., representing the Industrial
Christian Fellowship of England, gave four addresses
recently in Chicago before huge crowds which were
seemingly electrified by some of his remarks.
The Ch11Tchman in commenting on these addresses
said that Dr. Kcnnedy pictured most graphically the
horrible plight of the Europran nations, and called upon
Amrrica to play her part in this world which God has
so closely knit together; that in forty or fifty years the
English prohlems of today would be the problems of
America unless we shall possess the wisuom to solve
them now. We quote as follows:
"He com1t'mnpd 0111' industrial machine age and showell
how it heatll'd straight for War. [TllPn he mimicked till' war
lords and tile songs of the plllpit recruiiinj.!; agents thus:1
There will be another war awl there will be a righteous
war. It will be a war to f'lld war. It will be wage,l to
estalllish justice throughout the world. [Then bursting forth
with a Yolll'Y of thUIHler demonstratin~ his own sentiments,
11(' said:l }~very war is. ~lell with a gift of gab like
m~'self are sent out to tell people that.
But it is a lie;
and when the next war comes I shall not go to the
trenches, bnt to prison."
He declareu further that. "our Gou is a God of cvcrything, or he is nothing. He is not the Gou of the
church and chapel a]one; he is the God of factory, skyscraper, and lamplight, just as truly as he is the God of
the stars. Anyone can ]wlieve in the Gou of the stars,
]lllt get men to believe in the Gou of the factory antl
mwr, anrl am Christianity will amOlllli to something."
WhetlH'r 1)1'. Kennedy told his auditors how they
might come to know the Lord of heayen as the God of
factory, skyscraper and lamplight, wc tlo not know.
One thing is certain: The churches have gothm so far
away from the doctrines and precepts of the Bi!J1<-. and
the divine plan is moving at such a rapid rate, that it is
an impossibility for those who represent the Babylonish
165

systems to frre thpnlst'lycs, antI tlwrphy ,1Yoid the yisitation of Cod's \ellgpunce upon theil' heads.
XO)llNAL CHURCHES WEIGHED AXD FOeXD WAXTING

In Fe!J1'1Iary. at ill\' ~(,ypnth Annual Jlrdmg of the

Council of C;iies at tl\(~ :Methodist Epl'l:Opal Church,
Pittsbnrgh, 1'a .. ther\' wprc somc stirring spteehes.
Bi,holJ Franci" .1 . .'I( Connell of ihe ~Idho(li-t Episcopal l)io(\,sr o( Piti-1111l'gh deseribrd how Albert B. Fall,
former Srcrdary o( il1l' Intcrior and former rnited
States Senaior i rom ~('\\' :Jlrxiro. had pprsP('utp(l Guy
S. Inman. S('(']'ctary of tlw Latin-/\nwl'icim As,oriation,
in a fortY-\'lght-holll' cro",,-pxamIIHlllOn in tIl(' :-;el1at(~
because :Jh. Inman oppo"ed the "oJ! 11 pl liT' mOY<'mrl't,
which wa,.; an aUrmpt t.o place !l\(, Tnj('rdml'dl 'Y01ld
1Ion'mcnt in the hands of DohellY all inhrr,t". Seur'tary of War John W. "-c('ks was ridi( 1I!('d: the atl ibldo
of the Department o( .)u,l,jcc and thc \\'ill' policy o( ll"'(\
speech were satirized, to the merriment of six lamul' d
delegates. by the Bishop.
At this same meeting Warrcn 8. Stone, Graml Chi( f
of the Brotherhood of Locomotiyc EnginC1'rs, llilYJllg
been inyited to ;-.prak on the subject of "'Yhat La.hor
Thinks of the Chmches and "Po,,,ihle Cooperation,"
evidently startled the millisters in thai conc];lYe iJlto
close attention. He declared thai he ,,"as not opeakiJ:g
in the spirit of criticism. hut more in a spirit of sorrow
and sa<1nrss. To demow'!'l'ate that the dmrches ha\ e
failed, he [ai tl :
"I realize the great possillilities that [l\\"[lited the Protestant dlUrclws after tlw \Ycrlfl 'Yar. I rf'ali7:e how uttprly
tllPY have faill'rl to make good. The golden opportunity ha!'l
slip]Jp(1 from tllPir hands, perhaps neyer to return, in ollr
da~ at least. In speal,ing- of the Protestant dlUrches. I
sJ)('ak of thl'm as n class. I realize there are some \Yoml"rful outstanding figures nlHI some remarkable exceptions to
the rule, but as a class they have llet'll weighed in the
balances and found wanting-."
In refrl'l'ing to the great chasm that divitles 1he
church and labor, anll showing the sagacity of the
Roman hierarchy in maintaining its hold upon the
peoplr. he said:
"The 1'l'Otestant church as such has lost its !oueh with
the common people. '1'111' \\ orkingmun is no !011 !Zl' I' '\"e!come
in many of our Protestant churchp~. aud the workingman
clothed in rags has no place when' lw is \\"('!cO!l1P ill an~ of
the Protestant chlllclies. The reYl'rsp is tl'lH' of the ('atholic
church. No matter how lOWly his ]1o~ition in the sodal
scale, no matter how rng~e<l he ll1a~ lH', the doOl'" of the
church always stand open to him. I have lmown a prie"t
to get up at 4: 00 o'clock in the morning alld walk 11m-I)
milcs to see that one of his pal'i~hionel's securl'<l empl()~.
ment as a common day lahOlPl. I know of yery few 1'rot\'stant ministers who PH'n concern th('msplvps about whetlH'r
or not the members of the church have work."
It is 111r. Stone's conviction that the reason why the
a.wrage clergyman does not. UJHlcrstanu the workers'
problems is because he does not associate ,,ith the

166

<fheWATCH TOWER

workers. He told of a large church in Cleveland giving

a series of addresses on Christianity and the various
occupations. A prominent la\yyer spoke for the bar; a
famolls doctor for the medical profcssion; a rich business man for the merchandising class; and so on down
to the end of the list where labor was given a place;
but imtead of selecting a prominent man acquainted
with the labor situation to speak on labor the church
selected the president of a college. !fr. Stone said:
"This shows the utter lack of understanding of the problems of labor on the part of those who are supposed to be
walking in the footstpps of the Carpenter of Knznreth of
Whom it is said: 'The common people heard him gladly,'
while the religious and business classes perspmted him."
"I have been practically all (lyer the world; I haH' been
one hundred miles in the mountains away fl'om another
white man's face and was not lonely. I have tramped the
streets of our great cities and I lUl"e felt lonely. The most
lonely place on earth is in one of our great cities where
you know no one and where no one cares."
To show that the Protestant churches are allied on
the side of capital, he ~aid:
"During the late tight on or~anizcd lahor hy the :\Ianufacturers' Association and tIll' Chnmbers of Commerce for
the open shop called by some of them. 'The American Plan'
-God save the name, it was Pypr~thillg but American-but
few of the Protestant churches said a word in behalf of
labor. [And then as though he were the special agent of
that great system which is rapidly fnstcning her tendrils
ttroullll the world, vn'sumably to make it safe for democracy, hE' said:] What did the Catholic Church do'! In evpry
Catholic Church in the United States in the parly morning
mass a short prayer was said for, and in behalf of, organized labor and its success."
Mr. Stone thinks that it is about time for the ministers to get back to the Bible and preach the i'alne sort of
gospel and live the same kind of We today that the
great Founder of the Christian Church did two thousand
years ago. He \I amed them that if the church were to
stop patronizing the manufad1ll'l11g and fmancial interests and to take a stand for the economic and social life
their clergymen would be persecuted as the Master was,
and that they could expect to find it impossible to get
millions of dollars for large cathedrals or even money
enough to carryon some of their important activities on
their programs. In emphasizing the fact that men of
money will not contribute generously to an institution
that holds up the common ideals of labor awl religion,
he showed plainly that preaching for money was the
uppermost thing in their minds. He thought "that the
church should re-discover the sort of gospel preached by
its Founder and apply his teachings, cost \\'hat it may."
THE NOMINAL CHURCH DOMINATED BY SATAN

The Episcopal Church is in the throes of death pains.

Not only is the conflict between the Modernists and the
Fundamentalists raging in that denomination, but the
spirit of the great adversary is manifesting its control.
Dr. Guthrie, of St. Mark's-in-the-Bouwerie, New York

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

city, made and carried out elahorate plans for eurythmic

ritual senice for March 2:3. Two Illonths before, Bisho;J
Manning had wamed him that such a performance i11
the church would caui'C objectionable publicity. The
dance was staged irrespective of Bishop Manning's "unconditional ban" in \\'hich Dr. Guthrie was "definitely
forbidden" to carry out his program. This consisted of
a ritual dance, a coni'picuous feature of It being dedicated to the blessed "irgin Mary. Six young women,
bare of foot and ankles, clad in Howing silk garments
executed the (lance. Police reserves \I ('1'8 called to handb
the crowd, which was greatly disappointed when only
1,200 gained entrance.
Dr. Guthrie's contt'ntion 'ras that the Bishop was
overstepping his authority; lor St. Mark's is declared
to be a corporation, and no stppi' could be taken to anllul
the service without a meeting' of the corporate body,
which is evidently in sympath.\ with tlwir pa~tor's efl'orts
along the lines of the spectacnlar, drawing large nnd
curious-gazing congregations to his church. On the
other hand, it was claimed that Uli'hop Manning hnd
the canon law behind him, which lpft no doubt in his
mind that he was acting wlthm IllS power. This is
because St. Mark's is a consecrated lmilding, consecrated
according to the Book of Common Prayer of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
.
It was pointed out that if this dance service took place
in dIrect disobedience to the l~ishop, there \I"as sure to
be an ecclesiastical trial. However, Dr. Guthne has no
fear and says that he welcomes a trin!, "if the jury \I"ere
competent and unprejudiced." Are we to under'-land
from this that a jury made up of high ranking dl'rgymen of the Episcopal Church could he incompetent and
prejudiced? If they could not render a ju~t. Biblical
decision on matters of this nature, the members of the
Episcopal Church should be :;tdvised to inquire of their
ministers what they are being- paid for.
Dr. Guthrie sent out invitations to one hundred representative clergymen to attC'nd the ritual dance; and
many responded. Among these invitations was one to
Bishop Manning, reserving four scats for himself and
his family; and the hope was exprecsed that he would
be present as "an intelligent, human, and non-parti~an
witness," and that he would avail himself of the opportunity. We quote from Dr. Guthrie:
"What I demand is fl'pedom for a priest to devise and
develop services which appeal to the heart and at the same
time do not offend the intellect. The tp~t senice in a few
days' time will, in a sense, vex those of the :\Io<!ernists who
are Low Churchmen. Some of l!lpm think that by honoring
the Virgin :\lary we are tending too far toward Roman
Catholicism. But I am a Catholic Futurist, and I feel sure
that the Modernist objectors will lose their prejudices if
they attend the eurythmic rituaL"
Later, Dr. Guthrie's church was cut off from Episcopal visitation; which resulted in the foregoing of the
ritual planned for April 13 and !fay 11 by St. Mark's.

'l?te

St, bhral'll's Chnrrh. Lrr(],-. Englan(l, rerrntl:' ,~',we a

pla,\' at \rhich "il)(' ere'at 'Yorl(l 'I'1)('atn," \1 n, pl'Odlll'rc1
for tlll' fir~t tinH' in that countl',\'. ,\ ,1,lg" \la, hnilt in
front of the rooc1 srl'een for ilw pllrpo,'-l' 01' ilw p1(',("nbtion, An orgall. tIn) tl'tll1lp<'1,. ,IIHl tIro kdUc-dl'llllls
wer,~ 11,ed in the ol'ch("tru,
.\t Hottinghum. Etlglallll, Hw Hey. SimOll Jane,: substituted s,'kdlOn:; hom a gl'Ull<1 oJlera lor \dwt \"as
rall,'(l {he u'-nal "btel\~otypel! eyrllillg S('1'\ ict'." thl:; being
followed by a di;;.O'eriation 011 the :;tor:' llllfol(kcl, It
aroused cOll:;i(lernl)lp intrrest awl ~onw (liwrg('tl('C of
opillion in religion:; aml musical circlrs of t lw CIt\',
One opinion was that "all opcra i" an rwpllent thing
in its place, which is in the tl10ntJ'('; but played badly.
as 1t is bound to be in a lim It('l! orchpstra or with
only an organ accompaniment. ,1' it w0111d Iw in a
ch11l'ch, its appeal iR lost," Anotlwr OpilllOll was: "Providing the music is givrn ade(11wtel:', the iuea is a
spl(:nuid one. Thcre is no rrason \rh)' a man should not
preach a helpful sermon Oll a finr drama as \n.,ll aR on a
good book." Another who \\ a:; fa\Ol'ably nnpres:::eu \rith
th',' presentation said that he doubtl'c1 whether an appeal
like this will have any h.ting effects for the good of
the people. The Rev. Burton, a lellow millister in the
Episcopal Church, saiu:
"'l'lwre is :tn assodation of hlt'us from which it is impossible to get away. All III ,ISH.: is sacl'p(1 nntil it bpcomes
assodatpd wilh spClll'\l' thou;!;ht. T dare say, a typical comic
sone:: ]Jla~'rll slowly anel revPI"f'lIt]~' 10 people who IUlvc not
hp,ml 1he sonp:, ma~' makl' a e::ooll illl]Jres"ion ant] thc~' may
rl'gard it as Sa('l"I'e1 music, Hut t he moment you pl:!~" it to
people who ha\'(~ heal'll the sOllg, thcn it takes their thoughts
away and the \v]\Ole thing lwco!l1es ridiculous,"
Thus we sec the tendenc,\' of those who have the ecdemind to rlcn:te themsrl\'es as having intellectual qualities and maO'ter minus that :::oar in lofty
heights. \\"hile; the common herd \\'ho go to church to
hear the go,:pel of .J (':;us prodaimr(l ha\'(; ~ nch low types
of intellect that it i" an 1mpo,.:sl111Jity lor them to discern
jazz music from that \I'hich is ~ae1'ed, All 01 thi:; procedll)"(~ on the part 01 the llllnider:; iQ rxcmed with tlw
plra that "the pl'ople l1<'l'd a hopeful new of life."
Therefore. from the; Epi:;copal point of view, a hopeful
outlook oj ],[e cannot bl< found bet\\"cen the lids of the
good old g'lok.
sia~tlcal

The Hcv, Perc,\' ;";tid:lle\' Grant is anether Episcopal

\\ ho is cOll,id'l'a!lI:' ill Ol\' linwl ight. In
cantril" ting the extrl'me lOuc!ll,ion,: 1Jl J'(''':]ll'ct to thc
age oj' ilw \\orll! as madc 'by SCiC1lti"b \\"ith those of
"01d-fad1iOlle(} religion," \\'hich i'il)'S that the \I'orlu \\"as
constructed four thonsanu years lJrfore Christ, he saiu:
eler,~Yl~~an

"On the whole, the histol'~' of thpse billions of years have

upward, whereas the llible ;:iH'S us the imvression
that since th~ full of Adam everything hus been on the
down grade."
b(,('I\

IG7

WATCH TOWER

H Nr is a frank aclnii,.:"joll that Dr. (; rant knO\\'s that

ilw Hilll" teaclw, ill<' fall (\1 man, anu 1hat lll"tc'ad of
!ll,jn!f a ('['('a1(Ire 01 eYolntioll. he ha- heen one of
"de\'ollltion," Failing to ~ee the ll('('(':;,ih for the ran,om :;al'l'ificc of the' T,ord .}P;;'UO' a11(} tlw ei'tablishment
of hi:; kingdolll \rith restitution hl('"illg~ for all mankind. Dr, (;nllIt prrfers to belie\"(' thp \\ J1d guessrs of
tho,(' \\ho pas~ a::: ~cielltif.h:, ,rould 1t not be \\'ell for
lk (;rant to take a uay ofl' and t'!'ad the first chapter
of "The New Creation,''' \\l'tltl'll by I'n,tol' HUi'sell?
.\" thongh hol(lln,g m:11 i1IPPO'. op<'1'n,. da IlU':;, pagan
wor,hlp, ami other \ro1'k, 01 tl\(' 11(',h and ill(' d('\ il were
not ('IlOllgh. a p]'a\'I'I'-llleptln,~ 11<'1<1 tn tIt" ~[('l'I'ltt ~[emo
rial )[pthodi:;t ('hl1J'('h ill ll('tl\ ('1'. Colorado. \\'a,.: C011elll(lpd ]n'
. a march to the ba'I'ment'. \\'ll<'t'!~ ~e\"('n hoxin<Y
mafchps \\'e1'(; stag'('d, The lUl'" )"'P01't jc'lls us of this
inllO\ alion, introd\1cing 1t \\'Jth tJl(' ,tat"l1lent that "for
the first time in ecl'!l'siastical hi,to1'V. 1'0 far as is kl1O\Yl1,
a church was used for pray('1'-11Wl'! i'ng a n<1 boxing bonts
in the 5an1(' PYening, After the dryotiorw 1 srTYice, the
He\'. B. B, Ka""lrr j,.d his congregatio11 to the basement,
\\"ll('re the ring \ras roped oil' tor the lllatches."
~

I~ A~D AROU~D

JERUSALEM

\recopy the following from the New York Sun and

Globe of March '/ :

"Seemingly in striking accol'l]ancc \vith the prophecies or
the Old 'l'estument, modern sdenct' has inva(le(] the Holy
Land. harnessing for electric po\\,pr the sacred RiYer Jordall,
\\,11('re Christ was balltize(1.
"Engineers are impoUlHling for iITigation of the arid val,
Ipy'i the waters of the Spa of Galilee, where the apostle
Peter spread his IwtS, draining the feyer bl'PPlling swamI's
for u;:ricultul'e, and s11realling a \I'('b of tl'unslIlission lin(~s
0\"('1' l'alestine from Dan to Beel'sh"ha nn,] from 1he :Ueditcrl':1nean to the easlel'n edgr of tlw Jordan Yullp~',
"The effpct of the comple'tion of 1 hr projP,'t is bounu to
be far-reachine:: Hllll revolutionary, says POPlilar Science
;JIolltltly. Ch ilization has not alhallcell apl,!'('('inllly in Pale~tillP sinre Bihlical days. Ox-tim" n \\ ootlen plows and
prilllili\'e water wheels for il'l'i~aljoll a]"(~ the maehinery of
ag!'i<'nltur"" The inhabitants make theIr journrys on UOIIk,'Y~, pxactl~' as ,Jospph, :\Iary :Intl tl,e infant Christ accolllplhlH'd !he 1lie::ht into Eg~pt. \\'all'!' for domestic purposes
sl ill i-; rn rri<'ll in hitle sacks frolll "t ['ea illS allll oil1 well~,
Oil lamps illuminate the IlOnws, Long ago the forests disap!H'n I'r(] from the country, anu the rich soil was washeu
a" a~' from the high ground.
""'Ilhin a ~'ear or two all this will be ('hanged, Electl'ic
r'lI!\"'lys will connect the principal dlips, Electrkitv will
lw suppliell for (loll1Pstic purposrs so e1ll'aply llint it will
C"lllP into \\ ider nsp thnn now is tlie casp in _\nH'rica and
Enrojl'" Every home in Palestine. it is pxppctptl, will use
e1l'ct ridty for heating and cooking as \vell as for iIIumin"lion,
"Tlil' work of developing- Palestine is being conductell
undp!' concessions granted by the British Government, mandatory of Palestine, to l'inhas Hutpnberg, civil engin",er,
who lll'eplll'ell the IJlans, an(1 i~ in a('li,e ('Imrge of tlw work,
Zioni"t int.'rest-; assistcII in financine:: til<' project. which
mallY claim to "ee as u first step towartl the Zionist dream
of reestablishing Palestine us the fatherland of Jewr,v_"

IC3

'[""WATCH TOWER

The railr{)ad which was built by the French Goveru~

ment between Heyak and Aleppo in northern Syria, and
the railroad built by the Germans also in northern Syria
in their attempt to connect Berlin 'with th(~ hrad of the
Persian Gulf, the Jews are beginning to recognize as in
fulfilment of passages of Scripture. In some magazines,
writers refer to visions of the retum of the lost tflbes;
but it is hardly probable that the so-called lost tribes
will have any consideration in the progress now being
made in Palestine. The scriptnn's whidl seem to have
fulfilment are : "And there ,hall be a highway for a
remnant of his pople, which ~hall be left, from A.s'yria;
like as it was to Israel in th(' dav that he came up out
of the land of Egypt." "In i hat day shall there he a
highway out of Egypt to .\s~yria: and ihe .-\.ssyrian
shall eome into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria;
and the Egyptians shall sen'e with the As,;yrians."Isaiah 11: 16; 19: 23.
There is also a French,built line climbing the mountains back of Damascus. In some places the grade.., are
very steep, the gradient being six p('rcent, and a rack
system is neees..<ary to secure traction. The ties used are
steel, as no wood coul(l ,tand the climate. The Hedjaz
railroad is of Turkish ('un:--ll'li('tu)Jl. Tho J afIa-Jerumlem railroad is fifty-four mil,, long. and is al,o said to
form a part "of the high\\ ay of prophecy." This road
was built by a French company.
Automobiles are cOllllng lllure and more into lhe in
the Holy Land, and in some paTts through ihe (lt~serh
the l'oad\\'ay is roped off so that t lh~ motorl:::t will not
lose his way. One writer says that tiro fonner Australian soldiers have a fleet of antos, allil are reviving transportation in the Holy Land. Journry=> that took SIX
wrrk, hy came! have been reduced to t\\o days by auto;
and the new form of transJlorta~ion is IJI'oying so popular that on s\)]l]e ront", tll, carrying capacIty of the
cars is booked for weeks ahl,<ltl. 'These motor-bus lines
traYel from Haifa io Beyroui; from Haifa through
K aZ<1rdh. Tihprias, then Hrdjaz to Deraa and on to
Damascll';. The business is said to be yery good and is
con,-iauilr increasing. There is abo an r.,tahli,hed route
from Haifa to Bagdad. 'Th:, latr,t H'nture is a route
from Egypt to Palestine, from Palesiine to Syria, and
from Syria to Bag(lad, the entire journey being made in
four days, without travel by night.
The ,rork of the Anwriean Jewish women in Palestine is rapidly modernIzing, and therefore, benefiting
ihe Holy Land. Just recently Hadassah, the wonwn's
Zioni"tic organization of Am('rica, celebrated its twelfth
anniycr"ary. It has esiablished one of the most indispenoable organizations in the life and upbuilding of
Palestine. It has four modrrn, bpautifully equipped
hospitals, nurses' training school, postgraduate courses
in infant welfare work, school and immigration inspection. infant welfare stations; and according to one
enthuciast, Hadassah may be ca1L'u "the goou angel of
Palestine." In a place. where the simplest fOrulS of

BROOKL'II. ~.

Y.

medical aid were not to be obtained, as was the case in

Palestine twrlve years ago, there is now ample supply
for the conserving of the hralth of the country. Arabs
and Christians are benefited equally with Jews. It
would he an incalculable lo:;s to Palestine should Hadassah withdraw its belllgn eiTorts to school, educate and
clean up the children who have been accustomed to
more or less squalor. Hada",ah is educating the whole
population to keep well amI to be clean.

PREPARATJO~S

MAD TO FREE THE POPE

It is known that the Pope is a prisoner in the Vatican, ami that the cOJlfinrnH'llt of the popes has been
especially close since 18~O, "'hen the Italian Goyernment and the Roman PontIfI severrd their more or less
agreeahlt' relatIOns. \nth the coming of the Fa~cdl in
Italy 11 ntler the dictator,lu Jl of .:ilu,:sulini, tht're ha, bee;]
a gradual rehn'ning of concilwtory favors to thr \'nl:can. Thl~ Italian Government has :mrrendercd to the
Papacy the \\ hole of Yatican Hill and has agrt'ed to
build, at its own cost, a palace and a series of houses
for tIlt' accomlllodation of ihe cardinals. In return the
Papacy will turn oyer to tlw Italian Goyernment scattcred propcrties throughout Home in which the cardinal..,
are now hOlw'd. Ont' part of ihe agreemellt is glut" an
important one. It relates to the indopendrnce of the
Pope. \\hich is to be guarallteed by the League of
KatlOllS (:). l~nder the agTt'Cmellt. the Pope ,rill remain an il:tl,'pemlol1t ,ovcreigll, and Yatical1 Hlll will
have the status of all ilHlepenuellt country. Thus the
,ray is payed by whirh th~ Pope may assume autlhlr;ty
in selHIlllg l't'pl" '..el' tat; \ e, to all the goYernments of the
world. \\'jih ilL' l'lp:ht to o.\jL'd in reciprocity ihat the
g-OWl'IlJllt'llt, of th' \\"Orl.! ];1a." send their amba',ador..,
to Yail('an Illl!. If ih:, L a:~'ue of Katiolls recognizes
the sovereiglliy of the 1'OjJI' d Home it will likrly give
him the same local statu" as any other rulc'r. Thus the
pO"'er of the Pope with Roman Catholics scattered aU
over the wor!.l II ho hal (. sworn alleg-iance first to thel r
Pope, and to th:'ir country aftenral'ds, can hardly b3
overestimated.
The present Pope is said to be one of the greate.. t
statesmen "ho has ever sat in the chair of St. Peter.
Pius XI is said to be quite modem ill his vi('\l's. Ht' has
publi"hpd his rxperH'!J('I's as an Alpllle cllmb:'r. He has
invited baseball into the grounds of the Yabcan. lIe
has submitted himself to the motion camera. He owns
an automobile; and owning an automobile is only the
first step toward using it outside the Yatican grounds.
For questions of falth. the present Pope is said to he
as adamant. this of course because of the claimed infallibility of the papal utterances. Our opinion is that this
claim to infallibility is the thing that will bring to the
Papacy the mm,t trouble, and will contribute to its
dethronement in the very near future, :Lor the reason

trheWATCH TOWER
that the truth concerning God's Word and plan and the
establishment of the Messianic kingdom is bound to
make its impression on the nunds of the people.
'rhe enlightenment of Amrrica and the desire for
freedom that burns in the breast of the average American, the clesiL~ for justice awl the loathing of bondage,
with th0 various movemrnts of an anti-Cathol ie character in this conntry, would of themsehes soon spell the
doom of Catholicism. 'rherefore it seems reai'on:I'lle
thnt the g-rrat achrrsnry, the real h~'ad of the Roman
Catholic Churd1, is tULiillg- tlw att'ntion of the Pope
and his colle agnes toward "the land of the free and the
home of the brave," to make America Catholic, and
therefore darken the portals of hberiy, turning back the
whcels of progress, a11(l bringmg America under the
domination of supcr,btlO11 ancl IgnlJrallce II hid1 prevail
in all Catholic countries; for this would counteract the
i1H'ITai'e of kl1O\l1ec1gc' a \ld put out the torch of liberty
all', ady agloll' in this Ccluntry,
TIll; Illakin:~ of 1\1"0 more ('udinals is not without
purpDsr. It 1:' to win the 1<l\ or of America; ancl \I"e
are tolel by the Papal ]lropagandi,is that the Pope hns
laicl 1t ClOW11 i hat in all future elections o( popes, i he
conclal"e "h,l11 wait unbl the .\merica11 carcluw.ls arriw,
This is elistmetly a reversal of sentiment from that
which \\"US manifested at the last conclave.
'flwre has been no renunciation by the Pope of his
ria i III to tnm poral pom'1' as a sovc're]gn, anel he is
a!JHlmg the time \\hen It will be safe to press the qUl'StlOn. II the Lea:~ue of Xat IOns reeognize~ hIS sovereig'lIty, the opportune moment "hall have come.
The Bible i,~ plain that Coel is against the League of
Nations, the Fc'<!('ral Council of ChllTehes, or any other
Ulllfying of interests or coopl'ratil"e movements to bring
uJllH'r,al peace' UI1<)]] ihr earih \l"lth purely human
strength. '1'he I.('ag\l(~ of NatIOns has been referreel to
as "the politIcal expressIOn of Goll's kingclom on ('arth,"
which is a hla"ph~'mou, "tatelllent di,honoring God and
belittling ilw 1lI1'",ion of Christ Jc'i'US in the rstablishment of his kingdom uJlon the earth for the blessing of
all the famil1<'s of the carth. By taking eoncilintory
steps to reeeiye the fa \ or, of the League of N a1l011s the
Pope shows us clearly that he nn(l his aclvisers do not
understand God's Word or his plan.
Perhaps \I"r lllay sc'~' ['a:,a~'.'" lifted high in the estimation both of thl' kl1"~dorl, of this worlel amI of ihe
people, who are bliLdly hopmg for the perpetnation of
thc old order of t1lil::~," '0 that in the desc'C'1It thC'reof
the i'ound may revrrl)('rate a1ld startle the world in
fulfilment of i he script nrc which says: "Rejoice over
h('r, th,;u heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophds:
for God hath ayengecl you on her. And a mighty angel
took up a stone hke a great millstone, ancl rast it into
the sea, saying, Thus \I"ith violence shall that great city
Br!J,ylon be thrown dml"!l. and shall ue found no more
at all'1-Hevelut.ion 18: 20, 21.

169

EVIDENCES OF CHANGING DISPENSATION'

With the going of the crowned heads of Europe is due

ihe going of the crowned heads of religion. When the
czar was banished, the head of the Greek Catholic
church came off; when the kaiser was dethroned, the
nominal head of the Lutheran church came off. And
now the head of Mohammedanism has come off. The
sultan of Turkey was the eivil and religious ruler for
four centuries: Civil, over Turkey; religious, over believers in the Koran, world-wide. The caliph and the
caliphate have stood for over a thousand years. When
the mltan was deposed by Mustapha Kemal Pasha and
11ls party, Abdul Medjid Effendi was made caliph. And
now the caliph and the caliphate are in exile. The
immediate reason for the ballishment was that some who
were opposing the government of the Kemalists were
drawing ",trength from the caliphate. It is anothC'r
decisive blow at rrligionists who dabble in politics. The
Nation says:
"Time was when religion dominated politics, but today
politics dominates rf'ligion-even in the l\loslem world. The
republic of Turk('y has abolished the caliphate, and thereby
demonstrated that it has more 110\\"('1' in its own world than
the bolslleyiks in Hu~sia or than the lay kingdom ever had
in Italy. Tile action is comparable to an abolition of the
papacy or of the patriarchate of the Eastern Church."
,rhen the Angora parliament was ready to do somethillg-. ]t nded quickly; for the measure of expulsion
('aIled for the imperial family to leave Turkish territory
WIthin ten days, the forfeiture of Turkish citizenship,
and the conibcation of all impenal palaces. Anti-religious activities haH' been olJ.viou, "ince the Young Tlll'k
rrvolution in 1~)o8; and contact with IVe"tern Ell ropG
has done much to rob the younger grneration of theIr
faIth in Islamic theology. HellglOUS belicfs of all kinds
arc hrcaking dO\m; and the people of the world are
gdting rl'ady t.> aeerpt and li\"e :,omething that is
reasonahle and iangible.
The Angora parLanH'nt has asmlilrd the authority of
the caliphate and th:-rdorc r,erc]ses "spiritual" authoritv over more thnn :300.0()() ,OO() Mohammeelans scattered
tl~roughout the world. The deposed caliph, from his
place of rxilc in SWlt;r,erland. thun<lered back his anath('ma at the lay rrpublic of Turkry ami drclared its decree
to be "blasphemous" and "sacrilegiolls"; but Switzerland has llotifi,d him that, as his reSidence there depends
on his good lwhavior, he j'(frain from all forms of religious and politIcal propagamln. The Angora government
has closed a number of Catholic schools, both French
and Italian, because it is charged they were attempting
to eonYC'rt Moslems. And, besides, the mellilOn of the
calirh is forbidden from State prayers in the mosques,
and instead the favor of Allah is implored for the
republican government and the Modem nation. One
despatch says: "The government evidently is keeping a
sharp eye on the clergy," In this respect the Turkish
goverr.ment is far in advance of the United Statet'
government. Mr. Lloyd Gec)rge has sl1id:

170

'The

\VATCH TOWER

"n~fore the "'''1' 'rur!;:py was telTitol'in11~' n Y:I,t (,1ll1,II'('

of many r:1('es. "'ithin its l'onfilleS "ere the mo"t 1alllous
shrine's iu the world: Jerusalem. Mpcca and Mpdina. By
the treaty it has bE'f'n deprin'(] of foul' great histori<' lamls:
Arabia, J\Iesopotamia, S~Tin. and Pal ('stine.... The ob,if'ctiYe of Mohammednnism is the ('onl'pnion of th,' world.
, .. The follo\\'('rs of )\[ohampl han~ ahandon('d the s\\'ord
as a prol1ag:alHlist "pnpol\. If the ('aliphate changes its
character, tll(,.I' nla ~ ,,('II lIP i ",pi rpd (0 (1',1' 01 her weapons.
If thE')' l10, there" III 11" a ('ontl1('[ of faitlls SUl'll as will
stir tIll' II'0rld, That !~ bel (PI' for mankilHl than the clash
of ~\\'o['(ls. .\nthol'lly i" ('Y('!'Y'l'hpl'p l'l'umhling. It is now
the turn of f:lith to (''(prl 1\" '1lay once more. If it comes
soon, :111 ,,'ill be 'I'pii. If It lal'l'i,'s. anarchy will fill the
gnp. 'Tilt' \\'ind blowp\h wh,'I'(, it listeth. and tholl 11('arest
the sound tllt'J'('of. hUI ennst not It'll" IlPllCe it cometh amI
whi tlH'1' i \ c:c,': h.' "
Hut til" fnith hrre rrfprrrd to \I'ill neyer rxert its
HI"'y:lgnill. Thr (\Id \1'01'1<1 has rndrd; and. the faith of
the Lord .T(,-US (,hl'1st is tlw thing now that will sway
the '1'01'1(1-<1 [tpr anarchy tills thl\ gap long enough to
rf'moyc all the r('"t of the ('Towns from the heads that
do not i'uhmit to t1H~ will of the people. Two of these
we huw particularly in mind: The head of the Episcopal faith, and. the head of the Roman Catholic faith,

TInoOl\LY~,

'N. Y.

,re

arc opposrd to violence in every form UlHl counsel

solwrllei'i' of mil1(1 amid.,t the fohifting H'('llei' of humanity. We phll'e our trust lInplll'itly iu thr Lord's hand
and wait for his rcign of l'ight('ousneos oyer the earth.
JESUS AS SA nOR 1\"",n KING

Eight mrmhers of tll<' South l'rr"hyt('rian chnrch of

Bcrg('llfil'1<l.. X. ,1.. p('htlonpd COllgr(';",~ to giw offici:ll
recognition of .TP;"\1~ Chribt as :-;al'lOI' alHl King of the
nations. An anwutlnwut to the Comdilntioll of the
United States is urged. as foll()\\'~:
"We, the people o( the Unitf'll States, deYoutly rpcog-nizing
the authority and la\\' of .Tf'su~ Christ, the Saviol' :111(1 Kin~
of the nations, and df'sirin,!!; to forlll a more Iwrfpl't IIn1On,
establish justice, insure dOIllf'stic tranquility, Ill'ovide fo!'
the common defense, prOlllote the g-eneral welfare, and
secure the blessings of liherty to ourselyes amI our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the
United States of America."
But if such an arrangement is ever accepted by J em;..,
it will be neceosary to eliminat(' the \yords, "Provide for
the common defense"; for that phrase smells of gunpowder.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR JULY 2

"The Lord. , . 11'ill j'l'fSrJTe

7.. ingdom."-.3 Timothy it: 18.

me

unto his heavenly

HESE words ('xprl'!'S all abiding confidence in the

Lord. They camr sp()ntaneou~ly from the hrart
of one who had fought his way through to victory, and ,,'ho was wattlllg for the Lord"s gOlHl time
when he might be rrl1l" (~d frol1l all his enrmJe,; and
enter trill 111 phani Iy into the king(10m. The vrnl'rable
and fnithful :\po,H(' of Jr,m' C'hl'i"t had journeyed the
rugge(l and nan"II' \I'ay, alld had gro,nl strong in the
Lord. alHl in the pOII'rr of hi,; might.
St. Paul was a mUll of like 111l;..slOns a" his brethren.
He 11:ld fought again~t hi,; imperkdion" an<1 had gained
the vidory. II e "a, a man of 110 Illpan profession. With
good addrr~s, ed.lll'ation and inil uence, a man of affairs
in the world, he could ha \l' wiell1ed great power alJlong"t
his fellow men. From man's siandpoint th(' world.
would haye confelTed UpOll him gl'l'at hOllOI'. .\ II t1w,;e
seduetiYe influences h0' ]'('sli'ted and countp(l as nothing,
that he might win Chri>t and share in his ]'(';"\ll'l'edion
and haye a part in his kingdom.
Because of his falthiul!l(:'ss and deyotion to the Lord
S1. Paul had bern stripprd of all earthly fripnrls: a]](l
his hE'art strings had bren torn bccause of misund''I"standing, misl'l:'j)n',-l'lltation and ]l(']',;eelltion at t1H' hands
of his earthly kill. Amidst all tlll'se trlbnlatioll~, trials,
and. persecutions his faith in God and thr Lord Jesus
Christ had. neyrr lI'anTell. He keJ.!t at all timrs brfore
his mental vision the blessings and glories of the kingdom of God, and the great bepefits ,it would. bring to his
fellow man. His heart's desire and prayrr to God. was

that his COUll (rylllen, the people of his own racr, a1ll1
others might br saved. He kne\" that the kingdom
would bring that ~alYatiOll.
Timothy was his brlovrd disciple. St. Paul klll'\\' that
he would ;.:oon l(';l\e him and so he wrote: "I':lldll],(~
amidions, do the \I'ork of an eyallgelifot. make fllll proof
of thy miniotry. . . . I am now r<'ady to be offl'l'e(l. and
the time of my departure is at hnnd. T ha\'(~ fOll,~ht a
goo(1 fight, T have finished my course, I han~ k('pt th~
faith. Henceforth i here is laid 11 p for me a crown of
righil'01HI("s. whil'h the Lord. the righteous ju(lge. ,hall
gin~ me at that day; and IlOt io me only, hilt II11to all
them a100 that lo\'e his appeartng."-2 Timothy .t: 3-H,
IlolI' like the <'xjJrl,ssion of all Christians of ill!" day
,1'11\) are \aliantly battling for thp right! We hall' l:omc
to i h, laot dayo, as mentIOned hy St. Paul in om l'01lt(:,,\1. It is indee(l a prl',lous tinH'. probably the mo"t
trying time in all the agl', the t 1llH' \"hen men are lovers
of ihf'ir own selves; oth('r\l'i'e ,iatp(1. \l'1wn selfishness
is <'xaltrd and love is at a d!'l:lllillt.
'1'h(\ Christian lll'ce""[lrily ha,; triab similar to those
,,,hieh amid the \\'llrld. (1 Corlllthians 10: 13) The
only ddf:.J'('nl'l~ i" that thc' Christian is provided a way
of escape" H<' fill(ls it ncce""ary to keep up a vigorou.,
warfare agattl'ot his ml'Jl selfishnrso a]](1 his falleu propensities. lIe finds It lleCr,,~al'Y to hatHe against tho
unholy illfluenl:es of thr \\,01'1(1. He is misundcn,tood. by
hIS friends, and deliberately mi;.:rcpresent.ed by his cnemies, The wickedness of others is a great test to his
patience. He finds trials in the home. trihulation in the
classes, persecution from ,orne II ]Il) think that they are
friends and from the worl(1. .\t iil~I('S he find,; himself
standing 'oeemingly alone, all hale forsaken him except

JUNE 1,

192-1

CfheWATCH TOWER

the Lord. He must fight on. Yet eal:nd l'ach Chri~tiall,

who is thus fighting, say as lLll St. Paul: '"I have
fought a good fight"?
If still fighting on the side of righteousne~s he may
be sure that the fight is a gcod one. Call1lot ('ach say:
"I have kept the faith," as did St. Paul? If still faithful and loyal to the Lord, his Wai'll amI his brethrt'n, of
course you have kept the faith. 'nwn cannot cal'll with
equal certa inty say: "I know there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me":'
The Lord is true to his side of the eouirad: alld if
we love his presellce and his king(lom tlllS is full assllfance that ik'r(' \I'aits a place in that kingdom for us.
By faith and rx traneous evidencr the Christian now say,
that the kingdom is here and that the Church 1l1i1ltlLllt
is in the last stages of the battle. He hears the Ilord, of
the Captain of our RahatlOn ringing in his ears: .. B(,
thou faithful unto (leath, and I will gi\'l' tlH'e a erO\m
of life."-Hevclation 2; 10.
Then with cOllJidellcc those surrounded on every hand
by evil worb and r\'il inJluence..; call. as dId ;-';L PauL
~ay: "The Lord :-hall Llehver mr from E'\ l'ry l'l'it \I'urk,
a1\(l will presenc me unto his hl'avcnly k1lJgdol1!: to
whom be the glory for ever and r\'('1'."
TEXT FOR .JULY 9

((Lef 1/S have qrace, whereuy

cCJdalJi!!.'-IIebJ'l'lL's 12: 28.

/I'{'

lIIay 81'1'I'{, r:o!l ac-

X TIlE contl'xt St. Paul is drawing a comparison

between cond tiollS at the illall:~:lIration of ill(' law
covrnant at l\fcunt Rinai and the 11('W CO\'l'lIalit at
thc time of the e,ta!JlJshnwJ:t uf thr kingdom. Th~ law
covenant had fmlrLl becall'l' of thr impcrll'ctious of mali.
The government of brae'l, the OIily 01l(' \1 hieh (;od had
recognized, hall abo failed becallse of the llJahility of
man to meet thr jmt and jlroper requir,'llIent., thrrrof.
All other attempts to establish a .ill: t and l'Ight('ous
government han' failed. That II h ieh Ims 1w('n 1I flfl"rmost in the minds of good men in ages past has bceu,
and is yet, a righteous and stable government that wiJl
bring their heart's desire; uamel}', life, liberty aud happiness. All of these desires, to the full aud complete
satisfaction of men, will be realized in the kiugdorn of
God and of his Christ.
St. Paul, addressing himself specially to the Chris-

171

tians Oil earth just preceding the inauguration of this

blessed kin!~dorn to be received and shared by the overcomlllg ~alnts, for the cncouragement and instruction
of all such sald: "Whcrefore we receiving a kingdom
which ('allll' t hr moved, let u,s havc grace, \I'hereby we
may ~('l'\'e (;ud a(:ceptuhly with rCH'J'('uce and godly fear."
Ire ullderstalld the .\pm.tle to mean that, having full
aSSUJ',III('(' tllilt the God of hl'aven is now bringing into
po\\'('r the ]ullg-promised kingdom of righteousness wh:eh
shall lll'\'rr })(' de~troved bllt \I'hich ,hall stand fore\er
awl hless tl1l', pc'opk. 'and ~e'eillg that it is our privilege
t'l knOll this fad alld h~' COlllltr(l in a~ memhers of that
glOl'lOllS kingdom, \Ir '!101lId II t thi~ divllle aud blessed
inJluellce so shape Oll!' hl'rs and conduct that we can, in
gTatlhule of llliud aud heart and \yiih 1Ulslwakable joy,
s('nc' the Lord.
To sene al'l'ep1uhly \\'(nJid mran that we will diligt~utl.y \yaidl fOl' OilportUIiJill'S to do what our Lor.l
\\'(lUl(l ha\'l' liS to tI'l. .\t tIll' time, seeing and appl'l':ciatiug the ('olllmaud of the Lord to prea('h the gospel
of the kiugdoll!, ('\'('J',I'()]l(' of his faithful followers who
is , t mng in Lllth. \1 ho lows Cod supremely iu his heart,
will hl~ mO\ l'd by the~ z('al peeuhar to the Lorcl's house
III d,'e]arillg that the kingdom of l\('aven is at hand.
III illl' e01l1l'\t :-;1. PaLlI is rmphasiziug til(' fact that
the Chlll'('h i,'i aplJl\ 1I('hing the dlld a~S('mbly of the
first-boms aud to .1 l'~lh. til(' jIc'<liator of the uew covenant, alill th.'n aclcl,,: "Sec' 1hat yc refuse uot him that
sp('akl'th." 'l'1ll'sC \\'()]'(ls of the Apostle seem to be a
"il'Ollg admoilition to cI'ery oue \I"ho has enlisted under
tIL, l'H11I1Pr of the King. to put f'll tll ('very possible
c~ [fort JlUW tu 1It' a t I'll(' and faithful \\"itllc"S con('rl'llll1g
tiL' klllgdOlli. It \\'o11l<l seel!l that thi, is th,' only kind
of ~l'l'\'ll't' th,11 I~ aC'cl'!ltahle to the Lord: that is to ~ay,
a ,e1'\ lCC~ i11dul'eLl eJltirdy by love, an nn~dfit'h devotWll
to hi" ('aust',
'1'0 ha\l' tlI(' ap}JrO\al of the Lord 1I0\I' means that we
~hall havc' greater rewards in thut klllgdom. This is the
tillll' ill which Uw grrat King is taking count with his
,('1'\ Ill! b ; and to thosl~ \1 h<l arc seniug, and have sen'ed
accep1ahly, hr says: '"Well done, good and faithful serI alit : thou ha"t been faithful in a fell' things, I will
Illakl' thee rulc']' 0\'(']' mac!\' things: Enter thon into the
joy of thy LUl'lL"-::\Jaithl'\\' 25: 21.
This c'xplaills \l'hv the Christian is now so joyful in
the sl'l'l'lce of the King.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT COLUMBUS, OHIO

l Conl'1uded froll1

Brother Hiehal'll A. Juhnson is no\\' J1Ja':il'g a bal'

of Europe in company \I'jth Brother Huth~Trord, and
Brother Jolmsoll's nllssi'ill is to advertise thIS lll!c']';:ational Convention in the various parts of Great Britain
and Continental Europe. It is expected that the brethren will come from the four corners of the earth.
For all blessings enjoyed we are indebted to the Lord.
This convention cannot be made a success unless by and

IHlg(~

1 (j-l)

ihI'Ull:~h

hi, spirit. Let eyery con,cerated child of the

Lord in tlw ('arth !,r:',c'nt thiS matter in prayer before
th? 1!J1'<1IIe oj' lL"I,,'IJly grace Uut the Lord will add his
blessiug ano llJake the comlllg convention at Columbus
to his honor and praise, and a tremendous witness in
behalf of Uw kingdom. Remember our slogan: AD-

VEHTISE THE KING AND THE KINGDOM;

the killgdom of heaven is at hand I

fOJ:

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

-~.Tn

11~--LI hi; ~: 1~1O---

tHYJl)IC LI:\r; pnJ:';];]~'I~Il r:\IIL Jr:SL~S CA)[r.-PI:OCLDL\TlO;-' 01,

Ins
"Tlu 11'1' I)(JlII In !!Oll I/.',~ ""!! III Ihe

Cltl!

',OIl'S

1:~\YOR To

,\IA:\Kl:\T}--JESl'S pnFsr.:\[];Il TO JEIIOY.<I.H,

~'ATllEn,

of /)avi(l a :';uPior, 1I'hith is ('hri"t the LorlI.H~ 1./II,e::?: 11, l? 1'.

on

the 11l':\.t nine mOllth~, 1he life 0( ,Tp"ll, is set for the
SlIn<1ny It'SSOIlS, l'n~I,'r t he Lord',; l!ro\ i<1PIl(;e w,~ n:ay
look fOl'\ya]'(1 to :1 tlll1l' 01 nltwh r('lre~hnll'llt of splnt
liS on('(' again \\(' t'on~ltlpr til" s:\('['(,d ]'(!conls Hnd keep company \yiTh him \yho",' jootsteps as disl'iples \ye follow, The
birth of Oll!' ].0['(1 is the fir~l study,
2The ~tory of Dl'thldlem JJ('ypr grows 0111. It is the story
of the most \yo]](lprfnl birth in t he history of the human
family, 1he hirth of the chil<l \yho was both the Son of
God and the Non of Juan. The nngpl's lnes~at!:e annollneing
the hirth \yas heanm's message to man of his coming dpliycrancp from the bOlldage of Pyi1. alld of the coming lin ion
in happiness IJPt',",'PII heayen ami earth and bptwpell God
nnd m,'n: "nlory to (lod in the highest, and on earth peace,
gooll will toward ml'II.'~-Luke 2: 14.
3God hatl kt'pt men waiting long for a realization of the
llOpe giyen in E,len, whpn it was sai,l that till' seed of the
woman ShOllld hruisl' tlw ,.,pr11ent's h('a,l (Gt~nesis 3: 1.,) ;
anti Satan, evcr a p"l'\"t'rtpr of the truth. hall sll(;ceeded in
b:indin,g the \\'hole of the 11UIIl:ln famil~' as to the pUl']lOSe
nnd the charactl'r of GOIL Eyen God's chospn peopl(~ were
In dense darknpss. Isral'1, sf'paratpll from the peoples that
they midlt be a witness to God, had forgotten why they
were sPlmrated.

DAVIDIC LINE PRESERVED UNTIL JESUS CAME

4It was in his own appoint('<1 time that God sent forth his
Son. (Galatians 4: 4) Israel hall then been undpr senitude
to the Gentiles for more than UOO years; amI God had not
spoken to them sincl' tlip days of ~Ialachi, 400 ~ ears bpfore.
It sf'emp<1 to many 1hal the promise of a :Me'ssiah was not
to be understood in its plain meaning; and the Sadducees
were frankly ullbplievprs. Also, if we may judge by the
absence of all r,'marks to tIl(> contrary, it is reasonahle to
suppose that f'ven tlie family of Davirl, from whom the
promised seetl wa., to spring, was failing. It lIIay be that
Joseph anll :\Iary \\1'1'e each the only rppresenta1ivf' of
Solomon nml :"atlwn 'Ind tlmt their union was expected to
kePp t he line of [J,n id aliY!',
"The moral condition of the worlll at that time was very
bad. Paul's dpslTiption of it in }{omalls 1: 20-:l~ is a tprrible
revelation. But the swaying to amI fro of the great powers
in victory and defeat; the ('astpl'll magnificence and Greek
learning, followell by the military power of Rome which
hrought the world under one eontrol, prepared the way for
thp nwssage of the Savior to go abroad amongst the nations
and ae('omplish its worl" In ISl'llf'l many had begun to persuadp tllemsplvcs that their nation was the promispd Messiah and the~' the chosen sef',l; an(l when the time came
for the hirth of the Savior tlH~re were only a few who were
looking for the real hopQ of Israel. It was to thes(' first
that the message was sent. As the appointell time tlrew
nigh, Zacharias and Elizabeth were given information; and
their faith nml loyally were honore,l hy their haying the
privilege of becoming the par('nts of the lwomised forerunnel' of tilt' )[essiah. (Luk(' ]: 13) And. as God had an
nppointed timp for tIll' birth of the chillI Je'sUS, tllPre was
also a set time for (Jml's angpl to appear to )lary, the
~'oung maiden of :\'azareth 1\lI1'P in 11('a1't towar(ls God lind
already e~I)()Uspd to .Joseph. to tell her of the favor conferred upon her.-Luke 1: ~S,
6l\Iicah (ell. G: 2) hat! !juit! that Dotllleheill was to be

the blrllljllacp or th(' (lIIP \\ho was 10 ('OnH:; out there

sPPllll',1 no hllln'lll pl'lIli:lliility that Ih(' child \vhieh was
Ill'gollpil of God h>' the Il()ly ~pil'it \\'Imlll be born there,
?lI:lJ'~" \yho had lwen fl\vay from :\'azareth to visit her
,'ousln Elizaheth in JUllpa. lWll rNurne,1 home, and the
pxrwctation was that her chilLl \\ ould be born there. But
:1Il "diet i~sued by nome commalHlin;;, that all the worlll
should OP ('nrolll'd, each l)('rson in his native city, reachcli
.Josf'ph aUlI )[ary in ::'\azareth; anll a little while bpfol'l~
t hl' hirt h of the child, thl'y set out for Bethlphem. They
aniyed t hpl'e just ill tinw for the wonl of God to 1)(' ful
lillf'll. By this edict God sllOwed that he used the Gentile
power as his agpnt to fulti! his WOl'll. l'\ot only angels but
\\~illds :11 III storms fulfil his will, and the policies of the
nation~ are made to play their part. God moves in mystprious ways his wonders to perform.
7The traYelers were too late for accommodations in tlw
inn, and were erowded into the caravanserie; and thel'l'.
under comlitions most distressing; to the mother, the ehilll
of promise was born. There \\as no one to make prpparation for the Son of the Highest; no one there to dn honor
to tile royal bab!'. It had not pleaserl God to have any
vn'Yious announcement made, and the pal"'l1ts \yerc ]onel~';
antl except for the warmth of the motlwr's Iwart, and th!'
care of Joseph, there was no wekome for .Tesus. But rlurillp;
the ni;.':ht, we may be sure at a conveni!'nt time for t h,'
mother, the fields of Dl'thll'hem were lit. A gn'a t light
slione on some shephenls who watched tlwir flock,. An
angel spoke to them, carrying the message of 011l' Goldpn
Tf'xt. The sign by which they would recognizt' t he babe
was that he should be found "wrapped in s\\'addling cJotlles
lying ill a nlallg'Pl"."~Lukc 2: 12.
8The slwpherds need not look for this heaven-annoulll'ell
babe in a large house, nor eyen in an inn, but in the ~':II'll
of the inn amon;;st tIll' animals sheltercd for the night. :\'0
sooner was the messup;p given than a heavenly host brokl'
out in song. The last w01'l1 of thp angel was of a babe lyin~
in a man,g;er: the first wonl of the hean'nly host wa,".
"Glory to God in the higlH'st," a~ if to mark the coml>:I's
of hUlnun redemption from the voverty of man to the glory
of God. The angels withtlr",v, and the shl'pherds went with
haste. Thpy found Mary and her child. Then the moth,'r
knew that heaven was watching, and she could no longer
feel lonely. Shp noted all the words the shepherds spokp,
"and pont]ered them in Ilf'r hpart." (Luke ~: 19) Surely
only a lowly mind U1Hl a me('k heart could have borne
uncomplainingly the trials of leaving Nazareth under the
eircumstances, the discomfort of the journey, and of tIl!'
arrival in Bethlehem. A heart meek before God is a
precious treasure.
PROCLA:\IATIO:'o< OF GOD'S FAVOR TO MA='I'KIND
DThpre are 1'011:' thing-s mentionpd in the angel's message:
(1) There "is bol'll this day"; (~) "in the city of David";
(:l) "a SaYior": (4) ",,,hieh is Christ t1w ]'O!'d."
"'(1) St. Paul says it "'as in the fulness of time that
nOll sent forth his Son, born of a woman. (G:llatians 4: 4)
It was in thp midst of the years that he came; that is, the
midst of the yl'ars alloeatt',l to the two Israels, natural and
spiritual; midwaY betwepn the selection of earthly Israpi
as a nation, and the return of Goll's favor to that people
after t1lpil' dcsolation. Understanding the plan of God \\ e
1 _')

,~

173

CfheWATCH TOWER
s('e tile reason for the lon,g delay. ,[Ilen! wa~ Ihe nel'd of
the (]eyelopment of thp Iluillan family; also it was llt'CP~~:lry
tllat there sllonhl be the ;,election of the I'Ilose[1 falllily, a 1Il1,
a~ God hud many purposes in mind, it was m'('l'ssary that
many typical pid mes be made for tile later days, and therefore there were many exp{'riences for Israel to undergo.
These things occupied the time from the giving 0'( the
promise till the appointed time when the l\Iessiah should
b(~ born.
11(2) The place was appointed, Bethlehem was but little
among the thousands of Judah; but it was the place of
David's birth; and as the stem of Jesse, out of which the
"rod" should come, was set th('rl', it was titting that the
rod should shoot forth from Bethlehem. It is a happy
connection which is continued by our Lord's association
with Bethiehl'm as a child; for it was the city of Naomi,
llnd of Ruth and Boaz, of Jesse, and of David. It was in
the fields of Bethlehem that young David made sOllie of
those plans which later spread so much lustre on his life
as a Eervant of Jehovah. It was in Bethlehem then, the
House of Bread, that the world's redemption bpgan; and
there first heaven was heard in song. The little city is still
\'xistent. Capernaum and Chorazin, and many of the places
wherl' .Jesus ministered, have long since sunk into oblivion
(Matthew 11: 20-24) ; but Bethlphem rl'mains, as if waiting
for the reoturn of the King. Without doubt it will be a
place from wllich the truth of God and the blessings of the
kingdom will go forth through all the earth.
12 (3) He that was born was to be a Savior for both
Israel and the world of men; for the child was the seed of
the woman, born to bruise the serpent's head. (Genesis 3:15)
lIe is also the seed of David to rule in power and to restore
the fortunes of the chosen people, and to sit on the throne
of the Lord ruling over all the earth. (Psalm 89: 3, 4;
72: 17) He is the seed of Abraham, to bless all the families
of the earth. (Gpnesis 22: 18) Matthew tells us how he
saves: It is first from their sins; for it was sin which
separated Israel from their God, even as it was sin Which
separatl'd the human family from him. (Isaiah 59: 2;
Romans 3: 23) But salvation from condemnation only is
incomplete; for forgiveness is neg-ative in character, and the
sinner needs more. He needs a helper; lind Jpsus is a living
Savior, who implants righteousness and !I. hatred of evil
with desire to do the will of God. He is a Prince and a
Savil)\.~Acts 5: 31.
13 (4) The child was announced as the anointed Lord.
'l'his does not mean that the infant was the Christ or the
Lonl; for he could be neither. It is merely a declaration
of what he was to be. Later, when thirty years of age, he
was llaptizel1 with the holy spirit and became the Anointed;
but it was not till after his death that he became Christ
and Lonl in the fullest sense. (Acts 2: 36) It was necessary
that he who was to ue Lord of all should be born of a
woman; for he could become the Savior only by becoming a
lIlan. God's pl:lll was that man shoull1 be saved through sin
atonement, and therefore by the offering of a perfect human
life as a corre~[lonllillg price for that perfect human life
which was lost by Adam on his wilful disobedience.1 Timothy 2: 14, 4-G.
HOn the eighth day the child was circumcised and was
given the name Jesus, or Joshua, which means Savior. Cir<:nmcision was the sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis
17 : 10), and was necessary if he were to be accepted of
God. Circumcision was older than the law given at Sinai;
and no Jew, however righteous outwardly according to the
law, could be inside the covenant of Abruham antI therefore
inside Israel's blessings unless he were circumcised. Thus
Paul sttys of himself that he was 'a Hebrew of the Hebrews,
C'i.rcumeised on the eighth day.'-Phil. 3:;:;; Lev. 12: 3.

JESl'S PRESE~TED 1'0 JEHOVAH, THE FATHER

"On the fortieth day the "arPHt,; went to Jerusalem for
t hI' mothpr's puritic'ltioll and for the presentation 01 the
\'IIi hI to Jehonlh. It was a marl.ed day in .Tpsus' life; for
1he signs the mothl'l' got that (lay nlarkl'(1 heaven's blessings npon the bllill'. In later days 0111' Lord on th~ee occa~iow; heard a word from heaven accppting him as the wellI'l']oyell (Marl;: 1:11; Luke 0::),., JOhn 1:.!:2S): but on
this day the mother received the ,vitlle~,; in the words of
Simeon and of Anna the prophetc~s. Bot h of tlwse had
been waiting for the consolation of l~r:j('l; and both of
them, led by the holy spirit, recognizc(1 In the child there
pl'l'sented to the Lord the One of \Yhom th2 prophets of
Israel had spoken.
If>Simeon, who ha(1 long \Yaited, no\Y kll("" that his end
was come: for it had bef'n rl'yealed to him that hI' should
not die uefore he had seen the Lord's Christ. I t " Il~ as if
he had been kept aliye pll!'J)(Jsely to witness tllat IIIP child
was accepted of God. His work was now (lone; hi~ ,'ourse
was run; and he said: "Lord, now lettest thon th~- Sl'l'Yant
depart in pPlIce, according to thy wonl: fOI' mine I',\'PS ha ye
Slc'lc'n thy salYation; which thou hast prepared bPl'ore the
face of all people; a ligllt to lighten the Gentiles, and the
glory of thy people Israel."-Luke 2: :.!8-3K
17Tlwse things, like the Old Te~fament stories. arp written for onr learning. It is said that hisfory n'pellls itself.
Certainly the things whieh happened to ISI'<I('1 \\,('I'\, to bp
repeated on a grt'llter and gnuHler scale; 1'''1' Ill' who had
come to earth from Ileayell, who h:ll1 found IllS tirst l'l~ting'
place in a manger, and who was ulIlmowlI IIIH1 1I11l'l'\'ogniL:ed
by men, WllS to come again in po" er a lid glory. But hi~
second coming was in such manner lind of ~lIch a character
that those who ought to haye been read,\' for him l1WII, were
as ignorant concerning 11is coming and as awr"c to his
presence, as Bethlehem lind .Teru~al(,lIl were ignorant that
the prophpcies wpre being fultillpd, and as ayerse to the
messenger from God.
1BBut now, as then, God has his small company of faithful ones who wait for the consolation of Israel, who haye
seen in his \Vord his gracious promises towards men, and
who know that l\1l'ssiah has come to sayc his faithful. fol
lowers, to restore Ilis ancient peoplc Israel. and to deliver
and restore all mankind. These, like til{' faithful few of
that day, Inn-e heard the word of g-l':lCf', and know as surely
as :\[ary dill that God is fultilling his word. Thp,\' know the
mysteries of God. These art' they wllo have heard the joyfUl
sO\llHI of truth proclaimed from Zion, saying, "Thy God
reignetll." In tUI'll they become the messengers carrying
the truth abroad.
QUESTIONS FOR

BEREA~

STUDY

What story never grows old? What is the Hnport of the angpl'R
son!':'! ~ 1. 2.
What has Satan done to discourage us '! What had Israel forgotten? ~ 3.
How Ion!,: had Israel been ulllier sl'l'Yillldp to the Gentiles? Who
were the ancestors of .J ospph awl ':Ual y'J

~I

4.

What was the moral ('oll(11tlOll of the world 1!100 yearR a!':o? What
was th(l' real hopf1' of I:--rapl" \\'ho were lavol'ed with inforlll:ltion about the COIlllng- of -'It':-':-liah'~ ~ J.
Wlwre was Jesus to be born? lIow <lid (;od al'l'anl:(e it? ~ 6.
""hilt sp('C'ial trial of faith did ::\lary h:lYf""[

To whOln <1if] the an-

nouncement of the birth rome? IIow \\ as it I:iven? '17,8.

Of the foul' thin!':s mentioned hy the allg-el, what may be said of
the time of the hil'th'! ~ n, ] O.
For what is the birthplace notrd? ~ 11.
What was the special mission of JCH'" first advent? '1112.
When was Jesus anointf'(], an<l what was the purpose of the anointing? ~ 13.
What is the sign of the Ahrahamir covenant to the Jew? 1)14.
When was Jesus pre!'ented to ,Tehm-ah? What special ble'Ring dl<1
lIIary receive at that time? ~ 15,
Tn what particular way was Simeon fa'Cored of God? '1116.
What is the ,equel to the hrst advent of Jesus? 1)17.
What were the characteristics of those favorcd at the first advent?
What are the Characteristic of those tP\ "',-<..1 now? 'II IS.

THE BOYHOOD OF JESUS

--JT;LY 1:l--LuK~:

:!: 40-52--

8ATAN BOUGHT THE DESTRUCTroN OF JESUS-.IESlS SHOIU SOJOT.:RN IN EGYPT-RE~lARKAnLE nay AT TWELVE YEARS OF AGEPERn:CT IN BODY, MIND AND HEART.

"J esus ad'Pallced

in

wisdom and stature, and in. favor with God and men."-Luke 2: 5,?, R. V.

T WAS not very long after the presentation of Jesus in

the temple (Luke 2: 27) that there came to the house
where J osevh and Mary lodged three strange visitors.
They wpre called "wise men from the east." They had gone
to Jerusalem. asking. "\yhl're is he that is born King of
the Jews: for," they saili, "we have seen his star in the
east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2: 2) Herod
beard of them, and he and all Jerusalem with him were
troubled. He called together the chief priests and scl'ibes,
and demanded of them where Christ should be born. It is
evident that HerOll associated this announced King of the
Jews with the Anointed One of the Scriptures. They informed him that Bethlehem was to be the place out of
which the ruler of God's people Israel should come.
2Herod then had a private audience with the three ma.ti.
tor f,\Ich they really were, inquiring particularly when the
star Hvpeared. He then sent them to Bethlehem, bidding
them search diligently for the young child, and then to
come and tell him that he also might worship the child.
As they left Jerusalem for the six-mile journey. they saw
again with great joy the star tlley had seen in the east.
n gUilled them to where the young chilli was. We could
not suppose that this was a star; evidently it was an
unusual Jight which apppared to them. Nor may we think
that it was sent of God. Rather we must suppose it was
a me:lns of Satan used as part of a deep scheme he was
employin~ for the destruction of the child.
The magi
entered the hOlls\'. and befol'e the eyes of the astonished
mother and JOSPl'h they ft'll down and worshiped the babe.
Then they opened their treasures and presented unto him
gifts of gold, ill \(1 frankincf'nse, and myrrh. (Matthew
2: 11) Warned of God in a dream, thf'Y returned to their
own country anot/Jer wav. Probably the same dream occurreli to each; and as they dl~co\'erell this, they decidpli
that this was a warning to them.
SATAN SOUGHT THE DESTRUCTIO'" OF JESUS
3The angel of the Lord thpn appeared in a dream to
Joseph, and balh' him take tire young child and !lis motllPr
and flee into Eg:\'pt, tu wait there until the ang-el should
Visit him; for Herod would sepk the ~'OUllg child to destroy
him. (Matthew 2: 13) .Joseph arose; and they departed by
night, evidently with the intention that none of their neighbors should know which direction they had taken. When
Herod saw that the magi had mocked him, he sent men to
Bethlehem to slay all the little children of Bethlehem and
the neighborhood from two years old and under. This was
a wilful endeavor on the part of Herod to destroy the one
whom he believed was God's anointed; for his inquiry of
the chif'f priests and scribes was concerning the Christ of
the Scriptures.-Matthew 2: 4.
4It is said that when Herod was near to death-and that
would be about the time of this incident-he commanded
that 011 his death all the chief officers who had attended
upon him should be put to death, in order, as he said, to
make sure that there would be a great mourning. His pathway to powl'r had been one of bloodshed, and his life one
of flerce self-indUlgence. He ended his reign by getting his
name all record as the attempted murderer of the holy child
Jesus, and as being the author of the massacre of the innocents of Bethiehelll. Yet Herod was a "religious" man;
for it was he who brought the temple to such glory as that
building had not previously had; and both he and his
faMily made great profession of being supporters of the

Jewish relLgion. IIerod was, of course, nn Edomite; he

was such in spirit as well as by descent. lIe was one of
those who wonld destroy the anointed of the Lord so that
they might keep their positions and possessions.
"THE WATCH TOWER has previou",l~' set forth that the
magi, however sincere, were not led to Bethlehem by Jehuvall. Their going was an endeavor by Satan to oppose God
and, if possible, to thwart the divine purpose and to bring
injury to the young child. As soon as Satan iearned of the
Hght on the fields of Bethlehem aU11 of the angel's message,
he got busy. For centuries he had prPIHlred the east for the
story of the birth of the child of the prophecies. Unable to
thwart the purposes of God, his policy has ever been to
pel'Vl'rt the truth and to distort the facts connected with it.
We may pl'esume that the magi were sincere in their adoration and in following what they believed to be supernatural
guidance; but the result of their mission was the flight of
the fHlnily to Egypt for safety and tlw murder of the irlllocent children of ];p! hlchem. This a 1tpmpt on the life of
Jesus must be consil!erell as one of many attacl{s Satan has
made to destroy the promised seed. Once ag1}in he was
foiled.
6There are many today who COl'r('spond to these wise
men: many who go into raptures about the child .Tesus,
about Jesus of Nazareth, about the cross of Calvary, and
who worship in the great temples tllPY have prl'ctpd to his
honor, but who neverthell'ss are entirely misled as to his
relationship to God and to the world's salvation. They
bring their gifts, but not their hearts. They are worshipers
of that to which Satan has guided them. The time has now
come for the truth to be made known to all such as these;
and they must decide between the truth and the error they
h:l\ e enjoYCll so long.
7Un('ncumhered by the western impediments of family
life, Joseph and Mary hasl('d on southward through the
desert towards Egypt. The offerings which the magi hrought
would provide the family with what was necessary for the
jonrney to Egypt and their sustenance while in that land.
The parents must have womlprPl1 why God acted in this
way. The warning to move from nethlehem called for quick
action. and yet God must have known of the dang-pI' approaching. Joseph and Mal'y had to learn the lesson of
trust and contentment in the ways of God. His servants
must learn that he has many purposes to work out, and has
the right to do what he will with his own without giving
explanation. His faithful ones may know that they will be
protected, and that his care over them will never cease nor
even slacken. God had a purpose to 8('1"\'e in allowing the
magi to go to the young chilli and in permitting Herod's
cruel action.
JESUS' SHORT SOJOURN IN EGYPT
Mit could not have been long bpforp the Lord's angel again
appeared in a dream to Joseph, bidding him to return with
the young child and his mother (:Matthew always mentions
the child before the mother) into the lanll of Israel; "for
they are dead which sought thl' young child's life." (Matthew 2: 20) 'rhe plural pronoun is interesting. It seems
probable that In the brutal order of death to all his chief
officers Herod unwittingly served the purpose of God, and
caused to be killed all those who sought to klll the young
child.
9The world for all its boasting has not progressed so
much as that it can be said that such things are now impossible. The vicious spirit which was manifested in so many
17'

I ,I

I,

1!1~-l

'The

WATCH TOWER

higil place" III Christenl]om during the \Yodd War IS eyidelH'p ~uttkipnt to proye that it is still existent. Eyidl'nces
seem to indi<'all' that there are still lIerolls, sprY'lI\ts of
Satan, willi would de~troy the truth and its l"t'prp~pnlatiYes
rathpI' than losp tllPil' plaee or priYilegp and LJO\\ er,
I""latthcw says thaI thc ('hild Jesus was taken into E;.:ypt,
"tlwt it Illi,ght be fulfilled which was spokpn o[ the Lord by
till' prophet, saying, Out of Egypt ha\e I called my son,"
(.)Iatthew 2: ]5) Egypt represents the world CHlTying on
\\'i IIIOUt God, It has sheltl'rp(] (lo(l's peoplp :IS wpll as oppressed them; for Abraham went there in tllue of famine,
and so did Jacob awl Israel. IlHh'ed, the nation of Israel
may be said to have l)('en born in Egypt (Exodus 1: 7), aud
it is to their dpliyenlIlCe that HO~l'a makes reference,
(Hosea 11: 1) The call of the young child Jesus out of
Egypt was eYidently' intendp(] to be a figure of the fact
that Jesns wns fOlllIlI among lllpn as one of them, but was
callpd apal't, Joseph was not toll'l where to go on his return,
lllld he thonght to go back to Bethlphem, But warned of
<iod, he wcnt northward to (lalill'e and settled in Nazareth,
as "latthew sa~'s, "that it mkht fulfilled which was spoken
by the prOllhl'1s, Ill' shall bl' c:llll'd a :\'azarene," (Matthew
2: :2:1) Thl're is no scriptul'l' which says this, E\'idpntly
1\lat thew snmmarizps, nwaning that tile prol'lwts sppak of
Jesns as a dpspised one (Isaiah 53::1), eyen as Nathaniel
proyil]es a proof, saying, when he heard of thp one spoken
of as Christ being of ~azareth, "Can there an J' good thing
con\(' out of :"lazareih'!"-John 1: 46,
11'1'he family settled there, and other children were born.
(Mark G: 3) Joseph was a ct1l'pl'ntpr, and proyidel] for the
family by his labors; for though tlwy were so honored of
nol! it was not his will to give them luxury 01' eH'n ease,
The Son of God must learn tile life of the pl'ople by expenence; for thus to learn that life is very ditTprent from
knowing it only by observation, So practical a mother liS
:\lary would see that Jesus received the prol",r training for
a child, ('prtainly she would endeavor to train his mind
and \\'(Iulll lind him some work to do; amI Ill' with his
unusual mimi, perfect indeed in its ever-increasing capacity,
would waut work both for it and for his hands.
REMARKABLE BOY AT TWELVE YEARS OF AGE
12\Vhen Jesus was twelve years of age, he was taken hv
his parents to Jerusalem to the fpast of the l'assoYe~'.
Perhaps he had gone there before then; but this yisit is
sppcially notnble because it is the only hit of Jesus' life
between his infancy and the entrance on his ministry at
thirty years of age \\ hich is- recorded, It is intplIlled a; the
one necessary illumination of his life prpYious to that ministry which was to Ill' the light of the world, In Jprusalem
hp dill not pay speeial attention to his parellts; there was
nil need, though he was still ill their care, \\'1' may he sure
tllat there was no careless lack on his part, and certainly
nothing approaching llisobedil'nce; ami yl'1 we are not
entitled to suppose that he was so absorl"'tl in gaining
further instruction and knowlellge ihat he llil] not know
\\ h,,1 11('1' (II' not his va rents, anl] the many ot hers with whom
tl}('~ \\,,,ul<1 tran'l, harl left J('l'U~'tll'm 'I'hl'y had staded on
tlwir \\':lY', Itut bp ~t:lYP(] 011. 'I'I}('~' returned seeking him,
sO!Towin,"; anl] it \\as not till thl' lhil'l] day that they
found him, To tllPir Slll'pl'i,t> he \\'as in the tpmple with
thl' h':lrned mpn a~l;i "" tl1l'!l1 qUl'st ions alld answering
thei rs, his 11l1~\n'l'~ a "" his q Ul'~tlOns brillgi II~ L l1't h expressions or snl'pl'ise ))(,(,:lU,P oj his kno\YI!'llge of the Sr:riptures
and his undl'rstandin~ of t hpir llUrllort.
1'That he then under'tood much concerning himself is
clear; but he willingly followpd his Pol rents to Nazareth,
and was subject to Ihem, (Luke :2:;']) His relationship
to ll1pm wllull], how,,\'I'I', 1)(' somewhat different from that
timl', 'l'hl'y would realize that he recognized a responsibility,
llnll he would unl1erstand the need for remaining under tlielr

175

care and such tutelage as thp~' coull1 pro"ide, Luke tWice

mentions I.hc growth 01. ,1l"llS, In ('\Iapler 2: 40 he sass
or ,1 P,ll~ 'I'> a boy': "The chi III grew, and wa.:led strong in
~pirit. tillt'd \\'iLh \\ iSllom, and the grace of God was upon
hilll," Laler, writing of Jesu" aftl'r hI' \\ as twelve years of
age, Iw s'lys: "Jesus lllcreaspd in \\ bdom and stature, and
in fayor with God and mtln," (Luke :2: ;'2) As a very
~ ollng boy Jesus showed wisdom,
IntuitiYely he judged
aright, llj~cernillg tile prop"r thlll,g to do, the proper COUIl:itl
to take; and he had t ha I grace of mallllPr aud deportmeut
aml the nlo(]esty "hl('h are always so pll'a~ing and helpful,
:lInl which are ever a n'fre~hmellt \\ h,'rt'\ 1'1' 'I'en. Jesus
pll'asl'(\ his Father in heaven, and wa~ pil':t,ing 10 all with
whom he came in cOlltnd, EYidl'ntly hi~ gl'O\vth in stature
\\ ns lIormal, as WI' should expl'l't, lIis growth in \\ isdom
a 1\(1 gl'a,'p was allllll I'll ltil , and caused remark. He woultl
I)('l'('piye llimself to be llifferent from his fellows; but tllPre
\\'as uo n~sumption of superiority,
PERFECT IN BODY, MIND AND HEART
14There has been much l'OlltroVl'rsy as to whether or not
Jl'SUS labored with his hands, Mark call" him the carpenter. ("lark 6: 3) But sonle will IUlYe it that Jesus did not
labor at lhe bench, 'l'h,,~p think lhat he ne(',kd all his lime
for nlt'<Iilation in preparation for his ministry, Jesus no
dOl:bt look his shal'p in the resllollsibility of the 11On1l', und
did 1I0t need twenty to t \\'I'llty-the ypurs of mental preparatlOU in order to entpr upon the work for which he had come
alllon,g nll'll, Ilis pl'rlel'! organism \Youl,1 serve him Wl'Il,
and llllWiI meditatioll \\as not ~o nen'ssary liS some haye
SUpposl'll; for hI' helll the truth of GOl] in Himplicity,
untrammded by the tl'luIttiolls o[ men, His course is the
exampk for his Sl'rnlllts of to(lay,
13"'" have uot the nleilial eqnipn1l'nt that .Jesus had;
hut 111l' simplicity oj' the truth or ihe plan of God is its
power, and he who is pl'ivile,ged to Illini~ler 1'01' GOl] does
not lIl't'd to set himself to a course uf profound study in
order 10 lulfil his mission, The \\'isdom of the world tends
to foolishness (1 Corinthians 1: :21)); but till' f('ar of the
Lord is the bp,ginnin!.: o[ wisdom, and he who holds lhe
t ruth in simplicity and ~incerity has t ha I \\ Illl'h will make
hlln \VI~p awl Ullllprstnnding, (Isaiah 11::2,3) While it is
true tha I. long or sppcia I prt'pa l':l t i, 'll i, not necessary fol'
till' lllilli~ter of the Lord willi is qukkpnt'd hy the llUl,\'
spirit, it should be rellll'mht'l't'd that lht' lrup disciple will
also tlesire to copy lJis :\laSlel' III tlte lllallll('l' or giying tltt'
nl(l~"5:1gl'.
Both ill tit }llll'lll1ent and ill phla .... (ology carp
~holihl 1)(' ('xel'cisell: 111('l'1' Sl10Uld h.. rt'sl,lt'j t" III(' message
allli to Illose who al'p IblPlli.I;': 'I'ltp trill!) lIpj!1 in the grucl'
of God \yill of itself instl'uct til(' S"I'\:I/Il or the Lord into
ahility to speak it alT"pluhl~',
QUESTIONS FOR BElmAN STUDY
Who yhlted ,le"lIs? "'hat question dl(l IIPl'od IJl'Opountl to the
<'llipt priests and scrihes? ~ 1.
\\ hat" ih Herod's next mo\"e'? How,.. erf' the magi guided? ~
What llit! God do to protect Jesus '3 "'hat was Herod's"" .d,.l
ol'c1Pl': ~ 3.
"'l'at odt! thing did Herot! do resp<'t'tinl: his ('hief otlil'ers? ~ 4,
(;1\ Illl.!; fill'" magi credIt tor the l,""-1 01 Intention::-i, "hat IUUy be
tl'llthtllily said of them '! ~:;
Vo the magI have a countpl'part III our day, and are they those
\\ho how to the shnne of error? ~ G,
lIow w('rp Joseph and :Ilary favorE'd in a hasty flight? ITow did
(;od o\'prrule the \ bit of the ma~l ': ~ 7.
'Vhell aul the ang-e] instruct thfl111 to ,'pturn to Palf':"tinf'? "~bat is
the Rignlnc31H'e of the pronoun "thf":'o" In .:\Iattlw" :!. 201 1f 8.
Is the world better or worse thnn it "'" 1lI the days of llE'rod? ~ 9.
What do"s Egypt rppI'e""nt? Why was ,Jesus in Egypt and called
out' "'hy did thp li~lle fanuly "eille in :\'azareth instead of
I1ethlp)II'm? ~ 10,
"'hat werl" the favorable surrounding..., (If .1<"1h in childhood? , 11.
III what way did Jesu~ manifest thnt lip \\ a, :t remarkable boy at
the age of twelve '! ~] 2,
What does Luke say concerning the de\'('I"plJU'lI( and l:rowtll of
Jesus '! ~ 13.
Is it reasonable to suppo,e that J",'n, labored \\111, hi~ han(l~~ 'I ]4,
"'hat Is the secret of the PO\\ el' of tlle truth and of lJein~ Wise
to\\ an] God? '115.

International Bible Students Aqsociation Qasse9

Lec{urel5 dI1d Studies by Trdvelin<jJ Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER
White Ash, IlL.
June 22, 23
Mari'On, Ill. .................,
24
Valier, Ill. .................."
25
CarJ)o'"lale, Ill.
" 26, 27
Anna. Ill.
29
Mounds, Ill. ................"
30

Marshall, Ill..............June 12
Rollinson, Ill.
13
I,awlenceville, Ill. ......,
15
Belmont, Ill.
16
llal'l'''llur&,~ Ill.
"17,18
r uucah, Ky.
" 19,20

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Enderlin, N. Dak
Berlin. N. Oak. ..
Fredonia, N. Dal..
Berlin. :-i. ValL
Conde, S. DalL
Mellette, S. Ilai,.

June
19
.. 20 ""
23; ~4
25
27
29

:1Ilinneapolis, Minn.
.. June 10
, 11
St. Paul. lIlinn.
],aq;o, ;:.;. IJak.
13
:llinot, N. Vak ....
15
1\ew Hockford, ~ 1 ).1 J.. ..
16
\\'~'ndmere, :\. Oal,.
18

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
1;)
Charlottesville, Va. ....Tune 23
'Yinstan-Salem, ~. C. .Julle
24
1(j
\VaYlle:-;uoro, \'a.
~tate Ro,ul, :\. C.
.,
25
17, IS
Vayton. Ya.
~lloUIll, :\. ( '.
., 26,aO
19
Berryville, Va
i ..:ePTlsiJoro, X. C.
27
Hock Enoll Svl'ings, Va. "
20
:>tal",, X. C.
29
~:2
\Vinehcster, ,'a.
Vurharn, N.

C:..

Wichita, Kan.
Hell\ cr. ('010.

Lt>,lOr.L
Auulles,
A.twood,
Ollerlin,

Kan.
Kan.
I"-Ull.
Kan.

BROTHER H.
June 1G
17
18
" 10 <).)
'
:!3

Boneville, Ga
Athens, Ga.
Atlanta, Ga.
Columbus, Ga.
Seale, Ala.
Chipley, Gao

20

.__.Tune :30
Jut.) 1,2
.. 3,4
G,7

8
" 9,10

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Lardo, B. C
Cawston, n. C
June 3,4
Pentlcton. B. c
_
., G,8 Crallbl'ook, D. C.
HUC1\ Cree:>:, B. ('. _
9
l-'el'111e, D. C.
Culeman, AI ttl.
Trail, D. C. ....
" 11, 12
]\f:u L('od, .\!La.
.:\el~Oll, D. C. _._.
" 13,15
Lethundge, !ta.
llalfour, II. C.
16

Tune 18
" 20, 22
" 23, 2!
:!;)

" 2G,:n
" 29,;;0

.).)

New Bedford, )[a.;;'-'.

Taunton, ::\la:-;:-;. __
PlYllilltOll. 1\1:188
.
North UllxlHlry. ::\la';;8
PIYlllolith. ::\l.l:.-.S.
Taunton, )Ia:-:.s. _

..June

A:-.hlulL'. h..\.
Paintsnlle Kv

16
17
18

K;':

" 19,20

1 l'Unkfort, K".

2;;

~lcHobert:<
\A'\.ingloll,

22

l~,).

] I

Galt. Onto
Pl'p"ton, Oil t
Kitdktlf'l'.

l)Jlt.

(;"P!:,ll. (Jilt
l:loI'H. Onto ._
l'ahuer~tont Ont.

..

1~

__ . "

19
20
22
:!;;

Shelbyville, Ky
Jeffel':-:olltowIl, K.,)'.
L()UI~\ Illc, K,)
Brandenburg', Ky
l\[agnet, Ind .... _
C.ldllel!ton, Ind.

June 24
2ti

..

~()

"

27
:.!V
;;0

..June 24

"

~:)

~G

:!7

20
30

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
.Tnne 9, 10
MOUllt Forest, Onto ... .Tune
19
Oran~e\"ille. Onto ..
.. 20 ,,'>
"
11
12
Sing-hampton, Onto
' ~4
COllll1;~\\ ood, Onto
:2;)
" 13,15
l\lealorct, Onto _.... _ __ .. " 26,27
16
" 17,18
Owen Sound, Onto
" 29,::tJ

Alta.
June
Laeombf'. Alta.
"
Edtll)nt"n. Alta.
., 15,
>;askatoo:l, Sasl,.
" 17,
Clair, Sask
_......."
'Xlldena, Sask
__..._."

Kamqaek, Sas!c

1(;
IS
19
20

Gilllert Plains, Man. . .

"25
Dauphin, Man
__
26
Portage La Prairie, Man. .. 27
Winnipeg, Man..._Julle 28-Julr 1

Ul'alHh ie\\', lUan

_.

June 22,

2~

12
1:~

1 'I
:.!:)

.22

~J

30

V. C. RICE
~[a,"

Attlclloro,

Jl1ne

23

East (;r(~en\\'l( h, H. I. ., "-:l ')5

I )aYYllle, COlill. . __ ._._..
...,
~outh ('OH'ntry, Conn."
~7
XOr\\idl, Conn..
.
29
New Lonuoll, COHll..... "
30

26

Stanwood, WaRh
,Tnne 11
Brellwrton, 'Yasll.
.,
I:!
.\lderwood ~lanor,Wash. "
13
Even't t, \Yash.
"lti
Wenatchee. W"RI1.
., 17,18
Spokane, Wash.
19

&

ROBIE

Danville, "'a~1t
Ches:nv, \\ il:-.h.
Colville, Wash..
SpoJ..alle, \\ (l~IL
Moscow, Ida ..
Garlie"l, Wash.

.....June 20. 22
"

23,24

25
26
27

29

BROTHER O. L. SULLlVAN
Fenton. :'oIi('Il.
Hnrt. ~[Ieh. ......
Ell ('11 Hun, 1\lieh.
Flint. ~[ich.
POI t lIuron, ~Ildl.
lilt. Clemens, ~IIdl.

....June I;)
1(j
17
18
III

.:!O

Detroit, Mieh.
.
Bngh tmore, lIlIch.
1'Iymout h, ~lIch.
Ypsilanti. lIIich.
Toledo, n. .
TIffin, O. ..

June 22
" 23
24
25
26
27

BROTHER W. J. THORN

Garrett, Ind
.
Fort \\'ayne, Iud
\\'a""l\\. Ind...
J '1:\ HIOU tho Iud
Yalparan.;o, Iud.
(3:1rr, Ind.

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
('.ll~an.

23
25
26
27

BROTHER C. ROBERTS
Yorkton, Sask.
Prince Rnpert, B. C.....Jllne 6, S
............Jnne 22
~IIIlwood, Mall
PrIIl('e (~eOl'ge, n. C.... .. 10, 11
" 2:1:
" 12, 1;{
Frankl:n. ~Ian.
Edmonton, ~\lta.
:!6
15
~0.Pll:1\\a, .\lan
Saskatooll. ~a ... k.
27
" 17, IS
\Vlnllipeg-, :Jlun ...June 28-July 1
BredenlJury, :::iask
20
Cochranc, Onto .
' 2
"-ilIo" llrook, Sask.

BROTHER M. L. HERR
..June 17

1~

BROTHER

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
PUflhlo, Colo.. _
__ June
2~
Farmington Glatlp, :-<. 111. June!l
'I'rllw]ud, Colo. __ . _
...... " 10
23,24
Aztec, N. ~1.
\ValsenLmrg, Colo.
_
___.. _.. " I 1
:!5
Durango, Colo
...June 15, 1(;
Colorado SPI IIlgs, Colo. " 26, ~1
(~l'alld Jet., Colo_
CrIpple Crepk, ('011)
_I
"
lLtsalt, Coif).
17
19,
:'W
Oem
er, Colo.
Florence, Cll ,I.
30

Logan:-'llort, Ind. .
p l'l1, Ind. . _
_.. __ ._
Walla,h. Ind
.
11.,,tl',,:,1 (It,. Iud.
:-1:ll'!on, Ind.
__
...\UbUlll, Ind
__ _

June 11)
17

24
25
26
27
29
30

June 22
" 23,26
" 24,25
27
29
30

BROTHER B. M. RICE
I;)
~orth .Jay. Me. ................June
Portland, ~re. ... __________ .Iuue
] Ii
.\.uuurn, Me.
Roekland. }Ie.
"
.,
~I('.
17,I.S
Bangor, Me.
Kew Harllor,
I ~)
Lewi.;;town, ~le.
Oldtown, Me. ..................
:!\)
Iiallow <'ll, Me. _._-----_._ ....
Wilton. }le.
1'1 ttslIeid, lIle. ..................
East WIlton, ~Ie.

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
1:a't Ita<lfol'd, Ya.

<13::":::

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Mitchell, S. Oak
Tl1l1e 13-15
Irene, S. Oak
Hartford, S. Dak.
.
IG
Yankton, >;. llak.
Luvl'l"ue. ::\Iiull.
17
Corska. S DalL __
WhIte. S. Dak.
18
Vermilhon, S. Oak
Lake Benton, AIinn.
10
Sioux City, la.
Jasper, ~linn.
20
Alton, Ia.

BROTHER

BROTHER J. W. COPE
_____ ._ ...June
G
I .. ellora, Kan ..... _
15
JalllestO\Vll, Kiln
21
Clay Center, Kal1
., 2:>, ~ i
'Topeka, Kall.
21;
1'Iea""lt 11111. ~lo.
29
East St. Louis, Ill.

S. MURRAY
Raymond, Ga
June
Rome. Ga.
..
Cave Springs, Ga............. ..
Rome ('u
Atlan'ta:'
GreenVIlle, S. C.

June 24

Allentown, N. Y.
Olean, :-i. Y
.
Fl'ill)klill\ ille, N. Y.
Pel'lY, ~. Y.
H.ltayia. X. Y.
!{oche,ter, X. Y.

..Jnne 17
" 18
1 ~)
20
.).)

~J

IIammolHIsport t N. Y..... June 24

., :!5
J:lmira. :\. Y.
Xo\\ul'k, N. Y
26
Alllnll'll, N. Y.
27
Cortland, N. Y.
29
I1inghamton, N. Y .... IJ 30

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
CheYPllIlP,

'Y~'o
\\'J 0

Laramie.
Sidney, Xeb. .......
Big

~[)llng~.

2\pu.

Brady I ~Ian I. :\ eb
Omaha, ;\ ell.

.... June
.,

1:1

1G ] 7
1~

Burlinp;ton. Ia

('hiea~o.

1J

(1 o l um LHlS.

20

Ironton. O. ...
War, W. "a.

::~

.Tune 23
.. 24
25

Ill..

lndianap()li~,

Inri

~G

O.

BROTHER S. H. TOUl'JIAN
Ha,ting-'. X"b. .
.
June 1 (j
Rpatril-e, :\eb
Bloomill<:ton, ~ell.
" IS
Llllcoln, :\eb. .
Wiholl\ lllp. :\eb.
1 ()
Dadd Citro ~eb
\Yauneta, ~eb.
_
22
Colnmllns. :\ell.
Sutton, Xeb.
., 24
:\orfol", J\'eb
Winside, Neb. ..
Wymore, Neb. ._............. . 25

27
29

_ June 26
" 27
" 29
.. 30
July 1
- ..
._..
__

"".'fclt~1ii1il~ll1l9~lij~tt ~1f1dij~Ni~1l1t?
~~1ifllmin'ilg ~~'id~9&1l1ld ill. iStgn,t aJU50iPf-15ai~
VOL.

XLV

SEMI-MoNTHLY

No. 12

Anno Mundi 6052 -June 15, 1924

OONTENTS
GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

Gifts" of thQ Holy SpiriL

"Fruits" of the Holy Spirit
l\Ieekne<s and Faithfulness
Other Fruits and Theil' OperatIOn
Love, the Capstone of Character..
INTERNATlOKAL CONVEKTION AT COLUMBUS

The Coliseum, Columbus (Cut)

PRAYERMEETING TEXT COMMENTS

.,
.,'~

'.

THE BAPTIS" OF JESUS

1~~~~" ,I.~

Jesus' Bal,tism a Severe Test.

_
Jesus' Course Still Mlsunderstood

;~' "~.f
~,_
~:.. ,\~,

-~.,

. ":, --","'; WI". -

~.:~:.... ~~_::", ~~.:' ~ ,~,.~ ~

,.>
,\<.,,-

J.

_.

:~I,fN;~~~-

,,'

~~.~~,> ~~ -', '. ~

,,

~~
~

'C~

!rHE TEMPTATION OF JEsI's..

..

Jesus Tempted on Two 1'Ianes _

Threefold Purpose of Jesus' Temptatlon

179
1~0

1S1
182
182
194
185
185
186
188
188
189
190
190
191

"I wUI stand upon my watch and will set my fu,,'

"pan the Tower, and will u:atch to see what He wjR
BaY unto me, and what answer I shall make to them
Ihat oppose me."-Habakkuk Z: 1.

"---"~'-'

. ..s?~o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~=~~~~L~.~i}~~?;,:;~, : ~-~T~;S..;.-:-

0'("

......

= ..

,,~~il~:;t~~Z~~is_2tt:~C:;~':;

Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the wavee (the reetk:l3, discontented) roaring; roen's bea.rt9 fa.i1ing them for fear and for looking te:
tbe things coming upon the earth (llOCiety); for the powers olthe heavens (ecc!esiaet.,osm) shall be shBken.. When ye see tbese things begin to come to PllSS. then
know that the Kingdom of God is at band. Look up, hit up yuur beads, rejOIce, for your redemption draweth nigb.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; I.uke 21 :2">-;;1.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS ,oul'II81 Is OM of the Ilrime factors or instruments in the system of Bible JlIlltrnction, or "SemlllAl'Y EdeuloD", IIOW' bellll
presented in eu pttrts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLIIl & TRACT SOCIJIlTY, cbartered A. D. 1884, 'Tor the Promotion of Cbrlstiaa It_ledge". lt not only BerTe8 as a class room where Bibltr 8ttIdeDtlI JD87 JlIllllt in the Btudy of the cn.Jne Word bat
also as a clumDel of eommunicatioll tImrogh wh1cb tile,. may be reached with aDDBuncementB of the 8ociety's OOJI_tien" and of tIIa
coming of its traveling rel.rescntativeB, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its COJ1ftI1tioDB.
Our "Berean I_sons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most eIltertalnln~ly ~ , and ~
helpful to all who wouKI merit the only honorary decree which the Society accords, viz., Verili Dei Jlmarter (V. D: M.), which translated
into English is JliJtillter of God's Wonf. Qur treatment of the International Sunday School Leesons is specially for the older Bibl.
Rudents and teachers. By IlOme this feature i. considered indispensable.
This journal stands finnly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now beln~ so eneraJly repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, Who gave himself a rall80m [a eerresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Buildln~ up on this sure foundation the gold, slIver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11.
15; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what Is the fellOWship of the mystery which .
been hid In God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other agell
was not made known unto the sons of men as It Is now revealed".-Epheslans 3: 5-9, 10.
lt stan<i!s free from all parties, sects aud creeds of men. while It seeks more and more to bring its every utterance Into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-aecordlng to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident I
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with Implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in hi,
service; henee our decisions relative to what may and what may Dot appear in its columus must be according to our judgment of hit
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbulldtng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only Invite but urge oue
readers to prove all its utterances by tbe infalllble Word to Which reference is constantly made to fac1Jltate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the churc:J is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmauship"; that Its construction has been in progress throu~hout
the l:0SIlel age-ever since <-'hrist becnme the world's Bedeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finisllpd, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 8: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22.
Genesis 28; 14; Galatians 3; 29.
Tlmt mC!llltime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when tha
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great :Master Workman will bring all togetbe..
In the first resurrection; and the temple shall be Med with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughou,
the nlillennlum.-Revelation 15; 5-8.
That the hasis of hope, for the church and the world, lies In the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for ever"
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which llghteth everv man that cometh into the world", "in due time"._
Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
-fllat the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he Is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and sbare hi.
glory as his joint-hcir.-l John 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
'l'bat the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of serviclt; to develop in herself every
grace; to be. Goo's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.-~pheslans 4: 12--; :Matthew 24:
14; Hevelauon 1: 6; 20; 6.
'I'bat tbe bope for the world lies in tOO blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's :MlIlennlal kingdom, the
reslltution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church,
when all the wllfully Wicked will be deltrolfed.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 35.
ill

WATCM TOWER. BI BLE & TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BR.OOKLYN, ~.y' U.S.60
FoREIGN OFFICES: British: 34 Craven Terraee, Laneaster Gate.
London W. 2; Oanadian: 38-40 Irwin Avenlle, Toronto, Ontario;
A ustralall'ian: 495 Collins St.. :Melbourne, Australia; /iJOtIth African:
8 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PLEASJoJ ADDRESS THE SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
YEARLY SUBSOIUP7'lON PRIOE: UNITED STATES, $1.00; CANADA

ANI) ~IISCELLANEOUS .lJ'OREIGN, $1.50; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA,

ANI> SOUTH AFRICA, 7s. American remittances should be mad ... by
I<~xpress or Postalllloney Orders, or by Bank Draft. Canadian, British,
South Afriean, and Australasian remittances should be Illllde to bmnch
oJjkes only. Hemi ttances from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the Brookl)'n olliee, but by internattonal Postal lUoney Orders only.

DO YOU STUDY THE WATCH TOWER ARTICLES7

From time to time brethren send in questions, at the

saIlle time stating that they are unable to understand eel'
tain things. These questions and statements at once suggest
the thought that the WATCH TOWER articles have not been
studied. The Editorial Committee puts in much time and
careful and prayerful effort in preparing these articles. A
casual reading will not be sufficient to understand them,
We suggest a careful study. The classes that are making a
Berpun study out of the WATCH TOWER articles are making
progrl'ss. We believe it is well to follow this rule. Do Dot
be content with a calSual reading.

(FOI'ciOIt t)"flllslatio"s of this journal appear in severul languages)

Edlt()rial CommittH' This journal is published under the supervision

of an editorial committee, at least tbree of whom have read and
Bpproved as truth each and e,ery artiele appearing In these colmans.
The names of the editorial committee are; J. F. RUTHERFoRn.
'V. E. VAN AMBURGII, J. I1EMIJ::RY, R. H. BAIUlI.:ll, C. E. flTF.WART.
Terms to the Lord'B Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of
old llge 01' olher llltITmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
journal, Will be supplied free if they send n I'o-'tal card each May
stating their CllSe aud requesting such prods ion. We are not only
wllllng, but anxiOUS, that all sloleh be on our list continually and
in t;ouch with the Berean studi....
Notice to SubBc"iberB: We do not, as n rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renewal 0" for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are Indicat..d within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wraIlper label.

MEMORIAL REPORTS NOT ALL IN

We are plpasl'd to say that the friends as a whole have

been v{'ry prompt to send in the report of attendance at the
l.h'morial service of April ]8 last. But
are still many
classes whose report of attl'ndance has not as yet reached us.
H is our d{'sire to publish the fuB list as soon as possible,
Illld therl'fore we earnestly request all classes that have not
l"mt in th{'ir report of attrndance to do 80 as soon as this
notice reaches them.

there

BETHEL SPECIAL TO COLUMBUS CONVENTION

The Bethel Special will leave the Pennsylvania Terminal,

New York City, Friday, July 18, at 9: 00 p.m., Daylight
Saving Time, over the Pennsylvania Railroad. The train u
due to arrive at Columbus, Ohio, Saturday afternoon at
2: 00 o'clock, Eastern Standard Time.
Any friends who desire to join this train at Philadelphia,
Lancaster, Harrisburg, or other points, should commUD~te
with the Transportation Committee as soon as possible, in
order that arrangements may be made to stop the speeial
to receive passengers en route.
Railroad and Pullman rates will be announced in our nen
issue; also where and when tickets may be most conveniently procured at the special rate for this train. Addreu
all inquiries relating to this special train to TransportatioD
Committee, 18 Ooncord Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Classes planning special train or car service to the convention will please notify us immediately, so that announcement
may be made in our next issue for the convenience of ~
late<! friends wbo would like to join tbese various parU_

?9heWATCH TOvVER
AND HE~ALD OF CHR~STS PRESENCE

VOL. ~~LV

13, 1924

JUNE

No. 12

THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

The gifts of the spirit are "wisdom, ... knowledge, . . . faith, . . . healing, . . . miracles, .. prophecy,
discerning of spirits, . . . tongues, . . . interpretation of tongues." (1 Corinthians 12: 8-10)
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsutJering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, self-control."-Galatians 5: 22, 23.

RO~I

early childhood to the time that he was baptized at Jordan and there received the baptism of
the holy spirit, Jesus had been intently studying
the law and the prophets as messages from God to the
children of Israel. From the Word of God and from
his mother, he understood that he had some special
work to do; but he could not fully understand it while
.;till a natural man, even though he were perfect. When
he was baptized at Jordan, the holy spirit came upon
him, not only begetting him to a new nature, but
endowing him with a perception of mind that he had
not before possessed, even while in his prehuman existence. With this flood of light through spiritual perception, the Scriptures became a new book to him. The
change was so great that he immediately sought the
solitude of the desert in order that he might not be
interrupted in his study of God's Word. So intensely
interested was he and oblivious to temporal surroundings that he did not eat for forty days.
2It would be difficult for us to imagine the wonder,
the delight, and the ecstasy with which Jesus beheld the
unfolding of the plan of God through the prophecies, in
the types, and in the descriptions of the glorious kingdom of God to be established on earth. However, we
can easily imagine that there must have been feelings of
great sobriety and some anxiety as to whether he could
properly fulfil all that he saw would be required of him
if he were to do God's will perfectly. This would be a
test of his faith; but his perfect mind would readily
recall the many promises throughout the Messianic
Psalms and other prophecies, and would assure him
that he could rely fully upon God for whatever assistance and protection might be necessary.
3 As our Lord returned from his wilderness experienees, his heart burning with a desire to proclaim the
good news to the people, he was met with an indifference, a coldness of heart, an opposition to righteousness,
and a disposition to criticize everything new which, to

anyone less determined, would have had a very chilling

effect. It would take something out of the ordinary to
arrest people's attention and convince their prejudiced
minds that his doctrine and his power were from God.
It was to meet this cold criticism and doubt on the part
of the scribes and Pharisees, and to fan the dying
embers of faith in the hearts of the people, that our
Lord performed his many miracles. These were an
appeal to the minds of thDse who saw and experienced
the blessings he bestowed so generously. However, these
were all appeals to the natural man. As the holy spirit
had not yet been given to anyone except himself, it was
impossible for them to understand its operation upon
the mind or to credit his good works to motives other
than human.
~When it came time for the Lord to establish the
Church, it was necessary to give some outward manifestations, not only to the members themselves but also
to others who might inquire, in order that they might
know that the work of the holy spirit was a power outside of the possessors themselves. The giving of the
holy spirit on the day of Pentecost was accompanied by
an outward manifestation, in the nature of a tongue of
fire upon the head of each one. We may be sure that
each one in his own heart was cognizant of the gift of
the holy spirit; but how would he know that others had
received it except by the appearance of some outward
evidence? This was graciously given by Jehovah in the
upper chamber as they waited for the fulfilment of the
promises which our Lord had made to them at the time
of his ascension that he would send the holy spirit upon
them. Thus each realized that all were participants of
the same blessing.
GTheir hearts therewith became energized and their
minds enlightened, something after the manner of a
dynamo when the electric current is turned on. They
went forth to preach to the multitude gathered at Jerusalem for the festival of the Pentecost. But the poWCl:

179

180

er~WATCH

of God made further manifest that the spirit which

energized the disciples was not of themselyes. Their
words were understood by the Parthians, the Medes, the
Elamites, the Mesopotamians, the Judreans, the Cappadocians, and those from Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, from Egypt, from Libya, from Rome, from
Crete and Arabia. Wbether the miracle was that the
disciples spoke in languages which they had never studied before, or whether the miracle was in the hearing,
makes no difference so far as the results were concerned.
It was a manifestation of the power of God. It awakened a very wide-spread interest. Many desired to join
the disciples and to follow the Lord with them.
"GIFTS" OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

6There was nothing observed in the way of changed

characters, loving dispositions, or fruits of the spirit,
which would indicate that the disciples had received the
holy spirit. There had been no time for the development
of these. It would be necessary for them to have some
evidence aside from their own feelings that they had
been accepted of God. To meet this necessity, God
arranged a diversity of gifts, differing each from the
other and yet so rrlated to each other that each recipient
could be helpful to the others as well as to himself. So
the Apostle tells us in the twelfth chapter of 1 Corinthians: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but [from or
by] the same spirit . . . and there are diversities of
operations, but it is [by or from] the same God which
worl{pth all in all. But the manifel'tation of the spirit
is given to every man to profit withal [that it may be a
lH'ofit to himself and to others]." The Apostle then
gives a list of nine different gifts; viz., wisdom, knowledgp, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of
spirits, tongues (ability to speak foreign languages),
interprrtation of tongues (ability to interpret the mes~es which might be given to another in some foreign
tongue).
7We notice that each of these gifts appeals to the
mind and ability of the natural man. Wisdom is recognizrd as that ability which will use to the best advantage
whatever is possessed or may be obtained. In other
words, it might be explained as the ability to make
the most possible out of present possessions. K rwwledge
is a possession of facts. Knowledge might be able to
define any word in the language, calculate the most
intricate mathematical problems, explain all about geology and astronomy and everything else pertaining to
facts. We can rradily see the difference between these
two when we understand that a person might be very
wise and yet have very little knowledge. In other words,
a perl10n might be able to make a little go a great way,
and yet have very little knowledge of facts outside of
his own personal experience. On the other hand, one
might have all knowledge, and yet very little ability to
use hlS possessions.

TOWER

BIlOOKLYII,

N. Y.

8Faith is that whidl can lay hold upon the promises

of another with full mmnmcc that those promises will
be kept, not worrying nor doubting. II ealing is the
ahility to give a command and confidently expect the
one sick or crippled or diseased to be healed, mane
whole. Miracles: God wrought special miracles by the
hand of the apostle Paul, so that even if a handkerchief
came to one that was sick, the diseased one was healed.
(Acts 19: 12) With the apostle Peter, the sick desired
that even his shadow might fall upon them. (Acts
5: 15, 16) Prophecy is the teaching or foretelling of
future events beyond the power of natural man. Discerning of spirits: St. Peter was able to discern c\ en
the thoughts of Ananias and Sapphira when they attempted to act out the lie as recorded in the fifth
chapter of Acts.
9Tongues: This was an ability to speak in some forpign tongue. The majority of the early discipJc>s spoke
the Hehrew tongue, and the spirit would give them
power to speak in another language, possibly !n the
Arabian tongue or the Persian tongue or any oth:or.
This gift was more particularly for the unbelievers, or
doubters. (1 Corinthians 14: 22) The possessor of this
gift often did not understand what he himself was saying. Therefore to another would be giWl1 the gift of
Interpretation; namely, the ability to understand and
explain the message which came through the one who
had spoken in the foreign language unknown to all
others present.
lOWe can easily see the benefits of these methods of
dealing with the Church at that time. :Most of the
early disciples were poor, unlearned, with very limited
experience in worldly affairs, and not accustomed to
personal study or to explaining the Law and the Scriptures. They had depended upon the scribes and Pharisees for that. In addition to what had bpcn written in
the Scriptures, the holy spirit would now bring forth
further instruction. As they gathered together, the holy
spirit used various members of the little ecclesias for
the benefit of all who attended. They did not have the
written Word in a convenient form, as we have in our
Bibles and commentaries and dictionaries at the present
time. Thus it was necessary for the early Chureh to
meet together to get the blessings which the Lord was
willing and ready to bestow.
"'1'he same results follow the assembling of the friends
together at the present time, though in a somewhat
differc'nt manner. In studying the &riptures now how
often we notice that the holy spirit will presellt a
thought through one and then another to the edification
of all. No elder or class should expect all the enlight~n
ment to come through anyone member of the class.
The blessing does not come now by means of a "gift of
the spirit," but hy study of the Word and by the enlightenment of the spirit.

Jc:o: I;;, 10:24

IfheWATCH TOWER

12In the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, the

Apostle tells us that he might have all of these gifts,
but they would not guarantee him the reward of the
crown; for the crown could be securerl only by those
who had cultivated and brought forth the fruits of
the spirit.
13Suppose we were riding through thc country, and
were passing by what appeared to be an orchard laden
with delicious fruit. Every tree, well formed and
shapely, presented a very large yield. The appearance
might be delightful to the eye. We might stop and
desire to secure some of this fruit; but on approaching
the trees, suppose we should find that every fruit is tied
to the tree by a little, fine, almost imperceptible wire.
The fruit is not an outgrowth from the tree; it had
simply been tied to the tree. The trees might indeed be
fruit trees, and the fruit might possibly have been tied
on to indicate that these trees would later bear fruit.
How disappointed we woulrl be! So with the gifts of
the spirit. They were not outgrowths of the vine-such
as are love, joy, peace; nor do they mark the loyalty
and obedience of the possessor. They were simply something tied on, so to speak, the gift of another.
uThe Apostle tells us that later when the Church,
the spirit-begotten ones, should bf'gin to bring forth the
fruits of the spirit, the gifts would no longer be necessary. They would serve their purpose for the time being,
until the Church might properly be developed and
brought to a fruit-bearing condition.
"FRUITS" OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

150ur Lord says in John 15: 1-8: "I am the true

vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch
in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every
branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may
bring forth more fruit. . . . Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." We notice that he does not say: He that hath no
"gifts of the spirit" shall be taken away, but he that
doth not bring forth fruit. The Lord here does not
particularly specify what this fruit is; but the Apostle
names each variety particularly in Galatians 5: 22, 23.
In his list the Apostle gives nine fruits, as he had previously mentioned nine gifts. We quote from the Revised Version: "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering [forbearance], kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, meekness and self-control."
16In our King J ames Version, the word faith is used
in each list; but in the list of the fruits faith has the
meaning of the word faithfulness, as given above. This
list apparently begins with the most important and
closes with that which is least important, if we may use
the words most and least in comparing the necessary
qualities and attributes of a perfectly developed heart.
In our study of this list, we will begin with the last;
for that is the usual course in whioh we develop towards
perfection.

171'he word renilcred tempemnce in the King James

Vr!'::,ion is more propf'rly expre~scd by the words selfcontrol, the ability to hold one's self in check or to
direct one's eour~r. Before fil1YOne can entRr the Lord's
~ervicr. he must have consider~d thr cost. "For which of
you, intending to build a tower, sittpth not down first,
and counteth the cost. whether ve have ~uffi('iellt t<l
finish it. . . . So like,vise, whoso('~er he hf' of VOll that
forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my (ii~(,lplr."
(Luke 14: 28. 33) This indicatps some ability of ~plf
control, or else he could not sit down filHl make hiJll~elf
consider the necessary cost.
1SAfter one has been begotten of the spirit, this ability
is greatly strengilwned and increased. When one ddl'fmines to eonS{'crate himself to tlw Lord, he does Hot lay
aside his will. lIe simply (kcides, exercises his will to
act in a new dirpetion. .J pms lJ:Hl a will. and a str(ln~
one. After hi~ consecration a11(1 begettal by the holy
spirit, he spoke in no uncertain wOl'ds: "I spek not mine
own will but [my will is to do] the will of the Father
which hath sent me." (John 5: 30) Such a one cannot
be a double-minded man. St. .Tames tells us that "a
double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James
1: 8) .Jesus was in no way unstable. One will nped a
great dral of 8elf-control il; the Lord's senicr. He will
need to control his actions, his w01'(l~, his thoughts. :111d
f'ven the imaginations of his heart. "Who can undpf~tand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret falllts.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous ~ins;
let them not have dominion over me: then 8hall I be
upright, and I ~hilll be innocent from the great [marg-in,
much] transgresl'ion." (Psalm 19:12-14) This ,,-ill
take time, practice and patience.
19When the holy spirit gave the gifts, they did not
come gradually. then develop and finally reach maturity;
they were given in full instantaneously. The fruits of
the spirit are attained very differently. We might plant
a fruit tree, and watch it grow until it brought forth
blossoms. The blossoms arc delightfully fragrant; and
if the tree could think, it might say to itself: "How
beautiful I have become! How fragrant arc my blossoms! All I need to do is to get near somrone and my
presence will be a delight." But the tree will have some
very disappointing experiences. Along comes the wind
and blows away its blossoms. Its beautiful appearance
is gone; it radiates no more delightful fragrance. There
is nothing left but some green, bitter buds. Does this
prove that the tree has become unfruitful? Certainly
not. It is going through a developing experience. 'l'he
little green fruit will continue to be bitter, unattractive
and not desirable until after months of rain, sunshine
and wind. Not until it is fully ripe, can it properly be
considered fruit. Prior to that, it was in the development stage. If someone had been tying the fnlit on the
tree, it could have been done in a moment or two. Thus
we can see the di[erl,nce brtween the gifts of the spirit
and its fruits: One is given, the other grows:

lS~

"The

\VATCH TO\VER

MEEKNESS AND FAITHFULNESS

to do wrong, and hard to do right. There are riches
el'lml'ss: This word is rather hard to define. It other than monetary. Some desire the riches of pleasure;
implies a gentle, teachable, longsuffering disposition. not others the riches of honor and esteem among their
given to demanding one's rights, but quiet, retiring, fellowmen. It is sad to note that, even among some of
and inclined to give deference and preference to others. the brethren. this latter disposition crops out quite freFew people in the world naturally have this disposition. qu~'ntly. The desire to be well esteemed in the class,
Born and living undrr the reign of evil, it is so often that th('y may be elected elders, sometimes leads to an
necessary to "stand up for onc's rights" or be run oyrr. effort to "control the election." This is very reprehenthat the world has adopted the saying, "Self-preserra- sible in the eyes of the Lord.
5
tion is the first law of nature."
2 We haye heard of several instances where an elder
21IIowever, this fruit of meekness is very necessary was so desirous of being elected that he would specially
for the child of God to bring forth. In the kingdom It invite some who did not even profess consecration to
will not be necessary to be defending our rights continu- attend the meeting on election night, in order that they
ally. We shall be watching how we may be regarding might vote for him, to the end that he might receive a
and protecting the rights of others. This disposition majority vote of those present at that meeting. This is
must be cultivated and developed here. It is often be- resorting to the tricks of the adversary; and such a one
cause this fruit of meekness is so little cultivated or cannot expect to remain in the favor of the Lord while
developed that there is so much trouble in some of the practising the cunning of Satan. If we believe that the
classrs. Because we are naturally inclined to esteem Lord is able to carryon his own work, our faith in him
ourselves and our individual interests and our wisdom should be sufficient to believe that he could elect his own
above these same qualities in others, and prone to think servants without our endeavoring to "carry the electhat our own ways are the best and the ways of others tion." He who has lost faith in God's ability to direct
inferior, the adversary is ever alert to take advantage of the work, cannot be faithful to the Lord. Faithfulness
this weakness and endeavor to stimulate in us the oppo- must be developed before anyone can expect to receive
site spirit of egotism, self-esteem or self-will-pride. the crown of life. "And they that are with him are
Our Lord said: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and called, and chosen, and faithful."-Revelation 17: 14.
26Courage is also a part of faithfulness. Sometimes
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly it takes a great deal of courage, bravery, fearlessness, to
in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Mat- be faithful. This does not come all at once. It somethew 11: 28, 29) Here the Lord gives us an illustration times takes much pruning in order to attain this degree
of the meaning of meekness; namely, lowliness in heart, of development. "Finally, strengthen yourselves in the
Lord, and in his mighty power. Put on the complete
just the opposite of pride.
22The apostle Paul, in contrasting the spirit of our armor of God."-Ephesians 6: 10,11, Diaglott.
Lord with that of Satan, says: "Let this mind [spirit,
OTHER FRUITS AND THEIR OPERATION
disposition] be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
21 Goodness: The state or quality of being good. God
who, being in the form of God, thought not by robbery
[as did Satan, Isaiah 14: 13] to be equal with God: but is good. Goodness is Godlikeness, good all through. One
made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the cannot be good without being grateful to God and posform of a servant and was made in the likeness of men; sessing a desire to show appreciation for favors received.
28 Kindness is gentleness, consideration of others. "Be
and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven
and given him a name which is above every name."- you." (Ephesians 4: 32) "Put on therefore, as the elect
of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness,
Philippians 2: 5-9.
23Faithfulness (steadfastness): How we delight to be humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering: forbearwith and do business with the one whom we can depend ing one another, and forgiving one another."-Colosupon, one who we know will always prove faithful and sians 3: 12, 13.
29Longsuffering: This does not mean that we are to
true under all circumstances! Faithfulness implies conscientiousness and knowledge of what one is to do, in have aches and pains in the body, suffering for a long
order that the instructions or agreement may be care- time. It has moI1J the thought of forbearance. We
fully carried out; that one will live up to his own con- sometimes hear the worldly expression, "Bear and forbear." This means to put up with many imperfections
tract, and is worthy of trust.
UFaithfulness is a rare quality in the world today. on the part of ourselves and also to manifest the same
St. Paul tells us that "they that will [to] be rich, fall disposition towards others. "Bear ye one another's burinto temptation." (1 Timothy 6: 9) The desire to be- dens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6: 2)
come rich is very prevalent in the world today. The Weare to remember that it takes a long time for this
opportunities for unfaithfulness are many, and the re- fruit to develop properly. Plants that develop in the
wards are great from a worldly standpoint. It is easy hothouse are not very sturdy.
20M

Jnm 15. 1!l::!4

rrheWATCH TOWER

301n olden times, when wind was the propelling power

of ships, it was very nrcessary to have the masts of
stron~ timber. Every ship-builder, therefore, desired
that the mainmast should be exceedingly strong and
tough. It was not so much beauty he desirpd as strength.
IIr -did not seek the straightest tree in the heavy timber,
protected by the other trees; rather would he go to the
bleak hillside and find growing by itself some tree which
had been swept by the winds for years. He knew the
timber in that tree was tough. It had withstood the
storms of many seasons. So to speak, it had been longsuffering, growing slowly but surely. So the characters
,yhich God desires are such as have the quality of longsuffering, patient endurance, ability to withstand the
storms of temptations and the assaults of the adYersary.
31The disposition at the present time is to rush everything. It is hard even for the child of God not to be
influenced more or less by this disposition. It is almost
like being in the water and trying not to get wpt. The
spirit of hurry is every\\-IH>Tp. Weare inclined to wish
that the Lord would let us finish our course immediatrly. We sometimei' grt tired when the battle is long
drawn out; but we haye the assurance "that all things
work together for good to thrm that love God, to them
who are the called according to his pllrpORe." (Romans
8: 28) This knJ'Nledge should hrlp stabilize every child
of tiod who is running for the pnze. It should act as a
ballai't ,,-hill' riding the storms of life. Let every consecrated child of Go] rpmrmber that God will not permit
his childrrn to meet one storm too many, nor will he
prolong the hattlp one hour longer than is necessary.

32Peace: "'hen we first enter the service of God, we

rpcrive peacp. "Being jmtified by faith, we have peace
with God." (Homans 5: 1) This means that God has
callcrled our drbt and counts us free-justified, We
may still be far from complde peace of mind, however.
This second development comes only after continued
acquaintance with our Lord, by being engagrd in his
service. As the Psalmist says: "Grrat reaee have they
which love thy law: and nothing shall ofI('nd [8tumble]
thpm." (Psalm 119: 165) But we Call1l(,t love his law
fullv until we have learned it; so our I;orll says: "Sanctify'them [perfect them] through thy truth: thy word
is truth." (oJ ohn 17: 17) Grad ually will be fulfilled in
us that promise of the Lord, "Peace I leave with you,
my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give
I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let
it be afraid." (John 14: 27) When our fruit of peace
is nearing maturity, we shall have great peace of mind,
stability and calmness of soul, even though our temporal
experiences may be very stormy. The final conditioll of
peace will be when we have received the new body in the
likeness of Christ. Then will be completed our peace
with God and with ourselves, heart peace, bodily peace.
33J oy: Many are inclined to think that the way of a
Christian is not one of joy or happiness. Such a one

183

should take his concordance and look up the words joy,

joyful, rejoice, rejoicing, be glad, give thanks, and kindred words. He may be surpri~cd to find how much
there is in the Scripture along that line. Our Lord was
full of joy, and he said: "These words I speak unto
you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your
joy mig-ht be full." (John 15: 11) The hope set before
the children of God should certainly fill us with joy, as
we often sing: "Oh, the prospect is so transporting~"
34Even our trials and the slanders of those who do not
understand us should be occasions for cultivating this
fruit of joy. uBlessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely,
for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great
is your reward in heavrn: for so per8ecuted they the
prophets which were before you." (Matthew 5: 10-12)
These are strong, encouraging words. Our Lord promises great joy in the kingdom, and exhorts us to look
forward to that time, rejoicing now in hope. Hope is
not one of the fruits of the spirit; but it is a very great
assistance along the way, and might be called a "fertilizer" for the fTIlits of the spirit. Indeed, without
hope it would be almo~t impossible to grow them.
35It is a self-rvident truth that we cannot reap what
we do not sow. If we expect to have a good crop of joy,
it is necessary to sow the seed here. "They that sow in
tears shall reap in joy. He that gaeth forth and weepeth.
bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing [joy], bringing his sheaves with him."Psalm 126: 5, 6.
36The apostle James exhorts us in a similar manner:
"Count it all joy [consider such occasions as opportunities for joy], my brethren, when ye fall into manifold
temptations; knowing that the proof of your faith
worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect
work, that ye may be perfect and entin'. lacking in
nothing." (James 1: 2-4, R. Y.) Every character needs
time to develop, and therefore our great necd of patience.
371n view of the many expressions in the Scriptures
and the exhortations of our Lord and the apostles, we
do not see much prospect for anyone gaining the prize
of the high calling who does not endeavor to rejoice in
the trials and testings permitted by our heavenly Father.
The trials themselves are not pleasant experiences. The
joy arises from the knowledge that they are working out
for us the necessary qualifications of character. "Now
no chastening [correcting experiences] for the present
seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness
unto them which are exercised thereby."-Heb. 12: 11.
3SWe are to look through the trials, as through a telescope, to the inheritance laid up for us after we have
proved our worthiness, "Blessed be the God ano Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abun-

184

Cfhe~TATCH

dant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by

the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an
inheritance incorruptiblr, and undefiled, and that fadeth
not away, reserved in 'heaven for you, who are kept by
the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to
be revealrd in the last time. Wherein yc [now] greatly
rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in
heavinpss through manifold tcmptations: that the trial
of your faith, being more precious than of gold that
perishcth, though it be tried ,rith fire, might be found
unto praise and honor and g70ry at the appparing of
Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom,
thongh now ye see him not. yet believing, ye rejoice
with joy unspeakab7e and full of glory." (1 Pcter 1:
3-8) "For I rrckon that the sufferings of this present
time arC' not worthy to be compared with thr glory
~hich shall be rrvralpd in us."-Romam 8: 18.
LOVE. THE CAPSTONE OF CHARACTER

Love: What thr topstone is to the pyramid, love is

to the perfcct character devcloped by Jehovah. No
pyramid could be compl\,te without the topstonc; so no
character could be Christlike without love.
4\1What is love? It is a very difficult word to define;
for it has such a great yaridy of operations; and the
lack of it affects the whole world. Sometimes a negative
definition brings out the meaning more clearly. We
recall the definition of salt said to have been given by a
small boy at school. He could not think of a definition
that would describe it, so after a moment he said: "It's
that what makes the potatoes taste so funny whcn there
ain't none on 'em." Ro we might say, Love is that which
makes the world so full of SOlTOW because there isn't
much ill it. What a different world this would be if love
instead of hatrcd had been cultivated!
41Romrtimes a composer of music, in order to bring
out sonlt' particular chord of harmony, will introduce a
discord just brfore it, that the contrast may emphasize
the harmony. We may be sure the world will enjoy the
harmony of lo\'p the more because of the previous 6,000
years of discord producrd by hatred. The contrast between the kingdom of love undcr Christ and his Church,
and the kingdom of Ratan will intensify the appreciation of all Jehovah's intelligent creatures who accept his
ways. Thus the wrath of his enemies will eventually
cause the glory of Christ to shine the brighter.
42The Apostle takes a whole chapter (1 Corinthians
13) to describe or define love. "Though I speak with
the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I
am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy. and understand
all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have
all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have
not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my
goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to
be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.
Love suffereth long and is kind."
39

TOWER

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

43He then giycs a negative definition: Love does not

envy. Love is not boastful; is not puffed up; acts not
unbecomingly; seeks not that which is her own; is not
provoked to anger; does not impute evil; rejoices not in
iniquity: but on thc contrary, rejoices in the truth,
covers all things, believes all things, hopes for all things,
endures all things-all those things mentioned in the
Scriptures as needful for the child of God. Love fails
not at any timc. Then follows the explanation that all
gifts will pass away, because they belong to the age of
spiritual childhood of the Church. Later, childish things
will be put away. as the Church will have developed
some fruits of the spirit, and will no longer need gifts.
H"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he
taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." ( John
15: 2) We may haw been accepted as a branch, grafted
into thc vine, 11a"e bronght forth leaves (signs that thc
graft was a good one), blossoms (promises of fruit),
and evrn buds; but that will not be considered as fruit.
We must bring forth the ripe fruit: it must be matured
and properly flavored, else we shall be cut off from thc
vine and cast away. (1 Corinthians 9: 27) How carefully we need to examine oursp!Yes to see that we keep
ourselves in the love of God. amI diligentl.' cultivate
all these fruits of the spirit! Let us not bc discouraged
if some of our fruits are somewhat bitter as yet; so is
any fruit before it is entirely ripe. Are we carcfully
watching every cxperience to see that we receive the
proper lesson and training from it? Are we desiroUR,
anxious, yea, "triving earnestly, giving all diligence to
make our calling and election sure? I f we do these
things, we shall never fail; for so an abundant entrance
shall bc mini.stered unto us into the everlasting kingdom
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
How did Jesus learn that he had some special work to do? 'II 1.
What influence did the spirit have upon Jesus at baptislll? 'II 2.
For wh'tt reason did Jesus perform miracles? 'II 3.
'Vhy was it necessary to have an outward manifestation of the
holy spirit at Pentecost? 'II 4.
How did the spirit affect the apostles? 'II 5.
Did the apostles experience an instantaneous change of character?
How many gifts of the spirit are there? 'II H.
To whom do the gifts of the spirit appeal? IIow are wisdom and
knowledge contrasted? 'II 7.
What are the operations of the other gifts? 'II H. 9.
How did God make uP. to the early disciples for their lack of the
advantages we enjoy? 'II 10.
What are the advantages in coming together for Bible study'! ~ 11.
Wby are the fruits of the spirit more imporlant than the gifts?
'II 12-14, 19.
What are the fruits of the spirit? 'II 15, 16.
What is the meaning of self-control? 'II 17. ],',.
What does meekness imply? lIow does it manifest itself? 'II 20-22.
What may be said of faithfulness? 'II 23-26.
lIow lllay we differentiate between goodness and kindness? 'II 27, 28.
What are the good qualities of longsuffering? 'II 2931.
'Vhat are the a<1vantages of those who have peace? 'II 32.
What makes the Christian's pathway one of joy? 'II 33-37.
lIow may we look through our trials and rejoice? 1]'38.
'Vhat quality' of character corresponds to the capstone of a pyramid? Is love easy to <1efine? How may we ::et a positive view
of the character of love? 'II 39-43.
Why is it possible to sl1m up the perfect cbaracter in the allcomprehensive word lo\'e? 11 44.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT COLUMBUS, OHIO

OKYEKTION S always proye a means of great
encouragement to Bible Students, inspiring them
with zpal for the Lord; and the brethren arc
always greatly benefited wl1<'11 mingling an<1 rrjoicing
with those of like precious faith. The Lord has always
blessed the SOCIET\"R effort:- iu arranging to bring the
brethren together for fellow~hipaUll ('ollununion in the
l'pirit. It does one good to see the happy faces of so
mall) of tho~e \rho lorr the Lor<1 hrttrr than al1:thing
('I~e that i!' dear to them. HOII' it re.i()iee~ olle to llleet
those who have latr))' fOllnd that the Lord i~ graciom,
to hear their happy te~timonie::'. and to take Ilotiee of
their determination to follow the Lord whither.;oe\'er
he leadeth!
The Apostle's injuuetion to "a~~\'lllhlr ollr~eh'es" has
been a great bles:::illg to 1.111' ChuJ'(h throughout the
(lospel Age; and his "so much the mOTC. a::: ye see the
day approaching" ha~ ~pecial :JppJicilhon at thc present
time. \rho rejoices in thp pl'lrilege~ of fello\r:::hipin;!
more than thc cousrcratcd childrru of (;od? The happy
time at cOlll'entions i~ but the ioreta~tt of thl' I'll perlatirc joy which shall he Olll'~ \I'hell \I'l' euter the yery
presence of our Redeemer and King. ('011\ f'ution.-. then,

are the Lord's means of preparing us for the deeper

satisfaction of the joy and happiness which shall be
ours hryond the Yail, when we shall hare made our
calling and election sure to the incorruptible "crown 0 4
glor:' that fadeth not away."
You hare heen advised in preyious i;:sues of THE
WATCH TOWEll that the convention this year will be
held in Columbus, Ohio, July 20 to 27 inclusive_ Great
care was exerri;:ed in selecting thc placc for the com-cntion. Columbus \ras chosen because of its location. bei; g
the most accessible to the largest number of brl'threll;
because of the transportation facilities and str(,l't-c::ll'
accommodations; bccau!'c of the number llnd size (f
the auditoriums available for tIl(' many meeting;; whie-'i
shall be held; because of the pri\-ilege of lU,ing the larg-J
Stadinm for the public witness; hecausr thl' eating antI
lodging accommodations arc the lJe;:t Irhidl can possibly
be secured anywhere; and, beside!'. Columbus is nicel.v
situated. i!' a progressive city. and being a conycntion
city the citizens treat their visitors with kindnr;:;: and
solicitude_ Lct all who ean pos;:ihly att(~I\(I, do ;:\).
For full particulars consult the J unc 1 \rATCH
TOWER.

THE COLISEUM, COLU:\fBCS, OHIO

1!l6

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR JULY 16

"Bless the L01"d.. 0 my sOIlI, and forget not all his

'benefits.J)-Psalm lOS: fl.

RATITUDE nW3ns 100ing kindness awakened in

thc heart of onc who has received a favor or
blessing from another. It means thankfulness
of heart. To be thankful to the Lord means to worship
him reverently, moved so to do because of his manifold
goodness and holiness. Gratitude is an element of charadeI' in man which makes his fellowship and communion with God possible. If the goodness of God cannot
awaken a sense of grateful appreciation of the Creator,
then there must be much radically wrong in that ereahue. God is pleased with a thankful heart, and pleased
to have that condition of heart expressed.
The name David means beloved. David was a type of
the beloved of God, the Christ. Doubtless David possessed, and naturally expressed, much gratitude for the
benefits he received at Jehovah's hands. Many more are
the reasons which those whom David typified have for
gratitude and thankfulness of heart. Gratitude must
precede a perfect expression ()f unselfishness.
For some weeks now we have been studying the texts
relating to the great kingdom of our God. We have
learned how, in his loving kindness, he has made provision for that kingdom, placed at its head his only
begotten Son, invited men to sacrifice earthly hopes and
prospects and enter into a share with our Lord in that
wonderful and ideal government. How appropriate now
that we should consider a text which reminds us of our
privileges of showing gratitude to God, the great Giver
of every good and perfect gift!
Call to mind how our loving Creator dug us from the
miry clay, exhibited to us his wonderful and perfect
expression of unselfishness by giving his beloved Son
that we might be redeemed unto him and thereafter
enjoy the blessings of life; how he justified us that we
might become a part of the sacrificial body of Christ;
how he begat ns ani} anointed us with the holy spirit,
calling us to our heavenly home; how he illuminated
our mind that we might see and appreciate, to some
degree, the wonders and beauties of his creation; how
he graciously provided for mankind and especially for
his heavenly family, of which we are privileged to be
a part.
Oall to mind how God.has pennitted us, while in this
cold and wicked world, to have his sweet fellowship and
to enjoy the opportunities of telling others about his
loving kindness; how that when oppressed by worlilly
ones who, under the influence of the adversary, have
perseeuted us and made our hearts ead and overwhelmed
us, our Lord hag then been our rock, our fortress, and
our strong defender, our shield and bucIder, the power
of our salvation and our high tower.

Oh, the manifold goodness of our God I W11Ut a

blessed privilege to awaken in the morning, and receive
the light and be kissed by the sunshine of a new day,
drink in the sweet perfume of the flowers, behold the
wonders of God's earthly creation, and then to have the
blessed assurance that we are in the love of God and
safely resting in the arms of Jesus! How appropriate,
then, that our first thoughts on awakening each morning should be: "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget
not all his benefits." The Lord knew that we could not
remember them all; he would not have us forget them
a11. It is our blessed and daily privilege to recount some
of his goodness to us.
We are journeying rapidly to our glory home. In a
little while we shall finish our course and then by his
grace shall dwell in his house forever, to behold the face
0f the Lord and to learn of him and of his boundless
riches of wealth and power. Then in the ages to come
we can with gratitude say as we look back over the way
that he has led us: "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul! I
will not fvrget his benefits unto me."
Beloved, seeing then that we ara now receiving a
kingdom which can never be moved but will stand forever, that if loyal wc shall soon ir.herit our home eternal
in the heavens not made with hands, let us, with deep
gratitnd~ of heart, daily serve God with reverence and
Godly fear. Let us diligently try tv prove that we are
perfect in lo"e by giving expressic.n to unselshncss,
dwelling in love, dwelling in Go 1, and boldly and fearlessly announcing that the kingdum of heaven is at hand.
TEXT FOR JULY %3

"The Lord hath chosen Z.ioo . . . for his lzabitation."- Psalm 13: 13.

HE text for this week is from one of the Songs

of Degrees. These Songs, 01' Psalms of Degrees,
not only apply to the Church, but seem to have a
special application during the day of the Lord's second
presence while he is gathering unto himself the saints
who have made a covenant with Jehovah by sacrifice.
Zion, as we understand it, is a name applied to God's
organization, which organization is for the purpose of
carrying into effect the various provisions of the divine
plan. The King, or Head of Zion, is Christ. David
was a type of Christ, hence a type of the Head of Zion.
This Psalm, or Song of Degree, is from David.
For many centuries there has been an invisible ruler
who is evil, and who is known as the chief one of the
inviSIble evil heavens. There has been during the same
period of time a visible order of things which is also
evil, and which has been designated under the term
"the old world" or earth. That Jehovah intends fully
and completely to supplant this evil organization with
his righteous one the Scriptures abundantly prove.
Jehovah's organization is called Zion. Those composing Zion have been the custodians of his message, and

188

JUNE

15. 1924

trheWATCH TOWER

in due course of time he will use his organization to

establish his righteous order in heaven and in earth.
Concerning this he says, through his prophet: "I have
put my words in thy mouth, and I have covpred thee
in the shadow of mine hand. that I may plant the
heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth. and say
unto Zion, Thou art my peoplr."-Isaiah 51: 16.
For Jehovah to desire a thing means that in due
course that thin~ shall exist. The' kxt then states that
he. Jehovah, hath desired Zion for his habitation. Habitation means a site or seat of government, a permanent
place of operation. 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.
The Church is now at the very pinnacle of her earthly
experience. She is now no longer in doubt as to the
Lord's purpose towards all his creatures. She now has
the positive evidence that Jehovah has set his holy and
bcloved Son in Zion as the Head over all; and that
they who are now faithful to the end, and who are
overcomers, shall sit with him in his throne. Such marvelous manifestation of God's love toward his creatures
should create in them the deepest gratitude and cause
them to develop more into the likeness of the Lord;
namely, perfect love. This perfect love will induce each
one to put forth his best efforts now to please the Lord,
to overcome, that he might stand victorious with Christ
Jesus in Mount Zion, that there he may dwell forever,
beholding the face of Jehovah, to be the recipient of his
approving smile, and to receive from the boundless
fountain ever-increasing knowledge and wisdom.

TEXT FOR JULY 30

"Out of Zion, . . . God hath shined."-Psalm

50:~.

ESUS, as the Head of Zion, when he was on earth,

said-: "I am the light of the world." (John 8: 12)
Again he said: "As long as I am in the world, I
am the light of the world." (John 9: 5) He showed
that others would come into the light when he said:
"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." (John
12: 46) Those who accepted the Lord, who were consecrated, justified and begotten of the holy spirit, also
became lights in the world.-Matthew 5: 14.
To the same class St. Paul wrote: "For ye were
somrtimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5: 8) Jesus was
God mamfested in the flesh. He reflected the spirit of
Jehovah, and therefore through him Jehovah shined.
But those who possess the spirit of the world have
not looked upon the members of Zion as though they
were light. On the contrary in the eyes of such, Christians have been black.

187

When Jesus, the Great Light, was walking in th3

earth, he was despised ano hated and persecuted by the
ecclcsiastical element of that day, aided and abetted by
the politiral and commercial elements. They accused
him of practically all known crimes. Under the pretext
of aiding the work of Jehovah, yet without the slightest
excuse, they maliciously libeled, slandered, persecute~
and killed the Perfect One.
Jesus was on the earth during the closing days of the
Jewish Age. It was the lapping period between the
Jewish and Gospel Ages. The Church, at the end of the
Gospel Age, finds itself practically in the same condition that existed at the close of the Jewish Age. Now
nominal Christendom, possessing the worldly spirit, despise, hate, and unjustly persecute the true followers of
the Lord. It is even as he foretold. Instead of recognizing these Christians as lights in the world, nominal
Christendom regards them as darkness. The Lord foreknew and foretold that such would be the case.
In the fifteen Psalms or Songs of Degrees, which
mark the degrees of the development of the Church
during the presence of our Lord, the first one, namely
the 120th, shows the true Christians in Babylon at the
beginning of the harvest period in a condition of distress. The faithful ones are hated by the merely nominal
ones; therefore the true saints are represented as saying,
"Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in
the tents of Kedar! My soul hath long dwelt with him
that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak,
they are for war!' (Psalm 120: 5-7) These are thus
pictured in the eyes of the merely nominal Christians.
Kedar was a son of Ishmael, and from him descended
the Bedouins. These live in tents made of the hair of
black goats. Added to the darkness of the hair, the
grease and the dirt ever prevalent with the Bedouins,
these tents are as black as the darkness of night. They
illustrate how nominal Christendom has viewed the true
follower of Christ. Those of Zion have been hated and
persecuted. They have been for peace, while those about
them insisted on war. They have been true lights, shining in a dark place, but not recognized as such by those
having the spirit of the world.
Jesus, addressing those who are in the narrow way,
looking to that happy time, said: "Then shall the
righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of
their Father." (Matthew 13: 43) Jehovah, through his
prophet, also says: "And they that be wise shall shine
as the brightness of the firmament."-Daniel 12: 3.
These words of encouragement are written aforetimB
for the comfort of those who now are looking for their
glory home. Such words of cncouragement give strength
and aid to the weary traveler, and redouble his energy
to press on, declaring as he goes: "The kingdom of
heaven is at hand!' In his countenance is the light of
a new day; and soon he shall shine forth with his Lord
out of Zion, reflecting the glory and beauty of Jehovah.
Throughout the Millennia! Age it will be properly said:
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shincll "

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

--JUI.Y 2().-MARK

1: 1-11--

.JEST;S' REI.ATIOXSHIP TO JOH~'S MISSION-JEST:S' BAPTISM A SEVERE TEST-REAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS' BAPTISM-JESUS'
COURS~; STILL MISUNDERSTOOD.

"Tlvou .art my beloved 1300, i1l whom I am tI:ell p~ased."-Marlc 1: 11.

ARK, whose Gospel leads our study, gives no details

of the birth or of the early life of Jesus, nor of his
forerunner John, but enters at once into his story of
Jesus'ministry. He says (Mark 1: 1-3) that the beginning
of the gospel of Jesus Christ was the preaching of John,
and that John was the messenger of whom Malachi had
~oken, and the voice crying in the wilderness foretold by
Isaiah. (Malachi 3: 1; Isaiah 40: 3) The Bible Student of
today knows that these prophecies were only partially fulfilled by John, and that John was himself representative.
The fact, which time has now revealed clearly, is that there
are two advents of the Messiah and two preparatory works,
and that the prophecies which for a time seemed as if they
were fulfilled in the mission of Jesus and John the Baptist
were to be fulfilled in a greater sense at the second advent.
The Jews failed to see the fulfilment of their Scriptures in
John and Jesus; and, on the other hand, Christians fail to
see that the fulfilment of the Scriptures depends upon the
second advent of Christ, the great advent for which the
Jews still wait. The Jew looked forward and missed the
first advent; the Christian looks backward to that first
advent, and has no real place for the second. Proclaiming
the second advent is today considered dangerous to true
Christian service and destructive of it, and the churches
now warn their adherents against those who believe In the
second advent.
2John well understood that he was the messenger to go
before the face of the servant of God. He was faithful to
his ministry; he realized that he was but a forerunner, and
he gave himself wholly to the work which God had for him.
Had he been otherwise minded, he could not have done his
work in time; for the Lord, the Messenger of the covenant,
was closely followmg. It was as if a road must be made in
the wilderness, the hills must be brought down, and the
hollows filled in, that the king might have a good road for
his entrance into his city.
3The appearance once again of a prophet in Israel, and
the unusual message that he had, took crowds of people out
of Jerusalem and the towns and villages of Judah to the
Jordan, where John was baptizing, more than twenty miles
from Jerusalem. He told them that the kingdom of heaven
was at hand and bade them prepare themselves for It. He
saw that the condition of Israel was bad, and he spoke very
plainly to the Pharisees and Sadducees who joined the
crowds. He named them a "generation of vipers" (Matthew
3: 7), told them that their profession was a mockery, and
shocked them by sa~'ing that, of itself, relationship to
Abraham counted for nothing.

JESUS' RELATIONSHIP TO JOHN'S MISSION

.-rhough we have no record of his commission other than
this his own reference to it (John 1: 33), John says that he
was sent to baptize as well as to "cry out." His commission
was: (1) To call attention to the fact that a time of judgml'nt had come (Matthew 3: 10); (2) to call Israel to
rE'pentance, and to baptize as a symbol of cleansing (Matthew 3: 6, 8); and (3) to tell of the coming One who
would baptize with thlo' holy spirit and with fire. (Matthew
8: 11) He faithfully warned the people, and exhorted them
to repentance, and told of the One who was immediately to
come, whose shoes, he said, he was not worthy to carry.
(Matthew .3: 11) Further, be never .faUed to tell of the far
gn'llter work to be done by the ODe for whom he was
forerunner.
188

&The mission of John as baptizer was unique in the history of Israel, but the idea of cleansing must have made its
appeal to the many who by John's means sought to get into
favor with God. That he did not immerse all who went to
him is clear; his sharp words to the Pharisees show that.
His mission was etl'ective; all Jerusalem and Judea were
stirred and were held in expectation concerning the Christ
(Luke 3: 15), and in due time it was John's pleasure to
announce the presence of the One of whom he spoke. His
fidelity to God, and a faith which enabled him to declare
the actual presence of the Anointed of God, raised him to
the highest place among men.-Matthew 11: 11.
6As Jesus grew into manhood he would think much about
his life's work, and would wonder when it must begin, and
how: He would surely expect to be anointed for his ministry. It Is easy for us to suppose that he would know he
must wait till he was thirty years of age. but it is very
probable that he did not know. The Levites were first
ordered to start service in the tabernacle at thirty years of
age, but afterwards the age of twenty-five was set for them,
evidently for probationary service; and later still the age
of twenty was set by David. (Numbers 4: 3; 8: 24; 1
Chronicles 28: 24) But Jesus was not It Levlte, that he
should walt till thirty years of ago!' hefore beginning his
ministry. At either of these periods of his Ufe he might
have had expectation that his time had come; but he must
wait for his forerunner, who he knew must appear and do
the work of which God had spoken (LUke 1: 17); and he
could make no move until then.
JESUS' BAPTISM A SEVERE TEST
'When John began his mission in the spring of the year
(A. D. 29), Jesus knew that his time had almost come. He
waited till his birthday season In the autumn. Then when
he "began to be about thirty years of age" (Luke 3: 28)
he went to John. It seems proper to suppose that Jesus
was born at the Feast of Tabernacles, and that It was then
that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt [tabernacled]
amongst us" (John 1: 14) ; and as the Day of Atonement,
the tenth day of the seventh month, preceded the Feast of
Tabernacles by five days (Leviticus 23), we may also suppose that Jesus presented himself to John at Jordan and to
his Father either on that day or as near to it as possible,
so as to fulfil the type of the bullock presented for a slnoffering, even as at his death he exactly fulfilled the type
of the Passover lamb.-1 Corinthians 5: 7.
8At that time the Word of God was lodged in the mind
of Jesus, perhaps all of it, and as an exact memory; and
he would have the purport of the Word in his mind. Without doubt, owing to that which his mother hnd told him of
his birth and about John the Baptist's birth and about the
prophecies which had then been spoken, and because of his
recognition of himself as set apart from his fellows, he saw
himself as the object of the prophecies.
9There can be little question that submission to John's
baptism was one of the sharpest questions concerning himself which Jesus had to settle. He had to meet the question
of his relationship to John's baptism, whleh was for the
confession and remission of sins. But he was entirely witbout consciousness of sin; and if he joined the crowds who
went to John, would not this appear both to the people and
to John as If he also made confession of sin? And if he

Jt,,, 15,

l!J~i

~WATCH

eyen appeared to confess would not this probably compromise hiR future standing? Also John was his forerunner,
and humanly speaking it would seem inappropnate that
Jesus should be immersed by the one who was his herald.
He must have come to the conclusion that John was his
l,"llteway not only to his life's work, but also into the way of
life. Clearly JQlm's mission to baptize was of God; and
Jesus determined to go to .Tohn, even though it meant being
numbered with transgressors. This was God's will for him,
and the outcome he- would leave in the hands of his I<'ather.
lJohn was God's messenger, and none in Israel might
hope to attain or retain the favor of God who did not follow
the expressed will of God. Jesus therefore presl'nted himself to John for immersion. Apparently John was taken
unawares. Indirectly he had been told that he should
immerse the One whose coming he was to announce. (John
1: 33) Yet when Jesus came, John wished to decline; for
he felt that it would be more fitting if he were immersed
by Jesus. But it was as necessary for John to submit to
the will of God as for Jesus. Hence Jesu~ said: "Huffer it
to be so now: for thus it becometh UR to fulfil all righteousness."-Matthew 3: 15.
REAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS' BAPTISM

ll.John never understood the inner meaning of Jesus' going

to him, or of what it meant for Jesus as between himself
and God. John did the wlll of God and was faithful. None
of the servants of God was greater than he. But it was not
given to John to know or to understand; for he was nf'ver
privileged to become a disciple of Jesus. To Jesus his baptism was the vital moment of his life. He saw his course
marked out for him by the Psalmist; and in David's words
Iw said: "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest 1I0t, but a
body hast thou prepared me: . . . Then said I, Lo, I come
(in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy
will, 0 God." (Hebrews 10: 5, 7) He saw that God had
had no pleasure in the sacrifices of bnlls and goats, which
could never take away sins, and that he with the consciousness of being holy, harmless, and undefiled had the privilege
to give himself in sacrifice to God.
12Jesus therefore gave himself to God as a man would
bring an animal for sacrifice to the altar. None had done
this hitherto, nor had anyone ever thought of such a thing;
for tllore had bE'en no call, the privilege had never before
been given. Jesus' baptism, then, was more to him than a
consecration to devote his life to the service of God and to
seek its interests. The water to him represented death and
submission unto death according to the will of God, and his
rising again out of the water represented the new Ufe and
new relationship in which he stood towards God. He was
there begotten of the holy spirit to the divine nature. (Acts
]0: 38) Hence, as he died to the will of his perfect flesh,
so he was raised to newness of Ufe, begotten of the spirit.
Henceforth he lived not aecording to the flesh, but according
to the spirit.
13Faithful servants of God there had been before Jesus'
day, and some of these had suft'ered a violent death for
their faithful witness. Even John the Baptist so suft'ered,
What difference was there between their service for which
they suffered and that of Jesus? It is in this: Those men
served God aecording to his will as understood by them,
and were faithful at all costs, even unto death; yet tbey
bad never thought of presenting themselves as a sacrifice to
be oft'ered. But that was the thought which moved Jes1lfI in
his conlleCration of himself to God. It was only wMn Jesus
had given himself to God and had been accepted that the
fact came upon anyone that the sacrifices of old were
typical of human sacrifices, human lives offered to God.

TOWER

IS!)

JESUS' COURSE STILL MISUNDERSTOOD

HThe idea of human sacrifices is repugnant to the religious sentiment of our day. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son (a sacrifice given and accepted in intent) is an
abhorrent thing to the teachers of Christendom, and is to
them a proof positive that the Old Testament is crude,
below moral standards, and certainly not of God. But these
also repudiate the teachings of the New 'l'estament, and
even of our Lord himself, who said that he came to give
himself as a ransom; and of the apostles, whose successors
they claim to be, who taught that the oft'ering of Jesus
Christ as a sacrifice makes atonement for sin.
15When Jesus had presented himself, he saw for the first
time the correspondency between Isaac and himself. Later
he was actually slain; but the offering as sacriflce was at
Jordan, where he offered himself without spot unto God.
(Hebrews 9: 14) There he began to open up the new and
liVing way whereby his disciples may follow in his steps
and, suffering with him, may share his glory with him.
(2 'l'imothy 2: 12) They also present thelIHlelves; and they
become human sacrifices in the sense of sacrificing tht>ir
humanity, considering the body as representing human life
as a sllcrifiel'.-Romans 12: 1.
l6As John raised Jesus up out of the water "the holy
spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him."
To John this was the sign for which he waited; to Jesus
it was the outward and visible sign of God's acceptance and
his anointing. And with this outward sign camf', to the joy
of Jf'SUS' heart, a voice from heaven, sayIng, "Thou art my
bf'loved Son; in thee I am well pleased." (Luke 3: 22) It
was to this witness that Jesus referred whf'n, sppaking to
the Jews, he said: "The Father himself, which hath sent
me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have npither heard his
voice at any time, nor seen his shape." (John 5: 37) At
that moment also the ht>avens were opened: Jesus saw
spiritual things not hitherto discerned. It was then that
the path of life was opened to him. If for the purpose of
being God's lamb of sacrifice, and bullock for atonement,
Jesus was permitted to die, God would reward him; for
the way of sacrifice was the way of life, and bt>yond the
human sacrifice was life at the right hand of God. "At thy
right hand there are pleasures for evermore."-Psalm 16 :11.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
With what event does Mark date the beginning of the gospel?
'Vhat fact do we now see that was not clear In his day? Why
Is our Lord's "econll advent so unpopular a subject today? 'II 1.
What did John the Baptist understand to be hlB mission? Wbat
drew the crowds to hear his preaching? , 2, 3.
What three points was John commissioned to emphasize? , 4.
What result did John's preaching produce? What rank does John
hold in the divine estlmation'/ Why is he tllIlS esteemed? , 5.
As Jesus approached luanhood. what subj(l('t would cause him much
thought? What Scriptural re/U<on is tllPre for his uncertainty?

What definite information did the Scripture alford hlm'/ , 6.

What "hoLy conYocations" may have marked the date of our Lord'.
birth and of his baptism? 'II 7.
Why was submission to John's baptism a severe test to Jesus? To
what conclusion did he finally come? 'II S,!l.
In what way was Jesus' baptism a test to JOhll also? 110.
Wby did John never understand the full import of Jesus' baptism?
H_ did our Lord view the matter? '1111.
In what splrtt did our Lord present hllllself to God? What had
John's baptism come to mean to Jesu,', In \vhat respect was h.
ditrerent after biB baptillm from what hp .had I,..en before? 'I 12.
What new light has Jesus' baptism shet! upon the Je"ish ceremonial law? 1 13.
How does modern religious sentiment look upon Ihe Old Testament
Sacrifices? How may this aWtude be acwunted for? ~ 14.
In what sense clid the beaveDl! ollt'n to our Lord a t the tllne of his
baptism? What new thoughts were then prP>'ented to I,," mind 7
What "new and living way" did be then be:;in to open up? Wbo
may enter upon that way? , 15, 16.

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

--JULY 27--l\IATTHEW

ESUS' ""E)(PL~TION CO:'\'TRASTED WITH

4: 1-11--

,\Il,Ul'S-JES['S n;)rpn~D ON TWO PLAXES-JESI'S' TRUE LOWLINESS OF HEART--THRl,EFOLD PI'RPOSE OF JESUS' TEMPTATION.

"[n that he hin~8elt hath suffered beillf] tempted, fte is able to succor them that are tempted."-Hebrew8 2: 18.

Ese:,; came up out of Jordan, full of the holy spit'it

(Luke 4: 1), and was imme(liately led by the spirit into
the wilderness. This was the wilderness of Judea, a
barren country where the wild bf'asts still roamed. Jesus
would need quietness and solitude that he might get a
proper viw of the new world which now opened before
him, and he needed to readjust his life to the new view of
himself which the Scriptures now disclosed. Mark (chap.
1: 12) says that the spil'it drore Jesus into the wilderness;
and this, taken with Matthew's statement that .Tesus wa~
led into the wilderness that he might be tempted of the
devil (Matthew 4: I), leaves little question that more is
intended than that Jesus should have a time for meditation.
It was the purpose of God that he should go into the wilderness. Jesus was to be allowed to see what he had to meet in
his ministry, what he must accept, and what reject; and
for this purpose God saw that there must be a preparation
which could come only through severe testing. And he must
be pl'oved loyal to God before his ministry was commenced.
2The promised Messiah was also the new man, the son of
the woman; and he must be tested as Adam had been.
Jesus therefore to this extent may be considered as the
second Adam, who must definitely be proved as one who
withstood the temptations which overcame the first Adam.
-Romans 5: 14.

.ksus, he spoke as if he had been watching our Lord and

had noted that he was hungry. He said: "If thou be the
Son of God, command this stone that It be madl' bread"
(Luke 4: 3). using the sallie wicked insinuation to doubt as
in Eden, wlwn he said: "Hath Go{l said"; and to pride, as
if he would stlHt in the mind of .Tesus a rebuttal of the
dOUbting su,g-gestion, which would lead to pride in an
attempt to prove himself to the devil. The point of the
temptation was in leading Jesus to think of himself and
his need. and in suggesting that because he had the power
to satisfy himself he should do so. 'Vould he not use it?
He would be better able to do his work if he had food alHl
strength! Of course the devil's purpose was to get Jesus to
take himself into his own care, and out of the care of his
Father.
G.Tesus had not yet used any miraculous power, but his
forty days' meditation had shown him that he was invesf<',l
with it. But he knew that this was given to him for the
purpose of his ministry, and not for himself; and that if
for selfish reasons he used the power given for his ministry,
he would get out of the will of God. He would preserve his
body or satisfy his need at the expense of his life. Jesus'
answer implies that his Father had placed him in the wilderness, where there was no food; and that he would stay
there until his Father led him out. Death to the body was
better than uncertainty; and, quoting the scripture, he said:
"It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but
by every word of God." (Luke 4: 4) If need be, his Father
could keep him alive in the wilderness; but in any case he
would continue to suffer hunger rather than thus supply
his need.

JESUS' TEMPTATION CONTRASTED WITH ADAM'S

sThe temptations were on the same lines as those In the
garden of Eden, else there could not be full proof of victory;
and the tempter is the same; but there is a great contrast
in the conditions. In the garden of Eden there was all the
comfort God had to give to a perfect pair, his own dear
human children. There was no hunger, nothing to disturb
the mind, suffering was not known; problems there were
none. But in the case of Jesus It was very different. He
was in the wilderness, with a new life open before him, his
mind full of questions. He was hungry; for he had now
been for forty days without food, and the wilderness had no
food for him. He was also in the company of wild beasts.
Here was an absolute contrast' to the comfort, sweetness,
and ease of Eden. But though the surroundings of Jesus
were in such violent contrast and so uncongenial to him,
and though he was placed by these at a considerable disadvantage in an encounter with the tempter, he had some
ad'Jantage. He had (1) the knowledge of Adam's exprience,
and (2) the revealed Word of God as a guide.
It was at the end of forty days when the devil approached
Jesus. It may very well be that Jesus' concentration of
mind in meditation on his relationship to God and to his
ministry had, till then, prevented him from feeling the
pangs of hunger. Now, when he was hungry, and we must
suppose somewhat weary, the enemy came. 'Ve have already
said that there was a similarity in the temptations. In the
garden It is said of Eve, "'''hen the woman saw that the
tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the
eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one Wise, she took
of the fruit." (Genesis 3: 6) These were temptations which
made their appeal to the heart's citadel through the lust of
the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.-l
John 2: 16.
~Thel'e are only these three avenues by which Satan can
approach any of God's children; but they compass the
whole nature of man, whether human or begotten of the
spirit to the divine nature. When the devil approached

JESUS TEMPTED ON TWO PLANES

'Eve was not hungry; she had every pleasure. Jesus was
hungry; but he would not satisfy his need outside the will
of God. Satan was repulsed. This was a temptation to the
flesh. There are two planes on either of which such temptatlon may come: One may fail through indulgenc of
appetite; and one begotten of the holy spirit may fail
through using the favor of God for selfish purposes, or in
doing the work of God to please a fieshly desire.-2 Corinthians 1: 17.
8The next temptation Is set as If Jesus and Satan were
standing together on a pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem.
Satan said: "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down
from hence" (Luke 4: 9); and he quoted a scripture in
support of his suggestion. (Psalm 91: 11, 12) Jesus had
just refused to ease his hunger or even save his life at the
suggestion of the devil. This temptation was at the other
extreme: It was a suggestion to disesteem, or a lack of
care, of his life, beli~ving that it was safe in the care of
God. We may be sure that Satan suggested that this
unusual text was specially written for Jesus, for hitherto
there had been none to whom It could apply; and Satan
suggested that the pinnacle of the temple was the exact
place for the fulfilment of the scripture.
9Jesus did not argue, nor even stop to say that Satan
had misquoted by leaving out a very important clause, but
met the quotation with another. He said: "Thou shalt not
tempt the Lord thy God." (Luke 4: 12) Scripture is never
contradictory; and if there be any question of Interpretatlon it should always be remembered that the right explanatlon is always in harmony with the whole. The temptation
in this case was: (1) To do something to show his faith;

1'10

JCXE

1:;.

1D:!~

1~1

'TheWATCH TOWER

(2) to prove himself to the devil; (3) to tuke his own

way before God's; a1ll1 (4) to usp the \\"OI'd of God to suit
himself. The devil is eYl'r an Rdvocute of :scripture when
he can twist it to the hurt of ll. dnpe.

JESUS' TRUE LOWLINESS OF HEART

can hardly be doubted that Satan suggt'fited that by
this means Jesus would get a better opening to his ministry
than oth~rwisp. Satan wanted Jt'sus to think that something special should be done for him, and put the suggestion
that his Father was doing little to help him. But in this
matter also Jesus was in his Fathpr's hands, and there he
would remain. He would not force God's hand for himself.
If the Father chose to give him a start to his ministry
whil-h was entirply abspnt from show, then Jesus would be
glad for what his Father did. '],his temptation, then, was
to pride of heart, to make a show to prove that he had
faith, and to pmve himself in the e~'es of the people. Here
was true lowliness of heart. Jesus would wait on his Father
and seek neithl'r II dl'mollstration of himself nor any for
himself. This tt'mptation also failed.
"TIll' dpvil then took ,lpsus up into a high mountain and
ShOWl'11 him in a moment of time all till' killgdoms of the
worl<l alld the glory of tlwm, and said to him: "All this
powpr will I give thee, allli the glory of thpm: for that is
deliYt'rl'd unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If
thou, tlll'refore, wilt worship me, all shall be Uline." (Luke
4: 6, 7) The other two temptations had been in respect to
faith; one to II lack, the other to overmuch. But this was
a fiat proposal that Jesufi lean~ the pathway of faith to
join Satan. Jesus at once answered: "Get tlwe behind me,
Hatnn: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and him only shalt thou sl'l've."-Luke 4: 8.
l2What was the point of tlw temptation in this case?
Not only had Sat!ln made an appeal to Jesus in rl'sppct to
tile power and glory which might accrue to him; but,
knowin~ Jesus' warm heart towards humanity, he knew
that Jesus would at on('e see in the power offered an
opportunity of helping humanity. Never a human heart
beat so warmly for human need !lnd in sympathy as did
th\' heart of Jesus; but he was true to his Father, and
without hesitancy he waived the temptation and the tempter
aside. Jesus would be no servant of the devil, not even for
the betterment of humanity. He well understood that in
due time God pUrpQsed to restore the human family; and
that, if he were faithful to his Father, he would be made
ruler of God's kingdom with pow\'r to bless not only the
world that then was, but even those who were dead.
I3H was the glory of being governor that Satan olfered.
It was the privilege of being Savior that .Tl'sUS desired.
And he knew that he could be the Savior only by first
walking the narrow way of consecration even unto death.
This was a temptation to the eye, to feast it on things not
lawful. Jesus would not let his mental sight remain on the
glory visualized. In this temptation also there are the two
phases; for there is the tempta tion to indulg-e the natural
mind by letting it dwell longingly on things of this world.
HSatan was foill'd, was dpfeatPd, and left Jesus for a
s('ason. Jesus had won a victory, but not by cleverness, nor
by argument, but by the simplicity of loyalty to God, guided
by the Word of Truth. What was effected? Satan was not

yanqui shed, but Jesus WliS the t1rl't who had stood before
Hatan's aSfiaults. 'l'hrougll thb eXl'l'ril'ncp he saw his life
and ministry more clearly outlined, and was better prepared
for wilat he had to face during' his ministry; a record had
been mude for all his followers; also a witness had been
gi\('n that eyil could be \Yith~tootl, and that Satan's power
wus limited against tllOse \\ ho submitted themselves to God.

I0lt

"I thank Thee, Lord, iliat I have seen

A little of the light.
A glimpse of tlte ~reat splendor through
The darkness of earth's night
Has shone into a weary !"Oul,
And made the way more bright.

THREEFOLD PURPOSE OF JESUS' 'l'EMPTATION

loBible Students know tile truth of Jesus' relationship to
his I,'ather. They know that he was not God, unable to be
foudled by temptation; but that he was tempted in all
points as we are and yet without sin (Hebrews 4: 15), a
\\ lIl'd with no meaning' were the tpmptations not real. He
slltl'ered being' tempted. At the end angl'ls ministered unto
him as to Elijah of old. The ang!'ls preparl'll a meal, and
,Jpsus was refreshel1 both in body and in spirit.
I"Each footstep follower of the Master must be subjected
to tlle same temptations. Each as he consecrates himself
must have a wilderness experience; for each is to be a
part of the second Adam, anll l'aeh must be an overconwr.
Till' dificiple must not expl'<'I easy circumstances. The enl'llIy
hns no mercy, but set'ks to (ll'stroy everyone who gives himself in consecration to God; for he knows that every saint
is a menace to his life anll an enemy of his kingdom, and
one from whom he (Satan) can expect no mercy. He who
has any sympathy with Satan alHl Satan's kingdom Is like
Satan himself-the enl'my of Goll. (.lames 4: 4) Thus the
temptation of our Lord has a threefold purpose: For Jesufi,
that he mLg-ht be j)roved; for God, as a witness that the
grace of God with the Word of God ifi sutlicient to keep the
child of God against all aitackfi of tlw enemy; for us, that
Jpsus might kno\\' how to succor us when tempted, :JllIl that
we might know hoI\' to resist tl'mptation.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
For what fiYe.f~l<1 purpose was J"S\l8 driven into the wilderness by
till' holy sp,rlt? ~ 1, 2.
Why WN'" Jesus' tC'lllptations on the same Iiu"s as those of Adam
awl E,-e? What contrast was there in the (on<1ltions of each
) ~aRe? ,That a.(h.ant~~e had .Jf'SIl~ o,er Aflalll If! a.
I omt ~tlt the SlmJ!lLrIty bet,Yccn JestlS' temptations and those ot
our I1r8t parents. '114.
Alonl'; wha! three line>< does Satan approach God's people? How
far-reachlllg' are th"",, avenue>< of approach'! What was the point
of Jestls' first temptation? '110.
During' his forty days' meditation what new faet coneerning himself h'lll Jesus learne+l'! POI' \vhat purpof,e had he received Dew
!lower? ~ G
What was tlle nature of this temptation? On what two planes may
this killli of temptation come to anyOlw? 'IJ 7.
How did ,1 estis' second temptation differ from the first? '118.
Poillt Ollt the fourfold 8trelll:"th of the se"ond telllptation. Show
that en'n a seemingly apt S('l'ipture quotation lllay prove to be a
snare. IIow maJ- we be sure that we hayc the right Interpretation of any g-iven Scripture tC'xt'! 'II 9.
In meetin;: this temptation how did Jesus demonstrate his lowliness of heart? 'II 10.
How did the third temptation dift'er from each of the first two?
What was the spedal point in the third temptation? Wbat
enabled Jesus to meet it snccessfully? 'II 11, 12.
Point out the two planes on which this temptation may come to a
child of God. What enabled Jesus to meet it successfully? '113.
What blessing did Jesus receive tor his faithful opposition to Satan's wiles? By what means did Jesus win the victory? Wbat
lesson may the ChurC'h learn from studying these experienC'es ot
our Lord? 'II 14.
What Is Jesus' relationship to Jehovah God? What lij:(ht does the
truth on this matter give to real Bible students? 'II 10.
Why must each footstep follower of Jesus Illeet the same kind ot
temptations that thc lIlaster suffered? Point out the threefold
purpOl'e 8f our Lord's wilderness experience, and Its value to
each .'onse('rated child of God. 'I 11).
O

"I thank Thee, Lord, tllat I have seen

Beyond this life's brief span,
A glimpse of lon' divine f;() great
'}'o rescue fallen manGn-at mystery of mysterif'.s,
Once hidden in COlI'S plan."

International Bible Students A~sociation Qasses

Lec(ure~

and &udic~ bl; 'frdVeliIl<J Brethren

BROTHER

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
lI'hebell, III.
J uly 1
8wanwlck, Ill
" 2
Bellevl1le, Ill.
_." 3
East St. Louis, Ill. .
" 4
St. Louis, Mo. ...................." 6
Kane, III.
__
7

" 14

Greensboro, N. C
Lynehburg, Va
Norfolk, Va
Petersburg, Va
Richmond, Va.
Charlottesville, Va

Mitchell, S. Dak
July 10
Hartford, S. Dak.
11
Irene, S. Dak. .
"
13
Yankton, S. Dak
"
15
Corsica, S. Dak.
16
Columbus, O................ " 2027

Mankato, Minn. .
Evan, Minn. .
St. Paul, Minn.
Minneapolis, Minn
Winona, Minn
Rochester, Minn.

AIton, Ill. ...................._....Tuly 8

Gl1lespie, Ill.
" 9
Bunker Hill, Ill.
" 10

~}~~a~llill:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rinard, Ill.

BROTHER
Charlestown, W. Va
July
Hagerstown, Md
"
Cumberland. Md
"
Frostburg, IIId
"
J,.ollaconing, Md
"
~tain Lab Park, IIId.

1
2
3
4
6
7

July 8,9
" 10, 11
"
13
"
14
"
15
16

Guilford, Me. _
Abbott, Me. _
Kennebunk, IIIe. .
Kittery, Me
Newburyport, IlIa-'s
Byfield, Mass.

July z,;;'

11

13

Cincinnati, O

28

Deep River, Conn

July 1
Cromwell, Conn. ................" 2
Hartford, Conn.
3
New Britain, Conn
" 4
New Haven, Conn
" 6
Branford, Conn.
_........
7

White River, Ont

July
7
Search mont, Onto
" 8, 9
Maclennan, Ont. ........ "
11
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont, "
13
\Varren, Onto
_
" 14, 15
Columbus, O.
2027

Neepawa, Man
_June 27
Winnipeg, lIIan June 28-July 1
Cochrane, Onto
July 2
Timmins, Onto
" 3,4
New Liskeard, Onto
"
6
North Bay, Ont.
7

"

BROTHER

Owensboro, Ky................July 1
Evans> iIIe, Ind
"
2
Paducah, Ky
3,6
Mayl1eld, K)'
"
4
Dixon. Ky.
8
Hopkinsville, Ky.
9

July 10
11
:: 13
14
" 15
" 16

Rosalia, Wash
July 1
Colfax, \Vash
"
2
Couer d'Alene, Ida.
" 3, 4
Spokane, Wash
"
6
Missoula, Mont.
8
Butte, Mont. ...._...............
9

BROTHER
Hammond, Ind
Michigan City, lId.
La Porte, Ind
South Bend, Ind.
Goshen, Ind.
.
Elkhart, Ind

July 1
"2
" 3
4
6
" 7

Cheyenne, Wyo
Sterling, Colo
Sidney, Neb. .
(irand Island, ~eb
Omaha, Neb
Burlington, Ia.
~

July 9
" 10
" 11
" 13
" 14
" 15

_.July 1
_
" 2, 3
"
4
" 6,7
_.........
8
9

Wlngham, Onto
Goderich, Onto
Seaforth, Onto
Mitchell, Onto
Stratford, Onto
Sarnia, Onto

Bracebrldge, Onto _ July

8
Orillia, Onto
"
9
Hamilton, Ont.
"
13
Beamsville, Ont.
" 14, 15
St. Catharlnes, Onto
" 16, 17
Columbus, O
2027

Billings, Mont
Clearmont, Wyo
Ravenna, Neb
Omaha, Neb.
Clinton, la
South Bend, Ind.

July 10
" 11
" 13
14
" 15
16

June 27
" 29
" 30
July
1
"
2
"2027

Ashtabula, O.
July 28
Westfield, N. Y
" 29
Buffalo, N. Y
" 30
Batavia, N. Y
" 31
Rochester, N. Y.
.Aug. 1
Newark, N. Y..................... " 2

BROTHER W. J. THORN
Elmira, N. Y
Kewark, N. Y
Auburn, N. Y
Cortland, N. Y.
Binghamton, N. Y.
Scranton, Pa

June 25
_.... " 26
" 27
" 29
_ " 30
July 1

BROTHER
July 10
" 11
" 13
" 14
__ _." 15
_....... 16

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
Winnipeg, Man. .
J uly 1
Kenot:.,ft:, Onto
"
2
Fort william, Onto
4
Port Arthur, Onto
6, 7
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.........
9
North Bay, Ont. ...._......... 10

Tiffin, O
_
Mansfield, O
Johnstown, Pa
Lewistown, Pa
PaoIl, Pa. .
Columbus, O. .

L. HERR

Niles, Mich
July 8
Benton Harbor, IIlich
" 9
Hartford, Mich. "'"""""_,, " 10
South Haven, lIIIch...._..... " 11
Kalamazoo, IIIich. ............. " 13
Battle Creek, Mich
14

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Mar, Onto
\Viarton, Onto ._
Hepworth, Onto
Allenford, Onto
Harriston, Onto
Fordwich, Onto

Bridgeport, Conn
_ July 8
Milford, Conn. ...................." 9
Woodbury, Conn
" 10
Torrington, Conn
" 11
Waterbury, Conll
13
\Vestfield, ~. Y
17

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Fort Morgan, Colo
July I, 2
Boulder, Colo.
"3
Berthoud, Colo. . _...... ..
4
Denver, Colo.
6
Loveland, Co.o
"
7
Greeley, Colo. .
_ "
8

Haverhill, Mass
July 8
Lawrence, :Mass
_." 9
W. Chelmsford, Mass. .
" 10
Lowell, Mass
.. 11
Framingham, IIIass. .._
" 13
Springfield, Mass.
.. 14

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

H. DINGUS
Guthrie, Ky. . _
Beech Creek, Ky.
B!l'aver Dam, Ky
Rmey, Ky.
Elizabethtown, K)'
Sonora, Ky

July 9
10
11
" 13
" 14
" 15

BROTHER C ROBERTS

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Regina, Sask
June 23, 24
Brandon, Man.
" 25, 26
Winnipeg, Man June 28July 1
Dominion City, Man
July 2, 3
Kenora, Ont.
"
4
Fort \Vl1liam, Onto ._
"
6

July 1
" 2
" 3
" 4
" 6
7

Panvl1le, Ill. ............... July

~?!~~::~lirri~:;~::::::::~:::" 9,10
~; i Y~lt~O~:
. : : : : :, : : : : : :" ~~;20-27U
Columbus, O

East St. Louis, Ill.

Springfield, ill.

Elma, la.
.
Waucoma, l.l.
Oelwein, la
Dubuque, Is
Freeport, Ill.
Rocl,ford, Ill.

BROTHER V. C. RICE

RROTHER J. W. COPE
Jamestown, Kan

July 1, 3
"
2
"
4
"
6
"
7
8

BROTHER & M. RICE

& H.BOYD
Oakland, Md
Brandonvl1le, W. Va
Morgantown, W. Va
}<'alrmont, \V. Va
Burton, W. Va
Wheeling, W. Va.

MURRAY

Clifton Forge, Va
July 11
Charleston, W. Va
" 13
Coco, W. Va.
14
Nitro, W. Va.
15
Gallipolis ,0
" 16
Nelsonville, O
_...........
17

BROTHER G. It. POLLOCK

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Ipswich, S. Dak
July 1
Lebanon). S. Dak. ............"
2
Huron, ;:so Dak.
4
Parker, S. Dak. .
"
6
Chancellor, S. Dak. .
"
7
Menno, S. Dak............. " 8,9

a s.

July 1
"
2
"4-7
"
8
9
" 10

Gravenhurst, Onto ......July 10

':roronto, Onto .__ __..__ u
13
Brantford, Onto
..
15
Hamilton, Onto
..
16
Niagara FaIls, Onto
" 17,18
Columbus, O
.. 2027

Burlington, Ia
Chicago, Ill.
Indianapolis, Ind.
Columbus, O.
Ironton, O. .
War, \V. Va.

June 23
" 24
" 25
" 26
"... " 27
.. 29

East StrOUdsburg, Pa.

July 2
Colum!.JUs, O
Julr 20.27
FostorIa, O
'
28
Defiance, O
"
29
Garrett, Ind
"
30
Auburn, Ind
"
31

H.THORNTON
East Radford, Va
.July IT
Ashland, Ky.
18
Colu,mbus, O. """""""'_' .. 2027
Portsmouth, O.
28
Ironton, O.
29
East Radford, Va.
31

BROTHER S. II. TOUTJIAN

Norfolk, Neb
July 1
Winside, Neb
" 2
Stanton, Neb
" 3
Clearwater, Neb
" 4
Omaha, Neb
_ " 6
Nebraska City, Neb. __. _ " 7

Independence, Mo
Kansas City, Mo
Jefferson City, Mo
St. Louis, Mo
Terre Haute, Ind
Brazil, Ind

_.July 9
_
10
11
13
_
14
_
N 115

~~.1!:ten,1Jj]j) @}1!U9 <WrUyiID~ ~1F ~1Iy~ ~n~1lyt t'

@j)~ f,[Ot'1J')UVilSl ~t:re~~lb. &11lIcll (j), ~ign,t i!l1il1@Y"-15ail1!1
rOL.

XLV

No. 13

SEMI-MoNTHLY

Anno Mundi 6052 -July I, 1924

CONTENTS
eUROPEAN CONV>ONTIONS ................................. 195

The Continent """"

Oermany .__

___

..

._.

Frankforton~lalll

SWItzerland """""
Spain in Vallmess..
France
.
London Convention ..
Gla..gow
COLUMBUS

CONVICN'l'lON.

..

Special TraIns

l,j'orelg-n-Slwaklng Brethren
PRAYERMEETING TEXT COMMENTS

FIRST DISCIPLES OF JESUS

FIRST MIRACLE OF JESUS

..195
... U)()
197
197
198
198
. 198
199
200
200
.
.202
203
204
206

"1 w(/l stand upon mil watch and will set mil !w'
"pen the Tower. and will watch to see what He wi"
'all unto me, and what answe,. 1 shall m-ake to them
.hat opp08e me."-Habakkuk ll: 1.

Upon the earth distress of natio~th perplexity; the 88& and the waves (the restless, diacontented~ roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for lookinll: to
tile thi~s coming upon the earth (sooieo/.); for the powers of the heavens (ecclesi....til'8Jll) shallbe shaken. When ye see these things begin to come to P""B. then
know that the KIngdom of God is at haud. Look up, lift UP your heads. rejoice. for your redemptiou draweth nigh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:291 Luke 21:25-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

ms

:tournai Is one of the prime factors or instrumeuts in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now being
presented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE &; TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. H:l84, "For the Pro_Uon of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a claBs room where Bibl" students may meet In the study of the divine Word but
alao as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
romlng of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed wltil reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES mORt entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Mini8ter (V. D. M.), which translated
Into Bnglish is Minuter of God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
Btudents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all''. (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Ruildinr; up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11
1'5; 2 Peter 1: 11-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which .has
beeu Iud in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"whlch in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed In tbe holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom ~ranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith npon the sure promises of God, It is held as a trust, to bp. used only in h~
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of Ilia
good pleasure, the tea~hlng of his Word, for the upbulld4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ow:
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's Redeemel' and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, throur;h which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22';
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling-, shaping, and polisbing of consecrated belieYers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "Ii\'ing stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great l\1aster Workman will brinr; all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with h1s glory, and be tbe meeting place between God and men throughout
the lIIillennium.-Revelation 15: 5-8.
"1'hat the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies In the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for ever"
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the 1orld", "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
'That the hope of the church Is that she may be like her Lord, "see him RR he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as his joint-helr.-l John 3:2; JolJn 17: 24; nomans b: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4,
'That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop In herself every
grace; to be God's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kmgs and priests in the next age.-Ephesians 4: 12; :Matthew 24:
14; nevelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of know!ed/?e and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's 1I111Jenniai kinl':dom, the
restitution of all that was lost In Adam, to all the willing and ol>edlent. at the hands of their Redeemer and his gloritied church,
when all the w,lfully wicked will be de.trolled.-Acts 3: 1923; Isaiah 35.
1>ueL.ISH~O IIY

WATC~ TOWER. BI BLE &- TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BROOKLYN, ~Y. U.SA\I
FOREIGN OFFICES: British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate,
London W. 2; Cana(/wn: 38-40 Irwin Avenlle, Toronto, Ontario;
Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne. Australia; South African:
6 Lelle St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PLEASE ADDRESS THE SOCIETY IN EYERY CASE.
YEAllLY SUBSCRIP'l'ION PRICE: UNITED Sl'ATES. $1.00; CANADA
AND MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN, $1.50; GREA'r BHlTAL', AlTSTRALASIA,
AND SOUTH A~'RICA, 7s. American remittances should be made by
Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Bank Draft, Canadian, British,
SouthAfrican,andAustrala,ian remittances should be made to branch
Offices only. Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn ottiCI', but l>y jnternationall'ostall\loney Orders only.

(Foreign translations oj this Journal appeal' in several IlIuyuagcs2

Editurial Committee: This journal Is publlshed under the supervision

of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth each and e,cry article appearing in tilese columns,
The names of the editorial committee are: J. }<'. RlJ'rIIERFoRD,
W. E. VAN AMBURGH, J, HEMERY, It. H. BARBER, C. E. ~"'F,"ART.
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All BIble students who, by reason of
olll age or othel' lulu'mlty or adversity, are uuable to pay for this
jOlll"llUl. will lJe sUVlJlleu free if they send a pm.,tal card each :May
statint: tilelr case and requesting su~h provision. 'Ve are not only
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
in touch with the Berl''' n studl..,..
Notice to Bubsclibers: We do not, as a rule, ,pml a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or for a new subs~ription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expira'
tion date, as shown on' wrapper labeL
EnteT<d

<IS

NO ORDERS FILLED IN VACATION

Following the custom, the Bethel Home, office, and factory

will be closed for two weeks, be;dnning July 19 and ending
August 2. During that time no orders will be filled from
Brooklyn. All persons desiring books, literature, or other
supplies, will please send in their orders so that they may
be fillpd prior to the beg-inning of vacation. The vacation
period is provided to enable the Bethel family to attend the
convention aI\d also to have a few days recreation before
beginning work in the autumn season,
FUNERALS

Every ecclesia whose elders are competent to serve at

funerals should deem it a privilege to offer to serve funerals
of any of their neighbors on request without compensation.
It is an opportunity to comfort the hearts of those that
mourn by telling them of the bl"ssings of the kingdom.
REQUESTS FOR PILGRIM VISITS

Some classes have not yet renewed their requests fur

the Pilgrim visits, and we surmise that this is due to
oversight. Those classes who desire to have these visits
continued, and who have not yet made application as per
the May 1st 'VATeR TOWER, are asked to do so now, in
order that we may have our records complete.

Second ciass Mart'" at Brooklyn, N, Y Posroffice., Act of March 3rd 18re

II

BETIJEL IJYMNS FOR AUGUST

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1108
Saturday 2 11

3
4
5
6
7
8
9

47
119
301
304
20
173
319

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

95
155
52
18
134
39
37

17
18
19
20
21
22
23

38
296
207
1;;3
181
273
249

24
25
26
27
28
29
30

83
310
60
192
44
257
72

31202

1.8SA. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES

By rAeaos of

"The At..one--ment"

STUDY VII: "THE MEDIATOR Oh' THE ATONEMENT"

STUDY VIII: "THE CHAN~EL OF THE ATONEMENT"
Week of Aug. 3__.._.. Q. 1 - 7
Wee5 of Aug. 17....__ Q. 15-21
Week of Aug. 10 ..... Q. 8-14
Week of Au/:. 24...__._ Q. 22-27
Week of AU~. 3L....__.._.. ..... Q. 1-6

(9J{WATCH TO ~E~
AND HE~ALD OF CHRiSTS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

JULY

No.la

I, 1924

EUROPEAN CONVENTIONS
-IE American party, composed of Brothers \'lln
Amburgh, Salter, Hughes, Johnson, Hoevelel',
and Rutherford, and Sisters Van Amburgh,
Hoeveler, Boyd, Blades, and Johnson, bound for the
European Conventions, sailed on the French Liner, the
Paris, from New York, April 2nd. A large number of
the New York friends were at the pier, bringing with
them many gifts of fruits and flowers, and S'eut us away
with happy smiles and best wishes. It is a real joy to
the soul when one is showered with so many temporal
and spiritual blessings. It is only the spirit of the
Master that binds together such hearts.
The voyage was without incident. The sea was reasouably calm for this season of the year. The Paris is
a splendid ship, and majestically rode the deep. Her
officers and attendants were very courteous and kind.
Our party was so well pleased that before reaching
England we booked our return passage on the same
vessel. We can heartily commend the French Liner to
our friends.
The Paris calls at Plymouth for the disembarkation
of passengers. At this port we were met by about fifteen
of the British brethren. By the courtesy of a British
harbor master these brethren were brought on a lighter
to meet our shIp in the harbor. We had the pleasure of
fellowshiping with the brethren for some tJme before
reaching land. The same spirit that lighted the faces of
the dear friends at New York, who bade us bon voyage,
now greeted us in the name of our King. '1'hey also
brought fruits and flowers and many messages of love.
It was really like a home-coming. At Paddington station we were greeted by a happy company from the
London Bethel and Tabernacle congregation. It was a
real joy to see the dear ones there again.
Sunday following, the London congregation filled
every available space of the Tabernacle. The congregation was addresed in the afternoon by Brother Rutherford and in the evening by Brother Van Amburgh,
At the same place the Memorial was celebrated on
Friday evening, 1,142 partaking. The service was conducted by Brother Hutherford, who delivered a discourse,
assisted by Brother Remery and otb'!r elders of the congregation. It was a blessed occasion. There was a silent
sweetness that pervaded the very atmosphere of the

mc'Cting. Our hearts burned within us as the events of

our Lord's death were commemorated, and we recounted
our blessed privilege to be invited to partake of his sacrifice that we might also share his glory. At the conclusion the congregation in silence quickly withdrew. Afterwards many remarked that it was the sweetest Memorial
they had ever celebrated. It was even so.
'1'he next morning our party, accompanied by a number of the British friends, were off for the Manchester
Convention. Without doubt this was the most blessed
convention of Christians ever held to that date in the
British Isles. The brethren there are not over-burdened
with earthly goods, but they have the spirit of the
Master. Many of these dear saints journeyed long distances on bICycles, by sheer physical strength toiling
along the highways until they reached Manchester.
When they reached there, -they soon forgot their tired
bodies. About twenty-five hundred of the consecrated
attended this convention. The singing of the brethren
was a real revelation to some of our American party, in
both the music and the spirit in which they evidenced
their deep devotion to the Lord. The convention was
addressed by a number of the British brethren, and also
by the American brethren. The baptismal discourse was
given Saturday afternoon. At the conclusion 188 symbolized their real baptism by water immersion.
Let no one longer say that the door to the high calling
is closed, and thereby discourage some from consecrating
to the Lord. He alone knows when the door will close.
Encourage those who love the Lord to give themselves
thoroughly to him, and to symbolize that consecration
by water immersion.
For the public meeting the Free Trade Hall and a
theatre across the street were both taken, having a combined seating capacity of 5,000 persons. The two halls
were connected by an electric loud-speaker. Both halls
were full, and everyone in the halls could hear distinctly.
The convention concluded Monday evening.
THE CONTINENT

On Wednesday following, a one-day COlli ention was

held at Amsterdam, Holland. Some of our party journeyed by rail and Loat the day previous, while four of

19:)

196

CfheWATCH TOWER

our number took to the air. A special plane was provided;

and the party of four. together with a pilot, flew across
the EnglilJl channel, to the north coast of France, along
the coast of Belgium and into Holland, landing ten
minutes at Rotterdam; then again taking the air we
flew to Amsterdam. Our plane attained a height of
about one thousand feet, and flew at a rate of one hundred and five miles an hour. It \ras a quick \Yay of
travel, reasonably comfortable, and probably attended
with no more dangpr than any other mode of travel.
The day following a plane of the same air-line with
three passengers was lost at sea.
We were greeted at Amsterdam by si:'{ty-five of the
brethren, with whom ,,'e held a meeting in the afternoon.
The people of Holland are beginning to awaken to the
messa/re of the truth. A public meeting in the evening
was attended by 2,000, who listened with rapt attention.
At the conclusion approximately one-third of those
present purchased the books,
A microphone was installed on the platform, and the
entire lecture was broadcast. Many more heard in this
way, as well as those present. Managers of the Radio
Company expressed their keen satisfaction as to the
manner in which the lecture went out over their radio.
GERMANY

After another day's journey we came to Magdeburg,

the SOCIETY'S headquarters in Germany. Here a threedays' convention was held. It was really a remarkable
convention. Many of the brethren of Germany are very
poor, but nothing deterred them from coming. They
journeyed from the North Sea, from the border of
Poland, and from other parts of Germany on their
bicycles. It required several days to make this journey.
They came with little means of providing food and
lodging. Many of them brought their food with them
in their pockets, consisting chiefly of dry bread; and
when the pangs of hunger would take hold of them
during the convention they would take their bread out
of their pockets and take a bite. There were fully 4,000
friends attending. Saturday noon a lunch was provided
for the entire convention, consisting of two frankfurters
and a piece of bread with a bottle of water. The frankfurters were served from large kettles at either end of
the massive hall. The friends formed a line, marched
to the proper place and were served and returned to
their seats in the hall, and with gladness partook together. It was really a happy time.
The brethren had provided an orchestra of thirty
pieces; and those 'who are acquainted with German
music can imagine how ,,'onderfully that multitude of
four thousand sang. led by an orchestra of professional
musicians. The dignified, yet enthusiastic, spirit manifested by them was unusual. There was determination
written upon the faces to follow the Lord faithfully to
the end of the earthly journey.
The peoples of Germany are sad. This is so apparent

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

everywhere you go, but those who were at the convention

were happy. Really theirs were the only smiling faces
seen in Germany. They have experienced great hardships. but the Lord has made up to them for all of this
by his blessing.
The public also is manifesting an increased interest
in the truth. The meeting for the public was held Sunday evening in the large building prepared for an @xposition of manufactured goods and live stock. The spats
in the gallery and in the arena provide for about 12,000
persons. "'hen the public meeting began, even every
available standing-place was taken in this great hall.
An overflow meeting was held in a hall nearby, and
still four or five thousand were turned away.
About the middle of the lecture some foolish person
cried: "Ji'ire!" and there was a stampede. Then an
unusual thing happened. In most places the pC'ople
would have quickly emptied the building. But here it
was different. The orchestra immediately struck np a
hymn, and hundreds of people joined together in singing
it. Everything was quiet in a few moments. A large
company of police, both mounted and afoot, were present,
not for the purpose of interfering but really for protection. They were kind and courteous. The city officials
sent their greetings.
The public listened with rapt attention to the lecture,
and even after it was over this great crowd tarrird and
slowly withdrew. It required several mounted police to
clear the way in front of the hall for a taxi to take
away the speaker-not that there was any disturbance,
but that the people showed an eagerness to know more
about God's wonderful kingdom that would bring the
desire of their hearts. The press of Magdeburg, contrary
to the usual custom, was very fair. Several of the papers
gave good reports, the briefest one of which we here
insert:
"MASS MEETING OF THE BIBLE STUDENTS

"The great convention of the Bible Students. which was

held at Magdeburg during the latter part of last week. came
to a close on Sunday night with a public mass meeting in
the hall 'Stadt und Land.' Judge Rutherford spoke on the
subject, 'All Nations Marching to Armageddon.'
"A veritable migration of people had already set in two
hours before the time fixed for the lecture; and thousands
had to be turned back, although an overflow meeting WIlS
arranged at 'Freddrichs Festsalen.' Judge Rutherford, who
by the way always freely expressed his opinion, also during
the World War, and thereby gathered on his person the
enmity of many, holds the view that all the ills of the
whole world can be traced to leading factors at the present
time, economical, social, political, financial. as ,,'ell as rdi::;ious, which work in a wrong way, not for the benefit of the
people, but more or less for the benefit of a ff'w only. The
Judge believes, he is convinced, that mankind will be restored to a better life on earth, which will be everlasting.
He takes this out of the Billie. Among the audience there
were surely many pessimists who, with their bitter experiences in mind, do not believe that the Bible can point the
way; and yet all were in the grasp of the grave seriousn('ss
which covered the meeting. The meeting opened and clos~(l

JVLY

ID7

'fheWATCH TOWER

1, 1924

with orchestra, choir and prayer, took a solemn course,

save one short pank in Olle corner of the hall, caused by
the fall of a lamp.
'''l'hp City of ~IagllE'bUl'g, through tlwir representative,
Town-Councilor FinkI', sellt their greetillg to the convE'ntion
proper with the wish that the thonsands of t:llPSts from all
parts of Germany would fpel at home within tlw walls of
Magdeburg. In a IpttE'r to thE' City the Convention exprE'SSl'd their thanks for the gre!'ting as well ~s for th~
kindness received from all sides. At the conventIOn proper
there were about 4,000 Bible StUlknts present."

We have hopes that this convention did much good.

Following the baptismal discourse, 153 were immersed.
All the discourses were listened to with close attention,
and the testimonies showed that the brethren arc growill"" in grace and in the likeness of our Lord. It is
ratlwr a trite saying, "This is the best convention"; but
it would not be exaggerating at all to say this conccrnin~ thc Magdeburg Convention. It was marked by the
spirit of sacrifice, the spirit of loving devotion to the
Lord and his caus!', by the sweetness manifested by all
who were present. It was a sacred, blessed and happy
time for all who attended, never to be forgotten.
The SOCIETY is better equipped at Magdphurg for
carrying on the work than formerly while at Barmen.
Much more commodious quarters are had at .Magdeburg.
A number of printing pn'sses und other necessary machines have been instalkd. and the brothers work earnestly and zealously 0ll!'rating the machines on two
shiHs. They are turnillg out a trrmemlous amount of
litprature; and the colporteurs and class workers in the
field are eagerly and eafllPstly putting this into the hands
of the people. It will inded be a happ.y and joyful time
when all the dear saints arE' gatherell homl" those who
have been faithful unto death. In the kingdom there
will be no Germans, no English, no Americans, no
French; but all one in Christ.
The pride and pomp of Germany are gone. The
mighty have been broken and brought Jow; but the
trouble has left planted in the hearts of the greater
majority a spirit of bitterness which is bound to break
forth in even a worse form of trouble. Those, however,
who have passed through this fire and have turned to
the Lord, have had the burden taken from their shoulders, and their hearts made light and joyful, and an
eternal hope planted within their breasts. Verily nothing Imt the blessing of the Lord is worth while. "The
blessing of the Lord it maketh rich, and he addeth no
sorrow with it."-Proverbs 10: 22.
FRANKFORT-O:-<-MAIN

After a day's journey we came to Frankfort-on-Main,

and in the evening held a meeting with about 600 of the
consecrated who had gathered there from adjoining
vil'inities. While our fellowship with them was short,
yrt it was sweet, reminding us of the blessed union that
shall eome to those who continue to serve the Master
until our earthly journey is finished.

SWITZERLAND

The Lord has dealt bountifully with Switzerland. It

covers but a small area, and yet every part of it is
beautiful-its valleys, its green mountains, the green
often cov('red with snow. The peaks of perpetual snow
lend a b( auty and grandeur that is not seen in any other
part of the earth's surface. Its people have a measure
of contentment above that of any other nation of Europe.
It has been a republic for many eellturies. With a population 01 approximately three million, there arc now in
Switzrrland about 3,000 consecrated Christians. This is
a high01' percent than in any other part of the world.
A thr0e-davs' convention was held at Zurich, attended
by approxim~atdy :\.000 friends. N at all were from
Switzrrland. howe\"('r: some came from the occupied
district of Germany a~d some from the :French frontier.
That same sweet spirit of devotion to the Lord was
manifest at this convention. As we should expect, as we
come nrarer the end of the way the friends manifest
more of the spirit 01 the Master. The interest in the
truth is in no wise abated in Switzerland. At this convention 118 were immersed; and at l\Iemorial season,
on]y a few werks previous, 150 had been immersed.
Splendid intrest is yet manifested among the public;
and the truth goes grandly on, notwithstanding the continued opposition of the clergy.
A eonferrnce also was held at Zurich with the local
mauao-ers
of thr SOCIE1'Y'S work from the countries .of
b
Italy. 1{onmania, Hungary, Austria, Czecho-SlovakIa,
ami Holland. H was also attended by the Managers
from Canada alh) the French work of Francc and Belgium, and also the Central European Manager. Ways
and means were discussed further to spread the message
of the kingdom, and we expect good results from this
conference.
The public meeting at Zurich was held the day prior
to the convention, and was attended by about 3,000
people. The attention here was unusual. The people
were quiet, and listened carefully to everything that was
said. A great number of books was taken by them at
the close.
The SOCIETY'S printing and book-making plant, located at Berne, is showing splendid results. Fifty-one
persons are employed there now, all of whom are thoroughly devoted to the Lord and his cause. The equipment here will be more than doubletl in the ncar future.
There seems to be in Southern Europe and to the East
a tremendous field that must be served; and the Lord
,eems to be providing the means to med these requirements. The American brethren will be privileged to
participate in this work in that the Lord has used them
to provide much of the money. We haw' great hopes for
the results which will follow through the efforts put
forth in Switzerland, and which will hr felt in other
countries of Europe, particularly in Italy, the Balkan
States, and further east.

198

'The

WATCH TOWER

SPAIN IN DARKNESS

Spain continues in darkness, the result of the long

domination of the Catholic Svstem. A Dictator is in
control, and the government is really in the hands of
wicked men, particularly the priests. After much delay
and negotiation a permit was refused for a public me:>ting in Madrid to be addressed by the President of the
SOCIETY. The only excuse that could be found for
refusing was that it was in violation of Section Eleven
of their Constitution. The real reason was that the
clergy did not wish to be exposed, and deemed it be~t
still to keep the people in subjection by holding them
in darkness; but the Lord will lift this veil of darkness
ere long and permit them tD see something of his great
plan. We are in no wise discouraged in this respect, but
confidently await the Lord's good time.
It is easy to be seen why the Lord will manifest his
indignation against the shepherds and the principal of
their flock when one views the conditions in Papal-ruled
countries. There are a few Bible Students in Spain.
They are permitted to be there only by the Lord's grace;
and he will shield and protect them there until his own
good time that some may give a further witness to his
kingdom.
The command implied by the Master: "This gospel of
the kingdom shall be preachrd in all the world for a
witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come"
(Matthew 24: 14), must be obpyrd: and it will be carried out before the final end.
The consecrated followers of the Master everywhere
should be encouraged to press on with the message into
every door of oppDrtunity that opens. This door of
opportunity in Europe is opening wider each day.

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

Catholic priests. brought along from Poland. attempted

to keep the Polish people in subjection; but they arc LO
longer able to do it. Hundreds of the people listened tn
the truth; and they buy the Bibles, STUDIES IN THu
SCRIl'TURES, and other literature readily.
'rhe most convenient time for a public meeting to be
addressed by Brother Rutherford was at four o'clock in
the afternoon of Thursday, May 15th. Notwithstanding
a heavy rain storm at the hour of the meding, the
people came flocking through the rain and quickly filled
the hall to overflowing. About two thousand were present, who listened intently to what was said and often
signified their approval by vociferous applause. It is
quite evident that the Papal priests are not in mud
favor now with those Polish people.
LONDON CONVENTION

In Bngland it is difficult for brethren to get to a

convention except on holillays. Because this was not .1
holiday scason, it was not expected that many would
come from the country; but notwithstanding approximately 2,500 attended the convention. It was a wonderful season of refreshment and blessing. The spirit of
love, zeal and devotion to the Lord was manifest everywhere. There was a unity of all present such as is seldom
marked at any meeting. Friends attended from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England. Local managers of
the SOCIETY attended, accompanied by friends from
Finland, Sweden, and South Africa. These managing
brethren had come to consult with the President of the
SOCIETY about the further prosecution of the Lord's
work in their respective countries.
The convention was addressed by Brothers Hemery,
Sewter, Tait, Gillatt, Scott, Dey, Salter, Burton, Lloyd,
FRANCE
Hoeveler, Smedley, Harrison, Harteva, Lundborg, AnckThe French people arc awakening in some measure to etill, Van Amburgh, and Rutherford.
the truth, but there is yet much to be done in France.
Sunday evening the public meeting was held at Royal
The public meeting in Paris was well attC'llded, and at Albert Hall, well known to WATCH TOWER readers as
least ninety percent of those present took literature away one of the greatest halls on earth for a public assembly.
with them.
A heavy rain storm came on about an hour before the
We had a very pleasant an(1 profitable meeting with meeting, and it seemed that this would dcter many from
the consecrated in Paris, who are not great in numbers, coming. Notwithstanding, when the speakr came to the
but who show forth the fruits and graces of the spirit. platform every available space in the great hall was
They are very much devoted to the Lord and are expe- taken. An electric voice amplifier had been installed;
and by speaking in an ordinary tone of voicc the lecturer
riencing his sweet blessings.
In Northern France arc situated the coal mines. When could be heard in every part of the hall distinctly. Many
the French took posses~ion of the HuhI' district in Ger- of the friends remarked that they had never seen an
many, and the German miners refused to work, they audience in Boyal Albert Hall remain so quiet as on
found it necessary to transfer the miners from North this occasion. The interest was profound, and the public
France to the mines in Germany; and in order to fill received the lecture with undoubted approval.
the vacated places in North France they imported a
The speaker emphasized the fact that the world ended
large number of people from Poland. There are now in 1914; that in 1918 the statesmen and the financiers
more than a hundred thousand in the mining district of the world recognized this fact; that many of them
in and about Houdain.
had given public utterance to their sentiments, believing
Some four months ago the SOCIETY sent Brother Krett that a new order of things must be established; but
to this vicinity to work amongst the Poles, and the that these statpsmen had set about to draft a new form
Lord has manifested his approval and blessing. The of government in this, to wit: the League of Nations;

Jur,Y 1, 1924

cneWATCH TOWER

that the cJrr,;y, who claim to trach the Bible and to

tell the people concerning God's klllgdom, had then and
thPrc missed the greatest opportunity of their time;
that the clergy had failed, and had refl1s('(! to tell the
people of the meaning of the time of trouble and other
evidence concerning the Lord's kingdom; that they had
abandoned the Scriptures and the message which thry
claim to prrach, and had willingly nnited forces with the
"god of this world" to set up a kingdom of their own
in opposition to Jehovah and his anointed; that by 1919
they had full and conclusive proof that the world had
endrd; and that had they told the people from that
time forward the meaning of fulfilled prophecy the great
battle of Armageddon that is just ahead might have been
averied; that these clergymen have been disloyal to the
Lord Jesus Christ in order that they might receive the
plaudits of men; that because of their unfaithfulness
thry and the principal of their flock are the most reprehensible to God and men, and that therefore they are
responsible for the troubles that shall fall on the earth.
When the speaker pointed out the disloyalty of the
clrrgy, the audience received it with vociferous applause.
'rhe friends were happy. They placed many books in the
hands of the people at the public meeting.
The day following was Drive Day. in \I hich a large
number of the convention friends participated in calling
upon the people and canvaSlsing them for the books. A
goodly numbrr were sold. :Much interest was reported.
There was only one stop in Ireland. and that at
Belfast. A one-day convention was held for the friends,
addressed by Brothers Hrmery, Salter, and Hutherford.
In the evening Brother Rutherford addressed the public
at ffistra Hall. The hall was packed out with a very
intelligent looking and intensely interested audience.
GLASGOW

At Glasgow a two-day cOllVention was held, attended

by more than 1,000 friC'lHls, and was addressed by
Brothers Van Amburgh, Hemery, Salter, Brenisen, and
Rutherford.
Sunday evening a public meetillg was held at the
Colisrum Theater, which has a seating capacity of
about 3.500. This hall was quickly filled up, srveral
hundred standing. Notices were put ont that an overflow meeting would be held at the Palace Thrater, which
has a seating Capal'lty of 2,300. This also \ras packed
out, probably 500 standing, while many other hundreds
were unable even to gain admittance. Brothrr Salter
addre~sed the overflow meeting at the Palace Tlw:l.ter,
and Brother Hutherford addressed the public at the
Coliseum Theater. It was estimated that pradically
6,000 people heard. The Scottish brethren declared that
it was decidedly the largest numlwr that had ever attended a public meeting in Glasgow. The interest was
unusually good and we feel sure that many who heard
will be less inclined hereafter to give support to Babylon.

199

In the eonrse of his address Brother Rutherford stated

that dnring the war the British Government, through its
war ofIice, paid to the churches of England sums of
monry in consideration of the fact that so many young
men were sent from each church to the war. In other
words, the clergy, acting as recruiting agencies, received
a money consideration from the Government. A similar
statement was made by Brother Rutherford at the Royal
Alhert Hall, London, the week previous. At the conclusion of the discourse a gentleman approached Brother
Van Amburgh, and in the presence of Brothers Tate
and McKenzie, of Scotland, admitted that, as a minister
of the gospel, he had received money from the Government in consideration of engaging young men to go to
war. He attempted to defend himself for so doing. He
admitted that the statement made by Brother Rutherford
from the platform was true, but insisted that the proceeding was a perfectly proper one. In answer to a
question he told Brother Van Amburgh that he was a
minister of the gospel, and followed .T esus Christ.
Brother Van Amburgh propounded to him this question: "What would you have thought had Jesus, when
on earth, reeeiyed money from the Homan Government
in consideration of indneing young mrH to join the
Homan army and to engage in \I'ar?" The clergyman
insisted that that was an entirely different thing.
The fact is, the passing of money from the war office
to the churches of England has been kept a secret; and
it was shocking to the public to hear the statement::!
made from the platform. Brother Rutherford furthermore reminded the audience at Glasgow that the clergy
had urged the young men to go to war; and that these
boys went to war, carried their burdens, slept in the mud
in the trenches, fought and endured all other hardships
of war and received a money consideration of one shilling
(21 cents) a day, whereas those clergymen who went
along to serve in the capacity of clergymen received a
money consideration of not less than one pound ($4.40)
a day for distributing cigarettes amongst the soldier boys
and holding a religious crremony occasionally.
It is unusual for the Scottish people to manifest any
feeling at a lecture, but on this occasion the great
audience that packed the Coliseum frequently broke
forth in applause expressive of their approval of the
speaker's words. The newspapers gave good reports.
The ecclesia at Glasgow is now in a splendid and
healthy condition. The friends are activc, rejoicing in
their privileges and putting forth tllPir best eflorts to
advertise the King and his kingdom. It is always a joy
to mrct with the dear loyal ones of Scotland, and the
visit this time was very much appreciated.
This ended the tour, and all in our party felt that the
Lord had been exceedingly gracious to 11S in permitting
us again to visit our brethren in foreign lands; and
for this we give thanks.

COLUMBUS CONVENTION
-IE mUlct or every consecrated Christian in the
land is turned toward Columbus. It is confidently
predicted by many brethren that Columbus, Ohio,
will witness the greate~t convention of Christians yet
held on earth. The convention will open Sunday morning, July 20, at nine o'clock, and continue for eight
days. rfo enable brethren throughout the United States
and Canada especially to prepare for the convention, we
publish certain information.

RAILROADS
All railroads in the United States that are members
of the passenger associations have granted a special convention rate of one and one-half fare~ for the round trip
on the identification certificate plan. All railroads in
Canada, except British Columbia, have granted a like
rate on the same plan. The railways in British Columbia have a summer excursion to the East, which is a
more favorable rate than the sprcial cOl1vrntion rate.
Consult local ticket agents for furthe)' information about
this. Hemember: Buy round-trip tickets.
There are some small railroads in the United States
not included in the passenger associations, and who
therefore will not grant this special rate. Persons residing on the lines of such railroads WIll be required to
pay full fare to the nearest tl'llnk line, and there purchase a ticket by presenting to the agent their certificate
for identification in order to obtam the rate.

BETHEL SPECIAL. This train will leave the Pennsylvania Terminal, New York city, at 8: 15 P. M. (Eastern Standard 'l'ime), Friday, July 18; leave Philadelphia, Broad Street Station, 10: 40 P. M. Philadelphia
sleepers will be open at 9: 30 P. M. Sleeping car fares
from New York to Pittsburgh, $4.50 for lower bcrth;
$3.60 for upper berth; from New York to Columbus,
$6.38 for lower berth; $5.13 for upper berth. From
Pittsburgh to Columbus, day coaches can be taken and
thus save the sleeping-car fare from there on. A stop
will be made at Pittsburgh of one hour and fift~n
minutes for breakfast. The train arrives at Columbus
1: 30 P. M. Saturday, July 19. There will also be some
day coaches on the train fTOm New York to Columbus,
so that those who do not require a sleeper may ride in
the day coach for the entire journey. Address all communications concerning the "Bethel Special" to R H.
Barber, 18 Concord Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
PAcmIC COAST SPECIAL. This train leaves Los Angeles, California, .July 15, 5: 00 P. M., and will obscrve
the following schedule:
Arrive
Leave
Arrive
Leave
Arrive
Leave
Arrive
Leave
Arrive
Leave
Arriye
Leave
Arrive

Oakland
".ednesday July 16 9: 00 A. M.
Oakland
.July 16 1: 00 P. M.
"
Ogden, utah Thursday .July 17 2: 05 P. M.
Ogden, Utah
July 17 3: 35 P. U.
"
Green Hivrr
July 17 9: 30 P. M.
"
Green Hiver
July 17 9: 45 P. M.
"
Julesburg
Fri(lay
July 18 9: 00 A. U.
.Julesburg
.July 18 9: 30 A. U .
"
Omaha
July 18 6: 00 P. 1\1.
"
Omaha
July
18 6: 20 P.1\1.
"
Chicago
Saturday .July 19 6: 30 A.1\1.
Chicago
July 19 8: 30 A.1\1.
"
Columbus
July 19 : 30 P. M.
"

CERTIFICATES
The Convention Committe~ will mail to the Service
Director of each class the required number of certificates.
The Service Director is requested to call a meeting of
the ecclesia at ollce, ascertain how many certificates will
be needed, forward this information to the Convention
Committee at Columbus, and in due s('ason he will
rece1ve from that committee certificates. PLEASE DO
Address all communications cOlicprning this special
NOT ADDI-mSS THE CONVENTION COMMIT- train to E. D. Sexton, 200 Trinity Auditorium, Los
TEE NOH nm SOCIETY AT BHOOKLYN. All Angeles, California.
arrangements will be handkd fr(j)Ill Columbus under
SOUTHWEST AND TEXAS SPECIAL. Special cars by
the supervision of the SOCIETY. Address all communi- way of the M. K. & rf. Hailway from Houston and
cations to R. A. .John:,on, Secretary Convention Com- San Antonio will be attached to the special train on the
mittee, 52% North Front Street, Columbus, Ohio. The M. K. t: '1'. Uailway leaving Waco, Texas, .July 17,
arrangement is made to handle the convention matters which \I III take on passengers through Oklahoma, Kanfrom Columbus in order not to interfere WIth the regu- sas and Missouri, running by way of the Pennsylvania
lar routine duties at the office in Brooklyn.
Lines from St: Louis to Columbus. All friends residing
All isolated friends. that is to say, where there are no in towns on the M. K. & T. line who desire to join this
classes organized and therefore having no Service Di- special train will please address Fred Wismer, 1400
rector, should address their own requests to the Conven- North 9th Strcet, Waco, Texas, for further information.
tion Committpe, as above mentioned, for a certificate,
SOUTHEASTERN SPECIAL. '1'his train will be operated
Where more than one member of the same family are by way of the Norfolk & Western Railway, starting from
traveling together, one certificate will suffice; that is, Norfolk, Virginia. Friends in Virginia, Tennessee,
the husband can sign for himself and wife, as well as North and South Carolina desiring to join this special
for his children.
train and wishing further information will please
SPECIAL TRAINS
address D. H. Selden, 3109 Floyd Avenue, Norfolk, Va.
Arrangements are bl'ing made to run special trains
NEW ENGLAND SPECIAL. Arrangements are being
from various parts of the United States and Canada. made for the "New England Special" starting from
200

JULY

I,

10~!

201

CfheWATCH TOWER

Boston and running by way of the Xew York Central

Lines. Friends in New England desIring to join thl3
train will address F. M(~n~dlth, Jr., iO Oxford Street,
Arlmgton, Mass.
Brother C. H. Carr, 39 Liebel Street, Albany, N. Y.,
will be pleased to furnish information to friends desiring
to join this special train, who reside in the vicmity of
Albany.
CANADIAN SPECIAL. A ~peeial train will be operated
from Ontario. Detailed information concerning this
train will be furni~hed by the SOCIETY'S office at Toronto. For further information address Watch Tower Bible
& 'l'ract Society, 40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ont.
NOUTHWEST SPECIAL. A special train from Minncapolis, St. Paul, Mihraukee, Chicago and vicinity will
be operated. Information concerning this train may be
had by addressing the Service Director at the respective
points named, as follows:
Minneapolis: H. O. Soderlin, 4552 42nd Ave., South.
St. Paul: H. B. Morrison, 987 Laurel Ave.
~lJlwaukee: J. T. Jacobs, 164 :Maple Terrace, Wau,vato~a, Wis.
Chicago: M. E. Woodley, 6540 Yale Ave.
PITTSBURGH SPECIAL. The friends in Pittsburgh, we
arc informed, arc arranging for a special train. The
friends (lesiring to join this train will please address
C. H. Stewart, 317 Grace St., Mt. Washington Sta.,
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Other special trains will be operated from the cities
namrd below; and we give the name of the Service
Director at each of these points, from whom information can be had, as follows:
Cleveland, Ohio: F. Thieret, 8010 Halle Ave.
Detroit, Mich.: M. R. AlaiI', 5581 Cooper Ave.
Buffalo, N. Y.: H. W. Drumm, 514 Wl'st Ave.
Cmcinnati, Ohio: W. H. Havlin, 710 Springfield
Ave., IVyoming. Ohio.
Louisville, Ky.: Dr..r. It Garr, 315 Norton Bldg.
Washington, D. C.: G. W. Walters, Box 221, Riverdale, Md.
Baltimore, Md.: H. Wallis, Care 1. B. S. A., Eden
and Hoffman Streets.
Indianapolis, Ind.: L. L. Bulll'it, 432 W. 31st St.
St. Louis, Mo.: C. O. Lraver, 5!J76 Kellnerly Ave.
Grand !tapids, Mich.: C. Proos, '111 Leonard St., N.W.
Atlanta, Ga.: W. S. Cummings, 15 Dargan St.
:Friends in Florida and Southrrn Georgia will doubtless wish to arrange to join the Atlanta Special.
We urgently request the friends everywhere to apply
as early as possible for railway accommodations, so that
sufficient equipment may be provided. Make up your
mind at once that you arc going to the convention and
notify the person named above nearest your place of
residence and arrange for procuring certificates.
The various brethren having charge of arrangements
for the special trains will keep in touch with the Convention Committee at Columbus, advising the Commit-

tee the time of departure and time of arrival of each

special train at Columbus.
OTHER TRANSPORTATION

A great number of friends will attend the convention

in their own privatc automobiles. Arrangements have
been made for free parking space for 5,000 or more
automobiles at the Fair Grounds, where the convention
is to be held. It is expected that every automobile t~lat
comes to the convent.ion will be put into the service
work on service day.
Spccial pennants or banners are being arrang0CJ. for
automobiles, and all persons arriving in cars will please
apply to the Information Bureau on the ,grounds and
receive a pennant for their car.
CAi\-IPING PRIVILEGES

Probably a number of those coming in their automobiles will desire to provide their own meals. Three miles
west of the State House, Columbus, is a free camping
ground, said to be the best in the United States. This
camping ground is equipped with all modern comforts.
Those who camp hcre can quickly drive to the Fair
Grounds and park t.heir cars during the day, fn~e of
charge.
All railroa<.J.s, including electric suburban lines, will
operate special trains for a distance of sixty miles to
haul t.he people to t.he great public meeting at Vle
Stadium for Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. '1'he
Stadium has a seating capacit.y of 72,000.
MUSIC

It is the desire to have a first-class orchestra to lead

the singing of this great multitude of people. Friends
who expect to attend the convention and who are able
to play musical instruments are requested to bring with
them their violins, cornets, trumpets, etc., and, upon
arrival, report to the Bureau of Information; and they
will be assigned by the musical director to a place in
the orchestra.
We take this occasion to remind the friends that at
the recent convention in Magdeburg, Germany, an orchestra of more than thirty trained musicians led the
great convention in song. It is to be expected that
Columbus will surpass the Magdeburg orchestra in numbers and be equal to it in quality. Let each one remember that if he can make a joyful sound unto the Lord
upon an instrument this will be a part of the service
and a privilege to participate in it.
BADGES

It is desired that the badges worn by those who attend

the convention shall be uniform. This is an international convention. It will be attended by brethren from
all parts of the United State~. Canada and many European countries; and in ordeI: that there may be uniformity in the badges, arrangements aJ,'e made to have the
badges printed at a minimum rate and furnished to the

'fhe"V7ATCH TOWER
classes. Each Servit,-e Director will therefore notify the
Convpntion Committee at Columbus, R. A. .J ohnson,
Secretary, as quickly as possible, the numher of hadg-es
rrquired. They will be sold at the price of production,
which will be lower, of course, than they can be bought
anywhere else. Either the Service Director can order
these sent before the friends leave their homes, or they
can be had upon arrival. It is preferable for all to
get them and wear them from their homes, and advertise the King and the kingdom on the way.
FOREIGN-SPEAKING BRETHREN

While the medings of the English-sppaking friends

are ill progress. those speaking other languages will have
meetings in the different halls on the Fair Grounds.
It hei11g necessary to make arrangements for their acC.'IllIllodation also in advance, we advise all the brethren
v:ho arc unable to communicate with the Committee in
the English language to address the SOCIETY in their
respective languages at 18 Concord Street, Brooklyn,
N. Y. For instance, the Polish friends may writ the
Wateh Tower Bible & Tract Society, Polish Department,
18 Concord Strect, Brooklyn. Other foreign-speaking
brethren may write their respective departments.
NEWSPAPERS

Arrangements are made for the press to carry an

extended report of each day's program of the convention.
If the newspapers receive subscriptions in a<lYance, they
will send to any address daily the paper b~'aring a report
of the convcntion. This will avoid confUSIOn in attempting to get papers mailed out by individuals after they
are published. We therefore suggest that any of the
friends desiring to have papers sent to others or to themselves at their home address will send their subscription
to the Convention Committee before the convelltion
br~:ins. Address all subscriptions to A. II. ~Iaemillan,
lianager Newspaper Department, 52% North Front
Street, Columbus, Ohio. The subscription for thp paper
will be 25 ccnts for the whole series. Classes may arrange to send their subscription~ through the Service
Director, who will be provided with blanks for the purpose. See your local Service Director.
ROOMING ACCOMMODATIONS

HpretofOl'e at conventions there has been much confusion becanse friends failed to state specifically what is
,,a:.t('(l. To make it more agreeable to you and more
convenient for everybody, we earnestly request you to
observe closely the following suggestions when applying
for rooms:
Make an application for each individual separately.
Give the full namc, Sx, and color. One person should
"Blessed privilege, Lord, to be
Ambassallor of truth for thee,
Content my lot, however small;
For thou to me art all in all

BROOKLYN, ;-;.

Y.

not make application for a party without giving the full

name and aduress of each prrson. If application is made
by husband and wife, that should be stated.
The Convention Committee auvises us that they expect to be able to house 20,000 people and furnish them
breakfast at th~ rate of $1.25 per day, and that the
other two meals can be had for 75c. Some may drsire
more elaborate accommodations at hotels, which of course
will cost more. It is expected that the daily expense of
room and board will average about $2.00, so that the
friends who attend the convention may make their
arrangements upon this basis.
ALL MAY HEAR

At the Cedar Point Convention there was difficulty in

hearing the sp<'akers and testimonies. The main auditorium at the Columbus Convention will seat 14.000,
and by the installation of an electrical voice amplifier
the speakers can be heard in every part of the audItorium. Even the testimonies can be distinctly heard. A
similar voice amplifier will be installed in the Stadium
for the public meeting, so that all may hear.
We believe from information received that the friends
in every part of the country will make an extra effort
to attenu this convention. Surely none will have to
make so great a sacrifice as was made by the brethren
in Germany who journeyeq. several hundred miles on
bicycles, carrying their food in their pockets and sleeping
in the open. Columbus is probably the most accessible
place in the United States as far as transportation is
concerned. It has many means of transportation.
Let everyone who is consecrated to the Lord and who
sees THE WATCH TOWER present his petition to the
divine throne of heavenly grace for a blessing upon this
convention, that the Lord may make it the greatest
witness yet given concerning the kingdom. Make up
your mind that you arc going to attend the convention.
It will be a great blessing to you. It will enable you to
be a blessing to some one else. It will strengthen you
to run more earnestly the remainder of the race sct
before you. It will enable you to be a more faithful
witness in advertising the King and his kingdom.
Will this be a joyful convention? Surely it should be.
Each one of the consecrated is looking forwaru to that
time when he may enter into the glorious house of the
Lord, there to behold his beauty and to inquire within
his temple. One of the conditions of membership in that
house is joy. "Whose house are we if we hold fast the
confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the
end." Where there is joy there is love; and where there
is love there is an absence of selfishness. A full devotion
to the Lord now can be prompted only by love, the
perfect expression of uhselfishness.
"If in the eternal years to come

Mine Is to be n hpavenly home,

Thrice blessed privilege to spend
Those years in service without enli"

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR AUGUST 6

TEXT FOR AUGUST 13

"He is Lord of lords, and Kzng of kings.JJ-Revelation 17: 14.

"They that are with him are called, and ckosen, and
faithful."-Revelation 17: 14.

HE phrase "Lord of lords and King of kings" is

one of tlw titles applied to Chnst Jesus. These
words imply that there arc other kings and lords;
for he is designated as i h chief oy0,r all. Who, thrn,
are the other kings and lords implird by the text? The
context shows that they that are with him are called,
chosen and faithful. In the same Hevclation it is stated
concerning those who participate in the chief resurrection that "they shall be priests of God and of Christ,
and shall reign with him a thousand years."-Rev. 20: 6.
'These scriptures, then, identify the associate kings and
lonls as those who ,,,ill compose the members of the
family of God with Christ Jesus, the Hrad. It is quite
evident, therefore, that there will be 144,000 and one
kings, the One being Lord and :Mastel' over all.
In the spiritual realm there are beings on difl'errllt
planes, from angelic to divine. Originally none possessed the divine nature except Jehovah. God granted
his bcloved Son, at his resurrection, the divine natu l'e;
and this is the nature which is promised, and which
will be received by all the members of the body of Christ.
It is reasonable to presume that the various orders of
spiritual beings are organized in an orderly way, some
being masters or lords over others. Jehovah would not
have anything except that which is orderly.
From the text under considcration, then, we mu"t
conclude that he who left the heavenly courts, who
became a man, "ho died upon the cross as a sinner,
was raised from the dead by Jehovah to the divine
nature, was exalted to the highest position, above powers
and principalities, next to Jehovah, thus became King
of kings and Lord of lords. Therefore he is Master
over all, except JdlOvah.
It has pleased Jehovah, in arranging the royal family
of heaven, to take them all from amongst men, and to
put them through a course of strelluous training before
granting to any of them the high and exalted position
of joint-heirship with Christ Jesus. These scriptures
show, then, that all who will stand triumphantly with
the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore be members of his
body, must first prove that they are called, chosen of
Jehovah, and must remain faithful unto death. Jesus
has promised: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will
give thee a crown of life."-Hevelation 2: 10.
Each one who shall be an overcomer will be looking
forward with anticipation to the time wllPn he shall sep,
face to face, him who is the fairest of ten thousand and
altogether lovely, who possesses all power in heaven and
in earth, and shall rule with a mighty and righteous
hand over all things of. the universe in harmony at all
times with the great Jehovah, the Creator of all things.

203

HE word "called," as used in this text, means

invited; and Slllce the ones invited are accepted,
if the requirements are nwt, to be of the royal
family, kings and lords, it follows then conclusively that
the one called must be first a justified one before God.
Jehovah would not call sinners to such a high position.
The calling must not be confused with the thought of
repentance and conyersion resulting from the drawing of
JdlOvah to Jesus. They are two separate and distinct
things.
The Prophet, in Zechariah the third chapter, gives a
picture of the selection of the prospective kings. He
shows such a one clothed in his own garments of unrighteousness and filthiness, and the same one clothrd
with a change of raiment. Then comes the invitatioll.
or call. They are all called in one hope, and that hope
is the divine nature. That hope must be continued until
the end, and such hope carries with it rejoicing. Hence
the Apostle speaks of holding "the rejoicing of the hope
firm unto the end."-Hebrews 3: G.
"Chosen" in this text means selected, led out or set
apart for a purpose. It seems to have the same thought
as anointed, and designates one as a member of the
body of Christ.
"Faithful" means those who are steady, steadfast,
immovablc, therefore loyal to the very end.
These three things. then, are absolutrly essential as
conditions precedent to membcrship in the royal family
of heaven; namely, called, chosen, and faithful. These
three conditions must be maintained until the very last
of the Christian's earthly course.
If one should lapse into the great company class, then
he would no longer be a ChOSf'1l one of the Lord; for he
would have lost his anointing. Hence the place chosen
for him in the body would have been forfeited.
The text suggests especially to the mind at this time
that he who will be triumphant over death and the
grave and over all enemies, who will be an overcomer
and reign with the Lord, must be active and zealous,
joyfully giving heed to the Lord's command, looking
well to the IIlterest of the Lord's kingdom even to the
very last. Inactivity would show a lack of proper zeal
and love for the Lord and for his cause. A loving, loyal
follower of Jesus will continue faithful to the very last
in openly showing his devotion for the King and his
kingdom.
This text is a great incentive for joyful activity in the
Lord's service. He who is faithful, then, to the end
shall be a priest unto God and unto Christ, and shall
reign as a king and lord with the great Lord of lords
and King of kings.

FIRST DISCIPLES OF JESUS

--Arra':sT

3--.l0H~

1: 33-31--

TH~; CALL OF THE DISCIPLES-eHAR.\CTER DrSPLAYEll IN THUll n.:"l'O.'i:;E-.JESUS NOT O:llNISCIENT-FAITHFUL WATCHING

AND REAllY SERVICE.

U,Jesus ... saith unto him, FolllfUJ me."--John 1: 43.

IlE time of meditation in the wilderness served to
enable Jesus to adjust himself to the new view of his
mission and himself whiell the Scriptures now revealed
to his spirit-begotten mind_ It also enablpd him to determine how to begin his work. He was now ready, and the
zeal of the Lord was in him as a fire. He had no thought
of telling himself that he had had a strenuous time and
must now rest awhile. He would know that John's work
must have had two effects: (1) Some men of earnest heart
would be drawn to .John as disciplps and hplpers, and (2)
the multitude would be stirred to repentance and expectation.
"Jesus knew that he also would need helpers and disciplf's; for the truth he had to declare must go abroad into
all the world, and therefore there ,vas a need of men to
whom it could be committed. (2 Corinthians 5: 18) Hence
when he left the wildernf'ss he wpnt near to where John
was immersing, that he might get into touch with those who
had become disciples of John. John had removed from the
south and gone north, nearer to Ga \ilee; for most of those
about .Jerusalem who were disposed towards rightpousness
had already been to him. Human wisdom would have directed Jesus to ask John to bring his disciples together,
that Jesus might talk with them. But Jesus took another
course; he went nearby, near enough for John to see him,
and made as if he would pass on.John saw him, and without hpsitation pointed to him and said: uBphoill the Lamh
of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."-John 1: :!U.
3It woulU be with much joy that John saw Jpsus agailJ,
and was able to point to him. He must have wondered why
Jesus should disappear after his baptism. and after receiving
the holy spirit. But John's faith eontinued. No doubt it
was during the time when .Jpsus was in the wildenwss that
he said: uThere standeth OIIP among you. whom ~'e know
DOt." (John 1: 26) Now he could point to Jesus.

THE CALL OF THE DISCIPLES

4'1'he next day John was standing ,,ith two of his discipies; and as Jesus \1asspd. he again said: "Bphold thc
Lamb of God." (.JDlm 1: 3(;) 'l'he two disdples left .John
to follow .Jesus. apparently to make some inquiry of him.
"'Vhat seek yeT' he said. They revealed their desire to
ll'arn of him by asking him wlIPre he was dwelling. He
rl'plied: "Come and see"; and they stayed with him during
the evening hours. This was the first conversation about
his mission that Jesns enterE'd into. One of the two was
John, known later as the Beloved Apostle; the other was
Andrew. Probably John was the one who first moved
towards Jesus; but Andrew was as ready, even if he
laeked John's initiative. After their conversation Andrew
wpnt to tell his brother Peter about .Tesus. He said to
Peter: "WI' have found the Me;;sias." (John ]: 38-41 )
Instaad of thinking th.at Andrew fully understood the word
he used, we may more rE'asonably think that he meant to
tell Peter that the one whom John had immersed six weeks
previous, and of whom John had spoken, had now re-appeared; and that he (Andrew) was convinced concerning
Jesus.
SPeter was one of the few who sought the hope of Israel;
Ilnd with the readiness which he often showed, he went
with Andrew at once. We may aHow ourselves to imagine
the meeting of Jesus and Peter. Each looked at the other.
204

Thl' Greek word indicates that Jesus looked earnestly at

Peter, known then as Simon son of Jona. (.John 1: 42)
Jona means "dove"; Simon. an "obedient hearer." Jesus
said that Himon should thenceforth be called Cephas. or
Pet0r, "a stone." The wpalmess of Simon son of Jona WllS
to be removed; his <:'onnection with Jesus would set hi"
character like a rock ~\Yithout doubt the Lord's sympathetic
acceptance of Peter warmed his heart to Jesus. The two
men loved each other.
GThe expression used of Andrew, "He first findeth his own
brother," is peculiar. John does not mention himself hy
name in his Gospel, neithpr does he mention his brother
James; but this expression probably means that both John
and Andrew set out to find their brothers ~ill1on and James.
and that it was Andrew who first made the move. Both
these men of wanIl heart sought to tell their loved ones
of the joy they saw in prospect. The first two disciples at
once became missionaries.
CHARACTER DISPLAYED IN THEIR RESPONSE
7.Jesus was now about to go forth into Galilee; but before
doing so he sought out Philip, the first whom Jesus sought.
\\'p do not know how Jesus knew of Philip; but as he was
of the city of Andrew and Peter. it is probable that tht
brothers talked to the Lord about his earnpstness, and that
thp Lord determined to seek him out. They went forwarrl
into Galilee to Cana. There Philip sought out Nathanael in
his house and said to him: "'Ve have found him, of whom
J\Ioses in the law, and the prophets. did write, .Jesus of
l"azareth, the son of Joseph." (John 1: 45) Nathanael,
who is almost certainly the Bartholomew of the Gospels,
said in words which have become a proverb among men:
"Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth 1" (John
1: 4() Philip's answer. "Come and see," has become almost
as a possession of the servant of the Lord; for it is the
best answer which can be given to the honest doubter. AnI!
Philip's answer indicated that he was about to return to
.Teslls. The two went together; and as tlley appl'oached,
Jpsus said of Nathanael: "Behold an Israelite indeed, ill
whom is no guile !"-John 1: 47.
8Nathal1ltel carried his charaeter on his face. A sincere
man. not ready to accept everything told him, but ready to
inquire, and free from g-uile, he had nothing to conceal;
for he tried to be a true son of Isra"'. Nathanael was
surprised_ He said: "Whence knowest thou meT' .Tesus
replied: "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast
under the fig tree, T saw thee." (John 1: 48) Nathanael at
once realized that .resus was sent of God. He knew Philip,
and of John's discipies, that they were men not to be de<:'eived easil)', and that they had accepted Jesus as the one
of whom their prophets had spoken. He received Jesus at
once, and in words full of loving homage and adoration
said: uRabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King
of Israel."-.Tohn 1: 49.
JESUS NOT OMNISCIENT
VNathanael's ready response and acknowledgment pleased
Jesus. Jesus' word to Nathanael that he had seen him
under the fig tree cannot be a mere statement that Jesus
had seen him unknown to Nathanael It surely meant that
Jesus had seen him by supernatural means. But it also
meant that NathllDael understood that Jesus knew his heart

JULY

1, 1l)2-!

'The

WATCH TOWER

and his desires to know the truth of things which were

being made known In I>:rael. He perceived that Jesus knew
more than any ordinary man in Israel could know.
lOWe are not at liberty to conclu(le that Jesus saw and
knew eV"I~thing that was haPJlPl1ing in whatever vicinity
he happened to be. Ratllpr we must take it that for the
purpose of his ministry Iw was gin'n a vi>:ion of Xathanael
in meditation berore God. TIll' fact that Je"us PXPl'PSSpS
pleasure and some measure of surprise at ~athallael's
answer is itself sutlicient to prcclud\' the thought that our
Lord was omniscient. When Jpsus >:aw Nathanael's faith
hl' said: "Because I said unto thee, I saw thee undpr the
fig tree, belieyest thou? thou shalt see greater things than
tlwse. And he saith unto him, Yerily, verily, I say unto
you, Hereafter ye shall see IH'aven open, and the angels
of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."
-John 1: GO, 51.
lIlt is evident that ,Jesus intended hoth Nathanael and
thp otller disciples to understand that thf'Y would have very
nllwh more reason for their faith than anything they had
uu to that time. There would he the direet witnpss of
heawn. It could hardl~' be that our Lonl meant to tpli of
his kil1gdom; for the sense of the pas"ag-e calls for "omething' wlli('h would be a witness to ilH'rpa"e and "etUe their
fait h. The words are not a dpl'!llration of a future glory
so milch as of a greatet' foundation for faith. It is not
ditfieult for us who know the Lord's life to "ce how his
words were fulfilled; for we know that those who walked
wit h Jesus had evidence that the angels of God ministered
to him, and that he was "pecially under the care and guidance of his Father.
FAITHFUL WATCHING AND READY SERVICE
l2After ,Tf'SUS had been baptized, John must oftf'n have
wondered where Jesus was an(] 'Yhy he did not begin his
work. To a man of John's temperament it must have sepmed
somewhat sin~ular that .Tesus should be absent week aft,,!"
week when there seeme(] so much to do. He himself, when
his time ha(] come, hacl starterl on his work and had kept
at it continuousl~-. But whatever thon~hts he had, wondering either about the work of Jesus or about the lessening
of his own, he did not for a monlPnt lo"e sight of his mission, nor falter in his loyalty to it and to .Jehoyah. He
kept on, knowing it could not be finished until he had pointed
out the l\Iessiah. So when Jesu" again appeared it would
he both a rplief and a joy to John. Immediately he saw
Jesus he pointed to him, thus gh-ing a truly great illustration of faithful watchin~ and r('ady service.
13We do not know that these two men ever met or "poke
to ea('h other save on the occasion of the baptism. John
was faithful to his work. but tlwre was no obligation on
Tesus to commend him. I'o.'or was it God's good p!pasure
that John, even though "the friend of tllP bride~roolll"
(John 3: 29), should see the glories which tllE' Bridegroom
was to reveal to the bride. To the faithful herald there was
no entrance into that phase of the kingdom which he had
announced. Had Jesus and he met, it could hardly have
been other than that John would most earne"tly have inquired concerning the mission of Jesus; and it was therefore out of loving consideration for this most faithful

"0 gracious Savior! Thou art still the same;

Through all time's chang-eful scenes thou ('hn Ilg-est not.
Thy promised help, thy perfect p('ace, we ('Iaim
When storm and "trifp- surround our earthly lot.
'Vondrolls thy power displayed in days of old;
From Calvary's cross shines forth thy love untold.

servant that they did not meet. Blessed are those who are
permitted to see and to enter into the glories of those who
atoe the called of God through faith of Jesus Christ. He that
is least in that phase of the kingdom is greater than John.
-:Uatthew 11: 11.
14Jesus had now a little band of men who were drawn
near to him. They wpre not ypt tully called to accompany
him, t llOugh they slwnt much time in his presence. There
were .John. An(]re", Simon, .TanH's. Philip and Nathanael,
Illen who were first associated with Jt'8US, and wllO remained faithful to the end. It is interf'sting to note the
way they came to Jesus. John and Andrew followed him;
SimOII and James were brought to him; Philip was songht
by Jesus; and it is probable that Philip told ,Jesus about
Nathanael, as Andrew and Peter had told him about Philip.
It must have been a great joy to Jesus to have these men
with him, thus manifesting their faith in God. He would
be glad also for his ]<'ather's sake; for they were proof that
that which he was revealing from God could touch the
hearts of tn!e men.
15As for their mental qualification it may be admitted
that there were many in ,Jerusalem better equipped. Bnt,
as ev('nts prove. the mental ('quipment of the leaders of the
.Jews was a stumbling-hlock to them. 'j'hese trained men
had many difficultips con('Pl'lling JpSlIS and the truth which
he declared, the same kind of difficultips indeed as those
whi('h now keep many ppople from ll('c'epting the truth,
clitfieulties which ,,('pm foolislllwss to thosp who have given
their h('a rts to belief. These dls('iples of John had learned
the value of freedom from the bondage of form and ceremony and traditions as seen in the Pharisees and scribes
and priests. Their simplicity of faith and dpsire freed them
from the struggle whil'h thc difii('ulties of traditions of men
had for others. The miJ](l may bp sharpened. and the brain
compelled to give lodging to many things which seem to be of
some importance; but in the service of God these may be
nothing' more than waste matter, and a positive hindrance
to progress.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What henefit did our Lord receive from his forty days' sojourn in
the wildernCRs? 'Ill.
Why did he /(0 to the place where John was then immersing? , 2.
How would his presence probahly affect John? Wby? , 3.
Who were our Lord's first two disciples? Show that at once they
became missionaries. 'll 4. ll.
What trait of character evidently attracted Peter to our Lord?
What is implied in Peter's change of name? 11 5.
Who were till' Lord's first six disciples? From what part of Palestine did they rome? 11 7.
What characteristics did Nathanael display? What attracted him
to Jesus? 118.
How shall we understand our Lord's reply to Nathanael's question? 'll 9.
Show that Jesus' knowledge in respect to Nathanael does not
imply omniscience. 'If 10.
1Iow shall we understand Jesus' statement that his disciples would
see heaven opened and the angels ascending and descending
upon him? 'If 11.
In what way may Jesus have caused John some an"odeus thought?
How did John show his faith by his works? 'If 12.
""hat is the mcanin!!; of the stntement that "he that is least in the
kin!!;dom of heaven Is !!;reater than" John th" naptist? 'If 13.
In what way must the early disciples have broll!!;ht joy to Jesus'
heart? '1114.
What advantage had these disciples which the scribes and Pharisees
evidently lacked? When does "mu('h learning" become a stulUbllng-block to its possessor'l 'Il15.

"Throug-h darksome hours, while pain and grief assail,

Lord Jesus, still support and ('h(>('r thine own.
WllPn tempests rage, whpn human helpprs fail,
How bIt'st the hearts that tl'ust in thee alone!
Thou art the SHme today ami all the days,
Our source of strength shall be thy boundless grace."

FIRST MIRACLE OF JESUS

--AUGUST 1Q--JOHN

2;

1-11--

JESUS NOT A SOCIAL REFOHMER-lIIIRACLES lIlA"IFEST Gall'S GLORY-TRUTH REVE.\Llm IN FULFILLED PROPHECIES-JESUS FOLLOWI:D
TIlE UNOSTENTATIOUS METHOD.

"Whatsoever' he saith untu yuu, do it."---John 2: 5.

ESUS was now at Cana of Galilee. John says that it was
the third day. Probably this means the third day after
Jesus' departure frolll where John was baptizing. It is
hardly possible to be tlre next day following the days 1lH'1ltioned in verses 29 and 35 of chapter one; for Jesus WOlIlll
travel on foot, and Cana was two or three days' jOIlr1l(,~'
from where John was baptizing. Jesus was 1l0W intpllt 0:1
his work, though hardly determined as to the form it would
take. Heviewing his course we Illay almost certainly <'011elude that for the furthering of his mission he was in great
[lart dependellt UpOIl opportunities of sprvice as they presE'nted themsdves. His life shows that he was ever wateliful and took every opportunity which eame in his way.
Jesus quite well understood that his course was not to he
one of much dE'monstrntion. Jolin the Baptist was a voiee
sent to cry. (Mark 1: 3) But Jeslls knew that it was said
of himself: "He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall allY
man hear his voice in the streets."-1\Iatt. 12: ]9; Isa. 42: 2.
2There was a malTiage in Cana at the time of Jesus'
arrival there, and he and his disciples were invited to
attE'nd. His mother ,vas there from Nazareth, five milt's
distant. Probably Mary wa.s a friend of the bridE'gl'Ool ,'s
family, and was invitetl to the nUll'riage; and Jesus, who
had jnst come up from the Jordan valley with his disciples,
was also invited. PE'rhaps Jesus knew of the marriagE', and
e:qwctcd to meet his mother in Cana. But more prohably
he Wpllt to Cana to find Nathanael; for he, seeking tile lost
shpep of Israel, wanted to have this "Israelite indeed"
associated with him in his work, and Nathanael was of
the kind he had come to seek.

though the mother of the Son of God, was but the handmaiden to do service to God, and had no right to expect
that her first-born son must ahnlYs be at her bidding.
"Jesus also said to her: "Mine hour is not ~'et come,"
thus indicating that he saw that in her desire to help llim
forward in his life's work his dear mother would force
his hand. Mary, who knew that her son was specially sent
of God, would almost surely expect him to do such miracles
as had been done by the prophets of Israel, notably by
I<'::lijah and ElisllH, both of whom had supplied families
when in need. But Jesus could not permit her or anyone
else to do this. Satan had tried this when he suggest('d
that .Tesus should open his mission by leaping from the
pinnaele of the temple. The Lord would take these suggestions from neither enemy nor friend. He kindly yet firmly
told her that she could not regulate his life, and as definitely said that he must choose his own hour and way for
the l)('g-inning of his ministry. Yet his mother felt that
there was no rebuff in his words; and that, haVing been
appealed to, he would almost certainly do something. She
therefore said to the servants: "Whatsoever he saith unto
you, do it."-John 2: G.
7There were set for the use of the household six stone
waterpots, each of the capacity of two or three firkins;
and as a firkin may be reckoned at nine gallons, there was
eonsiderable capacity. Jesus commanded that the waterpots should be filled with water, and the servants filled
them to the brim. Then he said; "Draw out now, and bear
unto the governor of the feast." (John 2: 8) When the
governor had tasted it, he pronounced it the best that had
been given at the feast; and he said to the bridegroom:
"Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine;
and when men have well qrunk, then that which is worse:
but thou hast kept the good wine until now."-John 2; 10.

JESUS NOT A SOCIAL REFORMER

8In the East a marriage feast frequently lasts a few days,

and this probably did. During the feast the sllpply of wine
ran short, perhaps because, with Jesus and his disciples,
there were six or seven unexpected guests. There is no
reason to suppose that much wine was drunk. nor that the
wine was other than that ordinarily used, whiph. of course,
was slightly alcoholic. Jesus was not a mere social reformer.
He himself was always separate from the weakness of
human nature; yet he lived amongst men ill their or<lillary
vocations of life, and did not interfere with their customs.
4When the supply of wine was finislH'd, Jesus' mother
saill to him: "They have no wine." Mary was what is
called a practical woman, one who would see a need Hnd
make an attempt to meet it. It is e\'ident that she felt
herself at liberty to do something to ml'et a situation very
embarrassing to the host; for to have a lack of wine on
such occasions was considered as a lack of hospitality.
Perhaps in part because she was an honored guest and a
friend of the head of the house, Mary conceived the thought
of asking her son to meet the need. She made no request
to him, but her statement was enough to cause Jesus to
understand that she expecid him to do something.
5Jesus said to her: ""'oman [or, as we should now speak.
Lady], what have I to do with thee?" (John 2; 4) There
was no disrespect in this mallllt'1' of addressing his mother,
though a measure of rebuke was implied; for Jesus thus
told his mothel' that the relationship which had now lasted
from his infancy, and to which he had been subject for so
many y('ars, was now at un end, Not onl~' was he mature
in years, but when he left hOlllp Ite left hehind his special
eartWy relationship, (Mark 3; 34; cf. PSW;,\! 45; 10) Mary,

MIRACLES MANIFEST GOD'S GLORY

B.John says that this was the beginning of Jesus' miracles;

that by it he manifested forth his glory, and that his disciples believed on him. (John 2: 11) It is evident that in this
unusual circumstance our Lord saw an opportunity of doingsomething to help his disciples and, therefore, the interests
of his mission. Later, Jesus taught his disciples to "give to
him that asketh thee." (Matthew 5: 42) He never refused
a request for help; and when his mother told the need, it
was sutlicient for him; he began to supply it. But he had
a much greater objective than that of supplying a local
Ileed. Ill' wanted to give his disciples full reason to believe
on him; and that l'elliult was gained. But he wanted even
more than that: His desire was also to manifest forth his
future glory; and this raised the miracle to a symbolic
nature.
9It is evident that Jesus would show that the power he
had from God was to be used for men. He carne to be the
Lamb of God, to take away the sin of the world; he came
to be the Savior of the \I ul'1d; he came to be the friend
of men, the friend even of sinners. Moreover, the inpidpnt
shows that our Lord comes near to the human family in its
pleasures, in its homely life; ann that he knows how to
transform the distresses and the limitations of the human
family into those things which shall bring lasting joy. The
world's water will, in due time, be turned by .Tesus into
wine, the wine of truth, and into the gladness of God.
lOOur Lord's miracles were never wrought for himself,
206

JULY

1, 1924

crneWATCH TOWER

but were always for others, and were in the direct interests
of the kingdom of heaven. Most of thf'm were for the removal of the pains, sorrows, and affiictions which have
fastE'nell themselves on the human family. Some were
wrought bE'l'ause JE'SUS wanted to feed the multitudes;
lind all these were illustrations of the blessings of the
kingdom when it would hl' spt up alllong men, when the
human family will be deliverE'd from its pains, and when
the blessings of hE'aven ,,'ill iJe c1istrilJUtE'd with lavish hand.
But the first miraeil', at Calla in Galilee, was a pure work
of grace, of kindness, alld ill relief of an awkward situation. It is a picturc of the grace whieh ,vill come to the
human family through the presence of Jesus in his kingdom.
lIThe first miracle of Jesus wa,; intended to manifest
forth his gloQ'. (John 2: 11) It has ever pleascd God to
manifest himself b~' miracles. EvidE'ntly we are to understand that this is his wa~' of convinl'ing mE'n of the divine
power. True, Satan, God's opponPllt, has bpen pE'rmitted to
simUlate and to demonstrate supernatural power, as when
tile magicians in Egypt duplicatell some of the mighty
works done by Moses through the power of God. But there
is no manner of ultimate comparison hetwl'en the miracles
wrought through Satanic agency and those by the power
of .Jehovah. As then in Egypt, so alwa~'s, God has the
preeminence, so that men may know that "this is the
finger of God."-Exodus 8: 19.
TRUTH REVEALED IN FULFILLED PROPHECIES
12The first age closed with a manifestation of the divine
power. That the 1<'lood was not caused merely by a convulsion of nature is sbown by the fact that it was foretold
to Noah and prepared for. (Genesis 6: 13,22; 7: 4) The
birth of the nation of Israpl was accompanied by the
miracll's which Ultimately ga,'p I,;rael thpir freedom. The
miracles of sustenance in the wilderness, and the special
manifestation against their enemips when they were conquering the land of promisp. were all designed to convince
them and the nations of God's powpr and care. Afterwards,
when those demonstrations were matters of history, and
sufficient for futurE' (ontidpnce. great miracles were not
frequent in Israel; hut tbpre was sufficient manifestation
of the overruling care of God to convinee his faithful
people that the God of Isra!'l was carillg for them.
13With the coming- of J psus the day of miracles returned.
John did no miral'le,; (Jobn 10: ,H); iJut Jesus wrought
many, and all with the purpose of showing that with Jesus
tbe king-dom of bea\'l'n began. His miraclps, however, were
not merely evidencE's; thp~' had the purpose which is declared in the first-that of manifesting forth his glory.
:l'here has been no change of dispensation from that day
till now; but the time for the establishment of the kingdom
iu power has come, and manifestations of the power of God
nmy be expected. However, it is not by miracle that the
truth will be first revealed, but by the fulfilment of the
prophecies of God seen in his works in the earth.-Psalm
46: 8, 9.
14'l'he incident of this miracle gives us a view of the
character of Mary, Jesus' mother. Unless we had had the
few glimpses Which the Gos\lpls g-ive to. us, we might have
thought of Mary as a quiet. meditative maiden and woman;
but her relationship to .Tesus as revealed in flashps of light
here and there, not the least being the iURIau"e in 0111' lpsson
of tOday, shows hpr to bl' lL practical woman, one who
while having a true meditative spirit, had also a clear and
firm grip of family life and alIairs.
JESUS FOLLOWED THE UNOSTENTATIOUS METHOD
15In this simple account there are many lessons and examples given for the instruction of the sernlllt of the Lord.

207

There is a lesson of humility and lowliness of mind. Jesus

might, according to the human mind, have expected more
attention from his Father at the beginning of his ministry
than he received. For this work, which was God's own
mission. Jesus had, as it were, to find his own way-a lesson
that till' Church of God doing- the Lord's work need not
expect to get ,;uch an outward evidence of the divine favor
as will I!'a Vl' no room for faith. nor to expect at any time
such a standing amongst God's people that the testing of
faith would be non-existent.
IGJesus entered into his work in what seemed to be a
natural way. It is giveu to us to do that which seems
reasonablE', that which our hands find to do, resting assured
that as we thus seek the Lord we shall find that his blessing
allli his manifestation are upon us. Our Lord Jesus realized
the blessing of the Father upon him when the disciples
recl'ived him as the one sent of God. He knew within himself that he was right with God, but their acceptance of him
as the Promised One was a seal. So it is with the Church:
The fact that the blessing of the Lord can lead the inquirer
into such satisfaction of heart and clearness of faith through
the present truth, is itself witness from the Lord that what
we understand as present truth is in harmony with the
divine will. In other words, fruit is the best evidence that
the tree is alive and is in a healthy condition.
17Also the differing ways in which Jesus received his
disciples to him,;elf is instructive. Some he permitted to
follow him, and seemed as if he had e~'es bE'hind him; for
he seemed cog-nizant that Andrew and John were following
him. Some were brought to him by loving hearts. Some,
likl' Philip, werl' sought by Jesus himself. Whether therefore by the announcing of au other, or by the witness of
another. or by the din'ct seeking out of a disciple as the
Lord sought O\1t Philip, those who are his aI'e brought to
Ilim. Some are brought to the truth by the colporteur work,
SOIlle by public witness, some by the sE'l'\"iee work, an,l
many by personal persuasion to come and see; but one way
or another all the 1I0ck come home. And, as then, those
wlro become his disciples soon get abundant evidence that
they ha,'e come under the care of the Great Servant of
God, and they also "believe on him."
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
'Vhere was .Jesus in today's lesson? What day was it? Was Jesus
to make much demonstration in his work? 'If 1.
Wh,at ~re .';he probable reasons for Jesus' being In Cana at this
tUlle. 'If-.
What is the Eastern custom of marriage feasts? Was Jesus a
meddl"r? 'If 3,
What prompted Mary to say to Jesns: "They have no wine"? 'If 4.
lIow did .Jesus teach his mother that he wa" no longer under her
bidding? 'If 5.
What is the Import of Jesus' words, "Mine honr is not yet come"?
Did Mary understand him? 'If 6.
What was Jesus' first miracle? What Is a firkin? 'If 7.
What do"" John say of this miracle? What other reasons were
there for it? 'If R.
How did Jesus show that the power he had r"c"ived from God waq
for man's benefit? How does th" iUf'hl"nt show that Jesus comes
near the human family in its pleasures, and transforms Its distresses Into lasting jo~'? 'If!J.
In the performance of miral'les what obj"f't (lid our Lord have In
mind? When will the miracles have antit~'pical fullilment? 'II 10,
13.
How are men convinced of divine power? Is supernatural power
always from God? 'If 11.
How were miracles llsed In the past? 'Why not so used now? 1 12.
How Is the power of God manifested at the second advent? '13Name some of the characteristics of ;\lary, lhc mother of Jesus. 'If 14.
What are ,ome of the lessons in today's study? Does the Church
still \\ alk ur faith? 'If Hi.
How did Jesus enter into his work? How should we enter into the
Lord's worl,'! What served as a seal that Jesus was right with
God? How do we know that a fruit tree is in a healthy condition? 'If 16.
Is the way Jesus selected his disciples instructive? How does It
remind us of our own selection? What blessing is there In
recognizing divine providence? 'If 17.

International Bible Students A~sociation Gasses

i1ecture~

drld &udie~ by Trdvelin~ Brethren

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Clay City, IJI
Mitchell. Ind.
Middletown, O.
Springfield. O.
Columbus. O
Indianapolis, Ind.

July

15
16
17
18
20-27
29

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

Terre Haute, Ind

Oakland. III.
__
Arcola. Ill.
__ .
Mattoon, Ill.
__
Alma. Ill ....
__ ..
Vandalla, III.

July 30
.. 31
Aug. 1
3
4,,,

" G, 7

Uoekford. Ill
lleldelere. 111.
Logall"!lo!t, Ind. .
lIIunde. Ind
__
Colllmbus. O
__
,Manon, O
_

.Tuly
"

__

15
1G

20
"

17
18

Sharon, Pa. ..

July 21'
.. 30
31
..Aug. 1
..
3

\1', ~ll(l<llesex. l'a.

Fa tTl'1 I. I'a.
lIh',,, 1\ lile. l'a. ..

~7

EI'Il', 1'.1. . __

..

28

\\'arren, Pa

_.._. __

e."

'"

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Mitchell. S. Dak
July 10
Hartford. :;. Dak.
11
Irene. :;. Vak.
13
Yankton. S. Dak. ..
15
Corsica. S. Dak.. __
_..
1(;
Columbus, O
_.. _
20-27

Toledo. O

BROTHER B. M. RICE

July 2.',

l\lolll'oP. ~Ii('h
__
Adrian. ::\Iieh.
Dunol't'. :\IIt'h . . .__

"
"

:!!l

30

:J l
Aug. 1

Ann Arhor. ~llch

Ypsilanti, l\lleh.

"3

W. Chelmsford, lIiass.
Lowell. MaH', _ ...
Framingham. ::\l:u,:-..

.July J 0
.. II
13

Spl'ing'lwld, l\Iass. _.. _

1
I"
16

Hartford, Conn
Woodbury, Conn.

__

Columbus. O
I:ielnnond. Ind.
.Indersoll, Ind,

__ ..Tttly 20-27
..
28
29

]O;I\\"Ood, Ind. ..

30

Tipton, Ind..
Keno,ha. \I'is

.. __

31
Aug. ;;

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Frostburg, Md
July
4
LonacoJllng. Md
__ __ ..
6
Mt. Lake Park. Md._..... ..
7
Oakland. Md. __
" 8. II
Brandoll\'ille, \Y. Va
" 10.11
Morgautown, W. Va
"
13

.T~~ly

F,urIuont, W. Ya.
Burton. \Y. \'a .... .
"heeltng. \\". \",1..

f,

](j

1\\ C~\ illp, O.

Cambridgp. O ......_

IT
IS
" 20-:!7

ColtJlnl"". O.

BROTHER J. W. COPE
Peru, Ind
Lima, O.
Marion. O
Columbus. O
Cincinnati, O
LoUIsville, Ky...._ _.

Jnly
14
. 15.16
" 17,18
" 20-27
"
28
~ If
29

Nash\"ille. Teun
July 30
Memphis. Teuu
__ .. __ .Aug. 1
Little Hoek. Ark.. __........."
3
Atlanta. Tex
_..........
4
Glade" ater. Tex
" 5.6
Grand ~alille, Tex __
_ tf 7, 8

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Sault Ste. Marie, On1.. July 13
\Varren, Onto . ..
.July 14, 15
Columbus, O
__
20-27
Windsor. Onto ..
..
30
Harrow. Onto
__
..
31
l'elee Island, Onto
.Aug.1

L"amington. Onto
Chat!uuu. Onto
Sarma. Onto
London, Onto
Stratford, Onto
Seaforth, Onto

Aug. 3. 4

,
.. 810
]1
12

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
Beech Creek, Ky
July
Beaver Dam, Ky.................
Riney, Ky
;:
Elizabethtown, Ky.
Sonora. Ky.
Louisville. Ky.

11
13
14
15
16
17

Cincinnati, O
July 18
Columbll', O.
.. 20-27
Brazil. Ind.
..
2S
Vandalia, 111.
__ .. __ .
30
K St. Louis. Ill. July 31, Aug. 1
St. Louis, :Mv...
3
ee 4Oee e . . . .

.T';I,ly
14
__..
15
..
16
17, IS
20-27
..
28

Da'"llport. Ia
Ha\"ellna, :\'eh..
Cleal'lllont. Wyo
Bi1hn~". Mont..__
Hapelle. ~lont
Bil1l1l~s. :llont.

Aug. 1
3
5
7
8
.. 10

__
__

"

..

10

11

..

13

"
..

17
IS

Columbus, O
.\"hland, Ky
Charle><ton. W. Va.
Cltfton Forge, Va
L J ll('hburg. \ a.

July 20-27
. ..
28
..
29
_ .. 30,31

.Aug.

r-orfolk. \"a

3,4

BROTHER C. ROBERTS
Hamilton. Onto
Beam8yille. Onto .. __
St. Catharines. Onto
CohnnbnR, O
_
BeIledlle, Onto
__ .
Brockyille. Onto

__ July 13
__., 14.
.. lB. 17
"20-27
AUI;. 3
.. -1

I"

1I10ntreal. P. Q
__ .Aug.
Hollingdam Sta., /1;. H...
~lo01'e's MIllS, N. B..
St. John. No B.
Digby. N. S. ..... ..
Kent\'ille, N. S, ... __ __

5, 6
7
8
10
11
12

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
Rayenna, Xeb
.Tuly 13
Omaha. Keb
__
"1-1
Clinton, Ia
------- ]::;
:;outh Bend, Ind.
.. " 16
Toledo. O. . __
__
17
Marion, O
__
18

Columbus, O
Sprlllgjj~(\, O. .
lil'lmlla, O.

__

__ July 20-27
28

e . __ _ __

~~;.~~no.~:__::::::::::::::::::
Hod,tord. Ill.

29

"

~~

::

Aug. 3

BROTHER O. L. SULLlVAN

"

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Omaha, Neb
Burlington, Ia
Peoria, III.
Sullivan, Ind
Columbus, O
Erie, Pa.

...rul., D
_

::

__

BROTHER V. C. RICE
Milford. Conn ... __
Woodbury. Conll. __
rl'orrington, COHll.
'Yatf'rbury. Conll
Westhehl, :\'. L
Ashtabula. O...__ .

Tiffin, O. ...
lIlansfield. O. ..
.Toh11"town. I'a.
Lewistown, Pa
Paoli. I'a.
..
Columbus, O

__.__ .June 27
2D
30
__ . __ ....J';I,ly
1
------....
22
__..
20 7
__

Ashtabula. O
July 28
\\,pstfipld, K Y. __
29
lIntfalo. X. Y..._............... 30
Barada, N. Y.. __ ..
.. 31
Ho('he:-;tul', N. Y. __
_.. _.Aug. 1
1':'e\\arl" N. Y. ...
U
3

BROTHER W. J. THORN
BROTHER M. L. HERR
Benton Harbor. Mlch
Hartfor,I, Mich
__
South Haven. Mich
Kalamazoo, Mich
Battle Creek, Mich
Jackson, Mich

July 9
10
11
13
14
" 15

Adrian, lIIich
Sandusky, O. ..
Newark, O ...
Columbus, O. ..
\Vapakoneta, O
Fort Wayne. Ind

July
..

ee e . e

16
17
18
.. 20-27
..
28
..
29
"

Beam,,ille. On1.. July 31-Aug. 1

DUIl\ille. Onto
.. 3
Simcoe, Onto
.. 4
Aylmer. Onto
__
. .. 6
Woodstock. Onto
Aug.8-10
Brantford, Onto
12

JuIy 47
8
9
10
11
13

Coco. W. Va
Nitro, W. Va
Ga\llpolis, O. ..
Nelsonville, O
Lancaster, O_
Columbus. O. 00_'"

26
27
29
30
1
2

Columbus. O
__
Fo.,toria. O. ..
__
DefiarH'e, O.
Garrett. Ind.
Auburn. Ind
__
Fort \\'a~'ne. Ind

__ July 20-27
..
28
29
..
30
..
31
Ang. 1,3

e e

"

Chicago, III
Indianapolis, Ind.
<:;Plumbus, O.

J~~e

Eaat Uadford, Va

July 17

~~~0W'. ~a:-::::::::::::::::::::

..

;;

24
25
26

~~

Ashland. Ky
Columbus, O

.luly 18
, 20-27
28
29
31
,Aug. I, 3

Port811lQU th, O............. H

Ironton. O.....----..............

East Hadford, Va,

Bristol, 'renn

BROTHER S. H. TOUl'JIAN

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Norfolk, Va
Petersburg, Va.
IUchmond, Va.
Charlottesville. Va.
Clifton Forge. Va.
Cbadeston, W. Va.

__ J~.ne
,
__ .
__ "
July
"

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Stratford, Onto
.Tuly 15
Sarnla. Onto
..
16
w\ndsor, Onto
17, 18
ColumbUS. O.
.. 2027
Niagara Falls, Onto
..
29
St. Catharines, On1....... ..
30

Newark, N. y .._
Auburn. N. Y
Cortland. N. Y. .
Binghamton, N. Y
Scranton. l'a
E. Stroudsburg, Pa

July
..
..
..

14

15
16
17
.
18
.. .. 2027

Brazil, Ind
Indlanapoll'!,r Ind.
Rldtmond, J.nd.
Urbana, O.
Columbus, O
Marshall, Ill. _

July

Hi

16
17
18
2027
_..
28

l<J. St. Louis. III

St. .Tames, Mo
Uolla. 1110.
Lebanon, M<I.
Sprinl(field, Mo.
Claremore, Okla

J"111" 29
~

30

31.

Aug. 1
3
_.. "

""~'lttCfr))1Jfiil~ll\)9 ~~~ ~f'lt1ij~ ffu~~?

O~W~mi1lllg ~~~b.m1ld ~~~ aI.o!"-Isaial]
tOL.

XLV

SEMI-l\IONTHLY

No. 14

Anno Mundi 6052 -July 15, 19M

CONTENTS
211
The Vision
_._..........................
.212
Armies Following the Lord
.. _
_.._....._..213
Plant Heavens and Lay FOulldations....._..213

OUR Pm:RENT DUTIES......... ___ _ _.

MEMORIAL REPORTS FOR 1!l~-l

..............._--.214

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT CO""ENTS_ .._._.215

JESUS CLEANRER 'l'IIE TEMPLE............_216

Two CleanRings of the Temllle__

_.._..__._..216
Jesus' Strange Reply Now Understood....._.217
JESUS TALKS WITH NICODEMUS .........._ 2V~

The "New Birth" Still a Mystery...........__.21!l

JESUS TALKS WITH A SUIARITAN WOMAN.. _220

Jews Not Ready for Righteousness

_ ..220
Great Results from Small Beglnnings...._ _.221
"T wtll Rtanrl "1'0n mil watch a71rl will set my twl
IIpon the Tower, anrl will "atch to see what He wn)

.ag unto me, and what answer I shall make

'hal oppose me."-Ilabakkuk II: L
_:a:: --

'0 'he",

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED l\IISSION

ms 'G1Il'!Ial Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "SemInary JIl:s:t\msIon", now belnllf

presented In all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE
TRACT SO('IETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For tile Pn>T
1Il0tion of Christian Knowledge".
not only serves as a class room where Bibll1 students may meet in the study of the divine Word
&

It
but
also as a dlannel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and ot 'D.
eo~ of Its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreahed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's puulished STL'DlES most entertainingly arranged, and very
lIelpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., 'Vel'bi Dei Mini"ter (V. D. lIf.), which translated
Into English is Jfimeter 0/ God'. Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
etudents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of tile only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
_redemption through the" precious ble"d of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: Ill; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, sih'er anti precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . has
been hid in God, to the intent tilat now might be made kno-wn by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in otiler ages
was not made known nnto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Epheslans 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all Parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly \\ hatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident:
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a tn"I, to bp, used only in hi,
service: hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hia
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for tlile npbuillUng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ow:
readers to prove all its utterances by tile infallible Word to Which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the cburch is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throul;bout
tile gOBvel age-ever since Christ became the world's Redeeme!' and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, tilrough which, when
finisbed, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and tiley find access to him.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 11; Ephesians 2: 20-22;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
"That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when tb
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all togethe,
in the first resnrrection; and the temple sball be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men througbou'
the Millennium.-Revelation 15: 5-8.
-rhat the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lightetil every man that cometh into the world", "in due time".Bebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the churCh is tbat she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of tile divine nature',' and share his
glory as his joint-heir.-1 John 3:2; John 11:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
That tbe present mission of the cburch is tbe perfecting of the saints for the future work of service i to develop in herself every
grace; to be God's witness to the world; and to prepare to be klDgS and priests In the next age.-li:phesians 4: 12; Matthew 24:
14; Revelation 1; 6; 20: 6.
"l'bat tile bope for tbe world lies In the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brougbt to oil by Christ's Millennial kingdom, the
restitution of all tbat was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at tbe hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church,
wllen all the wilfully wicked will be deBtroyed.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 35.

WATCH TOWER Bt BlE &- TRACT SOCtET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BROOKLYN, ~Y. U.S'A;
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of!loes oltly. Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn offic!', but by international Postal Money Orders only.
(Foreign tmnslations oj this journal appear in several langlll/fje,,)
Editorial Committefl: This journal is published under tile supervision
of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are; J. F. RUTHERFORD,
W. E. VAN AMBURGH, J. BEMERY, R. H. BARBER, C. E. RTF,WART.
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of
old age or oUier inbi'mity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
journal, Will be supplied free if tbey send a postal card each May
statln~ tilelr case and requesting such provision. We are not only
wllllng, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
In touch with the Rer!'an studies.
Notice to Subscl'ibers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt I;llld
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expl1"&tlon date, as shown on wrapper label.
EflUTed a.s Second Class Mattera< Brookl:>"" N.Y. POSloflice., Acl o{March 3rd ,Bre

NO ORDERS FILLED IN VACATION

Following the custom, the Bethel Home, office, Rnd factory

will be closed for two weeks, beginning JUly 19 Rnd ending
~Qgust 2. Durin~ that time no orders will be filled from
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snpplies, will please send in their orders so that they may
be filled prior to the beginning of vacation. The vacation
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convention and also to i,ave R few days recreation before
bf~lnnlng work in the autumn season.

STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES

These S'l'VDIl:S :u t:'

Il't ullllllellued

to

~tudcllts

as veritahJe nible

teys, discussing topically every vital doctrine of the Bible. 1\10re

than eleven million copies are in circulation, in nineteen lan~uages.
Two sizes are issued in ]~nglish only: The regular maroon cloth,
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I, II. III, 15c each; Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, 85c each.
SERIES J, The Divine Plan o' the Age., giyinl!: outllne of the
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SERIES II, The Time Is at Hnnll, treats of the manner and
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SEltlES III, Thy liingllom Come, considers prophecies which
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of the churcb and the establishment of the Mlllennial kingdom; it
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corroborntion of ('(,"tnin Blhlp trachings: 3KO pages, 35c. FurnIshed

also in Dana-Norwegian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Polish,

and Swedish, 75c.
SERIES IV, The Battle o' Armageddon, shows tbat the dissolution of the present order of things is in progress and that all or
tbe buman panaceas offered are valueless to avert the end predicted
In the Bible. It contains a special and extended treatise on our
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19heWATCH TOWER
AND HE~ALD OF CHR~STS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

JULY

15, 1924

No. 14

OUR PRESENT DlJTIES

"And 1 have put my words in thy mouth, and 1 have covered thee in the shndow of mine hand, that 1 may plant
the hel!lf:ln8, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Z'irYlt, Thou art my people.n-Isaiah 51: 16.

111-; Lord lays certain duties and obligations upon deceived by calculations as to just when the Lord will
his followers. Performance of these duties is not cease his work with the Church on earth. The year 1925
compulsory; but failure or refusal to perform is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures,
them may cause one who has for some time been follow- even more clearly than that of 1914; but it would be
ing him to fail and fall out. Faithful performance of our presumptuous on the part of any faithful follower of
duties will surely result in attaining the promised bless- the Lord to assume just what the Lord is going to do
ings. This faithful performance must continue until the during that year. Each day the faithful will do with his
last. The Lord himself has said to his followers: "Be might what his hands find to do as though it is the last
thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown day; and he will look forward to being loyal to the Lord
of life." And mere mental loyalty will not suffice; for in continuing to do his holy will whether he be in the
"faith without works is dead." There must be an active flesh many months or many years.
5The reports from the field show that there are not
demonstration of loyalty as opportunity is afforded.
2It will not do to say that 1925 is approaching and quite so many active workers in the field now as there
the work will not be finished during that year, and that were a year ago. The reports also show that those who
therefore one can slack up for awhile and take on the are in the field are placing more books in the hands of
work again some time later. Who knows that the work the people, and are giving a more effectual witness and
of the Church this side the vail may not be completed showing better results than they did a year ago. This
in 1925? It is unlike the Lord to tell his people just proves conclusively that the withdrawal of some from
what day their work in any line will be completed and the field is not due to slowing up of the work or that
when they will enter another condition. He expects us there is less to do; but it proves exactly the contrary.
to walk by faith, trusting him as to the result. But for If some fail to do the work, the Lord will take away
the sake of argument, suppose that we assume the that which they have and commit it into the hands of
Church will not finish its work here in 1925. Would others. The reports conclusively show that the Lord is
that be a just cause or excuse to slack the hand now? blessing those who persist in advertising his kingdom.
Could faithfulness be shown by ceasing for a time to
60f course, there may be some who are so handicapped
advertise the King and his kingdom, and thus neglecting by conditions over which they have no control that they
the interests committed unto us?
cannot continue to engage actively in the field service.
sSuppose the Lord should say to his people in 1925 If one is doing what is within the reasonable scope of
words to the effect that several years more will be his power, and what he has opportunities to do, then
required to give the witness to the nations before all surely that is pleasing to the Lord; and he would
the body members shall be changed into glorious spirit require no more. But the question is, Have some turned
beings. Would not the truly loyal ones respond in effect aside from advertising the King and his kingdom in
thus? "Gracious Lord, thy will be done. The place order to gratify some earthly desire? Have some turned
thou hast given me in thy cause to advertise thy king- their minds to money-making, contrary to the admonidam is the most blessed one I have ever had or ever
hope here to have. I love thee; and I am determined tion of St. Paul? (Hebrews 13: 5, Diaglott) Examine
to be loyal to thee. Therefore gladly will I stay where the context of the Apostle's words in the text last cited;
thou requestest me to stay, and I will go when and and it will be found to relate specifically to the time
where thou directest me to go. Whatsoever is thy will, in which we are now living; hence indicating that some
that I shall do."
would yield to the temptations of this world and neglect
'How could anyone be loyal to the Lord even unto faithfully to perform the duties devolving upon them as
death and take any other course? Let no one now be rcprcO'cntatives of the Lord.

211

212

'rheWATCH TOWER

1Let no one be deceived with the thought that he has

been active in the Lord's service for several years and
hence now may slack up and let somebody else do the
,,ork. Persis1:ncy and continuity in service, faithfulness
to the very end, is what is pleasing to the Lord.Galatians 6: 9.
8Jesus evidently had this in mind when he spoke concerning the time in which we are now, saying. "He that
shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
(Matthew 24: 13) Be it known that he spoke those
words in connection with the declaration of the "gospel
of the kingdom."
9Lrt the people of God now, each one.. make a personal
canvass of his own situation and conditions, and then
answer to himself this question: Am I doing with my
might what my Lord has given me to do? Am I heeding
the admonition of the Lord now given to me when he
said: "Let not thine hands be slack."-Zephaniah 3: 16.
llt is absolutely essential that we keep in mind the
vision of this day as God foreshadowed it in his Word.
While of course we must give attention to the details of
the work committed to each of us, yet there is a broader
vision of his great work and of the ultimate purpose of
that work, that must be kept in mind in order to appre('iate our relationship to the Lord .and the great honor
and privileges that are now ours.

BROOKLTI\', N. Y.

commercial, political and ecclesiasticaL Through the

commerce of the earth Satan has exalted the few and
oppressed the masses. 'l'hrough the political wing of his
beast he has misrepresented the people, made and enforced the laws in behalf of the few, and against the
interests of the many. By means of flattery, appealing
to the pride of the ecdesiastics who claim to represent
J eho"ah, he has obtained control over them. 'l'he ecclesiastical element, piously and fraudulently, has misrepresented God and deceived the people. Thry have sanetifipd war, taught that the earth powers arc divine institutions, and therefore rule by divine right; they have
blasphemed God's holy name, and oppressed the people,
and made their burdens grievous to be borne.
14Satan has defied Jehovah, wickedly misrepresented
Jesus and the great teachings concerning his kingdom,
and made true religion a stench in the nostrils of the
people. He has caused the people to be blinded to God's
great plan and to the glorious light of Christ Jesus, lest
they should be liberated from bondage and oppression.
15Up to a given time God has not interfered with
Satan's wicked course, but has permitted him to pursue
his own way and thus to demonstrate fully that he is
totally depraved and wicked to the superlative degree.
IGKnowing the end from the beginning, God so timed
the outworking of his great plan that a climax would
be reached in his own due time. From the beginning it
THE VISION
has been his purpose to establish a righteous heavens
lIThe VISIon is concerning the old heavens and the and earth; that is to say, that both the invisible and
old earth now passing away, and the new heavens and visble rule shall be in righteousness, that the people
the llew earth that are now majestically taking their shall be relieved from the great oppressor, and that the
proper place, and the forces involved on either side in name of Jehovah and his beloved Son, Jesus, shall be
this tremendous work. As we have in mind this vision vindicated and truth enthroned forever.
we shall forget self and earthly selfish interests, and
uTo this end God provided for the redemption of
greater will be our zeal and determination to faithfully man, and sent his beloved Son to earth that he might
and loyally represent our King. We should more clearly die and thus provide the redemptive price. To this end
see that our religion is not merely a hope that we might God caused his prophet to write concerning his mighty
receive some personal reward of ease and comfort and Son: "The government [of righteousness] shall be upon
life and incident blessings. It is more than that. God his shoulder: . . . and of his kingdom and peace there
has developed a people for a purpose. 'l'hese now he shall be no end."-Isaiah 9: 6, 7.
has sent forth, under the leadership of his beloved Son,
18When on earth Jesus represented this holy kingdom;
to perform a work to his glory and praise.
for he is the King. For this reason he said to the
12Long centuries ago the usurper drew away af1:r him Pharisees, the devil's visible representatives: "The kinga large number of the angels of heaven. He organized dom of God has come nigh unto you."
a great power, invisible to man; yet men have felt and
19Jesus emphasized the kingdom above everything else.
observed its disastrous rel:mlts. This invisible power has He knew that a great climax would be reached between
kept men in subjection to the evil one, who has ruled the powers of evil and the powers of righteousness; and
them with an oppressive hand. This invisible power is that this climax would be reached when he should come
symbolically designated in the Scriptures as the heavens to take unto himself his bride, the Church. He so
that are to pass away, because it is an evil power.
clearly outlined the evidences which would be apparent
13Long ago Satan, exercising his invisible power, or- at the time of this climax that the members of his body
ganized the peoples of earth into nations, which organ- have no reason to doubt. He showed that then would be
ized world power is designated as the "earth." His the day of God's vengeance, when the Lord Jehovah
power and influence have always been vicious, harsh, would rise up and crush the oppressor and his wicked
oppressive and despera1:ly wicked. Hence the Lord heavens and earth, release the people from bondage, and
designates these world powers as "beasts." '.i'his beastly establish a new heavens and a new earth, and magnify
organization is composed of three primary elements; his name in the minds of the people.

JULY] 5, 192-1

CfheWATCH TOWER

2Now brholcl the day is here. Of this no true child

of God can have any doubt whatsoever. The evidences
have been given to the Church, and through the Church
to the world, that the I Jord is prrsent; that he has
taken unto himself his great power t~ reign; that the
dav of Jehovah is here, and that the greatest climax of
nil' the ages hns been reached; that the war is on bctween
th(' devil's organization and the Lord's organization;
that the Lord is leading his armies on to victory; that
hi' "will triumph; that the kingdom of heaven is at hand
through which lasting blesiiings must come to the people.
2'This is the vision that the Christian must now keep
before his mind; and as he beholds this marvelous
alTangement he is thrilled with the opportumties that
nre grnuted to him, and with the honor bestowed upon
him to be one of the called and the chosen; and he i~
anxIOUS now to be faithful.
22Concerning this oay, and the duties and ohligations
1hat rest upon the members of the body, Jesus gives to
them the command: "This gospel of the kingdom shall
be preached in all the world for a witness unto all
nations: and then shall the end eome."-Matthew 24 :14.
ARMIES FOLLOWING THE VICTORIOUS LORD

2.1Let us now take a mental vision of the armies in

hraven that arc following after the victorious Lord.
One division of this army is invisible, composed of the
faithful saints who have been resurrected. The other
division is composed of those on earth who are called,
who are chosrn, and who are faithfully following in the
Master's footsteps. 'l'he latter are the ones whom the
Lord has chosen to be his witnesses in the earth at this
time. Now the time has come in which God purposes to
dash in pieces the wicked systems of Satan, visible and
invisible. The members of the Church on earth do not
do this work of dashing to pieces. They are not the ones
that will bind Satan and destroy his power. It is the
1Jonl who is doing this mighty work. But he purposes
to use. and will usc, witnesses in the earth to make
k 110W11 1hese facts to the people as he progres&'s; and
tho,;e who are true and faithful witnesses shall stand
tl'iumphant with the Lord of lords and King of kings
in the great and final conflict.
24'1'0 the faithful representatives of the King now on
earth, Jehovah, through his prophet, says: "I have put
my words in thy mouth." Plainly thi~ means that the
Lord has commissioned the members of the Church on
earth to deliver the message concerning his kingdom.
That is the real duty of each one. Then he gives to
each one the full a~mrallce of his Word that they may
not fear, saying, "I have covered thee in the shadow of
my hand." This means that his divine power is shielding
and protecting each one of the faithful ones from the
a(lversary's forces.
25 As we visualize the powers of evil we can with
certainty say that Satan would wipe out the members
of the Church instantly if God would permit him thus

213

to do. But because of Jehoyah's promise no Chrltrtian

need fear this. Those who are hid within the shadow
of the hand of Jehovah occupy a position of absolute
safetv.
2"And who are +'hey? The answer is, Those who loye
the Lonl supremelJ. And where perfect love is there is
no fear; and in order to be perfect love there must be
unselfishness, perfectly exprrssed.
27Thi~ means then that those who will win the fight
must forg-et self; and in their love and devotion to the
Lord determine to use to represent the Lord every
faculty with which they are endowed, and to declare his
message against all the odds of evil that surround them.
PLANT HEAVENS AND LAY FOUNDATIONS
28N ow

mark the purpose of Jehovah in thus using the

Church. He says: "'l'hat I may plant the heavens and
lay the foundations of the earth." In other words, it is
his purpose now to plant the new and righteous heavens
and lay the foundations of a new and righteous government on earth; and while he is carrying this into operation his will and purpose is that the members of Zion,
the Church, shall be his witnesses and declare this fact
to the peoples and nations. When this work is accomplished and the record is written up, then the Lord will
point to those of Zion, that all the peoples of the earth
may know who they arc; and to these favored ones he
will say: "'l'hou art my people."
2"It serms reasonable to conclude that the last members of the body of Christ on earth, who continue faithful to the end, must come into great prominence before
the people. This will draw upon them the fiery darts of
thc adversary; but of this they need have no fear.
30'Vhen the Lord Jesus was on earth and calmly yet
boldly declared himself as the Son of Jehovah, to whom
Jehovah had committrd power to represent him, he was
wickedly accused of bla~phemy.
31Again the Lord has returned; and the visible feet
members of him, acting as the mouthpiece of Jehovah,
must now declare the day of God's vengrance, and must
deliver the messagc concerning the King and his kingdom. They must assume, in the eyes of the people, to
represent the King truthfully. It iI", therefore, not at all
mHPasonable to conclude that these will be charged, as
wa~ the Head, with blasphemy.
32Let this detl'1' no one. Keep in mind the vision of
the great conflict between the old heavens and the old
earth on one sidc, and the new heavens and the new
earth that the Lord will establish, on the other side.
The Lord has made plain our duty in g-iving this command: "Say among the nations, that the LOl'e1 reigneth:
the world also shall be established that It 8hall not be
moved: he shall judge the people righteously."-Psalm
96: 10.
33The Lord has graciously provided how all his peopl~
may participate in fulfilling this command. lIe h81'
made it possible for some to speak by word of mout.h

211

rrneWATCH TOWER

to the public, while others carry, to those who will hear,

the message in the printed form. He has opened the
way fOl the publication of this message in many lauguages that it may go to the nations and peoples of
earth. According to our opportunity is our responsibility.
s4The honor of representing the Lord at this time is
second to none; yea, it is far above any that has ever
been granted to man. The last members of the Church
are standing at the very pinnacle of Mount Pisgah.
They see the devil's kingdom crumbling. They behold
the Lord Jesus victoriously crowding him to the corner.
They know that the Lord will soon reap a great victory,
and before his majestic march shall fall and crumble to
pieces the old heavens and old earth wickedly managed
by Satan, and that in the place thereof shall be established the new heavens and the new earth wherein
dwelleth righteousness.
85These last members of the body of Christ see the
peoples of earth groaning and travailing in pain, anxiously waiting for the coming deliverance, yet knowing
not how it is coming. It is the blessed privilege then
of the members of the Church to proclaim to the people
that this is the day of God's vengeance, that the King
of glory is here, that his reign is begun, that Jehovah
is God, and that Jesus is King of kings, and that his
kingdom will bring the desire of every honest souL
86Awake, 0 Zion, awake to your privileges! Let no

BROOKI.YN,

N. Y.

one slack his hand now! Let us recall the words of

Jesus, that he that puts hand to the plow and looks
back is not worthy of the kingdom. (Luke 9: 62) The
Lord will honor with the highest honor those who ca~t
aside eyery weight, every b('~(tting sin, and faithfully
run, and as th('y run proclaim the message, "The kingdom of hcayen is at hand."
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Are the duties and obligations the Lord lays on us compulsory?
Is mental 10~'a\()' all tliat the Lord requires? '111.
\Vho is sure the Church's career will be over in 1925? Is there a
reason why one should slack his work for the Lord? 'II 2.
'What should be the response should the CllllITh be told that there
are severnI years more of wi tne."ing to t he world? 'II 3.
What will the faithful follower of tlie Lord seek to do each day? 'II 4.
Do the reports show that this is a better year for field work than
was last year? 'II 5.
In whom or in what should we put our trust? 'IJ 6.
What qualities are pleasing to the Lord? 'II 79.
What is the vision all should see? '1110,11.
How has Satan controlled the masses? 'II 1214.
Has Jehovall been helpless? What is God's purpose? 'II liS. 16.
\Vhat has been done that a righteous government may come into
power? '11:13,18.
How did Jesus show his interest in this! arrangement? '119.
What momentous time are we living in? 'II 2022.
Who are the armies following the victorious Lord? Who is it that
dashes Satan's empire to pieces? 'l 23.
What is the meaning of our text-Isaiah 51: 16? '124.
Who are the~' who are under the shadow of Jehovah's hand? '112527.
lIow do we know the purpos(' of J eho"ah toward the Church? 'II 28.
Is It likely that the last members of the Church will come into
prominence? If so, will it mean popularity? 'II :!!J32.
lIow has thc Lord provided for keeping his command of Psalm
96: 10? 'II 33.
Are we appreciating the honor the Lord is bestowing upon us?
1134.
Why is it our privilege to proclaim these truths to the world?
'II 35. 36.

MEMORIAL REPORT FOR 1924 TOTALS 61,911

ELOW wlll be found a list of the classes which have reported twenty and over as participating in the Memorial of
our Lord's death, which was celebrated the evening of April 18th. The total number reported is 61,911. This is
the largest number ever reported, and more than 19,000 over the figures given last year.

London. I<lngland
Los Angeles. Calif
Dresden. Germany
nrooklyn, N. Y
nerlin, Gprmany
Chicago. III. (PoIlsh)
Helsingfors, Finland
Chicago, Ill.
Pittsburgh, Pa
Glasgow, Scotland
Toronto, Ont., Can
Hamburg, Germany
Cleveland, Ohio
noston, lIIass
_
Detroit, IIIlch
Basle, Switzerland
Vallcouver, B. C., Can
Wluipel!:, lIIan., Can
Manchester, England
Liverp.",l, England
PhiladeJ,:lllla. Pa
Detroit, Mich. (Polish)
Zurich, ~witzerland
St. LOUIS, Mo
Klel, Gl!rmany
Municl.., Germany

._~ ..__._.. _..

Warsa , Polltnd
ColumbUS, Ohio
CopenM~en, Denmark
Birmihl:ham. England
BaltimMe, Md
Seattle, Wash
Sydney. Australia
Stockholm, Sweden
San Francisco. Calif..
Minneapolis, Minn
Cleveland, Ohio (Pollsh)
Oakland, Cellf
Portland, (}r~on
_ .._
Washington, D. C
Cinc:nnati, Ohio

1,142
1.134
1,104
873
749
625
578
575
544
525
.468
.453
.446
441
418
380
355
355
354
350
350
346
32S
326
319
300

281
276
274
257
246
243
230
228
224
220
214
212
210
210
.206

Bruay. France (Poll,h)

:!O~
Indlltnapolis, Ind. ..
:!OO
lIIelbourne, Au,tralia
200
Stettin. Germany
1!l7
Denver, Colo
.__
lDr,
Brishane, Australia
l!12
lIIagdeburg, German~'
190
Vulcan. Roumania
1;;8
Da~ton, Ohio
180
Buffalo, N. Y
175
San Diego. Calif
174
New York, N. Y. (Colore'l) 172
Philadelphia, Pa. (Poli,h) Ins
Milwaukee. Wis. ..
1n-l
Tacoma, 'Vash
1(;:!
San Antonio, Texas
I no
Johannesburg, So. Africa
(Katiye Class)
1~6
Hanover, Germany __
.__ ];,5
Edinburgh. Scotland
1~:!
Milwaukee, Wis. (Polish) ... Hil
Geor~etown,

British Guiana 150

Oberhuusen, Germany
Erie, Pa
Toledo. Ohio
Buffalo. N. Y. (Italian)
Kansas City. 1110. .... ..
Chicago. III. (l~lthua!li::n)
Cargenti. Bessarabia
Spokane, "'a,h
Anlnoasa. Roumania
Gottenborg, Sweden
Rospland, Ill
Adelaide. Australia
_
Aue, Germany
_.__
Dortmund. Germany
__
Cluj, Roumania
_
Leicester England
_
Rochester. N. Y. (ltallan)
Hull, England
Frankforton-Ma1n, Germany

1-12
141
141
140
1-10
1::;;
1:\7

1:16
134
132
132
130
130
130
129
129
129
126
125

Leeds. England
124
Manor Pari" England
123
Augsburg. Gel,nany
120
Kingston, Jamaiea
120
Oldham, England
120
Perth, Australia
ll11
Saskatoon. Sasl<.. ('an. .. 116
Grand Rapids. ;\1ich. ..
113
Allentown, I'u. ..
..112
Evorett, Wash
112

I~ristiania,

Norway

112

Worc,,-'tcl'. ~Ia''',
... 10:!
Darnall, Enl'(lan(1
108
}>dmonton, Alta., ('an
1 OS
Sheflield, En;;land
108
Detroit. l\Iich. (Hungarian) 104
Headin!(, l'a. ...
.. .........104
Bad Oeynhausen, (~ernlanr
Bristol, En~land . ...
..

l03
103

St. Gallen, Switz('rland

Victoria, B. c.. Cun
Wichita, Kansas
Houston, 'l'exas
Barmen, Germany... ..
Lancaster, l'a.
.
.
Hichmond. Va
Louisville, Ky
St. Paul, Minn
Lodz. Poland

102
102
101
100
100
97
96
94

Poznan, Poland
'Vanne, Gt.\rmany

!l-l

9:!
.__ ._

tH
91

JacksonYille, Fla
90
Johannesburg. So. Africa
90
St. Joseph, Mo
89
Auckllmd. Xew Zealand
88
Osterfeld, Germany
88
Turku, Finland
_ _.._.88
Bridgetown. Barbados,
B. W. 1.
_ 87
Lincoln. England
_.._..__ 87
London, Ont., Can_.
81

Montreal, P. Q., Can

N ewcastleonTyne, England

86
86
86
85
85

Schwerin, Germany
Belfast, Ireland
Iapa, Roumania
Montreal, P .Q., Can.
(Ukralllian)
85
Pasadena. Calif
85
Rodna Veche. Roumania
_.84
Youngstown. Ohio
84
Port of Spain. 'I'rinidad,
B. W. I.
83
Wehofen, Germany
82
Coventry, England
81
SchaulIhausen, Switzerland
81
Gera. Germany
80
Memphis. Tenn.

80
Brooklyn. N. Y. (Colored)
'i8
Binghamton, N. Y
77
New Ha"en, Conn
76
2'\orfolk. Va
76
Warrington, England
_ 76
Hamilton. Ont., Can
75
Oklahoma, Okla
75
't'ampere, Fllliand
75
1Ilarienberg, Germany
74
Wakaw, Sask., Can
74
Weinfel<icn. Switzerland
74
Dallas, Texas
73
L~nn. 1Ilass
72
San Jose, Calif
_
72
Gosport, England
_
71
Nottingham, England .__
71
Portsmouth. England
71
Tunapuna, Trinidad, B. W. I. 71
Baia-Mare sl jur, Roumania....70
Cape Town, So. Afrlca
_ .10
Krakow, Poland
_ _..70
Peru. Ill. (Polish)
70
Pittsburgh, Pa. (Polish)
70
(Continued on page 222)

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

in the hand of Jehovah and as a royal diadem fn the
hand of her God.
These beautiful word-pictures given to us in the
Scriptures are foregleams of the grandeur of the royal
family who shall constitute the bright shini.ng o~e.s Jll
the kingdom, and through whom Jehovah will mllllstE',l'
blessings to all the families of the ea:th..
.
Our conclu~jon, tlwrefore, is that thIS text IS a poetIC
description of the glory and beauty that will be visibl",
to those in the royal courts of heaven.

TEXT FOR AUGUST 20

"The King's daughter is all glorious within."-Psalm

itb: 1tJ.

T. PAUL iniorms us that things written in the

Scriptures aforetime were written for the comf~rt
and encouragement of the Church, that whIle
going through trying conditions her hope might be
bright. 'l'his text seems to belong to that cate.gory. It
is an expression of God's loving provision for IllS daughter the bride of his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, the King
of 'kings and Lord of lords. It hardly seems reasonable
to apply this text to moral qualities, or what is generally
termed development of Christian character. '1'he context
shows that the description is concerning the bride and
hC'r condition immediately before she is brought before
the throne of Jehovah.
When Jesus was about to take his departure from the
earth he spoke to his disciples, saying, "In my Father's
house arc many mansions: . . . I go to prepare a place
for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again, and receive you unto myself." (John
] 4: 2, 3) St. Jude, by implication at least, tells us that
the Lord Jesus keeps his bride from falling, and will
present her faultless before the ~rese~ce of the glory. of
Jehovah; and that this pre!rentahon wIll be accompamed
with exceeding joy. (Jude 24) St. Paul, in discussing
the resurrection change of the Church, says: "Then we
which are alive and remain, shall be caught up togethei'
with thC'm in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the ail':
and so shall we ever be with the Lord."-l Thessalonians 4: 17.
St. John says: "It doth not yet appear what we shall
be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall
be like him: for we shall see him as he is."-l John 3: 2.
From these texts we seem to be warranted in the
conclusion that the Lord .Tesus receives his bride ,,"ithill
his glorious presence and in his glorious palacC' heforC'
he presents her unto Jehovah. Since she will be lik'3
the Lord at the time of her resurrection change, ccrtainly the bride will be glorious within that palace.
And then follows the statement of the Psalmist: "Her
clothing is of wrought gold; she shall he brought unto
the King [Jehovah] in raiment of nCdlework," thus
picturing her glory and beauty as the Bridegroom presents his beloved bride to the Father.
Of course the bride must possess inward beauty and
loving devotion, loyalty and faithfulness evpn unto death,
before she could be resurrected a8 a bride; but the
Psalmist here seems to describe not that hC'art condition
but the glorious condition of organism and environment.
The prophetic writer srems to be holding before the eyes
of those who are running for the prize a picture of the
transcendent beauty and glory to be possC'ssed by those
who are faithful overcomers and who are abundantly
received into the kingdom.
The Prophet describes the bride as a crown of glory

TEXT FOR AUGUST 27

"An entrance . . . mini.,tered 'unto you abundmntly

. t th
k' d
" 6) Peter l' 11
tn 0
e . . . '~ng ,om. ' - w

>

,.

VERY truly consecrated child of God has an

earnest desire to enter the kingdom, to behold
the glory of Jehovah, and to dwell in the house
of sons with the Lord Jesus, the Head thereof. In this
text St. Peter says that those who will be members of
that house shall be abundantly received into the kingdom; that is to say, such would have a warm welcome,
and not a grudging admission, as a stranger.
In the context the Apostle enumeratC's the conditions
which must go before, and which must be met hy those
who enter the kingdom. He shows us that faith is thl'l
foundation, and that to faith must be suppliC'd virtue;
and that together with this faith and virtue more kllowledge must be supplied, which means an increasing understanding and appreciation of God's Word; and that
to this knowledge is supplied self-control, which means
the power to control oneself and bring oneself into
harmony with God's will. To this are added patience
and godliness, which means to endure cheerfully whatsoever comes, confidently relying upon the Lord. Godliness means Godlikeness, growing more in wisdom, justicp, love, and power, with an equal, well-poised character. In this godliness there must be love developed and
manifested for the brethren. Such love will be toward
the members of the household because they are members
of the household. To this must be added love, which
means the likeness of God in exten<ling goodness to all
mankind regardless of response on the part of mankind.
The Apostle admonishes that the Christian is to give
all diligC'nce thus to do these things.
It will mean, then, that if one is developing these
virtues he will be active.. energetic, enthusiastic, and
7,palous for the cause of the Lord. He will at all times
be found on the alert to support the cause of the King
and his kingdom.
The Church now is in that great testing time when
th b ttl'
b t
th
.
f th
w
f da k
e po er 0
re a e IS on e wecn e pnnee 0
ness and the Prince of Light. All diligence is required
on th~ p~rt of each one. that we ~e a~tive in earnestly
proclalmmg that the Kmg and hIS kmgdolll are here.

215

JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE

--AUGUST 17--JOHN

2: 13-22--

:rESUS DRIVES OUT THE l1U.FFlCKERS-TWO CLEANSINGS OF TH~: TEMPLE-JESUS' STRANGE REPLY NOW UNDERSTOOJl--TRUTH MAKES
OPPOSERS AND FRIENDS.

"My house S'IQJl be called

Wit

house of prayer."-MatthelC 'U: 13.

A FTER the miracle at Cana in Galilee,

r t his mother and his brethren and

Jesus went with

his disciples to
Capernaum, and continued there for a short time.
(John 2: 12) The Passover was at hand; and as a good
Jew it was incumbent upon Jesus to go up to Jerusalem.
He knew that though the law was now old and was as a
garment which had about served its purpose, yet the time
had not fully come when it could be laW to one side.
2This was Jesus' first visit to Jerusalpm since his baptism;
and, naturally, he made his way to the temple. lIe was
filled with indignation as he saw the traffic in his Father's
bouse and heard the cries of the traders. There were people
sitting at tables to exchange money for the many travelers
who from almost all known parts came up to the feast.
These performed a service for the travelers which was quite
a convenience to them; but they were there not so much to
accommodate the traveler as to gain advantage from his
need. There were also those who sold doves; and even the
sheep and oxen were brought into the temple courts. The
house of God was made a house of traffic. The cooing of
doves, the bleating of sheep, and the lowing of oxen are
nature's sounds, and Ilre pleasant to hear in the course of
nature; but they were altogether out of place in the temple
courts. They were there not for the purpose of sacrifice, but
that they might be sold for gain. If ultimately the doves
were taken and the sheep and oxen were led to the altar,
that was no reason why they should be brought to the altar
for sale. Such was absolutely contrary to the spirit of sacrifice.
JESUS DRIVES OUT THE TRAFFICKERS
8Jesus gathered together some small cords and made a
scourge; and with it he drove out of the temple the money
changers, and those who had the care of the cattle, and the
cattle and sheep. In their fear of his eye-it could hardly
be fear of his whip-these Jews left their money and fled.
Jesus poured it out and overthrew the tables; and then
said to those who sold doves: "Take these things hence;
make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."
(John 2: 16) It is certain that our Lord would IlOt hurt
the innocent cattle; and it is probable that he did not hurt
the men whom, like cattle, he drove out of the temple courts.
John says that his disciples, some of whom had gone with
him to Jerusalem, remembered that it was written, "The
zeal of thine house hath eaten me up."-John 2: 17; Psalm
69: 9.
4There is power in a look which comes from an honest
heart, a power intensified when the heart is moved by a
'lpirit of righteous indignation for God; and there was a
look in .Tesus' eye, and a purpose seen on his face, which
were too powerful for the money changers to withstand.
He was as it were in the grip of a burning zeal for his
Father's honor; but that he acted in full control of spirit
is as manifest. His deliberate gathering of the small cords
proves that he did not act from impulse; he did not pick
up an instrument ready to his hand, but made one out of the
debris of cords and shippers' wrappings about his feet.
6Did Jpsus intrude on anyone's rights in this? Did he
Inflict an injustice upon anyone when he poured out the
money? The answer must be, No. The house was his
Father's; and he, as a true son of the law seeking the
bonor of God, took his privilege of cleansing the house of
JpQovuh. No doubt his spirit had been stirred many times

as year by ~'ear he had gone up to the Passover; but whatever he had felt he hall never before considered it as his
business to interfere. Now he asserted his daim to speak
for his Father, and to act as his Fa ther's lI11'sseng-er. In
m('asure he fulfilled the prophpcy of l\Ialachi: The Lord
suddenly came to his temple (;\Ialachi 3: 1), and found it
defiled. These Jews had paid no heed to the preceding messenger, John; and they were caught unawares. When in
Galilee Jesus ministered as a healer and blesser and a
teacher of the people; but on all his recorded visits to
Jerusalem he put forth his claim as the messenger of God
with authority to speak and act for him. This action of
cleansing the temple was his first witness to that authority.
TWO CLEANSINGS OF THE TEMPLE
GMatthew, Mark, and Luke also tell of Jesus' cleansing of
the temple of money changers and of those who bought and
sold in the temple, and of his overturning of the scats of
them who sold doves; but they record an incident on the
day of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the last
week of his life. John, in this account Which provides our
study for today. records Jesus' action as being in the beginning of his ministry. It has been thought by many that
there was only one cleansing of the temple by Jesus; and,
as the accounts of the three Synoptic Gospels agree, that
there can be no real question as to the time. It has therefore
been presumed that John, for some altogether unaccountable
reason, misplaced the account and related it as if our Lord
did this at his first Passover. But it would be quite contrary
to all expectation to have an account so clearly stated, moved
from its place, and put into an altogether different setting.
Also a comparison of the passages reyeals inherent differences, and leaves little question that our Lord cleansed the
temple of the traffickers and money changers on two separate
occasions. Both incidents were at the Passover feast. The
one to which John refers was at the first Passover after
.Jesus' baptism, and would therefore be the year A. D. 30.
The other was at the Passover in the spring of A. D. 33,
when Jesus himself was the Passov('r Lamb. (1 Corinthians
5: 7) While the action is the same in both cases, the accompanying words differ. In the earlier incident recorded by
John, Jesus accompanied his action by saying, "Take these
things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." (John 2: 16) In the latter he said: "It is written, :My house shall be called the house of pra~'er; but ye
have made it a den of thieves." (Matthew 21: 13) There
is an evident difference in intention according to the difference of the words used.
7The language in the latter case is mUch stronger than In
the former. And this is appropriatp; for, to some extent,
custom allowed the trading in the temple, and a measure of
excuse could be made. Hence when first clearing the temple.
and thus bearing witness to their defilement of the sacr'.
house, Jesus said nothing harsher than that they had made
his Father's house a house of merchandise. But when, three
years later, the traffickers were still there, and the leaders,
the temple authorities, were still making profit out of the
trading, he told them that they had made God's house,
intended for prayer, a den of thieves. Here was not simple
trading, but thieving, profiteering, under the guise of supplying a need in the service of God. And this difference corresponds well with the witness which the Lord has caused to

216

JULY

15. 1924

'[he

\ylATCH TOWER

be given to the leaders of Christendom in this day of hi3

return.
8When Jesus' witness first began to be given throug-h
Pastor Russell, the message, while plainly spoken. was not
in hard words; for allowance was made because the Church
was only emerging from the darkness of the past. Thl'ir
wrong condition before the Lord was state(l, and their
alliance with the world was declared to be displeasing to
God. But the leaders of Christendom gave no heed, thou~h
they have witnessed against themselves respecting the poor
spiritual condition of their churches. Rejecting the warnlIl~
and the witness to the Lord's return, they have sunk deeper
into the mire of human politics and worldly methods. Now
the time has come when they must be told plainly that they
have made the temple of God a den of thieves; and that
they are in league with Satan's organization and, indeed.
distinctly form part of it.
JESUS' STRANGE REPLY NOW UNDERSTOOD

9ThI' leaders asked Jesus fur a sign which should signify

his authority for doing these things. He gave what seems a
strange answer. He said: "Destroy this temple, and in three
days I will raise it up." The Jews were surprised at the
answer; for they thought that he was making a claim to
be able to reerect the temple in three days, whereas its
restoration had taken forty-six years. (John 2: 20) But
John says that Jesus spoke of the temple of his body; and
that after his resurrection his disciples remembered this
saying, and were confirmed in their faith. (John 2: ~~)
It is evident that Jesus did not intend to give any special
sign to the Jews; he always refused to do that (Matth!'w
12: 38, 39) ; but it is as evident that he did intend to gin
that which would confirm his disciples.
10As the Scriptures always state that Jesus was raised
from the dead by the Father (e. g., Colossians 2: 12), and
never that he raised himself-an impossibility-an explanation of his words has been found in saying that Jesus was
speaking of the mystic body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12: 27)
But John explicitly says that after .resus was raised from
the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said these
words to them. They saw that he had referred to his coming
forth after his resurrection, and that by those words the
disciples were confirmed in their faith in him and in the
Scriptures.
llJesus' answer brings into contrast the temple of Jerusalem and the temple of his body-himself. He intended to
have the Jews realize that they had defiled the temple which
was in their care, and in which they professed to worship
God; that God had now made him, his messenger, the repository or temple of truth; and that through him alone God
could be worshiped acceptably. The bouy of our Lord was
th n temple of God by the holy spirit, even as Paul says:
"h.now yf' not that ye are the temple of God and that the
spirit of God dwelleth in you?" and "Know ye not that your
body is the temple of the holy spirit?" (1 Corinthians 3: 16;
6: 19) The Jews had defiled the temple; and Jesus knew
thatJ they would attempt to destroy him, and would appeal"
to prevail. But while he foresaw the lasting dl'struction of
the temple which represented Judaism, he knew that the
temple of truth which was then rl'prl'sented by him could
be destroyed only temporarily; and that though they would
appear to succeed, he would nevertheless restore that temple
of truth on the third day.
121t shoulll be noted that Jesus was not speaking of his
human body, but of the temple of truth which was represented by his body. The word used, cgero, is the one regularly used for t'llising up from the dead; but it is not limited
to that act. It serves for any action of rising 01" standing

217

forth. It is not the word used when resurrection Is meant;

then anastasis is used. Jesus never claimed the power to
come forth from the dead; and the Scriptures never speak
of him as coming forth of his own volition. They alway~
say that he was raised from the dead by the power of tha
Father. (1 Corinthians 15: 15) It is evident that Je<;us dill
not speak of the actual coming forth from death, but (If what
he would do in three days after they had 'destroyed this
temple.'
lOTrue to his word, on the third day after the Jews had
;Iain him and thought that they had forever silenced him,
Tesus stood forth amongst his disciples. On that day he
)pened the Scriptures to the two travelers to Emmaus, and
ater met with the company in the upper room, when "he
mid unto them, Thl'se are the words which I spake unto you,
while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled.
which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets,
and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then he opened their
understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it beloved
Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day."
(Luke 24: 44-46) It was necessary that Jesus should meet
his disciples on that third day in order that he might fulfil
his word. Thus he confirmed his word and the Scripttlll"es to
his disciples.-John 2: 22.
TRUTH MAKES OPPOSERS AND FRIENDS

14Jesus' action in the temple had two effects: The Jews,

that is, the leaders of the people, became his opposen;; but
the people became more ready to listen to him. Many of
them believed on him as they saw the miracles he did, and
would have joined themselves with him in any actIon he
would have taken to restore what they thought was the
glory of Israel. But Jesus, who knew what was in man,
knew that they were not moved with right motives; apd
he kept himself reserved. (John 2: 24) We may take it
that there is here an illustration helpful to the Lord's
people in this day, when the work of Jesus is again being
done, now on a world-wide scale. The truth is now going
forward, touching the hearts of many and drawing them
neal" to God. But it will surely draw some to itself who
will not have a clear conception of the purpose of God, and
these may wish to do the work of the Lord according to
human wisdom rather than according to the divine vision.
The Lord's people are given a commission, and must not be
turned aside from it by any means or on any account.
15Jesus was an enthusiast, but one with a wise and understanding heart. His enthusiasm was in his heart, a fire that
kept his spirit ever warm towards the honor of llis Father
and the good of those to Whom he had come to minister.
No man can expect to keep the favor of God who has not
that fire, the fire of a sacred love. Such, with zeal which is
under the control of the spirit, will ever seek the honor of
God's holy name.
16There was never any special sign given to the leaders
of the Jews concerning the authority of Jesus, except the
sigu of his resurrection from the dead (Matthew 12: 39, 40),
one which could have force only after he was gone from
them. They were unworthy; for they were always ready to
pervert his words and to make the perversion a charge
against him. But his words to them were always a help to
the disciples. So it is today. Many pervert the message ot
truth to their hurt; but those who heal" and serve are alway.
helped, and their faith is always strengthened t,y their service.
"Happy we live, when God doth fill
Our hands with work, our hearts with

~..

crneWATCH TOWER
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
W;,_ did Jesus go after the miracle at Cana? What was the

OCSllsion of his going to Jerusalem? 11.

What we!'e the money changers and the traders doin/!: at Jerusalem?
What was it that filled Jesus with indignation? 1f 2.
now did Jesus drhe out the traffickers? What was his denunciation? 1f 3.
Wily did the~' leave their money behind? Did Jesus act from impulse? 1f 4.
Di<l Jesus intrude on anyone's rights? What prophecy did this act
of JeI'US measurahly fulfil' What was characteristic of the visits
of Jesus to Jerusalem? 1f 5.
Is the cleansing of the temple recorded by Matthew, Mark, and
Luke the same as that recorded by John' 1f G.
What made the diff..rence in J ..sus' attitude at the second cleansing?
What do..s it seelll tv represent? 1f 7.
Are the l .. aders of Christendom much the same in spirit as were
the religious rulers nineteen centuries ago? 1f 8.

DnOOKLYN,

N. Y.

What strange reply did Jesus make to those who Inquired for hI,
authority for overturning the tables amI driving the traffickers
out? 1f 9.
Who raised Jesus from the dead? Coulll he raise himself? What is
the explanation of raisinl\" the tempi.. in three days? '1110.
How may J"sus' reply be further elucidated? '111.
'Vas Jesus speaking of his human body? If the answer is "NO,"
give proof. 1f 12.
In what way can it be said that Jesus stood forth the third day?

U3.

What twofold effect dill Jesus' action have? What effect dOe.1
..
tnlth have upon people today? Is there a tendency to i,., t
human "j"lolll into the spre-ad of the truth? 1f 14.
\Yn~ .Jesus an enthusiast '! rroward what ,va~ his enthusiasm di
l'{'Ctf"d '? ~ 1 G.
What sign was l\"iven the Jews concerning the authority of Jesus?
Wh~' do SOIllP pen-ert the words of truth, while others are greatly
hpnpfited? 1f Hi.

JESUS TALKS WITH NICODEMUS

--AUGUST 24-JOIIN

3: 1-17--

NI(,oDE~Irs ACKNOWLEDGES JESrS 4S TEACHER---THE "NEW BIRTH" STILL A MYSTERY-] EAUTIFUL STORY OF GOD'S LOVE

-ESTRANGED WORLD TO liB RECONCILED.

"For God so 101'('11 tile 1("0I'ld fha-t he gavc his only begotten Son, that w7vo80evcr believeth in him should Mt perish, but
have everwsting life."--John 3: 16.

A ~'TEH

Jlc'~US

hml Cll'llll"lc'li the templlc' of the money

aIJ(1 the selllc'I''' of anilllllis for sacrilielc', as
if, the occllsion being Pllssover, he would cieullse his
Father'" houslc' of the corruptillg lea Yell of greed 1lIl(1 g-u in,
he took the opportunity whkh the feast afforded of punnIng
his ministry, calling attent iOIl to it by ooing some miracles,
That his ministry Caused much comment among the leaders
of the people is s('en b~' the story of Nicodemus, which provides our lesson for today.
2Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews, that is, a member
of the Sanhedrin, and thel'efore a man of some note amongst
the people. He SHW that Jesus was no ordinary llIan; and
knowing that John the Baptist had prodaimed the coming
of the messenger of the Lord, he was somewhat anxious
about his position in relation to Jesus. He would like to
ask Jesus some questions. Too timid to go openly to him,
for he feared what his fellows would think or do, and perhaps because he had much to lose if he should become a
confessed adherent of Jesus, he went by night. Probably
the interview was arranged by John the disciple, who was
known to the high priest, and who wou\(] be known to many
in high positions; for it seems certain that John attended
to the merchanting in Jerusalem of the fish which his firm
caught in Galilee. (John 18: 15) There is no evidence that
Jesufl e"er spent a night in Jerusalem, except the terrible
last night of his earthly life. 'l"hat city never found hinl a
rest for his head, and it is fitting to suppose that NicodenlUs
went where Jesus usually stayed when in that neighborhood;
namel~. 10 (he Me mt of Olives.

n.

('hlln~ers

NICODEMUS ACKNOWLEDGES JESUS AS TEACHER

was respectfUl enough to .Tesus to address
him as rabbi, or teacher, thou~h Jesus had not been trained
In the schools whIch made rabbis. He also acknowledged
that JPflUfl was a teacher come from God, as Jesus' works
witnl'ssed. This was a considerable admission for a Pharisee. But whatever questions he had in mind which induced
him to visit Jesufl he never put. His admission was sufficient for Jesus to show him his position. Questions put In
the shades of night by one who knew so much as NIcodemus
admitted are hardly In order. Action Is preferable. Probably
:l\icodemus told himself that he was doing well to make
these Inquiries to satisfy himself. As yet the gain of having
truth, to~ether with the assurance of being in harmony with
God, was Dot a sufficiently powerfUl motIve to him.
lI~icodemt1s

4There are many today like Nicodemus. Many know that

thel'e is truth abroad, which is spoken in the name of the
Lord and which cannot arise out of the foolishness of man's
mimI; and they know that they ought to associate themsplves with it. 'rhey hover on the ed~e of the truth, partly
satiflfying themselves by sa~'ing that they are trying to settle
the Illany queries which arifle in their minds. An<l, too, there
are many like the other Pharisees who did not go to Jesus,
who yet knew that he was a teacher sent from God. ,Tesus'
method of dealing with Nicodemus may be taken as a ~uide
when dealing with inquirers who know enough to bring
them into a measure of responsibility.
"Jesus, who knew what was in man, had no difficulty in
perceiving Nicodemus' condition of mind. lIe dealt very
graciously with his visitor, but did not allow him to ask
the questions which were in his mind. In response to Nicodemus' admission he said: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he can.not see the kingdom of
God." (John 3: 6) Jesus told Nicodemus that under the
circumstances it was useless to discuss these questions.
Nicodemus must first he willing to pay the price for the
truth; God only could quicken the mind to receive it. Jesus
also said none can 1t1ltlerNflllld the things of God unless he
be born frolll above. All this was strange; for the Pharisees
thought that they wpre quite capable of understanding everything that had to do with the kingdom of heaven. But to
say that a new bitth was necpssary to understanding was
altogether beyond the Pharisee; and he said: "How can
these things be?"
"Nicodemus saw nothing in our Lord's words but that
which was earthly and material. ,Tesus explaine<l that he
was not speaking of human births, but of a higher life;
and, referring to John's baptism and the baptism of the holy
spirit, of which John had spoken and which he said was to
come through Jesus, said that that birth came out of water
and spirit. None coul<l expect to know the truth unless he
followed God's way as revealed in ,Tohn and Jesus. He who
would know must first obey. He showed the difference In
nature, and added: "That which is born of the flesh Is
flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit"-Is
indeed spirIt nature. Jesus said that Nicodemus ought not to
marvel at this; for as a master of Israel he ought to understand that God had greater things in reserve than any which
had hitherto been revealed; that their Scriptures pointed
hy type and direct prophecy to a greater work of God thaJl

JULY

HI, 1924

rneWATCH TOWER

anything Israel had yet known. And John, uf whom they

had already inquirerl, had pointed them to One who, Illig-htier
than himself, should immerse in the holy spirit. Imlt'ed, in
comparison John felt unworthy to bear the sandals of the
Coming One.-l\fatthew 3: 11, Dmglott.
THE "NEW BIRTH" STILL A MYSTERY
'Jesus' declaration respecting the new birth is almost as
much a mystery to professed Chri;;tians today as it was to
Nicodemus then; for the heavenly calling is almost lost
sight of. (Hebrews 3: 1, 14) The Master's declaration of a
new life started from above is taken as if it were merely a
new impulse to a better life. But the new birth is not a
mere change which makes a bad man good or a good man
better; nor is it tIlat which brings light and understanding
where there was darkness and ignorance. It is the beginning
of a new life, that of the new creation (2 Corin thians 5: 17),
the life of the spirit, which when come to birth will enjoy
life as a spirit being with God. Even Jesus the man, since
he was truly human, needed the new birth. He was quickened of the holy spirit in order that he might do his work
for God; he was anointed and given understanding; but the
coming of the holy spirit upon him meant more than it did
when it came upon the prophets of old, who spoke by the
holy spirit. (2 Peter 1: 21) To him it meant the beginning of
a spirit life as distinct from the human life he then enjoyed.
8That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and remains
flesh, however perfect it may become; and no flesh can ever
become spirit except by that begetting of the holy spirit,
which ultimately leads to birth into spirit nature. Speaking
to Nicodemus of John and himself, Jesus said: "Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and
testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness."
(John 3: 11) The Master thus witnessed against these
masters in Israel. They were very careful custodians of
the form of the sacred writings, but cared little for that
which God spoke by these. By their vain traditions they
encompassed the Divine Revelation so as to make it of no
etIect; they confused the Word and proclaimed themselves
as the only expositors, and thus secured a position for
themselves.
DBut though Jesus did not set himself to answer the
questions which Nicodemus would have asked, it was to the
latter that Jesus spoke some of the greatest truths which
have enlightened the world. He showed Nicodemus that the
things written pointed to higher and greater things yet to
be. No doubt the masters in Israei had moralized on the
making and the lifting up of the serpent in the wilderness;
but it had never occurred to them that this was an illustration of God's great plan for the deliverance of the human
family smitten by the poison of the serpent. (Genesis 3: 13)
Jesus went on to tell Nicodemus that he, who had come
from heaven, sent of God, would be treated as the brazen
serpent which Moses made; and that from his lifting up
would come blessings which would bring life to all who
look upon him in faith. For, he said, "God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life."-John 3: 1G.
BEAUTIFUL STORY OF GOD'S LOVE
loTo Nicodemus Jesus told the story of God's love for the
world. To Israel God had often declared his love (Hosea
11: 1,8; Ezekiel 16: 14) ; but it had never yet been declared
for all men. But God's love for his human family was deep
and wide. Its greatness could be measured only by the heart
cost of the gift; and Jesus, including himself in the gift of
God because he gladly shared in the cost, said: "God 80

219

loved the wurld that he gave his only begotten SO.J"-his

dearest and best. The worid must be saved from stn and
death, and taught to know God and righteousness; and
love is the powet' of salvation. And God would have the
world know uf his great love, and realize that its salvation
could be gained only by the greatest sacrifice both God
and Jesus ('ould make; for as God gave his Son, so the
Son gave himself to humiliation and to death.-Phil. 2: T,8.
llJesus saw tlistindly that his death was not to be in
honor; that in his filial devotion he was to be made the
anti type of the brazen serpent made by Moses, made even a
symbol of sin (Galatians 3: 13) ; but that in the purpose
of God his death would be efficacious as the remedy for the
poison of sin. Whoever would look on him, accepting him
as the way of salvation, would find salvation in him.John 3: 15.
12The healing by looking at the lifted-Up brazen serpent
was definitely divine; for neither the looking nor the serpent was a remedy in itself. 'l'he obedience of faith brought
the healing, Countless thousands have looked upon Jesus
crucified, and have believed God's Word concerning him as
the one by whose stripes they were healed. Jesus is recog-nized as the bearer of sins. ( l' Peter 2: 24) Many have
known that the poison of sin was conquered in them; and
they have lived "in Christ." (Romans 8: 2) But their number seems almost insignificant when compared with the
number of the smitten human family; and it is clear that
Jesus meant that God's gift and his own willing submission
in sacrifice were for all men.
13Jesus did not tell Nicodemus how God would bring it
about that all the sons of men might look upon him who
was to be lifted up. That was revealed later in the writings
of the apostles; but Jesus said that being lifted up he would
draw all men unto him. (John 12: 32) Since that day until
now God had drawn many to Jesus (John 6: 44) ; but the
time has now almost fullY come when Jesus in his kingdom
will make all men see the love of God (1 Timothy 2: 4) ,
when the knowledge of God will be diffused in the earth as
the waters cover the great deep.-Isaiah 11: 9.
ESTRANGED WORLD TO BE RECONCILED
HHistory has repeated itself in the case of the Pharisees
')f Jesus' day; for they represent a similar but lal'l~er class
.oday, and a witness is again necessary. The clergy of
Jhristendom claim to be the custodians of the Word of
God, and to have the sole right to teach it; and they rule
thereby. But they use its precepts almost solely for moral
instruction, and its history (though they deny its veracity)
as illustrations of mental progress. They will not at all take
it as the revelation of God to guide the Christian as to the
work and purpose of God; nor will they take the incidents
of the Bible as typical of God's plans and purposes for the
Church and for the human family, although both our Lord
and the apostles show that this is the way the sacred
writings are to be interpreted. (Romans 15: 4; Galatians
4: 24) They see in the Word of God only human effort and
authority, and flatly deny any divine inspiration. Their
blindness effectually prevents them from perceiVing thn t
which would guide them to a full understanding of God's
character and his purposes.
15The Pharisees missed their way; and It came to paSIJ
that the greatest of all the Lord's words declaring the lov"
of God were, with the probable exception of the aposue
John, given to a solitary listener, a timid questioner who
came by night. This declaration of Jesus respecting God's
way of "alvation leaves no question that apart from hIm
the world has no help. It has estranged Itself from Ooli
(Romans 1:18-32), and cannot find its wfly hack. It fl..tlil

Cfhe

WATCH TOWPR

no mtllln9 of retracing its steps. In its vanity and pride and

blindness it keeps its I'yes onward in the vain hope of discovering a pathway through the mists. Christ came to make
the way to life; and some have followl'd him, finding immortality. (Romans 2: 7) N"ow the time has come when the
pathway to human restitution is being oppned (Isaiah 35),
and the cry will soon be: "Back to righteousnpss and God."
16Christ came a perfect man-holy, harmless, undefiled.
lIe came not to condemn the world, nor to be an exhibition
of righteousness. But as the Righteous One he came that
he might be made a sin-offering; that by him also, during
the Messianic reign of a thousand years, the world might
come to Goel.-John 3: 17.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
How did Jesus draw attention to his ministry? Did his method
eause comment? 'II l.
Who was Nicodemus? Why did he go to Jesus by night? How
often did Jesus stay over night in Jerusalem? ~ 2.

OnOOKLYN, N. Y.

How did Nicodemlls liddress Jesus? What admission did Nicodemus

make which showed his great responSIbility? What did Nicodemus lack? 'I: 3.
What are the characteristies of the Nicodemuses in the world
today'! What was Jesus' method of dealing with so wise a man
as ?,l('odemus? ~ 4.
IIow did Jesus wisely disconcert his visitor? Why was it useless
to discuss Rpiritual nlutters with Nicod6111US? ~ 5.
What does it m"an to be born of water and of the holy spirit? ~ 6.
Are J "SUS' words regarding the new birth still a mystery to most
people? Did Jesus alsu need the new birth? 'II 7.
How did the Master witness against the leaders in Israel? What
is the usual result of tradition? 'II SHave Christians generally been benefited by the visit of Xicod"mus?
What is illustrated by the brazen serpent? ~ 9.
How did Jesus amplify the love of God '! How may redemption be
measured? What is the power of salvation? ~ 10.
What was the ignominy in the death of Jesus? 'Vhere is salvatic
found? ~ 11, 15.
What brought healing when the Israelites looked upon the brazen
serpent? What is the operation in the antitype ? ~ 12.
How is Jesus to be lifted up so that all men wiII be drawn to
him'! 'II 13.
'Vhat is the claim of clergymen? What is the charge against
them? 1114.
Briefly, what is God's plan for estranged humanity? 'II 15. 16.

JESUS TALKS WITH A SAMARITAN WOMAN

--AUGUST 31--.ToHN

4: 4-42--

"W8 NOT READY FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS-JESUS HAS THE LIVING WATER-GREAT RESULTS FRO:.! SMALL B~;GINNINGS-GOSPEL
CARRIED INTO SAMAI\[A.

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must 1corship him in spirit and in truth."-Joh1l

A FTER the cleansing of the temple, and the conversatior

/'"\. with Nicodemus, Jesus went about Judea, preaching
the "gospel of the kingdom." He tarried there with
his disciples for a time, giving them such instruction as was
"meat in due season" to them; and John says of his work
there: "Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
though Jesus himself baptized not." (John 4: 1, 2) As baptism into Christ was not instituted until after Pentecost, it
is evident that this baptism was John's baptism unto repentance for remission of sins. (Mark 1: 4) Apparently when
Jesus began his ministry he continued John's message and
baptism. Matthew tells us that Jesus also preached: "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."-Matthew
3:1,2; 4:17.
2!~ut after a time, Jesus heard that the Pharisees knew
that he made and baptized more disciples than John; and
he decided to leave that work and remove northward, returning to Galilee. John ]'ecurds Jesus' action liS if it were done
to prevent any tholl . of competition between John and
himself; but Mattlww says that .Tesus went north when he
heard that .Tohn had been cast into prison; and this latter
reason may have been the chief one. We mllY suppose that
it was at the instigation of the Phllrisees and the leaders
of the people that John was cast into prison; and that
when Jesus heard that they were discussing his work, which
in Borne respects was even greater than John's, they might
conclude to take the same course against him. We may be
sure that it was not fear which caused Jesus to remove..
We may be certain also that he did no one any hurt by
leavin,g a work that seemed prosperous; for it is evident
that the crowds who were ready to go out to meet him
were not ready to become his disciples.
JEWS NOT READY FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
'Leaving Jerusalem for Galilee Jesus chose the central
rather than the Jordan valley route. It was the shorter
and easier way. but was generally avoided by the Jews
becaUSll it led through Samaria. It would be with a measure
of bea T1ness of heart that Jesus left Jerusalem and Judea.

4: 24.

Knowing' that he was Jehovah's messeng'er, he knew that

Jerusalem's refusal to receive him ~nust brin/-( trouule upon
the people; for God could not let such contelllj)( pIlSS. The
Jews would readily have put themselves under his leadership in rebellion against Rome, but they were not prepared
to accept the kingdom of heaven at the cost of submission
to righteousness; and beclluse he would not agree to their
ideas they had no use for him.
4Going' north with the little band of disciples, whose names
lire familiar to us, Jesus came to Sychar, near to the parcel
of ground which Jacob had given to his son ,Toseph, and
where Jacob's well still was. Jesus, wearied with his journey, sat down upon the well's coping, resting and waiting
for the disciples, who had gone into the city to buy food.
A Samaritan woman appronched to draw water. Jesus
IIsked for a drink. Instead of giving it, she aSked how it
was that he, a Jew, would ask water of her, a Samaritan
woman; for the Jews looked with contempt upon the Samaritans, and in turn they hated the Jew",. To the Jew the
Samaritan was always an intruder in the land; and the
Samaritans' claim to be holders of the divine revelation
and to the ri/-(ht to all the traditions of the land, was a
perpetual vexation to the Jew.
sThe woman said: "Art thou greater than our father
Jacob?" (John 4: 12) Jesus did not give the obvious answer,
namely, that he was thirsty and would be glad to have his
thirst quenched, but replied quietly yet startlingly that if she
only knew what the gift of God was, and who he was who
had asked a drink, she would have askcd of him, and he
would not have hesitated to respond, but wou1<1 at once have
given her living water. The woman, surprised, and unable
to lift her thoughts above the well and its water, said:
"Sir, thou hast nothing to tlraw with, and the well is deep:
from whence then hast thou that living water?" (John
4: 11) Her thought of living water was almost certainly
that of spring water. whereas probably the well was but a
reservoir. What did he mean by it? Had he better water
than that of the well which had supplied the needs of the
people and of their cattle from Jacob's day till then? and
was he greater than Jacob, who gave them the well?

JULY

15, 1924

rrneWATCH TOWER
JESUS HAS THE LIVING WATER

6.JPSUS replied that the water of the well quenched thirst

for a time; but that he had water to give which not only
quenched thirst lastingly, but became itself a well of water
sprlngillg" up even into everlasting life. Still unable to perceive allY thing beyond material things, and perhaps with a
measure of sarcasm, the woman said: "Sir, give me this
water, that 1 thirst not, neither come hither to draw."
(John 4: 15) '1'0 carry her mind outside its limitation he
said: "Go, call thy huslJand, and come hilher." The woman
n'plit'd; "I have no huslmllll." Jesus saW unto her: "Thou
hast well said, 1 have no husband: for thou hast had five
huslJallds; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husballd:
in that saidst thou truly." (Vs. 17, 18) She perceived that
Jf'WS was 110 ordinary man, and acknowledged that he
was a vrovhet.
7But Quick to take a point and to divert the conversation
from so uncomfortable a subject, the woman was rf'ady to
argue about the respective claims of the Jews and Samaritans. I'ointin~ to Mt. Gcrizim she said: "Our fathers worshiped ill this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is
til<' v1aee where llIen ought to worship." (V. 20) Jesus
sa id that tllP time had emile when neither place would be
more aC('eptable to God than any other; but asserting the
truth of the Scrivtures, he yet declared that salvation was
of the Je,vs, and that the Samaritans knew not what they
wo]'shiped; further, that God was a spirit, and that the
time had cOllie when those who would worship him must
worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman said that
she knew that when Christ came he would make all things
clear. And then, to this woman at the well, Jesus made his
plainest declaration concerning himself. He said: "I that
spt'ak unto thee am he."-John 4: 26.
8.Just as the conversation reached this climax the disciples
avpeared. 'l'hey marveled that Jesus should be found speaking to a woman, find partiCUlarly to a Samaritan woman;
for such opell converse was not considered proper. But
Jesus broke through foolish eonventions. No explanations
were asked, though the disciples would like to have interfered; nor did Jesus proffer any, though he knew what was
in their minds. It seemed as if the incident and the declaration of our Lord, the greatest he had hitherto made and
the most pointed, might not have any immediate effect. But
the woman's action determined the matter. \Vithout further
word she put down IlPr waterpot, a sign that she was coming
back, and went into the city.
9.Jesus understood her ]lul'pose and waited; and the disciples tried to persuade him to eat what they had brought.
But he had tasted the joy of service; he had had an opening that allowed him to exprf'ss himself in a clearer way
than had been offered him in Jerusalem. He declined the
food the disciples had brought; and they said one to the
other: "Hath any man brought him ought to eat?" Jesus
heard what they were saying, and said: "My meat is to do
the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."
(John 4: 33, 34) The use of his strength in doing the
Father's will was as meat for him. III' lived by spending it.
And his disciples have discovered that he who 1101'S the will
of God grows strong by the doing; the exercise feeds him.
Strength is gained by sacrifict', and rest is to be had in
service for the Master.
GREAT RESULTS FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS

laThe record of this incident is one of the outstanding

stories of the New Testament. So simple in itself, it nevertheless contains some of the greatest truths of revelation.
It is a permanent reminder that the greatest things do not
arise from grpat causes; and that opportunities of service
taken, w;~ich in themselves may be of the simplest charac-

221

tel', may lead, and do som~trm('s lead, almost immediately

to great result!!.
llWe have alrl'dy said that Jesus broke through conven
tions. Our Lord would never offend good taste, but he never
permitted himself to 00 trammeled in his service by foolish
customs. A religious Jew would not in the ordinary way
speak to a Samaritan, much less to a Samaritan woman.
But .Tt'sus had no hesitancy in speaking even to this woman,
who, as he kIll>'\", was not of good character; he well
ullderstood, but did not treat her as unworthy of conversat ion with him. He saw beneath the surface her worth and
ability. EVidently she had taken liberty for herself, and as
eYidently had allowed liberty to break into license. But
.Jesus saw that though she might have broken loose from a
bondage irksome to her, she was not really a bad woman.
12We see in .Jesus that which he had learned of his Father
in heaven, whom he had come to earth to represent. Our last
lesson told us of the love of God for sinful men, and of the
sacrifice he made to bring his banished human family back
to himself. Here in our present lesson Jesus, God's representative, declares the principles of truth to a woman whom
the .Jews of Jerusalem, so righteous in thl'lllSelvs, and who
had so lately rejected his mission, would not have touched
with a pole. To none of them could Jf'SUS come so near;
none of them heard so plainly stated that hI' was the Christ;
indeed, never through his ministry, even to his disciples, did
he declare himself just so openly as to this woman.
13This lesson teaches us that God does not always find his
own in orthodox circles or in expected places. The Jews
would never have believed that good could come out of
Samaria; and even in Samaria this woman would have been
considered the last to be chosen for a conversation with the
Christ, and as the first receiver of the truth. .Jesus was
observant, and hesitated not to treat the woman, not on the
outward value, but at what he saw to be her true worth.
There were kindness and sympathy and grace in his dealing
with her, and a consideration for her, even though there
was plainness of speech. Also there was tact as well as
readiness seen in his approach to her heart.
GOSPEL CARRIED INTO SAMARIA

l4Nothing is said in this narrative of any attempt by

Jesus to force the woman into confession of sins. The penitent form is not an institution arranged by the Lord. Jesus
knew that if this woman got the truth, the living water
which he had to give her, it would bring that true repentance, which is the best of all confessions.
l5The woman, on leaving Jesus and her waterpot, went to
the men of the little citJ', and with the bold fmnkness which
was her saving grace, said: "Come, spe a man, which told
me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" (John
4: 29) She knew that the Lord knew more about her than
he had told. The men knew the woman, and followed her
and listened to Jesus. They invited him to stay; and for
two days Jesus told them of the love of God, and many
believed on him.
16There is no sequel to the story; but we are at liberty
to think that the woman and the men who first heard Jesus
at the well. and those in the city who heard him during his
short stay tilerI', were amongst those who first received the
!{ospel in those early days after the persecution which arose
through Stephen, and the disciples were dispersed in Samaria. There were many who then believed; and Philip went
down to help them, followed by Peter and John (Acts
8: 14) ; and many Samaritans were early brought into the
blessings of the knowledge of the Lord. Then they drank
the living water; and though they continued to go to .Jacob's
well for their daily supplies of water, they bJld toot within

P.??

CfheWATCH TOWER

';hem of which our Lord had spokl'n-a well of water

springing up and !!;iving constant refrl'shment.
uBI' who drinks of that life-!!;ivin!!; stream knows that
he has the gift of God, and that he need never again thirst
as one who is cast away from the source of the water of
Ufe. It is proper to put the personal question: Bave I
received that gift of God, and am I living in constant
refreshment? The well, the fountain, which springs when
the holy spirit begets one to a new life never fails; but the
sprin..!{ may become choked by the cares of this world, or
by nl'glect to purge ourselves from evil things. (2 Corinthians 7: 1) The faithful servant of the Lord learns the true
joy of service. Like his Master he learns that it brings him
rest, and refreshment, and reinvigoration; and that "it is
more blessed to give than to receive."
18It is still necessary to remember that those who Sl'rve
the Lord must serve him in spirit and in truth. In spirit,
apart from any special placl', or form of worship; and in
truth, according to the revelation of God which Jesus was
then making, and which he gave mor!' fully through his
apostles. It will not do to say, as the Modernists do, that
God can be worshipl'd in spirit while the doctrines of the
Bible may be ignored. And it is equally foolish for those
who profess to know "present truth" to say that they will
worship God in the spirit and ignore the constant revela
tions of the divine will respecting the work of the Lord.
"The truth" is ever progrl'ssive.

llROOKLYN, N. Y.

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

'Vhere did J,,"us ~o after his eonvel'sation with Nicodemus? What
may be ~aid of John's baptism? Ill.
What object had Jesus in gOIng again into Galilee? 112.
Throu;,<h what country did he pass? What was the attitude of the
Jews '! 11 3.
'Vhat is meant by Jesus' growing weary? 'Vhy did the Jews hate
the Samaritans? 11 4.
'Vhat method did Jesus employ to teach a great lesson to the
woman of Samaria? What was the woman's thought of the
living water'! 11 5,
What did J<-sus do to get the woman's mind away from the literal
water? Ilow did slw aim to counter his question? What great
truth did .Jesus utlE'r in his wise and con_iflerate reply; and
what wonderful admission did his further com'ersatlOn reveal?
116,7.
What was the attitude of the disciples. and why did not Jesus talk
the matt"r o"er with them? What "ns the meaning of the
woman's setting: the wateq>ot down and lea";n~? 11 R.
Why ,lid .Jesus r"fuse to eat? What gi ,",'S strength to the servants
of the Lord? 'I! 9.
Do great thing:s always arise from ~reat eauses? Is this a lesson
that w(' should take advantage of ~every opportunity, and should
wateh to make opportunities? 1110.
The fact that Jesus was not trammeled by customs means what to
us? \Yas this a marked manifestation of the love of God for
the world? 1111,12.
Does God always find his children in soealled orthodox cincles?
Is tIle Iffison that we should ('onsider e"eryone worthy of a
witness until we find ont differentl~? 1113.
Was the ,,('nitent form of religion institlIt('o by Jesus? If not, why
not? 11 14.
What was one result of this little meetin~ at the well? , 15.
'Vhat was a further and lar~er result later? 1116.
When does the life~hing stream start, and is there always refreshment? 'Yhat two ways are mentioned as choking the stream?
1117.
Is it still necessary to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth?

1:

1 S.

MEMORIAL REPORT FOR 1924 TOTALS 61.911

(Continued from page 214)
Watertown, N. Y
70
Fresno, Calif
69
East St. IAluls, Ill.
68
Newark, N. J
_
68
Orebro, Sweden
68
Washington, D. C. (Colored) 68
Flensbnr~. Germany
67
Panama. Canal Zone
67
FratantulVechlu, Bucovlna,
Roumania
_ 66
Rorschach, Switzerland
_..66
York. Pa
66
Brantford, Ont., Can
65
Hanley, England
65
Long Beach, Calif.
65
Tampa, 1<'la
65
Birmingham, Ala
64
Gloucester, gngland
64
Terre Hante, Ind
64
Toledo, Ohio (Polish)
64
East Kirkby, EnRland
63
Glauchau, Germany
63
Buffalo. N. Y. (Polish).~
62
Cardlfl', Wales
(\2
Rockford, Ill
: 62
Flint, IlIieh
61
New Brighton, Pa
61
Paterson, N. J
~
61
8outhend-onSea, England
61
DUisbnr~. Germany
60
Fort Worth, Texas
60
Tustin. Calif
60
Walsall, England
60
Warren, Ohio
60
Altenburg, Germany
_
59
Jackson, Mich
59
Atlanta. Ga
58
Petersburg, Va
58
Rochester, N. Y
58
Topeka, Kans. .
5R
Wallasey, England
58
Wheeling, W. Va
58
AUburn, Ala. (Colored)
51
Croyden, England
57
Dubuque, Iowa
5"
Gillin~h8m, England
57
J,larienwerder, Germany
57
ringfteld, Mass
_
57
urrey, England
_
_
57
aciunel, Roumanla
_._.._56
Clinton, 1 ~\Va
_.._ _ 56
Dundee, Scotland ............_.._.56
Detroit, Mich. (Coloredl_.._55
Lengenfeld. Germany ..
55

Miami, Fla. .
-..
55
Syracuse, N. Y
_........55
Birkenhead, England ...........54
Cheshire, En~land
54
Cleveland, Ohio (Slovak) .......54
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil .._._
54
St. Petershurg, 1<'la
54
Alliance, Ohio
53
Cleveland, Ohio (Germanl .._ 53
Manasturul Romanesc,
Roumania
__..__....._
53
Omaha, Neb
_
53
Portsmouth, Ohio
53
AarauEntfelden, Switzerland 52
Bayonne, N. J
52
Calgary, Alta., Can
52
Lublin, Poland
52
Mericourt, France (Polish)
52
Uloara, Roumania
52
Altrlncham, Enl(land
51
Bozolnic, Roumania
51
Des Moines, Iowa
51
Hamilton, Ont., Can. (Polish) 51
Oxford, England
51
Painesville, O. (Hungarian) 51
Altona, Germany ~
50
Aurora, III
~
50
Bahrenbruch, Germany
50
Hammond, Ind. (Polish)
50
Malmoe, Sweden
50
Minneapolis, Minn. (Polish) 50
Oklahoma City, Okla
50
Schenectady, N. Y
50
Schlieren, Switzerland
50
Bautzen, Germany
49
Hartford, Conn. .
.49
Johnstown, Pa
49
Petruca, Roumania .._
.49
Sarata, Roumania ...................49
SpringfieU. Mo
.49
Altoona, Pa
.48
Hielefeld, Germany
.48
Blstrita, Roumania
.48
Duquesne, Pa
.48
I1artmannsdorf, Germany
.48
Lima, OhiO
.48
Wlgan, England
48
\Volverhampton, England
.48
Cleveland, Ohio (Coloredl
47
Lupenl, Roumania
.47
Korrkoeping, Sweden __..47
Port Huron, Mich_.
47
Sacramento, Calif_ _......_47
Sa~lnaw. Mich._._
_.._...47
Skien. Norwa;r
--47

Tunbridge Wells, England ..4'i'

\Vllmin~ton, Del.
_.47
Winterthur. Swit,e"!and
47
Bournemonth. England
.4<;
Canton, Ohio
_ .46
Grimsby. l'lngland
46
Hildffiheim. Germany
.46
Medicil1Q Hat, Alta., ('an
.46
Nanticoke, Pa. (Polish)
.46
Niagara Falls, N. Y
.46
Kuneaton, England
.46
Reghinul-Sasesc, Roumanla .46
Riverside, Calif
46
Sault Ste. lIIarie, Ont., Can 46
Stremt, Roumania ._
_
.46
Bremerton, 'Vash
_
45
Cromwell, Conn. .
..45
Fort Wayne, Ind
4'5
California & Couva, Trinidad,
B. W. 1.
..45
Cumberland, Md
~
~
45
Ludwigsburg, Germ:UlY '"
.45
Lutzenber/:, Switz''''land
45
Saalfeld, Germany
.~
.45
Schwenningen, Germany
.45
Thalwil, Switzerland
~
.15
Tulsa, Okla
45
Vad, Ronmania
.45
Campu-Negru. Honm~llla
44
Kitchener, Ont., Can
44
Koslln, Germany
.44
Massllon, Ohio
44
Old Hill, England
44
l'abianice, Poland
.44
Urbana, Ill,
44
Bridgeport, Conn
.43
East Livcrpool, Ohio
43
Gaj i Jugowice, Poland
43
Huddersfield, li;nl':land
43
Randera, Denmark
43
St. Helens, England
.43
Scranton. Pa
43
Franl,fort-on-Oder, Germany 42
Hudson, N. Y
42
New Kensington, Pa.._
.42
Tiffin, Ohio
42
Aalborg, Denmark
.41
Barrow, England
_...41
Beaumont, '.rexas
_
__ .41
Bufl'alo, N. Y. (German)
41
Derby, England
_
_ .41
Easton, Pa. ...........__
41
Mattoon, Ill,
_._._
_.41
Cedar Rapids, Iowa ...............41
Dva-Mare. Roumanla _.__..41

Blcalat, Roumanla
_
.40
Brebi, Roumania
.40
Cle"cland, Ohio (Hungarian) 40
Dartford. England
.40
Elizabeth, N. J
40
Meuselwitz, Germany .............40
llfiddlesbrough, England
_.40
.40
Mobile, Ala
Qniney, Mass. ..
.40
Oldenburg, Germany
_ .40
Sovarad, Roumania
40
Stockport, England
.40
Voitenel, Bucovina, Roumania 40
West Brunswick, England
40
Ashton under Lyne, England 39
Bay City, Mich
39
Bergen, Norway
39
Chicago, Ill. (Colored)
39
Gary, Ind. (Polish)
39
Hawthorne, Calif
39
Henningsdorf. Gerlllany
39
Laneaster, England
39
New Bedford, Mass
_ 39
Zanes"ilIe, Ohio
39
AltdulllIll, Germany
38
Harnoldswick, England
38
Boise, Idaho
38
Bramley, England
38
CehuISllvaniei, Roumania
38
Hochlarmark, Germany
38
Kalamazoo, Mich
_ 38
Linton, Ind
38
Neumunster, Germany
38
Portage la Prairie, Man., Can. 38
Providence, R. I.
38
San Fernando, Trinidad,
B. W. I.
38
Utica, N. Y
38
Wellington, New Zealand
38
Baden (Aargau), Switzerland 3i
Colon, Canal Zone
37
Oena de sus, Roumanla
37
Ortellc, Roumania
31
Preston, England ...................37
Sharon.! Pa. .
_37
Springneld, Ohio
_ 37
Wllhelmsburg, Germany ......-.37
Bellingham, Wash
_..36
Bevent, Wis. (Pollsh)_
36
Bradford, England
- ......36
Calmar, Alta., Can
_ __.36
Clydach, Wales
_
_36
Evansville, Ind. _
36
Lowell, Mall8. .36
Lwow. Poland _
-._.-- 36

CfheWATCH TOWER

Jrrrs 15. 1924

Marietta, Ohio ........._

Nelson, Ohio
"'"
KE'w Castle, Pa
Philadelphia, Pa. (Coloreu)
Pueblo, Colo
Stockton, Calif
\Valtham, l\lass. __
Darlington, .En~land
Ilarmstadt, Germauy
Friedeberg, Germany ..__ ..
Inwald. Poland
__
lIIansfield, Ohio
Kiagara I"all~, Ollt.. Can
~ill\igea-Ungureafw.\,
HOlllll:ltlia
._

Pawtucket. R. I.
Reg-ina, ~aRk., ('an.
.
Hicmallowiee, l'oland .. __
HpringHehl, Ill
__ .
f}'nrda, Roumania

36

,:W
3fl
3f1

:W
3H

.:{G

.3:>
3;,
:1;)
35
33
3G
3~

:\r
:1~'

_:~-J

;1;"1
:~.i

Dichio, Houmania
;~ 1
nolton, England
.31
Hory. Poland .....
. .. "'... 34
HrRlIdon, l\lan., Can. ...
3-1
Bnghton. ~;ngland
.:\4
Galt. Ont.. Can.
... :\1
Durban. Natal
:H
Mansfield. England
:H
:L\1arion, Ohio
___
:~4
Peterborou!(h. Rnc:l:md
:\4
Petroseni, Houmania .
__ ~4
Sanioana, 1I0umania .....
';4

\\'aus:au,

\V\~ .... _...............

:\-\

Wooster, Ohio __ .
__ . :14
A('('rington, En~lnl1d
3~
Akron, Ohio (PolIsh)
::3
Augusta, Ua. __ .
__ '
.__ .:\:1
Barberton, Ohio t Ilungal'ian) 33
Benton Harbor. Mich
33
Bloomfield, N. J.
__
33
Brazil, In<l. .
__
__33
Camden, N. J
.__
3:l
Frallenfeld. Switzerland
33
Kin!(ston. N. Y
33
Moline. Ill.
3:l
New Albany, In<l
__ __.33
POl't Limon. Costa Rica ..__ __ .33
Stafa. Switzel'land
__.33
Valea-Marea, Roumania
__ 33
Watel'bury, Conn
33
Wismar. Germany
__ .33
Wilkes-Darre. Pa
__33
Ahpl'ueen. Scotland
__32
Brockton, Mass. .
__..32
Curtis, Wis
__..__
32
Duluth. Minn. (Polish)
32
Elkhart. Ind
32
Kircaldy. Scotland
32
Pittsfield, Mass. .__
32
Phoenix, Ariz.
32
'Vadenswi!, Switzcl'land
32
Yeovil, England
__
32
Auburn, Ind.
31
Chaguanas, Triniuad, B. W. 1. 31
Colombo. Ceylon
__
__.31
D.~nv\.\le. m. ..
31
D,\vsbury, England
31
Eastwoou, England __
31.
Freeto,vn, Sierra Leone,
n. W. A
31
Glace Bay, N. S., Can
31
lola. Kans
31
McKeesport, I'll.
31
Newbur!(h. N. Y
_
31
Paso Robles. Calif
__31
Pullman, III. (polish)
31
Rotherha1l1. I~nglallli .__ _
31
Seguin. Texas (Spanish)
31
South Shields, Eng-land
31
Tar!(U lIIllrcs, Roumania
31
Zurzach, Switzerland
31
Arkansas City. Kans
30
Barberton, Ohio
30
Bulach. Switzerland ._
30
Burlington, Wash
_
30
Butler, I'll.
30
CrooksYille. Ohio
30
Knoxville, Tenn
30
Little Rock, Ark
30
Monessen. Pa
_.._
30
OcniDejuiui, Roumania
30

Portland, Maine
ArelHlal. Norway
Ditterfeld. Germany
nlacl.. pool, Bn~land
('IH'lof;ter, Pa

_.._

_.

30
29
29
._29
29

Clm'eland. Ohio (Lithuanian) 2!l

Esbjcrg, Denmark ..
__
20
Frf't'port. Ill.
__ .20
Greenfield, Mass
__
2H
Hamilton. Scotlan,l . __
29
Xe,,' Brunswick, K J
__ .29
poole. En!(land
__ 29
Port Clinton. Ohio
29
Rochdale. England ..__
__ 29
Rostock, Gerulany
.29
Schonbeck, Gerruany .
20
Sibiu, Rournania
._
29
South Bend, Ind..
..__
29
~tockton On Tees. EnglalHl..
29
Rtr:ltford. Ont., Can....__ ...... __.29
Tonuwanda, N. Y.
_29
Hatll. England
.. 28
Bedford, Ind. .....
.28
('indnnati. Ohio (Colored) .. 28
Colne, Englanrl __
_
2R
Cucenlea-ROllwna, Honmunia 28
Dowlais, 'Vales
28
Einfeld (Uol~tein). (;el'llIan,' 28
Erie. Pa. (1'01 "Ii)
28
Fall HiveI'. lila ,s.
.28
Fort Smith, A,'i<.
2.~
lIuntin!(ton. \\'. Va. __
__.. __ 28
.lac. Rouman\.a.
.
__28
.Toplin. Mo
__ 28
I(enosha, 'Vi~. (Poli:-:h) .. _.
~)8
Kettcring. En;::land ..__ .__
__ 28
Lawrence. lIlas~.
.__
2.'
1. 0 n11 11 , Ohio (1 )oli:-::h) . __ ,
. ,2,~
Morgantown, W. Va. __.__
28
:\Ioo~e Jaw, Rask., Can
28
Muncie, Ind. __
__ 28
NasllVille. Tenn
__..__
__ .28
Perth Amboy. N. J. (1'0Iish) 2S
Piqua, Ohio
28
Poughkeepsie. N. Y.
.28
San Antonio, Texas (Spanish) 28
Warwick. England __.__
28
West Brownsville, I'a.
(Hungarian)
28
Wetzikon, SWItzerland
28
Wihlegg-Lenzburg,
Switzerland
28
Ypsilanti, Mich
28
Zion. III
28
Belvidere. Ill.
27
Birmingham, Ala. IColored) 27
Bucuresti, Roumania
27
Coatbridge. Scotland
27
Colorado Springs. Colo
27
Covington, Ky. ..
27
Domaczewo, Poland
27
Elgin, III. .
27
Elwood, Ind. ..
27
Fort William & Port Arthur
Ont.. Can.
..__
27
Gunifetd, Germany
__27
Harrisburg. Pa
27
Heesen, Germany
__ .27
Herbert, Sask., Can
27
.Jnnction Citro Wis. (Polish) 27
Kalllsack, Sask.. Can.
27
LuleaGammelstau. Sweden
27
Muraseni, Roumania
27
Newurk, Ohio
27
Opelika, Ala. .
27
Port Chester. N. Y
__ .__ 27
Segmon. Sweden
__
__.. __ .27
South Bend. Ind. (Polish) __ 27
Trondhjem. Norway
__ 27
Union, Trinidad, B. W. 1.
27
Watford, Eng-land
27
Widnes, England
27
Windsor. Ont. Can
27
Aberdeen. Wash
26
Atbany, N. Y
__
__ 2<;
Altona, lIIan.. Can
__..__
26
Atlantic City. K J. (Colored) 26
Bedford. England
__26
Beeston. England
26
Blaby, Enl';land
26
Chase Terrace, England
26

"Hallelujah! Let the note

Sound to every farthest shore;
Hallelujah! like the voice
Of the roaring waterfiood;
Hn lIelujah! like the voice
Of therciighty thunderroar.

Cocosd, Roumania
26
Duquesne, Pa. (Hungarian) __ 2ii
Ii'arrpll, Pa
__
__
2H
Go~h('n,
Ind.
.__
,_ :!()
Great Falls. l\[ont
__ 2G
J lammond, Ind
_
:!(j
I[egewisch. III. (polish) __
2(j
~Ianlltee. Fla.
__ .2f1
Ottawa, Ont., Can. _ _. __ __ ,__ 2G
Pittsbnq:h, I'll.. (Colored) __
2f1
I'ottsville. I'a.
..
2ii
Rasnov, Roumania
.. 26
Sangrc Grande. Trinidad.
J~. W. I.
.
...... __
2f1
Santa Barbara. Calif.
-- 2ii
Southalnpton, Ena-land
;.!(j
SpennYlnoOr, Eng"lund
.. _.~()
Spring Vallpy. Ill.
(Lithuanian)
2f1
Vibol'l:-Sparkjaer. Denmark
2(\
'Ve~('l, GermHn~
.
. 2fi
Wilkesllane. l'a. (1'011,1\) .2\\
Aarhus, Denmark '_'_"~'."""" _25
Anaheim, Calif
.__ ..
. 25
Arnett, Okla. __
.
.. __ .25
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Colored) 2;'
Cheltenham, Ene-land .__
2;)
Feldru, H.oumania ._ .._
__ .__ 25
Halifax, l!inglalHI
_
_ -25
# # . __

Leduc. Alta., ('all . .__

_
__ 2;-)
I ,lanelly, "rale~ ..
_ 2f)
lIIoira. England
__
25
11l18kegon. lI1\eh
25
Penarth, \Va]PN __..
_._
25
Hu~by, En~]anrl .
__. 2;)
~olothnrn, Switzflrland ,,_,.,_,_ 25
Svartoestaoen. SWf'tlPIl
.. _ ._.25
Utica, N. Y. (1'0IiHh).
.....:...25
Vicovul de sus (Buco\'ina)
Roumania ---- ..__._._. __

Abersychan, Wales
Appleton, Wis. __
Arad, Roumania

~ __ 25

24
__ 24
24

~i~:~~R~~miiiifa::::::::::::::::::::::~~

Bryan. Ohio
__ .....__ ..... __
21
Chelmsford. Engtand .. __ __
24
Dramlnen, Nonvay
._24
Entin, Germany _
.
.._, _:!--l
Falmouth, Ja., B. W. I.
21
Gilbert Plains, lIlan., Can
__ .24
Goldenl, Roumania __
__ 24
Harburl':', Germany
24
Kozy. Poland
24
I,ynchburg, Va
__ ..24
Milford, N. II.
24
Modesto, Calif. ..
__ 24
Orlando, Fla
__
24
Parsons. Kans.
__
__ 24
Poptelec, Roumania
__ 24
Saginaw, Mich. (Polish) __
__ 24
Salt Lake City. lTtall.. ..
21
San Antonio. Texas (Colored) 24
Southport. Eng-land
24
Stirling. Ont.. Can
24
Yankton, S. Dak
2-1,
Arbon, Switzerland
__ 2:3
Ashton In lIIakel'fielil
2:1
Black Hoek. N. Y I TY'}lish) __ .. 2:;
Brug!(. Switzerland
__ 23
Ceanui-:\lare. Roumania
__ .2:1
C1iftondale. Mass. .
2:l
Falun. Sweden
. __
__ .23
Friedrichstadt, Germany
2:l
Guelph, Ont., Can
__
2:l
Hutchinson, Kans
23
Kl'nsin!(tnn. Conn. (Italian) 2:1
Monrovia, Calif
__ 2:l
New Britain, Conn..
2:{
Oelsnitz, Germany .._
_ _2:l
Oil City. I'll..
__
2:l
Philadelphia, I'a. (Italian) __ 23
Rockford. III. (Lithualllan) .. __ 23
St. Georges. Grenada,
n. W. I.
23
Tihro, Sweden
23
Wakefield. Joln!(land
2:l
Warren. Pa
23
I;elze<', Poland .
22
n",,prley. Rn!(land __
22
Bridgeport, Conn. (Hungar'n) 22
# __

__

Chickash I Okla
22
EHRVik, s\\ ,\(len ......._ ~_
22
(;a \'Ie, ~weden
_
22
Ilj". ~weden
_...22
Itzelloe, Germany
22
IJundersko\', Denmark
22
"atzingen, Switzcrland
22
:\leadville. Pa.
_
22
Xorristown, I'll.
_
22
owen Sound, Ont . Can
22
Penticton, B. C. Can
22
Pottstown, I'll.. .. __
22
Roanoke. Va
22
Jtus. Roumania __
22
Salelll, Oreg-on __ ._
__
_22
Rt. Catharine. Ont. Can
__..22
Rllnderlan,l. Eng-land
22
Valliant. Okla. .. __
22
#_

\'ullcOUVel',

\VH"'h. _._.. __

_..

2~

Whitley Bay, England

__ 2'1
.\.hilenf". Kuns
_.. _ _2 t
Anna. Ill.
__
__ 2\
Ha~'onne, N. J. (polish)
2t
Hellyer Falls. Pa. (German) 21
Beamsville, Ont., Can
21
Clarksville. W. "a
__
21
J)o,er. Ohio
__ .21
j,alkirk. Scotlall,l
21
Grand HalJids. Allch. (Polish) 21
Havi>rhill. lIIass.
.......... __
21
Houston. Texas (Colored)
21
lInrez, Houmania .. __
21
J oUet. Ill. (Polish)
21.
Kokomo, Ind
21
Lund, Sweden .. __
21
:\Iargate, England
21
Mount Vernon. N. Y
__ 21
New Orleans, La
21
New Philadelphia, Ohio
21
XorthallllJton. England
21
Pittsburg, Kans
21
Saracsan, Houmania. ..-21.
Shawnee. Ohio ..__
21.
Rioux City, Iowa
21
Sumal. Roumania
21
Sunbury, I'll.
21
Tamworth. Rngland
21
Tucson, Ariz. (~panish)
__ 21
Wolgast, Gennanr
21
Ashtabula, Ohio
20
Atlantic City, N. J
20
Raxter Springs, I{ans
20
Belle'ue. Ohio
20
Chatham. Ont. Can
20
Colwyn Hay, Wales
_.20
East Palestine. Ohio ._
20
Emmett, Idaho
20
Eskilstuna. Swedcn
2()
Far!(o, N. Dak
2()
!l'ruIuingham, i\lass. ...............2()
Gary, Ind. (Lithuanian)
20
Hastings. England
20
lIayne, N. C
20
Katy. Poland
20
Kent\'ille. N. S., Can
20
Kittanning. Pa
20
Lake Mills. Iowa
20
Lethbridge, Alta., Can
20
Lonaconing. Md. __
20
Long Branch. K J
20
lIIatsqui, B. C. Can
20
Milova, Roumania
20
Newport News. Va
20
Xorth Troy. N. Y
20
Oden.e, Denmark
20
l'ctrc<lul de mijloc, Roumania 20
Prince Albert, Sask, Can
20
Heutlingen. Genllany
_20
]{uncorn, Nugland .._
20
~a('R(lat, Ronmania.
_._20
:-;af~nwil. Switzerland
__ 20
~hiple~. England
a<l
Sturgis. Sasl,.. Can
lf
San Bernardino. Calif
:t
Searchmont. Ont. Can
2
Stanler, Wis. (polish)
20
Ticurl. Houmania
20
Trllro, N. S., Can
20
\\'aeo. Texa,
__
20
"allingfo,<I. Conn. (Polish) 20
Webb Cit~. !lIo
,
_ .2t

"Hallelujah! for the Lord

Heignf'th now froll! shoJ'f' 10 ~hore.
Lf't us then J'ejoi(,f> and sin~;
'Tis th~ mnrriage of the Lnmb,
And the bride is rend~. Hai~e,
Raise the everlasting p'lnllll."

Intelnational Bible Students A~sociation Qasses

14ecture~ and &udie8 by 1h1Velin~

Brethren

BROTHER T. Eo BARKER
Arcola, Ill.
Aug. 1
Mattoon. Ill.
3
Alma, Ill
_.......... .. 4. 5
Vandalia. III. .".._.".."... .. 6. 7
Patoka. Ill.
8
Dix. Ill.
.. 10

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY

Oconee, Ill.
-A.ug.
Pana. Ill. ......................... ..
Taylonille. Ill.
..
Springfield, Ill. .............. ..
Jacksonville, Ill.
..
Decatur. Ill. .............. ..

11
12
13
14
15
17

Wheeling, W. Va
July 2S
Burton, W. Va
" 29
Fairmont. W. Va.
30
Morgantown, 'V. Va
31
Brandonville, W. Va
Aug.l. 2
Morgantown, W.. Va. __._"
4

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Ann Arbor. IIlich
Aug. 1
Ypsilanti, Mich. ................"
3
Toledo. O.
.. 10
Ashtabula. O.
.. 11
Erie. Pa.
.. 12
Westiield. N. Y.
.. 13

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

Clymer, N. Y
Aug.14
.Jamestown. N. Y.
.. 15
Warr"n. Pa.
.. 17
Onuville, N. Y.
.. 18
Salamanca. ~. Y.
.. 19
Rew City, Pa. ............ .. 20

Meadville. Pa
Erie. Pa
Titusville. Pa.
Oil City. Pa.
Warren, Pa.
Kane, Pa.

Aug.l
._...... " 3
.. 4
.. 5
.. G
.. T

Aug.12
" 13
.. 14
.. 15
.. 17
_... .. 18

Van Wert. 0 Aug.19

Hossb"rg. O.
" 20
Wapakoneta. O.
.. 21
DSiad.~lteo.\II. 00'.........::::::::::::: :: ~~
.
West Milton, O.
.. 211

Kenosha, Wis
Hockfol'll. Ill.
FreelJ01-t, Ill.
Dubwlue, Ia
Elma, Ia.
Waucoma. Ia.

Aug.
3
21
_."
:.!:!
."
24
.. 25. 26
27

BROTHER J. W. COPE
Memphis, Tenn
Little Rock. Ark.
Atlanta. Tex.
Gladewater, Tex.
Grand Saline, Tex
Big Sandy, .rex

_ ..-A.ug. 1
3
4
.. 5, 6
7.8
_ .. 10

Seaforth, Onto
Goderich, Onto
Winp;ham. Onto
Fordwich, Onto
Mount I;'orest. Onto
Harriston. Onto

Lynchburg. Va
Norfolk, Va
Currituck, N. C.
Vanceboro. N. C
Bridgeton, N. C.
Trenton. N. C.

Aug. 1
"
3

6,7
8
.. 10

-A.ug.
_.......
_"

~
u

6
7
8,10

Dexter. 1Il0
Neeleyville. Mo.
Poplar llluff, Mo.
Chaonia. !IIo.
Minimum, 1110.
Poplar Bluff, lifo

Beamsville, Onto ........July 14, 15

St. Catharines. Ont....... 16, 17
Columbus. O.
2027
Belleville, Ont
Aug. 3
Brockville. Onto
4
Montreal, P. Q.
.. 5, 6

J?,ly
20_ _. "

1~
~8

27

28
29

Rochester, N. Y

Aug. 1

~~t:;:~~.l't~:..::::::::::::::::::::

Albany. N. Y.
Pittsfield, l\1.ass. .
Pownal. Vt.

__.

Stevens Point. Wls

July 30
Minneapolis. Minn. Jul. 31, Aug.l
St. Paul. 1I1inn.
.. 3
Detroit, Minn.
.. 4
Fargo, N. D.
.. 5
Neche, N. D_
.. 6

Galt, Onto
Preston. Onto
Kitchener, Onto
Linwood, Ont.
Guelph, Onto
Brampton, Ont.

It

5
6, 7
8

Fort Wayne, Ind. __

Aug. I, 3
Valparaiso, Ind
__.__"
4
l\lilwaukee, 'Vis
5
Tomah, Wis.
.. 6, 7
Whalen, !IIinn.
.. 8.10
Austin, Minn.
.. II, 12
u

Aug.l1
.. 12
.. 13
.. 14
__
.. 15
_._
17

t,

Rollingdam Sta., N. B
1II00re's Mills, N. ll.
St. John. N. B
Digby, N. S.
Ken tville, N. S.
Halifax, N. S

Aug. 1
.. 8
10
.. 11
.. 12
_ .. 13

Greenfield. Mass
Aug.
Orange. Mass.
..
It'itchburg, lI1ass.
..
Moultolll ille, K. II.
..
East Wolfboro, N. H. ... ..
Springdale, Me. ..
_ ..

10
11
12
13
14
15

__ . "

Eureka Center, lIlinn. Aug. 13

l\linnp.apolb, ::\lilln.._."
14
CambrIdge, l\1inn.
.."
15
Duluth, ~linn
17,19
Two Hal'hol's, lIIinn. ...."
18
Hibbing, lIIinn.
20

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
Bristol, Tenn
Knoxville, Tenn
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Albany, Ala.
Athens, Ala.
Tuscumbia, Ala

BROTHER W. M. HERSEB
3
Dunnville, Ont.
Aug.
4
Simcoe, Onto
..
6
Aylmer, Onto
..
810
Woodstock, Ont. '''''_'' ..
12
Brantford, Ont. ....._.. ::
Hamilton, Ont.
_
13.14

Selma. N. C
Raleigh, N. C.
Zebulon, N. C.
Wilson, N. C.
'Vhi takers, N.. C
Enfield, N. C

BROTHER W. J. THORN

Blllings. 1II0nt
-A.ug. 12
Wason Flats. 1Il0nt.
.. 13.14
!IIiles City. !IIont.
15
IIlelstone, !IIont.
17
!IIiles City, Mont
_....
18
Dore, N. Dak
_._ .. 19,20

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Adrian. Mich
S.andusky. O.
l'ewark, O.
Columbus. O.
Waukesha. Wis.
Oshkosh, Wis

2
_.."
3
.. 4, II

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN
-A.ug.11
.. 12
.. 13
.. 14
.. 15
_ .. 17

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Omaha, Neb
Aug. 1
Ravenna, Neb. ................"
3
Clearmont. Wyo.
5
Billin!:s, Mont.
.. 7,10
Rapelje. !IIont.
8
Bear Creek, Mont
"
11

Aug. 28, 29
31
Sept. 1

BROTHER C ROBERTS
Aug. 12
.. 13
.. 14
.. 15
.. 17
.. 18

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
St. Louis, Mo
Flat River. Mo
Farmington, Mo
Burch, 1110.
Frederickton, 1110.
Holcomb. Mo

O"lwein, Ia
Waterloo, lao
Man,lIali town. Ia
10\\ a City, Ia.
l\Iarengo, la..._. __.
SlIelisbul'!';, Ia.

BROTHER V. C. RICE

Terrell. Tex
-A.ug. 11, 12
Lone Oak. Tex.
13
Greenville, .rex. .... .. 14,111
Dallas, Tex.
17
McKinney .Tex.
18
Denison, Tex._........
19

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
PeIoo Island. Onto
Aug. 1
Leamington. Ont. _....... " 3,4
Chatham. Onto ._ _.....
5
Sarnia Onto
_............
1
Londo';. Ont.
_ ._ .. 8.10
Stratford, Onto __
11

De Youn~, Pa
Aug.
8
Clal'lugton, Pa..__.__......"
10
Clarion, Pa.
11
1<'alls Creek. Pa.
13
llradford, l'a.
.. 14,15
Brockwa~'ville, Pa. ......"
17

BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHERRH.BOYD
Toledo. O
Alvordton. O.
Bryan. O.
Edgerton. O.
DefIance. O.
Lima, O

Clarksburg, W. Va
Aug. 5, 10
Well wood, W. Va.
" 6. ~
Wallace ,W. Va.
11
Mob,e), W. 'a,
12,13
Kew;\!artinsl'ille, W. Va. ..
14
Parkersburg, \V. Va...... "
16

Aug. 1. 3
____"
4
5
6
7
8,11

Cullman, Ala
Bes::semer, Ala.
Birmin!;ham, Ala.
Littleton, Ala.
Pell Cityz Ala.
Seddon, ala

Aug.
."

10
12
13
.. 14,15
16
17

BROTHER S. H. TOU'l'JIAN
-A.ug. 111. 11
18
19
20
21
"
22

Lebanon, Mo
Springfield, Mo.
Claremore. Okla.
Nowata. Okla.
Colfeyville, Kan.
Bartlesville, Okla.

-A.ug.
"
..
..
"
"

1
3
4

II
6

Pawhuska, Okla. _
-A.ug.
Tulsa, Okla.
..
Sapulpa, Okla. _.............. ..
Okmulgee, Okla.
..
l\!uskogee. Okla.
..
Peggs, Okla. _................. .,

10
11
1~

13

l'

~".1r!tfrpuw~1Ji)9 <t@1}y<al~ ~r~lly~ N~~1ly'ir?

~It11J~1ffii1Hl$l ~t'!Ji:~1ln,.aml1i &. ~igv,t also2 9f-Isai~
VOL-XLV

SEMI-MONTHLY'

No. 15

Anno Mundi 6052 -Aug. 1, 1924

CONTENTS
!l'HB HOLY ONES OF GOD.........

_ _ ......... 227
228
:22'!
229

Responsibility _._.._ _
His Message and Messengers _
'fi'e Holy One
HOly Ci!y and Holy Place
o y Priesthood
Assembly of the Holy Ones
Precious to the Lord

2:}O

~:)O

2:n

::!:l2

P!lAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS...................... 234

JESUS HEALS A NOBLEMAN'S SON
235

Pointing to God Our Mission

2a6

BaOTHERLY GREETINGS FROM BAVARIA................236

J"IlSUS DRIVEN FROM NAZARETH...........................237
"Day of Vengeance" Now Here
238
LETTERS FROM AFIELD..................................239

"I toni stand upon my watch and will set my twl

upon the Tower, and will ,catch to see what He will
,all unto me, and what answer I shall make to them
that OPPOS6 me."-Habakkuk $: 1.

Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, diacontented) roaring: men's hearts failing them for fear snd for lookiwl: to
the things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heave"" (ecclesiaaticam) shall he shaken. When ye 8ee these things begin to come to pass. then
know that the Klllgdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:291 Luku 21:25-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS J011l'Dal Is one of the prime factors or instruments. in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", no1\' belni!'
presented in all parts of the tIvUized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE'" TRACT SOCIETY. chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Promotion elf Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arran~ed, and Tery
helpf.l to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verb.i)ei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
into English is Minister of God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1 : 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11.
15; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it Is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fUllest
Bubjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It IS thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom ~ranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promise~ of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in hi.
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hit
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ow:
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church Is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, throug-h which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22 ;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
fi'hat meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout
the Millennium.-Revelation 15: 58.
"rhat the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the fCorld". "In due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hepe of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as his joint-heir.-1 John 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace; to be (;o<l's WitneRS to ilie world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.-Epheslans 4: 12; Matthew 24:
14; Uevelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's MilIennlal kingdom, the
restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church,
when all the wilfully wicked will be destrolled.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 35.

WATCH TOWER. BI BlE & TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BROOKl),N, ~.y' U.S,Ao
FOREIGN OFFICES: Brltish: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate,
London W. 2; Canadian: 88-40 Irwin AvenlJe, Toronto, Ontario;
Avstrfilasian: 495 Collins St. Melbourne. Australia; South African:
6 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PLEASE ADDRESS TH.l SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
YEARLY SUBSCRIP7'ION PRICE: UNITED STATES, $1.00; CANADA

AND MISCELLANEOUS )!'OREIGN, $1.50; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA,

AND SOUTH A~'RICA. 7s. American remittances should be made by
Exproos or Postal Money Orders, or by Ban': Draft. Canadian, British,
South African, and Australasian remittances should be made to branch
Offices only. Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn office, but by International Postal Money Orders only.
(Foreign translatlOns 0/ this journal appelJr in several languages)

Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision

of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have rQad and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORD,
W. E. VAN AMBURGH, J. HEMERY, R. H. BARBER, C. Eo STEWART.
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of
old age or other inllrmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
journal, Will be supplieu fJ ee if they send a postal card each May
stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
In touch with the Berean studies.
Notice to Subscr.bers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a reHewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are Indicated within a month by change in expIration date, as shown on wrapper label.
Entered Q.J &cond Class Matw".It Brooklyn, N. Y. Ponoffia., Act of March 3rd 1872;

CONVENTION AT ST. LOUIS, MO.

A convention of Bible Students will be held in St. Louis,

Missouri, Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31. Brother
Rutherford will be present. For further information address
Mr. J. B. Bernoudy, 7033 Lindell Avenue, St. Louis, Mo.

SPECIAL SERVICE
Appreciating the privilege the Lord has granted to us to
deliver the message of his kingdom to mankind, a special
service wet'k has been arranged for the week of August 17,
and special service days as follows: October 4, November
1, and December 6.
Service directors will please take notice and organize all
the workers for these special da~'s. We hope everyone of
the consecrated will be in the field.
If some are able to have their vacation during the third
week in August above mentioned, it would be well to ar
range to devote the entire week to the service.
CONVENTION REPORT

The Ohio State JOllrna.l will carry a four-page report daily

of the ConvC'ntion. Sub~cription price, twent~'-five cents for
the entire issue of eight days. Send subscriptions for yourself and friends to the Convention Committee, 52 1h N.
Front Street, Columbus, Ohio.
SPECIAL TRAINS TO COLUMBUS CONVENTION
Please note that the "Bethel Special" will leave Pennsylvania Terminal, :t'\e\Y York City, Friday evening, July
18, at 7: 50, Eastern Standard Time, which is twenty-five
minutes earlier than previously announced. The time of
departure from other points on thE' route remains unchanged.
A special train from Atlanta, Ga., is scheduled to leave
there over the L. & N. R. R. at 1:00 P.M., July 19; leaving
Knoxville, Tenn., 6 :15 P.M.; Richmond, Ky., 11:00 P.M.;
Winchester, Ky., 11: 40 P.M.; Cincinnati, Ohio, 3: 00 A.M.,
and arriving at Columbus 6: ()() A.M., July 20. The Florida
delegation will leave Jacksonville over the A. C. L. Ry. at
8 :20 P.M., July 18, joining the Atlanta friends the next
mornio&,.

&heWATCH TOWER
AND HE~ALD OF CHRiSTS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

AUGUST

1, 1924

No. 15

THE HOLY ONES OF GOD

UYe should earnestly contend for tke faith whick was once delivered unto the saints:'-Jude 3.

AINTS means holy or purified ones. Holy means

complete or perfect. We know that there is no
one in the flesh who is perfect from that standpoint; but God counts those begotten and anointed of
the holy spirit as perfect, because he looks at them
through the perfection of his beloved Son Christ Jesus.
These are called saints because they are members of his
family, he having assigned each one a place in his house.
20 ur Lord Jesus came to earth long centuries ago as
the Father's representative; and when he was finishing
his earthly course he committed unto his representatives
an earth the interests of his kingdom. Since then each
one who has been begotten and anointed of the holy
spirit has been taken into a confidential relationship
with the Lord. Each one has been entrusted with certain interests of the kingdom, according to the measure
of faith granted unto him by the Lord.
3In this text St. Jude reminds us of the great responsibility resting upon one who has been made the receptade of God's plans and purposes. It is not a small
thing, even from God's viewpoint, that he bestows his
grace upon human beings to such a degree as to take
man into his confidence. It is a far greater thing from
man's viewpoint. We stand all astonished in wonderment and awe when we remember that the great Creator
of the universe, acting through his beloved Son, has
taken us into his confidence, and that there have been
committed to us mighty interests concerning his kingdom. This fact should cause us to be humble and not
heady. It should cause us to fear and tremble, and to
watch with every degree of caution to do properly the
things that our Lord would have us to do.
As it is among the affairs of men, that not many
are willing to assume responsibility for an enterprise
with which they are connected, so it is, and has always
been, with the saints concerning the Lord's arrangement.
It may be conclusively determined that those who are
unwilling to assume little responsibilities of the present
will never be entrusted with the vast responsibilities of
the future. While the present responsibilities are great
to us, they are comparatively small as to the future.
But he who is willing to assume these responsibilities
now, not in his own strength, but in the strength of the

Lord, and who is anxious to walk humbly before God,

deal justly, love righteousness and hate iniquity, and
faithfully and loyally represent the Lord, may rest
assured that the Lord has some greater things for him
in the future.
5The Lord lays down this rule of action before us
when he states: "He that is faithful in that which is
least, is faithful also in much." (Luke 16: 10) Then
in an argumentative style he says: "If ye have not been
faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give
you that which is your own?" (Luke 16: 12) In support of these statements the apostle Paul significantly
says: "It is required in stewards, that a man be found
faithful." (1 Corinthians 4: 2) Faithful means to be
full of faith, full of integrity; to make manifest the
principle of fidelity; to be loyal to God and to his
cause under all conditions.
6The prominent part of the argument of St. Jude in
his epistle to the Church is to the effect that, because a
person has once been in the truth and the Lord's representative, this is not to be taken as evidence conclusive
of his present acceptability with God. He calls attention to things in the past in proof of this contenti.<m.
He reminds his readers that the Israelites were God's
people when they were led forth from Egypt; yet they
did not rcmain God's chosen ones. All but two persons
who left Egypt were destroyed before the crossing of
the Jordan.
7 Again, the Apostle strengthens his argument by calling attention to the angels of heaven, once holy, once
privileged to look upon God's face, who because of their
disloyalty were cast out from his presence and have been
confined in darkness, waiting for their final judgment,
to be pronounced by Jehovah through his beloved Son
Christ Jesus. There was a reason for St. Jude's setting
out these facts. It is apparent that his concluiiion is
that there are within the Church some who are unfaithful, even as the Israelites after the flesh were unfaithful
and as some of the angels were unfaithful; that these
are they who separate themselves from the other saints
and become sensual, not having the spirit of the Lord,
and that they are reserved for the same fate that bplell
the disobedient angels.

227

228

'fheWATCH TOWER
RESPONSIBILITY

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

13When Jesus approached the throne of heavenly grace

"Responsibility always accompanies knowledge; and he addressed Jehovah in reverential terms. In his last
where knowledge is accompanied by a relationship of night upon earth, when he knew that he had been faithtrust between the giver and the receiver of the knowl- fully serving Jehovah, in reverential prayer he used the
edge, greater is the responsibility. It is interesting and endearing term, "Holy Father." (John 17: 11) It is
profitable for us to trace some of the steps that place passing strange why any human being should want to
man in a position where there are such possibilities take this title; yet some have. It shocks the sensibilities
ahead as await the Lord's saints. Before these saints of a true Christian that any human being should be so
is placed extinction or infinite exaltation.
misguided and so mentally deficient as to be willing to
9How do we come to know of the future possibilities? receive at the hands of anybody the title "Holy Father,"
It was because God graciously permitted us, after we which belongs to God alone.
14Men bring dishonor upon the name of God by
had come into existence, to be taken into his confidence
and shown some of the wonders of his creation. Had applying to themselves titles that belong to him alone.
15}fary was a humble, truly devoted woman. Her
he not done this we should never have known anything
name
is now misused and surely in a way that she would
of the possibilities of the future; and not knowing it,
there would not rest upon us the responsibi1ity that not approve. As a woman she possessed the fine sense
of proportion which made her prompt to say when told
now does.
IQFew people even consider the greatness of Jehovah. that she was to be the mother of the world's Redeemer:
None can have a full conception of his greatness. The "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior." She did
most exalted ideas a human being can have of the not take the honor to herself, but gave the honor to him
majesty and greatness of God are far beneath the facts to whom it belonged. Continuing she said: "For he
as they really exist, even as far as the earth is beneath hath regarded the low estate of hi~ handmaiden: for,
the heavens. The immensity of the visible universe behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me
appeals to us, and we stand in awe of the greatness blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great
things; and holy [sacred, awful] is his name."-Luke
of creation.
1:
47-49.
1.lWe marvel at our own organism; how fearfully and
16It
is not a common or ordinary thing to be honored
wonderfully it is made. But we need the assistance of
the
saint of God. It is a wonderful thing beyond
as
the inspired Word to realize that "holy, holy, holy is
description
of human words. Referring to this St. John
the Lord of hosts." It is through the Bible that we
said:
"Ye
have
an anointing from the Holy One, and
learn that every heavenly being delights in saying of
it."
(1 John 2: 20, Diaglott) St. Paul
ye
all
know
Jehovah, "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power,
makes
reference
to
Jehovah and the saints' relationship
be unto him that sitteth upon the throne." (Isaiah 6: 3;
to
him,
saying,
''He
which . . . hath anointed us is
Revelation 5: 13) The Lord would have us understand
(2
Corinthians
1:
21) Surely then the Christian
God."
his own greatness that we might have a proper appreciation of him; and for the benefit of the saints he should in awe and reverence and godly fear strive to
caused his prophet to write: "Who hath directed the walk before Jehovah in the way that he has appointed.
Spirit of the Lord, or being his counselor hath taught
HIS MESSAGE AND MESSENGERS
him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed
uTo be sure, any message which would proceed from
him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and the great Jehovah God would partake of his own chartaught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of acteristics, and be as much a part of him as his own
understanding? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a organism, and as much worthy of reverence. His Word,
bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: therefore, is to be revered and magnified. His law is his
behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. rule of action, given for the government of men. His
All nations before him are as nothing; and they are will is his law, whether expressed or unexpressed. St.
counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. To whom Paul, speaking of the law covenant, says: "The law is
then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye com- holy, and the commandment is holy, just, and good."
pare unto him? It is he that sitteth upon the circle of (Romans 7: 12) And why? Because it proceeds from
the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grass- the Holy One.
hoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain,
18It is proper for Christians, as well as Jews, to think
and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in."-Isaiah reverentially of the Mosaic law covenant, because therein
40: 13-15, 17, 18, 22.
is an expression of Jehovah's will. While the Christian
12The word holy as applied to Jehovah carries with it is not under the letter of that Mosaic law, each one
the thought, of sacredness and awfulness, such as would should strive diligently to keep the spirit thereof. Jesus
befit our attitude of mind toward the One who holds the gave us this thought when he said: ''Whosoever thereuniverse in the palm of his hand, and to whom we owe fore shall break one of these least commandments, and
all that we have, all that we are, all that we shall ever be. shall teach men 80, he shall be called the least in the

AUGUST

1, 1924

229

<fheWATCH TOWER

kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach

them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of
heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom
of heaven."-Matthew 5: 19, 20.
19This covenant that Jehovah made with Israel is a
holy one because it proceeds from him. Zacharias, the
father of John the Baptist, under inspiration of the
holy spirit referred to it as "the holy covenant." It
originated with Jehovah, proceeds from him, and is
therefore holy.
2Because Jehovah is holy and everything that proceeds from him is holy, the Apostle refers to the Bible,
God's Word, as "the holy scriptures." (Romans 1: 2)
What fools, then, the mortals of the present time bethey who "despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities,"
and refer to the Bible in disrespectful terms! These
are they whom the Lord foretold through his prophet,
saying, "Lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord;
and what wisdom is in them;'" (Jeremiah 8: 9) How
foolish for any man so far to forget himself as to reject
the Word of God! Particularly is this true with reference to him who once believed upon the Word of God.
21The deepest riches of God's holy Word are for his
children. These precious truths are not to be cast before
everybody. For this reason Jesus said: "Give not that
which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls
before swine, lest they trample them under their feet,
and turn again and rend you." (Matthew 7: 6) The
message of Jehovah is sacred. It 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.
Jesus said: "This is life eternal, that they might know
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou
hast sent." (John 17: 3) Thus the rule is laid down
that those who are blessed with life everlasting must
know that the Word of God is holy, even as our Father
in heaven is holy.
22The term holy angels often refers to a special class
differing from the heavenly messenger that waited upon
Cornelius and instructed him to send for Peter. The
evidence is clear that this holy angel was a heavenly
messenger direct from the presence of God. (Acts 10 : 20)
Others, however, are spoken of in the Bible as holy
aside from those who are of the angelic host.
23The mystery of God was hid from ages and generations. The angels of heaven sought diligently to know
about it, but it was not God's due time for them to
understand. The prophets made diligent inquiry, but it
was not for them. Hence the Apostle writes: "Which in
other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as
it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets
by the spirit." (Ephesians 3: 5) The apostle Paul was
flpecially favored (}f the Lord by the Lord's revealing to
him the great secret of his plan. The other apostles

likewise came to a knowledge of the truth, and since

then others have been selected and illuminated with an
understanding of the plan. But the holy apostles are
probably termed holy because Jehovah used them to
wntc down his Word for the instruction and guidance
of the man of God, that he might be made perfect.
However, their message has not been heeded by many
who claim to be Christians. On the contrary, it has
been superseded by forms and ceremonies and teachings
that are far astray from the holy words contained in
the Scriptures.
24These holy men of God loved his Word more than
their own lives. Hence he blessed them with a great
vision of his plan. The Scriptures strongly support the
view that the Lord came to his temple in 1918; and
that since then he has been examining those who claim
to be of the temple class, casting away the disapproved,
commending those who have been faithful, and inviting
them to enter into his joy. It is only those who love
God and who revere his Word, who look upon him with
worship and devotion, and likewise upon his Word, that
continue to rejoice in his presence. It is quite apparent
that spirituality has departed from the worldly organizations calling themselves churches. Likewise the spirit of
the Lord has departed from those who give not proper
reverence to the Word of God.
25St. Peter at Pentecost delivered a remarkable ser~
man. He told his hearers that the times of restitution
of all things would come, and that such was shown by
the testimony "which God hath spoken by the mouth of
all his holy prophets since the world began." (Acts
3: 21) St. Peter was familiar with what the prophets
had written. They all did speak of restitution. Zacharias uses practically the same language. Thus it is
proven that the messengers of God were counted by
him as holy.
26Again, St. Peter tells us that ''holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the holy spirit," and
explains that his object in writing his second epistle
was to "stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance ; that ye may be mindful of the words which were
spoken before by the holy prophets." (2 Peter 1: 21;
3: 1) Jesus through the Revelator spoke of the prophets
as holy men. (Revelation 18: 20) The prophets were
holy, not because they were perfect men. They were far
from coming up to the Lord's high standard; but they
were holy because they were messengers of the Holy God,
sent by him for that purpose and entitled to be called
holy ones because of that fact.
THE HOLY ONE

21The Lord Jesus occupied such a unique place in the

Father's plan that it requires in the original Greek four
words to point out the several senses in which he was
designated "the Holy One of God." Our Lord was holy
(hosios) in the Bense that he was hallowed because of
his relationship to the Father. He was holy (akakos)

230

CfheWATCH TOWER

in the sense that he was free from sin. He was holy

(amiantos) in the sense that he was unstained by his
contact with sinners. And he was holy (hagios) in the
sense that he was the child of the One that inhabiteth
eternity. It is in the latter sense that the angel described him to Mary as "that holy thing which shall
be born of thee."-Luke 1: 35.
2BIn harmony with the Jewish law and its reasonable
requirement that every male should be considered holy
unto the Lord, Jesus was duly presented unto the
Father before the temple in Jerusalem. We can imagine with what infinite tenderness Jehovah, the Holy
One from above, looked down into the face of that little
boy whom he loved so dearly, knowing that later he
would tread the winepress alone; that in no unmeasured
terms he would denounce the hypocrisy of the Pharisees; that he would pass his Gethsemane and Calvary
experiences, and then would arise triumphant over all
to the glory of God. During all his experiences the
Lord Jesus was the special recipient of his Father's
love. That beloved child was ever holy unto Jehovah.
He is the fairest of ten thousand and altogether lovely.
There is everything in him to be admired.
29The apostles were taught by the Lord and lived close
to him. When they spoke of him it was in such a way
as to convey the thought that he was different from
other men, as indeed he was. He was holy, harmless,
separate from ginners, without guile, without deceit.
St. Peter on the day of Pentecost quotes from the
Prophet concerning Jesus: "Thou wilt not suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption." (Acts 2: 27) Shortly
thereafter St. Peter again, in reproving those who had
caused the death of Jesus, spoke of him as the Holy
One, saying, "Ye denied the Holy One and the Just
and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and
killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from
the dead."-Acts 3: 14, 15.
aOThe apostles always held Jesus in great reverence
and love. Peter and John had been threatened because
of healing a man who had been lame from his birth.
They went to Jehovah in prayer. Twice in that prayer
they used the affectionate term in addressing the Father
concerning Jesus, thus: "Thy holy child Jesus." It is
quite manifest that the heavenly Father was pleased;
for it is written: "And when they had prayed, the place
was shaken where they _were assembled together; and
they were all filled with the holy spirit, and spake the
word of God with boldness."-Acts 4: 31.
SlJesus was holy to the Father in another sense, that
he was the Father's special representative, whom J ehovah sent from heaven to earth on the great mission of
providing the redemptive price and purchasing the human race. For this reason Jesus often said that he
came not to do his own will, but the will of his Father
who sent him. He said furthermore that he gave not
testimony of himself, but that he testified concerning
Jehovah.

BaoOlU.Y", N. Y.

THE HOLY CITY AND THE HOLY PLACE

B2Jerusalem is called the holy city. One visiting it is

not much impressed with it as being a particularly
beautiful place. It is beautiful for location, but the
city itself is no more than other cities. Why, then,
should it be called the holy city? The answer is, Because of its intimate association with the plans and
purposes of God; that it is the city of the Lord chosen
for a purpose, and is holy unto him.
83 A place represents a condition, so Jerusalem represented the condition of God's spirit-begotten people.
It refers to God's organization on earth. It is mentioned as "the holy city," which they shall tread under
foot forty and two months (Revelation 11: 2), picturing, as we understand, the time of Papal persecution
of the true saints. St. John the Revelator speaks of it
as the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from
God out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her
husband. Again, he was expressly told, when he saw a
vision of the holy city, that he was witnessing the future
state of the bride of Christ. There is a sense in which
the holy city represents all of God's creatures assembled
under one Head, Christ Jesus. The time will come when
all the saints, the bride of Christ, the great company,
the ancient worthies, the millions now on earth who may
be restored, and the resurrected millions of earth's people who will likewise be restored, shall be gathered
together under Christ Jesus, the Head over all.
uAs the city of Jerusalem is designated a holy city
because of its identification with Jehovah, so the precincts of the temple were referred to as the ''holy place."
When the scribes and Pharisees accused Stephen of
speaking blasphemous words against "this holy place,"
Stephen's main line of defense was that the temple at
Jerusalem ought not to be considered the real dwellingplace of God, because "the Most High dwelleth not in
temples made with hands." (Acts 7: 43-50) Thus he
proves that a pla~e represents a condition. Further
proof is given of this when St. Paul was accused of
polluting the temple by bringing an Ephesian into it.
The charge against him was that ''he hath polluted this
holy place." St. Paul subsequently explained that the
place represented a condition, saying concerning the
Church, "Ye are the temple of God." (1 Corinthiaus
3: 16, 17) Again, he said that the whole Church of
Christ is a building, fitly framed together, growing into
a holy temple in the Lord.-Ephesians 2: 21.
HOLY PRIESTHOOD

asAs we examine the Scriptures we shall see that those

who specially represent the Lord are holy unto the Lord.
The apostle Peter describes these as "a royal priesthood,
a holy nation." The Christian knows that this holy
nation or royal priesthood this side the vail is referred
to, made up of those who are begotten and anointed
of the holy spirit, and led by the spirit, being devoted
to the Lord and faithfully representing his cause. This

AUGUST

1, 1924

231

neWATCH TOWER

royal or holy priesthood is composed of all the "holy

brethren"; those who are partakers of the heavenly
calling, and who prove this by daily presenting their
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.
(1 Thessalonians 5: 27; Hebrews 3: 1; Romans 12: 1)
l'his is the class mentioned by the Apostle as a chosen
race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer sacrifices acceptable to God.-1 Peter 2: 5,9.
36Again, the Church is spoken of as holy in this, that
lehovah ''hath saved us, and called us with a holy
~alling, not according to our works, but according to
:lis own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began."-2 Timothy 1: 9.
81The privilege of being partakers of the kingdom
and with the Lord of extending blessings to others is
frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as an inheritance. Thus does the Apostle speak: "The inheritance
of the saints [holy ones] in light." (Colossians 1: 12)
The saints or holy ones are those who are entrusted by
the Most Holy Ones, Jehovah and the Lord Jesus, with
the work of grace. The apostle Paul refers to these as
having obtained an inheritance and being predestinated
(as a class), according to the purpose of him who
worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.
-Ephesians 1: II.
88 Jehovah has graciously provided for the development of these chosen ones. The object of the Scriptures is largely to "give unto you the spirit of wisdom
and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of
your understanding being enlightened; that ye may
know what is the hope of his calling, and what the
riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."
--Ephesians 1: 18.
89'l'hese holy ones proving faithful to the end shall
come fully into their inheritance. They shall act with
the Lord Jesus as magistrates, sitting with him in his
throne, to judge men and angels. (Matthew 19: 28)
It is written concerning them: "Blessed and holy is
he that hath part in the first resurrection: . . . they
shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign
with him a thousand years." (Revelation 20: 6) When
the sainh! come into their full inheritance, blessed in'Iced will be their portion.
ASSEMBLY OF THE HOLY ONES

.oThe members of the early Church were frequently

spoken of as saints, or holy ones. They earnestly desired that honor. Frequently they are spoken of in the
~criptures as the saints. By this we understand that the
urious assemblies or ecclesias of the consecrated were
holy unto the Lord, because they were his representatives in the performance of things committed to their
hands.
.1The Lord wishes his representatives to be like himself. Concerning this the Apostle says: "As obedient
children, not fashioning yourselves according to the

former lusts in your ignorance: bnt as he which hath

called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation: because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am
holy." (1 Peter 1: 14-16) 'l'he Lord Jehovah is holy,
complete. He is perfect in wisdom, justice, love and
power. The consrcrated are called and admonished to
pursue such a course of action as will increase in them
these divine attributes. Because they are chosen of the
Lord and are thus striving to follow in his footsteps
they arc holy. But as they advance or progress in his
likeness they grow in actual holiness, and at the end
will reach a real or complete holiness.
42St. Paul plainly shows that it is the purpose of God
that these should be holy when he says: "He hath
chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before him
in love."-Ephesians 1: 4.
43Tho::;e who expect to reach that complete state of
holiness with the Lord must try to be holy now. Their
course of action or conduct must be such as becomes
saints, free from reproach as respects everything that is
unclean.-Ephesians 5: 1-3.
HOne of the ways that the Lord has for developing
those who are to be his joint-heirs is by instructions to
be given by suitable teachers. This instruetion is given
to the end that "Christ may dwell in your hearts by
faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may
be able to comprehend with all saints [holy ones], what
is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and
to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,
that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
-Ephesians 3: 17-19.
450ur Lord has chosen his own way to develop his
saints, and his way is right. Patience, which means
cheerful endurance, must be developed in the one who is
a Christian. He must wield the sword of the spirit
deftly and with love, cheerfully waiting upon the Lord
for the good results. At the same time he may expect
the literal sword or carnal force against himself. He
must not resort to such force. Concerning this it is
written: "He that killeth with the sword must be
killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the
faith of the saints." (Revelation 13: 10) The Church
has been persecuted throughout the age by the visible
seed of Satan. These have made war with the saint8
and overcome them. They have been drunken with the
blood of saints and martyrs, and in due time the Lord
will take account of all those who have been guilty of
misdeeds against those who are holy unto him.
MINISTRATIONS

46Eaeh member of the body of Christ occupies a position of responsibility toward every other member.
Amongst these responsibilities is that of ministering
unto those who are holy unto the Lord. This ministration takes various forms. One form is that of supplication for all saints. A supplication means a petition or a

IfheWATCH TOWER
lilpllCial request earnestly presented. The apostle Paul
specially emphasizes this as an obligation laid upon the
Christian, which he is duty-bound to perform, particularly in the trying period at the close of the Gospel
Age. He writes: "Praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with
all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6: 18) He who possesses the holy spirit will manifest it by his interest in others of like precious faith.
We may not know just what our brother needs; but
we can pray fol' him earnestly, remembering that "he
that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of
the spirit," and he knoweth what things we have need
of.-Romans 8: 27.
7It is entirely proper, then, that we should ask the
Lord to grant unto each one of the saints the things that
would be best for his upbuilding and preparation for
the kingdom. These prayers before the throne of divine
grace are not merely perfunctory recitations. It is
evidently arranged that the members of the body should
pray for each other in order that their keen interest
may be manifested before the Lord in behalf of one
another.
PRECIOUS TO THE LORD

.sWhen the Lord Jesus went away to heaven he committed to those who are faithfully following him the
interests of his kingdom. Involved in these intere;;ts
are the great fundamental truths of the divine plan,
and the obligation upon him who has a knowledge
thereof to teach it to his fellow creature. Each one is
appointed to this position when he is anointed of the
holy spirit; for anointing means a designation to office.
The relationship established between him and the Head,
Christ Jesus, and the heavenly Father makes such representatives holy unto the Lord. They are saints now,
purified because of the merit of Christ Jesus, which is
the basis for their justification by Jehovah. They are
anointed by the heavenly Father.
49Each one thus set in the body by the Father becomes an ambassador of Christ to represent Christ. If
he is holy unto the Lord, every other member of the
body ought to regard him as such. A proper appreciation of each one in the body of Christ of necessity has
a tendency to make aile be more particular and careful
not only to refrain from stumblmg his brother but to
aid him to grow like his Master. '1'he more fully this
is appreciated, the less Oile Christian will be inelined
to judge another,
50St. Paul says: "Who art thou that judgest another
man's servant? To his own master he standeth or
falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able
to make him stand." (Romans 14: 4) There is often a
difficulty amongst the ecelesias of our time which sometimes leads to a division, some members harshly judging
other members, not only surmising evil but speaking
evil one of another. Doubtless they do not stop to think
that they are speaking against the Lord; for each one

B!lOOILTW, N. Y.

who is anointed of the Lord is holy unto the Lord in

the sense that he represents the Lord and must be judged
by the Lord and not by man. Concerning this St. James
says: "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that
speakcth of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speak~
eth evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but -if thou
judge the law, thou are not a doer of the law, but a
judge." (James 4: 11) The law means the expressed
will of God. His law governing the new creation means
his rule of action directing what they shall do and what
they shall not do. To judge means judicially to determine whether a brother is meeting the divine requirements or not. For one to attempt to judge his brother,
then, and to speak evil of him, is judicially to determine
in his own mind whether or not his brother is pleasing
to the Lord; and that he cannot do. It is rather pr~
sumptuous on the part of a Christian to do that. It is a
sin. It is a presumptuous sin about which the Prophet
speaks when he says: "Keep back thy servant from
presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over
me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent
from the great transgression."-Psalm 19: 13.
51We may be sure that he who is anointed of the Lord
is the special recipient of the Lord's favor. '1'he Psalmist
tells us that the angel of the Lord encampeth round
about such a one. Seeing that the Lord makes such
provision for each one of his saints, we can understand
then why the Lord would say through his prophet:
"Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no
harm."-Psalm 105: 15.
52There is a particular tie that binds together the
saints; and that tie is love divine. It is otherwise spoken
of as brotherly love. It is love divine and brotherly love
beeause it is a love that binds together the members of
the nouse of sons, of which Jesus is the Head. Speaking
to the Church, and applying his words particularly at
the end of the earthly course, St. Paul says: Let
brotherly love continue"-that is to say, regardless of
anything else that may arise, see to it that that family,
reciprocal love, a special unselfish interest one for another, continues amongst those who afe of the saints.
J
5 It was the love of God that provided redemption
for us. It was the love that Jesus had for us that caused
him to die for us. It is love that prompted the Lord
to call from amongst men those whom he has made his
special representatives therefore saints, therefore holy
unto him. St. John says: "Beloved, if God so loved
us, we ought also to love one another." The Apostle
further emphasizes it when he says: "If a man say, I
love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he
that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can
he love God whom he hath not seen ?"-1 John 4: 11, 20
54It is the will of the Lord that the saints should love
each other, as St. Paul writes: "Love unto all the
saints." (Ephesians 1: 15) Proper expressions of love
toward the brethren are not to be withheld. We must
understand that perfeet love means a perfect expression

i.UOUST I, 19M

CVleWATCH TOWER

of unselfishness. The proper attitude for each one who

is a prospective member of the bride of Christ is to be
especially interested in every other one who is a prospective member.
nOne special mark indicating a Christian is the disposition to contribute to the necessity of the saints.
(Romans 12: 13) This requirement includes both temporal and spiritual needs. Where it is within the power
to contribute to the need in a material way that should
be done. The Apostle assures us that one of the grounds
of our confidence of approval from the Lord is the disposition to minister to the saints. He says: uFor God
is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love,
which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have
ministered to the saints, and do minister." (Hebrews
6: 10) This is pleasing to the Lord because it is a
recognition of those who are his; and love manifested
toward those that are his is counted as though it were
manifested to him. It is of primary importance that
the holy ones minister one unto another the supplies
of truth which the Lord has so abundantly given unto
his people.
5SWe are living in a time when there is a great famine
in the land for the hearing of the Word of God, because
of the unfaithfulness of many who have pretended to
be his. Now the Lord has graciously provided us with
an explanation of his plan as set forth in the STUDIES
IN THE SCRIPTURES and accompanying publications. It
becomes the privilege and duty, then, of each of the
consecrated to see to it that every hungry soul is supsupplied that he can supply. The Apostle, admonishing
Timothy as to what shall be done toward the saints,
which admonition applies to all of this time, says:
"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to
them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed
unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them:
for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and
them that hear thee."-1 Timothy 4: 15, 16.
57The Lord has permitted Satan and his representatives to huffct the saints, to ill-treat them, to persecute
them. He has permitted it in this, that he has not preventeu it. But he has overruled the matter by permitting these experiences to develop in the saints patient
endurance and loving kindness; and in his own due
time he will avenge them by administering the proper
recompense of punishment upon the ones who have persecuted his holy ones.
5sFor this reason. the apostle Paul, who had passed
through many such trying experiences, addressing himself to the saints, said: "You who are troubled, rest
with us; when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from
heaven with his mighty angels." (2 Thessalonians 1: 7)
Otherwise, to wait upon the Lord confidently in faith;
for he will take proper notice of all the ill-treatment
of the saints.
59The day is fast approaching when all the saints
shall be through with their trying experiences. No

longer will they be misunderstood or misrepresented,

ill-treated or abused. No longer will they be in obscurity
and counted as the offscourings of the earth. They are
hoJy to the Lord now and ever will be; and when the
record is written up, the people will know which of
them have weathered the storm, gained the victory, and
are born in Zion.
60 At this time when there is such a great falling away
from the faith once delivered to the saints, when many
who have pretended to represent the Lord now misrepresent him, it is the great privilege of the saints to contend earnestly for this faith, boldly and fearlessly representing the Lord. What a marvelous privilege to be a
member of the Lord's organization on earth I How much
more wonderful will it be to enter the house of the Lord
beyond the vail and there dwell, 13eholding his beauty
and inquiring in his temple I Such is the prospect of
the holy ones journeying toward their habitation in the
heavens. Our love and devotion for our great God and
Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be manifested in
proportion t<> our earnestness in representing the great
divine plan and placing it before the minds of the
people that they may learn that Jehovah is God and
that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
How is one perfect in the sight of God while still in the flesh? 1 1
What did Jesus commit unto his followers? ,. 2.

What has the Lord done for us that Should make us very humble?
113.

ShOUld we draw back from assuming responsibilities? '114.5.

If once a representative of the Lord. is one necessarily always so?

11 6, 7.

As we continue in the truth. does our responsibilltv Increase? '18 9

Do many people consider the greatness of Jehovah? 11 10.

What are we at hest. iu comparison with God? What member of

the human family directs the spirit of God? 11 11.
Define the word holy, as applied to Jeho\ ah. '1112.
What endearing term should be addressed only to God Almighty?
11 13,14.
How did Mary show her devotion to God? 11 15.
What should he the attitude of the saints toward God? 1116.
Are God's Word and Covenants expressive of his character? '1117-20.
For whom are the deepest riches of truth? Are we justified in
guarding those things which are most precious? '11 21.
Are the holy angels always the same class? 11 22.
Could the angels in their own wisdom delve into the deep things of
God? '1'0 whom are the deep things revealed? '11 23. 24
What was St. Peter's message at Pentecost? Why are the prophets
referred to as holy? 11 25. 26.
How does the Bible show that Jesus occupied a unique place when
he was here in the lIesh? '11 27.
Is it reasonable that God the Father looked down upon the babe
Jesus with admiration and tender 10ve'l '\l28.
Was Jesus different from other men? Was he different from God?
'11 29-31.
Is Jerusalem a beautiful place? Why is it called holy? '1132-34.
Who are the royal family? Why are they collectively a holy
nation? 11 35-37.
Why should we read and ponder over the Scriptures? 'I[ 38. 39.
Why are the members of Christ's body appropriately called saints?
"i 40-43.
How is the Lord developing those whom he hM chosen? '11 44. 45.
Do these saints have a responsibility toward each other? What is
a supplication? 'I[ 46, 47.
What is involved in the interests the Lord has committed unto us?
'1148,49.
Is it proper for one to judge another? What is a presumptuous
sin? '150-.
Who are they who are the special recipients of the Lord's favor?
'151.
What is brotherly love and how does it operate? '11 52-54.
What is a mark of Christian love? How does the J~ord view the
love that is bestowed upon another fellow member of the bodf
of Christ? "i 55, 56.
Why are the saints buffeted by the adversary? How is this overruled? '11 57-59.
What is the special necessity of contending for the faith at the
present time? What is the prospect before tho&e who 10vingJ,
show their devotion without wavering? '160.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR SEPTEMBER 3

"They shall be mine, . . . when 1 make up my

jewels."-Malachi 3: 17.

couragement and heart-comfort of those who have turned

to the Lord to learn of him and who are striving to do
his holy will.

N THIS text and the context, the prophet of God

is describing a class that is peculiarly favored by
Jehovah. There were twelve precious stones or
jewels in the breastplate worn by the high priest of
Israel. These jewels were imbedded in gold, and fastened to the ephod by means of a golden chain. They
were bound over the heart of the priest, thus indicating
that they were precious to him. On these jewels, respectively, were engraved the names of the twelve tribes
of Israel.
The Revelator gives a description of the kingdom,
symbolized by a city, the foundation walls of which were
garnished with precious stones or jewels. The description seems peculiarly to represent the organization of
the kingdom of God. In the completed body of Christ
in glory there will be 144,000 stars, or glorified members
of the royal line, over whom Christ Jesus is the Head.
The prophecy here mentioned seems to fix the time
when this class of devoted ones shall be especially
claimed by the Lord; and that time is, "when I make
up my jewels." This seems to cover the period of time
during our Lord's second presence when he sets his
kingdom in order and begins his reign.
The condition precedent to being counted in as members of this number is that they think upon his name
and fear (are reverently devoted to) the Lord, and
speak often one to another concerning the Lord and his
gracious plan. Creatures speak often of things that are
dear to their hearts, and their hands move according as
their hearts are filled with love. These think on the
Lord, of his kingdom, of the blessings it will bring;
and they speak often of it, and the Lord hearkens unto
them and blesses them with his approving smile.
Clearly the words of this text imply an active, unselfish devotion to the Lord and his cause; that is to say,
faithfulness in representing his interests; and such is
the theme of their converse together. It pictures a class
whose hearts are set upon the Lord and who are absolutely devoted to him. Of such the Lord keeps a book
of remembrance, and in that day (during the period of
time when he is making up his jewels) he remembers
these faithful ones and owns them as his peculiar and
blessed people. This text is another given for the en-

the great King divine, is a glorious

spirit being. No human eye will ever behold his
resplendent glory and beauty. Saul of Tarsus saw
the light reflected by his glory, which he describes as
"a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun";
but he did not see the glorified Christ. Jehovah has
reserved that feast for a limited number of his creatures.
When the reverential mind now views the vastness of
God's visible creation, and beholds its grandeur and
beauty, he is filled with admiration and awe. But the
glory of the unseen things in heaven are beyond all the
dreams of human philosophy. The glory of the Lord
Jesus is like unto that of the great Creator of all; he
is the express image of the Father.
We are overwhelmed when we hear the Apostle, under
inspiration, saying to those who are followers in the
Master's footsteps that the class faithful unto death
shall be like our Lord and see him as he is. What an
inspiration to faithfulness unto the Lord! That faithfulness means an unselfish devotion to the Lord and to
his purposes and to be loyal, tried and true representatives of the kingdom. It is such faithfulness to the
cause of righteousness that will be rewarded by being
made into the likeness of Jesus, to dwell forever with
him in the home eternal in the heavens not made with
hands.
When Jesus was on earth he said: "Of mine own self
I can do nothing. I seek not mine own will but the will
of my Father." (John 5: 30) It was this absolute devotion to his Father that won for him the reward of exaltation far above powers and principalities and every
name that is named.
Those who will be of the glorified body of Christ
mu&t have and show forth, while in this wicked world,
a like spirit of devotion to the cause of God and our
King. Here must be perfected love toward God, which
means an unselfish devotion to him and his cause. "As
he is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4: 17) ; and if
faithful unto death, so shall we forever be in glory.

"Go labor on; 'tis not for naught;

Thy earthly loss is heavenly gain.
Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not;
The Master praises-what are men?

"Men sit in darkness at thy side,

Without a hope beyond the tomb.
Take up the torch and wave it wide,
The torch that lights the thickest gloom.

"Go labor on; enough, while here,

If he shall praise thee-if he deign
Thy willing heart to mark and cheer.
No toil for him shall be in vain.

"Go labor on; thy hands are weak,

Thy knees are faint, thy soul cast down,
Yet falter not. The prize ye seek
Is near-a kingdom and a crown In

TEXT FOR SEPTEMBER 10

"We shall be like him; for we. shall see him as he

is."-lJohn 3:.
HRIST JESUS,

JESUS HEALS A NOBLEMAN'S SON

--SEPTEMBER 7--JOHN

4: 46-54--

FAITH IN THE WORDS OF JESUS-WISDOM IN THE STERNNESS OF JESUS---eOUBAGE A NECESSARY PART OF CHABACTEB--POIN't'INO
TO GOD IS OUR MISSION.

"I am the

way, and tJl,e truth, and the life."-John 14; 6.

A FTER two days' stay in Sychar with the Samaritans

n.
Jesus continued his journey northward. He did not
take the road that led more directly to Nazareth, but
vent by the east road, which led him towards the south end
If the lake of Galilee. Our Lord did this because, as he himIelf said, "A prophet is not without honor, save in his own
~untry, and in his own house." (Matt. 13: 57) It is ap)arent that he had then no expectation that he could
ilerve his Father's interests by going at once to Nazareth,
where he had been brought up. He came once again to Cana,
where in his first miracle he had turned water into wine.
Probabiy he stayed at the house where that miracle was
performed, and where evidently his mother was a welcome
visitor. The Galileans received him gladly; for many of
them had been to the Passover in Jerusalem, and had seen
the things which he did there. (John 4: 45) The miracles
excited them; and they had gone back to Galilee, carrying
the news of the miracle worker of Nazareth. But the things
he did, rather than the words he spoke, were of interest to
them.
FAITH IN THE WORDS OF JESUS

IJesus had not been long at Cana when he was visited by

a ruler of Herod's household, from Capernaum, twenty
miles away. It has been suggested, and with probability,
that this man was Chuza, Herod's steward, the husband
of Joanna, who later ministered to Jesus. (See Luke 8: 3)
His son was very sick; hearing in Capernaum that Jesus had
returned to Galilee and was at Cana, he at once started on
the twenty-mile journey. Coming to Jesus he besought him
that he would at once come down; for his son was at the
point of de-ath. Jesus never refused a request for help, but
he did not always respond at once to requests such as this.
He did not do so in this instance; but, with a measure of
rebuke in his words he said to the father-and, we must
suppose, his words were intended for others who were
present-"Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not
believe."-John 8: 44.
3The father was urgent, as if he would remind Jesus that
his boy's life was in the balance between life and death,
and he said: "Sir, come down ere my child die." The
earnest plea of the father prevailed. But Jesus had gained
his point. He did not need to go to Capernaum to give the
boy renewed life; and now he simply said to the father:
'Go thy way: thy son liveth." The father's faith in Jesus
was qUickened. He had not been set back by the apparent
rebuff; on the contrary, he had realized that Jesus had a
helpfUl purpose in his words. In confidence he started back
for Capernaum, believing that he would find his boy restored
or well on the way to health.
'On his way home his servants met him, saying, "Thy son
liveth," thus using the same words which Jesus had spoken
to him. His inquiry elicited the fact that the boy had
begun to get better the day before, at the moment when
Jesus had spoken to him. He had believed before in the
sense of accepting Jesus as a good man who was doing
a good work for God. Now in a fuller sense, he believed
that Jesus was what he claimed to be, not merely a miracle
worker, but the Son of God sent to declare his Father's
will. His whole house also believed-his wife, his restored
boy, and his servants; for evidently he was a good man
and gullIed his bousehold in the fear of God.

WISDOM IN THE STERNNESS OF JESUS

GJohn says that this is the second miracle which Jesus di I

when he was come out of Judea into Galilee. (John 4: 54)
When first the petition was made to Jesus, he seemed rather
stern. There was some necessity for this attitude apparent
to him; for it is evident that he had no thought of refusing
the father's request. His words at first sight do not seem as
if he had any special desire to increase the father's faith.
It was necessary for the Jews to be told plainly the reaso I
why any of them sought him. In Jerusalem the people woull
have accepted Jesus if he had made himself their leader to
bring about their own desires; and even now in this earnest
request so urgently put to him it was necessary for him to
point out that it was made for a selfish end. There is no
reason for thinking that the father had any thought beyond getting his son restored to health and his family
brought back to its normal happiness.
6At this time Jesus had just come from Sychar, in Samaria,
where he had stayed two days with people who had gladly
listened to his word and believed on him for the things he
said. The Samaritans were ready to receive him because
of the truth he brought. But his own people were not read.\'.
They would, as we have before said, take the miracles l:e
performed for them; but they had no use for his teaching.
This lesson gives an example of how trouble prepares the
heart for the acceptance of Jesus. The miracles in Jerusalem
left the hearts of the peopie untouched; but this man,
thrown into sore trouble, was so grateful to the Lord when
his distress was removed that he was ready to accept Jesus
as One sent from God, and did accept him, and became one
of the earliest believers in Jesus.
7The first miracle Jesus wrought had confirmed the faith
of his disciples; but there is no record, as might have been
expected, that the master of the house where the water was
turned into wine, nor any of the guests, believed on him.
Miracles in themselves have a hardening effect; the un
softened heart always wants a still greater sigu. It was
to this perversity that Jesus referred when he said: "Neither
will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead."
(Luke 16: 31) But it is different with a man who wants
that which Jesus has to give; and it is plain that it was
this man's need which paved the way fol' his faith. The
lifting of his burden helped him to believe in .Jesus. and then
he helped his household to the like precious faith.
8These things are, of course, written for our instruction,
and are not to be considered as merely a record of what
our Lord did and said. Paul's word when writing to the
Ephesians (4: 21), "as the truth is in Jesus," is a full ex
pression of the fact of the revelation of God in Jesus, even
as our Golden Text reminds us that he said: "I am the way,
and the truth, and the life." The truth is revealed in what
Jesus said, and in what he did, and in the record of his
manner of life; and the faithful disciple takes note of all
these things and seeks in them the will of God.
COURAGE A NECESSARY PART OF CHARACTER

o'Vhen Jesus returned from Judea to go northward, he did

not go to Nazareth; for he knew that his townsmen's famili.
arity with him would prevent them from receiving him as a
teacher come from God. The Samaritans might accqlt him
as the Christ, and as the Savior of the world (John 4: 42),
but not so those with whom he had lived and worked. In
this matter our Lord set us an example how to deal witb

2315

236

CfhsWATCH TOWER

prejudiced minds. It was not lack of courage which caused

him to keep away from Nazareth; nor did he need to develop
courage by taking a hard course. Jesus must often have
had to go contrary to the youths and men of Nazareth, and
we may not think that he ever lacked the courage to do so.
Courage is always necessary in the Lord's work, and sometimes must be specially developed; but it is not always the
case that a servant of the Lord should begin his witness
where he knows there is much personal prejudice against
him or his message. Boldness and courage are necessary
component parts of a great character, and are always found
in some measure in the true disciple; but they are ever
under the control of wisdom and that grace of life which
was so manifest in the life of Jesus.
lOThe way of Jesus with the nobleman also gives us instruction. It may be taken as certain that there was much
more said than is recorded by John. A passing remark
would not have called forth John's record, "Jesus therefore said, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe"; and the earnest plea of the father that Jesus should
not delay but come at once also shows this. The man saw
only one thing-his dear boy was at the point of death; and
he did not want that son to die. But Jesus saw much more
than that. It may properly be said that, from Jesus' point
of view, it was much more important that the father should
see the truth conceruing Jesus and the purpose of God in
sending him into the world than that a family distress
should be relieved.
POINTING TO GOD IS OUR MISSION
llJesus' word, "Go thy way; thy son liveth," must have
been a great test of faith. It had not occurred to the father
that Jesus could heal withont going to Caperuaum. Afterwards when the family had learned of the Lord and they
were fully in the trnth, they themselves would see the wise
way that the Lord had dealt with them, and that the sickness was the means which God used to bring them to himself. When the request was presented, the father had no
care for the mission of Jesus: he wanted something for himself very mUCh, and asked for it. The mission of Jesus or
the purpose of God were as nothing to him. It seems almost
certain that if Jesus had merely granted bis request there
would not have been the after-blessing of the family ralationshlp with the Lord; the greater blessings would have
been lost.
I2Jesus was ever gracious, but he must always call attention to the purpose of his mission. He was not a mere
miracle worker, a man useful in a community as a healer
of woes. His first concern must ever be for the real benefit of those who called for help, in order that they might
be brought to a closer relationship with God, and also for
the glory of his Father. This should ever be the concern
of those who represent God. His messengers are comforters
f)f those who want relief from their mental distress concerning the things coming on the world. They are always
to remember that their mission is to represent God and the
truth; and that their purpose should ever be to turn the

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

hearts of the people to God and to righteousness, to become

loyal subjects of the Christ. The beauty of the truth and
its satisfaction for the heart and mind are not ends In
themselves, but are means to be used for the same purpose
that Jesus used his miracles-to direct people to the Father
and to glorify God.
l3Just as the Galileans were much more interested in the
fact that a miracle worker was amongst them than whether
or not he had any message from God, so it is with many
today who have heard of the plan of the Lord manifested
through the knowledge of present truth. Many are interested in all the phases of the truth who are not partiCUlarly
concerned with the message that the truth has for them,
nor in what it will do for them in enabling them to serve
God. Many are ready to take the miracles of present truth,
but give nothing back to God, who gives it.
14'l'his lesson also reminds us of the indifference of men
for truth; and this is the fact even of those who by reason
of their favor ought to be eager to know it and to have it
bring them nearer to righteousness. The Jews as a whole
were indifferent to Jesus and his message, and the leaders
hated both the man and his message. If they made any
move concerning anything Jesus said, it was to hurt his
influence or to hurt him; and they were aroused to frenzy
when they saw that their Interests were interfered with.
As for the Gentiles of Jesus' day, they knew nothing of the
righteousness of God, being blinded by the foolishness of
thl'ir wisdom and by the god of this world, Satan, who has
deceived the whole world.-2 Corinthians 4: 4; Rev. 20: 3.
I5It is only trouble and distress which will make men call
upon God. It Is then in mercy to mankind that God has
arranged to let the course of this world run to trouble and
to such a time of trouble as would waste the world did not
God interfere. The heartache of the father in our lesson,
and the fear of life of the jailor of Philippi, are illustrations
of the means God uses to bring men to a sense of their
need of him, and to a knowledge of his love, which awaits
the wanderer and those who call upon him.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

What course did Jesus take from Sychllr? What attracted the
Galileans to Jesus? 'II 1.
Who visited Jesus? What was the object? What did Jesus say
HI~o r~~T/ IJd~~ated what? What was the result of this miracle
of healing? 'i 3,4.
What was the object of Jesus' sternness? 'I 5.
This lesson Is a reminder of what? What was the contrast between the Jews and the Samaritans? '116.
What was the probable result upon the household where Jesus
turned the water into wine? ~ 7.
What was the object of the miracles? What is the meaning of the
Golden Text? 18.
How
should qualities
we deal of
with
prejudiced
minds?
What ~is9. one of the
Christian?
necessary
character
in the
What Is the proof that there was more said than that which i
recorded? The nobleman saw what; and Jesus what? 'lJ 10.
Was the nobleman equal to the test put upon him? Was sickness
In this case a blessing? 11 II.
What is the duty of the messengers of the I..ord? What thought
was uppermost In the mind of Jesus? '112.
Are the people of today any dltTerent from the Galileans? 'lJ 13.
Are they much impro\'ed over the Jews of nineteen hundred yelU'll
ago', 11 14.
What Is God's object in permitting trouble in a world of sin? 1111.

----------

BROTHERLY GREETINGS FROM BAVARIA

DEARLY BELOVED BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

The General Convention at Magdeburg has been very rich

in blessings under the Lord's guidance and, referring to It,
the ecclesia at Munich considers It a great privilege to send
to you some words of love.
We plainly recognize the great work that onr heavenly
Father causes to be accomplished on the earth in these days,
and we are happy to be permitted to have a small part in It.
With great joy and appreciation we have taken cognizance

of the great love of our American brethren, that finds expression in the support on a large scale of the German
harvest wOFk, and we would like to convey to all our dear
American brethren our great love and gratitude.
May the Lord bless you and an his people, that his peace
and his grace may continually accompany you on your paths.
Much 10'l'e fr9m your co-workers In the Lord,
ECCLESIA AT MUNICH (BAVARIA)

By Brother Hans Dollinger.

JESUS DRIVEN FROM NAZARETH

--SEPTE::IIBER 14--LuKE

4: 16-30--

JESUS APPLIES SCRIPTURE TO HIMBELF--JI'RUTH UNACCEPTABLE TO WICKED MEN-"DAY <N!' VENGEANCE" NOW HERI!l--GOD'S PEOPLJI
NOT SHELTERED BY ECCLESIASTICISM.

"He hath anointed me to preach good tidings."-Luke 4:18.

DR studies have shown US that after leaving Nazareth
to go to John at Jordan to be immersed and to present himself in full consecration to his Father, Jesus
spent a considerable time in the south; and that he then
went north to Galilee, afterwards going up to Jerusalem
for the Passover. After leaving Jerusalem he again went
northward through Samaria and again into Galilee, but
deliberately kept away from his home town, the place which
gives him his most familiar name, "Jesus of Kazareth."
It is evident that our Lord had a particular purpose in
keeping away from Nazareth. He knew what was in man
(John 2: 25) ; and he did not want to start opposition to
himself. Therefore he went about Galilee, teaching the
people and working miracles to show that his ministry was
of God. His desire was to prepare a way to their hearts,
giving full proof of his ministry in order that his townspeople might hear of him and want him. At last he made
his way there, and through the week before the sabbath day
wrought a few miracles. Mark 6: 5 says that he healed
a few sick folk.
20n the sabbath day he went into the synagogue; llnd
llS his custom had been when he lived in Nazareth, he stood
up to read the portion of Scripture set for the day. It is
sometimes thought that our Lord was given the honor of
reading the Scripture because of his newly acquired fame;
but it is evident that, in the long years he had been in
;Nazareth, he who had stood above his fellows in such preeminence of character and ability had been accustomed to
read the Scriptures on the sabbath day. Now as he read
their eyes were fastened on him, partly because being an
unusual man he would command attention, and partly
because they were all eagerness to see and hear what he
would say and do.

JESUS APPLIES SCRIPTURE TO HIMSELF

sPerhaps because .Jesus had chosen the day when the
llarticular scripture would be read, or perhaps in deliberate
.ntention, he read the portion from Isaiah 61: 1, 2; and
turning to the people said: "This day is this scripture
fulfilled in your ears." He preached to them in harmony
With the message. The passage is a gracious one, and he
spoke graciOUSly, and words of grace proceeded from his
mouth. As Jesus continued to expound the Scriptures, and
to tell of the good things which God had prepared for his
people, they began to speak one to another, saying, "Is not
this Joseph'S son?" The Lord saw that they were not paying
attention to the message he gave, and were not being made
glad by the comfort of the Scriptures, nor by the fact that
the p..ropheci~ were being explained and even fulfilled, but
were annoyed. He said unto them: "Ye will surely say
unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever
we have heard done in Capernaum do also here in thy
country."-Luke 4: 23.
Vfhey resented the suggestion that they needed comfort
and healing any more than the preacher himself needed
these; and he knew that they were ready to say to him:
"Physician, heal thyself." They also resented the fact that
he had done many mighty miracles before coming to Nazareth. His good intention was perverted. They would have
preferred that he, the miracle worker, had returned to Nazareth to give the town a name; but he knew that they
would much prefer to have miracles wrought than to hear
What he had to say. Jesus told them plainly that a prophet
237

has no honor in his own country, nor amongst his own kin,
nor in his own house; and he reminded them of facts
recorded in the history of Israel. He said that there were
many widows in Elijah's day, but it was to a widow ot
Sidon, outside Israel, to whom Elijah was sent; and that
there were many lepers in Elisha's day, but the only leper
cleansed was Naaman, a Syrian. When Jesus spoke these
things they "were filled with wrath, and rose up."
5The morning worship broke up in disorder. Jesus was
thrust before the people out of the city, and was led to
the brow of the hill with the intention that he should be
cast down headlong. (Luke 4: 28, 29) But he passed through
the midst of them, and went his way. From there he went
to Capernaum, and to that place his mother followed him.
Jesus never went back to Nazareth. It was the testing day
for the city that had been the home of his childhood, youth.
hood, and manhood, a little town where everyone had seen
the purity and honesty of his life. Jerusalem had so fal
rejected Jesus because it saw that his teaching was con
trary to its interests. Nazareth rejected him because his
claim irritated them. In a very peculiar sense Jesus had
come unto his own, and they had rejected him. John states
the reason: Men love darkness rather than light.-John 3 :19.
TRUTH UNACCEPTABLE TO WICKED MEN
6Man hates to be told that his nature is corrupt, even
though the evidences lie thick around him. Truth in almost
any form is unacceptable to a wicked man; he hates that
which will tone up his life, that which is a witness that
there are higher and greater things than those for which
he is living. When therefore Jesus showed that there was
a higher life set before Israel in the writing of the prophets,
these men of Nazareth hated it as much as did the men ot
Jerusalem. They would have had him if he had glorified
their city. if Nazareth could have had the honor of producing
the miracle worker, just as Jerusalem would have had Jesus
if he had put himself under their direction. Jesus knew
they were saying, You need your own words as much as we
need them. Also he knew they were saying that whatever
he had done in Capernaum he should do there. But there
was not so much faith in Nazareth as there was in Capernaum. On ordinary days these men would have passed for
good and, probably, for kind men; but the real test ot
character and of worth in the sight of God is whether or
not the truth is loved I Many decent people pass for good
and almost saintly men, men who make a profession of being
the servants of God, but who when the truth is presented
to them reveal that they have the spirit the men of Nazareth showed towards Jesus. They care nothing for the
truth itself but everything for their own interests; and
they will hurt anything and anybody who come in their way.
7The people themselves testified that it was a very gradous message which Jesus had bronght to them, and his
own heart must have been warmed by it. But though he
saw much of the truth revealed in the Scriptures, even he
could not know it all; for the time had not come when all
its secrets should be disclosed; and even he as the man
Jesus could not know all the truth. He himself says that
he did not know of the day and hour for the establishment
of the kingdom. (Mark 13: 32) It was not until he was
raised from the dead that the plan of God was made clear
to him. (Revelation 5: 9) But he did know, when preaching
that sabbath morn in Nazareth, that the message of Isaiah

ncWATCH TOWER
in his mind and In his heart was for him then. He knew
that he was the Anointed One to preach the glad message
to the healing ()f the poor of Israel bound in Satan's
chalns.-Luke 11>: 10.
"DAY OF VENGEANCE" NOW HERE

'That sabbath morning in Nazareth was not a complete

episode. It has waited for completion until this day, when
Jesus now glorified has returned to set up his kingdom.
When Jesus had quoted a portion of the passage from
Isaiah, he stopped and proceeded with the application of
the words he had read. "This day," he said, "is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." He did not go on to speak of
the day of vengeance, nor of the full deliverance which was
to come with the kingdom; for he could not properly have
said of that part of Isaiah's message, "This day is this
scripture fulfilled." But there must come a day when the
remaining part of Isaiah's message shall become a living
word, and when a messenger from God shall say to his
hearers of the day of vengeance and the remaining portion:
"This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."
9That time hilS now come! The preacher is here! He is
the returned Lord! But now he speaks by his Church.
Again the passage is taken and the message is proclaimed,
and the Lord's favored people are as confident in the proclamation of that message as Jesus himself was when he
began the sermon in Nazareth. The message is not only
that of the day of vengeance; it is also one of comfort. It
tells that the time of deliverance has come, that all the
bonds which have held men will be broken, that the evils
amongst them shall be taken away, and that the evil kingdom which has ruled over them shall be demolished that
they may be God's free men.
10Who are now the listeners in the synagogues, and what
Is their attitude? They are mainly the peoples of Christendom, and their attitude is very frequently a repetition of
that of Nazareth. Christendom looks back to that day in
Nazareth, and is shocked at the foolishness and wickedness
of those people. They certainly would not have done what
Nazareth did-at least so they think and dpclare. But the
leaders of the people today say of the Lord's messengers:
"Who are these men who are but of the common people, and
why do they dare to make such claim? We alone have the
right to teach the Scriptures and to expound them." And
many of these who hear the message of prpsent truth have
tried to kill its messengers by slander, eyen as the men
of Nazareth sou~ht to kill the Master; and many of their
1l0ck are misled by them into opposition to the truth.
11When Jesus pscaped their hands we need not assume he
did so in any miraculous manner. That same presence, which
caused the traders and the money changers of the temple
to flee before his uplifted hand and the small whip, now prevented any of the crowd from laying an arresting hand upon
him. He walked away, while the murderous crowd fell back
from him and watched him go. In like manner, until their
labors are done, will the faithful of today be preserved.
Their sincerity and their separateness from the mass of evil
men will often be their safaguard.
GOD'S PEOPLE NOT SHELTERED BY ECCLESIASTICISM

12Facts of history are good correctives to foolish notions

of cherished superiority; hut they are often very bitter pills.
Probably these two facts, that Elijah was sent out of Israel
to a widow of Sidon to find sustenance, and that during
Elisha's whole ministry the only leper cleansed in Israel was
Naaman the Syrian, had never been so stated before. The
succeeding generations of Israel had passed the facts as
simple happenings and had not co-related them to tHeir own
privileges. It was left for Jesus on this occasion to remind

BaooKLYN, N. Y,

his townspeople of them, Rnd the reminder maddened them.

In the same way ecclesiasticism from generation to generation is so engrossed with itself that it never seems to realize
that it is always OPposed to the truth, that organizeu
religion has always been in the wrong, and has always
taken the side of the many against the few who have held
to the truth.
13The prophets of God have never found shelter with
ecclesiastics, nor been able to do for them what has been
done for others outside the confines of their influence. The
Samaritans were able to take the truth from Jesus for its
own sake, whereas the instructed and prOUd people of
Jerusalem, and proud and poor people of Nazareth, wanted
signs and wonders. Even then they would not believe, but
let the Lord go from them unnoticed and uncared for; and
they even sought to destroy Jesus. So again, the fact that
the words of the message are gracious and have a grateful
effect upon the hearers is as nothing. They say: "We know
these men, we know their history, we know that they are of
the common people. They blaspheme in making such claims
for themselves, daring to speak for God and ignoring entirely
the authority of ecclesiasticism." Their anger is aroused
because the truth is preached to the people; and if they
COUld, they would do with these messengers of the truth as
the leaders of the synagogue at Nazareth would have done
with Jesus. Christendom is judging itself by its attitude
to the message of the kingdom; it is proving itself to have
exactly the same spirit and purpose as the Jews of old,
whom they so heartily despise.
14ThI' message of the truth must be given out both to let
the people know that the day of vengeance is here and that
Armageddon is rapidly approaching, and also to ten all
the downtrodden and comfortless that the klugdom of
heaven with its blessings lies just beyond the trouble.
Because of his ministry Jesus 'could bless the people with
miracles of healing and the comfort of the truth; un 1
many rejoiced because, like Zacharias, they had seen that
God had not forsaken his ancient people and was fulfilling
his Word. (LUke 1: 68,69) It is our privilege to tell of
his love and to show by the truth that God has not forgotten his promises, and that the time of restoration has
come. We say to each other:
"Go, labor on; spend, and be spent,
Thy joy to do the l<'ather's will:
It is the way the Master went;
Should not the servant tread it stili?"
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Where had Jesus been spending his time since his baptism? '111.
Was Jesus asked to read in the synagogue because of his newlyacquired fame? '\I 2.
Were the Nazarenes KOOO Iislene.,. as Jesus read the Scripture?
How did Jesus wake them up? '113.
How did they treat Jesus' good intention? What was his reminder
abou t ~lijah and I~lisha'! 'II 4.
What turn did the mornlIlg service now tal'e? '115.
Why is truth unacceptable to the wicked? Under what conditions
would Nazareth and Jerusalem ha\e accepted Jesus? ,Vhat IS
the real test of the truth? 'II 6.
Did Jesus know all the truth when he trod the earth as a man?
., 7.
What portion of the Scripture did Jesus omit? Why was this? '118.
Are we now living in the time when the omitted part of the Scripture should be preached? A lid why so? 'Ill).
Is "Christendom" justified in being shocked at what took place in
Nazareth? Are the leaders of the people today improved over
the leaders in Jesus' day? '\110.
Did Jesus escape from the mob in a miraculous manner? If not,
how did he get by them? '\I 11.
What are the bitter pills of history? What should ecclesiasticism
be able to learn from history? What hinders them from seeing
the truth? '\112.
Has ecclesiasticism ever sheltered the Lord's people? Has it ever
loved the truth? What is "Christendom" doing to judge herselt
unworthy of a continuance of life? 'II 13.
Why must the message of truth be given ouU What satlllfaction
is there in knowing the truth? '114.

LETTERS FROM AFIELD

"TOWERS" INSPIRE ACTIVITY

I just cnnnot help tellillg you how much, Indeed how

very much, I enjoy every 'fOWER, every article. But the
two last 'fOWERS, October 1st and 15th, seem so wonderfully
good and helpful and just what we might have looked for
In some measure and didn't.
We see some who have so long been leadE'r", elders, pilgrims, etc., who take all opposite view and cannot agree,
and by so doing are losing the measure of all they have;
yet we are In no wise to fret over any seemingly strange
things.
'fhe TOWERS have all been good all along the wa~', hut I
fillll them getting richer amI more helpfUl each Issue.
I am going out In the work rain or sunshine. I cannot
stay out of it when we see such wonderful opportunities.
Why, I find no one Who does not want to hear all about
this wonderful message, and all agree more or less that it
must be true. Some days I have sold thirty-five to thirtyeight books.
One day while calling at first house I met at the door
n sweet little mother and two children. I canvassed for
tlw complete set. Little girl of ten years said: "0 mother,
take tlll'lll! I will give $1.00; let's buy them; we will know
more than our preacher!" I sold her twenty-three books.
I am so happy in the service and am more and more
convinced that it is the only safe place to be. How comforting and satisfying nre the TOWERS to all of us who are
walking after the spirit. How can the poor world stagger
IlS well as she does with no help, no arm to stay her?
With deep love and appreciation and with prayers for
your continued strength in the Lord to finish the work,
Your sister in him,
SR. L. A. LASCHING.
TRUTH SPREADING IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
It is with gratitude and thankfulness of heart to our
loving Father that I forward a report of the first baptismal
service in Brazil, Ilccording to the message of present truth.
In the past few weeks fifty (50) have symbolized their
consE'cration; thirty-one in the Rio de Janeiro class, and
nineteen in various places in the interior of BraziL I do
not think that I ever saw a happier class of people than
the Lord's saints in this country. Many of them have a
living zeal to spread the message and to comfort others as
God has comforted thf'm. Their hearts are full of praise
and thankfulness to God for having caused the Watch Tower
Bible & Tract Society to send the glorious message of the
kingdom into this far-off land.
Brazil is classed as one of the most difficult mission fields
in the world. Yet, praise God! the light of God's truth is
beginning to shine. It is gladdening and enlightening many
hearts; and the way is opening for a wide spread of the
message. If it was not for the clergy, this message would
soon pass over Brazil. It is the clergy that hinders the
spread of the message. Since the "Hell" book has come out,
they are hard pressed. Some of them seem to be developing
goatlike qualities which I do not think have been duplicated
up north.
In both Presbyterian and Baptist official journals have
appeared articles containing forgeries and misstatements of
the Scriptures. This is done to keep going the doctrine of
hell fire and damnation. They attack the truth In a bitter
manner, and then quote part of nine different texts without
reference to the context, trying to uphold the God-dishonoring doctrine of eternal torment, while right in the midst of
these partial statements appear the words: "A place of
JIG

indescriooble horror and suffering eternal for both body

and soul.-r.latthew 10: 28."
Matthew 10: 28 says just tllP oppusite.
We are making an elllleavol' to get the literature to as
many of these preachers as pussible.
I have just completed a tour through the interior of the
country. The interest was good. We held five baptismal
services. The way was also opened for a wider spread of
the message in the interior cities. I am now on my way
to Uio de Janeiro, and shall sail for Argentine as soon
as I secure my passport.
Dear Sister !"erguson, of Sao Paulo, was baptized. She
had \yaited fl bout twent~'-five ypars for an opportunity.
Four of her children have consecrated within the past few
months. 't'hey also were baptized. She was indeed happy I
'1'h<: new Portuguese 'VATCR TOWER came out on time.
It contains the two chapters from Volume VI upon the
Passover and the Baptism of the New Creation; also the
texts from the Manna for prayer meetings. The friends are
thankful to God for this ministry of his grace.
One sister told me: "My husband has done little work
all WE'E'k. He has been studying the Bible for answers to
those who are opposing the message in the eity." You can
well imagine what THE WATCR TOWER is to this class of
the Lord's people. This Brazilian brother, although only
lately interested, has stirred up the whole city of Rio Claro.
With kindest kingdom love and greetings,
GEORGE YOUNG, Brazil.
"AS BEING YOURSELVES ALSO IN THE BODY"
[Extracts from the letters of the Anncnian Sister to whom old
clothing was sent]

May grace and peace be multiplied nnto you from God

our !<'ather and our Lord .Tesus Christ.
The three boxes of clothing arrived here. After supplying
the needs of the brethren and sisters, the remainder was
distributed among the neediest of our people.
You dearly beloved, kind and merciful souls! I wish you
could be here and see the twenty-five and twenty-six-yearold, educated but nakE'd young men. They are refugees from
the dreadful fire of Smyrna, whose bedroom is the sidewalk.
These were also clothed and sent away.
To everyone who was clothed, I gave a copy of the Armenian 'VATCH TOWER, and invited them in, and explained to
them for two hours about our Lord's sacrifice for us and
the blessing of everlasting life shortly to come to the whole
world. 't'here was an Armenian priest among them who
took my name and said that he was going to publish it in
the papers, so that other Armenian women may be stirred
up to do such good works. I begged him not to do it but
he would not listen. All of the refugees expressed their
thanks and appreciation as they went away.
Thanks be to God, who does not leave his children without
hope! When I left our dear Brother Tatarian and came to
Aleppo, Satan filled me with much sorrow; but before long
our Lord granted me comfort and hope according to his
promise, and gave me many truth-loving brothers and sisters. Now I am never disappointed, no matter how much
worldly difficulties and troubles come in my way. Shortly
we shall be delivered from all trouble and granted the
heavenly rest.
Dear brethren, although I do not know any of you personally, by the Lord's grace I hope we shall know each
other personally when the body of Christ is complete.
Yours with greetings and prayers,
Nov. 23, 1923.
(MRS.) D. A. VABTANIAIf.

InterIlational Bible Students A~sociation Qasses

~ecture~ <IDd Ptudie6 by 'frdveUnCJ Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Hammond, Ill. _
Aug.
ChaJIipaign, IlL _ .._........ ..
Blo!>mington, Ill. _ ....._ "
Peoria., Ill. ..._._....... ... ..
Knoxville, Ill.
........ "
Mollne, Ill.
.._.,...

18
19
20
21
22
24

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY

Davenport. Ia
_
Aug.
East Moline. 111. ..... ..
Rock Island. Ill.
"
Kewanee. Ill.
"
Princeton, Ill.
"
Peru. Ill.
"

25
26
27
28
29
31

Parkersburg. W. Va
Huntington. W. Va
Nitro. W. Va.
Charleston, W. Va
Coco. W. Va
WIlls, W. Va.

Perry, N. Y
Aug. 29
Buffalo, N. Y
Aug. 30. Sept. 1
Tonowanda. N. Y.
.. 3
Getzville, N. Y
" 4
Niagara l"alls. ~. Y
" 5
Lockport, N. Y ............... " 7

McGee's Mills. Pa
Punxsutawney. Pa
Kittanning, Pa.
New Kensington. Pa
Hutler, Pa
Elwood City, Pa.

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Bradford, Pa
Aug.
Allentown, N.Y
"
Shinglehouse, Pa. .......... ..
Bolivar, N. Y. ................ ..
Olean. N. Y. """""""""" "
Franklinville, N. Y.
..

21
22
24
26
27
28

22
24
25
22 87
29

Greenville. Tex
Winnsboro. '.rex.
Greendlle, Tex.
Simms, Tex
Tyler. 'I'ex.
Brownsboro, 'I'ex.

Rockford, Ill.
Aug.
21
Freeport, Ill.
22
Dubuque, lao
_.......
24
E:lma, Ia. .
" 25,26
Waucoma, la. _......
27
Oelwein, Ia.
" 28,2V

Scotland Neck, N. C
Aug.
18
Tarboro. N. C.
19
Hocky Mount, N. C. ...."
20
Mount Olive. N. C
" 21.22
Wilmington, N. C. ......"
24
Hayne. N. C. ................"
25

llognor. Onto
Aug.29
Ml'aford. Onto
.. 31
Collingwood. Ont
Sept.
2
Sing-hamton. Ont.
"
3
'roronto, Onto ._._............"
7
Haliburton. Onto
" 1621

Chicago, I1l..... Aug.30. :n, Sept. 1

I,ake Gene, a, Wis. .
8cp1'. 2, 3
Champaign. 111.
.. 5, 7
Damille. 111.
_..
8
Paris. 111. ......................"
9
Marshall, Ill.
10

24
25
26
27
" 29. 31
Sept. 1

Lebanon. Mo
Aug.27
Bolhar. Mo.
" 28
Ash Grove. Mo.
" 29
Golden City, Mo. ",.,.."... .. 31
Springfield. Mo
Sept. 1
South Fork. Mo.
.. 2. 3

Portland. Me
_..Aug.
South WIndham, ~Ie
"
Aubul'll, Me. ..
..
Lewisto,vn, l\fe. _............. "
North .Jay. Me.
..
Wilton. Me.
..

Proctor. Minn
Supelior. WIS
_. .
Ironton, ::\U II 11.
AItkin, ~Iilln.
Federal Dam, ~Iinn.
Boy Hiv(>r. Minn

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Slltun1:ly

Aug. 15
" 17
18
" 19
20
21

Steyens POlllt. Wis,

WIthee. Wis.
Unity. Wis.
Marshfield. Wis.
Milladore, Wis.
.Junction (,i~. Wis.

BETHEL HYMNS FOR SEPTE~BER

'1 94 14 111 21 284
8 299 15 101 22 288
1. 211
9 297 16 128 23 272'
2204
3 115 10 182 17 246 24 28
4 293 11 279 18 286 25 77
5 2(),)
1.2 316 1.9 85 26 81
6 107 13 170 ~,) 162 2'1 69

17
18
19
20
21
22

_.Au>:.
21
.. 22.24
26
21
" 28.29
"
31

0 __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "

11
12
14
15
16
18

East Wilton. Me
Aug.
Hallowell, Me.
.. 25.
Pittsfield. Me.
GllIlford. Me.
Abbott Village, Me. ...."
Mapletou. Me.

24
26
27

:J.~

29
31

Superior, Wis
Sept. 1
Onamia. Wis.
:!
Glenwood, 1\Iinn. . ...... "
3
Fergus F'allR, l\iinn...._.._ " 4,5
Fargo. N. Oak.............._."
7
Kennedy, Minn.
8

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
Sl'pt.
3
..
4
.. 5, 7
8
. " 10,11
12

Piedmont, Ala......_......AIlI';. 20. 21

Hoaz, Ala. ,,_._
.. 22. 24
Birmingham, Ala
JI
25
l\lontgolllPl'y, Ala
_ If
27
Selma. Ala. .
2S
Notasulga. Ala.
29

Aug.
..
..
..
"

Fort Smith. Ark

_..Allg. 18. 21
Rtig-ler, Okla
_.. _........
1~
'I'amaha. Okla
"
20
W,I1I,. Okla.
22
lIlc('llrtain, Okla. ......"
24
Quinton, Ol;[a. .........."
25

Columbus. Ga
Aug, 31
Fnion Springs. Ga
Sept. 1
Eufaula, Ala. .................."
2
Clayton. Ala. .................."
3
Midland City, Ala. """'''' " 4, IS
Dothan, Ala.
1

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Oshkosh. Wis.
Appleton, Wis.
Green Bay, Wis.
Seymour. Wis.
Black Creek, Wis.
Plover. Wis. ....

Robinson, 1lI
Sept.
Lawrenceville, Ill.
Harrisburg. 111. ............"
Ledford. Ill.
Mound City, Ill. .........."
'I'hebes, Ill.
" 17,

BROTHER W. J. THORN

Wolf Point, ~lont..

Scpt. 1.2
Tampico. Mont.
"3,4
eMr,,1 Coulee, ~Iont..."
5.7
Virgelle, Mont.
8.9
Orpat Falls, ~Iout.
.. 10.11
Helena. Mont
-."
12

Gra, cuhurst, Onto

Hracebridgc, Ont
North Bay. Onto
Warl'l'n, Onto
Maclennan. Onto
Bar River. Out.

----

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Aug.

Salemburg, N. C.........Aug.
26
Fayetteville, N. C. ......"
27
Staley. N. C
_
28,29
Moncure. N. C
"
31
Raleigh, N. C
Sept.
1
Louisburg, N. C.
.. 2,

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN

Toronto. Onto
Claremont. Onto
Port Perry, Onto
Stouft'ville, Onto
Barrie, Onto
Orillia, Onto

Waterloo, Ia
Ang. 31
Marshalltown, Ia. _
Sept. 1
Iowa City. Ia.
2
Marengo, la.
3
~11ellbburg, la
__.. t, 4,5
Cedar Rapids, Ia
_.._
"
7

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS

Froid. Mont
Aug. 21. 22
Reserve. Mont.
24
Outlook. Mont.
.. 25.26
Scobey, Mont. ............"
27
Avondale, Mont
" 28.29
Poplar, Mont.
31

Aug.27
" 28
" 29
" 31
Sept. 1
"
:!

----

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH

Ava. Mo
_
Aug. 18,19
Norwood, Mo. _..........."
20
Mountain Grove, Mo."
21
Springfield, Mo
_ " 23,24
St. James, Mo
_."
25
Rolla, Mo
_.............
26

New Castle, Pa
'l'ransfer. Pa.
Kew Brighton, Pa.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Waynesburg. Pa
Washington, Pa.
__

BROTHEIt V. C. RICE
Ang. 28
" 29
.. 31
Sept. 1. 2
3
4

----

Clifford, Onto
Aug.
19
Allenford, Onto
_.....
20
Hepworth, Onto .........."
21
\Viarton. Ont.
22,24
Mar, Onto
_.___"
2G
Owen Sound, Onto
" 27,28

Aug. 20
" 121
" 22
" 21
fI
25
" 26

BROTHER B. M. RICE

Hamilton, O
Aug. 31
Urbana, O
8ept. 1
Sprin>:field. O.
2
Middletown. O.
3
Covington. Ky. .................."
4
Felicity, O.
5

BROTHER J. W. COPE
Sherman, Tex
_
Aug.
20
Bonham. Tex...._._._....."
21
Paris, Tex.
.. 22,25
Bogota. Tex. ................"
24
Roxton, Tex
_.."
26
Wolfe City, Tex. .........."
27

Charleston, W. Va
Aug. 22, 2.
Wickham, W. Va
_ .. 25. 26
Mt. Lookout, 'V. Va
" 27,28
Divide, W. Va
"
29
Shawver, W. Va
"
31
Clifton Forge, W. Va.._
Sept.l

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

BROTHER B. B. BOYD
Sidney, O. _
Aug.
Dayton, O.
West Milton, O
_..
PriQOuya, '00.................................. :: 26,
T
Tippecanoe City, O. ...."

Aug.15
" 17
.. 18
_.. " 19
" 20
21
_.

22
2-1
25
26
27
28

28 294
29229
30 157

McAlester. Okla.._
Rtuart, Okla.
Hickory, Olda
Ada, Okla.
Stratford. Okla.
Purcell, Okla

Aug.
..
"
"
"
Sept.

26
27
28
29

31

WI.GSA. BEREAN BIBLE- STUDIES

(3YMeanSOf

"The At-one-ment"

Sn'IlY VIII: "THe CHANNEL OF TilE .\TONEMENT"

Week of Rl'pt. 7
Q. 7-13 Week of Sept. 21..
Q. 20-27
Week of Sept. 14
Q. 14-19 Week of Sept. 28
Q. 28-33
.
---l

""~m&[email protected] ~lly~~ ~if~~~ N~J}yt t>

~~ 1if(lffiUm1g ~tlJiJ~ll'@.&m11li (j),~US~ aills~F -lzai~

VOL. XLV

No. 16

SEMI-MoNTHLY

Anno Mundi 6052 -Aug. IS, 192t

OONTENTS
FAITH AND WOUKS__________________
__
Degrees of Faith_____________________________
Increase of Faith____________________________
Living F.xamll]es
Undaunted Faith_____
Other Ancient 'Vorthies 'restcd__
Other Faithful Ones_____________ _
Trial of Your Faith_______________________
Our Enemy__________________________
Is CHAUACTER SACRIFICED? (Question)
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
JESUS !\IAKES A MISSIONARY TOUR
OPENING PERIOD OF CHRIST'S !\UNISTRY
THE AGE OF BROTIIEUHOOD (Poem)--SPECIAL 8ERVICE: MEMORIAL REPORTS

243
___ 244
244
_
245
_ __ 245
___ 246
_
247
247
_ 248
_

249
250
251
253
255
242

!I,.

ttl wm stand lipan my watch and will set mil fW'

lipan t1,e Tower, and will u:atch to see what He rom
/lall unto me, and what answer I shall make to them
'hat oppose me."-Habakkuk $: L

Upon the earth distress of natio08 with perplexity; the lIe& and the waVe8 (the restl_. diaoontented) roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking to
the thi ngs commg upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecclesisstiesm) shall be shaken. When ye see these things begin to come to pass. then
knuw th"t the Kingdom of God is at haud. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice. for your redemption draweth nigh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:2&-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND I'IS SACRED MISSION

ms 2Gurnal Is one or the prime "actors or instrumen1:8 in the flystem of Bible instruction, or "seminary Ertension", DOW befDg
presented in all parts of th(' civilized world by the WATCH ToWKK BlBLIl " TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Pr0motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bibb' students may meet in the study of the divine Word but

also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of 11:8 traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES moot entertainingly arran,;ed, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verb. Dei Minister (V. D. lIf.), which translated
into English is Minister of God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 511) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which .has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revcaled".-Ephesians 3: 59, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds (1{ men, while it seeks more and more to brin~ its every utterance into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom ,;ranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to bll used only in hi~
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hiS
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilct.ing of bis people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ow;
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing,

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is "tbe temple of the living God", peculiarly "bis workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throu~hout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's Redeemet' and the Chi"f Corner Stone of his temple, through wbich, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: Hi, 11; Ephesians 2: 2022:
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made .eady, tile great Master Workman will bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with bis glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout
the l\lil1ennium.-Revelalion 15: 58.
'That the basis of hope, for the churcb and the world, lies in the fact tbat "Jesus Christ, by the ~race of God, tasted deatb for everll
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the u:orld", "in due time".llebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be lII,e her Lord, "see bim as he Is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share bis
glory as his jointheir.-1 John 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 11; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church Is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop In herself every
grace; to be Goll's witness to the world; and to prepare to be klDgs and priests in tile next age.-Ephesians 4: 12; Matthew 24l
14; Revelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That tbe hope for the world lies In the blessings of Imowledlte and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's lIIil1ennial kin/;dom, the
restitution of all that was lost In Adam, to all the willlng and obedient, at the hands of tlleir Redeemer and his glorified cburcb,
when all the wilfully wicked will be destNJyed.-Acts 3: 1923; Isaiah 35.

SPECIAL SERVICE

WATCH TOWER Bi BlE & TRACT SOCIETj

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 BROOKLYN, foJy' U.S-A;
FORBIGN OFFICBS: British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate,
London W. 2; Canadian: 3840 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario;
Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne. Australia; Sont" African:
6 Lelle St., Cape Town. South Africa.
PU;AS~] ADDRE"S THE SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
YEARLY ilUBSC/UP'l'/UN PRiCE: UNITED SUTES, $1.00; CANADA

AND MISCELLANEOUS .l<'OI<EIGN, $1.50; GREA'r BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA,

AND Sou'rH AFI<ICA, 7s. American remittances should be made by
Express or Po.1:alllloney Orders, or by Ball': Draft. Canadian, British,
South African, and Australasian remittanc"s should be made to braneh
offices .nly. Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn office, but by international Postal Money Orders only.

Appreciating the privilege the Lord has granted to us to

deliver the message of his kingdom to mankind, a special
sen-ice week has been arranged for the week of August 17,
and special service days as follows: October 4, November
1, and December 6.
Service dirf'ctors will please take notice find organize all
the workers for these special days. 'Ve hope everyone of
the consecrated will be in the field.
If some are able to have their vacation during the third
week in AugjoJst above mentioned, it would be well to arrange to devote the entire week to the service.

(Foreign translattons of this journal appear in several languages)

Editori.l Committee: This journal Is published under the supervision

of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORD.
W. E. VAN AMBURGH, J. HEMERY, it. H. BARBER, C. K S'I'F-WAilT.
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students wilo, by reason of
old age or other inhrmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
journal, will be supplied h-ee if they send a postal card each May
statlnl!' their case and requesting such provision. We are not only
willlnl!'. but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
In touch with the Berean studies.
Notice to Subscribers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowl
edgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper label.
Ente.d as Second Cla.s, Matt... at Brookl"" N. Y. Po,roBic. Act of March 3rd ,8zg;.

ADDITIONAL MEMORIAL REPORTS

Since the Memorial Report appeared in the July 15th
iRsue of this journal, we have rf'ceived additional reports
totaling 785. This brings total to 62,606. Of these the following cities reported twenty or more persons participating:

Vellukutta, India
Manchester, N. II. (Greek)
Chicago, III. (G ref'k
Youngstown, Ohio (Greek)
Athens, Greece
Dunedin, New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand
Independence, 1\10.

81
46
45
33
30

25
22
22

FUNERALS

Every ecclesia whose elders are competent to serve at

funerals should deem it a privilege to offer to serve funerals
of any of their neighbors on request without compensation.
It is an opportunity to comfort the hearts of those that
mourn by telling them of the blessings of tke kingdom.

CONVENTION AT ST. LOUIS, MO.

A convention of Bible Students will be held in St. Louis,
Missouri, Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31. Brother
Rutherford will be present. For further information address
Mr. J. B. Bernoudy, 7033 Lindell Avenue, S1. Louis, Mo.

&heWATCH TOWEr<AND HEJRALD OF CHR~STS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

AUGUST

1G. 1924

No. 16

FAITH AND WORKS

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? ca.n faith
save him?"-James [2: 14.
AITH may be properly defined as an intellectual
understanding and appreciation of God's Word,
and a confident reliance upon that Word. Works
mean to engage in a vocation or occupation, diligently
pursuing the same.
2The faith of a Christian is based upon the promises
of God. His vocation is to be actively engaged in the
Lord's service. That means to do with his might what
his hands find to do to the glory of the Lord. Each
Christian is commissioned to prove his faith by the
performance of the things that the Lord provides for
him to do.
3With the holy spirit of God resting upon Jesus without measure, after his consecration and anointing at the
Jordan Jesus read from the words of the Prophet as
follows: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because
he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to
the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to
preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4: 18,
19; Isaiah 61: 1,2) Having quoted these words from
the Prophet, he closed the book and sat down. It was
not due time for him to perform the other part of the
commission mentioned in the same text; namely, the
proclamation of the day of God's vengeance. That part
of his commission was reserved for the time of his
second presence, when he together with the members of
his body would perform it. That time having come, it
devolves upon everyone who is begotten and anointed
of the holy spirit to carry out the latter as well as the
for;ner part of the commission.
4When the time had come for our Lord's passing from
earthly scenes, he told his followers that he would pray
to the Father; that in response to his petition the Father
would grant unto them the Comforter, namely, the holy
spirit of truth; and that this Comforter would abide with
them. The Lord sho\\'ed his absolute faith that the Father
would grant his petition. He said: "He shall give you
another Comforter" ; 'and the holy Father will send this
Comforter in my name.' "The Comforter . . . whom
I will send unto you from the Father,
shall testify
of me."-John 14: 16, 26; 15: 26.

5Aiter the Lord Jesus had been resurrected, but before

his ascension to the Father's presence, he said to his
disciples: "Behold, I send the promise of my Father
upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until
ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24: 49)
Thus he gave the proof that the Father had heard his
request, and that in due season it would be granted.
And so sure was he of this that he gave commandment
to the disciples as to what they should do. He said to
them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but
wait for the promise of the Father.-Acts 1: 4.
6Thereafter the disciples who had walked with him,
and who at Pentecost were begotten and anointed of the
holy spirit, made reference thereto as "the promise of the
holy spirit" and "that holy spirit of promise." And
again, "that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might
be given unto them that believe," and "the promise of
the spirit through faith."-Acts 2: 33; Ephnsians 1: 13;
Galatians 3: 22, 14.
7 After our Lord had ascended on high, the disciples,
waiting for the fulfilment of the promise, "all continued
with one accord ill prayer and supplication." (Acts
1 : 14) Thus they manifested their faith by what they
did, and in the Lord's due time their faith was rewarded.
8 Faith does not mean merely a mental conception ~~
a thing and a believing that that thing is true. But hy
his course of conduct one must demonstrate that he
possesses such faith. All who have ever received the
promise of the holy spirit from the Father have received
it as a result of their abiding confidence in the Lord.
Some of the Jews, after our Lord's ascension, who
thought that they were his followers, came to the conclusion that \vhatever blessings they had they received
through the La\\. St. Paul wrote them, specifically
propounding this question: "'rhis only would I learn
of you, Received ye the spirit by the works of the law
or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3: 2) 'rhe
question answers itself.
9The Apostle on another occasioH. said plainly that
none are justified by the Law because none could keep it.
Concerning the promise that God made, he wrote : "We
have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,
and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." (Romans

243

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WATCH TOWER

5: 2) To stand does not here mean to remain idle, but

to hold steadfast, looking for the time when the heart's
desire might be fully realized, and bending every effort
to conform to the rules laid down by the Lord to be
followed by those who have received the promise.
DEGREES OF FAITH

at cVNy onp POSRPRSPS the :;:ame amount of faith.

Some have little knowledg-c of the Wonl of God, and
rely less upon that knowledge. Others havc a greater
mental conception, and mny rely upon it leRS. He ,,-ho
has some knowledge of the divine plan, and confidently
relies the'reupon, and deports himself in accordance
thercwith, is the one who has and exercises faith. ThcT(~
are some who show that they newr come to a full faith
in God's Word. Concerning these the Apostle snys that
they are "ever learning, and never able to come to the
knowledge of thr truth"; and that thrse are "men of
corrupt minds, reprobate concerning thc faith."-2 'l'imothy 3: 7,8.
11 Again st. Paul mentions a claRs thnt have a measure
of faith, but are weak therein. (Romans 14: 1) This is
often due to a lack of knowledge of the Lord's Word,
and more often to inactivity in whatsoever the Lord
affords one an opportunity to do to prove fa ith and devotion to him. If one is really in the truth, he will be
attracted and held by it. If one has received the truth
for any other reason than love for the truth, he will not
be able to hold fast when the test comes.
12Some with little faith become heady and highminded, not trusting implicitly in the Lord. 'rhese
think more highly of themselves than they ought to
think. The Apostle says that every man should think
of himself soberly, not to think more highly than he
ought to, but to think according as God has dealt to
each one a measure of faith. (I{omans 12: 3) If the
Lord has endowed one with some faculties of scrving
him, then the creature should perform the duties that
come to him soberly and joyfully, giving the Lord aI,
the credit therefor.
13Upon the early Church the Lord bCRtowed c('rtain
gifts of the holy spirit; namely, wisdom, knowledge,
healing, miracle working, prophecy, tongues, etc. These
several gifts were bcstowed where they would accomplish
the best results. In due (Irse many of these gifts
passed away. Yet it is still true that the Lord has
bestowed a greater measure of faith upon some than
upon others. And what each one should do is to seek
prayerfully that for which he is best qualified in the
Lord's service, and do that to the Lord's glory.
ION

INCREASE OF FAITH

HIt is essential for the new creature in Christ to

increase in faith. When begotten of the holy spirit, he
is handicapped by the imperfections of the flesh, his
organism. His mind is imperfect; he cannot think
properly. His speech is imperfect; and he cannot speak

BaOOKLTN,

N. Y.

as he should. His conduct is far from being perfect.

He has a heart's sincere desire to have the Lord's
approval and a desire to have forgiveness. It is essential
to have faith that this may result. St. John writing to
the Church says that God is just and faithful to forgive
us our sins if we confess them. (1 John 1: 9) But we
mllst aRk in faith, believing that Jesus Christ is the
satisfad ion for our sinR; that he is our Advocate, and
that through his mcrit we may be cleansed, and stand
perfl'ct and whole before the Lord.
15
1t seems likewise that one should devPlop the spirit
of forgiveness toward his brdhrpn. On one occnsion ::-It.
Peter came to thc Lord and said: "How oft shall my
brother sin agalmt me, and I forgive him? till srven
times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thep,
Until seven time;;; but, Until seventy times seven."Matthew 18: 21, 22.
lGThe Lord in discussing the same subject matter as
recorded by St. Luke snys: "And if he trespass against
thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn
again to thee, Raying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Incrrase our faith."
(Luke 17: 4, 5) The point here is that it requires faith
in order to forgive our brethren, remembering that we
must ask forgiveness of the Lord ourselves and ask in
faith; and that we arc told to pray that our trespasses
may be forgiven even as we forgive those who trespass
against us. It follows, then, that if we are increasing
i11 faith we shall increase in a disposition to extend forgiveness and mercy one to another. Such a course of
increasing in faith is absolutely essential to the growth
of the new creature.
17St. Paul, quoting from the prophet Habakkuk
(2: 4), says: "The just shall live by his faith." (Hebrews 10: 38) This first applied to the Lord Jrsus, the
Just One. It wag because of his faith and confidence in
.Jehovah and a continuity in the performance of his obI i~ations toward Jehovah that his right to live was maintained. The same principle applies, that he who is
begotten of the holy spirit must, in order to continue
to live, f'xercise faith and continue faithful. Hence the
necessity for increasing in faith.
18The Scripturf's emphasize the importance of increasing faith. Writing to the church at Thessalonica, St.
Paul tclls how he and the brethren with him were night
and day praying exceedingly that "we might see Y0ul
face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your
faith." (1 Thessalonians 3: 10) To the Ephesians he
writes similarly: Looking forward hopefully "till we all
attain to the unity of the faith and to the knowledge of
the Son of God, to a full grown man."-Ephesians
4: 13, Diaglott.
19The greater one's faith, the greater will be his love
and devotion to the Lord, and the purer will be his heart.
26Instructing Timothy as to how he might help the
brethren, St. Paul says: "If thou put the brethren in

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15, 102-1

rememorance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of J esm Christ, nourished up in the words of faith
and of good doctrine, wherrunto thou hast attained."
(1 Timothy 4: 6) He shows that Timothy had attained
unto this conditioll of faith, and wmmends him for
ministering unto the brethrrn to the same end.
LIVING EXAMPLES

21The Lord has caused the rrconl of men who wcre

faithful to be written in his Word, to the end that the
Jlew creatures in Christ J esns may be encouraged. We
are assured of this when S1. Paul says: "Whatsoever
things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we throngh patience and comfort of the
scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15: 4) There
can be no hope without faIth. One would never have a
joyful anticipation of expecting a thing unless he believed in that thing. And since the Christian is looking
forward to the completion of the kingdom and to a
share in it and in the blessings that shall follow, he
takes joy in feeding upon the things which the Lord
has provided for him that he might increase in faith.
To this end the record of these faithful men of old
\\as made.
22 Abraham is often spoken of as the father of the
faithful. Before Abraham's time, however, others manifested faith. St. Paul enumerates a long list of these;
and standing at the head of the list is Abel, concerning
whom the Apostle writes: "By faith Abel offered unto
God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he
obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying
of his gifts."--Hebrews 11 : 4.
23Enoch was another example of faith. He lived for
3u5 years. "And Enoch walked with God: and he was
not; for God took him." (Genesis 5: 23, 24) Concerning him St. Paul writes: "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found,
because God had translated him." (Hebrews 11: 5)
'1'hat for which Enoch was rewarded was his faith.
Doubtlcss he had learned about the disobedience of
Adam in Eden, his expulsion, and the baneful effects
that resulted to Adam and his offspring, and of the
promise which God had made that the seed of the
woman should bruise the serpent's head; and he had
faith that the time would come when this promise
would be fulfilled. Hence he trusted God and walked
with him. When it was written that God took Enoch,
this does not mean that he went to heaven. Long thereafter Jesus said: "No man hath ascended into heaven."
(John 3: 13) Nor does it mean that he escaped death;
for St. Paul says: "These all [evidently including
Enoch] died in faith." (Hebrews 11: 13) Why, then,
should the Scriptures say that Enoch was not?
24S1. Jude refers to Enoch's prophecy, and suggests a
harmonious interpretation of these texts. Enoch had a
vision, and saw that the time would come when there
wOllld be no more death. His vision was of the reign of

245

Christ, when evil will be restrained and righft~ousness

forever rewarded. He believed that vision. In the spirit
of his mind he was set over or translated unto that
gloriolls day of rel'toration. When this vioion was given
to him, God granted him an ill8tantaneous death instead
of a lingering sickness, or to grow old and feeble. Hence
he "was 1101.''-.I11(1e 14, Hi.
25S ome of the older manuscripts have this thought
expressed conclTllillg the translation or taking over of
Elloch: "He \\ as not found longer among the living."
It is to be observed that he lived 3G5 years. There may
be some significance in this. There are 3u5 days in a
year. This may have indicatl'd the brevity of man's
life, even but a day. Apparently in his time there was
much ungodliness and much doubt as to the existence
of Goa. There was much to try his faith; but his faith
was strong, and triumphed over all these conditions and
infhwnccs. He l)('lieved that God is, and that he is the
rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and God
n~wal'(led him accoraingly by giving him a vision of the
glorious things coming to man, and then quickly closed
his eyes.
2"N oah was another of the faithful. Although he lived
for many years, he had never experienced a rainstorm;
for at that time God had not caused such to come upon
the earth. A mist had risen and watered the earth up
to that time. (Genesis 2: 6) But God told Noah that a
time \vas coming when there would be a great deluge;
and by faith, being thus warned of God, and moved by
godly fear and reverencl', Noah prepared an ark, that
he might save the members of his household. By this
exercise of faith he condemned the world; that is to say,
those ronnd about him. And because of his faith hI?
became an heir of righteousness.-Hebrews 11: 7.
UNDAUNTED FAITH OF ABRAHAM

27Then comes upon the scene Abraham. While using

him to make a pidure of the great ransom sacrifice, the
Lord tried Abraham's faith to the limit. Abraham possessed much wealth in the land of his nativity. He lived
in a fertile part of the earth with his father, who was
an idolater. (Joshua 24: 2; Genesis 13: 2; 14: 14)
There was every inducement for him to remain with his
relatives and to enjoy the riches and fruits of the land
wherein he was born. On the contrary, he yearned for
a knowledge of the true God and diligently sought him.
And so of him St. Paul says: "By faith Abraham, whe1l
he was called to go out [from the land of his nativity]
into a pla~e [Canaan] which he should after receive for
an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing
whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of
promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with
Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he looked f{)l' a city [symbolic of a government]
which hath foundations [not of man's building, but]
whose builder and maker is God." By faith he saw the

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WATCH TOWER

day of Ohrist coming; and when he saw it he was glad.

-Hebrews 11: 8-10; John 8: 56.
28St. Paul makes prominent these things concerning
Abraham, to wit: That God promised that he should
be heir of the world j that Abraham believed the Lord
that he should be a father of many nations; that his
faith was counted unto him for righteousness, and that
he adopted circumcision as a seal or mark of this covenant and of his faith in the Lord.
29Here are appropriate the words of St. Paul in his
masterly argument concerning faith: "What shall we
say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the
flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by
works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God,
and it was counted unto him for righteousness. . . .
How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but
in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he
had, yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the
father of all them that believe, though they be not
circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto
them also. . . . For the promise, that he should be the
heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed,
through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
. . . Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;
to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed;
not to that only which is of the law, but to that also
which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of
us all, who against hope believed -in hope, that he might
become the father of many nations, according to that
which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not
weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead,
when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet
the deadness of Sarah's womb: he staggered not at the
promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in
faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded
that, what he had promised, he was able also to perfOl'lll.
And therefore it was imputed to him lor righteousness."
-Romans 4: 1-3, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18-22.
30Abraham was put to the supreme test when he was
commanded of God to offer up his only son as a sacrifice.
He did not hesitate. He made all preparation for it.
He journeyed a long distance to Mount Moriah, keeping
in his own breast the secret. He had no communication
with anyone else to relieve his mind. He trusted in God.
When he reached the point designated, he bound his
only son to the altar, and proceeded to the point of
taking that son's life when the Lord Jehovah through
his angel stopped the sacrifice.
3IHere the Lord was making a great picture. Abraham represented Jehovah; Isaac the son represented
Jesus of Nazareth. Bm Abraham did not understand
this. The great test to him was faith in God; and because of this abiding confidence in the Lord, Jehovah
rewarded him, and he is more prominently mentioned in

BaOOKI.YN. N. Y.

the Scriptures as a hero of faith than is anyone else.

32The apostle Paul, in discussing the matter of the
selection of the Ohurch, says: "Besides, he does not in
any way take hold of angels, but he takes hold of the
seed of Abraham." (Hebrews 2: 16, Diaglott) By this
we understand that in selecting the bride of Christ the
Lord passes by the angels and selects from amongst
men those who are of the seed of Abraham, not necessarily those who are of the natural seed, but those who
possess the faith of Abraham. It follows, then, conclusively that if this is the class the Lord is selecting the
faith of each one must be tested severely; and only those
who persist in faith and are faithful even unto the end
shall receive the reward of life eternal as promised.
OTHER ANCIENT WORTHIES TESTED

83It required great faith on the part of Isaac to see

the ultimate blessing that should come upon his sons
Jacob and Esau, then much opposed to each other.
Jacob was in a strange land, dying among strangers.
It required much faith upon his part to believe that his
grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, should be the heads
of great tribes thereafter.
34Joseph exercised great faith in God and his promises. When he foresaw that the promise to Abraham
would at some time be fulfilled, that Abraham's seed
would possess Oanaan and bless mankind, he showed his
faith by having his bones carried up to Canaan to become
a part of its sacred soil.
35It was because of the faith of the parents of Moses
in God and his promises that arrangement was made to
keep him from suffering death at the hands of a wicked
ruler. It required great faith on the part of Moses to
renounce his high position as a prospective heir of the
Egyptian throne, forsake his own country, go into a
distant land, and afterward return and lead the Israelites out under most adverse conditions.
36It was faith that induced the Israelites when they
reached Jordan to follow Joshua across its waters, and
to march around the walls of Jericho, sounding their
trumpets.
37Rahab exercised faith in God when she took the
chances of hiding the spies.
38Gideon was another great example of faith. Because
of his faith he was led to strike down the idols of his
fathers, and then with a handful of men to attack a
great multitude of the Midianites and put them to flight.
39Much faith was exercised by Barak to rebel against
Sisera and to overcome him, despite his nine hundred
chariots of iron.
4It was the faith of Samson that caused him to pray
that he might have strength, and to exercise that
strength to demolish the Philistine temple, which fell
and destroyed the three thousand.
41Jephthae, the son of a harlot, an outcast from his
brethren, because of his faith in God's promises undertook and accomplished the conquest of the Ammonites.

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15. 1924

f2It was faith in the living God that induced David

as a lad to go forth siI,lglc-handed to fight the great
giant Goliath.
faIt was Samuel's faith in God that induced him to
anoint David as king while Saul was still upon the
throne.
ff As St. Paul recounts these heroes of faith and does
it for the benefit of the Church, he grows eloquent in
his speech, saying: "And what shall I say more 7 for
the time would fail me to tell of Gideon. and of Barak,
and of Samson, and of J ephthae; of David also, and
Samuel, and of the prophets; who through faith subdueu kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obt.ained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quencheu the violence
of fire, escaped the edge of the sworu, out of weakness
were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to
flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their
df'ad raised to life again: and others were tortured, not
accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better
resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and
scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
they were stoneu, they were sawn asunder, were tempted,
were slain with the sword: they wandereu about in
sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was Dot worthy:) they
wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and
caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a
good report through falth, received not the promise."
f5 It will be marked that all these mrn proved their
faithfulness by what they uid, not merely by what they
believed. The Lord would have his people know these
things in order that their faith might be increaseu, that
they might be strong in the Lord and in the power of
his might, particularly in these latter days. The kingdom of heaven is at hand. It is no time now to show
weakness of faith or to become discouraged because to
some it may not seem that 1925 will bring what they
expect. All of God's promises will be fulfilled in his
own due time.
OTHER FAITHFUL ONES

fGThe Lord Jesus is the author of the faith of the

Church. The Apostle, after enumerating those who had
preceded him on earth, calls upon the Church to look
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to
consider the test to which he was put. The tie that
bound him to the Father was sundered but once; anu
then that Jesus might take the sinner's place anu feel
the terrible results for a time. It was this separation
for a time from Jehovah that broke his hrart anu
caused him in his death to utter the agonizing cry:
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me 7" But
even in this his faith triumphed; for there immediately
followed the cry of victory: "It is finished I" "Father,
into thy hands I commend my spirit." (John 19: 30;
Luke 23: 46) He proved his faith by what he did. The
Lord said: "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."

247

(John 5: 17) Time and again he said: "I came to do

the will of him [my Father] who sent me." (John
6: 38) He was diligent in the performance of it; and
he left us an example to follow.
47St. Paul was a man of great strength, and hiE'
strength lay in the fact that he had an abiding confidence in the Lord. Because of St. Paul's great faith
and loyalty, the Lord rewarded him above the other
apostlef'.. Through faith he then saw and wrote: "The
worlds were frameu by the word of God, so that things
which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11: 3) It had not been scientifically
revealed to man then that matter is made of electrons
of foref'; but the Apostle was confident that Jehovah
had actually made .all things out of things which to us
do not appear. He endured a great test of his faith
time and time again. He left every earthly hope and
prospect that a man of rducation, position and influence
could have. And all of these he eounteu as nothing that
he might gain Christ, saying that if by any means he
might be made conformable to our Lord's death to the
end that he might be made partaker of Christ's resurreetion.-Philippians 3: 3-11.
f8When St. Paul had fought his way through, when
he had the full assurance that he had been loyal to the
Lord, with confidence he said to Timothy: "I have
fought the good fight; I have finished my course; I
have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me
a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day."-2 Timothy 4: 7,8.
fHOther heroes of faith are mentioned in the ScriptUTl's. Among them are Stephen, a man full of faith;
Barnabas, full of the holy spirit and faith; Timothy,
the Apolitle's own son in the faith; and Titus, the
Apostle's own son after the common faith. (Acts 6: 5;
11:24; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:5; Titus 1:4)
There was a great number who were obedient to the
faith. (Acts 6: 7) At Rome there were many brethren
with a faith that was spoken of throughout the whole
world. (Romans 1: 8) At 'l'hessalonica there were some
to whom the Apostle referred, saying, "In every place
your faith to God-ward is spread abroad." (1 Thessalonians 1: 8) We should expect, then, for the Lord to
show that there would be faithful ones in the closing
days of the Christian era. The Lord mentions especially
in Matthew 24: 45 a faithful and wise servant. If those
of former days were approved because of their faith
and because their works proved their faith, likewise we
should expect it now.
TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH

5The new creature in Christ Jesus is often required

to go where he cannot fully understand why he is sent.
This tests his confidence in the Lord, even as St. Paul
said: "We walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians
5 : 7) If the Lord wished to do so, he could make a
revelation to each of his saints a8 he did to St. Paul;

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crneWATCH TOWER

but that is not his purpose. Many then would crowd

into the ecclesiastical organizations. Those of the
anointed ones are looking and hoping for the time
when they may see the great Jehovah God face to face,
when they may be like the Lord Jesus and see him as
he is. If faithful, this is the reward; and then, as the
Prophet said for us: "I shall be satisfied, when I
awake, with thy likeness."- Psalm 17: 15.
51Proof of our faith brings opportunity of service,
and service always entails sacriJice and trials. Members
of the early Church found this to be true; and particularly was this true with reference to the Philippian
Church. 'l'he Apostle knew this, and desired to share
with them in the blessed privileges in spirit as well as
actually. Hence he wrote: "But even if I be poured a
libation on the sacrifice and public service of your faith,
I am glad and rejoice with you all; and for this be ye
also glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2: 17, 18,
Diaglott) Their faith was costing them something-, and
they were glad that this was true, and St. Paul rejoiced
with them.
52At the church in Thessalonica similar experiences
were being had. St. Paul wanted to be sure that they
would not flinch in their suffering, and so he said:
"I sent to know your faith" ; "and sent 'l'imotheus, our
brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlaborer in
the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort
you concerning your faith."-l 'l'hessalonians 3: 5, 2.
53The trials of faith accomplish much for us. They
develop power of self-control, power of endurance, and
the ability to bear cheerfully things that are distressing
to the flesh. These are tests to enable us to determine
our standing with the Lord and to prove to him our
loyalty. Hence we read: "Count it all joy when ye fall
into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying
of your faith worketh patience." (James 1: 2, 3) The
trials now serve as a testimony that the spirit of God
rests upon. those who receive them in the right spirit,
and will accomplish much more in the future. Hence
St. Peter writes: "The trial of your faith, being much
more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be
tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor
and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."-l Peter
1: 7.
54The apostle Paul, too, emphasizes this thought;
and to encourage those who are undergoing affliction
because of their faith he says: "For our light affliction,
which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we look not
at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
OUR ENEMY

55Satan is directly interested in the destruction of

everyone who is a creature of faith. He attacks in
varlOll~ \Iays. He would destroy our confidence in the

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

Lord's Word, our confidence in the brethren, our confidence in the kingdom. The Apostle knew this and under
inspiration wrote: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in
the faith." (1 Peter 5: 8, 9) Satan has his various
agencies with which to make these attacks. So important was his effort toward the Lord Jesus that he undertook it himself. He attacks every member of the body.
But if one's faith is strong and he prays to the Lord, he
may be assured of being delivered. It requires steadfastness, it requires continuity in study and holding
close to the Lord, to withstand the assaults of the
adversary. If we are once satisfied that we have the
truth, then we should abiue therein. We are warned
that the adversary and his agcncies will put before us
doctrines for the destruction of our faith.
560ne of the ways of losing faith is by "giving herd
to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." (1 Timothy
4: 1) Another is idleness, tattling- and busybodying.
(1 Timothy 5: 13) Another is the love of money,
earthly gain or influence. (1 'l'imothy G: 10) Still another is turning to science falsely so called. (1 Timothy
6: 20) Another is the acceptance of doctrines which
are based partly upon truths, therefore deceptive; hence
destructive.-Colossians 3: 1; 2 Timothy 2: 18.
57The Lord has been exceedingly gracious to those
who are of the anointed now on earth. He has set
before them long lists of faithful heroes, thereby fully
demonstrating that he rewards faith and faithfulness.
He shows in each instance that the faith of everyone
was proven by his works. The lesson, then, that the
new creature now should gain from this is that if we
really believe that God purposes to bless mankind; that
he sent Jesus to redeem the human race; that he has
been selecting the Church from amongst men; that the
Lord is now present; that his kingdom is at hand, these
things should thrill the heart of the Christian and
induce him daily to perform with his might what his
hands find to do to the Lord's glory. He should be not
so much concerned about just when he is to finish his
course; but that which should concern him the most
should be, 'How well may I perform the duties that are
given to me and thereby prove my faith and loyalty to
the Lord.' It is not what we did last year that will win
for us the prize, but continuity in faith even unto the
end. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee
a crown of life," says the Lord Jesus; and this means
persistently to press forward until the last part of the
work is done.
58There is now laid upon each and everyone who is a
Christian the obligation to proclaim the message of the
kingdom; for Jesus has declared this as his will toward
his followers. Let us leave it entirely to him as to just
when we shall finish our work; but let us now daily
present ourselves to him and perform whatsoever he
gives us, counting this as our reasonable service and

AUGUST

15, 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

doing it with joy. Following this plan, in due course

our faith will receive the great reward; and unto each
one of those proving himself there will be administered
an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Why is the Christian commissioned to prove his faith by his
worl;s? 111, 2.
Throughout the Gospel Al(e whAt work has the Christ, HeAd and
hody, been commissioned to do? 'Vhat work was resen-ed for the
han-est period of that age? Why was thi distiul'tion made'! 11 3,
For what purpose was the holy spirit given to our Lord's followers
after his ascension? In this ilia Iter how did hoth our Lord and
the disciples manifest faith? 11 4-7,
Wh~' is the holy spirit given as a result of faith rather than because of I;l'epinl( thelIIosaic law? 11 s, ll,
Why are there varying degrees of faith among those who profess
tn follow the Lord? 11 10-12.
Why were gifts of the spirit l(iven to the early Church? How does
faith compal'e with these l(ifts? 1113.
.
Why is an increase of faith es,ential to the new creature in Christ?
1114,17,18.
'Vhat relation apparently exists between the forl(h-eness of others'
tl'c;';llat-iSCS ag-ainst us HD() an illl'I'C'llse of our own faith? ~ 15. IG.
By what standard may OtH-, lHpa-.:nrp JIl:-. 1I1l'I'e-:tse of faith? ~ Itl, 20.
For ",hat rt'aSOl) <lif} the 1.01' 1 ('au e a record to be made of the
doings of tllf' anei~l1t \\ ()r1hi('~ 'J 'i; 21.
HolV did Abel demonstrate his faith? , 22.

249

In what respect did Enoch manifest his faith? Whd featllre of

God's plan was revealed to Enoch? Explain the statement that
he "was not." '11 23-25.
How did Noah show his faith by his works? '11 26.
What do we know of Abraham's early life? '11 27.
In what respect did Abraham exercise faith in God? 1 28,29.
'Vhat was the supreme test to which Abraham was put? What
l(reat truth was Jehovah thus picturing? 11 3D, 31.
Why is tho Church called in Scripture "the seed of Abraham"? '11 32.
Show that other ancient worthies also demonstrated their faitil by
their works. 11 3:~-44,
What lesson may the Church today Jearn from th""e thlnl(S? '11 45.
In what respects ,vas our Lord's trinl of faith nluch more severe
than that of the ancient worthies? Why was this so o.rdained? '11 4G.
How did St. Panl demonstrate that he was a worthy follower of
our Lord'! 11 47, 48.
Name SOme of the early Church who manif"sted l(reat faith. What
- conclusion may be drawn from this manifestation? 1149.
Why doeR the Lord not reY"al himself to his followers even aR he
(lid to St. Paul? What is the earnest hope of all thiR class? '11 50.
In what way is the Christian's faith proved? What does this proof
invariahly entail? Illustrate this principle by reference to the
early Church. '11 51, 52.
What three groat hlossinl(s result from the trials of faith? '11 53, 54.
Along what lines are Satan's attacl;s upon the new creature usually
made?

55.

Name five 'wa~'s along anyone of which a Christian may Jose his
faith. 11 56.
What important lesson may the new creatur" learn from the records of the ancient wOI'thies'! "'hy should he be mo,'e conc"rned
ahout his pr"sent conditIOn than ahout what he has done in
the past? 11 tiT
"-hat obh;.:ation haR the Lord laid upon e"ery Christian? 'Vhat
now constitutes our "reasonable service"? ~ 58.

IS CHARACTER SACRIFICED?
UESTION: Is character any part of our sacrifice at the time of consecration; and as new
creatures must we develop a perfect character
before our resurrection change in order to be of the
body of Christ?

Answer: No; character is not a part of the sacrifice.

The term character is often misapplied. Character really
means the four divine attributes; and a perfect character
means these attributes in exact balance. In proportion
as one possesses these four attributes, namely, wisdom,
justice, love and power, to that extent he ha~ a good
character. In proportion as he has the opposite, he is
of a bad character. Uan has been so woefully degraded
by the six thousand years of sin that there is little of
the character likeness of our Lord remaining. When he
comes to the Lord in consecration he would not be
aceeptable, of course, if, he had a wicked heart, which
would mean that his love was entirely for evil things.
aWhen one becomes a new creature in Christ the
transformation in him should, and must, begin and
progress; and therefore he is devcloping more and more
the charactc;r likeness of the Lord. If he must attain
unto a perfect character before his resurrection change,
this would seem quite impossible as a requirement. We
know from experience that as Christians none of us has
much power. In a comparative sense we have more
power for righteousness than those who are not Christians, of course; but we are not perfect in power. None
or us is perfect in justiee. Because of our imperfection
we often do unjust things. None of us is perfect in
wisdom; for we are not always able to apply the knowledge we have exactly in the right way. We frequently

make mistakes. But everyone who is striving to follow

in the Master's footsteps must be pedect in love before
his resurrection change, in order to assure him of an
entrance into the kingdom. He must have a pure heart
toward God and toward all. If he were perfect in all
the other divine attributes he would not need the aid of
some one else; and we all know that we need the aid
of our LDrd daily and hourly.
4Long ago Jehovah promised in our behalf, saying,
"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the
whole earth. to show himself strong in the behalf of
them whose heart is perfect toward him." (2 Chronicles
IG: 9) Here definitely the Lord promises to exercise
his strength in our behalf npon condition that we are
perfect in love. And of course when perfect in love, we
will strive to be as nearly perfect as possible ill the other
attributes. The Lord judges the followers of Jesus not
by what they really are able to do, but by the secret
intents of the heart, the motive that prompts their
action-their real, sincere devotion.
5We prove our love for God if we keep his commandments joyfully. "If we love one another, God dwelleth
in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we
that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath
given us of his spirit." ( 1 John 4: 12, 13)' If we are
wholly devoted to the Lord, our love and affection set
upon him and his cause, our sufficiency as to the other
attributes is not in ourselves, but in Christ. It will
mean, then, that he who is perfect in love will be using
his best endeavors at all times to exercise whatsoever
qualities he possesses to the glory of the Lord; and thus
the Lord Jehovah will count him perfect through Christ
Jesus, the Head.

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cneWATCH TOWER
Qtl'ESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

Is ('haracter sacrificed? Must we develop perfect characters? What

is meant by "character"? 'U' 1, 2.
..
.
What attributes will not be perfected thIS SIde of the vaJl? What
must be perfected to assure us the first resurrection? 'Ii 3.

BaOOKLYN,

N. Y.

What will the Lord do for those who have perfect Ilearts toward
bim? Does he judge us by what we do perfectly; or what is
the basis of the judgment? 'Ii 4.
By what means is our love perfected? It we are in Christ, how:
may we remain in and glorIfy the Lord? 'Ii 5.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR SEPTEMBER 17

"My name shall be great among the natiorrs."Malachi 1: 11.

ONG the nations of earth little is now thought
of the name of Christ Jesus, the King. The
nations are selfish to the last degree. 'fhe ruling
factors of the nations have entered into a conspiracy
against Jehovah and his anointed. Hut soon Satan sh~ll
be bound, and no longer will he be permitted to deceIve
the nations. Then the selfish ruling factors will be
shorn of their power. Then the knowledge of the tru~h
will fill the earth as the waters fill the sea; and III
time everyone, from the least to the greatest, will come
to know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is
the Redeemer of man and the King of kings. Then
"all the nations of the world shall remember and turn
unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall
worship before thee. For the kingdom is the Lord's: and
he is the governor among the nations."-Psa. 22: 27, 28.
As the peoples of the nations of earth come to a
knowledge of the glory of the Lord and of his goodness
and lovingkindness, his name will be great before them.
"All nations whom thou hast made shall come and
worship before thee, 0 Lord; and shall glorify thy
name."-Psalm 86: 9.
There will be associated with the great King the
members of the royal family, the 144,000 who shall
be in his likeness and image. The peoples of earth will
know who these are; for Jehovah has promised to write
up the record so that they will know. And concerning
tllOse who are faithful overcomers the Lord says: "Behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy
feet, and to know that I have loved thee."-Rev. 3: 9.
These precious promises are words of encouragement
given as an inducement to faithfulness. Activity, faithfulness and loyalty are an expression of love; and love
is the perfect expression of unselfishness.
Let eaeh one now see to it that he is faithful and
loyal to the Lord, and that the moving cause is love.
The faithful ones will be doing what they can to represeni the King, looking well to the interests of his kingdom; and these things are conditions precedent to enter-

p\

"Awake. my soul. stretch every nffve,

And press with vigor on;
A heavenly race demands thy zeal.
A.Dd an immortal crown.

ing into his glory and sharing with him the promise
of this te:A--t.
TEXT FOR SEPTEMBER 24

"He shall brealc in pieces the oppressor."-Psalm 72: 4.

HE words of this text should fire every bone and

sinew of the consecrated to activity in the serv.ice
of the King. For a moment take a mental VlSlon
of the deplorable conditions of humankind. The "beast,"
with his "mailed fist" and hard hoof, has smitten the
people, deprived them of their just rights and liberties,
blinded them to the truth, and ruthlessly trodden them
into the mire of the earth. This is all due to the
nefarious work of the great oppressor, Satan, the opposer of God and his righteous purposes. Long have the
people groaned and travailed in pain, crying for deliverance; but, blinded by the oppressor, they know not how
the deliverance will come. Their cries have been heard
by the Lord.
Now the King of glory has taken unto himself his
power, and has begun the dashing to pieces of the powers
of evil. The time is here when he shall break in pieces
the oppressor and remove the burdens of the oppressed.
Therefore let everyone who loves the Lord, and who
has a loving interest in his fellow man, prove that love
and devotion by unselfishly and joyfully proclaiming to
the people that deliverance is in sight, that the kingdom
of heaven is at hand. How could we be faithful to the
Lord and to his cause now without making known to
mankind the blessings that are at the door? The Lord
enjoins upon his followers to make them known. If we
love him we will obey.-Matthew 24: 14; John 14: 15.
The Lord's kingdom in full operation shall bring the
desire of all honest hearts. Then the people shall no
longer be blinded by those who exalt themselves and
resort to oppressive methods. "He ruleth by his power
for ever; and his eyes behold the nations: let not the
rebellious exalt themselves. 0 bless our God, ye people,
and make the voice of his praise to be heard."-Psalm
66: 7, 8.
Let us see to it now that we make the voiee of his
praise to be heard by those who desire to have their
hearts comforted by the message of his blessed kingdom.

"A cloud of witnesses around

Hold thee in full survey;
Forget the steps already trod,
And onward urge thy way."

JESUS MAKES A MISSIONARY TOUR

--SEPTEMBER 21--l\IARK 1:
THE SICK AND OBSESSED ARE HEALED--THE WROll"GlI"ESS OF MUCH

35-45-

PRA"mR-~IAKING-JESUSHEALS

A LEPROUS PERSON-SYMBOtIO

SIGlI"IFICANCE OF JESUS' WORK.

"Thou canst mat.e me clean,"-]Ia1"k 1: 40.

UR lesson today tells us of ,Jesus' first missionary
tour, Hitherto he had moved from point to point,
sometimes south, sometimes north, taking and making
such opportunities of servke as were possible to him. He
was instant in season an<'l out of season. But now, after
his rejl'Ction by his townspcople, and the removal of his
mother's home to Capernaum, he began a more positive
form of service. It was the lirst sabbath after he had definitely made Capel'llaum his center that the incident recorded in Mark 1: 21 occurred. As he taught the people in the
synagogue on the sabbath morning, they were astonished at
his doctrine and at the authority with which he spoke, In
the synagogue they were accustoIllPd to hear from their
leaders the opinions of their very learned rabbis respecting the traditions which had grown about the law, those
thing-s which made the Word of God of no effect.-l\Iark
7: 13.
2Jesus, waiving aside all these things as of no purpose,
spoke from and about the sacred Scripturf's, the Word of
God, and quoted no man's opinion. The calm of the morning sl'I'Yice was broken by a man with an unclean spirit
crying out. Jesus rebuked the spirit, and Imde it come
out of the man. Immediately there was a scene; for the
man obsessed by the demon became violent. But the demon
could not resist the authority of .Jesus, though it left its
victim hruised aud torn. ~'his caused a great sensation;
for nothing like this had been known in Israel. ~'he people said: "With authority commanded he even the unclean
spirits, and they do obey him," (l\Iark 1: 27) This wonderful
authority over the demons, and his no less wonderful authority with the Scriptures, were the talk of the town that day.

this is necessary for his followers also; and some have advocated what they call the prayer life. They have advocated
that long periods of time be spent by the followers of Jesus
in meditation and prayer, and have claimed that this is essential to the development of the spiritual life. \Ve have to
express our disagreement with this belief and teaching.
6lf .Jesus spent much time in prayer it must be remembered
(1) that his position was singUlar, and his relation to his
Father unique; for there must be no mistakes nor any short
coming-s in his ministry; and it must not be limited through
any misunderstanding on his part if his work was at last
to be accepted of God and he was to be the world's Savior;
(2) that he had no one with whom he could hold communion,
for none understood the things that moved 'his mind. With
his followers the case Is different. He, the Head of the
Church, and the Head of the individual member, is its Advocate and Intercessor, and Leader. There is no burden
upon his followers, as upon him, of a ministry that must
be accomplished without the slightest mistake or limitation.
And they have the holy spirit to guide them, specially given
to guide the Church-the instrument by which the Lord
directs all its affairs, a gift shared in common with all begotten of God. \Vhile, therefore, it is necessary for the child
of God to seek and hold frequent communion with the
Father, there is not upon him the necessity which comes
from responsibility, as there was upon Jesus.
THE WRONGNESS OF MUCH PRAYER MAKING

7There has been abundant evidence of the wrongness ot

this course in the Roman church, and in a lesser degree
in the Anglican community, where there are those who are
supposetlly separated from tllf'ir fellows that they may spend
THE SICK AND OBSESSED ARE HEALED
most of their time in prayer and rneditntion. Every true
BAfter the morning meeting Jesus went to the house of Christian now knows tlmt such a course is contrary to the
Simon and Andrew, apparently for the necessary refresh- teaching of Jesus, the Head of the Church, and to the will
ment of food and rest. Simon's wife's mother was there, of God. Another phase of this is thut already referred to
sick with feyer. Whether or not Jesus was taken there for found chiefly amongst holiness people and those who proher sake we may not know; probably he found her sick. fessedly seek "the higher life". '.rhat which is called "the
But sickness and Jesus c0111d not remain in the same house, prayer life" is frequently in intent a separation from the
so at once he healed her, and she arose and ministered to the world in physical as well as in a spiritual fact. It
them. ~'he whole town was moved; and that evening, is another form of the monk's cell, and has been the cause
as the sun began to set they brought to him in the street, of much spiritual pride. There seems in it to be a selfcrowding up to the door of the house. all t~ sick and those intoxication which precludes a clear understanding of the
possessed with demons; and he healed them all.-Mark work of the Lord. Certainly those who are immoderate in
1: 33, 34.
following this practice of separation, and meditation which
4It was a strenuous day. Morning, noon, and night, Jesus is called prayer, are not loyers of the truth, and are not
had been busy; and, as the ministI'y of healing took much found amon~st those who are advertising the presence ot
of his vitalit~, he must have been very tired. According to the Lord and the establishment of his kingdom.
human nature he ought to have rested the next day, spend
8Although ,Jesus had risen early, he was not permitted to
ing it quietly; but he knew that his time for his ministry have Ii lengthened time of solitude; for led by earnest imwas short, and though worn in body and perhaps nerve- pulsive Peter, his disciples and others sought him and, when
weary, he rested but a few hours. He arose a great while they found him, said: "All men seek for thee." (Mark 1 : 37~
before it was day (Mark 1:3G), and went into a solitary Peter was excited with the eYents of the previous day, and
place, and there prayed, Jesus method of rest was to take glad for his Master that at last attention was called to him.
such chance opportunities as his work afforded, as when Had Peter understood he would have kept the disciples and
he slept during the short sail across the Gennesareth (Mat- the crowd away from his Master Instead of, in his enthuthew 8: 24) ; but most frequently he found both rest and siasm, leading them on and breaking in on Jesus' rest.
recllperation in communion with his l<'ather, as in this case. Themselves hale and hearty men, they little understood the
There in such communion he rested and soothed his nerves strain under which Jesus worked or his need of some soliand tired body; and there, too, he sought and received guid- tude; but feeling well and strong and enthused, they expected
nnee.
the Lord to be as they were. Instead of responding to their
sDecause our Lurd spent much time in prayer, once a requf'st to go down again amongst the multitude and to stay
whole night (Luke G: 12), some have thought and taught that in Capernaum, Jesus said to his disciples, some of whom he
251

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CfheWATCH TOWER

had now called to be more definitely to be with Ilim :"Let

us go into the next town, that I may prlo'ach thpre al!:o'Q: for
therefore came I forth."-l\Iark 1 : 38.
uPopularity was nothing to .Jpi;us, and the fact that numbers crowded to him affpetlo'(] him but little. He knew that
most of the people wel'l' Io'xdtc<l because of What tlJe~' saw
done, and were not really anxious for him as the mlo'ssIo'nger
of God. It was not to gathpr numbers to himself that he
camlo', but partly to maklo' disdplE's and partly te give a
witness to the kingdom of heavell. He must fulfil his mission.
Capernaum ba<l already had sufficient witness to the fact
that a mpssenger of (lOll was amongst them; and the resP'On~ibjJity thlo'refore lay upon thpllJ to make use of that
which had been given to them. Other towns and vilhlg"PS
must in like manner have the witness of the king<lom of
heaven in that aspect of it which was presentc<l in Jesus.
(See Luke 11: 20) It was for this that Jesus had come
forth- for this that he was sent into the world. So he went
on throughout Galilee, preaching in all the synagogues an<l
casting out demons.-Mark 1: 39.
JESUS HEALS A LEPROUS PERSON
l0While Jesus was on this tour of Galilee he healed a
Il'per, the first so afflicted whom he IH'aled. Though Luke
says that Jpsus was in one of the cities When the leper came
10 him, we may suppose that the incident' occurred outside
thp actual city; for lepers were spparated from their fellows.
(Numhers 5:2) Perhaps it was after Jesus ha<l been ministering in one of the little cities of that part that the 1t'I1er,
hearing of the things that had been done, ventured to him.
gvidently he had heard much ahout ,Tesus, and beiieved in
lJis ability t;o heal even this dread disease, for which no cure
was known. Luke, who was a me<lical man and keenly obsprvant, as his wr'itings disclose, says that the man was full
of leprosy (Luke 5: 12). which means that the case was a
very bad one.
"But impelled by the longing desire for freedom from the
loathsome disease which was eating away his :l!esh, and
101' a restoration to humanity from which by nature of his
his trouble he was an outcast, and believing in the power
of Jesus the leper came near, nearer indeed than he ought
to have done. "Lord," he said, "if thou ,,"ilt, thou eanst
ma.ke me clean." Jesus had compassion on him, and the appeal and the ueclaration of belief in his power were immediately answered. (Matthew 8: 2) Quite unexpectedly and
contrary to nil custom Jesus touched the suppliant, and the
leprosy fled.
12,Tesus had always before him the attitude of the people.
They would use him as a means to their own ends. The
curious would explore his knowledge or would have him
work miracles for them; and the sick would have his cures,
but care little for his mpssage and less, if possible, for what
God had to say to them by him. Hence Jesus showed a little
reservation even towards this poor man. He was healed,
not because request was made and knowledge shown, but
because Jesus with a heart of love was representing his
]<'ather, and the comparison God had for his fallen children.
'Those who would g6 to Jesus for healing as a man would go
to a retailer of phyBic might eJl.-pect little of him. He wanted
those who wanted him; and those who, like the Phariseps,
eared little for him were not such as he desired.
13Bidding the man go and show himself to the priest and
make his offering for cleansing according to the Law, Jesus
sent him away "forthwith", as if there were immediate necessity for so doing. (Mark 1: 43) ARd as imperatively he
bade the man tell no one of the miracle. The reason for
these injunctions are apparent: The priests were to have
the testimony that one was present who had a power to heal
which could only come from God. Had they accepted this
testimony then, they would not have /jlter been found in the

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

conspiracy against Jesus. (Matthew 26: 3) Also as we have

seen, ,Jesus' method of healing h~' touehing the leper made
him unelpan cprirnonially; and there Sl'ems good reason for
thinking that the statpment which immediately follows,
that he could not entpr into their city, was not so llIueh
because of the great crowds as because it was noised abroad
that having healed a leper by touching him, Jesus was unclean, and might be a carrier of the dread contagion.I,evitieus 5: 3 ; 13 :46.
HIt is recorded that Jesus healed the leper because he
had compassion on him, and this is a point to be noted.
'l'he leper in his appeal to .Jesus really put the responsibility of healing upon the Lord; his approach was as if he
said: "Behold me and my pitiable condition; you can relieve
me if you are willing to do so." He got his desire, though not
lweause of his knowledge, but because Jesus ha<l eompassion on him. The leper was suppliant before Jesus,
but he had not a suppliant's heart.
l~It is evident that Jesus perfectly understood the man,
and knew that there was danger to his cause if he yielded
to the lIo'per's request. But the piteous sight of the man
lIppealp<1 to Jesus' lovin.~ heart. How different the result
in this ease from that in the second Galilean miraele!
When the ruler received Jesus' gift of healing for I]is son, he
believell an<l all his house. This was a positive gain for God.
lIere, the heall'd leper, who cared little for God's cause or
for Jesus' mission became a hindrance. It is probable that
he was as disobedient to the injunction to report to the
priest as he was in respect to the command not to noise
abroad the fact and the manner of his healing.
SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS' WORK
IGToday's partion of stud~', Mark's record of Jesus' first
ministry in Galilee, seems to be set by the holy spirit as a
t~'pical record. It sets in relief Jesus' purpose to decline a
particular work in favor of the more general, his preaching
of the kingdom to the many, the casting out of demons,
signifying that the power of the kingdom of heaven 11lId
begun to be manifested (Luke 11: 20); while the hpaling
of the leper showed that sin, which it significantly typified,
would be healed by the power of the Savior. This was a full
ministry, according to the commision of Isaiah 61: 1. The
gospel was prpached, the sick were healed, those bound by
the devil were delivered, and the leper was cleanse<l. It
was symbolic of the kingdom, but is specially so of the
present ministry, when the kingdom can be declared as
bl'ing established in power. It is therefore a guide for today
when the Church has a similar work to do for God. The
Church now is s~t to proclaim the kingdom of heaven and
the blessings now due to those who will hear the message,
and to declare the coming blessings when shortly the kingdom is established in power. 'l'his message received in an
honest heart immediately makes a disciple; for the
heart is moved with love towards God, and this always
turns one to the means that God uses for the furtherance of
the work. But now, as then, the time is short for the
proclamation; and again there is little time to liltay in any
one place, as the apostles and the people wanted to have
Jesus stay in Capernaum.
17There is a responsibility laid upon those who hear and
see the truth. Let those who have heard the gospel of the
kingdom make use of what they have heard; for the messengers go on. The message must be preached in all places possible. There are probably today some who approach the truth
much as the leper approached Jesus, and who act afterwards
much the same as he did. They quite expect God could ease
their minds respecting the misunderstandings and miscor.ceptions of his purpose if he cared to do so. They want and
take the truth, but care little for the interests of the Master
and for the purpose for which God's blessings are given,

AUGUST

15, 1924

'fheWATCH TOWER

l\1hich is to draw them near to him. And some in their forgetfolness have caused misunderstandings, and have done
apparent harm to the Lord's interests.
18The leper's disobedience was probably turned into use;
for the crowds that gathered in the fields and on the moun,ain side to hear Jesus could hard IS have been accommodated
in the streets and small rooms of thp cities. And there are
again some who like those who refuSf'd Jesus access to the
dtips at that time, do not care to be associated with the
truth be('ause it tells of delivl'rance for all men from the
bondage which this prl'sent pvil world has cast about thlo'm.
Healing a Ippl'r stopped some from listening to Jesus, but
it g-ave freedom for the crowds, Tplling the truth abroad
offends some, but HIP sick are hpaled, the bound are fr('(>d,
and the outcasts of sc)('iNy wiII Iparn of salvation. The work
was .Jehovah's then, and the work now is his, anel nothing
can stop it or set it back till all is aeeomplishpd.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What did .T""UR do after he WaR rejected by his townspeol'le? What
were the I'eoplp accuRtome<1 to hear In their Rynagogu"" '! ~ 1.
What disturbe,1 thp synagogue worshil"! What made JesuR the talk
of the town? ~:.l.

253

What further things <lid Jesus do to cWmonstrate tll"at he had

divine authority? 'II 3,
Is it likely that Jesus got tired? Why so? How did he sometimes
get rest and recuperation? '14.
Are we in agreement with those who advocate long seasons of
prayer and Ii vi ng the prayer life? 'II 5.
Why was it necessary for Jesus to spend much time in prayer?
Why is there any difference with his followers '! 'II 6.
Where is the wrongness of much praylllg lllanifested '! Are the true
members of Christ's body separated In any sense'! '117.
Was It the part oi wisdom that caused Peter to lead others to the
Master so early that morning'! How did Jesus measurailly
dampen t hpir

f'onthnsiasm~?

~~.

WaR .Jesus Willing to satisfy Idle curiosity? What was his mission'! ~ !J.
Where was the probable place of healing the leper? What evid~nce
have we that the ,'ase was a bad one'! '1110.
What are the words of the leper'! What unexpeetea thing did Je~us
clo'! ~ 11.
Did Jesus heal the leper bet'ause of the man's faith? ~ 12, 14,
Why ,lId Jesus se'Hl the man away anL! Ipll hllll to tell no olle of
the miraele? What is the probable reason that Je:;us could no
more enter into their pity'! 'Il lao
WaR the blazing forth of the IDlraPle bv the leper a good act?
Should ,ve not thlllk there W~ wisdOlll In Je::;us' reque::-;t to
keep It (jlllet '! ~ 15.
What are ,,'lIIe of the wonderful thin!,:" which JeRus did? Of what
arp thpse symbolic? What is the Church's prespnt llliaslon'! 'Il 1U.
In what r~spL..'t may people today be lUuch like the leper? ~ 17.
How did nod oyprrnle the leJlt'r'~ dlsobedlC"Ilt'l'R'! Are ~ome offended
"Iwn it is emphasized that sallatlOu is 101' all people? ~ IS.

OPENING PERIOD OF CHRIST'S MINISTRY

GOD'S 1.0VING PROVISION FOR HIS OWN-JESUS THE GHJ<:AT SIN-BEARER-JESUS' WORDS TO NICODEMFS FOR US-JESUS' OWN
TOWNSPEOPLE ANGERED,

"Ji'or God so 10TCd the world that he gavc his onl!! begottcn Son, that whosoevcr belicTeth in Mm ~houl{l not perish, but
hare e1er/(J.~ting Ufe."-John 3: J(j.

OR the past three months the Sunday Il'ssons have

taken us to the divine rpcorels of the birth, the early
life, and the early ministry of ,Tesus, born to be the
Savior of the world, It was in the fulnl'SS of time that
J:>sus was born in Bl'thlehpm, (Galatians 4: 4) More than
4,000 yl'ars had pas~l'd sinee tllP hope of a dpliverpr seed
had bpen givl'n in l<lclen, and motlJpl' Eve had begun to
hope that she might !IpcoIl'le the mother; more than 2,000
yl'llrR had g-one sincl-' thp se'd was promised to Abraham's
family, and 1,000 since it was promised to David's house.
In Rtill !lltpr days the time and place of the birth were fixed.
(Daniel 9: 24; Micah 5: 2) Exactly at the appointed time
Jpsus was born in Bl'thlehem of the virgin Mary, of the
seed of David. B!':g-ottl'n of the holy spirit the child was
sl'parate from sin, while yet truly human, a son of Adam
by nature (Luke :3: 38), a son of God according to the
power of Iife.-John 1: 12,
2God brought forth a clcan and pure child out of the
nncIl'an human stock. It was necessary that the Savior of
the worlcl should be horn thus; for before he could be
clothed With power and authority to deliver the race from
sin and death, he must first be a ransom price and sinoffering, and only a perfN'! man could be a ransom. Before
deliverance could come, the sin which was on the world
mURt be atoned for; and God purposed to demonstrate that
a perfect man, loyal to God in pa tient waiting upon the will
of God and with a fixed purpose to do that will, could
resist sin and the attacks of the devil.
3The young child and his mother, and Joseph, his parental
caretaker, were subjl'cted to many trying experiences. But
Mary had placed herself gladly in the hands of God for the
honor conferred upon her of being the mother of the promised seed, and the loyal faith of both were rewarded by the
knowledge that they were specially in Jehovah's care. Trials

and Rpecial blessinj.(S intl'rming-ll'd with l'aeh other until

thc'y settled at Nazareth. Josl'!lh seems to have lived only
long enoug-h to sprve the purpose of carl'takpr till the boy
Jesus grew into youthhood. gXl'l'pt by the songs of the
ang-els at Bethlehem (Lukl' 2: ]3,14) Goel elid not demonstratI' to Israel the fact of thl' birth of the ehild. No doubt
the rulprs in .Jerusalem hpllnl of this stran,~e thing; but
thpy paid no attention till the magi from the East arl'ive<l,
inquiring for the young King of the Je~s. Then Herod
soug-ht to destroy the child; but God preserved his Son,
and the destroyers were themselves destroyed.
GOD'S LOVING PROVISION FOR HIS OWN
fBut it was not the child Jesus who was God's witness
to Isral'l; it was thp man JesuR, and it '1VaR thp truth which
he prpadwd when a man that brought them into testing.
Goel plael~l his Son, born to be the Reelpemer of the world,
in the care of a good woman and a good man; Mary's life
shows that she had a ('onstant care for .Tesus, she was a
"mother in IsraeL" Yet the incident in .Terusalem when
Jesus was twelve years of age, wh'n neither Mary nor
Josl'ph properly attended to the safety of the boy, showed
that their service was not without imperfl'ctions. The true
disciple finds in theRe r(>('ords food for his own soul; he
knows that these things were written for his instruction
in the ways of God and for the sf:rengfh'ning of his faith.
He learns that fuB consecration means fuB submission to
God for any purpose God pleases. And not only does he
say: "My times are in thy hand," which Is faith, but "My
God, I wish them there," which is submissIon. lie also says:

"Not my own! My time, my talent,

Freely all to Christ I brIng,
To be used In joyfUl service
For the glory of my King,"

254

rzneWATCH TOWER

5T:,r0l1;l;!l the long period of youth and early manhood,

and until he was thirty years of age, Jesus waited patiently
till the time of his ministry should begin, when he should
take up the work for which lie had come into the world.
He was not waiting for a call, but for such evidence as
would cause him to act. It was not until John the Baptist
appeared that Jesus knew certainly of the time. 'I.'her~,
about liis thirtieth birthday and at the time of the day of
atonement, he went to John in fulfilment of his Father's
will, amI was immersed in Jordan, signifying his full surrender to God accol'ding to the things written concerning
him in the volume of the book, which had already become
his guide. (Hebrews 10: 7) Jesus' baJltism meant more to
him than John could understand. It was the first "baJltism
into Christ"; for Jesus was liimself then baptized into the
mystic body of Christ, the Anointed, lie being the Head of
the body. (EJlIH'sians 4: 1G) His course is the examJlle for
the followers of Jpsus. 'rhey cannot present themselves to
God apart from the blemish of sin as Jesus did, but his
sacl'ifice for sin enables God to count righteousness to those
who fully offer themselves as Jesus did. It was there and
then that Jesus was anointed l .. ith the holy spirit and was
bl'gotten to the divine nature. (Acts 10: 38) Here was the
beginning of the new creation of God.-2 Corinthians 5: 17,
D'-all/ott.
"I rnmediately after his immersion Jesus went into the
wil:lerness of Judea, where John had spent much of his
time before he began his ministry. (Luke 1: 80) 'I.'bere was
much to think about; for a new life opened before him.
His knowledge of the Scriptures, probably ''I'ord perfect,
now revealed to him the ministry to which he had been
appointed. Troubling not about bodily needs, he spen the
d.lYS in meditation and in earnest apJllication of the Scriptures, seeing many of those things which in these days have
been revealed to us by means of "pn'sent truth." But his
wiltlerness experience was for more than quiet meditation.
Th,'re was the necessity that he should be subject to temJltat m.
':n time the pangs of hunger came upon Jesus; he also
thea saw that the world into which he had come could not
be "aved from its distrt'ss until the "arious purposes of
God had matured. No doubt he felt his loneliness; for
DOl:e but John knew of him. Then came the devil in fierce but
cUlining attack to use these things to tempt Jesus from the
way his l<'ather had marked out for him, and fl'om patient
waiting upon God. Jesus withstood the enemy by refusing
to he moved from his loyalty and faith in God. He was the
first who did this; and by his victory he left his disciples
an example how to resist the devil successfully. Loyalty to
Ood with a fixed purpose to faith, and faithfulness to the
consecration vow, with a knOWledge of the Word of God,
:llld Satan has no chance to pervert the mind or the heart
of the true disciple of Jesus. 'l'he Father had been watching
llis beloved Son in the sharpness of the trial; and Jesus
suffered being temptpd (Hebrews 2: 18); and after his
successful resistance and Satan's fail u I'e, he was miraculously fed llnd refreshed.-l\Iatthew 4: 11.
JESUS THE GREAT SIN-BEARER

8Then Jesus began his ministry; bnt, apparently, God

was doing very little for him. There was no show, no fine
st~ll(l-off. The ministry was begun by a lonely man with a
knowledge of God, with the love of God in his mInd and
heatt, and with the purpose to do the will of God. Jesus
knew that John had been sent to make ready a people for
him (Luke 1: 17) ; and under the guidance of the spirit of
undel.standing with which he was endowed (Isaiah 11: 2)
he ,,, ,'nt near to where John was baptizing, yet refrained
from takiQ\:( counsel with John. Seeing him John immediate-

DnOOKLYN,

N. Y.

rose to the opportunity; and aSl a true herald cried out for
his disciples to hear: "Behold the Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1: 29) Two of
them, Andrew and John, followed Jesus, and qUickly brought
their two brothers Peter and James. All four believed on
Jesus. Then Jesus sought out Philip, and later met Nathanael; and both these became his disciples. Ali these were
drawn to him for the simple reason that they had prepared
their hearts for the word of God. Where love for God
dwelIs, there truth can dwell; where selfishness abides,
truth cannot find a permanent lodging. There was a longing
desire for God, and God supplied it.
9Instructin,g these disciples was really the beginning of
Jesus' ministry. Outwardly he began it at the wedding
feast at Cana, where he shared with the people in the happiness of the occasion. When the wi.ne ran short Jesus,
while now resisting any authority from his mother, yet
accede to her desh'e to do something; and he turned much
water into wine. The miracle showed Jesus' relation to the
facts of human nature. His kindly disposition, his generous
heart, and the generous action are illnstrative of that time
when in the kingdom of heaven the blessings of God will
make the human family happy.
lOAftel' this, Jesus went to ,Jel'usalem for the Passover,
the first since the beginning of his ministry. When he went
into the temple he found the courts busy with those who
sold cattle and doves, and those who changed money for the
mallY visitors from afar who came to the feast. Zeal for
his Father's house laid hold on him. He drove out the
cattle and the traders and the money changers, and poured
out the money and overturned the tables. It is easy t-o
imagine the great commotlon which immediately resulted.
We are not to suppose that in this Jesus acted merely on
strong impulse; his zeal was tempered with a set purpose,
and he had no fear of man. The leaders seemed utterly
unable to see their lack; they were blinded by the profit
tlH'y made, and by the need to keep up their costly institutions. But they are left far behind by their fellows of today,
who keep up church revenues by whist drives, theatrical
performances, and other like arrangements. These leaders,
who profited by practices which profaned the temple, demanded to know what miracle Jesus worked as a sign of
his authority. 'I'heir demand was as foolish as that of the
professors of today, who want to know of the Lord's servants the authority by which they do the works of God
and explain sC11ptures Which they themselves are utterly
unable to explain, and which they ignore and, indeed, very
frequently despise.
JESUS' WORDS TO NICODEMUS FOR US

was shortly after this that Jesus was visited at night

by Nicodemus, one of the rulers, who freely acknowledged
that the leaders knew that ,Jesus was sent from God. Jesus
dealt plainly with him, telling him that it was impossIble
for him to make progress, because he had not learned the
lessons of the facts which God had already revealed. Further, one needed to be begotten from above to understand
what Jesus had to teach. Jesus told him of these things,
and left him to lllake inquiry how they could be. He went
on to tell Nicodemus of the love of God in the plan of
redemption by means of sin-offering. All this was beyond
Nicodemus' understanding; but it was really spoken for us,
and the disciple of today is guided into the truth of God
by the words spoken to this timid inquirer who came to
Jesus in the shades of night.
12Jesus soon left Jerusalem for Gal1lee. He saw that
there was little to accomplish in Jerusalem, because the
people were satisfied and needed nothing that he could give
them. He went by the Samaria road, and at Sychar had
lllt

AUGUST 15, 1!J24

rrMWATCH TOWER

an encounter with a Samaritan woman wIlo wus of poor

reputation, but who, like the fields then ripening for harvest, was ready for the sickle of truth. '1'0 her Jesus spoke,
antI led her on until at last he told her of himself as the
One sent of God. 'l'hrough this incillent many Samaritans
belipyed on him. These despised Samaritans were much
more rpady to receive what Jesus had than were the Jews
of ,Terusalern. Fields unexpected were white to harvest.
So it is today. Orthollox circles do not want the truth;
but in Samaria, that is in unexpected circlf's and unexpected places, the fieills are ready for rpaping.
'''From Samaria Jesus continued to Cana. He was at once
called on by a .Tew of Herod's household with an urgent
rPljuest to go to Capernaum to heal his very sick son. ,Tesus
dill not immediately respond, but told the father and those
who were there that it was not himself tlwy wanted but
what he could give them. It was rpally more important
tlmt the father shouill bf'lieve on Jpsus as the messenger
of God than that he should have his son healell. But the
falher's faith in Jf'SUS and his plf'ading resulted in Jesus'
tplling him that his son should live; and as a consequence
a II the man's household bel'ame believers in ,Tesus. Faith in
Jpsus is always rewunl~d by receiving its request, and by its
own increase, and by increasing the faith of otllers. No
man can kepp his faith to himself. It quickens others to
an increase.
JESUS' OWN TOWNSPEOPLE ANGERED
lJesus had now been many months away from his home
town; and as the time had come when he would give his
witness to those who knew him so wpIl, he would once again
,'isit the home which had shpltered him for thirty years.
III' arrivell at Nazareth probably about midweek, and spent
sume tillle amongst the townspeople, healing some who were
sil'le When the sabbath came, he went into the synagogue;
and as his custom had been he stood up to read the portion
of the Scripture. As he read the first part of Isaiah's
prophecy, "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; bpcause
the Lonl hath anointeli me to preach good tidings unto the
meek: he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to
proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to them that are bound" (Isaiah 61 : 1), he said to
them: "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."
(LUke 4: 21) Instead of being gladdened that a messenger
of God had come to them, one whom they knew to be a trm,
anll good man, as his whol(' life had witnessed, and grateful
that the Scriptures were being opened out with a heartenin~
message of love, they were filled with unreasoning anger.
They were mad because he claimed to be the one of whom
the prophets spoke; the message was nothin~ to them.
Jpsus witnessed against them, showin~ that they were of
the same disposition as their fathers, who in the days past
had failed to take advantage of the blessings of God. (Luke

255

4; 21)-27) They were so an~ry that they attempted to destroy him. He left Na~areth forever, and went to reside at
Capl'rnaum, his mother and brethren also going with him.
-Matthew 4: 13; Luke 8: 19,20.
loEvpn so now, some, like the leaders of Jewry, refuse the
truth becuuse it touches tlwir vested inten'Sts; some, lilro
Nazarpth, refuse it because they hate to think that those
thpy know can be God's messengprs; but they ull hate it
because, its deeds being evil, the liarlmess hateth the light.
~ol1le today who hf'ar the latter part of Jesus' text now
being preaclwd by God's servants, who proclaim the llay of
vengeunce, are affected in the same way as the men of
Na~areth. 'l'hey are mall thnt unll'ttered men dare to proelaim themselvps as the ml'ssengers of God. They, too,
would destroy the preuchers of the truth; but their power
is rpstraincd, aUlI tlwy are unable to carry out their dire
purpose.
IGAfter this, .Jesus wl'nt about Galilel', proclaiming the
king-dom of heaVl'n at hand, and healing and blessin~ the
plc'o]lle. His miracles show forth the glory of the kingdom
which, when establish('d in ri~hteom;ness, will not only restore men to helllth, but will take away the sin which is the
l'HnSe of sickness, and sorro\\', and death. The Lord's people
today cannot work miraclpf; as the Master llill; but they
can tlc'1I of the coming of the kingdom, and relate the blessings whil'h it will bring" to the children of men; and in
tllis way their work is like his.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
WaR Jesus born at an appointed time? How was he truly human,
yet different from other,? 11 1.
Why was it neces,ary for .r !'Sus to be of human birth, yet perfect? 11 2.
When God be,tow, an honor is there usually a trial 01' test in
connection with it? Dill the ruier, belleve the angels' song? 11 3.
D"l Jesu, haY<, good care as a boy? Was it perfect care? What
is the difference between faith and submission? 11 4.
What did Jesus' immer,ion signify? How was he baptized into the
mystic body of ehri,t? How are we accepted in him? 'I 5.
Aft... his haptism what dill Jesus do? 11 G.
\Vhat facts show us that Jesus was human and not himself God?
What made JeRUS 'ecure from Satan's attack? Did he Buff"r In
the temptation? 11 7.
Dill Jesus have a good send-off for his ministry from the Father?
What was the declaration of John the Baptist, in rising to the
o(:caRion? 1f 8How did Jesus b~in his ministry? Jesus' supplying wine repre
,en ted what? 1 9.
What thd Jesus do when he enteretl the temple at the Passover
season after his baptism? What blinrle<1 the leaders then? What
blinds the leaders tooay? Are the leaders of today as despicable
as they were when Jesus expos",! tlwir profiteering scheme? '1110.
Who was Nicodemus, and what ,hd .Jesu, tell him? 11 11.
What was the means by which the go,pel went to the Samaritans?
11 12.
What resulted from the miracle of the healing of the nobleman's
,on? 11 lH.
What won(lerful message did Jesu, brin!!: to his home town? Why
were the townspeople angry? \Vha t resulted to Nazareth? 11 14.
Are there any today who are hin'lered from accepting the truth for
the same rea,on that Nazareth rejected it? 11 15.
What did Jesus' miracl!;" show forth? In what way is our work
like that of Jesus? 'Il1U.

THE AGE OF BROTHERHOOD

"The Golden Age of Brotherhood
By seers of East foretold,
When right shall triumph over wrongs
Of centuries grown old;
When in the liesert springs break forth,
Wastes blossom as the rose,
And health and happiness are borne
On every breeze that blows;

"When sin and death shall pass away,

And every human heart
Bl~ filled with love until this earth
Shull seem a heaven a partCheer up, fair Earth; come dry your tears
And banish every fear,
Lift up your head, rejoice and sing,
The Golden Age is here /"

International Bible Students A~sociation Gasses

ttec(ure~ drld 6(udle8
BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Oglesby, Ill
_..
Sept.
1
Streator, Ill.
__ " 2, 3
Pontiac, Ill. ._
..
4
Kankakee, Ill. .._.. ....
5, 7
Blue Island, Ill.
8
Chicago Heights, Ill.
9

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

Joliet, III. .__

_Sept
10
_. .. " 11, 12
A urora, III.
Geneva, III. .__ .
.
14
Ashton, 111. .

15
Hochelle, 111. ._.......
16
Hockford, Ill
_.
17

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Knowlesville, N.Y.
Sept.
Rochester, N.Y. .__ .. __..."
Batav,a, N.Y
__....._.
Newark, N.Y
.. __..
Auburn, N..
_.. .
Cortland, N.Y
__

8
9
10
11
12
14

by Trdvelin<A Brethren

Elmira, N.Y
_..
Sept.
Hammondsport, N.Y. __ "
Johnson C,ty, N.Y . .__ .
Binghamton. N.Y. . ..
Bainbridge, N.Y.
..
Oneonta, N.Y
__..__ .

15
1(;
17
18
19
21

3
4
5
7
8
9

Canonsburg, Pa. . Sept.

Duquesne, Pa.
' 4."
Buena Vista, Pa. ....
McKeesport, 1'a.
._.
Versailles, Pa, _
Blizabeth, Pa...
.

Monongahela, Pa.
Sept.
:Monessell, .Pa. ". .._.. "
Bentleyville, 1'a. .
Browus"ilJe, I'a.
.
Uice:.; Landing, Pa.
Morgantown, W. Va.

10
11
12
14
15

16

BROTHER B. M. RICE
Cedar Rapids, Ia. _.Segt.
Vinton, Ia. .
.__._ ..
Oxford Junction, Ia.
Clinton, Ia.
Davenport, Ia. . .__
Muscatine, lao
.._..

7, 9
8
10
11
12
14

Burlin~ton, I a ...
Sept. 15, 16
Keosauqua, lao .".__. ,.
17
Albia, la,
18. 21
Moulton, Ia. .__
19
Charlton, Ia. .
__
22
Iudianola, Ia... _..__
23

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Cincinnati, O.........Sept.
7, 8
Wilmington, O. . . . . . "
9
Chillicothe, O
_..
10, 11
\Vellston, O
..
12
Portsmouth, O
.
14
Ironton, O
__
15

Ashland, Ky... ... Sept.

Huntin~ton, W. Va.
"17,
Gallipolis, O... _.
.
Parkt',sburl:. W. Va.
Stockport, O
.
Manetta, O
..
23,

16
1H
19
21
22
24

BROTHER V. C. RICE
4
Henderson, N. C... --.SeNt.
~Helll. N. C. _..
_
5
Durham, N.C. _. _
7
8, 12
"'instan Salem, N. C.
State \toad, N. C. . _
9, 11
lmoam, N. C..._._.......
10

Greensboro, N. C.
. Sept.
High Point, N. C.
."
Welcome, N. C. __. .._
Salisbury, N. C.
. .. 17,
Kannuvo1is, N. C. .
Charlotte, N. C... ...

14

15

16
18
19
21

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Bognol", Onto
Aug.
29
Meaford. Onto
"
31
Collingwood, Onto
Sept.
2
Singhampton, Ont."
3
Toronto, Ont.
.
7
Haliburton, Onto __..
IG, 21

Cameron, Ont.
.. Sept. 23, 24
Lindsay. Ont. __. .. ..
~'J
Peterboro, Ont. .
26, 28
Ha,elocl<. Ont. . _
29
Flower Station, Onto
30
Pembroke, Onto ...... __Oct.
2, 3

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
Thayer, Mo...
.. __ Sept.
4,5
Willow Springs, 1110. ..
7
Verona, 1110....._._ .....
9
Pierce City, 1110. __ ..
10, 11
Monett, Mo
_ _._ ..
14
Wheaton, 1110
.

1::

Noel, 1110.. _
__ Scpt. 15, 16
Joplin. 11I0.
..
17
Baxter Springs, Kan. "
18
Cardin, Okla. _ ..._. __ .
19
Webb City, 1110. . __
21
Carthage, 1110. __...__.
22

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Butte, Mont. __ .... __ .. Sept.
14
15
Deer Lodge, Mont.
..
Missoula, Mont. . .
16, 18
Pablo, 1II0nt. .
__
17
Spokane, Wash
_
19, 21
22
Cour d'Alene, Ida. __

Chesaw, Wasil. ....._Sept. 23, 24

Damille. Wash. ._. __. "
25
Colville, Wash. __ ..
26
Spokane, Wash. __
28
Rosalia, Wash
_.
29
Colfax, Wash.
30

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Maclennan, Onto ..__ Sept. 10, 11
Bar River, Onto ..____"
12
Sault Ste. 1I1arie, Ont."
14
Searchmont, Onto __ "
16, 17
White River, Onto __
19
Port Arthur, Onto __
21, 22

Fort William, Onto Sept. 21, 22

Dryden, Onto __ ......_. "
23
24
Oxdrift, Onto ..
._.
Kenora, Onto .
__
25
26, 2H
Winutpeg, Man
__
Treherne, Man. .__ ..
29,30

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
Ledford, In. _ _ .Se,~t.
15
Mound Clty, Ill.
16
Thebes, Ill... ..
_
17, 1H
Anna. III. __ .
__.
19
Carbondale, Ill. .._...
21
Swanwick, Ill. __ ... __
22

Valier, Ill. . ...__ . Sept.

23
Marion, 111. _,_ ___.___ " 24, 25
White Ash, III.
.._..
26
Paducah, Ky.
.
28, 30
Mayfield, Ky...
.
29
Dixon, Ky. ._._ ..__.._.__Oct.
1,2

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN
maine, Me.
_ ._Se,~t.
Oldtown, Me. . _
Bangor, lIIe.
... ._.
Rockland, Me.
__
New Ilarbor, Me. ._._
I'ortland, 1I1e. .__ .. .

1, 2
3,4
5
7
8

Kennebunk, Me. .-----15er:t.

~o
Kittery, Me. .
..
11
Newburyport, Mass.
12, 14
Byfield, Mass... .__.
15
Ha "erhi II, Mass. .__.
16
Lawrence, Mass.....
17

BROTHER W. J. THORN
Erskine. Minn .... _._ .. _.. _Sept.
Mahnomen, Minn... _.__..
Thief Ri Vel' Falls, Minn... 12,
Haug, Minn. __ __.. _....__._ .. 15,
Zlppel, Minn. _ __ ..__.__._ .. 18,
Northome, Minn
_ 21,

10
11
14
16
19
22

St. Paul. Minn. .__ .... Sept.

Pease, l\[inn. ._.
._. _._ ;; 24,
Princeton, Minn. . ....
Minneapolis, Minn. .
Winona, Minn. .
.
Hoches tel', Minn. .

23
25
26
28
29
30

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Merrell, Wis
Wausau, \Vis

.Aug.
._"

Marion, Wis.
.
_ Sept.
Clintonville, Wis
._."
Bonduel, Wis.... .
.
Green Bay. Wis. . .....

29

lIIHinette,

31

VUlcan, l\Iich. __

1
2
3
4

Wis

__ ._Sept.
_

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. "

Sault Ste. Marie, Onto
Marquette, Mich. .
__
Bruces Crossing, Mich.

11

Enterprise, Ala. __.. _.. Sept.

J~lba,
Ala
.. .
..
Opp, Ala
. ..
Andalusia, Ala.
.
.. 11,
Florala, Ala.
..._._.. _
14,
Stella, Fla......_.
..

12
14
15
17
18
19

Chickasha, Okla. __.__. Sept.

2
Comanche. Okla.
" 3, 5
Walters, Okla. __'''_''_''
7
Lawton, Okla. .__._...
.
8
Hobart, Okla
9
Hoosevel t, Okla.
10

"

8,9
10

2
3
4
1>, 7
10
11

Charlestown, 'V. Va. Sept.

Hagerstown, 'V. Va. ..
Cumberland, Md
.
Oakland, Md... ._ .
16,
lilt. Lake Park, Md.
Lonaconing, Md. ....

Pensacola, 1<'la.
. Sppt.
nre\vton, Ala. _. ..__.. "
Bay Minette, Ala. .__.
JlIobile, Ala.
......
Silas, Ala.
.
._
Tuscaloosa, Ala. . ..

17
18
19
21
22

24

12

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Charlottesville, Va. Sept.
'\Taynesboro, Va. .... "
Dayton, Va. --------.--.
Berryville, Va....'--"
no~k Ellon Springs, Va.
Winchester, Va. _.... ..

8
9
10
12
16
15

Tbomas, Okla. . . Sept.

11
Blair, Okla
. .. 12, 14
Clinton, Okla _.....__
Hi, 18
Hydro, Okla
._..
16, 17
Watonga, Okla.
19
Hinton, Okla. . ._._
21, 22

~~~rlcte1l)J1JiJl)~UU9<rr~~r~ ~1f~1ly~Nu~rot?
~~

:wl>ni~g W:t1:~~j, ~l1:ul1i ~ ~igu,t iiills/JJ" - tgaialJ

VOL. XLV

SE~II-:\IoNTHLY

No. 17

Anno Mundi 6052 -Sept. 1, 1924

OONTENTS
TrrF. INTERx .\'nON AL COXYF.NTIO~............ __ ....... _2:)()

Report of Press Committee

2fiO

r1r~!fl~~~i~r;;~::_::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Jg~
Public Distribution to Follow

__ 2G:1

PR.\YEP.:IIEETIKG TEXT CO'DlEXTS................... _._2G4

THE CnOICE OF 'I'HE T\n:LYE
_. 21H1

Dh'ersity of Character lIIanifesL

THE SERMON ON THE ]\[OPKT

.. _.. _._

::2GG
_..

2fiR
._2GR

Outstanding Features of Sermon

LETTERS ~ROM AFIELD_._. __ .

..........

Intcrestmg Letter from France__ ..__

270
_ 271

r?'

l!

".ORLll- \VIDE WITNESSES_ ..................... _......... 238

COI'YEXTION OF COLORED Br.ETHREN

258

"1 ",ill stand ltpon 9111/ ",atch and will Ret 9111/ 1wl
lipan the Tower, and ",ill uatch to sce what He 10in
lay ltnto me, and what answer 1 shall make to them

Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the wavea (the restless. di8contented) roaring; men'. hearts failing them for fear lLnd for looking tG
the thIngs cominl{ ul?on the earth (society); for the powers olthe heavens (ecclesiaeticam) shall be shaken. When ye see th..... things begin to come to pass. then
know that the Kingdom of God i. at hand. Look up, lift up your heads. rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:2,;.31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS Journal is one of Ute prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now being
presented in aU parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where BiblEi' students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of tho
coming of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and ve~y
helpful to aU who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verb. Dei Minister (V. D; M.), which translated
into Bnglish is .Minister of God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This Journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true fonndation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
aU". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2; G) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1; 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fcllowship of the mystery which has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
U stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while It seeks more and more to bring its every utteran~e into fnllest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom ~ranted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be nsed only in hi~
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hill
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge OUI:
readers to prove aU its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is "the temple of the living God", pecnliarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throughout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's R!'deemeJ." and the Chief Corncr Stone of his t"mple, through which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 1G, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3; 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "HYing stones", ""lect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great !lIastel' Workman will bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place bctweea God and men throughout
the 1I1illennium.-Revelation 15; 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tastcd death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world", "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2; 5, G.
That the hope of the churcb is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as his jOlllt-heir.-1 John 3;2; John 17; 21; Romans 8; 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every
grace; to oe. (;od's wi tness to the world; and to prepare to be klDgs and priests in tile next age.-l~phesians 4; 12; lIlatthew 24:
14; Hevelauon 1: 6; 20; 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of lmowledgn and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's lIIi1lennial kin:;dom, the
rllsututlon of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church.
when all the wilfulJy WIcked will be destroyed.-Acts 3; 19-23; Isaiah 35.

WORLD-WIDE WITNESSES

WATCH TOWER. BI BLE &- TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 8ROOKLYN.NY U.SAo
FOREIGN OFFICES; B"itish: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate,
London W. 2; Canadian: 38-40 Irwin Avenne, Toronto, Ontario;
Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne. Australia; South African:
6 Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa.
PLIOASE ADDRESS 'l"HE SOCIETY IN I']VERY CASE.
YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: UNITED S'l'ATES, $1.00; CANADA
AND MISCELLANEOUS .FOREIGN, $1.50; Gn>;A'l" BI<ITAIN, AUSTRALASIA,
AND SOUTH AFRICA, 7s. Amerkan rf'mittalwl's should be made by
Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Dan': Draft. Canadian, British,
SouthAfrican,andAustralllSlUn rcmittancteS should be made to blanch
Offices only. Hemittances from seatterI'd foreign territory may be made
to the Ilrooldyn officf', out by Internatlonall'ostalMoney Orders only.
(Foreign translations of thts journal appear in several langllaqes)
Editorial Committ~~: This journal is puhlished under the supervision
of an editorial committee. at least three of whom have read aud
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. RU~HEIll<"ORn.
'V. E. VAN AMBURGII, J. HE~!ERY, K II. DARllER, C. K STF,WART.
7'er",s to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of
o1<J age or other in/mnity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
jonrnal, will be supplied fL'ee if they send a postal card each May
stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
in touch with the Berean studies.
Notice to Subscribers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of aclmowledp;ment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper label.

Readers of THE! WATCH Tmnm will please take notice that

Sunday, November 2, 1fJ24, is desig-nated as a world-wide
witness date, at which time ali the classes will please ar
range for public meetings and advertise the sUhject, "Civilization Doomed, but milli.ons now llring will never die."
Follow the sallle course as in former world-wide witnf'Sses.
The speaking brethn'n should gh'e evt>ry assistance.
Sunday, DI'('Plllbcl' ]4. ]!J24, is also dpsignateti as a date
for a world-wide witness.
CONVENTION OF COLORED BRETHREN

There will be a convention of Colored Brethren held in

Philadelphia, 1'a., Friday to Monday. August 2fl to Scptembel' 1. Brother T. E. Banks, Brotlwr II. H. RIE'lIler, and other
brethren of ability will be present. For further Information
addrl'ss the secretary, Mr. M. A. Gaddie, 1617 Christian St.,
Philadelphia, Pa.
CONVENTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BV BROTHER RUTHERFORD

Los Angelf'S, Calif., Sept. 19-21. Secretary: Edward G.

Lamel, Box Corner 'Vilshire & Sycamore.
Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 28. Secretary: Ira II. Hyde, 4401
Olive Street.

Entered as Second Class Matt.,. at Brooklyn. N. Y. Postolfice., Act of MaTch 3Td 1879-

HYMNS FOR OCTOBER

II

III
II

1.8SA. BEREAN.BIBLE.. STUDIES

By Means of

"The At-one-ment"

STllDY ,"III; "TIlE CHANNEL OF THE ATONEMENT"

~eek of Oct. 5 ..... _Q. 34-38
Week of Oct. 19_.__.__ .Q. 45-4~
~eck of Oct. 12. .. Q. 39-44
Week of Oct. 26 ..--... _Q. 50-53

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
'VednesulIY
Thursday
Friday
~turday

1277

2 145
3 243
4 148

5
6
'1
8
9
10
11

326
125
124
50
121
192
13;-;

12
13
14
15
16
1'1
18

176
254
306
197
328
]83
78

19
20
21
22
23
24
25

70
99
46
261
275
32ii
171

26 161
27 186
28 79
29300
30256
31 271

~WATCH

TOWER
PRESENCE

AND HERALD OF CHR~STS

VOL. XLV

No. 17

THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

HE greatest convention of Bible Students held

during the ages is past. It was held at Columbus,
Ohio. It began Sunuay morning, July 20th, 19U.
J t closeu Sunuay night, one week later, with thousands
of consecrateu followers of Jesus standing, waving their
handkerchiefs while they sang together, "God be ,,,ith
you till we meet again." That eonyention was a blessed
season never to be forgotten. Its memories will linger
"'ith us, creating a more intense desire for the convention
of the first-borns, which shall not adjourn.
In every piece of music there is a minor chord; and
though sad, it sweetms the melody. There is a minor
chord of sauness in every gathering on earth of the propIe of God, and its sadness is due to the parting from
those whom we love. But this also adus to the sweetnrss
of the assembly, because of the blessed hope in each
breast that the parting is but temporary and that soon
there will be an assembly of the faithful in the house of
God, where there will be pleasures for evermore; and the
loved ones composing that home-gathering shall neyer
again be separateu.
"The best conYention eyer" has become somewhat of a
stock phrase with us, but really that saying was neyer
so true as when said of the International Convention at
Columbus, Ohio. In all there were probably 20,000
friends who attenued the convention during the week. In
this wicked world, filled with sorrow, perplexity and distress, think of 15,000 or more gathered together in one
body, all of one mind, the heart of each one devoted to
the Lord, with no murmuring, no complaining, no faultfinding, no controversies, no strife, and with their countenances beaming with the spirit of the Master. What a
wonderful spectacle!
These dear ones came from every direction. Some were
from far-away Australia; some from Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Scandinavia, and from Great Britain;
and many came from Canada, and every state in America. They journeyed by steamship, by railway, by electric
cars; thousands came by automobiles; and some even
walked many long, weary miles. Friends provided money
for these to return home by convenient conveyance.
They came for no idle purpose, but to receive a blessing
and to be a blessing; and each one realized his or her
desire. These dear souls are the sheep of the Lord's
pasture. They know the voice of their Shepherd, and
joyfully follow it.

Great numbers of children came with their parents.

Blessed are the children. Thrice blessed are those whose
parents are devoted to the Lord. And blessed is the
privilege to trach these young minds concerning the Lord
and his kingdom, and to lead them in the right way. In
the near future these shall shine forth, reflecting the
glory of the Lord in the earth. Ample. provision was
made to care for these little ones during the meetings,
and at the proper time the parents brought them into
the great assembly and publicly consecrated them to the
Lord. Let the parents look well to the interest of their
children now. This old world and its desires are rapidly
passing from the earth, but the kingdom of Christ and
its blessings will abide forever. 'reach and lead your
children now in the right way, and the rich emoluments
of the kingdom of righteousness may be their portion to
all eternity. Be consoled then with a knowledge of the
fact that it is your privilege to do for your children
what parents in ages past could not do.
There is so much to say about this convention that no
complete report could be given in THE WATCH 'rOWER.
Hence we must be content with a brief statement. Many
of the blessed features of this convention will not be published, but will be handed down by word of mouth from
parent to children and through these to grandchildren.
to be talked of for centuries to come.
The convention opened with an address of welcome
from the :Mayor of the city, who spoke words of good
cheer to the Bible students; and this same kind sp"Jrit
was manifested by the people of Columbus and vicinity
to those who attended the convention. Discourses were
given in the English language every day in the main
auditorium, according to program, while at the same
time meetings were being addressed by competent brethren in the different languages, as follows, to wit: Arabic,
French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian,
Polish, Hussian, Scandinavian and Ukrainian.
With the aid of an electrical voice amplifier erected
on the platform, and one also below the platform, every
word of the speakers could be heard by the vast audience. Those who testified at the testimony meetings
formed a line, and at the proper time stepped before the
amplifier below the main platform and gave their testimonies, all of which could be heard by all present. This
added greatly to the blessings enjoyed. It would have
been impossible for such a large assembly to carryon

2:l()

2GO

'The

WATCH TOWER

BIlOOKI.YN, N. Y.

BiLle study intelligently without the aid of these great e<l with the smull amount of space giH'n our convention. I
inventions. 'Truly then we may say the Lord has brought felt that the friends woulU not be satisfied.
.I!'rom l\londay on, we relumed all letters received which
to light these things for the benefit of his kingdom.
contained subscriptions, 'Ve were very sorry to be compcI!e,1
Each evening a public meeting was addressed by one 10 do this but felt that it was the best thing to do. Arof the Pilgrim brethren in Memorial Hall, with a seating rangements were then made to send the Sunday' State
capacity of 3,000. The hall 'was packed out on each oc- ,Tournai to all subscribers, inclmling those to whom we gave
the Dispatch.
casion. At the noon hour each day a public meeting was
'Ve h:ul considprablc trouble to rca,} some of the addres~
addressed by some competent Pilgrim brother at the es; and some letters came without allY mll1ress at all. Fur
Keith Theatre for the benefit of the business men. There t Iwse reasons some may not get any llaper. Any who llH YC
was a good atteudanee at each meeting; and much in- lIot l'('('t'iye(} tlwir pap"r will be tal,,'n care of if they write
terest was manifested, as evidenced by the many addre~s 1he Oldo etate JO/{l'lIl1[ otliep, as I um}prstand HUlt they an.!
Ill'pparpd to take Cal'e of a limitpd number.
cards that were signed by auditors amI hauded in to the
;\[any f:1YOnlble lptters havp alrpal1y IIpen received by the
ushers.
State ,Journal ppople, ('omplimenting- them on the report
The Avery-Loeb Company, Station W PAL, placed carried dail~'. ne~pectfully suhmittell,
Committee, Dy A. H. ~l.\C~fILLAX.
their radio station at our disposal during the convention;
and each eveniug a splendid program was rendered to
SERVICE DAY
the edification of thousands of people in Ohio alld adThursday ,ms seTYice (la~. DiscoUTses on the day prejoining states. Hundreds of the friends were camJled at
ceding emphasized the privilege enjoyed by the Christian
Indianola Park, where receiving sets were installed and
to meet the requirements laid down by the Lord to prothe radio programs enjoyed.
claim the message of his kingdom. Those present caught
The public press carried good reports each day of the
the spirit and inspiration, and appreciated the privilege
convention. They did the best they could. 'I'hc Ohio
they would have of going out and giving a personal witState Journal had promised to handle all subscriptions
ness to the people of Columbus and vicinitv. The result
sent tn, expecting of course only a few thoumnd; but
was that on Thursday 5,051 of the brethr~n engaged in
when the subscription list for the convention edition
the field service work. Automobiles to the number of 359
reached 20,000 the paper announced that it was utterly
carried those who visited the country towns. No meetings
impossible for them to take care of any more. Another
were hcld during the day until 7 o'clock in the evening.
local paper attempted to handle some, but gave a very
'rhis little army of the Lord returned to the main audiinadequate report. Because of the inability of the papers
torium on the Fair Grounds, and many of them gave
to handle the subscriptions, thousands were returned to
their testimonies. It was a wonderfully inspiring hour.
friends who had sent them in. A report of the comHundreds of these announced in their testimonies that
mittee in this regard is here inserted, which is self-exnever before had they engaged in the service and neYer
planatory.
before had they enjoyed such a blessing. Would that
space here permitted the reporting of these testimonies.
REPORT OF PRESS COMMITTEE
It was conclusive proo. that he who obeys the admonition
I am enclosing report of the newspaper work at the Coof the Lord to preach the gospel a~ opportunity offers
lumbus Convention:
The Ohio State Journal told us that they would take care enjoys the greater blessing from the Lord.
:;f all the subscriptions we would gi ..e them during the wed,
It is easy to see how this was the happiest part of the
of the convention, JUly 20-28. Apparently they figured that convention; for it served as an opportunity for each one
we would have only three or four thousand subscribers for
the week. 'When I handed them eleven thousand, on July 17, individually to preach the gospel to some hungry soul
they ,,'ere very much. surprised at the great interest taken and to comfort some sorrowful heart. Where one attends
in the convention proceedings, and informed me that they a meeting and listens to a discourse, only one is feeding
could not take care of any more, because their facilities for while others are being fed. But on service day each one
printing addresses on wrappers were limited. I offered to was feeding some one else, and at the same time being
have the wrappers addressed by a regular addressing comfed by the Lord. The reports of hearts comforted by
pany.
Upon inquiry I learned that it could cost $40 per thousand those who engaged in the senice were really an inspirato have the wrappers addressed outside, But with the as- tion to continue with renewed zeal the spreading of the
sistance of several friends, we addressed wrappers for 3,500 message of the kingdom, which is the only remedy for
subscribers. That mellnt eight wrappers for each subscriber. the ills of humankind. The vicinity within a radius of
'When we delivered the addressed wrappers to the newspaper men, they threw up their hands, and said that they sixty miles of Columbus was canvassed by this little
could not possibly handle any more. This was on Saturday, army.
JUly 19.
The report of books placed in the hands of the people
Then the Columbus Dispatch called by phone, said that as a result of service day totalled 29,3G7 volumes. It
they would carry a full report of the convention proceedings would be impossible to preach so many sermons to so
each day, and asked for subscribers. The balance of the
subs(.'iptions was turned over to them. When the Monday many people in any other way. We may easily multiply
edition of the Dispatch came out. we were much disappoint- this number of books by five, which would amount to

SEPTEMBER

'I"heWATCH TOWER

1, 1021

m0re than 100,000 discourses. As the average membrrs

of a famIly are five, it w0uld not he out of the way to

say that this little scniee day resulted in preaching to

practically 500,000 people, In addition to this, miscellaneous orders were received for more than 3,000 volumes
of books. 'rhere were 7,500 HARP COUHSE studies taken.
Shortly aftcr the CO!1Yention fl'ie11(ls a(ldressed 90,000
q11i7. cards, This will m('an 1,(j~0.OOO DIble questions to
}H' mailed to the numbers purchae1l1g the HARP OF GOD
alone. 'I'here is no commumty on earth that has been so
thoro11ghly ca1wassed dlll'ing the pad three years as Co111m1)]\s, Ohio, and vicinity. Many ,Youll1 haw said that
you could not scll any mOTe books in thnt Iwighhorhoo(l.
The result of seniee clay l,roYrs conclw'iyply that there
is a tremendous field in the earth for ('wry onc ,yho is
(,(}lH'ccrated to the Lord to work in spreading the message
of the kingdom. 'rhe result proves that it pays to go Over
the same territory many times.
REFLECTIO""S

We give here a few interesting items concerning the

convention:
Italian brethren visited Marble Cliff, an Italian srction, and placed 251 volumes in the hands of Italians.
A lady in the rural district reported that she ,vas USillg
the HARP as a textbook to teach her children.
One sister canvassed a teacher of a Bible class in the
Preshyterian Sunday school. Such interest rrsulted that
this trach('r has arrang('d for one of the brethren of the
Columbus Bible Students to lead her class hereafter.
Some of the brethren who had formerly been memb('Ts
of the Amish church "isited an Amish territory and
Illaeed a number of books.
A Jew of Columbus, after purchasing all the volumes,
said: "I expect to usc these to teach my children,"
A lady remarked: "You Bible Students look so happy.
Your religion must be wonderful. Columbus ought to
appreciate you."
One lady ,yho was canvassed said that she was disgusted 'vith the preachers of the nominal churches; that she
had found one preacher intoxicated, and that an inYestigation disclosed a still in his cellar. She bought all the
books.
A young man who delivered refreshments at the
groun<1s reporte<1 that a preacher had warned him against
the Bible Students. This young man replied to the
preacher in these words: "I smoke cigarettes, and never
have been ashamed to smoke in front of you. But when
I go to the Fair Grounds I throw my cigarette away; for
I am ashamed to be the only one smoking in that large
gathering."
A man living near the Fair Grounds had taken in
eight Bible Students. His neighbor had taken four. At
the instance of a clergyman the latter turned the fou-r
into the streets. The gentleman who had eight provided
extra beds, and took the four in. In that little home he

201

i('d an 3\'crage of 105 Dible SbHt'nts p2r day. On the

Monday following he sent his automobIle truck to help
clear the Fair Grounds, and could not do enough to show
his appreciation of the lEble Students.
The Postmaster of Columhus statr<l to one of the
SOCIETY'S representatives that the Bibl(~ StlHlents looked
:li t('l' their p('ople b('tter than any other convention that
had ('\'er attelldc'd Columbus. From the post office at the
Fair Cr')\llHls had been sold 18,000 "Tappers, besides
1 BG,OOO \\Tappers snld and mailed from the main post
ciliee; and when some of the fri('nds had not attached
'llfficH'nt podag'e some hl'dhn'n \\ ho heard of it came to
l:lC po,t oHier and supplied the money to pay the postage.
J\'er,v pa peT \rent out Oil time. The Postmaster said:
"And ,re hope that you will hold your next convention
in Columbus."
The manager of the s\\'imming pool where the immer~
sion was <1one paid a high compliment to the brethren
who need his pool for this purpose, and to the friends
g('ll('rally abont the conwntion.
The businese men of Colnmb11S were highly pleased
with their contact with the Bible Students; and many of
them in their adwrtis('l1lents spoke kindly concerning
them. On ~Iollday following the close of the convention
the follmring appeared in the Ohio State Journal) publi,hed at Columbus:
""'I'll, tile Russellites have come and gonp, and this and
the Billy Snnday revival are the two bi~gest 'jolts on religion' that Columbus ever had, and this is the way I comp:ll'e tile t,yo:
"Dilly preached ]wll-firp, dnmnation, torture and brim"tonl', after mnldng his I'nterprise safe from any chance of
finaneinl fnilure by raising money in a(]vance ant], after
raisin~ huge sums of money from all classes, rich and poor,
left our city in a financial panic, the merchants' trade being
ruinl'(l during his stay alHI for flome time afterwards. On
the other hand, the Hussellitps pl'eached a more wholesome
r('ligion and seatterc(] money all over our C'ity in homes
where a little money is a 'new fltakl',' as many people are
out of work and n~ded the cash. Furthermore every Hussdlite had the very sweetest manner toward every anI'.
"Hussellites, call again. YOU'll find us at home. l\Iany
would say Billy Ipft a bad taste. The Russellites were much
!Jetter:'

The writer of the aboye speaks of the Bihie Students

as the Rllssellites. Of course he means no disrespect. We
meTely correct him by saying that we are Christians,
followers of J ('Sus Christ and followers of no man; but
that we recogni7.e Brother Hussell as the servant of the
Lord, and our brother in Christ.
One of the happiest features of the convention was the
music. Friends from different parts of the country
brought their instmments; and under the supervision of
Brothers Hice and Walters an orchestra of sixty pieces
was organized, which played for all meetings. This instrumental music, added to the thousands of voices, harmoniously united in praise to our Father and our King,
was inspiring and edifying to all that were present.

262

CfheWATCH TOWER
PUBLIC MEETING

The meeting for the public was held in the Ohio State
Univcrsity Stadium. Considering the population of Columbus, which is less than 300,000, and the extremely
warm day, the attendance at this meeting was unusual
for its size. The gentleman having charge of the gnte
receipts at all functions at the Stadium estimated the
crowd at 35,000, while others placed it less than that.
A letter from one of the Stadium officers to Brother
Johnson follows:
"Relative to the International Bible Students Association
mass meeting on Sunday afternoon, July 27th, let me state
that in my estimation and that of :\11'. nO~'er, the treasurE'r
of the Athletic Dept. of the University, there was an attpndance of a very few short of 23,000. We should also like to
state that the crowd was one of the finest we Ilave yet Ilad
in the Stadium. No disturbances of any sort wllaten'r arose;
and tile entire assemblage conducted itself \\itll tile same
religious decorum that we should expect of people in attendance at any rE'gular church meeting.
"'We appreciate all the wide-sprf'ad pUblicity you have
given the Stadium and the University, as it is seldom our
opportunity to give the people at large a chance to attend
without admission price any event in tile Stadium, altllou,!!;h
we are at all times happy to have them come to visit the
grouIllls and inspect the buildings.
"Thanking you for the courteous treatmcnt and the consideration of our problems in permitting the use of this
place, I beg to remain,
Very Sincerely, HEoNRY D. VAUGHN."

By the use of a Western electric voice amplifier every

person in the vast Stadium could hear distinctly the
words of the speaker. 'rhe discourse was received with
splendid attention; and while it is a pointed expositIOn
of the fallacies of Christendom, it was received with enthusiasm and applause by the grcat audience. On the
:Monday following the Ohio State Journal carried the
lecture in full.
IMMERSION

The immersion service was held at the swimming pool

of the Indianola Park, where 485 persons were immersf'd.
An enterprising moving-picture conccrn made pictures
of this immersion service, which they have exhibited
throughout the country, calling attention to the great
number of Christians observing the baptism of our Lord.
DISCOURSES

It is practically impossible for 'rUE WATCR TOWER to

give a report of the discourses that wero delivered. Many
of these appeared in the Columbus papers, Some of them
will appear in THE WATCH TOWER. The next issue will
contain the discourse delivered by the President of the
SOOIETY to the public Sunday afternoon, and it is published for the benefit of any who may wish to follow the
outline at the subsequent world-witness meetings.
The climax of the convention may be said to have been
reached on Friday noon. A discourse was delivered,
pointing out the temptation that Satan had presented to
our first parents, to the Lord Jesus, and to the membC'rs
of the Church; and showing that Eye and Adam fell to

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

this temptation, and that nominal Christendom has likewise fallen; that Jesus gained the victory, and how necessary it is for all of his followers to do likewise in order
to be overcomers. The discourse brought out the facts
and the scriptures showing that the clergy and their
allies have become the tools of the adversary. At the
conclusion of this discourse Brother Rutherford read an
indictment setting forth these charges, and moved its
adoption in the form of a resolution by the convention.
Brother Hemery, of London, in a brief but well-worded
speech, seconded the motion, pointing to the privilege of
this convention as the mouthpiece of the Lord to make
th is declaration or charge in the form of the indictml'nt
offered. Upon motion being put by the chairman, tll}
convcntion, by a rising vote, unanimously approved tIu
indictment. It is here set out in full as follows:

INDICTMENT
"'e, tllP International Bible Students. in convention assembled, declare our unqualilil'd aIll'giance to Christ, who is now
present and setting up his kingllOIll, and to that kingdom.
'We believe that every consecrated child of God is an ambassador for Christ and is duty-bound to give a faithful antI
true witnpss on behalf of his kingdom. As ambassadors fOI'
Christ, and without assuming any self-righteousness, \ye helieve and hold that God has commissionf'u us to "proclaim
the day of Vf'ngeance of our God and to comfort all that
mourn."-Isaiah 61: 2.
We believe and hold that it is God's due time for his (lispleasure to be expressed against \vicked systems that lJave
blinded the people to the truth and thereby deprived thpm
of peace and hope; and to the eLHI that the peoplf' mi,dlt
know the truth and receive some comfort for future 1,lessin;:;
we present this indictment, based upon the Word of God,
and point to the divine plan as the remedy for man's COlllplete relief;
'\Ve present find charge that Satan formed a conspiracy f()['
the purpose of keeping the peoples in ignorance of GO(rS
provision for blessing them with life, liberty and happiness;
and that others, to wit, unfaithful preachers, conscienceless
profiteers, and unscrupUlous politicians, have entered into
said conspiracy, either Willingly or unwillingly;
That unfaithful preachers have formed themselves into
ecclesiastical s~'stems, consisting of councils, synods, presbyteries, associations, etc., and have designated themselves
therein as popes, cardinals, bishops,' doctors of divinity, pastors, shepherds, reverends, etc., and elected themselves to
such offices, which aggregation is herein designated as "the
clergy"; and that these have willingly made commercial
giants and professional politicians the principal ones of
their flocks.
'\Ve present and charge that the clergy have yielded to the
temptations presented to them by Satan and, contrary to
God's Wonl, have joined in said conspiracy, and in furtllt'l'ance thereof have committed the overt acts as follows, to
wit:
(1) That they have used their spiritual powers, enjoyed
by reason of their position, to gratify their own selfish desires by feeding and exalting themselves and failing and
refusing to feed or teach the people God's Word of truth;
(2) That loving the glory of this world, and desiring to
shine before men and have the approval of men [LUke 4; 8;
James 4: 4; 1 John 2: l:i] they have clothed themselves in
gauuy apparel, Ilecked themselves with jewels, and have as-

'f.~WATCH

SEPTE)lREI\ 1, lfl:!'l

sumed a form of godliness while den~'ing God's 'Yard and

the power thereof;
(3) That they have failed and refused to preach to the
people the message of Messiah's kingdom and to point them
to the evidences relating to his second coming; and being
unwilling to await the Lord's due time to set up his kingdom
and being ambitious to appear wise and great, they have, together with their coconspirators, claimed the ability to set
up God's kingllom on earth without Gall, and have endorsell
the League of Nations and deelared it to be "the political
expression of God's kingdom on earth", thereby breaking
their allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ and declaring their
alleo-iance to the devil, the god of evil; and to this end thl'Y
hav~ advocated and sanctified war, turned their church edifices into recruiting stations, acted as rp(~ruiting oJUcers for
pay, and preachpd men into the trenches, there to suffer and
llie; and when the Lord presented to tllPm the clear and indisputable proof that the old world has ended and that his
kingllom is at hand, they have scoffed at and rejected thl!
testimony, persecuted, arrested and caused the imprisonment of witnesses for the Lord.
DOCTRINES

'Ye further present and charge that the cl"rgy as a class

have constituted themselves the fountain of doctrines which,
in the furtherance of said conspiracy, they have sent forth
to the people, claiming suell doctrines to be the teachings of
God's 'Vord, well knowing the same to be untrue, in this,
to wit:
(1) That they falsely claim to be the divinely appointed
successors to the inspireu apostles of Jesus Christ; whereas
the Scriptures clearly show that there are no successors to
the Lord's apostles;
(2) 'l'hat they claim the sole right to interpret the Scriptures, and that therefore they alone know what the people
shoulu believe; anu by this means they have kept the people
in ignorance of the Bible; and now in this time of increased
knowledge ami much reading, when the people might read
and understand, these self-constituted "SUcl'essors to the
apostles" discourage the people from reading the Bible al1d
Bible literature, deny the inspiration of the Scriptures, teach
evolution, and by these means turn the minds of the people
away from God and his Word of truth;
(3) That they have taught and teach the divine right of
kings to rule the peoples, claiming such rule to be the king<lorn of God on earth; they hold that they and the principal
of their flocks are commissioned of God to direct the policy
llnd course of the nations, and that if the people do not sub
missively concur in such policies then the people are unpatriotic or disloyal;
(4) That they are the authors of the unreasonable and
false doctrine of the trinity, by which they claim and teach
that Jehovah, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are three persons
In one, which fallacy they admit cannot be understood nor
explained; that this false doctrine has blinded the people
to the true meaning of the great ransom sacrifice of Jesus
Christ, through which men can be saved;
(5) That they teach and have taught the false doctrine of
human immortality; that is to say, that all men are created
immortal souls, which cannot die; which doctrine they well
know to be false, for it is based exclusively upon the statement of Satan, which statement Jesus uedares to be a great
lie (Genesis 3:1-6; John 8:44);
(6) That they preach and teach the doctrine of eternal
torment; that is to say, that the penalty for sin is conscious
torment in hell, eternal in duration; whereas they know that
the Bible teaches that the wages of sin is death; that hell is
the state of death or the tomb; that the dead are unconscious
until the resurrection, and that the ransom sacrifice is pro-

TOWER

2G3

vided that all in due time may have an opportunity to believe and obey the Lord and live, while the wilfully wicked
are to be punished with an everlasting destruction;
(7) That tlll'Y deny the right of the Lord to establish his
king-dom on earth, well knowing that JesUs taught that he
would come again at the end of the world, and that the
fact of that time would be made known by the nations of
Christendom engaging In a world war, quickly followed by
famine, p<'Stilence, revolutions, the return of God's fa,or to
the Jews, distress and perplexity of the naUons; and that
during sucll time the God of heaven would set up his kingdom, which will stand forever (Daniel 2: 44) ; that ignoring
and refusing to consider these plain truths and evidences,
they have willingly gone on in darkness, together with their
allies, profiteers and politicians, in an attempt to set up a
world power for the lJUrpose of ruling anu keeping the people
in suhjection; all of which is contrary to the 'YOI'd of God
and against his dignity and good name.
'I'llI' doctrines taught by the clergy, and tlleir course of
action her;>in stated are admitted; and upon the undisputed
facts and upon the law of God's 'YOI'd tlwy stand confessedly
guilty before God and in the eyes of the World upon every
cllarge in tllis indictment.
Upon the anthority of the prophecy of God's 'Vord now
bplng fnlfilled, we dedare that this is the day of God's
wrath upon Christendom; amI that he stands in the midst
of the mighty and controlling factors of the world, to wit,
the clergy and the principal of their flocks, to juuge and to
express his righteous indigna tion against them and their
unrighteons systems and doctrines.
We further declare that the only hope for the peace and
happiness of the peoples of earth is Messiah's kinguom, for
'''hich Jesus taught his follow;>rs to pray.
Therefore we call upon the peoples and nations of earth to
witness that the statpments here mllde are true; and in order
that the people might, in this time of perpll~xity and distress,
have hope and comfort, we urge upon them the prayerful
and diligent study of the Bible, that they might learn therefrom that God through Christ and his kingdom has a complete and adequate plan for the blessing of mankind upon
earth with peace and prosperity, liberty, happiness and eternal life, ami that his kingdom is at hand.
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION TO FOLLOW

Arrangements are under way to print this indictment

for public distribution by the classes, and October 21
is appointed as a general day of distribution throughout
the United States and Canaela. October 31 is another
day of general distribution in the same places; and it is
hoped that in some of the EuropE'un countries the printing may be completed in time for the friends there to
join in the distribution of these indidments. In due
course the indictment will be tl'anslated and published
in various languages throughout the earth.
In conjunction therewith announcement is now made
that November 2, 1924, is designated as a world-wide
witness day, at which time the public discourse, "Civilization Doomed-But Millions Now Living Will Never
Die," will be given by speakers of the SOCIETY in all
languages in all parts of the earth.
The keynote of the convention, and that which was
emphasized, is the privilege now enjoyed by the followers
of Jesus on earth to prove their loyalty to the King and
the kingdom. Loyalty means to do that which is pre-

'TheWATCH TOWER

264

scribed by the divine law. The lawaI' commandment to

the Church at this time is to declare the day of the
vengeance of our God and to comfort all that mourn,
and that "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then
shall the end come."-Matthew 24: 14.
This little army of the Lord assembled at the Columbus Convention went away strengthrned in faith;
strengthened in determination to be faithful and loyal
to our great Master, the King of kings and Lord of 101'(10.
This little company of soldiers of the cross, armed in

TInoOKLYN,

N. Y.

the holy cause of righteousness under the leadership of

the great Prince of Peace, is invincible to any power or
fiery darts that the enemy may launch against them. Lrt
each one, therefore, be strong in the Lord and in the
power of his might. We are in the final days of the e011flict for righteousness. The great Captain of our sahation is riding on to qertain victory; and his armies in
heaven follow after him, joyfully doing his bidding. The
faithful shall stand victorious with him at the conclusion.
Blessed are the people of God; blessed are they who toJay
hear and obey his voice.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR OCTOBER 1

"With righteousness shall he judge the paM."-Isaiah

11: 4.
HE poor, within the meaning of this text, are
those that are sick, needy, feeble, oppressed and
impoverished. A righteous judgment means that
which is in exact harmony with justice and equity.
Equity means to find the real right of a thing and to do
it regardless of all the fixed laws or rules of action.
The judgments that have been in the earth during the
past ages have been very unequal and unjust. Quite
often, fixed law being strictIy followed, injustice is dOllf'.
An effort to correct this led to the establishment of
equity courts. Courts with jurisdiction of this kind
have sought to get at the very first right of the case; hut
the judges being imperfect, justice often miscarries, anci
an effort for righteousness is abortive.
In these latter days, when there has been tl great increase of knowledge, judgements rendered by those in
authority have been specially marked by their inequality.
The rich and powerful have gone unpunished for wrongdoing, while the weak and poor have been deprived of
property, liberty, and life, without just cause or fair
consideration. If a poor man has a just cause before the
court and his adversary is rich, the administration of
justice is often so long delayed that the poor man is unable to get adequate relief; and for this reason many snffer injustice and indignities rather than to be dragged about in the courts. The political branch of the ruling factors makes the laws; and the rich and powerful rea p
what they desire, and are permitted to oppress the poor.
What is here said of the exercise of judicial function.>
likewise applies to the modern ecclesiastics. '1'he poor
()f the flock are given no attention, are pushed aside and
are permitted to starve, while the rich and the mighty
are granted the chiefest seats and favors in the synagogues. This is done because the clergy desire to have
the favor of the powerful. Unrighteous judgment, therefore, has caused millions to suffer and to mourn.
The conditions will be exactly reversed when Messiah's
kingdom is in full sway. No one will have special favor,

whether he be rich or poor, powerful or weak. The poor,

weak, and oppressed will approach their judgment with
the full assurance that the Lord will deal with thelll
righteously and equitably. The weak, feeble, oppressed,
and impoverished ones the Lord will deal with gentl y,
and will lead them kindly and lovingly over the highw~y
of holiness, will shield and protect them from all oppre~
sian, and will reward every efIort to improve.
Now is the time for the consecrated Christian to
appreciate the privilege of performing the commission
the Lord has granted to him; namely, to tell the good
news to the people and to comfort all that mourn. The
great righteons Judge is here, and is removing the old
order; and when his judgments are in the earth the
people will learn righteousness and be blessed. His
judgment, exactly in harmony with jnstice and righteousness, will bring the drsire of every honest heart.
Now is the time for every consecrated Christian to
avail himself of evcry possible opportunity to tell this
good news to the oppressed, the impoverished and the
poor. Now is the time to comfort their hearts, and this
is what the Lord desires the Christian to do. This is
one of the ways of looking well to the interests of the
kingdom. Unless we are in deep sympathy with the
righteous judgments of the Lord, and have a keen desire
to see them in operation for the benefit of the people,
we shall hardly be fit for the kingdom. The best way to
grow in sympathy is to have the just judgments of our
Lord in mind now and to tell the people about them who
desire to be told.

TEXT FOR OCTOBER 8

"He shall deliver the poor and needy when he crieth."Psalm 72: 12.
ATURAI)LY man desires the things that bring
comfort of body and mind, peace and rest of the
soul. Every way the people of the world now
look is a way of distress and perplexity, and with fear
they approach each day. Millions are without employment, and know not from what source will come the

SEPTEMBER

CfheWATCH TOWER

1, 1D:! i

next day's food nor where they may rest their weary
bodies. Many of these have desired to know something
about God's way, but have been blinded because of the
unfaithful teachings of the clergy and have fallen into
the snare of the adversary; and they arc in deep distress
of mind and heart. The whole world is rapidly approaching that terrible trouble described by the Prophet when
"the world shall reel to and fro like a drunken man."
There are many in Zion who are consecrated to the
Lord, but who have been negligent of their opportunities
to feed upon the precious promises and to put on the
whole armor of God, ami who by reason thereof are sad
and in distress, weak in faith, and spiritually sick.
There is only one class of people on earth that appreciates the meaning of these things, and these are tlH'Y
who are really liying up to their privileges as Christians.
They see that the battle is raging between truth and
darkness; and they know that our wonderiul King, now
present, soon will be made manifest to the worlLl, and
i hat he will deliver the needy and oppressed that cr.Y
unto him. These appreciate the commission of the Lord
to comfort those that mourn in Zion and outside of
~ion. They comfort those in Zion by pointing them to
the increased evidences of the early and complete deliYerance of the Church, thus enabling them to sec the
blessed privilege of now serving the King and comforting others.
The Lord through his apostle expressly tclls us that
we receive comfort ourselves in order that we may comfort others that mourn, with the comfort wherewith we
are comforted. It therefore is the privilege, yea, the duty,
to tell the oppressed and weary ones of the world that the
great Deliverer and Life-giver is at the door, and that he
will deliver everyone that cries unto him in spirit and
in truth. What a blessed privilege now to be the ambas~ador of the King of kings and to bear his message of
consolation to those who desire to be comforted! Let us
see to it that wc, receiving a kingdom which cannot he
moved, have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably
and with godly fear. Let us point our brother to the
blessed privilege of fulfilling the commission by comforting others and thereby enable him to be comforted anu
to be a comforter.
The only relief for the needy is through the great
Messiah, and everyone that crieth unto him shall be
delivered and receive his blessing.
TEXT FOR OCTOBER 15

"Behold, I make all thi.ngs

ncw.n~Revelation

21: 5.

HIS is one of the precious promises from our Lord

to all who love him-to the Church first; then
to all who hear and obey. It is a part of the gracious message that is to be given to the world. While
it is true that none ex~pt the Church can at this time
appreciate these words concerning the regeneration of
all things, yet the time is here when even the world can

have some understanding of them. This being tIue,

the Church now has the blessed opportunity of telling
this good news to those who have the hearing ear.
The word here rendered "new" does not mean to make
a thing that never before existed. Nor does the text
carry with it the thought that everything will be regenerated. The human race will be rcgenerated, renovated and restored to the original perfection enjoyed by
man. (Matthew 19: 28) Then all the earth will be
brought to a state of freshness and beauty never beforcl
known, outside of Eden. In this blessed work of restoration the faithful overcomers will be associated with the
Lord Jesns.-Hevelation 20: 4; 2: 26.
The human race is just now in dire extremity. Modern science, education and invention have made the sufferings of mind and body more keenly felt than in the
past. The conditions of misery and woe are enhanced
by the power and influence exercised over the people by
wicked spirits. The whole creation travails in pain.
Every honest person desires to see better conditions.
Only the Christian knows that better conditions are
soon to be realized. He can look beyond the darkness
that enshrouds the people and by faith see them, in the
future, enjoying divine blessings. He sees the oppressor
destroyed; the profiteer, the unfaithful politician, the
disloyal clergy a thing of the past and forgotten; alld
in their place r:~'hteous men administering the affairs
of the people for the benefit of all. He sees war, famines,
and pestilences forever gone; sickness, sorrow, crying,
and pain a thing of the past, never again to be feared.
He sees death destroyed, and life everlasting in eternal
joy granted to the people. He knows that the Lord is
going to do this because he has promised it shall be done.
Ey faith he sees the time when the heavens shall pour
down righteousness, when the earth shall open, and righteousness spring up with salvation. He sees mercy awl
truth met together, and righteousness and peace kiss
each other in love. He sees this because the Lord will
give that which is good and will make everything in the
earth to be desired.
'l'he Christian therefore sees the only possible relief
for groaning hnmanity, and the Christian alone can give
this message of consolation to humanity now. The Chris-
tian rejoices greatly in being forever with the Lord; and
he should likewise rejoice in the blessings that are to be
brought to the poor, and with joy and delight should he
tell the people about the coming blessings. This joy, induced by reason of the triumph of righteousness and the
blessings of peace, life and happiness that are coming to
the people under the just and true government, is indeed
the joy of the Lord into which he now invites us to enter.
Everyone of his followers, in proportion to his zpal
and devotion in obeying the Lord's command to comfort
those that mourn, now possesses the joy of the Lord.
As these followers battle against the evil influences, as
they press forward as the ambassadors of Christ, thpv
appreciate that the joy of the Lord is their strength.

THE CHOICE OF THE TWELVE

--Odober 5--l\Tatthew 10: 1-8-JESrS Grnmn IN THE

FELECTlO:'\~])IYEHSITY OF

(,H.\IL\(,11;1{

.'\[AXIFESTED-APOSTLES WERE AS CIIILDTIEX TO .TEsrs-

(;OS]'I';L Ol'EXJ:Jl TO JEWS ONLY.

"Freely 1Ia1:c ye received, jrcrly give."-!JfalthclD 10: 8.

A FTEIt Jesus' first missJOnw'v tour in GalilPl' he returned

r-\. to Capernaulll. His JUIllt' was now abroad in the IUTHI;
and therefore as soon fI;'; it wus known that he lfilll returned the people illlmediately erowded round the hOllse,
almost certainly tJH' house where his 1II0t her find his brethren now lived. It was at that time the Illun fiick of palsy
was brought to Je.sus, and beelllT>.e of the press was carried
to the roof, which was IlllcoH'rerl to allow IIim to be let
down to the feet of Jpsus as he was talking to the people.
After Jesus had stayed a short tilnt' in Uapernaum ana tlIe
lIeighborhood with great multitudes who had gathered from
ufar (Luke 6: 17) listpning to the words whieh fell from lds
lIpS, he determine(1 to make anoj]J('r deJinite move in the
furtherance of his work; he would again go through GaliJec.
2There were now many who hPlievf>d on Je>;l1S, many who
though Uwy did not understand his particular relationship
to God, yet accf'pted him as one sent from God. Apparently
Jl~SUS was making no U1TlllIgelllents to have his doings and
Ilis teachings recorded. It appeared as if his words were
"POken only to the then present PUl'P0Sf>, awl were likt'ly
to be crowded out of mind by the ever recurring striking
passing events. Yet ,Jf'SUS must have known that the words
he spoke were words of life, and that the things he did were
typical or symbolical of things to be done, being wrought in
picture for the benefit of others in days to come. 'l'he time
IJ:ld now come when he must more definitely associate sOllle
disciples with hirus0lf, men of cbaracter and ability, to
whom his words could sometimes be especiallY addressed, ancI
to whom they would be committed as a repository of truth;
lIlen who woultl form the nucleus of the Church, that select
company Who, as was afterwards so clearly seen, were to
be forever associated with him in the glory and power of
the kingdom.
JESUS GUIDED IN THE SELECTION
3probably guided by the correspondency which he saw
must f'xist between spiritual and fleshly Israel, and seeing
himself as the lH'ad of spiritual Israel, as Jacob was the
head of the t!jbes of natuml Ismel, he determined to call
twelve disciples to be his apostles. (!\Iatthew ]0: ]) Det'llling this 11is 1<'ather's will he carried the matter to him in
pra;yer for wisdom in selpction. Jacob's children were born
to him in the nlltura I course of events; but those who were
to be associated with Jesus as the heads of 'the tribes of
spiritual Israel, were begotten of God. The choice as to who
should be included was Jehovah's, therefore Jesus would
move only under the guidance of his Father. Some of those
who were with him, as Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip,
11l1d Bartholomew (Nafuanael) were of fue first who had
followed him. He had also called Matthew, who had followed
readily. When the time for division came, Jesus spent a
night in prayer.
'It is probable that Jesus knew the greater number of
those who would form The Twelve; for the most of them,
as we know, had been with him from the first. The problem
which gave him most cause for hesitancy was almost cerlainly respecting Judas, as to whether Qr not he should be
called to be one of The Twelve. Jesus knew what was in
man (John 2: 25); and it it could hardly be other than
that he knew tJle limitaiiQn of Judas' character. On the
llIorrow he callNi The Twelve to him (Luke 6: 13), "that
they should be with him, and that he might send thE'm forth

to preach" (Mark 3: 14), and ultimately to become not only

the rppositorips of the truth, hut fuulJ(latiolls of the !'\e\y
.JeJ'usalem.-EphesiaIlS ::: 20; llevelation 21: 14.
'IJI the lists of' tIle twelve apost!c>s the first four are alwa:,s
Iht' t\\'o pairs of brolht'rs, Peter and An(lrcw, and James and
.lohll. The seeond and third fours are always the same,
hut the Ilames are not givpn al\\'ays in the same order. Rut
always Peler's Ilame is first, and that of Judas last; amI in
tile four lists (;Ilatthew 10 : 2-4; ~lark 3: 16-19; Luke 6: 14
1(j; Acts 1: 13), 1'1Jilip is always named first of the second
divhion, alld James the son of Alpheus the first of the thiru.
DIVERSITY OF CHARACTER MANIFEST
"The records of the apm,tles ill the Gospels and the Acts
of the Apostles reveal much diw!'i-;ity 'of character and
telllperamellt among;,;t them. Peter was a bundle of incon;,;istl'ncies. None so rpady as he to acknowledge his Mll.~ter
or to uphold I[is digllity; ~'et Petpr was always ready to
manage his 1\1aster's alTairs alld to give him advice.
But his loyal heart was al\\'ays ",allting to serve the interests of Jesus; and when he made mistakes, even when he
made his greatest mistake on the Ilight of our Lord's betra\'nI, and denied Ilis Master, there was no sign of a bad heart. it
\\'as llis impulsive natur", as j'et not completely under control, whil'h got into his wayl and caused him to fall. Thpre
ean he no question that Jesus and Peter loved each otht'r,
though sometimes the love of the Lord llad to be reRtrainell ;
even when he had found cause to say to Peter: "Get thee
behind me Satan."-1\Iatthew 16: 23.
7It must be noted that even Peter's blullders and his
curious questions were mad~ use of by the Lor(l, both to
(he immediate instruction of the disciples and for the edification of the Church of God. We have already noted in the"e
columns that very many of our Lord's sayings as recorded
in the Gospels arose out of Peter's questionings and his
I'ometimes blundering acts.
8The next best known dii>,ciple after Peter is ,John, called
the beloved Apostle. Prob"tbly he was not a more ardent
lover of the Lord than was Peter, but his love got freer flow
and burned brighter because he did not intrude himself
so much upon the Lord, nor did he want so much of his
own way. The love betwe<'n ,Jesus and John ran in a Sl11ooth
er channel, and the flow was more constant.
91'eter and John knew each other before tiIeY knew .Jesns;
find opposite in temperament as they were, they must have
loved each other or they would not have been together a"
disciples of John the Baptist, and probably would not havQ
been in partnership in the fishing business. These two dis
('iples continued to occupy the foremost places amongst those
whom Jesns chose to be with him. Of Andrew we know comparatively little, not because he was overshadowed by his
more lively brother, but /J1>cause he was not capable of being
used in the same way.' Philip is prominent, and was much
used of his Master in the establishment of the eary church.
lOThe other name that comf'S into prominence is that of
the man of whom our Lord said it had, been good for him
if he had not been born-Judas (l\:Iatfuew 26: 24), the man
who had hiSll\laster's confidence, who lived and toiled with
Jesus as a lover of God, but who at last miserably' sold his
Master because filled with chagrin through disappointed
hopes.-Matthew 27 ~ 3, 4.
2GG

SEPTEMBER

1, 1924

cneWATCH TOWER

APOSTLES WERE AS CHILDRE...~ TO JESUS

110f some of the apostles we know almost nothing. It
Is evident that Jesus did not call them because they were
men of shining ability; but, because our Lord could not
make a mistake, it is just as evident that they Were JJlen
exactly suited for the work he had for Ills apostles to do.
Some of them were ready of spet>eh, men who could stanu
before their fellows to proclaim the truth; some were of
slower movement of mind, men who were always ready for
the continued steauy work to which the apostles were called.
All were men of like passions with our;;elves.-Acts 14: 1:).
120ne has said of the apostles of Jesus: "The silent and
constant influence of his character was on these men of the
earth; he drew them to himself and stamped his own image
on them." 'Vhen our Lord finallj' called them to him, he
woulu be about thil'(y-one years of age. The band of (1\,,;ciples has so often been pictured as one of miudle-ageu Illen
that it is common to conceive of them as such, but the probability is that they may have been voung men averaITill" in
age between twenty lUld twentj'-fiv~ years, and tha; ,J;S\1S
was the eldest of th<; conlpany. On several occasions our
Loru addressed them as children, a term which woulu, of
course, be appropriate in moral or mental relationsliip; fOt'
however aged they were in years any company of men IIlllst
b<; as children to him.-:\lark 10 : 24; J olm 21 : 5.
13There was much toil and wear for them in days to
come; for the work of going about preaching called for much
physical and nervous energy; and young, active men who
could give .their best life's value (0 it were necessary. When
J eS\1S had called The 'l'welve to himself, he soon showed them
that they were not 'Jnly to be with him, liut also to he
sent forth abroad in the country. Jesus himself had a great
work to do before his ministry closed. Indeed, it was impossible for him to do it all; and therefore he would have
them represent him. As they were thus especially called to
him, their hearts would burn with enthusiasm and with
the joy of bein~ specially separated to the one Who they
so thoroughly believed was sent of God. It may be that the
selection of these twelve caused heartburnings in some who
would think that their abilities and claims were greater than
some of those who were chosen; but every true disciple of
Jesus would realize that the Loru knew his business and
they would rejoice in whatever the Master did.
'
GOSPEL OPENED TO JEWS ONLY
14The cOlllmission which Jesus gave when he sent The
Twelve abroad was singular. They were not to go on any road
which led to a Gentile city, nor to enter any city of tlle Samaritans, but were to confine themselves to "tile lost she('p of
the house of Israel. They were to heal the sick, raise the
dead, cleanse the lepers, and east out demons. Their guicle
in service was, "Freely have ye received, freely give." (!\Iatthew 10: 8) They were not to stay in any plaee, but were
to keep on the move, always with the one purpose, to proelaim the fact that tlle kingdom of heaven was at hand.
They were not called upon to explain the scriptures which
then could be understood, since the Sen-ant of the Lord had
come; nor was it their business to teach general truth".
And, to manifest that they wpre authorizeo preachers, how
ever unorthodox and freed from the trammels of traditional-

ism, the Lord gave them power to heal the sick and even t<r
raise the dead. 'rhey were not to come back enriched by
their ministry. "}<'reely j'e have received, freely give," said
Jesus. The two chief tilings which were to guide their ministry were: (1) The urgency with which it was to be conducted; and (2) the absent.'e of any burden of cost to the
people. There must be no making of any gain out of the
proclamation of the kingdom of heaven.
15ThI' commission of the apostles as recorded by Matthew
(chapter 10) includes more than tileY ever experienced.
It is proper to eonsider it as the Church's commission. But
as in the long experience of the Church there have been
only two periods when the truth of the kingdom has been
sent out in any special way, we are at once to see the fact
that there is in this lengthy statement of Jesus instruction
for the Church during the second presence. Since the return
of the Loru his servants, drawn as near to him as his early
diseiples were, and better instructed in the Word of God than
was possible then, Ilave been sent abroad in all the world
with the message of the kingdom. Thus the disciples first
sent out to proclaim the kingdom got their instruction from
our Loru's word directly given; and we who are now living
at the end of the age get ours from the same body of instruction,
1Ggvery one active in the Lord's service should read this
ehapter regularly, for instruction and guidance and for as
surance of the Father's care. The Lord stated that his message would divide households, would cause much discussion
und dissension, and would bring many into judgment; but
there were rewards for care and for service to the messengers. This was referred to in some detail in THE WATCH
TOWER, October 15, 1923, pages 307-314, to which we call
attention. As the apostles went out and returned thankful
for their privilege, so the messengers now go forth joyfully,
announcing the kingdom, knowing that the time for its
estalilislullent has come.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
After J !'SUR returned from his tour of Galilee, where did he likely
lod~e? After a short stay, what did he determine to do? 111.
Did the people generally understand the relationship between Jesus
and God'! Was Jesus solicitous of having hi" words and dee<1s
recorded for future generations? ~ 2.
What apparently guided Jesus in selecting twelve apostles? Did
he depend on praser? To whom did he pray? The selection of
whom g-ave Jesus the most concern? 11 3, 4.
Into what groups may we divide the apostles of Christ? Whol are
named first? 11 5.
Is it altogether probable that the apostles were much dissimilar in
character and temperament? \Vhat were some of the characteristics of Peter? 11 6.
How were Peter's blunders and questions made US" or? 'i[7.
How may Peter and John be compared? Who else is prominently
mentioned? 11 8-10.
Were the apostles chosen ~ausCl they were brilliant, educated, or
perfect? 1111.
How were these men benefited by Jesus' presence? About how
old w!1s Jesus when the apostles were finally chosen? What may
be said of the age of the apostles? 1112.
\Vould strong vigorous men be better suited for the ministry of the
early. church than the old men? Would their choice constitute
a tl'lal to oUlers who thoug-ht of their own ability as bein~
superior to those chosen? 1113.
"
What was the commission Jesus gave to the apostles when tlJev
were sent forth to declare that the king-dom of heaven was at
hand? What two chief things were to guide in their ministry?
1114.
Th~ 1c5.mmission as recorded in lIIatthew chapter 10 includes what?
Is there a corrl"'pondency hetween the present truth message at the
first advent and at the second advent? 'Il16.

OUR HEART'S DESIRE

"We seek not, Lord, for ton~c!S of flame,
Or healin~ virtne's mystic aid;
nut power thy gospel to proclaim,
The balm for wounds that sin hus maue.

267

"Breathe on us, Lord; thy radiance pour

On all the wonders of the page
Where hidden lies the heavenly lore
That blessed our :routh and guides our age."

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

--OCTOBER

12--

l\IATTIH;W, CHAPTERS

TO

7--

KINGDO~ ~rESSAGE 1:'1 lIEART-SEAI:CHIXG FOR~[-THlmI: Ol"TSTANIlIKG FEATl-RES OF SEIDtoX-SE.\RCII1XG WORDS FOR CHRISTIA:';'

COXDCCT-STRlCT Jl:STICE

"T,hy kl1lgdom cOllle

REPLAC~:f)

BY Lon:.

Thy trill be dOllc.'-JIutthclO 6: 10.

UR last lesson showed us that the time had COIlle

when Jesus must choose from amon6'"St those WllO
followe<l him some who were especially to be with him.
Our present lesson is of the discourse which was giYen by
Jesus almost immelliately afterwards, ami commonly termed
the "Sermon on the l\Iount"'. Having chosen his apostles l1e
now set forth in considerable detail the truths which he
Im<l come to declare and teach. \Vith the oxception of tIle
discourses which our Lord gave in the closing days of his
ministry, namely, that addressed to his disciples on tIle
l\Iount of Olives (Matthew 21; 2G), and his long and solemn
talk with them in the last night he spent with them (John,
chapters 14-17), this address of the Sermon on the l\Ioun t
sremed to be the only set occasion of such discourse.
2l\Iatthew saj's that Jesus, sef'ing the mUltitu<les, withdrew into a mountain and there taught his disciples (l\Iatthew 5:.1) ; Luke gives an account of our Lord's speaking
many of the same things, but under different circumstances.
Indeed, he speaks of Jesus being in a plain (LUke 6: 17),
though he does not say that .Jesus gave the <liscourse at that
time. It is possible, and indeed probable, that our Lord spoke
some of these words on more than one occasion, though
prob'ably not in such sequence as recorded by l\latthew.
aIt seems fitting that Jesus in declaring the law which
shoulll govern the life of his disciples should speak on the
mountain top. The law of Israel was given to the Jews
from Mt. Sinai. When again the law of God shall be given,
it will be given to the world, anll will go forth from the
symbolic hill of Zion. (Isaiah 2: 2-4 ; Joel 3: 16) But how
different the circumstances when our Lord speaks the law
of the new creation! 'l'here are no tlmnllers as at Sinai,
nor any roaring as from Mount Zion; but the ease of a
graceful teacher, seated with a company of loving disciples,
with probably a large number of men and women also eagerly listening to his words as he brings forth truth out of a
well of love.

KINGDOM MESSAGE IN HEART-SEARCHING FORM

"It was the first time Jesus spoke clearly and gave definite teaching concerning the kingdom of heaven. Hitherto
he had continued .John's word of proclaiming the kingdom
of heaven at hand. Kow he showell clearly that before the
kingdom was established in power and glory it had to be
established in grace in the hearts of his disciples, to exercise
the rule of love over those who freely gave themselves to
it. The time for the power of the kingdom over the world
had not yet come; and there would be no breaking into the
powers of evil, nor repression of their forces, until the due
time for its establishment. And it must first be demonstrated
that knowledge of God received into an honest heart was
potent to destroy both the rule and the power of evil.
5Whoever received the teaching of Jesus became God's
freeman and Christ's bondservant in love. Hence Jesus began to proclaim truths which surprised many of his hearers.
The kingdom in its first phase was to be found in conduct,
and in heart attitude towards Goll. Its glory, higher than
liny Israelite had hitherto conceived, was not in any outward show or power, but in humility of spirit, in contrition
of heart, in seeking to do the will of God. The glories and
the rewards for these were future, and were to be realizell
in heaven. The glory of the kingdom of Israel under Solomon, so pleasing to the natural eye, is not to be compared
with that of the lilies of tile field, which is like that of

the lowly humility and meekness of the true followers of

Jesus.-l\Iatthew 6: 21'), 30.
BIn nothing has Christendom more clearly exposed its
lack than in its ignorance of the true inwardnpss of the
Sermon on the l\Iount. It has held tllis sermon before the
world as the standard of conduct for men, in which all
who make profl'ssion of being Christian should live. But the
ordinary pl'ofe~sed Christian has much less chance of attaining lhis stanl1,ml than the Jew had of keeVing the Law of
Sinai; and Christendom has made a greater failure in reSlwct to its profpssed law than lSl'Hpl made in l'l'Spcct to
Sinai. The mere profossing (christInn has IlPver lived in it,
ho\vever, nor made any attrmpt to kerp it. It is indeed
imvossible for him to keep it; for it is the law of the new
l'reation; aIlll nOlle but those bl'gotten of God can keep
it, and only the,;e CUll have the tnle desire to do so.
7It was 110 matter for sUI'prise that dnring the 'Vorld \\-ar
many of the clergy called for ueknowle(lgPil suspension of
this, their law of Christian life. Even tlll'Y were not prepared to love their pnrmirs, and they llarell not preach to
their congregation that thrse should llo so. 'rhey preferred
for the time not to be Christians; thry wishe<l to be freell
from the trammels of the teaching of Jesus.
THREE OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF SERMON
8The Sermon on the :Mount srts forth the kingdom of Goa
in righteousness, and the righteousness of that kingdom as
it must be seen in the lives of the true followers of Christ.
While the Sermon covers every phase of Christian life there
arc three outstanding features: (1) The Beatitudes; (2)
the Lord's Prayer; and (3) the Law of God, as exprrssell
in the Golden Hull'. In the Beatitudes, or blessings, the rewarlls n~mell for the servants of God give an altogether
different conception of relationship to him than hall any
thing previously perceivel!. Under the Law the Israelite
got present blessings for his care in the mattl'r of the Law.
He had the promise of blessings in the field, in his store,
in his body: health and peace of mind were his; and had
he kevt the law of Goll lasting life would have been his
portion, blessell and IW]lIlY under the care of God.-Leviticus
26: 3-13; Deuteronomy 11: J3-1[).
9But in the Sermon on the ::\lount, while wealth is not denounced, the blessings of the sen-ant of the Lord go with
poverty of spirit, with persecu1ions, and revilings, with hungerings and thirstings for righteousness, with mercy, with
pureness of heart, with a general condition not especially
agreeable to the riches of this world. And in the rewards
there is always a lifting of the mind above things of human
life; health of body and prosperity and enemies malle to be
at peace are things not promised. Rather it is that in due
time, after the will of God has been wrought and patiently
endured, because tribulation has followed the endeavor to
serve Jehovah through Christ, God will reward the faithful
disciple by life in heaven in fulness of joy and in his presence. It is clear that these things, not congenial to the human mind-nor intended to be, for the human mind even
when perfect finds its happiness in the things of earth-are
possible only when the mind is begotten to heavenly things.
SEARCHING WORDS FOR CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
lOJesus said that in saying these things he was by no
means setting aside or destroying the Law or t.I;le Prophets;
rather, the teachings of the prophets and the exactions of

268

SErTE~mER

1,

l()21

erheWATCH TOWER

the Law were to he brought into stricter force. Outer forms

of righteomme:;,s "uch as those of the scribes and Pharisees,
who were particularly mentioned, would count as nothing.
Now, he who did no outward evil discernable by his fellows
but who should meditate evil in his heart, is disclosed to
bl~ a sinner; he who hates is a muruerer; he who lusts is
an adulterer. 'Vorship of Gou in public places to be seen of
men is denounced. Prayer to Gml must be in secret rather
than openly. Rewards for righteousness were not to be
1<ought for in the pt'espnt liff'. Treasure was to be laid up in
heaven; and as no man could himself lay up treasure there,
it is apparent that Jesus meant to say that the servants
of God wouill be sure of reward, and that God was the
faithful Recorder. "Your Father knoweth."-l\1atthew 6: 8.
llThe tnle Israelite had always realized the privilege of
lwayer, but prayer as a regular part of the life had not
lipl'n taught to Israel. Set places and times, and the fact of
tile priesthood, had not led to the thought of personal
communion with God; ami we may understand that in
tht'ir earlier da~'s the Israelites prayeu litlle except Ulllipr
stress of special tH'ed. While the Law and the Prophets were
to remain, inasmuch as provision was to be made for keeping
the Law and the injunctions of the Word of God in spirit,
nnll therefore in a mudl trupr sense than was hitherto
I)Ossible, the priesthood had no prospect of being continued.
(Homans 8: 4 ; 2 Corinthians 3: 6) Its end had come, though
nothing to that effect was said then by Jesus.
12But J'sus gllYe some instructions as to prayer, as if
his uisciples would Illwe fr'C access to God unhindered in
approach by form or time or place. Jesus said: "After this
manner pray ye." The Lord's prayer, as it is so commonly
tWilled, is a sample prayer rather than a set form of words
to be used; but it is so granu and great that it is good
for us, his followers, to repeat it ually, even as we remember
Ottr vow unto the Lord. 'fhe prayer preserves us from
selfish thoughts. It first reminds us of the purpose of our
being-to glorify God; it takes the mind to the kingdom"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in
earth"; it causes the various members of the Church to pray
for the Church's daily n'Cd-"Give us this day our daily
breau." It then reminds us of our own n'Cd for living cleanly
bpfore the Lord; for he who prays asks to be forgiven for
11is trespasses before God according to the measure of forgiveness he has toward thoso who trcsj}ass against him.
I3It is evident that the thought is that prayer should be
made daily and constantly, and tllat it would in some measure
take the place of the Jewish priesthood. But now it is tbe
coming of a child into his Father's presence, without an
intermediary; for though Jesus is the Advocate of the
Church, the children have access to the Father in his name.
Prayer then is to be expressed in few words rather than
many: The disciples are not to use many words as the
heathen do, who expect to be heard only after much repetition; for, said Jesus, "~'our Father knoweth what things
~'e have need of, before ye ask 11im." (Matthew 6: 8)
Though the Father well knows what his child requires he
will not give unless thHe is request; but he is kind and
loving and wiIi not withhold. Therefore "ask, and it shall
be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you." (Matthew 7: 7) Good gifts of God
which corne apart from our asking are sometimes passed
without thanks.
STRICT JUSTICE REPLACED BY LOVE
14The ten commandments which formed the basis of the
I.aw Covenant were, with the exception of the fifth, all of a
negative character, the wiII of God being expressed by "thou
shalt not". Now, he who would come to God mt1!lt be pure

in heart; that is, he must be altogether sincere in his !Jurpose, wanting to be in heart harmony willI Coll and men.
'L'he law of strict justice, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a
tooth, was no longer to hold good. l~vil must be borne, injustice not resented, compul"ion acceptell. The law said:
"Love your neighbor"; and the scribes had added: "lIate
your enemies." But Jesus saill ; "Love ~'our enemies, bless
them that curse you, do goou to them that hate you, amI
pmy for them that despitefully use you, and persecute ~'ou;
that ye may be the children of your Father which is in
heaven."-~iatthew 5: 4-!, 45.
I5God would have his c\lilllren like himself: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your FatlH'r which is \leaven is perfect."
(Matthew 5: 48) Anll then came the Itt'W reading of the
Law anll tlte Prophets which has b'Cn called the Goluen Rule.
The l\Iaster sail!: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would
that men should do to you, do ~'e' even so to them: for this
is the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7: 12) In thei]" relationship to God they were not to take anxious care for
food, clothing, drink, or to things which make fulness of life;
but, seeking first the interests of God and the righteousne!Ss
of the kingdom, they would find that all the5e thin~s woulll
be taken care of by God himself. (Matthew 6: 33) This is a
gracious, but needful provision; for in the world of toil anll
care the servants of God would be so distracted by necessary
care in providing things needful for the body that there
would be little time left for the service of God and for the
development of the true life, the new creature in Christ
Jesus. The disciple of Jesus must labor with his hands for
his living, but he may rest, assnred of his Father's care.
I6Jesus ended his sermon with a warning note. Well knowing that many would proft>ss to accept his words and become
his disciples, he saiu that 110 who did them woulu be as a wise
man who built his house on a rock; he who merely made
profession would be as a foolish man who built his house on
sand. Jesus knew that storms which woulll demonstrate who
were wise and who were foolish would )';urely come. Christendom is caught. Its house is falling in tlte storms, which
are now blowing hard. The clergy class, who have misled
the people in doctrine and in conduct, are now finuing tlwt
the foundations of their house are moved, and that their
roof is being carried away. They are left exposed. The
faithful of the Lord's people are kept on the Rock of Agessafe from all alarms.-Isaiah ::G: 4, margin.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
When did ,Tl'SUS j:!;ive his Sermon on the Mount? Was it appropriate
at this time? ~ 1,2.
"'hat is tho striking difference in j:!;iYing the law to the Jews from
Sinai, and to the world from :\lount Zion to the new creation?

113.

In what way did the Sermon on the Mount differ from the former
teaching of Jesus? What must first be der:-lOnstrated before the
power of the Idnl(dom shoulll lJe felt ovC[' the world? ~ 4.
Why was the teachinj:!; of J ,,",us a surprise to Illany? How may a
person be a "freeman". and a Bhondser\"unt" at the same time?'1J 5.
In what repect has ChrIstendom lIlade a SIgnal failure? J;'or whom
was the Sermon on the Mount spoken? 1) fl.
When did the clergy show a flagrant dIsregard for the Christian's
law? 1)7.
Where is the embryotic kingdom first to be Sl'etl? Wlutt are the
three outstanding features of the Sermon on the Mount! , 8.
In what respects do the rewards and blessinj:!;s of the new creation
differ from those received under the Law Covenant? 'Which ari!
the more valuable? 1) 9.
Did Jesus set aside tho Law and the Prophets? How was the Law
maj:!;nified and made stricter to the new creature '! 1110.
Do Christians have greater privileges and closer commnnion In
prayer with God than had the Israillites? Why was the priesthood discontinued? 'II 11.
What instructions did Jesus give respecting prayer and what did
these imply? How are we benefited lJy prayer? '1) 12.
How does prayer in some measure tnke the place of the Jewish
priesthood? Is Jesus Onr High Priest? When are we most grateful for the favors which God gives us? '1113.
What forms the basis of the Law Covenant? What Is the character
of the Ten Commandments? If the Law were stated in a positive
form would it be comprehended in the Golden Rule? Is there a
grac1.ous provision f'!r the new cre~ture in Christ. Jesus? '1114,15.
How, dId Jesns end hl8 sermon? Why tlIe uecl:t>Slty for sucil. Ul
ending? '116.

LEITERS FROM AFIELD

THE LORD UNITING HIS PEOPLE

DEAR BBOTHER l{UTHEI:FORD:

My object in writing to you at this time is to let you
know how much I enjoyed the convention held at Columbu~,
0., July 20-27. I have been attending conventions of the
SOCIETY for over thirty years; but this was in every way
the best of them all. It was undoubtedly the largest gathering of God's people held on this earth since Pentecost.
It truly seemed as though the Lord gathered his people
together (see Deuteronomy 31: 12-14) from the four comers
of the earth, so that the Church might he prppared for the
part she is to play in the greatest battle ever waged between
truth and error.
Evidently Satan had been busy previously trying to
weaken the Lord's people in the conflict, by means 01' lI1i,understandings, etc" the object being to split tile CIl1Jl"('h
into factions. The Lord was observing this' and so brougllt
us all together at this great convention for the purpose of
uniting his people more, and thus being united to fight
shoulder to shoulder more valiantly against the foe.
It must also have served to strengthen the faith and
coura~e of some who seemed to be fighting alone, to come
to the convention and see so many thousands of consecrated
children of God.
It was a sight never to be forgotten to see from ]3,000 to
20,000 brought together this way and to note how the Lonl
by his spirit drew us all more closely together. This was
quite noticeable as the convention progressPl.l. I firmly
believe that when all the de'.tr friends left for their respective places they departed with a firuler determination
than ever to finish the work committed to them hy the Lord.
It surely must have warmed and cheered ~'our heart to
note all this, for we all know how much you love the Lord
and his people, and also the cause whIch we all love so
uearly.
We feel grateful to the Lord for rai~ing ~'ou up with all
the faithful brethren at heauquartl'rs, and under our great
Captain to lead us on to victory. The Lord has calJ('d his
Church "to arms", and it is for us all to respond to the call,
and by his grace this will we do. ]\fay the Lord pnable us
all by the mighty power of his spilit, to be fait.hful unto
death. With warm Christian love to ~'ou and all the dear
ones at Bethel.
Your Brolllpr in Christ
'VALTER .T. THons (Pllgril1~)

------

GREAT APPRECIATION FOR CONVENTION PRIVILEGES

DEAR BROTHER IN THE LOIlD:

I beg just a monlPnt of your yaluable time to tell you of
my appreciation of the privilege of attending the wonderful
Columbus Convention. I enjoyed the blessings our dear Lord
had in store for us.
I earnestly prayed and looked forward to the occasion as
the means of unparalleled encouragl'ment to the friends, and
especially expected much from yourself in this respect, as
the Lord's special representative. Surely I was not disal)pointed; for I feel that you, more than anyone else, are to
be congratulated for the immense success of this convention.
The precious little season of fellowship with the tmveling
bl'ethren, and the heart-to-talk you gave us, will ever be remembpred and cherished in a very warm spot in my heart.
Your management of the convention, the big public witness
at the stadium, and your several discourses to the friends
at the Coliseum, all together mark this convention as an
epoch-making event in the harvest-history of the CIlUlch. It
will certainly do much toward encouraging the fl'it'nds to
heart-loyalty to the King and the kingdom work. I consider
;your lesson on the "Three Points of Temptation" leading up

to the "Indictment" on that wondprful ocrusion on Friday

moming, as the most brilliant thing that could ever be given
on that suhject. It has giyen me a new slant on matters ot
developing Christ-likeness in my own life, as well as showing the temptation upon Christendom, for which they shamefully fell.
I want to work harder than ever to show the dear Lon]
my sincerest apvreciation of this wondprful conYentio:l.
Again tllunl,ing you for tIle privilege of a ttelllUng, and wishing you further wi,llom anll grace in your able Ipa<.lership,
I beg to be ~'our brother, by his grace divinp,
A. J. gSHLE~rA'" (Pilgrim)

-------

BROTHER BANKS WORKED ALONE

[The foilowillg" Iptter from Brother Ball!;s, who Iahors in

the intprest of thp colorpl! ]11'01111', is lIlI pxample of llOW
the Lorll b]psse;; tlto~p who lIIanifpst a rpal devot ion to hi'!
cause. 'I'IlE "'.\TCII TO\\'EH has plelisUl'e in puhlishing it
with comlllPIl<lation for faYorable cOllsidprlltion of others,]
DE.\R BHETHHEX:
On al'l'oullt of thi;; l1i;;trirt being a farming" country, the
frienus have not been aule to 11a.ye mallY pri nlte ITIletings.
Brothel' F'rank Smith, fOl'mprly of Ehdora, Ark., has
moved away, as lJiSO has Brothpr F. G. "'OOI!. I arriyeu
in EUllora on scl1p(1ul('d tinlE', an(1 found no one to mept lIlt'.
I took it as tIle will of the Lord 'to ha\'e it so, as it might
l1ave been mulle l;nown bt'fore alTiyillg" tl1cn'. So I 1II:](1e
np Illy mind to giye some kiml of witness in the town
before IpaYing, as I was to be thf're Satul'duy and Sunday.
I found a rooming house and put up for tile lIight. 'rhe
next day I inquil'l'd for a l1all, and found nonp. But in
getting acquaillted with the people on the street, I met a
physif'ia.n who intro(1ueed me to influl'ntial chun'hmen. I
arranged with one of tllPm to holll a Ipcturl' at the .Jeri(']lo
Baptist church in the afternoon, Then I wpnt to the post
office and inquired for the package of circulars that I hall
sent to F'rank Smith. Tlwsp were dpliverpd to me, and I
proceeded to arrange some of them for the meeting. These
wero postell in several burber sllOps and rpstaurants.
A minister saw one of tllem, and wished to know if I
could lecture at his church in Grand Lake. This was Hrranged; and the day was put in with two witnessp;;; in
diITerent parts of the town and vicinity. I clid some canvassing on Saturday and sold some books. These, togpthel'
with those sold at the meetings, total GG. The attendance
at the meetings was 2G1. Of coursp, as I Ilull nothing but the
samples and llrospectus, I coul<.1 not delivpr the books. I
took a small deposit from each purchaser, and then arranged
to Illne the books delivered C, O. D. 'l'hese orders will he
turned over to a class or a colporteur who has the stock.
'Ye never know what tile Lord has in store for us. l{palizing the presence of the Lorll, and renwm bp!'ing the expression of Llo~'d the naturallst, I can say much more contidpntIy than he that "I was never less aloue than when alone."
Your IJrother and servunt by the grace of God,
'l'HOS. E. BANKS (Pilgrim)

-------

INTERESTING LETTER FROM FRANCE

[Siuce the war the French Government Ims induced n

great number of Poles to move into Northern France. Approximately 140,000 have already gone there. They are being
put to work in the mines; aud Catholic priests were bl"Oug-ht
along to keep them in line. This was not pleasing to the
Poles, who had a keen desire to know sometlling besides heiug subject to the pope. The SOCIETY spnt Brother Krelt
amongst them some time ago, and the Lord is blessing his
efforts vcry glf'atly. The following Iptter relates to the wodl:
in KOI'thern Frunce.]
210

SEPTE1IBEU 1, 192'1

<[he

WATCH TOWER

271

given to the gr('at "King of kings and Lord of lords" and

BELOVED BRETHIlE:"f IN THE LORD:
The work in France in going on nicel~', despite the diffi- his iIlcomillg killgdolll of peace and righteousness.
We have eyer~' reason to believe that the Lord is directing
culties. Immediately after my arrival in France, a woman,
a member of the secret order of Holy Rosary, opposed the this work through the same agency which has long been
truth vigorously, tearing her hair in her rage. She went to USE'd of him, and we desire to exprpss our appreciation Cif
her pastor and asked him for some remedy for that "heresy" this fact and our privilege of cooperating in the same great
work.
of the Bible Students. But he tolll hel' that since this is a
WI' r('joice in the thought express(>(] in the 'VATCII TOWER
free country, nothing could be done. She later became more
intel'ested; and today is our sister, and very zealous in the of DPl;PlllIJPr fiftf'entlt, tllat "the Lord's p(>ople are his chanrwl to do his work"; and that the body of consecrated people
work. The Lord has power to change the human heart.
'fhanks to the heavenly Father, that he permits us to ad- working together in the senice of the Lord in a broad SE'nse
l'onstitut('s tl1(' SOCIETY. 'Ye also rejoice to find ourselves
vertise his kingdom!
'Ye were able to arrange one of the largest religious mret- a part of this great arrangement.
iYe rpalize your gTpat sacrifi<'e and lailor of love on our
ings ever held in France for the Poles, in the city of Bruay,
Pas de Calais. The subject used was, "The Resurrection of !>phalf and for our spiritual wplfarp, and we daily uphold
the Dead Soon." The invitations were distributed by several ~ou at the throne of graee for guidance and divine bl('ssing
in ~'our hOllorPll po~lt ion of senice.
of the local brethren a day previous to the lecture. On Sun'VI' are with you, dear hrethren ; our prayE'rs are for you;
da~', the local priest directed his entire sermon on the suband we wif<h you to know of our g-ratitude for the many
jP(t, and was so taken up with it that the poor soul forgot
tn make a collection. This did not escape the notice of thosp bl('ssings rl'('('iyed from tltl' Lord at your hand.
'l'lris expr('ssion of our gratitude is by the unanimous vote
prrsent. Although he mlmollished them agaillst attending
the lecture, saying that "a wolf in sheep's clothing" had of thl' Dayton peclesia alltl in ohedience to its instnIctions,
~Iay the God of all comfort keep ~'our hearts and miIHls
come from AIlIPrica, the people came, all the more, to see
tlu'ough .Jesus Christ unto his etl'nJal glory.
me. The pastor hims('lf came to the meeting, and with lJim
THE I)AYTO:"f ECCLESIA, 01lio.
wus the prelate. Despite my invitation that they defem]
-----their denomination, no one took the offer.-Leviticus 26: 8;
SEARCHING FOR GOD UNTIL FINDING HIM
Proverbs 28: 1.
The meeting was advertised for 2: 30 p. m. With the help DEAR BRETHREN:
Seyeral months ago I rl'Cei\'f'd from the SOCIETY the seYE'n
of the French brethren, we obtained one of the larg('st halls
in the city market-place. As early as 2: 00 o'clock, the mar yolumes of ST\'nH:s IN THE A'CRIPT\'RES. I could not hplp
ket-place was filled with thousands of people. At 2: 15 the llplipYing eyery word In these Yolumes, and have made up
hall was opened. In five minutes it was filled; and thou- my mind to belong to this Church of Christ, inasmuch as
sands stood in the market-place near the windows and doors, you will accept me.
Df'nr brpthl'E'n, I llll"e sparched seyeral ycars for the truth
,vhich were opened. A large crowd listened to the lecture
through the Windows; and a large numIJer, not being able for a true God; and I coul(l not find' him anywhere.
to hear from l1 distance, returned to their homps. There were ~earched for him in the Roman Catholic Church. 'l'her(>,
5,000 who wel'e able to hear the lecture. Some fainted from however, I could neyer find him, and eYf'ntually I became
tired and stopped st'arching for him. I ft'll into infidelity
Jilek of space. The meeting was closed with pra~'er, after
which the people went for the IJooks. In l1 few minutes they but kept my hpal't elf'lm; lind God was kind to me and e;l~
lightened me with the truth, with ~'our writings;, and now
were l111 gonp. Cries could be heard of "Bibles! Biblps!
Giye us lIIore Bibles." \Ve are short of them, as well as of I wish to return to God. Tlwl'('fore I haye decided to subscribe to the 'VATCH 'l'OWI-:R.
booklets.
That my loye toward God might now grow cold hf'Cause I
'1'he people with books under their arms went to their
homes in contented crowds, some reading on their way. The am not very strong, I beg you not to scorn me, dear brethren
clergymen also, with noses bpnt downwl1rd, not knowing in Christ. Ending this If'tter, I am spnding you, dear brt'thwhat to llo, slOWly retumed to their respective nests. It can ren, my heartft'lt thanks for your books. I enclose one dollar
be Sl'en that the hungering is not for bread, but for hearing for a snbscription to the WATCH TOWER.
HELENA JANICKA, Conn.
of the Word of God. (Amos 8: 11) The light grows daily
brighter until the perfect day.
Wishing you divine blessings, and asking an interest in
SYSTEMATIC STUDY IS STRENGTHENING
your prl1~'ers, I remain
DEAR BRETHREJ:' :
Your brother in the Lord,
J. KRETI', France.
By unanimons yotp of the ecelesia we wish to express to
Y'ou our appreciation of the W'ATCH 'l'OWER articles, We have
hpen priYileged to COWl' nparly all the articles in the 'VATCH
THE LORD'S PEOPLE ARE HIS CHANNEL
TOWF;U including" the Sunday School articles for several
DEAR BRETHREN:
ypars, and haH~ found them to be yery helpful and also need\Ve realize in some measure, our debt of ful. We haye two Berpan study hours each week especially
gratitude to the Lord for all his wonderful blessings to those for these. (This in addition to our regular stUdies.)
now feasting on present truths. Blessed are those who have
In our study of the 'VATCH TOWER we find that the Lord
waited and come to the thousand three hundred and five has provided an ahundance of good things and refreshin""
and thirty days.
words which become present meat in due season, and whieh
\Ve also realize that the Lord raised up a servant especial- always seem so timed as to be especially helpfUl and enly commissioned to dispense the "meat in due season," courag-ing, and a means of strength that we may be faithful
"things new and Old," to the household of faith. 'Ve gladly and loyal to our great King.
honor him because the Lord honored him and blesseu his
Since the 'VATCH TOWER has reminded us of the imporwork.
tance of these studies we will be more appreciative, as our
Today we behold the work continued by other 10"l'lng stUdy in the past has often brought to mind that the brethhands, and in addition to comforting and encouraging the ren have put much effort on the preparation of these studlE's.
brethren we behold a great and world-wide witness being
With much Christian loye,
AnH.ExE, KA,\,SAS, ECCLESIA.

International Bible Students Association Qasses

l.tecturel5 and ptudied by'frdvelin<;j Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Freeport, III..........Sel't.
Bel videre, III.
"
l\larengo, III.
"
Elgin, Ill,
"
~ion, Ill. ..__
.__
"
Waukegan, 111. """"" ..

18
19
21
22
23
24

BROTHER G.

Des Plaines, III..........Sept.

Park Hidge, III. _
"
Chicago, Ill.
"
Pullman, Ill.
..
Hegewisch, III.
,
"
~'oledo, Ohio
Oct.

25
26
2S
29
30
1

lIIorgantown, W. Va. :->ept. 1(;,17

Point lIIarion, I'a. .__ . " IS, 19
Leckrone, I'a
__
;'1
Conn<,UsYille, Pa
__ .. ..
:J2
(ll'oonshurg, l'a.
24
J ohnstOWll, l'a.
..
25

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Utica, N. Y
Oneida, l\'. Y.. '"
Syracuse, N. Y

Sept.2:J, 2::1
,.
24
:->f'pt.
25

Oswego, N. Y. . _. __ ..

. "

26

\VatertoWJl J N. Y
Uome, N. Y.

_. "

28
29

..

Canajoharie, N. Y
Sept.
John"to\\n. N. Y
Uct.
GIOyerSYllle, X. Y .._ "
AlllsteruaIll, X. Y
__._. "
:->chenedad~', X. Y
..
~aratoga Spring.. . , X. Y. "

POLLOCK

Somerset, I'a
__.Sept. 26
J ohnstolYn, I'a.
21>
Nicktown, I'a
..
29
Altoona, I'a. .. __ Sept. 30, Oct. 1
Bellefonte, l'a
__
__ .Oct. 2
I'hilip"IJUrg, l'a
"
a

BROTHER B. M. RICE

30
1
2
3
5

Des lIloines, Ia
Calnbridge. la
_
Coon Hal'ids, lao .. _
Omaha, l'i eb
Prescott, la. .__ __
Hed Oak, 1'1

__ Sf'l't.
..,
"

24
25

26

_. " 2S, ~~)

__
....
Oc~.
1

Exira, Ia
Kirkman, lao .._
Omaha, ~e1J
_
'Vall Lal~e, la. .
Little ~wu.\., lao

Oct. 2
"
5
_.. "
U
"
7
" S,U
t-ilUUX CIt.)', la ................ " 10
__

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
N. lIlartins,'ilIe, "'. Ya. :->ept.
Clarington, O
"
Wheellllg, W. Ya.
Bellaire. O.
.__ .__.__ __ .. "
B)'es"ille, 0....
Cambridge, O
Oct.

2::;
2(;

Zan<'sl'ille, O
Crookesnll<" O

2.~

:-;haWll(~,

2U
30
1

Oct.
,.

O.

O
Lunca:--ter, O. .
COlUIllI.ms, O
1\el~on'-il1e,

__ ._

"

__._

"
. "
_ "

2
::I
5,U
7
S
UJ 12

DlWTHER V. C. RICE
I~oc)\: l~iII, .S. ~ ........-.. -HCI,1,t.
(Ja~tOJlla. !\. t .._._ .._._
__.
Shelby, N. C. . __ .__
_.....
Cherry\'ille, N. C
_
"
Llllcolnton, X. C.
HIckory, N. C.

~~
0

24
25
2(;
2S

A"hedlle, N. C. __ ...__ ... Sept. 29

Brasstown, N. C. ::iept. ::10, Oct. 1
Cruso, N. C
__
O('t. 2,::1
Asheville, N. C
"
5
::i!,yland, N. C. __
__
()
Hendel'soul'ille, N. C.
..
7

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Pembroke, Onto
__.__ .Od. 2.3
Ottawa, Onto
,.
0, G
Carleton Place, Ont. .. "
7
Smith's Falls, Out
"
1)
llroclivilIe, Onto
, " 10, 12
Kingston, Onto
"
1::1

Belledll<', Onto
Stll'hng, Ont. . ._
Onto .__..__
Oshawu, Ont.
Hamilton, Ont
Beamsville, Onto
~'renton,

Oct.
" 15)
_ "
"
"
"

14
16
17
19
2::1
24

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
23
Jasper, 1\10
__ .:->el't.
24
I~reemu.n, 1tlo
__
"
I'leuNlllt I'lill, :\10
" 2:>, :.!fi
~S
ClintoIl, 1\10. __
_
"
Coal, lIIo. .__
"
~O
~O
Deepwater, !Ilo.

Sedalia. :\10
__Oet.
1
J etterson City, 310
_~._ .. "
2,5
Loose Creek, .:\10
__ .~
H
::I
Burton, l\10. ..
_ __. Jl U, 7
\\'ells\'111e, Mo.
S
Hannibal, 1\10.
._ .. H
10

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
I,ewistown, Ida
O~,t. ~
1I10scow, Ida
__.._ __
(,arlieid, 'Vasil.
--.-" ~
Oal\:e~dale, \Va..h
_
" U
I'pokane, 'Vash
__
U
Soap Luke, Wash.
7

~~~natcllee,.. \\'a,h
~~ct. ~
,\ erett, \\ ,1,,11.
.
ttanwOOd, Wash. -- ..-" 11~
"urlingtoll, 'Ya~h. _ __ ..
_
:->"dro \roole~, Wash
" ];~
lilt. Yernon, \\'ash.
14

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Bea\'er Valley, Sask. __ Sl'P\'
Shaunu"oll, Susko ., .. " I:!.
Lethbridge, Alta
" lU,
lIIagrath, Alta
__
__ "
1I1aeteod, Alta.
Blairlllore, Alta
_.... "

]1
14
17
IS
19
21

Coleman, Alta. -Sf'~,t. ~i

Fernie, H. C
__
__ .__
Elko, B. C.
.__ ..__ __....
:J4
Crallbrook, D. C
_.. _.._.."
~3
Lardo, D. C.
__
" 2~
Nelson, ll. C
" ::10

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
lIlound City, Ill
'I'hebes, III.
Anna, Ill...
Carbondale, Ill.
Swallwick, Ill.
Valier, Ill.

S<'pt. HI
" 17, IS
19
21
"
"'2:)~
..
.,

Marion, Ill. .__ __

White Ash, Ill
Paducah, Ky.. _
lIlayhpld, Ky
Paducah. Ky
Dixon, Ky

Sept. 24,25
::iept.
26
"
~S
__ ..
2!l
>;ept.
::10
Oct.
1,2

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN
West Chelmsford, lIlass. Sept. 18
Lowell, lIlass.
19, 21
Concord JunctIun, 3Iast;. "
~2
Waltham, lIlass. __
__ "
:J::I
llo,Hon, lIIas~
---.--. }4, 2~~
llc\'el'ly, i\Ia:;s
.___.. __._..
iJ

Lynn, l\lass. _.
Sept. 30
t'liftondale. ~la" __
o('t. 1
Quincy, lIIass. . __
..
2
Stoughton, l'daHH ........ "
::I
lJrod\ton, l\ld~N
"
5
Pl)"mptoll, l\la:::is............ II
6

BROTHER W. J. THORN
Northome, :\Iinn
Sept. 21, ~2
::it. Paul, MUlIl. _
..
~::I
"4 "5
Pea..--:e, .Minn.
~ ':i(;
Princeton, )linfl
' __ ' "
2S
:\1.~nneapoli~, lUinn
::
29
"lIlona, Mllln. .
.

1:o('hester, Minn
_.. Sf'pt. 30
lIIankato, Minu
O('t. 1
j~van, l\Iinn
__ .__
_.._. " 2, a
Lake Benton, ~linll
_."
5
Lu "erne, l\IIllll. .
._........
(j
J w;per J ~lilln . .__.............. " 7, S

BROTHER T. H. THOHNTON
BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Dr~'den,

Onto .._.__
Oxdrift, Onto
}(!:Jl0 l:a, Onto
_
"ullllpeg. 1\lan
Treherlle, J\!au
Carroll, !\lan
__

Sept,
"
. ::

~~

25

2G, :!:-;
. II ~9, 30
Oct.
1

::ioUl'is, 1\1a n
__.O(t. 2,3
Branrlon. ]\fan. -- "
5,6
Hapid CitJ', ~Ian. ._ _.. "
7,8
[)
l\1innedosa, )1an. ._
"
Clarksville, )Ian. ._ _., "
10
Neepu\\ a, ~lan
"
12

Colnmbus, lIIiss
l\lc Cool, .Mi:-:s
_._
Aberdeen, lIliss
West Point, ~liss
Okolona~ Miss
Juka, .l\Iiss

21
22
24
25
"!'!

- '29

Orchid, Va
Newport !\ew~, Ya
Norfolk 'a. __
Exmore, Va
~uffolk. Va
__ __
South Hill, Va

Sept.
"
_. "
"
__ "
Oct.

25
26
~S

20
30

Momphis, 'I'enn
Oct. 3,5
Clarkgdale, l\Ijs~........ "
6
Vicksburg, Miss
..
7
J ackson, .l\Iis.~
"
8
Crystal Sprin~i":, l\Iiss. "
[)
Brookhaven, IIliss
..
10

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Frostburg, IIId.
.. Sept.
Cumberland, lIld
"
'Vashin/:ton, D. C
"
Rutherglen, Va
"
?(;
Richmond, Va. __
.
Fredrick.' Hall, Va.
"

_ _

Sf'l't. 30
_Oet. 1
"
.. 3.5
"
12
_.
19
..
22
,~

~hoenix,

"'riz.
Sep.t. 12,14
)' uma, ArIZ
_..__ .. _
15
EI Centro, Calif.......
16,17
Los An~eles, Calif. .. "
19-:n
..
::san Diego, Calif
22
Oceanside, Calif.
..
23

Santa Ana, Cui if.........Sept.

Anaheim, Calif. .............."
Brea. Calif.
_
"
Whittier, Calif
_...
Hawthorne, Calif.
Long Beach, Calif.

24
25
21J
28
29
30

qq~I&rfcteij1ii)i)~1]j)9 <t@1l))~~ ~lf ~1ij~ Nu~llyt?

Q~11f~miullg ~1lIJ!l~i'lbtamd &\. ~tsv,t also!"- Isai~
VOL. XLV

Ko, 18

SEMI-MoNTHLY

Anno Mundi 6052 -Sept. IS, 1924

OONTENTS
275
Commerce Turned into Grep(] for Gain
__ 275
"Tho~ Shalt ,,"ot Kill" Ip;norefL
.
:!75
PromInent l\lpn Sense Impe-nelin" Doom
')76
Reason fo~ Christendom's Dooll~
:
The Prolllised KillgdonL....
.
?7G
Jesus' Words Ha"e Had Fulfilment
:::277
Present Outlook One of An"ieh'....
"78
Could Ha,-e Prevented Trouhle'. ..--------------:;7<)
Why !\Iillions Will Never Die____

CIVILIZATION DOOMED

::::276

.:::::::::280

PRAYER-!\IEETING TEXT CmDI>':-1Ts.

.. __ 2S1

THE PARADLE OF THE SOWER

.282

THE STILLING OF THE STORM.

LETTERS FRO){ A~'IF.LD__ ...,
PITTSIH.'RGH COXVEXTION

.... __
.,

__

__ 2S4
2SG

__

274

"1 wIll stand upon my wat~h and will set my fUll'

Tower, and will" atch to see what He win
,ay unto me, and what answer 1 shall make to them
Ihat oppose me."-H abakkuk t: 1.
~pon t1.e

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS joumal is one of the prime factors or Instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now belD~
presented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCR TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible' students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
all!lO as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with annotmcements of the Society's conventions and of tho
COJDing of its traveling reprllSentatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's publisbed STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helPful to.all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated
inllo English is Jfinister of God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
Btuclents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiatell
.-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Ttrnothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all Bee wbat is the fellowship of the mystery which. , .has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
WAll not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
lt stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest
8Ubjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in tbe holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in hili'
service; hence our decisi{)ns rE'lative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuild,fng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ow:
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to wbich reference is constantly made to faCIlitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

'That the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction IllllS been in progress throughont
the gospel ag-e-ever since Christ became the world's Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his tempie, through which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and theY find access to him.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last 0[ these "living stones", "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God ami men throughout
the !I1illenninm.-Re,elation 15: 5-8.
"That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world", "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timotb~' 2: 5, 6.
"bat tbe hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as his joint-heir.-l Jobn 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
"hat the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop In herself every
grace; to lie (;ou's witness to t.1le world; and to prepare to be kmgs and priests iu tIle next age.-Epbesians 4: 12; Matthew 24:
14; nevelauon 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for the world lies In the blessings of knowleilg-e anil opportunity to be bronght to all by Christ's Mlllennial kingdom, the
resututlon of all tbnt was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of tbeir Redeemer and bis glorified cburch,
when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 35.

WATCH TOWER. BI BLE & TRACT SOCIET)'

18 CONCORD STREET 0 0 6R.OOKLYN,I4.Y. U.S'A'
FOREIGN OFFICES: British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate,
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PLEASE ADDRESS THE SOCIETY IN EVERY CASE.
YEARLY SUBSCi(JP1'iON PRiCE: UNITED SI'ATES, $1.00; CANADA
AND J\h"CELLANEOUS FOREIGN, $1.50; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRNLASIA,
AND SOUI'H A.'RlCA, 78. American remittances should be made by
Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Ban" Draft. Canadian, British,
SouthAfrican,andAustralasian remittances should be made to branch
of/ice8 emly. Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn otllce, but by international Postal Money Orders only.
(Foreign translations 0/ this journal appear in several languages)
Editorial Co"'mittre: 'Fhis journal is published under the supervision
of an editorial committee, at least three of whom ha"e read and
approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns.
The nameEl of the editorial committee are: J. F. RUTHERFORD,
W. E. VAN AIlBURGH, J. HEMERY, H. H. BARBER, C. Jj;. STEWART.
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students wbo. by reason of
old age or other iuhi'mity or adversity, are unable to pay for this
journal. will be &upplJed ft'ee if they send a postal card each May
stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not oRly
willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
in touch with the Berean studies.
Notice to Subscribers: We do >Jot, as a rulp. send a card of acknowledgment for a renewai or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper label.
Entered as Second Class Matt.,. at Brooklyn. N. Y. Postoffice., Act o{March 3rd 1879-

ADDITIONAL MEMORIAL REPORTS

Since the additional l\fl'morial Report appeared in the

August 15th issue of TH~; 'VATeH TOWER, we have received
r('ports from the Ukrainian brethren, totalling 848. Ot:l\er
1'ports total 123. Of tpese the following cities reported
twenty or more persons participating:

ukrainian Ecclesias
Winnippg, l\Ian.
Chicago, Ill.
Wakaw, Sask., Can.
N ovoselica, Czecho-Slovakia
Hila Cerkva, Gzecho-Slovakia
Polyana Kob., Czecho-Slovakia .
Cleveland, Ohio
New York, N. Y.
Detroit, Mich.,
Akron, Ohio,
Pleasant Home, Man., Can.
West Selkirk, Man., Can.,
Veliki Lucki, Czecho-Slovakia
Philadelphia, Pa.,
Sturgis, Sask., Can.,
Omitted from FOJ'llwr HqlOrt
Duluth, Minnesota, (English)

85
77
72
48
40
38
31

30
30
27

25
2,3

24
21

20

55

G3,669
Grand Total to date
N. B.-The grand total ineludps all reports of classes
where lesi than twenty participated.

PITTSBURGH CONVENTION

Following the annual nweting of the 'Vatch Tower Bible

& Tract Society there will be a convention of Bible Students
at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 31 to November 2, inclusive. A number of the Pilgrim brethren will take part in
the program; and on Sunday, November 2, a public address
will be given by Brother Rutherford in the Syria Mosqlie.
Other sessions of the convention will be held in Mpmorial
Hall, Fifth Avenue and Big-elow Boulevard. For further
particulars concerning accommodations, etc., please address
C. H. Stewart, Secretary, 317 Grace Street, Mt. Wushingt()n
Sta., Pittsburgh, Pa,

&heWATCH TOvVER
AND HERALD OF CHRRSTS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

SEPTE:liBIill

13, 1G2-!

CIVILIZATION

No. IS

DOOMED

but-!lIillions Sow Living H'ill Never Die

UUE civilization is the verj antithesis of barbar- "he Lord Jesus Christ, and to form a part of present
ism. The name properly stands for euucation, civilization.
It is said that war is a relic of barbarism; anu this
culture, "efinement, and truth. There is a civilization in name only. It is veneered, while underneath is true. It has been said that commerce would so unite
exists barbarism in its most malignant form. True ci\"i- the peoples of earth that wars will no more be known;
lization can be founded and builued only upon truth, and yet in 1914 commerce produced the greatest and
justice, and righteousness, with love as the moving canse. most devastating war of all time.
During the 2,000 ycars past there has grauually deIt was claimed that euucation and science woulu prevelopeu what we call civilization. It has maue quick anu vent war; and yet education and science have been
rapid growth during the past half century. It has been ~mployed to make war more diabolical and fiendish than
the boast of many nations and peoples of earth.
he barbarians ever dreamed of. The leading nations
The commerce of the world has brought the peoples of Christendom encourage their scientists to produce the
of the nations into closer proximity with each other, most deadly instruments of war. Recently several of the
increased education and science, and developeu culture. so-called civilized nations were contestants in the acquisiIt has performed its part in the present civilization.
tion of a "death ray" by which it is claimed a great city
Politics has organized the peoples into forms of like London might be wiped out in a night. This is a
government with a few governing the masses, and has prouuct of modern civilization.
enacted many wholesome laws which have been enforced
"THOU SHALT NOT KILL" IGNORED
when convenient. It has performed a part in modern
Jesus
Christ is the great Prince of Peace. He
civilization.
said:
"Thou
shalt not kill." He taught his disciples and
The religion of Jesus Christ was founded and organhis
followers
to
refrain completely from the use of carnal
ized in purity. Elevated above the sordid things of earth,
it has been the beacon li~ht on the mountain top to weapons. Yet the clergy, who claim to be teachers of
guide the honest searcher for truth over the morass into his doctrines, have sanctified war and made it a holy
pleasant paths that lead to endless life and happiness. thing. They have delighted to have their portraits and
This true religion of Christ has had a savory influence statues exhibited side by side with those of bloody warupon men and, for a time, performeu its part in civili- riors. They have hailed the greatest warriors as the greatest heroes of all time. When the world War came they
zation.
acteu as recruiting officers, turned their church buildings
COMMERCE TURNED INTO GREED FOR GAIN
into recruiting offices; yea, they even accepted money for
Greed for gain and power turneu legitimate com- their work of preaching young men into the trenches,
merce into wicked profiteering. The commercial giants and told them if they died on the battlefield they would
traffic in human bloood as they do in the inanimate prod- go straight to heaven. The money which the clergy
ucts of the earth.
received for this work was saturated with human blood.
Ambition for power and influence has caused politiThe clergy have admitted into their church organizacians to juggle with the rights of the people, prove tions the greeuy profiteers and the faithless politicians,
unfaithful to their constituency, anu use public office anu have made them the principal of their flock. The
for primte gain.
clergy were taught by the Lord that Satan is the god
The desire for bodily ease and comfort, the uesire to of this evil world; yet they have willingly become a part
be approved by men rather than have the approval of of it. They have failed to defend the poor and the
God, an ambition for the estabhthment of the Lord's fatherless, and have delivered them into the hands of
kingdom on earth before due time, and contrary to his the greeuy, wicked ones to serve as targets for the war.
way-these have caused the clergy to fall to the seductive They have dealt unjustly with the afflicted and needy,
influence of Satan, to become unfaithful to God and to and have indulged in the wicked persecution of the meek
275

2TG

rneWATCH TOWER

BaOOKI.YN. N. Y.

and lowly followers of the Prince of Peace, who dare

to tell the truth; and they have caused the arrest, imprisonment and dcath of such.
The people have lost faith in their political leaders
because they see that these are in the control of the
wicked profiteers. They have lost faith in their clergy
because thf'Y observe the Modernists, claiming to be
representatives of the Lord and at the same time denying
Gou's Word, and denying the blood of Jesus as the great
rf'demptive price of man. They mark the Fundamentalists, who claim to believe the Bible, and yet unite with
wicked profiteers and politicians in thpir effort to foist
upon mankind the League of Nations, which they hail
as the "political expression of God's kingdom on earth."

foretold it. He pictured how the blackness of fear

would be upon the faces of all the governing elements.
With the voice of authority he speaks to them through
his prophet, thus: "Come near, ye nations, to hear; and
hearken, ye people; let the earth hear, and all that is
therein: the world, and all things that come forth of it.
1<'01' the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, . . .
For it is the day of the Lord's vengeance."- Ioaiah 34:
1,2,8.
But why should .Jehovah manifest his displeasure and
veng~ance against the nations of earth? The answer is
that Satan's empire has reached its full in wickeiln('ss,
and it must fall before the on'ward and triumphant
march of the Prince of Peace.
'1'he only nation on earth organized and controll('d by
PROMINENT MEN SENSE IMPENDING DOOM
Jehovah was the nation of Israel. He made it a typical
Millions are out of employment without homes and nation. He gave that nation a perfect code of laws, and
without means of support for themselves and loved ones. promised them that he would grant life to them if they
With confidence in their leaders gone, with no visible kept those laws. He warned them against disobedience.
means of betterment, without God and without hope in They failed to keep the law, were disobedient to him;
the world, countless millions are turning to the rankest and he executed his decree of punishment against that
radicalism. Because of these conditions the rulers of nation.
earth are in fear and trembling. With distress and perLucifer, who because of his disobedience became
plexity they view the situation. Some of the most pro- Satan, the Devil, without hindrance from Jehovah
found thinkers of the present time express themselves overreached the nations round about and organized
in no uncertain terms:
them. He exercised his baneful influence over Israel;
and
that nation fell a victim and was overthrown in the
"Before the war people often supposed that ours was a
Christian culture. The war has revealro us to ourselves. year 606 B. C. There it was that God declared that he
would not interrupt the reign of the Gentiles under the
Civilization is Pagan."-Dr. Bernard I. Bell.
supermind of Satan "until he should come whose right
"Airplanes, poison gas, and hatred mixed together are
spelling the doom of civilization. America is preparing for it is" and to him, the Righteous One, would God give
war on a s('ale so colossal that it has no parallel in the the power, as well as the right, to rule. The period of
history of the world. Our civilization will perish unless the Gentile Times was to continue for 2.520 years, bewe strive for international peace."-Frederick J. Libby.
;:(inning in 606 B. C., and necessarily would end in 1914.
rhere the Gentile dominion legally ended; and then and
"'We have come to the crossroads and no one knows tht
way out."-H. G. 'Wells.
there he whose right it is to reign assumed such au"The future is very dark. 'Ve have reached the twilight thority. It was in that year that civilization, so-called,
reached the zenith of its glory; and in that same year
of civilization."-Dr. H. L. Brailsford.
its disintegration began.
"No man unless he is drunk with optimism can df'ny that
Prior to that time men with honest desires put forth
the world is very sick, and it may be a siekness unto death."
their best efforts to establish a righteous government.
-Sir Philip Gibbs.
"The United States is prf'paring for war t.hat would tax But being imperfect, their power and influence were
us to the utmost in man-power resourees."-Secretary of nullified in a large degree by forces of evil; and Satan
succeeded in keeping all the nations subject to his own
War Weeks.
"You responded to Europe's need in 1!UT. The work is invisible power. He has completely dominated the three
only half done; and if not eompletl'd, civilization is doomed ruling factors of the earth, and has truly been the god of
within this generation to a eatastrophe sueh as the world this world; namely, civilization so-called.
has never known." "Foree is Hle only thing that rules in the
world. Unless you stamp out that conviction civilization
h; doomed upon this eartll."-Lloyd George.

THE PROMISED KINGDOM

Long centuries ago, through his holy prophets, liod

promised a kingdom of righteousness which would rid
These great men of the world see the storm of fire and the earth of the oppressor and his wicked methods. He
blood irresistibly sweeping on to the destruction of promised a coming seed, or ruler, through whom these
human institutions; but they assign no cause, and are blessings should flow out to humankind. Concerning
at a loss for an adequate Temedy. Hence their perplexity that ruler he said, through his prophet: "The governand distress. Jehovah knew the end from the beginning. ment shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be
He fOITsa\\' this dreadlul day, and through his prophet callea Wondcrful, Counscllor, The mighty God, The
THE REASON FOR CHRISTENDOM'S D60M

SEI"fE)IllER

15, 1024

'TheWATCH TOWER

eYerlasting :I<'ather, 'The Prince of Peace. Of the increase

of his government and peace there shall be no end."
(Isaiah 9: 6, 'I) Of that coming blessed kingdom all
),rophets wrote and the Psalmi~t sang; and the godly
ones looked forward with eagerness to that happy time.
When Jesus of K a7-areth was on earth he taught his
disciples in corroboration of the words of the prophets.
The burden of his speech was the coming of that blessed
kingdom. They were familiar with the tachings of the
prophets; and hearing again and again the words of the
Master concerning that kingdom, they inquired of him
in these words: wrell us, when shall these things be?
and what shall be the proof of thy presence and of the
end of the world ?"-Matthew 24: 3.
The disciples knew that Satan, the evil one, was the
prince or invisible ruler; for Jesus had told them so.
'l'Iwy knew that there is enmity between the seed of
promise, the Messiah, and Satun and his seed. They
knew that God had said that in due time the seed of
promise should bmise Satan's head. They knew that
the prophets had written of the coming day of God's
vengeance upon Satan's empire, and that this vengeance
,,'ould be expressed through the one chosen to be the
King, the Prince of Peace. It therefore necessarily
follows that, when the world should end, and the kingdom of righteousness be set up, if the powers in control
did not willingly submit to the great Prince and Ruler
of righteousness, God's vengeance would be expressed
against the wicked systems.
It is, therefore, important first to determine definitely
the time of the end of the world, the Lord's presence,
and the time for him to take unto himself his power to
reign, in order that we may properly understand the
time when God would express his vengeance against the
ruler of darkness and against his organization.
The vengeance of God is not against the rank and
me of humanity, but against the ruling factors. The
Lord, through the Apostle, expressly stats that the
creation, mankind in general, are groaning and travailing in pain, waiting for the manifestation of his laying
kindness through his kingdom. Let it be understood
then that God's vengeance is against entrenched wickedness in high places, and that this vengeance is to be
expressed when the old world legally ends. Now as to
the answer of Jesus to the question propounded: "What
~hall be the proof of thy presence and of the end of
the world?"
;r ('sus answered: "'The nations will become angry, and
God's wrath is corne." "K ation shall rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom." (Revelation 11: 18;
Matthew 24: 'I) Without doubt the nations here embrace
those that would claim to be Christian nations, those
that claim to be the authors and producers of modern
civilization, about 'which there has been so much boasting.
Exactly in harmony thereto the great World War began
August 1, 1914, affecting every nation of Christendom
eit.hrr dirrdly or inilirrctly.

Jesus then said that the World War would be quickly

followed by famine and pestilence, earthquakes and reyolutions in various parts of the earth. Thrsc things
have been literally fulfilled since 1914. Millions fell
yietims to the great famines of Russia and other European countries. The great Spanish influenza, a pestilence such as the earth has neyer known, destroyed more
lives in twelve months than the Worlel War had done
in four years. 'rhere haye been more literal earthquakes
since 1914 than known in all the history of man; and
revolutions, which began in 1918, have spread from one
country to another.
JESUS' WORDS HAVE HAD FULFILMENT

The words of Jesus foretelling that which would mark

the end of the ,vorld were spoken prophetically. Prophecy means to foretell the happening of future events;
and when those things foretold have exactly transpired,
then we may know that such is a fulfilment of prophecy.
A fulfilled prophecy we call physical facts. The physical
facts beyond doubt prove that the old world ended in
1914. The things above mentioned, war, famine, pestilence. etc., Jesus said would mark the beginning of
trouble at the end of the world. The inference is that
there would be much more to follow. Then he spoke of
the persecution of Christians. During that World War
the persecution of humble and faithful followers of
Jesus started in Germany, spread to England, to Canada
and to America; and the records show that a more relentless persecution was never indulged in by human
beings. This persecution of Christians was inspired and
carried on by clergymen and their allies in politics and
profiteering.
J csus declared that at the same time there would be a
great falling away from the faith; and it a well-known
fact that during the past ten years there has arisen the
greatest apostacy ever known amongst the clergy. The
Modernists have assumed a bold position, denying the
Word of God, denying the fall of man and the redemption by Christ Jesus, and teaching instead the doctrine
of evolution, which is destructive of faith in God's
Word. They have engaged in controversy with the
Fundamentalists, who claim to believe the Bible, yet
who in truth and in fact deny the teachings of Jesus,
his kingdom and the blessings it will bring.
Jesus furthermore said that the return of the Jews
to Palestine would be an evidence corroborative of his
presence and the end of the world. It was in 1918 that
the Jews, acting under authority granted by world
powers, took control of Palestine and began to lay in
Palestine the foundation of a government of the Jews,
by the Jews, and for the Jews.
Jesus stated as a further evidence of his presence and
the end of the world that there would be "upon the
earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea [restless humanity 1 and the waves roa:;-ing; men's hearts
failing them for fear, and for looking after those things

278

'The

WATCH TOWER

which are coming on the earth; for the powers of hraven

shall he shaken." (Luke 21: 25, 2G) This testimony of
fulfilled prophecy is complete proof of the end of the
world.
By 1918 fulfilled prophecy had so definitely srttled
the mattrr of the end of the world that there cculd be
no doubt about it. Every Christian should have known
that, and particularly the clergy, who claim to be teachers of Christianity. When these facts were called to the
attention of the clergy, and they were reminded that
these evidenced the end of the world, and that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, instead of receiving the testimony they scoffed at the proofs. 1'he Lord had foretold
that this would be an additional evidence of the end.
Speaking through his inspired Apostle, he said: "There
shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their
own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise [proof]
of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things
continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." (2 Peter 3: 3, 4) The Apostle then adds that for
this reason they are ""illingly ignorant concerning the
end of the world. In other words, they did not want to
know that the world had ended; for it interfered with
their selfish desires. Even politicians and statesmen of
the world saw that the old world has passed; they plainly
"aid so. At the Paris conference it was announced: "The
old world is ended. We must build a new."
That was the opportunity of the clergy, not only to
know, but to call attention of the people to the teachings
of God's Word; to show them that the time had come
for the Prince of Peace to reign, that the kingdom of
heaven, for which they had prayed, was at hand, that
the kingdom of God is the only remedy for their multitudinous ills. In this the clergy failed; yea, they went
even further; for when the profiteers and politicians
brought forth a League of Nations, manifestly the
product of the devil, to keep mankind in subjection to
him, the clergy with one accord hailed it as "the
political expression of God's kingdom on earth" and
urged the people to join it. Herein they were guilty of
blasphemy, as the Prophet had foretold; for while
assuming to be teachers of God's Word they declared
that a man-made institution, superinduced and managed
by Satan, represented the kingdom of God. They should
have known that God, through his prophet, had plainly
stated that a combination such as the League of Nations
could never stand.
This warning God plainly gave through his prophet
in these words: "Associate yourselves, 0 ye people, and
ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far
countries; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in
pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.
Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought;
speak the word and it shall not stand."-IGaiah 8: 9, 10.
Upon the clergy rested a greater responsibility because
of their fiduciary relationship to the Lord. They had
assumed to teach his Word and to instruct the people in

BROOKLYN,

N. ::'.

the way that they should go. There is nothing in thCl

Scriptures that authorizes the clergy to participate in
politics or to advocate war. On the contrary the Lord..
admonished them to keep themselves separate from the
world. (2 Corinthians G: 15-18) It is a fact well-known
to the people that the clprgy have not done this,
but have indulged in politics and have advocated war.
In a spPC'ch before the Democratic National COll\'ention
in New York city in June, Mr. Bryan said. in substance:
"What the people need more than anything else is to
get nearer to God and to follow the Princc of Peace."
If the clergy would tell the people as much, they would
do much to bctter conditions.
PRESENT OUTLOOK ONE OF ANXIETY

Six years have passed since the war. All thinking

people admit that conditions are worse today than at
any time before or since the war. Democracy has pmctically perished from the earth. The leading nations of
Europe are govemed by dictators. The value of their
mOIlcy has gradually depreciatpd. '1'he unemployed
arc so many that they are without number. '1'he peopll~
arc oppressed with burdensome taxes, not only to defray
expenses of the World War, but to make extensive preparations for another war. Science and education are
called into action, and every conceivable power and
means possible are used in a further preparation for
war. 'l'ruly did Mr. Lloyd George say:
"Force is the only thing that rule~ in the world. Unless
you stamp out that conviction, ci\'i1ization is doomed upon
this earth."
In America there is great unrest, perplexity and distress. '1'he soldier boys, who were forced to war by the
profiteers and politicians aided and abetted by faithless
preachers, have been cast aside, scorned and neglected.
They bore the heat and burden of the day, while profiteers and politicians corrupted and indulged themselves in the nation's wealth. The soldiers are not in a
happy mood.
The farmers, who produced the material wealth of the
nation, are the victims of profiteers and conscienceless
politicians. Their faith in the Bible has waned, and
their confidence in the clergy gone. They are in anything but a happy mood.
In this land, which was founded as a home of religious
liberty, there now threatens a grcat religious war. In
the campaign just opened, this issue will be fought ana
will produce a worse rather than a better condition
amongst mankind. Corruption in high places is freely
admitted. In the language of a noted politician, "There
is a saturnalia of corruption now." In every branch of
the government, in business, in politics and amongst
the churches, selfishness is predominant. Individual
selfishness has been crystalized into laws, and these are
enforced at the whims of the interests. Indeed, selfishness has gone to seed, and the time for the harvest of
blood and fire is due.

SePTEMBER

15,

1l)~4

'fl,e

WATCH TOWER

The 1Ihole creation is trembling upon the brink of

a yolcano. There seems to be an unseen and sinister
power that is goading the people on to d('speration.
Indeed this is true and was foretold by the Lonl: "And
I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the
mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the
h('ast, and out of the month of the false prophet. For
they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go
forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole
world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of
(tod Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. messed is
he that watchcth, and krepeth his garments, lest he
walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered
them togcther into a place call cd in the Hebrew tongue
Armageddon."-Hevelation 16: 13-16.
The book of Hcyclation is writtcn in symbolic
la nguage. "Spirits" are symbolic of doctrincs. Hence
the teachings or doctrines of dcyils are here mentioned;
and these doctrines and teachings go forth from thc
mouth of thc "dragon", the "beast", and the "false proph('t". The "dragon" is one of the names applied to the
dC'vil bent on dC'stroying God's people. The "beast" is
the title applied to the governing factors of the earth,
made up of big business, big politicians, and big preachers. "False prophet" is the title applied to ecclesiastical
teachers, who claim to be the prophets of God, yet are
the prophets of Baal, teaching false doctrines to deceive
the people. These three with one accord join in the
message that the present order is by divine right; that
war is holy and should be indulged in; that the people
&hould patriotically support war whether right or wrong;
that tho~e who fail to heed these doctrines will suffer
eternally in a hell-fire of brimstone. These false teachings, false doctrines, and false misrepresentations of the
interests of the people, are goading them on to the great
battle of Armageddon, a time of trouble such as the
world has never known.
COULD HAVE PREVENTED TROUBLE

The clergy, haying claimed to represent the Lord and

assumed his name, are called in the Scriptures by the
title gods or mighty ones to judge amongst the people.
It would be understood, of course, that when the world
ends, which is now an established fact, the time of God's
judgment upon the nations and upon the gods or mighty
ones composing the ruling factors of the nations, would
take place. Of that time the Prophet says: "God standeth in the congregation of the mighty: he judgeth
amongst the gods [chief ones in ecclesiasticism]." To
these he says: "How long will ye judge unjustly, and
accept the persons of the wicked? [This they have done.]
Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted
and needy; rid them out of the hand of the wicked."
(This they haye failed to do.)-Psalm 82: 1-4.
The great events happening since 1914 in fulfilment
of the prophetic words of Jesus were sufficient to awaken
the clergy throughout the earth to the fact that the

27~

kingdom of heaven is at hancl. Rut they have not heeded

this testimony; and of them God's prophet continues to
speak thus: "They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness; all the foundations
of the earth arc out of course." 'l'his is exactly the
condition of the world today as foretold by the prophets,
and as seen by the statesmrn of the world just quoted;
and yet the clergy arc seemingly oblivious to it.
'fhe Scripturrs make it plain that had the clergy been
faithful and told the people the meaning of these things,
God would have spared the nations called Christendom
from the impending national disaster. For this reason
the clergy stand reprehensible before God for the great
trouble that is ahead.-Jeremiah 18: 8, 9; 23: 21, 22.
Instead of heeding the words of the Lord and teaching the people the truth the clergy t.urn their churches
into l'f(;l1J.iting stations and preach the boys into the
trrnchrs; and for this reason God's prophet says to
them: "In thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of
the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search,
but upon all these." (Jeremiah 2: 34) It was the principal ones of their flock with whom they conspired and acted to carryon the war. It is they, and the principal of
their flock, who oppressed the poor. It is they who
have called themselves shepherds, but who have fed themselves and let the flock starve for the hearing of th.:
Word of the Lord.
"Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds, Woe
be to the shepherds of Israel [spiritual Israel-Christendom] that do feed themselves! sh@ld not the shepherds
feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with
the wool; ye kill them that are fed; but ye feed not the
flock. 'fhe diseased have ye not strengthened, neither
have ye healed that which was sick, neither have y<'
bound up that which was broken, neither have ye
brought again that which was driven away, neither havp.
ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with
cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered
because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to
all the beasts of the field when they were scattered."
"Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I am against the
shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand,
and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither
shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will
deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not
be meat for them." Therefore, says the Lord to them:
"Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves
in the ashes, ye principal of the fiock; for the days of
your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished j
and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel. And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of
the flock to escape."-Ezekiel 34: 1-5,10; ,Jeremiah 25:
34,35.
Thus God expresses his righteous indignation against
a wicked system that has paraded before men in his
name and has been used to oppress poor, unfortunate humanity. The Lord Jesus) looking to this great expressian

280

~heWATCH

of iw:lignation upon the ruling factors after failing to

hear the te,timolly of fulfilled prophecy, said: "For
then shall be great tribulation, such as "'as not sincp the
beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall
be. And except those days should be shortened, therc
should no flesh be saved: but for the elpct's l:'ake those
days shall be shortened." (~latthew 21: 21, 22) This
prophecy is a quotation from thc book of Daniel, ,yhich
says: "And at that time shall Michael dand up, the
great prince which standeth for the children of thy
people; and there shall be a time of troublp. such as
never was since there was a nation evrn to that l:'ame
time: and at that time thy people shall br deliypl'el].
everyone that shall be found written in the book."
(Danicl 12: 1) This cleIinitrly idrntifips the trouble
that will overthrow civili:;mtion with the l:'tanding forth
of the Prince of Peace for the blel:'sing of mankind.
Again, God's prophet expresses it in no uncertain
terms when he describes how big lmsinrss, in big combines, deal with the people and bring forth their grral
exhibition of science, invention and education, and use
it to oppress mankind, until the trouble storm breaks
over the heads of the people. Describing that trouble he
says: "Their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel
to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at
their wits' end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their
trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
He maketh the l:'torm a calm, so that the waves thereof
are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so
he bringeth them unto their desired haven."-Psalm
107: 26-30.
I speak not with any spirit of vindictiveness against
the clergy. I speak the truth in love. Would now that
the clergy might awaken to the importance of the hour,
and bend every faculty with which they are endowed in
making known to the people that Satan's empire is at
an end; that the Lord Jesus is here; that the kingdom
of heaven is at haml! If they would do this, they might
save themselves and do a valiant service to the people,
and retrieve some of their wrong and be to some extent
an honor to the Lord.
WHY MILLIONS WILL NEVER DIE

But let the people take courage. '1'he darkness that

now enshrouds the world shortly will be lifted; and the
Sun of righteousness, with healing in his beam;;, will
shine into the minds and hearts of those who desire the
blessings which God has in store for them. There is a
reason for this, and the reason a.ssigned in the Scriptures
I now here give.
God created the earth for man's habitation. He created
it not in vain; and the earth abideth forever. (Isaiah 45 :
12, 18; Ecclesiastes 1: 4) He intends for the earth to
btl inhabited with a happy, obedient race of mankind.
He created the first man perfect, and put man on earth
for that purpOf\C. Became of disobedience Adam was
sentenced to ueath. By inheritance all of his children

TOWER

DROOKLYN.

N. Y.

wpre born imperfect. and are therpfore [inners. (Psalm

51: i5; Homans [): 12) God has created no man sincC',
but has permitted man to exercise his powers of propagation; anu thus there has been brought upon earth
millions of people who haye lived awhile and uied.
Looking fODyanl to a time wl1('n opportunity for life
would he given to all thes Jehovah made this promi"e
to Abraham. to wit: "In thy srpd shall all thp famllil'S
of the rarth bc hle""ed." (Gpllp"is 12::l; 22: 18-n ;
Galatians 3: 8, 16, 21,29) Jehovah could not set as,de
the judgmrnt against man. hut he could make provi,-on
for its satisfaction. 'rherrfore he could cousistrlltly
promi,~r, as he di<l in the8e words: "I will ran80m them
from the power of the gray('; I will Tedeem them from
death; 0 <]('ath, I "'ill be thy plagues; 0 grave, I v:ill
be thy destnlCtion; repentance shall be hid from mine
eyes."-Hosea 13: 14.
In the course of time God sent his beloved Son iub
the earth. Jesus came that the people might have Lie,
and have it more abundantly. (John 10: 10) He came
to give himself a ransom, according to God's promise.
(Matthew 20: 28) He died upon the cross and rose from
the dead, providing the great redemptive price for man.
His death must result beneficially for all, in this, that
every man must be brought to a knowlcdge of the truth
and have the opportunity to know and accept the Lord.
(1 Timothy 2: 3-6; Hebrews 2: 9) The seed of promise,
through whom the blessing is to come, is the Christ.
(Galatians 3: 16, 21-29) The Christ is composed of
Jesus, the Head, and his bouy members designated the
Church, that is to say, his true and faithful followers
even unto death. These constitute the new invisible
ruling powers, or new hcavens.
When Jesus was about to leave the earth he tolu his
followers that he would return for them, that they
shoulu be with him. (John 14: 1-4) That time is at
hand. Thc setting up of the Lord's kingdom and its
operation is for the purpose of giving the living a rl
opportunity for life, and for the awakening of the dead
out of the tomb that they may have an opportunity for
life. Jesus comes "to judge the living and the uead."
This means to try them and to give the obeuient ones
life. It is manifest that this scripture must be fulfillell
at some time. The proof shows that the old world has
ended. The Lord is here. The greatest crisis of the
ages is now reached because of this fact.
The nations are all mustering their forces for the
great conflict foretold; for God purposes to overthrow
Satan's organization through his beloved Son, Christ
Jesus. '1'his great time of trouble the Lord ha.s promised
to cut l:'hort in order that many human beings might
be saved; and when the storm has spent its fury and
the peaceful smile of the Lord is turned to the peoples
of earth, then shall they be glad because they have come
to their haven of rest. Now it is appropriate for the
Christians to "say among the nations, that the Lord
A

SEPT\lMRER

<fheWATCH

15. 1!l24

Teigneth; the world ah:o shall be established that it shall

not be moved; he shall judge the people right('ously."
(Psalm 96: 10) The Lord will estahli~h a civilization
that shall never be moved. Then the Lord will minister
to the obedient ones peace, prosperity, liberty, happiness
and life everlasting.
The old heavens and old earth mean the invisihle
ruling power of Satan and the visible civilization, socalled, of earth. The apostle Pder after drscribing this
as passing away in a fiery time of trouble, adds: "Xevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for a new
heavens and a new earth, "'herrin dwelleth righteousness." (2 PetrI' 3: 1~3) The Henlator, in beautiful
poetic phrase, describes the new heaven and new earth
and the blessings that ,rill come to mankind: "And I
saw a new heaven and a new rarth: for the first heaven
and the first earth m'l'e passed away: and there was no

TOWE~

231

more sea." (Reyclation 21: 1) New heaven here means

Christ, the Messiah, the invisible ruling power. The
earth is a symbolical expression of the earthly phase of
Christ's kingdom, of society organized on earth on a
rightl'ous basis.
Then God will bless the people. "GoJ shall wipe
~m.ay all tears from their <'yes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall
there be any more pain; for the foruler things are
passed away. And he that sat upon the throne ['.lid,
Behold, I make all things new."-Revc!ation 21: 4, 3.
Assured of the fact that we are standing now in the
presence of the Lord at the beginning of his reign, and
certain of the fact that the kingdom of heaven is at
hand, and that ,,'e are standing at the portals of tht'.
Golden Age, it is with confidence that we announce that
millions now living will never Jie.-Jolm 8: 51; 11: 26.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR OCTOBER Z_

uA.fJlietion shall not rise up the second time."-Nahum

1 : 9.

UMEIWUS are the afflictions that have come upon the peoples of earth; too numerous are they
to mention. Among the things that afflict mankind are ignorance, superstition, bigotry, bossism, and
conscienceless profiteers, who deal in human rights and
traffic in human blood with the same boldness and deliberation ~hat they do with the chattel products of the open
market. Another affliction is the deceitful, professional
politieian, who claims to represent the rights of the people while looking after private interests. AddeJ to these
are the unfaithful preachers, who claim to represent the
Lord and to tell the people what is for their good, while
in fact they represent the devil and walk hand in hand
with his other wicked representatives. These three are
the ruling factors of the earth, and are the seed of the
oppressor.
'1'0 these afflictions are added poverty, famine, pestilence and war, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble,
sorrow, sickness, disease and death-all the outgro'wth of
sin. For centuries the people have eaten their bread in
affliction, during which time they have shed tears of bitterness sufficient to float the navies of the world. They
have groaned, and still groan, in pain and oppression,
waiting for relief, but knowing not how anJ "'hen it will
come. Thanks be to God, rc!ief is in sight; and thE
Christian can know and appreciate this fact.
The real Christian must have perfect love, which
means love for God, for Christ Jesus, for his kingJom
of righteousness, and a keen desire to see the people
uplifted and blessed. 'Yhere is the man with love in his
heart that would not haste to bring relief to his suffering
fellow creature, if such be possible? Were you ever in

prison, suffering indignities unjustly heaped upon you

and anxiously waiting for some word from your friends
that would bring hope and relief? The whole human
family is now in the prison-house of affliction and death.
In a short time the great and righteous One will relieve
them.
The Lord commands his ambassadors now to bring
this good news to the people, thus to comfort those that
mourn. 'rhis good news must be preached tD all the
world for a witness. The people should now be told of
the kingdom, and that all those who render themselves
in obedience to it shall be relieved of th<Jir distress and
oppression and restored to lasting peace and happiness
anJ life. They should be comforted by the Scriptural
assurance that the Lord, having made all things new,
will never again permit afiliction to rise. '1'he long, dark
night of sin and death will have furnished sufficient experience for mankind. There will be no occasion for it
to rise again; and we have the sure word of the Lord
that it shall not rise up the second time.
Let each soldier of the cross keep in mind now the
suffering condition of humanity, and his great privilege
to bring to them the news of early relief. Let no soldier
of the cross now falter, but go forward in the strength of
the Lord and rejoice in the priYilege of doing good to
his fellow creature by informing him of early and complete deliverance. Happy will be the people when they
know that never again shall they enter the prison-house,
nor suffer the afflictions heaped upon them by the great
oppressor. Happy will they be indeed when they know
that they can forever bask in the sunshine of the Lord
and dwell together with their loved ones without fear.
It will bring joy to their hearts to know that then each
one can have his own home, without fear of being rjeeted
by a heartless landlord; that he can sit under his own

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WATCH TOWER

vine and fig tree, and enjoy the fruits thereof. Thrice
happy will he be when he knows that his great King will
give him a perfect government, a happy home, and endless life in unspeakable joy.
TEXT FOR OCTOBER 29

"The kingdom of God is .. , in power."-l Corinthians 4: 20.

OWER is one of the divine attributes. The power

of Jehovah knows no limitation. This attribute

works always in harmony with justice, wisuom,
and love. The Lord Jesus Christ is the great King of
kings. To him Jehovah has committed his kingdom,
with all power in heaven and on earth. For centuries
the Word of the Lord has gone forth to inform those who
have the hearing ear concerning the kingdom. Few have
heard and believed; and a less number, through the power of Christ Jesus, have been overcomers. The latter shall
be with Christ Jesus in the kingdom. Christ and his
144,000 body members will constitute the kingdom; for
it is written: "And he that overeometh, and keepeth my
works unto the end, to him will I give power over the
nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as
the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers;
even as I received of my Father."-Revelation 2: 26, 27.
For centuries the kingdom of righteousness has been
made prominent only by word. Now the time is com(>
when the kingdom shall be made known, not by word
only, but by the exercise of power. It will still the storms
of human passion, and bring calmness, peace and contentment to the people. 'l'he power of the kingdom will

BROOKLYN,

N. Y,

open the prison-house of death, that contains the countless millions, and will srnd forth the prisoners, as it is
written: "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness,
and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give
thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Genilks; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners
from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the
prison house."-Isaiah 42: 6, 7.
This divine power shall be pxercised to open the ears
of the people, that they may hear the jubilee message;
and to open their blind eyes, that they may' see and appreciate the love of God and his Christ. It will be exercised to lead the human race over the highway of holiness whereby they shall be cleansed from all iniquity. In
love this righteous power shall be exercised until every
living creature imbibes the spirit of the kingdom, until
eyery obedient one is restored, and until everything that
breathes shall join together in the hallelujah chorus, singing praises to God and his beloyed Son, Christ Jesus.
To his faithful ambassadors Chri8t the King now gives
command to tell this good news to the groaning creation,
that their hearts may receive comfort now. Happy is the
man who now hears the jubilee sound. Thrice happy is
he who tells it to his fellow creature; for he makes himself happy, makes the hearer happy, and glorifies his
Lord.
The zeal peculiar to the Lord's house will cause every
Christian to exercise his faculties, with which the Lon!
has endowed him, to proelaim the justice, wisdom, love,
and power of Jehovah and of the King of kings.

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

--OCTOBER 19-1\IARK

4: l-Zo--

RESPONSIBILlTY OF HEARERS IS SHOWN-PARABLE APPLIES IlI'RING GOSPEL Am;-CO:MPLETE Fl:LFIL)IE"T IN OUR DAY-YIELD moTERMINES HEART CO"DITIOX.

"Tli!e souer sou-eth the 1cord."-Mark

HE Parable of the Sower, one of .Tl'sus' bl'st known

parables, was spoken after Jesus had had a very busy
forenoon in Capernaum, teachin~ the people. In the
afternoon, probably quite tired in body, and desiring a little
time of rE'freshment, he WE'nt to the lake sidE'. But the
people crowded round him thl'rE'. Matthew says (chapter
13: 2) : "Great multitudE'S were gathered together unto him."
They still wanted to hear what he had to say; and he was
not unmindful either of their desire or of his opportunity.
Obtaining the use of a fishin~ boat, he spoke from it to the
whole multitude as thpy stood on the shore. Travelers have
reported that thE're are placE'S on the lake shore where it is
easy for one to speak from a boat and to be heard by a
great number of people standing around on the shore.
2Jesus' manner was always so unusual and interesting,
and his appearance so striking, and the authority by which
he spoke so contrary to that with which they were accustomed, that the multitude was attracted to him, evpn though
the many cared but little to conform their lives to his teachIng. It was not our Lord's purpose to be interesting, but to
sPeak the truths in wbich }>is me;osage of tbe kingdom of

4: 14.

heaven was conveyed. But he always made his message

interesting; there WIIS never a teacher like him. In this
the Lord set an example for his disciples, and for all Who
should afterwards be privileged to speak for him. It is comparatively easy to attract attention to oneslilf by peculiarity
of mannerism, or to be interesting by specialty of knowledge;
but he who speaks for the Lord must absolutely cut out all
purpose of attracting attention to himself. E'ailin,g to do
this, such will speak for himself; he cannot speak as an
oracle of God. Also merely interesting mattpr must be deletE'd; knowledge must always be made SUbsidiary to the
main purpose of conypying truth to the hearers' hearts, that
it may administer grace unto the hearers.-Ephesians 4: 29.
RESPONSIBILITY OF HEARERS IS SHOWN

3Jesus took the occasion for an opportunity of making the

people realize thpir responsibility in hearing his words. He
therefore spoke the Parable of the Sower with the immediate
purpose of showing the relationship between nature in the
field and In the human heart in order to bring borne to them
their responsibility towards God. He spoke of the sower and

SEPTEMBER

!ti, 1024

CfheWATCH TOWE ..l

tlw seed, of some seed being wasted, and of that whieh fell
on the good ,ground producing various dq~rees of fruitfulness.
4The illustration would be familiar. They had seen many
a sower broadcast his seed, Kowadays almost everyone
knows something of the field life of Palestine. The fil'!ds
there are not like those in ,,-estern Europe, in England, and
are the antitheses of the great wheat-fields of the United
States and Canada. The farmer of Palestine has only small
plots of land upon which he sows his seed. Little plowing is
needed; sometimes only the surface needs turning over.
There will be thorn bushes in the little lllot, and frequently
there is little attempt made to clear them away. Often the
rocky surface shows itself, for there is not enough soil on
the hillside to cover the rocks; and frequently a footpath
goes alongside or even right across the field.
5Some seed, said Jesus, fell on the roadside, and the fowls
came allli picked it up; some fell on stOll J' places and sprang
up, but, because there was no depth of earth, when the sun
came up it was seorched and withere{1 away; some fell
among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked the
seed; some, of course, fell into good ground and brou~ht
forth, some a hUllllredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Our
Lord added: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."'
(Mark 4: 9) The Lord did not always exhort the people.
He told the truth and let it do its work, thus laying the
responsibility upon them. Truth heard is always a test of
character. Rightly received it builds up; received unwelcomely, it hurts; despised, it damages.
6After Jesus had thus spoken, the disciples asked him why
he spoke to the people in parables; for this was not his
manner when speaking to them. lIe told them the reason.
He spoke thus that Isaiah's prophecy might be fulfilled; for
Isaiah had said that a message would be given to God's
people which would apparently make them s~, but would
not bring understanding. He quoted Isaiah (J: 9, 10: "And
in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By
hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing
ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people's heart
is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their
eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with
their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand
with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal
them."-Matthew 13: 14, 15.
PARABLE APPLIES DURING GOSPEL AGE

7Jesus explained to his disciples what his parable had

meant. He who receives seed by the wayside is he who hears
something of the kingdom but does not appreciate the value
of what he hears; and Satan's emissaries come and take the
word of truth from him. He who receives seed into stony
places is one who hears the word, receives it with joy and
endures for a time; but when persecution comes or tribulation, he finds ground for offense. He who receives seed into
thorny ground is one who hears and understands something
of the word, but who allows the cares of this world or the
deceitfulness of riches to choke the word; and he becomes
unfruitful. He who receives seed into good ground hears
the word and understands it, and appreciating it conforms
his life to it. He brings forth fruit unto God thirtyfold,
sixtyfold, or one hundredfold. Here are lessons both for the
hearer and for those who have the privilege of being messengers for God, as Jesus was.
sThe parable has had its application all down the age;
for it applies to the work of the kingdom of heaven in its
first or embryonic phase, the time between the two advents,
when the disciples of Jesus are developing full fruition of
character. But all who have heard the word of the kingdom,
whether in that phase or in the later one, which is now
being proclaimed and which tells of the establishment of the

283

kin~dom in power, have bPen brought into the responsibility

of the parable; and everJ'one should examine himself. But
as there are now more of the Lord's consecrated people alive
than at any other time, and as there is consequently much
more preaching of the word of the kingdom nUlv than at
any other time, and therefore there are more hearers of the
message of the kingdom than at any previous time, it is
apparent that the parable must have special force now.

COMPLETE FULFILMENT IN OUR DAY

9The parable cannot be fully understood apart from its

prophetic connection and Jesus' application. Our Lord said
that in his preaching and in the differing reception of his
message Isaiah's prophecy was being fulfilied. But it is certain in this case, as in so many others, that the fulfilment
by Jesus was in mi'r.iature only; it was not the complete
fulfihnent. Our Lord's first adwnt in the flesh was to his
own people, and prophecies were fulfilled in him so that
Israel accordilig to the flesh could be brought into judgment
by the truth. Isaiah's prophecy distinctly shows that it could
receive its fUlfilment only when the Lord comes to his temple,
and is manifested in his glory. As this was not fulfilled by
our Lord's coming in the weakness of the flesh and in the
limitation of humanity, apparently it refers to the time when
he comes in power and glory, speaking not as then with his
own voice, and in the limitation of his circumstances, but
through the many voices of the faithful in Christ Jesus at
the time of his second advent.
lOThis time of jUdgment when the Lord has come to his
temple is now manifested to those of his true disciples, the
Isaiah class, These, like Isaiah, have said in response to
the call, "Here am I, send me." It follows, then, that tlwre
must be a timely application of this parable now; and uo
doubt this is why the Lord "starred" this passage, calling
particular attention to it by saying, "He that hath ears to
hear, let him hear."
llThe parable of the sower and the seed is not a lesson
illustrating the patience of the husbandman waiting for the
growth of his seed, as given in James 5: 7, but is of what
happens to the seed and of the responsibility of those who
hear. It is not an uncommon experience that, when the
truth has been heard for the first time, some unexpecteu ~:.
cumstances have arisen Which have presented opportunities
for temporal advantage. Often it is thought that this new
thing, the truth, can wait a little while. Attention is diverted,
if only for a little time; and, 10, the desire for the truth has
been snatched away! The disposition of the heart has bl'en
turned, and it may not again be ready for the truth. Here
is a lesson of personal responsibility. If a man hears something which would help him he should make iniquiry; how
much more so when he hears that which bears evidence of
being a message of the kingdom. He who declines to make inquiry, or who lacks energy or desire, will probably soon discover that his opportunity of truth has gone. One cannot but
see that many in these days of sharp temptation allow truth
to be snatched from them. 'Ve do well to take heed how we
hear; for the responsibility is upon us. There are yet wayside hearers!
12The stony-ground hearer rejoices in the truth, but lacks
root. He takes the truth and its gladness, thinking of little
besides his own pleasure; but there is insufficient love for
God, and a lack of appreciation of the privilege of knowing
and understanding God and of serving his interests; amI he
soon falls. His joy goes when he finds that the truth is guing
to cost him something, that he may be misunderstood, and
that persecution comes because of it. '.rhe thorny-gruund
hearer seems as if he would develop some fruit; he grl)ws,
but he allows the course of this world and the deceitfulDl'SS
of riches to come upon him. Either of these condition~, pov-

284

ffheWATCH TOWER

erty or rlebes, will cause one to be unfruitful. He who is

too anxious about the things of this world, or is desirous
of making or keeping money or position, cannot pOSSibly bear
fruit unto God.
YIELD DETERMINES HEART CONDITION

13The good-ground hearer is he who understands the value

of the truth, who does not keep it waiting while he can get
some present advantage, Who is willing to bear either tribulation or perSecution for the truth, who will not let the
course of this world through either poverty or riches prevent
him from giving his whole attention to the service of God.
Ill' seeks to bring forth fruit unto God and lloes so. But
some bring forth more fruit than others, and the purport of
this lesson is to show that the responsibility for this is upon
the hearer. 'l'he variations in productiveness follow the course
of the para~le. The wa~'siue has nothing, the stony ground
shows a little prospect, the thorny ground more. Only the
good ground gives a return; and there it is in proportion to
the honesty of heart and sincerity of purpose towards God.
HIt will not do to say the ground has no responsibility;
to say so woull1 be to lose the point of the parable. The responsibility is ours, of how we hear the truth; hearing, What
we will do with it; accepting, how much of our heart we will
give to it. The solemn truth is stated: "Whosoever hath, to
him shaH be given, and he shaH have more abunuance: but
Whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that
which he hath." (Matthew 13: 12) This is indeed tlle law of
nature, but it is also the rule in the kingdom of grace. A
question each must answer for himself is: Can I improve
the "soil" of my heart that it may bring forth full fruitage
to God, and what are the means to be used to that end? The
answer is in the lesson of the parable. Each must see that
all impurities are kept out of the heart and mind; for by
the grace given to all the Lord's peoplQ these may be purged
out (2 Corinthians 7: 1), and the heart may be kept set for
the things of God. Let each seek to &lrve God in the way he

DROOKLYN,

N. Y.

indicates; and the heart will be "good ground", bringing

forth much fruit to God's honor.
15Since it is the privilege of the Lord's consecrated people
to be messengers for him, they also take the position of sowers of the truth as well as hearers, having responsibility
themselves towanls Gou. Those who are thus privileged to
speak for the Loru, whether publieIy from the platform, or
more privately at the uoors of the people, should always take
the opportunity of driving home the responsibility of carefully iistening to the truth, the message which God is semI
ing to the people. As the crowds listened to Jesus, and he
found it necessary to show them. their responsibility, so do
his disciples now need to speak these words of warning, Anu
they themsP!yes must take heed how they hear.
QUESTIONS FOK BEREAN STUDY
Wh~t

may be said of the Parable of the Sower? What were the

cIrcumstances? 11 1.
What prompte<l Jesus in all his utterances? 'Vhat should be the
attitude of his followers? 11 2.
What was one of the objoc1:s of the parable? 11 3.
How do the land and the farmer of Palestine compare with those
of your own n"ij::hborhood? 11 4, 5.
'Yhat did the Lord mean when he said: "He that hath ears to
hear, let him hear"? Truth rightl~' rect'ired does what? Truth
unweleomely reecired does what? 'l'ruth despISed does what? 11 5.
To what prophecy did Jesus refer when answering the question as
to why he spolie in parahles? 11 6.
'''"hat is the explanation of the Parable of the Sower? 11 7.
During what period of time does this parable have application?
Why should we expect it to have special force now? 11 8.
lImy is this parable understood? Wa.. it completely fulfille<l by
.lesus? If not, when does it reach fulfilment? 11 0, 10.
What does this parable particularly illustrate? Is there a likelihood
of trifling with God's truth? 11 11.
Illustrate the stony-ground hearers, and the thorny-ground hearers.
11 12.
Who are the good-In"ound hearers? ITow may one show his appreciation of the value of the truth? What principal thing determines the yield? 11 13.
With what does the ground correspond? Does the "j::round" haye
responsibility? With what question should we concern our hearts?
11 14.
Are the hearers also sowers? What is befitting for us to impress
upon those who hear the truth? 'Ir 15.

THE STILLING OF THE STORM

--OCTOBER 26--MARK

4: 35-41--

IN WEARlKESS JESUS FALLS ASLEEP-SATAN'S AGE;-;rCIES REBUKED BY JESUS-GOO'S PURPOSE NOT TO BE FRCSTll.\TED.

"Who then is this, that e'l,'Cn t1lJe 1vind and the

DR lesson for touay is very closely related in point of

time with the events of last Sunday's lesson. Jesus
had spent a whole morning teaclling and healing the
people and the afternoon in speaking the Parables of the
Sower and that of the Wheat and Tares and in teaching the
disciples their meaning; and now evening was come. He left
off tenching, but saw that there was no rest in Capernaum,
and he decided to go to the east side of the lake. Mark
says (chapter 4: 36): "They took him even as he was,"
which indicates that the crowds were so pressing upon Jesus
that the disciples felt the need for immediate action on his
behalf. So, tired and weary, he was taken back into the
little ship; anu they launched out (Luke 8: 22) to go to the
other side.
2But even so there seemed no freedom for him; for while
he hau bepn discoursin~ to the people from the boat other
boats had clustered round, llnd now as the disciples pushed
out into the deep water these went out with him. Casting
himself down on the little covering on the steersman's seat
he SOQn fell fast asleep. Before long a storm came on suddenly, as is still the case on the sea of Galilee; for the sea
lies low, and as the heated air rises from it particularly

$00

obey hir/ll,?"-ltIa1"k

4:41,

R. V.

towards evening time, the cold winds from the surrounding

hills rush down and yiolent storms arise. This storm was
unusually fierce, one which would have made the sailors seek
shelter.
IN WEARINESS JESUS FALLS ASLEEP

3As there is no further mention of the other boats which

put out with the disciples, it seems certain they turned back
wh~n the storm arose. But this little ship beat against it,
though the victory seemed as if it would be with the elements. Some of the disciples were experienced boatment,
but all were seized with fear. Yet despite the tossing of the
boat, and the noise of the wind anu wayes, the Lord continued to sleep. He must have been very weary. At last the
disciples could forbear no lon."er; tiley could do nothing
more to fight the storm, anu now the water was filling the
boat. They weIIt to him, seemingly not so much to tell him
of the danger they were all in, as to waken him up. They
said, as if he were responsible: "Master, carest thou not that
we perish?"
.Aroused, Jesus rlo!plied: "';Vhy are ye so fearful? how is
It thnt y-p hl1\'e no faith ?" (:'I:ll'k 1: 3S--l()) Then he arose

SEI'TEliBER

15, 1!l::!4

crneWATCH TOWER

and rebuked the winds and the sea; and "there was a great
calm." CMark 4: 39) He then said to his disciples; "Where
is your faith?" (Luke 8:25) The disciples were astonished;
and they feared exceedingly when they saw this wondrous
thing, and said one to another: "What manner of man is
this, that even the wind and the Sf'a obf'Y him?" (Mark 4:
41) None of these miracles seemed equal to raising their
minds to saying, "Surely he is the Son of God 1"
5There are many lessons for the disciples of Christ in this
incident. '1'here can be little question that it is symbolic,
and has a large meaning for the Church of God, as well as
being a record of a striking event in our Lord's life. Once
again the disciple is reminded of the fact, so prominent in
these accounts of our Lord's life and ministry, that Jesus
coulll get only broken rest. Nor did he desire otherwise;
his life he had given to God; and he himself as a new cr!"aturf', acting as priest, kept the sacrifice of his human life
bmning quite fiercely on the altar of service which God had
provided for him. He could not carryon his work without
some rest to his body; but these records show that he paid
no more attention to it than was necessary for the accomplishment of his work.
61t may easily be admitted that the sleep of Jesus-the
only sleep of which we have any record-was, in the divine
order, that we his followers might profit by his eXl'lmple.
But that does not at all diminish the reality of our Lord's
weariness and need of sleep, If he slept soundly throUgh
the storm it was because he was tired and worn with the
heavy labors of the hard days which he had rpcently had.
1"01' was Jesus selfish in thus resting and taking sleep, leaving the disciples to sail the boat across the lake. Most of
them were accustomed to the handling of a boat, there was
comparatively little work to be done, and his bodily care
was their busint'Ss. Also they had been resting through the
day while their Master was talking. We are again reminded
that the servant of God should not expect to get well-ordered
times for his rest, and that rest can be had at odd as well
as at set times.
SATAN'S AGENCIES REBUKED BY JESUS

"'It '3 evid!"nt that Satan was the instigator of this storm;
hence our Lord treated the winds and the waves as Satan's
agencies, and rebuked them, This shows us that Jehovah
permits Satan to use the forces of nature for his purIJ(lses.
It does not mean that Satan has full control of the powers
of nature, but that God does in his wise providences and for
the working out of his purposes allow him great liberty.
Jpsus probably understood from the first that a storm was
threatening, but that had made no difference to his takin!,\'
the rest and going to sleep. He was in his Father's care
while he was carrying out his work, and had no fear of
what might hl'lppen. He knew that his Father would preserve him from harm; for the winds and the waves were
his, as the Psalmist said: "Stormy wind fUlfilling his word."
-Psalm 148: 8.
8The disciples ought to have had the same confidence in
their Master. They were there at his direction, and carrying
out his will. They ought therefore to have had so much confidence that Jesus was under the care of the Father, as to be
free from all anxiety. True, the water was coming into the
ship; but probably had they been men of faith the water
would not have made such advancement on them. In any case
there is a lesson for us that, when we are doing the Lord's
Will, no matter what outward circumstances come we need
have no fear that the enemy can outwit God and do us
mortal injury. There may be discomfort in following the
purposes of God; but evil, as SUCh, cannot befall us,-Psalin
{)l:

10.

9The Lord's people during their life's

vo~-age

are called to

go across many a stormy piece of water, and unforeseen and

unexpected storms arise, but they nl"Cd have no fear. The
lesson tells us that our Lord, who is the Calltain of our ship,
can himself quell all opIJ(lsition, and will do so when it comes
to the point of danger to his people. None can pluck his oWn
out of his hand, and the Father is greater than all.-John
10: 2'2D.
GOD'S PURPOSE NOT TO BE FRlJSTRATED

lOThis I!"sson also t!"aches us the folly of impatience under

the Lord's providences. '1'he true believer r('sts in the Fath!"r's love and car!", and he knows that the Father is too good,
too kind, too just, to allow trials and temptations to come
upon his children which would be too strong for them. (1
Corinthians 10: 13) The Lord rebuked the disciples by saying: "Where is your faith?" Their faith had gone with the
winds! \Ve may give to the winds our fears, but we should
never let th!"m carry away our faith.. How often in effect
do we r!"buke the Lord. When circumstances are hard upon
us and the clouds of trouble hang low and remain long, we
are apt to feel sometimes that the Lord has forgotten us
and, indeed, to tell him so. Our distress is too great to allow
us to see the true position.
l1Could the apostles have freed themselves from their fear
for a few moments, and have told each other of their faith
in the Lord, remembering what he had done, and that they
had accepted him because they believed he was sent of God,
there would have been no record of their loss of faith. 'VI'
may indeed put the matter in another way. Their care for
the Lord should have overcome their fear for themselves;
they ought to have been praying that he might be saved to
continue his work rather than to disturb his much-needed
rest to ask him why he cared nothing for them. Dark providences are often but the prpliminary of ricllPst manifestation of God's favor. Cowper long ago expressed this thought
when he said:
"Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head."
12Without doubt this storm was one of the many attempts
on the part of Satan to destroy the seed of promise. Ever
since a deliverer seed was promised, Satan has been on the
alert to frustrate the purpose of God, and has made many
attempts to do so. Already he had several times sought to
destroy Jesus, and here was an attempt to destroy the Lord
and his little company of chosen ones. No doubt the whole
incident is symbolical. The sea of Galilee, the turbulent sea
of the Gentiles, frequently represents the troubled sea on
Which the little gosp!"l ship has sailed since it was launched
by the I,ord (Matthew 28: 19,20), and where it has sometimes seemed as if it were about to founder. Furthermore,
it is almost certain that Ule incident is designed as an illustration for the days into which the Church is about to enter.
\Vithout doubt raging masses of humanity, human storms
driven by Satanic forces, will sweep the worlll; and it may
seem as if the Lord's little company of faithful servants are
to be cast out into the midst of the sea. But they n!"ed not
fear. '1'he Lord will never let Satan destroy his Church in
any such fashion; and in his own time and way he will bid
the storm cease, that his senants may finish their work.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
In point of time, to what Is (}ur lesson related? '111.
Do the events of this lesson emphasize the humanity of Jesus? Is
it natural for violent storms to rage on Galilpe? '\I 2.
What Indicates the severity of this storm? Apparently, of what
were the disciples thinkin/;? 'II 3,
How were the disciples Lebuked? What remarkable tiling did Jesus

~SG

CfheWATCH TOWER

do? \Yhat was the manifest failure of the disciples at this time?

14.

Wa. Jesu,' rest frequently broken, and bow did he treat the matter" ~ 5.
Is tht>I'e a It>RRon hert> for his footstpp followers? ~ G.
Is it P\ Ident that Satan \\ liS ill this storm? IR Satan permitted to
have great control of the powers of nature? 'if 7.

nnOOKLYN,

N. Y,

As we yiew the mattc~, should the disciple. haye had full confidence
in the Lord .Jesus: What IS the lpssoll for us? ~ S, 9.
What furthpI' lesson is there for us: Whv should we conserve our
faith, and 1;11'0 to the winds our ft>lll<? ~ 10. 11.
Is it reasonable to cOllcluoe that the storm wa~ an attack upon
the Vl"omisf'd :-:eed lJy Batan? How may we VIew the Jesson S~'lll
bolicall)? ~ l:!.

T.ETTERS FROM AFIELD

TRUTH WEARS AWAY PRt:JOOICE
DE-\R BROTHER Hl;'l'H~;R1'Ol:n:

The attached is a translation of the Arabic l"tt(')1 of

which Brother Mobied Hpokt' to you in Bt'thel lust SatuJ'lhl,v
aftt'r llinnt'r and rt>quPHt"ll its publication in the Arallie
'VATCU 'l'oWER. You asl,ed the Brothpr to translate it U1111
commit to you b<'fore you \\ oulll Hanction its going into the
,rKl'CU TOWER.-BHOTH~;K FAKOrllEY.
LThe lettt'r follows.]
1\1Y DK\ltLY BELOYED BROTHER I'" CHInST:
Please permit me to tell you bripJly of the change tha'
to lk place in me. I am a ~'oung man, being previously of thf
Call1Olic faith; lJut now I am a Bible Student. I often heard
of ~ our SOCIETY from your lJrother; but prejudice had so
blinded my heart as to make me curse all of its adherents.
Onp day as I was walking through the street I saw a
llIan passing out circulars. [The refprence is here made to
a free tract issued by the S~Tian class, and distributed far
and wille in the U. S. A. and Syriu. the subject matter being
"God is not Christ. and Christ is not God."] I took one and
comml'nced to read it. Bt'fore long the en thusiasm of blind
prejudice st'ized me; and in rage I tore the tract to pieces
and trlllllplpd it under my feet. 1.'he doctrine m the Papa('y
was wcll planted in my mind, and I began to revile the
SOCH~TY and the one that pstablished it. I was prevented
fnun seeing and accppting the truth by that COlTUpt and evil
doctrine of Papacy. But as I CHme to my senH"S I said to
m~'self: "Could it not be that this SOCIETY has some truth'!
Why not investigate'!" So I yisited ~'our brother, and to my
aHtoni:,;hment he brought to me a circular similar to the
one I had before. I was angry and Haid to him: "You are
blind. Why don't ~ou Hl'e what the Scriptures say on this
point? Head ,John 10: 3.:;. Does it not say: '1.'he Father
antI I are one'? And does not the pope say that Christ is
God, and does not the Ill'ipst say the same thing also? 1"0
one contradicts what tlll'y suy except you. Kcep away from
mt'. I do not care to know a thing about ~'our corrupt teachings."
Xow, dear Brother, you know how much prejUdice you
had before coming into the truth, anll you can imagine my
heing in the same condition. As I am naturally of a com
lmtive disposition, I began to call on your bl"other, with a
number of questions eadl time. But he continually had
answers for them; and tinally something new began to show
itself to me, aml created interest in me further to investigate
the subject.
Time rolled on thus for about a year. One day he mentioned to me that a man by the name of Aboud came to his home
on Sundays, allll that he was quite able in these matters.
I requested him to notify me when Aboud should come. I
was well armell with the sword of wrong, corrupt teachings.
When Aboud came. I began to propound questions to him;
but victory, by virtue of the power of the holy spirit, was on
his sidp. I was enlig-htt'ned; and Brother Aboud b<'gan to
feed mp on tlll' truth. But my father was against me. I
DOW have n great de::;ire to study and know the truth. When

Brother Aboud ](oft liS for the U. S. A . a brother whose name

:s Botary was fOllnd hpl'e \\ho could ans",pr Illy questions
'lnd convince me. God was pleased to give me the truth. and
am now enlig-htened and strong and a lJrothpr of ~ou brethren. Brother Dotary and mYHelf visit Brother Abraham
Attia. LThis brother is now in charge of the work in Tripoli,
Syria. instead of Brotht'r Aboul!.] lIe is more ablp than us
both in the spirit and in the Scriptures; and eacll time we
find something- new. "How marYt'lous are thy works, 0 God,
with wisdom thou didst cr"ate them al!."
Behold, Brother, how beautiful are the works of the Lord
in his slavps! How he leads thpm fl'om one eOlllJition inte.
the other until he tinally brings them to his fold, the littlf
flock. As I before received instruction in the sellool of a corrupt and atlll'iJitical knowlpdge (tile school of the friar),
now I am rPlt'iving the tl'llth and sound instructions to
which I was led by my Savior .Iesus Christ through hi~
holy spirit and his "Vord, which is the only means of sal
vation.
You sef'. dear Brother, how I was the companion of immoral children and how I am now the companion of Christ
through his Word; how I reviled and blasphemed, and how
today I bless; how when I did reyile. I WtlS not contentC<i
with the use of common profanity, but reviled the name of
God the Creator anll the holy spirit. But now I praise and
magnify his holy and lofty name. I reviled the SOCIETY and
the one who established_ it; but today I bless it. It grieves
me to hear a wrong thing saill against it. I no longer follow
the pope and his corrupt doctrines. Thus I am being changed
by the holy spirit.
I am enclosing lIerein a cheque to cover my sllbseription
for the Ambic WA'J'('U 1.'OWER from its first year. The TOWEll
is very intl'rf'sting, and I want to become a subscriber to it.
Your Brother in Christ,
Y1CTOR A. ALI.EPY, Syria.

FAR-AWAY bRETHREN APPRECIATE THE TRUTH

DEAR BRETHREN:
I have been unable to answer the V. D. 1\1. qUf'stion~
earlier. May it please the Lord that I pass this examination;
but let everything b<' according to his own gracious will
who loved us while we were yet sinners. If I pass, and
there be even the slightest error in my answers, let me be
informed accordingly and the neces.-;ary explanation on
the error made, as I do not want to teach m~self. much more
others, a mistaken way in the nllme of the Lord.
Kindly send me the I. B. S. A. YOW of holiness of life at
your earliest convenience.
A brotlwr, one of those to whom I have imparted much of
the present truth, Ilsked me to have lIim symbolize his eonsecration to the will if the Lord by immersing him in watpr.
I did so. This is the Lord's doings and it is maryelous in
my eyes. The Society lri.1l never qnite realize what ~t i~
doing tor those 80U18 who hungel' and thirst atter 1'ighteou8ness; but, tTumk God, he affirms that you shall in no lcise
lose yonI' Ielcard.
Yours in the Lord,
MEMO A. DZINGWA, Cape Town.

SEI'TEMm:ll 15, 19:!4

rneWATCH TOWER

MAISTAINING ONE'S SPIRITUAL POISE

DE.\R BRUTHER Rl:THEltFOHlJ:

(ireeting's in the Redeemer. I feel that I must write and
tell :you of the blessin~s the WATCH TOWER is bringing. I
Illld almost imperceptibly become soml'what "weary", but
the resolute setting aside of a portion of each day for study,
Imrticularly a careful rereading of the wonderful 'VAT( H
~l'OWER articles of the past several months, has reinvigorated
me as nothing else could do.
Thinking that my experiences may be beneficial to others,
I wish to mention the fact that alt hough one may be reg-ularly in the service of the Lord, there is danger f)f becoming "faint" if the mental and spiritual sustenance is not
carefully provided and thoroughly mastic-ated.
Also, since we are stewards of 0111' ph~sical powers, faithfulness to the Lord of necei'\sitj- in('IUlles proper care of our
bodily frame, the providing of need('d rest, in order to serVl?
the Master efficiently and well. Although zealuus activity
in the work often demands, and should demand, taxing the
111lman organism to the utmost, yet sometimes I find m:yself
prone to forget that the Lord's work is a "reasonable servin", and that BNhany was a part of our l\1aster's life all
WE'll as Calvar:y. l\Iy most grievous stumblings have been
tlte direct result of overtaxing my ph)-sical vitality past the
],oint of proper poise. I bt>lieve others are having similar
l'xperiences, and I feel like sounding a warning to the fellow-members of the Lord's familj-; for the wily adversary
is E'ver on the watch to trip us up in thp very midst of the
S\\'<'E't service of the King. And many times I have had the
I,i! tpr realization that II. beautiful opportunity for presenting
the message has been misused, simply because I had thoughtkssly worn out to the point of inetlidency the human chanII!'I through which the message must flow.
A further helpful thought in the matter of spiritual food
is furnished by the example of balanced diet on the natural
plane; for it is a well-kno,,-n fact that a healthful ration
must include not only pure nutriment, but roughage as well.
I find mj-self at my spiritual best when I can not only keep
up with my STUDIES and TOW~;RS, but also partake of the
GOLDEN AGE articles. What the GOLDEN AGE articles so
bountifully supply, many dear friends are mistakenly secking by perusinl; worldly magazines and publications. As WE'll
might one seek to balance his diet by eating sawdust, with
plenty of lleaIth-giving bran set before him! And yet thE'se
,,'ry friends most frequently explain their negligence of the
stndy of the truth by the inexcusable excuse, "I have no
time!"
As a zeal-inspiring meal, however, nothing can excel the
pxactly proportioned "things new and old" of the latest
exposition of the "Sheep ana Goats" parable. The class in
Fresno has set aside one evening a week for a careful study
of this article, and the friends are receiving the inevitable
blessings of such a course. In my Sunday services among
the classes, I find that some have derived from this article
what it does not contain, and have assumed that it sends all
elergymen, politicians, and profiteers directly into the second
death. As a result, some of the friends are puzzled, and
needlessly so. I believe every eccJE'Sia would be greatly ben!'fited by a question-by-question mastication of this entin'
'"ATCR TOWER article as a Herean study. A portion of one
paragraph in particular (Page 312) should, I do believe, be
printed in capital letters:
"As a goat class they will be forrvcr destroyed. As to
whether or not any of the individuals making up that class
will have an opportunity for trial during the Millennial age
we cannot surely tell. If they quickly chan~ their course
thQY may. ~'he Scriptures seE'm to indicate that those who
knowinO'lv and wilfullv repudiated the truth during the
ilr('sen~~f the Lord, WilO have sul);stltuted ~atanic doctrines

287

for the doctrines of the Lord, who have neglpctel1 the Lord's
floc'k while claiming to be his representatives, and who have
persecutt'{1 his brethren, may 1I0t IJe counted worthy of a
trial for life during the l\li11ennial age."
f'urely no Imlanc'd character, in full accord with the Just
(Iud True One, can take any exception to this!
Yuurs in his blessed senic!',
H. A. SE}IT.EMIAN, Calif.
LIGHT SHINING BRIGHTLY

DEAR Bm:THREN :
Jnst a note to tell you how much we appreciate thr,
WATCR TOWER articles. They are getting better all the time.
And while the leHding artides are, of course, the most iml'urtant, yet the f'unday School lessons are wonderful. 'Vhon-er is writing these articles is certainly bringing out many
beautifUl truths, and I would like him to know that his labor
of love is appreciated by many of the friends.
The light is now sllining so brightly that we can hardly
kpE'p up with it; but hy our Lord's kind favor, and by surh
kindly helps as that blessed "channel" affords, we shall contiJlIIe to follow swiftly on.
Assuring you of our prayers and I]('arty cOtiperation, I am,
Yours in Christian love,
J. G. TOPE, Ohio.

SEES SERVICE AS NECESSARY

DEAR BRUTH1!:R RUTHERFORD:

May I take a few minutes of your valuable time to express to you in this way the joy that has filled my Iwart as
a result of a c 1 ~se study of the recent articles in the 'VATCH
TOWER?
Surely the shadow of God's hand is plainly seen bl'twE'en
the lines; and he often hears my praises for this. During
the past year t1~e WATCH 'l'OWER has firmly entrenched in
my mind the necessity of continued service and of the beneficial results that accrue from it.
MaY' our blessed Father richly bll'sS and continue his ltIlfailing guidance for you, as well as all othE'r instruments
he is using in sending out this IJlessed helper.
Your brother in King Jesus, J. ARTHl'R PAYETTE, Mass.

BENEFITED BY BEREAN STUDY

DE.\R BRETHREN:
The Asheville Ecclesia has been studying the 'VATeR
TUWER as a Rerean lesson for some timfO, and the articles
have been enjoyed so much by the entire class that they
voted that the Secretary write you their sincere appreciation
of the feast of fat things that you are supplying under tile
Lord's guidance. They wish also to express their love to you
for your labors on their behalf, and to remind you that the
Lord is not unmindful of your labors of love, in that you
have ministered unto the saints and do mini.ter.
Your brothE'r in Christ,
HENRY G. McKENZIE, N. C.

"All unseen, the Master walketh

By the toiling servant's side;
Comfortable words he talkE'th,
While his hands uphold and guide.
"nrief, nor pain, nor any sorrow
Hends thy heart to him unknown;
lIe tOllay and he tomorrow
Grace sufficient gives his own."

International Bible Students Association Qasse9

liecturel3 cmd .sf.udle~ by Trdveling Brethren
BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Park Ridge, III
Chicago, Ill,
Pullman, Ill,
Hegewiseh, III.
Toledo, O
Ashtabula, O

Sept.26
" 28
" 29
" 30
Od. 1
" 2

Syracuse, X. Y
Bo:.;ton, l\Jas:-:. . __.
__
Portland, ::\le. .
So. 'Yilldham, ::\Ie
_.
Auuurn, ;Ill'. .
Lewiston, )le
_..-_.._

Oct.3
_. " t)
17 2()
:: ~~
..
~ "~~

Alexandria, Pa.
Coles Summit, Pa.
:'\Iiftlin, Pa. __ ... .__ ._._ ..
LewiRtOJl. Pa.
l\le Clure, Pa.
.
._._
Selin~glO\ C, Pa.......__

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Athol, N. Y. ........ __
'Val'l'ellsllllrg, "S Y
Glens Falls, :-i. Y.

r?rt

Oet. 7
"
8
9

Edward, X. ~Y.

;: 1~
. ,,1:-;
1"

~lco~del'o~a, N. ):.

I,ut/and, \ t.

Granville, N. Y. .......... . art.

Gn~('nwich, X. Y.
::
lIIechanks\'ille, X. 1.
.,
r.I.'roy, 'X. _yo '"
"
P~wn?~ .Cent~l', .\ t.
--.--. "
\\ atenhet, :-i. L
.

17
~g

"1~

Shamokin, l ' a . ............ Ort. 13, I i

Sunhury, Pa..
"
15
Ualldlle, Pa.
__ .
16
XorthulIlhrl'land. Pa
"
17
,rilliamspol't, l/a
"
19
<laille-.:, l'u. ._
" 20,:21

BROTHER B. M. RICE

1-1
i~

_.Vet. 6
"7
.. "H
, {)
_.. "10

:-lioux

Cit~,

Ia. .

... O.t. 10

Inwood, la.
Esthen'ille. la.
Huperior, lao
..
BstherYillc, la

" 13
" 15
. " 16
" 17

Alton, la. __

to

__

12

Clarion. Ia

Oct.

Lake )lillH. la. . _..

.\IIllB.
__ .__ _.
\\'halen, .:\liBll. .
._ __
rl'uullcl City,
lllaek Un e1' Falls, Wis.

Att~tin.

' 'b,.. .

11}

" .:JO, 21
":!:!.:!;j
":.!-l,:.!6
":!j' ,:.!,'S

Oet. 29

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Amlin, O
Delaware, O
l\larion, O.. __ .
_
Galion, O.
. .____
Cre:"ltline, O. .__
_. __ .
ShelbJ', O

Ort. 10
"13
.. " 14
"15
"16
"17

BROTHER C.
Belloville, Onto
__
Ort.
14
Stirling, ant
"15,16
Trenton, Onto
"
17
Oshawa, 011t
_
_. "
19
Hamilton, ant. __
"
23
Beamsville, Onto
"
24

Mansfielcl, O
Tiffin, O.
O. _.
.. __
}'indlay, O . . .. .._.. __
Fremont, o
_.___
ClJ'de, O
}~oRtoria.

w.

Ort. 19
"20
" 21
":2:2
" 23
" 2-1

O~,t.

"
14
"
15
:: 16, ~97

St. Catha rilH's , Onto

Niagara Falls, ant
'Yelland, ant
_
Dunnville, Onto
_._. __
Simcoe, Onto
St. Williams, ant

Oct.
"
"
"
"
"

26
27
2S
20
30
31

9
10
12
13
14
16

Indepenllen('(', :110
St. Josellh, :110
Hopkins, :110
-Leavem, orth, Kan

"
"27,
"
"

24
2lJ
2,~

30

Anacortes, Wash
Oak Harbor, Wasil.
Anacortes, 'Vash
Vanrou,,'l', B. C
Hlaine, "ash. ..
Bellingham, Wm,h.

Oct.
17
, 19, 20
"
21
"22, 23
"24
2G

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Fernie, D. C
Elko, B. C.
Cranbrook, B. C

i:iept. 23
" 24
,..... " 25

~:m~IiB~ic~:. : : : : : : : : : : . .~ct~~

Oet.
8
Greer, i:i. C. .
9
GrpC'unlle. K ('.
.__
" 10, 12
Anderson, ~. C.
"
13
Greenwood. H. (\ ..
."
14
COlulllbia, ~. C
_ "15,16

Florenre, i:i. C. ..
Charleston, :So C. _
Ell"" ~. ('.
Aug-usta. (;a. __ .
Hldgpla lid. S. C. . _
~a' anllah, <la

Ort.
__.. "

17
19
:.!{)
. "')1 .).)
. "~3: ~4

_~

:2u

JI

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
Evansville, Ind
Bellmont, III.
Vincennes, Ind
Flora, Ill. .. .
Rinard, III.
Clay Citr, Ill.

O,t. 3
"5,6
"7
8
9
" 10

_.

Carlyle, 111.
Alma, 111.
Mattoon. Ill
Arcola, III.
Oakland, Ill.
Veea tur, Ill.

Ort. 12
" 13
" 14
"

1;;

"
"

1(J
17

~aincsaards SC"i1\tIJ?,' :I.I;) .........O~,t:)?, ~0(J

_

BROTHER A. J.ESHLEMAN
Everett, "Vash
Oct.
Stanwood, Wash
"
Burlington, Wash.
__ ..
Se<.ll'o Woolley, "ash
"
1\11. Vernon, \, w.. ll.
.__
FridaJ' lIatU01', WasIl. .. "1;;,

S. C

CUTFORTli

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
10
'l\"I'arren,
acon, 1\1\1 O. __
Medii!, Mo
Rutled~e, Mo
Wheeling, 1\10
Chillicothe, lIlo.

BROTHER V. C. RICE
Spartanhllr~,

Grand Fo,ks, B. C
Rock Creek, B. C
Penticton, H. C
Vernon, B. C.
__..__
Armstrong, B. C
Kamlool's, B. C

Oct.
2
"
3
"
5
"
6, 7
"
I>
"10, 12

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN
North Duxbnry, l\lass
Plymouth, ~Iass
Taunton, l\lass.
.. __._
New Bedford, Mass
Fall River, :llass
l'rovidence, U. 1.

Oct. 7
" 8
" 9
" 10
"12
"13

East Greenwich, n. 1.
Oct,
Attleboro, !\Iass
"
l'fl\\tuekN H I "
lVoonso('ket, i:.
:F'ranklin, l\Iass. .
"
l\lillord, !lIaos
"

'r:'::::::::::::::"

14
15
16
17
19
20

BROTHER W. J. THORN
Lake Benton. 2Ilinn
Od. 1\
LU\erlle, ~linn..._ _ _
"
G
Jasper, !lIinn..... .
"7, I>
White, S. Dak
"
9
Huron, S. Dal\.
" 12
Lebanon, S. Vak
" 13

:lleUette. S. Dak
Ol't.
14
Conlle, S. Dal;
:: 15, 1167
:llellctte, i:i. Ilak
.
Ipswieh. S. Dak. __ . _.. __
"
19
Hazletoll, :\. Ilak
,
:!O
Belhcld, N. Duk
"21,22

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
..........Oct.
Brandon. :lIan.
Rapid City, :llan.
"
I\Iinnedosa, l\!an.
Clarksville, :llan.
Neepawa. :llan.
Clanwilham, )lan.......... "

5, 6
7,8
9
10
12
13

Kclwood, :llan
Oct.
Dauphin, l\lan. __ .__ .. _. .. "1;),
Gilbert Plain'. :llan.
" 17,
Granddew, .:\1 all.
.
"
Runu,\'II1f1de, ~.u.;k . .__ . .
I\:au18ark, Sask. ._
__.. "22,

14
If)
19
:.!O

21
23

Newport News, Va

Oct.l, 2

. : : : : : : : : : : ;: 3~!

South Hill, Va
__
Lawrenceville, Va

"
"

22
23

Emporia, Va

~~~~:.b~.~~, .~'.a.

LUl'edale, l\liss
O,t. 11, Hi
l\lohile. Ala
"
16
Del'r Park, .\ la.
17
W.aynesboro. :lliss
" H). 20
Ent~rprisr. :\Iiss.
21
Yosburg, .:\It:-,s. ._ ......... "
22

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY

:E~~~:,~~:

VickRbul'g, ~IiSR.
....... Oct.7
" 8
Jackson, :\ll~S.
Crystal Hprings .:\Ii~~.
" 9
Hrookha ,"en, l\liss.
" 10
" 12
'''anilla, :IiiH'.
HaUie;,burg, Mt>s.
" 13

Ort.

::::::::::::::

24

~:cYtSo'ril.lal,e".'a'a
::
28
29
Republican Gro, e, Va.. "30, 31

San Pedro. Calif

Eag-le Hoek, ('alif
Sawtelle, Calif..
Riverside, Calif
Redlands, Calif. .
__
San Derna,dino, Calif.

Oct. 1
" 2
" 3
" 5
" 6
7

Ontario, Calif
!\lonro"ia, Calif
Alhambra, Calif.
Los Ang-ele."l. Calif
Pasadena, Calif.
Glendale, Calif

Ort. II
,. 9
"10
_

"1a

"13

It

rr('g{1I&r~~~1ill1l~1Jj)9 ((@11))ia1~ ~f~1Iy~ Nn~~t (>

Qt 111'lmUvllg ~1lIliJ$'fl~. ~d i1). ;gtgv,t i1BSO!"-15aia17
VOL.

XLV

No. HI

SEMI-MONTHLY

Anno Mundi 6053 -Oct. 1, 1924

OONTENTS
THFJ TFJ~fPTATION-FALr, AND VrcTORY....... 291
Temptation of Jl'.u~
292
Temptation of EccJesiastidslIl
292
Fal~e Doctrine~
293
Commi~~ion of the Church
294
The Pronouncement
__
291i
The Temptation-The OVl'!'comers
296
FRAYERMEETING TEXT CO~[~IENTS
__ 297
SHOULD KO'T GROW SLACK IN READING
THE PRODIGAL SON
__
THE FEEDING OF THFJ FIVE TIIOUSAND
LETTERS FIWM A~IELD
KOTICE OF ANNeAL lIlEETING
MUSICIAN WANTED
IN RE ~IEMORIAL REI'ORTS

__ 298
299
300
303
290
290
290

"1 wlll stand upon my watch and will set mil Iv'"
the Torar. and will uatch to see what He win
lall unto me, and u'hat answer 1 shall make to thflm
Ihat oppose me."-H abakkuk 2: 1.
~pon

~-

li-

}.
:/

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS 'owrnal 18 one of the prime factors or instruments in the I'Ystem of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now being'
presented in all parts of the civilized world by the 'VATCII TOWBR BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the dh-ine Word but
also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with anuouncements of the Society's conventions and of the
earning of its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arranr;ed, ana ve.y
helpful to aU who would merit the only honorary degree whioh the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dci Minister (V. D. 111.), which translatcU
into },]nglish is Minister vI God's Word. Our treatment of the International i!lunday School Lessons is speelally for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being sO generally repudiaten
-redemption through the preciou.~ blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] tor
aU". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this snre fonndation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Pet~r 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make aU see what is the fellowship of the mystery wh:c". , .has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while It seeks more and more to bring its every uttemnre into fullest
lIubjection to the will of God iu Cbrist, ItS expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the dh'ine "'isdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attltude is not dogmatIc, but confideut;
for we know whereof we affirm, trcading with implicit faith npon the sure promises of God. It is hcld as a trust. to be used only in hii
service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be acording to our juugment of hiS
~ood pleasure, the teaching of his 'Vord, for the upbuil<J.ing of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the ehllrch is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throu~hout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's R"<1eemet' and the Chief Corncr Stonc of his temple, through which, when
finislwd, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-2:!:
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meaatime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
la,t of these "lidng stones", "elect and prP<'ious," shall ha,e been made ready, the great lIlaster \Yorkrnan will bring all togetl,cr
in the first re'urrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and .e the meeting place between God and men throughout
the lIlilleulllum.-Revelation 15: 5-8.
""rhat the basis of hope, for the church and the ",orld, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "tbe true light which lighteth every man that cOllleth into the tcorld", "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; Jobn 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as be is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share bi3
glory as bis jOlllt-helr.-1 Jolm 3::!; John 1,: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
Tbat tbe present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in IlPrself eVNy
j(race; to be (,od's witness to the worid; aud to prepare to be klllgS and priests in the next age.-Ephesiaus 4: I:!; Matthew 2.Jo:
14; Hevelation 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for tbe world lies In the hlessings of knowledj!'e and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's JIIillennial kin",dom, tbe
restitution of all that was lost iu Adam, to all tbe willinl; and obedient, at the hands of theIr Redeemer and his glorihell church,
when all the wilfully WIcked will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 1923; Isaiah 35.
1lueL.'SH~O 11)1'

WATCH TOWER. BIBLE & TRACT SOCIET)'

U.S~

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Entered as Second Clas~ Matter at Brooklyn, N.Y. Postoffice

Act of March 3..d 1879.

ANNUAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the
Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, as provided by law
and the charter of said Society, will be held at the Soldiers
and Sailors l\Ipmorial Hall, Fifth Avenue and Bigelow
BOUlevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 10: 00 o'clock a.m.,
Friday, October 31, Hl24. to transact any business that may
properly come before the said mN>ting.
(Signed) W. E. V.\'1 AMDURGH, Secretary.
Brooklyn, N. Y., September 15, 1924.

MEMORIAL REPORT
It has been suggestpt! that the l\Iemorial report pUblislwl

in our issue of July 15 is misleading in that the title giH'~

a larger number than the total number spt forth ill tlip
columns following.
The reason is that the title COllta IllS
all that were reported, inclUding those in classes of lpss tlmn
twenty; whereas the list of classes contains only sucli as
reported twenty and more.

-------

DELAYED MEMORIAL REPORTS

Throu/:h II misunderRtanrlill/: of our re'1uest tlIat the Memorial
Reports be forwarded to tillS office, the followi1l', reports appearecl
in the French edition of THE WATCH To" ER only:
Herne. S\\ itzerland
..... .__
. __ . ._ ... :1t ()
Strasburg, Alsace-Lorraine _. ._.._..._...... __ .. .
..__150
Mulhouse, Alsace-Lorraine ..
_._. .
_
105
Sarrebru('k, ~aar HaSIJL
v
Hipline, SwilzC'rland __ .__.. .._._...__
_
__ (;3
DenaIn, France
_._____________
_.
.
fi1
Thoune, Switzerland
_
_._ .__
_.50
Paris, France
_
. ..__ 411
Sin-Ie-Noble, France ..... .__.__..._.
.__
__.
.. __ A 1
Lausanne, Switzerland __
__ 3;)
Sulzbach. Saar Ba.,in
:>4
Berthoud et ',"asQn. Switzerland
. .__ _3:l
(jeneva, Switzerland
__ .. __
;)1
Neunkirchen, Saar Basin
..
._.. _
_.. __._._.. 30
I.Jievin, France
. .__ .__
_
_.. ..
._.__
_
_27
Langnau, S\VI t zerland
Volkhngen, Raar HH:-.in

_.._._ .._

.__

.._

24
_.. 23

Including thosp. clasoes which rep0l'l,,<! 1c'5 than t,,'enty par

ticipants, the tolal number "a' 1,43H. This increases the grand
total participating this year to Hfl,10ii.

MUSICIAN WANTED
A brother unencumbeI'P<!, "ho is a first class pianist anrl accompanist and ~ho could art a::: announcer. would ha ,.~ splendid OPp!!"-

tunitv for servicp. at the SOCIETY'S radio station. Any broth'r

who is fnl1y de\-oted to the 1,0rd and who po"e,",,' the'e '1\wlill<' 'tions please communicatp with us. addrl.}~~ing Radio DepartnH'.lf.

CONVENTIONS TO BE ADORESSED BY BROTHER RUTHERFORD

BItoOKLYN, N. Y .. _._(Afternoon :lleeting Only,

~IasoDlc

Tpmple)

PITT~iil;R;;rr:-PENN~yi:VA-;;;..i.--::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~~~~~g~r
1

CIa" Sccretary-(,harl"" 1'1. Stewart, 317 Graee St.,

l\ft. ""flRhinglon Htation, Pittsburgh, Pa.
T
TOItONTO. ONTAHIO
..__. .. _._.. _.... ..__.__......_... No,ember 9
Class Secretary-W. G. Brown, 1489 Danfor~ Ave., Toronto, Ont.

&tJvVATCH TOWER
AND HE]?ALD OF CHR~STS PRESENCE

VOL.

XLV

OCTOBER

1, 19:24

No. 19

THE TEMPTATION-FALL AND VICTORY

"Let no man say when he is tempted, 1 am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither
tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his oum lust, and e,nUced.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and si,n, when it is finished, bringeth forth
death. Do not err, my beloved brethren."-James 1: 13-16.

HE Scriptures clearly teach that Satan is the

Arch-Tempter. His purpose in seducing 0'1'
tempting one is to obtain control of the one
tempted. Wilful and intentional yielding to the temptation results disastrously. He who endures the temptation and withstands the Tempter is rewarded with the
crown of life.
2A temptation that calls forth such extreme penalty
or such high reward must be something more than the
daily delinquencies and trespasses to which all fallen
creatures are subject. It must be something that involves
loyalty to God. This conclusion is supported by the
Scriptural statement that Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are" tempted (Hebrews 4 : 15) ,but was holy,
harmless and without sin. The temptation of Jesus,
therefore, furnishes a guide to the interpretation of this
scripture.
aSatan always placcs his temptation before those who
claim to be, or are supposed to be, in harmony ..., 'ith
God. But the temptation did not begin with Jesus.
Adam and Eve, when in Eden, were in harmony with
God. They were the crcatures of God, and therefore
his representatives. To them God had given his law.
The law of God is his expressed will. They knew it
was lawful to eat of every fruit except that which was
in the midst of the garden of the Lord. Eve said to
Satan: "God hath said, Ye shall not cat of it, neither
shall ye touch it, lest ye die." Satan induced her to
believe that death would not result. Then he saw to it
that the temptation to eat and to be disloyal to God
was presented to her from three different viewpoints,
to the three different faculties of her being, thereby hoping to succeed in causing her to be disloyal to God and
to become his subject. The three faculties of her being
to which the temptation was presented were, to wit:
body, mind, and will.
5'1'he body is the organism of flesh. Mind is the
intelligence, or that faculty of the being by which the
creature reasons and reaches a conclusion. Will or

purpose is the faculty of determination to do or not to

do a certain thing.
6"The woman saw that the tree was good for food."
She reasoned: That will be good for my body or organism. I will use my powers now for the gratification
and welfare of my flesh.
T"And [the woman saw] that it was pleasant to the
eyes." It appealed to her fancy; that is to say, she
was pleased with its external appearance. It was beautiful to look upon, and she desired it. To herself she
said: I will have this most beautiful fruit.
BAnd she saw that it was "a tree to be desired to make
one wise." It appealed to her pride or sense of her own
worth and importance, and she desired to be wise contrary to the law of God. So she determined to act,
reasoning: I will eat and become wiser than other creatures, yea, as wise as God himself.
9Upon all three points Eve was tempted, and upon
all she yielded and fell. So impressed was shc with
her own importance then that she gave the fruit to hpr
husband, and he did eat. He saw that she had disobeyed
God, yielded to the devil; and he joined her in the
transgression. On his part it was a deliberate and
wrongful act, contrary to God's expressed will; and
death resulting therefrom pictures destruction, the fate
of those who are wilfully disloyal to God.
10That these three methods of temptation are applied
by Satan to all who are in harmony, or who claim to
be in harmony, with God, is clearly shown by the words
of the Apostle as follows: "For all that is in the world,
the lust of the ilesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the ,,orld.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: hut
he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." _
1 John 2: 16, 17.
llAt the time St. John wrote these words Satan was
the god of the whole world. The inspired Apostle says
that all things in the world, used to induce one to become disloyal to God and his righteous arrangement.

2Dl

CfheWATCH TOWER
are presented to us as an appeal to the flesh, meaning
the body or organism; to the desire of the eyes, meaning that which appeals to the fancy or vanity and causes
desin) for it because of appearance; and to the pride
of life, meaning the desire to show one's own importance and inherent virtue by being able to accomplish
the desired purpose without considering God or his
ways of doing it. To yield to these temptations means
to be disloyal to God and to suffer the extreme penalty.
To endure and overcome the temptations and the Tempter means to gain the greatest prize. These abstract
principles must apply to all in due time.
TEMPTATION OF JESUS

12It has been the purpose of Satan at all times to destroy the seed of promise. When J csus was baptized
in the Jordan. without doubt Satan heard the words
from heaven approving Jesus as the Son of God. He
knew, therefore, that .r esus was .J ehovah's representative on earth; and he also knew that God requires loyalty
of all who will be approved of him. At once Satan set
about to induee Jesl1s to be disloyal to the Father. For
forty days Jesus was in the wilderness preparing for the
great work which his Father had set before him. Round
him were the wild beasts, that harmed him not. The
angels ministered unto him. Satan saw that Jesus was
the favored one 01 Jehovah, His beloved Son. Cunningly he set the temptation before Jesus. It will here
be observed that Satan again employed the same methods of presenting the temptation before Jesus that he
had employed with Eve.
13First, to the body or organism, in this: Jesus was
hungry, and Satan knew this. Satan said to him: If
thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be
made bread," and eat of it to satisfy your hunger. Here
was a temptation to satisfy the desire of the body, or organism, and thereby keep himself from starving to death
and to use his power selfishly for his own satisfaction.
Jesus withstood the Tempter and the temptation, and
declared his loyalty to God, saying to Satan: It is
written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by
every word of God," meaning that loyalty to God is
the essential thing to life. Against this temptation,
~r esus gained the victory.
HAs to the mind, in this: Satan now presented before the mental vision of Jesus all the nations and
kingdoms of the world. I t was Satan's, his organization. To Jesus he said: 'This is mine and I can give
it to whomsoever I will.' In other words, he said to
the Master: 'Jehovah acknowledges that I am the god
of this world, and I have a right to dispose of it. You
h.1'1 (,l come to be the king of the world. It will take you
a long time to accomplish your purpose. I will give it
to you now and you can become king immediately, the
only condition being that you will worship me.' This
was a temptation presented to the mind of Jesus through
thli eye because he could see the glory of the earth and

BROOKI,YN, N.

Y.

the glory it would be to take over the control of the

world at once awl become the liberator of the people,
and make them beautiful. To this temptation J rsus
answered: "Gf't thee behind me, Satan: for it is written. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him
ouly shalt thou serve."-Luke 4: 1-12.
1'Jesus withstood the Tempter and overcame the
tf'mptation. He yielded not to the desire of his eyes, and
gained the victory.
1GTlwn Satan appealed to Jesus' pride of life. He
tempted his will, hoping to induce him to be wilfully
disloyal to God by ignoring the Father's provision. In
substance Satan now said to himj: 'If you proceed in
your meek a-p.d lowly way, you will have great difficnlty in convincing the people that you are the King.
Look at the mighty and rich men in this land. 'rake
note of the Sanhedrin, the politicians composing the
great supreme court of this nation. Look at the Pharisees and other great men who do the religious thinking for the people. These are the three ruling factors,
and they are mine. You will have to do some thing
to ovelhadaw their greatness if you really expect to
eomince the people that you are sent from heaven to be
their hing. Why not demonstrate to the people that
you are sent of God? Go up to the top of that temple
in Jerusalem, and jump down into the valley. It is
written by your God that he will give his angels charge
over you and keep you; that in their hands they shall
bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
They will surely protect you, and then the people will
lmow that you are sent from heaven.' This temptation
would appeal to the pride and was intended to induce
Jesus to gain for himself a grrat name by taking a
different course from that which the Father had marked
out for him. Jesus never wavered in his loyalty to
God. lIe replil'd: "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy
God." Again he overcame the temptation, and drove
away the Tempter, and gained the victory.
TEMPTATION OF ECCLESIASTICISM

17Ecclesia means a called out, separate class or body

of people. It is the name applied to the Church. F.cclrsiastic means of or pertaining to the Church. The
Lord .res us organized the Church of God, the apodles
being the twelve foundation stonC's. The true Church
of God constitutes the antitypieal seed of Abraham
through whem God has promised to destroy Satan and
to bless all the families of the earth. All who have
taken the name of Christ Jesus claim to belong to the
Lord, and some of them actually do belong to the Lord.
A like temptation comes to them all, and will make
manifest the loyal or approved ones of God.- Hebrews
12: 27.
18.resus Christ is the great Shepherd of the flock of
God. (Hebrews 13: 20; 1 Peter 2: 25) In the organization of the Church the Lord provided for under-shepherds, designating them as elders and teachers. Upon

OCTODER 1, 1924

'The

293

WATCH TOWER

theEe is enjoined the duty and obligation of feeding the

Hock of God and to l1melfhhly look \rell to the interest
of such (1 Petcr 5: 2-4), an'd not to lord it oyer the
people of the Lord. Contrary to the Word of Goo.. the
f'ldrrs or shepherds of the denominational church organized Councils, Synods, Presbyteries, and like bodies politic, elected their own members to the high offices of
Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, Doctors of Divinity, Rewrcnds, etc., and thus formed and created what is properly
trrmed the ecclesiastics of Christendom. This means
the high personagrs in the denominational churches,
Catholic and Protestant. God did not trmpt these mell
1'0 to do. Of their o\m deEire were they led to this step,
and therelly laid thrmsrlyes open to the great Tempter,
who promptly preseuteu the temptation to them similar
to that \rhieh \ras prescnted to Eye and Auam and later
to .T esus Christ; namely, the Iud of the flesh, the lust
of the eyes, and the pride of liie.
IDFirst, as to the lust of the flesh or body: The power
g-aineu by the ecde"iadics in the church by reason of
thrir position they have used for their 0\\11 selfi1'h purP01'cs. Thry have frd themsdycs, and let the flock of
God go without attention. (Ezekiel 34: 8) Selfishly
they have advanced their own private interests, permitted the people to go without spiritual food, and thereby
camrd a famine in the land for the hearing of the Wonl
of God. Yieluing to the temptation to use their powel'S
for selfish purposes, they fell.-Amos 8; H.
2The lust of the eyes (the minu): Desiring to possess the seuuctiYe things of this world, and to be admired
by men rather than to be approved of God, they have
yieldcu to the lust of the eyes; they clothe themselws
in scarlet and long flowing robes, deck themsclws with
jewels and haH~ arrogantly assumed a form of godliness
while denying the power thereof. They fell ready victims to this temptation.
21Pride of life: Jesus instructed his representatives
to preach the gospel of his kingdom and to wait patiently his second coming, \\hen he would establish the kingdom. He admonishrd them to keep themsehes separate
from the world. The ecclesiastics, or clergy, have boldly a"nlmed to represent the Lord on the earth. Satan
hdd before them the temptation that. as the Lord's
reprrEentatiYes. they could e"tahli"h the kinguom of God
on earth without ,,'aiting for the second coming of
Christ, the conrhtion being that they should join hands
with the commercial and political po,,'ers of earth, which
were alrear1y under the control of Satan. This appealed
to their pride of life. To them it \ras a wonderful thing
to bring the eapitali~ts and the politicians into the
church. They yiclded to this seuuctive temptation, and
Eet about immediatly to obtain control and rulerEhip of
the world without the aid of the Lord and contrary to
His 'Vord. They met the conditions. They have worshi ped the devil, sanctified war, and for pay acted as
recruiting officers of war, anu resorted to other devilish
methods to gain their selfish and ambitious ends. They

have ignored God and the Lord Jesus, and have waxed
rich and powerful, while associateu with their allies
and under the direction of the super-minu of the gorl
of this world. As Jesus foretold, they say: "I am rich,
and increased with goods, anu have need of nothing,"
\\hen in truth and in fact they are "wretched, and
miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." (Revelation 3: 1'I) 'l'hey have fallen to the temptation, and
have carried out their part of the arrangement to blind
the people to God's purposes. They iitand self-eonfes.~ed
ly guilty before God and man.
FALSE DOCTRINES

22The ecclesiaEtics, to wit: Popes, cardinals, bishops,

reverends, doctor~ of divinity, and theological professors,
have claimed the exclusive right and authority to interpret the Scriptnres, and deny the right of anyone to
preach the gospel exeept such as arc ordained by them.
The,' have set aside the pure doctrines of God's Word
a11(l have constituted themselves, through their various
org"anizations, the fmmtains of doctrines, which doctrllles they have sent fOI'th as a river, claiming such to
be a life-giving stream for the benefit of the people;
\\hereas in truth and in fact theirs has been a message
of fraud and deceit, and a stream of sickness and death.
By these false and deceptive doctrines the people have
been blinded to the true character and purposes of God,
amI his great plan of salYation has been Illd from their
eyes.
23Claiming for themselves the rxclusive authoTity to
interpret the Scriptures, for a long time the rccle"ia8tics
kept the people in ignorance of the texts of the Bihlr~ by
discouraging them in studying it; hut now in this day
of greater education, when the people might read anri
understand the Scriptures, the"(' r'ccle1'iastical leader~
boldly and fjippa11tly drny the m8]Jiration of the Word
of God. Foreknowing that they would take this course,
Carl caused his prophrt Jeremiah to write concerning them: "Thry have forsaken me. the fountain of living" ,,'aters [source of life and truth], and have hewed
them out risterns [man-made sptl'ms and doetrines],
bruken PI-hI'lls, that can hold no II ater [really contain
no liIe-giring trnth]."-Jereminh 2: 13.
241n proof thereof we dte the following:
25The Bible teaches thnt lllan \\n8 rreakd }'lerfect, and
brcUl18e of sin \ras 8P11t('11red to denth, thereby losing
perfection of organism and the right to life.
26Ecde:-im:tics trach tlwt man is a creature of evolution, neyer fell, and never lost the right to life by reason
of sin.
'
27The Bible plainly states man is mortal; and that
because of Adam's sin all are born sinners subject to
death.
28Ecclesiastics if'aeh that all men have immortal souls,
which cannot die, which doctrine is supported only by
Satan's great lie.-John 8: 44.

'The
9

WATCH TOWER

The Bible plainly teaches that the wages of sin is

death, and that death and destruction is the punishment
of the wilfully wicked.
BOEcclesiastics teach that there is no real death, and
that the punishment of the selfish and wieked is conscious torment, eternal in duration, and that to escape
such terrible punishment the people must join their
church denominations.
slThe Scriptures plainly teach that Jehovah is God,
the great First Cause; and that Jesus Christ, his only
begotten Son, is the Hedeemer of mankind.
32Ecclesiastics teach the unscriptural, God-dishonoring doctrine of the trinity.
s3The inspired Word of God declares that Jesus Christ
is the ransomer of all, and that all members of thl)
human race, in due time, shall have an opportunity to
know about the ransom and receive its benefits.
S4Ecclesiastic teachings of evolution, human immortality, eternal torment, and the trinity are a denial of the
ransom by im plication; and now the chiefest among
them deny that Jesus was any more than an ordinary
man, deny that there is any value in his sacrifice,
deny the only Lord God and the blood of the Lord Jesus
Christ, by which mankind is redeemed.
85The Scriptures teach that Christ Jesus is King,
and the only one who has the right and authority to
rule the earth in God's due time.
SGEcclesiastics teach the divine right of earthly kings,
who are made by big business, to rule the people; and
the ecclesiastics have joined hands with big business
and big politicians to enforce this rule and to control
the peoples of earth because, they say, it is the divine
arrangement for them to rule.
S1Jesus constituted his apostles as the foundation of
the kingdom, and the Scriptures teach that the apostles
have no successors.
uEcclesiasties have fraudently claimed to be the successors of the apostles, and thereby have arrogated to
themselves great authority and have attempted to deceive, and have deceived, the people.
s9The Bible teaches and emphasizes the second coming
of Christ, the great Prince of Peace, that he will take
unto himself his power to reign; admonishes all the
followers of the Lord to proclaim this message of hill
coming kingdom faithfully, and to advocate and follow
peace "'ith all men.
oThe ecclesiastics teach and advocate war; they have
sanctified war and wrest the Scriptures to justify their
conclusion; they have repeatedly had their portraits
made with, and exhibited with, great warriors of the
world; they have turned their church edifices into recruiting stations; they have received and accepted filthy
lucre in consideration of rendering service for recruiting
young men for the war; they have wilfully preached
them into the trenches. And now when the evidence
is plain and conclusive that the old world has ended,
2

BnOOKLYK, N. Y.

that the Lord for the second time is present, and that
the kingdom of heaven is at hand, the ecclesiastics ignore the proof, and scorn, ridicule and persecute those
who dare tell the truth to the people. Instead of bidding wclcome to the King of glory, and telling the
people of his kingdom and the blessings it will bring,
they openly unite with the devil in his schemes to control the peoples of the earth in a compact designated
as The League of Nations, and piously and fraudulently
declare it to be the "political expression of God's kingdom on earth".
41Thus they have sent forth to the people a very river
of death-dealing doctrines, and now should drink themselves the nauseating potion, because they deserve it
at the hand of the Lord.
42Jesus declared himself to be the true vine, and that
his followers are the branches and are therefore a part
of that vine. He foreknew how the apostate ecclesiastics
would fall before the temptation of Satan; and of this
he testified aforetime through his holy prophet J eremiah, as follows:
43"Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a
right seed; how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? For though thou
wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine
iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God. How
canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after
Baalim? See thy way in the valley, know what thou
hast done; thou art a swift dromedary traversing her
ways; a wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth
up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can
turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary
themselves; in her month they shall find her. With
hold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from
thirst; but thou saidest, There is no hope: no; for I
have loved strangers, and after them will I go."-Jeremiah 2: 21-25.
HThe ecclesiastics having fallen before the temptation of Satan, having proved their disloyalty to God,
having joined hands with the advocates and makers of
war, and by force and coercion having controlled the
people, acknowledging that they have preached the
young men into the trenches, must then take the responsibility which the Lord has laid upon them when
he says of them, through his prophet, thus: "In thy
skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents."-Jeremiah 2: 34.
COMMISSION OF THE CHURCH

45A commission means a warrant of authority commanding the performance of certain duties. '1'he divine
commission given to the Church is set forth in Isaiah
61: 1-3. This is made certain by the acts of Jesus whell
first on earth. At the beginning of his ministry, he
entered a synagogue at Nazareth; and taking this prophecy of Isaiah, he read as follows and applied it to
himself, to wit: "The spirit of the Lord is upon me;

OCTonER 1. 1924

CfheWATCH TOWER

because he hath anointed me to preach the g02pd t{l the

JXlor; he hath :::eut me to lwal the brokenhe~rtrd, to
prpach dpliverance to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at libc'rty them that are bruised,
to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke
4: 18,19) The other part of that commission he did
not read. The part which immediately follows, where
he stopprd reaclmg, is: "To pr(j('laim the day of vengrance of our (;od; to comfort all that mourn." (haiah
Gl: 2) In Goers due time that part of the commission
mw,t be performed.
4H l r e now hn\"l~ the proof conclusi\'e that we are in
the day of God's YE'l1geance, and that countless millions
mourn. Is it not certain that this is the day in which
God \yould ha\ e this part of the commission performed?
IYho will do it?
wIhe Scripturcs conclusiYCly show that the faithful
followers of Jesus Chri,t are his witnesses and therefore',
as witnesses of Uod. arc clothr<[ ,,'ith authority to make
proclamation of his nH'.'-,age. (2 Corinthians 5: 20; Matthew ;2.t; 14; 1,;.niah 52: ~; Rryclntion 17: 14.) As
his acc'l'e<lited 1l1ll1ms,u<lors they must speak with authority, and in doing so have anogated nothing to themsl'l\('s. They an' merely the mouthpieces of the Lord,
as a voice in the wilde1'11<'ss. Th('re cnn he but one
message; there can be but one class to declare that
m('ssagc; and this thcy must declare in harmo>ly with
('ach other and with the Lord. .\re you one of that
class? Will you joyfully d,
11' duty?

29:5

dispensers of false doctrines, who claim to rel'resent the

Lord and yet who support the deyil and his orgali 1zation.
50"He judgeth among the gods." The word "g((ls"
here means mighty ones, and is often applied to judges.
(Sec Exodus 22: 28, margin.) The ecclesiastics have
assumed to judge eyerything eoneel'lling the Church and
the Word of God, and to pronounce judgment concern
ing the world. N ow it is God's time to judge them;
so the Lord. l'ays to them: "How long will yc judge unjustly, and accept the pcrsons of the wicked?" Tha
ecck-i'iastics haye sought, received and accepted the great
men of the world, the profiteers, professional politicians, and other persons of the Wicked One, and have
made such the chief ones of their flock and their fellow
associates and allies, while they have unjmtly judged
the poor and meek, and pushed asidc and scorned the
hon('st searcher for truth.
51'1'l10V hayc fed themselves and clothed themselves
in fine 'raiment, that they might associate with these
worldlings and have let the flock of God starve. 'l'hey
have accepted their bribes to sanctify war. 'rhey have
attempted to perpetuate their own memories in the
devil's organization by having their portraits and statues made and exhibit('d, together with the great men
of Satan's organization. Throughout all Europe the
great paintings and statue's of war and warriors are
sanctified by being stamped and approved by the presencc of the clergy. 'rhese have judged unjustly concerning those who have attempted to know the truth
THE PRmWl7: ~E:\lE)JT
or to tell the truth to the sin-cursed world. They have
43'1'hc time for a posltin~ <leclaratlOn sc('ms to have ar- caused the arrest, imprisonment, and death of many
ri\'('d. It is chieily agaimt the ecclesiadics, the anti- such innocent ones. This they did openly during th8
typical l'hari,('('s, and their allips. From 1874 to 19H, \I'ar.
the second preH'nce of the Lord \H1S prol'laimed; awl
wrhen Jehoyah admonishes them to do right in these
the gr(,llt fundamental truths, which have long been hill wonls:
by false doctrines, were brought to light. The ecclesi53"Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the
af'hcf'. g('nerally, resent('d the truth, and maligned an,l afllicted and needy. DC'liyer the poor and needy; rid
persecuted those who declared it. In I!H4 the Lord them out of the hand of the wicked." The great opporassumed his authority as King; and in proof thereof tunity was giYen the ecclesiastics from 1914 to 1918 to
he exhibited to the world a complete fulfilment of his defend thr poor, ancl to do justice to the affiieted and
own proplll'tie words. to wit: World War, famin<', pes- needy, and to tell the truth to the people concerning
tilence, rcyohdiollS, Lrae1's faYor. etc.; \I'hich proof is the Lord and his kingdom. But they heeded not the
so clear, cogcnt, an(l cOll\'incing that no one has cause IVonl of the Lord. nor the proof brought to light before
or excuse to err. The ecclesiastics scoffed at and reject- them, but went clrliherately on with Satan's organizacd thr proof. and p('rseeutrd the \yitnes8('f'. Thry haye tion. Then the Lord says concerning them: "They
b('Cll repeatedly warned by the Lord, and ha\'e failed to know not, neither will they understand: they \\'alk on
heed the wal'lling; and now the statrment of the Lord in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of
in Psalm 82 seems due to be understood and made COUri'P." Hpre the Lord speaks of their deliberate reo
known. It will be found that the Psalms of Asaph haye fusal to heed him and his truth.
to do with the second presence of the Lord. IVe here
54Adam obsened that mother Eve had been deceived
consider this one, verse by yerse:
by the devil, and dcliberately joined her in transgres49"God standeth in the congregation of the mighty: sion. The nominal church has always been pictured as
he judgpth among the gods." The mighty arc anti- an impure woman. The church system having fallen
typical of those who sat in Moses' seat; namely, the to the wiles of the devil, the ecclesiastics seeing and
rcclesiastics - popes, cardinals, theological professors, realizing this fact have like Adam deliberately gone
doctors of divinity, right reverends, the producers and on in the devil's way and spurned the Lord and His

cneWATCH TOWER
Word. They were warned by being given the facts, and
the law of God in the Bible. They were warned to separate themselYcs and come out for the Lord anu the
truth and to declare the truth to the people; but they
heeded not. With eyes open and with delibcration they
went on in darlrness. 'They linked hands "ith Satan
and his organization, denied the right of Christ to set
up his kingdom, as he foretold, and in an attempt to
show their superior wisdom and in defiance of the law
of the Loru, and without God, they have joined together
with big business and big politicians in a combination
called the League of Nations, thus to set up a kinguom
of their own, by which to rule and control the people
of the earth. Thus thcy have proyen their wilful disloyalty to the Lord Gou and to the Lord Jesus Christ.
55The Lord's judgment then is set forth in these
words:
56'(1 have said [of and concerning you], Ye are gods
[mighty ones] ; and all of you are children of the Most
High [because of your privilege of representing me;
and you have despised this great privilege and followed
your own selfish counsel and, like Adam, have deliberately joined the devil and his organization.]"
&7 Continuing, Jehovah says:
U"But [now because of your disloyalty] ye shall die
like men, and fall like one of the princes." Thc word
here translated "men" is from the same iuentical word
translated "Adam" and is used also concerning hypo~
crites, common sort,of like degree. Adam was a deliberate sinner,for whom there would have been no more hope
for life, except and for the great ransom sacrifice.
There is now no other ransom sacrifice provided.
(Hebrews 10: 26-29) Only two princes are definitely
mentioned in the Scriptures; and these are Michael,
the Prince of Peace, or Prince of Life, who stands for
the people and is the people's Deliverer, and Satan, the
prince of the evil world, and prince of darkness. Prince
Jesus fell a sacrificial death; Prince Satan shall be
forever destroyeu.
5The Psalm concludes with Asaph a.s the speaker.
Asaph was David's chief singer. During the Lord's
sl'cond presence Brother Russell ,,'as the Lord's chief
si nger in the Church, telling the people the message of
the kingdom. 'The SOCIETY has represented the Lord
since Brother Russell went home. He declared that it
was organized for that purpose. Asaph cries to the
Lord in these words:
60"Arise, 0 God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations." It is a cry of the Lord's people to
the Lord for him to arise and deliyer the people from
the Oppressor. The earth is the Lord Gou's, and the
time has come for him to rule, and it is his right to
rule all the nations. It is the cry of the Church to th3
Lord to carry his work on to a fulfilment anu to accomplish his determination and purpose. (Revelation 11:
18) The true members of the Church will be equal to
the occasion.

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

THE TEMPTATION-THE OVERCo:\1ERS

61The temptation that comes to others has likewise

come to the true followers of Jesus. But God has provided a way for the true saints to escape, and that way
is to remain absolutely loyal to the Lord and faithfully
proclaim his message to the end. - 1 Corinthians 10:
12-1G.
62The temptation is presented now in three wavs,
and must be resisted and oyercome by everyone who
will be of the kinguom.
63First, as to the body: The true followers of J esns
must refuse to use their spiritual powers for personal
gain but must joyfully feeu the itock of God, daily presenting their bodies living sacrifices, their reasonable
service. - Homans 12: 1; 1 Peter 5: 2-4.
64As to the mind: The true child of God must be
absolutely invulnerable to the influence of the glamour
of the world, and refuse to heed the flatteries of men;
he must have no sympathy with the world, the devil's
organization; nor shall he fear to be counted as the offscouring of the earth, nor to be despised anu rejected
amongst men. His allegiance must be unswervingly to
Christ. He must be loyal to Jehovah, to Jesus, to his
Word, and to his work.
65As to the will: The true child of God must have no
self-priue or self-ambition to run ahead of the Lord.
He must be anxious and willing to follow where tlw
Lord leads and to do what the Lord directs. He must
be absolutely loyal to the King and to the interest of
the kinguom.
66The adversary is using all of his powers against the
Church, anu the temptation is strong. It is a blessed
privilege to now show our loyalty to our king. St.
J ames says to those who are vainly fighting for the
truth: "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation;
for when he is trieu, he shall receive the crown of life,
which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."James 1: 12.
67The ,rar is on between the beast and the Lamb. It
is a war to the death. Satan is not bound, but is still
plying his arts. In his own due time the Lord will be
the victor in the conflict; and those who share with
him the victory will be called the chosen and loyal
ones even unto death.-Revelation 17: 14.
68Christ Jesus won the victory over the great temptation. Ecclesiastics, as his claimed representatives,
fell before the same temptation. The true followers
of Christ Jesus, that stand with him victorious, must
be victors likewise in the temptation. To such he says:
"In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good
cheer: I have overcome the world." - John IG: 33.
69Anu again: "This is the victory that OV0rcometh
the world [Satan's organization], even our faith." (1
John 5: 4) This means a faithful, loyal devotion to
the Lord which can be prompteu only by love, the complete expression of unselfishness.
70There is but one Gou, the Father, and oue Christ

OCTOBER

~WATCH

I, 1924

Jesus, the Redeemer of man; and all who will be vietoril

and stand with him in glory must be baptized into his
death. And, following this course, they shall rise triumphant in glory and share with the Lord in delivering
and blessing the peoples of earth. And in all the ages
to come they shall share with him in his glory.
71 Now the test is on.
Now the Church must fulfil
its divinely given commission by declaring the vengeance
of our God and comforting those that mourn and
who desire to be comforted. Blessed is the privilege
of the Christian in this day 1
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
1. Who iR the arch-enemy of mankind? If yielding to temptation
reRults diRastrously, and withstanding temptation results in everlasting life, do these refer to the daily shortcomings to which
\\l' are subject? '/ 1-3.
2. 'fo what three faculties did Satan appeal in tempting Eve? ~ 4-9
3. Whom does Satan especially attack in his temptations'! ~ 10, 11.
4. When and how did Satan tempt Jesus? 'II 12-lG.
o. Is ecclesiasticism tempted just as Jesus was? '117.

TOWER
6. What is the duty of the under-shepherds? What have th'
denominational shepherds been doing? How were they tempted!
'118-21.
7. Who are the eCclesiastics, and what have they heen doing!
lIow have they kept the people in ignorance? What Is th'
evidence? 'I 22-3S.
8. Can the ecclesiastics advocate war and faithfully represent the
Prince of Peace'! ~ 39. 40.
9. Should the ecclesiastics he made to drink their own mixture?
~41.

10.What Is the significance of the true vine and its branches?

What is the degenerate plant? '1142-44.
11. What Is a commission? 'Vhere is the commission to the
Church found? What class only will declare the vengeance
of God? 'I 4l}-47.
12. Why is now the appropriate time to declare the vengeance of
God? Are the ecclesiastics without excuse? 148.
13. Who are the mighty of Psalm 82? Who are the gods? '1149,110.
14. What have these "mighty ones" been doing? 'II 51.
15. How have they been admonished, and how have they turned
the deaf ear. 1 52, 03.
16. In what respect do the ecclesiastics resemble Adam? '/ 54.
17. How is the Lord's judgment set forth? 'I 55-58.
IS. How does the Psalm conclude? Is there encouragement here
for the Lord's true sheep? 1 59, GO.
19. How is the temptation to disloyalty overcome? 'II 61-65.
20. What is the reward of those who endure temptation? Is the
war between the beast and the Lamb to the death? Who will
be victor? 'II 66-68.
21. W'hat is the victory that overcomes the deviI's organization?
What course must be followed to be triumphant? 'I 69-71.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR NOVEMBER 5

"The Father, ... who hath translated us into the kingdom."-Colossians 1: 12, 13.

anyone justly claim membership 'in that kingdom and

at the same time remain silent and inactive? Let us
remember that merely to study the Word of God and to
bask in its blessed sunshine is not sufficient. To do that
alone is selfishness. If we have the love and zeal peculiar to the Lord's hou~e 'it will be impossible for us to
remain silent. - Psalm 69: 8,9; Hebrews 3: 6.
Let us see to it that we receive not in vain this great
favor of God. Since it has pleased the Lord to commit
to us some of the interests of his kingdom, let us prove
true and faithful to the commission and render a good account. If so be that we hold fast the beginning of our
confidence with rejoicing even unto the end, then we
shall enter the house of the Lord and there behold hiI
face and forever inquire in his temple.

ATAN is the prince of darkness. As god of the

evil world he has ruled in darkness, and all his
ways have been evil. As human beings we were
all born in that condition of darkness.
Christ Jesus is the great light that leads the true
seeker into endless life and happiness. As Christians
we were granted the privilege of seeing that great Light
and of believing on him. We giving ourselves wholly
to the Lord i.lt consecration, receiving the imputation
of his merit, being presented to the Father, being justified by the heavenly Father and begotten of his spirit,
thereby the great Jehovah God ''hath delivered us from
the power of darlmess, and hath translated us into the
kingdom of his dear Son." Now our citizenship is in
TEXT FOR NOVEMBER 12
that blessed heavenly kingdom. Our unqualified allegiance is to the King of kings and his kingdom of
"'He sheJJll reign for ever and ever.-Rev. 11: 15.
righteousness.
PROXIlVlATELY August 1st, 1914, marks the
We are made ambassadors for that kingdom, and
end of the Gentile times. It likewise marks the
clothed with a ,,,arrant of authority to represent the
time for the coming into power of "him whose
King and the interest of his kingdom. It is our duty
and privilege joyfully to obey the command of the King. right it is" to rule the earth. - Ezekiel 21: 27.
Weare commanded to proclaim the day of vengeance
A voice symbolically means the proclamation of a
of our God against the powers of darkness and to com- message. Voices would therefore mean the proclamafort those that mourn. To do this we are commanded tion of messages or statements of truth. Jesus had long
to preach the good news to all the nations of the earth ago told his disciples that the time of the end of the
as a witness. Could anything be more plainly pointed world would be marked by the happening of certain
out for the Christian to do? Could there be a more things which he enumerated to them. The happening
blessed service in which he could engage? In view of of these events, therefore, would constitute the physical
these plain statements of the divine Word, how can facts in fulfilment of his prophetic words. It is often

iX

298

CfheWATCH TOWER

true that facts speak louder than words. The transpiping of the events foretold by the Lord would therefore be voices or messages from h<>aven.
The scripture r<>ads: "There were great voiccs in
heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are becom(
the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ." (Revelation
11 : 15) In other words, the right to rule this world has
come to the Christ of God, and he shall rule forever. The
happening of the events foretold by the Master, exactly
on time when they should be expected, constituted the
messages or voices from heaven from the Lord himself
to the watching Christians, showing that the time has
come for the ruler of this evil world to be ejected, and
for the Ruler of righteousness to take his power and rule.
n was then and there that the omier procf'edings began.
From that time forward the Christiam should especially look up and lift up his head because of the evidenco
so clearly set forth that the day of deliverance is at
hand, and that the reign of the King of glory begins,
which shall never end. - Daniel 'I: 14.
'1'his message is good news, not only to the Church,
but to all who have desired righteousness and a righteous govcrnment. For this reason .Jesus commanded
his followers to preach this gospel of the kingdom to
all the world for a witness to all nations before the end.
(Matthew 24: 14) The word "end" here is from the
eJ-reek word "t~los", meaning a definite point of time;
that is to say, a definite or final conclusion. This also
makes clear the work of the Church in harmony with
the commission to proclaim the day of vengeance of our
God against the unrighteous rule, ancl to comfort thosf-.
that mourn by telling them of the righteous King and
his kingdom.

BnOOKLYN,

N. Y.

It matters not whether this work is accomplisheel by

192.5 or years later. The only question for the proper
consideration of the Christian is to give this mecsage
throughout the world as a witness before the finale. It
is good news of great joy, and the time has begun when
it Shl U be brought to the attention of the people and
be heard.
If it were right and proprr for St. Paul to beseech
the Church to be active in his day, then with stronger
reason it is the right aHel duty of the Christian to mge
upon each other now the necessity of zealous and joyful activity in the fulfilment of the commission gi\'en
to the Church.
In connection with giving this message .Jesus said:
"He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved."
platthew 10: 22) The word "end" here is from the
same Greek word "teloi' and must be properly construe(l
to mean that the Christian must endure until the gospel
is preached to all nations as a witness; and to endure
means that he must be active.
No Chl'i"tian who appreciates the time in "'hieh we
are living can now be unduly concrmed about chronolo~y. Even if we had no chronology, the physical fads
given to us in fulfilment of prophecy shows ,\'here we
arr; and the way is clearly marked. ,Yith gladness of
heart let us then to the task.
The ,Yorld IVaI', famine, pestilence, revolutions, etc.,
that bt"gan to transpire in 1914 mark the beginning of
sorrows and the time of the King to exercise his pO\\'er.
His rei~n of rightronsncss shall continne forever, and
shall brin~ eternal joy, peace and life. Ld us tell this
~ood news to mankind, and thus adverti~e the King and
his kingdom.

SHOULD NOT GROW SLACK IN READING

UESTION: Is it profitable to get behind with
the reading of THE WATCH ToWER? Some of
the friends boast that they have not read thei]
WATCH TOWER for two or three months.

Answer: The one who asks the question might answeit him~elf by asking, Why is THE WATCH TOWER published? Is it for the benefit of worldly people or for the
henefit of Christians? If for the benefit of Christians,
do we believe that the Lord is directing its publication?
If the Lord is directing its publication, then it must be
for the benefit of his people, the Church; and if this is
true, then it is the food that the Lord provides for the
building up of the Chureh in the most holy faith. If
that be true, then to ignore it or to boast that one had
not read it would be a boast that one was going directly
sgp.inst his own interests.
Almost every mail brings letters of commendation
from brethren who read THE WATCH TOWER with great

profit. Many classes use the leading article and the

Sunday School lessons as regular Berean studies, all of
which classes report profit. '1'he wise person is the one
who feeds upon what the Lord provides. A foolish
person is one who ignores it. IVe do not believe that
anyone consecrated to the Lord can ignore what the
Lord has provided for the church and expect to walk
in the light and grow strong in the Lord and the
power of his might.
In this connection we furthermore say that every class
that ignore~ the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTlTHES sho\\'s a
retrograde movement; whereas every class that is earnestly putting forth an effort in Berean studies to acquire more knowledge through the STUDIES IN THE
SCRIP'1'URES and other publications of the SOCIETY
shows progres~.
The facts, then, are decidedly in favor of reading
THE WATCH TOWER regularly and attending the Berean
lessons regulariy.

THE PRODIGAL SON

--NOVEMBER 2--LuKE
PAR~BLE

SHOWS THE LOVE OF

15: 11-12--

GOJ}--PRODIG~L SO"

RETGRNS

HOM~BIGHTLTSEEII,

PARABLE SUPPOI,TS OTHER SClUPTURES.

"I trill anse and go to my tather."--Lukc 15: 18.

mountain, he declared the righteous requIrements of God.
\Vithout lowering his standard one iota he nevertheless
coulll be at peace \vith them. When therefore Jesus showed
himself a friend of publicans and sinners they listened to
him gladly. He had a message from Goo for them; for
God, his }1~ather, in senlling Jesus among men saw what
could be done with the hnman family, saw it restored and
malle happy and at one with him. Jesus, who came to carry
his message, saw the heart of the people and tile possibilities
in them. He also knew them for what they could be. Luke
says that one day, when many of the Pharisees and scribl's
anll many of the people were gathered h)gether, "Then drew
near unto IIlm all the publieans and sinners for to hear him.
Allli the Pharisees anll scribes murmured, sayIng, This man
receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." (Luke 15: 1, 2)
Jesus then spoke a series of parables, of which that of the
Prodigal Son is the center and chief.
6After illustrating the love of God by the parable of the
Lost Sheep, and the earnest care of God for his lost children
by a woman's anxiety for her lost piece of money, Jesus
showed by this ineomparable parable how the heart of Goll
yeal'lls over and longs for his lost chilllren. The sheep was
property; the money wail value; and God wanted nothing
of his to be lost. But the child begotten of one's own lifll
has much more value than property, and the prodigal human
family are shown to be children dear to the heart of GOll.
7But while telling this parable, Jesus let the Pharisees
know of the danger In which they stood; and by the picture he showed them their own pitiable condition. As the
publicans and sinners drew near to him, he made them see
the love of (}Qd, and that God was waiting to receive them,
and indeed was looking for them as a father longingly
looks for the prodigal son's return. Jesus said: A certain
man had two sons. The ~'ounger of them, and the livelipr
of the two, feeling the restraint of home, and having a desire to get out into the wide world to enjoy something or
its pleasures, asked his father for the portion that would
fall to him, as the custom of tI:e East allowed. The father
raisell no objection and agreed to the request; and as soon
as he had realized his property, he llivided his living between them. Without any further delay the younger son
left home and went abroall. He went far away, and began
to spend his money in the indulgence of his natural appetites. But soon his money was spent; and then he found
bimself without frienlls and with no means of helping himself, save by taking the menial and (what must have bet>n
to a Jew,) the obnoxious task of feeding swine for a Gentile.
'1'0 so low a eondition had he eorne that he would gladly
have sharpd With the swine in the food they had. Ko
doubt he dill so, but did not get sutlieient to satisfy his
hunger.

HIS parable has been called the pearl of parablps; and

certainly no other so powerfully tells of the love of God
nor so quickly touches the human heart. In the Sermon
on the Mount Jesus had set the law of the kingdom lle
preached as the highest standard; and, like Sinai's law, it
demanded full obedience. Nor was provision made for failure, except in this: That when praying to God, the disciples
might appeal to him for forgiveness of transgression, but
only as the supplicant already forgave those who trespassed
against himself.
2The law of the Sermon on the Mount required more righteousness than the Pharisees had. What then of the outsider,
of the sinner and the wrong-doer? Did Jesus' revelation or
the }1'ather make no provision for sinners, for forgiveness
of transgressors even of those who had deliberately taken
a wrong course? How could the publicans and sinners come
ncar to God! Today's study gives the answer. Jesus came
not only to establish the righteousness of the law (Isaiah
42: 21) and to re-emphasize the reqUirements of God, but to
tell of the love of God for sinners.
SHere we may say are two extremes: None could approach
Jesus in the purity of his life, and never was righteousness
with its requirements set on so high a pinnacle; yet Jesus
was a friend to publicans and sinners; and though he dill
not consort with them, he sometimes ate with them, and
often talked with them. This Sunday is called the World':!
Temperance Sunday by a great section of Christendom; and
in that connection a publican is the keeper of a drinking
saloon, and the sinners might be his regular customers. But
this, of course is not the meaning of the association in the
parable. The publican of Jesus' day was the local tax-gatherer, a man despised because he took a means of living which
acknowledged the hated Roman government, and because,
very frequently, he was an extortioner who defrauded antI
robbed the people. The Pharisees themselves robbed the
people; but they did it under the cloak of religion and patriotism (Mattllew 23 : 14), whereas the publican was qui te openly out to get as much as he could. The sinners were those
who cared little or nothing for the scribes and Pharisees,
and who because of this, were so named by them, and often
truly; for they were associated with those who cared as
little for the righteousness of the Law as they did for the
h~'pocrisies of the l'harisees.

PARABLE SHOWS LOVE OF GOD

'It is evident that the Jews of Jesus' day were fallen far

from the ideal of Israel. Indeed, they were like the Gentiles:
The rich and those in power were always seeking to do good
to themselves (Psalm 40: G-H) ; the priests enjoyed all the
favors which they could get; and the common people were
often carpless, and were neglpcted except as they were subjpcted to taxation either for the priestly class or by the Homan government. '.rhe pride and self-exaltation of the lead
ers of the people did not serve to elevate the people whom
they professed to teach, and before whom they set themselves as examples. Indeed, their haughty bearing anll
class consciousness sprved to lower the general standard
of life; for it damaged the people by making a greater
chasm between the higher and the lower classes in tile
social scale.
GBut Jesus was as much at ease in the company of these
despised people as when, seated with his disciples on the

PRODIG.\L

SO~

RETURNS HOME

8In OIls harll conllition "he ('lime to himself." (Luke 13:

Hitherto he Ilad bl'l'n so exdlell with the things he
had SlC'en anll heurd, witli his traveling anll spending, and
with t1Hc! frivolity and luxury of his life, and then with the
changell circumstances, that he had not sought to reflect.
There hall been no spedal reason why he should stop to do
so. But now when he had insufficient fooll, was lonely.
badly clothell, and with a task which gave him cause and
some time for med ita tion, he began to think. He thought
17)

299

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rrneWATCH TOWER

of his father's home and of the servants there, who though

only hired were well clothed and fed and had his father's
care, while he perished with hunger. He determined to go
to his father and confess his sin against hE'aven and before
his father. He would tell his father of his Own unworthiness, and ask that he might be made as one of the hired
servants.
9There was no presumption in this. He knew that he
WIlS his father's son, and felt that he might ask for' thE'
"tatus of a servant. His words signify true repentancE'.
He started for home; but 10, when he was a long way off,
his father saw him. He had been on the lookout; for he
knew his boy and expected some day to see him on the road
coming home. The father hastened to meet him; and iIlstead of pouring out reproaches, he put his arms around
his son, fell on his boy's neck, weeping and kissing him.
'I'he son began to tell his father that which he had made
up his mind to say. The father brought him home, hardly
listening to his words, and commanded that the fatted calf
should be killed, and that the whole household should have
a time of rejoicing; for his son who "was dead" was now
"alive," he who was lost was found.-I,uke 15: 24.
loThere is no portion of Scripture which so clearly sets
forth the longing of the heart of God as this story does.
And Jesus was glad to be able to tell the publicans and sinners, for whom the parable was chiefly meant, that though
they in their wilfulness were like the prodigal, and though
they had consorted with those wIw were outside the covenllnt of Israel, yet God loved and cared for them; and that
if they would but hear the words of Jesus they, too, woul(l
be able to come to their Father, and would meet with the
same kind of loving welcome. They would see from Jesus'
illustration that God receives such back without reproach.
\\'hen there is true repentance there is no need for reproach;
for godly sorrow is doing its work.-2 Corinthians 7: 10.
uJesus told in lIis story that the elder son was not at
home when the prodigal returned, and that he did not return until the feasting was going on. When he knew the
cause of rejoicing he would not go into the house, even
though his father appenled to him to soften his hard heart
and share in the rejoicing. He miserably stated that he
had remained at home, and had never acted as his younger
brother had done, yet no fatted calf had eYer bcen killed
fori him. He professed II. righteous love for his father; bnt
the love of a happy union never asks for a fatted calf to
be killed. The father mildly reproached him. He said:
"Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."
(Luke 15: 31), 'Come and let us rejoice together over your
brother restored, my lost son found.' But he would not.
The elder son represented the Pharisees; and Jesus showed
them that though they had not openly transgressed as the
publicans and sinners had done, they were of a meaner mind
and heart than those whom the'Y despised; and that the>;e
despised ones were getting nearer to the heart of God much
more quickly than they.
RIGHTLY SEEN, SUPPORTS OTHER SCRIPTURES
12Because Jesus said nothing in this para@le of the need
for a sin-offering, for an atonement covering, as necessary
to the forgiveness of sin, there are many who claim that
the thought of making sin atonement before reconciliation
can be effected between God and the sinful human family
1s contrary to the tC'dchings of Jesus and to the mind of
GOO. There are those who claim that the apostle Paul
was the originator of the doctrine of a ransom and sin atonement. and that he did much to mislead the church in this
matter. They erroneously claim that God require'S nothing
more than an acknowlE'dgment of sin; or even that nothing

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

more is required than the Elesire to return home, expressed

or unexpressed. But from the absence in this parable of
any direct reference to sin atonenwnt no one has a right
to argue that God has no such arrangement. The words
of Jesus do not stand alone. He was an expoundpr of the
\Vord of God, and he had come to magnify the Law and the
Prophets by bringing them to fulfilment (Matthew 5: 17),
though because of limitation in his disciples he did not then
set forth the doctrine of his revelation.-John 16: 12, 13.
'"Ko true disciple of Jesus wiII do other than follow his
Master's example. He will accept the Scriptures, Which
,Tpsus beld as the Word of God, and will be guided thereby.
There is no teaching of those Scriptures clearer than this:
That remission of sin is necessary to reunion with God, and
that rpmission comes by me'ans of sin atonement. Jesus
Il!mself, who gave us this parable, said that he came to
give himself a ransom for many (Matthew 26: 28; 20: 28);
and Joha his forerunner said of him: "Behold the Lamb of
God, which takE'th away the sin of the world." (John 1: 29)
Clergy unbelievers WllO deny the fall of man refuse to believe the Lord whom tlH'y profess to serve; and they cannot
be exp~te<l to believe in or desire to have sin atonement.
'l'hpre is nothing that touches the pride of the human heart
so quickly or so powerfully as to have to acknowledge that
a lIIan can get back into hannony with God and into life
only by the death of .Tesus Christ on his behalf.
14Whf'n tbe world has come to realize its bf'ggarly and
JlOpeless condition, and when by means of the present message of truth it Ims been tau/?;ht that which it does not yet
know, nlllnely, that it once had an honored place in the
leather's home, it wiII then learn that this same messag-e
is the yoice of the Father calling it. It is by this means
that he has, as it were. left !Jome to go out on the road
to meet his banished childrf'n. Jesus came and has again
('Ollle to declarf' his Father's loye. He died not only to
11I'ove his own fidelity, but in order to become a ransom
for all; and then by means of his faithful followers Who
have had exactly the same spirit, and who have followf'd
in his footsteps, God wiII declare his love to aI!, and the
world will come to realize it, and to know that they may
go back to bOIJlf> and safety and rest, with tile long and bitter
experience of evil behind them for ever. And the Churca
sa~'s of her service: "Sweet is the work, my God, my King,"
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
1. Whidl is called the pearl of parablc"? What is the provision
fOJ" the forgIveness of trHn~gres~ions? ~ 1.
2. What "'us one of the objects of Jesus in giving- this parable? 112.
3. Who were the publiclIlIS alld sinners of Jesus' day? ~ 3.
4. What is the characteristic of those ill l"mer'! Does pride of
leaders eleyate the prople? 114.
5. \VaR .T(,-~UR compoRed in any kind of company?

Did Jesus have

a luessage for the puhlicans :uHl sinners? 1J 5.

G. What ""l' illustrated In the parable of the Lost Sheep? In
the Lo,t Coin? In the Prodlg-al Son? 11 G.
7. 'Vhat sholll,l the Pharisees haye learned in the parable of the
Prodi~al Son?
What was the course of the prodigal son? 11 7.
8. What broug-ht the young man to his senses? What was eommendable in hIm? ~ 8.
ll. Was the father of the prodic:al SOn a g-ood man? What Is
meant by: "l\:ly son was dead, and is alive again"? 'J 9.
10. Is rpproaeh needed where there Is godly sorrow? How does
this parable giye the ans"er? ~ 10.
11. How did the elder son behave himself? 'Vho did the elder
brother represent? Who had the mealier mind and heart. 11 11.
12. How Is this parable sometimes viewed?? Di,l Panl originate
the doctrines of the ransom and of the atonement? 1112.
13. What is necessary hefore there ('an be reunion with God?
"'hat is necessary for remission of sins? Is real sin atonement
accomplished by the death of hulls and g-oats? ~ 13.
14. How may the world come to Imow its beggarly and hopeless
condition? In what way has (;0(\ I(one ont to meet his banished
children? Wbat bas Jesus accomplished by his deatb? t 14.

THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND

--::\on::\lBER \}--.JOH~
FIVE THOt:SAND FED BY :\HRACLE>--MIRACLE

6: 1-15---

Tt:R:>ED INTO GREAT TE:\IPTATlON-JESUS

NOT L'NMI"lDFUL OF PE0PLE'S NEEDS-

OBDER, ECO:>O:\IY Ai'>D SERneE TAGGHT.

"I am the bread ot lite."----Jolm 6 :35.

FTER the return of the disciples from their first missionary tour, Jesus desired to take them with himself
into a quiet place that they might rest awhile. He decided to go across the sea of Galilee, and. accordingly tlley
took ship. But there was no priyacy for .Jesus; for many
had seen the little company set sail across the lake, and so
excited were the people that great numbers immediately
started to go around the head of the lake. Prob!lbly .Jesus
hall not a favorable ,,"ind; for when he stepped ashore on
the other side the people were waiting for him. (Mark 6: 33)
Some from the nearer villages had brought their sick, and
these .Jesus healed. Then he be~an to tpach the people.
Each of the Gospels has an account of what followed; but
all read differently, though they are not inharmonious one
with the other.
2John says that when .Jesus saw the multitude, he asked
Philip where bread for so large a number could be bought;
but he adds that .Jesus said this to prove Philip, "for he
himself knew what he would do." (John 6: 6) The tllree
synoptic Gospels say that when the day was wearing on,
the disciples went to Jesus to remind him that the people
WPI'e far from home and, being in a desert plaee, had no
opportunity there to buy food. They said to him: "Send the
multitude away, that they may ... buy themselves victuals."
(Matthew 14: 15) Perhaps also they had some concern
for the Master; for he hall gone there to rest, and had
been busy with the people all day. They got an unexpccted
answer. .Jesus said: "They need not depart; give ye them
to eat." CMatthew 14: 16) Philip said: "Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not suffieient for them, that everyone
of them may take a little." (.John 6: 7) Then to the disciples Jesus said: "How many loaves have ye? Go and se<'."
(1\Iark 6: 38) When they came back Andrew said: "There
is a lad here, which hath five barlf'y 10aYes, and two small
fi~hes: but what are they among so many?"-John 6; 9.

told. However, it was not a mere taste that each person had,
but an eyening meal to sullice for the long journey home;
for numbers of them would have many miles to walk to
the east side of the sea of Galilee before Uley coulll find
their night's rest. 'Vhen the meal was finished, the Lorll
ordered that the fragmellts of food should be gathered;
and twelve baskets were filled. The miracle kept the disciples very busy; for tllPre were 5,000 Illen besides women
and children; elwh of the men sel'ving would probably have
nearly 500 persons to serve with food.

MIRACLE TURNED INTO GREAT TEMPTATION

6This was the ~reatest miracle of Jesus' ministry hitherto,
and it greatly excited the people. They were ready to make
him tlleir king, and would have been glad to do so. Jesus
immediately took steps to stop this wrongly placed enthusiasm, however. He knew that in his Father's time he was
to be King of the Jews, but that his appointment thereto
must not come tluough any such means as tllis. He at once
smt his diseiples away. They were to return by hoat to
the other side while he sent the people away. III' dismissed
the people, for it was now evening time; and he went l!1P
into the mountain to pray.
7","0 doubt Satan made this wonderful incident a time of
tE'mptation for Jesus. Vistas of pOlSsible blessing anll quick
service for the people would be thrust upon him; and, as
in the wilderness of temptation, so now the tempter came.
.Jesus found his refuge in prayer, anll there in communion
with his Father he got strength and guidance for his way.
It was a wild night; and as through tile darkness he saw
his disciplf's wrE'stling with the storm, he saw his }<'ather's
way for him. Kot J'et, not in such fashion would he be
made King,
SThere" are valuable lessons here for the servant of the
Lord. One is that there are no set times for service for those
who, consecrated to God, are in the service of Jesus. OpporFIVE THOUSAND FED BY MIRACLE
tunities come anll must be taken. Jesus, seeking the quiet
3Though Jpsus himself knew what he would do (and eyi- of the desert place acrOlSs the lake, found waiting for him
dently our Lord had this miracle in mind from the time there a ('rowd that kept him busy all through the hot day.
the opportmlity showed itself), J'et the (liseiples could see noConsccrated to do the will uf his Father, he was ready to
thing !Jut the difficulties ,,'hieh so readily presented them- serve. Eyen so we his disciples are to realize that we are
~('ln's. ::\one of the ac('ounts say whether or not tile lad
not our own, and that if God in unexpccted ways and times
was there to "upply the disciples' need. l\Iost probably his pnts opportunities of service before us they must be taken.
mother, on seeing the crowd go past her door, sent her boy
DIt follows that for thOlSe who are entered into the service,
aftE'r thpm to sell hE'r little store of loaves, and the fishes there are no set times for resting. Rest, like service, must
which were to sen'e as a relish to the bread. But the crowll be tak..n as it comes, but with this difference, that service
had been too intent upon seein~ and hearing .Jesus to want is sought as that to which we are called, while, when opporfooll; and the lad had probably not given much concern to tunity affords, rest is but the refreshment to help us to
llis sal..". Curious as a hId \Toul<l be, he was to the fore,
more senice. 'I'he gr0at secret of serving God in rest i.s to
seeing what \yas doing.
be in harmony with his will. If we fret about Our circum4ThI' Lorrl bade the disciples get the people sE'ated by stances or arc dissati~fied with the LOl'd's arrangements
companiE'S upon the green grass. It was Passover time and for his work, there is sure to be hurtful friction. Then we
therpforc springtime. (John 6: 4) They sat down in ranks get sore in spirit, and are like the horse whose harness is
by hundred~ and fifties. acc(Jl'din~ to the Lord's instructions. ill-fitting, or like a man with an ill-placed yoke; then there
("lark 6: 3D, 40) Then the Lord took the five loaves and comes pain in service.
tlw two fishes which the dIsciples had bought from the lad;
lOIf we are not satisfied with the work which God has
antI, looking up into heaven, he blessed the food and gave put into our hands, we should imTllt'd::ltely subtIue our
thanks (John 6: 11, 23). a fact which John emphasizes. spirit anll submit ourselves to the righteousness of his will,
Then he broke the loaves antI likewL<;e divided the two and serve with our might. Of all the company Jesus had
fishes, and gave them to his disciples, who in turn served least rest, which is usual; for those wllo carry responsibility
the food out to the people; and all ate and were satisfied.
know Blat they must serve and do so with gladness of
5How the bread and fishes were multiplied we are not heart; even as he said to his disciples: "He that is great301

802

rrneWATCH TOWER

est among you shall be your servant" (l\fatthew 23: 11)

This was the aim of Paul, and must be tlIe aim of every
acceptable servant. The proof of true service is in the
Master's words: "I delight to do thy will, 0 my God." :Psalm 40: 8.
JESUS NOT UNMINDFUL OF PEOPLE'S NEEDS
llWe cannot help noticing the dullness of the disciples.
It was because they were dull that Jesus said to them:
'There is no need to send the people away; give ~'e tlIplI1
to eat.' And because of this he wanted to prove Philip.
It is evident that none of the disciples saw the possibility
of Jesus supplying the bodily needs of tlIe people as well
as their spiritual need, nor did this thought occur to them
even when he said there was no need to send them away.
Nor when he said: 'You give them tlIeir IllPat,' did they ask
him how they were to do it. Andrew's almost piteous
comment, 'There is a lad here with five loaves and two
fishes: but what are they among-st so Illany?' shows
that they were sorely concerned, between tlIe realized nf'f'ds
of the people and the l\Iaster's strange bearing towards them.
The disciples ought to have remembered the miracle of
turning water into wine, and the many wonders tlIey had
seen him do. He wanted to make tlIem think and to
quicken their minds to a realization of his responsibility
in all that he did.
l2Then there is an important lesson respecting non-interterence in the Master's business. The disciples' going to
Jesus as they did to tell him of tlIe people's need, was
entirely uncalled for. He was not an enthusiast who forgot
time and place in the earnestness of his zeal. The disciples
were taking the Master under their guidance, and there
was no occasion for them to do that. They thought that he
was so earnest in what he was saying and doing and in
his desire to instruct and help the people that lIe had forgotten their physical needs. There was no occasion for them
to think tlIus. They might well have understood that the
Lord, however busily engaged, was as tiioughtful for the
general need as he was respecting his particular purpose;
Rnd since it is diselosed that the intention to feed them
was in his mind, the interruption of the disciples was of
the nature of an intrusion, as no doubt later the disciples
acknowledged to themselves.
13Bcsides that, our Lord had compassion on the people;
he intended to show the truth of his statement in the
Sermon on tile Mount when he said: "Seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6: 33) Also there is
evidence In the life and miracles of Jesus of a purpose
to offset all the Old Testament mimcIes. Moses lmd given
bread from heaven, Elijah had multiplied the cmise of oil
and some meal, Elisha multiplied oil. It seems as if all
the miraC'U1ous wo,rks wrought by the prophets of old
must be done by Jesus as evidence that he was the greatest
Df all
14There are always some apparently well-meaning persons
who are ready to break with some suggestion of their own
into a good work going on. Later they come to see that
their suggestions were not necessary, and were in the nature
of interference with the Lord's work. The Lord could not
reckon to take his disciples into his confidence and explain
What he intended to do. The Lord is not now with us in
a personal presence to be seen by the natural eye, but the
circumstances are much the same now as then. He is represented by the means he has arranged for the diffusion of
the truth and for the guidance of his people. Every conl>ecrated child of God has liberty to make suggestions coneernin~ the work of the Lord, but the Lord has not arranged

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

for either individuals or romnanies of individuals

attempt the re-arrangement of what he has in hand.

to

ORDER, ECONOMY AND SERVICE TAUGHT

15The Lord lets his people wrestle with difficulties, even
some which seem of his own making, as when he asked his
disciples difficult, and to them strange, questions. But he
does this to let us realize our own inability and our lack
of imagination and faith; and then he uses our feeble efforts.
Our business is to be watchful for service and, waiting
upon him, to be in readiness to take whatever directions
he may give and to leave directIon to him. Then by this
miracle the disciple learns not only of the resource of Jesus
and how the disciples can best be of service to the Master,
but also the necessity of orderliness in service.
IGThe orderliness of the miracle is to be noted. The crowd
was made to sit down in order. A crowd never shapes itself, but always needs guidance.
If left to themsclves
the people would have sat down without any order, and
would not all have gotten served that day. So Jesus caused
the disciples to make the people to sit down, with proper
avenues through the crowd so that there could be readiness of service. i\Iany of the Lord's dear people seem afraid
of order, and some are rather rebellious about it. They
think their liberty is being interfered with unless they may
do exaetly what they wish.
17The disciple also learns to have care and economy in
service; and the Lord showed that waste is a sin. It ought
to be said that llIany are very lacking in economy. The
Lord said: "Gather up the fragments that remain." (John
6: ]2) This order was not given merely for appearence
sake, nor that the place might not appear to be littered. It
was real economy. For whom were the fragments gathered 1
Quite evidently for the apostles. They would eat, and take
gladly, the broken meat which had been left on the green
grass. The Lord showed that he was not a waster of the
good things given by heaven.
18In the great work of breaking the bread of life to the
hungry llIultitudes the Church has a great work before it.
This wiII take llIuch energy, cost much money, and the fact
of the Master's example should always be kept before the
Church. Then it will serve to best advantage, each doing
what he is appointed to do when working with his bretllt'en,
and all seniug in orderliness and care under the guidance
of the Head, our returned Lord.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
1. What is the setting for the miracle of today's lesson? '11.
2. Of what were the dlselples concerned? JIow did Jesus prove
Philip? How lIlany loaves and Dshes were found? ~ 2.
3. Did Jesus evidently have tlllS miracle in mind? What did the
disdples see? In all probabiilty what brought the lad there
with the loaves and fIshes'! ~ 3.
4. What lllstructions did the Lord give? Then what did he do?
How many" ere fed '! 11 4, 5.
5. In theIr ellthusmslll what did tho people want to do for Jesus?
Was there a temptation here for Jesus? JIow did he overcome
it? ~G,7.
6. \Vha t are the lessons the sen-ants of the Lord may learn from
this miracle'! 11 S, !i.
7. lIow may we subdue the spirit of rebellion as it may RI'lSe in
our hearts? ~ 10.
8. Did the diSCIples appear dull in the presence of Jesus? Did
Jesus use a method that would quicken their nllnds? 1111.
9. Were the di,clples wIse in telling Jesus the needs of the people?

10~ t'~as

Jesus con<luctin~ himself in harmony with his teachin~?

Is it probable that Jesus was offsetting the 0111 Testament
miracles ~ 1::\.
11. Are there usually well-meaning people around who meddle?
Is the im "ible Lord represented in the means he has arranged
for tile diffusion of the truth? 11 14.
12. When the Lord permits his people to wrestle with diffieulties,
is there a valuable lesson to be learned? '115.
13. Is order a qualIty of mind to be desired? Does a crowd shape
itself? Is order something to shun? 11 10.
14. ~hould the Lord's people learn true economy? For whom
w~re the fragments gathered? '117.
15 What is the work of breaking the bread of life? How should
it be done? 'I 18.

LETTERS FROM AFIELD

IIAPPY I~ THE LORD
DI;AR BROTHER Hc'THERFORD :
At least once a year I desire to express my Christian love
for you. and my deep appreciation of your joyful service
for the Lord, the tru th and the brethren.
I daily pray that the Lord will enable you as a new
creature, a saint of God, to fulfil your vow of continuing
to sacrifice the flesh and its interests, so that after you hansen-ed others you ~'ourself may be found worthy of a place
among the overcomers. I also daily pra~' the Lord's ridH'st
blessings upon you as the appointed sen'ant to heral<l amI
cause to be heralded the message of ~Iessiah's king(lom.
I 1Jelieve ~'OUl' appointment is not by man but by ,Te~us
Chl'ist.
A grpat door and effectual has been opened unto you,
but in your way have been many adversalies. In SOWl' respects ~'our position has brought you harder trials than
Brother Russpll's did to him; for enmity from aI1lO:I~
n1l'll1bers of the "household of faith" is harder to b'llI', I
bpJieve, than that coming from outsiders. But "the spil'it of
glory and of God resteth upon ~'ou",-l Peter 4: 14.
The 'VATCH 'l'O\n;R has spread us a l)()untiful fpaRt all
through the year. The parables of the PoundR amI of the
Talents were rich, hut "Virgins Fair" to me has been the
/.(pm in the whole sptting. I cannot tell you the real heart
blessing I rect'ived from considpration of that paraule.
Alth.)ugh in perfect accord with all the arrangemeuts of
tile SOCIETY and glad for its evpry advance in hera Iding
tIlt' kingdom, delighted also in the privilege of continuIng in the colporteur work, ~'et withal I did not seem to have
the intensity of zeal now as I had in finding the wheat up
to 1!Jl3.
Therefore I had prayed for awl cravpd a keener vision
of the prescnt service; and now, thank <Jod, since rPlllLnc;
the "nrgins Fair" article this vision is mine, I hay!' entt'red into "the joy of the Lord" which he mURt have had
whpn he came to the Jordan to do the will of God, which
was the accomplishment of the Father's original IJUl'll(),,;e
of haYing a Iwrfect earth and a perfect race upon it, enjoyilHi eYerla~t ing life.
I realize that participat ion with Christ toward thiR
end is my high privilege now, Utlll will be in the "thou~aI1l1
ypars." This "joy of the Lord" is my present stren~th,
III order to render a joyful performance of this d.lily
Sllcl'ifical sprvice we must have a (]ppp heart's COmlJreIH'nsion of it. "Let the saints be joyful in glory, let tlH'm
sing aloud upon their bed,,;-Iet the high praises of God
bp in their mouths." These are wonderful words of life
impelling us to sacrifice our all now, just as much as
when we were "gathering from all for the calling high". 0
happy privilege now! I'll continue to "take the cup of salyation," continue to faithfully pay my vows to the Most
High. Pray for me to this end if you please.
The above words sound so expressionless compared to
the "Ronl's awakening" I had to the majpsty of the present
"Serviee", It was a joy like unto what I anticipate the
marriage with the Lamb will be. For several days it
filled mv mind as I was absorbing the thought of what
It mean~ to each one of us to be engaged in reRtoring the
world back to God's likeness. "I'll go where you want me
to go, dear Lord, I'll be what you want be to be"-any
where, an~'how, I will serve if I can only have part in
this great purpose. As you say in "Virgins Fair" an
appreciation of this service now will enable us to labor on,
content with the due time for the Lord to take the Church;
and it does take out all the restless craving and in its
place lpayes a calm waiting attitude until the Lord's time.
By his grace I'll continue to heartily cooperate with the

Soca:TY in all its workR to the full extent of my ability.

I will ayo1<1 all criticism, both personal and of the SOCIETY.
I trust and pray the coming year will bring you many, mallY
blessillgs of heart fellowship with our Lord, and as Yl'U
flaily "walk with him in white" you may rejoice in the
sunshine of his smile. We realize the steady tax upon
~'our physical strength with so much speaking and so
much traveling. May the Lord's grace abound toward you
all the corning ~-ear.
SR. EDITH !\I ASO:ol, Colporteur.
REJOICING IN PREeENT TRUTH
DEAR BROTHER HeTHERFORD:
I have just finished the first reading of "A Ransom fer
All", in the ;\Iarch 1st 'VATLR TOWM~. I am very much
imprps,,;ed with the reasonableness and Scriptural ness of
the interprptation of the parable of the "Sheep and the
Goats" and the otllPr articles which have grown OlIt of it.
You may remell'lbcr the ditliculty I had over "Law Covenant Benefits" two years ago. I became perplexed then,
but have }wen gradually coming out of the maze for some
tim". I do not fpel quite clear yet; but I am more convinced than at any time since our Pastor was taken frOID
us that I am on the right track when following the 'VATCII
TowEl~.
I have faith that prayer, stUlly and diligent u-.;e
of opportunities for service will soon make me clearer and
firmer in the truth than I have ever been. J should like to
go more into detail, but I conRider your time too precious.
This mlIch will enable ~'ou to rejoice with me, 1 am sure.,
Manna texts of }1'ebruary 8 and 9 came to me very op.
portunely and with a pointed mpRsage.
W1LLLUI E. HULLINGER, Calit01'nia
LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTER
DE,\R BROTHER RrTHERFoHll:
I will take a few minutes of your time to tell you how I
appreciate the WATCH TOWER, especially the article of
tile parable of the "S!l~Pp and Goats".
Imleed, the li/.(ht shines brighter and brighter as we
draw ('loser to the perfect day!
Recently we have heard some finding fault with the
interpretation of this parable; even eWers have fou!HI
fault. This caused me to stmly the article over again
very carefully, and the sound reasoning and Scl'iptunll
proof are evillenee enough to me that it is meat in due season,
My experit>nce in the colporteur work also proves to
me that there are no doubt as many today of thiR goatlike class as there will be at the end of the Millennium.
This week I canvassed two homes; one large and fine,
the other small and poor. A man answered the bplI at the
first. I told him that I had called to Rhow him the Home
Bible Study Course which the International Bible StudentR
.\ssociation were putting out. He had reached for the
book, but the minute he heard International Bible Students
he stepped back into the house, crying, "International
Bible Students! No, no, no!" Afterwards I learned I had
been talking to the Westminister Presbyterian Ilrell.cl!et".
The next house canvaRsed was the little poor home. A
lady carne to the door. I tolll her the same thing. filII"
Raid: "Come in. Sit by the stove, and get warm." She
was so glad to get the Harp Bible Course, as it was just
what was wanting to answer her many Bible question~,
I appreciate whatever my heavenly Father gives m.)
through his channel!. I will "neither murmur nor repine".
Many have found fault with the HARP, but I am fintling
great blessings in placing l~ :;;, :he homes.
Sister Thomas joins in sending you much Christian love.
G. 1\1. THoM.\s, Oregon

a<l3

Intelnational Bible Students A~sociation Qasses

Lec(ure~

dI1d p(udic6 by- Trdvelin<J Brethren

BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Portland. Me
_
Oct.
South 'Vmdham, Me...........
Auburn. Me. ._....................
Lewiston. Me _
_.....
North Jay, lIIe
__
Wilton, Me
_._ _

26
27
28
29
30
31

East Wilton. Me
_
Nov.
Hallowell. Me
_
_.....
Pittsfield. Me
_.._.._......
Guilford. Me. ._..................
Abbot Villa~e. Me
--....
Mapleton. Me
_
_

2
3
4
:;
6
7

Austin, Minn
Oct. 22. 23
Whalen. Minn. ._.......... .. 24. 26
Tunnel City. Wis.
27.28
Black Riyer Falls. 'Vis. ..
29
Ellsworth. Wis.
..
30
Minneapolis, 1I11lln.
..
30

1'oug-hkeepsie. N. Y
_Oct. 26
l\'e\\'bur;;h, X. Y
_........ 27
Middletown, X. Y.
28
Port Jervis, N. Y
_........ 29
Eldred. N. Y
_ _............ 30
BrooldJ'n. N. Y
_ Nov. 2

Elko, S. C
Oct.
20
Augusta. Ga.
_.... 21.22
Hidg0]and, H. C
" ~3, 24
Sayanllah, Ga
"
2G
Screven. Ga.. _ _......... ..
27
Waycross, Ga
__
..
28

BROTHER V. C. RICE

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Pownal Center. Vt.._.
..Oct.
Watervliet, N. Y. __
_.....
Albany. N. Y. _...................
Brainard, N. Y. __
Stottville, N. Y.
Kingston, N. Y
_
_...

1!)
20
21
22
23
2-1

17
19
20
21
22
23

BCleYllrlee,:ueo.. o..._.____.:: :..O~,t.

22 46
Attica, 0
_..
..
27
Sandusky, O
__
H
2H
Danbury. 0. _._.. ..__
.. 29. 30
CleYeland, 0. ....Oct. 31, Nov. 2

----

-----

South Rawdon. N. S. ..__Oct.

IIalifax, 1\. S. __
_.. _ "
Liverpool, X. S.
Bridgewater, X. S
"
Torbrook, N. S.
Kentville, N. S.

Aylmer. Ont. .__

__l\'ov.2
Tilsonhur;;, Onto
__ __ .. 3
Courtland, Onto
__
5
Delhi, Onto
._.__
_............. 6
Belmont. Ont.
.._.._
" 7
St. Thomas, Onto
9

19
Hammond. Ill. ......... _Oct.
..
20
Deca tur, Ill. .
21
'.raJ'lornlle, Ill.
_..
Pana, Ill,
" 22.23
Oconee, Ill.
__
..
24
26
Vandalia, Ill.

Lawrence. Kan
Oct. 31
Topeka, Kan.
Nov.
2
Manhattan. Kan
_......... 3. 6
Randolph. Kan
_......... 4,:;
Riley. Kan. . ._._
_... ..
7
Clay Center, Kan.
9

Gl'fillil Saline. Tex.. Oct. 23.24

Terrell. Tex.
.
.__
,
20
Corsicana. Tex
"
27
Tea;;ue. Tex.
.
..
2~
1':orInan.a'f"fl. Tex
. " 20, :{O
Marquez. Tex. ..
..
31

Mobile, Ala. .__

O~.t.
1.'1
Deer Park. Ala.
17
'Vaynes))oro, -:\Ii.ss. .... " 19, 20
Enterprise, ~liss
"
~1
Vosburg, l\Iiss
"
22
Laurel, lIliss. __
..
23

----

26
28
29
:30
31
2

Wakaw. SaRk...
Tisdale. SaRk..
Swan Hiyer, l\Jan
~Linitonas. ~ran.

Durban, lIlan.

_ Noy. 3, 4
..
6
_._.._ "
9
10
..
12

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Danville. Ark
Roland, Ark
Ferndale, Ark
Judsonia. Ark.

__.

Oct. 12

Poplar Bluff.

~lo

"

13

l\Iinimnffi, .M o

__
_.............
_.....

14
15
16
17

Bates\'iIle, Ark..
lIlarcella. Ark
Flippin. Ark
Cotter, Ark

.00 __ __

..

-----

__ Oct.
H

19

26

.. ..
28
.. ..
29
... 30,31
Nov.
2

BROTHER H.& MURRAY

24
Emporia, Va. ..
Oct.
2fl
Petersbu~~1 Va. __
_. __ :;
27
Crewe. 'a. .
..
28
Keys\'iIle, Ya
..
29
Victoria, Ya. ._
tr
Republican Grove, Va .. 30,31

Long- Island, Ya
Chathanl, Va
Dnrl\ ille, Ya..

_ Nov.
"
"
Leak~, ille. X. C. ._
"
Houno!;;:e, Ya
_........... "
'Yar, 'V. Ya.. __
_

-----

2
3
4
5
6
7

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK
Elmira, N. Y __
Alba, 1'a. .
Towanda, Pa.
Wilkes Barre. Pa
Scranton, Pa
Throop. I'll

Oct.
22
_... ..
23
..
24
_ ..
26
_..... 26,27
"
28

Keene, N. II.
Wilder, Yt
__
Hanoyer. N. H
Newport. Vt.
St. Johnsbury. Vt.
lIlorrili,'ille. Vt.

Oct.

30
31
Nov.
2
..
3
4.5
6, 7

MohaIl, N. Dak
1IImot, N. Dak
Grenora, N. Dak
Zahl. N. Dak. .
Donetrail, N. Oak
1IIinot, N. Dak

----

Nov.
3
..
4
..
5.6
.. 7,10
U
9
..
11

Ilattieshul'g, 1I.liss
__Oct, 24, 21J
Poplarnlle. ~rlss. .__
..
27
Pic'ayune, .Miss
H
28
~lidell, La
H
30
Ho~aIUl~a. La
"
31
Zona, La
_
Nov.
2

Santa Maria. CalIf. Oct.

19
San Luis Ohispo, CalIf." 20. 21
Paso Hobles, Calif
" 22,23
Pacific Grove, Calif.
24
Wat,on\"ille, ('allf.
::6
Santa Cruz, Calif. ---- ..
27

I'eahright, Calif
HOllister. Calif
Sun Jo..;;e. Calif. ~.~
I'alo Alto. Calif. ..__
I'an FranciRco, Calif
Redwood City, Caltf.

-----

Oct.28
" 29
" 30
31
__Nov. 2
3

BROTHER L. F. ZINK

-----

Havana, Ark ..

CROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN

Victoria. B. C. ..
Oet.
Seattle. Wash.
_ __
Ellenshurg. \Ya"h. ,
_."
'Vapato, \Vash. _._.. .._.
"
Yakima, Wash.
_
__ ..
Walla Walla, Wash
Nov.

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE

Little Rock. Ark

27
28
29
31

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON

~---

Yorkton, Sask,
_Oct.
24
Tuffnell. Sask
__ ..
26. 27
Viscount, Sask
_.0' "
2~
Saskatoon. SaRk. __
29. 30
Prince Albert, Sask." 31, Nov. 2

__.._

Relfield. N. Dak
Oct. 22, 23
Dunn Center. N. Dak... ..
26
Bismarck. N. Dak.
..
27
lIlax. N. Dak. __
..
21;
J\Iinot, N. Dale
."
29
Sherwood, N. Dak. Oct. 30Nov. 2

BROTHER M. L. HERR
17
19
20
22
23
24

0<'1. 23
24
26
27
_......... 28
29

Marlhoro. lilaSR
'VorceRter. Mass.
Nashua. X. H.
Pittsfield, N. H.
Manchester, N. H
r-lilford, N. H. __

Oct. 26
:l7
28
29
30
31

BROTHER H. E. HAZLETT

Bradner. B. C.._
__
Oct.
Vancouyer, B. C.. _.. __ __
New Westminister, B. C.._"
Courtenay, B. C. ._.,
_,"
Ladysmith. B. C.
Malahat, B. C
_.......

Patoka, Ill.
Oct.
Pix. III.
..
Belleville, Ill.
._..... ..
lo,a8t Ht. Louis, Ill.
30,
St. Louis. 1110
Nov.
Kane. Ill. .
..

BROTHER W. J. THORN

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Mt. Vernon. Wash
Oct.
14
Bellin!(ham. Wash
Friday Harbor. Wash. .. 15,16
Lynden. WaRh
Anacorte. 'Vash.
17,21
Eyerson, WaRh.
Oak Harbor. 'Vash.
19.20
Belhn;;ham. "aRh.
Vancouver. B. C.
22.2:1
Seattle, Wash.
Blaine, 'Vash
__
__2_4__11_re_,m_erton, "ash. __
Long Oak, Tex
Oct.
1"
G.reenville, Tex
:: 14. 11 ~,'
SImms, Tex.
_
.
Atlanta. Tex.
__
..
19
Gladewater, Tex
_. "
20
Big Sandy, Tex.
.. 21. 22

East Hall's Harbor, N. S. Ocr 27

Auhurn, N. S
,,-- 23
lIliddleton, N. S. __
28
Joggin Bridge, N. S
_
" 30
Pigby. N. S
__
31
St. John, N. S
_.._ Nov .a

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
Spicards, Mo. ..
Oct.
20
Kansas City, Mo. _ . " 22,26
Independence. Mo.
..
24
St. Joseph, Mo__
27,29
Hopkins, Mo
_.._.__ ..
28
Leavenworth, Kan._. ..
30

20
21
22
23
24
26

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH

St. Catharines. Onto

_ Oct.26
Niagara Falls, Onto
27
Weiland. Onto
__
28
Dunnville. Onto
29
Simcoe. Onto
_......... 30
St. Williams, Onto
31

Jacksonville, Fla
Oct. 29
Waldo. Fla
__
30
\Villiston, Fla
_ "
31
HOIllassas:-;a, Fla
_
Nov.
2
ZcphJ-r Hills, Fla.
..
3
Tampa. Fla. __
4,:)

BROTHER C. ROBERTS

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Shelby. O. ..
Oct.
Mansfield, O
_
_....
Tiffin. 0
_..
Fostoria, O.
_.._
u
Findlay. 0. _
_....
Fremont, 0. _.....................

St. Paul. :Minn

Nov.
3
Glenwood City. Minn
"
3
Amery. Wis.
..
4
Hillsdale. 'Vis
_... 15, 6
Ht. Croix Falls, Wis....... ..
7
Centuria, WIll
__._ ..
It

Carbondale, I'a
HoneRdale, I'a. __
Cortez. Pa
_
_
Benton, Pa
Nanticoke. I'a. ..
Hazleton, Pa

Oct.
..
Nov.
"
__ ..

29
30
31
2, 3
4
5

~~t.

New Richmond. Ind.. __

New Goshen, Ind.._..__
)l1":'"'1. Ind. -__
__
__
~rHlgeton. InrI.
'I:erre Haute, Ind __.
Dugger'. Inti

_._._

::
_.

22
23
24
26
27

Jasonville, Ind
Oct.29
Linton, Ind
" 30
Biclmell, Ind
__
31
Yincenlle8, Ind.
Nov. 2
Montgomery, Ind
_.........
3

23

\Vashington, Ind

BETHEL HYM,,",S FOR NOVE~BER

Sunday
2 110
9 43 1.6 H~ 23 276
Monday
3 318 10 G9 17 2U~ 24 39
Tuesday
4 312 11 2(j;) 18 287 25 219
WedIH'sday
5 174 12 263 19 48 26 36
Thursday
6 187 13 180 20 HG 27 137
Friday
7
8 14 G3 21 17;) 28 320
Saturday 1 Vow 8 140 15 13:2 22 lOU 29 27

t,

30 233

IIIBSA. BEREAN BIBlErSTUDIESl

BYMeanSOf

"The At.one.ment"

Study VIII: "The Channel of the Atonement..

Study IX: "Its Baptism, Witness and Seal"
"'eek of Kovember 2..__ Q. 54-5~
Week of Xovember 16_ 1-5
Week of No,-ember 9 Q. 5!)fi3
Week of Xovember 23 6-11
Week of November 30__.. Q. 12-18

-;=~~~~~~=~=;;;;;j

~~~'frteij1MJ1J1)9<@l~<al~ ~1F~1ly~Nn~Ily'lrt>
~/I)N(lrnu '~S1 ~1ITiiJ~fli}}. &l1J1lcll aJ, ~ftSn,t aillso~~ -1.5ai~
VOL.

XLV

No. 20

SEMI-MONTHLY

Anno Mundi 6053 -Oct. 15. 1924

CONTENTS
SATAN, TIn: EKEMY-IR lIE BOr;ND?
\,"hy l'ennitted to Liv<,
Mimic God........... .
Permits the TemptatIOn
Is Satan Bovnd !
God of This World
The Strong Mpn.....
Three Propositi. 'ns :\Iade lJy .J esus
Satan Is Not BOl l .1I1....
.
PUAYER-lIh:ETING TEX' COMMI;XTS

How

TO IN'I'RODueE RL '.AKERS_

PETER'S CONFESRION

TIlE

:l07
:lOS
:10ll
:109
:11 0

311
:\1 1

__.

_.. __

~07

:112
:113

.................. __

314
........

:l15

.._.. _ _

TRA~SIlGVUATION

LETTERS

FaOM

A~IELD_..

NOTICE OF ANNeAL MEETING

317
:119
_306

"1 will stand "pon my watch and will . et my tu,,'

wpon the To,,;e,., (lnd lrill notch to see what He will
tay unto me, and what au.'" er I shall make to them

Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the.ea and the wavea (the restleso. discontented) roaring: men's hearts frilling them for fear and for looking to
th,' things eOlIlin~ upon the earth (society); for the powero ofthe heavens (ecclcsiasticBm) shall be shaken. When ye see these things begin to come to paBS, then
know that the Kmgdom of God is at hand. Look up. lift up your heads. rejoice. for your redemption draweth nigh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:291 Luke 21:2'\-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

'LI UlS journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now
~

beln~

presented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BWLE & TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the Promfltion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where Biblff students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a ckannel of communication through which they may be reacbed with announcements of the Society's conventions and ot the
coming of its traveling representatives, styled ''Pilgrims'', and refreshed with reports of Its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STrOlES most entertainingly arranged, and ve;:y
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verb. De. Afillister (V. D. 111.), which translated
into English is Minister of GO(l's Word. Our treatmeut of tbe International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defeme of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ranson~ [a corrcsponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Building up on this sure foundation the go"J, siher and precious stoncs (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . .has
been hid in God, to the intcDt that now might be made known by the church the manifold WIsdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Ephcsians 3: 5-9, 10.
It srands free from all partics, sccts and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring- its e,-ery utterance into fUllest
Bubjection to the will of God in Christ, a_ expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lonl
hath spoken-aecording to the divine wisdom granted unto us to un~erstand his utterancps. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but conndent;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promi"es of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in bi$
service; hence our decisions rclative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his
good pleasure, the teaching of his 'YOI'd, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only innte but urge our
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible 'Vord to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is "the temple of the Jiving God", peenJiarly "his workmanship": that its construction has been in progress thron~hout
the gospel age-ever since Christ became the worl<1's Rroeemu and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when
finishcd, God's bles~ing shall come "to all people". and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiscling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these ulidn~ stones", "elect and precious," shall ha-re been nUl\]e ready, the great ::\Iaster \Vol'h.man "ill bring all together
In the Ilr~t resurrcction; llnd the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be thc mceting place between God and men throughout
the 1I1illennium.-Revelation 15: 5-8.
"rhat the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the faet that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the u;orld", "in due time".Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
"J'bat the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share bis
glory as his jOlllt-heIr.-1 John 3.:!; John 1.; 24; nowans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church i~ the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to dPYelop in hersi'lf every
grace; TO be (;oll-s witnel's to tlte world; and to prepare to be klllgs and priests in the next age.-Ephesiaus 4: I:!; Matthew 24:
14; ltevelatlOn 1: (l; 20; 6.
That tbe hope for The world lies in the blessings of Imowledgi' and opportunity to be broul(ht to all by Christ's !llillennial kin!!dom, the
restltulJon of ail that was lost in Adam, to all the wdlllle; aud obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and Ill~ glorilJed chnrch,
wben all tbe wilfully Wicked will be destroyed.-.\cts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 3a.
1>Ul!lL.19H~O BY

WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT soelEr)'

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Editorial Committee: This journal is published under tlle superdsioll

of an editorial ('()mmittce, at least three of whom have read and
approved as truth each amI eyery article appearing in these columns,
The names of the editorial committee lire: J. F. RUTI"'"FO"D,
"'. E. VAN AMRURGH, J. HEMERY, I{ (-\, B\I""'Il, C I: SrEWAIlT.
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students W11O. by reason of
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willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and
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entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expIration clate, as shown on wrapper lalwl.
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ANNUAL MEETING
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an,] the chartpl' of said Society. will be held at the Soldiers
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(:::lignedj W. K VAN AlIlBUIlGH, Secretary.
~otice

J3l'ool.]yn,

N. Y., Septpmber 15, 1924.

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&kWATCH TO'vVER
PRESENCE
A1\JD HERALD OF CHRRSTS

VOL. XLV

OCTOBER

13,

Ko.20

1U~4

SATAN, THE ENEMY--IS HE BOUND?

"Be sober, be 'rigilant,' because your adrersary the deril, as a roaring lion, 1calketh about, seeking whom he may
devour; u'hom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afllictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."-1 Peter 5: 8, 9.

HE WonI of God places life above all other gifts.

God is the source of all hfe. Life is a gift from
him. His Word discloses that his gift of life
everlasting and happiness is to those only who are faithful to him.
2Faithful mrans to be trustworthy, sure and true.
Loyal means to be faithful and true to that which the
law requires. It means an unswerving allegiance to the
Lawgiver. God's law is his will exprcssed to us in his
Word. It is the rule of action prt'scribed by him to
govern the course of those to be approved by him. '1'0
be faithful to God and to Christ requires absolute fidelity, loyalty, and an unswening allegiance to God's expressed will.
3The Word of God clearly teaehes that he will grant
life to no intelligent creature except that creature be
faithful, loyal, and true under the test. Jehovah put
his beloved Son to the most severe and erucial test; ami
when he had proven loyal under the test Jehovah granted
to that beloved Son the highest place in the uniYrrse.
rrherraftcr Jesus Christ is designated by the beautJful
titlr, "Faithful and True."-Revelation 19: II.
40ne of the terms of the contract of betrothal between Christ and his bride, the Church, is that she must
be faithful; and upon this condition alone is slw promised that she may see Jehovah. (Hosea 2: 19, 20)
Again the promise is that God will grant the crown of
life to those, and those only, \rho are faithful even unto
death. (Revelation 2: 10) These scriptures prove the
rule conclusively that every creature who is granwd
life must be tested and mud meet the requirements of
the test; and that test imol\'Cs loyalty.
5111 Eden, God placed Lucifer as the overseer, and
clothed him with pmHT and authority, as man's keeper.
There existed, therefore a fiduciary relationship betwcl:n Lucifer and Jehonlh. Lucifer knew that God's
law concerning man required obedience. ny reason of this
relationship he himself \ras duty-bound to show absolute
allegiance and fidehty to God. Self-ambition led him
to commit the first disloyal act. Then God said to
him: "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from thc day

that thou wast created, till iniquity [lawlessness or disloyalty! was found in thee.... Therefore, I will cast
thee as profane out of the mountain [kingdom] of God:
and I will destroy thee: ... and never shalt thou be any
more."-Ezekicl 28: 15-19.
GThereafter Lucifer was designated by four names,
each one of which is significant, to wit: Dragon, Sl'rpent, Satan, the Devil. Each of these names signifies
evil expressed in different forms. More than 6,000
years have passed \\'h11e this Evil One has plieu Ius
wicked vocation.
WHY PERMITTED TO LIVE
7 At any and all times, since the devil's deflection, God
coulu have restrained or killed him. Why, then, has
Jehovah permitted the devil to live? Why has he not
exccuted the judgment of death that he pronounced
against the devil? There must be a rcason, and a gJod
and sufficient reason. The answer to this quest ;on
which answer is supported by the Scriptures, is flat
God has permitted the Evil One to live and to be u cd
to test every creaturc to whom God will grant everlasting life. In support of this conclusion the Scriptural
proof is here submitteu:
8Without douht it ,,'as after Lucifer said in his her~'t:
"I will be liko the }Iost High," and therefore after his
fall, that he plaeed thc temptation before Eve, wh ch
resulted in her deflection and in the death of her Insband. When God pronounced his judgment exclud,ng
Adam and Eve from Eden he said: "1 will put pnn~,ty
between thee and the woman, and between thy seed rnd
her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bn [se
his heeL" (Genesis 3: 15) Thus an open warfare was declared between the seed of promise and Satan and his s::ed
with the declaration that in duc time the seed of promise, which is the CIlTist, should bruise thc head of Sat.ll1 :
and that he, Satan, should bruise the heel, namely, the
last members of the body of Christ.
9Satan's name dragon means devourpr; ann from
Eden till now the Evil One has rcsorted to every possible
means to devour the seed of promise, the Christ.

808

<fheWATCH TOWER

:lJ1His name serpent means deceiver; and at all times

durlng the developmcnt of the seed of promise he ha~
resorted to fraud and deception in an attempt to mi~lead
and destroy the Christ.
llHis name devil mrans slandrrer; and throughout
the ages Satan himself, and through his seed, has
leveled all manner of vile and vituperative slander and
repro[lch against God. again~t Christ .Jesus, and the
faithlul follo,Yers of Uhrist, even unto this hour.
12His name Satan means adversary or opposer, which
also means that he is the arch-rnemv of God and of
Christ and of all who are begotten of the spirit of God,
and of all rightcousness.
13He is the complete expre5,ion of wickedness. He is
l:1anifestly a totally depraved bring.
MIMIC GOD

HAs achersary and arch-enemy Satan ha,~ srt himself

IIp as a mimic god, that is to say, counterfeiting ('wry
part of the divine plan that is revealed; and mingo this
method he has dpceivf'd and blinded the pf'ople, .Jehovah
could have prevented him from organizing the angels
of hraven and the men by whom he created the evil
heavens and evil earth and became the chief ruler thereof; but God did not. The fact that .Jehovah did not
prevent him shows that God had a purpose in permitting it to be done. Instead of preventing' Satan from
proceeding with his nefarious work, the Word of God
acknowledges that Satan is the prince, god and ruler
of the evil world.
15'Yhen God organized Israel as a nation and gave
to that nation the true rcligion, Satan, the mimic god,
organized other nations and gave to them the false
religion; namely, the worship of devils.
16When God sent forth his prophets to tell I~racl of
the things that would come to pass, Sutan srnt forth
his prophets, false and evil, to deceive and mislead the
children of Israel and to thereby turn them alyay from
God. This served as a test to their faithfulness to
their covenant with .Jehovah, which covenant had promised them life if tlwy kept it.
17When .Jehovah, through his hrloved Son, organized
the Church, and through his inspired writers dedare(l
the mystery of God, Satan procercled by means of fraud
and deception to overreach the leaders of the Church,
and organized and promulgated the "mystery of iniquity."
IsWhen Jehovah began to send forth, through his acered ited representatives, the messag-e that the restoration
of the human race is near at hand, then Satan sent
forth his represrntatives, false trachers and agents, and
began to heal the sick for the purpose of turning the
minl1s of the p('ople away from the message of God.
19When .Jehovah, through his Christ, caused the
mes~'lge to be declared to the people that the world has
eudelJ, that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, Satan

BBOOKI,YN. N. Y.

gathere(l tog-rther his represent[ltives and organize(l a

world pO\rer am! proclaimed to the people that such is
the "polltical expression of Gods kingdom on earth".
PER:\UTS THE

TE~,IPTATION

200n an occasion when thr sons of God came to present

th"mseh es before the Lord, Satan appcarrd among
them. "'hen God said to Satan: 'Haye ~'ou con"idered
.T ob, \rho is a perfect man and ,rho is loyal an(l trU0
and ayoids eyil?' Satan retortrd that if Job ,ras depriyed of his slIh,tance he would curse God to lw: face.
Thrr('upon .Jeho, ah permitted ~atan to apply the trst,
sa,\"ing to him: "Rehol<1. all that he hath is in thy
pO\\"rr; only upon himself put not forth thine hand."
-Job 1: 12.
21Surely .Job here pictures a c![ISS that must be tested
for life eyerlasting; and .Jehoyah, pei'mitting the trst
to be applied by Satan, giYes pr(lof that this is the reason
why he has permitted the Eyil One to exist.
22Whcn Gods plan concerning- man is eompletdy
performed he ",ill haye a clean earth filled with a race
of perfect. loyal crratures. This ouhYorking of God's
plan furnishes his creatures with a lesson of exprriellce
concerning evil. There is no te[lcher like expericnce.
23From Abel to .John the Baptitt there wrre deYf'loped
a few men of sterling ,\'orth 'Yho. amidst the buffetings
and persecutions of Satan and his agents, shOl\"ed absolute
allegiance and loyalty to God. The,e mrn suffered
martyrdom rather than to be di"loyal to .J ehm"ah; and
concerning thrm it is \nilten: "These all ... obtained
a good report throngh fuith,"-Hrbrews 11: gg.
24When Jesus waf' consecrated at the .JoI'(lan, and began the 'rork of carrying- fonrar(l his Father's "'ill,
God permitted Satan to put .Jesus to thr most seYere
test. And, when undergoing the test, .Jesus def'lared
th[lt life comes to those who are obedient to God: ")Ian
shall not liye b~' bread alone, but bye, ery word that
proceeddh out oJ the mouth of GO(1." (l\Iatthew 4: 4)
Thus it is statC'd that loyalty to God, faithfulnei's tD
the law and to his Word, is the condition of receiying
life evrrlasting.
25S atan pursued his wicked persecution of the Lord,
and through his Yisible agencies caused hi~ death. "'hy
then di(! not .Jehoyah kill the devil, and ,\hy should
he not kill him at the end of the Gosprl Age instead
of binding him and casting him into prison? Surely
the Lord has power tD kill the deyil ,dll'neyer he may
desire. It is manifestly not his purpose so to do now;
and it is also manifest that he purposes to permit the
cleyil to be a tr,t to mankind at the end of the Millennial Age. The Scriptures clearly state that when
the human race is restored, then Satan will be released
irom his prison restraint and will go forth to te~t mankind as to their loyalty to God. "'hen that test is accomplished, then God will destroy him; and those of
mankind who proye disloyal tD God under that test

OCTOBER 15, 1D24

Cfhe

WA'f'CH TOWER

will he de"troyed with Satan. Only the true, fmthful devour the seed of promise"; hence there would he
no need for the Christians no,,- to be sober anll vigilant.
and loyal ones will be granted life rYerla~ting.
32Again St. James, under inspiration writing to the
2f,The Church is to be grantcd, life everlaFting on the
diyinc plane, a'3sociated with Christ .J ems as his joint- saillts, said: "Submit YoUl'selws therefore to Go:!.
heirs. These are to occupy, \rith Christ J ems, the most Hesist the devil, and he will flee from you.'-James 4: i.
exalted po~ition in God's uniyprse. Surrly then each
(2) If Satan is now bounll, this scripture cann0t
member of thnt royal [ami}.r mm-t hc mbjeetcd to thc apply to the Chllnh at this time. and there ,,"ould be
te"t similar to that to which Jesus was mbjeded be- no occasion to resist the devil. The Apostle here says
fore being gnmted life eY~Tlm'ting on the diyine plane. that the safeh of the Christian lies in the fact that
e are not left at all in uoubt as to this being the he is sUbmissi\~cly obedient to God; and the one who will
Scriptural Yiew, bpcanse the Apostle says that Jesus try to induce him from being loyal to God is thQ devil.
"\ms ill all points tempted like as we an', yet without Bring persuaueu that the devil is now bounu might
sin."-IIebre\rs 1: 15.
indnce one to ncglect the aumonition of this text.
27For many centuries Satan has been the God of the
J4I Satan is now bound, then it follows that there
eyil ,,"orld; therefore it belongs to him. To his fol- arc now none of th@ saints on earth; or if therc are any
lo\\"('rs Je,:us said: "In the ,,"orld ye shall haye tribula- saints on the ealih, thcn such saints will finish their
tion; but be of good ch('('r: I have overcome the world." course and pass into glory without the oppositions,
(John l(j: ;)3) Without doubt he meant that he hall bllITdin,!Zs and testings at the hands of Satan, such as
oyercome all the influences of Satan ami his organiza- Jesus, the apostlcs, and otllC'r members of the Church
tion. and had proYl'n his loyalty to his Father JdlO\ah. have bE'{'n subjected to. In this hour of great distres3
It is only the oyercomers to \rhom the Lord has promiFP(] and deception the nominal church. through the machinto gnmt memherFhip in his kinguom and \nth him ations of Satan, have been cleceiYed to the point that
to sit upon his tluone.-HeYelation 3: 12. 21.
they do not believe eYen in the exi~tence of the devil. If
28Referring to the reason for Satan plying his de- ~ntan is not bound a11(] if there are some saints yet on
strurtiYe work Brother Russell in the WATCH TOWEll earth, is it not reasonable to conclude that he would
RErmXTs, page 8941, says: "God permitted his ae- be the one to try to induce them to bdieve that he is
tint~" because it Fern-d the purpoFe of a sifting work,
bound in order that he might take them unawares
which mmt reach and touch every class of professing when they arc not "atching an<l not trying to resist
Christiam. to te,t and proye them." This datement his temptations ? Would it not be unsafe for the saints
seems to be in exact harmony with eYery scripture bear- to permit themsehes now to be lulled into a condition of
ing upon the subject matter.
repose alld inactivity because they believe that there is no
more Satan to trouble their footsteps? Is it reasonable
IS SATAN BOUND?
that the Lord will take the remaining saints to heaven
29It is cOllten<le<1 b~' some that since .T('!41S took his on flowery beds of ease while Jpsus and the apostles
power as king in 1914, from that time the binding of and others that have gone before have been T<'quired to
Satan mmt be; hC'nce that Satan is now bound. With resist even unto death? Shall we now set aside the
propriety some qU<'stions may be here propounded: force and power of Jesus' words \\"hen IH' said: "Be
Haw any been begotten to the divine nature since 1914? thou faithful unto death, anc] I will give thee the crown
Have any of thc 8aints been running for the prize of of life" ?-Revelation 2: 10.
35Was Rrother Russell right "hcn he wrote in the
the high calling, that is to say, for membership in the
bo<lv of Christ, since 1914? If these questions are WATCH TmVER that God permit~ S-atan to ply his dean'l",ered in the affirmatIve then another is appropriate: ceptive work because it seryes the purpose of a sifting
Haw any of the saillts had any severe testing" since ,rork?
1914 ? II ~O. \1" ho has been their tempter? (1 'l'hessaJ"(!) If Satan was bound in 1914, \I"hen Jesus asIonianI' 3: .J; Matthew 4: 3) Let the snints themselves sumC'll his officc of King, then there has been no ocans\yer.
casion to resist the devil from tlwn till now; and yet
30~'t. Peter, addressing the 8aint8. says:
"Be sober, the facts stand out that the greatest sifting that has
be yigilant; because your achersary the devil, as a roar- come to the Church in the past fifty years has been
ing lion, walketh about. seeking \yhom he may devour: since 1914.
whom resi8t steadfast in the faith, knowing that the
37Who that is a follower of Jes~ls Christ now doubt.,
same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that but that we are in the "evil day" "hen all thE' element 3
are in the world."-l Peter 5: 8,9.
arc rapidly rushing forward to the greatest time of
81Some other points and questions here seem to be trouble the earth has ever known? Are we not nearer
quite pertinent: (1) If Satan is now bound, then this the grand finale of the Church's earthly experiences
text cannot apply to the Chureh, because if bound he than in 1914? Then do not the words of St. Paul
could not be going about as a roaring lion seeking to apply at this very hour when he said: "Finally, my
3')

,r

810

'The

WATCH TOWER

bl'dhren [which means right at the end], be strong in

the Lord, and in the pO\\"er of his might. Put on the
\\hole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the deviL ... And, having done all, to
stand"?-Ephesians G: 10, 11, 13.
38 (5)
If the devil is now bound, \"hat need is there
for the Church to have on the armor of God at this
time; and what need is there for them to continue to
pray for all saints \"ith all prayer and supplication?
39 (()
If Satan i, boulH1 uow, then \"hc'n and how
will the Scriptural declaration be fulfilled that Satan
will bruise the heel of the Christ, the last mem])('rs? Let
no one now bp clpeeiwd that he is going to eutcr heaven
wiUlOut a fight. Through much tribulation shall ye
eHter the kingclom.-Ads 14: 22.
4DSt. Paul, in speaking eonceI'lling the qualifications
of the elders whom the holy spirit makes O\'erseers of
the Church, says: "Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach, and the snare of the devil."-1 Timothy 3: 7.
41 (7)
If Satan is now bound, then there could be
no possibility of the clders falling into the snare of the
ilrvil. IVould it not be rather a dangerous rule to ignore
tbs qualification of elders and this admonition of the
Apostle, and take the chances that the devil would not
/lvercome the elders?
42Sinee Satan has been the one whom God has permitted to tempt and test these, and all of his followcrs
dnring the age, there is no reason why he should now
make the exception and let some slip into the kinddam \rithout testing, and without being tested until
the verv last.
43In "the light of the Scriptures we must conclude that
Satan is not bound at this time, and that he will not
be bound until every saint has been tried and tested
and proven loyal to Goil. N a other position is consistent
with the revealed plan of God.

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

was his plan to permit it he would not interfere. This

being true, the Lord could not eon>;ist<mtly interfere
with Satan's kingdom until the expiration of the time
fixed. But we must remember that Satan is a rebel,
and the enemy of God and the Lord Jesus; that he
would not voluntarily surrender his rule; that it must
be taken from him by force and he be re~trained by
force. So 101lg as God is permitting Satan to aet as
tempter, to try and to trst the loyalty of God's people,
there \I"ould be no reason why he should be bound. It
c10es not at all follo\\' that because his time or tenure
01 office is at an ell<l, his activitirs are at an cnd. The
\I"orld cnc1ed in 1914; but the world is still here. The
('v11 heaven~ arc on fire; anc1 the evil earth. or world,
is now passing a\vay. We should expect at the end of
the world in 1914 the ouster proceedings to begin, and
tlwy did begin.
The "beast" is the devil's organizai ion on earth. It is since 1914. that the war betwren
the bea~t and the Lamb is on; and it is certain that
~atan is directing the war on the side of the "beast".
If not, who is directing it?
45We sec in Revelation 19: 11-20 that Jesus comes
forth in righteousness" to "judge anc1 make war", and
that his >;aints are engaged \\"lth him. If Satan is
bound, with whom is Jesus making war?
4GSatan has no right to be called the "god of this
world" now; but this docs not at all argue that he is
not still making trouble. The gospel of the kingdom
must now be proclaimed to the world as a witness, and
then the end will come; and Jesus declares that that
end will be witnessed by a time of trouble such as never
was since the world began. That will be the final conflict between the beast and the Lamb; and that will
be the time, and not before, that Satan will be bound.
THOUSAND YEARS

47Those who advocate that Satan is now bound make

the point that it is stated in Hevelation 20: 1-4 that
44But the point is made by some that "since Jesus Satan is bound a thousand years, and that the thousand
took his power as king in 1914, there Satan ceased years must begin in 1914; hence the binding must take
to be god of this world, and heuce it must follow that place from that time, otherwise it would not endure
he was bound from that date." There is no force for a thousand years. It does not necessarily follow
whatsoever in this argument. The term "god of this that this period is a thousand years exactly. It does
worlU" means magistrate, prince or ruler of the \rieked not at all follow that the tenure of inactivity of Satan
organizations on earth. The Scriptures clearly show must be exactly the same length of time as the reign oE
that the devil has been the prince or god of this Christ. The meaning, therefore, would be that Satan's
world by perm i.ssion of Jehovah. '1'he devil said to binding is during the period of the thousand-year reign
Jesus concerning this world: "All this power will 1 of Christ. Furth<'l'lllore, it is reasonable to say that the
give thee, and the glory of them [the killgdomsJ: for period of Satan's restraint synchronizes as to time
that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I with the period during which restoration blessings will
give it." (Luke 4: G) Jesus did not call in question be granted to mankind. This conclusion is supported
these words. It follows, then, that God had pennitted by the fact the senpture cays that Satan is to be boulltl
Satan's rule of the world without interruption until a so as to prevent him from deceiving the nations. Surely
time certain, until he should come "hose right it is, this is in order that the nations may have full opnamely Christ, to take his power and reign. God per- portunity to receive and profit by the blessings of restorlniUed this in that he did not interfere; and since it ation. At the cnd of that time he is loosed for the
GOD OF THIS WORLD

OCTOBER ]

ri,

CfheWATCH TOWER

1!l~1

purpo&e of tcsting mankind. The thousand-year reign

of Chri~t is now beguil, but the Kpw Covenant is not yet
nade, and the restoration of man is not yet begun in
fad.
48Upon a careful consideration, therdore, this scripture' cannot he taken as authority to illllicate that Satan
is hound at this time. That the nations arc still bein,~2:
deceived there can bc no doubt. It seems certain that
thc' witncss must be given to the nations, as commanded
by our Lord in Matthew 24: H, before Satan is bound;
anel that this witness must be giYen hetwccn thc timc
J ems takes his power to rcign and the time when thL
la~t saint finishes his course on rarth.
'PHE STRONG MAN

49ThI' strongest Scriptural evidence relied upon bv

those who advocate that Satan is hound, whrn carefullv
examined is found to he the wrakest of all. Their argument is, in substance, that the Lord Jesus spoke of
a ,trong man \vho is the keeper of his housc; that thlS
strong man is Satan; that there was coming a stronger
Oll<'. who would fir,t bind the stron/; man and thi'l1
enter his house and spoil his goods; that Jesus nsed
thiS for the purpose of showing how Satan is to be
bound; that therefore Jesus Christ must first bind the
strong man, Satan, before he can destroy his house.
The words of the tpxt rclipd upon are these: "Or else
how can one enter into a strong man's house, and
sIJoil his goods, cxcept he first bind the strong man?
and then he will sPDil his hou&e."-Matthew 12: 29.
GIt must be conce<1rd hy every reasonable mind that
.T<,hovah, the Almighty God, could at any time from
Eden till now, have bound, imprisoned, or destroyed
Satan at his pleasure. When Jesus arose from the
d~'ad he said to his disciples: "All powrr is given unto
me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28: 18) For us
to say, then, that Jesus could not destroy Satan's empire, his house, or his goods, until he had first bound
Satan would be more than begging the question. It
\vould he ridiculous, in fact. It would be equivalent to
limiting the 1,01'<1 in the exercise of his own power.
'1'h is alone should make us look well to this scripture
to see really \vhat it does mean.
GlIt is here confidently asserted, \vithout the hope or
f'xpeetation of successful contradiction, that the scriphue in Matthew 12: 29 has absolutely no reference whatsoeyer to the question at issue'. It has no bmring
upon the question of the binding of Satan at the end
of the Gospel Age or at any other time. The argument and conclusion based upon that scripture, to the
effect that it has rel'rence to the binuing of Satan, has
been the result of jumping at a conclusion by reading
one verse without considering the matter Jesus was discussing when he used the words of that particular verse.
Probably our desire to see Satun bound was father to
the argument.

fi2It is an unsafe nIle to srlrd a few words of a tnt

and iwlate th"m from the contpxt, and then rcaeh a
conclusion based entirely upon the isolateu portion.
The' propPl' rule is to get the proper setting of the
scripture, ascertain the point that is being made or
proven by the one \rho is speaking, and then examine
the entire text bearing upon the question at issue. Here
Jesus 1IJrlR not attempting to prove that Satan is to be
bound some time, and how, or when his house and
gooe1s will be dpstroyed. The sale question then under
consideration by him was this: By what power or
authority he, .1 esus, at that time was casting out demons
and healing those afflided by demons.
53 All the recorded words bearing upon the question
he \n1S considering arc as follows: "Then ,vas brought
unto him one posses~ed with a devil, blind and dumb;
and he hpaled him, insomuch that the blind and dumb
both spake and saw. Alld all the people were amazeu, and
saiel, Is not this tIll' son of David? But when the
Pharisees heard it, they said, This frllow doth not
ca~t out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devik
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them,
BV<'ry kingdom divided against itself is brought to
desolation; and every eity or house divided against
itspH shall not stand. And if Satan cast out Satan, he
is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom
stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom
do your children ca~t them out? therefore they shall
be your j uelges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit
of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you
Or el&e how can one enter into a strong man's house
ana spoil his goods, except he first bind the stron:~
man? and then he will spoil his house. lIe that i,
not \vith me, is against me: and he that gathereth not
with mc, seattereth abroad. '\\'herefore I say unto
you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall he forgiven
unto men; hut the blasphpmy against the Holy Spirit
shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever s]waketh a word agamst the Son of man, it shall be forgiveu
him: but who,:oever spcaketh against the Holy Spirit.
it shall not be forgIven him, n0Ither in this world.
neither in the world to com('."-Matthew 12: 22-32.
THREE PROPOSITIONS MADE BY

JL~US

54Versc 22 shows that a poor creature afflicted with demons, and thereby made blind and deaf, was brought
to .)psus, and that our Lerd hraled him. The people who
stood by were amazed and said: 'How did he do it? Is
not this the son of David? How is it pOSSIble for him
to cast out these demons?' Thpy must have reasoned
that .J rsus was more than an ordinary man, and they
woul<1 be mclined to believe him sent of Jehovah. The
Pharisces were the lpaders of the people, anu uid their
religIOUS thmking for them, and wanted to keep the
people in ~llbjeetion to themselv~s. '1'h('y stood by and
saw this miracle performed by our Lord, and douhtless
heard the speech of the common people who stood by.

CfheWATCH TOWER
Tr,ese Phnr. s~s should have known that Jesus was the
Uhri:3t foretold by the prophets; and they should haye
known that the power employed by him to cast out the
demons ,ras the power of the spirit of God, the holy
spirit. Rcfore that, ,T esus had brcn healing the sick
and sending the healed ones to these Pharisees and
priests as witnesses. (Matthe\\' 12: 38; G: 2-11; 8: 2-12)
These pious clergymen of that day had already taken
counsel togetlH'r to drFtroy Jesus. pIatthe\v 12: 14)
What power they had they want('d to nsr for their own
self-aggrandizrment. They loyed thellli3clyes morc than
they loyed God, \\"hom they claimed to Teprpornt. K otwithstanding tlwir knodedge that Jesus had performed
this miracle by the power of thr holy Fpint. yet ihe~'
yiclded to the devil's influence and lid ahout to hold
the people on their own side, ryen though they must
blai3pheme the name of God and speak againi3t the holy
spirit.
"SHearing the speech of the common prople who
stoou by, and moved "'ith envy and munlrr, the Pharisees said: "This fellow doth not eaFt out elrYils, but
by Beelzebub the prince of the devils." (Matthew 12:
24:) Jesus knew what thry said; and turning upon
them, he laid before them three propositions. He knew
that they mUi3t accept one of them and \rhiehever one
they accepted as correct would put the Pharisees in a
bau light. The three propositions were: (1) If he
was casting out demons by the power of Satan, the
devil, thcn that meant that Satan's king<lom was diviued
against itself and must fall; (2) ii he was cU';ting
out devils by the spirit of God then the kingelom of
Goel had come unto them, anu they should aeknO\dedge
it; (3) if he \ras not casting out demons by the power
of the devil, nor by the power of the holy spirit, he
then as a man would first have to enter into the strong
man's house anu spoil it before he could cast them out.
OGIn substance Jesus said to them: You admit that
the uemons are a part of Satan's kingdom. You sec
that I am casting out these demons; therefore I am
spoiling Satan's goous and his house. Surely Satan
wants his kingdom to stand. If his kingdom is uiyided
against ibelf, it cannot stand. If Satan is using me
to cast out tlwFe demons, then Satan's kingdom is
diviued agaimt itsclf now and must fall. Fmthermore,
if I am cai3ting out demons by the power of Satan, I
a~k you by "hat authority your children do the same
thing; anu I leave you and them to be the judges. But
I say to you: I am caoting out these demons by the spirit
of God. You should know that I am casting out these
demons by the spirit of God. lOU shoul<l know that
I am sent of my F,liher; and if I am ea~tillg out these
demons by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is
con~e unto you and your rcsponFibility is great; you
are bJa~pheming against the holy spint when you attribute Illy power to that of Satan. If I am then not
eaFtillg out these demons by the po\rer of Satan, and I

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

declare to you I am not; anu if it should be true that 1

am not ea~ting out these demons by the spirit of God,
then ho\\' could I caFt them out and thus destrov Satan's
houi3e? I f I had not thi,; po\\"er from God: then I
\\"oul<l fir-t have to bind the strong man, and th1'n
enter his IHlU,;e and spoil his goods.
SATAN IS NOT

BOU~D

57It mUFt be conceded by all that Jesus by cai3ting out

<lemons was to that extent spoiling Satan's house at that
\"Cry time, and that Satan did not havc the power to
prevent him frolll so doiq~, and that it was not nec'sFary for J csus to bind Satan firi3t in order to eai3t tho
<lemons out. This being true, it pro\"(~s that Jpsus
could at any time destroy all parts of Satan's empire, hoth
mvisible and Yii3ible, without firi3t binding Satan. 'rhis
is true because the power of J ems is unlimited. He
could destroy Satan with the breath of his mouth. lIe
can bind Satan at anv moment he desires. He can
delitroy Satan's elllpire 'at will.
5sHe then proceeded to say, furthermore, to these
hypocritical Pharisees: You pretend to represent Go<l
but you do not. I am sent of God to do his work, and
yuu are against me. "He that is not with me, is again"t
me: and he that gathereth not with me, seattereth
abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin
and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto mcn: but th3
blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a wonl
against the Son of man. it shall be forgiven him: but
whosoever speaketh again~t the Holy Spirit, it shall
not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in
the world to come. Either make the tree good, and
his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his
fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 0
generation of viprrs! how can ye, being evil, speak good
thingo? for out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth 8})('aketh."-~Iatthew12: 30-34.
5"Here is a plain ,tatenlC'nt by the Lord Jesus that
it i:> not neeeF'ary to be brgotten of the holy spirit in
ordrr to be de,troyed III the second death; but that he
who would \\"ilfully ~in ag:unst the light of the hol,\'
spirit, it \\"ould not be forgiven him in this life nor in
the world to come. lIe told these Phari,.;ees in plam
phrase that they must know that he was casting out
these demons by the power of the holy spint; anu
that they willmgly, for the purpose of deceiving the
people and keeping themselves in good repute bdore
the people, denounced him, the Son of God, as the instrument of the devil and spoke again;;t the power of
the holy spirit.
GOIn the light of the plain statement of the Lord hl're
made, it must be eoncelled that he was not C\'en considering the matter of Satan's being bound at the end
of the Goopel Age. Furthermore, it must be conceded
that we haw used this scripture improperly in the past.
G''''ith the fall of this scripture as a proof that Satan

OCTOBER

<r,~eWATCH

1;;, 19:':4

is hOllnd. cwr,r H',bgc of argument that ha;;: brrl1

brought forth Jll fayOl' of the contention that he i~
bonnd. falls iyith It.
62Ll't no one of God's people be deceived by the ,,'ile,of the adwr;;:ary. Let rach one watch and pray "1(',1
Satan should get an a(huntagc of us: for we are not
ignorant of his dcyicrs." (~ Corinthians 2: 11) Let
rwry comecratrd child of God now hr(,d thr irord;;: of
St. Pcter: "Be sober, be vigilant [attl'lJtlye to discovrr
nnd ayold dangrrl; brcause yonr adYl'r-al':" thr denl,
I he idlO hns sought to denur the "see,1 of promise" at
nil tlmes'l, as a roaring' lion, walketh nhout. srpkillg
"'hom he may dri'Olu: \I'hom re"i,t stead[a"t in the faith,"
u0Rpmemher that the ;.:amb; of God now on radh are
on trial for life; and that their life eternal dplwnds
upon ahsolute loyalty and un;.:wening allegiance to God
and to his cause of righteoll,-np~".
uJ~atnn is not bound,
He is despcrately fighting to
maintain his empire. Majestically the yictorions Lord
is marching agaimt him. He i~ crO\Hling ~atan illt"
a comer while at the same time he is causing the witness to be gii'en to the peoples of earth agamst Satan
and his earthly reprr;;:entatii'cs. Each faithful and
loyal soldier of the cross will participate in this i\ itnrss. In the Lord's own due time he will destroy
Satan's empire; and then will lay hold upon Satan,
bind him, and cast him into the pit.
u5 Behold, the "Faithful and True" lrading his army
on to cprtain vidor!'! le ,oldicr, of the C1'O"", yIeld no!
to the seducti\e wiles of till' ,!<on!. ,rith armor girded

TOWER

all and with the swo]'(1 of the spirit march on in triun ph

WIth the King' of kin,i!:s and the Lord of lords; and as
!'ou go relllPll1ber, "The joy 01 the Lord is your
bt],(~l1gth."-}\rhellliah R: 10.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
1. What is tli:' greate,t o:ift? "'ho only will receh'e hfe? , 1-4.
~. ""helt \'a...:; LW'lfer's J'platlOn .... lllp to .Jehovah?
\YIHl.t prompted

hi, hl':-t difo-In\.ll :leI OJ I iow j..., IH~ now known? ~ [i, ti. !)-l~-t
0. \Yhy haR nod permlHf"d Hatan 10 continue to lhe'! From what
t lilli' dal th'1 Ojl0n \Yarfa 1'0 bet" ren Satan and his seed and e19
s0pd of prom h-,p lWg'1I1'! ,-r 7. R.
4, Wh.lt ha' ~atan heen o",'ul'i,'d III for G,OOO )'ears? 'II 14-1D,
fl. "'11<11 wa . . til(> oh]p<,t of ,Joh'", t(",::;;:t:
Of .'PRlls t te"t? ~:!O-2-t.
n, nl\C other I'('w-,ons \,1Jy ~dtan has not IWf'Il killen. ~ 25-2S.
7. 11' some think ~atall i ...., bound, what are some pertinent
f(lH'st lonR "filch may 1)(' n"kflc]') ~ :!f)-43.
~
Ill)'\' ha-.; ~<ltan dpcPl\c'd tllp 1l()Jllinal dlllrrh?
"~Oll]d Satan
he intpl'estpd in getting ll1pmhpr:--. of tlw sppd of promibe to beIIP,e tllat he "as bound when hp "as 110t't 'il34.
D, When came the c:rc"te"t Hiftma' of the Church in fifty years?
"~hat is th.e meaning" of thIS'! 'iI 35-3D.
]0. I", It good ltl;.:ument to ~ar that. sinl'p .1p"'\1s hil~ IlPcome kin'~,
Satan Illll",t ,weds he bound':
.Are thcle any e\idences that
SatallH' al'1nitips are at an pnd? ~,1..t--4(),
11 Shoulrl w(' aRRume from til(' RtatplllPnt of Satan':>; bindin~ be~
ing- a thou::-iand years that it IS exactly that neriod of time?
I.., it Hot rPilsonublc to conl'1tHte that Satan's restraint will
",.nwhrOJ1I:t.e "It h thf' pprlOo of hlps.sing mankind? ~ --l "j', 4~.
1:!, What is another argument thought to proye that Satan is
houn,I'! ~ 4D, 50,
1:; ~houhl we interpret a text out of its relation to its context?
What is the safe plan' Head Matthew 1:': : 2:!-32, 11 51-53,
14 What was the attitude of the Pharisees toward Jesus and
the l1uracle wrough t by Jesus'! What did they say to hoLl
tilt' pf'oplp in eontlllllt'd Rl1hlf\C'1ion?
''"hat "ere the thrpe
proposi tions Dlarle hy J e:>;us? 'iI f)-l, 5;>.
J;). In Ruh"itance what was .Tesus' argulnpnt? 'il5H,
I n Was .Jesus to any extent sp<,ilillg Satan's house at that time,
and was Satan first bound? 'II 57,
17 H\'III\ l\latthew 12: ~O,~ l. What is the import of these words 1
~

[iR, ri9.

IS, In tho light of Je,ns' words (:\Iatthew 12: 22,:'17; l\lark 3: 22;~(); Luke 11: 14-:2:1), is it not ('ddf'nt th:1t lw was not con"
qdpl"lll~ tllp Illndlllg of ~atan at any tnI1P'-/ ~ fiO,
lD, "'hat f.llOUld he OUI' ('ollclllSlons, and Wlhlt &hould be our at..
titude toward the Lord '! ~ til (ij.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT J;'OR

~OVEMBER

19

"lrallc worthy of Und, lL'ho flll/h called ynu Ultto his

ltingdn1n,"-l Thessa./onians :;:1:.

OJHE have thought that io \\ alk iI orthy 01 God

means to profcss to he a Chl'i,tian, then to ])('
honed, truthful. moral and ])]Oll". 01 ccurse to
\I'alk worthy of God emhracr~ thrse thll1gS, but there is
much more required.-jIicah 6: 8.
The words 01 the t('c"t arc addre~,,('d to al1(1 apply
only to those who ha\'e heen lwgotten of the hol~' spinto
For nearly 1900 war, Jeslis has ]w('n pr('parlllg a
glorious place III hea\'en for tho~e il'ho will compose
the royal or reigning how;e 01 God. The b"IO\'"d ~on,
Chri~t Jesus, is the H"ad of that hou~e. He i~ the
l)('rlect pattern into i\'ho;;:e likene~;;: all of his lllrmhercl
must b(' made. He i\alked wurihy, ilas apprO\ed by
the Father, and exaltrd to thr mo,t glorious position
aho\'e all others. Those i\'ho \\ ill he memhers of his
hOlise must follow in his steps. To do tlli~ the llew
creature must keep before his mrntal i'i"ion all that the
Lord dId, and that particularly di"ting'uishes him from
all athers. He mmt, then, endea \'01' to he<.:olllc a <.:opy

01 {lod's ,]ear Son. It is il','Il, thrn, that i\'e note some

of the thiugs that "pecifically marked the Lord Jesus.
Our Lord dl'lightl'd to do his Father's will. That was
his chief concern. IIe delighted to hOllOr his Father, He
never sOlight self-honor. He was faithful and loyal. He
is designated as "Ow 1aithful and true witness". (He\'elation a: 1-1) One of his titles is "Faithful and True".
(Rei'elation 19: 11) His fidelity to the :Father wa~
fau1t1e;;:s, He iyaS the great ,,-itness for the Father; and
his 'I'Itness \\ a", and is ah\'ays, trlie. HIS compleb
loyalty to the Father gaiIH'(1 for him the victory and
re"ulted in his exaltation. His lo\'e for the Father has
ahrays been perlrd, He is il'orth!'.
The Chri"tian lllUst delight to do the irill 01 God and
of our Lonl and SavIOr ,Jr,,\1;;: Chri~t. He must never
seek "elf-honor, bllt "rrk akay- to honor the Lord. He
nm~t he loyal. i\ hich mealls to ohl'Y gladly il'hat the
dlrllle law reqlli]'r;;:, He mm:t be a faith1ul and tne
iutnrss eyen unto the ('nd.
No other pc'ople on eari h represent the Lord Heept
the truly cons('crat('(1. It i~ the greatest honor to
rl'I)]'(',,('nt h]]l1. Hut we cannot be faithful and true
\\'itne~ses unless \I'C tell others about the Lord's kingdom.

814

rrheWATCH TOWER

Now is the time to tell this message of truth. It is his

truth, not ours. We must love him. That means to
cast away every fear, and boldly and confidl'nth- decbue
the message of the King. We mm-t forget srH and be
on the Lord's side. We must not think that wc call
enter the kingdom upon the strength of what 'H' haye
clone in the pad. If the Lord has made it possible for
m to be engaged in his service and he liYing witnesses for
him, we must let nothing draw us a II ay from that
serVICe.
To walk worthy mcans to walk appropriately. If we
have start"d to follo,,- the Lon!' to he ,rorthy of the
kingdom to whi(h we are called, ,re mu,t k('('l) on following. lIe said: "He that lo\'(~th father and mother
more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that 10Yeth
sen or daughter more than me, is not ,rorthy of me.
A'ld he that takpjh not his cross, and follo,,-dh after
me', is not worthy of mc.' pIntthew 10: :31. 38) Faithf;\lness to the wry end is the co]](lition preccdcnt to entrance into his king-clam of g-[ory.

TEXT FOR NOVEMBER 26

"How bpaldif1Ll .. . the feet of him . .. thnt saifh ...

Thy God 1'eigneth!"-Isaiah 52: 7.

HE Christian now 8PC8 thl' fulfilment of this

wondrrful prophetic utteranc.'. All these things

God foreknew and cau&ed his prophet to foretrll.
The age has ended. 'fhe devil has becn cast out of hrayen.
He) has come dOlrn to earth. Grrat i" his Irrath. became
he knows that his time is short. All the powcrs and
forces he is gathering to make war upon the seed of
promise, the hecl of which he is to bnme hut not destroy. It is the last grrat fight. It is tlw baWe of
the Lord God Almighty and his lw10yrd ~on. the

BROOKLYN.

N. Y.

Captain, leading his forces against the evil one and to

rertail! victory.
:\.11 thr nations of l'arth are distrrs,s.rd and in perplexity. Great is the woe of the inhabitants of the
earth. From every quarter of the earth comes the bad
ne,l's of war, famine, pr,tilence, sufl'ning, and sorrow.
F,'ar has laid hold upon men in every walk of life.
Selfishnrss ha, gone to seed. Men are layers of them"dyes, unthankful. unholy. The clergy, who have pre(pnded to represent the Lorel, have openly espoused the
l'anse of the deril. The memhrrs of their flocks are like
,h:'ep without a 8hephe]'(1. llarknesi' coyers the earth,
and gross darkness the l)('ople. False accusers and truc,;
breakers are common thillgS. The on]er-Ioving people
are paine(l, and all faces gather blackness.
TIut Chl'i8t, the King of glory, is here. His faithful follOln~rs know thi,. J3l~lllg the last of his memb'rs on rarth, they are "the f,rt of him". These feet
,tand ahoye thr crumbling nations of earth. Thry
Ih),sess thl~ spirit of the Lord of glory. His words ho
ha" put into their mouths. These arc 'rords of peace,
comfort and salvation. It is a message of good nel\-,.
The Lord commalllls his followers to take this good news
to all the nations of earth. In obedience therrto they 11ft
np thrir yoices and sing his message of loye and sal"ation. Foreknowing anel fore8eeing this, Jphovah
ulU"ed his prophet to wnw: "Ho,,' beautiful upon the
mountains arc the feet of him that bringdh good tiding",
that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tielings of
good, that publisheth sahation; that saith unto Zion,
Thy God reigncth 1"
Let rach one \\'ho professes the name of Chrii-t now
ask himself: Am I one of the nwmbers of this l)('auhful
fed class, and am I praying faithful an(l true to my
commission by joining in the song of eleliwrance to the
ppoples of earth?

HOW TO INTRODUCE SPEAKERS

UESTION: When introdncing a ,[>('a],;:('r jo the

public, 'I'hat is the proppr way to do it: and is
thpre allY (llJIerence between the inhw]ud Ion of
sprakers appointed by the SOCIETY anll that of local
elelers?
l1nswpr: The chairman of a meeting should make
his introdudlOn bnel and to the point. Long speeches
by the chairman, anticipating "hat the speaker wlll
fa~-. are \('r~- much out of place.
When a speaker is
adverliseel, the prople come to hear him and not to hear
the chairman. }\Jr an adwrtised public meetillg the
chairman should say somdhing like this: Today the
world is in great dii-trpss and perplexity. ~Iany are
asking the reason why. "-hat will be the result? Is
there any way to establish peace and prosperit~ and
bring happiness and life to the p('ople? The only true
answers to these questions are found in the SCl'lptures.

Today ,re have with us a gentleman yerseel in th~

f'cript\1l'l's \vho will give an outliue of the diyine plan
cm erillg these qur:'tlOn~ and others of importance. It
is my pleasure to introduce to you :Mr. So-and-so, who
'rill now addre8s you on-'1Yhateyer the subject is.
A ~illlilar introdudlOn to this can be usrd for any
speakl r adverti~('d to adtlress a public meeting. If the
mrehng is mrrc!y for the friell(]s, thPll not so much
as this should he said, hut n1l'rd~-: It is our pleasure
today to haye ,rith us Brother ~o-and-so, who will address the class on sOllie spintual topic for our upbuildillg in (,hTlst.
1]"sually it is brst for the speaker himself to call attention to the literature during his lecture. Then it is
fresh in the minds of those who are hearing, and they
are more apt to take the literature at the conclusion
of the meeting.

PETER'S CONFESSION
--::\"O\E~IBEl\ lG-~IATTIIF.W

JI:SI'S

PLE_\SED

WITH

GOD'S

_\!'PIWVAL-JESCS

ACK:\O\\ LEDGt.1J

'10

lG: J:3-:!D-BE

CHRIST-SPECUL

Al:THORITY

GIVE:'if

TC

PltT:&R-

PETER ]\"0'1' .I. DUOHKI-.LPEB.

"Tholl art

tllC

Chri8t, tlie

SOil

of the

OD~lY'S

stuuy, ,vllich is callt'd "I'eter's ('ollft'-sioll", is

of Peter's declaratioll of Iwlief in his j\]a~tt'I. ]1
ta]{t's us in point of time to t he ('lose or the third ~ ('ar
of our Lord's ministl'y, and in place to tht' 1I0rthpnllllO-t
pa rt of I'alestillc.
2Jesus wanted to haH' a time alone with his disl"iplp~;
fOJ' he had many thing-s to say to them which could not lJe
~ail] wh ile he and they 'vel'(~ engageu in the lJusy ministr~
ill (jalilep, ahva~'s el}('ompassed hy crow US, anu which coulu
not have been said earlier because it was only by the experience the discipll's had "ith the Lord that they were
prepareu to receive the dppper things.
3Jesus had taken his disciples to Ca~sarpa Philippi, at
the foot of the southprn Lpbanon mountains. While there
he had g-athereu them to him allli had put the ruthpr singu1:11' question: "\nlOm do men say tllat I, the Son of lllllll,
am?" (I\latthew lG: 13) He did not 11Peu that they should
tell him what men saiu; for he well knew what was being
saill about him. 'l'he quest IOn was his means of making a
way for a further one, an (I for something he had to say
to them. They replied: "Some say that thou art .Tohn the
Baptist." Herou had said that, and apparently others also
had said it. Whpn Herod heard of the miracles .Jesus did,
he could conceiYe of no other explanation than that sonlt'how that strange man of God whom he h~d slain Ilad conle
back from the dead.
40thers said that .Tesus was Elijah the prophet; tlll'Y
could explain his wondrous works only by thinking that
there was a literal fulfilment of the prophecy which said
that Jiilijah should come before the great and terrilJle day
of the Lord. pIalachi 4:5) Others favored the thought
that .Teremiah, whom they believed to be the greatest of
tlte prophets, had returned from the dead. Some thoug-lit
(Illp thing-, am] some another. The only matter of intprpst
in this was that the Lord was gaining his olJject of making
tltl'lll think.
JESUS ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE CHRIST

,Tpsus asked them the pertinent and altogethl'r more

important question: "Dut whom say ye that I am 1" It
is apparent from this that Jesus intended to brin/!; his diseiples to a measure of dedsion concerning himself. All
kul now been with him as disciples, though varying in
Il'n/!;th of timp. Some had had the earliest acquaintance
with him; but all lUll] sharpu the ministry in Galilee. As
yet, howe\'er, he had sppnt little time with them in direct
instruction. His purpose ,ms to prepare their minus by
his company, and by such things as tltey saw ratltf'r than
by what he said to them. He wanted them to Sf'e fo!' t11t'mselves the evidences that he had come from God. Thl~y
had heard the gradous wonls he had spoken; thf'Y had seen
him give sight to the blind and Ilea ling- to the hopers; and
they on two occasions had seen him [pell a multitude of
persons out of the meagerest supply of fom!. They hau
even seen him give life to the dpad.
GEut he had never told 1hl'm directl~' about himsplf. He
hau gin'n himself the name, "the Son of man," as if he
would point out his prominpn('t' among mpn. Kow he put
to them the question: ""'110m say ~'e that I am '!"
7Peter, ever the first to spE'llk, lJut in this case specially
blessed of GOII. sail]: "Thou art the Christ. the Son of the
liVing Gou." (!\Iatthew IG: IG) This uns\\'er must have
5::\"OW

315

ltrlll!J

Uod."-Jfattllcll lG :lG.

pleaseu and chef'n'd ,Jl'~lI" grpatly. ProlJulJly it gave him

depper satisfaction than an~' previous t',qlerience; for it
was an as~urallce to hnn that his life unu his work were
lJeing nS"d or Itis Father to prepare the hearts of his disciples for the snpn'lne truth that he was God's Anointed,
wltieh in tUl'll "uuld IJring thl'm into the same relationship
"ith Gud.-Hebrews :3: 1-!; 1 Juhn :3: I,
8When Amlrew lirst ,n'nt to tell Peter about Jesus he
said: "\Ye Illlve fOllnd the Christ." (John 1: 41) And the
woman of Samaria had said of him: "Is not this the Christ?"
1.lohn 4: :2H) But it is ('l'ltain that they uid not understand
1lie fl\('t or tlte Lord's relation~hip to the b'ather as it was
IIOW spokpn by Pptt'r. .Tesus' mill/sfry was wonderful and
IllUSt have given him gl'eat joy; but others had wrought
liliracips before him. Tltat \I Itich lay nearest to his heart
was that he might prepare the way for the coming of the
holy spirit \I'ltieh woul(! ljuickpn mpn as lie had been quick('ned when the holy spirit ('ame upon him. It was a more
ilnportant, and therpfore a grt'atp!' thing-, that the hearts
of thpse IIIPn should he jJrppared for God's purpose thUll
that IJliradps be wrougltt, however gl'eat,
JESUS PLEASED WITH GOD'S APPROVAL

9Jesus ga\'(> f':\jJression to his ph'asure and his ~oy that

Pete!' should give ;.,uch an answer. Peter's answer V,'aS the
tirst ltashing of the light" hidl broke later on the Church
at l'('lJtf'('OSI; ami it 'nls ,Jesus' assurance of that. He
said to Peter: "Ble:ssed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh
and blood hath not rewa!ed it unto thee, but my Father
whi('h is in heaven."-~[atthew IG: 17.
laThe kllO\vledge that Petl'r had was not such as could
be communil'a teu by ltl'sh and lJlood; for the things of the
spirit are spiritually disct'l'IIed; and this was the cause of
,ll'sus' juy. It was not knowledge as such which Peter had; it
was lite touch of heavenly light. Jesus was tIle only one
of fte~h and bloou who by any possibility could c0Il1111uni('ate "pi ritually tlte fad that !w was the Christ, and he hall
llIaue 110 attempt to tt'll j his to his disciples. Hence his joy
was in seeing that his FatllPr not only was caring for hi:'!
disciplps, !Jut had ill j llis way marked acceptance of II is
work. Flesh allu 1J100(1 ('allnot ('olllmunicate spil'itual things
of the killg(]OIll. Spiritual life conlPS from above, and is not
COllllllullicated frUln one to another.
l'.1\ow Jesus l!.a\e all example of the operation of the
principle that "whosoever hath, to him shall be given,
and lie shall have more abulltlallce." (~Iatthew 13: 1~) As
the Father hud so plainly blps~e(! Peter, Jesus also had
something to give 11im. Addressing Peter he said: "And
I say also unto thee." And then he spoke to Peter words
which Illlve heen so sallly Iwn eded hy the ROlllan Catholic
~eetion of Christenuoll1: "'rhou art Peter; anti upon this
rock I will lJuild my cll\lrch."-~Iatthew IG: 18.
12Kolle !Jut those who have a selfish olJject in view would
claim that I'der was the rOl'k upon which the CI:urch of
God would be built. It is certain that Pet!'r himself Heither
then nor at all~' suhsequent time had any such thougl.';. The
rO('k fonnuation of the ('hurch of Gotl is the truth ill Peter's
l"onfp~sion. It is in the fad that .lpsus is the Christ, the
:-';on of the Iivillg (loti. Tile Homan Catholic Chur"h has
pen'prted our Loru's won]s to its own hurt. The whole
of Chri~tell(lom has also peITerted the words of Pet!'r
which our Lord approwd anu has violat!'d their plain mean:
ing. Every section of orthodox Christendom cbims to have

316

'fheWATCH TOWER

its foundation that whIch distin~uishps it from all other

religions and from the Jews, that the Christ who callle to
earth was Uod till' SOil, the second person in a trinit~'. In
nothing has Christendom so greatly gone astray. It Ims
perverted the tirst and plaine"t declaration of the Founder
of the Church, and has turned his words into nonsense.
llS

SPECIAL AUTHORITY GIVEN TO PETER

13Hpre is 1he first time the Church of Christ is nlE'ntionefl.

The Lord himself declnrE'd its foundation tl'uth; namely,
that Christ is the Son of God. It is only no\\', since the
Lord's retunl, that the true foundation is discOH'red and
the truth once again clcarly declal'f'fl. The Church of God
is built upon the fact tllat God sml his Son into the worhl
and that the Son of God is the Christ. Ijpon that tl'1l1 h
others like Peter are built into him, that the Christ of GOfl,
whkh is the seed of Ahraham, may be produced to brin~
forth the blessings of the promises.-Ephl'sians 2: 20; Galatians 3: 2D.
HAs for the "church" whIch is said to be built upon Peter
as a foundation, the gates of hell haye prE'yailed against it.
Indeed, the powp!'s of hE'll haye capturpd it. (ReYE'lation
17: 3) And as for Christpnllorn, which has perYertE'd the
words of the Lord am! made him what he new'r claimel!
to be, equal with God the Father, the gates of darkness have
prevailed against it also. Along willi Rome it has become
the cage of every unclE'an bird. (Rf'Yf'!ntion 18: 2) It has become the horne of war and eYil-doers, destroyers of the truth.
15'L'hp Lord tllPn said that he would give to PE'ter the
keys of the kingdom of hE'aveu. He (lid not giye them to
Peter then; for they were not ~'et in his possession. He
himsp]f hao to pmye Ilis wa~'. But confillpnt in his purp~~p
to do his Father's will, an(1 in the loye and power of llis
I<'ather to kef'p him, he Rpolw as if he were triumphnnt,
Peter \\'nR to have the ke~'s of the kingdom and, further,
to have the priyilege and power of binding or loosing on
earth, with his dc{'\sions accppted in heayen.
IGSome months later this promise to 1'pter began to be
made good; for it was he who at l'entpcost. the fiftieth
day after Jesll.'l' resurrection from the dead, proclaimed thp
kingoom of heaven open to the Jews, amI whpn thousands
of t1wm flocked into the kingdom of the grace of GOll.
17Three anel a half veal'S later, aftpr Cornf'lius at Cresarpa
had been praying to' God, it was I'f'ter who was elir~t('el
by the Lord to go there to spenk to the little company of Gentiles. While he was speaking and opPltlng the truth to them,
the kingdom of heaven was opener] to the Gentiles; am] tim"
It was opened to all belieyers of whateyer nationnlity. .Tcw
and Gentile had the saIlle entrance door, and the same privileges in the kin~l1om.-1'phesians :2: 18.
PETER NOT A DOORKEEPER

18Peter used his authority to bind ano to loose. He

bound Ananias and Sapphira his wife in death (Ads:>:
]-10); he looRed Dorcas from death. (Aet.'l G: 40)
There
Is nothing in .Tesus' word to 1'etE'r which gave him the sole
"ght to giye E'ntrance into the kingdom of lleaven, to open
Ilnd shut the doors of entrance into the glory of God as he

"Rings in our ears the trumpet call,

In eyery land from sea to sea:
Come out of hpr, my ])E'ople all,
Her doom is fixed by God's decree.'

BROOKLYloI,

N. Y.

might picasE'. 'I'he impE'riou'l claim of the Roman Catholic

Cilurch ami its Pope is bla"phpm~' in the sight of Go(1 anel
IllPIl.
1"After our Lord had thus spokE'n thpsE' thing~, the 'H'i;:llt_
ipst he had ~'et spoken to his disciples-truths which sec'lIln!
liS if they shoUI<l be known by all, that his Illini",try
might be furtherpl1, and E'~peeiall~' so that his (lisl'iples mi-::ht
know and tell all men of the glory of their :Uaster-J('f'US
sl mightly charged them that thpy should tell no man tilat
1](' \yas Jesus the CilriRt. \\'II~' did our Lonl act thus? Did
IIC' not wish Illen to know 1I1is?
2('There are some thing,,, to he IlPI,1 sel'rpt between the
LOI'd an<l his disciplE'S, and t1lf'rt' are some truth~ that are
not ahYa~'s due to be proclaimed. Truth is not al\\":IYS
mf'at in due season. Our Lord knew that unlp,,,s he had
put tllis emoarg-o upon Iii" llisl'iplef' they would surely hays
gUile abma(l lelling of the glory of the:r :\Iaster. As thpy
WPl'e not qui('I,ene<] oy the hal,\' spirit the~' l'oulll not Illlve
made the matter pl:tin, alill others l'oulll not !laye unllf'rstood; alltl such a mission could onl~' haye hrought trouhle
upon thp Lord. 1'\('n then the 1'llariReeR \YPl'e rE'ad~' to
~tolle .Tc~us,
lIaf! tiley known that hp frp('l~' ackllowledg-e(!
anlOng his disciples that lw rf'nlly claime<! to be the ChriRt
of the pl'op!lpl'ies, illf'y \\'flUlel almost certainly lIa\'e macle
llli inllllediate attf'lllpt to destroy him; alld his ministry
\\'fmlrl haye bl'('n injured.
21ThI' diRf'iple Illu~t al\ya~'s be reacl~'; but he must nC'H'1'
g'(l nheall of the Lonl. AIRo it should alwa~'s 11E' remernll<'rl'll that some trutlls are for the lli",dpl('s only. The Lon!
npyer to/(] his diseiplps to preach publiel~' tllat thE' Clmrch
sllal'ps as a part of the gl'l'ut sin-onpl'ing or thp atonement
~al'rifices.
That truth will Ill' madp dl'ar to mankind in
llue timc ,yhen tlIe worlll is ready to l'l'cC'i ye it. In the
I1lpantime it St'ryes to fill l11p 11,'art~ of the (li"dples with
joy llllil gladness. that tlH'y arp ppl'lliitied to enter into true
di",cip:eship to their IwlO\ t'd :\faRtf'r.
QUESTIO~S

1.

FOR BEREAN STUDY

refer to?
\Yhen was this
m:HIf"'" ,-; 1.:!.
:!. \\'hat question cllCl .1c"lIs propound to his disciples'! What
\\(\I'P 1111'11' i111 .... wel'''' ' :~,-1
:{ \\iha t other (jUl'.... t !tIll dId J esus a~k? \"11n t was its purpose?
~ 5.
4. What de<>per rea'oll was tlJeJ'e for thl' latter question '! ~ G. 7.
5. Thuu~h ~(llj\e (olltt~;.,ed .1e:-.us a~ ('lIl'l'-'t. did th,-~y untlel":,tand
hia:: relation:-.:h'p to the he-H\f'nh" FntlH'l''! ~ f..,
G. Di(l pptel")-. cOl'lfps:;ion }J1ea;"e .Jesus? 'ylhy was it a joy to
"~hat

him'f

does "Peh"!":"> confe::-siou"

~,n,

10

7. What is the illustration of the principles of :lIatth('\y 13: 12?

~

] l.

1'. \\'hat is the rock foundation of the Church of God? How has
('hrl~tenrtom lwrn:'l'tp4! tl10:-.c "Old...:? ~ 1~.
D "~hat is tIl(' foundation truth of tlw ('hl'i ... tian reli~ion? Of
"hom i~ the :-.ced ot .\lJl'allillll ('0 III Tlo ... l'c! ') ~ 1~.
10. \Yhat plmrdl is hllllt upon Petpr'! II'll" h""e the powers of
hpll eapturect it. fllld all "t'llrI~t('Jl(lom"? -: 1 ~
11. \\'hen did I '<,tel' po"e,s the keYb of tile kingdom?
What
\\ pre the kers 4,"; 1.3 Il"
12. \Yhat othQr authority had Peter? Is Peter the doorkeeper of
lwaY~Il? 'Ii 18.
1::. \"as JeBus anxious that nil then ,hould know him as the
(,hri~t? Is it wi~e to pl'oeiaull any and all truths pl'oIniseuous~
Iy'/ ~ 19, 20.
14. What special truth Is for the disciples only? When is truth
generally acceptable'! 1) 21.

""'ha t priYilE'ge it is to scan

The scroll. rE'Y(,lyin!!: years unwind,
Rl'll,1 in eyents Goel's wondrous plan
Fur man's eternal peace designed I

"And soon our hearts' ecstatic bount!

Shall murk the consummation grnnd,
When Christ, the Son of God, is crowned
The King of kings 9'1'1' every land."

THE TRANSFIGURATION
--NOVEMBER 23-LuKE

9:

28-36--

TIlE TRANSFIGlTRATIO" WAS A nSIOX-KINGnO~I GLORY PICTORIAI.LY REPRESE:."ITED -THE VISION CORROnOR.\TES PROPHECY-THll
"EXODUS" WHICIl JESrS M.\IlE-VISION

STDIULATING TO ALL CO;-'CBRNBD.

"This is my belo1:ed Son: hear him."-Lu,ke 9 :35

FTEH .Jesus had at'knowlptlged Ppter's declaration that

he 'Yas "The Christ, the ~on of the living God," he
hegan to tell his disciples plainly about his death in
Jerusalem-how he would suffer at the hands of the leaders
of the people and be killed, and how he would be raised
ag-ain on the third day. Kow also he set the conditions of
t1bt'lplpship f)pfore them plainly, led thereto by an attempt
and an appeal by Ppter to prevent his continuing in the
way his -"'ather hatl m:lrked out for him; for l'etpr was detprmined that his beloved !\raster must not die. (l\Iatthew
IG: 22) Jt'SUS showt'tl him that both for themselves and
for him the only way of abhling in the will of God was by
denying oneself even unto dpatlJ; that whosoevel' of his
disciplps would saH' his life must first lose it, and that he
who would thus lose his life for Christ's sake would find it.
Ill' himsf'lf might gain the whole world if he would thus
save his life; for :Satan had already thus promised. But
hf' knew that that coult1 be only in exchange for his soul;
for dltl he accept Satan's offer or himself shirk the sacrifi('c
IH' woult1 lose his Father's plpasure and be eut off from lifp.
After"'ard hp told them that he would camp again, then in
the glory of his Father, to set up the kingdom; and he
added: "There be sOllie standing here which shall not taste
of dpath till they see the Son of man eOBling in his kingdom."-Matthew 16: 28.

from Peter's referpnt'e to it in his t'pis1l('. (2 Peter 1: 17)

But in any eonsideration of its setting, meaning, and purpose
it must always be remembered that it was a vision; fOJ
Jesus said: "Tell the vision to no man, until the Son oj
man be risen from the dead."-l\Iattlww 17: 9.

THE TRANSFIGURATION A VISION

2About eight days after this (Matthew says "after sfx
days"-probHbly two sabbaths intervened), and when tllf'Y
had now travl'letl some distance south, returning ag-ain toward the busy parts and beginning his long last journey
to Jernsalem, Jesus took Peter, .John, and James into a
mountain to pray. While he pra:red, the fashion of his
eountenance was altered; his face shone as the sun, and
Ids garments became white and glistf'ring. Soon there appf'ared two men, also glorious in their appearance, who
talked with him o( his coming det'ease wlIich he should
aecompllsh at Jerusalem. How long a time they talked
we are not told, but aceording to Luke, the eyes of the three
discipll>s became "lwHvy with sIPep". 'Yhen they a,voke
they still saw Jesus and the two mpn who stood with him.
'l'hpse now began to go away; and ppter, not knowing what
to say but feeling he must say somf'thing (Mark 9: 5) said:
")laster, . . . let us make three tabernacles; one for thee,
and one for Moses, and one for Elias." Jpsus must have
named these t,,o men to the disciples; else they could not
have known who thE'Y were.
sTIut a cloud came OVE'r them, and none saw the others.
Out of the clond caIlle a voice, saying, "This is my belo,ptl
~on: Iwar him"; and they were thrown into fear.
The
eloud remove(l, and they saw no one but Jesus.
'What thp~' han Slill'n had to be kept close, even from the
other dbeiplps. Luke (9: 36) saJ'S they told no man of
what they had seen.
5It spenlS probable that the transfiguration took place
during the night time; for all the aceounts relate that when
.Jesus returnpd from the mountain a crowd was waiting
for him. Matthew and Mark give no indit'ation of time,
but Luke says it was on the next day when they came down
from the mountain that Jesus met the multitude. (Luke
9: 37) If it was in the night that Jesus was transfi b'1lred
this may partly account for the disciples' bpaviness.
6That this was a very vivid and real experience is clear

KINGDOM GLORY PICTORIALLY REPRESENTED

7It seems evident that Jesus had this manifpstation in
mind when, in ClPSal'ea, he said: "There be some standing
hpre which shall not taste of death, till they sec the Son
of man coming in his kingdom." Each of the synoptic Gospels records the transfigul'lltion in immptliate connection
with these words, in each case measuring the connection by
da~s.
'l'herefore it is evident that the manift'station of
his glory on the holy mountain (2 Pf'ter 1: 17, 18) was a
foreshowing of the glory of his kingclom. It was probably
Iweessary that the minds of at least some of the discipl{'s
who were to be as the foundations of the Church should
get this link betwet~n the Old Testament and the New '.restament, that they should see his glory, and have the direct
testimony of a voice from hl'a ven.
8Apparently, however, it was not npt'essary that this
pvidence be given them all; so the three disciples best
known to us, Peter, James, and .John, were chosen. It
pleased Jesus to have these three with him on several important occasions. Though they were thus favored, this
did not mean that the LOl'd made favorites; it meant he
was arrang-ing his matters for the best interests of the
whole Church. It is, however, very probable that these
men were more watchful for the Lord's interests than the
other disciples were.
9'Vlmt immediate effect the vision had upon the thrE'e
apostles we are not told. Peter only, and that muny yf'ars
afterward, refers to it. It is very probahle that the vision
IIad so much effect upon him as, consciously or unconsciOUSly, to affect him in the dark hours of his denial of his Lord.
He there declared that he did not know .Tpsus of Nazareth.
Surely the memory of the transfiguration caIlle upon his
mind, and helped him back to 10:'alty to his beloved l\laster,
IGBut beyond the imnwdiate efft.,<,t on the three disciplps
and on the early church "'hen it was rplated to them, there
is its pUI1lose for the whole church of God. It must be intpnded for all, as is evident'ec1 by Peter's inclusion of it in
his epistle. The vision enabled Peter to be mOl'e definite
than otherwise he eould have been; much as with Paul,
whose visions and revelations, sOllie of whit'h he could not
write, were of service to him in giving a fullness and an
assurance to him.
l1{'pter says: "We have not followf'd cunningly devised
fablps"; for indeed thpy were "eyewitnessps of his majesty."
(2 Peter 1: Hi) Howpver much of vision there was, the
experipllce was real, and such as would prove to be a great
help to these three pillars of the Church. (Galatians 2: 9)
'l'he vision would surely cause these three faithful disciples
to search the Scriptures for what the Law and the Prophets
had said concerning- the Lord. Indeed, it is in connection
with prophecy that Peter introduces his remarks.
12There has been considerable difference of opinion in
regard to Peter's reference to the transfiguration.
According- to the AutlJorized Version he wrote: "We have also
a more sure word of prophe~y," as if he meant, 'Though
we beheld his glory, being eye-witnesses, ~'et we have a
surer thing to depend upon.' The Revised Version reads

317

813

<fheWATCH TOWER

tha fetel said: "We have [thereby] the word of prophecy

mac1e more sure,' In support of the former interpretation
It is claimed tll31t Peter is upholding- the sUlu'emaey of the
'Vord of God O\"'1'r all evidence of supernatural thing-s; ami
that no vision muld make that 'Vol'll lllorp certain, "inee
God's Word, like his oath, is immutuule. (Ileurews G: 18)
I.ut while it is true the Word of God must stand, and needs
no support to enaule it to do so, is it not continuously true
that the 'VOl'll of God is eonJil'lned to us by signs ,,'hich we
receive? We suggest that the vision was, in part, to ('onfirm
the apostles and the Church in the prophedes which holy
men ha(1 spoken as the holy spirit had come on thPlIl,
13Christendom, ignoring the Lord's word that this was
a ViSWll, has used it as a fact. Holding tllat Mosps alHl
Elijah were actually present on the mOlmtain, they tllPreby prove to their own satisfaetion that "the dead" are not
Ilead. Jesus himself said: "::\'0 man hath ascendell up to
heayen" (John 3: 13) ; yet unfaithful to him and his words,
but ardent supporters of Christendom's creeds, thpse say
that Moses and Elijah, and indeed all those who had (lied
in faith, were received into heaven immediately upon tllpir
death. But I\Ioses and Elijah are among that numupl' of
faithful servants of Jehoyah who reeeiyed 1l0t the promisl's,
but await tlleir (better) resurrection in the kingdom to
come.-Heurews 11: 33, 39.
14The vision has to do with prophecy concerning Christ
and his kingdom. Moses and Elijah arc typical of the Word
and work of Jehovah in the days before Jesus came, work
done by means of his ancient people Israel. Moses rppresents the Law; Elijah the prophets. True, Elijah was not
a writing prophet, as was Isaiah and Jeremiah; yet there
was none like him among the prophets for endeavoring" to
reestablish the worship of JehoYah.
These two talked
with ,Jesus of his "decease", soon to take place. The word
decease does not give the true thoug-ht. That which they
tulket! of was his exodus, which he should soon accomplish
at ,Jerusalem.
THE "EXODUS" WHICH JESUS MADE

15'I'here is a purpose in the use of this wonl. Tht'y were

not telling him of, nor specially talkIng about, the fllet of
his death - of that which he had already told his diseiples,
namely, that wicked mcn would put him to death: it was
of his e,rodus whieh lie would accomplish.
1GIsl'aei had an exodlls from Egypt. At God's appointed
time they had gone forth. l\[oses had an t'xodus. Goll
caused him to die ,,"hile as yet his naturul fOl'ee was Ullaba ted. Elijah had all t'xodlls. God took him a \yay from
his work. And it is when Peter (2 Peter 1: 1,:;) is \\Titingor what he saw on the holy mount that he speaks of his
own e.rodus (Greek). He hatl long known that he \yould
bo taken away from his lauors while yt't able to continue
in them. (John 21: 18) :1\"0 douht !\IOS{'S and Elijah were
causcd to point out what the Seriptllres said, that Jesus
might Ul"Complish his exodus, It seems as if this convcrsation was intended to help to guide the Lord to such a course
liS would bring about his exodus exactly on time; for he
had to accomplish it. Wickt'd hands would put him to
dpath, but it was laid upon him to take the lamb to sacrifice.
17l\[oses represenred the Law, which pointed out the npell
of a sacrifiee ellicacious to the canceling of sin; and it also
pointed out that the saerifice must be made in Jerusalem,
1he place which God had sct for his worship. Elijah rt'presen ~ed the prophets, tho~e writings which also told of sin
atvnement to be made and of the one \yho should be cut
uff in his early days, taken from jUdgment. l\Ioses' \\Titings
tP1l of the SUffering in the wilderness and of the g-loQ" of
tt,e grpat ;\Iediatol' in the kingdom. Elijah pictured the
JlQrloecution of the Church and the l'estoration ()f the truth.

VISIO~

BROOKLYX, :\

Y.

STIMULATING TO ALL CONCERNED

18"'ha teyel' effect the vision had on the three apostlrs

and, latpr, on the early chureh, it must have given ,Je,us
much encourngemcnt, Our last lesson showed that JpSIlS
had the joy of S('pill;:;- that his work \Yas \yell-pleasing- to his
Fa ther. The fact of his dea th at the hamls of wicked nlPn
had entered more definitely into his life. It was at this
period of his life that he spt his face to go up to Jerusalpm.
(Luke G: 51) Without doubt, therefore, the glory of the
transfiguration seen by the apostles greatly chepred and
encoumged him.
19The voice \vhich came out of the cloud said: "This is
my lJploved Son, in whom I am \\ ell plpased; hear ~'e him."
(Matthew 17: 5) This was the second occasion on whi"11
a voice from heaven had been heard by Jesus testifying to
his Father's gootl pleasure in him. l\'ow when he had sOllie
disciples with him lhe injulle-tion to hear him was added.
It was a very necessary \von]; for the disciples were very
human. They had gn'at priYilpgps in being with the Lord,
!Jut were not fully alive to them. They were very frequently more concerned with the fact that they were disciples rather than \,"ith the privilege of sen'ice which disdpleship brought; a dang-er \\ hich is still present, and which
makes lhe word of waming very necessary still.
20Though this manifpstation of the glory of Jesus in the
kingdom was special to himself and the three disciples, there
is a sense in which it is rt'peated as an experience of the
Church. The Church has now come to the place where it
realizes itself as never before. It has seen its place in the
divine plan; it has seen its work. It has by these things
been taken, as it were, into the holy mount. The divine
glory is seen upon it; its light is come. It is not without
significance that the servant of Jehovah, the Church under
the returned Lord, is spoken of by Jehovah as "my beloved,
in whom my soul is will pleased."-Isaiah 42: 1; Matthew
12: 18.
21 It was when they were coming down from the mountain
that the disciples askpd Jesus why it was said Elijah must
first COIllP. Jesus replied that Elijah had come, and the
rulers had done to him whatever they pleased, and would
do so to himself. The ehUl"ch now sees that Elijah has
lJpen present and has done his work, It now sees its own
work and by this favor of God is IlI'l'p:ued to cotllplete it,
that in God',.; due time it also Illar 1mye an exodus.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
1. What waR the burden of the )\[a,t01'R COI1\ NRMion with hi.
disciples at this time'! How mig-ht Jeous han g-allled the whole
worl,l and lo,t his Own soui? ~ 1.
,
2
Ilow is it true that some did not taste of death until they
~aw the Lonl coming in Ins klllg-dom? ~ 2, G, 7,
3, What did Peter Ray to the Master? ,What was the import of
the" ord8 of the ,"oice out of the cloud' ~ 2-4.
4.

The trullsflg-uration probably took Illace when?

'V?

5. What ,lId ,J esus call the transfiguratIOn? It \,"as III reallty

a foreshadowing of "hat'? IJ G, 7.
.
.
G. In what way was the transfigura~lOn a 11I1k lJetween the Old
and the Xew rresturncnts '! ~ 7, 14, 1 i"
. .
?
7. Why \vere only three chose.n to \YI~ness the transfiguratIOn.
Was It intended for all the Church? 11.1;-11.
8. 'Vhat do some thinl< Peter mea.nt 111 .IllS .reference to t~1(' tr~ns
figur,ltlOn '! What does the !tensed \ el'slOn ..ay of It, ~ L.
9. How ha~ "ChrIstendom" erred re~pectin~ tlH~ tl~n.shF~:l'atlTon?
\\'hat is their claim? What dHI Jesus say 111 John 3 : 13, \\ h,lt
does Paul say of I\Ioses and Elijah? IJ 13.
10 'Vhat do 1II0ses and Elijah represent, and "hy were they
there"
What were they talking about? '1114,17.
11
Wliv is "exodus" the proper \vorll?
What four prominent characters of the Bible made exodus? Is a natural death

an exot]us'! ~ ]5, 16.

..
12. As the transfiguration was a manIfestatIOll of power from
God '''"' it a further encouragoment and stl'cn;:th to Jesus to
can:y out the will of Ins Father in he:n:en" '1 II;, In. .
13
Why \\'as it no\V appropriate for the diSCIples to be g"'en the
admonition: "Ileal' him" '/ Is there respoll.silJihty in discipleship'? IJ 19.
' t tl'
14. Is there reason for the Church to take spet'lal cour.age a
liS
time? Is it the expectatIOn of the Church to make 1ts exodus?
'1120, :l1.

LETTERS FROM AFIELD

WORK PROGRESSING I~ SOUTH AFRICA
DF:.\R DREl'Hm;:\":
Endosl'u please finu my answers to the V. I). 1\1. questions,
hpreby submitted, which I hope you will find in order.
I have much pleasure in statin~ the gn'at Imowlel]ge
llnl1 "maryeious light" that the Lord ,Tehoyah has heen
g'mdouRly pll'asl'd to place before me anl] for the hope
and "prize of the hi~h calling'," 'Yhen'unto he has called me.
.\nd I have joy also for tlw many and grp'lt opportunities
giYl~n me for serving him, since I took an at:liye part-14th
June ]l):!3-in giYin,g out the mps,.;age.
The work is progrl's~ing" in South Africa, notwithstanding the opposition of the cleri'Y aud others. We have
Brothers P. J. De .Tager aIH] "'m. Dawson in the fiell1-or
sliould I say in "thp tirin,g line"-nearly all the timp. TIH'Y
rdurned in October llJ::!:~ for a brief rC'st, and were ofT again
in January 1924 to "adn'rtise the Kin~ and the kingdom".
\\'e offer up prayers daily Oil YOllr behalf. that you may
be richly blessel] in your work. nIH] g'lIided even unto
the enll, till thl-' day's toil is accompliRhed and the :\[a~ter
says: "It is enough; come up higher."
Your broUn'r uy his ,grace, K SCOTT, South Ajl'ica
CONSOLING AND COMFORTING TRUTH
BRETHREN:
Since this time one year ago I have r{'lll] anI] re-reall in
connection with the Bible the seven vo]uml's of f;Tl:DIEH IN
TH~: SCRIPTl'RES, TlIE HAIlI' OF GOD, ""'hat the Bible Says on
Hell," and every issue of 'rhe 'VATl'\{ TOW~;I:.
:\[y IIP'll"t has bl'I'n mal]e to rejoice morc than I am
ah:e to pxpre~s as the wonderful plan of GOll was openel]
to me. I have !lppn an hllmble follower of the Lord for
several years; but the E'yes of my understll\Hling have hPE'n
oppned morc by thi~ year's st uu~' than in all my \ifl' Iwf()\'l'.
1 am thoroughly convincel] that this is the truth which the
Lon] is using to separate the wlH'at from the tares.
I consilh'r it a glorious privilege to see hy the eye of
faith that the gI'rat Hedeempr is now present and is sptting
up his kingelom.
The whole message is the most consoling, comforting and
consistent with what the Scripturl's trach that God really
is. than is anything else I have eycr heard.
l\Iay the Lord continue to blpss ~'ou in ~'our noblt> work,
YOU!'s in his name, ?II. J. HOLLAND, Tenn.

MEETlXG ACII E:\IERGEXCY

DL\R BROTII!::: 1:1"1 HJ:IU OHn:

An e~qwripnce we had rccently dpll10nstratrd so CI(,roughly !low the Lord is direl'ting thr romments of the Service
Bulletin that I fel'! you "'<'uhl en.io~' hparing of it.
"'hill' I was colportpuring in TenlH'ssee la~t spring, and
just making e'lwnses, t 1](' IlIa il onp day brought a letter
rcYealing sueh stringent l'olHlition~ at home that it looked
as thou,:::h thpre was but on(' thiIlg for mE' to do: Ahall(]on
the sen'ice and rp~UIlIe sl'cular emplo~'mpnt, at lea~t until
t hp emergency was over. ~ome affl'ctel] by this expl'rience
rl'all it a~ the Lord's ]padings that I shaull] lpavp tlw
work. Hut Brothpr Fogh anll I dpei<!Pl] that we wou\(] try
to stay in the eolportl'ur sl'rvice and also to meet the
ol>li,!!ations whi<'h had arisen.
The lettl'r hal] ('ome on Friday. "'e hnd fully made up
Olll' minlls early ~atuJ'(]ay, and :\Ionday we sold practically
twirl' m; many books as WP had ('yer done hf'fore, and coutinued 1<; do so until we left TennE'ssep for thc convention,
haYing mN without strain the exii'enl~'.
The vpry npxt UI/lletin b0fe out the fact that some of
till" Lord's 11l"Oplp 1I re prone to intpl'p!"et t hp tests which
on I'take them whill' in t he Lord's work, as di\'iIlP lp:Idin~s
that th('~' should leaye that work; while in rpality the
Lord is simply testing thpm to spe if tlIl'ir determinlltioll
to sta~' iu the work is still what it shoull] be. You cau
imagine how encouraging allli helpful that cornmpnt was
to us.
:\Iay the Lord's blessing- be with the nUllctin and the
"',\TCH TOWER in h!'lping us to "make straight paths fOl'
')ur feet". YOUI' broth,,!' in his .io~ ful sP!"viel',
F. H. lJ,\I'GIIEIn'Y, Colporteur

D~; \R

BIBLE GATHERS NEW CHARM

DK\R BRETHRE:\" :
Ureetin:::s in the name of our hf']ovl'l! :\Iastf'r.
Enc!ospd pleasp tiIH! anS\H'!'S to V. D. :\1. ljuestions, which
I hope arc in ol'{lpr.
I thought that I would elJ('!o~f' a littlp note with same,
assuring ~'on of my cont itllwd loYl' aIH] !llayprs. And may
the l]par Lonl kpl'p amI gnidp you ull(]pr his O\Y\l proteetill~

anll, and giyp ~()U (,,()llnl~p nlld \yisc1oJll to ('ontinllP to

sen'e forth the In!'at in l]ue spason. I cannot I'l'frain from

mentio\ling my al'l'!'eciatio\l o[ tilE' 1H':Iutiful lIrtieh" in the
W,\Tl'H TOWER. \"!I('Il I'l'a<lin'i the Bihll', tho~f' old, familiar
StO!'il'S SPl'm to ,~lIt IIp!" \lew ("harm and meaning, as we rempm!Jer till' arti<'h-s on till' samf' in the ".,oATClI TOWER.
Truly the Bihlr is opf'Iling III' as IH'Yf'r ]wfOle.
It is wO!H]p!"ful to 1)(' in the truth now, a privile~p and
honor, as the reprO'sentatiyps of till' incoming king-dom, to
IIa ye such a messag-e of hope and cheE'r for pOOl', 0lJIlI'essed
humanity. Kccp going, Brethren, slack not YOUI' II:lIlds;
fo!' the Lon] is dirf'cting the work.
With w:Irmest Christian love and the prayer that the
dear Lord guil]e and kE'!'p you.
YOIl\' sist!'!" by !Iis grace, IUE:\'E COLL.\S, AustralilJ

BUSY MOTHER TAKES EXA;\UNATION

DEAR BmSTIII:E"l:
Greetin:::~ and love in our dear Hl'dpemer's name.
Cnder separate coyer, I have sent you m~' answprs to 1hp
V. D. 1\1. qupstions, and I want to say what a rieh blessing
tlll' answerim; of saille has bepn to nlP. I hnvp hpE'n n long
time over thpIll, as I am a mother of young childrpn. and
have multituelinous dutil'S to pprforIlI daily, and could nOI
sit oyer the questions long at one time. But I can neY('~'
than:, God sufficiently for having led me to this fountain
of pure watpr, which is such rE'freshment to my weary hody.
I have often wisllPel to write ~'ou to say how greatly I
appreciate the beautiful articles whiPh come to us thmugh
the 'VATClI 'rOWER. I pray that the dl'ar Lord will continue
to bless am] strengthpn ~'ou in YOUI' labor of loye.
I do not wish to take up your yaluablp time by writing
n lengthy epistle but will close, assuring you of my absolute
ponfidence in the channel which the lkar Lorel has pl'Ovided
for his people. I count it a grpat privilege to have a share
in colportenr service with all the dear onps, to lovingly
dispensr the truth to the poor olel worlel.
ALICE 'V\lJDOWSON, Australia.
319

""'e
all sef' him 011 hi~ thronp,
"'ho wa<; OIlC<, dpspised, unknown,
"'hpn hI' com!'s to claim his own,
In the morning.
"Wp shall wear the raiJllent bright,
In the I'palms of hpavpnly light,
We shall walk with Christ in white
In the morning."

International Bible Students A~sociation Qasses

Lecture~ dnd St.udle~

by Trdvelin<;j Brethren

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Guilford, 1I1e.
Abhott Villag-e,
lIIapleton, lIle
lllalJH', .:\le.. __
Old Town, lIle
Bangor, :lIe.

So\". 5
"
6
"
7
_."
9
" 10
11

~Ie. .

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

l{ockland, \Ie
New lIal'hol', )1f>
l'ortland. )Ie .
KennebulI1\, -:\[e
~pring' a10, )Ie.
Kitterr, lIle

Xov.12
.. __.._." 13
16
. . 0' 17
IS
" 19

-----

Benton. Pa.......
Nanticoke, Pa.
HaZleton, Pa
_
.
l\Iahanoy City, Pa. .

.'Il". 2, 3

r~ralll:uJlla,

}'a

PottsVille, Pa

Oct. 20
" 21
22
~~ott"ille, =). ';
:: ?3
KIllg:-.loll, 1\. \
_.. _.. .
24
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. .
26

~~

2G
30
.....Kov. 2
9

----

Xo\".
::
"
"

3
4
5
6
7
9, 10

Barberton. O.
K('ut, O.
Freedom, n
\Yarren, O
Cortland. O
Mecca, O

...="ov.2
__..... _.. __ . " 3
" 5
6
7
9

St. Paul. lIlinn

Sov. 2
Glenwood ('it), ~rlllll.
3
AUlen' 'Yis
4
Hillsri';le. " ..".
5, 6
St. Croix Falls, \\'''.
7
Centuria, "'is.
9

] :l

. "
"
"

14, 16
17
18

10
Ingersoll, ant.
Xov.
London, Onto
11
'rhame~f()J d. 0 It. . __
12
13
Woodstock. Onto ..
14,16
Hrantfor<l. Onto
..
17
Harley, Onto
"
Jamestown. Kans
Agra, KanR
__
Lenora, Kaw'l
Achilles, Kans
Atwood, K:ans
Oberlin, Kans

'v

Xov. 10, 11
__ .. "
12
__ .. "
l:l
" 14, 17
"
16
"
Hl

Kerens, Tex
Athens, Tex
Pendleton, Ore
La Grande, Ore.
Weiser, Ida.
Ontario, Ore.
Nampa, Ifla.
Emmett, Ida.

2
3
4
5

"

6,7

"

X~v.

43

Rusk, Tex
Clawson, 'rpx
HroadduR, Tex
Center, Tex.. __
Beaumont, rrf'X
Port Arthur, Tex.

----BROTHER M. L. HERR

Kov.13
_.. " 14
" ]6
" 17
IS
19
Xov.
10
.
11
12
"
.
14
" 16,17
19,20

:\'0\

"
II

3.4
6
9

"

Canora, ~a:d"
~~ov.
Imern,")'. I'a'k
..
l\Iargo, Sa 1\: ... "

10

\Vadenn, ~a k

"

12
13

Clail', Sa,I,
Quill Lake, ~ask.

"

BROTHER ~ H. HOEVELER
CJUot'I~.:Orn'
.1Aa,rk :j ; ...................N~V.2
Laie, Ark
".
Hlythe\'ille, AI'1L
4

AI
Helena, Ark. .

IS

Kaiser, Ark

Hector, Ark.

Anna, Ill.

~'g~~~~o(;.~t,y:\.~;~'~'.. :~::~::~~::~~~:::: ~

Zephyr nill~, Fla

Tampa, Fla

_..Xov.

"
..

3
4,5

BROTHER C. ROBERTS
. Xov.
"

.....
..

2
3
4
5, 6
7
9

Piel'CeulOllt. X. n
Kov.
10
Traey StatIOn, X. D .. " 12,13
Sherbroo!'e. 1'. Q
"
]6
Montreal, P. Q
" 17, VI
Prescott, Onto
"
19
IIrockviiIe, Out.
20

-----

St. Louis, Mo
Kane, Ill.
Alton, III.
Bunlwr Hill, Iii
Gillespie, III.
Springfield, Ill.

Snv.
..
"

2
3
4
IS
6
7,9

Jacksonville, Ill.
Quincy, Ill.
Knoxville, Iii.
Peoria, III.
lIIoomington, Ill.
Pontiac, Ill.

Kov. 10
" 11
12
13
14
16

Milford, N. II
ICeenc, ~. II.
"'ilder. ,"to
Hano"cr, X. H
Newport, ,"to
St. Johnsbury, '"to

Oct. 29
"
30
"
31
="ov. 2
..
3
4,5

Morris\"llle. Vt.
Hnrlington, Yt
Waitsfield, ,"to
Rutland, VI.
Granville, X. Y.
Pittsfield, lIlass.

-----

Xov.
6, 7
"
9
" 10,11
..
12
13,14
16

3
lIIohall, N. Dak.........Xov.
4,11
l\Iinot, X. Dal\:.
"
5, 6
Grenora, N. Val<.
7,10
Zahl, N. Dak.
9
nonetrail, X. Dale
12,13
l'ew Rockford, X. Dale "

BROTHER T. H. THOR'\l'TON

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Wakaw, Sask.
Tisdale, Sask
Swan HIver, 1\[an
Minitonas 1\fall
Durban ~Ian.
Sturgis: Sask.

!-iOlnaRRas:-:<l. }'In

27
21>

BROTHER W. J. THORN

noise, Ida
="ov. 1316
Ruhl, Ida. ..................."
17
5,6
Filer, Ida. .
IS
7
Twin Falls, Ida.
]9
9, 10
Pocatello, Ida.
20
1_1..,_1_2_ _S_a_l_t_Lake CIty, Ltah .. " 21,23

..
..

2Cl

Oct. 29
:lIl
31

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

Chehalis, \\""h
Puyallup, "'a:--l1
Ennmdaw. \Yasll.
Ellensburg', 'Ya~h.. _..
'Vapato, """h.
Yakima, Wash.

----

Xov.
,.
"
~ "

Jackson\'llic. Fla
\\'aldo. Fla.
..
\VillistOll, Fin.

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

BROTHER H. E. HAZLETT
Palestine, Tex
Diah HIe, Tex
__
Tyler, Tex. .
BrowllRboro, Tt'x

...Olt.
20
... " 21.22
H
23,24

----

St. John, K n. .
J<;vandale, K 1l
Hampstead, S. II.
Fredpl'l<'ton, K. n.
Mill> ille, K. B.
Woodstock, N. II

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Seattle, 'Vash
XOY. 2,5
Port '.ro'VnSf>lHI. \Yash"
3.4
Long Brandl. \Vash
"
7
Tacoma, "''''a~ll. _. __
"
9
Olympia, W:~sh
':, 10,11
Aberdeen,
ash.
12

<lrantsbur>:. \\iR ........Xo,.

10
Duluth, ~ltnn.
., 11.1:1
1'wo lIal'l,tll'~, -'lInn.
1~
Proctor, )llIln.
1-1
I'nl'enor. \\'1"
"
16
\\'Ithee, \\'is.
17, IS

----

Elko, S. C. ..
Augusta, Ga.
IUdgcland, H. C
Ravannah, Ua.
Screven, Ga. .
"'a)'cross, Ga.

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
Topeka, Kan"
Sov.
2
1t-Ianhattan, l-\:ulls
__. "
3
Randolph, Kans
" 4.5
Manhattan, Kans.
..
6
Riley, Kans..
... ..__
"
7
Clay Center, Kans.
..
9

Heading, Pa
Xov.l()
Lebanon, Pa. ._
" 11
I'lainheld. I'a. .._................ 13
I IaITislHIl'g'. Pa
" 13
Hheems, l'a.
14
Lancaster. I'a.
16

BROTHER V. C. RICE
11
12

Xov.

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Aylmer, Onto ....
Tilsonburg, Onto
CotlrtlalHl, Ont.
Delhi, Onto ..
Belmont, Onto
St. Thomas, Onto

5
6
7
9

BROTHER B. M. RICE
.Oct.27

Xewburg-h. X. Y.
:'Ili'lcIJeto\\ n. X. Y
I'ort Jerns, X. Y.
EI'lJ ed. S. Y.
Hl'ooJdyn, X. Y.
Woodha"en, L. I.

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Ashtabula, O
Pain~::.;ville, O.
LoraIn, O
EI~Tia, O
_
Wellington, O
Akron, O.

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
'Vaten'liet, N. Y.
Albany. X. Y.
Brainar'l, X. Y.

"

14
16
17
Hl
19,20
21

Deer Park, Ala

\Yayne1Oihol'o, :\IIRS
Entplpl'l'e. JIliss.
,"oshlll'g, :Ill".
Laurel, l\liSR.
Hattic:-.uurg, l\Iiss

Oct.
17
" 19, 20
21
22
"

~3

24,213

Poplarville. ~Ii,s
Oct.
] lkaynnf'. .:\li:.:t'i. ....... "
Slidell, La. .
"
Bogalu'a, La
.
Zona, La
Kov.
Folsam, La
lJ

27
2.~

30
31
2

----BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN

.... Oct.
Holli"ter. Calif.
Sun Jose, Calif
Palo Alto, Calif.
San Franelseo. ('al'f. . SOY.
Redwood CIt). ('alif.
"
Oakland, Calif.

29
30
31
2
3
9

St. Helena, Calif..... Xov.

16
Korth \'aUejo. ('alif. "
17
Heal<l"bul'g-. Calif
"
1.~
Eureka, Calif. . _
.
IG,20
~an Hafaf'l, Calif
" 21,23
Hichmond, CuI if........ "
24

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
Xo,. 10
" 11
12

"

~~~~I;J~~~' ~\'rllll

~~

16

----

Vincennes, Ind.
l\lontgolllery, Ind. .
W"ashh'Jl~ton. 1 nil
.
Eyansville, In(1.
"
Booll\'dle, In,!.
Tell Cit)', Ind
.

. ='-'ov. 2
3
4

5
6

1I1ag.ne!, Ind
LOUlsnlIe, h.\',
Do Pau\\', Ind.
Palmyra, Inti
Xew AllJ:lllY, Ind
Salem, Ind.

N~v.

"

9
10
11
]2
]3
14

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
Orillia, Onto
SO\.
Brarpbridge, Onto
"
1\orth Hay Ont.
"
New Liske~rd, Onto
"
Timmins, Onto
" 17,
Sioux Lookout, Onto ..
I~onl(

I,land, Va
Chatham, Va
DanYlllp, Va
LeaksYille,.N. C.
ltoanoke
a.
War, W. Va.

12
13
14
16
IS
21

I'ol't Arthul'. Onto

(~xrlrift, Ont.
I\..enorfi, Onto
\Vinnipe~, ~Ian
lIlorris, Man
Altona, lIlan.

Xov. 23. 2-1

"::!5
:!G
"
2830
Dec.
1
2

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Kov.2
Coeburn, Ya
" 3
IIonaker, Va. .
" 4
1'}a1Oit Hadford, Va
5
I~ula~ki:. Va. ;
6 ' yt e'llIe. ' a
1
Bristol, Tenn

Xov.
"
..

..
- ..

9
10
11
]2
13
14,16

CONVENTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BY BROTHER RUTHERFORD

Pittsburgh, Pa
Nov. 2
Recretar)', Charles H. Stewart, 317 Grace St., lilt. Washington
Sta., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Toronto, Ont
_.._
Kov. 811)
~ecretar)', W. G. Brown, 1489 Danforth Ave. Toronto, Onto
Quebec, P. Q
_
~ov. 16
Secretary, A. L. Deachman, 379 St. Olivier St., Quebec, P. Q.

~~rrcte1ry1ID\l ~1l1l9 ({@1ij~1t ~f t~~ nn~bt?

Q~n~nimlS ~1lIIil$~,alll1ld Ii\. ~tS17t alsor-Isai~
VOL. XLV

SEMI-MoNTHLY

No.

21

Anno Mundi 6053 -Nov. I, 1924

OONTENTS
PROHIBITION ................................ 307

Dnty of the Christian Plain

Satan Reg-niles RnJinl( Factors
God's 'Vord Giye,; 'Vholesome Advice
Reformation Impossible by Legislation
PRAYERMEETING T.;XT
UNKNOWN TO"GUEs

Co~nfENTS .._ ..._

:123
324
324
325

il~

326

AND TONGUES ..._ ......327

How PILGRBfS ARE PROVIDED FOR ..........327

BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH
TKE GOOD

(Poem)

327

SAMARITAN ....... 332S

THE MAN DORN

BLIND ....... 330

!I,.

THE RAISING OF LAZARUS ..................332

PRICES ON BIBLE AND BIBLE STUDY HELPS .. 334
A.s TO ROYALTY ON "XHlI HARP 011' GOD" 322

"1 will stand upon m1/ watch and wlll set mll !/HI'
the Tauer, andwm uatch to see what He 1M1I

Ilpan

'01/ unto me, and what answer 1 shaU make to them

Ihat oppe,e me."-Habakkuk ll: 1.

Upon the earth t1istress of nations with perpleDty; the _1IIld the wavea (the restl... dIaooDtented) roarina;.men's hearts failing them for fear and for lllOkiag to
til" things com~"il ul?on the earth (society); for the poweraofthe heaV<lIlll (eceleaiaeticsm) shall bt, .haken When ye see th_ things beKin to come to pass, tben
know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look np. lift up your heRds. rejoice. for your redemption draweth nigh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:291 Luke 21:25-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS tiCUD IHSSION

fIUa1I jOumal 18 'GIl. of the Ilrlme factors or inliItrnments in the Ilygtem of Bible ~on, or ..-'l!l
.ifllIIIl_I7'7
. . . . . Jlld....... . . , .JleID(J
~ Jlftl8eBted til all partB of the dvilized world by thll WATCH ToweR Bnw!: .. nr..cr Boc1II:n. d1Brtered .A.D. 18M. "'lIW tile Pro-

aot1o:l of Cbril!ltian KnoWiedgt!". It Dot only ErVeII lIS a dasB room wllere Bible'sUtdentll may JnI!I!t in tile ~ fJ!. -tile dniBe w.ma JiKlt
a8D . . a eli_el 1lf ComDIUlIi!lltiOD through wIDd1 they may be l'eUbed with announcements of the Bodety'B .el!QlftntiuaIJ &D8 ef the
-me ef its traveling repl'll8entatives, st1led '~", and refreshed with reports of its couventkms.
Our "Berean Z-ons" are topieal reIIl!Bnoa.bI or reviews of our Soeiety's plWtished &rvnIB IIm!'t Imtertainmgly arranged. JUld vexy
WpfDl to all 'Who wauld. ~t tb.e osdy ~ degree whreh the Soeiety aecords, viz., V~ DIli Momster (V. D. M.), which traJJBlated
Iato .t.'ngJish is MimBter #)1 fh"'~ lVercr. Our treabaent of the International Sunda7 Scllool Les!IllI!lS :ill specially fw tile older :Bible
IIb1denta _d UliLchers. :By some this feature is .coBSidered indispensable.
":rhis ;Io~ &'tluK1B :firmly for tile defense of- the only true foundation of tbe ChristiIlD's hope D&W being so geu.lll"ally .repudia11!d
--redempt:lon Ulrough the Ilrecioml blood of "the DlaD Christ .Tesus, who gave himself a ~ [a ~ price, a substitnte] for
11II". (1 Peter 1 : HI; 1 Timetby 2 : 6) Buildin: up on thiJl sure foundation the gold, silver and precious '1rtones {I Corittrlans 3: 11Ul; 2 Peter.l: 5-11) of the Wurd of God, its furtber mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery whicf> .has
tleen hid in God, to the latent that now miglIt be made known by the cburch the manifold Wisdom of GGli'!-"which in other ages
'WBlI not made JrnOW1l 1Drto the sons of men as it is n"w revealed",-Ephesians 3: .5-9, 10.
lt stands free from all parties, !leets llnd creeds of men, while it seeks more 1Uld more to bring its every utteran~e into fullest
Bubjection to the will of God in Chrlst, as exprellged in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoloen-a<:cordlng to the divine wisdom ~rlUlted unto us to understand his utteran<,es. Its attitude is not uagmatic, but confident;
for we Know whereof we atllrm, treading with implicit faith upOn the sure JIl'omlses of God. It Is held as a trust. to be used only in hlr
service: hence our decisions reiative to what SD1ly and what may not appear in its columns must be aecordin~ to our judgment of hlB
cood pleasure. the tea<'lQIIg of his Word, for the upboUdiJlg of bls people in greet! aDd Irnow~e. .And we not only Invite lJut urge ow:
readers to ~e aU its utterances ~ 'the 1nfo1Ub1e Word ttl wbich reference is con.sta.ntly IlUlde to facilitate such iating.

TO US mE SCRIPTURES CLEAJU.,Y TEACH

That the church is "the T ~ -of the Hv.ing God", JlfleUliarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in prGgl'ess thronghout
the gospel age--ever siIlee Christ bealme the __lei'S Bedeemel" and the t.'hief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, When
finished, ~d's blessing shall come "to ail people". and they find aecess to him.-1 Corinthians 3: ~6, 17; Epbesia31s 2: 2()-22
Genesis 28: 14; Galatilln'S 3: 29.
That meantime the -chiseling, 'Shapbc, IIJId ~ of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progr_; and when the
last of these "living stones", ..eiIect a2Id ~" flblUl bnve been malle ready, the ~eat l\iastH Worl<man will bri~ all klgether
In tbe fin<t rerorrection; and the ~ BbaJI be 1med with his giory, a;nd be the meeting place !JetWeeD God and men tln'~"out
the )lilleJlnlum.-R~elation15: 5-8.
"l'hat the basis of hQpe. for .the c-hurch and the world, lies 1n the fact that 'Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for ever1/
man," "a l'all8llm tor -ali," and will be "tim true light which lIghteth every man that cometh into the fC>OI'ld/', "in due i:lme"..-Hebrews 2: 9; John 1 : D; 1. Timothy 2: 5, 6.
"l'hat the hope f)f the cburell is that she may fie like her Lord, "see him .ail he is," be "partakers of the dh-bie nature',' and share his
glory as bis jornt-heir.-1 John 3:2; John 1:7:24; Romans 8:17; 2 :Peter 1:4.
That the present mission of the cburch is the perfecting of the llMlints for tile future work of servlee L 10 develop in herself evert
grace; to be 4.<0<1'9 w i t _ to tbe world; and to 1'l'l'eJllI1'e to be lrulgs and priests in tile next age.-Ellbesitas 4; 12; Matthew 24:
14; ltevelAuon 1: 6; 20: 6.
'rImt the hope for the world Des in the blem;ing~ of lrntnl'leuge and -.opportunity to be brought to all b.Y Christ's 1I1i1lennial I<i~dom, the
restitution of IIil llmt was lost in Adam, to all the wiliilBg and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer trod his glorilietl church,
wilen all the w.lJlnlly wicked will be thstrol/ell.--Acts 3: ~9-23; 18aiah 35.

1)UI!lLoISH~O

1!I)l'

WATCH TOWER. BIBLE &- TRACT SOCIEl)'

18 CONCORD STREET

BROOKLYN, NoY.

U,S~

British: 1M Craven Terrace, LaDllQS1ler GaW,

London W. 2; Canadian: 38-40 Irwin AVeDue, Toronto, Ontario;
A_tralasian: 495 Coilins St. ~Melbourne, Australia; Bo"tll African:

FlJRl!lIGIl

OJ'I'ICIlS:

6 Lelie St., Cape Town. South Africa.

PLEASE ADDRESS THE SOCIEI'Y IN EVERY CASE.

YEAIlLY SUBSCRIP'l'ION PRICE: UNITED STATES, $1.00; CANAD\

AID lI1JSCELLANEOVS :FOREIGN. $1.50; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA.

All SOUTH A)j'RICA, 7s. American remittances should be made by
Express or Postal .Money oro....... or by Ball': Draft. Canadian, British.
S,mthAfrican, and AuBtralll1!ift;n remitttlnets should be made to branch
oJ!lces only. Remittant_ from scatt-ered fOlf!ign territory may be made
to the Brooklyn offic{', but by International Postall\Io.ney Orders only.
~eign

tmnslations ~t this j(iurnal flfl1,ear tn 8et'eral la7lyuaYf'R)

NO ROYAL'I'Y PAID ON PUBLICATIONS

Enemies of the trnth have reported tllat Brother Rutherford receives a royalty from tile sale of "THE HARP OF GOD."
As Secretary and Tre-olsurer of the Watch Tower Bible &
Tract Society, I am in lIossessi{)n of all its records; and
I do hereby certify that the title to "THE HARP OF GOD"
and all other books written by Brother Rutherford belongs
to the SOCIETY; that ill; di*S Il{)t receive, and has never
received, any royalt~.. on these books, nor has anyone else
received any royalty on the books published by the SOCIETY.
Any statements to the contrary are untrue.
\V. E. VAN AMB~'RGH,
Secretary and Treasurer.
Dated Sept., 26, 1924.

Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision

of an editorial committee. at least three of whom have read and

approved as truth each and every article appearing in these <'olumns.
The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. UUTHERFORD,
W. E. VAN AM BURGH, .T. HEMERY. It. It. BARUEa, C. Eo ';'I',"WART.
Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students wilo. by reason of
old age or other lllhillll ty or adversity, are unable to PItY fO" this
journal, will be sUPlJl1ed tree if they send a postal card each lIIay
stati1>~ their ease and requC!1tinJ; such provision. We are not only
willing, but anxions, that all such be on oar list continually and
in touch with the Berean stndi"".
Notice to Subsc";bers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment fer a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and
entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, 8S shown on wrapper label.
Enre-red as Second cldss Matt"" a' Brookl,n, N. Y. Pos<office., Ac' of Ma<eh 3rd 1872;

NO "HARP" ROYALTY IS PAID

As R member of the Boanl of Direct9rs of the \Vat~h
Tower Bihle & Tract :';(){'iety, I am familiar with the records
Rnd transactions of said SOCIETY concP1'Iling the book written by Brother Rutherford, "THE H,UIP OF GoD." Brothpr
Rutherford has never receh-ed. uncI (lops not now receive,
Rny royalty whatsoevPl' for the puhlication of said book.
Any stutements made to the effed that he has received or
does receive any such ro~-alty are untrue.
A. H.

MACMILLAN.

ANNUAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the

Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, as provided by law
and the charter of said Society, will be held at the Soldiers
nn::' Sailors l\Iemorial Hall, Fifth Avenue and Bigelow
BOu!~vard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 10: 00 o'clock a.m.,
Friday, October 31, 1924. to transact any business that may
properly come before the said meeting.
(Signed) W. E. VAN A:M'BURGH, SecretaTlI.
Brooklyn, N. Y., September 15, 1924.

BETHEL HYMNS FOR DECEMBER

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
'Vednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

'1
8
9
2 14
3330 :10
4 208 :1:1
I 47 1~
a 44 13
:1 147

308 :14 166

222 :15 287
41 :18 160
161 :1'1 255
224 :18 185
lao 19 118
26 20 15

2:1 59
22 215
23 173
24 96
25 16
~6 57
2'1 260

28314
29245
30237
3i 11

&1eWATCH TOWER
AND HE~ALD OF CHR1STS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

1, 1924

;NOVEMBER

Ko.21

PROHIBITION

INCE the time of Abpl there have been some good

men who desire to eliminate evil from the earth.
Various methods have been employed to this end,
and all without success. 'fhe Jews tried the method
of keeping the Law, and were not able to keep either
the spirit or the letter thereof. Some have tried to
make themselves righteous, bnt have learned that such
is impossible. Others have been trying to eliminate
evil by legislation. This method also has failed.
2God is not limited in power. He could destroy evil
at any time. He has permitted it for some good reason.
'fhe fact that he has permitted it and has not destroyed
it is a sufficient rcason for Christians not to attempt to
run ahead of the Lord in its elimination. One of the
reasons, which seem apparent, is to give all intelligent
creatures a full opportunity to acknowledge, accept,
and serve Jehovah as God or to follow the way of the
devil; in other words to give an opportunity to prove
man's loyalty to his Creator. God has permitted man
to have experience with evil, that he might learn lasting lessons; and when the time comes for God to establish righteousness in the earth, those who learn the
lessons as he has arranged them will become righteous.
The great Creator has made man a free moral agent,
placed good and evil before him, and given him the
choice of selecting one and rejecting the other.
3The real issue before man. is God or the devil. God
has a well-defined plan concerning man, which plan will
successfully eliminate all evil from the earth. Every
part of the divine plan Satan, tha mimic god, has tried
to copy. The devil's counterfeit plan has been for the
purpose of deceiving mankind, making God appear a
liar, and his Word untrustworthy. Up to this time
Satan has succeeded well in blinding the people.
4We have now come to a crisis in the affairs of man.
Legally the devil's dominion is at an end. The rightful King, the beloved Son of God, is here and has taken
his sovereign power. Satan desires to hold the people
in subjection to himself. Hence it must be expected
that he will resort to every possible means of fraud and
deceit to accomplish his end.
DUTY OF THE CHRISTIA.~ IS PLAIN

5What is the duty of each Christian under the circumstances? We answer: His duty is plain. Having entered

into a covenant with God by sacrifice through the merit

of Christ Jesus, and having been begotten to the divine
nature, he has solemnly agreed to do the will of God.
Any other course willingly taken would be disloyalty
to God, and therefore a repudiation of his covenant.
There is no possible ground of compromise for the
Christian. To be a Christian one must be on the Lord's
side; and when he willingly ceases to be on the Lord's
side, he ceases to be a Christian. Surely every true
.Christian will agree that these statements are sound
and true.
6Recently the President of our Association, responding to a question concerning the Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, which
prohibits the manufacture, sale and transportation of
intoxicating liquor within the United States and which
is known as the prohibition law, said: "Prohibition is
a seheme of the devil," referring of course to the law
above mentioned. Some of the brethren have made
strenuous protests against this statement. Because of
the seeming misunderstanding we deem it proper for
'fHE WATCH TOWER to state the Scriptural view of the
matter.
7In the outset it must be conceded by all fair-minded
people that prohibition is either the result of God's will
being done on earth or else a scheme of the devil. Let
each one judge which it is 'in the light of the undisputed
facts.
8 A desire to eliminate intoxicating liquor and all other
evils is a proper and laudable desire. All Christians
should be in accord with that desire. Rut how to accomplish that end is a different thing. The devil has a way
of appearing to accomplish it, and his way is that of
fraud and deceit.
9God's way of accomplishing that end is righteous
and complete. In his own due time he will completely
eliminate intoxicating liquors ahd all other evil influences. He has said to man: "For as the heavens are
higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than y011l'
ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."-Isaia.'l
55: 9.
lOGod's way is not popular with the majority of mankind at present. All true Christians are for God's way.
He who seeks the approval of the world and who is a
friend of the world is an enemy of God. (Jas. 4; 4.) The

323

824

rrneWATCH TOWER

Lord's friendship and his approval are the only things

worth wili1e.
llIntoxicating liquor is a great evil. The devil stands
for all things evil. He is the very personification of
wickedness. Then how could prohibition of intoxicating liquor be the devil's scheme? St. Paul answers:
"For Satan himself is transformed into an an~el of
light. rrherefore it is no great thing- if his ministers
also be transformed as the ministers of righteom:ness."
(2 Corinthians 11: 14, 15) In the prohibition scheme
he appears as an angel of light; his ministers likewise.
Fraud and deceit are Satan's principal methods of operation. He is -the god of this evil world, and has long deceived the nations and blinded their minds to the truth
of God's plan.-2 Corinthians 4: 4.
SATAN BEGUILES RULING FACTORS

12More than a century ago good men and women,

seeing the evil of intoxicating liquor, started a movement
to expel it from the earth. In America they organized
the Prohibition Party. That party is now dead, and
had nothing to do with the enactment of the Bighteenth
Amendment. But even had that party succeeded in its
plnn, such would not have been God's way.
~3Long ago Satan caused the union of church and
state in Em'ope, and therefore the downfall of the clergy.
He desired to accomplish the same thing in America.
Union of church and state is repugnant to the fundamental American principles. To accomplish his end
Satan knew that he must resort to fraud and deceit by
putting forth something that had the appearance of
good. rrhe World War furnished the opportunity for
him to act, and he did act.
14Jesus had taught his followers to pray: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,"
and also taught them to wait for his second coming
for the setting up of that kingdom and the establiEhmcnt of righteousness. Satan induced the clergy to believe that they could set up God's kingdom on earth
without waiting for the Lord, and that to accomplish
this they must bring into the church men of wealth,
influence and power. The clergy fell under this temptation, brought in the profiteers, politicians and othf'r
men of influence, and made them the chief ones in their
congregations. The ruling factors have long been undrr
the influence of Satan, whether they knew it or not.
The chief ones amongst the rulers are those of commercial power. It is a well-known fact 'in America that
this power has nominated the candidates for the .leading
parties for several years, and has elected the one they
desired.
I5N ext, the commercial powers were induced to see
that if liquor could be taken away from the laboring
man the result would be beneficial to bankers, manufacturers and merchants. Big business, the real controlling power of the politicians of the land undrY' the
i1Upermind of their guiding and invisible god (Satan),

BaooXLYN. N. Y.

set about to unite the forces of the Democratic and Republican parties to accomplish their purpose. It was
an easy matter to get the preachers to do the shouting
and to make the noise, because they fclt that now big
business and big politicians were with them and that
they could set up the Lord's kingdom in earth. The
'Vor1<l War furni~hed the opportunity, and an appeal
was made to the people by the politicians and the prl'achers to patriotically snpport the movement for prohibition in order to win the war, and thus many were induced to support it.
I6The appeal was made to the order-loving ones by
the preachers that it was the will of God that prohibition should he enacted; and the people were again decein'd. and acted accordingly. By the combined action
of big business, big politicians, and big preachers they
induced the Congress to take the necessary steps to
amend the Constitution, and the state legislatures to
ratify it. At the time, the N cw York Tribune editorially said: "This legislation lleems to be propelled by
some invisible force." It was indeed an invisible force,
and that force was the devil. The result was a union
of clergy with big business and big politicians in a
combination to control the American people.
17Can any Christian, who believes God and his Word,
for one moment think that the Lord God of righteousness used the Democratic and Republican parties, and
the higher critics and evolutionists, and those who deny
the blood of Christ Jesus, to enact the pr<Jhibition law;
and that such was his ",ill and plan? Does the God of
righteousness need any such unholy alliance as this to
accomplish his will on earth? Does any Christian believe that this is the plan of God? If not, then whose
scheme is it?
GOD'S WORD GIVES WHOLESOME ADVICE

ISIt is we.ll known that the ultra-rich, the politicians,

and even many derg}' are supplied with all the intoxicating liquor they can cOll8ume, while they arc making
the greatest noise for the enforcement of the prohibition
law. As an illustration: One influential clergyman,
who led the fight in his vicinity for prohibition, sh@rtly
after the enactment of the law had his house burglarized.
The burglars found his cellar stocked with liquors, and
indulged in same so freely that they broke up his furniture. The clergyman refu.<;ed to prosecute the guilty
ones because it would expose the fact that he, an advocate of prohibition, had stocked up well in advance,
that he might not need to deny himself things that he
was willing to take away from his neighbors merely
for show.
lIt is also well known that many of the agencies
employed to enforce the prohibition law have taken the
illicit liquor away from the bootlegger and either used
it themselves or sold it to others. Many of the prohibition law officers have connived with others to steal great
quantities of liquor from warehouses, and have then

~WATCH
wrongfully sold it to others or aivided it amongst those
partienlarly favored by them. Can any Christian for
a monrent believe that prohibition, as we now see it, is
the result of God's will done on earth?
2Intoxicating liquor is a great evil, and the saloons
a curse to humanity. The good American people do
not want either. They are also sick and disgmted with
pious-faced frauds, who parade in the name of Christ,
hypocritically claiming to representing God and righteousness, who jOill hands with the comciencele::;s politicians and profiteers to enact and enforce a law, and
claim it to be the carrying out of God's will. When
Jesus was on earth he denounced above everything else
fraud and hypocrisy. God's Word admonishes Christians to abstain from every form of evil. Fraud and
hypocrisy are amongst the greatest evils.
21Let the people adopt the Lord's way, accept Christ
and his kingdom, and be submissive thereto; and their
ways will be right. But so long as the people adopt
Satan's fraudulent methods and ignore the Lord's way
they ean not accomplish a lasting good. All Christians
should refuse to stultify themselves by joining hands
with any scheme that has the appearance of good when
in truth and in fact it is honeycombed with fraud and
deceit, and denies the Lord and his methods of accomplishing the blessing of mankind.
22No Christian advocates the use or intoxicating
liquor. The question is not concerning the existence
of the evil, but the method of climination of that evil.
I~stead of running ahead of the Lord and joining hands
wIth some scheme that is contrary to the Lord's way,
the Christian should remember the scripture: "Be
patient therdore, brethren, unto the coming of the
Lo~d. Behold, the hmbandman waiteth for the precious
frUIt of the earth, and hath long patience for it until
he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also p~tient;
stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Take, my hrethren, the prophets, who have
spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."-James 5: 7, 8, 10.
REFORMATION IMPOSSIBLE BY LEGISLATION

23The Lord Jesus is now present. His kingdom 1S

at hand. Satan, in his desperation to deceive the people,
ha~ appeared as an angel of light and has put forth a
thmg, to wit, prohibition, which appears to be good
but which in truth and in fact is a fraudulent scheme
to turn the minds of the people away from Christ and
his kingdom. God, in his own due time, will eliminate
intoxicating liquor and all other evils from the earth'
and when he does so, there will be no apostate preach~
ers ("Ministers of Satan appearing as ministers of righteousness"), no politicians and no profiteers advocating
pr.ohibition that t?eir own selfish ends may be accomplIshed. There WIll be no fraudulent agencies claiming
to enforce the law, and at the same time violating it.
ShorHy Satan will be shorn of his power. (Revelation

TOWER

20 : 1-4) The eyes of the people will be ~d to the

truth. The Lord will rule them in righteousness. He
will have no dishonest agencies representing him; but,
as he says, "when thy judgments [the Lord's] are in
the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.-Isaiah 2: 9.
24Experience shows that it is impossible to reform
men (If evil Jnrely by legisla.tiQn. This does not mean
that men ~hculd not be reformed, hut when the great
Jehovah God has plainly told us in his Word how these
reformations will be brought about, eyery Christian
should adopt the Lord's way because it is right and
e\"Cry Chri,;tian should refrain from the devil's way becalise it is wrong.-2 Corinthians 6: 15-18.
2"The ChriBtian would be more popular with the world
to advocate the pre::;ent schemo of prohibition. It is
better to be right than to be popular. The Ohristian's
allegiance must be to God and his kingdom. Remember
the issue now is, The Lord's kingdom against Satan's
rule. If we are followf'rs of the Lord, then let us hear
and obey hiS! Word: "Wait ye upon me, saith the Lord..
... .For then will I turn to the people a pure language,
that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to
serve him "ith (>De consent."-Zephaniah 3 :8,9.
. 26The Lord could prohibit intoxicating liquors at any
tim, but it is not yet his due time. It follows, then,
that the scheme put forth at this particular time in the
light of the evidence is not God's plan or scheme but
that of the devil. In God's due time his kingdom will
rule the nations ana enforce righteousness. He will so
reform the hearts of men that they will refrain from
~il. For a ChTistian to be J.oyal to the Lord he must
now Biarrd f.or the Lord's way, Rnd not for any other.
27With the kindliest feeling toward all who desire
the elimmati{')J1 of every form of evil :from the earth
As Christians we must follow the Lord's way and wait
upon him. The evidences are so conclusive at this time
that hi~ kingdom is at hand that there can be no doubt
in the mind of one who is really informed on the Bible.
Let each belie\"f'r in the Bible then ask himself: Has
God brought about the present condition of prohibition?
If not, then shonld I advocate it? Is Goa going to reform through Chri~t's kingdom the world and eliminate evil and bring blessings to the people? If so, then
I must be on the Lord's side.
28~H.E. WA~CH TOWER has nothing to do with politics.
ProhIbItlOn 'is. not a political question. If the people
of the world WIsh to make a prohibition law and enforee
that law, well and good. 'l'hat is not our affair. A
Christian can not consistently participate threin. He
must kcep himself separate from the world. The sale
question is, Who is on the Lord's side? If we are on
the Lor.d's side, our way is clear: Be patient and wait
upon hIm to fully establish his rule in the earth.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What have good men been trying to do since the dayS .of Abel' 11
ln8tE;aG of UlliDC bla ~ to elimiDam evll wllli:t baIJ Qed-
domg? "J 2.

826

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

CfheWATCH TOWER

How has Satan held mankind in his power? Will he always succeed? '113,4.
""hieh Is the better war: To teaeh truth and ri~hteousness,
which is the only cleaB!':ing- power, or to encouJ'agl? people to
put their trust in ... prohibition law as a panaeea of the liquor
traffic? 'Il 5-9.
Is it rational to think that the Scriptural way would be the popular
way? 'Il10,11.
In what way does Satan overreach mankind, and through whom
does he work? 'Il 12-14.
Who ,yere the real backers of the prohibition law? 'Vas not the
prt'achers' uniting with big business another evidence that they
had fallen away? 'I! 15-17.

Who are the principal violators of the Eighteenth Amendment?

'Il 18, 19.

What is the chief reason why Christians should not join Iwlnds
"ith the "unholy trinity"? 'Il 20, 21.
What special thing should be noticed by the Christian? 'Il 22.
Why ,11OUI<l Satan at this particular time transform himself into
an angel of light! 'Il 2:1.
Is it possible to brIne; about reformation by legislation? Is there
any lJellPfit to Christian:;:; in joining hands with the world in

any so-calIcd uplift moyements? See 2 ('orinthians 6 : 15-18. 'Il 24.

Can the Lord eliminate the liquor traffic at his pleasure? Where
wllI the Lord beglll his reformation work? 'Il 25,26.
What is our attitude toward those who conscientiously endcayor
to ehrninate trom the earth e,-ery form of evil? 'I! 27, 28.

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR DECEMBER 3

"lIe shall set up an ensign for the natio.T!s."-lsaiah

Faithful now a little longer to the trust committed nnto

you, and you will be forever in the kingdom of glory.

11 :12.

N E~SIGN means a flag or signal, banner or beal""\.con, which is a token of relief or delivC'ranee.
This text ~hows that when the inhabitants of the
earth are in distress and perplexity, when the storms ot
adversity are beating upon the people and they mourn
and cry unto the Lord for relief, the Lord will ~et up
an C'llsign for the people of the nations. This ensign
or beacon light is Christ and his message or good news
of the kingdom for the dclivC'rance and blessing of mankind. It is the glad tidings for which the peoples of
earth have been mourning since the angels sang together
of the birth of the Babe at Bethlehem.
Blessed is he who hears the glad message now; and
thrice blessed is he who takes it up and joyfully passes
it on to others. He is blessed in his own heart; he is
a blessing and a corn fort to those that mourn; and he
is an honor and a praise to the Lord, whom he is privileged to represent. It is the message of the Lord; arId
he uses human agencies to deliver it, even as he has in
the past.
'fhe nations of the world are now entering the darkest night. Satan knows that his time is short, and he
knows that his mortal enemy is the Christ. He knows
that he must confine his assaults to the members of
Christ yet on earth. It is the last desprate conflict;
truth against error, right against wrong, light against
darkness. Christ, the Embodiment of light and truth,
is crowding the enemy to the wall, and soon will make
known to the world the complete victory of truth. Now
he is raising an ensign of truth for the benefit of the
peoples on earth that have a desire for righteousness,
that they may be safely led over the dark morass into
paths of truth and light.
The faithful followers on earth are Christ's ambassadors; and these are privileged to bring this message
of peace and reconciliation to the world. Happy is
their portion. Shine forth, ye blessed messengers of
the light 1 The glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

TEXT FOR DECEMBER 10

"A.7l .nations shall call him blessed."-Psal<m 7B:17.

HEN the storms of human passion have spent
thC'ir force; when the fires of hatred and malice
arc burned out; whcn Satan is restrained
that he may not deceive tne nations, then the people
will turn their minds and hearts to the Lord. 'fhe kingdom of MC'ssiah will bring peace to the people; and the
faithful princes on the earth will turn the people to
righteousness. Then the Lord shall judge the ml'ek
and humble. By his judgment they will learn righteousness. Then will every good deed be rewarded by
his favor and blessing; and righteousness shall flourish.
In that happy day the peoples will come from the
east and from the west, and sit down and be taught
by the gracious words that shall fall from the lips of the
visible rulers. The deaf ears will be unstopped. the
blind eyes will be opened, and the knowledge of the
glory of the Lord will fill the earth. In that blessed
kingdom there will be nothing permitted to work injury
to another. Profiteers, eonsciencdess politicians. and
false preachers will be forgotten forever. Selfishness
and fear shall flee away, and love shall take their places
in the hearts of the people.
The ransomed of the Lord, who have long slept in
the dust of the earth, shall return from the land of the
enemy and come unto Christ with songs of praise upon
their lips. Old men shall return to the days of their
youth, and bl'auty and joy shall be upon all faces. Like
the gentle showers of rain that fall upon new mown
grass, causing it to perfume the til' with sweet fragrance, so shall the blessings of Christ come down upon
the people. His praise shall be sung throughout all
the earth when all the nations shall call him blessed.
It is this beautiful and blessed and glorious kingdom
that the church is now permitted to tell the people about.
Those who faithfully perform this privilege and duty
shall enter fully into the glory of that kingdom.

UNKNOWN TONGUE AND TONGUES

UESTION: Please explain 1 Corinthians 14: 119, especially the following phrases: "tongues,"
"unknown tongue," "pray with the spirit," and
"sing with the spirit".
Answer: St. Paul was here explaining to the members of the eal1y Church the necessity of speaking in
a language that all present may hear. There WaR given
to the early Church the power of speaking with tongues;
that is to ~ay, in various languages. An unlearned man
was permitted to have the gift of the spirtt to speak
several languages, or tongues, that all present mdght
hear, understand, and be edified. This gift to the early
Church, however, was taken away; St. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, said that it would pass away. 'fhe evident
purpose of the Lord in giving this gift to the early
Church was to establish the faith of the various brethren who might want to know about God's Word, at a
time when there were Dot many speakers who could
speak in more than one language. 'fhe Apostle admonishes, however, that one should desire to prophesy, that
is to say, be able to proclaim the message of God; whereas the one speaking in tongues only might do so merely
in a conversational manner. His argument then pro-

ceeds: "Except ye utter by the tongue wO:lds easy to

be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken?
for ye shall sprak into the air." He then advises that
one should seek to excrl to the edifyin,,"\" of the Church.
Each one should seek to build up the brethren in the
most holy faith.
In the fiteC'nth verse St. Paul says: "I will pray
with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding
also"; that is to say, he would present his petition to
the throne of heavenly grace in the spirit of the Lord,
moved by the holy spirit, and do it in such a way as to
be understood not only by himself but also .by those
who hear. Likewise his song should be in spirit and in
truth and with understanding, that others might be
edified. In modern times this difficulty is overcome by
the fad that in almost all languages there arc men who
are qualified to spC'ak: and to teach; hence the division
in the work of the Church now, the English, :French;
German, Polish, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, and many
others; not that there is any division in the body of
Christ, but because of the difference in languages or
tongues, each has its own classes that they might be
more readily builded up as new creatures in Chrillt Jesus.

HOW PILGRIMS ARE PROVIDED FOR

UEST/ON: Reports indicate that many consecrated brethren living in towns where there are no
classes of Bible Students do not know how the Pilgrim and other necessary expenses are supplied. Some
have been in the truth for several years, yet they have
not seen their opportunity to take part in this matter.
They feel independent, yet wonder how the Pilgrims
visit them from time to time. Please give some light
in this matter.
Answer: The work of proclaiming the message of
the kingdom is conducted from the SOCIETY'S headquarters. The Pilgrim brethren are sent out at the
expense of the SOCIETY. The SOCIETY provides their
traveling expenses, it being always understood that
brethren visited by the Pilgrims will be glad to entertain the Pilgrims without cost to the Pilgrim brethren
or to the SOCIBTY. The work of the SOCIETY is supported by voluntary contributions. The SOCIETY has never
solicited funds, believing that all who have a deep interest in the Lord's work will be anxious to have a part in
bearing the burden of the expense. 'fa this end the
brethren send in to the SOCIETY regularly their contri-

butions for the purpose of defraying the expenses of

the SOCIETY, for its Pilgrim: service, etc., as may be
deemed wisest. Any class desiring Pilgrim service
should write to the SOCIETY, requesting said service.
When you receive notice from the SOCIETY that a
Pilgrim has been assigned for a meeting with you or
with your class, you will be advised as to what time he
will arrive. Then it will be your privilege to meet him
at the station and entertairr him at your home if con.
venient; but if not convenient then to arrange for his
entertainment at some boarding-house or hotel. This
gives everyone in the truth some opportunity of service,
because whatsoever we do thus should be done as unto
the Lord. I t is deemed a great privilege to have a part
in bearing the expenses of the work; and indeed it is
a great privilege. The Lord is pleased with our sacrifices, and he has been pleased to carryon his work at
all times in this m.anner. 'rhe Lord Jesus says: "It
is more blessed to give than to receive"; hence it is
blessed to use our substance that others may have an
opportunity to hear the glad tidings concerning the
kingdom.

"BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH"

"Faithful when with tears thine eyes are dim,
Faithful when .Joy's cup o'erfiows its brim;
Faithful unto death. Lord, day by day
Help me thus to keep the narrow way!
Strengthen me to bear the scorn and shame,
Portion of all those who take thy name.

"Faithful unto death! When all is done,

Cross is changed to crown, the victory won,
Let me hear thee say, 0 blessed Lord,
'Child, come enter into thy reward.
Faithful thou hast been; come share with me
Glory, honor, immortality I' ..
827

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

--NOVEMm;R

30-

1,UKE

10: 25-37--

WHO <6UR NEIGHBORS AREl-COMPASSION FOR THOSE ROBBED OF LIFE-HtJ:MANITY ON A THIEF-INFESTED ROAD.

"'l"hou shalt lore the Lord thy God 1cith all thy heart, and with all t1l1l 80ul, and 1Dith aU thy stren,gth, and with all thy
mmd; and thy neighbor as th1Jselt."-Luke 10: 21.

ODAY'S study is the story of The Good Samaritan,

"'ith the Golden Text, "'i'hou shalt love the Lord thy
Cod with all thy twart, anu with all thy soul, and with
all thy stren~th, and with all thy mind; and thy IWighbor
as t1lyself;' as the central thou~ht. The Pharisees aJ1(1
Ilcribes and lawyers were ever ready both to criticize .Jesus
land to try to catch llim on some point, that they mi~ht
hold him up to ridicule or censure, or bring a char~e a~ainst
him. They and the chief priests and e!<lers saw that a II
their interests wpre in danger if the teal'1ling of .Jesus obtained amongst the people; consequently they not only rejected his teachings, but <lid what they could to prenmt
him from gpttin~ any inf]uenl'e amongst tlie lwople.
2Home time before our Lord related this story, he realizpd that his Father ",as speaking to him in the experiences
of his ministr~. He had given considerable attention to
the leadprs of the people in the hope that they would see
in him the One sent of God to help all Isral'l bal'k' into the
ways of Jehovah, and on into the light of the truth whkh
he had come to giye. But he saw thE'se were tuming away
frolll the light; and that the least expel'tp<l, the babes, the
meek of the people, were understanding wllere the wise did
not. He thanked tho Father for tile revelation of his will:
"In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank
thee, a Father, Lord of hem'en and earth, that thou hast
hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealI'd them unto babes: even so, I"ather; for so it seemed
good in thy sight."-Luke 10: 21.
3Jesus changed his ministry aCl'or<lingly. Perhaps his
praypr was spoken aloud, and some of the leaders heard
it. Soon afterwards, as appears from Luke's account, a
lawyer came to him with the objpct of catching him, and
with mock humility said: "Master, what shall I do to
inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10: 25) 'i'his question in another form was latpr put to Jesus. The rich young mnn
said to him, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal
life?" (LUke 18: 18) There the ;young man was genuille
in his inquiry; and Jpsus, looking on him, loyed him. But
the law~'er was not genuine; for the question was not pm
for guidance; it cume from a mean spidt, one which would
make use of holy things for wieked purposes.
4ThI' law;yer knew that the Law promispd life to those
who kept it (Leviticus 18: 5); but it was apparent that
no one was entering into life. He knew that Jesus professed
to teach the way of life. Would Jesus repudiate the Law of
Moses? He expected that Jesus would say sOIllPthing whieh
would nppear contrary to the Law, and therefore that he
would get an opportunity of showing that Jesus was in
opposition to Moses, and that he would be able to denounce
Jesus as a false teacher. But Jesus turned his question
back on him anu said; "What is written in the law'? how
readest thou?" as if to say; 'You who are a lawyer, a
teacher of the law, must know that the law mak!'s provision
for life; how do you understand it'!' The lawyer ill I'eply
gave a good answer, the answer of our Golden 'i'ext. Jesus'
response was short. He said: "Thou hast answered right:
this do and thou shalt live." (Y. 28) Jesus' answel', taken
from the man's own mouth, made the man prove that he
was not keeping the Law he profl'ssed both to teach and
to keep. 'Vanting to justify himself he raised the question
to Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" as if he would say, 'I have
kept the law in relationship to God; but as to whom I
bare to love as I love mj'self is an open question; and if

I have failed, it is in that. Are my, neighbors those whom

I know, or are all of Israel my neighbors?'
5Jesus answered by telling the story of the good Samarl
tan. He told of a traveler going down from Jerusall'lIl to
Jl'l'icho, wlto fl"1l among thieves, by whom he was stripped
of his raiment, badly wounded, and left on the roadside
half dead. 'i'lte illustration would be very vivid to the
mind of the lawypr; for tlte road was a desolate one, traversing uninhabitable country, and always dangerous because of bands of robbers. It is still so.
WHO OUR NEIGHBORS ARE
6.Jesus f'aid that a l'prtain pripst-our Lord's word sepms
to indicate that Ill' is narrating an incident- went down
that ",ay, but that when he saw the ",ounded man l~'ing
he passed by on the other side. 'l'he road was merely an
oJlPn country road, but he walkpd as far as possible a",ay
from the ,Yol!lHled man. Later a Levite ('ame to the place,
III' acted a little <lifferl'ntly. He ('lime near and looked on
the man, thpn he also walked away, and went on his way.
Then, sai<1 .Jpsus, a cel'tain Ran1ll1itan as. he journeyed came
where the man was, saw him lying' wounded, and felt compassion for him, went to him, hound up his wounds. set
him on his own beast, and took him to an inn. The Samaritan remained oyer ni~ht. The next day, paying the landlord for the acconJllJodntion, he left money with him for
the wounded man's care, and promised that when he returned he would rppay U11~thing that the host had spent
in carin~ for the wounded man.
1.J esus now put the question to the lawyer: "Which now
of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that
fell among the thieves?" The lawyer was forced to acknowledge the truth, but did so begTud~ingly. He would not
say: "'rhe Samaritan," but he said: "He that showed mercy
on him." Thpn came the ready reply of the Master to him,
"Go, and do thou likewise."
B'i'he turn of the story giyes also a turn to the lawyer's
question. He askpd of .Jesus: "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus askpd him, after giying the illustration: "Who then is
neighbor to him that fell among the thieyes?" the obvious intent being to show that the answer to the lawyer's question is,
He is my nl'ighbor who npeds my help; and to point out
that the intent of the Law (as the lawyer should have interpreted it) is: "I must be neighbor to those who need
me." In other words, the purpose and intent of the Law is
that neighborliness shoul<1 he in the heart. He who would
keep the Law should not look about him to see who amongst
all his acquaintances or friends is to be considered as his
neighbor, but rather should look within himself to see how
much loye he has in his heart for all who may need him.
9~0 doubt the answer was n9t at aU as the lawyer had
exppcted. He was of the same class as the priest and the
Levite, and it is very probable that he would have done as
they did. To him, to have in some measure to be involved
in every case of distress which came before him was not
at all aceording to pis conceptions of the Law. The Lord
told him to be as good as the Samaritan, ann to live according to his own acknowledged conception of the requirements
of God; namely, to love God with all his heart, mind, SOUl,
and strength, and to love hil:' neighbor as he loved himself.
lOA narrow-minded Isrnelite might have thought that
such neighborliness should be limited to those whom he
knew. One with a broader view might consider that any-

328

NOVEMBER 1, 1924

CV1eWATCH TOWER

one of his own tribe should be included. A true Israelite

would know that anyone of his nation must be considered
as neighbor whom he must help as need called, or as oppor
tunity of service afforded. But our Lord lifted the Law
be~'ond the bounds of Israel, and by this illustration of a
Samaritan doing good to an Israelite, showed that a true
son of Israel who would kepp the Law of God should ('on
~ider anyone in need as his neighbor, whether he was of
Israel or not. For though Israel was separated from the
nations unto God, it was not because God had respect to
them alone, but that they mi:~ht be God's instrument for
carQ'ing- out the Abrahamie promise, which had respect to
all the families of the earth.
llGenerally those who have considered themselves as
God's eled, as h;ntel of old, the Pharisees of .lesus' day
(John 8: 33), ami narrow sectarians since, have had little
love in their hearts towards their fellow men. They have
ever been r"ady to consip;n the non-elect to the nether regions
or etemal firl's. But a true understanding of God's purpose
in election widens the heart, pnriches it, and deepens love
iJoth for God and for his human children who do not ~'et
know him; for they see they are chosen to be the Lonl's
chann"ls of hlessing to the non-elect. And none can ullilllatpl~' he of the elect of God unless he has love in his heart
for the fallen human family. (Homans 8: 9) It is manifest
that any man who lives acpording to this standard is living
according to the highest concpption of life and its responsibilities that God has revealed.
COMPASSION FOR THOSE ROBBED OF LIFE

829

which humanity is traveling. It started well in Eden, but has

gone the downward road to self-will and destruction as a rommunity. It has pleased God to pernlit a long period of
dominion to Satan, during which he has had control over
earth's affairs, and has permitted bold, arrogant, and clever
men to assume positions of authority over their fellows;
and these have almost invariably taken full advantage of
the opportunitips thl'ir circumstances gave them to rob
thpir fpllo,," men.
l(;The thieves are still on the road; thpse are found in
the giallt cOlllOrations, and in the profiteers and the finaneiprs who fix the pricps of the world's commo(Uties, and in all
who take adnmtage of their neighbor's need. Thousands
who consider themselves good and honcst people, who invest
their 1ll0Ile~' in these g-iant cOlllorations, well plpllspd to gel
good di videllds from them, are not free from l'cBponsibility
in this ma ttpr. Also priestcraft is still with us. and in
Ipag-ue with the present system; alld the rich in tum help
to kepp up the giant epclesiastical systems which have never
sought to help humanity, but rather have served to keep
the people in bondap;e.
17Like the Nillevites of old, mell to<lay live in ignorance
of God. They lIeither know his love, nor understand his
righteous requirements. They have been wounded by sin,
robbed by the evil institutions of the world, and ignored
by those who professed to represent God, or told that eternal
suffering awaitc<l all who did not conform to their church
instructions. But God in his own due time showed his
mercy. He sent Jesus to tell of his love and to die as a
rallsom price, that sill atonement might be made.
18Now the true followers of .lesus are called upon to play
the part of the g-ood Samaritan. To the ecclesiastical world
they, like the Master, are Samaritan outcasts; but haVing
the compassion of the :\faster in their hearts they joyfully
seek to do his will. It is now their privilege to declare
and show the love of God and the love of Christ for the
human family, to bind up its wounds, to comfort the brokenhearted by telling the message of the kingdom. 'nll'se understand well why they are traveling on til(' road from Jerusalem to Jericho; and they are not at all fearfUl for themselves lest any balld of thieves and roiJbers shall fall upon
them. They love God and witness for him. They love their
neighbors and tell of God's love for them.
19This sto~' is intended to show that a man does not live
for himself. No one of Israel eould be a true Israelite
who paid no attention to the welfare of Israel. In spiritual
things no one is a true Israelite who separutl's himself from
his fellows. God will have his own manifesting his love,
which is ever giving out, seeking to comfort, and strengthen,
and bless.

12God has in his providences had servants who have been

called to do c-ertain work for him, as his Son our Lord, as
Moses, PaUl, and many others. Each of these has had his
responsibility toward the Lord, but even in their highest
service their service could be encompassed within the range
of the words of oUl' Golden Text. But those also who are
not speciall~' callpd to particular sen'ice, whose lives may
be cast in the quite ordinary ways of life, are privileg-ed
also to come within the compass. They can love God with
all their heart, mind, soul, and strength; and, by the grace
of God through the Lord Jesus, they can love their neighbors as they love themselves.
13This, lesson teaches us that Jesus was a "good Samal'itan". None other of all the sons of men has had such compassion as he on those who have been hurt by the power
of sin and robbed of life and happiness by Satan and his
institutions. But why did Jesus picture himself as a
Samaritan rather than as a son of Israel? The answer is
probably found in the fact that the Jews hart spoken of
him in derision as a Samaritan. (John 8: 48) 'l'hey treated
him as lin outcast, alld in contemptuous terms called him
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
a Samaritan; but we thank God we have this compassion- .What was the attitude of the Jewish leaders toward Jesus? Why
"as this? ~ 1.
ate picture of him.
How did tl\(' Father sometimes sp<'ak to .T<,sus? ~:J.
14Another point that calls for notice is the fact that office What was the differ<'nce betw~u the attitude of the lawyer and
that of the rich rounj1; man? 11 3.
in the temple service in ;rerusalem seemed ever to harden How
did .le-'us turn the law~'er's question back at him? What di~
the heart; and that this is true of official service today,
the la~'yer th<'n do to justify himself'! 11 4.
did Jesus show his mastery over the man schOOled in lIIoses'
and has been in all the days between. Those who have How
law: 11 5-7.
served in office as ministering before God for their brethren Who is Om" neighlror? Hnw may we demonstrate our neighborU.
n,,"s: 11 8.
have ever been in danger of great selfishness and lack of Was
the lawyer pleased with his visit to Jesus? 11 9.
sympathy. Some, like Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, 'Vhat are the [oyr views of this matter of who is our neighbor?
'Vhat
was God's object in dealing with Israel alone: 11 10.
have escaped that and have Uved before God billmeless.
What is it that wielens and enriches and de"pen" th" heart toward
But "priests and Levites" have ever had to contend with
humanit~, and therefore. inculcates neighborliness: ~ 11.
t \vOI'c1s encompass a field large enough to cO"er all our );lest
the temptation of selfishness, and history records that Wha
endeavors: 1112.
most of them have fallen before it.
Who is the great Good Samaritan? Why did Jesus so picture
himself: 11 13.
15The story is plainly an illustration of God's dealings 'Vhat
do~ authority in office usually do for a person? Is tbere
danger III the Church along the same line: ~ 14.
with humanity. If Jesus is represented by the good SamariWhat
does our lesson illustrate: Are the "thieYes" still on the
tan, then God is also represented; for Jesus came to tell of
road: 1115, 16.
his Father's love. The. journey between Jerusalem and What is the true situation of mankind? ~ 17.
are the truly good Samaritans: Does man live for himselfl
Jericho represents the rough, downward, thief-infested road Who
Do true Israelites separate from one another? '1118, 19.

THE MAN BORN BLIND

--DECEMBER

7--JoHN 9: 1-41.--

JESUS JD:Q1J1BED OBEDIENCE FOB RESUJ.TS-IMPORTANT PART OF GOD'S PLAN ILL];STRATED--MUST APPLY WATEB TO SEE.

"One thing [ krww, that, whereas I

T SEElIS erident that John m3~ 1\ f!lelectlon of which

mirades of Jesus he would put on record; for of the
lDIIJ1lV whidl were wrought he hal!! recorded only se'Ven,
as if dIe8e completely illustrate the various features of
Jesus' work and the various phases of the purposes of God
tllroad1 Jesus. For today's study we have the incident of
Jesus bealing a man who was born blind, a mirac!<~ which
is recorded only by John, and to which by his long and full
aooount he seems to draw special attention.
2Jesus was in Jerusalem. Passing along the street he
saw a man who was blind from birth. Probably the man was
in his accustomed place for receiving alms, and his case
was evidently well known to be not one of loss of sight but
congenital. Blindness was and is common in PalpstIne, but
the greater part of the suffering from this terrible affli(tion
Is the result of carelessness. Even tOday it is not an uncommon sight in Jerusalem to see a helpless baby with its eyes
covered with flies, and its parents or guardians seemingly
quite indifferent. There was apparently no question raised
118 to DeI'sonal responsibility respecting blindness resulting
from carelessness, but the .Jews raised a theologicnl problem
in the case of a man born blind; they thought that God had
interfered in order to show his displeasure.
SHere was a chance for the disciples to learn something
'from their Master and to get this knotty question settled.
Seeing that Jesus had noticed the man, they ealled attention
to him. They said: "Master, who did sin, this man, or his
parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered that
neither the man's sin nor his parents' sin had anything to
do with the blindness, but that he was born blind, "that the
works of God shouIU be made manifest in him." (John 9; 3)
He also said that the man was there that he (Jesus) migllt
"work the works of God", While it was yet day. He said:
"AS lung as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
(John l); 5) Accordingly he proceeded to give sight to the
man. His method was unusual. Mixing his spittle with
the dust at his feet, he anointed or covered the eyes of the
blind man with the clay he made. Then he bade the man
go to the pool of Siloam and wash.

-W;fUl

blind,

91-010

I BfJe."- John 9: 25.

eallecl his parents, a'HI asked if he were their son. They

ttgreed that he was. "Btlt by what mellm; be now seeth, we
know "!'lot; or who lmth opened his eyes we know not; he
is of age, ask him; fie shall speak for himself." They
answered in this lI'fty bpcause of ft'ar; for the Jews had
agr.eed that if 'llny m-an confessed that Jesns was the Christ
he shouid be put O'ut of tile synagogue.
5The Pharisees again called the blind man to them and
said to him; "GiYe God the praise"'; but they wanted him
to adlllit that the man who had given him sight was a sinner. The hlin-d man would not admit that. He said: "One
thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." On
tlleir questioning- him further, and again asking how this
Illan hal! opened his e~'S (for these were a parcel of rank
unbelievers who would not take the plain facts which were
befon~ them) he ans' ered: "I have told you already, and
you did not hear. Do you want to hear it 'llgain that yon may
bpcome hiFi dis('iples?" This continual -questioning caused
the man to hecome decisive, and to say in so many words
that they 'I'ere not using their reason. He said: "'We know
that God heareth not sinners. Rince the world began has
any man before opened the eyes of one that was born bllnd?"
This is the first till.!e in the history of the world that a man
born hlind had had his eyes opened; Cffl]ld such a miracle
be wrought by one who was not sent of God?
6This unanswerable nrgument irritated the Pharisees,
and coming back to the fact that he had been born blind
and to their prejudice and dogmas, they said: "Thou wast
altogether !JG.rn in j;ins, and dost thon teach us?" and they
excommunicated bim. As this excommunication must be
done in a formal manner tbe fact reveais that this discussion
was proionged, and that their decision was arrived at to
cold blood, and not in the eX'Citement of the moment. Jesus
heard of this and found the man. and asked him if he believed in the &m ~f God. He 'did not know much about
the Son of God, but be said to Jesus: "Who is he, Lord, that
I might believe on hirn?" For his heart was touched. Jesus
said that he himself was that Son of God who had come
into the world, saying, "Thou hast both seen him, and it
is he that talketh with thee." The man said: "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped Jesus.

JESUS REQUIRED OBEDIENCE FOR RESULTS

"When the man hal! olwyetl, his sight carne, the >niracie
was complete, and he returned home seeing. This wonderIMPORTANT PART OF GOD'S PLA"" ILLUSTRATED
ful thing seems to have brought immediate happillpss to
1There can be little question that here is a picture of
none. The man went to his home. and his neighbors won- pernlission of evil, an illustration of the plan and purpose
dered on seeing him. They di~puted as to whether or not of God. It was long taught that Adam's sin was charged
It was the man whom they had known so 10llg a time as the
to his children; that his condemnation was put upon them.
one that sat and begged. The man asserted his idelltity. Then Hut the Lord's people .are now better informed; they know
they said: "How we I'e thine eyes opened?" He told them this was not the case. (See WATCH T-oWER Aug. 1, 1920,
that a man named Jesus had anointed his eyes, and that pages 227,228.) Adam's sin was not charged to them; but
sight had come when he had washed the clay away. They being begotten after Adam had broken away from God, they
asked where this man .Tesus was; and he said: "I know not." were imperfect and easily became subject to sin by reason
Instead of rejoicing with him, th<>y took him to the Phari- of their fallen nature. l<'rom the time of Adam's sin the
sees, evidently because it was on the sabbatll day, and there union with God of life and happilless was destroyed. The
had been an infringement of the Pharisees' rules made for question, why has God permitted evil to rule, has ever been
the sabbath. These questioned him, and decided that the asked. 'l'he answer is as .Jesus gave it in respect to this
action was not a good one, and that the man who had per- man who was born blind; ~'he permission of evil is for the
formed the miracle was not a good man because he did not glory of God, and that his works may be manifest through
keep the sabbath. This raised the question, How can a Christ. The inevitable Buffering is a witness of God',,; wrath
man that is a sinner do such miracles? 'l'hey asked the against evil (Romans 1: 18); but the keener sufferings
man who had been blind what he had to say. lIe replied: which some undergo, whether of circumstances or physical
"He is a prophet." In their perverseness they grew stupid pain, do not arise from any specialwtice on the part of God.
aWe may know from the fact that evil has been permitted,
flnd many of them would not believe that a miracle had been
performed, or that this man was the one born lJ.lind. They tllat such a course was ooeessary. not only for man, but
33G

NOVEMBER 1, 1924

'The

331

WATCH TOWER

for the angels of heaven and, as we may judge, for creations yet to be. God is the center of all life, and his will
must be conformed to in all things. It must be, therefore,
that in the ultimate end nothing can be allowed to live save
that which is in harmony with his will. As he is good and
the foundation of all goodnpss, harmony with his will is
essential to the happiness of every creature. The experience
of the human family, and the revelation we have of the
will of God concel"Iling the angels, show that selfishness,
which is opposition to the will of God, is ever pOssible,
D'I'he permission of evil has b('conw part of God's plan
in ol"llt'r that Grnl may have an etemalrt.col.(l for all his
intellig('nt crl>atures that sel1ishness is evil in itst'lf, in that
it is oJlpo"ition to the Creator's will and leads to lack of
IJarmon~' ami must nltimately end in death.
~uch an exhibition \\'I1S np('pS";'1ry, 01' tlw gOOllness of GOII would have
prt'vpnted its ravage", God lloes not (10 evil that good may
('OInt', but lie h:is !It'rmittell its advt'nt and rule in order
that whpn. in rlue timt' his love and rightpouslleSoS may be
uispla~'ed, the hearts of his creaturps 8hall be drawn to him.
MUST APPLY WATER TO SEE
lOIn the casp of this blind man Jesus did not call for
faith, bnt for olll'l!ience; and obedipnee led to thl> ('olllpletion
of the act of grar'e, The mira(']e was in itself only a nll'ans
to an end. 'i'he pn(1 was ;.:ained whpn the man, proving himEelf, sutTel'ell fot his vinllipation of .TpS11S, and also whpn
Jesus had founll him and It'll him into belief anl! al'('l>jJtanee
of him"plf ai'; the Son of Hod, "'ithout doubt this is 1111
illustration of how in tht' king(loll1 of Christ t hIe blind human
family, hoi'll in sin aIH] shapen in iniquity, will rpcpive
sight, and how those who will use thpir restol'ed sight to
decision for God ami righteousnpss will be blpssed by full
uniou with him,
ll,Jt'sus used tlw (']ay, anll eaused the man to wash it
off in order that it mi;.:ht beeome a s~'llIbol of how earth's
defilempnt will be waRhed a\\'a~' by thp pmYl>r of Christ
anti by the obp(!ipnee of faith, The bIiIHlneRR seemed as if
it woultl be iluule worse by the ela~', but it was a nccessary
feature of the illustrative mira(']e, In tilt'S(' lhl~'S, when the
Lord Ilas COllie (lown to earth to delivpr it from its blindness
and from the bondage of ('vil, its trouble is apparently made
much worsc; yet this is only a part of the process, Tile world
is bein~ dpalt with, and for the moment its possibility of
seeing is apparf>ntly being damaged; but with the obedience
of mankinll to wush in the water of truth, both the trouble
and thc blindness will pass away.
12When the incidpnt was closed Jesus commented upon it.
He said; "1<'01' judgment I am come into this world, that
tht'y which see not might see; and that they which see
might be made blind," Some of the Pharisees heard him
and aRked; "Are we blind .also?" He replied to the purport
that if by training or nature they had been ignorant persons,
blind mentally, they would have been as free from sinful
l"esponsibility, as he at the first had said of the blind man
and his parents; but because they claimed to have sight,
their sin remained., '.rhe incident discloses a terrible condition of heart in the Pharisees. 'l'ht'y were not at all
pleased that the blind sufferer had received sight. Indeed,
they became angry with him, as they were with Jesus, and
quickly they made him an outcast from society. He was no
longer conshlered fit to associate with the worsllipers of God.

"They were an doctors of renown,

The great men of a famous town,
With deep brows wrinkled, broad and wise,
Beneath their Wide phylacteries.
The wisdom of the East was theirs,
And honor crowned their silver hairs.

l3It is evident that the Pharisees were men of an evil

minu, and that their care was not at all for the honor of
God and for the honor of the sabbath. It is impossible that
such men could care for God's honor. They were angry
because thcir position was threatened, and because works
of good intent, of righteousness, works that evidently bore
tile marks of God, were being done and they themselves
were ignored. These things are being rep\'llt(~d today. Until
our day there has nevel' bPen an pxplanatioil of the permission of evil. Hut now in the fact of the kin~dom we have
the explanation; and it is being told Ollt to the people, removing the blilltlness of human nature in those whose hearts
Il'an towurds righteousness. God today has a people who
arc scnt of Ilim to do the works of God by carrying the
message of the king(lom, which opens the e~'es of those born
lJlind, But with what result is it tolll to those who have
profp:,;st'd to represpnt Urnl? This: that orthodo,xy speaks
pvil of the good work and of those who accept the tl'Uth,
and. it continues to speak evil of those who carry the message of the kingdom abrOall. Yery mtU1Y of these leaders
have done what they eould to get tile pt'ople to believe that
the mpssengers of tile kingdom are not clean, are unworthy
of nei;.:hborly assol'iation, and should be trt'ated as outcasts.
14\YIJPrf>ver truth goes judgll1f>nt a('('omjlUnies it. That
whieh IHlppcnl>d when Jeslls brought the light of truth is
reIJPatell IIOW during the time of his second presence. Some
lire ext,'emely happy b~' accepting Ilim and the fact oj' the
killgdolll; alld >,'OlIle are made misprahle, bt'ea11se there is
light heing spn'ad abroad whil'h thpy themselves have not
been u:';PlI to give, and the sprpatling of which proves that
tlle~' who Imye eOllsidere(! themselws indispensable are not
at all Ileel'ssary, but instead nre demollst"uted to be hindrances to light and sprcadprs of dal'knt'ss. There are many
who perepive that miraeles of blessing are being performed,
who Sl"e that ppople ,,'ho coulll hardly be expected to know
1lI1ythillg of the light of the
onl of God are understanding it clearl~', These, pel'sistin;.: in opposing the truth, so
eYidpntly a \York of grtl('e nlld of GOlI, are likely to find themsplves losillg all fa(~ulty of sef>ing the truth, The coming
of Jesus eannot hring a blessing to suclL as these; it does
bring them jUdgment.

"T

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

Did John record all of the nltracle~ of Jesus', Why is the one of
today's lp:-.~on [;0 fnll~~ recorded'~ ~ 1.
What was the ('ondition of the RUUjPl't for thlR miracle? 'Vhat
kind of fJl1e~tlon (lid tlip. .Jpw~ raiRe concerning' the blind man"1 ~ 2.
What question <lid the diseillies ask ,T""u,'! lIow did Jesus prove
that he "as the li~ht of tIll' world' ~ :{,
What elid the man have to do to cooperate with JeRus? 'Vhat
exeeedingly :o:trfinge thing manifested it...;plf after the lOan reoeil'el1 his ,iidlt', Why could not the Phal'iseffi believe their
own sen-.;es? ~ 4.
How did t lIP lll'aled man finallv take the mea"lre of his antagonists (John 9: 30-33)', ~ 5, '
lIow (liel Ihp Pharisees R"pk to justify themsell'es? How was the
excommunicated man comforted 'I ~ G.
The mira('}e ,vitll ih~ attendin~ eil't'ulllstanePR represents what fea.
ture of God'~ plan') The ille,'itahle :O:l1ff(-ll'in~R of lllunanitv are an
evid,:n<:e of "hat ~1 Do the l\eeul'f' ~uffering"~ of mankind result
from spedal notH'e on the part of (;otl 'I ~ 7,
'Vh, are tJ uenent uy the penni"",OIl of el'il'! "'hat lasting lesson
is G0d hl'inglng te. IHfluldnd 'f ~ H.
'What particular evil is so suutile that few recognize it as an
e"il', ~ 9,
'Vhat other feature of the (lidne j)lan 'vas pictured? 1110,
What relation does the day IJl'ar to the entl of the a~e? 1111.
What is disclosed relative to thp Pharis,,"'? Ix,es it illustrate tl,e
condition of the modern Plutl'is('p...; '! 'Yhat knowledge nlust one
[)().,,;sess to

('ompreh~nd

the pel'lllb.;:-,ion ot evil '!

~]

2,13.

lIow does truth operate'! What parallels in our day the opening
of the ulind man's eyes' ~ H,

"The man they jeered and laughed to scorn

'Was unlearned, poor, and humbly horn;
But he knew better far than they
What came to him that Sabbath dRY;
And what the Christ had done for him
He knew, and not the Sanhedrim."

THE RAISING OF LAZARUS

--DlooEMBER

14--JoHN 11: 1-44----

:MIRACLE WllOUGHT IN PUllLIG--JESU!f ~ETURNS TO llETHANY-MESSIANIC KINGBOM FOllE.'fHADOWED.

"1 am the resun'ection, ana. the life."--John 11: 25.

UR subject for stlKly is the resurrection of Lazarus,
the greatest of all the miracles of Jesus. During' his
ministry Jesus bad already restored two persons to
llie. E'irst there was the young girl, the daughter of Jairus,
twelve years of age, fwm whom the breath of life had only
;tust gone when Jesus was brought to the bOily, He bade the
maid to arise. '['hen the organs of the body which had
ceased their movements began ag-ain, and the young girl
was given back to her father and mother. The seeond restoration, that of the roung man of Kain, was mOl"!' I"enmrkable; for the bodr was being carried. to the 2"rave When
Jesus met the pl"O('e""ion. Hel'e also he bade the yo,mg man
to arise; and at his word the body again began its movements, and consciousness retu nl I'd. Su('h miracles were
not altogether new in Israel; for in the days of Elijah find
Elisha life was restarted in bodiffi from "'hleh breath had
gone.-] Kings 17: 17-23; 2 Kings 4: 20-37.
2But in order that there might be such a miracle as would
overshadow all other mimcles of raising to life again another was arranged for, which should Ic'l1y(; no possible
doubt as to the power of God being manifested through
Jesus. Our lesson is the a('("Ount of that greatest of all
such exhibitions of power. It was not givpn to .Tpsus as a
man to start life; GOll on Iy could do that. But in the raising
of Lazarus it was gh'en to .TE'SUS to sppak a word which,
perhaps more than any other, conveyed the powpr of God.
In response to it the already corrupting bodr of Lazarus
immediately came from the tomb in the tlush of h!'alth and
lStrength, and despite the bondage of the gray!' clothes.
aNone of these miracles were resurrections in the full
sense. The two funner, as we have seen, causell non-corrupted organisms to restart in health; the last was diffE'rent
in that the body was raised after corruption had set in.
.Jesus' ministry was never easual; but for this g-reatest
miracle the scene was specially set, for the divine purpose
was in it. In time and manner of operation it fulfilled the
purposes of God.

MIRACLE WROUGHT IN PUBLIC

4None of the former miraclcs of .Tesus had heen wrought
under circumstances which challenged unbelief as this did.
Lazarus and his sistprs and their home were well known.
There was no possible question of the death and burial, nor
of the very probable corruption of the body having be:,(un.
When Jesus apPl"Oached the tomb, it was publicly; and there
were enemy critics present. In the coming forth no question
of cooperation of faith on the part of Lazarus could arise.
Indeed, the miracle was not questioned. The writer of the
account was evidently an eye-witness.
6In this connection it is to he noted that according to
all orthodox teaching- the miracle of raising Lazarus was
greater than that of raiRing Jesus himself. Jl'SUS died on
the afternoon of the 14th day of Kisan (Friday), and was
raised very early on the morning of the 16th (Sunday).
ADd preserving spices were put into his grave as an immediate preventative of corruption. (.Tohn ]9: 39, 40) Thus a
restarting of his body, which could not have heg-un to corrupt and which we know did not cornlp!! (Acts 2: 3l}, was
not to be considered so great a miracle as the resurn'Ction
of Lazams, whose body had been in the grave four days,
and as to which there seems to have been no attempt made
to preserve it. Thus, although in all things God gives Jesus
pre-eminence (Colossians 1: 18), ecclesiastics have in this
given him a minor place. The fact Is, of course, that in
332

Jesus' own case there was no NlJuscitation of the body; and

therefore there is no C()mparisOll to be mad~ betwt*n the
resurrection of Jesus and any revivieations of human bodies
such as have been called resurrection.
"::S:ot one of the creeds allows that the soul, the person
Jesus, died. He could oot die, they say; for even as a man
hp had an immortal soul which they claim bo;]ily death
cannot touch. :l\Ioreover, they claim that he is God, and
thert'"fore eould not llie! When ecdesiastics speak of the
resurrection of .Jesus, the only possible "rpsurrpction" to
them is the reunion af his "immortal soul" with the mortal
hOlly. The fad is, of coursp, that .T!'sus was started in life
anew as a spirit bE'ing, and that his resurreetion from the
dead and exaltation to the divine glory cullpd forth the exhibition of tlle mi~hty power of God. (Ephesians 1: 19,20)
1.'lIe hody mn TTPll by suffeling and injury had sprved its
PUl1l0SP.
It had hf'en the tabernacle of the man .Tesus for
a time; it was his organism of life which he laid down ns
II f<acrifice, for a mnsom price, in order that sin atonement
for man might be made.-John 6: 51.
7After tbose encounters lI'ith the .Tews whieh are recorded
in thE' ninth and tenth chapters of St. John's Gospel, Jesus
left Jerusnlem and returned nortbward up the JOl'dan valley
to the place where he was baptizPd. (John 10: 40,42) There
he spent II time teachiu14 the people, and many believed on
him. 'Vhlle he was there he reeeived a message from the
two sisters at Bethany, saying, "I.ord, behold, he whom thon
Im'est is sick." (John 11: 3) Then Jesus said, apparently
to his di.~<'iples: "This sickness is not unto death, but for
the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified
thereby." He neither spoke the word which would heal. as
in tilt'" case of the centurion's servant (LUke 7: 2-10), nor
malle any move for the relief of Lazarus; but sta;yed on
for two da~'s after the message reached him.
JESUS RETURNS TO BETHANY
8ThI' sisters do not seem to have marIe any request for
the Lord to come to them. Perhaps they thought the mere
me~ti{)n of the sickness and their distress was snfficient;
iade"ed that seems to be implied in the form of their message.
If that alone were the sisters' mes."a~e it was surely hardly
suffiC"ipnt; for no one lIlay be on such familiar terms with
tbe Lord as not to need to eXIlress in petition what they
would have from him. After two days he said to his disciples: "Lt'"t Ul" go into Judea again." But rempmlJering
that so reeently the Jews were ready to stone him, they
expressed their surpri~p to him. Jesus said that he PIld
but a limited time in whieh he could do his work, and that
he lllllst go. Then he said: "Our friend Lazarus slecpeth;
but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."
9The disciples were now as surprised that the Lord WOUld
go to awaken Lazarus out of sleep as they must have been
at his inaction when he heard that Lazarus was sick. T'hen
he tolo thl'm plainly that Lazarus was dead, and that he
'VlIS glad for tllE'ir sakps that he bad not been present in
Bethany, for this was something intended to increase their
faith in him; as if before the crucifixion the disciples
snl}u](] have a crowning evidence of their Master's mfssion
and of his relation to God, his Father. Thomas, the practical and faithful follower and loyer of the Lord, who knew
the hatred of the Jews and saw the possible consequences,
said to the others: "Let us also go, that we may die With
him."
lOAs Jesus nelU'ed Bethany, l\fartha went ont to meet

~OVEMBER

1, 1924

CflleWATCH TOWER

him. As she met him, she said, with perhaps a little reproach in her words: "Lord, if thou hadst been here,
my brother had not died." "But,H she added, "I know
that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of GOO, God
will give it thee." .Tesus made no direct response to
that implied request. Wanting to carry her mind on beyond
her iumw<liate desire to have her brother back, he said:
"Thy hrother shall rise agllin." (John 11: 23)
Martha
said: "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection
at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection,
llnd the life: be that believeth in me, though he were dead,
yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and belie;'eth in
mp shall nev!'r die." 'Do you, Martha, believe this?' said
Jesus. ~he answered: "Yea, Lord; I believe that thou art
the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the
world." Her confef'sion enlarged her vision.
lIlt is sometinws thought that Mary was the readier pupil
of the two; but ~Inrtha's quick mind was well preparp<l
for the truth. f;he \vaitpd no longer, but called her sister
privat'ly. :i\Iary immediately went to .Jesus. Hpr weeping"
and that of the others seemed as if it were more than he
could bear; for lw groaned in spirit and was troubled, an<l
Wl'llt with them. (V. 35) Groaning within himself he came
to the cave, and bade the people take the stone away.
Martha would llllve prevented him. But be said to her in
words not hitherto recorded: "Said I not unto thee, that,
if thou wouldest believe, thou sbouldest see the glory of
God?" Then he prayed aloud, thanking his father because
he heard him, and said: "I knew that thuu hearest me
always." These words he said that those about him might
belieVE' that he was God's messenger.-John 11: 42.
12\Ylthout doubt when Jesus groaned within himself he
prayed to the Father that the :b'ather's power might be
operative upon the corrupting body in the tomb; and he
had the a!'!'urance that God had prepared that body for the
word uf life. Jesus now cried with a loud yoiL-e as if Ilis
words shoulll carry throu~h the grave clothes to the body
now ready to hear the sound: "Lazarus, come forth!" And
he that was dead came forth, bound in the grave clothes.
"I.oose him, and let him go," said Jesus.
MESSIANIC KINGDOM IS FORESHADOWED
was this miracle which called forth Jesus' declaration: "I am the rl'SurJ"('ction, and the life," words which
may be taken a>; Jesus' challenge to death and to the powers
of death. If it please God to let a believer die, yet shall
Jesus be the power of resurrection and of life to him. (John
11: 2G) Ami, when the time comes for God to give the
blessing of life (and it is here, at the doors), then he who
belieYes will be kept from death. (V.26) In his kingdom
Jesus will give life to whomsoever he wilL (John 5: 21)
Death and .Tesus cannot remain together. He is now Lord
of the dead as well as of the living.. (Romans 14: 9) When
he and death meet, dE'ath must flee before him. The hour
~s at hand when "all that are in the ~raves shall hear his
voiop. and shall come forth."-John 5: 28, 29.
14ThI' rai<;ing of Lazarus and the miracle which gave
sight to the man born blind are illustrative uf the plan of
God. Both of these miracles are said to be for the glory
of God. The first, that of sight given to the man born
blind, shows the consequences of the removal of sin. There
comes a time when God will take away the disability of
natural condemnation, when mankind will be freed from the
power of sin which has come upon thE'm through their inherent weakness, and when their blindness, their ignorance
of God, will be taken away. (Isaiah 25: 6; 40: 5; 1 Timothy
2 : 4) The second miracle, the raising of Lazarus, is a
picture of the deliverance of mankind from the power of
I31t

death. Here 'MlS an afD1ct1on which had been allowed to

come upon a :tamlly all unexpectedly, and which to them
under the circumstances of their friendship with the Lord,
was inexplicable.
15Together the miracles give a comprehensive picture of
the purposE' of God in Christ. Man by nature is "dead ill
trespasses and sins" (lLphef\ians 2: 1), walking according
to the course of this world. Man hltS no pQt;sible way of
>;aving himself from the bonda~e of sin Hnd the power of
<leath. Jesus was sent according to the love of God to tell
of that loyI', and to die for the world that there might be
II rani'o"Om sacrificp, and an atonement made for all the human
famUy. In due time he was to return as the Savior. 'hen
suffpring had done its work, when there was a readiness
through great nccu, and wilen the hearts of men arc n>ady,
then the blessings of ueliverunce would come. The first miracle represents the powel' of sin being brokpll when, under that
rei g"ll, tile ohedien('e dE'manded is rendf'red. The second
rppresents the exercise of the power of God over death.
:Millions of those redePffie<I by Christ are in death. But
the Son of God has power to give life. (John 5: 25) Those
who are dead will respond to the word of life and will come
forth from the power of death, answering that living word.
16S0 cluse are the blessings of the kingdom and the time
when the dead will begin to come forth from the denth state
that we can almost see the scenes being set for the great
work. Jesus and the Church will be there to sp'ak the
word of the power of God, and in due order and time the
dead will answer. Thpy will appear bound with the grave
clothes of the old lack of knowledge of God. By far the
g-reater number of them died! in absolute ignorance of God;
many die<i expecting to go to a hell of torment; some died
expecting to see heaven. But the word will go forth to all,
LooRe him and let him go; take away the misunderstanding:
let him know the love of God and the fact of the kingdom,
Jesus will have those ready to help whom he has specially
provided for the purpose: First God's ancient p'ople Israel,
'.111(1 then everyone who himself has been blessed. Those
who come forth will come into a land of loving hffirts, and
into the hands of those ready to help them up the highway
of holiness and to the joys of the kingdom.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Which of the miracles of Jesus is the /';reatest? How many person,
did Je8US raise from the dead'l Show their progressh'e order.
'111,2.
Were these resurrections in the full sense? \Vhich miracle more
than any other challenged unbeli"f? What are some of the outstanding points in the raising ot Lazarus? 'I! 3, 4.
'Vas the raising; of LuzanlS g;reater than the raising of JesUiT
From what viewpoint have the ecclesiastics given Jesus a minor
place'! ~ 5.
In what respect do the creeds wholly misrepresent the truth \
What do ecclesiastics know about the re;urrection of Jesus? 'II 6.
Where was J eRUS when he heard of the sielmess of Lazarus? What
did he say and do? 'II 7.
Can we now see In the fonn of message Jf'SUS received a deeper
insight into why Jesus tarried for Lazarus to die? 'II 8.
Why could Jesus be .Il'lad that he was not in Bethany at that time?
What very commendable thing do we read of Thomas'l 'If 9.
What did Jesus say to Martha to Cllrry her beyond the present
environment'! What did Martha understand about the resurrection"! ~ 10.
Did Martha manifest that she had a quick discerning mind? Wa"
J csus touched willi a feeling of our infinnities? 'II II.
What was Jesus probably doing when he groaned within himself?
Why did he speak with a loud voice? '1112.
How did Jesus challenge the powers of death? Can we doubt the
reAurrection power which shali be used in the MeSSianic kingdom? 'If 13.
.
How do the two mlraeles, restoring the sight to the blind man and
the awakening of Lazarus, illustrate God's plan? '1114, 15.
By what agency will the power of life operate in the resurrection
day? What will remove the grave elothes of ignorance and
misunderstanding? When the millions BOW dead begin to com.
forth, what will they find upOn the earth? 1 16.

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The 700 pages of Berean Bible Teachers' Manual mentioned
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S'rUlllES IN THE SCRIPTURES, and others of our publications,
showlIlg the page where the text is more fully discussed and
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PART III. BEREAN TOPICAL INDEX: This index Is alphabeticallY
"'ranged P. nd presents a large variety of subjects, showing referet:.ces to the S1'UDIES IN 1'IIE SCRIPTURES and others of our pubI!-cations treating these subjects. This feature covers 38 pages.

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International Bible Students Association Oasse9

tecturel3 c1l1d B(uche6 btl 'frdVCUnq Brethren
BROTHER T. E. BARKER
)foultonville, N. H
East Wolfeboro, N. H.
Nashua, K. H.
Pittsheld, N. H.
Manchester, N. H.
Mllford, N. H.

Nov.20
.. 21
.. 23
.. 24
.. 25
26

Keene, N. H
Wilder, Vt.
Hanoer, N. H.
Newport, Vt
St. Johnsbury, Vt.
1IIorrisvilIe, Vt:

-----

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Nov.27
,. 28
.. 30
Dee. 1
2
3

Greenville, Tenn
Morristown, Tenn.
l(noxville, Tenn. _.0 __
New TazeweH, Tenn.
Luttrell, Tenn __
Rockwood, Tenn.

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Chester, Pa
Xov.
10
HObbs, Md.
11
Chestertown, lIId.
.. 12, 13
Wilmington, Del.
.. 14,] 6
Chesapeake City, \\frl.
]7
Havre de Grace, 1Ild.
18

Baltimore, lIId
Nov.19
Hagerstown, lIId.
" 20
Cumberland, Md.
.. ~~
Frostburg, lIId.
,
Lonaconing: ;\Id.
.. 24
lIIountain Lake Park, 1Ild. .. 25

Hanoyer, Pa
York, Pa.
lJowningtown, Pa.
Paoli, Pa.
Cfunrlen, N. J
I'hlladeiphia, Pa.
h.

Sharon, Pa
_
Erie, Pa
._
Fllrreli. Pa
New Brighton, Pa
Toronto, O
Negley, O. ..

Nov.19
.. 21
.. 23
.. 24
.. 25
26

J"ov.
..
..
..
..

20
21
23
24
25
2G

Nov.
::

21
23
24
25, 20
27
82

Pocatello, Ida
Gibbons"i!le, Ida
Buttc, Mont.
Billings, Mont.
Casper, Wyo
Siater, Wyo
__

-----

Edmonton, Alta
Calmar, Alta
Camrose, Alta. ..
Alliance, Alta. ..
Coronation, Alta
Swalwell, Alta.

Smiths FplIs, Onto

Nov.
21
Ottawa, Ont. ....
" 23, 24
Carieton Plllce, Onto
25
Pembroke, Onto _._.... JJ
26
Fiower Station, Onto
27
Kingston, Onto
28

Streator, Ill.
Bloomington, Ill.
Mattoon, Ill.
Evansl'ilJe, Ind.
Na~hville, Tenn.
Sm~'rna, Tenn.

Nov.
"
..
..
..

__

__

;:'\ov. 13
.. 14
__. .. ](j
.. 23
24
25

Kowanee, Ill
_
East Moline. III.
flal'enport, Ia.
Moline, III.
Hock Island, III.
Rochelle, Ill.

Belleville, Ont.
Trenton, Onto .__ ..
Stli'llng, Onto
Ha,elock, Onto
Peterboro, Onto
Linasay, Onto

_.

Nov.14
.. 16
tI

..
"
..

"~1

18
19
21

Nov. 30
Dec.
1
2, a
"
4:
" 11,7

17
18
l!l

20
23
24

Milton, Tenn. .
NOl~nandy, '1'enn.
Doyie, Tenn.
lIlc lIlinnville, Tenn.
Beans Creek, Tenn.
Chattanooga, Tenn

Springfield, Mass
EaRthamp-ton. Mass.
Holyoke, lIIas~.
Hartford, Conn.
New Bl'itain, Conn.
Cromwell, Conn.

Nov.
..
..
..
..

17
18
19
20
21
23

DayYille, Conn
Norwich, Conn.
New London, Conn.
Deep Hiver, Conn.
Branford, Conn.
New Haven, Conn.

----

BROTHER W. J. THORN
Nov.
30
Dee. 2, 3, 4
..
7
8, 9
" 11, 12
"
14

Berlin, N. Dak
Huron, S. Dak.
Mitchell, S. Dak.
Hartford, S. Dak.
Parker, S. Dak
Nenno, S. Dak.

Nov. 28-30
Dec.
1
..
3
..
4
..
11,7
8,9

Jennings, La
Nov.
11
Lake Charles, La.
.. 12, 14
Leesville, La.
13
Gienmora, La. ............"
14
KellY, L~
16
Sheveport, La.
19, 21

Nov.
"
"
..
..
Dec.

2:5
26
21

2/i
30

Nov.
24
" 25,2G
.. 27,28
30
Dee.
1
..
2,3

Nov.
"
..
..
..
..

25
211
2:.'
2il
::0

Chancellor, S. Dak. Dec.

Dads, S. Dak
..
II
Yankton, S. Dak
..
7,9
Irene, S. Dak
..
!l
Cor~ica, S. Dak
.. 10,11
Vermillion, S. Dak ..
12,14

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON
Logansport, La
l<'oreman, Ark.
Idabel, Okla. ..
Vallant, Okla.
Antlers, Okia.
Albion, Okla.

----

No .
20
.,
21
".... ..
:!
.. 211,2.
..
z7
..
28

BROTHER S. H. TOUT JIAN

Nov.
..
..
"

26
27

::8
30

Dee. 1

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
llracebridp;e, Onto
Nov.
13
Korth Bay, Onto
..
14
New Liskeard, Ont.....
16
Timmins, Onto
.. 17, 18
Sioux Lookout, Ont.
21
Fort Alj-.lmr, Onto ....
23, 24

Hull, Fla,
WauchUla, Fla.
Lakeland, Fla
_._
Avon Park, Fla.
Moore Haven, ["Ia.
Palm Beach, Fla.

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN
Nov.30
Dec. 1
3
.::
4
5
7

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Memphis, Tenn
Mounds, Ill.
Anna, Ill.
l'eoria, Ill.
Peru, Ill.
Princeton, Ill.

6
7,9
10
11
]2
13

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
Nov.
27
.. 28,30
Dec. 1, 2
,
3
..
5, 7
..
8, 9

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
Wadcua, Sask
Nov.
18
<.::Iair, Sask.
.. 19, 20
QullI Lake, Sask.
21
Humboldt. Sask.
23
N. Battleford, Sask... ..
25
Milletotl, Basi,.
26

Nov.24
25
26
27
28
30

_... "
..
..
,;

----

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Pocatello, Ida
Xov.
20
Salt Lake City, Utah
.. 21, 23
Midyale, Utah.
24
Ogden, Utah
25
Pocatello, Ida.
26
Challis, Ida.
27,28

1IIerrlIl, Wis
Wausau, Wis
l\..L~dion, 'Vi::;
_ _
Clintonville, Wis.
Bonduel, Wis.
Green Bay, Wis.

BROTHER C. ROBERTS

RusseIl, Kan
Nov.
27
'Vichita, Kan.
' 28, 30
Hardtner, Kan. ..
Dec.
1
'Vellington, Kan......... ..
3
Arkansas City, Kan. .. ..
4
Winfield, Kan.
5

Houston, Tex. .
Galveston, Tex
Aldn, Tex.
Jloustoo, Tex. .
Sealey, Tex
__..__
Corpus Christi, Tex.

Nov.24
" 25
.. 26
.. 21
.. 28
.. 30

----

Oldsmar, Fla..
Nov.
St. Petersburg, Fla.
"
Braclentown, Fla
_ ~"
Sarasota, Fia
_.........
Arcadia, li'Ia
__
Punta Gorda, lo'Ia.

BROTHER H. E. HAZLETT
Fannett, Tex
Beanmont, Tex.
Devers Tex.
Crosby: Tex
Houston, Tex.
Waller, Tex.

Chester, Pa
Pott~town, Pa.
Boyertown, Pa.
Linfieid, Pa.
Chester Springs, Pa.
Norristown, Pa.

BROTHER V. C. RICE

Linwood, Onto
NO\.27
lIIilverton, Onto
.. 28
Palmerstoll, Onto ._..'.."'" " 30
Elora, Onto .
__
Dec. 1
Gravenhurst, Onto
3
Bracebridge, Onto
4

Pendleton, Ore
Joseph, Ore.
La Grande, Ore
Pendleton, Ore
Hermiston, Ore.
Heppner, Ore.

__

"

Superior, Wis
Nov.
16
Withee, Wis
" 17,18
Unity, 'Vis..__
....."
19
2IIar"'hfield. Wi~. ........"
20
lIIilladore, Wis.
21
Junction City, ..Wis.
23

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Walla Walla, Wash
Pomeroy, Wash.
DaytoD, Wash.
Waitsburll:. Wash.
Walla Walla, 'Vash,
Weston, Ore.

_Nllv. 17
18
.. 19
.. 20
.. 21
23

BROTHER B. M. RICE
27
Nov.
__ " 28-30
1
Dec.
2
..
3
..
4,5
..

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
Lenora, Kan
Jamestown, Kan.
Solomon, Kan.
Abilene, Kan.
Waldo, Kan.
Salina, Kan.

__

__ _ . . . . .

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Scotland, Onto
Nov.]8
Galt, Onto
.. 20
Prp.stoIl, Onto __.........__. " 21
'1'oronto, Onto
.. 23
Goolpb, Onto
.. 25
Kitchener, Onto
_......... .. 26

Lebanon, Tenn
Nov. 25, 21
Nashville, Tenn.
21
Gadsden, Tenn. .._-..."
28
Big Sandy, Tenn.
30
Palmyra, Tenn. .
.Dec.
.1
Adams, Tenn. ...__ ..
2

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

BR9THER B. H. BOYD
Niles, O
Nov.
19
RObemont, O...._..."
~o
Youngstown, 0
.. 21,23
Columbiana, O.
24
East Palestine, O.
25
New Castle, Pa.
26

Nov.18
.. 19
20
.. 21
" 23
.. 24

"

Oxdrift, Onto
Nov.
25
Kenora, Onto
..
26
Winnipe~, Man.
.. 2830
Morris, Man
Dec.
1
Altona, Man
..
2
Winkler,- Man. .. __ ..
3

Healsburg, Calif
Eureka, Calif.-- __
San Hafael, Callf.
Richmond, Callf,
Stockton, Calif.
Modesto, Callf.

Nov.
18
" 19, 20
.. 21,23
24
..
25
26

Turlock, Callf.._
Hanford, Callf.
Fresno, CaIit.
Selma, Calif
Tuiare, Calif.
Bakersfield, Cali!.

Nov.2T
" 28

.. 80
Dec. 1
2

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
New Albany, Ind
Nov.
Salem, Ind.
Orleans, Ind.
MitcheIl, Ind.
Sparksville, Ind.... ~.::
BedtOi'd, Ind....__.-

13
14
16
17
18
19

Nashville, Ind
Nov.20
Martinsville, Ind. ...."
' l
Whiteland, Ind.
~4
La Porte, Ind
__...."
.~
Michi'g'an City, Ind... It
Gr.. nd Rapids, Mich,
27 .~.

ff.1cttn,Wil~1l1l9~1}y~t~1f1c~~Jl~gIbt?
~~}1ft>mu17llg ~1li1il~~.Mdi1\. ~tsU)t alBso2"-Iaai~
'01..

XLV

SEMI-MoNTHLY

No. 22

Anno Mundi 6053 -Nov. 15, 1924

CONTENTS
THE

CHRISTIAN'S

CONFLICT........_ ......339
339
339

Enemies of the "Seed"

_
JeRus' Experiences the Criterion
Other Methods of Attack
_.._
Followers of Jesus 'l'cmpted
Targets for Slander
_
Faithfulness to Brethren
_
_
What God Hates
_.._
_
The Lord's Code _....................._.._.._
False Brethren
_.._.._.._.._
_
Victory and Reward .................._
_

340
311
341
342
:143
343

344
344

PRAYERMEETING TEXT COMMENTS .._ ........ 315

THE CONVERSION OF ZACCHAEUS ..._ ........ 347
CENTRAL PERIOD OF CHRIST'S MINISTRY _ ._ ...349
INTERESTING LETTERS _ -.__ _._ __ _ .. 351

"1 will stand upon my watch and will set my 1u.>*

.pan the Tower, and will uatch to see what He wm
tall unto me, and what answer 1 shall make to theM
.hat oppose me."-H abakkuk ll: L

<--

-"L.-

Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the oea and the wav"," (the restless, dlaoontented) roaring; men'. hearts failing them for fear and for looking 60
the thin!,:s comin!,: upon the earth (soCIety); for the powers of tLe heavens (eeelesiaaticsm) shaH be shaken. . When ye see these things begin to come to pass. thea
know that the Kmgdom of God is st-nsnd. Look up, lift UP y<-ur heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.-Mstt. 24:33: Mark 13:29: Luke 21:25-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

BIB journal Is one of the prime factors or instrum...nts in the Hstem of Bible Instruction, or "Seminary Extenllion", now being
presented in all parts of the civilized wor:ld by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT Socn:TY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the ProIllotion of Christian Knowledl'"e". It not only serves as a class room where Bihh1 students may meet in the study of the divine Word but
also as a cllannel of communication through which they may be reached with annonncements of the Society's conventions and of the
coming of Its traveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's puulished STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., "Fc/'bi Dei Minister (V. D. 111.), which translated
into English is Minister at God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specialIy for the older Bible
8tudents and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now b('ing so generalIy repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who ga,-e himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitnte) for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 'l'imothy 2: G) Bnilding up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 l'eter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to "make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery wh'ct> .has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold Wisdom of Ood"-"wh: -' in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men IlS it is now revealed".-Ephesians 3: 59, 10.
lt stands free from all parties, s('cts and creeds of men. while it seeks DlOre and more to bring its every utteraD~e into fulIest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as e"pre"ed in tue holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but contident ;
for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faIth Ullon the sure prowises of God. It is held as a trnst, to be used only in hii
service; hence our decisions relative to what nlay and what may not appear in its columns mns!: be according to our judgment of hiS
good pleasure, the teaching of his 'Vord, for the upbuilrl4ng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ow:
readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to faCIlitate such te"ting.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church Is "the temple of the livIng God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has been in progress throu~hout
the gospel age--ever sin,'e Christ became the worhl's I!deemer and the Chief Corner Stone of Ilis temple, thron;.:h which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people", and they find access to him.-l Corinthians 3: 1G, 17; Ephesians 2: 2022;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progre~ses; and when the
last of these "Ih-ing stones H , "elect and pre('ious," f'ihall hU"e been made ready, the great :Master \Vorkmun ,vill bring all together
in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place bet\\ecn God and men throughout
the lliIlJenninm.-Revelation 1G: G-8.
"That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, hy the grace of God, tasted death for every
man," "a ransom for alI," and will be 'the true light which lighteth every man that Cometh into the tcorld", "in due time".HelJrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, G.
L'hat the hope of the church Is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he Is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as bis jointhelr.-l John 3:2; John 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
L'bat tbe present mission of the ehurch i. the perfecting- of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in hl'rself every
grace; to he I;OlI'S witness to the world; and to prepare to be kmgs and priests in tile next age.-BplJesians 4: 12; lI1attllew 24:
14; Heveiation 1: 6; 20: G.
That the hope for tue world lies In the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Cbrist's ;llillennial kin;!dom, the
restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and olJellient, at the hands of tUelr Hedeemer and IllS glorihed church,
wilen all Ihe wdfulJy WIcked will be destroyed.-Aets 3: 1923; Isaiah 35.

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LECTURES AND STUDIES BY TRAVELING BRETHREN

CONTINUED
BROTHER L. F. ZINK
Muskegon. Mich
Df'c. 1
Sparta, Mich. .................."
2
Grand Rapids. Mich.
3
KinfZ:Slev, Mich...." __,,,
4
Harbor 'Sprin/:s, Mich.
"5,7
Elk Rapids, Mich.
" 8, V

Tra"erse City, lItich

Lake Ann, Mich
Empire. Mich

.l\fanistee, l\fich..~._~._

Walhalla, Mich
Midland, Mich

Dec. 10
" 11
__. " 12
_._.. "

14

"
"

15
1G

1.l3S'A. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES

By Mea nsof

"The At-one-ment"

STUDY IX: "naptism. Witness, and Seal"

Week of December 7..Q. 19-24 Week of December 2LQ. 32-37
Week of December l'LQ. 25-31 Week of December 28..Q. 38-43

CONVENTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BY BROTHER RUTHERFORD

Quebec, r. Q. _.._._
_
_.......__......_ _.._........__ .Nov. 16
Secretary. A. L. Deachman, 379 St. Olivier St., Quebec, P. Q.
Allentown, Pa. _
.. .._
__
.._._ _..
._._~ec. 14
Secretary, C. R. Welda, 327 E. Union St.

&ifM!ATCH TOvVER
AND HE~ALD OF CHR~STS PRESENCE

VOL. XLV

NOVEMBER

.\"0.22

15, 1924

THE CHRISTIAN'S CONFLICT

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; ha<ving the same conflicf- which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me."-Philippmns 1: 29,30.
N 'rHlS text St. Paul emphasizes the privileges of
a Christian, showing that to participate in the suffering of Christ Jesus is a great favor. Many who
claim to be Christians cannot understand this. The
term "Christian" is generally understood among men
to mean any01le who is not a heathen. Such a definition
is far from the truth.
2 A true Christian is a new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians [): 17) To become a Christian one must believe that he is born a sinner; that Jesus is his Redeemer; and he must accept Christ Jesus as his Savior, and
manifest such belief and acceptance by a full and unresened consecration to do the will of God. His consecration being accepted, Jehovah justifies and begets
such an one to the divine nature; and this is the beginning of the new creature. ( James 1: 18; 1 Peter 1: 3)
As a new creature he possesses a mind, will and heart devoted to the Lord. His organism is that of flesh, which
is duty-bound to be submissive to the will that is in harmony with the will of God.
8The course of a Christian necessarily is in the opposite direction from that of the world. He is not of
the world, because the Lord hath chosen him out of the
world. His course of action is completely changed from
that pursued by him as a worldly person. His aims
and ambitions are different. His course of action, as
a Christian, necessarily brings opposition against him
from his enemies or those who oppose righteousness.
As a llew creature the Christian must fight against his
enemies. He cannot consistently perform his covenant
and do otherwise. It is a real fight, a battle, a conflict,
a struggle, until he is overcome or he himself is an overcomer. His enemies are unrelenting in manifestation
of enmity against him. The enemies are bent upon the
destruction of the Christian.

ENEMIES OF THE "SEED"

Whcn God expelled Adam and Eve from Eden he

said: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman,
and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy
head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." (Genesis 3: 15)

The seed of the woman is the Christ. Eve was mentioned here as a symbol. The WOIWlll that really produces the seed of promise is the Abrahamic-Sarah Covenant. God is the father; the covenant is the mother;
and the ofl'spring, to wit: the new creation, is the seed
of promise. It therefore follows that all true Christians
are embraced within the meaning of the term "the see.l
of promise", beca.use the Christ is composed of Jesu8
and his body members, which is the called-out class.-
Galatians 3: 16,27, 29; Colossians 1: 18.
5'1'hc serpent was used to represent Satan, who became the mimic god. Invisible to human eyes he has
exercised great power over the peoples of earth, which
power has always been for evil. It will be observed
that Jehovah said to the serpent: "Thy seed"; which
means that that old serpent, Satan, the devil, has offspring. These are not begotten and born as animal
creatures are begotten and born. Those who possess
and exercise the spirit of Satan are his children. To
the Pharisees Jesus said: "Ye are of your father the
devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do."-John
8: 44.
6The enemies of the Christian are properly defined
as all persons or agencies that act under the influence
or direction of Satan, in an attempt to injure or destroy the true Christian. The agencies employed include every creature whom the devil can directly or indirectly use against the true Christian. Satan in attacking the Christian employs fraud and deceit. He
appeals to the desire of his flesh, to the lust of his eyes,
and to the pride of life.
JESUS' EXPERIENCES THE CRITERION

'The trying experiences of Jesus furnish the criter'ion by which the conflict of his true follower is to
be measured. Jesus Christ at the age of thirty years was
begotten to the divine nature and anointed to be the
King of kings. Satan understood that Jesus was the
promised heir to the throne which would rule the new
heavens and new earth, and which would mean the overthrow of Satan. Bent upon his destruction Satan's
first attempt was to cause Jesus to be disloyal to bis

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Father and thereby to destroy himself. Loyalty meam

to do faithfully what the divine law requires. Had
Jesus pursued a course anywise contrary to the law
of Jehovah Ged, he would have been disloyal; and his
disloyalty would have rcsulted in his destruction.
BDoubtlcss Satan watched our Lord while in the
mountain. It was a wilderness condition there.
At
the end of forty days our Lord was hungry.
The
devil said to him: 'If thou be the Son of God, make
bread of these stones, and cat and appease thy hunger.'
This was an appeal by the dcvil to our Lord's 11e8h,
a temptation that he gratify it by using the powers
possessed by him by reason of being the Son of God.
Satan failed in this attack.
9Satan then presented to him a temptation that would
appeal to the desire of the eyes. In substance, he said:
'You must do something to attract the people to yourself and show them you are more than an ordinary
man. That is the only way you will ever be able to
shine above the Pharisees. Do something spectacular.
Go upon the top of the temple and jump off into the
valley. God will give his angels charge over you, to keep
you lest you should be injured.' This temptation failed.
lOThen Satan appealed to his ambition or pride of
life. He said in substance to our Lord: 'I know you
have come to be king of the earth. You must remember
that the earth is mine. Jehovah has acknowledged me
lIB the god of this world and you know that I am the
prince or ruler. It will require a long time for you to
beJ::ome king. If you want to beJ::ome king now I will
turn over all the kingdoms of the earth to you. The
only thing I will require is that you will worship me.'
This temptation failed.
llThe Lord Jesus withstood all these temptations,
proving his loyalty to God. In reply to each one he
said to Satan: "It is written," meaning thereby that
God's will required that he take a course contrary to
what Satan had marked out. Jesus determined to abide
by the will and the expressed law of his Father.
12In these three attacks Satan, the Opposer, appeared
by manifesting the characteristics of the serpent, or
deceiver, and practised fraud and deceit to induce the
Lord to sin; and as a dragon he stood by ready to devour
Christ Jesus.
OTHER METHODS OF ATTACK

After these attacks by the adversary had failed,

it is written: "And when the devil had ended all the
temptation, he departed from him for a season. And
Jesus returned in the power of the spirit into Galilee;
and there went out a fame of him through all the region
about." (Luke 4: 13, 14) It will be noted that the
fame of Jesus spread throughout the country, and that
the devil immediately proceeded by another method to
attack him. He appeared thereafter more prominently
in the capacity indicated by his name, the Devil, which
mf'aIlS Slanderer. He made these divers and numerous
l3

TOWER

BllOOKLYN, N. Y.

attacks through his constituted agencies. These agencies were the religionists of the time; to "it, the scribes,
the Pharisees, and the priests, who claimed to be of
the Lord, but who in fact were the representatives of
the devil. Jesus plainly so declared that the Pharisees
were the seed of the devil.-J aIm 8: 44.
14Satan now goaded these offspring of his to falsely
accuse the Lord of various violations of the Law, witb.
the evident purpose and intent of inducing the Lord
to depart from his covenant and thereby destroy himself; or to cause these visible representatives of the devil
to become so incensed agamst the Lord that they would
kill him. These agents or servants of the devil slandered
and falsely aCl:used the Lord before the people, hoping
thereby to turn the people away from God and from the
Lord and to incite them against the Lord that they
might destroy him. To this end numerous allegations
and accusations were brought against the Lord by thes3
devil agencies. They accused him of almost all crimes
known to the criminal calendar, among which was that
of eating with sinners. (Matthew D: 11) 'rhey maliciously and slanderously accused him of being a glutton
and a wine-bibber. (Matthew 11: 19) He was accused
of breaking the Sabbath day law and thereby making
himself liable to punishment with death (J ohn 5: 16) ;
he was maliciously accused of being a deceiver. (John
7: 12) These same devil agents accused him of being
ignorant and unlearned, therefore unable to teach the
people. (John 7: 15) They accused him of having a
devil and called him by the name of Beelzebub or chief
of devils. (John 7: 20; Matthew 10: 25) They falsely
and maliciously accused him of being a sinner. (John
9: 16-24) They openly and maliciously accused him
of blasphemy. (John 10: 33-37) They incited the mob
against him; they sought and procured false witnesses
against him, and time and time again formed conspiracies to kill him, and finally wickedly and unjustly convicted him in their own court and caused him to be put
to death.
THE CONFLICT OF JESUS_

15Satan waged this conflict against Jesus and lost.

Jesus battled against Satan's organization and won the
victory. Our Master said to his disciples: "In the world
ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have
overcome the world." (John 16:33) The inference to
be drawn from this statement is that all true followers
of Christ must have a similar conflict to that which he
had. The apostle Peter leaves us not in doubt upon
this point. He says: For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his I:1teps."-l Peter 2: 21.
16It was the purpose and intention of Jehovah that
all true Christians should travel the same road that
Jesus trod, and as a privilege to them God granted,
and grants, that each one shall suffer as Jesus suffered.
Each one is subjected to the same kind of temptations

NOVEMBER

15, 1924

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by which our Lord was beset. (Hebrews 4: 15; Revelation 3: 21) "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted."
-Hebrews 2: 18.
17The three primary temptations presented to our
Lord were presented to the eeclesia~ties, that is to say,
the elergy of nominal Chri~tendom, and upon all these
thrre points they have fallen. In their battle they
were overcome by the devil.
THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS TEMPTED

18All true Christians mmt come under a test similar

to that which was presented to the Lord, and they must
overcome in order to be forever with the Lord:
19 (1) As to the lust of the flesh: St. Paul urges
upon each one who is a new creature in Christ to perform his reasonable service, which rrasonable s('fvice to
the Lord is the using up of his faculties unselfishly in the
LOl'd's cause. (Romans 12: 1) A temptation is presented to all who are beg-otten and anointed of the holy
spirit to use their faculties for a selfish purpose. '1'his
temptation particularly comes to the elders. There is
a temptation to serve God's people for personal gain,
of fame amongst men, or for personal profit. St. Peter
makes clear the course that the true Christian must
take when he says: "Feed the flock of God which is
among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a
ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage,
but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief
Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory
that fadeth not away."-l Peter 5: 2-4.
20 (2) As to the eyes: Satan places a temptation
before the eyes of the Christian. He shows him the
glamour of his evil organization, the world. He presents to him the honor that he might enjoy and the
advantages he might gain by follOwing a course m,apped
out by the WOl'ld; that if he disreg-ards God's instructions he can have the plaudits of meil and shine amongst
men of the world; that if he docs something spectacular
he may shine above his fellow men. There is a temptation to have and possess such things.
21 (3) As to the pride of life: All men have more
or less pride. If a man can devise some scheme of reformation and g-et credit for it, even though it is in the
name of God, there is a temptation to do it. The true
Christian refuses to take this course but waits upon the
Lord; he ascertains the Lord's way, and does it that way.
This temptation of pride leads some to insist on pursuing a way of their own to serve the Lord and to establish his kingdom, in disregard of the Lord's appointed
way; and some fall under this temptation as leaders,
and some 8S followers of those who are leaders. The
true Christian withstands this temptation by diligently
seeking to know God's way, and earnestly and unselfishly follows the Lord's appointed way.

TARGETS FOR SLANDER

22Wben Jesus had successfully withstood the assaults

of Satan, upon the three primary temptations just
mentioned, the Scriptural statement is that then Satan
left Jesus for a season. It was after that that Satan
employed his agents or offspring, namely, the religionists of that day, to bring all malmer of fal~e accusations
and malicious slander against our LOl'd. This appears
to be the fixed TIlle: That as long as a true follower of
Christ Jesus valiantly fights against these three primary
tpmptations he will be the target of the devil for slander,
misrepresentation, abuse, and even physical persecution.
Slander means a verbal accusation against another of
wTong doing, made with the intent of doing injury to
such an one, or resulting injuriously to the good
name or reputation of the one slnndered.
23It will be observed that if Satan is successful in
overcoming the Christian with the three primary temptatiom, to wit: the appeal to the lust of the flesh, to the
lust of the eyes, and to the pride of life, such a person
is no longer necessarily the victim of slander. If the
Christian is the target of slander or false accusations,
these cease only when the Christian yields to the temptations of the lust of the eyes or the pride of life. The
rmson is that having fallen as a victim of the devil,
there is no further occasion for the devil to assault
him by slander. Bvidently this is the reason why Jesus
said: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak wen of
you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets."Luke 6: 26.
24Why is this so? Why can a true Christian not be
popular in the world? Because the Christian cannot
have the approval of the world and the favor of Hod
at the same time. The two are diametrically opposed
one to the other. The world is the devil's organization;
and the Christian who compromises with it is an adulterer, within the meaning of the Scriptures. To such St.
J ames says: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye
not that the friendship of the world is enmity with
God? whosoever therefore "ill be a friend of the world
is the enemy of God."-James 4: 4.
25
80 the line is clearly drawn that he who will be a
friend of God cannot bc a friend of the world. That
is to say, he who will firmly fight for the cause of righteousness and truth, under the leadership of Christ Jesus
will have the world as his enemy. If he comprom.ise~
with the world he becomes a spiritual adulterer, and
becomes an enemy of God.
THE CHRISTIAN'S CONFLICT IS REAL

26The conflict of the Christian is not ima<Tinary' it

.
1
b
,
IS rea. It is a fight to the bitter end. He must expect
the world to oppose him. Concerning this Jesus said:
"If the world hate you, ye h.'"llOW that it hated me before
it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would
love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but
I have chmlen you out of the world, therefore thfl world

842

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WATCH TOWER

hateth yOU. Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not grcuter than his lord. If they have
persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they
have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."- John
15: 18-20.

27The more loyal a Christian is, the more faithfully

he represents his Lord and serves him, the more he will
be the target for the vicious darts of the evil one, fhell
at him from various agencies in an attempt to cause his
destruction. The apostle Paul had this conilict. He
knew that all of the true followers of Jesus Christ woulll
have it. Hence he wrote: "And in nothing terrified by
your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of
perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God."Philippians 1: 28.
28l\fany of the Christian's adversaries, seeing tho
Christian the victim of slander, vituperation and evil
epithets, take it at once that this is an evidence that such
Christian is going to perdition. But the Apostle says:
'If you are thus suffering as a follower of Christ, it is
to you a proof of salvation.' Therefore the Christian
who suffers at the hands of the devil or his agencies because of his faithful devotion to the Lord, should never
be frightened because of these adversaries. Rather
should he take it as proof from the Lord that he is
following in the footsteps of his Master. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for tho
spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their
part [the enemy's part] he is evil spoken of, but on your
part he is glorified."-l Peter 4: 14.
29It will be observed that whenever the followers of
Christ prepare to deliver a blow against Satan and his
evil organization, they become the special targets of
the evil one, either directly or indirectly. The Indictment, prepared and distributed by the Lord's people
throughout the earth, is a strong arraignment of Satan's
emissaries. It is to be expectcd that each one who is
connected with the preparation and distribution of it
will be attacked by the adversary,; and the more prominent one's part is in connection with the preparation
and distribution of the Indictment the more vicious the
attack is likely to be against such.
SATAN'S SERVANTS

BOWho constitute the servants or agents of Satan,

by and through whom he launches his attacks of slander
and false accusations agaimt the people of Goel? The
general answer will be, Those who are openly allied with
Satan's organization. Are these all? Is it possible that
some who think they are the Lord's and are doing the
Lord's service, are at the ~ame time being used of the
adversary against the Lord and against his anoillted
and against the Lord's work? St. Paul says: "Know
ye not, that to whom ye yield yonrsclves seTYants to obey,
his servants ye are to "'hom ye obey; whether of sin unto
death, or of obf'dience unto righteousness?" (Romans
6: 16) Here the statement is plainly made that the

BROOKLYN. N. Y.

service rendered determines whose servant one is. If

it is against the Lord and his way and against his Word
it is disloyal. 1 the servant is obedient to the Lord
and his way of righteousness, then he is loyal and right;
and his attitude and conduct prove him to be a senallt
of the Lord.
81Disloyalty leads to death. Obedience leads to Iiie.
F AITHFUL~ESS TO BRETHREN

one can be loyal to God and the Lord Jesus unless that one is faithful to his brother Christian. Falthfulness here means fidelity; truly honestly and earnebiIy
looking aIter the interest of his brother. '1'0 go contrary thereto means to be disloyal. Jesus said to the
Christian: "A new commandment 1 gi'Ve unto you, That
ye love one another; as I have loved yon, that ye aJ~o
Jove one another." (John 13: 34) He who loves his
brother will not injure him willingly. He who will1l1g-1)' or carelessly does injury to his brother is not loyal,
because ho docs not keep this commandment. The Ll\V
of God com;mands that we speak kindly and deal kindly
with our brother, speak evil of no man, be no brawlers,
but be gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.Titus 3: 2.
33'1'0 humble oneself in the sight of the Lord means
to be joyfully obedient to the Lord's law. This is necessary in order to be exalted to the position to which the
Lord has called the Christian. '1'he Apostle says: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift
you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He
that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his broiher, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law; but
if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law,
but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save
and to destroy; who art thou that judgest another?"James 4:10-12.
84He who speaks evil of his brother and judges his
brother speaks evil of or again~t the law of God, because
the law of God commands that he shall not do so. To
judge his brother means to jullicially determine that his
brother is wrong, and this constitutes a judgment or
judicial determination of God's law, which God says
man must not do; and if one becomes the judge of the
law of God then he is not the doer of God's law. lIe
has no authority to pass judgment upon his brother contrary to God's law; and if he docs so, he is disloyal and
becomes the senant of the devil, and is not the servant
of God.
85Stated otherwise, if one brings a false or slanderous
accusation against his brother and condemns his brother
before others he speaks evil of God's law, and by his
conduct judicially determines that God's law is wrong.
lIe therefore sets himself up as a judge of the law of
God, and decides and judicially determines that the
law of God is wrong; therefore he will not obey it. By
making himself a judge he ceases to be a doer of the law
of God.
32]\ 0

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15, 1924

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WATCH TOWER

86A proper understanding of this matter should make

all Christians exceedingly cautious that they do not lend
themse!Yeb as servants of the devil to slander or falsely
accuse their brethren. "By their fruib ye shall know
them." When one brings forth the fruits of slander or
false accusation against his brother, tlw Lord says, by
this means we may detcrmllle whdher or not he is the
servant of God or the senant of the devil.
WHAT GOD HATES

87The way of the Lord is right. IIis law is just and

true and right. The Lord has Ins own way to carryon
his work preparatory for the setting up of his kingdom.
He is pleased with those who joyfully follow his way.
One who pretends to be a Christian, and who goes about
seeking to tear down those who are diligently trying to
do the Lord's service, is an abomination in the sight of
the Lord.
38"Thee six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven
arc an abomination unto him: A proud look [a proud
and haughty spirit], a lying tongue [a tongue that
manufactures and tells lies against others], and hands
that shed innocent blood [A slanderer is a murderer.
Sec Matthew 5: 22; 1 John 3: 15J, an heart that devisrth wickrd imaginations [one who meuitates and imaginrs wiekeu things of his brethren], feet that be swift
in running to mischief [a talebearer who runs from one
to another seeking to cause trouhleJ, a false witness that
speaketh lies [one who is called to testify and deliberately tells a lie, or imagines things, and tells as the
trut h what is not the truth], and he that soweth discord among brethren [one who tries to cause dissension
and division in the churchl"-Proverbs 6: 16-19.
39These things are expressly stated as abominable in
God's sight; therefore he who indulges in them is acting
as the servant of the devil, whether he does so knowingly
or not. He may deceive himself by believing he is a
servant of the Lord. Love for his brethren will prompt
him to be careful that he does no injury to them.
THE LORD'S CODE

4But is it not proper for a Christian to call in qUE'Stion the wrongful course of another who claims to be
a Christian? The Christian not only has this right but
it is his duty, under certain conditions. But he must
remember that the Lord has his own way; and that the
Lord haB laid down a plain code of procedure, which
a Christian is bound to follow; and that there is no just
cause or excuse for him to deviate from this coue. It
is stated by the Lord thus: "Moreover, if thy brother
shall trespass against thee, go Rnd tell him his fault
between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou
hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee,
then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth
of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And ii he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the

church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be

unto thee as an heathen man and a publiean."-Matthew
18: 15, 17.
410ne who claims to be a Christian, who has been for
some time in the narrow way and is familiar with the
Lord's Word, and who takes a course against his brother
contrary to that which is marked out here by the Lord,
who scandalizes his brother by innuendo or by open and
flagrant untruthful charges, caHnot be either honest or
sincere. It is apparent that such a course is taken for
the purpose of causing diyision amongst the Lord's
people. He who seeks division amongst the people of
God or who tries to hinder the work that the Lord is
carrying on amongst his people, becomes a servant of
~atan and not a servant of the Lord. Concerning such
St. Paul plainly defines the duty of a Christian thus:
"Kow I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
di\ isions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which
ye have learned; and ayoid them. For they that are
such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly [selfishly]; and by good words and fair speeches
deceive the hearts of the simple."-Romans 16: 17, 18.
42God's people should stand together. No real Christian wants to lend himself to the enemy to persecute
or to do injury to his brethren. If he does so, prompted
by a selfish motive, he becomes even more reprehensible.
THE PRINCIPAL THING

43The principal attribute for a Christian to develop

is love. And why? Because God is love ; Jesus is the
express image of the Father; and the followers of Christ
J csus must be made in his likeness. Love is the expression of unselfishness. Perfect love is the complete expression of unselfishness. Love must proceed from a
pure heart. Love is of such paramount inlportance to
the Christian that the Apostle shows that everything
else is useless without it.
44"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of
angels, and have not love, I am becoma as sounding
brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the
gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all
knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could
remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to fced the poor, and
though I give my body to be burned, and haye not love,
it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long, and is kind
[for if one is unselfish he is willing to suffer long];
love env1eth not [it is only the selfish who envy the
good things that another has] ; love vaunteth not itself,
is not puffed up [it is only the selfish that vaunt
thell1.'Selves and claim to be wise and great above their
fellows], doth not behave itself unseemly [the selfish
ones behave themselves unseemly; the unselfish cannut
do so], seeketh not her own [the selfish one seeks his
own; the unselfish seeks to do all the good he can to his
brother], is not easily provoked [the unselfish person is
willing to bear that which would provoke to anger],

844

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thinketh no evil [it is the selfish one that imagines evil

against his brother. If prompted by love he wants to
forget evil reports or not think about such at all J; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth [iniquity means injustice. Only the selfish rejoice in seeing injmtice practised against another. The unselfish
rejoice in the triumph of truth and righteousness]."
-1 Corinthians 13: 1-6.
45A selfish heart is one which the devil can seize and
use against the people of God, and such thereby becomes
the servant of the evil one.
FALSE BRETHREN

46A false brother is one who, under the test, fails or

refuses to show fidelity to his brother. This is due to
selfishness. "Love never faileth." Therefore an unselfish
brother will faithfully and in the strictest fidclity look
to the interest of his fellow Christian.
41 A part of the sufferings of Christ was suffering at
the hands of false brethren. He was the Son of Gall,
the true representative of God. He ,,'as a Jew. '1'he
scribes, Pharisees, and priests were Jews, and under
the terms of the Mosaic law were in covenant rclationship with God, therefore claimed to represent God.
'They were therefore brethren of Christ Jesus. They
were false to him. They accused him of all manner of
crime. They slandered him. They were used by the
devil to accom!plish his destruction,
4SSt. Paul states that he was in peril because of false
brethren. (2 Corinthians 11: 26) Every true Christian
should expect to have some claiming to be his brethren
who will prove false. God, thr.ough his prophet, indicated this when he said: "A thousand shall fall at thy
side." (Psalm 91: 7) The apostle Peter gave expression
to the same thing when he said: "Beloved, be not surprised at the fire among you, occurring to you for a trial,
as though some strange thing was befalling you."1 Peter 4: 12, Diaglott.
49Here the Apostle says that we are not to be surprised
at these fiery trials arising in the Church amongst those
who call themselves brethren; but if we find our own
hearts loyal to the Lord, that we are putting forth our
best effort to serve the Lord and to glorify his name, that
we are suffering because of our fidelity and loyalty to the
Lord, then, says the Apostle, "but as you partake of
the sufferings of the Anointed One, rejoice; so that
at the revelation of his glory, you may rejoice exultingly." And this is in exact harmony with St. Paul's words
that it has come to us as a privilege, not only to believe
on the Lord Jesus Christ, but to suffer with him.
10This is God's appointed way for the Christian.
This is the Christian's conflict. Let the Christian rejoice and be glad, for God is his refuge and his strength;
and if he abide in the Lord Jesus and faithfully and
loyally obeys tho Lord, he shall win the victory.

BROOKLYN,

N.Y.

OVERCOMERS

IIHow can we be overcomers? The LOl'll says: "Keep

thy heart ,,-ith all diligence; fOIl out of it are the issues
of life." The "issuf's" here mean questions for determination; and the questions for determination with the
Christian are everlasting dt'ath or everlasting life; and
that which is essentIal to winning the prize of everlasting life is to keep a pure heart. Hence the Scriptural
statement: "Above all that is to be guarded, keep thy
heart." (Proverbs 4: 23, Leeser ) We are to see that
no root of bitterness enters the heart or is permitted to
stay there. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in
the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
-2 Chronicles 16: 9.
52 A pure heart means one that is filled with love.
It means an unselfIsh heart. It will necessarily be a
joyful heart. He who has entercd into the joy of the
Lord, and remains there, is the one who is joyfully ellgaged in serving the Lord by proclaiming the message of
his kingdom in whatever way the Lord permits. Hence
the way to overcome is to keep a pure heart, keep busy
in the service of the King, have the proper vision of
God's purposes, and strive to look after the kingdom
interests committed to us; and to see to it always that
love is the moving cause. Forget self; unselfishly and
lovingly spend and be spent in the service of the Lord
and his people.
VICTORY AND REWARD

53The faithful devotion of Jesus to the doing of his

Father's will gained for him the vidory. If we share
in his glory we must be made in his likeness. This
likeness must be attained unto in like manner that Jesus
attained the express image of his Father. Jesus gained
the victory through suffering. His followers must do
likewise. Of him it is written: "Though he were a Son,
yet learned he obedience by the things which he sufIered;
and being made pcrfect, he became the author of eternal
salvation unto all them that obey him; called of Gorl
an high priest after the order of Melchiscdec."-Hebrews
5: 8-10.
54The perfection here mentioned by the Apostle doea
not mean perfection of character. It could not mean
perfection of organism, for Jesus was perfect as a man,
and suffering did not make him perfect in divine organism. Perfection here mentioned without doubt means
perfection of obedience, proving absolute loyalty to God
under the most adverse circumstances; to wit: a complete submission to God's will unto the most ignominious death. This is what St. Paul says: "He humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him."-Philippians 2: 8, 9.
UFoI' this reason the Apostle says to the Christian:
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand
of God, that he may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter

NOVEMBER Ill, 1924

cneWATCH TOWER

5: 6) "This is the victory that overcometh the world,

even our faith." The Christian therefore must believe
that his suffering as a follower of Christ is essential;
and this he must patiently bear until he is made into
the likeness of his Lord.
66Man with a natural turn of mind desires to be
honored of man. Sometimes one in the Church does
not receive the honor which he thinks is duc to him and
because thereof becomes petulant and angry. Selfishness prompts such a course.
57The true Christian will count the honor of man a
matter of no importanee. He will be utterly indifferent
as to whether he is honored or dishonored of man. His
great dcsire will be for the approval of the Lord. He
will bear in mind that his hOllor and exaltation at the
hantls of the Lord will come through suffering. The
apostle raul had this thought in mind, and for his
own encouragement and the encouragement of his brethren he wrote: "For our light affiietion, which is but for
a moment, worketh for us a far more exceetling and
eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:
for the things which are seen are temporal; but the
things which are not seen are eternal."-2 Corinthians
4: 17,18.

58The trials through which we pass now may be exceetlingly fiery. '1'he affiictions may seem to be great;
the burdens almost too grievous to be borne. But let
the Christian bear in mind that if he is fighting the
battle that Jesus fought, if he is following in the footsteps of the Master, these conflicts which come to him
as a Christian are but light, comparatively speaking,
and can injure one for a short time at the most; and
the lesson is, that the trials are working out for him
glory and honor, and yet not for some glory and honor,

345

but a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

a glory and honor that shall never end. If he endures
confidently to the end he will overcome, and to such
Jesus said: "To him that overcometh will I grant to
sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and
am set down with my Father in his throne."-Revela-tion 3: 21.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
"'lat tl'Xt ('Illphaeizes the privileges of a Christian? What ill
('hri,tian: ~ 1, 2.
What is the courep of a Christian? Is it an easy course? "3.
'\'hat is the "seed of the woman"? Who ie the "woman"? , 4.
Hae Satan a "eeed": How does Satan deceive: '\15,6.
What \Va,," the nature of the threefold attack Satan made 011
.Teeue? ~ 7-12.
Failine; in this, what was the method Satan employed next? 11 13, 14.
Are the dieciples of Jesus to be eimilarly tested: '1115, 16.
Who fell hefore the temptation of the adversary? II 17.
What must the Christian overcome to be pleasing to the Lord?
~1S-21.

OI!P ,,ith"tamle the three primary temptations, how does Satall

then attack: II 22.
If Satan is euccC'f'Mul in overcoming' the Christian by temptation,
"ill the person overcome be ordinarily freed from slander 7
Why is thle so: 11 23. 24.
'Yhat is the line of demarcation between a Christian and one who
is not faithful to the Lord? 11 25.
Is this eonflict an imaginary one? What proot have we that It
is not: 11 26, 27.
If a Christian is slandered, Is It an indication that he has been
forsal<en by the Lord: 11 28.
When do the servants of the Lord become the special targets of
the devil: '\I 2!),
W'ho are the servants ot Satan In his attacks upon the people of
God: 1130.
Where does disloyalty lead? Where does obedience lead? 11 31.
What Is required of one to prove his loyalty to God? How may
one show that he thinks the law of God wrong? 'II 32-36.
What are the seven thing'S the Lord hates? '1137-39.
What is the code of procedure ag'alnst the wrongdoer? Should
Christian people stand together? '\I 40-42.
What should be understood respecting the "principal thing"? "I 43-45.
'\'hat constitutes a false brother: Who were the false brethren
of Christ: Who are our false brethren? 'I 46-48.
Should we be surprised at the fiery trials to which we are subjected: 'II 4!), 50.
What is the necessary thing for us to do to keep In heart-harmony
with tile Lord: 11 51, 52.
If we shall share in the Lord's glory, what will that mean? IIow
was Jesus made perfect? How are we made perfect: '1153-55.
What does the natnral man desire? What is the desire of the
Christian: II 56, 57.
What is our encouragement In the conflict? , 58.

If

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR

DECEMBEI~

17

"The earth shall be filled with .. the glory of the

Lord."-IIabakkuk 2: 14.

HE peoples of earth are now in gross ignorance

of God. This ignorance is due to the blinding
influence of Satan and the baneful effects of sin.
The degree of ignorance is described by the Prophet in
these ,,'ords: "Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross
darkness the people." (Isaiah 60: 2) So far as the
knowledge of the Lord is concerned, the earth now may
be likenetl to a barren desert waste with occasionally an
oa;;:is, representing those in harmony with God.
In God's due time the situation will entirely change.
Gradually the knowledge of the Lord's glory will begin
to fill the earth. Gratlually will the desert waste disappear and the knowledge of the Lord's glory will increase
until it is deep as the deepest sea. In some places the

sea is several miles deep. In mid-ocean, from the deck

of a great ship one looks out upon the mighty waters
of the deep, unable to measure the expanse and greatness
thereof. In due time the peoples of the earth will look
upon the vast, boundless and majestic glory and splendor of the Lord, unable to measure the heights and
depths thereof. Then they will be happy. And why
will they be happy? Jesus answers: "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 1"1: 3) The
peoples of earth will learn that all their sorrow and suffering has been due to sin, and that God in his love has
provided redemption and deliverance through the merit
of his beloved Son. They will see that the way that
leads to life is obedience; and as they grasp a knowledge
of the glory of the Lord, they will learn to obey and live.
Satan is now making his last desperate attempt to
discredit the Lord in the minds of the people. He \rill

146

tTheWATCH TOWER

not succeed this time. Truth has come to stay. Truth

will triumph now. It is now the blessed privilege of
those who follow Jesus to tell the people this good news.
It is a command from the Lord that his faithful followers shall now deliver this message. These are a marked
people, into whose hands the Lord has committed the
privilege of shining forth and enlightrning the world
at this time and of ll'adillg them out of darkness into the
light that there may be some to glorify his name in the
beginning of restoration.
TEXT FOR DECEMBER 24

"Righteous and true are thy ways, 0 King of the

nations."-Revelation 15: 3, Dinglott.

AT THIS particular season millions will be singing

r-\. Christmas carols, who have no knowledge of the
import and value of the birth of Jesus. 'rhe truly
consecrated are now able not only to see the value of
the birth of Jesus, and the purchasing powf'r of his
great sacrifice, but to see also that he has taken his
rightful authority as King of the nations.
Satan is making war with the remnant of the seed
of promise yet on earth. He is gathering all his forces
for the destruction of the seed; and while small in number, the saints are not dismayed nor even fearful. '1'hey
know that it is the battle of the Lord God Almighty,
who will completely triumph and drive the forces of
evil from the earth. Not only do they see the marvelous works of the Lord in preparation for this great
day, but by faith they see his finished work concerning
man, his redemption and his restoration.
Beholding the King of glory majestically marching
on to victory and to the deliverance of suffering humanity, they cannot keep back the song of praise. Each
one is provided with the Harp of God; that is to say,
each one posses~es a knowledge of the great, harmonious
truths of the divine plan. They see that the things
which Moses did. as the servant of God, were but shadows of greater things to follow, which things they now
see in reality. Thrilled with the environment they lift
up their Harps, and sweep the strings with the devotion
of love; and each Harp yields the most entrancing music
that ever fell on human ears or filled the heart of man.
'1'ogether they lift up the voice in song; that is to say,
with gladness of heart they unitedly declare the message
of salvation and peace to mankind. They are the only
ones on earth doing this. Joyfully they sing the praises
of the King, saying, "Great and marvelous are thy works,
Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou
King of the nations."-Revelation 15: 3.
What a happy lot is that of the saints now! The
angels of heaven announced to the shepherds the birth
of the Lord of glory. The feet members of the Christ
are now privileged to announce the presence of the King
of glory and the birth of the nation of God. All Christiap.1 ehollld 1lIe exceedingly happy at this season.

BROOKLYN,

KY.

TEXT FOR DECEMBER 31

"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord."

-Psalm 150: G.

URING the year we have been studying texts relating to the kingdom. It seems appropriate at
the end of the yrar that we should bring before
our mcntal vision the iinishrd work of that kingdom.
By faith ,vc can see some of the blessed results of the
Millmmial rrign of Christ. The Lord has been pleased
to reveal in his Word some of tllC'se things to us, and it
is our privill~ge to brlieve and confidently rely upon his
Word.
By the eye of faith, looking down to that time, we can
see that sin has ceasrd to mar the beauty of earth. A
Paradise restored is the home of man. All creation of
earth is under the dominion of man now made perfect.
'1'hf' trees clap their hauds together with gladness. The
fieltls are jOyIlll; the trees of the woods majestirullY
wave their arm., making melody in the air; and the
flowers fill the atmosphere with the sweet fragrance of
love. Hpalth, happiness, and beauty are upon every
face, gladness is in every heart, and' man is restored to
the image of God. '1'hc periect creature now deports
himself in keeping V\ith the dignity and glory of his
Creator.
The faithful princes of the earth have finished their
labors of love, and ha\'e been changed into spirit l)('ings
and elevated to some other servier, under the supervision of the Lord. '1'hore is a new heaven, as well as
a new earth. All the angels are in perfect harmony
with God. In their respective places of honor arc the
cherubim and the seraphim, with all the hosts of heaven.
Above all we see Christ Jesus, the fairest of the thousands and altogdhrr lovely, the great Redeemer and
Deliverer of mankind. Looking back over his work,
accomplished in his l<'ather's name, he sees the travail
of his soul and is satisfied ,dth the result. He draws
to his side his beautiful and glorious bride. '1'hey are
in the palace of the King, and the bridesmaids joyfully
give attendance in proper form. Over this palace of
magnificence and glory is the great Jehovah God. Every
face is turned toward him, and his smiling countenance
of approval is turned toward all.
The song of praise to his holy name breaks forth in
heaven, and is caught up by the happy throngs of earth,
until every creature in heaven anu earth that hath
breath is singing the praises of God and of his Christ.
*
*
*
Sweet have been the blessings of the Lord for the
year just ended. Let each consecrated one see to it that,
having shared together these blessings, and now having
them in mind, he uses the faculties with which he is
endowed to bring comfort and blessings to others. These
can bring some joy to the world now; and by the eye
of faith we can look forward to the time when every~
thing that hath breath shall praise the Lord.

THE CONVERSION OF ZACCHAEUS

--DECE.\lBER

21--L"L'"KE 19:

1-1(}-'~

JESUS "COMMANDEERS" HO.\[E OF ZACCH.'ECS-ZACCHUS' HEART OPElI'S WIDE-ZACCH.ErS RESTORED TO ABRAHAMIC BLESSIN~"

"The Son 01 man is come to seek and to save that 1chich

UR lesson for today, the conversion of Zacchreus the
publican of Jericho, is considerably removed in point
of time from the two miracles which provided lessons
for the last two Sundays. The healing of the man blind
from birth took place about six months before our Lord's
death. The raising of Lazarus might be about two months
bef'Ore his death. The incident which gives us our study
for today occurred little more than a week before the crucifixion of Jesus. On his last journey towards Jerusalem our
Lord had got as far as Jericho. He had accompanied the
crowds which were going up to Jerusalem for the Passover,
and in tum the crowds clustered round him.
2'l'here was considerable excitement amongst the people
concerning Jesus, both by reason of the miracles that he
had wrought during the last few weeks and because the
people knew the hatred of the leaders of Jerusalem towards
him. Many would know that the Jews had gone so far as to
take up stones to st'One him. Jericho was the meeting place
of the roads from the east and north, and the starting point
for Jerusalem; and by reason of its situation it was at that
time a center of considerable activit~. Like Capernaum on
the north., it was a gateway through which merchandise
must pass, a good location f'Or the tax gatherers, who wel't~
emplo~'ed by the Roman government. It was also a Levitical
city, and therefore the residence of many priests and Levites.
8Jericho was therefore at every feast season a busy place
and this in turn would mean that the IOloul collectors of
customs would then be very busy. The town this day was
excited because Jesus of Nazareth was accompanying the
throng of pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. During the day
our Lord had healed two blind men (l\Iatthew 20: 29-34),
and Jericho and the crowd of pilgrims were all alive with
the wonder of the things that were happening. Apparently
the day was wearing on as Jesus with the multitudes moved
on out of Jericho for the eighteen-mile journey up the hill
road to Jerusalem. Few of these pilgrims expected to stay
in rooms at night. There was no accommodation for such
crowds in the places through which they passed. They
were accustomed to rest by the roadRide; and Jesus, who
was accustomed to such sheltering places at night as his
Father in heaven provided, would take share with them.

JESUS "COMMA.1IJDEERS" HOME OF ZACCHAEUS

4As the crowd moved on a man, small in stature, separated himself from it and ran ahead along the road. It was
Zacclucus, the chief publican of Jericho, Who wanted to see
this strange man of whom he had heard so much; but he
could not get up'ar by reason of the press and because he
was small in stature. He knew that up the road there was
Il tree which he could climb and which would give him the
chance of sPeing this man who he knew was kindly disposed
towards publicans, and Who, indeed, had taken one of them,
Matthew, to be a disciple to be with him constantly. Zacchreus climbed the tree, and waited for the Lord. The fig
tree would be fresh in leaf; but as .Tesus passed by he looked
up and, to the man's surprise, called him by name, saying,
"Zacchreus, make haste, and come down, for today I must
abide at thy house." (LUke 19: 5) If Zacchreus had stopped
to consider it, the word of ('ommand would seem somewhat
singular. But he did nothing of the kind; he obeyed. He
no more stopped to consult his dignity in obeying the command than he had consulted It about running ahead of the
crowd and climbing the tree. He came down, and very
gladly took the privilege of accepting the Lord's invitation
347

1~as

lost."-Luke 19: 10.

that Jesus and his disciples should stay that night at H.

house.
sThis betokened a change of plan 011 the Lord's part;
for already he was on the way out of Jericho, and it in'licated to Zacchreus that Jesus had reason for his chanl~e
of purpose. Also the form of our Lord's invitation WllS
Imperative, not suppliant; it was that of a Master caJllug
for attention. Here was the Master come to his own. Hald
Zacchreus been other than he was, he would have resented
the Lord's commandeering his house; but he immediately
put his house and its conveniences at the disposal of Jesus.
No dopbt the Lord put the matter in this way so as to be
something of a test; and Zacchreus' ready agreement and
pleasure in his submission was an indication to the Lord
that there was more to follow. It may be that Jesus knew
something of the man. It is almost certain Matthew would
know of him, and perhaps Matthew had seen Zacchre JlJ
running up the road and had spoken to the Lord.
6But when Zacchreus hasted and stood before the Lord,
Jesus knew that here was not mere curiosity but a dpep
well of feeling and desire. Jesus knew that the energy
which he manifested, and that characteristic which enabled
him to act independently-and for a Jew to turn publican
and become a servant of the detested Roman government
was to the Pharisees as if he had cut himself oft' from the
covenant of Israel-would enable him to stand firm for the
Lord and for the truth. It was not a lodging for himselt
and his disciples that Jesus wanted; It was a lodging for
the truth In the heart and In the home of Zacchreus, not
for the truth's sake in Itself, but for their sakes that the1
might enjoy the favor of God.
ZACCHAEUS' HEART OPENS WIDE
7When Jesus turned aside from the crowd, and they saw
him go with Zacchreus accepting an invitation to stay at
the publican's house, they murmured. They had been think.
Ing that possibly he might become their national leader.
But to them this action showed Jesus to be unworthy. It was
altogether beyond them that their proposed king would rio
such a thing. There can be but little question that .Tesns
action that afternoon, and his stay that evening in the publican's house, had a great effect upon the events of the
follOWing week. These who murnmred at Jesus' staying
with the publican would surely tell in Jerusalem what he
had done; and the haughty leaders there, so righteous in
themselves, would be strengthened in their position against
him, and would have argument to use to the people to show
why he should be rejected-that he was a common man,
ready to keep low company. Thpy said: "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."-Luke 15: 2.
8That evening in Zacchreus' hc,use, after the evening meal
and after the Lord had been setting forth those things
which he had come from hpaven to declare, Zacchreus' heart
was touched; and he stood before the company and avowed
himself a believer In Jesus, and a disciple. He came back
to the true Israelitish fold. He said: "Behold, Lord, the
half of my goods I give to the poor: and if I have taken
any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore hilu
fourfold." (Luke 19: 8) (This should not be taken to mean
that Zacchreus knew he had defrauded many or even any;
but he knew that rough and ready ways were used to enforce
taxation; and if it should be that any had been overtaxed,
he declared his intention to return the money fourfold.)
It was a great occasion. This was no mere burst ot the

848

CfheWATCH TOWER

enthusiasm of an energetic disposition. ~1Je Lord saw that

It was genuine, and said: "This day is salvation come to
this house," and added: "Forsomuch as he also is a son of
Abr:lham." (Luke 19: 9) He still further said that all this
was in harmony with God's desire; for "the Son of man is
come to seek and to save that which was lost."
9Although the two miracles of our immediate previous
studies were not associated with this incident in point of
time they are, nevertheless, closely related. Those who
know the Lord can easily understand that it is according to
his providence that these three lessonll should come before
us in close association. The two miracles represented God's
power in the kingdom in operation against the consequences
of sin, and against the power of death. In the conversion
of the publican is given an illustration of God's power
manifested on the heart and the mind through Jesus.
lOThe miracles were manifestations of God's power through
Christ moving upon those who do not co,iperate, or who
do so only partially. Here in Zacchreus' case there is moml
power: The witness of God in Jesus, the truth of the kingdom, and of what the Scriptures mean, are seen to move
the heart of one who in eITect was outside the covenanted
promise of God. The operatron of the love of God in the
heart that is susceptible and ready is as powerful as the
word of command which bids the dead eome forth. And
the touch of a loving, sympathetie disposition is as powerful as the touch of the sympathetic fingers which gave sight
to the darkened eyes. Zaechreus not only was immediately
touched, the whole course of his life was altered.
ZACCHAEUS RESTORED TO ABRAHAMIC BLESSINGS
llJesus said that he came to seek and to Rave that which
was lost. Zacchreus had altogether lost sight of what it
meant to be a son of Abraham. Probably from his childhood upwards he had no idea of the blessing of being one
of the elect people; and when grown up, he had been too
busy making his way in the world to pay any attention
to the hope of Israel. But his heart was not bad; and now
when he came in touch with .Tesus and saw what it meant
to be an Israelite indeed, he did what he could to pnt himself
In harmony with God that that blessing might be his. Henceforth he came under the care of God; henceforth he was
to realize the blessing of being a disciple of .Tesus.
l2In his case that which was iost was primarily his relation to God through Abraham, and through the co,enant
which God made with the chosen seed at Sinai. ZacchU?us,
thougb a .Tew, was living as if he were a Gentile. In this
miracle of blessing, the Lord has more in view than the
restoration of a son of Abraham or of Israel to the Abrahamic blessings. He reveals himself as the Son of man
come to seek and to save that which was lost to the human
family. Adam, the first father, lost union with God, and
therewith lost the happiness of suell a union. Life and
the blessings of a life in union with God-peace and happiness-were lost, and could not be regained. God sent a
man to find and to restore these blessings.
lSWhen on earth Jesus had three titles. Just previous
to this incident of Zacchreus the blind men had called out
to ,Tesus: "Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, thou Son of David '"
(Matthew 20: 30) Though the crowd tried to keep the
suppliants from him, Jesus heard and responded; for he
was the Son of David who should deliver his people from
thP. foes which oppressed them. Also he was the Son of God

"We thank thee, gracious Father,

For all things bright and good;
The seedtime and the harvest,
Our life, our health, our food.

Dr-OOKLYN, ~.Y.

come from heaven to rewal the will and purpose of God,

to tell of his Father's loye (John 10; 38) ; and he was the
Son of man corne amongst men to serve men and to die for
them. In his exaltation, still as the Son of man, he comes
back to deliver them from all bondage, to break down the
power of evil, and to cast out from amongst men those who
are the violators of the rights of mankinu, and who have
become agents of the evil one.-Hevclation 11: 18.
14'l'hough almost all Jericho would have decided that
Zaechreus was not a good man-for the righteous Pharisel's,
amI the priests, and the Le\ ites wl10 dwelt there in numbers,
would not for a moment allow that a good Ulan could becume
a publican, and probably Zaccha'u~ wa" the last man in
JC'ricllO whom they would have ehos('n to Ill' aSSDCiated with,
or whom they would think of as likely to be moved by
right('ousll('ss-~J'et .Tesus saw that he wns far from being
a ball man, and he knew how to fan the smoking flax ill to
a flame. Here is an illustration of how in the killgdom
Jesus as the Savior \\ill deai with the world of mlllikilid.
'l'here are but few men who are really ,idous. and of the
number many are so because o[ illherent weakness and en" irollment.
l:;There are some, howeYer, who are wicked aceording to
the Scriptural definition: Those who know something of the
wili of God, or who by reason of their position might Ila va
known, but w~lO detC'rmine to serve tllPmse!Vl's rather than
God. The human family is not wit-ked in that sense; and
Jesus, who to\l('hed the h"art of Z:wch:eus in Jericho. kno\\'s
llOW to brinq; the goorl out of that which seems altogether
barren earth. He will tOlll'h the human family by his love
and the revelation of the love of God in sudl a way that
will bring a speedY turning to God. We look forward with
gI:.td anticipation to the day when the world of IlIallkind,
freed from everytiling that now prevents them from un(ll'rstanding, will see, and know, and understand the love of
Gou in Christ, and when it will turn to him and aCl'ept
his righteous way to its own blessing; when all the lost
sheep have been brought home, and when that whleh has
been lost, life and happiness in union with God, has hle'en
restored.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
When Is the probable date of to<lny's lesson? ~ I.
What occasionell the excitement of the people ooncerning- Je,us?
How was Jericho situate<l? What l"n<1 of city was it? ~ 2
\Vhy was Jericho a busy city at this time? Why were the people
~o e'll';er to g-et l(liml'"'''' of Jesus?
At such time~. where did
the people u,ually sleep? , 3.
What did the chief publiean of Jericho do? What did Jesus say
to Zacchreus? 1i 4.
What <lid JlaechlPus think of Jesus' comman<leering- his house? Did
Zacclueus reflect on the dignity of his po,ition'! What may hanl
been the underlying- moth'es on the part of Jesus? '11 5.
What were some of the characteristics of Zacchreus? Why did
.J esus accost him? ~ (l
Why were many disappointed in Jpsus? Why ,hould the len"Prs
take advantage of Jesus' conduct in associating with a hated
tax gatherer? 'I) 7.
What transpired after the evenin~ meal? How may the retunllllg
of any money for overtaxation be associated with Jesus' declaration that he came to seek and to save that whieb waS lost? , H.
What Is the relation of the two miracles in preceding lpssons with
the lesson of today? What three lessons are closely associated?

'II 9,10.

What had Zacchreus lost sight of? What has the human family
lost? Is there prospect of restoration? 'II 11, 12.
What were the three titles of Jesus, aud how may they be seen In
our last three lessons? '1113.
What did the people of Jericho probably think of 7:acch:l'lls? What
did Jesus think of him? Will Jesus similarly deal with humanIty In the Millennium? '1)14.
lIs the wickedness of some people an exception to the rule? How
will Jesus toueh the hearts of humanity? What will then be
the result? 1 15.

"Accept the thanks we offer

For all thy love imparts,
And what thou most desirest,
Our humble, thankful hearts."

THE CENTRAL PERIOD OF CHRIST'S MINISTRY

--DECE~1BER 28--QUARTERLY HEYIEW--

BIGHTEOUS:"ESS OF HEART A l>ECESSARY THING--THE FEEDING OF FIVE THOUS.\:"D TYPICAL-APOSTLES TOLD OF JESUS

CI)MINCI

DEATH-LAWYER ENCOUNTERS MASTER MIl>D-LOVE MEETS RESPO;\;SE IN ZACCHAEUS.

"He that hath ileen me hath seen the Fatller."--JQhn 14: 9.

N ACCOHDANCE with custom, today's study Is a review. The studiE'S which began with the ministry of
the twelve apostles have called us on to the last week
of Jesus' life. From the very be!l:innlng of his ministry Jesus had sought to gather disciples to himself. He was not
specially looking for those who would accept him as one
sellt from God; allll certainly, as all his ministry shows,
he never considered hims('lf as being sent on a mission to
turn all Israel to God. He early learned that his Father's
purpose was to take out from men a people for his name,
afterwards so (~lparly U1Hlerstuod and expressed by the apostlp,;. (Acts 1;': 14) It is almost certain that Jesus saw this
while in the wilderness when meditating upon his Father's
Word, and while he was suhjected to the temptations of
the devil.
2Though quite early he came in contact with the majority
of The Twelve (John 1: 37-49), and though some had already been with him intermittently, it was not until after
a considel1lhle time had passed that he definitely called
thl'm to him "that thE'Y might be with him". Now when
he had much to do and a great witness was to be given, he
sent them abroad to represent him. His commission was
simple, and ~'et it was great. Their outward equipment
was meager almost to an extreme. They made no show;
tlll'y carriell no luggage; they simply started off. But their
Inward equipment was equal to all possible needs for the
ministry of the then message of the kingdom. They were
to preach that the kingdom of heaven was at hand; and,
to show that they were sent by one who had authority,
they were equipped with power which he conveyed to them.
They were to heal the sick, and to give sight to the blind.
Indeed, their commission included even the raising of the
dead.
3'l'hus while the meSSl'ngers had no outward glory of the
kingdom on them, they had its joy in their hearts; and they
rejoiced in their privileges of service. Their work was
to give--to give the message of the kingdom as well as
th(' blessings of healing. Nor were they allowed to gather
riches on the way. (Matthew 10: 8) How ditIerently have
the professed successors of these apostles acted! Clothed
in scarlet, they have persuaded even the kings of the earth
of tlleir greatness and authority; and they have further
persuaded these same kings to enact laws to compel the
obedience of the peoples; and then the ecclesiastical successors of the apostles have sat in state as lords of both
kings and peoples as the representatives of Jesus of Nazareth. Present day conditions 9.0 not allow of these things,
but the same spirit obtains.

RIGHTEOUSNESS OF HEART A NECESSARY THING

Our studies brought before us Jesus' Sermon on the

Mount, in which he showed that the outward conformation
of the Pharisees to the law of God led to formalism, and
therefore to pride and hypocrisy. He showed that only
the righteousness (If the kingdom he proclaimed would be
acceptable to God; for it was the righteousness of the heart.
Putting this in terms of the Law for comparison he stated
that hatred is as murder; that lustful desire is equal to
the sin. No man himself can attain to this standard; and
yet it Is the standard for Jesus' disciples. The consecrated
child. of God, taught of the Scriptures, knows that God has
made full provision for those who are "in Christ": First,

in the power to overcome natural depravity, and to resist

all evil; and, second, in providing tbat t.'Ie merit of Christ
is aceounted to him who is acceptahle in the Beloved, so
th[lt the footstpp follower of Christ may stand unblamable
in the sight (If God. God does not see impurity in the
heart which is wholly set on doing his will; and he takes
the true hpart's intention as equal to the act.
5'l'he Parable of the Sower emphasizes the responsibility
of thooe who hear the truth. Jesus was constantly encompassed with crowds who, apparently, hung upon his words
as eagerly as some sought ph~'sical healing. Jesus kne\V
that very many (If them cared little for his message; aIllI
in the Parable of the Sower he showed their responsibility
in listening to him. The same is true today. Those who
lwar the word of the kingdom have a responsibility both
toward that message and toward the Lord who sent it.
All the teaching of the Bible shows that a man enlightene!l
of God can bring forth much fruit to God if he will pay
earnest heed to the things he hears. The Scriptures know
no such thing as fatalism. Personal responsibility is the
standard of jUdgment, whether for things present or things
to come. He who hears truth must inevitably be bettered
or hurt by it.
6'l'he incident of the stilling of the storm tells of the
need for ahiding confidence in God and in the Lord Jesus.
There are those today blessed with a knowledge of present
truth who, as it were, have stepped into a boat with the
Lord, are fearful lest storms raised by the devil will destroy
the work of God. None should fear that such can be. The
Lord has come to establish truth in the earth, and those
who associate themselves with him cannot be destroyed
by any storm which Satan may raise. As Jesus said to
his disciple, "0 thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou
doubt?" (Matthew 14: 31), so may it be said to all who are
timid, lest the work of the Lord should succumb to the forces
of evil. Doubt and fear are very definite hindrances to
growth and service.
7The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a lesson for our
day. It reveals the love of the Father towards his erring
children; but as clearly it reveals the fact that there are
some who dislike to have the wayward sinful race restored
to the l~ather's hOIlle and happiness. The great events in
human life in thesE' last days show clearly that there are
large numbers of persons wl10 hold the desirable things of
this world, but who positively do not wish that the rest of
men should be restored to the liberties of the sons of God,
and who are determined to do what they can to prevent
God from giving his children those blessings he has prOVided
for them. Such will never share in the feast which the
I~ather makes for his erring ones in that great day when
his banished children are restored to him.

849

THE FEEDING OF FIVE THOUSAND TYPICAL

80ur next lesson took us with Jesus to the east side of

the sea of Galilee, and to the miracle he wrought when
with five barley loaves and two fishes he fed five thousand
men, a miracle which became an important marking time
in Jesus' life. The people, seeing the sign which he did,
were ready to make him king. Jesus thereupon sent his
disciples across the sea while he went into a mountain
alone. (Mark 6: 46) The incident is a picture of our llOrd
breaking the bread of life while he was upon earth NI a

8::;0

'fheWATCH TOWER

man, then leaving the scene of his labor, going as it were

into heaven, whil-e the little company of disciples wrestle
through the dark night with the waves of the turbulent
sea. Barly in the morning Jesus appeared to them on the
water, but as if he would pass by. This is a representation
of our Lord's rl'turn from heaven, coming back to his own,
but in such a fashion that they must exel"cise faith in him.
The reunion took place; and the Lord is now with his faithful people, who are carrying on his work under his direetioll.
0It was some time after this that Jesus, still encompnsspd
With the crowds, took his disciples away into the northern
parts of Israel. It was not always proper for him to minister to the crowds. There were times when his diseiplps
must rest, and when he must lpave the multitude to gin~
instruction to the disciplE's. On a similar occasion he had
said to them: "Come ye yourselves aplll't, ... and rpst awhile." (Mark 6: :ll) Both rest and instruction are uecessary for the development of his Church. It is necessary
for the earnest worker in the Lord's service sometimes to
look aside from the great crowds which s('('m to he llS sheep
without a shepherd, and to consider the other interests of
the kingdom. It was not selfishness tlwt took Jesus and
his disciples apart from the crowds. The telllporary ('('ssation of service was to the best intcrests of the crowds, as
it was in the immediate interests of the disciples.
APOSTLES TOLD OF JESUS' COMING DEATH

l0It was while .Jesus was away in C::esarea Philippi that

be drew from Peter the great confession. Wilen JI'SUS said:
"Whom say ye that I am?" Peter, quid,ened by the holy
spirit, said: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living
God." (Matthew 16: 15,16) It was then that Jesus placed
before the disciples the cost of discipleship. r<'irst he himself must suffer even unto death because of the message
he had; but GOt! would raise him from the dead on the third
day. He then stated plainly that every true disciple followIng in his footsteps must be of the same mind; that he
who has been qUickened to understand these things and then
draws back fearful of this death to self-will will certainly
lose his life; while he who gladly follows in the way of
sacrifice even unto death shall find his Iife.-l\latthew 16: 25.
llThe strange tbing to the disciples was that the Son of
God must be put to dl'llth in order to enter into fulness
of life. For their strengthening in respeet to this, there
came the wondrous transfiguration of .Tesl1s. Peter, James,
and John were chosen to be eye witnesses of the maj!'sty
which Jesl1s should have in his king(lom. (2 Peter 1: 16-18)
One evening .Tf'sUS took these thr('e wl'll-heh)ved apo~tles
with him into the "Holy Mount". While there, as lIe was
praying, his garments became white; ancl he was transfigured into a glorious heing. Lat!'r two men appeared,
talking with him, who th(' discipl('s were informed were
Moses and Elijah. They talked with him of his coming
exodUS, of the time when he would be removed from the
scenes of labor, and of the glory and majesty of his kingdom. Though so wondrous a sight, an embargo was laid
opon the three disciples: They were to tell no man of this
vision (Matthew 17: fl) until after the resurrection of Jesus
from the dead. It did not please the Lord to bave eren
the other nine apostles share at that time with the f'1Yored
three. The others were to learn ho\v to trust the Lord,
and to trust their fellow apostles-a lesson which revetlls
God's ways with his peoplp. Bven }'pter, the first of the
three, had to learn this same lesson respecting the apostle
Paul; for in later days it became manifest to all the apostles and to Peter that the Lord had used Paul in a more
intimate and important way than even Peter, the spokesman
and leader of The Twelve.-2 Peter 3: 15, 16.

NOVEMBER 15, 1924

LAWYER ENCOUNTERS MASTER MIND

12After thpse things .Tesus had an encounter with a lawyer wlw came tempting him, thinking to catch him. This
he dill either to prove his own cleverness or to belittle
.TP"us in the ('yes of the crowds. The lawJ'er asked Jesu'!
what he should clo to iuhlerit eternal life. Jesus turnell
the question upon him, and asked him what was writtt'n
in the Law, which he was supposed to know and to teach.
T'he lawyer gave a good answer. ,Tesus commended him
for it, and said tl1Ut if he was to do what he taught he woulll
not neecl to ask the question. The man himself was caught;
and wishing to ju"tify himself he raised the question as
to who was the nl'ighhor whom he was supposed to love
as himsl'lf. ,Jpsus' reply was tile story of the Good Samaritan. In It he tells of the love and graciousness of God, and
portmys his own act as one \vl1o by the Pharisees was considE:I'ell an outcast, even llS a Samaritan, but who was
sl'eking to do what was possible to heal the wounds of those
who hacl fallen among thiews. 'l'he story is illustrative of
the plan of God. There lUI' ~till those WI1O, hadng gained
places of powpr, are rohbing Iwmanit) of its rights. They
do not call tlH'lllsplves thieves, and incleed thl'Y are held
in good E'stpE'm; for "men will praise thee wllC'n thou doest
well to t1IJ'self." (Psalm 4!l: 18) But the Good Samaritan
now comes with the power of the kingdom allli with the
blessings of God for the injured human family, to give it
life, and health, and pcace.
13The next study, that of the man born blind, shows the
distress of the launan ftlmily from another point of view.
'I'his lesson shows that even God has pet'mitted trouble to
come upon the sons of men. Strong- and clever men have
alllicted and robbed their fellows, but God has permittetl
evil to cOllle upon all. The miracle of healing is intended
to show that in his own time and way God will, by Jt'sus,
take away the disability which is upon all men, and will
show himself as their lo,ing Goll, and Christ as their Savior and King; and that just as surely as the mlln blind from
birth saw .Te~us both pllysil'ally, mentally, and spiritually.
and entered into the enjoyment of physical and spiritual
sight, so tIle world of mankind will come back to understanding and to blessing.
14The incidpn t of the resurrection of Lazarus shows another l)hase of the power of GOII, exercispd in those things
which are bpyond human power. Men nwy rob their fellow tllPn. God has permitted mankinll to become subject
to evil, but bE') 0lH1 that til ere was tlte power of death. The
l't'~UlT('dion or La;.:arus sho\\'s that God has this power in
Ids hanll. Hence .T('sus' cleeiaration conCl'rning himself that
he is the r!'sUlTedion and the life; and since God gave
.1 esus to hI' t hI' ~a yior to mankind this means that in the
day of his kingdom Jesus. as he himself declared (.John
5: 26), \,ill sjJl'ak the word wldeh will bring the milliollFl
of dead baek to life and to his care, and ultimately to GOt!.
LOVE MEETS RESPONSE IN ZACCHAEUS

15The tH'xt lesson, the conversion of Zaech::cus, gives us

still anotllC'r picture of this grand restoration of the Ituman
family. While God, through Christ, will break the power
of death and IC't its captivE's go, and while Jesus will have
the powE'r to illuminate the mintls of men, here is shown
tlte operation of love and of the grace of God upon the heart
of one who is ready to learn righteousness. When Jesus
was gracious to Zacchreus and showed himself, and talked
with him of the things of God, the love that was manifested
by Jesus entered into the beart of Zacch::eus and became as
powerfUl to restore it to God as tbe word of Jesus was
powerfUl to bid the dead come forth.
16The final lesson of the series is a reminder of the Christ

KOVE~lBER

15, lll24

CfheWATCH TOWER

mas season, and of God's great gift to the world, God

lovt'd the world and showed his love to the lost human
family by making the greatest sacrifice possible, and giving
the greatest possihlp gift. 'fhe love of God has been hidden behind his manifested wrath against evil, and lwhind the
cloud of lit's which Satan poun'd forth through the darkening doctrines of Christendom, Only those who are instructed in til' \Yonl of God can understand the power of
Satanic influence in the earth, Satan has succeeded in
blinding thp p~ es of many simple souls \vho have bl'en in
the ministry urdainell by men; atlll he has sueeeellell in
drawing away from fid"lity to God clever persons who have
soui,:ht to serve themselves rutht'r than God. TIH'se haye hidden the plain facts of the Wonl of God whilt' professing to be
its expositors, and have bla&phemollsly taught tlu' yery opposite of the things Gud lias revt'aled of himself, of man,
and of his purpose towanl men.
17The gift of God is !ift:', Ilis great sacrificial gift is
his Son. The creeds of Christendom teach that man is
immortal and therefore cannot be the recipient of the gi l't
of God. It teaches that God himself came down to die
for mC'n-a contradiction in itself. and a blinding untruth
respt'eting both the Father and the Son. When Jesus deelan'd the grace of GOll in giving his only begotten Son, he
said that while he eume into the world to give life, he
also came into the world for judgment. ~[,hose who rejec'
him and his revelation, whether the Pharisees in the day:,
gone past, or those who are of the same spirit now, will

fin,1 that Jesus brings them ju(]"ll1ent, lIOt salvatlt)n.-John

3: 36.
QUESTIONS FOR BElmAN STUDY
Did Jesus come on the misHion of ,'onYertinl'( the woro nt his first
n(}\Tent? \\~hen dId Jesus undt'l'~tand that he "~Ul to have a
hride'! ~ 1,
WIl<'n the disciples ,,'ere sent forth \\ ere they well equipped? What
,n're they to preal'!l? "-hat 'HI'e they to do '! ~~,
Dill tl10 "briples pO,",""H8 out" .Ird glory'! Did they taJ<e up collections? ~ 3,
Out\\ard conforming to the Law leads to what? Ihn'V' are we
made acceptable to God '! ~ 4,
What doe, the Parable of the Hower partieularly show? How
does truth act upon a J)('l'son'l 1; .).

\Yhat incident teach,'s of til<' necessity of confidence in God?

\Vhat are hindl'UIleCS to growth and f.;l'rvice? ~ n.
What great contrast is shown in the Parahle of the Prodigal Son?
'17.
\Yhat doe3 feedin", fi,'e thousand repr"sent? \Yhy is it necessarv
10 exercise faIth in Christ's presence aftt?r he h:l!': al'rhTcd? ~ ,......
\Yas Jesus alwa~" mingling with the crowds? What three things
:JI'P neceRRary for 1he (}P\"CIOpIllent of the ('llllreh~! ,; 9.
\Yhat great confession did l'eter make? What did Jesus then
explain to his disciple>? 'Ii 10,
II"" dill Jeous fortJfy his diSCIples against tile disappointment in
his death '! Is ther"l any wa~' in \\ hich Jesus treated all of hIS
apostles alil;e? 'Ii 11.
\Yas the lawyer who Was versed in the MMai~ law a match for
Jesus? Are all the thieye" properly laheled? ~ 12,
What is the miracle of !Il'lliing intended to tea('h? 'Ii 13,
'Vhat did Jesus mean by declarinl; that he was the resurrection
and the life? ~14.
\\"hat did Jesus' dealin~ with ZaCChff'llS represent? ~ 15.
How has God shown his loye for the world" What has hindered
the loye of God from beinl; mOl'e fully known" 'Ii 1G.
Xame two blinding needs of Christendom. How does Jesus liys
life and judgment '! '1117.

INTERESTING
ENDORSES VIEW ON PROHIBITION
DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORIl:

The Stanwood Ecclesia unanimously uphold your view of

Prohibition, as set fortll in 'I'H~; GOLDEN AGE, and voted to
send and let you know of the same. Kindly receive Ollr
gret'ting of love and hearty appreciation.
May the dear Lord bless and strengthen ~'ou and your
efforts to serve him, With best wishes from the Stanwood
Eeclesia, Stanwood, Wash.
A. I. Rnm, Sec.

THERE ARE BUT TWO MASTERS

DEAR BROTHER HUTIIF;RFORD:

Loving greetings in our King.

I am so grateful to God for all your labors of love In
his service; but the article in answer to the critics on your
remarks coneeming Prohibition was a special blessing from
many standpoints.
The chief point Is The "Vow unto the Lord: "Rememlwring that there are but the two masters." There is such a
tendency to compromise when the adversary transforms
himself into an angel of light!
Our Master speaks plainly conceming the many wonderfUl works done in his name. Praise God for criticism.
Truth shines more clearly as a result, and brings glory to
our King.
In his love and service, MAY A. IRELAND, England.

AGREEABLE TO PROHIBITION VIEWS

DEAR MR. RUTHERFORD:

The supplement to the Sept. 10th issue of THE GOLDEN
AGE, No. 130, with your presentation of the facts most common to all observers of the times concerning Prohibition,

LETTERS

induces me to write and thank you as one of the brethren

you haye spoken for in his name.
Yours for the Lord's kingclom.
II. G. WILLIAMS, N. Y.

APPRECIATES FOOD FROM HEADQUARTERS

BRETHREN:
I greet you in the name of .Jesus, whom we serve. I an
enelosing the V. D. M, Question forms filled in as requested.
I pray God's continual blessing,; on the wonderful work
you are privileged to do. How we do appreelate the food
coming from headquarters (the Lord's table)! lIow I
thank our loYing heaYenly Father that I can take even a
small part in proelaiming the King and his glorious kingdom, in this part of the field.
Your Brother by his grace only.
J. E, L. I1'IJ"L.\Y, South Africa.
DK\R

SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT WITHOUT

K~OWLEDGE

DK\R BRETHREN:

You will find enclosed the V. D, 1\1. Questions. It gives

me much pleasure to be able to send them in. It is through
the goodness of the Lord that I am privileged to do so.
I have been In the truth about two years; I was at one
time superintendent of a Bapti~t Sunday school, but did
not know anything abouts God's wonderful plan. But
praise the Lord, the way is ~etting clearer each day as I
drink at the fountain of truth. The Lord is multiplying
his blessings on his followers day by day. He has promised
that the light will shine brighter lind brighter unto the
perfect day. Yours in Christian love,
B. P. GARRET.r Ohich

International Bible Students Association Qasses

Lecturel3 and .s(udle~ by'frdvelin<;i Brethren
BROTHER H. HOWLETT

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Burlington. Vt. _
Dec. 4, 7
WaitslIeld, Vt. ._
_.. ..
II
Rutland. Vt.
..
8
Granville, N. Y.
..
9
Pownal Center. Vt. .. ..
10
Pittsfield, Mass..._.....
11

12
14
15
16
17
18

Springfield. Mass
Dec.
Holyoke. Mass
_
..
Easthampton. Mass. _.._ ..
Greenfield, Mass
..
Orange. lIlass
..
Fitchburg. Mass.

----

Morris. "Ian
lJec. 1
Altona, Man
"
2
'Vinklcr, :/II an
_"
3
Darling-ford, Man
__
"
4
Portage La I'rlllrie. Man "
7
Treherne, Man.
9

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Oakland. lIId
_ Nov.26
Fairmont. W. Va
__
27
Morgantown, 'V. Va
" 28
Clarksburg. W. Va.
30
Heaters. W. Va. .__
Dec. 1
Clarksburg. W. Va.
2

Wallace. W. Va. _
Dec.
3
Mobley. W. Va
_._..........
4
New :llartins\'illc. W. Va." 5, 7
Cia ring-ton. O.
8
Bellaire, O
__
..
!)
Wheeling. 'V. Va
_.....
10

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY
Palmyra, Tenn
Adalll~,
'l'enn. .
(}nthrle, Ky..
HO(JkiIlS\"lll~, Ky
11~\ nllxviIle, Ind.
Owensboro, K~.

a em,

__

3
4. 5
7
8
1 90

_..

Alliance. O
:/Ila1'loo['o, O
Canton. 0
Louisville. 0
'D'"IOtste1' . 0'
a on.
.

Dec. 11
_.......
12
_ _....... 14

i3

- ..-............
::

17

Dec.
"
_ ..
..

1
3
4
6
7, 8
9.10

Dec. 1
Wellington, Kan. _
"
3
Arkansas City, Kan.
4
Winfield. Kan
_ _ _
II
Douglas. Kan
_.........
7
Augusta, Kan. _._.........
8

-----

----

1i:akina. Onto
Dec.
12
Winnipeg, J\1an
.. " 11-, 15
Portag-e La Prairie.lIIan." 17. 18
Alonsa. Man. .__
2022
Gilbert Plains. Man. .. ..
28
Dauphin, Man.
30

lIIerrill, Wis
:'\ov.
'VauRfiu, \Vis
_ __ ."
Marion, Wis
__..
"
Clintonville. "'is
"
Bonduel. 'Vis
"
Green Bay, Wis.

10
11
12
15
16

Titusville, Fla
Dec. 1
Ormond, Fla. __
"
2
Daytona. Fla. . _..................
3
New Smyrna. Fla.
4
Sanford. Fla
" 5,7
Grand Island, Fla
_ " 8,9

1
3
4
5
7
8

Trenton. Onto
Sterling, Ont,
Havelock. Onto
l'eterboro. Onto
Lindsay, Onto
Cameron. Onto

__.._ Dec.
1
_
" 2,3
"
4
" 5,7
__
..
8
"
9

_ __..Dec.
"
_._
"
_.......

1
3
4
11,7
8,9
11

Chattanooga, Tenn
Ooltewah. Tenn
Rock Springl'3, Ga
Hom~. Ga. _
._.. __
Cave Spring-. Ga
Rockmart. Ga
__

1
2
3
4

8
7

Dec. 2. 4
"
3
"
5
" 7,9
"
8
10

Dallas. Ga
Atlanta. Ga

__

l)ollg-lasyille, Ga

Raymond Ga
Chipley, Ga..__
Col unIbus, Ga

__
_

Dec.
11
" 12.14
"
16
"
17
18
" 19,21

Norwich, Conn
_ _Nov. 25
New London, Conn
"
26
Deep Hiver. Conn
"
27
Branford. Conn
__
"
28
New Havfl-Il, Conn
"
30
Milford. Conn. __
Dec. 1

Bridgeport, Conn
Dee.
Sonth Nor,,'alk, Conn
"
llanhury. Conn. .__
__ _..
Wat~rbury. Conn
"
Torrington, Conn
_.. "
Stamford, Conn.

2
3
4
li
7
8

Parker. S. Dak
Mellno. S. Dak. ._
Chancellor, S. Dak
Da,'is. S. Dal,Yankton, S. Dak
Irene, S. Dak.

Dec.
1
"
2, ~
"
..
5
"
7,9
..
8

Corsica, S. D
Vermillion, S. D
Sioux City. Ia.
Omaha. I\'eb
Des Moines. Ia
Chicago. Ill

Dee. 10, 11
__ .. " 12,14
..
15
_._..
16
"
17
__
"
18

BROTHJolR T. H. THORNTON
13,14
15
16.17
18
19.21
22,23

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
Rock IRland, Ill
Dec.
Rochelle, Ill
"
Ashton. Ill
"
Geneva, Ill.
"
Aurora. IlL
" II.
.1 oUet. Ill. .._.................. ..

10
11
14
15
10
17

BROTHER W. J. THORN

Laramie. Wyo
__..Dec. 17.18
Cheyenne, \Vyo _._ _ " 19.21
Carpenter. '''yo
"
22
Sterling, Colo
_
__ ..
23
24.25
Haxtum, Colo.
H_O_I_yoke, Colo.
26

Calgary. Alta
_
Dec
MacLeod, Alta
_
"
Lethbridge. Alta
..
Bow IRland. Alta
_ "
Medicine Hat, Alta
"
Suffield. Alta. __
"

_ Dec.
"
"
"
_ "

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

Premont, Tex. _..

Dec. 9.10
Driscoll. Tex
" 11, 12
Kingsville. Tex.
..
14
Bro\vn~'Tille, Tex. __
n
15
Me Allen, Tex
" 16.17
Harlingen, Tex.
.. 18.19

BROTHER W. M. HERSEB
Calmar. Alta...._
Cam rose. Alta. _
Alliance. Alta.
Coronation. Alta
Swalwell. Alta
Beiseker. Alta

Port Perry. Onto

Osha a. Ont.
Toronto. Onto
Brampton, Onto
Guelph. Onto
__
Kltchener. Onto

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE
4. II
7
8
]4
21
28

BROTHER M. L. HERR
GibbonsYille, Ida
Dec.
24
Butte, l\lont. __
__.. .,
T
Billings, Mont.
8.9
Casper. Wyo
_
-.. .. 11.1 2
14
Slater, 'Vyo
-..-- - ..
16
Cheyenne, 'Vy<>.

Apopka, Fla. .__ _ Dec. 10, 11

Orlando, Fla _
" 12,14
De Land. Fla.
..
15
Green ('(}veSprings. Fla. " 16,17
Savannah. Ga
"
18
Charleston, S. C
"
19

-----

BROTHER H. E. HAZLETT
Galveston. Tex
Dec.
Alvin, Tex
_
"
Houston. Tex
_.._
"
Sealy, Tex
_ _.. "
Corpus Christl, Tex
_ "
A.\1ce. Tex
__

Marinette, WIs
Dec. 1
Vulcan, l\1icb
" 2,3
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. .. .. 5, 8
Sallit Hte. Marie, Canada."
7
Marinette. Wis
"
9
St. Louis. :/110_..............
28

BROTHER C. ROBERTS

Portland, Ore
Dec. 12, 14
Vancouver. 'Vash
"
15
Me Minnville. Ore.
..
16
Monmouth, Ore. ._
"
17
Falls City. Ore
"
18
Dallas, Ore
_ _.. "
19

Davenport. Ia
_ Dec.
Dllbuque, Ia
__
..
Chicag-o, Ill. (Ger. Class)"
Akron. O.
..
Canton. O
"
Alliance, O. _ __.__
..

24
25
26
27
28
30

BROTHER V. C. RICE

Eldorado, Kan. ..
Dec.
Eureka. Kan.
..
Olpe. Kan.
Strong. Kan."_.._"'_". "
Pomona. Kan.
.. 14.
Ottawa, Kan.

BROTHER M.e HARBECK

Minneapolis. Minn
Nov.
25
St. Paul. Minn.
..
26
Sumner. Ia
27.28
Readlyn, Ia. _
Nov. 30, Dec. 1
Oelwein, Ill.
Dec.
2
Fairbanks, Ia.
"
3

Pen Argyl. Pa
_ Dcc. 9
Bangor, Pn.. . .__._
"
10
East Stroudsburg, Pa
"
11
Paterson, N . .J.
"
12
Brooklyn, N. Y. ._
_"
14
'Voodhaven, L. I.
"
Z1

BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
La Grande, Ore
_ Dec. 1,2
Pendleton, Ore
_... ..
3
Hermlst(}n, Ore.
..
4
Heppner, Ol"llo
_........
II. 7
Odell. Ore.
_ _..........
8.9
Bend, Ore.
_.._
_.., " 10. 11

Beech Creek. Ky
_
Dec. 9
Beaver VaIn, ]~.r.._.__. . " 10
Sonora, K~.._
_ " 11
Elizabethtown, Ky
12
Riney\ ille, ]{y
__.. H 14
Brandenburg, Ky
" 15

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
Hardtner, Kan.

1
2
3
4
5, 7
8

Lansdale. Pa
Dec. 1
Allentown, Pa.
,
2
L('hightOll, Pa.
._ _ __."
3
l\..unkletown, 1 1a . .
"
4
DanieLsville, Pa. ._
"
5
Easton, Pa
__. " 7.8

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Elora. Onto
Gravenhurst, Onto
Bracebrldge, Onto
North Bay. Onto
New Liskeard. Onto
Xlmmlns, Ont.

_lJ('c.
0'

"
"

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Toronto, O
Dec.
Negley. O. _
_ _..
East Liverpool, 0. _.....
Power Plant. 0.
..
LSislbonOO.
..

Dcc. 10, 11
12,14
"
15
"
16
..
17
18

Souris. Man
Brandon, Man.
Rapid City, Man
Minnedosa, Man
Clanwilliam. Man.
Neepawa. Man.

Chicago Heights. Ill...Dee.

Pullman. Ill.
_.............
Hammond. Ind
_....... "11.
Blue Island, Ill
_0. __._ n
Zion, Ill
__
"
Waukegan, Ill
_"

Tuskahoma. Okla
Alhion. Okla
_.
:Fort Smith. Ark
J,amar. Arl,
__
Dover. Ark
Rnssellville. Ark.

Nov. 28
"
30
Dec. 1
_
" 2.3
_ "
4
II

Little Hock, Ark

Dec.
7
Ferndale. Ark..__
"
8
llonahlRon. Ark
__.._ .. "
10
Hot Springs. Ark
_
"11.12
Pine lJ)ul'f. Ark
_
"
14
Scott, Ark
_ _..
111

-----

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN
9
10
12
14
16
17

Selma. Calif.
..__ _
Dec.
'l'ulare. Calif. ._
_.........
Bal,ersfield. Calif.
Portersville. Calif. .
"
Orosi, Calif.
__._
_ "
Reedley, Calif
_ .._ "

1
2
3
4
II
7

Oakdale, Calif. .
Dec. 8. 11
'l'uolnmne, Calif
_
" 9, 10
Hiverbank. Calif
"
12
Stockton. Calif
_
"
14
Lodi. Calif
_....... ..
115
Sacramento, Calif
"
1

"".ltre!ly1l1l1J @l1h)9 ~l1y~t ~fttU'v~ Wn~ll1t'?

O~1fJ~rnh\l9 ~$~b.iIllJbd~ ~as~ a!eoY"-lZaial}

VeL XLV

SEMI-MoNTHLY

Anno lIlundi 6053-Dec. I, 192j

CONTENT8
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1924

355

Report of the Brookl~'n Office

3,,6
Finandal Statement for 1924 ..._.._ 358
Report of the British Branch ----- .__
358
Report of the Canadian Branch
359
Report of Cl'ntrnl European Office .__.__..360
Reports from Scandina\'ian Countrie. _....
363
Reports from Eastern Europe --..__..
364
Reports from the Near East ----------.
..__...365
Reports from Africa _..
.. .----__
365
Reports f"om the Far East ....--.-__
3<;6
Reports from West Indies and Vicinity
.366
~port from South America ....--....
...__...__366

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".

"1 wm stand upon mil watch and will . et my tv,,'

."em the Tower, and will uatch to Bet! what Bt! will

,'gil

unto me, and what answer I shall make to th_

at oppolle _."-Habakkuk ':L

~~~~~~~,
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~~ --;.. ~tlt~::.:~::..sLr- _~":~ ~5~~~---::'- -------~-

Upon the earth dlstresll of nllti()Dt1 with perplexity; thp !ea and the \Taves (the restless. discontented). ..,,,ring; men's heart~ failing them for fear and for looking te
the things comin~ upon the earth (society); for the power. of the heavens (ecclcsiasticsm) sh,,11 bp shaken. When ye see these things begin ro come to pass, then
"nnw 'htthe Kingdom of God i. at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, reJoice, fur your redemptIOn d",weth nigh.-Matt. 24::l3; Mark 13'29' Luke 2J:2~1i.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED :anSSION

HIll ,onrnal III one or thll prime factors or instruments in the system of

l~ible
&

instruction, ot: "Seminary Extension", now beill;;'

prl!l3ented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWEll BIBLE
TRACT SOCU;l'Y, chartered A. D. 1t>IH, "For the ProT
motion of Christian Knowledge". It not only serves as a class room where !lillie students may meet in tve study of the divine Word but

also as a channel of communication throu;;h which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of tha
coming of its U'aveling representatives, styled "Pilgrims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published STUDIES most entertainingly arranged, and very
helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verhi Dei Mini8ter (V. D. lIf.), which translated
into English is MinMter 0/ God's Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible
students and teachers. By some this featnre is considered indispensable.
This journal stands ftrmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being 80 generally repudiaterl
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gaye himself a ransom [a corN'sponding price, a substitute] for
all''. (l Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Buildint; up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 l'eter 1: 5-11) of the W.. rd of God, it,s fUJ;ther mission is to "make all see ,,,hat is the fellowship of (he mystery which .has
heen hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"wbicll in other ages
was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now reYealed".-Ephesians 3: 5-0, 10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to hring its every ntteran~e into fullest
llubjectien to the will of God in Christ, as eXl'r0,~('d in the holy Scriptures. It Is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord
hath spoken-according to tile divine 'wisdom gndl teJ unto us to nnderstand his utterances. Its attitude is not uogmatic, but confident;
for we Imow "'hereof we affirm, treading with implicit faIth upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a tru,1. to be used only in hi~
service; hence our decisions relative to what m"y and what may not appear in its columlls must be a('( ordIllg to our judgment of iliS
good pleasure, the teaching of his 'Vord, for the llpbuild,ing of his people I'n grace and knowledge. And \\e not only invite but urge oUl:
readers to prove all its utterances b\v the infallible Word to Which referllnce is constantly made to facilitate SUCH testing.

TO US THE S(!;RIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the chnrch Is "the temple of tbe living God", peculiarly "his workmanship" ; that its construction has been in l'rog-ress throughout
the gospel age-ever sinee Christ beca",e the world's Hf'deeme1' and the Chief Corner ~tone of his tempie, through whicb, "lieu
finished, God's lJle,"ing shall come "to all people", and they find aCcess to him.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesian8 2: 20-22 ;
Genesis 28; 14; Galatians 3: 29.
'That me.antime the chiseling, shaping, llnd polishing of consecrated believers in Christ'fl atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "Uying stones", "elect and precious," shall hare been made ready, tile grellt )laster Workman will bring all togetl1er
In the. first resurrection; and the temple ihall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men t.hrougiJou,
the J\liJlenniulJI.-neYelation 15: 5-8.
"That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus ChrIst, by the grace of God, ta"tOO death for every
man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light Wllich ligbtetl1 ctcry ma1l that oometh in.to the 1Cortd?', uin due time".-Hebrews 2: 9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she IDay be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as bis joint-helr.-1 John 3;2; Jolm 17;24; Romtlns 8:17; 2 Peter 1;4.
i'hat t1w present mission of the church is the perfe<>ting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in hen'elf every
!':J'Ule; to lJe Gou's witness to the world; anu to vrepare to be kl1lgs and priebts in the next age.-Ephesians 4; 12; Matthew 2i:
Ii; Hevelauon 1: 6; 20: 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of lmowledg-e and opportunity to be bronl':ht to all by Christ's Jllillennial kin"dom, tbe
restitution of all lhat was lost In Adam, to all the willm" and obeuient, at the hand~ of tIJelr Hedeelller anti his glorllJ(.:u church,
when aJl the wilfully Wicked will lJe de.troyea.-Acts 3: 19-23; IsaialJ 33.
=

'PUl!l"'ISH~O II"

"STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES"

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The names of the editorial committee arc; J. F. IWTHERFORD.

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BETHEL HYMNS FOR JANUARY

ByMeansof

5 :':9D

TUef;(~ay

"The At-one-ment"

IlTUDY IX: "BArTIS"I, WITNESS, AND SEAL"

Week of Jan. 18 . Q. 55-60
l:eek of Jan. 4 ... Q.43-48
Week of Jan. 25 ... Q. "1-66
Week of Jun. 11 .. Q. 49-1')4

\Yedllesday
Thursday
Frida~-

Saturday

11
12
6 74 13
'1183 14
8 218 15
9 14. 16
10 14fl 1'1

4 317

f;uf'dny
Montl:lY

I.I3SA. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES

1. 34
2 1!11
3 3,.

1(',4
G-l
56
27
315
2:10

130

18200
19 150
20307
21 177
22 61
23 BOO
24 206

25
26
2'1
28
29
30
31

301

14
IGG
327
4.
104
242

&h~VATCH

TOWER.
PRESENC_E

AND HEJRALD OF CHR~STS

VOL. XLV

1\0. 23

1, 1!J24

DECEMBER

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1924

"And in the days of these hngs shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, u'hich shall never be destroyed: ana
the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pifccs and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."-Daniel 2 : 44,' Matthew 10: 7.

HE proof seems clear that the God of heaven is

majestically moving forward in the work of establishing his kingrlom; that we are now in the
time of the fulfilment of the words of the prophet Daniel, as above stated. Noone will have anything to do
with the work of setting up that kingdom except those
who are in harmony with God. Each one who possesses ability (by that meaning a measure of the holy
spint) will have a portion to do with the kingdom according to his ability. It is certain that the part of
those who have to do with it at all is to preach that
the kingdom of heaven is at hand! 'They bring no
profit to Jehovah nor the Lord Jesus; but these are
witnesses that Jehovah is God, that Jesus is King, that
the kingdom is here. To give this testimony to the
peoples of earth is a divinely-given privilege and duty
to those who are in full harmony with the Lord.
This SOCIETY, serving as a servant of the Lord, has
been trying during the fiscal year ending 1924 to perform its privileges and duties in the proclamation of
the message of the kingdom. Modestly, then, we claim
to be participating in the establishment of the kingdom to that extent. Wa count this the greatest privilege that could be granted to any creature. Those who
appreeiate this privilege have entered into the joy of
the Lord and realize that the joy of the Lord is their
strength.
While neither the law of the land nor the charter
of the SOCIETY requires an annual report to be made,
it is the privilege of the President of the SOCIETY to
make such report to other brethren on the earth concerning the work done during the year. No one on
earth has done anything great in the name of the Lord,
but the work that the Lord has accomplished through
his people is marvelous in our eyes. Particularly is
this true when we take into consideration that only a
handful of people has been engaged in the work.
Some who have failed to use their talents have had the
llame removed and given to other.:>. The work has gone

grandly on, to the glory of the King. All glory and

honor is due the heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus;
and when we take a retrospective view of what has been
accomplished during the past year we mark increased
evidences that the kingdom of the Lord is being established.
During the year the enemy has not been idle, but
has dili,'l'cntly pressed the fight against the people of
God. This is to be expected; and happy is the lot of
those who are permitted thus to share in the sufferings
of Christ Jesus our Head. These recognize that tribulation develops patience, broadens our experience, and
brightens our hopes. Through all the experiences the
Lord has been the stay and shield and protection of
his people. Truly he has brought his church into a
large place and delivered the faithful ones, because he
delighted in them.
At the end of this fiscal year we can truly say, with
David: "Thou hast girded me with strength unto
the battle." (Psalm 18: 39) The year has been one of
great encouragement, because we have observed the
hand of the Lord in the work of the SOCIETY. His truly
consecrated ones, all of whom jointly compose the SOCIETY, have been joyfully giving a witness. The mass
of matter to consider in the yearly work makes it impossible to give a full and detailed report herein. The
report therefore contains only the salient features that
prominently appear.
ORGANIZATION

Proper organization is absolutely essential to suecess in any work. Especially is this true concerning
the kingdom work. The Scriptures plainly show that
all of the work done that is approved by the Lord must
be done orderly. He is not a God of confusion, but
a God of order. Every one in the Lord's organization
is expected to work as opportunity is afforded. He i.
not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit in
the Lord's service. Jesus declared: ".My Father work-

35:1

S:>6

'fhe

WATCH TOWER

eth hitherto, and I work." ( John [j: 17) All who are
pleasing to the Lord, therefore, mmt work, as he gives
them oppoltunity. To the end that his work on earth
might be accomplished in harmony with the Lord's
will, effort has been made to organize and conduct the
same on the plan of efficiency. Of course it is never
130 efficient but that improvement can be made.
The main office of the SOCIETY, from which the work
generally is directed, is situated at 124 Columbia
Heights, Brook>lyn, New York. 'rhe operative office"
of the American activitics are at 18 Concord Street,
Brooklyn, with a number of branch offices under their
respective managers situated in various parts of the
earth.
It is the duty of the executive office at Brooklyn to
handle all the official correspondence from all the hranch
offices, and to have gencral snprrYision over the finances
and to direct the expending of the same in the various
countries of earth, and to keep in close touch with the
work in America as well as th~ forcign branches, as well
as to exercise a general supervisory control over the
same. 'rhere is a close sympathetic relationship between
the home office and the branch offices, and the Lord is
directing it all. It is rather difficult for one to have
in mind the scope of the work by a mere casual consideration of what is bcing done. 'rhe suggestion is
made that while considering the facts set forth in this
report the rcader take a map of the world and refer
to it in connection with the reports from the various
countries. I n giving this report we will set it forth
under the heading of the name of the respective branch
offices. Some of these offices manage the wo.rk of several
languages in several countries, as will be observed.
BROOKLYN

From the Brooklyn office the SOCIETY'S work within

the United States is conducted in the Bnglish language;
and in addition thereto departments in foreign tongues
are maintained, and the work is directed under one
general manager.
For several months in advance the work is mapped
out, and endeavor is made for each department to move
exactly on time ami in harmony, so as to enable the
greatest results to be obtained for the effort put forth.
In the performance of our part in announcing the kingdom, the work consists chiefly in bringing to the people a knowledge of the Lord's plan. To accomplish
this, books and literature must be produced and placed
in their hands at the lowest possible co~t.
FACTORY

During the year it was found that the space for

manufacturing our books and printing other literature
was inadequate. To facilitate the work we took over the
entire floor space of the building occupied, and now
occun the basement, in ,yhich are imtalled the large

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

printing presses, and six floors above that, one of whie;l

is useel for the office.
The production of the printing plant at 18 Concord
Street during the year was as follows:
Volumes of bound books and booklets
_ 3,iJ82,2[13
'I'HE WATCH TOWER, number of copies pIillted.. 1,092,(W)()
'1'IIE GOLlIE;'\1 Am:, number of c()l'il'~ pl'injp([ .... 1,81G.!)()0
"Pro{']HmH tiOIl" (Lo~ Angel,'s, 1\l~:I)
,.. 13.4TS.-1O!)
Handbills pl'intt>([ for cl~sses
1,9TO,:{OO
Handbills in furPign lUllgua"~es
G!lS.')()1)

In addition to thr pm~,,('s employed at ]8 COJl('errl

Strpl't bv the SOC!E!'Y, we imtHlle<l printing pres""" at
the foll;wing points: St. Louis, Chicago, and Oakla.1cl,
California. These hare prlnt('d lJandb~lls for the cla:'~L:"
since being im'taIl0d, as follo\\ b:
St. Louis

Chicago
Oaklan<.\

!)!)2,OOJ

__
__

__ __
__ __.__

;':):5.()(I,)

300.\)00

The production sl,ows a ueci<le<l increase over j h;lt

of 1923. Th2 total amount of pieces of literatlln',
books, booklets, tracts, etc., printed during the ye2.r
from Brooklyn 1ms 24,4.82, 895.
DISPOSITION OF BOOKS

The publications; produced in bound volumes and oed

out from this office to classes, colporteurs and bralll'hes,
including STL'DlES IN THE ScmrTVREfl, SCENAHlOS,
"The Harp of God," etc., during the year, totals U85,811 volumes, in the English language alone. Booklets
produced and shipped out during the same period, J,294,G85 ; WATCH 'rOWER Heprints, 2,223 sets. Add,'d
to this is "The Way to Paradise", 40,781 volumr~.
This does not include, of course, the "Indictment, 0'
printed immediately following the enel of the fiolal
year, which will appear in the next report.
The "Proclamations" from the Los Angeles Convention were printed and distributed throughout the
earth to the total of about fifty million copies in 1 '1rious languages.
FIELD WORKERS

During the yrar thrre haY(~ not been so many workprs

in the field as last year, even though a greater work has
been accomplishcd. This indieates that the Loru's ,vork
must go grandly on; and if some find it necessary to
slack their hand, or if others, because of inrlifferc]1('p,
turn aside, the Lord 'will increase the ability of those who
are willing to work, that the work may go forward.
During the year 1923 there was a weekly average of
1~90 workers in the field service. During the year 192!
there was a weekly average of 1064 workers in the field.
The colporteurs are really the ones that bear the burden of the battle. 'The Lord has added his blessin~.
During the year the colporteurs ami auxiliary colporteurs sold 7,391 more sets of STCDIJ:S I~ THE SCllIP-

Dcn:mJcrr 1, 1D24

357

CfheWATCH TOWER

thall diu all of the organizcJ cla~,es ill th2 lOUlltry. The following shows the comparative sales:

T"; m;;;

Clas>;es, sets of Sn:DIES IN THE SCRIPTLRES

Isolated colporteurs, sets of STUDIES
Class (~)Iportenl's, sets of STUDIES
Auxiliary colporteurs, sets of STUDIES

]~,1f)5

1:2,7S7
4.:!21
:2,381

Dnring the year the combilleu Bales of Engli~h an<l

furcign language boob Ji"posed of from thi~ aitiee were
as l'ollO\vs:
STTlIll:S IC'I TIlE SCIUl'lTRJ:S, Sn:"_\rr:ns. etl'
"Till' Harp of GOll' ,
_
"_\. Dpsiru1Jle Govet'lllllPnt"
":\! ill ions" book
1\1 iSl'p llnneolls boo]; lpl S

"The Finished :My~tel'Y" (papl'l'-boUIil!)

"TIIP Divine I'lnn" (1l:IPP1'-IJ:Jln1l!)
"Tlw "-ny to !':Il'adisc"
'Y.A TCH ~"O\VF:R Hellri nis ..... ..._.
...

Grand TotaL.

(;~7.(j8:i

..).")(J,:.!18

.4] ,44ll
03.735
,O!).O(i6

1,'11-1:2
~.~S1

-lU,7S1
2.:!:23
:2,774.():2:1

The number or persons \rho engaged in tho \1'ork at

Iho11lc:lyn headquarters during the yoar 192-1 ha.3
awragell 170.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES

In atl(lition to the Engli~h work carried on at the

BrC'('klyll headquarters is that conducted in the followill;! foreign languagos: Arahie. Armenian. French. Germnn, Grook, Hungarian, HaEml. Lithuanian, rolish,
Ru',ian, and 'Gkrainian. In addition to the languages
la, ~ above mentioned, this office prints books and 1iteraturr in the following lang'uages: Bohomian, Croatian,
Hawaiian, Japanese, Lettish, Roumanian, Spanish, and
Yl(Jdish
CONVENTIONS

them, and giYes a wider advertisement of the kingdom

message. The Loru's blessing has been upon this; and
we believe it to be the Lord's will that we continue in
the same way of acting on the same day in regard to
the same matter.
For each one of these public meetings the sul:....title
at least has been, "Millions Kow Living Will Never
Die." This has become a sort of "trade mark" of the
Hible Students; and all oyer the earth the people know
that the Bible Students are the ones who proclaim this
messnge.
PILG RIM SEUVICE

The Pilgrim brethren have faithfully pursued their

work, looking' aiter the interests of the kingdom committe<l to their hands. 'rhe Pilgrim work in the United
~tatcs, directed from the Brooklyn office, has been parLcipateu in during the year by 102 English-speaking
brethren. The general attendance at the regularly
atlvertised public meetings has increased during the
year. There have not been quite so many meetings held
:'" dmi]1g the year before, hut this has been offset by
tlle number of lectures broadcast by radio. In addition
to the puhl ie witness, the PIlgrims have made regular
\ I~its to the classes to encourage them and to build
them up on their most holy faith. A detailed statemeHt of the Pilgrim work follows:
of visits madc
..
.________ 6,~16
Xllmber of pnblic meetings
.
._____________ 4,783
Total attemlance at public meetings __
__
_6:!D,100
Xumber of class meetings
__ _
7,239
Total attendance at class meetings
..
...__ fiG."),74;}
Total number of miles traveled -..
7::!G,730
~umber

Foreign anlt Colored Departml"nts

1"umber of PIlgrims in service during year

:!\UInher of visits made
..
..---:'\nmher of public mcetings
Total attl'lHlancl' at public meetin~s
Xuml>cr of <:lass meetings __.. ..
Total attendance at class meetings
Total numbl'l' of miles travelpd
..

.
...

48
2.-119
1,456
117.928
:2.Gfi2
107,0:>9
:2.;:2,862

..
During the fiscal y":11' fiJteen well-a(lvertiseu convontions of English-speakillg people wore held in the l~llited
States. The general conventIon was lll'ld at Columbus,
Ohio, which has heretofcre been repDl'teu in TUl: IYXl'CH
PUBLIC WITNESS
'l'mn:R. These conventions have serred as a groat ,timThe public ,,-itness in the lTnit0d States has heen
ulus to the brethren everY'.\'hcre amI in hillllmg closer
weli
maintained throughout the year. The classl's everytogether the hearts of those \vho are engaged in the serwhere have done nobly in this regard. At great exvice of the Lord.
pense to tlwmse1yrs thl'Y haw procured halls, oxtensively advertised meetings, and thus proclaimed the mesWORLD-WIDE WITNESS
sage of the kingdom. On the reverse side of many of
'rhe SOCIETY during the year has pnrsued the policy th'3 handbills has been printl~d a brief tract which, in
of settil1g certain dates for worM-wiele witnessing, on itsol, has been a large witness.
which dates the classes in every part of tho earth, in
In view of the fact that the classes spent so much
all languages, were askeu to arrange for public meet- money for the local witness, their contributions to the
ings. This has been <lone with splendid Bueeess, and SOOIETY'S main office were nec~sarily reduced.
has had much to do with getting a knowlEdge of the
FINANCIAL
divine plan into the minds of the people. The fact
that the brethren at the same time all over the earth
We acknmYledge with profound gratituue and thankllarc speaking' on the same subject is encouraging to giying the manner in which the Lord has looked It.fter

858

WATCH TOWER

'The

his work this year from the financial viewpoint. Being enabled to produce our own books, we have also
been able to sell them at a greatly reduced price, for
much less than they would have been sold otherwise;
and it has been the endeavor as nearly as possible to
make the sale of these books cover the expense of manufacture, etc., leaving a wider field for the use of contributions, particularly in foreign lands.
During the year the SOCIETY has expended in the
foreign field cash to the amount of $118,321.10. In
addition thereto a large number of books has been furnished to the foreign offices. Thus we see that the
American brethren have been greatly privileged to help
stricken Europe and other parts of the earth in giving
a witness to those who could not otherwise have it.
We share their joy. In fact, our joy is double because
we have been permitted to help to bless them.
'fhe brethren have been liberal with their contributions to the "Good Hopes" fund. These have been
small, as individual amounts, but have mounted up
when all were added together. Appended hereto is a
summary of the financial statement prepared and filed
by the Treasurer of the SOCIETY, as follows:
RECEIPTS
To balance from 1D~:1 ...._.... . ._.._..
To "Good Hopes" dUIlutiuns
...
To deficit 1924
.._ _
._

__.$ 1,624.47
._.._
230,7D6.24
_..__
4,]26.68

$236,547.39

EXPENDITURES
By general conventions
._
.
By l'il,~rim work .__.__ _. ._._
_._.__
By publicity, puulic lectures, etc
Free literature
_..
. .._
By foreign work __
__..__..__
..

$ 16,686.89
3b,DSS.64
. ..._ 37,250.55
__ 25,300.21
.. .
118,321,10
..__.__

$236,547.39

CORRESPONDENCE

During the year letters and cards to the number of

199,218 have been received, and 217,259 dispatched.
RADIO

It is with much pleasure that we can now announce

that the SOCIETY owns and maintains a radio broadcasting station, situated on Staten Island, New York,
and designated by the Government as ~tation WBBR,
our name for it being "Watchtower". 'fhis station has
been in operation since February 24, 1924.
I t has been suggested by some of the brethren that it
is exceedingly interesting to note that the first time
the public discourse "Millions Now Living Will Never
Die" was delivered was at Los Angeles, California, February 21, 1918. Six years later, to a day, February
24, 1921, the "Watchtower" radio station put on its
initial program. We feel that the Lord's hand is clearly
in this matter.

BROOKLYN,

"'.Y.

Reports that come frequently from far away distances show that many are hearing the message of truth.
We have good reports from Maine and Canaoian
points on the northeast, and from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, on the northwest and west, and
clear to the southern border of the United States, the
station having been heard on the Pacific coast. Quite
a large 11umber of books has been placed by reason of
the station.
It is impossible to tell how many hear, but it is certain that within a radius of one hundred miles of the
station there were a year ago, according to report,
500,000 receiving sets. 'This number must be greatly
increased by this time. The possibility of the size of
the audience of a radio station is tremendous. It is
hoped that by the permission of the Government we can
soon use greater power and greatly improve the efficiency
of this radio station.
Another station is now in course of construction at
Chicago, and we hope soon to have it in operation.
The Lord will see to it that the message of the kingdom goes to the people in his own good way and in
his own due time. We believe that the mdio is the
most economical and effective way of spreading the
message of the truth that has yet been used. It is
suggested that even though the numbers engaging in
the service may greatly decrease, the Lord will use the
radio to spread the message just the same. We should
learn this lesson that nothing can interfere with the
message of the kingdom; and that if one neglects his
privileges to give the witness in the way the Lord has
granted him the opportunity, he may expect that opportunity to be removed a11d the Lord to use some
other way to put the message out.
'l'he SOCIE'l'Y has urged upon the brethren activity in
the senice, k110wing that this is not for the benefit of
the Lord, but for the benefit of the brethren themselves.
'l'he privilege of engaging in the service cannot be overestimated. We hope the brethren everywhere will be
stimulated to increased activity to their own joy.
It is noted that only those who are actively engaged
in the service according to opportunity are really rejoicing in the Lord. It is a fulfilment of the Lord's
Word: "The joy of the Lord is your strength."-.l'i chemiah 8: 10.
If the Lord sees fit to build other radio stations for
the spreadi11g of the truth, he will provide the money
in his OW11 good way. It will be our privilege to participate in building these stations and spreading the
message as he opens the door of opportunity.
LONDON, ENGLAND

From the London office the work is carried on

throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
The results for the fiscal year are gratifying inoeed.
With pleasure we quote from the local manager's 1'0port, as follows:

351

rrneWATCH TOWER
"I haye the honor to gin> you the Rritish Branch report
of the acth ities in this part of the field. The l'CPOIt is
good in that it is the !I""t \I'e haw; 11f'en ahle to semi from
London. Last ~'car's ligures are increased in resp(."t to
Rales to thc extent of mOi'e than 100,000 I.JOoks; and What
is satisfactory and encouraging is that the increase is
nea rly all in the larger books, the Sn;lJ1ES, and 'The IIarp
of God.' 'niP la rgpr sale of the STlTDJES is made POssIllle
by reason of the lowering of the price to the public, whieh
in turn, is made possible by the faet that you supply these
at a mueh lower cost than we coulll proliuce thcm here.
'[he hrf'thren have bepn Illudl heartplwd as they haye b('en
enabled to placp so maI]~' sets of eight volumcs in the IHUlds
of the people. The newer, smaller booklets, 'World llistn'ss'
and 'A De"iralJJe Go\"el"llInent,' han~ lJe"n very aeceptalJle
to the wOI'kers as also to tile puhlie. The sales still kl'Cp
up, and we are eonfillently looking for a great increase
during the coming year.
"SERVICE. The servi('f' work is, of ('ourse, cloing hy fa r the
greatl'st Pl-ll't in t.he output o[ the bool,s. There is as yet.
no limit. to the possilJle serv\(>e; for expel'ipn(~ lli're proyes
the same as in other places, namely, that tf'ITitory can be
gone oyer again and again with an increase of sail'S. TI](>re
are still somc ('\asses who have Ilot wakened up to the
fact that. the Lord has priyilc::;ell thosp who know t.he truth
to be his IlIesseng'ers, his hem Ills of the killgdom and of
his presence. 'l'ltere are now 3~2 c)assl'S on OHr list, but.
t.h('re are only ~()O who Imye U1Hlertaken this service for
the Lord. 'Ye wonder Why thcy do not rouse tlwmselYes.
"COLPORTEl:R. The l'olportpur work kl'eps steadily on.
There is always a "'Ille field [or this service; and no,," tJwt
the books are so (heap, and the noise of the witness is going
abroad and people arc beginning t.o realize that. t.he I. B.
S. A. people are the only onps with a message, the work of
canvassing is not nearly so dil!icult as it. was wllf'n 1Jle work
was unknown and when tlwre was but little nep(1 IH'J'ond
that of clearing away thcological difficulties. The cry is
still, 'The IlUryest. is great, but. the laborcrs are few.'
"Brother Rutherford's visit to Britain, with the a ('('om
panJ'ing conventions and public meeting'S, was t.he outstanding feature of t.he year. Without. doubt the llrethren were
stimulatcd in an uncomlllon measun' by that. visit, and the
good result.s were immcdiate and permancnt. Perhaps the
next noticeable feature was t.he cOl1vention rl'Cently held
in Glasgow, certainly the Iwst attend"'l thl"re. It was with
great. spirit the (,OlIH~n1ion eong-regat ion :Idollted tlte Columbus resolution. The Lord is surel~' amongst his people here
also.
"I have newr known the British friends to be so united
or in such good heart in tlwir purpose to serye the Lord.
'The Harp' Is a wonderful help to tlte work. Owing chiefly
to it we have pair! our WflY during the year."

A summary of the output of literature by the British

Branch during the year is as follows:
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES
.
._.__..
8G.25]
"'.rhe Harp of GOO"....
.__.
. ]2:3.740
"Millions" books
._.
.
.
"Can t.he Living Tllik with the Dead 1" books__._._._.__ 3,379
SCENARIOS, "The 'Vay to Paradisp," et.c.. ..__.....__. 10,085
"'Vorld Dist.ress" and "Desirable Government"
booklets .
._...._.._.....
.._..
. ..._.__ 67,022
Ot-her booklets . .__._._...._. ..__..._.__. . .. .._.. .._. . 32,795
3~,050

Tot.al

.__ __.._.

_._.__

_..

._

.. 355,322

Proclamations and various t.racts . ._.

Folders (carIJ"ing the message) _._.....

...

4,132,881
4,086,700

Letters received
.... .._..
..__._
. ...._.__. 33,&08
Letters dispa tched .__..__. ._. . . .
._. . . [,2,419
Public meetings
.__. .
. ._...
1,264
Attendance at puhlic meetings .
.. . .__. .__._ 106,712
Pilgrims in regular service
.
.__.__..__.
._... . 11
Classes visited ..
..__
_...._ _.. .. .
. ._.. 3,124
Class meetings .
... _.._ _.
. .__. ...
.. 4,970
Attendance at class mectings .
.
. .. .._.. 181,451
Colport"urs __. . .
..__.
._ 130
Auxiliary colport C\Irs
......
.
..
_
89
Classes engaged in service work .. .
._. .._. 322

An analysis of the reports shows that the colporteurs

have done the major portion of the work in placing the
books in the hands of the people. Great is their privilege. Surely the Lord loves them greatly. '1'he colportenrs lo'hould be much encouraged to press OR in the
work the Lord has given them to do.
CANADA

The Canadian branch of the SOCIETY is situated at

Torollto. 'rhe territory embraced within the management of this office includes all the provinces of Canada
and K ewfoundlallll. There is also directed from this
office, in addition to the work in the English language,
the French, German, Polish, and Ukrainian activities
among the people of "ach province speaking the respecti"l"e languages mcntioned.
An examination of the facts rclating to this branch
office shows a decided increase over the work of 1923.
The increase in all the books and booklcts placed in the
halllls of the people was 271,709, which is an increase
of 82.25 percent over that of the previous year. This
is a very good criterion. When the people read they
e1lJ,p]oy the best method of getting an nnderstanding of
the Lord's kingdom into their minds. The subscription
list of THE WATCII TOWEJt has increased during the
year to the number of 1,060 new subscribers. The free
lit{'rature distributed totaled 991,971 pieces; and in
addition to this. of the Los Angeles "Proclamation"
there were 927,372 copies distributed.
Throughout this territory during the year there Were
370 more public mCf'tings held than in the previous
year; and the increased attendance was 20,781. During
the year 1,547 public meetings were held, with a total
attendance of 1G6,119. Class meetings numbered 1,868,
with a total attendance of 84,920. Seven Pilgrim brethren wer~ regularly engaged in the service throughout
Canada during the year. In addition to this there were
nine auxiliary Pilgrims, to say nothing about the class
elders who served other meetings. These traveling
brethren covered 161,780 miles.
The total number of bookg aDd other pieces of literature sold during the year was 271,709. The classes
generally throughout the territory are in good spiritual
condition and actively engaging in promulgating the
message of the kingdom. During the year there hM
been an increased number of colporteurs in the field,

S6f1

'fheWATCH TOWER

the total Leing 53 actively engaged in this blessed service.

These have had many hardships, but have faced their
difficulties heroically and done their work with glad
hearts. At times they have been reviled and persecuted,
refused lodgings, found it necessary to sleep in thc open;
but they have met these experiences with glad hearts.
Quebec is the French populated section. A number
of colporteurs have been in that field during thc year.
Every town and city having a population of one
thousand or more has been canvassed by the colporteurs,
and has had free literature distributed; and in many
of the places public witnesses have been given. Those
opposed are complaining that their places are being
turned upside down. Catholics in particular have used
their power to stop the activities there. They appealed
to the courts, and failed. Priests hcaded mobs, and
assaulted the brethren with sticks. But this in no wise
deterred this little army of the Lord's followers from
pressing on with the work, and the Lord has protected
and blessed thcm. Many French-speaking people in
that part of the world are awakening to the fact that
the Lord has something better in store for them than
what they have heard heretofore.
Work among the Germans throughout Canada has
greatly increased during the year. There are now 55
German classes in Canada, having regular Pilgrim
visits and service in the German languagc. There has
been a decided increase in the amount of literature distributed amongst them.
111 IVestern Canada is a colony of mcrainians. The
Methodists appointed a committee to travel among them
and make a report. '1'his committee gave a glowing report of the large fieM, and recommended the publication of literature in the Ukrainian language to distribute
among them. Our SOCIETY immediately profited by
the suggestion, published and caused to be distributed
a large number of tracts and booklets and to send brethren into the community for Pilgrim visits. '1'here were
few interested at the beginning; but at the time of this
report there are 49 places requesting regular Pilgrim
visits and service in the ffirainian language.
The Polish population of Canada is probably less
than 50,000, bat a grcat interest has sprung up among
these people during the past twelve months, and this
interest is increasing.
'rhe increased VI'ork has necessarily increased the duties
and obligations of the office lorce. b;lt these have joyfully
worked overtime, both in the cmce and in thc printing
c~partment to mcet the demands for the truth.
Our
printing equipment established at Toronto during the
past ycar has been a great ai<1 in preparing the mes,age.
It is gratifying to report that the brethren throughout Canada have a kecn appreciation of their privileges
of service, and are manifesting the zeal and enthusiasm
peculiar to the house of the Lord. These brethren manifest a keen appreciation of God's arrangement in the

BROOKLYN,

N.Y.

Chmeh, and are striving to do with their might their

respective duties and to cooperate with and honor those
whom the Lord honors.
'The report from far-away Newfoundland shows a
good spiritual condition of the brethren there, most of
whom are fisher folk, who arc activcly engaged in spreading the message of the kingdom.
'rithal the Lord has greatly blessed the work in Canada during the fiscal year, for which we are grateful to
him.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

'1'he office at Zurich, Switzerland, is known as the

Central European Office. The general management of
the work is conducted from there relating to the following countries: S\I'itzerland, France, Belgium, Holland,
Germany, Czechoslm'akia, Austria, and Italy; also the
Polish work in Northern France. Because of the diversified languages, each one of these countries makes regular monthly reports and more frequent specific reports
to the Central European Office, which aets as a general
clearing house and makes regular monthly reports to the
home office at Brooklyn. This enables the machinery
of the work to go more smoothly.
Switzerland has a mixed population of German-speaking and I"rench-speaking people. The German work
of Switzerland is specially handlcd by the Zurich office,
while that among the French-speaking people is
handled at the Bern office. Excluding the Canton of
Bern, the other portion of Switzerland has a population
of about two million persons, a large percentage of whom
are Catholics. In this district during the past year
there has been a great increase in the sale of literature,
the sale of "The Harp of God" increasing 500 percent.
More than a million copies of free tracts were distributed. From the manager's report we quote as follows:
"The SOCIETY'S activities in this little country have been
graciously blessed of God. No other part of Europe paid
so liherally and willing;ly for the SOCIETY'S books and this
notwithstanding great opposition to and persecution of the
colporteurs."
INCREASED EQUIPMENT

Switzerland is so well located for the handling of

work in Central Europe, und the demand for literature
is so great, that it scemed pleasing to the Lord that the
equipmcnt for the work be greatly enlarged. Consequently the SOCIETY purchased a lot of ground immedi~
atelv across the strcet from that on. which is situated
the' SOCIETY'S house and printing press in Bern; and
there is now in course of construction a four-story building with full basement, 95 by 50 feet, with a tunnel
under the street connecting the two buildings, and a
tunnel connecting the new main building with a smaller
building on the same lot. In the basement of th0se
buildings is being installed other machinery for the
printing of literature. In addition to other presses of

DECEMBER

1, 1924

CfheWATCH TO\VER

the SOCIETY there is a large two-color rotary press; and

a new two-color rotary press is about completed and
ready for installation; and these two presses alone, runmH? at full capacity, turn out an average of 1G,000
cOInes of THE GOLDE~ AGE per hour.
There are now more than fifty brethren engaged in
the work at the Bern office; and as soon as the new
quarters are complete, it is the purpose to increase the
number to upwards of a hundred. This new building
is being erected by brethren, while the money for the
material is furnishcd by the SOCIETY. It will be a
splendidly equippcd plant when completed, and will
furnish a tremendous amount of free literature and
books for all Central Europe, particularly the countries
jnst named. The construction of this plant and the
furnishings are uuder the immediate supervision of
the Central Europcan Office.

class meetings, with a total attendance of 114,493, and

161 public meetings, attended by 16,585. Following i.
a record of the literature sold:

BERN, SWITZERLAND

The SOCIETy'S branch office at Amsterdam is under

the management of a local manager, and also under the
supervision of the Central European Office. The Dutch
have never taken particularly to the truth until within
the last two years. The President of the SOCIETY addressed a large public meeting at Amsterdam in the
early spring, in which great interest was shown; and
during the year 5,984 books have been placed in the
hands of the people, besides 1,055,000 copies of free
tracts and other literature. Fourteen public meetings
have been held, and 155 class meetings. Two colporteurs were regularly engaged in the work and one regular
Pilgrim, who traveled 12,4.00 miles during the year,
visiting the interested and organizing classes,
While the brethren are small in numbers here, comparatively speaking, they are exceedingly zealous. "The
Harp of Goa" in the Dutch language is now off the
press; and the brethren in Holland are just beginning
an active drive, and expect shortly to place a large numbe~ of these volumes among the people. It can be truly
saId that there has been a splendid witness givcn
throughout Holland during the year, far greater than
at any time in the past.

From Bern,Switzerland, is directed the French work

among the French-speaking people of Switzerland,
France, and Belgium; also the Polish work in France.
The printing plant is under the direct management of
the Bern office, and here are printed and manufactured
the STUDIES IN THE ScmrTuREs and other books and
booklets of the SOCIETY published in the French and
German langunges; and in addition thereto books are
puLlished in Italian, Greek, Polish, and a number of
other languages.
The printing for the Central European Office and the
couutries under the supervision of that office is done
at this plant, except a portion of the printing done in
Germany at Magdeburg. The brethren in America can
get some idea of the scope of the work done from the
Bern office when we understand that the work there today is greater than the work in Brooklyn ten years ago.
At the Bern printing plant is published and distribnted '1'HE GOLDEN AGE in French, to which there are
nm: approximately 4G,OOO subscribers, Also the publicahon of TUE GOLDEN AGE in the Polish lanO'uacre has
.
b
b
b
b:cn ~ust T egun. A large number of Polish people reSIde m N orihern France, and there has been a tremendous interest in the truth there during the year.
Public meetings held by Pilgrim) brethren have been
well attended and a great amount of literature taken.
The French-speaking people are becoming more interested in the truth than in the past. A great many of
them read THE GOLDEN AGE, and buy and read the
booklets and STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and other
books; and the French work during the fiscal year has
had a steady and healthy increase.
In the French Pilgrim service during the year 1924
there have been seven brethren regularly engaged; while
ten brethren engaged in the regnlar colporteur work,
and 1,304 in the voluntary colporteur work, which we
usu-ally call class work. There have been held 2J 327

e,50lS
10,20::J
15,722

STUDIES IN" THE SCInPTl.TRES

"The Harp of God" .

..
"Millions" books
Other booklets
._.
Bibles ..
. ..
.
..._.
Pieces of free literature distributed .
PhotoDrama exhibitions .
.__. .
Attendance at Photo-Drama exhibitions
Letters and cards received
..
.
Letters and cards dispatched __..__._.
THE GOt-DEN AGE (German edition)
~'lIE GOLDEN AGE (French edition) __._.
"Proclamation" (1923) distributed _.
..
Books and booklets manufactured during the
at Bern printing plant
._.

3-!,4~7

G79

1,87G,GOO

._.

34
55,875

8,403
7,249
770,135
4iJ9,D39

3,Ou7,5oo
year
2,320,000

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

MAGDEBURG, GERMANY

At Magdeburg is the headquarters of the German

work, under a local manager, and this in turn uncler
the direction of the Central European Office. '1'here
has been a tremendous increase in the work in Germany
during the past twelve mo~ths. The year 1923 showe;l
a great increase, but 1924 shows even a greater. It ,,"['S
at the end of the year 1923 that the Magdeburg <-'1CO
was established. Since then the property has been improved, a.large ~a.sement prepared for the printing presses; and ill addItIon to the presses, binding machinery
and other machines, the SOCIETY has purchased and iq
installing a large rotary press, which will turn out a
great deal of literature, in the form of magazines} pamphlets and books.

62

CfheWATCH TOWER

A convention was held at llIagdeburg last spring,

at which time a public meeting was held, attended by
17,000, the address being given by the President of the
SOCIETY as already reported in THE W ATCll TOWER.
Since then the class in ~lagdeburg has increased more
than 300, and the increase is still continuing. :From
the reports submitted by the manager of the Central
European Office we quote as follows:
"In Germany the work proceeds in leaps and bounds.
We had a banner year, and all hands have been busy. '['he
increased activity, however, has stirred up the enE'wy, both
within and witlJOut, which has camwd trouble for the Lord's
people. But this has not hindered the work. It is Cod's
work, and therefore the devil hates it; but he cannot interfere with it. He hates the IE'ading brethren and causes
misery fOt" them whenever possible. Nevertheless, tile work
goes grandly on to God's praise."

From the report of the local manager of the Magdoburg office we quote the following:
"In sending you the annual report for GE'rmany from
October 1, 1923 to the end of September, ]024, we call to
~'our attention the :l'act that the books sold and lectu'res
held, as reported, cover only a period of nine months, for
the reason that a part of the period cllIbracl'd by this annual
report was the time of the greatest financial crisis in Germany. In that time there was no good selling of 'books,
and no favorable oPP'Ortunity to hold public meE'tings.
"While the ~'ear UJ23 shows a monthly sale of about 11,
000 STl'lDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, the ~'ear 1924 shows about
20,000 sold monthly. During l!J:.m the average monthly sale
of 'l\Iillions' books was 20,000. This book haR been larg-ely
replaced by the 'World Distress' and 'Desirable Govermllent'
booklets in the work during 1)24, which have been placed
among the people to the extent of more than 110,000 copies
monthly.
"With each issue of THE \YATGH TOWER there has been
an increase of approximlltely 6,000 copies; and an increase
of 100,000 copies for THE GOLUJ;;N AGE.
"The small number of public meetings is aCCounted for
h the fact that the attendance at meetings for the inter('~ted
Increased from about 7,000, in the ag-gregate, to more tlwn
25,000; and the total attendanee at mcdi:ng'S of newly org-anized classes increased from 30.0()(J to 38,000, as a result
of tht! public lpetures held during 1023, organization of
classes and arrangement of meetings for interested friends.
"The increased sale of literature has nwant an increase
in the amount of work done at the Bible I-hmse in Ma;.<;l!eburg. For example, during the last thrE'C months of 1023
the shipping department dispatched 636 parcels, while during the first three months of 1024 4,174 parcels were dispatched. To fnciliate the quick distribution of the stock of
literature, nine shippinl?; depots have been established in
as many favorably situated German cities. Often it is
scarcely possible for us to keep up with the enormous amount
of labor. l\'ew workers are continually coming, yet the
hunger of t1lf> people is great. We ask the Lord that the
~'t>llr ]925 may show the same increase as in 1924.
"There are in Germany at present 462 places which are
visited regularly by the Pilgrim brethren; and additionally
tl,ese brethren serve classes in the German-speaking communities of Switzerland, Austria, and Czechoslovakia.
Difliculties were sometimes encountered in conneetion with
tid:"! service during the occupation of the Ruhr district by
the French.
, rhe number 'Of brethren in the classes who engage In
the service work is constantly increasin&" and with much

IlROOKLYN,

N.l.

joy the brethren :;0 ant to proelaim that the kingdom is at

hand. \Ve are ,"pry happy to have so great a part in this
wonderful work. Our prayer is, that God may continue
to give us that privilege. and make us more fit to glorify
his name and to serve his beloved pm]}le in his wonderful
work. For your help, which we have always received in
generous measure, and Without which it would have heen
impossible for us to obtain these results, we would not
neglpct to thank you heartily in this connection, praying that
the Lord might continually ble~s you and all ~'our true coworkers for the blessing of Ids work and people, even as
he Ims done hitllprto."

A summary of the work done in Germany during tho

pcriod mentioned above is appended:
DISTRIBUTIO:,,/, OF LITERATURE

STtTDIES IN THE S('HlPTcm;s

"The Harp of Gall" __.. .
"l\Iillions" book

__..

...

..

....._.

....

]S7.G72
. :220,210

..__

..
.

.__..

232,21:J

"Can the ]:,iving Talk wiih th~ Dead'I" ..

20,1;,;-)
"World Dj~t rf'~s" booklet .__._. .
.
._ n:34,ml()
"A Desirable Go\'('rl1lJlt'nt" ._.
._.__.
. . :c 10.000
Other books _. ..
..
.
. .
1SI,8I n
THE 'YATCH TOWEll, each issue
..
. . . 2G.(li)()
THE GOLDEN AGE, each issue ._.~..
.
._ 175,000
Free literature .
.
. .
. 6,000.000
Public meetings ..
2,8.;E
Attendance at public meetings __..__. .__. .__._.
G03.611
1o!eeiings for interested friends .
.
25,2U2
Attendance at lll('('lings for tile interested .... 4,7-!O,OG!
Class meetings _. . .
.. ..__.__._..__._.
-______ 3S,70 l
Attenrhmce at class meetings . . .
.
._._. 1,503,8:2D
Pilgrims in the service .._. ._.
.
.__. . .. .... 17
Colporteurs _
.._. .. .
..
.
..__
123
Class workers __. . ..__.
.
._.
..
. 6,200
_00

From a previous report by the local manager for Germany we quote the following:
"The work in Gl'rmany progres~es ,,'onderfully. The ~a Ie
of literature, particuiarly "rile Harp of God,' is astonbhing. Editions of ]00,000 books are too small. We haw (listributcd so many copies of 'ThE' Harp' tlmt we (~)uld k('('J)
a press continually at work on printing that hook amI nothing cisI'. At present we are printing- on our g-reat prpss
a million ('opies of the 'Desirahle GOH'rnnwnt' booklet.
"SulY.<erihf'I'S tf) THE GOLllEX AGE at prespnt number 17;),
000, and the list is r'onstantly increasing. 'Ve are now 11I'0Yilled Witll an aUlomellllp, whit:!l aills us greatly in the
work."

The trouble among the Gcrlnan people increases the

demand for something to comfort their hearts; and they
find nothing that brings this comfort aside from the
good tidings of great joy of the kingdom message. Our
brethren there continue in zeal peculiar unto the houBe
of the Lord, and the great King of kings is blessing
them in their hearts and in their efforts to serve him
and to advertise his kingdom.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA

At Vienna, Austria, is the SOCIETY'S local office under the local manager und the supervision of the Central European Office. Notwithstanding the public opposition in Austria, the truth has made great strides,
especially in the distrihution of free literature, the public witness and the Pilgrim service. '''hen it is remem-

DECE~mER

363

tr\eWATCH TOWER

1, 1924

bereu that the truth was taken to Austria only a short

time ago, the results are exceeuingly gratifying. During
the year the sales of literature hare been as follows:
. ..
.
._. 7,274
'''rhe Harp of God"
._.
._..
5,!J:l8
"World Distress" booklet . .
. . .
... 3,934
Bibles
.
. .__._.. ..__.._...
.._..
182
Other books and booklets __.
.__._._
. . 10,!J~1
Free literature distributed . .__.._.
.... 420,000
Public meeting-s
. . .__._. .
.._ _.__. .
...__..__. 42
Attendance at pnhlic meetings ._
.._
__.. 10,000
Semi-public meetings __. .
. .__.__.__
.
449
Attendance at semi-pnhlic llll'('tings
._... 31,280
Class meetings
.
._..._.
..... ._.._. . ._. 407
Attendance at class mpetings .._.._ _..
.
_... 20,400
Colporteurs in the field ..__._..__._.__
__.
_.__.__ 7
auxiliary colporteurs . . .__.__..
..
20
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES

In audition to the brethren in charge of the office

at Vienna, three Pilgrims from Germany hayc visiteu
Austria during the year. The brethren in Austria are
rejoicing as they see the old powers crumbling and the
kingdom of our Lord majestically going forward.
MOST, CZECHOSLOVAKIA

The Czechoslovakian work, though young in years,

is showing a healthy growth. The housing problem was
so difficult that it became necessary to purchase a house
for the office and for the residence of the brother in
charge and those who assist him in the work.
During the year there have been placed in the hands
of the people of the bound books and the booklets 16,542
volumes; free tracts distributed, 205,000 copies; public
discourses delivered, 28; attended by approximately 61,
000; class meetings, 702, with a total attendance of
20,000. There have been six brethren engageu in the
regular colporteur service and two in the regular Pilgrim service. Letters received, 1,381; dispatcheu, 975.
PINEROLO, ITALY

For a long time it was difficult to make any progress

in Italy. It is now with joy we report that the work
is moying well in that country. There are four colporteurs regularly in the field all the time, and they are
doing well. The Italian brother in charge of the local
oITtce at Pinerolo is a very zealous worker, and the Lord
is blessing his efforts.
In Italy the printers are not permitted to print anything unless they sign their name to it; and they are
held responsible for its contents. When the management
of the Italian office received recently a copy of the "Indictment" and desired to prepare it for distribution,
he presented it to the governmental authorities, who
inspected it and reauily gave him permission to have
it printed and uistributed. When presented to the printers they inspected it and readily agreed to publish it.
:Many more are becoming interested in the truth, and
much literature is being taken and many books placed.
In addition to the Volumes of STUDIES I~ THE SCRIP:rURES in Italian that have been sent there, as well as the

"Millions" books and other literature printed, the Bern

office has recently printed for distribution in Italy 23,
000 copies of the "Desirable Government" booklet. Bicycles have been provideu for three colporteu1'8, who are
havel ing through the country distributing literature
and selling books. We have great hopes for a wide
spread of the truth in Italy in the near future.
OREBRO, SWEDEN

The work throughout Sweden is managed from this

office. The report for the fiscal year is gratifying indeed. From the manager's report we quote:
"Althou:;h this field is in some respects hard, we are ot
good t'oumge and are more determined than ever, by the
Lord's grace, to continue to work in the present fulfilment of
his prophec;y as recorded in Matthew 24: 14. 'VI.' know ot
no or;:;~nization or body of men in the world now preaching
the go;,:pel of the kingdom except the Watch 'I'ower Bible
& Tract Society."

During the year twenty brethren have been engaged

in the PIlgrim service, and thirty-seven in the colporteur
work. A number of conventions were held throughout
Sweden, g.reatly to the upbuilding of the friends. Public meetings held, 2,459, with a total attendance of
116,247. Letters received, 11,010; letters dispatched
13,903. STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES) "Harp of God"
and other books and booklets sold during the year, 153,
8:33 copies; 1923 "Proclamation" distributed, 522,720
copies. Total number of copies of THE WATCH TOWER
published during the year, 219,350; 'l'HE GOLDEN AGE)
179,188 copies; Swedish Service "Bulletin" distributed,
9,182; paper SCENARIOS, 11,726; other tracts, catalogs,
etc., 45, 940, making a total of 988,106 pieces.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

From Copenhagen is directed the work of Denmark.

We quote from the report of the manager:
"There is a tremendous amount of prejudice against our
message and work. The clerg-y t'ontinue the warning against
us. Some years ago our work was termed a general pl::gue
or scourge by thl.'se opponents; and by this time we Itaye
reason to belieye that they feel it so, l.'yen more k('oJly.
Notwithstanding the opposition, the results of last year's
work are greater than at any time in the past. There are
more classes in the country, and lIIore profess consecration.
The work is increasing."
Public meetings held .
._._._._
Attendance ._.._
. ._ _..
Class meetings
_ _._..
Attendance .._..__
._ __
_

__ _
_ _
.

__._.. 397
_ 49,430
__
925
. 23,426

Two have been regularly engaged in the Pilgrim service, while others have done extension work. Seven
have been regularly in the colporteur service, with five
auxiliary colporteurs. In addition to this, many group3
of friends from the classes are doing work. The number
of books put forth during the year was 18, 245; and
100)000 copies of the 1923 "Proclamation" ~e!1t di.stributed.

864

<fheWATCH TOWER

BnOOKLYN,

N. Y.

HELSINGFORS, FINLAND

CLUJ, ROUMANIA

The work in Finland is under the supervision of this

office. From the report of the manager we quote:

From this office is directed the SOCIETY'S work in

Roumania, Hungary, Dul):;aria, Jugoslavia, and AlI,ania.
There has Been great opposition here by the governmental authorities, and yet the Lord has continued to
bl('ss his work.
It became impossible for the SOCIETY to find a suitable place to house the workers; consequently the necc~
sity arose to build a house and ofnee. This has lWl'll
done during the year. The office and working part is
completed, but not yet the residence portion. This bas
cost considerable money; but clearly the Lord's haIld
has been in the matter, and he has blessed it.
The SOCIETY has here a very good printing and bookbinding establishment, which enables us to produce the
books for the countries above named at the lowest possible cost. This m'ust be done, because the pf'opl an' so
poor that they cannot afford to pay very much for books.
I'rol1l the report of the manager is quoted;

"As you see from the summary of the work done, the
work has prospered in I<'inland, and we can oIlly praise the
dear Lord for all his marvelous goodness to us."
and otller books
put out during the year .
.
_
47,782
(This is nearly double the Ilumber reported during the previous year.)
Free literature uistributed
__
GI0.Sa8
Public meetings held
.__.__
_ _.._
_._______ ] .:2:21
Atten dance
_
_
_..__ _
_..
_._..... ] :-,!).!)01
Class meetings
_ _..__
_._
,,___ 447
Attendance
_._
_.. ~ _
__
__
_. 31,S:>~)
Pilgrims in the service .._
_
_ __ _._ __
__.__ ] 1
Colporteurs
_ _.._ _ __
. :!1
Class workers
_
__
_ __ _._ _.._ __
:;40
STUDms IN THE SCRIPTURES

CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY

The work for Norway is con<1ueted from this point.

From the report of the local manager we qnote :

WARSAW, POLAND

"We urI' 1illed with keen gratitUde toward our heaH'nly

Father llnd our Lord Jesus, who have stl'pngthenec1 us at
many dark points dul'ing the ypur und strai;;htened out alI
our difficnlties. 'Ye a 1"(-' indpt>d grateful am) indebted to Hm
in a slHK'ial way, with much apprp('iation, love and tha'IlkfuIIl(,SS [0\' cOllljnr~ to uur help both financially and with
encouragement "'Ilenever we w('re nt our wits' PlJd. ('ompured with last year, tIl<, sale of lJool~s has inCre:lH'd ~oo
percpnt. 1\[ore would h:we hpen donf', but at the bel'inning
of the ~'ellr we were without bool,s. In September ','-"
finished printing l00.0(~J copif's of the 'World Distress' booklet, and also the 'Df'siralJle Government' booklet, in two
lall~uages.
For October G, one day, tile friends ordered
30,000 of these booklets for distribution. The field is stplllliIy enlarging, and the need for more workers is becOIlling
grmter each day."

The work in Poland during the first part of the year

was greatly hampered; but after a visit by a special representative of the SOCIETY to Warsaw during the summer the work took on a new impetus. Later, another
brother was sent there from Northern France to aid
in the work; and now the Polish work is' greatly on the
increase. Conditions are growing better for the prosecution of the work, and the brdhren are manifesting
a greater zeal and determination than ever hefore. In
addition to this, the work is better organiz('d.
At this time there is at hand a report covering the
last four months of the fiscal year, during which time
389 letters were received and 511 dispatched. Two regular Pilg-rims have been engaged in the service, and
six auxiliary Pilgrims; public meetings h('ld, 1':;7, attended by 32,062; class meetings, 197; attendance 2,
982; conventions held, 16; books sold, 11, 979; free
literature dislribut('d, 17,637 copies.
The PnoTo-DRHIA OF CREATION is being shown,
arousing great interrst. 'rhe brethren have many trials
from within and without. The adversary is making
them all the trouble possible; but by the Lord's grace
they llre pres3ing on. A more detailed report will appeill in the Polish WATcn TOWER.

During the year 793 brethren have symbolized their

consecration.
The brethren engaged in the work from this office are
chiefly HOnl1lallians and Hungarians. The Hungarian
\york and Roumanian work arc linked together in this
report. The ilH~rease in both is quite marked.
The SOCIETY'S printing plant at Cluj during the
year has manufactured 226,075 volumes of books, and
129,95.2 books have been di~tributed. In addition, copies
of 'l'H E WATCH TOWEl: and GOLDEN AGE to the number
of more than 175,000 in each of the tv..-o languages have
been distributed.
The people in the greater portion of this CouIltry are
very poor, particularly in .Tll,,:;,o~lo\'ia and Alhanin. Notwith8tanding the great dif1lclllti('s, the brethrcn are
zealomly pushing on, carrying the truth throughout
the Balkan states.
During the year Pilgrim brethren to the numbrr of
11, speaking the Houmanian and Hungarian lan::;llag-es,
have engaged regularly in the service. AdclitlOually,
there have gone out from the office twelve brethren, who
st"rved the classes on Saturdays and Sundays. The class
meetings held in the territory during the year hai'e
numbered 3,444 with a toial attendance of 10':;,115.

"The work is greater this year than it was last. Some of

the friends have permitted their hands to slar'ken, but many
other new ones have come In and the work has increased."
Number of Pilgrims in regular service
_._ _.._.. 2
Colporteurs
_
_
_ _
.__
_. 7
(Many others do extension work.)
Volumes put out during the yeat .._ _
_
20.178
"Proclamations" (1U23) distributed .__
__
_. 2~:2,OOO
Other free tracts
__.__ __ _._._.._ __
_.._.. 4.1.288
Letters received
_
1.0~>()
Letters dispatched _
_
_._. 3.8G5

DECEMIJER

1,

192~

CfheWATCH TOWER

The puLlic witness is given under great difficulty.

Nevertheless, 262 public meetings were held, with a
total attendance of 31,304. There haye heen furty-seven
local conventions, v,ith an attendance of 11,521.
ATHENS, GREECE

From this point is conducted the work in the Greek

languages in territory embracing Greece, the Isle of
Crete, and Northern Egypt. The work has greatl,v increascd in Greece c1uri ng the past year. T~ro Pilgrim
brethren arc regularly III the field; but tlwy have been
laboring under difllculties, being required to procme
their own halls and to get p(rmission of the police before being achlllH('d to speak. The opposition comcs from
the Grc('], prink Frequently these print dodgrrs wal'lling the people agaim:t the Pilgrim brethren, distribute
the dodgc!':' and sem1 criers through the streets to cry
out against them, calling tl\('m heretics and deniers of
the divinity of Chri~t an~l the "holy trinity". NotWIthstanding, the brethr<'n have vrrssed on.
During the yrar thei'e brethren have hcld fifty-two
public meetings, with a total attendance. of 35,000; 656
class meetings, attended by 7,900. There were three
colporteurs in the field regularly. Hooks sold, 9,4:38;
free trads didributed, 90,000; letters received 810;
dispatclwd, 700.
The SOCIETY has reccntly sent three Greek brethren
to Northern Egypt to work among the GTeeks there;
also a special representative of the SOCIETY is now on
his way to Greece, to engage in the work there with the
other brethren. This is because of inereased interest.
BEIRUT, SYRIA

The SOCIETY has recently opened an office at Brirnt,

from which the work in Asia :!\Iinor, particnlarly Syria,
'l'urkey, Georgia, and Armenia, will be directed. A
lively interest is springing up in that country, particularly among the Armenians. Armenian brethren are
engaged in establishing classes for the interested. Classes are now establishe(1 at Beirut, Hamman a, Salima,
also in Aleppo, Constantinople, and PhiliPIXlPolis.
In addition to the local work in the countries named,
there are Armenians interested in other parts who are
Ri'sisting in carrying on the work in Bulgaria, in Cairo
(Egypt), Salonica (Grece), the Island of Cyprus, Abyssinia, Cuba, Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Persia. Even
a few Armenians in China have manifested their keen
interest in the truth. The work among the Armenians
bids fair to inerease greatly.
In this connection we might say that the Armenian
work in the United States has shown a marked inereas9
during the year. Eight classes have been organized
for service, and much interest has been manifested.
RAMALLAH, PALESTINE

The work in Palestine has not greatly increased during the year, althOtlgh thrre has been some slight increase. The witness, however, is being given there.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

From this office the local manager looks after the

SOCIETY'S work in the following countries: Cape of
Good Hope, Natal, Zulnland, Amatongaland, Orange
Free State, Transvaal, Basutoland, Swaziland, Brchuanalrrnd, South West Africa, Rhodesia, Portuguese East
Africa, and Madagascar. During the latter part of
the fiscal veal' the ~work from this office has been reorganized and ~ great impetus has been added to it. The increased interest among the Dutch-speaking and Englishspeaking people is gratifying; and above this, the natives in the various cOlllltries are showing a tremendous
intere~t in the truth.
The r-;OCTETY has recently shipped a printing press,
\,ith all uece"ary types and e<luipment, which will
shortly be installed at Cape Town for the printing of
literature for quick distribution. 'rhis will greatly
facilitate the work there. The brethren are united and
joyfully pressing on in proclaiming the message of the
kingdom of heU\'en at hand.
FREETOWN, BRITISH WEST AFRICA

This local office manages the work of the SOCIETY

in the countrirs of Sierra Leone, Libnia, Gold Coast,
and Nigeria, British possessions of West Africa. The
brethI'm there during the year have been greatly bless('d
by the Lord. From the report of the local manager the
following is qnoted:
"'rhe truth is steadily rising here, though there is great
from the denominational preachers, especially
thr ::Ucthodists. This denomination, being the grratE'><t COIllmerdal system here, has felt the blow more kf'enly than
others. 'l'he preachers have combined time and again to
put down the tmth, but have failed mi><erably before the
onward march of the King of kings. ~hny have been heard
to say: 'What is the use of this great Babylon we are buil(ling; and what is the use of our titled men?' We do not
think much will be left of them when the Columbus 'Indictment' falls upon them.
"'l'he nominal dlurches are suffering fin ane'ially. They
have no money to pay the preachers. ~Iany of them have
not becn paid for months. The Bishop of the Anglican
Church called for a prayer mef>ting on the twentyth'nl of
Spptemlwr, which hsted from 6 a. m. until 6 p. m. 'l'he
buroen of their prayer was for mone~.
"The rising generation here arc losing all respect for the
preachers, who have fieeced them in the past. 'l'he class
here is steadily increasing. This is true in Liberia, ~igeria,
and also the Gold Coast."
oPPOSiti~l

Public meetings held __ __.._.... ..... _~~

.
. ] 1;;
Attendance __. .
__
..__ .~____
~~ ~ __.__.
~_ ~6.~.)O
Class meetings __.__...__ __
.... ..
.
~:>O
Attendance ..
.
.
__.. ..
~
~ __ 4,730
Colpolieurs in the field
.__.
~
~~
~
.
2
Pilgrims
.
__
. ~ . . . .
.__.
1
Free literature distributed, copirs ..
..
]0.000
STlTDJES IN THE SCRIPTURES sold ..
... . 2,185
"'l'lle Harp of God" ... ......__.. ......
..
.
1,163
"Millions" books . ..
.
.... ~ .. ~ __ ~ .
. 623
"Can the Living Talk with the Dead?"
~~. __..... 526
Other books __. ..
__
__
__._ 3.710

floe

<r~WATCH
KOTTAYAM. INDIA

From Kottayam is directed the work throughout all

India. '1'he truth is published from this office in six
different dialects, and thereby we are enabled to reach
a large number of people. '1'he work in India during
the year has shown a steady increase. As the peoples
of India suil'er, they desire to know more about the
truth. '1'he dear friends in India during the year have
shown a great zeal and, working under handicap, have
done well. They show a continued enthusiasm and earnestness for the work. The public meetings have increased. The attendance has increased; and the disposition of literature has likewise increased.
SEOUL. KOREA

The work of Korea is dirccted from here in the

Korean language, besides the printing of some of the
literature in Chinese and Japanese. We have "The
Harp of God" and the "Millions" book already printed
in the Korean language, as well as some other literature.
The 'mrk here, however, has not progressed as well a3
we had hoped. It is rather difficult to interest the Orientals in the truth. A few faithful brethren, however.
are working and industriously ~ushing iorward, that
the witness might be given.

TOWER

BROOKLYN,

K. Y.

tour of Jamaica, Costa Rica, Cuba, Panama, Canal Zone,

British and Dutch Guiana. He reports more than 1300
fully consecrated in that land, with an ever increasmg
interest. The interest manifested warrants the SOCIETY
in sending Brother Rainbow over the same territory,
which requires a full year and which he is now beginning
to work a second time.
Total number of books sold .__
_._._ __.__.._ 2,OD5
Booklets ..
. .__..__... ._._.._._._
_.._"_"'_' ""_ 2,D53
Pilgrims in the service .._ _. .__.__. .. ._..._.._._..._._._.._. 5
Public meetings held .._ _
_ __
_._._._.._ _ 12Q
Attendallce . ..
.. . ._. . .._.._.....__._._.__ 12,800
Class meetings ..._ _....__......
_.__._ _.._...._._.. ... 170
Attendance .. .
. .._._ _.
. .. . 6,214
Colporteurs ._._. . ...__. . ._
__.__ __.__. .. . 7
Letters received
_._..
_. ..__.__
._______ 1,078
Letters dispatched __
_..
__. . 1,744

Quoting from the report of the local manager:

"The service work has been a great blessing to all who
have taken part in it. 'l'he 'Indictment' has caused the
preachers to become very bitter and they are suggesting to
the Government that efl'orts be made to suppress the Bible
Students. The year has been one of activity, and the pUblic has been made more acquainted with the truth than ever
before."
PORT LIMON, COSTA RICA

MANILA, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

During the year the SOCIETY has opened a branch

ofiiee at Manila, in the Philippine Islands. The work
is ju~t beginning there, and at this time there is not
a great deal to report. Brother William Tinney, who
w('nt out from Canada to start the work, has gone over
China, Japan, and Korea, and has opened an office in
the Philippine Islands. After a survey of the field he
reported some interest in China and Japan and a little
interest in the Philippine Islands. We have hopes that
this will develop into a great wttness.
JAPAN

'rhe Japanese work has not yet taken any particular

impetus. I-Ioweyer, there are several friends on the
Pacific coast who are d('eply interested in the truth,
and others are manifesting intcrest. This work is directed more particularly from Los Angeles by a Japanese brother who is now entering the Pilgrim service
among the J apancse.
The work in the Orient up to this time has not bcen
great; but it seems that the witness must be given there,
and an effort is bcing made to do so; and it is hopcd
that during the year we shall be able to do more than
has been done.
KI~GSTO~,

JAMAICA

The work in the island of Jamaica, of the British

West Indies, is directed from Kingston, and has made
healthy progress during the year. In addition to the
low management, Brother J. C. Rainbow has made a

The SOCIETY maintains a local office in Costa Rica

at Port Limon, from which the work is directed, under
the supervision of the Brooklyn office, by a local manager there. '1'here has been as thorough a witness in
Costa Rica during the year as possible by those engaged
in the work. Brother Rainbow and local brethren have
held a number of public meetings, at which much interest has been shown.
PORT OF SPAIN. TRINIDAD

Port of Spain, on the Island of Trinidad, north of

Venezuela, South America, is another local office of the
SOCIETY from which the work is carried on. '1'here has
been a decidedly healthy increased interest in the truth
and witness to the kingdom on the island during the
year.
The SOCIETY maintains also a local organization at
Georgetown, Demerara, British Guiana; and class organizations in Dutch Guiana.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

The SOCIETY maintains an office at this point, from

which the work in Brazil particularly is directed. As
the truth spreads the persecutors increase. This has
ever been so. It will be found that those most active in
the Lord's service will be the chief targest of the adversary. The dark land of South America is no exception.
The report from this office covers a period of only
five months. During that time meetings have been
held with a total attendance of 3,800. In addition to
that a debate between Brother Dienst and a Catholic

DECEMBER 1, ll)~t

priest \yas attended by 700 people. }~ree tracts to the

number of 41,000 were distributed. Nine brethren symbolized their consecration. One regular colporteur has
been in the field, with others spending a portion of their
time in that service.
The Spanish work in the United Statcs and Mexico
is conducted from the Brooklyn office with the assistance of nrdhcr Montero, at Los Angeles, California,
where TI-IE \YATCH TOWER is puhlished in thc Spanish
language. There has becn a healthy iucrease of illterest
among the SpanislHlJeakiug pcople during the past
ycar in these eountI'il's, a repent of which will appear in
the Spanisl! \YATCll TOWEll.
BUENOS AIRES,

&07

CfheWATCH TOWER

ARGE~TI"'A

It is with profound gratitude and thankfulness to the

LOTd that announcement is here made vi the inercased
interest in the truth iu South America. Urother George
Y 011112" has now been in South America for upwards of
two years. The SOCIETY has established a lW:J,uquarters
and ofllce at Bueuos Aires; and from this l)oint is conductcd thc work in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Patagonia, and Bolivia. It has beGn the privilege
of this dear brother to carry thc mesmge of the truth
to Punta Aronas, tn the Straits of Magellan, the most
southern city on the earth. The message is also being
carrieu from this oiEce to the :Falkland Islands and to
Venezuela. From, the brother's report we quote:
"The first shipment of books was cleared from the customs at Buenos Aires about .Tunc 1; and si!lC'e til ell the
field of activity has opened wide, and the smile of God's
approval upon the effort to spread the nlf'ssage of the kingdOIll has been very manifest. Upon reC'eipt of your letter.
together with the funds, volunteer literaturf' in Sllunish
began to be publishef!. It has had a wide distribution in
tWf'nty-five of the principal towns and cit ips of Argentina
lUllI PHtagonia. BOoks to the nUllluer 0[ 1,480 han' been
plaepll in the hands of the people. The EUl'elm Drama
has been exhibited in Uuenos "\.ires and other places. Over
300,000 copies of volunteer literature in the Spanish language have been distrilmtell.
"In this part of the world the glad message of Christ's
kingdom hus never heen heard before. 'l'hc time has come
for the message to b<> proclaimed. The people nre receiving
the rnes;;age gladly and the numbers of interested ones
are increasing."

Brother Muniz, from Spain, has been sent to South

America to aid Brother Young.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

From MelbouTllr, Amtralia, the work of Australia

and New Zealand is carried on under a local manager.
Sufficient time has not elapsed since the close of the
fiscal year to receive a report for the whole year from
that office. Monthly reports, however, show that the
work in Australia and New Zealand during the year
has progresseu, and the brethren have manifested a
great deal of 7.<'al in spreading the message of the kingdom. There has beeen a decided increase in the output

of literature, ann tlw classes are in a hralthy spiritual

condition. We hope in a Subl'cquellt issue of THE
\rATCH 'rOWEll to give a more c:\tended report.
LOGANSPORT. INDIANA

From this office the SOCIETY carries on a work in the

interest of the blind. While necessarily this is small,
yet we hope much good is accomplished by placing literature in institutions for the blind throughout the United
States, and some in other countries, and enabling sucb,
by means of the Braille system of reading, to get a
knmdedge of the truth who haye no natural eyes with
which to read.
COLORED BRANCH

The Lord has womierflllly blessed the work among

the colored brethren during the year, proving that it
was pleasing to him to have a separate department for
the colored people of the UnitBd Statrs. The manager
of the colored work, together with his associatrs, has
zealouJy pressed on; ana the Lord's blessing upon
them has been yery marked.
CONCLUSION

It dors not seem c:\pedient to give here an extended

report of the work dene from the Brooklyn office :in the
various languages. THE WATCH TOWER is published
at Brooklyn in the following languages: Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Italian, Lithuauian, Polish, Russian,
auu Ukrainian. We will publish a report in TIlE
WATCH 'l'owERR in the respective languages, more fully
setting fmth the facts than we can here find spaee to do.
We can not refrain from saying, however, that it seems
the Lord is carrying the truth to the forrign-8peaking
brethren in America as he has newr done before. 1'hm
he seems to be showing his special favor to those honest-hearted people who have left suffering Europe and
made their present habitation in the land of AmE'rica.
The foreign-speaking breth l'en in Am<>rica are also showing an increased zeal for the spreading of the truth in
the respective countries from which they came.
Seeing that we have come to the time when the God
of heaven is setting up his kingdom, what are we to
expect? Surely that fact will be made known to the
peoples of earth. Every truly consecrated and devoted
child of God must now do his part if he would be pleasing
to the Lord. To such the Lord has said: "1 have put
my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the
shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the hravem, and
lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion,
Thou art my people." (Isaiah 51: 16) Furthermore,
he has commanded them to "say among the nations,
that the Lord reigncth: the world also shall be established, that it shall not be moved; he shall judge the
people righteously." (Psalm 96: 10) Praise God and
his beloved Son, from whom these multitudinous bIe....
ings fiow I

International Bible Students Association Oasses

dlld .s(udJ.e~ by 'frdvelin<;J Brethren

4ecture~

BROTHER A. H. MACMILL.AN

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
Holyoke, Mass
Dec.
Easthampton, Mass........ "
Greenfield, A1ass
"
Orang-e, IIIass
_
"
Fitchburg. Mass. .............."
Concord Junction, 1I1ass.

14
15
16
17
18
19

Waltham. lIIass
Bos(on, Mass
Naticl{, l\lass
Framinghnm. lIIass. ..
1\1il1ord. lIlass
Westboro. 1\1ass.
a

Dec. 21
Jan. 4
5
"
()
"
7
8

._._._

-----

"

Chicago. Ill
Rockford. III.
lIIadison. Wis.
lIIilwaukee. Wis
Wausau. Wis.
St. Paul, 1tlinn.. _ _

BROTHEU J. A. BOHNET
Burton, W. Va
Clari;sburg, 'V. Va
!)ar]i:PI'''iburg, W. Va
1\Ial'letta. o. _
~
StoclqlOrt, O.
Zancsville, O.

Dec. 11
" 12
" 14
" 15
16
17

Dec.

18
19
"
21
_"
22
"
23
24. 2S
l'

1R
19
21

Dec.
"

"" .. u

JetTcrsomille. Ind
!\ew .\Ibany. Ind.
De Pauw. Ind.
Palmyra. Incl.
Louis\llle. K,.
JeffCl'bolltowll, I~y

Dec. 26, 29
O
_.,._, ,_. "
30
L'hricllSyille. O.
..
31
Xewcomert-;fown, O
Jan.l
1'01'( Washington. O
_..... 2
Dennison. O
_........ 4

Brooklyn, N. Y
Woodha\en. L. 1.
Doston. Mass
l'royidenre. ll. 1.
,,"oonsocket. H. 1.
'Vorcester, Mass.

. a __ __

._"

_.. ,.
::

*~

_? '.

;;'~

Dec. 16
17
18
19
21
" 22

BROTHER H.
CenU'o])ol!s, Kans
Dec.
17
Ottawa. Kans.._
16. 18
Paoli. Kans.
..
19
Lane. Kans.
..
21
Garn0tt. Kans
_
22,23
'Villiamsburg, Kans
24, 25

Denni~on.

Gralllll'iew. lIIan
Yor],ton. Sask.
Bredenhnry, Sask
Yiscount, Sask
_._
Saskatoon. Sask
Wilkie. Sask.

n.

Dec.

18
19
21
22
23
25

_."
_
"

Jan. 2
4
6
7
911
13

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Dcc. 5. 8

Marinette, Wis.
9
St. ].onis. Mo.
28
Monett. Mo.
29
:llusl<ogee, Okla.
30
lIenr~'etta, Okla.
31

Dec.
26
..
28
29. 30
..
31
Jan. 1
_..... 2

Grand Island, Fla

Dec. 8.9
Apopka, Fla
10. 11
Orlando. Fla
12.14
De Land. Fla.
15
Green Cove Springs, Fla
16. 17
Savannah, Ga.
18

~31

2-6

28
29
31

Dec.
26
2730
__. t'
31
Jan. 1,4
"
2
5

Ellwood City. Pa.

Rllffield. Alta.

J\Tn',!f' ('I'C'Ck, H:n~k. ._... " 26,2S

8\\ ilft ('ul'rent, Susk..__.
2!)
Cabri, Sask
_
"
30

llerbert, SaRk
Chaplin, Sask
J\fossbank, Sask

Dec. 16
17
" 18
19
21
28

Dont!:'lasYille. Ga
Dec. 16
navrIlOndJ.. Ga.
17
Chipley. tia.
18
Columbus, Ga
_
19.21
Americus. Ga.
..
22
Bronwood, Ga..._....... ..
23
Yankton. S. Dak
Irene. S. Dak
COl'sira. S. Dak
Vermillion. S. DalL
,Sioux ,City, Ia.
Omaha, Nebr.
Pine Blufl'. Ark
Seott. Ark.
Holand. Ark
Illll1\'ilIe. A rl"
Havana, Ark.
l'otter, Ark.

14
16
17
18
19
21

_...

2
4.5
7

Dec. 22
23
24
25
26
28

nay City, Mich

Birch Rnn. Mich.
Flint. ]IiiI'll.
Port Huron. Mich.
Junia(a. Mich.
Sag-innw, 1\Iich

"

8,

AR:.-<;;inihoin. Sask, ....._..._ "

]1
Viceroy, Sask. _ ...__
12,13

#_ "

----

Dec. 4, ~
..
6
7,8
9. 11
12
..
13

Dnwson, Ga
_ . Dec.
24
Albany. Ga
_... ..
26
Dotban. Ala
~........... ..
28
Cairo. Ga
" 29,30
'l'IHlmnsville. Ga.
..
31
Scre\cn. Ga..._
Jan. 1

Dec. 7, 9
"
8
10. 11
"12.14
HI
16

Des lIIoines. Ia
Chira~o. Ill.
Mansfield. O.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
D,ooklyn. N. Y.
New York. N. Y.

Dec. 17
18
19
21
28
28

14
Siloam, Ark
Dec.
23
15
Fayetteyille. Ark
24,25
" 16, 17
~pringdale, Ark
_ "
26
..
18
Monett, Mo.
..
28
..
19
Flippin. Ark
_........... ..
29
__2_1_ _C_o_tt_l'r. Ark.
..
30

Oakdale, Calif
Hivl'rhank. Calif
Storkton. Calif.
Lodi. Calif.
Sarramento. Calif.
Roseville, Calif.

Dec. 11
'. 12
14
15
16
17

Reno. Nev
LO\'e]orks, Nev
Ren". Ney
H<"hop. Calif.
Quinry. Calif
Chiro. Callf.

Dec.
18
19,21
23.31
2528
_. Jan. 1
_._..... 2

BROTHER L. F. ZINK
_

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
J{0l\Ynnd. Man
Dec.
19
Dauphin, ~ran. __
_
"
~t
Gilhel t Plains, :\Ian
H
22
GrandYiew, l\Ian
_ "
23
Kamsack. Sasl,
27,28
WlldeJlll. Sask.,_._.__ ..
29

Drantford. Ont.
BeamsdIle, Onto
St. Catharines. Onto
I\iag-ara Fall" Onto
\Velland, Onto
Dunmille. Onto

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN
J~n.

l\Iazenod. Sa:-;k... _~ "

lIIareng-o. Ill.
nelYidere, Ill.
Rockford, Ill.
Fr0eport. Ill.
Odesby. III
Springficld, 111.

Dec. 19
21
22
.Jan.l1
_........... 11
_.......
12

Dec.

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
:nIne I,land, Ill
Dec.
7,inn. 1'1.
"auk,'can. Ill.
nr, I!,lIne,. Ill.
I'ark ltid~e. Ill.
Elgin, Ill
_.._...................

Charlcston, S. C,
Petersburg. Va.
Chester. Pa.
Syraeuse, N. Y
Rochester. N. Y
Clevcland, O
_

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON

Sidney. I\cbr
Dec. 30
l\forriIl, Nehr
_
" 31
Allianr". XclJr
Jnn.2
!\orth Platte, Nebr.
4
Brady, :r\ebr
_ _........ " 5
1)\ "rtoll. Nebr.
6

----

_._. Dec.
18
" 19.21
__ ._ _._
" 22.23

"

BROTHER W. J. THORN

Bandera. Tex
Jan. 1. 2
Tarplay, Tex. --.- --" 3,4
S,..:1.n Antonio. Tex. ._ _.. :: 5,7
hmg-sbury, Tex.
6
San lIIarcos, Tex.
..
8
Austin. Tex........_
_... ..
9

BROTHER W. M. HERSEE
I~l[lnrl, Alta
~II.,]killC ITat. Alta

now

Jan. I, 2
__..__. "
4
"
lS
6
7,8
_.........
9

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

-----

Dec.
22
"
23
24,2::;
..
26
~._ "
28
29

Denison. T0X
Shf'rman, Tex:
Bonham, Tex
Pari~, Tex
Bogota, Tex.
Roxton. Tex. .

----

Guelph. Onto
Kitchener, Onto
Galt, Onto
P,eston. Onto
Hamilton, Onto
Toronto, Onto

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Carpenter, Wyo
RI('rIill~, Colo
_
Jla,\jtlm. Colo
Holyoke, Colo.
~lel~]IJIg'. Colo.
Big Springs, Nebr.

11

BROTHER C. ROBERTS

Portland. Ore
F.\erett. Wa.h
Portland, Ore
_
Eugene, Ore.. _ _
Oak Ridg-e. Ore. ..
Reedsport. Ore.

BROTHER H. E. HAZLETT
Corpus Christl. Tex
~~c2'"
8iIllITIOtlS, 'rex
" 24~.'
~an Antonio, Tex.._..'...
Comf, t. Tex
"
Kcrn ill0. Tex.
Pipecreek. Tex...._....... ..

Jan. 4
5,6
7
8
9

Spring-field. Mass
Plttsf,eld. 1I1"ss
Albany. N. Y.
Tro,. N. Y.
"'a tenliet. N. Y.
Scltcllectad~', 1\. Y.

BROTHER V. C. RICE

DINGUS

lola, Kans
_
TIronson, Kans.
Port Scott, Kans
lIIoun,l City. Kans.
.Arcadia. Kans
Pittsburg. Kans

~f~~~~~~~-~TIi i!~M~;2=~-;r:, i
31

Dec.
23
24,25
26.30
28. 29
Dec. 31, Jan. 1
__
Jan. 2

----BROTHER B. M. RICE

BROTHER M. C HARBECK

Youngstown, O.

14

21
2830
"
31
Jan. 1
.. 2

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
Falls City. Ore._
Dec.
Dallas, Ore.
..
Ral0,IH, Ore
__
"
J\larion, Ore....__.....__ "
Toledo, Ore.
..
Albany, Ore.
24.

Shelbyville. Ky
l<'rankfort. K)
Lexing-ton. Ky
McRoberts. Ky
Ashlallll. Ky
Ironton, O..

BROTHER G. It. POLLOCK

Doycr. O

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTII
Nakina, Onto
Dec. 12
,nnnipeg-, lIlan
14, 15
Portage La Prairie, ?\olan. " ] 7. IH
A lou:--:!, l\lan. ._
"20-22
Gilbel t Plams, Man.
28
Dauphin, !lIan.
30

Minneapolis. lIIinn... D<lc.

24
SUjlcrior. Wis.
..
26
Duluth, Minn.
..
28
Cedar Rapids, Ia
" 30.31
Clinton, la
_ Jan. I, 2
Dubuque, la
_.._
_ "
4:

BROTHER H. S. MURRAY

Dresden. O
I\ewarl<. O
Sha'\llce. O. __
Crooksyillp, O. .-I\elsonviilc. O
Columbus, O.

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
Massillon, O
Shel"odsville , O. __.__._
l\'ewark, O
Dre:-;den, O. _
,
Coohocton. O
New l'hiladelphia, O

Dec. 14
16
17
" 18
21
" 23

Quill Lake, Sask

D(;c. 30
Sa~katoon. Sa"k
"
31
Prince Alhert, Sask..__Jan. 3,4
\Vflkaw. Sask. _.._ ..._ "
5,6
Young, Susko
_
..
7
Saskatoon, Sask.
.. 9,10

D"c. 17
18
19
21
22
__ " 23

Wheelol'. ~Iich
_... Dec.
24
." lmn, 1\Ifch
. "
25
Fenton, :llich
_
..
26
Owo~so. 1\lich
' '_
"
28
Flint. l\Iich.._ _
_
"
29
Durand, ~fi('h. ...__ _.. " 30,31

CONVENTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BY

BR~THER

RUTHERFORD

Brooklyn. N, Y. Der0mber 7 Hnd 21.-Xo Comcntion.

Allentown, Pa., Decembor 11-Secretary: C. R. WeiJa, 327 E. Union l!lt.

N.tdrylIDlJ 1ID.tro <;r~1t ~ftb~ Jft~bt?

9

Q~11T~it'ilg ~~~tb,and~})JtsJ,taJ90r-1saialJ
VOL. XLV

SEMI-MoNTHLY

Anno Mundi 6053-Dec. 15, 1924

CONTENTS
RAPTURE 01' TUB ANGELS ..._

God's Organization _
Israel Guarded by Angels
The Birth and the Wltncsses
The Great Conspiracy
Angelle Anthem a Prophetic Statement
Barth's New King Is Here
Angels Guarding the Church
'rhe Heavenly Assembly

371
371
372
373

:n I

:374
:~7fi

375
376

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS ....__

:'177
CHRIST'S TRlUMPliIAL ENTRY .._............_..379
J~llrther Fulfilment at Second Advent
380
THE LAs'r JUDGMENT ........................._...381
Time of the Judgment ................................... 381
General Judgment of Christendom ..__
381
Ran,om Guarantees OpportLnity of Life
382

"I lVfll stand up'''' my watch and wUI .et my !w'

.pon tl.e Tower, and will ",atch to see what He to"l
,all unto me, and ,,,hat answer I shall mGkf to thelll
lhat oppose me."-Habakkuk Z: L

Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the _ and the _vea (the 1'elltl-. dl8oentented) roaring; men'" hearte failing them for fear and for looking to
the things comin~ upon the earth (s8ciety); for the powera of the heavena (eocleeiaati_> ahall be shaken. When ye aee theae thinp begiB to oeme to pass. then
know that the Kingdom of God 18 llt haud. Look Up. lift UI> your heads. rejoice. for your redemption draweth aigh.-Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:291 Luke 21:2'i-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

HIS 'Otl1'1l.al Is one or the prime factors or instruments in the system (,f Dible instruction, or "Seminary Extension", now being

presented in all parts of the ciYilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE
TUACT SoCIETY, chartered A. D. 1884, "For the ProT
motion of Christian Knowledge".
not only serves as a class room where Dible students may meet in tl,.. study of the divine Word but
&

It
also as a channel of comll1unkation throu:,:h whkh they may be reached \\ lth announcements of the Society's conventions 8nd of thg
coming of its traveling representatives, stj'led "l'i!grims", and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our "Rerean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's puiJlished STl:DIES most entertainingly arranged, and veTy
belpful to all "ho would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Milli..ter (V. D. U.), which translated
into English is JIillister of God's W9rd. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the ohler Bible
students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of tlle only true foundation of the Christinn's hope now being so I:enerally repudiated
-redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom fa corresponding price, a substitute] for
all". (1 Peter 1: 19; 1 Timothy 2: 6) Duilding up on this sure foundation the gold, sill'er and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: H15; 2 l'eter 1: 5-11) of the Word ot God, its further mission is to "mal'e all see "'hat is the fellow,;llip of the mystery wh:~h .has
been hid in God, to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"-"which in other ages
was not Jllade known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed".-Rphesians 3: 5-9, 10.
It stands free from all partieR, spcts and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utteran~e into fullest
subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expre,sed in tlle lloly Scriptures. It is thus free to deelare boldly whatsoever the Lord
bath spoken-according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterall('es. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident;
for we know \I'hereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promise~ of Cod. It is held as a trust, to be used only in hi~
Ilervice; bence our decisions relative to What may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hi~
good pleasure, the teaching of !lis Word, for the upbuild4ng of his people in grace and knowle(ke. And we not only invite but ur~e OW:
readers to proTe all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

Irhat the church is "the temple of the living God", peculiarly "his workmanship"; that its construction has beeu in progress throu~hout
tbe gospel age-ever since Christ became the world's Redeemer and the Chief Cornpr ~tone of his temple, through which, when
finished, God's blessing shall come "to all veople", and they tind access to llim.-1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17; Ephesians 2: 20-22;
Genesis 28: 14; Galatians 3: 29.
D:hat meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the
last of these "lidn:; stone~", "elcct and precious," shall llave been made ready, the great Master Workman will brjn~ all together
in the first re'urrectlon: and the temple sllall be filled with his glory, and be tlle meeting place between God and men tlirou:;hout
the lIlillenmnm.-Revelatiou 15: 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the ll:race of God, tasted death for everll
man," "a ransom for all," and wiJI be "the true light wllicu Iighteth every man that Cometh illto the 1corld", "in due time"._
llel>rews 2: 9; John 1:!l; 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him ns he is," be "partakers of the divine nature',' and share his
glory as bis jOlllt-heir.-1 John 3:2; J vbn 17: 24; Romans 8: 17; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service: to develop in herself every
grace; to be GOo's witness to tlJe world; and to prepare to be klllgS and priests in the nHt age.-Bphesians 4: 12; Matthew 24:
14; Hevelation 1: (); 20: 6.
'l'hat the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledll'e and opportunity to he brought to all by Christ's 1I1iJIennial kin!!dom, tbe
reSlltUtlOn of all that was lost in Adam, to all tbe willing and obedient, at the llands of their Hedeelllcr and IllS glOl'llle.l cllurch,
when all the wilfulJy wicked will be destroyed.-Acts 3: 19-23; Isaiah 35.

WATC~ TOWER. BIBLE

1925 CALENDAR

& TRACT SOCIETy

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Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supenision

of an editorial committee, at least three of whom hal'e lead and
approved as truth each and every article llppearing in these columns.
The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. HU'l'llf:RFORO.
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Terms to the I,ord's Poor: AIl Bible students WIIO, by reason of
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Notice to S'lbscl'iber,,: We do not, as a rule. seIHI a card of ul'imowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. neceipt and
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ATLANTA CONVENTION

Tlle International Bible Students Assodation will hold a

convention at Atlanta, Georgia, January 22 to 2;:;, 192;:;.
The l'rogram of the convention ,viii incluc1e addresses by
a number of Pilgrim brethren, as well as BrotllPr Rutherford, who will also address the public in the City Auditoriu}{\
on Suneay, January 25. For further partiCUlars please
address W. S. CummiDgfl, 15 Dar~an Stre.;>t, Atlanta, Ga.

The year text for 1925 is: "Comfort all that mourn."
The cahmdar is being prf'pared by the ROCIETY. The illustration shows Jesus bestowing comfort upon others. Painted
in six colors, the illustration is vcry attractive; and we believe will be the most beautiful calendar that we have yet
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"STUlJIBS 1."1 THE SClUPTlii.ES"
These STUDIES are rpCOilllllende(] to "llI(Jents as Ycritanle n1D1Cl
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Questions in both editions. 1'he pocket editioll- Volumes

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SEnTES II, Ti,e Time I" nt Bnn,l, trents of the mnnner an<J
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on this subject: 333 pages. 35c. Obtainahle in Arabic, Dano-Nor"t'~ian. Finnish. French, German, Greek, Polish, and Swedish. 75e
a ('opy.
;,;>;lUJ:S III, Thy n:ln8")o", Co....., eon,lde.. prophecies which
roal''' events ponnpclpd witli "the time of the end". the ~lorlfieation
of the chnrch and the establishment of the ~1I11~nnial Idngdolll; It
also contains a chapter on the Great Pyl'amid of Egypt, showing its
(oll'ohor;ltlOn of r('rt;.lin Hlhlp tp H !l1Tlg~

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SE'-IES VII, Til., Flnl.hed 1I1Y8tery, consists of a verse-by-vers8

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r9heWATCH TOWER
AND HERALD Of CHR~STS PRESENCE

YOLo XLV

DECEMBER

~().:':4

15, llJ24

RAPTURE OF THE ANGELS

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward 1/1,en."-Luke 2:14.

HE words of this text were not spoken by men,

but were sung by the angels. Nor was it the
song of a few, but that of a multitude or the
heavenly host. It was the expression of ecstatic joy
and delight of the celestial choir.
2The words of that glorious song were prophetic.
Their importance may be approximated when we call to
mind that for more than 1900 years the entire groaning creation of earth has waited for their fulfilment.
'1'he importance of the message is magnified when we
remember that during all those 1900 years, and many
centuries prior thereto, the Almighty God of heaven
has been making ready for the full tangible expression
and manifestation of what was prophesied in that
angelic anthem.
GOD'S ORGANIZATION

srrhe better we understand Jehovah's plan, the more

fully we appreciate the fact that he has the most wonderful of all organizations. His majesty and dignity preclude him from giving direct attention to the details
and the execution of his orders. From his eternal
throne in the highest heaven he exercises his power as
he may will. In the offices of his heavenly courts there
are different creatures, as indicated by their names.
Some are called cherubim, some seraphim, and some
angels. It may be properly said that the angels are
messengers and executive officers of the great Jehovah.
'Jehovah's revealed record shows that he sends angels
on important missions as his messengers and anlbassadors, to represent his cause and to act as executive officers
in the carrying out of his holy will.
5When God expelled Adam and Eve from Eden he
put the cherubim on guard to see that his decree was
enforced.
6When Abraham dwelt in the land of the Chaldees
he received a message from Ood to go into the land of
Canaan. That message was brought to him by God's
holy angel. Abraham was obedient to the command
and went.
1When Abraham dwelt on the plains of Mamre God
sent his angelic messenger, directing him to offer his
son Isaac. Abraham journeyed to the present site of
371

Jerusalem for that purpose. When, obedient to God's

will, Abraham was about to offer up Isaac, twice the
angel of God called to him out of heaven, commanding
him what he should do.
sIt was there that God's heave 11y officcr delivered to
Abraham the marvelous message to the effect that God
would multiply Abraham's seed as the stars of heaven
and as the sands of the seashore, and that his seed should
possess the gate of his enemies, and that through his
seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
9When Abraham sent his servant into a distant land
to select a bride for his beloyed son Isaac, the God of
heaven sent his angel before that servant, directing
the course that he should take. God informed Abraham
that he would sent his angel before him.-Genesis 24: 7.
lOThus God pictured how that in the course of timo
he would send his holy spirit to those of earth who
hungered and thirsted for righteousness, and that from
amongst these he would select a bride for his beloved
Son Jesus, and that the angels of heaven would be
the guarding and protecting officers of the bride class
in all her journey to her heavenly home.-Psalm 34: 7.
llWhen Jacob went from his father's house toward
Halan to escape the wrath of his unrighteous brother,
he slept in the bleak and rugged hill of Bethel with
the bare ground for his mattress and a stone for his
pillow. As he slumbered, God caused him to have a
dream or a vision in which he beheld a ladder extending from earth to heaven and the angels ascending and
descending on it. Thus Jehovah pictured that his
beloved Son, the Mighty One, would come and would
serve as a medium between God and men, to bring about
at-one-ment between God and men; and that the angels
would be used as messengers in this wonderful work.
There it was that God again promised that the earth
should be made a fit habitation for man, and that
through the promised seed all the families of the earth
should be blessed.
12When God prepared to execute his just decree
against Egypt and her first-born, he sent his angel as
his executive officer to perform this work.
13When the children of Israel were fleeing out of
Egypt from the wrath of Pharaoh, and when they were
1

872

<[he

WATCH TOWER

seemingly entrapped and were about to be destroyed

on the shore of the Red Sea, the angel of the Lord, as
the officcr of the Almighty God, majestically went hriore
the people of Israel and lead them to safety.-Ex. 11. 19.
ISRAEL GUARDED BY ANGELS

14Whcn J choyah gave the fundamental law and the

statutes thereof to Israel at the hand o.f Moscs, he did
so through the ministration of his angel officer.
15In instructing Moses, ano through him Israel, as
to the keeping of the La,\' and their protection in connection thereof, Jehovah sa id: "Behold, I send an Angel
before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into
the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and
obey his voice, proyoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But
if thou shalt indeed obey his YO ice, and do all that I
speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and
an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel
shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites,
and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites,
the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off."
-Exodus 23: 20-23.
161'hus 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
faithfully looking after the interest of spiritual Israel.
'l'hese angels do always have access to the Father's
face. It should be a happy and consoling thought that
the Lord Jehovah has thus arranged for the care and
protection of his called ones.
17The great Jehovah fenced in the Israelites with a
wall of protection by means of the Law that they might
be led to Christ. But when Israel repeatedly violatcd
their covenant with him God sent his angel to them with
this message: "And an Angel of the Lord came up from
Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out
of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which
I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never
break my covenant with you. And ye shall make no
league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw
down their altars: but ye have not obpyed my voice:
why have ye done this ?'''-Judges 2: 1, 2.
18Thus Jehovah laid down the rule that the people
of God shall make no league or covenant with any of
the unrighteous systems or organizations of the earth.
His people must stand aloof, representing him and his
cause of righteousness alone. Spiritual Israel is God',;
organization; and his organization can make no league,
compromise or arrangement with the devil's organization or any part of it.
19 When the Lord selected Gideon to lead a little handful of men against the hosts of Midian, to the end
that Gideon might be strengthened in faith Jehovah
sent to him his angel, who said unto Gideon: "The
Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.... Go

BROOKI.YN. N. Y.

in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the
hand of the :;\Iidianit~: ha\"o not I sent thee ?"-Judgc,;
6:12,14.
2uThus J eho\"ah pidures his belm'ed Son leading his
liUle band of faithful followers against the entrenched
hosts of the eyil one, who claim to represent the Lord yet
who deny tho Son of God and the blood of Jesus that
bought thpm, and who in truth and in fact are the
rppresentatives of the de\"il. Also there is pictnred
i he dd.iverance of mankind through tho merit and mini~tration of .T esns Christ.
21\Yhen Elijah, the prophet of God, was so greatly discouraged that he prayed God that he might die, he sat
down undcr a j Lllliper tree and fell asleep, hoping that
he might not awake.
"And as he lay and slept under
a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and
said unto him, Arise and eat," (1 Kings 19: 5) 'rIms
God brought to his servant comfort and encouragement
and strengthened him both in heart and in body. Thereby God plCtured how in due time he would bring comfort and strength and encouragement to his people when
engaged in the stress of his work; and thus he has ever
done.
22When Elisha was at Dothan menaced by an army
of the enemy, his servant was greatly agitated and
moved by fear. Elisha prayed God to open the eyes of
his servant, that he might see. And his eyes were opened,
and he saw the mountains round about filled with a
host of angels with chariots and horses for the protection of Elisha and his servant. Thus God pictureil
how he surrounds his people when engaged in his
mighty cause of righteousness, and grants unto them
complete protection against the assaults of the enemy.
--2 Kings 6: 17; Isaiah 51: 16; Psalm 125: 2.
2':Zacharias and his good wife Elizabeth had no chil~
dren. Every Jewish woman desired a child, and was
looked upon with reproach if she had none. They had
prayed for this blessing. Zacharias ,vas serving ill th3
house of the Lord in the capacity of a priest, offning
incense before the Lord. An angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and informed him that his wife
should bear him a son who would be the forerunner of
the great Messiah.-Luke 1: 13.
24Joseph was engaged to marry Mary when he discovered she was about to be the mother of a child. He
knew that it was not his. Under the Law she woulJ
be subject to death. Joseph, desiring to protect her
and to save her from the morbid gaze of the public,
set about to put her away privately. This was not
the Lord's way. Then the Lord sent unto Joseph
one of his angels, who told Joseph that his prospective
wife Mary had conceived by the power of the holy
spirit, and that she would bring forth a son whose name
should be called Jesus, and who would be the Savior
of the people from their sins. Josrph obeyed the command of the angel, and took Mary for his wife.-Matthew 1: 19-25.

DgCP.MllElt

Hi. 1024

IfheWATCH TOWER

A.."GELS IX OFFICIAL CAPACITY

25Thus the proof is conclusive that for many ccnturies J 'hovah had been dcaling with the people of
J srael, communicating with them, giving them the Law,
guiding and directing them in the course which they
should take, using them to make shadows and pictures
of future things to come; and that in all of his milli"i rations he had been using angels in an official or
representative capacity.
2GKow the hour approached for the happening of the
g"T<'atest evcnt of the ages. He who shall he the great
King of kings and the Redeemer of man was about to
be brought forth upon the earth. Surely it is to 1e
expected that God would use his good angels in connection with this, the greatest of all evellb, amI that
these angels, in the perfol1nance of this duty, \I'oulll
be filled with ec~t<uiY anu uclight. It was a elimax in
their official life.
27It shoulu thrill the heart of man to realize and
appreciate that angels are not mere myths, but are
mighty creatures, acting in an official capacity in carrying out God's orders; and that men who devote themselves to the Lord are privileged to be used with these
invisible and mighty ones. Of course, the word "angel"
means messenger, and may be applied to earthly creatures, also. Therefore the earthly and the heavenly
may ''lork in exact harmony, both to the Lord's glory.
28It did not please God to have his beloveu Son born
in the greatest city of the world. Satan \I'oulu have
claimed the honor. But God made the place of his
beloved Son's birth cplehrateu in the hearts of all those
,,'ho love him. Bethlehem, a quiet little town lying
to the south of Jerusalem, was selecteu. There Jehovah
had caused some types or pictures to be made, foreshauowing the coming of greater events.
29Bethlehem was once the home of Boaz, whose fields
the beautiful Ruth gleancu, which fielus and Ruth
Boaz redcemed, and aitenrards he married her. Huth
4: 1-10) Thus the Loru Jehovah pictured how Jcsus
would first redeem the church as his bride anu ma rry
her, anu that the redemptive price would extend to
all the peoples of the enrih. God maue this p]<Jc~'
sacred to the hearts of the Jell's. He had fordold
the place of birth through his prophet.-:Mieah 5: 2.
30Away to the north lay the little despised town of
Nazareth. It was the home of the humble carpenter,
Joseph. He was espouseu to 1Iary, a descendant of
David. '1'he angpl of the Lord had already informefl
Joseph anu :Mary what would transpire. The day of
the birth of the child God had timed to fit exactly
ihe surroundings and conditions. The Homans ,,'ere
in control of Palestine. The haughty ruler had i."~ned
a decree that all peoples should be taxed, and that
each individual should report at a certain place for
regidration. Joseph and :Mary must go to Bethlphem.
The 1001g allcl t~'(lious jOlll'ney was undprtaken. The
woman, heavy-burdened with chUd, sat upon the back

873

of an ass. Joseph, with his staff, walked by her side,

and toiled over the rugged hills on to the south to the
place about to be made the most noteu on earth.
Sl Arriving at Bethlehem, i hc~y found the town crowded
and all places of aeeommol1atlOlls occupied. Applying
at one place after another they were turneu ml'ay. Finally tlwy wcre forced to take ~helter in a place provided
for the cattlE'. There tlH'y lay clown to rest for the
ni,,,ht. All Israel was in e~:peetancy of the event
about to transpire. Since the clays of Abraham and the
promise GOll had made to him they had lookeu for the
coming of the Messiah. Each devout mother of Israel
hoped that she might be thus honored to give birth to
that chilu.
THE BIRTH AXD THE WITXESSES

32It did not please Jehovah to have his beloved Son

brought into the worlu ami(ht the blare of trumpets and
the tramp of the military hosto. H," did not choose
to have the humble city of Bethlehem decorateu with
flags and banners. All the preparations that earth
could have made, all the pomp and glory that man could
have produced, would haYe been but a tawdry tinsel
and sham, tending only to detract from the glorioud
thing about to transpire. God purposed that the devil
should take no credit out of the Lirth of this mighty
Seed of Promise.
"For centuries J ('hovah hacl been preparing for this
great en~J1t, and with each succe,ojYe step he harl used
his angelic officer to mark the way. Row he sent a
special angelic messenger, a millider plenipotentiary, to
tIl(' parth to make announeerned and to give witness to
the earth of the coming of the great Redermer. It was
in the night time, pictming how the entire world lies
in clarklless and sin and death. The great Light was
ahout to come into the earth and to shine into the
minds and hearts of those who were humble anu ready
to receiye it.
34The poyerty of Joseph and Mary was befitting and
in f'trong contract ,,,ith the glorious heayenly play"rs in
ihi" mighty drama. 'What a great thrill mnst haYe gone
through ihe creatures of heayCl1! All the heavenly host
llHFt haye been on the alert as to "hat was now about
to transpire. The specially honored messenger movecl
10nrard to his pOcition of Yantage; at the given moment
i hi!' :mgelic officer stood forth and deliyered his mesmge,
II hieh has thrilled the hearts of millions of people down
through the age. With authority he said: "Fear not:
for, Lehold, I bring you goou tiuings of great joy, which
bhall be to all people. For unto :,on is born this uay,
in the city 01 Daviu, a Savior, "hich is Christ the Lord."
-Luke 2: 10,11.
"5This angelic officer ,,'as not alone. God had pro~
videu him with an angC'lir train, a mighiy host to accompany him to earth on his I"0lJ<1erful mif'sion. With
1)(' ::ttmg- d :,:.:nih tlJ('i'l' st(1o<1 hy until the honored officer
had deli\ered his mes~agi'; and then this great multi-

S,i

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WATCH TOWER

tuJe vi heavenly creatures stood forth, praising God

as they sang: "Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men."
36Since the birth of man no event compared to this
had transpired. Mark well whom the Lord chose for
his earthly witnesses to establish the fact in the minds
of men. The Pharisees and the financiers, the lawyers
and the priests, the wise men, big business, big politicians
and big preachers who ruled Israel-not one of these
was honored by being asked to witness to the birth of
the Master. The reason why is that they were a part
of the devil's organization. God honors them that honor
him. To please God ,ye must worship him in spirit
and in truth.
37 A little band of shepherds had brought their flock
to a hillside across the ravine to the east of Bethlehem.
These were humble men, earning an honest living. They
trusted the Lord and the promises he had made to
father Abraham. '1'hey had brought their sheep into the
corral, and there kept one of their number on watch
to guard the flock from the wild beasts while the others
slept.
38The angel of the Lord appeared unto them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them. Evidently
the reflected glory of the Lord, sent forth from his angel,
attracted their attention; for they all were awakened
and listened to the message delivered by this heavenly
officer. These shepherds humbly hurried forward to
see the child and to relate their testimony to others.
'rhey took no credit to themselves. Had they belongerl
to the devil's organization they would have swaggererl
about and said: Behold, what honored men we are.
Look up to us.
890n the contrary the shepherds gave glory to God
and praise unto him for all the things that they had
heard and seen, and that were told them. This is in
exact harmony with all of God's arrangements. God resists the proud and shows his favor to the humbleminded. (1 Peter 5: 5) All of his intelligent creatures
should learn a lesson from this. He that exalts
himself shall be abased, but he who humbly submits
himself to God's holy will in due time shall be exalted.
THE GREAT CONSPIRACY

'oDid not God send three wise men from the East to
be witnesses to the birth of his beloved Son? Should
not we revere the memory of these three wise men?
Herein has that old serpent, Satan, deceived the people.
He has kept prominently before the minds of the people the three wise men as though they were sent of
God. To answer the above questions properly we must
look for a moment at Satan's organization.
~lJ ehovah uses good angels.
Satan, the devil, is a
mimic god. He ftrst deceived, and drew after him, a
number of the angels of heaven who became evil; and
these the devil uses in his organization to blind the peo~
pIe to God's plan of salvation.

UIlOOKLYN, ~.Y.

~2Satan knew that God had declared that the seed

of promise" should bruise the head of the serpent and
his seed, and that the promised seed should bless all
the families of the rarth. Satan, through his emis-saries, set out to destroy this seed. He had bee:1 in
Eden, the garden of God; and from the time Adam
was driven therefrom Satan has resorted to every known
means to destroy those who have striven to be obedient
to the Lord. He sought to ;Jllve Sarah debauched and
Abraham killed. He attempted the death of Jacob by
Esau, and incited Saul to kill David. He caused thG
persecution of all the prophets. lIe sought the death
of :Mary and the unborn babe. From all these wicked
attempts God protected his own.
~3The so-called wise men were astrologers or soothsayers who lived in the East, doubtless Persia, well
known to be of those who communicate with evil spirib.
They saw a light rise to the west, and "rcre instruete(l
by an unseen power to follow this light. This light was
called a star, but. stars do not move about in this manner. The devil and his angels exercise this power even
today and cause lights to move about to deceive others.
These wise men were dupes of the adversary and his angels, therefore readily fell into the conspiracy. They
did not go directly to Bethlehem, where they woul(l
have gone if God had sent them. They first went
to Jerusalem and presented themselves to Rerod. And
why? Because Herod belonged to the devil, as his
prior and subsequent acts show. The devil knew that
Herod would want to kill the babe; therefore he drew
these wise men into the conspiracy with Herod for
the purpose of destroying the babe Jesus. In this attempt God thwarted him, and delivered His beloved
child.
44'1'0 cover up his nefarious work and blind the people to the truth Satan has induced the clergy throughout the age to magnify theBe wise men in the eyes of the
people and to have Christmas cards printed with their
pictures on them, and has caused people to worship
lights and stars and the images of the wise men. All
of these emanate from the devil.
45It will be noted again that the Lord used his
heavenly messengers as officers to protect the baLe
Jesus from the wicked conspiracy of Satan and his coconspirators.

ANGELIC ANTHEM A PROPHETIC STATEMENT

46The rapture of the angels expressed in this glorysong could not be understood at that time. The under
standing began at Pentecost, and has been given to the
people of God since; and in due course all the families of
the earth shall know it, when the knowledge of the
glory of the Lord fills the earth as the waters fill the
deep. The angels here were declaring that all glory and
honor should be given to (lou, and that from heaven
comes this manifestation of his love for mankind; that
"'hilc the earth was in dibtress and sorrow, the time

DECEMBER 15,

1!l~4

375

CfheWATCH TOWER

would come whrn thrre would be peace on rarth, when

the g-ood will of God would be shown unto all nll'll, all(l
all who were of right condition of heart would receive it.
47 l \t Pt>lltec0,t, "1\ hell the mi11(ls of tlw aJi0,tks ,,;era
open to all unller,tanlling, St. Peter. under im'piration,
declared that that time would be "ldwn the face of the
Lord should be turned toward mankind; and that this
would be when Christ's kingdom is put in operation,
and would mark the rcstoration of all things which God
had foretold by the mouth of all his holy prophets sinco
the world began.
48'1'he song "1\ as a prophetic one, became it foretold
events to happen in the future. It was in harm allY
with what God had ~pokcn through the mouth of his
holy prophets long before when he said: "For unto
Ill' a child is born, unto us a son is given:
alld the
government shall be upon his shouldrr; and his name
~hall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,
The everlastillg Father, 'rhe Prince of Peace." (haiah
9 : G) Here the Prophet pointed forward to the time
when this blessed child, now born, would become the
grc'at Ruler of the earth, upon whose shoulders the
goyernment would rest; and that he, the Prince of
Peace, would bring life, peace, happiness and good will
to mankind.
49 Jesus afterwards rode into the city of Jerusalem;
anll herc the Lord caused the multitutle that followed
him to sing the praises of the Lord, saying, "Blessed be
the King that cometh in the name of the Lord; peace
in heaven, and glory in the highest." (Luke 19: 38)
The people knew not what they said; but the Lord
caused them to speak, while the pious-faced Pharisees,
who claimed to represent the Lord, stood by and their
tongues were dumb. Yea, they went further. They
called. upon Jesus to rebuke the multitude for singing his praises, to "I\hich Jesus retorted: "If these
should hold their peace, the stones would immediately
cry out."-Luke If): 40.
50Jehovah had c1etnmincd that this witness should
be given; and he "lras having the testimony giyen to the
Pharisees themselYes that they were not needed, but that
he could use the yery inanimate clements of the earth to
be his witnesses if need be. Let the proud and haughty
bow their heads with shame when they think that God
needs them to carryon his work!
51Jesus came to earth that he might giye his own life
a ransom for mankind. Not that he might be ministered unto and made much over, but that he might
lie the minister and servant and die for man's redemption.-:Matthew 20: 28.
5" Let the haughty learn from this that the greatest one
ever on earth was the humblest one ever on earth; and
that because of his humility and obedience God hath
highly exalted him above all others. God will exalt none
other except those who are obedient to him.
53The birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord
opened the way that mankind might have life. and that

those "I"I"ho arr of the body of Chrii't might haTe life

more abundantly.-Johll 10: 10.
EARTH'S

~EW

KING IS HERE

54At the first advent of our Lord the wise men, Herod,
the Pharisees, the financiers, and politicians, at the instance of the devil, formed a conspiracy against Jesus.
At the second presence of our Lord the clergy, the
rulers of earth, the principal of their flocks, the lawyers,
the poJ iticians, and the financiers, at the instance of
the devil and acting under his supervision, formed a
coni'piracy against those who love and humbly serve
the Lord. Let the Christian take courage and rejoice
that he is counted worthy to be assaulted by the same
ones that the devil used against our Lord long centuries
ago.
55The King of glory is now here, and is setting up his
kingdom. The purpose of the devil is to blind the
prople to this fact. Therefore he whose eyes are open,
am1 who loves the Lord, will likewise have his mouth
open praising the Lord, and his hands and feet moving
to the Rerviee and glory of the Lord. He who thus
does will have joy in his heart and will realize the
precious promise: "The joy of the Lord is your
strength."-Nehemiah 8: 10.
fi6God's witnesses today are not the mighty, the
haughty or the proud. The clergy who call themselves
Modernists repudiate the angels, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,
Gideon, Elijah, Elisha, John the Baptist, and Jesus
himself. The ransom has been testified to them and
they have rejected it.
57The Fundamentalists claim to believe the Lord, yet
deny him and his kingdom, by uniting their forces
with the devi!'s organization.
58The witnesses whom the Lord uses today, like the
shepherds of old, are the meek, who are therefore teach
able. They are humble, and are therefore submissive.
They are the ones moved by love; therefore they are
unselfishly devoted to the Lord and his cause.
ANGELS GUARDING THE CHURCH

fi9The church is the called-out class, the new creation

of God. Jesus is the Head. It has pleased Jehovah
to use his heavenly officers to guard the interests of these
beloved ones down to this very hour.
60Wllen the devil aSi'aulted Jesus in the wilderness,
the angels ministered unto him.
(:Matthew 4: 11)
When Jesus underwent his great trial and suffering in
Gethsemane, God sent his angel to comfort him. At
his resurrection, when the devil and his representatives
would destroy the Qvidenee, God caused his angels to
be there to protect the interest of the Church.-John
20: 12.
61This precious promise was given by Jehovah to all
the members of his Church: "For he shall give his
angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways"
(Psalm 91: 11); and again: "The angel of the Lord

S7G

CfheWATCH TOWER

llROOKLYN,

XY.

encampeth round about them that fear him, and de- Revelation ~s Christ Jesus. (Revelation 22: 16) When
livereth them."-Psalm 34: 7.
he, as the active agent for Jehovah, prepared the plaeo
62Under inspiration St. Paul testifies that these are for man's habitation, all the angels of heaven shouted
ministering spirits sent forth to minister to the heirs for joy.-Job 38: 6, "/.
of salvation. (Hebrews 1: 14) -These of the heavenly
68In the unfolding of the great drama of creation
host, favored of God, are the official friends of the from Eden to John the Baptist, the angels performed
Church. When one of the Lord's little one~ goes forth their respective parts. 1\'ben Jesus left the heavenly
in the proclamation of the message of the King he courts and became a man, the angels knew that thid
may feel absolute rest and confidence in the Lord because was a progressive step in the divine plan; and all the
his official protector, at the Lord's instance, walks by hosts of heaven sang together for joy.
his side to shield him from every assault of his enemy.
69In 1874 the Lord came the second time; and for
Praise the Lord for his goodness to those who are his I forty years he carried on his preparatory work of gather~
63We should give glory to the Lord here, especially ing togethCl' his people. When his time came to take
in view of the fact that while these angels have been his power to reign, doubtless the angels again greatly
very wonderfully used, God has promised the Church rejoiccd. When he came to his temple to examine hid
even greater things. '1'his produces no envy in the own, he united the faithful ones to enter into his joy.
heart of anyone that loves righteousness. These angels The joy of heaven and the joy of the faithful ones on
desired to look into God's plan. (1 Peter 1: 12) But earth may now be shared with each other. It is but
it pleased the Lord to reserye this for the new creation. the beginning of rejoicing for evermore.
7'Yhen the thousand years have ended and Jesus
THE HEAVENLY ASSEMBLY
has fully preformed his work of restoring the obedient
uThe Church has now reached the climax in its ex- ones of earth, then he will take a retrospective view;
perience. The kingdom is being inaugurated. St. and he will see of the travail of his soul and be satisPaul says: "Ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto fied. (Isaiah 53: 11) Then to him every knee shall
the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" bow, everything in hcaven and on earth; and every
(Hebrews 12: 22), which means the approaching of tongue shall confess that J CSllS Christ is Lord, to
the consummation of the hopes of the faithful followers the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2: 19, 11)
of Jesus, when they shall enter the glorious presence of '1'he Psalmist says that then all the angels of heaven
the King. This organization of the Lord is about com- will praise him; that the sun, the moon and the stars
plete. Those who will be in it will have proven them will praise him; that all creation will sing his praises.
-Psalm 148.
Eelves to be the called, the chosen, and the faithful.
11The human mind can not grasp what it means;
65It is reasonable for the Christian to look forward
with thrilling expectancy to the entering of the glorious but one is granted a glim.pse when one reads the halleluportals of heaven. Whom shall we first see? St. Paul's jah chorus. (Psalm 150) Therein one has a mental
words indicate that our guardian angels will be the vision of the glory in heayen and the glory in the earth
first to greet us beyond the vail. And why should not when all the creatures of heaven and all the creatures
this be true? They haye walked by the side of the of earth, yea, everything that hath breath, is joining
beloved ones of God through the vallcy of tears. It together in an anthem that will fill the universe with
is reasonable to expect that the Lord would honor them praise to Jehovah God and to his beloved Son, Christ
by permitting them to be the first to grasp the hand Jesus, to him. who was born in Bethlehem, who died
of the one who has fought his way through and gained upon the cross, the Redeemer of the human race, who
the victory. That will be a happy meeting with those has become King of kings and I,ord of lords, and who
who have so lovingly looked after our interests. Doubt- shall establi"h the heavens and the earth that they shall
less these angels will instruct us with reference to be- stand forever, all to the glory of the great Creator!
ing presented to the Lord, because they have access In that great heavenly choir the holy angels will sing
their parts; and all the saints will join in the song.
to the courts of heaven.
6G'l'hen will follow the general assembly 01 those whose
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
names are writtcn in heavcn. And then the Lord Jesus
Who spoke the words at Luke 2: 14? Why were they spoken?
will prescnt these faultless before the throne of Jehovah.
1 1,2.
majesty and dIgnIty preclude him trom what? Who are
67God's plan has majestically moved forward with God's
used of God In his heavenly organization? 1 3-13.
exactness and precision. "Known unto God are all his What was pictured In Abraham's experiences? By Jacob's dream?
11.
works, from the beginning." (Acts 15: 18) When he Did1 10,
God use an angel to minister to IsraeU What was thus
toreshadow&d?
1 B-16.
laid the foundation of the earth as a habitation for How WN'll the braelltes
tenced in? What:ill splrltual Israel's
protection?
'/
17,
18.
man, the Morning Stars sang together and all the sons
How
are
the
memlJ"rs
at
the new creation to draw encoura;:cof God shouted for joy. At that time Lucifer was in
ment from tho experiences at Gideon? Ot Elijah? Ot Elisha 7
1 19-22.
harmony with Jehovah, and doubtless was one of thE!
C:i,e other Instances when an:;~ls were used. 1 23,24.
Stars. 'rhe Morning Star is clearly marked out in I n picturing thin:;s to lome, what agencIes were used? , 25-21.

DECEMBER 15, 1924

871

lfheWATCH TOWER

What was pictured by Hoaz redeeming Ruth and the fields? 'lI 28, 29.
How were the Israelites fenced in? What is spiritual Israel's
will? 1 30, 3l.
How did God manifest the underlvlng principle of humility? '1132-34.
How was the birth of Jesus introduced to humanity? 'lI 35-39.
Who were the three wise men, and whom did they umdttingly
represent 1 1 40-43.
How haa Satan sought to cover up his diabolieal work? How has
the Beed of promise been proteeted? 'II 44,4;',
Why could not the people comprehend the angelic anthem before
Pentecost? 'lI 46-48.
What other witness was given or Jesus? Who gave it? Were
the Pharisees well Jlleaserl ,dth it? '\I 49, 50.
Why did Jesus come to earth? 'V 51-53.

What Is the PUrpOH If the devil!

Who are the witnesses todayl 1 54-58.
Who are the ones for whom the Lord appointed the heavenlY
officers? What promises has God given to the Church 1 1 59-02.
Why should we now give glory to God 1 What thought should
thrill the Church 1 Who may be the first ones to greet the
Church on the other slrle of the valll 'lI 63-66.
How does God's plan move forward? \Vho were lOme of the
"l\lorning Stars"? 1 67,6S.
When did Jesus come at the second advent? What hlUl been the
work since then? When will Jesus take the retrosp4XUve view
and be satisfied? 1 69, 70.
Can the human grasp the meaning of the consummatioll? Will
the time ever come when all creation will be praising O~d 1 1 71.

Is there a modern conspiracy?

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR JANUARY 7

"The Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort."

-:2 Corinthians 1: 8.

ilE plan of God is revealed in detail in order that

man may learn to appreciate his Creator. 'rhe
proper apprrciation of the great Eternal One inuuces the creature to strive diligently to please his
Creator. The more he knows of the Creator, the greater
will be his desire to grow into the likeness of the One
that is holy and unselfish.
During the past four years those who study the
WATCH TOWER have been considering texts in the following order: Concerning Jehovah; concerning the Lord
Jesus Christ; the holy spirit, and its transforming influence; and the kingdom of God. Many are the testimonies that great blessings have resulted from these
studies. It is the hope that the study of the text during
the year 1!J25 will be especially helpful to the Church.
This year we will examine texts relating to the comfort of all that mourn. It will be found that these texts
teach that J ehoyah God is the great Comforter; that
the Lord Jesus is his active agent in dispensing comfort;
that the holy spirit is the channel employed; and that
it is the will of God that all members of the Church
shall become comforters, to the end that Jehovah's name
may be glorified.
The opening te),.t for the year shows that the source
of mercy and comfort is Jehovah.
Mercy is properly defined as compassionate treatment
of an offender.
Comfort means to bring consolation to those who
mourn, to lift the burdens that make them sad and
to point them to that which brings peace of mind and
gladness of heart.
Eden was a joyful place because it was the garden
of God. Because of sin man lost his happy home. He
was an offenuer against the law of God, and that without excuse or extenuating circumstances. In the exercise of justice God sentenced man to death. Under
this just sentence Adam would have remained dead forever, and he would have had no offspring that could
have life eternal. nut Jehovah was compassionate
in dealing with man, and has ever been thus. He made
an elaborate and complete arrangement for man's re-

demption and deliverance, and in doing so waB moved

by love. (John 3: 1G, 17) Herein was the full and complete expression of unselfishness on the part of the
Creator, Jehovah.
Since the day of PClltecost, as man has come to a
knowledge of God and his purposes he has rece~ved
comfort; and his comfort increases in proportion to
his appreciation of the loving kindness of God.
Man learns that God has been and is compassionate
with offenders who repent and come to him, and that
he comforts all those who sincerely seek consolation in
his appointed way.
It is vitally essential that each one who will be comforted learn of God's appointed way of ministering
comfort. '1'0 know God and his beloved Son means
life. (John 17: 3) He who possesses life in fuIness
has comfort anu fulncss of joy.

TEXT FOR JANUARY 14

"Let not your heart be troubled: Ye believe

believe also in me."-John 14: 1.

11&

God,

HE disciples of Jesus were imperfect men. Dike

all men they had trials and sorrows. 'rhey loved
Jesus. For three and one-hali years he had bfen to
them a tower of strength and a source of consolatioll.
Npw he was about to take his departure. The reason
why, they did not unuerstand. They were sad of heart.
Their faith in Gou had brought some comfort because
as Jews they recognized that they were the covenant
people of Jehovah.
The time had not come for them to understand God's
plan and purposes fully nor how he would bring consolation to their hearts. Until Pentecost it was impossible
for them to understand.
Knowing this, Jesus said to them: 'Ye believe in
God and his promises made to father Abraham, that in
him and his seed all the families of the earth shall have
a blessing. God has promised that he would send the
Messiah that through him all might receive a blessing.
I am he. But before this blessing can come, it is necessary for me to go away. Do not let your hearts be
troubled. I am going to prepare a place for you, and
I will come again and receive you to myself, that ya

BiS

<[he

WATCH TOWER

may be with m~. ! haye been your comforter for some

time Rnd now you will miss me. But I will pray my
l'athrr and he will send you another comforter.'- John
14: 16.
These were ',"ords of consolation, but the disciples
did not at the time comprehend that. They must ,,'ait
until Pentecost; and then they would understand how
the Lord would bring comfort to them and how, though
absent from them, he would be with them all through
their earthly journey. They had faith in his words,
and waited until the appointed time.
TEXT FOR JANUARY 21

"The Comforter, the holy spirit, ... shall teach you

all things."-John 14: f!6.
HEN the time came for Jesus to ascend into
heaven, he gathered together his disciples upon
the side of the Mount of Olives. He told them
to remain at Jerusalem and await the coming of the
Comforter; that they would receive the holy spirit, and
thus they should be his witnesses.-Aets 1: 4-11.
Obedient to this command from the Master the disciples waited at Jerusalem for ten days, until Pentecost.
At that time they were assembled together in a room,
when they received the holy spirit. 'Ehis was in answer
to the prayer of Jesus even as he had promised: "I will
pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter
that he may abide with you for ever."-John 14: 16.
Whcn Jesus was crucified thc disciples were greatly
i ;'ouhled and distressed. Their sorrow knew no bounds.
Un the third day, even the day of his resurrection, two
of these disciples, lamenting Jesus' cruel death, said:
"We trust(,d that it had been he which should have redeemed Isracl."-Luke 24: 21.
Later in Jerusalem, and after they had learned of
the resurrection of our Lord, as the disciples were
gathered together, Jesus appeared among them and
said: "Peace be unto Y011." But they were terrified and
frightened, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. But
he said unto them: "Why are ye trouhlcd, and why do
thoughts arise in your hearts?" (Luke 24: 38) They
could not understand; they had not received the holy
spirit; the comforter had not come yet.
From the time of Pentecost forward the mystery of
God began to unfold to the disciples. All the parables
and dark sayings began to be understood by them. They
saw that it was necessary that Jesus should suffer and
die and rise from the dead and ascend into heaven; that
by thus doing he had provided the ransom price, not
only for them but for all mankind; that he would gather
out from amongst men the Church; that these would be
required to follow in his footsteps and suffer as he had
suffered; that those who would continue faithful unto
the end would be exalted and be forever with the Lord
and ~e him as he is; and that in due time he would return and take them to himself.

nllOOKLYl",

N,Y.

As thcse great truths unfolded before the disciples'

minds, their sorrow fled away, and their hearts were
cornfOl'ted. 'J'he holy spirit had been given, and this
enn hIed them to recci ye comfort.
Eyen so it has lwen wlth all truly consecrated Christians from then till nm\", Bemg in Christ, and his Word
abidmg in them, tlJey han, asked of the Lord and received great comfort. They have learned that God 'is
the Father of mercies; that Jesus Christ, their elder
Brother, is their pre(~ious friend and comforter, and that
the holy spirit is the channel of comfort; and they
themselves have been leaming to be comforters.
Jehovah's purpose concerning the Church on earth
is that here they must ll'arn to be specially comfort('Ts
of the brethren, those who are in Chnst, and to proclaim
the message of his kingdom, and to bear the message
of consolation to all who mourn and who seek to know
the way that leads to life and happiness. By this they
are showing forth his praises.

TEXT FOR JANUARY 28

"Ye are a chosen mce .... a people for a purpose."1 Peter 2: 9, DiagZott.
T IS of utmost im portance that all Christians now
observe the effect upon the disciples produced by
the reception of the holy spirit at Pentecost a11(l
ever thereafter. They had waited for the holy spirit,
as Jesus had promised. When they were begotten and
anointed, they did not sit down, fold their hands and
remain idle; neither did they withdraw themselves and
keep their comfort and joy to themsehes. On the contrary they immediately began to sprak and advertise
the King and his kingdom amongst the people.
Why did they do this? God had called them for a
purpose. They were to constitute a part of the chosen
race, a people for a purpose. They must show forth the
praises of him ,,,ho had called them out of darkness into
the marvelous light, and it brought great comfort to
their hearts. They must now nse this message of consolation, which the)' had received, to comfort others.
'1'he apostle Paul plainly and boldly expressed it in
thrse words: "Blessed be God, even the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God
of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them "'hich are in any
trouhle, by the comfort where\\'ith we ourselves are
comforted of God."-2 Corinthians 1: 3,4.
N ow we see that Jesus Christ is the Head of the new
creation; that all who are in Christ have the holy spirit
and are comforted thereby; that all this comfort proceeds from Jehovah, the Father of mercies; that he is
training a class of people by putting them through
certain experiences that they may learn to be comforters
here, that they may be associated with the Lord Jesus
in his kill~(hln, ar:d that his name might be glorified.
The course of a Christian then is plainly pointed out.

DeCEMBER

15, 1924

Cflle

37!)

WATCH TOWER

lIe who would enter the kingdom and be used of the

Father for the blessing of mankind must first learn to
be a comforter this side the vail. It is impossible to do
this unless he (or she) engages in the service of the
Lonl as opportunity presents. We must here advertise
the King and his kingdom because this is the message
of consolation. 'Ve must c'xhoTt our brf>thTPn to devotion to the Lord and to his service; for thereby are they

comforwd. We must be faithful and true witnesses that

Jehovah is God; that Jesus is the King, and that the
kingdom of righteousness is here. In all this we must
be prompted by love, which in an unselfish devotion to
the Lord and his cause.
'Vhat a marYelous plan is that of Jehovah I 'Vhat
a blessed Jot is that of the Christian I Let us see to it that
we fulfil our commission by learning to be comforters.

CHRIST'S TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

--JANUARY 4-----LUKE
JESUS T~KES ACCL.l.M.\TIO:"1 IN SIMPLTCITY-PROPUECY FULFILLED IN

"Blessed

Dl:E OUDER-FURTHER

FULFILMENT

AT sn'o:\'D ADVEl"T.

is the ](ing that cO/neth in the name of the LOTd."-Luke 19: 38.

IlE time had now come for ,Tesus to manifest his

right as Gmrs anointed king of Israel. The metllOcl
he took gives us our study for today. At any tiIlle
during the previous twelve months Jesus could have be
c,)me the popular leuder. 'L'his was especially the case
when he fed the multitude of 5,000 in Galilee; for people
would then glUllly have put him at their head us one
sent of God to deliver' Israel from the bondage of the
Homans. Jesns wanted the kingdom of heavl'n with its
blessings to be establisheel; but he knew that the time for
its establishment had not come, nor would he be made
kin~ by man.
2The stay in Jericho at Zacchreus' house had allowed
the crowds of pilgrims to get ahcael of .Jesus, anel probably
Ire ascended the hillroad in comparative quiet. When the
elay arrived on which he would present himself to Jerusalem as King, he began to assert his kingly power and
authority. Leaving Bethany he came to the Mount of
Olives, and then sent two of his elisciples to a neighboring
village to bring an ass anel her colt, which they would
find tied and as if waiting for him, bidding the disciples
say if questioned. that the Master hael need of them.
31t was now known in Jerusalem that Jesus WM in
Bethany, and It was expected that on this morning he
would COllle into the city. Many there were more than
kindly disposed towards him; anel some were much im
pressed by the miracles, especially by the last and greatest,
that of raising Lazarus from the grave. At that time
Jerusalem was crowded both within and without the walls
with those who had come up to the Passover, then a very
popular event. A crowd soon increases; and qUickly multitudes of well-disposed people were making their way to
meet Jesus, and to r\c'turn with him into the city. 'Vhen
the disciples brought the ass to Jesus they placeel him upon
it, giving him kingly, if humble dignity. As the procession
startl'el, garments were cast at his feet, anel branches of
palm trees were cut, and soon tlIe ever-growing company
broke into song.
41t had long been the custom to sing some Psalms at
the Passover feast. The 116th Psalm and following Psalms
were so used; anel with these fresh in minel, it was easy
for the multitude to associate the worels of the 118th Psalm
with the corning of him who many were ready to believe was the Son of Daviel. Unwittingly the multitndp.
fulfilled the divine prophecy. They hailed Jesus us
the promised Son of David, who should bring them salvation. 'L'he demonstration of the multitude, anel the g~'at
JOY of the disciples as they saw their Mrrster at lflst
honored, and perhaps thought their own time of advancement with him was drawing nigh, made the Phar'isees
angry. It had been declared by the prophet Zechariah that

1D: 2D-44--

this shout of praise and prayer should be made, and tlli'J

was the only possible occasion, and the scriptures must be
fulfilled.-Luke Hl: 40; Zechariah 9: 9.
JESUS TAKES ACCLAMATION IN SIMPLICITY

sThe position of the Phariseps was a hopeless one; for

they were settin~ their will a~ainst GOll. Tnre, they m(l
not think that; but nevertheless the scriptures were plainly
written, and the facts were before them. Therefor'e they
ougbt to have understood. They continueel "willingly i~
norant". Jesus went on his way, and the disciples and
the people continued to acclaim him as the promised Savior.
He entered the city as God's appointed King, making no
assumption of political prerogative. It was to his Father',
house he was going. FUlfilling scripture, he took the ae"
clamation of the people in the simplicity of a servant oJ.
God.
6None but Jesus himself could have any idea of the
importance of this entry, and even he would understana
some things but dimly. Except In that the Word of Go(l
was being fUlfilled, the acclamation of the people would
bring him but little joy; he knew that they did not understand. He knew of a certainty that he was going to his
death; for the time had corne when his sacrifice must he
consummated. But he kept his face towards the providencpg
of God and towards his r0sponsibilities; and knowing the
consequences, but not weighing them, he calmly fulfille(l
every dctail of the way marked out for him in the prophecies. But the joy of the people would call forth his compassion, und would enlarge his heart; for though thl'Y mi~
understood, they voiced a longing, and the cry was iudicative of the call of humanity for a savior.
7The incident if; an illustration of prophetic fulfilment.
This entry of the servant of Goel as Savior-King was forptold by the prophets. (Psalm 118: 26; Zechariah 9: ())
But it is certain that it did not complete all that was
meant by either prophecy; for though Jesus presented himself and the people acclaimed him as their Savior, yet he
was not accepted, and within a few days the whole popu
lace turned against him and cried out for his blood. They
thus fulfilled other prophecies which declared that he
should be despised and rejected, but that in his death he
should be made an offering for sin.-Isaiah 53: 10.
PROPHECY FULFILLED IN DUE ORDER

8When Jesus came so near to the end of his earthly ministry, he must have watched the fulfilment of the prophecies concerning himself with much care and interest. There
was no forcing; but in proper order of manner and time
the Word of God went forward to its fulfilment. Jesus
knew that he must have an MS'S colt that morning. Evidently he knew where there was one, and he knew thaa

B80

'fheWATCH TO\VER

his Father would do his share of the fulfilment of the

prophec~'.
And so it was that Jesus obeyed and God
watched, and the divine order was observed.
9Here is a grea t lesson for the Lord's people. It is
clearly no part of their duty to force the fulfiiment of
pl'ophecy; but, couperating with the Lord as opportunity
aff'ords, they do frequently find that prophecy is being
exactly fulfilled. And even though, as is often now the
case, the Lord's people seem almost conscious of working
out the last things in the fulfilment of the Scriptures, ~'et
there is no seeking to fulfil pmphecy; and evidently this
Is the attitude the Lord's people should alwa~'s take. The
prophecies referring to the coming of the King and his
entrance into the city, apparently fllUiIled by Jesus when
he entered Jerusalem, are now seen to r('fpr also to the
greater act when Jesus really comes into his kingdom.
10Again Jesus is present, and offers himself as King.
But Christendom's leaders reject him; and the truth of
his return is as bitterly opposed by th('m as it was by the
Pharisees. Neithet' then, nor now, are God's professed
people ready to receive the Lord. 'I'he proud Pharisees
rejected the Carpenter of Nazareth. 'l'hey could not begin
to understand that he was the Messiah of the prophecies.
'I'he proud leaders of Christendom will not accept the fact
of the Lord's return. 'rhey have given themselves to a
sy"tem which absolutely prevents clear understanding of
the will of God, even as Jesus said of the Pharisees: "lIow
can ye believe, which receive honor one of another?" (John
5: 44) But wllile there is a correspondency, there is also
a contrast. Then when Jesus entered into Jerusalem he
entered it to become subject to evil mpn, and to the power
of darkness. Evil seemed to triumph. Now when Jesus
comes Into "the city" he comes not only for immediate
judgment, but for final yictory over every evil pprson or
thing. Never again will evil triumph. It will attempt the
suppression of the kingdom message, but never again will
God permit his messengers to be subjected to the powers
of e,-iI.
FURTHER FULFILMENT AT SECOND ADVENT

I1Because Jesus entered Jerusalem seated on an ass, it

was but natural that it should have been thought that
7,pcharlah's prohecy was completely fulfilled at that event.
Hut the context of the prophecy shows that the whole pas~ Ige refN's to our Lord',.; advent as King in power, and
to the consequent blessing of his p('opie. It is cu:';tomar~'
in western countries to speak of the ass in a jocular or
derogatory sense. But in the East there is no such association, and certainly nothing of such association is conV('~'ed in the Scriptures.
The patient ass is a symbol of
lowliness. It is not, then, in an~' derogatory sense that it
can be said that the returned Lord, even now coming to
his own and in his glory, comes lowly as riding upon an ass.
12Christians have derided the Jews for their attitude
towards their Messiah. The Jews looked for a grt'at and
Dotable person who should appear worthy to be leader of
God's people. And, behold, he came meek and lowly; and
the~' refused him.
Christendom has prof'ssed to look for
th(' return of the Lord, but has expected that t woulu
make his appearance in magnificent glory in tlu c;ouds
of hpaven. And 10, though a glorious spirit being, he has
npppured in the lowly message of his people. The grl'at
anu mighty have been caught in their hypocrisy, and once
again have rejected him. The wise and prudent have
failed to perceive the signs of his presence. And the
humble, faithful messeng'rs are as conti'mptible in the eyes
of the wise as the ass is tn the one who ridl's a warhorse.
1 There are stili many who would stop the Lord's peo-

DaOOKLYX. N. Y.

pie from rejoicing In him and In the message of com

fort which he brings to the poor groaning creation, and
who would stop the people from crying out and hailing
the promised SaYior. 'The time has come for the Lord to
be acknowledged; and if those who know the truth should
prove so unfaithful to thcir privilege as to listen to tllo,e
who dislike the message, and should stop telling of 1lle
comIng of the King, the Lord will use the very stonp:'; to
cry out that the King of glory is come. But the faithfl!1
servants will never forego the privilege which association
with the Lonl brings. lIe will go from strength to strength
until his wOI'k is done.
14'l'here are two pictures in thIs incident which pr'spnt
thell1splves to the faithful followers of the lowly Jesu~,
and from vvllich they draw encouragpmpnt. One is that they
spe themselves, like the disciples then, rejoicing in the glory
which is coming to their Lord. TI1'Y, too, do homagp to
him, in spirit casting thpir garments before him in token
of full submission; and they also wave palms of victon'.
'l'hey know that the Lord is now entering gloriously into
the place of !lower, and that the time of the world's happiness is at hand.
151'he other picture is in less bright coloring. It 'is th'l t
the disciples see themselves in the same place as the Lord.
Honored indeed of him in that they are privileged to he
his representatives In the earth, and that they have the
responsibility of witnessing in the center of organized religion, they carry the message of the kingdom into the midst
of a people who are full of profession of service to God,
but who at heart and in spirit are alienated from him, anI!
who hate not only Ilis rule and his will but his messengers.
16In assuming the authority of king, Jesus showed both
his right to commandeer that which was necessary for hi"
purpose, and also his power over even the brute creation.
He did not ask permission for the use of the animals; am)
in rilling an unbroken colt, controlling it in calmness even
while the multitude was shouting and singing, he showpu
his mastery. Without doubt these things are a necpssary
part of our lesson. '\'e are thereby reminded that our
Lord, whose presence we declare, has these same rights
and powers, and will use them in what eyer way he pleases
for the furtherance of the kingdom interests.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Could Jesus have permitted himself to become a popular leader?
Why did he not do so: 'Ill.
Is there order in God's plan? What was the special obligat!On
now restlllg uvon Jesus '! 'II 2.
What particular miracle had brought Jesus Into great prominence?
Why was Jerusalem filled WI tb people? 'II 3.
What Psalms were used at the Passover feast? How was Je,us
honorl'd? What WllS the teeling of the disciples? liow d1(J
the Pharisees feel about it! 'II 4, 5.
Who besides Jesus understood the significance of his entrance iuto
Jcrusalem? Was Jesus overjoyed'! If not, why not: 'II G.
What does the incident illustrate? What prophecies were being
fulfilled: "I 7.
Was Jesus evidently watching the fulfilment of prophecy concern
ing himself? 'Vas Jesus forcing a fultilment, or were things
taking the natural course: '118.
What Is the great lesson for God's people to learn? Is there a
secondary fulhlment of these provhecies? 'II 9.
What are some of the corresponilencies? What Is there in con,
trast: \Vhat is it that blinds the leaders to the truth'! '1110.
Why have the people been unable to see the c1enr fulfilment of
Zechariah 9: 9: In what way IS Jesus riding upon the ass now:
'II II.
Have Christians anything to boast of In their attitude toward
the Messiah which would put them in a better light than the
Jews of 1900 years ago: '1112.
Are there people today who would gladly put a stop to the hailin~ of the presence of the King as be rides into the antitypil'al
J erusulem '! 'II 13.
'Vhat t\\O pleturps may we draw from the lesson? 11 14. 15,
"~hen .Tl'-"U";; eOlTImanl1('('Il::"d tlir 11l1})I'p!\en ('0 It , ridlll~ It in {'almn~R
lUnJd tll(' tnmnlt of the Il1nllltu<!e, what lesson dld he there
set forth for us: 11 1U.

THE LAST JUDGMENT

--JA:"l:AIlY ll--:\IATTIIEW

1'1 \1 E OF THE JT:DG~fE:"T-GE:"ERAL JrDG~Ie:"T OF

23 :31-4G--

"CIIRISTI:XDO:lt"-RA;";SO\I

IlRI:"GS APl'llOl'HIATE

Gl"ARA:"T1TS OPPORIl;l\'ITY OF UFE---R:l\'OWLED~

HE~POXF;IJlILITY.

"lnflSI/l'uch as ye did It unto olle of tllese my brethrcn, cren these least, 11c did it 1/1Ito me."-JlrztthclO 23 :40.

on-" Y'S

les';on i<; call('(l TIle La~t JUdgJlwnt, but the

portion of Scripture set for study is the well-known
p;U'able of thf' ~hl'l'p and Goats. The common ortllOdox interprplation of tlli~ parable is that it is a representation of a division between the rightpous and the wicked
which imlIlpdiately follows the Lord's return, the dominatIng thought being that at the moment of the Lord's retuITI
all hope of escaping etp1'I1HI tOrInpnt is el.ded for tho~e who
are not founu in harmony with righteousnt'ss. 'l'hey visualize all {l0plf' upon earth f'eparated into two classes;
shpep to be blessed, and goats to be cursed.
2As the Bible Student beeomes instructed in the 'Yord of
God hp If'arns that God hns appointed a day of 1000 years
for the judgment of men and for the reign of Christ (Hebrpws G: 2; Hevelation :W: G); that during that reign the
dpad will be delivered from the power which holds them;
that all the nations of the earth will be instructed in the
ways of the Lord; and that the reign of Christ is specially
for the pUl'po~e of brinp;ing- man back to his long-lost inhpritance and of restoring his happy relationship to God,
,'For a time the parable became to Bible Students a picture of the jUdgnwnt at the end of that thousand-year
day of judgment, wheH the righteous (the shepp) would
enter Into the hlessedness of life on the resto~d earth,
alHI when the wickt'd (the goats) would be destroyed forever as un\,\'orthy of life, It is now seen to be a s~'mlJolic description of a judgment at the time of the s<'Cond advent,
one which determines who among- men haye already proyed
thpIIlselves unworth~' of tIle bles-iup;s of tlle kingdom, 'l'he
true interpretation has thrown light on l11any otht'r scriptures, and bas enabled the senants of the Lord to see their
work and the pUlllose of their message much more clearly
tlwn hitherto.

TIME OF THE JUDGMENT

4Except for the s~Illbolic pictures in Ezekid and Hevelation there is comparativcl~' little shown in the Scripturps
of tbe details of the :\li lIt'nnial Age. We know through
Isaiah (chapters 25 amI 3G) of the progrpss which will be
made up the hip;hway of holiness, and that the Lord's blessing'S will then be diffused upon humanity under the reign
of Christ; but nPilhpr the prophets nOl' the Lord had much
to say of what is to happen during tllat reign. It should
bardly be expeeted, therefore, that this parable would deal
with things at the enu of the :\Iillennial Age. The correct
Interpretation properly as~odates it with those which immediatply prPL'de it. It is, of course, an integral part of
our Lord's discourse concPJ'Jling Ihe last things of the Gospel Age, when he has returned to set up bis kingdom.
5The orthollox interpretation of this parable happens to
be more corrod in point of time, but this is so only because
they knew little or nothing of the real pUlll0"e of the Millennial kil1p;doIIl. To gpt the pI'oper viewpoint one must
place lIimself with the Lord and the disciples at the time
tbe parable was spokt'n. Jesus had come to the end of
his eal'tlily ministry. He had bpen finally rejected of Jerusalem, He had \\:alked out of the temple courts for the last
time, s:I~'ing of his 1,'aUI<?r's house, "Your house is left unto
you dl'sola I p" (Lnke 13: 3;:;); for in rejecting him they
had rejected God, who had sent him.
60n the next mGrning Jesus sat with his disciples looking
over ,Tpl'usaleIll: ant] an<,wf'ring thpir inqllin' as to when
tlJe things of which he had been speaking concerning Jeru-

salem lllH] himsol[ shouid happon, he spoke the dis('oll!'se

rpcon]ed lly ~Iatthew. (Chapters 24,25) It was a dis('oU!'se
inlt'nde(l to instlUl't Ids faithful senants at the time of his
return ('oneerning the events of their day, that they might
know he had returned by the fulfilment of the things S(lo\'n.
His return would not be made known by any physical manifestation of his person, but by the physical facts whil'h he
then forptold. Then, after telling of those things concerllin/-( Jerusalem, he spoke the parable of the Virgins to show
thnt pven some of his own would be caught asleep, alll] tile
pUl'able of the Talents to show how his servants would be
broug'ht beforE' him and judgment be passed according to
thp measure of fidelity to him and to his Father, Then he
spoke further of the judgment which should come UPOIl
Chri~tendom.

7Although Jesus did not know when that time would lle
(l\ratthew 24: SG), be saw clearly thut Jerusalem, whleh
lay llefore him was, in its attitude towards him and in
its rejection, also a miniature of a great system of l'l'ligious
profession yet to be. In mental vision he saw that his disciplps would carry his message abroad in the earth; and
that in proee~s of time grPa t organizations and systems of
civilization would arise, each of which would profess his
name, even as Jerusalem, which lay before him, professed
to be the people of Goll.
GEXERAL JUDGMENT OF "CHRISTENDOM"
8.Tesus knew that when he returned all these great systems would ve (e"lpd in the way Jerusalem had just been
tesled; for his faithful servants would then carry snch a
message to tllP1l1 as he had brought to Jerusalem. He knew
Hint the grpat relig-ious organizations, and the leaders of
the world who coi5pel'llte with tllPm, would trpat his servants
and their message of the establishment of the kingdom as
the Pharisees had trcated him; and that just as the Jews
and Jerusalem had veen llrought into judgment by his loving message because they hated the light and hated him,
so the great civilizations would be brought into judgment
by the liKht of truth which would come at his second advent;
and that the diseiplps, the faithful servants, would be reo
jected with their message in exactly the same way. This
would mean a general judg-ment and the rejeetion of ChristplHlom on the linps of the jU<]glllent upon Jerusalem. It
would not lllean that all the peoples of the earth would
have all hope cut away from them in a moment, any more
than thp rejection of Jernsalem and condemnation on their
Ipaders mmnt that the cOlllmon peQple were to lose all hope
of the Illercy of God.
9The JC\V'; did not understand that they were rpjecting
God wIlen they rejeeted Jesus. Indeed, it was in professed
sprvip(' to Go(1 that thpy put him to death. Truth and their
Messiah had come in an unexpt'eted wa~', They werp l'aught
in tlleil' h"pocl'by. So now at the end of the age the truth
of the kingflom aTH] the message' of the returned Messiah
has come in an unexpeeted way, and the leaders of Christendom are caught in their false pretences. This is what
Jesus had in mind when, after I'ppaking the parable of the
Tnlents he sail]: "Then"; that is, at the time of hi" second
pre"pnpe of which he had been speaking he would gather
all nationS llefore him.
lOThe basis of judgment pronounced is the attituue 01
the pellple ttHvan]..; IJl~ Jl1PSRengers, even as the basis of the
jul1gnlPllt of the Jp\VS was on their attitude iowards him.
381

882

CfheWATCH TOWER

On that llne Jesus proceeded to show how all the nations to

whom his truth has gone are brought into judgment. THE
W ATCl! TOWER of October 15, 1923, deals fully with this
subject. The parable shows that there are some who are
jUdged to be unworthy of life; indeed, as worthy of death
as Satan and the angels who have followed him in opposition to God.
11 It is apparent that this standard of judgment (the
attitude taken toward the messengers) is not compatible with
the eOllditiolls which will obtain in the Millennial Age. The
goat class, jndged unworthy of life, proclaim their ignorance
of the need of, or any occasion for giving help or showing
kindliness towards those of whom the Lord speaks as his
brethren. In their pride and self-sufficiency they altogether
fuil to perceive that the humble and lowly messengers of
the kingdom represent Christ, whom they profess to serve.
The leaders of ecclesiasticism, the principal of their flock,
and the supporters of the great evil systems fail to see in
the messengers of the truth those whom the Lord calis his
brethren. They say: "When saw thee an hungred . and
did not minister unto thee?"-l\Iatthew 25: 44.
12TJIE 'VATeH ~'OWER before referred to shows clearly
that tho brethren of the Lord towards whom kindness is done,
or WIIO are Ileglected in face of a plain duty, are those who
now bpar tllP message of the kingdom. In the Millennial
A<Ye when the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth,
U1~d~r the blazing light of that day there can be no pos:,;lbilHy of raising an excuse through ignorance. The conditions upon which judgment is based can be found only during the last <lays of the harvest time, when man's world,
as such, is brought into judgment before God. :No question
can arise as to the kind of jU(~ment which comes upon
those who are found to be unworthy of Ufe. They are
cast into a fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
RANSOM GUARANTEES OPPORTUNITY OF LIFE
loSince the time when it pleased Gou to make the plan
of the ages clear, and once again to set forth the "ransom
for all" by the blood of his dear Son (1 Timothy 2: 4-6),
it is iSeen that neither Adam nor any of his sons are exc1udel.1
from its benefits. It came, therefore, to be commonly held
that with the exception of the Chureh (those begotten of
God to newness of life) everyone must have an actual resurrection from the dead in order to participate in the benefits
of the ransom. It was further thought that none besides
the Church could be subjected to final destruction until. in
the resurrection, a fuU opportunity had been given to enter
into obedience to Christ and into blessings of life. But
clearly those views are not true to Scripture or to faet.
It is not ne('essary that one should have receivel.1 tiIe gift
of the holy spirit before he can be subject to the sentence
of death; nor true, as some have thought, tlmt no one could
be ameli able to the second death before the death of Jesus.
The death of Judas as the son of perdition is evidence sufficient against both suppositions. \Yho can think that if
father Abraham had turned from God after the long experience which he had, God would be obliged to bring him
fOIoth in resurrection in order that he should have a full
opportunity for knowing God?
1<1The ransom priec accepted by God can not entail upon
him a necessity to let each person die before giving him the
l)('[wfit of the ransom, and that such opportunity can be
givpn only in resurrection. It does, however, appear to
show that everyone must get an opportunity of freedom
frOll the bondage of Satan, as well as from the power of
death. It is God's own good pleasure to decid6 when he
will give that opportunity. It seems evident that there are
now some who, like Judas (the ontstanding fig-ure and rcpr~sentatiYe of those who reject the way of God), see the
purpose of God in Chli:>t and rejeet it.

BROOKLYN, N, Y.

KNOWLEDGE BRINGS APPROPRIATE RESPONSIBILITY

15What stands out clearly is that there are some who
are 'Children of the wicked one, who know sufficient of God
both in experipllce and by the fact that they stand fortll as
representing him, who in spirit are bitterly opposed to h:s
ways, and who are really and truly servants of the evil one.
For God to let all this pass as if they acted in blindnes'i
would seem to belittle his justice rather than to exalt it.
Such would not learn righteousness even in the land of
uprightness.-Isaiah 26: 10.
1G'I.'he first judgment, that of Jerusalem and the nation
of Israel, resnlted in the separation of wheat and chaft
and in the burning of the chafl'. (l\Ia tthew 3: 12) It was a
casting off of that which was waste, The second jUd~ment.
now in operation upon Christendom, is more complex and
lias two phases. It reSUlts in the separation of the sheep
and ~oats, and also of wheat and tares (Matthew 13: 24-30) ;
that is, separation between those who are "the children of
the king(]om" and tlwi'e who are the "children of tile wicked
one". 1'he tares are those, chiefly ecclesiastics, who profess to represent God, but who are senants of the present
order of things and opponents of tile kingdom of heaven.
The parable of the Sheep and Goats shows another aspect
of this same judgment. The sheep are not the "wheat", the
children of the kingdom. but are the n;:'('k of the earth Who,
when the truth of God is presente<l to them, are inclined
to take it; th('y are not supporters of Satan's systpm of
government. The goats correspond very closely to the tares.
'I.'hey are those who have professed to be supporters of God
and of righteousness, but who have the wayward disposition
which is so frequently shown by the goat, and which is so
contrary to the meek disposition associated with the sheep.
17This parable shows that even as Satan will be bound
during the reign of Christ in order that he can not hinder
the work of restoration, so those who have been decisively
proved to be his willing servants will not be permitted thm
to oppose truth. They will be destroyed at the commencement of the Messianic reign (Matthew 25: 41) ; but Satan
is permitted to live (bound) for u later testing.-Rev. 20: 3.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What Is the common orthodox Idea of the parable of the Sheep
and Goats? 11 1.
What have Bible Stllllents learned respecting- the judgment da~'?
What Is the work of that day? \Vhat seems to be the proper
setting for the parable? 1 2, 3.
Where do we find rlrecriptions of the :llillennlal Age and its B"compllshments? Why Is it thoul;ht that this parable has a
setting at the close of the Gospel Agc? , 4.
Why Is the "orthodox" interpretation more correct In point et
time? How may we get the better view? 'If 5.
What were the clrcumstances under which Jesus gave his dl$oollr,e
as recorded In Mattilew 24: 12: What was its object: 11 6.
Did Jesus understand that Jerusalem reprcsented a great systcll1
yet to be: Did he forosee that his rejocl ion at the secon:J ad\'('llt
wOlJld be as complete as that at the first advent: , 7,:;.
Did the Jews understand that they were rejecting God: How i~
"Christenctom" also caught: What is the basis of judgment in
both cases: .. 9. 10.
Is the same judgment compatible with that which will obtain
during the Millennial reign: The goat c!B.ss as a class fall
in what respect 1 .. 11.
Wilo are the brethren of the parable? Will there be allY excn_a
for Ignorance in the next a,;e: Are the conditions of the judgment then peculiar to our day? 112.
Are any excluded in the "ransom for all"? Judas dying the second
death proves what to us? Would It have been pOSSIble for
Abraham to die the second death? , 13.
Is God restricted in the operation of the ransom sacrifice In what
he woul,! deem best: What does the rUDBom sucri1ice really
do? , 14.
Does it seem clear that knowledge of God and hla plan has a
bearing on any ;udgment Which God rend8l's? ,15.
What was the first judgment? What are the tlFo pbueB of tbe
second judgment: \Vho are the "tares"? 'Vho are the "goats"?

116.

Will anyone be permitted to oppose the truth in the Millennium,

after the kingdom is fully illaugurated: ~ 17.

International Bible Students A~sociation Qasses

liecturel3 dIld C>(udle~ by'frdvelin<J Brethren
BROTHER A. H. MACMILLAN

BROTHER T. E. BARKER
r.oston, Mass
J an.
:-.;a tlcl\1 !\lass. ._ _ _..__..
).'ramllll;llnm, Mass.
:llllford, lila"
_.............
Westboro, lIIass.
MarllKJro, :llass
__.__
JI

4
5
tJ
7
8
9

Worcester, i\Iass
_ Jan.11
\Voonso<:ket. H. 1.
._._
" 12
Frauklin, l\ln.~s.
..__.
" 13
Attleboro,

l\.ia~~.

Stoughton, ::\ltlss
Brockton, )!abs......._

"
"

14
15

Fargo, N. Dak
__..
.Dec.30
Ceuar Rapids, Ia. Dec. 31, Jan. 1
Chnton, lao _.
_
_ " 2

Lincoln, Nellr
Denver, Colo
Boulder, Colo

Dubuque, la

Cheyenne, \Vso.

5
6

Berthoud, Colo.
Pucblo, Colo. _._

D.-,.. 2G
" 2n
__ _." 30
__
" 31
Jan. 1
__._..... 2

Ironton, O
Jan. 2
O. ._ __ _._
:: 4
CIIlClllna tl, O.
5
Lonisvillp. Ky
__
" 6
Guthrie, Ky.
7
lIlemphis, Tenn
__
8

Gallipolis, O
Jan. 4
Huntington, \V. Va. ,. __
"
~
ARhland. Ky
_._....... "
Paintsville. Ky
__
"
7
Ironton, O
__
8
Portsmouth, O
_
"9,11

~ort~moll~h,

\Yaynt'!"lmrg-, Jla

1
2
4
U

__ " 0,7

\\"a,hington, l'a

"

Canonshurg. Pa
~ittsb~l'glI. Pa
-.
l'ew h.en~nng1on, I a
I(.lttanning-, Pa
_

"

13

Punxutawney, Pa............ ';

14

Mahaffey, Pa

15

',"oonsocket, R. 1.
'Yorce&tcr, ~lass
Springfield, :lIass.
Pittsfield, !\fass

Jan. 9
:; i~

'

.__

Jan.

Hl'edellbury, Sask. ._.._.

"

Yi~(,oullt, Sask. .
S",katoon, SaRk
WIlkie, Sask.

2
4
6

"

7
9-11
13

CamroRe, Alta
Edmonton. Alta

Arcadia, KanR

__.__
Jan. 1
_."
2
Baxter Spl'lngs, Kans..__. "
4
fkRmmon, Kans
It
{)
Cherokee, Kans. ..
_.. "
6
Parsons, Kans
" 7,8

_............

Jan. 1, 4
"
2
"
15
6

tt

7,13
" 8,9

Jan. I, 2
_...... ..
4
..
5
___ _ "
6
7, 8
..
9

Syracuse, N. Y
Hochester, N. Y.
Cleveland, O
Cincinna ti, O.
Rockwood, Tenn
Chattanooga, Tenn.

CoJl'eyYilIe, KanR
Jan.
9
11
Independence, Kans
"
]2
Neodesha, Kans. _..__..__. "
'Vichita. Kans
_
"
13
Ilra tt, !{'ans. .
" 14,15
10
Arlington, Kans_
_.._. "

Jan.
..
__ ..
..
14,
..

Jan.
"
"
"
"

2
4
5
6
7,8
9,11

I3em'er Falls, Pa.._ _

Jan.9
Pittsburl';h, Pa
11
'Vheelin!\", W. Va
_
" 12
Cambricl!':e, O
" 13
7:anesville, O. .. _
_._. " 14
Crooksville, O
_
" 15

_0 ' .

11
12
13
14
15
16

Albert, Sask
Jan. 3, 4
Wa}{a\v, Hask. ._ _ _
" 0, G
Young, Sask
_
__._ It
7
Saskatoon, Sask
"911
Unity, Sask
_.....
12
Wainwright, Alta.
14

Jan. 1
" 2,4
"
5
" 6,7
"
8
9

Cumberland, Md
CharleRtown, 'V. Va
'Vinche8ter, Va.
BerrYVIlle, Va.
Dayton, ,"a
'Vayneslloro, Va

:W

21
22
23

Vaughan, ant
Simcoe, Onto
Courtland, ant.
Aylmer, ant.
St. Thomas, Onto
Hidgetown, ant.

_ Jan.14
_." 15
Ie
IS
" 19
20

Davisboro, Ga
Millen, Ga.
Oconee, Ga.
Macon, Ga
_
Willard, Ga
Athens, Ga.

Jan.
" 12,
..
"
"
..

11
13
14
1fl
1G
IS

Jan.4
" 15
6
7
" 8
" 9

Clifton Forge, Ya
Wytheville, Va.
Pulaski, Va.
East Radford, Ya.
Roanoke, Va. __
Lo'nchburg, Va.

Jan.
11
..
12
..
13
..
14
..
15
" 16,18

BROTHER W. J. THORN

Grand Island, Kehr

J~n.
12
Sutton, Kehr
.
1.1
Hastings, Nebr
_
" 14, ]5
\Vnuneta, :r\ebr'
_
lJ
113
WilsonYilIe, l\'ebr
" 18, 19
IUoomington, Nebr
"
20

Woodhaven, L. I
_
IIflrrisbur~, Pa
Altoona, Pa.
Johnsto" n, Pa.
Pittsburgh, Pa
l\'ewark, O
__

Jan.4
_" 7
8
9
"11
12

Indianapolis, Ind
BraZIl, Incl. _
Tprre Haute, Inil.
East St. Louis, III
St. Louis, Mo
Lebanon, Mo

Jan. 13
JI
] 4
" 15
" 16
" 18
_
" 19
_..

BROTHER T. H. THORNTON

,1al'l. 14, 15
" 1(J, IS
19, 20
..
21
tt
23
..
25

Marcel~a,

Dec. 31

Ark
BateSVIlle, Ark
Judsonia, Ark.
Forrest City, Ark.
Helena, Ark
_ _
Memphis, Tenn.

Jan.1
4
15
" 6
7

W~st Hidge, Ark. .__

Jan.
KeIser, Ark.
Blytheville, Ark.
Lafa, Ark
"
Jonesboro, Ark.
Piggott, Ark
_...........

8, 9
]1
12
]3
14
lIS

BROTHER S. H. TOUTJIAN

Ewing, Ind
_ Jan. T2
Sparks\'ilIe, Ind
_......... 13
l\1itchell, Ind
_
;; 14
Salem, Ind
_ _ _ __
_" 15
Orleans, Ind.
1 (J
Bedford, Ind
_ _.._.......
18

Quincy, Calif
Chico. Calif.
Paradise, Calif
San Jose, Calif
Chico, Calif. .__ .__
Klamath Falls, are

BROTHER H. HOWLETT
Prin~e

Jan. IS
19

----

Screyen, Ga
Waycross, Ga
_
Fitzgerald, Ga
]llcHae, Ga
_._ _ _
Eastman, Ga
DUhlin, Ga.

BROTHER J. H. HOEVELER
F:"ansYil!e, Ind.._
Jan. 4, 7
'rdl City, Ind
__
..
15
HoonYilJe, Ind
__
_ "
6
Vince-nIlt'S, Ind
_
n
8
"'aRhill~ton, Ind.
9
Montgomery, Ind.
11

Tnscumbia, Ala
Albany, Ala.
Athens, Ala.
Cullman, Ala.
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Bessemer, Ala.

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN

Bastrop, Tex
Jan.
'l'aylor, Tex
_
__. "
Granger, Tex. _. __._._.__
"
'l'emple, Tf"x
_
"
Kempner, Tt?'x
_
"
Lampasas, Tex
_
"

Khedive, Sask
Moose Jaw, Sask
Regina, Sask.
Earl Grey, f;ask.
}{ishey, Sask. .
Souris, Man.

Jan. 11
12
13
n
14
15
16

-----

----

Jan.
2
"
4,15
"
7
8,9
n
] 1
12, 13

Dallas, Tex
'Volfe City, Tex.
]lIcKinney, Tex.
Plano, r:rex. .
Greenville, Tex.
Lone Oak, Tex.

BROTHER R. L. ROBIE

BROTHER W. 1\1. HERSEE

Herbert, Sask
('haplin, Sask
_
]I[ossbank, Sasl(
1IIazenoll. Sask.
A~siniboia, Sask..
Viceroy, Sask

11
11
12
13
15
16

Brantford, ant
Jan. 4,5
Beamsvllle, ant
"
0
St. Catharines, ant.
7, 8
Niagara 1"alls, Ont.
" 9, 11
'Velland, ant
_..... ..
]2
Dunnville, ant.
13

Charleston, are
_
Jan.11
TIn ndon, Ore.._
_ _" 12
Hoseburg, are
_.._
" 14
Oakland, Ore
__. .._." 15
Canyonville, are.
16
Da;rs Creek, are.
18

BROTHER M. L. HERR
Alliance, Nebr
1\'orth Platte, Nebr.
Brady, Nebr
_
('Yerton, Nebr. _.._._
Litchficld, Nebr
Havenna, Nebr _ _._

WatCrYliet N. Y. ........J an.

9
Schenechuj y, N. Y. _.... "
11
Mechanicville, N. Y. .. ..
12
Greenville, N. Y
..
13
Granville, N. Y
.. 14, ]5
'l'iconderoga, N. Y
.. 1tJ,18

BROTHER C. ROBERTS

BROTHER H. E. HAZLETT
Bandera, Tex
Jan. ], 2
fl'arpley, Tex. _
_.._ _ _" 3,4
f;an Antonio, Tex
_ " 5,7
}{ing~lHlry, Tex. _.._
_"
6
~an ::\Iarcos, Tex
__
"
8
Austin, 1.1ex..._..__._
"
9

Clarksdale, Miss,
Jan. 9
Vicksburg, ~Iiss _ _.._
:: 11
J ack&on, MISS.
12
Crystal Springs, lIliss
13
Brookhaven, lIliss
14
Wanilla, Miss
_ .. 15

----

BROTHER M. C. HARBECK
f;haron, Pa..........._.......Jan.
1
Farrell, Pa
_....... ..
2
Erie. I'a
" 4,5
oj] City, Pa
__
"
0
J\ ew Castle, Pa.
..
7
Ellwood City, Pa
_... ..
8

18

BROTHER V. C. RICE

BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN

Eu~ene, are
Oak Ridg'e, Ore. __._.__
Reeflsp0l't, are
!';orth Be'ld, Ore
]llanhfield, Ore
Wedderburn, Ore

BROTHER H. H. DINGUS
]littsbllr;::, Kans

13
lIS

BROTHER B. M. RICE
Denison, Tex
Shprman, Tex
Bonham. 'l'ex.
}'aris, 'Tex. ._
BOl(ota, Tex.
Hoxton, :rex.

Jan.
15
" 101.',

Prince Georgp, B. C
" 21,:22
Prince RUllert, B. C
" 23.23
Yancouver, B. C. Jan. 30, Feb. 1

Manaimo, B. C

Jan. 1
_.._"
2
4
5, H

~~~~~k~. ~.:.:::::::::::=:::::::::

BROTHER C. W. CUTFORTH
Grandyiew. ~Ian
York ton, Sask.

~.::

_.....

BROTHER G. R. POLLOCK

BROTHER B. H. BOYD
!\('wcomcrstown, O. .__
Jan.
Port .'Va:;.,hington, O. .---.. ,:
] )Plllllson, O
_
SteubenvIlle, (I. __ ........... "

Jan.
1
_.._._ .. 9,11
"
11

BROTHER H.& MURRAY

BROTHER J. A. BOHNET
Amlin. O
__
__
LancH",ter, O
\\'llmington, O
Greenneld, O
_
Chllli('oll,,', O
Wellston, O

"

Des :lloines, Ia.

Omaha, NellI'
_ __

16

Jan.
1
..
2
_ ..
4
"
18
"
20
21,22

lIIacdoel, CalIf
Ashland, Ore
Medford, are
Jacksonville, are
Hogue Hiyer, are
Wolf Creek, Ore

Jan.23
" 25
" 2fl
" 27
" 28
" 29

BROTHER L. F. ZINK

Edmonton, Alta
Jan. 16-18
Calmar, Alta
"
19
Lpduc. Alta ........._
"
20
Coronation, Alta
.. 21,22
SwalweU, Alta. ..._
..
23
Calgary, Alta
.. 25,2tJ

Charlotte, Mich
Jan.
Lanslnll:, Mich.
I.ake Odessa, Mich........._"
Sunfield, Mich. .
_..
}{alamazoo, :i\Iich. .

383

Otsego, :Mich. ..._................

"

1
2
4
15
(j

Three Hivers, Mlcb

Jan.
lIIarcellus, Mich _
"
South Bend, Ind
"
Niles, Mich. -__ ..
Renton Harbor, Mich.
Hartford, l\1ieb.

8
9
11
]2
13
14

INDEX TO WATCH TOWER FOR 1924

JANUARY 1

MAY 1

I'he Outlook for 1924 .............................._.3

Time of the Harvest _
_...4
The King
_
4
Its Meaning to the Church
5
The K1ngrtom
_
7
PrayerMeeting '1'ext Comments
8
The Making of a Book
10
Israel Saved .from the Hed Sea
11
What Israel Learned at Sinai
13
AJ:>tivities in South Africa (Letter)
15
Pastor Russell Memorial Committee
2
JA1~UARY

15

Multiplied Mercies of God

_ 19
World Not Ready for lIIercy
_ 20
Center of God's Mercy
21
Mercy and Not Sacrifice
2:.l
When Mercy Is Denied _
2:;
PrayerMeeting Text Comment,;
:.l:>
"He Careth for You" (Poem)
26
'I.'he I<'ailure at Kadesh
..._ 27
J o&hua and the Conquest of Canaan
29
Letters from Afield
31
Hequests for a German Pilgf"im
11>

FEBRUARY 1

Views from the Watch Towel'

35
Churche8 Mixing with 1'0li tic..............35
naptists Are Seeing 'I.'hin<;s
38
Interchurch World lIlo' OlllelIt Dead
39
Pra;;erJ\[ecting Tcxt Comments
.40
Period of the Judges
.
42
'I.'he He~ival under .Samnel
.
.44
Pilgrims of the Morning (Poem)
.4:>
'I.'he Reign of Saul
.46
'l'ru th making Inroads among Japanese ..47
1I1<!morial Date-1924
34

FEBRUARY 15

The Destiny of the Goats

The Ransom the TesL
Pharisees
Why Responsible ?
Pharisees' Counterpart.
'l'ime of FullHment
'I.'he Real Issue.
A Jealous God
Prayer,Meeting Text Comments
The Heign of David
Memorial Date--1924

Contend for the Faith

_ ]47
Life by Faith
_ 148
Rig-hteou9ness by Faith
_
lfiO
Established in Faith
_
150
Selfl<Jxamination
_
] iiI
I~aith in the Christian
_ 151
PrayerMeeting Text Comment .............. ] ij~
Return and Rebuilding of the Temple
154
Heforms under Ezra and X <!hemiah
1!i6
Reboboam to Nehemiah
158
Letter from Kati..-e African
159

Civilization Doomed
_
275
Prominent Men Sense Impending Doom276
Heason for Christendom's Doom
276
Jesus' Words Have Had FulfIhnent
:!77
Present Outlook One of Anxiety
278
Could Have Prevented 'I'rouble
279
Pra;;'er-Meetingl Text Commen!s
_
281
The Parable of the Sower .......................282
The Stilling of the Storm
_.._
284
Letters from Afield
_
286
Pittsburgh Convention
_ _.._.._ 274

JUNE 1

International Convention at Columbus ..163

Views from the Watch Tower
165
Wars to be Outlawed
165
Nominal Churches Foun,l Wanting
165
Nominal Church Dominated by Satan 166
Preparations Made to Free the 1'0pe 1H8
Evidence of Changing Dispensation
168
Prayer-Meetin!'l Text Comments
170
The Birth of J e-sus
172
The Boyhood of Jesus
174
Broadcasting on 273 lIleters
_._ 16~

JUNE 15

A Ransom for All

_._
67
'I.'he RansOiJl Not 'l'ypilied
68
SelfExamination Profitable
_
69
PrayerMeeting 'I.'ext Comments
72
The Reign of Solomon
74
Truth Spreading in California (Letter) ..75
Abraham to Solomon
_..36
Thl! Kinl;dom Hent Asunder
78
Wor.ldWide Witness
_
_ ~~
RadIO
_
60
Convention at Mancheste1'
60

European C'on..-entions
_
The Continent
_
_.._.. _.._
Germany
_.._
Switzerland
_
_
Spain in Darkness
_
France
_
_
IAllldon Convention
_.._.._........._
Columbus Convention
_
PraJcr]I[eeting Text Comments
First Disciples ot Jesus
1'1rst Miracle of Jesus
_
_

MARCH 15

~e

APRIL 1

Chrl9tlan's Strength
Beginning of Restitution

99
101

264
266
U8
270
258
258

OCTOBER 1

The Temptation-Fall and Victory

2ll1
Temptation of Ecclcsiastieislll
292
Commission ot the Church ..._............294
PrayerMeeting Text Comments
:!97
Should Not Grow Slack in Heading
298
The Prodigal Son
299
The Feeding or the Fh'e Thousand
300
Letters from Afield
_....._
30:1
Notice of Annual Meeting
_
_ 290
Musician Wanted
290
In Ue Memorial Reports
_ .._._.._...290

OCTOBER 15

179
180
lR1
1R2
1R2
.184
..185
185
186
188
190

Ratan the Enemy-Is Ue Bound? _

307
The Mimic God
_.._.._
308
God of This Worl<!
_.._
310
The Strong Man
_.._.._
311
Satan Is Not Bound
_.._
_ 312
PrayerMeeting Text Comments
31:l
How to Introdnce Speakers
314
Peter's Confession
_
31:>
'I.'he Transfiguration
_
317
Letters trom Afield
3]9
Notice of Annual Meeting ._
306

195
195
196
197
198
198
198
200
203
204
206

Prohibition
323
Reformation by Legislation Impossible 32;)
PrayerMeeting Text Comments
326
Unknown 'l'ongue and Tonl(llcs (Que".) 327
How Pilgrims are Provided For (Ques.) 327
Be thou I<'aitbful unto Death (Poem)
327
The Good Samaritan
328
The Man Born Blind .................._
328
The Raising ot Lazarus
332
Prices on Bibles &; Rill'e Study Helps
334
AI to Royalty on "lla1p"
322

Our Pr~gent Duties ......................_

211
The Vision ......................................._ 212
Armies Following the Lord
213
Plant Heavens and Lay Foundations ..213
Memorial Report. for 111:!4
_ :! 14
PraYer-Meeting Text Comments
_ 215
Jesus Cleanse.. the Temp!e
216
Je.qU9 Talks with Nicodemus
218
The "New Birth" Still a ]l[Y9t~ry _ 219
Jesus Talks with a Samaritan Woman ..2:!0
Great Results from Small Beginnings 221

NOVE!\IBER 15
The Christian's Contlkt
_
339
}]ne.miea of the fISet:d"
339
Targets for Slander
3'11
Faithfnlnes9 to Brethren .._
_
342
What God Hates
_.._
343
The Lord's Code
34;\
False Brethren
_.._ 344
PrayerMeeting Text Comments
345
The Conyersion of Zacchmus
347
Central Period of Chribt's Ministry
349
Interesting Letters
_..........351

JULY 1

NOVEMBER 1

JULY 15

AUGUST 1

Prayer-Meeting Text Commentb

Letters from Afield
_
Amos and Hosea Plead for Right<!ousness
The Assyrian Exile .ot Israel
Convention of Colored Friends
Watch Tower Berean Study
_
Radio ReceiYing Sets

105
.l07
108
110
98
98
98

The Holy Ones of God

_......221
His Messa~e and lIIesseugers
228
The Holy One
_ 229
Holy City and Holy Place
_..........230
Holy Priesthood
_
230
Assembly of the Holy Ones
231
PrayerMeeting Text Comments
234
Jesus Heals a Nobleman's :-:on
_ 2:'11
Brotherly Greetinfs from Bavaria .......2:16
Jesus Driven from Na~areth
2:11
Letters from Afield _
_
239

APRIL 15
Itept in Peace
_
Examples for Our Admonltlon _.._
1'"-c. in the Church
_
Conditions ot Peace
_
PrayerMeatln!: 'l'ext Comments
Jehoiada's Victory over Baal
Isaiah lind the As~yrian Crisis
Jeremiah and the Babylonian Crisis
Memorial Report Desired Promptly
Service at Bethel
German COllyenUon at Clevelanu .._

115
115
116
118
120
122
1:!4
126
114
] 14
.114

Faith and Works _

243
Degrees ot Faith
244
I.lyin!: Examples
.
_
_ 245
Trial of Your Faith
_ 247
Is Character Sacrificed? (Question) .......249
PrayerMeeting Text Comments
250
.TeBUS makes a Missionary Tour
~51
Opening Period of Christ'9 :\Hnistry
:!5:l
The Al(Q ot Brotherhood (Poem)
255
Special Service Days
_
24:!
Additional Memorial Reports
_
242

~"Jti~s~t"r~ng~~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::i
8~

~~~liin~l~~~t::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~~

PrayerMeeting Text Comments _

The Choice ot the '1'" elve _
_.._
'I.'he Sermon on the Mount _. __.._.._
Letters from Afield
_
_
W'orld-W1de Witnesses
_.._
Convention of Colored Brethren
_

SEPTEMBER 15

MAY 15

Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit .._ _.._

"Gift," of the Holy Spirit
"Fruits" of the Holy Spirit
Meekness and Faithfulness
Other Fruits and their Operations
Love, the Capstone of Character
International Convention at Columbus
The Coliseum. Columbus (Cut)
_
Prayer-Meeting Text Comments _
The Baptism of Jesus
_
'l'he Temptation of Jesus _.._._._.._

Precious Memories
_
_
83
Anti tYlllcal Passover
_
_.._
85
MemorIal Institute<l.................................85
Who May Partake?
_
_
89
Prayer-Meeting Text Comments
90
Uelative Value of Illustrated Lectures
91
}<;lijuh and the Struggle with Balli
92
ElISha: Teacher and Statesman
94
Hadio Station
82
Public Witness
_82
I<'rench Literature
_
_ 82

The International Convention __.._

259
Report of Press Committee ...._ _._260
Service Day
_.._
_ ..260

_ 51
51
51
_ 54
55
57
58
59
_.._ 61
62
50

MARCH 1

SEPTE~1BER

131
132
134
135
137
138
139
140
142
130
130

An Ideal GoYernment
The Great Issue
Quallficatlons of Kings
_
Reward of Klngs. __.._
_.. _
PrayerMeeting Texl Comments _
International Convention
Annual Requests for Pilgrim Visits
The Babylonian Exile of Judah
Ezekiel Encourages me Exiles
Lithuanian WATCH TOWER
German Convention Canceled

AUGUST 15

DECEMBER 1

Annual Report for 192-1

_
355
Report of the Brooklyn Office
350
Financial Stateme.nt for 1924
358
Report ot tho British Branch _ _ 358
Heport ot the Canadian Branch
359
Report ot Central F.uropcpn Office
360
Reports from Scandinavian Countries 363
Heports from F.astern Burope _ _..36'1
Reports from Asia .............._
361;
Heports from Africa
_.._
_ 361~
Report from South America
. 368

DECEMBER 15

Rapture of the Angels

__....._ 371
God's Organization
_._
811
The Great Conspiral'~'
_ .._
374
I~arth's New King Is Here _
_ 375
Angels Guarding the Church __.._
375
PrayerMeeting Text Comments .._.._ 377
Christ's Tri\!mplllli :entry
_.._.._ 379
'l.'hp Last .Tnd~l11ellt
381
Time of tile Judgment
__ _
3R1
(;,moral Jl10gllwnt ot Christendom
381
Hansom Guaran tees Opportunity ot Llfe38~