The Watchtower, October 1, 1881
ZWT - 1881 - R0175 thru R0310: R0286 (001) - October And November, 1881
VOL. III. PITTSBURGH, PA., OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 1881. NOS. 4 & 5.
(TEN PAGES.)
ZION'S
Watch Tower
AND
HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE.
PUBLISHED MONTHLY. 101 Fifth Ave., PITTSBURGH, PA.
C. T. RUSSELL, Editor and Publisher.
The Editor recognizes a responsibility to the Master, relative to what shall appear in these columns, which he can not and does not cast aside; yet he should not be understood as endorsing every expression of correspondents, or of articles selected from other periodicals.
TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.
TERMS:--Fifty cents a year, postage prepaid. You may send paper-money or three cent stamps to the amount of two dollars by mail at our risk. Larger amounts by Check, P.O. Money Order or Registered Letter, payable to C. T. RUSSELL.
TERMS AS BEFORE.
We were too hasty in the matter of discarding the old terms from our paper as mentioned in the July number.
The government law regulating postage supposes that any paper offered gratis is an advertisement only, and will allow none such to go at newspaper rates, but charge four times as much for postage on them. By taking off the price we came in conflict with that law, and it cost us over eighty dollars for the lesson on the July issue.
We visited the Postoffice authorities at Washington, but could obtain no deviation from the law, and consequently are obliged to put some price on the paper, as before.
We can and do say this, however, there will be a special fund for the payment of subscriptions of all who want the WATCH TOWER but cannot afford to pay for it. To all such we say: Send your names, and the Lord will supply your subscription money. You need not be troubled about the matter.
JEHOVAH'S FEET.
"Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne and earth is my foot-stool." `Isa. 66:1`. [Literal Hebrew trans.]
The word feet is sometimes used in Scripture, as in this text, to represent permanent establishment, or rest. Stephen, after quoting the above (`Acts 7:49`), adds the words: "What is the place of my rest"--residence?
Jehovah used his footstool before sin entered, but since then he has removed his presence and allowed sin to reign and Satan to be "The prince (ruler) of this world." (`John 14:30`.) In a typical way he established his presence among the Israelites in the Tabernacle and Temple, and in a higher and better sense, his presence has been in the Gospel church as in a shifting tent or Tabernacle, all through the Gospel age, but soon the Temple glory or his presence in the Glorified church--head and body-- will be manifested to the world. And in that glorious reign of the Christ complete, typified by Solomon's peaceful reign, and under the shadow of that glorious temple with all its attendant power and glory, of which that made with hands was a type, all the families of the earth shall be blessed, and brought into complete harmony with God and all sin and every opponent of right, having been destroyed--then the knowledge of the Lord will fill the whole earth; the wilderness shall sing and the solitary place be glad. Then, all the ends of the earth (people) shall have remembered and turned to the Lord, and the glory of the Lord shall fill the whole earth.
Thus it is that Jehovah prepares and cleanses his footstool to place his feet there, that his presence may abide with the restored race of men and be their joy and blessing; and thus we read the declaration of Jehovah (`Isa. 60:13`): "I will make the place of my feet glorious."
In harmony with this same thought we find in `Zech. 14:3,5`, a description of when and how, Jehovah will establish his feet, or residence. This Scripture as well as some of those above quoted, which we have applied to the Father--Jehovah--are often misapplied to our Lord Jesus; and while Jesus and his church will doubtless be the active agents of Jehovah in subduing all things (`Phil. 3:21`), yet the fact remains, that the work here mentioned is Jehovah's, and the Hebrew text leaves no question about it.
We will quote and apply this prophecy: "Then shall the Lord [Jehovah] go forth and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle." The scene is laid in "the time of trouble," probably near its close, (perhaps, as we read the prophecy, about 1914 A.D.) It is surely during "the day of the Lord" (`verse 1`) when the first return of Israelites to Palestine will have taken place [a second and greater returning mentioned by the prophets evidently will not take place until after the time of trouble.] The Israelites will have been in comparative peace and security there and measurably free from the trouble which, meantime, will have been disturbing and overturning and impoverishing the nations of the earth. Their wealth and prosperity excite the cupidity of the nations, which we read come up against "my people Israel dwelling safely in their own land...to take a spoil and a prey." (`Ezk. 38:8,12`.)
The battle at first goes against Israel, as described in `verse 2`; then, the time having come for a manifestation of God's justice against the nations and his favor to his anciently favored people, He manifests his power and fights against the nations, not by Jesus and the saints appearing on a mountain with carnal weapons, but we read "as he (Jehovah) fought in the day of battle." Jehovah fought Israel's battles anciently without being seen by other than the eyes of their understanding.
Thus the Angel of the Lord slew (with death) the hosts of the Assyrians (`Isa. 37:36`); put to flight the Midianites (`Judges 7:21`), and "smote great nations and slew mighty kings." (`Psa. 35:10`.) And "as" he fought for Israel then, so he is to do again at their deliverance. The deliverance will be so great and marked, that they will recognize God's power and favor, and being blessed by being brought to a condition of nearness to God, in prayer and supplication, they will come to a full recognition of the fact, that as a people, they had rejected and pierced their Redeemer. "They shall look upon (recognize) him whom they have pierced," and shall all mourn because of Him. (`Zech. 12:8,10`.)
`Verse 4`: "And His (Jehovah's) feet shall stand (be established) in that day upon the Mount of Olives." This is another picture of the establishment of Jehovah's dominion. As the above description showed us how it will be manifested to Israel that God's arm is ruling, now we get the inside or spiritual view of the kingdom's establishment, and appropriately, symbols are used in the description. The feet of Jehovah standing or resting--the Mt. of Olives-- its location to the east (or sun-rising) of Jerusalem (the peaceful habitation) --the division of the mountain into two parts--the valley formed into which Israel will flee, &c.; these all we understand to be symbols; as also the reference in `verses 6 and 7` to the day of the Lord being a dark day. It remains dark until the close of this period of trouble, or until the evening of that dark day, then--"at evening it shall be light;" that is when the day of wrath is over the Sun of Righteousness will arise with healing in his wings--blessing and restoring morally and physically.
A mountain is a symbol of a kingdom, and Mt. Olivet would signify Kingdom of Light and Peace. Then, in this "day of the Lord," already begun, Jehovah will establish himself in a Kingdom of light and peace. This, we believe, will be accomplished through his representative, Jesus, who takes his great power and reigns. The organization of his church--the dead by resurrection and the living members by change to the same condition (spiritual bodies), we understand to be the organization of the kingdom whose exaltation to power, invisibly smites and consumes evil systems and governments. (By the teaching of the Word, we understand that this organization of the kingdom began in 1878, and will be complete when the living members are "ready.")
This kingdom once established is Jehovah's foothold, and is to be the source of government from which shall emanate the laws, etc., for the guidance and blessing of mankind. (Another figure being Mt. Zion.)
The division of the mountain into two parts represents the two phases of the kingdom of God: one the higher, spiritual, invisible kingdom, composed of Jesus and the Gospel church; the other the earthly phase of the kingdom, composed of perfected fleshly beings, visible to humanity-- Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets, and all those of past ages justified by their faith.
The valley represents a place of favor and protection, made and guaranteed by both the heavenly and earthly phases of kingdom power; and into this place of protection and safety Israel is represented as fleeing. Then they shall recognize him whom they have pierced.
The earthly phase of the kingdom will thus be seen to be essentially Israelitish, and according to the promises of God, ungodliness shall be turned from Israel (`Rom. 11:26`) and they shall come to the inheritance of the land, and promises vouchsafed to Abraham; and then the fleshly seed of Abraham will be used as the agents of Jehovah in carrying to the world the blessings purchased by Christ, the higher, spiritual seed of him whom Abraham typified--Jehovah.
This earthly part of the kingdom is to spread and increase until it fills the whole earth and is under the whole heaven, and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honor into it--by coming into harmony with its laws.
These two parts of the kingdom will be in perfect harmony; the earthly being under the control and direction of the heavenly. The law shall go forth from Mt. Zion, the spiritual phase, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem," the earthly phase. (`Isa. 2:3`.)
Though in due time there will be an earthly element of the kingdom visible to humanity, which shall be a praise in the whole earth, yet in the
inception of the kingdom it will not have this double character. [Jehovah's feet stand on the Mount of Olives as one at first, before its division.] And so we read that when demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, Jesus answered and said: The kingdom of Heaven cometh not with observation, neither shall ye say, Lo here! or lo there!
for behold it will be in your midst. (`Luke 17:20`.) That is to say--the kingdom of God will be among but invisible to men in its coming. It is only after it has come and done a work, that the visible phase is due-- during the Millennial age.
It is for this kingdom in both its phases (especially the spiritual, where our inheritance is) that we pray "Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Oh, may the time soon come when Jehovah's feet will be established and his footstool made glorious!
THE FEET OF CHRIST.
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation: that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth." `Isa. 52:7`.
Among the many beautiful and appropriate figures used to represent the "little flock" and their union with Jesus, is that of a human body-- Jesus the head, and the true church the members of the body.
Sometimes, as in `1 Cor. 12:13-27`, all the parts are represented in any assemblage of the church, the hand and foot, &c., as well as the various excellent qualities which belong to the head--hearing, seeing and expression. Thus the head of the church is present with the members of his body whenever two or three or more of them meet--in his name; and the body is complete and as effective for growth in Grace, Knowledge and Love (and far more so) as if hundreds of unbelievers and merely nominal christians were present. When thus spoken of the more able and intelligent ones are mentioned in contrast with the less brilliant by calling one class head (Eye, Ear, etc.,) and the other class feet. (`vs. 21`). Thus mentioned the word feet will be seen to mean the lowest members which require the especial assistance of the others.
But another sense in which feet may be understood, is as indicating the last part, or completion of the body. So to speak The Christ has been in process of development during the Gospel age--the head first and we, the living, representing the feet, last. This certainly is not an unreasonable deduction, and there are several texts which seem to indicate that the last members of the overcoming band, are mentioned especially under the term "feet"--not in the sense of degraded but as the last--or end of the "little flock."
The Scripture above cited is of this character, and while Paul quotes a part of it (`Rom. 10:15`) "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things," and while it has undoubtedly been true of all the members of the Body of Christ, that they were the bearers of glad tidings, and that to all who received the message their footsteps were welcome, yet it is true also that the proclamation of many of the sweetest notes of the glad tidings of restitution, are reserved until now during the sounding of the seventh trumpet. (`Rev. 10:7`, `Rom. 16:25`) when the mystery of God is finished, which he hath kept secret from the foundations of the World.
Truly ours is a choice and favored day compared with any age of the church, for though God's Word has always been a lamp to enlighten "the body" all through the dark night, yet it is true, that in an especial sense it is giving light to the "feet," as we read: "Thy word is a light to my feet." Living in the time of the fulfillment of so much prophecy we walk in the blazing light of our lamp, and on us and our day the eyes of all "the body" throughout this age have anxiously rested; and of our day--"The day of the Lord," and our gathering together unto him, both Paul and Peter wrote more frequently than of their own day. Hence it need not surprise us, if under the figure of "feet" the Prophets mention us.
There is one part of the text above quoted, which certainly was never applicable to any but the present members; this part Paul omits, because it was not applicable until now, viz.: "That saith unto Zion thy God reigneth."
As we saw in the July number, in the application of `Isa. 61` by Jesus, he used such part of the quotation as was applicable to his preaching and left unquoted the words--"the day of vengeance of our God," because the proclamation of the day of vengeance was not due until our day, and therefore while the whole message referred to, has been proclaimed by the Christ, yet only the feet have been privileged to utter it all. So with the Scripture now under consideration; Jesus and the Apostles had a great and important part in proclaiming "the good tidings of good," but only the feet of him have been privileged to say "unto Zion thy God reigneth."
The beauty of the feet's position, and the honor connected with their proclamation does not appear to the eyes of the World. Oh no, none of the members of the Christ have been of earth's heroes or wise, but in their eyes "we are counted fools." No, it is from the spiritual standpoint of God and of those who have ears to hear, that the tidings bearers are esteemed. We rejoice then in our privilege as being among those who announce to Zion these tidings that the kingdom began in 1878.
At present our tidings can only be received by faith in the same authority on which we base our statements --the Word of God--consequently, not many are now able to hear. But soon there will be abundant evidence of the truth of the statement in the crumbling and falling of the various systems of iniquity--both in the uprooting of the blasphemous heresies of the church, Roman Harlot, and Protestant daughters; and afterward, in the judgment and chastisement of the nations of earth, who through these false teachings, have established oppressive governments, which the harlot churches assure them are christian governments, telling the people they are of God's appointment and are the "Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ."
Receiving their original right (?) of ruling, from Papacy, these kingdoms are to-day recognized and blessed by all the daughters. But these are all parts of that great system of Anti-Christ, or opposition to the real church and Kingdom of God mentioned by Paul (`2 Thes. 2:8`) which the Lord shall consume by the spirit of his mouth (truth) and destroy by the bright shining of his presence.
Truth, the spirit of the Lord's mouth, may come through a thousand channels, even blasphemous infidelity may be one of the agencies, and we believe it is the truth uttered, though mixed with error and blasphemy, which is the secret of power against Babylon, for it strikes her on her time honored and festering sores of error. It is truth with respect to human rights and equality, which is now moving Communists, Nihilists and Socialists to resist oppressive governments, and which will in time overthrow them; and truth it is, which will prepare the world for the blessed reign and rule of the kingdom of God, though in the development of truth, in its various branches, both the nominal church and the world must pass a terrible baptism of trouble: --Yet in it all, truth will be conqueror and come off victorious, because now, the rule and government has been assumed by "Him whose right it is." He has taken to himself his great power and his reign is commenced, consequently we may soon expect the wrath and angry nations of `Rev. 11:18`.
How clear it is then, that the declaration to Zion, "Thy God reigneth," is due now before the feet are joined to the body in Glory, and before the judgments of the Lord go abroad; for then it will need no proclamation; it will be manifest to all by the outward signs that the kingdom is set up--even the tribes of the earth shall then see--recognize--that the great day of his wrath is come.
It is the feet of the Christ that bring the glad tidings, though others may echo and re-echo the glad song.
Again, David who often represents or personifies The Christ, says: Jehovah --"Brought me up out of a horrible pit (depth of confusion) out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings." (`Psa. 40:2`.) We might make a similar application of this scripture. The whole body of the Christ (except the head) was down in the pit of confusion and mire of sin; all through this Gospel age Jehovah has been lifting them up, or taking out a people for his name--separating such from the world and mire of sin; and last to be lifted up are the feet, and truly the feet have been placed upon the rock of truth.
While the whole body has had truth as a basis of faith and trust, yet undoubtedly the feet are more firmly established by it, than any previous part of the body, because we live in the time where the light of all past ages centres and the mystery of God is finished.
"How firm a foundation ye saints of the
Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent
Word."
Again, while it is true that all members of the body, sung a new song of praise to God when lifted from the depths of confusion and mire of sin, yet it is especially true of the feet--the song of praise breaks forth as soon as the feet touch the solid rock of truth and realize that--
"There's a wideness in God's Mercy
Like the wideness of the Sea."
They can now sing with double joy the restitution song--
"All nations which thou hast made
Shall come and worship before thee."
And as we saw some time since (Article--"Having Harps of God,") the position of the feet and their song are beautifully described in symbol, in--`Rev. 15:2-4`.
Again, we find a striking reference to the feet of the Christ in `Psa. 91:11-12` "He [Jehovah] shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways: They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
This prophecy by David refers to the Christ as a whole; its personal application by Satan was rejected by Jesus as a misapplication of Scripture (`Luke 4:12`) but when we apply the reference to "foot," to the feet or last part of the body of Christ, all is harmonious. The stone referred to, we understand to be the same as that of `Isa. 8:14`, viz.: That Jesus is the stone of stumbling.
Jesus at the first advent was a stone of stumbling before the feet of the nominal Jewish church, and they stumbled over him because, being out of harmony with God, they could not see in him the Messiah. In their pride of heart, they, especially the Pharisees and Doctors of Divinity, were sure that Messiah would come in their way, and own and accept of them as a people. They stumbled and were broken as an institution. But the real feet of the real Jewish church--the "Israelites indeed"-- these received the present Messiah and were blessed and lifted up by that "stone" to the higher plane of the Gospel church. "To as many as received him, to them, gave he liberty to become sons of God." (The Jewish house was the house of servants --the Gospel house a house of Sons.)
As there was a stone and stumbling there, in their "harvest," or end of their age, so the parallelism which we find associating the Gospel age with its shadow, the Jewish age, demands that the stone should be present in the path of the Gospel church, to be either accepted or rejected; and if the parallelism continue (as we see it has) then we should expect that here the feet of the nominal church would stumble as its shadow did, and for the same reasons. And so we find it, the living generation of the nominal church--the feet, have failed to discern the presence of the Lord--"they knew not the time of their visitation" --and all but the true feet of the true body have stumbled as it is written, He shall be for a stone of stumbling and rock of offence to both the houses of Israel. To "Israel after the flesh" he presented himself in the flesh, and to the spiritual Israel he presented himself a spiritual body --to each on their own plane.
But we cannot for a moment doubt, that as Jesus at the first advent took special care to make himself known to every "Israelite indeed" and gave such, clear evidences (while to others he spoke in parables and dark sayings) (`Psa. 78:2`) so here at the second advent, every one wholly consecrated to God, (not to churches and creeds) and as such a part of the true feet, are to be made aware of that presence, and consequently do not stumble over it. This special care for all such, is what is referred to by the text considered--"He shall give his angels charge, &c., lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
Only the feet could stumble over such a stone, and the stone of stumbling was not in the path of the members of the body which preceded us. And when we look back and see how closely "the lamp" was put "to the feet" and how it was kept trimmed and burning that its light shone out brightly, revealing to us the stone which nominal Zion stumbles over and is shipwrecked upon, but which to us is a tried stone, elect, precious, the head of the corner or the chief stone of all in the glorious spiritual Temple, we thank God for His care over us, and rejoice that we are counted worthy to be members of that company, which in the eyes of the world has no beauty that they should desire it, but which is as a root out of dry ground--the feet of Him that bringeth glad tidings, that saith unto Zion Thy God reigneth.
OUR NEW NAME.
"And this is the name wherewith SHE shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness."
Jer. 33:16`.
Thy name Oh! Heavenly Bridegroom,
Can we ever hope to bear?
Shall we see thy matchless glory,
And in thy kingdom share?
With smiles of loving welcome,
Wilt Thou say to us well done?
When our pilgrim days are ended,
And our race for life is run?
Yes, I hear Thee sweetly saying,
In words of love divine,
"If now with me thou'lt suffer,
My glory shall be thine.
If now with me thou'rt crucified
New life to Thee I'll give,
And through eternal ages,
My bride shall with me live."
Oh glorious fount of blessing,
We will haste without delay,
Our little all, to Thee to give,
Who dost such joys repay;
We care not Lord for earthly fame,
Its honors, or its pride,
But let us bear Thy sacred name,
And own us as Thy bride.
Thy name above all others grand,
Which Thy waiting bride shall own;
When Thou shalt call her to thy side
And share with her Thy throne;
Through realms of fadeless glory,
Shall all its power confess;
And every tongue on earth shall praise,
"The Lord our righteousness."
Mrs. A. Agens, N.J.
"AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT."
For the sake of the many new readers of the WATCH TOWER, it may not be amiss to give a general review of the steps of faith by which the Lord has been leading us as a people, during the last seven years, and in a general sense during the preceding thirty-five years.
The parable of "The Ten Virgins" (`Matt. 25`) seems to have been given as a pen picture of some of the important events connected with the close of the Gospel Age. The introduction of the parable shows this, for after recounting to the disciples (`Matt. 24`) some of the signs of the ending of the Gospel Age and the --parousia--presence of the Son of Man, which `verse 37` assures them will be a presence which the world cannot recognize, then follows the parable, connected with the preceding statements by the word then. "Then shall the kingdom of heaven (church) be likened unto ten virgins which took their lamps (Bibles) and went forth to meet the Bridegroom" (i.e.,) they went forth or separated themselves because of their belief that the Bridegroom, Jesus, was about to come.
While we are neither "Millerites" nor "Adventists," yet we believe that this much of this parable met its fulfillment in 1843 and 1844, when William Miller and others, Bible in hand, walked out by faith on its statements, expecting Jesus at that time. They were composed like all other earthly companies of two or more classes; one class had the Spirit in their hearts as well as its light in the Word (oil in their vessels and in their lamps) others had only the light of the Word (oil in the lamp).
The disappointment of that company of Christians (which was composed of many of the best Christians from all denominations) all are well aware of, but it was foretold in the parable: "While the Bridegroom tarried they all slumbered and slept." As a general arousing of the church to the investigation of God's Word had attended the preaching of Mr. Miller, and the Word was more studied than ever before, especially the Prophecies, so when his calculations seemed to end in such bitter disappointment, a spirit of drowsiness followed; some slumbered, some slept, and many vagaries--dreamings incidental to sleep soon sprung up.
The next important step of the parable (`verse 6`) is the midnight cry. The night of the parable was the time during which the disappointment lasted and the sleeping occurred, and was to end with joy in the morning, when, the tarrying being ended, the Bridegroom would be present.
As the former movement in the parable had been represented by Miller and others, so to this second movement we give a similar application. A brother, B__________ of Rochester, was, we believe, the chosen vessel of God through whom the "Midnight Cry" issued to the sleeping virgins of Christ, announcing a discrepancy of thirty years in some of Miller's calculations, and giving a rearrangement of the same argument (and some additional), proving that the night of the parable was thirty years
long, and that the morning was in 1873, and the Bridegroom due in that morning in 1874.
We do not here give the time, arguments or proofs. They are familiar to many, and can be had in more convenient shape. We merely notice here that the Bible chronology, first dug from Scripture by Bowen, of England, which shows clearly and positively that the 6,000 years from Adam ended in 1873, and consequently that there the morning of the Millennial day (the seventh thousand) began, in which a variety of things are due. The establishment of the kingdom of Christ, the binding of Satan, the restitution of all things, and the blessing of all the families of the earth, are all due. And if all these things are due during this thousand years which commenced in 1873, surely one of the first things due and on which the others all depend, is the coming of the Bridegroom, who must first exalt his church [establish his kingdom] before it can bless, restore or bind.
Bro. B__________ first began to preach the message, and soon started a paper, which he appropriately called "The Midnight Cry," the circulation of which soon ran up to 15,000 copies a month, and served to arouse many of the drowsy to a fresh examination and trimming of their lamps. These began again to search the Scriptures for the time of the Bridegroom's coming.
But the disappointment had served an intended purpose in casting a reproach on the subject of "time," and the prudent ones had reached the worldly-wise conclusion that having been disappointed once and consequently had the finger of scorn pointed at them, they would be more prudent in future, and not expose themselves to contempt; so there was a division of the company; some could see it and others could not. ("Thou hast hid these things from the (worldly) wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.") Some rejoiced in the midnight message that the Bridegroom was due in 1874, and were able to find the evidences in the light of their lamps; others admitted that though Scripture contained a great deal of "time," yet they were so fearful and prudent that their lamps would give no light. Thus they said: "Our lamps are gone out." Thus one separation took place.
When 1874 came and there was no outward sign of Jesus in the literal clouds and in a fleshly form, there was a general re-examination of all the arguments upon which the "Midnight Cry" was made. And when no fault or flaw could be found, it led to the critical examination of the Scriptures which seem to bear on the manner of Christ's coming, and it was soon discovered that the expectation of Jesus in the flesh at the second advent was the mistake; that the human nature had been taken for the purpose of giving a ransom for humanity, and that the human nature remains a sacrifice forever; that Jesus, though put to death in the flesh, was quickened or made alive in spirit--Sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body, &c., and that all spiritual bodies can be present unseen. Soon too, under critical examination `Matt. 24:37` and `Luke 17:26,30` were seen to teach positively that "in the presence" of Christ, "in his days," the world would be ignorant of the fact, and be attending to their affairs as usual. Then the words of Paul: "Ye brethren are not in darkness that that day should come upon you as a thief," indicated that the church should possess a light on the subject while the world would be in ignorance. Peter's words, too, were in harmony: "Take heed to the sure word of prophesy, which shines as a light in a dark place."
When this was seen it was apparent at once that the "time" element of the Scriptures was intended only for those who would walk very close to the Lord and feed on his Word, and not to scare the world into repentance. How necessary too, if the manner of Christ's coming was such that the world would not know, but would eat, plant and build as usual, that there should be some source of information to the waiting virgins, else they too, would be in darkness. How reasonable, too, that the knowledge of Christ's presence should be presented to the household of faith in the same way all other blessings had been received, viz.: by faith in the statements of the Word of God. It is thus they knew of their justification from all sin; thus they heard the call to become the Bride and joint heirs; thus they see the crown of life and all the exceeding great and precious promises--and thus they receive the knowledge of the presence of the Bridegroom--by faith built on the statements of God through Jesus, the apostles and prophets.
This increase of knowledge, led to still greater faith in the "time," for it was evident that the Lord was leading, and every item of light added increased brightness to others. It was the same light and the same oil shining more and more.
It was evident, then, that though the manner in which they had expected Jesus was in error, yet the time, as indicated by the "Midnight Cry," was correct, and that the Bridegroom came in the Autumn of 1874, and he appeared to the eyes of faith-- seen by the light of the lamp--the Word. Afterward it was seen that the thirty years of tarrying between 1844 and 1874 was the exact parallel to the thirty years of tarrying at the first advent, from the time the wise men visited the babe until Jesus stood on Jordan and was anointed with the Holy Ghost for his work, at thirty years of age. (`Acts 10:38`.)
This and other points of similarity brought attention to the fact that the Jewish and Gospel ages had been parallels in their general details, both being of the same length, and both ending with comings of Jesus and the closing period in each case, called a "harvest," or end of the age. Examination of the Word disclosed the fact that God had so ordered the Jewish age and people, &c., as that they were made a pattern or "shadow" on a fleshly plane, of things to take place in the Gospel age on a higher plane. The fact that the "time arguments" proved this parallelism was additional evidence that they were correct, and these wonderful parallelisms soon became one of the leading evidences that we are in the "Harvest," or end of the Gospel age, and that the Reaper is present, separating with the sickle of truth the wheat and tares. As there were seven years of "favor" to the Jews from the time Jesus' ministry began (the 70th week of `Daniel 9:27`), followed by thirty-three years of trouble called fire, so here we see the parallel of seven years of favor to October 3d, 1881, to the Gospel church, to be followed by trouble called "fire," which will consume the dross of Babylon and purify those of God's children in and contaminated by her.
To return to the parable. If these movements were of God, and if Bros. Miller and B__________ were his instruments, then that "Midnight Cry," based on the prophetic and other statements and evidences, was correct, and the "Bridegroom came" in 1874. We believe that Midnight Cry was of God, and was fulfilled by the Bridegroom's coming, not because Bros. Miller and B__________ claimed it, but because the Word of God supports it.
"How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word."
The next step in the parable, after the Bridegroom comes, is an assembling in his presence of those who are to be united to him and to become his bride. "The Bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage" (`verse 10`.) The going in, like all other features of the parable, is a work of time, and we understand that it has been in progress during the seven years from 1874. Those who went in with him must all have recognized his presence; they include, we believe, saints out of all denominations who had made themselves living sacrifices to God (not sacrifices to sectarian churches and creeds--so many do this and call it sacrificing to God). Such as sacrificed self and became as little children, we believe the Lord has led during the past seven years, to a knowledge of the Bridegroom's presence, and as they accepted it, they "went in with him to the marriage." The marriage has not yet taken place. It could not until all had gone in.
The seven years which ended October 3d, 1881, were years of favor during the presence, that of the living generation all of readiness of heart might become members of the little flock and enter into the joys of our Lord's presence. If our application of Scripture be correct, the favor has now ended, and in the language of the parable, "the door was shut"; and to those who have never fully consecrated and sacrificed self to God, we cannot any longer hold out the great prize of our high calling, viz.: to be members of the Bride of Christ, joint heirs of Glory, Honor and Immortality.
But, thank God, we do not have it to say that the door OF MERCY has closed. Oh, no! "His mercy endureth forever." And while we call it the door of favor, yet we understand
the Word to teach that God has many favors to many classes of His children. He has favors and mercies for those who have covenanted and failed to make living sacrifices of themselves. He has mercies and favors for Israel according to the flesh, and still other blessings for "all the families of the earth." But the favor or opportunity of being members of the Royal family and partakers of the Divine nature is the chief prize, and those who, during the Gospel age, have won this prize by so running as to obtain must first be crowned before the other favors and blessings can be given to the other classes--these with Jesus, their head, constituting the seed in whom all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
It is not ours to say which, individually, are shut out, but we believe that none were shut out who up to that time, had made an entire consecration to God.
Does some one inquire: Why has the "marriage" not taken place if all
have gone in and the door is shut? We answer that we have not expected the "marriage" as soon as the door would shut, this parable and other Scripture illustrations seeming to demand a waiting time after the door was shut before the union with the Bridegroom. Suppose it were an earthly marriage, and the announcement was made that the door would open at 2 P.M. and close at 4 o'clock. Some would come early and others later; on arrival there would be more or less preparation to make, and when, at 4 o'clock, the door closed, it is only reasonable to suppose that some time would intervene before the ceremonies. So here the "gathering together unto Him" of those who have made a covenant by sacrifice (`Psa. 50:5`), i.e., their going in to the marriage, has been in progress for seven years, and each, as he entered the wedding apartments, has become exercised in having his garments without spot and wrinkle before him--our Bridegroom, and our efforts extend to all who enter, for the Bride is to "make herself ready." (`Rev. 19:7`.) And if some came in very recently they, as members of the prospective Bride, require time and help to make them ready; besides who will say that others who have been rejoicing in the presence of the Bridegroom and waiting for the marriage; may not yet need the application of water (truth) and washing by water through the Word. (`Eph. 5:26`.)
Let us then not forget nor neglect these two things: First, to see that our own sacrifice is complete; and, second, to help one another to prepare for the great climax of our hopes; for who will say that though the door may be closed so that none will be allowed to enter, some may not be cast out "into outer darkness" if they be not ready for the marriage.
The next item to be noticed in the parable is that afterward came the other virgins, saying (after the door was shut: "Lord, Lord, open unto us." This, if we read the parable aright, indicates that after the door is shut, and apparently before the marriage takes place, some who now scoff at the idea of the Lord's presence will come to see differently, and entreat that they be admitted to be part of the Bride.
From other Scriptures it seems evident that their knowledge of the presence of the Lord came not from the light shining from the lamp of prophecy, but rather from the judgments upon the nominal church, which we believe are now fully due, and will soon come. These judgments will prepare them for truth by convincing them of the multitudinous errors of doctrines and systems in Babylon. If our inferences here be correct, that these will come to knock because of judgments manifesting the presence of the Lord, and if this knock is prior to the marriage, it would seem as though the marriage is some time after the door closes. How long--weeks or months--we at present have nothing to indicate, but we shall see from other types, &c., other things due here.
The Lord's answer to those knocking too late, we understand to mean: "I do not recognize you as part of my Bride; my espoused one has come in with me. I have only one bride. They must go through the time of trouble, and if they will may be of the great multitude, who come out of great tribulation, who shall be before the throne and serve God." (`Rev. 7:9`.)
This will be a glorious place and portion, though not so glorious as that of the Bride, to sit with him on His throne.
THE TEMPLE BUILDING TYPE.
In a previous number, we called attention to what we believe to be a type, viz.: The temple. The church of Christ is repeatedly mentioned under the figure of a temple. Jesus spoke to the Jews concerning the temple of his body, saying, destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up. We understand of course that he referred to his own resurrection, which would be in three days after death; yet we believe that his words referred also to his body, the church, and were a sort of prophetic forecast. Dividing the 6000 years from Adam to 1873 into large days or periods of 1000 years each, we have six days of a great week. When Jesus uttered the words quoted, 4000 years (4 days) were past and he was in the fifth. Since 1873, we are in the seventh thousand years, or seventh day. Count the fifth, sixth and seventh and we have the third day or epoch from the time Jesus uttered the words.
During these years the church of Christ has been subject to death, and on the third day, the day or period already entered upon, this temple is to be reared up and glorified, to be the place of blessing to the world.
We make a similar application of `Luke 13:32,33`. "Go ye and tell that fox, behold I cast out devils, and I do cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected." In fact, Jesus as the head represents the whole Christ so thoroughly, that whatever might be said of him could be applied on a still larger and grander scale, to the body and seed of which he is the head.
Both Peter and Paul refer to this temple type, saying that we as living stones are built up a spiritual house, which building fitly framed together groweth into a holy temple. (`1 Pet. 2:5` and `Eph. 2:21`.) And looking back, we not unreasonably suppose, that as Solomon himself was a type of Christ, so his great temple may have been a type or symbol of the greater temple of living stones which Jesus has been building during this Gospel Age.
As the stones underwent much cutting and polishing and fitting, from the time they left the quarry, so those who are to be of the living stones in the greater temple, must undergo much fitting, shaping, etc., from the time they leave the quarry before they are laid in the temple.
In the typical, there came a time when no more stones were quarried for the temple, though doubtless the quarrying continued, the stones afterward being designed for other buildings; so here there came a time when no more stones were selected for the temple, or highest position. Though God still calls, it is for other than temple stones, for when a temple is complete, it would only mar it to add to perfection.
Since we believe that the living stones for the temple are selected and the temple is nearly or quite finished, we ask ourselves--what next? This was the question which Solomon must have asked as the temple was finished. The next thing was to have Jehovah come into it with his glory; so here we now wait for the glory to be revealed in us.
The fact that the glory did not instantly fill the temple when complete, should teach us that we need not expect the glory as soon as "the door" closes and the antitypical temple is complete.
An account of what was done in the typical temple when it was finished, and before it was glorified, is recorded, in `2 Chron. 5:11,14`. The Priests assembled at the door of the temple with trumpets, then came some of the Levites which were singers. The Priests sounded the key note on the trumpets and the Levites joined in to sing in harmony: It took some time before the harmony was perfect, but as soon as they were "as one" (perfectly in harmony) then, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. This we would interpret as teaching that the Priests (the little flock who are to be glorified) will give the key note of our song to a representative part of the great company (Levites) before they, the priests, are glorified.
It is only a part of the Levites who compose the singers, and they are clothed in white robes and have cymbals, and psalteries, and harps (`2 Chron. 5:12`). So we understand that, for a part of the great company who are already arrayed in white robes of justification through Jesus' merit, and who now have the harp of God (the Word of truth) and are now trying to get harmonious strains of music from it, hearkening diligently unto the trumpet voice of the priest company which daily sounds louder and clearer, for the bringing of these into harmony with the priests, the glory of the Lord waits.
The trumpet should now give no uncertain sound; the white robed company are beginning to tune their harps in harmony with its strains, and soon "as one" we will sound the praises of him "whose mercy endureth forever," and the glory of the Lord will fill the temple.
The character of the song to be taught and learned, is Restitution, if we may judge from the line of it given us viz.:
"For He is good,
For His mercy endureth forever."
This temple type then teaches us that we are to continue our efforts to teach the Restitution Song to all who wear the white robes of Christ's righteousness, and that we may expect a considerable measure of success to attend our efforts before our glorification. This would seem to teach too, that the priests would reach a harmony in their trumpeting before the glory.
A SHORT SERMON FROM A FAMILIAR TEXT.
"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 3:16`.
We learned this text so long ago, some of us in childhood, and have heard it so often, that we are now apt to read or hear it without noticing its breadth and depth.
"God so loved."
Is this true? Orthodoxy says it was Jesus that so loved the world. The Father did not love them; no, he was angry--very angry--with them, because Satan was too smart for him [We feel ashamed to have to write such an idea]; but Jesus loved us, and threw himself between us and his angry Father, and thus received the fatal blow; at least it would have been fatal to us, but Jesus being God could not really die, and so arose when he wished to.
How much better to believe that "God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners [enemies, `verse 10`] Christ died for us." `Rom. 5:8`. "Herein is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." `1 John 4:10`.
"God so loved the WORLD."
What! the world? the whole world? This would be blessed news indeed, if true. How is it? Babylon teaches that only those who believe before the second coming of Christ--probably not one in one thousand of the world's inhabitants so far--can be saved. God's word tells us that through the Abrahamic seed shall "all the families of the earth be blessed." `Gen. 12:3`. What if the promise has not been fulfilled as yet? Can we not wait God's time? Paul tells us that God "will have ALL men to be saved [from the Adamic death] and to come unto a knowledge of the truth." What truth? That Christ Jesus "gave himself a ransom for ALL, to be testified in due time." `1 Tim. 2:4,6`.
"He gave his only begotten Son."
This phraseology brings us into conflict with an old Babylonian theory, viz.: Trinitarianism. If that doctrine is true, how could there be any Son to give? A begotten Son, too? Impossible. If these three are one, did God send himself? And how could Jesus say: "My Father is greater than I." `John 14:28`.
"Whosoever believeth in him."
Whatsoever is not of faith is sin; and the promises are only to believers. But does it seem reasonable that God so loved the world and yet made provision for only one out of a thousand, allowing the rest to remain in heathenism, to perish? The Word says: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" `Rom. 10:14`. They could not, but our loving Father has provided a preacher in that glorious Anointed One--Head and body--who is the true Light which lighteth EVERY MAN that cometh into the world." And thus shall all men "come unto a knowledge of the truth." Understanding this Paul could say: "The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel [good news] unto Abraham, saying: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." `Gal. 3:8`.
This is good news indeed.
"Should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Babylon would paraphrase this sentence thus: "Should not live forever in hell, but have everlasting life in heaven." Webster gives the primary meaning of "perish" as "to die, to lose life in any manner." But, says some one, Jesus did not speak English, and the translators may not have given us a good equivalent for the Greek. Well, Liddell and Scott define the original word "to destroy utterly, kill, slay, murder." The text really defines its own meaning by placing "perish" as the opposite of "life." Life, everlasting or eternal, is promised only to the pure. Our Father intends to have a clean universe, and has commissioned the Son to do the work for him. This he will do, throwing light into every dark corner, washing, scouring and polishing every vessel that can be made available for the Master's use, hanging every one in its proper place, sweeping out and "utterly destroying" the rubbish, but evidently saving and blessing with life everlasting by far the greater portion of mankind, so that the saved will be the rule, and the lost, the exception--else would Satan triumph over God, which is impossible.
W. I. MANN.
IN THE VINEYARD.
To strengthen and encourage the lonely and isolated ones, we want to give a brief account of how the work in general is progressing. It is our common work and common interest. Many of you are apt to think that our glorious glad tidings are preached and known only by an occasional one, just as Elijah thought when he said: "I only am left alive and they seek my life"; but what saith the Word of the Lord to him? "I have left me seven thousand in Israel... which have not bowed the knee to Baal." (`1 Kings 19:18`.) Even so now also there are more than two or three who worship Jehovah and His Christ only, and are controlled only by His Word; and now there doubtless are 7,000 or more who neither worship the Papal "Beast" nor the Protestant "Image." (`Rev. 13`.)
THE TRACT WORK,
you will remember, was begun in a small way some time since, and afterward the "ZION'S WATCH TOWER TRACT SOCIETY" organized. First, we proposed to publish a quantity of the 32-page tracts, but soon concluded to make one large tract or pamphlet of 164 pages, which would give a general idea and outline of what we see to be God's glorious plan, and gave it the title:
"FOOD FOR THINKING CHRISTIANS: WHY EVIL WAS PERMITTED, AND KINDRED TOPICS."
We thought to publish 300,000 copies of this pamphlet, and so far as possible to put them in the hands of thinking Christians everywhere. But we soon saw that, though very large, the quantity would not be sufficient, and it was increased to 500,000 copies. These were printed in various cities of Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. These have nearly all been distributed in the medium and larger cities, and at the principal camp meetings, Brothers Adamson, Keith, Keim, McGranor and others, being still engaged in the work of distribution. Only about 65,000 yet remain.
But the way seemed to open yet wider, and Bros. Sunderlin and Bender were sent to Great Britain to publish the same pamphlet; three hundred thousand copies were published, and before you read this will probably be in the hands of the churchgoers of the principal cities there.
In the meantime another avenue of spreading the truth opened up. The manager of the principal paper of New York City agreed to send a copy of the tract to their entire list of subscribers, and several other papers of Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and New York favored us similarly in the work, for which they have our sincere thanks. [We omit the names of the papers only to save them inconvenience from applications from others. They say they have never before granted such privileges to any.]
For this work we had the same matter that was in the tract put into newspaper shape, and as such it constituted the September number of the WATCH TOWER--thus, doubtless, you have all read the tract. So to those who may have wondered why the increased size, change of form, &c., of your last paper, this will explain.
As we were reaching Christians in the cities with the pamphlets, we sent the papers only with weekly and monthly journals, and hope thus to have reached many Christians in country districts. We sent out in this way over 400,000 copies. Thus you see that from an apparently small beginning, the tract work has spread to the immense proportions of 1,200,000 copies, or about 200,000,000 pages in four months, or about eight times as much (in number) as were distributed by the American Tract Society in the last year. The work has employed hundreds of men, women and boys in preparation and distribution, nearly 500 boys being employed to distribute in London, and about 300 in New York-- other cities in proportion. The distribution was made in the larger cities at the church doors on Sundays.
The work we believe to be the Lord's, and that its results will be far-reaching we cannot doubt. Letters come pouring in from every quarter --many of them are very rich and sweet, and indicate that the same heavenly manna which has been so refreshing and strengthening to us, has the same rich flavor to many others when they taste of it. Some are from scattered ones who have been digging in the Word, and were reaching after these things. Some from parties who say they had been drifting into, or were quite in, Infidelity, because never had they been able to see anything reasonable, harmonious or worthy of a God of Love in the teachings of the Bible, as interpreted by the creeds of the various sects. Nearly all ask for more for their friends. A few, even, come from "class leaders" and pastors, asking them for their people, but very few; we have no reason to expect many from "those that give suck"; alas! they feel that they are "rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing," and are too busy giving the "milk of the Word" to have any time either to eat stronger meat or provide it for others.
The work has been so much greater than we had anticipated, and seemingly was impelled by an unseen hand and at such a special time, too, that we cannot doubt that it is all of the Lord, and it is probably designed as a ripener to some grains of "wheat," to prepare them as a part of the "first fruits" of the wheat or spiritual harvest--members of the Bride of Christ; and also, one of the many instruments to be used in the overthrow of "Babylon" and the deliverance of God's children within her. But while an unseen hand seemed to impel the onward progress of the work, another unseen hand seemed at work seeking to thwart our purposes, but "if God be for us, who can be against us?" In his strength one could chase a thousand opposers, and two put ten thousand to flight.
We shall endeavor monthly to keep you informed as to the general outlook over the field, as seen from ZION'S WATCH TOWER, and shall be glad of information from any of our readers. We are expecting great things in the near future. If our position be correct, we may expect "Zion's travail" to commence at once. [Keep in memory the distinction between real and nominal Zion, the word Zion being used instead of the word Church--so we speak of the real and the nominal Church--or nominal Zion being now termed, in Scripture, "Babylon." The true Zion, the first-born, the heir, the Christ, has been delivered.
THE WORKERS.
Brother Adamson is now in Illinois and Iowa distributing pamphlets from city to city, and preaching as he goes. An extract from a letter in another column, shows that he is enjoying the work. The Lord give him grace for every time of need--though showing him how great things he must suffer for the truth's sake.
Brother Keith has been similarly engaged in central Pennsylvania and New York, and has had good success, and still continues. The Lord feed him abundantly with truth, that he may go from strength to strength --mighty in the Scriptures.
Brother Jones also gave valuable assistance in the tract distribution. He has now removed to New York City, and is doubtless preparing something valuable for the readers of the first number of his new paper, elsewhere referred to. The Lord lead him to his praise.
Brother Paton has been laboring recently in Detroit and in the neighborhood of his home, Almont, Mich. He is, we suppose, busily engaged writing for Bro. Jones' new paper, to which, we believe, he will be an occasional contributor. He is busy also collecting names for the new paper. The Lord hold him in his powerful hand and overrule all things for His good.
Brother McGranor is distributing tracts, and as he goes preaching in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The Lord has been blessing him greatly. The Lord enrich him and honor him by use in His service.
Brother Keim is attending to the tract work and preaching in New Jersey and Delaware. The Lord bless him and fill his mouth with the sweet things of His Word.
Brother Sunderlin is being tried in patience; for while he delights in the work and is anxious to be constantly in it, he is on a sick-bed. He was attacked with rheumatic fever and obliged to return home from the tract work in Great Britain just as he had the pamphlets ready for distribution. The Lord comfort and sustain and smile upon him in his affliction, and in His own good time restore him to us and the work.
Brother Bender is still in England busy with the tract distribution. We make a few extracts, in another column, from a letter recently received, written before the general distribution had taken place, which may interest you. The Lord guide him with wisdom, and while blessing others may he have an abundant blessing.
Others might be mentioned, but we refer only to those who are connected with the work in a very prominent way. Time and space would fail us to refer to those who in towns, villages and cities are engaged in helping the twos, threes, twelves and fifties to the food so richly provided in His Word by our Lord. Some, in a still more private way, are using their every talent in setting forth God's great unfolding plan of Love--calling attention to his provision of a "Narrow way to life" for a few and promised "Restitution" to human perfection for the many. The work of these may not be heralded or known on earth, but it is all recorded in the "Book of Remembrance." Their faithful performance of their consecration vows of self-denial and self-crucifixion is well known to the Lord, and will be rewarded exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think--when the Bridegroom shall say: "Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into (share) the joys of thy Lord." Among this last class are many noble women, who are unobtrusively exerting their quiet influence unknown to the many, yet owned and loved of God. Oh! the jewels, the jewels! how brightly they shine, lighted up by the light of the Lord's face shining upon them and changing them daily from glory and beauty of resemblance to the head, to yet more glory and beauty until, the work done, and the Bride made ready, they shall be made like unto Christ's glorious spiritual body--
…