The Watchtower, January 14, 1882
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MIXER VILL, FNDIANA, Jan. 14, 1882.
"ZION'S WATCH TOWER"-My dear good friends:-Your kind
favor, "Food for Thinking Christians," reached me in due time. To
say that it is an exceeding welcome gift but feebly expresses my
appreciation and gratitude. I have learned what I never knew
before, and it has brought to me such a flood of light that I am
amazed at the grandeur of the scheme and plan of redemption. To
allow the phrase, I have literally devoured it, and my soul is
ravished with the indescribable excellency and magnitude of God's
plan of salvation. Oh, how dull and blunted does now appear the
common method of Christian instruction. Who can read these
things and longer doubt and waver about the truth, beauty, and
inspiration of the Bible, or the manner in which its glorious truths
should be inculcated and demonstrated. I trust and believe that the
great Author of the Word will prosper and bless you abundantly.
Whatever else you have of like nature for grateful hearts, I trust you
will favor your present correspondent with. At present I am very
poor, but have better prospects before me, and when they arrive I
will not forget "Zion's Watch Tower. "
Yours truly,
, M. D.
P. S. —Please send me some "Food" for five friends, and let me
know whether a preacher could come here. In truth and gratitude,
_, KANSAS, Dec. , 10, 1881.
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:-I have derived great comfort from
the December number of "Watch Tower. " What a substantial meal
of "strong meat. " I have read it nearly all twice over; some of it
three and four times. I derived especial comfort from the article
entitled, "The Blessed dying. "I have always dreaded dying, but if
its conclusions are correct (and it at once impressed me so), I think
I want to die-anything to be with Christ. The "Creative Week," by
W. I. Mann, I thought was especially strong in its conclusions and
deductions; shall read it again and study it.
Now, dear brother, perhaps it would be as well to introduce myself.
I am a preaching member of the Minnesota Conference of Christian
Adventists. I have long been leaning toward the age-to-come views,
much as one
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would grope in the dark-seeing much truth in it; but with the light I
had, could not make all points harmonize. It remained for your
September number of "Watch Tower" to supply the missing link. I
am thankful to God for it. I received it (humanly speaking) by the
merest accident, but I believe it was sent of God. Now, dear
brother, I would like a few copies of "Food for Thinking Christians.
"I will treat and place each one as though it were pure gold. I want
to send one to my brother, a minister, and to others. I am anxious to
do all I can. Am very poor, but if God blesses will contribute to
your Tract fund. Yours in hope.
ONTARIO.
DEAR BROTHER:-The books and paper I have received safely,
for which accept my sincere thanks. I have received a great deal of
profit from the reading of them. God's plan of salvation as seen by
the aid of the "true light" (as I firmly believe), is sublime beyond
anything of which I have had conception. My heart is overflowing
with thankfulness to our Father and Saviour that I have been
thought worthy to receive the "good news. "I feel as though my
experiences were something like Paul's— as one born out of due
time. My wife also believes, but does not seem to be able to forget
the old teachings so readily as myself. Do you know of any other
members of Christ in this neighborhood?
Please put my name on your list of subscribers for the "Watch
Tower. " Enclosed find one dollar to pay for above and postage on
books, etc. 25 cents of the above was the price of a theatre ticket; I
should have spent it for that before I received the light; now when I
am tempted I shall send the money to you to use in the good cause.
Will you kindly advise me in regard to severing my connection
with the church of which I am a member. I feel as though I should
not attend, because it would be consenting to their teaching, which I
do not now believe. I have not really believed it for a long time, but
I knew no better way. Now, thank God, it is different. I remain
yours in the hope of eternal life. .
page 2
MEHERRIN DEPOT, VA. ,
Dec. 21st, 1881.
DEAR BROTHER:-I am filled with thanks and praise to our
heavenly Father for the precious truths received through your paper.
I have spent much time in studying the subject of baptism; and just
as I came out with my convictions on the subject, the "Watch
Tower" came with an article ("Importance of Baptism") expressing
my views better than I could. O, how gratifying to see what the real
baptism is ! Now we can see that "he that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved. "But, my dear brother, I would like you to say a
little more on one point, viz: If Jesus went into that eternal death of
the human for us, why should we be baptized into and go through it
for ourselves?
[Answers to your question have been given in former numbers; but
a very clear answer will be found in the reading of this month's
supplement -"The Tabernacle" tract. We do not die for ourselves;
but have fellowship with our Head in the atonement sacrifices for
the world. We "fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of
Christ. " Col. 1:24. -EDITOR. ]
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EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, To the Editor "Zion's Watch Tower.
DEAR SIR:-I have perused your little book "Food for Thinking
Christians," with very great interest, and also with profit. I am a
missionary and divinity student in the last session of my course. I
am very desirous of preaching on these glorious themes so well
handled in your little volume; and will ever be much indebted to
you, if you will supply me with some more copies, say 40. 1 shall
certainly distribute them with judicious care, and sincerely trust
they will be much blessed to those who read them. I will also be
glad to receive some copies of the "Tabernacle and its Teachings.
I remain, my dear sir, ever yours, most sincerely,
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TRUTH SIFTING IN THE TOWER.
We would like every interested reader to feel that he has an interest
in the WATCH TOWER, and that it is our paper: a paper belonging
to the Lord and hence to all his children. It is, and we hope will
always be conducted, with an eye single to God's glory and hence
to the blessing of his children. Like the Bible, it will not discuss
questions, but will state what is believed to be truth and nothing
else; accepting— The harmony of God's Word— as the definition of
truth. No compromising with error to double the circulation; no
withholding of truth lest some should be offended. No, the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth is our motto.
But who shall judge what is truth, and how? This, to every
conscientious editor, becomes an important question, but in our
own case it is doubly so, because the subjects treated in our
columns are, many of them, "new" (Matt. 13:52) and "strong meat.
"We believe our readers are more effectually armed against error,
by being instructed in the harmony of God's Word, than by having
the columns of the W. T. devoted to the dissecting of all the various
forms of error. Let the sunlight in, and the darkness will flee away.
And with the plan of God clearly before the mind, the deformity of
error is easily discoverable. The Bible, then, is our only standard,
by which to test the truth or falsity of any subject.
We will inform our readers what has been our method of sifting
truth, that they may know of our carefulness in trying to separate
truth from error.
The editor seeks to test his own articles by the Word of God, but
every article which appears in the paper, has the special criticism of
some one or more of those who are walking in the light. If it be a
new point of interpretation, it must have the assent of at least two of
those best posted and most conversant with the Scriptures before it
shall appear. If not seen by these intelligent and conscientious
persons to be truth, it will lie over until such time as it shall be seen
either to be truth and published, or error and destroyed.
This rule which we apply to our own writings, we apply to others
also, and as a consequence, very many articles are written for our
paper which are never seen in it. This stringent rule is not liked by
some, who consider it a reflection against their ability, thus proving
that their human nature is not yet crucified,— the dead have no
reputation to sustain or wound. But to those who are intent only on
getting and spreading truth, this rule is generally very agreeable.
We know of no other way to do, and the Lord has seemed to bless
this method, for he has fed us richly; and though we stand ready to
contradict the statements of any issue when shown to be erroneous,
and would feel it both a duty and a privilege to do so, yet to the
praise of our Lord's leading the course and teachings of the W. T.
for the past three years have been connected, progressive and
harmonious. And furthermore, those who are teachers of these
things, never saw truth with so clear a vision as to-day, and never
were so harmonious in sentiment.
Be not offended then, if your article, should not appear. It is treated
with the same loving consideration as all other articles. One dear
brother to whom we returned an article with criticisms for re-
consideration, in his reply, gave the following quotation: Offended-
-how could I be? —"Great peace have they who love thy law and
nothing shall offend them. "
The course which we pursue relative to the dissemination of truth,
we commend to our readers— use your time, your means, your
influence, for truth, not error. Teach nothing, lend nothing, give
nothing— neither book, paper nor tract, by whomsoever published,
which you have not carefully examined and feel sure would glorify
God.
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BACK NUMBERS.
We regret to say that the Nov. and Dec. 1881 issues of the
TOWER, are all gone. However, the new readers should all have
them; therefore we will republish them as soon as possible. All who
want them should send a postal card. We published 6,000 of each of
those numbers, and at the time, supposed that sufficient.
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Of the present issue, there will be 10,000, which we expect will be
sufficient for all requirements. We send the present number to
many whose wrappers were marked to stop with last number. This
is because, being overcrowded with fresh mails, we had not time to
correct all of our list, and to some others, it is sent because of the
Supplement, which we hope may be acceptable and profitable to
them.
We have plenty of tracts and September numbers, which you can
have for free distribution by asking for them. Be discreet in their
use, giving only to thinking Christians, so far as you can know,
accompanying them with some words of your own. It is better to
lend than to give them. Make a list of those to whom you lend, and
never let them be idle.
SUPPLEMENT.
As a supplement, we send you "The Tabernacle and its Teachings,"
referred to in several previous numbers, and on the back of the
pamphlet, FOOD FOR THINKING CHRISTIANS.
page 2
Questions and Answers are crowded out of this issue.
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"Z. W. T. TRACT SOCIETY. "
This Society was organized less than one year ago, for the object
indicated by the name. It is but proper that a statement should now
be made at the beginning of the year 1882.
The object of the Society was stated but no requests for help were
made. The donations below mentioned, were free-will offerings-
some giving until they could feel it. The amounts ranged from one
dollar up to thousands.
Total am'ts of cash received, . . $35,391. 18
expenditures in printing, etc. . . . 35,336. 18
Balance in treasury, Jan $55. 00
Bills coming due, about 400. 00
To all whose donations have been over one hundred dollars, we
have made special reports, and to any donor the books are always
open for inspection.
We propose continuing this fund, and will endeavor to use it
prudently as fast as it is received. In fact as will be noticed in the
above report, the expenditure generally exceeds the receipts, but a
brother who has already contributed largely, guarantees any debts
incurred, to the amount of one thousand dollars in excess of
receipts.
It is a principle with us, not to allow the Lord's money to rust.
Should the fund increase sufficiently to permit it, we propose using
some portion of it for sending out other laborers.
We never solicit donations. Those who possess this world's goods
and are wholly consecrated need only to know how they can use it.
Donations to this fund should be specified. Address C. T. Russell,
Pittsburgh.
An article from Bro. A. D. Jones of the Day Star, relative to "The
blessed dying"-in harmony with views presented in our last two
issues —is crowded out of this number, but will appear in our next.
Bro. J. requests us to correct an error which occurred in fourth
column second page of the last (Dec.) number of the Day Star, viz:
"To the division of the land," sixty instead of six years.
We sent samples of the Day Star to about seven thousand names of
our list, that they might have opportunity to judge of its merits.
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ALEXANDER AND THE BANKRUPT
It is related of the late Czar of Russia that in answer to the
question, "Who is to pay all these?" he wrote -"I, Alexander. "It
appears that one of his officers had contracted bills which it was
impossible for him to pay, and, after contemplating them
despairingly, had written the above query at the bottom of the
paper, and fallen asleep.
The Czar happened to pass through the room, and, observing the
bill and its appended question, generously took the pen and wrote,
"I Alexander," and quietly withdrew without disturbing the aid-de-
camp. It is easier to imagine than describe the emotions of the
debtor, who, on awakening, found all his pecuniary obligations
cancelled.
So the sinner looks at his condition and inquires, as the Russian,
"Who is to pay all these?"We thank God we can answer that "Jesus
paid it all. "He was wounded for our transgressions, and by His
stripes we are healed.
Jesus writes on our list of sins "I even I am he that blotteth out thy
transgressions. "
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PERILOUS TIMES.
Perilous times in the world are at hand-
Perils by water and perils by land;
Perils in churches and perils in state,
Perils attending the good and the great.
Watchman, how readest thou touching this hour?
Fearful corruption in places of power;
Presidents, princes and kings in dismay-
Tragic unfoldings the news of the day.
Scriptures prophetic discoursing on time,
Teach us the doctrine of increase of crime;
"Evil seducers shall wax worse and worse,"
Ere the Jehovah shall "smite with a curse. "
Is the church powerless to draw from the skies
Help when Goliath their army defies?
Is there no king in the camp of "to-day"?
Is the true Israel "fallen away"?
Is it the sign of the presence of Christ,
Of the Messiah in person to reign?
Has sin attained to its manhood of power?
Is this its zenith? Is morning the hour?
The son of perdition, the god of this world,
Down from his kingdom of sin must be hurled;
Tares must be gathered and burned in the fire-
Type of all Christians in name— not in power.
Jesus is come ! O let it be known,
Jehovah's anointed, now takes the throne;
He takes the helm and the power to command,
He'll guide affairs on the sea and the land.
Jesus is come ! let all the world hear,
"Who's on the Lord's side" let him draw near.
"Come with your armor, your loins girt about";
Come with your trumpets, and join in the shout.
Jerichoes tremble and Sodoms consume,
Kingdoms are tottering before the "Commune";
Davids, go forth with your sling-stones of faith,
Take ye the heads of "the giants of Gath. "
Selected.
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JESUS MADE PERFECT.
"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things
which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of
eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. " (Heb. 5:9.)
Knowledge of both evil and good is essential to a hearty acceptance
of the good and invariable rejection of evil. Therefore, we believe
that Jehovah has given, and is giving such knowledge to every
intelligent creature, both in heaven and on earth.
We see how all of the human family are getting their knowledge by
contact and actual experience with sin and its penalty-misery and
death. And we believe, as we have previously expressed, that the
heavenly creatures— angels and arch-angels, are learning the same
lessons by watching man's experiences. Thus mankind in general,
and the church in particular, is made a "spectacle to angels. " (1
Cor. 4:9.)
If we look backward, we see him who as a man was called Jesus, in
his pre-human existence, "The beginning of the creation of God"-
The agent and "righteous servant" of Jehovah, in the creation of all
that has since been created.
Perfect as a being, as are all of Jehovah's creatures, yet he knew
only good— had never experienced evil, nor witnessed its effects.
Later, after angels and arch-angels had been created he witnessed
the apostasy and rebellion on the part of Satan and his host, then the
setting up of the rival spiritual kingdom defying the
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power of Jehovah to overthrow it, and offering freedom from all
restraints and from all obedience to God, to those who would join
them.
Though the law of God was "The wages of sin is death and the soul
(being) that sinneth, it shall die— yet the execution of that sentence
tarried and no evidence of his power to enforce it, was given, and
even yet, though he declares that Satan shall, be destroyed, we see
it not accomplished. How for ages he has seemed to triumph over
Jehovah, his influence even reaching the intelligent creatures of
earth, beguiling and alluring them into sin and consigning them to
death. What a test of faith in, and love for Jehovah, was this
spectacle! For hundreds and thousands of years they must walk by
faith in the power of Jehovah to accomplish the destruction of evil
doers, and reward the patient fidelity of the loyal and obedient.
Let us now in thought stand side by side with Jesus when tempted
by Satan and imagine the trial of faith, he endured, for we believe
that he, as we, walked by faith and not by sight. He had witnessed
Jehovah's works of creation and preservation; he had marked the
wise and loving benevolence that adapted competent means to
glorious ends, and such was the strength of love and unbounded
confidence awakened by this general knowledge of Jehovah's
character, that he did not for a moment hesitate to submit all he had,
even life itself, to his will, for the accomplishment of his purposes.
The language of his obedient faith was "Though he slay me yet will
I trust in him. "
So he submitted to the Father's will to accomplish the work of
redeeming mankind by exchanging his glorious body and heavenly
honors for the form and the nature of man, that by so doing he
might be obedient unto death-even the death of the cross, and thus
become a ransom for man. All this he did by faith, for he had never
yet seen any being restored from the death condition into which he
volunteered to go, trusting alone in God's ability as promised, to
restore him to a higher form of life, and through him to restore
humanity to its perfection.
But when he had become a man, Satan again appeared to tempt him
sorely, and we might thus paraphrase the temptation: Ah, says he,
how unwise you have been; once you were greater than me, now I
am your superior —a powerful spiritual being, while you have
become a man— "lower than the angels. "How absurd to let Jehovah
thus degrade you. True, he has made great promises and greatly
boasts of his power to execute them, but he cannot. I have the
power of death (Heb. 2:14.) and the human race are all subject to
my "power" and never has Jehovah been able to liberate even one
from death, nor destroy me as he threatened. Now, let me, as your
friend, counsel you wisely: Since you have so unwisely forfeited
your higher form of life, so that you may never regain it, don't give
up, but keep the life you now have. If you die you never shall live
again, neither will you be able to liberate mankind from death.
Why should you waste it in a fruitless effort for this race?
If you are the Son of God command that these stones be made
bread (Matt. 4:3)-use your power for self-gratification and
preservation, and don't present your body a living sacrifice, dying
daily, when you have a perfect right to life. Jesus answers "Man
shall not live by bread alone," I could not enjoy life, even with all
my wants supplied, out of communion with my Father.
Your trust in Jehovah is misplaced; first prove Him and see if he
will keep his word. Cast yourself down from this pinnacle of the
temple-it is written, "He shall give his angels charge concerning
thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou
dash thy foot against a stone. "
Jesus replied: "It is written, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. "
We may not thus test the Almighty by needless exposure.
Then Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms and honors of earth, saying:
I am the "Prince of this world. " (John 14:30. )A11 the kingdoms of
earth are under my control; you long for power yourself to do good
to mankind; now, I propose that you shall be my representative in
the world and rule all these kingdoms. I will put all under your
control, if you will yield allegiance to me. You will be great indeed,
for you are a perfect man, while all others are imperfect, and you
can live forever. Since your life is not forfeited, no one can take it
from you. You can thus be Lord of lords and King of kings; to bless
mankind throughout all generations. All this power you can have
without suffering and you can enter upon the work of blessing at
once. And by your wise and prudent ruling, you can greatly elevate
and benefit them while they live, whereas, if you die, you simply
waste your life and benefit no one.
But Jesus again replies— No matter what inducements you may
offer, I will yield allegiance to none but Jehovah-It is written,
"Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou
serve. "Thus, his faith in Jehovah's power and promise was tested
beyond our power to comprehend; but faith founded on the
knowledge of Jehovah's character triumphed —"By his knowledge,
shall my righteous servant justify many. " By lack of that
knowledge of God, Adam fell into transgression while through his
knowledge, Jesus remained the righteous servant— therefore, able to
justify many.
By faith, he consecrated; by faith, he resisted all temptation; by
faith, he endured the self-sacrifice even unto death, as a reward for
which he was made perfect as a divine being -the first-born into
the divine family.
Thus in Jesus' case faith ended in fruition of that which Jehovah
had promised, and being thus perfected- "exalted," as a divine
being- "he is the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey
him. "
Hence the author and finisher of our faith is he who was made
divinely perfect, through the sufferings of the sinless human nature
even unto death. (Heb. 12:2.)
This agrees with Phil. 2:8-1 1, where Paul declares that Jesus "being
found in fashion as a man, (30 years old) humbled (sacrificed
himself during 3-1/2 years) and became obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross. Wherefore, God also HATH HIGHLY
EXALTED HIM [to Glory-IMMORTALITY -DIVINITY-], and
given him a name above every name. . . that every tongue should
confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God, the Father.
As with the leader and forerunner so with the disciples: We are
being made perfect through sufferings yet not the flesh (or human
nature) is being perfected but our new nature. The outward man
perishes but the inward man is renewed day by day until in our
resurrection or change we shall be "raised spiritual" like unto
Christ's glorious body-made perfect.
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THE JEWISH SABBATH.
Because seven was so intimately connected with all God's works
and plans, and because he intended all his works to culminate in
perfection, therefore, when he selected Israel as a typical people, he
gave them several Sabbaths or rests which shadowed certain
blessings of rest in future, and as was His method, he used seven to
represent that coming perfection of rest.
Hence, we find in their Law, a number of Sabbaths. The seventh
day and its cycle of seven times seven days or forty-nine days,
reached and pointed to the fiftieth or Jubilee day, the day of
Pentecost. So they had year Sabbaths; every seventh year was a
Sabbath year to the land, during which it rested. The cycle of the
year Sabbaths was seven times seven or forty-nine years, reaching
and pointing to the fiftieth or Jubilee year. Thus we see the
Sabbaths and their cycles to have been-
The 7th day; 7 x 7 = 49 bringing the 50th or Jubilee day-Pentecost.
The 7th year; 7 x 7 = 49 bringing the 50th or Jubilee year.
Now, these things they did, in a shadowy or typical sense and did
not discern the meaning of the types. But as the Apostles declare,
these things were done and written before for our (the gospel
church's) edification; that we might understand and locate the real
Sabbaths by examining the types. Types are not to last forever, but
must cease when the antitype has come.
Now, our claim is, that all these typical Law Sabbaths ceased, at or
before the death of Jesus, who made an end of the Law which
commanded the types. None of these types were commanded before
the giving of the Law to Israel at Sinai (Deut. 5:3-23) and they were
all done away when Jesus "made an end of the Law, nailing it to his
cross. " (Col. 2:14)
The year Sabbaths as types ceased first; they ceased at the
Babylonian captivity, and there the great cycle of fifty times fifty
years commenced, which reached to the anti-typical or real Jubilee
time, the Millennial age- "Times of restitution of all things. "This
cycle carried us 1 874 years into the Christian era, and showed us
when the work of restitution was due to begin-beginning by
breaking in pieces and removing the rubbish of error and bad
government, preparing for the blessings of all the families of the
earth.
The typical day Sabbaths, did not pass away for long years
afterward;
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it was part of the Law when Jesus was in the flesh, and every
feature of the Law was duly kept by him. It then must have been a
one part of the Law, which ended at the Cross. Now, if the type
ended there, the anti-type must have come, and if we can find an
anti-type in place of the type, we shall have conclusive proof of the
end of the type to support Paul's statement, that "Christ made an
end of the Law. "
Let us look for the anti-type: Israel was commanded to count from
the morrow after the (Passover) Sabbath. There we begin to count
the cycle of seven times seven days which would bring us to the
real Sabbath (rest) typified by their day Sabbaths. You know how
Jesus rose from death on the morning after the Passover Sabbath,
and counting fifty days it brings us to Pentecost day. Jesus was with
the disciples forty of these days, and then as he had commanded,
they waited for the blessing of Pentecost, viz: the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit-that sealing of the Spirit, or witness of the acceptance
by the Father, gave the rest (Sabbath) of faith.
There then, the disciples entered
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into a rest of faith, of which the seventh day was but an imperfect
type— a rest not of one day in the week, but of all days. As Jews
they had scrupulously observed the seventh day as a rest day; no
work, of any sort must be done in it. Yet they were in a condition of
unrest, for though they kept this one feature of the Law, many
others they could not keep and Jesus had said that the failure in
keeping one point constituted the person a breaker of the Law, and
consequently none of them ever kept the Law, but Jesus only. So
they were in a condition of unrest actually and hence Jesus
addressed himself to all such, saying "Come unto me all ye that are
weary and heavy laden (trying to do a thing impossible to you, as
members of a fallen race, viz: to keep the perfect Law of God)— I
will give you rest. "(Sabbath means rest. (Matt. 1 l:28.)While with
them, Jesus did not give them the rest, but, he like them, observed
the type as was necessary until it was "finished" on the cross. And
after his resurrection he did not give them the promised rest, but
told them to tarry until they should receive the Comforter-the
evidence of their acceptance as Sons of Jehovah. When thus sealed
by the Spirit, it was the evidence of the truth of all Jesus promised,
the witness of their adoption to the divine family.
This same rest or Sabbath is the privilege of every true child of God
ever since, "We that believe do enter into rest. " (Heb. 4:3.)
But no one can enter into a full rest of faith, who does not realize
Christ as the end of the Law to every one who believeth. (Rom.
10:4.) To all such, love is the fulfilling of the law. Love to God will
produce a spirit of obedience, so that we will do so as far as able,
those things which are well pleasing in his sight; even so far as the
crucifixion of the flesh with its affections and desires. Thus, "Love
is the fulfilling of the Law. " (Rom. 13:10. )Thus "The righteousness
(or spirit) of the Law is fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh
but after the spirit. "
We may rest if we require it, on the seventh or first or any other day
and be blameless; but if we observe any of these days in an attempt
to keep the law given to Israel (Gal. 5 :4) but never given to the
Gentiles nor to Christians, and fulfilled and ended in the person of
Jesus, even so far as it applied to Israel— has failed to fully
appreciate the value of Christ's finished work, and failed to
appreciate his standing as a son, not under the written law which
was given to the house of servants.
Such as are seeking to commend themselves to God by works of the
Law, are not resting but working, for as Paul says- "He that is
entered into rest has ceased from his own works as God did (rest)
from his. " (Heb. 4:10.)God rested from his works and committed it
all to the Son, and we, if we would rest, must cease from our
works— cease from the law and accept of its legal fulfilment as
being accomplished once for all in our representative, Jesus.
When we realize that even were we Israelites, we are no longer
condemned, but justified by that Law, Jesus having ransomed all
who were under it; and, that as new creatures in Christ, we are
under only the "Law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus," viz: Love.
Now we rest well pleased to have it so; and to enjoy this real
antitypical rest (Sabbath) which Christ gives to the house of sons,
rather than the type of it given to the house of servants. Thus, by
letting Christ do it, we rest from our own works as God did from
his. [As shown in last issue, God rests since his creation of man and
"has committed all judgment (ruling and administration of earth)
unto the son. " "The Father worketh hitherto, and (now) I work,"
said Jesus. ]
There remaineth a rest [Sabbath] for the people of God-when we
enter fully into all the blessings promised; but let us not only look
forward to it, with joy, but endeavor to use and enjoy the earnest of
our inheritance; the sample of our coming rest which is now our
privilege. "Come unto me and I will give you rest. ""They that
believe do enter into rest. "
SUNDAY.
We are glad that by common consent some one day in the week is
generally observed as a day for rest from worldly toil. The day
generally observed— the first day of the week— we regard as
especially fitting and appropriate, because on the first day of the
week, Jesus, our Lord, arose from death— and on the first day came
the Holy Spirit upon the church in the upper room (Pentecost).
Concerning the name of this day, whether it be called "Sunday,"
"The first-day," "The Sabbath day," or "The Lord's day," we care
little. At most they are only names, though our preference would
rather incline to the latter. Our objection to calling it a Sabbath or
rest day being, first, that to the fleshly Israel, God called the
seventh day the Sabbath, and there is a liability to confusion of
thoughts, and a mistaking of the servants' law for the liberty or
privilege of the Sons of God. Secondly, with most of christians, the
first day of the week is the one on which they work the most and
hardest, and consequently it could not appropriately be termed a
rest or Sabbath.
We much regret, that even among thinking christians, the "Lord's
day" and its privileges are so little understood and appreciated. To
most of them, its observance is but the keeping of the fourth
command of the Law though they well know that the Law reads
"The seventh day is the Sabbath," and that the day they observe is
the first. For the ignorance and superstition and legal dread of the
Lord's day, the clergy is largely to blame. Many of them doubtless
fear that if recognized as a privilege, and not as a law, it would be
violated. But the fear of man always gets us into a snare of the
devil, and so this fear has borne much poisonous fruit in the church,
for it has helped to put christians under the Law of Moses, instead
of under that of Christ- "Love," and thus has deprived many of
entering into rest. It would be far better that christians should be
resting fully in Christ and free from the Law-standing fast in the
liberty wherewith Christ has made them free (Gal. 5:1.) both on this
and other subjects, though the preaching of the truth on the subject
had left the world at liberty to disregard the "Lord's day. "This age
we must remember is especially designed for the preparation of the
body or Bride of Christ, that when they are united or made one with
him, now in the end of this age, the world may believe during the
incoming age.
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SON OF GOD.
There seem to be different senses in which God is a Father; or he is
a Father of his creatures, on different planes. But there is no
mother, on either plane. As the Creator of Angels and men, he is
their Father, and they his sons, though on different planes.
That the Angels (Spiritual beings) are called sons of God, seems
evident from several statements; for instance —Job 1:6 and 2:1;
There was a day when the Sons of God came to present themselves
before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.
Also Job 38:7. When the morning stars sang together, and all the
Sons of God shouted for joy. Man is also a Son of God by creation.
Luke 3:38 says, Adam was a Son of God.
Then there is a higher sense in which some are to become sons, not
only on the spiritual plane, but immortal sons. Those, who present
their bodies a living sacrifice, and thus suffer with Christ, are made
partakers of the divine nature, and will be made in the express
image of God's person-Heb. 1 :3. The body of their humiliation
changed, and fashioned like Christ's glorious body. Phil. 3:21. Has
not the Son of God, been a Son, successively, in all of the three
senses?
It would seem that he appeared to Abraham, vailed as a man, when
the three men came to him in the heat of the day; Gen. 18:1,13,22;
that he was with three Hebrews in the fiery furnace-Dan. 3:25; and
Daniel saw him as a spiritual being, and fell as a dead man. Dan.
10. Unquestionably he was the beginning of the Creation, of God in
his pre-existent state, whatever application may be made of Rev.
3:14.
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In due time he was born of a woman, and became a man; and was a
son of God, as the first Adam— man—, was a son, as seems clear
from Luke 1:35.
On that plane he was the second son; and gave himself a ransom for
the first. The first man's disobedience and death involved the whole
human family in a state of death; the second man's obedience unto
death, secured for the same family justification to life— the same life
that was lost. God sending his own son— son before he came— in the
likeness of sinful flesh etc. Rom. 8:3.
The blood of Jesus Christ, his son —son after he came— cleanseth us
from all sin. 1 Jno. 1 :7.
Let us examine Phil. 2:5, on, in the light of the new Revision, text,
and marginal reading by the American Committee.
Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who existing
in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God,
a thing to be grasped; but emptied himself, taking the form of a
bond servant, becoming in the likeness of men, etc.
Here is certainly a clear statement of his pre-existence in God's
form,— a spiritual being; yet not equal with him; and of a change of
condition from a spiritual to a human being. He certainly was not
immortal in either of these phases of his existence. If he had been,
as a spiritual being, he could not have become a man; and as a man,
he could not have died; but being found in fashion as a man, he
humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, yea, the death of
the cross.
Wherefore— because of this— God highly exalted him, and gave him
a name-position and condition— which is above every name. He
could not "grasp" it himself, but God exalted him; raised him from
the dead, and now he is the express image of his Father's person, or,
being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his
substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when
he had made purifications of sins— by his death,-sat down on the
right hand of the majesty on high; having become, by so much,
better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name
than they. Heb. 1:3,4.
Does not Paul have in mind these three phases or planes of sonship
in Rom. l:3,4?Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an
apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which he promised afore
by his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who
was born of the seed of David according to the flesh; who was
declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from
the dead.
Though we may not be able to explain all the mystery, yet it seems
that on the last two planes, there was a begetting and birth. Now the
birth of Jesus— the man— was on this wise; Mary. . . was found with
child of the Holy Spirit-power of God—. . . that which is conceived
in her is of the Holy Spirit; and she shall bring forth a son; and thou
shalt call his name Jesus. Matt. 1:18-21.
Again in Luke 1 :35. And the Angel answered and said unto her;
The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most
High shall overshadow thee; wherefore, also that which is to be
born shall be called holy, the Son of God. Out of Egypt I did call
my Son. Luke 2:15. He grew in favor with God and man, and at the
age of thirty, he made a covenant of death and expressed it by
baptism; when the Holy Spirit came upon him. Through that Spirit
he offered himself-his human nature and body- without spot to
God-Heb. 9:14. — ; and it became the germ of a new nature so
when he was put to death in the flesh, he was made alive by the
Spirit— 1 Pet. 3:18; and became a quickening-life giving Spirit. 1
Cor. 15:45. The perfect natural man was crowned with glory and
honor, Heb. 2:7, and lost it; but Jesus came to restore him. So he
was crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God, he
should taste of death for every man -Heb. 2:9; which shows that he
did not take our fallen nature. And the word became flesh, and
dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only
begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not his
Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world should be
saved through him.
Was it the only begotten on the spiritual plane who died?We would
say on the earthly.
The man Christ gave himself a ransom for all. 1 Tim. 2:5,6.
Because he gave his human nature, his heavenly Father gave him
the divine nature —because he gave his earthly body, God gave him
a spiritual body. God gives to every seed its own body, as it hath
pleased him. 1 Cor. 15:38.
He does with all who present their bodies a living sacrifice, as he
did with Jesus. Having suffered with him, even unto death, they
will be glorified with him, to become his body; the fullness or full
development of him who is filling all things with all-Eph. 1 :23. In
brief, this completed Christ, having died and lived again, becomes
Lord-Rom. 14:9;
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or Agelasting Father of the human family restored, by the "better
sacrifice, "-Heb. 9:23, to the original condition of sons. These
restored sons, instead of being required to sacrifice the human, to
become partakers of the divine nature; are given each a hundred
years to fully develop the human. Isa. 65.
B. W. KEITH
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ASSEMBLING TOGETHER.
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. . . and so
much the more as ye see the day approaching. " (Heb. 10:25.)
The necessity for the assembling together for mutual edification,
encouragement and strengthening, has been very generally
acknowledged among Christians, yet we doubt if this most
desirable end is very frequently attained— and why? Because we
think, in most cases, God is not permitted to speak, among them, or
if so, he is limited.
These assemblings together, oftenest take the form of prayer and
experience meetings, unless there is one of the number who is able
to preach, and then the tendency is to depend upon that one, to a
greater extent than is profitable.
The writer attended one of these experience meetings among those
professing the higher life, where God was almost shut out, and poor
weak humanity, ignorant of its weakness as it always is, had
abundant opportunity to boast itself. At the beginning of the
meeting, one text of scripture was read, the context of which, all
were ignorant of, and consequently its true application could not be
understood. The dear old book was closed and reverently laid aside
and a prayer was offered, after which, one after another told how he
or she felt and acted. One lady told how she, before rising in the
morning, received her morsel of food (a single text of scripture) on
which she fed all day. How many do so— taking a text that happens
to be stored in memory, often interpreting it out of all harmony with
the context because they fail to examine it closely, taking a little
crumb of comfort, when the Lord has spread his bountiful table and
invited them to feast at it.
Nearly two hours passed and the human spirit had magnified itself
greatly, while the holy spirit (God-like mind) of the "new
creatures," (for such I believe they were) was almost quenched. A
brother seemed to perceive that something was wrong, and said
"What these meetings want is more prayer," and then proceeded to
pray for every thing he could think of, ignorant of the fact that he
asked for many things in direct opposition to God's expressed will.
And so the meeting closed without attaining the object for which
they met, because God was shut out.
Again, at another of these meetings, one hungry sister ventured to
ask information with reference to a certain scripture, and was told
that lest it should provoke controversy, and since they wished to
have harmony, they would just pass over that, and so she was left
unfed.
Now is this right-shall we sell the truth to purchase harmony-and
are we so puffed up as to be offended if God's word should
overthrow our former convictions? Or shall we limit God to five or
ten minutes and take the remainder of two hours to listen to each
others experiences, which in nine cases out of ten, would be better
untold? Why not open the doors wide and let the blessed Master
come in and lead our meetings?
It matters not whether there is any one learned or talented among
you. Let each one bring his own Bible, paper, and pencil, and avail
yourselves of as many helps in the way of a Concordance, Em.
Diaglott, old and new versions of the New Testament, etc. , as
possible. Choose your subject; ask for the Spirit's guidance in the
understanding of it; then read, think, compare scripture with
scripture, and you will assuredly be guided into truth. "And the
truth shall make you free"-free from error, superstition, and the
corruption of our perverse nature, and the Holy Spirit (mind of God
and Christ) if entertained will liberate you from formality, as well
as from self-exaltation.
Our prayers need not be long— or vain repetitions of the same thing,
since we are not heard for our much speaking. In few and simple
words,
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we can make known our wants as far as we can estimate them; but
God has so much more to tell us than we have to tell him. Let him
speak, much and long and often-through his WORD. "Sanctify
them through thy truth, thy word is truth," was Jesus' prayer, and
his admonition, "Search the Scriptures for these are they that testify
of me. "(John 17:17 and 5:39. )So will we learn to delight ourselves
in God's Law; it will be our meditation by night and by day. (Psa.
1 19:97. )So also will he work in us to will and to do of his good
pleasure. (Phil. 2:13.)
R.W.
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CONSECRATION TO A WORK.
Among Christians there is much which passes for "entire
consecration," but it is often a consecration to some self-imposed
task, or work, instead of to God.
Some are consecrated and are living sacrifices to business, some to
their families, some to the temperance work, some to building up a
denominational church or Sunday School, some to ministering to
the poor and the sick. These are each good enough in their way, but
none of these are the proper consecration for a follower of Jesus.
Our consecration, like that of Jesus, should be to do the will of our
Father in Heaven. Jesus says he came not to do his own will, but the
will of Him that sent him. (John 6:38)The fact that you have any
choice or preference as to what you shall do, is an evidence in
itself, that your will is not dead.
Consecration to a work of our own choosing merely, will never
bring us to the great reward. "I beseech you brethren, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable UNTO
GOD. "Then, if He sends you into the "temperance work," or into
any other work, it will be acceptable as unto the Lord.
If will less, and seeking only to do his will it will bring us to His
Word much and often, to learn that will, and "He that seeketh
findeth. "We leave the subject here, merely suggesting that thus
seeking after, thus consecrating, some who are now— laboring
chiefly for "the meat that perisheth" or Temperance and moral
reforms in the world, or for the extension of sectarian church
influence, would find directions something like the following:
This is the will of God even YOUR sanctification. (1 Thes. 4:3.) Do
"good unto all men [in any way] as you have opportunity especially
to the household of faith. " (Gal. 6:10.) "Forsake not the assembling
of yourselves together" (Heb. 10:25.) but meet for the purpose of
"BUILDING UP YOURSELVES on your most holy faith. " (Jude
20.)
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INQUIRIES ANSWERED.
The following letter received recently was handed to Sister Russell
for answering, and as the points might interest others, we publish.
DEAR SIR:-
Sent you a card which you will receive before you see this. Wished
to ask several questions. I am interested in your paper, am a
thinking Christian, but not settled in my views, seeking MORE
LIGHT. Are we to expect revivals and the conversion of sinners
now? Are we to labor for this result? Is the church coming up
higher? Are we to come out of the church, take our name off church
books, or remain in the church and labor to bring the rest upon the
higher plain; or is each individual to be fully persuaded in his own
mind and act according to his conscience? Shall I tell my sisters of
like faith, better come out from among them nominally? In spirit, I
am far from the majority— this I have called "coming out from
among them. I want to be right. Will you take the trouble to answer
"the thinking Christian's questions? Please be plain. Many are
inquiring. What shall I tell them? I may read your letter (should you
write one) to others.
My husband is a Methodist minister. Not preaching this year
however.
Tell me plain truth, fear not.
DEAR SISTER:-Your letter is at hand, many such show us that
there are very many hungry, thinking christians. Our love and
sympathy reach out to all such though we have never met face to
face, and we call them brother and sister because we see in them the
family likeness-the spirit of Christ.
You ask if we may expect revivals of religion in the nominal
church. No, we do not look for any evidence whatever of God's
favor to this last phase of the nominal Gospel church which is
spewed out of his mouth, because in her own estimation, she is rich
and increased in goods (both spiritual and temporal) and has need
of nothing. See how perfectly the picture of the church of to-day is
drawn in Rev. 3:14,18. That mixed condition of worldliness and
lukewarm Christianity we believe to be the Babylon (confusion) of
Rev. 18:2, out of which (vs. 4) the Lord calls the few of his own
who still remain in that city doomed to destruction. There will
probably be some accessions to their membership, but mainly from
the Sunday Schools-the church is straining every effort to keep up
appearances and urging immature childhood to join its ranks and
swell its numbers. But this is not making christians as we
understand the word. Christians are those who have consecrated
themselves to the Lord— agree to follow Jesus' footsteps in the
crucifying of the flesh (the human privileges and honors, etc.)
All others than the true wheat brought in, help to swell the numbers
of the tares. Tares are not wicked people necessarily (though some
are wicked) but people who are out of place in the church-
imitating Christians in some respects as tares imitate wheat. Those
who get such into the church nominal, do an injury both to the
person and to the church. The church is injured by getting a lifeless
member to absorb its vitality, and who as a representative will serve
to lower the standard of Christianity.
The individual is injured by being told that he is a Christian when
he is not, and thus is worse off than if aware of his own position.
Surely, then, many people who engage in this improper work, some
of whom, if not all, think they are doing God service, must be
mistaken. And this work has been going on for years so that much
of the wheat has been almost choked with tares. It is not God's
work but Satan's. The tares do an injury to the church, and Satan
was instrumental (using God's children as his instruments) in
getting them into the church to work the havoc they have. "He that
sowed the tares is the devil," (Matt. 13,) no matter who was willing
or unwittingly the instrument, (vs. 21).
With this, I will mail a June No. of ZION'S WATCH TOWER, the
first article of which ("He on the housetop") will more thoroughly
answer your question with reference to coming out of Babylon. It is
of no use, to remain there trying to prop an organization which God
has doomed to destruction: Better far, to trust his judgment with
reference to expediency and promptly obey his command as soon as
he makes it clear. The Lord loves prompt obedience, and then it is a
great advantage, as it gives no opportunity to confer with flesh and
blood.
Since we are in the "harvest" of the age, the work to be done is
harvest work: The great work of the present is to help to ripen and
gather into the barn-condition of safety, the true wheat. We would
"do good to all men especially to the household of faith"-But if we
find enough of this special work to keep our time fully occupied,
we have no occasion whatever to worry about the rest of the world;
for in God's "due time," they shall all be brought to a knowledge of
the truth "and a full, fair opportunity to gain eternal life, and though
they may first die (in Adam) the ransom price entitles them to a
restoration from the Adamic death, and an opportunity to escape the
second death by obedience to the law of God written in their hearts,
no more stony but fleshly. (Jer. 31:33.) Then, instead of being
prone to do evil as the sparks to fly upward, it will be the reverse-
easy and natural to obey when the knowledge of the Lord shall fill
the whole earth, and when the Lord rules instead of Satan.
Knowing God's glorious purposes for the world, Jesus let the
Gentiles alone and devoted his time entirely to the harvesting of the
Jewish church. Though Gentiles as well as Jews were constantly
going down in death, he did not try to save them then, knowing it
was not yet God's due time.
I am glad to know that in spirit you are separate from the nominal
church; I think all of God's true children are. They see the effects,
but they do not understand the cause of the loss of God's favor to
her. "Woe to those who are at ease in Zion;" but the Lord will
"comfort all that mourn in Zion. "When? Isaiah says her condition
shall be a vexation to such, only till he makes
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them to understand the doctrine-or the plan of God. And his plan is
now being made clear to those who can rest their faith on a "thus
saith the Lord," ignoring entirely the traditions of men.
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In coming out there are many sacrifices to be made, and you
especially will find it so. A minister in our city said:Bro. R. , I
believe these things are true, but it would not be prudent to preach
them. Husband replied, I would fear to be too prudent in this matter
since the Lord "hides things from the wise and prudent. "That
minister had a large family well supported by a fashionable,
worldly congregation who did not want to be disturbed in their
sleep. He ventured to preach a little of what he believed and they
told him it would not do; and to-day he is hiding his light under a
bushel, or rather, it has gone out and he is walking on, hand in hand
with the world, flourishing in worldly affairs; yet who can estimate
that poverty in spiritual things?
You may be called upon to sacrifice your present means of living,
but fear not, the Lord will provide another. No man hath forsaken
all to follow Jesus, who did not receive a hundred-fold in return. It
was refreshing to read that sentence in your letter- "Tell me plain
truth, fear not. " I could tell you much more than I have time to
write at present. The Lord has so wonderfully led me from darkness
to light, and from husks to corn, that my heart is filled with his
praise.
The great sacrifice necessary, has kept the majority of ministers
from the truth, but thank God, there is some ripe wheat among
them, not choked by the tares. May God's grace be sufficient for
you and your dear husband.
Your Sister in hope,
MRS. C. T. RUSSELL.
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THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE.
DIALOGUE-REV. 13.
READER:-To properly appreciate the following, you should read
and have clearly in mind, the articles in our last issue, (Dec. 1881,)
headed: "The Antichrist" and "The Counterfeit of the Kingdom of
God. "
B. I am here again Bro. A. , anxious to pursue the investigation of
Revelation 13, as you suggested at our last meeting. I have long felt
a deep interest in this chapter, and especially because other
scriptures refer to the beast and image here described, and say that
the overcomers get a victory over the Beast and Image and the
number of his name. My difficulty has been that not understanding
the significance of these symbols, I could not know whether I had
gotten a victory over them or not. I shall give earnest heed and
endeavor to weigh your arguments by the Word of God only, and
not by the "traditions of the Fathers. "
A. That is the only proper way to study Scripture. We should come
to it believing that "It (and it alone) is able to make us wise," (2
Tim. 3:15,) and it is this class who shall understand. Daniel said-In
the time of the end many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall
be increased, and the wise shall understand. To rightly understand
how it is that certain parts of truth could be hid from all past ages,
and yet be due to be understood by us now, we should remember,
that God's Word is a great treasure house in which he has hid in
past time, all knowledge needful to his children in all ages. It is a
great storehouse from which his servants may bring forth things
both new and old— meat in due season for the household of faith.
(Matt. 24:45.) It is because this truth is generally overlooked or
disregarded, that so many of the Lord's saints go to old musty
volumes of the traditions of the Fathers, instead of going to the
fountain of living truths-The Bible.
B. When we look at it, this is very dishonoring to the words of
Jesus which he puts on a par with himself saying, "Whosoever shall
be ashamed of me and of my words. . . of him also shall the son of
man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father. "
(Mark 8:38. )It dishonors the Father also, for Jesus said that his
spirit would guide us into all truth and show us things to come.
(John 16:13.)
A. Let us then commence: I will use the "Emphatic Diaglott"
translation as it is so much more clear; then you can have the
benefit of both versions.
Let me first lay down a simple rule for interpreting some symbols
found in this chapter. Dragon-civil power, Pagan Rome; Heavens-
the higher or ruling powers; Earth- the people under, or obedient to
the ruling powers (heavens); Sea— the general masses of mankind,
not under religious restraint.
The first two verses of this chapter, direct our attention to the
Dragon which in the preceding chapter we found to symbolize the
Roman Empire; the same which Daniel saw in vision called the
"fourth beast dreadful and terrible" (Dan. 7:7.)This dragon passed
its dominion over to a beast which arose out of the sea— a
government which came up from among the irreligious masses; in
other words the Roman Empire passed under a new rulership-The
Leopard Beast— whose mouth was lion like, its body leopard like,
and its feet bear like. This beast which came into possession of the
Dragon's seat and power, we understand to be Papacy: it
corresponds to the "man child" of the preceding chapter. It has
certain qualities which resemble the first three beasts of Daniel 7,
viz: the Lion, Bear and Leopard-described as representing
Babylon, Persia, and Greece. This new Beast then, would combine
certain leading characteristics of the preceding empires and unite
them in the power of the last-the Roman.
Babylon was celebrated for its splendor and its pride-the Lion the
king or ruler of all beasts— so Papacy had a mouth of this sort, i. e. ,
it claimed to be the kingdom over all kingdoms by divine right-the
kingdom of God, which was to break in pieces and consume all
others— a strong mouth.
The bear's feet suggest another of Papacy's peculiarities as an
empire— viz: persistency. Like the Bear Empire (Medo Persia)
which would besiege for years, and even turn a river aside from its
channel to accomplish its ends; so Papacy moves cautiously, and
gets possession of kingdoms rather by strategy than by battle. This
same quality is illustrated in the bear; it hugs its prey to death with
its paws.
The body of the Papal beast was like a Leopard. The Leopard was
the third beast seen by Daniel- viz: Grecia. Greece was noted as the
center of learning, piety and wisdom (Acts 17:23): so Papacy's
chief claim, to be the ruler of all kingdoms, is based on the claim
that it is the center of wisdom, learning and piety. Other
peculiarities of the Leopard are its activity, vigilance and
secretiveness; so with Papacy. Again, a Leopard is spotted
irregularly, so too Papacy's policy varies in various parts of the
earth: In enlightened liberal countries it is liberal, in other places it
varies in its rulings to suit the circumstances.
This Leopard beast (Ecclesiastical Empire) is given the power, seat,
and great authority of the [Dragon] Pagan Roman Empire, and for a
time becomes the only representative of that dominion— the various
horns (kingdoms) rendering allegiance and support to it. *
"And the whole world wondered, after the beast, and they
worshiped the Dragon because he gave the authority to the BEAST,
saying, "Who is like unto the BEAST, and who is able to make war
with him?" (Vs. 3,4.)
The people respected this BEAST because of its peculiarities-
leopard body and lion mouth-and they respected the civil power all
the more, because it had so honored ecclesiastical authority. The
various kingdoms (horns) soon learned that their hold of power
over the people was strengthened, rather than weakened by
allegiance to Papacy, for Papacy in turn recognized them and
commanded the people to recognize those despots as of divine
appointment.
Thus it is, that to this day, the rulers of Europe claim to rule by
divine right and appointment and their children after them, no
matter how incapable. For the same reason the Protestant churches
of Europe, to gain national favor, protection, and assistance,
became State churches and they, as Papacy did, recognize the
reigning families as possessed of Divine title to the office, and
…