The Watchtower, January 1, 1917
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of his sermons,
time.
Further announcement will be made in due
Vol. XXXVIII
BROOKLYN, N. Y., JANUARY 1, 1917
No. 1
VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER
God's children appreciate the fact that his Word is a "light
unto their feet, and a lantern unto their pathway." To the
divine Word and providence they look for guidance, instruction
and comfort. They believe the Word of God^and rely upon it,
and thus walk by faith. They view current events in the
light of divine prophecy. For several years Bible students have
been expecting a great international war, followed by revolution
and anarchy. (1 Kings 19:11-13) They expect the great
ecclesiastical systems, conceived in sin, barn in iniquity and
operated in fraud and deceit, to be swept away with a great
besom of destruction. (Revelation 18:5-21) They have looked
for the governments of earth, built upon false and unrighteous
foundations, to crumble away amidst a great storm of human
passion. (Psalm 18:7-19; Jeremiah 25:8-38) They have expected
a dark night just preceding the ushering in of the
glorious kingdom of Messiah. (Isaiah 21 : 11, 12) They expect
these things because the Bible says so. God's Word is true.
For the encouragement of hia followers, the great Master
said, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look
up and lift up your heads, for your deliverance draweth nigh."
(Luke 21:28) "Be patient, therefore, brethren"; the kingdom
of Messiah is at the door. 4
EXPECTATIONS BEHTO REALIZED
Current events confirm our expectations. The new year
dawns amidst great strife, turmoil and bloodshed. For nearly
two and one-half years a mighty conflict has raged amongst
the European nations, and the storm of destruction continues
unabated. In that time more than a dozen kingdoms and nations
have been involved; and upwards of thirty millions of
men, armed with the most deadly weapons known to modern
science, have engaged in wholesale destruction of human life
and property. Approximately seven millions of men have been
killed, and many more millions are insane or nervous wrecks
by reason of the indescribable experiences through which they
have passed.
Jehovah, through his Prophet, foretold the coming of this
great storm, describing it as a "great and strong wind which
rent the mountains and brake in pieces the rocks before the
Lord." The Bible deals largely in symbols. "Wind" is a
symbol of war; "mountains," a symbol of kingdoms or governments
, and "rocks" a symbol of the solid or more stable
parts of the governments. In this picture, therefore, the rocks
would very fitly represent the financial strongholds of the governments
. When the financial strength of a government is
gone, the government itself is practically gone.
It is apparent to all observing ones that the warring nations
are on the verge of bankruptcy. For the purpose of procuring
money with which to conduct the war, the belligerents
have borrowed fabulous amounts, for which they have issued
bonds, treasury notes and other promises to pay. The amount
of bonded indebtedness of the warring nations is now so
enormous that there is not enough money in all the earth to
pay the interest on that indebtedness. How then, will it ever
be possible to pay the principal?
Great Britain and her Allies have borrowed heavily from
Americans through the instrumentality of certain American
financiers. These nations are desperately attempting to negotiate
other loans through the same channels. As an evidence
of the desperation to which these nations are driven, we cite
the recent attempt of Great Britain to borrow from American
investors one billion dollars upon unsecured treasury notes,
which have no basis for issue and are strictly fiat money. Some
time prior to this attempt, the British government obtained
credits in the United States to the amount of $1,100,000,000.
About one-half of this amount was obtained upon unsecured
paper, and was taken largely 1 by munition manufacturers and
other large creditors who expected to make enough profit out
of the sale of munitions to cover any loss that might occur.
About the first of December last, the President of the
United States became aware of the attempt of the British government
, through its American agents, to sell to American investors
a billion dollars of flat credits, designated as "short
time treasury notes." Foreseeing the uncertainty of the payment
of such notes, President Wilson and the Federal Reserve
board exposed this dangerous scheme by warning American investors
against the purchase of these. Discussing this question
editorially, one of the leading American dailies recently said:
"When the British government came back for more
credit and wanted a real loan in Wall Street, then Wall
Street was not so certain of the value of the treasury
notes. It wanted security in the shape of American stocks
and bonds, and insisted upon having it.
"The British government has no American stocks and
bonds and not a great deal of gold to spare. After having
taken care of Wall Street's preferred loans, still it wants
more American money on credit. So certain English
agents among American bankers attempted to persuade
American Investors, through American banks, to buy
one billion dollars of unsecured treasury notes, when Wall
Street was unwilling to lend half that amount against a
year ago without additional collateral American security.
"It is probable that these Anglo-American bankers,
whose prestige is very great, would have carried this disastrous
-scheme through without a hitch had not the President
and the Federal Reserve Board interferred with their
warning.
"These notes are unsecured, and are subject to the
hazard of defeat in war, of national bankruptcy through
prolongation of war, and of repudiation in case of social
revolution after war.
"They have no gold basis; for the British government
has already outstanding more of their promises to pay —
more of this fiat money, in fact, than all the gold that has
been produced since the Christian era began could redeem.
"There is not gold enough in all the countries of Europe
combined to pay ten cents on the dollar of the paper fiat
treasury notes that have already been issued by Great
Britain."
Financiers everywhere are trembling, and "men's hearts
failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which
are coming on the earth." (Luke 21:26) All these things
that we see are but the beginning of greater sorrows. The end
shall be "a time of trouble such as was not since the beginning
of the world."
Each warring nation has hoped for victory, but it has not
come. Discouraged and dismayed at the utter failure to deal
a crushing blow, the rulers of some of the nations have impressed
their strongest men, that mightier efforts might be put
forth In desperation, government officials have resigned their
positions; and others have been asked to take their places.
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THE WATCH TOWER
Brooklyn, N. V.
TLft British ministry recently fell; and a new ministry, organized
with l>avid Lloyd George as Premier, is now threatened
by those who favor peace. In November last a new ruler
ascended the throne in Austria; a new cabinet was organized,
and within one month that cabinet has fallen.
CRT TOE PEACE— GREATER SORROWS TO FOLLOW
Germany desires peace and proposes terms. It is believed
that all the ruling nations desire peace; but some of
these nations, particularly the British, are too proud to make
peace yet. But may we not expect peace among the nations at
an early date? We are not inclined to that opinion. The nations
must be further weakened. It may be expected , however,
t£at the warring nations will agree upon some sort of peace
terms in the not far distant future. But such a peace will not
be a lasting one; it will be merely temporary.
It may be expected that politicians will from henceforth
have much to say about peace; that the ministers of the
nominal church systems, who have been advising their respective
nations to war against other nations, contrary to the
Word of God, will also say "Peace"; that people in general,
unaware of God's purposes, will say "Peace" and will believe
that safety has come to them. There will be, doubtless, a
short period of peace; but it will be merely a lull before a
greater convulsion. We base our conclusion upon the Scriptures
. These clearly indicate that there will be a great earthquake
(symbolic of revolution) — "an earthquake such as was
not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake
and so great." — Revelation 16:18.
St. Paul, writing of the "day of the Lord,"whioh he declared
would come upon the earth as a thief in the night,
said: "For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden
destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman
with child; and they shall not escape." — \ Thessalonians 5:3.
REVOLUTION CERTAIN
Corroborative of this, the Lord in 1 Kings 19:11 describes
the second stage of the trouble on the earth in these words:
"And after the wind an earthquake." This picture is symbolic
of revolution. Having faith in God's Word, let us look about
U£ and see whether there is any evidence that this mighty
earthquake is near at hand. The Apostle assured the watchers
that they would not need to be in ignorance respecting that
day, saying: V( Ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day
should overtake you as a thief."
Revolution is the result of discontent on the part of the
governed, and a determination on their part to be no longer
subject to the rule of constituted authority. Before the war
the people of Europe were greatly burdened with taxation. The
increase of national indebtedness, resulting from the war, is
now so great that the burden of annual taxation must be increased
more than 400% in order to raise the interest on the
debt. Seven millions of Europe's able-bodied, wealth^producing
men have perished on the battle-field. The earning capacity of
those surviving is less than prior to the war, because of their
weakened physical condition, even if after the war there be
sufficient employment for them to earn money. The war has
so impoverished the nations engaged in the conflict that they
cannot further issue bonds to rebuild the destroyed property*
Hence the opportunity for earning money by daily labor is
greatly reduced.
In addition to this, while the men have been at the front,
women have been installed in the positions held by men prior
to the war. To put the women out in order to give the men
the positions would be an injustice to the women, and would
cause trouble from that source. If the women are permitted
to hold the positions and perform the work, there will be a
large army of unemployed men. These unavoidable conditions
will produce increased discontent. Add to this the
scarcity of food supply, the increased cost of living and the
lack of opportunity to procure food in a legitimate way, and
the ultimate result will be a great army of starving men,
women and children.
Naturally, such an army of unemployed discontents will
ask, "Wny do we find ourselves in this miserable condition?
Have not our comrades given up their lives for our country?
Have we not suffered great loss for the same cause, and are we
not now entitled to food and shelter ? If war is responsible for
this miserable condition, why should we have gone to war at
all? Who sent us to war?" Of necessity the answer must be
that they went to war at the behest of the kings, and rulers;
that the clergy of the various nations have long advised these
kings and rulers that they were ruling by Divine right, and
that therefore they were justified in whatsoever course they
might take; and that the same clergy class have urged the people
to go to war. Hence the political and ecclesiastical element
will be held responsible by the common people for their
miserable condition.
Bloodshed becomes commonplace in time, The shedding
of blood upon the battle-field month after month develops the
disposition in men to shed more blood under different circumstances
. The conditions that led up to the French Revolution
exist among many nations today. A small act at that
time stared the "earthquake"; so now but little will be required
to provoke a world-wide revolution. Once started, it
cannot be stopped until the fire of anarchy, begun by the revolution
, has burned itself out.
STATESMEN EXPECT REVOLUTION
Statesmen and worldly-wise men see that revolution is unavoidable
. Max Nordau, one of the greatest of modern
scientists, in recent months published an article calling attention
to the conditions in European countries and stating
that revolution is certain to follow in every country now engaged
in the war.
About September 1, 1916, the London Times published an
article from the pen of Lord Beresford in which he stated the
following:
"We began the war with two great assets — the fleet
and our wealth. The second asset is being squandered by
millions without business supervision or adequate return.
We shall soon be bankrupt if this goes on."
A few weeks after Earl Loreburn, in the House of Lords,
warned Parliament and the nation of the tremendous revolution
which will j*esult if the European conflict is prolonged.
He said, "Unless the collective common sense of mankind prevails
before the worst comes, Europe will be little better than
a wilderness peopled by old men, women and children. It is
no exaggeration to say that if the war continues indefinitely
revolution or anarchy may well follow."
In the House of Commons Andrew Bonar Law, Secretary
for the Colonies, recently said that England had to risk
bankruptcy to bring the war to a successful conclusion, and
that the situation was extremely dangerous. He further said,
"The moment the country cannot raise indefinite loans — and
if the war lasts long enough that moment will come — the
country will have to find other means for carrying on the
war*
Sir George Paish, the ablest financial authority in England
, in a recent public address, said:
"England is carrying the financial burden of the war.
The adverse trade balance, if we include what we have
done for our Allies, is already between three billion and
three billion, five hundred million, to balance which we
have succeeded in borrowing about two hundred and fifty
million, our moiety of the American loan.
"If we go on spending money as we are now, we shall
see another break in American exchange, accompanied by
a break in Canadian, Argentine, Australian and Indian exchanges
. This probably will mean the suspension of specie
payments, and we shall have to tell the world that we are
unable to pay our debts."
AMERICAN UNREST
Suspension of specie payment by European governments
would produce the greatest financial panic the world has ever
known, and would especially affect the United States, thereby
increasing the discontent here.
The Lord Jesus, describing the condition through which
the world is now passing, said that the wars would be followed
by "great earthquakes (revolution) in divers places,
and famines and pestilences." (Luke 21:11.) A glance at
the present situation is convincing that the world is rapidly
advancing toward famine and pestilence.
Broken, bleeding, starving Europe is frantically grasping
for food in American markets. Exportation of food stuffs has
been so great, and the supply in America reduced to such an
alarming degree, that Congress is considering the placing of
an embargo upon all food supplies. Congressman Fitzgerald
is quoted as recently saying:
"I favor an embargo on food stuffs. The embargo
should be imposed for purely domestic reasons: the prices
of food stuffs have reached levels that are bringing widespread
distress to the country. Many thousands of our
people are suffering from the lack of the necessities of life.
Wholesale prices in many commodities are less abroad
today than they were a year ago; and here the retail prices
have advanced alarmingly."
The Lob Angeles Tribune editorially says:
ear Saints in the Bethel Home:— h
As a Class, and also as individuals, we realize that in the
death of our Beloved Pastor we have lost that "faithful and
wise steward," who laid down his life so faithfully in the
Lord's cause, even unto death. His faithfulness has been the
means of giving us more determination than ever to continue
in the work which he loved so very much, and we assure you
that the Allentown Ecclesia is anxious to "hold up the hands"
of those upon whom the work of the Society falls, and to assist
in every way possible to carry on the work, until "the night
cometh wherein no man can work."
Allentown Ecclesia. — Pa.
Deab Fbiends: —
Five hundred Memorial Numbers of The Watch Towkb
are desired, for which please find remittance covering amount,
A. M. ZlMMBRMAN.^Pa;
TRITTH-HTTNGBT ONES AMONG THE SOLDIEBS
Dear Bbethben: —
We are sure you are remembering us in your prayers as
we are continually bearing your names in our petitions to
the heavenly Father. The work of showing the Dbama to the
soldiers on the Mexican Border is a wonderful privilege, and
is surely having the Lord's blessing! Dear brother (Gen.)
Hall is being used of the Lord very wonderfully, and we are
glad to co-operate. Many of the officers take very kindly to
the Dbama, and evince considerable interest, and the soldiers
are very eager for it.
At the close of one finale talk twenty-eight written questions
were handed in, and several told the speaker it was the
first real appeal that came home to their hearts to induce
them to surrender all to the Lord.
Our living in the tents and "roughing it" with the soldiers
brings us into close contact with them and gives us nwuay
privileges of service. There are indeed truth-hungry ones
among them!
In personal conversation with two military prisoners, one
told how he had heard several of our "pilgrims." Often some
one mentions a mother, sister, father or brother in the truth.
We desire a further interest in your prayers. I am so glad
our dear Pastor offered me this precious privilege of service
before he was called home!
Your brother by his grace. Walter H. Bundy.
MOTJBN NOT AS THOSE WHO HAVE NO HOPS
Dear Brethren: —
We of Vernon, B. G, Ecclesia wish to express our deepest
love and heartfelt sympathy for all at the Brooklyn Tabernacle,
who mourn the passing of our beloved Pastor Russell. But
although our hearts are sore, we do no^ mourn as do others;
for we know our brother has entered a glorious reward, having
"borne the cross, despising the shame, and we rejoice that
his course of "suffering" is finished, his crown won.
We pray that the father's richest blessing may rest upon
aU who are taking up the work in Pastor Russell's stead, and
that our great High Priest, our Lord Jesus Christ, will soon
come forth in his garments of beauty to bless hi* people.
Yours in His love, Vernon Ecclksia*— B. 0.
WOKLD HAS LOST A BEAL FRIEND
My L>bab Mr.: : —
This is to thank' you for the two copies of The Watch
Tower containing an account of the career, so illustrous, the
life, bo full, sweet, wholesome and truly good, of that much
beloved Pastor Russell, whom I learned to admire and lore
in the brief time I was his guest on two occasions only a few
days before his death. The whole world has lost a real friend.
iHow I wish he could have been spared another span of life
that be might continue to teach us meekness and love!
I hav^ many friends who will be much interested in Pastor
Russell and his teachings, and if you can favor me with a
half dozen or more copies of the above issue, I will take
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January 1, 1917
THE WATCH TOWER
(15-20)
pleasure in seeing that they get them. With all best wishes
I beg to remain
Yours very sincerely, Clabence E. Spayd. — Brooklyn,
DEEM JT A PRIVILEGE TO COOPERATE
Deab Brethren in Christ: —
On this, the occasion of the passing beyond -the veil of our
beloved Pastor, we desire to assure you of our resolution to
continue, by the grace of the Lord, faithful even unto death.
We deem it the highest possible privilege at the present time
to be allowed to co-operate with you in the further spreading
of the glad tidings of the kingdom.
We are rejoiced to know that the work of The Watch
Tower Bible and Tract Society will continue. Our prayers
shall ascend daily to the Throne of Heavenly Grace on your
behalf. Kamsack Ecclesia. — Bash., Can*
EAGEB TO COOPERATE FULLY
Dearly Beloved Brethren: —
We are real anxious to let you at Headquarters know of
our earnest desire to co-operate fully with you in the harvest
work yet remaining. The class voted unanimously on this
question.
We seem to be so much nearer now to one another — more
oneness in mind and spirit. We are so glad for this! We
thank our heavenly Father. Express to us at any time even
your smallest desires. Columbus Ecclesia. — Ohio.