The Watchtower, May 1, 1921
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No.
.138
.138 .139
.143
c£lrt'1- dlstress of nations with perplexity ;-the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking to know hS th^Kb>»dnmt<JfeCn?^ ‘v® P° mS® °f the he?ve5s (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. . . When ye see these things begin to come to pass, then
know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your, redemption draweth nigh.—Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-31,
WlfflfTOW
Vol. XLII
Semi-Monthly
Anno Mundi 6049—May 1, 1921
CONTENTS
ROCK OF AGES OtK er f ou nd at i on ca no manjay A RANSOM FOR
Views from The Watch Tower.............
European Countries a Chain.................
An English Voice on British Policies.
The Divine Arrangement.......................
Eden Bliss Lost.......................................
The Principle of Headship.....................
Recognition of Responsibility...............
Present Tests of Faith...........................
Annual Requests for Pilgrims.............
True Neighborliness.................................
A Stranger Friend...................................
A Godly Nation.........................................
Israel Alone God’s People.....................
The Kingdom Near at Hand.................
Messiah’s Happy Reign...........................
.131 ..131 .132
.133 .134 .135 .136
.137
.140 .141 .142
"I will stand upon my watch and will set my foot upon the Tower, and will watch to see what Be will sap unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me."—Hdbakkuk 1:1.
QWT.B.&T.S
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIS journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now bein^ presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D. 1884, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the coming of its traveling representatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our “Berean Lessons” are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated into English is Minister of God’s ~Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through the precious blood of “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2 : G) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 : 1115; 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3:5-9,10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and'knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is “the temple of the living God”, peculiarly “his workmanship” ; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when finished, God’s blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 ; Ephesians 2 :20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for eoery man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in due time”.—■ Hebrews 2:9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she 'may be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be “partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3 :2 ; John 17 : 24 ; Romans 8 :17 ; 2 Peter 1: 4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every grace; to be God’s witness to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and priests In the next age.—Ephesians 4:12; Matthew 24: 14 ; Revelation 1:6; 20 : 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isaiah 35.
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HYMNS FOR JULY
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After the close of the hymn the Bethel family listens to the roading of ‘My Vow 'Unto the Lord”, then joins in prayer. At the breakfast table the Manna text is considered.
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES
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AND HERALD OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE
Vol. XLH
May 1, 1921
No. 9
VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER
A NGELS looking down from their vantage ground Z-X must view with intensest interest the process of disintegration now going on in the world. Christendom is bruised and still bleeding heavily from the Great War; yet goes deliriously on with preparations for more hostilities. In this country newspapers report that in the expenditure of Federal taxes 68 percent goes to the paying for past wars, 25 percent in preparation for future wars, one percent for education, and six percent for all other purposes. Work on sixteen capital ships, authorized in 1916 and held in abeyance during the war, has now been resumed, although of the ten battle-ships the average state of completion is only 36.3 percent, and of the six battle cruisers only 5.3 percent. The total cost to the tax-payers of completing these vessels from their present stage will not be less than $433,000,000. Long before they are finished they will be well-nigh useless for modern warfare; for one aeroplane with a ton of explosive could blow almost any one of them to pieces.
A new appropriation of $700,000,000 for naval expansion in 1921 was only recently made. One modern battle-ship costs in the neighborhood of $23,000,000. That sum of money would more than supply all food needed to relieve all of starving Europe, says the American Daily Standard, of Chicago.
SUICIDES IN HUNGARY
These wretched living conditions, especially as they bear on Hungary, have caused discouragement to a notable degree; for in that country during the year. 1920 three thousand two hundred women and twelve hundred men committed suicide, and in addition there were ten thousand unsuccessful attempts at suicide. This tremenduous increase is causing much worry, inasmuch as the pre-war figures were from fifty to sixty suicides yearly. The situation is attributable not only to the gradual deterioration in living conditions but also to the fact that the war had the effect of making human life much cheaper.
Some of Germany’s papers in combatting reactionary tendencies speak quite plainly of what the old monarchy bequeathed them. From the Barmen Volkszeitung we translate the following:
‘The good old times’—that is how the reactionaries re wont to refer to conditions under the monarchy; and they fondly mention the cheapness of living in 1913.. But the monarchy lasted not merely till 1913, but till 1918. To its senseless war policy, to its love of conquest and prolongation of the war, to its defiant poses and palave ings we owe the frightful decline of 1913 to 1918, to it we owe the collapse, and we have it to thank for the following statistical balance in human suffering and human souls: 1,800,000 dead, who died on the field from wounds and disease.
1,350,000 cripples, who stand in need of pensions because of their reduced earning power.
520.000 widows, who lost their husbands in the war. 1,130,000 orphans, who lost their fathers in the war.
104,000 aged men and women, who lost their only means of support through the death of their sons in the war.
“With the listing of these figures, which are based on the official statistics, the debit balance of the monarchy is by no means exhausted. To these figures must be added some 700,000 persons who died at home from the influenza and from under-nourishment. There must be added an almost incalculable number of children who are dwarfed and sickly and maimed from insufficient nourishment. There must be added several hundred thousands of those injured in the war wTio have no claim on a pension. There must be added millions of parents who, besides those above cited, mourn the loss of their sons. There must be added a decline in the birth rate amounting to a million children.”
Francesco Nitti, Italian statesman, says that a Moses is needed in Europe now. He concludes, as recorded in the Chicago Herald and Examiner-
“After the program of violence which was based on the rights of the victors, we have reached a state of uncertainty ; the victors are feeling the symptoms of the pro-foundest discomfort.
“Even the most narrow-minded are beginning to realize that Europe is a living unity, that she cannot live divided in opposite camps without ending in complete ruin. The diminished purchasing capacity coincides with the high rates of exchange and with the aggravation of the economic difficulties. Uncertainty has succeeded the intolerant security of the victors.
“Europe is suffering in her anxiety and is awaiting a great human voice which shall break a new language of truth and life that shall rise above the wretched simulacrum that is called the Society of Nations.
“The state of doubt which prevails in all minds now is the prelude, perhaps, to the dawn of truth.”
Signor Nitti, and those of like mind, will not be long disappointed, we believe. A greater than Moses who will still the storm-tossed passions of men and who will lead them into ways everlasting is about to stand up and turn to the people, a pure language, a flawless and undefiled message of righteousness and truth.
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES A CHAIN
Guglielmo Ferrero, Italian historian, writing in the New York American, says:
“Europe is and was a chain. Friends and enemies, we are all united to the other, like the climbers in an Alpine ascent, and by a cord that will not break and cannot be
“There are two corpses already at the end of the cord: Russia and Austria. The remainder of the caravan is proceeding slowly, because It has to support and drag these two dead bodies with it. Germany comes next, and she is still on her feet, though wearied almost to death. After her comes Italy. If Germany and Italy were to fall, who can suppose that France and England at the head of the column would still have the strength to mount, bearing all these corpses with them? The whole line would rush downward to the abyss.
“No one can pretend to guess now what Destiny is preparing for us. This alone is sure: That if things continue to go on in this chance fashion, driven forward tumultuously by the unexpected developments of hate and fear, Europe will have to pass through some terrible times.”
The recent invasion of Germany by the French as a grand-stand play to make their own people think they were forcing the Germans to pay the unpayable indemnity is largely a movement to quell disquietude at home. Suppose the Germans should ship into France without pay a large percentage of the production of their factories for thirty years to come: the immediate effect of the first shipment would be to throw hundreds of thousands of Frenchmen out of work. This was noticeable a few months back when Germany sent over to England a small fleet of merchant ships loaded with the costliest dyes, asking the British to take both ships and dyes as a substantial part of a first payment on indemnities. After standing in British waters a few days the English ship-builders and dye manufacturers besought the government to send these away; fearing for their own industries if these outside products were thrown onto the market. The Germans doubtless foresaw this, and are now at liberty to sell where they can.
The French intention to repay American loans is made practically contingent upon their ability to collect from Germany. It is for this reason, apparently, that the present American administration has not fulfilled its promise to establish peace with Germany. The establishing of peace might be viewed by France as an unfriendly act and be made the ground for a repudiation of her debts to this country. But the rash invasion of Germany is almost certain to have the effect of breaking up the Ebert government or of materially changing its face, so that the people will go with Russia. Russia has vast stores of raw supplies which Germany needs, and Germany has a good organization for production and manufactures which Russia needs. If Germany goes soviet, Italy will almost certainly go too. This will leave France as the only old-time government of size on the continent. She will surely repudiate her debts; and the increasing and now serious labor conditions in Great Britain will bring that country to do the same thing, especially since the coveted and hoped-for German and Russian trade shall have been largely cut off by reason of the Russo-German alliance.
AMERICAN FINANCIAL PROSPECTS
This repudiation of some ten billion dollars of loans is bound to make a financial situation in this country such as has never been known. It must be remembered that America has gotten off very easily thus far, although unemployment is widespread and increasing. There is very little cohesiveness among the people here; there are a hundred different nationalities which have almost no bond or interests in common. It is no wonder they can be so easily humbugged and hoodwinked and bamboozled. All that needs to be done is to play one faction against another.
That Americans are humbugged and mulcted too seems apparent. Recently before the United States Railroad Board the President of the Railway Employes’ Department of the American Federation of Labor charged that nine men compose a secret clique to fix the railroad wages of the entire country and named them in a message to Senator Cummins endorsing his proposal for a congressional investigation of the railroad situation. These modern giants, more powerful in their way than any that lived before the flood, were named as being: W. C. Atterbury of the Pennsylvania; Hale Holden, Burlington; C. H. Markham, Illinois Central; H. E. Byram, Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul; Carl R. Gray, Union Pacific; W. G. Besler, Central of New Jersey; E. E. Loomis, of the Lehigh; and R. Scott, of the Southern Pacific. If these men have all the power claimed for them, they are mighty indeed. The power might be in worse hands; but the point is, it is not yet in the right hands. The only one capable of administering any power in absolute justice is he whom God has set as a ruler over all nations—the Messiah, with superhuman wisdom and power.
AN ENGLISH VOICE ON BRITISH POLICIES
The British Empire is undoubtedly in the process of crumbling. Regarding some of her troubles it is better to let an English voice speak. The Glasgow Herald, in reporting the sessions of the Conference of the Student Christian Movement, gives a digest of the remarks of one of the speakers as follows:
“The most striking fallacy into which we have fallen is our extraordinary materialism. The savage egotism which characterizes the western nations is born of our materialistic view of life. After all, is there not something tragic as well as something comic when, after a great war fought presumably for high ideals, it is said in the British Parliament that we cannot defend Armenia, because, after all, even the British Empire cannot police the whole world, but we must keep up a terribly expensive military establishment in Mesopotamia, because you can always afford to police the world—where there's oil. There are oil-wells In Mesopotamia; there is nothing in Armenia but Armenians. It makes me wonder how far Christendom is tit for a world task when it puts such things as material wealth so far above human life. Our childish western egotism, born of our materialism, makes eastern nations smile a little when we allude to ‘backward races’. With what face will the British people set about a world task which implies respect for others and a recognition that they have something to teach, when we have such running sores as Ireland and India? Some of the most generous of British people who most desire to see an end of the horror that is now in Ireland are willing to offer to Ireland anything that the people of that country demand, with only one proviso. What is that? That it shall be compatible with the safety of the British Empire. Here is a little nation, four millions all told, very poor from a military point of view, with no army, no navy, compared to ourselves, and we offer to that tormented country everything that is compatible with the safety of the British
Empire I To my mind what we have to do when we deal with another country, politically or commercially or in any other way, is to consider what is best for that country and not solely nor even primarily what is safe for ourselves.”
This, we believe, is a fair expression of the noblest and best of the British people. But since those words were uttered serious issues have come to light as touching the British Empire. The British have been driven out of Persia bag and baggage; the Persians have declared for a soviet form of government. These are great events. They threaten the fall of that enormous edifice of dominion which English policy has been creating and augmenting for more than three hundred years. The keystone of that great arch of political and financial dominion which England has built across the world is India. The British hoped to hold, Persia as a buffer state with which to help keep back the soviet forces and ideas from easy access to India. Nothing stands in the way now north or west but Afganistan; and that country, always notoriously warlike and independable, is believed to have a secret understanding with Moscow. Whether the British with their broom of dyarchy in India will be able to sweep back the Russo-Persian ocean is a matter which a few more months and warmer days will show.
Egypt is seething with revolt. That land did not get what it expected and what was promised it out of the war. It is not beyond reason to expect that within a few months or years the ancient highway of gentile armies will again be trodden—with Egypt coming up to join forces with the north, or the northern forces tramping down through the Promised Land to the old arena of warfare.
THE DIVINE ARRANGEMENT
“Yea, all of you he subject one to another, and be clothed with humility-, for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time."—1 Peter 5:5, 6.
IT MUST be apparent to all of God’s children that their approval depends upon an honest and faithful endeavor to do the will of God. Having been accepted as part of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus’ body, all such have laid aside earthly hopes and prospects; hence all prospects for the future must be heavenly. Therefore we must assume that it is the desire of every new creature in Christ Jesus to make constant progress in the development of the likeness of the Lord, looking forward to that day when the great Judge shall say: ‘You have proved your loyalty and you have done well, good and faithful servant; come up higher’. That we may ultimately have this approval we desire and diligently seek to know what is the divine arrangement or will and we earnestly strive to conform ourselves thereto.
St. Peter’s epistles seem to have special reference to the end of the age; hence we who stand at the close thereof may with propriety apply his words especially to ourselves. Paraphrasing the opening sentence of his first epistle, we read: ‘The blessed God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to his abundant mercies has begotten us to a hope of life by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The inheritance to which we are begotten is incorruptible, undefiled, will never fade away, and is reserved in heaven for those who are kept by God’s power through faith unto salvation, which shall be revealed in the last time; and because of this blessed hope we greatly rejoice now, even though for a season we are amidst many temptations. Our faith is on trial; and successfully standing the trial, it will be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.’
IN HIS STEPS
He then shows that the Christian following in Jesus’ footsteps must suffer, because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow in his steps. He contrasts the willing obedience of Christ, which led to his exaltation, with the perverse and wicked spirit of the devil, who seeks not only to oppose God, but to defile all those who are striving to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. He invites the church to apply each to himself the fixed principles or rules governing the new creation; and then he admonishes all such to be subject one to another and to humble themselves under God’s mighty hand, in order that exaltation might ultimately result.
Seeing, then, that we have come to the end of the gospel dispensation and that the time for the exaltation of the church is at hand, and that there are probably only a few remaining months or years at best, before the last one is glorified, we do well to take a view of the divine arrangement and diligently to put forth honest endeavors to comply with it, to the end that we may quickly grow up into the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus, that the Lord Jehovah may be pleased to exalt us to the position to which he has called us.
Humility does not mean merely to think soberly of oneself and not to think more highly than one ought to think. It means more. In the true and broader sense it carries the thought of a willing and joyful submission to the divine arrangement. Selfish ambition for power, position, honor or dominion, has always been abominable in the sight of God. Haughtiness and selfpride are likewise displeasing to him. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) The Apostle Peter in our first text plainly says that God resists the proud, pushes them away from him; while on the contrary he shows his favor to those who are joyfully submissive to his great arrangement and honors them, even more highly than they might think or expect. These principles are so clearly contrasted in the divine arrangement that they cannot be overstated. Hence we again refer to them.
EDEN BLISS LOST
Eden was a happy place. Its environment was perfect. It contained everything conducive to the happiness and well-being of the man and the woman who had been placed there. There must have been great rejoicing in heaven among the holy angels when it was first learned that these perfect beings were to produce a race and people the earth and have dominion over it, all to the glory of God. Among that heavenly host was a bright star, whose beauty is magnified by the prophet. Possessed with pride and ambition, he determined that he would have a dominion of his own; meditating a usurpation of God’s authority, he declared: “I will be like the most High”. This selfish ambition led to his downfall; and instead of Lucifer, a bright, glorious creature, he became Satan, that old serpent, the devil. His lasting degradation has been decreed and ultimate destruction will be his portion. Never has there been such audacity displayed by any creature. Having some knowledge of God’s wonderful arrangement, he set about to build up an empire of his own along the same lines. He seduced mother Eve, causing her to lead her husband into a willful sin, resulting in the loss to him and all his progeny of the great privileges of life, dominion and happiness, and the blessing of fellowship with God.
From Eden until the flood Jehovah had placed the supervision of earth’s affairs in some manner under angels. Not content with what he had already done, Satan seduced these of the heavenly host and caused them to debauch mankind and to fill the earth with violence. He organized a system invisible to human eyes, as well as a system on earth that is visible to human eyes, and has sought to counterfeit every part of the revealed plan of God. All the crimes, all the murders, the tears of bitterness, suffering, sickness, sorrow and death, are traceable to him. Yet on he goes in his wicked course, exhibiting a total!v depraved character.
CONSIDERS NOT USURPATION
Standing upon the other side of the stage of action is the beginning of God’s creation, the Logos, who in the exercise of his proper functions and under the direction of Jehovah created Lucifer. He beheld the wrongful course Lucifer took, marked the devastation that followed in his pathway. And after long centuries of waiting, the time came for the beginning of action to upset Satan’s wrongful work, to redeem man and restore him to his position with God. No one in all the universe was able to undertake this except him whom we know as the Lord Jesus. The divine purposes could not be carried out except by his becoming a man. In obedience to the divine will we see him divesting himself of heavenly glory and power. He takes upon himself the nature and form of man. He does not meditate a usurpation to be made like God, because he desires to be wholly submissive to his Father’s will. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8) In other words, he submitted himself to the will of God in order that the divine purposes might be accomplished.
The character of this Mighty One was made manifest in his utterance: “I delight to do thy will, 0 my God; thy law is written in my heart”. Because of his willing and joyful submission to the divine arrangement, God has highly exalted him and has given him a name which is above every name, that in due course at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, both of things in heaven and things in earth, and every tongue confess that he is the Christ, to the glory of Jehovah.
The great lesson that stands out prominently by this contrast in the divine Word is this: A deliberate disregard of the divine arrangement, a willing departure therefrom, whether induced by pride or ambition or wicked selfishness, leads to degradation and destruction; but a joyful submission to the divine will, a delight in observing the divine order, leads to exaltation and glory. The context shows that St. Peter had this thought in mind when he wrote the words of the text : ‘■'Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”.
JUDGMENT AT THE HOUSE OF GOD
In this same epistle the Apostle tells us that the time has come when judgment must begin at the house of God. In the same connection he says that “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”. Order is heaven’s first law. The new creation, therefore, should be orderly. If Satan, the devil, can cause disorder among the people of God, can cause them to quarrel and fight among themselves, or to manifest and develop a selfish disposition that would lead to the destruction of love for the brethren, he would thereby succeed in devouring them. It behooves each of us, therefore, to ascertain carefully what is the divine order concerning us and then to endeavor earnestly to conform to this order.
St. Paul had the mind of the Lord, and he wrote: “Let all things be done decently and in order”. He prefaced those words with an apt illustration. He likens the church to the human body, Jesus the Head and the members constituting the body, each portion of which must perform its separate function and give proper consideration to the other, but not attempt to usurp the function of another. The hand cannot perform the office of the foot, nor vice versa. If the hand should insist on doing the walking, the man would find himself walking “on his head”. The illustration clearly shows that each one in the body of Christ has a specific place and a specific duty to perform.
Proceeding with the illustration, St. Paul says: “God hath set the members in the body as it hath pleased him”. (1 Corinthians 12:18) This being true, we must conclude that Jehovah knows the work or place each one is best fitted to do or to fill. It necessarily must follow, then, that if one member of the body, induced by pride, ambition, personal selfishness, ot a disregard for the divine arrangement, should attempt to perform' the duties in the church that are not assigned to him, he would be out of order, disorderly, acting contrary to the divine arrangement; hence trouble must result, and if persisted in, disaster would mark the final conclusion. To the end that we might get the proper focus upon God’s arrangement, let us speak with plainness of phrase concerning his arrangement as it now appears.
THE PRINCIPLE OF HEADSHIP
Jesus is the Head over the church, which is the body. The Lord Jesus is present and has been throughout the harvest, directing the work of gathering the saints of God who have made a covenant by sacrifice with Jehovah. At different periods or epochs of the church’s development the Lord has had messengers, viz., one particular person through whom he acted in particular. Then it would be proper to say that such an one was set in the body this side the vail for that purpose; for we must conclude from the words of the Apostle that the setting of the members in the body by Jehovah as it pleaseth him applies to this side of the vail as well as to the other side. The Lord himself stated that he would come again to gather unto himself his saints, and then added: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in clue season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” (Matthew 24:4547) Clearly, then, the Lord foretold an office that would be filled by a man. We believe that almost all, if not quite all, the readers of The Watch Tower will agree that the man whom the Lord chose to fill that office was that modest, humble, and faithful servant, Brother Russell. If we agree to this, then we should likewise unanimously reach the conclusion that the Lord directed and overruled the work performed by Brother Russell.
In 1884 Brother Russell organized the Watch Tower Bible &' Tract Society for the purpose of serving as a vehicle, instrument, or channel, by and through which the truth should be transmitted to the church of God throughout the land. In 1909 he published a statement in The Watch Tower that after his death the Society so organized by him would constitute his successor. By that we understand that the Society was organized to conduct the work, and that corporate body, inanimate of itself, but conducted by chosen officers, selected and chosen in the manner provided, would continue the work that Brother Russell began as long as the Lord saw fit to have it done thus.
If this much is agreed to as being in harmony with the divine arrangement, then we must conclude that the responsibility would devolve first upon the church as a whole to select the officers; and thereafter the responsibility would devolve upon such officers to seek the Lord’s way to carry on the work and to perform their functions to the best of their ability, trusting in the Lord for guidance and overruling.
SOCIETY, ECCLESIAS, ELDERS, DEACONS
The church on this side the vail is made up of various ecclesias or classes scattered throughout the earth. Each ecclesia or class is a body in itself, representing the Lord; and it has control over the affairs of that particular body. In accordance with the Scriptures, that ecclesia elects its elders, its deacons, and other servants of the church, each one having his respective office to perform.
We believe that all will agree that such is the divine arrangement; and if so, then what could the meaning of the words of the text be: “Yea, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility?” Would it not mean that each one would perform the duties of his respective place in the body and not burden himself, or assume responsibility, attempt to dictate to, or perform the duties that devolve upon some one else— like the various parts in a machine, each one to perform his or her respective function? In no other manner would it seem reasonable that all could be subject one to another; but it does seem reasonable that each one should have consideration and proper respect for the duty or office performed by another. No criticism is intended by what is here said. The sole and only desire is to enable each one of us to see our respective places and work together to the best advantage to the Lord’s glory. The proper relationship, then, between the respective places should be understood.
Upon the official part of the Society there devolve certain obligations; among others, for instance, to determine the kind of literature to be printed, when it is to be sent out, and when it is to be distributed, etc. It is not at all a question as to whether such always exercise the best possible judgment. It might be that some one else in that same position could perform the functions better; but if we believe that the Lord is directing the work and that he has placed the members in the body as it pleaseth him, then when the responsibility rests upon these to perform the functions named, their responsibility is to the Lord, and there we should leave it.
The literature when printed is sent to the classes for distribution. No one is compelled to engage in the distribution of the literature, and if any individual feels that he cannot conscientiously distribute it he ought not to do so. But it does not devolve upon the class as a whole, by resolution or otherwise, to determine that the class, collectively or individually, will not engage in the distribution of such literature. It would be just as wrong for a class by vote to determine that its members should not distribute the literature as it would be wrong for the officials of the Society to demand that any class should distribute the literature. All service to the Lord that is pleasing must be a voluntary and willing service. The Lord does not coerce any one; neither should any of us attempt to coerce another.
The elders hold an important position in the church. Would it devolve upon that body of servants of the church to meet and consider the advisability of permitting the class to distribute literature sent out by the Society? Would it be advisable for the elders or any officer to withhold from the class any communication addressed to the class by any officials of the Society? Our thought is that it would be very wrong and very much contrary to the divine order for the elders to assume any such duties. They are the servants of the church. Any communication received from officials who had been placed in the Society, and which communication is directed to the ecclesia, should be communicated to the ecclesia; and it alone should determine concerning the same. Any literature received for distribution or sale should be placed before the ecclesia, and each individual be given the opportunity to engage in the work or not, as he may see fit. In no other way could there be that liberty which is in Christ Jesus and which is according to the divine order.
AN ILLUSTRATION
As an illustration: A short time ago a communication came from an elder of a class to this effect: “We are sending for forty copies of The Golden Age and a like number of the ‘Millions’ booklets that we may carefully study and prayerfully consider them, to determine whether it will be in harmony with the Lord’s will and in harmony with the work of the Society for us to permit these to be distributed here”. We think that such a communication shows the lack of a proper understanding and appreciation of the divine order in the church. Doubtless the brother who wrote the letter was moved by the best intentions; but we mention it merely to illustrate the point.
Some of the dear friends thought the distribution of the special number of The Golden Age was entirely out of order and unnecessary. Each one is entitled to his or her opinion; but no one could properly say to another: ‘You shall not engage in the distribution’; or, ‘This class shall not engage in it’. The whole matter should be left to the determination of each individual.
Gideon called for volunteers to engage in the task of routing the Midianites. After the various tests had been applied, the number was reduced to only three hundred; and this little company was set aside to attack more than two-hundred thousand armed men. Gideon came to them and presented to each one an empty pitcher with a lighted lamp to put into that pitcher and a ram’s horn or trumpet to carry in his hand. These were the only instruments specially provided for this little handful of men who were to engage in the conflict. Probably some standing by, or even some of the three hundred, might have thought: ‘How foolish the man Gideon! What does he expect us to do with a ram’s horn, a pitcher and a lamp? He ought to have more sense.’ On the other hand, the wise would say: ‘Gideon has been placed in command; his responsibility is to God. I have faith that God is directing. If Gideon makes a mistake, I am not responsible. My duty is to do what I am asked to do.’
The Pilgrims occupy an important position in the Lord’s arrangement. Their routes or appointments are made from the Society’s office. Suppose a Pilgrim should conclude that his route led in an unnecessary direction and that he would not go that way, but would take a different course. Would that be proper? Manifestly it would be improper; for the presumption is that at headquarters, from which the work is directed, a wider vision of the field is had and it is better understood there why certain work is to be done in a given section. If a mistake is made in the directing, then the responsibility is upon one who makes the mistake.
As an illustration: Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo because one of his generals undertook to carry out an order in his own way instead of strictly obeying orders. Not having the wider scope of the entire field, as did Napoleon, the following of his own course by this general resulted in disaster to the French army.
RECOGNITION OF RESPONSIBILITY
The question never is, Who is the wisest? It may be that some one who fills the position of a deacon in a class is much wiser than one who is placed in a more responsible position, directing the work of the Society. The whole question is, Upon whom does the obligation devolve to do the work? And in order to be submissive one to another each one must do what his duties require him to do and not assume to do more than that; for in thus doing he might upset all the arrangement.
The respective offices of elder and deacon seem to be overlooked by many ecclesias. Frequently the elders and the deacons meet together as one body and jointly exercise the functions of discussing and voting upon matters pertaining to the church. The divine arrangement is clearly laid down by the Scriptures, showing that the elders perform one function (Acts 20:28), whereas the deacons are to fill and perform entirely different duties in the church. (Acts 6:2-5) If a deacon would exercise the same function as an elder, then he should be elected as an elder and not as a deacon. While it is proper for elders and deacons to meet together, it would be manifestly improper for deacons to vote upon questions to be determined by the elders. The meeting of the deacons with the elders would be more for the benefit of the deacons, that they might get some knowledge by observation • as to looking after the affairs of the church. Wherever the divine order is ignored, trouble results sooner or later; for the deacons attempt to assume the office that should be filled by the elder.
ELDER HELPS AND HINDRANCES
Elders and deacons both occupy important positions in the church. Particularly is this true with reference to the elders. They are special targets of the adversary, and the adversary seeks opportunities to have them slandered and accused of wrong; and for this reason the Apostle admonished against readiness to receive an accusation against an elder. (1 Timothy 5: 19) The members of the class should in love sustain their elder brethren; and instead of indulging in acrimonious speech or violent criticism, they should be willing to cover the defects of such with the mantle of love and to help them. On the other hand, the Apostle Peter plainly admonishes the elders, saying, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre [nor honor, nor fame], but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock”.—1 Peter 5:2, 3.
Sometimes a sister in a class assumes to teach, and when she is admonished by the elder not so to do she becomes disorderly; in fact, she was disorderly in attempting to teach when the elders were present. Again, an elder may go beyond his duties in severely reprimanding other members of the class or in arbitrarily performing the duties of the office of chairman by making a motion himself and then speaking upon the motion and thereby influencing the vote of others. As chairman he should never make a motion, and certainly not discuss it while he is in the chair; but if he desires to discuss the motion, he should call some one else to the chair.
St. Paul says: “I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence”. (1 Timothy 2:12) Suppose a sister should disregard this plain admonition of the Apostle and occupy ten, twenty, or even thirty minutes, at a testimony meeting in order to deliver a sermonette or to relate her supposed connection with a certain part of the work, justifying her course upon the ground that the meeting is a testimony meeting and that she is merely giving a testimony. Our thought is that such a course would be entirely out of order, would be disorderly, and could result in no good. This does not mean that the sister is not brilliant and qualified. Clearly the purpose of the Apostle was that the figure of the mystery should be observed; that the woman has her place and should occupy it; and any attempt to go beyond that is contrary to the divine arrangement. Besides this, a testimony meeting is for the purpose of giving all present an opportunity to express themselves; and any one who would occupy twenty minutes, or even ten minutes, in giving a supposed testimony, would surely be not moved by the spirit of unselfish love.
It is often true in a class that some brother or sister feels duty bound to criticize the leaders of the class or the elders severely. Frequently trouble arises among the classes, which leads to a division; but we believe that in nearly every instance, upon a careful examination of the facts, it is found to result from some one in the body attempting to do a thing which is not his or her duty to do. It is a failure on the part of some to observe the Apostle’s admonition when he wrote: “Study to be quiet and to do your own business”. (1 Thessalonians 4:11) And again: “But let none of you suffer ... as a busybody in other men’s matters”. —1 Peter 4:15.
THE BURDEN-BEARER
One may feel burdened with the fact that another brother or sister in the body is not performing his or her duties as he or she should. But to such the Apostle says: “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you”. If it is found necessary to call attention of a brother to his seemingly improper course, the Apostle plainly points out how this should be done: “If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted”. (Galatians 6:1) After pointing out the respective place that each one fills in the body; the Apostle then dwells upon the fact that love must be the motive prompting all actions. (1 Corinthians 13 and 14) The love so defined is an unselfish love; one that suffers long and is kind; does not envy; does not vaunt itself, or is not puffed up; does not behave unseemly; is not easily provoked, and does not think evil; does not rejoice in injustice, but rejoices always in the truth. If by love we serve one another, if in-honor we prefer one another, if we are submissive one to another and each one joyfully strives to do his or her duty, a great deal of trouble and many trying experiences would be obviated, and the Lord better pleased with all of us.
Seldom does there arise in any class a difference that is a just cause for a separation. Of course there are times when there are just causes; to wit, where one side insists on teaching erroneous doctrines, for instance, or renders the condition of others intolerable by oppression. But in nearly every instance if each one would examine himself or herself and put all selfishness aside, be willing to perform his or her own duties and would not trespass upon the obligation of another, but let love control the action in every instance, there would seldom, if ever, be a division in a class.
PRESENT TESTS OF FAITH
The adversary is making a great deal of trouble now. It behooves us all, dear brethren, to heed the Apostle’s admonition to be sober, vigilant, and watchful of ourselves, and to resist the devil steadfastly in the faith; and while so doing, let us remember that the same afflictions that are now afflicting the world come upon our brethren. In the world there is a disposition to anarchy; and Satan would strive to inject the same into the church. Let each one steadfastly resist this by holding fast to the faith once delivered to the saints. Proper love for each other will cause each one to look out for the welfare of his brother. The chief obligation devolving upon each one, however, is to watch himself, having always in mind that exaltation depends upon a faithful performance of his covenant; and, having before his mind the perfect pattern, Christ Jesus, to strive to conform himself thereto. It is expected that the church will direct the world during the time of reconstruction. No one could be properly qualified to direct a work until he first learns to receive and obey instructions. We could mot hope for divine exaltation unless we are diligently striving to conform to the divine order.
All these trying experiences that are now upon the church, however, are intended for a good purpose. They are tests for the purpose of demonstrating the loyalty of the people of God. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation [severe tests]: for when he is tried [and successfully withstands the tests, proving himself], he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12) Instead of becoming impatient, fretful and dissatisfied because of the fiery tests that are upon the church, let each one consider: Nothing can befall me except by my Father’s permission, and since he has permitted this experience to come to me it must be for the purpose of my testing; and knowing that it is his will that I should endure patiently, I will be gladly submissive to his holy will.
Maintaining that attitude to the end of the racecourse, we may confidently look forward to the time when the Lord, in the exercise of his loving-kindness, will exalt us to positions of joint-heirship with his beloved Son.
ANNUAL REQUESTS
In order to facilitate the annual revision of our lists containing requests for Pilgrim visits, The Watch Tower urges those classes desiring a resumption of the periodical visits by the Society’s lecturers to answer at once the questions appended to this notice. Postcards should be used in making applications. The questions need not be repeated, but the answers should be given consecutively after a, b. c. etc. Please write plainly; use a typewriter, if possible. We wish to emphasize the necessity of advising us promptly of any changes in the information submitted. Failure to do so is frequently the cause of considerable expense to the Society, loss of time for the Pilgrim brethren, and disappointment for the class.
It is quite probable that there is not a class of the International Bible Students Association in the United States that was not on our list of requests- for Pilgrim visits during the past year, and we presume that all will decide, in harmony with the reasonable requirements herein set forth, to renew their requests for the ensuing year.
Now that the World War is over, there is developing an increasing number of requests for public meetings. This is due. no doubt, to the fact that the public mind is quickened by the perilous times that have come and desires to learn what the Scriptures have to say respecting the outcome of present world-wide troubles. Because a Sunday date is not given, it should not be thought useless to attempt a public meeting. Some of the most successful public meetings are held on week nights.
These lecturers are in a special sense the representatives of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, as it represents the Lord. They thus represent the kingdom now close at hand, and are prepared to serve at two meetings
FOR PILGRIM VISITS
each day—preferably afternoon and evening, the morning frequently being devoted to travel and study.
In the matter of entertainment of these Pilgrim brethren, nothing luxurious is expected—merely wholesome food and a comfortable room with a clean bed. The Society pays their expenses and thus they represent its interests only. The Society uses great care in the selection of these brethren, to the intent that their presentations of the truth may be clear and helpful to the pure, the sincere in heart— upbuilding in the most holy faith.
As the kingdom draws nigh there is no wonder that the requests for Pilgrim visits increase in number. Who can tell how much longer will tarry the time “called day” before the night fully settles down, during which the Pilgrim visits will necessarily cease I Following are the questions which need immediate answers for guidance in fulfilling our part:
(a) State number of Bible Students in your class who accept the complete series of Studies in the. Scriptures.
(b) Are weekly meetings held?
(<•) Where do you now meet on Sunday? (Give full street address and name of auditorium, hall, or home; notify us of changes}
(d) At what hours are the Sunday meetings held?
(e) Was a vote taken on the Pilgrim invitation?
(f) If a Sunday appointment is made, will a thoroughly advertised public meeting be arranged? '
(g) Have the members of your class chosen leaders in accordance with Volume VI. chapters 5 and 6?
(h) Give name and address of one member of class (other than Secretary) whom we may notify in re Pilgrim visits.
(I) Give the name of proper railroad station at which to stop, (j) How many miles from station is meeting place?
(k) If a distance from railroad station does some member of class have a conveyance to transport the Pilgrim?
(1) Give full name and address of Class Secretary (always notify us of changes)
TRUE NEIGHBORLINESS
--May 29 — Luke 10: 25 - 27 --
AN INSINCERE QUESTION — JESUS’ ANSWEB TO IT--THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN AND ITS LESSONS.
"Love ivork.eth no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.”—Romans 13:10.
MAKING the Neighborhood Christian is the topic of this week’s lesson as suggested by the International Sunday School Lesson Committee, but it is not always possible to follow out their Implied line of thought, for the reason that it does not always appear to us to be Scriptural. There may be a few Christian neighborhoods; it is our effort to have one at Bethel. But the neighborhoods in which even a majority of the residents are Christian in any true sense of that word are surely very few and far between. And as for making a neighborhood Christian, no Christian can do that and none is authorized to try. It is for each follower of Christ to let his light shine, to bear witness to the Lord’s good character and plan to everyone who has an ear to hear. But the Bible instructs us to expect that not many will now hear the gracious message.
To be a Christian means to be a follower of Christ Jesus. The world will never follow him in the ways of sacrifice, though they will come to follow him in the ways of righteousness. No community, therefore, even in the days of the world’s full restitution will ever be fully Christian. But, apart from the phraseology, the basic thought of the lesson, that of true neighbor love, is one which must become the groundwork of every character, on whatever plane of existence that character finds residence.
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