The Watchtower, October 1, 1923
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A Prophecy Now Being Fulfilled.
Interesting Letters .....................
No. 19
.302
.303
C-'on the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking to •_ t\ cn-mn'r-mon the earth (society); for the powersof the heavens (ecclesiasticsm) shall beshaken. . . When ye see these things begin to come to pass, then Iuj * t t ic 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 21:25-3L
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Vol. XLIV
Semi-Monthly
Anno Mundi 6052 — October 1, 1923
CONTENTS
Notice of Annual Meeting.............
Virgins Fair .....................................
Definitions and Symbols................
Wluit Distinguishes the Virgins?. “The Bridegroom Tarried ’...._______
Separation of the Virgins Begun. Relationship of the Parables.........
Prayer-Meeting Text Comments ...
I Know (Poem)...................................
New York Convention....................
World’s Temperance Lesson.........
.....290
.....291
.....292
.....293
.....294
.....295
—.297
.....29S
.....29S
... 299
... .300
Some Missionary Teachings of hie Psxlms 301
■r' ROCKOFAGES
Other foundation can"’
Ij 'gf'- no man lay
I ' A.RANSOM Fob - ALL’^i
“I will stand upon my watch and will set my foot upon the Tower, and uill watch to see what He will say unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me.”—Hahakkuk 2:1.
©WT.B.6T.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 befn? 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 ail 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 ail”. (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 4<make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . .1) s been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ag m 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 fullp t subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord 1 hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confideu* ; 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 h s 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 ous 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, wbe.i 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 2<s : 14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses; and when tb? last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all togeHu r 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 crery 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 mav be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be ‘ partaker 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 everv 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 2 I: 14 ; Revelation 1: 6 ; 20 : 6.
That the hope for the world lies in tl>e 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 glontied church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3 :19-23 ; Isaiah 35.
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Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns. The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford, W, E. Van Amburgh, J. Hemery, G. H. Fisher, R. H. Barber. Terms to the Lord’s Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of old age or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, will be supplied free if they send a postal card each May stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Berean studies.______________________
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ANNUAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, as provided by hiw and the charter of said Society, will be held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 10 o'clock a. in., Wednesday, October 31, 1923, to transact any business that may properly come before the said convention, including the election of officers. Form of proxy is furnished with the September 15th issue of The Watch Tower for all shareholders. Further copies may be had by addressing the Secretary.
(Signed) W. E. Van Ambvbgh, Secretary.
September 15, 1923.
RAILROAD RATES TO PITTSBURGH CONVENTION
Special railroad rates have lieen granted by various lines to the Pittsburgh Convention to be held November 1 to 4, inclusive. For full information address C. H. Stewart, Secretary, 317 Grace Street, Mt. Washington, Sta., Pittsburgh, Pa.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXTS FOR NOVEMBER
November 7 : Purify “your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit."—1 Peter 1 : 22.
November 14: “The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.”—1 Peter 3:4.
November 21: “Hereby know ye the spirit of God.”—1 John 4:2. November 28: “God . . . hath blessed ns with all spiritual blessings.”—Ilj hesians 1 . 3.
I.B.S.A.. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
By Means of “The At-one-ment”
Chapter I: The Fact and the Philosophy
Week of Nov. 4..........Q. 29-35 Week of Nov. 18..........Q. 43 19
Week of Nov. 11.........Q. 36-42 Week of Nov. 25.........Q. 50-56
Question books on “The At-one-ment," 10c postpaid ___
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FOR
NOVEMBER
Sunday
11 182 18 333 25 301
Monday
12 193 19 287 26 70
Tuesday
13 121 30 146 27 6!)
Wednesday
14 95 21 100 2 8 68
Thursday 1
Vow S
2 18
15 315 22 187 2 9 241
Friday 2
228 9
16 259 23 317 30 12
Saturday 3
168 10
17 294 24 273
VIRGINS FAIR
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which to >k their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.’’—Matthew
GRACIOUS words fell from the lips of Jon*, the beloxed of God, when he spoke concerning his return for his bride. In pictorial language he had described his bride as “the fairest among women,” and did so because of his love for her. His Father had ordained before the foundation of the world that he should have a bride; she to be called, chosen, polished, prepared and made into his likeness and all glorious in his palace when the union is fully consummated.
2It seems quite certain that one of the joys set before the Lord (Hebrews 12:2) was that he might have with him his bride, chosen by the heavenly Father. Since Jesus himself looked forward with joy to that day, then surely the bride would anticipate the day with much joy. The nucleus of the bride class was his loyal disciples, who walked with him for three and one-half years. They loved him. He loved them. He was anxious that they and all who should thereafter become his followers might be one; and thus he prayed. (John 17: 21) When he spoke the parable of the virgins he was near the hour when he was to be taken away from his disciples; and he was telling them some things'that they could understand then, and in dark sayings many more things that they would understand when they received the holy spirit. He had said to them: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: ... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14: 2, 3) Naturally his disciples were anxious to know more about the details, and their minds would be meditating upon these things.
■;The great goal to which Jesus looked forward was the kingdom. Time and again he showed how important he regarded the kingdom. His disciples had caught the spirit, and to them the kingdom became the greatest of all things to which they should look forward. They understood that the kingdom would be set up and the promise made to Abraham fulfilled; and that the beginning of this would be at the end of the world, of which (as Jesus had taught them) Satan was then the god or mighty ruler. The fact of the coming end of the world and of the return of the Lord was certain, and definitely fixed m their minds. But how would they know when that time would arrive? They determined amongst themsehes to find out. A short time before his crucifixion the record is that these disciples came to Jesus privately, saying, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the proof of thy presence, and of the end of the world?”
4In answer to these questions Jesus delivered that wonderful discourse, depicting the conditions that would obtain at the end of the world and during his presence —conditions which all the truly consecrated recognize and appreciate at this time. In connection with that great discourse he told his disciples that he would then have a faithful and wise servant, whom he would make ruler over all his goods (his kingdom interests). He then intimated that there would be an evil servant class who would smite their fellow-servants and turn back and join the world.
5 But there still remained in the minds of those faithful disciples something that they wanted to know. They had understood from Jesus that there would be a union between the great King and his faithful followers, who would with him make up the kingdom class. As Jews they must and did know the text of the Scriptures; therefore we mud indulge the presumption that they were familiar with the words of the Prophet concerning the espousal of the bride to the bridegroom.
cThe Logos (before he became Jesus) speaking through the holy Prophet had said: “I will betroth thee unto me for ever: yea. I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and m judgment, and in lovingkind-ness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord [Jehovah].” (Hosea 2:19.20) That betrothal meant a future union or marriage. We must conclude that the disciples would look forward to that as a happy time. Surely they were familiar with the text of the prophet Isaiah, who wrote: “For as a young man marrieth a \irgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and a.s the bridegroom rejoieeth over the bride, so shall thy God [elo/uem, mighty one] rejoice over thee.” (Isaiah 63: 5) Even though the disciples then understood that these prophecies related to God’s chosen people after the flesh, yet when they received the holy spirit they would know that these words of the prophets apply to Israel after the spirit, the new creation.
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7The main question in the minds of the faithful disciples was this: When will that union of the bride and the Bridegroom take place? When will the faithful followers of the Lord be united together with him? (Ilas not this been the very question that has been uppermost in the minds of the consecrated during the time of the harvest, even until now?)
8Jesus knew that those questions were in the minds of his followers; and that a similar question would occupy the minds of others, particularly at the end of the age. He therefore, through his Word, drew a picture of the kingdom, comparing the kingdom of heaven at the time with virgins or pure ones, which is in exact agreement with the prophets’ utterances relating to the union of the bride and the bridegroom.
TIME
"Since the parable Jesus here uttered relates to the church going in to the marriage, time becomes of vital importance. Jesus stressed the importance of time by saying to them: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Paraphrasing his words, he would say to them: ‘You must be on the watch at all times; for you know not the day nor the hour when the Bridegroom shall receive his bride into his glory home. You must be ready and willing at all times; and if you love me, you will keep my commandments and will watch.’ The statement here of our Lord could not relate to his second presence: for he had already given the evidences by which they could determine the second presence. The question as to how they would know of his second presence had already been answered. The first question concerning his presence and the end of the world related to the times and seasons. St. Paul afterward said: “Of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.”—1 Thessalonians 5:1.
loFor more than forty years now it has been apparent that the Lord is present. The question under consideration in this parable relates to the entry of the church into the kingdom of the Lord and to the closing of the door. Who is he today who knows just when that will take place?
“To aid us in determining the time we must take into consideration the surrounding circumstances and events; namely, Jesus had just been answering the disciples’ question concerning his second presence and the end of the world. He had just mentioned the faithful and wise servant and the possible development of an evil servant, and immediately began to speak to them the parable of the virgins; thereby showing that it was intended as a part or continuation of his discourse relating to the conditions at the end of the w’orld and had its application after these other events htad transpired. He opens the parable with these words: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins,” etc. The word then means at that time—at the time when the parable is due to be fulfilled, and at the time when the evidences that the world has ended are manifest
“With no disposition or desire to criticize what has heretofore been said or written about the fulfilment of this parable, we here venture the statement that there must be a later and even a broader and more distinct fulfilment since 1914 than there was during the forty years preceding that date. The question uppermost in the minds of Christians for the past forty-five years, and particularly during the past ten years, is and has been, ‘When are we going home? When shall we enter in and be forever with the Lord?’ Has any one been able to give the true and correct answer to. this question at any time since 1874? Will any man have the temerity to say now that he knows the very Hay and hour when the last member shall pass beyond the vail, when all shall be forever with the Lord, and when the door will be closed? Surely not.
“Now let each reader take his Bible and carefully read the parable as set forth in Matthew 25: 1-13. We beliwe that all will be greatly aided in understanding this parable if we realize the importance of the words of the Master when he said: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.” The parable, of course, is written in symbolic language. It is like a picture thrown on the screen, suggesting the existence of a reality, to be known in the future. Before examining the parable in detail, let us ascertain the Scriptural meaning of the words and the symbols used.
DEFINITIONS AND SYMBOLS
“Kingdom of heaven means the royal family, members of the new creation to be associated with Jesus, the Head or King. Before the final division takes place, as contemplated in the parable, all the spirit-begotten and anointed ones this side the vail will be included in the kingdom-of-heaven class.
“Virgin means a pure, chaste woman, symbolizing the church of the firstborns. “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”—2 Corinthians 11:2.
“Ten virgins symbolize all the virgins; that is to say, all the consecrated, begotten and anointed Christians following in the footsteps of Jesus on earth, looking for the union with the Bridegroom, the King.
“Five means one-half of the ten, showing relative completeness, and showing that the division is not arbitrarily made by the Lord, but that the virgins are divided into two classes—dividing themselves; that all these were prospective members of the bride class at one time. The division does not indicate that there would be an equal number in each class. It merely shows two classes.
1,Wise. A wise person is one who knows God’s plan and applies this knowledge according to the divine rule; one who trusts in the Lord with all his heait ami loans not to his own understanding; who joyfully humbles himself under the mighty hand of God and delights in whatsoeier the Lord provides for him. He joyfully keeps the commandments of the Lord; therefore he is watchful.
19Foolish—the very opposite of wise. He does not joyfully conform himself to the expressed will of God. He leans to his own selfish understanding; while claiming to follow the Lord, yet he dot's not possess a loyal and loving spirit—contentedly and joyfully to abide by whatsoever the Lord provides for him.
20In proof of the definitions of wise and foolish as above set forth, we cite the following scriptures:
21“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean rot unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”— Proverbs 3 : 5, G.
22"The vise shall inherit glory; but shame shall be the promotion of fools.”—Proverbs 3: 35.
23“A wise soli heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”—Proverbs 13: 1.
24“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”— Proverbs 15: 2.
25“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. . . . Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.”—Proverbs 23: 15,19.
26“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”—Proverbs 28: 26.
27“So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.”—Psalm 13 : 22.
2SThe lamp is a symbol of God's Word of truth, in which is his spirit and which lightens the pathway of the child of God. It is the expressed will of God toward his new creatures.
29"For thou art my lamp, 0 Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.”—2 Samuel 22:29.
30“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”—Psalm 119 :105.
31<iThere will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.”—Psalm 132: 17.
J2“For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light: and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” -—Proverbs 6:23; 23:9; Ezekiel 1:13.
33It must be manifest from the foregoing scriptures that the Bible would be a lamp to no one’s feet except those v'ho have the spirit of the Lord. When we understand the lamp to picture the will of God as expressed toward his children, then we can see that it is his will obeyed by his children, through the operation of his spirit, that brings to them light. All the virgins had lamps.
j1Oil—a symbol of joy and gladness.
33“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”—Hebrews 3 : 6,
3C“Thou prepares! a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup [of joy] runneth over.”—Psalm 23:5.
37“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”—Psalm 45: 7.
JS”Lei the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also -hall be in their calamities.”—Psalm 141: 5.
-““Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. ... I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.”—Psalm 132 : 9, 16.
"“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”—Isaiah 12: 2, 3.
^“Thy watchmen [those who are watching—wise ones] shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing [for joy]; for they shall see eye to eye. when the Lord shall bring again Zion.”—Isaiah 52: 8.
42“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”—Isaiah 61: 3.
"Vessel: The person or being who is the new creature.—2 Corinthians 4: 7.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE VIRGINS?
4tAH persons concerned in this parable are designated as virgins, therefore pure ones, justified, begotten and anointed of the holy spirit. All of them are looking for the Bridegroom, that they may go in to the marriage and be forever with the Lord before the door is shut. This is the one thing for which they are looking. For this reason they go out to meet the Bridegroom. They all have lamps, showing that they have a knowledge of the expressed will of God concerning them, as set forth in the details of the divine plan. They all continued to walk together until the Bridegroom seemed to tarry; and then they all slept and slumbered. They all hear the midnight cry; and all of them arise and trim their lamn=—begin to examine the will of God as expressed toward them in his Word. The rial dha.c-tion, which marks the division between the two cla s, is the fact that the wise have a supply of oil while the foolish took no oil with them.
45This parable, like other parables, is a prophecy; for it foreshadows future events. Prophecy can be more clearly understood wh.n fulfilled or in course of fulfilment. This is exactly in conformity with the Lord’s promise that the light shall shine more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18) As the Lord fulfils his promise to his people we should expect to have a better understanding, provided that we are wise v ithin the meaning of the Scriptures. Let us now apply the physical facts, and see how they fit the prophetic ,-tate-ments of the parable; and if they both agree, then we may be reasonably certain that we have a proper understanding of the parable.
PHYSICAL FACTS
46The second presence of the Lord dates from 1874. From that time until 1914 was a period in which the Lord was gathering together his saints (Psalm 50: 5), causing his faithful and wise servant to go about among the people and tell them concerning the great divine plan. By this means they wore drawn together, and the harvest work progressed. That faithful and wise servant always tamed concerning consecration and preparation for the kingdom; and he always pointed to a future date from 1874 forward when the church should expect to enter in with the Lord and the door would be closed; when the marriage would be completed. The Prophet seems clearly to indicate that the “day of preparation” must be a period of time dating from the beginning of the second presence of the Lord until the end of the Gentile Times; to wit, from 1874 to 1914. Before the latter date it would have been inconsistent for the Lord to have taken possession and begun his reign.—Ezekiel 21:27; Revelation 11:17,18.
47During that period of preparation the harvest work has progressed, and the church has been looking for deliverance and union with the Bridegroom. It does not seem reasonably possible that any one could look for the union of the bride and the Bridegroom, of the going in for that purpose, until after the presence of the Lord. Therefore this expected time must date somewhere after 1874. It would follow, then, that the time for the fulfilment of the parable, in which the Lord would seem to tarry and the virgins would sleep and slumber, must be somewhere after 1874.
4SWriting on this subject, Brother Russell said: “Just how long after 1914 the last living members of the body of Christ will be glorified, we arc not directly informed; but it certainly will not be until their work in the flesh is done; nor can we reasonably presume that they will long remain after that work is accomplished.”—C228.
4:T)urmg the year 1914 there was a tremendous effort put forth bv the Bible Studmts throughout the world to com hide the work of harvest before the end and before the door would be shut.
“THE BRIDEGROOM TARRIED”
°°Bible Students generally believed that 1914 would mark the end of all ellorts of the church this side the vail: and that their change would take nlace then. Some were so thoroughly convinced of this that they prepared to leave everything on the last of September and go in with the Lord. Some delivered discourses, saying. ‘This is the last time that I shall speak to the friends. We are going home tomorrow.
51But the fall of 1914 came and passed; and many of the saints still this side in th-1 flesh were wondering when their change would take place. Since, then they have been looking forward and asking, When may we expect to go?
52In The Watch Tower for November 1, 1911, Brother Russell said: “But we cannot be far from cur change; and we advise that all of the Lord’s people live day by day just as though ibis was the last day on this side of the vail, and that tonight or tomorrow would usher us into the glorious things beyond the vail. Living in this way will surely be at least a good experience for us, bringing blessing and ripening character. What a blessed way to live!—every day in anticipation of seeing our Redeemer and sharing in his wonderful work! The things connected with this pre. ent time seem less and less important to us, on account of which our names are cast out as evil by those who are living for all they can get out of the present life.”— Watch Tower Reprints, p. 5509, par. 8.
53The very language here indicates the thought in the mind of Brother Russell—that the last day might be expected momentarily. It is like one waiting for a belated train, expecting it to come at any time; and it seems to tarry.
54It seems quite clear from the parable that 1914 and the beginning of 1915 marks that time of which v.e read: “The bridegroom tarried.” Of course he has net tarried; but the Lord foreknew, and was foretelling that the church would expect to go home before the time arrived.
55In 1916 Brother Russell experienced his change, and the church was in perplexity. In 1917 severe trials of the church began; and about October, 1917, there was a great fiery trial amongst the people of the Lord. That marked, of course, the beginning of 1918—ti e time when our Lord was due to come, and when he di 1 come, to his temple to judge his people. (Psalm 11 : 1, 5; 1 Peter 4:17) The “Finished Mystery” campaign was now on. The trials of the Lord’s people contimud to increase in severity; and it was apparent that a time of darkness, night time, was rapidly approaching. As we advanced into 1918, the darkness surrounding the
WATCH TOWER
church increased, marked by great persecutions. We refer to The Watch Tower of May 1, 1918, which gives an account of many of the brethren being incar-< rated in prison because of their faithfulness in selling “ i’he Finished Mystery.” On page 133 of that issue will be found quotations from a number of letters written by brethren from various prisons where they were re-s.rained of their liberty because of their witness to the truth. It was indeed a dark time.
5GThen, later in the year, followed the imprisonment of the servants of the Society at headquarters; and later, in the same year, the work of the Bible Students was practically stopped, the Bethel Home disrupted, the office moved away, and the relationship between the home office at Brooklyn and the foreign branch offices severed. Upon every hand the faithful were ask-i ig one another: When will the Lord take us home? Ji was a time of enforced idleness. While the duly constituted members of the Editorial Committee (with one exception) were lingering behind prison bars, other dear brethren, acting as their substitutes, in faithfully Lying to do what could be done, expressed through the columns of The Watch Tower the real views of the < hurch concerning the conditions then existing: “The v 'paralleled conditions in the world during the pad y ar have greatly curtailed our work, especially for the ] ■inlic; and we suggest that possibly this may be the f inlment of our Lord’s words in John 9:4: ‘The i. ght cometh when no man can work’; and that this text may have no reference to the work of comforting and encouraging one another, a work which is still issiblc for all to do.”—Watch Tower Reprints, p.
6 >67, par 6.
57In discussing the final deliverance of the church, v hich is doubtless the thing contemplated in the parable of the virgins, Brother Russell (C231) advances the thought that the faithful ones of the Lord will be persistent in declaring the truth to the very last, will suffer violence and pass into glory; and that this will take place when Christendom sees it is necessary to use her power to suppress the truth. Of course we do not know exactly what is ahead; but the only proper attitude of a Christian is to be zealous and faithful whenever there are opportunities to represent his Lord.
“THEY SLEPT”
58The text reads: “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” By that we would understand that some slumbered and some slept. They were all doing one or the other. There must be some difference ; for two words are here used, translated from two different Greek roots. Dr. Strong defines them thus:
MSlept: To lie down to rest.
eoSlumber: To fall asleep; to nod.
61This indicates that some would lie down to take their rest and do this deliberately, believing that everything was over—nothing more to do; while others, weary and tired, would nod, and involuntarily fall asleep for a moment. Surely they were not all sleeping soundly. The church members had been driven to this condition by surrounding circumstances which the Lord had permitted to come upon them, and which the Lord foreknew; and in this condition of enforced idleness they waited. Some were wondering, between the nodding moments, Shall we go home from prison, or will the Lord yet have somehing for us to do?
MIDNIGHT
62At midnight there was a cry. Midnight does not necessarily mean the darkest part of the night, but it does mean a period between the beginning and ending of a night or dark season. It is evident that the language of the parable intends to convey the thought that not all the saints were sleeping and resting; that the fact that some were nodding showed that they were waiting for something else to be done. It was while in this condition that it was announced that a general convention of the consecrated would be held at Cedar Point, Ohio, on the first of September, 1919. The saints put forth a remarkable effort to get to that convention.
03It was just before this that the Lord’s people began to discover that the work of the church pictured by Elijah had ended in the sprimr of 1918; and that the time from 1918 forward until the latter part of 1919 represented a period of waiting, pictured by Elisha standing at the banks of the Jordan before smiting the waters. It was at the Cedar Point Convention, 1919, that the shout went forth: “Behold the King! It is time to bestir ourselves and announce the King and begin the second smiting of the Jordan.” Many will recall how on that memorable occasion, when the service work in connection with The Golden Age was announced, and the convention was asked to indicate its willingness to engage in it, the vast multitude arose as one man, with a shout of approval.
SEPARATION OF VIRGINS BEGUN
64The parable pictures all the virgins arising and trimming their lamps; that is to say, turning again to the will of God expressed concerning them, as set forth in his Word, to ascertain whether or not the Elijah work had ended and the Elisha work begun; and whether now there was something that must be done or not. During the period of enforced idleness the wise had been refreshed by their meditation upon the truths especially set forth in Volume VII; and when they began to reexamine these truths, together with other contained in God’s Word, their hearts responded with joy. Their zeal was enkindled and they eagerly went forth to the work. They were prepared at any and all times to meet the Bridegroom at his pleasure. Hence they were determined to perform joyfully such service as he gave them and until such hour as he would say: 'Enter in, and close the door.’ They have not been so much concerned about the exact moment of going into the door as they have been concerned with their efforts to please the Lord and show their love and loyalty to him by joyfully doing whatever he would have them do. They have recognized that now they must be living witnesses to the King and the kingdom, and at the same time prepare themselves to enter in and be ready to enter at any moment that he should say. They took with them their lamps; that is to say, the Word of God, which is a light unto their feet. And they took oil in their vessels; that is to say, they possessed a great deal of joy in themselves. The vessel means the organism of the new creature; the person or being who is the new creature. (2 Corinthians 4:7; Acts 9:15; 1 Thessalonians 4: 4; 2 Timothy 2:21) And since joy is represented by oil, it means that they possessed a great amount of joy in their own hearts, in themselves, as they went forth in obedience to the Lord’s will.
C5Be it noted that the parable does not say that the wise took an extra supply of oil in lamps. The parable does not say that there was oil in the lamps. We must remember that these are symbolic expressions, using natural things to illustrate spiritual things. The parable does say that they took their lamps and oil in their vessels with their lamps. The point here is th?t the oil represents joy; and the joy is not in the lamp, but the joy must be in the vessel, in themselves.
“The condition of the foolish was the very opposite of that of the wise. They had their lamps, the expressed will of God concerning them, but “they took no oil with them”; that is to say, they found no real joy now in conforming themselves to the expressed will of God.
67The wise have been those virgins who have been anxious to know the Lord’s will and glad to do it, and finding much joy in doing it, whether it overturns all their previous ideas or not. The whole thing with them has been and is, Wliat is the will of the Lord concerning me? I delight to do thy will. I take joy in doing it.
680n the other hand there has been a class, especially since Brother Russell’s death, who have said: ‘Brother Russell is that servant; and since his death there is nothing more for us to do; there is no more truth to be given to the church; and hence I will not do anything because the request comes through The Watch Tower or the Society that it should be done.’ These refuse to engage with others in proclaiming the message, “The kingdom of heaven is here; millions now living will never die.” They say: ‘We will wait and see what happens, but do nothing now.’ When they arose to the shout that was given in 1919 they were confused; and possessing more self-will than an unselfish desire to be guided by the Lord, they neglected to examine his will concerning them with an open mind and open heart. The result has been that they have been losing their joy and their light has been going out; and thy have been losing their understanding of God’s will concerning them. They have been foolish in this, that they have applied their knowledge in a selfish way; hence they become ignorant and unlearned in respect to the Lord’s will concerning them. They have neglected the Lord’s service. They have no willing or joyful desire to engage in it. They have not been able to s. a the truth as it has been due and revealed by the Lord to his people. And since they have been unable to see it and are losing their joy, they come to the wise virgin class and say: “Give us of your oil.” But the wise answer: ‘We cannot do that; there would not be enough for us and for you. This oil of gladness that has come to us has been the result of our willing devotion to the Lord and his service. Go, then, into his sen ice, where we bought it, and buy for yourselves.’ The foolish say: ‘Let us sit down and think about the matter. Let us pray about it awhile. We do not believe that the Lord is using any particular organization or channel or arrangement to carry on his work since Brother 1’usscH's death, and we want to think about it.’ They continue slowly to think; and their light grows dimmer.
“Some of the Lord’s dear sheep who have been led in the wrong way by ambitious leaders are now going to the market to buy for themselves; and they are buying through bitter experiences. They have heretofore reiech’.l.-fhe Lord’s way of carrying on his work, joining themselves to selfish leaders, even such as the Apostle said should arise at this time. (Acts 20:30) Thy have found no joy while following these self-constituted leaders and arrangements, because they are doing nothing to the Lord’s glory. To many of these it is a bitt r pill to acknowledge that they have been wrong, and rather difficult to reverse their steps. Yet, thanks be to God, some are doing this.
70While these foolish ones are going through bitter experiences the Bridegroom is majestically marching on, and the happy throng of wise virgins is hurrving to him and joyfully shouting. “Behold the King! The kingdom of heaven is at hand!” These occupy a position of honor and glory in advertising the King and his kingdom. Hence to them are fulfilled the precious promises of the Lord given m the Psalm: “Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; to execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints [the wise virgin class]. Praise ye the Lord.”—Psalm 149: 5-9.
71Later, according to the parable, the foolish virgins see their mistake. They pass through some bitter experiences before getting the oil of joy that awakens them to the fact that the kingdom has been set up; and they are shown then as going to the Lord and saying, “Lord, Lord. |T.<tc- we are.] open to us.” B.d they come late. Th- v tailed or refused at the proper time to participate joyfully in the things that the Lord had for his people to do. The Lord does not rebuff them. He does not cast them into outer darkness. The parable does not represent them as being thus puni.-hed. But the Lord says to them: “I know you not.” In other words, the Lord announces that they have not followed his will expressed toward them and have failed to participate in the marriage. This failure is evidently due to the fact that they are not willing to adjust themselves to the Lord’s plan. They were faithful to the letter of the truth more than to the spirit of it. They insisted on doing things their own way and not according to the Lord’s way. They have not the spirit of willingness to wait and to serve the Lord and obey him joyfully, but they are overburdened with self-assurance, self-importance; hence lose the joy and lose the great blessing.
RELATIONSHIP C" THE PARABLES
72It seems quite clear t there is a close, relationship between the office ct mat “faithful and wise servant,” the parable of pounds, the parable of the talents, and the. parable of the virgins. Particularly in the parable of the talents, which immediately follows that of the virgins and is a part of the same great discourse, the Ijord grants his reward to the faithful this side the vail thus: “Enter thou into the joy of thy lord." In the April 1, 1923 issue of The Watch Tower we have pointed out what constitutes the joy of the Lord into which the church is now invited to enter. Have you, then, entered into this joy of the Lord? If so, you are not worrying about the day nor the hour of going into the kingdom, but you are more concerned about doing now and doing joyfully what your hands find to do. The year 1925 is set before the church as a date; and some are marking that as a date certain when they will enter into the kingdom. And some, as in 1914, are inclined to say: ‘If it does not happen then, I will repudiate the whole thing.’ Such could not be pleasing to the Lord. The church may enter into glory before 1925. But suppose it is later. That should make no difference whatsoever with the consecrated. The wise virgins will be they who joyfully humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt them in his due time, not man’s due time.
73It is with propriety, we think, that we may ask: Why has the Lord permitted his people at this time to have a clear understanding of the parable of the pounds and of the talents, and to perceive that these represent his kingdom interests? Why would he permit us to have a clearer understanding of what constitutes the joy of the Lord in which he invites us to participate? Is not really the joy here mentioned the same as that symbolized by the oil in the parable of the virgins— that joy which results from gladly doing whatsoever our hand- find to do? Whv, then, does the Lord bring th<’-< things to our mind now?
74Is it not reasonable for us to conclude that the Lord has permitted these things to be seen by the church, that those who have been somewhat negligent or indifferent and have been permitting self to stand in the wav may now reverse their action quickly, put aside all sellishncss and self interest, redeem the time, by quickly and joyfully entering the Lord’s service, and thereby obtaining that oil wnich is so necessary to those who enter in with the Lord?
75Let each one of us, then, resolve from this day forward to look more carefully after the interests of our King and his kingdom, and in so doing, do it gladh ; and instead of fretting about the time of the deliverance of the church, to say to the Lord: ‘Gladly will I wait thine own good time; joyfully will I do here whatsoever thou wouldst have me to do, and as long as th-u wouldst have me here remain.’ Then let us all with ore accord joyfully press forward, advertising the King and his kingdom. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” ■—Nehemiah 8:10.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
In what words of affection did Jesus prophetically speak of his bride? H 1.
What was one of the joys set before our Lord by the Father? ^-2. Why were the disciples of .Jesus anxious to know of the tune of his return? f 3.
What answer did Jesus give to Cum question concerning his return? H 4.
What prophecies refer to the betrothal and marriage of the bride and the Bridegroom? H 5, G.
What was the chief question in the minds of the disciples? U 7. In answering their question, what picture did Jesus draw? 5[ 8 How did Jesus indicate the purpose of the union of the bride and the Bridegroom? j 9.
When will the last members of the church enter the kingdom and the door be closed? H 10,12,
In determining the time of the union of the bride and the Bridegroom, what must be taken into consideration-' H 11-13.
Define the following terms: Kingdom of heaven, virgin, ten virgins, five, wise, foolish, oil and vessel, used in the parable. |14-43.
What things are common to all the virgins, and what mark reallv distinguishes them? U 44.
When may prophecy be understood, and why? 45.
As related to the Lord’s answer, what particular facts transpired from 1S74 to 1914? U 4G.
Could we reasonably expect the union of the bride and the Bridegroom until after the presence of the Lord-' f 47.
Give Brother Russell’s answer relative to the approximate date of the glorification of the church, fl 48.
Since 1874 on what date or dates did Bible Students expect Ilin glorification of the church? What efforts did they put forth to finish the harvest work? U 49-51.
What opinion was expressed by the Watch Tower in 1914 concerning the change of the church? 52.
State some evidence indicating that 1914 was the time when the Bridegroom seemed to tarry. U 53, 54.
What fact shows that 1916 to 1918 was a time of darkness? 1 55-57.
What is meant by the words “slumber’’ and “sleep”? U 58-61. What is meant in the parable by “midnight” ? | 62.
What particular facts mark the convention of the Bible Students in 1919? U 63.
What is meant by virgins trimming their lamps, and what proof have we that they did so in 1919? Since 1919 what has been the chief concern of the zealous followers of Christ Jesus? fl 64. In what way did the wise take their lamps and oil in their vessels?
11 65.
Describe the condition of the foolish and wise virgins since 1918. In what manner have the foolish requested oil of the wise virgins? K 66-68.
In what way have certain ambitious leaders led some of the Lord’s sheep? 1169.
In what sense are the wise now in glory? 1J 70
Describe the attitude of the foolish vigins later. T 71.
What is the proper attitude concerning 1925? 72.
For what reason might the Lord permit the church to have a better understanding of the parable now? T 73, 74.
What is the strength of the Christian now? 1 75.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR NOVEMBER 7
'Te have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren." —1 Peter 1:22
THE purification of the Christian can arise only from obeying the truth through the spirit. He realizes that the truth is from the Lord and is that which is necessary for his sanctification and transformation into the likeness of the Lord and Head; and realizing this, he obeys the truth in the spirit of loving devotion. His love for the Lord and his cause is unselfish, and his love for the brethren of the Lord is unfeigned; that is to say, it is sincere and honest. He is a real friend of his brother, which means that he loves his brother at all times, whether in prosperity or adversity, and gladly looks out for the interests of his brother. He refuses to lend himself at any time to do injury to his brother; but on the contrary, guards well the interests of his brethren, doing it as unto the Lord. This spirit of sincerity and unselfish love is the characteristic of every true follower of Jesus Christ. Such sincere love, being the moving cause that induces his action, leads such a one to devote himself unselfishly to the interests of the Lord’s kingdom.
Continuing in this course of unselfish devotion to the Lord and a faithful scr-.ice of his cause and a sincere love for the brethren, he has assurance of the Lord’s approval and is invited to enter into the joy of the Lord.
Be strong to love, O heart of mine, Live not for self alone;
But find, in blessing other lives, Completeness for thine own.
Seek every hungry heart to feed, Each saddened heart to cheer;
And when stern justice stands aloof, In mercy draw thou near.
True, loving words and helping hands Have won more souls for heaven
Than all the mixed and various creeds By priests and sages given.
TEXT FOR NOVEMBER 14
“The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit."—1 Peter 3: 4-
THE word spirit as used here means disposition or element of character. While St. Peter applies the text to the women in the church, yet it announces a principle that applies to all followers of Christ Jesus. He is speaking of the development of the new creation toward the likeness of Christ Jesus.
It sometimes happens that the wife in the church attempts to direct the course of her husband, who at the time is an elder, insisting that her husband carry out her will and, failing in this, to cause a disturbance. In this she is wrong. All should remember that God lias not provided for elderesses in the organization of his church. The woman, therefore, should never attempt to usurp the position of the man; and w here such a course is attempted trouble is sure to result, because that is not the Lord’s way. The woman has her place in the church; and where it is filled in a Scriptural manner she is an adornment and a blessing.
The one of a meek disposition thinks of himself or herself soberly, as one ought to think, and as the Lord has dealt to such a measure of his spirit. (Romans 12: 3) A meek and quiet spirit is one which refrains from provoking strife and confusion, refrains from babbling and gossip, and which calmly and trustfully relies upon the Lord to guide aright the affairs of his. church. One with such a spirit or disposition will suffer long and still be kind, will not behave unseemly, will not be easily provoked, will refuse to think evil and therefore refuse to speak evil of others, and will rejoice in doing good unto ali as opportunity affords, and especially unto other members of the body of Christ. Such a meek and quiet spirit in the sight of God is of great price. One possessing and manifesting such a disposition shows that he or she has walked with Jesus and learned of him; and that, beholding as in a mirror, our Lord’s character likeness, is by his spirit being gradually transformed into his likeness.
I KNOW
“I know as my life grows older My eyes have clearer sight;
And under each wrong-doing There lies the root of right.
“I know each sinful action, As sure as night brings shade, Is sometime, somewhere punished, Though the hour be long delayed.
“I know there are no errors In the great eternal plan;
For all things work together For the final good of man.
“I know as my life speeds onward In its grand eternal quest, That soon we shall all look backward And know God’s way is best.”
NEW YORK CONVENTION
A RRANGEMENTS are now well under v. ay lor ZA the six-day I. B. S. A. Convention to be held in Z A ycw York city, October 19 to 24, inclusive. All meetings lor the interested on Friday and Saturday, October 19 and 20, will be hold in the Auditorium of the Society for Ethical Culture, Central Park We«t and 64th Street (opposite Central Park), Manhattan.
On Sunday, October 21, all meetings will be held at Madison Square Garden, Madison Avenue and 26th Street, Manhattan. Extensive preparations are under way for the Sunday afternoon public meeting to be addressed by the President of the Society. An electrical loud-speaker is to be installed so that everybody in the great hall can hear easily.
The meetings for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. October 22 to 24, inclusive, will be held at the Scotti.-h lute Cathedral. 315 West 31th Street, Manhattan, near the Pennsylvania Railroad Terminal. The present intention is to have a public meeting each evening to be addressed by the President of the Soeidy.
It is expected that this will be the greatest and best convention of Bible Students ever held in Greater New York. Yis.ting friends are expected from many of the States and from Canada. Ample arrangements are being made for the accommodation of all who attend. Those who expect to attend should make arrangements as early as possible with the Convention Committee, stating the number in the party, rooms required, and the length of time you expect to remain at the convention. The average daily cost for room and board will be $3.50. "
RAILWAY FARES
All the trunk line railways entering New York have made arrangements for excursion rates for those attending the convention, tickets to be purchased on the certificate plan. A special rate of one and one-half fares for the round trip has been granted by the railroads to the I. B. S. A. Convention, New York city. When purchasing your ticket, you pay full fare from the starting point to New York. The agent will give you upon request a certificate which will entitle you to purchase a ticket from New York to your starting point at one-half the rate you paid coming to New Y'ork. Certificate must be deposited iiilh the Secretary of Transportation. Brother R. 11. Barber, upon arrival.
Tickets will be sold for this convention in all parts of the United States and in Central and Eastern and Wc t. rn Canada, and also on th? Fall River Steamship Line, from October 16 to 22, inclusive, except distant points such as the extreme West and Southwest. In those sections tickets will be sold as early as October 13, but not later than October 18. Inquire of your ticket agent. The return limit on these special tickets is October 27. In all cast's, those attending the convention m.U't be home by October 27 in order to get the benefit of the reduced rate.
1 here are a few short lines in various sections of the country that do not belong to the passenger associations. If yon live on one of those lines you will not be able to secure a certificate until you reach the nearest station issuing through tickets to New York city.
Wc urge every one1 v ho buys a ticket to the convention to buy it on the certificate plan, as it will be necessary for a certain number to have such tickets in order to get the return rate.
INFORMATION BUREAU
The “I. B. >S. A. Convention Information Bureau” will be maintained at the Pennsylvania Terminal, 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue, New York city, on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday, October 17 to 19. All room assignments will be made by the Information Bureau. It is requested that visiting friends who have not received room assignments before coming to New York apply at the Information Bureau immediately upon arrival. The Pennsylvania Terminal is easily reached by subway and surface car lines from the other railroad stations.
MANY CLASSES COOPERATING
While this is a convention of Bible Students of Greater New York, all the classes in New England and the Eastern States will be privileged to cooperate to such an extent as they may desire. There will be a large quantity of tracts to be distributed, advertising the public meeting. This will require a large company of workers for Friday and Saturday preceding the public meeting on Sunday. All the brethren of outside classes who desire to participate in this will please report to the Convention Committee. Address all communications: Convention Committee, 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y.
The Lord has promised that where two or three agree on a thing in his name and ask it of him he will grant the blessing. We earnestly request all the brethren who expect to attend this gathering to earnestly present the matter before the throne of heavenly grace that the Lord may greatly bless the efforts put forth at this convention to advertise the King and his kingdom.
“The year that is far above rubies shall be The year of our lives that is closest to thee. And precious and sacred our changes shall grow, If heaven-light o’er them in tenderness glow.
“Let the burdens of woe and the conflicts of care, Alike be relieved by the breathings of prayer; And happy or only resigned let us raise
Each morning and evening the songs of our praise.’
WORLD-WIDE PROHIBITION—WORLD’S TEMPERANCE LESSON
----November 4--Psalm 101:1-8; I’am::i:bs 21: 29-35--
SATAN'S METHOD OF ATTACK—FALSE DOCll’.iNES ALSO ILTOXICAT.INO. “I will set no Vase th,iid liefoie wnie eyes:’—Psalm 101:3.
TODAY throughout the world, wherever Christendom is represented, attention will be called to the evils in alcoholic liquors and to the advantages of their worldwide prohibition. The desire of the International Committee which sets the lessons is that through the Sunday schools, with their opportunities for training the young, a grmir forward step may be made towards the establishment o; world-wide prohibition. The world in its disperate need is slowly getting wiser to some things; and without doubt it is coming to the realization that strong drink is a force which must be fought. Great numbers have come to th: conclusion that liquor is a positive curse which must be swept away, while a lesser number see that the financial interests which control the drink traffic are a positive danger to any community.
2The world has had examples in the United States of America and in Russia of what can be accomplished by actual prohibition of production and sale of alcoholic liquors. No doubt the suppression of the liquor traffic, and the deprivation of the possibility of indulging in intoxicants, have revealed almost demoniacal ingenuity in attempts to circumvent the laws; and it is no doubt true that many have been hurt morally, and some physically, by their indulgence in crude alcohol in more dangerous forms. But there can be no question that there has been great gain to the communities both socially and physically, and that the losses are small when compared with the positive gain which has accrued to the general interests of the community. The grape, either the fresh fruit or wnen dried, is one of earth’s richest gifts, a food specially valuable. But man has found that out of the vine he could get something which apparently gave him much strength, which changed his outlook, and which made him other than his normal self. The fermentation of the grape juice produces a pleasing stimulant, but taken in any excess it immediately becomes dangerous; for it breaks down every one of those barriers which man possesses by which he safeguards himself from trespassing on unknown or dangerous territory, and which are his protection against unseen but powerful foes.
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