The Watchtower, August 1, 1880

VOL. II. PITTSBURGH, PA., AUGUST, 1880. NO. 2.

ZION'S

Watch Tower

AND

HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY. 101 Fifth Ave., PITTSBURGH, PA.

C. T. RUSSELL, Editor and Publisher.

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A REASON FOR THE HOPE.

DIALOGUE.

Questioner.--It is some time since we have had a talk together Brother W., and I have called now to make a few inquiries. I want you to give me in a few words, your reasons for believing that Jesus is now present.

Watchman.--I am glad to talk with you upon so interesting a subject, and shall try to answer your queries. You are aware, I presume, that I and all the writers for the WATCH TOWER believe that Jesus has come the second time, and is now present in the world, and for this reason our paper is also called the "Herald of Christ's Presence." If I understand your question, you want me to refresh your memory briefly on the reasons for so believing.

Q.--Exactly. Of course all christians believe that Jesus has been spiritually present with his church during all the Gospel Age, as He said: "Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world" [age]. In what sense is he now present, as He has not always been, and what are the proofs?

W.--Let us for a moment then drop the idea of time and of His now being present, and see how He will be in His day, whether that day be now or a thousand years hence. First, come back 2,000 years to the time when Jesus "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God" (when he was in glory.) See Him lay aside the glory which he had with the Father before the world was, and being rich for our sakes become poor. See Him take upon Him the form of a servant for the suffering of death." Notice now the difference between bodily form of God and the form of servants; They are totally different and He must leave the one to take the other.

Secondly, notice why He took the form of a servant. We read--for the suffering of death. God is a spirit, has a spiritual body, and could not die under any circumstances, for a spiritual body is an immortal, [undying] body, (`1 Cor. 15`). Man being a sinner, condemned to death and unable to release himself, Jesus became his ransom, giving His life a ransom for ours. We were redeemed from death, or justified to life, "by the precious blood [death] of Christ." We see then that Jesus laid aside the form of God and took the form of man, so that He might pay our penalty for us--die for us.

Thirdly, notice that when he had died "even the death of the cross" the purpose or object in taking our form was accomplished, and there is no reason why He should have the form of a servant since He died. And we claim that He is not now a man glorified, that He has not been a man since "the man Christ Jesus gave himself a ransom for all." I claim that these two natures--divine and human--are separate and distinct, that as He left the divine to take the human, so also He left the human when He resumed the divine.

Jesus was put to death in the flesh but quickened [made alive] by the spirit. Let us look at this expression, "made alive by the spirit." To what kind of life? Was it the life of the flesh that was quickened? No, it was spiritual life. Listen; Jesus tells Nicodemus "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, (Jesus as a man was born of a woman and was flesh, thus taking human nature,) and that which is born of the spirit is spirit." Jesus at His resurrection was "born of the spirit," therefore was not flesh but spirit. He is called "the first-born from the dead," and was "quickened by the spirit."

So it will be with us; we shall be satisfied when we awake in His likeness. Not in the likeness of men which He took for a purpose. We have that likeness now, but when "we see Him as He is we shall be like Him" and be satisfied--be like unto Christ's glorious body.

"Nor doth it yet appear,

How great we shall be made,

But when we see Him as He is,

We shall be like our Head."

Q.--I see then that you understand the text, "Put to death in the flesh, quickened by the spirit" as being of the same import as the one which speaking of the death and resurrection of the Saints, says: "It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body;" and "as we now bear the image of the earthly, we shall then bear the image of the heavenly."

W.--Yes, very true, but let us not lose our subject. It is Jesus and His new condition after His resurrection, not what we shall be, although the inferential reasoning that our vile and earthly bodies must undergo so great a change, to be like His heavenly, or glorious body before we can see Him as he is, is the very best kind of proof that He is not and has not been, since His resurrection, like us, that is, in the form of a servant.

Q.--If Jesus after his resurrection was a glorious spiritual body, how was it that the disciples never saw his glorious body? Why did he appear to them as he had done before his death?

W.--If Jesus had appeared to them and shown his glory, they would probably have been so alarmed as to be unable to receive instructions; besides if they had gone forth saying the Lord arose and appeared to us in glory, they would have been accused of telling ghost stories. Remember that the object of Jesus appearing to them was to convince them that "He who was dead is alive forevermore;" that they might go forth as "witnesses." Being a spiritual body it was simply a question of expediency--which way could he best appear to them, i.e., in which way would his object in appearing be best accomplished? He could appear as a "flame of fire," as the angel of the Lord (also a spiritual body) had appeared to Moses "in the burning bush." Thus Jesus might have appeared to, and talked with the disciples, or he might have appeared in glory as the angel did to Daniel, or as he afterward did to John and to Saul of Tarsus.

If he had so appeared, they would doubtless also have had "great fear and quaking" and would have fallen to the ground before Him and "become as dead men;" or he could do, as angels had done and as he had done with Abraham (`Gen. 18`) when he appeared as a man. This last he saw to be the best way and he did appear as a man. But notice he did not appear to them as he had done before His death. First he appeared to Mary as the gardener and she "saw Jesus standing and knew not that it was Jesus." "After that he appeared in another form unto two of them" as they went to Emmaus (`Luke 24:13`). They knew not that it was Jesus, until he revealed Himself in breaking of bread. Then he vanished from their sight.

Again, some had given up all hope of being any longer fishers of men and had gone again to their nets. They had toiled all night and caught nothing. In the morning Jesus is on the shore within speaking distance but they "knew not that it was Jesus." It was another form. He works a miracle giving them a boat full of fish in a moment; John, the loving disciple, remembers the feeding of the 3,000 and 5,000, the strange days in which they were living, and that Jesus had appeared to them already. He seems at once to discern who gave the draught of fishes; and said: "It is the Lord." He recognized him not by the natural eye but by the eye of faith, and when they were come to shore "none of them dare ask him who art thou, knowing (feeling sure from the miracle for they saw not the print of the nails) that it was the Lord" (`John 21`). Thus did Jesus appear to his disciples at different times, to make of them witnesses of His resurrection, seemingly he was present but unseen during most of those forty days appearing in all, perhaps, not more than seven times. (`John 20:26`, `21:14`.)

Q.--What object could there be for His appearing in so many different forms?

W.--I presume it was to guard against their idea that he was a fleshly body, by appearing in various forms and in miraculous ways, coming into their midst, the doors being shut, and vanishing from their sight. He not only showed that He had undergone a change since death, but He illustrated his own teaching to Nicodemus, that every one born of the spirit (that born of the spirit is spirit) can go and come like the wind. "Thou canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth, so is everyone that is born of the spirit." So did Jesus go and come. "But some doubted"--some wanted to thrust their hand into his side and put their fingers into the print of the nails; and Jesus thus appears, whether it was the same body that had been crucified, or one like it, I know not nor does it make any difference, in any case it was not his body, for he had been "quickened of the spirit"--a spiritual body-- "sown a natural body raised a spiritual body," and none of the various forms or bodies in which he appeared were His body. They were only veils of the flesh which hid or covered the glorious spiritual body, just as angels had often used the same human form to veil themselves when appearing to mortals.

Q.--One point which seems to confuse some is, that Jesus ate and drank with the disciples and said, "Handle me, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have." How do you explain this?

W.--It does not need to be explained away. Jesus affirms just what we have claimed, viz: That the body they saw and handled and which ate with them was not his

spiritual body for the spirit hath not flesh and bones. Look back to the time when the Lord and two angels appeared to Abraham. (`Gen. 18`.) Jesus had not then left "the form of God" and taken the form of a servant. He was a spiritual body then, and it had not flesh and bones but he then used the human form as a veil. He ate and drank and talked and could have said to Abraham, "Handle me, this body which you see is 'flesh and bones.'"

"THIS SAME JESUS SHALL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER."

Q.--Now with regard to Jesus' second coming, does not this text (`Acts 1:11`) teach that when he comes he will be seen by his watching disciples? Will he not appear in the flesh to prove that he has come?

W.--No, I think not. There is not a word about the disciple or any one else seeing him. It merely tells us that he will come as he went. How did he go? With trumpet blasts and shouts or wails of the people of earth? No, but quietly and unseen of the world. As he said before he died, "Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more." And the world did not see him after his resurrection. During the forty days he was seldom seen, showing himself only to his disciples. Did he go mid pealing thunder, flashing lightnings and rending rocks? No, quietly, unknown of the world, he "ascended up where he was before." Whenever he comes he will come in the same quiet manner, unknown of the world. We know from other scriptures that his church will not be in darkness.

Q.--I see that there is nothing in this text to teach that when he should come he would be seen, but does it not seem reasonable to suppose that he will so appear?

W.--There is no question as to his ability to appear now as then; but before calling your attention to scriptures which seem to teach that he will be present unseen, let me remind you that while it was necessary that he should then appear to make his disciples eye-witnesses of his resurrection, no such necessity now exists. He comes now not to call out a people to believe on Him, but to glorify a people already separated by his call then issued; to glorify his virgin church and make her His bride; "to make up His jewels."

Thomas, who doubted and must see the print of the nails before he could believe, lived not in the Gospel Age but in the Jewish, not among spiritual children of God, but in the fleshly house (until Pentecost). He was used to seeing things after the flesh, and had not his eye of faith yet opened. Yet in Jesus' words to Thomas it would seem that he had expected even more from him. Jesus said to him: "Because thou hast seen me thou hast believed; happy those who see not and believe." (`John 21:29`. Diaglott).

Would we consider it expedient for an earthly teacher after training his class up, up, up to the higher branches of learning to complete their studies by giving them a three months course in the alphabet. But this would be no more unreasonable than to suppose that our education in the school of faith, and growth in grace and knowledge under our Master's instructions, should be finished by illustrations in the flesh; "Having begun in the Spirit are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (`Gal. 3:3`.) "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing."

Q.--It does not seem as though much benefit would result to us by merely gratifying our desire to see him, and I remember he said before going: "It is expedient for you that I go away." "Unless I go away the comforter cannot come." Would this involve the thought that when he comes again the comforter will be withdrawn?

W.--No, the reason the comfort of the Holy Spirit could not come was, that all were sinners and God could not recognize and comfort sinners. They must first be justified by Jesus' death. Afterward being justified by his death, we have peace with God. We become His children, and to such, He sends the spirit of adoption whereby we cry "Abba, (our) Father." Before this spirit could be sent to any, Jesus must not only die, but He must also ascend to the Father's presence and present the evidence of our purchase as typified by the High Priest's going into the holy place and sprinkling the blood. The coming out of the holy place (heaven) by our high priest does not undo the work of justification. We are still justified, and shall be forever; still sons and shall always be such, and consequently always possess the spirit as a comforter. It is the spirit of Christ. "Let the Spirit of Christ dwell in you richly."

Q.--If I understand you aright your view is, that though it was expedient that Jesus go from the world and present the proof of our ransom before the Holy Spirit, could come to us, yet the continuance of the Spirit's comforting presence is not dependent on his absence, for once given, it will never be withdrawn from those who abide in Him.

W.--Yes, but let us not leave our subject: We seem to agree then that so far as we can see, there would be nothing to be gained by Jesus' appearing in the flesh to us at his second coming. But another point, if he should so appear, what satisfaction would or could it give any of us. It would not be Him we would see, for He is not flesh and if Jesus should so appear to me I should pray as did Moses,--Lord that I might see thy Glory--that I might see thee really, not an appearance, but thyself, thy glorious body, as Saul and John saw thee, as thou art. Oh no, I never could be satisfied with seeing an appearance of Jesus; I want to see Him as he is. "I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness," not by His appearing in our likeness.

Remember too that he tells us about the time of his presence, before we "are made like Him." He says the world will not know of it but will go on eating, planting, building, marrying, etc., and "know not" of his (parousia) presence. `Matt. 24:37-39`. `Luke 17:26`.

Not only does Jesus intimate that his coming and presence will be unknown to the world, but that many of His servants will be so asleep, and overcharged with the things of this world, that the day of the Lord (His presence) will be upon them as a snare, and some will "begin to smite their fellow servants, saying: My Lord (the Bridegroom) delayeth His coming" while the ones smitten evidently are taking the opposite ground, viz: that the bridegroom does not delay, but is present. "Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he (ako) has come shall find, giving meat in due season to the household of faith. (The meat due when the Lord has come, would unquestionably be, the evidences or proofs of His presence.) Evidently the presence is one not recognized by the natural eye, but by the eye of faith, else there could be no disagreement between the servants as to the fact of His presence. (`Matt. 24:44-49`.)

Jesus tells us to beware, that false teachers will arise saying, "Lo, here or lo, there, believe them not, I will not come in any such seen manner, but as the "lightning" which cannot be seen (electricity, unseen, can go six to ten times around the earth in one second,) so shall the Son of Man be in His day." (`Luke 17:24`.) As the lightning when present frequently sends forth light which may be seen by those awake, so Jesus intimates that in His days of presence light will shine.

Q.--That seems a beautiful thought taken in connection with the wonderful amount of spiritual light and truth which has shone on us and to us during the very years you claim as being the days of the presence of the Son of Man--since 1875.

W.--Now we will glance hurriedly at some of the evidences that we are now in "the days of the Son of Man." I will not attempt to prove the points of time. You can get them in full detail in Bro. Paton's new book, "Day Dawn," which you should by all means read.

Q.--I have followed you so far, and can agree with your position fully, but when you come to prove that Jesus is now present and ask me to believe it without any sight evidence, I am afraid I have not strong enough faith to believe it.

W.--I have not asked you to believe it, Bro. Q. I never ask any one to believe, I simply give the evidence; If it is as strong to them as to me they cannot help believing it. Now, you seem to think that if we had a little sight it would help matters. Let me remind you of a word from Peter. He was writing of things he had seen when on the mount of transfiguration; but when he has finished the narrative of the things seen, he adds: "But we have a more sure word of Prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed." (`2 Pet. 1:19`.) And so I think now, the prophecies are more convincing to me than if Jesus were to appear as a man before me. Nay, more, I should say to such an one Begone, impostor; My Lord left word that if any so appear I was to "believe it not," and "go not after them nor follow them," "for as the lightning (not as a man--so shall the Son of Man be in His day."

The "Jubilee Cycles" prove that the great jubilee or "times of restitution of all things" was due to begin in 1875. It is a clear, strong argument based upon both "the Law" and the Prophets; No one has ever yet been able to overthrow it. I believe that no one can overthrow it, nor even show a weak point in it, because it is of the Lord. Now, remembering this, turn to `Acts 3:21`, and hear Peter under inspiration, say: The heavens shall receive Jesus until the times of restitution of all things. Now, is it not clear that if the restitution times began in 1875, the heavens do no longer retain Him. He is here present?

Q.--That is strong, surely; but, are there any evidences that the restitution work began in 1875?

W.--Yes; we understand that before the human family are restored or even begin to be blessed the present kingdoms of earth which now bind and oppress mankind will all be overturned and that the kingdom of God will assume control and that the blessing and restitution come through the new kingdom. The work of demolishing human empire is beginning. The power that will overthrow them is now at work. The people are already organizing their forces under the name of Communists, Socialists, Nihilists, etc. True, there have always been Communists, but their work of organization and activity are within recent years, in 1875-6, scarcely any one knew the meaning of communist and nihilist. Now they are household words.

Another prophetic proof is that of the 1335 days (yrs.) of Daniel to the time Jesus was due to be present-- "the harvest," or end of this age-- during which harvest time, Daniel was told that he should stand in his lot, or be resurrected with his class, the Prophets. The angel adds by way of comment: "Blessed is he that waiteth (remains alive) until (the 1335 days) 1874. Those days surely end there, but what blessing did any of us who live realize? We are blessed by the "Bright shining of the present one." (The literal rendering of last clause of `2 Thes. 2:8`.) Jesus as the lightning is present, unseen, and is causing bright light of truth to shine into our minds. Wonderfully bright, and sweet, and precious, indeed, has been this light, on the presence of the Son of Man, separating between wheat and tares and preparing his chaste Virgin for glory. He is making up His jewels, finishing the work by selecting those who are alive and remain, that we may be caught up, together with those who sleep in him, to meet him in the air.

As Jesus said to His disciples at the first advent, "Blessed are your eyes and your ears, etc., for I say unto you many prophets and righteous persons have desired to see these things and have not seen them"--So the angel said to Daniel--Blessed are they who will live to 1874, for they shall see, (not with natural eye, but by faith) and hear (not with natural ear but through the sure word of Prophecy) and know (but not by worldly wisdom to which these things are hid, but by the Spirit of God freely given unto us "that we might know"--(`1 Cor. 2:11 and 12`,) see, hear and know things which in times past God had not made known. Yes, truly blessed, we have found it--

"To be living is sublime."

Again we have found the word to teach that the Jewish age was given as a pattern, or shadow, or illustration of the Gospel age, and we have found it so. The latter being on a higher plane than the former, but otherwise its exact counterpart. It was 1840-1/2 years from the beginning of the age to their harvest when Jesus was present in the flesh to that fleshly house. And it was 1841-1/2 years from the commencement of our Gospel age at Pentecost (A.D. 33,) to the commencement of our "harvest" in the autumn of 1874, when our "sure word of prophecy" announces him as again present, but now on the higher plane, a spiritual body unseen, reaping, or harvesting the spiritual house. To the fleshly house the harvest work was on the fleshly plane and the chief reaper, Jesus and the other reapers, His disciples, were seen. Now there are under reapers, also, but they are "the angels," [`Matt. 13`] also spiritual bodies unseen, and so with the afterpart

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of the harvest. As Jesus gave up the Nominal church at the close of his 3-1/2 years ministry because they "knew not the time of their visitation, so here too, at the parallel point of time, 1878, we believe the Nominal church to have been given up, and the "spewing out of His mouth" [`Rev. 3`] to have begun. As the Jewish house was shown some special favor for 3-1/2 years, the latter half of their covenant week so we expect some favor to continue with the Nominal Gospel church for 3-1/2 years, or until the autumn of 1881. As with the Jew, a period of 33 years of trouble followed these 7 years of favor, so we understand there will be upon christendom, so called, a period of 33 years of trouble --making with the preceding 7 years the 40 years of trouble or "Day of wrath" ending with the times of the Gentiles in 1914, when the kingdom of God [soon to be set up or exalted to power] will have broken in pieces and consumed all earthly kingdoms.

Q.--Wonderfully clear all this seems and how connected; my loss has been in not having a thorough knowledge of these time evidences of which you speak. I must study them up and make them my own that, as Paul says my faith may not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God--His word. (`1 Cor. 2:5`.)

W.--I am glad to hear you say so. In no other way can you fully make them yours, or have in them such a basis for faith. Remember as Peter says the word is to be a "lamp to our feet," "a light shining in a dark place until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts." It is evident then that no period of walking by sight comes to us here. We shall need the lamp all the way for "we walk by faith, not by sight."

Q.--It speaks elsewhere of the "Sun of Righteousness arising with healing in his wings." When sunrise has come we do not need lamps. Does not this seem to indicate that we shall reach a condition whether by sight or not, where there will be no need of the light of "the lamp?" Does not this involve the thought of faith giving place to sight?

W.--I think not. It is not we but the Jews who see the "Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings;" and they are told in connection with it to "remember the Law of Moses." (`Malachi 4`.) On the contrary, we, with Jesus our head will constitute that "Sun of Righteousness," as Jesus said (`Matt. 13:43`) speaking of the "harvest" or end of this age, when the wheat of the church should be completely separated from the tares of the same: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the Sun in the kingdom of their Father."

It is the same thought that is expressed in `Rev. 21:24` of the New Jerusalem shining and the Nations walking in the light of it. Yes it is a grand thought, that the day so long expected is near at hand. Not only natural Israel but as Paul says: "The whole creation groaneth and travaileth together in pain until now," and "waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God." (`Rom. 8:19 and 22`.) All are now passing through a dark night of experience with sin, woe and death; all creation is sick; they groan in pain and soon they shall be delivered. Soon the "Great Physician" --"the Elijah"--"The Sun of righteousness (the Christ, head and body) shall arise with healing in his wings."

"Now the world is full of suffering,

Sounds of woe fall on my ears,

Sights of wretchedness and sorrow

Fill my eyes with pitying tears.

'Tis the earth's dark night of weeping,

Wrong and evil triumph now,

I can wait, for just before me

Beams the morning's roseate glow."

Yes, Bro. Q., "when He shall appear we shall appear with Him in glory." We will not be here when the "Sun" rises. True we are now in the dawn, but there is quite a while between first dawn of day and the Sun rise, and that is what Peter means. "We have a more sure word of prophecy--as a light in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts." Jesus is the day star--"The bright and morning star." He must come first to us before we shine with Him as "the sun." And, dear Bro. Q., do you not see that this very thing is now being fulfilled? To all who recognize Jesus as present it is a fountain of joy to realize in Him the sure forerunner of our own glory with Him, and the great millennial day of restitution for the world.

Q.--I must confess Bro. W., that your hope is the grandest to which mortals could aspire.

W.--We could not aspire to such things. God has crowded these exceeding great and precious promises upon us; and while I urge that if interested in this great hope, you should make it yours, by personal investigation of the proofs, and recommend to you the "Day Dawn," yet let me suggest that the very object of our heavenly Father in giving us these exceeding great and precious promises, is "that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature." (`2 Peter 1:4`.) If we have put on Christ, let us walk in Him, and walk not after our own will, but according to the will of our head, Christ Jesus.

MY SACRIFICE.

Laid on Thine altar, O my Lord divine,

Accept this gift to-day, for Jesus' sake.

I have no jewels to adorn Thy shrine,

Nor any world-famed sacrifice to make.

But here I bring, within my trembling

hand,

This will of mine--a thing that seemeth

small;

And Thou alone, O Lord, can'st

understand

How, when I yield Thee this, I yield

mine all.

Hidden therein Thy searching gaze can'st

see

Struggles of passions, visions of

delight.

All that I have, or am, or fain would

be--

Deep loves, fond hopes, and longings

infinite;

It hath been wet with tears, and dimmed

with sighs,

Clenched in my grasp till beauty hath

it none.

Now, from Thy footstool, where it vanquished

lies,

The prayer ascendeth--"May Thy will

be done!"

Take it, O Father, ere my courage fail;

And merge it so in Thine own will,

that e'en,

If in some desperate hour my cries

prevail,

And Thou give back my gift, it may

have been

So changed, so purified, so fair have

grown,

So one with Thee, so filled with peace

divine,

I may not know or feel it as mine own;

But, gaining back my will, may find it

Thine.

--New York Observer.

"IT HASTETH GREATLY."

In the October number (1879) of the WATCH TOWER in the article headed "The Day of the Lord"--and in the November number in article headed "Babylon is Fallen," we gave expression to our view of the "time of trouble" and endeavored to prove scripturally that it began with the church and would first result in the complete overthrow of the nominal church, Protestant and Catholic, by infidelity and spiritualism, and afterward, it would reach and overthrow national governments. Many were inclined to make light of our statements, etc., and expressed themselves as believing that the trouble upon the nations was the only thing to be looked for by us. Our views then expressed are confirmed in us daily, and we are more than ever convinced of their truth; that around us in the nominal church, "a thousand shall fall at (our) side and ten thousand at (our) right hand;" that Infidelity's "arrows" and spiritualism's "pestilence," will for a short time sweep through the church--"and who shall be able to stand?"--"They who have made the most High their habitation and who have His truth for their shield and buckler." `Psa. 91`.

We clip the following extracts to show our readers that the storm has already begun, and that others are noticing the fulfillment who never noticed the prophecies:--

An anonymous writer in the North American Review affirms that the thinking minds of to-day are "drifting away from the religious belief and dogmatic theology of the past," and that "the wave of skepticism affects the orthodox church itself." He says: "The great body of orthodox religious doctrines known as systematic theology... is about to go to wreck with the mythology of Greece and the belief in witchcraft." He also marks "the temporizing attitude of theology towards such modern doctrines as evolution."

Says Rev. Dr. Kittredge (Congregationalist) of Chicago: "It matters not in what direction you look, sin is on the increase, but the church is losing ground in her conflict with sin; she has almost ceased to be felt as a power. If a majority of our church organizations were to-day to become extinct, the world would hardly know it.--World's Crisis.

Professor Von Oosterzee, the well-known evangelical teacher of Holland, said recently that a wave of infidelity is steadily advancing over Protestant Europe which the most favored country will not escape. "They have had it in Germany, and now we have it in Holland. They are beginning to get it in Scotland. In twenty years they will have it to the full, and all their theology will not save them."--Messiah's Herald.

The Christian Advocate (New York) writes: "The Congregationalist has received answers from twenty-nine ministers, to a circular sent out making inquiry as to the observance of Sabbath in New England. All testify to degeneracy and deplore results. Desecration has increased, and morality also decreases. Religion is losing its authority and the state of the community is becoming worse."

The N.Y. Herald quotes the veteran editor of the Observer as saying: "A great spiritual drought is prevailing, such as has not been known in the present century. We do not remember the time," says Dr. Prime, "when revivals of religion were so few and far between; when so few accessions to the churches were reported, and when the church seemed so much in danger of receding before the world." "A somber but true picture," says the Herald.

Rev. Dr. Cuyler in the Evangelist, in a mournful article, asserts that Presbyterianism is on the decline; in 1875 there were 70,500 members added to the churches; in 1877 there were 63,700 added; but in 1878 there were only 53,000 additions, while in 1879 only 49,000 were added--the real increase being only 7,000 and perhaps not even that. What is true of the Presbyterian, is true, he says, of all the other evangelical bodies.--Montreal Witness.

Rev. Dr. B. F. Campbell, of East Boston, in a lecture on "The Dangers of the Republic," said: "The world as a whole is undoubtedly growing more intelligent, but not moral. Moral power is on the decline in New England. The pendulum of religious belief has swung away from the rigid orthodoxy of Puritan times, has already passed the center, and is on its way to a heartless Nihilism."--East Boston Advocate.

Rev. Henry Morgan says: "The cause of Boston's religious decline is Liberalism. It has broken down the Sabbath; paralyzed the arm of the law; opened Sunday theaters, concerts, excursions; emptied the churches; killed the public conscience; sown the seeds of distrust; sown to the wind, and we are now reaping the whirlwind."--Boston Herald.

The Church Union quotes a circular issued by most of the ministers of Baltimore, which urges all to prayer, and speaks of the forces of evil, general corruption, Sabbath-breaking, the thickening snares for the young, and adds: "The growing skepticism, as well as the intensely secular spirit of the age, are enough to awaken apprehension for our institutions and for the social fabric itself."--Bible Banner.

What is true of Christians in general is true of us who hold some advanced light on God's word and plan, viz: "Every man's work shall be tried of what sort it is."

Should we expect to be exempted from the fire (trial) that is to try all? No, rather if we have the most advanced light we should expect to be the first and most severely tried. And we have been; and are now being, so tried.

Your faith could not perhaps be tried by the same errors of infidelity, etc. Your knowledge of the plan of the ages and the work of restitution of all things renders powerless the arrows of infidelity, as also your knowledge of the condition of the dead protects you against the pestilence of "spiritualism." But for all this God is not without means of proving and sifting us. Our trial, which we hope is now almost over, has arisen mainly from the teachings scattered amongst us by some who walked with us and with whom we took sweet council together, who, denying the redemption and forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, have claimed it as possible for every man to pay his own penalty and climb his way up, and win for himself eternal life. Thus denying that the Lord bought them, thus seeming to fulfill to some extent, `2 Pet. 2:1`, and thus have brought upon themselves by laying aside Christ's robe of righteousness--the wedding garment--and appearing in their own "filthy rags," the destruction of their light.

"Light is sown for the righteous," but "there are none righteous, no not one," except as covered by Christ's righteousness as with a garment. "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered." Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness. These are the righteous for whom light was sown in God's word. Should we wonder if these brethren who have thus laid aside the imputed righteousness of Christ should be deprived of the light which was intended only for "the path of the just,"--those justified by faith in the ransom, and not by their own works.

Such has been the result; these who once rejoiced in the light of "The sure word of Prophecy" which shows us the presence of our Lord as the "Bridegroom," "Reaper" and "King," that proves to us that the "times of restitution of all things began in 1874," and that consequently "the heavens" which were to receive Him until that time, now no longer receive him, but that He is present, and that soon when the separation of wheat and tares is complete, "we shall be changed to His glorious likeness and see Him as He is. All, all this light they have lost, and have now reached the condition of outer-darkness, the condition of darkness on the subject of the Lord's presence

that the world and a worldly church have always occupied. The parable says "there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth," meaning, we suppose, that such shall go through the time of trouble upon the world.

With pain and sorrow we part company, but rejoice to know that many who followed them in a measure and were sorely tried are now able to discern between light and "outer darkness." "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us they no doubt would have continued with us; but they went out from us that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us." But "you have an anointing from the Holy one. You all know it." (`1 Jno. 2:19-20`.) The Holy Spirit has revealed to us through the word the presence of the Bridegroom and we heard his voice and opened the door of faith and He came in to us and supped with us, and caused us to sit down to meat (truth), and himself has been our teacher and served us, (`Rev. 3:20`, `Luke 12:37`). And our faith does not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power and word of God. (`1 Cor. 2:5`.) And still beloved, there may be other trials for you.

"Think not the victory won,

Nor lay thine armor down,

Thine arduous work will not be done

Till thou hast gained thy crown."

"Oh, watch and fight and pray,

The battle ne'er give o'er;

Renew it boldly every day,

And help Divine implore."

THE CONCLUSIVE ARGUMENT.

I have read that Benjamin Franklin tried to convince the farmers of his day that plaster enriched the soil. All his philosophical arguments failed to convince the farmers; so he took plaster and formed it into a sentence by the roadside. The wheat coming up through those letters was about twice as rank and green as the other wheat, and the farmers could read for months in letters of living green the sentence: This has been plastered. Arguments and culture, and fine sermons cannot convince sinners; they want to read in pulpit and pew, in our utter separation from the world, in our contentedness of mind and victorious joy, the clean-cut truth: This has been redeemed and sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Ah! brother, sister, the pierced hand of Jesus can pull out the throne of depravity from our heart, and open there a running stream of joy which will flow on through our pain, or poverty, or loneliness, or persecution, or trial, like a cooling river through a desert of sand. It is grand to live in a state where hallelujahs form the normal breathing of the soul. It is the joy of unwavering faith and repose in the blood of Jesus.--Advocate of Holiness.

Via. ELYRIA AND CLEVELAND, OHIO.

I purpose visiting brother and sister Paton at Almont, Mich., and the other friends in that vicinity during August, and shall stop enroute at Elyria, on the 9th and 10th, and at Cleveland on the 22d, and be in Bro. Paton's charge from 14th to 16th inst. Elyria meetings are in charge of Sister Avis Hamlin. Those at Cleveland are under Bro. Caleb Davies' control. May the Lord direct to His own praise and to our mutual profit. My dear wife accompanies me on this short trip.

Your servant and editor of your paper. C. T. RUSSELL.

"It is man's relation to his God that must adjust and determine his relations to his fellow-creatures. The symmetrical position of the points in the circumference arises from their common relation to a common center. Set a man right with God, and he will certainly be set right with his neighbors."

"TO COMMUNICATE FORGET NOT."

"But to do good and to communicate forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." `Heb. 13:16`.

Our Heavenly Father is very rich, possessing all things, lacking nothing, yet if we may judge from his dealings with his earthly creatures, his pleasure has been not so much in the possessing of these great riches as in the using of them for the good and blessing of his creatures.

"His providence is kind and large,

Both man and beast his bounty share;

The whole creation is his charge,

But saints are his peculiar care."

So also as we become more and more like him--"partakers of the Divine nature"--benevolence, kindness and love will become more and more characteristic of us. Few perhaps of the "little flock" have been made stewards of this world's goods. It may be because there are few who could use and not abuse the trust, but such as have it should esteem it a privilege to be imitators of our benevolent Heavenly Father; not wasting it, neither hoarding it, but esteeming it merely as an agent for blessing and "doing good unto all men, especially to the household of faith." And we should be anxious and careful to use whatever God has put into our hands, and to be faithful whether over a few things or many things, remembering that the man with but one dollar may be as really a miser or a philanthropist as he who has a million.

What we should endeavor to possess is true benevolence and breadth of mind, charity, love. "Let the same mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus our Lord," and it will lead you to regard and treat with tenderness and loving kindness, even those with whom you differ. Let us remember in this connection, too, that, "If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His."

The spirit or mind of Christ is a meek and quiet and charitable spirit. It "vaunteth not itself, is not easily puffed up." Its fruits are the opposite of the depraved fleshly nature, viz.: love, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, etc. "If we live in the spirit let us also walk in the spirit" and "not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another," but displaying the spirit of our Father in heaven, "and we shall be the children of the Highest, for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." "Be ye therefore merciful as your Father also is merciful."

But if it is a joy and privilege to be God's stewards to a greater or less degree in earthly goods, how much more blessed is it to be permitted to dispense the spiritual blessings and thus to be "Stewards of the manifold grace of God." Do we appreciate the fact that each disciple of Christ is a steward, some to a greater, some to a less extent; some with many talents, some with few, yet "To every man (in Christ) is given a measure of the spirit to profit withal"--to make use of. What use are you making of the talents given to you? Before saying to us, have you rule over two cities, five cities or many things, He will ask us to give an account of our stewardship. He will not expect me to give an account of your stewardship, nor you to give an account of mine. To the Master each servant will give an account and stand or fall.

But while it is true that we each have been given special blessings of knowledge and truth and that certain responsibilities come with them, we had rather provoke you to love than fear. If we possess the spirit of Christ, love, we shall esteem it a great privilege to be permitted to carry to others that which has done so much good, which has removed the clouds from our minds and brought us into the clear sunshine of God's love, revealing to us the grandeur of our Heavenly Father's character, the beauties and harmonies of his word, and the "exceeding riches of his grace in his loving kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." If it has set our hearts to ringing in melodious harmony with the heavenly music, "bringing glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people," may it not produce the same effect upon others? Would that the story filled each of our hearts, that as a flame of fire it would consume all dross from our own hearts and set fire to all with whom we come in contact. Like the widow's cruse of oil, our treasure will fill to overflowing all the earthen vessels ready to receive it. Oh that every word of the beautiful song--"I love to tell the story"--could be the emphatic and truly heartfelt expression of all the readers of the WATCH TOWER:

"I love to tell the story,

'Tis pleasant to repeat,

What seems each time I tell it,

More wonderfully sweet.

I love to tell the story,

It did so much for me,

And that is just the reason

I tell it now to thee."

Again, if we would "do good and communicate," how should we tell the story? Tell it simply, tell it plainly; be entirely swallowed up with the grandeur of your theme. Lose sight of yourself and what you have learned and let it be all "of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love." Too many take pleasure in telling the story only as they can make battle with it. They delight in using the truth as a knock-down argument. This is an element of the old nature which, not yet dead, asserts its right to fight what it terms the Lord's battles or the spiritual warfare. A sad mistake; be not deceived into developing an element of the carnal nature in direct opposition to the fruits of the spirit --meekness, gentleness, patience, love.

Truly we are told that "the word of God is the sword of the spirit," but remember it is not our sword. The spirit does its own smiting and in its own way, but to us it says, "Put up thy sword." The command to us is, Be light bearers. "Let your light so shine" by showing forth the fruits of the Spirit, that men may see your good fruits and glorify your Father in heaven. The word is a lamp, by its light put on Christ's righteousness, and truth as a garment, then lift it up to others that they may see your clean robes and be led to desire the same. Then let the Spirit use his sword upon others as he may see fit to humble them, strip them of pride, and bring them to the rock that is higher than they.

We should not become discouraged if there are but few who love light rather than darkness. We should remember that the God of this world has succeeded in darkening the minds of many that they cannot appreciate the light of truth; that we are as it were, surrounded by men and women blinded totally or partially by sin and ignorance. Some, totally blind, can see and appreciate none of the good news; others can see a little but cannot see afar off. They can only see "the present evil world (age) and are losing much pleasure and joy because they cannot see afar off, how that, "In the ages to come, God will show forth the exceeding riches of his grace in his loving kindness toward us (who are) in Christ Jesus. (`Eph. 2:7`); and how it is his plan that both Jew and Gentile shall obtain mercy through your mercy. `Rom. 11:31`. Surely as it would afford great pleasure to strengthen and heal physical sight, much more should we rejoice to lead those who are blind spiritually to the Spirit's eye-salve--the word--that they may rejoice with us in singing:

"O, the prospect, it is so transporting,

Saviour hasten our gathering we pray."

Of many it is as true to-day as when uttered: "Eyes have they but they see not, ears but they hear not." God shows us through the lamp that this age ends the probation of none except those who do see and hear

clearly and plainly; that because of Jesus' ransom there is to be an age of Restitution. "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped." "Then all shall come to the knowledge of the truth" and "the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the whole earth" and none shall say to his neighbor, "know thou the Lord," for all shall know him, from the least to the greatest of them.

In presenting the good news of the kingdom and the deep things of God, we should seek to follow Jesus' example, that is, while we at all times hold up Christ's righteousness to all men and thereby be to them "living epistles," we should seek to show "the deep things of God" to those who seem to have the spirit of God. (`1 Cor. 2:9-16`.)

Knowing this, that spiritual or deep things cannot be discerned except by those having the spirit, "He that hath an ear let him hear," saith the Spirit. This must be our method, therefore, when we find any one without an ear to hear, leave off telling such an one. You cannot give him an ear; God will do that in his "due time." Waste not valuable time and energy. Leave them in love and sympathy with God, and put no obstacle in their way.

Whenever you meet what seems to be "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile," expect in such a one to find "an ear to hear." Commune with him first on Spiritual things familiar to you both, that he may come to recognize you as led of the same spirit--a fellow member of "the body of Christ," and an heir of the same glory. Then present to such the deeper things of God and your communion, instead of being a battle of words, will be profitable and blessed to both. To fully appreciate the meaning of our text, we should do good and communicate until we feel it. It is with such sacrifices God is well pleased. It does not amount to a sacrifice to merely give a dollar, or a moment, or an hour for which we have no other use. Give until you can feel it and then you may expect to feel in your heart that "with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

THE FIG TREE.

And seeing a single fig tree by the road he went to it but finding nothing on it except leaves, he said, "May no fruit grow on thee to the age," and the fig tree instantly withered. (E.D.) `Matt. 21:19`. That Christ used the fig tree to represent the destruction of the Jewish nation seems evident. This event occurred about the time Christ rode into Jerusalem (`verses 2,5`) at which time he pronounced the curse (`Luke 19:30,41`). This is further evident when we notice the parable given in `Luke 13:6,9`. The three years he came seeking fruit, likely refers to the time of Christ's ministry during which time he confined himself almost entirely to the Jewish people (`Matt. 10:5,6`). Some may say however that Christ's ministry was 3-1/2 years and this would not apply, but while it was 3-1/2 years from the baptism of Christ until His crucifixion it seems there was no special work done until about the passover, which was about six months after his baptism, and so commencing in A.D. 30 would end in A.D. 33, time parable was given according to the year in the margin of your Bible. The dresser of the vineyard says let it alone this year, which of course would make it four and extend favor one year beyond the crucifixion, but I do not think it was allowed to remain another year, for the latter `part of the chapter` shows that Jerusalem was left desolate and as he came searching fruit and found none we know from the connection in `Matt. 21:19`, it was at that point it withered. Some however have thought it unreasonable to suppose that the fig tree represents the Jews, for `Mark 11:13` informs us, that the time of figs was not yet, which of course implies that the time for the Jews to bear fruit was not then, and if so why should Christ curse them?

But I think the objection vanishes when we remember that they were only a typical people and that the time they will bear fruit is after the fullness of the Gentiles have come in. [`Rom. 11:25-27`].

It is also necessary to bear in mind that the curse did not seal their eternal doom, for blindness only happened to them for a time, says Paul, and the same thought is intimated by Christ when he left their house desolate, (`Luke 13:35`) for they are yet to say: "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." This being true we find how appropriate is the rendering given in the Emphatic Diaglott, viz.: "Cursed to the age." And 'tis true that during the Gospel age, as a nation, they have borne no fruit, but when the bride is taken out from the Gentiles they will receive favor. [`Acts 15:14,16`.] We find that the cursed fig tree is to bud again according to Christ's own words in a parable given in connection with the signs of His coming in `Matt. 24:32,33`, and if the curse pronounced on it at the first advent shows us the blinding of the Jews, does not its putting forth leaves reveal to us the fact that they are in a fair way to bear fruit? So we understand it at least, and as there are unmistakable signs among the Jews to-day as a people, we recognize Christ's words and know "that summer is nigh." And not only do we recognize that the restoration of the Jews is at hand but also that the kingdom of God is nigh. [`Luke 21:29,31`]. And as the kingdom of God is due at some time to be set up, we rejoice and lift up our heads because our redemption is nigh. [`verse 28`]. For the setting up of the kingdom implies nothing less than the resurrection of the dead in Christ and change of the living, and knowing that the restoration

of the Jews takes place in the midst of great trouble and during the pruning out of the seven last plagues according to the type, [`Micah 7:14 to end`], and having the promise that we are to be counted worthy to escape all these things, [`Luke 21:34,36`,] we patiently wait for our gathering together unto Christ.

The redemption we understand to be the redemption of the body, [`Rom. 8:23`,] being caught away to meet Christ, and so to be forever with Him. This same idea seems to be brought out in `Cant. 2:10,13`, when Christ addresses the Church, saying: "Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away...the fig tree putteth forth the green figs;...Arise my love, my fair one, and come away."

We here find the fig tree maintained again and like Christ's words it is connected with our redemption. Surely we who recognize the signs of the times in connection with the prophetic measures, have great reason for rejoicing in hope of our speedy deliverance, and may we also give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the light shining on our path. May the truth have the designed effect, viz.: to sanctify us, separate us from the world, make us holy, for "without holiness no man shall see the Lord," [`Heb. 12:14`]. While in the presence of Christ we wait for our gathering together unto Him, and may the trial of our faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, be found to the praise of His glory, whom having not seen we love, in whom, though now we see him not, yet believing, we rejoice...receiving the end of our faith, won the salvation of our souls, (`1 Pet. 1:7,9`). So here we find that we are not to see Christ until our salvation, when we shall be like Him and see Him as He is, (`1 John 3:2`), and then and not until then will faith end, and we will not longer need signs, not even that of the fig tree, but until then we expect to watch by faith. A. D. J.

DEAD WITH CHRIST.

Growth in knowledge of truth is not only the privilege but also the duty of the Christian; so the education of the saints will not be complete until they have laid off the flesh, and been made like Christ.

Then we ought to understand more fully the deep things of God now than at any other time in the past; and so we should comprehend more clearly what it is to suffer with Christ, as well as the glory which is to follow.

Suffering with Christ involves more than a simple separation from the world. We must be dead to the world, then we shall not love the world or worldly things.

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances; after the commandments and ordinances of men? Touch not, taste not, handle not the unclean thing. `Col. 2:20,22`.

The conscience must be purged from dead works to serve the living God, (`Heb. 9:14`). For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God (`Gal. 2:19`). It is a faithful saying: "For if we be dead with Him we shall also reign with Him," (`2 Tim. 2:11`). Yea, doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them as vile refuse that I may win Christ and be found in him; not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection of the dead, (`Phil. 3:8,11`). Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered

unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (`2 Cor. 4:10,11`.)

These passages seem to teach more than a crucifixion of the flesh simply; i.e., an actual giving of ourselves, as did our head, for the purpose of completing the sacrifice for the world; to fill up that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ. He gave His flesh for the life of the world (`John 6:51`). Hereby perceive we love, because he laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren, [`1 Jno. 3:16`].

If we are still under the death penalty entailed upon us by Adam, how we can be counted as dead, crucified with Christ, I can not conceive; but if He redeemed us from that penalty, by His death, I can see how we can give ourselves a voluntary sacrifice for the world in Him. He could give Himself because of His own righteousness; His body can do it only by having His righteousness imputed to them. There were two sacrifices for atonement under the law `Lev. 16`; one for the priesthood or high priest's house, and the other for the people. Jesus, our high priest, gave himself a propitiation for our sins (`1 John 2:2`) or his house, whose are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end, `Heb. 3:6`.

Then again Christ, our passover is sacrificed for us [the church of the first-born.] `1 Cor. 5:7`. Whom God has set forth to be a mercyseat, by his own blood, through the faith; for an exhibition of His righteousness in passing by the sins formerly committed, during the forbearance of God; and for an exhibition of His righteousness at the present time, in order that he may be righteous while justifying him who is the faith of Jesus [`Rom. 3:25,26`]. [Diaglott.] So faith in Christ, or the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin and death [`Rom. 8:2`].

If the death of Christ releases us from the Adamic penalty, then why do we die? To complete the sacrifice. Presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service, [`Rom. 12`].

Dead with him. Not only dead to the world, to the law, to sin, to the flesh, but really dead with Him. Baptized into his death; for if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin; for he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Him, we believe that we shall also live with Him [`Rom. 6`]. The completion of the individual sufferings of the head was his laying off the flesh; so with the body.

The atonement was for the purpose of cleansing. That Jesus gave himself for the church--the church of the first-born--that they might be partakers with Him in making atonement for the world, seems to be clearly taught in `Numbers 8`. "Take the Levites from among the children of Israel and cleanse them."

"And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the Lord. And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks; and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering unto the Lord, to make an atonement for the Levites.

"Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine. For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; Instead of the first-born of all the children of Israel have I taken them unto me. For all the first-born of the children of Israel are mine. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons among the children of Israel to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make atonement for the children of Israel."

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