The Watchtower, December 1, 1882

VOL. IV. PITTSBURGH, PA., DECEMBER, 1882. NO. 5.

ZION'S

Watch Tower

AND

HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE.

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

C. T. RUSSELL, Editor and Publisher.

The Editor recognizes a responsibility to the Master, relative to what shall appear in these columns, which he can not and does not cast aside; yet he should not be understood as endorsing every expression of correspondents, or of articles selected from other periodicals.

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--WE have been so delayed by the extra issue of October that we have omitted the November issue. Subscriptions will last one month longer.

TO NEW READERS.

The TOWER comes to you as unpretentiously as the ministers of the early church. We present no list of titled and world renowned contributors --none whose fame would command your attention to the subjects we present. But we come to you with the Bible as God's Word, and seek to enlist your attention to its statements and your obedience to its requirements, and thus to lead the hearts and minds of some of God's children away from the jarring confusion of precept and doctrine, prevalent among the various divisions (sects) of Christians, into the harmony, beauty, simplicity, and confidence, which come from the study of God's Word and its acceptance as a harmonious whole and a self interpreter.

In our last number you saw some scriptures applied more pointedly than you have been accustomed to apply them, and other scriptures quoted for which you never before could find a place of application without distortion. It would be but natural that you should wonder how these things could be true, yet not recognized long ago by earnest Christians; and why so many of those in the churches manifest a bitter opposition to things so full of harmony with God's Word, and so fully vindicating the Justice, Wisdom and Love of our Heavenly Father.

In answer to your supposed queries, we suggest that if a broad view of God's dealings be taken, it shows that He has a plan with reference to men. While he was pleased in past times to reveal an outline of that plan, it was nothing more; no details were given. The details of the plan began to be recognized since Pentecost. The light of revelation shines with special brightness on the ends of the ages. Upon the ending of the Jewish age which was the beginning of the Gospel Age, glorious light shone out relative to the blessed privileges about to be enjoyed in the Gospel Age. Remember, too, that it came from the Scriptures, written long before, but which were never before appreciated and understood. Matthew Mark, Luke, John, Peter and Paul, all quoted the prophecies and applied them to the events taking place and due to take place in their day --the opening of the Gospel Age. The prophecies had been there for centuries, but the revelation or understanding of them, was reserved for those in the ends of the ages. (See `1 Cor. 10:11`.) So now in the closing of the Gospel Age and dawning of the grand Millennial Age, we should expect the light to shine out brightly relative to God's plans for this incoming age. And so it does. Search and see. Gem after gem of precious truth now glows with unparalleled luster to the diligent searcher because God's due time has come for such to understand it. Soon the blessed bow of promise shall span the whole heavens, and weeping earth shall dry her tears and shout for joy.

It is no more surprising that these truths relative to God's plan for the blessing of all mankind should have been but dimly seen heretofore, than that the call of the Gentiles to be heirs of the Abrahamic promise, (`Acts 11:18`. `Eph. 3:5,6`. `Gal. 3:29`.) should have been but dimly seen until the Gospel Age began to dawn. We can understand prophetic Scriptural statements only as they become due. Thus--"Light, (knowledge, was long ago) sown for the righteous." When due, the light springs up and gradually unfolds. Thus our Father has made abundant provision for the household--that the servants shall bring forth things both new and old, and the household have meat in due season.

The cause of the opposition on the part of many to the truth now due, is the failure to recognize this progressive and unfolding character of God's revelation of his plans. Most Christians take for granted that good men of the past who walked in the light then due, had all the truth worth knowing. Knox, Calvin, Luther, Wesley and others were, we believe, followers in our Lord's footsteps of self-sacrifice and devotedness to God; but more truth is due in our day than in theirs. According to God's plan, the light should shine more and more until 'tis perfect day. Therefore many Christians of to-day make a great mistake, and sit in comparative darkness, when they might be walking in glorious light, because they search the theology of these men instead of the Word of God.

O, that all would turn away from musty church creeds of times past and give more earnest heed to the ever living, ever fresh, ever unfolding, ever new Word of God. Again, others take the Bible and search it only for the purpose of seeing how nearly they can make it to fit either their mental or written creed. If your habit has been such, we hope you will at once resolve to lay aside all human teachings as authoritative and hereafter judge all you hear or read by the statements of Scripture. If you believe anything, make sure that you have Scriptural statements warranting it. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good and cast away all else.

The action of the nominal church to-day relative to the light now shining clearly resembles that of the Jewish church relative to light in the end of their age. They reject every new ray of light because it would conflict with some cherished theory or statement of their creed. They are so enwrapped with their own plans and arrangements for converting the world, that they are unwilling to hear that God has a better, grander, and infinitely more comprehensive way of dealing with evil, and blessing and teaching the world. Their ears are so stopped by the din and confusion of their own religious efforts that they cannot discern the plan of Jehovah.

Satan indeed is doubtless interested in the promotion of the Babel confusion of sects, and stimulates and encourages that zeal which is not according to knowledge, and thus he hinders their hearing Jehovah's voice, saying, "Be still and know that I am God, (the mighty one); I will be exalted among the heathen; I will be exalted in the earth." (`Psa. 46:10`.) The power to do this is with our Father and not with us. When he gives the saints with Christ their Lord, the heathen for an inheritance--when He gives the kingdom under the whole heavens to the people of the saints, THEN, and not by poor human effort, will God's kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (`Dan. 2:35,44` and `7:18,27`.)

VIEW FROM THE TOWER.

Notwithstanding many discouraging circumstances and the severe trial of faith which has been, and is still testing the household of faith, we rejoice in the assurance of our Father's Word that "The Lord knoweth them that are His," and we know that all things shall work together for good to them." His Word repeatedly assures us that in the days of the Son of Man--during the presence of Christ--we must expect that He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver to purify and purge of all dross. We have before seen that this purifying relates to all things--to questions of governments and subjects, capitalists and laborers, masters and servants; in a word it is the purifying of all things, political, social, scientific and religious. Scripture affirms that this testing and purging commences with the Church--God's Temple." (Read carefully `Malachi 3:1-4`.)

If then, we are living in the transition period which closes the Gospel Age and introduces the Millennial Age, called "The day of the Lord," should WE be surprised at these tests of the Refiner, whom we recognize as being now present? "Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ (not as evil doers) happy are ye, for the spirit of glory and of God resteth on you...The time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God." `1 Peter, 4:12-17`. (The word judgment sometimes refers to the process of trial, and sometimes to the result of trial--the sentence. In the first sense the judgment of the church began with the beginning of the Gospel Age; in the latter sense it belongs to the end or harvest of the age. This testing now going on separates the true and the false, the wheat and the tares in the nominal church, and already the welcome "well done" begins to be realized by the faithful, who even here begin to enter into the joy of their Lord as the light of His Word reveals the glorious future.)

We should be arming ourselves with the whole armor of God's Word, and bracing ourselves for our own final testing, by girding up the loins of our minds with the girdle of truth, that we may be able to withstand in this evil day, For "a thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand." (`Eph. 6:13`; `Psa. 91:7`.)

And some of them of understanding shall fall to try and to purge and to make white. (`Dan. 11:35`) This will shake loose from all earthly supports and confidence in man's wisdom. It will have the effect of binding some still closer to the Master's teachings, and to a more close inspection of every thought advanced or received to see whether it be God's teaching they are building with, and whether they are firmly built upon the foundation-rock that Christ died for our sins.

In the midst of this testing time however, the Lord sends many encouragements for which we praise Him. Among others are many encouraging words from the faithful in Christ Jesus, telling us how they continue to grow up into Christ; how they daily become stronger and better able to overcome the allurements of Anti-christ and the spirit of the world.

A brother writes from London, Eng., of his visit to Spurgeon's Tabernacle, as follows:

"It was on an occasion in which his audience was supposed to be entirely of strangers, and we were very gently led to suppose that possibly if we were not brought to the light in this age, there might be a chance in another, but that after all it is better to be converted at once so as to make sure of it. This man has vastly changed in regard to what he preaches since I have known him. He has evidently read the book "Food" and is breaking it gently. It may be bias, though I think not, but I fancy that the "Food" must have been read in many thinking quarters, because I very distinctly recognize in many of the leaders of pulpit thought, the spirit of the work. I believe that the fruit is ripening.

Another from Titusville, says-- he thinks the influence of this truth now permeates to a greater or less extent, every pulpit in that region. We mention these things that you may be encouraged, for often we might feel like Elijah that we are measurably alone; but like him should know that there are others who do not bow either to Baal or Babylon.

Many letters must go unanswered, and many must wait a long time. If the letter does not seem to need an answer, or if some printed matter will answer its queries, we simply read, fill its orders, and omit special answering. You will not be surprised at this when we inform you that of this present edition we print 20,000 copies, and that the letters received have for some time past, averaged from 500 to 600 per week. To answer every one would be impossible. There are at present four persons engaged in answering letters, besides what the Editor answers personally, and even then we can only attend to the most important ones.

However, we are always glad to hear from you, if you will take the public letters of the Editor in the TOWER as your answers, except on special matters. But know that every letter receives attention.

We published 200,000 copies of the last number of the TOWER, and issued them from New York City for the sake of economy and dispatch. On our return to Pittsburgh we met much to encourage us--kind words and donations, etc.,--some small sums, and some larger. The Master knows, not we, which were the largest, for sometimes he reckons a widow's mite as more than the larger offerings of those who have more abundantly.

One German brother who sent $100 did not sign his name; we hope he will send his address that he may receive the paper regularly. These things gave encouragement, which doubtless the Lord saw we needed, and we at once made arrangements for an issue of another 100,000 edition of the same October number, which will hereafter be without date, as a missionary number. When these have gone out upon their mission, carrying to God's children "Glad tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people," which will be in about a month, we hope to be ready to send forth still another 100,000.

We wish that those especially who have contributed to the "Tract Fund," could read some of the letters which come from children of God in whose hearts there has for a long time been pent up the flame of ardent love to God--almost smothered by false ideas of his justice as viewed from an unscriptural standpoint.

There are thousands of saints preaching the glad tidings by loaning the TOWER, and reading and explaining it to others. We have plenty of the October number, and you may order all you can use judiciously, without charge.

Below are extracts from a few of the many good letters:--

STANWOOD, MICH.

DEAR BRO.--The "Foods" you sent me have been distributed and are doing good work for the blessed Master. A number have been brought to the light through reading them. The truth is setting us free in this section, and we feel in our hearts that it has been instrumental in God's hands in doing much for us.

The question with me has been how to present this truth to others in the most effectual manner. I am trying to speak to the people every week two or three times, but I feel my incapacity to such an extent that the cross is heavy at times. I have often thought I would not speak any more in public until I was better qualified if I could have my own way about it. What shall I do, who is sufficient for these things?...Praise the Lord for his mercy endureth forever.

Yours in hope of being one of the Bride company. __________.

["My God shall supply all your need." "Study to show thyself a workman approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth." `Phil. 4:19`; `2 Tim. 2:15`. EDITOR.]

BERNE, PA.

DEAR BRO.:--Please try and publish a German tract, setting forth the "glad tiding of great joy;" thousands are waiting for such a tract. I could distribute thousands of copies with advantage. Yours, __________.

(We would be very glad if some German brother with necessary ability, would volunteer to translate Oct. Z.W.T. into German. A Swedish translation is also much called for. Would be glad to hear a similar report from some capable Swedish brother. Here is a place in the harvest field for some one.--ED.)

LOVE DEFINED.

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Love is that tender solicitude and affection with which anything commanding admiration and respect, is regarded. That which is not lovely never can be loved in the true sense of the word. A degenerate nature may desire and find a morbid satisfaction in that which is unlovely, but that is not love. Love wherever found is a gleam of the divine likeness, and is spontaneously awakened by the presence of that which is noble and pure and good. This wonderful principle binds in holiest and most delightful union and harmony all intelligent beings controlled by it. God is the most glorious exhibition of its nobility and grandeur. It is the law of his being, and shall ultimately be the controlling law of all his universe.

But one inquires, if only that which commands admiration and respect can be truly loved, how could God love sinners and tell us to do the same? We reply that God never loved sinners as such; he loved the jewel he had brought into perfect being because it was truly lovely; and when, under temptation it lost its excellence and glory, his love for its perfection pitied it in its fall, while his justice condemned it; and that love devised the wondrous scheme for its recovery.

Let us here note the attitude of Jehovah towards those whom he so loved as to give his only begotten Son to redeem them. For six thousand years he has permitted their adversary to have dominion over them: Famine and pestilence have stalked abroad; hatred and strife, and war and bloodshed, have filled the earth with untold agony and woe, until the grave closed over generation after generation. Six thousand years, but no deliverance yet; God still stands off, and still the king of terror reigns. When the long promised Deliverer comes, it is to rule with a rod of iron --to dash in pieces as a potters vessel the kingdoms of earth, which from human standpoint seem necessary for protection against greater evils. In fear and dismay men look upon God as an enemy, and seek to hide from his presence; yet "God is love," and

"He knows, not they, how sweet accord

Shall grow at length from out this clash

Of earthly discords, which have jarred

On soul and sense: They hear the crash,

But do not know that on His ear,

Breaks harmony--full, deep, and clear."

Now the love of God is vailed, but soon it shall be revealed in the glorious restoration to Edenic perfection and bliss. Soon "the redeemed of the Lord (all mankind) shall return and come with singing unto Zion, (the church in kingdom power,) and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away." Thus viewing God's dealings, we see that his wisdom often veils his love.

True love while it seeks to shield and protect, will justly judge and endeavor to eradicate a fault--expose it, let the light shine on it and show it up to those affected by it, that it may be removed, and grace and beauty take its place.

A very false notion of love obtains among the majority of christian people, and under this false notion our adversary endeavors to shield some of the most dangerous and deadly errors that seek to sap the very foundation of the christian's hope. Let this deadly thing which the adversary dares to present to God's children be touched by the sword of the spirit

which is the Word of God, and he who wields it is said to be uncharitable, loveless. But does this make it so? By no means. Jesus was full of the love of God, but he spoke most emphatically against evil-doers:-- "Ye blind guides which strain at a gnat and swallow a camel;" "Woe unto you for you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." (`Matt. 23:13-33`.) And again he said to erring Peter, "Get thee behind me Satan, (adversary) thou art an offence unto me, for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (`Matt. 16:23`.) But how differently the Lord's rebukes affected his loving disciples and the proud pharisees.

Paul was a noble pattern of his Master's spirit in his zeal for the truth, and his care for fellow members of the church. His usual manner toward all, like that of Jesus, was kind, generous, and affectionate, but did Paul cover the truth, shield error, or fail to warn an erring brother or the flock of God against the encroachments of the enemy? If he had so done, as an unfaithful steward he would have lost his stewardship. Though Peter was a noble soldier of the cross and fellow servant in the Lord, Paul withstood him to the face when, by giving way to the old nature for a time, he was to be blamed. (`Gal. 2:11`.) Note in connection with this, the sympathy and love existing between these brethren; (`2 Pet. 3:15`.) evidently the rebuke was accepted in the spirit of meekness. And again we find Paul faithfully warning the church against some ("many") who had become the enemies of the cross of Christ. (`Phil. 3:18`.)

Does some one object that we must "judge not that we be not judged?" We reply that to exercise human judgement in condemning others would be wrong; but to apply the judgement of God as expressed in his Word is right. We are commanded to do so. And the various descriptions of evil deeds, false teachings, and seducing doctrines, are given that we may judge--"That the man of God may be thoroughly furnished," for reproof, for correction of error and instruction in righteousness. (`2 Tim. 3:16,17`.) It is therefore the duty of every child of God to judge what is right and what is wrong, what is true and what is false. That against which we are cautioned is judging by other standards than the Word of God--condemning on our own, or any other human authority. That Paul judged according to God's Word and taught the church to do the same is very clear. (See `1 Cor. 5:3`; `Gal. 2:11`; `1 Thes. 5:21`; `2 Tim. 4:2`; `1 Cor. 6:2,3`. Note also Paul's prayer that love might abound in judgement, `Phil. 1:9,10`).

No doubt Paul's faithfulness in seeking to build up and establish the church in purity of doctrine and life, was often misunderstood, and failed to be appreciated by them. This is very apparent from `1 Cor. chap. 4`. "But (he says) it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment. He that judgeth me is the Lord." Then speaking of his labor and suffering for them, he says: "I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you." (Read the chapter throughout.)

Jesus said: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one toward another," and Paul says: "Let love be without dissimulation; abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good." When contending with an unseen, but wily and powerful foe, what mere hypocrisy is that profession of love which fails to warn of immediate or approaching danger.

The new creature in Christ is a jewel of infinite value, "and every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him." (`1 John 5:1`.) Dearly beloved, "Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;" "Reprove, rebuke, exhort (each other with all long-suffering and doctrine." Give and receive in the spirit of meekness, remembering that "Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly (unbecomingly) seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil."

By this mutual love, and this care one for another, will all men be able to discover who are Jesus' disciples-- "Let love be without dissimulation; abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good." So shall you "be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." MRS. C. T. RUSSELL.

OUR NEW NAME.

Thy name, Oh, Heavenly Bridegroom!

Can we ever hope to bear?

Shall we see Thy matchless glory,

And in Thy kingdom share?

With smiles of loving welcome,

Wilt Thou say to us, well done?

When our pilgrim days are ended,

And our race for life is run?

Yes, I hear Thee sweetly saying,

In words of love divine,

"If now with Me thou'lt suffer,

My glory shall be thine.

If now with Me thou'rt crucified,

New life to thee I'll give,

And through eternal ages,

My bride shall with Me live."

Oh, glorious fount of blessing!

We will haste without delay,

Our little all to Thee to give,

Who dost such joys repay;

We care not, Lord, for earthly fame,

Its honors, or its pride,

But let us bear Thy sacred name,

And own us as Thy bride.

Thy name above all others grand,

Which Thy waiting bride shall own;

When Thou shalt call her to Thy side,

And share with her Thy throne;

Through realms of fadeless glory,

Shall all its power confess;

And every tongue on earth shall praise,

"The Lord our righteousness."

MRS. A. AGENS, N.J.

A BIBLE READING.

THE ATONEMENT.

This subject is again coming up for consideration, and we would not hinder it if we could. Rather would we be found aiding in the investigation. When we know that a doctrine rests on the Word of God we can rest on it without fear. Many of God's children, though walking in the light, are inclined to lean too much on the arm of flesh; and if we mistake not God is going to shake them loose. Blessed will they be who are standing on the rock of his truth.

All do not have equal facilities for searching the Word, so we wish to help. We would say, however, that there is but little excuse for the most of us, seeing that good reference Bibles are so cheap. A teacher's Bible and a full concordance, a prayerful heart and an honest mind, with time and patience, are all we need-- God will give the rest.

Study carefully and prayerfully the following texts; use them as starting points with your reference Bibles; you will find plenty more. Keep a list of all you find; compare any theory of the atonement, no matter where it comes from, with every text on your list; if it agrees, believe it; if not, reject it. Let God's Word be the end of all controversy between you and every doctrine brought before you. Don't be afraid to investigate. "Light is sown for the righteous." "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good."

Here are some of the things that Jesus did for us in the atoning work:

He died for us. `1 Thes. 5:10`; `Rom. 5:8`.

He died for all. `2 Cor. 5:14,15`; `John 11:50-52`.

He died for our sins. `1 Cor. 15:3`; `1 Pet. 2:24`.

He justified us. `Gal. 2:17`; `Rom. 4:25`.

The law could not. `Gal. 5:4`; `Rom. 3:20`.

Our works could not. `Gal. 2:16`; `Rom. 3:27,28`.

Faith in his work justifies. `Gal. 3:13,14`; `Rom. 4:24`.

He bought us. `1 Cor. 6:20`; `7:23`.

He redeemed us. `Gal. 3:13`; `1 Pet. 1:18-20`.

He ransomed us. `Matt. 20:28`; `1 Tim. 2:6`.

He washed us. `Rev. 1:5`; `1 John 1:7`.

He sanctified us. `Heb. 13:12`; `Eph. 5:26`.

He saves us. `1 Cor. 1:21`; `1 Tim. 1:15`.

He was an offering for us. `Heb. 9:28`; `10:10`.

He was sacrificed for us. `Eph. 5:2`; `1 Cor. 5:7`.

He knew no sin. `1 John 3:5`; `Heb. 4:15`.

He was made sin (a sin-offering) for us. `2 Cor. 5:21`; `1 Pet. 2:22-24`.

The just died for the unjust. `1 Pet. 3:18`; consider also the meaning of the sacrifices of 4,000 years.

His blood bought us; `1 Pet. 1:2`. Purchased us; `Acts 20:28`. Redeemed us; `Rev. 5:9`. Justified us; `Rom. 5:9`. Washed us; `Rev. 1:5`. Sanctified us; `Heb. 13:12`. Saves us; `Acts 4:12`.

"A little Scripture is better than a good deal of reasoning."

W. I. MANN.

MAN'S INHERITANCE.

When God created man, he endowed him with qualities of being like his own. Qualities of justice and judgment fitted him to be a ruler; qualities of mercy and love prepared him to be a reasonable, kind and wise ruler. Such is a brief description of earth's first king-- Adam. An image of his Creator, (not physically, but mentally and morally,) he is to be invested with authority over earth and its affairs, like as God is ruler over all, as we read: After our likeness let them have dominion over the beast of the field, the fowl of heaven and the fish of the sea. [`Gen. 1:26`]. Thus was he installed lord of earth. He was but another form of creation, a step lower than angels, as lower and under him, came the brute creation. Accordingly we read: "Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands. Thou hast put all things under his feet." [`Psa. 8:5-6`].

All of this glory, honor and rulership was invested in him, to be used in harmony with his nature, which being perfect, was in perfect harmony with the will of God. This was his inheritance, but

HE LOST IT.

As God had foreseen, man disobeys his superior ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This cannot be allowed to go unpunished. He had been informed from the first that disobedience to God would be sin, and that its legitimate punishment and effect is death. While man always was mortal, i.e. liable to death, if disobedient to God's laws, yet the loving Creator had made every provision necessary to his welfare, in the garden prepared for his trial. And not only had He arranged that the soul (person) that sinned should die, but also that if obedient the person should continue to live. The means for life's continuance was in "every tree of the garden," i.e., the food provided for man's sustenance was amply sufficient to meet all the wastes of his system, and would have preserved the freshness and vigor of his perfect being forever. This would be everlasting life.

When man became a sinner the penalty "death" must be executed. It mattered not so far as the penalty was concerned, whether Adam should die the same moment that he disobeyed, or the same year, or a thousand years after. He must die. The word "day" used in connection with the penalty, is the general term used now as well as in past times, for a period or epoch of time, as: "The day of temptation in the wilderness --forty years;" the days of creation, etc. The marginal reading clears up the meaning: "In the day that thou eatest thereof, dying, thou shalt die." [`Gen. 2:17`]. This was fulfilled not by God's striking Adam dead with a thunderbolt but simply by cutting off his access to the life-giving food supplied by the trees of the prepared garden. Accordingly an angel drove Adam from the garden and prevented with flaming sword, his access thereafter to the tree (trees or woods) of life. [`Gen. 3:24`].

Thus was the Lord of creation driven out into the world which God, foreknowing his fall, had left in an unprepared or "cursed" conditions. The garden which we are told was "prepared" was doubtless an illustration of what the whole earth will be when man and his perfect conditions are restored--in "The times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets."

Thus thrown upon his own resources for obtaining by sweat of face, elements to sustain life, Adam found it a hard lot, and by its effects was enabled to know what evil is, and the exceeding bitterness of sin. And oft, no doubt, he desired, perhaps prayed, that he might be permitted again to dwell in Eden, and promised that with his present knowledge of sin and evil he would more highly prize the good things there enjoyed and more fervently love and obey Him "from whom cometh every good and perfect gift." But though God's plan was no less loving than this, it was broader, wiser and more comprehensive. God's plan was to let, not only Adam, but also the entire race, learn just this same lesson of the bitterness of sin and disobedience which each must individually learn to fully appreciate. Then bringing all back to the Eden condition, sin might be forever banished, and the entire race live in harmony with God.

Toil and care told in time upon even the perfect physical form of a perfect man, resulting finally in his complete overthrow and wresting from his grasp the last shred or spark of life. He is dead. After nine hundred and thirty years of struggle with his foe--death--he is conquered. The penalty of sin was inflicted and continues, to this moment, since he still is one of the prisoners in the great charnel house of death, which has since swallowed up the race, and will hold them all until the second Adam, who ransomed the race, and who declares, "I have the keys of hell and death" [hades--the grave] [`Rev. 1:18`] shall take his great power and reign, releasing "the prisoners of the pit" [grave], "the captives" of sin and death.

But not only did the casting out from the life-preserving fruits of the garden tend, to the impairing of Adam's physical powers, but of his mental qualities also. It was not possible that he should retain perfect mental vigor, when he became physically impaired, thought being the product of the mental organism made active by the physical vitality.

We see then that Adam's mental powers decreased with his physical deterioration, and the moral qualities of his mind suffered the most. While the energy of body and mind were taxed to their utmost to take care of self, it is but reasonable to suppose that the quality of benevolence (love) which as he was in God's image, must have been one of the ruling characteristics of his being was crowded out, and the qualities of acquisitiveness (selfishness) and combativeness were developed instead. This same idea followed out would show us that all the higher, grander, nobler qualities were suffered measurably to decline, while all of the lower ones (common to the lower animals) were the more developed.

As man lost the grandeur of his being, and its powers decreased, his rulership over the lower creation, as well as over self gave way, until today we find him afraid of all wild beasts, and that they no longer recognize the rulership of their fallen lord. And the influence once exercised by our father Adam is barely discernable in the occasional man who can master and tame (partially) the ferocious beasts. Here we have a brief glance at the first dynasty of earth and its overthrow. Now we see the result: "By sin came death." In the expressive language of Paul,

"DEATH REIGNED"

King of Terrors under "him that has the power of death, that is, the devil" --"the prince of this world." All bow before him; all are under his control. From the cradle to the tomb, every ache and pain attests his power over us, and the same agency which first placed us under his rule (sin) conspires yet, to more quickly destroy the race. His rule or reign must continue so long as there is sin to be punished, or until the entire race is reduced to the condition of lifelessness. But Jehovah foresaw all this, and in his plan has

A DELIVERER PROVIDED.

Such a ransom and deliverance was a part of God's plan from the first; and we read "for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil"--sin and death. [`1 John 3:8`.] And not only so, but also, "him that hath the power of death, that is, the devil." [`Heb. 2:14`], and thus release from his grasp all of the race.

But as Satan and death are acting in harmony with a law of the universe, viz: that no sinner shall be permitted to live, and that every creature shall be perfect in its own plane of existence, the one who would deliver the race from his authority must satisfy these claims of the law of the universe. This the fallen ones could not do for themselves, as God had from the first foreknown and arranged for in His plan. Carrying out this plan He had already condemned the entire race on account of one man's disobedience. His purpose from the first being that he would provide another man, who, being without sin, should give himself "a ransom for all" the race--that "as by one man's disobedience [the] many [all] were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall [the] many [all] be made righteous" (justified from sin and death). `Rom. 5:19`.

But who is the one righteous, pure, holy, sinless, one? How could there be such an one among a race all of whom were condemned. "There is none righteous, no not one," the scriptures answer. But when mankind had learned effectually his own weakness and inability to deliver himself from death, his extremity became

God's opportunity, and "God's eye pitied, and His arm brought salvation." The very chief of God's creation higher than angels and archangels [`Heb. 1:5-8`], He who is called "the beginning of the creation of God" [`Rev. 3:14`] is selected as the one who shall undergo the labors of redeeming humanity. We are not to suppose this was an irksome or unwilling work, for we cannot suppose a being in perfect harmony with Jehovah who would not take delight in doing his will. Nor would obedience be the only motive which would actuate, partaking as all perfect beings on whatever plane they exist must, of the divine quality--love-- he would love to do the work for the sake of its benefits to mankind, releasing them from death. This no doubt was a part of the joy set before him, for which he, endured the

cross despising the shame. [`Heb. 12:2`].

Aside from this joy at the opportunity to release the human race from death, was that of "bringing many sons to glory," i.e., a part of the race "a little flock." "To these gave he power to become sons of God." "For, as many as are led by the spirit of God, are the sons of God." These, according to God's plan, may, by intimate association with him be reckoned as the bride of Christ and as such enter the heavenly family. To these sons this mighty one would be a leader or "captain of their salvation." And yet another part of this

"JOY SET BEFORE HIM,"

was that He himself should, because of his obedience, labor, sacrifice, etc., be accounted worthy of still higher honor and more intimate relationship and communion with Jehovah--the object of his supreme love and devotion, than he had ever yet possessed, even to partake of his divine nature. So we read: "He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name," [`Phil. 2:8-9`], "that all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father." [`John 5:23`].

But how shall this redemptive work be accomplished? We have seen that God's plan was, that since by man came death, by man should also come the resurrection of the dead. [`1 Cor. 15:21`]. Then to redeem man, this mighty one must become a man in every particular. He must partake of "flesh and blood," [`Heb. 2:14`], and consequently must have all the qualities of the fleshly race, not the sinful and depraved qualities with which we now are burdened, but he must be a perfect man, standing exactly where Adam stood, except that he would know more perfectly the exceeding sinfulness of sin and its dire effects which he saw everywhere about him, and also for what purpose he had come. He took not the nature and form of angels, for that would not have answered, but he took the nature and form of a man.

All things are now ready. "In the fullness of time, God sent forth his Son, born of a virgin," "born not of the will of the flesh but of the will of God"--in a word, as much of a specially creative act on God's part as was the creation of Adam; the difference being that the one could say, "The earth is my mother," the other was "born of a woman." Had he in any way been a descendant of Adam he would have been under the curse of death, as are all other members of that race. He would have been as unable to keep the law as other men in whom sinful dispositions and depraved human nature are born. But while of the same (human) nature he is a new being, distinct from the race. He is born, grows in wisdom and in stature but manifests powers beyond others because he is perfect, they imperfect. Now he has reached maturity (according to the law) at thirty years of age. He knows as no one else does the great work for which during those thirty years he has been coming--his body preparing --it was "for the suffering of death" --that he "should taste death for every man"--"that through death he might destroy death," and liberate the dead race--"in due time." Now he is come, the second perfect sinless man, and offers this perfect life as a ransom for the race--"Lo, I come, (as) in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do thy will, O, God." [`Heb. 10:7`]. This was his covenant, to die, as he afterward expressed it, saying: "For this cause came I into the world." And here in type he was buried in the water and rose again, thus making the picture of that which he covenanted to do.

Now as the perfect one he has done all that he can do, given himself up to die as the Father may will, but though the death has not actually occurred (at baptism) it is so reckoned, (as with us when we covenant), and the new nature's powers and will, which belong to the spiritual body, which he is to be when the work of death is complete; ("raised a spiritual body,") these powers and qualities were given him as soon as the human --earthly--body was consecrated. This was at his baptism when the spirit descended and a voice from heaven acknowledged His begetting again to the spiritual plane and to the Divine nature. "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." [`Matt. 3:17`]. Henceforth the life of Jesus is that of a dual being, the outward form being the man Christ Jesus, whose life and being were daily spent for the good of others--a body already given up to death.

The new being within--the Divine nature--was the spirit power of God. And in this he is the pattern and leader of "all who come unto God by Him," "who become partakers of the Divine nature"--the "little flock" called his bride--His body. We must surrender ourselves to God--be baptized into his death--in order to be begotten of the spirit and receive the earnest of our new spiritual being, the fullness of which will be received when we are completely delivered from this fleshy condition to our spiritual bodies.

Thenceforth he "did not his own human will" but was "led of the Spirit," and the actions now were of God, as Jesus testified: "The word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's, which sent me." [`John 14:24` and `17:8`]. "The Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works." [`John 14:10`]. If we as our head "are led by the Spirit of God"--even unto death--we also become "the sons of God," [`Rom. 8:14`], who will also "work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure." [`Phil. 2:13`].

And we who are now "new creatures (in Christ Jesus") should take courage from the life of our beloved master; as Paul says:

"CONSIDER HIM

who endureth such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your minds." If you sometimes find it hard to endure the frowns of the world and to be thought of and treated as a deceiver by your friends, think of Him weeping in Gethsemane, condemned before Pilate, crucified as a malefactor, forsaken and denied by his loved ones, "yet He opened not His mouth." And if your human nature sometimes shrinks, although reckoned dead, think again of Him. Remember that He was tempted in all points like as we are, (yet without sin), and can and does sympathize with us, and though you may sometimes cry out, as he did: "Father, if it be possible, let this cup (the ignominy) pass from me," forget not to add, as he did, "yet not my will but thine be done." The human will of Jesus though given up at consecration-- baptism felt the crucifixion so that He needed the heavenly "grace to help in time of need" to keep the human will perfectly obedient to the will of the new being--the divine.

This dying process continued during the three and one-half years of His ministry, from the moment of His consecration and acceptance at baptism, until on the cross He cried: "It is finished." But what was finished there--the work of atonement? No, the work of atonement signifies the making at one of two parties. In this case God was one and humanity the other party. Man's sin had brought upon him God's curse, death, instead of his blessing; and by its degrading influence (as we have seen) it had so marred the mental and moral likeness of man to his maker, that he no longer took "delight in the law of God," but in sin, and it will be readily seen that there was much work necessary to bring about full reconciliation between God and man. First--Justice must be met, a ransom must be given for the sinner, else God could never, to all eternity, recognize him as having a right to live. Secondly--Man must be brought to his original condition of perfection--in God's image--before he can be of himself perfectly in harmony with God's perfect will and law. Now, while this work, as a whole, was Jehovah's plan from "before the creation of the world," its accomplishment only began with Jesus, and will not be completed until the end of the millennial reign, when Jesus shall deliver up all things to the Father, having put down (destroyed) all opposition to God's laws, (sin). `1 Cor. 15:24-28`.

When Jesus cried, "it is finished," he referred only to the first mentioned part of this work of atonement, viz: The giving of the ransom; this was now complete; the penalty of Adam's sin was now met, for "Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture" --"gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time." "Who is a propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." [`1 John 2:2`.]

Having thus "purchased us from death with his own precious blood," all the race belongs to him. A race of sinners they were having no right to life; a race of ransomed beings they are against whom justice has no claim, who may be restored to perfect life at the pleasure or will of Jesus their redeemer, who proclaimed, that in due time "all that are in their graves shall hear the voice of the Son of Man and come forth." And again: "I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore, and have the keys of hell [hades-- the grave] and of death." [`Rev. 1:18`]. Yes, says Paul: "For this purpose Christ was manifested, [in the flesh] that he might destroy death, and him that has the power of death, that is the devil."

But while we are thus informed of the plan of God to destroy "death" yet, nearly two thousand years have passed since the ransom was paid and still death reigns. Why does not the purchaser take possession of "the purchased possession?" Ah, he has a grand plan with regard to some of the race he has purchased--He will by trial of faith and patience develop

and separate from the world "a little flock" whom he will associate with Himself as His bride. They will be a peculiar people, zealous of good works, and full of faith, who walk in his footsteps of self-sacrifice and entire giving up of their human nature --will and body--receiving instead the Divine nature--will and body.

When the church--body--of Christ is made perfect through sufferings and trials, and united with Him [which event we believe to be so close at hand], then the great work and reign of earth's new monarch--the second Adam--begins. Though possessing the power over evil ever since He rose from the grave its victor, yet he has not exercised that power up to the present time because evil is necessary to the development of his body. But when we are complete he shall take to himself his great power and reign. [`Rev. 11:17`]. This statement is applied as having its fulfillment at the end of the gospel age during the sounding of the seventh (symbolic) trumpet.

Now let us enquire, how long will Christ reign--or exercise authority and rule? Answer. "He shall reign forever and ever," [`Rev. 11:15`], that is, being associated with the Father, Christ (and we in Him) shall always belong to the reigning and ruling power--Jesus at the Father's right hand (next in authority) and we at his right hand, consequently "above all principalities and powers." But in the especial sense of ruling over and subduing earth, the reign is limited to the period of time necessary to the restoring of all earth's people and affairs to a condition of at-one-ment or harmony with God, the Father, as Paul expresses it:

"HE MUST REIGN TILL HE HATH PUT ALL ENEMIES UNDER HIS FEET.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." For "He (the Father) hath put all things under his (Christ's) feet," but it is evident that the Father did not put himself under the control of Christ. "And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also, himself, be subject unto Him (the Father) that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all," (or above all).

Man having been restored to his original dominion, every inferior creature will recognize him as its Lord, and every human being will recognize "Christ as Lord to the glory of God the Father." [`Phil. 2:11`]. And thus will be completed the great work planned before our creation, commenced at the baptism of Jesus and ending with the close of the millennial reign. [`Rev. 20:6`] viz: At-one-ment.

Then, "the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the whole earth," and His "will be done on earth as in heaven."

That this is God's plan, is implied in the term "Restitution," and is the legitimate conclusion to be drawn from Paul's argument. [`Heb. 2:6-9`.] He starts out with the original plan of God in creating man perfect --"Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honor and didst set him over the works of Thy hands. Thou hast put all (earthly) things in subjection under his feet." But as we have seen, sin has marred all this

glory and honor, and has degraded us far below angels; taking the dominion out of our hand and permitting "death to reign." And if we look about us we will say with Paul that it seems as though God's plan were a failure, for though six thousand years have passed, "We see not yet all things put under him" [man]. But is there any hopeful sign to indicate that man may yet be restored to his honor and glory, and set over the earthly works of God's hand? Yes, we have the assurance that ALL God's purposes shall be accomplished, [`Isa. 14:24`], and that a "seed of the woman" should yet destroy the serpent--evil--and "bless all the families of the earth." And though this work is not yet accomplished yet we see a beginning of it. As Paul says, "we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels," [the condition of a perfect man], for the suffering of death...that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man." Thus far had the plan progressed in Paul's day, and if he were living now, he would doubtless add, as we can, that the church, as his body, is about complete; that the gospel age of suffering with Him and "filling up the measure of the afflictions of Christ which are behind" is ending and the millennial age in which we shall "live and reign with Christ a thousand years" is dawning.

As those who expect to be of the bride--the body--of Christ and be glorified together with Him, we rejoice to think that the time is so near at hand when we shall be changed, leaving forever the human form and nature, and being made "like unto Christ's glorious body." But one thing which adds much to our interest and rejoicing is the thought of the necessity of our development and changing, as the body of the great deliverer, before death can be destroyed and the race liberated and brought to the liberty of the sons of God, as Adam and angels--free from the bondage of corruption--death. For we know that "they without us shall not be made perfect." We must be perfected on the spiritual plane as divine beings before they can be perfected on the earthly plane as human beings.

Seeing then what high honors and glory await the overcoming sons of God, and the blessings awaiting the world through us, can any one wonder that we long for the happy moment of change? Surely not, and not only we, but the world, also, are waiting and hoping [though ignorantly] for a good time coming, for the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now waiting for the manifestation of [the Church] the sons of God, (`Rom. 8:22,19`)-- the sun of righteousness which "arises with healing in his wings" to heal, and perfect, and restore all things to the perfect will of God.

Thus earth will have had, when man is restored, the following great

OVERRULING POWERS:

First--Man under God.

Second--Death and evil, under Satan.

Third--Righteousness under Christ.

Fourth--The first restored, i.e., man under God.

In the second and third of these dynasties, viz.: The reigns of Satan and of Christ, the active rulers are invisible to humanity and their powers only recognizable by the effects and results. The devil is called "the prince [ruler] of this world."--"him that has the power of death, that is, the devil." The effects of His reign and rule have been, as we have seen, to degrade man in every way. How wonderfully successful he has been is evident as we look about us. Sin, misery and death are on every hand, and yet Satan, the ruler, is invisible, seen only through his agencies, and he has plenty of them, for "his servants ye are to whom you render service." We claim, then, that all persons, or institutions, or governments, which aid in the work of death and degradation and oppression of right and truth, are Satan's agents.

God classes all present governments of earth as Satan's. "The prince--ruler--of this world" would not permit any government which would not act in harmony with him, as long as he has the control, which will be until the end of this age, when the Redeemer takes his great power and reigns. Satan has ruled among the nations for ages, except the one nation, Israel, of which God says: "You only have I known of all the [nations] families of the earth." (We have seen that they were used thus as a type of the higher spiritual Israel, the church, which was to be in the world, but not of it.) The time came, however, that God gave over even this nation as the others when they went into captivity to Babylon, and God's prophet said of the last reigning prince, "Take off the diadem, remove the crown; this shall not [continue to] be the same, I will overturn, overturn, overturn it [the kingdom] until He come whose right it is, and I will give it Him" [The Christ]. `Ezek. 21:27`.

At the same time, God indicated that the government of earth was given over to depravity's rule, and pictures it to Nebuchadnezzar as

A GREAT IMAGE

illustrative of human power, divided into four parts, Nebuchadnezzar's government representing the head; the succeeding, Medo-Persian government represented by the breast and arms; and the belly and thighs representing the third or Grecian government; while the fourth and last part, the legs and feet represent the last phase of earthly government, the Roman Empire, which, in a divided form, still continues, and is to be followed by Messiah's Kingdom--the kingdom of heaven, which "shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms [not people], and it shall stand forever." `Danl. 2:44`.

Thus, as a glorious image, did these earthly kingdoms appear to the natural man; and as glorious they still are regarded by the world. Extolled in prose and verse, through all generations, are their deeds of blood and violence, which shock the feelings of all possessed of the spirit of love. Their history is one successive record of crime and death, each of their heroes claiming higher honor than his predecessor because he had butchered greater numbers of his fellow-beings, and made more widows and orphans and more misery. No wonder that when God pictured the same four earthly governments to the holy prophet Daniel, he gave it as a beastly picture. (`Danl. 8`). They are indeed beastly governments. How perfectly they represent, in their evil and death-dealing power, their master, the devil. The picture, or likeness of the fourth

(Roman power) to Satan is so strong that Jesus, when presenting it in symbol in Revelation, almost invariably calls it "the dragon," "that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan," &c., thus using the names of its prince as a name for the kingdom.

While God thus permits evil to triumph now, seemingly without restraint, and uses it as an agency for punishing sin, yet it is under an over-ruling guidance by which God "causes the wrath of man to praise Him, and the remainder He will restrain."

The inventions and arts of the last three centuries (machinery, printing, application of steam, electricity, etc.,) have come about gradually, but we believe are none the less of God-- His agencies now in preparation for the blessing of humanity during the coming reign of righteousness. These scientific attainments, which will so fully bless in the future, are even now exercising a powerful effect upon humanity, enlightening the understanding, and, by increasing the dependency of one upon another, it naturally tends to promote sympathy, affection, and fraternity between the various members of the human family.

But all of these blessings, while they serve to lift mankind in a measure out of evil, are only temporary helps. Satan is still equal to the occasion, and though he could not now induce millions of men to follow for years a leader for his glory's sake, he can foment angry strife between nations upon pretexts of honor, etc., and, though men do not now fight as incessantly as of old, yet the "arts of war" more than keep pace with those of peace, so that to-day the standing armies of earth are far larger and far better prepared for mutual destruction than ever before.

The progress of science and art fails to bring now the blessings which will result in the future, because avarice (selfishness) has crowded out love and benevolence. Capital and power combine to oppress the poor, and they in turn despise and envy the rich.

Nor can we wonder if the masses of mankind notice this condition of affairs; and that as knowledge increases among them, they should seek to band themselves together for self-protection, especially if they see, as in Europe, kings, emperors, nobles, and landlords rolling in wealth and luxury, while some of them barely eke out an existence on the commonest necessaries of life, without luxury or comfort. All that they can earn more than will purchase meal, potatoes, and salt, with coarse fabric for clothing, is required as tax to support these corrupt governments, which, like great boils, absorb the strength and vitality of humanity. So we see that Satan is still ruling over earth. Satan may change tactics according to the necessities of the hour, but he is ruling still.

God's Word informs us that, by the general uprising of humanity and overthrow of governments, the new age will be introduced. In the coming struggle the two spiritual powers, Christ and his saints, and Satan and his angels, will each have earthly armies whose causes they will support and advance. Satan's will be the kings, chief captains, rich men, and mighty men, [`Rev. 19:19`] while Christ will espouse and bring to victory the cause of the oppressed, who, inspired by justice and right, will be used to some extent as agents to their own liberation from the thraldom of evil and oppression.

How we see the preparation for this time of trouble in the world, going on all around us, and how unconsciously each one takes his place to play his part in the closing act of the reign of sin and death. In this country, less oppressed and in every way more blessed than others,

CAPITAL AND LABOR

are arraying themselves against each other as if against enemies; labor fearing that capital will grind the life out of it unless it organizes and protects itself; capital fearful of losing the upper hand of labor. Look abroad and see the Nihilists of Russia, the Land Leaguers and Liberals of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Socialists and Communists of Austria, Germany, and France, and tell me, do not all of these things, visible to our natural eye, corroborate what our spiritual eye of faith has seen by the light of the prophetic page--that "the day of the Lord is a day of trouble," and that we are now in the "harvest" of the gospel age, the chief reaper present, and the work of separation going on [in the church] between wheat and tares?

…