The Watchtower, March 1, 1883

VOL. IV. PITTSBURGH, PA., MARCH, 1883. NO. 8.

ZION'S

Watch Tower

AND

HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY AT 101 Fifth Avenue, 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 cannot and does not cast aside; yet he should not be understood as endorsing every expression of correspondents, or of articles selected from other periodicals.

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.

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FOREIGN TERMS.

Foreign Postage being higher, our terms to foreign subscribers will be 65 cents a year. Please send us no foreign money or postage stamps, as we can make no use of them. Remittances may be made by Foreign Postal Money Orders.

TAKE NOTICE.

This paper will be sent free to any of the Lord's poor who will send a card yearly requesting it. Freely we have received and freely we would give the truth. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat--yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." And you that have it-- "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently--and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness."-- `ISAIAH 55:1,2`.

"THE PASSOVER."

For some years past it has been our custom to meet on the anniversary of the typical "Passover," to commemorate the real Passing over of the Church of the First-Born because of the death, the shedding of the blood of the real Paschal Lamb--Jesus.

This we do in compliance with our Lord's request: As often as ye do this do it (henceforth) in remembrance of me (the real lamb, and your consequent passing over, or justification through his blood).

Reckoned according to Jewish time, Lord's day, April 22d, is the Passover, the anniversary of Jesus' death. It will be celebrated by the Church here, and, we doubt not, that the twos and threes scattered abroad will suitably commemorate it by meeting and considering Him, while they use the bread and wine which emblemize his broken body and shed blood--the price of our ransom --"shed for the remission of sins."

The subject will be more fully treated in our next issue.

TISCHENDORF'S NEW TESTAMENT.

This work is the common version of the New Testament, with the various readings of the three oldest Greek MSS. at the foot of each page. Its value, in determining the reliability of any disputed passage of Scripture, will be recognized at a glance. The Sinaitic MS. is beyond all question the very oldest and most correct of all MSS. It is the highest authority for the genuineness of every passage which it contains, and its comparison with others more recently written, shows that while our commonly received text is wonderfully free from corruption, it, nevertheless, contains many trifling errors, as well as a few important interpolations. This work contains as well, a history of the finding, etc., of these old MSS.

As promised, we have made arrangements by which we can furnish you with this valuable work at a reduced price. We can mail to you, post-paid, a complete copy, in paper covers, on receipt of 35 cents--at once. We have written to the foreign publishers of a cloth edition, and will be ready to report the price of cloth bound in a month or so more.

VIEW FROM THE TOWER.

His servants ye are to whom ye render service. (`Rom. 6:16`.) If a man shall say I am a servant of God and a laborer in His vineyard, yet, if he be engaged in sowing error, in teaching traditions of men, etc., he is really serving the adversary--the Devil.

Thus it was with Saul: He verily thought that he did God service in persecuting Christianity, yet, when he came to know better, he found that he was one of Satan's foremost servants in opposing truth and the Lord and His Church.

So with Peter; when he began to dissuade Jesus from complete sacrifice, saying, "Be it far from thee, Lord," Jesus recognized Peter as the agent or servant of Satan, tempting him, and hence replied to him, "Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou savorest not the things that be of God but those that be of men." (`Matt. 16:23`.)

So with us: let us remember that not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. How important, then, that we not only feel favorable to the cause of truth--the cause of God--but that we let our good feelings influence our actions and words, so that we shall not merely not oppose truth, but make sure that we are servants of truth, else we may be really servants of error.

Would that all would awake fully to a realization of the importance of guarding every little deed of life, and not only know that they are busily engaged in the vineyard, but make sure that

their labor is such as the Master will approve. Beware, then, that Satan does not get possession of your talents, and, under the guise of working for Jesus, really use your powers against the truth. This is the position of many in the nominal systems, called churches, and of many also who have become measurably free from them. Do you speak of the unfolding truths of God's word?--then seek to have it as pure and free from error as possible--only wheat. Do you seek to scatter reading matter to give enlightenment?--then be sure as possible that it is clean seed-- not largely mixed with error; for while truth sown will bring forth good fruit, error sown will bring forth very evil fruit. To the extent that we sow truth we are God's servants, and to the extent we spread error, we are the devil's servants. His servants ye are to whom ye render service. Let us keep this in mind--it will double our usefulness as servants of God; for, as seen from the TOWER, many to-day verily think they do God service, who really are opposing God's way, plan and truth; though with Peter we might say, "I wot that through ignorance ye did it." (`Acts 3:17`.)

Most of our readers have read the pamphlet issued from this office over a year ago, entitled, "The Tabernacle and its Teachings"; but reading on this subject is not enough: it requires study. If all could see the force and meaning of the typical sacrifices for sins, they would be much better able to appreciate the anti-typical sacrifices which really put away sin. If all would fully equip themselves with the armor of God, they would be much better able to withstand all the fiery darts of the adversary, and would be in no danger of having their faith in our ransom overthrown.

Let us, then, urge upon all the absolute necessity of devoting time to the study of those types, which we are able to understand and appreciate, by reason of the light thrown on them by the Apostles' writings. All who have not had the "Tabernacle" should order it. (It is Free.) And be not content with reading it once or twice, but study till you do comprehend the lessons of the Tabernacle. You will find that every feature of the glorious plan of God is very clearly presented in these Tabernacle types; in fact, the minuteness of the portrayal must astonish all. We know of no more strengthening and nourishing spiritual food than is afforded us in the study of these wonderful pictures.

Instead of remarking on the condition of the work, we herewith present to you more than the usual number of letters from various sections, which tend to show the interest and progress of the truth better than we could otherwise express it. These are but a few of many of similar expression:

Gold Hill, N.C.

BRO. RUSSELL:--I am thankful for sample copy of Z.W.T., which I received a few days ago. I am a minister of the M.E. Church. For years I have believed denominationalism was a positive disadvantage to the work of Christ in our own midst, much more so in heathen lands. In fact, I cannot see how they succeed among them at all with so many advocates of such a diversity of creeds. Surely there is a more excellent way. The positions you take are certainly tenable; the elucidations of Scripture are clear and forcible. I think you have struck the key-note, and all the truly pious will hear. Those who like their creeds better than they do their Lord, will surely feel and lament.

Truly yours, __________.

Nicholas, W.Va.

DEAR FRIENDS:--I write this morning to thank you for your part in bringing to me precious words of life and encouragement through your publications. Yes, "the truth has become very bitter," though exceeding sweet at first. I am utterly alone here, having nothing for my portion but God's truth. But a rich portion it is, embracing, as it does, a mighty and a perfect Saviour, who is able and graciously willing to break the bands of slavery and set the captive free; yet, as the fires are being kindled around me, I feel that I still need encouragement that my faith, under the heavy trials, may not grow weak or fail. The prospect is, that there will be none with whom I may worship (unless, perhaps, my wife), and that my name will be cast out as evil and my words as a snare. But the Lord hath comforted me; and I write more particularly for your encouragement, that you may the more effectually labor in the blessed work of feeding the hungry, comforting the depressed, setting free the captive, giving light to those sitting in darkness, and saving the perishing, by publishing the glad tidings of salvation to all. My dear wife is yet in darkness, but I hope that, by the tender mercies of God, she, too, may be released from bondage. She says it is "getting light." Let us thank God.

Rupert, Vt.

C. T. RUSSELL:--Dear Bro.:--Many thanks for the WATCH TOWER. I am among those who, having come out of Babylon, (confusion) are trying to proclaim the "glad tidings." Called of God to the ministry in my boyhood, studying with that object in view, lack of means, failing health, disappointment, years of doubt and conflict, constant conviction of duty--"Go, preach the word" ringing in my ears day and night--I said, "Lord, I cannot preach in connection with sectarian creeds or churches." O, how at that point I cried to God for light! and, praise his dear name, the light came. Like the breaking of a summer morning, it illuminated my soul. The Bible became a new book to me. In the light of its truths, I saw God, a being worthy of worship. Then came the TOWER and other publications --God sent them--and more and more the way of salvation opened to my understanding. I had been like a lost child, wandering in the forest at night, hearing Father's voice, but not knowing which way to go. Now I can better understand why God has thus led me. The way has been dark, but morning cometh! With the same divine commission, free, thank God, from the mazes of theology and sectarian influence, and with a gospel of which I am NOT ashamed, how the future glows before me! For the light of PRESENT TRUTH, thank God! thank God!!

Can you furnish me with a chart large enough for use in church or lecture-room?

Have scattered some sample copies of THE TOWER you sent me, and can use more in that way.

Believing that the Master has work for me in the great harvest-field of the gospel age, I do desire to work in harmony with him, along the line of "present truth." Should like to become better informed regarding your methods of work, etc., for "in union there is strength."

Yours for Jesus,

Baltimore, Md.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER:--I have carefully read and re-read "Food for Thinking Christians," and I have become deeply interested in the soundness of your position. I am a "converted Jewish teacher," and have been laboring independently among my "brethren of the flesh." I certainly believe that "much good" may be done among the people with whom I daily have to do by a judicious circulation of such wonderfully clear Bible truth among them. Please send me, if convenient, "The Tabernacle and its Teachings." I hope soon to introduce publicly these teachings among the people, and will earnestly endeavor to interest them in these clear and telling facts.

May God bless your every effort to propagate Bible truths.

Your brother in Christ, __________.

Missionary to the Jews.

Birmingham, England.

DEAR SIR:--I have just been reading your "Food for Thinking Christians," and am delighted to see therein the mysteries of God's Word so lucidly explained, as to be clearly understood by an average, careful reader. The book was put into my hands last winter as I

passed up a main thoroughfare in the above town, on my way home from work, and just scanned over and put aside to make way for more interesting literature as I then thought. But, the other day, having no other book handy, I picked it up and had not read two pages before I was convinced it was no ordinary book. Indeed, for the last fortnight, I have been absorbed in its contents at every spare moment. Seeing your generous offer to forward a few, if they can be judiciously disposed of, I would request you to kindly forward me a few of this, or "The Tabernacle and its Teaching," which I would like to distribute among my friends.

Thanking you for this first one and any others you may send, I remain, Yours very gratefully, __________.

Hillsboro, Ills.

DEAR BROTHER:--I have received and read the little work, "Food for Thinking Christians." I am perfectly astonished. Can it indeed be true? I am trying to read my Bible as I never have read it before. I have been a Christian forty-one years, and a Baptist all that time. I never heard of such a gospel before. It causes my heart to rejoice in gratitude to the great Father for his love, with my eyes only partially open. Respectfully, __________.

Goshen, N.Y.

DEAR BRO. RUSSELL:--I now send you another week's work--lists for the TOWER. The interest of the people here at the reading of Z.W.T. is great. I feel like going from county to county the coming year, and scattering "God's truth." As I cannot afford to buy a horse, which I much need, I have to go on foot; but I am no better to go thus than the Lord was. I meet with the best results and the worst together. I have set my face like flint to the world, and shall keep on until I reach the prize (immortality). I expect every issue of our county paper to have some express themselves against the WATCH TOWER; but I have looked in vain so far. More speak well of it than I expected would. I am trying to get one hundred yearly subscribers here soon. I am out of "FOOD," but shall wait until it can be sent me. Some here are so much interested with the reading matter that they send word by mail to have me call and explain the blessed truth more fully. Last night two families met, where they sent for me, and when I opened my mouth the Lord filled it with the restitution of all things. Night before last I was at Bro.__________'s for the first time. He said he was so glad that God's plan was now so plain; that he wished to make my acquaintance, and hear from human lips the blessed truths; and when the time came to part, he said, O, glory to God, we could talk about this until morning and would not get weary. It is good news! To-morrow I have three calls to make upon anxious inquirers for the truth. So, you see, I work both day and night. I had better tell you how it is with me. I am, or was, a Baptist preacher. My name still appears on the list of ministers of their Association. But when I got the "Food," I began to read it, and it was food; and so I kept on eating, and am never done. My name will undoubtedly soon be erased from the Association. My brethren begin to lament my fall; but, glory to God, I rejoice in my rise. Yes, I am much higher than I ever was. I see God's love, and not hatred. Above all you do, Brother Russell, "keep little and humble," and to God be all the praise. I pray for you. Pray that God will open the way that I can scatter the truth more abundantly. With much love and prayer, I am

Your brother in Christ,

Yankton, Dakota.

DEAR BRO.:--"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Having been much given to fasting and prayer for divine illumination, and for wisdom to more fully understand the blessed word, God is wonderfully answering our prayers through the Z.W.T. publications. I never shall be able to sufficiently praise God for the light we have received. Three days ago I received five more "Foods," which are being fed to hungry souls, some being sent to Minnesota, Montana, Iowa, &c., to those who will prize them, read and distribute to others. Some we have heard from are bearing glorious fruit. How quickly holy souls receive and believe when they see the precious truth of God! How ashamed we are and abased before God to think we have dishonored his word all these long years; but glory, honor and praise to Him who, in answer to prayer, has enlightened our minds with the truth. Our hearts are full of praise day and night that it has reached our ears. And now we want everybody to know the truth. Let us keep humble and fully consecrated.

New York.

BRO. C. T. RUSSELL:--I have once before--last year--received a number of "the Watch Tower," and a tract, "Food for Thinking Christians;" but at that time I could not appreciate the truth and cast them away; now I love it, as far as I can see it and know it.

I had entered the Theological Seminary in this city to prepare myself for the ministry; but to-day I make up my mind to leave it: I feel constrained now as before, to drop Theology and turn to the Word of God alone. I will rather be a simple servant of God than a minister, though that has been my ambition since my youth. God bless your labors.

Yours truly, __________.

New York.

MY DEAR BROTHER:--You are so overburdened with letters that I scarcely know whether I ought to write you at all. I have been a regular minister for more than thirty years. Ever since I heard Bro. Wm. Miller (I was quite young then) I have been deeply interested in the blessed idea, "Our dear Lord will soon come again." Some years ago, before you commenced the publication of the WATCH TOWER, I was among those who were looking and hoping. And now I want to say my heart is in deep and happy sympathy with the doctrines so ably advocated in the paper you publish. Though when I came to this place but very few here knew or cared anything about these things. I may say the most spiritual-minded of my people have come to hold the "like precious truth," and I freely teach and preach our glorious belief.

The bundle of the October issue you sent me has been distributed to those who seem hungry for the truth. I could easily dispose of more than twice as many more to good advantage. May God most abundantly bless and reward you! For the past few years I have had a great many more calls than I could possibly fill, and often get letters of inquiry to which I can best reply by sending some of your papers or tracts.

Yours in the Master's service,

Palmyra, Ill.

MR. C. T. RUSSELL:--My Brother in Christ:--I would not have you regret that you published so many good tidings that it caused you to come out in debt. God will surely provide a way out of the difficulty. If you had published less, perhaps I might have been one that would have received less. With this I send my mite as expressive of the deep gratitude I feel; and if I could send the whole amount of the indebtedness, that could not express the thankfulness I feel that I have been brought into a knowledge of the truth. If you could know how low in the slough of despond I was, through sickness and the loss of loved friends, and then know the ecstasy of joy I now feel, you could then realize the value of this truth to me. I cannot describe to you the darkness I was in when I first took up the "Food." I read a little while and then said it could not be true. I laid it aside but only to take it up again, and as at last the beauty and symmetry of God's plan dawned upon me, I was filled with love and praise to him. I have been a professed Christian for many years, but now I feel as if I had all my life been wandering through a rubbish heap, searching for something I hardly knew what. At last I have found it. My treasure that was lost is found, and it is free from rubbish. And, as though to make my joy complete, my loved companion has also been brought to a knowledge of the truth, and, together, we study God's blessed Word and praise His name. Our Bible is a new book. Only last night my husband said, "Well, if I did not know we had the same old family Bible, I should think we had a different translation." But I could not tell you the half if I wrote all day. I can only say,

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

We carefully distribute and loan all extra papers and tracts we receive, and pray that they may fall on good ground and bring forth abundantly to the glory of God. May His blessing rest continually on you and your work.

THE ENEMY.--NO. 2.

We have received some questions relative to statements made in an article in the December number under the above heading, which it will be a pleasure to answer, that we may remove misapprehension, though we had hoped that the pointed Scriptures referred to would have been sufficient to meet all objections to the position taken. It seems to be thought by some that the position taken by us leaves our destiny, and the destiny of our children, irrevocably in the hands of the enemy, which, of course, would be an awful thought, and as far from the belief of the writer as it evidently is from the teachings of the Scriptures. Our friends who object to the statement "that he (Satan) is our enemy, and that he is the cause of sickness, pain and death, and ought always to have the credit (?) of it" (blame of it), say nothing about the plain statement in `Heb. 2:14`, to which we referred, and which we think there is no possibility of explaining away.

If he (Satan) "has the power of death," as the Apostle declares, no amount of cavil will change it, and we must seek for its harmony with other Scriptures without changing it, and must conclude, we think, that sickness and pain are also in his power. Now, let us briefly ask our friends to carefully re-read the article referred to, and compare Scripture with Scripture, bearing in mind the following thoughts: The account in Job to which our attention has been called, beginning with the first chapter, is a statement of a conversation between the Lord and Satan. (`Job 1:7-12`.) The writer of the book of Job, whoever he was, tells us what the LORD said, what Satan said, and what `Job (2nd chap., 10th verse`)

said. Now, Job evidently knew nothing about the conversation between the LORD and Satan, else he would have known that Satan was afflicting him, and that God had consented to let Satan and the world, through succeeding generations, know of his (Job's) integrity and faithfulness. Not knowing of the arrangement to prove him, Job attributes it (the evil) to the Lord, though in his devotion he is assured it is for good. His three friends also attribute it to the LORD, but consider it a judgment upon him, while Job claims his justification before the LORD.

Now, the first thing for us to do, in deciding as to the correctness of the position, is to decide as to who afflicted Job. Did not Satan ask the Lord to? (`1st chap., 11th verse`.) Did the LORD consent to it? Is the `12th verse` of the 1st chapter obscure or plain when it says, "ALL that he hath is in thy power"? Then in the `2d chapter, 4th to the 6th verse`, Satan is permitted to lay his hand upon Job's person, but, during this transaction, to spare his life. Now, the conclusion, and the only one we can arrive at from the evidence, is that this whole transaction was for the especial purpose of showing the integrity of Job, and of displaying to the world his faithfulness to God. The conviction was rooted deep in the mind of Job that God was his friend, and would in the end protect him, though evil might for a time seem to prevail over him. In this Job was right, and did "not charge God foolishly."

We conclude, also, that Satan cannot afflict God's children beyond what is the penalty for sin, except by especial permission, and that permission will not be given except where it will result in greater good to the subject and greater glory to God, as was this case with Job.

But the good result is not of Satan, but of God, who "will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able." We understand these Scriptures, in harmony with others, to teach that the LORD, in his general dealings with mankind, has permitted or allowed Satan, the adversary, to be the willing medium through which the penalty of sin should be meted out; that, while he "has the power of death" (`Heb. 2:14`), it is an under or subordinate power which he has grasped as an usurper--just such a power as Jefferson Davis had during the Rebellion; that in due time God will "destroy him that hath the power of death"; that is, the devil, and deliver them who, through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Then our children shall come again from the land of "the enemy." (`Jer. 31:16`.) "Blessed be the name of the LORD." J. C. SUNDERLIN.

CHRIST SHALL MAKE US FREE.

`GALATIANS 5:1`.

If any class of men in the world are free, it ought to be the Christian.

But that which is freedom to one, is bondage to another, as men are bound, some to one thing, and some to another. Is there a remedy for this evil, and what is the cause? We are what we are by education, being governed to a greater or less degree by our surroundings; imbibing both truth and error with equal zeal, according to the faith reposed by us in our guides and teachers. And while in many instances these divers opinions may not be of vital importance, it is a question of truth and error, and where two differ, one must be wrong, and sometimes both; we are not accountable for having imbibed errors from our teachers, but we are accountable for rejecting a truth when it is properly presented.

Dear reader, to what age, or class of men, or code of tenets, have you obligated yourself in your religious or irreligious opinions? Wisdom did not die with any particular age or class of men. To-day we have the same Bible, and with it, revisions by the ablest scholars. It is not only our privilege, but absolute duty, to read it; not "as through a glass darkly," where all seems mystical and uncertain, but by the light of the noon-day sun, which is free as the blessed Word itself. No longer is the Bible chained as Luther found it; no longer should our conscience or affections be chained to any creed, written or unwritten. Who is our master? To whom are we bound? Is freedom, then, a myth, a mockery? Can we, with an open Bible before us, shift our religious responsibilities upon our would-be teacher, and sit dreaming under the sound of his monotonous discourse, just as a man will buy a through ticket and take passage on a train for a strange country, consigning himself wholely to the care of the conductor? Is this freedom? Is it "fighting the good fight of faith?" Is this you? Wake up.--Investigator.

NOTE THE DRIFT.

THE Presbyterian Journal asks:

"Do the editors of The Independent and the Mirror and any other Congregationalist ministers hold the need of a probation in the future for those who die in infancy? We Presbyterians believe in the salvation of the infant dead, though often charged with the contrary view."

We believe that, if any infants die without having come in this life to an age of moral accountability, they will be held to moral accountability as soon as they begin to distinguish good from evil in the next world. If then they choose good, as we believe they will, with the light of eternity upon them, they will be saved; if they choose evil, they will be lost. If that is future probation, we are willing to have it called so.--The Independent.

HIS WILL, NOT MINE, BE DONE.

O thou of little faith! why dost thou fear?

Didst thou forget that Jesus was so near?

And hast thou thought that thou must walk alone,

Forgetting that His arm was round thee thrown?

Aye, more than this, thou'rt held within His

hand,

And 'twas Himself that hath thy trial planned!

There was a need be seen by Eye Divine,

Although, perchance, not visible to thine.

And wherefore would'st thou see? Thou canst

not tell

If what thy heart contends for would be well;

Perhaps thy hopes fruition would be vain,

Or prove a life-long discipline of pain!

Hast thou not seen in retrospective life,

That will of God, which caused thee bitterest

strife,

Hath turned to sweetness--while the thing He

gave

To suit thy will, grew darker than the grave?

There's rest supreme for souls that choose His

will;

A blest security from every ill;

The things God chooses for us never fail!

They have their anchorage within the veil.

--Mrs. H. W. Brown.

THE THRONE OF DAVID.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder:....Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end: upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth even forever."-- `Isa. 9:6,7`.

This prophesy seems to be a continuation of that in `Isa. 7:14`--"A virgin shall conceive and bear a son." And thus we read, `Matt. 1:21-23`; also, in `Luke 1:27-35`. "Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end." "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee, therefore, also, that holy (sinless--undefiled-- pure) thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Peter asserts that David knew "That God swore to him, with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins he would cause one to sit upon his throne." (`Acts 2:30`.-- Diaglott.)

Two leading questions are propounded to us on this subject, which we will answer in their natural order:

(1) If Messiah was to be of the fruit of David's loins--of the seed of David --the heir of David's throne--was it not needful that he should have a human father of the Davidic line?

We answer, No! The propounding of this question shows a misunderstanding of the laws of generation which any physiologist or the most illiterate physician should be able to explain. Inheritance and royalty to-day, as always, is reckoned through a mother as well as through a father. Thus it was with Jesus; his mother was a daughter of David--of the seed and loins of David --hence her offspring was not only her son, but through her the son of David.

A good illustration of this principle of inherited royalty through a mother, is furnished in the heir apparent to the throne of Great Britain--the Prince of Wales. He is heir of all that inheritance not through his father, but through his mother, the present queen.

In Jewish genealogies it was customary to reckon lineage through either parent. According to their custom, and indeed, among all civilized people to-day, at marriage the wife becomes a sharer in the interests of the husband; she leaves her father's house and name to share that of her husband. Mary was thus a sharer with Joseph when Jesus was born (though not when he was conceived--`Matt. 1:18`) hence, the genealogy of Joseph is given in `Matt. 1:1-16` --the son of Solomon the son of David.

Another custom of that day was to reckon the genealogy through the wife's ancestry and treat her husband as in her stead the son of her father. (To-day we would call such--a son-in-law.) The seed of Abraham and David is thus traced, through Mary's ancestry, in `Luke 3:23`; and here Joseph is called the son of Heli, Mary's father, who was the son of Nathan the son of David.

(2) The second question propounded is: If Jesus is to "sit on David's throne," Does it not prove that in his Millennial reign he will be a fleshly being --a glorified man?

We answer, No! "Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more" thus. (`2 Cor. 5:16`.)

The inquirer should candidly ask himself, What is meant by the "throne of David"? Does it mean the seat or bench upon which David sat, and which ages since has crumbled into dust? Assuredly not. While the royal seat is often called a throne, yet in reality it only represents the sovereign power and dignity of office, which is really the throne. Thus, we say that Queen Victoria is on the throne of England, referring to her office of power and rulership as the head of the government.

Thus, Christ Jesus shall become, not only the recognized ruler and governor of Israel (over which David's throne extended), but more--over all the nations and families of earth. Hence, we read of "the increase of his government" over that of David; and his government, unlike David's, shall not be disturbed by rebellions, etc., but it shall be at peace and in control of all. In all the increased government he shall have lasting peace, and his government not come to an end forever, (to the age) i.e., until he shall put down all opposition and subdue all things to his will. Then, in the end of the Millennial age, he shall deliver up the kingdom (control) to God, even the Father--presenting to him the justified and perfectly restored of the human race, who thereafter shall be directly amenable to the Father. (See `1 Cor. 15:24,25`.)

The dominion or rulership of earth was first bestowed on Adam. Jehovah crowned him with glory and honor and set him over the works of his hands, saying: "HAVE DOMINION over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (`Gen. 1:28` and `Psa. 8:5,6`). The father of lies seduced Adam into disobedience and death, and robbed mankind of the DOMINION, and he thus became "the prince (ruler) of this world," making the once rightful monarchs of earth his slaves and emissaries--led captive at his will.

But the great Jehovah had foreseen all this, and was not taken unawares. Although he has permitted the usurpation of earth's dominion for 6000 years, his design is to "set at liberty the captives," breaking the chains of sin and death in which "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together," DESTROYING (in a legal manner) the great captor--death--and him that has the power of death, that is, the Devil. (`1 John 3:8`; `Heb. 2:14`.) To this end a Saviour--a Mighty Deliverer --was provided who, in the days of his FLESH, gave his flesh--his human nature--a ransom for the condemned human race, that thus the captives might legally be set free (from sin's wages-- death). Having thus redeemed (bought back) the inheritance (earth) and the inheritor (mankind), this mighty Saviour is about to put those whom he bought with his own precious blood into possession of their lost dominion--this will be the salvation of the world. The deliverance only tarries until the appointed limit of evil has been reached, which was necessary to discipline the world and develop a peculiar people for his name, to be the Bride, the Lamb's wife, and, by union with him, joint-heirs of His inheritance.

When thus exalted, Will they be visible to men? We reply, that, to be a ruler, does not imply being seen. The Queen is Empress of India--she rules it through the agents of her government. Millions of her subjects respect and recognize her authority that have never seen her. Could it not be thus with Christ's kingdom? They who will receive Christ's representatives will be receiving him, even as those who received him received the Father who sent him. (`Matt. 10:40`.)

The word see has a fuller meaning than eyesight. It is to know--to recognize; thus Jesus told the disciples of the Father, "whom no man hath seen nor can see," (`1 Tim. 6:16`) saying: "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father," and "from henceforth ye know him and have seen him." (`John 14:7,9`.) The disciples could come to a knowledge--recognition--of the Father by a recognition of his attributes in Jesus. So the world will all come to see or recognize Christ and his government as exemplified through the earthly agents of the kingdom. Thus it is that even the blind can see--recognize; thus we now endure as seeing (recognizing) him who is invisible to our natural eyes.

We have heretofore shown that Jesus is not a glorified man now. If we want to see a glorified man and a sample of what all men may become in the restitution, we must look back to Eden and see Adam before the fall, crowned with glory and honor, and only "a little lower than the angels" (`Psa. 8:5`); or, look back about 1800 years, and we see another perfect,--sinless,--glorious man: "We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (`Heb. 2:9`.)

He was a glorious man when on earth, having left a higher glory thus to redeem us. But, though put to death in the flesh--a glorious man,--he was raised to life by the Father--a quickening spirit--a spiritual and not a human or fleshly being. [See "FOOD," page 56.] Now he is a new creature, and instead of having the glory of a man, (which is a little lower than the angels) as before, he now is a sharer in the glory of the Divine nature, "Being made so much BETTER than angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Compare `Heb. 1:4` and `Phil. 2:7-9`.)

Earth's king for the Millennial Age will be a spiritual ruler, invisible to the natural eye of men--visible only to the eye of their understanding as they shall become able to recognize him.

The present prince of the world-- Satan--is a spiritual being; hence his kingdom is invisible, except as it operates through earthly governments and individuals as its agents. So, also, is the new empire, the kingdom of God.

The differences between the two empires we need scarcely mention. One presents temptations, and leads into sin, misery, degradation and death; the other will deliver, enlighten, elevate and restore men to happiness, life and glorious manhood's first estate and dominion.

David's throne or dominion over Israel was a type of Christ's subjugation of the world and his dominion over it. We have seen that the dominion of earth was given to Adam, who was robbed of it by the present usurper-- Satan. While it was yet in Satan's control, God separated one small nation from others. Of Israel he made many types. Their Levites typified the justified; their priests typified the little flock or royal priesthood; and Israel itself is often used to represent the world of mankind.

God established his kingdom in the hand of David, first over Judah (type of all fleshly Israel), and secondly over Israel as a whole (type of the whole world); for thus shall it be in the establishment of the real kingdom of God which David's shadowed forth. It will be over Judah first (over Israel according to the flesh), and afterward the whole world shall receive and own him Lord of all.

WAITING FOR JESUS' COMING.

Many Christians to-day are waiting for Jesus' coming. A similar class lived at the first advent who, nevertheless, when he had come, could not believe it. They received him not, but rejected and slew him, because he came not in accordance with their earthly ideas.

Similar earthly ideas blind the eyes of most Christians now. They, like the Jews, are looking for an earthly king. It seems strange that they cannot realize that, since his resurrection, he is "the express image of the Father's person" --"whom no man hath seen nor can see"--for "God is a Spirit," (spiritual being) and "a spirit hath not flesh and bones." You could not see an angel (spiritual being) without the performance of a miracle to reveal him, though he might be personally present unseen. Then, why claim that Jesus could not be personally present, yet unseen? The difficulty arises from the confused ideas held on the subject of animal (human) and spiritual bodies. "If there is an animal body, there is also a spiritual body," says Paul (`1 Cor. 15:44` --Diaglott), and we wish that all could realize this. They are distinct and separate. You cannot have both at the same time; they belong to two different natures. The one body and nature is the earthly; the other, the heavenly, is promised to the overcomers; and the promise of it is properly called a "heavenly calling." (`Heb. 3:1`.) We do know what the earthly is, while we do not know what a heavenly, or spiritual body, is. "It doth not yet appear what we shall be"--hence it must be very different from our present animal body. (`1 Cor. 15:38-44`; and `1 John 3:2`.) Jesus and angels are spiritual beings, and it is by reason of the difference between their nature and ours that we cannot see them with our natural eyes unless they appear to us (manifest their presence by a miracle.)

It is, or should be, well known to all of our readers, that "ZION'S WATCH TOWER" is a HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE. We do not mean in any mythical sense; we do not mean that he is present by his spirit or will, as exercised in and over his Church, as throughout the entire age; but we mean that he is present now in the manner and sense promised throughout Scripture; present not without a body, but a spiritual being.

We know of his presence, not by the light of human science, but by the light of God's Word. We know of his presence, not as men recognizing a man, but as new creatures recognizing our Head, our Captain, our Bridegroom. We see him not by human sight, but the eyes of our understanding, being opened and enlightened by the light of our lamp, we see him, whom we love and adore, present to test those who claim to be his, and to select his "faithful," "undefiled," "chaste virgin"--to "make up his jewels": those who are accounted worthy to "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth," and to be his joint-heirs, glorified together with him "the Bride, the Lamb's wife." (Comp. `Rev. 14:4,5` and `21:9`.)

He is present, not only to establish his kingdom and glorify his saints, but also to break in pieces and consume all earthly kingdoms, and to bind Satan by overthrowing his power. Thus he will liberate mankind--the Jew first and also the Gentile--and bless all the families of the earth.

None, familiar with Scripture, will question that this is the order of the Lord's work as therein revealed. By a parable he showed that he would first reward his faithful ones, and then proceed to deal with the world. In the establishment of his kingdom he first comes, secondly organizes his own kingdom, thirdly uses his kingdom power to overthrow evil and error and present kingdoms of earth, at the same time beginning the restitution of Israel as a first step in "the restitution of all things spoken."

But while this is plainly the Scriptural order of Christ's work, and while we see Israel's restitution commencing, and the nations on the brink of overthrow, while the nominal Church has been passing through the time of trial and testing, which is rapidly sifting out the true and ripe wheat, gathering the jewels--the virgin of Christ--yet many are hoping that Jesus will come soon. "Ye fools and blind," can ye not discern his presence by these things transpiring all around you? These are the signs (evidences, indications) of the Son of man. They indicate that he has come and has already commenced his work.

Though the signs of the times add increased light, yet, by the light of the Word, we discerned his presence years

before any of these outward signs corroborated its teachings. Thank God that we have a more sure word of prophecy (surer even than these outward signs), whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn. (`2 Pet. 1:19`.)

"CONDEMNED SIN."

"For what was impossible for the Law in that it was weak through the flesh, God having sent his own Son in a form of the flesh of sin-- even by an offering for sin--condemned sin in the flesh; so that the righteousness of the Law may be fulfilled by us who are walking, not according to flesh, but according to spirit."--`ROM. 8:3` --Diaglott.

The common version of this text is frequently misconstrued by some. It reads: "God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh," etc. Some, who have a theory to support, would have us understand this--God sent his Son in the sinful likeness of flesh--and have us draw the inference that he took a sinful nature and was with us under the same condemnation. That this is not the teaching of the Apostle should be obvious to every intelligent and candid reader. The imperfections of mind and body, now so common to our race, are the direct traces and marks of either personal or inherited sin; while we know that Jesus had neither. In him was no sin, hence no evidence or marks of it.

The likeness (or form) of sinful flesh simply means not angelic or divine, but the human form. Among the imperfect representatives of human likeness to-day there is much variety; there are many degrees of imperfection; the perfect human being is the standard; yet all are said to have the same likeness as Adam, who was perfect before sin. Adam had the human likeness--the same likeness that sinful flesh yet has: hence Jesus, also, as a perfect man, had the same likeness or form as sinful flesh --the human.

Jesus experienced the woes and sufferings of humanity without sharing in the imperfections and sins. He suffered for and with those around him, and made use of his own vitality in healing their diseases. Doubtless, on many an occasion, it might have been recorded, as in `Mark 5:30`; `Luke 6:19` and `8:46`, that the power or virtue which healed the sick "went out of him." Thus, he "himself took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses." (`Matt. 8:17`.) It is the most refined and perfect organisms which can suffer most.

To appreciate the drift and force of the Apostle's teaching in this passage, we must remember that he is explaining the value and use of the Law given to Israel, through Moses, and its relation to Christians. He handles it fully, for he writes to those who know the Law. (`Chap. 7:1`.)

Glancing back we find his argument to be that the slightest command of God is a Law, and the smallest violation of Law is sin; and the wages of the smallest sin is death--the extinction of existence. (`Ch. 6:23`.) Thus, it will be seen, that to be imperfect in the smallest degree meant inability to keep God's Law, which meant sin and its punishment. Hence only one man was tried, and that on only one point of Law. When he disobeyed in a very small thing--his was not a flagrant crime--he was a violator of Law--a sinner--under condemnation of death. All his offspring would, of course, partake of his imperfection, sin and death. (`Ch. 5:18`.)

This fact of inherited sin and imperfection, and the necessity of an atoning sacrifice to God on account of it, and as a clearing from its condemnation and punishment, is recognized in every sacrifice offered by the Patriarchs.

But mankind did not really recognize the depth of degradation into which they had been plunged by sin working in their nature; and lest any should say, Would that Jehovah would clear me from the guilt of Adam's sin, for then would I show myself approved unto God worthy of life; therefore God gave an exhibition of the perfection of His Law, and showed before angels and men that it is impossible for any imperfect being to keep a perfect Law. He gave Israel a typical "Day of Atonement," and a typical justification from Adamic sin, by typical sacrifices for sin, which could never (really) take away sin; and then, at the hands of Moses, he delivered to them the Law at Sinai, declaring that "whosoever doeth these things shall live"--by reason of their obedience would never die. (`Chap. 10:5`; `Gal. 3:12`; `Lev. 18:5`.) Israel was jubilant, and eagerly promised --"All that the Lord hath spoken we will do." (`Exod. 19:7,8`.)

But, alas, for poor humanity's self-confidence; that which they thought would be a means of gaining life, was found to emphatically condemn all under it to death, as transgressors unworthy of life. (`Chap. 7:10-13`.) As throughout that Jewish age, hundreds and thousands attempted to keep the "Law ordained unto life," but were unable, it proved either one of two things: either that the man was as God claimed, unable to help himself back to

perfection, even if justified from Adam's sin, or else that the Law given was too severe.

Paul's argument is to show that the Law was not too severe. He claims that the Law is holy--the commandments of the Lord holy, and just, and good for man: that the trouble is that man is imperfect--depraved--sold under (into slavery to) sin by his forefather's transgression. (`Ch. 7:12-18`.) The question was, then, Would God modify his just, holy and good Law, so as to excuse a certain amount of sin, and let those live who were imperfect? We answer, No; this would have been a violation by God of his own Law--such a Law would have been imperfect-- such a course would have been to justify sin instead of justifying the sinner from the sin. And thus Paul argues, "If a Law could have been given which would have given life" back to man, then undoubtedly God would have provided man with that Law, and not have sent his Son to be our ransom and the propitiation for our sins. (See `Gal. 3:21`.) But God is the author of only right and perfect Laws. He cannot look upon sin with any degree of allowance; hence the Law still remains, and will to all eternity--"The soul (being) that sinneth it shall die"--be cut off from life.

But, seeing how many had tried to justify themselves before God, by attempting to keep His Law, and, realizing that some of these were indeed excellent men, it would not be surprising if men should feel that their natural depravity was not so very great, and surely the Law must be too severe. To give man unquestionable proof of the justness of his Law, and the possibility of a perfect man's keeping it, was a part of Jehovah's plan in connection with the redemption of sinners.

Hence, when Jesus came to redeem men, he was tempted (tested) in all points--by the world, the flesh and the devil. He was born under the same Law which had been condemning others for over 1,800 years. And the fact that he as a man--a perfect man-- did keep the perfect Law, is a part of the proof Jehovah offers us that the Law was not too severe, but the fault had been that all were under the curse --imperfect--and therefore could not keep it.

This is exactly Paul's argument where our text is found. Jesus' life, instead of proving that the Law is imperfect, and that, therefore, God should cast it aside, proved the very contrary--it set the seal or mark of approval and righteousness to the Law, and of condemnation to the race of sinners. But notice, Jesus not only sanctioned the Law and met its requirements by his own obedience to it; but more, he met its requirements upon the condemned race by giving himself (as a spotless human being) a ransom for them. Thus he purchased the Law's claims upon the entire race. And it is elsewhere declared to be his plan--in due time to assume control of his "purchased possession," and to subdue and restore whosoever will of the race to the original perfection, where they shall be able to keep God's perfect Law perfectly, and have a right to life as a result. When he shall have done this, he shall deliver up the kingdom (dominion) to God, even the Father.

Now, note the fullness and power of our text. What was impossible for the Law [to do for us, viz., give us a right to life] in that it was [powerless, owing to the weakness and imperfection of our sin-stricken flesh,] God accomplished in another way--not by giving another, an imperfect Law, but, on the contrary, proving the Law given to be just and holy--by sending his Son in a human form--the same form as that of the sinners who had been condemned--a second MAN. He not only proved the Law to be just and good, but then, by an offering FOR our sins, condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteousness of the Law may be fulfilled in us [who accept of his sacrifice for our sins,] who walk not after [in pursuit of] the flesh, but after [in pursuit of] the spirit [meaning or intent] of the Law.

CHRIST IN YOU.

Those who accept of Christ's teachings and follow him in entire consecration of every power and talent to God's service, become infused with the same desire to do the will of their Father in heaven. These have the same mind as Jesus--a mind, or will, to sacrifice self in the carrying out of God's plans--a spirit, or mind, dead to the praises and scoffs, the hopes and fears of the world, but alive and active to the heavenly smiles or frowns, prizes or losses.

The spirit or mind of Christ thus received, bears fruit in every action, word and thought; some of which are mentioned by Paul--love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness, patience, godliness (God-like-ness).

These graces, these fruits grow gradually --the rapidity of the growth depending upon the nature of the soil, the purity of the seed, (example followed) and the amount of moisture and sunlight of truth (the Word) with which the ground and seed are supplied.

If we would have increase of the spirit of Christ and bear much fruit, how important that we be particular to have pure seed--following only our Master--and that we keep out from the shadow and shelter of all human creeds and let the sunlight of heaven and the refreshing dew of truth into our hearts, by lifting them to heaven for these, as do the flowers for the natural. Such shall receive from the heavenly store--the Word.

This continual and increasing growth of the fruits is not only expressed by Jesus as above, but the Apostles urge the "increase of the fruits of your righteousness," and that we be "filled with the fruits of righteousness." (`2 Cor. 9:10`; `Phil. 1:11`.)

As it is natural for a good tree to bring forth good fruits; so all who have received really of the spirit of Christ will ultimately show it. It was Jesus who said, "By their fruits ye shall know them."

Christianity is much misunderstood to-day, and many that bear thistles are members of the nominal Church and thus pretend to be members of the "true Vine"; but by their fruits ye shall know them. "If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (`Rom. 8:9`.) This is a searching test for all; let us each apply it to ourselves. Do I, as Jesus, "do not mine own will," but God's? Do I seek to please not myself, nor my fellows, but God only? Do I present myself daily and hourly a living sacrifice, for right and truth, and in just the way God's Word (not my feeling) directs? If so, this is Christ in me, and is a good basis for the "hope of glory" promised to those who walk in his footprints.

This spirit of Christ--or renewed mind--is the anointing which ye have received, and it is an evidence to you and to others that your consecration is complete; that you are begotten to the higher (divine) nature which God has promised to those who so walk in the Spirit; that you are members of the Christ (the anointed body, of which Jesus is the head).

So, then, Christ is manifest in your mortal body. (`2 Cor. 4:11`.) When the world sees you it sees a member of the Christ, not in glory, but in the flesh; and in us as in our Head, only to a less degree, it is still true--God is manifest in the flesh. (`1 Tim. 3:16`.)

Thus, for "me to live is Christ" (`Phil. 1:21`). In this sense, Christ in the flesh is still in the world as its teacher and reprover--illustrating the word and love of God. All the body following the Leader have been "despised and rejected of men." There is no beauty in any of them that they should be desired of the world. Soon, when manifested with the Head, as the agency for blessing the world, they will desire them. They desire deliverance from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of sons of God, and will soon come to know him whom, for 1800 years, they ignorantly rejected, thinking him weak and powerless. Then, "The Desire of all nations shall come" into power and glory for their deliverance.

During all the ages we find it true, and an evidence that we are in the Leader's footsteps, that the world loveth us not. Jesus said, "Marvel not if the world hate you: ye know that it hated me before it hated you." "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own." "In the world ye shall have tribulation." And "Whosoever will live godly shall suffer persecution."

Any who think they are being carried to glory on "flowery beds of ease," should awake to the fact that our Master trod the narrow, thorny way. Now is not the time to glory in ease in the lap of the world, but a time to "fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ."

We suffer as members of the Christ of which the Prophets spake when they testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ (during this age) and the glory that should follow.

To him that overcometh--self, ease, the world--even unto death,

"Shall be the victor's crown."

SANCTIFIED AFFLICTION.

"Our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen."

This little adverb while is the hinge on which the door of entrance to the glory hangs.

Our afflictions do not work out for us this glory, because we are continually looking at our business, our family, the world and its pleasures, and the many other things the enemy places about us, on purpose to keep us from looking at the things unseen by mortal eyes. When our Father permits the enemy to try us by unusual suffering, whether in mind or body, then we are compelled to cease our anxious chase after the things seen. When fever racks our brain, and Satan assaults us with doubt as to the character of our living Father, then our spirits are drawn by unusual power to cry out: Lord save from the evil--raise thy standard against him who hindereth me.

What are these unseen things we are to look at, which have such charming power, such a quieting and peaceful influence over the whole man?--"Looking unto Jesus" the author and finisher of our faith. This passage answers the question. He is unseen by the man dead in trespasses and sins, but clear to the eye of the new creature, begotten by God through the operation of the Holy Spirit. Wonderful begottenment --life in death--growing daily by looking at the things unseen.

Lord Jesus, whom have we in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth we desire beside thee. Sweet belief. We may lay all our loves, all our gifts, at the feet of such a giver, and worship Him. Looking at the things he does for us compensates even now for all the suffering we endure. We look at Him and think of his declaration: "Where I am, ye may be also." He is our Prophet. "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me."

I think of him thus as my High Priest, not taking the blood of others, but presenting his own life as a sacrifice --a ransom--a propitiation--which

unites fallen man with heaven--a glorified being, unblamable, complete, wanting nothing, and perfectly holy, in the presence of our Father.

I think of Him as King, having left our Father's throne, and about to sit on his own throne, conducting us, his bride, to share in regal glory, all the Father hath given him, from the rising of the sun to the setting of the same.

And surely every earthly good, every earthly love, fades into insignificance while WE look thus at the things unseen by mortal powers, and we sigh for the hours to speed on to that One, so near, when we shall see Him as He is, and be satisfied.

"We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen;--and sanctified affliction, in late serious sickness, has enabled us to write our testimony with that of our Bro. Sunderlin, to wit: Our Father ordered it for good, while Satan meant it for evil. "Looking unto Jesus," we rejoice in tribulation, when it worketh such weights of glory.

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