The Watchtower, June 1, 1889

VOL. X. ALLEGHENY, PA., JUNE 1889, NO. 8.

Zion's Watch Tower

AND

HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY.

TOWER PUBLISHING COMPANY.

BUSINESS OFFICE: No. 151 Robinson St., Allegheny, Pa. C. T. RUSSELL, EDITOR.

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.

DOMESTIC,--Fifty cents a year, in advance, by Draft, P.O. Money Order, or Registered letter.

FOREIGN,--Two shillings per year. Remit by Foreign Postal Money Order.

TO POOR SAINTS.

This paper will be sent free to the interested of the Lord's poor, who will send a card yearly requesting it. "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 who 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`.

Entered as SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER, at the P.O., Allegheny, Pa.

DO NOT send us Foreign or Canadian money or stamps. Send Money Orders.

THE "ARP TRACTS" in English and German sent FREE to all who promise to distribute all they get. Say how many you can use.

SLIGHTLY DAMAGED DAWNS.

We have about 50 copies of Vol. II. in cloth binding slightly damaged, scratched, etc., which we will dispose of at 40 cents each, post-paid.

We have about 150 copies of Vol. I. in paper covers (English and German), slightly soiled--not nice enough to send out as new and perfect--which we will supply at 10 cents each to TOWER subscribers, for loaning or giving away. Or, we will loan one of these to any one who will promise a careful reading and to pay return postage.

PREACHING THE GOSPEL BY MAIL.

The Missionary Envelopes are not so generally used as we could wish. They are neat, cheap, and certainly attract attention and do good. Every letter of business or friendship we write, should go in one of these envelopes, accompanied by an Arp Tract or Old Theology Tract, or both, as judgment may dictate, and thus carry the good tidings in addition to what you write. We have already printed about 80,000 but the quantity should be a million or more by this time.

The price is low, merely designed to cover cost, postage, etc.; but if our readers or their friends use a cheaper grade of envelopes and buy in large quantities (5000 to 20,000 at a time), for use in mailing circulars, etc., we will be pleased to supply such at a rate that will correspond with the price of a cheaper grade --at a loss--in order to do mission work in this way.

But, see that you send no orders from disreputable or dishonest firms who might use the envelopes because attractive-- whose dealings might reflect against the truth.

"THE TIME IS AT HAND."

(DAWN VOL. II.)

Did you receive a copy? We sent one to each WATCH TOWER subscriber who had renewed for 1889, so far as we know, as a special number for the months of April and May combined.

We mailed it to all of the "Lord's Poor List" who have requested the TOWER for the present year (See Terms above), as well as to all who have paid for this year; and also, to all who requested that the paper be continued to them and who hoped to be able to pay for it during the year.

If any who renewed their subscription, in any of these ways, failed to get the book, they should at once drop us a postal-card, that any mistakes may be rectified.

In our March issue we promised this book ("The Time is at Hand"), without extra charge, as part of this year's WATCH TOWER, to those only whose subscriptions should be received before April 1. But as we find this left too short a time for some, especially our Foreign and Pacific coast readers, we have concluded to leave the offer open until August 1. next. Therefore all whose subscriptions for the TOWER for 1889 are received up to that date, will be supplied with this book without extra charge.

Friends of the truth can therefore bestir themselves among those to whom they have sold or loaned DAWN VOL. I. and take subscriptions for the TOWER for 1889 with VOL. II. included for 50 cents; or, "The Time at Hand" alone, for 25 cents.

VIEW FROM THE TOWER.

Many of the saints abroad, who could not meet with us here at the celebration of the Lord's Supper and subsequent meetings, have written requesting a full report of the proceedings. Such a report we would like to give, but to do so fully is impossible. If pen could portray the glow and warmth of Christian love that illuminated every countenance, the heartiness of the hand-shaking, the tones of good cheer in the words of greeting, and the fervent farewells and God bless you and speed your work, at parting, then we might give a fuller report. But all this can be better imagined than described. It was a season which afforded a blessed foretaste of the joys of the gathering of the church triumphant, when all the faithful sowers and all the faithful reapers shall rejoice together,--when the first-fruits of the harvest have all been gathered in.

The number present from abroad was the largest we have yet had, twelve states and Canada being represented, viz., Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey and some from far off Manitoba. Among the number present were six who had been ministers in various denominations of the church nominal, whose eyes have been anointed with the eye-salve of harvest truth, and who have left title and parsonage and salary and friends and reputation and all, to henceforth preach the glorious gospel of the blessed God; to reap in the whitened fields, esteeming the reproaches of Christ as greater riches than the treasures of the world.

But we, as usual, recognized all the consecrated ones as ministers (servants) of Christ, of his church and his truth, and made no difference, one way or another, because of past prominence in error. Remembering our Lord's words, "All ye are brethren and one is your master, even Christ," we endeavored, according to Paul's suggestion, to know no man after the flesh, but recognized each and all according to their possession and manifestation of the spirit of Christ--the spirit of

the truth. All engaged in sacrificing their human natures and interests (much or little--their all), in the service of the truth, on the altar of love, we heartily recognize as priests--of the royal priesthood under Christ Jesus the High Priest of our profession or order.

With extra seating accommodations, our meeting hall was filled to the extent of its capacity, about 225 being present to commemorate the Lord's Supper. The first meeting, at 10 A.M. Sunday, April 14th, was of a social character, and the time was fully occupied with short addresses from various brethren, telling of the condition and prospects of the great harvest work in their places of labor, the helps and hindrances they meet, the sustaining grace they find, the good hope they have, the joy and peace they have personally found in believing the truth; with interesting incidents of personal experience as to how the harvest message reached them or some others, and of experience in the work as to how God had verified to them so many of his rich promises, such as, "I will give you a mouth and wisdom that none of your adversaries can gainsay or resist;" "Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it;" "Whosoever will do his will shall know of the doctrine;" "My grace shall be sufficient for thee;" "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age," etc.

This meeting encroached somewhat on the noon hour, and yet before two o'clock the company was again in place for the afternoon session, at which, Brother Wallace illustrated his method of presenting the outlines of the Plan of the Ages to the audiences he meets. Bro. W. was a travelling lecturer and professor of phrenology before the harvest truth reached him. When he received it, he began to mix with phrenology the good tidings of great joy for all people; and now as the truth has reached his mind and heart more fully, it has so quickened his zeal in the Master's service that the old profession is almost crowded out, except as it serves to pave the way for the glad tidings which now fills his heart and overflows at every opportunity. His talent is for public speaking, and after every lecture the DAWN is presented as a further elaboration of the great subject to which he has called attention. To illustrate his lectures, he has had the Chart of the Ages (from DAWN Vol. I.) enlarged and painted on canvas, and ornamented with pictorial illustrations of the various ages; and above all a beautiful symbolic sky representing the changing conditions of the various dispensations, from Eden to Paradise restored. God bless him, and may his talent never be turned aside from the service of the great cause.

The address by Bro. Wallace was followed by a discourse on the subject of Baptism and its import, after which at 4:30 P.M. the congregation adjourned to the baptistry of the "Disciples' church," which is kindly placed at our service, where that most impressive and solemn ceremony, symbolic of death and burial to the world, was performed. Twenty-two persons--ten of the brethren and twelve sisters--symbolized in that water-burial their own deadness to self and sin and to the various aims and hopes of the human nature--as dead to the world--to henceforth live as new creatures in Christ, making God's service, the service of his revealed plan, their chief business: this, as well as the grand consummation of resurrection in the actual likeness of the Lord, being pictured in their being raised up from the water. This solemn, symbolic burial-service, with its hymns of consecration and faith and hope and triumph through Christ, its offering of the right hand of fellowship one to another, and its prayers for the divine blessing and aid, was one never to be forgotten.

In the evening at 7:30 the assembly was again convened, for the solemn and impressive celebration of the Lord's Memorial Supper. While partaking of the emblems of our Lord's broken body, and blood shed for the remission of sins, the significance of the emblems and of our partaking of them was shown; and our hearts held sweet communion with our dear Redeemer,--praising and thanking him for his loving sacrifice on our behalf and pledging ourselves anew to his cause and to sacrifice ourselves for it now, in anticipation of his promise that such shall share also his nature, his glory and his great work of restoring all things by and by.

This simple service, so often particularly described in the Tower, lasted until 9:30 P.M., and closed as did the first occasion: we sang a hymn and went to our homes, meditating on our dear Redeemer's last night of sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane and the inestimable value of his death, as our redemption price,

both from sin and its death penalty.

On Monday at 10 A.M. meetings for Bible study commenced which continued without intermission, except for meals and sleep, until Thursday night. The subject of the harvest--the harvest work and opportunities, and the time, etc., connected with it, and past leadings, present indications, and future prospects from the prophetic standpoint--was the almost continuous theme of all these meetings. Questions of almost every conceivable bearing upon the subject were brought forward and carefully considered in the light of the Word of God. These topics you would like us to present here at length, and we would enjoy doing so, but it would be impossible. It would fill a book. However, these subjects will be still more fully elaborated in DAWN Vol. III., now in course of preparation. It is expedient that Vol. II. and especially Vol. I. be fully digested by all of you, first, to prepare each for the still further unfoldings of the wonderful plan of our God. One point, however, is briefly treated in this paper under the caption--"The Door was Shut;" because the deeply interested have already given Vol. II. one reading, and in order that such might not be discouraged by supposing that the "door was shut" when the high calling ceased, in 1881.

All that we can tell you concerning those meetings is, that though brain and body grew weary, from the continuous sitting and continuous thinking, the hearts of all grew warmer, and zeal came to a glowing heat, as all seemed to grasp clearly the conviction that the time for service is short; that we are even now in the "eleventh hour," and that the night wherein no man can work is drawing rapidly on. The Master's voice was heard saying, "Go ye also into my vineyard and whatsoever is right I will give you" (`Matt. 20:4`); and many were the resolves to lay aside worldly aims and schemes and to bend every energy and concentrate effort to do "harvest" work under the direction of the Chief Reaper, our Lord, in the ways he has been, and now is, so generally and widely opening up. Each seemed to resolve to show the Master his love, and his appreciation of the privilege of being a co-worker, by redoubling his efforts.

Methods of work were discussed at two meetings, as well as late into the nights. While public speaking, lecturing on the Chart of the Ages, etc., was conceded to be good, where a talent for it is possessed and an opportunity could be had, it was nevertheless conceded that the Lord is making use of very few who have this talent specially, and is opening very few opportunities for labor of that sort in the present harvest. It was conceded that preaching by the printed word is the agency chiefly being used and blessed in this "harvest," and more than all others, DAWN Vol. I. Brothers Adamson, Rogers, Hickey, Weber and Bryan--who have sold many thousands of copies of "THE PLAN OF THE AGES," encouraged all by their reports of the Lord's blessing and the good results following to those who purchased of them. They urged and encouraged others to enter this wonderful field of labor which the Lord has opened up, and in which he provides abundantly, though not without weariness, and gives opportunity for them to deny themselves many of the advantages and comforts of a settled home life. They thanked God, too, that he had made provision for all the laborers now, so that they need not depend upon alms, nor upon collections, but while they are giving away thousands of tracts and selling a book containing sixteen sermons (chapters) on the real good tidings of great joy, at half what any other book on religious subjects is sold for,--yet under the Lord's gracious provision (through the TRACT FUND allowance of one half of all receipts for expenses) they were enabled to feed and clothe themselves decently (not elegantly) and to thus "provide things honest in the sight of all men."

As a result, several new missionaries started forth with DAWN and tracts, and good reports are daily coming in. As an illustration, three brethren full of zeal went to Detroit, Mich., where they distributed about 3000 Arp Tracts and sold about 1400 copies of The Plan of the Ages--DAWN Vol. I.--in four weeks after the meeting.

We wish all could have been here to have enjoyed the liberty and harmony, and to have become personally acquainted with each other as the Lord's members and servants, and to learn something of the Lord's special and general dealing with all. As some expressed it, it was a foretaste of the general assembling of the Church--when all the faithful shall meet with their Lord as well as with each other to recount God's favors in the past and to discuss the great work of restitution then to be ushered in.

We need not tell you that the dear scattered ones, less privileged than ourselves in the matter of this meeting, were remembered by us all, and that rich spiritual blessings upon you all were desired and invoked. And we are glad to note from very many letters received, that our Lord's Supper was so generally commemorated by those who love him and appreciate his great sacrifice for the sins of the church and the world, and we are glad, too, that so many of you were praying God's blessing upon our meeting here. No wonder we were blessed; and you, too, would share it while generously asking it upon us.

EXTRACTS FROM INTERESTING LETTERS.

Detroit, Mich., May 2nd '89.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--It is very encouraging to hear from you occasionally, if only a few lines. I would no doubt write more and much oftener, if I thought there would be anything of interest to you.

Of one thing I am quite sure: If you were to be in the colporteur's place for a short time, you would have still stronger evidence of the great work being done and that is to be done by DAWN. Even Herod, I think, would say--"I find no fault." If the succeeding volumes are as worthy as the first and second, will the Lord not use it even unto the end of the Millennial age? It helps to open the eyes of the blind, to set the prisoners free, and to cause all to see the beauty of his Word.

As to the work here, I trust the result will be acceptable to the Lord. The towers of Babylon are very high in this place, but there are also not a few "little ones." These, we trust, are being found. We, in all, have about 700 names now, and hope to take three or four hundred more. Brothers Weimar and Leigh are each getting along nicely. We have little meetings of our own, which of course are encouraging to all. One who has been in this post of service for some time can find many little things to encourage a beginner. In working smaller towns it would be hardly advisable for three to go together, so we were glad to hear from the brother in Ohio, wanting a companion.

We think we shall be able to finish the work here, for the present, about the 18th of this month. Please have a box containing three or four hundred DAWNS ready to ship to us on Wednesday, if you can. I am using the Arp Tracts freely and am sure they are doing a good work.

I feel that we should get over the cities of the several states as fast as possible. Good reports are being heard from places where DAWN was introduced over a year since. Remember me when you can find a little time for writing. S. D. ROGERS.

Detroit, Mich., May 12th '89.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--Your lines came duly to hand. I rejoice to know that you are praying the dear Lord's blessing upon me and all. Through the favor of God I am getting along pretty well in the blessed harvest work. Though my feet through the day get sore from walking so much, yet in the morning they are generally restored. I think by and by it will be better as I work myself in. I am determined to endure. My heart's desire is to esteem all things a loss, on account of the excellency of the knowledge of the Anointed Jesus, my Lord. And with my whole being I do desire to press along the line towards the prize of the high calling. My sales for the first ten days run as follows: --22, 24, 19, 18, 29, 24, 18, 18, 31, 30, total 233.

Praise the dear Lord that I am able to be a co-worker and under-reaper with Jesus the Chief-Reaper. Your Christian Brother working and watching, J. A. WEIMAR.

[Our readers will remember Bro. Weimar as the one who left a Baptist pulpit in Meriden, Conn., recently; going forth to preach the "good tidings" without human hindrance and to a larger congregation, delivering sixteen sermons at a time, by the selling of DAWN VOL. I. His first experience, here related, is remarkably good. We know that his every sacrifice and self-denial for the truth's sake will be amply rewarded by our great Master, both with present joys and future glories.--EDITOR.]

Detroit, Mich., May 17th '89.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--I am just writing to encourage you by telling you how we are getting on. The other two are going to make their final deliveries Friday and Saturday and then leave for some northern town. I do not make mine till the 20th and 21st.

I am slowly but surely improving. At first I could not sell more than sixteen, but now get up to nineteen and twenty-one, and I can assure you no one is more pleased than I. I have not been getting over the ground as fast as the others and have hardly averaged as many as Bro. W., but I am very thorough and sell more in a given space. I shall perhaps work south from here.

Last Monday I delivered a lot of books, about 88, and as I was passing along one of the streets this evening, a lady who was sitting at the window reading her DAWN saw me. I saw her face light up, and she rose, and I waited till she came out. She invited me in and I had a two-hours talk with her and her estimable husband. Like all the earnest ones she was so delighted with the truth, she wanted every one to have it, and had talked to her neighbors so that two more wanted it. A few grains of wheat like this pays for all we have done here. By God's favor I want to spend the balance of my time ministering to the saints.

There is also a gentleman here who has withdrawn from the sects after reading the TOWER for some time, though all his family are opposed to him and ashamed of him.

I think my experience would help any of the colporteurs who need a word of encouragement. I don't think any one would have more to overcome from within than I. I am Yours in Christian Love,

E. C. LEIGH.

Indianapolis, Ind., May 18th '89.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--As proposed, I delivered the DAWNS in Noblesville on Monday last and canvassed in Anderson for 4-1/2 days. Have not counted the names, but think between 125 and 150 names, beside about 30 sold out of hand.

I met one deeply interested reader at Anderson and had a good talk, and for more of it he invited me to stop over night with him when I return Monday to deliver DAWNS.

At Anderson I put the delivery on the first Monday after receiving the names. The place is full of spiritualism and the "blind guides" call it "nonsense," but do not attempt to tell why it is nonsense, and are helpers.

Although the weather is hot, I have good health and speak in the Park here on Sunday. Also could get a church at Noblesville and they would like lectures at Anderson in their fine park. However, both canvassing and lecturing going on together (especially lectures on week-day evenings) seem too much for me in hot weather.

I am rejoiced to see the quickening effect of DAWN VOL. II. All consecrated persons and even others who read intelligently the first Volume are greatly moved and influenced by the statements of Vol. II. Many have been impelled to take a more decided interest in the great truths of both Volumes and have taken a firmer stand in advocating the truth openly and fearlessly. To this I attribute the intense interest and increased numbers attending our late meeting in Allegheny.

I have a letter from Sister Ray who states that 25 or 30 are reported as having left the churches in the western part of Springfield. She will when able visit some of them.

With kindest remembrance and love to you and Sister R., joined by Mrs. A.,

J. B. ADAMSON.

New York.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--It is with extreme regret that I feel obliged to give up meeting you and many brethren on Sunday, April 14th. I have earnestly desired to go, and prayed that the Lord would open up a way for me to bear the additional expense, but I see no prospect now. It is not that I value $25 or even $50 so highly that I cannot part with it; but I am under heavy obligations, in part for others, and I am not my own until this is accomplished. So I must deny myself what would be to me a great privilege and blessing. Well, a time will come, I am pretty certain, when I can go without loss to any one. My heart and sympathies are with you all in this glorious reunion, where there will be a taste of heavenly joy. I shall calculate on next year for a certainty, if alive.

May light and joy, more and greater, go out from the efforts you and the brethren are continuing to put forth, to the praise of the great God and our glorious Redeemer.

I will write again after a time. For the fourth time I am going through Vol. I. You would be surprised to see the marks of emphasis and the underscoring on every page. In this way I get the essence or spirit of each thought, at a glance. Sometimes perusing a sentence six or eight times before marking. The Ransom is a fact with me.

Vol. II., so far (only half through it), is a rich mine, a treasure house of truth. To me, it is giving more conviction than anything before it. The light is becoming bright! Your chronology is extremely convincing and the time periods wonderful in their completeness. No "chance" in this! I shall make full notes in my large margin Bible, from Vol. II. for future use. I rejoice with you more and more.

Yours, in Christ's service, B. P__________.

P.S.--"Old Theology Tracts:" Put me down for 1000 copies quarterly (4000 tracts) $25, of which I will use 200 copies to commence with, the balance to go as you find workers to use them. And with first lot please send 200 Arp Slips and 100 envelopes. I shall order some DAWNS soon.

Ohio, May 12th '89.

DEAR BRETHREN:--The one hundred copies of VOL. II. came to-day. Since my last I had a little experience: I failed utterly to get a house of any kind to speak in the first of last week. The M.E. church, though used for anything to raise money for that sect, is not let out for anything outside the denomination. The Disciple house had never been in the habit of being let out, and did not wish to change its custom. It is ruled by one man whose only merit is that by horse trading he has more money than any other member of the congregation, and is opposed to instrumental music at home and in the church, and the members bow to him for his lucre. The trustees granted the use of the school house, but the teacher, a narrow and bigoted U.P., objected, and my way was blocked in that direction. But I was bound to be heard, so on Tuesday I had a bell rung over town calling meeting in front of one of the vacant store rooms. I had a splendid and attentive audience, and made such a good impression that the

[Letters continued on 8th page.]

[Interesting Letters Continued]

[FROM PAGE 2.]

people were much displeased with their rulers, and during the remainder of the week murmured against them. The following evenings were too cold for out-door meetings, but the landlord of the hotel where I am stopping is friendly to my work and has been very helpful to me. On Friday evening, he put his parlor at my service and invited about thirty of the best citizens to hear a parlor lecture on The Plan. The Chart was stretched against the wall and fully illuminated, and the lecture met with such hearty approval that all present are anxious to hear further of "this way." One lady present kindly offered her parlor for the next lecture. But public sentiment grew loud in favor of public lectures, and this week I have the school house. Last night I lectured to an audience of 36, and distributed a number of Towers and Tracts. This will be kept up all week. I put an "Arp" in every Tower, Tract or book I give, out and before the week is out, the entering wedge of present truth will be in every house in this vicinity.

On last Sabbath evening I gave a full summary of the Allegheny meeting to a large audience at P. Our friends are alive there. In view of my coming the hall was scrubbed and whitewashed, and a vase of beautiful flowers was placed on the stand. A Presbyterian Minister from Delaware, Ohio, was one of my hearers, and was favorably impressed. I go back there next Sunday. The friends talk of starting a Sunday Bible class in order to search the Word for the whole truth. The Lord is leading them.

The tract you sent me before the meeting, I at once sent to a Mrs. A., and she gave it to Mr. R. He immediately sent to your office for more and has been mailing them in DAWN envelopes to all his Presbyterian brethren. Thus the truth spreads. Let us praise the Lord. Regards to all. Yours in the Love of the Truth,

W. A. WALLACE.

Janesville.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--You will be glad to know that Brothers Page, Dixon, and Dickinson met with us at our home Sunday, April 14th. In the morning we considered the Passover historically, reading Gieke's account of the celebration as observed in Christ's time, and noted that the early Christians in Palestine and Syria commemorated the Lord's Supper on Passover anniversaries only. In the afternoon we studied the symbolism of the Passover, and of its successor, the Lord's Supper. In the evening we participated in the broken body and shed blood, in a manner far more impressive and real, than if our business-like Brother Page had been retired to give place to surpliced and stoled priest, backed by the transubstantiation dogma: and my writing table, covered with a white cloth, and furnished with plain glass service (emblematic of purity and innocence) had been supplanted by a gorgeous altar, fenced off by the kneeling rail, beyond which the "laity" dare not trespass. We had no costly organ, no robed boy choir, but there was a harmony and peace in our hearts the world cannot give or take away.

Your Brother in Christ, W. M. WRIGHT.

New Orleans, La.

C. T. RUSSELL, DEAR BROTHER:--I greet you with much love and joy in the Lord. VOL. II. of "DAWN" has indeed been greatly instrumental in strengthening and confirming convictions that the day of the Lord is present, that we are indeed in the harvest of the "Gospel age," when his chosen are being gathered, "as a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered" (`Ezek. 34:12`), when the "Abomination that maketh desolate" is visibly being consumed by the bright shining of his presence.

I must say that I rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious as I am learning more about that new song which no man could learn but the hundred and forty and four thousand. I rejoice even, seeing the opposition against the truth, that is still permitted to try our faith. Many here are getting interested, and MILLENNIAL DAWN has many friends and advocates. The truth is beginning to take hold in this city now, though I seemed to be a lone witness for the truth in New Orleans for the last six or seven years.

I distribute tracts on Sundays, to congregations as they dismiss. I have not yet been molested--with the exception of being asked by pastors, with threats of arrest, to cease giving these things to their flocks. The non-interference must have been providential, as I now learn that a city ordinance, forbidding the distribution of tracts, circulars, etc., has been rigidly enforced, in this place, during the last six months. The last large lot of Arp Slips are now nearly out. About 50 copies of DAWN are out, being read and re-read. The rest have been sold. Some are beginning to join us in singing the Song of Moses and the Lamb. Many more I hope will be "sealed" while this "great calm before the storm"--as it were (`Rev. 7:1`) --lasts. May the Lord strengthen us, to faithfully improve the opportunities.

Yours in fellowship, C. A. S__________.

Minneapolis.

MY BELOVED BRO.:--Some way I am kept at high pressure in my work all the time these days. Yet I bless and thank my Lord. He honors me by permitting me to "sup" frequently with Him, and to keep constantly doing a little something in his service.

Please send me 40 "DAWNS" No. I, and I will remit the first of the next month. I send nearly all the DAWNS I dispose of by mail, to parties in whom I have found a disposition to listen, and who promise to read. Generally I present the work with my compliments, as it takes better and attracts more attention. Then when forwarding the book, I write the party to whom it is sent, a letter such as seems proper under the circumstances.

You can put me down for $50, which I will send you about October 1st, '89, toward paying expense of publishing DAWN VOL. II. in paper as a number of the TOWER. I am glad that all the brethren can thus have it, and now see the way clear to make this arrangement with you, and joy in the fact that the Master will allow me to so pledge myself. Please send me 100 Missionary Envelopes, and about 500 Arp Slips.

Yours in service and much Christian love, W. E. P__________.

CHRIST ALL IN ALL.

"In Christ all fulness dwells: from him proceeds

All that fall'n man, poor, wretched, guilty, needs.

In him the contrite, bruised in spirit find

Whate'er can heal the sorrows of the mind--

Forgiving love, that saves from blank despair,

Rich grace, that banishes each anxious care,

Soft pity, that relieves the bursting sigh,

And truth, revealing joys that never die.

Thrice happy they, who to his word attend,

His favor seek, and on his strength depend:

'Tis their's to know his heart-consoling voice,

To share his smile, and in his name rejoice;

To them, reclaimed in mercy from the fall

And heavenward marching, Christ is all in all:

In want, their treasure--in distress, their stay--

In gloom, their day-spring--vigor, in decay--

'Mid foes, their guard--in solitude, their guest--

In storms, their hiding-place--in toils, their rest--

In bonds, their freedom--their relief, in pain--

In life, their glory--and in death, their gain."

"AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT."

Many who have read DAWN VOL. II.-- "The Time is at Hand"--are anxiously inquiring whether they are too late for admittance to the kingdom class: whether the door of opportunity is yet open, or whether it closed when the high calling ceased, in 1881. We answer, Though the "call" has ceased, the "door" is not yet shut. The "call" and the "door" are distinct and separate.

The Scriptures teach that God fore-ordained or predestinated that a fixed, definite number should be selected from among men to constitute the Bride of Christ and be his joint-heir in the great work of bestowing the Millennial blessings upon the world in general. And this is perfectly reasonable.

To secure this number, "many are called" or invited to pass an examination in the school of Christ, to prove their worthiness to be of that select and limited number. Only believers in Christ, only such as recognize him as their Redeemer, are "called" or invited to stand this examination under the promise of that great prize of joint-heirship with Christ; and all such believers were invited, from the day of Pentecost down to the time when enough had been called to complete the fixed number, which God had fore-ordained. Then, of course, the call to that honor and distinction must cease; for God would certainly not mislead any one nor promise "the great salvation" to a single individual more than the predestinated number. None shall have it to say that God invited him to run the race for the prize of the high calling and that after running faithfully he could not receive the reward because too many had been called and the fore-ordained number was more than supplied.

First notice, that the close of the "call" is not the close of the race. Those who have been called, and who have accepted the conditions of the call and promised to "run" faithfully so as to obtain the prize, must be tested. And hence the fact that the general calling of new runners has ended, in no way ends the running of those who were called in time and who had consecrated themselves to the Lord's service before the call ceased.

And the fact that you may only recently have come to a clear knowledge of the exceeding great and precious promises of the things which God hath in reservation for them that love him, does not prove that you were not called and accepted as a runner for this great prize long before you understood clearly how great and grand the prize is to be. In fact, not one who accepts the "call" is able at first to comprehend fully either the roughness and narrowness of the way, or the grandeur of the prize to be attained at its farther end. The clearness of our comprehension of the promises comes to us as the power of God working in us to strengthen us and enable us to overcome present obstacles, difficulties and trials. The exceeding great and precious promises are unfolded to us gradually, as we prove faithful and go on, in order that by these --by the strength and courage which they infuse--we might be enabled to so run as to obtain the promised prize.--`2 Pet. 1:4`.

The class to receive the prize is not only called and chosen (accepted), but also faithful. And though the general "call" has ceased, it is evident that the testing of the faithfulness of the called ones is not yet finished. The faithful are being marked, sealed, and separated from those who are unfaithful to their covenant of self-sacrifice; the wise virgins are being separated from the foolish ones, whose folly consists in supposing that they can run for and win the world's prizes of honor, wealth, etc., and at the same time run faithfully the race for the great prize, of glory, honor and immortality,--the very conditions of which render such a course impossible.

When all the faithful "wise" virgins have been proved so, and have entered in to the joys of the Lord, the "door" of opportunity to become of that class will close, and no more will enter. When all the "wise" have entered in, the number predestinated will be complete; and then the Master will rise up and shut the door. (`Luke 13:24,25`; `Matt. 25:10`.) Our Lord himself tells us that then many will begin to see matters differently--to see what privileges and opportunities for sacrifice they once enjoyed and missed. But when they shall seek and knock, the Master will tell them, I do not recognize you as my Bride--she is complete and I have but one. But thank God, other Scriptures show that the foolish virgins, though thus rejected from the high calling for which their conduct, when on trial, will have proved them unworthy, will nevertheless be granted a lesser favor and will be known in a humbler capacity in the Lord's household.

Before the door shuts, therefore, before the full number of the faithful is finished, let each strive to make his calling and selection sure; and to this end let us permit the Lord, by these precious promises and these explanatory and illustrative parables, to work in us to will and to do his good pleasure.

But some will say, I am certain that I am not one of those called before the general "call" ceased in 1881, because I then was not only wholly ignorant of the deep things of God's promises, but more, I was wholly a stranger to God, and even an enemy of his, far from any covenant with him to do him service, and far from any such desires. But recently I came to know God at all, recently I took Christ's yoke upon me to learn of him, and still more recently I learned of the privilege of suffering with Christ now, in self-denial in his service, and that such joint-sacrificers are by and by to be made joint-inheritors with him in the glorious work of the Millennium. And now, after seeing these glories, and after admiring those precious things, and after setting myself to run this race for this wonderful prize, must I conclude that it is not open to me, because enough to fill the number had already been called? I would not think to change the divine arrangement, or to ask that another be added, beyond the limit determined by divine wisdom, but I shall feel keenly my misfortune.

To such we answer (briefly here, more fully in DAWN Vol. III. now in preparation): Run on, dear brothers and sisters, your case is not so dark as it seems to you. Remember that if all who had accepted the call when it closed should prove faithful to their covenant, there would be none too many, but just enough. Remember, too, that your observation, as well as the Scriptures, indicates that of the "many" who accept the call "few" will be chosen, because but few prove faithful to their covenant when on trial. As one after another some of the "called" ones prove unfaithful, their places of labor and their crowns of reward are transferred to others. One of these places of labor and one of these crowns of reward may be transferred to you, and your name may be written on the scroll of life as a probationary member of the Bride of Christ, instead of one blotted out therefrom as unworthy.--See, `Rev. 3:5`; `Heb. 12:23`.

It is already "the eleventh hour," the time for labor and sacrifice in the Lord's service is nearly ended, "the night cometh wherein no man can work," so if you see a "door" of opportunity, to labor for and serve the Lord and his truth, open before you, consider that the Master is saying to you, as in the parable, "Go ye also into my vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you." Remember that the reward is paid only to such as render service, and remember that while, as in the parable, the Lord does not promise the prize (the penny) as he did at the beginning, yet the parable shows that some thus admitted to the harvest work just at its close, just before the night when work will be impossible, will get the same reward as others --taking places and opportunities of labor left vacant by others.

And what a lesson is here for such as have covenanted with the Lord to serve him first and chiefly, and who are neglecting his work to strive with time and thought and means for the transient joys and prizes which the world offers. These the Lord urges saying, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life;" "He that overcometh [who conquers in himself the spirit of the world] the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before his holy servants." But, our Lord says also: "Hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."--`Rev. 2:10`; `3:5,11`.

WHO SHOULD BE IMMERSED?

In the Tower for May 1888 the subject of water baptism was examined. It was there shown that the real baptism is the burial of the human will into the will of Christ, complete consecration to him and his service; and that water baptism is but a symbol of this. The symbol should, therefore, be applied only to those justified believers in the ransom who have performed for themselves the actual immersion or consecration. And such should rejoice to fulfill the symbol as soon as they see its fitness and the Scriptural injunctions regarding it.

But questions are raised by some which may be of interest to all, viz.: Is it proper that those who had not consecrated before the general call ceased in 1881, but who have since consecrated, should be immersed to symbolize their consecration? And, if at all, should it be "into the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?"

We answer, Yes, to both questions. It is proper that all who come to a knowledge of the Lord should consecrate themselves fully to him. This will always be the only proper course to pursue, whether they come in under the "high calling" or under another later call, not so highly honorable and distinguished. Nothing short of full consecration will ever be proper, though by and by when our Lord's kingdom is ruling, and when the reward will be less, the keeping of that consecration will cost no self-denial except of things actually sinful. There will no longer be any suffering for righteousness' sake, as now. Since, therefore, it is proper to consecrate--and thus perform the real baptism--it must still be in order, also, to perform the symbol of it in water.

And, it is still proper to use the same words--though really the words used do not affect the symbol at all: it is the thought in the heart of the baptized one; and the significance of the act is according to his understanding of it,--neither more nor less.

As shown in the foregoing article, some of those who have consecrated since 1881 will yet receive the places of service which some, consecrated and baptized before, have failed and are failing to use; and such will also receive their places in the "body of Christ" and their crowns; hence, to these the thought of immersion into the name and body of Christ is altogether proper. And for others the same will be proper, for the name Christ becomes a family name. It is the name of the Bridegroom. It is bestowed upon his bride, the overcoming church; and it will be appropriate to all the children of Christ. The Christ complete, head and body, is proclaimed to be the "Everlasting Father" (i.e., the everlasting Life-giver) to all of the human family, who, during the Millennium, when awakened from the tomb and brought to a clear knowledge of the truth, will become fully and heartily consecrated to him; and who by his power shall reach perfection of mind and body and be counted worthy of everlasting life. It is proper, therefore, that these also should be baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; for if he is to be their Everlasting Father, they are to be his everlasting children, and children may always bear the family name.

"TILL HE COME."

Some who have read DAWN VOL. II. attentively, are inquiring whether the Apostle's statement concerning the Lord's Supper, that it shows forth the Lord's death till he come (`1 Cor. 11:26`), should not be understood to limit its observance and to make it no longer proper. We answer, No; it will be proper to celebrate our Lord's death and our consecration, to be dead with him, down to the time when we shall complete our sacrifice by actually dying, and until we partake of the new wine (joys) of the kingdom with our Lord.

The expression "till he come," does not indicate the discontinuance of the observance after the Lord's arrival, until he shall have fully gathered his jewels. A similar expression is found in `James 5:7` --"Be patient, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord." No one certainly would

understand the apostle to mean that the brethren should lose their patience at the time of the Lord's coming. Rather they will need still more patience, as they will the more appreciate the Memorial Supper, in the parousia [presence] of the Son of man, until the course of the church is finished.

BLAMELESS, NOT FAULTLESS.

No Christian is or can be faultless before the Lord. Blameless, all may and ought to be. The child that does its needlework faithfully is commended, though not a stitch is perfect. The child

is blameless, but the work is not faultless. The Christian who lives up to his light and ability is blameless, but in God's sight faulty. He is not always conscious of his defects, his eyes are not as sharp as God's; his best efforts are like the needlework of the little girl, well done for her, but so defective in fact that every stitch must be removed and done again by a more skillful and experienced hand. Saints sometimes judge themselves perfect because they are not conscious of sin. They may be innocent, but surely not perfect. With more light and culture they would discern defects. Others of more experience observe them now, but they see them not, because not sufficiently educated or advanced in wisdom. Jesus keeps his trusting sheep blameless, and step by step leads them up to higher culture, richer wisdom, purer tastes, until finally he gives them his likeness in glory.--Selected.

CHRISTIAN GROWTH.

"If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."--`Rom. 8:11`.

There is a philosophy in the growth and development of Christian character, just as truly as in the growth and development of vegetation; and the more thoroughly we acquaint ourselves with the natural processes and conditions of development and growth in either case, the better we will understand how to cultivate and to secure the desirable end--maturity and luxuriant fruitfulness. The farmer who puts into practice only what he has learned by accident, and that in a haphazard way, and only goaded to effort by sheer necessity, cannot expect the fruitful fields, abundant harvests and well-earned approbation of the enterprising, thrifty farmer who has made a study of the business and brought knowledge, carefully gleaned, together with enterprise and energy to his assistance in the work.

Take for example a tree. If you know nothing about its cultivation, do not realize the necessity for it, and simply plant it and let it alone, its strength, instead of producing fruit, will generally go to making wood and leaves; worms and decay may attack its roots, insects may sting and blight its scanty fruitage; and if it continue to stand, it will only be a useless, fruitless cumberer of the ground, an advertisement of the farmer's negligence, and worthy only of having the ax laid to its root. Had it been pruned and trimmed, and kept free from insects, etc., under the blessing of God's air and rain and sunshine, it would have been a fruitful, creditable tree; for the laws of nature are true and faithful in all their operations.

And none the less true are the operations of moral law in the growth and development of moral character. Under proper conditions and with proper diligent cultivation, the character will grow and develop, in accordance with fixed laws, and will become beautiful and fruitful in blessings to self and others; or,

lacking the necessary cultivation, even under favorable natural conditions, it will be deformed, worthless and fruitless.

When we presented our bodies as living sacrifices to God, holy and acceptable through the merit of our Redeemer, we there received the spirit of adoption to the spiritual plane, as spiritual sons of God; and from that time the faculties and dispositions of our mortal bodies were reckoned as our new being, now under the direction and control of the Spirit of God. And the faithfulness with which we cultivate this reckoned new nature, by persistently weeding out old habits of thought and action, supplanting them with new virtues, and training them to activity in the divine service, is to prove our worthiness or unworthiness of the actual new nature to be received at the resurrection, to which perfect spiritual condition our present reckoned condition stands related as embryotic. And of course, the disposition and character of the embryo new creature will be the disposition of the perfected new creature when born in the resurrection.

The Apostle in the above text affirms, that if we really have the spirit of God in us--unless we quench or put it away from us--it will quicken our mortal bodies, make them alive toward God, active in growing into his likeness, and fruitful in Christian graces and activities. And again he adds, "If any man have not the spirit of God he is none of his," and that, "As many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God."-- `Rom. 8:9,14`.

It is our business, therefore, to grow, to cultivate in ourselves those dispositions which are worthy of us as spiritual sons of God, called to be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

The Apostle Peter tells us how to proceed in this matter of cultivating Christian character, intimating that we cannot do it all in a day, or in a few days, but that it must be a gradual daily life-work, a process of addition--adding virtue to virtue and grace to grace, day by day and hour by hour, saying:--

"Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperateness, and to temperateness patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity." And then he adds, "If ye do these things, ye shall never fall."--`2 Pet. 1:5-7-10`.

This is a very strong assurance--that if we do these things we are sure to stand approved of God. We do well, therefore, to consider them with special care. Here are eight elements which must go toward making up the Christian character, the one to be added to the other and assimilated by the spiritual germ of the new nature, until the embryo new creature is formed, and then it must continue to grow and develop. Look at them again, They are--

Faith, Patience,

Virtue, Godliness,

Knowledge, Brotherly kindness,

Temperateness, Charity--Love.

Now for a little self-examination: Let each ask himself, (1) Have I the faith to which the Apostle here refers?--not faith in every thing or every person, but faith in God--in his plan of redemption through the vicarious or substitutionary sacrifice of Christ, and in all his rich promises built upon that sure foundation? Do I trust him implicitly? Is a "Thus saith the Lord" the end of all controversy, the solution of all doubts and the restful assurance in every perplexity?

(2) Am I endeavoring to lead a virtuous life? This to the child of God consecrated to be a living sacrifice, implies much more than merely abstaining from evil. It implies living truthfully, that is true to his covenant, which to wilfully violate would be equivalent to swearing falsely. How we need to invoke the divine assistance here! and how critically to judge ourselves!

(3) Am I endeavoring from day to day to gain a more thorough and complete knowledge of God, of the great plan revealed in his Word, and of the special features now in operation, that I may co-operate with him in its execution, and of his will concerning me in the particular relationships and conditions in which I now stand--irrespective of my own will and disposition in any matter?

(4) Am I temperate--moderate in all things?--in eating, and drinking, and dressing, and home-arrangements, and conduct, and thoughts, and words, and deeds, and looks? "Let your moderation [temperateness] be known unto all men," says the apostle. Let men see, by our thoughtful, not rash and hasty but careful and considerate demeanor, in every affair of life, that we honor our profession.

(5) Am I patient under trial and discipline, keeping my feelings always under the control of enlightened reason, letting patience have its perfect work in cultivating the character, however severely the plow and harrow may break up the subsoil of the heart, meekly submitting to the discipline in every case?

(6) Am I carefully observing and endeavoring to pattern my character and course of action after the divine model? If a parent, or one in any position of authority, am I using that authority as God uses his?--not for selfish purposes, to make a boast of it, or to in any way oppress or trample upon the God-given individual rights of those under such authority, but for the blessing and advantage of those under it, even to the extent of self-denial,--with patience, dignity and grace, and not with boastful imperiousness which is the attitude of tyrants?

If a son, or one under authority to any extent, do I consider the example of loyal and loving obedience furnished in the example of our dear Lord? His delight was and is to do the Father's will at any cost to himself. As a man under the kingdoms --authorities--of this world, and as a youth under the authority of earthly parents, he was loyal and faithful (`Matt. 22:21`; `Luke 2:51`), yet all of this earthly authority was exercised by his personal inferiors, though they were his legal superiors. How beautifully we will be able to grace and fill whatever station we occupy in life, if we carefully study and copy godliness--God-likeness, whether we be princes or peasants, masters or servants.

(7) Does brotherly kindness characterize all my actions? does it make due allowance for the inherited weaknesses and circumstantial misfortunes of others? Does brotherly kindness deal patiently, and helpfully so far as wisdom in view of the correction of those faults, may dictate? and that, even at the expense of self-interest, if necessary and prudent?

And if, as I look myself squarely in the face, I recognize deformity of character, do I thankfully accept a brother's proffered aid and meekly bear reproof, determining that by the grace of God I will overcome such dispositions, and prove myself a help rather than a hindrance to others, if it should even cost my life to do it, and that I will no longer foster my old dispositions, but plunge into activity in the service of God with those who should have my co-operation in service, instead of my burden?

(8) Have I charity--love unfeigned-- for the unrighteous and unlovely, as well as for the good and the beautiful?--a love which is ever ready to manifest itself in wise and helpful activity for saint and sinner; a love which pities, and helps, and comforts, and cheers, and blesses all within its reach; which longs for the grand opportunities and power and glory of the incoming age, chiefly for its privileges of scattering universal blessing; and which, in harmony with that sentiment, utilizes every present opportunity wisely, and in harmony with the divine plan, for the accomplishment of the same end--thus manifesting and cultivating the disposition which must be found in every member of that glorious company which shall constitute the King's cabinet in the incoming age? If this disposition is not begun, cultivated and developed here, we will not be considered worthy of that honor and office then.

And just as in the cultivation of vegetation, watchfulness, and the necessary precautions to prevent blight and decay and to guard against the intrusions of evil powers and influences calculated to sap its life, pruning, trimming and cultivation are necessary to accomplish the desired end of fruitfulness. By resisting the devil he will flee from us, and by patient continuance in well doing, an increasing measure of development will result.

"If these things be in you and abound," says Peter--That is, if you have them in some measure, and keep on cultivating them, so that they abound more and more and rule in you, "they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." The truth is for such: "Light is sown for the righteous," and they are sure to get it. They shall not walk in darkness. If any man will do the will of God, he shall know of the doctrine. (`John 7:17`.) "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."

"Wherefore, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things [if you diligently cultivate this disposition] ye shall never fall." Being justified fully by faith in the sacrifice of Christ for your redemption, and thus sanctified (set apart from the world and devoted to the service of God) by the truth, your final selection to that position of glory, honor and service, to which you are called, shall be sure. And

"so, an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

"Wherefore," again says our beloved brother Peter, "I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things. Yea, I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.... Moreover I will endeavor that you may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance." This he did, and the church to this day may profit by his brotherly counsel.

While the Apostle Peter, addressing the consecrated, thus clearly and explicitly points out the way in which we may make our calling and election sure to the chief favor of God, the apostle Paul, addressing the same class, shows that neglect to develop and cultivate the Christian character involves not only the loss of the chief favor of our high-calling, but eventually of all favor, if wilfully and continually neglected. He wrote: "If ye [ye who have solemnly covenanted to sacrifice your very life in the service of God, for the eradication of evil] live after the flesh [with selfish effort, merely to gratify self] ye shall die." (`Rom. 8:13`.) God has no use nor place for wilful covenant-breakers and covenant-despisers, after they have been brought to a knowledge of the truth and of his will, and have covenanted to do it faithfully.

With all our striving and watchfulness, however, we shall not be able, in our present condition, to reach our ideal. Perfection is something which can only be approximated in the present life. But the measure of our effort to attain it will prove the measure of our faithfulness and

earnest desire to do so. And that effort will not be unfruitful. If no fruit appears, we may be sure that little or no effort is made at cultivation, pruning, etc. The fruit will not only appear in the development of the Christian graces of character, but also in increasing activities. We must not wait for our spiritual and immortal bodies, promised us in our resurrection, before our activity in God's service begins. If we possess the spirit [the will, the disposition] of that new nature our mortal bodies will be active in the service of God's truth now. Our feet will be swift to run his errands, our hands prompt to do his bidding, our tongues ready to bear testimony to the truth, our minds active in devising ways and means to do so more and more abundantly and effectively. And thus we shall be living epistles known and read of all about us.

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