Open Side Menu Search Icon

    Index Downloading...

    The Watchtower, April 15, 1917

    Download: PDF — The Watchtower, April 15, 1917

    Vol. XXXVIII

    BROOKLYN, N. Y., APRIL 15, 1917

    No. 8

    VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER

    Corroborative Evidence that

    " TIMES OF THE GENTILES" HAVE ENDED

    The Watch Tower, from time to time, has set forth the

    proof that the "Times of the Gentiles" have ended; that the

    monarchs of earth have had their day, and that Messiah's

    kingdom i3 at hand! We submit herewith some corroborative

    proof.

    From a legal viewpoint, the period of the Gentile dominion

    ended with October, 1914. Speaking in plain phrase, the

    world there came to an end! True to the words of the great

    Master, "The nations were angry, and thy wrath is come:"

    (Revelation 11:18) At the very end of the Gentile times

    the nations became angry and began to war with each other,

    and the great storm cf destruction has increased in its fury

    even beyond the imaginations of men. The loss of human

    life and earthly treasure lias staggered the world. The war

    still spreads, and without doubt will involve all the nations

    to a greater or less extent.

    Looking down to this very day, the Prophet of the Lord

    said, "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven

    set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; and the

    kingdom shall not be left to other people; but it shall break

    in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand

    for ever." (Daniel 2:44) .Gradually, but surely, the present

    kingdoms of earth are being broken into pieces. Each day

    some explosion further weakens the walls of the present order

    of things, and soon the entire structure will fall with a great

    crash; and upon the ruins thereof will be erected the kingdom

    of righteousness, under the supervision of the great Messiah,

    and this kingdom will stand forever.

    REVOLUTION IN BUSSIA

    The Russian monarchy has fallen, no doubt never to rise

    again t With startling * and dramatic rapidity the change

    came — almost in one day. However, we do not understand

    that the revolution in Russia i= a fulfilment of the prophetic

    statement made by our Lord concerning the great revolution

    that is to follow the world war; but it shows , the tendency

    of the people* and their determination no longer to be dominated

    by autocrats, aristocrats or tyrants. When the rulers

    discover that they are losing their power, there will in all

    probability be an effort made to bring about peace, and there

    will probably be some make-shift proposition brought forward

    and adopted. But when all shall say, "Peace and safety,

    then sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall

    not escape." — 1 Thessakmians 5:3.

    Even the worldly-wise see that this must be the inevitableresult

    . An editorial writer in one of the leading New York

    dallies says:

    "The revolutions are not going to be confined to Russia.

    Hollweg sees and says that there is a new freedom coming

    for Germany as well as for Russia.

    "France has long had her freedom, but will undoubtedly

    progress further in the direction of Socialism.

    "The revolution :n England will be as complete as

    elsewhere, hut probably not spectacular or violent. The

    English people accomplish their revolutions, as they do

    everything else they undertake, in a stolid, undemonstrative

    way, but they accomplish them just the same.

    "If Russia was an autocracy, England was an aristocracy

    . Everything in England has been for the benefit

    of the ruling or aristocratic classes. These aristocratic

    classes had a trust — a control in politics, in land-ownership

    , in tax-exemption, in social recognition, in all kinds

    of benefits and privileges,

    "The mass of the people were reduced to the point

    of penury, and were leaving the British Isles in droves

    in order to find elsewhere the opportunity which they

    could not secure at home.

    "This Aristocratic Trust operated according to the

    accepted methods of the trust and absorbed into the

    trust any man who showed exceptional ability or ac*

    cumulated formidable wealth, ennobling him, making him

    a knight or a baron, and so aligning him and his influence

    and power with the aristocracy, instead of with the people

    , from whom he came and with whom he should nave

    naturally been in sympathy.

    "Thug the Aristocratic Trust perpetuated its privileges

    and fortified its position. It rode the tna»sfc& ahnost a»

    cruelly as did the French aristocrats in the years that

    preceded the French Revolution.

    "No doubt that situation will be destroyed, and probably

    has been destroyed. The people of England will

    never be content to go back to the conditions that prevailed

    before the war.

    Messiah's Kingtk>m ib at Hand

    "How much further the revolution will go is a question

    . If the war continues long enough, and the people

    of the various countries become sufficiently resentful at

    their rulers, we will have revolutions of riot and revolutions

    of repudiation — revolutions which will set up new

    governments and refuse to be bound by the obligations

    which the old governments incurred.

    * There ought to be a revolution in Germany as well

    as in Russia and in England, and there probably will be."

    SEASONS FOB GENEEAL REVOLUTION

    The time will come, and that ere long, when the peoples

    of the warring nations will awaken to the fearful condition

    brought upon them by the war. Soon they must realize that

    the able-bodied, wealth-producing men have been either killed

    or else rendered practically useless by the long and dreadful

    conflict; and the cost of living has greatly increased and is

    likely to go still higher j tnat their opportunities for earning

    money have greatly decreased; and that added to this will

    be the great bur Jen of taxation created by the war. Revolution

    , repudiation and destruction are certain to follow.

    TOO LAEQE FOE HUMAN MIND TO GRASP

    The Chicago American recently published, editorially, the

    following figures concerning the debt now upon the nations

    of Europe as a result of the war; viz: —

    "Tlie total debt of the war in Europe is now one

    hundred twenty thousand million dollars ($120,000,000-

    000 ) . This means that in the years to come, barring revolution

    and repudiation of debts, the people of Europe

    already harassed, half starved, killed and wounded in

    millions, must carry on their backs an appalling debt of

    $120,000,000,000.

    "The interest on this amount, at only o% — and most

    of it was borrowed at a higher rate— ^amounts to six

    thousand millions of dollars every year.

    "The people of the warring nations must pay this six

    thousand millions every year— six times the total national

    debt of the United States at present; and after

    they have paid the six thousand millions of dollars a year

    in interest, they will still owe the one hundred and twenty

    thousand millions."

    These figures represent a condition too enormous for the

    human mind to fully grasp. But by way of aiding the mind

    in this respect* we call attention to the fact that — according

    to the best information obtainable — twenty thousand million

    persons have lived on the earth during the six thousand years

    from Adam's day until now; thus a war debt of $120,000,000,-

    000 is equivalent to $6 per head for every man, woman and

    child that has ever lived. It is hardly necessary to suggest

    that revolution and repudiation of this great debt will naturally

    follow.

    WHO ABE RESPONSIBLE?— KINGS OB CLERGY 7

    The common people have not of their own choice madt?

    this enormous debt. It was not the common people who sought

    the war. Of the millions that have died upon the battle-fields,

    and the millions of widows and orphans that have wept at

    home, not one of them has had a voice in determining whether

    or not the people should go to war. The kings and rulers

    have prepared for war, and have sent their subjects forth to

    war without; even asking their consent. The king3 from time

    immemorial have claimed to rule by divine right, and that

    therefore whatever action they would take, whether for war

    or for peace, would be right. It has long been a part of the

    unwritten laws of these nations that "The king can do no

    wrong."

    But hack of the kings there is another class of men who

    are even more responsible, and therefore more reprehensible;

    namely, the clergy class! For more than fifteen centuries

    these, as the spiritual advisers of the kings of Europe, have

    told them that they— the kings — rule by divine right. These

    clergy have supported their kings and rulers without regard

    to whether they were right or wrong. The clergy have shielded

    themselves behind their pious garbs and encouraged, advised

    and abetted the kings in their unrighteous and murderous

    work. The day of retribution is at hand, and God's wrath

    will fall upon 'both kings and clergy.

    THB KINGS VERSUS THE PEOPLE

    Charles Edward Russell, a writer of national fame, through

    the public press, recently said:

    "The kings of the earth conspire to keep monarchy

    still throned. The people of the earth arise and kick

    all. these devices into forgotten fragments.

    "One of the most colossal of these astute plotting*

    (H5-U6)

    [60701

    April 15. 1917

    THE WATCH TOWER

    (116 117)

    went to pieces when the Russian people got tired of the

    fantastic yoke of the king business and cast the thing

    far from them.

    "Ever since that day in July, 1789, when the Bastille

    fell in Paris, there has been a royal trade union to keep

    the kings on their jobs.

    "Whatever their countries might be forced to do, or

    seem to do, after that, all the kings of Europe have been

    bound together by a secret alliance and the ritual of

    their trade union.

    "One way to promote trade interests and keep the

    jobs was to link up the various thrones by carefully made

    marriages.

    "Hence the German rulers, having an over-supply of

    princelings on hand, started in early upon a deliberate,

    fixed policy to Germanize Europe.

    "After a century of that policy the result is seen in

    the fact that every king of Europe is either a German

    or has much German blood in his veins.

    "Wherever an heir to a throne has been sighted as approaching

    the marriageable age a German has been picked

    out for a consort.

    "To mention only a few of the achievements, the

    king of England is a German. For generations German

    has been the household language of the British royal

    family. Queen Victoria^ spoke English with a marked

    German accent; German* was her native tongue. Even

    Edward VII. was not perfectly at home in the language

    of the country he ruled.

    "Three members of the British royal family are now

    bearing arms against Great Britain, because they are

    German princes as well as British, and their German

    allegiance naturally seems first to them.

    "The queen of Belgium is a German. The queen of

    Holland is of German descent and is married to a German.

    "The poor little man just taken by the scruff and lifted

    from the throne of Russia is seven-eighths German. His

    empress, who had to be hidden from the indignant Russian

    populace, was one of the vast army of German

    princesses that have been distributed about fiurope.

    "The king of Italy is largely German. The king of

    Spain is also one of the Hapsburgs.

    "The queen of Greece is the Kaiser's sister. It was

    the German Queen of Greece that ruined that country

    in the interest of Germany.

    "She kept Greece from observing its treaty with Serbia

    ; kept it from its obvious policy, which was to join

    the allies; and finally drove its king to plunge it into its

    present state of pitiable wreckage.

    'It was the German empress of Russia that led and

    inspired the pro-German party there through the most

    astounding drama of intrigue, treachery and betrayals

    that was ever known among men.

    "All the time that the government of Russia was

    pledging faith to the allies and the soldiers of Russia

    were ostensibly fighting on that side, the real and unseen

    power behind all this was working for Germany.

    "It was the pro^German party that armed the Russian

    troops with sticks and crowbars for guns, provided their

    cannon with ammunition that fitted German artillery,

    but not their own, sent them to destruction or defeat,

    surrendered them by the thousands, and soaked the soil

    of Poland with their blood, needlessly sacrificed.

    "The extent of this colossal treason staggers the

    imagination and makes all the fiction in the world look

    tame. It has greatly prolonged the war, cost hundreds

    of thousands of lives, wasted millions of treasure and

    laid upon the patient people a burden under which they

    will stagger for generations.

    "All for the sake of the Hohenzollerns and the supremacy

    of the kings,

    "Russia has awakened from its monarchial trance.

    A democracy at last, she has now tak«h he* true place

    with the other democracies, fighting the mad dog of

    monarchism, now in its lair.

    "They sang 'The Marseillaise' in the streets of Petrograd

    , and at the news all democrats around the world

    sang with them.

    "They had reason to sing. These democrats have left

    Germany and Austria the only autocrats in Europe.

    They have made the issue of this war so clear that no

    longer can either a liar or a coward side-step it.

    "It is to be democracy against autocracy, or the people

    against the thrones.

    "The last great struggle, clean-cut, sure, unmistakable

    — the world for the kings or the world for its people."

    BUND TO MASTER'S PRINCIPLES

    The clergy have a great opportunity at this time (were

    they awake to their privileges) of comforting the people and

    telling them what this trouble means, and of admonishing

    them, in the language of the Lord, to "seek meekness, seek

    righteousness!'^ They have a groat opportunity to point the

    people to Messiah's kingdom and to teach the principles of

    love which he taught. But alas, they are unfaithful to the

    high office which they occupy!

    We quote below the words of some of these to show that

    while they claim to be followers of the Prince of Peace, and

    pose before the people as the teachers of the message of the

    Lord Jesus, their words show that they are blinded to the

    great principles for which he stood.

    The Rev. Dr. Newell Dwight Hillis, Pastor of Plymouth

    Ohurch, Brooklyn, in an address before the Union Branch of

    the Y. M. C. A. in the Bronx, N. Y. City, on March 25.

    according to the public press, said:

    "I am willing to forgive the Germans for their atrocities

    just as soon as they are all shot. If you would give

    me happiness, just give me the sight of the Kaiser, Von

    Hindenberg and Von Tirpitz hanging by a rope. If we

    forgive Germany after the war, I shall* think the whole

    universe has gone wrong."

    The Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Adams, speaking at the 23d

    Street Branch of the Y. M. C. A., N. Y. City, said:

    "If we enter the war we will be fighting for the ideals

    of the Declaration of Independence. It is the Christian

    duty of America to declare war upon Germany."

    EULERS THREATENED BY SOCIALISTS

    The Socialist-democratic party of Russia, in its official

    organ, The, Pravda, published on March 25th a resolution by

    its Central Committee* inciting the soldiers to leave the

    trenches and go over to the enemy. This, they assert, will

    immediately evoke a fraternal response on the part of the

    Germans, and the war among the nations will promptly

    collapse, enabling the army and the people to devote themselves

    to the overthrow of the ruling classes.

    FAMINES AND PESTILENCES TO FOLLOW

    When our Lord Jesus was asked by his disciples what would

    be the proof of the end of the age, and the setting up of his

    kingdom, among other things he said: "Nation shall ri^e

    against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall

    be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in divers places."

    We see now a partial fulfillment of this prophetic statement,

    in that practically all the nations of earth are engaged in

    deadly conflict. The available food supply is everywhere decreasing

    and the cost of living increasing, so much so that

    today there are thousands of persons suffering from hunger,

    even in America. For a number of years Germany had been

    able to produce about 35 bushels of wheat per acre. After

    the war began she was unable to bring fertilizers from South

    America, with the result that in the first year of the war the

    land produced less that 25 bushels per acre, and in the second

    year, the average production was only about 14 bushels per

    acre.

    In 1915 Canada produced 270 million bushels of wheat,

    whereas in 1916 only 155 million bushels were produced.

    Food supplies along all other lines, such as potatoes, onions,

    and other necessities are likewise much less than they were

    a few years ago.

    HOW TO KEEP DOWN HIGH COST OP LTyTNG

    This suggests that everywhere the people will be forced to

    practise economy. The day of luxury has passed, so far as

    the present order of things is concerned. Dr. Harvey W.

    Wiley, the well-known food expert, for many years in the

    employ of the U. S. Government, says:

    Whether we remain at peace or adventure on war,

    the Government should take over our food supplies.

    "Every family in the country must be able to buy

    staple foods at fixed prices.

    "Already one-tetitfr of the people of the United States

    are starving. Such starvation is largely due to stupidity,

    "Even today one dollar Bpent on" Indian corn will

    keep a working man well nourished for one month. Five

    dollars will supply four weeks' satisfying food for an

    average family.

    "Plain living? Of course! But you may take it from

    me 7 the war hp<* killM luxury for this generation.

    "Humanity is entering upon such a period of enforced

    economy as the world has never seen. Europe feels this

    today. We may realize it tomorrow.

    THE BALANCED RATION

    "When one dollar can purchase only 50 cents Worth

    of fpod the man who earns and the woman who spends

    £6071]

    (117-122)

    THE WATCH TOWER

    Brooklyn, N. Y,

    must learn what foods furnish most nourishment before

    they buy.

    "Corn bread, corn mush, any one of a hundred corn

    meal dishes with a baked potato and an apple supply a

    perfectly balanced diet.

    "For children milk is also necessary — one pint of

    milk per child per day.

    HEALTH FOE FOT7B CENTS

    "I will guarantee to keep any child in perfect health,

    growth and enjoyment on a daily ration of one-half pound

    corn meal and one pint of milk a day— cost four cents.

    "That plan steals the threat from food wars or railway

    strikes, and puts the quietus on the question of the

    high cost of living.

    HUNGRY CAN'T WOBK

    "A hungry child cannot be good; neither can it work

    or study properly.

    "My household of four makes four dinners from a

    five-pound roast, changing to a chicken on Sunday. The

    rest of our diet is fruit, potatoes and cereals. We work

    hard and are never ill.

    "My farmer, who earns one- twentieth of my wages,

    spends not less that five times as much per person on food

    for his household.

    PREJUDICE A FACTOR

    "My corn meal mush costs six cents a pound; his

    breakfast cereal sells for 25c a pound.

    "I offered to supply his corn and wheat free.

    ,f( Nb thank you/ said he, 'my wife wouldn't stand

    for it. If we ate as you do, all the neighbors would

    make remarks/

    "There lies the chief reason for the high cost of living

    — prejudice and fashion."

    A WORD TO THE WISE

    In view of the present conditions, we suggest to the friends

    of the truth that it would be well to begin the practise of

    economy along the lines suggested by the above food expert,

    and to lay in a supply of plain foods, such as corn meal.

    The facts coming from every source present a very dark

    picture, if you view it only from the standpoint of the world;

    but when we take the Lord's standpoint, it rejoices our hearts,

    because we see that the present unrighteous institutions of the

    earth are going down in the worst time of trouble the world

    has ever known, and that this marks the hour of deliverance

    for the last members of the body of Christ and the early establishment

    of Messiah's kingdom, which will bring peace and

    comfort, happiness and plenty, health and joy to every one

    who loves righteousness and will do righteously.

    MESSIAH'S KINGDOM IS HERE

    Let us, therefore, who are "children of the day," while we

    yet have opportunity, tell the people the glad tidings of the

    blessings which are 30 near at hand! This is the time for

    God's people to declare the day of his vengeance; that is to say,

    to point out to the world that this great trouble upon mankind

    is God's vengeance upon the selfish and wicked institutions

    , and that the fall of "Babylon" and all systems of

    unrighteousness, which soon must take place, will make way

    for the deliverance of the people from the thraldom in which

    they have been held for centuries. This is the time above

    al) times for Christian people to comfort those who mourn

    and who desire to be taught the meaning of present events.

    We urge the dear brethren everywhere, therefore, to be

    zealous and active in the promulgation of the glad tidings

    of great joy. 'Then look up and lift up your heads, for

    your deliverance draweth nigh!"

    JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY

    [This article, excepting the first paragraph, was a reprint of that entitled "A Bottle of Spikenard, Very Costly," published in

    issue of April 1, 1899. The first paragraph was a reprint from article entitled "Perfume Very

    Precious," published in issue of April 1, 1905. Please see the articles named.]

    SOMETIME, SOMEWHERE, EACH FINDS GETHSEMANE

    "In golden youth, when seems the earth

    A summer land of songs and mirth,

    And not a shadow lurks in sight,

    We do not know it, but there lies,

    Somewhere, veiled under evening skies,

    A Garden all must sometime see,

    Gethsemane, Gethsemane !

    Somewhere his own Gethsemane!

    "With joyous steps we go our ways,

    Love lends a halo to the days,

    Light sorrows sail like clouds afar,

    We laugh and say, *How strong we are!'

    We hurry on, and hurrying go

    Close to the border land of woe,

    That waits for you and waits for me ;

    Gethsemane, Gethsemane !

    Forever waits Gethsemane!

    "Down shadowy lanes, across strange streams,

    Bridged over by our broken dreams,

    Behind the misty cape of years,

    Close to the great salt-font of tears,

    The Garden lies; strive as you may,

    You cannot miss it in your way.

    All paths that have been or shall be

    Pass somewhere through Gethsemane.

    "All those who journey, soon or late,

    Must pass within the Garden's gate,

    Must kneel alone in darkness there

    And battle with some fierce despair.

    God pity those who cannot say,

    'Not mine, but thine,' who only pray,

    'Let this cup pass!' and cannot see

    The purpose in Gethsemane.

    Gethsemane, Gethsemane !

    God help us through Gethsemane ! "

    JESUS WELCOMED AS KING

    [This article was a reprint of that entitled "Hosanna in the Highest," published in issue of March 15, 1905, which please see.]

    JESUS THE SERVANT OF ALL

    [This article, with the exception of the paragraphs printed below, was a reprint from article entitled

    Example," published in issue of April 1, 1899, which please see.]

    "I Have Given You An

    The scene of today's lesson was the "Upper Room," and the

    occasion the anniversary celebration of the Jewish Passover

    supper, on the beginning of the 14th day of Nisan — which

    day ended at 6 P. M. on Friday. The preparations had been

    completed during the day for observance of the type, instituted

    the night before Israel's departure from Egypt; and as

    the Master sat down with the twelve to eat the supper, he

    spake, saying, "I have greatly desired to eat this Passover

    with you before I Buffer." — Luke 22:15.

    The Passover lamb typified "the Lamb of God," our Lord

    Jesus, and the eating of it pointed to the fact that the followers

    of our Lord throughout the Gospel age would feed in

    their hearts upon the Lamb of God, thus hy faith appropriating

    to themselves the blessings secured to them through his death ;

    "For even Christ, our Passover, is sacrificed for us; therefore

    let us keep the feast."

    But inasmuch as Jesus was the antitypical Lamb, it was

    appropriate that the type should after this cease to be observed

    . Hence it was that Jesus, following this last typical

    supper, established the Memorial supper of unleavened bread

    and fruit of the vine, which symbolized his broken body and

    shed blood.

    [6072]

    April 15, 1917

    THE WATCH TOWER

    (122-124)

    LACK Or HUMILITY CAUSED LOSS OF GREAT BLESSIVCt

    The apostles, doubtless still filled with enthusiasm from the

    remarkable events of the week, were at a loss to understand

    the sadness of our Lord. Had they not witnessed the feast

    in the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, and the breaking

    of the alabaster box of costly ointment upon our Lord? Had

    they not witnessed his triumphal entry into Jerusalem amid

    the plaudits of the people, who exclaimed, "Blessed is he that

    cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest"?

    They had heard the Pharisees ask Jesus to put a stop to the

    demonstration, and the Master's reply that if the people should

    hold their peace the very -stones would cry out. (Luke 19:40)

    To fulfil the prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) there must be a shout,

    and there was a great shout.

    Moreover, had not the whole city been in commotion 7 And

    had they not accompanied the Master into the Temple and

    witnessed his driving of the money-changers therefrom? And

    when the Pharisees, Sadducees and others tried to confuse

    Jesus, they had observed how wisely he had turned all their

    arguments upon themselves, so that they dared not ask him

    any more questions, fearing lest their position would appear

    all the more untenable.

    These thoughts, added to the one that the kingdom was

    approaching and that places would be apportioned, were uppermost

    in their minds and were no doubt partly responsible

    for the rivalry which sprang up among them, as a result of

    which, when they came to the upper room, they had not the

    humility of mind to take thought of serving either the Master

    or one another. It was the custom of the well-to-do Jews to

    have a servant to minister to the comfort of the guests; but

    there was no servant present on this occasion, and none of the

    apostles had the humility of mind to offer to be the servant.

    How great a blessing was thus missed by these disciples!

    And what a remarkable opportunity was thus afforded the

    Master to teach a lesson in humility!

    "HAV1HG LOVED HIS OWK, HI! LOVED THEM UNTO THE

    END"

    Apparently our Lord let the situation progress to the full.

    He waited until supper was being served (not ended, as in

    our Common Version) ; then, arising from the table, he laid

    aside his mantle and secured a basin and a towel. Girding up

    his garments so as not to interfere with his movements, he

    began to wash their feet.

    We can well imagine the surprise of the apostles as they

    watched the procedure, noting the Master go from the feet

    of one to the feet of another, as they extended from the

    couches upon which the apostles reclined.

    The account of today's Study opens up by declaring, "Having

    loved his own which were in the world, he loved them

    unto the end." Truly, as Jesus himself said, "Greater love

    hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for

    his friends"! Again, he said, 'I am the Good Shepherd; the

    Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." The tender care

    he had for his sheep, and the untiring zeal which he manifested

    in their preparation for future service, was fast consuming

    his vitality. On the cross the pouring out of his

    life was fully completed. "He poured out his soul unto

    death"!

    The washing of the disciples' feet by our Lord was a sharp

    reproof for their neglect to wash his feet and the feet of one

    another. Doubtless they were very silent for a time while

    the service proceeded. The lesson was having the designed

    effect; but the Lord's words to Peter, "What I do thou knowest

    not now, but thou shalt know hereafter," clearly show that

    the depth of the lesson could not be fully appreciated at

    that time.

    Nevertheless Peter protested, saying, "Thou shalt never

    wash my feet!" The noble Peter had too much reverence to

    wish the Lord to be his servant. But when Jesus said, "If

    I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me," this thoroughgoing

    , whole-hearted disciple urged, "Lord, not my feet only,

    but also my hands and my head!" But the Master explained

    that "He who hath been bathed hath no need except to wash

    his feet."— V. 10. Diaglott.

    The intimation was that as St. Peter had bathed, which

    wa3 in accordance with the Jewish requirement of the putting

    away of all filth at the beginning of the Passover season,

    he now merely needed the rinsing of his feet, the cleansing of

    the members that came into close contact with the dusty

    highways of that time.

    THE HEINOUS SIN OF JUDAS

    The last six words of Verse 10, "Ye are clean, hut not

    all," referring to the foul conspirator Judas, clearly show

    that our Lord also had in mind another cleansing, a much

    higher one, of which thi3 washing of their feet and their

    previous .bath were but the figures — "the washing of water by

    the Word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church,

    not having spot or wrinkle or any sueh thing." — Ephesians

    5:26, 27.

    Although our Lord Jesus "knew who should betray him"

    (V, 11), and that Judas had already bargained with the

    chief priests, and was merely waiting for the opportune

    moment to carry out his malevolent design, yet Jesus did

    not pass him by, but washed his feet with the others.

    Ivone but Judas understood the reference to himself, or

    the subsequent words recorded in Verses 18, 26-28 — these,

    however, not being a part of today's Study. Although our

    Lord went so far as to quote the very prophecy which marked

    Judas and his disloyalty — "He that eateth bread with me hath

    lifted up his heel against me" (Psalm 41:9) — none of these

    things moved the arch-betrayer, none appealed to him in such

    a manner as to change his wicked course.

    Thus Jesus explained that it would be one of his own chosen

    twelve who would betray him — one of those who would later

    dip with him in the dish, partaking of the same supper, the

    same bread, the same roasted lamb. All this signified a very

    heinous breach of friendship. It was most sad to contemplate

    that the traitor should be one who had been a bosom friend

    and disciple.

    "'Unto the end!' Thine own?

    dear and blessed Master ! Can it be

    That, nevermore alone,

    Our weary hearts may dwell in peace with thee,

    Knowing that to the end

    Thou wilt be with us, walking by our side,

    Our Guardian, Guide and Friend,

    Until in heaven we shall with thee abide!"

    THE CHRISTIAN'S DUTY IN TIME OF WAR

    Factories and business houses throughout the United

    States are circulating amongst their employees a petition,

    usually in the following form:

    "As an American* faithful to American ideals of

    justice, liberty and humanity, and confident that the

    Government has exerted its most earnest efforts to keep

    us at peace with the world, I hereby declare my absolute

    and unconditional loyalty to the Government of the United

    States and pledge my support to it in protecting American

    rights against unlawful violence upon land and sea, in

    guarding the Nation against hostile attacks, and in upholding

    international rights."

    Numerous Watch Toweb readers are asking advice as to

    the signing of this paper. Our answer is that every resident

    of America should be faithful to the ideals of justice, liberty

    and humanity, and should exert his most earnest efforts to

    keep the peace; and as between the United States and any

    other government on earth, his loyalty should be to the United

    States Government; but when it comes to a Christian pledging

    his unconditional support to the protection of American rights

    on land and sea, that would mean pledging himself to take

    up arms and actively engage in war. The question then arises,

    What is one's duty under such circumstances?

    We answer, There is a difference between the duty that devolves

    upon one who is not a Christian and one who is a

    Christian. In both Catholic and Protestant churches are

    found some Christians. But the mere fact that one belongs

    to some church denomination is not evidence that he is a

    Christian. Many nations claim to be Christian, but there ia

    no Christian nation on earth, for the reason that there is no

    nation in which every person claims to follow Christ. Many

    of those who claim to be Christians disregard the teachings

    of Christ. This applies equally to the clergy and laymen.

    The clergymen throughout the country are urging their parishioners

    to join the army, many of them saying, "It is the

    Christian duty of America to declare war upon Germany.**

    A true Christian is one who believes that Jesus Christ is

    the great Redeemer of mankind, and who then makes a full

    consecration to do God's will; who is accepted by the Lord

    and begotten of the holy Spirit, and thereby becomes a follower

    of Christ Jesus. All such are ambassadors of Messiah,

    the King of Glory (2 Cor. 5:20), to whom the Lord has delivered

    his message of reconciliation for the world. The Lord

    has commissioned, or authorized, all such in the following

    words: "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath

    anointed me to preach the glad tidings unto the meek ; he hath

    sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to

    the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are

    [6073]

    (124-125)

    THE WATCH TOWER

    Brooklyn, N. Y,

    bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the

    day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn."

    (Isa. 61:1-3) This applies to every true follower of Jesus

    who faithfully walks in his footsteps. — 1 Peter 2:21.

    No Christian could engage in war and remain a Christian;

    for the reason that Jesus did not engage in war. Jesus declared

    that he came not to destroy man's lives, but to save

    them.

    If men of the world desire to engage in war, that is a

    question for them to determine. The Christian well knows

    that God has permitted this great war to come upon the nations

    to develop amongst them conditions that will lead to

    revolution and anarchy, and that every nation that engages

    in this war will ultimately be involved in the greater trouble.

    The only advice that we have to give those who are not

    Christians is that given by the Lord through his prophet

    saying, "Before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you,

    seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth ; seek righteousness

    , seek meekness; ifc may be ye shall be hid in the day of the

    Lord's anger." — Zeph. 2; 2, 3.

    Whatever question there might be about the duty of a

    man of the world who does not claim to be a Christian, there

    is no middle ground for the Christian. He can be true to the

    Lord and faithful to his consecration vow only by taking one

    course, viz., a refusal to engage in war. As reasons therefor

    he should, in kindness and in the spirit of love, yet with boldness

    , tell those who will hear the meaning of the great trouble

    now upon the earth, and point out to them the nearness of

    Messiah's kingdom and the blessings that will follow its establishment

    . Since he is the ambassador of the heavenly

    kingdom he should see to it that his time and strength and

    energy are devoted to peaceful pursuits, and to the declaring

    of the message of the kingdom of Christ. All this is his

    vocation.

    No Christian should resist the Government with force of

    arms. If the laws of the land provide for exemption for

    those who cannot conscientiously engage in war, then the

    Christian should take advantage of that. If it should come

    to the question as to whether or not a Christian would shoot

    his fellowman or be shot, it would be better for him to choose

    the latter rather than the former. He has made a covenant

    with the Lord to be faithful unto death, and no one can take

    his life until God's due time, so long as he is faithful to the

    Lord. It it bring suffering upon him to take this stand, then

    he should remember that the Lord promised that His followers

    must expect to suffer, and that the reward of life

    everlasting on the divine plane is promised to those who suffer

    faithfully with Christ unto the end. — Romans 8:16, 17.

    IN BE MXLITABT SERVICE

    Numerous letters are coining to us, asking advice as to

    what should be done with reference to complying with the

    statutes of the various States which provide for the registration

    of male citizens from 16 to 45 years of age. The statutes

    that are being passed by the various States are similar in many

    respects, and yet it will be necessary for us to have a copy

    of each one of these military Acts in order to give specific

    advice. Where the Act provides that all persons are required

    to give this information, there would be no good reason for

    declining to give the same. Where the Act further provides

    that certain persons are exempt from military service, but

    must file their affidavit within a certain time and with certain

    officers in order to be entitled to exemption, we advise that the

    brethren take advantage of this exemption by preparing and

    filing the affidavit required .by law. It is difficult for us here

    to give a form that will apply to all States, but if the Act is

    read carefully the form below can be used in most States,

    changing according to the terms of the law. We therefore

    suggest the following form:

    State of

    County of

    (name of person claiming exemption) being

    duly sworn, on oath says that he is entitled to exemption

    from military service, for the reason that he is a duly

    ordained minister; that since the day of he

    has been fully consecrated to the Lord and His service;

    that he cannot conscientiously engage in war in any form,

    and claims his exemption for the reason stated in this

    affidavit.

    Subscribed and sworn to before

    me this day of

    All persons who are duly elected elders by a vote of the

    eeclesia have received a church ordination, and all persons

    who are fully consecrated to the Lord (Luke 9:23; Rom. 12:1)

    have received the divine ordination as a minister of the Gospel

    . — Isa. 61:1-3.

    The duty of a Christian is clearly set forth in the Scriptures

    . There is no middle ground. For him to engage in

    war would be to disregard the commission the Lord has given

    him. To refuse military service would perhaps bring persecution

    ; but to engage in military service would be a violation

    of his covenant with the Lord, and this being true, no one

    would desire to engage in war, and hence should decline to

    enlist in the service of the army.

    PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE TRUTH INCREASING

    That the public is anxious to listen to discourses pertinent

    to the strange times through which the world is now passing

    is evidenced by the increasing attendance at the public meetings

    reported by the pilgrim brethren in the field. And at our

    larger public gatherings there is also a noticeable awakening.

    Recently at Boston four thousand people tried to crowd into

    the leading theater to hear, "Why Do the Nations W 7 ar?" and

    at a public meeting at the New York City Temple on the afternoon

    of Sunday, April 1, about fifteen hundred listened with

    intense interest to a discussion of the following topic: "Universal

    Peace — How Can it be Obtained?" It is reported that

    over eleven hundred were turned away.

    We are now conducting a series of lectures in various

    cities throughout the country. These are opened by a largely

    advertised public meeting by our President, or some other

    brother especially suited to public discourse, and followed by

    other Pilgrim brethren of ability. The results have been very

    gratifying, and the urgent invitations for fresh series are

    coming in so rapidly as to necessitate the extending of Brother

    Rutherford's appointments several months in advance.

    We rejoice that the Lord's blessing is resting upon the

    proclamation of the truth, and to know that there are still

    many hungering and thirsting after righteousness. How glad

    we are to be ambassadors of the One who is able to supply

    that which satisfleth the hungry and thirsty!

    More and more does the truthfulness of the prophetic utterances

    of the words of the Lord impress itself upon our

    hearts as we "behold a famine in the land — not a famine of

    bread nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the

    Lord." (Amos. 8:11) No doubt many more hungry hearts

    will accept the blessed message of the kingdom as we advance

    closer to the time when w no man can work." In view

    of the perilous times before us and the wonderful opportunities

    brought about by the approach of the great cataclysm, it

    behooves all the ambassadors of Christ, the heralds of the fast

    approaching kingdom, to be zealous, to be fully awake and

    doing with their might what their hands find to do, before

    the night fully settles down, remembering that "he that reapeth

    , receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal."

    A TIMELY WARNING

    In a recent issue of The Watch Tower we called attention

    to the danger that might result to the brethren by' having

    the names of the Secretaries of the various ecclesias published.

    The following letter, which is a sample of many we are receiving

    , proves the wisdom of the warning:

    Washington, D. C, March 30.

    "Dear Brother Rutherford : — Your recent warning

    in The Watch Tower against the publication of the

    of Class Secretaries was well-timed and necessary, Some

    publication erroneously gave my name as such for the

    eeclesia here, and I have been kept busy of late with letters

    from unknown friends who desire me to serve them in

    various ways, but do not even enclose stamps for reply,

    or seem to appreciate the reliability of information or assistance

    furnished by me. I enclose herewith pernicious

    literature received from a pernicious person who must

    have obtained my address in the way mentioned.

    "Your brother in Christ, E. H. T."

    The friends from numerous classes are sending us samples

    of literature which have come to them recently, softie addressed

    , "Esteemed Friends," or, "Dear Friends," or "Dear

    Friend in Christ." This literature begins as though it were

    written -by a Bible Student, and winds up by soliciting money

    and urging that contributions be sent to the person named

    on the literature.

    Through the columns of The Watch Tower warnings

    [6074]

    Aran. 15, 1917

    THE WATCH TOWER

    (125-126)

    have been frequently given against various frauds that have

    been attempted upon our readers, and we shall continue to

    give this warning. We suggest to the brethren that when

    they have any doubt about literature that is sent them, they

    write and send it to us. We will be glad to render any assistance

    we can. At the same time be assured, dear brethren,

    that any literature that solicits money, either directly or indirectly

    , is not sent by the Society, nor approved by the

    Society,

    Truly the warning that Brother Russell gave in The

    Toweb of November 1st, 1916, under the caption, "The Houb

    of Temptation," was very timely.

    A3 the following words of St. Paul applied to the church of

    Ephesus, so they apply with equal force to the church now:

    "After my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among

    you, not sparing the flock; also of your own selves shall men

    arise speaking perverse things to draw away followers after

    them." We suggest to the friends, therefore, that all literature

    coming to them which speaks unkindly of Brother Russell

    be consigned to the waste-basket.

    SOME LETTERS

    PEAYEBS AND COOPERATION TO EXTENT OP ABILITY

    Dear Brother Rutherford: —

    Permit me to express my love for and my confidence in

    you. I have a hearty sympathy and love for the harvest

    work, and you shall have my earnest prayer and co-operation

    to the best "of my ability in finishing what dear Brother Russell

    prosecuted so faithfully for so many years.

    There is a little matter I believe I should mention to you.

    T have in the past given away to a few of the friends, and

    in a few instances recommended, eome books of Murray's and

    Fosdick's. As I see it now, T believe I did wrong in doing

    so. I have always acted on the Bible statement, "Despise not

    prophesyings ; prove all things, hold fast that which is good."

    While this is still true, yet our Lord said that in the end

    of the age, he would make his wise and faithful servant

    steward over all his goods, to give his household meat in due

    season; and I believe if we give heed to the Bible itself, and

    to the helps God has provided through that servant, and

    depend upon God to use his holy Spirit to guide ua into all

    truth, as he promised, we shall not want for spiritual instruction

    . We will not need anything else, for other teachings

    are always more or less mixed with error. In the future I

    will confine myself to the pure message, and recommend the

    same to others.

    With continued prayer for your success in guiding the work

    of God, and for your own blessing, I am

    Your fellow servant in Him, Daniel Toole.

    Our Reply

    Dear Brothkr Toole: —

    Your letter of the 22d is before us. We thank you very

    much for it. We rejoice with you that you now see that

    such distribution of the books mentioned by you could hardly

    be in harmony with the Lord's will as we understand it, and

    that you appreciate the fact that the Lord has made provision

    for the household of faith in giving "meat in due season

    " through his selected "wise and faithful .servant." The

    basis for our faith in the glorious prize set before us is a

    knowledge of the Lord's W T ord, and a clear understanding

    and appreciation of the same and a reliance thereupon. W 7 e

    never understood the plan of God until he was pleased to

    give it to us through the interpretations of his servant — our

    dear Brother Russell. If we would maintain our faith and

    increase it, it would seem absolutely essential that we abide

    by the food the Lord has supplied, and we are certain that

    we can be a greater help to the dear brethren everywhere if

    we confine ourselves to the spiritual food provided of the

    Lord through this channel. To search for spiritual food

    elsewhere is equivalent to saying that the Lord did not provide

    that which is sufficient through his chosen servant, and

    upon careful consideration we know that none of the fully

    consecrated would want to say this.

    We are glad to hear you say, "In the future I will

    confine myself to the pure message, and recommend the same

    to others." Abiding in the Lord, and his message abiding in

    us, we are sure we, can be of greater help to his sheep as we

    strive to minister upon them ae his willing bond-servants.

    We are in a time of great peril, and we all do well to take

    heed to the warning our dear Pastor left us in his last message

    to the church. We may expect, as he stated there, that

    some .will arise seeking to draw followers after them, and

    our duty to His people as representatives of the Lord and of

    the Socibttx, is to encourage them as much- as possible to stay

    close to the Lord's message. In ourselves we can do nothing,

    but we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthened

    us. But to have his strength we must be in harmony

    with His way of doing things.

    We appreciate your words of encouragement and your

    prayers, and assure you that you have ours. May the Lord

    continue to bless you and all of his dear people, and to give

    us all the needed strength in ' this hour, to hold fast that

    which we have gained, ftie blessings of the Lord be with you.

    ANOELOPHONE BLESSINGS— "DEAD, YET SPEAKETH1"

    Dear Friends: —

    I wish to assure you of my continued loyalty to the Lord

    OF INTEREST

    and the Truth, and 1 shall endeavor to co-operate with the

    Society in every way possible in the further smiting of the

    waters of Jordan. My recent experiences since the death of

    our Pastor seem to have been very similar to those of the

    dear friends everywhere, as 1 note from The Watch Tower.

    I was shocked beyond measure at our Pastor's death. I

    went immediately to *my room, and dropping upon my knees,

    told the Lord how sad and bewildered I felt, and that" I could

    hardly understand why our Pastor should be taken so quickly

    and unexpectedly, but assuring the heavenly Father, however

    , that I was perfectly resigned to hi 3 will in the matter,

    knowing that he knew best. I told the Lord that I had no

    desire to turn away, but that I would endeavor to go forward

    resolutely and give greater diligence, if possible, to make my

    calling and election sure. I further thanked him for the

    many blessings that I had received through the instrumentality

    of this noble servant, and that while we shall see his

    face no more in the flesh, we still have the precious truths

    from his pen that we may continue to feast upon.

    We read, "By the sadness of the countenance the heart

    is made better," and as we sorrow — "not as others," however —

    may we be drawn closer to the Lord.

    1 wish to relate, further, a recent experience that has been

    such a joy and blessing to us. About the time of our Pastor'3

    death I ordered a cabinet style Angelophone and 50 hymn

    records and some of the song books.

    These reached us in perfect condition only 3 or 4 days

    ago, and oh, what a feast we have already had! I just can't

    express the joy we have experienced in listening to hymns and

    the hymn-talks — especially the latter.

    W^hy, dear friends, we, so to speak, have Pastor Russell

    now in our parlor. Any time we want to have a little sermon,

    we have only to go and put on a record and start the machine,

    and it is just like hearing him in an auditorium, only we

    can't behold his face. I just couldn't help but think of the

    Scripture, "He, being dead, yet speaketh." When we reflect

    that this was one of the last of our Pastor's labors, how glad

    and thankful we are that God has added this blessing also !

    Please accept our heart-felt sympathy as we realize that

    those of the Society who were so closely associated with our

    dear Brother Russell will doubtless feel the parting more

    keenly than we who are more distant. Asking an interest in

    your prayers, and assuring you that we remember you at

    the Throne of Grace, I remain,

    Yours in the Faith once delivered to the Saints.

    W. H. Burch.— III.

    CLASS EXTENSION WORK ENCOTTBAGED

    Dear Brethren : —

    Remarks in a recent number of The Watch Toweb concerning

    certain brethren offering their services to other

    classes, upon payment of expenses by the classes served, has

    suggested that it might be well to get your opinion concerning

    a certain practise here.

    For a number of years our class has been sending elders

    to nearby classes. This we are doing at the invitation of the

    classes referred to, so that it seems to me that the case here

    is different from the one mentioned in The Tower. However

    , we would like to get your opinion as to whether you

    think this a wise practise. Some of the places we serve every

    Sunday, others three times a month and others once a month.

    Yours in Christ, A. L. Seeley.—JU.

    Our Reply

    It is not the purpose of the article in The Watch Tower

    to curtail in the slightest the opportunities of the brethren to

    serve other classes, when the classes invite the brethren to

    come. As we understand it, the .brethren of your Ecclesia

    serve the nearby classes at the request of those classes.

    There has for some time been a growing habit among certain

    brethren desiring to make a trip through the country to

    write the classes along the way advising them that they would

    serve on certain dates, provided the classes pay their expenses

    ; in other words, this is a polite way of inviting the

    friends to defray the expenses of a trip, thus indirectly solicit-

    [6075]

    (126-127)

    THE WATCH TOWER

    Brooklyn, N. Y.

    ing money from the brethren. This is contrary to the policy

    of the Society, and the purpose of putting the notice in The

    Toweb was to advise the friends that the Society does not

    encourage or approve such action.

    The Society has always encouraged the Class Extension

    Work, and will continue to do so, and when a class in any

    community invites a brother to come and serve, it is entirely

    proper that the brother accept. The Society is pleased to see

    all the dear brethren actively engaged in the service.

    PASSED V. D. If. QTTESTTONa OY SECOND TBJJLL

    DEAB BbETHREN: —

    I must write and tell you how my heart is rejoicing over

    the V. D. M. Questions. I have no words to express my appreciation

    that are strong enough to bring out the glory and

    beauty that the V. D. M. Questions have brought to my hungering

    souL God's wonderful plan has never been so bright

    and sublime to me as it is now. I am so thankful to my

    heavenly Father that through the V. D. M. Examination Department

    , I failed no my first questions. Truly it was God's

    leading, to wake me up to learn a lesson not to deal with

    God's Holy Word in a haphazard way!

    When the news came to me that I had failed, it grieved

    my heart sorely, in spite of the fact that I was saying all

    the while, "The Lord's will be done, not mine." Then I took

    the whole matter to the Lord in prayer. Truly I can say,

    "All the way my Savior leads me,

    What have I to ask beside?

    Can I doubt his tender mercy,

    Who through life has been my guide?"

    And truly he did guide me. Then I prayed in earnest that

    I might be allowed another trial ; for I felt in my heart it was

    necessary for me to answer those questions if I still stayed

    in the Pastoral Work. After praying and studying and comparing

    those questions, then I realized, more than ever before

    the deep wisdom our dear Pastor had regarding God's holy

    plan, in preparing and sending out those questions for us.

    I surely have derived much benefit from them, and I want to

    thank the heavenly Father and the Committee for giving me

    another chance on the V, D. M. Questions! It certainly did

    cheer my heart; for now I feel worthy to go into the Pastoral

    Work.

    My heart is filled with gratitude and praise and is overflowing

    with love for all of God's little ones, and especially

    those at the Bethel home.

    Dear brethren, forgive me for intruding on your valuable

    and precious time, but my heart was so full of love for the

    whole world, and because of my passing the examination, that

    I had to write you.

    If my testimony is worth using, use it in any way you see

    fit, and my name also. I am not ashamed of failing, for the

    Lord knew it all. May God's blessing rest upon each brother

    and sister wherever they may be, is my prayer.

    'Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my

    heart; for thy loving kindness is before mine eyes. And I

    have walked in thy truth." — Psalm 26:2, 3.

    Your sister in His grace, Maitie Coopeb. — Tex.

    WE THANK GOD FOB HIS MEMORY

    Deab Bethel Co-laborers : —

    We desire to take this opportunity of expressing to the

    dear ones of the Bethel family and Brooklyn Tabernacle our

    love and heart- felt sympathy in the loss of our dear Pastor

    from fellowship and from the field of service.

    We realize that we have lost from our midst one whom we

    recognize as "that servant" (Matt. 24:45), a brother whose

    earnestness and faithfulness will ever be an incentive to us

    who are in the race for the prize of the high calling. In

    him we were given a most noble example of a Christian in

    this our day. By his life he attested a purity of character,

    ever standing firm for that which is right and just in God's

    sight. Daily did he manifest to us the spirit of unselfishness

    and self-sacrifice. His love and zeal, not only toward the

    brethren, but also toward the world, were exemplified in his

    untiring efforts in propounding the Scriptures in their simplicity

    and beauty.

    But, brethren, we would not mourn, for "we sorrow not

    as do others who have no hope." We believe he has gone to

    his reward, there to be associated with our dear Redeemer,

    and in due time to share in the uplifting of the world of

    mankind to perfection and righteousness. Precious promises

    God hath given! 'If we suffer with him, we shall reign

    with him, ,, and if faithful, "we shall be like him, and see him

    as he is."

    We rejoice with you and with our dear Pastor, knowing

    that he fought a good fight, and finished his course. We rejoice

    that we have had the privilege of having such a living

    epistle — his labors have ceased, but his works remain with

    us. He has left with us a sweet memory ! how this will stimulate

    our interest, .enliven our hope, and enkindle our zeal to

    so run that we may obtain! We thank God for this memory,

    and for this hope.

    May we each be so strengthened, ever keeping our feet

    upon the sure Rock, Christ Jesus, that we may eventually win

    the prize of the high calling, and hear the "Well done, good

    and faithful servant; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord."

    Schenectady Ecclesia. — N, Y.

    VOICE WAVES BACK JX TONES MORE MELODIOUS THAJT

    EVER

    Deab Bbethben: —

    We were very thankful for the letter from you, our faithful

    co-workers, telling us that the work of the Watch Toweb

    Bible and Tbact Society would go on, for we had questioned,

    "What now will be done?" We praise the Lord for his continued

    mercies and for the abundant helpers and also for the

    dear pilgrim brethren; and while we 'bow submissively to

    whatever the Lord permits, we pray his rich blessings to

    rest upon every one of you and keep you strong in faith and

    as valiant soldiers as now.

    Our dear "changed" Pastor still speaks, and that voice that

    delighted us so much all these years has reached the other

    shore, and its reverberations, as a holy echo, wave back to

    us, as it were, in tones more melodious than ever, with high

    and higher swelling notes — "I love to tell the story of Jesus

    and his love!" dear brethren, may it be your theme, and

    our theme, in glory, to tell this old story of Jesus' love!

    We are assured that if we live devotedly, we shall die triumphantly

    We have so often wanted to tell you of the wonderful

    help the dear pilgrims give us every time they come. We had

    been thinking all along that we were fully awake, but when

    the last one came we found that we were not. You know

    how children try to do things when they are in a kind of somnambulistic

    condition. Well, we are exceeding thankful that

    the dear Brother came and aroused us, and, as it were, opened

    the doors and windows of our humble hearts and let in so

    much more of the precious light and heavenly air than we

    were used to — all because of drowsiness. But when we got

    a good draught of this glory air and present light, we, of

    course, were more awake. And then how we partook of the

    grand, well-prepared food that he served to us! we cannot

    tell you how it did help us, then and ever since!

    So we are praising the Lord with renewed vigor, and

    never want to allow ourselves to do without God's pure air

    and light, now so radiant, even though it is "early in the

    Morning." It is the very hour in which our Master said he

    would "help her" — his church. And oh, so wonderful is the

    help! . We are very grateful for all the good which the Lord

    sends us by any of you dear messengers. Praise his name!

    We are eager to distribute any and all literature you may

    see proper to send to us for distribution. We note all the

    admonitions and warnings in The Toweb, especially the one

    for Nov. 1, 1916. May the Lord guide and keep us all. With

    much appreciation, love and sympathy, we remain,

    Yours to help all we can in this glorious cause of giving

    out the glad tidings of great joy to all people.

    A Wee Band at Mountain Grove. — Mo.

    "THE EABTH TREMBLED — AND FEIX"

    "LIGHTNING FLASHES PBOM THE THBOXE"

    Deab Ones of Bethel: —

    On receiving my Toweb of November 15, how strange it

    looked, to see on the front cover — "Death of Charles T. Russell

    ," and right under that line — "The Earth Trembled — and

    Fell"; and next, "Lightning Flashes from the Throne!" O

    how marvelously the prophecies are being fulfilled !

    On hearing of our dearly beloved Pastor's death I was

    filled both with grief and joy; grief in the thought of what

    his sufferings must have been, and joy untold in the full

    realization that he had been ushered with exceeding joy into

    the presence of his glory and had seen his Master, for whom

    he had given his whole life, and had heard his sweet, "Well

    done"!

    Oh, the wonderful spiritual illumination and light that have

    come down to me increasingly from the throne since our

    Pastor's translation is beyond words to express! I am ready

    to witness and do [although not fitted to instruct, along the

    lines of Soriptubb Stcdibs] everywhere I have an opportunity

    about "that servant," who fed the household of faith "meat

    in due season" for 42 years — "The man clothed in linen, with

    the writer's ink horn ty his side."

    Oh, the bright shining, as from the East even unto the

    West, which fills my soul 1

    [6076]

    \miL J5, J917

    THE WATCH TOWER

    027-11-1)

    The glory and splendor revealed recalls to my mind the

    June 15 th To web of 1915, in which was mentioned in an article

    on Solomon's Temple and the Antitype — that the dedication

    took place a month before it was completed. There was

    a suggestion that God's glory might be made manifest to the

    members of Christ's body— the spiritual temple — before it

    was quite completed.

    I have been a constant reader and subscriber to the precious

    Tower since October, 1893. I think you must have my name

    on Vow list, as I sent it to you twice. I could not well have

    kept alive my spiritual life without it, I believe. Enclosed

    find one dollar for 20 Memorial Towers of December 1.

    May God continue to bless and direct you, and may he

    ble^s the memory of our dear Pastor Russell.

    Yours in the Hope, awaiting the glorious kingdom,

    Kannie E. Hazlett. — Pa.

    "HOLDING THE HEAD"

    Dear Bkethrkn : —

    I am writing to you to say that I am dissatisfied with

    seeing so many beginning to compile Brother Russell's writings

    , making merchandise out of his work.

    If this should go on, there is no knowing where it might

    end. I don't think that anybody should presume to compile

    Brother Russell's works but the Watch To web Bible and

    Tract Society. They really belong to the Society. Brother

    Woodworth and Sister Seibert did some of this, but they

    turned it over to the Society and it received the benefit of it.

    You will understand my view in the matter. I am in sympathy

    with Headquarters* first, under the Lord; all other

    things come second.

    …