The Watchtower, July 15, 1917

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Vol, XXXVTTT

BROOKLYN, N. Y., JULY 15, 1917

No. 14

OUR "BLESSED HOPE"

Waiting for that blessed hope, even the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.*' — Titus 2:13. —

Diaglott.

St. Paul here speaks the sentiment of his own heart and

that of every truly consecrated child of God who is waiting

for the full consummation of his hope and for the appearing

of the Lord Jesus Christ, that he might be with him forever in

glory. Hope and faith are inseparably allied, for there can

be no real hope without a well-grounded faith.

Hope means a keen desire for a good thing, with the expectation

of receiving that thing, and with the belief that

when received it will afford great joy and pleasure. We do

not hope for a tiling which we do not wish, but for that which

we greatly desire. There must be, however, a sound basis for

that hope; for without some sure foundation upon which to

build there could be no continuing, abiding hope of receiving

the good thing.

What is it that all intelligent creatures most desire?

All will answer, "Life everlasting in a state of perfect happiness

." Yet there might be a strong desire for life, and no

hope whatever of receiving it. But in due time all will have

an opportunity to obtain life everlasting.

THE HOPE SET BEFORE THE CHRISTIAN

For what great thing, then, do we now as children of

God hope? What do we expect to receive? And to what

are we looking forward with rejoicing? Is it that we might

wield a golden sceptre and exercise power over others?

No; for that would be selfish ambition. Is it that we might

be like unto the angels? No; for we are not called to Sat

position. Or that we might get away from this earth and

thus see greater things than others of God's human creatures

see? Could any such hope inspire with zeal and love and

willingness to sacrifice everything else to obtain it? Without

the one great thing for which we really hope, all other things

would fail of accomplishment.

Standing as we are today in the very last hours of the

Gospel age — a fearful and wonderful time in which to live —

and looking back over the way we have traveled, we as children

of GotLdo well now to pause and with sobriety of mind

ask, W T hy do w T e find ourselves in our present position? Behind

us we have left earthly home3, earthly friends, earthly

hopes and prospects, earthly ambitions and desires. What

is the reason? With one accord we answer, Because of the

blessed hope that is set before us. And what is this hope? It

is that we might have life everlasting on the divine plane; that

we might see and be like Jesus, who redeemed us from death

and called us out of darkness into the glorious light; and that

we might behold Jehovah in his grandeur, receive his loving

smile and hear his words of approval.

If we have such a hope as this, there must be good reason

for it. How could imperfect creatures such as we dare

have so wonderful a hope? It is not because there is merit

in us deserving of such great favor, but because God in his

loving-kindness has made provision that we might have this

wonderful blessing, because he has promised it to those who

exercise faith in his great arrangement and who strive with

joyful hearts to obey his rule and comply with the terms that

lead to a consummation of such a hope. Therefore the basis

for that hope is faith in the exceeding great and precious

promises of God.

The Apostle Paul advises us that "faith is the basis of

things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." There

might be a hope based upon vague and uncertain testimony,

but such a hope would not bring joy; for it would not bring

full assurance of receiving that for which we hoped, Hence

the importance of seeing that our hope has a sure foundation

. Many who claim to be Christians say, "We hope to go

to heaven*'; yet they are filled with fear and superstition. They

have no desire for the second coming of the Lord and hi3

glorious revealment. They do not possess that blessed hope

which yearns for the coming of the day when they shall see

him face to face. The reason for this is that what hope' they

have is based upon credulity, and not upon faith.

A hope that is based upon credulity merely has the word

or opinion of another as to what the future holds. A hope

that is based upon faith has the unimpeachable promise of

the everlasting God that the things for which the Christian

hopes are absolutely certain if he continues faithful unto the

end.

BEGINNING OF OUR HOPE

Since no one can have hope without faith, so none can

have faith without knowledge. "Faith cometh by hearing, and

hearing by the Word of God." It therefore follows that the

one who knows not of God cannot have the blessed hope mentioned

by St. Paul in our text. The Apostle points out our

original condition, and then shows us how we are led to this

blessed hope. "Wherefore, remember that ye being in time

past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by

that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by

hands, that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens

from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants

of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world ;

but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometime were afar off are

made nigh by the blood of Christ" — Ephesians 2:11-13.

The hope of the Christian is progressive. First he has

the desire to live everlastingly. He hears the words of Jesus,

saying, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man

cometh unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6) ; and, "This

is life everlasting, that they might know thee, the only true

God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)

This knowledge gained from the Word inspires a hope that he

might attain unto this life.

The hope of many is that they may escape eternal torment

. Such is not the Christian's hope. That could not be

a hope attended with joy such as is contemplated by the text.

Having now gained some knowledge of the way leading to

life, such an one begins to progress in hope; and to him the

Apostle says, "This is the promise that he hath promised us.

even eternal life." (1 John 2:25) Thus the searcher for

truth sees that eternal life is promised to some, He may ask,

Why do not all have life everlasting? The Scriptures answer,

Because death — the absence of life — is the penalty for sin ;

our first parent brought this penalty upon us by disobedience;

and by inheritance we are all now imperfect. Our present

hope is insured by the fact that Jehovah, tnrough Christ

Jesus, has made provision for the satisfaction of that one offense

of Father Adam's. "For if by one man's offense death

reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of

grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by

one, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment

came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the

righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto

justification of life."— Rom. 5:17, 18.

StTCH A HOPE DEPENDENT UPON CONDITIONS

While Jehovah has made provision that all who are

obedient to his law may live everlastingly upon some plane, yet

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July 15, 1917

THE WATCH TOWER

{2\2 2\$)

he has set this blessed hope before a limited number and

has made it dependent upon their compliance with certain

conditions. What are the conditions? We answer: They

are (1) Faith in the merit of the precious blood of Jesus; (2 J

■ Justification ; (3} Spirit-begetting; (4) Sanctification; (5)

Transformation; (6) Suffering and tribulation. Ultimately

comes the realization of the hope — the receiving of the glory

of God. Let us consider these conditions in the order named,

to the end that our hope may be strengthened.

FAITH IN JESUS' BLOOD

Tt ha3 pleased God to arrange that those who may entertain

this blessed, hope shall base that hope upon the merit of Christ.

Every doctrine is to be tested by the ransom-sacrifice. It is

the square, the infallible rule, by which we are to measure

every doctrine that is presented for our investigation. If we

find that any doctrine does not square with the ransom-sacrifice

, we may be absolutely certain that such doctrine is false.

The Apostle Paul presents this argument: "Moreover,

brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto

you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by

which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what 1 have

preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I

delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how

that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; and

that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according

to the Scriptures ; and that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve; after that he was seen of above five hundred

brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain unto

the present time, but some are fallen asleep. After that he

was seen of James; then of all of the apostles. And last of

all, he was seen of me also, as of one born before the due

time." (1 Cor. 15:1-8) Faith in the shed blood of Jesus

means a recognition that we are sinners by nature; that Jesus

died to save us from our sins ; that he rose again and appeared

in the presence of God for us. Knowing these facts,

and relying on them, we have faith.

JUSTIFICATION FOLLOWS

Justification means to be made right with God. Nothing

imperfect is right with God. Before we can be justified, however

, some one must stand for us and make up for our deficiencies

. After Jesus had ascended on high, he appeared

in heaven and presented the merit of his sacrifice on behalf

of all who should come to Jehovah through him during the

age of sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:24) If we believe and rely upon

these facts, and present ourselves in full consecration by surrendering

our will to do God's will, our Lord Jesus imputes

to us a sufficiency of hia merit to make up our deficiencies.

Thus we stand before God as perfect human beings, and he

counts to us, or imputes to us, righteousness, thereby justifying

us. — Romans 4:1-11.

"It is God that justified." This justification is granted

upon condition that we become a part of the sacrifice of the

body of Christ. Therefore our consecration must precede our

justification. God now accepts us and begets us by his own

spirit to the divine nature. As St. Paul puts it: ''Therefore,

being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our

Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access by faith into

this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory

of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also;

knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience

, and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed,

because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the

holy Spirit which is given unto us." — Romans 5:1-5.

According to St. Peter, all such are begotten to a hope of

life through Christ Jesus, "to an inheritance incorruptible

[which means the divine nature! and undefiled, reserved in

heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through

faith unto salvation, ready to be' revealed in the last time." —

1 Peter 1:3-5.

SANCTIFICATION NEXT IN ORDER

Sanctification means to be completely set apart for the

purpose of Jehovah, according to his holy will. "This is the

will of God [concerning you], even your sanctification." (1

Thess. 4:3) Now, we have left all to follow in- the footsteps

of the Lord Jesus, obeying the Father's will, saying as did

our Master, "Lo, I come to do thy will, my God!" This

setting aside of ourselves to do the Father's will means that

now, as new creatures, we shall walk in newness of life while

in the flesh, the complete sanctification, or setting aside, being

when we have received our glorious new bodies in the first

resurrection. But how is this sanctification to be accomplished

? The Lord Jesus said, "Sanctify them through thy

truth; thy Word is truth."— John 17:17.

THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS

The transformation is the process of bringing us to full

and complete sanctification, preparing us and making us meet

for the Master's use in glory. St. Paul exhorts, "Be not conformed

to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing

of your mind, that ye may prove [try — put to the test]

what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

(Romans 12:2) The transformation into the likeness of our

Lord is accomplished by feeding upon the Word of God, appropriating

it to ourselves, and having our characters developed

in harmony with the* principles thereof. For this

cause the exceeding great and precious promises are given.

When we enter the narrow way, we begin to hear the words of

the Lord saying to us, "All things heretofore written were for

your learning, that ye through patience and comfort of the

Scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4) And thus we

see that our hope increases as we feed upon the blessed Word

of promise.

For our benefit the Psalmist has said, "Thou hast seized

hold of me by thy right hand ; with thy counsel thou wilt

guide me, and afterwards take me to glory." (Psalm 73:23,

24 — Leeser) Jesus is the right hand of Jehovah here mentioned

; his Word by which we are sanctified is his counsel;

arid thus being led on we shall be received into glory — xhe full

consummation of that blessed hope! Again the Lord through

the Psalmist said, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the

way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye"

(Psalm 32:8} The eye is a symbol of wisdom; and his wisdom

is expressed in his Word. Thus by his Word he leads us

on to a fuller appreciation of our blessed hope.

Again we read, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,

and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways

acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs

3:5, 6) "And thine ear shall hear a voice behind thee, saying

, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the left."

(Isaiah 30:21) The voice here mentioned is the Word of

God, written before we knew of it, before we were born ; therefor

it is said to be behind us. Thus he assures us again that

he will guide us by his Word. s

This transformation comes to us gradually, as one beholding

the Lord's face in a mirror. St. Paul says, "But we

all, with open face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the

Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory,

even as by the spirit of the Lord," — 2 Corinthians 3:18.

TRIBULATION AND SUFFERING NECESSARY

But this wonderful transformation does not come to us

with ease and comfort; for, as the Apostle says, "Through

much tribulation must we enter the kingdom." (Acts 14:22)

"It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall

live with him; if we suffer with him, we shall reign with

him." (2 Timothy 2:11, 12) We shall experience that blessed

hope, "if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the

hope firm unto the end." (Hebrews 3:0) Who would care

to enter the kingdom of the Lord amidst ease and comfort

when our Lord endured such great suffering on our behalf?

Truly the poet has expressed the sentiment that should be in

every Christian's heart:

"Must I be borne to Paradise

On flowery beds of ease,

While others fought to win the prize,

And sailed through bloody seas?

"Sure I must fight if I would reign ;

Increase my courage, Lord;

I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,

Supported by thy Word."

SOME THINGS THE CHRISTIAN MUST SUFFER

Any suffering that is endured for righteousness' sake

may be counted as profitable. Physical suffering often results

from faithful service. For instance, the feet of the dear colporteurs

grow tired and sore from long journeys and the entire

body becomes w T orn and weary. /Phis suffering results

from faithful efforts in trying to deliver the message of God's

love to others of the groaning creation. Faithfulness in any

branch of the Lord's service brings physical suffering, and one

may be said to be laying down life in the cause of the Master

when faithfulness in service entails suffering and destroys

(physical vitality, and energy. But the glorious hope set before

the Christian impels him on, and fills his heart with joy

when he contemplates the Psalmist's words: ''Precious in the

sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." — Psa. 116:15.

Sometimes one suffers mental anguish because of his own

fault or mistake. The new creature resides in an imperfect

earthen vessel and is striving to overcome the weaknesses and

besetments of the flesh. Failures result; and there is much

suffering of mind, and sometimes the disposition to feel that

he has been cast off from the Lord's favor. Hope, however,

revives when he calls to mind the precious promises of the

Lord : "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,

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THE WATCH TOWER

BROOKtYH, K. V.

Christ Jesus the righteous." "Let us therefore come confidently

unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find

grace to help in time of need." (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:16)

"Blessed are they that mourn ; for they shall be comforted." —

Matt 5:4.

Being misunderstood is the cause of much suffering. So

it was with the Lord himself. Of him it was written, "I

have trodden the wine-press alont, and of the people there were

none with me" (Isaiah 63:3) — because they could not understand

him. Even so it is with those who are his followers.

They are misunderstood by the world, and often misunderstood

by the brethren. One may try to do right in the faithful

performance of his duty. Being misunderstood by another

brother, his motives are impugned. His brother may, therefore

, become a conscientious busybody and unwitting persecutor

Trouble in the homes of the consecrated and in the classes

is very frequently the result of a misunderstanding. Such experiences

bring fiery trials. The church is now in the midst

of experiences of this kind, and many think it strange. St.

Peter responds, "Beloved, be not surprised at the fire among

you, occurring to you for a trial, as though some strange

thing was befalling you ; but as you partake of the sufferings

of the Anointed One, rejoice; so that at the revelation of his

glory you may rejoice exultingly." — 1 Peter 4:12, 13. —

Diaglott.

Because of the Christian's faithfulness in maintaining his

stand for the principles of righteousness, he is persecuted;

and such persecution would become unbearable, even overwhelming

, except for the blessed hope lhat is set before him.

In the time of keenest suffering he calls to mind the precious

words of the Master; "Blessed are they which are persecuted

for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for* my

sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad ; for great is your reward

in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before

you."— Matthew 5:10-12.

THE PURPOSE SERVED BY TRIBULATIOH

Jesua proved his loyalty and obedience to the Father's

will by the things which he suffered. "The disciple is not

above his master, nor the servant above his Lord. It is enough

for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as

his lord/' (Matthew 10:24, 25) The Lord said concerning

St, Paul, "For I will show him how great things he must suffer

for my name's sake." (Acts 9:18) And so it is with all

of the Lord's followers who would continue faithful unto the

end. To be counted worthy of suffering implies that there is

a glorious prospect in the future, that the Lord has in reservation

some great prize. Inspired with such a blessed hope the

Apostle wrote, "For our light affliction, which is but for a

moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal

weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are

seen, but at the things which are not seen." (2 Corinthians

4:17, 18) They are the unseen things for which we hope. The

Christian possessing such hope of glory rejoices in tribulation

, and therefore patiently endures the same.

That our hope may grow brighter, our faith must grow

stronger; and to accomplish this, trials, tribulations and tests

must come. The Apostle likens our hope to an anchor. A

ship tossed by the storm drops its anchor for safety. The

anchor would be of no value without a strong line and a solid

plaice in which to fasten the anchor. The anchor therefore

represents our hope; the line or cable, represents our faith;

and the sure fastening of the anchor is in the exceeding great

and precious promises that God gives to assure us of entering

into glory. As St. Paul says, "'Wherein God, willing more

abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability

of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable

things, in which it was impossible for God to lie,

we might have a strong consolation, we who have fled for

refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us; which hope

we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,

and which entereth into that within the veil." (Hebrews

Q:X7'l&) If our faith is strong in his precious promises, our

hope of entering into life everlasting will be strong; and we

shall be very desirous of knowing the rules whereby we may

enter into the fulness of life and of conforming ourselves to

those rules.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED RULES?

The Apostle Peter layer down these rules explicitly, saying

: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious

promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature

, having escaped the corruption that is in the world

through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to

your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge

temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience

godliness; and to godliness brotherly-kindness; and to brotherly

-kindness love; for if these things be in you, and abound,

they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful

in the kuowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that

lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath

forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore

the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and

election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."

{2 Peter 1:4-10) Let us now measure ourselves to see how

we are coming up to these rules.

The Revelator says, "And he that talked with me had a

golden reed to measure the City." (Revelation 21:15) John,

the Revelator, pictured the church. The golden measuringrod

represents the divine truths given to the church, whereby

each member may measure himself.

The first of these rules is a strong and abiding faith ;

and to this the Apostle says add virtue, which means fortitude

, the standing firmly upon the precious promises and developing

that Christian character which nothing can shake.

To this we are to add knowledge, which means a knowledge

of the exceeding great and precious promises. Having acquired

this knowledge, we must rely completely thereupon;

and this constitutes our faith in God s Word. Hence to grow

in faith we must grow in knowledge. To these we are admonished

to add temperance, meaning self-control, or moderation

in all things. And to these we are to add patient endurance

, which is one of the crowning attributes of Christian

character, and which results after many and severe trials of

faith. We must learn to be patient with the babes in Christ,

patient with those who are more fully developed, patient with

the slow and stupid, patient with the excitable and quicktempered

, patient with the blundering ones, forbearing one

another. To forbear means to be patient under provocation.

The Lord permits these trials to come to us for the very

purpose of developing the quality of patient endurance; and

hence we find amongst our number some slow, some stupid,

some excitable, many blundering, but all striving for one end,

Thine everlasting love."

MANASSEH'S SIN AND REPENTANCE

[The first ten paragraphs of this article were reprinted from article entitled "Manasseh's Transgression and Repentance " published

in issue of November 15, 1898. The last four paragraphs were reprinted from article entitled "A Dishonor to

His Father," published in issue of July 15, 1905. The remainder was reprinted from article entitled ''Divine

Justice and Mercy/* published in issue of June 15, 1911. Please see the articles named.]

"How shall I praise thee, Savior dear,

For this new life so sweet,

For taking all the care I laid

At thy beloved feet.

Keeping thy hand upon my heart

To still each anxious beat!

MY BEST AND TRUEST FRIEND

"Oh, thou hast done far more for me

Than I had asked or thought!

I stand and marvel to behold

What thou, my Lord, hast wrought,

And wonder what glad lessons yet

I shall be daily taught,"

JOSIAH'S GOOD REIGN

[The first paragraph of this article was reprinted from article entitled "The Lost Book Found," published in issue of November

15, 1898. Paragraphs 2 to 10 inclusive were reprinted from article entitled "A Good Son of a Bad Father, " published

in issue of August 1, 1905. The remainder was reprinted from article entitled ' ' A Godly Young King ' '

published in issue of June 15, 1911

Godly Young King, '

Please see the articles named.]

FINDING THE BOOK OF THE LAW

LThe first two paragraphs of this article were reprinted from article entitled "The Lost Book Found, M published in issue of

November 15, 1898. The third, *— **■ — J -* s - ±1 - A - x — ■*■*- *-- --■■'■- * ....*'... .. - .

'Thy Word Was Found,

reprinted from article . ; but he refused, saying

that I would come with the intention of convincing him that

he was wrong. This was the best advertisement he could have

given us. Some of his flock said that his foundation was not

very strong if he feared that one woman could upset him.

"How -we pity these blind leaders! How glad we are that

soon all the blind eyes shall be opened! We bore with him

until he slandered our beloved Pastor's- character from the

pulpit. Then we distributed 1,200 B. S. M/s— 'Why the Preachers

Attack Pastor Russell.' We have also started a series of

chart talks. We had twenty out at the first meeting; and they

are anxious for us to continue the meetings. We are not strong

physically, so cannot keep at the work as we would like. But

we do thank the dear Lord for the little share he has given

us in this glorious work, and we are looking forward to the

time when in glory we can do his will perfectly. Continue to

pray for us, as we do for you daily. With warmest Christian

love to you all,

(f Your3 in joyful service of our King/'

J. & E. Hettenbaugh."

"P. S. We want to thank the dear one who is helping the

colporteurs materially — and the dear Lord, too."

Prospective colporteurs should write us at once for information

respecting territory, etc. Our Colporteur Department is

keeping close watch upon the field, and from Bradstreet's and

other sources is obtaining reliable information respecting conditions

in practically every section of the country.

REAL TEACHING OF BIBLE VS. THE CREEDS

Deab Brethren: —

I heard Brother Russell preach once at the London Tabernacle

; and though we shall never meet again in the flesh, his

warm hand-grasp will never leave my memory.

I was brought up a baptized member of the Calvinistic

Presbyterian church of Ulster. When I reached manhood 1

deliberately concluded that a God capable of dooming his creatures

to eternal torture must be the essence of hate, and therefore

unworthy the worship of any intelligent person.

I had always been a student of the Scriptures, but the fixed

ideas of the trinity, hell and human immortality with which

I had been saturated, prevented my really understanding them.

I therefore abandoned them as well as the Presbyterian creed,

taking refuge in agnosticism and indifference.

Passing through our showroom one day my attention was

called by t]xe head clerk, who was a papist, saying, "This man

<a colporteur) wants me to buy and read The Divine Plan

or the Ages, which the priest would not let me read."

Not being under such control, I bought the book. I read

it and, noting its appeal to reason, I reread it, referring to

the Scriptures cited. This induced a new study of the Bible,

which proved to me that the creeds, irrational and illogical

in themselves, wholly misrepresent the plain Bible teaching.

I then bought the other five volumes, which confirmed the

strong impression created by the first one. I have since bought

and circulated many copies among my friends.

Invoking upon you the divine blessing, I remain

Your fellow-servant, R. O. Lkbs. — Eng.

SOME LETTERS OF INTEREST

MAY THE KEYS BECOME INCBEASINGLY PBEOIOUS

Dear Brethbej?:—

The news that our beloved brother and pastor had been

called away caused a deep impression amongst us. We realize

our loss to be very great, the extent of which can be appreciated

only by those who have enjoyed the same spiritual fellowship

with him, and have learned to love hia words of sane counsel

and exhortation as "meat in due season." Verily his ministrations

to us, as "that faithful servant," have been characterized

by unabating zeal and love; and we earnestly pray that his

works (the result of faithful service and loyal devotion), the

key which has unlocked so much of present truth, may become

increasingly precious and more encouraging as the day of our

deliverance draws nigh.

As members of the I. B. S. A., we desire to assure you

of our united, loyal and continued support in the work in

which we have been privileged so far to engage; and we trust

with increased vigor to accept the added responsibilities which,

we understand, devolve upon every branch of the Society as

the result of our great loss.

While our hearts are wounded by our dear brother's removal

, we rejoice to think that his is the reward of the faithful

, and that he is now crowned at the hands of the dear

Master, whom he loved and for whom he labored so much. -We

pray that all our dear brethren will more zealously endeavor to

emulate the beautiful examples which characterized his noble

life, so that when the call shall come, each one may be found

as faithful a follower of our dear Lord and Master. With

much Christian love,

Your brethren in Christ, Sydney Class. — Australia.

[<U18]

Jui» 15, 1917

THE WATCH TOWER

(222-223^

8EBI0US MISTAKE MADE BT SOME

Dear Brethren : — In the issue of The Watch Tower of June

1, 1916, article on "The Harvest Siftings/' page 172, is found

this clear, concise statement, "The book, 'Food for Thinking

Christians' (now out of print), published and circulated during

the year 1881, 1 no longer commend, because it is less systematic

and therefore leas clear than later publications." Then in the

same article reference is made to two other publications, "The

Three Worlds," and "Day Dawn," and answer is made to a

suppositional question as to whether these are considered profitable

books to loan to truth seekers. The reply is, "Certainly

not!" Then aro given cogent reasons for the reply. It seems

almost inconceivable that the clearness of the language could

be misunderstood; but such is the fact.

The issue of The Watch Tower (the Journal, not book)

of Jan. 15, 1910, treats the subject of ''Where are the Dead?"

— -likewise every text in the King James Version of the Bible,

containing the word hell. This issue is usually referred to

by the friends as the "Hell Tower." On the top margin of the

front cover is the suggestive expression, "food for thinking

christians." Now, how any thinking Christian could confuse

this expression with the title of a book, I cannot imagine ; yet

that is just what has resulted in some instances.

To my astonshment some of the dear friends have told

me that since the item above referred to in the tower of June

1, 1916, came to their attention, they had burned the "hell

towers" they had in their possession, 'thinking" that this was

in line with the suggestion as noted.

This matter seems of sufficient importance to merit your

attention, in order to save some of the unthinking Cliristians

from unwittingly cooperating with the enemies of the

truth by burning what you commend and send forth for enlightening

the blinded minds of Satan's dupes.

With ever increasing love and abiding confidence in you,

dear brethren, I am, by his kind favor,

Your brother and fellow-servant in the Lord,

W. M. Wisdom. — Pilgrim.

AS TO THE DES&VING

Frequently mention has been made in The Watch Tower

regarding schemes worked by various people for securing

alms or donations from the friends. We have recently received

a number of letters, some of them enclosing missives

from a person in Georgia. These letters have a very pitiful

tone, and would naturally work upon the sympathies of any

who are seeking to serve the Lord. A brother who recently

made inquiries into the case writes as below. As we have

suggested before, we believe that it would be wise for the

friends to exercise more caution regarding solicitations for

funds, by letter or in person. The brother's letter follows:

Dear Brethren: —

"The individual knew but very little about his Bible, could

not locate the chapter (John 12:1) in which the lesson was

to be found, knew nothing about consecration, etc. Would

state further that the individual was given a cow by the

readers of a paper published in Maine, called 'Comfort,' This

cow keeps the family supplied with milk and butter, and is a

source of income from a calf each year. They have a good

house and fine garden spot, free of rent, and about three acres

of very fertile land, rent free; and the County pays them $5

per month.

With much Christian love to each and all, and praying our

Father's continued love and guidance upon you,

Very sincerely yours in our dear Redeemer,

Chas. Owens. — Tenn.

RENEW VOWS WHILE SOME FALL AWAY

Dearly Beloved Brethren: —

Words are inadequate to express to you dear ones the

feeling of deep appreciation to you, for so kindly remembering

us at this season. The beautiful hymn books were received

this morning. The dear Lord has dealt so kindly with

us, that our hearts are filled to overflowing. Pray for us;

we need your prayers. We have renewed our vows, and as we

see many who were once true and loyal fall from their steadfastness

, it drives us closer to the One who never forsakes his

children.

Truly your sisters and coworkers,

Mrs. Ida Zallmanzig, Mrs. H, A. Varro. — Cat

"WHAT HAVE I THAT I EH) NOT BEGETVE7"

Dear Brethren: — •

Greetings in the name of our Lord!

Please find enclosed Postal Money Order for $ — , to

be applied to the interests of the harvest work, wherever,

according to your best judgment, it is most needed. I want

to assure you of my cooperation in the future as in the past,

and am glad to observe that the work is going grandly on.

I am sure we are greatly encouraged with the thought that

[61

we did not merely consecrate until Brother Russell's death,

but until our own death: "Be thou faithful unto death."

Am still enjoying the Scripture Studies and Towers,

written by dear Brother Russell's pen. The more I read

them the more X feel my responsibility increases. We know

the dear brother didn't write these things for fun nor form,

but wrote them to impiess upon our minds the necessity for

putting the admonitions into practice, if ever we expect to gain

the kingdom. I assure you 1 appreciate his great labor of love

as much as ever.

Another thought: I feel I have been greatly privileged

in the harvest work, yet I have never felt once that I have ever

done enough; and no matter what I do in the service there is

no praise coming to me; for ''what have I that I did not receive

?" We are assured that "the meek will he guide in

judgment; the meek will he teach his way."

I feel that there are three great tilings to cultivate — love,

self-sacrifice and submission. How it makes us put forth

every nerve to yield full submission! But we know that being

submissive is the road to happiness- — and further, our great

enemy is "Self."

I trust 1 have not wearied your patience in the reading of

this epistle, but it is some time since I have written the Society

, and thought a few words would be in order.

Bear brethren, I assure you that all will have my prayers

in future as I have offered them in the past, W T ith much

Christian love,

Yours by his grace, Mrs, Daniel F. Robinson. — Pa.

"HIS WRITINGS OPENED THE BIBLE TO ME"

Dear Brethren: —

Though late, accept my heart's deepest sympathy in your

great loss — it is also my loss — in the death of our beloved

Pastor, C. T. Russell. What could replace on this earth. that

pen, that eloquent voice, calling the world to Christ! For us

it is deep grief, for him joy. What a glorious Christmas must

have been his! Oh, that God in his mercy may raise one to

continue his work! Not until the last day will it be known

the numbers of souls he has been the means of bringing to God.

As for me, his writings .have brought peace to my soul and

opened the Bible to me as no preaching in the nominal church

could ever do.

Soon my earthly career will be run. Soon we shall be in

the midst of the dreadful world-conflict, when God seems forgotten

. All the illusions of this world are passing away.

What joy for us to know we shall be called upon! May the

Lord Jesus strengthen us, so that our hearts may not fail,

and that no matter where we may be, we shall be ready to

give our testimony.

May God comfort all the brothers and sisters .and assist

them in carrying out our beloved Pastor's wishes. I remain,

Your aged sister in the Lord,

Susanna Rapple. — Ireland.

LOYAIiTT AND EARNEST COOPERATION

To the Friends at Bethel: —

The passing away of "that servant" — loyal, loving, humble

and faithful — -has deeply affected' the friends in the truth everywhere

. W 7 e all have great love for him and for the fruit of

the spirit he displayed; but we appreciate the fact that those

in the Bethel family must feel our Pastor's departure more

keenly, having been so closely associated with him for so many

years.

The Philadelphia Ecclesia, therefore, by unanimous vote,

extends to the Bethel family their great sympathy in this

time of *mutual bereavement. We pray that our dear Lord

will encircle you with his arms of love and give you that

peace which passeth all understanding, At the same time we

wish to assure you of our earnest desire to cooperate and to

assist you in carrying Forward the great work which our

Lord has determined and has given to us through "that servant

." W T ith great Christian love,

The Philadelphia Ecclesia. — Pa.

"DECETvTNa AND BEING DECEIVED*'

Dear Brethren: —

I am enclosing herewith a clipping which is self-explanatory

. I thank you for mailing the Spiritism booklet. We

have read it with much interest and profit. We are surprised

at the extent to which Spiritism is spreading throughout the

world. Not having seen any of the workings of professional

spiritualists and mediums, we were inclined to disbelieve that

they actually did the things which we read in the newspapers,

W 7 hen I was a young man, thirty-three years ago, two of us

sat at a seance with some professed mediums. When the working

of the table began, some of us, by prearrangement, directed

that the knocking indicate two of us to be the chief

mediums, and it responded perfectly. This aroused the jealousy

of the professed epi ritualists. Our seances were pro-

(223-210)

THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, N. Y.

longed and we met together all winter, often having fifty

at our Sunday night meeting. This depleted the attendance

at the village church. We had the table move around the

room, had it stand on two legs, answer questions, and in this

way we entertained doctors and bankers, who often sat with

ua. However, strange as it may seem, we never thoroughly

believed in it.

Since reading, What Say the Scriptures About Spiritism

? we have been wondering whether one of the demons was

assisting us in our seances at that time. Long since, we left

the village, and have many times thought of how we used to

talk and laugh over the events of the evening, and as to what

the crowd would have done to us if they had found out our

deception. And now comes the thought that perhaps we ourselves

were the ones deceived.

Very truly yours, S. P. Grabill. — Mont.

[We are in receipt of other letters respecting the one published

in The Watch Tower of March 15, page 93, and headed,

"One of the Snares of the Fowler." We are not surprised

that the persons mentioned foregoing were innocent of the

power that operated the table at their seances. Hundreds of

letters have come to us relating similar experiences. The object

in moving the table and in answering the questions is

doubtle&s intended to excite curiosity and to lead on to obsession

and later to possession of both mind and body.]

LOYALTY, LOVE AND STJPFOBT

Dear Brethren: —

We have noticed the many letters published in The Watch

Tower encouraging you and assuring you of the hearty support

of the writers. The fact that such a letter has not been

sent by the Chicago class should not be construed to mean that

those letters do not express our attitude nor that we have

been so long in determining what stand we would take with

regard to the changes necessitated by the passing from our

midst of dear Pastor Russell.

It will be remembered that one of our elders, when speaking

at the funeral service of Pastor Russell, expressed the attitude

of the Chicago class with reference to the matter. However

, it has been thought well by the class to approve the matter

by vote. This was done by a unanimous vote, and the

secretary was instructed to write you assuring you of our

hearty sympathy and prayers according to the Vow and earnest

cooperation to the extent of our ability and opportunity.

The trial and testing of the church in general seems to be

progressing with growing intensity, as we should expect, and

therefore we need the sympathy and aid of eaeh other and,

realizing that as you have the greater responsibility you would

also have the greater trial, we want to especially assure you of

our loyalty, love and support in prayer and all possible ways.

Yours in Christ, A. L. Seeley.— III.

"CHART OF THE AGES"

Dear Brethren: —

Why not tell speaking brethren through The Tower of

the great advantage in using the chart in nearly all public

lectures? Nearly all of the brethren seem "afraid to touch the

chart" with a pointer. Sometimes we almost feel that the

public learn more by looking at the chart than from what the

average class lecturer has to say. That chart, with its Millennial

age, is a wonderful, Lord-given asset in publw exposition

, and we think should be used more. Brother Russell was

very favorable to its use. Cannot you get it used more? The

chart interests the public readily, when it is used, which is very

seldom. With much Christian love,

Your brother in the service of the King of kings,

C. W. Gebdes.— Cal.

"LET HTM DO WHAT SEEMETH HIM GOOD"

Beloved Brethren: —

I want to tell you that the article in The Watch Tower,

under the heading, "Harvest Gatherings and Sittings," has

done me a lot of good. I think that it was timely. I had

heard of some of the things told in this article, but in a disconnected

way. Now I am better able to look back with

you and see the winding path which it pleased ! the Lord to

cause Brother Russell to tread. There is nothing that he

has said that should be an offense to any. As for myself, I

am one of those in whom Psalm 1 19-: 165 is fulfilled. I love

"his law/' I have "great peace," and nothing "shall offend"

[stumble me. But as I now note more clearly the Lord's

providential leadings in the winding, thorny [and yet flowery]

path in which he had been walking, lo, these many years, my

heart goes out further to you. My own experiences in the

painful and joyous winding way cause me to understand and

to sympathize more deeply.

I have noted how the Lord at different times in the past

has delayed different publications, for a wise purpose known

only to himself at the time of their delay. And although I

already knew that it was he who was delaying the publication

of the Seventh volume, I now know it still better, and am

the better prepared to wait for it. "It is the Lord, let him do

what seemeth him good." I think there is no doubt that we

have reached another juncture of the harvest period, in which

special sifting and testing will take place, and that our hearts

will again be pained by the various experiences — the parting

with some friends, etc. But, if it shall prove so, again we say,

"It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good."

Yours in his peace and love, waiting for the kingdom,

Alex. Evans. — Lowauina.

THINKS THE STONES WOT7LD CBT OUT

Dearly Beloved Brethren; —

Often have I felt like writing to you, but knowing of your

busy life, I have refrained from domg so. 1 can now keep

silent no longer, as I feel that the very stones around me

would cry out. I thank my God daily for Pastor Russell and

for the grand work that he has done in conjunction with his

beloved colaborers.

Now that we are in the midst of the evil day, we hourly

feel the unspeakable benefit of an intellectual understanding

of God's glorious plan of salvation, when all the conceivable

wiles of the adversary are at work to deceive, if it were possible

, the very elect.

As a worthy instrument in the hand of Almighty God

Pastor Russell has led the little flock in the four corners of

the earth, and patiently shown them how to adjust the

"panoply of God," Many are the staunch and loving hearts

that beat in South Africa for him today-^both black and

white — and who, in the name of Jesus (that sweetest name in

heaven or on earth) bless the day that by God's command he

directed the footsteps of our honored and deeply loved pilgrim

brother W. W. Johnston to our shores. His grand example in

laying down his life for Christ and the brethren, no less than

that of our late and much beloved Pastor, has been an everincreasing

daily inspiration to us,

May the Eternal God always be your refuge, and may his

everlasting arms enfold you and finally take you to himself,

when your work on earth for him is done!

With loving devotion, we have the privilege to subscribe

ourselves by the grace of God,

Your brother and sister in the Lord,

Edw. W, and Mabel A. H, Gamble. — 8. Africa.

"SCBXPTOBE STUDIES*' CHANGED HIS WHOLE XJFB

Dear Brethren: —

While sending for supplies, as contained on separate sheet,

I wish to express, as best I can, the void felt by the writer

and no doubt by every member of the Bible Students in the

loss sustained in the death of our beloved Pastor, Brother

Russell. For the past ten years I have feasted on the words

of counsel as well as upon the opened Bible as set forth in

the Scrtpture Studies. Could I have known myself thirty

years ago as I now understand myself, what a different life

I would have led! Words fail to express the uplift in character

his teachings have produced. I am now close on to three

score and ten, and there remains but a brief time at most

when I hope to meet him. In the meantime, I am striving to

so run as to win the prize which his teachings pointed out, in

the Bible. In love and in the one hope, I am

Your brother, B. B, Chandler. — Calif.

SHIPPING DIFFICULTIES

Since the declaration of war the railroads and other transportation

companies are practically under the control of the

Government. Shipping of war supplies and food will have

preference to all other shipments. We therefore suggest that

all classes engaged in the pastoral work, colporteur work

and all persons using quantities of Studies in the Scriptures

order sufficient books, literature, etc., to meet the probable

needs for six months or more, if possible. These books, etc.,

might be stored at the various class headquarters and supplied

to the members of the class and others as they may desire.

The

PILGRIM SERVICE FOR COLORED BRETHREN

Society takes pleasure in announcing that a pilgrim service should be made to the Society; and the brother will

brother who is able to serve and is well qualified can be sup- be assigned in due course of time. This is without expense

plied by the Society for the purpose of serving the colored to the brethren, it being understood, of course, that local

brethren in various parts of the country. Requests for such brethren will be pleased to entertain the pilgrim brother.

[6120]

OUR UNDER SHEPHERD

"0 Under Shepherd of the flock,

Thou who didst safely keep

The little ones of God's dear fold

While hirelings lay asleep,

Thy watch upon the mountain side

Is o'er ; and thou hast

Within the palace of the King,

With glory crowned at last!

"Thy lot, faithful one, was hard;

Sharp were the rocks that tried

Thy weary feet, when thou didst search

The rugged mountain side

For those poor, hungry lambs who strayed

Far from the Bafe, warm fold,

Led by the hireling's careless voice

Into the darkness cold!

"The Master's staff was in thy hand;

The Master's rod was thine;

They comforted the weary sheep,

They spoke the Word divine.

They led through thorns and briers rude

The weakest and the worst,

Who wandered, in their blindness, far

In paths of sin accursed.

"No burning lake of awful fire

Did thy keen eye discern

To frighten timid little lambs,

And faith to terror turn;

But up the mountain's rugged height,

A path that ever led

From darkness into that clear light

Where dwells our living Head.

"Beyond the shadows thou hast climbed,

But still thy clear voice calls:

'Press onward, little flock, thy God

Is true; no ill befalls

The sheep who walk the narrow way,

The way the Master trod,

The way which seems all loneliness,

But where Faith's eye sees God! 1

"The shadows o'er that mountain top

Will lift ere long; and we

Who follow on shall find him there.

And with him Christ shall see.

O thou great Shepherd of the flock,

Whom we, like him, adore,

Be with us till at last we meet

To sever nevermore!"