The Watchtower, September 15, 1917
Download: PDF — The Watchtower, September 15, 1917
Vou XXXVIII
BROOKLYN, N. Y M SEPTEMBER 15, 1917
No. 18
THE FINAL CONFLICT
'Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness m high places." — Eph. 6:11, 12.
Darkness hates the light. "Ye are the light of the world,"
said the great Master concerning his people. The church is
near the end of its earthly pilgrimage and the hour of the
final conflict is at hand. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
The words of St. John now seem appropriate: "Look to yourselves
, that we lose not those things which we have wrought,
but that we receive the full reward." — 2 John 8.
For more than Bix thousand years a great battle has been
waged between good and evil — light and darkness. The fight
has involved the entire human family. God in his wisdom has
permitted the forces of evil to prevail for a time, but the
time is near at hand when the tide of battle shall turn. The
conflict has resulted in great carnage, thousands of millions
having succumbed to the agencies of darkness. It has been
attended with untold sorrow. The fight had its beginning when
our first parents were driven from Eden. It will end only at
the end of the Millennial age.
When Jesus was on earth he fought the same good fight
of faith, and for a time it seemed that the enemy had van*
quished him, but shortly he proved that he had triumphed
over death and the grave. His victory was complete — -his reward
the highest of all. Through him God brought life and
immortality to light, and has made known his purposes to all
who have imbibed his spirit and sought to follow in his footsteps
Since Pentecost God has been selecting the church, the
VII— 21
[6141]
(271-265)
(275-276)
THE WATCH TOWER
BCOOKLYN, N. Y.
members of which are called to follow in the footsteps of the
great Master, fighting as he fought, and they must gain the
victory before receiving the "crown of life."
THE GREAT ARMIES
There are two great armies engaged in this conflict. On
the side of evil is the army of darkness, marshaled by
Satan, the prince of darkness. On the other side is
the army of light with Jesus Christ as its Field-Marshal, leading
his host on to certain victory.
Every man and woman on earth is doing service this day
for one or the other of these armies. There is no middle
ground; as St. Paul clearly puts it, "Know ye not that to
whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are
to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death or of obedience
unto righteousness?" — Romans 6:16.
The Lord's army on earth is composed of those who have
turned away from the world of sin and darkness and are
following the Master whithersoever he goeth because of their
full consecration and love for him. All such manifest the
spirit of Christ; all others are in the army of Satan. Who
is on the Lord's side? On which side are you?
The church this side of the veil is the church militant,
meaning the church at war. It is both an individual and a
collective warfare. Each one must fight the good fight of
faith and be victorious before he can attain to the position of
joint-heirship with the Lord, and each one having the Master's
spirit will fight together with all the other members of the
body to maintain the spirit of unity in the body. All Buch
must fight under the leadership of their Captain. The same
admonition St. Paul gave to Timothy applies to each member
of the body: "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy
, according to the prophecies which went before on thee,
that thou by them mightest war a good warfare." "Fight
the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life, whereunto
thou wast called, and hast professed a good profession before
many witnesses." (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12) Again St. Paul
said, "Only let the lives you live be worthy of the Gospel, that
we may know who are standing fast in one spirit and one
mind, fighting shoulder to shoulder for the faith and good
news. Never for a moment quail before your enemies." —
Phil. 1:27, 28. Weymouth.
To a soldier* who engages in war it is of the greatest
importance that he should know who his enemies are, their
number and force. A good soldier will study to know what
will be the method of attack by the enemy, and seek to
strengthen his, position of defense that he may repel every
assault. In the Christian warfare this is even more vital. Before
we can successfully engage in the great and final conflict,
the battle that must be decisive with us, it is of the utmost
importance that we carefully consider the number, force and
strength of the enemy, and his me£hod of attack.
ENEMIES FOBESEADOWBD
Gdliath pictured Satan and his cohorts. None of the host
of Israel would attempt to fight him until David came upon
the scene. Satan found none willing and able to cope with
him until the antitypical David — Christ Jesus — championed
the cause of righteousness on behalf of mankind. David represents
the entire Christ, Head and body. Hie experiences
foreshadowed the fight in which they must engage.
In out text the Apostle Paul particularly warns the church
concerning our enemies. Another translation renders it thus:
"For ours is not a conflict with mere flesh and blood, but
with spiritual beings in unseen places, despotisms, empires,
the forces that control and govern this dark world, the spiritual
host of evil [host of evil spirits] arrayed against us in the
heavenly warfare." (Weymouth.) Our enemies or adversaries
may be divided into four divisions, designated as the
flesh, the world, the devil and the evil spirits.
HOW JESUS OVSBOAMB
That all the members of the new creation must fight these
enemies is clearly shown from the fact that our Master was
subjected to such trials, and further evidence thereof H the
positive statements of the Apostle, It is important that we
take heed to the Master's method of meeting these attacks.
Alter our Lord had been fasting for 40 days and nights and
was weak and emaciated, Satan approached him, first suggesting
that he change stones into bread for the gratification of
his own flesh. Jesus met this attack with the sword of the
spirit, saying, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Then
Satan suggested to him that while it was true he was to be
the King, it would require a long time for hfrn to convince
the people, therefore he should go up on the Temple and
jump into the valley, that Jehovah would save him and thus
he would demonstrate to the people that he was more than
an ordinary creature. In the same manner Jesus met this
attack, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." Then
Satan made a direct attack upon the Master, suggesting that
if Jesus would join him, he (Satan) would turn over to him
all the kingdoms of earth, only Jesus must recognize and
give proper honor to Satan. Yielding to either one of these
temptations would have been a violation of his covenant.
Jesus met this attack with the words, "Thou shalt worship
the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve."
PEINCIPLE VEBSTTS PASSION
God governs the entire universe by fixed principles, and
everyone who is governed contrary thereto is governed by passion
. This is clearly demonstrated in Jesus' method of defense
against the adversary. Many seem not to he able to
understand what is meant by "PRINCIPLE." Seemingly
they think it is whatever they themselves may consider to be
right when guided by their conscience, or by the argument
of someone else. "Principle" means, a settled rule of action
; the governing law of conduct. This rule of action, or
governing law of conduct, is set forth in the Bible, God's
Word, and all who are governed by the Word of God are
governed by principle. "Passion" means the capacity of being
affected by external agencies; to be controlled by outside
influence; susceptible to control from external influences. The
new creature must avoid passion and be governed always by
principle. If we are influenced or swayed in our judgment, or
conclusion about anything, by reason of what others may say
or do, we are governed to that extent by passion. If we
prayerfully and diligently seek to know what is the Lord's
will and what his Word says on the matter, and are governed
by that, then we are governed by principle.
Attack and temptation, within the meaning of the Scriptures
, are one and the same thing. We have no power to
turn stones into bread, but have received spiritual powers
which may be used for selfish purposes contrary to God's will.
For example, making merchandise of the Gospel; preaching
for the applause of men or using our spiritual powers for any
other selfish purpose. Concerning such, the Apostle Peter
says, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking
oversight thereof, not by constraint but willingly; not for
filthy lucre's sake, but of a ready mind." — 1 Peter 5:2.
The "spirit of the world" is to follow methods that make
outward show of great piety to attract attention. Any attempt
on the part of a Christian to attract attention to himself
is a manifestation of the spirit of the world, and a violation
of principle and out of harmony with God's methods.
All temptations are the effects of the adversary's influence
. He employs various methods in order ^hat he may deceive
. He makes some believe that they are not receiving the
proper consideration, notice, and honor to which they are
entitled. This leads into a wrong course.
METHOD OF ATTACK
St. Paul emphasizes the fact that the conflict of the church
in the end of the age will be particularly with the evil spirits.
These evil spirits have been restrained since the great deluge
, and their day of judgment is at hand. We therefore
should expect that they would be able to exercise greater
power over the human race now than at any time since their
restraint. Many Scriptures clearly indicate that the real battle
ground of the Christian is in the mind, therefore the attack
of the evil spirit will be expected along this line. We
learn from one who was long subject to the influence of
these demons that their method of attack is as follows:
First, by
"Suggestion" : By this is meant that the demons intrude
evil thoughts upon the mind. All Christians realize that
they have a conflict in keeping out of the mind thoughts
that are improper, and that it is a constant warfare to keep
them out. But where one indulges in evil surmising, judging
another, he is filling his mind with evil thoughts. Such are
yielding to suggestions which, if persisted in, lead to the
second stage, which is designated as
"Abbreviation" : The word abbreviation means to cut
short. It here means lack of continuity of thought, or lack
of concentration of thought upon the Lord's Word. One
who finds himself given over to evil surmising and evil
thoughts will find great difficulty in concentration of mind
upon the study of the Lord's Word, the "Sceiptttbe Sttjdies,"
or in prayer. Attempting either study or prayer, the one
finds his mind suddenly turned away from his subject and
turned to or set upon evil things. Thus continuing li« loses
sight of principle, namely, the great truths of God's Word,
and this leads to the third stage, designated as
"Impression" which means that one is moved to act from
sources other than the Word of God. The word "Impression"
means sensible result of influence exerted from without; in
other words, to be controlled by passion, not by the Word of
[6142]
SSPTKKBBH IS, 1917
THE WATCH TOWER
(277-278)
God. For instance, one says, "I am moved to take this
course because of what I have heard, or what influence another
has brought to bear upon me," at the same time entirely
ignoring the Word of the Lord covering the subject. This persisted
in leads to the fourth stage, namely
"Possession," whereby it i3 understood that the evil spirits
take possession of the mind of the person and control his
conduct.
The Apostle tells us, "God resisteth the proud but giveth
grace to the humble-minded." From this we would understand
that humility of mind and heart would be a special
protection provided by the Lord; and that any one manifesting
spiritual pride or ambition, the Lord would remove from
such one this protection, and the evil spirits would have
special power over him. Time and again through the columns
of The Watch Toweb the Lord's servant to the Laodicean
church gave warnings of these enemies. We quote here a few
of hi3 sayings:
WHAT WE MAT SHOETLT EXPECT
"The letting loose of these winds, or air powers (evil
spirits), would seem to show that God will let go his^ hand
of restraint; that be will have to do with the permission of
the terrible trouble that will come. This outside influence
will exercise a baneful effect upon men, when finally granted
the liberty. These fallen spirits have been under restraint for
these many centuries, but they have exercised their influence
to whatever extent they have had permission. If they had
had unlimited power they would have wrecked the world long
ago; but they have been restrained. Apparently God will
soon cease to restrain the fallen angels, and they will then
proceed to vent their fury upon humanity, so that the whole
eartli will be full of violence, the same as in the days of
Noah. The power manifested by the demons when loosed, will,
we believe, be with a view to the injury of mankind. We do
not know but that many of our readers will have a share
in that . injury. We have every reason to suppose that if
these fallen angels shall get loose, they will vent their first
anger upon the Lord's people.
"As soon as the power that is now controlling them shall
be removed, we shall have a reign of evil all over the earth.
The evil spirits will do all the evil that is in their power* and
this will constitute the trial of all the fallen angels — the
lifting of the restraints to see whether they will go. contrary
to the divine will. All who thus manifest their alliance
with evil . in any way will become subjects of the second
death; while others who -show their loyalty to God will
mark themselves ad worthy, presumably, of everlasting life.
It may be something in connection with the saints that will
constitute the test of these angels. This will be the key, the
secret connected with the awful time of trouble which the
Bible tells us will mark the conclusion of this age and whjch
will constitute the forerunner or beginning of the new dispensation
."
THE TEST IS HOW OK
"Symbolically, the earth represents organized society; the
sea represents the disorganized masses (Daniel 7 :2 ; Luke
21:25; Revelation 17:1,5) ; and the trees represent the household
of faith. The letting loose suddenly of the fallen angels
will account well for the suddenness of the coming trouble,
which is mentioned everywhere in the Scriptures as one of its
particular features — 'in one hour', 'suddenly, as travail upon
a woman,' 'as in the days of Noah,' and 'as it was in the days
of Lot/ There is only one way, so far as we can see, in which
these fallen angels can have a trial, their trial consisting in
having a fuller opportunity to sin, if they so desire, or in an
opportunity to show, if they wish, that they are sick of sin and
desire to return to harmony with God. We cannot think
that God will allow this trial of the angels during the Millennial
reign, for then nothing Bhall hurt, nothing shall destroy;
Satan will be bound and all evil influences will be restrained.
No; it cannot be then. And in order to be tried at all, these
fallen angels must have certain liberties granted, to prove
them. Otherwise, where would be their trial? Consequently,
reasoning along this basis (2 Peter 3:7), we reach the conclusion
that the trial of these fallen angels is in the near future
— perhaps to some extent already begun. In what way?
'He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.' "
Another says: "It is evidently God's purpose soon to allow
the minds of many of his little ones to become an open battle
ground, upon which the fallen angels shall be judged, and the
manner in which we meet the tests will prove our worthiness
bf crowns at the same time that it proves these disobedient
spirits unworthy of life on any plane. This is something with
which some, but not many, are yet familiar. Truly, we know
the Apostle in writing of this evil day says, *We wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.' Truly
we know the Lord Je«3U3 at the first advent began his ministry
with forty days of conflict with the adversary, who
all that time sought to sway his mind. Truly we have
reason to believe he must have had other terrible battles
when he spent 'all night in prayer, and especially when he
was so depressed in the Garden of Gethsemane. But without
actual experience it is quite impossible to conceive
of the intensity of such struggles as are here indicated.
{ Eph. 6:12) The base of the brain is seized as in a
vise. Interpretations of Scripture, ingenious but misleading
beyond description, are projected into the mind as water might
be projected through a hose. Visions may be tried, wonderful
illuminations of the mind as by a soft but glorious greenish or
yellowish haze. Seductive suggestions may be made, based
on circumstances of the environment. Offers of inspiration
may be made. The privilege of sleep may be taken away for
days at a stretch. All this is with the object of forcing the
unfortunate into at least temporary insanity so as to destroy
his influence and, if possible, his faith in God. Failing in all
other attempts, the mind may be flooded with thoughts that
are vile beyond description. Then remember the Vow." —
Scbiptttbe Studies. Vol. VII.
WICKED SPIRITS USE HITMAN AGENTS
The evil ones use human agencies to attack members of the
body. We may reasonably expect that all of the Lord's servants
who are actively engaged in the closing hours of the
harvest will he attacked through human agencies by these
evil spirits. Time and again the enemy assaulted the reputation
of our dear Brother Russell. He was taken away, however
before the evil spirits were permitted to exercise their full
power. Now we may expect that all manner of charges and
attacks will be made by them through human agencies against
the reputation, character and standing of others who are engaged
in the harvest work, which will constitute a test to
all the brethren, as to whether they will be governed by "pas*
sion" [outside influence], or whether they will be governed by
the "principle" of God's Word. The more prominent position
occupied by one in the harvest work, the more venomous will
be the attacks. Let each one examine his own heart carefully
and see to it that his own conclusions are based upon
right principles, namely, the Word of God, and not upon outside
influences. No other course is safe.
As an example of the methods of the evil ones and as a
warning to the brethren, we deem it proper to here call attention
to the fact that we have just learned that a man living
in Enterprise, Alabama, who was once actively engaged in
the truth but now seems to be the victim of evil spirits, is organizing
and vigorously conducting a definite campaign against
the International Bible Students Association and its officers
, particularly its president. We learn that he is publishing
and proposes to send out a pamphlet charging many
criminal things against the president of our Society, all of
which are without foundation in truth. A brother in the
truth who is firm and steadfast and who recently came in
contact with the one who is now fomenting this trouble, writes
us concerning him as follows:
"I judge from statements he himself has made to me, he
has made the Bible House no end of trouble in the past. He
ia, by nature, a trouble-maker. He has made it his cnief business
for eight years to fight the ecclesia of Enterprise. Now
he is engaged in circularizing the friends far and near, drawing
as many as possible to his notions. He was' once in harmony
with present truth and very zealous and effective in its
ministry, but has become sour because the friends did not
endorse some of his unloveliness; and he has allowed this sourness
to wreck his Christian character. He has practically
abandoned his business and is putting in all of his time carrying
on a voluminous, seditionary correspondence. He denounces
the 7th volume as a humbug, both in the streets of his
town and in his letters. He is shrewd enough to correspond
with pilgrims, then to use their letters to his own advantage.
When I first came South he wrote me that he felt called of the
Lord to write the 7th volume himself (or words to that effect,
and calculated to ^ive that impression) ; but that because of
his lack of education and ignorance, he felt that a smarter
brother ought to do it, and he therefore welcomed my coming.
He would give me the ideas and let me frame them into choice
language. I held a service in his neighborhood one Sunday,
under his direction, hoping to be able to influence him against
the evil of his course; but soon I saw it was no use — that he
was determined to influence my course rather than allow me in
the slightest to influence him. So I called off all further
intercourse, and he regards me as a hopeless child of the
devil. He is in very poor health, almost a nervous wreck, and
[6143]
(278-279)
THE WATCH TOWER
Brooklyn, N. Y,
1 think that in this unfortunate condition the evil spirits
have obsessed his mind and are in full possession of him. He
has avoided fellowship so long, constantly studying and
meditating and brooding by himself, that he has become the
most self -centered man I ever met. He seems to be unconscious
of this and not guilty of deliberate selfishness, but irrationally
so. He states in a letter I read last night, that he
is organizing a definite rebellion against the I. B. S. A.; that
thousands throughout the land are joining his cause, as
he can prove by letters in hand, and that he will be the
Moses of these poor, oppressed people."
The Lord Jesus laid down the only method of procedure
against a brother who has done wrong. (Matt. 18:15-18)
Any other course pursued against a brother is out of harmony
with the fixed principles of God's Word* We deem it
only necessary to call attention to these things that the dear
brethren everywhere may be warned against the wily methods
of attack by the adversary and his coadjutors against the
work of the harvest and those who are engaged in it.
HOW TO REPEL ATTACKS
All the Scriptures bearing upon the point indicate that
the conflict will be more severe as we near the end. Referring
to this time St. Paul says, "Finally, my brethren, be
strong in the Lord and in the power of his might" — Ephesians
6:10.
The clear inference here is that each soldier of the cross
must have special strength in order to stand at this time, and
to repel the combined attack of Satan and his coadjutors. If
we look at it from one standpoint, we would become dismayed
and despair of winning, but looking at it from another viewpoint
, we know that he who is for us is greater than all who
can be against us; and he being for us, none can prevail
against us. We are now in the evil* day. How then may we
have the strength needed? The Apostle tells us of the armor
of God provided for us, which will prove invulnerable to all
attacks of the adversary. "Wherefore, take unto you the
whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand [resist
] in the evil day, and having" done all, to stand [remain
a victor]." (-Ephesians 6:13) The assurance here is that
he who has this armor on, keeps it on and learns to use it
properly, will be able to stand.
While the Apostle used as an illustration the human warrior
, clothed in the proper and complete accoutrements of war,
yet he did not mean that the Christian needs this kind of armor
. The armor of the Lord is for the new creature because
his warfare is not a carnal warfare, but a spiritual warfare. —
2 Corinthians 10:4,5.
WHAT IS THE ABHOR?
God is the maker of this armor through human instrumentalities
. The armor consists of his Word, the message of
truth, put into proper Bhape to be used for the benefit of the
new creation. Describing this armor in detail, the Apostle
"Having your loins girt about with the truth." The girdle
is a symbol of servitude, and suggests that no one is safe at
this time unless he is a servant of the truth. Those engaged
in evil surmising, faultfinding, backbiting, slander, libel or
other works of darkness are not servants of the truth. On
the contrary, let each one of us see to it that he guards himself
against such wiles of the adversary, and that he possesses
the zeal peculiar to the house of the Lord and earnestly and
zealously follows in the Master's footsteps by serving his
cause at this time.
"And having on the breastplate of righteousness." The
breastplate was used to cover the vital organs of the body, par*
ticularly the heart. A proper condition of heart is vital to
the new creature. A righteous heart indicates purity, righteous
motives, righteousness of character. "Keep thine heart
with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." (Prov.
4:23) "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see
God." (Matt. 5:8) "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth to show his strength in behalf of
him whose heart is pure." — 2 Chronicles 16:9.
"And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of
peace." The soldier who engages in warfare must keep well
his feet. If they are not shod they become sore, and his attention
is directed more to the soreness than to his duties. The
new creature has now many rough roads to travel. Therefore
the feet members should be clothed with the message of peace
and see to it that all anger, malice, hatred and strife, ill will,
backbiting, faultfinding, accusations of the brethren, be put
aside. None other will be able to stand. "Follow peace with
all, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
(Heb. 12:14} Those who hunt trouble now will surely find
it; they will find little else. Those who avoid trouble find it
necessary to be diligent in keeping themselves in the^eace and
love of God.
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." The
enemy is constantly firing wicked darts at the soldiers of the
cross. These darts are liable to stir up in your mind doubts,
fears, skepticism. The shield of faith is the protection. Faith
means the intellectual understanding and appreciation of the
Word of God' — true principles — and a confident reliance upon
that Word. Without faith it is impossible to please God."
'This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your
faith."
"And take the helmet of salvation." The helmet is fitted
over the head and represents the intellectual understanding
and appreciation of the divine plan. This knowledge of God's
Word, and his methods and his information concerning the
methods of the adversary, is absolutely essential in order to
protect ourselves against the evil ones of this day. If we
had no knowledge of the demons and their methods of attack
, we could not be forearmed against them.
"And the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God."
This is both an offensive and a defensive weapon. We must
have it and know how to use it. Jesus wielded it successfully
to each attack made upon him. He said, "It is written,"
and such must be our battle cry. We are not to use carnal
weapons, nor such weapons as Satan uses. We are to use the
truth and let the truth do the cutting.
It is noticed that the Apostle names only six parts of
the armor, whereas the armor of the ancient soldier was in
seven parts. Seven is also a symbol of perfection. The
seventh part, the one not named by the Apostle, was the
greaves, and was a metal shield fitting over the front part of
the foot to protect it from the darts of the adversary. The
feet members of the church are now engaged in the fight.
The greaves, therefore, would properly and fittingly represent
the Vow. When it was promulgated our attention was called
to this Scripture: "When the enemy shall come in like a
flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against
him."— Isaiah 59:19.
HOW TO PUT OK THE ABM OR
The words of the Apostle assume that the persons addressed
have renounced the world and enlisted under the banner
of the Lord! by making a full surrender of their will to do
God's will. Hence he says by illustration: —
{ 1 . ) Girdle — Servitude, Be a zealous and faithful servant
of the truth. Let there be but one motive for service —
love for God and his righteous cause. "By love serve."
(2.) Breastplate — Righteousness. Having on the robe of
Christ's righteousness now, study to be approved of God.
Learn the great and vital ^principles of his Word and apply
the,m to daily living; be controlled by these and let them
work out in you a righteous character. Keep a pure heart.
(3.) Sanaa Is—Peace. Do not hunt trouble. Live in peace
with all so long as God's law is not sacrificed. Accept your
part of suffering with joy.
(4.) Shield — Faith. Maintain an abiding faith in God
and in his sure Word of promise. Rely upon his Word and
not upon the advice or influence of others. Stand, leaning
only on the Lord.
(5.) Helmet — Salvation. Strive to increase in heart appreciation
of God and the Lord Jesus. Continue in the study
of the Word. Feed upon the food provided. Keep always before
your mind the- strong hope of salvation and the high position
to which you have been called.
(6.) Sword — Word of ^ God, Know God's Word, in letter
and spirit. Be able to give a reason for the hope you have.
Use it deftly in repelling the adversaries. Let your battle cry
be, "It is written."
(7.) Vow. Daily put in practise the Vow in letter and
spirit. Take the Lord Jesus with you in all things. Be filled
with his Spirit.
If you do these things you shall be strong in the Lord
and have the power which his supreme strength imparts and
shall be a certain victor.
THE ITNAIi OOKFUOT OT THE "EVIL DAY"
This is the evil day; the time when every man's work is
being tried in the fiery furnace; these are perilous times of
which we have been warned; it is the last battle, the great
and final conflict. The enemy is advancing from every quarter
. Shall we quail before our adversaries? No, thank God,
for he has made ample provision for his people. The whole
armor of God is now supplied. It was never so much needed
as now. Those who have it on and keep it on will stand.
Others will not.
Let us not be discouraged, dear soldiers of the cross; let
us arise to the importance of the time and face the perils
[6144]
SSpr«MBi£R 15, 1917
THE WATCH TOWER
(280-283)
of the hour with confidence in our Commander and Lord. The
history' of ages is looking down upon us. The holy angels
of heaven are beholding the final conflict. Jesus and the
members of the bride who have passed beyond the veil are
watching our course, how we are quitting ourselves. It is
the greatest battle of the ages, and the enemy is making his
final' onslaught. God's little band of soldiers, now clothed
with the complete armor of the Lord, are marshalled for the
last time upon the battle field. We hear the encouraging
words of our Captain, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I
will give thee the crown of life!'* Soon this army will emerge
from the smoke of battle, clothed in wreaths of victory. Soon
it will be asked, "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning
, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an
army with banners?" (Canticles 6:10) Soon the answer from
heaven shall ring out, "This is triumphant Zion, whose great
Leader has forever put to flight the armv of darkness." She
is pure, just, holy, good, and now stands in the glorious light
of heaven with her glorious Captain. Terrible has been The
Christ, and will continue to be, in the conquest of evil. The
dawn of his glorious reign is here, the new government is now
to be put in operation. Soon all men will have full opportunity
to stand in the light of truth and be able by the grace
of the Lord to free themselves from all the influences of evil
and darkness. Be brave, be valiant soldiers, now!
"Hear the call, gird your armor on,
Grasp the Spirit's mighty Sword.
Take the helmet of salvation,
Pressing on to battle for the Lord ! "
BLESSING GOD AND CURSING MEN
[This article was a reprint of that published in issue of April 1, 1899, which please see.]
PSALMS OF DELIVERANCE
October 7. — Psalms 85, 126.
ISRAEL'S DELIVERANCE FROM CAPTIVITY TO LITERAL BABYLON — THE APPROACHING DELIVERANCE FROM MYSTIC BABYLON THE GREAT —
CHRIST THE ANTITYPICAL CYRUS — WIIY THE CHURCH CAN SING " SONGS IN THE NIGHT " OT EARTHLY SORROW — THE TRUE
SOURCE OF THEIR REST OF HEART — THEIR JOY IN THE FULFILMENT OF THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT— THE LONG-PROMISED BLESSING
OF ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH.
"They that sow in tears shall reap in jsy. M — Psalm. 126: 5.
Psalm 85 may properly have several applications. The
first of these would be to Israel's deliverance from the Babylonian
captivity, when Cyrus, king of Persia, gave permission
that all who desired to return to Palestine might do so.
About fifty-three thousand availed themselves of this privilege
and of his assistance. The Israelites rejoiced in this
manifestation of the turning away of divine disfavor and the
return to them of divine blessing. The pardon of their transgressions
as a nation was evidenced in this privilege of returning
to God's favor.
A secondary application of this song of deliverance is
just before us. During the past eighteen centuries Israel has
been in a far greater captivity to Christendom. She has the
promise, nevertheless, of a mightier deliverance. The Cyrus
who gave them permission to return from literal Babylon was
a type of the great Messiah who is about to give full liberty
for the return of God's ancient people to divine favor —
to Palestine. In Romans 11:25-29 the Apostle Paul refers
to this coming deliverance. The great Deliverer will do more
than merely regather Israel. He will do that which is predicted
in Psalm 85; for, as the Apostle says, "This is my covenant
with them when I shall take away their sins." See also
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-11.
Israel's sins have not yet been taken away, even as the
world's sins have not been taken away. The great Redeemer
has indeed died for sin, and he is the sinner's friend. But as
yet he has appeared in the presence of God only for the
church— not for the world. (Hebrews 9:24) He is the Advocate
for the church alone. He advocates for none except
those who desire to approach to God; and these are the saintly
only — those who love righteousness and hate iniquity.
The world is enslaved by Sin and Death, the twin monarchs
which are now reigning and which are causing mankind
to groan. The Adamic race was born in this enslaved condition
, as the Scriptures declare. {Genesis 3:20; Psalm 51:5)
Groaning under the weaknesses and imperfections thus inherited
— mentnl, moral and physical — mankind long for the promised
deliverance from the bondage of Sin and Death. Undoubtedly
the majority of the race feel the gall of their slavery,
and will rejoice to be set free.
"HE GIVETH SONGS IN THE NIGHT"
The great Deliverer of mankind is the antitypical Cyrus.
Soon he will be victorious and will establish his kingdom
under the whole heaven. (Daniel 7:27) Soon the church
class, the saintly, the elect, will be glorified; and then the
time will come for the blessing of the non-elect — for their
restitution to human perfection and to a world-wide paradise
, which Messiah's power will produce. "He must reign
until he hath put all enemies under his feet; the last enemy
that shall be destroyed is death." (1 Corinthians 15:25-27)
Death will be destroyed. Sheol, hades, the grave, will be
destroyed, by the resurrection of the dead therefrom — "every
man in his own order."
While the whole creation groans under its load of sin and
sorrow, the saintly few may sing, may rejoice, even in the
midst of all the sorrows of life, and even though they share
the results of sin as fully or more fully than do others.
The secret of their joy is twofold : ( 1 ) They have experienced
reconciliation to God; (2) they have submitted their wills
to his will. They obtained this new relationship by the way
of faith in the redeemer— faith in his blood of atonement.
They entered by the "strait gate" and the "narrow way" of
consecration to God — surrendering their own wills, and covenanting
to do the divine will to the best of their ability. This
submission to the divine will and the realization that all of
their life's affairs are in God's keeping and under his
supervision give rest to the heart. In this surrendered condition
they have a rest and peace which they never knew when
they sought to gratify self-will and ignored the right of their
Creator to the homage of their hearts and the obedience of
their lives.
Similarly, these .have joy, peace and songs of thankfulness
to God because to them he grants a knowledge of his divine
purposes, and shows them things to come. These see, beyond
the trials and tribulations of the present time, the glories
which will follow the sufferings of the present. These see that
the church, the saintly few of all denominations and of all
nationalities, are prospective heirs of God — heirs of glory,
honor, immortality and association with the Redeemer in his
glorious kingdom. This prospect encourages them. They also
see the outlines of the divine program for the blessing of all
the families of the earth. When they thus perceive that God is
interested in their dear ones who are not saintly and in the
whole human family, very few of whom are saints, it causes
them rejoicing. When they perceive that God has arranged
that through Christ and the glorified church all the families
of the earth shall be blessed, it makes them "joyful in the
house of their pilgrimage" — while waiting for their own change
from human to divine nature.
"YE SHALL GO FdBTH WITH SINGING"
The second part of today's study is Psalm 126. This Psalm
seems to picture the return of the Jewish exiles from the
Babylonian captivity. A writer thus describes the scene of
their departure from Babylon:
"Forth from the gates of Babylon they rode, to the
sound of joyous music — a band of horsemen playing on flutes
and tabrets, accompanied by their own two hundred minstrels
and one hundred and twenty-eight singers of the Temple (Ezra
2:41-65), responding to the Prophet's voice as they quitted
the shade of the gigantic walls and found themselves in the
open desert beyond: ^'Go ye out of Babylon, flee ye from the
Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, telJ this, ntter
it even unto the end of the earth; say ye, The Lord hath redeemed
his servant Jacob.'" — Isaiah 48:20.
We are interested in this narrative sympathetically, and
also because we realize that the Lord's providences control
in respect to all the affairs of his chosen people, Israel. But
we have a greater and more profound interest in the events
here related now that our eyes have been opened to see that
the seventy years of desolation of the promised land represent
the seventv jubilee cycles appointed to them, in the
time of the fulfilment of which we are now living. (Jeremiah
25:11, 12; 2 Chronicles 38:21; Leviticus 26:14-34) Our interest
is still further awakened when we remember that during
[6145]
(284 287)
THE WATCH TOWER
B*OOM,YH, N. Y.
this long interim of "seven times more" — 2520 years — God's
favor was transferred from the Jewish house of servants to
the Gospel house of sons; and that an antitypical Babylon has
carried away captive the Lord's people and all the golden
vessels of truth. See Studies in the Sckiptures, Vol. 2,
Studies 4, 6.
Spiritual Israel in captivity to mystic Babylon has long
waited for the glorious deliverance to be brought about by
Immatouel, the Deliverer greater than Cyrus the Persian king.
Since our Lord's return in 1874 the cry has gone forth, "BabyIon
the Great is fallen, is fallen!" and again, "Home out of
her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that
ye receive not of her plagues." (Revelation 18:1-5) A comparatively
small number of them have had such love for the
Lord, such reverence for his promises, such desires to be inheritors
of those promises as to lead them to sever the earthly
ties and the bonds which hold them satisfied in Babylon. But
some have heard, some have rejoiced, some have stepped out
and some are still leaving. Our antitypical Cyrus, our present
Lord, has permitted us to bring back the golden vessels,
the golden truths which for so long have been misappropriated
, misapplied, misunderstood, misused in Babylon.
RETURNING FROM CAPTIVITY
i This article "as a reprint of that published in issue of August 1, 1899, which please see.]
INTERESTING LETTERS
ENGLISH PRISON AS NEAB HEAVEN AS ANY OTHEE PLACE
Dear Brethren: —
Loving greetings in our dear Redeemer's name! You are
aware that the younger brethren in Great Britain have been
called upon to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus
Christ.
The largest work center for the employment of Conscientious
Objectors to military service in this country is at Princetown
, S. Devon, where v the Conscientious Objectors are housed
in Dartmoor Convict Prison — the most famous of British
Prisons — which was built more than 100 years ago for the
accommodation of prisoners of war in the time of Napoleon.
It is also interesting to recall that American prisoners taken
during the War of Independence were confined here, and the
cemetery where some of them were buried is still preserved.
At the present time there are between sixty and seventy
brethren here. The number is constantly varying, as some
are sent to work in other parts of the country, and others
are arriving from Wormwood Scrubs Prison, London, where
they have been serving terms of imprisonment for refusing to
bear arms.
I am sure you will be glad to know that 51 of us met together
on April 5 to celebrate the "Memorial." We assembled
in the Koncon for mist Chapel for the occasion. The Baptists
, who had the use of the room for that evening, very
kindly curtailed their meeting so that we were enabled to
commence our service at 8 o'clock. The wine we obtained at
a local store. The proprietress manifested some curiosity as
to who we were, and the brother making the purchase apparently
answered to her satisfaction; for she kindly loaned
us cloths and vessels. In return, our brother gave her a copy
of Volume I.
It seemed, dear brethren, as if the dear' Lord had arranged
everything to enable us to concentrate our minds on
the purpose for which we had assembled. Over the head of
the brother who conducted the meeting was the picture of our
Lord on the cross. On his left were pictures of Jesus before
Pilate and the Institution of the Memorial; and on his right
were two pictures of the Lord's resurrection.
The meeting opened with Hymn 62, the Lord's blessing
being then invoked upon up. We especially remembered our
dear brethren who were still in prison, and unable to partake
of the Memorial. Hymn 28 was then sung, followed by a
short discourse based "upon Luke 22:1-30. We then joined in
singing Hymn Ko. 2, after which we partook of the emblems,
a blessing being asked upon each; the service closing with
Hymn 277. The service was very impressive. We felt keenly
the fact that we were not able 'to meet with our loved one3
in the classes from which we have been drawn; but we remembered
that Dartmoor is as near heaven as London, or
any other place of our earthly pilgrimage.
We" are thankful that we have been accounted worthy to
suffer for Christ's sake. It is a proof that our sacrifice is
being consumed, and that we are making our calling and
election sure. We realize that under these conditions it is
very difficult indeed to maintain that high moral standard
which is set before us, it being so easy to get loose in our
ways and actions.
A thought which has been expressed, and which has proved
very helpful to us, is that when St. Stephen was stoned for
his fidelity to the truth, he cried with a loud voice, "Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit"; or, as a footnote in the Diaglott
expresses it, <f Lord Jesus, assist me to suffer." How this is
in harmony with the context, and the circumstances in which
he was then placed! Stephen was the first martyr; it may be
that we younger brethren will be some of the last, and we
pray that we may always be in that condition of heart where
we can call upon our Savior, and say, "Lord Jesus, assist us to
suffer,"
And naw, dear brethren, I commend you to God, praying
fervently to the Father for you, that you may have an abundant
entrance into that glorious kingdom which we believe
is very soon to be ours.
Your loving brother in the Beloved,
Robert Edwin Dabby. — Eng.
REJOICING IN THE TRUTH AT 68
Deab Brethren: —
I desire to express my joy and feeling to you for the
unspeakable grace our heavenly Father has been pleased to
bestow upon me. He pulled me out of that state of ignorance,
darkness and superstition, in which I had been unfortunately
plunged, first by having spent the first twenty years of my
life as a Roman Catholic, afterward as a member of the
Presbyterian church for some time, and finally as an unbeliever
for a number of years.
The blessedness I have experienced since I came to the
knowledge of God's wonderful present truth is due absolutely
to the efforts of that "faithful servant" of our Lord, the late
Pastor Russell. Blessed be his memory; for the "crown of
life" promised to every overcomcr on this side the veil must
have been his reward.
By the grace of God, I have had the privilege and opportunity
to read and study lately the six volumes of Studies
from his pen, and also 'The Watch Tower you have been
kind enough to send me since November, 1916. Being willing
to learn, I prayed the Almighty God to help me, and,
blessed be the Lord, the result was that I was brought down
to the feet of our Master and Savior Jesus Christ. Brother
Nettletori, the elder of our Union Avenue ecclesia, always
stood by me, assisting me in all my wants most generously.
I am an old man, 68 years of age, a widower without children
. I am poor and afflicted with bodily pains and infirmities
to such extent that, being unable to earn my living by
ordinary work, I have been compelled, Bince a few years, to
become an inmate of a benevolent institution. But although
poor and afflicted in the -flesh, I feel like singing God's praises
constantly. Being a French-Canadian, I am thoroughly well
educated in the French language, besides being familiar with
the English and Italian languages.
Dear Brethren of the Editorial Committee, my prayers go
up to the throne of grace for you, and may our heavenly
Father help us all to carry on to the end the good work of
spreading the glorious Gospel truth, "while it is yet day
light, for the night will soon come when no man shall be able
to work."
Your brother in Christ, Joseph Daoust. — Can.
DOES SOCIETY SUPERVISE CONVENTION EEPORTS7
My Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ: —
Your very encouraging letter of the 20th received with
great joy and I thank you for your words of comfort and
counsel. Permit me, dear brethren, te ask you for a little information
in regard to the Convention Reports published by
Brother Jones in the past, and I notice that he is going to get
them out this year also. Since a few things have happened
this paBt year some of the friends would not order the Souvenirs
until they hear from Headquarters. So please give us
your opinion about it. Is it under the supervision of the Society
? or will the Society publish these Souvenirs? Will the
seventh volume be published in any other language?
Yours in Christian love, Geo. E. Kafoory. — Pa.
Our R«ply
With reference to the Convention Reports, or Souvenirs,
we beg to say that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
has nothing whatsoever to do with them. They are
puhlished by Brother Jones on his own volition and responsibility
. It has never been the policy of the Society to publish
the pilgrim brethren's discourses delivered at conventions.
The Society has proceeded upon the theory that if anyone
[6146]
September 15. 1917
THE WATCH TOWER
(2S7-274)
else desired to publish what was delivered at the conventions,
the Society would not interfere, granting to everyone the
liberty of doing what he thinks is best.
Our own opinion is that the Convention Reports, or Souvenirs
, are not particularly helpful or beneficial. We believe
the time could be better occupied by reading the volumes of
Studies in the Scriptures and The Watch Tower.
"LOST IN WONDER, LO VB AND PRAISE "
Dear Ones in Christ: —
Truly, we are "lost in wonder, love and praise"! Wards
are lacking in which to utter grateful thanks unto our dear
loving Father and his dear Son for giving us the seventh
volume. At first we were afraid to open it, lest some one
not of our Lord's chosen channel had attempted to write it.
But oh, how our hearts swell up with love and praise as we
read it!
Your sister in Christ, Mrs. Alice A. Dobbixs. — Ark.
BELIEVES 7TH VOLUME SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME
Dear Friends and Colaborhrs: —
Loving greetings! Such a wondrous gift was placed in
my waiting, eager hands a few days ago, when the seventh
volume came ! My joy and gratitude seem boundless, for
this which came in a time of direst need: when nothing else
seemed to satisfy.
0) how adorable i3 our God to provide this just now, when
the crucial test for the church is on! Trials and tests are
rapidly increasing, but within the covers of this blessed book,
I believe, is sufficient, by his grace, to overcome.
Please find payment inclosed.
Kindly thanking you for so graciously sending this, I remain
with prayers and best wishes,
Yours in Christ, Opal Sargent. — Neb.
OVEBWHELMED IN BEADING IT
Dear Fellow Servants: —
I am sending you sixty cents for the seventh volume of
Scripture Studies. Please pardon me for not sending it
sooner. I have been so overwhelmed in reading it, and it
has been so interesting, that I just could not spare the time
to write you a little letter until now.
Your brother in Christ, J. A. Heudspeth. — Texas.
VOLUME VII
We have been receiving many inquiries as to whether we
shall bring forth Volume VII in the German language. The
cost would be considerable and the time necessary for translation
and printing would probably reach at least until January
1st. In order that we may know whether it will be
feasible to undertake the work or not. we would like to hear
IN GERMAN
from German friends who would care to have Volun/e VII in
the German language. Do not order any but advise us by postcard
how many volumes you would care for at the same price
of the English Volume if it were published. An early reply
from the German friends will be appreciated.
PASTOR RUSSELL'S SERMONS IN BOOK FORM
We are pleased to announce that arrangements are under
way for the compilation of a book containing the principal
sermons by Brother Russell.
This will meet a long felt want on the part of the friends.
As many of his sermons were to some extent more or less
repetitions of other sermons the arrangement will contain all
of his principal sermons covering all points of the plan as outlined
in the various volumes of the Scripture Studies. Our
thought is to eliminate any duplication of statements in
order that it may be as convenient and complete as possible.
We are glad to announce, also, that the book will contain additionally
some special matter arranged by Brother Russell
and never before printed. He had in mind' to publish it, but
did not reach it before his death; and we feel sure the friends
will take great delight in reading it. The binding will be uniform
with the other volumes of the Scripture Studies and
will contain from six to eight hundred pages. The price will
be: Cloth, $1.00, postpaid; Leather Bound, $1.50, postpaid.
We hope to have it ready by November 1st. Orders will be received
at once, but we do not expect to make delivery before
date named.
NEW VOLUNTEER MATTER
The output of volunteer matter this year so far has been
something quite phenomenal. The friends have entered into
the work with extraordinary zeal, and the result has been that
in many cities work that has heretofore taken from four to
eight months has been cleared up in from one month to six
weeks. As the first number of volunteer matter, The World
on Fire, was ready early in the year, the friends everywhere
entered into the distribution with keen zest. Over seven and
a half million were distributed within a short time, and the
friends were ready for more. The second number, Why Do the
Nations War? has already; passed the six and a half million
mark j and the orders are still coming in, although many of the
classes have completed the work and are anxiously waiting for
more. We are surely glad to know this.
The Lord has been so arranging to meet the increased cost
of paper and other expenses through the means of the Tract
Fund contributions that we are now arranging for a third
number which we trust will be the best one yet, entitled
The Fall of Babylon.
We trust to have this Volunteer Edition ready by the 1st
of October. Orders may be placed at any time and shipment
-will begin as soon as ready. This issue will contain a number
of articles from Brother Russell, calling attention to the
long-promised kingdom and the joys which shall result therefrom
and of the fact that we are now at its very door. When
ordering please specify B. S. M. No. 99.
We feel sure that the friends everywhere will be very much
pleased with this forthcoming number, and suggest that all
classes who have not finished distributing the last issue push
the matter rapidly in order that the new work may be taken
up at once and with full vigor.
The blessing of the Lord has rested richly upon the work
during the year thus far, and indications are increasing that
he has some great work for us in the near future. Let us all
unite our prayers and our efforts to the end that he may
grant us wisdom and strength to carry forward whatever he
may open for us!
The orders for the seventh volume are also coming in by
the hundreds, and the friends everywhere are greatly enthused
and encouraged. We believe there is a great work in the near
future for every earnest worker, and that the Lord has a rich
blessing for everyone who will enter therein.
We are also glad to report that applications for territory
from over one hundred new colporteurs have been received
within the last few weeks, indicating a greatly increased
activity on the part of the friends everywhere.
THE WATCH TOWER EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
*This Journal is published under the supervision of an Edi- The names of the editorial Committee are : j. f. Rutherford,
torial Committee, at least three of whom have read and ap- w. E. van amburgh, g. h. fisher, f. h. robison, fi. H.
proved each and every article appearing in these columns. hirsh.
I. B. S. A. INCORPORATION
Many of our younger students and recent subscribers to der
The Watch Tower seem not to have noticed statement on the low:
second page setting forth the mission of the Society and the
journal to the thousands of Bible Students. We suggest a
careful re-reading of this entire second page. In order that
all may be conversant with the legal standing of the Association
we append hereto a statement of the Assistant Registrar
of Joint Stock Companies, London. The International Bible
Students Association aa an organization has been in existence
many years, but was duly incorporated in London, England
, under the above name on the 30th day of June, 1914, un-
* First appearance of this paragraph in this form.
[6147]
the COMPANIES ACTS 1908 AND 1913, as shown heNo
. 136,776. UNLIMITED COMPANY
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
I HEREBY CERTIFY that INTERNATIONAL BIBLE
STUDENTS ASSOCIATION is this day Incorporated
under the Companies Acts 1908 and 1913.
Given under my hand, at London, this Thirtieth day
of June, One thousand nine hundred and fourteen-.
GEO. J. SARGENT,
Assistant Registrar of Joint Stock Companies.