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    The Watchtower, November 15, 1917

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    Vol. XXXVIII

    BROOKLYN, N. Y., NOVEMBER 15,1917

    No. 22

    THE PRICE OF EXALTATION

    'Be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under

    the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." — 1 Peter 5:5, 6.

    Now He has come, and the kingdom is being inaugurated. Many

    have already been exalted, while others are patiently waiting

    the day of their glorification. The latter must shortly finish

    their course. The time of the exaltation of the last members

    of the body of Ohrist is drawing nigh; hence the importance

    of the words of St. Peter in our text. All truly consecrated

    desire exaltation; therefore the importance of learning well

    the rules, that pertain to the heavenly way.

    THE MAJESTY OF JEHOVAH GOD

    True humility is that condition of mind or heart which

    causes one to have a proper appreciation of his own worth and

    tho worth of others, and to realize the value to himself of the

    robe of Christ's righteousness. It is that condition of mind

    which impels one always to keep the Lord in view and himself

    out of sight. All who have the robe of Christ's righteousness

    received it only after a full consecration to give up self-will

    and to do the will of God. To continue in such position of

    Who would dare, without divine authorization, to entertain

    a hope of membership in the royal family of heaven ! Yet

    not only is this hope held out to some, but such is the positive

    promise of Jehovah to those who, having been called to that

    high position and begotten of the holy Spirit of God, meet

    the requirements, continuing faithful unto death. The nearer

    we come to the time of exaltation, the greater is the thrill in

    contemplating the marvelous change.

    The Gospel age is closing with the greatest events of all

    time. The grave import of this hour will never be fully realized

    and appreciated until it is passed; indeed, it cannot be. For

    nearly nineteen hundred years the school of Christ has been in

    operation ; and during this time God has been inviting some

    to enter this school, with the promise of full graduation and

    exaltation to those who truly learn the lesson,that are therein

    taught, In times past some faithful one* have made progress

    in tins school, have finished their course, have been approved,

    graduated, and set aside to. await the coming of the great King.

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    November 15, 1917

    THE WATCH TOWER

    (339-340)

    favor, one must continue to be submissive to the will of the

    heavenly Father.

    False humility is that condition of mind or heart which

    causes one to make an outward ^how of humility to the world,

    whereas in reality there is pride in I113 heart. Some deceive

    themselves in this very respect.

    The hand is a symbol of power. In this text, the "Hand of

    God 51 symbolizes the mighty power of God, lovingly exercised

    in behalf of his children.

    But why should any one humble himself? Is not every

    intelligent creature endowed with free moral agency, with the

    privilege of doing according to his own will? Even so! Is

    not the creature's will his chief asset? To this we also agree.

    Why, then, should we be asked to humble ourselves under the

    mighty hand of God? Who is God that we should surrender

    our wills to him? The correct answer to this question shows

    why it is for the best interests of each one to submit his will

    to the will of God, and walk humbly before him.

    The Scriptures answer that God is the great "First Cause"

    of all things, the "Eternal One," the "Immortal One." "Justice

    and Judgment are the habitation of his throne." (Psalm 89:14)

    He changes not; for he is "the Father of lights, with whom

    is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.*' (James 1:17)

    He never fails in any of his good promises. All of his promises

    are good. All of his works are perfect.

    His wisdom is perfect. He made the planets, the moon,

    the sun, the stars, and has so nicely balanced each one of these

    myriads of heavenly bodies that they move through Bpace

    without noise or hindrance. Of him the Prophet declares that

    he "measures the waters of the deep in his hand and metes out

    the heavens with the span; he comprehends the dust of the

    earth in a measure, and weighs the mountains in scales, and

    the hills in a balance; he takes counsel with no one, and no

    one instructs him or shows him what is understanding."

    (Isaiah 40:12-14) When King David caught a slight glimpse

    of the creation of God, in worshipful adoration he exclaimed,

    "0 Lord, how manifold are thy works; in wisdom hast thou

    made them all; the earth is full of thy riches!" (Psalm

    104:24) Jehovah God is so wise that he never makes a mistake

    . He cannot err. His will is always right and perfect.

    The power of Jehovah is without limitation. We behold

    a mighty ship tossed by the raging waves of the sea, as

    though it were a little shell ; and we marvel at the power exhibited

    . Then we are reminded that it was God who made the

    seas and shut the doors thereof, until in his own due time he

    was pleased to have the waters break forth from the heavens.

    "Thou rulest the raging of the sea; when the waves thereof

    arise, Thou stillest them. . , 1 . Thou hast a mighty arm;

    strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand." (Psalm 89:9,

    13) "Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are

    counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he takoth

    up the isles as a very little thing. . . . All nations before him

    are as nothing: and they are counted to him less than nothing,

    and vanity." — Isaiah 40:15, 17.

    In the exercise of his power, according to his own good

    pleasure and in his own due time, God created the earth as

    a place for the habitation of his intelligent human creature,

    man. The angelic hosts of heaven watched the progressive acts

    of the great Creator; and when he laid the foundations of the

    earth, a thrill of ecstasy pervaded heaven, the morning stars

    sang together and all tfie sons of (rod (angels, cherubim and

    seraphim) shouted for joy. — Job 38:4-7.

    Love finds a perfect expression in Jehovah! God is love.

    His loving kindness goes out to all his creatures. Love is

    an unselfish desire to do good to others. The greatest expression

    of love is the putting of this desire in operation at great

    cost or sacrifice, for the benefit of others. The holy angels

    have experienced God's living kindness. At great cost he manifested

    his love to man. He sacrificed the dearest treasure of

    his heart in providing for mankind redemption and an opportunity

    for everlasting life with abundant blessings to those

    who gladly humble themselves under his mighty hand.

    Too wise to err, too good to be unkind, hi3 power always put

    to a righteous use, his promises sure, without possibility of deviation

    therefrom, his will could be exercised only for the good

    of all his creatures. Why, then, should any intelligent creature

    in heaven or in earth have any hesitancy in humbling himself

    under the mighty hand of God?

    The answer to this question discloses two opposing forces

    which have always existed; namely, good and evil. Good has

    always been active, while evil became active only after the

    creation of man. The course of evil lead**to debasement, degradation

    and death; while the course of good leads to life

    everlasting, exaltation and pleasures forevermore. Such are

    the fixed laws «f Jehovah. All of* God's intelligent creatures

    have been, or will be, given an opportunity to appreciate the

    outworkings of those laws.

    CONTENDING FOBCES OPERATING IN THE EARTH

    Behold a great drama opens with the earth aa the stage

    of action! All the intelligent creatures of heaven and earth,

    either as players or as observers, are being offered an opportunity

    to learn the lessons inculcated. The first act is

    staged in Eden, {he garden of God, the home of a perfect man

    and woman, the happy, joyful pair. — Enter Lucifer.

    The Prophet Ezekiel tells us that Lucifer was a beautiful

    creature; that every good fruit of character was his adornment

    ; that he held a high position amongst God's holy angels,

    and that he was appointed as the care-taker of the innocent

    pair in Eden. He was highly honored, but not the most highly

    honored. — Ezekiel 28:12-15.

    When Lucifer beheld Adam and Eve, he marked that they

    had the power of propagating their kind — a thing unknown to

    the angels of heaven. Pride and ambition soon began to

    operate. He lost confidence in God, He meditated in his heart

    that if he could capture these perfect creatures, who had the

    power to multiply their own species, in the course of time the

    earth would be inhabitatcd by a perfect race of people, and he

    could have a kingdom of his own, with all mankind under his

    control. He had not been sent to earth to carry out his own

    ambitions, but to do God's will. But he was not willing to

    humble himself under the mighty hand of God and tender

    faithful service in the place where he had been put. On the

    contrary, he said in his heart, "I will ascend into heaven; I

    will exalt my throne above the stars [spiritual hosts of God] ;

    I will sit upon the mount of the congregation [have a kingdom

    of my ownl, in the sides of the north [next unto Jehovah! ;

    I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like

    the Most High."— Isaiah 14:13, 14.

    To accomplish his purpose he resorted to fraud and deceit

    . He destroyed Eve's confidence in God by telling her that

    she had certain rights; that she should stand for principle,

    and not permit God to deprive her of such rights; that God

    knew that the very day when she would eat of the fruit she

    would become as wise as himself; and that to prevent her from

    coming into her own rights God was deceiving her. Eve Vas

    deceived by Lucifer, and Adam afterwards joined in the transgression

    Satan's ambitious desire for exaltation resulted in his

    own downfall, and brought the curse of God upon man, entailing

    great sorrow, suffering and death upon humanity. ,, Lucifer

    then became the wicked creature since known as "that old

    serpent, Satan, the devil/' who God has decreed shall suffer

    everlasting destruction, — Elzek, 28:18; Hebrews 2:14.

    ANGELS OF HEAVEN DEBASED

    The angelic hosts of heaven had watched the development

    of the great drama, and beheld the suffering, sorrow and death

    that came to the earth. Later, by Jehovah's permission, some

    of them took upon themselves the forms of men, with the

    avowed purpose of uplifting mankind. But they soon forgot

    to be obedient to Jehovah, failing to humble themselves under

    his mighty hand. They pursued a course contrary to his will,

    by taking unto themselves wives from amongst the human

    race and debauching the human family until the earth was

    filled with violence. The course of these materialized angels

    became wicked in the superlative degree; and so vile were the

    off-spring of this unholy union that God declared his purpose of

    destroying all flesh from the earth. — Genesis 6:1-8.

    Noah, however, found favor in God's sight, humbling himself

    under Jehovah's mighty hand; and Noah's family joined

    him i» the course of righteousness. God instructed Noah to

    prepare for the coming deluge which would destroy everything

    on the earth. He attempted to proclaim to the people the coming

    end- of the then existing order. They heeded him not. The

    great deluge fell upon the earth, and all fleshly creatures were

    destroyed, except those saved with Noah in the ark. The angels

    who had materialized in human form had also the power of

    dematerialization, and therefore were not destroyed. Instead,

    they were incarcerated in darkness, restrained from further

    mingling with the human-kind, cast down into earth's atmosphere

    , there to await their great day of judgment* (2 Peter

    2:4; Jude 6) They had chosen the course of pride and selfwill

    , and the result was their degradation and los-s of favor

    with God.

    THE LOGOS

    After the Flood, Satan continued his opposition to God.

    To further his ambitious desire, he blinded the minds of the

    human race by deceiving them and leading them to believe

    that God is a great fiend, who would cause them to be tortured

    throughout the endless ages. He taught mankind that they

    had immortal souls which can never die, and cited himself as

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    THE WATCH TOWER

    Brooklyn, N. Y.

    an example. The whole human race fell under his control, only

    a few exceptions here and there who, breaking away from him,

    exercised faith in God, Satan gradually became the chief or

    head over all the hosts of demons, and continued his deceptive

    and nefarious work amongst the human family.

    The first and only- begotten creation of Jehovah was the

    Logos. After his creation he became the active agent of God

    in the creation of all things, Lucifer and all the holy angels of

    heaven included. (Revelation 3:14; Col. 1:15; John 1:1-3)

    All his works of creation were perfect. Observing the progress

    of the great drama, the Logos witnessed the result of the ambitious

    course of Lucifer and noted how it had dragged down

    from heaven many of the holy angels and had transformed the

    pure, beautiful human pair, Adam and Eve, into suffering, imperfect

    , dying creatures. He marked how this wrongful course

    had plunged the entire human-kmd into the depths of sorrow,

    sin and death.

    For four thousand year3 the Logos beheld this course working

    injury to mankind. But he was .willing to abide Jehovah's

    own good time to take some step to undo the great wrong

    that Satan had done. The Logos was always in harmony with

    the Father's will. It was the will of God that mankind should

    be redeemed from sin and death, and that everyone be given a

    full, fair trial for life. Furthermore, before the foundation

    of the world was laid God had willed that there should be a

    new creation, which should possess the divine nature as a

    great reward for faithfulness; and that it should consist of

    one Head, or Mighty One, and 144,000 associates. The One

    who would accomplish this purpose of Jehovah must be entirely

    submissive to his will, must humble himself under the

    mighty hand of God. The Logos, being advised by Jehovah

    of his purposes, undertook to carry out God's great plan.

    Although occupying a position of great honor and glory

    with the Father in heaven, and possessing the riches of the

    spiritual realm, as an honored representative of Jehovah, the

    Logos left the heavenly courts, and was changed from spirit

    to human nature. His humility -and full obedience are shown

    by the course he took: "Who though being in God's form, yet

    did not mediate a usurpation to be like God, but divested himself

    [of heavenly glory and power], took a bondsman's form,

    having been made in the likeness of man." JPhilippians 2; 6, 7

    — Diaglott) How unlike the course of Lucifer! The contrast

    could not be more striking. "We see Jesus, who was made a

    little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned

    wi^h glory and honor, that he, by the grace of God, should

    taste death for every man" — Jesus, who being in condition as

    a man, humbled himself, becoming "obedient unto death, even

    the death of the cross." — Hebrews 2:9; Philippians 2:8 —

    Diaglott.

    OTO LORD'S GLOBIOUS EXAMPLE

    As a man our Lord was perfect in every respect, at the

    age of thirty years. He possessed a perfect human will, which

    he might have exercised to his own glory and honor. He had

    the power to produce a perfect race of people, filling the earth

    and ultimately receiving from them all the honor, plaudits,

    homage and glory that a perfect race could bestow upon a

    perfect man. He might have accomplished the very thing that

    Lucifer ambitiously desired. But it was the will of God

    concerning Jesus that he should die upon the cross, being made

    a sin-offering in behalf of man, to the intent that man might

    be restored to life if he would render himself in full obedience

    to God's will. We hear Jesus saying, "Lo, I come, as in the

    volume of the Book written of me, to do thy will, my God."

    (Hebrews 10:7) "For I came down from heaven not to do

    Mine own will, hut the will of him that sent me." ( John

    6:38) "I seek not mine own will; but the will of the Father

    which hath sent me.*' — John 5:30.

    Jesus deviated not one jot or tittle from the will of his

    Father. For three and one-half years he was subjected to all

    kinds of indignities. He was denounced as the chief of devils,

    as a drunkard, as a liar, as a blasphemer — all of which he

    bore patiently in obedience to the Father's will. Thus the

    mighty hand of God pressed down upon him in order that he

    might be made a sympathetic high priest and be perfected

    for the further carrying forth of his Father's plan. "He was

    oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth ;

    he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before

    her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth." — Isaiah

    53:7; Acts 8:32-35.

    Betrayed by one whom he had especially blessed, he was

    taken before the constituted authorities, wrongfully accused

    of crime, illegally put through a trial which was a farce, subjected

    to every manner of insult, condemned without a cause

    and cruelly crucified upon the cross — the most ignominious

    death recognized by Jehovah and known to man. Yet he

    patiently submitted to it, because it was the Father's will.

    "Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him and given him

    a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus

    every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth."

    —Phil. 2:10.

    Why hath Jehovah drawn such a sharp contrast between

    the two creatures — Lucifer and Jesus? For the evident purpose

    of teaching to all of his intelligent creatures his fixed

    and unchangeable law that "whosoever Bhall exalt himself

    shall be abased, and whosoever shall humble himself shall be

    exalted." (Matthew 23:12) Thus Jesus magnified the divine

    law, and proved that Jehovah is true. Thus he demonstrates

    to everyone the great value resulting to those who learn

    to humble themselves under God's mighty hand.

    NEW CREATION TESTED BY THE SAME BULK

    Before the foundation of the world God ordained that

    Christ Jesus should have associated with him 144,000 jointheirs

    as his bride, all composing the "new creation." Each

    member of the new creation will be like the Lord, its Head.

    This side the veil such are called to be footstep followers, to

    suffer as he suffered and to be tested as he was tested. (1

    Peter 2:21; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:18) The great Master

    said, "Whosoever Bhall do the will of my Father which is in

    heaven, the same ia my brother." — Matt. 12:50.

    One who is called to be the brother and joint-heir of Jesus

    is greatly honored. Now he is put on trial and must be judged

    according to the fixed rule of God. God's rules change not.

    If one h proud in heart, the Lord will bring him low. If he

    properly appreciates the honor granted to him and honestly

    desires to humble himself, and does humble himself under the

    mighty hand of God, the position of honor which he has received

    from the Lord really upholds him. "A man's pride

    shall bring him low, but honor shall uphold the humble in

    spirit." (Proverbs 29:23) A striking example of this is

    shown in the seventh messenger to the church. He was greatly

    honored of the Lord and his full appreciation of this honor

    made him more humble; and this humility of mind and spirit

    upheld him and m!a*ed should not blow until his saints are sealed

    in their foreheads. It follows, then, that as soon as the sealing

    work is completed — that is to say, when all those of the

    saintly class remaining on this side the veil shall have been

    given an intellectual understanding and appreciation of the

    plan of God — then the evil spirits will get loose. The Scriptures

    show that they must have their judgment day; and they

    could not be fully judged until they are loosed.

    "The storm is held in check until the faithful servants

    of God are sealed in their foreheads; that is, until auch

    are given an intellectual appreciation of the time, presence,

    etc., which will not only comfort them and shield them,

    but also be a mark, seal, or evidence of their sonship,

    as indicated by our Lord when he promised that the holy

    Spirit should show them things to come." — Scrtptube

    Studies, Volume 2, Page 169.

    A CBTJOIAL TEST AT HAND

    That there will then be a great conflict between the members

    of the new creation this side the veil and the fallen angels,

    there can be little doubt. To know the will of God and to be

    submissive thereto is an absolutely certain protection; hence

    the importance of seeing what the test will involve. Where

    will be the battleground ? Surely not in the hands, or feet, or

    ears! The Scriptures answer that the battleground is in the

    mind. "Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jeaua."

    (Fhilippian* 2:5) The mind of Jesus was to be fully submissive

    to the Father's will, humbling himself under God's mighty

    hand. "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.

    (Romans 12:2) Thus the new creature is developed.

    Impressing upon the new creation the importance of the

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    THE WATCH TOWER

    (342-343)

    prize and what to do to win it, St. Paul admonishes all, saying

    , "Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching

    forth unto those things which are before, press forward

    along the mark for the prize." (Philippians 3:13, 14) Surely

    the forgetting is with the mind, and likewise the contemplation

    of the glories before. Lucifer's sin was not what he did

    with his hands, but in the meditations of his heart. Undoubtedly

    the mind is the battleground. An open battleground is one

    where all obstructions are removed, that the contending forces

    may have free access. All along there have been obstructions

    which have prevented the evil spirits from attacking the new

    creation; but it must be apparent that when they are loosed

    they will have more power than ever before.

    It was the servant of the Laodicean church who wrote: —

    "The letting loose of these winds, or air powers, would

    seem to show that God would let go his hand of restraint,

    that he 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

    possessed unlimited power they would have wrecked the

    world long ago; but tliey 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 earth 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. We are

    not to fear this, however, but to take whatever the Lord's

    providence permits to come, knowing that everything shall

    work for our good." — Z '14-166.

    PEIDE REMOVES ALL PROTECTION

    Pride is an inordinate self-sufficiency or self-esteem, causing

    one to feel his own greatness and importance, and to lose

    sight of the greatness of Jehovah and of the Lord Jesus. The

    humble-minded one looks at himself soberly and realizes that

    whatever position he has the Lord placed him there; for "God

    hath set the members every one of them in the bodv as it

    pleaseth him." (1 Cor. 12:18) He realizes that within himself

    there is no perfect thing; that God does not need him;

    and that the Lord Jesus would not continue to use him unless

    he walks humbly and looks unto Jesus, and not unto himself.

    While it is true that the fallen angels will have greater freedom

    to attack the new creature as we come nearer the end

    of the way, yet those who humbly obey the lord will be

    granted a sufficient armor of protection that as valiant soldiers

    of the cross they may fight a victorious battle against their

    enemies. (Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 91:1-7) But suppose

    one who has been long in the narrow way becomes proud

    of mind and heart. Could he hope for such continued protection

    ? The Apostle answers, "God resisteth the proud [pushes

    them away from him], and shows his favor to the humble."

    Thus we see that when one takes his mind off from the Lord,

    fills it with criticism and fault-finding of others, magnifies

    his own greatness and importance, and fails to humble himself

    under the mighty hand of God, he deprives himself of the

    protection the Lord has provided for his faithful ones. It

    was pride that caused Lucifer to fall. It was pride, or lack of

    humility, that caused the angels to fall. It is pride, or lack

    of humility, that causes others to fall. Plainly is God's will

    expressed concerning pride and ambition thus: — "but he giveth

    more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but

    giveth grace unto the humble." "The fear of the Lord is to

    hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the

    forward mouth do I hate." "Pride goeth before destruction

    and an haughty spirit before a fall." — James 4:6; Proverbs

    8:13; 16:19.

    DAHGEE TO THE NEW CREATION

    Commenting upon the enemies of the new creation, Brother

    Russell wrote (Z '05-215): "God's people should beware of

    pride as they would avoid the most deadly plague. This rule,

    always good and well backed by Scripture, seema doubly needful

    to those who are blessed with the light of present truth.

    This may seem strange. It may be reasoned that the receiving

    of so much grander views of God's character and plan

    would make his people feel the more insignificant and humble,

    the more dependent upon divine guidance, the more trustful of

    God and the less trustful of themselves. And this should be

    the effect always and ever; but, alas, with very many this is

    not so. Many get to feel that the knowledge of the plan of

    the ages proves them especially wise or great or good. They

    seem to forget that God hides the truth from the wise and

    great, that no flesh should glory in his sight, . . . Beware of

    all such people! Sooner or later, unless they reform, they

    will fly the track entirely and injure more than they ever

    helped. God does not wish such people to serve his cause,

    and will surely permit their vanity to stumble them — however

    much their natural ability ; and it is generally the people of

    real or fancied ability who are thus afflicted with the spirit

    of pride or vanity, 'God opposeth the proud, but showeth

    his favor to the humble.' "

    Seeing, then, danger lurking in the pathway, and knowing

    that the enemy is on the alert to trip us up, what shall we

    do if we find that we are thinking too highly of self, if we

    have some ambition or pride in our heart, if we are not walking

    humbly before the Lord? The Apostle answers the question

    , "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that

    he may exalt you in due time." St. James states the same

    thing, saying, "Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist

    the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and

    he will draw nigh unto you." (James 4:7, 8) Everyone in

    the narrow way needs the strength of the Lord manifested in

    his behalf. The proud or haughty or self-willed cannot hope

    for this favor; "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro

    throughout the earth to show himself strong in behalf of them

    whose heart 13 perfect toward him." — 2 Chron. 16:9.

    HOW WE ASCERTAIN GOD'S WILL

    There are two general ways or modes by which the Lord's

    will toward us may be ascertained: (a) By his Word, (b)

    By his manner of dealing with us. To humble one's self under

    God's mighty hand means to know his will and to do it. God

    has expressed in his Word his will toward his children, saying

    , "Study to show thyself approved unto God." (2 Timothy

    2:15) This means to study his Word and study his providences

    toward us, or his manner of dealing with us. Our

    Head set us the example. Immediately after his consecration,

    Jesus went into the wilderness and there remained forty days,

    studying the plan of Jehovah, in order to know the divine will.

    We should spend much time in study and in meditation upon

    the precious promises of the Lord, that we may know his will

    We need not expect to find in the Bible specific statements of

    everything we must do. God does not tell us just how much

    to eat and when to eat it, or what kind of clothing to wear;

    but he does lay down in his Word fixed rules or laws by which

    his creatures must be governed in order to receive the reward

    of exaltation which is in store for those that love him.

    THE PUTS' OF THE HOT/B

    Those who have diligently sought to know the will of the

    Lord may see that now we are in the close of the harvest

    period. Probably only a few more months remain in which

    to prove our loving loyalty to the Lord, Thus the time is

    fully ripe for all the truly consecrated to declare the day of

    God's vengeance upon the unrighteous systems of the world,

    in harmony with his expressed will. (Isaiah 61:1-3) To

    humble ourselves now would mean to be obedient to his commands

    , doing not in our strength, but in the strength of the

    Lord, what our hands find to do, realizing we are in the last

    hours of the harvest of the Gospel age.

    Clearly, then, the command from our Captain comes to us,

    "Thrust in the sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine

    of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe." {Rev, 14:18) If

    we believe that this is a command from the lord, then we

    must believe that this is the Lord's will; and to humble ourselves

    under his mighty hand would mean that we would be

    obedient to his will to the extent of our opportunity and

    ability. Since the beginning of the harvest the Lord has been

    pleased to place the instrument for reaping in the hands of

    his people through his wise and faithful servant. He has

    finished his course as the Lord's servant this side the veil; and

    now the Lord promises to turn his hand upon the "little ones."

    (Zech. 13:7) God is faithful to all of his good promises.

    The sickle of the harvest is the message of truth. It is

    also called the sword. It is our opinion that the Seventh

    Volume of Studies in the Scriptures contains the message

    which is the instrument now to be used with which to reap

    the vine of the earth.

    SOME REASONS WHY

    Some, as we learn, are having difficulty in determining

    whether or not "The Finished Mystery" is the Seventh Volume

    of Studies ix the Scbiptubes. Probably they have been disturbed

    in their minds by the argument of some who have been

    developing pride and ambition. With sobriety of mind and a

    prayerful attitude, let us consider some of the reasons why

    we have the Seventh Volume.

    Revelation 16:1-17 has been understood by the consecrated

    for some time as indicating that there would be seven volumes

    [6169]

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    THE WATCH TOWER

    Brooklyn, N. Y.

    of Scbiptube Studies. Pastor Russell, as the seventh messenger

    , many times stated that there would be a seventh volume

    prepared and delivered to the harvest workers; that he would

    prepare it himself if the Lord showed Jiim the key; but that

    if the Lord did not show him the key someone else would prepare

    it. He stated that the Seventh Volume would contain an

    explanation of the books of Ezekiel and Revelation.

    The Watch Towee Bible ksd Tract Society is that agency

    referred to in the words: "Another angel came out from the

    altar, which had power over fire." (Rev. 14:18) The altar is

    the place of sacrifice. The Society is maintained by the sacrifice

    of the Lord's saints. It has power (authority) over the

    publication and distribution of the prophecies that are destructive

    to Babylon.

    John the Baptist rebuked King Herod because of his unlawful

    relationship with a woman. (Matt. 14:1-12) The

    seventh messenger to the church pointed out that Herod was

    a type of the civil powers; that Herodias, the woman, was a

    type of the ecclesiastical systems composing Babylon; that

    John the Baptist typed the last members of the 7

    Some are saying, "I sincerely desire to know the Lord's

    will; but how may I know it?" "Trust in the Lord with all

    thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all

    thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path!" —

    Proverbs 3:5, 6.

    Repeatedly the Lord promises to guide us with his counsel,

    and afterwards to receive us into glory. (Psalm 73:23, 24;

    32:8) We must not only trust him in our hearts, but acknowledge

    him and confess him before others. We must have

    full confidence that since we are his, he has the deepest interest

    in our welfare, Such as are careful to ackowledge him may be

    sure that he will direct their paths in all things. He will not

    direct the path of any to the satisfying of their own selfish

    desires or wills, however; nor do we wish him thus to do. But

    he will direct according to his perfect wisdom and for the

    good of those who love him supremely.

    "Could it be the Lord's will that I should colporteur the

    Seventh Volume?" someone asks. We answer, "If the message

    it contains is from the Lord, there could be no doubt about

    what his children should do. Of course they would want to put

    it out, and get the message to others." "But," says another,

    "I have declined to accept it as the Seventh Volume. Now if

    I would take a different course, I would be putting myself in a

    false light." We answer, "Is it not pride that causes one

    to take this position? Put aside pride now, and humble

    yourself under the mighty hand of the Lord. If you have

    taken the wrong course about anything for a time, and the

    Lord discloses to you that wrongful course, such a disclosure

    is a reproof to you; and he says, 'Turn you at my reproof;

    behold, I will pour out my Spirit upon you and I will make

    known my ways unto you.' "—^Proverbs 1:23.

    FULL OBEDIENCE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE

    The greatest work for us all to do is the conquering of

    self. "This is the will of God concerning you, even your

    sanctification." (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Sanctification does

    not mean human perfection. It does not mean the changing of

    our appearance, nor the removing of blemishes from out

    bodies miraculously. On the contrary, it is a devotion or

    consecration of the will, which through Christ is accepted as

    perfect. It is the consecration of the body unto death, which

    is counted acceptable through Christ. This will must bring

    every power and talent into harmony with Christ, and seek to

    exercise an influence in harmony therewith over others.

    Loyalty of heart to God's will, and hence a submission to

    his will, means a continued effort to bring all the conduct

    of our lives, even our thoughts and intentions, into subjection,

    or full submission to the will of God. Absolute holiness must

    be the standard maintained in our mind; and we must strive

    to live up to it. True submission or obedience to his will

    would mean for us that we would carefully consider the life

    and course of our High Priest, Jesus; that we would be

    diligent in Ms service and diligent in telling the truth to

    others, diligent in building each other up in the most holy

    faith and in doing good unto all as we have opportunity and

    diligent in laying down our lives for the brethren, and particularly

    in perfecting ourselves in the love of God.

    THE TESTS FOB THE CHURCH ABE GREATER THAN FOB

    THE ANGELS

    The angels were put to a great test, and many of them

    failed. The church is being put to a far greater test; for

    [6170]

    NoVRMBtR 15, 1917

    THE WATCH TOWER

    (345-350)

    God purposes to give the members thereof a greater reward.

    Such test of necessity entails much suffering. Important, then,

    is the question, IJow are we receiving these trials or tests?

    If we permit the fiery trials to stir up in our hearts malice,

    hatred, envy, ill-will, fault-finding, criticism and strife, this

    means that we are not humbling ourselves under the mighty

    hand of God and learning the lessons as he would have us do.

    (Proverbs 28:25) On the contrary, if these fiery trials are

    burning away the dross and working out in us the sweetness of

    character like unto our Master — namely, gentleness, kindness,

    patience, long-suffering, tender-heartedness and love — this shows

    that we are humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God

    and profiting by it. Let each remember that since we are sons

    of God nothing can happen to us except by his permission, and

    that these trials are evidences of our sonship. (Hebrews 12:5,

    8) Willingness to suffer special trials because of our loyalty to

    God, to the cause of righteousness and to the principles of his

    government is evidence of exceptionally fine character. God is

    dealing with the new creation with a view to perfecting their

    characters to the very highest mark.

    If some of his children find themselves imprisoned or otherwise

    deprived of their liberty because of loyalty to him and his

    kingdom, let them rejoice, remembering the faithful men of

    old mentioned with honor by St. Paul. (Hebrews 11) God's

    mighty hand may press down hard upon us at times ; and if so,

    we may be sure that we have need of this very experience. We

    may know that it is permitted that we may be prepared and

    made fit for the Master's use. We should watch for his providences

    and joyfully submit to whatsoever he sees well to

    bring to us. For us the prophet wrote, "Behold, as the eyes

    of servants look unto the hand of their master, and as the

    eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, so our eyes

    wait upon the Lord, our God, until that he have mercy upon

    us." (Psalm 123:2) And thus we are to watch his mighty

    hand, that we might see what is his will concerning us.

    It is to be noted that Jesus voluntarily submitted himself

    to the will of God, saying, "The cup that my Father hath

    poured for me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18:11) Likewise

    his followers should say: "If these trying experiences are

    necessary for me in order that I may be exalted to the position

    of joint-heir with Christ Jesus, then with joy I receive them."

    EXALTATION IN DUB TIME

    The exaltation of each one of the Lord's "little ones" will

    take place in his due time. It will be impossible for any one

    to be exalted prior to God's due time, or in any manner except

    that which the Father provides. Through his prophet he

    said, "Lift not up your horn [power] on high ; speak not with

    a stiff neck; for promotion eometh neither from the East nor

    from the West nor from the South: but God is the judge; he

    putteth down one and setteth up another." (Psalm 75:5-7)

    It is quite clear that the prophet here refers, not to those who

    have passed beyond the veil, but to those of the church who

    are still on the earth. \\ e would not expect any one to have

    a stiff neck — a stubborn, wilful disposition — after he had been

    exalted to glory. Clearly, then, this admonition was given for

    the benefit of those who hope for exaltation because of the

    precious promises given by the Father. When James and John

    asked the Master for a position of honor in his kingdom he

    said to them, "To sit on my right hand and on my left hand

    is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it

    is prepared." (Mark 10:40) Clearly, then, exaltation comes

    only to those who willingly humble themselves under the

    mighty hand of God, that they may be shaped and prepared

    for his use.

    Again, the Psalmist makes the matter clear when he asks

    the question: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord,

    and who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean

    hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto

    vanity nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing of

    the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation."- —

    Psalm 24:3-5.

    The temple standing on Mount Moriah was typical of the

    glorious temple of God. The Psalmist has here asked who will

    be accounted worthy to be exalted to the high position of

    membership in that great temple — who will be permitted to

    reign with Christ in his kingdom. Then he answers, "He that

    hath clean hands, [meaning clean actions and conduct] and a

    pure heart [meaning purity of will, intention or purpose — a

    pure heart, loving righteousness and truth but hating iniquity

    ] ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity [another

    evidence that pride is an abomination to the Lord and to all

    who partake of his spirit], nor sworn deceitfully [meaning

    those who have made a covenant with the Lord and who have

    earnestly tried to keep it]." These shall receive the blessing

    that the Lord promised- in his Word, Soon the exaltation of

    the church will be completed; and then The Christ, Head and

    body, will begin the great work of reconstruction. In a thousand

    years The Christ will undo all that Satan and his associate

    evil ones have done during the past six thousand years;'

    and at the conclusion of that righteous reign Satan himself

    shall be destroyed, together with all of his wicked messengers.

    "All the proud, yea, all that do wickedly shall be as stubble."

    (Malaohi 4:1} Every creature will then have had. ample opportunity

    to learn the lesson that there is one mighty God

    who divideth his honor with none; and that all who render

    themselves in loving obedience to him shall be granted life

    everlasting with happiness and pleasures forevermore.

    NEHEMIAH REBUILDS THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM

    [The fourth and the last paragraphs of this article were reprinted from article entitled "Nehemiah's Faith and Works," published

    in issue of December 1, 1905. The remainder was a reprint of an article also entitled "Nehemiah's Faith

    and Works," published in issue of November 1, 1899, Please see the articles named. 1

    EZRA AND NEHEMIAH TEACH THE LAW

    [This article was a reprint of that entitled "The Power of the Word of God/' published in issue of November 15, 1899 5 which

    please see.]

    INTERESTING LETTERS

    SAME BEAUTIFUL SFIBIT IN THE TO WEE

    Deab BbetHBEN: —

    It has been a source of wonder, as well as a great pleasure,

    to me to note the continued purity of The Watch Toweb

    articles, as well as that of their beautiful spirit. No one could

    tell by reading The Watch Toweb that Brother Russell was

    not editing it as of yore.

    In October 1st issue the leading article — "The Closing

    Work of Harvest" — is most timely, stirring, and pointed.

    I believe every word of it; and it deserves the most careful

    and honest study.

    We are studying the Seventh Volume here to great profit

    How we do thank the Lord for this further proof of His

    watch-care and love for us! Nothing will arouse us except

    the TRUTH, and nothing does arouse us like this blessed

    "point of the sword."

    Habvest Siftings, Part 11, has just fallen into my hands,

    and I am now glad it was gotten out, though it was my

    thought that "Light after Darkness" needed no reply. The

    spirit breathed by every line of the latter was its own condemnation

    . It is the very spirit we have been trying to get

    away from for forty years.

    I am, your fellow-servant, O. L. Sullivan, N. J.

    bhcoueagement fob vounteers

    Gentlemen- : —

    In brief, I am a salesman; and walking into the Post

    Office of Chariton, Iowa, recently, I noticed a rack containing

    literature, about which was inscribed "Take One." Of course,

    in this day such a sign is about extinct. But I allowed my

    curiosity to be reasoned with, and took one. This sheet wa3

    Vol, IX, No. 5, of The Bible Students Monthly, treating

    the subjeet "Why Do the Nations War," etc. Greater articles

    than those contained therein are not to be found. It is convincing

    to the core, not on account of highly manufactured

    phrases of a rhetorical nature, but honest, pure, and crossexamined

    truth. Its equal cannot be found; and that I may

    [6171]

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    THE WATCH TOWER

    Brooklyh, N. Y.

    be more familiar, and understand the real ways, causes, and

    effects of present conditions, do I wish to make purchase of

    the works therein mentioned.

    Wishing your organization the success of divine power,

    and knowing that it shall be a beacon light to all when the

    people come to understand,

    I am a faithful convert, F. G. B., Iowa.

    WOULD NOT MUKMTTB AQAINST GOD

    Dear Brethren in Christ: —

    I feel that I have a greater appreciation of divine arrangement

    after considering our prayer meeting text last night-—

    "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord' thy God" — I first thought

    it was a hard text to consider, but after thinking upon the

    subject, I see what a wonderful illustration there is in it for

    all of us, especially at this time under present conditions.

    The words of our text you will recall are quoted by our

    Lord from Deuteronomy, and the context shows that the

    children of Israel "tempted God" through lack of appreciation

    of divine blessings. God had led them for forty years; He

    had fed them with Manna during this time and at the close

    of the forty years they should have appreciated divine favor.

    Since they were about to enter Canaan, the fruition of their

    hope, they were found to be murmuring against Moses and

    divine arrangement, and thus they were "tempting God."

    The result was they were bitten by that old serpent and

    died. This is where our appreciation comes in that we

    should have this text now for consideration realizing that

    it had been placed there by divine arrangement. In 1

    Corinthians 10:1-11, the great Apostle Paul delineates this

    question. He warns against idolaters, fornicators and murmurers

    . Connecting this up with the type, we note that

    Pastor Russell in his comments has pointed out that idolatry

    refers to "self, wealth, pride, ambition, ease, gluttony, drunkenness

    , denominationalism, etc.," while fornication is "fellowship

    in spirit with those who love not the Spirit of the Lord,

    but the spirit of the world." The Apostle adds, "Neither let

    us tempt Christ." The comparison is clear. Now as we draw

    nigh the end of our forty years of great blessing, having been

    fed with the true heavenly manna all this time, are we going

    back on our consecration vow, becoming idolatrous, fornicators

    and murmurers against divine arrangement? If so the outcome

    is just as certain and the judgment just as sure as in

    the case of the children of Israel; they were "stung," and the

    result was death. Shall we after enjoying these blessings for

    so many years, lose our appreciation of divine blessing and

    favor by allowing ourselves to murmur, that which we are

    so strongly warned against in this text, and which if we do, we

    tempt God T If so, the sting of death will be our portion ; the

    second death in our case. "Wherefore, let him that thinketh

    he standeth take heed lest he fall." I rejoice because I still

    have this appreciation of divine favor and pray for myself and

    all the dear "household of faith" that the Lord's Spirit shall

    prevail everywhere in the hearts of his children.

    I am enclosing herewith draft for Good Hopes from myself

    and family.

    Yours in the one hope, H. B. M. f Minn.

    TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE TRUTH

    Dearly Beloved Brethren: —

    We greet you in the name of the Lord Je3us Christ, the

    great and faithful Shepherd of the flock. We wish to assure

    you of our fervent love for you and our confidence in you.

    As the night draws on apace we are trying to do what we can

    to point the many, many sad hearts to the silver lining in the

    clouds; and we rejoice to see that the dear Heavenly Father

    is able to use even us in a little way to rekindle the light

    of hope that is burning very low in tne hearts of some. We

    shall relate a little circumstance that has recently come under

    our observation.

    A man whom the writer knew to be a desperate character

    had been furnished some tracts and Volume I, Studies in

    the Scriptures. Immediately he became interested, and has

    made several inquiries about certain features of the plan of

    salvation. Recently he made us a visit, and seemed very

    restless. I knew there was something he wished to tell me,

    but of course did not know what it was. Suddenly he turned

    to me, and said he had something he desired to tell me. Then

    he related one of the most daring plots he and three other

    men had planned to carry out. Everything had been systematically

    arranged to rob a bank. He had bought a heavy

    revolver, had paid twenty-one dollars for it, had oeen in the

    bank many times and had outlined the whole scheme. He had

    also told his wife about it. He said that she had clung to

    his neck in tears, and had tried to talk him out of his desperate

    intentions, but had not succeeded. He had worked hard all

    his life to care for his family, but had not been able to do

    so in a satisfactory way; and he had in his beait a burning

    hatred against the capitalist system. But with tears in his

    eyes he said that the truth had changed the whole course

    of his life, and he had sent Word to his pals that there would

    be no robbery. He also sent them some literature; and they

    are also reading with much interest.

    His wife has recently called and asked us to come and

    tell them more about the coming kingdom of Christ. Truly,

    dear brethren, there is no other God that can deliver after

    this sort. (Daniel 3:29) Pray for us, dear ones, even as we

    do for you, that we may all be able to stand in this evil hour.

    Faithfully yours in the one bright hope, H. E. P., Okla.

    APPRECIATES THE LORD'S CONTINUED BLESSINGS

    Dear Brethren in Christ: —

    Remembering the channel through which the knowledge of

    present truth by our Father's favor was given to us, and

    the fact that though that "faithful and wise servant" has gone

    to his reward the work entrusted to him by the Lord of the

    harvest is being faithfully and efficiently continued by the

    dear brethren appointed as overseers in his stead, we unitedly

    desire to express to you, and through you to all the faithful

    in the Lord everywhere, our continued and increasing appreciation

    of our multiplied favors from our heavenly Father and

    his royal Son in connection with the knowledge of the divine

    purposes, the illumination and transformation of our minds

    through an understanding of Jehovah's glorious attributes

    and our privilege of cooperation with you in the work of the

    harvest.

    In a blessed season of refreshment and fellowship at a

    recent testimony meeting we individually reaffirmed our vow

    of full consecration to the will of the Lord even unto death,

    at the same time reading and expressing our gratitude for

    the Morning Resolve and the Vow as being invaluable helps

    in the daily carrying out of our covenant.

    By hearty unanimous vote we collectively renewed our

    allegiance to the Society and its representatives, desiring to

    be in full harmony with the channel of blessing and its

    direction by the Lord's own choosing, and it is as an expression

    of this decision that this letter is written. Our humble

    prayers will continue to be that the God of all grace will

    make you perfect in every good work to do his will and that

    you may continue to be strong in the Lord and in the power

    of his might. We request, dear brethren, your prayers.

    Your brethren in Christ,

    Niagara Falls (N. Y.) Ecolesia.

    FBOFITINQ BY TIMELY ADMONITIONS

    Dear Friends : —

    I received The Watch Tower of August 1st, and I was

    very much interested and benefited by the article entitled,

    "Walk Circumspectly Because the Days Are Evil." I have

    read and reread it very carefully and I think it is just what

    I need at this time, i. e., I need to watch and scrutinize every

    act, seeing that I give offense to no man. The tongue is

    a little member, but if it is not guarded carefully and kept

    within bounds, what mischief it will lead you into!

    The article in question is one that can be read with much

    profit by every true believer in the wonderful truth. While

    reading it I could almost imagine I was having one of those

    wonderful heart to heart talks with our late dear Brother

    Russell. In the fall of 1902, when I obtained my first knowledge

    of the wonderful truth, I called on Brother Russell and

    told him how marvelous was the First Volume, which I had

    just finished reading. He smiled and said (and I will ever

    cherish in my memory the smile and the words), "Brother

    B , there is not money enough in the world to buy this

    wonderful knowledge of the 'Lord's plan of salvation' "which

    he has graciously permitted you to see, is there?" I answered

    "There is not!" He said, "Brother, are many of your friends

    in the truth?" and I told him there were not, then he quickly

    replied, "Brother, I caution you to be wise as a serpent and

    harmless as a dove. Do not talk; and again I say DO NOT

    TALK, but rather live, live, LIVE!" These wonderful words

    of advice given to me years ago by our beloved Pastor have

    been a great source of inspiration to me; but alas! much to

    my own hurt, I did not always follow them; and wherein I

    failed thus to do, I have always suffered a great many trials,

    which have heen largely brought about by my own wilful

    conduct.

    I am thankful for the many words of consolation which

    come through The Watch Tower so often, and asking an

    interest in your daily supplications at the throne of grace.

    Yours in the blessed hope, J. H. B., Pa.

    THE BLESSED WATCH TOWEE

    My Beloved Brethren: —

    Greetings in the glorious name of our Bridegroom and

    King, and favor from his gracious hand! Ever since our

    dear Pastor, of precious memory, left us, for a place with

    [6172]

    Novbiib«r 15, 1917

    THE WATCH TOWER

    (351-338)

    our Lord, I have watched with keenest interest the course

    of those whom he left in charge of The Watch Tower. It

    rejoices my heai-t unspeakably to express to you, my brethren,

    something of the deep appreciation I feel for the loyal humble

    spirit you have always manifested in this work.

    Knowing some of you personally impresses me with a

    fuller appreciation of your service. The blessed Watch

    Tower brings exactly the same kind of food to the "Household

    " as our Lord sent by the hand of "that faithful and

    wise servant." We know where it comes from, my brethren,

    for no other being in the universe ever served his hungry

    sheep such food! Truly he is still leading us "in green

    pastures and beside still waters." Praises throughout the

    ages of eternity to our "Good Shepherd'* 1

    Have just read the leading article in July 1st To web and

    couldn't repress my earnest desire to say, Thank you]

    God bless and keep you, protecting you from the spirit of

    evil that is now king throughout the earth and which as a

    mighty giant is seeking to hurl his poisonous darts into the

    hearts and minds of God's dear saints.

    Holding you up before the great white throne every day

    is one of my most appreciated privileges* Be strong and of

    good courage, my brethren, for the church will surely need

    help from the strong and courageous in the very near future.

    What a privilege is yours to give the needed help from our

    Lord!

    Rejoicing with you in this privilege and earnestly asking

    an interest m your prayers, I am,

    Your sister by his grace, Mrs. C. E„ K., Texas.

    EXPBESSES HEARTY CO-OPERATION

    Dear Friends: —

    Perhaps we have been slow in writing you an assurance

    of our continued support of the Society, and of those who are

    in full harmony and cooperation therewith; but we now do so,

    and that most* heartily. We have good reason to believe that

    much of the matter appearing in all the late issues of The

    Tower is from the pen of our beloved President and from

    those in harmony with him. These messages of hope, love,

    comfort and good cheer are pure, enobling and elevating, and

    cannot be the product of one blinded to righteousness.

    Before the recent Pittsburgh convention (Sept. 29-Oct. 2),

    the secretary was instructed by the class here to make known

    to you their decision regarding the controversy about the

    'Society's management, which was reached by earnest prayer

    and careful consideration. They recognize the Lord's favor

    and blessing abiding with Brother Rutherford. Even if there

    were any misgivings at all, the lovely and memorable experiences

    at the convention entirely dispelled them. While the

    writer was compelled to be absent from the love feast on

    account of a sick brother, he felt, from the description given

    of it by the dear brethren present, that the Lord's presence

    and Spirit were never more clearly shown.

    Therefore, dear brethren, be assured of our love for and

    devotion to you and the Lord.

    Sincerely yours in him,

    New Kensington (Pa.) Ecclesia.

    WATCH TOWEB A "TOWER OF STRENGTH"

    Dear Brethren: —

    We, the Peru Associated Bible Students, do hereby extend

    to the dear brethren in the Bethel Home and all connected

    therewith our love and best wishes; and furthermore wish to

    pledge our hearty cooperation in the dear Lord's service in

    whatever capacity we may be called upon to serve. We wish

    to especially thank the management of The Watch Tower

    publication — surely it is a "tower of strength," doing a grand

    work for the Master.

    In conclusion we pray that the dear Lord will give you the

    needed strength to carry on the grand work still to be done.

    Yours in the Master's service, Peru, (Ind.) Ecclesia.

    MOST HELPFTTL CONTRIBUTION TO THE HARVEST MESSAGE

    Dear Brotheb Rutherford: —

    Just a line assuring you of my appreciation of this important

    privilege of again engaging in the pilgrim service,

    in these closing hours of the harvest. I am deeply grateful to

    you as his special representative at this time for an opportunity

    to do my "bit" toward comforting the brethren and,

    incidentally, demolishing "Babylon/'

    The brethren as a whole are abiding the tests and trials

    of the past few months remarkably well. With few exceptions

    they have concluded to let the Lord work out these

    difficulties in his own good time and way; wisely concluding

    the frantic efforts of certain "stewards" to tie your hands

    as the Society's President and reduce their efficiency is the

    last desperate attempt of the adversary to prevent the "smiting

    of Jordan." Would that all were humble enough to

    "wait on the Lord" and watch for his leadings 1 Suggestions

    of our own importance; abbreviation of our memory of the

    Lord's past dealings; impressions of personal responsibilities

    exaggerated out of all proportion ; with final possession by the

    spirit of envy, malice, slander, hatred, is truly the devil's

    favorite method in making shipwreck of one's faith. Thanks

    to Volume Seven, we are not ignorant of his devices.

    The explanation of Revelation 7 and the exposition of

    Ezekiel's Temple in the last chapter of Volume Seven are

    in my judgment the most helpful contributions to the harvest

    message, apart from the work of our Pastor.

    May the Lord continue to bless you, dear Brother, in

    your labors of love on behalf of his children.

    Yours in the Master's service,

    Wm. A. Baker, Pilgrim.

    CONVENTION REPORTS DISCONTINUED

    Brother (Dr.) L. W. Jones, of Chicago, writes us, under

    date of October 15th, as follows:

    "Pertaining to the publication of the Souvenir Convention

    Reports of the conventions of 1917, I have reached the conclusion

    that it will be for the best interests of all the friends

    for me to forego the privilege I have enjoyed in this connection

    during the past thirteen years.

    "I have also decided to abandon the publication of Pastor

    Russell's sermons in book form, as I understand the Society

    purposes a similar publication.

    "It is my sincere hope that the brethren throughout the

    world will not misconstrue this as indicating a loss of interest

    and zeal in the Lord's service and in the truth. Money

    already paid by the friends on orders is being refunded as

    rapidly as the clerical work can be done.

    "It will be muoh appreciated if an announcement to this

    effect is published in The Watoh Tower."

    PASTOR RUSSELL'S SERMONS^-TWO STYLES ONLY

    The book of sermons by Brother Russell will not be ready

    for shipment until early in December. No acknowledgement

    w T ill be made of your order until the hooks are ready for shipment

    , so please do not be disturbed that you receive no acknowledgment

    sooner.

    It has been thought advisable to specialize on the clothbound

    edition of the Sermon Book, and we will, therefore, not

    publish it in the Karatol or India at this time. We will, however

    , have some of our regular cloth edition put into Morocco

    covers for those who prefer a more expensive volume. The

    cloth edition, however, will be handsomely bound in dark green

    cloth, gold embossed, with gilt edges; a beautiful book. Price

    $1.00 postpaid. The stiff leather binding will be $1.50. Orders

    thus far received for the Karatol edition will be tilled with

    the cloth volume, and orders for the flexible leather will be filled

    with the stiff Morocco-bound book, unless otherwise instructed.

    The following questions have been asked, and we publish the

    answers for the benefit of others:

    Q. Am I entitled to votes for donations made several years

    ago?

    A. Yes.

    Q. I expect to attend the election. Shall I send my proxy

    to the Secretary, and what name shall I write in it?

    A. All proxies should be sent to the Secretary that he may

    insert the number of votes and certify to the same. Leave

    blank the space provided for appointment of proxy, if you expect

    to attend the election in person, but sign your name at

    the bottom of the proxy.

    Q. Does writing on the back of the proxy invalidate it?

    QUESTIONS RELATING TO VOTING

    A. No. It was suggested to write on the back of the proxy

    for convenience and the saving of paper.

    Q. Does the By-law, Section 2, published in the November

    1st Tower, page 329, relate to the recent disagreement as to

    who constitutes the legal Board of Directors?

    A. No. It particularly relates to those who oppose the

    message of the kingdom, as set forth in Studies in the Scriptures

    , who deny Brother Russell as "that servant" and who

    are out of harmony with the purposes and work of the Society.

    …