The Watchtower, December 1, 1917

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Vol. XXXVIII

BROOKLYN, N, Y., DECEMBER 1, 1917

No. 23

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore east

"Ye are the light of the world."-

^ There is a depth of meaning in these words that the human

mind cannot comprehend. This was especially true With reference

to the statement of the Master when the disciples heard

him say, "Ye are the light of the world/' They could not grasp

the meaning of his words ; for the holy Spirit was not then

given. Only the new creature in Christ can have an appreciation

of the meaning thereof, and the extent of appreciation is

in proportion to his spiritual development.

In all the languages of the earth, light is a symbol of truth

and life. The sun is the great light of the earth, and sustains

a relationship to the earth and its products designedly

analogous to that of God to the universe. As all light of the

earth emanates from the sun, so all truth and life proceed from

Cod. As light is adapted to the eye, so truth is adapted to the

mind; and in proportion as we perceive and receive the truth,

the light increases in our lives. Beginning with the sun and

tracing out the analogy we find that all nature is really

symbolic. This does not come by accident, but designedly so.

It is not an accident that the sun and moon are symbols; for

we read, "God said . . . Let them be for signs." — Gten. 1:14.

The antithesis of light is darkness. It symbolizes evil,

wickedness, error, sin, death and everything that is undesirable

. Light, therefore, is a symbol of righteousness, truth,

life, and the blessings incident thereto.

BIGHT TO LIVE LIMITED

One of the principles of God's arrangement is that all

righteous beings nave the right to live. Truth is the expression

of righteousness. Hence it follows that all must have the truth

before they can know the way to life. As an illustration: The

sun is a great light which gives light to the earth and life to

the vegetation of the earth. The sun is requisite to the growth

and development of plant life. Plants will not grow and flourish

in darkness, but will sicken and die. So it is with all who

have life — they must have the light from the Great Light. The

Scriptures describe Jehovah as a "sun" (Psalm 84:11), as "a

consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29), and a great "light, in whom

is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) God, is the origin of

light, and is therefore the origin of life* Where the sun

shines, darkness flees before its rays. Where the countenance

of Jehovah is made to appear, darkness and unrighteousness

flee away. To this the Apostle referred when he said, "Times

of refreshing shall come from the presence Face] of the Lord."

—Acts 3:19.

THE OBEAT LIGHT

In the Genesis account of creation we read that **God

made two great lightB; the greater light to rule the day

and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars

also." (Cten. 1:16) The stars here symbolize that class

to which Abraham belonged. Abraham had little light, but

great faith. The moon symbolizes the Mosaic law given the

Jews, to the exclusion of all others. Since the time of Adam,

disobedience and darkness prevail over the earth, and gross

darkness over the people. To the Jews God gave some light

through the terms of the Law Covenant, which is symbolized

by the moon. As we know, the moon does not give forth her

own light, but reflects the light received from the sun. And so

it is with the Law Covenant. It could not be appreciated by

those living prior to the opening of the Gospel age. The law

reflects the light from the Gospel of Messiah s kingdom, which

Gospel was first preached to Abraham. (GaJatians 3:8) Only

those who have received and accepted the light of the message

of Messiah's kingdom can now appreciate the light coming from

the Law Covenant, which foreshadows better things to come. —

Hebrews 10:1.

GREATER LIGHT

At the close of the Jewish age there came into the world

Jesus, the Son of God. Although born under the Law Covenant,

he was greater than the law. Being a perfect man, he could

comply with the terms of the law. This he did, and went beyond

its requirements in the fulfilment of God's great plan.

From Adam to Jesus there had been no true light in the world

whatsoever. When Jesus came he declared, "I am the Light of

the world." Again the Scriptures record of him: "He was

. . . the true Light which Hghteth every man that cometh

into the world." (John 1:9) The Light then was local; only

off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. ' '

'— Romans 13:12; Matthew 5:14.

a few saw it; for it shone in a dark place; and to those who

did see it the Master declared, "Blessed are your eyes, for

they see."— Matthew 13:16.

In proof that light is a symbol of life we quote the words

of the Master: "Then spake Jesus unto them, saying, I am the

Light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in

darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) It

follows then that all who have the right to life must have the

light. Those who have no light have no right to life. All

those who will ever have the right to life must have the light ;

and since it is God*s purpose that every man shall have a

chance to accept life the time must come that every man will

see the light. Hence we read, "It is the will of God that all

men shall be saved and brought to an accurate knowledge of

the truth."— 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

HOW WE GET THE LIGHT

If Jesus was the Light of the world, why did he say to

his disciples, "Ye are the light of the world"?

In answering this question we recall the words of the Master

(John 9:5) : (( As long as I am in the world I am the

Light of the world." When Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the

world," he spoke prophetically; for it was not then true, except

in the sense that they reflected his Spirit. In the fuller

sense it was true after his crucifixion and resurrection, and

after the giving of the holy Spirit to the consecrated at Pentecost

. He spake, however, of things that were to be as though

they were. In one sense the disciples, as his representatives

acting under his authority, were then the light of the world;

for they reflected the light. But the time was to come, and did

come, when they constituted the light of the world because they

were in him as members of his body. This has been true with

reference to every Christian who has abode in Christ and has

had the words of Christ abiding in him.

The ransom-price provided by the death and resurrection of

Jesua was, at the time of his ascension into heaven, made available

for the use of those who throughout the Gospel age should

offer themselves to God in full consecration. The disciples

were consecrated prior to Pentecost, but not justified. Hence

their spirit-begetting could not take place until Pentecost.

Those of the church receive the light only at the time of consecration

and of the receipt of the merit of the Master's sacrifice ;

and when they have been accepted by the Father and begotten

of the holy Spirit, the illumination follows. These who are in

Christ are members of his body. It is proper then to say that

from the Jordan till now, The Christ is the light of the worl 1.

for the reason that The ChriBt includes all those who have the

Spirit of Jesus and who are walking in accord with the term^

of their covenant.

This is very beautifully pictured by the golden candlestick

in the Holy of the Tabernacle. The candle-stick was all of one

piece, composed of gold, and represents those begotten to the

divine nature, the centre-burner representing Jesus^ and the

other burners representing the body members. The oil therein

pictures the holy Spirit, and*. the light coming from the burning

of the oil represents the illumination possessed by those

who are in Christ, possessing his Spirit. This illumination

constitutes such the fight of the world.

WHAT WE SHALL DO

Behold what a favored position the body members occupy!

God is the great Light from whom cometh all light and life.

Jesus is the express image of the Father; and through him the

fully consecrated are privileged to be a reflection of Jehovah's

light in the earth. When we realize this fact we can , better

understand why the Apostle refers to the Christian as an ambassador

of Christ's kingdom, and can better appreciate the

responsibilities that rest upon us because of this light and

privilege.

Seeing the favored position which the members of the body

this side the veil occupy with relation to Jehovah and to the

great Master, St. Paul was evidently desirous of impressing this

thought upon all Christians when he wrote: "The night is far

spent, the day is at hand ; let us therefore cast off the works of

darkness, and let ur put on the armor of light." — Romans

13:12.

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THE WATCH TOWER

(356-357)

The Apostle Paul had more information then than had

any one else — more information than it was lawful for him

to tell. (2 Cor. 12:1-5) Two things he states positively;

namely, "The night is far spent" and "The day is at hand/'

The "night" here refers to the long period of sin and death

prevailing from the fall to the establishment of the Messianic

kingdom. At the time the Apostle wrote, 4182 years of that

great dark night had passed; and since he wrote these words,

more than 1800 years additional have passed away. So the

Christian today has the privilege of standing in the very dawn

of the morning, when the light of the kingdom is breaking

upon the earth and soon will shine forth in its resplendent

glory. "The day" that "is at hand" is the thousand-year day

of Christ, during which the Sun of Righteousness shall shine

with healing in his beams, bringing light and life to all of the

groaning creation who will accept the blessing upon the terms

offered. Therefore because of this wonderful position which

the people of God occupy, the Apostle admonishes them that

they should cast off all works of darkness and put on the

whole armor of light.

WORKS OF DARKNESS

"Works of darkness" are those deeds that will not bear the

fullest light of the new dispensation — any and all things that

are out of harmony with truth and righteousness. The Apostle

Paul enumerates some of these specifically, as follows: "Fornication

, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence,

and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things* sake

the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in

the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice,

blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not

one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with

his deeds." "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which

are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,

seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings,

and such like." — Colossians 3:5-&; Galatians 5:19-21.

These works of darkness also include self-esteem in a

superlative degree, selfishness and injustice. The light -bearers

cannot have any fellowship with these. Anything that has a

tendency to bring darkness into the life and to exclude tight

should therefore be cast off, as works of the flesh and the

devil.

THE ARMOR OF LIGHT

Then says the Apostle, "Put on the armor of light." This

means the armor of God; for "God is light." In Ephesians

6:10-17 the Apostle describes the armor of light, specifying the

parts. He admonishes the Christian to have his loins girded

with the truth. The girdle is a symbol of servitude, thus testifying

that every light-bearer should be a servant of the truth.

We are also to have on the breast-plate of righteousness* The

breast-plate fitted over the vital organs — heart, etc. This

signifies that the light-bearer should always have a righteous,

pure heart. To have the "feet shod with the preparation of the

Gospel of peace" means that we should see to it that the fiery

trials that come upon us should not make us resentful, but

rather that we should cultivate peace under all circumstances,

that our feet may not be burned with these fiery trials. "Above

all things taking the shield of faith," means to know the Word

of God and to rely upon it; and to "take the helmet of salvation

" symbolical of an intellectual understanding and appreciation

of the Word of God, and "the Sword of the Spirit"

means to have the Word of the Lord and be trained, as a good

soldier, in its skilful use.

It will be observed that the Apostle enumerates six parts

of the armor; whereas the panoply of a Roman soldier consisted

of seven parts. That part not named is the greaves,

which fitted over the front part of the leg. This very beautifully

symbolizes the Vow which the feet members are permitted

to have; and as their face is always toward the enemy, they

should be protected with this part of the armor. The Christian

's protection is light, whose beams search every nook and

corner of earth's impurities, and enable him to dispel such from

his own life.

Continuing, the Apostle admonishes, "Walk honestly as in

the day"; that is to say, as though we were living in the full

light of that day of Christ— the day of the reign of Messiah

in righteousness. While we are not fully in that day, yet the

new creation should live as nearly up to the perfect standard

as possible. "Honestly" means to be honest in business matters,

honest with the Lord, honest with his message, honest with the

brethren, and honest in everything in connection with his

service. Honesty is the result of light.

Furthermore, the Apostle says, "Not in rioting and drunkenness

." Evidently he does not refer here to the grosser sins

which these words imply, but to the more refined from the

world's standpoint — things which we would term indulgence

in time-killing, intoxication with money-making, or with any

earthly thing that would draw our attention away from the

Lord and his service. Then he concludes his argument with

the strongest and most important exhortation, saying, "Avoid

strife and envying."

One who indulges in the things previously mentioned by

the Apostle would injure himself particularly. But one who

indulges in strife and envy shows a bad condition of heart

which might bar him from the kingdom, and which might result

in great injury to others and hinder their development. These

are fruits of the flesh; and in proportion as we yield to suoh

improper desires, in that proportion, will the flesh prosper and

the new creature languish and draw near unto death. On the

contrary, the sons of God are to seek more and more to put on

the Lord Jesus Christ; that is to say, to put on the qualities

of meekness, forbearance, long suffering, patient endurance,

gentleness, kindness and love. Each should nave the disposition

to serve by love, being humble and submissive to the Lord's

will. Make no provision for the' flesh, but let it die from

neglect.

THE CHBISTIAN'S ADVANTAGES

Those who have the light are greatly advantaged above

those that have not the light. Since Jesus was crucified 1884

years have passed. Down through the age of sacrifice, along the

narrow valley of trials and tears, the light-bearers of God, as

members of the body of Christ, have walked^waiting, hoping,

and praying for the return of the great Light, the Bridegroom,

Many of these faithful ones have ceased from their labors and

slept, awaiting the coming of the King. As this little band of

lightbearers have passed along through the world, others not'

ing their manner of living and devotion to truth and righteousness

, have turned aside to walk with them awhile.

In this connection we are reminded of the parable of the

wheat and tares. The wheat have been the lightbearers, while

the tares have been mingling with them, aided somewhat by

the light which has been shed forth by the true Christians. In

the harvest a separation is now taking place. Of necessity the

light reproves the darkness; and the breach widens between

the merely nominal and the true Christians. All those who

are striving to keep their covenant are in the light, Hence the

Apostle says to such, "Ye are not in darkness" ; while all those

are still in darkness who call themselves Christians but who

persecute those who have the light.

THE LIGHT-BEARERS

In the context the Apostle contrasts those who have the

Light with others who have not. The light-bearers have ever

looked for the return of the great Light, Christ Jesus. He

did not say at what hour and day he would come, but stated

in such clear phrase what might be expected that the true lightbearers

can appreciate the times in which they are living. To

them St. Paul says, "Of the times and seasons, brethren, ye

have no need that I write unto you," {I Thess. 5:1-6) This

was true because, having the light, they would be able to discern

the presence of the greater Light, the Bridegroom. Then

adds the Apostle, "For yourselves know perfectly that the day

of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." A thief comes

in time of darkness, and of course would not be observed by

those who are asleep or in the dark. At the second coming of

our Lord all who were awake and had the light would be able

to discern Jesus. The Apostle states that those who have the

light will recognize the presence of the great King. Then he

proceeds to tell us what is our duty, saying, "But ye, brethren,

are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a

thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the

day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let

us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober." See

also Matthew 24:42-44.

As these faithful followers of the Lord waited in the early

dawn of the new dispensation, their hearts were made glad

by the knowledge of the presence of the Bridegroom; and as

this knowledge came to them they joined in the cry, "Behold

the Bridegroom!" Since then every one who has come to a

knowledge of the Lord's presence has involuntarily said, "Behold

the Bridegroom!"

SCOFFERS AND OPPOSEBS

On the other hand, nominal Christians, being in darkness,

have become offended at the exuberance manifested by the

true light-bearers. Their time is devoted to social uplift and

and various other things that are popular with the world ; and

they understand not why the true light-bearer does not participate

with them. Therefore nominal Christians have become

scoffers, as the Apostle Peter foretold they would: "Where is

the evidence of his presence? ... all things continue as

they were from the beginning," — 2 Peter 3:4.

At this moment we see the whole world in a state of war.

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THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, N, Y.

The nations are growing- weaker; and soon the various factions

will see the necessity of stopping the war before all are

entirely destroyed. Doubtless then the various elements — the

financial, political and ecclesiastical — will be saying, "Peace!",

and temporary peace will be established by the united action

of the Papacy and the Protestant churches and the kingdom of

this world. Referring to this time, the Apostle says, "For when

they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction

cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and

they shall not escape." — 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

THE GREAT COMPANY

The Scriptures point out that there is another class of

Christians who love the Lord, who love to be associated with

the true light-bearers, and yet who are fearful of holding forth

the light lest it should bring persecution upon them. These are

consecrated to the Lord, but have only a small measure of his

Spirit. They are described by the Master as those whose lamps

are almost empty of oil, or whose supply of oil is running low.

This means that their supply of the spirit of truth is nearly

exhausted. They do not fully appreciate the value of the whole

armor of light. They do not possess the zeal peculiar to the

Lord's house (Psalm 09:9) ; but being overcharged by the cares

of this life and fearing persecution and suffering, these believe

that they can best pursue a more moderate course and refrain

from actively testifying for the Master and his cause. These

may be said, therefore, to be not walking in the full light, not

appreciating their privileges.

Doubtless some of this class are in present truth, and some

amongst the Babylonish systems. The Psalmist describes

them thus: "Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of

death, being bound in affliction and iron: because they rebelled

against the words of God and contemned the counsel of the

most High." (Psalm 107:10, 11) The Lord Jesus describes

them as the "foolish virgin" class, who are aroused to their

privileges too late to have their vessels filled in time to enter

into the kingdom, — Matthew 25:1-13.

THE LESSON FOB THE CHTTROH

Thus we see that the worldly do not understand the

Christian because they never had the light, and that the great

company do not see and appreciate present truth because their

light is burning low. The lesson then that we should gather

is to keep our lamps trimmed and burning. Or, to use another

figure, we are to profit thereby. We are togive close attention

to the words of life contained in God's Word, that we may

come to an exact knowledge of the truth. Whether the error

be one of doctrine or conduct, it must be purged away, so that

the pure light of divine truth may^ shine out as clearly as

possible through our daily lives. This evidently is what Jesus

had in mind when he said, "Ye are the light of the world. A

city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine

before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your

Father which is in heaven." — Matthew 6:14, 16.

The light cannot shine out brightly to the glory of God

unless our lamps are cleaned, trimmed and brightly burning.

Some of the' Lord's dear children seem very indifferent to the

matter of trimming their lamps and letting their light shine.

They gat some truth and some error, and hold them bothtogether

. As a result, their light does not shine brightly; for

the vessel is darkened by the error. Again, some may have the

light, but fail to let the truth have the proper place or effect

upon their characters; and so the light m them is very dim,

because of the uncleanness of the medium through which it

passes. The admonition of the Scriptures should be kept in

mind: "Light is sown for the righteous." (Psalm 97:11)

The Apostle referred to the proper condition of the light-bearer

when he said, "Ye are our epistles . . . known and read of

all men." The world cannot read and understand the Bible;

but they can read and understand one's daily life. Again, the

Apostle said, "We are made a spectacle [literally, a show or

theatre] for men and angels." Therefore the eyes of all are

upon the light-bearers; and they should see to it that they

avoid everything which .has a tendency to shut out the light

and preclude it from shining. — 2 Corinthians 3:2; 1 Corinthians

4:9.

As far as we permit prejudice, pride, selfishness, selfesteem

, combativeness, crookedness, injustice or unrighteousness

to interrupt the freedom with which we receive and hold

forth the light of truth, in that same proportion will the light

rapidly decline or retrograde, and such a course persisted in

will ultimately lead such a one into utter darkness. Hence

Jesus said, "If thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full

of darkness. If therefore th« light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness! The light of the body is the eye;

if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full

of light. "-^Matthew 6:22, 23.

DARKNESS SETTLING DOWN ON THE EABTH

The Scriptures indicate that when the last member of the

little flock is gone all the light left in the earth will be that

possessed by the great company class. Since every spirit-begotten

one must finish his course before the resurrection of

the ancient worthies, it follows that between the time of the

change of those who compose the great company and the

resurrection of the ancient worthies there will be a brief period

during which darkness will completely cover the earth and

gross darkness the people. This day is rapidly approaching.

"The path of the just is as a shining light that shineth

more and more unto the day of perfection." (Proverbs 4:18)

We are coming near to the end of our earthly journey — therefore

, near to the day of perfection. Should we not, then, expect

the light to shine brighter and brighter upon our pathway

? Surely the Lord will fulfil this promise to his people,

and is fulfilling it to them. If that light is shining brighter,

shall we be stumbled and blinded by it? Or shall we appreciate

what the Lord is doing for us and permit the manifestation

of his loving kindness to stimulate us to greater love and zeal

for him, his cause and his people?

PRIVILEGES NOW GBEAT

When first we read the Studies in the Scriptures and

rejoiced in the light there found, we learned through their

author that there would be seven volumes. We have looked

forward with joyful expectancy to the coming of that time

when we would have the Seventh Volume. The laborers in

the harvest field realize that we are drawing nearer and

nearer to the end of the harvest. Now the Seventh Volume has

come to us; and it throws a great flood of light upon Revelation

and Ezekiel, in harmony with what is contained in the

other six volumes of Studies in the Scbiptukes and the

Bible. Shall we not take this as a favor from the Lord, and

as the fulfilment to us of his promise?

How are we receiving that light and responding to it?

"Well," answers one, "I have not yet been able to fully receive

The Finished Mystery as the long promised Seventh Volume."

Others are openly opposing it, notwithstanding the Lord's manifested

favor upon its publication and distribution. We might

wonder if all are appreciating fully the light that is shining

upon the pathway. W T e recall that there were some who did

not appreciate the other volumes for a time, and that some

did not appreciate the Vow when it was given to the church.

Indeed, some good, conscientious, fully consecrated brethren at

first opposed it. When the Vow was first published by

Brother Russell a certain sister found many objections to it;

but being desirous of doing the Lord's will she called upon a

brother to point out to her where it is advantageous for one

to take the Vow. There followed a conversation between them,

about as follows:

"Sister, do you see anything in that vow that is out of

harmony with your consecration to the Lord?" "No," she

answered, "I do not" "Do you see anything in it to which

the Lord would object?" "No, I do not." "Do you see anything

in the Vew to which the devil would object?" "Ah, yes ! "

she exclaimed, "I see many things in it to which the devil

would object." "Then," replied the brother, "if you oppose the

Vow would you not be agreeing with the devil and disagreeing

with the Lord?" She at once saw the point.

Now suppose we apply the same rule to "The Finished

Mystery," Volume VII of Studies in the Scriptures. Let

us ask ourselves, Is there anything in it contrary to the message

of Messiah's kingdom and the great doctrine of the

ransom? To this we must answer, No! Is there anything in

it to which the heavenly Father or the Lord Jesus would object

because out of harmony with his Spirit? To this we must

also answer, No. Is there anything in it to which Satan would

object or be opposed? Ah yes, certainly! for it pulls off the

mask and exposes a system which Satan has builded up by

blinding good Christian people. It shows that the great Papal

system is Satan's counterfeit of Messiah's kingdom. It shows

that the Romish system is the "mother" described as a

"harlot"; and that nominal Protestantism constitutes the

"daughters." It shows how these together constitute "Babylon

" and how they have made "drunk" the kings and rulers of

the earth. It shows how the evil spirits have operated and

will continue to operate under the chief of devils — Satan. It

shows that "great Babylon" must fall, how Satan himself will

be destroyed, and pictures the glories of the kingdom class in

the "temple" condition beyond the veil.

"THIS HONOR HAVE ALL HIS SAINTS"

Has not this light that has fallen upon our pathway

thrilled our hearts with joy in proportion as we have appreciated

it? Surely, then, great are our privileges now, not only

to feed upon this additional food, that the Lord has given us,

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but to pass it on to others in "Babylon" and get the attention

of thoae who have a hearing ear, that they may hear and flee

therefrom; and even to tell the world that the present unrighteous

systems soon must pass away, to be supplanted with

the glorious kingdom of Christ Jesus. All the true lightbearers

will therefore appreciate the privileges now given to

them of having the light and of giving it out to others. Who

is on the Lord's side? "Know ye not that to whom ye yield

yourselves to obey, his servants ye are whom ye obey?" — Romans

6:16; Exod. 32:20.

For nearly nineteen centuries this little band of lightbearers

have been shining forth in the world, reproving the

darkness. For a long time it seemed that darkness might

triumph; for the bearers of light have been suffering at the

hands of the children of darkness. But now we are approaching

the end of the reign of sin and death. The Prince of Darkness

is marshalling all of his forces for the final crucial conflict

. The storm is raging in every quarter, and the waves of

human passion are lashing against the thrones of earthly institutions

. This great time of trouble is striking terror to the

hearts of many. But the true light-bearer takes courage in

this hour of great trial; for. knowing that it is evidence that

the kingdom is at hand he hears the words of his Captain

saying, "Behold T come quickly; hold that fast which thou

hast; let no man take thy crown." (Revelation 3:11) And

again says the Apostle, "Cast not away your confidence which

hath great recompense of reward ; for ye have need of patience

[endurance] that after ye have done the will of God, ye might

receive the promise." — Hebrews 10:35, 36.

THE BLESSINGS OP THE KINGDOM

Down into the depths of the great storm that is now

upon the world, the light-bearers may soon go; but beyond

its blackness and terror, these faithful ones will rise triumphant

over death and be ushered into the glorious light of the

sons of God, The Lord Jesus, speaking to the faithful with

reference to this time, says, "Then shall the righteous shine

forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father" — Matthew

13:43.

As St. Paul states, the whole creation is groaning and

travailing in pain, waiting far the full manifestation of the

Rons of Light. (Rom. 8:19-23) What a glorious day it will

be for the poor world when the light has completely driven

away the darkness, and when the sunlight of God's love with

healing and blessing will shine into the hearts and minds of

all! Through the mouth of his Prophet Jehovah gave a wonderful

and beautiful picture of the blessings that shall come

to the world at that time. He said, "And his feet shall stand

in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before

Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall cleave

in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west and

there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain

shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the

south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains, . .

. and the Lord my God shall come and all the saints with

thee."— Zech. 14:4, 5.

The olive is a symbol of light, peace and divine blessings

through the holy Spirit. A mountain is a symbol of a kingdom

of light, peace and divine blessings through the holy

Spirit of God. The Prophet Joel states that during the Gospel

age the Spirit of the Lord is made manifest to his servants

and hand-maidens — to those who have made a full consecration

to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. The Prophet

then adds that after these days — namely, at the conclusion of

the Gospel age when all the light-bearers of the kingdom

class are developed — then God will pour out his Spirit upon

all flesh. Then the light will begin to shine and increase in

the hearts and minds of the people.

VALLEY OP BLESSINGS

In the above prophecy the phrase, "his feet" has reference

to Jehovah, and signifies the divine law established on the

earth through Messiah's kingdom of righteousness, the earth

being referred to as Jehovah's foot-stool, which he will make

glorious. The Prophet states that "the mount shall cleave

in the midst thereof, toward the east and toward the west."

The east is the position of the rising sun. The cleaving of a

mountain in the midst thereof from east to west would cause

the formation of a valley between the two portions, a part

of the mountain being on the north and a part on the south.

The north is the position of the Pleiades, and represents the

throne of Jehovah, and therefore in the picture would represent

the heavenly phase of God's kingdom. The south

would represent the position or condition of the earthly phase

of that kingdom. The sun rising in the east would shine

clear through the valley, which extends east and west between

the two parts of the mountain; that is to say, between

the heavenly and earthly phases of God's kingdom.

This pictures how the "Sun of Righteousness" with healing

in his beams shall shine from the beginning to the ending of

the Millennial reign of Christ. The valley filled with light

represents the valley of blessings and life; and during the

Millennial reign the people who come into this valley or

condition of blessing will be healed, uplifted and blessed. The

glorious and life-giving light will drive out all darkness,

ignorance, superstition and death, and bring everlasting

blessings to all who will receive it. Let us picture to our

minds the millions returning from the tomb and entering this

valley of blessings, there to receive the balm of Gilead which

the Lord has so graciously provided for the binding up of

broken hearts and comforting of them that mourn. Millions

who have been torn from their loved ones by the great enemy

death will be brought again together; families long separated

will be reunited. They shall "come with songs and everlasting

j°y u Pn their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."— Isaiah 35:10.

The glorious reign of Christ completed, all the human

race tried and tested, all wickedness and unrighteousness

destroyed from the earth, no longer will there exist any

necessity for the Gospel light, represented by the sun, nor

the law, represented by the moon. "And the city [the holy

government] had no need of the sun, neither of the moon

to shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it and the

Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations [peoples fully

restored] shall walk by the light thereof, and the kings

[perfect men] of the earth do bring their glory into it, and

the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day; for there shall

be no night there." — Revelation 21:23-2o.

The bringing of such blessings to the poor groaning

creation will be the great privilege of the sons of God.

"Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon

us, that we should be called the sons of God!" (1 John 3:2)

Behold, what a wonderful prospect is set before those who

are privileged to be counted as light-bearers in the earth

during the age of sacrifice and suffering, to those who are

faithful unto death! What an inspiration to faithfulness and

loyalty to the Lord!

"For soon astonished men shall see

The laurels of thy victory;

And thou with grace and glory crowned,

Mayst lavish blessings all around."

NEHEMIAH ENFORCES THE LAW OF THE SABBATH

[ This article was a reprint of that entitled

'Nehemiah's Correction of Sabbath-Breaking," published in issue of November 13,

1899, which please see.]

MY REDEEMER

"When first I heard of Jesus, so marred upon the tree,

T felt no glad emotion as though he died for me;

T saw no kingly beauty majestic, grand or brave;

I turned away, despising his proffered aid to save.

"But when I came to know him his precious name grew sweet,

And like the tinted rainbow love arched the Mercy- Seat,

And when through beams of glory the light shone from his

face,

All other objects faded before his matchless grace.

"When first I heard the tidings how God's beloved Son

Designs to bless the fallen since Adam's race begun,

What could I do but praise him — make vault of heaven ring!

And own him as my choicest — Redeemer, Lord and King!

"0 Rose of rarest odor! Lily white and pure!

O Chiefest of ten thousand, whose glory must endure!

The intfre I see thy beauty, the more I know thy grace,

The more I long unhindered to gaze upon thy face!'*

[«177]

THE ADVENT OF THE MESSIAH

[The eleventh and twelfth paragraphs of this article were reprinted from article entitled "Gift3 to Our King," published in issue

of January 1, 1906. The remainder was reprinted from article entitled "Birth of the Man Christ Jesus/'

published in issue of December 15, 1907. Please see the articles named. 1

DIVINE PROTECTION AND DELIVERANCE

fWith the exception of the following paragraphs this article was a reprint of article entitled "The Feet of Him," published in

issue of December 1, 1911, which please see.]

DECEiruER o0. — Quarterly Review

NATURAL ISRAEL TYPICAL OF SPIRITUAL ISRAEL (JOD 'S CAKE AND PROTECTION- OF THE NATURAL ISRAELITES ILLUSTRATIVE OF SPIRITUAL

BLESSINGS TO THE CHURCH — PERILOUS TIMES OF THE EVIL DAT — COMFORTING WORDS OF LIFE — WARNING

VOICES AND WHOLESOME COUNSEL NECESSARY.

"With Jehovah there is loving kindness, and with him is plenteous redemption/' — Psa. 130:7.

This lesson is intended for a review of the history of the "He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will

children of Israel during the period covered by the last

quarter's lessons, namely, about two hundred and seventy

years. We realize that natural Israel was typical of spiritual

Israel, and the experiences which came to them illustrated

the experiences of the church. The spiritual Israelite therefore

, receives much instruction by carefully noting the history

of the natural Israelite, and can enter more heartily into their

experiences and rejoice with them in their songs* of deliverance

. It is suggested by those who arranged the lessons that

Ave read the 123rd and 124th Psalms. Tnese psalms are indeed

beautiful, and suggest the loving kindness and protecting

power of Jehovah over his faithful children. We, as spiritual

Israelites, realize that we are still in the land of the enemy,

and we know of no more fitting promises to apply to the

present time than those contained in the 91at Psalm which

have been an inspiration to the church throughout the many

centuries of its existence.

In the midst of the "perilous times" of this "evil day,"

and of the warning voices of prophets and apostles pointing

out snares and pestilences and subtle dangers on every hand —

and in the midst, toq, of a realizing sense of the actual existence

of such evil besetments and perils — how precious to the

saints are the assurances of divine protection and care and

personal love!

We call to mind the gracious promises of our Lord — "The

Father himself loveth you;" "Fear not, little flock; it is

your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom ;" and

love him and will manifest myself to him; . . . and MY

Father \\i\] love him, and we a\ ill come unto him and make

Our abode with him. . . . Peace I leave with you, my

peace I give unto you. Let not vour heart bo troubled,

neither let it be afraid."— John 16:27; 14:21, 23, 27; Luke

12:32.

TIMELY WARNINGS— WHOLESOME OOTJNSEL

But warning voices and wholesome counsel are also necessary

; and he is not wise who turns a deaf ear to them, -and

takes cognizance alone of the comforting assurances which

are designed only for those who faithfully "watch and pray

lest they enter into temptation." Every soldier of the cross

needs to heed the Apostle's warnings — "Take unto you the

whole armor of God, that y$ may be able to withstand in the

evil day, and haying done all. to stand;" and again, "Let us

fear lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest,

any of you should seem to come short of it;" and fear also

"lest, as the serpent [Satan] beguiled Eve, through his

subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity

that is in Christ;" "for grievous wolves shall enter in

among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves

shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples

after them," "Behold/* said our Lord, "I Bend you

forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as

serpents and harmless as doves." — Eph. 6:13; Heb, 4:1; 2

Cor. 11:3? Acts 20:29, 30; Matt. 10:16,

INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE

Many years ago Brother Russell proved from the Scriptures

that a federation would be formed between the various

nominal church systems, and that this federation would cooperate

with the civil powers in the. exercise of control over

the people. This federation is now practically an accomplished

fact. Only a short time ago at a great mass meeting

in Carnegie H;ilK New York City, Protestant and Catholic

ministers and Jewish Rabbis united in an effort for Bible

study, ignoring the name of Jesus Christ. That ecclesiasticism

is now cooperating with the civil powers is patent to

every thinking mind. "Pastor Russell foresaw this coming

federation and repeatedly called the attention of The Watch

Tower readers thereto. As far back as 1805, in an issue of

Ths Watch Tower he set forth that John the Baptist and his

experiences were typical; that in the antitype it would probably

be the privilege of the consecrated, before the close of the

harvest, to call attention to the tacit union and concurrent

action of the church systems and civil powers of the land; that

this would be displeasing to those in authority, especially to

the ecclesiastics; that trie proclamation by the truly consecrated

, calling attention to this unholy alliance, would probably

bring upon them certain trying experiences and would

be a great honor to everyone joyfully participating in this

work.

It is apparent that the nations of earth are hopelessly

divided on political and military issues, and that their only

hope of establishing peace is by the intervention of ecclesiastical

powers. The head of the Papal system has already made

overtures to the civil powers, looking to the establishment of

peace. It may be expected that he will make further representations

to this end, and that the "nobles" of the Protestant

systems will join with him, and that as a consequence

these ecclesiastics will be given more prominence by the civil

powers. The Scriptures in many -places describe this unholy

alliance as Babylon, and likewise show that the evils concerning

Babylon should be made known.

"The Finished Mystery" — Volume VII of Studies m the

Scriptures — without question contains an exposition — such

as never before published — of the evils committed by Babylon,

of the unrighteous relationship between ecclesiasticism and

civil powers, the effect that a knowledge of these facts will

have upon the people, and how Babylon's fall wiU be accomplished

. The Watch Tower subscribers are familiar with the

further fact that Brother Russell as the Laodicean messenger

repeatedly emphasized the fact that there should be a strong,

vigorous witness of the truth to the world in the last days of

the church's experiences this side the veil, and that the giving

of this witness to the truth would probably result in the restraint

of the antitypical "John" class; for the message when

given will constitute a rebuke to Babylon.

In harmony with this conclusion the Scriptures also show

that the "vine of the earth" must be gathered, and the juice

must be squeezed out of the grapes, constituting this "vine of

the earth/' Since the Lord has shown that this message must

be given to the church nominal, and since this message is

contained in the Seventh Volume — "the point of the sword'' —

the question now is, Who of the consecrated will join in using

that point? Everything leads to the conclusion that the dark

night referred to m the Scriptures, in which no man can

work, is rapidly approaching and whatever work is done with

reference to harvesting the vine of the earth must be done

quickly. To this fact the brethren throughout the country

are awake. Many are very anxious to enter the field and to

spread far and wide the message contained in Volume VII.

We realize that many of the colporteur brethren were

compelled to leave the service in 1914 because they had u^ed

all their worldly substance in the great work accomplished.

that year. The Master of the harvest may be always relied

upon to provide the means to accomplish his work, and now

he has put it in the heart of a dear brother to come forward

with a contribution to be used especially for the smiting of

Babylon. This fund can be used to aid those colporteurs to

enter the work, who have heretofore been hindered because of

their financial condition. The Society has adopted what is

believed to be the most economical plan, one which will enable

the greatest number with this small means to again engage

in the cotporteur work. The plan is that one hundred copies

of Volume VII will be billed to each colporteur who needs

assistance to get started in the work, free of charge, and that

(362-365)

[6178]

Dkc*mbkr 1, 1917

THE WATCH TOWER

(365 366)

the sale of this number will give to such colporteur a working

capital on which he or she may go ahead in the work and

continue in it until the finish. By this method we believe

that fully a half million copies of The Finished Mystery

may be placed in the hands of the people by the end of the

year. We therefore suggest that everyone who desires to

engage in the colporteur service, but who cannot do so because

of their financial condition, and who by reason of the aid

above suggested could do so, write us immediately for territory

and for further instructions. The time seems opportune

for the great drive that will divert the symbolic waters from

Mystic Babylon, and thus hasten her downfall, preceding the

full establishment of the kingdom of peace. The Psalmist

declares that God will grant to his saints the privilege and

honor of declaring these judgments written. — Psalm 149:5-9.

Surely the saints beyond the veil have a keen, interest in

the conclusion of the work, and every saint this side the

veil will have a keen interest in that work. We believe that

all the consecrated will appreciate the privilege of now participating

with gladness of heart in this laboring. The time

is short. Our responsibility is great. Let ua then do with

our might what our hands find to do, laboring diligently

while it is called clay. A little while and we shall finish our

course and by his grace be permitted to have the Lord's approving

smile and be forever with him.

INTERESTING LETTERS

THANKTTJL FOR CONTINUATION or HARVEST WORK

Dear Brethren: —

We believe we would be remits in our duty and obligation

to you and to our dear Lord, if we did not make known to

you our determination of continued steadfastness.

We take this time and manner to assure you of our sympathy

and cooperation in your "labor of love/* "Daily will

we remember at the throne of heavenly grace the general

interests of the harvest work/* "trusting that the Chief

Reaper will make all things work together for good."

We are so thankful for the provision made for the continuation

of the work, and we are sure our dear Lord's

blessing will be on all who share in this service.

With much Christian love, Winfield Ecclesia. — Kans.

VETOES THE SUGGESTION

Editorial Committee, The Watch Tower,

Brooklyn, New York.

Dear Brethren: —

My attention is just directed to the suggestion in "Harvest

Sif tings Reviewed " reading as follows: "Would not

Brother Walter Page, a former vice president, make a much

better President than Brother Rutherford?"

As I am the only Brother Page who ever served as a vice

president of the Society I presume I am the one referred to,

although my name is not Walter but William. Under existing

conditions I must emphatically veto the suggestion, and

among other reasons are the following vital oiies:

The President of the Society must needs be of tested,

proven financial ability to handle its various important business

transactions.

He should be an able public speaker to properly present

the object and w T ork of the SocrETY in its public meetings.

I do not possess these essential qualifications and Brother

Rutherford does; and in addition our dear Brother has a

rounded, developed Christian character { the most essential

factor) ; and understanding the work of the Society and

having 1 it well in hand, he is in my judgment the Lord's best

qualified agent to continue in charge of the interests and

work of our Society.

Yours in our dear Redeemer, W. E. Page. — Ioica.

GOD'S ARMOR THE ONLY PROTECTION

Dear Brethren; —

Since reading in Volume VII, page 126, the paragraph

that states God may soon allow the minds of many of hi3

little ones to become an open battleground upon which the

fallen angels shall be judged, I have felt prompted to tell you

that I have been tried along this line. For some time before

I knew anything of the Seventh Volume I had several attacks,

the memory of which makes me shudder. It seemed as if

something gripped my forehead and forced me to doubt God.

I struggled against the malignant influence. God did not

seem to be anywhere at all. In awful fear and anguish I

went to the W T ord of God and pleaded for his promised help.

If it had not been for divine aid I would have lost my mental

balance, but God did not fail me in my time of need. Each

attack proved less severe than the former. Still the tight

feeling about my head remained. It was very harassing and

had a depressing effect and I struggled to get rid of it. At

last I came to the conclusion God must be allowing it for a

purpose and that I had better count it a "light affliction which

is but for a moment." After submission to the will of God,

I read the aforesaid paragraph in Volume Seven. It came to

me with strange force and almost scared me, but the peace of

God through faith in the Father's power came to me and now

I am no longer troubled with the gripping feeling in my head.

When I cried to God for guidance he brought clearly to my

notice the armor of God for the mind, mentioned in Ephesians

6:17. Day by day, I put on these different pieces, and the

result is wonderful. Please pray that I may continue to do

so. This is my only safe-guard. I may not have been as

faithful in the past as I ought to have been, and perhaps that

is why the adversary came so close. "Now thanks to God

who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"

"He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able,

but will with the temptation also make a way of escape that

we may be able to bear it.'* The Morning Resolve, the Vow

and the Manna are a great help daily.

Your sincere sister in Christ, J. M.

LOVE AND ZEAL NEVER MORE MANIFEST

Dear Brethren in the Lord: —

During the twenty -three years I have enjoyed the "present

truth" it was my blessed privilege to visit the Bible House

in Allegheny from time to time, remaining three months during

the summer of 1902; and after the headquarters were removed

to Brooklyn, I came to the "Bethel'* several times a

year, and while living in Philadelphia, during 1910, 1911, I

spent the first Sunday in each month at Brooklyn. During the

past four years, and especially since our dear Brother Russell

's death, I have been almost daily at the Bethel Home.

In view of the foregoing 1 believe I am in a position to say

for your encouragement that never in all these twenty-three

years have I witnessed more harmony, more love, more fervent

zeal, more joyful service, and in fact more of the Lord's

Spirit, than is manifested among the dear friends in the

"Bethel" at the present time. This seems to be a very strong

evidence of the Lord's favor and blessing upon the management

and upon the faithful co-laborers at the Tabernacle and

in the Home.

After considerable thought upon the matter, I am firmly

convinced that the opposition to the present management is

but a subtle effort of the adversary to "throw dust" into the

eyes of the Lord's people, and thus to thwart the further publication

and circulation of the Seventh Volume, if possible.

And why should there be any objection to the Seventh

Volume on the part of any one? Who is most interested in

its suppression? Is there anything in this volume which the

Lord would disapprove? Surely not! It speaks for itself.

Is there anything in it which Satan would wish to oppose?

Yea, verily! For does it not lay bare the evils of his government

; and will it not cause the complete overthrow of his

kingdom, when once the truths of Revelation and Ezekiel are

fully comprehended by the people, after "a stone has been

bound to the book and it has been cast into Euphrates?" —

Jeremiah 51:60-.64.

A similar ruse was employed by the great adversary in

1908. Ostensibly, the opposition was directed against the

Vow, and our beloved Pastor was made the target of every

manner of vilification at that time; but the real issue was the

truth about "The Covenants!'*

In re the Seventh Volume: it was my privilege some years

ago to suggest to Brother Russell the title, "The Finished

Mystery," which he then approved as "very good." And the

fact that this very title was selected and used by the Society

is strongly convincing to my mind that our beloved Pastor

beyond the veil has supervised the writing and publication of

this work. So much for external evidence.

And what is the internal evidence? Let each one read for

himself and ask the question, "Gould anyone have so clearly

and harmoniously revealed the hidden things of God except

the hand of the Lord had been upon him':" Nay, verilv! It

would have been impossible! THE FINISHED MYSTERY

is indeed the "seventh plague," and it will do its work! As

for myself, I want to have a little share in bringing about the

"Fall of Babylon."

Pray for me, that I may be faithful even unto death.

With Christian love, Yours in "that blessed hope,"

Gertrude W. Seibert. — A T . Y.

[6179]

(366-367)

THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, N. Y.

THINKS THE SUGGESTION A GOOD ONE

Deab Bbethren: —

I was glad to see your recommendation that all the brethren

give a copy of Volume Seven to their relatives and friends

this Christmas, and thus have a share in accomplishing The

Fatx of Babylon, If Tnrc Watch Toweb subscribers would

each give away on an average of 10 copies of Vol. VII (which

are offered at half price, 30c each, plus expressage. in lots of

10), that would mean at least 300,000 copies of The Finished

Mysteby distributed this Christmas time! Some can

give away more than ten copies.

Am now boarding with a Catholic family, and they ask

me many questions. They seem to have hearing ears.

With Christian love, yours in his service,

Axna J. Gillespie. — Iowa.

CONTINUED APPBECIATIOKS OF VOLUME SEVEN

"How can I keep from singing? I feel as did the ruler

of the marriage feast in Cana when he snid: 'Thou has kept

the good wine until now.' Surely, surely, Volume Seven is

from the Master. I fully agree with every thought presented

therein thus far. Just to think that our dear Master revealed

to me last fall the significance of the living creatures of

Ezekiel and the four beasts of Rev. 4:6, which has proven

to be the KEY to Ezekiel and Revelation. My heart falls

prone before Him in praise and thanksgiving for his wonderful

manifestation of grace and love. The chariot mentioned

on page 63 is wonderful. Of course, the little flock are

bound to have a chariot to ride in before they could go to

heaven. And who would desire BETTER horsemen than

Ezekiel and John? And if it be the Lord's will that we go

in a whirlwind of anarchy we need not fear, for our horsemen

are perfectly trained and our chariot was made by the Lord

himself. What a privilege! 'The cup which my Father hath

given me shall I not drink it?' 'This is the victory that

overcometh the world EVEN" OUR FAITH.' 'Have faith in

God/ Have faith in tbe truth. Have faith in the Seventh

volume." J. P. W,, Ky.

"What a rich legacy our dear Pastor has left behind him!

And I wish to express my thankfulness and appreciation to

each one of those who had any part in getting this volume

out, and more than this, I pray that each one may be granted

a special blessing from the heavenly father as a reward for

their labor of love for the dear saints everywhere,"

R. A. W., Conn.

"Have read with deep interest and profit the illuminations

of Revelation and Ezekiel. How wise and so wonderful that

God should thus hide these things until these great institutions

should have served his purpose and demonstrated to an

astonished world the subtle and deceptive power of the

adversary 1 How glad we are that his end and complete

binding is so near at hand! May this fact and the glorious

era of peace and good will to follow, stimulate us all to

greater zeal and faithfulness until our change come."

R. I., Ont.

"My heart burned (glowed) with love as I eagerly read

from 'To the King of kings and Lord of lords,' then the

publishers' preface which I have reread, heartily endorsing it

as given by the 'Chief Reaper* who fills our hearts with love

for God and for his people, causing me to rejoice and give

praise to the Lord for this further evidence of His blessed

favor. I was graciously permitted the opportunity to finish

its contents in a little over one week/'

Mrs. L. E. M.. Mo.

"I have read enough of Volume Seven to impress me with

the certainty that its individual title 'The Finished Mystery 1

well applies. It is indeed a wonderful interpretation of the

two books of the Bible which the clergy have declared for

centuries contained no message for mankind. Some of the

able expositors of present truth in giving to the world the

above named volume have made easy reading matter of Revelation

and Ezekiel. It will surely be blessed of God in conveying

a better understanding of the symbolic language of

Scripture. It is indeed a fitting apex to the pyramid of Biblical

interpretation by that 'faithful servant. Pastor Russell,

who though dead, yet speaketh." S. W. M., Mich.

"In my early childhood my mother had impressed upon

my mind that, in time, Revelation would be understood. I

used to ponder over the plagues, angels, etc. I knew the

beast was the Roman Catholic church but I could not understand

the plagues. In due time I learned. Volume Seven

came as a complete surprise, and is proving a great pleasure."

M. H. D., Tenn.

"When Volume Seven was handed to me, the surprise

made me almost gasp for breath. I am deeply thankful to

God for this book and for the loving labors of every hand

that has helped produce it." G. K., Okla.

"Imagine my very happy surprise when on opening my

P. O. Box I found Volume Seven! Oh, how delighted I was!

I am wholly unable to express any appreciation to you for

so kindly remembering me. Truly our heavenly Father

knoweth "what things we have need "of and 'is supplying all

our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.' "

H. R., Texas.

"We cannot tell you how much we are anticipating enjoying

Volume Seven nor of the hearts full of thankfulness and

love to God and to you, as we read it. We surely realize

that the Lord is using the same channel in dispensing meat

in due season, We assure you of our loyal support now and

to the end and recognize that our dear Brother Rutherford

was surely chosen of the Lord to lead the church to the end

of her journey." A. E. W. W., Ohio.

"I am eighty -two years old and have often wondered,

'Would I live to see the Seventh Volume of the world's most

wonderful series of God's mysteries unfolded?' 'Praise the

Lord, my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy

name."' G. II., W. Va.

"We accept Volume Seven heartily and fully as the last

and final serving at our heavenly Father's table, what has

been so sumptuously spread with delicious viands of truth

from Jehovah, by His dear Son through that 'Faithful {Servant

' our dear Pastor. We also perceive it to be the fiery

chariot that will separate the Elijah and Elisha classes."

E. A. S. W., R. L

"I feel that my cup of joy overflows. I rejoice that it

is due time for this solemn message, and I desire to use

Volume Seven as the 'chariot* that shall help me mount to

the skies." Mbs. E. B., Mass.

"The arrangement of Volume Seven, of chapter and verses

with comments, is most satisfying. It makes the Sword of

the Spirit shine brighter and renders its use more facile and

effective. There is much in it to incite heart-searching as to

faith, loyalty and love; much to arouse us to watchfulness.

and to admonish 'My soul, be on thy guard'; much to cause

thanksgiving and praise. To all who in any measure had any

share in compiling the Seventh Volume I send my thanks and

assure them of my prayers ascending to our heavenly Father

…