The Watchtower, November 1, 1918

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Vol. XXXIX

PITTSBURGH, PA., NOVEMBER 1, 1918

No. 21

VIEWS FROM THE TOWER

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your toays my ways y saith the Lord, For as tiie heavens are higher than

the earth, 90 are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" — Isaiah 55:8, 9.

The grand truth so succinctly stated in this text is not

appreciated by any except the mature Christian; and it takes

years of experience in the school of Christ to learn this lesson

well. Very few learn the lesson properly; but as a re*

suit these enjoy a calm and a peace in their daily life which

others do not. These also have a greater confidence than

others possibly can have. In the words of the Apostle, "We

know that all things work together for good to them that

love God." Such have learned that the failure of their own

plans, the thwarting of their own purposes, is not an evil

nor an evidence of divine disfavor. They have learned that

this is the very way which God uses to teach them the lesson

that divine wisdom is superior to human wisdom; and

what confidence, what hope, what joy fill the hearts of these!

With such mature Christians every trial is but "light

affliction/' "not worthy to be compared with the glory which

shall be revealed." When seeming calamities come into their

lives, they "sorrow not as those who have no hope" ; for' they

recognize the Father's loving hand in every experience, assigning

to them needed lessons, in order that they may be "made

meet for the Master's use." This lesson of full submission to the

divine will must be learned by us all, ere we can hope to share

with our Lord in his kingdom.

The past two years of the church's experience have been

fraught with many such lessons. How often the Heavenly

Father has seemingly hindered the accomplishment of our

plans, and afterwards shown us his own grand designs, which

we have always found to be higher, grander in every sense,

than our own!

A SUCCESSION OF STOPBISES

It would seem well at this season, the memorial of the

translation of "that faithful and wise steward" from earthly

to heavenly activities (Revelation 14:13), to review the Lord's

dealings with his people, both individually and collectively,

and learn lessons thereby. Two years ago the Lord's people

were all engaged in harvest activities, with no thought of

any sudden change. Brother Russell had gone on an extended

trip. Few realized how near he was to his journey's end.

On the morning of November 1, 1916, word had gone all

around the world that Pastor R usse H had died on the afternoon

of October 31. How little did the masses realize earth's

loss! How few realized that his work was continuing! None

realized hi3 gain.

From that time on, apparently the Lord has been giving

to the church a aeries of experiences different from what we

had had before, a succession of surprises, every one of which

was needed, that we might learn the lesson of our text. The

report of Brother Russell's death came as a shock to us all,

and proved a trial of our faith. Most of us had planned his

demise at a different time and in a different way. Now our

minds were more or less bewildered; and we began to question

: "Has the harvest ended? Is the door closed? Are

we of the great company class? Who will carry on the work

now ?"

At first we were inclined to mourn our loss unduly, to

grieve over Brother Russell's departure. But soon our sorrow

was turned to joy; for it speedily became manifest that

the Lord had simply exalted Brother Russell, and had given

him greater powers and grander opportunities of service than

were ever his before. Furthermore, when, we realized that his

interest in the members of the church remaining in the flesh,

and his ability to assist them, had been increased manifold, our

joy increased proportionately.

THE TEST WOW UPON THE CHURCH

Slowly the majority regained their equilibrium, as the

Lord manifested his ability to carry on the work. How much

we all needed to learn that lesson in order to stabilize our

faith! How grandly the Lord fulfilled his promise to raise

up shepherds to care for the flock! How marvelously the

work progressed for a time! How strenuous was the activity,

and how we did enjoy it for a time !

Suddenly, however, divine providence so overruled that

the work should come almost to a standstill. How the Lord's

providences seemed to change! How differently events were

occurring from what we had expected! Another needed trial

was upon the church. While engaged in the activities of the

harvest work and while smiting Jordan, we had learned lessons

of confidence, humility and patience; but the dear Lord

saw that we needed to learn these same lessons from another

angle. Would we continue to have confidence, to be humble

and patient, when all our activities had practically ceased?

The Lord is still permitting this test to 'be upon us. Would

we lose our confidence now, and conclude that the Lord had

deserted his work and his people, when he has told us: "I

will never leave thee nor forsake thee"? Would we lose our

humility to the extent that we would assert that the Lord

had cast off the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, and was

no longer using it as his agency for comforting and blessing

his people? Would we become so impatient with the Lord

and nis ways that we would take things into our own hands

and cease to recognize the church as a Scripturally organized

body, and consider ourselves at liberty to "draw away disciples

after" ourselves? Would we so far lose the Master's

spirit and forget his injunction not to judge, not to condemn,

that we would thus injure our brother ? How could the work

possibly continue now?' Who could be found with ability to

carry it on?

An early demise of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society

was predicted by some; and all the dear sheep wondered what

would be the outcome. Quietly and grandly the Lord impressed

the lesson again, that his work was not dependent

upon the ability of man, but that the Father was able to

VII— 34

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THE WATCH TOWER

Pittsburgh, Pa.

perfect praise out of the mouth of babes and sucklings. During

the past few months the grand old ship, which has weathered

the storms of centuries, has passed through some terrific

gales. The powers of the air have done their worst to destroy

it; but the fact that it is still afloat is due to the other

fact that "the Lord is in the ship/' Some, fearing the storm,

have deserted the ship, forgetful that our safety lies in remaining

in it. We pity them, and rejoice that the majority

have stood the test.

ANOTHER WEEDED TEST

How we needed this lesson, also! A few have been entrapped

by the adversary, but we are glad to say that every

day's mail brings to the office the assurance that some of them

have recovered their balance; and for this we rejoice. It is

plainly evident that the friends are gradually learning the

lesson that "man proposes, but God disposes"; that God's

thoughts, ways and plans are not ours. In this connection

we might add that the removal of the Society's headquarters

to Pittsburgh is proving to be another test to some ol the

Lord's dear ones. Very evidently still further lessons of

confidence* in the Lord are needed. Human wisdom and sentimentality

would have dictated our stay in Brooklyn; but

divine providence forced us to move; and we wish to say that

there aTe so many evidences of the Lord's providences in the

removal that we cannot enumerate them. This work has not

been accomplished without severe trials; but we have invariably

found that these proved to be blessings in disguise. The

Lord has permitted us to 'be confronted with almost insurmountable

obstacles, only to brush them quickly aside at the

proper time.

How fitting it seems that the great work begun by our dear

Pastor at Allegheny, under the Lord's providence, forty years

ago should be finished here! There is every evidence, however,

that there is a further work ahead, after a brief resting season

; and we counsel all the Lord's people to be patient, courageous

and humble. The Scriptures clearly point out a second

smiting of Jordan, and some texts seem to imply still further

unfoldings of God's Word. In Romans 15:4 we are told that

everything written in the Old Testament was for the instruction

of the church, while she is in the hoping time — -written

for her comfort and to help her to learn lessons of patience.

This thought suggests an understanding of all the prophecies

before the church shall be glorified. May not the "many

like words" "added" to the book which was burned and which

Jeremiah rewrote (Jeremiah 36:32) be the corroborative testimony

of all the prophets — Isaiah and all the minor prophets?

It would not surprise us if this were the case. We believe that

The Watch Toweb will be used as the Lord's official organ

to disseminate his truth until that work shall have been finished

. But however this may be, time alone will tell.

During this little resting time let us practise "washing one

another's feet," rendering to the various fellow members of

the body those loving little services which are "an odor of a

sweet Incense' , to God. And let us not forget to grow in grace

and in knowledge ourselves. Now is the time to put on the finishing

touches to our own character and to help the brethren

to do the same.

A SPECIAL MEMORIAL

This issue of The Watoh Towee contains a supplement

which should awaken in every loyal heart the blessed memory

of the faithful loyalty and loving zeal of that noble man of

God, Charles Taze Russell. How grandly his message and his

example have encouraged us in the past! How the memory

of these encourages us still! How beautifully he always acquiesced

to all the divine providences which came into his own

life and into the work which he loved so well!

"Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill

God treasures up his bright designs

And works his sovereign will. J '

And now, dear friends, we warn you that the trials are not

ended. W e shall need to gird on the whole armor of God that

we may be able to stand in the still more evil days to come.

The prophet forewarns us, saying, "Who shall be able to

stand?" The apostles declare that every man's faith shall

be "tried so as by fire." (Malachi 3:2; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 1

Peter 4:12; Revelation 6:16, 17) All the "wood, hay and

stubble" will be "burned." If we would be disloyal under any

trial, God will surely permit that trial. If our faith will fail

at any point, the Lord will surely give us that test. If we can

be induced to injure or to condemn our brother, our test will

be along that line. If we are disposed to substitute our plans,

our ways, our thoughts for God's plans, ways and thoughts, we

are ^ot yet ready for the Messianic kingdom; and God will

surely give us opportunities to manifest our true disposition

and the intents of our hearts,

A WOBD OF EXHORTATION

Not in vain did the prophet say: "He shall be like a refiner

's fire and like fuller's soap," when he shall "purify the

sons of Levi" This surely indicates the thoroughness of the

test at this time The Revelator adds : "They that are with

him are the called, the chosen and the faithful"." Let us leave

the disposing of our individual affairs in the Lord's hands, as

well as the disposing of the church's affairs, and the Society's

affairs, also. The Lord will never desert his people. "O thou

of little faith, wherefore dost thou doubt?"

When we shall have learned well the lesson that "God is

able to save to the uttermost," that "he who has begun a good

work will finish it," and that he chooses his own times and

ways for the accomplishment of all his plans, then we shall

have learned to distrust our own wisdom, our own plans ; and

we will submit joyfully to every experience which our Father

permits to come into our lives. Then, and not until then, do

"we know that all things work together" for our good, individually

and collectively.

Beloved one!

Beyond earth's sunshine and its rain,

Beyond all weariness and pain,

Thou art at rest.

E'en though we mourn our loss, we joy to feel

Thou art so blest.

faithful one!

Now privileged to see unfold

God's purpose in the scroll unrolled

By Christ's own hand;

And thou host made report: "I've done as thou,

Lord, didst command."

SPECIAL DIVINE PROVIDENCE

[Reprint from August 1, 1893, issue which please see.]

"IN MEMORIAM"

radiant one!

Along the dark and narrow way

Thy faithfulness casts back a ray

Of hope and cheer;

For thou so joyously thy cross didst bear,

With scarce a tear,

blessed one!

We pray for strength to do God's will,

To wait and suffer and be still,

As thou hast done,

Nor faint nor fear, but still run on until

The prize is won.

"THY SAINTS SHALL GLORIFY THEE"

[Reprint from October 15, 1900, issue which please see.]

PURITY A QUALIFICATION OF THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

"Be ye clean, that hear the vessels of the Lord."— Iaaiah 52:11.

This unjunction of the Prophet Isaiah was addressed primarily

, no doubt, to those who were connected with the Jewish

priesthood or identified with the Lord's house, the Jewish Temple

. The law required that the priesthood should be clean.

There was an outward cleansing provided for, we remember,

both in the Tabernacle and in the Temple service. The priests

had the laver of water at which they were to wash before handling

the vessels of the Lord's house. Doubtless also the in-

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struction included the thought that they should be clean in

their lives, in their conduct before the people; for they represented

the Lord.

We believe that in a larger and broader sense, in a prophetic

sense, this text has application bo the church of Christ,

the royal priesthood, of which Jesus is the great High Priest,

identified with the true temple of God. The vessels of the

Lord's house might represent the various truths of the Lord's

Word — a variety of truths on a variety of subjects. To a

certain extent the term "vessels" might apply to the different

books of the Bible. In a way still different the term might be

made applicable to the Lord's people themselves, represented

as 'being the vessels of the Lord in that we contain and give

forth his word. The Apostle says, for instance (2 Timothy

2:20, 21): "In a great house there are not only vessels of

gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth and some to

honor and some to less honor." He exhorted that these vessels

should be kept clean, ready for the Master's use.

In our text, the vessels would seem to represent the truths

of God's Word, and those who bear them the priests. The application

is quite clear to us who are followers of the Lord

Jesus, the antitypical priesthood, the royal priesthood, which

St. Peter mentioned. (1 Peter 2:1!) We should all be clean.

This cleansing began with us before we have 'become priests.

When we purposed to become priests, to accept the Lord's

invitation, a certain cleansing of heart and life took place. But

in addition to this cleansing from individual shortcomings, we

need cleansing from the defilement of original sin, which can

be effected only through the merit of the blood of Christ. This

cleansing took place after we had presented ourselves to God

in -consecration. Having thus been cleansed and accepted of

the Father to membership in the royal priesthood, it is necessary

that we keep cleansed; so the Scriptures again exhort:

"Cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.*'

— 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 1:7.

This cleansing work is one that may well be considered

continual; for despite our very best endeavors we find that

weaknesses of the flesh still cling to us more or less. It is impossible

to put away absolutely every imperfection of thought,

word and deed while we are in the mortal body. Our personal

cleansing work, therefore, as well as the cleansing of the blood

of Christ, must continue as long as we live; and a constant

watchfulness to avoid sin and all the defilements of the fallen

earthly nature is necessary.

The thought given in this text is to be continually before

our minds — that all who attempt to bear the message of the

Lord, to be his servants, to speak his truth, should be, first of

all, clean, pure of heart. "Blessed are the pure in heart; for

they shall see God." Those who are impure of heart will not

be permitted to see God, either in the literal or in the figurative

sense. The seeing of God now, the discerning of his character

, the understanding of his plan, diligence in copying him

— all this comes to us through a purity of heart. The more

pure in heart we become, the more our intentions are honest,

true and clean, the more we may understand and appreciate

our great heavenly Father; for he reveals himself to such,

and to no others. Hence the work of cleansing and keeping

clean is of the greatest importance.

We must attain absolute purity of heart, of intention ; and

then so far as possible we must keep our words and conduct

free from sin, free from defilement of any kind. If any regard

sin in hia heart, God will not hear him. This is the positive

declaration of his word. (Psalm 66:18) If therefore,

any neglect to keep himself in the love of God, he will soon

go into outer darkness, the darkness of the world, the darkness

of the nominal church. Hence our abiding in the Lord's

favor and in the light of his truth is made dependent upon

our keeping ourselves in his love, upon our keeping ourselves

in this cleansed condition, in purity of heart, and so far as

possible in purity of word, thought and deed.

INTERESTING QUESTIONS

Question: — Explain that Scripture which declares thai

God repented that he (had made man, and that it grieved him

at hi9 heart.

Answer: — 'This question is based upon Genesis 6:6. The

matter is plain when we see that the word repent may mean

a change of either conduct or mind, and often refers to a

change of course as a result of change of conduct or of mind.

In God'a case it would not mean a change of mind; for the

Scriptures assure us that he knows the end from the bogfinning

. (Acts 15:18) Hence it means only a change of conduct,

a change in the divine method of dealing. Up to the time of

the I>eluge God had pursued but one course with the human

family; and then he changed from that course to another. The

wickedness upon the earth grieved our heavenly -Father in the

sense that he is sympathetic, and therefore would appreciate

very keenly the troubles coming upon mankind as a result of

departure from a right course.

Question: — In Luke 13:24 is there a difference between the

door and the gate?

Answer: — The gate ia the way of faith. Our Lord said:

"Few there foe that find it" Apparently still fewer would care

to enter it. Those who have gone in have been misunderstood.

Jesus himself was misunderstood. His motives were impugned

. So also are those of his followers. The Master was

called Beelzebub; and his followers have been called devils.

But the time will come when the narrow way to life will be

done away with, when the door to the high calling will be

entirely closed; for all who will go into the kingdom will then

have entered. After that door has closed, people will begin

to realize much more clearly just what it has meant to be a

foot-step follower of our Lord, just what the election of the

church signifies. Then many will ibe anxious to enter. But

the way of sacrifice will be closed, and a new dispensation

ushered in.

JOSEPH SOLD BY HIS BROTHERS

[The first sixteen paragraphs of this article were reprinted from article entitled, "Hated of Hia Brethren," published in

issue of April 1, 1907. * The remainder was reprinted from the article, "Hated Without a Cause," published in issue of September

15, 1901. Please see the articles named.]

"AND THERE WAS A

As the green waves bear on their crest

The foam, and ever shoreward come,

So, moving surely to our rest,

Slowly we all like bits of foam

Oome drifting home.

He whom we loved has reached the shore

In peace; and all the ibillows vast —

The stormy waves of life that bore

Him on — have ceased their strife at last.

The storm is past!

We thought, because the waves of life

Were high and rough, the end would be

GREAT CALM"

'Mid scenes of tumult and of strife,

As mighty billows of the sea

Break loud and free.

But there was calm instead! The waves

Of life were stilled, and up the strand

Slipped noiselessly, as ocean laves

In quietness the silver sand.

An ending grand!

How sweet to know his weary life

At last to rest and quiet wore!

Oh, may we all through peace or strife

Be gathered on that silver shore

For evermore!

THE VALUE OF DISCIPLINE

"In the still air music lies unheard;

In the rough marble beauty lies unseen;

To wake the music and the beauty needs

The master's touch, the sculptor's chisel keen.

"Great Master; touch us with thy skilful hand;

Let not the music that is in us die.

Great Sculptor! hew and polish us; nor let,

Hidden and lost, thy form within us lie.

"Spare not the stroke; do with us as thou wilt;

Let there be naught unfinished, broken, marred ;

Complete thy purpose, that we may become

Thy perfect image, O our God and Lord!"

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