The Watchtower, August 1, 1919

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Upon the earth distress ot nations with perplexity: the s'.l and the waves (the restless, discontented! roanng: men s hearts falUng them tor tear and te* IooMn< to the things coming upon the earth (society': lor the powers or the heavens (ecclesiasticism) shall be shaken. . . Ivr'-1a ^f-oo^r jiao’s

then know that the Kingdom ot God is at hand. Look up. Lilt up your heads, reiotce, tor your redemption draweth nigh.—Matthew 24.33, Mark 13.29. Luke 41.2PO1

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VOL. XL

AUGUST 1 SEMI-MONTHLY

No. IB

A. D. 1910—A.M. 8047

CONTENTS

ROCK OF AGES

Other foundation can "

A.RANSOM, FOR ALU'.C

Blessed are the Fearless ................

Fear of Man a Snare ................

Gideon’s Triumph ....................

Fearless Faithful Prophets............

The Beast and the Lamb .............

The Truth our Weapon ...............

Distribution of Volunteer Matter .....

Spirit of Little Flock .................

Power and a Sound Mind ............

The Test of Perfect Love ............

Scripture for a Purpose ................

Take Heed unto Yourselves ........ ..

General Convention: Cedar Point, Ohio The Wisdom from Above ...............

The Kingdom of God ..................

The Sheep and the Goats ...............

236 -237

“/ will stand upon mv watch. and will set niv foot upon the Tower, and will watch to sec what He will sav unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me. '—Hab. 2:1.

©W.B.IT.S.

THIS JOURNAL. AND IT® SAGGED MISSION

THIS Journal is one of the prime factors or Instruments In the system of Bible Instruction, or “Seminary Extension,’' now belfifi presented in ail parts of the civilized world by the Watch Towns Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D. 1881, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge.” It not only serves as a class room where Bible Students may meet in the study of the Divine Word, but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's Conventions and of the coming of its traveling representatives styled “Pilgrims,” and refreshed with reports of its Conventions.

Our “Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies, most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V.D.M.), which, translated into English, is Minister of the Divine Word. Our treatment of the International S. S. Lessons is specially for the older Bible Students and Teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.

This Journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated__

Redemption through the precious blood of “the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a Ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all.” (1 Pet. 1:19; 1 Tim. 2:6.) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Pet 1:5-111 of the Word of God, Its further mission is to—“Make all see what is the fellowship of the Mystery which . , , has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other Age* was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed.”—Eph. 3 :5-9, 10.

It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God In Christ, as expressed in the Holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the Divine wisdom granted unto us. to understand. Its attitude is not dogmatical, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with Implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in His service ; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of His good pleasure, the teaching of His Word, for the upbuilding of His people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our readers to prove all its utterances by the Infallible Word to which reference is constantly made, to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the Church Is “the Temple of the Living God”—peculiarly “His workmanship ;” that its construction has been in progress throughout the Gospel Age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of His Temple, through which, when finished, God’s blessing shall come “to all people,” and they find access to Him.—1 Cor. 3 :16, 17 ; Eph. 2 ;20-22: Gen. 28 :14 ; Gal. 3 :29.

That meantime the chiseling, shaping and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s Atonement for sin, progresses; and when the last of these "living stones," “Elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the First Resurrection ; and the Temple shall be filled with His glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Rev. 15 :5-8.

That the Basis of Hope, for the Church and the World, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man," “a Ransom for all," and will be “the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," “in due time.”— Heb. 2 :9 ; John 1 :9 ; 1 Tim. 2 :5, 6.

That the Hope of the Church is that she may be like her Lord, “see Him as He is,” be “partaker of the Divine nature,” and share Hia glory as His joint-heir.—1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Rom. 8:17; 2 Pet. 1:4.

That the present mission of the Church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every grace; to be God’s witness to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next Age.—Eph. 4 :12; Matt. 24 :14 ; Rev. 1:6; 20 -.8.

That the hope for the World lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial Kingdom— the Restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and His glorified Church—when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isa. 35.

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AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

Vol. XL Avgust 1, 1919 No. 15

BLESSED ARE THE FEARLESS

"Fear not, little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”—Luke 12:32.

PART I.

HEN Christ Jesus spoke these words no one aside from himself had been begotten to the divine nature and to membership in the heavenly kingdom. He here made clear that God would select a class who would be associated with him in the kingdom. It is evident from the Master’s words that those who inherit the kingdom will be not only a “little flock”, but that

they will be a fearless class and especially will those be fearless who are developed during the time of stress or persecution. The Scriptures afford abundant reasons as to why this is true. The rule laid down, however, is contrary to that which governs man, and when the reason for the divine rule is understood the wisdom and love of God is made manifest in the rule. It is inherent in fallen man to fear. Since Adam was driven from Eden with the divine judgment of death against him it was ever thus and it will continue so until mankind knows, loves and obeys the Lord fully. (Genesis 3:8,24) But the class addressed by the Master in the text are no longer men from the divine viewpoint. These new creatures, however, so long as they are in the earth dwell in an imperfect fleshly organism and the mind of the flesh wars against the mind of the spirit. The mind of the flesh sometimes is uppermost, and for a time controls the new creature. Those who would enter the kingdom must of necessity overcome fear and have the new mind in control. The more one grows in the likeness of the Master, the more he is filled with the Master’s spirit, the more completely is fear overcome.

The pure in heart are those who love God supremely, love the brethren to the degree of laying down their earthly lives in behalf of them, and love their enemies to the extent of never doing them evil but always doing good as opportunity affords. The pure in heart are without fear of man. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Blessed are the fearless because these are they who have a pure heart. They fear no man, because they know the Lord is with them. (Hebrews 13:6) Their trust in the Lord is implicit. Such are pleasing to the Father and to the Lord Jesus.

GODLY TEAR

There is a fear which is very proper, and which everyone must have who is pleasing to God, and this is known as “Godly fear”. It means a holy reverence for Jehovah and a fear lest we should displease him and come short of the blessings he has promised us. “The fear [reverence] of the Lord is the beginning of [true] wisdom.” Such fear is not only valuable as the beginning of wisdom, but is valuable throughout the Christian’s journey. Some of the pertinent Scriptures on this point are: “But fear the Lord, ye saints.” (Psalm 34:9) "Ye that fear the Lord, praise him.” (Psalm 2:22,23) “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” (Psalm 103:13) “I will forewarn you and ye shall fear." (Luke 12:5) “They that feared the Lord spake often one to another.” (Malachi 3:16) “Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his beams.” (Malachi 4:2) But none of these Scriptures indicates that the new creature in Christ is to fear man, or any man-made organization.

We know, therefore, that the fear mentioned by the Master in the text does not mean a godly fear, because he admonishes the little flock to fear not. We must then conclude that he meant that the new creature in Christ should fear no man or anything that man produces. Nor should we be terrified by our adversaries, nor should we fear to forsake all things on earth and confidently follow in the Master’s footsteps.

FEAR OF MAN A SNARE

It is announced in God’s Word as a fixed principle or governing law of conduct that “The fear of man bringeth a snare”. (Proverbs 29:25) Early in his dealings with mankind God began to encourage those who believed his promises to have full confidence in him and to fear no creature. The Scriptures abound with testimony that those whom God approves do not fear man nor any other creature, but have a holy, reverential fear of Jehovah. In times of old Jehovah justified some men to friendship with him, and the record of his dealing with them was written for the benefit of the church. “Whatsoever things were heretofore written were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) In other phrase, all these lessons recorded in the Old Testament were so written that the new creation, to whom the kingdom is promised, might, without fear, cheerfully endure the fiery trials that beset their pathway, and, while so enduring, be greatly comforted by the recorded examples and precepts and the precious promises and have an increased hope of an inheritance in the glorious kingdom. Seeing that God intends his children to learn lessons from these recorded experiences of his friends, it is proper that we consider the recorded facts concerning them.

JOSHUA A TYPE

Moses was dead, and Jehovah had appointed Joshua to lead the children of Israel across the raging river of Jordan and into the land of Canaan, there to face and overcome a belligerent enemy. Joshua, like Moses, was a meek man, having little confidence in his own strength, but he had great faith in God and manifested such faith by encouraging the people to go forward and possess that which God had promised them. But Joshua needed encouragement and the people whom he

would lead needed encouragement to perform the deeds which Jehovah had set before them. God began such encouragement by saying: “Now, therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, thou and this people, into the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon that have I given unto you......Have not

I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:2,3,9) While it is true that Canaan was promised to the Israelites, yet be it noted that it was theirs only when they set their feet upon it and thereby took possession. The condition named in this command of the Lord required that Joshua and the people must have confidence in the promise made to them, must rely upon that divine promise and show their faith by acting according to the command. They must cross the Jordan amidst great obstacles and actually set their feet upon the land and take possession of it, and to do this required a fearless and implicit trust in Jehovah, because not only was the Jordan swollen, but the enemy was great and equipped for war. In the face of all the obstacles before him, Joshua exercised full confidence and faith in God, led the people across the Jordan, caused them to encamp at Gilgal and there prepare to lay siege to Jericho. Let us suppose that the elders and leaders of the tribes of Israel had said to Joshua, Behold, how great are our enemies, how strong! If we go over the Jordan into their country, surely we will offend them and they will do us injury; therefore let us send messengers and ask the Canaanites whether or not we may pass over and march around Jericho and blow our horns. Had such course been followed the army of Israel would never have crossed the Jordan. Such a course might have been the exercise of human wisdom and caution, but it would have shown a lack of faith and confidence in God. Let the new creature in Christ learn a lesson therefrom.

God has given to us better promises, greater rewards, exceeding great and precious promises, but these promised rewards are ours only in proportion as we claim them and appropriate them to ourselves and act upon them. We must prove our faith and confidence in God and his promises by our acts and by our works. God has set before the followers of Christ Jesus the exceeding great and precious promises of the kingdom, and, says the Master, it is his good pleasure to give to them this unspeakable reward, but those who receive this inheritance will be such, and such only, as confidently rely upon his promises and act upon them and who do not fear what man or man-made ecclesiastical systems or any other system may or can do unto them. Such will seek always to know what is the will of God and, knowing, will go forward without fear, and in confidence, calmly, soberly and prayerfully doing the will of the Lord through Christ who strengthened! them.

GIDEON’S TRIUMPH

The Israelites had been slack in their faith and obedience to Jehovah, and the Midianites were permitted to come and threatened to take possession of the most fertile part of their land. Faithfulness on the part of Israel would have prevented this threatened invasion. The Midianites came in a great host, more than 200,000 strong and encamped preparatory for battle against the Israelites. Jehovah purposed to achieve a great victory over these enemies of his people and to drive them out of the promised land. In doing this he would again show that such a victory could not be achieved by human power, but by the might and power of God. He purposed to honor certain individuals in this battle who would show their faith and confidence in him and their zeal for his cause in obeying his orders. Jehovah afforded Gideon the great honor of being the instrument in his hand for the deliverance of Israel. Gideon was put to certain tests to prove his faithfulness and he met them in an approved manner. At the direction of Jehovah, Gideon then called for volunteers from amongst the Israelites to fight the hosts of Midian. To this call for volunteers approximately thirty-two thousand Israelites responded. Human reasoning would say, What could a little band of thirty-two thousand do against two hundred thousand well-equipped warriors, and yet God said to Gideon, "These are too many, put them to a test.” It was God’s purpose to demonstrate clearly that the victory would be his and not man’s. It is to be marked that the first test applied was that Gideon, under divine direction told all who were fearful to go back home and such a number went that only ten thousand remained. Still these were too many, and Gideon was directed to apply another test, that being a test of their zeal or faithfulness in action. Only three hundred were selected in this test.

This little company of 300 represents a class who not only have great faith in God’s promises, but who eagerly watch for opportunities of service and who never stop to ask the reason why, but hearing the command they cheerfully go forward. This little band of 300 possessed the very elements of character pleasing to Jehovah. They were faithful, trustful and for this reason were fearless. Under the Lord’s direction Gideon armed them with peculiar instruments of warfare, towit, each was supplied with a ram’s horn, a pitcher and a lighted lamp placed inside of the pitcher. Gideon divided them into three companies and approaching the sleeping enemy he stationed them at such places that they would practically surround the enemy. Agreeable to previous arrangement, Gideon gave the command. Each one blew his horn, broke his pitcher and let his light or torch shine forth, and then shouted, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon”. The result was a complete routing of the enemy.

We can scarcely imagine a little company of 300 or any of them saying to Gideon: “Before we attempt to surround the enemy and blow our horns and break our pitchers we think it would be wise and prudent to send a deputation of our little band to the leaders of Midian and ask them if we will be permitted to make a noise at night, .blow our horns and break our pitchers, because if we do not do so we may offend them and, by offending, break their law in disturbing their peace.”

Would they have shown full faith in the promises of God? They certainly would not Such a proposition sounds absurd to us now. Had there been such a disposition in the minds or hearts of any of the 300 they would not have been with Gideon in the fight. On the contrary, the 300 were fearless. We must give them credit for knowing that they could not possibly overcome the hosts of Midian in their own strength, but their unfaltering faith in God led them to say by their action when hearing the command:

“[Ours] not to reason why, [Ours] but to do and die.”

"Gideon’s band may be considered a figure or illustration of the overcomers of this Gospel age—the church, the little flock—so Gideon himself would evidently represent the Captain of our salvation, whose example we are to follow and whose character ought to impress all his followers.” (Z ’07-327) Just so surely as Gideon’s band pictures the church, just so surely the Lord has some important lessons in this record or incident that he desires the little flock to learn, and it seems clear that that lesson is absolute confidence in God and his arrangement and a very courageous spirit or disposition, devoid of any fear of man or anything man-made, or anything that man might do unto the children of the Most High. Such will not fear to do with their might and with a burning zeal all that their hands find to do. They will be watching for opportunities of service and will not stop to argue the question when the opportunity appears.

FEABLESS FAITHFUL PROPHETS

From Abel to John there was developed a class of fearless men who hesitated not to do the will of God and to receive Jehovah’s approval. Reading the record of Hebrews nth chapter thrills the heart of every true Christian and puts to shame every new creature who would quail before his enemy or draw back from doing the Father’s will because of fear. These men of old had set before them the single promise of a “better resurrection”, yet they exhibited such faithfulness and loyalty, such love and such fearless zeal for righteousness as finds no parallel in profane or sacred history concerning man. They heard the promise of God and believed it. They relied upon that promise, left their homes and positions and endured the greatest persecutions and hardships, that they might attain unto the promised reward, and they permitted no obstacle to deter them from doing God’s will insofar as it lay within their power.

The king of Egypt had made an unrighteous law requiring that all the male babes of Israel should be killed at birth. When Moses was born, because of their faith in God, his parents “were not afraid of the king’s command” and hid Moses that his life might be preserved, having faith that God would bless their efforts. Reared by the king’s daughter and given all the advantages of royalty, when Moses reached the time of his majority he refused to be counted a member of the king’s household, chosing rather to suffer affliction with his own people. The pomp and riches of Egypt did not allure him from his duty, nor did the flatteries of those who ruled the people thus affect him. When the time came he by faith boldly led the Israelites, forsaking Egypt “not fearing the wrath of the king”. Chased by the hordes of Egypt he fearlessly led the children of Israel into and across the Red Sea. His faith in' God made him absolutely fearless. The record then discloses a long list of fearless men of Israel (verses 33-36) who not in their own strength, but because of their unwavering faith in God, “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment —of whom the world was not worthy,” and because of their faithfulness and loyalty these all obtained a good report and were approved by Jehovah. These were not boastful men. They made no claim to physical courage'or bravery, but their calm, abiding faith in the Lord and loyalty to him made them fearless of man or man-made institutions, and won for them from Jehovah the verdict of approval.

THIS BECOBD FOB THE CHURCH

It is not a forced interpretation to say this record of the faithful prophets was made for the benefit of the church. The opening argument of the succeeding chapter shows that it was intended to teach the church the great lesson that those whom God approves are true, loyal, faithful, and fearless, with such complete love for Jehovah that they calmly and joyfully obey his comands, not fearing what might result to them at the hands of their adversaries. If the manifestation of such faithfulness was required tn order to receive the approval of Jehovah, with stronger reasoning will such a degree of fearless faithfulness be required of the little flock. That “wise and faithful servant” of the Master has well said:

“In proportion as the Lord’s people are filled with his holy spirit or influence, and expanded more and more by it and enlarged, they have the less of the spirit of fear. The spirit of fear in the Christian is a spirit of doubt and marks a lack of faith, a lack of the holy Spirit. The spirit of fear is a fruitful source of evil in spiritual matters, in every feature of the Christian’s growth, individually and as a church. The child of God who is filled with the holy Spirit is a giant in comparison with his own natural self, because his fears are quelled, his heart is established and his faith is rooted and grounded and his soul is anchored sure and steadfast within the vail. Thus he is held from being driven on the rocks of disaster when the storm winds of trouble prevail. The holy Spirit is thus a power to those who possess it, which has often caused amazement to their enemies.”—E-249

THE BEAST AND THE LAMB

War has been declared between the beast and the Lamb. As to who will be victorious is not a question open for discussion. The beast is an instrument of Satan and will be destroyed, and ultimately Satan must be destroyed. The beast is another name for the Antichrist. The Revelator describes the beast as having appeared for a time, then going into the abyss, and later reappearing. Originally the beast was constituted of the Papal hierarchy exercising persecuting power through the civil authorities, and commonly known as the Holy Roman Empire—church and state. It exercised dominion until 1799, at which time it received a fearful setback and withdrew itself and went into the pit. In 1918 it reappeared, the same beast, yet with something added. It now consists of the Papal hierarchy, which includes the various suborganizations together with a goodly proportion of the unfaithful so-called “Protestant clergy”, all working together yet dominated by the Papacy and exercising influence through political power to persecute those who do not bow to its behest and worship at its shrine. All systems sympathetically united or actually cooperating with the Papacy in the exercise of persecuting power through the channel of civil authorities constitute a component part of the beast, which is an abomination of the earth in the sight of Jehovah. (See Volumes IV and VII) It is concerning this combined power exercised in a beastly manner that the Revelator wrote: “These [combined elements, ecclesiastical, political, etc.] shall make war with the Lamb”. That time has come when the war is on, and has been for some days. How should we expect the beast to make war with the Lamb? We answer, By warring upon the members of his body this side the vail, by fighting against the “little flock”, to whom the promise is given and who are admonished to fear not, by endeavoring to suppress the message which the Lord is causing to be proclaimed by and through those whom he has called and chosen. (Revelation 19:19) If the followers of Jesus are to fight against the beast what kind of weapons are they to use? “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” of error. (2 Corinthians 10:3,4) The greatest stronghold of error on earth is the Papal hierarchy, aided and abetted by her political subordinates and her allies, the dishonest class of Protestant clergy. Thus “the seed of the serpent” does make war against those who are the “seed of promise”. This adversary is seeking to destroy the class to whom Jesus said: “Fear not, little flock, it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is true this adversary is a mighty foe if looked at from the human viewpoint. But when we consider that the Lord is on the other side, the enemy seems insignificant. “Zion need not fear, for God is in the midst of her and will help her.”

THE TBUTH OUB WEAPON

Referring to this warfare between the aforesaid adversary and the followers of the Master St. Paul said: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might”. We are not admonished to be strong in our own might. In ourselves we can do nothing, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthened! us. The presumption is that all addressed at this stage of the conflict have on the armor of God. They must retain that armor and use it, and the chief weapon of offense and defense is “the sword of the Spirit”, the Word of God. If the stronghold of error is about to fall, and our weapons are mighty to the pulling down of such strongholds, it follows then that those who will ultimately stand triumphant with the Lamb must use the weapon according to the commands of the Captain of our salvation and use it fearlessly and with full faith and confidence in the Lord that he will bless such efforts according to his promise. The Lord has put these weapons in various forms that all who have the love and zeal incident to his “house” may have some part in using the weapon. While it is one weapon and one message, yet it is put in the form of volunteer matter, tracts, papers, books, being used through the printed page and by word of mouth. The "horn” is therefore made available for each one who desires to sound it. Each new creature has the light of truth in him in his earthen vessel, which is to be broken in the Master’s service, his “reasonable service”. (Romans 12:1) When the opportunities arise it is his privilege to sound the message of truth, let his light shine and use his strength and energy to the end.

DISTBIBUTION OF VOLUNTEEB MATTEB

By volunteer matter is meant such tracts and papers as the Society from time to time prepares and sends out for free distribution. Are we all compelled to engage in this free distribution when asked? No, we answer, no one is compelled to do anything. It is all purely voluntary service, performed by love for the Lord and his cause of righteousness. Jehovah never drafts anyone. When the volunteer matter is announced by the Society should not the elders procure copies and meet and determine whether or not it is proper for the respective classes to distribute it? We know of no Scripture which even intimates that such an obligation rests upon the elders or even upon the class. Let us remember that “God hath set the members in the body as it pleaseth him”. (1 Corinthians 12:18) This means that he has placed the various members in the body this side the vail to perform certain duties. If the hand assumes to do the work of the foot the person finds himself standing on his head. Each member must perform his own part. Let us ask ourselves: Did the Lord, through his wise and faithful servant create and organize the Society as an instrument for the conducting of his work? We believe that the most of all the readers of the Watch Tower would agree that such is true. If true, then has not the Lord designated certain things for the Society, through its duly constituted servants to do, and is it not the duty of the Society to determine what shall be issued as volunteer matter for free distribution? If not, who shall determine? If this question is to be determined by the various elders or leaders of the diverse and numerous classes, when would the duty ever be performed? Does it not appeal to the reasonable mind of the new creature that the obligation devolves upon the Society to issue for free distribution such volunteer matter as seems to be the Lord’s will ? Should not then everything be done decently and in order?

What then shall be done when volunteer matter is received by your class? We answer: The volunteer captain should report to the class the quantity of volunteer matter on hand, how much is allotted for each district and invite all the members of the class who desire to participate in its distribution to do so. Then let all who desire thus to participate give their names to the volunteer captain for the territory assigned to them and do the work, and let all those who do not desire to engage in it remain silent and not interfere with those who do wish to serve. There will be some probably who will decline, some who will hesitate and be indifferent, while others will be on the alert, eager for service and will quickly seize the opportunity. Let each take the course that he thinks the Lord would have him take.

But should not the elders or some prominent brethren go to the officials and ask permission to make a distribution of the volunteer matter? We might answer that by asking another question, which we have heretofore asked. W'ould it have been proper for Joshua to send some of the elders and prominent ones of Israel to the Canaanites to ask them for permission to enter Canaan? Would it have been proper for Gideon to send some of the elders or prominent ones of his company to the Midianites and ask if they might surround the camp at midnight, break their vessels and shout, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon”? With equal propriety and force we ask, Should the servants of the Most High God, who have been commissioned to make proclamation of the message of the truth, go and ask permission of the agents of the “beast” whether or not it is lawful and proper to preach the Gospel ? Do we think the Lord would be pleased to have us do that ? And do we think that those who are opposed to the proclamation of the truth would likely give their consent? If we seek to serve the Lord only when the “beast” approves does not that show the "fear of man that leadeth to a snare” and lack of faith in the Lord? God intended u.s to learn some lessons from the examples of the Old Testament, and here is the lesson of overcoming fear. In the first place, no official has any power to grant permission for the distribution of religious matter. If the paper contains anything in violation of the law the official would have no power to grant permission to distribute it, for the reason that no one has the power to grant permission to violate the law. If the paper contains nothing violative of the law, such official would have no power or authority to prevent its distribution. Quoting the language of a high official in the Department of Justice: “It is not our province to advise people concerning the law, but to prosecute them after they have violated the law”.

EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD DO RIGHT

Every Christian should do right, and when he is doing the Lord’s will he is certainly doing right. It is the duty of officials to protect Christians while pursuing their vocation of preaching the Gospel. An example of the proper course was had in New York city. Brother Russell, early in the harvest period, issued the “hell” booklet and made arrangements to have it distributed in New York city by messenger boys. He called upon a high police official and began to tell him what he was going to do and the officer interrupted saying, “Well, sir, you cannot get permission to do that;” to which Brother Russell replied: “I am not asking you for permission and I am not required to get permission in this country to preach the Gospel; I am merely telling you as the head of the police department of this city that I am going to have messenger boys to distribute these papers and came to ask you as an official to see that these distributers are protected and not interrupted by the clergy or anyone else”. The distribution was made on schedule time.

Our attention has been called to some officials who, dominated by the Papacy and for selfish reasons, desired to prevent the proclamation of the truth, have notified Bible Students to cease distribution of proper volunteer matter, and have even gone so far as to require them to bring their books in to them. No official has such authority in America, no matter what his position.

The Society has never yet issued volunteer matter that is in any manner violative of the law and does not expect to do so. Where there is a question about the legality of it the Society will be advised upon such question by competent lawyers who are our friends and who will give an honest opinion. The friends therefore may depend upon it that when volunteer matter is issued for distribution it is properly and lawfully issued and that it is proper to distribute it. If any still have doubt and desire advice let them go to some friendly lawyer who is honest and who is not interested in aiding the beast in its warfare against the “Lamb”. It is to be expected that there will be interruptions from over-zealous officials who are anxious to please certain constituents and desire to suppress the truth, because this is the time, as the Scriptures indicate, when such will take place. We cannot expect war to be made by the “beast” against the “Lamb” and his followers without some discomforts, but let us remember the admonition of the Lord: “Be not afraid, but be ye very courageous”. When David approached Goliath he did not say, “Goliath, will you permit me to strike you in the head with one of these stones?” No, but he did say boldly and fearlessly, “Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear and with a shield, but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied”. (1 Samuel 17:45) The stone that David used seems to picture other stones that must be subsequently used (Revelation 16:20) and the Lord seems to have reserved some of these “stones” for this very time.— Job 38:22,23.

“Doubtless it requires courage in the field of battle facing enemies and dangers of every kind: but surely it requires still greater, still more honorable courage thus to take one’s stand for the Lord and for an unpopular truth and to be seen and known as a tract distributor of the same. It takes real courage to stand for the light when the great adversary with a world-wide influence brands it as darkness and leads an assault against it. It takes real courage to denounce the darkness meekly, persistently, when it has on its side wealth, culture, influence, and churchianity.”—Z ’07-283.

There is danger in looking at and trying to please the beast. There might be great danger to one who has shown bravery on the battlefield and in other places, in looking so intently at the “beast” and its operation that they would lose a large degree of courage incident to a follower of Christ and become fearful of performing their full duty. To such we would suggest, Look away from the “beast” and look to the perfect pattern and hear the command of the Captain of our salvation, “Fear not. . . .and follow me”. It would be a fearful thing, after one had sacrificed all and for a time fought valiantly, then to become frightened at the “beast” or any man-made institution, which would lead to a compromise of conduct and thus a failure to gain the prize. There is a class of called ones who are fearful and for this reason draw back from the service, and concerning such we read: “But though not voluntary overcomers the Lord loves them and delivers those who through fear of death (fear of contempt, fear of reproach borne by the bullock and the goat beyond the camp, in the wilderness or separated or dead condition) were all their lifetime subject to bondage—bondage to fear of men and men’s traditions and opinions, which always bring a snare and keep back from full obedience to God even unto death. (Hebrews 2:15)”. T-70.

SPIRIT OF LITTLE FLOCK

Does the “little flock”, those who will inherit the kingdom, have a greater measure of the spirit of the Lord than the class above mentioned? Concerning these we read: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father”.—Romans 8:15- .

It is to be expected that the adversary, through his various agencies, particularly that of the “beast”, will make every possible effort to frighten and discourage the followers of the “Lamb”. But these kno\y the voice of their Master and cheerfully follow whithersoever he leadeth. For their encouragement the Lord hath put these words in their mouths: “Therefore will we not fear though the earth [organized society) be removed, and though the mountains [kingdoms] be carried into the midst of the sea [disorder], though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, and though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. God is in the midst of her: she shall not be moved; God will help her and that right early.” (Psalm 46:2-5) Again: “Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though wars should rise against me in this will I he confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after, that I might dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may behold the beauty of the Lord and inquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:3,4) Clearly here the Psalmist describes the class who fearlessly follow the Master and are looking forward to entering the kingdom. Those possessing the zeal peculiar to the Lord’s house, the zeal that is prompted by love, will not fear hardships in his service but will rejoice to be counted worthy to fill up some of the sufferings of Christ left behind, as they go forth sounding their trumpets, breaking their vessels and letting the light of truth shine out through their lives. Of them the poet has beautifully said :

'“Happy objects of thy grace Destined to behold thy face, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Amen."

POWER AND A SOUND MIND

Again, says the Apostle concerning this class: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner.” (2 Timothy 1 7,8) It is not to be understood that those composing the little flock will be fool-hardy and indiscreet, making themselves the objects of just criticism, but on the contrary such possess the spirit of a sound mind and this spirit of a sound mind, the spirit of the Lord, leads the possessor to be calm, sober, watchful, and always prayerful, and like the little band of Gideon’s 300, always on the alert to do the will of the Lord at the proper time and to do it discreetly and wisely and without fear. Such, when railed upon by the enemy, do not indulge in railing but calmly and trustfully use the sword of the spirit, and thus participate in the pulling down of the strongholds of error. They are not puffed up by words of praise, nor abashed or affrighted by the storming words of the clergy, nor those in authority. They realize that in self there is no strength and that their strength cometh from the Lord. (Psalm 121:1,2) Thus “the weak things of this world are made mighty through God, (through the spirit, the power of God) to the pulling down of strongholds of error and sin, and to their endurance of a good fight as good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ, much to the surprise of those naturally their superiors. This was true in times past, when the weak ones of the world espoused the cause of Christ, and were firm to the very end of life, as martyrs, enduring unwaveringly trials and difficulties before which the strongest of the world quailed. And the same thing is still true of the same class, for although the particular features of persecution have greatly changed, nevertheless it is still necessary to ‘endure hardness as good soldiers.’ ”—E-250.

WHY FEARLESS APPROVED

Why do the Scriptures everywhere mark with approval the fearless? Surely not because the Lord is pleased with a boastful class. On the contrary, God is displeased with the boastful. The fearless are approved by the Lord because they thus show an abiding faith and confidence in him. “Without faith it is impossible to please” God. The more complete our faith the more pleasing are we to the Father. “According to thy faith be it done unto thee.” The more fully we realize that we are children of the King, the more fully shall we appreciate the fact that even our body of flesh is immortal until his due time for its dissolution. What a wonderful Father we have—a refuge for every time of trouble, our strength in all times of weakness. These words of confidence he has put in the mouth of his children: “Thou hast seized hold of me by my right hand, with thy counsel wilt thou guide me and afterwards take me home to glory.” (Psalm 73:23,24, Leeser When we look away from our Father and forget that he is holding to our hand, we are weak and fearful. Then it is that faith is weak; then it is that we are terrified by the roar of the beast. If our faith recovers, then as the needle seeks the pole, so our hearts, if perfect, will immediately seek the Lord and when it does again are we strong. At times it seems that the enemy is about to overwhelm us, but when we remember that our hand is in the Father’s the enemy’s power immediately fades into insignificance. Truly and sweetly the poet wrote:

"God, our refuge, we cry to thee

Whose love our redemption hath planned, Lord, strengthen our faith, lest we forget

We are held by a Father’s hand.”

INCREASED FAITH

W hen we first came to a knowledge of the truth and consecrated ourselves to do the Father’s will we had a measure of faith. As we increased in knowledge and trust we increased in faith. When the storms of persecution arose and the waves began to beat against us we found that we needed more faith. The same rule must of necessity apply to the end. It must be expected that the “beast” will continue its wicked persecutions until it is overthrown by the “Lamb”. All who follow the “Lamb” through these experiences to ultimate victory will have their faith put to the severest test. At one time when you went forth in the volunteer service and when everyone smiled and took from your hand the tract it was easy to go out in the work. When they graciously bowed to you with thanks for what you had given them it was not difficult to distribute the tracts. But when some began to scowl and others to rail, while others threatened you with violence and imprisonment, you found it required more faith to go calmly forward in the work. When the persecution increased and you were apprehended and charged with crime because you told the truth, when you were unjustly condemned as malefactors and cast into prison, and the sunlight was shut out by day and not even the stars were permitted to peep in upon you at night, and in loneliness and silence you sat and indulged in meditation, more faith was required to know that the Lord still loved you and that he held you by the right hand and that all was right. Truly the poet has described it thus:

“It is easy to sing with loved ones near, When sunshine lies over the land;

But to sing in the dark with a lonely heart We must feel the touch of His hand."

The spirit of the Lord is not the spirit of fear, but the spirit of courage, faith, love. May we not expect that as we advance further and further into the final conflict with the beast that greater courage will be required of these who are overcomers and who enter the kingdom? Will it not require a double portion of the Elijah spirit firmly, calmly, and serenely to meet the enemy in battle and present the sound message of truth? We think so. That the “beast” will further exercise her persecuting power we believe, but “Zion need not fear”, because she is on the Lord’s side and victory and triumph is certain. Though the persecutions increase, those who have his spirit in the greatest measure will persist in making proclamation of his message of truth. Does it not seem that the Lord directed his wise and faithful servant to write concerning that time? “It will probably be in an effort at self-preservation on the part of great Babylon (Christendom) when she sees her power in politics, priestcraft and superstition waning, that the work of truth-spreading will be stopped as detrimental to her system and probably at this juncture the Elijah class, persisting in declaring the truth to the last, will suffer violence and pass into glory.” (C-231) These words should be an encouragement to everyone who hopes to be in the kingdom to press earnestly on and persistently make known the message.

THE TEST OF PERFECT LOVE

St. Peter makes it clear that judgment must begin at the house of God. (1 Peter 4:17) That the judgment of the nations is at hand every student of divine prophecy can see; that judgment upon the house of the Lord has for some time progressed, none of the Lord’s "little ones” can doubt. The chief purpose of this judgment of the house of the Lord is to test out and determine who have developed character pleasing to the Father, that which will insure his abundant entrance into the kingdom. Is the element of fear involved in this test? It is, and it proves whether or not our love for God and our Lord Jesus is supreme. St. John having this day of judgment in mind wrote to the church: “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:17,18) The word “boldness” in this text is rendered by Dr. Strong as “outspokenness, frankness in publicity and speech with confidence”. There could be no severe test of our love without seme experience that would have a tendency to cause us to fear; hence the Lord in this concluding hour of the church’s earthly experience permits fiery trials to come and St. John tells us here that if our love for God is perfect we will have no fear, but will have boldness and confidence in this hour of testing and will speak forth the message of truth frankly and with confidence, sounding out our horns and using our earthen vessels and letting our light shine. Our lives, our all belong to the Lord. We owe him all we have, and he gives us the opportunity now to prove that we love him with a pure heart supremely.

WHO SHALL RECEIVE THE KINGDOM

“Fear not, little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Before the foundation of the world God ordained a little flock to whom he would give the kingdom, and destined that such should be “holy and without blame before him in love—perfect in love, without fear, unwavering in faith”. (Ephesians 114) No creature or power could make war upon this little flock without the Father’s permission, because they are the apple of his eye and he holds them in the hollow of his hand. In the exercise of his wisdom and love he permits fiery experiences to come to test their loyalty and love. He permitted his beloved Son to suffer an ignominious death and then exalted him to the highest pinnacle of glory. He has permitted the “beast” to appear again from the abyss and make war with the “Lamb” by making war against his followers. To them the Master said: The beast “shall make war with the Lamb and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful”. When the earnest, loyal follower of the Lamb reads these words his heart is thrilled with joy, because he knows that the fight having now begun, soon the victory will be complete and when that victory is complete those who stand on Mount Sion triumphant with the Lamb will be not only the called and chosen but will be the faithful, the loyal ones, even unto death, those who have not feared to speak his name, and who in the hour of stress have joyfully proclaimed, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Blessed are the fearless, for they have pure hearts. In the above text St. John proves that only the fearless, that is those who confidently trust in the Lord, are perfect in love. It is only the pure in heart that are perfect in love, therefore it follows according to Jesus’ words, that the fearless—perfect in love—pure in heart, are the ones who will be received into the kingdom and see Jehovah. What a glorious prospect is set before them 1 "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him, but God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:9,io) By faith such now behold the majesty and beauty of the King and the indescribable glory of the kingdom. By faith then, let us, without fear, as the battle rages, hold firmly our Father's hand and boldly cry out, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon”. Proving our faithfulness to the end, it will be our Father’s good pleasure to grant unto us an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom, where there will be fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.

[In Part II we will consider Elijah and Elisha as types and the relation of these types to the subjects of fear and perfect love].

(To Be Continued)

SONG OF CYRUS’ MEN

When the great finger writes across the wall: Yes. rather with that vig’lant band of men,

‘‘Thou in the balance weighed and wanting art’’; Nurtured in trial, persecution, doubt.

Let me not then be in the feasting ball, To smite th’ ill-fated ramparts when the sands

But from th’ accursed city far apart. Within the measuring glass have all run out.

Fearless I tread In unaccustomed ways,

When comes the quickening call to the attack;

May I not of the terror be afraid.

Since I would stand in those transcendent days,

When they, who in the balance nothing lack. The fair foundations of the free have laid.

SCRIPTURE FOR A PURPOSE

‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God;... .that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”—2 Timothy 3:16,17.

HE WHOLE world is in a condition of alienation from God. Mankind is steeped in ignorance and superstition. When we inquire why this is so, the Bible informs us that it is the result of our great ancestor Adam’s disobedience to the just laws of his Creator. We see, then, that God is not responsible for present condi____tions, although for a wise purpose he has permitted them to come about. He created man under favorable conditions and with sufficient knowledge to enable him to take the proper course. Man brought the curse of death and all its concomitants upon himself by taking heed to Satan, the original sinner; and this course brought the entire race of Adam into divine disfavor.

Satan’s lie in Eden first misled Mother Eve to doubt the truth of God’s statement. (Genesis 2:17; 3:1-5) While Adam was not deceived, yet he deliberately disobeyed the divine command, and thus brought the penalty of death upon himself and all of his posterity. Separated frojn God, mankind gradually came under the influence of the adversary of God, who has brought them more and more under the power of superstition and ignorance. This is true of all classes, in all lands. But while God does not purpose to permit the veil of ignorance to remain forever upon humanity, yet he prefers to leave them in this degraded condition for a time, knowing that it is better for them to be in ignorance while present conditions exist. Knowledge brings a responsibility which the race in its present condition is unable to bear.

THE GOSPEL INVITATION LIMITED

Through the Gospel God has issued an invitation to a certain class. This invitation presupposes the existence of a class that is dissatisfied with the present evil things, and that is yearning to come into favor with God. As the Apostle said, they are “feeling after God, if haply they might find him”. (Acts 17:27) God has a bountiful arrangement through which every human being will bye and bye have a full opportunity to receive a blessing through our Lord Jesus Christ; but this will be accomplished in the future. Now the only ones whom he invites are those who are feeling after God and striving against sin. The self-satisfied are not invited. All the promises of the Bible are designed for those who come to the place where they long to get away from sin and to draw near to God.

In dealing with this class whom he has called out from the world, God has a variety of methods of operating. Of old he has spoken through the prophets; in later times he speaks through his Son and through the apostles. There is a larger sense in which God speaks to all mankind, but not in a special way. He sends his rain on the just and the unjust. His sun shines on good and bad alike. “Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.” But all these expressions are indefinite. With the message to the called-out class, however, the reverse is true. In the words of the Son of God and the apostles we have a clear, succinct revelation that God is perfect in Justice, Wisdom, Love and Power; and that in proportion as any come to understand their Creator, in that same proportion will they come to understand his benevolent plans and purposes.

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