The Watchtower, December 15, 1920

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fh1?tnh^nXC^m,n2Str*88 "{nations with perplexity; the 8ea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking to know that. '• f°r ‘J"5 PO"(;ra of the heavens (ecelcsiasticsm) shall be shaken . . When ye see these thmgs begin to come to pass, the®

know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.—Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-31.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

THIS journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible Instruction, or "Seminary Extension”, now being presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D, 1884, "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 God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School 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 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2: C) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: Ills ; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) 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 ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 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 his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, 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 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 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 fils glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 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 event man,” "a ransom for all,” and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world", "in due time”.— Hebrews 2:9; John 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.

That the hope of the church Is that she may be like her Lord, “see him as he Is,” be “partakers of the divine nature',’ and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3 :2 ; John 17:24; Romans 8 :17 ; 2 Peter 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.—Ephesians 4 :12 ; Matthew 24 : 14 ; Revelation 1:6; 20: 6.

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; Isaiah 35.

’PufiLISHCO oy

WATCH TOWER. BIBLE &-TRACT SOCIETY 124 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS'□ o BROOKLYN, NY.USA* tfORKiGN Omcis: British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate, London W. 2; Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia; South African: 123 Plein St., Cape Town, South Africa.

Please Address ths Society in Every Cask.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $1.00 IN ADVANCE CANADIAN AND FOREIGN SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $1.50 BEND MONET BT EXPRESS OR POSTAL ORDER, OR BT BANK DRAFT VROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY INTERNATIONAL POSTAL ORDERS ONLY (Foreign translations of this journal appear in several languages)

FUiiorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns. The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford, W. E. Van Amburgh, F. H. Robison, G. H. Fisher.____________

YWms to the Lord*» Poor: AU Bible students who, by reason of old age or other in-drmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, will be supplied free if they send a postal card each May stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Berean studies. "___

Sin'll tn We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or

aa ico SO auoecnoen, for a new’Bub«rii>tion. Receipt and entry of renewal are indicated wfth (a a month by change Id expiration date, aa shown on wrapper label.

Ehtorad cm Saeond CIom Matter at Brooklyn, NY., Pootoffioo under tho Act of March trd, 1979,

CHARTS OF THE TABERNACLE

We have prepared and now have ready for distribution very desirable colored wall charts of Jehovah’s Tabernacle in the Wilderness. They are printed by the lithographic process on white filled cloth, similar to that used for the Ezekiel Temple charts. The width of these Tabernacle Charts Is 36 Inches and the depth 27 inches. The upper and lower edges are protected by chemically treated tin strips ; and the whole may be hung from two metal eyelets, attached. The charts depict the ground plan, drawn to the scale of 3 1-3 cubits to the Inch.

These charts are amply large for the average size class. Price per chart, carriage prepaid, $3.00.

I.BSA. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES

ByMeansof ■TABCPNACLC SHADOWS MCRIFKK*

Chapter IV: “The Great Day of Atonement” Week of Feb. 6 . . . Q.25-29 Week of Feb. 20 . . Q. 35-38 Week of Feb. 13 . . Q. 30-34 Week of Feb. 27 . . Q. 39-42 New Tabernacle Shadows, with questions and notes, tsc each

STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES

These Studies are recommended to students as veritable Bible keys, discussing topically every vital doctrine of the Bible. More than eleven million copies are in circulation, in nineteen languages. Two sizes are issued (in English only) : the regular maroon cloth, gold stamped edition on dull finish paper (size 5*x7|”), and the maroon cloth pocket edition on thin paper (size 4*x6i”) ; both sizes are printed from the same plates, the difference being in the margins; both sizes are provided with an appendix of catechlstie questions for convenient class use. Both editions uniform in price.

Series T, "The Divine Plan of the Ages," giving outline of the divine plan revealed in the Bible, relating to man’s redemption and restitution: 350 pages, plus Indexes and appendixes, 75c. Magazine edition 20c. Also procurable in Arabic, Armenian, Dano-Norwegian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hollandish, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Roumanian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, and Ukrainian; regular cloth style, price uniform with English.

Series II, "The Time is at Hand,” treats of the manner and time of the Lord’s second coming, considering the Bible testimony on this subject: 333 pages, 75c. Obtainable in Dano-Norwegian, Finnish, German, Polish, and Swedish.

Series III, "Thy Kingdom Come,” considers prophecies which mark events connected with “the time of the end”, the glorification of the church and the establishment of the Millennial kingdom; it also contains a chapter on the Great Pyramid of Egypt, showing its corroboration of certain Bible teachings : 380 pages, 75c. Furnished also in Dano-Norweglan, Finnish, German, Polish, and Swedish.

Series IV, "The Battle of Armageddon," shows that the dissolution of the present order of things is in progress and that all of the human panaceas offered are valueless to avert the end predicted In the Bible. It contains a special and extended treatise on our Lord’s great prophecy of Matthew 24 and also that of Zechariah 14:1-9: 656 pages, 85c. Also in Dano-Norwegian, Finnish, Greek, German, and Swedish.

Series V, "The Atonement Between God and Man,” treats an all important subject, the center around which all features of divine grace revolve. This topic deserves the most careful consideration on the part of all true Christians: 618 pages, 85c. Procurable likewise in Dano-Norwegian, Finnish, German, Greek, and Swedish.

Series VI, "The New Creation," deals with the creative week (Genesis 1, 2), and with the church, God's new creation. It examines the personnel, organization, rites, ceremonies, obligations, and hopes appertaining to those called and accepted as members of the body of Christ; 730 pages, 85c. Supplied also in Dano-Norweglan, Finnish, German, and Swedish.

Series VII, "The Finished Mystery,” consists of a verse-by-verse explanation of the Bible books of Revelation, Song of Solomon, and Ezekiel: 608 pages, illustrated, $1.00 in cloth, 20c in magazine edition—latter treats Revelation and Ezekiel only.

AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

Vol. xli. December 15, 1920 No. 24

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1920

‘'The God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed he God.”—Psalm 68:35.

IT IS with much gratitude and thankfulness of heart that we acknowledge the blessings of the Lord bestowed upon his people and the work of spreading the gospel during the fiscal year which ended October 31st. As each arduous task has been met, we have realized how utterly impossible it is for earthly beings to accomplish the Lord’s work without the strength and power given unto his people by Jehovah through our Lord and Master, Christ Jesus. The experiences of the church are so ordered and the Lord so graciously overrules them as to make all work together for good, because his people have been called according to his purpose and love him supremely.

The year 1920 must be noted as one of the most active years of the Society during the period of the harvest— a year in which many difficulties confronted the people of God, and which by the Lord’s grace were met and his will concerning them accomplished. In almost every part of the field the brethren have worked in exact harmony, realizing the fact that the Lord himself is directing the work and that he has set the members in the body as it has pleased him, and that all things should be done decently and in order. Here and there some ■who have taken themselves too seriously and have been impressed too much with their own importance have hesitated and again have hindered; but their hindrance amounted to little or nothing. The Lord had his work performed in due time just as it should be expected. We are grateful in our hearts for all these experiences, accepting them as further evidences of the Lord’s guiding hand and protecting care over his people. Then, again, the disturbed condition of the world, due to the fact that the old order is passing away and the fact that there is general discontent, distress and perplexity, has made the task of spreading the truth somewhat more difficult.

Early in the year we found ourselves confronted with a paper market at high tide and still rising, with strikes among printers; and it seemed that it would be almost impossible to publish the Society’s journals. After taking the matter to the Lord and watching earnestly for his leadings, in a short while found ourselves in possession of a well-equipped printing plant with several first-cla«s presses; and in due time the Lord brought forth fully consecrated brethren to man those presses and to do the work, so that during the greater portion of the year all the work on The Watch Tower, The Golden Age, and many of the booklets, has been done by consecrated hands, but one motive directing their actions, and that motive being love for the Lord and his cause of righteousness. It has been sweet experience to work with such consecrated brethren, knowing that each one had an equal interest in all that was being done; and above all, to know that the Lord was overseeing, directing, and protecting. When other journals and publications were required to suspend because of paper shortage or labor troubles, our publications went smoothly on. It is true that the cost of materials has been much higher, but the Lord has graciously provided the means; and with the close of the fiscal year there is every reason to rejoice. We count all the trials joy, because these experiences constitute proof certain that the spirit of God that leads unto glory has been resting upon those who have been humbly trying to glorify his name by spreading the glad tidings.

• When The Golden Age was launched, it will be recalled by many readers of The Watch Tower that the Office Manager announced at a public convention that the President of the Society had inquired of him if he thought it were possible to get the circulation of The Golden Age to four millions within one year. Of course such a statement was thought to be a joke by many who heard it. Such a thing was thought to be impossible. But with the issue of September 29th—• before the end of the first year—the circulation of The Golden Age reached a mark considerably above four millions, carrying a message which we believe is now due to be given to mankind. Some appreciation can be gained of the volume of work required when we state that more than 38 carloads of paper were used in issuing The Golden Age during the year. The subscription list has gradually increased and the reports coming from people throughout the country show how much this part of the work is appreciated by those who rare to know something about the meaning of these distressing times.

Notwithstanding the vicissitudes and tribulation through which the church has passed since 1916, the number reported as partaking of the Memorial in 1920 exceeded that of any celebration of that event -within forty years. There has been a gradual and healthy increase in the numbers of those coming to a knowledge of God’s great plan, and these have manifested a keen desire to make it known to their fellow creatures.

THE PUBLIC SERVICE

The attendance at public meetings during the year and the interest manifested by those who have attended is positive proof of an increasing hunger among the order-loving people of the world for more of the consoling things that come from the Lord. The total number of public meetings held during the year by American brethren alone who have been engaged in the service under the supervision of the Society is 3,429; and the attendance at these meetings aggregates 582,427. The interest at public meetings has been specially marked in European countries. Brother Rutherford has made a tour of a goo'dly portion of Europe; and Brother Macmillan another portion; and the interest at all places visited has been greater than ever before manifested.

During the year there have been 104 American brethren engaged in the Pilgrim service. These have made a total of 6,853 visits, and have held 10,641 class meetings, with a total attendance of 498,128. The total number of miles they traveled is 627,949.

By comparison it will be observed that the attendance at the public meetings during the year 1920 was more than five times as much as during the preceding year. The friends generally have taken hold of the public meetings with an earnest zeal befitting those who are members of the house of the Lord, and have procured good halls and advertised well; and where this has been done the attendance has been unusually good, with a manifestation of interest which has never before been so great.

THE MESSAGE OF THE HOUR

The church is awake to the fact that the evidence is overwhelming that the old world began to end in 1914 and is rapidly passing away, and that the Scriptures prove conclusively that with the passing of the old and the beginning of the new order restitution blessings will begin to flow to the people, and that the complete passing of the old order and the inauguration of the new will be seen by the present generation, and that there are millions of people now living on the earth who will witness this change, many of whom will have the opportunity of rendering themselves in obedience to the new order and of being blessed with restitution to life, liberty, and happiness. The Scriptural proof of these points is so clear, so cogent, and so forceful that it is entirely unanswerable, and the opponents of the truth do not attempt to answer.

It was thought well to print the lecture of the President of the Society on this subject in book form, which has been done; and at meetings held during the last month of the year these booklets were ready for sale and were sold. The demand for them has been very great. In the United States the first edition of 100,000 has been nearly disposed of and another edition of 100,000 is being put on the press.

This book has been translated into seventeen languages and is being printed as rapidly as possible, and translation into other languages is progressing. During the recent visit of the President of the Society to European countries printing plants at various places were started and there are now off the press or in course of preparation in various European languages a total of more than 500,000 volumes; and these are being sold to the people at an unprecedented rate.

There is no explanation for this except that this message is the one the Lord desires now to go to the people as a witness before the final and complete end; and that he will have it thus carried to all nations as a witness before the end comes. Everywhere the friends are realizing the privilege of giving out this message. All the public speakers are using the same subject: “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”; and other means are being used to call the people’s attention to this message of consolation at this time. The Lord is affording a wonderful opportunity for all the consecrated now to devote their talents of time, energy, money, etc., in the publication and proclamation of this message. It is impossible for any of us to appreciate fully the fact that Satan’s empire which has dominated and oppressed the human race for six thousand years is now rapidly disintegrating, and that another greater power, the kingdom of the Lord, is now being established, which kingdom will never have a successor, but which shall stand forever, and which shall be the means for blessing with life, liberty and happiness all the peoples of earth who desire thus to be blessed.

COLPORTEUR WORK

At the beginning of the fiscal year there were only 225 active colporteurs in the field. The number has now increased to 350, all of whom are devoting their entire time to the service. The colporteurs have made a splendid record this year. Besides selling a number of books, they have taken many subscriptions for The Golden Age and The Watch Tower.

In addition to the colporteurs there are reported to this office 8,052 class workers. While we are pleased indeed with the work done by the local workers in the classes, it is the colporteurs who have made the best record. Colporteurs and class workers together have sold during the year Scenarios, miscellaneous books, seven volumes of Studies in the Scriptures (including the Zg), to the number of over 600,000 volumes. Adding to this the books furnished by the home office to those speaking foreign tongues who reside in the United States, the total output for the year has been 641,022 volumes. Further, the class workers and colporteurs have obtained 139,514 subscriptions to The Golden Age; and in addition to this, distributed a large number of sample copies of that magazine. This, part of the work makes a very gratifying showing for the year.

While we are indeed thankful to the Lord and glad for such a showing, we hope that the year now beginning will show a much greater record. Some of the dear ones cannot give all their time to the colporteur service, but only a few days. We urge all who can devote their entire time to do so. There is no better means of spreading the glad tidings than through the colporteur work; and those who engage in it give testimony of great personal blessings. We strongly urge the class workers and the colporteurs everywhere that when they make a sale of only the “Millions” booklet, the name and address of the purchaser be kept, and after allowing them time to read it, call again and canvass them for “The Finished Mystery”, and then for all the volumes. We hope to see a groat increase in the output of “The Finished Mystery” in the next few months; and the indications are that this will be the result.

CORRESPONDENCE

During the year the correspondence has been unusually heavy and the office force has worked industriously to handle this in conjunction with the other work. Letters to the number of 183,125 were received during the fiscal year; and 145,152 were dispatched.

CONVENTIONS

The Society has held thirty-six general conventions during the year, to say nothing about the many local conventions the friends have arranged. These gatherings have been not only seasons of uplift and encouragement to the brethren generally, but have greatly stimulated the friends everywhere to an increased zeal and earnestness in the proclamation of the Lord’s message and in the preparation of themselves for his kingdom, which is now being established.

ANNUAL MEETING

Agreeable to the provision heretofore made by the shareholders of the Society, the annual meeting for 1920 was held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 31st day of October last. This meeting was held in conjunction with a three-day convention at that place. About 900 friends attended the convention, and 2,500 of the public a Sunday afternoon meeting addressed by Brother Van Amburgh. The 31st coming on Sunday, the annual meeting was formally held on Monday, November 1.

The meeting was called to order by the Vice-President, Brother Wise, who presided in the absence of the President. At that time Brother Rutherford was in Europe, carrying out certain work that had been outlined for him there. A report from him was read to the convention, briefly reviewing the year’s work. A report was made also by the Secretary and Treasurer to the convention. The scope of the work generally was discussed by other members of the office staff.

Brother Van Amburgh, as Secretary and Treasurer, has been connected with the work at headquarters longer than any other person in the service, and in his report to the convention he slated that the work at the Bethel during the past year has been the most efficient ever known. During the year 130 persons have been employed at the Bethel headquarters and each one has done with his might what his (or her) hands found to do. There being no officers to elect this year, after the reports were heard and discussed and a season of sweet fellowship enjoyed, the annual meeting adjourned.

During the convention many of the friends visited the burial place of Brother Russell; and on October 31—-the anniversary of his change—a large number assembled at the cemetery and there held a memorial service in honor of the memory of our beloved Pastor, who has gone to his reward in the kingdom.

FINANCIAL

Members of the Society supporting the work with their “Good Hopes” are always glad to know, of course, of the financial condition. It is with pleasure that we give the report this year and with gratitude to the Lord for his supply of the funds with which to carry on the work. The policy long ago established by Brother Russell is still carefully followed, viz., to lay out the work for the year and carry it on to the extent that the Lord indicates by the amount of money contributed, it being the practice never to contract any debts but to pay the bills as we go. We append a brief summary of the state of the finances:

Balance on hand, November 1, 1919..........................$ 15,706.60

“Good Hopes” receipts, 1920.................................... 201,100.00

$216,806.60

Expended in foreign work through foreign branches .............. $ 68,887.63

Special free literature............................. 82,231.98

1'llgrim service.......................... 28,388.98

Public meetings—publicity...................................... 17,273.63

Conventions ............. 1,357.18

Office, household and current expenses................. 16,384.85

Balance on hand, November 1, 1920.......................... 2,282.35

$216,806.6® FOREIGN WORK

When the World War came on the cooperation in the work between the home office at Brooklyn and the branch offices throughout the world was very much hindered; and when in 1918 the persecution became so great in America, the relationship between the home and the foreign offices was practically severed. We are pleased to report, however, that since then the former relationship of union in activity, as well as in spirit, has been fully revived, and the work in foreign fields is progressing to the Lord’s glory and to the edification of his people. No representative from the home office had been able to visit the European offices since 1914 until the present year, when the President of the Society, upon the urgent request of the foreign brethren and upon the advice of the Board of Directors at the home office, made a visit to Europe.

GREAT BRITAIN

As heretofore staff'd in these columns, the President of the Society visited Groat Britain in the month of September and found the classes in a healthy spiritual condition and rejoicing in their privileges of service. From the' British Branch we have the following summary of facts relative to the work:

During the year there has been an average of 46 engaged in the colporteur service; and 24 others have given a portion of their time to that w®rk. The Seventh Volume has not been sold extensively for the reason that the supply was very limited. Now a goodly supply is on hand and this portion of the work will be pushed rapidly. During 1920 there have been put out Studies in the Scriptures to the number of 83,722 volumes, which is a large increase over the previous year. In addition to this, Mannas, Scenarios, Sermons, booklets, etc., to the number of 40,129 have been distributed. The volunteer work shows an increase in the last year, about three times as much free literature having been distributed as during the year 1919, the total amount distributed being 4,300,000 copies of The Bible Students Monthly.

The Pilgrim service shows a good result, 1433 visits having been made to classes; and 727 public meetings held, with a total attendance for the latter of 107,536. During the year fifteen conventions were held, which have proven a great spiritual uplift to the brethren and an encouragement to them to push forward with greater zeal in the Lord’s work.

In addition to the regular public work the British Branch has inaugurated a country extension work, two brethren traveling together on a motorcycle with a side car, visiting the smaller towns and holding public meetings, and being followed by a colporteur. During the year 461 such meetings have been held, with a total attendance of 13,000, and with the result that 6,169 volumes were sold. The work has proven very profitable and helpful to those engaged in it. We quote from a letter from the Manager of the British Branch:

“Your recent letter respecting the financial aspect of the British work has urged some brethren to give closer attention to the home needs; and on the other hand, it has had the effect of making some think that the British office is extravagant with the money given to its care. You know that the work here is conducted on the most economical lines possible to us. While your letter does not make any profession of covering the whole situation, it does reveal the fact that the British work has always had to depend upon the head office for support. In recent years this has taken the form of our using money due the home office for goods, etc. No doubt your letter will help the British friends to realize something more of the care of the home work, and probably awaken them to the fact that there are large areas of the world which are waiting for the Lord’s message—“this gospel of the kingdom”—this gospel of its imminence which must be proclaimed before the full revelation of the Lord. I am sure the British friends will want to have their share in sending the message afield as well as giving the witness at home.

“As we stand in the opening days of a new year, we look forward with pleasure and joyful anticipation to service for out dear Master during the days that are awaiting us. With the joy of the truth in our hearts, compassed by the love of God, and filled with the spirit of holiness and service, we want to be ready to do whatever our divine Master shows us is our work, and to go wherever he may lead. The immediate work which is shown to be at our hand is the distribution of the special number of The Golden Age. I am glad to be able to report that very many of the classes are taking up this work quite readily. Some small classes have intimated that they do not see their way to engage in the work,, and there are some members of the classes who hesitate to join with their brethren in giving out the message which this number contains. I have no doubt that very soon there will be unanimity of thought and purpose among the brethren and that the church of God in this part of the harvest field will give this witness, telling all Babylon not only that it has taught untruth, but that its whole position is wrong in the sight of God and is positively injurious to men. Some of those who know of the work hesitate to go forward to it because they say they fear they are not paying enough attention to their own spiritual needs. These seem to be like those in> Gideon’s army who, taken down to the water, were tested of the Lord as to their fitness to be his agents, and who, instead of showing their activity and readiness for service, bent down or lay down by the water that they might get such a draught as would satisfy them. Evidently the Lord wants his people to be ready to use the truth that he has given, and we seek for ourselves (and would urge others to the same mind) to be ready for the Lord whenever he might call. It is evident that the Lord has not given us the water of truth merely to enjoy it, but that we might get enough for our purification and for his service.”

CANADA

The Canadian Branch was removed from Winnipeg to Toronto because the latter city is more conveniently located for the service of the friends and the public. The office is located at 270 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario. The work accomplished by this branch during the year has been very gratifying. The persecution which came upon the Canadian brethren because of their faithfulness to the truth has served only to stir them to greater zeal and earnestness for the Lord, rejoicing in this evidence that the Lord is directing them.

During the year there have been ten Pilgrims engaged in the service. The total attendance at the publicmeetings held by these brethren has aggregated 102,394. They also visited the classes throughout Canada and held many private or parlor meetings, which have been uplifting and helpful to the friends. Additionally, there have been twelve general conventions held in the Dominion during the year.

Because of the scarcity of paper, the volunteer work has not been so great, yet the friends in Canada have distributed approximately one million copies of free literature, and besides have used the newspapers largely in advertising the publications.

During the year thirty colporteurs have entered the field of service and have made a splendid record; and others have signified their intention of entering soon.

The Photo-Drama of Creation has been well received everywhere in Canada. Halls have been overtaxed. As is well known, the Photo-Drama is not now in good condition and the means are not at hand to-renew it; but with such equipment as is available it has been shown to good advantage in a number of places. In Canada alone the attendance at exhibitions has been approximately 70,000.

Since the lifting of the ban on the literature in Canada there has been a wide sale of “The Finished Mystery”, total sales of the cloth-bound and paper-cover editions exceeding G5,000.

Although this office has been established only a short while, the correspondence has been quite large. Letters received during the fiscal year numbered 12,093; and letters dispatched, 23,787. Opening the office at Toronto has proved a great blessing to the friends, as it is much more conveniently located for the carrying on of the u ork.

The work during the year has cost the outlay of considerable money, but although Canada is one of the new branches of the Society, we are pleased to say that it has been practically able to take care of all its expenses up to this time. The dear friends have responded nobly, giving evidence of their full consecration and devotion to the Lord.

Persecution has been heaped upon the Canadian brethren by some politicians, aided by the clergy. Instead of hampering the work, this has had a tendency to advertise the truth and call attention of the people generally to the fact that the Bible Students are being unjustly persecuted, and, desiring to know the reason, they have been led to read much of the literature. So again we find, as St. Paul stated concerning his experience: “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife”. Because of the envy and strife manifested toward the Bible Students of Canada, the truth has been more widely advertised and there is an ever-increasing interest in the message of Messiah’s kingdom. Everywhere the public meetings are better attended than ever before, halls being packed and the attendants eagerly listening to the message. We feel very grateful to the Lord for his manifest blessings upon his work in Canada.

CENTRAL EUROPE

The World War greatly disorganized the work in Central Europe; but we are happy to report that now the work is progressing rapidly. On the occasion of the visit of the President of the Society to Central Europe, opportunity was taken to organize the work on a more efficient basis. After consultation with brethren from several of the countries it was deemed for the best interests of the work that a Central European office be opened, which was accordingly done. This office will be known as the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society’s Central European Office, and for the present will be located at Zurich, Switzerland; but it is expected that it will be moved shortly to Berne, Switzerland. The countries under the supervision of this office are Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Brother C. C. Binkele has been appointed manager of this office, and under the direction of the Society will have general supervision over the work in the countries named. All orders intended for the home office and remittances to the home office from any of the seven countries above mentioned will be made through the Central European Office. This will be more con-■\ enient for the friends and will save loss on exchange of currency. A supply of literature will be kept at this office for the purpose of supplying the needs of the friends in those countries.

Certain of the brethren, fully consecrated to the truth, organized a printing establishment in Switzerland and fully equipped it with good presses and fonts of type in many languages; and the Society has an unusually favorable arrangement with this printing concern for the publication of its European literature. This office is now preparing a quantity of literature for use in these countries; and during the recent visit of the President to Europe, printing orders were put on the presses in Great Britain, the Scandinavian countries,, and Switzerland, and there are now completed or in, course of preparation 550,000 volumes of the book,. “Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” which, besides the English edition, is being translated and published' in Dano-Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, French, German,, and Hollandish. At four public meetings addressed by Brother llutherford in a small portion of Europe 5,050* of these volumes were sold. This is a sample of the earnestness with which the people are grasping for the truth. There never has been manifested such interest in Germany as at this time. Great crowds are coming; and while the opposition is rising, the truth is also rising,

OTHER LANDS

In addition to the languages above mentioned, the “Millions” booklet is being translated in the Malayalam and Burmese dialects for use in India, in addition to a large shipment of the English edition that is being forwarded there. The work in India is progressing in a very gratifying way.

We are pleased to report that the work in South Africa is also showing gratifying results.

The condition of the people and their desire for the truth makes it manifest from recent experience that there is a wide field of operation for the spreading of the glad tidings in the Near East. In Syria there are many Christians among the Syrians. Among the Arabs there are also a number of Christians; and even some of the Mohammedans have a hearing ear. After looking over the field it was deemed to be in harmony with the Lord’s will that an effort should be made to give a wide witness of the truth from Damascus on the north to-Egypt on the south, and along the Nile, among the-Christian people. Almost every one in this territory speaks and reads the Arabic language; therefore arrangements have been made for the translation of the “Millions” book and other literature into the Arabic for use among these people; and by the Lord’s grace we will push the work as he seems to indicate his desire by the supply of the necessary funds with which to do it.

PALESTINE BRANCH

It seemed proper and necessary that a branch office of-the Society be established within this territory where supply of the literature could be kept and from which it might be distributed. Accordingly a branch office has been established at Ramallah, Palestine, which is within sight of the city of Jerusalem. It will be known as the Palestine Branch, the address being: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Ramallah, Palestine.

The Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland have made a splendid record during the year past. A great many books .have been published and distributed. Brother Macmillan is now making a tour of those countries and reports indicate that the meetings are well attended, houses being crowded everywhere and large numbers availing themselves of the opportunity to purchase after the lectures the book “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”.

While we have no detailed report as yet from Australia, the general reports indicate that the work in that part of the field is in splendid condition. Brother MacPherson is now making a tour of Australia and New Zealand, holding public meetings with splendid results.

The new branch established at Cluj, Roumania, from which the work in Roumania and Hungary is directed, is making splendid progress also.

The Jugo-Slavs are an orderly people, many of whom are Christians; and we hope to give the witness to them as soon as the Lord opens the way for the publication of literature.

The “Millions” booklet is being prepared in the Greek language, and together with other literature of the Society in Greek will be used in further promulgating the truth in Greece and the Isle of Crete.

The work in Poland is more particularly under the supervision of the Polish Branch of the Society situated at Detroit, Michigan. We note with joy the great interest manifested by the Poles, both in America and in foreign countries. Practically all of the seven volumes are. now translated into Polish and some of them into Russian, and the “Millions” book is being translated into both of these languages also.

Additionally, the work among the Hungarian, Lithuanian, Croatian, Servian and Ukrainian population in this country is progressing well, many manifesting a deep interest in the study of God’s wonderful plan.

There is a great incentive for the Lord’s consecrated little ones now to bend their efforts in giving this worldwide witness before the final end and before the complete establishment of Messiah’s kingdom. As we look back over the year past, we can truly say in the language of our text: “The God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.” We give praise to him and to our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus for all their mercies and loving-kindness bestowed so bountifully upon his children during the year just ended. We believe that the year opening will be one of. unprecedented opportunity for spreading the message of the kingdom. How much longer thereafter we may be permitted to make known the message, the Lord himself knows. Let us be up and doing and be vigilant while it is yet called day!

EUROPEAN TOUR

[Continued]

ON SUNDAY morning, October 3, the vessel on which we were travelling dropped anchor near the little town situated on the island of Kaxo, one of Italy’s Mediterranean possessions. When boarding this vessel at Athens we had been informed that no more passengers would be taken on but that many would be discharged on the Isle of Crete and we would have more comfortable quarters. Exactly the contrary was the case. At each port on the Isle of Crete many passengers boarded the vessel and few left; but the little Italian settlement above mentioned, being the last port of call on the journey, marked the climax of loading the ship. During the war a great number of Italians were removed from Egypt and put on this island, and now they were taking advantage of the opportunity to return with all their effects to Egypt to work. The sight that greeted our eyes cannot be appreciated by verbal description. A fleet of small vessels put out from the shore and a great crowd of people came, bringing all of their earthly possessions. They had their household goods, blooming flowers in pots, birds in cages, chickens tied together, geese find ducks. They brought pigs and goats, sheep, dogs, and cats; and all these live animals (and probably many more that were not as readily discerned by the naked eye) were brought aboard. Every available quarter of the vessel was occupied—the hold, the few cabins, the dining room, the kitchen, the decks—and it was impossible to walk about with any degree of ease. Men, women and children, together with pigs, goats and other animals, slept on the open deck amid filth that words could scarcely describe.

DIFFICULTIES, DANGERS, DELAYS

The three members of our party who had chosen the deck as their place of habitation were pleased that they were not compelled to stay down in the cabin, but at least could have the fresh air, if nothing else. The vessel upon which we traveled could hardly be digified with the name ship as that term is used in modern times. As we left the Kaxo port there were 572 human beings aboard, as well as many other living creatures. We now began to realize the great peril to which all aboard were subjected. The decks were literally lined with combustible materials, and in many places poor people were preparing their food with the aid of oil lamp fires, while the men and some of the women constantly smoked cigarettes and cast burning matches about the deck. Had a fire started aboard it would have been impossible to save scarcely any one. No wireless apparatus was carried and therefore no distress signal could have been given to any other vessel. There were only two available life boats, which would hold but fifty people at the outside; and from, the subsequent action of the officers of the ship doubtless they would have seized these and let the passengers perish.

Seeing the peril to which all this company was subjected, the members of our party drew together and asked that the Lord would protect us and that he would take us safely to shore. Without a doubt we can say that we were miracles of his grace, because the sea was kept calm and the vessel finally plied safely into the harbor at Alexandria; and we gave thanks to the Lord for his loving provision for all of us. Once in the harbor, we thought we would land quickly; but such was not the case. Medical officers came aboard and ordered the ship fumigated before any one should land. It stood all day (Tuesday, October 5) in the harbor; and late in the afternoon weighed anchor and pulled up to a pier. Then there was a long wait for personal examination, inspection of passports, etc.; and about 7.30 p. m. the captain and other officers, dressed in citizens’ clothes, abandoned the vessels and left the passengers to look after themselves. There was no drinking water aboard; there was an insufficiency of food. Some of our party had not partaken of a meal for more than three days. We waited and darkness came on, but still there was no opportunity of landing. We called to a medical officer, who came aboard, and after we talked with him a moment he manifested indignation that the Captain had taken aboard a crowd of people under such circumstances, and furthermore, that he had left them in the condition they were. He remarked: “If you have to stay on this boat tonight, 1 will stay with you; but I will do everything in my power to get you off”.

FINALLY TO LAND IN EGYPT

He then sent for the chief of police and after another long wait this official came aboard, and seeing the situation, he immediately ordered that all passengers whose passports had been examined be permitted to land. It was only through the courtesy of the officers of Alexandria that we were permitted to land that night. When we reached the hotel and sat down to a well-prepared supper, we -were indeed grateful for the manifestation of all the Lord’s favor to us and gave him thanks.

We deemed it a duty to enter a protest against such treatment of human beings; consequently a formal document was drafted, addressed to His Excellency, E. Venizelos, Premier of Greece, a copy of which was sent to the American and the British consuls at Alexandria. We hope this may result in better provision being made for the people of Greece who arc compelled to travel on the high seas. We are grateful, however, for all these experiences, because through them we were enabled to see how many people are compelled to live, and to sympathize more fully with the groaning creation.

We were now entering the land of Egypt— the land of darkness, which has without doubt been one of the chief operating places of Satan for many centuries past —the land which lies adjacent to the promised land, Palestine, and evidently chosen by Satan as the place of his operation in attempting to thwart the purpose of Jehovah. God has permitted him to operate, exercising all of his power; but ere long, as the Scriptures clearly indicate, he will be shorn of his power and the land of Egypt will emerge from the darkness into the light.

THE GREAT PYRAMID

On the Gth of October we arrived at Cairo, the modern portion of which is built practically on the site of the home of the Pharaohs. The object in Egypt which holds such great interest for the Christian is the Great Pyramid of Gizeh. Some of our party had not heretofore seen it. All were anxious to view it. We spent a few days in and about the Pyramid, examining the wonders of its construction and the lessons it teaches in symbol.

Readers of The Watch Tower are familiar with the description given of the Great Pyramid in these columns and in the Studies in the Scriptures. They are aware <>• the tact that tremendously large stones were used in the construction of this “witness unto the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt’’, as it is spoken of by the prophet Isaiah. There is a question, of course, in the minds of Bible students as to how these mighty stones were placed in the structure, seeing that such would be a difficult task even with the aid of the most modern machinery. After carefully viewing the Pyramid and its surroundings, the conclusion reached as to its construction is this: That a course of stones was first laid level with the ground; then the sand was drawn up even with the top of that course and the next course of stones was pulled up on skids resting on this sand. Thereafter, as each course of stones was placed, the sand was pulled up further, thus furnishing a means of raising the stones. The great quantity of sand and debris round about the structure clearly justifies this conclusion.

Our moving-picture brethren made some pictures of the Pyramid and surroundings, the like of which have not heretofore been made so far as we know; but which will bear out the conclusion that the stones were raised and placed in position in the manner above suggested.

WHY BUILT?

There has been much discussion among scholars as to the reason for building the Pyramids. A short distance south and east of the Great Pyramid stands another pyramid, and still another further south. A few miles up the Nile is a number of smaller pyramids. The Sphinx stands to the southeast of the Great Pyramid, and between the Nile and the larger pyramid nearest the Pyramid of Gizeh. Near the Sphinx at one time stood a great temple, and extending from it to the pyramid standing nearest to the Great Pyramid was a subterranean passage. The evidence seems conclusive that this temple, the Sphinx, and the pyramid connected with them by the underground passage, as well as all the other pyramids thereabouts, with the exception of the Great Pyramid, were built under the direction of Satan for the specific purpose of diverting the minds of the people from the lessons taught by the “witness unto the Lord”, and to blind them as to God’s purposes.

We first examined the construction of the pyramid standing next to the one around which our interest centered. From a distance it looks very much like the Great Pyramid; but on closer inspection it is seen that the stones are not placed in symmetrical order. The entrance to this pyramid is on the north side, just as in the greater structure. Through it one enters upon a downward passage extending to the center of the building, which was used as a tomb, being connected by an underground passage with the temple above mentioned. Without a doubt this pyramid was used as a place for burial of the dead; and with this indisputable evidence before their minds, men have long concluded that all the pyramids were built for the same purpose, including the Great Pyramid. Hence the majority of men today who have ever thought about the subject believe that all the pyramids of Egypt are tombs of the dead, and thus Satan has accomplished his purpose by building the counterfeit and thereby diverting the attention of mankind from the true significance of the Great Pyramid, which was built under the Lord’s supervision. The temple above mentioned was the place for Satanic worship: and the installing of the Sphinx at this point, which was also an object of worship, was another attempt to keep Satan and his power before the minds of the people and to divert their attention from the Lord and his plan.

A close examination of the Sphinx discloses that its body was intended to represent that of a lion. It has the face of a man, with wings appearing back of the head. This same design was followed in the figures made by the ancient Egyptians, some of which, cut out of solid stone, are exhibited in the British Museum in London. In cases where the whole figure has been preserved the feet are seen sometimes to be those of an ox. And thus Satan has again tried to misrepresent the divine attributes.

SATAN’S DEVICES: DECEIT AND PRIDE

Nearly all visitors in Cairo are directed to the museum. We visited it also. Among its exhibits are a great many things of Satanic origin. Much has been said and written about the preservation of dead bodies, called mummies. In this museum may be seen the preserved bodies of men and women who, it is claimed, were of the old royal line of Egypt—Barneses Second and Third, for instance; and others. These mummies are taken from the tombs which are found in the numerous pyramids along the Nile. Here again appears an attempt on the part of Satan to dispute God’s purpose concerning sinful man. It was the decree of Jehovah, upon entering his judgment against disobedient Adam, that “dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return”. The preservation of the bodies of these Egyptian rulers who represented Satan was, without a doubt, ap attempt on the adversary’s part to dispute the decree of Jehovah. By these silent mummies Satan has said: “I will prove that the decree of Jehovah is not true; these shall not return to the dust. Their souls are immortal and will live somewhere else and will not die. Their bodies I preserve and exhibit as visible evidences that the decree of Jehovah is not true.” And thus he has deceived many.

There would seem to be no other reasonable purpose in preserving these human bodies.

The museum also contains a large number of statues of rulers of ancient Egypt; and upon the face of each of these figures is an expression of apparent superiority over others and of disdain for others—this doubtless one of Satan’s designs to establish the “divine right of kings” to rule over the peoples of earth. Truly, Satan, the God of this world, has blinded the minds of men, “lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”. But thanks be to God, the day is at hand, the light of Messiah’s kingdom is beginning to shine, and soon this fraud and deception will be exposed, the darkness dispelled and the light of truth beam forth upon the faces of men everywhere, until even darkest Egypt shall become a land of light, truth and rejoicing.

WITNESS IN THE LAND OF DARKNESS

The greater number of inhabitants of Lower Egypt are Arabs, most of whom are in total darkness concerning the plan of Jehovah. Many are Mohammedans j some few claim to be Christians, but even those have perverted views of God’s purposes. They seem, however, to be a kind-hearted people, willing to be taught; and when we talked to them privately concerning God’s wonderful arrangement for the blessing of mankind they listened with a keen interest. It seems that the time has come for this dark land to have a witness to the truth. As we looked over the situation our conclusion was that it would be pleasing to the Lord that an effort be made to give them the truth, and we are watching his leadings towards providing the ways and means for giving a wide witness throughout Egypt concerning the incoming of Messiah’s kingdom of righteousness. The fact that in Egypt there are many Catholics and Protestants, who have made a pretext of teaching Christianity, puts this land into the class mentioned by the Lord when he said: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come”.

The people of Egypt, like those of many other places> are priest-ridden. They must have an opportunity to know the truth. The truly consecrated children of God who have been favored with a knowledge of the divine plan now have before them the opportunity of giving this witness in fulfillment of the Lord’s command^ and to his glory; and we believe those throughout the whole world who enjoy present truth will respond to the extent of their ability and talent in spreading the glad tidings of the kingdom to the peoples of Egypt, as well as those in other parts of the earth. One’s heart goes out to these people in pity; and when mingling with them, he becomes more and more convinced that now is the time to tell them about the kingdom before it is fully established.

This valley of the Nile, famed for its fertility, produces wonderful crops. It is tilled almost exclusively by a poor, ignorant class of people, the land being owned by lords who seldom see it, but who draw great revenue from it. Thanks be to God for the approaching day of deliverance for the human race, when even these poor people shall build houses and live in them, and each one shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall make them afraid. These Arabs live in very poor homes; in fact, many so-called civilized people would not call them homes at all. They need the light and the Lord will see to it that they get it. The time seems to be opportune for the beginning of the work.

NEW AID IN THE GRAND GALLERY

Bible Students understand the significance of the various passages in the Great Pyramid, and these they have studied with the keenest interest, corroborating the Lord's plan as revealed through the words of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. They have understood, and yet understand, that the Grand Gallery symbolizes the period of the Gospel Ago, during which men have been called to the heavenly falling anil have journeyed, figuratively speaking, up that passageway, looking forward to the completion of the church, and its glorification, pictured by the journey's end in the King’s Chamber. Since the Grand Gallery represents the call to the heavenly position of divine glory, it must have an end. As constructed, the Grand Gallery is narrow and steep, and its ascent must be made cautiously and circumspectly. The ascent has always been difficult, until recently. On entering it this time, we discovered that steps have been built the full length of the passage, with an iron hand-railing on either side, so that now one walks up it as he would up a staircase in a building, with supports on either side. The writer was interested to know when this was installed. There are men about the Pyramid who have acted as guides for years. Several of these were sent for and closely questioned. They all agreed that the material was brought there and the construction of this stairway and iron supports began early in July, 1919, and the work was completed about the first of October, 1919. Immediately the writer recalled that it was about the first of July, 1919, that the idea was conceived of publishing The Golden Age, the first issue of which appeared October 1, 1919. The Golden xXge announced, and continues to announce, that the establishment of Messiah’s kingdom is at hand, that the time of restitution is here, that the old world has ended and the new is beginning, and that millions now living will never die.

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