The Watchtower, August 15, 1922

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Upon the eaub diM.tv. of ninons with perplexity, the sea and the waves (the lesiless, discontented) roaring; men’s nearts failing them for fear and for looking to th* things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiastlclsm/ tnaU be shaken. . . . When ye see these things begin to come to pts& then know that the Kingdom of God Is at band. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh—Matt 24: 33; Mark 13 29. Luke 2P2&-8L

Vol. XLIII

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Semi-Monthly

No If

Anno Mundi 6050—August 15, 1922

CONTENTS

European Tour —Part IV...........

Convention of 3,500 at Leipzig .....

The Leipzig Statue ....................

Pride Brought Low ....................

Service Essential ........................

Duties of Elders and Deacons .....

Interesting Questions ...............

A Sincere Prayer Answered...........

A faithful Man ........................

A Prajer Pleasing to God ..............

Building Amidst Adversity..............

Not without Opposition ...............

Under the Lord Guidance ............

Interesting Leiters ................

Other foundation can '«

O^ifndSrri;ani 1

.■SAlrAn SdMfFOhiALlM

upon the True, and ....

say unto me, and nhat uns^Ci 1 shall make

©WIESTS

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

THIS journal 1s 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 tiaveling representatives, stjled “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., Feibi Dei Minister (V. D. M ), which translated into English is Minister of God's iVord. 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 6) 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 sen ice; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasuie, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuikhng of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge oui? 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 “Jiving 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.—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 every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which hghteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in due time”,— Hebrew's 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 11 : 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, tho 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.

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REPORT OF CONVENTION

Friends everywhere are looking forward with great expectancy to the Cedar Point Convention. Having in mind the blessings enjoyed at the former convention there, ne are expecting even greater blessings at this one There will be many of the dear brethren throughout the world who will have no opportunity of attending this convention We are sure that their prayers will daily ascend in behalf of those who do go. We feel that those at home will be pleased to have some detailed report of what transpires at the convention, that they may enter mote fully into the spirit of it. This is to advise that The Watch Tower will make such a report; and it is our present intention to issue a special edition immediately following the convention, probably the issue of November 1, giving a report of the convention. This will be free, of course, to the regular subscribers. Extra copies may be ordered at ten cents each, provided the order is sent in by September 15.

CONVENTION NOTICE

The Committee is rapidly assigning hotel accommodations for the Cedar Point Convention in the order in which applications are received. If you have been assigned accommodations you will receive a yellow card announcing that fact. It is expected that all will arrive by 10 o’clock Tuesday evening, September 5; and if you do not expect to arrive by that time, advise by wire, addressing C. A. Wise, Secretary, Sandusky, Ohio.

AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

Vol. XLIII

August la, 1922

No. 10

EUROPEAN TOUR-PART IV

THERE were a great many requests for our party to remain over in Vienna for another lecture. Many of the good citizens assured us that they would take steps to prevent another disturbance. But out engagements were such that this was not possible.

Leaving Vienna, we journeyed through Czechoslovakia on our return to Germany. Bohemia forms a part of Czechoslovakia, and in this land there are several brethren in the Lord in present truth who are anxious to have a wider witness m that country; and efforts are being made to see that this witness is given. Like other parts of Europe, Czechoslovakia shows the ill effects of the war. Great numbers are out of employment and there is a spirit of unrest and dissatisfaction, the poor creation groaning and travailing under the weight of their load, hoping for deliverance.

CONVENTION OF 3,500 AT LEIPZIG

The purpose of returning to Germany at this time was to attend a convention of the Bible Students at Leipzig. This being the Pentecostal holiday season in Germany, it was the most favorable time for a convention ; and while our brethren are quite poor and cannot travel much, it was thought best to have the convention in Saxony. The evening preceding the convention at Leipzig a public meeting was held, at which about 2500 were present, the friends remaining away to give space to the public. The attention was unusually good; splendid interest was manifested, and a large number of books were sold. The morning following the convention opened. It was a beautiful sight.

In a hall with a capacity of 3500 every available space was crowded full with consecrated brethren in the Lord. They had come chiefly from Saxony. In 1913 the class in Leipzig numbered less than forty people; and in Dresden not more than a hundred; and now we found a convention of 3500, most of them coming from this part of Germany; with a few, of course, from other parD. Th° convention was opened Sunday morning by Brother Rutherford with an address on the subject: “The blessing of the Lord maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow therewith,” in which was pointed out the great blessing God’s people have received from the Lord and that all the sorrows that have come have not come from the Lord, but have come by reason of sin in the earth, and that the trials and persecutions that come by reason of faithfulness to the Lord bring not sorrow to the heart, but rejoicing, m that we are privileged to suffer with Christ that we might reign with him. The fi lends had arranged some special music for the benefit of our American brethren, which was greatly enjoyed, not only by our party but by all the convention.

In the afternoon Brother Rutherford again addressed the convention on the subject: “The True and Faithful Witness,” pointing out how the Lord was that true and faithful witness, and the privilege his followers now have of following in his footsteps and faithfully witnessing to the truth. At the conclusion, Brother Balzereit, the chairman of the convention, asked for an expression from the brethren as to their harmony with the Society m putting forth an effort to give a wider witness to the Messianic kingdom message. Scarcely had he gotten the words out of his mouth before the vast audience as one person leaped to their feet. The zeal and earnestness manifested by them was a real inspiration. They have the determination to give the message to the world now as the Lord has granted this privilege.

The convention was addressed by a number of the German brethren, including Brother Balzereit, Brother Binkclc, Brother Turnow, Brother Cunow, Brother Wel-lershaus, and others. The testimony meetings showed the great love and devotion that the friends in Germany have for the truth.

THE LEIPZIG STATUE

On Monday morning a question meeting was conducted by Brother Rutherford, a large number of questions having been previously handed m to the chairman, only a portion of which could be taken up in the time allotted for that purpose. Among the questions asked was one with reference to the monument erected at Leipzig and dedicated in 1913. The question was to this effect: Is this monument referred to in Isaiah 19: 19 and in Revelation' 22:1, 2 ?

Some two years ago a brother had delivered a discourse in Germany in an attempt to point out that this monument was erected under divine supervision; and many of the friends became imbued with that thought. Hence the question was put into the question box. A brief history of the monument will better enable our readers to understand the answer given.

The great battle of Leipzig was fought by Napoleon in October, 1813. At this battle 80,000 men were killed. It was one of the bloodiest battles of Napoleon’s campaign. A small monument has been erected on the spot where Napoleon stood and directed the forces. Some time about 1890, or shortly thereafter, the Kaiser conceived the idea of erecting a great monument on this battlefield; and he set about to induce other nations to participate in its erection. It required fifteen years to build this monument, which is made of granite. The base covering several acres, it rises to a height of approximately 300 feet. It is stated that this monument was erected to commemorate the fact that on this battlefield was a great slaughter of the people by a man who had attempted to conquer the world and who had failed. The little monument io Napoleon, of course, represents him. This great monument, which was completed and dedicated m 1913, has no capstone, the top being left flat, with a space about thirty feet square. It was understood that the absence of the capstone would commemorate the fact that no man had conquered the world ; but that in the event that any one should conquer the world then his monument would be placed on the top.

NOT OF THE LORD

Abbreviated, the answer to the question was this: This monument erected in Leipzig is not referred to in Isaiah 19:19 or in any other part of the Scriptures. The Leipzig monument was erected as the result of an ambition of a man, induced by the influence of the great adversary. There would be no reason why Jehovah should have a monument erected in the caith at the end of the gospel age. There is a good reason why he would have a monument erected m Egypt, the Gieat Pyramid, long before the beginning of the Christian era . and when the time would come that tin sec-icts of this monument should be revealed to students of the dn me prophecy, it Mould be found to corroborate the prophetic utterances and the dime plan for the salvation and deliverance of man. The Great Pyramid, therefore, would furnish additional evidence to strengthen the faith of the Christian. At the end of the gospel age there would be no occasion for such, and it would be presumptive on mans part to erect a monument and say that the Lord had it done as a testimony to his cause.

In addition to this, every part of the monument indicates that it originated with the devil. Its architecture, both inside and outside, is distinctly Egyptian, which Bible Students well know is of Satanic origin. Satan has counterfeited every part of the divine plan; and in the figures constructed he has particularly attempted to show forth the four attributes of wisdom, justice, love, and power.

It is a well known fact that for a number of years before the 'World IVar Emperor William, the Kaiser of Germany, claimed to be directed by divine power, hearing voices in his “inner ear” directing him what should be done. All students of the Lord’s Word readily recognize this as spiritism. The ambition of the Kaiser to be the ruler of the earth is plainly manifested in this monument. On the inside are seen four colossal figures. One of these shows a woman nursing two children, and is said to symbolize the German people as self-supporting and nourishing the world. The other nations that contributed money to help to erect this monument and that were present at its dedication are represented by small figures, about one-hundredth part the size of the larger ones, showing a far inferior condition to Germany.

At the base of the monument is the figure of a warrior with drawn sword, marked Saint Michael. Michael, as we know, means one representing Jehovah. Above this figure are cut the words: Gott mit tins. A fountain was prepared, to flow a large quantity of water from the base of the monument down for some distance into a pool; and on either side of the pool is plant'-d a row of trees, said to have been taken from the description of the kingdom given in Revelation 22, indicating that these trees pictured the German people healing the other nations of the earth. The Kaiser was imbued with the thought that he was to be the great one amongst men. He not only had the German army trained in the art of war, but had placed upon their arms and epaulets and other parts of their uniform the woids: Gott mil uns. like unto the inscription on the monument. Arrogantly he stated that “me und Gott” would accomplish the purpose ho had in mind.

This monument was dedicated in October. 1913. Within a year from that date the great World War began. The Kaiser was confident that his army would soon march into Baris, soon destroy the Russians, and soon conquer the world; and thus, according to the purpose above announced, the vacant space at the top of the monument would be a place for a great figure, at least a hundred feet in height, representing the Kaiser himself as the conqueror and ruler of the world.

THE WORK OF DEMONS

Instead of this monument being erected under divine supervision to foreshadow any part of the divine plan, clearly it is a monument of the folly of man, induced by the devil and his associates, the demons. The Kaiser had hoped to say' that ‘here stood Napoleon, who had attempted to conquer the world and had failed. Here stands the Kaiser-, who attempted to conquer the world and succeeded; therefore the whole world should bow down to me.’ Christians should not be turned aside from the proper course by such deceptions put forth by the adversary. We have a sure Word of prophecy plainly set forth by Jesus and thei apostles and prophets, as our guide; and these we do well to heed and follow.

"Gott mit uns” in English means God with us; and the poor German soldier had been induced to believe —and the preachers, acting in conjunction with the Kaiser, had induced them so to believe— that God was with the German army and against all others; and therefore many of them went to battle with the fanatical thought that they were fighting the battle of the Lord. No Christian should for a moment be deceived by the thought that God would employ any of Satan’s agencies for the purpose of magnifying his plan or teaching lessons concerning his kingdom.

It was further observed that behind the figure Saint Michael is an iron cross, and that immediately above the iron cross is represented the rising sun. The evident purpose here was to counterfeit the statement of the Prophet concerning the rising of the Sun of righteousness with healing in its beams. The devil would have his agents believe and teach the people: ‘Behold me, the great ruler of the world, God’s representative! Having won the victory and therefore gained the iron cross, behold me standing forth as the sun of righteousness with healing in my beams; and behold the fountain of water, representing my message of truth pouring from beneath this fountain and running on between the trees on either side for the healing of the nations!’

In fact, dear brethren, the monument is blasphemous in the superlative degree; and instead of permitting ourselves to be influenced by it, let us avoid it and hold fast that which we have from the Word of God. We are creatures walking by faith and not walking or being guided by monuments of Satan erected by ambitious men. He who conquers the world will not gain an iron cross; but the great Conqueror will be Christ Jesus, the Messiah, who uill conquer in righteousness; and all will recognize that he is the Christ to the glory of God, and praise him and praise the heavenly Father for the blessings that will flow out to them with the complete overthrow of Satan’s empire and the full establishment of the Messianic kingdom.

TEST OF LOVE FOR GOD

Monday afternoon Brother Rutherford again addressed the convention on the subject of the proof of our love for God, pointing out the boundless blessings and benefits we have received at the hand of Jehovah and our Lord Jesus; what it means to love God and the Lord Jesus; uhy we should love them; and what it means to love the brethren. Many of the dear friends have thought that the final and crucial test that would come to the church is love for the brethren; but clearly that great test is love for God. For if we do not love the brethren, as Jesus commanded us, then we do not love God, nor do we love the Lord Jesus; and as St. John puts it, our love for God is proven by the fact that we keep his commandments with a joyful heart. The great test is now on as to whether we will show any sympathy with the devil’s organization or whether we will, because of love for God and his cause, align ourselves fully on the side of the Lord and boldly and fearlessly give proclamation to the message of truth at this time. It is the last time, as St. John declared, the final conflict; and he who stands at the end victorious with the King of kings and Lord of lords will not only be the called and chosen, but the one who is faithful unto death; and that faithfulness and loyalty induced by his supreme love for Jehovah and the Lord Jesus.

The friends were heard to say time and time again: ‘It is the greatest convention of the Bible Students ever held in Germany. Never have we had such a sweet and blessed time.’ Never before had so many of the really consecrated gathered together there. It was good to be there. It was a real joy, bespeaking the joys that shall come to those who are privileged to be at the general convention of the church of the firstborn, where there will be no parting, but where those present will experience fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore.

The convention concluded.by the singing of “God be with you till we meet again”; and the great sea of faces showed a calm, sweet determination to press on in the battle of righteousness until victory has crowned the efforts of the Lord and those who follow him.

CONDITIONS IN GERMANY

Journeying through Germany, we noted the fact that the fields are being worked by women. Few men are seen in the fields and very few animals. Seldom, does one sec a horse; occasionally an ox or two. If you inquire why, the answer is that 9,000,000 of their men fell in the World War. The suffering of Germany was terrible from this war; and no human agency will ever relieve her from its effects. Only the kingdom of the Messiah will bring their hearts’ desire.

The German people are unusually industrious, and without doubt there are less idle people in Germany than any other country in the world m proportion to its population. This is due to the fact that they are thrifty and peace-loving. They do not want war. They want to pay their debts, live together m peace, and enjoy such blessings as the Lord may permit them to have. The business situation, however, is entirely unsatisfactory. No one will make a contract to manufacture an article and deliver it at a certain price; for, say they, “We know not what thirty days may bring forth. Conditions may change m that time and it would cost us much more to manufacture the article.” The money of Germany is depreciating in value. It is purely fiat money. Gold and silver have entirely disappeared. Paper and aluminum are used; and the German mark, which at par in so-called normal days was equivalent to a quarter of a dollar in American currency, is now worth about one-third of a cent, or three hundred marks to the dollar.

There was some hope in the minds of some of the German people that conditions would get better. The Washington and Genoa conferences, of the political elements particularly, tried to do something and failed. The bankers have met, and under the instructions of the Reparations Commission tried to solve the difficult problems, and have failed. The clergy have put forth their effort, with their other ecclesiastical helpers; and they have signally failed. What, then, shall be the solution oi these difficulties and bring relief? There is but one answer: The kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ : the kingdom of Messiah.

Any student of the divine Word who journeys through Germany and studies conditions and then has any doubt about the fulfillment of prophecy, that the world has now ended and that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, has surely studied the Bible m vain. All the conditions in Germany, as well as in other parts of Europe, plainly show that we are at the time of the end. The physical facts prove that the conclusion of the Bible Students that the kingdom is at the door is correct.

PRIDE BROUGHT LOW

Another noticeable fact in Germany is that the haughty, domineering spirit that existed prior to the war has disappeared. The people have been humbled to the dust; and indeed the Lord has permitted this for a purpose; for does he not say that the mighty shall be brought low?—Psalm 147:6; Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 25:5; Daniel 4: 37.

Germany has hoped to overcome her burdens and once more establish herself firmly by industry; and her effort in this behalf is commendable. Burdened with taxes, hampered with inability properly to till the soil, battling against a currency without value, the German people are facing a situation that is impossible for man to overcome. The food supply is inadequate; and even if it were adequate, the common people could not afford to buy. This is evidenced everywhere. Because of lack of nourishing food, tuberculosis and other diseases are laying hold of the people. It would not be surprising to see the population become more desperate and an upheaval to follow in the near future. If so, we may know that God has permitted it to further open the eyes of the understanding of men, that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity, and that the solution of these perplexing problems lies only with the Lord’s kingdom,.

Happy will be the day when the people shall come to know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus is the Christ. It may be expected that these people who have suffered so much will readily, v hen their eyes are opened, turn to the Lord and enter on the highway of holiness. Let the consecrated of the Lord’s people who have the privilege now of being witnesses to his kingdom under these depressing and adverse conditions rejoice m their hearts as they avail themselves of the opportunities to point out to the groaning creation that the Sun of righteousness is here; and that soon, by his grace, the burdens v. ill be lifted from mankind and peace and happiness will come to stay; and that those who are obedient to the new order will live and not die. Let us take courage, therefore, dear brethren, in constantly keeping before the minds of the people the slogan of the dav, the message of the hour, “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”; for the time for restoration blessings is at hand.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL

"Whosoever will be chief among you,let him he your servant; even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”—Matthew SO: 27, 28.

SOME who have long been possessors of a knowledge of the truth believe their chief duty is to feed upon the Word of God, and there let all their efforts end. Indeed, such believe that somebody should engage in the service, but somehow they think it is not for themselves. Such a position is a grievous mistake. The new creation has been called and prepared for a purpose. The apostle Peter, in speaking to it and concerning it, says: “Ye are a chosen race, a people for a purpose.” (1 Peter 2:9) Christ Jesus is the head of the new creation. The body members are required to follow in his steps. Their experiences must be like unto his. It is therefore of utmost importance to study his course and to endeavor diligently to follow the same course. Without a doubt that course leads one into active service. As his followers we must be not only feeders upon the truth, but also servants of the truth. Let no one deceive himself into believing that his chief purpose as a Christian now is to meditate upon the great joys that will be brought to him when he reaches heaven. Sufficient unto the day is the joy thereof. It is proper, of course, to have joy of heart because of the prospect of being forever with the Lord; but there is something to do in order to possess and enter into that fullness of joy.

When Jesus was on earth the disciples did not understand what was the most essential thing for their spiritual welfare, for the reason that at that time the ransom sacrifice was net completed and the holy spirit had not been given. Jesus took advantage of a condition that arose amongst them to lay down clearly the rule governing the new creation with reference to service. Strife had arisen amongst the disciples as to which should be the greatest among them. Even so now wo find there are some m present truth who assume that their greatness amongst the brethren forbids them to engage actively in the service other than to speak occasionally. When this disposition was manifested amongst the disciples Jesus said to them: “He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger [youthful, active, energetic, not slothful]; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” (Luke 22: 26, 27) Again Jesus said: “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

SERVICE WAS ESSENTIAL FOR JESUS

If essential for Jesus to serve, then with stronger reasoning is it essential for the body members to engage in the service. Let no one think that because he is an elder of the class all his service should consist of preaching by word of mouth. If opportunities offer for him to go among the people and place in their hands the printed message, that is a great privilege and is preaching the gospel, olten more effectively than any other way of preaching it. Let every one who hopes to be with the Lord use all Ins or her talents now in service. The statement of Jesus concerning service is in the nature of a command; and he says: “He that loveth me kcepeth my commandments.” The final test on every Christian is his real love and devotion to the Lord.

What is the real purpose of the service work of the Society? The answer is, To give to the people the message that is now due to be given, telling them that Satan's empire is at an end; that the kingdom of heaven is here; and that millions now living will never die, but will have an opportunity to be restored to life everlasting and happiness. The peoples of earth are in distress. There is no human remedy. The kingdom of the Lord is the panacea for all these ills of mankind. Having reference to this very time, Jesus himself declared that before the final collapse of the present order “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.” If none of the consecrated entered into the service, how could this commandment be carried out? Can any one who is really consecrated to the Lord justify himself or herself in idleness at this time? True, the Lord could choose some other agency to give the witness; but the answer to that argument is that he has chosen Ins people for a purpose now to show forth his praises by being his faithful w itncsses in service.

Are you one of his chosen people? Are you enjoying the privileges of service ? or do you find yourself inclined to find fault with the work that is being done, and for that reason fail to do any yourself? If so, get out of your mind at once the disposition to retard the work; for the adversary put it there. Earnestly pray the Lord to help you and to open wider the door of opportunity for service; and as these opportunities come, grasp them and diligently perform the service. Then your joy will increase.

If you are among those who are already actively engaged in the service, be of.good courage and rejoice with increased joy. Remember that in this connection Jesus said: “He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” One does not endure while merely sitting dowm and folding his hands. Endurance here clearly means activity in the performance of the sen ice which the Lord has committed to his people. If you are doing this, blessed is your portion; and the promise is that m due time you shall reap if you relax not. There should be twice as many consecrated actively carrying the printed message to the people and talking to them at their doors, giving the witness that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

DUTIES OF ELDERS AND DEACONS

THE September 1, 1921, issue of The Watch Tower, page 265, dealt with the question of the duties of elders and deacons. Some of the dear friends, however, seem to misunderstand this and ask for further expression on the question.

A deacon of the class is requested by the class to give a discourse and he asks whether or not he should respond, since he is not an elder. Our reply would be that he might be entirely qualified to give a discourse as an elder, but m order that the Scriptural rule be observed, we suggest that he say kindly to the class: “I should be very pleased to serve, but since the Scriptures designate the elders as the ones wrho are to teach, it would be more consistent first to select me as an elder, ot that at least I be elected as an elder for a short period of time, during which I might give discourses; but as long as I hold the office of deacon it would seem inconsistent to give a discourse before the ecclesia.”

Where the ecclesia has one Sunday meeting especially for the instruction of the consecrated only an hour of which is devoted to that meeting would it be proper for three deacons to take up each ten minutes ot half of the time and an elder to give a thirty-minute discourse at the same meeting?

Such a course would seem unscriptural. If the deacons are qualified to instruct the class m spiritual matters then the class should recognize this fact by electing them as elders and remove all question. If not qualified then of course the class would not expect them to assume these duties. Some classes make the great mistake of thinking they must elect as elders only those who have been long in the service and have had much experience. It is quite often true that some younger brother possesses the Scriptural qualifications and is better equipped for teaching than some of the older ones. Difficult problems could often be solved by electing the qualified ones and let them do the service as elders and elect the others as deacons and let them do the service as deacons. The Apostle admonishes that all things should be done decently and in order. Order is heaven’s first law. Since the divine order is set forth in the Scriptures, viz., that the elders are made the spn itual overseers of the church the elders must be quali lied to teach. Then the elders should be requested to do this and should do it; whereas the deacons would perform the service appointed for them by the Scriptures. Such a procedure being the Scriptural one would be the right one, of course, and would remove all cause for disagreement. However, we should not quibble about technicalities, nor should we be too critical; yet we all should want to follow as nearly as possible the divinely prescribed order, that we might be pleasing to our heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus.

In this connection we Have been asked, Is it not true that the Society sends brethren to serve and give discourses to ecclesias, which brethren are neither elders nor deacons? Such is not the case at all. On the contrary, every one that is sent out as a Pilgrim by the Society is ex-officio elder of the classes he serves. Brother Russell always held the view that the Society’s sending out of a person io preach the gospel made him an elder the same as if elected by some special ecclesia. Foi this reason those who are sent out by the Society to give discourses to the classes have the Scriptural qualifications. But fui thermore, the brethren who are sent out from the Bethel Home to teach, and who are members of that Home are the duly elected elders of the New York Congregation. At times deacons are assigned to lead a Berean study merely as a substitute for an elder who cannot be present. No deacon has ever yet given a discourse to the New York or Brooklyn Congregation. In Brother Russell’s time he designated only certain of the elders that should be permitted to speak before that congregation; and since the affairs of the church have been in the hands of the executive committee, this committee being clothed with authority so to do has designated a certain number of the elders who are to speak before the congregation, and none others. It will therefore be seen that the policy followed by the Society where its headquarters are situated limits the discoursing to certain elders who are understood to be better qualified for this purpose.

Suppose an ecclesia should insist on ignoring the Scriptural direction and still have deacons to address the ecclesia. What should be the attitude of the other members of the ecclesia? Our thought is that in such a case, where a majority of the ecclesia votes that it will have the deacons to address the class at regular intervals, those who see that this is not Scriptural should calmly yet firmly state that they believe this is unscnptural and out of order, and leave it at that. Do not be contentious. If the majority insist on taking an unscnptural course, the Lord will m due time reveal this wrongful course to them. It may result m some severe trial, but the Lord will take care of his people in his own good way. Remember the admonition of the apostle Paul, to dwell together in peace, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.—Heb. 12: 14.

If an elder who sees that the course of the class is unscnptural is called upon to address the class, as one of the overseers of the class he should take occasion to tell them plainly that they are taking an unscnptural course, and with firmness, jet calmly and in love, advise against such a course. He should not refuse to serve, but keep on trying to help the erring oms by teaching them the Word of the Lord in the spirit of love.

The question may be asked then, How is a class to know whether or not the younger brethren are qualified to be elders? This can be determined by giving the deacons an opportunity to lead a Bin-can class at times as a substitute for an cldei. If they are apt to teach and have the other Scriptural qualifications, then they should be elected as elders and given a trial at speaking. If they do well, give them further opportunity. If they show they are unable to speak, then let the class limit the speaking elders to certain ones. Some brethren are fully qualified to be elders and to lead Berean lessons and yet are not able to give an address. It does not necessarily follow that every elder must be a public speaker. But public speakers should be elders.

Some way should be found to have every qualified brother in the class active in the service. If he has the qualifications of an elder, elect him to that place, even though there are many elders in the class. They can take their turn in service. Elect those with less qualifications as deacons and let them perform their service. Above all, let love prevail, and everything be done in the spirit of Christ, that the peace of Christ may dwell in every heait richly and each one may grow in the image and likeness of our Lord and Master.

INTERESTING QUESTIONS

DEACONS ADDRESSING MEETINGS

Question: At a time when the Lord’s people are engaged in giving a general witness throughout the land on a day certain and a class arranges for a number of public meetings, and there are not sufficient elders to serve those public meetings m giving public addresses, would it be proper for the class to assign a deacon to address such public meeting, assuming, of course, that be has the ability to deliver a discourse?

Answer: Have in mind that the apostle Paul s.nd to the elders: “The holy spirit hath made you overseers” of the church, and one of the qualifications of an elder is that he must be apt to teach. The presumption here is, of course, that he must be apt to teach the consecrated. Hence the teaching of the consecrated as a general rule should be done by the elders; although a deacon may be substituted for a Berean study when an older is not available.

A public discourse is not teaching the ecclesia, but it is a proclamation of the divine plan for the enlight-ment of those who have a desire to know something about God's great arrangement. We answer the question, then, in the affirmative, that it is entirely proper for an ecelesia to assign a deacon to address such public meetings when there are not a sufficient number of elders to serve such public meetings. Where a deacon has the qualification to address the public he should be encouraged to do so; and if he proves that he has the ability to cleaily and orderly present the truth, this may bo a good reason to advance him to the position of elder in the church. The apostle Paul says: ‘fIf a man desireth the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work’’. (1 Timothy 3 : 1) This must refer to one who has not yet been elected to the office of bishop or elder. If a brother who is a deacon has the desire to serve, he should be encouraged by the class to serve; and we know of no bettei w ay to encourage than to give him an opportunity to addicss a public meeting on an occasion such as above mentioned, provided, of course, that he manifests some ability m tins behalf.

Let this always be the rule amongst the Lord’s people, to encourage the brethren to service and give them an opportunity to develop. But when they are given service to teach the consecrated, then the Lord’s way should be followed and they should be first elected as elders. A clear distinction should be made between the teaching of the consecrated and the giving of a public address to those who are unconsccrated. As soon as a brother shows that he has the qualifications for elder, then it would be entirely proper to elect him to that position. Let no one fear that there will be too many servants of the Lord in the field. Truly now great is the woik to be done and few are the laborers. Let us therefore pi ay that the Lord will send more laborers into the field, and as we pray, watch for opportunities to cooperate with him.

DEACONS AS TREASURERS

Question: Would it be proper for the office of treasurer or secretaiy to be filled by a deacon in the class where there are a number of elders?

Answer: Such is entirely proper and within the Scriptural duties of a deacon. The secretary of the elders or the ecelesia merely records the business transactions; whereas the treasurer keeps the books and accounts of the ecelesia and is custodian of its funds. Neither of these offices requires the qualifications of an elder, and it is often better not to burden the elders with such duties where there are qualified deacons to do them.

A SINCERE PRAYER ANSWERED

--August 27 — Nehemiah 1:1-11--

PREPARATION FOR THE REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM'S WALIS—THE CHARACTER OF NEHEMIVH PORTRAYED — VALUE OF FERVENT PRAYER-PRESENT WORK OF THE CHURCH FORESHADOWED.

“The supplication of a righteous man availeth much m its working.”— James 5:16.

NEHEMIAH is one of the honored names in the recoids of God's people. It means “comfort of Jehovah ’ The general outline of his diameter as rceoided in the book called by his name is that of a strong man deterimnod m his wajs, who sought the welfare of Israel. His record shows that he was true to his name he both needed and received, ns he also gave, the comfort of Jehovah. Ami no man can be fully satisfied apart from God God's servants have always realized this, and have sought and depended upon him Each has known that however strong lie may have appeared in the eyes of his fellows, or even for a time have felt strong in himself, he has always found his need of the comfort of his God. Soon the human family will discover the same truth ; will find its need fulfilled in its beneficient Creator Then it will discover his gracious provision for it, and will find eternal satisfaction in the comfort of his love.

A FAITHFUL MAN

Nehemiah was a man ot quick perception and quick action. For him to see a need was to seize the first opportunity to fill it. Nevertheless he was of a singularly dependent disposition “Think of me, my God, for good.” is his repeated prayer. This cry is not of one who is filled with self-assuranee, hut of one who, having served faithfully, yet feels Ins need and cries for sympathy We know little of Nehemiah's family. He may have belonged to the royal family of Judah, as some have suggested; but it is by ins personality and ability that he is brought Into prominence. That he was a faithful servant to the Persian king is evident, for the king did not want to lose his sei vices (Nehemiah 2 • 6) And that his person was acceptable to the king is also evident; for, contrary to usual custom, he is permitted to serve in the presence of the queen, as chapter 2 verse G shows. “Scest thou a man diligent in Ins business? he shall stand before kings” (Pro-vcibs 22:29), was surely true in Nehemiah’s case It was such a man that God chose for the particular need he had at that time God chooses those who have proved themselves to be of an earnest, active disposition ; idlers and self-seekers he does not choose for service, but he does make use of them as they oiler themselves to him. These, however, sooner or later find his service too irksome and leave it.

Nehemiah was comfortable enough in Persia, but he longed for the prosperity of Jerusalem and for the welfare of ins people. Hearing of the desolations of Jerusalem he was thrown into sadness. The city walls were broken down, and Ins people were in great affliction and reproach. The reforms under Ezra had had some effect on the people, but there was a lack of security, and the desolated appearance of the city had a depressing effect on the people. As Nehemiah heard of this lie was strongly affected. He sat down, he wept, he mourned, he fasted, he cried to the Lord. It was no passing feeling of sorrow' which touched him; he was moved m his heart, and in his distress and solitude he drew' near to God. It is here that our Golden Text applies: “The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.”—James 5: 16.

All of God’s people who figure in prominence have been men of prayer. This does not mean that they spent a great length of time in either silent or audible prayer to God ; but it does mean that the life was lived in a prayerful attitude, and that they called upon God in every time of need. Thanksgiving is always in order; indeed, it is essential to spiritual life, and it is in that atmosphere that requests are best made known to God. But what requests should be made9 Respecting anything and everything which passes through our life? All prayer should be for the furtherance of God’s interests and of our instructions regarding his will for us. Our life is covenanted to him, our powers arc his, all we have is his; and our privilege of prayer is from him, and, like our life, is given for the end he has in view. The sons of God, then, must pray for those things which help God’s kingdom and glory.

NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER

The Golden Text is connected with the fervent prayer of Elijah, a prayer which sought the good of Israel. Personal prayer ought to be guided by the same desire. This is praying with the word of Christ in us—his teaching; and this is the prayer which is answered. Our Lord gave us just the insti action we need as to how to pray when he said: “After this manner pray ye” Thore should be acknowledgement of God and of his glory ; of our daily need— “Give us this day our daily bread,” and foi his forbearance —“Eorgne us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

All prayer should acknowledge God, his glory, and our need of coming to him in his own appointed way, and with a contrite spirit. And all prayeis should be for the furtherance of God’s interests, even though it may be that there is a personal interest involved in the matter prayed for. God is always pleased when Ins praise is sought, and he is as truly pleased when there is a desne to seek the good of his people. But the pra.vers of the Old Testament are also models by which the saints may guide themselves in prayer acceptably to God.

Nehemiah’s prayer is not so full as some Old Testament prayers, but it is a model in brevity. (1) He reminds God of his glory, and of what he has said of himself. He was the God of heaven that “keepeth covenant with them that love him.” (2) He makes a confession of sin, (a) of the sins of Israel, (b) of Ins own and those of his father’s house If the children of Israel are in affliction, botli he and his father’s house have been shaters with the nation in that sin which brought the punishment of captivity upon them Here is humility; the confession of sin is not meiely formal. (3) He appeals to God, he beseeches, and that continually. (4) He pleads the promises. God had said . “But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them, though there were of you cast out unto the uttei-most part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.” (5) He reminds God that the Israelites are ins servants specially called to him “Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.” (Nehemiah 1:10) So, then, we have here an acknowledgement of God’s glory, a confession of sin, supplication, a pleading of the promises, and a reminder that Israel is God’s own chosen people.

The request of the prayer is that God would grant him favor with the king. He does not ask that God would do something to relieve the situation in Jerusalem, or cause the city to be built; nor does he ask directly that he may be the builder. But, feeling strongly within himself the desire to serve, he asks for favor for himself: he requests that God would work upon his master the king; for he was the king's cupbearer. Quite evidently God was pleased with Nehemiah’s desire to serve, yet kept him waiting from three to four months, as is clear from the account. On a certain day, perhaps a day when Ins desire was strong upon him, and feeling the need of Jerusalem keenly, he showed his mental suffering in his face. The king noticed immediately, and asked him the reason. Nehemiah was sore afraid; for no courtier or servant must be sad in the king’s presence. He tells why he is sad : The city, the place of his fathers’ sepulchres, is waste; and its gates are consumed with fire.

Evidently Nehemiah manifested a desire to make a request of the king; for the king says: “For what dost thou make request?” On this the man of prayer immediately lifts up ins heart to God, evidently expecting the opportune moment has come, and that God will grant Ins prayer. There is no question with him as to lapse of time in lieaiing and answering prayer. The king waits, he needs to answer immediately, and he expects God will hear and answer as quickl.v as his need demands. He tells the king Ins desire. The king is gracious, inquires how long Nehemiah proposes to be away, and is pleased to send him. Nehemiah received more than he e'peeled; for letters to the various governors en route and in the land of Isuiel were given to him by the king, m winch the governors were instructed to give linn the necessary help, and to let him have freedom for the materials that he should need. Further, captains of the army and horsemen weie sent with him The good hand of the Lord was upon him.—Nehemiah 2: IS.

A PRAYER PLEASING TO GOD

As before stated, it had pleased God to have Nehemiah pray lor some time, probably neaily four months, before the eventful day came. Probably God wanted to test and develop his faith God would know his man and that Nehemiah would be strengthened and helped by constancy in waiting; and probably God knew that the time of Nehemiah’s arrival in Jerusalem would be more piopitious for him than if he had been permitted to go earlier

Theie was also another reason. Tins prayer of Nehemiah’s and the work he was to do were m God’s plan, as Brother Russell has shown us The command of King Artaxerxes to restore and rebuild Jerusalem had a place in God’s scheme of prophecy. It was the beginning of the 2300 days of Daniel 8 14; it was also the beginning of the “seventy weeks’’ maiked off respecting Israel and Jerusalem (Daniel 9:24), the prophecy which is the keystone of the piophetic arch of chronological interpretation , and therefore the command to rebuild must be issued exactly on tune

Nehemiah, ins heart burning for his people and for the honor of his God, little realized the importance of his ptayer. Wien faithful to that which God has placed before us, he fits our work into his great plans Even our praters are so fitted in, and our little is made to have a grand place in lus pm poses; our service is glorified It is very probable that: some of the influence which Queen Esther had in the 1’eisian Court still remained, and that Nehemiah's king was affected in some measure by it. That strange deliveiance of the Jews in Esther’s days must have Minteri.dly helped to prepare the way for Nehemiah ; and the proved loyalty of the Jews to the Persian throne would certainly help In these things we have wonderful illustrations of the divine ordering of human affairs God as certainly provided the circumstances for this very important happening as he provided those which previously had caused Cyrus to take the very unusual course of giving thousands of captives freedom to go back to their own land.

SERVICE AND PRAYER

In this account there are important lessons and guidance for us both as to service and prayer. The Lord has shown us a great privilege of service. Like Jerusalem of old, so the Lord’s city now (the true worship and service of Jehovah) is dishonored in the sight of the nations. It is our work to set forth the truth of the coming of the kingdom, and our privilege to have the honor of God so much on o'cir mind as to work and pray for the prosperity of his city. Brother Bussell was surely guided of the Lord when by the Vow he brought the Lord’s people into one real union of prayer, praying daily for the Lord's guidance and blessing on his people at the Bethel and everywhere.

Probably we are to lake these narratives as instruction for present work. Nehemiah’s work has a correspondency with that which the Lord’s people are called upon to do today. The original return from Babylon was in three phases: First, there was the return under the leadership of Zerubbabel, when the people laid the foundations of the house of the Lord and began again a measure of national life. Then, after a long interval, there was a second return under Ezra. Zerubbabel’s work was not permanent in results ; and u hen Ezra returned, he found a situation in Israel which made him weep sorely. Ezra was a reformer and accomplished a great work.

But Israel needed something more than reformation; something more than a setting forth of the truth of right living, just as now more, is necessary than doctrinal correctness The city needed rebuilding, and the national requirements of a people representing God demanded attention. The status of the people needed raising. So last of all God raised up Nehemiah to rebuild the city, and to consolidate the reformation, and to establish the people in their land. Probably all this is intended as an illustration of the reform work done since God raised up Brother Russell.

The wall' rebuilt around Jerusalem was a protection to those inside and a notice to those outside that God had a people, Israel, with whom his favor still remained. The Lord foreshadowed an-, office that would be filled by a special servant, and he selected Brother Russell for this purpose. Brother Russell under the direction of the Lord reestablished the truth in the minds of Christian people in Christendom, which served as a protection to them from the enemies of the new creation and at the same time gave notice to those on the outside that God has a people in the earth.

God’s servants are privileged to do a twofold work: one the reestablishing of the truth, and the other a witnessing against the Babj lonish systems that have destroyed the truth. We seem to be warranted in the conclusion from the Scriptures that before the end of the church’s career this side the vail there must be given such a clear witness concerning the Lord's kingdom that the people of Babylon will know that God has a people in the earth bearing his message, as surely as the people of the land knew of the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem ; and now, as then, those in high places will be maddened by the fact.

BUILDING AMIDST ADVERSITY

--September 3 — Nehemiah 3:1-7: 4--

NEHEMIAH CAREFULLY SURVEYS THE GROUND, THEN BUILDS JERUSALEM’S WALLS-WHAT THIS BUILDING FORESHADOWED-TH3

VALUE OF UNITY IN HEART AND ACTION—FAITHFULNESS REWARDED.

“Our God will fight for us."—Nehemiah 4:20.

IN DUE time Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem. It was a long journey of about 1000 miles. Ezra and hi« company took four months for the journey, but Nehemiah would occupy much less time; for there was a comparatively small company with him. Arriving at Jerusalem he rested three days. He had told no one of his purposes, though it is evident that his arrival with his retinue was noised abioad; and apparently the news had leaked out on the journey that this man was come to seek the welfare of the Jews. Sanballat and Tobiah, who were men of note amongst the people of the land, were exceedingly grieved that anyone should come upon such a mission.

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