The Watchtower, November 1, 1922
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No. 21
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Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the wares (the (Iiscunteotcd) roaring, men’s hearts falling them for fear and for looking to the
thing* coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecck'siH^iclsm) shall be shaken. . . . When ye see these things begin to come to p&sk then know that the Kingdom of God la nt hand. Look up* lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption dmwetb nigh.—Matt 24:83; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25*81*
Vol. XLIII
Semi-Monthly
Anno Mundi 6051 — November 1, 1922
CONTENTS
Cpoau Point Convention .................
The Resolution ................................
Friendly Newspaper Comment ......
Prayer and Thanksgiving Day ......
Comfort i.nd Encouragement Day Peace and Holiness Day .................
The Day .........................................
Discourse by Brother Rutherford ... Consecration Day .....................
Activity Day -----------------------
Service Day-------------
Victory Day .................... .....
Question Meeting ....................
Report of Service Workers____
Trust and Confidence Day_______
....338
...340 ....343 ....344 ....346 ....348 ....349
I will stand upon my watch and will set my foot upon the Tower, and will watch to see what Tie will say unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me."—Ilabakknk t: 1.
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. 18S4, "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. Onr 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] foe all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2: G) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11« 15; 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. . .had 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 hie service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of hla good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people In grace and knowledge. And we not only Invite but urge OUB 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 3:20.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses; and when tha 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 ransoni 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, G.
That the hope of the church is that she may be 1?ke her Lord, “see him as he is,” be partaker 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 24a 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, tha restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and Ins glorijied churchy when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isaiah 35. ।
Published bx
WATCHTOWER BIBLE G-TRACT SOCIETY/
18 CONCORD STREET O O BROOKLYN, NY U-SA
.Foreign Offices: British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate, London W. 2; Canadian: 270 Dundas St., W., Toronto, Ontario; Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia; South African: 123 Plein St., Cape Town, South Africa.
Please Address the Society in Every Case.
YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICE; United States, $1.00; Canada and Miscellaneous Foreign, $1.50: Great Britain. Australasia, and South Africa, Ss American remittances should be made by Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Bank Draft. Canadian, British, South African, and Australasian remittances should be made to branch offices only, Remittances from scattered foreign territory may be made to the Brooklyn office, but by International Postal Money Orders only.
(Foreign translations of this journal appear in several languages)
Editorial 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, J. nemery, G. H. Fisher._______________
Terms to the I^ord*a Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of old age or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, will be supplied free if they send • postal card each May stating their esse and requesting each provision. Weare not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Berean studies.
Notice to Subaerihera* We do not, aa a role, mod ■ card of •cknavledcineDt for • renewal or so ouoacnoera. for a n8W Bubocnptfon- Beceipt „<! entry ofrenawal oro Indicated within a month by chaiure tn expiration data, as shown on wrapper label.
Kntered a* Second Clacc Matter at Brooklyn. N. Y., Poatoffioo ttadar the Act of March trd, 1179,
FREE LITERATURE
The Society is printing a large quantity of tracts for free distribution. These are being shipped to the classes in quantity. The shipment now is about completed. October 31 is set for a general distribution throughout the United States and Canada. See October Bulletin. Isolated friends should write this office for such quantities as they can distribute properly. Do not throw the tracts on the lawns or doorsteps. Hand each tract personally to some one at the door. This tract is important. It contains the Cedar Point Resolution and will have a wide distribution. It Is printed in many languages.
BALTIMORE Convention
A local convention will be held at Baltimore, Md., October 2Sth and 29th, which classes in the immediate neighborhood will have an opportunity to attend. A public meeting will be hold Sunday afternoon, to be addressed by Brother Rutherford. Other speakers will be present For further information address Dr. Chas. A-Schaefer, 53 South Fulton Ave., Baltimore, Md.
CANADIAN CONVENTIONS
New Liskeard, Ont., October 20-22 ;
A. H. Brown, Drawer 23, New Liskeard, Ont Winnipeg, Man., October 27-29 ;
L. W. Burgess, 539 Newman St., Winnipeg, Man. Saskatoon, Sask., November 4-6 ;
G. P. Naish, 115 Main St, Nutana, Saskatoon, Sask. Edmonton, Alta., November 10-12 ;
Geo. A, Ware, 12321 Stony Plain Rd., Edmonton, Alta. Vancouver,. B. C., November 17-19;
M. Sibley, 1687 Fifth Ave. W., Vancouver, B. C. Cbanbrook, B. C., December 2, 3 ;
Geo. Holmes, Box 19, Cranbrook, B. C. Regina, Sask., December 8-10;
M. T. Catton, 1835 Connaught St., Regina, Sask.
SAN FRANCISCO CONVENTION
The International Bible Students will hold a convention at San Francisco Saturday and Sunday, November 18 and 19. The President of the Association will be present at the convention. For further particulars write J. L. Seery, Convention Secretary, 701 Post Street, San Francisco, California.
CONVENTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BY BROTHER RUTHERFORD
Reading, Pa., Oct. 15; ...........Clifford R. Weeber. 518 N. 12th St
Brooklyn, N. Y., Oct. 22 ; T. M. Bedwin, 8118 Chu'hestor Ave.,
Woodhaven.
Baltimore. Md., Oct. 29; Chas. H. Anderson, 119-J2I s Calvert St. St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 1; ..............J. B. Bernoudj. 7033 Lindell Ave.
Kansas City, Mo.. Nov. 3; ................Ira H. Hyde, 1006 Fuller Ave.
Albuquerque, N. Mei., Nov. 5 ; Mrs. H. W. Hardy, 1025 N. 11th St San Francisco, Calif., Nov. 19 ; Ray Crawford, 483-A Linden St Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 26 ; ........Oscar Harris, 3848 Boyce Ave.
Cleveland, O., Dec. 10 ; Hyatt W. Mathews, 7524 Harvard Ave., S.E. Boston, Mass., Dec. 17 ; Alexander Ogston, 48 Wyllls Ave., Everett Brooklyn, N. Y., Dec. 24 ; T. M. Bedwin, 8118 Chichester Ave.,
Woodhaven, L. L
Dayton, O., Dec. 31;-----------J?. D. Pottle, 36-i E. 4th St
AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE
Vol. XLIII November 1, 1922 No. 21
CEDAR POINT CONVENTION
"Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
day approaching."—Hebrews 10:25.
and so much the more, as ye see the
A CONVENTION of Christians drawn together by the influence of pure Christian love is always helpful. The day is approaching for the general assembly of the church of the firstborns; hence the greater desire for closer fellowship and activity of the brethren this side the vail. To all such a convention is a special blessing.
Believing it to be in harmony with the Lord’s will, a general convention of Bible Students was announced to be held at Cedar Point, Ohio, September 5 to 13, inclusive. From every quarter of the land there was a joyful response by the brethren. As the day approached, it was evident that there wrould be a great number present. Even more came than was anticipated, with a great desire for fellowship and building one another up on our most holy faith. The brethren came from all parts of the United States, Canada, and quite a number from Europe. Those who could not come sent telegrams and cablegrams of greetings and best wishes. Such were received from Great Britain, Scotland, Australia, South Africa, Sweden, Finland, Winnipeg, Man., Saskatoon, Sask., Medicine Hat, Alta., Boston, Fall River, Mass., Roseburg, Ore., Spokane, Wash., San Jose, Calif., St. Louis, Mo., Baltimore, Md., Terre Haute, Ind., Passaic, N. J., Richmond, Va., Tampa, Marianna and Zephyr Hills, Fla., Raleigh, N. C., Richmond Hill, N. Y., and other places.
On Tuesday the brethren began to arrive in special trains, boats, automobiles, trolley cars and, in fact, every kind of vehicle except airships. On Sunday more than 5,000 people came by automobile alone. All hotel space at Cedar Point was occupied, while thousands were domiciled at Sandusky and Lakeside. The audience reached its greatest number on Sunday, at wThich time it is estimated by the Sandusky Press that between 18,000 and 20,000 people were present.
The convention opened Tuesday afternoon, according to the program. Brother Van Amburgh was chairman, the assistant chairmen being Brothers Graham, Salter, and Pickering. The English-speaking brethren held meetings in the large auditorium and also in the grove at the same time; while at the same hours our foreign brethren conducted their meetings in different halls and in different parts of the grove. There were as many as eleven meetings in progress at one time. There was one spirit prevailing, the spirit of Christ. Everywhere were happy faces and joyful hearts. Everywhere it was heard said: “This is the most w’onder-ful convention yet held”; and doubtless there never has been another convention on earth attended by so many consecrated Christians.
The feeding of the multitude was a problem. But the proprietors of Cedar Point had arranged that this should be done in the cafeteria style; and by the spirit of cooperation on the. part of the brethren this feature w'as quite readily taken care of, and all were supplied with reasonable food.
Monday was “Service Day”, and on Tuesday morning several hundred automobiles, each car loaded with workers and books, canvassed the northern part of Ohio. A report of this appears herein. On Tuesday evening following this canvass a testimony meeting was held, and every one present agreed that it was the most wonderful, heart-inspiring testimony meeting he had ever attended.
The convention concluded Wednesday forenoon. It was thought because of the great number present that it would be beyond the capacity of any to stand shaking hands with everybody; hence the love feast was conducted by the friends engaging in singing songs while standing and giving the Chautauqua salute. It was a most impressive scene, a most happy one; and every one departed from the place, realizing that the Lord was present and had opened the windows of heaven and poured out a blessing upon his people.
“WITH TEN THOUSANDS OF HIS SAINTS”
It is interesting here to note the words of St. Jude: “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly
Burners have spoken against him.” (Jude 14,15) It has been suggested that the words of St. Jude are significant here in view of the adoption of a resolution which forms a judgment and warning to all the nations of earth. It is quite singular that the average attendance at this convention was approximately 10,000, while on Sunday afternoon many more were present at the public meeting. At the conclusion of the public address by the President of the Society Sunday afternoon, this notable assembly composed of consecrated Christians speaking many languages, to wit, English, German, Polish, Greek, Scandinavian, Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Slovak and Italian, unanimously adopted the following resolution amidst great rejoicing:
RESOLUTION
(Adopted by the International Bible Students Association in Convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, Sunday, September 10, 19SB)
THE International Bible Students in convention assembled deem it a duty and privilege to send this message to the nations of earth.
As a body of Christians consecrated to obey and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are opposed to engaging in war, revolution, anarchy, or violence in any form; and we are opposed to fraud and deception being practised upon the people by the misrepresentation of the Word of God or otherwise. We earnestly desire peace, prosperity and the blessing of the people with life, liberty and happiness; and we hold that the only means by which this can be accomplished is by and through the reign of Christ.
In the light of the Word of God, and particularly of fulfilled prophecy, we submit the following as a true statement of the facts relating to present conditions:
1. That the rulers of earth have frequently boasted that the World War was fought to make the world safe for democracy, which claim has proven to be a delusion and a snare;
2. That the international conferences at Paris, Washington, Genoa and The Hague, participated in by the financiers and statesmen and approved by the denominational Clergj of the world, held for the purpose, as announced, of establishing peace on earth, have failed to bring forth the desired result;
3. That all of the nations of earth are now in distress and perplexity, as the Lord foretold they would be at this time, and that the entire social and political structure is threaiened with complete dissolution; and the leading statesmen and rulers of the earth being aware of this fact and of their inability to establish peace and prosperity are frantically calling upon the denominational churches to save the world from disaster;
4. That it is the desire of all the nations and peoples of earth that they might dwell in peace and enjoy life, liberty and happiness;
5. That the people are being misled by those who are attempting to bring about this desire through international conferences and agreements in the form of the League of Nations and like compacts.
We therefore call upon the nations of earth, their rulers and leaders, and upon all the clergymen of all the denominational churches of earth, their followers and allies, big business and big politicians, to bring forth their proof In justification of the position taken by them that they can establish peace and prosperity on earth and bring happiness to the people; and their failing in this, we call upon them to give ear to the testimony that we offer as witnesses for the Lord, and then let them say whether or not our testimony is true.
Relying upon the Word of God and his providential dealings with mankind through Christ Jesus, we as his witnesses hold and testify as follows, to-wit:
1. That the World War came in 1914 and was followed by great famines, pestilences and revolutions in various parts of the earth exactly as foretold by the Lord;
2. That 1914 marked the legal ending of the old world and there Christ the rightful King took unto himself his power as king;
3. That the Lord Jesus Christ is now present, invisible to man, and proceeding with the work of establishing his kingdom, for which kingdom he taught his followers to pray;
4. That Satan, long the god of this world, has deceived the statesmen, financiers and the clergy, by inducing them to believe that by international agreement or other combined efforts they can bring the desire of all nations;
5. That all of the world’s present organization constitutes the visible part of Satan’s empire or organization, and that Satan’s empire must now fall before the forward march of the King of glory;
6. That all international conferences and all agreements or treaties resulting therefrom, including the League of Nations compact and all like compacts, must fail, because God lias decreed it thus;
7. That all efforts of the denominational church organizations, their clergy, their leaders and their allies, to save and reestablish the order of things in the earth and to bring peace and prosperity must of necessity fail, because they do not constitute any part of the kingdom of Messiah;
8. That on the contrary, during the World War the clergy of these various church denominations were disloyal to the Lord Jesus Christ in this, that they wrongfully united with big business and big politicians to further the World War; they preached men into the trenches and falsely and blasphemously told them that their death upon the battlefield would be counted as a part of the vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ;
9. That they further repudiated the Lord and his kingdom and showed their disloyalty by voluntarily uniting themselves with Satan’s organization and boldly announcing to the world that the League of Nations is the political expression of God’s kingdom on earth, which announcement so made by them was in utter disregard of the words of Jesus and the apostles.
10. We further hold and testify that this is the day of God’s vengeance against Satan’s empire visible and invisible;
11. That the reestablishment of the old world or order is an impossibility; that the time is here for the establishment of the kingdom of God through Christ Jesus; and that all the powers and organizations that do not willingly submit to the righteous reign of the Lord will be destroyed;
12. That If the politicians would faithfully represent the people, and big business would cease exploiting the people, and the clergy would tell the people the truth concerning God’s arrangement and the people would cease from strife, the kingdom of Messiah would be established by him without further trouble or distress; but failing thus to do, greater trouble must shortly follow;
13. That for this reason there Is now impending and about to fall upon the nations of earth, according to the words of Christ Jesus, a great time of “tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” [again], and it is this impending trouble that the riders and mighty men of earth see coming.
But we hold and declare that Messiah’s kingdom is the complete panacea for all the ills of humankind and will bring peace on earth and good will to men, the desire of all nations; that those who yield themselves willingly to his righteous reign now begun will be blessed with lasting peace, life, liberty and endless happiness.
Therefore we bring to the peoples of earth God’s message of good tidings contained in the Bible, his Word of truth, and we publish to them hla message of peace and everlasting salvation, to wit, that the King of glory, the Deliverer of man, is invisibly present and has begun his reign ; that the old world, under the control of Satan, has ended and is being rapidly broken in pieces, to make way for the everlasting kingdom of righteousness now being set up, and that millions of people now living on earth, if obedient to the laws of that righteous kingdom, will continue to live and never die; and we call upon all nations, peoples, kindreds and tongues who love righteousness and hate iniquity to recognize and freely acknowledge that Jehovah is the only true God and that his beloved Son Christ Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.
A FRIENDLY COMMENT
The Bridgeport (Conn.) Herald editorially, October 1st, said of the Resolution the following:
BIBLE STUDENTS SCORE WORLD’S STATESMEN
With Muslapha Kemal thundering at the gates of Constantinople, demanding the return of the Dardanelles control to Turkey, while the British lion is rushing her warrior breed to the Golden Horn, with the revolutionary spirit of “red” Russia threatening to Bolshevik'ize all Europe, with the American public murmuring fiercely at atrociously high prices of coal and other necessities caused in part by two costly national strikes, it is interesting to note what one of the largest and most active Christian organizations in the world thinks of this crisis in history.
Upwards of 20,000 ardent churchmen attended the meetings of the International Bible Students Association at Cedar Point, Ohio, during its recent convention. That they
We will not attempt to give in the Watch Tower any review of the addresses of the foreign-speaking brethren nor even to give their names, but the reports which have reached us show tliat these addresses of the foreign-speaking brethren were noteworthy for the high degree of spirituality which they manifested. At one and the same time eleven meetings, m ten different languages, were in progress in different places upon the grounds.
The main auditorium, the Coliseum, never before used by the Bible Students, was equipped with five thousand seats; and these scats were filled at almost every session and many stood. Besides this, English meetings were conducted in the park, where an open are disgusted with the morals and spirit of our world, statesmen and even the ways of the League of Nations is obvious in their unanimous resolution on world affairs.
We submit that, regardless of what the individual reader may think of its philosophy, the ensuing resolution deserves incorporation in history as a vivid reflection of what many of our churchmen think of these times.
What a documentary study it affords for psychologists —this modern discourse on that eternal duel between God and Satan !
How we would like to note the expressions of Lloyd George, Clemenceau, Venizelos. Lenin, Hughes or Root could we but see them reading the resolution.
air auditorium seated several thousands of people.
The main auditorium, after the first three days, was equipped with a splendid sounding-board patterned after a Victrola horn, which worked so perfectly that a speaker with even a moderately strong voice could be heard distinctly in the remotest parts of the great auditorium. An admirable orchestra made up of twenty-two brothers and sisters supplied excellent music throughout. Among the instruments thus employed to the Lord’s praise were the piano, two baritone horns, three cornets, two saxaphoncs, a flute, a bass viol, and a dozen violins. One of the players was heard to remark: “The time set for this convention is too short; a convention of this size ought to be here all summer.”
PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING DAY, SEPTEMBER 5
THE convention opened September 5th, at 4 p. m., with a praise and testimony meeting. At 7 p. m., an address of welcome by Mr. F. F. Eubank, the representative of The Boeckling Company, was responded to by Brother Rutherford. Then followed a discourse by Brother C. A. Wise on the subject of the day. We do not undertake to give the addresses verbatim, but such synopses and salient points of each as the space available will permit. Brother C. A. Wise said in part:
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER C. A. WISE
NO SUBJECT could be more appropriate than the one selected for the opening discourse of this convention ; and we are sure that when notice was first made of the convention often we went to the throne of heavenly grace in prayer, asking the Lord’s blessing. Aa the time drew near and we realized that we could attend, our hearts were filled with thanksgiving.
As a basis for our remarks we desire to use 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18: “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Someone has well said that prayer is the expression of the soul’s sincere desire. Thus, in order to fulfill our desires, one must first of all be in harmony with God. Prayer Is absolutely essential for spiritual growth; without it the Christian would die spiritually.
Having come into harmony with God, it is a privilege to come before the throne of heavenly grace and make our wants known. A prayer that is not of faith is a sin. The prayer of the justified one, then, is that God may open the eyes of our understanding that we may continue to be faithful to him, to abide in him. Through prayer we have sweet communion with God, thus opening the door of our hearts; we have fellowship with him, telling him of our joys, our sorrows, and our desires. It is of this attitude of heart that our Lord said: “If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with me.” Again he said: “Ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” But. even with this broad statement we find there are some limitations and conditions—“If my word abide in you.” How few there are who will abide in Christ; in whom the word of God dwells richly! A true Christian will shrink from asking what he will.
To abide in Christ means to have our wills fully submerged into the Father’s will: time, talent, all. Thus with the Psalmist we can say: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
All the leading characters of the Bible spent many hours In prayer, and in every instance God honored them by granting their petitions. The experience of Hezekiah stands out as a very prominent instance of God’s answer to prayer. The Lord had sent Isaiah the prophet with a message, saying: “Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die and not live.” Hezekiah, lying on his bed sick, turned his face toward the wall and prayed, saying, "I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.” What a practical lesson we can derive from this experience! It is true that we are not natural kings as Hezekiah was, but we are prospective kings of glory.
To set our house in order means that all our affairs In life—home, business, reputation, wealth—are the Lord’s, and he has entrusted these to us as stewards. The prayer of Hezekiah was not a boastful one, neither should our prayers be boastful. God never changes his plans to answer our prayers, but permits the conditions to help us. Therefore we must work according to our prayers and petitions. We, too, must be able to say: We have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and done that which is pleasing in thy sight.
Few have the ability to pray without ceasing. Only the advanced ones in Christ who are having their affections set on things above, have exchanged their earthly interests for the heavenly; .their prayers will be as a flame of sacred love—love for the Lord, the truth, and the brethren. This flame of sacred love will consume their mortal bodies as living sacrifices in the service of the truth.
COMFORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT DAY, SEPTEMBER 6
TO EACH day of the convention was assigned a special subject. Wednesday, September 6, was “Comfort and Encouragment Hay.” Services opened in the morning with praise and testimony, followed by a discourse by Brother Van Amburgh. A synopsis of his discourse follows:
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER W. E. VAN AMBURGH
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.”—Hebrews 10:85.
TW present social - financial - religious - governmental .ructures of the world are disintegrating rapidly for lack of the cohesion of mutual confidence. The ingredients which enter into the formation of the hardest rocks are held together by some adhesive force. Mutual confidence would in time beget love, which is the strongest moral cohesive power known. Could the world at once enter into a condition of mutual confidence and trust, the social cyclone now threatening would rapidly disappear. Can such a condition ever be brought about on earth? God has promised that it shall be.
God has permitted mankind to take its own course for a while, that it might learn its inability to save itself. It has demonstrated that sin and selfishness cannot cement society into a desirable condition. During the permission of sin God arranged that a record of his dealings with his people should be kept, and gives as one reason therefor that the Christian of today might have a knowledge of how firm a foundation of divine wisdom, love, justice, and power he has upon which to build his faith and hope. What comfort and patience this knowledge gives him to endure the terrors of a collapsing world! He knows that Jehovah is preparing for the establishment of his kingdom on earth. The sand foundations of sin, selfishness, and injustice must all be cleared away, that the rock foundation of justice, righteousness, love, and mercy may be laid.
The Apostle assures us that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4)' ; and that “all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11); and that God’s dealings with the prophets of old and with the children of Israel were to assure us that every promise which God has made can be fully relied upon.
The touching story of Job shows that the devil has not power to even touch one of God’s people unless God may temporarily permit it; and if he does permit it and the tested one proves faithful, God doubles his previous blessings unto him.
The fascinating story of Joseph tells that he was hated by his brethren, who with murderous hearts sold him as a slave; his thirteen years of bondage, part of which was spent in prison under false accusation ; his release by the power of God, who raised him next to the throne of Egypt in one day, thus making him the savior of the very brothers who had sold him, and also of his entire family, as well as the savior of the entire nation of Egypt. God pictured thus his own Son, who would later be hated by his brethren, murdered by them, only to be exalted later to the throne of the heavens that he might become the Savior of his brethren, the Jewish nation, and also of his family, his joint-heirs, and incidently of all the world, typified by the nation of Egypt.
The experiences of the warrior David, taken from the sheep-cote and placed upon the throne of Israel that he might deliver his people, give another picture of the coming Savior as a warrior who would deliver his people from bondage to sin.
The children of Israel during their captivity were encouraged by the deliverance of the three Hebrew children from the fiery furnace of the enraged Nebuchadnezzar, and by that of Daniel from the lion’s den, where he had been cast at the behest of his enemies. God had not forgotten them, even though they were in captivity.
So the Christians of today “upon whom the ends of the world have come,” as they find themselves in the vortex of human passions and terror, are assured that their God whom they serve can and will deliver them in his own time and way. Their eyes have been opened by the Word of God; and they know that these distressing conditions are but evidences that the kingdom of God is at the door, and that the era of greatest blessing the world has ever known is soon to dawn; and that singing, joy and happiness in abundance will replace the sighing, sorrow and distress of the present.—Luke 21: 2S.
The Christian therefore has a stability of mind, faith in God, a glorious hope for speedy deliverance which gives him patience in the present turmoil, and a comfort of heart and mind which nothing can shake or break. He is supported by the mighty God of the universe, and thus he “dwelieth in the secret place of tie Most High [and] shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” What safer place could he be in? What could give him more comfort?
Brother Crist delivered a discourse on the same subject at 11 a. m. We insert herein a synopsis of it:
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER E. F. CRIST
“Oreat peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend [stumble] them."—Psalm 119:165.
EVERYONE desires happiness. Peace is essential to happiness. In Psalm 119:165 we are told how this important ingredient of joy may be obtained.
Primarily God’s law is his own rule of conduct. As a loving Creator he delivers it to man, that the latter may be advantaged. Throughout the six creative days God obeyed the law of thoughtfulness in creating conditions that would enable men to be happy. He caused trees to grow for lumber, that men might build houses and other conveniences. He placed coal, oil and gas in the earth for fuel supply, that men might run trains, steamboats, and automobiles. Had God made only two kinds each of vegetables, fruits, and Howers, life would have afforded far less pleasure than it does. God having thus thoughtfully used his creative power, peace resulted from the realization that he had done his best.
Because of failure to love that law of thoughtfulness, peace is lacking in many lives. Husbands permit wives to struggle unnecessarily with inconveniences that make life a dull drudgery, when a few paltry pennies and a few minutes of time would make life far brighter for them. Trouble with neighbors is often traceable to the same cause; whereas thoughtfulness would have yielded an interchange of kindly acts productive of much pleasure. Many parents suffer disappointment and unpleasantness because of failure to reason from the viewpoint of their children. This does not suggest harmful indulgence, but such wise and loving thoughtfulness as will convince the child that father and mother are endeavoring unselfishly to serve its highest interests. Love for this law will promote peace in our lives. Many stumblings can thus be avoided. Real happiness cannot be enjoyed otherwise. When during Christ’s kingdom now being established mankind comprehend and apply this principle, the human race will thereby eliminate a large part of their troubles.
Next, God proved his love for the law of self-forgetfulness and self-denial in that he permitted Lucifer to take charge in Eden, knowing that he would lead men into sin and destruction. God foresaw that for centuries he must behold the sad spectacle of a race rushing madly down the decline into more and more of evil; that selfishness would lead to injustice, hate, murder, war, and other terrible consequences ; that his own loving purposes would be misunderstood, and his name be blasphemed; that he w'ould send his own Son to redeem men, and that this Son would be rejected and crucified. Yet God obeyed his law, that thus mankind might learn lessons that would enable every willing child of Adam to become perfect and happy ultimately. As we, too, learn to love that law, peace increases proportionately.
God showed his love for the law of holiness when he condemned the race in Adam. He would have a clean universe; therefore every evil thing must be destroyed. Peace was inspired as he looked forward to a glorious culmination, when evil will be destroyed root and branch. When we love that law, and have determined to eradicate every evil desire and practice from our lives, we shall feel sweet peace while anticipating the fruition of such hope.
Having condemned his disobedient creature, God next proved his love for the law of mercy in that he decreed a provision for the ultimate recovery of unworthy man through the giving of his own Son to suffer, to die and to become the restorer. How sweet must have been his peace as the sense of such nobility swept over his soul! As we learn to love mercy, even toward those who seem not to merit it, we add to our peace. If we think mercifully of our fellow man, a more kindly feeling toward him is gendered and it becomes easier to speak and act considerately. It is obvious that greater peace must result from such course.
Having planned for the restoration of all willing ones during Christ’s kingdom God next evidenced his love for the law of magnanimity in arranging for the selection from among the human race of 144,000 who are to be highly exalted to the conditions now enjoyed by his Son, if they faithfully emulate him. This is a condescending favor almost beyond conception. How sweet must have been his peace when this decision was reached! When we love that law, and are willing to do for husband, wife and others far more than duty would demand, we are planting seeds that will bring fruition in peace.
God has through the centuries demonstrated his love for the law of meekness (which implies a readiness to receive suggestion) and for the law of perseverance. Both are essential to a broad peace. God has not dealt harshly when unreasonable and ridiculous suggestions have been made to him in prayer; neither has he been dismayed because in six thousand years the human race has not become free from sin and its terrible effects. He has determined to persevere until that end is attained. The love of these features of God’s law will contribute to our peace. Unwillingness to receive a suggestion or criticism will cause peace to be an absent quantity in our lives; and vice versa.
From 2 to 3 o’clock in the afternoon was devoted to praise and testimony, and many of the friends had opportunity to give an. expression of their love and appreciation of the Lord’s goodness to them. At 3 p. m. Brother M. A. Howlett spoke on the subject of the day. A synopsis of his discourse follows:
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER M. A. HOWLETT
AS STUDENTS of God’s Word and believers in that Word, we are greatly interested in the events of earth. Wise men of the world are perplexed; the restless masses of humanity are surging as angry billows; the storm clouds of trouble grow blacker; men’s hearts fail them for fear and for looking after those things coming upon the earth.
What should be the attitude of the Christian in regard to these things? Should he be perplexed? Should he be afraid? The assurance of God’s Word is that these very conditions would exist at the end of the age, and that they would mark the passing away of the old order of unrighteousness and the coming in of the new “wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
Bible students are looking for the near establishment of this kingdom of peace. This being “Comfort and Encouragement Day,” what comfort can we get from the realization of these troublesome conditions? If it can be proven that the present political situation in Europe and elsewhere; the existence of a league of nations; the coming into being of Bolshevism; the unrest among the Mohammedans are all conditions related to the establishment of the kingdom of Christ, would this not be a matter of great comfort and encouragement?
The Christian’s commission at this time is to proclaim the “day of vengeance of our God,” and how could this be done were he not fully satisfied that the day is here? Bible students are interestedly watching the affairs of the orthodox Jew. His gradual establishment in Palestine as a homeland is a matter of intense interest.
When the Jew is referred to in prophecy he is often spoken of as Jacob. He takes this name from the father of his nation—Jacob—whose name was changed to Israel. Hence his children are called the children of Israel. The affairs of the people spoken of as Jacob, are to play an important part in the establishment of the new order. The Jewish hope is running high. He is anxiously looking for the fulfillment of the long-deferred promise to Abraham : “In thee and thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” To the Jew this means the reestablishment of a polity in Palestine through which the nations of earth will be blessed. His one great mistake is his relying upon the wrong agencies for this reestablishment. Instead of looking to his God, he is leaning upon an arm of flesh; he is leaning upon the gentile nations and particularly upon the League of Nations.
The Almighty has authorized none of the present nations to assume authority in Palestine. The power that is exercised in that country by the League of Nations through its representative, Great Britain, is an abomination in God’s sight. This assumed authority is to be overthrown in a great time of trouble, during which the Almighty will manifest his power and show himself to be fighting for the Jew again.—Ezekiel 38: 21.
At 4 p. m. was a discourse by Brother A. J. Eshleman on a like subject, a synopsis of which follows:
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER A. J. ESHLEMAN
"But I see another latv in my members ivarring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."—Romans 7: 23.
THE epistle to the Romans Is a logical and comprehensive treatise on the divine law and its effect upon the human family. Law Is rule in force. God’s law is the same always, but the expressions and operations of that law vary under different dispensations and covenants. After reviewing the episode in Eden God's apostle dwells considerably upon the Mosaic decalogue, and then proceeds to apply the lesson to us. Of course, to the worldly-minded his argument is not clear; but the child of God leans not upon his own understanding nor upon that of the world’s. Through the medium of the holy spirit, guiding St. Paul’s pen and enlightening our minds, his argument is refreshing. “The world by [worldly] wisdom knows not God.”
The Apostle concludes (Romans 8:1); “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,” etc. To the sober-minded Christian this is a comfort and consolation ; for although we are in harmony with God as new creatures, still we are conscious of mauy bodily imperfections which we rightly deplore and long to be rid of. In verse 22 he says: “For I delight in the law of God in the inner man.” And in verse 25 he adds: “So then with my mind I serve the law of God.” It is a great joy to be conscious of heart unity with the Father of Light and Life and to have his approbation.
Reverting to the text: St. Paul speaks of another law In his members warring against the new mind and subjecting him to the law of sin. The operations of this law of sin are twofold; and although co-related, there is an appreciable difference, viz., the bodily imperfection, and the natural desires of the flesh.
(1) No extensive reasoning is here required to prove that sin works in all of Adam’s race. It is pathologically palpable that we also are children of wrath even as they. Our invulnerability to sin, according to 1 John 3:9, lies not in any physical immunity, but refers to a moral quality exclusively. Moreover, we are not healed of these blemishes upon acceptance into the Anointed, but are figuratively clothed with the robe of Christ’s righteousness through the imputation of his merit. (Romans 4:6-S) Again, it is written : “He knoweth our frame, he remem-bereth that we are dust.” The Lord pities his people as he beholds their abhorrence for the evil in their human nature.—Romans 7: 24, 25.
(2) The other part to the operation of this law of sin refers to the legitimate demands of the flesh, things which are entirely proper for Adam’s children, but which we are privileged to sacrifice in hope of the great prize. This is the most unnatural thing a human being could do and certainly incompatible to his nature. It might be convenient occasionally to attend meetings or do a little service for the truth; but to sacrifice the things that are by nature ours, requires the greatest faith and fortitude of any feat ever accomplished. Our humanity, though justified, has a strong love of and affinity for the .-esthetic, which of itself is not sinful because of being a part of our natural self, but which, if wholly yielded to, would become a snare to us since our covenant is by sacrifice.
To the new creature and its vows the flesh responds sensitively. Although it is negatively resistant, yet it forms our most formidable foe; and herein lies a great warfare. Overcoming does not mean that the flesh will nevermore assert its rights, but rather that the new creature must possess positive rulership at the expense of the human self.
Concluding the eighth chapter, St. Paul asks: “Who shall separate us from the love of God?” etc. We observe that he includes life and things to come. What could he mean? Evidently a desire to continue to live on the earth after having made a covenant with God to sacrifice this for a heavenly reward. “He that controlleth his own spirit Is mightier than he that taketh a city.” Bravery in natural warfare is most commendable; but earth’s really mighty ones are the heroes of faith. Shortly their names will be engraved upon the hearts of all mankind, as the “joy of the whole earth.” Meanwhile let us look unto our Master, who was tempted in all points as we, but overcame; so may we, by his grace. Let us put forth every effort to serve the Lord’s cause. Soon the tight will be finished, the race run, the victory won; and the eternal joys will be ours.
The evenings were spent in social fellowship about the hotel and in discussion by the friends of what they had heard during the day. It gave opportunity for renewing acquaintance one with another. So great was the crowd that it was impossible for every one to meet every one he knew in one day, and the evenings were well occupied in visiting and in Christian fellowship together.
PEACE AND HOLINESS DAY, SEPTEMBER 7
THURSDAY, September 7, was designated as “Peace and Holiness Day.” Services opened at 9 o’clock in the morning, followed by a praise and testimony meeting. At 10 a. m. Brother W. F. Hudgings delivered a discourse on the subject of the day, a synopsis of which we insert:
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER W. F. HUDGINGS
PEACE is a condition of mind which all men crave and seek for, yet they look for it where it cannot be found. There can be no genuine peace apart from heart harmony with Jehovah. Nations arm themselves and go to war, hoping thereby to gain in the end happiness, tranquility, peace, usually to find their condition worse than It was before, as far as the happiness of the people is concerned.
Peace, in its truest sense, reigned in Eden before the fall of man into sin and death. It has not reigned anywhere in the earth since that time, except in a spiritual sense in the hearts of God’s consecrated people.
The world has held its peace conferences and congresses, made its peace proclamations, declarations and treaties. But lasting peace has not been established, and will not be until the Prince of Peace sets up his kingdom upon the ruins of the old order. Christianity has accomplished something for the nations of Europe and America in the way of promoting civilization, but it has not made them Christian nations by any means. No! The name Christian as applied to nations is a mistake. The term Christendom as applied to the civilized quarters of the globe is a misnomer. Christendom is a contraction of the words, “Christ” and “kingdom,” and applies only to the kingdom of Christ That kingdom is not yet fully established. We still pray: “Thy kingdom come.” There are evidences that it is near. Peace will be universal and unending then.
This was followed at 11 o’clock by Brother R. H. Barber, who also discoursed on the subject as follows:
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER R. H. BARBER
uAs birds are caught in a snare, so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.*1
—Ecclesiastes 9:19.
FEW realize that the Bible points to our day—the end of the age—as an “evil day.” The day is evil in several senses: First, because “evil men and seducers [would] wax worse and worse” ; second, because “a time of trouble such as never was,” would prevail at this time; third, men’s hearts would fail them for fear of things coming, and existing conditions would cause perplexity; fourth, that human efforts would not avail to stem the tide which would eventuate in the complete overthrow of the present order. Our text and many others indicate that these inexplicable conditions would come “suddenly.” Everybody is a witness to the fact that such conditions now exist.
Many other scriptures besides our text declare that the great “fowler”—Satan—and his deluded agents—men and fallen angels—would then be setting “snares,” trying to ensnare both the Lord’s people and the world. To get the proper picture, we must think of two opposing armies, under the leadership of two great generals—the Lord and his hosts, and Satan and his hosts.
The Lord is now establishing his kingdom, for which Christians have prayed for 1800 years. It is a kingdom of light and peace, designed to bless all the families of earth. Satan is trying to thwart these efforts. His methods are crafty, cunning, deceptive, and designed to ensnare those proclaiming the kingdom message and to engage their efforts along other lines, as well as to blind the masses to the real significance of events and to the blessings soon to follow.
Satan ensnares the world by diverting their attention from the kingdom message and work to the supposed blessings of a League of Nations and League of Churches, thus substituting man’s schemes for the divine plan. He ensnares the Lord’s people by overreaching them. The Apostle says: “Lest Satan should get an advantage over us.” (2 Corinthians 2:11) The better translation is “Lest Satan overreach us.” The adversary succeeds in overreaching us by magnifying the importance of certain features of the work, and so engrossing our attention in these features that we ofttimes neglect other and possibly more important features. Thus we are overreached—ensnared.
Satan may magnify the importance of developing character along certain lines, and thus cause us to neglect other and more important development. Again, he might magnify our own importance in the Lord’s work, or the importance of the work in which we are engaged, and deceive us into thinking that the Lord needs us. Or, yet again, he might impress upon our mind the thought that a certain work which the Lord is doing is entirely wrong or unwise, and that we could not conscientiously cooperate, Thus there are many ways, subtle, ensnaring, deceptive. by which Satan overreaches the Lord’s people, and hinders them from promulgating the message that Christ’s kingdom is at hand and that millions now living will never die; or at least, to so use our energies and talents in a way that will hinder or retard the work.
If we would engage on the Lord’s side in this battle, self (self-will, self-esteem and personal opinions) must sink out of sight, be submerged in the one great work of the kingdom, and of our part in declaring that it is at hand. Advertise the kingdom I
From 12 to 2 o’clock each day was occupied in partaking of refreshments. Long queues of people waited for their turn to enter the dining room, where each served himself in cafeteria style, at the same time having opportunity to visit together.
At 2 o’clock on this day a praise and testimony meeting was enjoyed by the great number that attended. The program that was carried on in the main auditorium was duplicated as to subjects by the other meetings held in the park, addressed by different brethren.
At 3 o’clock in the afternoon Brother Macmillan spoke on the subject “Peace and Holiness.” We insert an outline of his discourse as follows:
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER A. H. MACMILLAN
“Holiness, without which shall no man see the Lord.’’—Hebrews 12:1$.
THE interpretation placed upon the law covenant arrangements by the Jews developed various groups of hypocrites, and did not result in holiness. The creeds formulated by clergymen during the gospel age had a similar result, so that today we find in Babylon a few holy people and many hypocrites.
The subject of holiness is viewed from two standpoints: God's and man’s. Man’s point of view is the outward appearance; God’s is the heart. Those who observed the letter of the Jewish law to the best of their ability stood well in the estimation of their acquaintances; and this was what they desired. The vast majority of them Ignored the spirit of the law, permitting sin and selfishness to dominate their minds and hearts; and thus they appeared to God.
During the gospel age the clergy have pictured God as a great monster threatening to torture all who would not observe the moral code that they—the clergy—drew up. The result of this was that people endeavored to observe the letter of the teachings, ignoring the spirit thereof. Outwardly they appeared holy and righteous; but Inwardly many were full of deceit, sin, and selfishness-
Jesus dwelt upon this phase of the subject of holiness at considerable length while teaching the people. He frequently scored the scribes and Pharisees because of their holy outward appearance and their morbid minds and degraded hearts. To him they appeared as whited sepulchers —beautifully garnished on the outside but wholly offensive within.
Jesus emphasized the great truth that had already been expressed by the Old Testament writers, that although man judges and accepts his fellow men by outward appearance, God does not, for he looks upon the heart. Those who did not actually take human life believed themselves to be keeping the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill”; and they were keeping this commandment from man’s point of view. Many of them, however, had murder iu their hearts and would have liked to commit the act but were restrained through fear of the punishment that would fall upon them. From God’s point of view a man of this kind is just as much a murderer as If he actually committed the deed.
The same condition obtains today. Many people who outwardly appear very holy and who are endeavoring to observe the letter of the law in order to appear well before their fellow men, apparently do not stop to think how they look to God, who can read the secret thoughts of the mind and heart; and while they draw near to God with their lips, heir hearts are far from him and his standards.
If we are to become holy and thus pleasing to the Lord, the work must begin within. The experiences of the past four thousand years have fully demonstrated the fact that meanness or sin cannot be legislated out of a person and righteousness legislated in. It is impossible to make a man righteous or holy by threats and warnings of punishment to follow wrong-doing. To attain unto holiness we must accept God’s way; for it is the only way. First, we must have instilled into our minds the principles of truth and holiness as they are reflected from God's glorious character through his Word; and this is done by the study of the plan of God as it reveals his wonderful character. Second, a love for these principles must enter into our hearts and change our affections; and this Is done by continued contemplation of God’s glorious and precious character. This will develop in us a motive force tending toward godliness that will express itself in righteous thoughts, words, and deeds. Thus we work out in our thoughts and conduct these principles that God worked into our minds and hearts by his holy spirit. Then one becomes holy in thought and word and deed to the extent that it is possible for him so to be while in a fallen body, such as all new creatures still on earth have.
It is true that many unrighteous thoughts enter our minds, and at times we do things that are not pleasing to ourselves nor to the Lord. These things, of course, are not charged against the new creature, but are the results of the fallen flesh. The things we deliberately do, however, are held against us. For instance, if a brother or a sister be overtaken in a fault as a result of weakness of the flesh, this of course would be a sin. Others becoming aware of this might feel that it would be quite a righteous act to condemn this brother or sister for the wrongdoing and pass the word to all their friends, and thus lend themselves to evil speaking and unwittingly assassinate the reputation of their brother or sister. In my opinion, the conduct of those who slander is much more reprehensible than that of the one overtaken iu a fault
We never shall attain a condition of real holiness in thought and word and conduct while here In these fallen bodies. When we experience our change and get our new bodies, then we shall be altogether holy.
Every righteous thought, every godly yearning or longing that ever enters our minds or hearts is recorded by our heavenly Father; and when we receive our new bodies, all of these will be imprinted thereon and become a part of our mental make-up; for the prophet Malachi states that “they that feared the Lord spake often one to another ; and the Lord hearkened and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.” (Malachi 3:16) In this book of remembrance none of the evil words we unintentionally speak will be recorded; none of the selfish or sinful thoughts or yearnings that we inadvertently permit to sway us for a moment will be written there. These will be blotted out and put away as far as the east is from the west. Only the Godlike, righteous, lofty, and true thoughts, yearnings, and desires will be recorded in that book and make up our mental apparatus when we receive our new bodies.
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