The Watchtower, December 1, 1922

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"1 will stand upon my watch and will set upon the Tower, ana will watch to sec what sttj unto me, and what anomer I shall make

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Upon the earth distress of nations wnn perplexity; the sea and the waves (the rtsdtss, diM-ohtenUid) roaring; men’s hearts falling them for fear and foi liking iu the things coming upon Uio earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecdedastlclsm) shall be shaken. . , . When ye see these things begin n> niu<. n. , i.s, then know that the Kingdom of God Is at hand. Look op, lift op your beads, rejoice, for your redemption drawe th nigh.—Matt. 24:83; Maik 13:29; Luke 21.jd--lL

CJjeJ^einilinig ®im«®,aiada}8l!gl)yt ato«F- laaialj

Vol. XLIII

Semi-Monthly

No. 2:

Anno Mundi 6051 — December 1, 1922

CONTENTS

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Provisions for His Own....................

Spiritual Food .............................

The Enemy ......................................

Private Interpretation ....................

Who May Understand ................

Satan’s Purpose ................................

God’s Method ..................................

The Bride ...................................

Ingratitude Dangerous ................

Jesus Sending-Out Missiona.. ... Conflict with the Demons.................

Story of the Good Samaritan...........

’Prue Mission of the Church.............

Jesus Amongst Friends and Foes......

Sign Given the Present Generation..

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THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

THIS journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension”, now being presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D. 1884, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the coming of its traveling representatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.

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

This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through the precious blood of “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2 : G) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3:5-9,10.

It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service ; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge oug 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 23:14; Galatians 3 : 29.

That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses; and when the last of these “living stones”, ‘‘elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the first resurrection ; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15 : 5-S.

That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which lighteth every man that comcth 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 like 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 4:32; Matthew 24: 14 ; Revelation 1:6; 20 : 6.

That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the bands of their Redeemer and his glorified churcfai when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isaiah 35.

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Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and appioved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns. The mimes of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford, W. ]•:. Van Amburgh, J. hemery, G. H, Fisher.__

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PRAYER-MEETING TEXTS FOR JANUARY

January 3: “Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created.” I’salni 104 : 30.

January 10: God “hath begotten us to a hope of life.”—1 Peter 1.3: James 1 : 18.

January 17: “The Lord God hath anointed me.”—Isaiah 61:1,2.

January 24: “God . . . hath also given unto us his holy spirit.” —1 Thessalonians 4:8.

January 31: “God hath revealed [bis deep things] unto us by his spirit.”—1 Corinthians 2:10.

STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES

The*' Studies ,ho recommended tn students a< xeritahle Table keys, discussing topically every vital doctrine of the Bible. More than eleven million copies are in circulation, in nineteen languages. Two sizes are issued (in English only) : the regular maroon cloth, gold stamped edition on dull finish paper (size 5"x7$|"). ami the maroon cloth pocket edition on thin paper (size 4" x 64") , noth sizes are printed from the same plates, the difference being in the margins; both sizes are provided with an appendix of catcchistic questions for convenient class use. Both editions uniform in price.

Series J, The Divine Plan of the Ages, giving outline oGthe divine plan revealed in the Bible, relating to man’s redemption ami restitution: 350 pages, plus indexes ami appendixes, 50c. Magazine edition 20c Also procurable in Arabic, Armenian. 1 Mno-Norwegian. Finnish, French, German, Greek, llollamhsh. Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Roumanian, Slovak. Spanish. Swedish. and Ukrainian; regular cloth style, price 75c.

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a ...... - .. ... ..... ... . .

Series III, Thy kingdom Come, considers prophecies which mark events connected with “the time of the end”, the glorification of the church and the establishment of the Millennial kingdom ; it also contains a chapter on the Great Pyramid of Egypt, showing its corroboration of certain Bible teachings : 380 pages. 50c. Furnished also iu Dano-Norwegian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Polish, and Swedish. 75c.

Series IV, The Battle of Armageddon, shows that the dissolution of the present order of things is in progress and that all of the human panaceas offered are valueless to avert the end predicted in the Bible. It contains a special and extended treatise on onr Lord’s great prophecy of Matthew 24 and also that nf Zechariah 14:1-9: 656 pages. 55c. Also in Dano-Norwegian. Finnish, French. Greek, German, Polish, and Swedish. S5c

Series V, The Atonement Between God nnd Man, treats an all important subject, the center arouud which all tralnres of divine grace revolve. This topic deserves the most careful consideration on the part of all true Christians: 618 pages, 55c. Procurable likewise iu Dano-Norwegian. Finnish, French, German, Greek. Polish, and Swedish. 85c

Series VI, The New Creation, deals with the creative week (Genesis 1, 2), and with the church. God’s new creation.lt examines the personnel, organization, rites, ceremonies, obligations, and hopes appertaining to those called and accepted ns members of the body of Christ: 730 pages, 55c. Supplied also, in Dano-Norwegian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Polish, and Swedish, 86c. ______ ... .

Series VII, The Finished Mystery, consists of a verse-by-verse explanation of the Bible books of Revelation, Song nf Solomon and Ezekiel: COS pages, illustrated, 55c in cloth, 25c in magazine edition—latter treats Revelation and Ezekiel only. Dano-Norwegian. Finnish, French, Greek, Polish, and Swedish, 85c.

AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

Vol. XLIII

December 1, 1922

No. 23

PROVISIONS FOR HIS OWN

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."—Romans

ST. PAUL addresses this epistle to the “beloved of God, called saints.” Saints means the purified ones. This purification comes only through the merit of Christ Jesus. These are justified by Jehovah, accepted as a part of the Lord’s sacrifice, and begotten to membership in the new creation. The text suggests the loving provision that God has made for his own beloved ones.

The father of a family of children, desiring to do right, makes a reasonable provision for his children. If a loving parent, he makes a reasonable provision according to his ability. The Scriptures recognize this as a proper course of action. Having the mind of the Lord in the matter, St. Paul said: “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12: 17) “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Timothy 5:8) Otherwise stated, the Apostle means that a father who is a Christum will provide the necessities for his own, cespeciallv those of his own house; and if he pretends to be a Christian and does not make such reasonable provision, then he is worse than an unbeliever.

The attribute of justice requires man to make reasonable provision for his dependent ones. The proper degree of family love induces him to take such action. Mutual family love binds together the members of that family and causes each member to look out for the interests of the other, while the father has a special regard for the welfare of all the family. Such provision embraces both temporal and spiritual things. A good father endeavors to see that his children are provided with good, wholesome food and proper clothing. Even more important than this, he gives attention to the instruction and education of his children. He teaches them the right and proper use of such things as they have. He points out to them that to be lazy or slothful is equivalent to being a great waster and displeasing to the Lord. He finds employment for them and teaches them to be industrious. He shows them how to apply properly their time and energy. He looks after their general education. The worldly father is particularly interested in educating his children in the way of making money. While this is very good as far as it goes, the Christian father is more particularly interested in teaching his children the higher principles of righteousness by making them acquainted with the Lord. It is regrettable to see some who have embraced the Word of God conclude that thenceforth they must look out for themselves and let their children drift and just “come up” without any proper attention and education. Such a person is worse than an unbeliever. By his conduct he denies faith in God and the precious promises.

It is pleasing in these days to note that consecrated parents bring their infants before witnesses and consecrate them to the Lord. This is a step in the right direction. It impresses the parent with a greater responsibility of providing the spiritual as well as the temporal things for the children and of teaching them the way that leads to life and holiness. The parent feels a greater responsibility of inaugurating a home study of the divine plan. If this is found not practical, then he sees to it that the child attends some class provided for juvenile instruction. To aid in such work was the primary purpose of publishing “The Harp of God.”

Realizing that the great King is present and has begun his reign, and that soon the anointed now this side the vail will he gathered home to meet the Lord, what greater heritage could such a parent leave to his children than a knowledge of the divine plan! Let parents see to it that their children do not idle away iheir time now, but spend it in a useful manner. Keep them busy with the proper duties of temporal affairs at proper hours, and see that they get a goodly portion of instruction in things pertaining to the kingdom now being put in operation.

It is well for each consecrated parent to consider the provisions the heavenly Father has made for his own, and then insofar as it is possible to follow such example concerning his own.

GOD’S FAMILY

The family of God consists of those who have fully surrendered unto him in consecration, and through the merit of Christ Jesus have been justified by him and begotten to the Father’s nature. Such have been adopted into the family of God through Christ Jesus. (Romans 8: 15) Seeing that it is pleasing to God that earthly parents make provision for their own, we may be sure that our heavenly Father is far more particular to make provision for his own. If every one who comes o the Lord could fully appreciate this fact and continue in that appreciation., he would continue to enjoy that peace of God that passes all human understanding. In proportion as we do appreciate our heavenly Father’s provisions, in that same increased proportion shall we be thankful for all things provided.

HIS LOVE

God unselfishly exercised his love toward mankind in providing redemption. (John 3:16) He sacrificed the dearest treasure of his heart to provide a way to lead man back into harmony with himself. As a means of leading the world back into harmony with himself, God provided a house of sons and made his dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Head of that house. (Hebrews 3: 6) While it is true that “in the dispensation of the fulness of times God will gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which arc on earth.” yet in a special sense Christ Jesus and his bride constitute the members of the beloved house of God. For such he made provision before the foundation of the world. He appointed Jesus the chief one over that house and prearranged that all the members of that house should be adopted as children bv Jems Christ; and this is to the good pleasure of Jehovah.—Ephesians 1: 5. G.

The tie (hat binds together the members of this household is that beautiful family love, pure and holy, from above. Jehovah is the Father of that house. He ex-crcLcs the family love toward the members of the house. “Idle Father loveth the Son and showeth him all thing.-'.” (John 5:20) “The Father himself loveth von. because ye have loved me.” (John 16:27) The lo\e here mentioned is that philia, family love. It is the mnie love that Jesus exercised toward his disciples, the early members of that house. Jesus asked Peter: “Lovest thou me ?”—meaning. Do you possess that family love for me as a member of my house? If so, feed my sheep. It is the love of God that causes him to make provision for the family; and it is this same family love that draws them together.

Faith means to know God’s Word and to rely upon it. A living faith should forever settle it in the mind of the child of God that our great loving Father has made all necessary provision for the member? of his household. The one who begins to doubt should ask himself, Have I been adopted into the house of sons? Have I the witness of the spirit that I am one of his? And if answering these questions in the affirmative, then why not exercise the proper confidence in the Lord and know that he with loving care toward me, is providing just such things as I neeed?

TEMPORAL PROVISION

Jesus taught his followers to pray the Father for daily food. Therefore we may be sure that the Father is pleased to have us ask for such things as we heed. But asking, we must also exercise our faculties with which we have been endowed to provide such things as arc necessary. No one should think that he can sit down and idly fold his hands and expect the Lord to put into his lap just such things as he may need. God’s way of providing is by giving us an opportunity of cooperating with him in acquiring the things needed. His child, then, will pray and diligently act in harmony with his prayer. The same rule of action applies to spiritual things. “Ask and ye shall receive.” But act in harmony with such asking. Having acquired the knowledge by which we may know the will of God, then we must diligently endeavor to conform ourselves to that will. Following the divine rule, the child of God need not want.

SPIRITUAL FOOD

Having predestinated his house of sons, the Father long ago made all provision for the members of the household. Spiritual food is the chief thing required. He inspired his faithful servants of old to write things in his word that the sons of God would need, thus providing the spiritual food. Those holy men of old wrote as they were moved by the spirit of the Lord. (2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 2 Peter 1:21) These men understood not what they wrote, but were inspired to write things that would be a provision for the new creation. They did not understand the mystery of God, yet they wrote about the mystery. (Colossians 1: 26, 27) And to this house of sons now Jehovah speaks through his inspired witness, St. Paul, the words of our text: “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” It was the love of God that caused him to make this provision. He did not provide that all the food should be served to the household at one time. He provided it as it was needed. In due time Jehovah has unfolded his plan. “Thou givest them their meat in due season,” wrote his Prophet. (Psalm 145:15) Much of this food was long hidden under dark sayings; but as the sons of God developed, leading on to the perfect day, he caused greater light to shine upon his Word, thereby increasing the provision for his children.—Proverbs 4: 18.

Through whom should we expect the food to be given to the household ? Through the Head of the house, of course. All things are of the Father and all things by the Son. Let no one flatter himself into believing that the Lord has specially authorized him to provide food for the household of faith by interpreting the Scriptures; for the Scriptures are not of private interpretation. The Lord reveals his Word through his appointed means.

The Lord Jesus makes it clear that at his second appearing his true followers would have a deeper appreciation of the food provided. He promised that “he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” (Luke 12:37) Then with clearness he states that at that particular time he would appoint one as his faithful and wise steward, making him ruler over his household, to serve them their portion of meat in due season. (Luke 12:42) Our Lord did not say that he would have a learned and egotistical servant, but one who would learn to apply his knowledge according to the divine standard in meekness and humility.

'Phe thought, then, is that Jehovah makes the provision. The Lord Jesus comes forth and serves the members of the house and appoints one wise and faithful steward to bear the food to them; or, stated under another figure, to point out to them the Lord’s table, where they may feed.

THE ENEMY

Satan the opposer has at all times resisted the development of the house of sons. (Zechariah 3: 1-7) From the time the apostles fell asleep until the return of the Lord, Satan succeeded in blinding the minds of many to the truths of God’s Word. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4) With the precious food of the Lord’s provision Satan mixed the doctrines of inherent immortality, eternal torture, trinity, and other like false things. When our Lord came again, he sent forth his faithful steward and provided him with the means to remove these falsehoods.

PRIVATE INTERPRETATION

Satan now must attempt some other method of deception. One of these methods is to inject into the minds of some who have believed on the Lord the thought that the food placed upon the table by the Lord through his chosen steward is improper food. Satan has induced some to believe that to them has been committed the privilege of a private interpretation of the Scriptures, and that they should spread their thoughts far and wide amongst the household of faith. We should expect such attacks as this, but no one vith a true and thankful heait would be deceived by such.

Now we find coming from different parts of the field simultaneously prnate and individual interpretation of Scriptures, of which the following is a brief epitome:

That the church is not contemplated in the promises of the Old 'Testament Scriptures: that the four Gospels relate not to the church hut to the Jews; that the Acts of the Apostles and the epistles of Janies, Peter and Jude and the Revelation do not pertain to the church but to the Jews, and that the promises are earthly; that only the epistles of St. Paul relate to the church; that the bride of Christ is not spiritual but will be an earthly class; that the Lord is not present and hence there has not been and is not now a harvest, and that the wise and faithful steward of the Lord has not been made manifest; that there is no proper symbolic interpretation of Scriptures, but that the Scriptures must be interpreted literally as we find them, hence no deeper or hidden meaning is contained therein.

How wily is our' enemy Satan! He uses the same old trick of fraud and deception in his attempt to lead the sons of God astray that he has heretofore used. But we arc not ignorant of his devices. Satan tried a like scheme of literal interpretation on the Lord Jesus himself. (Luke 4:11; Psalm 91:11,12) He did not succeed then. He will not succeed now. If it is true that we are not to look for any hidden or symbolic meaning in the Scriptures, but that they must be interpreted according to their face meaning and to the meaning of the original words, then the college-bred man would have the advantage over the ordinary man. Exactly this has long been the claim of the nominal clergy. God’s Word and the physical facts show that exactly the contrary is the ride; for a true follower of Christ can easily confound the wise.—1 Corinthians 1: 27.

It has been long understood by Bible students that Psalms 120 to 134, inclusive, described as “Songs of Degrees,” pertain to the time of the second presence of our Lord. Relating to that time the promise is: “For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.” (Psalm 125:3) The Lord did not promise that Satan should not again attempt to deceive, but that the rod (Satan’s attempt to deceive and coerce the house of sons) should no longer continue amongst the righteous. The same thought is given to the church through Isaiah’s prophecy: “Henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. . . . Thy watchmen . . . shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.”—Isaiah 52:1,8.

Be assured, then, that Satan shall not succeed. Our Father and our Lord, who have so lovingly led us thus far, will lead us on unto the perfect day.

WHO MAY UNDERSTAND

The Lord’s Word was not written for the worldly wise. If so, there would be no need for the giving of the holy spirit. To his disciples Jesus said: “It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 13:11) When were they to know it? After the giving of the holy spirit. (John 12:16) “When the spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16: 13) “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1 Corinthians 2: 12) It is manifest that none can understand and appreciate the Word of God except those who have received the holy spirit and who abide in the spirit and walk in humility, and who appreciate the food which the Lord has provided for us.

SATAN’S PURPOSE

We are now in the evil day. The fight is on between Satan’s organization and God’s organization. It is a desperate fight. Satan is attempting to destroy the morale of the Lord’s organization and, if possible, to destroy the members of the house of sons. To this end he resorts to every possible scheme. He does not consider it a wise policy to attempt a complete repudiation of all the Bible at once. He concludes first that it would be better to induce some of the Lord’s little ones to believe that the food for them is found only in one part of the Scriptures, and that hence they should not waste their time in considering the promises contained in the Old Testament, the four Gospels, nor in the Revelation.

Succeeding in this, Satan would have such cast away much that the Lord has provided for his people and has brought forth upon his table through his wise and faithful steward. He would cause them to cast away “Tabernacle Shadows,” the greater part of the Studies in the Scriptubes, to disregard all the evidence of the second presence of the Lord, and to deny, of course, that Brother Russell filled the office of the wise and faithful steward; to disregard the evidence, Scriptural and otherwise, of the harvest time and the harvest work; to put aside all proof of the parallel dispensations and chronology, and hence to refrain from announcing the end of the world and the beginning of the reign of Christ. Succeeding in this, he would deprive such of the greater portion of the food which our Father has lovingly prepared for his saints to strengthen them in this hour of great conflict. Yielding to this influence of the adversary, soon such would be lulled to sleep while he binds them hand and foot.

But no true child of God will be thus deceived. Such will remember the words of St. Paul addressed to the saints when he said that whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patient endurance (of the hardships and trying experiences while contending for the faith) may have hope of attaining the prize set before us.

GOD’S METHOD

We may know that everything which comes from the Father is orderly, and that in order and in due season he will serve his household. This house of sons is otherwise designated the flock of God, of which Jesus is the Over-shepherd. To St. Peter Jesus said: If you love me, feed my sheep.’

Faithful to his commission, St. Peter, one of that flock, wrote: “To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ, . . . according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1: -4) This means that all who will make their calling and election sure must feed upon the great and precious promises of God, not seeking only a few and ignoring other precious promises. The principles of Jehovah are eternal. These are found in various parts of the Bible, here a little and there a little. Many of the precious promises to the church are found in the Old Testament.

The same faithful Apostle again addresses the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God” and then quotes literally a precious promise from the Old Testament, to wit: “It is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious. Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house.”—1 Peter 2: 5-7; Isaiah 28:16.

God made promise to Abraham, saying, “In thy seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” St. Paul quotes this promise, applies it to the church, the body and bride of Christ, and says: “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:8, 27-29) Again, St. Paul says to the house of sons that Abraham’s wife Sarah pictured the great covenant and that her son Isaac was a type of Christ. (Galatians 4: 22-28) Again, the same Apostle tells us that the law foreshadowed good things to come, and that the sacrifices of the animals under the law covenant were patterns of things in the heavens, and that Christ has entered into the heavenly place to appear in the presence of God for us, the members of the Christ. —Hebrews 10:1; 9 : 23, 24.

We believe in the divine inspiration of the Scriptures (Old and New Testaments), and that these were specially prepared for the household of faith. Writing to these, St. Paul again said: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”—2 Timothy 3: 16,17.

PRECIOUS PROMISES

Following the rule, then, announced by St. Paul, that whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for the benefit of the house of sons, note this precious promise: “Thou [Jehovah] hast seized hold of me by my right hand. With thy counsel wilt thou guide me and afterward take me on to glory.” (Psalm 73: 23, 24, Leeser) The only inference to be drawn from this is that he who will inherit the condition of glory in the house of sons will be the one who is guided by the promises of God, his counsel, his Word—he who feeds upon the food that the Lord has provided for him.

It is impossible here to call attention to all these promises. We give only a few. “Though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30: 20, 21) The great Teacher is the Lord Jesus, who is now present and conducting his own work in his own good way and who is making clear his Word to his people; and these are instructed that they shall hear the Word of God, written in the past by his holy prophets, directing the right way to go.

And as God's sons in course of development journey along the way though they may become tired and weary, by feeding upon God’s Word and waiting upon him they will renew their strength. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”—Isaiah 40: 31. '

Another- precious promise written aforetime for our benefit is, “'Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalm 37:4) “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”—Proverbs 3 : 5, 6.

The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, abound with promises to the church. God has provided for his sons in a very particular sense. All their steps are ordered of him (Psalm 37 : 23) ; the very hairs of their head are numbered (Luke 12 :7) ; his eyes are upon the righteous and his cars are open unto their prayers (1 Peter 3: 12) ; his angels are ministering spirits iu their behalf, encamping round about them, protecting and delivering them (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 34:7); he causes all things to work together for their good (Romans 8:28) and no good thing will he withhold from them who walk uprightly before him.—Psalm 84: 11.

THE BRIDE

One of the most beautiful pictures under which the church is shown in the Scriptures is that of the bride of Christ. Satan would delight to destroy the comfort which the church receives from this precious promise. Indirectly he would succeed in this if he could induce the church to believe that the bride is an earthly class and not the body of Christ. But he cannot succeed; for the Lord will not permit his own to be deceived.

Jesus is designated as the Bridegroom, the one who has the bride. (John 3:29; Revelation 21:9) The Prophet pictures the Bridegroom rejoicing over his bride. (Isaiah 62: 5) The Bridegroom and the bride of necessity must have the same nature, otherwise there could be no close and joyful relationship between the two. The bride is pictured as a chaste virgin. St. Paul, speaking to the church, says: “I am jealons over you with godly jealousy; for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2) The Prophet pictures the Bridegroom speaking to his bride thus: “I will betroth thee unto me forever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.” (Hosea 2:19,20) Jesus, praying to the Father for those whom the Father had given him, namely, his faithful disciples, who are the very pillars of the church, and for all of those thereafter who should come into like precious faith, prayed: “That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.”—John 17: 21.

'The bride of Christ then necessarily must be a heavenly class. To these same ones our Lord said: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself ; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2,3) Thus the Lord himself definitely establishes the fact that his bride, the church, his body (meaning one and the same thing), shall be associated with him in the heavenly kingdom. And this is the thing for which we hope; and for this cause the Father provided all things written aforetime, that we might in patience and comfort have our hope made bright. These are some of the precious promises.

According to all the Scriptural evidence, Jesus was due to make his second appearance in 1874. Since then, fulfilled prophecy furnishes the evidence conclusively showing his presence. Agreeable to his promise, he comes to claim his bride, and in due time to take her where he is. His first work is a preparatory work; so he began to gather unto himself those who have made a covenant with the Father by sacrifice. The time of his presence would be “due season” to give the members of the bride class their meat, that they might be encouraged and strengthened. The Apostle shows that greater understanding would come at the time of our Lord's presence. Therefore it is to be expected that the church would have some special food; that is to say, a clearer understanding of what the Father has prepared for her. Agreeable to his promise, our Lord has girded himself and made the church to sit down to meat and has come forth to serve the members; and during his presence these have been bountifully served. 'True to his promise, he appointed a faithful and wise steward through whom he has given this meat in due season.—Luke 12: 42; Matthew 24: 45.

For whom can this claim be made of all the men that have been on earth aside from Brother Russell? In due time came forth The Watch Tower announcing the presence of the Lord. In due season the church was given the “Tabernacle Shadows,” picturing how God has foreshadowed the great sin atonement by the sacrifice of bulls and goats under the Mosaic law. Likewise in due time came “The Divine Plan of the Ages,’’ for the first time since the apostles’ day beautifully harmonizing the great fundamental truths contained in God’s Word which had long been hidden by the wrongful machinations of Satan. In due season followed each of the other volumes of Studies in the Scriptures, elucidating these great fundamental truths and throwing more light upon them.

Whom has the Lord used to thus serve the church meat in due season ? Every one who desires to state the facts must answer that he used Charles Taze Russell. Not that Brother Russell himself discovered the truth, but that in harmony with divine arrangement, the Lord now present directed him in bringing together the fundamental principles of the divine plan, that the con-secraied, spirit-begotten ones might have a view of the beauty and harmony of that plan. Others then, in connection with Pastor Russell, have worked on the details and for the church the light has continued to shine more and more as we near the perfect day.

Keep in mind, then, that these truths have not been brought forth by private interpretation, but that the Lord himself, acting through his duly appointed way, has done so. Let all those, then, who insist on a private interpretation prove that they have occupied or now occupy a special position of servants of the Lord to interpret his Word; and failing in this proof, let them keep silent.

It was Jesus himself uho said to the church, his bride in course of development: “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.” “To him that ovcrcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Rather in his throne.”—Re\ elation 2:10; 3:21.

St. Paul was one of this class; and he says that his hope was to be forever with the Lord when he wrote: “I 1 ave fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4: 7, 8) Surely no one would love the Lord’s appearing who at this time fails to recognize his presence and who repudiates the great amount of evidence showing his presence.

St. John was of the same class, and he wrote to those of like precious faith: “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2) These likewise are some of the precious promises to comfort God’s people.

Jehovah is the great King. Jesus, his beloved Son, is King and Lord of the church. The bride of Christ Jesus, then, is the daughter of Jehovah and properly designated the Queen of Jesus Christ. The Prophet was given a vision of the calling and the preparation of the bride and her union with the Bridegroom, and he described it thus: “Kings’ daughters were among thy honorable women: upon th}- right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. Hearken, 0 daughter [of Jehovah], and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy lather’s house; so shall the king [Jesus] greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. . . . The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace.”—Psalm 45:9-11.13-15.

This is one of the things written aforetime in order that the church, while undergoing trials and tribulations. might endure them with patience, while at the same time feeding upon these precious things and rejoicing in the hope of that glorious union which shall take place when all the members of the bride class have been selected. Thus we see the abundant evidence that the four Gospels, the Revelation, and the Old Testament —and in fact all the Scriptures, as the apostles state— were written that the man of God might be made perfect, that the church might be developed and that she might be comforted while the developing process is going on.

What a wonderful Father we have! What a great, kind and loving God! Foreknowing all the experiences through which the church must pass, the many vicissitudes to which she would be subjected, the trying times of her faith, he has embodied in his Word line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, promise upon promise, to comfort and strengthen the members of his house while traveling the narrow way.

INGRATITUDE DANGEROUS

Humility is an essential attribute of the Christian. Humility leads one to be submissive to the Lord’s way. Concerning this the Lord announces his law thus: “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8) To walk humbly with God means to go God’s way, not man’s way. We do well to ask ourselves, Am I sincerely trying to ascertain the Lord’s way, or am I endeavoring to find some new interpretation of his Word? Do I study the Bible for the purpose of building up my own faith and that of others, or really to show wherein others have been wrong?

St. Peter shows that to be pleasing to the Lord we must go his way. “Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5: 5, G) If God has provided precious promises in the inspired Scriptures for the feeding of the church and we should assume to say that only a part of the Bible is intended for the church, would that be submission and walking humbly with God? If we believe that the apostle Paul is an insp red witness of the Lord, then we must believe what he says, that all which was written aforetime was written for the comfort of the church, that the church might have hope; and upon this we should feed with joyful hearts. But if we disregard a great portion and disregard the way the Lord has provided, would this show a thankful and submissive heart? And if unthankful and proud, would we expect the Lord to add his favor or to let us drift?

To illustrate: Assume the position yourself of a father who has provided well for his children. His tabic has been bountifully laden with good and wholesome food. His sons have eaten at that table to their satisfaction for some years. After a time one of his sons comes to the father’s table and, looking it over, says in substance: T do not believe the food that you have provided is proper and adequate. I have found something better,’ and then turns away to feed upon food prepared by another. You would at once say: ‘My son does not appreciate what I have done for him. I shall let him take his own course and suffer the results.’

What Christian today who has a knowledge of the divine plan, who understands the philosophy of the ransom sacrifice and the sin-offering, the covenants, the Abrahamic promise, the mystery, and the restoration blessings that will come through the seed of promise, has gotten that food anywhere else than from the table prepared by the Lord and which the Lord has caused his faithful and wise steward to serve during the past forty years or more? Who brought forth the evidence of the second presence of the Lord? Who gave Scriptural proof of the time of the harvest and actively engaged in that harvest? Who made clear all the ten great fundamental doctrines of the truth hidden from view, illustrated by the ten strings of the harp ? Who above all men has been used of the Lord to gather together Christians from all parts of the earth and from all denominations, enabling them to see eye to eye concerning the divine plan ? There is but one answer to this question, and that answer is, Charles Taze Russell.

When the physical facts so clearly ami completely show fulfillment of our Lord’s promise concerning his second presence, a servant, and the food for the household of faith, who will attempt to gainsay that this is the Lord’s way? If, then, we have been feeding at the Lord’s table these years past, have found the food satisfying and lune received blessings in our hearts, and then should find ourselves later turning away from that table and seeking sustenance from some other, or assuming the role of a self-appointed interpreter and instructor of God’s Word, or following some other such private interpretation, should we expect that the Lord would continue to guide us or would he let us take our own selfish ways?

Would not such a course show an unthankful heart? Let us beware of this danger. God having made abundant provision for his own and having been pleased to send forth his beloved Son in due time, and the Lord having been pleased to appoint to the office of steward one faithful man, let us then beware of disregarding the way the Lord has chosen and beware of the danger of seeking some other way.

AVe therefore earnestly urge upon the friends not to forsake the Berean studies, but to continue them regularly. The Lord provided his people with the Studies in the Scriptures and kindred publications put out through Brother Russell and his associates in service. He has blessed abundantly this provision to his people. Now instead of having too much preaching service, let us have more individual study and Berean lessons. This wiH enable every one to feed more directly upon that which the Lord has provided for us. To grow to the best advantage each individual must apply himself to feeding upon the food provided by the Lord and to exercising himself in harmony with such provision.

Be of good courage,, dear brethren. Our Father made abundant provision for his house of sons long before the foundation of the world. He has protected and shielded the faithful, humble ones all the way. . Thus far he has led us and he will lead us on. If, therefore, we walk humbly with him submitting ourselves under his mighty hand, gratefully receiving what he gives us and holding fast our confidence and rejoicing of hope unto the end, we shall reap the great and eternal reward.

BEREAN QUESTIONS

To whom are these words addressed? U J

What obligations has an earthly father toward his children? 2-4.

How will the children thus be benefited under the kingdom? VII 5,6. Who constitute God's family? V 7.

How has God demonstrated his love toward us? VT 8,9.

What is faith? V 10.

How can we show sincerity in prayer? V 11.

What arrangement has God for dispensing spiritual food? VH 12, .. . . .... ..........

Can we have a deeper appreciation of the truth now during the Lord’s presence? KT 14. 15.

Why has Satan resisted the development of God's children? K 16. What are the dangers of private interpretation’ H 17, 18.

Summarize the errors Satan is now emphasizing? K 19.

Is God using the worldly-wise to interpret his Word? K 20

Whj must Satan fail in deceiving the loj.il sons of God? KT 21,22. Who only may understand the Scriptures? V 23.

Explain Satan’s subtle tactics. DU 24-26.

Why must the new creature rely upon the precious promises? 11 27-30................._

Why do we believe in the inspiration of both isew and Old Testaments? UU 3], 32.

Who is the great teacher? f 33.

What is the danger of ignoring certain parts of God’s Word? .. ™ ... . ....... ....

Why is the bride of Christ a heavenly class? KK 37-39.

What evidence clearly indicates the Lord’s return in 1874? K 40. Why was Brother Russell that wise and faithful servant’ TT 41 42.

Why is it a favor of the Lord to know the truth ? K 43.

Why should we rejoice in the Lord’s second presence? TT 44-46 Why nre the names i/ucen and dn’inhtcr applicable to the church?

11 4.7-4.8: . ..... .. . '

Why should wo appreciate these favors of God? V 49.

What is the danger of ingratitude? KU 50-52.

What truths did the Lord reveal through his wise and faithful servant? 1] 53.

What safe plan can we follow? UK 54-57.

JESUS SENDING OUT MISSIONARIES

--December 3 — Luke 9 :1-62 ; 10:1-24--

SPHERE OF OPERATION WIDENED—RESULTS OF FIRST MISSION-OUR LORD’S OWN MISSION—CONFLICT WITH THE DEMONS-TWO

MISSIONARY TRIPS CONTRASTED--GOSPEL AND MILLENNIAL AGE WORK.

“The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.”—Luke 10:2.

OUIt topic is, Jesus Sending out Missionaries. But the portion of Luke’s gospel' given for study is crowded with events. Besides an account of Jesus sending out the twelve apostles, and later the seventy disciples, it includes such notable events us the miracle of feeding 5,000 men, Peter’s confession of faith, the transfiguration, and many important sayings of our Lord. Our space does not, of course, allow us to deal with all these.

We are pleased that our lesson combines the accounts of the sending out of the twelve apostles and the seventy disciples; for though these events were not actually related in point of time, and might have been included in separate lessons, they are related in a figurative way, being illustrative of the work of our Lord and the church during both gospel and Millennial ages.

SPHERE OF OPERATION WIDENED

After Jesus had given the disciples practical instruction gained by their traveling with him, he purposed to widen their experience and his sphere of operation by sending them out two by two into the towns and villages of Galilee. It seems probable that be intended to go alone to Jerusalem while they were thus engaged. He had now been in Galilee, for a considerable time; and it would be wise for him to go back to Jerusalem for the encouragement of any there who had believed in him, and to continue his witness, that it might not appear that he had stayed away from Jerusalem out of fear of the Pharisees and chief priests.

Probably our Lord thought it wiser to go alone than

attract attention to himself by taking his company

twelve disciples will) him. Notoriety and the attraction

attention to a work are not always in due season; and

apparently the Lord judged so for himself on this occasion. In the meantime his disciples could be continuing his work In Galilee and gaining experience. It is very probable that the events recorded in John 5 took place on that journey.

When Jesus was ready to send the Twelve out on their mission, he called them together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and diseases; to heal the sick; and to preach the kingdom of God. This does not mean that our Lord indued them with the power of the holy spirit: that could not be until later. It was an outward power which, as God’s representative, he could transfer to them, and which enabled them in his name to do the work to which they were appointed. They were to go out, not so much to teach (for the time at their disposal did not allow of that, nor were they equipped for that work) but to preach ; that is, to proclaim the fact of the kingdom, and in the aforementioned way to manifest its power. It was to be a quick work; for Jesus wanted the people to nave that witness given while there was an open door.

RESULTS VF THE FIRST MISSION

Little is said of the results. Perhaps little was accomplished, and very probably Jesus did not expect that much would be accomplished. Also, as they had not the steadying influences of the holy spirit, they might, had their commission attracted much attention, have taken the glory to themselves rather than have given it to him. Their work was to amplify bis work and personal service, not to act as for themselves. Jesus returned from the south as they returned from their mission, and they met somewhere on the borders of the sea of Galilee.

Jesus had now seen that Jerusalem was against him, and had no place for him; and also just about this time Herod had put John the Baptist to death. It may be that the mission of the Twelve had been received by the people in comparative silence; for there was an ever-growing feeling of suspicion about our Lord, cultivated assiduously by the leaders of the people. Perhaps for the disciples’ en-couragment, and that he might give them more personal instruction, and in the general interests of bis mission, he now called them to come apart and rest awhile. They took ship to go to the northeast side of the lake; but their going was noticed : and the crowd, who had not seen Jesus for a time, went round the bead of the lake and met him on the other side. There Jesus talked with them, telling them of the kingdom, and of the love of God, and “healed them that had need of healing.”—Luke 9:11.

As the day wore on, the disciples came to him, urging him to send the multitude away in order that they might got something to eat. Perhaps they knew that to suggest to him that he should get something would be useless. Our Lord replied: “Give ye them to eat” (Luke 9:13); and there is a mild rebuke in his answer. The disciples bad fallen into a very common error, one into which the Lord’s disciples have since those days frequently fallen—that of attempting to direct him, and to say bow he should conduct his work. Surely it is better to consult the Lord than to suggest to him, to follow rather than to direct.

Finding that there were in the company just five loaves and two fishes, Jesus caused the disciples to make the multitude sit down in order, in companies of fifty. Then looking up to heaven, he blessed the bread and the fishes, and brake them; and they multiplied in his hands. Next he gave them to the disciples to set before the people; and all ate and were satisfied. Perhaps this object lesson taught the disciples more of their true place in the Master’s service and of their need of dependence upon him. and of how they were to be carriers of the bread of life, than they had learned in their recent itinerary. This is our lesson: He is the great multiplier: we are the channels of blessing, but privileged to serve him in giving out that which he Ims, and to serve the multitude in conveying to them that which the Master has to give.

Luke does not tell us of the subsequent events of that night—of how Jesus, after the multitude had been dispersed, told his disciples to go to the other side of the lake, and of how he retired to the mountain to pray. It was on this occasion, owing to a storm on the lake, that the disciples were unable to get across to the other side, although they rowed all night; and that Jesus in the dawning light of the morning appeared to them walking on the water.

When our Lord «as here upon earth, he broke the bread of life for the people. Then he gave his little band a commission to meet him on the other side of the sea, and he himself went away up into the mountain—heaven. The church rowed all night over the stormy sea of the gospel age, and strength and faith were well nigh gone. In the dim light of the morning, in 1874, he “appeared” to the few faithful souls who desired him to return, coming on the

troubled waters. But even his own were at first afraid. They wondered whether these grand truths then being manifested were of the Lord till the Lord made his voice heard. “It is I,” he said, “Be not afraid.” Then, as with the disciples of old, they received him gladly; and since then the Lord’s people have never had the slightest reason for doubting his presence with them.

OUR LORD’S OWN MISSION

These many calls upon our Lord and upon the disciples— for they of necessity would be kept busy along with him— prevented them from getting the quiet he desired. As it was now necessary that the apostles should be more fully instructed concerning his plans and his personal mission and his relationship to them, he took them away northward, going as far as the coasts of Ctesarea Philippi. It was there that what is sometimes known as Peter’s great confession was made, and there for the first time that the disciples saw something of Jesus as the Christ. (Matthew 16:13-20) It was there that he first mentioned the fact of the church, and then told them plainly about his death. Peter, in the impulsiveness so common with him, dreading the thought of the Lord being hurt and taken away from them, urged him to consider himself, and not to allow such a thing to happen. And then, so soon after Peter had been honored with this blessing from the Father, Jesus spoke to him sharply, saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me.” (Matthew 16: 23) Our Lord took occasion by this incident to show the cost of discipleship; that for the disciple, as for himself the Master, the only way to life was through death, by sacrifice unto death to glorious future service (Matthew 16: 25-27) ; and that he who would “save” his life as Peter suggested should surely lose it.

After they had spent some time in that neighborhood they came south into Galilee; and Jesus took Peter, Janies, ami John into the mount, and was transfigured before them; a representation of the honor and glory that were to be his in the glorious majesty of the kingdom. (2 Peter 1:17,18) On coming down from the mount a strange scene met the eyes of Jesus and the three apostles. At the foot of the hill a great crowd had assembled. Hearing that Jesus had returned, a father had brought his boy who was grievously afllicted with an evil spirit, that he might be healed. When he arrived Jesus was away; and apparently he had asked the apostles to cast out the evil spirit; but they were impotent. It turned out to be one of the worst, if not actually so, of the cases of this kind that Jesus had. He called for the boy to be brought; and while he was yet coming the demon “threw him down and tare him.” But the unclean spirit was cast out and the boy was healed and delivered to his father.

…