The Watchtower, January 1, 1923

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WT.B.&T.S

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Upon the eaith distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men's *eurt^ Lii’ing them fur fear and for looking to th* things coming upon the eaith (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecdesiasticism) shall be shaken. . . When ye see these things begin to come to past then know that the Kingdom of God is at band. Look up* lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.—Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25**A

CH1 :;TOlVf ■

tbej^ewitag sImF-teaiafy

Vol. XLIV

Semi-Monthly

No. 1

Anno Mundi 6051 — January 1, 1923

CONTENTS

Outlook for Nineteen-Twenty-Tithee.. World Conditions ..... ....

Church and Harvest. ...

Our Duty

Year Text ....................... .....

Divine Attributes.................. .....

Text for First Week

Text for Second Week.......................

Jesus Healing on the Sabbath..............

Corruption of Kingdom Truths

Danger of Being Shut Out.................

Jesus Teaching Humility.......................

God’s Sabbath-Day Work

Missing Opportunities.........................

Letters from Afield...............................

“/ will stand upon my watch and will set my foot upon the Tower, and will icatch to see what He will say unto me, and what answei 1 shall make to them that oppose me.”—flabakluk i.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

T SIS 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. 1834, “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., Vet bi Dei Minister (V. D. AL), 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 tansotn [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corint.ii.’i.s 3: 1115; 2 Teter 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission 1s to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mjstery 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 mea as it is now resealed”.—Ephesians 3:5-9,10.

It stands free from all parties, sects an^ creeds of men. wh’le it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest, subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in lite holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us 10 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 hud <is a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns nni*t be mwording 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 unite but urge our; readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such telling.

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 wo:Id’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, thrtwh which, when finished, God's blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:10, 17; EpneMans 2:20-22; Genesis 28 :14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.

That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for pin, progresses ; and when the last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the gre.it Va-rer Woikman w *11 bring all together in the first resurrection : and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting pime between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15 : 5-8.

That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which hghteth every man that cometh into the icorla”, “in due time”.—• Hebrews 2:9; John 1 : 9 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 3, 6.

That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be ‘partaker of the divine nature,’ and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3.2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.

That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service: to develop in herself every grace; to be God’s witness to the world; and to prepare to be Kings and priests in the next age.—Ephesians 4:12; Matthew 24: 14; Revelation 1:6; 20:6.

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

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AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

Vol. XL1V Januaby 1, 1923 No. 1

OUTLOOK FOR NINETEEN-TWENTY-THREE

WORLD CONDITIONS—THE CHURCH AND THE HARVEST—OUR DUTY—YEAR TEXT.

"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord."—2 Corinthians 3:18.

ENTERING upon the duties of another year, we do well to view the situation before n>. As Christians our faith is being put to the test. Some will doubtless be overreached by the seductive influences of this world, even though it is parsing away. Against such temptations we should fortify curse!ves. If we view the conditions about us in the light of the Scriptures and confidently rely upon the Word of God as to the reason and the remedy for present ills, we shall lie strong in faith and hence more determined to press on during the year.

WORLD CONDITIONS

August 1, 1914, marked the end of the gentile times. It also marked the legal ending of the old world. There the ouster proceedings began, when he whose right it is took unto himself his power. Christians viewing the development of affairs in the light of the Scriptures can see the conclusion of the ouster proceedings near at hand. Satan’s empire is tottering to the' fall. 'Flic rightful King is here. His kingly powers are being exercised and the old order is rapidly disintegrating that the way may lie clear for the reign of righteousness and the establishment of everlasting peace.

The World War did not make democracy safe; that is to say, a rule of the people, by the people and for the people. Conditions show that it came far short and, instead of bettering matters, made them worse. None except those who are easily deceived over did believe that the war would better conditions for the world in general. Those who coined the phrase “make the world safe for democracy” did not believe such would be the result. They had a selfish motive in using such a phrase. Now we see that the World War left a great gaping wound which is far from being healed. More than four years have passed since the signing of the armistice. On that day the peoples of the -world were wild with delight, believing that there would immediately follow peace and prosperity. Now in every land the people are in distress, the rulers are in perplexity, and men’s hearts are failing them for fear. Pestilence, famine, and revolutions have followed quickly upon the heels of the war; and no human remedy has been offered or can be offered that will remove distressing conditions.

Ru sia, once the mighty empire of the Czars, with her great wealth, learning, and power, is a wreck. Over the greater part of that country what is termed civilization has practically disappeared and the people have r< t.vgraded to the condition of barbarism and cannibal-i ri. The l\ur years following the war have been the worst of all for Russia. When some doubt that the thing;- foretold in the prophecies could happen within the next three or four years, their attention is invited to Rus-ia. Once the greatest wheat-producing country in the world, it suddenly became barren and millions of people starved to death. This condition drove the people to cannibalism, and in the valley of the Volga and the Caucasus groat numbers of human beings ate other human beings. As an illustration, in one town recently there were two hundred prisoners awaiting trial on the charge, of cannibalism. One man was charged with having devoured fifteen persons. He protested, saying that he had eaten but seven, and confessed that the first one was his own wife.

On November 1, 1922, a writer on conditions in Europe said in the public press:

“While I was in Prague last summer two cars of Czech refugees arrived from the Caucasus. They were brought by the Czech government. The original party was composed of more than five hundred persons. Sixty-four only arrived at Prague. They reported to their rescuers that their comrades, mostly women and children, had bi-en killed or had succumbed to hunger and privation, and that their bodies had been devoured by the cannibal hordes in the Caucasus.”

The public press recently gave wide publication to the fact that great hordes of Russians were crossing the river into Bulgaria and, being driven back to their own side, were immediately shot down by armed forces on the Russian side.

Private information recently received from Poland is to the effect that two brethren who were sent into Russia to do colporteur work came back practically physical wrecks, terrorized by the terrible things which they witnessed. Amongst other things reported was that what railway trains are operated are so crowded that many of the poor people ride on top of the trains. While a train was making such a Journey a woman missed her pocketbook. A lad sitting- nearby was accused of taking it. A court was at once constituted on top of the moving train. This court went through a mock trial and convicted the boy; and a big, burly soldier in the party twisted off his head and threw the body between the moving cars. Within a short time the woman found her pocketbook. The same court tried her, and she met a like fate.

These hordes of malcontents are knocking at the door*-of all the nations of Europe, while their propaganda, agents are actively promulgating their theories. Necessarily all Europe is disturbed with this condition. A write]' in the metropolitan press recently said:

“The barbarians of the North who overran and destroyed the Roman civilization have returned to their ancient haunts; ami impelled by hutc’er and a desire for plunder, they tire again sursitm aaainst the barriers imposed between them and the sun-kiss<d valleys of the M iternmean."

Front the Scriptural standpoint Pal.’ line is the point from which directions are named; hence the "north country” would be that of Russia. 'I'he prophet Jeremiah foretold the conditions now observed in Russia. "Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhab-itapts of the land.-’ (Jeremiah 1 :14) ••For I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.” (Jeremiah 4: 6) Egypt, as used in the Scriptures, is a type of the world. 'I'he same prophet says: “Egypt i< like a very fair heifer, but destruction cometh; it cometh out of the north. . . . The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north." (Jeremiah 40:20.24) Waters are a symbol of people. (Revelation 14:15) In symbolic phrase the prophet seems to refer to conditions now beginning: “Thus saith the Lord: Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.”—Jer. 47: 2.

Those prophecies seem to refer to a movement, destructive in its nature, that begins in the north country. While Christians must not participate in this or any other trouble, it becomes the duty of the child of the Lord to call the people’s attention to these terrible things as a fulfillment of divine prophecy, evidencing where we are on the stream of time.

Today Europe is undergoing its greatest crisis since the beginning of the World War. France is on the verge of a financial collapse. She faces a great deficit with no resources of revenue in sight. Iler people arc restless. Italy’s constitutional government has fallen: and Italy is now in the hands of a dictator, which government may prevail for a while, but will be of brief duration. Conditions in Poland are far worse than those described by the public press. Practically every one has turned profiteer. Under their law the owner of property has nothing to say as to who shall occupy it and the amount of lent to be paid. This is determined by the state authorities. The tenant, however, placed in the propertymay put somebody else in and charge a large sum therefor, of which the landlord gets not a penny. And while this is a technical violation of the law, the law officers wink at it. Property owners are discouraged. The people are in distress; many of them are starving. The same property conditions prevail in Germany and Austria.

Austria, seething with unrest, is on the verge of another revolution. Iler finances are a wreck; her business is practically gone. In Germany the people a ri' in despair because of their economic and food conditions. A cold winter is on, with starvation staring millions in the face.

England has recently had a change of government, which was nothing shot! of a revolution; and the man who for several Year- ha-- wielded the power of the nation now mu-t take a back- seat. The Labor party has bemi advanced to an official position, with more adherent- f an Mr. Asquith ai.d Air. Elovd Giorgi' combined. Aheady having lost Eg.'pt and Ireland. Britain fears the loss of India, which would mean the rapid disintegration of the empire.

Recently there assembled in Rome leaders of the Moslem nations, who came for a conference as to ways and means for overthrowing the British empire. The trouble with the Turk in the Near East and the Balkans threatens to plunge the whole world into another war. All the nations a few months ago were agreeing to disarm, and now every nation is making feverish preparation for war. A short time ago there came to Ameiica a distinguished citizen of France, with the evident purpose of inducing America to prepare for another conflict and to take the side of France.

In the United States the recent elections have demonstrated the dissatisfaction existing amongst the people. Two years ago the country with an overwhelming majority of 7,000,000 turned down the officers in power. In the recent election the pendulum swung to the other extreme. Is it any wonder that the statesmen are in perplexity and the people in distress?

Even the financiers arc now trembling. According to Mr. B. C. Forbes, who writes for the daily press and who speaks with authority from a worldly standpoint, it is feared that the incoming Congress will enact laws eliminating the guarantee of a fair return to railway capital, a bonus law adding extra burdens to taxpayers, a law interfering with the Federal Reserve Act, a tax designed to bear chiefly on capital. Air. Forbes says: “These financiers are follow ing closely political and social developments in Europe, and they do not like the way things are going.”

AVithout doubt the United States is in far better condition, economically speaking, than any country in the world; and it is reasonable to expect a short period of prosperity in this country, and particular!v in certain portions of it. This period of prosperdv will furnish a test for some of the Lord’s people. Not permitting their vision to extend beyond the borders of the United States, some will be inclined to think that our calculations with reference to what may transpire within the next few years are entirely wrong and that we had better slow up in our proclamation of the message of the Lord’s kingdom. This will be a great mistake. Let us see to it that we do not permit anything to prevent us from proclaiming the message of the presence of our Lord and the kingdom at hand.

THE CHURCH AND THE HARVEST

Looking over the field from the standpoint of the consecrated Christian we have every reason to be grateful and to rejoice. The church generally is in good condition. While there is a tendency amongst some to be overreached by the conditions of this world and to have their ardor for the Lord’s kingdom somewhat dampened, such is the except ion and not the rule. Generally speaking, the consecrated everywhere are alert and active in the proclamation of the kingdom. They realize that the King is here ; that his kingdom has begun. In the countries suffering the greater amount of trouble there is greater activity on the part of the truly consecrated. In Germany during the past year there has been a tremendous witness of the truth; and the peoples whose hearts are sad and who \iew unsatisfactory conditions are inquiring the reason why, and many have turned their minds to reading God’s Word.

The Cedar Point Resolution, calling attention to the fact that the remedy for the ills of the present order is the Messianic kingdom and bearing a message of good tidings, peace, salvation, and hope to the people1, has had a wide circulation ; and as the people study the conditions in the light of what is there set forth many more turn to the Lord’s Word for consolation.

In Austria the truth is having a wider circulation than ever. It was reported in these columns some months ago how an attempt was made to break up a meeting in Vienna, which in part succeeded after the lecture was well-nigh finished. Our readers will be interested to know that a notice published in the paper the next day to the effect that the cause for such disturbances is set forth in the Word of God and explained in our literature, resulted in more than five thousand orders for the “Millions” book in less than three weeks; and now the Society’s representative in Central Europe reports that a class of Bible Students attending regularly the meetings in Vienna numbers more than two hundred, and that thirty-seven have recently consecrated and symbolized their consecration. Thus the Lord makes the wrath of man to praise him, overruling Satan’s interference.

From Scandinavia comes the report of an increased interest in the truth there and greater activity on the part of the brethren; and this is gratifying indeed.

The million or more copies of books contracted for by the Society for continental Europe during the past year have been completed and are going rapidly into the hands of the people.

From Switzerland come reports of an increased interest in the truth and greater zeal on the part of the brethren in publishing the message of glad tidings.

Recently Glasgow, Scotland, had a general convention. A report from the chairman of that convention among,-st other things says: “This was not only the best convention, but the largest we have had here yet. We do not know exactly what Cedar Point was. but if it was better • 7

than the Glasgow convention it must have been more than sublime.” The condition of the church in Great Britain has never been better, and the brethren are zealous and earnest in the proclamation of the message.

From Brother George Young, who for the past year has been in the West Indies, and British and Dutch Guiana, comes the report of a greatly increased interest in the truth in that section of the world, a larger attendance at all the public meetings, with houses packed out. and with a corresponding increase of zeal and devotion on the part of the brethren.

From Canada the Society’s representative likewise reports increased interest and zeal in the proclamation of th'1 me.—age.

From Australia conies the report from Brother W. AV. Johnston of a greatly increased interest in the work there and of a cm responding zeal manifested on the part of the brethren and a growth in grace.

In the [’cited Slates the classes generally are in splendid condition ; and while here and there some may be found whose faith grows weak, this is not the rule. Occasionally a class is found that says: “Why should we continue to preach ’millions now living uill never die?’ Why can we not have something else?” These should have in mind that the walls of Jericho were compassed about thirteen times before they fell. Doubtless those who walked around them, blowing their horns, had similar tests to what some of the brethren now are having. Probably they said : ‘Joshua must be very foolish to have this done.’ But in due time the Lord rewarded faith. We should remember that the Lord caused Moses to appear several times before Pharaoh and undergo some trying experiences with that ruler before he was permitted to lead the children of Israel out of captivity. Doubtless the Lord permits these things in order to test our faith and love and devotion to him.

OUR DUTY

The outlook for the year 1923 is indeed encouraging. As we view the disintegration of the old order as so much evidence bearing upon fulfilled prophecy, proving conclusively the presence of the King and the kingdom, every one of the Lord’s con-ecrated should gird up the loins of his mind and be -ober, pressing on, knowing that \ictory awaits every one who thus continues faithfully'to the end.

The apostle Peter had a vision of the time which we now see actually. Clearly it appears to all the consecrated that the present order is being dissolved and the new order coming in. “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?”—2 Peter 3: 11.

There are two primary things we can now do and which devolve upon us to do: (1) To faithfully witness to the truth as opportunity offers; and (2) to be so exercised by Pre experiences that come to us that we may develop character pleasing to the Father, thus a.-si.ring our victory and the winning of the prim. These two things are so closely allied that they are inseparable. As ambassadors of the King of kings and Lord of lords we must notv be faithful to our covenant, and to do so «e must continue faithfully to testify the meaning of the things that are seen by all and to point the people to the better things that are soon to come. Our efforts will be misunderstood by some; while others, under the influence of the adversary, will deliberately misrepresent us. They will even accuse us of being in league with the radical element, seeking to overthrow the government. The Lord himself was likewise falsely accused.

As Christians we have no part in the troubles that afflict mankind. Our part is to stand aloof from all, taking sides with none and pointing out to others that the hope and salvation of the world lies not in international conferences or political h ;mu '< or schemes, but that the only hope is the Mediani ■ kingdom. Some will misunderstand us here and say that we are advocating a rule by the Jews, meaning the profiteering dew. Of course we have no such thought in mind. What we do hold and teach is that the Lord will take charge of the government and will run it in righteousness, and that his representatives will be the faithful men of old, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others of the approved ones of God resurrected to perfected human condition.

It is a blessed privilege we have thus to testify to the sin-sick and oppressed world, showing the people that a bctW day is at hand. As Christians we are iot pessimists. We are anything but pessimist . \Ve are really the only optimists on earth; for we view the present situation in calmness, knowing that the Lord will bring it out on the right side and that soon he will establish a condition of righteousness and lasting peace in the earth.

YEAR TEXT

The text for the year 1923 relates to the transformation of the Christian into the likeness of our Lord and Master Christ Jesus. The complete transformation into his character likeness is the earnest desire of every one of his faithful followers. It should be their daily effort to accomplish this insofar as it lies within them. While we are giving testimony concerning the presence of the King and his kingdom, this must be prompted by one motive: namely, love for God and the Lord Jesus and a love for the betterment of our fellow creatures. And we must strive to be so exercised by the experiences which come to us that they will develop in us the character likeness of our Lord. St. Paul declares: “Whom he [God] did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Romans 8:29) Again he says: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12. 13) The body members must be made like unto the Head, and the body numbers must be coworker, together with God to accomplish this end.

Seeing then that we are entering upon another year, hence a rear nearer the consummation of our hopes, how appropriate the year text: “We all, with open face beholding a.- in a gla-s the glory of the Lord, are changed ndo the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord!”

" ll'e all” means all the members of the body of Christ this side, the vail. All who in fact are in the race for the prize of the high calling must be included in this class; for those to whom the text does not apply could not be of the class that is being transformed. The text does not seem to admit of any exception.

“With open face” means those who have their vision illuminated by reason of the begetting and anointing of the holy spirit; those who have put away prejudice, superstition and fear and who are trusting implicitly in in the Word of God. It means those who have but a single purpose; and that purpose, to know and to do the will of God. To this end such are applying their minds to ascertain the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. It means those who are holding to the truth for the love of the truth, and not holding to it or abandoning it because some one else is doing likewise. It means one whose heart is set fully upon the Lord with a determination to be faithful, regardless of who else may or may not, be faithful.

“Behohliii<j as in a mirror" means those who are fixing their mind upon the Word of God and relying upon his promise-. When we look into a mirror we see the reflection of our countenance; and evidence's of character or lack of character are written upon that countenance. The mirror within the meaning of this text, however, is the Word of God, which reflects the character of the Father and of his beloved Son, our Savior. The spirit of the Lord is in his Word; and those who have his spirit are specially attracted to his Word. Fixing the mind upon the Word of God, studying it and meditating upon it, one there beholds reflected the attributes of the divine character: to wit, wisdom, justice, love and power.

The transformation which guarantees one’s abundant entrance into the kingdom will not be accomplished by viewing the defects in others, nor by meditating upon one’s own defects; nor will it be accomplished by finding fault with the efforts of others in the proclamation of God’s Word. A mere knowledge of the Word of the Lord will not prepare one for the kingdom. It is not sufficient that we merely understand the divine plan and rejoice in the fact that God has made gracious provisions for mankind. We must do something more. We must view with joy the wonderful character of our Father and our Lord, and strive daily to copy that character. We must with gladness of heart tell the message to others; and if we really love the Lord, we cannot refrain from telling it. lienee we see that the two things, service prompted by love and an honest effort to grow in the likeness of the Lord, are essential to every one who would gain the prize.

‘"From glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord.” Glory means a position of honor in the presence of the Lord. The Lord is now pres mt. Each one of his ambassadors holds an honorable portion because of representing the Lord. The transform mg power and influence is the spirit of the Lord; and a< one is prompted by the Lord’s spirit faithfully to perform his covenant in the position he now occupies, there is a gradual transformation from one degree of glory to a higher degree, ultimately reaihing the position with the Lord in his kingdom, where there will be fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore.

As we look into this divinely provided mirror what do wc sec?

DIVINE ATTRIBUTES

In the Word of God we see the divine attributes reflected wisdom, justice. lo\e and power. The divine attributes, in equal and exact balance, we term character. The complete sanctification of the body members of Christ i- the will of God; fat is to say. their setting aside lor his me and for growth into his likeness is his purpo-e concerning them.

We mill: "Known unto God are all his works from the begiimim; of the world.” (Acts 15:18) Hence we conclude that the div me attribute of wisdom completely formulated the divine plan concerning man before the beginning of the execution of any part of it. Divine power put into operation created man. Thereafter divine justice became aeti\e concerning man. “Justice and judgment are the inundation of thy throne.’’ (Psalm 1'9 :1 1) Jehovah in the exercise of his divine attributes, vi-dom. justice, love, and power, decides what must be done, and his decision is designated his will; or otherwise stated, his law. God’s will expressed toward man is his law concerning man. To man he expressed his law: “The soul that sinneth it shall die.” The infraction of this- law must re-ult in the penalty prescribed; hence the office of ju.-tice is to see that the law is enforced in letter ami m spirit. The unchangeableness of Jebo-\ah i.- illu-trated by his justice. Jehovah never changes. Ue ne\er make's a mistake and never does a wrong. If God were unjust, we should have no basis for our abiding confidence and faith in him; but being ju-t we may be sure that he will never fail us nor forsake us. Justice and truth go hand in hand. Justice may be properly used as a synoncmous term for righteousness.

As we behold divine justice reflected from his Word we are to strive to copy that quality of character. Justice is the first thing necessary in the building of our own character. This does not mean that we are to demand justice of every one. It does mean, however, that we are to render justice to all men. We must first be just before we can manifest love; and where one resorts to injustice it is an evidence that he has ceased to exercise the quality of love for the time being at least. This is one of the tests that are now upon the church. Jesus, referring to this time, said: “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Iniquity means inequity, unrighteousness, or injustice, the very antithesis of justice. We should not lose confidence in any person without a just cause or reason. We should not indulge in evil surmising or evil .speaking of another. Such a course is unjust. Justice knows no compromise and no deviation from the fixed rule of action. No one is entitled to thanks for doing justly. While it is the privilege of a Christian to receive justice from every one, yet if he suffers injustice it is likewise his privilege to bear it. No Christian will be authorized, however, under any circumstances to deal unjustly with another.

Love is the quality of character that prompts one to do good unto another even at a sacrifice to himself. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) It was love that made provision for the redemption of man. In God’s due time he began to manifest his love toward mankind, and this manifestation be made particularly in the sending of Jesus to be our Redeemer. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” (IJohn 4:10,9) Thus we see that the love of God being manifested to man caused him to sutler a great sacrifice. As we behold his character thus reflected from his Word we are taught that true love upon our part can be manifested only by sacrifice. Our adoration of Jehovah and our joyful submission to his will lifts us up to the point of loving him supremely because of his true worth. It becomes our privilege, then, to sacrifice our time, strength, energy, money, influence. and whatsoever we have, to glorify the Lord Jehovah and our Lord Jesus in telling forth the qualities of character possessed and manifested by them. Hence the only pleasing motive for service is that of love ; and where love prompts the action of the Christian there' is no fear either of man or of other adversary.

True love for the Lord Jehovah is the result of an abiding confidence in him. Trusting in his absolute power and love toward us, and in his justice and his wisdom exercised for us. Ave love him with all our mind, strength, heart, and being. Hence we joyfully sacrifice whatsoever we have, that his name might be glorified. It is the holy spirit, the spirit of God operating in us, that leads us to this development of character; and thus by this power or spirit are we transformed into his character likeness.

Lou> for the brethren means an unselfish desire to do good to them, and doing good, even though it costs us much. Recognizing a brother as a fellow memb'’r journeying toward the kingdom, our honest heart's desire is to see him progress. Justice would forbid us trying to do injury to him. Love would impel us to make a sacrifice that he might be builded up on the most holy faith.

Love for the peoples of the world does not mean a desire to have their approval or to agree with them; but it means a d nire on our part to help the peoples of the world by pointing them to the onlv means of salvation and blessing. And since we see that God loved us while we were sinners, developing that Godlike attribute w.e shall have a pity for the poor groaning creation and a sincere, honest desire to see them benefited by a better condition. And this lore leads us joyfully to tell to them the memo - of the Mei-Ganic kingdom. The majority of the p-< pie- of the world, especially the leaders, are arrayed against G, d’s people; hence termed enemies. But we are commanded to love our enemies as God loves his. This decs n, t mean to sympathiz ■ with their course; but it does mean to ha\e an honest, sincere desire to see them lifted out of the mire and degradation and given a position of blessing.

We view the terrible conditions of the world as hereinbefore briefly described; and while we are not at all in sympathy with any of the wickedness, crime, and wrongdoing carried on by any class or any people, yet the heart’s sincere desire of the Christian is, prompted by the spirit of the Lord, to see all classes of men lifted out of the mire of degradation and to see them enjoy the sunlight and blessing of the Messianic kingdom now coming into power.

From the divine mirror we sec the wisdom of Jehovah reflected. Wisdom permitted justice to act first. Wisdom held back love until the due time for its manifestation; and wisdom in due time will operate the power of God to the general good of all mankind.

Wisdom is knowledge applied in such a manner that will result in the greatest amount of good. We acquire knowledge from the Word of God. We study the Word of God that we may thereby ascertain his good and acceptable and perfect will. We become wise, then, in proportion as we imbibe and follow the Word of God. Hence as we behold the perfect wisdom of Jehovah and strive to copy it we are transformed into this attribute of character likeness.

The time has come for the Lord to exercise his power concerning the kingdoms of this world. Jehovah is exercising this through his great and beloved Son Christ Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. In Revelation we behold a picture of our Lord, “called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” He comes forth now to exercise divine power against the unrighteousness of Satan’s empire. The members of the body this side the vail possess little or no power, and whatsoever they have they are admonished to use hut for one purpose. ri bey are specially admonished never to use what little power they have as the world uses it. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." (2 Corinthians 10 : 3, 4) In proportion as we have the spirit of the Lord, in that proportion we will use what faculties we possess to the Lord's glory. It is our privilege, then, to exercise the little power with which we are endowed on this side the \ail in advertising the King and his kingdom.

Gazing into the mirror of the Lord, w.e see now his power being made manifest for good; and as we imbibe that spirit there is a gradual transformation of ourselves more and more into his likeness, appreciating the fact that it is our privilege to use all of our faculties to his praise and glory. The more we study the matter, the more we see the absolute necessity of engaging in the Lord’s service as his true representatives and proving ourselves faithful and true witnesses in order that we may develop the character likeness of our Lord and King. Let us see to it. then, that all of our acts are based upon justice; that they are all prompted by the spirit of love; that we act wisely and m harmony with the divine Word; and that we use our powers and faculties to the glory of the Lord. Thus as we continue to gaze upon the perfect character of our Father and upon that of his beloved Son, who is the express image of the Father; and as we diligently strive to copy this character likeness, moved always by the spirit of loving devotion to him, we are changed into his image from one degree of glory to another, even by the spirit of the Lord.

Each week we will have a text in harmony with this general thought. Taking the weekly text, then, as a basis of thought and study, we shall find many corresponding texts that will enable us to obtain a clearer understanding of the year text and to profit by it. It will be the pur pose of The Watch Tower to publish in advance a brief statement of each one of the weekly texts, as suggesting rather a line of thought; and our readers possessing the Studies in the Scriptures, The Watch Tower, and the other helps can follow this up further each week. Thus doing, we shall all during the entire year be studying the same' general subject matter; and it is to be hoped each will be growing more and more into the likeness of our Lord and Head.

FIRST WEEK

The text for the first week of the year is: "Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created.” (Psalm 104: 30) Spirit means the invisible power or holy influence of God. The words of the Psalmist are to the effect that God’s invisible power is exercised and his creation follows. Quoting from Volume 5 of Studies in the Scriptures : “The power of God, his vehicle of energy, fecundated waters, or rendered them fruitful, prolific. Similarly, ‘holy men of old spoke and wrote as they were moved by the holy spirit,’ the holy inlhienee or power of God fecundated their minds, causing them to bring forth thoughts such as God wished to have expressed. (8 Peter 1: 21) Similarly, the skilled workmen whom Moses selected to prepare the paraphernal,a of the Tabernacle were brought under the inlluciice of the divine power, to the energizing or quickening of their natural faculties, without affecting them in any moral sense, even as the waters of the great deep were not affected in a moral sense. . . . Likewise, we are informed that Jehovah God put upon Moses and the elders of Israel his spirit, with special power for judging in Israel’s affairs, preserving order, etc.” -EK5, 176.

Our study this year, however, d ails with the new creation, of which Jesus is the 11 ad, the Firstborn. “He is the beginning-, the firstborn from the dead: that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (C-'los-sians 1 :18) The Logos was the beginning of all God’s creation. The Scriptures then introduce us to a new creation of the divine nature (2 Peter 1 : 4), a creation far above other powers and principalities, of which Christ Jesus is the preeminent bead over all. (Philip-pians 2:9-11) In preparing this new creation, which will have preeminence above all others, God followed the rule of fir.--t putting the members through trying experiences, thus affording them an opportunity to prove their loyalty and devotion to the Creator and his principles of righteousness. Christ Jesus, the Head of this new creation, “though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” “For it b'-eame him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering.” Hebrews 5:8; 2:10.

It is the spirit of God, his invisible power sent forth, that results in all of his creations, including the new creation. Each of these must be developed in the school provided for that purpose. It will be profitable, then, for each one of us in the school of Christ during this year to behold in the mirror of God his character likeness and that of the Head of the new creation, that we may be by his spirit transformed into the likeness of our Lord and King.

SECOND WEEK

“He hath begotten us to a hope of life." (1 Peter 1:3) Jesus, the Head of the new creation, was begotten to the divine nature at the Jordan. Begetting means beginning; hence this was the beginning of the new creation. For three and a half years he taught his disciples. They were fully consecrated followers, learning of the Lord. Before, howexer, they could be begotten to the divine nature the great ransom price must be presented to divine justice as a sin-offering. When Jesus ascended on high this was thus presented, and evidence of this was given when at Peiitccc. t the holy spirit was manifested upon the disciples in the form of tongues of fire. Before that time they were consecrated, but now they were justified, accepted as a part of the sacrifice of our Lord, and begotten to the divine nature; hence it was their beginning.

This begetting is likened unto a contract. A contract requires two parties, whose minds must meet. There must be something done on each side. When we come to the Lord and fully surrender ourselves in consecration, that act is equivalent to agreeing that the Lord shall take us and use us in whatsoever manner he sees best and grant unto us just such blessings as his love and wisdom dictate, it is a promise to do the will of God. The Lord Jesus, then imputing his merit, presents such an one to the heavenly Father. “It is God that justifieth.” Being justified, ve have peace with God through our Lord and Savior fic.-us Christ and are thus made acceptable as a part of Ins sacrifice; and being thus accepted, we are begotten to th“ dixine nature, and this L done by the Lord Jehovah g'ving to us his exceeding "rent and precious promises. He promises that we shall be of the divine nature, provided we fulfil our part of the covenant. “Of his own will begat hi' us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:18) “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, . . . whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1: 3, 1) “God . . . hath begotten us unto a hope of life by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible.”—1 Peter 1: 3, 4.

And when the time came for the gathering unto the present King the members of his body, this Scripture applies: “Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made, a covenant [contract] with me by sacrifice.” — Psalm 50 : 5.

Otheivise stated, we sacrifice our all by full surrender to the Lord, and he gives us the exceeding great and precious promises; and this is the beginning. Then we have new hopes, new ambitions, new prospects, and new desires ; and as new creatures we begin to bo transformed into the likeness of the Head, Christ Jesus.

THE ENDURING WORD

“I opened the old, old Bible

And looked at a page of Psalms, Till the wintry sea of my troubles

Was soothed by its summer calms;

“For the words that have helped so many, And that ages have made so dear, Seemed new in their power to comfort

As they brought me a word of cheer.”

JESUS HEALING ON THE SABBATH

—■—January 7—Luke 13---

SATAN TRIES TO MAKE JESUS AFRAID--THE SABBATH A TIME FOR RESTITUTION--JESUS INDIGNANT AT HYPOCRISY—COKRt 1’TION

OF KINGDOM TRUTHS—THE DANGER OF BEING SHUT OUT FROM THE LAST SERVICE.

“Tt is laifjul to do good on the sabbath day."—Matthew 12:12.

IT SEEMS certain that the events narrated in the thirteenth chapter of Luke's gospel took place when our Lord was making his last-journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. He traveled on the east side of Jordan, in the district known as Perea, thus avoiding the road through Samaria, and visiting some districts where lie had not previously ministered. Luke tells us that at this time there were some who came to Jesus to tell him of a terrible tiling done by Pilate. That cruel, ruthless man had slain some Galileans who were visiting Jerus .em, and who, probably, were worshiping in the temple courts; and to show his utter contempt for the Jewish worship and sacrifices, he had mingled their blood with that of the sacrifices they offe:..i

Luke does not state why th>s< people told Jesus of this, but the way in which he narrates the incident indicates that Jesus did not receive them as friends but rather as enemies. In all probability their object was to frighten the Lord: for, except Judas who betrayed him, lie and Ills company were all Galileans. Perhaps they thought that the Lord would hesitate, and not continue his journey to Jerusalem. What-t ver their motive, without doubt it was Satan who prompted their going to the Master. He had tried to seduce our Lord from the narrow pathway by making him special offers of advancement in the world; he had tried him through Peter’s loving sympathy when Peter said about Jesus' death : “Lord, let it not be; pity thyself” (Matthew' 1G: 22, margin) ; and now he was making an attempt to turn the Lord aside through fear of consequences to him and his little company. He failed; the Lord refused to be intimidated.

SATAN TRIES TO MAKE JESUS AFRAID

Unexpectedly he questioned them. “Suppose ye,” he said, “that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans because they suflered such things'.-'’ Then answering his own question, lie said: “I tell you. Nay: but, except je repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” They presumed that these men were not under the care of God, as others were; else Pilate would not have been able to slay them; and there was an assumption that Galileans were sinners more than others. Jesus also reminded them that some time before, the tower of Siloam in Jerusalem had fallen and slain eighteen persons. Jesus said: “Think ye that these were sinners above all other men that dwelt in Jerusalem?” By putting these questions to them he showed that accidents could happen to those of Jerusalem as well as calamities to sinners of Galilee. The way he put the question shows that to him all the men of Jerusalem, as well as all in Galilee, were sinners. Said Jesus: “Unless ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.”

Whether or not these were Pharisees who came to him w-e do not know: but the Lord shows that they and the ones who died, as well as all others of Jerusalem and Galilee —in other words, all the house of Israel—were sinners in the sight of God: and unless they repented and acknowledged him as the one sent of the Father, they would all perish, as these unfortunates had done. To emphasize his meaning our Lord spoke the parable of the fig-tree planted in a vinei a rd. He told that the owner came to find fruit for three tears and found none, and then told the vine-dresser to cut it down, saying, “Why cumbereth it the ground?” The vine-dresser pleaded that it should have one more year's trial. He said : “Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it and dung it: and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.”— Luke 13: 8, 9.

It is clear that the fig-tree represents the Jewish people, and the owner of the vineyard Jehovah their God. The three years represent the labor of Jesus already past, and without show of fruit. God could very properly have concluded the work of Jesus at that time: for all classes of people had rejected him ; but in his mercy they were still to have the further period of trial until the lull time of Jesus' ininistrj should have expired. Six months later he was crucified at the hands of that fickle, cruel people, so full of profession of loyalty to God, but so empty of devotion. After Pentecost many of them rcpmled and turned to the Lord, and entered into the blessings which God then had for his people, but as a people the,\ rejected him and were rejected by him, and passed on to their punishment. As a nation they perished, as a people they entered into the direst trouble that tiny people has ever had indicted upon them by the pro\ idence of God.

The time of trouble now’ on the world corresponds to that which came upon the Jews after they had rej< cted' the Lord. In the present world trouble some nations have alreml.y suffered heavily, but we need not think that th<.\ are sinners above the rest of the nations of earth, though it may well be that God will mark out for special tribulation those who have dealt hardly with his people, the Jews. We can, however, be certain of this—that all the peoples of the earth are sinners in the sight of God; for they neither acknowledge him nor his Christ, and they reject the truth with scorn, even as the Jews rejected Jesus. Also as then, so now Satan seeks to frighten the Lord’s people from their work, through fear of evil consequences; but the true disciple goes forward as his Master did. All Christendom is imohed in Ilie world's trouble; and it is the church’s business to tell to all that unless there is quick repentance all, Judean or Galilean, in Christendom or in heathendom, “will likewise perish.” We thank God that we know that the time of I rouble is nol the end of all things. God’s mercy with all its blessings of restitution lies beyond it.

StBBATH A TIME FOR RESTITUTION

After this Luke relates the inc'dent which lorms Ilie bus’s of today's lesson, and gives the though! for the topic: “Jesus Healing on the Sabbath.” In our Lord's minis! r,\ there were many instam-es of healing on Sabbath days. During a part of his Galilean ministry Jesus must have daily spent many hours in the minislry of healing; but the Gospels, 1>y bringing into prominence certain notable incidents of healing upon Sabbath days, emphasize the fact that Jesus’ ministry and healing, and the Sabbath day are inseparably linked. Without doubt Israel's Sabbath was a figure of the time when God's true rest would be entered into in full enjojnient of his original blessings as in Eden. But Jesus shows that the true Sabbath, whi'e a time of rest, is also a time of restitution and of blessings of healing.

On this Sabbath day in the synagogue where Jesus was teaching, there was a woman present who had “a spirit of infirmity.” Jesus saw her amongst the conipaiij. She was bowed down, bent double, as it would be expressed in homely phrase; and it may be that her head raised up showed her eyes appealing to him; or it may be purely because he desired to show his true ministry that he spoke to her. We do not know. Hui we do know that he said to her: “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.” Moving from his place, he laid his hands upon her; and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

JESUS INDIGNANT AT HYPOCRISY

The ruler of the synagogue was indignant and voiced his anger that Jesus should heal on the Sabbath day. He said to the congregation: “There are six days in which men ought to work this was a rebuke to the Lord] : in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.” This was a rebuke to the people. This attitude and the hardness of heart ho disclosed caused our Lord to turn upon him immediately. “Hypocrite,” he said, “doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, ami lead him away to watering? and ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo. these eighteen years, bo loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?"

This ruler vtas evidently spunking for others in the synagogue who were of the same callous di*'position as he, and our Lord spoke to them when he spoke to the ruler. Here is an exhibition of visit a Pharisaical mind will lead a man to. It would prefer tl .a a good action should not be done unless it could be done according to the rules laid down by orthodoxy. The way Jesus puts his question shows that he took the Sabbath day as a day specially sei tipart for healing, and that they ought to have understood it thus.

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