The Watchtower, June 1, 1923
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Vol. XLIV
Semi-Montiit.y
Aino Mun Ji 6J51 — J^ne 1, 1923
CONTENTS
I’Rtvu.rccs and Duties or El; j:
■leet
Tophet.
' ROCK OFACES ^ Other foundation can
Maki, hie Men her of Jesus... Mari a Good Instructor........
Matt's SuflermuTb at Calvary.
Intek
Letters
“1 i< ill stand upon my watch and will set my foot upon the Towe/, and will wat<h to s'w, what lie itdl say unto me, an I nbat answa I shall wake to them that ou^uaC me.”—llabakkuk 2: 1.
Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking to the things comin" upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (eeclcsiastiesm) shall be shaken. . . When ve see these things begin to come to pa«s, then know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.—Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:25-31.
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIS Journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension”, now bein£ 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. . .lias 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 Scriplures. 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 v>hereof we affirm, treading with inududt 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 wh-'.t maj and v.hat may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is "the temple of the living God”, peculiarly "his workmanship” ; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when finished, God’s blessing shall come "to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses; and when the last of these "living stones”, "elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the first resurrection : and the temple shall be filled with 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 cometh into the world”, "in due time”.— Hebrews 2:9; Jolin 1 : 9 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 5, G.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as ho 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 t*o be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer aud his glorified church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyer—Acts 3 : 19-23 ; I aiaii 35.
^UBlishbd By
WATCHTOWER BIBLE G-TRACT SOCIETY
18 CONCORD STREET U O BROOKLYN,N V. U-SA
Foreign Offices: British- 34 Craven Terui*, Lancaster Gate, London W. 2; Canadian: 270 Du nd is St., W., Toronto, Ontario; Australasian - 495 Collins St.. Melbourne, Australia; South African: O Lelie St., Cape Town, South Africa.
Please Address the Society in Every Case.
YEARLY SCBS('RiPTJO.\ PRICE- United State-., ->1.00; Canada and Miscellaneous 1’oreign, ^1.50; Great BriiU.x, Alstrai asia, and South Africa. am, moi in nimucs Ui-mhl be m.ide by Express or Postal Money Orde*-.. or b.x Bank Draft. Canadian. British, So’uthAfrican.andAustralasian remi’danves should be made to b. <i eh offices only. Remittances from sc.uteied foreign territory mat do i<< ide to the Brooklyn c.m e, but by /he / nat iv.ial Postal Monej Or det s only. (Foteiaa ttanslf.rons of tbh id .r. <1 apyeiit in >■ ■ <, al Itm-;. ■ ■ rs)
Editorial Committee: This journal is published under tile superxi^ion of an editor.a! < ommiti •*-. at least three of whom have read and approved as (nilh each an I every article appearing in these colurms. The names of the editor’’1 (ovamittee are- J. F. Rltiiei.K'HD, W. 1'L Van Amburgh, J. Hfa.ilry, G. H. Fisher, R. H. Barber. Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students who. by reason of old age or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pav for this journal, will be supplied free if they send a postal card each May static; their ease and requesting such provision. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Berean studies.___
Notice to Subset ibers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or for a new* subscription. Receipt and entry ot renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper label. __________________
Ent^.ed as Second Clas* Matter at Brooklyn, NY. Postoffice., Act of March. 3rd 1879.
HYMNS FOR JULY
Sunday
1 315 8
2S1
Monday
2 119 9
Tuesday
3 78 10
Wednesday
-1 41 11
Thursday
5 164 12
Friday
6 242 13
Saturday
7 59 14
IN KINEMO KIT
Many of the friends are writing the Society concerning the Kinemo Kit moving picture machine. This, is to advise all that the Society has nothing to do with furnishing either the machines or the film. The Society has not taken any orders for thm machine or film and aa iH not do so. Many report that they have sent orders to the Kim mo Kit Corporation, and have received 1 i-ither machine nor film, and are not able to get a response from the order. Why this is so we arc unable to say.
CONVENTIONS
For « onxon i once of our friends wo are announcing now- the conventions expected to be held dining the year, a more extended notice of which will be gixen kimr.
Portland, Ale. . _____ .. .. _ .. .....June 29-July 1
Truro, N. S. - - .. --------Julv 6-8
St. John, X. B. ........ ... . ..... Julv 8
Toronto. Ont. . .. ....... ... . . . ...Jul\ 27 29
Winnipeg. Man.....-.........- - .. . ... . An\u-d 3 5
Edmonton, Alta............ ... ............. .......Augtr-t 10-12
Tacoma, Winh. .. ......... . .... ............................. August 1G-19
Los Angeles, Calif......... . .... ..August 31 - September 3
I.I3SA. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
By Means of “The Plan of the Ages”
Chapieb XIX’: The Kingdom of God
i Chapter XV: The Day of Jehovah
; Week of July 1...... ..Q. 59-64 Week of July 15 Q. M4
I Week ol Julv 8- .....Q. 1- 7 Week of July 22 .. ,Q. 15-21 J
I Week of July 29 ..... Q. 22-29
I Question books on "The Dhine Plan", 15c postpaid. i
AND HERALD OF CH RETS PRESENCE
Vo:.. XLIV
June 1, 1023
No. 11
PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF ELDERS
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which theholy spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with the blood of his own.”-—Acts 20: 28.
THE presumption must be indulged that every new creature in Christ desires to render the: most efficient service possible to the cause of our King.
Frequently it is true that not the most efficient sendee is rendered, because of carelessness or of lack of consideration of the position one occupies in the body of Christ.
2Sometimes one thinks more highly of himself than he ought to think; while another may have such a small opinion of himself that he almost entirely neglects opportunities that come to him of rendering unto the Lord his reasonable service. We should try to get the proper view of our relationship to our Lord and to the work he is now doing. St. Paul desired to impress upon each one the proper view to take of himself. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, accoiding as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”— Romans 12: 3.
J0ne who thinks of himself soberly and properly will not be heady, sclf-centcred, solf-important, or egotistical; but he will realize that all he has or hopes io have is a gracious gift from the Lord. If his faith in the Lord and his arrangement is strong, then he will have a proper appreciation of himself and of the position he occupies in the body of Christ. Faith means to know God’s will as expressed toward us through his Word and his dealings with us, and then to rely confidently upon his promises. If we know' that we are new creatures in Christ, then we should rely confidently upon the Word of the Lord addressed to the new creation. If from the evidence we are convinced that the Lord Jesus is present and has taken unto himself his power and reigns, and what is his will concerning the new creation at this time, then we should confidently rely upon his Word relating to this particular time. If in the body of Christ, we may know' that the Lord has something for us to do now7. A sober consideration of our relationship to the Lord will lead us to ask: What will the Lord have me, as a member of his organization, to do?
40ne may be inclined to reason thus: I am so insig-
nificant, so unimportant, that there is nothing that I can do in the Lord’s arrangement. Another may reason: I am so very important that I can look after the Lord’s work; and no one else is really so important as I, nor can do it so well as I can.
■"’Neither one of these is thinking soberly, but both are thinking in the extreme. We do not place ourselves in the body of Christ. ‘God hath set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.’ (1 Corinthians 12:18) No one member of the body can properly say: I have no need of any other member. Nor can one properly say: There is nothing for me to do. The proper thought is this: Since my Father has set me in the body and given unto me a measure of faith to know and to rely upon his Word, then there is some reasonable service which I can render unto him; and that I must do and will do joyfully, not that I can bring profit to my Lord, but I can thus prove my love and loyalty to him.
“The motive prompting the action of each and every member mm-t be unselfish love for the Lord, his body members, and his cause: otherwise service rendered will not be pleasing to the Master, nor will such service be profitable to ourselves. The relative importance of members of the body is not to be considered by us; for all are important, otherwise the Lord would not have set them in the. body. Each one in the body of Christ is entrusted with certain interests of the Lord’s kingdom. The degree of responsibility may differ, became of the interests committed to one or the other. Let each one settle this once for all, that as surely as he is a member of the body of Christ, just so surely the Lord has delivered unto him some interests of the kingdom, and that his final reward will be in proportion to his faithfulness in caring for these interests.
OVERSEERS
7The organization of the Lord on earth is his church, being one body composed of many members. Some of these have positions of honor and some of less honor. Both St. Paul and St. Peter specifically state that the elders are made overseers of the church. Surely such ia
a position of honor, and one so honored should think soberly concerning himself. An overseer is one who is appointed to watch and direct the action of an organization. in order to make sure that the affairs of that organization are carried out in conformity to the announced plan or design. He acts in the capacity of a guardian or adviser, exercising watchful supervision. This office implies that he is personally present, giving careful personal attention to the duties laid upon him.
8An elder is therefore in a sense the administrator of the affairs of the ecclesia; hence he has an increa-cd responsibility, which should never make him heady; but thinking soberly of his position, it should make him calm and trustful in the Lord,
HOW MADE OVERSEERS
9No brother can constitute himself an overseer of the ecclesia. No brother can voluntarily assume to direct the affairs of the church. How, then, can he properly undertake the duties of that position? St. f’aul answers: “The holy spirit hath made you overseer ;." Then would it not be proper for every one who is begotten of the holy spirit to assume the office of an elder and voluntarily undertake to perform the duties of that position? No, indeed. crything in the Lord’s arrangement is orderly, livery ecclesia is the judge of its own affairs. It becomes the duty and privilege of the ecclesia to place in the position of teachers such as it may choose, being guided by the Scriptural qualification.—1 Tim. 3: 1-7.
10When the ecclesia comes together and sincerely a-ks the Lord by his holy spirit to direct the action of the body in the selection of servants, and then a brother is set before the ecclesia and a vote is taken, the brother receiving the required number of votes should be regarded as the Lord's choice; and all who have the spirit of the Lord will gladly acquiesce in the choice. The holy spirit operating in the anointed in this manner constitutes the brother the overseer of that particular ecclesia.
NOMINATION
“Who, then, should exercise the privilege of nominating or placing before the ecclesia those who are to be voted upon? 'This is the privilege of any member of the ecclesia, aside from the chairman. The brother who occupies the chair has the duty of preserving order, receiving the nominations, placing the motions bef av the body, and rendeiing the decision. It would be manifestly improper, then, for the brother occupying the chair to make a nomination. If his advice is asked by the body, he may give that—as to whether or not a brother is qualified. But to attempt to dictate to the ecclesia who are to be the servants is lording it over God’s heritage, and is condemned by the Scriptures.
12If the Lord’s children have full faith and confidence in him and believe that he will direct them, then never would they resort to electioneering beforehand, nor attempting to influence any brother or sister to vote for or against a brother for a position in the church.
DUTIES
130ne of the important interests of the Lord’s kingdom which he committed into the hands of his servants is that of safeguarding the welfare of his Hoek, who are prospective member- of hi- kingdom. Siidi intere ts are mentioned by the Lord in the parable- a- his pound, his talent, his goods. At the day of accounting, the reward received by the servants will depend upon their faithl'iibio.— in carefully attending to time intere-ts so committed to them. By virtue of the po-ition in which he is placed, the elder is made, by the operation of the holy spirit, the o\or.soer of the affair- of the cede;.a; and it bi comes hi- solemn duty to take this over ht and watch with care, and -upeni-e and plan and diivit the actions of the ecile-ia. to the end that the work of the church may be carried out according to the divine program. The elder must now remember that he is clothed with the respon-ibditv of looking after the Lord's interests and not after hi- own <elli-h or personal interests. It is no part of the duty of h'- effiee for him to attempt to shine before men, that he- may have the plaudits of men; but it is his duty to plea-e the Lord by feeding the Lord's flock. The Hoek does not belong io the elder, but it does belong to the Lord. The older does not provide the food that the flock is feeding upon. The Lord does that. It is the duty of the elder to show God's flock where to feed, and upon what to feed; and to pa-s that food to the flock in an orderly ma ”■ ■ n
BEREAN LESSONS
“One of the orderly ways which the Lord ha- pio-vided for the dispen.-ing of the food to his flock is through the Berean les&ons. The eccle.-ia as a while either designates the number of Berean -tudies to be held during the week, or else delegates to a committee of the elders this duty. In any event, it becomes the duty of the elders to ad\i-e the class as to the number and character of .-Indies to be held.
“When an elder has been appointed to lead a Berean lesson, in what order should he proc-ed? He should say to himself in sub-tance: The Lord has laid upon me the duty of directing tins Berean lesson. Thi- is one of the interests of his kingdom, delivered into my hands. Can I bi' faithful to the Lord and at the same time neglect properly to prepare for and carefully to direct tin.-- meeting?
“Such consideration would be thinking soberly. His duty, then, is to make careful preparation before the date of meeting. This preparation does not mean that he is to prepare a speech to be delivered at the meeting. But it does mean that he is to study the les-on carefully, that he may be able briefly and clearly to state the points at the proper time and to enable others of the cla.-.- to grasp them.
HOW CONDUCTED
17There is great profit in a Berean. study properly conducted. For an elder to make a long speech at the beginning of the meeting, or at any other lime during the meeting, is a serious mistake. lie must remember that he is there to feed the flock, in order that the flock may be able to grow; and that one of the best ways for them to grasp and appreciate the truth is to have opportunity to speak out their views on the questions. Every one in the class should be given such an opportunity. If the elder should occupy a major portion of the time in speaking, then he denies the members of the class this opportunity of being fed and of growing, and thereby defeats the very purpose of the Berean study. We suggest the following as a good way to conduct a Berean lesson :
lsOpen the service with a hymn, followed by prayer. The leader should then briefly state the points covered in the previous lesson, that the present lesson may be better appreciated. He should be able to make this statement in not longm- than three minutes. The leader should then read the first question and call upon some member of the class to answer. If the question is an important one, two or three or more may be called upon to express their views. Then he should say: Is there any one else holding a different view? If so, let him state it. If not, then let the leader briefly sum up the answers to the question. covering not more than a minute in so doing. Then let the leader call upon some member of the eia-s who can read fluently to read the answer or comment that is set forth in the book or volume being studied at the time. Let this comment of Brother Ru»ell be the conclusion of the <li<cu>sion of the question under consideration. The leader then mayask: Is there any other question directly related to the one just discussed, which any one would like to propound? Should any one in the class ask such a related question, the leader should call upon one or two to express their views upon the question asked, and then open the question for general discussion. provided it is an important question. Then the leader should request the person propounding the question to express his views; and following this, the leader should briefly state his own view. Then pass quickly to the next printed question.
19The leader should never permit trivial questions to be discu-seil. He should keep strict order and permit only one person to speak at a time, and not permit one person to do all the answering. Questions not pertinent or germane to the subject under consideration should not be permitted. The questions should be confined to the lesson. If a trivial or unimportant question is propounded, the leader should kindly and in a very few words dispose of it and pass on to the next point. Much time is often wasted by unprofitable discussion on minor details. Remember always the importance of practical Jesuits; namely, the growing in knowledge and the fruits of the spirit. The leader should kindly and lovingly, yet firmly, perform his duties, and encourage the class to cooperate in helping one another to understand and to preserve the peace and unity of the class.
“These are merely suggestions, given by way of advice, and are not arbitrary, of course. But if such order is preserved, better results will be had.
PRAYER AND TESTIMONY MEETINGS
21These meetings are especially for the spiritual upbuilding of the flock. The elder should lie there promptly on time, and the service should open with song and prayer. More than one may be called upon to offer prayer at the beginning if it is thought best. All ecclesias are considering the same text each week. The leader, then, should read the text or call upon some one to quote it, and then give a brief comment on the text, about the length of that which is given in The Watch Tower. 'This comment should never exceed five minute'. If the leadm- takes longer than that, he denies member' of the class the opportunity of performing their part. “By love serve one another/’ Should there be as many as thirty persons in the class (each one presumably desiring to give a testimony), if the leader occupied a good portion of the time many of these would be denied the opportunity. The leader should suggest to the friends to have in mind the text of the week and to strive to have their testimonies in harmony with the thoughts of the text, and that each one should make his comment brief, in order that all may have an opportunity to participate.
"-’To grow in the likeness of the Lord we must feed upon his Word. Hence the importance of confining the tC'timonies to the thought expressed in the text. Testimonies concerning troubles and unimportant experience' are not profitable. Some elders have the thought that it is necessary to make a comment at the end of each le.'timony. We believe that not only- is this unnecessary, but that it is not for the best interests of the class. Of con me vie can lay down no fixed rule, but merely give ad\ no. Let us have in mind that these meetings are really tor the purpose of feeding the flock of God, that they may thereby grow strong. Hence it is the duty of the leader to direct the thoughts of the class to the food that is set forth in the Word.
NEGLECTING MEETINGS
2“Suppose an elder has beer, assigned to lead a meeting and neglects to attend that meeting and neglects to provide a substitute. Is such conduct excusable? Let each (dder placed in that position answer the question himself by- asking another question, thus: Can I look my Lord in the face and say: Dear Master, you delivered into my- hands certain interests of your kingdom by appointing me to lead a meeting and thereby- feed some of your sheep. I was tired, did not feel like going to the meeting; and really, 1 was so absorbed in other matters that I did not provide a substitute. I took it for granted that the sheep could take care of themselves. Do you think the Lord would say: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’? Or do you think he would say: ‘You slothful and negligent servant, if you regard your responsibility so lightly in feeding my flock, you should at least have made it known to me that some one else might have fed them.’
21Xot even an earthly business man would excuse his servant or employe who neglected the duties imposed upon him. May we expect the Lord to approve his servants who do not take to heart the interests of his sheep and faithfully look after those interests? 'Chinking soberly, the leader should say: My Lord has assigned me to this duty. I cannot afford to neglect it. My love for him will not permit me to do so. My love for his flock impels me to do what I can for them.
TOO MUCH PREACHING
25At times temptation comes to the elder to devote all of his time to preaching to the class or the public, to the exclusion of Berean lessons. The result is that the class does not prosper. Nothing helps a class to grow so much as giving each one something to do. Let us get everybody to work if we want to help each one grow. A reasonable amount of preaching is entirely proper and approved of the Lord; but when done to the exclusion of individual participation in study, the interest of the flock is not properly cared for. Few persons can sit for an hour and follow the speaker on every point; but if a person is in a Berean class and expecting momentarily to be called upon to give1 answer to a question, and participating in the discussion, he is on the alert, watchful, and ready to participate, and hence grasps every point made. Experience has demonstrated that the classes which have many Berean studies make the greater progress.
SERVING OTHER CLASSES
2GAn elder’s first duty is to serve the class which has elected him as its elder and over which the holy spirit has thus made him overseer. The Lord has placed upon him the responsibility of looking after the interests of that particular flock. It is his first duty to see that that flock is properly cared for and looked after. We believe that if the elder fully appreciates this and realizes his responsibility to the Lord he will hesitate to respond to a call to serve another class by preaching to them until he knows that some one is going to serve the class that he is elected to serve. It is not improper for an elder to respond to another class and serve them when his time is not occupied with the class by which he is elected. But let him remember that his first duty is to look out for the spiritual welfare of the class that elected him.
27Thc elder’s duty is not confined to giving discourses and leading Berean lessons, praise, prayer and testimony meetings. The Lord has shown his approval of preaching the gospel through the printed page, and of having this placed in the hands of the people by going from door to door and speaking to them. As overseers and advisers of the flock of the Lord, it is part of the duty and privilege of the elder to take the lead in this work. A good leader never asks others to do something he would not himself do. He should be an example to the flock, go before, as the Good Shepherd leads his sheep, and participate in the work that they are asked to participate in. He should go out with others of the class and demonstrate to them the great privilege of service by calling upon the people at their doors. He should make it a point to attend all the service meetings possible, unless unavoidably prevented, and there to encourage all the others of the flock to engage in some part of the work.
SERVICE
28The spiritual growth of the flock depends in some degree at least upon diligence. (2 Peter 1:10) The Apostle expresses it, that it is necessary for each one to have such diligence. (Hebrews 6:11) This diligence applies to the performance of reasonable service. The proper oversight of the flock of God, therefore, means that the elder as overseer will study and plan to keep the various members of the flock busily engaged in the Lord’s service. Give everybody something to do and encourage him to do it; and the minds of the various members will be fixed upon the Lord’s Word and a marked growth will be observed.
29It would be manifestly wrong to discourage the deacons, but the ciders should encourage the deacons in their service; and while the deacons are not to participate in the elders’ meetings, they should be invited to sit in those meetings as observers and thus learn, that they may make progress and develop, in order that in due time they may be advanced to positions of service. Do not keep them back because they happen to be youthful; but remember that Timothy was quite a young man when the Lord put him into the service. It is especially a part of the duty of the elders to see that every one in the ccclcsia has something to do and to encourage each in doing it, to the Lord’s glory.
CONSULTATION
30Where there is a number of elders in the ecclesia there should be regular meetings of the elders, at which the spiritual welfare of the class should be discussed and considered, and ways and means provided for the advancement of the spiritual interests of the ecclesia. The ciders, knowing that the holy spirit has made them overseers of the flock, well know that the Lord, through the operation of his spirit, will direct them in the way that they should go, in looking after the spiritual welfare of his flock, provided they are diligent in seeking to know his way.—Proverbs 3: 5, 6.
31For elders to consult together is not only good, but it is vitally necessary to the peace and progress of the ecclesia. Where each elder of an ecclesia has the spirit of the Lord and is trying to develop the fruits and graces of the spirit and to aid others to do so, he will see eye to eye with others of like spirit ; and a proper consideration of the affairs of the church being had, these matters will be presented to the ecclesia in unity and much trouble be thereby avoided. Where the spirit of the Lord is. there will be peace. It is almo-t certain that if the elders are united in spirit and in action and moved by the holy spirit, no serious trouble1 will ever arise in an ecclesia.
320ne of the solemn duties of the elders, then, is diligently to work for the peace of the ecclesia. To thi< end they should bo examples of the flock and to the flock.
TEST OF LOVE
33Thc position of an elder i~ not easy to till and to fill properly, because the adversary has placed many temptations in the way of the Lord’s servants. All the members of the. ecclesia should have proper respec t for their elders, pray for them, encourage them, and help them; and where the elder strives to be an example to the flock, this is usually the ro.-ult. An ecclesia should never aid the adversary in developing in an elder ambition; for ambition often leads to pride, and pride is an abomination in the sight of the Lord. Sometimes an elder is tempted to devote all of his time and energy to public speaking, to the neglect of the -piritual •’■el-faro of the flock of God. This may lead to an ambit wus desire to receive the plaudits of men; hence the approval of men is courted. This tendency should be watched carefully, and each member of the lloek -honld help the brother safeguard himself in this r wp 'ct.
34There arc other earthly thing' that tend to turn the elder away from his real duties overseer of the Lord’s flock; hence here is a r-al test of hi- love for the Lord. This is not said m critiei'in, but rather as a i-ugge.Tion, to enable some to avoid these snares of the adversary.
35Therc was a time when St. Peter thought more of the approval of tlw 'vorl I than of Iv- duty to the Lord, which led him to a d m al of the Loid. Later he repented. After the r>-u; । ec-tioa the Master reproved him gently by asking him. "I’eter, love-i thou me more than these?’’ And ^t. Peter an-v>ere, 1: ■•Y,,a. Lord, thou knowest that T l<r e thee." And th” Lord -.-aid unto him: “Feed my lamb-." A -second time the Lord propounded the que.-tion. and the -ame reply vu- civ-' ■ by St. Pct or; and again the Lord said; "IPod my 'hoop." The third time Jesus said unto him: "Love.-t them mo?’’ to which St. Peter answered: “Lord, thou l;;iow”-t that I love thee.” And Je.-us answered him: "Feed my >heep.”
36Thc feeding of the Lord’s sheep, then, is clearly demonstrated by these words as a test of our love and devotion to the Lord. Paraphrasing his language, the Master said: ’Peter, you say that you love me. The proof of that love is that you will keep my commandments. My commandment is that you shall love my sheep and show that you love them by feeding them. Some of these are young and weak. They need special care. They are members of my iloek and I love them; and if you really possess that love that is distinctive of my Father’s house, then you will want to feed my flock.’
37St. Peter never lorgot that bssmi ; and afterward, writing under inspiration of the holy spirit, he exhorts his brethren to feed lb.1 iiock of God and to take the oversight of them willingly, prompted wholly by un-selfi-h love.—1 Peter 5 : 2.
3s0n another occasion Je.-us said: “If ye love mo, keep my commandments.” (John-ll:15) One of the commandments and obligations special I y laid upon the elders, then, is to feed the Lord's dock: hence we show our love for the Lor i in propart:■> i a- v.e show our devotion in looking after the .-spiritual interests and welfare of his lh;ek. our brethren. The Lord grir * ; this privilege to the elders for their special benefit. Iio commits this interest into their hand; that they m;:v have the opportunity of proving their loving and loval devotion to him.
BLESSED PRIVILEGE
3JSometnnps a boy. who afterward becomes a Christian, is reared on a. farm where sheep are raised. It is his duty to feed his father’s flock and care for th. mu Sometimes on a cold and stormy day, a little lamb is found away out from the fold, weak and suffering. Th” lad quickly reasons thus: ’This is my father's litl'e lamb and I must hasten and bring it in out of the storm, warm it and'feed it, and return it to the f >!<].' The lad delights in doing this because he has learned to love the lamb for the reason that he loves bis h:'h”v and v Anos to please his father, to whom the fio: k belongs. He regards his position as tender of th” si ' o a blessed one. and is anxious to do it faithfully, that be may receive the approval of his lather and at the s: me time do some goad to the flock'.
4"Th 1 church is the dock of God. our heavenly Fath Th” ('hi”f Shepherd i- the Lord Jesus, who feeds a ,1 had, in- lloi k into given pa-tures and prepares tlr m for In- kingdom. The feeding of his flock, therefc e, constitutes a large part of his kingdom interests. 'To each one of his servants he gives something to do, by commiiting to them some inf. re-ts of his kingdom. To the Hd”rs he specially says: ‘You are overseers of me flock'. Look well to my little lambs; feed my sheep. 1 commit this intere-t to your hands. You may see one discouraged, out in the storm, chilled, and its love growing cold. It is your privilege to hasten to that one, to encourage, to comfort, to warm its heart, to feed it, and bring it again into the fold. Your love for me will bo Jemon-trated by your faithfulness in the performance of this duty.’
41 Sometimes we sec some of the younger brethren struggling, trying to grow in the knowledge of the Lord and the fruits and graces of the spirit, and having a desire to be advanced, that they might serve more faithfully and effectually. It is not improper for them to have such a desire. St. Paul says: “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop [elder) he desireth a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1) To discourage a younger brother who is trying thus to advance would be very wrong. It would show a lack of love for the Lord and his sheep. Rather should the elders encourage them and set a proper example before them.
42What a blessed privilege the elder as overseer enjoys in looking out for the spiritual wel fare of God’s flock ! What could bring greater joy to the heart of such a one than to know that he is being directed by the Lord in serving his flock! And where love is always the motive prompting the action, the elder grows more In the likeness of the Lord. He loves the flock more; and the dear sheep love him more, even as they should. Jesus loves him more, because of his faithfulness. The Father himself loves him more, because he is showing his love for the Father’s flock. Blessed is the privilege of one who is commissioned to feed the flock of the Lord.
FAITHFULNESS REWARDED
4J'i'hat which is pleasing to the Lord is loving, faithful devotion to the interests of his kingdom. The chief interest of that kingdom is the caring for those who will compose the kingdom class. To the elders a goodly portion of the intei ests of the kingdom has been committed, because they are made overseers of the flock. St. Peter, in the performance of his duty as a bishop or elder sincerely desired to help his brethren to have a proper appreciation of their privilege. Hence he exhorts them, saying, ‘My brother elders, feed the flock of God which is among you. Brother Paul has told you that the holy spirit has made you overseers of God's flock. Now take this over.-ight willingly and not by constraint. Do it not for pecuniary gain, nor for the approval of men; but do it joyfully, prompted always by that unselfish love that characterizes the house of God. Do not lord it over the flock of God, because that would be showing the wrong spirit; but be examples to the flock in word, in action, in service, in loving devotion; and when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Do not seek the honor of men, but wait for the Lord to bestow that honor which shall bo everlasting.’
44The Chief Shepherd is now taking account with his servants, ascertaining how well they have looked after his kingdom intcrc>t>. Let each of us as elders examine ourselves and a.-certain if we have been feeding the Lord’s flock faithfully, prompted wholly by love. If we find ourselves somewhat short, and are inclined to be discouraged and cast away our confidence, remember that the Lord brings these things to our attention in order to give us the opportunity of doing better; and then resolve to become more diligent and careful and faithful henceforth in performing these duties. May we not yet redeem some of the time ?
45God’s organization is small in number, but strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Satan’s army is pressing hard against them. But if united in the spirit of the Lord, they are invincible to any foe that may come against us. Let all the elders, then, and all the members of the flock of God. be drawn closer together in the bonds of heavenly, family love, dwelling together in peace and holiness; and be diligent now in looking well to the interests of our King. So doing we may now enter into the joy of our Lord, and ere long receive that full reward and that honor which endureth forever.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What will help us to render more efficient service to the Loi- p ’1,2. Believing that the Lord is piesent. what is the attitude of faith9 7 3. Realizing wo are in the body ol Christ, what thought should we bear in mind? 5 4.5.
Since kingdom interests are phued in our hands, what is the prompting motive of activity'? 7 6.
What are the duties of an elder, and how should an elder conduct himself ? 7 7. b.
Do elders choose themselves? If not, why not? 7 9, 10.
Who does the voting? What are the chairman's d’,iie.>? 7 IL
What is the meaning of “electioneering.” and should it be indulged in? 1] 12.
What is one of the most important interests of the kingdom, and b-'W is the obligation met, and by whom’' 7 13.
What is the best method of dispensing food to the flock9 7 1 t.
Bv what means max the elder best serve the interests of the class? ' 15. 16.
Does the flock prosper bcbt if the elder predigests all the food dis-pou'-ed? 7 I".
Outline an orderly way of conducting Bercan stnd.es. 7 1G.
Is it orderly foi a poison to reopen a question alter the leader lias s.limned it up, preparatory to passing to the next question? 7 1 ■>.
Who decides whether a question is trivial, inHexant, or not germane? Is the class expected to assist the leadei in preserving the peace and uiut.x of the class9 719,20.
What is a splendid im :1 <>d ol combating the prayer meetings9 7 21.
What is the object ot tarnishing a weekly text? * 22
Is it inexcusable lor an eb.vr to neglect to attend the studies to . which he is as-ianed and not to i.-.vide a > .1 a; e t 7 23,24.
Which classes prosper most? State the philosophx of the matter.
7 25.
What is the elder's first duty? When may he serve other ckm-e.>? H 26.
What is a further duty of the elder, and how may he be an example to the flock? 7 27.
What things me necessary lor spiritual growth? 7 23
How may deacons be encouraged. and di dij by whom? 7 29.
In what way is it profitable for elders to hold meetings of consultation? 7 30-32.
Why should elders be prayed for and encouraged? How may they be protected from the adversary9 7 33.
In what way may the elders (and all the class members) be kept in the love of the Lord? 7 34-3S.
What is the delight of the lad who finds a lamb strayed from the fold? 7 39.
What is the lesson to be drawn? How does it applv? 7 40.
What benefits should accrue to the active younger brethren? 7 41.
If all the brethren should advance to eldership would this be an occasion of rejoicing on the part of the elders? 7 42.
Based upon love, what was St. Peter’s admonition, and why? 7 43.
What should we do if we find ourselves coming short in serving the kingdom interests? 7 44.
What reasons are there for a unity of action, a shoulder-to-shoul-dcr movement among God’s people, especially at this particular time? 7 45.
‘Not now in columned shade or flame Our steps, O Lord, thy glory leads, But signs divine thy will proclaim ;
Thy banner still thy church precedes.
“Thy light is on our pathway shed, Thy counsel on our hearts impressed
And, by thy guiding spirit led, Thy watching host move on or rest”
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR JUNE 20
“For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might . . . live according to God in the spirit/''—1 Peter L 6.
E CANNOT live according to God in the flesh, but we can live according to God’s rules of righteousness in the spirit. Our flesh is weak, and we make many mistakes. To live according to God would mean to live in harmony with his rules governing the new creation. But thanks be to God that he does not judge us according to the flesh, hut according to the sincere desire of the heart. The heart being that faculty of the being which induces our action, then, we see that the motive prompting the action is the real basis for Cod’s judgment of us.
Suppose we are in the Lord’s service that we may thereby receive the approval of men, and we take pleasure in hating the plaudits of men regardless of whether we do good or not. That is not living according to the spirit. Suppose we are in the service of the Lord because of a sincere desire in our heart and a pure love for the Lord and his cause, that we may honor his name and do good to oth'rs in his mvne. That is living in the spirit, according to God’s rules. We are sure to make mistakes; but if we are Jiving according to God in the spirit, then ho covers our mistakes with the mantle of love, manifesting his strength in behalf of us, as long ago he said: “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show his strength in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”—2 Chronicles 16: 9.
Hence let us not look at our brother’s mistakes or brood over our own imperfections or shortcomings. Let the Lord do the judging of our brother; and let us see to it that eve are active and diligent in doing what we can to the praise of our Lord, and that this action is prompted by love, and that we have a pure heart toward our Lord and toward all. Thus striving to live in the spirit according to God’s holy rules, the transformation will be eoi.iplete in his due time; and we shall enter into his presence, there to behold his face and to gain knowledge in his temple forever.
TEXT FOR JUNE 27
“Walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”—Galatians 5:16.
WALKING in the spirit represents the new creature going forward. He should never go backward. The desire and hope of the new creature is, to be completely transformed into the likeness of God’s dear Son, Christ Jesus. To be thus transformed he must walk in the same general way that Jesus walked.
The law or rule of action governing the new creation is summed up in one word, Love; that is to say, if we ha\e a heart filled with love all of our actions will be in harmony with God’s law governing the new creation. The very opposite of love is hatred. The flesh tends toward the latter rule. St. Paul in the context points out the eternal warfare between the flesh and the spirit. He enumerates the works of the flesh, that we might avoid them. How can we overcome these evil tendencies and be coworkers with God in the transformation work? The Apostle answers: “Walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” That means to use the faculties with which we were endowed according to the law of Christ.
There is a tendency in some classes to indulge in envy and strife; and confusion is the result, even as St. James said: “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:16) To walk according to the law of Christ governing the new creation is to apply our knowledge according to the divine standard—the exercise of heavenly wisdom. Such wisdom is first pure. That means pure in thought, word and action. It is peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Following in this course, we shall be walking in the spirit. As we thereby behold the image of the Lord in his Word, we shall be reflecting that same image while we are being transformed into his likeness.
GREAT MEN AND WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
'---June 24----
This lesson is a review of lessons which have appeared in The Watch Tower during the last quarter. The review Is lengthy, and as this issue of The Watch Tower is somewhat crowded, and most of our readers are readers also of The Golden Age, the review will appear in the June Gth is-ue of that journal. We trust that this will be satisfactory to our readers.
“Worthy the Lamb who was slain to redeem us, Washing our sins in his own precious blood; Worthy the Lamb who has come to receive us, Making us meet to be children of God.
Worthy forever the Lamb that was slain.
“Worthy the Lamb who from every nation,
Out of each kindred and people and tongue, Gathered us, loved us, and gave us salvation.
Worthy the anthem adoringly sung:
Worthy forever the Lamb that was slain.”
JOHN THE BAPTIST
JI 1A 1 J.HE GOSPET S —
John’s preparation fob his ministry—cast into prison and murdered—herald of jesus, and prophet—the prophetic DAY NOW HERE.
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people.”—Luke 1:68, R.V.
OUR lessons for the next quarter are studies in the lives of the Great Men and Women of the New Testament. The first is a survey of the life of John the Baptist. John, though of New Testament days, really belongs to the Old Covenant; lie is the link between the old and the new, between “the law and the prophets” and the gospel of Jesus. Our Lord's testimony concerning him is: “Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." Although John belonged to the old dispensation, he is most closely associated with the new ; for God made him the forerunner of Jesus the Messenger of the Covenant. For more than four hundred years, since the days of Malachi and Nehemiah, God had not spoken to Israel. During that period the Jews had suffered many vicissitudes at the hands of the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, and through the ambition of the lierods. The Maccabees (B. C. 175) had endeavored to bring about such a revival of national fervor as once again to estab’ish a Jewish kingdom; but the movement, notwithstanding the desires of the leaders to restore the worship of Jehovah, was not of God.
2When the time foretold by Daniel (Daniel 9:25) was drawing on, and Messiah must make his appearance; and as God had said the Messenger of the Covenant should himself have a messenger, a forerunner (Malachi 3:1), it was necessary that two children should be born in Israel, one to be the precursor of the other. Exactly on time the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias the priest, as he was performing his duties in the temple. Calling him by name, the angel told him that a son was to be born to him who should be separated to God from birth, who should prepare the way of the Lord and make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1 :13-17) Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth, both aged, were walking before the Lord blameless. By faithfulness to God they had escaped the corruption of formalism and hypocrisy which had eaten into the life of Israel, particularly into the priesthood. But they were childless; and since they were keeping their hearts right before the Lord they must often have wondered why he had not given them that blessing in Israel, nor heard their prayer for a son. Now, when the angel spoke to Zacharias, he was slow to believe and wanted confirmation. As a sign that the word was from God, he was told that he should be dumb until the child was born.
3Of the mol her sufficient is revealed to show that she was an unusual woman, and a sterling character. We have already remarked that it is written of her that she “lived before the Lord blameless” ; and both humility and greatness are shown in her reception of Mary of Nazareth. Also she had the wisdom and undersi anding to perceive, and the largeness of character to acknowledge, that the honor which was given to her young cousin was greater than that which had been given to her. The child born of these two faithful souls was the forerunner of God’s only-begotten Son, made flesh.—John 1:14.
JOHN’S PREPARATION FOR HIS MINISTRY
4IIow long the time during which John was under his parents’ care we do not know, but it is to be inferred from Luke 1: 80 that they died while he was young. Perhaps the young boy would sometimes go up to Jerusalem from the home in the hill country of Judea, when his father went to perform his course of service. Zacharias would Instruct his boy in the history of his people; but the boy had no affinity
with the city. He preferred the solitary places. The disposition born in him was suited best by the wilderness; and evidently the holy spirit so guided his life that he should get a wilderness experience. As a youth he was “strong in spirit'’ (Luke 1 : 801 and could not be idle; and while there he would surely gain a true insight into the condition of things in Jerusalem and Judea.
°Apparently doing nothing, he was being prepared for an active ministry. As he did not show himself to Israel until he was tliirly years of age, it is certain he must have oxer-come many temptations to enter into some form of activity. His strength of spirit would make him feel the possibilities of service: and in the restraint of waiting for the comma1',d to go, something of the greatness of his character is s<e:i. John learned obedience by the suffering of waiting, and that he who obeys best serves best. The true servant is quick to go when the order is given; but he as patiently waits for his orders, lest he should disarrange his master's plan for him.
6In due time the word of the Lord came to John; how, we do not know. He was instructed to go into all th” country about Jordan (Luke 3:2) and preach the bapti a of repentance for the remission of sins; to declare i'e coming of the Lord (Luke 1:7(>), and to say that lie “..'s fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. (Isaiah 40:3.4) B<-'. this, he was given a sign which should designate to li.m the One for whom he was the herald. (John 1:33) He urged the people to repentance, and gave instruction to nil classes as they asked counsel of him what they should <!■>; he told them of the One mightier than he who should come. Multitudes of people were baptized as they confessed their sins; but to the Pharisees and Sadducees who cam' he said: “O generation of ■>ipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matthew 3:7) After h“ had immersed Jesus, John boldly declared that the Ono for whom he was forerunner was present. He said: "T'me standeth one among you whom ye know not; he it is v. ho coming after me is preferred before me.” (John 1:2'5 d';) From that time he pointed his disciples to Jesus; and suite of them, particularly Peter and Andrew and James and John, joined themselves to Jesus.
Mohn continued his work; lor there seemed no iinme’i de re ?on for discontinuing it, even though Jesus had boon pointed out as the Lamb of God. After some months John's disciples reported to him: “Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.” (John 3:2G) This looked as if Jesus was taking up John’s work and. in a measure, competing with him. This was also reported to Jesus, who immediately left Judea with his disciples and returned to Galilee. He would not permit the thought of competition to remain, nor would he interfere with Join's ministry. He recognized that John’s work wTas given of the Father, and that it must go on or cease under the guidance of divine providence.
CAST INTO PRISON AND MURDERED
'.John had caused n great commotion amongst all classes. Not only did the leaders of the people go out with the multitudes to hear him, but Herod sometimes called for him. John was M fearless in the presence of Herod as in the wlldernoHs, and spoke ns plainly to him as to the pu'i.i-cans and eoldlcrs. He told Herod that his marriage wih ITO
Herodias was illegal. Herod told his wife, and for her sake had John cast into prison. John was not in absolute loneliness there; for his disciples were permitted to be W’ith him at least occasionally. They told him of the work of Jesus in Galilee, and John seems to have been puzzled.
9Conscious of the rightness of his mission, John had expected that Jesus would early begin to work to establish the kingdom of God, and he probably also expected a work of judgment to begin (Malachi 3:2,3) ; and Jesus seemed only to be continuing to preach and to work miracles. John sent two disciples to see Jesus and to ask him whether he really was the expected one or whether another was to be looked for. (Matthew 11:3) The disciples were told to stand by Jesus, and the same hour Jesus worked many miracles. John’s disciples were sent back to tell him of these things and to show him that another part of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah Gl:l) was due to be fulfilled. John had seen that he himself was the voice of Isaiah 40: 2, 3; but he had not perceived the further ministry ere the kingdom of heaven could come. lie was satisfied.
“How long John was in prison we do not know. Evidently Herod resisted requests by his wife to have him slain. But on a day when Herod had a birthday-supper party Salome, the daughter of Queen Herodias, danced before him ; and in his thoughtless, perhaps partly intoxicated excitement he promised her whatever she should ask. After conferring with her mother she made request for John the Baptist’s head Io be served on a charger. Herod was sorry for this happening, but his weakness and the women’s wickedness overcame his sorrow, and John was murdered.
“The testimony of Jesus concerning John is that there had been no man born who was greater than he. He was not a reed shaken by the wind ; neither the favoring wind of seeming prosperity nor the chilling winds of adversity moved him. Nor was he a man arrayed in soft raiment, such as dwell in kings’ palaces and change with every whim of their master; but was sturdy, and bold, and grand. No man in God’s service rose to a greater height of faith than John. His assurance of his position, and his faith in God which enabled him to declare that the Messenger of the Covenant of God was then present and was to be found in his cousin Jesus of Nazareth, were profound. He did not wait to see whether or not Jesus -would do things which agreed with his ideas before declaring that Jesus was the One—Ilie Lamb of God. A certain sign was given, and it was sufficient. Without hesitancy he made his declaration. Well would it be with all the Lord's servants if they would act whenever the Lord manifests his time has come. It was one thing to proclaim the Messenger of God near at hand, but an altogether different thing to declare despite all appearances that the Messenger was present in the despised Nazareno. In these days there have been many who would say that the kingdom is at hand, but who fear to declare that the King is present setting up his kingdom and that it is so close that millions now living will never die but will pass into it.
HERALD OF JESUS, AND PROPHET
“John had great courage and boldness, as well as faith. Indeed, he needed all these qualities to enable him to stand alone in his message, to protest against the prevailing hypocrisy, to declare his mission as forerunner and himself “the voice” of Isaiah’s prophecy, and also declare the presence of the Messenger of the Covenant. John always realized his position. He was a herald, a voice, a preparer, to make ready a people for the Lord. (Luke 1:17) He was not a reformer in the true sense; he never made profession that he was sent to reform Israel. He dealt with those who came to him, but did not attempt to interfere with any. He made no attempt to retain followers, nor to establish a school—though some persisted in making him their teacher or head (Acts 19:3), nor had he special principles of truth to set forth and establish. A man of strong character was necessary to do such a work as this, well knowing that it must be but short and temporary in character, and then apparently fail. In doing this great thing, our Lord said, John was greater than a prophet; for he was also God’s chosen messenger, preparing the way before the Lord. When his work was finished God had a better end for him than going into retirement. He suffered unto death for his fidelity to God, and thereby won a better resurrection.—Hebrews 11:35.
“According to the angel’s declaration John was to do his work in the power and spirit of Elijah. (Luke 1 :17) Jesus said of him: ‘If ye will receive it, this is Elias who was to come.’ (Matthew 11:14) It is evident therefore that a close connection exists between the work of Elijah and that of John. Both came out of the wilderness to witness against the evil of their day: Elijah, to destroy Baalism; John, to proclaim the advent of the Messenger of the Covenant, to tell that the axe was laid to the root of the trees and that the chaff was to be burned with unquenchable fire. Both men made an endeavor to bring the hearts of the people back to the promises, and to restore them into the fulness of covenant relationship with God. John said plainly that kinship with Abraham would not avail, that nothing but harmony with God would suffice; for God was able to raise up children of Abraham out of the stones.—-Matthew 3: 9.
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