The Watchtower, December 1, 1923
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tfoan the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the i estless, discontented) roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking !• the things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers, of the heavens (eeclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. . . When ye see these things begin to oome ip pass, then know that the Kingdam of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your beads, rejoice, for vour redemption draweth nigL—Matt. 24:33 Mark 13:29; Luke 2i:25-3V
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIS Journal fa one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or "Seminary Extension’’, now being presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D. 1884, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the coming of its traveling representatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our “Berean Lessons” are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2:6) Building upon this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115 ; 2 Peter 1: 6-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made Known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3:5-9,10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge 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 .-inco 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 2S:14 ; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when thg last of these ‘‘living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in ’1^ first resurrection ; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15:5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in due time”.— Hebrews 2:9; John 1; 9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be partaker of the divine nature, and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3 :2; John 17:24; Romans 8 :17; 2 I'eter 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 Mes in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer anc his gloriiied church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isaiah 35.
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Editorial Commute*: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns. The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford, W. E. Van Amburoh, J. Hemery, 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 pay for this journal, will be supplied free if they send a postal card each May stating their case 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.__
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HYMNS FOR
JANUARY,
Sunday
6 150
13 290
20 67 27 198
Monday
7 130
14 200
21 123 28 82
Tuesday 1
34 8 145
15 177
22 25 29 40
Wednesday 2
14 9 203
16 35
23 312 30 45
Thursday 3
L’39 IO 43
17 188
24 Vow 31 104
Friday 4
110 11 164
18 309
25 305
Saturday 5
261 12 205
19 219
26 226
DE LUXE EDITION “STUDIES”
A De Luxe edition, pocket size, of the Seven Volumes Studies in the Scriptures will be ready for delivery about December 15th. While the printers hope to have them ready for shipment on this date, we cannot guarantee their receipt by the friends for Christmas. This edition is durably bound, semi-flexible, elaborately embossed in five colors, gold edges, thin Bible paper, and is designed more especially for use of the friends. It contains some of the material used in the Memorial Watch Tower; the original text of Tabernacle Shadows; the booklet, “The Bible versus the Evolution Theory”; and an index of all Scripture texts in the Seven Volumes. The set of Seven Volumes $8.75, single volumes $1.25. Class rates for fifty or more volumes, $7.00 per set; single volumes $1.00. “The Harp of God” in same style of binding, but different cover design, $1.25 per copy; class rates as above, $1.00 per copy.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXTS FOK JANUARY, 1924
January 2: “The God of heaven shall set up a Kingdom.”—Daniel 2:44.
January 9: “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.”—Psalm 145 : 13.
January 16 : “The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens.” —Psalm 103:11).
January 23 : “I have set my king upon my holy bill.”—Psalm 2 : 6.
January 30 : “The government shall be upon his shoulder.”—Isaiah 9 : 6.
I.B.S.A.. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
By Means of “The At-one-ment”
Study 2 : Author of the Atonement
Week of Jan. 6..........Q- 29-35 Week of Jan. 20..........Q. 43-50
Week of Jan. 13..........Q. 36-42 Week of Jan. 27.........Q. 51-58
Question books on “The At onr-ment,’’ 10c postpaid
AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE
Vm XLIV
December 1, 1923
No. 23
VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER
DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS RECOGNIZED
HE American Tract Society, through its secretary, Rev. William Henry Matthews, is sending out an appeal for financial aid for publishing Christian literature to offset an attack on our institutions by anti-Christian literature which is flooding the country. The first paragraph of this appeal reads:
“We crave your aid in answering a tremendously serious question. Large groups of foreign-speaking people here and thousands in Latin America are beseeching the American Tract Society for Christian literature and especially Gospel Hymn books in languages they understand; and when, through lack of adequate funds we cannot meet their requests, they ask: ‘Why is it that the churches of America fail to provide us the literature we so imperatively need when we are flooded with pamphlets hostile to home, church and state?’ ”
Then follows the appeal for money. In a little booklet, “God’s Seal,” they ask enough money to increase their endowment to $1,000,000. They point out that the hostile forces have plenty of money; and of course they are not now in a condition to meet the issue. They say: “America is facing a crisis; ultimately it must be Christ or the ruin of our great Republic.” Besides the two Secretaries, they have an Executive Committee consisting of eighteen members, and a Board of Managers consisting of thirty-five members. The American Tract Society boasts of being in the field for nearly one hundred years, and boasts also that “its history reads like a romance.”
It is strange that such a wonderful institution would need to beg so hard for funds to carry on a work which has the appearances of doing good. The fact is that the “doctrines and precepts of men” which have been passing for Christianity are now being exposed, and that many led captive by the enemy are now able to see the destruction of the citadel of confusion which they themselves have erected and dedicated to Christ, but which Christ neither recognizes nor honors.
The rising tide of discontent in the great conflict between the Fundamentalists and Modernists, between truth-lovers and error-lovers, will show who’s who in the realm of Christianity. When it becomes necessary to make such an urgent appeal for money to stem the tide which is engulfing civilization it would seem as though they should inquire, Is the God whom we serve really alive? Can he see our deplorable condition, and has he the power to send assistance ere we perish? They realize not that the crumbling of the present order of things is the harbinger of Spring.—Acts 3:19-21; Matthew 6: 10.
THE ADVENTISTS’ “BETTER DAY”
The Seventh Day Adventists are looking for a “better” day. But theirs is a dismal day. Their advertising is headed, “Anticipating the Coming of a Better Day”; then follows the statement: “Urged on by the belief that time is hastening to a close, we are compassing land and sea to herald the imminent advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” etc. They must advertise a better day as an offset to the Bible Students; for ours is truly a bettor day aud is attrading attention—a day of blessing, of hope, and of restitution into everlasting life conditions.
The Adventists’ day is a day ushered in by a visible Jesus in human form, the blowing of literal trumpets, the ascending into the air of all the good in fleshly bodies, the dying of all the wicked and remaining as dung upon the earth for a thousand years, at the end of which time the wicked dead are to be resurrected. But on the strength of the Bible we can positively say that their day will never come; that there shall never be the ushering in of any day by a visible or fleshly Jesus, nor shall the wicked lie as dung upon the earth.
The prophetic day is one ushered in by the glorified Christ, an invisible spirit being of the divine nature. The day is to dawn as sunlight upon the earth, gradually, stealthily, and at first unrecognized by the world in general. The glorification of the church takes place, unrecognized also by the world. The order of society gradually gives way, disintegrating through wars, pestilences, famines, revolutions, etc. When man reaches his extremity, the Lord uses his power to bring order out of chaos. His kingdom is then established world-wide; new constructive work begins with the millions then living, who will pass through the turmoil and never experience death nor need an undertaker. The visible resurrection begins with the bringing forth of the holy men of old who died prior to the time for the selection of the members of the church of Jesus Christ. Then for a thousand years will follow the raising up from death all the families of the earth for the express purpose of rescuing them from Adamic condemnation, giving them a knowledge of the divine truth, assisting them to perfection of character, mental, moral and physical, so that they may live upon the earth forever and never die; for “the earth abideth forever.” The earth is God’s footstool, and he will make the place of his feet glorious, and his will shall be done on earth as it is done in heaven. The prophetic day is a great day or epoch of blessing, of restoring to man his lost estate, and of recovering him to the original image and likeness of God. It is a glorious day, a long-prayed-for day. The first rays of this new day began coming over the horizon of the spiritual perception of God’s people in 1874. It has been growing brighter and brighter; and after 1935 the light of truth and the blackness of error will be sufficiently manifest to begin to make its impression upon the irreverent and unbelieving Godless minds, and also upon those hampered and hindered with “ecclesiastical minds,” those closed with bigotry and cant.
MODERNISTS ARE IN THE QUICKSANDS
Not long ago there was much commotion in religious circles over the controversy between Bishop Manning and Rev. Percy Stickney Grant of the Episcopal church. Dr. Grant apparently has not backed down from his position. He still pursues the even tenor of his way, and he and his church have been neither disfranchised nor disfellow-shiped.
The difference between these two big churchmen amounts to practically nothing. Perhaps the Bishop’s main objection was in jumping into print before the “dear people” were educated up to the point where they could receive the heresies with complacency.
Bishop Manning believes that Christ, being divine, must of necessity be God himself. Dr. Grant does not believe that Christ is God himself, and therefore holds that our Lord is not divine. They are both wrong. Dr. Grant’s position is a vantage ground from which it is easier to step over onto the true foundation than is Bishop Manning’s. These are two learned clergymen who are blind leaders of the blind!
Bishop Manning delivered a sermon of which it is said: “Many Episcopal dignitaries listened to the sermon and regarded it as a milestone in the history of the church.” That they did not take vigorous exceptions to it shows there are many blind leaders of the blind.
<rWe murt make it clear,” said Bishop Manning, “that the truth revealed in Jesus Christ is in no conflict with any truth or fact made known to us by science or scholarship.” Further on he said: “There is nothing in the Christian faith which conflicts with the scientific theory of evolution. To many of us this hypothesis seems to make clearer both the glory of the Creator and the naturalness of His revelation of Himself in the incarnation.”
When will Bishop Manning and two hundred thousand other clergymen learn that the incarnation idea is a doctrine of the devil, and has neither part nor lot in the story of the sacred Scriptures? All Trinitarians believe in the incarnation. Is it rational to think that God, Jehovah God, who says he will not give his glory unto another, abdicated the throne of the universe, entered the womb of Mary down here on the earth, was lost for a season, was born in a manger, had not the power to stop the wicked designs of Herod, fled into Egypt, was a carpenter, was baptized in the river Jordan, was persecuted, was slandered, was maltreated, was arrested for sedition, had his head crowned with thorns, sank under the weight of his own cross to which he was afterward nailed, dying an ignominious death—is it rational to believe that this was God Almighty! Is it rational to believe that Jesus in praying, “My God, u hv hast thou forsaken me,” was praying to himself as the Almighty Eternal One? How is it possible for the Son of God to be the Father of God, or for the Virgin Mary to be the Mother of God!
No wonder -there are infidels, agnostics and atheists in the world! No wonder the world is in trouble! It has long ago forsaken God, and has for centuries l->en paying out its hard-earned money for instruction from the devil’s agents, who have received the money in the name of the Lord and hypocritically pretended that it was for the glory of the Lord.
That Bishop Manning has straddled the fence in an effort to please and hoodwink the largest number, and that he is thoroughly out of harmony with God, may be seen from the following further expression of his sermon:
“The present controversy in some of the Protestant communions between the Fundamentalists and the Modernists is confusing and misleading- to many. That controversy has no place among us in this church. This church of which we are members holds a position which is larger than that represented by either of these groups, and which includes that which is true of each of them. Those who calls themselves Fundamentalists are unhappily identifying themselves with a particular theory as to the inspiration of the Scriptures, which is untenable and which has never been a part of the Christian faith. We who preach the gospel today must make it clear, and especially to our younger people, that the Christian faith, belief in our Lord Jesus Christ as God made man for us, is not a barrier to our thinking nor a restriction imposed upon our minds.”
Who lias told him that such a monstrous belief is a barrier to thinking and a restriction imposed upon the mind! Ah, he then has had warning! Somebody has told him the truth; and he refuses to study the Scriptures in their own light in order to be edified. Who among us would relish his place in the judgment?
NEW YORK CONVENTION
'This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.’'—Psalm IIS: 23.
THE New York Convention is a matter of history. Those who attended and those who participated were greatly blessed. That the Lord’s hand was in the whole matter there cannot be the slightest doubt. He manifested his approval upon the effort in no uncertain manner.
The convention was held from October 19 to 24. inclusive. For several months prior thereto the New York Congregation was active in arranging for this convention. The Convention Committee, composed of Brothers Lueck, Finken, Woodworth, Brenisen, Wiley. Bedwin and Goux, had the matter of arranging for the’ convention and the public meetings in charge, and each member of the committee put forth every effort within his power to make the convention and the public meetings a great success. The Lord added his blessing.
Brother R. J. Martin was active as chairman of the convention, with Brother M. A. Howlett as assistant chairman. The convention opened at 10 o’clock Friday. October 19, with an address of welcome by the President of the Society. We quote a part of the address of welcome, as follows:
“A convention of God’s people is, as indeed it should be, a blessed occasion. It is my happy privilege to greet you as members of the royal priesthood. You are joyfully looking to that time when you shall be forever with the Lord in indescribable glory.
“All who are confidently trusting in the merit of the great ransom sacrifice are welcome to this convention. But thrice welcome are all who have devoted their lives to the Lord by full consecration and who are now with gladness heralding the message of his kingdom. These are the called and chosen; and having been faithful to this hour, they by his invitation have entered into the joy of the Lord.
“Brought here by his grace, there is laid upon each of us an obligation to faithfully represent our Lord. To this end we must be true witnesses for him, that others may know that Jehovah is the only true God and that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Furthermore, the world must know that God has a people on earth who have his favor. It is also our privilege and duty to comfort, encourage and strengthen each other.
“By his grace we are engaged in the most momentous campaign of the ages, witnessing the incoming of a new government and having some part in making this fact known to the world. It is now our privilege to say to each other and unto nominal Zion: ‘Thy God reigneth!’ and to point the world to the fact that his kingdom is the complete and only panacea for the ills of humankind.
“Honored by the King with active service in his heavenly army, we can truly say that we are now joyfully in glory; and if our loyalty persists to the very end, we shall be granted an abundant entrance into that heavenly kingdom and be recipients of a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, honor and immortality.
“Happy now is our lot. Blessed are our eyes; for w’e see the kingdom at hand. Blessed are our ears; for we hear the jubilee sound proclaiming the day of deliverance. With becoming humility and gladness let us greet each other in the name of our King.”
Additional speakers on the program were Brothers Thornton, Woodworth, Barber, Macmillan, Franz, Kendall, Lueck, Donald, Wise, Hudgings, Stewart, Sexton, Magnuson, Van Amburgh, Grimes, Brenisen, Bedwin, and Lippincott. The maximum attendance of the consecrated during the convention was 3,000. The first two days’ sessions were held in a hall that was entirely inad' quate as to seating capacity. The other meetings, aside from Sunday, were held in the Manhattan Opera House, with sufficient capacity to accommodate all who attended.
The discourses delivered by the various brethren were joyfully received by the friends and without doubt were very helpful and upbuilding to those who are trusting in the precious merit of Christ’s sacrifice. The keynote of the convention was love and joy. All showed the true Christian spirit of love for the brethren, manifesting by both speech and action that they were rejoicing in the Lord and in the opportunities of showing their love toward him.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
For the public meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 21, the Madison Square Garden was engaged. The contract called for seats to the number of 13,500. Some were skeptical about filling the place; and of course merely with man’s effort it could not be done. Two weeks prior to this meeting the celebrated musician Sousa, with his band of more than a hundred pieces, was there, and at the same time the world-renowned Marine Band of Washington. With this attraction the place was not nearly filled. A week previous to our meeting the place was used to exhibit moving picture and radio returns of the world’s series baseball games and even this did not attract audiences nearly sufficient to fill the place. It is no wonder that the management of the Madison Square Garden was doubtful about a religious meeting beginning to fill the auditorium.
The New York Ecclesia took hold of the matter with a real spirit of service. Announcements to the number of 1,250,000 advertising the meeting were distributed. These tracts carried an explanation of the divine plan which was in itself a splendid witness for the truth. Posters were placed in alternate stations of the subway and elevated lines. A large number of window cards were put out and the committee arranged for and carried in the leading daily newspapers of New York practically full-page advertisements. In addition to tin.- other newspapers in adjoining towns and cities carried advertisements of the meeting placed by the local classes. Had no one attended the public meeting at all, there was a splendid witness for the King and the kingdom by these advertisements. But the Lord added his blessing.
Additionally the Convention Committee sent a personal letter of invitation to each one of the clergymen of Greater New York. Many of these responded by requesting reserved seat tickets. A special letter was also sent to most of the office holders and leading politicians and bankers of the city. A conference of Governors of all the States had been called by President Coolidge for October 20 in Washington and the Committee sent a personal invitation to each of the Governors; also a special invitation to the Rt. Hon. David Lloyd George, former British Premier, visiting in the United States at the time. Mr. Lloyd George responded very kindly, expressing regret that engagements to which he was already committed would not permit his attendance at the meeting. A number of Englishmen, however, were observed in the audience.
Mr. W. E. Harkness, manager of the Broadcasting Department of the Bell Telephone System, expressed to the Convention Committee the company’s desire to cooperate in any good work and extended an invitation to some representative of the International Bible Students Association to speak over their station for ten minutes and announce the Sunday meeting. Brother Martin was assigned to this duty and responding to the kind invitation, he delivered a ten-minute address and announce the public lecture at the Madison Square Garden. The estimated listening audience of this station is two million persons. After giving a brief resume of the great truths now being promulgated by the International Bible Students Association, Brother Martin concluded with the announcement that the President of the Association would deliver the “Armageddon” lecture Sunday afternoon. The Watch Tower, as the official organ of the International Bible Students Association, takes occasion to express its appreciation of the kindness shown by Mr. Harkness of the Bell System in thus cooperating in this good work. We cannot help recalling in this connection the words of the Master: “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a i ighteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall gixe to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of •?old water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:41,42) Without doubt the Lord will remember and properly reward this act of kindness.
Sunday, the 21st, was a beautiful day, which would of course attract the people to the outside. Notwithstanding this, before the lecture began practically every seat in the great Madison Square Garden was taken and people were still arriving. It was remarked by the manager that it was the largest crowd that had ever assembled in the Garden. And the astonishing thing to strangers was that such a great multitude would come to a merely religious lecture without any other attraction.
The meeting opened promptly at three o’clock by singing of the familiar hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” It was a wonderful inspiration to hear these words sung by such a great multitude. Then Brother Martin, the chairman, followed with a brief speech, pointing out the privilege that the people would have of purchasing at this meeting Tur, Harp of God; and they were asked to sign slips indicating that they wished the Harp Study Course. Brother Rutherford ascended the platform shortly after three o’clock. There was no introduction. He immediately began his address to an audience that listened with rapt attention throughout the entire discourse, frequently manifesting approval by hearty applause. During the discourse the controversy between the Modernists and Fundamentalists was clearly pointed out and it was shown that this was to be expected in the closing days of the old order, as Jesus had foretold; and the speaker appealed to those who believed in the Lord and the Bible to separate themselves from those who deny Jehovah, the Lord Jesus and the Scriptures. At the conclusion of the lecture the speaker said in substance: “All here who believe in God and the Lord Jesus and in the Bible, and who desire to see a better condition of affairs e.-tablished in the earth, kindly stand and engage in a moment of silent prayer.” It was inspiring to watch that tremendous audience arise and silently stand. And then with a brief prayer in conclusion they all began to file out quietly and orderly, while the brethren were taking their addresses and selling them the books. When these orders wore counted if was found that 1,723 had subscribed to The Harp Bible Study Course, while a great many more had purchased 1,310 other books or in all over 3,000 books.
The Western Electric Company, at the instance of the Convention Committee, installed in the Madison Square Garden an electrical voice ampifier which made the voice of the speaker easily heard throughout the great auditorium. Those behind as well as those in front could hear equally well.
Reservations were made in the boxes for the clergy and prominent citizens of New York. These boxes were occupied by officials, officers and others connected with the United States Army, and many other citizens of note. The lecture was well received and, it is believed, has accomplished much good.
A most remarkable thing, however, to the people was the fact that notwithstanding this was the greatest religious meeting ever held in New York city, with the largest crowd ever assembled in this great auditorium, the next morning the newspapers of New York, aside
from the New York American, were silent. The real reason of their silence, however, is this: The newspapers are owned by big business. There is a combination between big business, big politicians and big preachers to have things their own way. To quote a member of the official staff of one of the leading New York papers concerning the publication of a report of the meeting: <cWe print only that which is in harmony with public opinion, adhering closely to our motto: ‘All the news that’s fit to print.’ ” In other words, the public press, controlled by the agencies of the god of this world, believe that by keeping the truth away frmn the people they will help to destroy its value. In this they are foolish. They do not realize .hat the work now in progress is the work of the Lord and he will make it know n to every one who desires to know it. The course pursued by the newspapers only awakens the people to a realization of the fact that instead of being used in the interest of the people in general the public press is used for the selfish interests of the few. Thanks be to God, however, that the time is not far distant when all shall know the Lord from the least to the greatest, and it shall not be necessary to depend upon newspapers that are controlled by selfish interests to publish anything concerning the truth.
On the Monday night following, Brother Macmillan addressed a public audience numbering 3,000 at the Manhattan Opera House. The lecture was well received by all present.
Monday was “Service Day,” when 525 friends engaged in canvassing for the books. This was followed Monday afternoon by a service testimony meeting, which demonstrated how greatly the brethren are blessed who engage in this part of the work.
When the count was taken as to the number of books sold at the public meeting Sunday afternoon and on “Service Day,” the total exceeded 9,000 volumes. This was an unusual record, the like of which has never been attained at any convention of the Lord’s people in such a short time.
It had been announced through the press that on Tuesday evening, the twenty-third, Brother Rutherford would deliver a lecture at the Manhattan Opera House on “The Restoration of Israel.” Mr. Nathan Straus, one of the most noted Jews in America and a man much beloved both by Jews and Gentiles, on learning that Brother Rutherford would deliver this lecture, put an announcement in two Jewish newspapers at his own expense. He sent a special messenger with a letter to Brother Rutherford, which we here set forth:
“Driftwood” Mamaroneck, N. Y. Oct. 23, 1923.
Judge Rutherford,
124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y.
My Dear Judge:
I only saw the announcement of your meeting tonight in this morning’s N. Y. American. I fully agree with what you say about Israel Zangwill. He is a Jew absolutely in name only. I did not know his views when I invited him to be my house guest. After the Carnegie Hall meeting I took an apartment for him in the city, where he is living now.
As one who is deeply impressed with the prophecies of the Bible and with the aspirations of my people for their regathering in Palestine and the restoration of their own land, I hail you as one of the prophets who will help the Jews towards the realization of their hopes of two thousand 5 ears. They are willing to wait and work, without injury to the rights of any other people.
I bring to your attention enclosed pamphlet, which you will surely find interesting. Mr. Blackstone had this reprinted for me when I met him many years after it had been published.
In all admiration of your unselfish efforts, I remain Very sincerely yours,
Nathan Straus
Ou the evening of the meeting Mrs. Straus sent her own florist to the Manhattan Opera House and decorated the stage with a beautiful floral display, sending with it a note complimentary to the speaker of the occasion.
The Watch Tower is pleased to take note of the interest our Jewish friends manifested in this meeting. This real interest manifested by orthodox Jews who have hope in God’s promises to Abraham and the prophi is an evidence of their appreciation of what Bible Students are trying to do in announcing the King and the kingdom, him who is their Messiah. We may reasonably expect that within the next two years there will be a greatly increased interest among the Jews in examining and understanding the prophecies.
The lecture at the Manhattan Opera House on this occasion was attended by a large number of Jews, all of whom manifested their decided approval of the address by frequent applause. We hope that this meeting has been a great blessing to many and a real witness of the truth to some who are seeking to know who is the Messiah.
The convention concluded on Wednesday night with an address by Brother Rutherford to the public at the Manhattan Opera House on “Man’s Duty to the Lord.” The friends were loathe to part, lingering long after the conclusion for personal fellowship and expressions of love one for another. Upon all lips were words of joy and appreciation of what the Lord had done for his people at this convention. Without doubt it was the best held up to this time, because those who have been attending conventions and participating in the Lord’s service increase in their joy, as should be expected. Therefore this was one of the most joyful, if not the most joyful convention ever held. All the consecrated who participated in this convention and attended can truly say in the languag ' of the Psalmist: “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” He has manifested his loving kindness and his approval; and we are encouraged to press on with increased zeal and earnestness in advertising the King and his kingdom.
PITTSBURGH CONVENTION
IMMEDIATELY following the annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society a convention of the Bible Students was held at Pittsburgh in Memorial Hall tor live days. Brother Baeuerlein was chairman; about a thousand friends attended the convention. All were happy and rejoicing in their privileges of service.
The proceedings of the annual meeting are too lengthy to insert in this issue of The Watch Tower, but will appear in the next issue. Here we give but a brief report of the convention. Amongst other things done at this annual meeting and convention was the passing of a resolution, which we set forth here as follows:
RESOLUTION
Whereas Pastor Charles T. Russell, as the Laodicean messenger of the church, faithfully filled the office of “that faithful and wise servant” while here on earth, and seven years ago enjoyed his change, as we believe, to spiritual glory; and
Whebeas it is our desire to perpetuate his memory in the minds of the people by some appropriate means, and believing that the Society should take some official action to this end;
Now7 therefore resolved by those attending the annual meeting and convention of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 31 to November 4, 1923, inclusive, and now duly in convention assembled, as follows:
(1) That it is the seine of this convention Hint the lifework and writings of Pastor Russell constitute the greatest tribute to his memory. However, it would not be inappropriate to publish a volume setting forth the incidents of his life and w7ork aside from and in addition to his personal writings;
(2) That such publication to be of value should be carefully prepared and edited by those who are familiar with his life and who are competent to do said work; and that such a volume should be published, if at all, by the Watch Tow7er Bible & Tract Society, which Society was organized by Pastor Russell;
(3) That this convention by resolution requests the President of the Watch Tow7er Bible & Tract Society to appoint a committee of five brethren whose duty it shall be to collect data and prepare and edit manuscript relating to the life and work of Pastor Russell and to report the same to the So< iety with recommendation of said committee as to whether or not such manuscript should be published by the Society ; and that we further request that the Society, if report of said committee recommend the publication of said book or volume, publish the same and that notice thereof be given in The Watch Tower; and that said committee so appointed shall make a report of its action at the next annual meeting of tin* Society to be held in Pittsburgh, October 31, 1924, as to what action it has taken in this behalf.
The committee called for by this resolution has not yet been appointed, but will be announced later. The Society is preparing to publish the entire set of Studies IN the Scriptures bound in very handsome binding as a memorial to Brother Russell. These will be ready in a short time and announced in The Watch Tower.
It was generally remarked at the convention that the friends showed a keener appreciation of the truth and of their privilege of service and more of the spirit of the Lord than in the past, thus testifying that they are growing in grace and in the fruits of the spirit. The addresses of the brethren were well received, and were helpful to those who heard.
The Pittsburgh friends had made a splendid effort to advertise the public meeting. The advertisements were carried not only in the Pittsburgh press but in other papers in the vicinity. The public meeting was held Sunday afternoon in the Syria Mosque. It rained all dav. and many of the friends were doubtful about good attendance. This hall has 3,850 regular seats, and about 200 extra seats were put in. Every seat was taken, and qu.te a number of people were standing. It was estimated that there were 4,100 present. The attention was splendid. Up to this time we have not the report of the number of books sold. The convention was concluded Sunday night with a symposium. It was good to be there. The Lord’s spirit was made manifest.
“THE WATCH TOWER” HELPFUL
Dear Brethren in the Lord:
Greetings in the name of our mighty Lord and King! It Is quite a time that I have been wanting to write you, expressing my thankfulness to our dear heavenly Father for the food that he is permitting us to get in these troublesome days through the medium of The Watch Tower, especially in such articles as “The Principal Thing,” which Indeed are heart-searching for all professed followers of the Lamb. When one reads such an article, one realizes more and more how truly “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and Intents of the heart.”—Hebrews 4:12.
And now, last week, I received a pleasant surprise in the shape of the July 1st Watch Tower, with the article entitled “A Clear Vision of Chronology,” with the most helpful chart of one of the most difficult periods in Bible chronology.
As I am fond of this branch of chronology, which gives me greater understanding of the wonderful prophecies of God’s Word, it is needless to say7 that I rejoiced.
Rob. F. A. Peschel, So. Africa.
HELPED BY TOWER QUESTIONS
Di.vb Brethren :
Loving greetings. I want to open up my heart to you and tell you how very grateful I am for the Berean Questions in The Watch Tower. When Brother Rutherford was here in convention I noticed that he referred to the Questions, also stating that he thought few present studied them. I for one had not ; but from that moment I made a firm resolve to do so and have taken from seven to ten questions each day and have received great joy and blessing as a result. I have encouraged others to do the same; for they too will find sweet refreshment. They are as dear to me daily as my Vow, Resolve, Manna Text, and prayers.
Your sister in Christ, Violet Isabel James, Canada.
PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR JANUARY 2
"The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom—Daniel
ONLY once prior to now did the God of heaven set up a kingdom on earth, and that was merely a typical kingdom foreshadowing the great kingdom mentioned in this text. The important factor of a kingdom is the royal house or reigning family. King David and his house pictured the church, Head and body, in a militant condition. Solomon pictured Christ reigning in glory. Solomon’s reign was one of peace and rest. It pictured the reign of the Prince of Peace and the rest which that reign will bring to the p'-oples of earth.
In due time the nation of Israel fell; and God declared that no more would his kingdom be in authority on earth until he whose right it is should come. The Gentile times ended in 1914. The rightful King was then present and had been since 187-1. but his first work was a preparatory work for the beginning of his reign. In the last days of those Gentile kings the God of heaven has begun to set up a kingdom; and his kingdom is now breaking to pieces the kingdoms of this world, as God foretold through his prophet Daniel would be done.
The greater number of those composing the royal family are in heaven with the King and Prince of Peace, while on earth there are yet some members of his royal house, we believe. The latter are the visible representatives of the kingdom which the God of heaven is setting up. No one on earth could exactly point out who these are. The Lord himself knoweth them that are his. In the eyes of the world these earthly representatives of the king are not desirable persons; but when the last mem-1) >rs of the royal family have been completed and are forever with the Lord in glory, and when the record is written up, then all the people will known who are members of the kingdom class. Then all the natif s will come and bow before them.
The members of the kingdom class now on earth occupy a position of honor that no one else on earth can occupy. They are the honored servants of the Lord, and a' such are commanded to proclaim to the world that the kingdom of heaven is at hand; that the God of heaven is novi setting up his kingdom; that the day for which Christians have long waited and prayed is here. These earthly representatives are the ambassadors of the kingdom of God, am1 arc clothed with authority to tell mankind of that kingdom and the blessings it will bring 1 > them. The mission of these ambassadors is one of lo\ They arc performing a service prompted by love, unselfishly desiring to do good to their fellow man. All those who now appreciate the privilege of announcing tnis kingdom have an invitation from the Lord to enter into his joy. Those entering and continuing faithful and loyal for the remainder of the way, representing the King, will be granted power, honor, glory, and immortality, in that kingdom which the God of heaven is setting up. The angels of heaven have never enjoved such an honor.
TEXT FOR JANUARY 9
"Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom."—Psalm 1J/5: IS. '
IN THIS text the prophet of God tells of the endlessness of the kingdom. In the context he Glows the duty and privilege of the saints in connection with announcing its establishment. The new creation is the work of Jehovah, and will constitute his greatest work became the members of it are all to be partakers of the div ine nature. “All thy works shall praise thee. 0 Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.”- -Psalm 145:10-12.
The kingdoms of this earth, established by Satan and governed by his dupes, have endured for a season only. They have been oppressive, unrighteous, coercive and wicked, and have brought sorrow, misery, and death upon the race. Thanks be to God these are now fast fading away 1 The kingdom of peace is breaking them like a potter’s vessel. The kingdom which the God of heaven is now establishing does and shall rest upon the shoulder of his beloved Son, Christ Jesus. In a thousand years that kingdom will undo all the wrong that Satan has accomplished in six thousand years. It will bring to the people beauty of health instead of ashes of death ; and instead of sorrow and mourning it will give mankind the oil of joy and gladness. Those who love and do that which is right the King will lead over the highway of holiness, and when the work of restoration is done every er. ature that has breath will be found praising God and his beloved Son, the King. That kingdom will not end with the bringing man to hi> perfect estate, however. The reign of righteousness will endure on earth forever, standing as an everlasting monument to the graciousnesi* and to the love of Jehovah, and an endless praise to his name.
To know now that the kingdom is here and that its reign will be endless thrills the hearts of the saints; and they delight in joining their voices in vhe glad proclamation to mankind :“The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Their enthusiasm for the King and his kingdom is th* joy of the Lord. The benefits it will bring to fellow creatures is a joy and strength to the heart of every saint. They cannot keep back the song, but in beautiful cadences are singing:
“Joy to the world! The Lord has come O earth, receive thy King.
Let every heart prepare him room, And grateful tribute bring.”
SCI
A CHOSEN LEADER AND A CHOSEN LAND
---January 6—-—Genesis 12:1 to 25:10---
ABRA HA MIC PROMISE OF BLESSINGS TO COME—LAND INCLUDED IN THE PROMISE—GOD’S OATH TO ABRAHAM—LAND TO BE BESTOBED TO ISRAEL.
“In thee shall all families of the earth he blessed."—Genesis 12: 3.
THE Sunday studies for the first half of 1924 will bring before us some of the outstanding features of God’s dealings with his chosen people. They begin with A brali a in, and end with the restoration and the reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah. The Bible student knows that these records are not mere history, but are God’s treasurestore laid up for his people, for the guidance of all succeeding generations, and for the strengthening of men of faith in every age. He also knows that particularly they are for the instruction of the church of God. (Romans 15:4) Further, he sees that these scriptures of truth (Daniel 10: 21) are in a very special way intended to instruct and guide the church in these its last days on earth, when under the headship of the returned Lord it is once more brought to a unity.
2The history of Abraham is recorded in Genesis 12:1 to 25: 10. But Abraham and his promise dominate the Bible. Indeed, the Bible may very properly be described as the history of the development of the promise, “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3) The account of Abraham’s call and experiences in the land of promise (1) reveals God’s purpose towards mankind; (2) emphasizes the typical significance of Abraham’s life both as regards God’s plan and his method of carrying out his purpose; (3) marks the development of Abraham’s character, and him as a worthy example to all who are called to walk according to faith.
3Our lesson speaks of Abraham as a chosen leader, but he was not so much a leader as a head. He Is the father of all them that beliexe (Romans 4:11), whether according to the flesh or to the spirit. And to be true seed of Abraham according to the spirit is one of the greatest of favors, even as Paul stated: “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3: 29) This, of course, does not make Abraham greater than Christ; but it does declare the true Scriptural relationship of believers with the Abrahamic promise, and with Abraham as the holder of the promise of God. It is always necessary to remember that the spiritual seed of Abraham, the footstep followers of Christ, are not the only seed ; and that these do not absorb all the promise. The earthly seed, those grand men and women who were true children in faith prior to Ciirist are also heirs; and they also were selected by the test of faithfulness to God according to the hope which had been given to father Abraham.
ABRAHAMIC PROMISE OF BLESSINGS TO COME
4Abraham has this high place (1) because he was chosen of God as the one through whom the promised seed of the woman should come (Genesis 3:15), (2) because he walked worthy of the vocation wherewith he was called. The first ray of promise or hope that the human family would be restored to its original purity, and to the enjoyment of the blessings of God, was of a negative character. The head of the tempter was to be bruised, indicating that the seed would break the power of evil. But the promise to Abraham, 2,081 years afterwards, was a positive one of actual blessing: “In thee and in thy seed shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Although before his day Abel, Enoch, and Noah had exercised faith in God, Abraham was the first with whom God entered into a covenant. He was the first to be called to a life of faith.
5Those worthies who preceded Abraham exercised faith according to the circumstances of their lives; but it is as heirs of the righteousness which is by faith that they are to be rewarded (Hebrews 11:7), and that was first made known to Abraham. After Abraham had been called, and God had thus designated his family and the hope coming through them, no one could come into harmony with God apart from association with Abraham and the hope. Also, as is shown in Genesis 12: 3, the call of Abraham and his family sooner or later vitally affects everyone.
•The attitude towards Abraham will mean the salvation or destruction of all others: “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.” (Genesis 12:3) It is evident that God made careful selection as to the one who should thus represent him. Of Noah’s three sons Ham was ruled out of the choice; evidently his character was of too poor a nature to allow him to be progenitor of the chosen seed. Japheth was also left aside, probably because his seed was too unrestful. Shem’s seed was chosen as more suited to that calling in life which could develop the characteristics that God required. This is revealed in Genesis 18:17-19, where God says to Abraham: “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed In him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” While the passage probably means that God foreknew Abraham in the sense of calling him to himself, it surely means that God foresaw the development of the character of Abraham in his children.
LAND INCLUDED IN THE PROMISE
7The covenant made with Abr: 'mm is variously expressed. It is stated in its simplest form . , our Golden Text. Later, the land of Canaan was included in the covenant (Genesis 15:18-21), thus determining that land as the ultimate center of the world’s blessings. Later still, on the offering up of Isaac “the seed” was included (Genesis 22:18), indicating to Abraham that the honor of ho ding this great covenant should be shared by the seed of promise. There was nothing to indicate that God would produce a spiritual seed, “begotten not ... of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13) This is the revelation of the New Testament, a mystery hidden till Christ came, though the fact was shown in type by two classes of seed which Abraham was to have—as the stars (spiritual) and as the dust (earthly). It was also represented in Isaac and Jacob, both of whom were included with Abraham in the covenant. Compare Genesis 26:4, “I will make thy seed ... as the stars," and Genesis 28:14, “Thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth.” God for a time deprived him of the pleasure of having a son, through Sarah’s barrenness.
•Apparently, considering that God would be pleased for him to use natural means, Abraham with Sarah’s consent married Hagar, his wife’s handmaiden, by whom Ishmael was born to him. This human attempt of produce the heaven-promised seed brought much trial upon Abraham. God repudiated Ishmael as the holder of the promises, and kept Abraham still waiting, even until his body was as good as dead.
(Romans 4: 19) Then, and in due time, the seed according to promise was born, a figure of those born according to the spirit, and not according to the will of the flesh.
GOD’S OATH TO ABRAHAM
®Abraham’s supreme test came when his beloved son Isaac had grown Into budding manhood, and Abraham was commanded of God to offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham had such confidence in God that he failed not even under that mighty test. He knew by his experiences that God could and would work miracles, and in supreme confidence and loyalty he took Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice. His confidence was not that he believed God would give him another son, but that Isaac should be given back to him even from the dead (Hebrews 11:19—a mighty faith which brought an exceeding great reward. God then entered into a closer covenant with Abraham. swearing by himself that the promise should be made good both to Abraham and to his seed.—Genesis 22:15-18.
10The many minor tests which came through the vicissitudes of life, and through Lot’s association with him, proved very helpful to Abraham. Like a well-built, well-manned ship riding out a storm, Abraham rode the storms of life almost majestically. But the strong man of faitli failed in what seemed to be the simpler things of life; for he descended to subterfuge, where confidence in God should have ruled, owing to an initial mistake not corrected until confessed to Abime-leeh. (Genesis 20:13) It could be said of him that he was tempted in all points in the life of faith as we, his faithchildren are, though the record which is given of his great son Jesus cannot be given of him ; for it cannot be said either of Abraham or of any other of his children that ‘he was tempted yet without sin.’ Yet Abraham walked worthy of God. and in his development of character proved himself to be indeed a noble man.
1!The land which the Canaanites and other descendents of I lam chose was the land which God had in mind for his chosen people. Moses says (Deuteronomy 32:8) that on the division of the earth amongst the families of men God “set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.” God knew to what extent the chosen family would multiply and how large they must be for the accomplishment of his purpose of making them : (1) Blessevs of the world, and (2) servants to Abraham, the faithful natural seed who with him were to be the holders of the covenant as it related to the land. As has previously been stated, the land was greatly varied in its fauna and flora and in its range of climatic conditions, from the eternal snows of Lebanon in the north to the tropical heat of the Jordan valley at Jericho. That land is forever associated with God’s promise.
LAND TO BE RESTORED TO ISRAEL
“The seed of Jacob, Israel according to the flesh, are to be Its inhabitants, not by right of possession, but because they are children of their fathers. It is to be the everlasting home of the chosen people. Because of their waywardness and unfaithfulness they have been scattered abroad on the face of the earth amongst “the goyim," the nations. But when the times of restitution come (Acts 3:19-21) Israel will be the first to be restored to their land and to their God, and to enjoy the blessings covenanted with their fathers, that they may be servants to those, their princes, who shall live in the land as its God-given possessors.—Rom. 11: 26,27.
“While it is correct to think that tlio bles-.ings .illicit God has for all the human family, eteii to delivering the dead from the power of death and to bringing all men to a full knowledge of God, which will radiate from the land of Israel and from Abraham and his seed, yet it is particularly true that the nations must seek God. He says: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 45: 22) This does not mean look to heaven, but look to the arrangement which God has made for the dissemination of his truth and blessings. The nations which will not go up to Jerusalem to acknowledge God and seek his blessing will find the blessings of God withheld from them.—Zech. 14:17.
14The Abrahamic promise, “In thee and in thy seed shall all families of the earth be blessed,” or “bless themselves” as otherwise expressed (Jeremiah 4:2) does not mean that all nations must become Jews. It does mean that God has appointed a channel by which his blessings shall come, and none but those who acknowledge that channel can have his blessings. Since God called Abraham no one, whether of spiritual or natural Israel or of the world of mankind, has been able, or ever will be able, to get God’s blessings apart from Abraham and the Abrahamic covenant. The covenant is sure; it is sworn to by God himself. (Hebrews 6:13) The children of men shall be delivered, and shall rejoice in the salvation of God.
“This study is a special help to the loyal Bible student. Here God is seen laying the foundations of the superstructure of the divine Word of Truth; for Abraham and his three wives represent the three great covenants through which the promised blessing will go to the human family. The history of the children of Israel, and the development of the church of God, have but disclosed in full that which was shown in miniature in llu> life of Abraham; and the blessings of the kingdom of heaven, now almost due, will be the extending of the New Covenant, as represented by Keturah and her children. God alone could do this thing; and the fact that he has thus fore-written the developments of bis plan and human history not only strengthens his servants, but is his own witness to himself.—Isaiah 43: 9; 41: 26.
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