The Watchtower, June 15, 1924

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No. 12

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Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them tor fear and for looking tc the things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (eccIesiasL.sm) shall be shaken. . . When 7e these things begin toj^oine to pass, then know that the Kingdom of God is at hand* Look up, lilt up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.—Matt. 24:33; Mark lo:iu; Luke 21

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Vol. XLV

Semi-Monthly

Anno Mundi 6052—June 15, 1924

CONTENTS

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;®>?..;nq m.an lay AR ANSOMFORALL

Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit

‘ Gifts” of the Holy Spirit

“Fruits” of the Holy Spirit

Meekness and Faithfulness

Other Fruits and Their Operation

Love, the Capstone of Character

International Convention at Columbus

The Coliseum, Columbus (Cut)

Prayer-Meeting Text Comments

The Baptism of Jesus

Jesus’ Baptism a Severe Test.......

Jesus’ Course Still Misunderstood

The Temptation of Jesus

Jesus Tempted on Two Planes....^

Threefold Purpose of Jesus’ Temptation

“I will stand upon my watch and will set my fuel upon the Tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me”—Habakkuk 2:1.

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

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

Our "Berean I wessons” 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., Ferbi Dei Minister (V. I>. 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 up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 1115; 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . -has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3:5-9,10.

It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in hie service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear In its columns must be according to our judgment of hit good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ous 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 Bedeemer 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 8:16, 17; Ephesians 2:20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 3 : 29.

That mean time the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses; and when tha 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 : 5-8.

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 someth 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 be is,” be "partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his glory as bis joint-heir.—1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.

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

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

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Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and ev ery article appearing in these columns. The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford. W. B. Van Ambdrch, J. Hemery, R. H. Barrkr, C. E. Stewart, Terms to the Lord's Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of old age or oilier 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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MEMORIAL REPORTS NOT ALL IN

We are pleased to say that the friends as a whole have been very prompt to send in the report of attendance at the Memorial service of April 18 last. But there are still many classes whose report of attendance has not as yet reached us. It is our desire to publish the full list as soon as possible, and therefore we earnestly request all classes that have not sent in their report of attendance to do so as soon as this notice reaches them.

DO YOU STUDY THE WATCH TOWER ARTICLES?

From time to time brethren send in questions, at the same time stating that they are unable to understand certain things. These questions and statements at once suggest the thought that the Watch Tower articles have not been studied. The Editorial Committee puts in much time and careful and prayerful effort in preparing these articles. A casual reading will not be sufficient to understand them. We suggest a careful study. The classes that are making a Berean study out of the Watch Tower articles are making progress. We believe it is well to follow this rule. Do not be content with a casual reading.

BETHEL SPECIAL TO COLUMBUS CONVENTION

The Bethel Special will leave the Pennsylvania Terminal, New York City, Friday, July 18, at 0:00 p. m., Daylight Saving Time, over the Pennsylvania Railroad. The train is due to arrive at Columbus, Ohio, Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time.

Any friends who desire to join this train at Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, or other points, should communicate with the Transportation Committee as soon as possible, in order that arrangements may be made to stop the special to receive passengers en route.

Railroad and Pullman rates will be announced in our next issue; also where and when tickets may be most conveniently procured at the special rate for this train. Address all inquiries relating to this special train to Transportation Committee, 18 Concord Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Classes planning special train or car service to the convene tion will please notify us immediately, so that announcement may be made in our next issue for the convenience of isolated friends who would like to join these various parties.

AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

Vol. XLY

June 15, 1924

No. 12

THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

The gifts of the spirit are “wisdom, . . . knowledge, . . . faith, . . . healing, . . . miracles, . . . prophecy, . . . discerning of spirits, . . . tongues, . . . interpretation of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control.”—Galatians 5:22,23.

FROM early childhood to the time that he was baptized at Jordan and there received the baptism of the holy spirit, Jesus had been intently studying the law and the prophets as messages from God to the children of Israel. From the Word of God and from his mother, he understood that he had some special work to do; but he could not fully understand it while still a natural man, even though he were perfect. When he was baptized at Jordan, the holy spirit came upon him, not only begetting him to a new nature, but endowing him with a perception of mind that he had not before possessed, even while in his prehuman existence. With this flood of light through spiritual perception, the Scriptures became a new book to him. The change was so great that he immediately sought the solitude of the desert in order that he might not be interrupted in his study of God’s Word. So intensely interested was he and oblivious to temporal surroundings that he did not eat for forty days.

2 It would be difficult for us to imagine the wonder, the delight, and the ecstasy with which Jesus beheld the unfolding of the plan of God through the prophecies, in the types, and in the descriptions of the glorious kingdom of God to be established on earth. However, we can easily imagine that there must have been feelings of great sobriety and some anxiety as to whether he could properly fulfil all that he saw would be required of him if he were to do God’s will perfectly. This would be a test of his faith; but his perfect mind would readily recall the many promises throughout the Messianic Psalms and other prophecies, and would assure him that he could rely fully upon God for whatever assistance and protection might be necessary.

3As our Lord returned from his wilderness experiences, his heart burning with a desire to proclaim the good news to the people, he was met with an indifference, a coldness of heart, an opposition to righteousness, and a disposition to criticize everything new which, to anyone less determined, would have had a very chilling effect. It would take something out of the ordinary to arrest people’s attention and convince their prejudiced minds that his doctrine and his power were from God. It was to meet this cold criticism and doubt on the part of the scribes and Pharisees, and to fan the dying embers of faith in the hearts of the people, that our Lord performed his many miracles. These were an appeal to the minds of those who saw and experienced the blessings he bestowed so generously. However, these were all appeals to the natural man. As the holy spirit had not yet been given to anyone except himself, it was impossible for them to understand its operation upon the mind or to credit his good works to motives other than human.

*When it came time for the Lord to establish the Church, it was necessary to give some outward manifestations, not only to the members themselves but also to others who might inquire, in order that they might know that the work of the holy spirit was a power outside of the possessors themselves. The giving of the holy spirit on the day of Pentecost was accompanied by an outward manifestation, in the nature of a tongue of fire upon the head of each one. We may be sure that each one in his own heart was cognizant of the gift of the holy spirit; but how would he know that others had received it except by the appearance of some outward evidence ? This was graciously given by Jehovah in the upper chamber as they waited for the fulfilment of the promises which our Lord had made to them at the time of his ascension that he would send the holy spirit upon them. Thus each realized that all were participants of the same blessing.

“Their hearts therewith became energized and their minds enlightened, something after the manner of a dynamo when the electric current is turned on. They went forth to preach to the multitude gathered at Jerusalem for the festival of the Pentecost. But the power of God made further manifest that the spirit which energized the disciples was not of themselves. Their words were understood by the Parthians, the Medes, the Elamites, the Mesopotamians, the Judseans, the Cappadocians, and those from Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pam-phylia, from Egypt, from Libya, from Rome, from Crete and Arabia. Whether the miracle was that the disciples spoke in languages which they had never studied before, or whether the miracle was in the hearing, makes no difference so far as the results were concerned. It was a manifestation of the power of God. It awakened a very wide-spread interest. Many desired to join the disciples and to follow the Lord with them.

“GIFTS” OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

’There was nothing observed in the way of changed characters, loving dispositions, or fruits of the spirit, which would indicate that the disciples had received the holy spirit. There had been no time for the development of these. It would be necessary for them to have some evidence aside from their own feelings that they had been accepted of God. To meet this necessity, God arranged a diversity of gifts, differing each from the other and yet so related to each other that each recipient could be helpful to the others as well as to himself. So the Apostle tells us in the twelfth chapter of 1 Corinthians: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but [from or by] the same spirit . . . and there are diversities of operations, but it is [by or from] the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal [that it may be a profit to himself and to others].” The Apostle then gives a list of nine different gifts; viz., wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues (ability to speak foreign languages), interpretation of tongues (ability to interpret the messages which might be given to another in some foreign tongue).

’We notice that each of these gifts appeals to the mind and ability of the natural man. Wisdom is recognized as that ability which will use to the best advantage whatever is possessed or may be obtained. In other words, it might be explained as the ability to make the most possible out of present possessions. Knowledge is a possession of facts. Knowledge might be able to define any word in the language, calculate the most intricate mathematical problems, explain all about geology and astronomy and everything else pertaining to facts. We can readily see the difference between these two when we understand that a person might be very wise and yet have very little knowledge. In other words, a person might be able to make a little go a great way, and yet have very little knowledge of facts outside of his own personal experience. On the other hand, one might have all knowledge, and yet very little ability to use his possessions.

3Faith is that which can lay hold upon the promises of another with full assurance that those promises will be kept, not worrying nor doubting. Healing is the ability to give a command and confidently expect the one sick or crippled or diseased to be healed, made whole. Miracles: God wrought special miracles by the hand of the apostle Paul, so that even if a handkerchief came to one that was sick, the diseased one was healed. (Acts 19:12) With the apostle Peter, the sick desired that even his shadow might fall upon them. (Acts 5:15,16) Prophecy is the teaching or foretelling of future events beyond the power of natural man. Discerning of spirits: St. Peter was able to discern c\cn the thoughts of Ananias and Sapphira when they attempted to act out the lie as recorded in the fifth chapter of Acts.

aTongues: This was an ability to speak in some foreign tongue. The majority of the early disciples spoke the Hebrew tongue, and the spirit would give them power to speak in another language, possibly in the Arabian tongue or the Persian tongue or any other. This gift was more particularly for the unbelievers, or doubters. (1 Corinthians 14:22) The possessor of this gift often did not understand what he himself was saying. Therefore to another would be given the gift of Interpretation; namely, the ability to understand and explain the message which came through the one who had spoken in the foreign language unknown to all others present.

10We can easily see the benefits of these methods of dealing with the Church at that time. Most of the early disciples were poor, unlearned, with very limited experience in worldly affairs, and not accustomed to personal study or to explaining the Law and the Scriptures. They had depended upon the scribes and Pharisees for that. In addition to what had been written in the Scriptures, the holy spirit would now bring forth further instruction. As they gathered together, the holy spirit used various members of the little ecclesias for the benefit of all who attended. They did not have the written Word in a convenient form, as we have in our Bibles and commentaries and dictionaries at the present time. Thus it was necessary for the early Church to meet together to get the blessings which the Lord was willing and ready to bestow.

’’The same results follow the assembling of the friends together at the present time, though in a somewhat different manner. In studying the Scriptures now how often we notice that the holy spirit will present a thought through one and then another to the edification of all. No elder or class should expect all the enlightenment to come through any one member of the class. The blessing does not come now by means of a “gift of the spirit,” but by study of the Word and by the enlightenment of the spirit.

12In the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle tells us that he might have all of these gifts, but they would not guarantee him the reward of the crown; for the crown could be secured only by those who had cultivated and brought forth the fruits of the spirit.

“Suppose we were riding through the country, and were passing by what appeared to be an orchard laden with delicious fruit. Every tree, well formed and shapely, presented a very large yield. The appearance might be delightful to the eye. We might stop and desire to secure some of this fruit; but on approaching the trees, suppose we should find that every fruit is tied to the tree by a little, fine, almost imperceptible wire. The fruit is not an outgrowth from the tree; it had simply been tied to the tree. The trees might indeed be fruit trees, and the fruit might possibly have been tied on to indicate that these trees would later bear fruit. How disappointed we would be! So with the gifts of the spirit. They were not outgrowths of the vine—such as are love, joy, peace; nor do they mark the loyalty and obedience of the possessor. They were simply something tied on, so to speak, the gift of another.

“The Apostle tells us that later when the Church, the spirit-begotten ones, should begin to bring forth the fruits of the spirit, the gifts would no longer be necessary. They would serve their purpose for the time being, until the Church might properly be developed and brought to a fruit-bearing condition.

“FRUITS” OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“Our Lord says in John 15:1-8: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. . . . Herein is my Fattier glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” We notice that he does not say: He that hath no “gifts of the spirit” shall be taken away, but he that doth not bring forth fruit. The Lord here does not particularly specify what this fruit is; but the Apostle names each variety particularly in Galatians 5: 22, 23. In his list the Apostle gives nine fruits, as he had previously mentioned nine gifts. We quote from the Revised Version: “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [forbearance], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self-control.”

“In our King James Version, the word faith is used in each list; but in the list of the fruits faith has the meaning of the word faithfulness, as given above. This list apparently begins with the most important and closes with that which is least important, if we may use the words most and least in comparing the necessary qualities and attributes of a perfectly developed heart. In our study of this list, we will begin with the last; for that is the usual course in which we develop towards perfection.

"The word rendered temperance in the King James Version is more properly expressed by the words selfcontrol, the ability to hold one’s self in check or to direct one’s course. Before anyone can enter the Lord’s service, he must have considered the cost. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether ye have sufficient to finish it. . . . So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:28,33) This indicates some ability of selfcontrol, or else he could not sit down and make himself consider the necessary cost.

“After one has been begotten of the spirit, this ability is greatly strengthened and increased. When one determines to consecrate himself to the Lord, he does not lay aside his will. He simply decides, exercises his will to act in a new direction. Jesus had a will, and a strong one. After his consecration and begettal by the holy spirit, he spoke in no uncertain words: “I seek not mine own will but [my will is to do] the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5: 30) Such a one cannot be a double-minded man. St. James tells us that “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1: 8) Jesus was in no way unstable. One will need a great deal of self-control in the Lord’s service. He will need to control his actions, his words, his thoughts, and even the imaginations of his heart. “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great [margin, much] transgression.” (Psalm 19:12-14) This will take time, practice and patience.

“When the holy spirit gave the gifts, they did not come gradually, then develop and finally reach maturity; they were given in full instantaneously. The fruits of the spirit are attained very differently. We might plant a fruit tree, and watch it grow until it brought forth blossoms. The blossoms are delightfully fragrant; and if the tree could think, it might say to itself: “How beautiful I have become! How fragrant are my blossoms ! All I need to do is to get near someone and my presence will be a delight.” But the tree will have some very disappointing experiences. Along comes the wind and blows away its blossoms. Its beautiful appearance is gone; it radiates no more delightful fragrance. There is nothing left but some green, bitter buds. Does this prove that the tree has become unfruitful? Certainly not. It is going through a developing experience. The little green fruit will continue to be bitter, unattractive and not desirable until after months of rain, sunshine and wind. Not until it is fully ripe, can it properly be considered fruit. Prior to that, it was in the development stage. If someone had been tying the fruit on the tree, it could have been done in a moment or two. Thus we can see the difference between the gifts of the spirit and its fruits: One is given, the other grows:

MEEKNESS AND FAITHFULNESS

20Meekness: This word is rather hard to define. It implies a gentle, teachable, longsuffering disposition, not given to demanding one’s rights, but quiet, retiring, and inclined to give deference and preference to others. Few people in the world naturally have this disposition. Born and living under the reign of evil, it is so often necessary to “stand up for one's rights’’ or be run over, that the world has adopted the saying, “Self-preservation is the first law of nature.”

“However, this fruit of meekness is very necessary for the child of God to bring forth. In the kingdom it will not be necessary to be defending our rights continually. We shall be watching how we may be regarding and protecting the rights of others. This disposition must be cultivated and developed here. It is often because this fruit of meekness is so little cultivated or developed that there is so much trouble in some of the classes. Because we are naturally inclined to esteem ourselves and our individual interests and our wisdom above these same qualities in others, and prone to think that our own ways are the best and the ways of others inferior, the adversary is ever alert to take advantage of this weakness and endeavor to stimulate in us the opposite spirit of egotism, self-esteem or self-will—pride. Our Lord said: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11: 28, 29) Here the Lord gives us an illustration of the meaning of meekness; namely, lowliness in heart, just the opposite of pride.

“The apostle Paul, in contrasting the spirit of our Lord with that of Satan, says: “Let this mind [spirit, disposition] be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought not by robbery [as did Satan, Isaiah 14:13] to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”— Philippians 2:5-9.

23Faithfulness (steadfastness): How we delight to be with and do business with the one whom we can depend upon, one who we know will always prove faithful and true under all circumstances! Faithfulness implies conscientiousness and knowledge of what one is to do, in order that the instructions or agreement may be carefully carried out; that one will live up to his own contract, and is worthy of trust.

“Faithfulness is a rare quality in the world today. St. Paul tells us that “they that will [to] be rich, fall into temptation.” (1 Timothy 6:9) The desire to become rich is very prevalent in the world today. The opportunities for unfaithfulness are many, and the rewards are great from a worldly standpoint. It is easy to do wrong, and hard to do right. There are riches other than monetary. Some desire the riches of pleasure; others the riches of honor and esteem among their fellowmen. It is sad to note that, even among some of the brethren, this latter disposition crops out quite frequently. The desire to be well esteemed in the class, that they may be elected elders, sometimes leads to an effort to “control the election.” This is very reprehensible in the eyes of the Lord.

25We have heard of several instances where an elder was so desirous of being elected that he would specially invite some who did not even profess consecration to attend the meeting on election night, in order that they might vote for him, to the end that he might receive a majority vote of those present at that meeting. This is resorting to the tricks of the adversary; and such a one cannot expect to remain in the favor of the Lord while practising the cunning of Satan. If we believe that the Lord is able to carry on his own work, our faith in him should be sufficient to believe that he could elect his own servants without our endeavoring to “carry the election.” He who has lost faith in God’s ability to direct the work, cannot be faithful to the Lord. Faithfulness must be developed before anyone can expect to receive the crown of life. “And they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”—Revelation 17:14.

“Courage is also a part of faithfulness. Sometimes it takes a great deal of courage, bravery, fearlessness, to be faithful. This does not come all at once. It sometimes takes much pruning in order to attain this degree of development. “Finally, strengthen yourselves in the Lord, and in his mighty power. Put on the complete armor of God.”—Ephesians 6:10,11, Diaglott.

OTHER FRUITS AND THEIR OPERATION

22 Goodness: The state or quality of being good. God is good. Goodness is Godlikeness, good all through. One cannot be good without being grateful to God and possessing a desire to show appreciation for favors received.

23Kindness is gentleness, consideration of others. “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4: 32) “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering: forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.”—Colos-sians 3:12,13.

22Longsuffering: This does not mean that we are to have aches and pains in the body, suffering for a long time. It has moiU the thought of forbearance. We sometimes hear the worldly expression, “Bear and forbear.” This means to put up with many imperfections on the part of ourselves and also to manifest the same disposition towards others. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) We are to remember that it takes a long time for this fruit to develop properly. Plants that develop in the hothouse are not very sturdy.

30In olden times, when wind was the propelling power of ships, it was very necessary to have the masts of strong timber. Every ship-builder, therefore, desired that the mainmast should be exceedingly strong and tough. It was not so much beauty he desired as strength. He did not seek the straightcst tree in the heavy timber, protected by the other trees; rather would he go to the bleak hillside and find growing by itself some tree which had been swept by the winds for years. He knew the timber in that tree was tough. It had withstood the storms of many seasons. So to speak, it had been long-suffering, growing slowly but surely. So the characters which God desires are such as have the quality of long-suffering, patient endurance, ability to withstand the storms of temptations and the assaults of the adversary.

31The disposition at the present time is to rush everything. It is hard even for the child of God not to be influenced more or less by this disposition. It is almost like being in the water and trying not to get wet. The spirit of hurry is everywhere. We are inclined to wish that the Lord would let us finish our course immediately. We sometimes get tired when the battle is long drawn out; but we have the assurance “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8: 28) This knowledge should help stabilize every child of God who is running for the prize. It should act as a ballast while riding the storms of life. Let every consecrated child of God remember that God will not permit his children to meet one storm too many, nor will he prolong the battle one hour longer than is necessary.

s~Peace: When we first enter the service of God, we receive peace. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” (Romans 5:1) This means that God has canceled our drbt and counts us free—justified. We may still be far from complete peace of mind, however. This second development comes only after continued acquaintance with our Lord, by being engaged in his service. As the Psalmist says: “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend [stumble] them.” (Psalm 119: 1G5) But we cannot love his law fully until we have learned it; so our Lord says: “Sanctify them [perfect them] through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17) Gradually will be fulfilled in us that promise of the Lord, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) When our fruit of peace is nearing maturity, we shall have great peace of mind, stability and calmness of soul, even though our temporal experiences may be very stormy. The final condition of peace will be when we have received the new body in the likeness of Christ. Then will be completed our peace with God and with ourselves, heart peace, bodily peace.

'z.Joy: Many are inclined to think that the way of a Christian is not one of joy or happiness. Such a one should take his concordance and look up the words joy, joyful, rejoice, rejoicing, be glad, give thanks, and kindred words. He may be surprised to find how much there is in the Scripture along that line. Our Lord was full of joy, and he said: “These words I speak unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11) The hope set before the children of God should certainly fill us with joy, as we often sing: “Oh, the prospect is so transporting!”

34Even our trials and the slanders of those who do not understand us should be occasions for cultivating this fruit of joy. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12) These are strong, encouraging words. Our Lord promises great joy in the kingdom, and exhorts us to look forward to that time, rejoicing now in hope. Hope is not one of the fruits of the spirit; but it is a very great assistance along the way, and might be called a “fertilizer” for the fruits of the spirit. Indeed, without hope it would be almost impossible to grow them.

35It is a self-evident truth that we cannot reap what we do not sow. If we expect to have a good crop of joy, it is necessary to sow the seed here. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth. bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing [joy], bringing his sheaves with him.”— Psalm 126: 5, 6.

36The apostle James exhorts us in a similar manner: “Count it all joy [consider such occasions as opportunities for joy], my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proof of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4, R. V.) Every character needs time to develop, and therefore our great need of patience.

3’In view of the many expressions in the Scriptures and the exhortations of our Lord and the apostles, we do not see much prospect for anyone gaining the prize of the high calling who does not endeavor to rejoice in the trials and testings permitted by our heavenly Father. The trials themselves are not pleasant experiences. The joy arises from the knowledge that they are working out for us the necessary qualifications of character. “Now no chastening [correcting experiences] for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”—Heb. 12:11.

38We are to look through the trials, as through a telescope, to the inheritance laid up for us after we have proved our worthiness. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye [now] greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Peter 1: 3-8) “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory jffhich shall be revealed in us.”—Romans 8: 18.

LOVE, THE CAPSTONE OF CHARACTER

39Loue: What the topstone is to the pyramid, love is to the perfect character developed by Jehovah. No pyramid could be complete without the topstone; so no character could be Christlike without love.

40What is love? It is a very difficult word to define; for it has such a great variety of operations; and the lack of it affects the whole world. Sometimes a negative definition brings out the meaning more clearly. We recall the definition of salt said to have been given by a Email boy at school. He could not think of a definition that would describe it, so after a moment he said: “It’s that what makes the potatoes taste so funny when there ain’t none on ’em.” So we might say, Love is that which makes the world so full of sorrow because there isn’t much in it. What a different world this would be if love instead of hatred had been cultivated!

41 Sometimes a composer of music, in order to bring out some particular chord of harmony, will introduce a discord just before it, that the contrast may emphasize the harmony. We may be sure the world will enjoy the harmony of love the more because of the previous 6,000 years of discord produced by hatred. The contrast between the kingdom of love under Christ and his Church, and the kingdom of Satan will intensify the appreciation of all Jehovah’s intelligent creatures who accept his ways. Thus the wrath of his enemies will eventually cause the glory of Christ to shine the brighter.

42The Apostle takes a whole chapter (1 Corinthians 13) to describe or define love. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long and is kind.”

43He then gives a negative definition: Love does not envy. Love is not boastful; is not puffed up; acts not unbecomingly; seeks not that which is her own; is not provoked to anger; does not impute evil; rejoices not in iniquity; but on the contrary, rejoices in the truth, covers all things, believes all things, hopes for all things, endures all things—all those things mentioned in the Scriptures as needful for the child of God. Love fails not at any time. Then follows the explanation that all gifts will pass away, because they belong to the age of spiritual childhood of the Church. Later, childish things will be put away, as the Church will have developed some fruits of the spirit, and will no longer need gifts.

44“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2) We may have been accepted as a branch, grafted into the vine, have brought forth leaves (signs that the graft was a good one), blossoms (promises of fruit), and even buds; but that will not be considered as fruit. We must bring forth the ripe fruit; it must be matured and properly flavored, else we shall be cut off from the vine and cast away. (1 Corinthians 9:27) How carefully we need to examine ourselves to see that we keep ourselves in the love of God, and diligently cultivate all these fruits of the spirit! Let us not be discouraged if some of our fruits are somewhat bitter as yet; so is any fruit before it is entirely ripe. Are we carefully watching every experience to see that we receive the proper lesson and training from it? Are we desirous, anxious, yea, striving earnestly, giving all diligence to make our calling and election sure? If we do these things, we shall never fail; for so an abundant entrance shall be ministered unto us into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

How did Jesus learn that he had some special work to do? U 1. What influence did the spirit have upon Jesus at baptism? 2. For what reason did Jesus perform miracles? H 3.

Why was it necessary to have an outward manifestation of the holy spirit at Pentecost? U 4.

How did the spirit affect the apostles? U 5.

Did the apostles experience an instantaneous change of character? How many gifts of the spirit are there? U 6.

To whom do the gifts of the spirit appeal? How are wisdom and knowledge contrasted? K 7.

What are the operations of the other gifts? $ 8,9.

How did God make up. to the early disciples for their lack of the advantages we enjoy? If 10.

What are the advantages in coming together for Bible study ? f 11. Why are the fruits of the spirit more important than the gifts?

1 12-14, 19.

What are the fruits of the spirit? K 15, 16.

What is the meaning of self-control? 17, 18.

What does meekness imply? How does it manifest itself? U 20-22. What may be said of faithfulness? ^ 23-26.

How may we differentiate between goodness and kindness? 27, 28. What are the good qualities of longsuffering? 29-31.

What are the advantages of those who have peace? T 32. What makes the Christian’s pathway one of joy? H 33-37. How may we look through our trials and rejoice? H 38. What quality of character corresponds to the capstone of a pyramid? Is love easy to define? How may we get a positive view of the character of love? T 39-43.

Why is it possible to sum up the perfect character in the all-comprehensive word love? H 44.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT COLUMBUS, OHIO

CONVENTIONS always prove a means of great encouragement to Bible Students, inspiring them with zeal for the Lord; and the brethren arc always greatly benefited when mingling and rejoicing v ith those of like precious faith. The Lord has always blessed the Society's efforts in arranging to bring the brethren together for fellowship and communion in the spirit. It does one good to see the happy faces of so many of those who love the Lord better than anything else that is dear to them. How it rejoices one to meet those who have lately found that the Lord is gracious, to hear their happy testimonies, and to take notice of their determination to follow the Lord whithersoever he leadeth!

The Apostle’s injunction to “assemble ourselves" has been a great blessing to the Church throughout the Gospel Age; and his “so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” has special application at the present time. Who rejoices in the privileges of fellowshiping more than the consecrated children of Cod? The happy time at conventions is but the foretaste of the superlative joy which shall be ours when we enter the very presence of our Redeemer and King. Conventions, then. are the Lord’s means of preparing us for the deeper satisfaction of the joy and happiness which shall be ours beyond the vail, when we shall have made our calling and election sure to the incorruptible “crown o1 glory that fadeth not away.”

You have been advised in previous issues of The Watch Tower that the convention this year will be held in Columbus, Ohio, July 20 to 27 inclusive. Great care was exercised in selecting the place for the convention. Columbus was chosen because of its location, bei: g the most accessible to the largest number of brethren; because of the transportation facilities and street-car accommodations; because of the number and size ( f the auditoriums available for the many meetings which shall be held; because of the privilege of using the large Stadium for the public witness; because the eating and lodging accommodations are the best which can possibly be secured anywhere; and, besides, Columbus is nicely situated, is a progressive city, and being a convention city the citizens treat their visitors with kindness and solicitude. Let all who can possibly attend, do so.

For full particulars consult the June 1 Watch Tower,

THE COLISEUM, COLUMBUS, OHIO

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR JULY 16

"Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”—Psalm 103:2.

GRATITUDE means Io\ing kindness awakened in the heart of one who has received a favor or blessing from another. It means thankfulness of heart. To be thankful to the Lord means to worship him reverently, moved so to do because of his manifold goodness and holiness. Gratitude is an element of character in man which makes his fellowship and communion with God possible. If the goodness of God cannot awaken a sense of grateful appreciation of the Creator, then there must be much radically wrong in that creature. God is pleased with a thankful heart, and pleased to have that condition of heart expressed.

The name David means beloved. David was a type of the beloved of God, the Christ. Doubtless David possessed, and naturally expressed, much gratitude for the benefits he received at Jehovah’s hands. Many more are the reasons which those whom David typified have for gratitude and thankfulness of heart. Gratitude must precede a perfect expression of unselfishness.

For some weeks now we have been studying the texts relating to the great kingdom of our God. We have learned how, in his loving kindness, he has made provision for that kingdom, placed at its head his only begotten Son, invited men to sacrifice earthly hopes and prospects and enter into a share with our Lord in that wonderful and ideal government. How appropriate now that we should consider a text which reminds us of our privileges of showing gratitude to God, the great Giver of every good and perfect gift!

Call to mind how our loving Creator dug us from the miry clay, exhibited to us his wonderful and perfect expression of unselfishness by giving his beloved Son that we might be redeemed unto him and thereafter enjoy the blessings of life; how he justified us that we might become a part of the sacrificial body of Christ; how he begat us and anointed us with the holy spirit, calling us to our heavenly home; how he illuminated our mind that we might see and appreciate, to some degree, the wonders and beauties of his creation; how he graciously provided for mankind and especially for his heavenly family, of which we are privileged to be a part.

Call to mind how God lias permitted us, while in this cold and wicked world, to have his sweet fellowship and to enjoy the opportunities of telling others about his loving kindness; how that when oppressed by worldly ones who, under the influence of the adversary, have persecuted us and made our hearts sad and overwhelmed us, our Lord has then been our rock, our fortress, and our strong defender, our shield and buckler, the power of our salvation and our high tower.

Oh, the manifold goodness of our God! What a blessed privilege to awaken in the morning, and receive the light and be kissed by the sunshine of a new day, drink in the sweet perfume of the flowers, behold the wonders of God’s earthly creation, and then to have the blessed assurance that we are in the love of God and safely resting in the arms of Jesus! How appropriate^ then, that our first thoughts on awakening each morning should be: “Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” The Lord knew that we could not remember them all; he would not have us forget them all. It is our blessed and daily privilege to recount some of his goodness to us.

We are journeying rapidly to our glory home. In a little while we shall finish our course and then by his grace shall dwell in his house forever, to behold the face of the Lord and to learn of him and of his boundless riches of wealth and power. Then in the ages to come we can with gratitude say as we look back over the way that he has led us: “Bless the Lord, 0 my soul! I will not forget his benefits unto me.”

Beloved, seeing then that we are now receiving a kingdom which can never be moved but will stand forever, that if loyal wc shall soon inherit our home eternal in the heavens not made with hands, let us, with deep gratitude of heart, daily serve God with reverence and Godly fear. Ix;t us diligently try to prove that we are perfect in lo”e by giving expression to unselfishness, dwelling in love, dwelling in Goi, and boldly and fearlessly announcing that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

TEXT FOR JULY 23

"The Lord hath chosen Zion . . . for his habitation.”- Psalm, 132: IS.

HE text for this week is from one of the Songs of Degrees. These Songs, or Psalms of Degrees, not only apply to the Church, but seem to have a

special application during the day of the Lord’s second presence while he is gathering unto himself the saints who have made a covenant with Jehovah by sacrifice.

Zion, as we understand it, is a name applied to God’s organization, which organization is for the purpose of carrying into effect the various provisions of the divine plan. The King, or Head of Zion, is Christ. David was a type of Christ, hence a type of the Head of Zion. This Psalm, or Song of Degree, is from David.

For many centuries there has been an invisible ruler who is evil, and who is known as the chief one of the invisible evil heavens. There has been during the same period of time a visible order of things which is also evil, and which has been designated under the term “the old world” or earth. That Jehovah intends fully and completely to supplant this evil organization with his righteous one the Scriptures abundantly prove.

Jehovah’s organization is called Zion. Those composing Zion have been the custodians of his message, and ise

in due course of time he will use his organization to establish his righteous order in heaven and in earth. Concerning this he says, through his prophet: “I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.”—Isaiah 51: 16.

For Jehovah to desire a thing means that in due course that thing shall exist. The text then states that he, Jehovah, hath desired Zion for his habitation. Habitation means a site or scat of government, a permanent place of operation. Thus, in poetic phrase, the Lord’s prophet states that God’s seat of government for the establishment of order in the earth, and for the gathering together of all things in heaven and in earth under one head, is Zion.

The Church is now at the very pinnacle of her earthly experience. She is now no longer in doubt as to the Lord’s purpose towards all his creatures. She now has the positive evidence that Jehovah has set his holy and beloved Son in Zion as the Head over all; and that they who are now faithful to the end, and who are overcomers, shall sit with him in his throne. Such marvelous manifestation of God’s love toward his creatures should create in them the deepest gratitude and cause them to develop more into the likeness of the Lord; namely, perfect love. This perfect love will induce each one to put forth his best efforts now to please the Lord, to overcome, that he might stand victorious with Christ Jesus in Mount Zion, that there he may dwell forever, beholding the face of Jehovah, to be the recipient of his approving smile, and to receive from the boundless fountain ever-increasing knowledge and wisdom.

TEXT FOK JULY 30

"Out of Zion, . . . God hath shined.”—Psalm 50:2.

JESUS, as the Head of Zion, when he was on earth, said-: “I am the light of the world.” (John 8: 12) Again he said: “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5) He showed that others would come into the light when he said: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever be-lieveth on me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12: 46) Those who accepted the Lord, who were consecrated, justified and begotten of the holy spirit, also became lights in the world.—Matthew 5:14.

To the same class St. Paul wrote: “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5: 8) Jesus was God manifested in the flesh. He reflected the spirit of Jehovah, and therefore through him Jehovah shined.

But those who possess the spirit of the world have not looked upon the members of Zion as though they were light. On the contrary in the eyes of such, Christians have been black.

When Jesus, the Great Light, was walking in the earth, he was despised and hated and persecuted by the ecclesiastical element of that day, aided and abetted by the political and commercial elements. They accused him of practically all known crimes. Under the pretext of aiding the work of Jehovah, yet without the slightest excuse, they maliciously libeled, slandered, persecuted, and killed the Perfect One.

Jesus was on the earth during the closing days of the Jewish Age. It was the lapping period between the Jewish and Gospel Ages. The Church, at the end of the Gospel Age, finds itself practically in the same condition that existed at the close of the Jewish Age. Now nominal Christendom, possessing the worldly spirit, despise, hate, and unjustly persecute the true followers of the Lord. It is even as he foretold. Instead of recognizing these Christians as lights in the world, nominal Christendom regards them as darkness. The Lord foreknew and foretold that such would be the case.

In the fifteen Psalms or Songs of Degrees, which mark the degrees of the development of the Church during the presence of our Lord, the first one, namely the 120th, shows the true Christians in Babylon at the beginning of the harvest period in a condition of distress. The faithful ones are hated by the merely nominal ones; therefore the true saints are represented as saying, “Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.” (Psalm 120:5-7) These are thus pictured in the eyes of the merely nominal Christians.

Kedar was a son of Ishmael, and from him descended the Bedouins. These live in tents made of the hair of black goats. Added to the darkness of the hair, the grease and the dirt ever prevalent with the Bedouins, these tents are as black as the darkness of night. They illustrate how nominal Christendom has viewed the true follower of Christ. Those of Zion have been hated and persecuted. They have been for peace, while those about them insisted on war. They have been true lights, shining in a dark place, but not recognized as such by those having the spirit of the world.

Jesus, addressing those who are in the narrow way, looking to that happy time, said: “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matthew 13:43) Jehovah, through his prophet, also says: “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament.”—Daniel 12: 3.

These words of encouragement are written aforetime for the comfort of those who now are looking for their glory home. Such words of encouragement give strength and aid to the weary traveler, and redouble his energy to press on, declaring as he goes: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In his countenance is the light of a new day; and soon he shall shine forth with his Lord out of Zion, reflecting the glory and beauty of Jehovah. Throughout the Millennial Age it will be properly said: “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined ”

---July 20---Mark 1:1-11----

jesus’ relationship to John’s mission—jesus’ baptism a bevebb test—real significance of jesus’ baptism—jesus’ COURSE STILL MISUNDERSTOOD.

“Thou art my 'beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”—Mark 1:11.

MARK, whose Gospel leads our study, gives no details of the birth or of the early life of Jesus, nor of his forerunner John, but enters at once into his story of Jesus’ ministry. He says (Mark 1:1-3) that the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ was the preaching of John, and that John was the messenger of whom Malachi had spoken, and the voice crying in the wilderness foretold by Isaiah. (Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3) The Bible Student of today knows that these prophecies were only partially fulfilled by John, and that John was himself representative. The fact, which time has now revealed clearly, is that there are two advents of the Messiah and two preparatory works, and that the prophecies which for a time seemed as if they were fulfilled in the mission of Jesus and John the Baptist were to be fulfilled in a greater sense at the second advent. The Jews failed to see the fulfilment of their Scriptures in John and Jesus; and, on the other hand, Christians fail to see that the fulfilment of the Scriptures depends upon the second advent of Christ, the great advent for which the Jews still wait. The Jew looked forward and missed the first advent; the Christian looks backward to that first advent, and has no real place for the second. Proclaiming the second advent is today considered dangerous to true Christian service and destructive of it, and the churches now warn their adherents against those who believe in the second advent

2John well understood that he was the messenger to go before the face of the servant of God. He was faithful to his ministry; he realized that he was but a forerunner, and he gave himself wholly to the work which God had for him. Had he been otherwise minded, he could not have done his work in time; for the Lord, the Messenger of the covenant, was closely following. It was as if a road must be made in the wilderness, the hills must be brought down, and the hollows filled in, that the king might have a good road for his entrance into his city.

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