The Watchtower, September 1, 1924
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Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; theses and ths waves (the restless, discontented) roaring;mens hearts failing them for fear and for looking to the things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. . . When ve see these things b^m to come to pass, then know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.—Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21.25-3L
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Vol. XLV
Semi-Monthly
No. 17
Anno Mundi 6052—Sept. 1, 1924
CONTENTS
— ROCK OF AGES Otherfouridation can?4 no man
A .RANSOM TOR: At
The International Convention......
Report of I’ress Committee............
Service Dav......................................
Public Meeting..................................
Indictment .....................................
Public Distribution to Follow........
Prayer-Meeting Text Comments....
The Choice of the Twelve............
Diversity of Character Manifest..
The Sermon on the Mount............
Outstanding Features of Sermon..
Letters from Afield........................
Interesting Letter from France....
World-Wide Witnesses....................
Convention of Colored Brethren.
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.260
“I will stand upon my watch and will set my fool upon the Tower, and will watch to see what He will lay 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 belnfc 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 up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: Ills; 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3: 5-9,10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge oug readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is “the temple of the living God”, peculiarly “his workmanship” ; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when finished, God’s blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 3 : 29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses; and when the last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15:5-8.
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 “partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every grace; to be God’s witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.—Ephesians 4:12; Matthew 24: 14 ; Revelation 1:6; 20 : 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was Jost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isaiah 35.
t>UBLl9HBD
WATCH TOWER.BIBLE &■ TRACT SOCIETY/
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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 every article appearing in these columns. The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford. VV, E. Van Amburgh, J, Hemery, R. H. Barber, C. E. Stewart. 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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Entered as Second Class Matter at Brooklyn, N.Y. Postoffice., Act of March 3rd 1879^
WORLD-WIDE WITNESSES
Readers of The Watch Tower will please take notice that Sunday, November 2, 1924, is designated as a world-wide witness date, at which time all the classes will please arrange for public meetings and advertise the subject, “Civilization Doomed, but millions now living -ivi.il never die.” Follow the same course as in former world-wide witnesses. The speaking brethren should give every assistance.
Sunday, December 14. 1924, is also designated as a date for a world-wide witness.
CONVENTION OF COLORED BRETHREN
There will be a convention of Colored Brethren held in Philadelphia, I’a., Friday to Monday, August 29 to September 1. Brother T. E. Banks, Brother II. H. Riemer, and other brethren of ability will be present. For further information address the secretary, Mr. M. A. Gaddie, 1617 Christian St., Philadelphia, Ta.
CONVENTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED BY BROTHER RUTHERFORD
Los Angeles, Calif., Sept. 19-21. Secretary: Edward G. Lamel, Box Corner Wilshire & Sycamore.
Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 28. Secretary: Ira II. Hyde, 4401 Olive Street.
I.B.S.A.. BEREAN BIBLE'STUDIES
By Means oF “The At-one-ment”
STUDY VIII: “The Channel of the Atonement”
Week of Oct. 5 Q. 34-38 Wed: of Oet. 19 Q. 45-49
Week of Oct. 12 Q. 39-44 Week of Oet 2G Q. 50-53
HYMNS FOR OCTOBER
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
IO
Saturday
AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE
Vol. XLV Septembeb 1, 1924 No. 17
THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
THE greatest convention of Bible Students held during the ages is past. It was held at Columbus, Ohio. It began Sunday morning, July 20th, 1924. It closed Sunday night, one week later, with thousands of consecrated followers of Jesus standing, waving their handkerchiefs while they sang together, “God be with you till we meet again.” That convention was a blessed season never to be forgotten. Its memories will linger with us, creating a more intense desire for the convention of the first-borns, which shall not adjourn.
In every piece of music there is a minor chord; and though sad, it sweetens the melody. There is a minor chord of sadness in every gathering on earth of the people of God, and its sadness is due to the parting from those whom we love. But this also adds to the sweetness of the assembly, because of the blessed hope in each breast that the parting is but temporary and that soon there will be an assembly of the faithful in the house of God, where there will be pleasures for evermore; and the loved ones composing that home-gathering shall never again be separated.
“The best convention ever” has become somewhat of a stock phrase with us, but really that saying was never so true as when said of the International Convention at Columbus, Ohio. In all there were probably 20,000 friends who attended the convention during the week. In this wicked world, filled with sorrow, perplexity and distress, think of 15,000 or more gathered together in one body, all of one mind, the heart of each one devoted to the Lord, with no murmuring, no complaining, no faultfinding, no controversies, no strife, and with their countenances beaming with the spirit of the Master. What a wonderful spectacle I
These dear ones came from every direction. Some were from far-away Australia; some from Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Scandinavia, and from Great Britain; and many came from Canada, and every state in America. They journeyed by steamship, by railway, by electric cars; thousands came by automobiles; and some even walked many long, weary miles. Friends provided money for these to return home by convenient conveyance. They came for no idle purpose, but to receive a blessing and to be a blessing; and each one realized his or her desire. These dear souls are the sheep of the Lord’s pasture. They know the voice of their Shepherd, and
joyfully follow it.
Great numbers of children came with their parents. Blessed are the children. Thrice blessed are those whose parents are devoted to the Lord. And blessed is the privilege to teach these young minds concerning the Lord and his kingdom, and to lead them in the right way. In the near future these shall shine forth, reflecting the glory of the Lord in the earth. Ample, provision was made to care for these little ones during the meetings, and at the proper time the parents brought them into the great assembly and publicly consecrated them to the Lord. Let the parents look well to the interest of their children now. This old world and its desires are rapidly passing from the earth, but the kingdom of Christ and its blessings will abide forever. Teach and lead your children now in the right way, and the rich emoluments of the kingdom of righteousness may be their portion to all eternity. Be consoled then with a knowledge of the fact that it is your privilege to do for your children what parents in ages past could not do.
There is so much to say about this convention that no complete report could be given in The Watch Tower. Hence we must be content with a brief statement. Many of the blessed features of this convention will not be published, but will be handed down by word of mouth from parent to children and through these to grandchildren, to be talked of for centuries to come.
The convention opened with an address of welcome from the Mayor of the city, who spoke words of good cheer to the Bible students; and this same kind spirit was manifested by the people of Columbus and vicinity to those who attended the convention. Discourses were given in the English language every day in the main auditorium, according to program, while at the same time meetings were being addressed by competent brethren in the different languages, as follows, to wit: Arabic, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Bussian, Scandinavian and Ukrainian.
With the aid of an electrical voice amplifier erected on the platform, and one also below the platform, every word of the speakers could be heard by the vast audience. Those who testified at the testimony meetings formed a line, and at the proper time stepped before the amplifier below the main platform and gave their testimonies, all of which could be heard by all present. This added greatly to the blessings enjoyed. It would have Bible study intelligently without the aid of these great inventions. Truly then we may say the Lord has brought to light these things for the benefit of his kingdom.
been impossible for such a large assembly to carry on 259
Each evening a public meeting was addressed by one of the Pilgrim brethren in Memorial Hall, with a seating capacity of 3,000. The hall was packed out on each occasion. At the noon hour each day a public meeting was addressed by some competent Pilgrim brother at the Keith Theatre for the benefit of the business men. There was a good attendance at each meeting; and much interest was manifested, as evidenced by the many address cards that were signed by auditors and handed in to the ushers.
The Avery-Loeb Company, Station W PAL, placed their radio station at our disposal during the convention ; and each evening a splendid program was rendered to the edification of thousands of people in Ohio and adjoining states. Hundreds of the friends were camped at Indianola Park, where receiving sets were installed and the radio programs enjoyed.
The public press carried good reports each day of the convention. They did the best they could. The Ohio State Journal had promised to handle all subscriptions sent in, expecting of course only a few thousand; but when the subscription list for the convention edition reached 20,000 the paper announced that it was utterly impossible for them to take care of any more. Another local paper attempted to handle some, but gave a very inadequate report. Because of the inability of the papers to handle the subscriptions, thousands were returned to friends who had sent them in. A report of the committee in this regard is here inserted, which is self-explanatory.
REPORT OF PRESS COMMITTEE
I am enclosing report of the newspaper work at the Columbus Convention:
The Ohio State Journal told us that they would take care of all the subscriptions we would give them during the week of the convention, July 20-28. Apparently they figured that we would have only three or four thousand subscribers for the week. When I handed them eleven thousand, on July 17, they were very much, surprised at the great interest taken in the convention proceedings, and informed me that they could not take care of any more, because their facilities for printing addresses on wrappers were limited. I offered to have the wrappers addressed by a regular addressing company.
Upon inquiry I learned that it could cost $40 per thousand to have the wrappers addressed outside. But with the assistance of several friends, we addressed wrappers for 3,500 subscribers. That meant eight wrappers for each subscriber. When we delivered the addressed wrappers to the newspaper men, they threw up their hands, and said that they could not possibly handle any more. This wras on Saturday, July 19.
Then the Columbus Dispatch called by phone, said that they would carry a full report of the convention proceedings each day, and asked for subscribers. The balance of the subscriptions was turned over to them. When the Monday edition of the Dispatch came out, we were much disappointed with the small amount of space given our convention. I felt that the friends w’ould not be satisfied.
From Monday on, we returned all letters received which contained subscriptions. We were very sorry to be compelled io do this but felt that it was the best thing to do. Arrangements were then made to send the Sunday State Journal to all subscribers, including those to whom we gave the Dispatch.
We had considerable trouble to read some of the addresses ; and some letters came without any address at all. For these reasons some may not get any paper. Any who have not received their paper will be taken care of if they write Ilie Ohio State Journal office, as I understand that they are prepared to take care of a limited number.
Many favorable letters have already been received by the State Journal people, complimenting them on the report carried daily. Respectfully submitted,
Committee, By A. H. Macmillan.
SERVICE DAY
Thursday was service day. Discourses on the day preceding emphasized the privilege enjoyed by the Christian to meet the requirements laid down by the Lord to proclaim the message of his kingdom. Those present caught the spirit and inspiration, and appreciated the privilege they would have of going out and giving a personal witness to the people of Columbus and vicinity. The result was that on Thursday 5,051 of the brethren engaged in the field service work. Automobiles to the number of 359 carried those who visited the country towns. No meetings were held during the day until 7 o’clock in the evening. This little army of the Lord returned to the main auditorium on the Fair Grounds, and many of them gave their testimonies. It was a wonderfully inspiring hour. Hundreds of these announced in their testimonies that never before had they engaged in the service and never before had they enjoyed such a blessing. Would that space here permitted the reporting of these testimonies. It was conclusive proof that he who obeys the admonition of the Lord to preach the gospel as opportunity offers enjoys the greater blessing from the Lord.
It is easy to see how this was the happiest part of the convention; for it served as an opportunity for each one individually to preach the gospel to some hungry soul and to comfort some sorrowful heart. Where one attends a meeting and listens to a discourse, only one is feeding while others are being fed. But on service day each one was feeding some one else, and at the same time being fed by the Lord. The reports of hearts comforted by those who engaged in the service were really an inspiration to continue with renewed zeal the spreading of the message of the kingdom, which is the only remedy for the ills of humankind. The vicinity within a radius of sixty miles of Columbus was canvassed by this little army.
The report of books placed in the hands of the people as a result of service day totalled 29,3G7 volumes. It would be impossible to preach so many sermons to so many people in any other way. We may easily multiply this number of books by five, which would amount to more than 100.000 discourses. As the average members of a family are five, it would not be out of the way to say that this little service day resulted in preaching to practically 500,000 people. In addition to this, miscellaneous orders were received for more, than 3,000 volumes of books. There were 7,500 Harp Course studies taken.
Shortly after the convention friends addressed 90,000 quiz cards. This will mean 1,620,000 Bible questions to be mailed to the numbers purchasing the Harp op God alone. There is no community on earth that has been so thoroughly canvassed during the past three years as Columbus, Ohio, and vicinity. Many would have said that you could not sell any more books in that neighborhood. The result of service day proves conclusively that there is a tremendous field in the, earth for every one who is consecrated to the Lord to work in spreading the message of the kingdom. The result proves that it pays to go over the same territory many times.
REFLECTIONS
We give here a few interesting items concerning the convention:
Italian brethren visited Marble Cliff, an Italian section, and placed 251 volumes in the hands of Italians.
A lady in the rural district reported that she was using the Harp as a textbook to teach her children.
One sister canvassed a teacher of a Bible class in the Presbyterian Sunday school. Such interest resulted that this teacher has arranged for one of the brethren of the Columbus Bible Students to lead her class hereafter.
Some of the brethren who had formerly been members of the Amish church visited an Amish territory and placed a number of books.
A Jew of Columbus, after purchasing all the volumes, said: “I expect to use these to teach my children.”
A lady remarked: “You Bible Students look so happy. Your religion must be wonderful. Columbus ought to appreciate you.”
One lady who was canvassed said that she was disgusted with the preachers of the nominal churches; that she had found one preacher intoxicated, and that an investigation disclosed a still in his cellar. She bought all the books.
A young man who delivered refreshments at the grounds reported that a preacher had warned him against the Bible Students. This young man replied to the preacher in these words: “I smoke cigarettes, and never have been ashamed to smoke in front of you. But when I go to the Fair Grounds I throw my cigarette away; for I am ashamed to be the only one smoking in that large gathering.”
A man living near the Fair Grounds had taken in eight Bible Students. His neighbor had taken four. At the instance of a clergyman the latter turned the four into the streets. The gentleman who had eight provided extra beds, and took the four in. In that little home he fed an average of 105 Bible Students per day. On the Monday following he sent his automobile truck to help clear the Fair Grounds, and could not do enough to show his appreciation of the Bible Students.
The Postmaster of Columbus stated to one of the Society's representatives that the Bible Students looked after their people better than any other convention that had ever attended Columbus. From the post office at the Pair Grounds had been sold 18,000 wrappers, besides 186,000 wrappers sold and mailed from the main post office; and when some of the friends had not attached Miffieient postage some brethren who heard of it came to 1 lie post office and supplied the money to pay the postage. Every paper went out on time. The Postmaster said: “And we hope that you will hold your next convention in Columbus.”
The manager of the swimming pool where the immersion was done paid a high compliment to the brethren who used his pool for this purpose, and to the friends generally about the convention.
The business men of Columbus were highly pleased with their contact with the Bible Students; and many of them in their advertisements spoke kindly concerning them. On Monday following the close of the convention the following appeared in the Ohio State Journal, published at Columbus:
“Well, the Russellites have come and gone, and this and the Hilly Sunday revival are the two biggest ‘jolts on religion’ that Columbus ever had, and this is the way I compare the two:
“Billy preached hell-fire, damnation, torture and brimstone, after making his enterprise safe from any chance of financial failure by raising money in advance and, after raising huge sums of money from all classes, rich and poor, left our city in a financial panic, the merchants’ trade being ruined during his stay and for some time afterwards. On the other hand, the Russellites preached a more wholesome religion and scattered money all over our city in homes where a little money is a ‘new stake,’ as many people are out of work and needed the cash. Furthermore every Russellite had the very sweetest manner toward every one.
“Russellites, call again. You’ll find us at home. Many would say Billy left a bad taste. The Russellites were much better.’’
The writer of the above speaks of the Bible Students as the Russellites. Of course he means no disrespect. We merely correct him by saying that we are Christians, followers of Jesus Christ and followers of no man; but that we recognize Brother Russell as the servant of the Lord, and our brother in Christ.
One of the happiest features of the convention was the music. Friends from different parts of the country brought their instruments; and under the supervision of Brothers Rice and Walters an orchestra of sixty pieces was organized, which played for all meetings. This instrumental music, added to the thousands of voices, harmoniously united in praise to our Father and our King, was inspiring and edifying to all that were present.
PUBLIC MEETING
The meeting for the public was held in the Ohio State University Stadium. Considering the population of Columbus, which is less than 300,000, and the extremely warm day, the attendance at this meeting was unusual for its size. The gentleman having charge of the gate receipts at all functions at the Stadium estimated the crowd at 35,000, while others placed it less than that. A letter from one of the Stadium officers to Brother Johnson follows:
“Relative to the International Bible Students Association mass meeting on Sunday afternoon, July 27th, let me state that in my estimation and that of Mr. Royer, the treasurer of the Athletic Dept, of the University, there was an attendance of a very few short of 25,000. We should also like to state that the crowd was one of the finest we have yet had in the Stadium. No disturbances of any sort whatever arose; and the entire assemblage conducted itself with the same religious decorum that we should expect of people in attendance at any regular church meeting.
“We appreciate all the wide-spread publicity you have given the Stadium and the University, as it is seldom our opportunity to give the people at large a chance to attend without admission price any event in the Stadium, although we are at all times happy to have them come to visit the grounds and inspect the buildings.
“Thanking you for the courteous treatment and the consideration of our problems in permitting the use of this place, I beg to remain,
Very Sincerely, Henby D. Vaughn.”
By the use of a Western electric voice amplifier every person in the vast Stadium could hear distinctly the words of the speaker. The discourse was received with splendid attention; and while it is a pointed exposition of the fallacies of Christendom, it was received with enthusiasm and applause by the great audience. On the Monday following the Ohio State Journal carried the lecture in full.
IMMERSION
The immersion service was held at the swimming pool of the Indianola Park, where 485 persons were immersed. An enterprising moving-picture concern made pictures of this immersion sendee, which they have exhibited throughout the country, calling attention to the groat number of Christians observing the baptism of our Lord.
DISCOURSES
It is practically impossible for The Watch Tower to give a report of the discourses that were delivered. Many of these appeared in the Columbus papers. Some of them will appear in The Watch Tower. The next issue will contain the discourse delivered by the President of the Society to the public Sunday afternoon, and it is published for the benefit of any who may wish to follow the outline at the subsequent world-witness meetings.
The climax of the convention may be said to have been reached on Friday noon. A discourse was delivered, pointing out the temptation that Satan had presented to our first parents, to the Lord Jesus, and to the members of the Church; and showing that Eve and Adam fell to this temptation, and that nominal Christendom has likewise fallen; that Jesus gained the victory, and how necessary it is for all of his followers to do likewise in order to be overcomers. The discourse brought out the facts and the scriptures showing that the clergy and their allies have become the tools of the adversary. At the conclusion of this discourse Brother Rutherford read an indictment setting forth these charges, and moved its adoption in the form of a resolution by the convention. Brother Ilemery, of London, in a brief but well-worded speech, seconded the motion, pointing to the privilege of this convention as the mouthpiece of the Lord to make this declaration or charge in the form of the indictment offered. Upon motion being put by the chairman, th) convention, by a rising vote, unanimously approved the indictment. It is here set out in full as follows:
INDICTMENT
We, the International Bible Students, in convention assembled, declare our unqualified allegiance to Christ, who is now present and setting up his kingdom, and to that kingdom.
We believe that every consecrated child of God is an ambassador for Christ and is duty-bound to give a faithful and true witness on behalf of his kingdom. As ambassadors for Christ, and without assuming any self-righteousness, we believe and hold that God lias commissioned us to “proclaim the day of vengeance of our God and to comfort all that mourn.”—Isaiah 61: 2.
We believe and hold that it is God’s due time for his displeasure to be expressed against wicked systems that have blinded the people to the truth and thereby deprived them of peace and hope; and to the end that the people might know the truth and receive some comfort for future blessings we present this indictment, based upon the Word of God, and point to the divine plan as the remedy for man's complete relief:
We present and charge that Satan formed a conspiracy for the purpose of keeping the peoples in ignorance of God's provision for blessing them with life, liberty and happiness; and that others, to wit, unfaithful preachers, conscienceless profiteers, and unscrupulous politicians, have entered into said conspiracy, either willingly or unwillingly;
That unfaithful preachers have formed themselves into ecclesiastical systems, consisting of councils, synods, presbyteries, associations, etc., and have designated themselves therein as popes, cardinals, bishops,'doctors of divinity, pastors, shepherds, reverends, etc., and elected themselves to such offices, which aggregation is herein designated as “the clergy”; and that these have willingly made commercial giants and professional politicians the principal ones of their flocks.
We present and charge that the clergy have yielded to the temptations presented to them by Satan and, contrary to God’s Word, have joined in said conspiracy, and in furtherance thereof have committed the overt acts as follows, to wit:
(1) That they have used their spiritual powers, enjoyed by reason of their position, to gratify their own selfish desires by feeding and exalting themselves and failing and refusing to feed or teach the people God’s Word of truth;
(2) That loving the glory of this world, and desiring to shine before men and have the approval of men [Luke 4:8; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15] they have clothed themselves in gaudy apparel, decked themselves with jewels, and have assumed a form of godliness while denying God’s Word and the power thereof;
(3) That they have failed and refused to preach to the people the message of Messiah’s kingdom and to point them to the evidences relating to his second coming; and being unwilling to await the Lord’s due time to set up his kingdom and being ambitious to appear wise and great, they have, together with their coeonspirators, claimed the ability to set up God’s kingdom on earth without God, and have endorsed the League of Nations and declared it to be “the political expression of God’s kingdom on earth”, thereby breaking their allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ and declaring their allegiance to the devil, the god of evil; and to this end they have advocated and sanctified war, turned their church edifices into recruiting stations, acted as recruiting officers for pay, and preached men into the trenches, there to suffer and die; and when the Lord presented to them the clear and indisputable proof that the old world has ended and that his kingdom is at hand, they have scoffed at and rejected the testimony, persecuted, arrested and caused the imprisonment of witnesses for the Lord.
DOCTRINES
We further present and charge that the clergy as a class have constituted themselves the fountain of doctrines which, in the furtherance of said conspiracy, they have sent forth to the people, claiming such doctrines to be the teachings of God’s Word, well knowing the same to be untrue, in this, to wit:
(1) That they falsely claim to be the divinely appointed successors to the Inspired apostles of Jesus Christ; whereas the Scriptures clearly show that there are no successors to the Lord's apostles;
(2) That they claim the sole right to interpret the Scriptures, and that therefore they alone know what the people should believe; and by this means they have kept the people in ignorance of the Bible; and now in this time of increased knowledge and much reading, when the people might read and understand, these self-constituted “successors to the apostles” discourage the people from reading the Bible and Bible literature, deny the inspiration of the Scriptures, teach evolution, and by these means turn the minds of the people away from God and his Word of truth;
(3) That they have taught and teach the divine right of kings to rule the peoples, claiming such rule to be the kingdom of God on earth; they hold that they and the principal of their flocks are commissioned of God to direct the policy and course of the nations, and that if the people do not submissively concur in such policies then the people are unpatriotic or disloyal;
(4) That they are the authors of the unreasonable and false doctrine of the trinity, by which they claim and teach that Jehovah, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are three persons in one, which fallacy they admit cannot be understood nor explained; that this false doctrine has blinded the people to the true meaning of the great ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through which men can be saved;
(5) That they teach and have taught the false doctrine of human immortality; that is to say, that all men are created immortal souls, which cannot die; which doctrine they well know to be false, for it is based exclusively upon the statement of Satan, which statement Jesus declares to be a great lie (Genesis 3:1-6; John 8:44) ;
(6) That they preach and teach the doctrine of eternal torment; that is to say, that the penalty for sin is conscious torment in hell, eternal in duration; whereas they know that the Bible teaches that the wages of sin is death; that hell is the state of death or the tomb; that the dead are unconscious until the resurrection, and that the ransom sacrifice is provided that all in due time may have an opportunity to believe and obey the Lord and live, while the wilfully wicked are to be punished with an everlasting destruction;
(7) That they deny the right of the Lord to establish his kingdom on earth, well knowing that Jesus taught that he would come again at the end of the world, and that the fact of that time would be made known by the nations of Christendom engaging in a world war, quickly followed by famine, pestilence, revolutions, the return of God’s favor to the Jews, distress and perplexity of the nations; and that during such time the God of heaven would set up his kingdom, which will stand forever (Daniel 2: 44) ; that ignoring and refusing to consider these plain truths and evidences, they have willingly gone on in darkness, together with their allies, profiteers and politicians, in an attempt to set up a world power for the purpose of ruling and keeping the people in subjection; all of which is contrary to the Word of God and against his dignity and good name.
The doctrines taught by the clergy, and their course of action herein stated are admitted; and upon the undisputed facts and upon the law of God’s Word they stand confessedly guilty before God and in the eyes of the World upon every charge in this indictment.
Upon the authority of the prophecy of God’s Word now being fulfilled, we declare that this is the day of God’s wrath upon Christendom; and that he stands in the midst of the mighty and controlling factors of the world, to wit, the clergy and the principal of their flocks, to judge and to express his righteous indignation against them and their unrighteous systems and doctrines.
We further declare that the only hope for the peace and happiness of the peoples of earth is Messiah’s kingdom, for which Jesus taught his followers to pray.
Therefore we call upon the peoples and nations of earth to witness that the statements here made are true; and in order that tire people might, in this time of perplexity and distress, have hope and comfort, we urge upon them the prayerful and diligent study of the Bible, that they might learn therefrom that God through Christ and his kingdom has a complete and adequate plan for the blessing of mankind upon earth with peace and prosperity, liberty, happiness and eternal life, and that his kingdom is at hand.
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION TO FOLLOW
Arrangements are under way to print this indictment for public distribution by the classes, and October 24 is appointed as a general day of distribution throughout the United States and Canada. October 31 is another day of general distribution in the same places; and it is hoped that in some of the European countries the printing may be completed in time for the friends there to join in the distribution of these indictments. In due course the indictment will be translated and published in various languages throughout the earth.
In conjunction therewith announcement is now made that November 2, 1924, is designated as a world-wide witness day, at which time the public discourse, “Civilization Doomed—But Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” will be given by speakers of the Society in all languages in all parts of the earth.
The keynote of the convention, and that which was emphasized, is the privilege now enjoyed by the followers of Jesus on earth to prove their loyalty to the King and the kingdom. Loyalty means to do that which is prescribed by the divine law. The law or commandment to the Church at this time is to declare the day of the vengeance of our God and to comfort all that mourn, and that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come.”—Matthew 24:14.
This little army of the Lord assembled at the Columbus Convention went away strengthened in faith; strengthened in determination to be faithful and loyal to our great Master, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This little company of soldiers of the cross, armed in the holy cause of righteousness under the leadership of the great Prince of Peace, is invincible to any power or fiery darts that the enemy may launch against them. Let each one, therefore, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. We are in the final days of the conflict for righteousness. The great Captain of our salvation is riding on to certain victory; and his armies in heaven follow after him, joyfully doing his bidding. The faithful shall stand victorious with him at the conclusion. Blessed are the people of God; blessed are they who today hear and obey his voice.
PRAYER-MEETING
TEXT COMMENTS
TEXT FOR OCTOBER 1
“With righteousness shall he judge the poor.”—Isaiah 11: 4.
HE poor, within the meaning of this text, are those that are sick, needy, feeble, oppressed and impoverished. A righteous judgment means that which is in exact harmony with justice and equity. Equity means to find the real right of a thing and to do it regardless of all the fixed laws or rules of action.
The judgments that have been in the earth during the past ages have been very unequal and unjust. Quite often, fixed law being strictly followed, injustice is done. An effort to correct this led to the establishment of equity courts. Courts with jurisdiction of this kind have sought to get at the very first right of the case; but the judges being imperfect, justice often miscarries, and an effort for righteousness is abortive.
In these latter days, when there has been, a great increase of knowledge, judgements rendered by those in authority have been specially marked by their inequality. The rich and powerful have gone unpunished for wrongdoing, while the weak and poor have been deprived of property, liberty, and life, without just cause or fair consideration. If a poor man has a just cause before the court and his adversary is rich, the administration of justice is often so long delayed that the poor man is unable to get adequate relief; and for this reason many suffer injustice and indignities rather than to be dragged about in the courts. The political branch of the ruling factors makes the laws; and the rich and powerful reap what they desire, and are permitted to oppress the poor.
What is here said of the exercise of judicial functions likewise applies to the modern ecclesiastics. The poor Of the flock are given no attention, are pushed aside and are permitted to starve, while the rich and the mighty are granted the chiefest seats and favors in the synagogues. This is done because the clergy desire to have the favor of the powerful. Unrighteous judgment, therefore, has caused millions to suffer and to mourn.
The conditions will be exactly reversed when Messiah’s kingdom is in full sway. No one will have special favor, whether he be rich or poor, powerful or weak. The poor, weak, and oppressed will approach their judgment with the full assurance that the Lord will deal with them righteously and equitably. The weak, feeble, oppressed, and impoverished ones the Lord will deal with gently, and will lead them kindly and lovingly over the highway of holiness, will shield and protect them from all oppression, and will reward every effort to improve.
Now is the time for the consecrated Christian to appreciate the privilege of performing the commission the Lord has granted to him; namely, to tell the good news to the people and to comfort all that mourn. The great righteous Judge is here, and is removing the old order; and when his judgments are in the earth the people will learn righteousness and be blessed. His judgment, exactly in harmony with justice and righteousness, will bring the desire of every honest heart.
Now is the time for every consecrated Christian to avail himself of every possible opportunity to tell this good news to the oppressed, the impoverished and the poor. Now is the time to comfort their hearts, and this is what the Lord desires the Christian to do. This is one of the ways of looking well to the interests of the kingdom. Unless we are in deep sympathy with the righteous judgments of the Lord, and have a keen desire to see them in operation for the benefit of the people, we shall hardly be fit for the kingdom. The best way to grow in sympathy is to have the just judgments of our Lord in mind now and to tell the people about them who desire to be told.
TEXT FOR OCTOBER 8
“He shall deliver the poor and needy when he crieth.”— Psalm 72:12.
ATURALLY man desires the things that bring comfort of body and mind, peace and rest of the soul. Every way the people of the world now look is a way of distress and perplexity, and with fear they approach each day. Millions are without employment, and know not from what source will come the next day’s food nor where they may rest their weary bodies. Many of these have desired to know something about God’s way, but have been blinded because of the unfaithful teachings of the clergy and have fallen into the snare of the adversary; and they arc in deep distress of mind and heart. The whole world is rapidly approaching that terrible trouble described by the Prophet when “the world shall reel to and fro like a drunken man.”
There are many in Zion who are consecrated to the Lord, but who have been negligent of their opportunities to feed upon the precious promises and to put on the whole armor of God, and who by reason thereof are sad and in distress, weak in faith, and spiritually sick.
There is only one class of people on earth that appreciates the meaning of these things, and these are they who are really living up to their privileges as Christians. They see that the battle is raging between truth and darkness; and they know that our wonderful King, now present, soon will be made manifest to the world, and that he will deliver the needy and oppressed that cry unto him. These appreciate the commission of the Lord to comfort those that mourn in Zion and outside of Zion. They comfort those in Zion by pointing them to the increased evidences of the early and complete deliverance of the Church, thus enabling them to see the blessed privilege of now serving the King and comforting others.
The Lord through his apostle expressly tells us that we receive comfort ourselves in order that we may comfort others that mourn, with the comfort wherewith we are comforted. It therefore is the privilege, yea, the duty, to tell the oppressed and weary ones of the world that the great Deliverer and Life-giver is at the door, and that he will deliver every one that cries unto him in spirit and in truth. What a blessed privilege now to be the ambassador of the King of kings and to bear his message of consolation to those who desire to be comforted! Let us see to it that we, receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably and with godly fear. Let us point our brother to the blessed privilege of fulfilling the commission by comforting others and thereby enable him to be comforted and to be a comforter.
The only relief for the needy is through the great Messiah, and everyone that crieth unto him shall be delivered and receive his blessing.
TEXT FOR OCTOBER 15
"Behold. I make all things new.’’^—Revelation 21:5.
THIS is one of the precious promises from our Lord to all who love him—to the Church first; then to all who hear and obey. It is a part of the gracious message that is to be given to the world. While it is true that none except the Church can at this time appreciate these words concerning the regeneration of all things, yet the time is here when even the world can have some understanding of them. This being true, the Church now has the blessed opportunity of telling this good news to those who have the hearing ear.
The word here rendered “new” does not mean to make a thing that never before existed. Nor does the text carry with it the thought that everything will be regenerated. The human race will be regenerated, renovated and restored to the original perfection enjoyed by man. (Matthew 19:28) Then all the earth will be brought to a state of freshness and beauty never before known, outside of Eden. In this blessed work of restoration the faithful ovcrcomers will be associated with the Lord Jesus.—Revelation 20:4; 2:26.
The human race is just now in dire extremity. Modern science, education and invention have made the sufferings of mind and body more keenly felt than in the past. The conditions of misery and woe are enhanced by the power and influence exercised over the people by wicked spirits. The whole creation travails in pain. Every honest person desires to see better conditions.
Only the Christian knows that better conditions are soon to be realized. He can look beyond the darkness that enshrouds the people and by faith see them, in the future, enjoying divine blessings. He sees the oppressor destroyed; the profiteer, the unfaithful politician, the disloyal clergy a thing of the past and forgotten; and in their place righteous men administering the affairs of the people for the benefit of all. He sees war, famines, and pestilences forever gone; sickness, sorrow, crying, and pain a thing of the past, never again to be feared. He sees death destroyed, and life everlasting in eternal joy granted to the people. He knows that the Lord is going to do this because he has promised it shall be done. By faith he sees the time when the heavens shall pour down righteousness, when the earth shall open, and righteousness spring up with salvation. He sees mercy and truth met together, and righteousness and peace kiss each other in love. He sees this because the Lord will give that which is good and will make everything in the earth to be desired.
The Christian therefore sees the only possible relief for groaning humanity, and the Christian alone can give this message of consolation to humanity now. The Christian rejoices greatly in being forever with the Lord; and he should likewise rejoice in the blessings that are to be brought to the poor, and with joy and delight should he tell the people about the coming blessings. This joy, induced by reason of the triumph of righteousness and the blessings of peace, life and happiness that are coming to the people under the just and true government, is indeed the joy of the Lord into which he now invites us to enter.
Every one of his followers, in proportion to his zeal and devotion in obeying the Lord’s command to comfort those that mourn, now possesses the joy of the Lord. As these followers battle against the evil influences, as they press forward as the ambassadors of Christ, they appreciate that the joy of the Lord is their strength.
THE CHOICE OF THE TWELVE
---October 5---Matthew 10:1-8----
JESUS GUIDED IN THE SELECTION—DIVERSITY Or CHARACTER .MANIFESTED—APOSTLES WERE AS CHILDREN TO JESUS— GOSPEL OPENED TO JEWS ONLY.
"Freely have ye received, freely give.”—Matthew 10:8.
AFTER Jesus’ first missionary tour in Galilee he returned to Capernaum. His lame was now abroad in the land;
“ and therefore as soon as it was known that he had returned the people immediately crowded round the house, almost certainly the house where his mother and his brethren now lived. It was at that time the man sick of palsy was brought to Jesus, and because of the press was carried to the roof, which was uncovered to allow him to be let down to the feet of Jesus as he was talking to the people. After Jesus had stayed a short time in Capernaum and the neighborhood with great multitudes who had gathered from afar (Luke 6: 17) listening to the words which fell from his lips, lie determined to make another definite move in the furtherance of his work ; he would again go through Galilee.
2There were now many who believed on Jesus, many who though they did not understand his particular relationship to God, yet accepted him as one sent from God. Apparently Jesus was making no arrangements to have his doings and liis teachings recorded. It appeared as if his words were spoken only to the then present purpose, and were likely to be crowded out of mind by the ever recurring striking passing events. Yet Jesus must have known that the words he spoke were words of life, and that the things he did were typical or symbolical of things to be done, being wrought in picture for the benefit of others in days to come. The time had now come when he must more definitely associate some disciples with himself, men of character and ability, to whom his words could sometimes be especially addressed, and to whom they would be committed as a repository of truth; men who would form the nucleus of the Church, that select company who, as was afterwards so clearly seen, were to be forever associated with him in the glory and power of the kingdom.
JESUS GUIDED IN THE SELECTION
3Probably guided by the correspondency which he saw must exist between spiritual and fleshly Israel, and seeing himself as the head of spiritual Israel, as Jacob was the head of the tribes of natural Israel, he determined to call twelve disciples to be bis apostles. (Matthew 10:1) Deeming this his Father’s will be carried the matter to him in prayer for wisdom in selection. Jacob’s children were born to him in the natural course of events; but those who were to be associated with Jesus as the heads of the tribes of spiritual Israel, were begotten of God. The choice as to who should be ineluded was Jehovah’s, therefore Jesus would move only under the guidance of his Father. Some of those who were with him, as Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, and Bartholomew (Nathanael) were of the first who had followed him. He had also called Matthew, who had followed readily. When the time for division came, Jesus spent a night in prayer.
4It is probable that Jesus knew the greater number of those who would form The Twelve; for the most of them, as we know, had been with him from the first. The problem which gave him most cause for hesitancy was almost certainly respecting Judas, as to whether or not he should be called to be one of The Twelve. Jesus knew what was in man (John 2:25) ; and it it could hardly be other than that he knew the limitation of Judas’ character. On the morrow he called The Twelve to him (Luke 6:13), “that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth
to preach” (Mark 3:14), and ultimately to become not only the repositories of the truth, but foundations of the New Jerusalem.—Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14.
5 In the lists of the twelve apostles the first four are always the two pairs of brothers, Peter and Andrew, and Janies and John. The second and third fours are always the same, but the names are not given always in the same order. But always Peter’s name is first, and that of Judas last; and in the four lists (Matthew 10 : 2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6: 14 16; Acts 1:13), Philip is always named first of the second division, and James the son of Alpheus the first of the third.
DIVERSITY OF CHARACTER MANIFEST
cThe records of the apostles in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles reveal much diversity ’Of character and temperament amongst them. Peter was a bundle of inconsistencies. None so ready as he to acknowledge his Master or to uphold his dignity; yet Peter was always ready to manage his Master’s affairs and to give him advice. But his loyal heart was always wanting to serve the interests of Jesus; and when he made mistakes, even when he made his greatest mistake on the night of our Lord’s betrayal, and denied his Master, there was no sign of a bad heart. It was his impulsive nature, as yet not completely under control, which got into his way1 and caused him to fail. There can be no question that Jesus and Peter loved each other, though sometimes the love of the Lord had to be restrained ; even when he had found cause to say to Peter: “Get thee behind me Satan.”—Matthew 16: 23.
7It must be noted that even Peter’s blunders and his curious questions were made use of by the Lord, both to (he immediate instruction of the disciples and for the edification of the Church of God. We have already noted in these columns tliat very many of our Lord’s sayings as recorded in the Gospels arose out of Peter’s questionings and his sometimes blundering acts.
8The next best known disciple after Peter is John, called the beloved Apostle. Probably he was not a more ardent lover of the Lord than was Peter, but his love got freer flow and burned brighter because he did not intrude himself so much upon the Lord , nor did he want so much of his own way. The love between Jesus and John ran in a smoother channel, and the flow was more constant.
9Peter and John knew each other before they knew Jesus; and opposite in temperament as they were, they must have loved each other or they would not have been together as disciples of John the Baptist, and probably would not have been in partnership in the fishing business. These two dis ciples continued to occupy the foremost places amongst those whom Jesus chose to be with him. Of Andrew we know comparatively little, not because he was overshadowed by his more lively brother, but because he was not capable of being used in the same way.- Philip is prominent, and was much used of his Master in the establishment of the eary church.
10The other name that comes into prominence is that of the man of whom our Lord said it had been good for him if he had not been born—Judas (Matthew 26:24), the man who had his Master’s confidence, who lived and toiled with Jesus as a lover of God, but who at last miserably sold his Master because filled with chagrin through disappointed hopes.—Matthew 27:3, 4.
2G0
APOSTLES WERE AS CHILDREN TO JESUS
X1O£ some of the apostles we know almost nothing. It Is evident that Jesus did not call them because they were men of shining ability; but, because our Lord could not make a mistake, it is just as evident that they were men exactly suited for the work he had for his apostles to do. Some of them were ready of speech, men who could stand before their fellows to proclaim the truth; some were of slower movement of mind, men who were always ready for the continued steady work to which the apostles were called. All were men of like passions with ourselves.—Acts 14:15.
120ne lias said of the apostles of Jesus: “The silent and constant influence of his character was on these men of the earth; he drew them to himself and stamped his own image on them.” When our Lord finally called them to him, he would be about thirty-one years of age. The band of disciples has so often been pictured as one of middle-aged men that it is common to conceive of them as such, but the probability is that they may have been young men averaging in age between twenty and twenty-five years, and that Jesus was the eldest of the company. On several occasions our Lord addressed them as children, a term which would, of course, be appropriate in moral or mental relationship; for however aged they were in years any company of men must be as children to him.—Mark 10: 24; John 21: 5.
13There was much toil and wear for them in days to come; for the work of going about preaching called for much physical and nervous energy; and young, active men who could give their best life’s value to it were necessary. When Jesus had called The Twelve to himself, he soon showed them that they were not only to be with him, but also to bo sent forth abroad in the country. Jesus himself had a great work to do before his ministry closed. Indeed, it was impossible for him to do it all; and therefore he would have them represent; him. As they were thus especially called to him, their hearts would bum with enthusiasm and witli the joy of being specially separated to the one who they so thoroughly believed was sent of God. It may be that the selection of these twelve caused heartburnings in some who would think that their abilities and claims were greater than some of those who were chosen ; but every true disciple of Jesus would realize that the Lord knew his business, and they would rejoice in whatever the Master did.
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