The Watchtower, August 15, 1925
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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 for fear and for looking to the things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecdesiasticsm) shall be shaken. . . When yesee these things begin 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
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIS journal Is one o£ the prime factors, or instruments in. the system of Bible instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now being presented in all paste of the civilised, 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 thaonly honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through, the precious blood of'“the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2 : G) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: Illa ; 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 our leaders 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 gieat 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”.— Hebrew’s 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.
Tnat 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 lost 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.
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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 commitlee are: J. F. Rutherford, W, E. Van Ambubcii, J. Hemery, K. 11. Uaiuieu, C E Si H'VtBT. Terms to the Lord’s Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of old age or oilier mln mi ly or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, « ill be supplied Iree 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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SPRINGFIELD, MASS., CONVENTION AUG. 13-16
The Springfield, Mass., Chamber of Commerce is cooperating with the Society to make this four days’ convention a success. They write: “The Springfield Chamber of Commerce, in behalf of the City of Springfield, will do everything possible to see that your stay here in Springfield is comfortable, profitable and spiritually beneficial.” For further information address Bro. A. E. Poor, Secy., 457 Riverdale St., West Springfield, Mass.
INDIANAPOLIS GENERAL CONVENTION, AUG. 24-31
As the time approaches the consecrated are preparing to journey to Indianapolis for the general convention. This will be the outstanding convention for 1925.
Monday, August 24th, will be assembly day. The first session of the convention will be a testimony meeting at 7: 00 p. m., followed at 8: 00 p. m. by the opening address. The convention will continue until Monday, August 31st.
Friday, August 28th, is set aside for service day. Brother Johnson of Columbus will be in charge of the service arrangements. Immediately upon your arrival enter your name and automobile with him for service. Everyone will wish to engage in the service work.
The public meeting will be held Sunday afternoon and will be addressed by the President of the Society. Service day will furnish an opportunity for further advertising tins.
Good board is obtalnab’e ,$1.00 a day and up; room at hotel with bath, three In a room $1.50 a day up. For further information apply to Bro. L. L. Bullelt, 717-719 J. F. Wild Bldg., 123 East Market Str., Indianapolis, Ind.
WORLD-WIDE WITNESSES
Reports come from some parts of the country that the enthusiasm for the world-wide witnesses has not been up to the standard recently. Let us all have in mind, dear brethren, that unity of action, on the same day and the same subject, is bound to have a tremendous effect. Keep in mind always that Jehovah’s words apply to the church now: ‘Ye are my witnesses.’ (Isaiah 43:10) If we are witnesses for the Lord, then we must give the testimony. If the friends find that they are financially unable to have large public meetings, then arrange for many small ones.
The next public witness will be on Sept. 13th, and the topic will be “The Year of Jubilee”. Let each one of the elders who is qualified to give a public address prepare for this day, and let every class arrange for meetings either small or large. Please order immediately handbills required for this witness that we may print them before our vacation period, which begins on August 21st.
AND HEPALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE
Vol. XLVI August 15, 1925 No. 1G
PROTECTION AND DELIVERANCE
“Thou art my hiding place; thou shall preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with, songs of deliverance.”-—Psalm 32: 7.
THE Christian well knows that this is the time of peril often mentioned in the Scriptures that would come in the last day. Those Christians who are now diligently striving to keep the commandments of God are beginning to appreciate from experience that the Devil is making war upon the remnant of spiritual Israel with the wicked purpose of destroying the remnant of the “seed of promise”. The entire world is in a day of strife and distress. The remnant is in the world but not of the world. The remnant is in great danger, and yet the Lord has graciously made provision for their protection. A realization of this brings peace of mind and heart. It is important to keep in mind the gracious goodness of our Lord.
2 Protection means preservation from annoyance, injury and loss. One who is truly protected is completely shielded from danger, and made secure against injury or loss. Deliverance means the act of freeing one from a perilous position or condition by providing a way for complete escape. It means redemption and salvation. If there is complete protection and adequate provision made for the deliverance of the Christian in this time of peril then it is well that Christians have knowledge of such facts. Knowledge therefore will bring peace of mind and comfort and joy of heart.
3 God’s Word is the great storehouse of knowledge for the Christian. At the proper time the Lord sees to it that there is brought forth from his great storehouse just such truths as may be needed by those who seek to know and to do his holy will. It is upon this spiritual food that the new creature is permitted to feed and to bo nourished and strengthened. These great and precious truths are so hidden in cryptic phrase that they cannot be understood and appreciated until God’s due time. Without doubt the Lord intended that thus it should be.
4 Many of the Psalms were written by David and for the benefit of the class which he foreshadowed. The name David means beloved. His words are the words having application to the Christ, the Beloved of God. Among these wonderfully beautiful and consoling Psalms are Psalms 32 and 33. The connection between them is shown by the praise of the last verse of the 32nd Psalm, which is continued in the first verse of the 33rd.
AN INVARIABLE SCRIPTURAL RULE
’Every Bible student knows that the Psalms are not arranged in chronological order, nor in the order of interpretative sequence. But there are guides which lead the student in the way of understanding, and following such guides he finds a fruitful field for thought. One of the invariable rules of the Scriptures, specifically noticeable in the writings of the prophets, is that when the church is bidden to rejoice and sing or shout for joy reference is had to the time of our Lord’s second presence, when the night of sin and darkness is past and the millennial morning has come. A few examples here will illustrate the point: “0 sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. . . . Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved : he shall judge the people righteously. . . . Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” (Psalm 96: 1,10, 13) “In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” (Isaiah 26: 1, 2) “In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people.”—Isaiah 28 : 5.
0 The church, as the bride of Christ, has long been waiting for the return of her beloved Bridegroom. Now since he has come how can she keep back the songs of praise? Of course God foreknew this and he caused his prophets to foreshadow it. The Christian, therefore, should be joyful at all times now even amidst trials and tribulation because the King is here.
7 The salient points in Psalms 32 and 33 to which it is desired here to direct the reader’s attention are: (1) The blessedness of the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity; (2) the joy which follows a confession of sin or wrong-doing, and the rest which consciousness of forgiveness by the Lord and return to his favor brings; (3) that after God has forgiven him, and as long as the creature is faithful, God will preserve him in time of trouble; (4) that realizing God’s goodness
these praise him upon the harp and with the new song, (5) because they understand his Word and know that his ray and his providences are right,and (6) because they see his purposes are being carried out, and (7) because they have assurance that he will continue to bless them with the knowledge of truth in due season and will preserve them and deliver them. Note now the opening words of the Psalm:
INIQUITY NOT IMPUTED TO CHRISTIANS
8 “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth net iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” (Psalm 32:1,2) In his clear and lucid argument concerning justification by faith St. Paul quotes these words of the Psalmist. His argument is to the effect that non-imputation of sin to the Christian is equal to the actual imputation of righteousness. Otherwise stated, where one has an abiding faith in Christ and in God’s Word and has an honest and sincere desire in his heart to be free from sin and to be righteous, God can treat such an one as whole or righteous. Jesus announced the rule that where one desires sin, even though he does not commit the overt act, yet sin is counted unto him because of the desire. (Matthew 5: 28) The reason is that God looks upon the heart. That is to say, God counts evil unto a man who has evil intent whether he commits the overt act or not; and likewise God counts righteousness unto the Christian who is not righteous, because of his heart’s devotion to righteousness.
“CONFESS YOUR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER”
9 The experiences coming to all Christians are recounted by the Psalmist in verses three and four: “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.” He who sins tries frequently to hide his sin from others and to forget his own wrong-doing, anil may even endeavor to conceal his iniquity from God. But no Christian can long deal with sin in this manner. This is not God’s way of dealing with such. God will not permit the sin to be hidden by anyone except himself. When a Christian has taken the wrongful course his conscience often will trouble him, and sometimes the pressure becomes so great that the joy of life seems to be burned out as by a scorching summer sun. Because of his love for his begotten son the Lord thus permits pressure to be placed heavily upon him and by this means he brings his child to a knowledge of his proper condition. A similar condition David describes in verses three and four above quoted.
10 It wrould not be proper for a Christian to tell his weaknesses or wrong-doings to everyone. If he has injured another he should acknowledge to the injured one the wrong done and do his best to rectify the wrong. St. James says: “Confess your faults one to another.” (James 5: 16) This does not mean to confess them to everyone. The wrong-doer, feeling deeply the sorrow resulting from his wrong, desires to unburden himself to some friend; and to do so he should go to one in whom he has confidence, confess to his brother and then ask his brother to pray for him. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5: 16) There would be no advantage, however, in parading his wrong before the congregation or before several. It would only furnish food for gossip.
11 When a wrong-doer acknowledges his sin unto the Lord but pleads the merit of Christ as a basis for his forgiveness, then comes sweet relief. (1 John 2: 2; 1:9) Consciousness that the sin has been forgiven and that the wrong-doer is once more in favor with the Lord brings peace and joy of heart. Thus God covers the sin. This he does by imputing the merit of Christ Jesus. This describes the experience of the individual.
12 “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5) Who is the speaker here? Clearly the language reveals that the speaker representatively speaks on behalf of the church as a whole. Then arises the question, What experience of the church as a whole does this recorded incident describe? It fits exactly the experience of the church collectively through which she is passing at the end of the Gospel Age. Today the church is seeing and realizing her position much more definitely than ever before, because she is near to the perfect day. The church now sees herself more distinctly pictured, both in the prophecies and in the Psalms. Very frequently the inspired writer represents the church as a whole rather than individual saints.
13 Ghrist Jesus is the Head of the church and therefore the spokesman and principal part of it; and the speaker, of course, represents both head and body. The sixty-ninth Psalm serves as an example of this: “Because for thy sake I have borne reproach: shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children. For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproach thee are fallen upon me.” (Psalm 69:7-9) These verses of the Psalm apply to the Lord Jesus; and yet verses five and six of the same Psalm confess foolishness and guilt. The latter verses then surely represent our Lord and Head as taking the blemishes of the body members to himself.
14 With this in mind it seems quite clear that the speaker in Psalm 32: 5 is the true church during the second presence of the Lord. These words of the Psalmist express the sentiment of the truly consecrated ones who realize the goodness of the Lord toward those who have not been so faithful to the Lord as they might have been. At the beginning of our Lord’s second presence there were many who trusted in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, none of whom had a clear understanding of the ransom or atonement work. The false doctrine of the trinity had blinded these true and honest Christians to the beauty of the ransom. There could be no clear understanding of the atonement by any one who was holding to the doctrine of the trinity.
15 The Lord came, and began to send out his message of truth to the people. He selected a faithful servant and made him wise unto the truth and put into the mind of that servant the pure food for the household of faith. Brother Russell was that favored servant and he was faithful to his charge. He was greatly honored of the Lord and he proved his faithfulness and devotion and showed a proper appreciation of that honor. The Lord used him to bring clearly to the attention of the church the great fundamental truths so long hid under the debris of human errors induced by Satan’s fraud and deceptions. Then the church began to realize that she was defiled by errors. She gladly acknowledged it and called upon the Lord to lead her into the true light. Thus the Psalmist says representatively of the church: “0 God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. Let not them that wait on thee, 0 Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my sake let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, 0 God of Israel.”—Psalm 69 : 5, 6.
OUR COVERING
36 Verses one and two of Psalm 32 represent those whom the Lord has forgiven and whose imperfections he has covered. This covering is the merit of Christ Jesus imputed to such as confess their transgressions and crave the Lord’s forgiveness, and who have a desire to do the Lord’s will. We must not confuse this covering with “the robe of righteousness”. (Isaiah 61: 10) We have formed the erroneous habit of applying the robe of righteousness as a covering for the defects of each member of the body of Christ. The term robe of righteousness does not appear in the New Testament. It is the prophet Isaiah who used the term and illustration. It is quite manifest that it does not apply to the individual but to the body members of Christ, the church, in a collective sense. It seems clearly to apply to the people of God who are joyfully proclaiming “the day of vengeance of our God” and the good news of the kingdom, and by this good news they bring comfort to those that mourn.
17 In the same sixty-first chapter of Isaiah the prophet mentions those who are anointed to preach the good tidings. When the Bridegroom comes to his temple, that is, to those who are fully devoted to the Lord, such are joyful; and they must have some covering in keeping with their office and commission which the office carries with it. The robe of righteousness, therefore, represents the covering furnished to those who are prospective members of the bride at the time of the Lord’s coming to his temple, the ones receiving it being those whom he finds upon examination as approved. This is in harmony with the parable of the talents. When the Lord comes to reckon with or to take account of those to whom he has committed the interests of his kingdom and finds that the faithful ones have increased their talents he manifests his approval by saying, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter [now] into the joy of thy Lord.” Such approval of the Lord is equivalent to bringing the approved ones under his robe of righteousness.
18 To this same class the Lord’s prophet addresses his words in Isaiah 52:1: “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, 0 Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, 0 Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unilean.” The travel-stained garments that the faithful brought from Babylon will not do now. They are not suitable for her condition with the Bridegroom present. Satan accusingly pointed to these soiled garments worn by the true Joshua, the faithful church, and by this means accused her. The Lord rebuked Satan and through his own messenger says concerning the faithful : “Take away the filthy garment from him [Joshua, the church]. And unto him he said, ... I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” (Zechariah 3:1-4) This again is a picture of the bride receiving the robe of righteousness when the Lord comes to his temple.
19 The receiving of the robe of righteousness is marked by the time of rejoicing, because it is the time when the Bridegroom has come to the bride. The members of the bride class are the priests under the great High Priest. Note now the words of the Psalmist in support of this thought, when he says: “Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. ... I will also clothe her priests with salvation; and her saints shall shout for joy.”—Psalm 132: 9,16.
20 When those who are inclined toward God see the manifestation of his favor upon those members of the church who are boldly and joyfully declaring his presence they are influenced to seek the Lord more earnestly, and they have the assurance that they shall be heard. This is pictured in Psalm 32: 6, which reads: “For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” The expression “when thou mayest be found” is rather singular. Does not this seem to have special reference to the time of the Lord’s second presence, particularly when he comes to his temple after having taken unto him his power to reign? Such is the time when the face of God is turned toward his people. This is the time of refreshing, not for the world but for those who have been waiting for the Lord to come unto his own and who realize his presence. Surely this is what is meant by the apostle’s words in Acts 3:19 as times of refreshing” which the church is now enjoying. The blessings of the world come thereafter. It is also the time when the great water floods prevail and when trouble is upon the world.
21 Trouble surrounds the church, but God becomes her hiding place. The floods of trouble envelop others but shall not come nigh to the chosen of the Lord. This is his precious promise in verse seven: “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7) This should bring consolation to the Christian, and it does. Those who are of the temple class and who are therefore under the robe of righteousness, appreciate the fact that the times are perilous; never was danger so great, yet at the same time they feel absolutely secure in the strength of the Lord. They find themselves compassed with songs of deliverance and they sing for joy. Surely this is the happy condition of the temple class at this time. They know that the time of deliverance is at hand, even as Jesus long ago told them to expect.—Luke 21: 28.
CHURCH GUIDED BY HIS EYE
22 The Lord in his temple is shielding, protecting, fitting and leading his people, and to them he says: “1 will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32: 8) These words cannot apply to the individual. No one can claim the precious promises until he becomes a member of the church. The promise is that the Lord will guide his church. With this thought in mind let us also remember that the Lord will reveal to his church his great truth when he sees it is good for her to have the same. No man is entrusted with the interpretation of the Scriptures. They are not of private interpretation. The Lord is his own interpreter, and uses such instruments as he may choose to bring to his church the things that he desires her to have. It has been suggested by some that the article on the twelfth chapter of Revelation in March first Watch Tower is of private interpretation. But it is not of private interpretation; it is merely applying to the Scriptures long ago written in prophetic phrase the facts as we know them now to exist. The time has come for this scripture to be understood ; and the Lord promised his people, his church, to convey an understanding of it, and those who appreciate it rejoice.
23 There are some who have no understanding, as the Psalmist shows, and these the Lord must treat like the horse or the mule. They must be guided by the bridlo or held by the bit, since they do not recognize that the Lord is instructing his people and guiding them with his wisdom. Not being anxious to walk with the company of the Lord’s little ones, such accept what doctrines they may choose to accept and walk according to their own individual wisdom. To these the Psalmist says: “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.” (Psalm 32:9,1'0) This seems to apply to those who have held high places amongst the brethren, who have been privileged to have the truth, but have misused it.
24 The meek, loyal and faithful ones, on the contrary, are anxious to know the Lord’s way and to work as the Lord directs. So glad are these that they cannot keep back the singing. Joy is really the criterion by which each one is measured. This is the time of rejoicing, not a time of murmuring. Those who are under the robe of righteousness, and who have on the beautiful garments of salvation, have likewise put on the wedding garment and are keeping it on, and are singing the praises of the Lord, The joy of the Lord is their strength. To these the Psalmist says: “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.”—Psalm 32: 11.
23 Psalm thirty-three is really a continuation of Psalm thirty-two. It is the same class covered with the robe of righteousness. These are commanded to sing; and it is becoming to such to sing, which means they are joyfully proclaiming the message that the kingdom of heaven is here. It is the only fitting thing for them to do. If the opportunity to serve the Lord with joy is not gladly accepted as a great privilege, much is lost. St. Paul stated that the crown of life is for those who love the presence of the Lord. If one really loves the Lord’s presence he is so joyful in the Lord that he cannot keep still. He greatly desires that the beauty and glory of the kingdom shall be made known to others. He is anxious to tell the poor world of the marvelous blessings the Lord has in store for the people.
PRAISING HIM WITH THE TEN-STRINGED HARP
20 The Psalm opens with the words: “Rejoice in the Lord, 0 ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the Lord with harp; sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.” (Psalm 33:1-3) Not only are those who have on the robe of righteousness and who have put on the wedding garment, told to sing, but they are also bidden to take the harp of God, the instrument of ten strings, and play on it. They are told to sing the glad new song of the Lord in his temple, and of the day of deliverance of his church. They are told to sing loudly; that is, gladly and boldly to declare the message of the kingdom. They are directed to play skilfully, which means tn go about the Lord’s work so that it is done in harmony with the Lord’s will, not carelessly but carefully. The King’s business requires the best.
27 Why do the Lord’s faithful ones sing? The Psalmist answers: “For the ■word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.” (Psalm 33: 4) Those who are thus singing are no longer tossed about by every wind of doctrine. They know they are right and they have complete confidence in what they know. They know they have the truth and it is a joy to them to serve it. There is great strength in their complete confidence in the Lord; they know the Lord’s power has no limitation.
28 As God’s goodness begins to be made manifest in the earth the old heaven and the old earth begin to pass away to make room for the new. The Psalmist therefore refers to the creation of the world with the present heavens, in conjunction with the formation of the new heaven and the new earth. In the past God gathered the waters together and stored up the depths. Now the inhabitants of the earth are commanded to stand in awe of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5-11) God’s Word abounds with expressions of consolation to the Christians. Truly and forcefully does the apostle say to all the fully consecrated: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comfortcth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves arc comforted of God.”—2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4.
GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY
29Those who are thus comforted of the Lord have no occasion to fear. They cannot be frightened by any force the enemy may bring against them. And why? Because they trust in the Lord and truly love him. Where there is perfect love there is no fear. To such is the precious promise made: “Thou wilt keep him io peace, peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3) There is no occasion for the truly consecrated child of God to be in a disturbed condition of mind, at least for any length of time. Storms may arise and for a moment these may disturb his equilibrium; but instantly turning his heart and mind to the Lord there comes that sweet peace, peace, known only to those who are the Lord’s and who trust him implicitly. Why has the Lord granted this extra measure of peace to his people at this time? The answer is, Because he sees that they need it. The whole world is in a state of turmoil, the sea and the waves arc roaring and men’s hearts are failing them for fear. But this should not disturb the Christian.
30 God’s purpose now is to establish the world that it cannot be moved. His purpose is to use his own children in connection with this establishing work. These are his representatives. They are his witnesses. He has placed his Word in their mouths. He has commissioned them to act for him. He is sending them forth to do his work. To do this they must be at peace and enjoy that peace of God which passeth all human understanding. These must truly stay their minds upon him. This means the fastening of the mind upon the Lord and his precious promises, even as the stay or guy cable is used to hold steadfast the mast. This done, and confidently trusting the Lord, such enjoy the blessed peace of God. They know that no evil can befall them because he has so promised.—Psalm 91: 10.
31 So long as Christians are faithfully serving the Lord in doing the work which they are commissioned to do they feel and are absolutely secure against the enemy’s attack. These are they to whom the Lord has said: “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) And how shall the Christian prove his perfect love for the Lord? Inspired by the holy spirit St. John answers the question: “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love castcth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (Uohn 4:17, 18) As the Lord Jesus was the representative of his Father on earth so now are the body members representing the Lord and his kingdom. These are no part of the world. They are the ambassadors for Christ’s kingdom and their allegiance is wholly to the Lord.
THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS
32 If you are not so happy as you would like to be, if you are unable to truly say that you are rejoicing in the Lord and that the joy of the Lord is your strength, then ask yourself: Am I really doing my best to show forth the praises of my God and my great Redeemer? Do I really love and trust the Lord fully and completely? In this evil day am I really boldly declaring the message of his kingdom? It may be that you cannot truly answer these questions in the affirmative, and if so it may be that this is the reason why you are not fully rejoicing in the Lord. If that be true, then gird up the loins of your mind, turn your heart truly to the Lord, trust him implicitly and with real earnestness perform the duties of your office according to your commission. Remember that your commission is now to declare that this is the day of the vengeance of our God and that therefore the trouble is upon the world; that the further terms of your commission is to declare that the King is here and that his kingdom is majestically taking its place and soon the great clouds will be lifted and the people shall be delivered. You have been comforted in your own heart. Now comfort those that mourn with the comfort wherewith you ara comforted.
33 Time is no more. By that is meant that no longer are we to deeply concern ourselves about time. The Lord is in his temple. The King and his kingdom are here, Whether all the church is taken beyond the vail in 1925 or not is a matter of little moment. If we realize that we have found a safe hiding place in the Lord and that we are commissioned to be his witnesses, then let us delight ourselves in the Lord and joyfully perform the blessed duties granted unto us whether on this side a few months or a few years. As did St. Paul now must each of the truly consecrated say, “This one thing I do."’ We are here to represent the King and his kingdom. As to time there is no limitation. It is now henceforth and forever, and blessed is the privilege that the Christian thus enjoys.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Do perilous times now prevail? Who only are assured protection at this time? What does it mean to be protected and delivered? II 1,2.
Upon what is the i.ew creature nourished? For whom were the Psalms principally written? What two Psalms are especially consoling? V 3,4.
Are the Psalms arranged in chronological order? When a scripture bids the church to rejoice and sing, to what time does it usually refer? For what great event has the church long waited? V 5,6.
What are seven salient points in Psalms 32 and 33? 7.
The Lord “imputeth not iniquity” to whom? Does the
Christian sometimes take a wrongful course? How does the Psalmist describe the feelings of such? V 8, 9.
Is it proper for the Christian to confess his faults to everybody? When and how does a transgressor obtain sweet relief? T 10,11.
The speaker in Psalm 32: 5 represents whom ? Why does the church realize her position in the Scriptures more clearly than heretofore? What constitutes the principal part of the body of Christ? Does the Lord take the blemishes of the body? fl 12,13.
To what time does verse 5 apply? What doctrine has hindered Christians from und rstanding the atonement? Who was used of the Lord to clarify the matter? If 14. 15.
Is the covering mentioned in verses 1 and 2 identical with “the robe of righteousness”? What is the meaning of the latter, and how does it apply? 16,17.
Explain the meaning of the garments mentioned in Isaiah 52 : 1, 61: 10, Zechariah 3 : 1-4, and Psalm 132 : 9, 16, respectively. V 18,19.
Why does the Psalmist say that the godly shall pray “when thou mayest be found”? When was the church expected to enjoy “times of refreshing”? H 20.
What constitutes our “hiding place”, and how is this true? Why should Christians be spec'illy joyous now? U 21.
How does the Lord instruct and guide the church? What is meant by the statement that the Scriptures are not of “private interpretation"? How does the Lord treat those who lack understanding and neglect his instructions? Whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle? U 22, 23, Why is joy a criterion by which the Christian’s standing may be measured? Why is this the time preeminent tor rejoicing? Will all who “love his appearing” receive the crown of life? V 24, 25.
What are those who have on the robe of righteousness bidden to do? Why do they feel like singing? 1) 26, 27.
As the new kingdom comes in what happens to the old? Dms the faithful Christian have any occasion for fear? Why has he an extra measure of peace? U 28,29.
What part have we in establishing the new order? What is the Christian’s commission? 30,31.
If we are not so happy as we should be what is probably the cause? What is the remedy for an unhappy condition of mind? H 32.
Should the Lord’s people at this time be overanxious about times and dates? What is the principal thing for us to consider now? H 33.
MEMORIAL REPORTS
(Continued from issue of July 1, 1925)
Springfield, Mass
Hammond, Ind
Hartford, Conn
New Bedford, Mass
Newburgh, N. Y
Phoenix, Ariz
Waterbury, Conn
Urbana, Ill
Waltham, Mass
Lowell, Mass
Massillon, Ohio
Philadelphia, Pa. (Colored) ..40
Bradentown, Fla
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Hudson, N. Y
Kingston, N. Y
New Albany, Ind
Springfield, Ohio
Bloomfield, N. J
Brockton, Mass
Hawthorne, Cal
Wausau, Wis
Wooster, Ohio
Bellingham, Wash.................37
Cromwell, Conn.......................37
Marion, Ohio
Chicago, Ill. (Norwegian)
Marietta, Ohio
Boise, Idaho
Brazil, Ind
Iola, Kans
Johnson City, N. Y
New Castle, Pa
Albany, N. Y
Donelson, Tenn
Greenfield, Mass. ....
Nashville, Tenn
Paso Robles, Cal................
Zanesville, Ohio
Auburn, Ind.....................-
Butler, Fa. .....
Little Rock, Ark
Midland, Mich..........
Monessen, Pa.
Pittsfield, Mans........-.............33
Port Chester, N. Y
Sharon, Pa
Beaumont, Tex
Burlington, Wash
Danville, Ill
Evansville, Ind
Ft. Smith, Ark
Linfield, Pa
Bedford, Ind.
Freeport, HL —
Great Falls, Mont
Knoxville, Tenn
Newark, Ohio
New Brunswick, N. J
Topeka, Kansas
Wilkes Barre, Pa
Anaheim, Cal
Chester, Pa
Cincinnati, O. (Colored)
Crooksville, Ohio
Elgin, III. ....
Modesto, Cal
Piqua, Ohio
Augusta, Ga
Fall River, Mass
Muncie Ind
Salem, Ore. ...
South Bend, Ind
Clintonville, Wis
Covington, Ky
Portland, Me
Superior, Wis
Waco, Tex
Zion, III
Abilene, Kans
Elwood City, Ind
Huntington, W. Va
Morgantown, W. Va
Orlando, Fla
St. Joseph, Mo
San Antonio, Tex. ____
Shawnee, Ohio ...............-
Appleton, Wis
Ashton, Ill
Atlantic City. N.J. (Colored) ..26
Benton Harbor, Mich
Colorado Springs, Colo
Columbus, Ga
Dover, Ohio
East Palestine, Ohio
Elkhart, Ind
Glens Falls, N. Y
Gustine, Tex
Michigan City, Ind
New Orleans, La.
Pottstown, Pa
Belvidere, Hi
Columbus, Ga
Fargo, N. Dak.......................25
Harrisburg, Pa
Hayne, N. C
Hutchinson, Kansas
Joplin, Mo
Madison, Wis. ..
Newport, R. 1
Opelika, Ala
Roanoke, Va
Melbourne, Australia
Sidney, Australia
Brisbane, Australia
Adelaide, Australia
Perth, Australia
Vienna, Austria
Graz, Austria
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Kingston, Jam., R. W. 1
Linstead, Jam., B. W. 1
Toronto, Ont., Can
Winnipeg, Man., Can
Vancouver, B. C., Can
Saskatoon, Sask., Can
Winnipeg, Man., Can. (Ukrainian)
Edmonton, Alta., Can
Montreal, P. Q.» Can
Victoria, B. C., Can
London. Ont., Can
Hamilton, Ont., Can
Brantford, Ont., Can
Brandon, Man., Can
Calgary, Alta., Can
Windsor, Ont., Can
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Can...47
Kitchener, Ont., Can.
Moose Jaw, Sask., Can
Niagara Falls, Ont., Can
Medicine Hat. Alta., Can
Portage La Prairie, Man., Can 38
St. John, N. B., Can
Galt, Ont., Can
Stratford, Ont., Can
Chatfield, Man., Can. (Ukr.)..32
Glace Bay, N. S., Can
Beamsville, Ont., Can
Paterson, B C., Can
St. Johns, Nfld
Gilbert Plains, Man, Can
Port Arthur, Ont., Can
Pleasant Home, Sask., Can. ..25
Pleasant Home, Man., Can. (Ukrainian)
Port Limon, C. R
Panama, C. Z
Velky-Bocskoie, Czecho-Slov. 47
Beli-Ceakva (Bisercia-Albfl) 43
Velky-Lucka, Czecho-Slovakia 3G
Zahor, Czecho slovakia
Poiana, Czecho-Slovakia
Gaeany, Czecho slovakia
Copenhagen, Denmark
Ramlers, Denmark
Skive, Denmark
Aarhus, D^pmark
Aalborg, Denmark
Esbjerg, Denmark
London Tabernacle
Manchester, England
Birmingham, England
Edinburgh, Scotland
Manor Park, England
Hull, England
Leicester, England
Oldham, England ............
Bristol, England
Newcastle on Tyne, England 111
Lincoln, England .......
Sheffield, England
Leeds, England ..
Nottingham, England ...
Coventry, England
Gosport, England . .. . ....
Portsmouth, Eng I a id ...........SO
Gloucester. England
Hanley, England ... ...
Warrington, Englan I
Gillingham, England
Walsall, England .. . .....
Birkenhead. England
Croydon, England . .
East Kirkby, England
Bournemouth, England
Altrincham. England
Dartford, England
Southend on Sea, England
Wigan, England .......
Accrington, England
St. Helens, England
Huddersfield, England
Old Hill, England
Wolverhampton, England
West Bromwich, England
Barrow in Furness, England..46
Grimsby, England
Darlington, England
Nuneaton, England
Bradford, England
Barnoldswick, England
Stockport, England
Lancaster, England
Preston, England
Ashton under Lyne, England..3S
Bedford, England
Widnes, England
Middlesbrough, England
Derby, England
Peterborough, England
South Shields, England
Spennymoor, England
Mansfield, England
Tunbridge Wells, England
Windsor, England .....
Yeovil, England
Rotherham, England
Wakefield, England
Bramley, England
Colne, England
Nelson, England
Bath, England
Blackpool, England
Northampton, England
Poole, England
Stockton on Tees, England ....30
Chelmsford, England
Macclesfield, England
Oxford, England
Cheltenham, England
Halifax, England
Blaby, England
Hastings, England
Rochdale, England
Brighton, England
Dewsbury, England
Radcliffe. England
Whitley Bay, England
Helsinki, Finland
Tampere. Finland
Turku, Finland
Pori, Finland
Parainen, Finland
Lahti, Finland
Alberga, Finland
Strasburg, France
Sarrebruck, France
Mulhouse. France
Neunkirchen, France
Demain, France
Sulsbach, France
Sin-le-Noble, France
Paris, France
Lievin, France
Dresden, Germany
Leipzig, Germany
Berlin, Germany
Essen, Ruhr, Germany
Chemnitz, Germany
Hamburg, Germany
Niirnberg-Fiirth, Germany ..370
Munchen, Germany
Magdeburg, Germany
Kiel, Germany
Hamborn, Germany .....
Stuttgart, Germany
Zwickau, Germany
Ludwigshafen, Germany
Waldenburg-Schles, Ger
Herne, Germany
Danzig, Germany
Stettin, Germany
Breslau. Germany ..........
Freiberg Br.. Germany
Frankfurt. Mam. Ge".
Bochum u. Umgebg. Ger. ...j.66
Mannheim, Germany
Planitz Sa. Germany 164
Dortmund, G er111 a n y
Hannover. Germany
Wilhelmshaven, Germany ...J 58
Augsburg. Germany
Bremerhaven. Germany
Aue u. Umgebg. Germany ....150
Katlsruhe, Germany
Wanne u. Umgebg. Ger
Freital Sa. Germany
Barmen, Germany
Limbach, Germany
Pforzheim, Germany
Konigsburg Pr. Germany ....112
Remscheid, Germany
Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Kirchlengern, Germany
Halle, Saale, Germany
Gottesberg, Germany
Falkenstein Vogtl Ger
Burgstadt Sa. Germany ...
Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
Plauen, Germany
Freiberg Sa Germany
Schwerin, Gennany
Gera. Germany
Pirna Sa., Gennany
Velten u. Umgebg., Ger
Siegen, Germany
Witten, Ruhr, Germany
Essen-Altenessen, Germany
Oberhausen, Get many ....
Wehoien, Germany
Flensburg, Gennany
Ludwigsburg, Germany
Waldenburg Sa , Germany ....82
Bremen, Germany ...
Treuen, Vogtl., Germany
Lubeck, Germany
Gustrow, Germany
Erkenschwick, Germany
Prosen. Elstcrw erda, Ger
Marienberg, Westerw., Ger.
Goppingen, Germany
Crimmitschau, Germany
Memel, Germany
Erfurt, Gennany
Kolberg, Germany
Marienwerder, Germany
New York, N. Y. (German)
Osterfeld, Germany
Cleveland, Ohio (German)
Btinde, Germany
Zeitz, Germany
Herten, Gennany
Gorlitz, Germany
Reutlingen, Germany
Speyer, Germany
E'ickhorst, Germany ....
Cassel, Germany
Glauchau Sa., Germany
Duisburg, Germany
Bielefeld, Germany
Hennigsdorf u. Umgebg., Ger. 61
Lengenfeld u. Umg., Ger
Hirschberg Schles , Ger
Kirchberg Sa., Gennany
Oranienburg, Germany
Sterkrade, Germany ..
Hartmannsdorf, Germany ....58
Heilbronn, Germany
Wilkau Sa., Germany
Buer-Resse, Germany
Insterburg, Germany
Stargard Pom., Gennany
Vienenburg, Gennany
Konstanz, Germany
Vegesack, Germany
Bottrop, Germany
Gestringen, Gennany
Hildesheim, Germany
Reichenbach Vogtl., Ger
Esslingen, Germany
Liegnitz, Germany
Meerane, Germany
Offenbach, Gennany
Neumunster, Gennany
Oldenburg u. Umg., Ger
Altenburg, Germany
Lodz, Polen, (Deutsche)
Chicago, Ill. (German)
Tilsit, Germany
Traunstein, Germany
Bitterfeld, Germany ......
Ebersw’alde b. Berlin, Ger
Heidelberg, Germany ^....49
Singen, Hohentwiel. Ger
Schirgiswalde. Gennany
Schwenningen. Germany .. . . 48
Wildenau. Cerrmny .
Buflalo. N. Y. (German)
Uszloknen, Memelgeb . Ger. . 47
Lorrach, Germany
Wismar, Germany
Wittenberge. Germany
Darmstadt. Germany
Neukirchen, Germany ...
Schlawe Pom., Germany
Bautzen, Gennany
Gladbeck. Germany
Gotha, Germany
Jena, Germany
Wagersrott, Germany
Ingolstadt, Gennany
Keslin, Germany
Rheinberg-Meerbeck, Ger
Weissenfels. Germany
Wiescherhofen, Germany
Altdamm. Germany
Obercrinitz, Germany
Rohlinghausen, Germany
Schonebeck, Germany
Auerbach Vogtl., Gennany ....40
Frankfurt, Oder, Germany
Gollnow, Germany .. ...
Hochlannark, Germany
Holzminden, Germany
Lohne, Gennany
Mulheim, Ruhr, Germany
Rollinghausen, Germany'
Ruminelsburg, Germany
Zwunitz u. Umgebg. Ger
Gehlenbeck, Germany
Lingen, Germany
Wernigerode, Germany
Friedeberg Nm., Germany ....38
Kehl, Rhein, Germany’ .. ..
Bublitz, Pom , Germany
Wehdel, Gennany
Kaiserslautern, Germany
Pirmasens, Germany
Eisleben, Germany
Wermelskirchen, Gennany ....36
Altona, Germany
Eutin, Germany
Hohenstein-E., Germany
Sensburg. Germany
Suderwich, Germany
Tapiau, Gennany
Vlotha, Germany
Wildau, Germany
Belgard a. Pers., Germany —.34
Camper, Man., Can. (German) 34
Dinslaken, Germany
Eisenach, Germany
Emmendingen, Germany
Lobnitz Erzgeb., Ger
Penig, Germany’
Walsum, Germany
Aschersleben, Germany
Baden-Baden, Germany
Ickern, Gennany .... .
Neustadt Sa., Germany’
Nordhorn, Germany
Steinperf, Germany
Warmbrunn, Germany
Weigelsdorf, Germany
Zwornewitz, Germany
Gunnigfeld, Germany
Spandau, Germany
Wesel, Germany’
Dessau, Germany
Mulheim-Dumpten, Ger
Ebersbrunn, Germany
Grunhain, Germany
Hagenow, Germany
Hausberge, Germany
Herringen, Germany
Meuselwitz, Germany
Ottendorf, Germany
Siemianowice, Germany
O. Sclil. (j. Polen)
Zittau, Germany
Einfeld, Germany
Greiz, Germany
Ichenhausen, Germany
Naumburg, Germany’
Saalfeld, Saale, Germany
Philadelphia, Pa. (German) ..28
Datteln, Germany
Forst, Germany
Mucheln Ber. Halle, Germany 28
Munster, Germany
Osnabriick, Germany
Rothenkirehen, Germany
Rostock, Germany
Ilm, Donau, Germany
Blankenloch, Germany
Friedrichstadt, Germany
Gmund-Aalen, Germany .
Iserlohn, Germany ....
Crefeid, Gonnany
Plaschken Memelgeb.. Ger
Wasserleben, Germany
Worms, Germany
Basenheim, Germany
Lauban, Germany
Marktredw’itz, Germany’
Rotta-Kemberg, Germany
Solingen, Germany
Einsw’arden, Germany
Grossgrimdlach, Germany
Hiits, Germany
Kdln a. Rhein, Germany
Merseburg, Germany
Neiv York, N.Y. (Greek) ....94
Athens, Greece (Greek)
Chicago, 111. (Greek) ...
Manchester, N. H. (Greek) ....40
Pittsburgh, Pa. (Greek)
Boston, Mass. (Greek)
Youngstown, O. (Greek)
Xiliki, Greece (Greek)
St. George’s, Grenada
Detroit, Mich. (Hungarian)..115 Plamesviile, O. (Hungarian)..54
Cle\eland, O. (Hungarian) ....48
W. Brownsville, Pa. (Lun.)..35
Barberton, O. (Hungarian) ....31 Bridgeport, Conn. (Hun.) ....28 Duquesne, Pa. (Hungarian)....27 Amsterdam, Holland ..............70
Ceylon, India
Belfast, Ireland
Buffalo, N. Y. (Italian)
Rochester, N. Y. (Italian) ..126 Philadelphia, Pa. (Italian) ..55 Lawrence, Mass. (Italian) ....31 Brooklyn, N. Y. (Italian) ....28 Hartford, Conn. (Italian) ......25
Chicago, Ill. (Lithuanian) ..143 Cleveland, O. (Lithuan an) ..30
Detroit, Mich. (Lithuan.an). 26
Brooklyn, N. Y. (Lithuanian) 25
Christ Church, New Zealand 27
Wellington, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
Oslo, Norw’ay
Skien, Norway
Bergen, Norway
Trondhjem, Norway
Arendal, Norway
Colon, Panama
Chicago, Ill. (Polish)
Detroit, Mich. (Polish!
Cleveland, Ohio (Polish)
Milwaukee, Wis. (Polish) ....136
Warsaw’, Poland
Nanticoke, Pa. (Polish)
Bruay, France (Polish)
Peru, Ill. (Polish)
Buffalo, N. Y. (Polish)
Sallaumines, France (Polish) 82
Brooklyn, N. Y, (Polish)
Philadelphia, Pa. (Polish) ....68
Kracow, Poland ........-
Pittsburgh, Pa. (Polish)
Toledo, Ohio (Polish)
Calumet, Ill. (Polish)
Flers, France (Polish)
Maries, France (Polish)
Barlin, France (Polish)
Providence, R. I. (Polish) ...36
Perth Amboy, N.J. (Polish) ..34
Erie, Pa. (Polish) ...
Minneapolis, Minn. (Polish) ..33
Pullman, Ill. (Polish) ..
South Bend, Ind. (Polish) ....33
Gary, Ind. (Polish) .. ...
Hamilton. Ont., Can. (Polish) 32
Hatley, Wis. (Polish)
Kenosha. Wis. (Polish)
Lorain, Ohio (Polish) ..
Akron, Ohio (Polish)
Black Rock, N. Y. (Polish) ..27
Junction City, Wis. (Polish)..26
Vulcan, Rumania
Corjeuti, Rumania
Aninoasa, Rumania
Cluj, Rumania
lapa, Rumania
Targul-Mure? Rumania
Baia-Mare si jur, Rumania .. 92
Criva §i jur, Rumania ...... 77
Rodna-Veche, Rumania
Jimborul-Mare ?i jur. Ru
Campu-Negru si jur. Ru
(To be continued.)
PAUL WRITES TO THE PHILIPPIANS
■---September 6—Philippians, chapters 1 to 4----
TRINITARIAN DOCTRINE NOT TAUGHT--PAUL S OWN COURSE OF HUMILIATION—HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS CHRIST’S
FOLLOWERS.
“I can do all things in him that strengthened me.”—Philippians 13, A. S. V.
PAUL loved all the churches, but the church in Philippi had a special place in his heart. It represented his first work in Europe; and the bond of love was strengthened by their mutual joy in the Lord. The epistle to the Philippians is the freest and most personal of all of St. Paul’s epistles to the churches. To them he can speak freely of his love, and tell them that they are his joy and crown.
2 The letter is one of the “captivity” epistles, written during the time of Paul’s first Roman imprisonment, and therefore long after Paul was first in Philippi. It is written out of the fulness of his experience. The particular occasion of the letter was to thank the brethren in Philippi for their care for him in his necessity (Philippians 4:18); and at the same time to exhort them to lay more secure hold of the hope set before them.
2 In the matter of care for Paul the Philippian church has an honorable place. Without doubt all the churches loved that ardent servant of the Lord; but not all loved him equally well, and it seems as if it were only Philippi which took care for him. They followed him with their gifts as well as with their prayers. They had sent a message to him at Rome to tell him of their love as well as to show it by their gift—a wise thing, for many a love-gift loses much of its value because it is expected to speak for itself. This care must often have cheered and encouraged Paul, and have been one of the things which made his hard life easier to bear. The fire which was lit on the first visit, through his imprisonment, always burned brightly.—Philippians 1: 5.
4 In writing to the Philippians Paul had no errors of doctrine to correct for them, and therefore the epistle is not like those to the Galatians and to the Corinthians, where the brethren had fallen under the spell of false teachers. But the Philippians, though they all loved Paul, needed to be reminded of their obligation to love each other. The apostle was very desirous that both he and they should complete the race successfully. He tells them of his own hopes and strivings, and urges them to run as he does that they may obtain their reward.
5 Paul tells them what is necessary to do this: They must stand fast together; they must strive together for the faith of the Gospel (Philippians 1: 28) ; for it is only by so doing that they will be able to stand. The fight of the enemy is against the church, and no man can fight that battle single-handed. Paul appeals to them to be of one mind, of one accord. (Philippians 2:2) When one thinks too highly of himself he is in great danger; such a tendency often brings disaster to oneself, and is harmful to any community. To avoid this, let everyone think more highly of his brother than he does of himself; let none think as much of his own affairs as he does of his brother’s welfare.—Philippians 2: 3, 4.
TRINITARIAN DOCTRINE NOT TAUGHT
0 To state the need for humility, and to show its value in God’s sight, and how he rewards it, Paul then writes a passage which has been made to support the doctrine of the Trinity, that darkening error which assumes that Jesus and God are essentially the same, two manifestations of one person; and therefore the text has been made to mean exactly the opposite of what the apostle said. Paul says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,” who, being in the form of God, had no thought of assuming authority not given to him. (Philippians 2:6) Jesus willingly submitted to Jehovah’s will in his plan for human redemption, which involved the prospect that Jesus should divest himself of his great reputation in heaven to become a man. This Jesus did; and, further, when a man he as willingly submitted to be deprived of human reputation, even to suffering the shameful death of the cross. He lived for the glory of his Father, and willingly suffered for man’s sake. Because of this, God highly exalted him, and gave him a name above every name.
7 To avoid the plain meaning of the passage, and so as not to have an open contradiction of their doctrine of the trinity, the translators of various versions have made the text say that Jesus did not think it “robbery” to be like God—a foolish statement; as if he felt himself to be of lesser dignity, but yet had a perfect right to the highest place. One phase of God could not rob another, nor would want to do so. Nor could one person in a trinity of divine equals reward another for humility. Truth is grand, but error becomes ridiculous.
8 The Philippian brethren, ardent lovers of Paul and of the Lord as they were, had allowed jealousies and rivalries and misunderstandings to affect their lives. Paul knew that wherever these things exist there is lack of that humility which is necessary to be pleasing to God. “Wherefore, my beloved, . . . work out your salvation [as Jesus did] with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) He also reminded them of those false teachers, whom he had no hesitancy in describing as dogs and evil workers, who would deceive them and destroy the vision of the hope, and thus the hope itself.
9 After telling of the Lord’s humiliation, he tells of his own course. He had given up much that was dear to him, but he had seen its utter worthlessness. Many a man has foolishly boasted of what he has done, and of the sacrifices he has made; but Paul was so sure he stood right with the Lord that he could speak of himself as an example of sacrifice and willingness to suffer (Philip-pians 3 : 17); even as he said on another occasion: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”—1 Corinthians 11: 1.
10 In the passage set for our study Paul tells how he came to see the worthlessness of the things in which he formerly trusted; then he tells of his present hope, and his confidence of sharing the glory to come. He says: “If any man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more.” (Philippians 3:4) He recounts his standing in Israel, tells of his earnestness in the Law, his zeal, and his persecution of the church, and says that touching the righteousness which is of the Law he led a blameless life. Certainly Saul of Tarsus did not have the spirit of the law; for he had not learned what it meant to love his neighbor as himself. But when he finally saw the gift of God in Christ, whatever things he had counted gain actually became loss, and as dross which must be cast away.
11 Then he tells them of the hope that works in him, and how he would exchange anything he could have in order to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, to have the fellowship of his sufferings, and to be made conformable unto his death. For he wishes to attain to the same resurrection as Jesus had; that is, the out-resurrection (exanaslasin), the resurrection out from among the dead; for the resurrection of Jesus is always spoken of in the New Testament as being out from (among) the dead.—See Diaglott.
12 Paul tells the Philippians that he still counts himself as one who has not attained that for which he was apprehended by God in Christ; but he always presses ou toward the mark which has been set, the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and has a confident expectation of being joined to the Lord and being made like him. (Philippians 3 :14) He urges them to follow him as he follows Christ.—Philippians 3:17.
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