The Watchtower, October 15, 1925
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WT.B.ST.S
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 (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. . . When ye see 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 21-25-31.
Vol. XLVI
Sem i-Monthly
No. 20
Anno Mundi 6954 - October 15, 1925
CONTENTS
......ROCK OF.AGES
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ALR AN SO M. FOR A L
Conventions ...................................
Springfield ...................................
Indianapolis ...............................
Service Day .................................
Message of Hope .......................
Public Meeting ...........................
Paul’s Voyage and Shipwreck ... Paul in Melita and Rome ...........
Paul’s Summary of His Life ... Prayer-Meeting Text Comments Interesting Letters .....................
Notice of Annual Meeting .......
World Witness .............................
Southern Convention ...-............
31S .319
“I trill stand upon tny watch and will set my foot upon the Tower, and will watch to see tchat He will say unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me.”—Habakkuk 2:1.
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIS journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now being presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch 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: 1115; 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdonf 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; tor 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 th$ 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 hut 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.
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.
PUBLISHED By
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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. W. E. Van Amburgh, J. ITemery, 11 Bxrbeii, C. E Stewart. Terms to the Lord’s Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of old age or oilier iiiiirmiiy or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, will be supplied tree 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. , ______ . —--.——■
Notice to Subscribers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt ana entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper label. - .--**- ■ ■ ‘ • * ’ ■ - --
Entered as Second Class Matterat Brooklyn. N.Y Postoffice., Act o/March
ANNUAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, as provided by law and the charter of said Society, will be held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 10: 00 o’clock a. m., Saturday, October 31, 1925, to transact any business that may properly come before the said meeting.
[Signed] W. E. Van Amburgh, Secretary, Brooklyn, N. Y. September 1, 1925
WORLD WITNESS
Sunday, November 29th, 1925, is the next world-wide witness day following the witness on October 11th, which has already been announced. The subject on November 29th will be “The Highway to Life". It is requested that all the classes prepare for this public witness and point out the way to the people that leads to the kingdom.
SOUTHERN CONVENTION
As heretofore announced the Society will hold a convention at Wilmington, N. C., October 22nd to 25th, inclusive. It is expected that this convention will be addressed by Brothers Rutherfoid, Wise, Van Amburgh, Kendall. Barber, and others. It will serve for the fellowship and benefit of the brethren living in the South. It. is held at a season of the year when the climate is delightful. For the benefit of those who may wish to arrange their railroad transportation we make the following announcement:
Special rates of one full fare going and half fare returning have been granted by the railroads in the following territory ; viz: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and from Washington, D. C. Going ticket must be purchased on the dates October 19th to 24th, and all tickets expire al midnight October 28th. At the time of purchase of going ticket be stfre to ask the ticket agent for a certificate for each member of your party, including children between the ages of five and twelve years. (Do not ask for a receipt.) This certificate will be endorsed by Brother K. H. Barber at the convention and validated by the special agent of the railroads, Mr. C. M. Acker, depot ticket agent at Wilmington, N. C. The validation dates are October 22nd to 24th When properly endorsed these certificates will entitle the holder to purchase a return ticket at one-half of going fare, over the same route traversed on going trip. Children between five and twelve years will be charged one-half of the adult fare, but must have a certificate in order to secure the special return rate. No certificates will be validated after October 24th.
Some of the smaller railroad stations will not have the certificates on hand. In such cases you will need to purchase a full fare ticket to the nearest point where ticket agent will have certificates on hand. Ask your ticket agent about this in advance. It will also be necessary to be at the ticket office early so as to give the agent time to make out the special tickets and fill in the necessary information on th.e certificates.
For information concerning boa’ 1 end lodging write J. A. Price, P. O. Box No. 400, Wilmington, N. C.
conventions to be addressed by brother rutherford
Wilmington, N. C., October 22-25. J. A. Price, P. O. Box No. 406.
Buffalo, N. Y. November 15, H. A. O’Brien, 119 Riley St.
CONVENTIONS
"‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.”—Nehemiah 8:10.
MEMBERS of the new creation who are zealous for the Lord are ever increasing in their appreciation of conventions. This is even as it should be. When Christians assemble for the purpose of gaining more knowledge of the Lord’s Word and growing in the spirit of the Lord results are certain to be beneficial. The joy of the Lord really means to enter fully into the spirit of what the Lord is now doing.
Following his resurrection the Lord ascended into heaven. In obedience to his Father’s will he must remain, and did remain, inactive against the great enemy Satan until God’s due time for him to act. For many long centuries he must watch the nefarious and wicked course of the Devil and observe how his organization oppresses mankind. He must observe the defamation heaped upon his Father’s name. He must wait until the time arrives for him to take his power and reign. This time came in 1914. It follows then that he would immediately set about the task of taking possession of that which is rightfully his own.
The establishment of the new heaven and new earth means the complete vindication of his Father’s name and must lead to the full relief of humanity. Knowing this the heart of God’s beloved Son is thrilled with joy.
Among the joys set before him prior to his becoming the Redeemer of mankind was that of having his bride, the church. Prior to 1918 there was a great preparatory work in progress, resulting in the gathering together of the people who have made a covenant with the Lord by sacrifice. (Psalm 50:5) In 1918 our Lord came to his temple and there began the examination of those who had agreed to do his Father’s will. We understand that since then as one is approved he comes under the robe of righteousness. Our Lord’s words prophetically spoken concerning the new creation show that he would find some faithful, and that to such he would say: 'You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter [now] into the joy of your Lord.’ Thereafter and forward mark the work of the church foreshadowed by Elisha.
Those who do the Elisha work must have, and do possess, a greater measure of the Lord’s spirit than those who preceded them. Where there is an increased measure of the spirit of the Lord there is necessarily increased joy in the Lord. It logically follows then that the Elisha class, meaning those who are doing the Lord’s work in the Elisha period, must increase in the joy of the Lord. These more fully appreciate the force of the prophet’s statement, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
We should expect greater joy to be manifested at conventions from year to year. Anything else would be disappointing. When it is found that the brethren are really entering into the joy of the Lord and are appreciating the fact that the Lord is now establishing his kingdom, and that they have a part in announcing this great truth to the world, we may count such joy as a result of the Lord’s approval. It is also to be expected that those who murmur and complain and find fault with what is being done, who gossip and speak evil of their brethren, will gradually separate themselves from those who have the spirit of the Lord and who are joyfully doing his work. Recent conventions have proven the correctness of this conclusion.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
The Society held a convention at Springfield, Massachusetts, August 13-16 inclusive. This convention was intended especially for the consecrated residing in the New England states and the eastern provinces of Canada. The attendance was largely from that territory. Conventions were held by the Society in 1913 and again in 1915 at Springfield. The convention of 1925 was by far the greatest and the best. Those who attended the former, as well as the latter, conventions were heard to remark that the former conventions had been good and blessed, but that the latter was far better and more blessed. This must necessarily be so because the truly consecrated, who are walking in the light as the Lord unfolds it, have a deeper appreciation of what the Lord is doing; and with joy they enter into the spirit thereof.
The attendance at the Springfield convention of 1925 numbered approximately 2500. Springfield’s splendid City Auditorium was furnished to the Society free of charge. This was due to the good offices of the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention Committee of Springfield. The citizens opened their homes for our brethren, and they were treated with unusual kindness and consideration. We have every reason to believe that those
who attended the convention made a good impression on the people.
Brother R. H. Barber was chairman of the convention, and was assisted by Brother John Dawson. In addition to the chairman the convention was also addressed by Brothers Zuehlke, Van Amburgh, AV. N. Wood worth, Hudgings, Coward, Dinsdale, Haslett and Sullivan, and by Brother Rutherford. The friends manifested a deep appreciation of the discourses by the fact that they gave close attention. The baptismal discourse was delivered by Brother Coward, after which fifty-three symbolized their consecration by being immersed in water.
Saturday afternoon Brother Rutherford gave a discourse on the subject, “The King in Action,” based upon the 110th Psalm, in which he pointed out the order of God’s plan and particularly the waiting of God’s beloved Son until the Father’s due time to carry out each feature of his plan. The point was made that Jesus by his obedient course had taught a great lesson to the church; namely, that after he ascended on high, with him time was no more, but that he willingly submitted to the Father and waited nearly 1900 years before beginning action to oust the great enemy and to establish his own kingdom; that the Lord has given his people certain points in chronology; that the fulfilment of prophecy shows the dates 1914, 1918 and 1925 to be clearly marked; that the Scriptures nowhere show just what day or year the glorification of the church takes place; therefore that with the passing of 1925 time is no more so far as the church is concerned.
We know that the King is here; that he is beginning the great work of ousting the adversary; and that it is the privilege of the church to sing joyfully the praises of Jehovah and the Lord Jesus and point the world to the fact that the kingdom will relieve them of their present distress and bring the desire of all honest hearts. Those who appreciate this fact have entered into the joy of the Lord, and the joy of the Lord is their strength.
On Sunday morning a question meeting was held, and the questions clearly manifested a deep and careful study of the Scriptures. Sunday afternoon was the public meeting; and this meeting, together with the friends, wras attended by about 4000 people. Splendid interest was shown by those who attended. The brethren at Springfield had done well in preparing for this convention. All who attended wrcre greatly refreshed, and returned to their homes rejoicing that the Lord had permitted them to come together now to have Some sweet fellowship and encourage them to press on for the general assembly of the church of the first-born, where there will be no separation.
INDIANAPOLIS
The general convention of the Society for 1925 was held at Indianapolis, Indiana, August 21-31 inclusive. For several weeks prior thereto many of the consecrated had their minds and hearts set upon this convention; and when the convention opened, fully 5000 of the consecrated were present. Approximately 8000 of the friends attended at different times during the convention, and at the public meeting on Sunday upwards of 10,000 were present.
The convention was opened on Monday evening wuth an address of welcome by the Mayor of the city of Indianapolis. He expressed great satisfaction at seeing such a splendid class of people assembled for Bible study. He extended all the courtesies of the city to those who attended. We were advised that later a colporteur sister presented the Mayor with a set of our books, and that he was greatly impressed with the same and showed much feeling at having been so kindly remembered by a body of Christian people.
From time to time we see evidences of the fulfilment of the parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Where one renders a kindness to one of the Lord’s little ones because that one is a follower of the Master, the Lord will not forget such a one. The sheep disposition thus manifested is pleasing to our Lord, and at the proper time he will fitly reward every like deed of kindness.
In contrast to the course of the Mayor was that of many of the clergymen of Indianapolis. The good people of Indianapolis had opened their homes and had placed their rooms at the disposal of the convention committee for the benefit of those who attended. The clergymen of the city visited their parishioners, and advised them not to permit the Bible Students to have lodging in their homes. Some of them made the announcement from their pulpits. But the good people of Indianapolis did not give heed to their false shepherds. Here clearly was an example of an attempt to do injury to some because they are the professed followers of Christ Jesus. It seems strange that anyone who believes the Scriptures would have difficulty in seeing the two examples of the sheep and the goats. The Lord is not unmindful of a kindness or an unkindness shown to his people. God’s children are the apple of his eye, and he will not permit to be passed unnoticed the treatment of those who are trying to be witnesses for him.
For some weeks the Indianapolis brethren composing the committee had worked diligently to make preparations for the convention. They did their work well, and the Lord rewarded them. All sessions of the convention were held in Cadle Auditorium. Midday meetings were held in the English Opera House, which meetings were addressed by the speakers of the convention. The attendance at these noonday meetings was good and much interest manifested. Radio Station AV F B M kindly offered to the Society the use of its station for one hour and a half for five evenings during the week of the convention. This invitation was accepted; and programs arranged by our own directors, both music and lectures, were broadcast at the times indicated.
Brother C. J. Woodworth was chairman of the convention, assisted by Brothers H. E. Hazlett and AV. F.
Hudgings. In addition to these brethren the convention was also addressed by Brothers Wise, Murray, Macmillan, Stewart, Harbeck, B. M. Rice, Riemer, VanAmburgh, Pelle, Martin, Donald, Salter, Thornton, Thorn, Bohnet, V. Schmidt, Van Sipma, Robie, Franz, Coward and Houston, and by Brother Rutherford. The addresses of the brethren were well received, and the attention given to them was unusual.
The Hungarian brethren held a convention at the same time in another hall, attended by approximately 200 brethren, and had a very enjoyable and profitable season of fellowship together.
If any gossipers, fault-finders, or murmurers attended this convention they did not make themselves known. Doubtless the adversary had a few representatives there, but they got no encouragement. Every session of the convention was attended by the brethren. They kept closely to their seats. No one was standing on the outside engaged in conversation. Every one seemed to realize that he or she had come there to get a blessing and to participate in giving a blessing to others. Without a question of a doubt the order at this convention was better that at any other held in America. It was fully equal to that at Magdeburg, Germany. It is gratifying to see this great improvement in the brethren. At other conventions there has been a disposition to visit aside from the convention hall, but this was entirely absent at the Indianapolis convention.
Another thing was conspicuous by its absence, namely, the signing of names to Manna books. No one seemed tu be willing to waste precious time by writing names in each other’s books nor even asking that it be done. They had something important at hand.
The friends more and more seemed to appreciate the fact that the Lord had brought together his people to feed them, and that they would be missing much if they stayed away from any sessions. The spirit of the Lord, which is to be expected of the Elisha class, was clearly manifest at this convention. It can be truthfully said that this was the best convention ever held in America. Without doubt the brethren went home stronger in the Lord than when they came, and more determined than ever to press on in the fight.
During the convention an address was delivered by Brother Rutherford on “The Pouring Out of the Holy Spirit”. This address will subsequently appear in The Watch To web.. The point was emphasized that we now see a fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy; and amongst other points was mentioned this, to wit: ‘Their old men shall dream dreams and the young men shall see visions.’ In commenting on this part of the text the speaker said, in substance, that some came to the conclusion that after 1916 there was no more light to be had upon the Scriptures and that since then they have taken no active part in the Lord’s service; that they have contented themselves with dreaming of the blessedness that they would enjoy when they go to heaven; and that these are they who dream dreams; that they are old, not necessarily in years, not necessarily old in the truth, but old because they fail or refuse to progress with the Lord’s increased light upon his Word. The young men are those who, full of vigor and zeal for the Lord, appreciate the fact that the Lord is feeding his church; and they diligently strive to walk in the light and to serve faithfully in whatsoever way the Lord permits them to do; that these see visions, that is to say, they have a clearer view of God’s plan and a deeper appreciation of the same.
During the testimony meetings that followed this discourse many were heard to say that they did not want to be dreamers, but that they are anxious to be active and zealous in the Lord’s service.
SERVICE DAY
Friday the 27th was Service Day. Approximately 2500 of the friends engaged in the field service work. They assembled at the Auditorium at 7 o’clock in the morning. A great number of automobiles had been provided to take the brethren to the country. After the assembly had listened to a brief address by Brother Rutherford they divided themselves into companies and hurried away to their territory. Brother Johnson, who had charge of the service organization, had carefully assigned the territory to each party. The canvassers, after spending a good part of the day in the field, assembled in the evening at the Cadle Auditorium for a testimony meeting. It was then found that the sale of books during the day exceeded 33,000 volumes. This was considered an unusually good result in view of the population in and about Indianapolis. A great many people in that vicinity belonged to what is known as the Friends’ Church. Many of these seem to be content with their present condition. They are satisfied with their hellfire doctrine. However there are some amongst them who are seeking the truth, and this is clearly indicated by the number that availed themselves of the opportunity to have the books.
TOTAL SALES
The report from Brother Johnson, service director of the convention, of the total sale of books on Service Day, is as follows:
334 sets of Seven Volumes _________________________________..2338
The Harp of God __________________________________
Comfort for the People
World Distress—Why? ______________________________________
A Desirable Government..........
Hell booklet ........... ...3602
Our Lord's Return ...... ...2761
Miscellaneous........
Zgs ______________________________________.......... ..3800
Sold at public meeting
33435
Microphones or voice amplifiers were so placed in the auditorium that every one could hear the speakers. One was provided for those who testified. Brethren formed a line and marched before the microphone, each taking his or her turn to give testimony. The testimonies showed what great joy was in the hearts of the brethren, particularly those who engaged in the service day work. Many interesting testimonies were given, but space forbids us here setting them out.
The baptismal discourse was delivered by Brother V. Schmidt and .at the conclusion 125 symbolized their covenant of sacrifice by water immersion.
Sunday morning there was a consecration of the children. A large number of these dear ones were brought by their parents, who in the presence of witnesses dedicated them to the Lord. This is a happy thing to do for the little* ones. It means that the parents, who themselves belong to the Lord, are saying to the Lord, “This child is thine because I am thine; all I have is thine; and now do for my child, please, what I cannot do.” It places upon the parents a responsibility and a keener appreciation of that responsibility than before. The parents now realize that the instruction of the child in matters pertaining to the kingdom is an obligation which they have voluntarily taken upon themselves and which should be performed.
The consecration service was followed by a question meeting conducted by the President of the Society. Many interesting questions were propounded. These showed a deep study of the Scriptures by the major portion of the brethren. Amongst other questions this one was asked: “Is it more important to use the Sunday School lesson as a Berean study or to use the first article in The Watch Tower as a Berean study?” Instead of answering this question directly Brother Rutherford aaid to the audience that long ago the Sunday School lessons were taken up and treated by Brother Russell because they were selected by the International Committee and were not treated according to the truth, and that it was thought well for The Watch Tower to treat the subject according to the truth; but that these lessons do not always furnish meat in due season. But as to the first article in The Watch Tower an endeavor is made to treat such matters as are of particular importance at the time.
The audience was then asked to express its view as to what it thought as to the relative importance of the Sunday School lesson or the leading article. One person voted for the Sunday School lessons, and all the others voted in favor of the first article in The Watch Tower. No one should take this to mean that the Sunday School lesson should not be studied. The fact that The Watch Tower publishes a comment of the Sunday School lesson is proof that it is deemed important and that all these comments are helpful and edifying to those that study them. The Watch Tower would therefore recommend that where the class can provide for two Berean studies, one of these have the Sunday School lesson and the other the leading article. Probably the Sunday School lessons could be taken in mid-week and the first article on. Sunday Berean study.
MESSAGE OF HOPE
The outstanding feature of the convention was the adoption of a resolution under the title, “Message of Hope.” This was preceded by a discourse delivered by Brother Rutherford on the subject, “A Call to Action,” based on the prophecy of Isaiah 62:10. At the conclusion of the address the resolution was read. Upon motion duly put the convention unanimously, by rising vote, adopted the resolution. We here set it out in full:
To All Peoples of Good Will :
The International Bible Students in general convention assembled send greetings:
When in the course of human affairs the nations have reached a condition of extremity it is due time that the peoples give consideration to the inducing causes, to the proffered remedies and to the true remedy. We humbly invite consideration of this message, to the end that the peoples might find consolation therein and hope for their future welfare.
For centuries man has been the victim of oppression, war, famine, sickness, sorrow and death. At all times he has desired peace, prosperity, health, life, liberty and happiness.
World powers, science and philosophy, commerce and religion have each in turn offered its respective remedies for man’s relief. In the name and under the guise of democracy, these combine in offering their joint and several powers to meet the requirements of man. Together they claim to be the sunlight of the world, holding forth all the light that shines to enlighten and guide the human race.
Intrigue, duplicity and trickery are freely resorted to by the political and commercial powers; science and philosophy are marked by vanity and self-sufficiency; while the religionists, both Catholic and Protestant, are conspicuous by their arrogance, self-conceit, impiety and ungodliness. Therefore, it is apparent that the remedies offered by any and all of these aforementioned elements are vain, impotent and powerless to satisfy man’s desire.
Catholicism claims and assumes that which justly belongs exclusively to God. Modernists deny God, deny His Word and His plan of redemption, and offer blind force as a remedy for man’s undone condition. Fundamentalists, while professing to believe the Bible, by their course.of action deny the same. They teach false and God dishonoring doctrines, and together with Catholics and Modernists are allied with the political and commercial powers of the world in blasphemously claiming the ability to establish God’s kingdom on earth. All of these have combined under Satan their superlord to push God into a corner and to dishonor his name.
The results are that the peoples are smarting under the oppressive weight of commercial profiteers and their allies, have lost faith in their political leaders, and no longer have respect for the religionists who have misled them. Being guided by the false light of such an ungodly and unholy alliance, the peoples have fallen into darkness. They are like lost sheep scattered upon the mountain tops without a shepherd, and are without food and shelter and are made the prey of wild beasts.
The causes for this deplorable condition are that man by reason of original sin fell from perfection; and that Satan the enemy of God and all righteousness is the invisible ruler or god of this evil world, and by his various agencies has turned the minds of many peoples away from God and from His truth.
The greatest crisis of the ages is impending and about to fall; because the old world has ended and Satan’s lease of power is done. Knowing this, and that his time Is short, the Devil is trying to overwhelm the peoples with a great flood of false and deceptive doctrines and to turn their minds completely away from Jehovah. The time has come for God to make for himself a name in the earth and for the peoples to know the truth concerning the divine plan, which is the only means of salvation for the world.
Therefore, in the name and in the spirit of the Lord, the Standard of God’s truth and righteousness is lifted here up against the enemy and for the benefit of the peoples, which standard is to wit:
That Jehovah is the only true God, the Most High, the Almighty, the Author and Finisher of his great plan for the salvation of man, and is the Rewarder of all that diligently seek and obey him; that the Bible is his revealed Word of Truth; that his beloved Son Christ Jesus is the Redeemer and Deliverer of mankind and, true to his promise, has come to rule and bless the peoples; that the present turmoil, distress and perplexity of the nations is m fulfilment of prophecy, proving that Satan’s empire is breaking down and that the Lord of Righteousness is taking possession ; that the Lord Jesus Christ is now establishing his righteous government, and will sweep away Satan’s stronghold of lies, lead the peoples into the true light, and judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with his truth ; and that his kingdom of righteousness is the only remedy for the ills of humankind.
We confidently appeal to the peoples to rally to the divine standard of truth thus lifted up, and thereby learn the way that leads to life and happiness. We call upon all the peoples of good will of every nation, kindred and tongue, to discard the errors invented by the enemy Satan, and for many years taught by man, and to receive and believe the divine plan for salvation as set forth in the Scriptures.
God’s kingdom, for which the peoples have long prayed, is at hand. It alone can and will establish and stabilize the world so that it cannot be moved. Its ensign of righteousness is the standard now lifted up for the people. Christ Jesus, as glorified King and great executive officer of Jehovah God, has now become the rightful ruler of the world. Let the peoples receive, believe and obey him and bis laws of righteousness. All -who so do are certain to receive the blessings of peace, prosperity, health, life, liberty and eternal happiness.
When a standard is lifted for an army it is customary to sound the trumpet to attract the army to the rallying point. Under the jubilee arrangement that God made with Israel the year of jubilee opened with the sounding of the trumpet. We know that we are in the time of the antitypical jubilee. Whether we have the exact date correct or not is not the material thing. It seems to please the Lord that a message of hope and reconstruction should be given to the people at this time. The people of God must give this message because they are the anointed ones of him to declare his name. It seems appropriate therefore that the trumpet should be sounded by the Lord's people throughout the land on a day certain.
A trumpet is a symbol of a message. The message to be delivered to the people now is one of hope. Saturday, October 31st, is a day of peculiar interest to the church. It is appropriately a sabbath day according to the Law. It is calculated that by persistent and energetic action on the part of our force this “Message”, in the form of a tract, can be prepared and in the hands of all the classes in the United States, Canada and Great Britain a few days before October 31st. We therefore call upon the brethren everywhere to prepare to begin on Saturday, October 31st, to distribute this tract: Shipments will be made to each class as the tracts come off the press.
Service directors should begin at once to apportion the territory and assign various members of the classes to their respective territories; and let everyone of the consecrated be ready to participate in the distribution on this date.
The friends were greatly cheered by this resolution. As it states, it is addressed to all people of good will, and points out to them that the standards lifted up by the ecclesiastical systems and other organizations of the world are wholly unsatisfactory and that the standard of the Lord, namely, his message of truth, is the rallying point for the people and will lead them into the ways of life and happiness. It is to be hoped that this resolution will be distributed with much joy to those who participate in it and that it will bring blessings to others.
PUBLIC MEETING
On Sunday afternoon the President of the Society addressed the public. Preceding this address Brother Martin, acting chairman of the convention, road the resolution that had been adopted; and the public address was given in support of the resolution. This public address will be published in full in The Golden Age. The audience received this address with unusual attention ; and at the conclusion every person in the great auditorium by standing indicated his desire to see established a kingdom which will bring about the blessing that had been mentioned, and which is a part of the divine plan as revealed in the Scriptures. More than ?00 volumes were sold at the conclusion of the public meeting and many expressions of approval were heard. The Indianapolis Star carried a full report of the public discourse and the resolution in its issue of Mond v August 31st.
Sunday evening the convention was addressed by Brother Van Amburgh. Following this, Brother Rutherford made a few remarks and hade the convention goodnight. It was a sweet and blessed occasion with that great audience standing and together singing, “God be with you till we meet again,” and at the concluding verse giving the Chautauqua salute; and it impressed one with the sweet unity of those who are in the Lord. The joy of the Lord was clearly manifest upon every countenance. Many of them shed tears of joy. The comention concluded on Monday by an address by Brother Houston, and then the friends began their journey homeward.
This convention will long live in the memory of the consecrated. Indeed, it will be one of the green spots along the journey the church is making, and doubtless in the ages to come those who are so fortunate as to be o. the kingdom will look back to this convention as being one of the stepping-stones that helped them along the way of the Lord. The joy of the Lord now in their hearts will increase until standing in his holy presence; and by his blessed side these will realize fulness of joy and pleasures forevermore.
PAUL’S VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK
---December 6—Acts 27:1-44----
PAUL’S ADVICE NOT TAKEN—ALL SAVED THROUGH PAUL’S INTERCESSION—
“Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”—Matthew 7J
THERE were other prisoners in Caesarea then waiting an escort to Rome, and as soon as possible Paul and they were sent under the care of a centurion named Julius. Paul was accompanied by Luke, who seemed ever by his side, and by Aristarchus, a Macedonian brother. How many soldiers were sent we do not know. It was not possible to get a ship from Palestine to Rome; so a coasting vessel was taken with the expectation that a ship sailing to Italy might be had at one of the Asia Minor ports. The centurion was very courteous to Paul; and when the next day the ship touched at Sidon he entreated Paul to go to see his friends there and refresh himself. We may be sure both Paul and the brethren in Sidon enjoyed the hours of fellowship.
2 They met contrary winds immediately they left Sidon, but in time came to Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found an Egyptian wheat ship sailing from Alexandria to Italy, and the company was put on board. Still the winds either were not favorable or were contrary, and slow progress was made. With difficulty they made way along the coast of Crete, and sailing had now become dangerous; for the autumn winds were blowing strong. Paul spoke to the captain, to the owner of the ship and to the centurion of his doubts about the advisability of continuing the voyage. He had had much experience in those waters; for already he had been shipwrecked three times. (2 Corinthians 11:25) Besides this it was on his mind, quite evidently by the spirit of the Lord, that in attempting to continue the voyage there would come much injury and damage to the cargo and the ship, and also that the lives of all would be in jeopardy.
PAUL’S ADVICE NOT TAKEN
8 The master and the owner of the ship differed from Paul; and as the harbor of The Fair Havens, where they then were, was not commodious to winter in, the centurion, although inclined to.favor Paul’s judgment, thought it better to accept the mariner’s opinion; and naturally he wanted to get his charge to Rome as quickly as possible. Also they thought that they might reach a better harbor if they must winter in Crete. It happened that a favorable wind was then blowing; and they loosed off, sailing close by the coast. Soon the ship was caught in a tempestuous wind and they had to let her drive. They could hardly draw in the ship’s boat, and the seas so battered the ship that they had to undergird it by passing ropes round the stem to hold the timbers well together. Then fearing to be driven on the sands they lessened their sails, probably by lowering the main mast, and let the ship drive broadside at the god’s PROVIDENCE OVER HIS PEOPLE.
■ 07
mercy of the winds and waves On the third day so hard pressed were they that all hands, Paul and Luke helping, were called to east overboard the ship’s tackle; the mast was cast overboard. For many days and nights there was neither sun nor stars to be seen, and all hope of being saved was gone; the men were neither eating nor drinking.
4 Then in the midst of the storm Paul stood forth and told them that they ought to have harkened unto him and so have saved themselves from this harm and loss. Now he exhorted them to be of good cheer, and declared there should be no loss of any man’s life, but that certainly the ship would be a total loss. He said: “There stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Casar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” (Acts 27:23,24) Also he told them that they must be cast upon a certain island.
6 After fourteen days of driving helplessly before the storm, at midnight the sailors thought they drew near to some land; their quick ears detected a change in the sound of the waves. On sounding they found that'they were getting nearer and nearer land. Fearing lest they should be cast upon rocks they cast four anchors out of the stern and “wished for the day”. But the sailors had a plot to flee the ship, and had already let down the ship’s boat, pretending that they were about to cast anchors out of the foreship also. Paul saw what they* were doing, and at once told the centurion in the hearing of the soldiers that unless everybody aboard abode in the ship “ye cannot be saved”.
ALL SAVED THROUGH PAUL’S INTERCESSION
6 The lives of all were given into Paul’s hands, but he would not presume on this. He well understood that all possible measures for the saving of their lives must be taken. The help of the sailors would be necessary when in the morning they should make their attempt to run the ship ashore. The soldiers cut the ropes of the boat, and it fell away into the sea. It is evident that Paul was virtually in command of the ship. As morning was breaking he besought them all to take meat. For two weeks they had eaten almost nothing; and he assured them that not the slightest hurt should befall any one of them. (v. 34) Quite evidently Paul was now the chief person in the ship. Now he took bread ; for he also had fasted, and in the presence of them all gave thanks to God and began to eat. They all—and there were 276 men in the ship—began to be of good cheer and ate with him.
T It could not have been a large ship, but certainly it was not a small one. The mariners of those seas still
know how to fill their ship with passengers to its utmost capacity. (See Watch Tower, Dec. 15, 1920, p. 376.) After eating they lightened the ship by casting the cargo into the sea. At daybreak they discovered a creek with a shore, and hoped there to thrust in the ship and so avoid the treacherous and dangerous rocks. Cutting the anchors and loosing the rudder bands, they hoisted sail. They ran the ship aground, but it stuck fast by its stem, and the after-part being tossed about it was soon broken by the violence of the waves. The soldiers very cruelly wanted to kill the prisoners, fearing lest some should escape and their own lives be in peril; but the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose. He commanded all who could swim to cast themselves into the sea. As for the others, some on boards, some on broken pieces of ship trusted themselves to the sea “and so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land”.—Acts 27 : 44.
8 For a long time Paul had his eyes turned to Pome. Writing from Corinth to the brethren in Pome he had said to them: “These many years I have had a great desire to come to you.” (Romans 15 : 23) Now he was going, not as he expected, but in bonds; yet not at his own expense or at the charge of any church.
GOD’S PROVIDENCE OVER HIS PEOPLE
9 There is in these lessons so much that is human in operation that an unbeliever might say everything was brought about by the ordinary operation of cause and effect. The lives of God’s saints often seem to be but an ordinary sum in human affairs; but just as Paul had visions, revelations, faith, and a clear spiritual sight, so we know that in all things relative to our lives as consecrated to God, there is something more than human operating in our loss or gain. God’s people are in his hand, and his hand moves to restrain or to accelerate the speed of their lives according to his own purpose. As God wanted to have Paul in Caesarea for two years, it had pleased him to keep Paul back from a visit to Rome, probably because the time when Paul would have gone to Rome was not opportune. And going on his own volition Paul would not have had such opportunity of getting the witness of the kingdom into the high places of earth as proved to be the case in God’s way. By the delay in Caesarea Paul witnessed to two Roman governors and to King Agrippa, and by going as a prisoner appealing to Ctesar he would have an opportunity in Rome of witnessing concerning Jesus of Nazareth and the purposes of God in the highest court on earth.
10 We may take it as certain that the vision assuring Paul that the lives of all on the ship were given into his hand, came as a result of Paul’s prayer. It is unthinkable that such a man as he would treat the storm and the circumstances as ordinary. Certainly he prayed, and his prayer was answered in such a way as is stated. He had not prayed for his own life as if he were afraid to die; but he prayed for the Lord’s sake and for those who were with him. He would want to witness to God, and God gave him this witness and great reward. We may very properly say that the 276 souls in that ship were saved through Paul’s intercession.
11 We may reasonably ask why this account is so full. Paul had thrice been shipwrecked before, and we have no record of those experiences. As descriptive writing it is extremely good; no other known ancient writing is so good as this. But we may be sure that there is definite value here for the Bible student; and that as we have seen in other incidents of the Acts clear indication of symbolic meaning, so we may see such here.
12 There is this combination: The ship was of Egypt, its cargo was wheat; and Egypt well represents the world of commerce. There was the Roman centurion, who represented the world power; and there was the Lord’s greatest apostle, with two other brethren of like precious faith, who represented the church of God. The Scriptures show that there comes a time when this world’s institutions of commerce and governments become subject to and helpless before the raging winds and the seas of anarchy which will dash them to pieces and wreck them. Commerce and money and the world power have control until the time comes when they aro lost in the sea of anarchy.
13 God has still some witness work for the church, and evidently it has to witness before the world powers. Babylon, representing false religion, will be cast into the waters; but the truth of God will never be drowned. How God’s faithful ones will get to their “Rome” we do not know; it may be through trouble, imprisonment, shipwreck, and apparent loss; but the church will surely complete its work.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What were the circumstances In which Paul made his start for Rome? Who accompanied him? f[ 1.
What points were touched in the voyage? What were the weather conditions? What was Paul’s advice, and what prompted him to give it? U 2.
What were some of the reasons for continuing the voyage? What took place to show that Paul’s judgment was good? How hard a storm was it? What word of cheer came from Paul? 11 3,4.
How long did the storm drive them helplessly about? What did the sailors desire to do? 11 5.
Were all on board to cooperate in the providences of God? Is it evident that they became willing to take Paul’s advice? What good news did Paul have now for them? How many were aboard? fl G.
Do the mariners of those seas still load their ships to full capacity? What were the experiences of the morning after the storm subsided? Had Paul long desired to go to Rome? Did he go ns he expected he would? 11 7,8.
Are the experiences of the consecrated apparently the same as those of the world? What is the real difference? Was the way chosen ew God more suitable for the witness before dignitaries than any other way could possibly have been? H 9.
What may we suppose was the reason for God giving Paul his vision? What did he evidently pray for? Is the account exceptionally good descriptive writing? fl 10,11.
What is the symbolic meaning of the ship? Of the centurion? Of the sea? Are there Caesars yet to encounter? Will the church complete her work? II 12, 13.
PAUL IN MELITA AND ROME
---December 13—Acts 28:1-31---
PAUL AN OBJECT OF GOD’S CARE—-PAUL NOT ACCEPTED BY ROMAN JEWS—PAULAS DAILY LIFE OF TRIAL.
"I am not ashamed of the gospel; for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that l)elieveth." — Romans 1:16.
MALTA was the island upon which Paul and his company were cast, and was then known as Melita. It was inhabited by people who had not the culture and manners of the Greeks, Romans, and Jews; and by them and for that reason they were called barbarians. After everyone got safely ashore the islanders, who had seen the peril of the ship and its company and had watched them escape, showed them no little kindness. They kindled a fire; for the weather was cold and it was raining.
2 Paul shared in the task of gathering wood for the fire, but was, apparently, the one unfortunate man; for as he laid his bundle on the fire a viper came out of the heat and fastened on his hand. The barbarians seeing this said: “No doubt this man is a murderer whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.” (Acts 28:4) They expected that he would have swollen or fallen dead; but he shook off the beast into the fire and felt no harm. But when they saw no harm come to him, they thought that he was a god.
3 Nearby where the ship was wrecked was the establishment of Publius, the chief man of the island. Luke says: He “received us, and lodged us three days courteously”. (Acts 28: 7) Very probably the centurion and the chief officers of the ship were included in his hospitality; for they were all bound in the companionship of suffering. It happened that this man’s father was lying very sick. When Paul heard of this he went iso the sick man and prayed, and laid his hands on him and healed him.—Acts 28: 8.
PAUL AN OBJECT OF GOD’S CARE
4 Paul docs not appear to have had any thought of making converts by this. It was an act of kindness to Publius in acknowledgement and in some return for his kindness. The report of this remarkable healing soon spread abroad, and others came who had diseases, and all were healed. This made the islanders grateful for the untoward happening which had cast the ship on their shore and had brought this wonderful man to them. Luke says that when they left they all received much honor at the hands of the people, and that they brought them many necessary gifts.
5 Here is an example of God’s care over his own. God had permitted Paul to be shipwrecked, and all he had was lost; yet God’s care for him and for those with him was manifested in that for the three months of the winter season they were cared for in this island home. Here, too, is a reminder of the fact that God ever gives a reward to those who give (even only a cup of cold water) to those who are his.—Matt. 10: 42.
6 Paul showed no expectation of founding a church in the island, but this did not stop him from being friendly; and we may take the brief and simple record as an account of how Paul conducted himself in the company of those who were not brethren, and whom he did not expect to see become disciples in Christ. He was not so set on a purpose of converting everybody he met as some have been. According to the Fundamentalist these islanders must suffer eternal torment because they had an opportunity of becoming believers and did not do so. Paul knew better than that.
7 After three months they left Malta in another Alexandrian ship, which had wintered there. Landing at Syracuse they stayed there for three days. Thence from point to point they made to Puteoli, where were some brethren; and there they stayed seven days. By this time the brethren in Rome had heard of the coming of Paul and the brethren, and they came a distance of about forty miles to meet and to welcome them. When Paul saw them he thanked God and took courage. It waa a cheer to him to see the love of these brethren; and he took it as a token from the Lord as if the Lord had gone before to prepare the way for him.—Exodus 23: 20.
PAUL NOT ACCEPTED BY ROMAN JEWS
s On arrival at Rome the centurion delivered his prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was allowed to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him, probably owing to what the centurion reported about Paul. He was probably chained to the soldier, as speaking of his captivity he says: “For the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”—Acts 28 : 20.
9 That Paul had a considerable amount of liberty is clear from the fact that after three days he called the chief of the Jews together; and their response discloses that the Jews in Rome had some respect for Paul, or otherwise they would not have responded to his call. He desired to explain his position, and how lye had been forced to appeal to Caesar. He was careful to say he had nothing of which to accuse his nation, and he assured them that although he was there as a prisoner with no charge lying against him, nor any made by him, it was yet for the hope of Israel that he was bound in chains. The Jews were very guarded in their reply. They said that they had no report of him from Jerusalem, but would be pleased to hear him explain what he had to say about this sect of which they knew nothing except that it was everywhere spoken against.
10 A day was appointed and many came to his lodging; and from morning to evening he expounded and testified the things concerning the kingdom of God, and showed out of both the law of Meses and the prophets the things that were said concerning Jesus. Some believed and some believed not, and there was much discussion amongst themselves. So on their departure Paul quoted
Isaiah’s (chapter 6:9,10) message of judgment, and said: “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” It is evident that he saw they were not disposed to the truth.—Acts 28: 28.
11 The Lord had used these words at the close of his ministry (John 12: 40) ; they were now used by Paul at the recorded close of his ministry; and they are the last words of Luke’s account of the movement of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. These facts have much significance; for both ministries are typical. Jesus was rejected by the leaders of Israel in the Temple and all Palestine; and Paul was rejected by the leaders in Rome the chief world city, who by this time had had sufficient opportunity to make themselves acquainted with what God had done as to bring them into responsibility. History repeats itself, and it is again necessary to repeat Isaiah’s words to those who have had opportunity of service and have declined it. See The Watch Tower of November 1, 1922, p. 335.
12 After this time Paul had no more to do with the Jews. He continued in Rome in his own hired house for two years, receiving all who came to him, with liberty to preach, and his record is: “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”—Acts 28: 31.
13 Paul’s hired house must almost certainly be understood as an apartment in the city. It is said that at that time Rome was a city of narrow squalid streets, though it had many open spaces and many grand and notable buildings; and it is computed that its population was then about two million persons, many very poor; and that there were one million slaves. The city was full of vice, even as are great cities of this day.
PAUL’S DAILY LIFE OF TRIAL
14 For two years Paul, chained to a soldier as we must presume,- hampered and grieved by the coarseness and brutality of those around him, and frequently by that of his chained companion, wrought for the Lord. That he suffered in these things is shown now and again in his casual references, as when he writes to the Colossians: “Remember my bonds.”—Colossians 4:18; Phil. 1: 7.
15 But he had much to relieve him. Timothy was with him, Mark at least part of the time, a brother Aristarchus was his fellow prisoner, Demas came from Ephesus, Epaphras from Colosse. Then Onesimus, the runaway slave, came into his life; and Paul gained much from his loving service. (Philemon 11-1G) That he expected to be set at liberty seems clear (Philippians 1:25); for he knew that the churches were praying for him, and this to him would be an indication of the Lord’s will. Very probably he believed that his work was not complete, and we may be sure he would pray and arrange his thoughts accordingly. Writing near the end of his two years’ captivity to Philemon, he said: “I trust that through your prayers I shall be given ui to you.”
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