VOL. XXXVI MARCH 1 No. 5
A. D. 1915—A.M. 6043
The Blood of Sprinkling of the Passover........... 67
The Antitypical Passover Lamb................. 67
"A Kind of First-Fruits"...................... 68
"Church of the First-Borns"................... 68
"As Oft as Ye Do This"........................ 68
The Mass Is Not the Eucharist................. 69
Date of the Memorial Supper................... 70
Drink Ye of the Same Cup...................... 71
Cup of Joy in the Kingdom..................... 71
Sacrificial Love vs.
Duty Love.................... 72
Our Personal Responsibility to God................ 73
Christian Not a General Policeman............. 73
God's Mercies to Disobedient Israel............... 74
Fruits of Disobedience........................ 75
Messianic Reign Autocratic.................... 76
Saul Rejected by the Lord......................... 76
King Saul's Second Test....................... 77
"Are Ye Able?" (Poem)............................. 78
Interesting Letters............................... 79
Miracle Wheat Takes Prize..................... 79
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.
Foreign Agencies:—British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
—————
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
Terms to the Lord's Poor as Follows:— All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this Journal, will be supplied Free if they send a Postal Card each May stating their case and requesting its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the STUDIES, etc.
ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N.Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
CHANGES IN "SCRIPTURE STUDIES"
We call attention to a few slight changes which have been made in four pages of Vol. II. and six pages of Vol. III., "STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES." These are all trivial and do not alter the real sense and lesson, but conform to the facts as we have them today. The pages containing these corrections are as follows:
Vol. II., page 77, line 1, "will be the farthest limit," reads "will see the disintegration."
Vol. II., page 77, line 6, "will obtain full universal control," reads "will begin to assume control."
Vol. II., page 77, lines 16,17, "end of A.D. 1914," reads "end of the overthrow."
Vol. II., page 81, line 9, "can date only from A.D. 1914," reads "could not precede A.D. 1915."
Vol. II., page 170, line 16, "at that time they will all be overturned."*
*How long it will require to accomplish this overturning we are not informed, but have reason to believe the period will be short.
Vol. II., page 221, line 25, "full favor until A.D. 1914," reads "full favor until after 1915."
Vol. III., page 94, line 29, "in this end or harvest," reads "at the end of this harvest."
Vol. III., page 126, line 12, "at A.D. 1914," reads "after 1914."
Vol. III., page 133, line 21, "ere the harvest is fully ended."+
+The end of the harvest will probably include the burning of the tares.
Vol. III., page 228, line 11, "some time before 1914," reads "very soon after 1914."
Vol. III., page 228, line 15, "just how long before," reads "just how long after."
Vol. III., page 362, line 11, "some time before," reads "some time near."
Vol. III., page 364, line 14, "must not only witness," reads "may not only witness."
Unless we find the chronology in Vols. II. and III. to be wrong, we must believe that it will be practically the same chronology as will be used throughout the Millennial Age.
So far from the events of our time disproving the chronology, they seem to confirm it. The gathering of the nations to the Valley of Jehoshaphat ("valley of graves") is evidently in progress. They are gradually realizing it to be a life and death struggle that will be awfully costly. They do not see, as we do, that it means their destruction—"grinding to powder." Nevertheless they are apprehensive of what we see coming; viz., the EARTHQUAKE of revolution, to be followed by the FIRE of anarchy, which will utterly consume them and prepare the earth for Messiah's Kingdom, and cause them to hear the "still small voice."—1 Kings 19:11,12.
The present is a time of testing, we believe, to many of the Lord's people. Have we in the past been active merely because we hoped for our glorious change in A.D. 1914, or have we been active because of our love and loyalty to the LORD and His Message and the brethren!
Never before has the world been so ready to hear the Kingdom Message. Never before, therefore, have the privileges and opportunities of the Colporteurs been so great. If there are some parts where Colporteurs find it difficult to make sales because of scarcity of money, there are other parts of the country where money is not so scarce and where high prices for food make the community prosperous.
Let us see to it that we testify to the Lord by our faithfulness in letting our light shine more and more, demonstrating our loyalty to Him even unto death. "Faithful is He that called you," who also will do for us "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."
Again we have some cotton seed for free distribution. It is of the Caravonica cotton type, which has been so successful in South Africa. It is quite prolific. Our subscribers are welcome to sample lots, free.
After the close of the hymn the Bethel family listens to the reading of "My Vow Unto the Lord," then joins in prayer. At the breakfast table the MANNA text is considered. Hymns for April follow: (1) Vow; (2) 259; (3) 326; (4) 221; (5) 164; (6) 106; (7) 119; (8) 130; (9) 41; (10) 46; (11) 238; (12) 202; (13) 310; (14) 14; (15) 19; (16) 273; (17) 165; (18) 258; (19) 117; (20) 283; (21) 229; (22) 215; (23) 330; (24) 303; (25) 8; (26) 230; (27) 9; (28) 293; (29) 12; (30) 198.
r5640 THE BLOOD OF SPRINKLING OF THE PASSOVERr5643 SACRIFICIAL LOVE VS. DUTY LOVE
r5644 OUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD
r5645 GOD'S MERCIES TO DISOBEDIENT ISRAEL
r5647 SAUL REJECTED BY THE LORD
r5648 INTERESTING LETTERS
International Bible Students Association Classes
STUDIES AND LECTURES UNDER THE AUSPICES OF PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION
VOL. XXXVI MARCH 15 No. 6
A. D. 1915—A.M. 6043
Patient Endurance the Final Test.................. 83
The Patience of God........................... 83
The Necessity for Patient Endurance........... 84
Trials Absolutely Essential................... 85
"The Hour of Temptation"...................... 85
One of Satan's Special Deceptions............. 86
St. Paul's Picture of Present Conditions...... 86
The Importance of Self-Control.................... 87
David Anointed King............................... 88
"Jehovah Is My Shepherd".......................... 90
Interesting Questions............................. 92
Many Christians Not Yet Enlightened........... 92
Shall We Sacrifice Legitimate Pleasures?...... 93
Preachers Back of Malicious Attack................ 93
Interesting Letters............................... 94
More Valuable Than Year in College............ 94
Saved by Creation's Photo-Drama............... 94
A "Truth" Baby................................ 94
The Faith That Overcomes (Poem)................... 95
Conventions of 1915............................... 82
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.
Foreign Agencies:—British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
—————
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
Terms to the Lord's Poor as Follows:— All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this Journal, will be supplied Free if they send a Postal Card each May stating their case and requesting its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the STUDIES, etc.
ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N.Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
1915—GENERAL CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS
Many of our dear readers used their money talent quite liberally last year in connection with Pilgrim Public Meetings, Class Extension Work, the Drama Work, Eureka Drama Work, etc. We are sure that they have no regrets, but are equally sure that many of these will have less opportunity in these directions during the present year. In view of these conditions our present thought is to omit our usual large mid-summer Conventions, which, aside from the cost of preparation, involve all who attend in considerable outlay for railway fare, hotel accommodations, etc. Our Conventions last year must have cost those who attended one hundred thousand dollars at least, notwithstanding the fact that we scattered the Conventions considerably, with a view to shortening the railway journey and the incidental expenses.
We believe that it will be quite to the pleasement of the majority of the friends that a still more economical plan be followed this year, namely, the holding of One-Day Conventions in various convenient localities. We purpose one hundred such Conventions. Indeed, we have already commenced the plan. The Editor makes a loop-trip, taking in a number of places and consuming about ten days for each trip, serving at different cities each day, as far as possible. The Classes thus served communicate with friends in their neighborhood as to the date and place for the assembly. A meeting for the public is arranged usually in the evening, while other services are held throughout the day. In some cases the meetings are prolonged, either beginning the day before or continuing the day after the one on which the Editor gives a public address.
This less expensive plan not only affords cheaper facilities for the friends and permits some to be in attendance who could not take an expensive trip, but, additionally, it gives opportunity for a public witness all over the country, which seems to be well received and to be yielding good fruitage. Those Classes which have made application for public services are always given the preference. Information and inquiries by mail or by wire determine the route (in harmony with the possibilities as respects auditoriums, etc.). It is hoped that by this means the Editor will meet the friends and address the public this summer in places never before visited by him, as well as in others where he has previously been.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., EXPOSITION CONVENTION
MAY 29-JUNE 7—OAKLAND AND SAN FRANCISCO
The Panama Expositions at San Diego and San Francisco, California, are arousing considerable interest, especially on the Pacific Coast. The friends at these points are very desirous of having Conventions, believing that they will be convenient for some who may have business as well as spiritual interests calling them in that direction. In harmony with their requests the Editor is laying out a lengthy loop which will have San Francisco as its furthest limit. Incidentally he proposes to stop at quite a number of cities, both going and returning. The following is his proposed itinerary—subject, of course, to the acceptance or rejection of the Classes at the places named:—
May 11....East Liverpool, Ohio.
May 19....Denison, Texas.
" 12....Pittsburgh, Penna.
" 20....Dallas, Texas.
" 13....Cincinnati, Ohio.
" 21....Waco, Texas.
" 14....St. Louis, Mo.
" 22....Houston, Texas.
" 15....Sedalia, Mo.
" 23....San Antonio, Texas.
" 16....Kansas City, Mo.
" 24....El Paso, Texas.
" 17....Coffeyville, Kans.
" 26-29.Los Angeles, etc.
" 18....Oklahoma City, Okla.
" 30....San Francisco, Cal.
June 7th will be Bible Students' Day at the Fair, where Festival Hall has been set apart for their use that day. Brother Russell expects to deliver a public address on Sunday, May 30th, at San Francisco and on Sunday, June 6th, at Oakland. He also expects to be with the Conventioners at Festival Hall, June 7th. Convention arrangements are not fully perfected; but as Brother Russell will have editorial duties and correspondence needing his attention, he will probably speak only once at the Oakland Convention, aside from the two public Sunday addresses here mentioned and the address at Festival Hall, June 7th.
Address communications for information respecting room and board at reasonable rates to I.B.S.A. Committee, Box 473, Oakland, Cal.
THE RETURN JOURNEY IS OUTLINED AS FOLLOWS—Subject to acceptance or rejection by the Classes:
June 8....Sacramento, Cal.
June 18....Cheyenne, Wyo.
" 10....Portland, Ore.
" 20....Pueblo, Colo.
" 11....Tacoma, Wash.
" 21....Colorado Springs, Colo.
"
12....Everett and Bellingham, "
22....Denver, Colo.
Wash.
" 23....Omaha, Neb.
" 13....Seattle, Wash.
" 24....Chicago, Ill.
" 14....Spokane, Wash.
" 25....South Bend, Ind.
" 15....Helena, Mont.
" 27....Cleveland, Ohio.
" 16....Butte, Mont.
July 4....New York City Temple.
DOCTOR JONES PROPOSES EXCURSION
Learning of the above proposal for a series of One-Day Conventions and of the San Francisco-Oakland Eight Days' Convention, Brother Jones inquired whether or not we would like company. Assured that the companionship of God's people is always welcome, he notified us of his intention to form a Convention Party. He proposes to charter one or two sleeping cars and to accommodate such of the friends as may be disposed to make this journey. Whoever has any thought of joining Brother Jones' Excursion Party should address him on the subject at once for full particulars respecting Excursion ticket over this run, sleeping car accommodations and meals en route.
So far from urging any of the friends to take this Convention Trip, we on the contrary suggest that each sit down first and count the cost; that each one considering it make the matter a subject of prayer, that special opportunities for serving the Lord through Eureka Drama, Pilgrim service and otherwise be not neglected, unless for what is believed to be excellent reasons, pleasing to the Lord. Whatever is done should be done speedily, as Brother Jones must negotiate with the railroads, etc. Address Dr. L. W. Jones, Chicago Temple, 700 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill.
r5650 PATIENT ENDURANCE THE FINAL TESTr5652 THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CONTROL
r5656 DAVID ANOINTED KING
r5653 "JEHOVAH IS MY SHEPHERD"
r5655 INTERESTING QUESTIONS
r5654 PREACHERS BACK OF MALICIOUS ATTACK
r5656 INTERESTING LETTERS
International Bible Students Association Classes
MEMORIAL SUPPER AT NEW YORK CITY TEMPLE.
Last year the Memorial Supper was celebrated on its anniversary at the Brooklyn Tabernacle; but this year we propose to celebrate it at the New York City Temple, which has nearly double the capacity. While we would gladly welcome all Christian believers who acknowledge the value of the death of Christ as the redemption-price for the world, and who have fully consecrated their lives to walk in His steps, nevertheless we do not urge the present at the Temple of those who can conveniently meet with their local Classes on this occasion. It is a family celebration; and, while all of the Lord's people are of one family, there is a particular sense in which each little group or class of Bible Students is a family in the Lord—an Ecclesia. In celebrating this Supper, each should do his part in making the home celebration an impressive, soul-satisfying one—not forgetting the presence of the Lord; as He said, "Where two or three of you are met in My name, there am I."
The Associated Bible Students of New York City will, of course, feel perfectly welcome to bring any of their Christian friends with them, but it is hardly an occasion for inviting in those who have not yet made a consecration of their hearts to the Lord. We hope to meet, as usual, at 7:45 p.m. and to begin the service proper at 8 o'clock, Sunday evening, March 28th.
I. B. S. A. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
Week of April 4......Q. 14 to 19 Week of April 18.....Q. 28 to 30
Week of April 11......Q. 20 to 27 Week of April 25.....Q. 31 to 37
Question Manuals on Vol. II., STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, 5c. each.