VOL. XXXIV JUNE 1 No. 11
A. D. 1913—A. M. 6041
The Transforming Influence of Thought.............163
Importance of Right Thinking..................163
The Church On Trial for Life..................164
The Influence of Thought Upon Health..........165
Earthly Loves vs. Heavenly Love...................165
"Keep Thy Heart With All Diligence"...........166
"Let Your Moderation Be Known"....................167
"Meditate On These Things"....................167
Service of the Brethren a Proper Zeal.............168
The Preparation for the Divine Nature.........168
Moses, the Goodly Child...........................169
Co-operating With God's Providence............169
Aided and Protected...........................170
God's Instrument In Preparation...................170
Moses, Jethro's Shepherd......................171
1913—General Conventions....................162, 172
Interesting Items and Letters.....................172
Report of the Glasgow Class I.B.S.A...........173
Berean Lessons and Testimony Meetings.............175
Berean Questions in Scripture Studies.............175
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.
==========
Friends desiring to go to Pertle Springs via St. Louis or by Special Train from Kansas City should address Laymens Home Missionary Movement of either city.
EXCURSIONS—TEXAS TO HOT SPRINGS
We are advised that the I.& G.N.R.R. will furnish tourist sleepers to Hot Springs from San Antonio, May 31, train 4, 2 P.M.; also from Galveston 2:40 P.M., same date, at special rates. Those desiring accommodations may address Laymens Home Missionary Movement, Wallis, Texas.
EXCURSIONS TO LOS ANGELES AND SAN FRANCISCO
A special party will leave San Francisco for Los Angeles Convention on the Southern Pacific, Valley Line, train No. 50, June 10th, at 4:40 P.M., arriving at Los Angeles 8:15 next morning.
A special party will leave Los Angeles for San Francisco Convention on the Southern Pacific, Valley Line, June 15th, at 7:15 P.M., arriving at San Francisco next morning at 9 A.M.
All friends attending these Conventions or the One Day Conventions following them, at Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina, should obtain from the Ticket Agent a Certificate-Receipt showing that they paid full fare going to Convention of the Laymens Home Missionary Movement. This Certificate-Receipt, signed by Convention Secretary, will entitle the owner to a return ticket at one-third (1/3) fare, over same railroad.
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 July follow: (1) 165; (2) 267; (3) 130; (4) 58; (5) 95; (6) 82; (7) 101; (8) 299; (9) 4; (10) 326; (11) 145; (12) 293; (13) Vow; (14) 246; (15) 7; (16) 313; (17) 168; (18) 149; (19) 259; (20) 15; (21) 208; (22) 222; (23) 320; (24) 260; (25) 267; (26) 43; (27) 155; (28) 166; (29) 305; (30) 120; (31) 209.
r5246 THE TRANSFORMING INFLUENCE OF THOUGHTr5248 EARTHLY LOVES VS. HEAVENLY LOVE
r5249 "LET YOUR MODERATION BE KNOWN"
r5250 SERVICE OF THE BRETHREN A PROPER ZEAL
r5250 MOSES, THE GOODLY CHILD
r5251 GOD'S INSTRUMENT IN PREPARATION
LAST year, difficulty was experienced because our Convention gathering at Washington was too large and unwieldy. This year we are seeking to avoid such an experience by increasing the number of Conventions and scattering them. Not only are moderate-sized Conventions found more enjoyable and more edifying, but additionally they are much less expensive and permit, therefore, a larger attendance—many finding it possible to go a short distance who cannot well afford the time and expense of a long journey. It is quite proper that these matters should be taken into consideration by you in making your arrangements for Convention privileges and blessings, and also by the Society in making the arrangements for such Conventions. This is but exercising the spirit of a sound mind.
In all of the Conventions, practically the same average of daily expense will be incurred; namely, from $1.25 a day and upward. The $1.25 rate will secure reasonable, comfortable entertainment, but, of course, not a separate room, and only plain, wholesome food. If in some instances it should be possible to do better than this, be assured that we will give you all the advantage possible. The Society merely acts for you in making the arrangements. And it is much better that we make the arrangements and assignments in advance.
When a big crowd begins to arrive, it is quite a temptation to human nature to raise the price. It is all right for those who expect to pay $2.50 to $5.00 per day at a hotel to come without any previous arrangement, if they choose; but it makes trouble for everybody if those who want cheap accommodations come to the Convention place without any arrangements, and begin to bid for places we have already secured and have assigned to others. None of the Lord's children willingly do this, and yet it is done nearly every year. We ask all to help us this year by co-operating with the Society and not taking up, at a higher price, lodgings, etc., which we have already secured to others. With this fair notice, any who do this this year will be asked to vacate.
In due time a representative of the Society will be sent to each Convention point to arrange for all the available and desirable quarters, and to make the assignments according to your requests and to send you a memorandum of the locality assigned to you, so that you may arrive, knowing just where you are going, and so that the entertainer will know just who is coming. Be assured that the representative will follow your instructions as far as possible, and with care.
These representatives will be addressed "Laymens Home Missionary Movement," and addresses will be given in these columns (page 2) in due time—two to three weeks in advance of each Convention.
RAILWAY RATES, NAMES OF SPEAKERS, ETC.
We are getting out programs giving the names of speakers, and the railway rates in connection with each Convention. When you decide which Convention you will attend, please write for the program, which will be sent free.
Below find a complete list of the Conventions. Brother Russell hopes to attend them all, but he will probably be unable to give more than two days at each.
Pertle Springs (Warrensburg), Mo......June 1- 8.
Hot Springs, Ark...................... "
1- 8.
Los Angeles, Cal...................... "
11-15.
San Francisco, Cal.................... "
14-16.
Madison, Wis.......................... "
29-July 6.
Springfield, Mass.....................July 13-20.
Asheville, N. C....................... "
20-27.
Toronto, Can.......................... "
20-27.
London, England.......................Aug.
1- 4.
Glasgow, Scotland..................... "
23-24.
We have arranged to have about fifteen public speakers of ability at each of these Conventions. Besides these, there will be a goodly number of considerable ability to assist in symposiums.
For the most part, we are leaving the evenings without special appointments on the program. This will give a better opportunity for rest and meditation on the things heard in the earlier part of the day, and for fellowship together in spiritual things. Chart Talks, etc., will be given by some public speakers at homes where the friends are being entertained, if there be special requests therefor.
Come praying that you may obtain a blessing and also that your attendance may prove profitable, helpful, to others. All who so come, we feel sure will be blessed. Those whose circumstances or conditions will not permit their attendance may surely join with us in spirit, remembering us in prayer, and they will be remembered in the prayers of the Conventioners; for the family of God is one in hope, interest and aims.
We urge none to attend the Conventions. If, in the providence of God, your affairs are not favorable, remember that He is able to overrule in this and in all things for your good. The lesson of submission learned in staying at home may be just as important a one for you as any blessing which you could secure by attending. Nevertheless, all who love the Lord, who are trusting in the precious blood of Jesus and who have made a full consecration of their lives in the Divine service will be cordially welcome.
r5252 INTERESTING ITEMS AND LETTERSr5255 BEREAN LESSONS AND TESTIMONY MEETINGS
BEREAN QUESTIONS IN SCRIPTURE STUDIES
THE FOES AND BESETMENTS OF THE NEW CREATION
Read p. 603, par. 1, to p. 605, par. 2.
(7) What is "fanaticism," and how should it be avoided? and what is absolutely essential in order to properly apply the principles of righteousness to our daily lives? P. 603, par. 1.
(8) What thought should constantly be kept in mind by the New Creature? And what is the only restriction we should recognize along this line? P. 603, par. 2.
THE WORLD AS AN ENEMY OF THE NEW CREATION
(9) Why is the spirit of the world in general opposed to the standard of the New Creation? P. 604, par. 1, 2.
(10) Why is the world one of the chief enemies of the New Creation, and why is a collision unavoidable? P. 604, par. 3.
(11) Explain why even the noblest aims and objects of the world in general are contrary to the standards of the New Creation. P. 605, par. 1.
(12) With what spirit should we meet the hatred and opposition of the world? P. 605, par. 2.
Read p. 606, par. 1, 2, to p. 611, par. 1.
(13) Explain the Scriptural injunction, "Love not the world," etc. (1 John 2:15.) P. 606, par. 1, 2.
(14) Has the Lord set for us the herculean task of reforming the world? and would it be proper for us to make a business of denouncing the present order of things? P. 607, par. 1, 2.
(15) What Scriptural examples in this respect may we well follow? P. 607, par. 3.
(16) What is the special work for the "Royal Priesthood" at the present time? P. 608, par. 1, 2.
(17) Quote Scriptural proofs of the personality of Satan. Pp. 609 to 611.
(18) What Scriptural evidence that Satan is not only the enemy of the Church but also of all mankind? P. 611, par. 1.
Read p. 611, par. 2, to p. 614, par. 1.
(19) Explain how Satan's opposition to the New Creature differs from that of the world and of our own flesh. P. 611, par. 2.
HE WAS A LIAR AND A MURDERER FROM THE BEGINNING
(20) What Scripture declares that Satan began the rebellion against God, and led our first parents into sin and death? P. 612, par. 1, first fourteen lines.
(21) Give Scriptural proof that Satan was created perfect and upright. P. 612, par. 1, last part.
(22) How has God created all His intelligent creatures so that being perfect does not insure remaining perfect? P. 612, par. 2.
(23) Are there different orders and positions among the angelic ranks? And how did the angels probably regard the creation of man? P. 613, par. 1.
(24) What was the probable reasoning of Satan with respect to our first parents? P. 613, par. 2; P. 614, par. 1.
Read p. 614, par. 2, to p. 619, par. 1.
(25) How may Satan have suggested to Eve's mind the thought of injustice on Jehovah's part? P. 614, par. 2; P. 615, par. 1.
(26) What was possibly Satan's disappointment over the result of his deception? And why was Adam's responsibility greater than Eve's? P. 615, par. 2.
(27) Did the results of Satan's first lie tend toward his reformation? P. 616, par. 1.
(28) What is the supreme object of all Satan's efforts? P. 616, par. 2.
(29) Since the Truth is much more reasonable than Error, why has it not prevailed, and what religious system has been Satan's masterpiece and worthy representative? P. 617, par. 1.
(30) Show how Isaiah 14:12-17 applies to Satan and his chief representative system. P. 618, par. 1, 2.
(31) What is the similarity between literal and symbolic Babylon? And what will be their doom, as well as that of Satan? P. 619, par. 1.
VOL. XXXIV JUNE 15 No. 12
A. D. 1913—A. M. 6041
"Your Redemption Draweth Nigh"....................179
The "Secret Place" of His Saints..............179
Retribution for Wilful Sin....................180
A Word to the Watchers............................181
Evidences of the New Day......................181
Watchmen for A Purpose........................182
The Messengers of God in "The Last Days"..........182
Christ's Presence A Stumbling-Stone...........183
Hope (Poem).......................................183
Spiritual Vision Proportionate to Heart
Purity......................................184
Individual Claims for Retribution.................185
General and Special Rights Under Law..........185
Our Share In the Cup of Suffering.............186
Making the Wilderness Bloom.......................186
"With What Judgment Ye Judge".....................187
Moses Called to Service...........................188
The Refiner's Fire (Poem).........................189
Men of Destiny....................................190
Some Interesting Questions........................191
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.
==========
The Volunteers this year are doing nobly and we have splendid ammunition. No doubt the results will be great. However, we must not hope to know the details until we reach the Kingdom. Meantime it is ours to do faithfully what our hands find to do—what our Lord privileges us to do. We are His ambassadors, His witnesses.
We suggest that Class Extension work find parallel in Volunteer Extension work. After you have served your place of residence, seek the Lord's blessing in an endeavor to extend the distribution of free literature to other towns and cities within a reasonable radius. The Society is pleased to supply the ammunition free of all charges. It merely wishes, with the order, the names of the places to be served and the assurance that the work undertaken will (D.V.) be promptly done—that the literature will not be permitted to lie by unused. Remember that census population includes infants and that a proper estimate of one paper to the family would be one to five of the population. That is to say, a town of 5,000 would require 1,000 copies of the Volunteer matter. In cases where the population is found to be foreign, remember we have free literature in nearly all languages.
"He that reapeth receiveth wages and gathereth fruit unto eternal life," is the message of our Master to us, one and all.
r5255 "YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH"r5256 A WORD TO THE WATCHERS
r5257 THE MESSENGERS OF GOD IN "THE LAST DAYS"
r5258 SPIRITUAL VISION PROPORTIONATE TO HEART PURITY
r5259 INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS FOR RETRIBUTION
r5262 MAKING THE WILDERNESS BLOOM
r5260 "WITH WHAT JUDGMENT YE JUDGE"
r5261 MOSES CALLED TO SERVICE
r5263 MEN OF DESTINY
r5264 SOME INTERESTING QUESTIONS