SEMI-MONTHLY
VOL. XXXI FEBRUARY 1 No. 3
A.D. 1910—A.M. 6038
The Great Priest Will Mediate..................... 51
Will Ancient Worthies Need a Mediator?........ 52
Passover Lamb and the World's Sin............. 53
The Second Adam and Eve........................... 54
The Prophet of Galilee............................ 54
The Teacher and the Lesson........................ 55
Perfect as Your Father Is Perfect................. 57
Hypocrisy a Foe to Godliness...................... 58
Forgiveness Versus Malice......................... 59
World's Mediator Our Advocate..................... 60
Following a Suggestion Successfully............... 61
Delivered From the Fowler......................... 61
Infidel Objection Answered........................ 61
Some Interesting Letters.......................... 62
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.
Foreign Agencies:—British Branch: 24 Eversholt St., London, N.W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Equitable Building, Collins St., Melbourne.
—————
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, DANISH AND ITALIAN 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
In the interest of readers in the uttermost parts of the earth, we note the fact that the time for the celebration of the Memorial Supper this year will be the evening of Friday, April 22, after six o'clock, which marks the beginning of the 14th day of the Month Nisan according to Jewish reckoning. That night corresponds to the one on which our Lord was betrayed. The following day corresponds to the date of his crucifixion, and Sunday, April 24, beginning at 6 P.M., on the [R4563 : page 50] 23d, will be the first day of the Jewish Passover week.
We refer our readers to the Sixth Volume of the Scripture Studies, Chapter XI., entitled "The Passover of the New Creation." There we have endeavored to set forth this subject in detail. We hope that all of God's dear people who trust in the merit of the precious blood of Christ for justification will celebrate this Memorial of the great Sacrifice of our Lord. And let us not forget that it also memorializes the consecration to death of all the members of the Body of Christ. "If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him." "If we be dead with him, we shall also reign with him." "This cup is the New Testament in my blood.".."Drink ye all of it."—Luke 22:20; I Cor. 11:25; Mark 10:38.
BIBLE STUDY HELPS, CLOTH AND LEATHER
These are same as in the latest WATCH TOWER Bibles. Cloth, 50c; leather, $1.25.
FOUR SPECIAL SERVICES SUNDAYS—JAN. 16, 23, 30
AND FEB. 6—BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC
(Lafayette Avenue and St. Felix Street.)
CHURCH FEDERATION—COUNTING THE COST
Jan. 16, 3.00 p.m.—Topic: "What Congregationalists, Methodists and Presbyterians Must Surrender."
Jan. 23, 3.00 p.m.—Topic: "What Baptists, Disciples and Adventists Must Surrender."
Jan. 30, 3.00 p.m.—Topic: "What Episcopalians, Catholics and Lutherans Must Surrender."
Feb. 6, 3.00 p.m.—Topic: "The Church Militant's Surrender to the Church Triumphant."
Because of its large seating capacity, these will be held in the Academy of Music instead of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. However, a testimony meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. each of these Sundays in the Tabernacle, and a plain luncheon will be served at noon, also in the evening at 6:00 p.m., preceding a question meeting at 7:30 p.m.
An opportunity for Baptism will be arranged for the evening of Jan. 23.
NORFOLK, VA., FEB. 13
WILMINGTON, N.C., FEB. 14
CHARLESTON, S.C., FEB. 15
SAVANNAH, GA., FEB. 16
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., FEB. 17
CUMBERLAND, MD., FEB. 27
BROOKLYN, N.Y., MARCH 6.
MID-WINTER SOUTHERN CONVENTION AT
TAMPA, FLA., FEB. 18-21
In response to requests for another Southern Convention, arrangements have been made for sessions to be held in Tampa during the time of the "Panama Canal Celebration."
The rates are favorable: From anywhere in the United States, one and one-third fare for the round trip, and from Florida points, one fare plus 75 cents for the round trip.
Reasonable rates for meals and lodging may be arranged for by addressing Mr. D. R. Akin, 2824 Elmore St., Tampa, Fla.
r4553 THE GREAT PRIEST WILL MEDIATEr4556 THE SECOND ADAM AND EVE
r4556 THE PROPHET OF GALILEE
r4557 THE TEACHER AND THE LESSON
r4558 PERFECT AS YOUR FATHER IS PERFECT
r4559 HYPOCRISY A FOE TO GODLINESS
r4560 FORGIVENESS VERSUS MALICE
r4560 THE WORLD'S MEDIATOR OUR ADVOCATE
r4561 FOLLOWING A SUGGESTION SUCCESSFULLY
r4561 DELIVERED FROM THE FOWLER
r4561 INFIDEL OBJECTION ANSWERED
r4562 SOME INTERESTING LETTERS
BEREAN STUDIES ON THE ATONEMENT
THE TEXT-BOOK USED FOR THIS COURSE
IS SCRIPTURE STUDIES, SERIES (V)*
Man for Whom Atonement Was Made.
How did the curse make necessary an atonement for sin—a sin-offering?—SCRIPTURE STUDIES, Vol. V., Study XIV.
(1) What is implied in the statement of Revelation 22:3, "And there shall be no more curse"?
(2) Is it generally admitted that there is a curse or blight upon mankind and upon his earthly inheritance or home such as the Creator did not impose upon the holy angels? Is it more reasonable to suppose that this accursed condition resulted from an imperfection of the Creator's work or that it is a penalty for man's disobedience? Which theory is sustained by the Scriptures? Quote the Scriptures.
(3) Does any theory fit better to the facts as we know them than the presentation given us in the Bible on the subject of the curse, the cause of its infliction and the period of its continuance and the time and cause of its removal? P. 405.
(4) What is the ordinary theory respecting the curse and wherein is it wrong and contrary to the Bible teaching?
(5) Does the Scriptural account imply such a moral responsibility as should belong to a perfect man made in the image of his Creator or does it imply a low degree of moral perception akin to that of the brute? Give the philosophy of this subject. Pp. 406, 407.
(6) Does not the fact that Adam was placed on trial before the great Judge of the Universe imply that he was perfect and therefore fit for trial and responsible for his curse as a penalty for his sin? P. 407, last par.
Does God's proposal for the judgment of the Church during this Gospel Age necessitate an Advocate for each accepted son of God? And does the judgment of the world during the Millennial Age under a Mediator imply that they will be dealt with as a whole and not be introduced to the Father as sons until the end of the Millennium, when the Mediatorial office shall cease?
(7) Does not the provision that the Church now needs an Advocate and that a Mediator is being provided for the world's judgment day corroborate the thought that there is a curse or Divine condemnation upon every member of the human family through sin? P. 408, par. 1.
(8) Does this curse affect mankind physically only? Does it also affect his mentality and his morality? Give an explanation. Cite Scriptures. P. 408, last par.; P. 409.
(9) In what Scripture is the curse upon our race spoken of as the wrath of God? P. 410, par. 1.
(10) How long has this wrath been upon the race and how much longer will it continue? If it will come to an end, what will be the process? P. 410, par. 1.
(11) Is there also a special day of wrath mentioned in the Bible? In what sense is it particularly different from the remainder of the 6,000 years of Divine wrath and why? P. 410, par. 1.
(12) What distinction do the Scriptures draw between the Church and the world as respects this subject of wrath? Are Christians still "children of wrath"? Or did the wrath of God pass from them? If so, on what conditions. P. 410, par. 2.
(13) Do Christians experience trouble in the same degree as the world or have they offsetting circumstances and conditions which ameliorate their sorrows and distress and dis -ease? What is the process by which they get into this eased condition and free from the Divine "curse" or "wrath"? Quote and explain six Scriptures. P. 411, par. 1.
(14) What is God's verdict or curse against sin? If it is a death sentence, why does he delay the execution of it? P. 411, last par.
(15) What were the circumstances which brought on the curse and were there any ameliorating circumstances? P. 412, par. 1.
(16) Admitting that the penalty that God is executing against mankind is a just one, would it have been possible for him to deal with sin otherwise than as he did? P. 412, last par.
(17) Explain how God could have dealt with sin and sinners differently and state whether or not the Plan he is pursuing has special advantages over any other one. P. 413.
(18) Admitting that a more moderate course could have been pursued by the Almighty in dealing with sin, but that the Plan adopted was the wisest, shall we suppose that disadvantage shall be permitted to come to mankind in any sense or degree? P. 414, par. 1.
(19) Has God limited the operation of his grace to this Gospel Age or is there to be a further development during the Millennium? P. 414, par. 2.
(20) Of the Millennial conditions we read that "Every knee must bow and every tongue confess to the glory of God." Shall we understand this to mean that there obedience will be entirely compulsory? Or shall we understand that, while compulsory lessons will prevail for a time, nevertheless eventually the test will be along the line of heart, the human will—either for life everlasting or death eternal? Quote a Scripture relating to the Millennial Age which so teaches. P. 415, par. 1.
(21) Viewed as a whole, how does the Divine Plan appeal to us? As kind or unkind, just or unjust, loving or loveless? P. 415, par. 2; P. 416.
(22) In what sense did the nation of Israel have a Second Trial for life under their Law Covenant? P. 417, par. 1.
(23) Did Israel receive a blessing under the Law Covenant or an additional curse or sentence of death? And will their experiences prove permanently injurious to them? P. 417, par. 1.
(24) We read that Christ was made a curse for Israel, because it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree." In what way did our Lord's death apply to Israelites differently from what it applied to the remainder of mankind? P. 417, par. 1.
(25) What is the necessity for reconciliation between God and man? And what does it secure to the reconciled? P. 417, par. 2.
(26) Give an explanation of the philosophy of the matter—of the fall, and the redemption, the Restitution and just how they are related. P. 417, par. 2.
(27) At what time did God's wisdom see man's condition and how did he provide the aid needed? And was there any other power which could have served his purpose or any other agency by which it could be accomplished? P. 418.
(28) What are the three parts of the Divine program as God is carrying it out? Explain these and associate them. P. 419.
(29) For what proportion of the human family has the Atonement been arranged? And who alone of humanity will fail to profit by its provisions? P. 419, last par.
(30) What is meant by the testimony, "In due time"? (I Tim. 2:6). And what may we expect as to the numbers of the saved? P. 420.
(31) What is meant by the Atonement between God and man? And what is necessary before it could be accomplished for any member of the human family? Explain the matter. P. 421.
(32) Was the penalty against sin a just one? And how may we judge of justice or injustice on the part of the great Creator, seeing that he is so great and we are so little? Contrast the penalty of sin from the Scriptural standpoint—the death penalty with the erroneous popular theory of eternal torment and explain the errors of the latter and the reasons of the former. P. 422, par. 1.
(33) How can the sacrifice of one be made the offset for the sins of many? P. 422, par. 2.
(34) Since none who received his life from father Adam had an unimpaired life we may see that none could ransom or redeem his brother or brethren. But could not a holy angel, free from condemnation, have laid down his life as the redemption price for man's life? If not, why not? P. 422, par. 3.
(35) If, then, a spirit being, in order to become man's redeemer, would need to exchange his nature for an earthly nature, upon what basis did the Father determine who might become man's redeemer and obtain the glorious reward proper for the service? P. 423.
(36) What priority of right did our Lord as the Logos or Word of God have over others in respect to this special opportunity to become man's redeemer? P. 424.
(37) Was it a spirit being that God offered or sacrificed for man's sin? P. 424, par. 2.
(38) Did our Lord's sin-offering begin when he, as a spirit being, the Logos, accepted the Divine proposition to become man's Redeemer, or when did the sin-offering begin and where did it end? Cite the Scriptures. P. 425, 426.
(39) When did our Lord's presentation of himself begin? And when was the corresponding price offered and accepted and the acceptance fully manifested? P. 426, last par.
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES
"MILLENNIAL DAWN"
THESE STUDIES ARE RECOMMENDED TO STUDENTS AS VERITABLE "BIBLE KEYS."
PRICES ARE NET AND BARELY COVER COST OF PRODUCTION,
WHEN DELIVERED BY COLPORTEURS THE COST AND PRICE ARE INCREASED.
SERIES I., The Plan of the Ages, gives an outline of the divine plan revealed in the Bible, relating to man's redemption and restitution: 386 pages, in embossed cloth, 25c. (1s. 1/2d.) India paper edition, 75c. (3s. 1-1/2d.).
This volume has been published as a special issue of our journal—at the extremely low price of 5c. a copy, in any quantity, postage included. (To foreign countries, 9c.) This enables people of slender purse to herald far and wide the good tidings in a most helpful form.
SERIES II., The Time is at Hand, treats of the manner and time of the Lord's second coming, considering the Bible Testimony on this subject: 370 pages, in embossed cloth, 25c. (1s. 1/2d.) India paper edition, 75c. (3s. 1-1/2d.)
SERIES III., Thy Kingdom Come, considers prophecies which mark events connected with the "Time of the End," the glorification of the Church and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom; it also contains a chapter of the Great Pyramid, showing its corroboration of the dates and other teachings of the Bible: 384 pages, in embossed cloth, 25c. (1s. 1/2d.) India paper edition, 75c. (3s. 1-1/2d.)
SERIES IV., The Day of Vengeance, shows that the dissolution of the present order of things is in progress, and that all the panaceas offered are valueless to avert the predicted end. It marks in these events the fulfilment of prophecy, noting specially our Lord's great prophecy of Matt. 24 and Zech. 14:1-9: 660 pages, in embossed cloth, 30c. (1s. 3d.). India paper edition, 85c (3s. 6-1/2d.)
SERIES V., The At-one-ment Between God and Man, treats an all-important subject—the hub, the center around which all the features of divine grace revolve. Its topic deserves the most careful and prayerful consideration on the part of all true Christians: 507 pages, in embossed cloth, 30c. (1s. 3d.) India paper edition, 85c (3s. 6-1/2d.)
SERIES VI., The New Creation, deals with the Creative Week (Genesis 1 and 2), and with the Church, God's "New Creation." It examines the personnel, organization, rites, ceremonies, obligations and hopes appertaining to those called and accepted as members of the body under the Head: 740 pages, in embossed cloth, 30c. (1s. 3d.) India paper edition, 85c (3s. 6-1/2d.)
The above prices include postage.
IN FULL LEATHER BINDING, gilt edges, the set (6 vols.) $3.00, (12s. 6d.), plus postage, 60c. (1s.).
Published in foreign languages as follows: in German, five volumes; in Swedish, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6; in Dano-Norwegian, three vols.; in Greek, three vols.; in French, two vols.; in Hollandish, Spanish and Italian, one vol. each; bound in cloth, uniform with English edition, prices the same; in Polish, condensed edition, one vol., 10 cents.
SEMI-MONTHLY
VOL. XXXI FEBRUARY 15 No. 4
A.D. 1910—A.M. 6038
Reports from the Society's Foreign Branches....... 67
British Branch................................ 67
Swedish Branch................................ 69
French and Italian Branch..................... 70
Danish Branch................................. 71
Jamaican Branch............................... 71
Volunteer Work Extraordinary...................... 72
Worthy and Unworthy Ambition...................... 72
The Golden Rule................................... 73
The Discipleship Defined.......................... 74
Mid-Winter Conventions............................ 75
The New Covenant Harmony with God................. 76
The Memorial Celebration.......................... 79
He Shall Sit as a Refiner (Poem).................. 79
Itinerary for Bro.
Russell's Mid-Winter
Southern Tour................................. 79
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.
Foreign Agencies:—British Branch: 24 Eversholt St., London, N.W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Equitable Building, Collins St., Melbourne.
—————
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, DANISH AND ITALIAN 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 OVERLAND MONTHLY of San Francisco, Cal., is a magazine of generally good tone. During the past year it has published a series of articles from the pen of the Editor of THE WATCH TOWER, entitled, "The Divine Program." This series concludes with the January issue, but will be followed by another series entitled "God's Chosen People." Special clubbing rates have been made by which THE WATCH TOWER, the PEOPLES PULPIT and the OVERLAND MONTHLY will be supplied in combination for $1.90 in the United States. Extra postage outside the United States would make the price $3.00. Those who have already paid for one or more of these, may still have the advantage of the clubbing rate by remitting to us the difference.
The Brooklyn Eagle published Brother Russell's sermon of Feb. 6 on the 7th. It is a high-class paper. If you have use for extra copies order samples of the Eagle. If you would like to get it every Monday provided it contained Pastor Russell's sermon, say so when you order the extras. The price for the Monday paper is $1 per year. Write at once! Let the publishers see how wide an interest there is—IN EVERY STATE.
r4563 1909—REPORTS FROM THE SOCIETY'Sr4566 VOLUNTEER WORK EXTRAORDINARY
r4566 WORTHY AND UNWORTHY AMBITION
r4567 THE GOLDEN RULE
r4568 TRUE DISCIPLESHIP DEFINED
r4569 MID-WINTER CONVENTIONS
r4570 THE NEW COVENANT HARMONY WITH GOD
In the interest of readers in the uttermost parts of the earth, we note the fact that the time for the celebration of the Memorial Supper this year will be the evening of Friday, April 22, after six o'clock, which marks the beginning of the 14th day of the Month Nisan according to Jewish reckoning. That night corresponds to the one on which our Lord was betrayed. The following day corresponds to the date of his crucifixion, and Sunday, April 24, beginning at 6 p.m., on the 23d, will be the first day of the Jewish Passover week.
We refer our readers to the Sixth Volume of the "Scripture Studies," Chapter XI, entitled "The Passover of the New Creation." There we have endeavored to set forth this subject in detail. We hope that all of God's dear people who trust in the merit of the precious blood of Christ for justification will celebrate this Memorial of the great Sacrifice of our Lord. And let us not forget that it also memorializes the consecration to death of all the members of the Body of Christ. "If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him." "If we be dead with him, we shall also live with him." "This cup is the New Testament in my blood." "Drink ye all of it." "The cup that I drink of."—2 Tim. 2:11,12; Luke 22:20; I Cor. 11:25; Matt. 26:27; Mark 10:38; Matt. 20:22.
AUDIO
HE SHALL SIT AS A REFINERSometimes as we look on, we gaze in wonder
Upon the dealings of our gracious God.
With those whom o'er and o'er his hand afflicted,
Who pass so often 'neath his chastening rod.
Pure gold and well refined, to our poor vision
These loved ones seem; and oft we wonder sore
Why souls who seem to us each day more saintly
Should by his hand be chastened more and more.
But the dear, loving Lord who tries the spirit,
Sees in them what no human eye can see—
A further fineness where his gracious dealing
Has formed the Christ within, in days to be.
As in a portrait by some cunning artist,
Which men call perfect—those who praise the skill
Of him who warms to life dull, senseless canvas,
Impatient that he labors at it still.
Labors, because before his inner vision
There floats an ideal he has not attained,
And in his heart he holds a steady purpose
To labor on until that point is gained.
So with these precious souls.
Men see their graces,
So far exceeding those of common men,
And wonder why a God of loving kindness
Should chasten them again and yet again.
Nor will he stay his hand, though our impatience
Claim for these souls exemption from the rod,
Till, polished, perfected, refined, and holy,
Shines out from them the image of their God.
Art thou, beloved, one of this tried number?
Hold still, though furnace fires may hotter grow,
And when his work in thee is all accomplished,
The true life "hid with Christ in God" thou'lt know.
HELEN S.
PEPPER