SEMI-MONTHLY.
VOL. XXIV.
NOVEMBER 1, 1903.
No. 21
Views from the Watch Tower........................403
A Bible League................................403
General Unrest Prevails.......................403
A Prominent Man's Views.......................404
"Ye Know Your Calling, Brethren"..................405
"O Absalom, My Son, My Son".......................409
"The Lord Is My Shepherd".........................411
"Wine Is a Mocker"................................414
Public Ministries of the Truth....................416
Special Items: Pastor Russell's
Weekly Discourses...........................402
The "Debate" Reports..........................402
Increased Price of Dawns, 4,5,6...................402
LETTERS FOR THE EDITOR SHOULD BE SENT TO ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS AND REMITTANCES
—ADDRESS TO—
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY,
"BIBLE HOUSE," 610, 612, 614 ARCH ST., ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
—OR TO—
BRITISH BRANCH—24 EVERSHOLT ST., LONDON, N.W.
GERMAN BRANCH—MIRKER STR., 45, ELBERFELD.
PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) A YEAR IN ADVANCE, 5c (2-1/2d.) A COPY.
MONEY MAY BE SENT BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
SPECIAL
TERMS TO THE LORD'S POOR AS FOLLOWS:—
Those of the interested who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for the TOWER, will be supplied FREE, if they send a Postal Card each December, stating their case and requesting the paper. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually.
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER AT ALLEGHENY, PA., POST OFFICE.
PASTOR RUSSELL'S WEEKLY DISCOURSES.
The Pittsburg Gazette proposes to print Brother Russell's sermons every Monday hereafter, until further notice. Thinking that some of our readers would like to have these we have arranged to club the "Gazette" and the WATCH TOWER at $3.25 per year,—beginning as soon as you like. This will give the WATCH TOWER semi-monthly and the Gazette daily postpaid at less than one cent per copy. Send all subscriptions to the WATCH TOWER address.
But this does not apply to territory within 100 miles of Pittsburg where the Gazette may have an agent, as the agent must be protected. However, there are many places near at which there are no agents, and where agents can be found the Monday papers can be obtained from them.
Responses to our notice that the Pittsburg Gazette would publish lengthy reports of the Doctrinal Discussions between Doctor Eaton and Pastor Russell almost overwhelmed our office force as well as the Gazette's. Orders have come in for more than twice the number we guaranteed and more are still coming.
Friends will please accept the arrival of the Gazettes as evidence of our having received their letters, and not expect other acknowledgment. Indeed, as may be surmised, all of our correspondence is greatly belated on this account, and it will require considerable time to get caught up;—and the less important letters may need to be wholly neglected, much as we should like to reply to them all.
The Gazette's supply of the first report becoming exhausted, that journal reprinted the debate reports under another date, and request us to explain the reason, and to assure subscribers that all orders received will be filled promptly. Should any of our friends not receive the papers ordered by them, they should report to us by postal card. Later orders will be filled at once by a special edition containing the six debates. These latter we will supply postpaid on order—at the rate of 2 cents each. In lots of 50 or over one cent each, express prepaid.
INCREASED PRICE OF DAWNS IV., V., VI.
In consequence of raise of prices for printing and binding just after we had reduced our price on cloth-bound DAWNS, we have been selling all volumes of the series at a loss for the past six months. The loss has been specially heavy on the thicker volumes, and we now feel compelled to increase the price on these to 40 cents, plus 10 cents postage. Subscribers' wholesale rate 20 cents plus 10 cents postage. These prices take effect Nov. 1, 1903.
Volume VI. will have over 700 pages and is hoped for in December. Those who have already paid for it at old prices need not send additionally.
r3263 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER.r3265 "YE KNOW YOUR CALLING, BRETHREN."
r3267 "O ABSALOM, MY SON, MY SON!"
r3268 "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD."
r3270 "WINE IS A MOCKER."
MOTTO CARDS FOR HOME EMBELLISHMENT.
When in London Brother Russell selected some very desirable motto cards; but the astonishing increase in every department of the office work has hindered us from attending to these. Even now we cannot fill orders for particular mottoes nor attempt a description of their styles, prices, texts, etc. They are of every variety and price and size;—all beautiful, all faith-inspiring, all helpful. Even after paying 35 per cent. duty these are cheap. We can supply them at one-half the usual prices or less.
For convenience we put them up in assorted $1 and $2 packets,—postage included. Some of the old desirable styles we have duplicated, as they could not be better; and some are strictly new. We assort them in the packets; but for the sake of some who may have gotten several lots of the old and now want none but the new we have prepared packets of the new only. Such as desire the new should so stipulate when ordering; but the average person will be as well or better pleased to get the ordinary assortment.
SEMI-MONTHLY.
VOL. XXIV.
NOVEMBER 15, 1903.
No. 22
Views From the Watch Tower........................419
The Battle of the Great Day...................419
Making Hades too Hot..........................420
Bishop Fowler on Money and
Salvation...................................420
Prize-Fighting Commended..........................420
"I Have Chosen Him"...............................426
"The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning
of Wisdom...................................429
What a Triumph of His Grace it
Will Be.....................................429
Public Ministries of the Truth....................432
Items: The Pittsburg Gazette......................418
Increased Price of Dawns....................415
LETTERS FOR THE EDITOR SHOULD BE SENT TO ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS AND REMITTANCES
—ADDRESS TO—
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY,
"BIBLE HOUSE," 610, 612, 614 ARCH ST., ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
—OR TO—
BRITISH BRANCH—24 EVERSHOLT ST., LONDON, N.W.
GERMAN BRANCH—MIRKER STR., 45, ELBERFELD.
PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) A YEAR IN ADVANCE, 5c (2-1/2d.) A COPY.
MONEY MAY BE SENT BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
SPECIAL
TERMS TO THE LORD'S POOR AS FOLLOWS:—
Those of the interested who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for the TOWER, will be supplied FREE, if they send a Postal Card each December, stating their case and requesting the paper. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually.
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER AT ALLEGHENY, PA., POST OFFICE.
"Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake."
"They shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in
heaven."—Jesus.
In our last issue we mentioned the engagement of the Gazette to publish Pastor Russell's Sunday Sermons every Monday, and proposed a clubbing rate for the Gazette and the Watch Tower for a year at $3.25 (13s. 7d.) We now add, that those who have already subscribed for the WATCH TOWER need be at no disadvantage on this account: they may send us if they choose $2.25 (9s. 5d.) more, and we will see that they get the Gazette. If for any reason the publication of the discourses should be discontinued, the pro rata amount will be refunded.
Our British friends may send their subscriptions to the London office, in the usual way, from whence they will be transmitted to us.
The British Branch will also be able to supply the special edition containing the complete report of the recent debates at the same rate as supplied here, viz., 1d. per copy, or 1/2d. each for 50 copies and over.
Our own stock of the special issue of the Gazette containing all the debates is large enough to supply any quantity ordered. Friends are using these reports to good purpose amongst denominational people, whose prejudices sometimes hinders their acceptance of a tract. A perusal of the two sides presented leads to further inquiries concerning the Truth. We already have quite a number of reports along this line.
These are now in stock in large quantity. Every letter you send through the mail may be a more or less potent messenger of the truth, even on its outside by the use of these envelopes. They catch the attention not only of those to whom they are addressed, but postmen and others have an opportunity, and often the curiosity, to read their message of peace,—the gospel in a condensed form. Cheap, too,—25c. per hundred, post paid.
INCREASED PRICE OF DAWNS IV., V., VI.
In consequence of raise of prices for printing and binding just after we had reduced our price on cloth-bound DAWNS, we have been selling all volumes of the series at a loss for the past six months. The loss has been specially heavy on the thicker volumes, and we now feel compelled to increase the price on these to 40 cents, plus 10 cents postage. Subscribers' wholesale rate 20 cents plus 10 cents postage. These prices take effect Nov. 1, 1903.
Volume VI. will have over 700 pages and is hoped for in December. Those who have already paid for it at old prices need not send additionally.
Remember, that we have these in good supply at 50 cents each, delivery free. Each Binder will hold two years' issues, and they are very convenient for easy reference and preserving the papers from injury and soiling.
r3271 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER.r3272 PRIZE-FIGHTING COMMENDED.
r3276 "I HAVE CHOSEN HIM."
r3277 "THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM."
Bibles, Testaments, Students' Helps, Etc.
SUPPLIED AT WHOLESALE COST PRICES.
Our Society does not supply Bibles free, but it justifies the Bible feature of its name by supplying Bibles, Testaments and Bible Study Helps at wholesale rates. Additionally we give our readers the benefit of our experience and judgment respecting which Bibles are the best value at the wholesale rate. When ordering large-size Bibles always name your express office and company as well as post office. Letters containing money or stamps accompanying order should always be registered.
CONTAINING ALL THE IMPROVEMENTS—LARGE TYPE (LONG PRIMER).
SIZE, 5-5/8 X 8-5/8 INCHES.
No. 8701 French Seal, Divinity Circuit, Red under Gold..........$1.15
No. 8709 Egyptian Seal, Divinity Circuit, Red under
Gold, Leather Lined.................................. 1.65
No. 8721 Norse Morocco, Silk Sewed, ditto....................... 2.75
Postage, 25c each extra; Thumb Index, if desired, 25c.
THE CHEAPEST TEACHERS' BIBLE IN THE WORLD.
MINION TYPE EDITION.
No. 8301 French Seal, Divinity Circuit, Red under Gold..........
.90
Postage, 25c each extra; Thumb Index, if desired, 25c.
COMBINES ALL THE "HELPS" FEATURES,
ALSO EIGHTY SPLENDID FULL-PAGE PHOTO-VIEWS OF BIBLE LANDS.
BOURGEOIS TYPE—5-1/4 x 7-3/4 INCHES.
No. 4810 French Seal, Red under Gold............................$1.25
No. 8816 ditto, ditto, Linen Lined.............................. 1.35
No. 8838 Alaska Seal, Calfskin Lined to Edge, Silk Sewed
Red under Gold Edges, Divinity Circuit............... 2.35
Postage, 25c each extra; Thumb Index, if desired, 25c.
This Bible shows the variations of the Revised Version at the foot of each page. Otherwise it is an ordinary "Teachers' Bible" with maps, concordance, etc.
No. N.A. French Seal, Divinity Circuit..........................$1.10
No. N.B.
do.
do.
Linen Lined............. 1.25
No. N.C.
do.
do.
Leather Lined........... 1.45
All Red under Gold Edges.
Postage, 25c each extra; Thumb Index, if desired, 25c.
No. 8635 Divinity Circuit, References, Minion Type,
Red under Gold Edges.................................$1.25
No. 8636 Leather Lined, Red under Gold, Divinity Circuit,
References, Minion Type.............................. 1.75
Postage extra, 25c; Thumb Index, 25c.
The merits of these wonderful productions of the book maker's skillful art are so well known as to render detailed comment unnecessary. By special arrangement we can save our friends one-third of the list price on these Bibles, and have selected the styles which in our opinion are most desirable. All but No. 01157x contain References, and are Silk Sewed. No. 03554 is Self Pronouncing. All are bound with Divinity Circuit, are Leather Lined, have Red under Gold Edges and Round Corners. The type increases in size as follows: Pearl, Ruby, Emerald, Minion, Bourgeois and Long Primer. No. 03581x contains Concordance and Maps, and Nos. 0863x and 0865-1/2x contain full Teachers' Helps. Thumb Index on any of these 25c extra.
No. 03009x Pearl Type, Persian Levant, postpaid.................$2.25
No. 01157x Ruby Type, French Morocco, postpaid.................. 1.45
No. 03114x do.
Persian Levant, postpaid.................. 2.50
No. 03229x do.
do.
postpaid.................. 2.65
No. 03265x Minion Type, Levant Morocco, postpaid................ 3.25
No. 03485x Minion Type, Persian Levant, postpaid................ 4.60
No. 03554x Bourgeois Type, Alaska Seal, postpaid................ 4.20
No. 03581x Long Primer Type, Persian Levant, postpaid........... 4.60
No. 0863x do.
do.
Alaska Seal, postpaid.............. 3.50
No. 0865-1/2x do.
do.
Levant, postpaid................... 5.00
We can supply any of these at publishers' list prices less
25 per cent. discount.
Hitherto this Bible has been sold by "Subscription Agents" only. Its special feature, differentiating it from other "Teachers' Bibles," is that it shows the readings of the Common and Revised Versions side by side in the same line.
(This is the Bible of which we procured a special edition with wide margins and Dawn & Tower references thereon; and of which edition we have no more.)
No. 350 French Seal, Divinity Circuit, Red under Gold
Edges, list price $6, our price.......................$2.10
No. 355 French Morocco, Divinity Circuit, Red Leather
Lined, list price $8, our price....................... 3.15
No. 360 Levant Morocco, Divinity Circuit, Red Kid
Lined, list price $10, our price...................... 4.20
Thumb Index, if desired, 25c extra; Postage, 25c.
Other Desirable Bibles, New Testaments, Etc.
No. 04403 Minion type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Selected Helps, including Concordance.................$ .90
Post extra.......................................
.20
Oxford Self-Pronouncing Teachers' Bible.
No. 0823 Bourgeois Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Round Corners, Red under Gold Edge...................$1.25
Postage.........................................
.25
This is a wonderful book for the price, and its
self-pronouncing feature is on a new plan
preferred by some.
Holman Lap Bibles for the Aged; References; Very Light.
No. 2002 Pica Type, Cloth, Red Edges............................$ .90
Post extra......................................
.25
No. 2014 Pica Type, French Seal, Limp........................... 1.50
Post extra......................................
.25
No. 2022 Pica Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit............... 1.85
Post extra......................................
.25
New Testaments for Aged.—No References.
No. 212 Small Pica Type, Roan, Square Corners...................
.35
Post extra......................................
.12
No. 283 Same as No. 212 with Psalms added.......................
.45
Post extra......................................
.15
No. 03008 Pearl Type, Fr. Seal, Divinity Circuit................
.65
Post extra......................................
.07
Pocket Bibles without References.
No. 01103 Diamond Type, India Paper, Divinity
Circuit, Red under Gold Edges.................$1.00 .03
No. 178 Pearl Type, Cloth, Red Edges.....................
.18 .07
No. 010 Pearl Type, French Seal, Red under Gold..........
.45 .05
No. 013 Pearl Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Red under Gold Edges..........................
.55 .05
No. 038 Pearl Type, Padded, Red under Gold...............
.55 .05
No. 035 Pearl Type, Padded and Clasp, Red under
Gold Edges....................................
.60 .05
No. 01150 Ruby Type, French Seal, Red under Gold.........
.50 .07
No. 01153 Ruby Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Red under Gold Edges..........................
.60 .07
No. 01327 Minion Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Red under Gold Edges..........................
.75 .12
No. 01329 Minion Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Leather Lined................................. 1.10 .12
No. 215 Nonpareil Type, French Morocco, Divinity
Circuit, Red under Gold Edges.................
.80 .12
No. 0602x Thin Vest Pocket Bible, Persian Morocco,
Limp, Round Corners, Red under Gold
Edges......................................... 1.50
No. 02002x Ditto—Divinity Circuit, Leather Lined,
Silk Sewed, References........................ 1.85
OTHER DESIRABLE BIBLES, TESTAMENTS, ETC.
Childs' Bibles, Profusely Illustrated.
No. 252 Minion Type, Fr. Seal, Limp.............$ .80 post extra, .10
No. 254 Minion Type, Fr. Divinity Circ.......... 1.00 post extra, .10
No. 801 Ruby Type, Limp Cloth...................$ .05 post extra, .02
No. 030 Ruby Type, French Seal..................
.17 post extra, .02
No. 033 Ruby Type, Fr. Seal, Div. Circuit.......
.28 post extra, .02
No. 0130 Same as No. 030 with Psalms added......
.25 post extra, .03
No. 0133 Same as No. 033 with Psalms added......
.35 post extra, .03
No. 287 Brevier Type, Roan, Gilt Edge,
Psalms................................
.35 post extra, .05
No. 010 Diamond Type (very small),
Limp, Morocco, Red under
Gold Edges............................
.35 post extra, .01
No. 014 Diamond Type (very small), Fr.
Morocco, Divinity Circuit,
Leather Lined, etc....................
.65 post extra, .01
Self-Pronouncing Family Bibles.
At one-half list prices. Publishers' catalogue sent on application.
"Bible Talks in Simple Language."
This is the best book of its kind we have ever seen. It presents the Bible stories in simple, but not childish language, and seems remarkably free from the bad theology so common in this class of books. All Christian parents should have a Sunday Bible lesson with their children, and this book furnishes interesting topics, to which may be added as much concordant "present truth" as the age of the children will justify. Parents are responsible for their children's training in theology as well as morals. This will assist you in the discharge of this duty, and thus be a blessing to yourself as well as to your children.
624 pages, 250 illustrations; cloth sides, leather back and corners, gilt edges. A subscription book at $3. Our special price 75 cents, plus 25 cents postage.
Two texts and a verse for every day in the year. Have one on your breakfast table with the natural food. Appoint one of the family reader, and call for questions and comments. Feed the soul as well as the body. Small, neat, cloth bound, gilt edges. 15 cents, 2 for 25 cents, including postage.
Concordances and Other Bible Study Helps.
First in this list we mention the several volumes of
—referring inquirers to the second page of each issue of this journal for prices, etc. We commend also, as aids, the following publications by other presses, which we supply at specially low prices because of the assistance they will lend to the study of God's Word. We mention these somewhat in the order in which they seem to us to be desirable aids,—putting the concordances last, though they are not by any means least important.
This very valuable work, published under the author's copyright by Fowler & Wells Co., New York City, has been sold by them at $4 in cloth and $5 in half leather binding. For several years a friend, an earnest Bible student, desirous of assisting the readers of our Society's publications, has supplied them through us at a greatly reduced price; now he has purchased the copyright and plates from the Fowler & Wells Co., and presented the same to our Society as a gift, under our assurance that the gift will be used for the furthering of the Truth to the extent of our ability, by such a reduction of price as will permit the poor of the Lord's flock to have this help in the study of the Word.
REDUCED PRICES.—These will be sold with ZION'S WATCH TOWER only. In cloth binding $1.50 (6s. 3d.)—includes postage and one year's subscription, new or renewal, to Z.W.T. On thin paper, in full morocco leather, divinity circuit, red under gold edges, silk sewed leather lined, $2.50 (10s. 6d.)—includes postage and one year's subscription to Z.W.T.
THE TISCHENDORF NEW TESTAMENT.
This is the ordinary Common Version in cloth binding. As footnotes it gives the reading of the three oldest Greek MSS., Sinaiticus, Vaticanus and Alexandrine, wherever these differ from the Common Version. This is a very valuable little work, published in Europe, which we specially import for the benefit of our readers. Price 40c, including postage.
THE NEW ROTHERHAM TRANSLATION OF THE NEW
TESTAMENT.
Mr. Rotherham's previous translation was good, but, so far as we are able to judge from a hasty examination, this one is better. Our price, in cloth binding postage included, is $1.50.
THE SYRIAC-PESHITO NEW TESTAMENT—MURDOCH'S.
This, too, is a valuable work, and an aid in critical study. It is translated from the Syriac instead of from the Greek. It is claimed by some that it was the language in which our Lord and the apostles spoke and wrote, and that the Greek was translated from this. Our price, in half leather binding, postage included, $1.50.
LEESER'S TRANSLATION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.
This is the standard translation amongst English reading Hebrews, by one of their own rabbis. It is not perfect, but is a valuable aid in critical study of the Old Testament. Our special price, in leather binding, including postage, is $1.10.
No. 0100 Cloth Binding, pocket size, postage included........... .20
No. 040 Pearl Type, Cloth Binding...........
.30, postage extra, .10
No. 060 Minion Type, Cloth Binding..........
.75, postage extra, .20
AMERICAN COMMITTEE'S REVISED (OXFORD) BIBLE.
No. 03750 Bourgeois, Cloth, References............$ .80, postage, .25
No.
3752 Ditto, in Morocco, Div. Circuit......... 1.70, postage, .25
AMERICAN STANDARD REVISED BIBLE.
No. 260 Long Primer, Cloth, References............$1.15, postage, .30
No. 272 Long Primer, Fr. Seal, References......... 2.20, postage, .30
No. 160 Bourgeois, Cloth, References..............
.80, postage, .20
No. 172 Bourgeois, Fr. Seal, References........... 1.55, postage, .20
PROF. YOUNG'S TRANSLATION OF THE OLD AND NEW
TESTAMENTS.
Many regard this as a valuable aid; but we do not specially recommend it as such, as some of its peculiarities are liable to mislead those who have no conception of the Hebrew idiom. In cloth binding, including postage, $4. This is the regular retail price, and the publishers do not permit us to make any reduction. We are at liberty, however, to prepay the postage free and to give as a premium two volumes of the DAWN series in cloth binding.
ANALYTICAL CONCORDANCE TO THE SCRIPTURES.
In English, Hebrew and Greek, by Prof. Young (Presbyterian). A valuable work for all critical students. Price, in cloth binding, $5, including postage. We are not permitted by the publishers to cut this price; but may and do give postage free and give besides a premium of any four volumes of the MILLENNIAL DAWN series in cloth binding with each Concordance.
THE EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE TO THE
SCRIPTURES.
In English, Hebrew and Greek, by Prof. Strong (Methodist). This is also an able work and useful in critical study. It has some advantages over Young's; after getting used to it we prefer it. Price, in cloth binding, $6; half leather, $8; full leather, $10. We will pay mail or express charges on these, and in addition give as a premium all six volumes of the DAWN series in cloth binding, with each Concordance.
CRUDEN'S CONCORDANCE TO THE SCRIPTURES.
A valuable work, but scarcely necessary to those who have either one of the above mentioned. English only. Cloth binding, $1, postage included.
This is one of the most desirable editions of Prof. Smith's work. It is a large volume of 1020 pages. In cloth binding, $1.30, including postage.
—WHEN ORDERING ALWAYS NAME YOUR EXPRESS
OFFICE AND COMPANY AS WELL AS POST OFFICE.—
ADDRESS ORDERS WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND
TRACT SOCIETY, BIBLE HOUSE, ALLEGHENY, PA.
For Prices in Great Britain, Address us at
24 EVERSHOLT STREET, LONDON, N.W.
[The plan here proposed we designate "GOOD HOPES," because nothing is actually promised—only your generous hopes expressed, based upon your future prospects as they now appear to you. The plan proved not only so beneficial to the cause of truth, but also so blessed to the hopers, for some years past, that we again commend it to all as Scriptural and good. Those who desire to make use of this plan can fill out both of these memoranda. One should be kept for the refreshment of your memory; the other mail to us.]
To the
"WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY."
Dear Friends:—I have read with interest of the openings for the Dawn and Tract work in foreign lands and here at home. I need not tell you that I am deeply interested in the spread of the Glad Tidings of the lengths and breadths, the heights and depths of redeeming love expressed for us in God's great Plan of the Ages.
I am anxious to use myself—every power, every talent, voice, time, money, influence, all—to give to others this knowledge, which has so greatly blessed, cheered and comforted my own heart and placed my feet firmly upon the Rock of Ages.
I have been considering carefully, and praying to be instructed, how to use my various talents more to my Redeemer's glory and for the service of his people—those blinded by human tradition who are, nevertheless, hungering for "the good Word of God," and those also who are naked, not having on the wedding garment of Christ's imputed righteousness, the unjustified, who stand at best in the filthy rags of their own righteousness. I have decided that so far as my "money talent" goes, I will follow the rule so clearly laid down for us by the great Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 16:2), and will lay aside on the first day of each week, according to my thankful appreciation of the Lord's blessings during the preceding week. Out of this fund I wish to contribute to the several parts of the Lord's work specified on the back of this letter. Of course, I cannot in advance judge or state particularly what the Lord's bounty may enable me to set apart weekly, and hence you will understand the sum indicated to be merely my conjecture or hope, based upon present prospects. I will endeavor to contribute more than I here specify; and should I not succeed in doing as well, the Lord will know my heart, and you, also, will know of my endeavors.
My only object in specifying in advance what I hope to be able to do in this cause is to enable those in charge of the work of publishing and circulating the Tracts, etc., to form estimates, lay plans, make contracts, etc., with some idea of what I will at least try to do in the exercise of this my highly appreciated privilege.
My present judgment is that during the coming year, by self-denial and cross-bearing, I shall be able to lay aside on the first day of each week for Home and Foreign Mission Work (to assist in circulating Millennial Dawn in foreign languages, and in publishing the "Old Theology Tracts" in various languages, and in supplying these gratuitously to brethren who have the heart and opportunity to circulate them widely, and in meeting the expenses of brethren sent out as "Pilgrims" to preach the divine plan of salvation, and in general to be expended as the officers of the Society may deem best), the amount of...............per week.
To comply with United States Postal Laws, all or any portion of my donation may be applied as subscription price for Watch Tower or O.T. Tracts sent to the Lord's poor or others, as the Society's officers may deem advisable.
That the work be not hindered, I will endeavor to send you what I shall have laid aside for this cause at the close of each quarter. I will secure a Bank Draft, Express Order or Postal Money Order as I may find most convenient, and will address the letter to
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY,
(Name).................................................
(Post Office).....................(State)..............
The friends who contribute to the "Good Hopes" (described on the reverse of this sheet) at times desire to send the Watch Tower to friends who are not yet interested enough to subscribe for themselves; or to deeply interested friends who are too poor to subscribe and backward about accepting our Lord's Poor offer. They are invited to give us such addresses below—the expense to be deducted from their donations. Give full addresses, and write very plainly please, mentioning the length of the subscriptions.
CHRISTIAN HOME EMBELLISHMENTS.
For several years we have been supplying our readers with handsome text and motto cards for the walls of their homes. Their influence is excellent; for they continually and cheerfully catch the eye and remind the heart of our great favors present and to come, based upon the exceeding great and precious promises of our Father's Word. We commend these as helps in the "narrow way,"—helps in character-building.
We aim to have a good supply of these very choice cards constantly on hand, and for particular description of some (not all) of the styles would refer you to our illustrated list, which will be sent on request. We still recommend the dollar packages as the most satisfactory way, all things considered, of acquiring these texts. They are sent carriage paid for $1.16, by prepaid express whenever feasible.
These are published quarterly, copies being sent to all subscribers. Other copies, for distribution among friends, from house to house, for enclosure in letters, and in general for use in such ways as seem judicious, are supplied freely, the expense entailed by the great demand for them being borne by the Tract Fund of voluntary contributions. Write for the tracts as you feel able to use them, even if not so well able to contribute toward the expense; some who are not able, and do contribute, do not have opportunities personally to use all that their contributions pay for, so that the matter is equalized, and all may have a part in this service of disseminating the truth.
We are convinced that the Watch Tower lists do not contain the names of one-half of those deeply interested in its teachings. The total is small enough surely, and we are not content that the name of any should be missing. We believe that all such will be stimulated and encouraged on the "narrow way" by its semi-monthly appearance on their table, reminding them afresh of spiritual matters which the world, the flesh and the devil continually tend to crowd out of mind and heart.
Hitherto we have required that all desiring the Watch Tower on credit, or free, as "the Lord's Poor," should make personal application; but now we request every subscriber to inquire among those whom he knows to be interested in present truth, and to obtain the consent of all such to send in their subscriptions either on credit or free, as their circumstances may necessitate. Any getting it on credit may at any future time request that the debt be cancelled, and we will cheerfully comply. We desire that as nearly as possible the Watch Tower lists shall represent all those deeply interested in its message.
Our object is not the gain of "filthy lucre," but "the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry"—present and to come. (Eph. 4:12.) We offer no premiums, desiring the co-operation of such only as appreciate the privilege of being co-workers with us in this ministry. Our list is now about 17,000; but it should be at least 25,000, and we confidently expect the above program to bring it to that figure. Let as many as appreciate it as a privilege, join at once in this service.
WATCH TOWER SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS.
Most of our subscriptions end with the year, so we take this opportunity to remark that we will be glad to hear promptly from such as desire the visits of the Watch Tower continued. This applies to all who get it on the Lord's Poor list as well as to those who pay. When names are dropped and afterward renewed it makes us unnecessary trouble.