SEMI-MONTHLY.
VOL. XXIII.
DECEMBER 1, 1902.
No. 23.
Views from the Watch Tower........................355
The Church as the Maker of the
World's Conscience..........................355
Sees Industrial War Ahead.....................357
The Mountain of the Lord's House..................357
"Speak, Lord; for thy Servant
Heareth."...................................359
Christmas Hopes and Joys..........................362
Review of the Year................................365
"The Lord is My Shepherd."........................365
Interesting Letters...............................366
Special Items.....................................354
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—131 GREEN ST., FOREST GATE, LONDON.
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.
WALL CHARTS, five feet long, painted on substantial curtain cloth, with spring roller. Suitable for parlor meetings and small halls. These are in good supply, at $1.50 each, express paid.
We have been delayed in sending out the small prophetic charts suitable for insertion in the new Bibles, on account of our printers. We hope to have these before long, and will make further announcement later.
MANY of the truths of the Gospel were "preached beforehand" in the types and shadows of the Jewish economy. In the service of the tabernacle in the wilderness were embodied the principles of the entire plan of salvation, based upon the sacrifice of Christ, as represented in the bullock whose blood, sprinkled upon the mercy seat, made atonement.
The significance of each article in the tabernacle, as well as of the sacrifices made therein, is set forth in TABERNACLE SHADOWS OF BETTER SACRIFICES, a pamphlet of 120 pages, neatly bound and illustrated. We have this booklet in good supply now. Price, 10 cents, postpaid; 50 cents per dozen.
r3112 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER.r3113 THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD'S HOUSE.
r3114 "SPEAK, LORD; FOR THY SERVANT HEARETH."
r3114 CHRISTMAS HOPES AND JOYS.
r3116 REVIEW OF THE YEAR.
r3116 "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD."
r3116 LETTERS OF INTEREST.
SEMI-MONTHLY.
VOL. XXIV.
DECEMBER 15, 1902.
No. 24.
Views from the Watch Tower........................371
The Reapers Not Yet Crying Out................371
The Agrarians of Germany......................372
A Presbyterian Preacher Looking
in the Right Direction......................372
What Rev. Hillis Sees.........................373
Church Union in Canada........................373
Social Unrest in Russia.......................374
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society's
Annual Report...............................374
Rejoicing in Tribulation..........................379
Requests for Pilgrim Visits in 1903...............383
Extent of Judas' Knowledge........................383
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—131 GREEN ST., FOREST GATE, LONDON.
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.
The friends have thus named the wide-margin Bibles with DAWN and TOWER references recently gotten out by Holman & Co. for us: and since the book needs a special and distinguishing name, we may as well let this one stand.
Some of these Bibles, reserved for friends who hoped to send the money before the end of the year, are now released, and can go to whoever sends the payment; 124 bound in French Seal, divinity circuit, red under gold edges, express prepaid, for $2.00.
We got out a special edition for foreign shipment, with the photo-illustrations of Palestine, etc., separate (so as to keep within the foreign-postal limits): these we have held until now for our friends in foreign lands, but henceforth they are open to general orders from any quarter. Price, same as above (in British currency, 9s.); 99 remain.
No other Bible ever published contains such advantages as this one; and the above are all that remain of an edition of 5,000. There will be no more; and, though open to all, we are anxious that these go to friends of the cause, who will value them on account of the special features, and make use of the same. No Bibles at the price—nor at any price—will compare with these.
Remember, that we have these in good supply at 50c 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.
r3117 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER.r3119 WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY.
r3122 REJOICING IN TRIBULATION.
r3124 REQUESTS FOR PILGRIM VISITS IN 1903.
r3126 AN INTERESTING QUESTION ANSWERED.
BIBLES, TESTAMENTS, STUDENTS' HELPS, Etc.
SUPPLIES 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 .25
THE CHEAPEST TEACHERS' BIBLE IN THE WORLD.
No. 8301 French Seal, Divinity Circuit, Red under Gold..........
.75
Postage, 25c each extra; Thumb Index, if desired, .25
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............................$1.35
No. 8816 ditto, ditto, Linen Lined.............................. 1.85
No. 8838 Alaska Seal, Calfskin Lined to Edge, Silk Sewed,
Red under Gold Edges, Divinity Circuit............... 2.45
Postage, 25c each extra; Thumb Index, if desired .25
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........... 1.55
All Red under Gold Edges.
Postage, 25c each extra; Thumb Index, if desired .25
We can supply any of these at publishers' list prices less 25 per cent. discount.
The merits of these wonderful productions of the bookmaker's skilful 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. Nos. 03464x and 03581x contain 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 Emerald Type, Levant Morocco, postpaid............... 3.25
No. 03464x Minion Type, Persian Levant, postpaid................ 3.80
No. 03554x Bourgeois Type, Alaska Seal, postpaid................ 4.20
No. 03581x Long Primer Type, Persian Levant, postpaid........... 4.67
No. 0863x do do Alaska Seal, postpaid.............. 5.21
No. 0865-1/2 do do Levant, postpaid................... 6.55
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.
(Those requesting it will be supplied a publishers' price list, showing the special feature.)
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 $10, our price............................. 4.20
Thumb Index, if desired, 25c extra; Postage.........
.25
Other Desirable Bibles, New Testaments, Etc.
No. 04403 Minion type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Selected Helps, including Concordance.................$ .75
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.
Lap Bibles for the Aged.—No References.
These contain Family Registers.
No. 01600 Small Pica Type, Cloth, Red Edges.....................$1.00
Post extra.......................................
.25
No. 01603 Small Pica Type, French Seal, Limp.................... 1.35
Post extra.......................................
.25
No. 01605 Small Pica Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit........ 1.95
Post extra,......................................
.25
Ditto New Testaments for Aged.
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................
.60
Post extra,....................................... .07
Pocket Bibles Without References.
No. 01103 Diamond Type, India Paper, Divinity Circuit,
Red under Gold Edges...........................$1.00 .03
No. 178 Pearl Type, Cloth, Red Edges.....................
.18 .07
No. 010 Pearl Type, French Seal, Red under Gold..........
.55 .05
No. 013 Pearl Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Red under Gold Edges...........................
.55 .05
No. 038 Pearl Type, Padded, Red under Gold...............
.55 .05
No. 035 Pearl Type, Padded and Clasp, Red under
Gold Edges.....................................
.60 .05
No. 01150 Ruby Type, French Seal, Red under Gold.........
.45 .07
No. 01153 Ruby Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Red under Gold Edges...........................
.60 .07
No. 01327 Minion Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit
Red under Gold Edges...........................
.75 .12
No. 01329 Minion Type, French Seal, Divinity Circuit,
Leather lined.................................. 1.10 .12
No. 215 Nonpareil Type, French Morocco, Divinity Circuit,
Red under Gold Edges...........................
.80 .12
No. 602 Thin Vest Pocket Bible, Persian Morocco,
Limp, Round Corners, Red under Gold
Edges.......................................... 1.50
No. 2002 Ditto—Divinity Circuit, Leather Lined,
Silk Sewed, References......................... 1.85
OTHER DESIRABLE BIBLES, TESTAMENTS, ETC.
Child's Bibles, Profusely Illustrated.
No. 252 Ruby Type, Fr. Seal, Limp...............$ .80 post extra, .10
No. 145 Ruby 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........ .25 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'ch
Morocco, Divinity Circuit,
Leather Lined, etc..................... .80 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, until now (A.D. 1902), 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 morocco bound edition will not be ready for some time, but orders may be sent in now, for later delivery.
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.
In cloth binding, pocket size, postage included.............. .20
No. 040 Pearl Type, Cloth binding..............45, postage extra, .10
No. 060 Minion Type, do ..............75, postage extra, .20
AMERICAN COMMITTEE'S REVISED (OXFORD) BIBLE.
No. 03570 Bourgeois, Cloth, References............$1.00, postage, .25
No. 03752 Ditto, in Morocco, Div. Circuit......... 1.90, postage, .25
AMERICAN STANDARD REVISED BIBLE.
No. 260 Long Primer, Cloth, References............ 1.35, postage, .30
No. 275 Long Primer, Fr. Seal, References......... 2.50, postage, .30
No. 160 Bourgeois, Cloth, References..............
.90, postage, .20
No. 172 Bourgeois, Fr. Seal, References........... 1.75, postage, .20
PROF. YOUNG'S TRANSLATION OF THE OLD AND NEW
TESTAMENT.
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.
THE 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 three 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, but scarcely so good for the average student, we think, as Prof. Young's work. 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 any three 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
131 GREEN ST., FOREST GATE, LONDON.
[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.