TOWER PUBLISHING COMPANY,
"BIBLE HOUSE"
ARCH STREET, ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
C. T. RUSSELL, EDITOR; MRS. C. T. RUSSELL, ASSOCIATE.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 A YEAR, IN ADVANCE,
INCLUDES ALSO A SUBSCRIPTION, FOR ONE YEAR,
TO "THE OLD THEOLOGY" (TRACTS), QUARTERLY,
By Express Order, Postal Money Order, Bank Draft, or Registered Letter. Foreign only by Foreign Money Order.
N.B.—Those of the interested, who by reason of old age or accidents, or other adversity, are unable to pay, will be supplied FREE, if they will send a Postal Card each December, stating their case and requesting the paper.
ABRAHAM'S AGE ON ENTERING CANAAN.
We are in receipt of a number of letters, calling attention to what seems to the writers an error in the Chronology given in MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. II., relative to the date of Abraham's birth, his entrance into Canaan, etc. For the sake of these, as well as others who may have the same difficulty, we here enlarge upon what is stated in VOL. II., pages 44-47.
Gen. 11:32 says that at his death Terah's age was two hundred and five years; Acts 7:4 says that then Abraham removed into Canaan; and Gen. 12:4 states that Abraham was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Hence Terah's age at Abraham's birth must have been one hundred and thirty years.
But is not this out of harmony with Gen. 11:26, which says: "And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor and Haran"? We answer, No. The point of confusion is in the fact that Haran, the eldest, is mentioned last, while Abram, the youngest, is mentioned first—possibly because of his greater prominence in the narrative, or, possibly, as a little stumbling-block to hinder us from seeing the facts except as guided by the Lord, in his due time.
That Haran was the eldest of the sons of Terah is quite evident from the recorded facts. His son Lot was old enough to be the companion of his uncle Abraham. Lot and Abraham were probably nearly of the same age, as each had his own flocks and herds and herdsmen. When Sodom was destroyed Lot had two daughters of marriageable age and others already married. This was before Isaac was born, Abraham being then ninety-nine years old.—Gen. 17:24; 18:1,16; 19:8,14.
Again, notice the likelihood of Haran's being much the eldest of Terah's sons, and Nahor the second, thus,—Nahor married one of his brother Haran's daughters (Milcah—See Gen. 24:15), whose grand-daughter, Rebecca, became the wife of Abraham's son, Isaac.—Gen. 24:67.
Our reckoning as given in the DAWN is therefore sustained by all the known facts, as well as by the exact statements of Scripture.
THE TOWER FOR 1894 TO THE LORD'S POOR.
We would remind the dear friends who receive the WATCH TOWER free, because poor through misfortune or infirmity, that we expect them, as well as paying subscribers, to renew their subscriptions yearly. A postal card will serve the purpose, if on it you repeat your request to have the TOWER continue its visits. If still unable to pay, state the fact, and it will be cheerfully continued. We like to hear from all at this season of the year. Those who can pay later, but to whom it is not convenient just now, will please so state themselves. A + indicates Lord's Poor.
In our Terms, above, it will be noticed that we request such responses sometime during the month of December;—this because we have your names and addresses in type, and the labor and expense of distributing thousands of addresses and then, later, resetting many of them, is considerable.
The Swedish translation of the first volume of MILLENNIAL DAWN is now ready, and waiting orders have been filled. It can be supplied in both cloth and paper bindings, at same prices as the English edition.
Friends of the truth who have knowledge of the subject, are requested to let us know of Swedish settlements—giving some idea of the population of such colonies; also of colonies of Danes and of Norwegians; for we hope to have the Dano-Norwegian translation ready about March next. We shall soon have some tracts in these languages, and shall be pleased to send freely whatever quantity you will use judiciously.
r1595 VOL. XIV. DECEMBER 1, 1893. NO. 23.r1595 DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
r1595 A GLIMPSE OF CHRISTIANITY IN JAPAN.
r1597 TRUE CHRISTIAN LIBERALITY.
SUGGESTIVE THOUGHTS DESIGNED TO ASSIST THOSE OF OUR
READERS WHO ATTEND BIBLE CLASSES WHERE THESE
LESSONS ARE USED; THAT THEY MAY BE ENABLED TO
LEAD OTHERS INTO THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL.
PUBLISHED IN ADVANCE, AT THE REQUEST OF FOREIGN READERS.
IV. QUAR., LESSON XI., DEC. 10, 1 PET. 1:1-12.
Golden Text—"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."—Col. 1:12.
Out of a heart inspired with the glorious hope set before the consecrated saints of the Gospel dispensation flows the impassioned and eloquent greeting of the Apostle Peter to others of like precious faith. To "the elect according to the foreknowledge of God, And every line of his epistle, even the words of greeting, are full of instruction.
VERSE 2 shows that the election referred to was not an arbitrary election, but that it was conditioned upon three things—(1) the sanctification or full consecration of the believer; (2) his implicit obedience to the divine discipline and teaching; and (3) his full reliance upon the precious blood of Christ for cleansing and salvation from sin and death.
VERSE 3 gratefully and joyfully points to the resurrection of Christ as the assurance of our final triumph through him.
VERSES 4,5 declare that the glorious inheritance of the saints was not for immediate possession at the instant of death, but that it was reserved, and that it would be revealed in the last time—at the second advent of the Lord. So the Apostle Paul also taught, saying, when he was about to die, "Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing."—2 Tim. 4:7,8.
VERSES 6-9 are precious reminders of the joys of faith, to attain the full fruition of which, the endurance of present afflictions are causes for thanksgiving, because their discipline is necessary to prepare us for the glorious inheritance of the saints in light.
VERSES 10-12 declare that the revelations of divine truth concerning the glorious inheritance of the saints of the Gospel age were never made known in former ages, even to the faithful prophets, nor to the angels who earnestly desired to know, and who diligently searched and sought to discover the deep significance of the prophecies of these things, which are now made known to us by the holy Spirit which inspired the apostles and through them instructs the Church.
And this high calling of "the elect" "Church of the First Born, whose names are written in heaven," is still a blessed secret among the saints, which "none of the princes of this world [the great ones of the world—"the princes," either ecclesiastical or civil] knew." (1 Cor. 2:6-10.) Nor do they yet know of the glory to be revealed in the saints. The religious princes of all the religions of the world, which from the four corners of the earth recently assembled in Chicago, only verified and emphasized this fact, and proved their utter ignorance of this secret of the Lord, in which his humble, faithful ones are rejoicing to-day with joy unspeakable and full of glory. "Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect [that are of a perfect heart, disposition or intention, the humble and obedient, the truly wise—Dan. 12:10]; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world that come to nought. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world for our glory; which none of the princes of this world knew....Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard; neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit"—through his holy apostles and prophets in whose divine inspiration we have the fullest confidence, [R1598 : page 366] notwithstanding the efforts of the princes of this world to shake it. God be praised for the abundant testimony of his inspired, holy Word!
IV. QUAR., LESSON XII., DEC. 17, REV. 1:9-20.
Golden Text—"Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name."—Phil. 2:9.
VERSE 9. John, who received this vision, and was commissioned to convey it to the Church, so far from being puffed up by this privilege, humbly reminds us that the vision was from God, and that he who received it made no claims of superior sanctity or worthiness, and that he was simply their brother and companion in tribulation, a member with them of the embryo Kingdom of Heaven, which now suffers violence (Matt. 11:12), but nevertheless in patient waiting for its glorious triumph at the second advent of Jesus Christ.
Because of his faithfulness in believing and teaching the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, John had been banished to the lonely and sterile isle of Patmos; but the place of his exile was made glorious with the presence of the Lord and the manifestations of his grace, not only to his faithful Apostle, but also to all of the Church through him.
VERSE 10. The expression, "I was in the spirit on the Lord's day," we understand to mean that on that day (the first day of the week) John was specially filled with the holy Spirit of love and adoration and joy in God as to be mentally lifted above his surroundings and out of the thoughts and feelings of the old nature; so that, forgetting for the time the things of time and sense, there came to his soul an overwhelming sense of the divine presence and favor. To such a condition his circumstances were peculiarly favorable, isolated as he was from all human intercourse, and alone with God. His was not a sickly sentimentalism causing him to shirk the duties and responsibilities of active life and impelling him to that of a recluse. No; far from it. He had been active, faithful and loyal to God and zealous for his cause; and when the enforced seclusion came as a penalty for such faithfulness, he rejoiced also in this "tribulation,"—this privilege of enduring hardness as a good soldier; and from his sense of the divine approval, both of his faithfulness in activity and of his patience in this enforced inactivity and seclusion, sprang the joy which only those know who have endured something for Christ's sake and experienced the fellowship of his sufferings.
In such times of tribulation the Lord's presence and comfort are most precious to his saints, and they begin to learn what it means to live "in the spirit"—above the world, and hence to a great extent unaffected by its conditions and circumstances.
Thus, as the Apostle drew near to the Lord, the Lord drew near to him; and on [R1599 : page 366] this occasion, as there was a special message to be conveyed to the Church, this beloved and faithful disciple, being in the proper attitude of mind and heart—"a broken and emptied vessel," fit for the Master's use—was the chosen and honored instrument. And, therefore, he was permitted to see and hear, in symbolic visions, the wonderful things which God had to reveal to his Church.
He heard "behind" him [from some unseen source] "a great voice as of a trumpet"—indicative of an important proclamation.
VERSE 11. The first announcement identifies the speaker as our Lord and Redeemer, the beginning and the ending of Jehovah's direct creation—"the only begotten Son of God"—the alpha and the omega, the first and the last. See verses 8,17,18; John 1:2,3; Col. 1:15-17; Rev. 3:14; also WATCH TOWER, April 15, '93.
Then followed the instructions to write what he was about to see, and to send the book to the seven churches mentioned. The number seven, being a symbol of completeness, meant here not merely the churches named, but the complete nominal Gospel church of the entire age;—the special addresses to each of these being specially applicable to the several stages of the Gospel Church which they represent: Ephesus representing the Church in apostolic times, Laodicea representing the church of the present time.
VERSES 12,13. When the Apostle turned to see the speaker, he saw an appearance like unto a son of man—representing our Lord Jesus (not really the Lord, but a vision, an appearance)—standing in the midst of seven golden candlesticks, which represented the above seven phases of the church.
Gold being a symbol of the divine nature, the seven golden candlesticks indicate that the divine institution of the Church is for the enlightening of the world, the same symbol [R1599 : page 367] used in the Jewish Tabernacle and later in the Temple, indicating the same thing.
VERSES 13-16. The Son of man is seen "clothed in a garment down to the foot"—a long, full flowing robe such as was worn by kings and priests; not the dress of the common people. And he was girded about the paps (not about the loins as one about to toil or run, but about the paps as of one in the repose and dignity of sovereignty) with a golden girdle.
The whiteness of the hair indicate both age and purity; the brightness of the eyes symbolize acute discernment; the polished and glowing feet indicate power; the voice as the sound of many waters indicate the universality of his authority and power; and the shining countenance—as the brightness of the sun in his strength—marks the glory and power and blessing of his presence and Kingdom. The seven stars—the angels or ministers of the Church, those whom the Lord recognizes as teachers in the Church (verse 20)—are held in his right hand, showing that the teaching, power and authority are vested in Christ, the head of the Church, and that the human teachers are only instruments in his hands, and accountable to him. And the two-edged sword out of his mouth symbolizes the mission of his truth and its final victory. The sword of the spirit—the Word of God.
VERSE 17. The vision had an overpowering effect upon the Apostle's physical frame; and from excitement and fear, like Saul of Tarsus and like Daniel, the Prophet, he fell as one dead, until a kindly hand imparted new strength, and an assuring voice said, "Fear not; I am the first and the last [the only begotten Son of God]; I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell [hades, the grave] and of death"—the power to open the graves and to loose the bands of death and set the captives free.
VERSE 19 commands the writing of the vision of the things past, present and future that the Church to whom the message is sent may ponder its deeply significant symbolisms.
The Golden Text is aptly chosen, pointing as it does, to the humiliation and vicarious sacrifice of Christ as the cause of his present exaltation and glory and power—"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him," etc.—Phil. 2:8,9.
ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM FAITHFUL WORKERS.
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—You will find enclosed Money Order, which you can place in the Tract Fund, or as your judgment may direct.
I think the most important matter which now concerns us is the dissemination of the truth. Error is abroad in the land: we meet it on every hand, and it seems to be the most difficult matter to get people interested in the plain and simple teachings of the Bible. I trust that the TOWER and other helps may continue to a far greater extent to present the truth in its wonderful power and purity, and that the Editor and his associates may be blessed of the Lord abundantly, in the great work which has already carried light and gladness to so many hearts, now rejoicing in the truth.
Yours in the service, G. M. TURNER.
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—I have not for some time tried to sell or to distribute any DAWNS, as I was in doubt about some of their teachings. I have since, however, by a great deal of study, found that I was in error. This is indeed an evil day, full of snares and pitfalls, and none shall be able to stand, who do not humbly accept God's Word as their only and all-sufficient ground of faith and practice, in opposition to all church-creeds and church-authority; for even those churches, which claim to have no creed, claim to have, by divine right, the power to make teachers, and if they fail to teach according to their liking, they have the same divine authority to unmake them.
Respectfully yours, J. L. KING.
REPLY. Your letter is at hand, and I am glad it reveals you as again rejoicing in the truth, and, I trust, this time more firmly established therein. Severe tests come to all, in proportion to the measure of light possessed; and having, by the Lord's grace, overcome in this one instance, I trust you will be on the lookout when future trials come, and better ready to resist the temptations of the Adversary. But, be assured, you will not entirely escape temptation in [R1599 : page 368] future; yet if you make the Lord your refuge, you will not be overcome, but find in him constant strength and protection. See Psalm 91.
I do not quite coincide with you in the opinion that the nominal churches have no right to unmake teachers. True, they have no authority to make representatives of the Lord, and each follower of the Lord should recognize no other commission than that given in God's Word; yet so far as the systems are concerned, they have as much right to authorize individuals to teach their doctrines as an individual has to appoint another as his representative, or as any secular institution has to control its representatives. The ability to use and make a representative implies the ability to withdraw consent at pleasure, unless bound by contract. And any one preaching by the authority of any part of Babylon, and supposed to teach its particular theories, should first dissolve his contract with such system before preaching or teaching contrary to its standards; and if he does not voluntarily do so, it is certainly the privilege of the institution to withdraw its sanction and support, and to give them to other individuals who will abide by their contracts.
It is a blessed thing, however, to be free in Christ from bondage to earthly, ecclesiastical rule and human creeds, and subject only to the one Lord and Head of the Church, and to the one infallible guide of faith. We are admonished to maintain a clear conscience, and to labor diligently to learn and to teach all that he is pleased to reveal through it—his Word.
May you, as free, become more and more the bond-servant of Christ.—EDITOR.
BRETHREN:—Find enclosed the amount of my subscription to the "Good Hope" fund, for the last quarter. How thankful I am that I am counted worthy to be admitted to the "household of faith," to the race for the prize of the high calling, and to the inspiring truths set forth in your publications. How surely the truth drives error from the mind; and how much more satisfying is a faith in a doctrine that harmonizes the whole Word of God, than the conflicting creeds of men! How much greater is the reward promised "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, and honor and immortality." (Rom. 2:7.) How satisfying the thought that the words, "Ye brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief," were addressed to us who are on the "Watch Tower," and by the light of his Word are proclaiming his presence.
Surely the struggle is now commencing, the "strong man" is being bound and hope is increasing in the hearts of the Lord's longing children, while dismay fills the hearts of the unfaithful and disbelieving.
Yours in the love of the truth,
DEAR SIRS:—I herewith remit amount of my quarterly "Good Hopes." Your publications have done me a world of good, in clearing up dark points in modern religious teachings. They are too potent for good not to receive the help I can give.
Please send me a copy of the TOWER for October 1892. I wish my file complete.
Sincerely yours, E. L. McEWEN.
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—We had very good success in M__________, considering the hard times. We sold over one hundred books there, and I believe we could have sold as many more, if the people had not been disappointed in getting their pay. It is a railroad and mining town, and the laboring class have had considerable trouble lately in getting their money, as they are paid in store-orders instead of money; so on that account we could reach only the wealthier class. However, we feel very thankful for the privilege of putting out as many DAWNS as we did.
I feel more encouraged than ever to press forward in the narrow way, and the dear Lord and his saints seem nearer and dearer to me since our last Convention than ever before. I can truthfully say that now is my salvation nearer than when I first believed. Praise the Lord for his loving kindness! Pray for me that I may prove faithful to the end; for I realize that only those that are faithful even unto death shall hear the "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord."
TOWER PUBLISHING COMPANY,
"BIBLE HOUSE"
ARCH STREET, ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
C. T. RUSSELL, EDITOR; MRS. C. T. RUSSELL, ASSOCIATE.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 A YEAR, IN ADVANCE,
INCLUDES ALSO A SUBSCRIPTION, FOR ONE YEAR,
TO "THE OLD THEOLOGY" (TRACTS), QUARTERLY,
By Express Order, Postal Money Order, Bank Draft, or Registered Letter. Foreign only by Foreign Money Order.
N.B.—Those of the interested, who by reason of old age or accidents, or other adversity, are unable to pay, will be supplied FREE, if they will send a Postal Card each December, stating their case and requesting the paper.
Our readers received from our office, some months ago, a tract entitled "Bible Study and Needful Helps Thereto." In the back part of said tract we gave descriptions and prices of various styles of Bibles, etc., which we supply at the wholesale rates in any quantity. Please note the reductions in the wholesale prices of the following numbers:
Bagster Bible, No. 8215, reduced 25 cents, now, $2.00
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8315, "
48 "
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2.00
Holman "
"
C, "
50 "
"
2.00
"
"
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D, "
17 "
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3.00
Oxford reprint, "
707, "
25 "
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1.50
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713, "
25 "
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2.00
CHRISTIAN HOME EMBELLISHMENTS.
WALL ROLLS. We have secured three styles of Wall Rolls. They are to hang upon the wall, and can be read at a distance. There are thirty-one leaves to each roll: one leaf for each day of the month; size 13x20 inches. We will supply these at 50 cents each (postage 10 cents extra). The usual prices are 75 and 85 cents each. All excellent, the Picture Roll is especially suitable where there are small children.
(1) THE BIBLE PICTURE ROLL. Thirty-one illustrations of familiar passages of the Bible, with texts.
(2) STRENGTH and SUNSHINE Wall Roll. A collection, aptly named, of Scripture texts and choice cullings from other writers.
(3) DAILY COMFORT IN FOUR-FOLD LINKS
Wall Roll. On each leaf four Scripture passages, representing prayer, promise, precept and praise.
WALL MOTTOES. We still have these, similar to those supplied last year to many of our readers. They are of two general kinds:
(1) Mottoes on dark green and dark red heavy card-board, stamped in silver. These are of various shapes and sizes, and the mottoes are various—all good. Prices 10 cents, 15 cents, 20 cents and 25 cents each, post-paid.
(2) Mottoes on white cards, illuminated, with colored flowers, etc., interspersed with the texts. Various styles, four mottoes for 25 cents, post-paid.
All disposed to suggest what they desire and hope to be able to give to the Watch Tower Tract Society's fund, for 1894, for the spread of the doctrines inculcated by the WATCH TOWER publications, will find a printed supplement with this issue. After being filled out, it should be torn in two, and the one half kept as your memorandum, while the other half should be sent to the Secretary of the Watch Tower Tract Society at Allegheny.
As will be seen by our terms, above, ZION'S WATCH TOWER desires to visit regularly all who desire its visits. The terms are so liberal that none need be without it—for all can command at least a postal card for a request to have it as one of the Lord's poor. We desire, however, to hear from all if they desire to have these semi-monthly calls; for we do not wish to send it where it is unwelcome or merely tolerated.
We, therefore, ask to hear from all readers as promptly as possible. If the money for 1894 is not convenient to you now, say so. If too poor to afford it, state that. Do so before your name is taken off our lists. Expect tag on January 15th TOWER to show credits sent us up to December 31.
The Tract Fund still has some of the Jerusalem mementoes presented to it by Brother Russell; viz., olive-wood paper-weights and flower cards made from the wild flowers and grasses of Jerusalem and its vicinity.
We will send two paper-weights and six flower-cards for 50 cents; or one paper-weight and two flower-cards for 25 cents. To those on the TOWER list as "the Lord's Poor" a flower-card will be sent free, on request.
r1600 VOL. XIV. DECEMBER 15, 1893. NO. 24.r1603 IS NOT THE DOCTRINE DANGEROUS?
r1604 THE COMING CRASH IN EUROPE.
r1601 ECHOES FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF RELIGIONS.
r1599 ANNUAL REPORT WATCH TOWER TRACT SOCIETY.
SUGGESTIVE THOUGHTS DESIGNED TO ASSIST THOSE OF OUR
READERS WHO ATTEND BIBLE CLASSES WHERE THESE
LESSONS ARE USED; THAT THEY MAY BE ENABLED TO
LEAD OTHERS INTO THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL.
IV. QUAR., LESSON XIII., DEC. 24, MATT. 2:1-11.
Golden Text—"Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins."—Matt. 1:21.
We have elsewhere presented the Scriptural evidences that the date usually celebrated as the anniversary of our Lord Jesus' birth is incorrect and that, instead of being Dec. 25, B.C. 4, it really was about October 1, B.C. 2*; nevertheless this need not mar our pleasure, nor our appreciation of the great fact so generally celebrated on the wrong date; for its lessons are as appropriate to one date as to another.
*See MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. II., pages 54-62.
The great thought of this lesson is that the first-born of every creature left the glory of a spirit existence, the glory which he had enjoyed with the Father before the world was made, and in conformity to the divine plan for human salvation "humbled himself" to human nature, became a man, "was made flesh, and dwelt among us."—John 1:14; Phil. 2:7-9.
But why did he do this? The Scriptures reply that he took our form and nature—the form of a servant—for the suffering of death. It was for the sin of man that he was to atone; and, to do so, to pay our debt, to give our ransom price, to be our substitute, he must be a man;—that as by a man came death, by a man also should come the resurrection of the dead.
No wonder, then, that the birth of the babe Jesus, the first step in the divine plan for our salvation from sin and death, was hailed by angels as well as by the wise men and the shepherds as a most notable, a most momentous event. And only those who [R1604 : page 380] see quite clearly the necessity for a ransom (a corresponding price), before sin could be forgiven or one member of the condemned race of Adam could be set free from the death penalty resting upon all, can appreciate the depth of meaning there is in that song which the angels sang: "Glory to God in the highest; on earth peace, good will toward men."
The great salvation of which the man Christ Jesus is the center is all of divine arrangement—to the Father of glories therefore we ascribe the "highest" glory for all the blessings which through it we enjoy.
The infant Jesus was the first ray of light and hope to men; because he would become a man, and as the man would give his life a ransom for Adam and all condemned in him; and thus, by virtue of having paid our price, "bought us with his own precious blood [his life given]," he would be legally [R1604 : page 381] qualified before the divine law to be the "Mediator of the New Covenant," which he sealed or made effective with his own precious blood;—"the blood of the New Covenant shed for many for the remission of sins."—Matt. 26:28.
The great plan for human salvation, begun by the birth of Jesus, has not yet reached completion. It will not be complete until his people have been saved from their sins and from the penalty of their sins—death, which includes degradation mental, moral and physical. The ransom, thank God, has been paid, and Justice has accepted it; and now the Mediator of the New Covenant is seeking out "his people." First, during this Gospel age, he seeks his peculiar people, his "Bride;" and in the age to follow this, the Millennium, he will cause the knowledge of the divine offer of life under the terms of the New Covenant to be made general: all shall know, and then "whosoever will may take of the water of life freely." And all whom he now is or ever shall be willing to own as "his people" will gladly avail themselves of that New Covenant's gracious arrangements and return to full favor with God;—all others will be wilful sinners, and as such will be cut off from life in the Second Death.
Let us, then, who know the blessed story of the love of God in Christ tell abroad the gracious message, the foundation for which was laid in the birth of Jesus,—"Behold, we bring you glad tidings, of great joy, which shall be unto all people." "He shall save his people from their sins." Let us make sure that we have accepted him and are "his people." Let us be true wise men and present to him our treasures—all that we have and are—our hearts.
IV. QUAR., LESSON XIV., DEC. 31.
Golden Text—"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."—Rev. 22:21.
"It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
'Peace on earth, good-will to men'
From heaven's all glorious King.
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
"And lo, the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing."
ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM FAITHFUL WORKERS.
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—I write you a few lines, knowing that letters from the Lord's children are never unwelcome.
The work in and near New York seems to be progressing satisfactorily. For myself, I can say that I am encouraged every day to new efforts.
It has been my privilege for about a month past to give Scripture readings every Sunday morning at a Gospel Temperance mission near my home, and some of those who attend have ears to hear the truth; and I hope a few, at least, will before long be led out into the full light.
Our meetings on Sunday afternoon are well attended, and are very profitable to us all. We adopted the suggestion in the TOWER, and changed our Friday evening meeting from a Bible study to a devotional meeting, and are delighted with the results. We feel that it fills a long felt want, and that the Lord has directed his people in this matter, giving them meat in due season.
My attention has been very much attracted of late to the manner in which the world is being prepared for the truth. The people could never accomplish their own liberation from the thraldom of sin and death, but they are being so thoroughly educated by the thousands of methods now at work, that I do not doubt that they will readily accept the new conditions when offered. For instance, the new Populist party is growing so rapidly that its adherents confidently assert that they will elect the President in 1896. One of the fundamental doctrines of this party is nationalism, or government control of, first, such enterprises [page 382] as railroads, telegraphs and banks, and, finally, all the industries, for the benefit of the masses—a refined socialism—which would relieve the people of the burdens imposed upon them by capitalists and monopolists.
Reformers are writing and preaching wholesome truths everywhere to the common people, while above all the true Church is announcing the glad tidings of the Kingdom so near at hand. So we see by the signs of the present that it is high time to awake. The Day Star has already arisen, and soon the Sun of Righteousness in full splendor will shed his rays over all the earth; but the vail is still upon the face of the nations, and it will be a little while yet before it is removed by the rude hand of experience, God's great teacher. "Be wise, therefore, O ye kings, and be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord....Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way....Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."
Yours in Christ, EDWIN C. MOTT.
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—This, Thanksgiving Day, seems a fitting time to remember the dear friends and servants of our Lord, who have been so much to us in the past.
I have been something of an invalid the past few weeks by reason of trouble with my eyes—thus precluding the possibility of reading or study. So I have tried to digest some of the impressions received in the past season; and, first, I cease not to give thanks to God for the truth (as shown to me through the DAWN series and WATCH TOWER), which is gradually enabling me to see and understand the signs of the times; for without this light the recent Religious Congress would have seemed altogether different. I should have looked upon the coming together of the representatives of all known religions and creeds upon a common platform (i.e., a universal acknowledgment of a God), as the beginning of the new age or Millennium, and have thought that the gospel, through these representatives, was being preached to all nations, and that peace and righteousness were beginning to fill the earth.
But now the case seems different. These representatives seemed anxious to impart to others supposed light and wisdom, not thinking they stood in need of any themselves; and so they seemed to part as they came: each more firmly than ever convinced that he and his followers alone understood God's dealings with the children of men—many leaving out our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and nearly all forgetting him as the ransom-price. Verily, they are "blind leaders of the blind."
The enclosed $50.00 is a gift from Mrs. P. and myself, to be used for the cause of our dear Lord as you may see best.
With earnest prayers for you both, that you may be "kept for the Master's use,"
Yours in our Redeemer, T. PENFIELD.
DEAR SIR:—I enjoy the DAWNS and the TOWER greatly. The last number, containing the article on the Religious Parliament, is excellent;—a grand, Christian analysis of that Babel-like gathering. I sent mine, to-day, to one who will thoroughly appreciate it. Do you know, Mr. Russell, many of your warmest "followers" are Episcopalians—born and raised in that great old church—and among the number your sincere friend,
MY DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—I have just completed the reading of the November TOWER; and the strange doings of the great Religious Parliament, held in the name of Christianity, must convince any candid mind that God has no hand in such strange vagaries, other than a hand for chastisement. It must inevitably further bewilder the unstable, and in its result make the darkness ten-fold more dense.
My heart blesses Him who is the light of the world, that I reached the light of his eternal truth before the doings and sayings of that Congress reached me. Once, in my younger days, I barely escaped confirmed skepticism by contemplating a compound of such strange contradictions; and my heart swells with gratitude to Christ that he is using you and others of his children in defense of the truth and, more, that I also am permitted to do something for its spread. It is little indeed that I can do, but all I can do is done gladly. He has ever held me above the sinking point, just able to swim; but, thanks be to his dear name, he has ever kept me safely amid a cloud of trials and dangers; and now, when the "clouds and darkness" that are round about him are rolling down upon us, my soul rests calmly, sweetly trusting his precious blood to save. How sweet to lift our eyes above the gloomy clouds, and to contemplate the bright morning soon to dispel the gloom!
Your brother in Christ, W. F. EATON.
Supplement, Zion's Watch Tower.
Officers of the WATCH TOWER TRACT SOCIETY.
DEAR FRIENDS AND CO-LABORERS:—My present judgment is that during the year 189 , by denying myself and taking up my cross, I shall be able to lay aside on the first day of each week for Home and Foreign Mission work—to assist in publishing MILLENNIAL DAWN in other languages, in publishing the series of Old Theology Tracts quarterly, and in reprinting old ones, in various languages, in the gratuitous circulation of large quantities of them through the mails as sample copies and by the hands of brethren who have the heart and the opportunity so to use them, and, in general, as the officers of the Society may deem best—the amount of__________ per week, as per my letter on the other side.
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, Postal Money Order or Postal Note, as I may find most convenient, and will address the letter to
Post Office __________ State __________
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, last year, that we again commend it to all as Scriptural and good. Those who desire to make use of this plan can tear out and fill both of these memorandums. One should be kept for the refreshment of your memory: the other please mail to us at your earliest convenience.
MRS. C. T. RUSSELL, Secretary:
DEAR SISTER:—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.
(For my "GOOD HOPES," see over.)
The Prevailing Type of Preaching............................
2
Retrospective and Prospective...............................
3
The Political Outlook.......................................
4
Exaltation via Humility.....................................
5
At Close of Day. (Poem.)....................................
7
In Our Day..................................................
7
A Momentous Struggle Begun.................................. 10
"Always for All Things.".................................... 11
Bible Study: Joshua the Typical High Priest................. 13
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Zerubbabel the Typical Builder................. 14
Encouraging Words from Earnest Workers...................... 15
Special Items: Calendars, Memorial Supper, etc.............. 18
A Word to Methodists—from Bishop Foster.................... 19
The True Church. (Poem.).................................... 23
Some Congregationalists Waking Up........................... 24
Our Lord's Sermon on the Mount.............................. 25
Fulness of Joy.............................................. 27
Bible Study: Dedicating the Temple.......................... 29
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Nehemiah's Prayer.............................. 29
Encouraging Words from Earnest Workers...................... 30
Special Items: The Spring Meeting.
Christian Home-Schools
Wanted.................................................. 34
What Saith the Scriptures about Hell.
(An examination
of every Bible expression on the subject.).............. 35
Bible Study: Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem............... 62
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Reading the Law................................ 63
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Keeping the Sabbath............................ 63
Special Items: Our February Issue, Tracts in Swedish
and Norwegian, etc...................................... 66
From Glory to Glory......................................... 67
Jesus in the Synagogue...................................... 69
I am my Beloved's. (Poem.).................................. 71
The Desire of All Nations shall Come........................ 71
"Live Peaceably with all Men." (A Correction)............... 74
Bible Study: Esther Before the King......................... 77
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A Temperance Lesson............................ 77
Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light. (Letters.)........ 78
To TOWER Readers and Colporteurs (Letter by Brother
Adamson)................................................ 82
The Memorial Supper......................................... 83
Christian Union vs. Unity................................... 84
Palestine. (Poem.).......................................... 85
The Oneness of the Divine Family............................ 86
Bible Study: The Resurrection of Christ..................... 89
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The Book of Job................................ 90
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Afflictions Viewed Differently................. 94
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Job's Confidence............................... 94
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Job's Confession and Restoration............... 94
Encouraging Words from Earnest Workers...................... 94
The Memorial Celebration.................................... 98
Protestant England.......................................... 98
The Resurrection of the Dead................................ 99
Through Favor of our God. (Poem.)...........................108
Israel Returning to the Holy Land...........................109
Treasures in Heaven.........................................109
Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light....................110
Church Statistics of the U.S.
The Outlook..................114
Jewish Riots in Russia......................................114
"The Word was a God.".......................................115
Judge Not. (Poem.)..........................................117
The Race in Adam............................................117
Self-Examination............................................118
Romanist Designs on American Cities.........................119
Bible Study: Solomon and His Writings—Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes and Solomon's Song.........................121
Bible Study: Wisdom's Warning of Present Danger.............122
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The Value of Wisdom............................125
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Fruits of Wisdom...............................126
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Wisdom of Temperance...........................127
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A Wise Woman...................................127
Encouraging Words from Earnest Workers......................127
Interesting Items: Clippings, Address Wrappers, etc.........130
The Twelve Apostles.........................................131
Apostolic Inspiration.......................................140
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Fallibility.......................................142
The Growth of Ritualism.....................................144
A Valuable Manuscript Found.................................146
MILLENNIAL DAWN, Special Lot................................146
Taking God's Name in Vain...................................147
A Gracious Prince. (Poem.)..................................150
Resurrection Without Commotion..............................150
Practical Questions: Sanctification, Serving on Jury........153
Grace and Peace Multiplied..................................155
Are the Latter Days at Hand.................................156
Bible Study: Reverence and Fidelity.........................157
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The Creator Remembered.........................159
Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light. (Letters.)........160
Further Jewish Expulsion....................................162
The Relative Claims of Love and Justice.....................163
The Lord's Sheep............................................165
Be Ye Wise as Serpents—Harmless as Doves...................166
The Remedy Co-Extensive with the Curse......................169
Face to Face with Trouble. (Poem.)..........................171
Bible Study: Messiah's Kingdom..............................172
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Quarterly Review...............................173
Encouraging Words from Faithful Workers.....................175
The Gospel of the Kingdom in Great Britain..................178
Colporteurs, Take Notice!...................................178
Baptism and Its Import......................................179
Bible Study: Paul called to Europe..........................191
Harvest Work Before the Storm...............................194
View from the TOWER: Church Union...........................195
The Next Religious Conference at Jerusalem..................197
"Religious Riots are Abroad."...............................198
Rest in the Lord. (Poem.)...................................199
Man and Woman in God's Order................................200
"Be Not Unequally Yoked."...................................212
Our Convention at Chicago...................................216
Bible Study: Paul at Philippi...............................218
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Paul at Athens.................................218
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Paul at Corinth................................220
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Paul at Ephesus................................220
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Paul at Miletus................................221
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Paul at Jerusalem..............................223
Encouraging Words from Faithful Workers.....................223
Our Chicago Convention......................................226
Brother Rabinowitch in Allegheny............................226
Prosperity in Jerusalem.....................................226
Special Divine Providence...................................227
Keep thy Heart..............................................233
Lead Me. (Poem.)............................................234
Questions about Politics, Voting, etc.......................235
Bible Study: Paul before Felix..............................236
Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light. (Letters.)........237
Our Convention in Chicago...................................242
MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. III., in German.......................242
Christ in You, the Hope of Glory............................243
Sometime We'll Understand. (Poem.)..........................246
The Office of Reason........................................247
A Peculiar People...........................................250
Bible Study: Paul before Agrippa............................253
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Paul Shipwrecked...............................254
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Paul at Rome...................................256
SEPTEMBER 1-15.—Double Number.
Brother Rogers in Great Britain.............................258
Missing Cylinders...........................................258
A Famine in the Land........................................258
"The Church of the Living God.".............................259
Our Chicago Convention......................................278
The Embryo Kingdom of God...................................280
"The Sea and the Waves Roaring."............................281
Bible Study: Personal Responsibility........................282
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Quarterly Review...............................282
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The Power of the Gospel........................283
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Redemption in Christ...........................284
Encouraging Words from Faithful Workers.....................285
Special Lot DAWNS, DAWNS in Quantities, Envelopes...........290
Blessed Assurances..........................................290
View from TOWER: The Drift of Religious Teachers............291
Though Ye Be Established....................................294
A Practical Suggestion......................................296
"Who is Sufficient for these Things?".......................297
Bible Study: Justification by Faith.........................299
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Christian Living...............................300
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Abstinence for the Sake of Others..............302
Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light. (Letters.)........303
News from Foreign Fields....................................306
Unequally Yoked.............................................307
The True Fold Not a Pen.....................................310
A Question Concerning the Ransom............................312
Opinions of Baptists Not Baptist Doctrine...................313
Bible Study: The Resurrection...............................316
Encouraging Words from Faithful Workers.....................318
Interest in Germany, Special Cloth DAWNS....................322
View from the TOWER: Echoes from the World's
Great Parliament of Religions...........................323
Nominal Church Peculiarities................................349
Bible Study: The Grace of Liberality........................349
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Imitation of Christ............................351
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The Christian Home.............................351
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Grateful Obedience.............................352
Abraham's Age on Entering Canaan............................354
The TOWER for 1894..........................................354
MILLENNIAL DAWN in Swedish..................................354
The Apostle Peter's Exhortation.............................355
Disciples of Christ.........................................357
Healing for Broken Hearts. (Poem.)..........................359
A Glimpse of Christianity in Japan..........................360
True Christian Liberality...................................364
Bible Study: The Heavenly Inheritance.......................365
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The Glorified Savior...........................366
Encouraging Words from Faithful Workers.....................367
Bibles and Bible-study Helps................................370
Christian Home Embellishments...............................370
"Good Hopes" Supplement.....................................370
Renewals for 1894...........................................370
Mementoes of Jerusalem......................................370
Representative or Substitute?...............................371
Is Not the Doctrine Dangerous?..............................373
The Coming Crash in Europe..................................374
Echoes from the Parliament of Religions.....................375
Annual Report Watch Tower Tract Society...................378
Bible Study: The Birth of Jesus.............................380
The Angels' Song. (Poem.)...................................381
Encouraging Words from Faithful Workers. (Letters.).........381