::R4460 : page 257::

SEMI-MONTHLY
VOL. XXX SEPTEMBER 1. NO. 17
A.D. 1909—A.M. 6037

—————

CONTENTS

Our Western Convention Tour…………………..259
The Seattle Convention……………………259
The St. Joseph Convention…………………261
“The Will of the Lord be Done”………………..265
“Sons and Daughters Shall Prophecy”………..266
“Weep and Break Mine Heart”……………….266
How to Decide the Lord’s Will……………..267
Highly Honored Mnason…………………….267
Be Patient, Brethren (Poem)…………………..268
Early Missions and Present Ones……………….268
Bible Students’ Convention……………………268
Brother Russell’s Sermons Weekly………………269
Brother Jones’ Convention Reports……………..269
Standing at the Mark…………………………270
Berean Studies on the Atonement……………….271

::R4460 : page 258::

PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
“BROOKLYN TABERNACLE,” 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.

Foreign Agencies:—British Branch: 24 Eversholt St., London, N.W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Equitable Building, Collins St., Melbourne.

—————
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.

—————

Terms to the Lord’s Poor as Follows:—All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this Journal, will be supplied Free if they send a Postal Card each May stating their case and requesting its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Studies, etc.

==========

ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH, DANISH AND ITALIAN EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.

==========

ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N.Y., POSTOFFICE
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA

==========

HYMNS OF DAWN IN LEATHER BINDING

These are now in stock in elegant leather binding, stamped in gold, at $1.00 per copy, postpaid.

—————

::R4460 : page 258::

SIX BOOKLETS BOUND UNDER ONE COVER

For further convenience to the friends we have had the booklets giving outlines of Chart Discourses, treatise on Our Lord’s Return, Tabernacle Shadows, Spiritism, Hell and Evolution bound in one volume, uniform with the SCRIPTURE STUDIES and with the Cloth “Helps.” Price 50 cents, postpaid.

—————

::R4482 : page 258::

BLUE PRINT CHART ON SOFT CLOTH

We have the Blue-print Chart of the Ages, 36 inches by 60 inches, on soft cloth, which can be folded without breaking and which can be carried conveniently in the pocket—$1.00 postpaid.

Likewise the Chronological Chart, 42 inches by 92 inches, also on soft cloth, at $1.50 each, postpaid.

—————

::R4461 : page 258::

VOLUNTEER MATTER

If you have not received your full order of this year’s Volunteer literature, PEOPLES PULPIT NO. 3, containing “Where are the Dead?” discourse, please advise us at once, stating definitely quantity desired.

Volume 1, India Paper, is temporarily out of stock.

====================

::R4461 : page 259::

OUR WESTERN CONVENTION TOUR

THE SEATTLE CONVENTION

OUR train reached Seattle Thursday morning, July 22nd, and the four days of our stay will surely long be remembered by all who participated in the blessings of this Convention. The weather was ideal; the arrangement excellent; and the cheap railroad rate brought many friends living within a radius of five hundred miles. One brother eighty-three years old told us that he had come a distance of over two thousand miles. The friends were very warmly enthusiastic and gave many evidences of great love for the Lord, for the Truth and for each other. As our company of ninety alighted at Seattle station we were greeted by approximately one hundred and fifty, who welcomed us warmly in the name of the Lord and his children. We returned the salutations and quickly realized that we were in the loving company of the Lord’s brethren.

The Convention opened at 10:30 o’clock. Brother Acheson, of the Seattle class, as its representative, greeted us and assured us of the love of the local Church and of their happiness in having us with them. Following this, Brother Baker, speaker for the friends of the entire Northwest, greeted the Convention tourists, assuring us that the friends of the extensive district which he represented were of one heart and mind in thanking us for our coming, and in anticipation of Divine blessing for the Convention, and laden with prayers for Divine benediction upon the services which were to be held.

Next, as the President of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, we greeted all the dear friends in attendance at the Convention, assuring them all of our Christian love and good wishes and that we were pleased to be in their midst and to receive their welcome and to return to them our cordial greeting. We assured them of the Society’s endeavors at all times and under all circumstances to look out for the interests of the Lord’s flock and to do everything in our power to aid the dear sheep to a full appreciation of the length and breadth and height and depth of the love of God. We then introduced Brother J. F. Rutherford as the permanent chairman of the Convention, which was opened with a testimony meeting, at which many hearts unburdened themselves, telling of their love for the Lord and the Truth; how in Divine providence the Truth had first come to their attention; how they had been growing in grace and knowledge; how their love for the Lord and for the brethren kept increasing; how they realized the closing of the age and that the harvest would soon be past and the summer of Divine favor soon ended, and how they were striving by Divine grace “to make their calling and their election sure.”—2 Pet. 1:10.

Following a praise service in the afternoon we addressed the Convention from the text, “Who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counsellor?” (Rom. 11.32.) We outlined the Divine Plan as outlined in the Scriptures, beginning with Satan’s deflection, and showing the testing of the angels in connection with man’s fall, and the lessons of man’s fall and redemption and restitution and final test. We endeavored to make clear that obedience to God is the ultimate test by which all of his creatures on any plane will be tried. None but the obedient shall have eternal life. All of the disobedient shall be destroyed. We endeavored to note what the Divine injunctions are which must be obeyed, and found that they include faith, humility and loyalty, and these out of a pure heart inspired by love, and that this love not only relates to the Father and Son, but must be a general element of character applicable to all men and in proportion as they are in accord with the Divine character and applicable also even to the new creation.

In the evening after praise service Brother O. L. Sullivan addressed the Convention. We did not have the pleasure of hearing the address, having accepted an invitation to visit a Brother and a Sister, residing at Everett, who were physically unable to attend the Convention. We were most cordially received and found that they were rejoicing in the Truth and strong in the Lord. The Brother is eighty-seven years old and physically in a most deplorable condition, but his heart is happy and his face bright, because of the light of the knowledge of the Lord which had shined into his heart. His affliction is of a rheumatic character and has affected his joints, so that the slightest movement of them is with intense pain. Cheerfully and patiently he told me that he was waiting for the Lord’s time for his “change,” and that his entire consolation is the Truth. The dear Brother who took us to see him remarked that whenever he felt discouraged or in any wise inclined to murmur he took a little run up to see this Brother, with the result that he always concluded that in comparison he had no difficulty, no trials, no pains, and that if this dear Brother can praise the Lord under such conditions not a murmur or a sigh should escape those who are in a more favored condition, except the sigh of sympathy.

Friday morning we had another praise and testimony meeting, after which Brother F. A. Acheson, of Seattle, gave what was reported to be a very interesting discourse. In the afternoon we conducted a Question Meeting for over two hours and greatly appreciated the questions, which indicated breadth and depth of thought. In the evening one of the local brethren, Brother W. A. Baker, addressed the Convention, evidently much to its satisfaction.

Saturday, July 24.—The day opened with a testimony meeting, reported to have been most interesting, and this service was followed by a discourse by Brother J. A. Bohnet, of which we heard excellent reports. We regretted inability to be present when others were speaking, but

::R4461 : page 260::

our time, in harmony, we believe, with the Divine will, was given to private appointments with friends who had particular and private matters to discuss. In the afternoon we gave a discourse on Baptism, its import and its symbol, following which eighty were immersed, forty-three brethren and thirty-seven sisters. In the evening we had a symposium on the gifts and graces of love, nine dear brethren participating to the pleasure and profit of the Convention.

Sunday, July 25.—The meetings of this day were held in New Armory Hall. Brother J. F. Rutherford spoke in the forenoon, the congregation being composed chiefly of the friends of the Truth, to the number of about five hundred. His text was Malachi 3:2, the particular point of the discourse being the trials of the present time—Who will stand? and, What assistances the Lord has provided for them.

The afternoon service was specially for the public, our topic being, “Where are the Dead?” A large and very intelligent audience was present—residents of Seattle, and people from all parts of the world attending the

::R4462 : page 260::

Seattle Exposition. The crowd was estimated at 4000. We had closest attention and in conclusion many were the warm greetings and expressions of joy, hope and pleasure connected with the “good tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people.” The evening session was a love feast, when we said farewell to one another and “God bless you. Let us hope to meet again in the Great Convention on high, where we surely shall be if faithful to him who called to us out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Probably one hundred accompanied our party to the train. Those on board and those on the platform united their hearts and voices in sweet songs, “Blest be the tie that binds,” “God be with you till we meet again,” etc.

AT SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

Our train arrived in time for the appointed meeting at 3 p.m. About twenty of the dear friends met us in the depot as representatives of the congregation. We were escorted to the hall, where about one hundred others were waiting. In other words the total number of friends gathered was in the neighborhood of one hundred and fifty—including a goodly number from surrounding towns. We had a most enjoyable season of fellowship together for about two hours. We received the greetings of the local congregation through Brother Field and assured the brethren of our love and our appreciation of the privilege of being with them.

Our address was from the text, “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” We endeavored to show that the testings of the Lord are all along the line of fitness for life eternal or death eternal; that so it will be with the world during the Millennium and that so it is with the Church at the present time. We endeavored to make clear that it is the heart condition that the Lord is inspecting; that according to the loyalty or disloyalty of the heart will be the decision. The loyal shall have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord; and the disloyal, the wages of sin, death eternal. We pointed out the numberless privileges and favors and blessings and advantages every way which, by the grace of God, we have enjoyed. All these are indications that God is for us; that he desires that we shall make our calling and election sure; and hence that the whole responsibility for success or failure rests with us and depends upon our loyalty to him, our keeping of our hearts in a proper relationship to God. We showed that this keeping, to be successful, must be done with all diligence, because the world, the flesh and the Adversary are continually offering to us seductive temptations to disloyalty, which must be resisted. The Lord permits these temptations, because he desires to test us, to prove us. “The Lord your God doth prove you, whether or no ye do love the Lord your God with all your heart.”—Deut. 13:3.

The evening session was for the public, the topic being, “The Thief in Paradise; The Rich Man in Hell; Lazarus in Abraham’s Bosom.” A very intelligent audience was present and gave close attention for two hours. The number was estimated at fifteen hundred. From the meeting we went direct to our train, accompanied by a considerable number of the friends.

BUTTE, MONTANA

On the arrival of our train we were met at the depot by about twenty friends of the Truth, eight of them local residents and the remainder from nearby towns, who escorted us to the meeting hall, where we addressed the friends from the text, “You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”—Eph. 2:1.

We endeavored to show something of the difference between the dead world and the quickened “new creature” in Christ Jesus, to whom all things have become new. The world, in ignorance and superstition, has little conception of the object of its creation. Eating, sleeping, working, and endeavors to have pleasure constitute the sum total of life for the few years of earthly existence to the masses. Added are fears respecting the future—horrors and torment of mind lest the next life should be worse than the present one. On the contrary, the Christian has much advantage everyway, not only as respects future prospects, but as regards the present living also. To him there comes an object for living, a purpose, an end to be sought, a heavenly ambition. Additionally we showed that the figure or illustration here used is that of a human embryo. After begettal must come the period of quickening, of energizing; otherwise there would be no life, no growth, no preparation for birth. Thus the Christian, begotten of the holy Spirit through the message of the Lord, must reach the quickening stage, the vitalizing period, the stage of activity, so surely as he makes progress. In this condition of activity he must still progress and become strong and ready for the birth of resurrection, that he may share with the Lord in the glory, honor and immortality of the First Resurrection and be born from the dead, incorruptible.

In the evening we had a service for the public, but only about three hundred and fifty were present. These, however, gave excellent attention to our discourse on “Where are the Dead?” At the conclusion the free literature was eagerly taken and some expressions were made which indicated that a considerable degree of interest had been aroused in the minds of several. Here appeared a man who had heard the Seattle discourse. He declared that he had been all over the world and that, after hearing and examining all religions in existence, he had become an infidel, until at Seattle for the first time he had heard God’s Truth and was promptly fully converted to faith in the great Author of the Divine Plan of Ages.

After the public meeting a number of the friends accompanied us to the railway station and we started on our journey for Denver.

DENVER, COLORADO, CONVENTION

A ride of two nights and nearly two days brought us to Denver in time for an afternoon meeting Thursday, July 29. The Denver Convention had already commenced. A good Testimony Meeting had greatly refreshed the friends already gathered and assisted in making them acquainted with each other. The total attendance of the interested was about three hundred.

Our discourse for the afternoon was based upon the text, “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psa. 111:10.) This we treated as upon a previous occasion, emphasizing the fact that as our coming to the Lord was inspired by reverence for him so our faith in Christ was based on reverence for God’s message of grace. Then consecration followed, a result of further reverence. Then reverence aided in perfecting our sacrifices and kept us back from presumptuous sins and helped to fix the characters God had predestinated should alone be acceptable to the elect. In such faithful ones personal ambition will not only be subjected to the Divine arrangement, but will be crushed out, “mortified,”

::R4462 : page 261::

eradicated, and the highest ambition of the heart will be that expressed by our Lord, “I delight to do thy will O my God; yea, thy Law is written in my heart.” (Psa. 40:8.) Such delight in sacrifice in the Lord’s service and never forget that obedience is still more highly prized of the Lord than sacrifice. Such the Lord will keep by his own power, “As the apple of his eye,” “In the hollow of his hand.” (Deut. 32:10.) Nothing shall by any means injure these. All things must work for good to these. Even their weaknesses and blemishes shall not stumble them, because their hearts being loyal, their unintentional imperfections are covered by the Lord’s grace and will be made to serve them as stepping stones instead of stumbling stones. Should they lack in talent or education, the Lord will make up to them such deficiencies in his own way. He stands pledged to do so through Christ, because they are members of his Body.

Thursday evening meeting was for the public, the topic being, “Where are the Dead?” Over one thousand were present, filling the First Christian Church, and several hundred were turned away. We had the closest attention and trust that some were profited.

On Friday morning at 10:30, following a praise service, we conducted a Question Meeting for the interested. Many of the questions were deeply interesting and important and indicative of study in the Truth. A number of them related to the Covenants, sin-offering, etc., and indicated that the dear friends were thinking considerably along proper lines. The attendance was about four hundred.

Shortly after noon we were obliged to bid the friends goodby and proceeded onward to the St. Joseph Convention. If the program we outlined was followed the afternoon service was a discourse on baptism by Brother Frank Draper and was followed by symbolic baptism in water (25 were immersed we since have learned) and then in the evening by a Praise and Testimony service. On Saturday Brothers F. L. Hall and G. M. Hunt delivered addresses, and on Sunday Brother Frank Draper and Brother F. L. Hall were the speakers. The closing session was a symposium on Love, participated in by several of the brethren.

THE ST. JOSEPH CONVENTION

We preceded the excursion party and reached St. Joseph Saturday morning, July 31. The Convention had already been under way two days with Brother Rutherford as chairman. Brother S. D. Senor gave the opening address of welcome, which was responded to by the chairman. Then followed a most interesting praise and testimony meeting. The friends seemed very early in the Convention to reach a goodly degree of

::R4463 : page 261::

spiritual fervor. On Friday a.m. Brother S. D. Senor gave an address. In the afternoon Brother P. S. L. Johnson spoke and was followed in the evening by Brother Raymond. Brother G. B. Raymond spoke on Saturday afternoon and Brother J. F. Rutherford in the evening.

At the time of our arrival on Saturday morning the Praise and Testimony Service, already under way, had just reached its conclusion. We stepped upon the platform while the dear friends were singing that precious hymn, “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.” The scene was very affecting. Many eyes were moist and the entire congregation, estimated at 800, seemed deeply affected by the occasion and the appropriate words they were singing. We joined heartily with the friends in the singing and then addressed them from the text, “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich; and he addeth no sorrow therewith.”—Prov. 10:22.

We showed that the blessing of the Lord had not made rich the world, but would do so in God’s due time. We pointed out that the blessing of the Lord had made father Adam rich, but that the sin of disobedience had spoiled his blessing and brought upon him instead the sentence of the curse of death. Next we showed the promise of new blessings in the Divine Covenant with Abraham and that the knowledge of this coming blessing means refreshment and joy to all who can see it and hear it with the eyes and ears of faith. We traced the fulfilment of the promise in Christ and the Church and noted how rich the Divine blessing is to all who will receive even the present foretaste. We concentrated attention upon the thought of the fulfilment of the Divine promises in God’s due time—how the blessing of the Lord in the end would make the Church rich indeed, to the extent of the Divine nature and glory and honor and immortality promised to those who will be then joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus in his Millennial Kingdom and his work of blessing to the world.

We pointed out the truth of the statement of our text, “He addeth no sorrow therewith.” We showed that the sorrows are not of the Lord’s providing or adding, but come as a result of sin and imperfection and that in proportion as we reverence the Lord and seek to walk through life close to him, in that same proportion we shall avoid the sorrows which come from outside sources. We noted also the fact that it is the Divine intention that those who would live godly should suffer persecution, but that such persecution is not of the Lord, though permitted by him, and that with his grace in sufficient supply we may be enabled to “glory in tribulation also.”

We pointed out the Divine order for all these blessings: that our Lord Jesus, born under the Law Covenant as well as under the Abrahamic Covenant, was thus obligated to keep the Law, and did so perfectly; and that thus he was declared to be the one perfect man through whom accrued all blessings to us from the Lord, including the opportunity of becoming members of “Abraham’s Seed.” (Gal. 3:29.) By fulfilling the Law Jesus was entitled to everything that father Adam had originally possessed as a perfect man, everything he had lost through disobedience. Thus Jesus was entitled to everlasting human life and fellowship with the Father—entitled also to be the Ruler or King of earth and to all the earthly dignity and honor from God which this implied—having dominion over the beasts of the field, the fowls of the air and the fish of the sea, as well as over the fallen race. Had our Lord chosen to exercise those earthly rights he might indeed have blessed the world to a considerable degree through wise laws and regulations respecting diet, etc., etc. But his empire would still have been subject to death, because the death sentence would still be hanging over Adam and his posterity.

Such a blessing was just about what the Jews had expected as a result of the Abrahamic promise. They awaited the Messiah, who, as their Instructor and great King, would rule and guide and bless them and ultimately extend that rule and blessing to all the families of the earth with generally favorable and uplifting influences. God, however, had higher plans for mankind. For “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s plans higher than man’s plans and his methods higher than man’s methods.”—Isa. 55:9.

In harmony with the Divine plan our Lord Jesus, instead of keeping the earthly life and empire to which he had a right as the obedient heir of the Law Covenant, sacrificed it—laid it down in death. This was the Father’s proposition—that if he would show his faith and obedience to the extent of fully sacrificing the earthly life and rights the Father would raise him up by power Divine from the dead, not to earthly conditions again, but to heavenly conditions—”Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named.” (Eph. 1:21.) It is the Father’s proposition that being thus exalted he might still possess the earthly rights which he had sacrificed—possess them as an asset or valuable possession which he might give away for the blessing of Adam and his race, whose lives and earthly rights were forfeited by sin. We showed that our risen, glorified Lord had in his possession when he ascended up on high enough of blessing to mean the restoration of Adam and every member of his race, or as many of these as he might choose to apply this benefit

::R4463 : page 262::

to. Christ’s one sacrifice was sufficient for all if so applied. We requested all to notice that the blessings which Jesus had to give away were earthly blessings, earthly life, earthly power, earthly Paradise, etc., and not heavenly things.

THE NEW COVENANT

We reminded the friends that the Israelites under the Law Covenant had been hoping for these great earthly blessings from Messiah. At first they thought that Moses should be the great Deliverer, through whom they would get the wonderful blessings. But as they perceived that Moses and all of their race were dying, they to some extent realized that their (Law) Covenant was not bringing them the great blessings they had anticipated. Then the Lord sent to them through the prophets assurances that he would make a New (Law) Covenant with them after certain days, thus implying that the (Law) Covenant in which they had trusted was not wholly satisfactory and could not accomplish for them what they needed. They, of course, knew that if they would have a New Covenant, it must also have a mediator. And the Lord, through the prophets, indicated that the great Messiah would be that Mediator. The Lord spoke of those things yet future as though they already were. He spoke of them prophetically. Thus also our Lord was referred to as the Lamb of God slain (in the Divine purpose) from the foundation of the world. Similarly Jesus, before his birth, was mentioned prophetically as the Mediator of the New Covenant—neither the Covenant itself, nor its mediator, being in existence, except in the promise of God. God said to Israel—”Behold, I will send my Messenger, … even the Messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight in [the servant or Mediator of the New Law Covenant for whose coming you are so desirous]. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap.”—Mal. 3:1,2.

We pointed out that even though Israel slew the Redeemer it was done ignorantly and that our reasonable expectation might have been that after our Lord had finished his sacrifice at Calvary and had ascended up on high and appeared in the Father’s presence, his appearance would have been for Israel, as the Mediator of the promised New Covenant—to make application of his blood as the sealing of that New Law Covenant. Thus he would have given to Israel the right of earthly life, earthly honor, earthly dominion, which he had a right to through keeping the Law, but had sacrificed so that he might give it to Israel, and through Israel to all the families of the earth. But to our surprise he did nothing of this kind. Instead of showering the blessing of restitution upon natural Israel he did the very reverse. He said to them, “Your house is left unto you desolate. Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord”—at his second coming as the King of glory, the great antitypical King, Priest and Mediator between God and men—between God and the world. (Matt. 23:38,39.) The Apostle declares that Israel was blinded, but he equally assures us that their blindness will not last forever, and that Divine favor will return to them under their New Covenant.

What did our Lord do with those earthly rights, earthly honors, earthly life privileges, etc., which were his to bestow? We remember that it is written, that “He ascended up on high, there to appear in the presence of God for us“—for the “household of faith,” the antitypical Levites, including the antitypical priests. We called attention to the apparent incongruity of this, namely, that the Church is hoping for spiritual blessings, glory, honor and immortality on the spiritual plane, and not hoping to get earthly rights, earthly life, etc., such as Jesus had to bestow. We pointed out, however, that the offer made to the Church is from the Father, who, co-operating with our Lord Jesus, has given us who are now called a similar invitation to that which was given to our Lord Jesus. Our Lord Jesus tenders to us first the earthly rights and blessings which he acquired through obedience to the Law and which, by virtue of his sacrifice, he has now to give away. He offered them all to us—to the “household of faith” of this Gospel Age, but conditionally and not otherwise. The conditions are that we shall, as he did, agree to sacrifice these earthly rights, to abrogate them, to lay them down, to die to those earthly restitution rights and privileges and honors. In

::R4464 : page 262::

so doing we shall be following the example of our Lord, walking in his footsteps, and be obeying his Word, and shall be accounted worthy of a share with him in the heavenly glory, honor and immortality, and in his Millennial reign.

Explaining the proposition to us the Master says that we may first of all count ourselves justified by faith—justified freely from all sin, as though we were actually perfect. But this justification by faith is merely granted to us for a purpose and for a time—to furnish us the opportunity for sacrificing those earthly rights. And whosoever does not use the opportunity and make the consecration, his justification will lapse—will amount to nothing. If, however, any desire to be his disciple and to follow his leading, to share in his death, to share in his sacrifice, to be dead with him, that disciple may have the assurance of participation with him in the heavenly state, condition and glory. “If any man will be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow me,” “and where I am there shall my servant be.” In line with this the Apostle exhorts all believers, all members of the household of faith, to present their bodies living sacrifices, counted as “holy,” justified freely from sin through the merit of the blood of Jesus, which makes them “acceptable” sacrificers and enables them to become joint-heirs with Christ in the heavenly glory on the same terms and conditions that the Father granted to their Redeemer.—Rom. 12:1.

We thus saw that by this Divine program the merit of Christ’s death, earthly rights, restitution privileges and honors will pass through the Church without the slightest diminution; for all that the Church receives by faith through Christ must be laid down again in sacrifice. So, then, at the close of this Gospel Age, the merit of Christ will be neither more nor less than at the time he died; but, in God’s providence, that merit will meantime have been used as the basis or condition upon which the “elect” Church shall have been lifted, not only out of sin and death conditions, but out of earthly conditions altogether—to heavenly conditions, to the divine nature. We paused a moment to consider with the Apostle the wonderful wisdom of God and to say with him, Who knew the mind of God in advance or who was his adviser in this wonderful, economical, judicial, loving and generous arrangement by which we, the “elect” of this Gospel Age, receive grace upon grace or favor upon favor and are permitted to share with our Lord in his great work of blessing the world of mankind with an uplift, social, mental, moral and physical?

“MERCY THROUGH YOUR MERCY”

Then we inquired, What next will Christ do with this merit of his own sacrifice? We hearkened to the Apostle, who explains this entire matter in Romans 11:25-33. He assures us that Israel was not cast off forever, but merely until we Spiritual Israelites shall first have been sought and found, polished and fitted and brought to perfection. Then “all Israel shall be saved” from the blindness which God sent upon them at the beginning of this age. By that time the Deliverer shall have come out of Zion. The Head, our Lord Jesus, was brought to the birth more than eighteen centuries ago. His Body, the Church, is now being born in the end of this Gospel Age by having share in “his resurrection.”—Phil. 3:10,11.

Israel and the world have been waiting for the development of this great Deliverer—Jesus the Head and the Church his Body. This is the great antitypical Mediator like unto Moses, of whom Moses said, “A prophet the Lord our God shall raise up unto you of your

::R4464 : page 263::

 brethren, like unto me.” (Acts 3:22.) The Head was raised up nearly eighteen centuries ago. The Body is now being raised up and, with the “change” of the feet members, the antitype, Mediator, Priest and King of the world will stand forth. We are not left to doubt as to how and when and where the blessing will begin. The Divine blessing is to reach the world of mankind through Israel and under their New Covenant. They have been blinded and turned aside, waiting for the Deliverer—waiting for the Mediator. Shortly he will be completed. His first work will be to pass to the credit of the New Covenant that same “precious blood” which, during this Gospel Age, has blessed and comforted the Church and opened for us the way to joint-heirship with the Redeemer through sacrifice.

The blood of Christ represents his sacrificed life and all the earthly rights represented therein. His right to the earthly life, by his obedience to the Law, is still his asset or merit, passed through the Church, which is his Body. It now becomes the blood of the New (Law) Covenant, the basis of reconciliation between God and Israel. It seals that Covenant, which, through Israel, shall extend the privilege of eternal life to every nation, people, kindred and tribe. This blood of the New Covenant our Lord invites his Church to share in, saying, “Drink ye all of it.” And again, “Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of?” Except we partake of the merit of his flesh and are thus justified by the merit of his sacrifice, and unless additionally we share in “his cup” as partakers of his blood, “his death,” his sacrifice, we have no life in us. Sharing with him in his cup, partaking of his sufferings of this present time, buried with him by immersion into his death, we shall be associated with him as members of the Mediator in the work of dispensing the blessings of that New Covenant, under its terms, to whosoever wills to accept them.

“Oh glorious hope of heavenly love!
It lifts us up to things above;
It bears on eagle-wings.
It gives our joyful souls a taste
And makes us even here to feast
With Jesus, priests and kings.”

We note the Apostle’s comments further. In verse 27, still speaking of Israel, he says, “This is my [New] Covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins.” We pointed out that the Apostle could have referred only to the New Covenant promised to that nation, and the fact that their sin should be taken away at the time when that Covenant is sealed—made operative. St. Paul continues, declaring that natural Israel was treated as God’s enemy and turned aside during all this Gospel Age—that we might have the privilege of becoming members of the Spiritual Seed of Abraham under the original, primary Covenant. St. Paul points out that as soon as the Church, the Deliverer, shall have come out of Zion and their New Covenant has begun to operate the effect will be, not only to “save” them from their blindness, but also to “turn away their ungodliness.”

We noted especially that St. Paul declares of natural Israel, blessed under its Covenant, that “They shall obtain mercy through your mercy.” We pointed out that this does not signify that the mercy to Israel, the earthly seed under the New Covenant, will not be Divine mercy, nor does it signify that it is not the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. On the contrary, it will be of the Father and by the Son and through the Church. “They shall obtain mercy through your mercy.” We reminded the friends that every good and perfect gift cometh down from the Father of Lights and that every blessing comes to us by his representative, our Lord Jesus Christ, and that we, the Church, are by and through him. Hence, the expression, “They shall obtain mercy through your mercy,” is merely bringing to our attention the fact that the Divine purpose is to honor the Church by passing through her the Divine blessing, which from of old had been promised to the natural seed of Abraham.

A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS

We pointed out that in Ezekiel 16:45-60 the Lord clearly indicates that his dealing with the outside nations will be through natural Israel. Referring to the Sodomites and to the Samaritans the Lord used these two nations as illustrations of the other nations of the world and how they are received to Divine blessing, saying, “I will give them unto thee for daughters [to be instructed], but not by thy Covenant.” Their Covenant of that time was the Law Covenant of Sinai. But the Covenant under which these are to be given to them will be their New (Law) Covenant—instituted by the better Mediator—the Christ, Head and Body.

We showed that thus all the nations of the world will be privileged to come back into harmony with God under Israel’s New Covenant. This would imply that to have the benefit of the New Covenant they must become Israelites indeed, with true circumcision of the heart. Thus Abraham will become gradually “a father of many nations.” We reminded the friends of the prophecy which declares that after the time of trouble and after the Ancient Worthies shall have been established as the rulers of natural Israel, and after God’s blessing and the New Covenant shall have begun to operate toward them, the other nations of the world will begin to take notice. Sin and death will still be reigning amongst them, but they will behold in Israel the beginning of the reign of righteousness unto life eternal. Then they will say to each other, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord’s house”—let us come into line with the Divine government established in Israel; Israel’s great Lawgiver then will be our Teacher also and we will walk in the paths which he directs; for the Law shall go forth from Mount Zion [the glorified spiritual Church] and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem, the earthly representative of the heavenly dominion.—Micah 4:2.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Brother Coward was on the program for Saturday afternoon, but the excursion party did not arrive in time to permit him to serve. Instead the congregation of the

::R4465 : page 263::

 Convention was greatly edified by a Berean Scripture study conducted by Brother P. S. L. Johnson. Since the congregation was too large to be treated as one general class, Brother Johnson called for the Elders of various congregations to indicate themselves, and then asked them to come forward and sit together in the front rows. He conducted the Berean study with these, asking them the questions and drawing out from one and another the proper answers to them. It is hoped that the lesson was very helpful and that the custom of using these Berean Lessons will grow in the future as they have been doing for some time past. We request that the Pilgrim brethren shall give one sample of the Berean Scripture Study at each point visited. Through these the dear friends at every place may have extremely helpful, profitable and interesting meetings. The classes using these, we believe, are making the best of progress.

After a Praise Service at 7:30 p.m., we conducted a Question Meeting at which some excellent queries were presented, which showed that many of the dear friends were thinking earnestly and deeply on the features of the Divine Plan. True, many of the questions are already answered in the “Dawn-Studies” and some of these we preferred to reply to by referring to the reading matter, assuring all that the answers would be more satisfactory than would be possible for us to make in the few moments at our disposal. On the whole the meeting was a good one.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1

The Sunday morning topic at 8:30 was baptism and its import. We addressed the friends with all the earnestness of which we were capable, explaining the True Baptism and how it differs from many erroneous theories respecting it. Following the service those desirous of symbolizing in water their burial or baptism with Christ into his death were invited to come forth, and after being questioned, were given the righthand of fellowship

::R4465 : page 264::

in “the Church … whose names are written in heaven.” Ten street cars were waiting to carry the large audience to a not distant lake, where thorough arrangements had been made in advance for serving the friends. One hundred and twenty-six (126) adults were baptized symbolically in water. It was a deeply impressive occasion, the surroundings all favoring.

Our afternoon topic was an address to the public—”Where Are the Dead?” It had been very thoroughly advertised and a splendid audience, estimated at 4,500, was present. The closest of attention was given, some, notwithstanding the great heat, standing throughout the service of two hours’ length. In the evening, after a praise service, Brother Johnson again addressed the Convention.

On Monday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 the friends enjoyed a very delightful season of refreshment in the praise and testimony meeting. Promptly at 10:30 we addressed the Convention. After explaining that Brother Jones would deliver a discourse in the afternoon, and that a Symposium on Love would be the last meeting of the Convention in the evening, we in a sense drew the Convention to a close, giving a vote of thanks to the brethren of the congregation for the favors received at their hands in connection with the very wise and helpful arrangements provided for our comfort; and also to the Business Men’s Club, which had, through their local committee, granted us the use of the fine Auditorium in which we were meeting. We called to mind the blessings of the Lord in connection with the Convention and how we owed to him more than to all others thanks and praise and reverential service. We reminded all that from him cometh every good and perfect gift; to whom we should render all the service of our being. We considered the improbability of our ever all meeting again this side of the vail, but the possibility of our all meeting with the Lord, if faithful, beyond the vail. Our hearts looked forward yearningly to the “General Assembly of the Church of the Firstborn.” We considered the loved ones who had gone before, and the dear ones who, in the spirit of their minds, were with us at the Convention, although unable to be with us in person; and the fact that we would soon part; and the blessed assurance that when the new conditions should be reached there would be no more such uncertain partings to those who should be found worthy to a share in the fellowship Divine. While longing for the “change” and that the trials of life shall be ended, and while trusting to hear the Master’s “Well done!” we resolved to be patient and to remember that a true reverence for the Lord forewarns us that we should wait patiently for his time, and meantime accept his providences as being for our highest welfare.

Following this the Pilgrim brethren were called to the front and to each one was given a plate of bread. Then the Elders of the local Church were called to the front, with the Pilgrim brethren on either hand. Then the Colporteurs were called and, to our surprise, responded to the number of nearly two hundred. Then the congregation was given opportunity to pass along the line and greet us all with a handshake, that they might interchange with us a word of God-speed while we shook hands and bade each other Goodbye! The congregation meantime sang familiar hymns, while those participating in the fellowship were often moved to tears. It was a blessed and most affecting experience and surely many will long remember it and be strengthened by it to know and to do the Father’s will. The service closed with a word of prayer commending us all to the Father’s protecting care and remembering the loving ones everywhere not permitted to be with us. We were then taken to dinner and afterward in an automobile to the railway station. Some of the dear friends were there for a final adieu. The afternoon ride and then all night and until noon of the next day brought us to Aberdeen, S.D.

ABERDEEN, S.D., CONVENTION

The Aberdeen Convention met on August 1 under Brother G. H. Draper as chairman. He addressed the Convention with greetings from the local Church and vicinity and was responded to on behalf of the Society by Brother Henry Hoskins, Sr., in suitable terms. Then followed a hearty Praise and Testimony Meeting until noon. In the afternoon Brother Hoskins addressed the Convention. In the evening after a praise service Brother George Draper gave a discourse. Monday morning was fully given over to praise and testimony on the part of the dear friends attending the Convention, who were chiefly from North and South Dakota and Minnesota. Many of them spoke of it as being their first Convention and told how precious the Truth is to them and how much they enjoyed meeting others of like precious faith and experiencing the fellowship of kindred minds so like to that above.

Brother George Draper delivered a discourse on Consecration, following which opportunity was afforded for symbolic immersion for those who desired to avail themselves of it. Sixteen were immersed. In the evening, following a praise service, Brother John Hoskins gave a discourse.

TUESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 3

Brother Henry Hoskins, Sr., addressed the Convention and we arrived in time for a short discourse before dinner in the nature of a greeting and exhortation. The afternoon discourse, which had been advertised, was well attended by the public. Our topic was, “The Overthrow of Satan’s Empire.” We had an excellent hearing, especially considering the fact that it was a week day afternoon and quite warm. The attendance was estimated at between six and seven hundred. The other sessions of the Convention showed an attendance of about two hundred. In the evening at 6:30 p.m. we addressed the friends of the Truth from the text, “Be careful for nothing, and in everything give thanks.” We endeavored to show how secure God’s people are and that, while they are all the time to exercise the fear of reverence, proper fear will cast out all other fear and that the more we know of the great Creator the more we shall appreciate his faithfulness and his ability and willingness to fulfil his good promise to make all things work together for good to us, because we love him, because we are seeking to make our calling and election sure. We endeavored to show that those who keep their hearts thoroughly loyal to the Lord and their earthly all upon the altar of sacrifice have no cause for murmuring or complaining, because our Lord is willing to make his grace abound to all that are his and because the privileges of service and sacrifice are our assurances of coming glory, honor and immortality, and because without these “sufferings of Christ” we cannot be “his members.”

We exhorted the dear friends to encourage all of the Lord’s people everywhere to rejoice, whatever their earthly condition may be—in sickness, in poverty, in wealth, in honor, in dishonor—because they are his and because the King of Glory is supervising their experiences. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God,” “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (1 John 3:1; Rom. 8:17.) Even in tribulation, the Apostle assures us, we may triumphantly rejoice. However, it requires some maturity of faith and of reverential trust to permit of rejoicing in tribulation. We exhorted all to grow in grace and in knowledge and suggested the illustration of St. Paul and Silas in the prison with their hands and feet fast in the stocks and their backs wounded and lacerated from scourging. We remarked that if they were able to sing praises unto God under those conditions, so we, under the same promises and inspired by the same hopes, may likewise rejoice in tribulation. We rejoice that, under Divine providence, we are in preparation for the Divine Kingdom and that, under the supervision of our Heavenly Lord, all things are working together for our good, permitting us to rejoice therein and in the glorious hope of being with him soon.

::R4466 : page 265::

We closed the address with some words of comfort and cheer and reminders of the time when we all hoped to meet our Lord and each other and all the faithful in Christ Jesus in the heavenly Kingdom. Then came our love feast, which closed the Convention. It was a blessed season and our hearts melted and flowed together. We experienced oneness in fellowship in the Body of Christ in the Church and rejoiced therein and in each other’s love, with best wishes and hopes for each other indicated by word and grasp.

A number accompanied us to the train. On the platform we had further blessed intercourse and parted while singing to each other and to the Lord hymns of praise and gratitude. Soon we were speeding on our way towards St. Paul, Minn., where we arrived an hour late and found about forty of the friends on the platform awaiting us. We had barely time to shake hands and to make connections, but did so, thanking God for the spirit of love and oneness which unites all the children of peace. As we parted, songs of thankfulness ascended from both hearts and lips to the Giver of every good gift.

One of the Milwaukee friends boarded our train before we reached their city and prepared us to meet about twenty-five of the Milwaukee Class, who greeted us on the platform during the ten minutes stop. We had a delightful experience with them. Some told us of their intention to attend the Saratoga Springs Convention, but one dear Sister, asked if she were coming, said, “No, I cannot come; but I am in hopes to meet you at the great Convention on High and I am living in hope of that.” Surely the dear friends everywhere manifest the Spirit of the Truth and show forth its fruitage in their words and conduct.

Arrived at Chicago we found that the dear friends there had arranged for a meeting. We fell in line with the program and spoke to them for thirty-five minutes. Many of them then accompanied us to the depot, including five who accompanied us to the Toledo Convention. Again we had very affectionate farewells, “God bless you’s,” etc. About forty were united in heart and voice in song when the train started.

THE TOLEDO CONVENTION

We arrived at Toledo Thursday morning, August 5. A committee met us at the depot and escorted us to breakfast and, later on, to the meeting-place. The Convention had already been in session for two days with a large degree of interest manifested on the part of all. A baptism discourse and service arranged had been conducted on the morning of our arrival. It was reported a very solemn and impressive occasion. An even one hundred were immersed. The whole number of friends at the Convention was about six hundred.

In the forenoon we had a Question Meeting and the questions were good and to the point and the service interesting. This service was followed by a Love Feast, in which the six Pilgrims present participated and about one hundred and twenty Colporteurs, ranged on either side of them, while at the very center of all stood the four Elders of the Toledo congregation. The friends filed past as usual, extending their greetings by hand and voice, seeking to encourage each other to faithfulness and zeal in the Lord’s cause. It was a happy occasion. The afternoon session consisted of a discourse by Brother Dr. L. W. Jones. During the afternoon we had a “trouble corner” which, we trust, resulted in the helping of some over difficulties and perplexities. The evening service was for the public and gave a large attendance—about eleven hundred. We had closest attention while we endeavored to present “The Past, Present and Future of Man from the Bible Standpoint.” En route to the depot refreshments of ice cream soda were supplied and soon goodbyes were said and we were off for Pittsburgh, five accompanying us.

THE PITTSBURGH GATHERING

We had extreme pleasure in meeting the dear friends of Pittsburgh and vicinity, their faces bringing back to us pleasant memories of bygone days. The Bible House Chapel was packed even into the entryway. We assured the dear friends that we had had the Lord’s blessing and precious and repeated spiritual feasts during the Convention tour, but that no meeting gave us greater pleasure than the present one, and that while our heart-love is broad and deep towards all of the Lord’s dear flock, we will ever think with loving interest of the dear ones of Allegheny. We then gave a discourse in which we endeavored to set forth certain features of the Divine Plan which, we hope, were helpful to our dear hearers—relative to the Covenants, tracing the same back to father Abraham and into the glorious consummation at the close of the Millennial Age. The meeting closed at 9:10 p.m., but we soon found that we had not left a sufficiency of time for saying Goodbye and, as the dear ones discovered that we must go without greeting them, in order to catch our train, we were “most kindly mobbed,” and tried to satisfy them by shaking with both hands. We finally reached the sidewalk and then the depot, to find that a considerable crowd had gathered there, where fresh adieus were said. Saturday’s rest at Brooklyn prepared us for Sunday, another enjoyable One-Day Convention.

AT BROOKLYN, AUGUST 8

The forenoon service consisted of a Prayer, Praise and Testimony Meeting, which was well attended and the testimonies were full of fervency of spirit. It was good to be there. Such of the congregation as were from outside the city and had never had a meal at “Bethel” were invited to embrace the opportunity and take dinner with us. About forty responded, the Bethel family joining with the remainder of the congregation in a luncheon in the Tabernacle chapel.

The afternoon service was well attended for a mid-summer day, about six hundred being present. For nearly two hours we discussed with them the Word of the Lord found in Isaiah 40:1, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” At the conclusion we were told that the difficulty with the service was that it was not long enough. Our evening luncheon was participated in by about two hundred. Then came the evening service of praise from 7 to 7:30, followed immediately by a Question Meeting attended by about four hundred, who gave the closest attention. The questions were excellent.

—————

Our attention is drawn to the fact that in preparing the San Antonio Convention we omitted the notice of the public service on the evening of July 13. It was held in the Opera House, and was in every way successful so far as we can judge. The edifice was crowded and the attention excellent. We spoke for about two hours on “Where Are the Dead?” The literature was taken freely at the conclusion of the service. About thirteen hundred were present.

====================

::R4466 : page 265::

“THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE”

—ACTS 21:1-17—SEPTEMBER 12—

THIS lesson indicates to us how the Apostle and others of the early Church were subjected to difficulties, disappointments and opposition, as we of today are. The fact that the Lord’s power was with them, the gifts of tongues, of miracles, of healing, the casting out of devils, etc., was offset by the other fact that their course of life was not, by any means, smooth. Even when on missions of mercy and peace, even when not doing evangelistic work, they were directly battling with the Adversary and his forces of darkness. Leaving Miletus, St. Paul and his companions were dependent on natural laws and regulations. No swift yacht happened

::R4466 : page 266::

to sight them and take them on board and carry them to their destination. Instead, they were obliged to take a cargo sailboat, which stopped here and there in the interest of its business, quite regardless of the important Jew and his eight companions aboard. Truly surprised will some of these sailors be when, by and by, during the Millennium, they will come forth and be brought to a knowledge of the Truth and learn that once they had the privilege of carrying the noble St. Paul. We may be sure that any acts of kindness performed to him or his companions will be duly remembered and rewarded, in harmony with our Lord’s promise that a reward shall be given to those who give even a cup of cold water to even one of the least of his disciples.

We are to remember that “the world knoweth us not, even as it knew him not.” If humble of mind we shall not expect great things for ourselves or special attentions from those with whom we are in company—nor from the Lord should we expect miracles. Rather we should esteem that a miracle of the Lord’s grace is manifested in us—in the favor which has brought to us the good tidings and the privilege of being its servants—ambassadors of God. Besides, under these conditions, walking by faith and not by sight, we shall doubtless make better progress as New Creatures in character development than if the Lord carried us along on flowery beds of ease without storm, without opposition, without difficulties. The difficulties call forth faith and draw our hearts to the great Fountain of blessing, and thus are amongst the “all things” working for our spiritual welfare.

While the ship was unloading her cargo at Tyre, St.

::R4467 : page 266::

Paul and his companions looked up some of the Truth people, with whom they had evidently a special season of fellowship during the seven days of waiting. This reminds us of how the Lord’s followers in the present time love to meet the Pilgrims on their journeys and how the Pilgrims with yearning hearts seek for those who know and love the Redeemer, “Even as many as the Lord our God has called.” Here the Apostle got a message from some of his friends urging him not to go to Jerusalem; but he continued his journey, nevertheless. When leaving the friends of Tyre, men, women and children accompanied them to the ship, for the city evidently was at a little distance from the dock. Then on the beach together, in communion with the Lord and with each other, they asked a blessing upon those who went and upon those who remained. How this reminds us further of present experiences and the love, the fellowship, the interest which we have in each other—stronger than any earthly tie!

A stop of another day afforded another opportunity to meet the brethren at Ptolemais—another One Day Convention, we may be sure! The next stopping place was at Caesarea, at the home of Philip, the Evangelist, who was one of the seven deacons chosen at Jerusalem—the martyr Stephen being another of the seven selected for the care of the temporalities of the Church at the time when an unsuccessful attempt at communism was permitted of the Lord as a demonstration of the inexpediency of such an arrangement in the Church.

Incidentally, it is mentioned that Philip had four virgin daughters “which did prophecy,” but just what is signified by this we may not surely know. We are not to assume hastily that these four young women were public teachers in the Church, in the face of the Apostle’s clear statements on the subject. They may have had some public occupation along the lines of public speaking or teaching—possibly they were school teachers. The teaching of that time was not, as now, through the study of books, but by oral presentations or prophecy. We prefer to understand the passage in this light and in harmony with the general teaching of the Scriptures, which everywhere commits to the brethren the public teaching in the Church.

“SONS AND DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHECY”

The marginal reference in our common Bible identifies this reference to these four virgins with the prophecy of Joel, “Your sons and daughters shall prophecy; your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” We see no connection between the prophecy and this statement respecting Philip’s four daughters. Indeed, there is not even a suggestion that they had made a consecration of themselves to the Lord or received the holy Spirit. The fact that they were virgins would imply nothing of this kind. Incidentally, it may be well for us here to point out in few words what we do understand the words of the Prophet Joel to signify.

St. Peter identifies the prophecy as a whole with the Pentecostal blessing upon the Church ten days after our Lord’s ascension. This does not mean, however, that the prophecy was fulfilled as a whole there. St. Peter says this which they witnessed was that, or a portion of that of which the Prophet Joel spake. Is there any indication that the holy Spirit was poured out upon the sons and daughters of believers at Pentecost? None whatever! It came only upon the consecrated believers themselves. Do all the young Christians who receive the holy Spirit have special experiences in seeing visions? And do all old, experienced Christians have special experiences in dreaming dreams? Assuredly not! Properly not! The prophecy divides into two parts; one relating to this Gospel Age and the other relating to the Millennial Age. The Lord hid the understanding of the matter to some extent by referring to the Millennial Age blessings first and to this Age and its blessings afterward.

The two ages and their blessings are distinguished, therefore, by the expressions, “In those days,” as signifying the Gospel Age, and “After those days,” as signifying the Millennial Age. We are still in the Gospel Age, styled “In those days.” And we still have the blessings promised in this Age, namely, the bestowment of the holy spirit upon God’s servants and handmaidens regardless of age, sex or national distinction. This blessing began at Pentecost and will close with the anointing of the last member of the Body of Christ. Then will begin the other part of the blessed promise, namely, “After those days I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.” This blessing surely does not apply to the present time; and just as surely it will have fulfilment under the ministration of the Millennial Kingdom. Then will come the time when “Your sons and your daughters shall prophecy,” shall teach. That will not be a teaching in the Church, nor of the Church, but a teaching of the world by the world, under the supervision of the glorified Christ on the spirit plane, and the perfected Ancient Worthies on the human plane as the earthly representatives of the heavenly Kingdom.

Now notice the expression, “Your old men shall dream dreams and your young men shall see visions.” We prefer a different translation, which, we believe, gives the intended thought, namely, “Your young men will see the glorious visions (of Restitution, blessings, etc., in process of fulfilment) of which your ancient men dreamed (the things respecting which they vaguely hoped and dimly understood and greatly longed for).”

“WEEP AND BREAK MINE HEART”

Agabus was possessed of the spirit of prophecy, after the manner of the ancient prophets, so that he foretold future events. He was well known to the Church. It was he who had prophesied the great famine throughout the world, which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. (Acts 11:28.) He came to Caesarea while St. Paul was there, and, taking St. Paul’s girdle, bound his own hands and feet and declared that the holy Spirit testified that thus the Jews at Jerusalem would bind St. Paul, the owner of the girdle, and deliver him to the Gentiles. This prophecy was fully in harmony with other predictions of harm to the Apostle. No wonder, then, that his friends who accompanied him and others at Caesarea urged him to forego the visit and thus escape the harm indicated to be performed if he went. Ordinarily we would have supposed that the advice was good and that it were not wise to go into difficulty. But St. Paul apparently had some other advice from the Lord,

::R4467 : page 267::

under which he was operating—something compulsory upon him, which led him to brave anything to fulfil his duty. We are not to think of the Apostle as stoically, coldly going into this trouble. Such a thought is dismissed when we notice his reply to his insistent friends. Full of feeling for them, as well as for himself, he replied, “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Heroic words! Noble sentiments! Faithfulness personified!

Evidently the Lord was testing the Apostle, developing in him character, stability, faithfulness. Not that he did not have these qualities before, but that all these experiences would tend to deepen and fix that character. He intimates to us that he went to Jerusalem under a vow, under some solemn pledge to the Lord, in faithful performance of some duty. The question now was, Would he keep this vow? Would he fulfil the obligation or would he be turned aside from it by fear of what man might do to him or by the entreaties of friends? We rejoice in the Apostle’s spirit, in his faithfulness, his courage. Since he understood it to be the Lord’s will that he should go to Jerusalem, he knew that the Father would overrule all things, in harmony with the counsel of his own will.

Apparently his visit to Jerusalem was opportune, we might say necessary, to the cementing of the “household of faith,” and to the assisting of some of them to a clearer position in regard to the obligations of the Law and the liberty from the Law to those who accepted Christ. Besides, from this place the Lord had ordained that the Apostle should go to Rome to declare his name there also, in the political capital of the world; and that he should first declare the Gospel to Agrippa and Festus and other notables, and through them be called to the special attention of the Emperor and others in authority at Rome. It was quite proper that the Apostle’s friends desisted from further entreaty. First, because they recognized that he was doing the will of the Lord; and because, in the second place, further effort would evidently fail to move him from his purpose—prove fruitless. Third, because they were making it still harder for him to bear, breaking his heart.

Let us all remember that all of the Lord’s special dealings with his people during this Gospel Age are with a view to developing them in character, not only good character, but fixed character. It is not sufficient that we accept Christ, nor sufficient that we should preach him to others. To be fit for the heavenly Kingdom we must develop characters in harmony with our Lord—gentle, yet firm; sweet, yet strong. This is signified in the terms of our discipleship. We are to copy our Teacher, who is also our Redeemer. We are to let his light shine. It is important that we see this fact. The difficulty apparently with the majority of people is that they do not see and do not understand the purpose of life; hence valuable opportunities and precious lessons are wasted upon them.

Mr. Marden has recently said, “I know a man whose accomplishments have been the marvel of all who knew him, who in his boyhood made the resolution: ‘Let every occasion be the great occasion, for you cannot tell when fate may be taking your measure for a larger place.’ If he was in school, he kept thinking, ‘I must not skip the hard problems, for they may rise up in my manhood

::R4468 : page 267::

and testify against my faithfulness as a boy, and may defeat me. I must see an opportunity in every lesson and cultivate a habit of overcoming, a habit of faithfulness and accuracy.'”

This is merely an elaboration of what the Good Book says, “Do with thy might what thy hand findeth to do, for there is neither wisdom nor knowledge nor device in the grave whither thou goest.” And again, “He that is faithful in that which is least will be faithful also in that which is greater.”

Difficulties in the way would not prove that it is not the right way. Bunyan’s Pilgrim, in traveling toward the heavenly city, found the Hill of Difficulty in his way. And our Lord forewarned all who would walk in his steps that their pathway must, of necessity, be full of tribulation—testings. The reward is to them that overcome. There could be no overcoming unless there were difficulties.

HOW TO DECIDE THE LORD’S WILL

The Apostle does not tell us the basis of his confidence in doing the will of the Lord in going to Jerusalem, but we may be sure that he had substantial reasons for believing that he was walking in the Lord’s way. His entire character shows us that he would be too cautious, as well as too faithful, to go in any direction contrary to the Divine will.

As to how we may decide as to what is and what is not the Lord’s way for us, we find that the rule which George Mueller tells us he followed is so nearly the one which we follow ourself that we take pleasure in quoting it:—

“I seek in the beginning to get my heart in such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If I do so, I make myself liable to a great delusion. I seek the will or Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone, without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the holy Spirit guides us at all, he will do it according to the Scriptures, and never contrary to them. Next, I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will, in connection with his Word and his Spirit. I ask God in prayer to reveal his will to me aright. Thus by the prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to deliberate judgment according to the best of my knowledge and opportunity, and, if my mind is thus at peace, I proceed accordingly.”

HIGHLY HONORED MNASON

In due time the Apostle and his companions started for Jerusalem. We read, “We took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.” This word carriages is not now generally in use. It is old English and signifies baggage or luggage; bag, baggage; lug, luggage; carry, carriage.

Mnason of Cyprus, for a long while a disciple, with whom the travelers lodged at Jerusalem, met the travelers at Caesarea and with some of the brethren at the latter place accompanied them to Jerusalem. They were a happy company of probably a dozen, yet a fearful company, in view of their expectation that something would surely befall their beloved Brother, the Apostle Paul—because, “If one member of the Body suffer, all the members suffer with it.” Arrived at the home of Mnason still other brethren welcomed them, though the regular meeting and official greeting did not come until later through St. James, who seems to have been the chief or spokesman amongst the brethren.

Mnason evidently appreciated his guests and enjoyed the privilege of their entertainment. But how much his joy must have been subsequently enhanced we can only imagine. The future years of the Apostle’s life, his prominence before the Church, the blessings that went from him to all in a public way, must have been with him, also, in the course of daily life and have blessed its amenities. While it was a great honor to entertain the Lord, as Lazarus and Mary and Martha did at Bethany; a great honor to entertain the Apostle as Mnason did, it is also a great honor today to entertain any of the Lord’s disciples, whether weak and little or notable in the eyes of the world. Every Christian must have this desire, if he have the brotherly love. And each one who entertains a prophet may expect a prophet’s reward—a reward in proportion to the honor of the prophet in the sight of our Great King, whose ambassadors

::R4468 : page 268::

we all are. While it would be far greater honor, in one sense, to entertain the Lord himself than to entertain any of his brethren, nevertheless personal attention to our Redeemer being impossible he has assured us that he will accept any and everything done to the least of his brethren, as done to himself.

—————

BE PATIENT, BRETHREN

We sometimes wonder why our Lord doth place us
Within a sphere so narrow, so obscure:
That nothing we call work can find an entrance;
There’s only room to suffer, to endure.

Well, God loves patience! Souls that dwell in stillness,
Doing the little things or restful quite,
May just as perfectly fulfil this mission;
Be just as useful in the Father’s sight,

As they who grapple with some great evil,
Clearing a path that every eye may see,
Our Saviour cares for cheerful acquiescence
As much as for a busy ministry.

And yet he does love service—where it is given
By grateful love that clothes itself in deed;
But work that’s done beneath the scourge of duty,
Be sure to such he gives but little heed.

Christ never asks of us such heavy labor
As leaves no time for resting at his feet;
The waiting attitude of expectation—
He ofttimes counts a service most complete.

He sometimes wants our ear—our rapt attention—
That he some sweetest secret may impart.
‘Tis always in the time of deepest stillness
That heart finds deepest fellowship with heart.

Then seek to please him, whatsoe’er he bids thee—
Whether to do, to suffer, to lie still;
‘Twill matter little by what path he led us
If in it all we sought to do his will.

J. C. LARDENT.

====================

::R4468 : page 268::

EARLY MISSIONS AND PRESENT ONES

—REVIEW LESSON—SEPTEMBER 19—

Golden Text:—”So Mightily Grew the Word of God and Prevailed.”—Acts 16:20

AT FIRST it may strike some minds as peculiarly out of order that we should institute a comparison between missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and Pilgrim-missionary work at the present time in which we are privileged to engage. Nevertheless we see many strong resemblances.

(1.) St. Paul’s labors were during the Harvest time of the Jewish Age. The mission was to the Jew first. The converts were largely from amongst them. Secondarily he told the good tidings of the Kingdom to the Gentiles. We are in the Harvest time of the Gospel Age. We preach the harvest message of this dispensation to those who are professedly God’s people, not with the expectation of bringing all Christian people to see the glorious features of the Divine Plan, but with the hope of finding amongst them such as have the hearing ear and of interesting them and ripening them for the garner. We, likewise, go outside of nominal Spiritual Israel to the Gentiles, to the worldly, when our message to Christians fails to bring results.

(2.) Now, as eighteen centuries ago, the laborers in the Harvest field, whether as Colporteurs or Volunteers, go forth bearing the precious seed of Truth, the Gospel of the Kingdom, for those who have the ears to hear. A few in every place may be found. In some places the results are tongue-lashings and exclusions, ostracism and scorn. In other quarters the message is more favorably received. Evidently now, as then, all who are anxious to serve the Truth find opportunity to suffer for the Truth’s sake, for righteousness’ sake. Now, as then, all the dear laborers in the harvest field may note the Lord’s providential care over them and his direction in the interests of the harvest work. Now, as then, we have much to encourage, as well as to discourage. Now, as then, there are surprises to the Lord’s people in respect to where the Truth will be received

::R4469 : page 268::

and where it will be rejected. For instance, we have good word of the progress of the light in “darkest Africa,” while frequently we have evidences that some of the scribes and Pharisees and Doctors of the Law of our day are not worthy of Present Truth. Now, as then, the Lord’s providences seem to tell us that bonds and imprisonments and difficulties await us, if we continue active, faithful, zealous; but now, as then, the faithful of the Lord’s people are not deterred by these experiences, but, with the Apostle, say, “We are willing, not only to be bound, but to suffer death for Christ’s sake.”

Our Golden Text seems likely to have a partial fulfilment in a parallel way very soon. The message is gathering impetus day by day. Although opposed by various blinded ones in Babylon and by false brethren from our midst and by ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing with back-biting tactics and midnight howls, nevertheless the Truth is prospering.

It would be a mistake, however, to suppose that the Truth will soon, or ever, become popular while the Prince of this world is free to oppose it and to stir up bitter envyings and strife against it and to blind the minds of so many.

The lesson for us is, Faithfully onward, Christian soldiers, battling for the Lord, for the Truth, for the brethren—against sin and selfishness!

====================

::R4469 : page 268::

BIBLE STUDENTS’ CONVENTION

SARATOGA SPRINGS—BROOKLYN—AUGUST 31—SEPTEMBER 6

SOME time ago we announced that the final General Convention for the year 1909 might be expected at Brooklyn. Subsequently, under what we believe was Divine providence, we were led to arrange that the main part of the Convention shall be held at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for four days, beginning August 31. Then on September 4 the Convention party, which will probably number two thousand, will come down the Hudson River on one of its palatial steamers. The daylight ride will permit of seeing some of the most interesting scenery in the world; and, still better, permit Christian fellowship amongst some of the most interesting people in the world—Bible Students, “whose lamps are trimmed and burning.”

The steamer will be due to reach New York City at 6:30 p.m. September 4. Sunday may be considered the last of the Convention proper. Its program will be a full one, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with intermissions for dinner and supper. All meetings will be held in the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the largest auditorium of the Borough, located on Lafayette avenue. The next day, September 6, “Labor Day,” will afford opportunity for visiting “Brooklyn Tabernacle” and “Bethel” and such other points of interest as the friends may think proper.

A large attendance is anticipated, but it is very desirable that we know in advance whom we may expect. Saratoga Springs is a famous Summer Resort, known the world over. It has plenty of fine hotels, whose rates range from three dollars to five dollars per day. And there are plenty of such hotels also in Brooklyn. Such of the friends as desire accommodations of this kind

::R4469 : page 269::

need not write to us on the subject. But all who desire accommodations at less prices should do so—giving particulars, stating sex, and if colored. Such as desire to occupy one room should so state. A 50c. per night lodging will mean two in a smaller room or four in a larger room. A good room for two would cost at least 75c. each. A good room for one would cost at least one dollar per night. Meals and luncheons will be arranged for at from 15c. to 25c. upward, so that you can take your choice. No one should think of attending the Convention at a cost of less than $1.25 per day. Hotel accommodations with meals, $1.25, $1.50, $2.00 per day.

::R4469 : page 269::

Be sure to let us engage your lodging, both at Saratoga Springs and at Brooklyn, unless you wish to go to a high-priced hotel. Send us full particulars at once.

::R4469 : page 269::

RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT FARE

The Railroad Trunk Lines Association have granted us a special rate of one fare and a half to Saratoga and return, certificate plan. Bring certificate. However, tickets from points west of Buffalo, N.Y., and Pittsburgh, Pa., may be had at a still less rate, namely, one fare and a third on the regular Saratoga Excursion. We presume that the same rates will apply on all roads south of Washington City. Friends from Canada and the northern States may find it cheaper to buy New York City Excursion with stop-over at Schenectady, N.Y., with side-trip from there to Saratoga Springs. All railroad tickets from Albany to New York are available for passage on the Hudson River steamboat September 4.

::R4469 : page 269::

Friends from New York and vicinity can go cheapest via the Hudson steamers, day or night, $2, connecting by electric cars at Troy or Albany 60 cents. The return boat trip we supply for $1.25 from Albany.

::R4469 : page 269::

SPIRITUAL PROFIT HOPED FOR

It is hoped that in many respects this will be one of our grandest Conventions—thus far. Such of the Lord’s dear people as possess his Spirit of Love and Obedience to the Truth, such as desire to follow on in the same narrow way that the Lord has hitherto led us by his Word and its Spirit, will be cordially welcomed by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, under whose auspices the Convention will be held. “Grievous wolves” with their “midnight howl” are surely not wanted at the Convention or elsewhere. It would be too much, however, to expect of such the meekness, gentleness and unobtrusiveness characteristic of the true sheep, hence, as the Scriptures inform us, we may expect at the Convention and everywhere to find “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” seeking an opportunity to backbite the sheep and to inoculate them with the virus of their own rabies. We urge, therefore, that all of the Lord’s sheep who attend the Convention shall come to it so filled with the spirit of Truth—meekness, gentleness, patience, long-suffering, brotherly kindness, Love—that they will have no sympathy for the works of the flesh and the devil—anger, hatred, envy, malice, strife. We read that when the sons of God came together Satan also came with them; this is still true. He still presents himself as an angel of light to deceive and to lead into darkness those whom he can influence.

Satan still “works in the hearts of the children of disobedience.” Let us all, therefore, beware of this spirit of disobedience in our hearts—of any alienation from the Lord or disposition to insubordination to his Word and providential leading. The sentiment of our hearts should be, “I delight to do thy will”; thy will, O Lord, not mine, be done—in thy time and through whatever channels thou art pleased to use. “I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own interest; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”—Rom. 16:17.

====================

::R4470 : page 269::

BROTHER RUSSELL’S SERMONS WEEKLY

Friends have sent us samples of the “Red Rose Magazine,” which has recently been publishing Brother Russell’s sermons. The publication is a different class than that usually styled a “magazine” in the United States. We agree with the friends that it cannot be recommended as a family paper. The Lecture Bureau which supplies the sermons has been notified to discontinue the service with the close of the contract, September 18. We understand that the same publishers issue “The Weekly News” and that it is more of a family newspaper: possibly the sermons may appear in the latter journal. Look out for them and act accordingly. In any event be careful to follow our advice set forth in DAWN-STUDIES, VOL. VI.—Be careful of your reading matter and of that which you place in the hands of your family. Weekly papers generally publish “stories” and “sporting news.” To this we cannot object. We do object to the sermons appearing in papers wholly given over to stories and in no sense newspapers.

The friends of the Truth will be glad to know that more than three hundred newspapers in the United States and Canada are now publishing sermons. We trust that they will be encouraged by you all in proportion to their general worthiness and especially because of the sermons, and that the editors will receive frequent commendations and encouragements. The “Peoples Pulpit” for June contains a list of such of these papers as give us a clubbing rate and special price. Give these the preference and send subscriptions to us. Colporteurs (who give all their time to the work) taking new subscriptions under this clubbing proposition will receive a credit of 50 cents each on account, as an allowance for the time they may spend in this branch of the service. “Watch Tower” subscribers who have already prepaid for the year may send the difference and obtain the other papers.

====================

::R4469 : page 269::

BROTHER JONES’ CONVENTION REPORTS

For some time past our dear Brother Dr. L. W. Jones, 2024 Washington Boulevard, Chicago, has been getting out Convention Reports. We are confident that he has the best of intentions in respect to this matter. He informs us that he receives many letters indicating that the friends of the Truth are both interested and profited by the reading of these. On the contrary, some of the Pilgrim brethren tell us that they believe that any good results from these reports are more than offset by the fact that the dear friends who read them correspondingly neglect the reading and re-reading of the DAWN-STUDIES. They point out that the latter, being connected, logical treatises of the entire plan, are more necessary and more helpful than any oral presentations could be. We much incline to agree with this thought. It is our experience that those who keep up a regular daily reading of twelve pages of “Scripture Studies” and thus go through the entire six volumes every year are the most thoroughly rooted, grounded and built up in the most holy faith—the best established in the teachings of the Bible.

Being perplexed we have in the past followed our usual custom of simply letting alone all publications which do not emanate from our office—Bibles, Concordances, etc., excepted. This year, however, the matter of publishing the Convention Reports reached a crisis when our dear Brother Jones assured us that he would not continue to get them out except with our approval, although he had already received some subscriptions. Put thus to the test we were in a quandary and decided to endorse the issue for 1909, to the extent of announcing it in these columns and to look for the Lord’s further leading in respect to the matter.

In harmony with the foregoing we hereby notify the friends that Brother Jones is preparing a Convention Report, 1909, which will include the different Conventions connected with our Convention Tour of the Far West just ended, and also include the Saratoga-Brooklyn Convention, elsewhere more particularly announced in this Journal. It is proposed that the Report shall give more or less detailed reports of the discourses at the different Conventions and photo-engravings

::R4469 : page 270::

of the speakers and of the Brooklyn Tabernacle and Bethel. It will be in magazine form, somewhat like the “Watch Tower” in size, but of more pages. The price will be One Dollar. Orders may be sent to the Society or to Brother Jones, as above—preferably to the latter, as thereby the freight will be saved and the trouble of mailing them.

====================

::R4470 : page 270::

STANDING AT THE MARK

WE HAVE heretofore suggested what we now wish to further, if possible, emphasize; namely, the fact that there is a Divine standard of holiness, of righteousness, which, if it be not attained, will mean our non-acceptance by the Lord as members of his Elect Church; and, more than this, our unfitness for eternal life upon any plane. This standard of character, or mark of perfection, as we have pointed out, is not a standard or mark of fleshly perfection, because the Lord accepts amongst his consecrated disciples those of various degrees of mental, moral and physical degeneracy. The justification which he provides makes up for the blemishes of each, for the more blemished as well as for the less blemished. The robe of his righteousness imputed is as necessary to the noblest as to the most degraded, and renders the latter as acceptable as the former.

From this standpoint it is recognized that the heart, the renewed mind, the renewed will, is the spirit-begotten New Creature which is on trial before God. It has professed a thorough consecration to righteousness and opposition to sin, a complete deadness to it, and a determination to mortify, to deaden, the will of the flesh to the extent of its ability. From the very start this condition is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. Nevertheless, it is Scripturally represented at first as being merely a “babe” condition, according to one illustration, and according to another merely a “begotten” condition. Progress must be made, character must be developed, and then, further, it must be tested. “Not every one who saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom.” Not every one who professes consecration, and newness of life, and self-sacrifice in the interests of truth and righteousness, can be accepted as a joint-heir with Christ. Time must be given for development and for proving.

Love for God they have, from the very outset. But it is not love of the highest type. As already shown, it is largely, if not entirely, duty love. The “babe” in Christ must feed upon the sincere milk of the Word, that he may grow strong. As the spiritual food is appropriated, and spiritual exercise is taken, strength of character comes in, the eyes of our understanding open more widely, and lengths and breadths and heights and depths of the Divine character are discerned which were not visible at the first. This brings us to a higher type of love for God—a love for his glorious character.

Meantime, also, a sympathetic love for the world is gradually developing in the spiritual “babe.” As the principles of the Divine character are seen and appreciated, the New Creature begins to apply these to everything in life, and hence increases in sympathetic love toward man and beast, friend and foe. Another element of love is gradually attained also: At first the “babe” in Christ loves some of the brethren—the nobler, the gentler, the better educated ones, etc.; but gradually, as the Divine character is discerned, and the Divine love becomes shed abroad in the heart, this love broadens out so that it includes every member of the family of God and every member of the fallen race—yea, even enemies. With this development comes spiritual activity, called in the Scriptures quickening—”You hath he quickened.” This quickening implies activity in the service of God, and the service of the brethren, and if outside opportunity beyond this permit, it would mean an activity in the service of all needing assistance such as we could give.

The Christian life here illustrated, which began as a “babe in Christ,” has by this time reached the standard of manhood in Christ, and is at the Mark of Perfect Love—for God, for the brethren, for the neighbor and for the enemies. Not until this point shall have been reached could such a person be considered fit for heaven, or for eternal life on any plane.

We are to bear in mind that there is no development in heaven, and hence perfection of character must be attained by the saints before they die. And, similarly, the world during the Millennium must attain this perfect development before the close of the age in order to be fit for eternal life according to the Divine promise and standards.

Is it asked to what extent will this standard of perfect love in the heart manifest itself in the flesh? We answer, that during the Millennial Age it will manifest itself perfectly in the flesh, for the world then will be judged according to the actual attainments in their flesh, and perfection by restitution will be not only possible, but required. But as for us of the Gospel Age, we who are being judged not according to the flesh but according to the spirit, to what extent will the new mind, the new nature, when at the Mark of Perfect Love, be able to govern and control the flesh? Our answer is, that the degrees of control will vary much, according to the degrees of imperfection with which the mortal body is afflicted.

The only standard which we can set forth is that the new nature, new mind, new will, would be very regretful, very sorrowful, in respect to any laches, or errors, of its mortal body. The Lord would know (and perhaps the brethren also to some extent) of the New Creature’s endeavor to control the mortal body by the degree of its grief in connection with every error, and its continually renewed effort to bring every power of the body, and even every thought, into complete subjection to the will of God in Christ. Any sympathy with sin is an evidence that the New Creature is not at the Mark. And no sympathy with sin, but constant endeavor for righteousness, is evidence that it is at the Mark.

Some may be at this Mark for a longer and some for a shorter period. Our Lord was surely at it from the beginning of his ministry. He was tested there, while at the Mark of perfect love. All the besetments of the Adversary and of the world failed to move him from that position of perfect love. He laid down his life at this Mark. St. Paul was surely at this Mark for many years before his actual death. He was continually laying down his life for the brethren, continually serving his enemies and praying for them; and surely he was continually loving and serving the Lord with his every power and talent.

No Christian should be satisfied with a long delay in reaching the Mark. The milk of the Word should be received, its strength should be appropriated, spiritual sight and spiritual energy should quickly follow, and strong meat of Divine Truth should speedily bring to full maturity the Christian character. And once attained, it should be held at any cost through all the trials and difficulties which the Adversary, and the world, and the flesh, might be permitted to bring against us. The severest temptations come after we have reached the Mark—temptations to slackness in service of God; temptations to withhold parts of our sacrifice; temptations to deal unkindly, uncharitably, unlovingly with the brethren, or unjustly with our neighbor, or ungenerously with our enemies. All of these must be resisted as we prize our eternal life, as we prize the promise of joint-heirship and fellowship with our Redeemer in His Kingdom.

Whoever sees this subject clearly must realize that as a Christian he has to do with a great proposition which will thoroughly test his loyalty, his courage, his zeal,

::R4470 : page 271::

his love. He will need to remember the Lord’s comforting assurances of grace to help in every time of need if he would come off a victor and not be dismayed, nor have his courage beaten down by the Adversary’s attacks.

====================

::R4470 : page 271::

BEREAN STUDIES ON THE ATONEMENT

THE TEXT-BOOK USED FOR THIS COURSE IS SCRIPTURE STUDIES, SERIES V (E)*

---

*Five years ago DAWN-STUDIES, VOL. V., was reset, and unfortunately the type was not exactly same size as before; and hence page for page they differ. The references given in these Berean Studies apply to the present edition, a copy of which postpaid will cost you but 30c. But keep your old edition, for unfortunately the new Bible Helps refer to its pages.

---

Questions on Scripture Study V.—Man for whom Atonement was made

OCTOBER 3

(1) When we read, Man became a living soul, why is there so much difficulty in understanding the expression? Page 320.

(2) Give the Methodist Bishop’s definition of a soul, and say whether or not it fairly represents the so-called “orthodox” view of the subject and elaborate the same. P. 321.

(3) What foundation is there for such fanciful speculations? P. 321, par. 2; P. 322, par. 1.

(4) Man has a body and he has a spirit; but has he a soul or is he a soul? P. 322.

(5) What is the meaning of the word soul as found in the Scriptures? P. 322, par. 3.

(6) Has a soul a soul, or Is a soul a soul? and Why? What say the Scriptures respecting lower animals and the soul qualities? P. 323.

(7) Give illustrations from the Scriptures respecting the application of the term “living soul” in the lower animals, and explain why this is hidden from the ordinary English reader. P. 323.

OCTOBER 10

(8) Quote and cite ten passages of Scripture in which the word “soul” is applied to the lower animals. Pp. 324, 325.

(9) Does the fact that all animals, tadpole or whale, mouse or elephant, are souls imply a future life for these by resurrection or otherwise? P. 326, par. 1,2.

(10) In what does the difference between human souls and brute souls consist? P. 326, par. 3,4.

(11) If the power to reason is shared to some extent by the lower animals as well as man where shall we draw the line between the brute soul, which has no future hope, and the redeemed human soul, which has a future?

(12) What are and what are not the real differences between those lower animals and mankind? P. 327, par. 1,2,3.

OCTOBER 17

(13) What theologians teach that the human soul is indestructible, and where is their authority for the assertions?

(14) What do the Scriptures teach on this subject? Cite proof texts. P. 328, par. 1.

(15) What is implied in the Scriptural suggestion that some “sleep in Jesus”? Explain this matter in the light of the Scriptures. P. 328, par. 1,2,3.

(16) How does “sleep” represent the condition of the dead? Is it claimed that those in eternal torment are asleep and oblivious to it, or that any sleep in Purgatory, or that they sleep in heaven? If not, in what sense do they sleep? P. 329, par. 1,2.

(17) Was the original death penalty a sleep for a limited period of time from which there would be an awakening? If not, why is this expression “sleep” used in the Scriptures in reference to the death state? P. 330, par. 1.

(18) Is the Second Death to be everlasting? and is it styled in the Scriptures a “sleep”? If not, why not? P. 330, par. 1,2,3,4.

(19) Explain the difference between Adamic death and Second death, giving detailed Scriptural proof texts, etc. Pp. 331, 332.

(20) What two difficulties have tended to blind the Bible student respecting the subject of the soul? P. 333, par. 2.

OCTOBER 24

(21) Have we additional assistance in our search for the Truth on the subject today? If so, where are some of the assistances? P. 334, par. 1.

(22) How many times does the word “soul” occur in the Old Testament translated from the Hebrew word neh-phesh? P. 334, par. 2.

(23) Is this word neh-phesh always translated by the same English word in the Bible? If not, in how many different ways is it translated? P. 334, par. 2.

(24) State the different words in which neh-phesh is translated in our Bible and how many times each. P. 334, par. 3.

(25) In the New Testament, where the Greek word psuche is used to express the thought of sentient being or soul, and which corresponds to the Hebrew word neh-phesh, how many times does the word psuche occur and how is it translated? P. 335, par. 1.

(26) Are these various translations and mistranslations alike helpful or alike injurious? P. 335, par. 2.

(27) Which translations most seriously confuse the mind? Quote the passages. Give citations and show the proper meaning. Pp. 335-338.

OCTOBER 31

(28) Explain the signification of soul and ghost in comparison and state if there is danger of error in supposing the body to be the soul—showing from the Scriptures that they are not the same. P. 338, par. 9,10.

(29) Take the account of man’s creation in Genesis and explain the process of his creation according to the Scripture—his various parts and his completion as a soul. P. 339.

(30) Is man’s superiority to the brute the result of a better spirit or a better body or a better soul, or what? P. 340, par. 1.

(31) In the light of the foregoing give the definition of human soul. Show the effect of death upon it. P. 340, par. 2.

(32) Is it the body or the life or the soul that dies? Give proofs of your answer. P. 341, par. 1,2.

(33) Illustrate the human body, life and soul, by a candle, its lighting and its extinguishment. Pp. 342, 343, par. 1.

====================

::R4470 : page 272::

PUBLIC MINISTRIES OF THE TRUTH

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION OF BROOKLYN, N.Y.

—————

GLASGOW (SCOTLAND) CONVENTION
—IN THE—
LANGSIDE HALLS, CROSSMYLOOF,

September 25, 26, 27, 1909.

Bro. J. Hemery, the Society’s British Representative, will serve the Convention as Chairman. Applications for lodgings, rates, etc., should be made to Bro. G. Mackenzie, 61 Glencairn Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow.

Visiting friends will be heartily welcomed.

==========

BROOKLYN TABERNACLE EVERY SUNDAY

Preaching at 3:00 p.m. Praise service at 7:00 p.m.; Berean Bible Study at 7:30 p.m. Convenient to New York via Subway, and Jersey City via P.R.R. Annex Ferry.

====================

::R4470 : page 272::

STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES “MILLENNIAL DAWN”

THESE STUDIES ARE RECOMMENDED TO STUDENTS AS VERITABLE “BIBLE KEYS.”
PRICES ARE NET AND BARELY COVER COST OF PRODUCTION, WHEN DELIVERED BY COLPORTEURS THE COST AND PRICE ARE INCREASED.

SERIES I., The Plan of the Ages, gives an outline of the divine plan revealed in the Bible, relating to man’s redemption and restitution: 386 pages, in embossed cloth, 25c. (1s. 1/2d.) India paper edition, 75c. (3s. 1-1/2d.).

This volume has been published as a special issue of our journal—at the extremely low price of 5c. a copy, in any quantity, postage included. (To foreign countries, 9c.) This enables people of slender purse to herald far and wide the good tidings in a most helpful form.

SERIES II., The Time is at Hand, treats of the manner and time of the Lord’s second coming, considering the Bible Testimony on this subject: 370 pages, in embossed cloth, 25c. (1s. 1/2d.) India paper edition, 75c. (3s. 1-1/2d.)

SERIES III., Thy Kingdom Come, considers prophecies which mark events connected with the “Time of the End,” the glorification of the Church and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom; it also contains a chapter of the Great Pyramid, showing its corroboration of the dates and other teachings of the Bible: 384 pages, in embossed cloth, 25c. (1s. 1/2d.) India paper edition, 75c. (3s. 1-1/2d.)

SERIES IV., The Day of Vengeance, shows that the dissolution of the present order of things is in progress, and that all the panaceas offered are valueless to avert the predicted end. It marks in these events the fulfilment of prophecy, noting specially our Lord’s great prophecy of Matt. 24 and Zech. 14:1-9: 660 pages, in embossed cloth, 30c. (1s. 3d.). India paper edition, 85c. (3s. 6-1/2d.)

SERIES V., The At-one-ment Between God and Man, treats an all-important subject—the hub, the center around which all the features of divine grace revolve. Its topic deserves the most careful and prayerful consideration on the part of all true Christians: 507 pages, in embossed cloth, 30c. (1s. 3d.) India paper edition, 85c. (3s. 6-1/2d.)

SERIES VI., The New Creation, deals with the Creative Week (Genesis 1 and 2), and with the Church, God’s “New Creation.” It examines the personnel, organization, rites, ceremonies, obligations and hopes appertaining to those called and accepted as members of the Body under the Head: 740 pages, in embossed cloth, 30c. (1s. 3d.) India paper edition, 85c. (3s. 6-1/2d.)

The above prices include postage.

IN FULL LEATHER BINDING, gilt edges, the set (6 vols.) $3.00, (12s. 6d.), plus postage, 60c. (1s.).

Is also published in foreign languages as follows: German, six vols., in Swedish Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6; in Dano-Norwegian, three vols.; in Greek, three vols.; in French, two vols.; Hollandish, Spanish, and Italian, one vol. each; bound in cloth, uniform with English edition, prices the same; in Polish, condensed edition, one vol., 10 cents.

====================