VOL. XXXVI NOVEMBER 1 No. 21
A. D. 1915--A.M. 6044
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CONTENTS
Views From The Watch Tower........................323
War Leading Toward a Climax...................323
National Amity After the War..................324
Why Church Union Lags.........................325
"Winning of Immortality"......................325
"Plato Mistaken for Christ"...................326
Proper Basis of Honor in the Church...............326
Have No Ambition for Personal Glory...........326
Selection of Elders and Deacons...............327
Colporteurs and Drama Workers.....................328
Suggestions to Colporteurs....................328
Eureka Drama Successful.......................329
"Like as a Father Pitieth" (Poem).................329
Plain Food for Clear Brains.......................330
God's Pity for the Heathen........................332
Interesting Letters...............................333
"As Unorthodox as the Savior Himself".........333
"The Light That is in Thee"...................333
Holiday Remembrancers.............................334
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.
Foreign Agencies:--British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
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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.
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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 AND DANISH 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.
==========
TO BRETHREN SHOWING CREATION DRAMA ON
COMMERCIAL BASIS IN THEATRES, ETC.
DEAR BRETHREN:--
We find that the theatre people desire to run all of our films and just as few of our slides and records as possible.
We have concluded that it is impossible to serve two masters with the DRAMA and be acceptable to both. We are therefore withdrawing the DRAMA from all service except that which shows it in its full four parts, as at first. You will please, therefore, make no more contracts except upon this full show basis. That, we presume, will be only for Sundays anywhere, or at the expense of the Classes.
Very truly your servants in the Lord,
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSN.
(DRAMA DEPARTMENT)
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All cheques, drafts, money orders, etc., should be made out to WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY. There are no exceptions to this rule.
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BETHEL HYMNS FOR DECEMBER
After the close of the hymn the Bethel family listens to the reading of "My Vow Unto the Lord," then joins in prayer. At the breakfast table the MANNA text is considered. Hymns for December follow: (1) 249; (2) 296; (3) Vow; (4) 145; (5) 324; (6) 105; (7) 15; (8) 58; (9) 303; (10) 91; (11) 267; (12) 114; (13) 325; (14) 87; (15) 120; (16) 7; (17) 14; (18) 195; (19) 44; (20) 216; (21) 255; (22) 273; (23) 161; (24) 194; (25) 16; (26) 166; (27) 149; (28) 299; (29) 285; (30) 310; (31) 34.
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I. B. S. A. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER
Questions from Manual on Series Third of
"STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES"
STUDIES I., II.
Week of November 7....Q. 1 to 8 Week of November 21....Q. 8 to 13
Week of November 14....Q. 1 to 7 Week of November 28....Q.14 to 20
Question Manuals on Vol. III., STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, 5c. each; or 50c. per dozen, postpaid.
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r5790 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER====================
[page 334]
HOLIDAY REMEMBRANCERS
A LIST of our stock, suitable for Holiday Gifts, we are publishing a little earlier than usual this year. This will give those living at a distance ample time to forward their orders to us and have them filled in good season-- before the rush and congestion of the mails during the weeks immediately preceding Christmas. This will be a convenience to us as well. Those living near by would also do well to send their orders early.
As New Creatures in Christ Jesus our Gifts should in some sense always represent ourselves, and we believe the list below will be found to meet this requirement in a large degree. The prices are low--covering merely cost.
"Studies in the Scriptures." India paper edition, fine sealskin binding, gold edges, light, small, beautiful, per set, $4.80 (1L.); in cloth carton, $5 (1L. 10d).
"Studies in the Scriptures." Morocco, over boards, gold edges, but on paper the same as the ordinary cloth edition, suitable for book-shelf, $3.60 (15s) for six volumes, postpaid.
"Studies," Volume I., with Pyramid Chapter added. This special edition is very suitable for presentation to uninterested friends. Many have had their interest awakened by the reading of the Pyramid Chapter. A picture of the Great Pyramid is stamped in gilt on front cover. We recommend this Volume for gift purposes. Postpaid 50c. (2s 1d), but, to stimulate its wide circulation, ten copies for $2.50 (10s 10d).
Scenario of the Photo-Drama of Creation. The ninety-six short, pithy lectures of the Creation Drama can be supplied in print as follows:
IN ENGLISH:
*De Luxe, gold edges, embossed, 400 illustrations
.................................................. $1.00 postpaid
Cloth, burnished edges, embossed, 400 illustrations
.................................................. .50 "
*Paper in three booklets, complete; per set......... .25 "
A Newspaper edition in 4 Parts...................... FREE
IN SPANISH, ITALIAN, GREEK, POLISH, ARMENIAN:
Cloth bound, complete............................... .25 "
Paper " " ............................... .15 "
Newspaper edition, 3 Parts, 2c ea.; per set......... .05 "
IN GERMAN AND FINNISH (glossed paper, embossed,
like English Ed.):
De Luxe, gold edge (Finnish only)................... 1.00 "
Cloth, red edge (German and Finnish)................ .50 postpaid
Paper, 3 Parts (Finnish), per set................... .25 "
Paper, complete (German)............................ .25 "
Newspaper ed. (Finnish), 4 Pts., 2c ea.; per set.... .05 "
" " (German--via German mail)............. .05 "
IN SWEDISH: Newspaper ed. only, 2c ea.; per set......... .05 "
Colporteurs and Class Secretaries may deduct one-half from above prices if shipment is ordered charges collect.
"Poems of Dawn." Nearly three hundred very choice poems topically divided, the very thing each should have near him for a leisure moment. The value of these as spiritual stimulants is inestimable. They can be appreciated by all Christians, though of course especially by those possessing a knowledge of Present Truth. Postpaid in cloth binding 25c. (1s); karatol, red edges, 35c. (1s 6d); leather-bound, gold edges, 50c. (2s 1d). We have the cloth edition now in stock; karatol and leather editions will be ready about Dec. 15th.
"In the Garden of the Lord." This little booklet is a choice poem from the pen of Sister Seibert. It contains sixteen colored illustrations, twenty-four pages. Postpaid 6c. (3d) each; per dozen 65c. (2s 8d).
Choice Motto Cards for home embellishment and spiritual refreshment:
Packet Ma--Ten mottoes, small and medium, postpaid 50c.
Number Mb--Eight medium-sized cards, $1.
Number Mc--Two large and two medium cards, $1.
Where $5 worth of these are sent to one address the saving in packing and expressage would be 50c., making the price $4.50. Order by number only.
Postcards. Assorted mottoes and designs, 15c. (7-1/2d) per dozen; two dozen, 25c. (1s 1/2d); 100 for $1.
Scripture Memorizing Cards. We have two different sets of these--No. 1 and No. 2. Colors of the cards indicate the topic. For instance, purple represents royalty and the Kingdom, garnet represents the redeeming blood, etc. On one side of the cards are texts appropriate to the color. On the reverse side of the card is the citation of where it is found. These can be used personally or with a company of friends. The design is to commit the text to memory and its citation. Many have found these very useful. Fifty cards to the pack, 25c. (1s 1d) per pack, postpaid.
Write your letters and correct P.O. address very plainly; also give name of nearest express office and company.
Write your orders on a separate sheet of paper from your letter. If answering a letter marked File A, File R, or otherwise, refer to it in the opening paragraph of your letter.
All cheques, drafts, money orders, etc., should be made out to WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY. There are no exceptions to this rule.
By observing these simple requests, delay will be avoided.
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*On the De Luxe and Paper Editions of the English SCENARIO we now offer to all, Class Secretaries or otherwise, two copies for the price of one, and ten sets of the paper ed. (30 Parts) for $1 postpaid. Get them into the hands of the public.
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[page 335]
"I.B.S.A." BIBLES AND OTHER BIBLE STUDY HELPS
First in this list we mention the several volumes of
"STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES" SERIES
[SEE OVER, ALSO INSIDE FRONT COVER.]
We commend also, as aids, the following publications (not all our own), which we supply at specially low prices because of the assistance they lend to the study of God's Word. We mention these somewhat in the order in which they seem to us to be desirable aids.
OUR SPECIAL "I.B.S.A." BIBLE
Hereafter to distinguish our own special edition from other Bibles, we will refer to it as the "I.B.S.A." Bible. This Bible is becoming more and more indispensable to all readers as they learn how to use it. The translation, of course, is not at all different from that of other Bibles of the Common Version. We specially recommend it for its smallness of size, lightness of weight, and good-sized print, and above all for the helps to Bible students and teachers bound with it; printed on India paper; excellent press work. Its special feature, distinguishing this Bible from all others, is
BIBLE TEACHERS' MANUAL.
Part I.
Biblical Comments from Genesisto Revelation with references to the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and others of our publications showing the page where the text is more fully discussed and elaborated. We can scarcely imagine anything more helpful than these for Bible study. It is so easy to turn to the reference and ascertain if the matter has been treated and where and how. It represents four hundred and eighty-one pages of matter.
Part II.
INSTRUCTORS' GUIDE TEXTS.
This is a topical arrangement of Bible subjects specially convenient for those who have opportunity for teaching others the Divine Plan of the Ages. Its various Topics are arranged under distinct headings and the various texts bearing upon the subjects are collated. With this help a novice has at his command, well-furnished, "the Sword of the Spirit." It is in condensed form, very convenient, and consists of eighteen pages solid matter.
Part III.
BEREAN TOPICAL INDEX.
The Berean Topical Index, alphabetically arranged, presents a large variety of subjects showing references to the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and others of our publications treating the same. This feature covers twenty-eight pages.
Part IV.
DIFFICULT TEXTS EXPLAINED.
SPURIOUS PASSAGES NOTED.
In this, specially difficult texts are brought to the attention and references given showing where they are treated in our publications. Following this is a full list of various interpolations and spurious passages of the Scriptures not in the original MSS., as proven by the oldest Greek MSS.--fifteen pages.
These four features, representing five hundred and forty-two pages, are not to be found in any other Bibles on earth and, in our opinion, they are of almost priceless value. One of our interested readers if he could not procure another would not sell his copy for a hundred dollars--many of them surely would not take thousands for it.
All of our "I.B.S.A." Bibles contain the above, and some of them, the numbers of which end with a nine, contain additionally Bagster's Bible Study Helps, including an alphabetical index of proper names and Bagster's Bible Concordance and Maps--a total of one hundred and eighty-six pages.
We not only supply these Bibles at cost price, but, because of the large quantities ordered at a time, we are enabled to secure a cost price which is really phenomenal. The very low prices must not lead you to think that these are manufactured in any slipshod manner. They are first class in every particular. The prices are, many of them, less than one-half of what you pay for such books almost anywhere else.
So great is the demand for these "I.B.S.A." Bibles that hereafter we purpose carrying no others in stock except pocket Bibles and large type Bibles for the aged. We will still, however, be pleased to serve anyone who desires other Bibles. We can procure for these wholesale rates, usually twenty-five per cent. off, plus postage.
DESCRIPTION AND PRICES--"I.B.S.A." BIBLES
1918, price $1.65, postage prepaid, is a beautiful book. It is small and light. Size 4-3/4 x 6-3/4 inches. It has minion type, red under gold edges, divinity circuit, French Seal. Looks like the genuine sealskin, but it is in reality good sheepskin.
Number 1919, price $1.75, postage prepaid; the same book, the same Bible; the same every way, except the addition of Bagster Helps, Concordance, etc., making this size a trifle larger.
No. 1928, price $2.65, postage prepaid. This is the same book exactly as No. 1918, except that it has genuine morocco binding; leather-lined.
LITTLE LARGER, IONIC TYPE, SELF-PRONOUNCING
Number 1939, price $1.95, postage prepaid. This is the same book as 1919, the same binding and contents, but it has a coarser print and is a little larger book. Size 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches.
Number 1959, price $3.65, postage prepaid. This is the same book as 1939, except that it has splendid morocco binding, is calf-lined and silk-sewed. Bibles similar in quality and finish are listed in many catalogues at $8.
The sale of these books is not restricted to WATCH TOWER readers. They are valuable aids in Bible study and open to the public.
BIBLE STUDY HELPS (BOUND SEPARATE).
These are the same as in the latest "I.B.S.A." Bibles, described above. Full leather, divinity circuit, $1.00; Karatol, red edge, 50c., postpaid. Also in German (leather), $1.00; (cloth), 50c.
Remit with order. We can secure such prices only by paying spot cash and must sell on the same terms. Insurance, 5c. additional.
Anyone ordering patent index on any of these Bibles should so state and should add twenty-five cents to the price. Should any desire other Bibles we will be pleased to supply publishers' catalogue, giving full description and prices. We are usually able to secure a discount of 25 per cent. on the publishers' list prices.
DAILY HEAVENLY MANNA
FOR THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH
The demand for this publication increases year by year.
Our present edition of the "Manna" contains the same texts and comments as all former editions. Every alternate leaf is blank-ruled for use as an autograph and birthday record. Its value increases as additional autographs of friends are secured. It is printed on fine bond paper.
The following wholesale rates postpaid are granted to all WATCH
TOWER subscribers:
Purple cloth, gold embossed, gilt edges.......................... $0.35
Dark blue cloth, silver embossed, German......................... .35
Leatherette, blue edges, Swedish and Norwegian................... .35
Leatherette, gold edges, Swedish and Norwegian................... .65
Genuine Morocco, gold edges, English and Norwegian............... 1.10
We hope this little book will find a place at every breakfast table; that spiritual refreshment may thus be enjoyed with the natural food.
THE EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT
This Greek New Testament, with interlinear, word-for-word rendering, and a free-reading emphasized translation alongside, based upon the famous Vatican Manuscript, No. 1209, is a very valuable work. Originally published under the author's copyright by Fowler & Wells Co., New York City, it was sold by them at $4 in cloth and $5 in half-leather binding. For several years a friend, an earnest Bible student, desirous of assisting the readers of our Society's publications, has supplied them through us at a greatly reduced price; now he has purchased the copyright and plates from the Fowler & Wells Co., and presented the same to our Society as a gift that the poor of the Lord's flock may have this help in the study of the Word.
REDUCED PRICE.--Hereafter we will have the Diaglott in leather binding only, divinity circuit, Bible paper, and have reduced the price to $2.00 (8s. 5d.), postpaid. We offer THE WATCH TOWER for a year as a premium, with each order for the Diaglott, if it is a new subscription.
THE TISCHENDORF NEW TESTAMENT
This is the ordinary Common Version in cloth binding. As footnotes it gives the reading of the three oldest Greek MSS., Sinaiticus, Vaticanus and Alexandrine, wherever these differ from the Common Version. This is a very valuable little work, published in Europe, which we specially import. Price, 50c., including postage.
LEESER'S TRANSLATION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
This is the standard translation amongst English reading Hebrews, by one of their own rabbis. It is not perfect, but is a valuable aid in critical study of the Old Testament. Our special price, in leather binding, including postage, is $1.10.
ANALYTICAL CONCORDANCE TO THE SCRIPTURES
In English, Hebrew and Greek, by Prof. Young (Presbyterian). 1240 pages. A valuable work for all critical students. We are not permitted by the publishers to cut their price, but we may and do give in addition, postage free, any four volumes of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, cloth binding, with each Concordance, or six volumes if purchaser pays expressage. Postpaid, cloth binding, $6.
EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE TO THE SCRIPTURES
In English, Hebrew and Greek, by Prof. Strong (Methodist). 1800 pages. This is also an able work and useful in critical study. It has some advantages over Young's; after getting used to it we prefer it. Special reduced prices in cloth binding, $3.96; half leather, $5.96 postpaid.
CRUDEN'S CONCORDANCE TO THE SCRIPTURES
A valuable work, but scarcely necessary to those who have either of the above. English only. Cloth binding, 760 pages, $1, delivered.
SMITH'S BIBLE DICTIONARY
This is one of the most desirable editions of Prof. Smith's work. It is a large volume of 1,020 pages. Cloth binding, $1.30, including postage.
"BIBLE TALKS IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE"
Next to the Creation SCENARIO, this is the best book of its kind we have ever seen. It presents the Bible stories in simple, but not childish language, and seems remarkably free from the bad theology so common in this class of books. All Christian parents should have a Sunday Bible lesson with their children, and this book furnishes interesting topics, to which may be added as much concordant "Present Truth," as the age of the children will justify. Some parents obtain still better results by using the Drama SCENARIO, however. Parents are responsible for their children's training in theology as well as in morals.
624 pages, 250 illustrations; cloth sides, leather back and corners, gilt edges. Our special price, $1, postpaid.
MISCELLANEOUS
Hymns of Dawn, with music (cloth)................................. $0.35
Hymns of Dawn, without music (flexible)........................... .06
CHARTS (Blue Prints, soft cloth):
Plan of the Ages, 5 ft., $1; 8 ft................................ 1.50
Chronology of the Bible, 8 ft.................................... 1.50
Tabernacle of the Wilderness, 8 ft............................... 1.50
BINDERS for THE WATCH TOWER: Spring Back (holds 1 year)........... .50
CROSS AND CROWN PINS (Gold, with Red Enamel):
5/8"--No. 1 Ladies' Style, No. 2 Gents', each.................... 1.15
1/2"--No. 3 Gents' Style, No. 4 Ladies', each.................... 1.00
5/8"--Celluloid, per dozen, 25c.; each........................... .03
Missionary Envelopes, per hundred, 25c.; per M.................... 2.00
Vow Bookmarks (paper), 25c. per 100; (silk) each.................. .05
"Dove" Poem and Vow Bookmarks (celluloid), 5c.; per dozen......... .50
Celluloid "Cross" Bookmarks, 2 for................................ .05
Booklets (on Hell, Spiritism, Evolution, Tabernacle Shadows, Our
Lord's Return), also Berean Question Booklets on each volume of
SCRIPTURE STUDIES each 5c.; per dozen............................ .50
Report on Foreign Missions, each.................................. .05
Judge Rutherford's Defense of Pastor Russell (illus.), 10c.; 25 for 2.00
Tracts in all languages........................................... FREE
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[page 352]
International Bible Students Association Classes
STUDIES AND LECTURES UNDER THE AUSPICES OF PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION
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[page 337]
VOL. XXXVI NOVEMBER 15 No. 22
A. D. 1915--A.M. 6044
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CONTENTS
The Editor's November Itinerary...................338
Views From The Watch Tower........................339
The Sin of the Church.........................339
Marching to Universal Slaughter-House.........339
The Secret Place (Poem)...........................340
Why God Has Permitted Satan's Lying
Deceptions..................................341
Fallen Spirits Especially Active Today........342
Delusions of Christian Science, Etc...........342
All But "Very Elect" to Be Deceived...........343
The Ministry of Sorrow............................344
Depths of Sorrow--Heights of Joy..............344
"This Honor Have All His Saints"..................346
Amos the Fearless Prophet.........................347
Giants in the Earth Forebode Evil.............349
"Pride Goeth Before Destruction"..................349
Interesting Letters...............................351
"Light Afflictions--But for a Moment".........351
Blazed a Track Through Bad Theology...........351
Canada Red Cross Contributions................351
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.
Foreign Agencies:--British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
----------
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 AND DANISH 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.
==========
NOVEMBER ITINERARY
Pastor Russell has arranged to visit the following Classes and to give Public addresses at the places and times named. Additionally he expects to address the Bible Students at each place less publicly. In many of the places arrangements have been made for two and three-day conventions:
Montreal, Que., Nov. 21.
3:00 P.M., His Majesty's Theatre, Guy St.
Watertown, N.Y., Nov. 22
8:00 P.M., City Opera House, Arsenal St.
Orillia, Ont., Nov. 24.
7:30 P.M., Orillia Auditorium.
Galt, Ont., Nov. 25.
7:30 P.M., Scott's Opera House.
Port Huron, Mich., Nov. 26.
7:30 P.M., Masonic Temple.
Pontiac, Mich., Nov. 27.
7:30 P.M., The Armory.
Grand Rapids, Mich., Nov. 28.
3:00 P.M., Powers' Theatre, Pearl St., N.W.
Jackson, Mich., Nov. 28.
8:00 P.M., Masonic Temple, Cortland St.
Jamestown, N.Y., Nov. 29.
7:30 P.M., Samuels' Opera House, E. Second St.
Commencing with the next issue Brother Russell's appointments will be shown on the last page of THE WATCH TOWER.
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"POEMS OF DAWN"
In our issue of Nov. 1, page 334, re new "Poems of Dawn," we neglected to mention that it has both an alphabetical index and a topical index. This is a feature which, we understand, some of the friends missed in our former edition.
The prices quoted are very low, permitting the books to be freely used as Christmas tokens. We can imagine very few Christmas gifts more appropriate. The book contains beautiful poetry suited to nearly every condition of the Christian's life.
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SPECIAL PUBLIC PILGRIM MEETINGS
We are well aware that the Bible Students' classes do not represent a large amount of wealth, and hence, that their means for advancing the Truth are to that extent circumscribed. Nothing below is intended to urge any class to do more than its judgment and opportunities will reasonably permit it to do.
The success of the one-day conventions in conjunction with the public address by the Editor of THE WATCH TOWER leads us to the thought that possibly similarly good results might be obtained in conjunction with public lectures by others of the Pilgrim brethren. We had in mind, therefore, selecting from the Pilgrim staff several brethren of special ability for interesting the public, and employing these for special meetings at places where the friends desire and can provide for public meetings.
Only first-class auditoriums of good reputation should be thought of. Rinks, casinos and coliseums are generally unsatisfactory. They do well enough for political gatherings and other public functions where it is not necessary for every word to be heard; but for the presentation of the Truth, opera houses, theatres, etc., are usually much to be preferred. Large audiences and good houses are obtainable any night in the week if intelligently sought.
Whenever the class has a good auditorium, not higher up than the second floor, the follow-up meeting should be held on the following Sunday by one of the local brethren, if competent. The topic for that meeting might well be "The Second Coming of Christ--How? When? Why?"
Classes desiring such special public services will please notify THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, Care Pilgrim Department.
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I. B. S. A. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
Questions from Manual on Series Third of
"STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES"
STUDY II.
Week of December 5..Q. 21 to 27 Week of December 19..Q. 35 to 42 Week of December 12..Q. 28 to 34 Week of December 26..Q. 43 to 50
Question Manuals on Vol. III., STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, 5c. each; or 50c. per dozen, postpaid.
====================
r5798 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER====================
[page 351]
INTERESTING LETTERS
"LIGHT AFFLICTIONS--BUT FOR A MOMENT"
DEARLY BELOVED BROTHER IN THE LORD:--
"Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you, making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now."--Phil. 1:2-5.
The Vow brought me much blessing, likewise the Resolve; then I began to watch for suggestions. Last fall came one: Z.'14, p. 341--to live each day as though it were our last. That was beautiful to me, and most helpful; to think to myself each morning, You wouldn't want to go Home tonight to a kind, gracious Father and a loving Bridegroom unless you, too, had all the day been kind, gracious and loving. It checked many a hasty word and act and mellowed all my life.
When the suggestion concerning the cultivation of Love came, I rejoiced, for I knew a blessing lay in that also; and there has, and a deep and rich one, too. Not only have I been enabled day by day to be more kind in my thoughts, gentle in my words, and loving in my deeds, but my eyes have opened wider and wider to the measureless love of our Heavenly Father and His dear Son. In every day I find Their love; I have only to follow step by step as They beautifully arrange each day and fill it with blessings and love.
I have more trials than ever before, but they are only blessings in disguise. I am learning what St. Paul meant when he spoke of "light afflictions, but for a moment." The "eternal weight of glory" is getting brighter each day, as I learn more of the height and depth and length and breadth of the wonderful love of God. I shall be glad to go Home by whatever way my Father sees best, but I am not anxious as I used to be, for each day is full of His love and blessing.
I have wished to tell you particularly (as an isolated child of God) of a rich blessing I found I was not shut out from, did I but reach out by faith and claim it: Some time since, a dear sister of the Cameron Class was unable to attend the usual Wednesday night testimony meeting, and so, alone at home, she had a blessed testimony meeting. Afterward, when she told of this experience, I wondered if this blessing were not for all the isolated ones. I remembered your admonitions in Vol. VI. concerning the Memorial--that an isolated individual allow his faith to go out with sufficient strength to the Lord to claim the promise of Matthew 18:20, regarding the Lord and himself as two. It seemed to me the same principle applied here, and I began the Wednesday night meetings--and such blessings from the Lord! It is as good as the DAILY MANNA morning service--to be in union with the Body--the whole world over!
I have been very careful to use Wednesday evening, because the Lord's blessing is more especially with me on that day. Other isolated sisters are testifying to this same blessing. We had been getting too much solid food and not enough fluid, heretofore.
The blessing of fellowship with yourself still continues with me through the pages of THE WATCH TOWER. It is ever "meat in due season," for which my appetite grows continually keener.
Dear Brother, "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace!"
Your sister in the Anointed,
HOPE TATE.--Canada.
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BLAZED A TRACK THROUGH BAD THEOLOGY
OUR WELL-BELOVED PASTOR:--
Loving greetings in our dear Lord and Redeemer, to you and all of "like precious faith."--Ephesians 3:14-21.
Beloved Brother, it has been our thought this year to send you some slight token of the great love we have for you, as God's appointed servant and channel for dispensing the "Meat in due season" to the Household of Faith. How grateful we are to you, under God, for blazing a track for us out of a maze of bad theology! Daily we bear you up before the Throne of Grace, praying that He who has so far worked out His will in you may complete His work in His Elect, that you, with us and all the dear ones who are earnestly pressing forward, may be presented faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.
We ask you, dear Brother, kindly to accept the HEAVENLY MANNA sent herewith with our autographs, also the 2L. Money Order enclosed as a token of our loving esteem from those to whom the Truth has come at the village of Turangarere.
Sister Black by asking Sister Kelly to read Vol. 1, was the means of presenting the Truth which Sister Kelly was privileged to pass on to Sisters Mitchell, Merritt, Clough and Mulvay; and Sister Clough was used to pass the Message on to Sister Brown, and Sister Mitchell to Sister Gage. All are fully consecrated and pressing forward for the Great Prize.
Sister Black received the First Volume in a very strange way. Her little granddaughter was buying a book for a birthday present for her grandmother at a second-hand dealer's shop. The man advised her to take the book, as her grandmother would like it; and so this great blessing came to us.
Another dear one, Sister Bessie Lambei, sent a subscription asking that she, too, might be included in the gift to the Pastor to whom, under God, we all owe so much. Sister Lambei is one of the Lord's isolated ones.
We are hoping if it is the Lord's will to meet in Wellington for Convention on December 25th; but just now New Zealand trade is paralyzed by an industrial strike, which if not soon settled may hinder our meeting. But we all look forward soon now to be favored by being present at the Great Convention of the First-born ones (Hebrews 12:22-24) beyond the Veil. Then we hope to meet our Beloved Master; and among all the dear Elect, what joy it gives us to look forward to meeting the dear Pastor, who has been so abundantly used of God to bring blessings to us and all the dear "Feet" Members of the Body, which is the Church! Earnestly entreating God's blessing upon your labors of Love for Him and His,
Your loving Sisters, by His Grace.
North Island, New Zealand.
[The Editor begs these dear Sisters in Christ to accept his thanks for their kind words of comfort, which he will always cherish as priceless in value; also for the copy of MANNA containing their autographs. As for the 2L., he is putting it into the "Comfort Fund," from which he sometimes has the privilege of doling out a few dollars for the aid of brethren falling into dire need. The Editor has no lack. The Society's allowance to him and all the office workers, of ten dollars monthly for clothing and incidentals, is more than sufficient for our comfort.]
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THE CANADA RED CROSS CONTRIBUTIONS
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--
Here in Canada there is a general movement on for soliciting funds for the Canadian Red Cross work. Will you kindly give us your view on the subject?
This is a matter of personal judgment--as is every benevolence. The Lord's people must remember that their all is consecrated to Him, and they must seek to use their best judgment respecting the use of their financial talents, as well as others. We would feel disposed to resent anything in the way of an attempt to coerce or compel contributions, and would prefer to exercise our own judgment and conscience, and not to have any one tell us what we should do, or should [R5805 : page 351] not do. However, emergencies might arise in which we would have the right to allow mercenary considerations to have their weight--if, for instance, because an employee should fail to contribute it would bring him into disfavor with his employer, so that he might lose his situation, or if a business firm found that they might be boycotted unless they contributed liberally, we believe that they would have a right to treat this matter from a commercial basis. The giving to the Red Cross Society would certainly not interfere with anybody's conscientious scruples.
An examination of the Canadian Militia Act shows that certain persons are exempt from military obligations; viz., Judges, Government clerks, Telegraph clerks, Revenue clerks, Wardens of Prisons and Asylums, Policemen, Firemen, College professors, the Clergy, the son of a widow and persons averse to military service on religious grounds.
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International Bible Students Association Classes
STUDIES AND LECTURES BY MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION