VOL. XXXIII MAY 1 No. 9
A.D. 1912--A.M. 6040
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CONTENTS
1912--General Conventions--1912...................142
Why Christ Arose From the Dead....................143
The Bible Resurrection Reasonable.............143
The Harvest is the End of the Age.................145
"The Righteous Shall Shine as the Sun"........146
Loyalty to God Necessary to Life
Everlasting.................................146
Vain Repetition in Prayer.........................147
Truthful Words--Polite Speech.....................148
No Man Can Tame the Tongue....................148
Praising God--Injuring Men....................149
Prayer a Great Privilege..........................149
Vain Repetitions of the Heathen...............150
Requests for Visits of Traveling Brethren.........151
Some Interesting Questions........................151
We Die Daily by Laying Down Our Lives.........151
Justification Completed at Consecration.......152
Reports of Memorial Celebrations..................153
Interesting Letters...............................154
Berean Questions in Scripture Studies.............155
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, 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.
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ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
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ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N.Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
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1912--GENERAL CONVENTIONS--1912
It is proposed that the INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION shall this year hold two General Conventions. One of these will be in the West, the other in the East. This arrangement seemed wise in order to permit many who would like to attend Conventions to do so at a moderate expenditure of railway fare.
The first of these will be held in the Chautauqua grounds at Pertle Springs, near Warrensburg, Mo., June 1-8. It will be followed by a public meeting addressed by Brother Russell at Kansas City, Mo., sixty-five miles northwest from Warrensburg, on Sunday, June 9.
Board and lodging accommodations, we are assured, will be quite satisfactory and will range in cost from $1.10 to $1.50 each person per day. These prices, of course, will not secure separate rooms for each person. We are assured of ample, comfortable accommodations for from fifteen hundred to two thousand people. All expecting to attend should notify us at once. Give full name of each person, which prefer to room together, and at what rate.
Warrensburg (Pertle Springs) is on the Missouri Pacific Railroad. We will have the usual summer rates prevailing to this point. Inquire of your local railroad ticket agent.
The second Convention will be held in the suburbs of Washington City, D.C., at the Glen Echo Chautauqua grounds--July 7-14. Arrangements for board and lodging will be made by our Committee on request at such prices as you may authorize from $1.10 per day upward. No pains will be spared to make you comfortable as possible.
The Committee of investigation say, "The location is ideal. The average Park temperature is ten degrees lower than that of Washington City. The Auditorium is still cooler by reason of its peculiar location and the fact that it is built over running water."
Washington City commands reasonable railway rates from all quarters. We do not expect any special concessions, therefore, although we will apply for them.
We will endeavor to have a good list of speakers at both Conventions, including Brother Russell.
We hoped to have been able to make the announcements re Conventions in January, but have been unavoidably delayed until now. We trust that both of these Conventions will prove convenient and profitable to considerable numbers of Bible Students.
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[R5024 : page 142]
WE ALL NEED "POEMS OF DAWN"
This book of 286 pages contains nearly three hundred beautiful poems of consecration and encouragement for Christians. It is now in stock, and all orders have been filled to date. Cloth edition, corresponding in style to the new edition of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, will be supplied at 25c. each, postpaid; leatherette, red burnished edges, same size as Keratol STUDIES, 25c. postpaid; leatherette, gold edges, 35c. postpaid; full seal-grained leather, gold edges, corresponding in size and style with the India edition of SCRIPTURE STUDIES, 50 cents each postpaid. "Poems of Dawn" would make an excellent gift for any friend or relative not in the Truth, although most fully appreciated by the saintly. It is topically arranged, but you cannot open at random and read without being refreshed, comforted, drawn nearer to God.
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[page 142]
"WE CANNOT DO AS WE WOULD"
These words of St. Paul recur to us, not only as applicable in the way he used them, as signifying our inability to do the Divine will perfectly because of weaknesses of heredity, but in other ways the words are applicable--for instance, as we now use them: the Editor has recently been made the recipient of so many kind messages of love-- letters, cards, telegrams and floral expressions--that he has been simply overwhelmed. Additionally he has had great pleasure in receiving many callers. Nothing could please him better than to write personal acknowledgments of all these kind expressions of Christian love, fellowship, sympathy; but to respond to each and all separately would mean a hindrance of the general work, which he is sure would be far from the wish of his many friends. He therefore takes this opportunity of acknowledging the many kindnesses of the Brethren and of assuring each of his loving appreciation of their many tokens and of his good wishes and prayers on behalf of them all and on behalf of all who are truly the Lord's in every place--known and unknown. The Editor hopes that all will accept the articles of THE WATCH TOWER instead of his personal letters.
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r5016 WHY CHRIST AROSE FROM THE DEAD====================
[page 151]
REQUEST FOR VISITS OF TRAVELING BRETHREN
FOR YEAR--MAY, 1912, TO MAY, 1913.
WITH THIS ISSUE of THE TOWER the annual requests for visits by the Traveling Brethren are due. All who are desirous of securing the service of these brethren during the ensuing year--May, 1912, to May, 1913--are requested to carefully consider the following suggestions and then to promptly notify us:--
The brethren chosen for this service are not sent forth as perfect, though the Society considers them worthy brethren in every way-- ensamples to the flock in doctrine and practice. They travel continuously, as per announcement on last page of TOWER, all their expenses being met by the Society. They do not solicit money nor anything else, neither for themselves nor for the Society. The service is free, the expenses being borne by the contributors to the Tract Fund. We seek Divine guidance as to who shall be engaged in this service and where it shall be rendered.
The increased attendance and manifest interest of the general public at the well-advertised meetings in good auditoriums claim special consideration. The Society will co-operate by making Sunday appointments for the Traveling Brethren at places where the friends desire to arrange for Special Public Meetings. By "Special Public Meetings" we mean a Public Lecture in a good auditorium and well advertised by a thorough house-to-house distribution of "Everybody's Paper," Window Cards, etc.
This does not mean that the service to the friends at other places should be curtailed, or that such service is less important, or that we desire to urge large public meetings, or that the public should not be welcomed at the less public meetings when a Pilgrim serves. Our thought is that meetings in cities and larger towns should not be specially advertised for any day excepting Sunday, and then only if a proper auditorium has been secured.
As new conditions arise we find it necessary to alter slightly the questions in order that we may be properly advised as far as possible as to the condition of each locality. You need not repeat the questions, but merely indicate them thus: (a), (b), etc. Please attend to this matter at once, in order that there may be no disappointment should a Pilgrim be coming your way. All letters referring to Pilgrim work should be marked "Pilgrim Department." (a) How many Bible Students in your vicinity use the
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES?
(b) Are weekly meetings held? (c) How many are usually in attendance? (d) Where do you now meet on Sundays? (Give full street address.) (e) At what hours are the Sunday meetings held? (f) Was a vote taken on the Pilgrim invitation? (g) How many voted for the invitation to be sent? (h) Do you desire Sunday appointments for Special Public Lectures? (i) How frequently do you desire such Special appointments? (j) What is the seating capacity of Auditorium you could secure? (k) What attendance do you think could be secured for well-advertised public sessions in good Auditorium? (l) Would a suitable place be found for meetings not specially advertised? (m) Have the members of your class chosen leaders in accordance with suggestions of SCRIPTURE STUDIES, Volume VI., chapters 5 and 6? If so, give name and full address of each. (n) Give full names and full addresses of the two (2) to whom notices of Pilgrim visits should be sent. (Please notify us as to any change or removal.) (o) If your town is not on a railroad give the name of proper railroad station at which to stop. (p) How many miles from station is meeting place, and which direction from station? (q) Would Pilgrim be met at station? (r) If not, how should Pilgrim get from said station? (s) Give writer's full name and address. (t) Any additional remarks.
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r5022 SOME INTERESTING QUESTIONS====================
[page 155]
BEREAN QUESTIONS IN SCRIPTURE STUDIES
Series VI., Study IX.--The Judgment of the New Creation.
JUNE 2
(1) Who is the great Supreme Judge of the Universe? and why could He not reverse His sentence upon the disobedient race? Support the position taken by Scripture quotations from Old and New Testaments. Pp. 395, 396.
(2) Through what channels has the Heavenly Father arranged for the judging and blessing of mankind? P. 397, par. 1.
(3) Because of what attitude and standpoint upon Jehovah's part was it possible for Jesus to make the statement recorded in John 5:22? P. 397, par. 2, first half.
(4) Strictly speaking, however, what was the precise moment when all judgment was committed by the Father unto the Son? P. 397, par. 2, last half.
(5) What prevents the Father from exercising further judgment with respect to mankind? State briefly what arrangement has been made for mankind's judgment. P. 398, par. 1.
JUNE 9
(6) What two offices will our dear Redeemer fill during and at the close of the Millennium, and what are the peculiar characteristics of these two parts of the Judgment work? P. 398, par. 2.
(7) What relationship between the Father and the Son should be kept in mind as respects all these judgments, etc.? P. 399, par. 1.
(8) When does the judgment or trial of the New Creation take place? P. 399, par. 2.
(9) Who is the Judge of the New Creation? and what is the Law by which it is being judged? P. 400, par. 1.
(10) Are the New Creation children of Christ or of God? Give Scriptural proof. P. 400, par. 2.
JUNE 16
(11) Explain how the Father "pruneth us," and the work of the Son in this connection. P. 401, par. 1.
(12) Read from Revelation 2and 3the words showing the supervision of our glorious Head over His Body, the Church. Pp. 401, 402.
(13) Harmonize the parables of the Pounds and Talents, in which the Son is represented as giving the rewards, with the Apostle's statement that rewards and punishments come from the Father. P. 402, par. 1.
"JUDGE NOT THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED"
(14) Why are the members of the New Creation not competent to judge one another? P. 402, par. 2.
(15) Explain the philosophy of the Lord's rule of dealing with us as we deal with others. P. 403, par. 1.
JUNE 23
(16) What would seem to be almost "the besetting sin" of the Lord's people, and how necessary is it that we realize and correct it? P. 404, par. 1, 2.
(17) What is the explanation of this state of affairs, and how does the fallen nature play the hypocrite? P. 404, par. 3.
(18) What course of reasoning should the Law of Love suggest to our minds? P. 405, par. 1.
(19) Enlarge upon the qualities of the Spirit of Love as described by the Apostle in I Cor. 13:4-13. P. 405, par. 2.
(20) What are the least and greatest violations of the Law of Love, and under what conditions only are we justified in believing evil? P. 406, par. 1.
JUNE 30
WE SHOULD JUDGE OURSELVES
(21) How should the Golden Rule settle this disposition to gossip? P. 407, par. 1.
(22) How great is the influence of the tongue? P. 407, par. 2.
(23) How does the tongue indicate the heart condition? P. 408, par. 1, 2, 3.
PROPER JUDGING OF OURSELVES
(24) What exhortations are given us by the Apostle with respect to the proper judging of ourselves? P. 409, par. 1.
(25) It is possible to bridle the tongue if we neglect the heart? How may we purify our hearts, and is absolute cleansing expected of the flesh? P. 409, par. 2.
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[page 157]
VOL. XXXIII MAY 15 No. 10
A.D. 1912--A.M. 6040
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CONTENTS
Jesus No Longer Flesh--Now "That Spirit"..........159
What Went to Heaven?..........................159
The Sabbath Day...................................161
The Seventh Day Still a Sabbath...............162
A Faith Foundation Necessary......................164
Humility a Character Foundation...............165
Grapes Off a Bramble Bush.....................165
"Least In the Kingdom"............................166
Not the Bride, But the Friend.................166
Curiosity Is Not Religion.....................166
And She Was a Sinner..............................167
Two Debtors and Their Love....................168
General Convention--June 1-9......................168
Interesting Questions.............................169
Messiah's Kingdom Will Be Spiritual...........169
Perfection Will Insure Against Accidents......169
Some Interesting Letters..........................170
"Are Ye Able?" (Poem).............................171
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
AT WHICH BROTHER RUSSELL WILL BE PRINCIPAL SPEAKER
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FRIENDS FROM NEARBY PLACES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED.
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WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 12
Morning Rally for Praise, Prayer and Testimony at 10:30 o'clock, and Discourse for the interested at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Masonic Temple, 9th and F Streets. Discourse for the Public in the New National Theatre at 3 p.m.
BOSTON, MASS., MAY 19
Morning Rally for Praise, Prayer and Testimony at 10:30 o'clock, and Discourse for the Interested at 7:30 p.m. in Ford Hall, Ashburton Place. Discourse for the Public in the Boston Theatre, Washington Street, at 3 p.m.
The Boston Class has arranged for a Supplementary Convention, to be held May 20, 21, in Marie Hall, Pratt Building, 142 Pleasant St., Malden, near Boston. Visiting friends will be welcomed. For lodgings, etc., address A. Ogston, secretary, 44 Wyllis Avenue, Everett, Mass.
ELKHART, IND., MAY 25
At 7:30 p.m. Brother Russell will address a Public meeting in Bucklen Theatre, cor. Main and Harrison Sts.
(Continued on last page.)
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1912--VOLUNTEER MATTER PLENTIFUL--1912
Our financial deficiency noted in our Society's Report for 1911 has been much more than made up! We are prepared to supply I.B.S.A. Classes everywhere with this year's free literature in unlimited quantities. There is no need for any to be idle. The harvest is plenteous, the laborers are comparatively few. Let us extend our efforts and increase our own joy and usefulness. We desire earnestly our Master's "Well done, good and faithful servant." We have this year's special issue of PEOPLES PULPIT ready now for shipment, and its message, "The Handwriting on the Wall," is timely. Everybody can have a hand in this branch of harvest work. "He that reapeth receiveth wages."
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LOANING MONEY TO PROFESSED BRETHREN
Caution along this line is rarely needed by the majority of people; but our readers are very sympathetic whenever Christian brethren make an appeal. We are glad that this sympathetic feeling exists and would not destroy it for a great deal. Frequently, however, we receive letters from brethren telling how they were deceived and asking us to warn others to be on guard against deceivers.
This is a matter in which we can do nothing. Each individual must use his common sense and strive to do the Lord's will with whatever money talent he possesses. One good thought to have in mind is the Bible instruction that nothing be loaned which we could not afford to lose.
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WHEN WILL SATAN BE DESTROYED?
The above words are found on the first line of the second column, page 45, of our issue of February 1. They are wrong and give an entirely erroneous coloring to the statements following. About two thousand copies of THE WATCH TOWER were printed with this mistake. All the remainder, however, had the sentence properly, as written by the Editor, namely, "When and how will this be done?" Please look up your copy of that issue and make it correct, as it might be misleading to a stranger, although the error is so glaring that anyone familiar with the Truth should recognize it at once.
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BETHEL HYMNS FOR JUNE
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 June follow: (1) 112; (2) 30; (3) 130; (4) 203; (5) 36; (6) 229; (7) 109; (8) 222; (9) 114; (10) 46; (11) 127; (12) 12; (13) 299; (14) 73; (15) 259; (16) 27; (17) 209; (18) 58; (19) 333; (20) 313; (21) 307; (22) 91; (23) 145; (24) 60; (25) 165; (26) 4; (27) 107; (28) 238; (29) vow; (30) 260.
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r5025 JESUS NO LONGER FLESH--NOW "THAT SPIRIT"====================
[page 170]
SOME INTERESTING LETTERS
DEAR FRIENDS:--
Your recent favor came duly to hand and I lack words to express my appreciation. I can only say that I sincerely thank you and think the bookmark both beautiful and helpful.
A sense of my own unworthiness, my semi-invalid, "shut-in" condition and other adverse circumstances have caused my hesitation in taking the Vow; but I have finally decided to take it, trusting the grace of Christ to enable me to keep it faithfully.
As I read these wonderful STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES my heart is filled with praise to our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus that such loving-kindness has been shown me in the gift of these marvelous treasures of the Divine Revelation, so enlightening my mind by the Spirit of Truth that I am able to understand and appreciate the Scriptures.
To believe the wonderful truths unfolded to us through STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES separates one from kindred, friends and even "Christian" companions; they think one more dangerous than an infidel. To believe MILLENNIAL DAWN teachings is to be ostracized by the nominal church. But Christ welcomes those who are cast out for His Truth's sake!
I have been prayerfully re-reading the STUDIES and have just taken up Vol. V., in which I find so much to study out. I find, now and then, little ways in which I can give my testimony to those being ensnared by Evolution, etc.; it is my greatest joy and comfort to be able to offer this small service.
Earnestly praying for all the brethren and sisters who are laboring for the Master.
Yours in The Faith,
(MRS.) MARY CHAFFEE.--R.I.
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DEAR FRIENDS:--
For the benefit of any whom you might know to be afflicted with cancer, I have much pleasure in informing you that recently a dear friend of mine was cured of cancer. The agency in this case was radium; and the process was painless. I also know of another instance of a very much worse case being entirely cured.
Is not this another instance of the bringing to us of restitution blessings by the Lord?
Your sister in Christ,
MRS. J. P. ALLGOOD (M.D.).--Ala.
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DEAR BRETHREN:--
I recently received Vols. IV. and VI., STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, and am reading them with great joy. I now have five volumes, and am highly pleased with all.
For some time I have been looking for God's people on earth, according to the Scriptures, but until now have failed to find them. Though a member of the Methodist Church, I could not find them there, as I understand their description in the Bible, and my own desire for their companionship.
I extend my hand to you in joyous welcome, and greet you with love. I shall offer as much support, financially and otherwise, as lieth in me, and desire to secure further literature from you as soon as money matters permit.
There is great joy in the prayer of our Lord: "Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as in heaven!"
I ask your prayers for me and my household, assuring you of mine.
I remain your friend and brother, CHRIS. ACHERSOLD.--Ark.
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BELOVED PASTOR AND BROTHER:--
When the Vow came, I was new in the Truth, and it was not received by me as "meat in due season."
In asking advice of the brethren older in the Truth, I was cautioned to wait, and to weigh all these things, which I foolishly did, instead of taking the matter seriously to the Lord and asking guidance of Him.
But I did tell the Father that I would not let it interfere with my study of His wonderful Plan, nor with my fellowship with His earnest workers, and that I would wait upon Him till He should show me the way.
He surely took me at my word, for it was nearly two years later that the eyes of my understanding were opened so that I realized how much I had lost in not taking this precious Vow sooner!
Then it was that I and my two dear younger brothers, who with me symbolized their consecration, and have grown up with me in the Truth, and whose letters accompany this, took the matter up seriously and called upon our dear Brother Sherman. He so clearly showed us the way that at that time we made the Vow our own before the Lord, and have since been wonderfully blessed.
We did not, until now, realize that we had not done our part by you in acknowledging its acceptance; but we do so at this time, hoping that sending our names may bring the greater encouragement to you.
Our earnest prayer is that you may be kept most precious in the Father's sight! May God bless you, dear brother!
Yours in the one Hope, W. D. CHAPIN.--Calif.
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BELOVED BROTHER IN CHRIST:--
I have been negligent of my duty and privilege of sending in my name as one who has taken the Vow.
Since taking it I have received so many rich blessings that my appreciation and love of it are greatly increased. It helps me each day in the Christian warfare, reminding me of my [page 171] consecration and of my weakness and dependence upon the Lord for the promised grace to help in every time of need.
It has brought very near to me the remembrance that all the Lord's dear Harvest laborers are praying for me because of our common membership in the Body of Christ! It forcibly brings to mind the need to watch and pray lest I "become a castaway," and thus helped I have been enabled to overcome, but know that I fall far short of my high aim.
Being quite young and in contact with the world, this precious Vow has helped me to keep myself pure--"unspotted from the world." Sometimes heart-sick and discouraged, then come the sweet words:
"As thy days so shall thy strength be"; "I will never forsake thee"--the promised grace to help! "Praise ye the Lord for all His benefits!"
Praying for your highest spiritual welfare, I remain
Your brother and fellow-servant in the Lord,
K. E. THOMPSON.--Calif.
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OUR DEAR BROTHER:--
Your kind letter of Christmas and New Year greeting with enclosures, just received and much appreciated. We join in most hearty reciprocation of these good wishes. May the dear Lord abundantly bless and continue to use you in His glorious work. We will prize very highly the book-mark with your picture and the beautiful poem and Vow-cards. We also thank you for the book of poems.
Indeed, our hearts fill to overflowing with gratitude to our dear Heavenly Father as we learn more and more of His wonderful "Truth" and each day realize more fully what blessed privileges we are enjoying at the present time. We greatly appreciate, too, your kind assurances that you have our interest at heart. However, we already felt this to be the case.
We note your remarks in your letter that 1912 will doubtless be the most momentous year of the harvest in many respects. This awakens in us fresh zeal and more earnest prayer that we may all be able to stand in the evil hour and prove faithful unto the end.
Praying the Lord's richest blessings upon you in your tour, and that He may "keep you under the shadow of His wings," we are, with Christian love,
Your sisters in His name, M. B. CLEVELAND,
P. B. CLEVELAND.
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[R5033 : page 171]DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--
I have just finished reading your sermon in the Manila Times, and it has given me much peace and happiness. I want to learn more of the Bible, but find it obscure so much of the time. In the past I can truthfully say it has been a sealed book to me. But from now on I am going to diligently search the Scriptures for Truth and spiritual guidance.
Any reading matter you can send me to help me toward enlightenment will be most gratefully received. If you will tell me where to secure all of your writings on the Bible I shall gladly send the required amount to get them.
We will leave here in June for San Francisco, Cal., where we expect to remain nine or ten months. While there I desire greatly to take up the systematic study of the Bible. Could you recommend to me some school (or person) there under which I could place myself as a Bible student?
May God bless abundantly your great work is my prayer.
Faithfully yours, MRS. J. DUCKWORTH-FORD.--Philippines.
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DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--
You will be interested to know a little circumstance which illustrates how the HEAVENLY MANNA can be used of the Lord to draw attention to the Truth.
A brother and sister staying at a strange house left their MANNA on the dresser during the day, so that it might be seen. The help looked at it and liked it very much. This led to the sale of several first volumes and the arousing of considerable interest in the Truth.
Lovingly your brother, WALTER H. BUNDY.
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DEAR BROTHER:--
If you will pardon me for taking a little of your valuable time I would be pleased if you will answer the following question:--
In DAWN, Vol. 1, page 232, par. 1, we read as follows: "Our sins He consented to have imputed to Him, that He might bear our penalty for us, and He died on our behalf, as though He were the sinner." In Vol. 5, page 109, line 23, we also read: "Not imputed to them, but imputed to Him, who bore our sins in His body on the tree." In Vol. 5, page 444, par. 2, we also read: "That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, but imputing them unto Him."
Please be kind enough to inform me at your earliest convenience if you have changed your mind as to these teachings, or do you still hold the same views? With earnest prayers that God will be with you and keep you unto the end, I am,
Yours in His dear name, P. L. DERRING.--Va.
IN REPLY
Your favor of March 25 is before me. I am pleased to answer its question as follows:
The work of Christ is presented from a variety of standpoints, some showing modifications of one kind and some of another; some stating the matter from the human standpoint and some from the Divine. What we need in all Scriptural matters is to get at the real import.
From God's standpoint human sin is imputed to Jesus; that is to say, He was provided to be the sinner's Representative --to pay the price for the release of man from the death sentence; thus God pictures Christ as the serpent raised upon the pole. Thus the Apostle says He was made sin for us, although He knew no sin--He was a sin-offering.
Viewing the matter from the other standpoint, from the human standpoint, we see our own weaknesses and shortcomings, realizing the necessity of our Master's imputing to us the merit of His sacrifice to make up for our deficiency. Thus the facts agree, whether we state them from one standpoint or another. Our sins were reckoned against Jesus when He died for sin. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to us when we offer ourselves to God and our Great Redeemer and High Priest makes good our deficiency.
With much Christian love,
YOUR BROTHER AND SERVANT IN THE LORD.
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"ARE YE ABLE?"
Are ye able to walk in the narrow, strait way,
With no friend by your side, and no arm for your stay?
Can ye bravely go on through the darkening night?
Can ye patiently wait till the Lord sends the Light?
Are ye able to crush your soul's longing for Love,
Will ye seek for no friendship save that from above?
Can ye pass through this world, lone, unnoticed, unknown,
While your faith faintly whispers, "He knoweth His own?"
Where the feet of the Blessed One stood, can ye stand?
Can ye follow His steps to a wilderness land?
Are ye able to cast aside pleasure and fame?
Can ye live but to glorify His precious name?
Can ye smile as His dear voice says tenderly, "No,"
When "the field is so white," and your heart yearns to go?
Can ye rest then in silence, contented and still,
Till your Lord, the Chief Reaper, revealeth His will?
Are ye able to lay on the Altar's pure flame
That most treasured possession, your priceless good name?
Can ye ask of your Father a blessing for those,
Who see naught in your life but to scorn and oppose?
When the conflict twixt Error and Truth fiercer grows,
Can ye wield the strong "Sword" against unnumbered foes?
Can ye lift up the "Standard" e'en higher and higher,
While His praises ye sing in the midst of the fire?
When ye see the Lord's cause going down to defeat,
Will your courage endure in the seven-fold heat?
Will your faith keep you steadfast, though heart and flesh fail,
As the New Creature passes beneath the last "Veil"?
Ah, if thus ye can drink of the Cup He shall pour,
And if never the Banner of Truth ye would lower,
His Beloved ye are, and His crown ye shall wear,
In His throne ye shall sit, and His glory shall share!
GERTRUDE W. SEIBERT.
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