SEMI-MONTHLY
VOL. XXVIII JANUARY 1 No. 1
A.D. 1907--A.M. 6035
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CONTENTS
1907--Our Year Text--1907......................... 3
The Christian's Conflict...................... 3
Helpfulness of Method or Resolution........... 4
Reports from our Foreign Branches................. 5
Our Advocate, the World's Mediator................ 7
"We Have an Advocate"......................... 7
The Mediator of the New Covenant.............. 8
The Type of the Sin Offering.................. 10
The Bullock Sacrificed for the Levites........ 11
The Goat Sin Offering......................... 11
Creating the World................................ 12
Man Created in God's Image........................ 13
Berean Studies in "Tabernacle Shadows"............ 15
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
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THIS Journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible Instruction, or "Seminary Extension," now being presented in all parts of the civilized world by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, chartered A.D. 1881, "For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge." It not only serves as a class room where Bible Students may meet in the study of the divine Word, but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's Conventions and of the coming of its traveling representatives styled "Pilgrims," and refreshed with reports of its Conventions.
Our "Berean Lessons" are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society's published "Studies," most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V.D.M.), which translated into English is, Minister of the Divine Word. Our treatment of the International S.S. Lessons is specially for the older Bible Students and Teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This Journal stands firmly for the defence of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated,--Redemption through the precious blood of "the man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all." (I Pet. 1:19; I Tim. 2:6.) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (I Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Pet. 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to--"Make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which...has been hid in God,...to the intent that now might be made known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God"--"which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed."--Eph. 3:5-9,10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the Holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken;--according to the divine wisdom granted unto us, to understand. Its attitude is not dogmatical, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made, to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
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That the Church is "the Temple of the Living God"--peculiarly "His workmanship;" that its construction has been in progress throughout the Gospel age--ever since Christ became the world's Redeemer and the chief corner stone of his Temple, through which, when finished, God's blessing shall come "to all people," and they find access to him.--I Cor. 3:16,17; Eph. 2:20-22; Gen. 28:14; Gal. 3:29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping and polishing, of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the last of these "living stones," "elect and precious," shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the First Resurrection; and the Temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.--Rev. 15:5-8.
That the Basis of Hope, for the Church and the World, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man," "a ransom for all," and will be "the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," "in due time."--Heb. 2:9; Jno. 1:9; I Tim. 2:5,6.
That the Hope of the Church is that she may be like her Lord, "see him as he is," be "partaker of the divine nature," and share his glory as his joint-heir.--I John 3:2; John 17:24; Rom. 8:17; 2 Pet. 1:4.
That the present mission of the Church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every grace; to be God's witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.--Eph. 4:12; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:6; 20:6.
That the hope for the World lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's Millennial Kingdom--the restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified Church--when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.--Acts 3:19-23; Isa. 35.
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, Editor.
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LETTERS FOR THE EDITOR SHOULD BE SENT TO ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS AND REMITTANCES
--ADDRESS TO--
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY,
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--OR TO--
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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 June 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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ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER AT ALLEGHENY, PA., POST OFFICE.
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THIS JOURNAL IS PUBLISHED IN THE
FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH, DANISH AND ITALIAN LANGUAGES.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
==========
PITTSBURG DISPATCH RENEWALS
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The publishers of the Dispatch notify us that they will continue to report Brother Russell's weekly discourses during 1907; and we accordingly notify our readers that they may send their subscriptions TO US at once. Indeed we have guaranteed the Dispatch a certain number of subscriptions.
We suggested that if the price were cheaper more would subscribe, but the Dispatch says the weekly sermons should be worth the price aside from the best news service in the world. Its publishers supply the paper to us at clubbing rates, but refuse to allow us to quote a less price than they charge, namely, $6.00 per year.
We adjust matters thus: For $6.00, the price of the Dispatch (2c each), we will send the Dispatch and three dollars worth of any other publications from our Catalogue (Dec. 1, '06). Or, if you subscribe for the Dispatch for 6 months, through us, we will present it to you free for the following six months. Or you can send us three dollars and authority to charge the balance of $3 against your Tract Fund remittance.
WATCH TOWER BINDERS.
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These are substantially made of stiff cloth boards, and can hold two years' issues of the WATCH TOWER. They prevent soiling and loss. Price, postpaid, 50c.
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r3913 1907--OUR YEAR TEXT--1907====================
[page 15]
BEREAN STUDIES IN "TABERNACLE SHADOWS"
CONSECRATING THE PRIESTHOOD
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JANUARY 13
1. What did the consecration of Israel's priesthood typify? T.39, par. 1.
2. What is the object of the antitypical consecration? What does this consecration signify? T.39, par. 1.
3. What is the present result and the promised future reward to those who thus consecrate? T.39, par. 1.
4. Will all who consecrate to sacrifice reach the future royal service? T.40, par. 1.
5. Why must one class come up "through great tribulation" in order to be "saved"? T.40, par. 1.
6. How do the Scriptures point out a class of priests who will be destroyed in Second Death? T.40, par. 2.
7. How did the type of Aaron's sons represent these two classes which fail of the prize? T.40, par. 3; Z.'02-238 (2nd col.) and 239.
8. Why were Aaron and his two remaining sons forbidden to make lamentation for their brethren thus cut off? T.40, par. 3.
JANUARY 20
9. Who are invited to sanctify themselves, and what does this invitation signify? T.41, par. 1; Z.'03-437 (2nd col.)
10. What are the conditions of our acceptance and begetting on God's part? T.41, par. 1.
11. What two parts of our consecration were shown by the typical consecration service? T.41, par. 2.
12. How were the spiritual and the earthly natures represented in the type? T.41, par. 2.
13. What was first done with the bullock? and what did this signify? (See Lev. 1:4.) Why was the bullock next delivered over to Moses? and what did this signify? T.41, par. 3.
14. Why did Moses apply the blood to the horns of the altar? and what did the blood poured at base of the altar signify? T.42 (top of page).
JANUARY 27
15. What was done with the hide, flesh, etc., of the bullock? and what did it typify? What represented the heart devotion which prompts our sacrifice? T.42, par. 1.
16. What was done with "the ram of burnt-offering"? and what did this typify? T.42, par. 2.
17. Briefly what did "the ram of burnt-offering" and "the ram of consecration" signify? T.45, par. 1.
18. What was done with "the ram of consecration"? and what did it show? T.45, par. 1. Z.'03-437 (2nd col.)
19. What significance in the priests' waving the choice parts of the ram before the Lord? T.45, par. 2.
20. Why did Moses take "the wave-offering" off the hands of the priests? T.46 (top of page).
21. What was laid upon "the wave-offering" while in the hands of the priests? T.46, par. 1.
FEBRUARY 3
22. What did the "three cakes" represent? T.46, par. 2. (Ex. 16:31).
23. Why were these a necessary part of the typical service? T.46, par. 3.
24. What significance in the sprinkling of oil mingled with blood over Aaron and his sons? T.46, par. 4. F.131, par. 1.
25. Why was the flesh boiled and eaten? T.47, par. 1.
26. What did the seven days of consecration typify? T.47, par. 2. (See Ex. 29:30,35,37.)
27. Why is it especially necessary now that all who consecrate should see to it that they be "dead with him?" T.47, par. 3,4.
28. When will all opportunity to enter the Royal Priesthood cease? T.47, par. 4.
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[page 17]
SEMI-MONTHLY
VOL. XXVIII JANUARY 15 No. 2
A.D. 1907--A.M. 6035
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CONTENTS
Views from the Watch Tower........................ 19
"What will the Poor Do with the Rich?"........ 19
Socialistic President in 1912................. 20
The Climax will Surely Come................... 21
Religious Toleration.......................... 21
The Crime of Suggestion....................... 21
The Socialists' Scheme........................ 22
Hygienic Value of Prayer...................... 22
Disobedience, Penalty, Hope....................... 22
The Shadow of God's Hand (Poem)................... 25
"Sin Lieth at the Door"........................... 25
Some Interesting Letters.......................... 29
Public Ministries of the Truth.................... 32
LETTERS FOR THE EDITOR SHOULD BE SENT TO ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS AND REMITTANCES
--ADDRESS TO--
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY,
"BIBLE HOUSE," 610, 612, 614 ARCH ST., ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
--OR TO--
BRITISH BRANCH--24 EVERSHOLT ST., LONDON, N.W.
GERMAN BRANCH--MIRKER STR., 45, ELBERFELD.
AUSTRALASIAN BRANCH--EQUITABLE BLDG., COLLINS ST., MELBOURNE
PRICE, $1.00 (4S.) A YEAR IN ADVANCE.
MONEY MAY BE SENT 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 June 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.
==========
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER AT ALLEGHENY, PA., POST OFFICE.
==========
THIS JOURNAL IS PUBLISHED IN THE
FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH, DANISH AND ITALIAN LANGUAGES.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
==========
CHARTS OF THE TABERNACLE
----------
We have arranged to supply beautiful Charts of the Tabernacle on cloth, carriage prepaid, for two dollars each. Very choice, and very cheap for the quality.
PITTSBURGH DISPATCH RENEWALS
----------
The publishers of the Dispatch notify us that they will continue to report Brother Russell's weekly discourses during 1907; and we accordingly notify our readers that they may send their subscriptions TO US at once. Indeed we have guaranteed the Dispatch a certain number of subscriptions.
We suggested that if the price were cheaper more would subscribe, but the Dispatch says the weekly sermons should be worth the price aside from the best news service in the world. Its publishers supply the paper to us at clubbing rates, but refuse to allow us to quote a less price than they charge, namely, $6.00 per year.
We adjust matters thus: For $6.00, the price of the Dispatch (2c each), we will send the Dispatch and three dollars worth of any other publications from our Catalogue (Dec. 1, '06). Or, if you subscribe for the Dispatch for 6 months, through us, we will present it to you free for the following six months. Or you can send us three dollars and authority to charge the balance of $3 against your Tract Fund remittance.
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r3923 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER====================