SEMI-MONTHLY

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VOL. XXI. AUGUST 1, 1900. No. 15.

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CONTENTS.

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"Let Us Draw Near"................................227
Privileges of the Royal Priesthood............227
Having Our Hearts Sprinkled...................228
Washed With Pure Water........................228
Ye Are Complete in Him........................229
Poem:--Unto Him Belongeth All.....................229
The Great Shepherd and His Son,
the Good Shepherd...........................229
Christ the Door of the Sheep-Fold.............231
The Lord Appointed Seventy Others
Also........................................232
Rejoice in Things Unseen......................235
Is the Restitution Call Now Open?.................236
Chicago Convention--New Date......................240
The Pilgrim Harvest Service.......................226

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
--ADDRESS TO--
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY,
"BIBLE HOUSE," 610, 612, 614 ARCH ST., ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 A YEAR IN ADVANCE.
MONEY MAY BE SENT BY EXPRESS, N.Y. DRAFT, MONEY ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY. SPECIAL
TERMS TO THE LORD'S POOR, AS FOLLOWS:--

Those of the interested who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for the TOWER will be supplied FREE, if they send a Postal Card each December, stating their case and requesting the paper. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually.

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BRITISH BRANCH NO. 131 GIPSY LANE, FOREST GATE,
LONDON EAST, ENGLAND.

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THE PILGRIM HARVEST SERVICE.

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We will be glad to have at once postal card requests for Pilgrim visits from all parts of the United States and Canada. (British friends please address cards to our British branch office, London.) We are re-arranging our "Pilgrim" routes and want the following information in few words on postal cards (not letters) for easy reference. Remember that these "Pilgrim" visits involve no expense for the Pilgrim or his traveling expenses --all of which are borne by the Society. We merely request entertainment for the Pilgrim during his two or three days' stay. Answer the questions by number as follows:--

(1) Do you hope for public meetings,--as well as for private ones for those already interested?

(2) Could and would the friends secure the use of a school or church building or a public hall if public meetings are desired?

(3) Would a suitable room in a private house be provided for the private meetings?

(4) How many friends of present truth reside in your vicinity? (5) How many of these have been consulted and concur in the answers you are sending us? (6) How many of these are WATCH TOWER readers? (7) Do you now meet regularly for worship and study of the Word, as per Hebrews 10:25?

Most of these questions can be answered by either Yes or No or by figures. Number your answers, and add whatever may seem expedient, but do not crowd the card and make it difficult to read and understand.

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THE CHICAGO CONVENTION.

CHANGE OF DATE, TO AUGUST 25,26,27.

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IT HAS BEEN found necessary to change our Convention dates to one week earlier than announced in our last issue. All arrangements are now complete as follows:--

RAIL ROAD RATES, ETC. We are taking advantage of the extremely low rail road rates granted to the "G.A.R. Encampment," but open to everybody: so Excursion Tickets for the "G.A.R. Encampment," (and not for our Convention), should be called for. Make full inquiry of your R.R. ticket agent in advance, respecting date when he will have these cheap tickets on sale.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS. The Chicago brethren assure us that they have made very complete arrangements for our entertainment, at reasonable rates.

"Hotel Grace," Cor. Clark St. and Jackson Boulevard has been secured for headquarters. It is centrally located--within walking distance of all depots. A number of comfortable apartments have been secured at 50 cents per night each person--two in a bed: a few choicest rooms 75 cents each person. State which you desire reserved for you.

Restaurants are numerous in the vicinity of the hotel and hall. Plain meals can be had at from fifteen cents upward.

THE CONVENTION HALL. The committee has secured the use of "The People's Institute," corner of Van Buren and Leavitt Streets. It is commodious-- probably quite beyond our needs--having a seating capacity of eighteen hundred. It is about 30 minutes ride from our hotel headquarters, and may be reached by the Garfield Park train on the Metropolitan Elevated Road: Get off at Hoyne Station. Or take the Van Buren Street car to Leavitt Street, or the Leavitt Street Car to Van Buren St.

BAPTISM SERVICE. Arrangements for baptism --robes, towels, etc., are complete; so that any desiring thus to symbolize their consecration can be accommodated on Monday afternoon, August 27.

WRITE US FOR PARTICULARS, as soon as you decide that you can attend, and have learned when your train will reach Chicago. Make your letter brief and to the point; thus for instance: "Our party will consist of six--two males and two females single, and one married couple. We expect to reach Chicago at 11 o'clock A.M. August 25, via Chicago and Northwestern R.R. We desire the fifty cent lodgings." Mention names.

COMMITTEE OF RECEPTION of Chicago Church will, so far as possible, meet the friends at depots on arrival of trains indicated--at the door of the Ladies' Waiting Room. Each may recognize the other by seeing a WATCH TOWER in his hand. However, should you for any reason fail to meet one of the committee, you can easily find a lunch room, and then "Hotel Grace" or the Convention Hall, at the addresses above given.

A LARGE ATTENDANCE EXPECTED.

All who trust in the "precious blood" as man's atonement price are cordially invited. We anticipate a large attendance, and urge that all who come shall seek to bring with him the Lord's blessing, that all in attendance may be blessed and that the influence of the Convention may be far-reaching for good to the Lord's flock and to the Chief Shepherd's praise.

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SEMI-MONTHLY

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VOL. XXI. AUGUST 15, 1900. No. 16.

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CONTENTS.

Views From the Watch Tower........................243
Rev. R. Heber Newton's Opinion................243
Protestantism in France and in
America.....................................243
Prepared to Fall Into Spiritism...............246
A Change Already in Progress..................246
Praying and Fighting--An Emperor's
Sermon......................................247
"Not So Paul Won Macedonia"...................249
God's Providential Care...........................249
Doing, to Inherit Eternal Life....................250
The Good Samaritan............................252
Beware of Covetousness............................253
The Rich Churl................................255
Interesting Letters...............................256
Three More Conventions............................242

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
--ADDRESS TO--
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY,
"BIBLE HOUSE," 610, 612, 614 ARCH ST., ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 A YEAR IN ADVANCE.
MONEY MAY BE SENT BY EXPRESS, N.Y. DRAFT, MONEY ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY. SPECIAL
TERMS TO THE LORD'S POOR, AS FOLLOWS:--

Those of the interested who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for the TOWER will be supplied FREE, if they send a Postal Card each December, stating their case and requesting the paper. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually.

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BRITISH BRANCH NO. 131 GIPSY LANE, FOREST GATE,
LONDON EAST, ENGLAND.

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THE CHICAGO CONVENTION--AUG. 25-27.

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We learn with regret that some of the rail roads entering Chicago have instructed their near-by agents not to commence selling the cheap "G.A.R. Excursion" tickets until Aug. 26. This will undoubtedly prevent some from attending the Convention on its opening day, the 25th; but should it be the desire of a goodly number, the Convention can be prolonged to include the 28. The dates already announced will be the best we can do (Aug. 25-27), for we want to include a Sunday, and prefer that, so far as possible, the commotion incidental to arrivals on the opening day shall be over before Sunday.

Full particulars were given in last WATCH TOWER, and will be sent by mail on application. The Editor of this journal will attend, and hopes that all friends will introduce themselves to him, by name and place.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. CONVENTION--SEPT. 4 AND 5.

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Friends of the truth residing in the vicinity of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., advise us that a Floral Fete will be held there Sept. 3-6, which will have very low rates of rail road fare from all points in New York and New England. They request a gathering of the friends of that vicinity,--and as many others as can conveniently meet with them on Sept. 4 and 5. The Editor has promised to attend on the 4th, and if possible to remain also the 5th. Purchase Excursion tickets to Floral Fete.

Comfortable accommodations can be secured at one dollar a day including board. Notify the WATCH TOWER office at once by postal card, when you will arrive, by what road, and how many will be of your party. On arrival go at once to the New Prohibition Hall, No. 464-1/2 Broadway.--But first look out for the Reception Committee at the door of the "Ladies' Waiting Room" displaying a copy of the WATCH TOWER.

DALLAS, TEXAS, CONVENTION--SEPT. 29,30, OCT. 1.

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We merely remind the friends of Texas and vicinity of the date as above, reserving particulars for a later issue.

"HE THAT HATH NO MONEY--COME YE!"

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At all Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society Conventions provision is made for the free entertainment of the Lord's "brethren" able to attend, but unable to pay for hotel accommodations. In notifying us of your coming, mention if the Lord's providence has made it expedient for you to accept the free hospitality of the entertaining Church.

CONVENTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR SYMBOLIC BAPTISM.

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This is a feature in all conventions. Robes, towels, etc., are supplied, and the use of baptistry secured.

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INTERESTING LETTERS.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--I feel prompted to assure you that my interest in the glad tidings of great joy is increasing. I assure you this--not that I believe you think otherwise concerning me, but it is a pleasure for me to tell you in words what I am not able always to prove in deeds. I rejoice that in the present great harvest our Lord uses all willing witnesses of the truth in some capacity: no one need be discouraged, for, "Those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary."

ZION'S WATCH TOWER is a very welcome visitor to our home. While meditating on two discourses in July 15 TOWER, viz., "The Ministry of Comfort" and "Forgive Us our Debts," I rejoiced in spirit that you so clearly defined the divine disposition for those striving to attain it, since it is the heavenly Father's desire that we should become copies of his dear Son.

The subject of Justice, alluded to in "Forgive us our Debts," used to perplex me, but about two years ago I was much enlightened by an explanation on the exercise of the above attribute, that I read in a WATCH TOWER. Among other things you wrote, "God did not enact the penalty of sin from sinners, but of a perfect man, created in the image of God, whose sin was wilful. If we were perfect ourselves and dealing with others who were likewise perfect, a law of Justice and demands of Justice would be in order. Since we are transgressors ourselves, and objects of divine grace, and since our fellow-creatures are in the same pitiable plight, through the Adamic fall, there is no room for us to take our stand upon Justice." In another place I noted, "While always endeavoring to be just we should not demand justice from others but act along the line of love and compassion." This view of righteous judgment (John 7:24) appealed to my heart and cleared away my difficulty.

I am so thankful for this Scriptural instruction and that I have learned not to consider the brethren by daily conduct, or rather by the imperfections of the earthen vessel. Doubtless all are striving to do the best they can, but by the ruling thought or controlling motive of their lives. I believe all those who are guided by righteous principles to the best of their ability and earnestly endeavoring to spread the glad tidings of the Kingdom have God's loving approval. How tender, patient and long-suffering our Father is! If there is any sign of fruit on the branches the great husbandman prunes and prunes and does not cut off entirely: only dead branches are severed from the vine. Oh the love and mercy of our God! Praise be to his holy name forever!

My love for God, for the Church and for humanity increases constantly, but I am slow about cultivating the fruits of the spirit. Please pray for me, dear Brother Russell, that I may bloom in this direction. I long for perfection of character.

Accept this letter as a little token of appreciation and much Christian love for yourself and all dear harvest workers in the Bible House.

AMELIA E. POWER,--Pennsylvania.

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DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--I beg you not to think me less appreciative if I do not correspond as frequently as others. Indeed, I have at times reluctantly refrained from writing you, having in mind your many thousand correspondents, and your work to "prepare the table" and give "meat in due season," and "declare what he seeth." Assuring you that wife and I try to do our part --watch in the WATCH TOWER, "eat and drink" at the Lord's table (Isa. 21:5); and thanking you for your share in setting forth this meat and drink, we also thank our heavenly Father, the giver of all good--especially for that feature of his plan which you have been chosen to carry out. We make mention of you daily before the throne of grace.

I am happy to report that my efforts, together with yours, have not been in vain in this place. Here are some of the "more noble" who are receiving the truth with all readiness of mind, searching the Scriptures daily to see if these things be so. One sister who was quite prominent in the Salvation Army notified the officers of this sect that she could no longer cooperate with them, and to this end gave a banquet, inviting the officers to it (one Ensign, one Captain and one Lieutenant), at which she took occasion to explain why she withdrew, assuring them that she was not joining another sect, neither leaving God nor Christ nor the "brethren." Then she offered me the opportunity of speaking and reading out of the Word of God.

I have found two who purchased DAWNS a few years ago but did not know what they contained. They have now been aroused to read them. I go over the field once in a while, to see how they all get along with their reading and find out where the wheat is, seeking to ripen it, and will, when they can appreciate it, call their attention to the TOWER. I will try ere long to gather the interested ones to a series of chart talks and to get acquainted, and then will suggest a DAWN Circle.

I often think in solitude of the favor shown me, that I have been called to a share in the sufferings of Christ, and to the hope of sharing with him in glory. He only knows how dearly I love the cause, and how humble it makes me when I think of the kindness you have shown me, first in bringing me onward toward maturity in the knowledge of Him who hath called me out of darkness into his marvelous light, and then in permitting me to share with yourself in the harvest work as a co-reaper and fellow-servant, going from house to house, calling attention to that wonderful book, MILLENNIAL DAWN. I highly esteem this service with you in the gospel as a son with his father (Phil. 2:22), and assure you that I am from henceforth fully and unreservedly in the service of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. I invite your suggestions at any time, for while I am a colporteur, by the grace of God, I am, by the same grace, a "volunteer," so that if you think best to "shell the forts" first, here I am, or if to skirmish on the borders from house to house, I will so continue. At any rate send me some "volunteer ammunition." "Remember me with thee... and make mention of me unto Jehovah."

With due respect and love to the TOWER helpers, I am yours with much Christian love and gratitude,

CHARLES J. PETERSON,--Kansas.

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