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R312 : page 1 MIXER VILL, FNDIANA, Jan. 14, 1882. "ZION'S WATCH TOWER"-My dear good friends:-Your kind favor, "Food for Thinking Christians," reached me in due time. To say that it is an exceeding welcome gift but feebly expresses my appreciation and gratitude. I have learned what I never knew before, and it has brought to me such a flood of light that I am amazed at the grandeur of the scheme and plan of redemption. To allow the phrase, I have literally devoured it, and my soul is ravished with the indescribable excellency and magnitude of God's plan of salvation. Oh, how dull and blunted does now appear the common method of Christian instruction. Who can read these things and longer doubt and waver about the truth, beauty, and inspiration of the Bible, or the manner in which its glorious truths should be inculcated and demonstrated. I trust and believe that the great Author of the Word will prosper and bless you abundantly. Whatever else you have of like nature for grateful hearts, I trust you will favor your present correspondent with. At present I am very poor, but have better prospects before me, and when they arrive I will not forget "Zion's Watch Tower. " Yours truly, , M. D. P. S. —Please send me some "Food" for five friends, and let me know whether a preacher could come here. In truth and gratitude, _, KANSAS, Dec. , 10, 1881. DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:-I have derived great comfort from the December number of "Watch Tower. " What a substantial meal of "strong meat. " I have read it nearly all twice over; some of it three and four times. I derived especial comfort from the article entitled, "The Blessed dying. "I have always dreaded dying, but if its conclusions are correct (and it at once impressed me so), I think I want to die-anything to be with Christ. The "Creative Week," by W. I. Mann, I thought was especially strong in its conclusions and deductions; shall read it again and study it. Now, dear brother, perhaps it would be as well to introduce myself. I am a preaching member of the Minnesota Conference of Christian Adventists. I have long been leaning toward the age-to-come views, much as one R312 : page 2 would grope in the dark-seeing much truth in it; but with the light I had, could not make all points harmonize. It remained for your September number of "Watch Tower" to supply the missing link. I am thankful to God for it. I received it (humanly speaking) by the merest accident, but I believe it was sent of God. Now, dear brother, I would like a few copies of "Food for Thinking Christians. "I will treat and place each one as though it were pure gold. I want to send one to my brother, a minister, and to others. I am anxious to do all I can. Am very poor, but if God blesses will contribute to your Tract fund. Yours in hope. ONTARIO. DEAR BROTHER:-The books and paper I have received safely, for which accept my sincere thanks. I have received a great deal of profit from the reading of them. God's plan of salvation as seen by the aid of the "true light" (as I firmly believe), is sublime beyond anything of which I have had conception. My heart is overflowing with thankfulness to our Father and Saviour that I have been thought worthy to receive the "good news. "I feel as though my experiences were something like Paul's— as one born out of due time. My wife also believes, but does not seem to be able to forget the old teachings so readily as myself. Do you know of any other members of Christ in this neighborhood? Please put my name on your list of subscribers for the "Watch Tower. " Enclosed find one dollar to pay for above and postage on books, etc. 25 cents of the above was the price of a theatre ticket; I should have spent it for that before I received the light; now when I am tempted I shall send the money to you to use in the good cause. Will you kindly advise me in regard to severing my connection with the church of which I am a member. I feel as though I should not attend, because it would be consenting to their teaching, which I do not now believe. I have not really believed it for a long time, but I knew no better way. Now, thank God, it is different. I remain yours in the hope of eternal life. . page 2 MEHERRIN DEPOT, VA. , Dec. 21st, 1881. DEAR BROTHER:-I am filled with thanks and praise to our heavenly Father for the precious truths received through your paper. I have spent much time in studying the subject of baptism; and just as I came out with my convictions on the subject, the "Watch Tower" came with an article ("Importance of Baptism") expressing my views better than I could. O, how gratifying to see what the real baptism is ! Now we can see that "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. "But, my dear brother, I would like you to say a little more on one point, viz: If Jesus went into that eternal death of the human for us, why should we be baptized into and go through it for ourselves? [Answers to your question have been given in former numbers; but a very clear answer will be found in the reading of this month's supplement -"The Tabernacle" tract. We do not die for ourselves; but have fellowship with our Head in the atonement sacrifices for the world. We "fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ. " Col. 1:24. -EDITOR. ] R312 : page 2 EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, To the Editor "Zion's Watch Tower. DEAR SIR:-I have perused your little book "Food for Thinking Christians," with very great interest, and also with profit. I am a missionary and divinity student in the last session of my course. I am very desirous of preaching on these glorious themes so well handled in your little volume; and will ever be much indebted to you, if you will supply me with some more copies, say 40. 1 shall certainly distribute them with judicious care, and sincerely trust they will be much blessed to those who read them. I will also be glad to receive some copies of the "Tabernacle and its Teachings. I remain, my dear sir, ever yours, most sincerely, R312 : page 2 TRUTH SIFTING IN THE TOWER. We would like every interested reader to feel that he has an interest in the WATCH TOWER, and that it is our paper: a paper belonging to the Lord and hence to all his children. It is, and we hope will always be conducted, with an eye single to God's glory and hence to the blessing of his children. Like the Bible, it will not discuss questions, but will state what is believed to be truth and nothing else; accepting— The harmony of God's Word— as the definition of truth. No compromising with error to double the circulation; no withholding of truth lest some should be offended. No, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth is our motto. But who shall judge what is truth, and how? This, to every conscientious editor, becomes an important question, but in our own case it is doubly so, because the subjects treated in our columns are, many of them, "new" (Matt. 13:52) and "strong meat. "We believe our readers are more effectually armed against error, by being instructed in the harmony of God's Word, than by having the columns of the W. T. devoted to the dissecting of all the various forms of error. Let the sunlight in, and the darkness will flee away. And with the plan of God clearly before the mind, the deformity of error is easily discoverable. The Bible, then, is our only standard, by which to test the truth or falsity of any subject. We will inform our readers what has been our method of sifting truth, that they may know of our carefulness in trying to separate truth from error. The editor seeks to test his own articles by the Word of God, but every article which appears in the paper, has the special criticism of some one or more of those who are walking in the light. If it be a new point of interpretation, it must have the assent of at least two of those best posted and most conversant with the Scriptures before it shall appear. If not seen by these intelligent and conscientious persons to be truth, it will lie over until such time as it shall be seen either to be truth and published, or error and destroyed. This rule which we apply to our own writings, we apply to others also, and as a consequence, very many articles are written for our paper which are never seen in it. This stringent rule is not liked by some, who consider it a reflection against their ability, thus proving that their human nature is not yet crucified,— the dead have no reputation to sustain or wound. But to those who are intent only on getting and spreading truth, this rule is generally very agreeable. We know of no other way to do, and the Lord has seemed to bless this method, for he has fed us richly; and though we stand ready to contradict the statements of any issue when shown to be erroneous, and would feel it both a duty and a privilege to do so, yet to the praise of our Lord's leading the course and teachings of the W. T. for the past three years have been connected, progressive and harmonious. And furthermore, those who are teachers of these things, never saw truth with so clear a vision as to-day, and never were so harmonious in sentiment. Be not offended then, if your article, should not appear. It is treated with the same loving consideration as all other articles. One dear brother to whom we returned an article with criticisms for re- consideration, in his reply, gave the following quotation: Offended- -how could I be? —"Great peace have they who love thy law and nothing shall offend them. " The course which we pursue relative to the dissemination of truth, we commend to our readers— use your time, your means, your influence, for truth, not error. Teach nothing, lend nothing, give nothing— neither book, paper nor tract, by whomsoever published, which you have not carefully examined and feel sure would glorify God. R312 : page 2 BACK NUMBERS. We regret to say that the Nov. and Dec. 1881 issues of the TOWER, are all gone. However, the new readers should all have them; therefore we will republish them as soon as possible. All who want them should send a postal card. We published 6,000 of each of those numbers, and at the time, supposed that sufficient. R313 : page 2 Of the present issue, there will be 10,000, which we expect will be sufficient for all requirements. We send the present number to many whose wrappers were marked to stop with last number. This is because, being overcrowded with fresh mails, we had not time to correct all of our list, and to some others, it is sent because of the Supplement, which we hope may be acceptable and profitable to them. We have plenty of tracts and September numbers, which you can have for free distribution by asking for them. Be discreet in their use, giving only to thinking Christians, so far as you can know, accompanying them with some words of your own. It is better to lend than to give them. Make a list of those to whom you lend, and never let them be idle. SUPPLEMENT. As a supplement, we send you "The Tabernacle and its Teachings," referred to in several previous numbers, and on the back of the pamphlet, FOOD FOR THINKING CHRISTIANS. page 2 Questions and Answers are crowded out of this issue. R313 : page 2 "Z. W. T. TRACT SOCIETY. " This Society was organized less than one year ago, for the object indicated by the name. It is but proper that a statement should now be made at the beginning of the year 1882. The object of the Society was stated but no requests for help were made. The donations below mentioned, were free-will offerings- some giving until they could feel it. The amounts ranged from one dollar up to thousands. Total am'ts of cash received, . . $35,391. 18 expenditures in printing, etc. . . . 35,336. 18 Balance in treasury, Jan $55. 00 Bills coming due, about 400. 00 To all whose donations have been over one hundred dollars, we have made special reports, and to any donor the books are always open for inspection. We propose continuing this fund, and will endeavor to use it prudently as fast as it is received. In fact as will be noticed in the above report, the expenditure generally exceeds the receipts, but a brother who has already contributed largely, guarantees any debts incurred, to the amount of one thousand dollars in excess of receipts. It is a principle with us, not to allow the Lord's money to rust. Should the fund increase sufficiently to permit it, we propose using some portion of it for sending out other laborers. We never solicit donations. Those who possess this world's goods and are wholly consecrated need only to know how they can use it. Donations to this fund should be specified. Address C. T. Russell, Pittsburgh. An article from Bro. A. D. Jones of the Day Star, relative to "The blessed dying"-in harmony with views presented in our last two issues —is crowded out of this number, but will appear in our next. Bro. J. requests us to correct an error which occurred in fourth column second page of the last (Dec.) number of the Day Star, viz: "To the division of the land," sixty instead of six years. We sent samples of the Day Star to about seven thousand names of our list, that they might have opportunity to judge of its merits. R313 : page 2 ALEXANDER AND THE BANKRUPT It is related of the late Czar of Russia that in answer to the question, "Who is to pay all these?" he wrote -"I, Alexander. "It appears that one of his officers had contracted bills which it was impossible for him to pay, and, after contemplating them despairingly, had written the above query at the bottom of the paper, and fallen asleep. The Czar happened to pass through the room, and, observing the bill and its appended question, generously took the pen and wrote, "I Alexander," and quietly withdrew without disturbing the aid-de- camp. It is easier to imagine than describe the emotions of the debtor, who, on awakening, found all his pecuniary obligations cancelled. So the sinner looks at his condition and inquires, as the Russian, "Who is to pay all these?"We thank God we can answer that "Jesus paid it all. "He was wounded for our transgressions, and by His stripes we are healed. Jesus writes on our list of sins "I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions. " R313 : page 3 PERILOUS TIMES. Perilous times in the world are at hand- Perils by water and perils by land; Perils in churches and perils in state, Perils attending the good and the great. Watchman, how readest thou touching this hour? Fearful corruption in places of power; Presidents, princes and kings in dismay- Tragic unfoldings the news of the day. Scriptures prophetic discoursing on time, Teach us the doctrine of increase of crime; "Evil seducers shall wax worse and worse," Ere the Jehovah shall "smite with a curse. " Is the church powerless to draw from the skies Help when Goliath their army defies? Is there no king in the camp of "to-day"? Is the true Israel "fallen away"? Is it the sign of the presence of Christ, Of the Messiah in person to reign? Has sin attained to its manhood of power? Is this its zenith? Is morning the hour? The son of perdition, the god of this world, Down from his kingdom of sin must be hurled; Tares must be gathered and burned in the fire- Type of all Christians in name— not in power. Jesus is come ! O let it be known, Jehovah's anointed, now takes the throne; He takes the helm and the power to command, He'll guide affairs on the sea and the land. Jesus is come ! let all the world hear, "Who's on the Lord's side" let him draw near. "Come with your armor, your loins girt about"; Come with your trumpets, and join in the shout. Jerichoes tremble and Sodoms consume, Kingdoms are tottering before the "Commune"; Davids, go forth with your sling-stones of faith, Take ye the heads of "the giants of Gath. " Selected. R313 : page 3 JESUS MADE PERFECT. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. " (Heb. 5:9.) Knowledge of both evil and good is essential to a hearty acceptance of the good and invariable rejection of evil. Therefore, we believe that Jehovah has given, and is giving such knowledge to every intelligent creature, both in heaven and on earth. We see how all of the human family are getting their knowledge by contact and actual experience with sin and its penalty-misery and death. And we believe, as we have previously expressed, that the heavenly creatures— angels and arch-angels, are learning the same lessons by watching man's experiences. Thus mankind in general, and the church in particular, is made a "spectacle to angels. " (1 Cor. 4:9.) If we look backward, we see him who as a man was called Jesus, in his pre-human existence, "The beginning of the creation of God"- The agent and "righteous servant" of Jehovah, in the creation of all that has since been created. Perfect as a being, as are all of Jehovah's creatures, yet he knew only good— had never experienced evil, nor witnessed its effects. Later, after angels and arch-angels had been created he witnessed the apostasy and rebellion on the part of Satan and his host, then the setting up of the rival spiritual kingdom defying the R314 : page 3 power of Jehovah to overthrow it, and offering freedom from all restraints and from all obedience to God, to those who would join them. Though the law of God was "The wages of sin is death and the soul (being) that sinneth, it shall die— yet the execution of that sentence tarried and no evidence of his power to enforce it, was given, and even yet, though he declares that Satan shall, be destroyed, we see it not accomplished. How for ages he has seemed to triumph over Jehovah, his influence even reaching the intelligent creatures of earth, beguiling and alluring them into sin and consigning them to death. What a test of faith in, and love for Jehovah, was this spectacle! For hundreds and thousands of years they must walk by faith in the power of Jehovah to accomplish the destruction of evil doers, and reward the patient fidelity of the loyal and obedient. Let us now in thought stand side by side with Jesus when tempted by Satan and imagine the trial of faith, he endured, for we believe that he, as we, walked by faith and not by sight. He had witnessed Jehovah's works of creation and preservation; he had marked the wise and loving benevolence that adapted competent means to glorious ends, and such was the strength of love and unbounded confidence awakened by this general knowledge of Jehovah's character, that he did not for a moment hesitate to submit all he had, even life itself, to his will, for the accomplishment of his purposes. The language of his obedient faith was "Though he slay me yet will I trust in him. " So he submitted to the Father's will to accomplish the work of redeeming mankind by exchanging his glorious body and heavenly honors for the form and the nature of man, that by so doing he might be obedient unto death-even the death of the cross, and thus become a ransom for man. All this he did by faith, for he had never yet seen any being restored from the death condition into which he volunteered to go, trusting alone in God's ability as promised, to restore him to a higher form of life, and through him to restore humanity to its perfection. But when he had become a man, Satan again appeared to tempt him sorely, and we might thus paraphrase the temptation: Ah, says he, how unwise you have been; once you were greater than me, now I am your superior —a powerful spiritual being, while you have become a man— "lower than the angels. "How absurd to let Jehovah thus degrade you. True, he has made great promises and greatly boasts of his power to execute them, but he cannot. I have the power of death (Heb. 2:14.) and the human race are all subject to my "power" and never has Jehovah been able to liberate even one from death, nor destroy me as he threatened. Now, let me, as your friend, counsel you wisely: Since you have so unwisely forfeited your higher form of life, so that you may never regain it, don't give up, but keep the life you now have. If you die you never shall live again, neither will you be able to liberate mankind from death. Why should you waste it in a fruitless effort for this race? If you are the Son of God command that these stones be made bread (Matt. 4:3)-use your power for self-gratification and preservation, and don't present your body a living sacrifice, dying daily, when you have a perfect right to life. Jesus answers "Man shall not live by bread alone," I could not enjoy life, even with all my wants supplied, out of communion with my Father. Your trust in Jehovah is misplaced; first prove Him and see if he will keep his word. Cast yourself down from this pinnacle of the temple-it is written, "He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. " Jesus replied: "It is written, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. " We may not thus test the Almighty by needless exposure. Then Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms and honors of earth, saying: I am the "Prince of this world. " (John 14:30. )A11 the kingdoms of earth are under my control; you long for power yourself to do good to mankind; now, I propose that you shall be my representative in the world and rule all these kingdoms. I will put all under your control, if you will yield allegiance to me. You will be great indeed, for you are a perfect man, while all others are imperfect, and you can live forever. Since your life is not forfeited, no one can take it from you. You can thus be Lord of lords and King of kings; to bless mankind throughout all generations. All this power you can have without suffering and you can enter upon the work of blessing at once. And by your wise and prudent ruling, you can greatly elevate and benefit them while they live, whereas, if you die, you simply waste your life and benefit no one. But Jesus again replies— No matter what inducements you may offer, I will yield allegiance to none but Jehovah-It is written, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve. "Thus, his faith in Jehovah's power and promise was tested beyond our power to comprehend; but faith founded on the knowledge of Jehovah's character triumphed —"By his knowledge, shall my righteous servant justify many. " By lack of that knowledge of God, Adam fell into transgression while through his knowledge, Jesus remained the righteous servant— therefore, able to justify many. By faith, he consecrated; by faith, he resisted all temptation; by faith, he endured the self-sacrifice even unto death, as a reward for which he was made perfect as a divine being -the first-born into the divine family. Thus in Jesus' case faith ended in fruition of that which Jehovah had promised, and being thus perfected- "exalted," as a divine being- "he is the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him. " Hence the author and finisher of our faith is he who was made divinely perfect, through the sufferings of the sinless human nature even unto death. (Heb. 12:2.) This agrees with Phil. 2:8-1 1, where Paul declares that Jesus "being found in fashion as a man, (30 years old) humbled (sacrificed himself during 3-1/2 years) and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore, God also HATH HIGHLY EXALTED HIM [to Glory-IMMORTALITY -DIVINITY-], and given him a name above every name. . . that every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God, the Father. As with the leader and forerunner so with the disciples: We are being made perfect through sufferings yet not the flesh (or human nature) is being perfected but our new nature. The outward man perishes but the inward man is renewed day by day until in our resurrection or change we shall be "raised spiritual" like unto Christ's glorious body-made perfect. R314 : page 3 THE JEWISH SABBATH. Because seven was so intimately connected with all God's works and plans, and because he intended all his works to culminate in perfection, therefore, when he selected Israel as a typical people, he gave them several Sabbaths or rests which shadowed certain blessings of rest in future, and as was His method, he used seven to represent that coming perfection of rest. Hence, we find in their Law, a number of Sabbaths. The seventh day and its cycle of seven times seven days or forty-nine days, reached and pointed to the fiftieth or Jubilee day, the day of Pentecost. So they had year Sabbaths; every seventh year was a Sabbath year to the land, during which it rested. The cycle of the year Sabbaths was seven times seven or forty-nine years, reaching and pointing to the fiftieth or Jubilee year. Thus we see the Sabbaths and their cycles to have been- The 7th day; 7 x 7 = 49 bringing the 50th or Jubilee day-Pentecost. The 7th year; 7 x 7 = 49 bringing the 50th or Jubilee year. Now, these things they did, in a shadowy or typical sense and did not discern the meaning of the types. But as the Apostles declare, these things were done and written before for our (the gospel church's) edification; that we might understand and locate the real Sabbaths by examining the types. Types are not to last forever, but must cease when the antitype has come. Now, our claim is, that all these typical Law Sabbaths ceased, at or before the death of Jesus, who made an end of the Law which commanded the types. None of these types were commanded before the giving of the Law to Israel at Sinai (Deut. 5:3-23) and they were all done away when Jesus "made an end of the Law, nailing it to his cross. " (Col. 2:14) The year Sabbaths as types ceased first; they ceased at the Babylonian captivity, and there the great cycle of fifty times fifty years commenced, which reached to the anti-typical or real Jubilee time, the Millennial age- "Times of restitution of all things. "This cycle carried us 1 874 years into the Christian era, and showed us when the work of restitution was due to begin-beginning by breaking in pieces and removing the rubbish of error and bad government, preparing for the blessings of all the families of the earth. The typical day Sabbaths, did not pass away for long years afterward; R315 : page 3 it was part of the Law when Jesus was in the flesh, and every feature of the Law was duly kept by him. It then must have been a one part of the Law, which ended at the Cross. Now, if the type ended there, the anti-type must have come, and if we can find an anti-type in place of the type, we shall have conclusive proof of the end of the type to support Paul's statement, that "Christ made an end of the Law. " Let us look for the anti-type: Israel was commanded to count from the morrow after the (Passover) Sabbath. There we begin to count the cycle of seven times seven days which would bring us to the real Sabbath (rest) typified by their day Sabbaths. You know how Jesus rose from death on the morning after the Passover Sabbath, and counting fifty days it brings us to Pentecost day. Jesus was with the disciples forty of these days, and then as he had commanded, they waited for the blessing of Pentecost, viz: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit-that sealing of the Spirit, or witness of the acceptance by the Father, gave the rest (Sabbath) of faith. There then, the disciples entered R315:page4 into a rest of faith, of which the seventh day was but an imperfect type— a rest not of one day in the week, but of all days. As Jews they had scrupulously observed the seventh day as a rest day; no work, of any sort must be done in it. Yet they were in a condition of unrest, for though they kept this one feature of the Law, many others they could not keep and Jesus had said that the failure in keeping one point constituted the person a breaker of the Law, and consequently none of them ever kept the Law, but Jesus only. So they were in a condition of unrest actually and hence Jesus addressed himself to all such, saying "Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden (trying to do a thing impossible to you, as members of a fallen race, viz: to keep the perfect Law of God)— I will give you rest. "(Sabbath means rest. (Matt. 1 l:28.)While with them, Jesus did not give them the rest, but, he like them, observed the type as was necessary until it was "finished" on the cross. And after his resurrection he did not give them the promised rest, but told them to tarry until they should receive the Comforter-the evidence of their acceptance as Sons of Jehovah. When thus sealed by the Spirit, it was the evidence of the truth of all Jesus promised, the witness of their adoption to the divine family. This same rest or Sabbath is the privilege of every true child of God ever since, "We that believe do enter into rest. " (Heb. 4:3.) But no one can enter into a full rest of faith, who does not realize Christ as the end of the Law to every one who believeth. (Rom. 10:4.) To all such, love is the fulfilling of the law. Love to God will produce a spirit of obedience, so that we will do so as far as able, those things which are well pleasing in his sight; even so far as the crucifixion of the flesh with its affections and desires. Thus, "Love is the fulfilling of the Law. " (Rom. 13:10. )Thus "The righteousness (or spirit) of the Law is fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit. " We may rest if we require it, on the seventh or first or any other day and be blameless; but if we observe any of these days in an attempt to keep the law given to Israel (Gal. 5 :4) but never given to the Gentiles nor to Christians, and fulfilled and ended in the person of Jesus, even so far as it applied to Israel— has failed to fully appreciate the value of Christ's finished work, and failed to appreciate his standing as a son, not under the written law which was given to the house of servants. Such as are seeking to commend themselves to God by works of the Law, are not resting but working, for as Paul says- "He that is entered into rest has ceased from his own works as God did (rest) from his. " (Heb. 4:10.)God rested from his works and committed it all to the Son, and we, if we would rest, must cease from our works— cease from the law and accept of its legal fulfilment as being accomplished once for all in our representative, Jesus. When we realize that even were we Israelites, we are no longer condemned, but justified by that Law, Jesus having ransomed all who were under it; and, that as new creatures in Christ, we are under only the "Law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus," viz: Love. Now we rest well pleased to have it so; and to enjoy this real antitypical rest (Sabbath) which Christ gives to the house of sons, rather than the type of it given to the house of servants. Thus, by letting Christ do it, we rest from our own works as God did from his. [As shown in last issue, God rests since his creation of man and "has committed all judgment (ruling and administration of earth) unto the son. " "The Father worketh hitherto, and (now) I work," said Jesus. ] There remaineth a rest [Sabbath] for the people of God-when we enter fully into all the blessings promised; but let us not only look forward to it, with joy, but endeavor to use and enjoy the earnest of our inheritance; the sample of our coming rest which is now our privilege. "Come unto me and I will give you rest. ""They that believe do enter into rest. " SUNDAY. We are glad that by common consent some one day in the week is generally observed as a day for rest from worldly toil. The day generally observed— the first day of the week— we regard as especially fitting and appropriate, because on the first day of the week, Jesus, our Lord, arose from death— and on the first day came the Holy Spirit upon the church in the upper room (Pentecost). Concerning the name of this day, whether it be called "Sunday," "The first-day," "The Sabbath day," or "The Lord's day," we care little. At most they are only names, though our preference would rather incline to the latter. Our objection to calling it a Sabbath or rest day being, first, that to the fleshly Israel, God called the seventh day the Sabbath, and there is a liability to confusion of thoughts, and a mistaking of the servants' law for the liberty or privilege of the Sons of God. Secondly, with most of christians, the first day of the week is the one on which they work the most and hardest, and consequently it could not appropriately be termed a rest or Sabbath. We much regret, that even among thinking christians, the "Lord's day" and its privileges are so little understood and appreciated. To most of them, its observance is but the keeping of the fourth command of the Law though they well know that the Law reads "The seventh day is the Sabbath," and that the day they observe is the first. For the ignorance and superstition and legal dread of the Lord's day, the clergy is largely to blame. Many of them doubtless fear that if recognized as a privilege, and not as a law, it would be violated. But the fear of man always gets us into a snare of the devil, and so this fear has borne much poisonous fruit in the church, for it has helped to put christians under the Law of Moses, instead of under that of Christ- "Love," and thus has deprived many of entering into rest. It would be far better that christians should be resting fully in Christ and free from the Law-standing fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made them free (Gal. 5:1.) both on this and other subjects, though the preaching of the truth on the subject had left the world at liberty to disregard the "Lord's day. "This age we must remember is especially designed for the preparation of the body or Bride of Christ, that when they are united or made one with him, now in the end of this age, the world may believe during the incoming age. R315 : page 4 SON OF GOD. There seem to be different senses in which God is a Father; or he is a Father of his creatures, on different planes. But there is no mother, on either plane. As the Creator of Angels and men, he is their Father, and they his sons, though on different planes. That the Angels (Spiritual beings) are called sons of God, seems evident from several statements; for instance —Job 1:6 and 2:1; There was a day when the Sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. Also Job 38:7. When the morning stars sang together, and all the Sons of God shouted for joy. Man is also a Son of God by creation. Luke 3:38 says, Adam was a Son of God. Then there is a higher sense in which some are to become sons, not only on the spiritual plane, but immortal sons. Those, who present their bodies a living sacrifice, and thus suffer with Christ, are made partakers of the divine nature, and will be made in the express image of God's person-Heb. 1 :3. The body of their humiliation changed, and fashioned like Christ's glorious body. Phil. 3:21. Has not the Son of God, been a Son, successively, in all of the three senses? It would seem that he appeared to Abraham, vailed as a man, when the three men came to him in the heat of the day; Gen. 18:1,13,22; that he was with three Hebrews in the fiery furnace-Dan. 3:25; and Daniel saw him as a spiritual being, and fell as a dead man. Dan. 10. Unquestionably he was the beginning of the Creation, of God in his pre-existent state, whatever application may be made of Rev. 3:14. R316:page4 In due time he was born of a woman, and became a man; and was a son of God, as the first Adam— man—, was a son, as seems clear from Luke 1:35. On that plane he was the second son; and gave himself a ransom for the first. The first man's disobedience and death involved the whole human family in a state of death; the second man's obedience unto death, secured for the same family justification to life— the same life that was lost. God sending his own son— son before he came— in the likeness of sinful flesh etc. Rom. 8:3. The blood of Jesus Christ, his son —son after he came— cleanseth us from all sin. 1 Jno. 1 :7. Let us examine Phil. 2:5, on, in the light of the new Revision, text, and marginal reading by the American Committee. Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God, a thing to be grasped; but emptied himself, taking the form of a bond servant, becoming in the likeness of men, etc. Here is certainly a clear statement of his pre-existence in God's form,— a spiritual being; yet not equal with him; and of a change of condition from a spiritual to a human being. He certainly was not immortal in either of these phases of his existence. If he had been, as a spiritual being, he could not have become a man; and as a man, he could not have died; but being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore— because of this— God highly exalted him, and gave him a name-position and condition— which is above every name. He could not "grasp" it himself, but God exalted him; raised him from the dead, and now he is the express image of his Father's person, or, being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purifications of sins— by his death,-sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high; having become, by so much, better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. Heb. 1:3,4. Does not Paul have in mind these three phases or planes of sonship in Rom. l:3,4?Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which he promised afore by his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh; who was declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead. Though we may not be able to explain all the mystery, yet it seems that on the last two planes, there was a begetting and birth. Now the birth of Jesus— the man— was on this wise; Mary. . . was found with child of the Holy Spirit-power of God—. . . that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; and she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. Matt. 1:18-21. Again in Luke 1 :35. And the Angel answered and said unto her; The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee; wherefore, also that which is to be born shall be called holy, the Son of God. Out of Egypt I did call my Son. Luke 2:15. He grew in favor with God and man, and at the age of thirty, he made a covenant of death and expressed it by baptism; when the Holy Spirit came upon him. Through that Spirit he offered himself-his human nature and body- without spot to God-Heb. 9:14. — ; and it became the germ of a new nature so when he was put to death in the flesh, he was made alive by the Spirit— 1 Pet. 3:18; and became a quickening-life giving Spirit. 1 Cor. 15:45. The perfect natural man was crowned with glory and honor, Heb. 2:7, and lost it; but Jesus came to restore him. So he was crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God, he should taste of death for every man -Heb. 2:9; which shows that he did not take our fallen nature. And the word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. Was it the only begotten on the spiritual plane who died?We would say on the earthly. The man Christ gave himself a ransom for all. 1 Tim. 2:5,6. Because he gave his human nature, his heavenly Father gave him the divine nature —because he gave his earthly body, God gave him a spiritual body. God gives to every seed its own body, as it hath pleased him. 1 Cor. 15:38. He does with all who present their bodies a living sacrifice, as he did with Jesus. Having suffered with him, even unto death, they will be glorified with him, to become his body; the fullness or full development of him who is filling all things with all-Eph. 1 :23. In brief, this completed Christ, having died and lived again, becomes Lord-Rom. 14:9; R316 : page 5 or Agelasting Father of the human family restored, by the "better sacrifice, "-Heb. 9:23, to the original condition of sons. These restored sons, instead of being required to sacrifice the human, to become partakers of the divine nature; are given each a hundred years to fully develop the human. Isa. 65. B. W. KEITH R316 : page 5 ASSEMBLING TOGETHER. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. . . and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. " (Heb. 10:25.) The necessity for the assembling together for mutual edification, encouragement and strengthening, has been very generally acknowledged among Christians, yet we doubt if this most desirable end is very frequently attained— and why? Because we think, in most cases, God is not permitted to speak, among them, or if so, he is limited. These assemblings together, oftenest take the form of prayer and experience meetings, unless there is one of the number who is able to preach, and then the tendency is to depend upon that one, to a greater extent than is profitable. The writer attended one of these experience meetings among those professing the higher life, where God was almost shut out, and poor weak humanity, ignorant of its weakness as it always is, had abundant opportunity to boast itself. At the beginning of the meeting, one text of scripture was read, the context of which, all were ignorant of, and consequently its true application could not be understood. The dear old book was closed and reverently laid aside and a prayer was offered, after which, one after another told how he or she felt and acted. One lady told how she, before rising in the morning, received her morsel of food (a single text of scripture) on which she fed all day. How many do so— taking a text that happens to be stored in memory, often interpreting it out of all harmony with the context because they fail to examine it closely, taking a little crumb of comfort, when the Lord has spread his bountiful table and invited them to feast at it. Nearly two hours passed and the human spirit had magnified itself greatly, while the holy spirit (God-like mind) of the "new creatures," (for such I believe they were) was almost quenched. A brother seemed to perceive that something was wrong, and said "What these meetings want is more prayer," and then proceeded to pray for every thing he could think of, ignorant of the fact that he asked for many things in direct opposition to God's expressed will. And so the meeting closed without attaining the object for which they met, because God was shut out. Again, at another of these meetings, one hungry sister ventured to ask information with reference to a certain scripture, and was told that lest it should provoke controversy, and since they wished to have harmony, they would just pass over that, and so she was left unfed. Now is this right-shall we sell the truth to purchase harmony-and are we so puffed up as to be offended if God's word should overthrow our former convictions? Or shall we limit God to five or ten minutes and take the remainder of two hours to listen to each others experiences, which in nine cases out of ten, would be better untold? Why not open the doors wide and let the blessed Master come in and lead our meetings? It matters not whether there is any one learned or talented among you. Let each one bring his own Bible, paper, and pencil, and avail yourselves of as many helps in the way of a Concordance, Em. Diaglott, old and new versions of the New Testament, etc. , as possible. Choose your subject; ask for the Spirit's guidance in the understanding of it; then read, think, compare scripture with scripture, and you will assuredly be guided into truth. "And the truth shall make you free"-free from error, superstition, and the corruption of our perverse nature, and the Holy Spirit (mind of God and Christ) if entertained will liberate you from formality, as well as from self-exaltation. Our prayers need not be long— or vain repetitions of the same thing, since we are not heard for our much speaking. In few and simple words, R317:page5 we can make known our wants as far as we can estimate them; but God has so much more to tell us than we have to tell him. Let him speak, much and long and often-through his WORD. "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth," was Jesus' prayer, and his admonition, "Search the Scriptures for these are they that testify of me. "(John 17:17 and 5:39. )So will we learn to delight ourselves in God's Law; it will be our meditation by night and by day. (Psa. 1 19:97. )So also will he work in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13.) R.W. R317:page5 CONSECRATION TO A WORK. Among Christians there is much which passes for "entire consecration," but it is often a consecration to some self-imposed task, or work, instead of to God. Some are consecrated and are living sacrifices to business, some to their families, some to the temperance work, some to building up a denominational church or Sunday School, some to ministering to the poor and the sick. These are each good enough in their way, but none of these are the proper consecration for a follower of Jesus. Our consecration, like that of Jesus, should be to do the will of our Father in Heaven. Jesus says he came not to do his own will, but the will of Him that sent him. (John 6:38)The fact that you have any choice or preference as to what you shall do, is an evidence in itself, that your will is not dead. Consecration to a work of our own choosing merely, will never bring us to the great reward. "I beseech you brethren, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable UNTO GOD. "Then, if He sends you into the "temperance work," or into any other work, it will be acceptable as unto the Lord. If will less, and seeking only to do his will it will bring us to His Word much and often, to learn that will, and "He that seeketh findeth. "We leave the subject here, merely suggesting that thus seeking after, thus consecrating, some who are now— laboring chiefly for "the meat that perisheth" or Temperance and moral reforms in the world, or for the extension of sectarian church influence, would find directions something like the following: This is the will of God even YOUR sanctification. (1 Thes. 4:3.) Do "good unto all men [in any way] as you have opportunity especially to the household of faith. " (Gal. 6:10.) "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" (Heb. 10:25.) but meet for the purpose of "BUILDING UP YOURSELVES on your most holy faith. " (Jude 20.) R317:page5 INQUIRIES ANSWERED. The following letter received recently was handed to Sister Russell for answering, and as the points might interest others, we publish. DEAR SIR:- Sent you a card which you will receive before you see this. Wished to ask several questions. I am interested in your paper, am a thinking Christian, but not settled in my views, seeking MORE LIGHT. Are we to expect revivals and the conversion of sinners now? Are we to labor for this result? Is the church coming up higher? Are we to come out of the church, take our name off church books, or remain in the church and labor to bring the rest upon the higher plain; or is each individual to be fully persuaded in his own mind and act according to his conscience? Shall I tell my sisters of like faith, better come out from among them nominally? In spirit, I am far from the majority— this I have called "coming out from among them. I want to be right. Will you take the trouble to answer "the thinking Christian's questions? Please be plain. Many are inquiring. What shall I tell them? I may read your letter (should you write one) to others. My husband is a Methodist minister. Not preaching this year however. Tell me plain truth, fear not. DEAR SISTER:-Your letter is at hand, many such show us that there are very many hungry, thinking christians. Our love and sympathy reach out to all such though we have never met face to face, and we call them brother and sister because we see in them the family likeness-the spirit of Christ. You ask if we may expect revivals of religion in the nominal church. No, we do not look for any evidence whatever of God's favor to this last phase of the nominal Gospel church which is spewed out of his mouth, because in her own estimation, she is rich and increased in goods (both spiritual and temporal) and has need of nothing. See how perfectly the picture of the church of to-day is drawn in Rev. 3:14,18. That mixed condition of worldliness and lukewarm Christianity we believe to be the Babylon (confusion) of Rev. 18:2, out of which (vs. 4) the Lord calls the few of his own who still remain in that city doomed to destruction. There will probably be some accessions to their membership, but mainly from the Sunday Schools-the church is straining every effort to keep up appearances and urging immature childhood to join its ranks and swell its numbers. But this is not making christians as we understand the word. Christians are those who have consecrated themselves to the Lord— agree to follow Jesus' footsteps in the crucifying of the flesh (the human privileges and honors, etc.) All others than the true wheat brought in, help to swell the numbers of the tares. Tares are not wicked people necessarily (though some are wicked) but people who are out of place in the church- imitating Christians in some respects as tares imitate wheat. Those who get such into the church nominal, do an injury both to the person and to the church. The church is injured by getting a lifeless member to absorb its vitality, and who as a representative will serve to lower the standard of Christianity. The individual is injured by being told that he is a Christian when he is not, and thus is worse off than if aware of his own position. Surely, then, many people who engage in this improper work, some of whom, if not all, think they are doing God service, must be mistaken. And this work has been going on for years so that much of the wheat has been almost choked with tares. It is not God's work but Satan's. The tares do an injury to the church, and Satan was instrumental (using God's children as his instruments) in getting them into the church to work the havoc they have. "He that sowed the tares is the devil," (Matt. 13,) no matter who was willing or unwittingly the instrument, (vs. 21). With this, I will mail a June No. of ZION'S WATCH TOWER, the first article of which ("He on the housetop") will more thoroughly answer your question with reference to coming out of Babylon. It is of no use, to remain there trying to prop an organization which God has doomed to destruction: Better far, to trust his judgment with reference to expediency and promptly obey his command as soon as he makes it clear. The Lord loves prompt obedience, and then it is a great advantage, as it gives no opportunity to confer with flesh and blood. Since we are in the "harvest" of the age, the work to be done is harvest work: The great work of the present is to help to ripen and gather into the barn-condition of safety, the true wheat. We would "do good to all men especially to the household of faith"-But if we find enough of this special work to keep our time fully occupied, we have no occasion whatever to worry about the rest of the world; for in God's "due time," they shall all be brought to a knowledge of the truth "and a full, fair opportunity to gain eternal life, and though they may first die (in Adam) the ransom price entitles them to a restoration from the Adamic death, and an opportunity to escape the second death by obedience to the law of God written in their hearts, no more stony but fleshly. (Jer. 31:33.) Then, instead of being prone to do evil as the sparks to fly upward, it will be the reverse- easy and natural to obey when the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the whole earth, and when the Lord rules instead of Satan. Knowing God's glorious purposes for the world, Jesus let the Gentiles alone and devoted his time entirely to the harvesting of the Jewish church. Though Gentiles as well as Jews were constantly going down in death, he did not try to save them then, knowing it was not yet God's due time. I am glad to know that in spirit you are separate from the nominal church; I think all of God's true children are. They see the effects, but they do not understand the cause of the loss of God's favor to her. "Woe to those who are at ease in Zion;" but the Lord will "comfort all that mourn in Zion. "When? Isaiah says her condition shall be a vexation to such, only till he makes R318:page5 them to understand the doctrine-or the plan of God. And his plan is now being made clear to those who can rest their faith on a "thus saith the Lord," ignoring entirely the traditions of men. R318:page6 In coming out there are many sacrifices to be made, and you especially will find it so. A minister in our city said:Bro. R. , I believe these things are true, but it would not be prudent to preach them. Husband replied, I would fear to be too prudent in this matter since the Lord "hides things from the wise and prudent. "That minister had a large family well supported by a fashionable, worldly congregation who did not want to be disturbed in their sleep. He ventured to preach a little of what he believed and they told him it would not do; and to-day he is hiding his light under a bushel, or rather, it has gone out and he is walking on, hand in hand with the world, flourishing in worldly affairs; yet who can estimate that poverty in spiritual things? You may be called upon to sacrifice your present means of living, but fear not, the Lord will provide another. No man hath forsaken all to follow Jesus, who did not receive a hundred-fold in return. It was refreshing to read that sentence in your letter- "Tell me plain truth, fear not. " I could tell you much more than I have time to write at present. The Lord has so wonderfully led me from darkness to light, and from husks to corn, that my heart is filled with his praise. The great sacrifice necessary, has kept the majority of ministers from the truth, but thank God, there is some ripe wheat among them, not choked by the tares. May God's grace be sufficient for you and your dear husband. Your Sister in hope, MRS. C. T. RUSSELL. R318:page6 THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE. DIALOGUE-REV. 13. READER:-To properly appreciate the following, you should read and have clearly in mind, the articles in our last issue, (Dec. 1881,) headed: "The Antichrist" and "The Counterfeit of the Kingdom of God. " B. I am here again Bro. A. , anxious to pursue the investigation of Revelation 13, as you suggested at our last meeting. I have long felt a deep interest in this chapter, and especially because other scriptures refer to the beast and image here described, and say that the overcomers get a victory over the Beast and Image and the number of his name. My difficulty has been that not understanding the significance of these symbols, I could not know whether I had gotten a victory over them or not. I shall give earnest heed and endeavor to weigh your arguments by the Word of God only, and not by the "traditions of the Fathers. " A. That is the only proper way to study Scripture. We should come to it believing that "It (and it alone) is able to make us wise," (2 Tim. 3:15,) and it is this class who shall understand. Daniel said-In the time of the end many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased, and the wise shall understand. To rightly understand how it is that certain parts of truth could be hid from all past ages, and yet be due to be understood by us now, we should remember, that God's Word is a great treasure house in which he has hid in past time, all knowledge needful to his children in all ages. It is a great storehouse from which his servants may bring forth things both new and old— meat in due season for the household of faith. (Matt. 24:45.) It is because this truth is generally overlooked or disregarded, that so many of the Lord's saints go to old musty volumes of the traditions of the Fathers, instead of going to the fountain of living truths-The Bible. B. When we look at it, this is very dishonoring to the words of Jesus which he puts on a par with himself saying, "Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words. . . of him also shall the son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father. " (Mark 8:38. )It dishonors the Father also, for Jesus said that his spirit would guide us into all truth and show us things to come. (John 16:13.) A. Let us then commence: I will use the "Emphatic Diaglott" translation as it is so much more clear; then you can have the benefit of both versions. Let me first lay down a simple rule for interpreting some symbols found in this chapter. Dragon-civil power, Pagan Rome; Heavens- the higher or ruling powers; Earth- the people under, or obedient to the ruling powers (heavens); Sea— the general masses of mankind, not under religious restraint. The first two verses of this chapter, direct our attention to the Dragon which in the preceding chapter we found to symbolize the Roman Empire; the same which Daniel saw in vision called the "fourth beast dreadful and terrible" (Dan. 7:7.)This dragon passed its dominion over to a beast which arose out of the sea— a government which came up from among the irreligious masses; in other words the Roman Empire passed under a new rulership-The Leopard Beast— whose mouth was lion like, its body leopard like, and its feet bear like. This beast which came into possession of the Dragon's seat and power, we understand to be Papacy: it corresponds to the "man child" of the preceding chapter. It has certain qualities which resemble the first three beasts of Daniel 7, viz: the Lion, Bear and Leopard-described as representing Babylon, Persia, and Greece. This new Beast then, would combine certain leading characteristics of the preceding empires and unite them in the power of the last-the Roman. Babylon was celebrated for its splendor and its pride-the Lion the king or ruler of all beasts— so Papacy had a mouth of this sort, i. e. , it claimed to be the kingdom over all kingdoms by divine right-the kingdom of God, which was to break in pieces and consume all others— a strong mouth. The bear's feet suggest another of Papacy's peculiarities as an empire— viz: persistency. Like the Bear Empire (Medo Persia) which would besiege for years, and even turn a river aside from its channel to accomplish its ends; so Papacy moves cautiously, and gets possession of kingdoms rather by strategy than by battle. This same quality is illustrated in the bear; it hugs its prey to death with its paws. The body of the Papal beast was like a Leopard. The Leopard was the third beast seen by Daniel- viz: Grecia. Greece was noted as the center of learning, piety and wisdom (Acts 17:23): so Papacy's chief claim, to be the ruler of all kingdoms, is based on the claim that it is the center of wisdom, learning and piety. Other peculiarities of the Leopard are its activity, vigilance and secretiveness; so with Papacy. Again, a Leopard is spotted irregularly, so too Papacy's policy varies in various parts of the earth: In enlightened liberal countries it is liberal, in other places it varies in its rulings to suit the circumstances. This Leopard beast (Ecclesiastical Empire) is given the power, seat, and great authority of the [Dragon] Pagan Roman Empire, and for a time becomes the only representative of that dominion— the various horns (kingdoms) rendering allegiance and support to it. * "And the whole world wondered, after the beast, and they worshiped the Dragon because he gave the authority to the BEAST, saying, "Who is like unto the BEAST, and who is able to make war with him?" (Vs. 3,4.) The people respected this BEAST because of its peculiarities- leopard body and lion mouth-and they respected the civil power all the more, because it had so honored ecclesiastical authority. The various kingdoms (horns) soon learned that their hold of power over the people was strengthened, rather than weakened by allegiance to Papacy, for Papacy in turn recognized them and commanded the people to recognize those despots as of divine appointment. Thus it is, that to this day, the rulers of Europe claim to rule by divine right and appointment and their children after them, no matter how incapable. For the same reason the Protestant churches of Europe, to gain national favor, protection, and assistance, became State churches and they, as Papacy did, recognize the reigning families as possessed of Divine title to the office, and rulership of the people. [God's Word on the contrary, denounces all the governments of earth, as selfish, oppressive, and beastly, and recognizes only one kingdom as being of God's appointment, viz: the kingdom soon to be established in all the earth-Christ and his saints IN GLORY. (Danl. 7:27. Rev. 11:15. 2 Tim. 2:12.) It is in that kingdom only that the saints have their citizenship-it alone they recognize and for it pray "Thy kingdom COME. " B. But Bro. A. , has not the reign of that kingdom in some sense commenced? Do we not add in the same prayer Thine is the kingdom, etc. ? (Matt. 5:13, Luke 11:4.) A. No Brother, this is the time to suffer ignominy with him at the hands of the World, as a test of our worthiness to reign with him when he shall take (use) his great power and reign. It is not until about the close of the Seventh Trumpet's sounding, that the kingdoms of earth become the kingdoms of our Lord and his anointed (body— church). Then you know, we are told they will be angry and his wrath must first come before they are obedient. (Rev. 11:18.) These are so deceived by this false teaching of Papacy, still continued to some extent, by all of the reformation churches, that it naturally *It should be remembered that the church of Rome consists only of the clergy-the Pope, the "Father" and all Bishops, Priests, Monks, etc. , "brothers. " R319 : page 6 makes both people and rulers angry, to intimate that the Devil is the prince of these governments. (Eph. 2:2.) Certainly many of their deeds are worthy of such a diabolical head. As to your quotation from the Lord's prayer, "Thine is the kingdom, etc. ," you should remember that we found that to be an addition made to the original prayer during Papacy's rule. It is lacking in all ancient copies of the N. T. and is properly omitted in the new revision. No Brother, nothing in God's Word countenances the idea that these oppressive governments are God's, nor recognized by him except as parts of evil— to be wiped out by the exaltation of the real Christ, head and body, glorious spiritual beings, to the Ecclesiastical dominion which for several hundred years was counterfeited by Papacy-the chief Antichrist. But to return to the subject: The people respected the BEAST saying: "Who is able to make war with him? —who would be able to withstand the withering curse of Papacy, the spiritual empire? "And there was given him a mouth (Lion-like— strong— terrible utterance) speaking great and blasphemous things;" [The utterances we examined at our last interview, as you will recall. —Dec. '81.] "and authority was given him to act forty-two months. " (Vs. 5.)This permission we understand to have been— to execute and put to death saints of God, which it called "heretics. "These 42 symbolic months, or 1260 days are the same as mentioned in the preceding chapter and also foretold by Daniel (12:7) as 3-1/2 times (years). With the end of those 1260 years, Papacy's power to act-or execute for heresy, ended -1798. There the delusion that none could successfully war or contend with Papacy was shown, when Napoleon in defiance of the curse, took Pope Pius VI. a prisoner to Paris where he died. The dread of this BEAST has not been so great since, and the various horns (kingdoms) which once defended, have made war with the woman. (The dominion has been taken away.) (Rev. 17:16.) Now we turn back again to see how this BEAST succeeded during its career of power. We read (vs. 6): "And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name and his tabernacle, and those who tabernacle in heaven. " This BEAST power was a slur upon God and upon the true coming kingdom. Verses 7 and 8 ("New Vers. " "Diaglott "rendering poor.)" And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and there was given to him authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. "[Papacy's authority as a spiritual empire or "kingdom of God,"-was generally acknowledged. ] "And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him- -every one whose name hath not been written in the book of life, of the Lamb that hath been slain from the foundation of the world. " The deception of Papacy was so complete that the World was deceived and all the church, except the overcomers, whose names were "written in heaven" were deceived in the same way, and hasted to unite themselves with, and to worship the BEAST, and have it enroll their names on its books. From this has sprung the delusion so common to all Protestants at this day —viz: That their names must be connected with some SUCH earthly church system, or they are not the Lord's saints. But, the important item is, to have our names recorded in the Lamb's book of life-His is the only record of any value. "If any man hath an ear, let him hear. " (Vs. 9.)Only those whose ears had been circumcised— those who had come to a considerable knowledge of God's word and who had the hearing of faith-to respect him and his word, despite the magnificence, success and power of error, would be able to receive the foregoing statements concerning those who were deceived R319:page7 by Papacy: that they were of those unwritten in the true church, of which that was the counterfeit. "If any one is for captivity, into captivity he goes away; if any one will kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patient endurance and the faith of the saints. " (Vs. 10.) The Papal system was one of bondage. All who acknowledged its claims must of necessity render implicit obedience, as unto God; for it claimed to be the Kingdom of Heaven; and its head, the Pope, to be God's vicegerent; consequently those who were for, or in favor of such a captivity of individual thought, and who acknowledged the right of that Papal system to limit and define the faith of all, by consenting, became captives. Many Protestant sects have got into the same snare of the devil, and are vainly striving to make a dominion by blending church and state. On the other hand, there were some who asserted that Papacy was a usurpation of the titles and power of the true head and ruler of the church, and claimed their right to the individual liberty wherewith Christ had made them free. Such used, the "sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God," in the defense of their liberty, and such were put to death by Papacy-it overcame the saints during its 1 260 years of power. This was a severe test of true saintship— Would they go into captivity and join in the usurpers ranks, or would they remain faithful to the true king and wait for the kingdom which he promised to establish? Those whose names were written in heaven, stuck to the sword and sealed their testimonies by death. THE TWO-HORNED BEAST. "And I saw another wild beast ascending from the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. " (Vs. 1 l.)If the preceding wild beast represented an ecclesiastical power, as we have just seen, then this beast called another should be understood to represent a similar ecclesiastical or church power. As the first beast had ten horns, or powers which gave it their strength and protection, so this beast has "two horns" which indicates that two powers or governments will support it. B. Could this refer to Mohammedanism? A. No, I think not; this revelation was not given to be a general history of the world, but was a revelation given to the church, and relates to matters and things closely related to the church's history. There is no reason, for giving an account of Mohammedanism; for the same reason that it would have been useless to give a history of Confucianism, or Buddhism. None of these were Christian systems, and though they were all anti-christian, yet they were openly so and not so harmful to real Christianity. Papacy on the contrary, is mentioned because it attempted to palm itself off as the kingdom of Christ and to deceive, while really, it was the Dragon or Roman Empire united to an apostasy. Again, notice that this beast "ascended (came gradually) out of the earth," while the first one came out of the Sea. Now, if our definitions of these symbols be correct— as the coming of Papacy from among the irreligious masses of the Roman empire, was shown by its coming out of the "sea," then the coming of this second beast out of the "earth" should signify that it sprung up among a professedly religious people. B. I see the force of this: But can it refer to any of the branches of the Protestant churches? A. I understand that the wounding of the Papal head, (referred to in vs. 3,) by the sword, (vs. 14) refers to the Reformation work, when Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Knox, and others, by advocating the teachings of the Word of God, as opposed to the teachings of Papacy, showed that it was the system referred to in Revelations, and in Paul's writings called the "Mystery of Iniquity"— "Anti- Christ" -"The Man of Sin. "They struck so mightily at this Papal head, that the system had well nigh died; but as the cause of the Protest-ants became more popular, the sympathies of some in power came to be exercised on their behalf. Soon various small German kingdoms (princedom's) were found on the side of the Reformers, and lent their sanction to them rather than to Papacy. Soon Belgium, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and others, withdrew all allegiance to their former head and RULER-the Pope; and though not acknowledging Luther, Calvin, or other, as a new head or spiritual emperor, they supported the various Reformation churches with state funds and protection. About this time also, (A. D. 1531) the church in England threw off her allegiance to Rome and became a separate ecclesiastical government. It thus followed exactly the example of Papacy, in blending civil with ecclesiastical power, and made the same person, Henry VIII. and his successors, head of all power. The effect of this governmental favor upon the teachings of the reformers, can well be imagined. Once they had complained about empire and church being united in Papacy; had shown that the Virgin espoused to Christ awaiting His kingdom, was unfaithful to him (therefore termed a Harlot) when she united with, and leaned for support upon earthly powers. This part of their smiting with the "Sword of the Spirit," soon ceased, as they began to regard the favor and smile of earthly governments upon themselves. They could not consistently condemn in Papacy, what they themselves had come to enjoy and crave. It was their desire (lust) for power, name, and influence, to do a great work, and have many children, that led these daughters of Rome to follow the example of their mother- "Babylon the great, the mother of harlots. " (Rev. 17:5.) But, Brother B. , do not forget that we are now talking of church SYSTEMS, and not of all who are under, or bound by, and serving those systems. We believe that the Lord has had dear children in all of these (Papal mother, as well as her daughters), who, in supporting them, verily think they do God service. This is the delusion which induced all but a few to respect the Papal BEAST as the R320 : page 7 true empire of Christ, instead of waiting for "the Lord from heaven. " From that ancient snare and deception of the devil, all the consecrated saints need to be liberated, and nothing but truth can liberate. The coming out of Babylon was commenced by the Reformers; but, as we have seen, their followers made only a brief journey, until to a great extent they fell into the same "snare of the fowler. " B. There are some who have evidently made more progress than those state churches you refer to in Europe. All the churches in U. S. of America are free and unsupported by the government. A. Yes, knowledge and liberty in general are opponents of religious bondage and bigotry; but in many of these free organizations it is more because they cannot, than that they would not be supported by, and united to, civil power. B. Well, now I am anxious to find proof of the second- the TWO HORNED BEAST. It cannot be all of those churches, can it?It must be some one church system, just as Papacy was one church system. A. Exactly, it is one ecclesiastical system; and the two horns show that it is supported, and its authority recognized by two kingdoms. B. Let me see: the Presbyterian church is the established church of Scotland, but of no other country; that would be but one horn. The Dutch Reformed church is the established church of a number of countries; that would be too many; and the same is true of the Lutheran. A. Hold on, Bro. B. !You fall into a very natural mistake. Remember that to be simply aided, or supported by the empire does not make a symbolic "BEAST"; no, a BEAST is a government, and to become a symbolic beast, a church must needs become an element in, or part of the government. This was not the case in those you have mentioned. No, there is but one church which this symbol fits perfectly, viz. : The established "Church of England and Ireland. " This system, like the Papal, was a blending of church and state— an ecclesiastical empire. In the year 1200 England became subject to the Pope. In 1531, owing to a dispute between her king, Henry Vm. , and the Pope, England withdrew from allegiance to Papacy. The Convocation of its clergy, called the same year, in its decrees, declared King Henry VIII. to be "The one protector of the English Church, its only and SUPREME LORD; and as far as might be, by the law of Christ, ITS SUPREME HEAD. "I quote the very words. B. I am astonished; why those are the exact sentiments of Papacy; that is exactly the sense in which the Pope is recognized as Christ's Vicegerent. What a glorious representative of Jesus they had in Henry VIII. , who, out of six wives, was divorced from two; beheaded two; and by many is supposed to have poisoned one. He was a worthy rival of some of the Popes as an Anti-christian claimant of headship to the church. B. The reformation movement had not reached England at this time, and certainly it was much needed. The Clerical Convocation which could acknowledge such a head was certainly not far from being as corrupt as Papacy. The fact that the title, "head of the church," was not an empty honor, may be judged from the historian's words- "At the same time it was ordained that no regard should be paid to censures which the Pope might pass on account of this law, and that Mass should be said and sacraments administered as usual. In 1534 all payments made to the apostolic chamber, and dispensations were abolished; monasteries were subjected to royal government, and exempted from all other; the right to summon Convocations, approve or reject canons [laws or doctrines enacted by the Convocation of clergy] and hear appeals from the Bishops, was vested in the King alone. Though now honored with the title of SUPREME HEAD OF THE CHURCH ON EARTH, Henry contemplated no change in the doctrines of the church; as then held. Indeed, it was not until 30 years or more after these steps, that the Roman Catholics and the Reformers [of the English Church] were looked upon as separate bodies, or had separate ministrations and separate places of worship. " Relative to the establishment of "the Church of England" as separate from the Papal church, another historian says: "Convocation declared that the Pope had no more authority in England, than any other bishop. The act of supremacy was passed, making Henry the head of the church, which act has been described as the epitome of all the measures which had been passed against the encroachments of the spiritual powers [of Rome] within and without the realm; and, as being at once, the symbol of the independence of England, and the declaration that thenceforth the civil magistrate was supreme within the English dominions over church as well as state. " B. I am inclined to think that these matters are very imperfectly understood by people in general. But are the same titles- "Supreme head of the church on earth," etc. , still applied to English sovereigns? A. Yes; and furthermore the crown worn shows the title, for it is surmounted by a cross. And the present "Great Seal of England," besides describing Victoria as the defender of the faith, illustrates it by a picture of the Queen, supported on either side by figures representing Justice and Religion, which sit at her feet. The Queen is shown as holding in her hand a globe (representing the earth), the upper half of which is light colored (representing Christianity), and this surmounted by a cross which in symbol declares her to be the supporter or head of the church universal. This is the same exactly, as you see in the hands of the Popes in many pictures. It represents as a whole that this head of the church on earth, is the upholder, supporter of the truth. Now, I need not remark that Jesus never gave this office to any one, but claims it himself; and any others who claim it are usurpers. Paul said: "Christ is the head of the church; " and that we are to "grow up into him in all things, which is the head even Christ. "Again he repeats that God "gave Him to be the Head over all things to the church, which is His body. " (Eph. 1:22; and 4:15; and 5:23; and Col. 1:18. )It is the church on earth that Paul is speaking of, hence any Pope, Queen, Council, Assembly, Conference, or any other man or company of men, who claim or exercise the powers of the true HEAD-Jesus, are opposing him. And all who support such by influence, presence, or money, are abettors of evil, and supporters of false SYSTEMS. B. Now let us proceed— I am anxious to see whether this system (the English Church) fills the picture fully. The second BEAST had two horns; what two kingdoms (horns) supported this Church? Surely not Scotland; it has persistently refused its support and recognizes and supports the Presbyterian Church. A. Don't forget the distinction we noticed between a church supported by a government, as in Scotland, and R320 : page 8 a church united in the government, as in England— we have seen that it is the latter relationship which constitutes a BEAST. Now let us see about the two horns: England of course was one of them, and I think I can give you satisfactory evidence that Ireland was the other. History says that in 1537 the Irish Parliament in Dublin "passed the act of supremacy, declaring Henry VIII. SUPREME HEAD OF THE CHURCH, prohibiting intercourse with the court of Rome, and making it treason to refuse the oath of supremacy. "Henry VIII. also took the title of King of Ireland. " Thus we see that the second horn came up within the brief space of five years after the first. B. That fits well, indeed. The fact that Ireland was not a powerful horn matters not, for it was stronger than some that supported the Papal beast. I never saw a better case; surely we have, beyond a question, the SECOND BEAST, which has so puzzled all the commentators, though they saw clearly that Papacy was the Leopard. What effect results, from the disestablishment of the Church in Ireland? A. From 1538 to 1871-333 years -the title of the church was "The Church of England and Ireland," thus recognizing both horns. " On January 1, 1871 (by action of parliament and the consent of the Queen, the head of the church) the Irish Church was disestablished, or that horn cast off. So, too, all of the horns which once supported Papacy have broken off from her; the difference being that in Papacy's case the horns have turned against her, and in the case of the second BEAST it casts off the Irish horn of itself, believing it to be a weakness rather than a strength. And it would not be at all remarkable if the second horn (England) would be separated from this beast (i. e. , it would not be surprising if soon the church were to be separated from the state in England.)The "two horns like a lamb," would seem to indicate that this BEAST would be peaceably inclined-not inclined to be aggressive, but merely using the horns for defense. B. I cannot see how the next part fits-He spake like the Dragon. This would seem to mark its utterances as being worse than Papacy's, which is not true. A. But notice that it does not say the, but a dragon. We understand this to mean simply that its utterances resembled those of a purely civil (dragon) power, and in its words there would be little, to denote that it is an ecclesiastical government. All know how true this is. "And all the authority of the first beast [Papacy] he executes in his presence [this shows that the second does not take the place of the first beast, but that they exist contemporaneously], and makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship [respect] R321 : page 8 the first beast whose mortal wound was healed. " B. I can see, I think, how that verse was fulfilled. The Church of England claimed all the powers and authority which Papacy claimed. It claimed to be THE church; it acknowledged and repudiated some of the corruptions complained of by the reformers, such as the sale of indulgences, transubstantiation, etc. , and abandoned those as well as the name Roman, for which they substituted the word HOLY, calling it the original "Holy Catholic Church. "It claims the same governmental authority and the same veneration for its decrees as Papacy. * And by establishing a similar system, devoid of some of the grosser Papal errors, it attracted attention of all to those errors, as being the only possible fault of Papacy. And when some of those errors were shortly after discarded by Papacy, the inference was that both BEAST systems were right. People at that day, as now, seemed to think those systems proper and right, if their powers, etc. , were properly exercised; but from God's standpoint the systems are abominations, and wrong from the very center. The systems are based upon errors, and, like a corrupt tree, "cannot bring forth good fruit. " B. Name the principal error. A. The very basis of both those systems, is their claim to be the "Kingdom of God" in reigning power. That idea once admitted justifies their persecution of individuals and nations, forcing them to submit and bow in obedience. Scripture accords those powers to the "kingdom of God"-when "the kingdom is the Lords, and he is the Governor among the nations; all the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. " Psa. 22:27,28. He shall "dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel. " Psa. 2:9. Unto him every knee shall bow and every tongue confess. (Phil. 2:1 1.) And if their claim be GOOD, who can object to them for carrying out the scriptural statements? B. These Anti-christs, to make their claims of kingdom power appear true, had simply to take another step in compelling obedience, backing up their right to do so, by the Scriptures just quoted. And not only was this great evil sanctioned, but their claim once admitted, that the kingdom was established and the reign in progress, those who admitted it were hindered from looking for the true HEAD of the church; to set up the true kingdom under the whole heavens, which SHALL break in pieces present imperfect governments— establish righteousness in the earth and cause every knee to bow and every tongue to confess to the glory of God. A. Yes, I agree with you; the next verses say, "And he does great signs, so that even fire he makes to come down from heaven to the earth in presence of men. " (Vs. 13.)This government, like Papacy's claimed heavenly power, and its denunciations, were regarded as from heaven, judgments or fire being called down upon offenders. "And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by the signs which it was given him to do in the presence of the [first] BEAST. " (Vs. 14.)We make a distinction between the earth and those who dwell on it. As the EARTH symbolizes those obedient to and supporting the BEAST, so "those dwelling on the earth," we understand to mean independent Christians who do not support either of these systems. THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST. "Saying to them that dwell on the earth [independent companies of Christians] that they should make an IMAGE TO THE BEAST [Papacy], which had the wound by a sword and did live. "She advised this by her example. From the year 1 800 to 1 846 was a time in which great numbers of new sects arose, whereas before that they were few and prominent. This gave rise to uneasiness among the various older denominations, who wondered whereunto this thing would lead. As the Bible came to be read more and more by the masses, occasional individuals would feel free to preach what they thought it taught, regardless of denominational creeds and the views of older sects. As a consequence Protestants were fast splitting up into fragments. They began to say, By what means shall we check and stop this disposition to individual thought and opinion relative to the teachings of Scripture? They wanted to stop the very thing God desired, viz. : that each individual should be free and independent of restraint, with his faith based, not on the views of others, not on the decisions of councils or presbyteries, nor in the decision of the Pope, nor in the things approved of the HEAD of the English Church, but in the WORD OF GOD. The question came— How can we restrain these preachers? This was a quandary to all except the Roman and Episcopal Churches, since these both claimed the "Apostolic Succession," and that this by ordination, conferred upon their ministers special power and authority to preach and to administer the "Sacraments"; hence that no others had a right to do so, but were clerical pretenders. Other denominations could not claim this continuation of apostolic power through their preachers, but simply set them apart by prayer, consequently those of one denomination could not object, that the preachers of other denominations, as well as all laymen, were not as truly authorized of God to expound the Scriptures as their own clergy. But the example of the church of England showed what a prestige she had by reason of the voice of authority with which she commanded a reverence for her clergy and her teachings. This teaching by example was not lost. The various denominations felt a necessity for some common STANDARD OF DOCTRINE which would be supported and upheld by all of them, and thus give prestige to their teachings, and bring the combined influence of all, AGAINST ANY FURTHER ADVANCE IN KNOWLEDGE or the development of any different phase of TRUTH. Thus they would protect themselves by being able to say-The combined opinion of all Protestants is against you; therefore you are HERETICS, and therefore we will shun you, and not call you brethren, but use all our influence against you. This was done by the formation in 1846, of the "Evangelical Alliance. " It was stated to be one of the objects of the Alliance (and we believe the principal one) to "Promote between the different EVANGELICAL denominations, an effective co- operation in the efforts to REPEL COMMON ENEMIES and DANGERS. " B. I do not understand you to oppose the Christians represented in that alliance, but their attempt to muzzle truth, and to prevent the opening up of any other truths buried by Papacy, than those which they had received. A. Quite right, it is far from my wish to say they purposely combined against the unfolding of truth, nor would I say this of Papists. But I do say, that by their action they were following Papacy's tactics, and that in that Alliance they did make, the- IMAGE OF THE BEAST. And they have been in great measure successful. Very few denominations have sprung up since that Alliance put its measuring line upon men's minds, to decide what was, and what was not Evangelical, regardless of whether it be Scriptural or not. It has tended to make a separation clear and distinct between Clergy and Laity, as though they were of different races. How much the IMAGE resembles the Papal BEAST may be judged from the fact that Papacy acknowledged the image— owned it as a creditable likeness-by the Pope's sending "GREETINGS" to the last meeting of the "Ev. Alliance"- 1879. Strange to say the delegates to the Alliance had so far lost sight of the principles and doctrines which led to the protests against the Papal church, (that it was the Harlot church- Anti-Christ and Man of sin, mentioned in Scripture) that they actually felt FLATTERED by the Pontiffs notice, instead of becoming alarmed and examining how and WHY he who is "THE (chief) Antichrist," should feel pleased to greet them as follows. A prominent Presbyterian minister present at the above named meeting, mentioned the "Pope's Greeting" with evident pleasure and satisfaction, to the writer. A prominent characteristic of the BEAST copied by the image is the honoring of the special class, the clergy, with special honors and titles. They are known as Revs. , Divines, etc. , but Jesus THE divine, said: "Ye call me Lord and Master, and ye say well, for so I am. ""Be not ye called Rabbi, neither be ye called Master, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren" (Matt. 23:8). These titles are assumptions fashioned after those of Papacy. When the various denominations began their existence, more full of the spirit of Christ they claimed no such high sounding titles. The Reformers were not known as Rev. , D. D. , &c. , but as John Knox, Martin Luther, John Wesley, &c. Unpretentious, like Jesus and the Apostles, they were intent upon serving God and therefore became the servants (ministers) of the church. These had marks of God's approval, and as a result, their ministry was wonderfully blest. But now the clergy are far from being servants, they are Lords. They have itching ears, loving the approval of men. As pride and worldliness have come in, vital godliness and power have gradually departed. For the very same reason, they are losing all power to expound the Word of God-the gift of teaching-because "God abhorreth the proud but giveth grace (favor) to the humble. "The early reformers were humble, and God led them into much knowledge of His Word, and although we are much farther along "the path of the just," and the servants should have R322 : page 8 more light, yet we find ministers of all denominations ready to confess their ignorance of the Word. They appeal for their information, back to the early reformers, and thus confess that they have less light than they. Pride always has hindered growth in grace and does now. "How can ye believe who receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor which comes from God, only?" That their light should grow dim R322 : page 9 and their spiritual life become dwarfed is the natural result of their joining the IMAGE and subscribing to creeds made in the fifteenth century, which, like the iron shoe of China, will not admit of any growth. It is a shoe a little larger than Papacy put upon its followers, but of the same sort. Papacy established the clerical hierarchy, who lord it over God's heritage instead of serving their brethren as Jesus explained- "One is your Master and all ye are brethren," and as Paul said- We are to speak the truth in love and "grow up into Him in all things who is the head, even Christ; from whom the whole body fitly joined together (not by creeds of men, but by love begotten by the one Spirit of truth) and compacted by that which every joint supplieth. " (Every joint is every member, not the clergy only.)"Maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. "Thus coming "to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God. "Eph 4:15,16. As Papacy established the priesthood over the church, so Protestantism has established almost the same, and there is no opportunity for the body to edify itself, every joint taking part. True, there is a seeming show of liberty at prayer-meetings, etc. , but it is only upon the surface, for the ordained pastor is to watch zealously lest anything contrary to the teachings of his church should be expressed, and if so to silence the audacious member at once, for the church creed is the rule, not the Word of God. If this is not sufficient, they must have a sort of church trial and excommunicate him ["kill him"]. The trial, by the way, gives evidence of another likeness to the beast, namely, the exaltation of the teachings of the organization above the Word of God, for all such are tried according to "the authorities" of their church. "And it was given him [the two horned beast] to give life to the image of the Beast. " (Vs. 15.) It may not be known to many how much stress was laid upon the "Apostolic succession," which was supposed to be a virtue transmitted through hundreds of years of Papal corruption, by the laying on of the hands of Bishops. This, of course, was vested in the Roman church and also in the English church, on account of its being at first, rather a secession from Papacy, than a reformation. To many minds, even among the clergy, there was a veneration for that ceremony, which neither Papacy nor the English Church were averse to promoting. In the introduction of Methodism in the United States much difficulty was experienced because of Mr. John Wesley's superstition on this subject. He would not sanction the giving of the "Sacrament" by any except those ordained by the holy hands of an Episcopal Bishop. Thus up to 1784, Methodists could only partake of the Sacraments from Episcopal ministers (ordained). The independence war tended to make the Methodist preachers independent, and the expediency of taking the authority was discussed. John Wesley heard of this, and applied to the English Church to have at least one Methodist minister ordained for the American Church. Finally, in despair, he did the best he knew how to patch up an "apostolic succession. "He with two other ministers (none of them bishops) ordained Thomas Coke to the office of Bishop, and from this sprang the office of Bishop in the M. E. Church. I relate this only to show the superstition of even so great and good men as the Wesleys, on this subject. Now, none of these allied sects had the succession except the Episcopal, and its recognition of the Alliance (Image) gave it vitality-breath- authority, "That the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the IMAGE OF THE BEAST, should be killed. " (Vs. 15.) The worship and the killing are symbolic as well as the Image, and this signifies that all who will not bow to the decrees of the Evangelical Alliance shall be esteemed as heretics, shunned and cast out by all who are ORTHODOX, (?) i. e. , all who worship its decrees and agree to believe neither more nor less than is stated in its nine articles of creed. Now the various sects have a sort of backing in this organization, and each may act as the mouthpiece of the Image, in denouncing as heresy, all matter not included in this general creed, and in cutting off or ecclesiastically beheading those who differ. (See Rev. 20:4.) B. I see, and to be cut off from any one church now, implies dismemberment from all orthodox churches; which implies of course, that you are a heretic, and not at all a son of God. A. Yes, to all who regard these earthly institutions as the real churches; but to those of us who regard only the heavenly organization, and who look for the smile of the true Head of the church only, and who accept His Word as the only limitation of faith and knowledge; such cannot worship either the BEAST or his IMAGE, after they come to realize it, but will "worship God" only. IMAGE worship is hindering hundreds from seeing the beauties of the Word of God. They may perhaps glance at it, and for a moment think for themselves, but that is all. The church discipline is so strict, and they reverence it so much, that a look or frown is sufficient to warn them that independent thought is a dangerous thing, and must not be indulged in, lest they be regarded as infidels. Would that all could see that these local organizations called churches are not THE CHURCH, but that the Church of God includes all Christians, all whose names are written in Heaven, and that when these local organizations attempt to come between them as children, and God their Father, or to put their creed instead of the Word of God, their assumed authority is not to be recognized, nor tolerated; and that it is our duty to rebuke it as sinful. "And he causes all, the little [humble] and the great, the rich and the poor, and the freemen and bondmen, that they should give themselves a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead; so that no one may be able to buy or sell unless he who has the MARK- the name of the beast or the number of his name. " (Vss. 16,17.) All classes of Christians must bow; all must, in some way, give evidence of their support of the Image and consecration to its interests and laws; either a public, open profession of being members of the alliance, and hence supporters (mark in forehead) or at least a giving of some assistance and influence to the principles of Image organization- (the right hand support). B. How about the buying and selling? A. That, like the other features, is symbolic: The buying and selling, refers to dealing in spiritual things. None may be recognized as having any right to teach or preach or baptize or administer the emblems of our Lord's death, except those LICENSED to do so by some orthodox member of the Image. And acts of such persons are not counted valid. B. Truly these things fit together wonderfully; nor should it surprise us that in giving an account of the church and its later times, all three of these great systems should be mentioned thus by our Lord. The English Church system is certainly a BEAST in the same sense as Papacy was, with the different characteristics noted; and the Evangelical Alliance is certainly a perfect IMAGE of it. It is what in politics or business would be termed a "ring "-a religious ring or monopoly, organized to hinder others from going into the work of truth seeking. A. You will notice that this 17th verse indicates that the name is the mark— the name of the Beast or the number of his name. "The next verse seems to indicate, that this name and number are, in some sense, a secret, and that it will indicate wisdom, or a correct knowledge of the foregoing symbols, if we are able to solve the mystery of the name which is symbolically given as 666. "Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding [of the foregoing symbol, prove it by a proper application of the following number] compute the number of the Beast, for it is a man's number [or reckoned after a human manner]; and his number is 666. "THE NAME OF THE BEAST, OR THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME. " B. Have you been able to decipher the name and number? I have heard of many who have tried all sorts of names and applications, but none of them ever seemed reasonable to me. A. The same has been my difficulty. A little over a year ago I spoke on the subject of this same chapter to the name- less little company of "this way," in Lynn, Mass. , and concluded my remarks by telling them that I had never seen a satisfactory explanation of the 666. And, though I thought I had given a correct analysis of the symbols of the chapter, yet I could not claim it to be wisdom, since I could not interpret the number. I suggested, however, that if ours be the correct understanding of the time in which we are living-the "harvest" of the age-and if our general application of these symbols be correct, the number should soon be understood. I urged examination on the subject by all, for the Lord is sometimes pleased to give wisdom through the weakest of his children. "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast ordained praise. " R323 : page 9 About three months after, I received a long letter from one of the thinking brethren of that place, saying that he thought he had the key; and I think he has; it certainly fits the lock in every particular. I will give it to you very much as he suggested it. His process of reasoning was as follows: Jesus, who gave this revelation to us (Rev. 1:1), well knew that this symbol could not be understood until about the present time, for the reason that the Image was only made in 1846. Jesus also knew, of course, that English would be the language used by probably four- fifths of his earnest truth-seeking children, in the "time of the end. "He knew, also, that not many wise, not many great, not many learned in all languages would be of the chosen "little flock. " Moreover, it was his custom to adapt his teachings to the "common people," and of this sort his Jewels have been from, the twelve disciples and since. Therefore it would appear that the number 666, should be open to the comprehension of us all— we being the ones told to count— as much so as were the other symbolic numbers of Danl. and Rev. Let us try, then, to apply these figures in English. *[This is the first application in English, known to the writer, but the reasonableness of it is obvious. ] First, then, the number is that of the [first] BEAST. Let us see whether it will apply to some of its names, That system which Paul calls the man of sin is the Roman Catholic power = 666. 123456 123456 123456 He is in Revelation called a BEAST Roman Catholic "Beast" = 666. The system is also called the "woman" (Rev. 17:18) Roman Catholic "woman" = 666. She calls herself the "Holy Catholic Church" = 666. She is really and truly (Rev. 17:5) "The Mother of Harlots" = 666. Thus we see that the number fits the BEAST well. The second BEAST was anxious to have exactly the same name, and in fact it claimed to have the pre-eminent right to the name- "Holy Catholic church," = 666. Other names by which it is often known, are- "English State Church," = 666. "The Episcopal Church," = 666. "Episcopalian Church," = 666. "The Church of England," = 666. This application of the number, will doubtless appear to some too simple to be accepted, but thus God ever deals with us-hiding truth under the vail of its own simplicity, so that it may appear to the Greek (worldly wise) foolishness, but unto them which believe (not to those who believe without evidence, but who believe on the strongest kind of evidence -the harmony of His Word) the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Cor. 1:23.) The Image causes all who claim relationship, or whom it recognizes, as having a right to buy or sell— teach— to have as a creed, that which shall mark them as having either "the name" of the BEAST, or the "number" of his name— 666. Many take the name and in their creeds recite, "I believe in the "Holy Catholic Church" = 666. Among those who thus openly mark themselves in their forehead (by their creeds) are Episcopalians, Methodists, Presbyterians and others. But others give a seeming support (mark in their hand) to the general principal by organizing under various sectarian names. After these are blended in the IMAGE, (and no one would be admitted to membership in the Evangelical Alliance, unless he be a member of some such sect), they all are collectively known as the "Protestant Churches," = 666. Which we see contains the Beast's number. If we for instance were to organize, though we protest more than all others against the errors of Rome, and R323 : page 10 also against the errors of the Image and second BEAST, yet we would not be reckoned one of the "Protestant churches," because we would not be recognized as orthodox— They would not count our organization a church. Should you inquire for our meetings and ask-Is that a protestant church which meets here? the answer would come— Oh, no; they are not Evangelical. They have no creed to mark them, so that the Alliance can decide whether they are an Evangelical Protestant Church or not. B. This does truly seem wonderful. I can see how some have it in their foreheads, making manifest by their creeds, forms, and titles, that which marks them as being partakers of some of the abominations of system and doctrine, which for centuries has been the mark of the Leopard BEAST. I can see, too, as I never saw before, that many of the mightiest WORKERS in the nominal church are working for their own section, arm or branch of this Image. I can see how much of what purports to be WORK FOR JESUS, may in reality, be devotion and sacrifice to the building up of a sect, or the carrying out of some humanly imposed burden. But I think we should always discriminate between the SYSTEMS, and those dear ones, some of whom seem to possess so much of the Spirit of Christ, who are bound by them. A. I fully agree with you; the distinction should be always remembered. But let me say that I think quite a good many, are still connected with and lending their names and influence to these organizations, which are BEAST marked, who are in heart out of all sympathy with them, and who hate as anti-Christ, every system which would in any sense take the place of the true HEAD of the church; and who will neither worship Conferences, Presbyteries, or Popes, but who "worship God. "These, however, are fast becoming aware that membership in the true church, (whose names are written in heaven,) is in no way affected by the disfellowship of the various human organizations, each calling itself the true church. They are learning too, that the true communion of saints and union of hearts, is dependent, not on creeds to bind together as members of ONE BODY, but on love and common interest in the HEAD and in each other, in whom we find the head's spirit of love and obedience to the Father's word. B. I know that you believe the Jewish Church to have been a picture or shadow of the nominal Gospel Church. Do you find any parallel to this Image worship in the shadow? A. Yes, Israel was carried captive to Babylon; there an Image was set up, and all were commanded to worship it. We have heretofore seen that Babylon, to be a type, or shadow of the nominal church. It is for this reason that the name Babylon is applied to it in Revelation. Papacy's was the greatest confusion or mixture of church and world, but all the reforms have been but partial, and the reformed churches are in much of the same confused (Babylon) condition. Papacy was "Babylon the GREAT" (Rev. 17:5), but in the time of "HARVEST" the Lord calls the entire system BABYLON. Here, as in the shadow, the command first comes for all to worship the HEAD of Babylon (Papacy), and afterward an IMAGE was made, and all were commanded to worship it. In the first type, Daniel alone refused to worship any but the true God. (Dan. 6:7. )In the second type there were more- the three "Israelites indeed," refused to worship the Image. (Dan. 3:18.) So, too, the number of true ones who are not worshiping the Image now, are probably three to one, who did not worship the Beast. For their refusal they were bound and cast into a fiery furnace. So here those who do not worship the IMAGE are bound, hindered, their influence circumscribed, and they are speedily in a "FIERY FURNACE"-of tribulation, either in their families or communities or in their business. In the words of Revelation— they are killed and hindered from buying and selling. But behold, they were unharmed by the fire; it will soon be manifest to all, that they are not bound, and furthermore that there is with them the form of the FOURTH. Yes, the HEAD-the TRUE HEAD is with those who will not bow when all others bow; who heed not the enchanting music of the hour; these are overcomers. (See Dan. 3:6.) As in the type deliverance came, so in the antitype, deliverance will fully come— the first resurrection glory-to those who have "not worshiped the BEAST, neither his IMAGE, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands; and THEY lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years-this is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that have part in the first resurrection. " Rev. 20:4-6. page 10 B. O, my brother, I realize that the victor, in God's sight, is no half- hearted, no half-consecrated one, but one willing and glad to follow the Word of his God, and trust in it though opposed by all the Scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites-those who will be tested in their love and respect for God by the strongest attachments, and yet prove themselves faithful by overcoming. A. Yes, brother- R323 : page 10 Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone; Dare to have your purpose firm, And dare to make it known. " *This superstition as to the authority of the Church of England is seen to-day, even among intelligent persons— New translations of the Scriptures are refused, and the King James' Version preferred, because forsooth it was authorized to be read by the mighty King James, the HEAD OF "THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND IRELAND. " *In the common version and in the more modern Greek texts, this number is spelled out, six hundred and sixty-six; but in the ancient Greek MSS. the numerals are used, 666. R324 : page 10 RANSOM OR PARDON--WHICH? The failure to discern the distinction between ransom and pardon, has led to much confession of faith. Christian people of general intelligence will quote texts relative to our being ransomed from the tomb, redeemed from death, bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ, etc. , and in the same breath they speak of the Father's gracious pardon of all offences. Seemingly few seem to think, for many must know, that pardon and ransom, express exactly opposite thoughts. Webster defines ransom, to mean— "to redeem from captivity, or to forfeit by paying an equivalent. " His definition of redeem, is- "to purchase back, to regain possession of by paying of a stipulated price. " His definition of Pardon is— "to remit the penalty" or "to suffer to pass without punishment" -"to refrain from exacting a penalty. " The most ordinary thinker must see, that these words are as opposite as could be; all can see that both could not be true of the same thing. If Jesus did redeem us— ransom us, by paying an equivalent, thus purchasing the release from death, then our Father did not PARDON us; that is, He did not suffer our sins "to pass without punishment," but "Laid upon Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all. " (Isa. 53:6.)Then God did not (pardon), remit the penalty; for "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. " (1 Cor. 15:3.) The general difficulty seems to be, that people use the words, forgive and pardon, as though they were the same, whereas they are not so: Webster's primary definition of FORGIVE is—to give away, to make over, to resign, "to cease to feel resentment against," or, "to cease to impute" —to remit. Webster also gives, as a secondary meaning of forgiveness, the generally accepted sense— pardon. But note the difference in the primary meaning of the words: Pardon "refrains from exacting a penalty" while forgiveness signifies much less, viz. , that a claim is made over to some one else. Thus Jehovah sold or "made over" or resigned to Jesus, the claims of Justice on mankind; and thus Jesus bought us with his own precious blood. Thus we see, too, that when "we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son," it was because he forgave us, i. e. , "ceased to feel resentment against" us (Web. def.) because our ransom price had been paid as provided by himself, who so loved us that he gave His son to redeem us. Thus, too, "God was in Christ RECONCILING the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. " The sins had been imputed to mankind, until Jesus died, then God FORGAVE i. e. , "ceased to impute," (Webster's def.) to us, what had been paid by our RANSOM. Now mark clearly that God did not PARDON, i. e. , "refrain from exacting the penalty," but "Laid upon Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all. " He bore our sins (penalty) in his own body on the tree. (1 Pet. 2:24.) And now we see how God forgave us freely for CHRIST'S SAKE, i. e. , because He paid the penalty which was the full satisfaction of Justice. Not that God desired to destroy men and Jesus appeased his wrath; no, God's love for the world was the cause of the redemption or purchase. "God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son" to purchase -redeem them. Yes, the whole plan is of God. (Rom. 11:36.) But it should not be supposed, that God compelled the just one to die for the unjust. No, Justice could not inflict punishment upon one for another's sin. The Scriptures declare -He laid down his life, of himself; not for fear of Divine wrath; not because compelled; but for the joy that was set before him, (the Father's promises of high exaltation to glory, honor, and immortality: and for the joy of redeeming and restoring mankind and of bringing many sons to glory) HE ENDURED THE CROSS. Heb. 12:2. Now notice, the Greek words— Apoluo, Aphiemi, and Aphesis, translated -forgiveness, forgiven, and forgive, in the New Testament, have the same significance as the corresponding English words: or as given by Young- "To let go," or "to send away. "Mark well, it does not mean as some seem to infer— to send away without an equivalent. It does not mean that God will let go the sinner unconditionally. But God will let go the prisoners out of death, because he has found a RANSOM. (Job 33:24.) Yes, Jesus gave himself a RANSOM (an equivalent price) for all: (1 Tim. 2:6.) Therefore, "all that are in their graves (prisoners in the pit) shall hear his voice and come forth. Though the word pardon does not occur in the New Testament, a Greek word of nearly the same meaning does occur, viz: Karazomai- It signifies, to forgive freely. We will give some illustrations of the use of this word, from which you will see that it does not oppose but confirms our statements, that our Father does not pardon, or unconditionally set sinners free, from sin's penalty. (The words forgive and forgave as translated from this word Karazomai occur in all, only twelve times.) "Forgiving one another. . . even as Christ forgave you. " (Col. 3:13.) "When they had nothing to pay he frankly forgave them both. ""He to whom he forgave most. " (Luke 7:42, 43.) Here are four instances in which it is FREE forgiveness, or PARDON. But notice it is not Jehovah, but Christ and the disciples who do the free forgiving. Jesus was in the very act of paying the ransom price of both Simon, Mary, and others, and realizing that Justice would be satisfied by his act, he, as the purchaser, could freely forgive them. We wish that all our readers might hereafter be able to appreciate the difference between pardoned and forgiveness, or reconciliation toward us as based on our "redemption through his (Jesus') blood. " (Col. 1:14.) All will admit that God is JUST; and if so, he did not inflict too severe a sin penalty on man when he deprived him of life. Now, if that penalty was just, 6000 years ago, it is still a just penalty, and will be just for all coming time. If the penalty was too severe, and God pardons the sinner from further continuance of the penalty, it proves that God was then, or is now UNJUST. If it was right 6000 years ago to deprive mankind of life because of sin, it would be always wrong to restore the life, unless the sin were paid for-canceled. This could only be accomplished by another being of the same kind, whose right to life was unforfeited, giving himself as a substitute or ransom. It is written: "There is none righteous -no, not ONE. "Therefore none, in the sight of justice, have a right to life; and God could not justly give pardon and life to those whom his own Justice had already condemned; to do so, would be to make Mercy and Love over-ride Justice, and such a warfare is not supposable in God's attributes. No, if the Love and Mercy of God would benefit men, it must be done in harmony with Justice. And it was; LOVE provided the ransom (1 John 4:10.)And MERCY uses the same ONE [Christ, head and body] as its agent in blessing the world of men. "Forever firm Thy JUSTICE stands, As mountains their foundations keep. " This very principle of JUSTICE which underlies all of our Father's doings is the ground of our strong confidence in all his promises. Our Father declares that He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; with Him is no variableness at all, neither shadow of turning. (Jam. 1:17.) If He were so changeable as to condemn to a penalty in Adam's day, and 6000 years after to revoke and annul His own decision, what security could we have that in 6000 years, more or less, He might not change again, and remand us to the prison-house of death by REVOKING THE PARDON of some or of all. And we have no foundation for hope, except in the fact that Christ died for us. THE TABERNACLE AND ITS TEACHINGS WITH NOTES ON THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY "For there was a tabernacle made...which was a figure for the time then present." But Christ being come an High Priest of good things--to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with bands...by his own blood he entered in once into the [antitypical] Holy Place [Tabernacle] have obtained eternal redemption for us." Heb. 9: 2, 9, 11, 12. SUPPLEMENT TO FEB. MO ON'S WATCH TOWER PITTSBURGH, PA., U.S.A. 1882 THE TABERNACLE AND ITS TEACHINGS WITH NOTES ON THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY "For there was a tabernacle made...which was a figure for the time then present." But Christ being come an High Priest of good things--to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with bands...by his own blood he entered in once into the [antitypical] Holy Place [Tabernacle] have obtained eternal redemption for us." Heb. 9: 2, 9, 11, 12. SUPPLEMENT TO FEB. MO "ZION'S WATCH TOWER PITTSBURGH, PA., U.S.A. 1882 PREFACE THIS pamphlet is prepared for thinking Christians especially those, who "by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Heb. 5: 11-14) The author has sought to present not so much the details of the Tabernacle structure and its furniture, as an explanation of the teachings, and of the significance of the typical sacrifices. The former have-been frequently described at length by other writers. In the interpretation of the types we accept as correct, only such interpretation, as is found in harmony with other features of the same type, and with the plan and Word of God in general. When we find this, and we believe it to be the case in those explanations offered in this little work, then we feel sure that we have the truth on the subject. As many of the thoughts are new, the readers will generally be more benefited by a second or third reading than by the first. This pamphlet is dedicated to the Priests and Levites of the Gospel Age-The body of Christ, and Household of Faith-praying the God of all grace that it may be blest to such as have an "ear to hear." The Author Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.A., February 1, 1882 THE TABERNACLE CHAPTER 1. A DESCRIPTION OF ITS FURNITURE ITS APARTMENTS-ITS PEOPLE. The Tabernacle which god commanded Israel to construct in the Wilderness, and in connection with which, all their religious services and ceremonies were instituted, is, as Paul assures us, a shadow of good things to come. (Heb. 8: 5; 10:1; Col. 2:17). In fact the whole nation of Israel, with their laws and their religious services and ceremonies, was typical of the spiritual Israel, with their higher privileges, developed during the Gospel Age. This being true, our understanding of the plan and work of salvation now in progress, as will as its future developments, cannot fail to be greatly increased and cleared by a careful study of that Jewish shadow, which they repeated year by year continually for our edification, who live in this Gospel Age. (1 Pet. 1:12) It is not simply to gain a historical knowledge of the Jewish forms, ceremonies, and worship, that we come to the investigation of this subject, but that we may be edified by understanding the substance from an examination of the shadow, as god designed in arranging it. We would fail to attach sufficient weight and importance to the shadow, unless we realize how carefully God guided and directed all of its details: First, taking Moses up into the mount and giving him an illustration of just how things were to be made; Secondly, charging him to be very careful-"See, saith He, that thou make all things after the pattern showed thee in the mount." (Heb. 8:5, Ex. 25:40). So too, with all the minutia of the service; every jot and tittle must be performed in the type, because it illustrated something great and grand coming after. And in order that these shadows might all be exactly performed, and that the people might not become careless, the usual penalty for any violation was death: For instance-2 Sam. 6:6, 7; Lev. 10:2; Ex. 28:43; Num. 4:15, 20: 17: 13. Realizing God's care in making the "shadow,'" should not only give us confidence in its correctness-that not one jot or tittle of it shall fail until all shall be fulfilled (Matt. 5:18)-But, it should also awaken in us so great an interest in god's plan, as would lead us to examine closely, and search carefully, for the meaning of those shadows: And this, with God's promised blessing we now propose to do, assured that among those who are truly God's consecrated ones-children begotten of the Spirit-"He that seeketh; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened." The Tabernacle represented spiritual (heavenly) conditions; the furthest-Most Holy-representing the perfect spiritual condition in which Jehovah's glory is seen. The glory within testified to the majesty of his presence, while the cloud without was a continual reminder of their separation from him. The directions given to Moses for its construction may be found in Ex. 25 to 27, and the account of the performance of the work in Ex. 35 to 40. Briefly stated, the Tabernacle was constructed of a series of boards, "overlaid" or plated with gold and set on end into sockets of silver, and firmly fastened together by bars of the same wood (Shittim) also covered with gold. This structure was 15 feet wide, 15 feet high, and 45 feet long (Shittim) also covered with gold. It was covered by a large linen cloth, with figures of cherubic woven into it, in blue, purple and scarlet colors. The open end, or front of the structure was closed by a curtain of similar material to the covering cloth-called the door, or first vail. Another cloth of the same materials and colors, and similarly woven with figures of cherubs, call "the Vail" (or second vail) was hung under the taches, thus dividing he Tabernacle into two apartments. The first or larger apartment (15 feet wide and 30 feet long) was called "The Holy."* The second apartment (15 feet wide and 15 feet long) was called "The Most Holy." Over this Tabernacle proper, was a tent to shelter it and protect it from the weather. It was made of a covering of goat's hair, another of ram skins dyed red, and another of badger skins-seal skins. The Tabernacle was surrounded by a yard or "court" toward the rear of which, it stood. This court 75 feet wide and 150 feet long was formed by linen curtains suspended from silver hooks, set in the tops of wooden posts 7-1/2 feet high, which were set in heavy sockets of brass (copper) and braced like the test with cords and pins. This enclosure was all holy ground, and was therefore called the "holy place"-also the "court of the Tabernacle." Its opening, like the door of the Tabernacle, was toward the east, and was called "the gate." It also was of linen embroidered with blue, purple and scarlet. It will be noticed that the three entrance passages, viz.: "the gate" to the court or "holy place"-"the door" to the "holy" and "the vail" to the "Most Holy" were of the same material and colors. *Frequently this in our translation is improperly called the "holy place;" and in such instances the word place will be found in italics, indicating that it has been supplied by the translators, as for instance in Ex. 26:33. This error is quite confusing as "the court" was properly called "the holy place." When place is not in italics, "the court" is always means. See Lev. 14:13 and 6:27. In some instances "The Holy is termed "The Tabernacle of the congregation" and called "the Holy place" (place in italics.) Instances, Lev. 16:17, 20, 33. In our description we will call those apartments severally, "The Camp," The Court," "The Holy" and "Most Holy." THE FURNITURE OF THE COURT consisted of but two pieces: the "Brazen Altar" and the "Laver." THE BRAZEN ALTAR First on entering the gate and immediately in front of it stood the Brazen Altar. This altar was made of woodland covered with copper, it was 7-1/2 feet square, 4-1/2 feet high. It had various utensils belonging to its service-fire plans, called censers, for carrying the fire to the Incense Altar; basins to receive the blood; flesh-hooks, shovels, etc. THE LAVER Next, between the Brazen Altar and the door of the Tabernacle, was the Laver. It was made of polished copper which served as a mirror, and was a receptacle for water for the washing of the priests before entering the Tabernacle. THE FURNITURE OF THE TABERNACLE consisted of a Table, a Candlestick and a Incense Altar in the holly, and the Ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy. THE TABLE OF SHEW BREAD Within the Tabernacle on the right (north) stood a wooden table overlaid with gold, and upon it were placed twelve cakes of unleavened bread in two rows or piles with frankincense on top of each pile. (Lev. 24:6) The bread was for the priests; it was holy, and was renewed every Sabbath day. THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK Opposite this table was the "candlestick" made of pure gold beaten work (hammered out) having seven branches and in each branch a lamp. It was the only light in "the holy," for as we have seen, the natural light was obscured by the walls and curtains- there were no windows. THE "GOLDEN INCENSE ALTAR" Further on, close up the "the Vail" stood a small altar of wood, covered with gold, called the "Golden Altar" or "Incense Altar." It had no fire upon it except as the priests brought it in the censers which they set in the top of this golden altar, and then crumbled the incense upon it, giving forth fragrant perfume. THE ARK OF THE TESTIMONY Beyond the vail, in the Most Holy, there was but one piece of furniture-the Ark. It was a rectangular box made of wood overlaid with gold, having a lid called the "Mercy Seat," which was of pure gold. Upon it (and of the same piece) were two cherubs of gold- beaten work. Within this ark (under the mercy seat) were placed the golden bowl of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the two tables of the law. (Heb. 9:4) Upon the mercy seat, a supernatural light appeared shining out between the cherubim: This was the only light in the Most Holy. It is noticeable that everything inside the Tabernacle was of gold, while in the court everything was of copper. Wood, which was used as the basis, and was covered by these metals was used, we believe, simply to make the articles lighter of weight, than if of solid metal. This would be an important consideration where they traveled continually. (The vessels of the Temple were of solid metals. 1 Kings 7:23, 48) These two metals, gold and copper, were used, we think, to represent two different natures-copper representing the human nature (in its perfection); and gold representing the divine nature-much alike in their appearance, yet different in quality, as the human is an image of the Diving Being. It will be noticed that the arrangement of the structure formed three general parts-the CAMP, COURT AND TABERNACLE The Camp represented the condition of the world of mankind in sin, typified by all Israel. These were separated from all holy things by the curtains of white linen, which to those within represent a wall of unbelief which hinders their view of, and access to holy things within. The only view of, and access to holy things within. The only way to enter "the court" or "holy place" is to come through the gate-"I am the way... no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6. The Court represented the condition of justification entered by faith in Christ, the "gate." Into this court, only Levites (type of believers) were allowed to come. These have access to the brazen altar and laver, and do service in the court, but have no right as Levites (believers) to go into the Tabernacle; no, nor even to look into it. (Num. 4:19,20) Here all things are of copper representing the perfect human condition. The Tabernacle represented the condition of all who have changed their nature; that is, those who have consecrated their human nature to death, and have become partakers of the Divine nature by being begotten of the Spirit. And no human being, be he ever so full of faith, be he washed from every sin and in God's sight justified freely from all things-reckoned perfect, can have any place or privilege in Divine things; not even to look into them. ("The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit... neither can he know them because they are spiritual discerned.)" 1 Cor. 2:14 All things in the Tabernacle are of gold representing the Divine nature. Only those of the Levites who were consecrated to the work of sacrifice (the Priests) had access to the Tabernacle. So only those of the household of faith, who are consecrated to sacrifice, enter the Divine condition represented by the Tabernacle. The court or justified human condition was entered by faith only; but while we must retain the faith that justifies, we must do more, if we would change our nature and become "new creatures"- -partakers of the Divine nature. If we would enter the Tabernacle or Divine condition, we must crucify the justified flesh, presenting our human wills and bodies a living sacrifice to God; no longer to seek for human pleasure, honors, praise, etc., but to be dead to these and alive to the heavenly ones. Yet we come into this condition also, through Christ Jesus our Lord. The two apartments of the Tabernacle, the Holy and the Most Holy, represented two phases of the Divine life. The Holy represented the present condition of those begotten of God through the Word. (Divine minded, "new creatures," dwelling this side of "the vail"-in the flesh.) The Most Holy represented our perfected condition as new creatures. When born from the dead in the resurrection. Then being beyond the vail-the flesh, we shall have our glorious spiritual bodies, as well as our spiritual minds. We shall be like our Leader, our forerunner beyond the vail, who, having entered, hath consecrated for us this new and living way (to the new life) beyond the vail, that is to say his flesh. The spiritual minded creature in the Holy, by faith looks forward through the rent vail into the Most Holy catching glimpses of the glory, honor and immortality beyond the vail. (Heb. 6:19; and 10:20) We see, then, that justification by faith, brings us into a condition of peace with God. Our sins being forgiven, we are a step nearer to God, but still human- -in the court. If we would attain to the prize of our high calling which is of God in Christ Jesus, entering in through the Holy to the Most Holy, we must follow in THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS our Leader and Head-the High Priest of our profession. By faith in his ransom we have entered the gate to the court-the vail of unbelief is passed. By renouncing our human will and all our human aspirations and hopes, we pass the second vail, or vail of human mindedness, counting our human will as dead; henceforth not consulting it, but the will of God only. We now find ourselves as "new creatures" in The Holy-in the first of the "the Heavenlies" or Holies (Eph. 2:6) E. Diaglott); and here we are enlightened by the Golden Candlestick, (God's Word) refreshed and strengthened daily with the truth as bread (lawful only for the Priests to eat). And thus enlightened and strengthened, we are daily offering up spiritual sacrifice at the Golden Altar, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ-a sweet perfume to our Father. Thus, all such are in a heavenly or holy condition now-seated at rest and communion) with Christ in the first of those heavenly places" seated at rest and communion) with Christ in the first of those heavenly places" but not yet in the Holiest of all. No, another vail must first be passed: As the passing of the proceeding vail was the death of the human will, so the passing of the second vail is the death of the human body; and it requires both to complete our sacrifice: Both fleshly mind and fleshly body must first be passed before we shall be in the "Holiest of all"-made perfect-born into the Divine condition. With these thoughts as to the three conditions represented by these three places-Camp, Court and Tabernacle, let us notice particularly the three classes occupying these conditions- viz., the World, Believers and Consecrated Believers; typified respectively by ISRAELITES, LEVITES AND THE PRIESTHOOD In understanding the significance of the Tabernacle service, it is necessary, not only to get a clear idea of the structure, its furniture, and their typical signification, but also of the actors and their significance, as types. Israel is used in many instances to typify the Gospel Church. For instance: When they left Egyptian bondage, they were a type of God's children who hear his call to come out from the world and engage in his worship. The wilderness journey represents the tedious pilgrimage through which many pass, seeking the promised Canaan-"Come unto me and I will give you rest." As in the type, so in reality, the promised Canaan of rest is not afar off, if they had faith enough to go up and take it. God has made abundant provision for them. Yet they journey through the wilderness of sin seeking rest, but finding none, because they lack faith in God's promises. Some wander thus a long time; some never enter the Canaan rest because of unbelief. But while Israel according to the flesh, is thus an in many other ways used to typify the spiritual Israel; yet, it is a totally different type, as we are now examining it, in its relations to the Tabernacle. Here, Israel unquestionably typifies the whole world of mankind. The sin offering sacrifices, atonement, etc. Made typically for them (and them only) were typical of better sacrifices and atonement, made o n behalf of the whole world: "For He is a propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2) In a word, Israel was a type, as well as the Tabernacle, Priests, Levites, and Sacrifices. And that which was there done in pictures, is, since the first coming of Christ, being carried out on a higher plane and on a larger scale. The latter the reality, of which that was the type or shadow. As Israel typified the world, so the tribe of Levites, we believe, typified the "Household of faith," or all believers in Jesus and his ransom. The Priesthood-one body under one chief of High Priest-was typical of the "little flock" who are to be-with their "Head" or "High Priest- Kings and Priests, to reign on the earth. (Rev. 5:10) But before these members of the body of Christ shall be united to their Head and begin their reign, they must first "suffer with Him" in making the sacrifices, as we will shortly see. (2 Tim. 2:12) Peter tells us who were typified by the priests, when addressing those who are sanctified, he says: (1 Peter 1:2 and 2:5,9) "Ye are ...an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. "Ye are.. .a royal priesthood." That the head or chief of this priesthood-"little flock"-is Jesus, is repeatedly mentioned by the apostles. We give but one quotation: "Holy brethren (the Royal Priesthood) partakers of the Heavenly calling, consider the apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. (Heb. 3:1) As we now pass to the consideration of the inauguration of the typical priesthood, we notice that the tribe of Levites (typical of believers, or those on the justified plane) existed for a long time before the priesthood was instituted. So in the antitype, the royal priesthood began with the anointing of Jesus (at baptism, Luke 3:22, Acts 10:38) but believers, justified by faith in Christ, had lived long before that. For instance-Abraham who believed God and was justified by his faith. (Rom. 4:2,3 ) Though even the type had not yet come in his day, yet Abraham as a justified believer was a member of the "household of faith," typified by the Levites- though not of the "royal priesthood." CHAPTER n ANOINTING THE PRIESTHOOD In this ceremony as in every other, relating to the ordination and work of the priesthood, it will be well to notice that Jesus was the first-the leader, Captain, Forerunner-teaching clearly that none preceded him, hence that none of the Patriarchs or Prophets are of the "little flock"-"the royal priesthood"-the Bride, the Lamb's wife." Though they will be greatly blessed as the Lord's ministers-Levites, it will not be so grandly high as the position of priests. "The narrow way to life "(Immortality) was not opened up until Jesus came. He was the first to walk on it. He "brought life and immortality to light." (2 Tim. 1:10) And though all believers (Levites) shall become possessors of everlasting life, [and the world (Israel) also, if they will accept it-during the Millennial age] yet, only the priesthood, who overcome and follow their Leader in the narrow way to life- sacrificing the human-thus seeking glory, Honor and Immortality, will ever become the possessors of that unlimited degree of life called Immortality, as yet possessed only by Jehovah and our Lord Jesus. (See "Food for Thinking Christians," page 134, or "Zion's Watch Tower," Sept. 1881, page 7-"The narrow way to life.") Under the Law the anointing was the ceremony by which the Priests were installed in God's service. The Priests were anointed to their office with a peculiar ointment, called the holy anointing oil, used upon none but the Priests, and unlawful for any one else to have or to make under penalty of death. Ex. 30:25-33 This oil typified the Holy Spirit of adoption whereby we are sealed. Only the consecrated ones are ever to be anointed thus. Aaron, the typical High Priest, represented Jesus the head, and the church as members of the body of the great High Priest. Being but a sinful man he had to be washed in order to fitly represent the purity of the antitype. Aaron was then clothed with the holy garments of "glory and of beauty," (Ex. 28) and then the anointing oil was poured on his head. Each article of the glorious apparel was typical of qualities and powers of the Great Deliverer-head and body, which Jehovah discerned looking down to "the magnification of the Sons of God," and the fulfillment in them of his promises. THE HIGH PRIEST IN GARMENTS OF "GLORY AND BEAUTY" And these are the garments ...a breastplate, and an ephod, and an upper robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre and a girdle. (Ex. 28: 4) The linen coat represents the High Priest's purity, while its embroidery showed the outgrowth of that character in works. The mitre, a strip of fine linen, worn around the forehead, to which was fastened with a blue lacer, the golden plate or crown, shows that the crown is righteously his. Upon the golden plate was inscribed, "Holiness to the Lord," thus proclaiming: This great High Priest is entirely devoted to the accomplishment of Jehovah's purposes. The golden crown proclaims his royalty: He is to be "a priest upon his throne"-a priest forever (for the age) after the order of Melchizedek. (Psa. 110:4) The linen girdle indicates a righteous servant; linen-righteousness; girdle- servitude. The upper robe, made of blue represents his faithfulness. The fringe of it was made of golden bells and pomegranates. The pomegranate, being a choice fruit, showed that his faithfulness bore fruit; the gold bells, that God witnessed to his faithfulness. The ephod was made of a cloth of purple, blue, scarlet, white and gold threads; interwoven skillfully and beautifully. It was of two parts, one hanging in front and the other over the back. These two parts were fastened together by two gold clasps which rested on the shoulders. This ephod, we believe, typified two covenants: the Abrahamic represented by the front part, and the New Covenant represented by the back part, both of which are thus shown to be dependent on this High Priest. They are laid on him; if he fails to support them, they must fall to the ground. But thank god, they are firmly clasped on him by the Gold clasps, (Divine power) as well as bound to him by the "Curious girdle"-a cord made of the same materials as the ephod. This girdle seems to say, this is a servant; and as this is the girdle of the ephod it tells us that this one is-The messenger (servant) of the Covenant whom ye delight in." (Mai 3:1) The Abrahamic Covenant truly, is partly fulfilled in the person of the High Priest- who is the Seed, the spiritual seed, which is to bless all. But we have seen that the Abrahamic covenant has two phases: the Heavenly, spiritual seed, and the fleshly seed, the literal descendants of Abraham; the latter the only one recognized by Abraham, the spiritual being hid in the natural. During the Gospel Age the spiritual seed develops and becomes members of the body of the High Priest growing up into the head. But after this spiritual seed has been developed, that phase of the covenant, understood by Abraham and all his descendants to this day, will be fulfilled. So say Paul: "As concerning the Gospel (the spiritual part of the covenant) they are enemies for your sakes; but as touching the election they are (still) beloved for the father's sake. For the gifts and callings of God are not things he will repent of. For this is my covenant to them. There shall come out of Zion (the spiritual church) the delivered, [this great High Priest,* the servant of the covenant-- Jesus the head and the "little flock" his body] and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Rom. 11:26-29 So then, after the body of Christ, the spiritual seed is complete, the Abrahamic covenant must have a fulfillment to the fleshly seed; that fleshly seed must become great "as the sand by the seashore" as the heavenly seed is likened to the "the stars of heaven." They must first be turned to righteousness and truth, and then become an agency through which the spiritual seed will operate to bless all mankind with truth and knowledge. Thus the earthly phase of the Abrahamic covenant is seen still to depend on and to be upheld by the Great High Priest, who is also the mediator of the "New Covenant which God promises to make when the Day of Atonement is ended and he has taken away their sins. (Jer. 31:31, Ezk. 11:19 and 36:24), Rom. 11:27) This new covenant is typified by the back part of the ephod. The scarlet, blue purple, etc., which composed the ephod, indicated the conditions of the covenant; the scarlet shows how god provides redemption from the Adamic curse through the blood of the ransom; the white linen indicated the restoration of man to his original purity; the blue vouchsafes to him the ability to faithfully maintain his righteous character; the purple proclaims the restoration of the royalty of earth as possessed by Adam, earth's first monarch. All of these blessings are woven together-made sure, by the Divine power of the anointed Priest, as shown by the interwoven golden thread. That part of the Abrahamic covenant referring to the spiritual seed, is represented as complete in God's sight. They all as Good sees them, are born of the spirit to t he completeness of the Divine nature, represented by the gold, and in the person of the Priest. Thus Jehovah has laid all these covenants upon one who is both mighty and willing to execute these glorious covenanted blessings-"in due time." The Breastplate of Judgment was placed on the front of the ephod. It was suspended by a gold chain from the clasps on the shoulders, and was fastened to the ephod by a lacer, through golden rings-this fastening being so concealed underneath, that to the casual observer it might appear to be a part of the ephod. (Exo. 28:26-28) This breastplate represents beautifully the Law. It was not a part of the Abrahamic covenant but "It was added" to it. (Gal. 3:19) As the Israelite regarded them, not seeing the hidden connection, the covenant to Abraham and "the law which was 430 years after," were all one: but Paul shows us that there are two parts-two seeds-to this covenant: the spiritual, and the natural. The covenant and the Law were distinct "to the end that the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the Law, but to that also which is of the faith. " Rom. 4: 16 This Law emblem (the breastplate) was one of the most beautiful of the High Priest's garments; it was made of the same materials as the ephod. It had in it, set in gold, twelve precious jewels, in which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes. It was bound on his heart, indicating that it was his delight to keep it. As a "breastplate" of righteousness" it was covered him. That which condemned all imperfect ones was his pleasure-"I delight to do thy will O my god; yea, thy law is within my heart." (Psa. 40:8) The breastplate was two spans long and one wide, folded in the middle, i.e., a span long and a span wide double. The size, a span, indicates that the Law of God is the full measure of a perfect man's ability-- Jesus, being perfect, was the only one who ever kept it literally, while his body has his righteousness imputed. Its being double of the same size and measure represents the letter and the spirit of the law. The front part contained the jewels and was hung by the gold chain to the gold clasps of the ephod; the under part was fastened to the ephod. This latter, tied to the ephod (covenant) seems to represent the law in letter as presented to fleshly Israel. The former, or front part seems to illustrate the spirit of the law as kept by the true Israel-or overcomers-- ,, the righteousness of the law fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit." (Rom. 8:4) The law of love. Pure gold being a symbol of divine things, the dependence of this part of the Law by a gold chain, from the gold clasps, seems to teach that the Law is kept by divine power; and so we know, it is by divine strength that we walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. It is this phase of the Law which bears the "jewels" set in gold representative of the true Israel. "They shall be mine in the day that I come to make up my jewels." Thus embedded in gold (the divine nature) and upheld by the golden chain of divine promises, what wonder that "the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us." The equality of size, of the two parts of the breastplate seems to illustrate what we have seen to be frequently taught elsewhere in Scripture, viz.: that the Jewish and Gospel ages are of equal size and measure; the Jewish a type or picture of this age. As Aaron stood there clothed in these typically glorious and beautiful robes and anointed with the holy oil, his head representing Jesus-the head of the priesthood, and his body representing the church complete in him, how impressive his significance, as a type of the World's High Priest, undefiled, and clothed with power and authority to carry out Jehovah's covenants. We see the body again typified individually by the under priests who wore bonnets covering their own heads to indicate that they were not the head of the Priesthood, but members of his body. God gave Jesus "to be the head over all things to the church which is his body." (Eph. 1:22,23) It is for this reason that Paul insists that a woman's head should be covered as indicating that she is not the head; the husband and wife being typical of Jesus and his Bride-the church of the first- born. These under priests were robed in linen garments, the imputed righteousness of Jesus, and girdled, showing that they were servants under their head. As Aaron had the holy oil poured upon his head, so our head, Jesus was anointed with the antitypical oil-the Holy Spirit-when he was thirty years of age, on the banks of Jordan, at the time of this consecration. There He was "anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows"-as head over all the joint heirs. A measure of the Spirit is given to every man who thus consecrates; but Jehovah gave "not the Spirit by measure unto Him." (John 3:34) John saw and bore record that our High Priest was thus anointed (John 1:32; Luke 4:1), and Peter adds his testimony (Acts 10:38) "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power." The anointing oil was poured only upon the head. The under priests were not anointed individually. Since they were recognized as members of the High Priest' s body, they received their anointing through the head. The oil "ran down even unto the skirts of his garments" (Psa 133:2) thus representing how the members of his body, are all to be partakers of the same anointing after their head. "T anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you." 1 John 2:27) This oil began to reach the body on the day of Pentecost and flows on down through this Gospel Age, anointing all who are truly baptized into Christ, to be with their head, Kings and Priests unto God; to reign a thousand years. (Rev. 20:6) We thus see that Aaron robed and anointed represented the entire Christ (anointed one)-"The seed" in which God is about to bless all the families of the earth. But let us not forget that we have been viewing the Great Deliverer from God's standpoint, and with Him looking down to the time of his manifestation-the dawn of the Millennial day— when all the members have come into the body and when the "holy oil" has run down "even to the skirts of his garments" anointing every member. Then he will begin the work of blessing mankind. For the glorious reign of this Kingly Priest, we constantly pray-'Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth." CHAPTER IK. CONSECRATING THE PRIESTHOOD Lev. 8:14, 33 This requirement of the Law was typical of the entire consecration of the human nature of Jesus and his body, to the will of Jehovah-his obedience even unto death; and the obedience of the members of his body suffering the same with him. All the body represented by Aaron's sons, as well as the Head, represented by Aaron, are by the sacrifices now being made, consecrated for their future work as kings and priests, to restore and rule and bless mankind. When this consecration is made, they have given ALL they had. But their extremity is Jehovah's opportunity, and when they have consecrated all they had to destruction, they are begotten of God to a new nature-the spiritual; and not only so, but to the highest order of the spiritual-the Divine nature; and as such they are owned as sons of God. (Gal 4: 4,7 and 2 Pet. 1:4) The type now shows these two natures: the higher is represented by Aaron and his sons, while the human is represented by a bullock. The bullock for the sin offering was brought "and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of it, thus saying, this sacrifice represents our human nature. From that moment, all that happened to the bullock, represents what was to be done to Jesus and his body-the church-as human beings. The bullock is delivered up to "the Law" -(represented by Moses) to meet its demands. To thus meet the demands of the law, it must be slain-" And Moses slew it." Then he applies the blood to the horns of the altar. The "finger'" of the "Law" thus pointed out that the altar of earthly sacrifices was acceptable to God by reason of the shed blood (the life given), and that all who realize the power of the altar (Horns are symbols of power) must recognize first the blood which sanctified it. The blood poured at the bottom of the altar, shows that through the blood of the sacrifice (life given) even the earth was purchased back from the curse which sin brought upon it. See Eph. 114: "Unto the redemption of the purchased possession.") And Moses took the bullock, his hide, flesh, etc. And burned them with fire without the camp. (Vs. 17) Thus the humanity of the Christ complete-head and body-is made a sin offering, suffering the destruction to which the world was doomed, and from which, through the sacrifice, they shall ultimately be delivered. But while the human existence is destroyed, as represented by the burning of the bullock without the camp, God accepts the loving zeal which says, Lo, I come to do thy will O God." "I delight to do thy will O my God"-as represented by the offering on the altar, of the fat and parts of the inward life-producing organism, as a sweet savor unto the Lord. Other features of the same consecration are shown by the two rams mentioned in verses 18 and 22. The first mentioned is the ram for burn offering. Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon its head, thus indicating that it represented them. It was killed; its blood sprinkled the altar; and Moses "cut the ram into pieces and wash the inwards and legs in water" and "burnt the head and pieces, and the fat.," Thus Jesus and his body, the church are being presented before God on the altar, during the entire Gospel Age. The head was laid there first, and since, all who are "dead with him," cleansed, as in the type, by the washing of water through the word. Its burning on the altar shows how God accepts this "as a sweet smelling savor." The second ram, "the ram of consecration," shows what effect the sacrifice will have upon us, as the first showed how God received it. Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon its head-it represented them. And Moses slew it and took its blood- (consecrated life and put it upon each separately -(Consecration is an individual work). And he put it upon the tip of the right ear, thumb of right hand and great toe of the right foot. Thus, by our consecration, we are enabled to have the "hearing of faith" and to appreciate God's promises as none but the consecrated can. Our hands are consecrated, so that whatsoever our hands find to do, we do it with our might as unto the Lord. Our feet are consecrated so that henceforth we "walk not as other Gentiles," but "walk in newness of life," walk by faith," "walk in the spirit," "walk in the light," and even "as ye received Christ, so walk in him." The choice portions of the ram, inwards and fat, representing our best powers, were taken in t heir hands, and waved, passed to and fro, before the Lord representing the fact that a consecrated offering is not given the Lord for the moment, or day, or year, but continually we keep our affections and powers uplifted before our Father, never ceasing until accepted of him as having finished our course. And Moses took them off their hands, God's acceptance shown by fire. When the love (fat) of our inmost being is laid upon the altar, it helps to increase the fire of God's acceptance. The more love there is connected with our consecration to God, the more quickly will it be accepted by Him as entire consecration. Upon this wave offering, while in their hands, were laid three cakes from a basketful. This offering was laid by Moses upon the hands of both high and under priests. The first unleavened cake, represented the actual purity of Jesus as a man, and the imputed purity of the church as men, as attested by the Law (Moses). The second unleavened cake mingled with oil, represented the indwelling spirit of God-Sanctification. The third wafer, mingled with honey represented our faith in the exceeding great and precious promises of Glory, Honor and Immortality. Honey, a type of the bliss of paradise, was never allowed to be burned in sacrifice; so it is earthly bless and pleasure only which we consecrate. Without these three elements, it is impossible for our consecration to be acceptable, viz: Justification (purity) Sanctification by the Spirit through the belief of the truth and faith in the promised Glorification. This consecration is in progress during the entire gospel Age; even when as individuals our offering has been waved and accepted, we are to abide in the Tabernacle, eating of the cakes, growing in grace and knowledge continually, by partaking of the assurances and promises of God's Word- for we shall live by the words (promises) which proceed from the mouth of God. The boiling of the flesh of consecration [vs. 31] was no part of the sacrifice; it was merely the preparing of the portion which they ate. It was all to be disposed of [ver. 32], showing how we are to be entirely consecrated and none of our time or powers wasted. The seven days of consecration [vss. 33 and 35] show again that we are consecrated to God's service not a part of our time only, but all of it, for seven is the complete number in Scripture and signifies all or the whole of whatever it is applied to. ("Seven Seals," "Trumpets," "Plagues," etc.) Ver. 36 shows the completion of the work of consecration. There never was a time when it was more necessary than now, to see to it that we "be dead with him," and our every ability waved before God, that he may accept and make use of our talents to his glory. Especially is it of interest to those who believe that very soon all the members of the body will be accepted with the head-a sweet savor to God, and the work finished. And if we fail to be among the priests now during the time of consecration, we cannot expect to be one of them when they begin their service for the people in the "ages to come-when these same priests (now despised of men, but a "sweet savor to God," shall have the tile of King added, and with their head- Jesus, rule and bless all nations. Do we wish to be among those who will sing to the praise of our great High Priest, "Thou hast made us unto our God, Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth?" If so, let us be fully consecrated now, for "If we suffer with him we shall also reign with him." (2 Tim. 2:12) CHAPTER IV THE GREAT DAY OF ATONEMENT Lev. 16:3-33 In considering this type we must, to appreciate it, remember that it is a picture by itself, of one particular part, of the work of the World's High Priest, yet in the more full and complete sense he is the head and we the members of the body of the World's High Priest, just as Aaron was high priest or chief of the under priests, while in a general sense, the whole priesthood was one, designed to minister for Israel who typified the world. These Levitical pictures primarily referring to the Head, when fully considered refer to the body complete. For instance, the ceremony of anointing commenced with the "Head,'" but the anointing applied to all the body during the entire age as we have seen. As the consecrating of the priesthood includes all the members of his body, and requires all the Gospel Age to complete it, so also with the sin offering or the sacrifice of atonement: it commenced with the Head and we "fill up the measure of the sufferings of Christ which are behind," and therefore this suffering requires all of the Gospel Age. The atonement day, which in the type, was but a twenty-four hour day, we see then in the antitype, to be the whole Gospel Age. So we see that all of these pictures are separate and distinct, and will all be complete at the end of the Gospel Age. And then shall the Great High Priest of the world (Jesus and His bride, made ONE, Head and members complete) stand forth crowned a King and Priest after the Melchizedek order. There he will stand before the world (manifest, recognized but unseen) not only as King and Priest, but also as the Great Prophet- "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, (Moses)... and it shall come to pass that the soul that shall not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people." When brought to a perfect knowledge and ability, perfect obedience will be required, and all who will not render it will be cut off from rife-the second death. (Acts 3:22,23) There he will stand, Priest of the Most High God and King of Salem, i.e., "King of Peace"-"A Priest upon His throne.." He came typically to the Jews in the end of their age as prophet, (teacher) as priest ("when he offered up Himself," Heb. 7:27) and as King (when he rode into their city at the close of his ministry). But they did not receive him in any of these offices. During the Gospel Age, his church or body has acknowledged him as "a teacher sent from God"-the great Prophet; as their High Priest and as their King or ruler. The word teaches however, that is not by the church only that he is to be accepted, but He (together with us as his body) shall be the Prophet for the people, the Priest for all the people, and the King over all people, nations and languages; Lord of all," Priest of all, Prophet or teacher of all. In the type of the Priests' consecration, we saw Aaron and his sons representing Jesus and his body as "new creatures," and a bullock representing their humanity; but in the type now to be considered, we find Aaron representing the entire anointed one (head and body), and the two sacrifices, a bullock and a goat, representing the separateness, yet similarity in suffering of their humanity, as the sin offering. The bullock represents Jesus at the age of thirty years-the perfect man who died on our behalf. The High Priest as we have already seen represents Jesus, anointed to be the head, and also all whom God foreknew as members of his body. The distinction which is here made between the human and the "new creature," should be clearly understood. We understand that Jesus, the man at thirty years, was he who was previously rich (of a higher nature), but who for our sakes became poor; that is, became a man that he might give the ransom for men-a man's life. (1 Cor. 15:21) Since the penalty of man's sin was death, he must become a man or he never could redeem man. A man had sinned and the penalty was death of man, and if Jesus would pay t he penalty he must be of the same nature, (but undefiled, separate from sin,) and die, that man might in due time be liberated from death. To do this Jesus made sacrifice of all that was human-glory as a perfect man, honor as a perfect man could claim it, comfort and ease as a perfect man could enjoy it, and finally life as a man. And this life, was all he had, having exchanged his life as a spiritual being, for the human, which he now makes "a sin offering" as typified by the bullock. Such was the promise of Jehovah to him, viz: that he would highly exalt him above the human plane, and above his pre-human condition; above all angels, principalities and powers, to his own right hand, (condition of chief favor, next to Jehovah a partaker of immortality-the Divine nature. For these and other joys set before him, Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Heb. 1:3) The new nature which was received instead of the human, and as a reward for its crucifixion, is what we understand to be here typified by the priest. While it is true that the sacrifice of the human was not finished until the cross, and that the Divine nature was not fully received until the resurrection, three days later, yet, in God's reckoning-and as shown in this type, the death of the human (the bullock) was complete when Jesus presented himself a living sacrifice at baptism-the type of his covenant of death. There he reckoned himself dead-dead to all human aims or hopes of human glory, honor or life, in the same sense that we are exhorted to reckon ourselves dead indeed to the world, but alive as new creatures unto God. Rom 6:11 This acceptance of Jesus by Jehovah as though dead indeed, was indicated by the anointing with the Holy Spirit-the earnest or guarantee of what he should receive when death had actually taken place. Thus considered, we see that the death of the bullock typifies the offering by Jesus of himself when he consecrated himself. This is in harmony with Paul's statement, that when Jesus consecrated- saying, Lo I come (as in the volume of the Scriptures it is written of me) to do thy will O god-to die. There he took away the first, or set aside the typical sacrifices that he might establish or fulfill the real sacrifices for sin. (Heb. 10:9, 14) Yes, there the slaying of the bullock occurred, and t he three years of Jesus' ministry showed that all human will was dead, and the body reckoned so from the moment of consecration. The anointed Jesus-filled with the Spirit; was the new divine creature (though not perfected as divine-until the resurrection) and that relationship he always claimed, saying-the works that I do are not mine [as a man] but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works-the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (John 14:10, 24) Not my will [as a man] but thine [Father-the divine] be done [in and to this earthen vessel consecrated to death]. (Mark 15:36) When the bullock was slain-when Jesus was consecrated, the work was done in "the Court" which we have seen typified the plan of human justification or perfection-the condition of faith in and harmony with God as men-a sinless condition-the highest attainment of the flesh. Jesus was in this condition, as a perfect man when he offered himself (the bullock in type) to God. Bearing in mind these distinctions, let us examine the work of the typical Atonement Day, that we may more clearly understand the reality. Aaron was washed, in order to fitly represent the sinlessness of the "new creature" (no one who has been begotten of God practices sin; because his seed abides in him and he cannot sin, because he has been begotten by God." 1 John 3:9, Em. Diaglott) The new nature cannot sin, and it keeps a constant watch over the old nature reckoned dead lest it come to life again. He was clothed with the linen garments, emblems of purity-the righteousness of saints. The robe of linen was an earnest of the glorious robe to follow; the linen girdle represented him as a servant through not so powerful as when girdled with the curious girdle of the ephod; the mitre of linen being the same as that belonging to the glorious apparel, proclaims his perfect righteousness now as then. So the High Priest-the Divine minded- spiritually begotten one, though not yet born of the Spirit, is able to accomplish the sacrifice of atonement. Aaron now brings his typical sacrifice as we read: "Thus shall Aaron come into the Holy Place (The Most Holy) with a young bullock for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering." And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering which is for (represents) himself, and make an atonement for himself (the members of his body-the under priests) and for his house" (all believers, the entire "household of faith"-the Levites. And he shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for (represents) himself: "And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small [powdered] and bring it within the vail [the first vail "or door"]. And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord." [The censer of coals of fire was set into the top of the golden altar in the "Holy" and the incense crumbled over it, gradually yielding a sweet perfume and smoke] that the cloud of the incense [penetrating beyond the second vail] may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony [or which covers the Law] that he die not." (Ver. 3, 6, 11-13) Looking through the type to the antitype, let us now, step by step, compare the doings of Jesus with the prophetic picture. When Jesus had consecrated, he immediately took the human life (blood of the bullock) to present it before God as the ransom for ours. But first before entering the "Most Holy" he must tarry in the "Holy' and make a sweet perfume before Jehovah. He therefore took with him along with the blood, fire from off the altar, and his two hands full of sweet incense which he crumbled over the fire to cause the perfume. This illustrates how Jesus' life, after consecration was a sweet and acceptable perfume to the Father, attesting at once to the completeness of the consecration and the perfection of the sacrifice. The sweet incense beaten small, represents the refined perfection of the man Jesus. The fire from the Brazen Altar represents the trials to which humanity is subject; and when the perfections of his being (incense came in contact with the trials of life, he yielded perfect obedience to the Divine will-a sweet perfume. Thus is shown his temptation in all points, yet without sin. It was all consumed in the fire; so he yielded all in obedience. It was his two hands full which he offered thus representing his full capacity and ability as being tested and required. But while Jesus as a "new creature" was thus within the "Holy," enjoying the light of the golden candlestick, fed by the bread of truth, and offering acceptable incense fed by the bread of truth, and offering acceptable incense to Jehovah, let us look out into the Court and yet further out, beyond the Camp and see another work progressing simultaneously. We last saw the bullock dead in the Court; now the fat of it has been placed upon the Brazen Altar and with it the kidneys and various life-producing organs. They are burning furiously, for a bullock has much fat. A cloud of smoke called "a sweet savor to God" rises, in the sight of all who are in the Court-Levites-believers. This represents how Jesus' sacrifice appeared to believing men. They saw the devotion, the self-sacrifice, the loving zeal (fat) ascending to God as a sweet and acceptable sacrifice. They all knew well that with him, God was ever well pleased. They knew from what they saw in the Court (in the flesh) that he was acceptable, though they could not see the sacrifice in its full grandeur and perfection as it appeared in Jehovah's sight- in the "Holy"— a sweet incense on the Golden Altar. But while these two fires are burning, in the Court and the Holy, and their perfumes ascending at the same time, there is another fire outside "the camp." There the body of flesh is being destroyed. (Ver. 27) This represents how Jesus' work was viewed by the world; to them it seem foolish to spend his life in sacrifice. They saw not the spirit of obedience which prompted, as the Father saw it; they saw not the loving perfections as the believers (in the court condition) saw them. No, nor did they see in him their ideal hero and leader; they saw only those elements of his character which condemned them, not being in condition to love and admire him. To them he was odious-and outcast-despised and rejected; they hid their faces from him. Do we see then how Jesus' life for three and a half years fills all three of these pictures: His sacrifice of perfect manhood-in the sight of believers, a sacrifice acceptable to God; in the sight of Jehovah, "a sweet incense;"? Was entirely disposed of when Jesus cried, "It is finished-and died. Thus the man, Christ Jesus, gave himself. The incense from the golden altar having preceded him and been satisfactory, the High Priest passed under the second vail into the "Most Holy." So with Jesus; having for three and a half years offered acceptable incense, he passed beyond "the vail, that is to say, his flesh." For three days he was under the vail-in death-but then arose in the perfection of the Divine nature and the "express image of the Father's person:" "Put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) in Spirit" "sown a natural (human) body, raised a spiritual body." He was then in the "Most Holy," or perfection of spiritual being. The next step was to present the blood (ver. 14)-The evidence of the redemption-for "yet were redeemed... with the precious blood (life) of Christ. (1 Pet. 1:19) This going into the presence of the Mercy Seat and sprinkling, or presenting the blood was evidently fulfilled by Jesus, when he, after forty days, ascended up on high, there to appear in the presence of God for us. We now leave the High Priest before the "Mercy Seat" while we go out to "the court" to witness another work. We quote: "And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering. And he shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the door of the Tabernacle. And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord to make an atonement with him, or let him go for the scapegoat into the wilderness." (Ver. 5, 6-10) The two goats taken from Israel and brought into the "Court," represent true Christians: First, taken from the world condition, they are brought into the Court or justified condition. There they present themselves before the Lord-desiring to become dead with Christ as human beings, and to enter the heavenly or spiritual conditions as Jesus did-first, the spiritual mind, and secondly, the spiritual body. But as all who say: "Lord! Lord!" shall not enter the kingdom, so too, of those who say, "Lord, here I give myself away." They know not what they ask, or what it costs or denial of self, to take up the cross daily and follow the bullock- -to "go to him without the camp (to the utter disregard and destruction of the human hopes, etc.,) bearing the reproach with Him." (Heb. 13:13) So, we find in this type both classes of those who covenant to become dead with Christ-those who do really follow in his footsteps as he hath set us an example, and those who through fear o/(this) death, are all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Heb. 2:15) The first is the Lord's goat; the second the scapegoat. Both of these classes (goats) as we shall see, will have a part in the atonement work-bringing the world into complete harmony with God and his Law, when this "Day of atonement sacrifice (the Gospel Age) is ended. But only the first class (the Lord's goat) who follow the Leader, are the first class (the Lord's goat) who follow the Leader, are a part of the sin offering. (Ver. 9) "If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him." (2 Tim. 2:12) The casting of lots to see which goat would be the "Lord's" and which the "scapegoat," indicates that God has no choice as to which of them shall win the prize. It shows that God does not arbitrarily select which shall become partakers of the divine nature and joint heirs with Christ our Lord. Whichever believer presents himself is acceptable, and he that keeps the covenant shall have the reward promised. To return to the High Priest: He having sprinkled the Mercy Seat with the blood of the bullock seven times (perfectly) "Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the Mercy Seat." (Vss. 14-15) In a word, that which was done with the bullock was repeated with the blood sprinkled just the same; its fat, etc., burned on the altar in the Court also. [It is worthy of notice that a prime bullock is always very fat, while a goat is a very lean animal.] Its body, was burned in like manner as that only those animals which were sin offerings were burned without (outside) the "Camp" (Heb. 13:11) and then he tells us to go to him without the camp bearing the reproach with him. (Heb. 13: 12), "The reproaches of them that reproached thee, are fallen upon me." Psa. 69:9. The Lord's goat represented all of the "little flock," they are all alike-they all came by the same "narrow way; " so what is true of the company as a whole, is true of each one in it; therefore the Lord's goat typifies each one and his sacrifice, except that all must be complete and the sacrifice of each ended before the "blood" of the goat (representative of all the body will be presented on the Mercy Seat. The blood sprinkled upon and before the Mercy Seat was in the design of a cross, with the top or head of the cross on the Mercy Seat. This is shown by the description: "He shall sprinkle it with his finger upon the Mercy Seat eastward (toward the "door") and before (across, in front of) the Mercy Seat." This is the full end of the sin offerings for the sins of the world. The bullock, as we have seen, was a sin offering for the "Household of faith" the under priests and Levites), and the goat, was the sin offering "for the people"-Israel-type of the (at present) unbelieving world. Thus we see that this entire Gospel Age is an age of suffering and death, to those who crucify the human nature, to become partakers of the divine. Just as soon as the sacrifice of Jesus on behalf of his body and house was complete and presented before the Father, then came the evidence of its acceptance in the Pentecostal baptism. And this anointing (symbolized by the oil) which came upon the church, and continues ever since on all the living members of the High Priest's body- this imparting of the divine mine to those consecrated ones, was the energy in them which killed each, as the "Lord's goat." Just as the Spirit of the Father enabled Jesus to kill the bullock, so it was the same spirit— the spirit of God and of Christ in the Lord's goat company, which enabled them to crucify themselves as men-to kill the goat-in hope of the promised Glory, Honor and Immortality of the divine nature. It was thus that Paul when possessed of the spirit of his Leader and Head, could reckon all things but loss and dross that he might win (a membership in) Christ, and be found in Him. Inspired by this hope and spirit, he could say: "I (the new creature) live, yet not F' (the old creature-the goat;) it is being burned with reproach and contempt of the world outside the camp. My earthly affections and powers have all been presented an offering to God-a living sacrifice; now it is Christ living in me, the hope of glory-- Christ's mind in me-crucifying and keeping under the human nature. While actually in the world, he was not of it. To such an extent was this true that he could say-"The life which I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God." Yes, by faith he had become a partaker of the Divine nature, and was in the "Holy," feeding by faith on the "holy bread," enlightened daily by the light from the Golden Candlestick. Thus furnished with knowledge and strength, he was able to offer incense acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, and to keep the goat nature always sacrifice. So, too, the same thing has been done by the other members of this "Lord's goat" company since, though none have been so generally known-his sacrifice sent up a very rich perfume. As the goat filled up that which was behind of the Sin offering after the bullock, so do we "fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ." (Col. 1:24 The moment must sometime come when the last member of this "Lord's goat" shall have consecrated. [We believe that we are at just this point now, 1881-the door of opportunity to consecrate closed, though there is still time to carry out the consecration already made.] Then, soon after, when their sacrifice is consumed, as members of His body they shall pass beyond the second vail- beyond the flesh, in the perfection of the Divine nature already commenced in this mortal body-this earthly house. That passing of the second vail means to the body what it meant to the head-that we shall be made like unto Christ's glorious body, which is the express image of the Father's person. Oh! Blessed hope-"I shall be satisfied when I awake in Thy likeness," was spoken prophetically for Jesus; and how sublime the promise that "we shall be like Him- -like unto Christ's glorious body." Ji I may but win this prize for which I run- Perish, every earth ambition, All I've sought or hoped or known; Yet how rich is my condition, If winning Christ, I'm found in him. The Most Holy reached, we there present the evidence of the sacrificed life as typified by the blood of the goat sprinkled on the Mercy Seat. It will be accepted, as was that of our glorious Leader, and then the WORK OF RECONCILIATION will commence. Sacrifice- -the sin offering-was the basis of reconciliation and at-one-ment between Jehovah and the world of sinners. Now, the blood of the sin offering being sprinkled on the Mercy Seat covering the Testimony, (the Law, it was satisfied. The ransom paid to Justice was abundant, and now reconciliation will proceed-of which more again. "And when he had made an end of reconciling the "Holy" ["Most Holy"] and the Altar [in the "Court"] he shall bring the live goat: and Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat [scapegoat} and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel [typical of the world], and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man [anyone convenient] into the wilderness." (Vs. 20-22) As before expressed, we understand this "scapegoat" which presented itself for sacrifice with the other, but failed to perform it, and to walk in the steps of the bullock, to represent a very large class of God's children who have made the same covenant as the others, viz: to become dead to the world, and to crucify their justified human nature, but have failed. While this scapegoat class has existed throughout this Gospel Age, the one goat and the work done with it, at the close of the age is representative in a general sense of the dealing with each individual goat [person] of that company during the age. Let us look first at the dealing with members of this company who will be living when the work of sin offering is complete-the last members of the scapegoat company-and then see how it will apply to the preceding members of the same class. But let us first remind you that we are now dealing with things future: after the sin offering. The Lord's goat is not yet wholly consumer, consequently the "little flock," represented by the body of the priests, has not yet gone beyond the second vail into the perfect spiritual condition; and the work with living "scapegoat" is after all this. Other scriptures show us (Rev. 7:9, 13-17 and 1 Cor. 3:15) that there will be a "great company" who during this age have entered the race for the grand prize of joint-heir ship with Jesus, who do not "so run" as to obtain it; and that they, though "castaways" as regards the prize (1 Cor. 9:27), are nevertheless objects of the Lord's affection and love, who, by his providences through the circumstances of life will cause them to come through "great tribulations," thus accomplishing for them, "the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (1 Cor. 5:5) Notice, they consecrated their justified human life, and God accepted of the consecration and reckoned them, according to their covenant, dead as human beings and alive as new-spiritual- creatures. But, by their failure to carry out the contract, they are cut off from the priesthood, from membership in the body of Christ- Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away." (John 15:2) These are in a pitiable condition; they have failed to win the prize, therefore cannot have the divine nature, nor can they have restitution to perfect humanity with the world, for in their consecration, they gave that up for the opportunity to run for the divine nature. But the Lord loves them, and will deliver those who through fear of death, (fear of contempt-fear of the reproach borne by the bullock and goat, beyond the Camp-in the Wilderness, or separated, dead condition) were all their lifetime subject to bondage-bondage of fear of men and men's traditions and opinions which always brings a snare, and keeps back from obedience to God-even unto death. Through the favor of the High Priest, this great company are to go into "great tribulations" and have the flesh destroyed. This will not place them as overcomers-the bride-the body of Christ-ew the throne as Kings and Priests, but in a position "before the throne," as perfect spiritual beings (though not of the highest order of the spiritual-the Divine)-not possessed of the Crown of life, Immortality). They shall be like unto the angels. "These shall serve God in His Temple" though not members of that symbolic Temple which is the Christ. (Rev. 7:14,15) Now however this class will be sent to the Wilderness condition of separation from the world, forced thither by "the man of opportunity"-adverse circumstances-there to be buffeted by adversity until shown the vanity, deceitfulness and utter worthlessness of the World's approval and until all human hopes and ambitions die; and they are ready to say-God's will, not mine, be done. The world is every ready to scorn and cast out the chastened and afflicted ones, though they so earnestly coveted it deceiving smile and its empty honors. The body of the scapegoat was not burned in the wilderness; only the sin offerings (bullock and Lord's goat) were burned. (Heb. 13:11) The burning of the sin offering represented the steady continuous submission of that class to the fiery ordeal of suffering-"faithful (willing sacrifices) unto death." Both classes suffer even unto death of the human will and body; but the first class die willingly, destroyed by continual crucifying of the flesh as shown by the symbol-fire, which burns continuously until thee is nothing more to burn. The second class is simply taken out to the wilderness and there left to die. Their love of the world's approval perishes with the world's neglect and scorn and reproach and their spiritual nature ripens and blooms into life. Both these classes have been developing side by side throughout the age. While thus in process of fulfillment throughout the entire age, yet it will be most marked in the case of the last of that scapegoat class. When the "little flock" have all gone beyond the vail, the hand of the Lord will set free those bound ones "who, through fear of death (to the world), are all their lifetime subject to bondage," by the overthrow of the many false theories, creeds, traditions of men, and great nominal Church organizations, in and to and by which, they are held and hindered from hearing and obeying the Lord's voice. Thus forced loose by "Babylon's" fall, while realizing that the great prize has been lost, they will then hear the High Priest's voice and find themselves forced into the Wilderness condition. At no other time perhaps have there been so many consecrated ones bound as at present; but through all the age, there have been some. Going back to Paul's day we find that there were some then, who had consecrated but did not perform their covenant, and speaking of them he says: "I verily as absent in body, but present in spirit judged already— to delivery such an one unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (1 Cor. 5: 3,5) This one we may reasonably presume passed through severe afflictions-"great tribulations" in having the flesh destroyed. Thus we see that both classes of {goats) consecrated ones pass through great trials and afflictions, yet to one class they are esteemed light afflictions, taken joyfully, which they rejoice to be accounted worthy to suffer. It is a willing sacrifice, like that of the Head. To the other class, they are burdensome, great afflictions, almost without joy-an enforced destruction of the flesh. And proportionately different are their positions and rewards at the end of life's race. "And Aaron shall come into the Tabernacle of the congregation ("the Holy") and shall put off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the Holy place ("Most Holy") and he shall leave them there; and he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place ("the Court") and put on his [usual] garments [the garments of glory and beauty] and come forth and offer his burnt offering and the burn offering of the people, and make [having made] an atonement for himself [the body-the church-the "little flock"] and for the people." (Vss. 23 and 24) These burn offerings were two rams (Vss 3 and 5,): one representing the Bullock and the other the Lord' s goat. These being alike, show the harmony and oneness of the sacrifices made by Jesus and his footstep followers, that in God's sight they are all one sacrifice. "For both he that sanctifieth (Jesus) and they who are sanctified (the little flock) are all of one; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren." (Heb. 2:11) This is further shown in the treatment of each of these sacrifices. The rams of "burnt offering" were cut in pieces and washed and the pieces laid unto the head upon the altar and burned, making sweet perfume-a burn offering of sweet savor unto Jehovah. Since both rams were thus treated, it shows that in Jehovah's estimation, they are all parts of one sacrifice; the members joined to the head, acceptable as a whole, as the atonement for the sins of the World-thus satisfying the claims of justice and purchasing the whole world of sinners. As the sin offerings illustrate the necessary crucifixion and death of the redeemer, so the burn offering illustrates God's manifested acceptances of the same sacrifice. Let us not forget that God does not manifest his acceptance of the "better sacrifices" than bulls and goats, until that sin offering is complete and the High Priest is robed in the honor and glory of his office. It will be burned on the Altar in "the Court," thus teaching that God will manifest His acceptances of the sacrifice of the whole body (head and pieces) in the sight of all in "the Court" condition, viz: all believers. But before this manifestation to believers, of God's acceptance of the work, the "scapegoat company" are sent away, and the robes of the Priest changed. As the white robes worn throughout the work of sacrifice— which covered the body— represented the justification of the body-their purity in God's sight as new creatures, so now the glorious garments of glory and beauty represent the glories of position and work in the future, after the new creatures have been perfected-gone beyond the vail. The washing with water seems to show that though the white garments are laid aside-the body now clothed in majesty of power is still pure. Thus ends this type of the development of the Priesthood and satisfaction of the world's sins. We tarry to glance at a few verses of this chapter (Lev. 16) not directly connected with the narrative. Vs. 17, "There shall b no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place (sanctuary "Most Holy") until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel." The Apostle Paul says-"The priests went always into the first tabernacle (the "Holy") accomplishing the service, but into the second (tabernacle-the "Most Holy") went the high priest alone, once very year" (on the "Day of Atonement," which was repeated annually). The privileges of the tabernacle are only for those who are priests-members of the body of the Head Priest-so that whether we be now in the first of these heavenly conditions (spiritual- minded, new creatures in Christ Jesus), or whether we hope to enter into the second or perfected spiritual condition, it will in either or both cases be because we are in Christ Jesus, new creatures-no longer men. ""For yet are not in the flesh (human), but in the spirit (spiritual, new creatures), if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." (Rom. 8:9) Vs. 28, "And he that burnetii them [the bullock and goat of sin offering] shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp." This seems to teach that those who were principally instrumental in reproaching, reviling, and destroying the humanity both of Jesus (bullock) and his "little flock" (goat) will have no special punishment for it, as they did it ignorantly-at the same time accomplishing God's plan. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." They wash and cleanse and come into the camp-i.e., come into the same condition as the balance of the world, all of whom are sinners, and all of whom are ransomed from that Adamic depravity and sin. Vs. 26, "And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat, shall wash his clothes and bathe his flesh in water, and afterwards come into the camp." This teaches the same lesson relative to those who shall be instrumental in bringing the trouble, and consequent destruction of the flesh, upon the great company of those represented by the scapegoat. In the type, the Day of Atonement thus ended; and all Israel are reckoned no longer defiled and separate from God, but all are now made at one with God. Justice no longer condemns, but bids them realize god's reconciled presence in their midst, to bless and protect and direct into the Canaan of rest and peace. In the antitype, the day of atonement is this Gospel Age, during which, Jesus and his body, the Church, make sacrifices to Justice, in full satisfaction of the Adamic sin, thus purchasing the race of sinners. Because no longer condemned of justice, God will then recognize mankind condemned of justice, God will then recognize mankind and place his sanctuary among men. Then, will be fulfilled that which was written: "The Tabernacle of God (the glorified church) is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be [become] his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there by any more pain, for the former things [reign of Satan sin and death] are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new." Rev. 21:3-5 But while all these blessings shall result from the establishment of God's residence, or sanctuary among men ["I will make the place of my feet glorious"-"Earth is my footstool,"] yet its blessing will be a gradual work requiring the Millennial age for its full accomplishment; i.e., death, pain, and tears will be in process of destruction (wiping away), but not completed until the end of the Millennial Age. The gradual process by which man will be brought into perfection of being and fullness of harmony with Jehovah, is well illustrated in the typical sacrifices of Israel, made after the day of atonement, the antitypes of which will be fulfilled during the next age. To rightly divide and understand these typical sacrifices, it must be recognized, that the present Gospel Age is the day of atonement toward God for the general sin of mankind; and that all sacrifices coming after the day of atonement in the type, represent fulfillments or antitypes due after the Gospel Age is ended-during the Millennial Age-when the world of sinners may become reconciled to, or at one with God. Thus we may see that at-one-ment has two parts— first, Justice at one with, and not any longer condemning and killing Adam and his children on account of his sin; and secondly, the sinner being brought to at-one-ment or reconciliation is brought about entirely by the Priest's sacrifice or what we shall term the "Day of Atonement sacrifices. " * *The sacrifices relative to the consecration of the priests and parts of two types yet to be considered, we regard of course, as being the same sacrifices as those above mentioned as taking place on the Day of Atonement- they being merely different views or pictures of the same sacrifices. The other-The reconciling of the World to God or the bringing of them into full at-one-ment and harmony with God, will be accomplished during the next age by the "Royal Priesthood" who, typified by Moses will be the Great Prophet whom the Lord will raise up to teach the people, to whom if they will not give heed, they shall be cut off from life-die the second death. (Acts 3:23) This Priesthood is also typified by Melchizedek, King and Priest. These shall rule over to bless and represent before the Lord, all the families of the earth. CHAPTER V THE OTHER SACRIFICES Those sacrifices which do not belong to the class we denominate the "Day of Atonement sacrifices," illustrate offerings and sacrifices which belong to the Millennial Age. As in the type, the day of atonement sacrifices preceded all others, and were a basis of general forgiveness and acceptance with God for all Israel, but were followed by sacrifices after that day, for individual sins, termed "Sin offerings," "Trespass offerings," etc., so in the antitype. After this day of atonement has brought the world into a justified condition, there will still be sins and trespasses committed, which will require confession and reconciliation of such transgressions afresh. As in the basis of all forgiveness of sins in the next age, will be the "Day of Atonement sacrifices," it would be appropriate for the sinner to bring some sacrifice, which would indicate a recognition of those sacrifices, as the ground for forgiveness anew. And so we find, that all offerings of the people after the Day of Atonement were of a kind which pointed back to, or recognized the sacrifices of that day. These offerings might be of cattle, or sheep, or fowl (turtle doves or young pigeons) or of fine flour, the article offered, depending on the ability of the offerer. But they all seem to be remembrancers of the atonement sacrifices. During the Millennial age all men "will come to a knowledge of the truth" and be saved from the curse of Adamic death. (1 Tim. 2:4) When we remember that this death includes all the sickness, pain, and imperfection to which humanity is now subject, we see that God's plan includes a full restoration to human perfection; but perfection comes gradually and it will require the cooperation of the sinner' s will to ever reach it. He must do what he can to climb up again to perfection, and will have all the assistance necessary. This is shown by these sacrifices in general. They are to be according to every man's ability. If very much degraded by sin and very imperfect, he must when he comes to a knowledge of the truth, present himself to God. If thus poor and degraded he may bring a dove or pigeon, if less degraded he is represented by a kid; if less degraded still, by a goat; and when perfect as a man his offering may be a bullock; just as a bullock was used to typify the perfect humanity (much fat) of Jesus' sacrifice and as a goat (wayward and lean) was used to represent our imperfect human nature in the sacrifices of this atonement day, so those animals similarly represent the offerers (Israel-the world) in their sacrifices and consecrations. When the whole world has been brought to perfection there will be no longer any who are poor in this sense-all will be perfect men and their offerings antitypical bullocks. David speaking of this says: "Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness (of right doing), with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then shall they offer bullocks (perfect sacrifice) upon thine altar." (Psa. 51:19) Yet that David's language should not be understood to teach the restoration of the literal bloody, typical sacrifices, is evident, for in the same connection he says, "Thou desirest not sacrifice," (the typical). ..The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; and a contrite heart O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psa 51:16-19) But all these sacrifices must be of the free will and desire of the offerer. (Lev. 1:3) The entire consecration is shown by the death of the animal; that is each member of the race must consecrate his will; but it will neither be followed by the destruction of the human nature (burning of the flesh outside the camp) nor by taking of the life into a new nature,-shown in the case of the atonement sacrifices. No, when consecrated, they are accepted as human beings, their right to life as such, having been purchased by the Priesthood. THEIR BURNT OFFERINGS The burnt offering of the Priests was to be kept up continually on the Altar, and the fire never suffered to die out. "This is the law of the burn offering; it is (called) the burnt offering because of the burning upon the Altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the Altar shall be burning in it... It shall not be put out, and the Priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it... The fire shall ever be burning upon the Altar; it shall never go out." Lev. 6:9, 12, 13. THEIR TRESPASS OR SIN OFFERING "If a soul (being) commit a trespass and sin through ignorance in the holy things of the Lord;... if he sin and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the Commandments of the Lord, though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity." "And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock," and money according to the priest's estimation of the trespass, with a fifth more, and this shall be their offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for him. And if any sin knowingly and damage or defraud his neighbor, he shall restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto (twenty per cent interest) and give it to the wronged one. And he shall bring a ram for the trespass offering unto the Lord. (Lev. 5: 115-19; and 6: 1-7) This teaches that for every wrong, restoration must be made with interest, and a repentance or asking forgiveness of the Lord through the Church; their recognition of their own imperfection and the value of their ransom, being shown by the ram presented. Now notice the difference between the treatment of this sin offering and the sin offerings of the day of atonement: Those were offered to God (Justice) as the ransom or purchase price of sinners; these are offered to the Priests who purchased the people, their acknowledgments being to their Redeemer; while the Priest takes a part and offers it to the Lord as a memorial, or a recognition that the whole plan of redemption as executed on the Atonement Day [Gospel Age] was His. The Atonement Day offerings, we have seen, were always burned, (Lev. 6:30, Heb. 13:11,) but these sin offerings are not to be burned, but eaten by the priests. --"This is the law of the sin offering:... The priests that offereth it for sin shall eat it:... All the males among the priests shall eat thereof." (Lev. 6: 25-29) So the whole world, having been purchased with the precious blood (human life) of Christ (the anointed), will present themselves, for forgiveness of trespass, to the Royal Priesthood who paid their ransom price; and their acceptance of it will be the forgiveness. To this agree Jesus' words to his disciples: "He breathed on them and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins yet retain (to them) they are retained." John 20:23 While this "ministry of reconciliation" belongs in its fullest sense in the next age- when all the sacrifices of atonement will be complete-yet even now, any member of the "Royal Priesthood" may say to those who believe: (the household of faith) "Thy sins are forgiven thee"-just as our Head said, by faith, looking forward to the completion of the sacrifices for sins, which sacrifice he had begun. THEIR PEACE OFFERINGS This offering must be of the herd or flock, and it might be made in fulfillment either of a vow (covenant) or as a willing "thank offering." Part of it was to be brought to Jehovah by the offerer- "His own hands shall bring the offerings of the Lord made by fire; the fat with the beast; it shall he bring," and the priest shall burn the fat on the altar, and wave the breast before the Lord. But the breast shall be the priest's, also the shoulder. The offerer must eat the sacrifice. (Lev. 3 and 7: 11-18, 30-34) This seems to show, that if any would come into a condition of full peace and harmony (as all are to do or be cut off-the second death), they must eat or fulfill a covenant before God, of entire consecration to him. If, after being thus perfected, they again become defiled with sin, they must die, (second death) as shown by the touching of unclean things. (Lev. 7: 19-21) With this sacrifice there was presented an offering of unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and anointed wafers, representing the offerer's faith in Christ's character, which he will copy; and leavened bread indicating his acknowledgment of his own present imperfection at time of consecration-leaven being a type of sin. Lev. 7: 11-13. THE MEAT OFFERINGS, composed of fine flour, unleavened cakes, with oil, etc., were presented to the Lord through the priest. They probably represent praises and worship offered to the Lord by the world, through his church-"Unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages." (Eph. 3:21) These were accepted by the priests; a sample being offered on the altar shows that it is acceptable to Jehovah. CHAPTER VI ANOTHER TYPE OF CHRIST'S SACRIFICES LEVITICUS 9 This chapter seems to give a more condensed picture of the work and sacrifices of the Day of Atonement than the one already examined (sixteenth) and in addition, it furnishes certain features which, after the consideration of the sixteenth, will be of interest to us. It is another picture. And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the Lord shall appear unto you. And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the Altar and offer thy sin offering and thy burnt offering and make an atonement for thyself [the members of his body required it] and for the people" [The World.] This shows how Jesus [the bullock sacrifice for sins] was sufficient both to redeem his body, the "little flock," and also the whole world of mankind. Our share in the sin offering could have been dispensed with entirely, and we might have been saved from death just as all mankind will be-- with perfect human being restored. But it pleased Jehovah not only to choose Jesus to this great work of sacrifice, but also to make him the Captain or Head of His church which is His body, who, as well as their Captain, should be made perfect as spiritual beings, by suffering as sin offerings in the flesh. Paul, referring to our intimate relationship to our Head, says: "Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places [the "Holy" and "Most Holy"] in Christ; according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world... to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Eph. 1:4, 6) God "called you by our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ," (2 Thes. 2:14,) To continue- After offering his own once for all, he was to "offer the offering of the people [the goat], and make an atonement for them as the Lord [Jehovah] commanded. " /The arrangement for our having part in the sacrifice of atonement, was a part of our Father's original plan as Paul also attests.] "Aaron therefore went unto the altar and slew the calf of the sin offering which was for himself. And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and put it on the horns of the altar; but the fat etc.... he burnt upon the altar,... and the flesh and the hid he burnt with fire without the camp. And he slew the burn offering (a ram), and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar. And they presented the burnt offering unto him; and he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar, with the pieces thereof and the head." [Much the same as the account in the sixteenth chapter, and having the same significance.] Thus the burnt offering of Jesus has been burning all through the Gospel Age, evidence to all in the "court" God's acceptance of him and the acceptance of all the members of the body-laid to the head, on the altar. "And he brought the people's offering, and took the goat which was the sin offering for the people (only) and slew it and offered it for sin as the first," i.e., treated it exactly as he treated the bullock. This goat is the same as the "Lord's goat" in the other picture, the scapegoat and other features being omitted in this more general view. It is, however, confirmatory of the teaching, that only those who follow the Lord's footsteps are participants in the sin offering. Who could take exceptions to this? "And he brought the burnt offering and offered it according to the (usual) manner. And he brought the meat offering, and took a handful of it and offered it upon the altar beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning. He also slew the bullock and the ram for a sacrifice or peace offering which was for the people." The peace offering, as already described, represents a vow of covenant. By this peace offering, made in connection with the sin offering of the High Priest, is signified the covenants and promises based on that sin offering. In the type, the peace was established between Jehovah and Israel on t his wise: The sin offering having been made, and the burnt offering showing the acceptableness of it to God, there was peace between Jehovah and Israel because their former original sin was typically removed; and they were obligated to now live obedient to a covenant based on their forgiveness-i.e., they were to keep the Law-that he that doeth those things should live by (or as a reward for keeping) them. But as our sin sacrifices are better than the typical ones, so with the peace offering or covenant established by those sacrifices; it is a better covenant. Thus in this sacrifice of peace or covenant offering, the Priest is seen to serve unto the example and shadow of spiritual things-the mediator of a better covenant. Heb. 8: 6-13. "And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people and blessed them and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering and peace offerings." Thus in the type we see illustrated the fact that though the blessing is not fully due to come upon the people until all sacrifices are finished, yet a measure of blessing comes upon mankind from the members of the Priest, even now during the age of sacrifice, before we all go into the "Most Holly" or perfected spiritual condition. "And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out and blessed the people." This shows how, when this age of sacrifice is over, the Priest (head and body) appears before God, giving evidence of having met all the claims of the Law against the people (world). Moses' going in also, seems to say, the Law will be fully satisfied and its righteousness vindicated; and the Law (Moses) will testify on behalf of the world that it is justified to life through the sacrifices. When presented, the sacrifices are "holy, acceptable to God"; and Moses and Aaron come out, and together they bless the people. So in the incoming age, the Christ will bless all the families of the earth (Gal. 3:8, 16, 29, Gen. 12:3); yet not by setting aside the Law of God and excusing sin, but by restoring men to the perfection of humanity, in which condition they will be able to keep the perfect Law of God, and be blessed by it. Now, by reason of our inherited imperfection, though the Law says-"He that doeth these things (obeys) shall live by them," (shall have a right to continuous life)-yet none of the imperfect race can now have this everlasting life, because of inability to keep the Law. But, then, being made perfect and able to keep it, its conditions of "do and live" will be great blessings to all men, for whosoever will, may then obey and live forever in harmony and happiness and communion with Jehovah. "And the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people." As the blessing progresses (restoring and elevating the race mentally and physically) the results will become manifest. The people-the world in general-will recognize God's gracious love, more and more each day. Thus it will be that "the GLORY of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." (Isa 40:5) They will come to see gradually, the length and breadth and height and depth of the love of God which surpasses all understanding. It is worthy of note that the blessing here mentioned was not a blessing to the under priests; no, they were represented in the blesser. The blessing came on all the people, who, as we have seen, represented the world. It is this blessing of the world by the one seed-the entire Christ, after all the afflictions are filled up by the body, (Col. 1:24) that Paul refers to, saying, that "The whole creation (all humanity) groaneth and travaileth in pain together- waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God" before they can experience deliverance from the bondage of corruption and restoration to the liberty of sons of God, as enjoyed by God's first human son, Adam. (Luke 3:38) It is doubtless this same blessing of all the people-salvation from death and its sting, sin-that Paul refers to, saying: "unto THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR THE SECOND TIME without (a sin offering), unto salvation." (Heb 9:28) The world has seen the Priest-head and body-suffer as a sin offering during the age. Jesus was manifested to the Jews in the flesh (as a sin offering); and, as Paul could say, so can all the followers in his footsteps, viz.: Christ is manifest in our mortal flesh. (2 Cor. 4:11) As the whole Christ has thus been manifest and suffered in the flesh, so they shall also be "glorified together" before the world; for the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." ["Ye are not in the flesh." Rom. 8:9] When he shall appear, we also shall appear with him in glory. Col. 3:4. But this great High Priest of the world, will be recognized only by them that look for him. If he were to appear in the flesh-or appear in the sky, it would be an appearance to all, whether looking for him or not but we have already seen that the Scriptures teach that the head has been perfected as a spiritual being, and that his "little flock" shall be "made like unto his glorious body. " We have seen that the way in which the world will see the glorified church will be by mental perception in the same sense that a blind person may properly be said to see. In the same sense we see the prize, the "crown of life," while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen (by organic sight); for the things which are seen (thus) are temporal, but the things which are not seen (thus) are eternal. (2 Cor. 4:18) It is in this way that the entire church of this age has been "looking unto Jesus"-thus "we see Jesus." (Heb. 2:9 and 12:2) This is the only way in which the human can see or recognize things on the spiritual plane. Jesus expresses this same idea to the disciples-They who recognized his spirit or mind and thus knew him, would be acquainted with the Father also in the same way. "If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also; and from henceforth ye know him and have seen him." This is the only sense in which the world will ever see God, for "no man hath seen God at any time." ("Whom no man hath seen, nor can see")-the only begotten Son he hath DECLARED him." (1 Tim. 6:16; John 1:18) Jesus revealed or caused the disciples to see him by making known his character-revealing him as a God of Love. It was in this same way that the Papal system was shown by Luther and others, and seen by many as the ANTI-CHRIST, or as Paul had foretold, that wicked system-the man of sin, was revealed. Thus it is, that Jesus the head (now present to gather the Jewels) is being now revealed to the living of the "little flock," though all others continue to plant, build, etc. And know not of his presence. (Luke 17: 26-30) And thus also it will be in the Millennial day, when the complete Christ-the Priest-is revealed, it will be only to those that look for him-only those shall see him. They will see him, not by organic sight, but as we now see all spiritual things-Jesus, the Father, the prize, etc. -by faith. Man will never see the CHRIST by organic sight, for the same reason that they will never see Jehovah- -because on a different plan of being-one spirit, the other flesh. But we (the little flock) shall see him as he is, for we shall be like him- like unto Christ's glorious spiritual body, which is the express image of the Father's person. (1 John 3:2; Phil. 3:21; Heb. 1:3) But though only those who look shall be able to recognize the Christ, as the deliverer who will save them from the dominion of death; yet this will embrace all the world, for the manner of revelation will be such that ultimately all must see. Every eye shall see him; and all in their graves, being raised to life-they that pierced him will realize that they crucified the Lord of Glory. He shall be revealed (in the sky? No) in flaming fire, (judgments) taking vengeance on those that know (recognize not God, and obey not (accept no) the gospel (good news-the deliverance). It will not take long for all mankind to recognize him under such circumstances. Now the good suffer; then shall ye discern between him that serveth the Lord, and him that serveth him not, for in that day a distinction will be manifested. (Mai. 3: 15-18) Then all, seeing clearly, may accept of him and have everlasting life; for "We trust in the Living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe." (1 Tim. 4:10) This the types illustrate-" And as it is appointed unto men (Aaron and his successors who were only types of the High Priest of the new creation) once to die (typically, as represented in the animals slain) and after that, (following as a result of those sacrifices) in the judgment (of God was manifested, as accepting the offering-the priest coming out to bless, for all whom he made atonement-all the people.) So Christ (head and body) was once offered (never will it be repeated) to bear the sins of many ("every man") and unto them that look for him, he shall appear the second time, without sin unto salvation." (Not again to be sacrificed for the sins of the people, but to bless them.) Heb. 9:27,28. Many have been looking in an indefinite way for a good time to come, and the removal in some way of the curse, speaking of whom, Paul says: "The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now, waiting for the manifestation of the SONS OF GOD "--Jesus the Head or Chief, and all the body complete in him. (Rom. 8: 19,22) "And there came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burn offering and the fat, which, when all the people saw, they shouted and fell on their faces"-worshipped. This is the same thought expressed in another form. The fire symbolizes God's acceptance; its being recognized by the people, shows that the world will realize the sacrifice and its value in God's estimation as the price of their liberty from death and the grave; and when they realize it, they will worship Jehovah and his representatives-the Priest. How beautifully these types teach of a restitution, and a full ransom for all the people, and a blessing coming upon all. Nothing in the types seems to make a distinction between the living and the dead, and some may be inclined to say, well, perhaps when the sacrifices of the High Priest are over and the blessing commences, those who are then living will be greatly benefited. Nay, but we answer, in God's estimation the living and dead are alike-he speaks of them all as dead-all died in Adam, and all the little spark of life which any man possesses is really but one stage of dying. It is a dead race because of the sin of Adam (and Eve), and it will be a race justified to the same life then enjoyed and forfeited; and all who will, may have it back, whether they have gone all the way down into death, or whether they still linger on the brink-in "the valley of the shadow of death. This is the object of the sin offerings-to release mankind from the dominion of death, to the perfection of being which is essential to perfect happiness and at-one-ment with his Creator. This is the blessing which comes to all the families of the earth through "The Seed of Abraham. This is the good news which was preached to Abraham, as we read: God foreseeing that he would justify the heathen (all mankind-Gentiles) through faith, preached before the gospel (good news) to Abraham, saying, In thee, and in thy seed shall all nations be blessed-(justified)... which seed is Christ- primarily the head, and secondarily the body— fox if ye be Christ's (members) then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promises (above referred to-viz.: that we may bless all the families of the earth.) But the Seed must be complete before the blessing comes, as shown in the type just considered: The sin offerings must be ended before all the blessings resulting can flow out. While the sacrifices of the people (Israel-the world) belong to the next age and will then be presented to the priests, yet in a certain sense this has a very slight beginning now. Thus it is, that the worldly man who possesses wealth, and is in that sense a steward of God's things, can use that "mammon" and with it make for himself friends. That when this age of Satan's rule is no longer be the Steward, then, those whom he thus favored will bless him and minister to his necessities. If the worldly Stewards of wealth (the mammon or God of this age) were wise, they would use their means thus. For whosoever shall give a cup of cold water even, unto his reward when the kingdom of Christ is organized and rules. (Luke 16: 1-8 and Matt. 10:42) On the contrary, the High Priest went in there often in after days. It was into the Most Holy that the High Priest went whenever he would inquire for Israel, using the breast-plate of Judgment and Urim and Thumim. Again, whenever they broke camp, which was often, the Priest went in and took down the Vails and wrapped up the "Ark" and all the holy vessels, before the Levites could carry them. (Num. 4: 5-16) Again, whenever an Israelite offered a sin offering unto the priests (after the "Day of Atonement" sacrifices were over) they all ate it in the Most Holy. (Num. 18: 10) So with the antitype, after the present "Day of Atonement" is over we shall be in the Most Holy or perfect spiritual condition and there accept (eat) the sacrifices for sin, brought by the world, for all their own transgressions-not the Adamic sins which were canceled on the Day of Atonement. There in the perfect spiritual condition, the priesthood shall instruct as to all matters. (Urim and Thumin) CHAPTER VII OTHER SIGNIFICANT TYPES In the preceding description we have purposely omitted an explanation of some interesting details which can be better understood by those who have, through careful study, obtained a clear understanding of the general plan of the Tabernacle, its service, and their typical signification. The posts which stood in the court and held up the white curtains, represent justified believers. They are in the "Court," the proper place for such, as we have already seen. They are of wood, a corruptible material. This shows that they are not actually perfect as human beings; for since human perfection is represented by copper, those posts should be either made of copper, or covered with copper to represent actually perfect human beings. They were made of wood, but were set into sockets of copper, which teaches us that, though actually imperfect, their standing is that of perfect human beings. It would be impossible to more clearly represent Justification by faith. The white curtain, well illustrates the same justification or purity. These justified ones should continually hold up the view of the world (the camp)-Christ's righteousness as their covering. The silver hook, by which the posts hold up the curtain, are symbolic of truth; they can really and truthfully claim that Christ's righteousness covers all their imperfection. Lev. 27: 11-17. The Posts at the entrance of the Tabernacle-at the door of the Holy- -were covered by the first vail. They were totally different from the posts in the court, and represent the difference between the justified and consecrated, or sanctified conditions. The consecration to death of a justified man, we have seen to be the way into the "Holy." The way into the new nature is by passing through, the death of the human will-the fleshly mind-the first vail. Hence these posts should illustrate this change; and so they do: they were covered with gold, symbol of the divine nature. Being set in sockets of copper, represents how "we have this treasure (divine nature in earthen vessels" (2 Cor. 4:7)— I.e., our new nature is based upon and rests in, our justified humanity. This, it will be remembered, corresponds exactly with what we found the "Holy" to symbolize, viz: our place or standing as new creatures, not yet perfected. (Exod. 26:37) The Posts in the "Most Holy" were just inside the second vail, and represent those who pass beyond the flesh (vail) entirely, into the perfection of the spiritual condition. These posts were so constructed as to fully illustrate this-covered with gold, representing divine nature, but no longer set in sockets of brass-no longer dependent on any human condition; they were set in sockets of silver (reality-truth) which seems to say to us: When you come inside this vail you will be perfect-really and fully new creatures. (Exod. 26: 32) "Finish then thy new creation" The Golden Candlestick was all of one piece, hammered out; there was one central shaft with a lamp on top, and three branches on each side of it, each bearing a lamp, making seven lamps in all— a perfect or complete number. Does not this represent the complete church from the Head, Jesus, to and including the last member of the "little flock." He is taking out from among men, to be partakers of the (gold) divine nature? Jesus says, "The seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." Rev. 1: 20. Yes, that candlestick represents the entire church of the first born. Not the nominal, but the true church is here meant however-the royal priests-wholly consecrated. The form of workmanship was beautiful-a fruit and a flower, a fruit and a flower following successively, shows us that the true church ("whose names are written in heaven") is both beautiful and fruitful from first to last. The lamp part on top of each branch was shaped like an almond, the significance of which, we will see when considering Aaron's rod. The oil for this lamp was the olive oil-beaten-refined; and the lamps were kept lighted always. It was for the benefit of the priest class only, and represents the deeper spiritual truths of God's Word, which are entirely hidden from the natural man (1 Cor. 2: 14), even though he be a belie ver-a justified man (a Levite). None are permitted to go or even to see, into this deeper royal priesthood. These always had access to the "Holy"; it was their right and privilege; it was intended for them. (Heb. 9: 6) The Levites could not see in because of the vail of human-mindedness which came between them and the Sacred things; and the only way to set it aside was to consecrate and sacrifice wholly the human nature. The lights were to be trimmed and replenished every morning and evening, by the High Priest-Aaron and his sons who succeeded him in office. (Exod. 27: 20-21; and 30: 8) So our High Priest is daily filling us more and more with the mind of Christ, and trimming off the dross of the old nature. Are we sometimes puzzled to know why some who are in the church cannot see any but natural things-cannot discern the deeper spiritual truths of the Word? They can see Restitution for natural men, but cannot see our heavenly calling. These Tabernacle lessons show us why this is: "They are brethren, of the household of faith," but Levites-in the Court; they never consecrated as priests, consequently cannot enter the "Holy," nor see the things that were prepared for the priests only. The natural "eye hath not seen, or ear heard-neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit [light of the Lamp], for the Spirit searcheth [revealeth] all things-yea, the deep [hidden] things of God." (1 Cor. 2:9) The church nominal has always included both the justified and sanctified classes-Levites and Priests. In Paul's day certain parts of his letters were addressed to the justified class (Levites), who had not consecrated. Thus, after exhorting in Gal. 5, he winds up by assuring them, that the things he complains of, are evidences that they do not belong to the body of Christ (Priesthood); for, he says, "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Verse 24. In the same way he addresses the Romans (Ch. 12: 1): "I beseech you therefore, brethren [believers-justified by faith in Christ-Levites], by the mercies of God [manifest through Christ in our justification], that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice; [that you consecrate wholly thus becoming priests] holy, acceptable unto God." Being justified freely by faith in Jesus, God reckons you as sinless-holy-and has agreed to accept every such sacrifice-"With such sacrifices he is ever well pleased." By so doing you become priests-members in particular of the High Priest's body. The succeeding verse tells them what will result from so consecrating— viz.: The transformation of their minds. Their wills being renewed, they will be priests-new creatures, possessing the spirit of Christ. The fact that at this time they have not the spirit of sacrifice-glad obedience to God's will, is an evidence that they are not members of Christ, he is none of His." (Rom. 8: 9) And it seems evident to us, that by far the larger proportion of the early churches (much more so of the modern worldly mixture- confusion-Babylon, of the present day) were merely Levites, doing the service of the Sanctuary, but not sacrificing. Looking back at the type in the Law, we find that there were 17,160 Levites appointed in the shadowy service, while only five Priests were appointed for the shadowy sacrificing. (Num. 4: 36, 40, 44, 48; Ex. 28:1) It may be that this, as much as the other features of that shadow, was designed to illustrate the proportion of justified believers to self-sacrificing consecrated ones. Though now the nominal church numbers millions, yet when a fair allowance is made for hypocrites, and one in every three thousand of the balance supposed to be living sacrifices, (a correct proportion according to the type,) it seems quite evident that the Lord did not make a misstatement when He said, that they who would receive the kingdom (the Royal Priesthood) would be a "little flock." (Luke 12:32) The fact that we see believers who are trying to put away their sins, is not of itself evidence of their being Priests, for Levites, as well as Priests, should practice circumcision of the heart-"putting away the filth (sins) of the flesh." Nor is a spirit of meekness, gentleness, benevolence, and morality, always a result of consecration to God. These qualities belong to a perfect natural man-(the image of God), and in occasional instances partially survive the wreck of the fall. These, when in the nominal church, not infrequently pass for the cream of Christianity. Nor yet, when we see believers practicing self-denial in some good work of political or moral reform, is that an evidence of consecration to God, though it is an evidence of consecration to a work. Consecration to God says, any work, any where; Lo, "I delight to do Thy will, O God-Thy will in Thy way be done. CONSECRATION TO God, THEN, WILL INSURE A SEARCHING OF HIS revealed plan IN his word, that we maybe able to spend and be spent, for Him and in His service. Marvel not, then, that so few have ever seen the glorious beauties within the Tabernacle; only Priests can see them. The Levites may know of them only as they hear them described. They have never seen the hidden light and beauty; never eaten of the hidden bread; never offered the acceptable incense at the Golden Altar. No, for these they must pass the vail-in entire consecration to God. The Golden Table bearing the shew bread, represents the church as a whole, including Jesus and the apostles-all "Holding forth the word of life." (Phil. 2: 16) The great work of the true church during this age, is to feed and strengthen and enlighten all who enter the covenant- spiritual condition-The Bride of Christ is to make herself ready. (Rev. 19:7) The Golden Altar seems also to represent the entire (consecrated) church in the present sacrificing condition. From this altar ascends the sweet incense, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Here is offered to God the priest's willing services-owr praises, our willing obedience, all things whatsoever we do, to the glory of God. Those who thus offer incense acceptable to God by Jesus Christ our head (1 Pet. 2: 5), come very close to their Father-close up to the vail; and if they have requests to make they may be presented with the incense "much incense with the prayers of the saints." (Rev. 8:3) The prayers of such priests of God are effectual. Jesus kept the incense continually burning and could say, "I knew that thou hearest me always." (John 11: 42) So we will be heard always, if we continually expect to have requests recognized who do not thus keep their covenant-"!f ye abide in me and my words [teachings] abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7) We have learned through types previously considered, something of the glory of the Most Holy (the perfect, divine condition) which no man can approach in Christ Jesus-partaker of the Divine nature, will finally come. We would now endeavor to learn what God has designed to symbolize by the "Ark of the Testimony," its only article of furniture. Its name suggests that it illustrates the embodiment of Jehovah's plan, which he had purposed in himself, before the lapse of ages had developed even the head of the Christ, or the minutest beginning of his plan. It represented the purpose of God to develop a little flock, to be partakers of the Divine nature. It contained the Law showing how the Christ should meet in full, all the requirements of God's perfect Law, and also that legal authority should be vested in him as the Law-giver. The righteousness of the Law was actually fulfilled in our head, and it is also fulfilled actually in us as new creatures who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit; that is, who walk in obedience to the new mind. The infirmities of the old nature which we are daily crucifying, are not charged to us as new creatures. When it is written that "the righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us"-the end of our race-perfection is reckoned to us, because we are walking toward, or after the spiritual perfection, which, when we reach the Most Holy (Ark condition) will be completed. Aaron's Rod that budded, shows the select character of all the body of Christ, as members of the royal priesthood. By reading Num. 17, the meaning of the budded rod will be seen to be, Jehovah's acceptance of Aaron and his sons-the head and under priests-as the only ones who might perform the priest's office of Mediator. That rod, therefore represents the acceptableness of the "royal priesthood"-the Christ, Head and body. It budded and brought forth almonds. A peculiarity about the almond tree, is, that the fruit comes before any leaves appear; so with the "royal priesthood;" they sacrifice or bring forth fruit, before the leaves, or professions are made. The Golden Pot of Manna represents Immortality as being one of the possessions of the Christ of God. Jesus doubtless refers to this, when he says: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna." (Rev. 2:17) Manna was the bread which came down from heaven-a life sustainer; so God provides life for all Israel (the world) that they may live forever-continually eating of it; but he offers to those who become joint heirs-members of the anointed boy (all overcomes) that they shall have a peculiar sort of manna, or life principal, the "hidden manna." One peculiarity of this pot of manna was, that it was incorruptible; hence it well illustrates the immortal and incorruptible condition promised to all members of the seed- which is Christ. Here then in the golden Ark, is represented the glory to be revealed in the Divine Christ; in the budding of the rod, God's chosen priesthood; in the tables of the Law, the righteous law-giver; in the golden bowl of incorruptible manna, immortality in divinity. Above this Ark, and constituting a lid, or head of it, was the Mercy Seat-a slab of solid gold, on the two ends of which, and of the same piece of metal were formed two cherubim, with winds uplifted as if ready to fly-their faces looking inward toward the center of the plate on which they stood. Here, between the cherubim on the Mercy seat, a bright light appeared, indicating Jehovah's presence. To our understanding that Mercy Seat, glory light, and cherubim, all together, represented Jehovah God. As with the Christ, so with Jehovah-He is here represented by things which illustrate attributes of His character. The light reminds us of Paul' s word: (1 Tim. 6: 16) God "only hath immortality, dwelling in light, which no man can approach unto." Humanity cannot enter his presence; hence, the priesthood, head and body, represented by Aaron, must become new creatures, "partakers of the divine nature (having crucified and buried the human) before they can appear before that excellent glory. The slab of gold or Mercy seat, we believe represents the underlying principle of Jehovah's character- JUSTICE. His throne or mercy seat is based upon justice. "Judgment and justice are the habitation of thy throne." (Psa 89: 14; Rev. 15:3; Job 36: 17 and 37:23;Isa. 56:1) The two cherubim represent two elements of our Father's character as revealed in his Word-viz: mercy and love. These attributes-Mercy, Love and Justice, are in perfect harmony with each other. They are all made of one piece; they are thoroughly one: Neither Mercy nor Love can be exercised, until Justice is fully satisfied: Then they fly to help, to lift up and to bless-They were on the wing but waiting, looking inward toward the mercy seat- Justice, to know when to act. Now, see the High Priest as he approaches with the blood of the atonement sacrifices; will he put it upon the cherubiml No, neither the Mercy nor the Love of God require the sacrifice; he need not, therefore, sprinkle the cherubim. It is the Justice of God that will by no means clear the guilty- It was Justice that said that the wages of sin is death. When, therefore, the High Priest would give a ransom for sinners, it is to Justice that it must be paid. Therefore, we see why he sprinkled the blood upon the Mercy Seat. Love, led to the whole redemptive plan. It was because God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son to redeem it, by paying to Justice the ransom. So Love has been active, preparing for the redemption ever since sin entered-yet "from before the foundation of the world." (1 Pet. 1: 20) "Love first contrived the way To save rebellious man." When the sacrifices (bullock and goat) are complete, Love tarries to see the results of its plan. As the blood is sprinkled, Justice cries, it is enough. Then must come Mercy's time to work for those whom God so loved; and Love and Mercy wing their flight to bless the ransomed race through the Redeemer-the "Lord's anointed." When Justice is satisfied, Mercy starts out upon her errand which is co-extensive with that of Love, and uses the same agency-the Christ. The relationship and oneness of all of that divine family [Father, Son and his bride], represented by the Ark and its cover is shown in the fact that the Mercy Seat was the lid of the Ark, and hence a part-the top or head of it. As the head of the church is Christ Jesus, so the head of the entire Christ is God. (1 Cor. 11:3) This is the oneness for which Jesus prayed, saying: Father "I pray not for the world, but for those thou has given me"-"that they all may be one; as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us-that the world may [then] believe." (John 17: 9, 21) It is significant also, that any member of the priesthood that had a blemish of eye, hand, nose, foot, or in any way, could not fill the office of Priest (High Priest); neither any man having any superfluity, such as an extra finger, or toe. This seems to each us all of the perfection of every member of that body-they are all "overcomers:" and furthermore, that when the body of Christ is complete, there will be no additions permitted-no superfluity. If then, we are not called; if we have heard the invitation to become members in particular of his body, and have accepted it, let us seek to make our calling and our election (as members of that "little flock") sure, by so running to obtain the prize. If we miss the prize, some one else will win in our place, for the body must be complete; not one member lacking, no one superfluous. Take heed "that no man take thy crown." Rev. 3:11. It has been a matter of surprise to some, that the glories and beauties of the Tabernacle-its golden walls, its golden and beautifully engraved furniture, and vails of curious work- were so completely covered and hidden from view of the people; no sunlight from without even to illuminate its glorious beauty. But this is all in keeping with the lessons we have received from its services. As God covered the type and hid its beauty under skins and curtains, so the glories and beauties of spiritual things are seen only when within by those who enter-the Royal Priesthood. These, too, enter a hidden glory which the world and all outside fail to appreciate. Their glory also and their standing as new creatures are hidden from their fellow men. "Ah; these are of a royal line, All children of a King, Heirs of immortal crowns divine, And lo, for joy they sing! Why do they, then, appear so mean ? And why so much despised? Because of their rich robes unseen The world is not apprised. " CHAPTER VHI THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION IN THE HOLY PLACE "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place," etc. Matt. 24: 15; Mark 13: 14. In relating to his disciples the things which should come to pass before his presence, and before the end (harvest) of the Gospel Age (vss. 3-14), Jesus told them there would be many wars and commotions, etc., and that this Gospel must first be preached for a witness unto all nations. Then, calling their minds backward on the streams of time, he tells them of the great abomination of desolation, and indicates that it will be something very marked. The words holy place in this text, and sanctuary in the corresponding passage in Daniel, signify sacred place. We believe that Jesus made a twofold use of it, referring to the desecration of the Holy Land and its desolation, and the giving over of that people (the typical sanctuary and the host) to their enemies. But we believe that the prophecy of Daniel, and also Jesus' reference to it, apply really and with tenfold emphasis, to things typified by that people and holy land, viz: a desolating abomination which would gain control over the Christian "host"-believers-and tread them down, while defiling their dwelling place-the Sanctuary of truth. We have seen that what to the Israelite was a holy place, is to the Gospel Church a holy condition; place being used to typify condition. Our condition is sanctification in the truth, and when the truth was corrupted by the introduction of errors which made void the Word of God, it was an abominable pollution of our "Sanctuary"— a. desolating abomination which caused the overthrow of the Lord's people (the "hosf'-believers). This double significance, we think, is true of very much of Jesus' teachings-as well as of the prophecies. The desolating abomination to the Holly Land was the Roman army under Titus, who destroyed and made it desolate literally; and the abomination which desecrated the Sanctuary of truth was Papacy, (the "Man of Sin"-the world united to the degenerated church, thy twain becoming one) which trampled the truth of God into the dust, and exalted the traditions of men. She, the harlot church, was made drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus, and deceived all nations, and has so impregnated them with her false doctrines, that they must, with her, drink of the wine of wrath of God ere they will be prepared for the blessings of his kingdom. The latter is the real abomination in the real holy place, while the former is its shadow. Jesus referred us to Daniel, therefore let us examine his works: Out of the Grecian Empire came forth (or after it) "a little horn" (Rome-pagan), and "it waxed great even unto the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them." (Dan. 8: ). Rome, became great and strong, and persecuted the true saints and cast down and abused some of them; both of the (stars) teachers and of the (host) believers. "Yea, he magnified himself even unto the prince of the host" (vs. 11), i.e., Rome became Papal-the prince or head of the church. In the union of empire and church, the church (women) lost her personal identity and was recognized as part of the "Man of Sin." "And by him the continual sacrifice (Young's translation) was taken away, and the base of his sanctuary was cast down." (Vs. 1 1) By the influence of the empire the "Mass" --or missa was introduced in the fifth century. The significance of the mass is not generally understood by Protestants. Roman Catholics regard it as a real sacrifice of Christ. In what is called the doctrine of "Transubstantiation," the Roman church teaches us that in the wafer and wine, Jesus' body and blood are actually present, and that when broken and poured, the sacrifice of Jesus is accomplished afresh. They believe that only through the repetition of this sacrifice can the sinner approach God. By the introduction of the "mass" or special sacrifices, they set aside the one real sacrifice which should be esteemed a CONTINUAL SACRIFICE. And thus the influence of the "horn" (empire) took away the "continual sacrifice'" by introducing the "mass"; thus the base of his sanctuary (or fundamental underlying principle of truth) was cast down." "And the host (nominal church) was given over (to this deplorable condition) for (or because of) the transgression against the "continual sacrifice." (Vs. 12, Margin- -Young's trans.) "And it (the Roman horn or power) cast down the truth to the ground, and it practiced and prospered." It had great success (Vs. 12). Thus, this Roman power by overcoming the church, has defiled God's sanctuary. This is that of which Paul speaks, concerning this same horn power, or "man of sin": That he would oppose and exalt himself above all that is called (after the name of) God (God's sons) so that he as God (the chief- instead of their head-or as Christ's vicar) sitteth in the temple (church- sanctuary) showing himself that he is God (the ruler or head of the temple or church). (2 Thess. 2:3) Then Daniel heard one inquire of another how long this abomination of error would continue to desolate and desecrate the sanctuary-"the holy" and the host, the nominal church. And he heard the answer: "Until 2300 days, then is the holy place declared right." (Vss. 13, 14, Young's trans.) Since we are interested in ascertaining when the Sanctuary will be cleaned of defilement, we would count the number here given. Daniel did not understand, and made the vision a subject of prayer, in answer to which Gabriel is sent to give him a partial explanation (for our sakes) which is recorded in chapter (: 22-27. Seventy weeks (490 days) of this 2300 days would be of special interest to Daniel, as that part of it measured Israel's favor. Sixty-nine of these weeks were to reach unto Messiah the Prince (Jesus' baptism and anointing), and one to follow. These were not literal days or weeks, but were fulfilled as symbolic time -each day a year: the 69 weeks reaching to the anointing; the 70th week reaching 3-1/2 years beyond the cross, October A.D. 36. Messiah was cut off-died-in the midst of the 70th week. All must be symbolic time, if a part was. If, then, 490 years of this 2300 years ended in A.D. 36, we can ascertain readily where the whole number will end. Deducting from A.D. 36, which, added, shows us that the 2300 days were full in October, 1846; and there the Sanctuary or "holy" should be "cleansed" or "made right," or purified from the abominations and errors brought into it by the influence of the Roman Empire ("horn".) But the inquiry comes: In what sense was this cleansing from those errors accomplished in 1846? We look backward and see how the sanctuary of truth was defiled. The church, as established in the truth of God, was all wheat, but soon the enemy brought in false doctrines developing tares. This evil, Paul said, already began to foment and defile in his day, and would increase unto the more ungodliness, ultimately resulting in the harlotry of the church-her union with the world, etc., and the development thus, of the "man of sin" in the control of the Sanctuary, or holy things of the Lord. Paul also tells of the Reformation, when the power of this man of sin and his erroneous teachings would begin to consume- -"Whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth." (2 Thess. 2:8) This-the Spirit of Christ's mouth-the truth-has been doing the cleansing work. When Luther began to question the teachings of Papacy on various subjects, venerable with age, and respectable because of their almost universal acceptance among the people, and hallowed because of the superstitious reverence for the clergy of the Church of Rome, who advocated them-then the cleansing commenced. We repeat that when Luther and others-as member of the "royal priesthood" began to see in God's holy place— Sanctuary- such abominations as the selling of "indulgences"-absolution of sins past or future for money; the doctrine of Transubstantiation or the actual presence and repeated sacrifice of Jesus in the Mass; the doctrine of the infallibility of the church and its creeds as the exponents of truth; the claim that the Pope is the head of the church, or Vicar of Christ, etc., they saw the defilement, and forthwith commenced its removal. Luther claimed justification by faith and not by works; that Christ was the only head and all truly his are his members, and are brethren; that the Word of God in the only rule of faith and practice; and that any doctrine unsupported by it is unworthy of acceptance, though it be hoary with age. He pointed to Papacy as the "man of sin," or as shown in another symbol (Rev. 17) the woman seated o n, (controlling) the beast (empire), drunken with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus; having a golden cup in her hand full of filthiness, the abominable errors of doctrine and practice) having in her forehead the name written MYSTERY (of iniquity)-BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH- the abomination that defiled and made desolate, the holy place. And he began to overturn those filthy traditions and to cleanse the Sanctuary. He did, perhaps, his share of the great work, but soon reformation ceased in the church he established. It rested from its labors self satisfied, that it had obtained all the truth, and got rid of all the abominable error. But still the work went on; one truth after another being discovered hidden under Papal error, and brought to light by new reformers, each in turn, however following the same course-organizing a sect contented and satisfied that they had all truth and no error. Among the more prominent of these later reformations, which after developing a neglected truth, were themselves laid aside, because they became proud and sectarian and ceased to carry on reform, we might cite the following: Presbyterians and Congregationalists as among the most prominent exponents of the doctrines of Calvin. The principal value of the doctrines of Calvin as off-setting Papal errors, were we believe, the teaching of the necessity of applying rules of holy living to the people, as well as to the priests; the accountability of each to God direct, and the greatness, omnipotence and foreknowledge of God, and the immutability of his promises and plans. The Baptists represented another long lost sight of doctrine, and called the attention of the world to how Papacy had changed the outward form of baptism, from immersion to sprinkling. A later reform was instituted by a people calling themselves "Disciples" or "The Christian Church," organized in 1827. The leader was Alex. Campbell, and the reform advocated was in respect to church organization, discipline, creeds, and the abrogation of all titles for its ministers, etc. Its aim was to be as much as possible like the Apostolic arrangement, embodying simplicity and liberty. Its design was good and to some extent successful, but it ceased to carry forward the reform to liberty of teaching, and study of the word. Though bound by no written creed, yet respecting traditions and honors of men, it has also become a fixed sect which no longer leads in the search for truth, and the cleansing of the sanctuary from Papal errors, but is like others, self-satisfied. While we mention only a few of these reform movements, let no one understand us as ignoring others; the reform has been general, and all earnest true Christians have participated in it to some extent. But while all these reforms had been for good, and each had removed some of the musty and worshipped error, yet some remained until about 1846. Do not misunderstand us; much still exists, and is still worshipped by God's children; but there we think for the first time for nearly 1300 years, a little company of people got free from all of Papacy's snares of entangling error- The sanctuary of truth was cleansed. This last reform received its first impulse from William Miller, in America, who having for some years studied the Prophetic Scriptures, and having convinced himself and some friends, that the Lord would come and the world would be destroyed by fire in 1843 or 1844, began to preach it. He attracted the independent thinking Christians from all denominations, and by his preaching greatly stirred them up to the private study of the Scriptures, and developed, and made strong, the right of private judgment, as to what are the teachings of Scripture. "The Bridegroom tarried"- their expectations were not realized; but that movement had a widespread influence nevertheless. The "wheat" among the disappointed ones had obtained some new ideas. They had learned that doctrines they had supposed fixed by the World of God, had no better basis than the decrees of a corrupt church which God called an "abomination" They had learned that the reformers had only uncovered a part of the truth; that truth had not all been revealed in past ages, but, that God had declared to the Prophets that some truths were "sealed" up and closed "until the time of the end," when knowledge should increase, and the (heavenly) wise should understand things "which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God:" "even the mystery which hath been hid from [former] ages and generations." (Dan. 12: 4, 9, to; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:26.) This was a valuable lesson, as it led them the more to study God's Word, rather than follow the example of others, in studying the traditions and creeds of past ages. They had been freed from servility to honor and respect in the various denominations from which they had been cut loose by their obedience to their convictions, in regard to Mr. Miller's teachings. Honesty to convictions of duty, always brings some blessing: even as Paul going to Damascus, we meet the Lord on the way. Hence, though disappointed in the Bridegroom's tarrying, they had been greatly blessed, and were prepared for any truth which could be found in Scripture, no matter how unpopular with men; or the rejection of any doctrine found unscriptural, however popular- a very necessary position to be in, to be taught of God. Consequently we find them, or among them, some who took a more advanced stand than any who preceded them in the Reformation work, or cleansing of the Sanctuary of truth. Thus, 1846-the end of the 2300 days-found a company who not only agreed with "The Disciples" in simplicity of church government and abolition of all titles; with the Baptists relative to the outward form of baptism-immersion; and with Luther in his teachings that the Papal system was the "Man of Sin," and the degenerate church, the "mother of harlots and abominations;" showing also the daughters which had engaged in their mother's crime-adultery with the world; but also while recognizing Jesus as both Lord and Head over all, and a partaker of the divine nature, proved that the incomprehensible doctrine of Trinity, was of Papal decree, and without any foundation in Scripture save a part of a paragraph interpolated to prove the doctrine-so acknowledged by all students. (1 John 5: 7, 8) See New Translation. But still another item of the abominable, sanctuary-defiling error, did they boldly cast out, viz.: the teaching of Papacy- without the slightest Bible proof-that man is by nature immortal. That is to say, that, though God can create a man (or an angel), when once created, he can never destroy him. Absurd as this doctrine may seem, that He who has power to create, cannot destroy, it is nevertheless accepted, by nearly all of the church nominal, as well as by the world who disbelieve the Bible entirely. In fact, it should be easier to believe it, while denying the Bible, because it distinctly affirms that God "only hath Immortality," (1 Tim. 6: 16,) and holds it up as a reward to all who follow Jesus in self-sacrifice. (2 Pet. 1:4) The wide influence of this last named abomination of error cannot be fully appreciated, until we remember that it is the very foundation of Papacy's purgatory, and of Protestantism's eternal torment; neither of which, find support in Scripture, though the translators of the Bible being believers in these doctrines, have done what they could to have it support this, the most awful, most abominable, most God-dishonoring doctrine, of all which defiled the Sanctuary of truth. It contradicted Jehovah exactly; for when His Word declared that God "only hath Immortality," it cast the lie in his face, and declared that all men possessed it. When he declared: "The soul (being) that sinneth, it shall die," the reply of this abomination was a repetition of Satan's words, "Ye shall not surely die" (Gen. 3:4), but ye must live forever in torment for ye are immortal. When Jehovah declared that the broad road leads to destruction, this error told God's children: nay, God cannot destroy man-it must be understood to mean preserve in torment. Jehovah says: "All the wicked (willful transgressors) will He destroy" (Psa. 145: 20), but the Devil delights to malign the character of God, and deceive "the host" into believing that such will be tortured, either by mental or physical pain, endlessly, hopelessly, forever and forever; with the heart of the Eternal so cold that he enjoys their misery, or the arm of the Omnipotent so weak that he cannot destroy them. Oh yet, this was the greatest and most abominable of all the defilements of the Sanctuary of truth; and since its falsity and its lack of Scriptural support have been discovered, it lifts the vail which once shrouded so much of God's plan. We see now, that death-destruction-was the punishment for sin-eternal, everlasting punishment-and it shows us the necessity of the "sin offering' and "Day of Atonement" to redeem all mankind from destruction. We can now see the great justice of God, and the inflexibility of his law, which was executed against the race, not withstanding. He "so loved the world." It shows us, too, His love and mercy in making ample provision for the recovery and restitution of all who will receive it, to perfection and to his fellowship-in this "at-one-menf sacrifice, which He provided, "Who redeemeth thy life from DESTRUCTION." (Psa. 103: 4) "For ye were redeemed not with corruptible things... but with the precious blood (human life) of Christ." (1 Pet. 1: 18) As the teachings of Luther had been uttered before his day, but never amounted to much, so the subject of man's non-immortality had been advocated by a few before this cleansing of 1846. One of the charges against the reformers of Luther's day, was, that they stated that "All which had been said about the immortality of the soul was invented by Anti-Christ for the purpose of making the Pope's pot boil." The writings of Wm. Tyndale (translator of the first Bible published in the English language) show clearly that he believed the Bible statement-that God "only hath immortality." Of the 95 theses, or propositions of dissent, from the teachings of Papacy nailed on the door of the church at Wittenburg, October 31, 1517-the starting of the Reformation fires-the 27th objection was to this doctrine of man's inherent immortality. Those propositions having been denounced as heresy by Pope Leo X., Luther in his reply (1520) denounces the teachings of transubstantiation, man's immortality, and the Pope's claim to be the Emperor of the world, king of heaven, and God upon earth, as monstrous opinions to be found in the Roman dunghill of decretals. But nevertheless this item from the Papal dunghill was thought too precious to be discarded, and even those called Lutherans carefully avoid all reference to his 27th Thesis, and still hold to Papacy's teachings, rather than the teachings of God's Word. And thus does this like the other daughters, resemble the mother church. The Evangelical Alliance of 1846, the exact ending of the 2300 days, composed of representatives from all the sects, clearly defining their belief in man's immortality and adding it as the ninth article to the common creed, thus shut out from fellowship all who do not hold to this Papal dogma. Thus were separated from others, a people who rejected even this last and strongest abominable desolating error, which defiled the sanctuary of truth. The sanctuary of truth being thus totally cleared of papal and pagan rubbish, and cleansed from the defilements which desolated it, a way was opened for the replacing of many glorious truths which had been misplaced by those errors. But strange to say, this last mentioned reformation, seems to have closely followed the example of its predecessors. Becoming somewhat numerous and seeking less odium, they have settled down to the believe that what they first learned was all that could be learned. They have rested and have made no progress since. But if the rubbish was all cleared out in 1846, the time since should be a time for unfolding and developing the glorious plan of God, in place of the abominations removed. This work of opening up truth and seeing its beauty, is legitimately due now, and is being accomplished. We thank God for the privilege, of being engaged with others in this blessed work of bringing the golden vessels (truths) of the Lord, back from the captivity of "Babylon the Great," and replacing them in the Sanctuary; and we offer fraternal greetings to all co-laborers in the mine of truth, and members of the anointed body. Blessed those servants whom their Lord, when he has come, shall find giving meat in due season to the household. (Matt. 24: 45, 46 Let scholars critically note Greek text.) "We are watching, we are waiting, For the bright, prophetic day; When the shadows, weary shadows, From the world shall roll away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the beauteous king of day; For the chief est often thousand, For the Light, the Truth, the Way. "We are waking, for 'tis morning, And this beauteous day is dawning, We are happy, for 'tis morning, See! The shadows flee away. Lot He comes! See the King draw near! Zion, shout, the Lord is here. " CHAPTER IX ANOTHER DESCRIPTION OF THE DESOLATING OF THE SANCTUARY Daniel ii: 31 - 12: 13 Here the same things already referred to are described in other language. Verses 1 to 31 seem to correspond with verses 3 to 8 of chapter 8, in describing the changes preceding Papacy. Daniel 11: 31-(Young's translation) reads: "And strong ones out of him stand up and have polluted the Sanctuary-the stronghold- and have turned aside the continual sacrifice and appointed the desolating abomination"-the system of Papal error. The strong ones here answer to the "horn" or Roman Empire of Daniel 8: 9. "And such as do wickedly against the covenant [covenant breakers] shall he cause to dissemble." [Margin} That is, those who were anxious to unite with the world and get Imperial favor, did so in opposition to their covenant, which was, in effect, that they were to be dead to the world-"love not the world," etc. This class was ready to dissemble, or tied to serve both God and Mammon, and such were led astray, and became subject to the "abomination that made desolate," and defiled the Sanctuary of truth. "But the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits; and they that have understanding shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame and by captivity many days." (Vss. 32 and 33) This shows that through those long years of persecution of truth, God never left himself without a witness, and many of them sealed their testimony for truth with their lives, for the "harlot" was "made drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus." (Rev. 17:6) "Now, when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help." The Reformation was a little help which kept the truth from becoming totally choked out. "But many shall cleave to them with flatteries [dissemblingly] and some of them of understanding [teachers] shall fall to [thus] try them, and to purge, and to make them white." Thus was foretold that even when the Reformation movement would commence, many would cleave to the old abominations-dissemblingly-and would fear to make a bold stand against all of those abominable errors-fail to cleanse the sanctuary of truth of all those defilements. And further, the trial would be increase by many of the great teachers thus falling back into a partial acknowledgment of those errors. But the effect of all this is, to make truth all the more valuable, that it might be hid from the worldly wise and prudent, and revealed unto the babes-the simple-hearted children of God. Thus God was separating, purging, and making white, a "little flock," while the multitude of His children wee still suffered to be deceived because not faithful to their covenant of entire consecration. The spoiling many days (years) was to continue "till the end of the time-for it is yet for an appointed time." Vs. 35, Young) This "time appointed," is mentioned repeatedly-It is the 3-1/2 times (three and a half symbolic years=1260 years) of Daniel 12: 7, and of Rev. 12: 14. The same is referred to as 42 months and "1260 days" of Rev. 12: 6; and 13: 5; and 11: 3, all of which symbolize the period of time (1260 years) during which Papacy had persecuting power, and which ended in 1798, when Pope Pius VI, was taken a prisoner to Paris (where he died, and a Republic was established in Rome-the first government opposed to Papacy which was recognized by the people, from the time of Papacy's exaltation- -or, when it was "set up." This is confirmed by the 36th and succeeding verses: We believe this describes Napoleon's career-he who overthrew Papacy (and subsequently restored it with some authority, as his agent). Napoleon disregarded the Pope (who claimed and was recognized by the people as being "Emperor of the world, king of heaven, and God upon earth." He magnified himself, and spake, by both word and act, marvelous things against this so-called God, or Mighty one of mighty ones-so much so, that when he crossed his will, he imprisoned him. (Pope Pius VII was also imprisoned by him, for disobedience.) Neither did he regard "the desire of women:" At that time many sects (churches-women), had been born, and while they were glad of his treatment of their Mother-the Church of Rome-and would have desired so mighty a one to espouse their respective causes, yet he would not; he disregarded the desire of women; nor did he regard any God (ruler); he exalted himself as ruler of the world, and commanded obedience of all. The only God he recognized was the "God protectors" [marginal reading] -the army. He acknowledged it, and bestowed many favors upon it and his under generals. "Thus he did-in the strong holds-In the countries he conquered, he caused his generals to rule. Thus he "divided the land for gain"-or made a division of the honor, that was profitable to himself. In his conquests he went into Egypt, conquered it, and advanced into Palestine, and pitched his palatial tent among those time-honored mountains, one battle being fought at Mt. Tabor, supposed to be the Mount of the transfiguration o f Jesus. But Turkey (king of the south) and England (of the north) pushed at, or opposed him- 1798. Finally, he returned to Europe, where his career ended and none helped him. (Dan. 11: 45) Thus we see that the chain of prophecy reaches down to the year 1798-the year of the virtual canceling of Papal power, and describes minutely the career of the man who did it—the most notable character known to the pages of history. THE 1260, 1290, AND 1335 PROPHETIC DAYS Daniel heard further that it would be 3-1/2 times (years)=1260 symbolic days, to the end of these wonders. (Symbolic time allows 360 days to a year) Then all those things would be finished. It would be after Daniel's people the Jews, had been completely scattered-tang after, we now know. Dan. 12: 6, 7. This 1260 reaches back from the end, to 538 A.D., as the time when the abomination was "set up"-or brought into power; which agrees well with history. Thus the 1260 of Daniel and Revelation becomes the key to these other mentioned prophetic periods, 1290 and 1335. They evidently have a common starting point. The 1290 years, from 538, end in 1828. There, we believe, we entered what is scripturally termed, "The time of the end"-or the period until which, the vision was sealed and hidden, and since which, those led of the Spirit are coming to more and more clear understanding of these matters. So we read that Daniel inquired, "O my Lord, what is the latter end of these?" The angel said "Go, Daniel, for hidden and sealed are the things till THE TIME OF THE END"... "From the time of the turning aside of the perpetual sacrifice, and the giving out of the desolating abomination, are days a thousand two hundred and ninety." (Vss. 9, 11) (Until the time of the end when the wise shall be able to understand. The wicked-those consecrated ones who do not keep their covenant- "wicked and slothful servants"-- shall not be able to understand; but the wise shall understand. The wicked-those consecrated ones who do not keep their covenant-'wicked and slothful servants"- shall not be able to understand these things, even in "the time of the end." The wise-those keeping their covenant of entire consecration-shall understand. [These wise virgins will all recognize the Bridegroom's presence, and will go in to the marriage, while the foolish virgins will know not of his presence.] Verse 22-"0 the blessedness of him who is waiting earnestly [watching], and doth come to the days a thousand three hundred thirty and five!" [Young's translation] The 1335 days, by the same measure, would date from the same point, 538, and end with the year 1874. How many of us can exclaim in the words of the Angel: "O the blessedness" of those living since 1874, who are waiting earnestly- watching- who are keeping their consecration covenant, and who may all have understanding of the vision? Other prophecies and New Testament utterances, show us that in 1874 the Lord Jesus became present to gather his jewels, and that the time since is called the "Harvest" which "is the end of the age" (Matt. 13:39) Yes, the light of truth has shown out wonderfully since 1874, and is still shining and still there's more to follow. How glad we are that we are free from all bondage to human creeds and isms, so that we can receive and enjoy the "meat in due season." And we would love to see all of God's dear children rejoicing in these revelations of his glorious plan, who are yet hindered from seeing light in his light, because they are committed solely and only to a creed, made from 50 to 1300 years ago; who consequently cannot "grow in grace and knowledge," beyond those who formed the creeds. We walk in the light when we follow our guide, but we only truly follow him when walking in the light of his Word. There is no other sure, safe light, to follow-'The true light." But, not only was a blessing to be upon some of the living, when this "harvest" or end of the age should come, in 1874, but Daniel was told that his hope lay here. Sometime during this "harvest," (which commenced at the end of the 1335 days, and which from other prophecies, we learn will last for 40 years, or until 1914,) Daniel was to have a resurrection-"Go thou thy way till the end [harvest] be, for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." (Verse 13) CHAPTER X THE SANCTUARY TRODDEN DOWN REV. 11: 1-2 Here we have another picture of the same, defiling of the citadel of truth, or Holy City. "And there was given to me a reed like to a rod [a straight measuring stick], and the messenger stood saying, 'Rise and measure the sanctuary of God and the altar, and those worshipping in it; and the court that is without the sanctuary leave out-and thou mayest not measure it, because it was given to the nations, and the holy city [citadel of holy truth] shall they tread forty-two months.'" (Rev. 11: 1,2 Young's translation) For 42 symbolic months (1260 years), the desolating abomination of error, had not only "made void" the word of God by false traditions, but by claiming the decrees of the church to be infallible, they had measurably abandoned the Bible. Very few Bibles were written, and then only in dead languages, vailed- hidden from the people. As the next verse pictures it, the two witnesses-the Old and New Testaments-were clothed in sackcloth (a dead language) for 1260 years. This continued in great measure until the end of those 1260 years- 1798-when the treading down of the word of truth by tradition ceased, and there began the organization of almost all the Bible Societies, which since then have scattered Bibles like autumn leaves, in every land gauge. In that Word of God, thus set free and "exalted up to heaven" (Compare Matt. 11:23 and Rev. 11: 12)-to the adoration and esteem of all Christians, we believe we have the straight measuring rod by which, in this day, we are to measure all creeds and doctrines and teachings. This measure is given to John, the representative of the last phase of the little flock who will be alive in the day of our Lord's presence:— "If I will that he (the John class, antitypical) tarry till I come"- John 21: 22. The revelation of God's Word, as now made to the John class, is a more perfect measure than it ever was before: We have many excellent translations, some of them from very ancient manuscripts. (The writer has eight translations, which are valuable assistants.) And by these, as well as by numbers of valuable helps, such as English, Greek and Hebrew Concordances, a more perfect understanding of the text can be had, as well as of correlative passages, than was ever before possible to either learned or unlearned. The injunction to the John class is, "Rise (arouse yourselves to an important work, requiring all your effort), measure the Sanctuary. Test, try, prove, by the rule given you, the sanctuary of truth-the position you occupy as the Lord's "royal priesthood." Prove all things, "hold fast that which is good," and reject all not up to the measure of your "rod. " Not only measure the doctrines in which the church are standing, but measure those who worship therein. Let this Word, these two witness which the church is now worshipping, be heard. Let the Word of God be the only rule of faith, doctrine, teaching and also the rule of practice. Oh, how many worship these two witnesses in word, and worship in heart the degrees of councils and assemblies-the creeds and commandments of men. Whoever is on the Lord's side; whoever is on the truth's side; whoever is of the John class; to you, the word comes- Arise and shake thyself from the dust of the traditions of men. Rise, measure the Sanctuary of truth; and every worshipper, let him, measure himself with the Golden rod of Divine truth. But he was also to measure the ALTAR-and, beloved, we have in this little work, been endeavoring to measure it. To the surprise of many (joyfully, we hope) we have seen the size of the Altar to be a hundred fold longer and broader than we had before supposed. Yes, the Altar is so large that on it is being laid during this Gospel Age, the burn offering acceptable to Jehovah as the RANSOM of the whole world. Yes, once we supposed that Jesus had provided only for the "little flock"; but now we find, since the golden rod is put into our hands, that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man-to be testified in due time," and to prove of practical value and benefit to all. Once in our ignorance, misguided by the creeds of men, framed in the dark ages, we supposed that all probation would cease with this Gospel Age-that the "little flock" only would be saved. But now we measure it by our Rod, and learn that while yet sinners, God so loved the world as to give his only begotten Son to die on their behalf 'and as their ransom . And by means of the knowledge afforded in measuring the Sanctuary and Altar, we have come to "Trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men --especially of them that believe." And now, while seeking the great, grand prize of our (believers) high calling to the Diving nature, we can rejoice in the love of God in the general salvation of mankind, and their restoration to the perfection of humanity- -in due time. Oh, the length and breadth, the height and depth of the love of God which passeth all understanding. Again, it was while we were engaged in measuring the Altar, that we came to see more fully, what sacrifice is expected of those who have consecrated to become followers in the footsteps of Jesus. We have covenanted to become dead with Him-living sacrifices-if we might be of the Royal Priesthood and reign with him, in the Millennial Age of glory to the church and blessing to the world. "And the court that is without (outside) the Sanctuary leave out; and thou mayest not measure it, because it was given to the nations." The court class includes believers in general-the nominal church; it is not essential that these be measured by this rod. No, the nominal church is so wedded to the world-given up to worldly ideas, that the measuring rod of God's Word would be foolishness to them. When the "Gentile times" are ended, this class will be measured, as well as all mankind. (Luke 21: 24) Now, the work is to measure the Sanctuary and Altar, and the truly SANCTiFiED-the worshippers of truth. Amen. "Now the world is full of suffering, Sounds of woe fall on my ears, Slights of wretchedness and sorrow, Fill my eyes with pitying tears. "Tis the earth's dark night of weeping, Wrong and evil triumph now; I can wait, for just before me Beams the morning 's roseate glow. "I am waiting, hoping, praying For Messiah 's glorious reign, For I know He '11 rule in justice, Right and truth will triumph then, Worldly pleasures cannot win me, While I wait for that bright day, Worldly splendor cannot charm me, While its light beams on my way. " ZION'S WATCH TOWER, -AND- HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE, The above is the title of an Eight Page Monthly Paper, devoted to sacred literature and current events relating to the coming and Kingdom of our Lord Jesus, and kindred topics; designed for the unfolding and dissemination of the truth, as taught in the Holy Scriptures. It is independent of sect or party, yet strictly under law to Christ, the only Lord and Master; and controlled by a spirit of charity toward the entire household of faith. TERMS Fifty cents a year, In the U.S. Sixty-five cents a year In Great Britain, Free to the Lord's Poor who are unable to pay, and will ask for it. Subscriptions should be sent by Money Order, Check or Draft. ZION'S WATCH TOWER 101 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA., U.S.A.