Refine Search

Vol. XXXVIII BROOKLYN, N. Y., NOVEMBER 15,1917 No. 22 THE PRICE OF EXALTATION 'Be clothed with humility; for God reaisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." — 1 Peter 5:5, 6. Now He has come, and the kingdom is being inaugurated. Many have already been exalted, while others are patiently waiting the day of their glorification. The latter must shortly finish their course. The time of the exaltation of the last members of the body of Ohrist is drawing nigh; hence the importance of the words of St. Peter in our text. All truly consecrated desire exaltation; therefore the importance of learning well the rules, that pertain to the heavenly way. THE MAJESTY OF JEHOVAH GOD True humility is that condition of mind or heart which causes one to have a proper appreciation of his own worth and tho worth of others, and to realize the value to himself of the robe of Christ's righteousness. It is that condition of mind which impels one always to keep the Lord in view and himself out of sight. All who have the robe of Christ's righteousness received it only after a full consecration to give up self-will and to do the will of God. To continue in such position of Who would dare, without divine authorization, to entertain a hope of membership in the royal family of heaven ! Yet not only is this hope held out to some, but such is the positive promise of Jehovah to those who, having been called to that high position and begotten of the holy Spirit of God, meet the requirements, continuing faithful unto death. The nearer we come to the time of exaltation, the greater is the thrill in contemplating the marvelous change. The Gospel age is closing with the greatest events of all time. The grave import of this hour will never be fully realized and appreciated until it is passed; indeed, it cannot be. For nearly nineteen hundred years the school of Christ has been in operation ; and during this time God has been inviting some to enter this school, with the promise of full graduation and exaltation to those who truly learn the lesBona,that are therein taught, In times past some faithful one* have made progress in tins school, have finished their course, have been approved, graduated, and set aside to. await the coming of the great King. [6166] November 15, 1917 THE WATCH TOWER (339-340) favor, one must continue to be submissive to the will of the heavenly Father. False humility is that condition of mind or heart which causes one to make an outward ^how of humility to the world, whereas in reality there is pride in I113 heart. Some deceive themselves in this very respect. The hand is a symbol of power. In this text, the "Hand of God 51 symbolizes the mighty power of God, lovingly exercised in behalf of his children. But why should any one humble himself? Is not every intelligent creature endowed with free moral agency, with the privilege of doing according to his own will? Even so! Is not the creature's will his chief asset? To this we also agree. Why, then, should we be asked to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God? Who is God that we should surrender our wills to him? The correct answer to this question shows why it is for the best interests of each one to submit his will to the will of God, and walk humbly before him. The Scriptures answer that God is the great "First Cause" of all things, the "Eternal One," the "Immortal One." "Justice and Judgment are the habitation of his throne." (Psalm 89:14) He changes not; for he is "the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.*' (James 1:17) He never fails in any of his good promises. All of his promises are good. All of his works are perfect. His wisdom is perfect. He made the planets, the moon, the sun, the stars, and has so nicely balanced each one of these myriads of heavenly bodies that they move through Bpace without noise or hindrance. Of him the Prophet declares that he "measures the waters of the deep in his hand and metes out the heavens with the span; he comprehends the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighs the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance; he takes counsel with no one, and no one instructs him or shows him what is understanding." (Isaiah 40:12-14) When King David caught a slight glimpse of the creation of God, in worshipful adoration he exclaimed, "0 Lord, how manifold are thy works; in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches!" (Psalm 104:24) Jehovah God is so wise that he never makes a mistake . He cannot err. His will is always right and perfect. The power of Jehovah is without limitation. We behold a mighty ship tossed by the raging waves of the sea, as though it were a little shell ; and we marvel at the power exhibited . Then we are reminded that it was God who made the seas and shut the doors thereof, until in his own due time he was pleased to have the waters break forth from the heavens. "Thou rulest the raging of the sea; when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them. . , 1 . Thou hast a mighty arm; strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand." (Psalm 89:9, 13) "Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he takoth up the isles as a very little thing. . . . All nations before him are as nothing: and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity." — Isaiah 40:15, 17. In the exercise of his power, according to his own good pleasure and in his own due time, God created the earth as a place for the habitation of his intelligent human creature, man. The angelic hosts of heaven watched the progressive acts of the great Creator; and when he laid the foundations of the earth, a thrill of ecstasy pervaded heaven, the morning stars sang together and all tfie sons of (rod (angels, cherubim and seraphim) shouted for joy. — Job 38:4-7. Love finds a perfect expression in Jehovah! God is love. His loving kindness goes out to all his creatures. Love is an unselfish desire to do good to others. The greatest expression of love is the putting of this desire in operation at great cost or sacrifice, for the benefit of others. The holy angels have experienced God's living kindness. At great cost he manifested his love to man. He sacrificed the dearest treasure of his heart in providing for mankind redemption and an opportunity for everlasting life with abundant blessings to those who gladly humble themselves under his mighty hand. Too wise to err, too good to be unkind, hi3 power always put to a righteous use, his promises sure, without possibility of deviation therefrom, his will could be exercised only for the good of all his creatures. Why, then, should any intelligent creature in heaven or in earth have any hesitancy in humbling himself under the mighty hand of God? The answer to this question discloses two opposing forces which have always existed; namely, good and evil. Good has always been active, while evil became active only after the creation of man. The course of evil lead**to debasement, degradation and death; while the course of good leads to life everlasting, exaltation and pleasures forevermore. Such are the fixed laws «f Jehovah. All of* God's intelligent creatures have been, or will be, given an opportunity to appreciate the outworkings of those laws. CONTENDING FOBCES OPERATING IN THE EARTH Behold a great drama opens with the earth aa the stage of action! All the intelligent creatures of heaven and earth, either as players or as observers, are being offered an opportunity to learn the lessons inculcated. The first act is staged in Eden, {he garden of God, the home of a perfect man and woman, the happy, joyful pair. — Enter Lucifer. The Prophet Ezekiel tells us that Lucifer was a beautiful creature; that every good fruit of character was his adornment ; that he held a high position amongst God's holy angels, and that he was appointed as the care-taker of the innocent pair in Eden. He was highly honored, but not the most highly honored. — Ezekiel 28:12-15. When Lucifer beheld Adam and Eve, he marked that they had the power of propagating their kind — a thing unknown to the angels of heaven. Pride and ambition soon began to operate. He lost confidence in God, He meditated in his heart that if he could capture these perfect creatures, who had the power to multiply their own species, in the course of time the earth would be inhabitatcd by a perfect race of people, and he could have a kingdom of his own, with all mankind under his control. He had not been sent to earth to carry out his own ambitions, but to do God's will. But he was not willing to humble himself under the mighty hand of God and tender faithful service in the place where he had been put. On the contrary, he said in his heart, "I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars [spiritual hosts of God] ; I will sit upon the mount of the congregation [have a kingdom of my ownl, in the sides of the north [next unto Jehovah! ; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High."— Isaiah 14:13, 14. To accomplish his purpose he resorted to fraud and deceit . He destroyed Eve's confidence in God by telling her that she had certain rights; that she should stand for principle, and not permit God to deprive her of such rights; that God knew that the very day when she would eat of the fruit she would become as wise as himself; and that to prevent her from coming into her own rights God was deceiving her. Eve Vas deceived by Lucifer, and Adam afterwards joined in the transgression . Satan's ambitious desire for exaltation resulted in his own downfall, and brought the curse of God upon man, entailing great sorrow, suffering and death upon humanity. ,, Lucifer then became the wicked creature since known as "that old serpent, Satan, the devil/' who God has decreed shall suffer everlasting destruction, — Elzek, 28:18; Hebrews 2:14. ANGELS OF HEAVEN DEBASED The angelic hosts of heaven had watched the development of the great drama, and beheld the suffering, sorrow and death that came to the earth. Later, by Jehovah's permission, some of them took upon themselves the forms of men, with the avowed purpose of uplifting mankind. But they soon forgot to be obedient to Jehovah, failing to humble themselves under his mighty hand. They pursued a course contrary to his will, by taking unto themselves wives from amongst the human race and debauching the human family until the earth was filled with violence. The course of these materialized angels became wicked in the superlative degree; and so vile were the off-spring of this unholy union that God declared his purpose of destroying all flesh from the earth. — Genesis 6:1-8. Noah, however, found favor in God's sight, humbling himself under Jehovah's mighty hand; and Noah's family joined him i» the course of righteousness. God instructed Noah to prepare for the coming deluge which would destroy everything on the earth. He attempted to proclaim to the people the coming end- of the then existing order. They heeded him not. The great deluge fell upon the earth, and all fleshly creatures were destroyed, except those saved with Noah in the ark. The angels who had materialized in human form had also the power of dematerialization, and therefore were not destroyed. Instead, they were incarcerated in darkness, restrained from further mingling with the human-kind, cast down into earth's atmosphere , there to await their great day of judgment* (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6) They had chosen the course of pride and selfwill , and the result was their degradation and los-s of favor with God. THE LOGOS After the Flood, Satan continued his opposition to God. To further his ambitious desire, he blinded the minds of the human race by deceiving them and leading them to believe that God is a great fiend, who would cause them to be tortured throughout the endless ages. He taught mankind that they had immortal souls which can never die, and cited himself as [6167] (341-342) THE WATCH TOWER Brooklyn, N. Y. an example. The whole human race fell under his control, only a few exceptions here and there who, breaking away from him, exercised faith in God, Satan gradually became the chief or head over all the hosts of demons, and continued his deceptive and nefarious work amongst the human family. The first and only- begotten creation of Jehovah was the Logos. After his creation he became the active agent of God in the creation of all things, Lucifer and all the holy angels of heaven included. (Revelation 3:14; Col. 1:15; John 1:1-3) All his works of creation were perfect. Observing the progress of the great drama, the Logos witnessed the result of the ambitious course of Lucifer and noted how it had dragged down from heaven many of the holy angels and had transformed the pure, beautiful human pair, Adam and Eve, into suffering, imperfect , dying creatures. He marked how this wrongful course had plunged the entiTe human-kmd into the depths of sorrow, sin and death. For four thousand year3 the Logos beheld this course working injury to mankind. But he was .willing to abide Jehovah's own good time to take some step to undo the great wrong that Satan had done. The Logos was always in harmony with the Father's will. It was the will of God that mankind should be redeemed from sin and death, and that everyone be given a full, fair trial for life. Furthermore, before the foundation of the world was laid God had willed that there should be a new creation, which should possess the divine nature as a great reward for faithfulness; and that it should consist of one Head, or Mighty One, and 144,000 associates. The One who would accomplish this purpose of Jehovah must be entirely submissive to his will, must humble himself under the mighty hand of God. The Logos, being advised by Jehovah of his purposes, undertook to carry out God's great plan. Although occupying a position of great honor and glory with the Father in heaven, and possessing the riches of the spiritual realm, as an honored representative of Jehovah, the Logoe left the heavenly courts, and was changed from spirit to human nature. His humility -and full obedience are shown by the course he took: "Who though being in God's form, yet did not mediate a usurpation to be like God, but divested himself [of heavenly glory and power], took a bondsman's form, having been made in the likeness of man." JPhilippians 2; 6, 7 — Diaglott) How unlike the course of Lucifer! The contrast could not be more striking. "We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned wi^h glory and honor, that he, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man" — Jesus, who being in condition as a man, humbled himself, becoming "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." — Hebrews 2:9; Philippians 2:8 — Diaglott. OTO LORD'S GLOBIOUS EXAMPLE As a man our Lord was perfect in every respect, at the age of thirty years. He possessed a perfect human will, which he might have exercised to his own glory and honor. He had the power to produce a perfect race of people, filling the earth and ultimately receiving from them all the honor, plaudits, homage and glory that a perfect race could bestow upon a perfect man. He might have accomplished the very thing that Lucifer ambitiously desired. But it was the will of God concerning Jesus that he should die upon the cross, being made a sin-offering in behalf of man, to the intent that man might be restored to life if he would render himself in full obedience to God's will. We hear Jesus saying, "Lo, I come, as in the volume of the Book written of me, to do thy will, my God." (Hebrews 10:7) "For I came down from heaven not to do Mine own will, hut the will of him that sent me." ( John 6:38) "I seek not mine own will; but the will of the Father which hath sent me.*' — John 5:30. Jesus deviated not one jot or tittle from the will of his Father. For three and one-half years he was subjected to all kinds of indignities. He was denounced as the chief of devils, as a drunkard, as a liar, as a blasphemer — all of which he bore patiently in obedience to the Father's will. Thus the mighty hand of God pressed down upon him in order that he might be made a sympathetic high priest and be perfected for the further carrying forth of his Father's plan. "He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth ; he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth." — Isaiah 53:7; Acts 8:32-35. Betrayed by one whom he had especially blessed, he was taken before the constituted authorities, wrongfully accused of crime, illegally put through a trial which was a farce, subjected to every manner of insult, condemned without a cause and cruelly crucified upon the cross — the most ignominious death recognized by Jehovah and known to man. Yet he patiently submitted to it, because it was the Father's will. "Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth." —Phil. 2:10. Why hath Jehovah drawn such a sharp contrast between the two creatures — Lucifer and Jesus? For the evident purpose of teaching to all of his intelligent creatures his fixed and unchangeable law that "whosoever Bhall exalt himself shall be abased, and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:12) Thus Jesus magnified the divine law, and proved that Jehovah is true. Thus he demonstrates to everyone the great value resulting to those who learn to humble themselves under God's mighty hand. NEW CBBATION TESTED BY THE SAME BULK Before the foundation of the world God ordained that Christ Jesus should have associated with him 144,000 jointheirs as his bride, all composing the "new creation." Each member of the new creation will be like the Lord, its Head. This side the veil such are called to be footstep followers, to suffer as he suffered and to be tested as he was tested. (1 Peter 2:21; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:18) The great Master said, "Whosoever Bhall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same ia my brother." — Matt. 12:50. One who is called to be the brother and joint-heir of Jesus is greatly honored. Now he is put on trial and must be judged according to the fixed rule of God. God's rules change not. If one h proud in heart, the Lord will bring him low. If he properly appreciates the honor granted to him and honestly desires to humble himself, and does humble himself under the mighty hand of God, the position of honor which he has received from the Lord really upholds him. "A man's pride shall bring him low, but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit." (Proverbs 29:23) A striking example of this is shown in the seventh messenger to the church. He was greatly honored of the Lord and his full appreciation of this honor made him more humble; and this humility of mind and spirit upheld him and m<&de him strong. Many ask, Why has not God destroyed the devil long ago? The fact that he permits Satan to live and pursue his nefarious work is proof that God has some good and sufficient reason for so doing. Jehovah desires his intelligent creatures to learn the lesson , that pride and ambition lead to suffering, sorrow and death, and that humility of mind and obedience to the Lord lead to life and exaltation. The church, following in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, the Head, must be subjected- to this great test in order to prove her loyalty and to demonstrate that Jehovah can trust her in the ages to come. To none other could he give the divine nature* Early in the drama, Jehovah announced that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head. (Gen. 3:15) From then until now Satan has sought to destroy the seed, beginning with the murder of Abel. Since Satan is the prince of devils, it follows that all the evil spirits are likewise bent on destroying the seed, if possible. Revelation 7:1, 2 describes these evil ones as the "four winds of the earth," which the Lord Jesus det>!a*ed should not blow until his saints are sealed in their foreheads. It follows, then, that as soon as the sealing work is completed — that is to say, when all those of the saintly class remaining on this side the veil shall have been given an intellectual understanding and appreciation of the plan of God — then the evil spirits will get loose. The Scriptures show that they must have their judgment day; and they could not be fully judged until they are loosed. "The storm is held in check until the faithful servants of God are sealed in their foreheads; that is, until auch are given an intellectual appreciation of the time, presence, etc., which will not only comfort them and shield them, but also be a mark, seal, or evidence of their sonship, as indicated by our Lord when he promised that the holy Spirit should show them things to come." — Scrtptube Studies, Volume 2, Page 169. A CBTJOIAL TEST AT HAKD That there will then be a great conflict between the members of the new creation this side the veil and the fallen angels, there can be little doubt. To know the will of God and to be submissive thereto is an absolutely certain protection; hence the importance of seeing what the test will involve. Where will be the battleground ? Surely not in the hands, or feet, or ears! The Scriptures answer that the battleground is in the mind. "Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jeaua." (Fhilippian* 2:5) The mind of Jesus was to be fully submissive to the Father's will, humbling himself under God's mighty hand. "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2) Thus the new creature is developed. Impressing upon the new creation the importance of the [6168] November 15, 1917 THE WATCH TOWER (342-343) prize and what to do to win it, St. Paul admonishes all, saying , "Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, press forward along the mark for the prize." (Philippians 3:13, 14) Surely the forgetting is with the mind, and likewise the contemplation of the glories before. Lucifer's sin was not what he did with his hands, but in the meditations of his heart. Undoubtedly the mind is the battleground. An open battleground is one where all obstructions are removed, that the contending forces may have free access. All along there have been obstructions which have prevented the evil spirits from attacking the new creation; but it must be apparent that when they are loosed they will have more power than ever before. It was the servant of the Laodicean church who wrote: — "The letting loose of these winds, or air powers, would seem to show that God would let go his hand of restraint, that he will have to do with the permission of the terrible trouble that will come. This outside influence will exercise a baneful effect upon men, when finally granted the liberty. These fallen spirits have been under restraint for these many centuries, but they have exercised their influence to whatever extent they have had permission. If they had possessed unlimited power they would have wrecked the world long ago; but tliey have been restrained. Apparently God will soon cease to restrain the fallen angels; and they will then proceed to vent their fury upon humanity, so that the whole earth will be full of violence, the same as in the days of Noah. The power manifested by the demons when loosed, will, we believe, be with a view to the injury of mankind. We do not know but that many of our readers will have a share in that injury. We have every reason to suppose that if these fallen angels shall get loose, they will vent their first anger upon the Lord's people. We are not to fear this, however, but to take whatever the Lord's providence permits to come, knowing that everything shall work for our good." — Z '14-166. PEIDE REMOVES ALL PROTECTION Pride is an inordinate self-sufficiency or self-esteem, causing one to feel his own greatness and importance, and to lose sight of the greatness of Jehovah and of the Lord Jesus. The humble-minded one looks at himself soberly and realizes that whatever position he has the Lord placed him there; for "God hath set the members every one of them in the bodv as it pleaseth him." (1 Cor. 12:18) He realizes that within himself there is no perfect thing; that God does not need him; and that the Lord Jesus would not continue to use him unless he walks humbly and looks unto Jesus, and not unto himself. While it is true that the fallen angels will have greater freedom to attack the new creature as we come nearer the end of the way, yet those who humbly obey the lord will be granted a sufficient armor of protection that as valiant soldiers of the cross they may fight a victorious battle against their enemies. (Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 91:1-7) But suppose one who has been long in the narrow way becomes proud of mind and heart. Could he hope for such continued protection ? The Apostle answers, "God resisteth the proud [pushes them away from him], and shows his favor to the humble." Thus we see that when one takes his mind off from the Lord, fills it with criticism and fault-finding of others, magnifies his own greatness and importance, and fails to humble himself under the mighty hand of God, he deprives himself of the protection the Lord has provided for his faithful ones. It was pride that caused Lucifer to fall. It was pride, or lack of humility, that caused the angels to fall. It is pride, or lack of humility, that causes others to fall. Plainly is God's will expressed concerning pride and ambition thus: — "but he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the forward mouth do I hate." "Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall." — James 4:6; Proverbs 8:13; 16:19. DAHGEE TO THE NEW CREATION Commenting upon the enemies of the new creation, Brother Russell wrote (Z '05-215): "God's people should beware of pride as they would avoid the most deadly plague. This rule, always good and well backed by Scripture, seema doubly needful to those who are blessed with the light of present truth. This may seem strange. It may be reasoned that the receiving of so much grander views of God's character and plan would make his people feel the more insignificant and humble, the more dependent upon divine guidance, the more trustful of God and the less trustful of themselves. And this should be the effect always and ever; but, alas, with very many this is not so. Many get to feel that the knowledge of the plan of the ages proves them especially wise or great or good. They seem to forget that God hides the truth from the wise and great, that no flesh should glory in his sight, . . . Beware of all such people! Sooner or later, unless they reform, they will fly the track entirely and injure more than they ever helped. God does not wish such people to serve his cause, and will surely permit their vanity to stumble them — however much their natural ability ; and it is generally the people of real or fancied ability who are thus afflicted with the spirit of pride or vanity, 'God opposeth the proud, but showeth his favor to the humble.' " Seeing, then, danger lurking in the pathway, and knowing that the enemy is on the alert to trip us up, what shall we do if we find that we are thinking too highly of self, if we have some ambition or pride in our heart, if we are not walking humbly before the Lord? The Apostle answers the question , "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." St. James states the same thing, saying, "Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh unto you." (James 4:7, 8) Everyone in the narrow way needs the strength of the Lord manifested in his behalf. The proud or haughty or self-willed cannot hope for this favor; "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth to show himself strong in behalf of them whose heart 13 perfect toward him." — 2 Chron. 16:9. HOW WE ASCERTAIN GOD'S WILL There are two general ways or modes by which the Lord's will toward us may be ascertained: (a) By his Word, (b) By his manner of dealing with us. To humble one's self under God's mighty hand means to know his will and to do it. God has expressed in his Word his will toward his children, saying , "Study to show thyself approved unto God." (2 Timothy 2:15) This means to study his Word and study his providences toward us, or his manner of dealing with us. Our Head set us the example. Immediately after his consecration, Jesus went into the wilderness and there remained forty days, studying the plan of Jehovah, in order to know the divine will. We should spend much time in study and in meditation upon the precious promises of the Lord, that we may know his will We need not expect to find in the Bible specific statements of everything we must do. God does not tell us just how much to eat and when to eat it, or what kind of clothing to wear; but he does lay down in his Word fixed rules or laws by which his creatures must be governed in order to receive the reward of exaltation which is in store for those that love him. THE PUTS' OF THE HOT/B Those who have diligently sought to know the will of the Lord may see that now we are in the close of the harvest period. Probably only a few more months remain in which to prove our loving loyalty to the Lord, Thus the time is fully ripe for all the truly consecrated to declare the day of God's vengeance upon the unrighteous systems of the world, in harmony with his expressed will. (Isaiah 61:1-3) To humble ourselves now would mean to be obedient to his commands , doing not in our strength, but in the strength of the Lord, what our hands find to do, realizing we are in the last hours of the harvest of the Gospel age. Clearly, then, the command from our Captain comes to us, "Thrust in the sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe." {Rev, 14:18) If we believe that this is a command from the lord, then we must believe that this is the Lord's will; and to humble ourselves under his mighty hand would mean that we would be obedient to his will to the extent of our opportunity and ability. Since the beginning of the harvest the Lord has been pleased to place the instrument for reaping in the hands of his people through his wise and faithful servant. He has finished his course as the Lord's servant this side the veil; and now the Lord promises to turn his hand upon the "little ones." (Zech. 13:7) God is faithful to all of his good promises. The sickle of the harvest is the message of truth. It is also called the sword. It is our opinion that the Seventh Volume of Studies in the Scriptures contains the message which is the instrument now to be used with which to reap the vine of the earth. SOME REASONS WHY Some, as we learn, are having difficulty in determining whether or not "The Finished Mystery" is the Seventh Volume of Studies ix the Scbiptubes. Probably they have been disturbed in their minds by the argument of some who have been developing pride and ambition. With sobriety of mind and a prayerful attitude, let us consider some of the reasons why we have the Seventh Volume. Revelation 16:1-17 has been understood by the consecrated for some time as indicating that there would be seven volumes [6169] (343-344) THE WATCH TOWER Brooklyn, N. Y. of Scbiptube Studies. Pastor Russell, as the seventh messenger , many times stated that there would be a seventh volume prepared and delivered to the harvest workers; that he would prepare it himself if the Lord showed Jiim the key; but that if the Lord did not show him the key someone else would prepare it. He stated that the Seventh Volume would contain an explanation of the books of Ezekiel and Revelation. The Watch Towee Bible ksd Tract Society is that agency referred to in the words: "Another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire." (Rev. 14:18) The altar is the place of sacrifice. The Society is maintained by the sacrifice of the Lord's saints. It has power (authority) over the publication and distribution of the prophecies that are destructive to Babylon. John the Baptist rebuked King Herod because of his unlawful relationship with a woman. (Matt. 14:1-12) The seventh messenger to the church pointed out that Herod was a type of the civil powers; that Herodias, the woman, was a type of the ecclesiastical systems composing Babylon; that John the Baptist typed the last members of the Deut. 34:10-12. It names the beginning and ending of each epoch of church history, with the proof in support of same. It identifies the ancient jasper, and shows its perfect adaptation to the description of the heavenly Father. It shows how the sard represents the beauties of his character. — G-74. It identifies clearly the twenty-four elders.— G-76. It identifies the four beasts.— G-78-79. It shows clearly why the breaking of the seals makes prophecy easy to be understood, and identifies the strong angel inquiring who was worthy to do so. — G-97-98. It identifies the white horse, his rider and his weapon, and sh*ows where he got his crown. It identifies the red horse, his rider, and his butcher-knife.— G-106, 107. The souls under the altar are identified, and the time of their waiting is proven to be correct. — G-117. It explains and amplifies the work of the four angels holding the winds of the earth and the effect their blowing will have.-^M23-126. The great symbolic earthquake cannot occur until the Seventh Volume of Scripture Studies is published. All signs indicate that this earthquake is near. The Seventh Volume has been published. It shows that the Prophet Ezekiel was the prototype of the seventh messenger, and that the experiences of Ezekiel have been marvelously parallelled and fulfilled in the experiences of Pastor Russell. Ezekiel's prophecy, heretofore a sealed book, is now made clear in the closing hours Cti the harvest. It confirms the Lord's promise of the "faithful and wise servant/' and identifies him. It proves that Pastor Russell's seven volumes of Studies in the Scriptures w^re foreknown and foretold as the "thrice* doubled sword and its point/' and shows how it should be sent forth.— Ezekiel 21 ; Rev. 8. It shows that the clergy themselves have sown the seed of anarchy, and clearly outlines the reason why ecclesiasticism must perish. — G-5J9, 520. It contains the message that will set the ecclesiastical heavens on fire. The above are only a few reasons why "The Finished Mystery" is the long-looked-for Seventh Volume. If we believe that it contains the message which is the "point of the sword," and that we are nearing the end of the harvest, then surely it is the Lord's will concerning his people that they should use it by giving it a wide circulation. Two editions are practically exhausted, and the third one hundred thousand is on the press. WHAT SHALL WE IX>7 Some are saying, "I sincerely desire to know the Lord's will; but how may I know it?" "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path!" — Proverbs 3:5, 6. Repeatedly the Lord promises to guide us with his counsel, and afterwards to receive us into glory. (Psalm 73:23, 24; 32:8) We must not only trust him in our hearts, but acknowledge him and confess him before others. We must have full confidence that since we are his, he has the deepest interest in our welfare, Such as are careful to ackowledge him may be sure that he will direct their paths in all things. He will not direct the path of any to the satisfying of their own selfish desires or wills, however; nor do we wish him thus to do. But he will direct according to his perfect wisdom and for the good of those who love him supremely. "Could it be the Lord's will that I should colporteur the Seventh Volume?" someone asks. We answer, "If the message it contains is from the Lord, there could be no doubt about what his children should do. Of course they would want to put it out, and get the message to others." "But," says another, "I have declined to accept it as the Seventh Volume. Now if I would take a different course, I would be putting myself in a false light." We answer, "Is it not pride that causes one to take this position? Put aside pride now, and humble yourself under the mighty hand of the Lord. If you have taken the wrong course about anything for a time, and the Lord discloses to you that wrongful course, such a disclosure is a reproof to you; and he says, 'Turn you at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my Spirit upon you and I will make known my ways unto you.' "—^Proverbs 1:23. FULL OBEDIENCE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE The greatest work for us all to do is the conquering of self. "This is the will of God concerning you, even your sanctification." (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Sanctification does not mean human perfection. It does not mean the changing of our appearance, nor the removing of blemishes from out bodies miraculously. On the contrary, it is a devotion or consecration of the will, which through Christ is accepted as perfect. It is the consecration of the body unto death, which is counted acceptable through Christ. This will must bring every power and talent into harmony with Christ, and seek to exercise an influence in harmony therewith over others. Loyalty of heart to God's will, and hence a submission to his will, means a continued effort to bring all the conduct of our lives, even our thoughts and intentions, into subjection, or full submission to the will of God. Absolute holiness must be the standard maintained in our mind; and we must strive to live up to it. True submission or obedience to his will would mean for us that we would carefully consider the life and course of our High Priest, Jesus; that we would be diligent in Ms service and diligent in telling the truth to others, diligent in building each other up in the most holy faith and in doing good unto all as we have opportunity and diligent in laying down our lives for the brethren, and particularly in perfecting ourselves in the love of God. THE TESTS FOB THE CHURCH ABE GREATER THAN FOB THE ANGELS The angels were put to a great test, and many of them failed. The church is being put to a far greater test; for [6170] NoVRMBtR 15, 1917 THE WATCH TOWER (345-350) God purposes to give the members thereof a greater reward. Such test of necessity entails much suffering. Important, then, is the question, IJow are we receiving these trials or tests? If we permit the fiery trials to stir up in our hearts malice, hatred, envy, ill-will, fault-finding, criticism and strife, this means that we are not humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God and learning the lessons as he would have us do. (Proverbs 28:25) On the contrary, if these fiery trials are burning away the dross and working out in us the sweetness of character like unto our Master — namely, gentleness, kindness, patience, long-suffering, tender-heartedness and love — this shows that we are humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God and profiting by it. Let each remember that since we are sons of God nothing can happen to us except by his permission, and that these trials are evidences of our sonship. (Hebrews 12:5, 8) Willingness to suffer special trials because of our loyalty to God, to the cause of righteousness and to the principles of his government is evidence of exceptionally fine character. God is dealing with the new creation with a view to perfecting their characters to the very highest mark. If some of his children find themselves imprisoned or otherwise deprived of their liberty because of loyalty to him and his kingdom, let them rejoice, remembering the faithful men of old mentioned with honor by St. Paul. (Hebrews 11) God's mighty hand may press down hard upon us at times ; and if so, we may be sure that we have need of this very experience. We may know that it is permitted that we may be prepared and made fit for the Master's use. We should watch for his providences and joyfully submit to whatsoever he sees well to bring to us. For us the prophet wrote, "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their master, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, so our eyes wait upon the Lord, our God, until that he have mercy upon us." (Psalm 123:2) And thus we are to watch his mighty hand, that we might see what is his will concerning us. It is to be noted that Jesus voluntarily submitted himself to the will of God, saying, "The cup that my Father hath poured for me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18:11) Likewise his followers should say: "If these trying experiences are necessary for me in order that I may be exalted to the position of joint-heir with Christ Jesus, then with joy I receive them." EXALTATION IN DUB TIME The exaltation of each one of the Lord's "little ones" will take place in his due time. It will be impossible for any one to be exalted prior to God's due time, or in any manner except that which the Father provides. Through his prophet he said, "Lift not up your horn [power] on high ; speak not with a stiff neck; for promotion eometh neither from the East nor from the West nor from the South: but God is the judge; he putteth down one and setteth up another." (Psalm 75:5-7) It is quite clear that the prophet here refers, not to those who have passed beyond the veil, but to those of the church who are still on the earth. \\ e would not expect any one to have a stiff neck — a stubborn, wilful disposition — after he had been exalted to glory. Clearly, then, this admonition was given for the benefit of those who hope for exaltation because of the precious promises given by the Father. When James and John asked the Master for a position of honor in his kingdom he said to them, "To sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." (Mark 10:40) Clearly, then, exaltation comes only to those who willingly humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, that they may be shaped and prepared for his use. Again, the Psalmist makes the matter clear when he asks the question: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, and who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing of the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation."- — Psalm 24:3-5. The temple standing on Mount Moriah was typical of the glorious temple of God. The Psalmist has here asked who will be accounted worthy to be exalted to the high position of membership in that great temple — who will be permitted to reign with Christ in his kingdom. Then he answers, "He that hath clean hands, [meaning clean actions and conduct] and a pure heart [meaning purity of will, intention or purpose — a pure heart, loving righteousness and truth but hating iniquity ] ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity [another evidence that pride is an abomination to the Lord and to all who partake of his spirit], nor sworn deceitfully [meaning those who have made a covenant with the Lord and who have earnestly tried to keep it]." These shall receive the blessing that the Lord promised- in his Word, Soon the exaltation of the church will be completed; and then The Christ, Head and body, will begin the great work of reconstruction. In a thousand years The Christ will undo all that Satan and his associate evil ones have done during the past six thousand years;' and at the conclusion of that righteous reign Satan himself shall be destroyed, together with all of his wicked messengers. "All the proud, yea, all that do wickedly shaJl be as stubble." (Malaohi 4:1} Every creature will then have had. ample opportunity to learn the lesson that there is one mighty God who divideth his honor with none; and that all who render themselves in loving obedience to him shall be granted life everlasting with happiness and pleasures forevermore. NEHEMIAH REBUILDS THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM [The fourth and the last paragraphs of this article were reprinted from article entitled "Nehemiah's Faith and Works," published in issue of December 1, 1905. The remainder was a reprint of an article also entitled "Nehemiah's Paith and Works," published in issue of November 1, 1899, Please see the articles named. 1 EZRA AND NEHEMIAH TEACH THE LAW [This article was a reprint of that entitled "The Power of the Word of God/' published in issue of November 15, 1899 5 which please see.] INTERESTING LETTERS SAME BEAUTIFUL SFIBIT IN THE TO WEE Deab BbetHBEN: — It has been a eource of wonder, as well as a great pleasure, to me to note the continued purity of The Watch Toweb articles, as well as that of their beautiful spirit. No one could tell by reading The Watch Toweb that Brother Russell was not editing it as of yore. In October 1st issue the leading article — "The Closing Work of Harvest" — is most timely, stirring, and pointed. I believe every word of it; and it deserves the most careful and honest study. We are studying the Seventh Volume here to great profit How we do thank the Lord for this further proof of His watch-care and love for us! Nothing will arouse us except the TRUTH, and nothing does arouse us like this blessed "point of the sword." Habvest Siftings, Part 11, has just fallen into my hands, and I am now glad it was gotten out, though it was my thought that "Light after Darkness" needed no reply. The spirit breathed by every line of the latter was its own condemnation . It is the very spirit we have been trying to get away from for forty years. I am, your fellow-servant, O. L. Sullivan, N. J. bhcoueagement fob vounteers Gentlemen- : — In brief, I am a salesman; and walking into the Post Office of Chariton, Iowa, recently, I noticed a rack containing literature, about which was inscribed "Take One." Of course, in this day such a sign is about extinct. But I allowed my curiosity to be reasoned with, and took one. This sheet wa3 Vol, IX, No. 5, of The Bible Students Monthly, treating the subjeet "Why Do the Nations War," etc. Greater articles than those contained therein are not to be found. It is convincing to the core, not on account of highly manufactured phrases of a rhetorical nature, but honest, pure, and crossexamined truth. Its equal cannot be found; and that I may [6171] (350-351) THE WATCH TOWER Brooklyh, N. Y. be more familiar, and understand the real ways, causes, and effects of present conditions, do I wish to make purchase of the works therein mentioned. Wishing your organization the success of divine power, and knowing that it shall be a beacon light to all when the people come to understand, I am a faithful convert, F. G. B., Iowa. WOULD NOT MUKMTTB AQAINST GOD Dear Brethren in Christ: — I feel that I have a greater appreciation of divine arrangement after considering our prayer meeting text last night-— "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord' thy God" — I first thought it was a hard text to consider, but after thinking upon the subject, I see what a wonderful illustration there is in it for all of us, especially at this time under present conditions. The words of our text you will recall are quoted by our Lord from Deuteronomy, and the context shows that the children of Israel "tempted God" through lack of appreciation of divine blessings. God had led them for forty years; He had fed them with Manna during this time and at the close of the forty years they should have appreciated divine favor. Since they were about to enter Canaan, the fruition of their hope, they were found to be murmuring against Moses and divine arrangement, and thus they were "tempting God." The result was they were bitten by that old serpent and died. This is where our appreciation comes in that we should have this text now for consideration realizing that it had been placed there by divine arrangement. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, the great Apostle Paul delineates this question. He warns against idolaters, fornicators and murmurers . Connecting this up with the type, we note that Pastor Russell in his comments has pointed out that idolatry refers to "self, wealth, pride, ambition, ease, gluttony, drunkenness , denominationalism, etc.," while fornication is "fellowship in spirit with those who love not the Spirit of the Lord, but the spirit of the world." The Apostle adds, "Neither let us tempt Christ." The comparison is clear. Now as we draw nigh the end of our forty years of great blessing, having been fed with the true heavenly manna all this time, are we going back on our consecration vow, becoming idolatrous, fornicators and murmurers against divine arrangement? If so the outcome is just as certain and the judgment just as sure as in the case of the children of Israel; they were "stung," and the result was death. Shall we after enjoying these blessings for so many years, lose our appreciation of divine blessing and favor by allowing ourselves to murmur, that which we are so strongly warned against in this text, and which if we do, we tempt God T If so, the sting of death will be our portion ; the second death in our case. "Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." I rejoice because I still have this appreciation of divine favor and pray for myself and all the dear "household of faith" that the Lord's Spirit shall prevail everywhere in the hearts of his children. I am enclosing herewith draft for Good Hopes from myself and family. Yours in the one hope, H. B. M. f Minn. TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE TRUTH Dearly Beloved Brethren: — We greet you in the name of the Lord Je3us Christ, the great and faithful Shepherd of the flock. We wish to assure you of our fervent love for you and our confidence in you. As the night draws on apace we are trying to do what we can to point the many, many sad hearts to the silver lining in the clouds; and we rejoice to see that the dear Heavenly Father is able to use even us in a little way to rekindle the light of hope that is burning very low in tne hearts of some. We shall relate a little circumstance that has recently come under our observation. A man whom the writer knew to be a desperate character had been furnished some tracts and Volume I, Studies in the Scriptures. Immediately he became interested, and has made several inquiries about certain features of the plan of salvation. Recently he made us a visit, and seemed very restless. I knew there was something he wished to tell me, but of course did not know what it was. Suddenly he turned to me, and said he had something he desired to tell me. Then he related one of the most daring plots he and three other men had planned to carry out. Everything had been systematically arranged to rob a bank. He had bought a heavy revolver, had paid twenty-one dollars for it, had oeen in the bank many times and had outlined the whole scheme. He had also told his wife about it. He said that she had clung to his neck in tears, and had tried to talk him out of his desperate intentions, but had not succeeded. He had worked hard all his life to care for his family, but had not been able to do so in a satisfactory way; and he had in his beait a burning hatred against the capitalist system. But with tears in his eyes he said that the truth had changed the whole course of his life, and he had sent Word to his pals that there would be no robbery. He also sent them some literature; and they are also reading with much interest. His wife has recently called and asked us to come and tell them more about the coming kingdom of Christ. Truly, dear brethren, there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. (Daniel 3:29) Pray for us, dear ones, even as we do for you, that we may all be able to stand in this evil hour. Faithfully yours in the one bright hope, H. E. P., Okla. APPRECIATES THE LORD'S CONTINUED BLESSINGS Dear Brethren in Christ: — Remembering the channel through which the knowledge of present truth by our Father's favor was given to us, and the fact that though that "faithful and wise servant" has gone to his reward the work entrusted to him by the Lord of the harvest is being faithfully and efficiently continued by the dear brethren appointed as overseers in his stead, we unitedly desire to express to you, and through you to all the faithful in the Lord everywhere, our continued and increasing appreciation of our multiplied favors from our heavenly Father and his royal Son in connection with the knowledge of the divine purposes, the illumination and transformation of our minds through an understanding of Jehovah's glorious attributes and our privilege of cooperation with you in the work of the harvest. In a blessed season of refreshment and fellowship at a recent testimony meeting we individually reaffirmed our vow of full consecration to the will of the Lord even unto death, at the same time reading and expressing our gratitude for the Morning Resolve and the Vow as being invaluable helps in the daily carrying out of our covenant. By hearty unanimous vote we collectively renewed our allegiance to the Society and its representatives, desiring to be in full harmony with the channel of blessing and its direction by the Lord's own choosing, and it is as an expression of this decision that this letter is written. Our humble prayers will continue to be that the God of all grace will make you perfect in every good work to do his will and that you may continue to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. We request, dear brethren, your prayers. Your brethren in Christ, Niagara Falls (N. Y.) Ecolesia. FBOFITINQ BY TIMELY ADMONITIONS Dear Friends : — I received The Watch Tower of August 1st, and I was very much interested and benefited by the article entitled, "Walk Circumspectly Because the Days Are Evil." I have read and reread it very carefully and I think it is just what I need at this time, i. e., I need to watch and scrutinize every act, seeing that I give offense to no man. The tongue is a little member, but if it is not guarded carefully and kept within bounds, what mischief it will lead you into! The article in question is one that can be read with much profit by every true believer in the wonderful truth. While reading it I could almost imagine I was having one of those wonderful heart to heart talks with our late dear Brother Russell. In the fall of 1902, when I obtained my first knowledge of the wonderful truth, I called on Brother Russell and told him how marvelous was the First Volume, which I had just finished reading. He smiled and said (and I will ever cherish in my memory the smile and the words), "Brother B , there is not money enough in the world to buy this wonderful knowledge of the 'Lord's plan of salvation' "which he has graciously permitted you to see, is there?" I answered "There is not!" He said, "Brother, are many of your friends in the truth?" and I told him there were not, then he quickly replied, "Brother, I caution you to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. Do not talk; and again I say DO NOT TALK, but rather live, live, LIVE!" These wonderful words of advice given to me years ago by our beloved Pastor have been a great source of inspiration to me; but alas! much to my own hurt, I did not always follow them; and wherein I failed thus to do, I have always suffered a great many trials, which have heen largely brought about by my own wilful conduct. I am thankful for the many words of consolation which come through The Watch Tower so often, and asking an interest in your daily supplications at the throne of grace. Yours in the blessed hope, J. H. B., Pa. THE BLESSED WATCH TOWEE My Beloved Brethren: — Greetings in the glorious name of our Bridegroom and King, and favor from his gracious hand! Ever since our dear Pastor, of precious memory, left us, for a place with [6172] Novbiib«r 15, 1917 THE WATCH TOWER (351-338) our Lord, I have watched with keenest interest the course of those whom he left in charge of The Watch Tower. It rejoices my heai-t unspeakably to express to you, my brethren, something of the deep appreciation I feel for the loyal humble spirit you have always manifested in this work. Knowing some of you personally impresses me with a fuller appreciation of your service. The blessed Watch Tower brings exactly the same kind of food to the "Household " as our Lord sent by the hand of "that faithful and wise servant." We know where it comes from, my brethren, for no other being in the universe ever served his hungry sheep such food! Truly he is still leading us "in green pastures and beside still waters." Praises throughout the ages of eternity to our "Good Shepherd'* 1 Have just read the leading article in July 1st To web and couldn't repress my earnest desire to say, Thank you] God bless and keep you, protecting you from the spirit of evil that is now king throughout the earth and which as a mighty giant is seeking to hurl his poisonous darts into the hearts and minds of God's dear saints. Holding you up before the great white throne every day is one of my most appreciated privileges* Be strong and of good courage, my brethren, for the church will surely need help from the strong and courageous in the very near future. What a privilege is yours to give the needed help from our Lord! Rejoicing with you in this privilege and earnestly asking an interest m your prayers, I am, Your sister by his grace, Mrs. C. E„ K., Texas. EXPBESSES HEARTY CO-OPERATION Dear Friends: — Perhaps we have been slow in writing you an assurance of our continued support of the Society, and of those who are in full harmony and cooperation therewith; but we now do so, and that most* heartily. We have good reason to believe that much of the matter appearing in all the late issues of The Tower is from the pen of our beloved President and from those in harmony with him. These messages of hope, love, comfort and good cheer are pure, enobling and elevating, and cannot be the product of one blinded to righteousness. Before the recent Pittsburgh convention (Sept. 29-Oct. 2), the secretary was instructed by the class here to make known to you their decision regarding the controversy about the 'Society's management, which was reached by earnest prayer and careful consideration. They recognize the Lord's favor and blessing abiding with Brother Rutherford. Even if there were any misgivings at all, the lovely and memorable experiences at the convention entirely dispelled them. While the writer was compelled to be absent from the love feast on account of a sick brother, he felt, from the description given of it by the dear brethren present, that the Lord's presence and Spirit were never more clearly shown. Therefore, dear brethren, be assured of our love for and devotion to you and the Lord. Sincerely yours in him, New Kensington (Pa.) Ecclesia. WATCH TOWEB A "TOWER OF STRENGTH" Dear Brethren: — We, the Peru Associated Bible Students, do hereby extend to the dear brethren in the Bethel Home and all connected therewith our love and best wishes; and furthermore wish to pledge our hearty cooperation in the dear Lord's service in whatever capacity we may be called upon to serve. We wish to especially thank the management of The Watch Tower publication — surely it is a "tower of strength," doing a grand work for the Master. In conclusion we pray that the dear Lord will give you the needed strength to carry on the grand work still to be done. Yours in the Master's service, Peru, (Ind.) Ecclesia. MOST HELPFTTL CONTRIBUTION TO THE HARVEST MESSAGE Dear Brotheb Rutherford: — Just a line assuring you of my appreciation of this important privilege of again engaging in the pilgrim service, in these closing hours of the harvest. I am deeply grateful to you as his special representative at this time for an opportunity to do my "bit" toward comforting the brethren and, incidentally, demolishing "Babylon/' The brethren as a whole are abiding the tests and trials of the past few months remarkably well. With few exceptions they have concluded to let the Lord work out these difficulties in his own good time and way; wisely concluding the frantic efforts of certain "stewards" to tie your hands as the Society's President and reduce their efficiency is the last desperate attempt of the adversary to prevent the "smiting of Jordan." Would that all were humble enough to "wait on the Lord" and watch for his leadings 1 Suggestions of our own importance; abbreviation of our memory of the Lord's past dealings; impressions of personal responsibilities exaggerated out of all proportion ; with final possession by the spirit of envy, malice, slander, hatred, is truly the devil's favorite method in making shipwreck of one's faith. Thanks to Volume Seven, we are not ignorant of his devices. The explanation of Revelation 7 and the exposition of Efcekiel's Temple in the last chapter of Volume Seven are in my judgment the most helpful contributions to the harvest message, apart from the work of our Pastor. May the Lord continue to bless you, dear Brother, in your labors of love on behalf of his children. Yours in the Master's service, Wm. A. Baker, Pilgrim. CONVENTION REPORTS DISCONTINUED Brother (Dr.) L. W. Jones, of Chicago, writes us, under date of October 15th, as follows: "Pertaining to the publication of the Souvenir Convention Reports of the conventions of 1917, I have reached the conclusion that it will be for the best interests of all the friends for me to forego the privilege I have enjoyed in this connection during the past thirteen years. "I have also decided to abandon the publication of Pastor Russell's sermons in book form, as I understand the Society purposes a similar publication. "It is my sincere hope that the brethren throughout the world will not misconstrue this as indicating a loss of interest and zeal in the Lord's service and in the truth. Money already paid by the friends on orders is being refunded as rapidly as the clerical work can be done. "It will be muoh appreciated if an announcement to this effect is published in The Watoh Tower." PASTOR RUSSELL'S SERMONS^-TWO STYLES ONLY The book of sermons by Brother Russell will not be ready for shipment until early in December. No acknowledgement w T ill be made of your order until the hooks are ready for shipment , so please do not be disturbed that you receive no acknowledgment sooner. It has been thought advisable to specialize on the clothbound edition of the Sermon Book, and we will, therefore, not publish it in the Karatol or India at this time. We will, however , have some of our regular cloth edition put into Morocco covers for those who prefer a more expensive volume. The cloth edition, however, will be handsomely bound in dark green cloth, gold embossed, with gilt edges; a beautiful book. Price $1.00 postpaid. The stiff leather binding will be $1.50. Orders thus far received for the Karatol edition will be tilled with the cloth volume, and orders for the flexible leather will be filled with the stiff Morocco-bound book, unless otherwise instructed. The following questions have been asked, and we publish the answers for the benefit of others: Q. Am I entitled to votes for donations made several years ago? A. Yes. Q. I expect to attend the election. Shall I send my proxy to the Secretary, and what name shall I write in it? A. All proxies should be sent to the Secretary that he may insert the number of votes and certify to the same. Leave blank the space provided for appointment of proxy, if you expect to attend the election in person, but sign your name at the bottom of the proxy. Q. Does writing on the back of the proxy invalidate it? QUESTIONS RELATING TO VOTING A. No. It was suggested to write on the back of the proxy for convenience and the saving of paper. Q. Does the By-law, Section 2, published in the November 1st Tower, page 329, relate to the recent disagreement as to who constitutes the legal Board of Directors? A. No. It particularly relates to those who oppose the message of the kingdom, as set forth in Studies in the Scriptures , who deny Brother Russell as "that servant" and who are out of harmony with the purposes and work of the Society. The substance of this By-law was suggested by Brother Russell in 1911. A by-law intending to cover the point was passed at Pittsburgh on January 6th last, and approved by the lio ird of Directors, January 19th, and was since slightly amended, as published. VII— 23 [6173] ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE LORD'S FAVOR The Society's fiscal year closes with October 31st. We take pleasure in acknowledging the Lord's great blessing upon the Harvest work for the year, evidenced by an increase in every branch of the service. Our trial balance shows that 1917 exceeds every other year of the harvest work except the phenominal years of 1913 and 1914. We feel sure the Triends will rejoice over this further evidence of the Lord's guidance and favor and that he is still at the helm.