THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

THIS Journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now being presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D. 1884, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the coming of its traveling representatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.

Our “Berean Lessons” are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.)» which translated into English is Minister of God’s "Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.

This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through the precious blood of “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1 :19 ; 1 Timothy 2 : G) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: 11* 15; 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. , .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3 : 5-9,10.

It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance Into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge ou< readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such {rating,

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

Chat the church is “the temple of the living God”, peculiarly “his workmanship” ; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when finished, God’s blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2 :20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 3 : 29.

That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when thg last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15 : 5-8.

That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies hi the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in due time”.— Hebrews 2:9; John 1: 9 ; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.

That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be ⁴ partaker of the divine nature ,* and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 I’eter 1:4.

That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service: to develop in herself every grace; to be God’s witness to the world; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.—Ephesians 4 : 12; Matthew 24 ; 14 ; Revelation 1:6; 20 ; 6.

That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isaiah 35.

⁴PUBM9HHD ey

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Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and every article appearing In these columns. The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford, W. E. Van Amburgh, J. Hbmery,R. H. Barber. Terms to the Lotd's Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of old age or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, will be supplied free if they send a postal card each May stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and In touch with the Berean studies.________________________________

Notice to Subscribers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper label.

BETHEL HYMNS FOR APRIL

Sunday	6 229	13 122	20 275	27 325
Monday	7 254	14 168	21 9	28 19
Tuesday	1 184   8 125	15 308	22 224	29 120
Wednesday	2 60   9 29	16 133	23 70	30 236
Thursday	3 216 10 95	17 90	24 192
Friday	4 238 11 317	18 231	25 93
Saturday	5 181 12 2	19 278	26 220

PUBLIC WITNESS

It should be remembered that one of the chief commissions to the Church at this time is to give a witness to the kingdom. Pilgrims are sent out for this purpose. We earnestly urge upon the classes that with each Pilgrim visit they make an effort for one public witness. A good hall should be taken, and the meeting well advertised. Remember that it is the witness that is to be given. Do not leave the public witness to local brethren to the exclusion of the Pilgrim brethren. Unless an effort is made to have a well-advertised public meeting when a Pilgrim brother visits a class we think a mistake is made. We hope the classes will proceed in accordance with this, and cooperate fully. When the meeting is on Sunday, a special effort should be made to have it in a well-located hall and thoroughly advertised.

FRENCH LITERATURE

The Society’s office at Brooklyn is supplied with all the French literature of present truth, and our French friend? in America desiring to have any of this literature will please communicate with us. Address Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, French Department, 18 Concord Street, Brooklyn, New York.

RADIO STATION

The Society’s radio station began broadcasting Sunday evening, February 24. The call letters are WBBR, operating on a 244-meter wave length. The program proceeds daily. Our friends will please tune in their radio receiving sets for this wave length. Kindly report by letter or post card to the Society at 124 Columbia Heights as to the distinctness with which the program is heard.

In order that the friends may not misunderstand, the Society in no way is manufacturing or selling radio sets. We have merely tried to get some information to help the friends buy a cheaper set, but we are not recommending any special set. It will be more satisfactory If each one decides that for himself.

AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE

PRECIOUS MEMORIES

"This do in remembrance of me.”—Luke 22:19.

CERTAIN events in the development of the divine plan are specially marked by Jehovah. This seems to have been done for the particular benefit of the new creation. To the new creature in Christ these events are held in precious memory. The great pivotal event, from which radiates the light upon all Jehovah’s plan concerning man, is the sacrificial death of our Lord. This feature of the divine plan particularly makes manifest the love of Jehovah and the love of our Lord Jesus toward the Church and toward all mankind.

²As we keep in memory the death of our Lord we should also keep in memory the great love of the Father, Jehovah, which provided the unspeakable gift that we might have life and have it more abundantly. The better understanding we have of the love of God the more he becomes our exceeding joy. As our Lord leads us more into the light of his truth the more keenly we can appreciate the words of our prototype David, who wrote: “0 send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, 0 God, my God.”—Psalm 43: 3, 4.

³The immeasurable love of God for us was made manifest in providing redemption for us. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5: 8; 1 John 4:10) This w^ras the great unselfish sacrifice for us. Our Father would have us keep it in memory. It is a precious memory.

• ⁴It was the unselfish love of Jesus to do the Faiher’s will and to deliver us, that led him to the cross for us and for all men. Jehovah would have us keep this in memory. It is a precious memory.

'‘Long centuries ago Jehovah made pictures of the great sacrifice to enable us now more keenly to appreciate the reality. Having fulfilled the picture Jesus instituted a memorial of that fulfilment.

• ⁶It is his expressed will that we should keep this in memory. It is a precious memory to us, and becomes more so as we appreciate its significance. As we celebrate the Memorial on the anniversary date the proper time this year is after six o’clock the evening of Friday, April 18.

• ⁷ A thing that is precious in our memory we love to talk over together. It is sacred to us. As we approach the Memorial season the events leading up to and foreshadowing the death of our Lord crowd in upon the mind, and we love to recount them. Hence The Watch Tower delights to speak each year of things precious to our memory. These are not new in fact, but so beautifully sweet that they seem new every morning and fresh every evening.

THE PICTURE

⁸At the death of Jacob the Israelites became the people of God, chosen for a purpose. That purpose was to foreshadow the development of the new creation. The Israelites were domiciled in Egypt, serving under the iron and despotic rule of Pharaoh. That tyrannical ruler was a type of Satan, and his supporters typified all the visible and invisible agencies used by Satan. The Israelites in general pictured the people of earth, who are in bondage, and who in God’s due time will come out therefrom. The first-born of Israel, made prominent on the night of the Passover, pictured the Church of the first-born whose names are written in heaven.

⁹The cruel lash of the Egyptian masters fell heavily upon the backs of the enslaved Israelites, and the cries of the latter ascended and were heard by the God of heaven. Responding to their groans and weepings, Jehovah in the exercise of his loving-kindness sent his servant Moses to testify against Satan and his representatives and to deliver the Israelites into freedom. Moses here pictured Christ, the great Deliverer, who in obedience to the Father’s will comes to deliver mankind from the iron hand of the great oppressor.

¹⁰Nine times had Moses appeared before Pharaoh the king and served notice upon him that he should let God’s people go. Each time Moses had received a promise that the Israelites might go, and as many times did the king break his own word. Each time Pharaoh increased the burdens upon the people. The tenth time God caused Moses to appear before Pharaoh. God now instructed Moses that he intended to make such a manifestation of his power that the Egyptians would be anxious to have the Israelites go and would even thrust them out. Moses announced God’s decree that at midnight on the 14th of Nisan all the first-born in Egypt should die, from Pharaoh’s son to the humblest servant. This decree was fulfilled.

"By the law of succession the first-born son was always the heir. Pharaoh’s first-born son was heir apparent to the throne. The first-born expected to carry into futurity the father’s institutions. The first-borns of Egypt would therefore picture the visible representatives of Satan on earth who compose the ruling factors, otherwise designated by the Prophet as “the shepherds and the principal of the flock,” and who expect to perpetuate the unrighteous reign of their father Satan through some combination or arrangement which they will keep in force.

"The first-borns of Israel pictured the promised heirs of the kingdom of God, who have hope of sharing the throne with Christ Jesus in his great Millennial reign.

"God made provision whereby the first-born of Israel might be saved from death; that is to say, a lamb should be slain upon the evening of the 14th day of Nisan, and its blood sprinkled upon the door posts and lintels of the family residence. The family should go inside and remain there. The lamb should be roasted whole and then eaten, together with unleavened bread and hitter herbs. In every household that observed this law of God the first-born was passed over and spared alive. Ever thereafter the event is known as the Passover. God commanded that the Jews should observe this once each year. Hence it was incumbent upon Jesus to celebrate the Passover.

"At the given hour the death angel passed through Egypt, and every first-born of man and beast died. There was a great mourning amongst the people. They crowded into the palace of the king, bearing their dead. A messenger bore before Pharaoh the lifeless body of his first-born. Pharaoh mourned for some time the loss of his son, thus giving ample time for the Israelites to march on their journey to the Red Sea. This delay pictures the period of time that Satan will be bound. Arousing himself to what had taken place Pharaoh summoned all of his military force and hurried on after the Israelites with the avowed determination of destroying them, thus picturing how Satan will go up and down the earth and gather together his adherents, who will seek to destroy the people who have turned to Jehovah through the Lord Jesus, the great antitypical Moses. When the hosts of Pharaoh approached the Israelites on the shore of the Red Sea God manifested his love to them by causing a pillar of fire to stand between the Israelites and Satan’s forces. Then Jehovah opened the waters and led the Israelites across the sea on dry ground. Quickly they were followed by Pharaoh and his hosts, all of whom were destroyed in the sea, thus picturing how Satan and all of his followers at the end of the Millennium will be completely wiped out.

"The death of the first-borns of Egypt seems clearly to represent Satan’s agencies now in the earth. Jesus plainly pointed out that these are the offspring of Satan. (John 8:44) Now the ruling factors, made up of shepherds and the principal of the flock, rule the world and hope to perpetuate Satan’s wicked institutions. The death of the first-born in Egypt pictured that with the great trouble now impending these wicked institutions on earth will be forever and completely destroyed.

"The great antitypical Moses now present is leading his people on to certain and complete victory. The wicked systems that dominate and control the world, the offspring of Satan and therefore the first-born, shall die; and for them there shall be no resurrection. Satan himself will go into the abyss and there await the time of his own destruction at the end of the Millennial age.

AMPLIFIED PICTURE

"The foregoing is a general picture, but there is one given more in detail, in which we are more particularly interested. It is a shadow of instructions enabling the people of God to prepare themselves for the kingdom. We cannot learn it too well.

"The lamb for the Passover must be a male without blemish. The lamb represented the One who must be slain to provide the great redemptive price and sin-offering for the first-borns and for the whole world. —John 1: 29.

"The head of each Jewish household must select the lamb. It therefore became incumbent upon the great heavenly Father to select the antitypical Lamb. Herein again we see the love of God marvelously manifested. As imperfect human beings, if it would be necessary for us to sacrifice one of our flock we might select the least desirable one with a view of saving the better. Could not God have selected one of the lesser heavenly creatures, made of him a man and used him to redeem the human race? Why did God not do that? It seems certain that the chief reason in selecting his beloved Son to provide this great ransom sacrifice was to make manifest his unselfish love. (John 3: 16) God cannot deny himself. When he' came to select from his heavenly creatures the one for this great sacrifice, he selected the dearest treasure of his heart. He chose the only one of his direct creation, his dearly beloved and only begotten Son as a sacrifice, that man might live. He chose that one whom it would cause him the greatest amount of suffering to see die. Thereby was made possible the greatest manifestation of his own love. There could be no greater manifestation of love than this. “In this was manifest the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”—1 John 4: 9,10.

²⁰Call to mind the sorrow in a family where some pet animal is killed or dies; or the far greater sorrow that conies to a household where the one much beloved, or pet of that household, dies. Thus doing we can have some small appreciation of the great suffering that the heavenly Father had in providing his dearest beloved One to die as man’s ransom. Not only this, but his death must be reached through a course of great suffering. Again another manifestation of Jehovah’s love.

²¹The blood sprinkled upon the door-posts and lintels of the house was a complete guarantee that the firstborn in that Jewish house should not die. The blood of the antitypical Lamb is a guarantee to all who have, by reason of consecration, justification and spirit-begetting, received the benefits of the antitypical Lamb, that if they remain within Christ or under the protection of that blood they shall be saved from second death.

²²The roasting of the lamb by fire required a far greater heat than its boiling would. This foreshadowed the great degree of Jesus’ suffering. The roasting sealed the strength of the meat within itself, whereas boiling extracts the strength. Hence God’s command in the type that the lamb should be roasted and not boiled. The eating of the roasted flesh was intended to give the Israelites strength for a strenuous ordeal. The bitter herbs stimulated their appetite. The staff in hand and sandals on the feet were a notice to move at any moment.

²³The strength of the Christian results from partaking of Christ. The bitter trials that come, pictured by the bitter herbs, increase the desire for Christ and for sweet fellowship with him. In other words, they create a greater appetite for the Lamb.

²⁴The unleavened bread suggests to us the mental and heart appreciation of the truth, so that our heart affections may feed upon the love manifested toward us by the Father and the beloved Son; and that from this source we receive strength for help in every time of need.

ANTITYPICAL PASSOVER

^2SThe Passover type was fulfilled by Jesus. The Memorial was instituted to commemorate that fact and in memory of a new thing. The Passover pointed forward to the death of Jesus, the Lamb of God. The Memorial pointed backward to the great event of his death and its significance. Jesus became the Passover Lamb of the Church of the first-borns. Hence St. Paul says: “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast.” (1 Corinthians 5: 7, 8) It was incumbent upon Jesus to fulfil the Law. Therefore it was necessary for him to partake of the Passover supper, and on the same day be slain as the antitypical Lamb to provide the great redemptive price of mankind. God does everything exactly on time.

²⁶At the time of the celebration of the Passover Jesus instituted a new ceremony for the purpose of memorializing his death, which at the same time shows the importance of his great sacrifice. He was about to go away from his disciples and they would not again see him in the flesh. He knew that his body members would have a long, tedious journey in preparation for their hea\enly inheritance. It was the desire of our Lord that these should have in mind that he, by his death, fulfilled the type of the Passover lamb; and that they have in mind the meaning of his death and the privilege of his followers in participating therein. To this end we find the record.—Matthew 26 : 26-29.

MEMORIAL INSTITUTED

^2TThere were two particular elements used in instituting this Memorial: One, the bread which Jesus said represented his body, that is to say, his humanity; the other, the wine which he said represented his blood for the remission of sins and by which the New Covenant was to be sealed. It seems quite probable that Jesus took the entire loaf of bread, broke it, and said to his disciples: ‘This represents my body broken for you, and 1 invite you to eat it.’ The loaf of bread was made of grains of wheat, wheat being a seed which when planted will bring forth its own kind in many fold, demonstrating that it has life in itself, but must be broken in order to produce life for others. So it was with Jesus. He possessed life and the right to life. He had the powers of procreation. He might have filled the earth with a race of people. This was not the Father’s will. Jesus submitted to the breaking of his humanity in order that he might bring back Adam and his race to a condition of life. Thus his own human life and the possibility of a race springing from him were given up. Wheat contains all of the elements needed to supply the various organs and tissues of the human body. Thus a loaf of bread made from wheat very beautifully represents the perfection of Jesus sufficient to provide life for all mankind.

²⁸To eat means to appropriate to ourselves. Therefore, eating or appropriating to ourselves by faith the perfect sacrifice of our Lord is a basis for our justification. The world of mankind during the Millennial age, accepting Jesus as the great Redeemer and being obedient to him, shall receive the sustenance of life and be restored to life. Jesus did not refer to himself as eating of the loaf, nor was such necessary. He was always just; therefore perfect. It is needful, however, for his body members to be justified; and their justification must come in partaking of Christ’s great sacrifice.

²⁹On another occasion Jesus said: “I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread, which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6: 48-51) It was the humanity of Jesus, pictured by the bread, which he gave up and which will provide life for the whole world.

It provides life on the human plane for the Church first; that is to say, God counts the members of the Church perfect as human beings in order that they may participate in the Lord’s sacrifice. Those who compose the Church receive instantaneously at justification a similar thing to that which will be received by the world at the end of the Millennial age, to wit, perfect human life. This is counted to them by Jehovah. For this reason we can see that justification by faith in the precious blood of Jesus has been granted by Jehovah during the Gospel age for the very purpose of making it possible for those thus justified to be joint-sacrificers with Christ Jesus. Each one must partake of the loaf before he can be made an acceptable sacrifice; that is to say, each one by faith must accept Jesus Christ as the great Redeemer, and make manifest this faith by a full consecration of himself to do God’s holy will.

THE CUP

³⁰“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”—Matthew 26: 27, 28.

⁸¹The heavenly Father had prepared the cup for his beloved Son Jesus. Jesus understood that he must drink that cup. He did so. “The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11) It seems quite clear, therefore, that the cup represented the potion provided by the heavenly Father for his beloved Son. The cup was emblematic of the conditions which the Son must meet in order to become the world’s Redeemer. The three primary things which the cup seems to bespeak as a potion for our Lord were: (1) That he must pour out his life blood; (2) that in doing so he must undergo suffering; and (3) that the meeting of those conditions would lead to boundless joy.

³²The life is in the blood stream. If the blood is poured out, it means that the creature has ceased to live. No human being can live unless the blood is circulating through the body. The plan of God was that the ransom sacrifice must be provided, and could be provided, only by the pouring out of the life of the perfect man. God foretold this through the words of his prophet concerning Jesus, saying, “He hath poured out his soul unto death.” (Isaiah 53:12) The pouring out of his life blood, that is to say the giving up of life as a human being, provided the ransom price. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”—Matt. 20: 28.

^3S0ur Lord’s life as a human being was poured out, but his right to that human life still existed. The right to life could be extinguished only by his own wrongful act. Since he was always in harmony with the Father that right to life as a human being continued. The laying down of that human life, the pouring out of his soul, was the process of reducing his life to a purchasing value which we term merit and which is valuable for the purchasing of mankind. The value of that perfect human life God provided should be used as a sin-offering to be presented to divine justice for the redemption and release of man. This blood, or valuable merit, will be used to seal the New Covenant through the terms of which the obedient ones of mankind must get life. In no other way could sins be remitted and man brought back into harmony with God. Hence Jesus said: 'This wine represents my blood. My blood is for the purpose of sealing the New Covenant and for the remission of sins.’—Matthew 26 : 28.

³⁴0ur Lord’s life could have been poured out instantaneously, and without any particular degree of suffering could have provided the ransom price. But that was not the Father’s plan. The great Redeemer must become a sympathetic high priest. He must be touched with a feeling sympathetically of the infirmities of others. (Hebrews 4:15) He must learn full obedience to the Father’s will under the most adverse circumstances. This could be attained unto only by and through suffering. The heavenly Father, in giving his only beloved Son to die, must have suffered much, thereby exhibiting his great and boundless love for mankind. His beloved Son, by suffering, was afforded the opportunity of exhibiting that like boundless love.

³⁵The Father has great joy and delight in his Son because his Son proved loyal to him under the greatest test. (Isaiah 42:1) Jesus, the beloved Son, by being fully obedient to the Father’s will was rewarded by boundless joy. Hence the crowning feature pictured by the cup was love and joy attained unto only through suffering and death. Jesus evidently understood that the cup pictured both sorrow and joy. On one occasion he prayed to God that if possible the cup might pass from him, evidently meaning the most sorrowful part of it. Concerning the crowning feature thereof it is written of him: “Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) The pathway that led to divine life was through sufferings ending in a fulness of joy with Jehovah. Hence the Psalmist, speaking as the mouthpiece of Jesus, said: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.”—Psalm 16:11.

OUR PARTICIPATION

’’Jehovah in preparing his loving plan provided that Jesus should have associated with him in the glories of his kingdom 144,000 joint-heirs who should also be kings and priests and reign with him. These, together with Christ Jesus, the Scriptures designate as the new creation. All the body members must follow the same course taken by the beloved Son. These must literally follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2: 21) Hence the cup would represent to each member of the body the same things that it represented to our Lord. With this evident thought in mind Jesus said to his disciples: “Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of?” Being assured that they were, then Jesus added: “Ye shall drink indeed of my cup.” (Matthew 20: 22, 23) This proves conclusively that the cup must mean the same thing to the followers of Jesus that it meant to him.

³⁷When our Lord was about to take his departure from them ho desired that they should have in mind in due time the significance of the cup. Therefore, at the time of instituting the Memorial he handed to them a cup of wine and said, in substance: 'You have signified your willingness to drink of my cup, now I offer you the privilege of doing so. Take it and drink ye all of it.’ To each one, then, who will attain unto the great prize of joint-heirship with our Lord in his kingdom the cup means: (1) The pouring out of a justified life unto death; (2) the undergoing of sufferings like unto those to which the Lord was subjected; and (3) the doing of this leads to boundless joy in the kingdom.

³⁸The appropriation of the humanity of our Lord is pictured in eating the loaf of bread. That is the basis of the Christian’s justification, which justification results in the right to life as a human being. God counts this right to life through the merit of Christ in order that such might be an acceptable sacrifice. Such life now must be poured out in death. It must be a sacrificial death. “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.”—2 Timothy 2:11.

^S0Death itself is not sufficient. One might be justified and spirit-begotten and die instantly, but that would not meet the divine requirements. Each one must suffer as the Lord suffered, and thereby be afforded the opportunity to be developed into his character likeness and particularly the attribute of love. The suffering must not bring bitterness; but realizing that our Father suffered in the exhibition of his love toward us, and that our beloved Lord exhibited his wonderful love for us by suffering, therefore, our suffering as a Christian must develop in us a greater measure of unselfish love. The Apostle says: “Because to you it was graciously given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe into him, but also to suffer on his account.” (Philippians 1: 29, Dia-glott) And again: “Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:17) Suffering with Christ is a condition precedent to sharing his joy and his glory. “If we suffer [with him], we shall also reign with him.” (2 Timothy 2:12) St. Paul appreciated this fact when he said: “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church.”—Colossians 1: 24.

‘“Passing through these trying and fiery experiences as Christians is proof that we have the spirit of God resting upon us. It is one of the witnesses of the holy spirit. Concerning this St Peter says: “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”—1 Peter 4:13.14.

⁴¹ The chief purpose of this suffering is to develop and exhibit the godlike attribute of love. This is proven to be true by the argument of St. John in which he says: “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” Jesus laid down his life for us, and “we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” If God so loved us, and the Lord Jesus so loved us. “we ought also to love one another.”—1 John 4:9; 3 : 16.

⁴²The highest degree of love can be exhibited only by reason of sacrifice. We exhibit our love for the brethren by making sacrifices in their behalf, and our love for the peoples of earth is likewise manifested. If we appreciate the love of God exhibited for us, and the love of Jesus manifested for us, then we shall appreciate the privilege of drinking of the cup of the Lord Jesus, which means: (1) Death; (2) which is accompanied by suffering; and (3) which leads to endless joy.

⁴³The Christian who discerns the body of Christ, and appreciates his privilege and hope of being a part thereof, can likewise appreciate the words of the Apostle : “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”—2 Corinthians 4:17.

MUST PARTICIPATE

⁴⁴Jesus laid down the inflexible rule when he said: “Except ye eat of the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood ye have no life in you.” Inherent life, that is to say, immortality, is the result only of first partaking of the humanity of Jesus, which leads to justification to life, and the pouring out of that life in sacrificial death. The reward for this is the crown of life. To such Jesus says: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” The faithfulness here includes the joyful participation in the sufferings of Christ even unto the end.

PARTNERSHIP

⁴⁶St. Paul, writing to the Church concerning the bread and the cup, said: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:16,17) The word “communion” as used in this text means common union or partnership in. Paraphrasing the Apostle’s words, then, we understand them to mean: The body of Christ is made up of many members just as a loaf of bread is made up of many grains of wheat. The members of that body must first partake of that one loaf. The breaking of this loaf of bread pictures how that each one of those who compose the loaf must be broken; that is to say, they must have partnership with the Lord in the breaking of their humanity.

⁴⁶The cup of blessing which we bless pictures our common union with the Lord or our partnership with the Lord in his sufferings.

^4TTo recapitulate: In our participation with the I/ord in his cup we see this: Jehovah, by sacrificing the dearest treasure of his heart, exhibited his love for us; and now he bestows his love upon us by calling us his sons. Jesus manifested his great love for us in laying down his life for us. We have the opportunity of manifesting our love for God and of showing our appreciation of his love for us by joyfully meeting the requirements that he has laid upon us, and of showing our love for the brethren by joyfully laying down our lives for them.

⁴⁸The Memorial season then brings to us sweet memories of what the Lord Jehovah and the Lord Jesus have done for us, and sweet memories of the precious experiences through which we have passed since first we knew the Lord. All the suffering through which we have passed in our devotion to the Lord, and which was pictured in the cup our Lord graciously offered us, we rejoice in; for it is the way that leads to participating in the boundless joys of our Lord.

FULNESS OF JOY

⁴⁹After the Master handed the cup to the disciples he said to them: “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” In the words here used by the Master he seems to have particularly in mind that potion contained in the cup which represented good cheer and joy. He was about to reach the supreme moment of his sufferings; he was about to take his departure from his disciples; and he said to them: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) He knew the Church would pass through great tribulation. He had foreshadowed in the parable of the Virgins that the bride would greatly rejoice in receiving the Bridegroom. He had pictured the joy that would come to the Church when the time arrived for him to come to his temple to examine and prove those who are in the temple condition. We understand that the Lord took unto himself his power in 1914, and that in 1918 he came to his temple and began the judgment of his house. To those who had been faithful he said: “Enter [now] into the joy of thy Lord.”

^5ONow our Lord’s followers, who appreciate the fact that he is present setting up his kingdom and that he has come unto his temple, can be said to be participating now in the good cheer and joy of the Lord in the Father’s kingdom. Otherwise stated, the joy has already begun. So surely as he has taken unto himself his power to reign, then he has begun the establishment of his Father’s kingdom; and with those who are in full heart harmony with him he has begun to share the good cheer of the kingdom. This joy, or good cheer, will reach the superlative degree when all the members have passed beyond the vail and stand approved before Jehovah with the great Captain of their salvation, their Head and Bridegroom, Christ Jesus. Then they will experience fulness of joy and pleasures forevermore.

⁵¹There must still be some suffering for those who are this side the vail, but with the suffering comes a keener appreciation of the divine provision which is accom-pa lied with much joy. True Christians appreciate the fact that the Lord Jesus, the glorified One, is now present setting up his kingdom which shall accomplish the divine purpose of bringing the human race back into harmony with the Father. These enter now into the joy of the Lord, in this, that the time has come for the overthrow of Satan’s empire, and the establishment of the government of righteousness.

⁵²This is a great incentive to press on for the remaining way of the battle, looking to that happy time when the last member shall enter into the full and complete joy, sharing with the Lord in the glories of the kingdom.

HEART CONDITION

⁵³The Memorial season is a time for a careful search^ ing of the heart, to each one who comes to participate. No one could be pleasing to the Lord and participate in the Memorial with the wrong condition of heart. No one is pleasing to the Lord who participates not discerning the body of Christ. The Apostle says that we are members one of another, “for the body is not one member but many.” “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:14, 27) Each one, therefore, who is pleasing to the Lord must appreciate the fact that each member of the body is a part of every other member, that all are one in Christ Jesus and that they have a mutual interest in each other.

⁵⁴The Apostle tells us the proper condition of heart one should be in when partaking of the Memorial, saying, “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:7,8) And again: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31,32) Malice means a bad condition of heart regardless of duty and obligations to another. Leaven is a symbol of sin. The Apostle, therefore, says in substance: Purify your hearts to see that there is no wrong feeling toward anyone, and especially toward any members of the body of Christ, and put aside all gin. See to it that no bitterness or wrath or anger is in your heart, and thus be in a proper condition to appreciate the fact that our covenant to be dead with Christ means also a covenant to be dead with each other, and to die with and for each other; to lay down our lives for the brethren.

⁵⁵Approaching the Memorial season is an appropriate time for us to examine ourselves and see to it that we are in the right condition of heart, having joyful fellowship with the Lord at this time.

WHO MAY PARTAKE

^B6Some may be inclined to think, upon self-examination, that they are unworthy to partake of the Memorial emblems and therefore remain away. We think that this is the wrong conclusion. The self-examination is for the very purpose of sending us to the Lord that we might be freed from spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. If we have wronged anyone we should try to right it; if we have done wrong before the Lord then we should confess our wrong and ask the Lord’s forgiveness. We should ask in faith, remembering that the Apostle has said: “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” and, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” For this reason, “let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”—1 John 2:1, 2; 1:9; Hebrews 4:16.

^5TThe Memorial should be celebrated by all who have fully consecrated themselves to the Lord, and who are striving to walk in the narrow way. All such should expect trials and tribulations, nor should they be discouraged when these come but rather rejoice therein, knowing that these tribulations are working experience and these experiences are preparing us for the reward. All of those who have the witness of the holy spirit that they are the Lord’s will be anxious to meet together with others that they may participate in the sweet memories of the things which our Father and our Lord Jesus have provided for us.

⁶⁸We may be hated of the world, and shall be if we are faithful to the Lord. Instead of being disturbed by this we should rejoice: “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” If we are of the Lord we will love the brethren and want to assemble with them and keep in memory our Elder Brother and all his great love exhibited for us. “We know we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” (1 John 3: 13, 14) By this we shall know that we are of the Lord. All that have the spirit of the Lord will be anxious to participate in this Memorial.

“’May that sweet reciprocal love exist between all the members of the Church that is becoming to the house of God; and may this blessed bond draw together the little companies in various parts of the earth on this day to recount and keep in memory God’s wonderful provision for the salvation of man, and particularly for the Church; and to rejoice in the privileges that are now ours, and to look forward to that happy time when our joy shall be boundless, when we stand approved at the right hand of our Lord before the throne of our heavenly Father.

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

What is the pivotal event in the plan of God? What is thereby made manifest? 1 1.

What prompted Jesus to deliver us from death? What should we keep in memory? 5 2-4.

What was it that Jesus instituted? What is the date of its observance ? 5 5, 6.

How may we know that the Memorial is precious to the memory? 17.

How did God foreshadow the new creation? Of whom are Pharaoh and his supporters types? And the first-born of Israel? 18.

Whom did God send to deliver Israel? How was it done? 19,10.

Who were typified by the first-borns of Egypt and of Israel? 1 11, 12.

What arrangement did God make to save Israel’s first-born on the night of the Passover? 113.

What do the death of the first-borns of Egypt, Pharaoh’s waiting, and the vanquishing of the Egyptian hosts in the Red Sea typify? 114-16.

What is the more important lesson? 117.

Whom does the lamb represent? What remarkable thing did God do to manifest his unselfish love for the world? 118,19.

Did the sacrifice of Jesus cause the heavenly Father any heartaches ? 1 20.

What does the blood of the antitypical Lamb guarantee? 1 21.

What did the roasting of the lamb do? What was thereby pictured? 1 22.

What did the bitter herbs and unleavened bread represent, and why? 123,24.

The Passover points forward, and the Memorial points backward, to what event? The Memorial is what? 125.

What was the desire of Jesus respecting his disciples in the Memorial? 5 26.

What were the emblems used? What does each represent? What of the appropriateness of the wheat? 1 27.

Eating means what? Did Jesus need to eat the emblematic bread? 1 28.

What did Jesus declare the bread represented? To whom is it first applied, and for what purpose? 1 29.

What does the wine represent? The cup? 130,31.

What does the scripture mean which says of Jesus: He “poured out his soul unto death” ? 1 32, 33.

Could Jesus have died instantly as the ransom-price? If so, why the suffering? 134.

What was the crowning feature of the cup, and why? 135.

What is the Father’s plan concerning the Church? Does the cup mean the same to Jesus’ followers as to himself? 1 36.

What does the cup signify to Jesus' disciples? 137.

What is the basis of the Christian’s justification? In what does justification result? 1 38.

Is it necessary for each member of the Church to suffer for righteousness’ sake? 1 39.

What is the proof of discipleship? What is the chief purpose of suffering? 140,41.

How is the highest degree of love exhibited? How should we esteem suffering ? 1 42, 43.

What is the only way to gain immortality ? 1 44.

Is it true that we have participation with Jesus in his sufferings? 1 45, 46.

The participation in the cup leads to what ? 1 47, 48.

How did Jesus refer to the fulness of joy that would come at the end of the suffering epoch? And have we measurably entered into that joy now? 149.

Who are they who can truly have great joy even now? 150-52.

Is the Memorial season pre-eminently the time for searching out flic lea\en in our own hearts? 1 53-55.                    ^s

v> is the purpose of self-examination of those who have tha holv spirit? 1 56,57.                                        ^c

Should we be disturbed by hatred from the world? What Is the supreme test of our relationship to the Lord ? 1 58, 59.

"And so beside thy sacrifice,

I would lay down my little all. 'Tis lean and poor, I must confess;

I would that It were not so small.

“But then I know thou dost accept My grateful off’ring unto thee;

For, Lord, ’tis love that doth it prompt, And love Is Incense sweet to thee.”

PRAYER-MEETING TEXT COMMENTS

TEXT FOR APRIL 16

'God hath chosen the rich in faith, heirs of the kingdom.’—James 2: 5.

RICHES means to possess a thing in abundance; to have a copious supply. Material riches are almost always a hindrance to one faithfully following the Lord’s footsteps. Jesus said: ‘Tor where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6: 21) A man’s treasure is sometimes in his reputation amongst men. He enjoys this for a season; and maybe within a day he becomes the object of ridicule, and is in disgrace. His treasure may be in houses and land. A calamity befalls him, and these are swept away. If he has these material things in abundance his affections are set thereon. He has no time for meditation about how his condition may be bettered.

On the contrary, the man who possesses little of this earth’s material wealth, who is pinched with poverty, subjected to trials and hardships, often turns his heart to the Lord. Particularly is this true if he has a reverential mind. Hence the Apostle says: “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?” It does not mean that a man needs to be poor in order to be chosen, but he must possess something else. He must be rich in another way. He must possess the riches of faith. In order to have faith he must have a reverential mind; for “the reverence of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and “the secret of the Lord is with them that reverence him,” and to them he will show his plan. Possessing such a reverential mind, not having his affections set on earthly things, the natural course will be to seek a knowledge of the Lord.

Faith means to know God through his Word, to believe that he is the great Giver of every good and perfect gift, and then to rely confidently upon his Word. As a man with a reverential mind increases in a knowledge of the Lord’s Word, he will increase in confidence in it; and thus will his faith grow. When he has an abundance of faith, a copious supply, he may be said to be rich in faith. If he becomes an heir of the kingdom these riches of faith must increase. These will increase because he continues to feed his mind upon the Word of God, confidently relies upon the Lord’s Word, and strives to conform his course in life thereto.

His treasure, then, is in doing the Lord’s will, and in this he delights. There is where his affections are. He consecrates himself entirely to the Lord, strives to grow in the likeness of his Master and looks forward with gladness to the time when he may be the recipient of an abundant entrance into his kingdom. He appreciates the fact that Christ Jesus is heir of all things. He has faith and confidence that he has been called according to God’s purpose, and that he has the promise of being a joint-heir with Christ in the kingdom upon condition that he endures patiently the trials that come to Christians. He appreciates the words of the Apostle that if he suffers as a Christian he may have confidence that the spirit of God that leads to glory rests upon him. Having his heart’s affections set upon heavenly things he delights, then, to lay up treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves cannot break through and steal or carry away. As his riches of faith increase, his joy in the Lord increases; and with confidence he looks forward to the time when he shall dwell forever in the house of the Lord, beholding his beauty and inquiring in his temple.

At this season we are reminded how graciously the Lord has provided that we, as his followers, may fill up some of the sufferings left behind and afterwards share his glory. He privileges us to be broken with him and to pour out our lives with him. If our faith abounds, and we continue joyfully to be broken with him and to pour out our lives with him, we shall share the abundance of the riches of his kingdom as heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ Jesus. Hence the Apostle says: “If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:16,17) As we celebrate the Memorial of our Lord’s death we look forward with great anticipation to the time when we shall drink anew in the kingdom the wine of good cheer with him, where there is fulness of joy and pleasures forevermore.

TEXT FOR APRIL 23

"It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."—Luke 12:32.

IMPERFECT man, with his limited vision and powers of appreciation, cannot fathom the goodness of Jehovah God. He cannot even approximate what real goodness means. Selfish men, at times, bestow favors upon others with the hope that such favors will result beneficially to themselves. This is said to be doing good. Jehovah bestows his goodness upon his creatures with no possibility or even thought of receiving any beneficial thing in return. The Psalmist beautifully expresses it thus: “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19) Again the Psalmist, describing God’s dealings with his human creatures at different periods in the development of his plan, says: “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” —Psalm 107:8.

Five times within this one Psalm these words are used. Each time, however, as observed from the original, the expression applies to a different class. In verse eight it refers to the Church; in verse fifteen to the great company; in verse twenty-one to Israel after the flesh, and in verse thirty-one to the world of mankind restored. The apostle Paul, concerning the goodness of God towards the Church, which he desires to have, says: “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.”—2 Thessalonians 1:11.

God began to bestow his goodness upon the world without man’s knowledge. As the supreme sacrifice to himself he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever will believe on him might live. It was his goodness and loving-kindness that permitted this. Then it pleased him to draw to Jesus those who had a desire for righteousness and to show them the way, through Jesus, back into harmony with himself. These he justified, begat to the divine nature, and anointed to membership in the kingdom. He began many centuries ago to prepare the royal family of heaven, the new creation, the highest of all his creation. He prepared the plan and developed it that in his own due time he might have a kingdom that would restore the human race, establish human society upon the basis of complete righteousness, and give to the people a desirable and everlasting government of equity.

Instructing those who have the promise of being heirs of the kingdom and joint-heirs of Christ Jesus in his reign of glory, Jesus, as the spokesman of the heavenly Father, says: ‘It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you this wonderful kingdom.’ Good pleasure means that the heavenly Father takes a delight in bestowing this marvelous favor upon the children of men. He digs them from the pit and from the miry clay, prepares and shapes them for his own use, transforms them into the likeness of his beloved Son and then sets them upon the throne of glory with Christ Jesus the Head, to rule and bless and uplift mankind. Truly the saints should always sing: “Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”—Revelation 15: 3.

Seeing then the goodness of our Father bestowed upon us, what an incentive to develop his likeness and extend our goodness to others for the real delight and pleasure of doing good! This means that such must possess pure hearts. Concerning them Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5: 8) That means an unselfish desire to do good unto all, as we have opportunity, and to put that desire into operation, even at a sacrifice to ourselves, in order that others might reap the benefit of it. Such ones are willing to endure persecution at the hands of the evil one in order that they might develop the patient long-suffering and loving characteristics of our Father, and will delight to hear the words of the Master saying, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10) It is a delight to the soul of the Christian as he contemplates participating in the heavenly glories and knows that this is granted to him, not because of any worth of his own, but out of the great goodness of the Eternal Father. Surely the Christian then may say at all times: “Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”—Psalm 103: 2.

RELATIVE VALUE OF ILLUSTRATED LECTURES

Deab Brother Rutherford :

During the Chicago Convention a discussion arose as to the merits of using pictures to illustrate Bible lectures. For several years some of the brethren at Chicago have been using lantern slides and moving pictures to illustrate their talks, and the brethren in this vicinity felt that many had become interested in the truth as a result of these lectures.

My thought was that pictures are very entertaining, but not at all instructive. However, this view⁷ was not generally accepted.

During the testimony meeting a canvass was made to learn how the different friends got started in the truth. The result, as follows, was quite interesting to me, and no doubt will be to you:

156 of those present became interested In the truth through personal conversation;

52 by purchasing books from colporteurs;

52 by receiving tracts distributed from house to house;

52 by hearing lectures of pilgrims and elders, without slides;

35 by the influence of consecrated parents; and

2 through lectures illustrated with pictures.

This test was rather remarkable in view of the fact that practically all of the friends attending the convention came from within a radius of one hundred and fifty miles of Chicago, where the illustrated lectures have been used for several years. This test confirms my opinion that the use of pictures to illustrate lectures may be very entertaining, but not at all instructive; and that the results are very small indeed.

Yours in the Master’s service, A. H. Macmillan.

De\r Brother Rutherford:

The ecclesia at Great Falls, Montana, at the recent New Year’s Watch, went on record unanimously as expressing to you and to the Society at Bethel our keen appreciation ol your work and labor of love this past year, and reaffirm our faith in the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society as the channel being used of the Lord in providing the meat in due season for his hungry ones, and in proclaiming the presence of the King and the announcement of his kingdom.

By the Lord’s grace we are able to report complete harmony and unity in our little family of twenty consecrated, and no drones. All elders have been elected unanimously, and our service director shows total sales of 1,613 books during the past year. Our determination is to “keep on keeping on” until our course is finished in death.

May the God of all comfort keep you faithful and continue to use you in the future as he has in the past.

Your fellow-servants by his grace,

Great Falls (Montana) Ecclesia,

W. Clavier, Secretary.

ELIJAH AND THE STRUGGLE WITH BAAL

----April 13 1 Kings 16: 29 to 19: 21; 1 Kings 21; 2 Kings 1:1 to 2: 12---

THE CONTEST BETWEEN JEHOVAH AND BAAL—GOD’S MANIFESTATION TYPICAL—FAMILY OF AHAB BROUGHT TO JUDGMENT.

“No mam can serve two masters: ... Ye cannot scree God and mammon:’—Matthew 6:24-

THE study for today is the story of Elijah and his contention with Ahab and the priests of Baal for the honor of Jehovah. Both Elijah and the great drama on Mount Carmel, the outstanding feature of his service, are unusually interesting as studies. But it is impossible to get the instruction intended to be conveyed in the record unless it is seen that these things are set for types, that “the man of God” may be guided; and that this is specially true in its application to ‘the servant of Jehovah’ (Isaiah 42:1) of this day of the Lord’s return. It should be understood that while it lasted the northern kingdom, which carried the name of Israel, was God’s representative kingdom rather than Judah. Hence the chief typical features are to be seen in that kingdom.

²It was with very deep steps that the northern kingdom descended into the valley of degradation. Jeroboam took the first step with the worship of the calves and with the degraded priesthood; and it was not long till Ahab, submitting to Jezebel’s almost desperate energy, allowed the worship of Baal to substitute that of Jehovah. The worship of the calves at Bethel and Dan was in itself a sin against the second commandment; for in them Israel professed to have representations of Jehovah. But in accepting Baal, they put Jehovah aside; for Baal was worshiped as the giver of life and the powers of nature. This worship was degrading and licentious to an unusual degree. When Jezebel seemed to be getting all her own way, and Ahab was enjoying the luxury of being king, and Israel were quickly losing sight of their inheritance, God raised up Elijah the Tishbite.

³Elijah was a man of earnest mind, a diligent student of the Word, a lover of God and his people. He saw that Israel were settling down to the iniquity and abomination of Baal, and that they were fast leaving the God of their fathers. He had read what God had said that he would do under such circumstances as then prevailed—that he would send a famine in the land. (Deuteronomy 11:16,17) Elijah deliberately prayed that rain might be withheld from Israel in the hope that such a calamity might show that God was displeased with their ways; and by this means also prove that Jehovah was the God of nature, which Baalism denied; and that he might bring Israel back to God. Elijah appeared suddenly on the scene, and declared to Ahab that there should be neither dew nor rain except according to his word. (1 Kings 17:1) Here was mighty faith, with a sure conviction that the Lord had sent him, and would honor his word. He believed that rain and dew would cease at his word; and that he would be the messenger of the Lord to declare -the time when rain and dew should again water and refresh the land. The dearth began.

THE CONTEST BETWEEN JEHOVAH AND BAAL

Hn the time of famine which followed, Elijah was specially preserved, first at the brook Cherith on the east side of Jordan, and later by the widow of Zarephath. After many days—both our Lord and James tell us it was three and one-half years (Luke 4:25; James 5:17,18)—the Lord’s time had come for bringing matters to a crisis. Elijah was sent to meet the king. This he did, and was challenged by the king as the troubler of Israel. Elijah replied that it was he, the king, who was the troubler of Israel; and he challenged the king to a decision as to whether Baal or Jehovah were God. The king agreed, and the well-known scene on Mount Carmel resulted. The priests of BcU placed their sacrifice ready, but called in vain upon their g-od to answer by fire. Elijah derided them. He said: ‘Of course Baal is a god, therefore if he does not answer he is either busy, or talking, or sleeping: you should cry much louder if you would gain his attention.’ Elijah was merciless. The priests cut themselves with knives to supplicate Baal and to obtain acknowledgment. But in answer to Elijah’s prayer, at the time of the evening sacrifice fire came down from heaven and burnt the sacrifice Elijah offered; it also burnt the altar and licked up all the water with which the sacrifice and the altar had been drenched, thus manifesting that it was not ordinary fire. The people saw that Baal was nothing, that they had been humbugged by the priests of Baal.

⁵God proved himself that day; and by answering Elijah, acknowledged him to be his prophet. The people cried: “Jehovah is God,” and readily agreed to Elijah’s command to slay the priests of Baal; and four hundred and fifty priests met sudden death. Elijah, believing that the time for rain had come, prayed earnestly that it might be given. (James 5: 18) He saw that God was about to answer, and he warned Ahab. Soon the rain came down in torrents. As that wonderful day was closing in, Elijah, with “the hand of the Lord upon him,” ran before the chariot of Ahab all the way from Carmel to Jezreel, a distance of fourteen to sixteen miles.

⁶Jezebel was at Jezreel, and Ahab related to her all that had been done that day. She sent to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” (1 Kings 19: 2) The Lord had led Elijah to the den of the tigress; for the Prophet needed to realize his weakness. At Jezebel’s word fear came upon Elijah, and he fled for his life.

GOD’S MANIFESTATION TYPICAL

^Elijah went south, perhaps by natural impulse, but surely because his goings were overruled of the Lord. When he got to the edge of the wilderness at Beer-sheba he left his servant and, miraculously fed by the angel of God, made his way to Horeb the mount of God. There in the mount where his great predecessor Moses had been before him, God manifested himself to Elijah as he had done there to Israel. There were the storm, the earthquake, and the fire, the same phenomena that Israel felt and saw. (Exodus 19:1619) Elijah also heard the voice of God, not then as when all the people heard, but in a still small voice, or as a gentle breeze. In answer to God’s question, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” he rather complainingly replied that he alone remained faithful to God, and that he had had to flee for his life, thus almost intimating that God had not been so faithful in protecting his servant as he had been towards God. God gave him no comfort; for the servant had left his work just when God was bringing it to a conclusion. He was continued in service; not, however, to carry on the work he had begun, and from which he had fled in fear, but to go back and anoint in Damascus a king who was to harass Israel. He was sent to anoint in Israel a new king, who was to destroy the house of Ahab; and to anoint Elisha to be prophet in his room.—1 Kings 19:15,16,

⁸It is impossible for the Bible student to think other than that the steps of Elijah were guided to Horeb. Nor can he avoid comparison between Moses and Elijah in their communion with God at Sinai. Perhaps Elijah got to the same cleft of the rock where God placed Moses when he passed by. Both these men are forever associated in the purposes of God; but Moses at Sinai was a pleader for God’s people, and Elijah complained.

⁹Why did God manifest himself to Elijah thus? The answer is, Elijah represented the Church of God in commission for service and for a special work; and God would Show by these things how his work would be accomplished. This was seen clearly by Brother Russell as long ago as 1898. (See preface to Volume VII) That interpretation served to guide him, and it has guided the Church. No doubt it also signifies that only when the storm, the fire, the earthquake have passed will the revelation of God be clear.

¹⁰Elijah returned, but did not carry out his commission. He anointed neither Hazael, Jehu, nor Elisha. But he sought out Elisha, and found him plowing in his father’s fields. Passing by him, Elijah cast his mantle over Elisha. The young man apparently took this as a call to go with Elijah to serve him ; but the action meant much more to Elijah than that. Elisha ran after Elijah to say that he would come immediately; but Elijah answered: “Go back again: for what have I done to thee?” (1 Kings 19:20) Apparently he was not seeking to have Elisha as a disciple. But Elisha killed his yoke of oxen, boiled their flesh with the plowing instruments, and made a feast for the people, and then went after Elijah, now gone, and became his servant.

FAMILY OF AHAB BROUGHT TO JUDGMENT

^lxIn respect to Elisha, Elijah in part did what he was told; but he appears to have been unwilling to let the work go out of his own hands. After this, there is no record of any work done by Elijah. He would serve the Lord as opportunity afforded, and would surely try to find and help the 7,000 whom the Lord knew, who had not bowed the knee to Baal. The Lord had not at all discredited his servant. Elijah knew what had been said to him, and the willing would receive him as the Lord’s prophet. Some years’ work in this quiet way had its effect; for Israel was checked in its madness: no more is said about Baal in Elijah’s days.

¹²God had further purposes to serve. The family of Ahab had to be brought into judgment, and time was necessary for that. The matter of Naboth’s vineyard showed Ahab as in no way reformed, but continuing in his selfish and wicked way; and by it Jezebel was revealed as altogether given up to evil. To accomplish her design she did not hesitate to have Naboth accircd of blasphemy against Jehovah, whose name she had endeavored to banish from the minds of Israel. Ahab was very ready to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard; for on the day following the murder he went down with all his retinue to take it. It is remarkable that two of his young officers who rode with him then, and who heard Elijah’s denunciation and sentence, should be Jehu, and Bidkar, who later was Jehu’s captain. Thus these were witnesses to the Prophet’s words, and afterwards executors of the sentence—in Ahab’s case partly transferred to his son because Ahab showed some signs of remorse before the Lord. (2 Kings 9: 25, 26 ; 1 Kings 21:29) One other commission was given to Elijah. He was sent to meet the messengers of Ahaziah when on the way to Ekron of the Philistines to inquire there of Baal whether or not he would recover from his accident, which is evidence that Elijah’s work had been effective in Israel.

^lsThe end of Elijah’s ministry and of his life came with a wonderful manifestation of God’s favor. He w^Tas taken away in a whirlwind while he and Elisha were walking together, expecting the end; for both knew the time had come. He shares with Moses the honor that God alone knew the place of his burial. But Elijah w^Tas a man of sign or type (Zechariah 3:8, margin'), and this dramatic end was to tell, in due time, when the work of God as represented by him should end, and that to be done by Elisha continuing the work, should commence.

¹⁴No doubt, there was a purpose to put a test upon Elisha, upon whose shoulders the mantle of Elijah had already rested. (1 Kings 19:19) Probably it would be true to say that on occasion no bolder spirit is to be found amongst the servants of God than Elijah’s. But Elijah serves to give another illustration of the fact that when we are strong we are weak, and that a man’s weakness is found associated w^Tith his strength. Perhaps Elijah was somewhat carried away by his feeling of strength: certainly when Jezebel threatened he forgot that God was with him.

¹⁵The name Elijah means “Jehovah is God.” No doubt his name greatly affected his life; for certainly he had a clear vision of the fact, and that was his witness to Israel on Mount Carmel. It may be that he felt when he had been the means in God’s hands of bringing Baal into derision, and as Jehovah had proved himself as God, that his work was for the most part accomplished.

K>The Church has now passed from the Elijah phase of service; but it is not to be thought that all its Elijah witness is over. Many yet believe in the power of Baal, and much destruction is yet to be seen. And certainly there will be attempts to intimidate the Lord’s faithful servants who carry the message of present truth. They, taking the Lord’s words to Joshua (Joshua 1:9), will go forward In his work till their part is done.

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

What is the outstanding feature of Elijah’s experiences? Why Is this feature so attractive to the Church? Why were the chief typical features carried out in the northern kingdom—Israel? 11.

When was the worship of Jehovah completely set aside, and by whose influence? 1 2.

What were some of Elijah’s characteristics? What did he deliberately do? 13.

How long was the drouth? Who was right in the counter charges, Ahab or Elijah? How is this shown? 1 4.

What did the people cry? What did they do at the command of Elijah? 15.

What was the word Jezebel sent to Elijah? What did he do? 16. How did God manifest himself to Elijah? What was Elijah’s mistake? What was he now commissioned to do? 1 7.

With whom is Elijah associated in the purposes of God? 1 8.

What is signified in the means employed by God to manifest himself to Elijah ? 1 9.

Elijah cast his mantle over whom? What did Elisha think about it? What did Elisha then do? 1 10.

How did Elijah show a little selfish trait? Did God discredit his servant? 111.

Were Ahab and Jezebel unrepentant and unreformed? Who were the young officers with Ahab when he went to possess Naboth’s vineyard? What other commission had Elijah? 112.

How did Elijah’s career end? What honor does he share with Moses? 1 13.

What do Elijah’s boldness and his fearfulness serve to teach us? 114.

What does “Elijah” mean? How may we make a plausible excuse for Elijah’s weakness? 115.

As the Church has passed the Elijah phase, does this imply that the Elijah witness is over? 1 16.

“But lo! upon the evening air

Was heard the Prophet’s voice in prayer:

‘O Lord, the fount of fire unseal;

As thou art God, thyself reveal.’

That prayer so earnest, so intense, Went up with faith’s true eloquence;

And winged from heaven with rushing flame, The suppliant’s awful answer came.

“The astonished people in amaze Shrink from the preternatural blaze, Then falling on their faces cry: ‘The Lord, he is the God most high!’ In every age, and everywhere, The burden of the Prophet’s prayer, Though not of fire or vengeful sword, Shall win an answer from the Lord."

ELISHA: TEACHER AND STATESMAN

----Apbil 20----1 Kings 19:15-21; 2 Kings 2 to 10, and 13:14-21----

ELISHA ACCOMPANIES ELIJAH—ELISHA SEES ELIJAH CABBIED AWAY—ELISHA FINISHES THE ELIJAH W0BK.

“Be not overcome of evil, hut overcome evil with good."—Romans 12:21.

THE study for today is very closely related to our last lesson. Elisha was so different from Elijah in character and methods of service that It was natural to think of the one as representing the Church in the Gospel age, and the other as representing the Millennial blessings Which are to follow. Now it is clearly understood that their work was one, and that Elisha took up and completed the work which Elijah had begun.

²We are told little about the communion of these two men save of that on their last days together. We know that Elisha followed Elijah immediately he was called, and that he ministered to Elijah; in later days he was known as the one who “poured water on the hands of Elijah.” (2 Kings 3:11) After Elijah fled from Jezebel, the great work of destroying the worship of Baal could not be continued; for the people would have little confidence In a man who had failed to believe that his God could keep him. Ahab continued his Idolatry; Jezebel continued as before.

*After calling Elisha, Elijah would certainly endeavor to make as much use as possible of the recent events. At the time of his death we know that there were schools of prophets in Bethel and Jericho, and evidently in several other places. Many of these young men and their parents would be of the 7,000 who had not bowed their knees to Baal; and we may safely assume that during those days Elijah started a number of these schools, the prototype of the Berean classes of our day.

⁴At Horeb Elijah told the Lord that he was the only faithful one left in the land; but God knew of Elisha, worthy even to wear the prophet’s mantle. It is not proper to assume that the 7,000 had lacked in faithfulness; probably they lacked only a leader. Elijah had been out of sight all the time of the famine, and after Carmel he had fled. Elisha immediately proved himself as soon as he got the strange but definite call. His promptness showed that he had both that good quality and earnestness; also his willingness to become even a personal servant is wholly to his credit; for evidently his home was a comfortable one. (1 Kings 19:21; 2 Kings 3:11) We know nothing more of Elisha until the day when he and his master were separated. When the time came that Elijah must relinquish the prophet’s mantle, all the schools of the prophets seem to have known of it. Evidently there was a time question then; as seems always the case where there is an Elijah.

ELISHA ACCOMPANIES ELIJAH

’When in Gilgal where, probably, there was a school of the prophets, Elijah said: “Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel.” (2 Kings 2:2) That there was something unusual in Elijah’s request was evident ; for Elisha refused to let his beloved leader go alone. He realized that the end was near, and he wanted Elijah’s parting blessing. They went to Bethel. When there the sons of the prophets said to Elisha: “Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head today? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.” (2 Kings 2:3) Elijah again made the same request of Elisha, saying that the Lord had sent him to Jericho. Elisha again refused; and there the sons of the prophets said the same thing. At Jericho once again Elijah apparently tried to turn Elisha off; but Elisha would not be parted from his master. The incidents of the journey had made Elisha certain that Elijah was about to be taken away, though how he could not telL It must have been evident to these schools that Elijah was paying a valedictory visit to them.

⁶There seems no good reason for thinking that the “today” at Bethel and Jericho should be taken so literally as to mean that all the events recorded on this occasion happened in one day. The journey from Gilgal to the mountain side beyond Jordan would probably amount to thirty-five miles or more, much of It over hard mountain roads; and the two delays at Bethel and Jericho would take considerable time. At the river brink Elijah took his mantle, wrapped it, and smote the waters, which divided while they two went over on dry ground. Then, as if the moment of separation were at hand, Elijah said: “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: if thou see me taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not it shall not be so.” (2 Kings 2:9,10) They still went on, talking as they walked, when a chariot of fire and horses of lire parted them asunder; and Elijah was carried away by a whirlwind.

’Elijah’s remark shows that Elisha’s request came unexpectedly. Probably the text does not give the true thought; the marginal reading seems better. Elisha could not ask a hard thing for God to give, for the giving was Jehovah’s; but the request was hard on Elijah, as the margin has it, “Thou hast done hard in asking.” Why did Elisha ask this? Sometimes the question has been answered by saying that he sought the first-born’s rights, desiring thus to be distinguished from the sons of the prophets. But that could not be so; for already, at his call, the Prophet’s mantle had been on his shoulders. It was because Elisha had a true view of the circumstances. For reasons which do not appear, except as they may be associated with the fear which had seized him, Elijah had not fulfilled his commission given at Horeb, when God gave him an extended opportunity of service. Both these things, the anointing of Jehu and of Hazael, were sure to precipitate trouble; for he who did them would be accused of both treachery and treason. Perhaps Elijah still had fear on him. Elisha, of course, knew that these parts of Elijah’s commission still remained unfulfilled; and he foresaw the possible consequences. He therefore asked for double of the spirit of Elijah in order that he might not fear, and that he might stand when the work was being done.

ELISHA SEES ELIJAH CARRIED AWAY

⁸It was a hard thing to a,sk; for Elijah could not but feel in the request that Elisha had his failure in mind; and even in the asking Elisha proved that he already had courage. But there was also compliment or grace in his request; for none knew better than Elisha what Elijah had done for the Lord. In response Elijah continued the test which Elisha had put on himself, as if he would try his fidelity. He said: “If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not it shall not be so.” Here was a closer test.

⁸Elisha had said that he would not leave Elijah; but now the test was whether or not he would be so watchful under any circumstances as to see Elijah go. Elisha was soon put to the test. Right on them came the chariot and horses of fire. To see the chariot stop and to watch Elijah get in would be an easy thing; there would be little test In that. But the chariot drove at them rather than as stopping for a passenger. Each moved aside to let it pass between them, and they were parted asunder. The chariot sped on. Was Elisha’s attention so taken by this new, strange thing that

his eye had been diverted from his beloved master? No. Watching Elijah as if to take care of him, he saw Elijah caught by a whirlwind and carried away, “and he saw him no more.” Fiery chariots might come and go; but to him Elijah was the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof, and so he cried.—2 Kings 2: 9-12.

¹⁰What can these things mean in antitype? That the Elisha class refuse to have their attention drawn from their purpose of being fully equipped for the work of the Lord, and that strange providences are not allowed to distract that attention. Also, only those who “see” the change from the Elijah phase of the Lord’s work can have the privilege of carrying on the Elisha phase of that work. The fiery chariot took neither the one nor the other; it served to divide them.

“When Elijah had passed from sight, Elisha picked up the mantle which represented the office of prophet, and retraced his steps to Jonhm, now to put to the test whether or not God was with him as with Elijah. He smote the waters, saying, “Where is the God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14) The waters parted, God thus showing that Elisha was his prophet. Elisha was now somewhat embarrassed by the apparent sincerity but persistency of the prophets of Jericho, who wanted to search for Elijah. Elisha knew that Elijah had gone, and that he had been given Elijah’s work. Therefore be knew that it was foolish to search; also he knew that their request was really a non-acknowledgment of his office, and that they preferred to have Elijah—hence his embarrassment.

“Elisha stayed in Jericho a little while and healed the brackish waters there. When he was leaving Jericho and going up the hill road to Bethel, some of the young men of the city went out after him and derided him, saying, “Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.” (2Kings 2: 23) They rudely signified their pleasure in his going, and derided him as if he carried no signs of being the successor to the well-known Elijah. Elijah had long hair and looked his office; Elisha was bald at the back of his head, so the Hebrew word shows. The young hoodlums poured contempt upon him. He turned and cursed them; that is, cut them off from the favor of God. Forty-two of them were torn by two she-bears which came out of the woods. Elisha had begun to have his trials; his right to his office was questioned. But tiiose who opposed him had to suffer for their opposition; for God would show who was his servant.

ELISHA FINISHES THE ELIJAH WORK

“Our lesson is named “Elisha, Teacher and Statesman.” Teacher he was; but he was not a statesman as that term is properly understood. He made no attempt to direct or to interfere with the policy of the leaders of the kingdom. It is true that he directed the king to certain advantages to be gained; but it is also true that he anointed Hazael of Syria to be king in Damascus, well knowing that he would prove a dangerous and hurtful enemy of Israel. Elisha’s ministry was one of moving about amongst the people, directing their attention to Jehovah, as opportunity serveri. He was much with the sons of the prophets (2 Kings 4: 3841; 6:4-7), who apparently were engaged in the service of Jehovah, probably in the work of Instruction, doing the work which God originally Intended to be done by the priests.—Deuteronomy 24: 8; 33:10.

“It was while engaged in this ministry that the Shunam-mite saw Elisha frequently pass her home. (2 Kings 4:9) Agreeable to her husband a room was provided for Elisha whenever he should pass, and he often used the hospitality so generously given. Seeking to reward her, at bis servant’s suggestion Elisha promised that a son should be born to the now aged husband and this large-hearted woman. The child was born; but when he was about four years of age, following his father into the field, he was smitten by the blazing sun. Elisha was appealed to, and in turn he prayed to God, and the little fellow was given back to his mother. Soon after this Elisha warned (he Shunammite that a famine was about to come, and that she should go out of the district. She went into the land of the Philistines. On her return seven years later she found her land occupied. She appealed to the king. Just as she approached, Elisha’s former servant was relating to the king the story of the raising of the child, and he cried: “My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.” (2 Kings 8:5) So struck was the king, so timely the appeal, that he ordered that she should have her house, her land, and whatever profits had been made from the land during her absence. (2 Kings 8:6) Here are two pictures beautifully showing God’s plan for the restoration and restitution of the human family, its salvation from its sorrows and its distress.

“About this time Ahaziah of Judah joined Jehoram of Israel In an attack on Ramotli-Giiead. (2 Chronicles 22:1-5) Elisha, who had previously anointed Hazael of Syria, and who now was distressing Israel, now saw that the time to anoint Jehu had come. He acted quickly. Jehu acted as promptly, and within a few days the house of Ahab was destroyed. Within a short time all the priests of Baal, the temple of Baal, and the worship of Baal were destroyed out of Israel.—2 Kings 10: 28.

“Elisha’s work was done, but he continued to serve. He died in a good old age, faithful to the interests of Israel and to Jehovah.

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

What was the former thought relative to Elijah and Elisha as to typical features? What did Elisha do as the Lord’s servant? 1 1.

Why could not the destruction of Baal worship be completed ? 1 2. Who started the schools of the prophets? Who evidently attended?

How were these a prototype of present-day Berean classes? 1 3. Why could Elijah think that he was God's only servant? What were the probable circumstances of Elisha? Why was there a “time” question then? 14.

What places did Elijah and Elisha visit together? What were the circumstances of Elisha’s going along? 1 5.

Were all these places visited in one day? What remarkable thing did Elijah now do? 16.

What is meant by “thou hast asked a hard thing”? Why did Elisha ask for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit ? 1 7.

Was the request a delicate one, slightly embarrassing to Elijah? How did Elijah reply? 1 8.

What was the harder test now put upon Elisha? How did he meet the test ? 19.

What is the antityplcal significance? What is the Importance to us of the word “see"? Did Elijah get a chariot ride? 1 10.

What did Elisha now do? How did God acknowledge Elisha as his prophet? How was Elisha embarrassed? Jll.

With what impoliteness did some of the young men address Elisha? What did Elisha’s curse amount to? 1! 12.

Was Elisha a teacher? A statesman? Where did he spend much of his time? 1 13.

What beautiful story is woven into the life of Elisha? How are the two pictures—restoration and restitution—shown? 114.

What events now transpired showing the termination of the Elisha work? 115,16.

“0 ye that stand for truth and God, Trust not your mortal sight'.

Fear not the thronging multitudes ; Fear not their marshalled might.

One soul in panoply of heaven Is stronger than their host.

The cause which God befriends cannot Outnumbered be, or lost.

“Celestial hosts muster their ranks. Waving on high their swords;

Voices of God, voices of heaven, Speak through their burning words. Brighter than flaming chariot, Stronger than fiery horse.

All heaven is marshalled on your side, God and the Universe!”

International Bible Students Association Gasses

Lectures and Studies by Traveling Brethren

BROTHER T.

Skyland, N. C. ...............Apr.

Asheville, N. C. _____________ ”

Morristown, Tenn........... ”

Greenville, Tenn............. ”

Bristol, Tenn................... ”

Wytheville, Va................. ” 7,

E. BARKER East Radford, Va...........Apr. 9

Roanoke, Va..................... ’’

Clifton Forge, Va........... ’’

Waynesboro, Va.............. ”

Dayton, Va....................... ’’

Berryville, Va. .................. ”

Perry, N. Y

Buffalo, N. Y..................... ”

Tonawanda, N. Y............. ’’

Niagara Falls, N. Y......... ”

Lockport, N. Y.................. ”

B. M. RICE Batavia, N. Y.............Apr.

Newark, N. Y. ............. *

Auburn, N. Y.............  ”

Syracuse, N. Y........... ”

Rochester, N. Y........... ”

OMV ego, N. Y. .............. ”

BROTHER J.

Vulcan, Mich........... .. . .Apr. 1

Manistique, Mich............ ”

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich._____ ”

Sault Ste. Marie, Ont....... ”

Marquette, Mich.............. ’

Bruces Crossing, Mich..... ”

A. BOHNET

Superior, Wis. .............Apr.

Proctor, Minn. ______  ’’

Two Harbors, Minn..... ”

Duluth, Minn...... -..... ” 13, 15

Superior, Wis............... ”

Hibbing, Minn............. ”

BROTHER

Estherville, la........... .Apr.

Superior, la................ .

Laie Mills, la. .....  . "

Des Moines, la........ . ”

Cambridge, la.....      ”

Coon Rapids, la ........ ”

V. C. RICE Kirkman, la. ...............Apr.

Omaha, Neb.............. ”

Exira, la....................... ”

Little Sioux, la........... ”

Wall Lake, la............. ”

Red Oak, la. ................ ”

Avera, Ga....................  ..Apr.

Augusta, Ga. —................... ’

Thomson, Ga.................. ”

Boneville, Ga..................... ”

Dearing, Ga....................... ”

Augusta, Ga...................... ”

BROTHER C. ROBERTS

Neveton, Man........... .....Apr. 1 Brandon, Man...........Apr. 11, 13

Portage La Prairie, Man. ”   3   Qu’Appelle, Sask. _____ ”     1ft

Rapid City, Man. . . ...  " I. 6   Regina, Sask............... ”  16, 17

McConnell, Man. ...    ... ”   7 Moose Jaw, Sask....... ” 18,20

Hamiota, Man............ ’   8   Chaplin, Sask............. ”  21,22

Ciandall, Man................. ”   9   lleibert, Sask. ............ ”     23

BROTHER

Albany, Ore.....................Apr.

Marion, Ore......................... '

Salem, Ore.................-....... ”

Falls City, Ore................ ’’

Dallas, Ore......................... "

McMinnville, Ore............... ”

R. L. ROBIE

Portland, Ore..............-Apr.

Vancouver, Wash. _______ ”

Portland, Ore............... ”

Bend, Ore..................... ”

Pendleton, Ore............. ”

Hermiston, Ore. .......... ”

Kempner, Tex. —..........Apr.

San Angelo, Tex........... ”

Miles, Tex........................ ”

Brownwood, Tex............. ” 6,

Brooksmith, Tex............. ”

Gustine, Tex.................... ”

BROTHER O. L. SULLIVAN Waukegan, Ill.................Apr. 1 Elgin, Ill. .....................Apr. 9

Des Plaines, Ill............... "   2 Marengo, HI........„

Park Ridge, Ill.............. '    3   Belvidere, Ill................... ”

Joliet, Ill........................... ”   4   Rockford, Ill. ................. ”

Geneva, Ill....................... ”   6   Freeport, Ill. _................. ”

Aurora, Ill....................... ” 7, 8   Dubuque, la. ________________  ’*

BROTHER M. L. HERR

Ozark, Ark. .....................Apr  1   Roland, Ark.................Apr.

Lamar, Ark. ..................... \ 2,3 Hot Springs, Ark......

Dover, Ark........................ ''   4   Homan, Ark................. ”

Russellville, Ark ............. ”   6   Donaldson, Ark. .......... ”

Havana, Ark..................... ” 7, 8   Little Rock, Ark......... ”

Danville, Ark........-.......... ”   9 St. Louis, Mo............... ” 18, 20

BROTHER W. J. THORN

St. Joseph. Mo...........Apr.

Independence, Mo....... ”

Kansas City, Mo......... ”

Spickard, Mo............... ”

Joplin, Mo. ..........  "

Noel, Mo..................  ”

Montreal, P. Q......... Apr. 2, 3

Iroquois, Ont. —........... ’

Brockville, Ont............. ”

Kingston, Ont............. ”

Belleville, Ont ............ ”

Trenton, Ont............- - ” 11> 13

Orono, Ont.................Apr. 14,

Oshawa, Ont.............. ”

Hamilton, Ont........... ”  IS,

BoamsMlle, Ont. _______ ”

St. Catharines, Ont .... ”  2‘>,

Niagara Falls, Ont..... ”  25,

Ottawa, Kan.......................Aw.

Lane, Kan. —......    .

Garnett, Kan. .................. ”

Paola, Kan......................... ”

Mound City. Kan. ........... ”

Fort Scott, Kan................. ”

Pittsburg, Kan............Apr.

Scammon, Kan............. ”

Parsons, Kan. .............. ”

Independence, Kan..... ”

Coffeyville, Kan........... ”

Augusta, Kan. ............. ”