VOL. XXXIII JUNE 1 No. 10
A.D. 1912--A.M. 6040
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CONTENTS
1912--Pertle Springs Convention--1912.............174
Saul of Tarsus, and What He Saw...................175
Glory of the Church to Be Greater Than
That of the Angels..........................177
Quickening the Mortal Body........................177
Illustration of Power of Mind Over
the Body....................................178
Reprove Works of Darkness.........................179
The Light-Bearers' Responsibility.............180
Sins Never To Be Forgiven.........................181
Blaspheming the Holy Spirit...................181
Mystery of the Kingdom............................182
Brother Russell's Epistle to Pilgrims.............183
Some Interesting Questions........................184
Is It Possible for Us to Live Without
Sin?........................................185
Prepared for the Devil and His Messengers.....186
Interesting Letters...............................186
Work for the Blind............................186
Berean Questions in Scripture Studies.............187
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N. Y., U. S. A.
Foreign Agencies:--British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
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ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
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Terms to the Lord's Poor as Follows:--All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this Journal, will be supplied Free if they send a Postal Card each May stating their case and requesting its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Studies, etc.
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ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
==========
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N.Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
==========
1912--PERTLE SPRINGS CONVENTION--1912
The hearts of many of God's people are turned toward the beautiful Pertle Springs Chautauqua Grounds, near Warrensburg, Mo. Fourteen public speakers are being headed thither. Word reaches us of at least two carloads of visitors coming from the Pacific Coast. The railroads have granted a two-cent per mile rate. The hotel managers have given us a rate of $1.50 per day, two in a room. We have secured some private board at $1 per day. Applications for entertainment should be sent in at once, that you may know in advance just where to go and that your entertainers may know just whom to expect. Come seeking to give as well as to receive a spiritual blessing. For other particulars see last issue.
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[R5039 : page 174]
SCRIPTURE MEMORY CARDS
Brother L. W. Jones, M.D., when studying medicine found great help from the use of memory-cards. Applying the principle to the study of God's Word, he has gotten out Scripture memory-cards. On the one side of the card is printed a text of Scripture. On the other side is the reference. Different colors of card classify different Bible topics. The pack consists of fifty cards. They can be used individually or in a company. The text can be cited and the quotation called for; or, the quotation can be read and the citation called for. Thus the most prominent texts of the Scriptures can be memorized and, at the same time, the memory will be generally strengthened along these lines. It is particularly convenient to have the desired Scripture at your tongue's end and very convenient to be able to turn to it in the Bible.
Brother Jones sold a considerable number of these sets, but now has turned over to the Society his entire stock. The fifty cards, neatly boxed, postpaid, sell for twenty-five cents. There are two series of them. Some who have learned the first series desire more and the second series was prepared for them.
These cards in good quantity are now in stock and subject to your order. Have a look at them at the Convention book stall, where your orders can be placed, if you desire.
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[R5042 : page 174]
BEREAN LESSON QUESTION BOOKS
For TABERNACLE SHADOWS and for SCRIPTURE STUDIES, Vols. I., II. and V., are now in stock. Price five cents each-- fifty cents per dozen, postpaid.
Many of the Classes find these questions very helpful. The difficulty with many Classes in the past has been that not every one has the teaching ability of drawing the information of the lessons from the Class. The successful class leader has little to say except as he sums up the answer to each question after it has been discussed by the Class; or, if the question be not understood by the Class, he may often render assistance by paraphrasing it and, if possible, simplifying it.
Excellent as public preaching is we believe that the Lord's people learn more in Berean Classes than by listening to any sermon. Thought is stimulated, quickened.
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[R5037 : page 174]
GOULD FREE LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND
555 EAST SIXTH ST., SO. BOSTON, MASS.
Probably many of our readers are acquainted with those who are blind. They may do them a large amount of good by informing them that by postal card request they can obtain free reading matter by addressing as above. This literature for the blind is printed in raised characters which the blind can read. In writing state which system the person has learned to use, as the Library contains a variety. It is a Truth Library. Many of the blind are deeply appreciative of the message that a glorious day of blessing is coming to the world.
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r5033 SAUL OF TARSUS AND WHAT HE SAW====================
[page 187]
BEREAN QUESTIONS IN SCRIPTURE STUDIES
Series VI., Study IX.--The Judgment of the New Creation.
JULY 7
(26) Why do we need the Lord to direct our hearts into the love of God? P. 409, par. 3.
"I JUDGE NOT MINE OWN SELF, HE THAT JUDGETH ME IS THE LORD."
(27) Is it possible to judge ourselves unmercifully? If so, what Scriptures should we remember and apply? P. 410, par. 1, 2, 3.
(28) Is there danger of our going to the opposite extreme, and what is the cause for so doing, and what the remedy? P. 411, par. 1.
THE CHURCH SHOULD JUDGE SOME MATTERS.
(29) Cite some instances in which the Church should judge. P. 412, par. 1.
(30) Who only, as individuals, would have the authority to excommunicate an offending member? P. 412, par. 2, first half.
JULY 14
(31) What would be the effect of continuing to recognize the offender as a fellow-member of the New Creation? P. 413, top.
(32) Paraphrase the Apostle's advice to the Church as given in 1 Cor. 5. P. 413, par. 1.
(33) Should brethren in the Church go into worldly law courts to secure justice? P. 413, par. 2, 3, first half.
(34) What offenses would debar from the Kingdom, and therefore from fellowship in the Church? P. 414, top and par. 1.
JULY 21
"IF THY BROTHER TRESPASS AGAINST THEE."
(35) Outline the Divine arrangement for settling disputes and trespasses as between brethren. P. 414, par. 2 to P. 416.
(36) How is the decision of the Church to be accepted by all? And how are those who oppose such decision to be treated by fellow-members, and why? P. 416, par. 1.
(37) In the event of the offender's repentance, how should he be considered by the Church? P. 416, par. 2.
(38) Supposing the offender acknowledges his fault and makes amends to the best of his ability, what should be the attitude of the offended brother towards him, and should there be any limit to his forgiveness if the fault be repeated and apologized for time after time? P. 417, par. 1.
JULY 28
OFFENSES AGAINST THE CHURCH.
(39) In the case of offenses against the whole ecclesia, or the cause we represent, what course should be pursued? P. 417, par. 2 to P. 418, first eight lines.
(40) In a case of slander against the elders, or any of them, how should the Church proceed? P. 418, par. 1, 2.
"WE MUST ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL OF CHRIST."
(41) Explain 2 Cor. 5:10. P. 418, par. 3.
(42) Cite and explain other Scriptures which refer to the Church's judgment. P. 419, par. 1.
(43) What elements of Christian character will be most severely tested in the Church's judgment or trial? P. 419, par. 2.
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[page 189]
VOL. XXXIII JUNE 15 No. 12
A.D. 1912--A.M. 6040
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CONTENTS
1912--General Conventions--1912...................190
Toronto, Canada...............................190
Washington, D.C...............................190
Glasgow and London Conventions................190
How Jesus Preached to Spirits in Prison...........191
Spirits Once Disobedient......................191
"This One Thing I Do".............................193
"Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ".........194
Christ Made a Curse for Israel....................195
Law Covenant Guaranteed Life to Only
One.........................................195
Beyond the Veil...................................197
Embryo Kingdom Parables...........................198
God's Wheat Field.................................199
The Kingdom a Prize...............................200
Interesting Questions.............................201
Answering a Fool..............................201
Ransom and Sin-Offering.......................201
Interesting Letters...............................202
Pastor Russell's Foreign Itinerary................203
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N. Y., U. S. A.
Foreign Agencies:--British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
----------
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
----------
Terms to the Lord's Poor as Follows:--All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this Journal, will be supplied Free if they send a Postal Card each May stating their case and requesting its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Studies, etc.
==========
ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
==========
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N.Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
==========
1912--GENERAL CONVENTIONS--1912
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TORONTO, CANADA, JUNE 30-JULY 6, 7
All sessions to be held in the Horticultural Hall at the Canadian National Exhibition Park, West Toronto, June 30-July 6. The Park is easily accessible by Grand Trunk Railway and by King Street and other trolley car lines.
Railway Rates: Canadian railways give half fare rates for July 1 and the following day, possibly beginning June 30. American lines give low rates for a few days before and after July 4, available for friends in the border states. There are always special rates to Niagara Falls, which is only about two hours sail by steamer to Toronto, at a moderate price. There may be other excursion rates good for even ten days. Ask your local agent a week in advance.
If no rate as low as 1-1/2c. per mile each way is available, purchase a single ticket to Toronto, and have the agent fill out a certificate and bring it with you. This will entitle you to a return ticket at a greatly reduced rate--perhaps free.
Lodging can be secured through the Committee at from 50c. each per day (2 to a room) to $1.50 per person; in some cases this will include breakfast. All expecting to attend should give prompt notice by addressing the Convention Committee, c/o W. G. Brown, Sec'y, 51 Tiverton Ave., Toronto, Canada. Give full name of each person and indicate which prefer to room together, and at what rate.
Brother Russell will deliver a public address in the Royal Alexandra Theatre, King St., West, at 3 p.m., July 7.
WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 7-14
This Convention will be held in the suburbs of Washington City, D.C., at the Glen Echo Chautauqua Grounds, July 6-14. Arrangements for board and lodging will be made by our Committee on request at such prices as you may authorize from $1.10 per day upward. No pains will be spared to make you comfortable as possible. All expecting to attend should notify us AT ONCE. Give full name of each person and indicate which prefer to room together, and at what rate.
The Committee of investigation say, "The location is ideal. The average Park temperature is ten degrees lower than that of Washington City. The Auditorium is still cooler by reason of its peculiar location and the fact that it is built over running water."
Washington City commands reasonable railway rates from all quarters. The railroads have granted the I.B.S.A. a special rate of one and one-half fares for the round trip from points East of Pittsburgh, on sale July 5, 6 and 7, return limit July 18. A specially cheap excursion is on sale to New York City and return with stop-over privileges at Washington.
We are advised that the Pacific Coast friends are arranging for "Special Coach" service from San Francisco. The party will start from San Francisco via Southern Pacific, Train No. 4, at nine o'clock on the morning of July 2, and will go via Ogden, Cheyenne, Omaha, Chicago; leaving Chicago at 9:45 on the evening of July 5, arriving Washington early the second morning.
Friends in the territory of this route may find it advantageous to join this party and can get all the necessary information by addressing C. W. Gerdes, 2552 Hyde St., San Francisco. Your railroad agent will be glad to secure definite information as to time of train, route, rate, etc., and can do so by telegraphing at once the agent of the Southern Pacific at San Francisco.
GLASGOW AND LONDON CONVENTIONS
The Glasgow General Convention will be held in St. Mungo Halls, South York street, July 25-28. Arrangements have been made for several prominent Brethren to give addresses. The meetings will be continuous, except for intermissions
(Continued on Page 203.)
[page 203]
GLASGOW AND LONDON CONVENTIONS
(Continued from Page 190.)
for rest and refreshment--opening at 9:30 a.m.
The Sunday meeting, specially arranged for the public, will be at St. Andrew's Grand Hall on Sunday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m., and will constitute the conclusion of the Convention. Brother Russell will be the speaker.
As the arrangements are being made in anticipation of considerable numbers of visitors from surrounding cities and country-side, all desirous of securing accommodations in advance will please address Brother G. MacKenzie, 28 Kilmailing road, Cathcart, Glasgow.
Arrangements will be made for the accommodation of any of the friends desiring to symbolize their consecration by water immersion. A large attendance is expected and all who trust in the precious blood of Jesus as the basis for their acceptance with the Father are cordially invited. Come asking a blessing and seeking to impart one by "showing forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light."
The London Convention this year will be held in the London Tabernacle, Lancaster Gate W., August 1-4. An interesting list of speakers has been arranged for and a cordial invitation is extended to all who love the Lord in sincerity and truth and who are trusting in the merit of His blood and are fully consecrated to His service. Others who are seeking such a fellowship Divine are also invited.
Those desirous of accommodations will please address the Society, the London Tabernacle. An opportunity for symbolizing consecration unto death by water immersion will be afforded. Robes and everything else necessary will be provided.
A large attendance is confidently expected. It is to be hoped that all present will receive a heavenly benediction and be enabled to carry home with them refreshment to those not privileged to attend.
To those who cannot attend this convention we suggest a fellowship of spirit during the days of the convention--that their thoughts be with the convention and their prayers also; that thus bearing up the interests of the brethren at the throne of grace they may have a share also in the refreshments of these seasons.
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BETHEL HYMNS FOR JULY
After the close of the hymn the Bethel Family listens to the reading of "My Vow Unto the Lord," then joins in prayer. At the breakfast table the MANNA text is considered. Hymns for July follow:--(1) 205; (2) 105; (3) 129; (4) 238; (5) 60; (6) 67; (7) 120; (8) 325; (9) 214; (10) 20; (11) 145; (12) 198; (13) 127; (14) 106; (15) 182; (16) 75; (17) 7; (18) 126; (19) 22; (20) 333; (21) 229; (22) 107; (23) 217; (24) 78; (25) 170; (26) 30; (27) 320; (28) 313; (29) 50; (30) 109; (31) Vow.
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r5043 HOW JESUS PREACHED TO SPIRITS IN PRISON====================
[page 202]
SOME INTERESTING LETTERS
DEARLY BELOVED BROTHER:--
I am impressed to see how our dear Lord is now leading His people along!
About the time of your recent return from abroad I wrote you a letter regarding some matters, with questions, etc. Thinking this too long, I did not send it, but wrote another letter, only to be dissatisfied with it also, and finally discarded the idea of writing, knowing how entirely your time is occupied.
But when, in the last TOWER, I found a complete answer to all my questions, I thought I would tell you about it.
I have of late been appreciating these things as I had not done before; I can see that if many truths we now have had been presented before, we would not have been able to see them so clearly.
We are glad that the Lord of the Harvest knows and is able to give "Meat in due season"--when we are able to receive and use it to His glory and our good!
"The Mortal Body the Servant of the New Mind"; "The Palace of Blessedness"; "Ye Were Bought with a Price"; "Beware of Pride in the Heart"; "Moses as a Mediator," etc., are certainly good for me! I try to feel that the dear Lord sent all such to me just as though there were not another person in the world. In this way I seem to get more out of it and am kept from thinking where it might fit others!
I want the Lord's arrangements to fit me for the Kingdom, and since this is true of all of His "little ones," we may be a help to one another in the Narrow Way.
The sermons, too, seem more impressive, as we should expect, since the dear Lord says "The path of the just shall shine more and more unto the perfect day."
I ask that you pray that I may be more and more illuminated with this blessed Truth until I shall become one of the "rays" of the same great Fountain of Light and Truth with our dear Lord and all the faithful in Him!
Praying God ever to bless and keep you to the end of the [page 203] way, and to grant you "an abundant entrance into the Kingdom" for which our hearts long, by His grace I beg to remain
Your brother in hope,
EMORY WILLIAMS.--Texas.
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[R5051 : page 203]
"THE JOY OF THE LORD OUR STRENGTH"
DEAR PASTOR AND BROTHER RUSSELL:--
Please accept my hearty "Welcome Home." If I can guess by my own experience, I would think you are very happy to be home again, but O! so glad to have had the opportunity to take the glorious Gospel around the world. How happy and blessed must be your heart in the great work you have been chosen to accomplish in this grand Harvest Time! May our dear Heavenly Father give you strength and continual grace to finish it.
Dear Brother Russell, my own experiences on my trip to Europe were at times very interesting and brought great blessings to me. I can say in truth that I am glad I was able to go out there; but how happy I was when the time came to come back! I was away just three months.
I intended to send some little report to you on your trip, but thought you will get so much mail all the time that so many letters might bother you. I myself did not get any. Even though the children wrote, the letters never came.
I found very many hungry Christians in Germany who were glad to hear the good news. I spent many half nights telling the glad story. It was very strange to my relatives. Seven years ago I sent them each the three volumes, but not one of them had read, but had loaned them all. Some of the books traveled a long distance, to Munich, and were read by a Catholic priest, a Protestant minister and others. Some of them went to Colmar, and others were loaned and not returned. Strange to say, my friends were consecrated Christians and praying for more light all the time. When they heard that I was coming they hoped I would bring them some Truth, and when they heard the glad tidings they accepted it. They seemed to me to be quite able to grasp the Truth. My dear brother, who knew nothing but Catholicism, cried for joy. Five of my relatives have now accepted the Truth.
And now, praying that grace and peace may be multiplied unto you, I remain,
Your sister in Christ, F. MUNTZER.
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BELOVED BROTHER RUSSELL:--
After our enjoyable visit to Brooklyn, Sister Thorn and I returned home more than ever encouraged to take up the cross daily and follow our Master faithfully, unto death.
We especially enjoyed being at "Bethel" and the privilege of sitting at your table, listening to the helpful discussions and table-talks. Our interview with you in your study was also very helpful and drew us nearer to you. It was truly a "holy week" to us.
Last Sunday, at the close of the afternoon service at Lynn, I told the friends of our intention to re-unite with the Boston Class, I. B. S. A. At the conclusion of my remarks prayer was offered and we sang, "Blest be the tie," etc. We believe we left with the good will of the entire Class.
We then proceeded to Boston, arriving there in time for the evening meeting. After a few testimonies had been given I gave mine, reminding the friends that if we had any differences to settle with one another--not hereafter, but right here, these things must be adjusted.
I then confessed having made some unintentional mistakes which I feared had caused them unnecessary pain, and that I was truly repentant and asked their forgiveness, also requesting that we might have closer fellowship with the dear Boston Class.
We were assured of their forgiveness, and after several had expressed their joy in hearing our words (for I assured them that I spoke for Sister Thorn as well as for myself), the whole Class by a rising vote expressed their love and a hearty welcome.
Both at Lynn and at Boston it was a heart-mellowing time--a most blessed day to us all. Many tears of joy were shed as the dear friends shook hands with us. We feel sure that you, too, will rejoice with us. Kindly remember us both in your prayers.
With much Christian love from Sister Thorn and myself, I am as ever,
Your brother and fellow-servant in Christ,
WALTER J. THORN.--Mass.
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r5051 PASTOR RUSSELL'S FOREIGN ITINERARY====================