VOL. IV. February 1, 1921 No. 3 FALLING
AWAY FROM STEADFASTNESS THE
REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST BEREAN
STUDIES IN THE REVELATION VOL. IV. February 15, 1921 No. 4 THE
MANY COLD--THE FEW FAITHFUL THE
REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST BEREAN
STUDIES IN THE REVELATION VOL. IV. February 1, 1921 No. 3 FALLING AWAY FROM STEADFASTNESS[The article
which follows, written by Brother RUSSELL in 1897, was recently brought to our attention.
It reminds us indeed of the broad comprehension of our Pastor, and the scope of his
knowledge and insight into the tactics of the Adversary and the subtlety of the tests that
would come to the Church increasingly as she would approach the end of her earthly career' Because the article contains
such faithful words of wisdom and warning almost to the extent of being prophetical, we
are commending it to the careful consideration of all.-Ed. Com.] ,"Ye therefore, beloved,
seeing that ye know these things before, beware test ye also, being led away with the
error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfast-ness." -- 2 Pet.
3:17. THIS exhortation applies to the Lord's consecrated people living at. the present time. The proof of this is found in the context: the Apostle has just been portraying some of the events connected with the day of the Lord in which we are living -- the "Day of Vengeance." In verse 10 he has pointed out that the present Age will end with the dissolution of the symbolic "heavens" and the symbolic "earth," which, as we have elsewhere shown, signifies the utter disruption of the present social and ecclesiastical order. In verse 13 he points out that we are looking for a new order of things, and not hoping either to patch up the old order ourselves, or that others will succeed in patching what the Lord has declared "shall pass away." And now in our text he refers to "these things." In the eleventh verse he points out that those who have such expectations should be separate and distinct from all other people in the world, saying, "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" And then in our text and the verse preceding it, he points out that at this particular time the Adversary will get advantage of certain ones, will beguile them, get them to wrest the Scriptures, and thus to deceive themselves to their own destruction; -- to their loss of present light at least. Finding thus that the Apostle is particularly addressing ourselves, let us indeed give earnest heed to his counsel; for we well know that we live in what the Apostle Paul calls that "evil day."--Eph. 6:13. We notice further that the Apostle is not addressing the worldly, nor even the average nominal Christian; but he specifies that his warning is to the "beloved," who already had attained to "steadfastness." This implies that they had become, rooted and grounded and built up, both in -the knowledge and in the love of God; for only such ever become steadfast. Does it surprise us that the Apostle should address such a developed class of. Christians and warn them of their own personal danger of falling into the "error of the wicked?" It does strike us as peculiar, and we are inclined to think that there must be some hidden meaning in the expression--"error of the wicked." It would be past comprehension that such a class as the Apostle has just described should be in great danger of falling into such errors of the wicked as blasphemy, or murder, or arson, or theft. We must look the matter up more carefully, and see whether or not the translators have given us a faithful rendering of the Apostle's words. We find that they have not, and that the word wicked is too strong: the Greek word is athemos; according to Prof. Young's Analytical Concordance (undisputed authority) it signifies "unsettled," or "lawless." Now, the passage seems more reasonable. There is danger, we can readily see, that those once established in the Truth might be so led away as to become unsettled, and to wrest the Scriptures, "handle the Word of God deceitfully," and thus become lawless in the sense that they would set aside the Word or Law of God, and take instead thereof a twisted interpretation 'Which would the better suit some theory of their own. Such a wrong course the Apostle points out would surely unsettle them, and eventually mean the destruction of their spiritual interests; and that they would go into "outer darkness" in respect to "present truth." "Beware, lest ye also, being led away with the error of the unsettled, fall from your own steadfastness." STRONG DELUSIONS THAT THEY MIGHT BELIEVE A LIEThe Apostle's language not only points to the present time, but seems to imply that there would be previous fallings away or siftings, which he calls "the error of the wicked"--literally, "the delusions of the unsettled or lawless." The implication seems to be, that the not settled ones would first be shaken out, and that subsequently there would come a still more insidious trial which would test even the "steadfast." We inquire, therefore, have there been, during this "Harvest" time (whilst we are waiting for the dissolution of the present order of things and for the establishment of the new order of things have there been such siftings or failings away by delusions which have affected those not settled? We answer: Yes, there have been several: we might recount some of these. First of all came a shaking directly upon the subject of the ransom: Certain lawless ones, "heady," rejected the testimony of the Lord's Word, denying the Lord having "bought us" with His own precious blood, They would accept Christ as an example only, and claimed to be able to follow that example, and that they needed no sin-offering to compensate for their imperfections, inherited or personal. This the Adversary's first move was remarkably bold, yet it found adherents who were not rooted and grounded upon the testimony of the Lord's Word. Then came the "flat earth" theory, Whose advocates strangely concluded that the shape of the earth is a part of the Gospel; the result was that certain others of the unstable were "led away" in that delusion, by not settled leaders who wrested certain Scriptures to their own confusion and to the extinguishment of what light they had enjoyed. Then came another delusion in effect teaching. the old doctrine of Universalism-that God would finally force eternal salvation upon all men and even upon Satan him.self. This theory of course also denied the ransom; because to have admitted that the condemnation to death -pronounced in Eden could not be set aside without a ransom, a corresponding price, would logically have implied that disobedience under the second trial, secured by the ransom, would similarly bring an everlasting punishment--everlasting death-from which there could be no resurrection. Hence, this theory boldly denied the ransom, wrested or twisted the Scriptures which speak of the Second Death as "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord," handling this and other Scriptures so deceitfully as to declare that the Second Death would be a great blessing to all upon whom it would come. Of course none but unstable souls could be beguiled by such open and arrogant perversions of the Word of God. But, still another sifting came for the "unlearned" and unsettled, not thoroughly furnished with the whole armor of God; this was the teaching that God is the author and instigator of all the sin, crime and wickedness there is in the world; and that after He shall become weary of evil doing He will reform, change His course and incite all mankind to righteousness and holiness, as He now (this theory claims) incites the majority to sin, etc. Of all the theories which the Adversary has brought out in this "evil day;" this one seems to be the most blasphemous. So-called "orthodoxy" is certainly quite blasphemous enough, in claiming that God,, after permitting His creatures to be "born in sin and shapen in iniquity" (which He had nothing to do with bringing upon them), claims that, as a punishment for sins which they could not avoid, the vast majority of the human family will be imprisoned in a flaming hell of unspeakable torture, and divinely provided with everlasting life, so that they shall never be able to escape those sufferings by death, and that the Devil will be similarly supplied with eternal life (but free from pain) for the purpose of torturing them; and that fuel for the torture will to all eternity be provided by Divine power. We say that this is extremely blasphemous of the Divine. character, yet it is, as nothing at all-in comparison to the teaching which claims that God is the instigator, the first cause, of all the sin and crime and wickedness in the world. This theory also wrested some Scriptures to its support, just as Spiritism and Christian Science do. Of course, only those who had never become thoroughly rooted and grounded in the truth could ever be "led away" by such a blasphemous delusion as this. The Anglo Israel question, and communistic and social questions, "led away" from the Truth, and into more or less darkness and confusion, some others who were not well rooted and grounded in the knowledge of the fact that all present -institutions will go down, and that the new order of things to. be introduced will not be of human institution, but the work of God through, the glorified Christ. WARNING TO THE STEADFASTBut the Apostle comes in our text to a time after such delusions had "led I away" those not established or settled: and his warning is given to the steadfast. The implication seems to be that the Adversary has more subtle delusions before us than any of those in the past; and that the fully consecrated of the Lord's people may need to be more than ever on guard against "the wiles of the devil." -"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things [that all of the affairs, reforms, etc., of the present time will avail nothing, and that all the present institutions will pass away, and that God is about to establish His own Kingdom in His own way;--and knowing- further, that just at this particular time there will be a special sifting and testing of those who are in the light], beware lest ye ALSO, being led away with the error of the wicked [the unsettled or lawless who do not bow implicitly to the Lord's Word, but wrest it to establish theories of their own], fall from your own steadfastness." (While the "siftings" specially affect those who have been brought by the Lord into the light of present Truth, yet in a more general way and along different lines slightly different siftings are in progress with the nominal Church as a whole. Each denomination is being shaken, and the theories of Evolution, Spiritism, Christian Science, Theosophy and Moralism are making great inroads upon all who have named the name of Christ, even if they have not come into the light of the "Harvest" Truth. Unsettled, lacking the knowledge of the Divine Word and Plan, necessary in this evil day, the whole nominal Church is gradually losing its faith in the Bible, under the lead of its most able ministers, who, blinded to present Truth, and unable to rightly divide the Word of Truth, are generally coming to hold the opinion, that their own ideas respecting truth ("higher criticism") are superior to the Scripture presentations.) The Apostle in our text cautions that we beware against being "led away." The word here rendered "led away" occurs in only one other place in the Scriptures (Gal. 2:13), where the Apostle Paul says, "Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation." The words "carried away" give the same thought as "led away" but a little more strongly: they imply that the danger to the steadfast will be along some line which would sweep away or carry away their judgments from the fixed statements of the Divine Word, through personal preference, or sympathy, or through the influence of someone held in respect or esteem. Let us all therefore be on guard, that whoever may, consciously or unconsciously, become the instrument of the Adversary, and seek to lead us away from the sure testimonies of the Lord's Word (whether congenial to our natural tastes or uncongenial), we may not be "carried away" but that we may be more determined than ever that "To our. Lord we will be true "DECEIVED AND BE [THEMSELVES] DECEIVED"While we see that the danger to the majority of God's people will be through being "carried away" by sympathy, influence, etc., I we must remember that this implies that there will be certain leaders of thought whose conduct will tend to carry away the others. It is not necessary for us to suppose that these leaders into error will knowingly and intentionally get wrong themselves, and carry away numbers with them into their delusions and lawless disregard for the testimony of the Lord's Word, wresting its statements. We may rather assume that in a majority of instances these leaders will be themselves deceived; as the Apostle expresses it--"deceiving and being [themselves] deceived."--2 Tim. 3:13. All who seek to teach the Divine Plan to others are exposed to peculiar temptations, so that the honor of serving the Lord and His people demands a correspondingly larger measure of the graces of the Holy Spirit, as well as of knowledge. The tendency of knowledge, as the Apostle points out, is merely to puff up, make vain and conceited, and to become a temptation of the Adversary, to draw away followers after them. (Acts 20:30.) Whoever therefore would be an instructor of others, a mouth-piece of the Lord, should cultivate all the various graces of the Holy Spirit, including meekness; that these combined (Love) with knowledge, may build up himself as well as build up those to whom he ministers. "Knowledge [alone] putteth up, but Love buildeth up." -1 Cor. 8:1. Let us not forget. that there is a way, and one way only, whereby we may insure ourselves against falling into any of these traps of the Adversary. This insurance is not secured wholly by knowledge, although knowledge is a very important element in it: it is secured chiefly by obedience to the principles laid down in the Lord's Word, and illustrated in the life and character of our Lord and His Apostles. The same Apostle who addresses us this caution against falling from our own steadfastness, tells us in the same epistle (1 :5-12), "If ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly, into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." What, things? Does. he give us the particulars of this work of grace that will so insure us against falling that we shall receive the-great prize? Yes. He tells us that it is by continually adding to our stock of the heavenly graces,--"Add to your faith -fortitude, and to fortitude knowledge, and to knowledge self-control, and to self-control patience, and to patience piety, and to piety brotherly-kindness, and to brotherly-kindness Love; for these things being in you and abounding, they will not permit you to be inactive or unfruitful in the knowledge [personal intimacy, acquaintance] of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . Therefore, brethren, give the more earnest heed that you may make your calling and election sure, for if ye do these things ye shall never fall." CHOOSING THE BETTER LIFE"The entrance of thy words giveth
light."--Psa. 119:130. WE are submitting below a letter recently published in the Houston (Texas) Chronicle, believing it to be both interesting and profitable. This case is no doubt a fair sample of the real state of multitudes of poor fallen humanity, and serves well to illustrate how this life of experience in contact with evil is impressing its many valuable lessons with regard to the unprofitableness and exceeding sinfulness of sin. It reminds us further that the human family is not pursuing the present course of evil because, they really prefer it and have intelligently chosen that course, but rather because of inherited depravity and because of their unhappy and unfavorable environments, and the general influence of evil surrounding them under the prince of this world Satan. The Prophet assures us that "when the judgments of the Lord are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness." Thus we can well hope that under the wholesome discipline and correction in righteousness which the world will receive in the new dispensation many will be aroused to seek after the Lord and to choose the better way-life that they may live. The letter referred to follows: "To the Editor of the Chronicle: "Believing that it is your purpose and spirit to have your paper make folks and the world better and happier, I am asking if you will kindly give this letter space in its columns. I journey to the state prison today to begin the serving of a four-year sentence. I go to receive a deserved punishment, for I am in no way sinned against but am entirely the- sinner. I have adventured through 36 years of life and am convinced that there is but one kind of living that is worth while; living that is noble, good and kind. And there is but one way to give days to such living; by following the precepts and examples of Christ. "I am not concerned about the punishment that is to be mine; not about the days I am to be exiled from the world. I am thinking about how I can use the coming prison days as a preparation for some service in the world, when I am of it and in it again, that will keep other people from the paths of shame, sorrow and failure that my feet have traveled. As there is but one way to live uprightly, as a follower of Christ, so there is but one way to -bring goodness, courage and happiness to other hearts and that is as a servant of the same Christ. So I have given my heart and life to Him because I am convinced it is great wisdom to do so. "Thoughts of the future and of eternity do not alone turn me to this choice; it is the today, the present moment, from which the future is made, that convinces me this is what I should do-because I can see and feel the present and my senses tell me that it brings nothing of happiness, success or permanence when lived as selfishness, passion and forgetfulness of God, dictate. Thus it is that I mean the days of my incarceration to be ones of preparation for the service I can give after they are ended. "Being in deadly earnest about this matter I want to reach out into the world and gather to me all the advice, counsel and inspiration that the lives and souls of other folks can offer. "So I ask the folks who read this for what they can give. Whether it be a word of -encouragement or advice; reference to what I should read and study; some experience of other days that will inspire me-anything that will bring the fullest preparation to me so that I can give the greater service when the opportunity offers. I thank you for your kindness, also for those who recognize the earnest, sincere spirit that is behind these words and find pleasure in offering from their lives what of this service to Christ they can give. Some will read this who are feeling the weight of failure and sorrow in their lives. To such, I commend the greatest success of the ages, Christ-history cannot reveal a follower of His whose life can be counted as a failure or unhappy. Sincerely, Harry Lee Watson, care of State Prison, Huntsville, Texas." THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRISTSERIES XLVI SATAN "LOOSED OUT OF HIS PRISON""But the Rest of the Dead
did not live till the Thousand Years were ended. This is the First Resurrection. Blessed
and holy is He who Has a Portion in the First Resurrection; over these the Second Death
has no Authority but they shall be Priests of God and of the Anointed, and shall reign
with him a Thousand Years. And when the Thousand Years may be completed, the Adversary
will be loosed out of his Prison, and will go forth to - deceive Those Nations which are
in the Four Corners of the Earth, Gog and Magog, to assemble them together for War; whose
Number is as the Sand of the Sea."--Rev. 20:5-8. "THE REST OF THE DEAD"CONCERNING the first clause of verse 5, "the Rest of the Dead did 'not live till
the Thousand Years were ended," there seems to be good and sufficient reasons for
believing that the words do not belong to the original Greek text. It is a well known and
an incontrovertible fact that there is a number of spurious passages in the Bible, some of
which are found in the book of Revelation--texts that were probably inserted into the more
modern manuscripts by copyists of 'the original, written by the Apostles. Amongst these,
this passage is listed.* PASTOR RUSSELL, using as an authority Prof. C. Tischendorf's
Notes on the Readings of the two oldest Greek MSS.--the Sinaitic and the Vatican No.
1209--has thus remarked: "In this verse the words 'But the rest of the dead, lived
not again until the thousand years were finished,' are spurious. They are not found in the
oldest and most reliable Greek MSS., the Sinaitic, Vatican Nos. 1209 and 1160, nor the
Syriac MS." He further calls attention to the fact that "many passages found in
the, modern copies are additions which do not properly belong to the Bible. Since
commanded not to add to the Word of God, it is our duty to repudiate such additions as
soon as their spurious character is established. The words indicated probably crept into
the text by accident, in the fifth century; for no MS. of earlier date (either Greek or
Syriac) contains this clause."--STUDIES, VOL. 1-288,
Footnote. _________ *A list of these will be found in the Berean Bible Teachers' Manual. _________ As further bearing on this matter, it will be noticed that the very location of the words, coming as they do between the two passages: "and they lived and reigned with Christ the Thousand years," and, "This is the First Resurrection," seems almost in itself to be convincing evidence that that part of the I text is spurious, as it is not only con fusing to the sense -but meaningless. Considered as an interpolation, the sense is in perfect harmony with all other Scriptures that plainly teach the priority of the resurrection of the overcomers of the Gospel. Age. That - this may be clearly seen we quote the words with the spurious passage eliminated: "And the Persons of Those who had been Beheaded because of the Testimony of Jesus, and because of the Word of God, even those who did not worship the Beast, nor his Image, and did not receive the Mark on their Forehead, and on their Hand; and they lived and reigned with the Anointed one the Thousand Years. This is the First Resurrection." It would, therefore, seem that there are the very best of reasons for concluding that the clause is spurious. And furthermore, its omission makes the whole passage harmonize with the many Scriptures describing the thousand years as the great judgment Day during, the progress of which the awakening, trial and resurrection of the World will be going on. HUMANITY LIVES AT CLOSE OF MILLENNIUMHowever, by way of assisting any of the Lord's people who may not feel sure about the text being spurious-who may have such a regard for the King James text as to decry any attempt to do away with any portion of it, we call attention to the clear and convincing argument offered by PASTOR RUSSELL, as showing that even though the words, "But the Rest of the Dead did not live till the Thousand Years were ended," were genuine, they do not at all conflict with other Scriptures which teach that the awakening and raising up (resurrection) of the world of mankind will take place throughout the thousand years of Christ's reign and not after that reign is over: "The repudiation of this clause is not essential to the 'Plan' as herein set forth; for the rest of the dead--the world at large--will not live again in the full sense, in the perfect sense that Adam lived before he sinned and came under the sentence, 'dying thou shalt die' [until the thousand years are ended.] Perfect life without weakness or dying is the only sense in which God recognizes the word life.. From His standpoint all the world has already lost life, is dying, and might now be more properly [and' are] described as dead than as alive.--2 Cor. 5:14; Matt. 8:22. "The word resurrection (Greek, anastasis) signifies raising up. As related to man, it signifies raising up man to that condition from which he fell, to full perfection of manhood-the thing lost through Adam. The perfection from which our race fell is the perfection to which they will gradually rise, during the Millennial Age of restitution or resurrection (raising up). The Millennial Age is not only the Age of trial, but also the Age of blessing, and through resurrection or restitution to life all that was lost is to be restored to all who, when they know and have opportunity, gladly obey. The process of resurrection will be a gradual one, requiring the entire Age for its full accomplishment; though the mere awakening to a measure of life and consciousness, as at present enjoyed, will of course be a momentary work. Consequently it will not be until the thousand years are finished that the race will have fully attained the complete measure of life lost in Adam. And since anything short of perfect life is a condition of partial death, it follows that, although the above words are no part of 'the inspired record, it would be strictly true to say that the rest of the dead will not live again (will not regain the fullness of life lost) until the thousand years, of restitution and blessing are complete."--STUDIES, VOL. 1-289. THE RESURRECTION OF THE BLESSED AND HOLY"Blessed and Holy is He who Has a portion in the First Resurrection; over these the Second Death has no Authority, but they shall be Priests of God and of the Anointed, and shall reign with Him a Thousand Years." These words scarcely require any comment. This statement "shows the holiness as well as blessedness of all that reigning company. Another thought is suggested, by the fact that these shall be priests to teach, as well as kings to reign. They will not only see to the execution of God's laws, but will give instruction and assistance to mankind, such as will enable them to render obedience." -Z March '82-7. "The call of spiritual Israelites to joint-heirship with Jesus
in His spiritual Kingdom belongs to this Gospel Age only.' The Church's change of nature
from human to Divine begins with the begetting of the Holy Spirit and will be completed in
the resurrection change. St. Paul explains this and declares, 'Flesh and blood cannot
inherit the Kingdom of God! (1 Cor. 15:50.) He also tells us that the earthly rulers of
the future cannot be perfected until after the Church's resurrection. (Heb. 11:38-40.) So
also Jesus declared, that the least one in the [spiritual] Kingdom would be greater than
John the Baptist, the greatest of the Prophets.--Matt. 11:11." -Angelophone Hymns--50. Those who have come to see that the subjects of the First or Chief Resurrection comprise the overcomers of the Gospel Age who, with Christ, are called the Seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16, 29) through whom all others of mankind are to be blessed, have no difficulty in under standing the - fact that their resurrection and, exaltation to power must precede all others. All this is implied in the statement of St. John: "They shall be Priests of God and of the Anointed and shall reign with Him a Thou sand Years." As PASTOR RUSSELL has said, "Theirs is the First Resurrection. (Rev. 20:5.) - The great work before this glorious anointed company-the Christ--necessitates their exaltation to the Divine nature; no other than Divine power could accomplish it. Theirs is a work pertaining not only to this. world, but to all things in heaven and in earth--among spiritual as well as among human beings.-Matt. 28:18; Col. 1:20; Eph. 1:10; Phil. 2:10; 1 Cor. 6:3."--STUDIES, VOL. 1, 288, 289. The simple statements of this Scripture in themselves teach that the subjects of this "First" Resurrection have a very exalted place and occupation during the thousand years. St. John calls them kings and priests. (V. 6.) In other Scriptures they are called judges. These. are not empty titles, but. are full of solemn significance and mean that those to whom they are given share with Christ in the administration of the government of the coming world. As kings they are to rule, as judges they are to judge and administer and execute justice. (Isa. 32:1.) As kingly priests they are to be intrusted with the cares and responsibilities of a Royal Priesthood. The Scriptures cIearly teach that when the present dispensation is fully ended Christ will enter upon a new and particular administration of human affairs. Our infinite God has ordained that He shall judge the world in righteousness. (Acts 17:31.) "When He shall sit on the throne of His glory," then before Him, during those thousand years, shall be gathered all the nations, and the great work of separating the "sheep" from the "goats," shall progress until the end of the thousand years when the work will be finished and the "sheep" class rewarded, and the "goat" class punished. Engaged with Him in this work will be the overcomers, the sharers with Him of His own, the. First, Chief Resurrection.. This work is that of ruling or shepherdizing the nations with a rod of iron-the following up of the victory of the "great day of God Almighty"--enforcing the rule of righteousness and justice in place of the iniquitous rule of the "Dragon," etc. Not only will the survivors of the awful time that introduces the Millennial Day be dealt with, but the residue of men 'who lived and died during past generations will be awakened -from the sleep of death, become enlightened concerning God's purpose for them, and be dealt with in justice and mercy; and we have the Divine statement to the effect that "when the judgments of the Lord are in. the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.) SATAN ONCE MORE APPEARS ON SCENEComing now to the consideration of verse 7 regarding the loosing of Satan,, one of the things that doubtless will have been noted in connection with the vision of the thousand-year reign of Christ and His saints (Rev. 20: 4-6 ), is that there is not in the vision the slightest refer ence to the earthly character of that reign, except that contained in the expression that Satan was bound. that he should no longer. deceive the nations until the. thousand years were ended. This, of course, would imply that this reign was over the nations. of the earth. The reason why, the various characteristics and details of this reign are not portrayed in the vision would seem to be that the book of Revelation being the closing book of prophecy, the Christian student was supposed to be familiar with the peculiar characteristics of the earthly phase of this reign which had already been portrayed in the writings of the Prophets of Israel, as well as frequently referred to by Christ and His Apostles. In the Old Testament prophecies the heavenly character of this reign is implied in the, wonderful changes that are described to take place in the earth and its peoples as contrasted with present conditions. As an illustration of this, let the reader note the wonderful prophetic picture: "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Isa. 11:9.) it will be seen in this quotation that the heavenly aspect of this remarkable period is veiled in strong figurative language; the "mountain" referred to being a symbol of the Kingdom of God. Another illustration of this will be found in another utterance of the Prophet which reads: "And in this mountain [heavenly phase of the Kingdom] shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a -feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined. And He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering-cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from A all faces," etc. (Isa. 25:6-8.) We quote one more prophecy to illustrate and establish this point--a Scripture that describes this Millennial reign as being the great Judgment Day: "0 sing unto the Lord a new song; for He hath done marvelous things; His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory. The Lord hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly shewed in the sight of the heathen [nations]. . . . Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; for He cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with His truth."--Psa. 98:1, 2, 8, 9. HUMANITY'S LAST TEMPTATIONWe, therefore, observe in considering this vision of the release of Satan, that the earthly features of the reign of Christ and His saints will need to be kept in mind In other. words, that the thousand-year reign of Christ and His saints is nothing more or less than the great individual judgment or trial day of the world. With these thoughts before us, it seems most apparent (to express it briefly in a general way) that the loosing of Satan and the permission of a second attempt to defile the earth is for the express purpose of testing the myriads of humanity -- all mankind who will have been living on the earth and enjoying the blessed privileges of this judgment Day -- the testing being for the purpose of deciding which of humanity. have not used these privileges to develop a character of heart loyalty and obedience to God. Three classes are brought to our attention as closely related to and living during these thousand years: First, there will be the immortal ones, Christ and His glorified joint-heirs, the heavenly Kings, Priests and Judges, who will be invisible to earth's dwellers; second, the Old Testament saints, who will have been resurrected to perfect human conditions, in. the beginning of the thousand years, and will constitute the visible intermediaries acting under the heavenly Kings, etc.;. and third, the world of mankind, who will be on trial or probation for life or death everlasting. Seen from this standpoint, this vision of the release of Satan and his permitted temporary activity amongst humanity in opposition to God is, like all the visions of chapters 20, 21 and 22, designed simply to portray one aspect or picture of the final testing, and results of this Millennial reign of Christ and His saints. Consulting the writings of the commentators who have endeavored to explain this vision of the restraint and release of Satan, we find that nearly all, if not quite all, of them with. the one exception of PASTOR RUSSELL interpret it from the standpoint that the peoples living in the world in this Millennial period comprise only those who happen to live through the judgment scenes that mark the overthrow of the present order. It was not until the ushering in of the period of Christ's personal presence at the end of the 1335 years (Dan. 12), that clear light began to shine on that feature of the Divine Plan that related to this Millennial reign. It is not only interesting but profitable to read, as confirming the truthfulness of progressive interpretation, some of the comments on. this vision. One of these writers has thus referred to this period: "Now we have never known and consequently cannot conceive a
world free from Satanic deceptions; but who does not feel at once that it would be a
marvelously different world? . . . When Satan is exiled from the earth for a time it is
evident that man will have a probation of a character different from any that he has as
yet experienced; it will be a probation of man free from the Tempter, and though Scripture
does not lead us to expect that sin will be altogether absent from among the Gentile
nations of the earth' during the course of this probation, it does undoubtedly intimate
that its existence will be reduced to a minimum. The Lord Jesus Christ began to overthrow
the power of the Devil when He resisted his temptation in the wilderness; He obtained a
further and magnificent victory when He broke open, the prison house of death, and leading
captivity captive, ascended up on high. This binding of Satan is a further stage of His
triumph over the great foe, and the final one comes at the close of the Millennium when
the Devil is cast into the lake of fire."--H. G. GUINNESS. DAVID N. LORD, while regarding Satan as a real person, believed that his restraint and release again were intended to portray very much wider effects than would be represented in his personal influence and operations. On these points he has said that Satan, in this vision of his binding, includes the whole body of the fallen - angels; and his emergence from prison denotes their release universally, and return to the seductions of men on the earth. Another has said: "It seems a great pity after the world has rested for a thousand years that this arch-enemy of its peace should again be let loose upon it. But there seems to be some sort of a necessity for it. The statement to St. John was that 'he must be loosed a little while.' (V. 3.) Some interest of righteousness and moral government renders it proper that he should be allowed this last limited freedom." Referring to the particular matter of deception practiced by Satan, this same writer goes on to say that "Satan succeeds in rendering them [the ones deceived] dissatisfied with the holy rule of God's glorified saints and induces .them to believe that they can successfully throw it off and crush it out. . . . How he does this we are not told; but under him they come forth in swarming myriads, enter the same holy land [as others (Ezek. 38, 39) did a thousand years before], and compass about the citadel of the saints and the beloved city in the vain hope of wresting the dominion from its. immortal possessors. The insane war, however, is quickly terminated. One brief sentence tells the ,tearful story: 'There came down fire out of heaven and devoured them.' When Israel was encamped in the wilderness, a guard of Levites was set about the tabernacle and the command to them was, 'The stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.' (Num. 1:51.) So a guard of immortal king-priests keeps the ways to the Throne and Temple of Jehovah in that- day, and the presumptuous dupes of Satan's last deception who dare to approach with hostile intent are instantly hurled to fiery destruction. Not, a man of them escapes." THE LAST REBELLIONConcerning who are represented by these who seek to wrest the earthly rulership from those who are divinely appointed, none of the commentators have a clear conception. In, the increased light of the days of the presence Of the Son of Man, this matter as well as others bearing on the same is better understood. Of all expositors, PASTOR RUSSELL, who was the one that first gave a clear Scriptural, logical unfolding of the Divine Plan which, previous to his call into the Divine service, was to a large extent hidden from view, has given a clear unfolding of this vision of the loosing of Satan.. Concerning the Divine purpose to be accomplished in this release of Satan, we have the following from his pen: "At the close of the 'Millennium, when men shall have been made perfect, the world of mankind will be subjected to a final test, not as to their perfection of human nature, but as to their loyalty to God. The test upon. Mother Eve was of this character. She was not deceived in the sense of not knowing the meaning of loyalty to God or what constituted disobedience. God had forewarned her. She knew what was right. But she was deceived so far as the consequences were concerned; so with Satan. 'He was deceived as to the outcome of his course, in thinking he would be able to carry out his plans despite the Lord. "So, we believe, it will be at the end of the Millennial Age. Some of mankind will be deceived as to the result of the course they will take. All who are entirely loyal to the Divine Law will perceive the error of the wicked. During the Millennial Age Christ, as the Mediator, will stand between mankind and the full requirements of justice; and mankind will be, as it were, in a household of protection. When. all evil influences are restrained mankind will have a very favorable opportunity for coming to a full knowledge of the Divine requirements. After they shall have enjoyed the blessings of restitution to the full, then it will be appropriate that a test shall come to see whether their adherence to righteousness is merely a matter of policy or whether they have reached such a condition of heart-loyalty to God and righteousness as not to be moved from righteousness by any influence. -"At the end of the Millennial Age, then, after they shall have been turned over to the Father, He will thus test mankind to see whether or not they have learned full obedience. Evil influence will be let loose for a season. If they have not learned thoroughly the lesson of obedience they will be unworthy of everlasting life and will demonstrate that theirs has been merely a policy service. It will be because they have not come into fullness of heart-harmony with God that they will be peculiarly susceptible in this trial respecting their loyalty. "Satan was tested as to his loyalty to God. Adam and Eve were tested. as to their loyalty to God. In the time of Noah the angels were similarly tested -- not as to whether they preferred right to wrong, but as to their entire loyalty. Jesus Himself was tested as to His loyalty to the Father. So mankind, at the end of the Millennial Age, will be tested as respects their heart harmony with God."--Z '11-360, 361. SEDITION AGAINST THE HOLY CITYConcerning what is represented in this Post-Millennial vision by the "beloved city" and the "camp of the saints," it is interesting for students of the Revelation to compare the expositions of some of these commentators with that of PASTOR RUSSELL. DAVID N. LORD has thus commented on these matters, saying: "The beloved city is the New Jerusalem, which -is the symbol, as will be shown in the exposition of the next chapter of the glorified saints in their relations to unglorified men, of priests and kings, as great Babylon is the symbol of the priests and rulers [governmental powers] of the apostate hierarchies' " Concerning who or what is represented by the "camp of the saints," this same writer has said: "They probably represent the subordinate, unglorified rulers of the obedient nations." PASTOR RUSSELL'S interpretation is very much the same as this writer. His comment is that "the 'beloved city' is the New Jerusalem, the Church in glory, not the Church in the flesh." Concerning what is to be understood as the "camp of the saints," his thought is somewhat similar to MR. LORD'S, only more clear and definite, because of his clearer apprehension of that feature of the Divine Plan concerning the earthly phase of the Millennial Kingdom or judgment Day. Concerning this he has said: "By that time [the close of the thousand years] having reached perfection of organism and powers, the people will assert themselves in thus going up to encompass the camp of the saints. That the Church cannot be meant is evident from the fact that human beings could not attack an unseen force of spirit beings, as the Church will then be."--Z '13-53. "We do not expect that the communication between the spiritual rulers (the glorified Church] and their earthly subjects will be after this manner [as in Old, Testament times] during the Millennium; for we find that God has made provision that a certain class of humanity, already tried (during the period before the Gospel Age) and found worthy of perfection and everlasting life, shall throughout the Millennial Age serve as the intermediaries between the spiritual Kingdom, the saints, and their subjects, mankind. "These intermediaries, while not the Kingdom in the proper sense
of the word, will be so fully the representatives of it amongst men, that they will be
recognized as the Kingdom by men; they will represent the Kingdom before men and be the
only visible representatives of it. Hence we have termed these 'the earthly phase of the
Kingdom.' visible among men.-Luke, 13:28. "These, 'Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the Prophets' and Ancient Worthies referred to by our Lord and by the Apostles (Matt. 8:11; Heb. 11:4-40), having passed their trial, will be awakened from death perfect -- fully restored to human perfection; and will not require a 'resurrection by judgment' a thousand years long, as will the residue of mankind."--STUDIES, VOL. IV-619. "The rebellion incited by Satan will be not only against the
earthly princes, but also against the Christ."--Z '13-53. In regard to Satan's operations to deceive the nations, Gog and Magog, MR. LORD's interpretation is very much the same as that of PASTOR RUSSELL. His view is that "Satan's enticing Gog and Magog to gather together to battle, denotes . . . his enticing them to resist and endeavor to subvert the rule, both of the glorified and unglorified saints and to elevate themselves into their place. That it is by his influence that they are to be incited to war, indicates that they had before been universally [outwardly] obedient. "This prophecy, then, foreshows that after the risen saints have reigned with Christ, the three hundred and sixty-five thousand years [?] Satan and his legions are to be allowed again to return to earth and tempt men ; that seduced by them, remote nations are to revolt from the sway of the saints which Christ has established over them, and attempt to exalt themselves to supreme authority; and that they are to be destroyed by a direct interposition of the eternal Word, and the tempting angels thereafter to be consigned to perpetual imprisonment in hell ?) [Gehenna]." LOYALTY TO GOD THE LAST TESTPASTOR RUSSELL enlarging and defining more particularly the nature or character of the test to be applied to mankind at the end of the thousand years has thus written: "Possibly the temptation that will come to mankind at that time will be the desire to take possession of the government of earth before it. is fully turned over to them. If this be true, since they will know that it is God's, intention to turn the earth over to mankind when the end of the. thousand years shall come, they will be anticipating the immediate transfer of everything from the Ancient worthies, who shall have been ruling as 'princes in all the earth.' (Psa. 45:16.) When the time shall be fully come, they will be disappointed. 'And they went up on the breadth of the earth and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city.'--Rev. 20:9. "This shows the condition of many of the world at that time. Many of them will become restless. They will say, 'These Ancient Worthies are holding back the government from us. We do not need to have anything to stand between us and the government of the world.' This attitude will be disloyalty to God. Knowing that all things are of Divine arrangement, they should say: 'The Thousand years, seemingly, are over. We thought this Government would be turned over to us. But We will leave matters entirely in God's hands. If He sees best to give us the Government, well and good. But if He sees best to hold it back, after the time is up, we shall be satisfied.' Such would be the attitude of loyalty."--Z '11-361. Another very interesting and instructive comment on this vision, showing that it occurs after the work of the glorified, immortal saints and the princely intermediaries, the Ancient Worthies is completed, is as follows: "The Great Mediator will indeed 'destroy from amongst the people' all who will not obey Him, throughout the Millennial Age; so that at the transfer of His Kingdom and the vacating of His Mediatorship, the world of mankind will be perfect. The Mediator will step from between God and man, and Divine tests will be applied, to prove, to demonstrate, the heaft-faithful, The sentence upon the disloyal is: 'There will come fire from God out of Heaven and destroy them.' This indicates a testing and punishing by Divine justice. This would not be possible so long as the Mediatorial Kingdom held sway. However, we understand that our Lord will be the Father's Representative in connection with that exhibition of Divine justice which will follow His Mediatorship, just as He was the Father's Representative and Agent before He came into the world to be our Redeemer. "The trial will follow the thousand years of Christ's reign, at the conclusion of which He will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father. Hence the loosing of Satan and the testing of the perfected race will be the result of their being turned over into the hands of absolute justice, and in contra-distinction to their having been in the hands of Mercy through the Mediator for a thousand years. That judgment or test, therefore, will be of the Father, of Justice--a similar test to that which originally came upon Father Adam. "However, it is written that all things are of the Father and by
the Son. We are to understand that the glorious Son of God will be the Father's active
Agent in respect to that judgment as well as in all matters. 'But it will be the Father's
judgment, or the judgment of justice, for the Son's Mediatorial Kingdom will have
ended."--Z '13-173. "We cannot doubt then that
in the close of the Millennial Age God will again for a 'little season' permit evil to
triumph, in order thereby to test His creatures (who will by that time have become
thoroughly acquainted with both good and evil, and the consequences of each, and will have
had His justice and love fully demonstrated to them), that those who finally prefer and
choose evil may be cut off -- destroyed. Thus God will for all eternity remove all who do
not love righteousness and hate iniquity. "The grand outcome of that trial will be a clean universe. As
the Revelator expresses it, 'Every creature which is in heaven and on the earth . . .
heard I saying, Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the
throne and unto the Lamb forever! But this result will be accomplished, in harmony with
all God's dealings past and present, which have always recognized man's freedom of will to
choose good or evil, life or death."--H '19-186. REVELATOR READS SECOND DEATH SENTENCE OF SATAN"And, That Enemy who' deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and Sulphur, where both the Beast and False-Prophet [were cast] and they will be tormented Day and Night for the Ages of the Ages."--V. 10. By comparing this verse with verse 3 a difference will be noted between the symbols employed to denote Satan's imprisonment and his final punishment-the one is that of the "Abyss," the other is the "Lake of Fire." The Lake of Fire is a symbol with which we met once before in the Revelation' visions. It will be recalled, and indeed it is referred to in this text, that the Beast and the False Prophet, representing systems or organizations, were cast into a Lake of Fire at the beginning of the thousand years. There, the-symbol very evidently denotes destruction, i.e., the destruction of the systems and not necessarily that of the individuals. In a succeeding vision to the one under consideration, we have the statement that death and hades were cast into a Lake of Fire, which very evidently denotes destruction, i.e., that Adamic death and the state of death will cease. In the same way we understand it is used in the verse we are considering. If it were not for the last clause of this verse, we might consider this. a sufficient explanation, and here rest the matter. In the passage under consideration, however, it is declared that the Devil is not only cast into the Lake of Fire (destruction), but is to be tormented forever. One has said: "In the interpretation of. the Scriptures we can afford to throw nothing out, simply because it may conflict with any former views advanced. Scriptures, seemingly 'contradictory' must be 'harmonized,' not cast aside. Still it stands as a matter of reason and logical common sense that in order to interpret any particular passage, the general harmony found in the testimony of other passages must not be destroyed, neither should one passage be arrayed against another in seeming conflict with it; nor should one conclude that 'a 'majority of texts' favor. a certain construction, and array them against a minority, seemingly out of harmony., "In our humble opinion there can be no question but that' the 'general tenor' of the Word opposes the teaching of a 'life in torment,' as the end of a career. So far as the 'Beast and the False Prophet' are concerned, being purely symbolic, they could not as systems be tormented in any case. But we believe the 'Devil' to be a being, a personality, an entity whom it might be possible to 'torment forever and ever,' were such condition the decree of the Almighty. "However, we do not believe the Almighty has any such intention. We read, 'But all the wicked shall He destroy! (Psa. 145:20.) . . . Speaking of our Lord [in Heb. 2:14], we read, 'that through, death (through the death penalty), He (Christ) might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil.' This declares that Satan shall be destroyed by 'death,' and it would be impossible to inflict conscious torment upon that which is 'destroyed.' "--Thoughts on Revelation. THE LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONEIt is certainly most reasonable to suppose that as Satan is to be finally destroyed, the 'torment' referred to in this text will end in death. Therefore, the whole matter rests upon the meaning of the words, "forever and ever." In this connection we note that the phrase forever and ever does not always convoy the thought of never ceasing. It will be admitted, however, that in many cases in the Scripture it has that meaning. The phrase "to a completion" is very often its meaning. PASTOR RUSSELL has thus explained this text in. connection with utterances of the same character found in the context: "Rev. 20:9 tells of the destruction of those individuals who join with Satan in the last rebellion;, and verse 15 tells of that same destruction in. other- words, using the symbol, Lake of Fire! They are devoured, or consumed in. fire. This being, the case, the torment of verse 10 cannot refer to these human beings, who are consumed, destroyed. Hence, the question narrows down to this, Will Satan and a False Prophet and a. Beast be tortured forever? and does this verse so teach? "We answer in God's own words, 'All the wicked will be
destroyed,' Concerning Satan, the arch-enemy of God and man, God expressly advises us that
he will be destroyed, and not preserved in any sense or condition.--Heb. 2:14. "The Beast and False Prophet systems, which during the Gospel Age have deceived and led astray, will be cast into a great, consuming trouble in the close of this Gospel Age. The torment of those systems will be aionian, i. e., lasting. It will continue as long as they last, until they are utterly consumed. So also the system of error, which will suddenly manifest itself at the end of the Millennial Age and lead the 'goats' to destruction, will be consumed. (Rev. 20:7-10.) That deceiving 'system (not specified as to kind, but merely called Satan (Adversary] after its instigator), will be cast into the same sort of trouble and destruction, in the end of the Millennial Age, as the Beast and False Prophet systems are now being cast into it, in the end of this Gospel Age."--H '19-187. THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS--FEBRUARY 20--MATT. 25:1-13-- Golden Text.--"Watch
therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour."--Matt. 25:13. PROBABLY on the last Sunday of His earthly ministry our Lord foretold the destruction at Jerusalem, the scattering of His followers, a long period of wars, rumors of wars, etc., and finally His second coming, as recorded in Matthew, 25th chapter. This information was most appropriate -to the Apostles at this very time, for their expectation had run in a different direction -they had been expecting the exaltation of the Lord as the Messiah, and that Jerusalem would be the seat of His empire. They had asked, When shall these things be? and, What shall be the sign of thy presence? and Jesus, in His great prophecy of Matthew 24, had explained these matters, indicating to them that His Second Coming would be in strenuous times, when, if it were possible, the very elect would be received-in which, as it was in the days of Noah, so it would then be in the days of the Son of Man, that the multitude of the world would be eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, and be unaware of the storm impending and the consummation of the Age preparatory to the beginning of the new Age, of His Kingdom. To impress the matter upon their minds, He gave the parable of the ten virgins-five wise and five foolish. The scene of the parable is laid near to the close of the Gospel Age, as is indicated by its opening statement, "Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps and went forth to meet the Bridegroom." The parable has not been applicable all the way down through the Gospel- Age, but to our understanding is applicable now, because we are living in the end of the Age, at the time when the Bridegroom will be present--at the time when the wise virgins will go in to the wedding and the foolish will be excluded. The understanding of this parable at the present time, therefore, should be meat in due season to all who are the Lord's true followers. Throughout the Scriptures the Church is represented as a Bride in
preparation for her marriage. The Bridegroom uniformly is the Lord Jesus, to whom belongs
the entire inheritance, and the opportunity granted to the Lord's followers in the present
time is that of becoming His Bride and joint-heirs. They have no status or relationship to
the King eternal except-as they obtain it by union with the King's Son. The type of this
in the Old Testament is a very beautiful one: Abraham typified the Heavenly Father, very
rich; Isaac typified our Lord Jesus, the Seed of Promise, the heir of all; Abraham's
servant, sent to call a wife for Isaac, beautifully typified the Holy Spirit, which,
during this Gospel Age, has been selecting the Church, of which the Apostle says, I have
espoused you as a chaste virgin unto one husband, which is Christ. -2 Cor. 11:2. Throughout the Gospel Age this Church, under the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit, has, been approaching the Father's house, of many mansions, the' Heavenly kingdom, the glorious conditions 'Promised in joint-heirship with the Bridegroom. If we rightly under-: stand the matter, We are now at the end of the journey, and the Bride class, typified by Rebecca, is putting on the veil and alighting from the camel 'and being received by the Heavenly Bridegroom. As the entire matter has occupied a long period of nearly nineteen centuries, so the coming features are occupying several years for their accomplishment. Soon the Bride will be with the Bridegroom and in the Sarah tent--joint-heirs with Him in the Abrahamic Covenant. It is in harmony with this that the Apostle assures us that "if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." -Gal. 3:29. Several of the Lord's parables related to this Marriage of the King's Son, and His last message to the Church tells us of how ultimately the Bride, the Lamb's wife, shall shine forth resplendent in the Kingdom, and she is symbolized by the New Jerusalem. The announcement is there made, too, of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb after the Bride, the Lamb's wife, shall have made herself ready. (Rev. 19:7-9.) John the Baptist as a prophet referred to this relationship between Christ and the-Church, saying, "He that hath the Bride is the Bridegroom, but the friend of the Bridegroom when he heareth His voice rejoiceth greatly. This my joy is fulfilled." John realized that he was neither a member of the Bride class nor was he the e Bridegroom. He recognized Jesus as the Bridegroom, and was glad to be honored of God as the servant of the Bridegroom and Bride to give the introduction. The high position John will occupy in the future, as one of the faithful Prophets of whom our Lord said there was none greater, is assured; but we have the Lord's assurance that the least one, the humblest one in the Bride class of this Gospel Age, the least one in this Kingdom class, will be greater than John the Baptist, because these are to be, joint-heirs in the Kingdom, partakers of the glory, honor, immortality, while John and the faithful of the past will be upon the earthly plane as representatives and princes of the Kingdom amongst men.-Matt. 11:11; Heb. 11:39, 40; Psa. 45:16. TWO CLASSES OF VIRGINSHaving the parable then located before our minds as belonging somewhere about the present time, we note the fact that it refers only to virgins-pure ones, The parable does not refer to the world at all, nor even to nominal Church people. Both of its classes represent Christians, the Kingdom of heaven class, believers, consecrated believers, believers who have heard the Gospel of the Kingdom, who are expecting the- King at His Second Advent and who have lamps, and who get from their lamps light, information and instruction. These two classes of pure ones, separate from the world, informed respecting the Bridegroom's coming and Kingdom and waiting for them, represent the two classes of the consecrated-the "Little Flock" and the "Great Company;" the "more than conquerors" and the conquerors "through great tribulation." (Rom. 8:37; Rev. 7:14.) These are the same two- classes that are represented in the Tabernacle type by the two goats, one of which became the Lord's goat for sacrifice and the other the scapegoat, only that in the Tabernacle type the goats represented the two classes all the way down through the Gospel Age as well as particularly at its close, while the two classes in the parable under consideration represent the Church only in the present time in the end of this Age' Evidently the Lord's object in giving the parable was two-fold: first, to give a 'salutary lesson to the Apostles and the entire Church of this Gospel Age on the necessity for alertness, watching and praying, anticipating and preparing for the coming King and His Kingdom that they might be constantly ready for a share therein. Second, the parable was specially intended for us living in this time, to let us see, that it would not be sufficient to be hoping and praying for the Kingdom and in a general way expecting the Bridegroom, but that we must be so alert and so full of enthusiasm for the event that it would lead us to make the wisest possible preparation for it, that we might not be disappointed at the final moment. SECOND ADVENTISTS IN THE PARABLE True to the picture of the parable, a movement took place amongst the Lord's people. of all denominations in the last century, which culminated in what was known as the Second Advent movement. The virgins, the pure ones amongst Christians all over the world, were aroused with the thought that the coming of the Bridegroom was near, and a general lamp trimming, a general investigation of the Bible especially on that subject resulted. True to the parable, the expectation of those dear people was disappointed--"the Bridegroom tarried," and while he tarried "they all slumbered and slept." The lamps were measurably neglected and a general stupor fell upon this class. Indeed we may properly enough agree that many of the virgins not only slept but dreamed most peculiar, fantastic and unreasonable things. But by and by came "the midnight announcement," Behold the Bridegroom. This cry has been going forth in these the "latter days" and in response to it the virgin class everywhere are awakening and a fresh examination of the Divine Word is in progress, the lamps are being trimmed. Amongst those who hear the announcement are some who insist that it is a false cry: they have become so drowsy, so overcharged with the cares of this life, so comfortably nestled, that although they love the Bridegroom and desire above all things to be ready to receive Him, they are unprepared- refuse to investigate, and merely murmur to themselves, "Yes, we love the Bridegroom, we will surely be ready to receive Him, we have long been waiting for Him, but not yet, not yet. Soul, take thine ,ease; no one knows anything about the matter; those who are announcing the Bridegroom are surely in error." As days. and weeks and years roll by more and more of the virgins awaken, and as they do so the investigation begins, the trimming of the lamps. Then it is discovered that some, who thought they were ready to enter into the joys of their Lord, find that they are deficient in the allimportant oil, which represents the Holy Spirit, and from which alone comes their enlightenment. The delay of the Bridegroom thus serves as a test to the virgins invited to go in with Him to' the marriage-the delay serves to prove who are the wise and who are the foolish. A certain amount of oil, a certain amount of consecration, a certain amount of the Holy Spirit, was necessary to -be counted in with the virgins at any stage; but a larger measure is necessary now in the time of the actual presence of the Bridegroom, in the time of actual joining in the procession--more truth, more light, are now due, and must be possessed by those who would go in to the wedding. The virgins merely represent the Lord's people in general at this time, so that many are now amongst them who had nothing to do with the Adventist movement of 1844. However, the general spirit must be the same, love for the Bridegroom, expectancy of His presence in the Kingdom and a desire above all things to be prepared to enter in with Him before the. door is shut. The question now then is, Who has a sufficiency of oil, of light, of the Holy Spirit, from which this illumination proceeds, to be able to stand in the procession of the virgins who will enter in with the Bridegroom before the door closes? It is an important question, and one which appeals to every one who has- his lamp burning. How necessary that we see to it that we have a good supply of the spirit of the Lord-the spirit of meekness, patience, gentleness, long suffering, brotherly kindness, love. We may be sure that unless we have a good supply of these our lamps will go out, "GIVE US OF YOUR OIL"To illustrate this Holy Spirit, this spirit of consecration which all of the wise, virgins must have in full measure in order to maintain their light and their place in the Bridegroom's favor and to gain an entrance to the Marriage, the Lord in the parable represents the foolish virgins as asking the wise for some of their oil, and then shows the impossibility of. its being thus obtained from one another. The fruits and graces of the Holy Spirit cannot be had for the asking; they must be bought in the market of experience-they are of gradual growth and cost painstaking care of words and thoughts and doings. It is because these fruits of the spirit are so difficult of attainment and cost such a price of self-sacrifice and sacrifice of worldly interests that they are valuable in the Lord's sight. None can get too. much of this Holy Spirit, none can secure an over supply for his own use so that he could supply others from his abundance. The Bridegroom has made in advance abundant provision by which all those who are invited to go in with Him to the marriage may be properly equipped, not only with robes and lamps, but also with the oil; and if any are careless in the procurement of the oil, they thus indicate their unfitness to' be of the class who are to enter with the Bridegroom before the door is shut. This is the essence of the Lord's instruction by this parable-that those who hope to enter into the Kingdom and share its glories with Him must expect to make preparation in advance. If they wait until the moment for the door to close, however willing they may be, however anxious, they will not be prepared--the preparation requires time, patience, care. We meet continually those who give evidence of being true Christians, "virgins," pure of heart, of intention, who are considerably interested in the Heavenly Bridegroom, in the gathering for the Marriage supper, but who have little light upon these interesting subjects. They sometimes say to us, "Give us of your light, tell us how you know these things, why you feel so sure about them while others are asleep. We are awake enough, but our lamps give no light." We answer that it is impossible to give them faith in these things by proxy; that there is only one way to obtain the light, and that is through a patient, persevering study of the Divine Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We inform them that patient perseverance in well doing, in Scriptural study, in cultivating the fruits and graces of the Spirit, are necessary in: order to have this oil and its light. They express regret, for they are so overcharged with the cares of this life, or the deceitfulness of riches, or family pride, or what, not, that they have not the time to give to their spiritual development and the study of the, Word. We are sorry and disappointed at such; 'We'-would that they could enjoy with us the blessings of a good supply of oil and the clear light of our lamps as they are now shining. We can do no more than tell them how and where the oil, the light, must be obtained. We must go on in our personal. preparation and in our hastening to hold up our lights in our salutation of the Bridegroom,, and expression of joy in connection with His presence and the anticipated entrance with Him to the Marriage. "AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT"It would appear that in these the "last times," the wise virgins have been and are still entering in--passing beyond the vail, changed in a moment, "in the twinkling of an eye." (I Cor. 15:52.) Soon the entire First Resurrection will be complete, the last member being changed. Then and there the door will be shut and no more will be permitted to enter., Thank God that -this does not signify so dreadful a condition as some of the Lord's dear people think It does not mean the close of the door of hope, and that all outside, the foolish virgins as well as the world, will go down to hopeless despair in the Second Death. It does mean, however, the close of the great and grand opportunity which will never open again. It signifies the completion of the Kingdom class, the Bride class, the close of the Narrow Way to glory, honor, immortality and joint-heirship with Christ. The foolish virgins go and buy the precious oil and get their lamps trimmed and burning, but too late for the Marriage, too late to be of those who will be the Bride, the Lamb's Wife. And thus in the parable it is represented that when they knock the Bridegroom will say, "I do not recognize you as being members of the Bride class; you must not come in." Instead of entering into the joys of the Lord with the others they will be permitted for a time at. least to have their, portion in the great time of trouble which will then prevail throughout the world; weeping and gnashing of teeth, sorrow, disappointment, chagrin, will be the portion not only of the foolish virgins but of all the families of the earth in that time. We are glad to know that that great day of trouble will prepare the world of mankind for the glorious conditions of the Millennial Kingdom, which will then short ly be ushered in. The Sun of Righteousness will arise with healing in its beams, and many people shall go and say, "Come, let 'us go up to the mountain of the Lord's house; He will teach us of His ways and we will walk in His paths. For the law shall go forth from Mount Zion [the glorified Kingdom, the heavenly Kingdom], and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem [from the earthly representatives of the heavenly Kingdom]."--Mal. 4:2; Isa. 2:3. "NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR"Our Lord concludes the parable with the words, "Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour." The Revised Version omits from verse 13 the words, "wherein the Son of Man cometh," because these are not found in any of the old Greek MSS. The thought, however, is practically the same-Watch, because ye know neither the day nor the hour in which -this parable will be fulfilled. The watching, no doubt, has been beneficial to the Lord's people all through the Gospel Age, and is still more profitable to the wise virgin class of the present day, because it explains to these their circumstances, conditions, etc. All of the wise virgin class should be in the attitude commanded in this parable; they should have a knowledge of the fact that, the Bridegroom is coming; they should have lamps and a full supply of oil. Those living in this ready condition will be neither alarmed nor surprised at the message when they hear it as it is now going forth, "Behold the Bridegroom is. present." We are living in the parousia -- (presence) of the Son of Man -- the wise virgins are already falling into line in the procession and entering in to the Marriage; the full number will soon be found and the door will be shut. All in this watching attitude of heart, with the full measure of the spirit of the Lord in their hearts will be very quickly attracted by the first intimation that the Bridegroom is present. (These, trimming their lamps, examining the Scriptures, will quickly discern the truthfulness of the announce-ment, and speedily prepare and take their places with the wise virgins. The announcement, the truth upon this subject, is indeed a testing, proving which of the professed virgins of the Lord have the oil in their vessels, the right spirit of humility, patience, love, devotion, interest in the things of the Bridegroom. Such and such only are desired by the Bridegroom or will be permitted to enter. In view of this it is evident that our work in the present time is not only to proclaim the Bridegroom's presence but to assist those who have the oil in their vessels to trim their lamps . If it is not already too late to go to buy the oil it soon will be, and hence our special care should be in respect to those who have the oil of the Lord's spirit but who are still asleep or drowsy and need to have an announcement of His presence brought kindly, patiently, perseveringly to their attention. It is not the supposition of the parable that when the time comes that the Bridegroom's presence is announced the virgins will not know of it. How could they trim their lamps and go out to meet Him and go in with Him without assurance of His presence? The watching suggested therefore by our Lord refers to the time prior to the presence. Those virgins who realize that the Bridegroom has come, those who have trimmed their lamps, those who have joined His procession, are not watching for His coming, but know of His presence, because that day and hour, has come and has not found them unprepared, without sufficient oil. Let us praise God for the blessings and mercies already ours, and go on faithfully rejoicing in the light of our lamps and in the anticipation of the glorious nuptial feast and the later glorious work, with the Bridegroom, of blessing all the families of the earth. He that hath this knowledge will by it be separated more and more from the world and its spirit, and be gradually more and more transformed from glory to glory in the likeness of the Bridegroom. REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS--FEBRUARY 27--MATTHEW 25 :14-30-- Golden Text.--"Well done,
good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over
many things."--Matt. 25:23. IT WAS on the way from Jericho toward Jerusalem that our Lord gave the parable of the Ten I Pounds, delivered one each to ten servants. (Luke 19:11, 12.) The parable of the 'talents which we are 'now considering is a. different one in several particulars, though bearing close resemblance to the other. It was part of our Lord's teaching to His disciples during the few days preceding His crucifixion, probably the Tuesday preceding it,, on the evening journey from Jerusalem to Bethany. This parable illustrates to us the differing abilities of God's people in respect to His service, and how each is accountable according to his ability, and that the same results are neither required nor expected from all, but simply faithfulness by each in the use of that ability and opportunity which he possesses. The Revised Version notes the fact that the -words, "the Kingdom of Heaven," in the opening verse, are not found in the ancient MSS., but this does not interfere with the thought that it is the Kingdom of Heaven in embryo (the Church) that is discussed, and that is likened to these servants who receive, the talents; for this parable, it is to be remembered, followed immediately the parable of the ten virgins, which is declared to be an illustration of the Kingdom. The parable of the talents, therefore, merely continues the thought respecting the Kingdom class, making these fresh observations respecting it. Although a number of servants are implied, yet only .a sample illustration of three is given, leaving it to be inferred that the others were more or less distinctly represented in these three, without attempting to show or to teach which of the classes would predominate. In this respect also this parable corresponds to the parable of the pounds. This parable was evidently, like the other, to prepare the minds of the Apostles for our Lord's departure from the present life-to the "far country," heaven itself, there to appear in the presence of God to present on behalf of mankind the sacrifice for sins which He was about to accomplish at Calvary; and incidentally to be crowned, highly exalted and honored far above angels, principalities and powers, at the right hand of Divine favor, and there to remain till the appointed time for Him to take possession of His Kingdom under the whole heavens, to subdue it and to bring it into full accord with the Divine government, that God's will should be done on earth as it is done in heaven. WHEN THE MASTER RETURNS FROM THE FAR COUNTRYThe expression "far country," would give the thought of a considerable time to elapse between the Master's leaving and His return to establish His Millennial Kingdom. Meantime the Apostles were to understand that they themselves were His servants to whom He entrusted His property and that He would expect them to be faithful in guarding all of His interests and affairs, and promoting the same according to their several abilities. But since the parable covers the long period of eighteen hundred years, and looks down to certain servants living at the time of the Master's return, it is evident that it was intended to include, not the Apostles only, but, as our Lord's prayer expressed the matter, "All those who shall believe on me through their word." We are to notice distinctly that the parable does not concern the world; nor do the decisions mentioned as taking place at the Second Coming of our Lord in any sense of the word represent decisions respecting the world, but merely decisions respecting-the Church. Nor are we even to understand that the parable includes the general "household of faith"; but simply and only the specially consecrated servants of the Lord, to whom He has committed certain responsibilities; viz., those only who have been, begotten of the Holy Spirit. In the early Church, following the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit, every consecrated believer received a gift or talent, and some received many of these, as the Apostle says: "The manifestation of the spirit [a portion, at least one talent] is given to every man [in this consecrated Church] to profit withal." Each had a responsibility in proportion as he had talents or gifts of the spirit, and hence the Apostle Paul, having more than the others, had a greater responsibility because he had greater opportunities; and we judge that he measured up to these responsibilities in a manner most acceptable to the Master. (1 Cor. 14:18.) But those gifts must have ceased within a short time after the death of the Apostles, because we most clearly find that the gifts of the spirit were imparted to believers only through the laying on of hands of the Apostles-that they did not come supernaturally from God to every individual, and that those who possessed the gifts themselves, except the Apostles, could not communicate them to others.--Acts 8:12-20. The object of those gifts, as we have already seen, was the establishment of the early Church, but with its establishment their necessity ceased, and hence the gifts ceased in that form, and have since continued with the Lord's people in a very different form; that is to say, since then the natural gifts or talents which each person possesses through birth, education and training are reckoned, when he is consecrated to the Lord and accepted by Him, as being owned or possessed by the man's new or Holy Spirit, and hence are reckoned as talents or abilities committed to his care, and for the use of which he will be held responsible in the outcome. If he remained one of the world he would have other responsibilities, but not such as are implied in this lesson, which represents only the responsibilities of the consecrated servants in the use of their Master's spiritual goods. We may safely say that there are comparatively few five-talent servants amongst the Lord's people: the majority of the saints may safely be considered as being of the one- and two-talent classes. There are not many five-talent people in the world anyway, and it would appear that the world, the flesh and the devil bid so high for the services of these few that the number of them to become the Lord's servants, and to make consecration of their five talents fully and exclusively to His service, is comparatively small--"not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble." The parable shows that five-talent people amongst the Lord's servants are not to measure themselves with. others and to say, I have done enough; certainly more than A.. who has one talent, but as much as B., who has two talents. Rather, each disciple is to seek to know truthfully just what talents of natural ability and opportunity the Master has committed to his care, and to seek to use everyone of these as fully, as thoroughly and as constantly as possible, so that the results may be much fruit, much praise, much service, much honor to the Lord. And as this parable should be a check upon those servants who have five talents, to hinder them from taking a slothful view of the matter so it should also be an encouragement to those having fewer talents of ability and opportunity, showing them that the Lord will not expect as great things from them as He would expect from those having greater opportunities and greater natural talents. It teaches such that they should-do with their might what their hands find to do, and realize that this reasonable service is what the Lord expects and what He proposed to reward in each, The servant who had only one talent of ability and opportunity should have felt equally his responsibility, and might equally have had the Master's approval had he been faithful, in which event, no doubt, his one talent would have increased to two. BURIED AND NEGLECTED TALENTSOur Lord's arrangement of the parable, that the person who received the one talent was the one who digged in the earth and buried it, should not be understood to mean that the one-talented people are more likely than others of the Lord's servants with more talents to thus neglect and misuse them. So far as observation teaches, we might conclude that proportionately as many of the two-talented and five-talented dig in the earth and hide their talents, as of those who possess only one; and of course their so doing would be proportionately more blameworthy than that of the one-talented man. Why, then, is the one-talented man chosen as an illustration of these talent-, burials? We answer, that it is to show the responsibility of those who have least-that the Lord expects even the least of His consecrated people to know of, and to use the talents he has in his possession, and that he will not hold guiltless even those who have the smallest ability to serve Him and His brethren and His truth and who neglect to use it. As the responsibilities accompanying a larger number of talents would be greater, so the losses in their case would be greater, and thus the punishment more severe. "After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh and reckoneth with them." By these words our Lord gave to the disciples as clear an intimation as was proper of the fact that they were not to expect Him to return and reckon with them in a very few days, a few months or a few years; but when they subsequently asked Him respecting the particular time, He refused them, saying that it was not for them to know the times and the seasons, which the Father had put in His own power. And so for eighteen hundred years the Lord's people have been left without clear information on this subject. This, however, does 'not militate against the thought that it is .the privilege of God's people now to know something of the times and seasons, because the due time lids come in which the Father wishes to communicate these-the time mentioned through the Prophet Daniel, when the [truly] 'Wise shall understand, as we saw in the preceding lesson.Dan. 12:10; 1 Thes. 5:4; John 16:13. There is no intimation in the parable that the disciples would die and go to their Lord, and be reckoned with and rewarded then, as many believe to have been the case. e. The Scriptures are harmonious and consistent with them :selves in their teachings, and not only declare that "David is not ascended into the heavens," and that "no man hath ascended up to heaven" save Jesus, but they declare also that our Lord will come a second time, to receive His people unto Himself and to then reward them. The Apostle Paul, who was one of these five-talented servants, declares respecting himself, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. Hence forth there is laid up for me [in reservation, in waiting] a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day, and not to me only, but also unto all them that love His appearing."--2 Tim. 4:7, 8; John 3:13; 14:3; Acts 2:34. From this view of the parable that the Lord's people of today are represented in it, it is for each one of the consecrated (while yet it is called day-before the night cometh) to make a full and thorough inspection of himself : and to determine to what extent he has talents, abilities, privileges, opportunities, to serve the Lord, and to what extent he is using these; and to remember that his share in the reward depends upon his faithfulness in the use of his talents. There may be instances in which persons of five talents will use three of them faithfully in the Lord's service, and bury the other two in business and cares of this life--"in the earth," in earthly affairs. There may be instances in which those who have two talents use one for the Lord's service and bury the other one; but the fact that our Lord does not give such illustrations would lead us to question the probability of such' a course. Some might plan certain things respecting two talents for -heavenly things and three for earthly things; 'or of, one for earthly things and the other for heavenly things; but the result probably would be either that he would become thoroughly immersed in the earthly things, and bury all his talents there, or else that his heart would become so thoroughly infused with the Lord's spirit and the desire to serve His cause that all of his talents would be, thus employed. This tendency and result is implied by our Lord's statement on another occasion: "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." "No man can serve two masters." Experience and observation corroborate this; and hence as a rule we find that people are either cold or hot in spiritual things; either it is the Kingdom of heaven first and far above all other considerations, demanding and re ceiving the very best we have of time, energy and influ ence; or else the Kingdom of heaven is neglected and for gotten, and time and influence are spent in money-getting or other selfish and earthly occupations of mind and body. SOLEMN LESSONS FOR THE CONSECRATEDThe lesson of this to every one of the Lord's consecrated people is plain: we are to "seek first [chiefly] the Kingdom of God." It is to be our chief concern and to receive from us all the time, attention, thought, energy, influence and means we have-the things needful for the present life being understood to be excepted; and our love and zeal will be manifested by the proportion of these even, which we are willing to sacrifice in the interest of heavenly things. The reward given to the faithful servants was the same in each case-the entering into the joys of the Lord; and, we may reasonably understand that this will mean that the cup of joy to each will be full. In this, too, we have a great encouragement for all, and one which perhaps is specially. needed by the majority of the Lord's servants, who possess only one or two talents of opportunity, etc. They have an equally good opportunity of entering into the joys of the Lord as though they had five or ten talents; and the reward, "Well done, good and faithful servant," will be truly meant for, and as fully appreciated by the one as the other. The reward to these servants is in full harmony with the foregoing application of the parable, and shows that during the Millennial Age the faithful servants, the "elect" of this Gospel Age, will be the rulers of the world, "joint-heirs with Jesus Christ their Lord" in His Kingdom, and upon His throne of rulership"; for the reward specifies, "Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things." If the parable were intended to represent the world's judgment, such a conclusion would be inappropriate, because by the time the world's judgment will have ended there will no longer be necessity for rulership in this sense; for, as the Apostle declares, Christ shall reign [during the Millennium] until He shall have put down all authority, etc., and then He shall deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father. The rule, or reign of righteousness, the Mediatorial Kingdom, is to be established during the Millennial Age,--thus to overthrow the rule of unrighteousness now prevailing amongst men, and to lift mankind in general out of the present condition of sin and death-to deliver as many of them as will accept the deliverance from the power of Satan into the liberty of sons of God. And with the accomplishment of this Work the time for all such ruling -will be at an end; hence this parable is a strong lesson in support of the pre-millennial coming of our Lord and exaltation of His faithful, the elect Church. LOSS TO THE UNFAITHFULThe servant who hid his talent in the earth, and who failed to use it, endeavored to justify his course by blaming the Master with being too-hard and exacting. And so it is with many, who, having taken upon themselves the VOWS Of consecration to the Lord, subsequently fail to perform them. They are disposed to blame the Lord rather than to blame themselves; and this course indicates what their real lack is,--Love. They do not love the Lord fully, truly, sufficiently, and their course reveals this fact. Had they loved Him they would have delighted to do to their ability His will; and only such are blessed with rewards. The punishment of those who failed to perform their covenant as servants, who failed to use the talents provided for them under this covenant, is shown to be great loss. The servant who fails to use present privileges of .consecration and service and sacrifice will find the opportunity taken from him. He will have it no more; neither 'will he have any share in the reward given to the overcomers -- he will suffer this great loss. He is represented as going into "outer darkness," implying that he has already been in the light of Divine favor, blessing, privilege, knowledge of Divine things-that he would lose this enlightenment, and that his understanding would become darkened as respects spiritual things. It is "outer darkness," because it is the darkness common to and resting upon the whole world of mankind; only the consecrated, accepted of the Lord, being permitted to come fully into. the clear light of the knowledge of the Lord and of His plan now shining. Any others than these, upon whom this light may temporarily fall, have it only in a secondary sense, at very most, and see not the glorious things themselves, but merely, so to speak, their reflections. BEREAN STUDIES IN THE REVELATIONSTUDY LI--FEBRUARY 20 THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE(351) What is the significance of the symbol of the great Earthquake, and of the words, "in that Hour," as recorded in verse 13? H'19-320. (352) State the reasons as set forth in PASTOR RUSSELL'S expositions and that of other noted expositors for believing that the great Earthquake was symbolical of the, French Revolution. H'19-320, 321. (353) How have some expositors applied the statement "and the Tenth of the City fell," and what would seem to be the correct interpretation of those words ? H'19-322. (354) How. was verse 13 fulfilled: "And in That Hour there was a great Earthquake, and the Tenth of the City fell, and by the Earthquake were destroyed seven Thousand Names of Men; and the Rest became afraid, and they gave Glory to the God of Heaven"? H'19-322. (355) Considering the account of the historians in what sense did the rest become afraid and give Glory to the God of Heaven? H'19-322. STUDY LII--FEBRUARY 27 THE SOUNDING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET(356) Explain in what sense the fifth, sixth and seventh are Woe Trumpets, and what, is the significance of the statement, "The. Second Woe is past"? H'19-332. (357) Give a brief review of the fulfillment of the First and Second Woes, and indicate at about What point in history the Second Woe Trumpet or period came to an end, H'19-332. (358) How are we to view the Third Woe or Seventh Trumpet, and what clear, logical statement does PASTOR RUSSELL make elucidating the matter of this Trumpet? H'19-332, 333. (359) In connection with what great and important event does the Seventh Trumpet begin to sound? and what bearing does the Second Coming of Christ have upon the fulfillment of the Seventh Trumpet symbol? H'19-333. (360) What are the signs and evidences of the, Master's knock (Rev. 3:20), and of the fact that the Seventh Trumpet symbol has already begun fulfillment? and what is the principal object in this connection of the time feature? H'19-333, 334. WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT"HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD"Dear Brethren in Christ: We must apologize for being so late in forwarding our subscriptions' for another year. We just lost the last mail owing to illness, so you will receive this a month behind time, much to our regret. Please send the HERALD to the following, for which please find enclosed bank draft. We have had an experience in. Sydney since the Memorial Supper this year-that of "splitting things fine." The Class that formerly met at Enmore and which under the Lord's guidance joined up with the Sydney Class of members of the Bible Students -Union in 1918 are now meeting again as formerly and having a most blessed season of refreshment from the presence of the Lord and communion one with the other. (I John 1:7.) The keynote of every meeting is "holiness unto the Lord" -and we have indeed a soul-satisfying portion. . . . Each heart is overflowing with love, joy, peace, for which, with one heart and soul, we praise our dear Heavenly Father from whom cometh every good and perfect gift. We much appreciate the HERALD with its timely exhortations and warnings, with reprints from our beloved Pastor and messages of love. The account of the British Convention caused our eyes to fill with sympathetic fears of joy while we felt I it must have been good to be there. We daily pray for you, dear brethren, and we rejoice greatly at the remembrance of your faithfulness. May you be strong and very courageous right to the very end of the way. I will close with Christian love and greetings from Brother and Sister B. and myself. Your sister by His grace, E. M. B.-Aus. THOU CROWNEST THE YEAR WITH THY GOODNESSDear Brethren: Many thanks for your kind letter of December 31st. Am glad you see no significance in the new stairway in the Grand Gallery of the Pyramid. I was sure you would not and, feel sorry for others who are making the mistake of doing so. It really seems as though they were letting go of God's promises (ramp stones), and putting their dependence upon the works of man. At prayer meeting last Wednesday evening when the text, "Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness," was considered, how true it seemed in the history of our little Class. After a year of turbulence, perplexity, indecision, at eventide it became light. At the close of the year, we found once more the liberty we had lost; and were rejoicing in the love, harmony and fellowship which, still draws together those who truly love the Lord and His service. . . . So truly the Father has crowned the year 1920 with His goodness and shown us that great and marvelous are His ways of leading His children. I am sending a check for $.... for the following HERALDS: . . . I think this will just equip our little Class with enough copies of the Revelation Series which we are now studying with much pleasure and profit. With Christian love and praying the Father's blessing upon you, I am, Your sister in Christ, MRS. N. H. B.-La. VOL. IV. February 15, 1921 No. 4 THE MANY COLD--THE FEW FAITHFUL"Because iniquity shall be
multiplied the love of many shall wax cold."--Matt. 24:12. R. V. IT IS evident that our Lord is not here speaking of the world, for the world does not have this love. It is the Church of whom Jesus is speaking; it is only the Church with whom God is now dealing. As new creatures, God's children have seen a great Light, Christ Jesus. Through this Light we have ourselves become illuminated, and we seek to let our light shine before men. We are not lighted candles to shed light upon others until we have become the Lord's, until we have received of His light. Having been called with this heavenly calling, we can readily understand that God would not have us in this class unless we have the right spirit. The selection is not according to a whim of Divine preference. On the contrary, God chooses according to character, according to natural qualifications of honesty and the desire to be just, to be right, whatever may be -- the fleshly weaknesses. justice is the very basis of God's Throne, the foundation of His government. We are continually surrounded by the spirit of the world-hatred, envy, malice, strife. So we must keep very close to the Lord to counteract this spirit. The world and the things of the fallen nature are so close to us that we can with difficulty avoid being contaminated by them. One can hardly pass through a vile neighborhood without carrying away vile odors. But the Lord has furnished us with a most effective disinfectant in His Word. All the cleansing we need is derived from the Message which God has given us, with its explicit instructions. This wireless message from Him tells of His love for us, speaks peace through Jesus Christ our Lord, makes known to us our privilege of becoming heirs of God and joint-heirs with our Lord Jesus. WORLDLINESS AMONG PROFESSED CHRISTIANSOur Lord Jesus declared that at a certain time in the Gospel Age, and apparently pointing down to our day, "because iniquity shall abound, the love of' many shall wax cold." The Revised Version given here is stronger than, our Common Version rendering. It is. not only many who will grow cold, but the many, the majority, of professed followers of Christ. How truly the Master's words have been fulfilled! Iniquity is inequity, injustice, unrighteousness. Our text might properly read, "Because unrighteousness shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold." Today we are in the time against which the Lord sought to especially guard us. How few comparatively have heeded the warning! The Church of Christ, the watching ones, are now in a particular time of waiting. Among many of the people of God love has waxed cold, because unrighteousness is abounding everywhere. Many today profess to believe things that they do not believe. Empty forms of godliness prevail. Love of pleasure is rampant. As a result many professing to be brethren are lukewarm or Cold. Thus many are taking a very wavering course. A Brother has just written to us as follows: "It seems to be the thought of the friends that there is no further need to witness to the public; all that is needful is to come together and be edified which is all right in its place,--we must be built up in the 'most holy faith,' or we would not be fit for the Kingdom. But what I wish to know is, Hag all opportunity for service ceased in a public witness ? If it has, then what use is it to have high-priced halls to meet in when a brother or sister's home would answer the same purpose? If the work has stopped then we should have a reasonable proof of it, and if there is work to be done, then our minds should be disabused of the thought that we sit in our little canoe and drift with the tide. One Class which I have in mind has decreased in one year over 25 per cent in attendance, a very sleepy attitude to be in. It is hard for the few who are with them that are zealous, to keep from getting into the same spirit." In reply to the above, it is not of course for us to say what others shall or shall not do. The matter of bearing testimony to the Truth, of declaring the Glad Tidings of the coming Kingdom is set forth in the Lord's Word as a privilege, and not as a command-in the language of the Master: "If any man will come after me." We know of nothing in the Scriptures or in the signs about us to lead us to conclude that the Master would have us relax our zeal in the service of the Truth or that we should cease heralding the Message of the approaching Kingdom of Heaven. Those who have been carefully reading the pages of this journal well know that we have constantly held forth that the commission to witness to the Truth is one that applies to the entire Church in the flesh. There is every evidence that there are those of this class still, in the days of their trial and sacrifice, and the privilege of all such is to continue to preach the Word. In fact, we believe that a healthy condition spiritually is depend ent upon the maintaining of loving zeal toward the' Lord and the Truth that would prompt one to- make use of all opportunities es in proclaiming the Divine Message. If St. Paul could say in the beginning of the Age "Woe is me if I preach not this Gospel," surely we who now live in such close proximity to the establishment of the Kingdom should realize equally the impetus to declare to all who have hearing ears the grandest of all messages, as saith the Prophet: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salva tion; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" Finally the One whom we are to please, the One with whom we have to do, the One whom we love above every human tie, is our Lord. We desire to do His will. As for the brethren, let us do the best we know how for them. Let heavenly wisdom be our guide. Let us faithfully fol low Jesus in the Narrow Way, whatever others about us may do; and soon we shall hear His sweet "Well done!" THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRISTSERIES XLVII THE JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT WHITE THRONE"And I saw a great white Throne, and one Sitting on it, from - Whose Face the Earth and the Heaven fled away, and no Pl |
