VAST
PROJECT TO WATER THE THE
PRESENT DUTY AND MISSION OF THE SAINTS THE
HOLY SPIRIT IN THE EARLY CHURCH A
VISIT TO THE LAND OF PROMISE ENCOURAGEMENT
TO FAITHFULNESS AND PROGRESS COMING
CONVENTIONS AT PITTSBURGH, SEATTLE, VAST
PROJECT TO WATER THE "And the land of Egypt
shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that 1 am the Lord: because He hath said,
The river is mine, and 1 have made it. Behold, therefore 1 am against thee, and against
thy rivers, and 1 will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower
of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia." -- Ezek. 29:9, 10. EVERY movement and enterprise
of our time having for their object the recovery of the earth from its arid and waste
condition, is of peculiar interest to those who believe that this is the day of the Lord's
preparation for the oncoming reign of righteousness and the restitution of all things.
Within the present generation vast enterprises have successfully developed enormous
schemes of irrigation that have already revolutionized large sections of the country.
Still other projects are contemplated and in process of being worked out. One of the
latest of these was brought to our attention recently in the public press from which we
quote the following: "North of the tower of
Syene millions of people have flocked, attracted by the favorable climate of the Nile
Delta regions. Wealthy tourists from all corners of the world have traversed the nation by
camel; many others have sailed up the river to view the pyramids of the kings. Egypt has
been a Mecca for tourists bent capon a view of the land where history began. "But south of the Tower
of Syene -- between the Assuan Dam and the border of Ethiopa, now Abyssinia, the years
have made almost no changes. Except for a few straggling villages along the banks of the
Nile, there is no life in the southern Sudan. There is nothing but sand and scorching
sunlight -- utter waste and desolation, as ordered by God, through the Prophet Ezekiel.
Fourteen-fifteenths of the land of Egypt is uninhabited, and in the Sudan there are only
five inhabitants to each square mile of territory. "Are the arid wastes of
the Sudan doomed to perpetual desolation? Will any attempt on the part of man to water the
desert result in failure, as did the building of the Tower of Babel in the ancient kingdom
of Babylon? Thinkers have pondered the situation for centuries. Superstition has
frustrated the efforts of the old Egyptian dynasties and the present British Protectorate.
Rulers have feared the consequences of making a mockery of the words of Scripture. "American Machinery will Perform Miracles "It has remained for a
firm of American engineers to undertake the gigantic battle against the elements, against
the hostility of bands of natives, and against superstition -- the battle which will be
necessary .to the irrigation of the desert lands of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. The J. G.
White Engineering Company of New York will begin next September to store up the waters of
the Blue Nile and to provide for their distribution over the desert . . . . "When Addison E.
Southard, American Minister to the Court of Ras Tafari [head of the Abyssinian government]
at Addis Ababa, suggested to the king that possibly the natives might not object if the
plans were laid and the work done by Americans, Ras Tafari assented. His people are fond
of America and trust and respect Americans. "As an engineering
project, the task which lies before the American experts is tremendous. Lake Tsana lies
high in the northern mountains, about 12 degrees north of the equator. It has the aspect
of a flooded crater, lying in the midst of great rocky highlands; nearly 5,000 feet above
sea level. The surrounding peaks, which reach an average height of 7,500 feet, are of
archean rock, glistening with mica-schists. The lake has an area of about 1,100 square
miles and reaches a depth of 250 feet. On it are some small islands on which stand ancient
Coptic churches. At the southeast corner the rim of the crater is, as it were, breached by
a deep crevasse, through which the waters of the Blue Nile escape. "At this outlet -- at the
rim of the prehistoric crater -- the American engineers propose to build their dam, not a
huge dam, but one sufficiently high and sufficiently strong to raise the level of the lake
and to hold back the water during the rainy season so as to insure an even flow through
the bed of the river during all periods of the year. "When the building of
this dam is undertaken, the swarthy natives of Abyssinia will be treated to their first
view of modern engineering equipment. In place of the laggard oxen and donkeys which they
use on their farms, they will see American dump trucks, gasoline excavators, automatic
cement mixers, and all the rest of the paraphernalia so common to those of the new world.
The whirl of powerful motors will replace the voices of donkeys and the bellowing. of
oxen; the speed and efficiency born of the machine age will be demonstrated for the first
time to the sons of the Queen of Sheba. "At the outlet from Lake
Tsana the Blue Nile is known as the Abai River. Joined by a multitude of small
tributaries, it flows southeast and then south to the plains of Sennar, where it is known
by its English name, Blue Nile. Following a valley in the low tablelands of the plains of
Sennar, it turns and flows in a northwesterly direction more than three hundred miles to
the Sudan border. "Throughout the course of
the river, the engineers will excavate and build walls, wherever these operations may be
necessary, to insure against overflow and loss of water, a precious commodity to the
Sudanese. "Across the border, in
the lands which the Bible tells us that God condemned to be 'utterly waste and desolate,'
the Americans will construct great ditches through the dry sand. They will probably find
it necessary to build a giant reservoir in which to store the waters of the Blue Nile in
case of a sufficiency of supply on the desert lands at any time. "The Transformation of Arid Wastes into "When the sands of the
Sudan are made fertile by the waters of Lake Tsana, immense cotton plantations are
planned, to occupy the thousands of square miles of land between the Temple of Syene and
the border of Ethiopia, now Abyssinia. If the project goes on uninterrupted, in spite of
the prophecy of Ezekiel, the age-old deserts of ancient Egypt will be far from waste and
desolate. Irrigation of the Sudan means prosperity and productiveness far beyond the
wildest dreams of the Pharaohs. "There is still a strong
undercurrent of superstition among the dark-skinned natives, both in Ras Tafari's kingdom
and in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. From the earliest times, the rise and fall of the river
have been occasions for religious activities. Elaborate ceremonies take place at specified
dates in the calendar of the Coptic religion. The mere thought of interfering with the
flow of the river, or of altering it in any way, still shocks thousands of devout Coptics,
who seem to be in perfect harmony with the old order of things and absolutely incapable of
harmony with the new . . . . "To change the nature of
the Sudan will be a momentous step, not only because of the practical difficulties in the
way of the engineers, but also because it will make Egypt more important in comparison to
countries in Europe and in the Americas. No longer will historians be able to relegate
Egypt to the past. Egypt will have something else -- a future -- if her lands are made
productive." Another convention at
Columbus, Ohio, July 4, 5, and 6; brought to the brethren all that could have been
reasonably anticipated in the way of spiritual blessings and refreshing fellowship.
Upwards of 100 were in attendance. As was evidenced in the various expressions of peace
and joy as well as in the heartfelt testimonies, they were three days of truly sitting
together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; in meditation on and contemplation of those
spiritual truths including the exceeding great and precious hopes and promises of the
Divine Word. The addresses of the brethren
too, we are confident, were of a seasonable character, dealing with questions and lines of
thought pertinent to the present circumstances and experiences of the children of God, and
such as to provoke unto love and good works -- the love of God, the love of Christ, the
love of the brethren. More and more we believe the brethren are appreciating the need for
forgetting the things which are behind, past trials, heartaches, sorrows, etc., and of
applying themselves diligently to the study and consideration of those spiritual truths
that alone can nourish the inner life, the new creature, and build up in the character
likeness of Christ, without which none shall be permitted to share in His resurrection.
During the various sessions of the convention, loving thought and solicitude were
expressed for all God's dear people throughout the world, and as all were repeatedly
remembered in prayer, the great hope that in the not far distant future there is to be a
glorious reunion and gathering together of all the Divine family, seemed to shine out with
increasing luster. __________ The convention commencing
Saturday afternoon, July 12th and extending to Sunday evening of the 13th at Westerly, R.
I., was also a season of feasting together on the things that lie nearest to the hearts of
God's. children -- their spiritual joys and privileges in Christ. Though there are but few
of the friends residing in the vicinity of Westerly, there were about 65 friends who
participated in the exercises and fellowship of this convention, the majority coming from
a distance, particularly from the city of Providence. Several discourses. and a testimony
meeting Sunday morning made up the program. Truly the brethren realized fulfillment of the
prophetic promise, "Then they that feared the Lord spake one to another, and the.
Lord hearkened and heard, and a book of remembrance was written," etc. The prayers of
the friends invoking the blessing and presence of the Lord on this season of fellowship
were surely answered to the spiritual profit and encouragement of all. THE
PRESENT DUTY AND "Seeing that all these things
shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and
godliness." -- 2 Pet. 3:11 THROUGHOUT the present Gospel
Age, those who have given obedient attention to the Word of God, have been well informed
regarding the nature of the Church's work in this high-calling day of grace. It would seem
that there have always been a few faithful virgin characters who escaped the delusive
attempts at world conversion, and the premature setting up of the Kingdom on earth. These
faithful witnesses have given special emphasis to the real work of the saints, and have
often suffered terrible persecution because of their fidelity to their Lord's explicit
commands. In the Apostolic days the matter was clearly presented, "This is the will
of God concerning you [the Church], even your sanctification," and as regards the
Kingdom rule, and the reformation of society, it was clearly understood that these things
were entirely beyond the present service of the Church. Be the existing governments good
or bad, the duty of the saint was that of obedience to all their laws, unless a violation
of conscience was involved. Kings and governors and all in authority were to be prayed
for, in acknowledgment of God's supervision over the affairs of men and nations. A quiet
and peaceable life, favorable to personal character development, to fellowship and
intercourse with the brethren, and to the preaching of the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom was
the great boon to be desired. Like their beloved Master, the Apostles confessed that their
Kingdom was not of this world, and that therefore they were as strangers or aliens in
Another kingdom, entitled only to the protection that obedience to its laws merited. For
this reason there is no interference with affairs of State, no attempt to have a voice in
the enforcement or the repeal of existing laws, but a quiet pursuit of the one God-given
mission of proclaiming the better day coming by and by. Questions Peculiar to Our Time But the end of the Age comes,
bringing with it new problems (questions will arise regarding a possible change in the
present mission of the Church. There is an overlapping of dispensation; may there not be
an overlapping aspect of our work also? While the few remaining grains of wheat are being
gathered out, should there riot also be a message directed to the powers that still hold
control of the earth? If the Gentiles have had their day, should we not be telling them to
move on, and give the rule of earth over to us as the Lord's anointed? These and many
other similar questions are uppermost in the minds of many today, and the inquiry is being
repeatedly made in one form or another. What then is the present duty and mission of the
saints? In answering this question, we
cannot do better than to direct the minds of the brethren once more to the words of wise
counsel, and Scriptural information imparted to us by Brother Russell. Realizing that we
are now in the midst of the world's trouble and perplexity, witnessing the frequent
crashes in financial circles that are filling men's hearts with fear, and seeing the
general muddle of political affairs, and the rapidly increasing discontent of the masses,
surely his words of wisdom are very timely. What opportunities we now have for displaying
the peace and rest of mind which the knowledge of God's plans should produce, and what a
readiness there should be to avail ourselves of every opportunity to tell out the
comforting Message of the coming Kingdom, rather than mixing up in the debated issues of
politics or reforms that are so often the football of political antagonists, sponsored or
opposed solely for the sake of maintaining or securing the chief positions of executive
tower. We quote then from the chapter entitled "The Day of Jehovah:"
"Studies in the Scriptures," Vol. I. "Duty and Privilege of the Saints" "An important question
arises regarding the duty of the saints during this trouble, and their proper attitude
toward the two opposing classes now coming into prominence. That some of the saints will
still be in the flesh during at least part of this burning time seems possible. Their
position in it, however, will differ from that of others, not so much in that they will be
miraculously preserved (though it is distinctly promised that their bread and water shall
be sure), but in the fact that, being instructed from God's Word, they will not fees the
same anxiety and hopeless dread that will over spread the world. They will recognize the
trouble as the preparation, according to God's Plan, for blessing the whole world, and
they will be cheered and comforted through it all. This is forcibly stated in Psa. 91;
33:2-14, 15-24. "Thus comforted and
blessed by the Divine assurance, the first duty of the saints is to let the world see that
in the midst of all the prevailing trouble and discontent, and even while they share the
trouble and suffer under it, they are hopeful, cheerful and always rejoicing in view of
the glorious outcome foretold in God's Word. "The Apostle has written
that 'Godliness with contentment is great gain'; and though this has always been
true, it will have double force in this Day of the Lord, when discontent is the chief
ailment among all worldly classes. To these the saints should be a notable exception.
There never was a time when dissatisfaction was so wide-spread; and yet there never was a
time when men enjoyed so many favors and blessings. Wherever we look, whether into the
palaces of the rich, replete with conveniences and splendors of which Solomon in all his
glory knew almost nothing, or whether we look into the comfortable home of the thrifty and
temperate wage-worker, with its evidences of taste, comfort, art, and luxury, we see that
in every way the present exceeds in bountiful supply every other period since the
creation, many-fold; and yet the people are unhappy and discontented. The fact is
that the desires of a selfish, depraved heart know no bounds. Selfishness has so taken
possession of all, that, as we look out, we see the whole world madly pushing and driving
and clutching after wealth. A few only being successful, the remainder are envious and
soured because they are not the fortunate ones, and all are discontented and miserable --
more so than in any former time. "But the saint should
take no part in that struggle. His consecration vow was that he would strive and grasp and
run for a higher, a heavenly prize, and hence he is weaned from earthly ambitions, and
labors not for earthly things, except to provide things decent and needful;
for he is giving heed to the course and example of the Master and the Apostles. "Therefore they have contentment
with their godliness, not because they have no ambition, but because their ambition is
turned heavenward and absorbed in the effort to lay up treasure in heaven and to be rich
toward God; in view of which, and of their knowledge of God's plans revealed in His Word,
they are content with whatever of an earthly sort God may provide. These can joyfully
sing: 'Content, whatever lot I see, "But alas! not all of
God's children occupy this position. Many have fallen into the discontent prevalent in the
world, and are robbing themselves of the enjoyments of life because they have left the
Lord's footsteps and are casting their lot and taking their portion with the world -- seeking
earthly things whether attaining them or not, sharing the world's discontent, and failing
to realize the contentment and peace which the world can neither give nor take away. "O Man of God Flee These Things" "We urge the saints,
therefore, to abandon the strife of greed and vainglory and its discontent, and to strive
for the higher riches and the peace they do afford. We would remind them of the Apostle's
words: "'Godliness with
contentment is great gain; for we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. And having [needful] food and raiment, let us therewith be
content. But they that will [to] be rich [whether they succeed or not] fall into tempation
and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown [sink] men in ruin and
destruction. For a root of all vices is the love of money [whether in rich or poor], which
some being eager for were led away from the faith and pierced themselves through
with many pangs. But thou, O man of God, flee from these, and be pursuing righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, endurance, meekness; be contesting in the noble contest of
the faith, lay hold on everlasting life, unto which thou wast called and didst make a
noble covenant.' -- 1 Tim. 6:6-12. "If the example of the
saints is thus one of contentment and joyful anticipation, and a cheerful submission to
present trials in sure hope of the good time coming, such living examples alone are
valuable lessons for the world. And in addition to the example, the counsel of the saints
to those about them should be in harmony with their faith. It should be of the nature of
ointment and healing balm. Advantage should be taken of circumstances to point the world
to the good time coming, to preach to them the coming Kingdom of God, and to show the real
cause of present troubles, and the only remedy. -- Luke 3:14; Heb. 13:5; Phil. 4:11. "The poor world groans,
not only under its real, but also under its fancied ills, and especially under the
discontent of selfishness, pride and ambitions which fret and worry men because they
cannot fully satisfy them. Hence, .while we can see both sides of the question, let us
counsel those willing to hear to contentment with what they have, and to patient waiting
until God in His due time and way brings to them the many blessings which His love and
wisdom have provided. "By probing and inflaming
either real or fancied wounds and wrongs, we would do injury to those we should be helping
and blessing, thus spreading their discontent, and hence their trouble. But by fulfilling
our mission, preaching the good tidings of the Ransom given for all, and the
consequent blessings to come to all, we shall be true heralds of the Kingdom
-- its ambassadors of peace. Thus it is written, 'How beautiful upon the mountains
[kingdoms] are the feet of him [the last members of the Body of Christ] that bringeth good
tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good.' -- Isa. 52 :7. Pouring in the Oil and Wine of Comfort "The troubles of this
'Day of Jehovah' will give opportunity for preaching the good tidings of coming good, such
as is seldom afforded, and blessed are they who will follow the footsteps of the Master,
and be the good Samaritans binding up the wounds and pouring in the oil and wine of
comfort and cheer. The assurance given such is that their labor is not in vain; for when
the judgments of the Lord are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn
righteousness. -- Isa. 26:9. "The sympathy of the
Lord's children, like that of their Heavenly Father, must be largely in harmony with the
groaning creation, striving for any deliverance from bondage; although they should, like
Him, remember and sympathize with those of the opposing classes whose desires are to be
just and generous, but whose efforts are beset and hindered, not only by the weaknesses of
their fallen nature, but also by their surroundings in life, and their association with
and dependence upon others. But the Lord's children should have no sympathy with the
arrogant, insatiate desires and endeavors of any class. Their utterances should be calm
and moderate, and always for peace where principle is not at stake. They should remember
that this is the Lord's battle, and that so far as politics or social questions are
concerned, they have no real solution other than that predicted in the Word of God. The
duty of the consecrated, therefore, is first of all to see chat they are not in the way of
Jehovah's chariot, and then to 'stand still and see the salvation of God,' in the sense of
realizing that it is the Lord's doing, through other agencies. Regardless of all such
things, they should press along the line of their own mission, proclaiming the Heavenly
Kingdom at hand as the only remedy for all classes, and their only hope." THE HOLY
SPIRIT IN "If the Spirit of Him that raised
up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, THE model Church in all her
primitive purity at Pentecost! This is the way we think of the little company of believers
who had earnestly waited for that wonderful day to come and bring them the promised
blessing. What was the secret of this, the first of all the churches, that stands to this
day as the great Church in spiritual power and fruitfulness? The answer given by another
is interesting: "It was not numbers, for
it had only a hundred and twenty members. It had no scarlet-cushioned pews and stained
glass windows; in fact, it had no church building at all; it had no money in its treasury
and did not even have a treasurer; it had no choir and pipe organ and no settled pastor or
salaried minister. It had no elders, deacons, trustees, no Sunday School or missionary
societies, and no formal or informal organization whatever. There was almost nothing there
that we would call a church. "What minister would want
to accept a call to such a church? What did it have? It had unanimity; it had one hundred
and twenty souls fused into one great thought and passion; it was simply an open channel
free from human clogs, through which the Spirit of God could flow in unobstructed
fullness, and such a church was and ever will be drenched and flooded with Pentecostal
power." What Pentecost Meant to the Church The name Pentecost will ever
be properly associated with the descent of the Holy Spirit as that memorable event took
place on the fiftieth clay from our Lord's resurrection. In the arrangement of the Jewish
law services this entire matter seems to have been pictured in what is known as the
"feast of weeks" or ingathering which was celebrated on the fiftieth day from
the Passover or seven weeks from the 16th of Nisan. -- See Lev, 23: 9-21. The term Whitsuntide or
Whitsunday has no particular foundation in the Scriptures but is purely traditional.
Following the Apostolic period the popular church adopted the custom of having three
baptismal seasons throughout the year. Pentecost was one of these and was regarded as
third in importance of the great feasts of the Church. The name Whitsunday is
"generally attributed to the white garment formerly worn by the candidate for baptism
on this feast day." There was of course nothing of this thought suggested in the
original Pentecost of the Church. We would not gain the
impression from the sacred record given in the second chapter of Acts, that a mighty wind
blew upon the praying and waiting company on Pentecost Day, but rather that there was
merely a sound which resembled that of a mighty wind. It was the more miraculous that
there was no wind. Then "there appeared upon them cloven tongues, like as of fire,
and it sat upon each of them; and they were filled with the Holy Spirit." Truly this
manifestation was the. promised blessing from on high, from the Father's throne, through
the Son; as St. Peter explains, "As every man hath received the gift, even so
minister the same one to another." (1 Pet. 4:10.) Nor would we understand that the
multitude being of one mind, produced this manifestation, but that the Lord by His
providence, brought them into the condition of full accord, preparatory to the giving of
this blessing. Similarly, our Lord says that special blessings may be expected when two or
three unite in their petitions -- not that their uniting effects anything, but that the
Lord is pleased to reward the united efforts of His people, and thus to encourage them to
forsake not the assembling of themselves. Holy Energy of the Father and the Son The entire house was filled
with a wonderful power, and every believer was apparently affected by it, vivified. They
were filled with this Holy Spirit, this hallowed influence, and began to speak in foreign
tongues under the influence that. had come upon them. Following the miraculous sound and
the electrical influences pervading the room and the manifestation of the light upon their
heads, we may be sure a considerable degree of holy joy and excitement was manifested
amongst the believers, and this soon spread abroad and attracted a large concourse of
people through curiosity, because it was stated that they were "continually in the
temple." -- Luke 24:53; Acts 2:46. For long centuries the Lord's
people have been more or less at variance with respect to the Holy Spirit -- its office,
what it is, etc.; and still the subject is not clear to many of the professed followers of
Christ to this day. "The tradition of the elders" and the general
misrepresentation of the Truth that was imposed upon the people in the darker past is
largely responsible for the present confusion that exists and hinders many from
recognizing the Scripture teaching that the Holy Spirit is not a person, not a separate
being from the Father and the Son, nor one of a so-called holy trinity; but the spirit the
energy, the will, mind, power, or disposition of a person. It is the spirit or energy of
the Father, and it is the spirit or energy of the Son. And it is the spirit of all who are
in full harmony with these. The masculine pronoun is used
because our Father and our Lord Jesus are spoken of in the, masculine gender, and their
spirit would properly be so referred to. It is one of the manifestations of the one living
and true God. He manifested Himself in Jesus, who was "God manifest in the
flesh." He manifested Himself in this holy influence or power at Pentecost and since,
to those who received the begetting or anointing of that Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the
Truth, and indirectly to those of the world who discerned its operation in the children of
light, and who were reproved and rebuked because of being out of harmony with the Divine
will. Before and After Pentecost The flames of fire associated
with the first Pentecostal blessing beautifully symbolize the light of Truth, the
enlightenment of the mind, which comes through the begetting of the Holy Spirit. This
power Divine was remarkably manifested in the eleven Apostles, for while the multitude
still recognized them as "ignorant arid unlearned men," nevertheless they took
knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus and learned of Him; that they had a
certain kind of enlightenment of mind and heart, which could come from no other quarter. And is not this same true of
all those who have been begotten of the Holy Spirit. This communication of the Divine life
through the Holy Spirit is a hidden transaction, great indeed in its significance and
issues. "As in the origin of our natural life we are made in secret and curiously
wrought, much more in our spiritual. But the issue has to do with the farthest
eternity." No Manifestation of the Spirit of God, prior to the First, Advent of our
Lord Jesus, was exactly the same as the manifestation and operation of the Lord's Spirit
upon our Lord Jesus, from the time of His baptism until His crucifixion, and upon the
Church of Christ from the day of Pentecost unto now-until the very end of this Gospel Age,
and the completion of the Church's course in the First Resurrection. In harmony with this
we read, "The Holy Spirit was not yet given [except to our Lord Jesus], because Jesus
was not yet glorified." -- John 7 :39. The Communion of the Spirit "The familiar benediction
which invokes upon us the 'communion of the Holy Spirit' has probably a deeper meaning in
it than has generally been recognized. The word 'communion' signifies the having in
common. It is used of the fellowship of believers one with another, and also of their
mutual fellowship with God. The Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the agent through whom this
community of life and love is effected and maintained. 'And truly our fellowship,' says
John, 'is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.' (1 John 1 :3.) But this is only
possible through the communion of the Holy Spirit. In His promise of the Comforter, Jesus
said: 'He shall take of Mine and show it unto you.' As the Son while on earth communicated
to men the spiritual riches of the invisible Father, so the Spirit now communicates to us
the hidden things of the invisible Son; if we were required to describe in a word the
present office -- work of the Holy Spirit, we should say that it is to make true in us
that which is already true for us in our glorified Lord. All light and life and warmth are
stored up for us in the sun; but these can only reach us through the atmosphere which
stands between us and that sun as the medium of communication; even so in Christ are
'hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,' and by the Holy Spirit these are made
over to us." The operation of God's Spirit
during this Gospel Age is widely different from its operation in previous times; and this
difference is expressed in the words "Spirit of adoption," "Spirit of
sonship," "Spirit of holiness," "Spirit of truth," and kindred
expressions. The Holy Spirit in this sense of the word is guaranteed only to the house of
sons. Spirit of Holiness -- Our Sanctification "As He is, so are we in
this world," says the Apostle. In the case of our Lord there was a certain conflict
between the human and the spiritual, in the sense that His consecration to do the Divine
Will led to the death of His human nature, while the Holy Spirit in Him constituted a
begetting power to a new life-the spiritual. so we who are of the regeneration, while by
nature, human, as was Jesus, yet that same Holy Spirit in us begets to a new life, a
spiritual, and "our sanctification consists in the double process of mortification
and vivification, the deadening and subduing of the old and the quickening and developing
of the new. In other words, what was wrought in Christ who was 'put to death in the flesh
but quickened in the spirit' is' rewrought in us through the constant operation of the
Holy Spirit, and thus the cross and the resurrection extend their sway over the entire
life of the Christian. Consider these two .experiences "'If any man will come
after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whosoever will
save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.'
(Matt. 16:24, 25.) These words, so constantly repeated in one form or another by our Lord,
make it clear that the death-principle must be realized within us in order that the
life-principle play have final and triumphant sway. It is to this truth which every
disciple is solemnly committed in his baptism: 'Know ye not that so many of us as were
baptized into Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by
baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.' (Rom. 6:3, 4.) Baptism in the
sense of conservation is the monogram of the Christian; by it every believer is sealed and
certified as a participant in the death and life of Christ; and the Holy Spirit has been
given to be the Executor of the contract thus made at the symbolic grave of Christ. "'Even so reckon ye also
yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus.' (Rom. 6:11, R. V.)
This is the condition of making true in ourselves what is already true for us in Christ,
of rendering practical what is now judicial; in other words, of being dead to the power of
ski. in ourselves, as we- are already dead to the penalty of sin through Jesus Christ. As
it is written in the Epistle to the Colossians: 'For ye died,' judicially in Christ,
'mortify' -- make dead practically -- 'therefore your members which are upon the earth.'
(Col. 3:2, 5, R. V.) It is this condition which the Holy Spirit is constantly effecting in
us if we will have it so. 'If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye
shall live.' (Rom. 8:13.) It is the Spirit of God overcoming our fleshly nature by His
indwelling life, on whom is our sole dependence. Our principal care therefore must be to
'walk in the Spirit,' and to 'be filled with the Spirit.' "No degree of
mortification can ever bring us to sanctification. We are to 'put off the old man with his
deeds,' by 'putting on the new man who is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that
created him.' 'For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from
the law of sin and death,' writes Paul." Indwelling of the Spirit The indwelling of the Spirit
can alone effect this work of development. The "fruits of the Spirit" are to be
encouraged, to be cultivated more and more that we may yield the full, perfect fruitage of
love. These fruits of the Spirit are designated by the Apostle to be "love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Such fruits
are not miraculous gifts, but gradual and indirect gifts. They are wrought out in us in
proportion as we come into harmony and obedience of thought and word and deed with the
Spirit of our Father; in proportion to our separation from the world and, its spirit.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world," says the
Scripture. But experience proves that this is possible only by having our hearts so filled
with the love of God, by being so absorbed with the things of the Spirit, that the things
of the world will have lost their attraction and their value. As another has expressed:
"Loving not is only possible through loving, the worldly affection being overcome by
the heavenly." Transformed into the Same Image Now "the love of God is
shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us"; and what is
true of the love of Christ is true of the likeness of Christ. How is it acquired? As it is
written: "We all with unveiled face, reflecting as a mirror the glory of the Lord,
are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the
Spirit." (2 Cor. 3:18,
R. V.) The indwelling
Spirit must be "behind all, beneath all, and effectually operative in all. It is only
the Spirit of the Lord dwelling within us that can fashion us to the image of the Lord set
before us." Who is sufficient of himself to accomplish this work? The disciple is
required to be consciously and intelligently active in his own growth, to "give all
diligence to make his calling and election sure," but this can be accomplished only
through the Spirit. We must surrender ourselves to the Divine will. We must live in the
Spirit, pray in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit; all of which are "as essential to our
development in holiness, as. the rain and the sunshine are to the growth of the oak."
There must be a total self-surrender to God, and an infilling of the Holy Spirit. "If
through the communion of the Holy Spirit the life of Christ is constantly imparted to us,
that life will prevail within us." In proportion to the closeness of our abiding in
Him will be the completeness of our success in bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit.
"He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without
Me ye can do nothing." Although we cannot agree with
those who teach that repeated Pentecosts and spirit baptisms are to be expected and prayed
for, we do believe that the Lord's people need to come into a similar attitude to that of
the brethren who were blessed on Pentecost Day, in order to enter into the favors and
privileges which are ours through Christ. There was to be but one Pentecost. The Holy
Spirit which there came to the Church abides with us still, and its blessing is the
privilege of those consecrated ones whom the Lord accepts and adopts into His family. But
before any one is prepared to get a proper blessing of the Lord's Spirit, he must have the
justification by faith and a heart free from the love of sin, and must present his solemn,
resolution to be, to do, to serve the Lord; the Truth, the brethren. He must be in this
attitude to receive the enlightenment, the comfort, the fellowship of God's Holy Spirit.
Even though he be inflamed with a desire to serve the Lord, the Truth, and the brethren,
he will do wisely to follow the course of the early Church -- tarry, study, pray, that he
may himself be filled with the Spirit. Earnest of Our Inheritance We have not yet, beloved,
reached the consummation of our Great Hope-that of glorification with Christ; but.
"the Spirit, through whose inworking power this great change is to be wrought,
already dwells in us, giving us by His present quickening the pledge and earnest of our
final glory." And so we read in another Scripture: "But if the Spirit of Him
that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." And if we
remain faithful in the hands of Christ, and that quickening work continues on, we shall be
brought to the birth in the First Resurrection. This will be the consummation of our hope. Such then is the power of the
Holy Spirit. Let us not lose sight of the important .fact that until we have received our
share of the blessing of Pentecost, until we have come under the anointing of the Holy
Spirit, we cannot have the mind of Christ, nor can we be transformed into His glorious
image. Would that all the Lord's people might, seek earnestly a larger measure of this
Holy Spirit -- watching and praying thereunto with all perseverance. A VISIT TO THE LAND OF PROMISE TRAVELS IN THE HOLY LAND SERIES VI. OUT BEYOND the Damascus Gate
in plain view from the road where many people still pass by is the rounded brow of a hill,
its bare, cliff-like side bearing a remarkable resemblance to a none too perfectly
preserved human, skull, ancient tombs cut into the limestone forming the eye-sockets. Upon
its green top is an old Mohammedan cemetery, and under it is a cave known as Jeremiah's
Grotto from the Jewish legend that here Jeremiah wrote his Lamentations. At its feet, some
yards to one side, is an excavated garden with a tomb opening upon it, hewn into the solid
face of the cliff. Calvary In 1842, a German scholar
offered the suggestion that this skull-like hill, the only noticeable elevation outside
the walls towards the north and plainly seen from all directions, is the true Calvary. The
idea appealed to many after that, among them General Gordon, a saintly British soldier,
and it became his habit to spend long hours in this garden in meditation and prayer, close
by the rock-hewn tomb where he felt so convinced the body of his Lord had lain. It is
because of this that it is spoken of as Gordon's Calvary, and Gordon's, or the Garden,
Tomb. On his return to England, he
presented his claims to Queen Victoria, asking for her public endorsement of the site.
This the Queen, with no greater proof than General Gordon had to offer, refused to give,
not caring to interfere with the Roman tradition of some sixteen centuries standing, that
Calvary is within the walls of the present city in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. If this hill had the same
aspect in olden times as now, and the image then would have been doubtless much clearer
and more strongly marked, it is easily seen that the name Golgotha, "Place of a
Skull," would be given it by imaginative inhabitants. Ancient traditions of the Jews
identify this as the "Place of Stoning" where Jeremiah and Stephen were stoned,
and where the Talmud distinctly states that crucifixions were also practiced, and, so the
present day Jew spits that way as he passes, an age-old custom to express his deep
contempt. The skull-like resemblance;
the evidence in rent rocks above of some old convulsion of nature; the garden near by with
its impressive tomb, fulfilling the Scriptural statement that "the sepulchre was nigh
at hand"; the position outside the walls of the city, not far from the Damascus Gate
(scholars agree that the wall of Herod's city was practically in the same place here as
the present wall), has greatly impressed many well-known Christians, and here Mr. Moody,
Dr. Talmadge, and others have preached to deeply moved people. Mrs. Alexander, well known
English .woman, attested her belief in this as Calvary in the words of her beautiful hymn,
sung throughout the Christian world: "There is a green hill far away The real site of Calvary can
never actually be proven. It is as though God's finger, through the studied providence of
desolating years, brushed kindly but firmly over the beloved setting of that Drama of all
dramas, and the empty stage alone is left us of the Judean wilderness, the greener hills,
the intervening valleys, and a hill-rimmed lake. And from our eager,
Thomas-like gaze many of those things that we so desire to look upon are withheld -- those
tangible things that might become to us even as the traditional sites in the Church of the
Holy Sepulchre have become to countless pilgrims -- like unto graven images. For
faith, so great in value, is after all -- the evidence of things unseen, the
substance of things but hoped for. Gethsemane If people honestly admit their
feelings regarding this small traditional sample of the Gethsemane of our Lord's sorrow, I
feel sure that there will be much of disallusionment and disappointment in their hearts.
The small, square plot with neatly laid out walks and precise beds of cultivated flowers
is not what reverent fancy has pictured it. Fenced in by a high wall, except at the two
sides where the great church takes its place, it is further protected from harm by an
inner fence of high iron bars through which visitors must usually be content to look --
that being my, own portion several years ago. But this time our party is
quite a private one, there are but three of us and I express to our guide my deep regret
that, coming so far, I must see the Garden through the bars of a fence when I so greatly
desired to walk its paths and stand beside those eight old olive trees inside. His fine
and quiet courtesy has yet to fail us and without a word he disappears within the church
returning some time later, a long time it seems to me, a great iron key in his hand, a
Franciscan monk following closely behind, and the iron gate swings open. I am assured I
may also pick some flowers which thoughtful service I am to find later Gandhi Jabiz has
also attended to for me, for how could one remember cultivated violets, no matter how
large and blue, beside these grave old sentinels of the centuries, these ancient olive
trees, whose great, gnarled trunks of gray, tufted at the tops with bunches of sparse
foliage for locks, sit like weary, old men, tired of living yet not willing to die. The Franciscans assert that
"it is historically certain that these trees have existed for over thirteen
centuries; for they have never been subject to the tax which is levied upon all newly
planted trees since the Moslem conquest." And the mind must wander backward still
further and consider Him who, if not under these same trees, at least under others that
preceded them, knelt in agonizing prayer. Gethsemane means "olive
press" and there is, I believe, no doubt that the Garden, extensive at the time, lay
here on this lower slope of Olivet across the brook Kedron from Jerusalem. These olive trees still bear
fruit whose oil commands a high, sentimental price and whose stones are used to make
souvenirs. But it is whispered that it would take the original great grove itself to
produce the quantity of oil sold as "Gethsemane olive oil," supposedly produced
from the fruit gathered from the midst of the thin foliage of these eight weary, old
trees. Other Interesting Points On our way to Bethlehem we
pass at the outskirts of Jerusalem a suburban collection of neat, even pretentious, brick
buildings that contrast strikingly with the sun-baked, mortar-covered aspect, or the newer
stone buildings of the city itself. This is the German colony, founded about the middle of
the nineteenth century by members of a Protestant sect known as the German Temple. They
came with the self-announced intention of building up the Kingdom of God by developing
trade and improving agriculture in the Holy Land, and several of their colonies were
established in various parts of Palestine. During the World War they were interned in
Egypt but after the Armistice they were permitted to return to their homes and work. Once upon a time the five-mile
walk to Bethlehem appealed strongly to the reverent and meditative pilgrim, but now along
this modern, wide road motor cars whir disagreeably past the thoughtful one and the strong
smell from exhausts outrivals all the sweet odors of the fresh countryside. Soon we pass to our right the
traditional Hill of Evil Counsel where the bush top of an old olive tree peeps over the
protecting wall built closely around it -- from this tree, we are told, Judas hanged
himself. Passing through, extensive
olive groves we arrive at a small, mosque-like building standing close to the road, the
reputed tomb of Rachel. It is much visited by pilgrims, and Jew, Moslem, and Christian
reverence it, but there is nothing authentic in the tradition that makes this spot her
burial place. Before a good carriage road was built, Jews from the city came out and
stayed overnight. Missionaries of the London Jews Society sensed the opportunity and
pitched tents in which they combined with hospitality profitable conservations. Now the
tents are pitched no more, for the Jew of today hurries out, performs his devotions and is
away in an hour: In the entrance room a mosque
prayer niche shows the way to the Moslem Mecca and in the center of the second room under
the dome of the roof, stands the tomb itself. Around it the Jews are wont to wind strands
of various colored woofs which, after being left for a time, are unwound and used as
amulets to protect sick persons, especially women, from danger. Bethlehem At Rachel's tomb the road
divides, and we turn to the left, for the main one runs on to Hebron, and soon we enter
the "little town of Bethlehem," not so small now as it was a few years ago, for
it also is progressing. It is the present day representative of a hamlet that reaches back
2000 years before Christ, though destroyed and rebuilt many times. The literal meaning of
the name is "Place of Bread," and the Bethlehem country is remarkably
productive. During recent years many of the once bare hillsides have been reclaimed,
terraced, and planted with olives, figs, and vines, making the landscape very green and
refreshing to the eye -- contrasting greatly with the Judean wilderness and the rocky
surroundings of Jerusalem which it stretches out to meet. The people of Bethlehem seem,
in the main, businesslike and industrious and carry on the manufacture of souvenirs
fashioned from olive wood and mother-of-pearl. Almost the entire population is Christian,
or to be very explicit, Catholic. Our Syrian guide, for some reason best known to him
self, continually expresses his disapproval of the people as we walk about "They are
very mean people," he declares, "they are Philistines." The Church of the Nativity, at
the entrance to Bethlehem, is perhaps the oldest church in the world. It was built in the
days of Constantine, A. D. 330, and is attributed to Empress Helena herself. It has
changed little, at least since the time of Justinian, at which time some assert, it was
remodeled. A very small door in its. great sealed portal admits us to the ancient
basilica, where we note a happy absence of the tawdry symbols and cheap ornaments that so
fill the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It is built over a rock grotto, said
to have provided shelter for travelers' beasts, and no doubt some of their humble owners
also, in days long ago. And it is also supposed that in the evening of one of those clays,
a particularly weary day, two travelers coming up from Nazareth to be taxed as the great
Caesar Augustus had decreed, sought refuge for the night in this, the only thing left for
them. Justin Martyr, born only a few years after the, death of the Apostle John, speaks of
the birth of the Savior as occurring in a "certain cave close to the village of
Bethlehem," which makes the tradition 200 years older than the church itself. The Manger and the Field of the Shepherds We now descend into the cave,
40 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 10 feet high. In that part called the Chapel of the
Nativity a silver star set into the marble floor under the altar bears the Latin words,
"Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est," and across, in the Chapel of
the Manger, is a marble replica of the real (?) manger discovered by that
insatiable searcher for relics, Queen Helena, and carried to Rome. How much easier it would be
for reverent minds to visualize in this cavern the birth of a Savior, for here it may have
been, if the cheap lamps, the altar, the marble pavement with its inset silver star were
absent and the cool, dim cave alone met the vision; Bitter are the feuds here
also, especially at the Christmas time; blood has often flowed, and in the church above, a
priest was shot for stepping upon the carpet of another sect's particular corner. In ways,
perhaps not in the Master's meaning at the time of utterance, have those words of His so
sadly been fulfilled, "I came not to send peace, but a sword." Standing, just before we
leave, gazing downward and across the rich fields below, the traditional "Field of
the Shepherds" marked clearly by its deep green amid the plowed fields -- I, in
fancy, see a loyal Ruth gleaning among the sheaves of bright barley where later her
great-grandson, David, under the firmament that so displayed God's handiwork, under the
stars he loved, sang his sweetest songs. And my mind travels onward to
a group of shepherds who, watching their flocks by night, saw the glory of the Lord about
them and heard the heavenly choir singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will to men." And something of the infinite depth of meaning in that
angel chorus, yet to be world-revealed, is mine, as I gaze across the fields of Bethlehem
in the late afternoon of the Judean day. -- G. M. H. (To be continued) ENCOURAGEMENT
TO Rouse up, O heart, brooding o'er
earth's broken friendships, "Fret not, O heart! -- not because
of evil doers. "Awake, O heart! Hurriedly from
drowsy slumbers [Contributed] "1 then, the prisoner
for the Lord's sake, entreat you to live and act as becomes those who have received the
call that you have received with all lowliness of mind and unselfishnss, and with
patience, bearing with one another lovingly, and earnestly striving to maintain, in the
uniting bond of peace, the unity given by the Spirit." -- Eph. 4:1-3, Weymouth. THE NEW Testament clearly
presents the purpose of God to have a closely co-ordinated company under Christ, through
whom His great and benevolent purposes for, the blessing of mankind shall be accomplished
in the future Age. God says through the Prophet Isaiah (55 :9) "as the heavens are
higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your
thoughts." As Bible students we have seen this statement fulfilled. We have come to
see that God's glorious Plan of the Ages will develop in all His intelligent beings a full
comprehension, through experience, of the enormous contrast of self-will (sin) and God's
will (righteousness), in the results, both as to happiness of the individual, and his
ability to contribute to the welfare and happiness of others. This same great contrast is
apparent in considering the degree and basis of unity among God's people during this
Gospel Age. This company are to be one in spirit, in motive, in purpose, in the direction
in which their course is guided. But there will be variety evidently in their ultimate as
well as in their present development, for they are referred to as being represented by.
the several members of a human body; each with its peculiar ability, which functioning
together, will make the complete, rounded-out company, and, individually, will supplement
and complement the other members. The Fundamental Requirements In considering this company,
to the development of which God has devoted the Gospel Age, and of which so many
"glorious things are spoken" (Psa. 87:3), the important question naturally
arises -- What is the identifying mark of a prospective member of the Church, the Body of
Christ? This is not by any means a new question. It has been considered for centuries and
various answers having been put forward and found acceptance, numerous groups of
Christians have been formed, each claiming that their answer was correct; hence only such
as met the standards established by their understanding of the question were accepted into
full fellowship.. Practically all of these
bodies have been misled into the addition of certain teachings or interpretations, to the
Scripturally stated fundamental doctrines of Christianity. Why should there be such a
tendency among Christians? Doubtless it is due to the deceptive influence of the
Adversary, who in the effort to oppose and hinder God's Plan has found that a mixture of
good and evil, a mixture of true and false doctrine, is a most successful way of
accomplishing his purpose. "We are not ignorant of his devices" -- says the
Apostle Paul. -- 2 Cor. 2 :11. The fundamental requirements, so
far as doctrines are concerned, are few. Many texts will come to Bible students in
proof of this, and they are succinctly stated by our dear Brother Russell in
"Scripture Studies," Volume VI, pp. 239-242, a portion of which we quote as
follows: "The Scriptural idea of
unity is upon the foundation principles of the Gospel. (1) Our redemption through the
precious blood, and our justification by faith therein. (2) Our consecration,
sanctification, setting apart to the Lord, the Truth and their service, including the
service of the brethren. (3) Aside from these essentials, upon which unity must be
demanded, there can be no Scriptural fellowship; upon every other point fullest liberty is
to be accorded, with, however, a desire to see, and to help others to see, the Divine Plan
in its every feature and detail." The Identifying Mark Our text at the head of this
article calls attention to a "unity given by the Spirit" -- the Holy Spirit.
Thus we are justified in the conclusion that the identifying mark of a prospective member
of that blessed company, the Body of Christ, is the Holy Spirit, the gift and possession
of which could not be realized except by those who previously had exercised justifying
faith and devoted themselves to the purposes of God through full consecration of their all
to Him. This is a most important
point, and one frequently lost sight of among Christian people, both outside Present
Truth, and in it as well. The New Testament speaks of our being begotten of the Spirit, of
our being baptized by the Spirit into the one Body, the Body of Christ. In that happy
state we are then to grow, asking for and receiving, as promised (Matt. 7:11), more
and more of that infinite power. Thus we shall "quench not the Spirit,"
but shall "be filled with the Spirit," and finally born of the Spirit, to be
like Him and see Him as He is. -- 1 John 3:2. Our text speaks to such
exhorting that with all humility and patience they should strive to maintain peace
with those to whom they are united through the mutual possession of God's Spirit. In other
words, if God has expressed His approval and acceptance of a probationary member of
Christ's Body by the importation of His Spirit, how misguided a fellow Christian would be
to fail to recognize, fellowship, and build up such an one, as well as to receive whatever
that "joint" could supply. Two statements of the Apostle
Paul come to mind identifying those possessed of the Holy Spirit. In one he says (1 Cor.
12:3) that no one can say "Lord Jesus" except possessed of the Spirit. Certainly
this means more than the use of these words, for Jesus said, "Not every one that
saith unto Me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom." (Matt. 7:21.) What then
does it mean? We believe the Apostle is speaking of those who use the term "Lord
Jesus" in sincerity and with understanding as their "Lord," thus signifying
that they are devoted to Him. In Psalm 45, in describing the relationship of Jesus to His
Bride, we read -- "He is thy Lord, and worship thou Him." (Verse 11.) Ah,
it means much then to say "Lord Jesus"! It means that we have accepted Him as
our Leader and Guide, and are humbly seeking, as a servant toward his lord, to know and do
His bidding in all things. Full consecration, full, hearty devotion, and we believe, joyful
submission of the will of the servant and all of his life and its interests are implied in
the Apostle's words, "Lord Jesus." The other statement is,
"If any man love God the same is known of Him." (1 Cor. 8:3.) Here we see
the mark of God's dear children -- they love God. And all who do love Him are
"known of Him." How glorious this assurance! Reasoning on the subject we
are certain that all the qualities in our relatives and friends which make life
interesting and such relationships happifying; all kindness pity, generosity, patience,
love, meekness, humility, self-denial, sympathy, courage, fortitude -- all good is of
God. What are the Tests of Fellowship? Then to really know Him
and Jesus, His exact image and likeness, His representative, His beloved Son -- is to
love them with all our hearts. And if we do not realize this love, this spirit of
devotion and worship, it is because we have not yet seen them clearly enough. But
let us not be discouraged even if this be the case. "Draw nigh to God and He will
draw nigh to thee." "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, and it
shall be given him." -- Jas. 1:5. Since we have this assurance
that "If any one love God, he is known (recognized) of God, what then should be the
inquiry in our mind as we meet one who professes to be a Christian brother or sister?
Should it be to inquire whether he believes Brother Russell was "that servant"?
or whether he thinks the proper term to use in describing that feature of God's grace now
extended to the Christian Church to be the New Covenant or the Old Covenant? or whether
his understanding of the tabernacle types agrees with our own? or what he thinks of
the chronology? If the writer reads God's Word
aright, these are not the queries that should come to mind in determining the
status of a fellow Christian and the basis of our fellowship. The emphasis is laid in
God's Word, as we read it, upon the reaction of the heart to the grace of God; not
what do you believe (excepting of course the fundamental foundation doctrines
previously referred to above), but whom do you love? "Lovest Thou Me
more than these?" "He that loveth God, the same is known
of Him." And so we too should know, feel, and practise our unity with one who loves
God with all his heart. Knowledge a Means to an End Knowledge is of the greatest
importance. Accurate knowledge of God is possible through the knowledge of His plans and
purposes. Knowledge, however, is not an end in itself. It is the means God uses to
acquaint us with our Creator, in order to the awakening of our love and complete
devotion to Him. When knowledge has brought us to that point, and when our consecration
has been accepted and evidenced by the gift of God's Holy Spirit, we are thereby
constituted probationary members of Jesus' Body. Shall we continue to doubt the status of
such ones, or apply tests of knowledge or interpretation, and withhold or give only
half-heartedly to such as do not agree with us, the fellowship and service in the
upbuilding of the Body which every joint owes to each other member with whom he comes in
contact? Knowledge, except it is well
used by one possessing the Holy Spirit, may be a snare. We have all known those who agreed
with us, perhaps fully, in interpretation of not only the fundamental doctrines, but many
.other details, yet who failed to manifest that love for God which is essential in, and an
identification of God's people. And to the danger of misuse of knowledge St. Paul calls
attention in writing to the Corinthians. (1 Cor. 8:1-3.) "The love of Christ
constraineth us ; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all
dead." (2 Cor. 5:14, 15.) So let us look for the effects of knowledge, and
when we find the building it has begun and is erecting (1 Cor. 3:9-13), let us rejoice and
contribute through fellowship, and confidence, and exhortation, and encouragement toward
its completion. Knowledge of God has brought us to faith, consecration, recognition by God
and the mutual possession of His Spirit. Let us not push knowledge thereafter to a point
where it separates from those with whom it was designed to unite us, those who love God
and therefore those whom He knows, recognizes, loves. Thus again St. Paul says :
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus." Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded : and if in any
thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless,
whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same
thing." -- Phil. 3 :14-16. Hence the Apostle's
exhortation in our text: "With all lowliness of mind and unselfishness, and with
patience." Strive to recognize the unity created by the Spirit (by mutual possession
of the Holy Spirit) and maintain it in the bond of peace. Results of Growing in Grace. After six months or a year of
fellowship in Christ sitting together in heavenly places, rejoicing in our mutual faith
and hope-perhaps a discussion of some of our differences in understanding of certain terms
used in God's Word, and their application, may be profitable -- and by that time, if we
are both of the Lord and controlled and actuated by His Spirit, we will have developed so
much love for one another; so much confidence in one another's love for God; so
much assurance of God's dealing with our brother that we will not permit the discussion
of minor differences of understanding (knowledge) to destroy or hinder the development
of love for one another which builds up into the mature Christian. And in due time
-- God's due time -- we shall see all these matters eye to eye, for we shall
"know as we are known." Meantime let us identify or test our brethren not by
their knowledge but by their love for God. None can love God except they
have known Him and His glorious grace, regardless of the terms in which they define it.
And "he that loveth Him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten." (1 John
5:1.) "My little children, let us love not [merely] in word . . . but in deed
and in truth" -- sincerely. Perfect knowledge is a thing of the future, but
the Spirit of God begets and quickens us now, even with our imperfect knowledge. (To be continued) COMING
CONVENTIONS AT As the time for the
".general assembly of the Church of the Firstborn" draws near, the desire of the
consecrated to meet together to "build one another up in the most holy faith"
should appropriately increase. This applies to the little local gatherings in various
parts as well as to the more general meetings, such as conventions. We rejoice that this
is so, and hail it as one of the proper signs of brotherly love and general growth in
faith and knowledge. The Apostle's statement that we are "members of Christ" --
members of one another, is more and more impressed upon our minds, and we accordingly
realize that the Lord would have us be workers together, seeking that fellowship of
kindred minds, and seeking to assist and to edify one another in the new life. Though it is more than three
months in advance, we are taking occasion at this time to remind the friends of the.
convention that is proposed to be held at North Side, Pittsburgh, October 31, November 1
and 2. Mention was made in these columns some time ago that the brethren in Pittsburgh
had resolved that a general convention in that city would be a feature annually, and that
it should be held near October 31st and be regarded in the nature of .a memorial of our
dear Brother Russell. The friends who attended the
Pittsburgh Convention last fall, in a special way cherish the memory of that occasion.
The spiritual joys of that precious season of fellowship are not soon forgotten. Many have
already signified their desire and intention of attending the convention that is
expected to be held in Pittsburgh on the above dates, and it is thought that this
convention will also be well attended, as was that of last year. The Class of about 75, formed
at Pittsburgh about a year ago, have been meeting regularly in the old Bible House Chapel.
The Lord has been with them, we are assured, and blessing the various arrangements in
their midst for fellowship and the understanding of His Word. The brethren of this Class
are enthusiastic in looking forward to the coming convention and are confident that God's
blessing will be upon their earnest endeavors to make the convention a spiritual success,
and a time of rich encouragement. They hold out to all a most cordial welcome, promising
that everything will be done to make the occasion enjoyable to all who attend. It is understood that all the
sessions of the convention will be held in the Bible House Chapel (0. of I. A. Temple),
610 Arch Street, North Side, Pittsburgh. Further mention will be made of this convention
in later issues of this journal. Meantime, any desiring information may address their
communication to the Class Secretary, Mr. James C. Jordan, 247 Greenwood Avenue,
Emsworth, Pittsburgh, Pa. THE CONVENTION IN THE NORTHWEST Mention has already been made
of the General Convention which is proposed to be held at Seattle, Wash., August 30, 31,
and September 1, but it is desired that further reference be made to this gathering, as it
is hoped that the brethren generally throughout the Northwest will avail themselves as
far as possible of this conference. Seattle is centrally located in that section of the
country and should afford opportunity for a considerable number to assemble and
participate in convention joys to their mutual upbuilding in spirituality and newness of
life. We are assured that an interesting program is in process of preparation, and
brethren from a number of points are to be invited to address the convention. All
sessions will be held in the A. O. U. W. Building, Ninth Avenue and Union Street. For
further information address the Class Secretary, Mr. F. W. Shultz, 3421 W. 64th Street,
Seattle, Wash. THE CONVENTION AT CINCINNATI Repeating the announcement
already made in these columns, the brethren of the Cincinnati Class extend a cordial
invitation to all to assemble with them in convention on August 30, 31, and September 1,
and promise a hearty welcome in the Lord. The convention will be held in Hall H, Odd
Fellows Temple, Seventh and Elm Streets, Cincinnati, O. Further information may be had by
addressing the Class Secretary, Mrs. W. N. Poe, 409 Linden Avenue, Southgate, Ky. THE CONVENTION AT SPRINGFIELD The brethren of the Class at
Springfield, Mass., have under way once more preparations for a convention in that city,
August 30, 31, and September 1. They likewise cordially invite the friends from all parts
to assemble with them again, in the confidence that as the Lord has granted His presence
and rich blessing in the past, He will do so once more to the edification of all. The
convention will be held in the G. A. R. Memorial Building, 44 State Street, Springfield,
Mass. The Class Secretary may be addressed as follows: Mr. G. E. Miller, 27 Montmorenci
Street, Springfield,- Mass. ANOTHER CONVENTION AT BUFFALO A convention will be held
again this year in Buffalo, N. Y., over Labor Day season August 30, 31, and September 1,
and the dear friends of this Class are looking forward to a time of encouragement and.
spiritual uplift to all. They cordially invite the friends in all the surrounding
districts to come with them in this convention and seek to build one another up in our
most holy faith. The convention will be held in Delta Temple, 692 E. Utica St., the same
place where the convention was held last year. Address any communications for further
information to the Class Secretary, Mrs. N. H. Brown, 29 Freeman Street, Buffalo, N. Y. AT LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Just as we are about to go to
press the following word comes from brethren in Southern California: "Another of a series of
Fifth Sunday get-together meetings of the Classes of Southern California will be held
August 31st at Long Beach, Corner West Ocean and Daisy. The meetings will be addressed by
four able brethren of the various classes in this vicinity. "We can see that the
rescue work is gaining momentum here and that we are all being helped and encouraged
through this medium. "We thank you, dear
brethren, for publishing notice of the last convention held in Los Angeles, and know of at
least three brethren to whom it was beneficial, because we received three letters
requesting programs." Further information may be had
by addressing Mr. J. C. Courtney, 1605 Louise Street, Santa Ana, Calif. THE PRESENT is a time of
peculiar and pressing need amongst the friends in all parts of the world,. and calls for
loving and earnest consideration on the part of the members of the Body of Christ that
they may seek to cheer and comfort one another and assist out of any condition of
perplexity and confusion that may have overtaken them in connection with the crucial
trials that have come in these recent years. The pilgrim service, amongst
other branches of this ministry, has had the Divine blessing in a special way from the
beginning, and there are repeated assurances from the friends in all parts that the
pilgrim ministry is greatly, appreciated. The limited funds that are put at the disposal
of this branch, of course governs the extent to which we are permitted to encourage
endeavors in this direction. A suggestion has just come to
us from brethren on the Pacific Coast which we have been requested to publish for the
consideration of the friends residing in that section of the country. The communication
follows: Dear Brethren: We are using this means to
impart a word of encouragement in hope that you with us may receive a more bountiful
blessing at our Father's hand. For some time we have felt the need here on the Pacific
Coast of a further ministry in behalf of those of like precious faith in the way of
pilgrim service. Knowing that the powers of evil are increasing every day, seeing as we do
the end approaching, we would take heed to His Word (Hob. 10:25), and seek to assemble
ourselves more as the day approaches. As we watch the conditions, we can see the reason
for this also --- do we not see on every hand those who are growing cold, being drawn away
from the Lord, the Truth, and the brethren? Seeing these conditions them should we not put
forth every effort to help them? Could we find a better way in fulfilling our covenant of
sacrifice than to try to help our brethren? We can think of no better way
of doing this than to unite our efforts and choose some spiritually-minded brother whom we
can assist financially that he may devote his entire time or as much as would be required
to an active pilgrim ministry on the Coast, stirring up our minds to our duties and
responsibilities, and in a special way seeking to help those whose faith is weak, those
who are being drawn away from their covenant of self-sacrifice. In making this suggestion of a
brother engaging in pilgrim work permanently on the Pacific Coast, there comes to mind our
dear Brother McKeown, who traveled on this Coast for some two months among the Classes
early this year, and whose ministry we are sure was greatly appreciated by the Classes; or
if Brother McKeown's circumstances do not permit, probably you could suggest another who
might be free to take up this service here. We feel sure there are many
who would join with us in such an effort if the way was open, and we are using this means
to bring this matter before them. Our suggestion is this: Let all who feel the Spirit's
call in this, send their little mite to our brethren at the "Herald" office and
ask them to help us, that if sufficient means is provided, they may see to it that a
brother is placed here on the Coast to perform such a ministry. In harmony with the foregoing
a certain brother of our Class promises to send Ten Dollars each month, starting with
September; it being understood that this will be done as the Father prospers them and as
the ministry continues to be in harmony with the revealed will and plain of God. This is
of necessity understood to apply only as there will be sufficient means to start such a
ministry. It seems obvious that we must
make use of some common basis of operation if we wish to have such a service, and the
Institute, already provided, seems very suitable in every way to meet our needs and to
render us valuable help in an effort which surely seems would be for our Spiritual good
and would receive but Father's blessing. If His will is otherwise, He will overrule to our
good. Your
brethren in Christ, Associated
Bible Students, Seattle,
Wash. ___________ We believe the above
suggestion to be a good one. For some years the need of further pilgrim service among the
friends in the West has been on our hearts; but because of the distance and extra expense
incurred in sending a brother out that way, the service there has of necessity bean
limited. We rest the matter with the brethren and will of course determine by the measure
of response received what may be the leading of the Lord. |
