[page 1]

VOL. XXXV JANUARY 1 No. 1
A. D. 1914—A. M. 6042

—————

CONTENTS

Views From The Watch Tower........................ 3
The Days Are at Hand.............................. 4
Time Features Unpopular....................... 4
"Rest in the Lord"............................ 4
Unrest on Every Side.......................... 5
A Famine—But Not for Bread................... 5
"Our Deliverance Draweth Nigh"................ 5
The Great Privilege of True Service............... 6
Selfishness Unfits for the Kingdom............ 6
Our Responsibility as Stewards................ 7
The Humble to Be Exalted...................... 8
The Millennial Reign a Service................ 8
Who May Pray and for What?........................ 8
"Seek, Knock, Ask—And Receive"............... 9
Prince of Darkness Vs. Prince of Light............ 10
Names Written in the Lamb's Book of Life.......... 11
Two Books of Life............................. 11
Introduction to the Father.................... 12
Thanksgiving With Prayer and Supplication......... 12
Some Interesting Letters...................... 14
Berean Questions in Scripture Studies............. 15

[page 2]

PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N. Y., U. S. A.

Foreign Agencies:- British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.

—————
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
—————

Terms to the Lord's Poor as Follows:- All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this Journal, will be supplied Free if they send a Postal Card each May stating their case and requesting its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the STUDIES, etc.

==========
ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
==========
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N. Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
==========

THE MEMORIAL SUPPER—1914

Friday evening, April 10th, after 6 o'clock, will be the proper date for the celebration of the Memorial Supper, according to the lunar or Jewish reckoning—Nisan, 14th, twenty-four hours in advance of the Jewish Passover—Nisan, 15th.

—————

HOW YOU CAN ASSIST US

Our dear readers can save much of our time:

By writing their letters plainly.

By putting their full address at the head of the letter.

By putting their orders on a separate piece of paper from their other correspondence.

By giving our file reference in replying to any communications from our office. Write "File A," "File B" or "File R," as the case may be, on face of your addressed envelope or postal card and at beginning of your letter.

Some, we notice, are using a small rubber stamp for their address. This is convenient and may also be used for stamping return address on your envelopes.

We thank you for interesting clippings sent in, but request that you give name and date of the publication. If you send the paper entire be sure to mark the interesting items.

—————

When sending remittances to the Society, please remember to make them payable in all cases to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.

==========

BETHEL HYMNS FOR FEBRUARY

After the close of the hymn the Bethel family listens to the reading of "My Vow Unto the Lord," then joins in prayer. At the breakfast table the Manna text is considered. Hymns for February follow: (1) 14; (2) 208; (3) 46; (4) 147; (5) 311; (6) 43; (7) Vow; (8) 145; (9) 12; (10) 259; (11) 65; (12) 78; (13) 221; (14) 105; (15) 34; (16) 240; (17) 307; (18) 313; (19) 87; (20) 303; (21) 113; (22) 130; (23) 152; (24) 286; (25) 176; (26) 300; (27) 191; (28) 224.

====================

r5373 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER
r5374 "THE DAYS ARE AT HAND"
r5375 THE GREAT PRIVILEGE OF TRUE SERVICE
r5378 WHO MAY PRAY AND FOR WHAT?
r5377 PRINCE OF DARKNESS VS. PRINCE OF LIGHT
r5377 NAMES WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE
r5379 THANKSGIVING WITH PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION
r5382 SOME INTERESTING LETTERS

====================

[page 15]

BEREAN QUESTIONS IN SCRIPTURE STUDIES

FEBRUARY 1

Read p. 715, par. 1, to p. 719, par. 1.

(35) What will be the special advantage in the awakened ones being able to remember their past experiences? P. 715, par. 1.

(36) How will these experiences and the lessons of the Millennial Age benefit mankind? And what is the relation between their judgment and the present trying experiences of the Church class? P. 715, par. 2.

(37) Into what classes does the Prophet Daniel divide the awakened ones? P. 716, par. 1.

(38) How does the Prophet's declaration support our position that the world will not be awakened to instantaneous perfection? P. 716, par. 2.

(39) Explain how Nero may be used as an illustration of those who will "come forth to shame and lasting contempt." P. 716, par. 3, to P. 718.

PUNISHMENTS FOR SINS OF THIS LIFE

(40) Will mankind be punished in the Millennial Age for the sins of this life? If so, for what kind of sins? P. 718, par. 2; P. 719, par. 1.

FEBRUARY 8

Read p. 719, par. 2, to p. 722, par. 2.

(41) Explain the meaning of the statement, "Some men's sins go before to judgment, and some they follow after," using Nero as an illustration. P. 719, par. 2; P. 720, par. 1.

"THUS IS THE (CHIEF) RESURRECTION OF THE (SPECIAL) DEAD."
(1 COR. 15:42.)

(42) Why is the resurrection of the Church designated "the First Resurrection"? And what two other classes will experience an instantaneous resurrection to perfect life? And what is the meaning of the statement, "The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished"? (Rev. 20:5.) P. 720, par. 2.

(43) What are some of the characteristics of the First Resurrection—with what bodies and powers will the New Creation come forth? P. 721, par. 1, 2.

(44) How does the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 15, guard against the thought that all mankind shall eventually bear the image of the Heavenly Father? P. 722, par. 1.

(45) What does the Apostle declare respecting "flesh and blood" inheriting the Kingdom? P. 722, par. 2.

FEBRUARY 15

Read p. 723, par. 1, to p. 726, par. 1.

(46) Is it difficult to fully grasp the thought of this complete change from fleshly to spiritual conditions? And how has the Apostle anticipated this difficulty in 1 Cor. 15:51,52 ? P. 723, par. 1.

(47) Why has so plain a statement been so generally misunderstood? P. 723, par. 2.

(48) What will be the experience of the Lord's people who remain until His Second Advent—will they not die? Quote Scriptures to support position taken. P. 724, par. 1, 2.

"IT DOTH NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL BE"

(49) While all the perfected New Creatures will have the same kind of glory, will they all enjoy the same degree of glory? P. 725, par. 1.

(50) How has the Lord indicated these differences in two of His parables? P. 725, par. 2.

(51) Judging from the different degrees of nearness to the Lord among His Apostles, would it not be reasonable to expect various positions of power, honor and closeness of relationship to Him in the Kingdom? P. 726, par. 1.

FEBRUARY 22

Read p. 726, par. 2, to p. 728, par. 3.

(52) In the Apostle's description of the First Resurrection in 1 Cor. 15:42-44, to what does "It" refer? P. 726, par. 2.

(53) What is the nature of the spiritual body in which "It" shall be raised? P. 727, par. 1, 2.

(54) Why is the statement, "It is sown in dishonor," specially applicable to the New Creation in the trial state? P. 727, par. 3.

(55) What is the significance of the statement, "It is sown in weakness"? P. 728, par. 1.

(56) Explain, "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." P. 728, par. 2.

(57) If the very thought of the future glory lifts us above our earthly cares and sorrows, what must the realities mean, and how should we strive to be overcomers and so receive an abundant entrance into the Kingdom? P. 728, par. 3.

====================

[page 17]

VOL. XXXV JANUARY 15 No. 2
A. D. 1914—A. M. 6042

—————

CONTENTS

A Prophecy Nearing Fulfilment..................... 19
Sorrow Turned Into Joy........................ 20
"Cut Off From the Fold"....................... 20
Pastoral Advice on Prayer and Testimony........... 20
A Model Testimony Meeting..................... 21
Formal Prayer Often Mockery................... 22
Faithfulness in Our Stewardship................... 23
The Parable of the Talents.................... 23
The Parable of the Unjust Steward............. 23
Significance of One Pound to Each............. 24
Rest for the People of God........................ 25
Moses' Need of Encouragement.................. 25
Woe Unto You, Pharisees!.......................... 26
Good Confession Vs. Bad Confession................ 28
St. Paul's Exhortation to Elders.................. 29
Responsibility Proportionate to Ability....... 30
Leviticus Nine and Sixteen........................ 30
Some Interesting Letters.......................... 31
Assurance of Confidence....................... 31
Was in Deepest Despair........................ 31

[page 18]

PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N. Y., U. S. A.

Foreign Agencies:- British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.

—————
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
—————

Terms to the Lord's Poor as Follows:- All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity or adversity, are unable to pay for this Journal, will be supplied Free if they send a Postal Card each May stating their case and requesting its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the STUDIES, etc.

==========
ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
==========
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N. Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
==========

JEWISH HOPES AND PROSPECTS

We have a good supply, and now offer these booklets FREE, postpaid.

—————

HOLLANDISH AND SYRIAN TRACTS

We have a good stock of these, and invite orders for such quantities as can be profitably used—FREE, postpaid.

—————

HYMNS OF DAWN WITH MUSIC

We have this in handsome cloth binding and at cost price. It is the best and the cheapest hymn book in the world, at 35 cents per copy, postpaid, and contains 333 of the choicest hymns of all ages. By express, collect, 25 cents each, in any quantity.

—————

RE CLIPPINGS

We wish to express thanks for interesting clippings, and also for clippings containing attacks upon us. We request that you give name and date of paper each time, or, preferably, the whole page. If the whole paper be sent, please mark the article plainly and address W.T.B.& T. Society, File H, 17 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, N.Y.

—————

RE REMITTANCES

When sending remittances to the Society, please remember to make them payable in all cases to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.

====================

r5383 A PROPHECY NEARING FULFILMENT
r5384 PASTORAL ADVICE ON PRAYER AND TESTIMONY
r5385 FAITHFULNESS IN OUR STEWARDSHIP
r5387 REST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
r5389 "WOE UNTO YOU, PHARISEES!"
r5390 GOOD CONFESSION VERSUS BAD CONFESSION
r5388 ST. PAUL'S EXHORTATION TO ELDERS
r5391 LEVITICUS NINE AND SIXTEEN

====================

[page 31]

SOME INTERESTING LETTERS

ASSURANCE OF CONTINUED CONFIDENCE

OUR DEAR BROTHER AND PASTOR:—

The little Class of Shawnee appointed me to write and tell you that we passed a resolution assuring you of our steadfast faith in you and your leadings. We got the thought from reading the Nov. 15th WATCH TOWER, the article on "What Course Should We Take?" that you had almost decided that the things we have been expecting in 1914 would not come to pass on time—since you said it is possible, but not probable. Now, dear Brother, if these things do not come to pass until 2014, instead of 1914, our faith in you will be as great as it ever has been, for we believe that you have fought a good fight, that you have kept the faith, that you have almost finished your course, and that there is laid up for you a glorious Crown.

It seems to us that it would not be strange if the dear Lord would permit a short delay to try the faith of some who had perhaps consecrated to 1915, instead of until death.

May the dear Lord's richest blessings be upon you. In behalf of the Class, your brother in the Lord.

N. B. RANKIN.—Okla.

—————

SAW NEED OF CRUCIFIED ONE AND THE VOW

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—

I have intended writing you for some time to tell of my acceptance and appreciation of Present Truth, and of my experience with the Vow.

I am a girl of twenty-four years, and my father and my mother have been in the Truth about six years, during which time I have heard the Truth constantly in my home. Being of rather a studious nature, the knowledge appealed to me; but my heart refused to be touched. I could not doubt the verity of the Truth, but my stubborn will refused to bow in the subjection of full consecration.

However, the Lord in His mercy and wisdom permitted the very experience which, although bitter indeed, caused me to see the unreliability of my own judgment, and the need of a wiser hand than my own to guide my affairs. Our dear Brother Cole came just at that time, and pointed me to the only One who can lead us safely through all of life's affairs. I renewed my reading, and within two weeks made a consecration of myself on January 26, 1913. I cannot tell you of the deep joy with which my heart has since been filled.

But alas! from being too slow, I rushed to the other extreme and became too hasty, taking the Vow without duly considering its importance and all that it contains. Again our dear Lord gave me the necessary experience to show me my wrong course, which led me to make a serious and prayerful study of the Vow and all its different features; after which I took it again, and have been blessed and protected by it more than words can tell.

I desire to express to you my deep and heartfelt appreciation for all the grand truths I have received from the Lord through you as "that faithful Servant." May our Heavenly Father strengthen and sustain you until the work He has given you to do shall be finished. With much Christian love,

I am your sister in the Lord, __________.

—————

WAS IN THE DEEPEST DESPAIR

MY DEAR BROTHER AND PASTOR:—

Since the desire to write to you does not want to be put down, am writing to express a little of my love and gratitude toward you. I thank the Heavenly Father for His Truth, for you and for all His dear people.

That I should be privileged to know the Truth, or to be a Christian at all, is still a source of amazement to me, for truly I was one of the mean of the earth, a chief among sinners.

Until December of 1911 I did not even believe the Bible. Jesus was beautiful, but imaginary, impossible.

The child of ungodly parents, whom I never knew or met until I was grown up, my life was a horrible one. That December, through reading a book (not one of yours) I was convinced through sound reasoning that Jesus really was the Son of God, and that it was possible for Him to become flesh.

That was the starting point. What a hopeless muddle I had made of my life! How could I possibly extricate myself from the net of circumstances in which I was living! But I did what I could—right about faced—and prayed with all my strength for more light and to be shown the next step. There were nine whole months of that, with apparently no answer to prayer; but thank God for His Grace; I had set my face heavenward, and held on. Then God took a darling three-year old daughter from me in four short days! Dear Brother, isn't death horrible, a dread enemy indeed! But thank God for that, too! That opened up the way, and I left the old lifelong associations behind in Cornwall—walked out penniless, no luggage, no coat even, but knowing it was right, even if it meant sleeping in the fields. I didn't look back or I should have turned back.

There is no room for details, though they simply teem with the love and the overruling providence of God. I finally reached London. Within a few weeks I had Vol. I of your STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES sent from the very place and people I had left. They had just got the Truth and appealed to me to read the volume.

I was so hungry for it; it was just what I wanted. The very next Sunday a brother and sister took me to the Tabernacle (London) to hear you, and though I really believe I had given up my will nine months before, I knew the real meaning of consecration during your address, and was one of the first to rise when you gave the invitation to all desiring to symbolize.

That was a year and a half ago. I have indeed had a wonderful and blessed experience; but I do find the Christian warfare a fierce fight. How grateful I am, and how I long to grow more like my Lord and Head each day! I have taken the Vow, believing it one more piece of armor to help withstand the Adversary.

THE WATCH TOWERS come just in time always—just as I need some special help. My little boy prays the evening prayer you suggested, and will shortly learn the morning prayer also.

Don't trouble to answer me personally, my dear Pastor. I shall know you have read, and then rejoiced for one more. You always have my sympathy and prayers. My heart has often gone out to you when you have been passing through particular trials. God bless and keep you.

Your privileged sister in the dear Lord,

ELLEN E. CORMACK.

—————

GREETINGS FROM THE LENS CONVENTION—FRANCE

BELOVED BROTHER AND PASTOR RUSSELL:—

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed; because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness."—Lamentations 3:22,23.

Our hearts cannot find any expression noble enough and powerful enough to show their adoration toward our Heavenly Father for all His benefits toward us. The Bible is a beautiful Book to us, dear Brother. What a treasure has God put into our hands, and what beautiful things has He not in reservation for us! Therefore, from the bottom of our hearts we can say: "Bless the Lord, O my soul"!

It is understood that our thankfulness ascends also to Him for the means He has established in the Body—toward our lovable Head and toward the brethren whom He has chosen to impart to us His goodness. The Lord bless you and keep you, as well as the dear class in Brooklyn. Although far away from each other, we are often united at the Throne of Grace, asking our Heavenly Father to pour more and more of His compassion on you and on us in return.

We would have liked to send to you sooner the expression of our sympathy and our love, assuring you of the part we take both in your joys and in your sorrows. Please excuse us that we have waited until the present Convention; it was in order that the 200 brethren and sisters present could join us in an expression of love.

Having had a part in your blessings it is only just that we should share in your tribulations. Truly these tribulations are permitted of God in order to fashion our character to the likeness of that of His dear Son, our beloved King.

—————

AS VALUABLE AS THE GOLD OF OPHIR

I wish that every soul in Christendom and also in heathen lands might have a copy of THE WATCH TOWER of January 15th, 1913, containing an article entitled, "Covenant Relationship with God Essential to Life Everlasting." The article ought to be studied and thoroughly absorbed. Every word is of the value of the Gold of Ophir. Many thanks for sending copy to me.

Very truly yours, MRS. H. LOUNT.