LIGHT

Glory

(REVELATION, CHAPTERS 21 AND 22)

JEHOVAH is the King of glory. (Ps. 24:10) He is the King of eternity; meaning that he is from everlasting to everlasting. (Jer. 10:10, margin; Ps. 90: 2) "[He] only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man [human eyes] . . . hath seen, nor can see." (1 Tim. 6:16) All honor, glory, dignity, . praise and worship is his, and he is above all creation. (Ps. 8:1) Jehovah has declared his purpose to have an 'elect servant, in whom he delights' and to whom he will give glory and to none other. (Isa. 42:1, 8) Then he will make the place of his feet glorious and all the people shall see his glory and will sing his everlasting praise. (Isa. 60:13; Ps. 97:6; 148:13) Chapters twenty-one and twenty-two of Revelation tell of the glory of Jehovah. These chapters are here considered, and should be carefully studied.

John was one who gave all that he had to the glory of God. Because of his faithfulness in serving God he was exiled to the lonely isle of Patmos, and there he was visited by Jehovah's officer and given a vision of the glory of the Almighty God. He was caught up in vision to "the third heaven" or paradise, even as Paul tells how he was thus favored. Jehovah, by his deputy, caused John to write down that which he saw, for the special benefit of God's faithful people who should be on the earth just before Armageddon begins. Now, and especially since 1922, God's remnant on earth have begun to see the fulfilment of

John's vision, and those still alive on the earth at Armageddon will discern it still more clearly. What is now discerned thrills the heart of the child of God, and he says: "0 Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies; that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." — Ps. 8:1, 2.

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." (Vs. 1) The term "heaven" here used means "the kingdom of heaven". It is new in this, that it is a new kind of government and displaces the old. The "earth" means the peoples of earth organized in righteousness. "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Pet. 3:13) This is in harmony with God's promise to make a new heaven and a new earth.

The "heaven" is the invisible ruling power; the "earth", the visible part of the organization which the kingdom rules. "For behold, I create new heavens, and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." (Isa. 65:17) 'The first heaven and earth that were passed away' means the organization of mankind under the invisible ruler-ship of Satan that existed from the flood until now. The text says: "And there was no more sea," meaning that ungodly human creatures from which Satan developed his "beast" would no longer exist. God will reconcile the people to himself. Those who refuse to be reconciled shall be destroyed, and there will be

a clean heaven and earth, making a new heaven and new earth.

"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." (Vs. 2) "The holy city" is the heavenly organization completely separated from the wicked one and his organization, and every whit thereof dedicated to the Holy One, Jehovah; and therefore it is holy. Out of all the cities in the earth only one city was designated by Jehovah as "the holy city", and that was Jerusalem. It was typical. And so in the antitype there is but one city or organization which forms a part of Jehovah's greater organization and is the "holy city". — Neh. 11:1, 18; Isa. 52:1.

The name "new Jerusalem" means "the possession [foundation] of peace, the secure habitation". It has no reference to the earthly city of Jerusalem, either ancient or modern. It is the new organization composed of new creatures in Christ and called the "new creation" of God. It does not include the "great multitude" or 'tribulation class'; and this is indicated by the text. Only the overcomers have its name written on them. — Rev. 3:12.

It has twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, which excludes all who are not members of the body of Christ. It has twelve gates bearing the names of the twelve tribes, showing that only "the servant of God" is admitted to its membership. It is organized in heaven, the abode of Jehovah, and it is therefore the holy city or organization 'which hath foundations, whose builder is God'. (Heb. 11:10, 16) It is "cut out of [his] mountain [meaning God's universal organization] without

hands [of men]", and it comes down from heaven and rules the earth. — Dan. 2:45.

Concerning those who represent that city it is said: "For our conversation [citizenship, Roth.] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Phil. 3:20) This is further proof that none will be of that holy city as citizens or parts thereof except the members of the body of Christ. It is a beautiful city and is adorned for her glorious husband Christ, the Head of that city. (Isa. 61:10) "As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee." (Isa. 62: 5) "So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty; for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." (Ps. 45:11) In it is "the voice of joy, and the voice of gladness; . . . the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of hosts; for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever". — Jer. 33:1.1.

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Vs. 3) This verse applies specifically to God's remnant now on the earth. John heard the voice, which denotes that the remnant first hears this message from the throne and then transmits it to the people. "And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people, as dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men." — Mic. 5: 7.

This is strong evidence that some of the remnant will be on the earth after Armageddon and will be the ones used by the Lord to first inform the people who have survived the time of trouble. The message

from the throne is, "The tabernacle of God is with men," and suggests that the remnant of God, the sanctuary class at that time, is still on the earth in a lowly, transient condition. This reference is to the "true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man", and is not one built by human hands. — Heb. 8:2; 9:11.

The Lord Jesus came to his temple in 1918 and began judgment with the house of God. The evidence is strong that the outpouring of the holy spirit according to the prophecy took place in 1922. (Acts 2:18; Joel 2: 28, 29) In the type the tabernacle in the wilderness was anointed at its dedication and inauguration unto God's service. (Ex. 40:1-11) "The true tabernacle" is with the remnant, and from and after their anointing to the service of God. It is to be expected that God's anointed people would from that time forward carry out the commands to give a wide testimony of God and of his kingdom. (Isa. 43:10,12; Matt. 24:14) The facts show that the work has been progressing, and particularly since 1922. At the same time the Devil is making conditions on earth as miserable as possible. (Rev. 12:12) The tabernacle denotes the presence of God with men in the representative capacity of his sanctuary class. There would necessarily be warfare between the sanctuary class and Satan from that time forward until Satan is put down completely following Armageddon. Then will follow the ministration to the people by those who represent God. First the remnant hear the voice from heaven and they lift up God's standard to the people. Then those faithful men who shall be "princes in all the earth" shall represent the kingdom and teach the people. — Ps. 45:16; Heb. 11:39, 40.

Since the kingdom has begun, surely the Lord will have on earth some representative from henceforth and forever. If so, then the faithful princes, who shall represent the Lord on earth, must return before all the remnant class has passed from the earth. The earth must be a "holy place" from the time God's representatives take possession, even though the enemy continues to defile it until he and his organization are destroyed. John is then shown that God, ruling through his representatives, shall bring blessings to mankind and that he will be the God of all who obey him.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Vs. 4) Christ will be the hand that God will use to wipe away all tears. (1 Cor. 15:25, 26; Hos. 13:14) For many centuries the people have suffered oppression, pain, injury, sickness, loss of health and of life. Gradually these things shall be made to pass away and there will be no more slavery, drudgery, or cruel oppression, and finally there will be no sickness and no death. The final result of the reign of Christ will be the destruction of every enemy of man, including death. All this shall be to the glory of Jehovah God.

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write; for these words are true and faithful." (Vs. 5) Manifestly this represents Jehovah speaking to John and to the John class. (Rev. 4:2; 5:1) It is God who will reconcile the people to himself; and "all things are of God" and by Christ his "right hand". (2 Cor. 5:17, 18; Eph. 4:2-6) There shall be an entirely new

world. "For behold, I [Jehovah] create new heavens, and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy."  — Isa. 65:17, 18.

To the remnant Jehovah gives the new wine of good cheer and joy. (Matt. 26: 29) He establishes the New Jerusalem. (Rev. 3:12) He inaugurates the new covenant with the true Israelites. (Heb. 8: 8-13) Then he gives a new heart to the people who love and obey him and everything is made to the good of creation and to the glory of God. (Ezek. 36: 26; 11:19) This is what John heard and what the remnant then discern.

John not only had this glorious vision of things that must shortly come to pass, but was commanded to write them. Now the remnant, whom John represented, seeing these things coming to pass, to them Jehovah now says: "New things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them." (Isa. 42: 9) It follows, therefore, that the remnant is not shown these things merely for the pleasure of the remnant, but that as witnesses for Jehovah they might tell them out to others. That witness to the name of Jehovah must continue until the 'princes of the earth' return. The testimony or word of God is "true and faithful", is reliable and trustworthy and sure of accomplishment. Blessed is the class now having a part in telling that message of truth to the people and to the glory of God.

Again the voice of Jehovah is heard by John from the throne of heaven. The remnant discern that voice of Jehovah through his Word and see the fulfilment

thereof in these last days. That voice says: "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Vs. 6) This scripture has no reference to the people during the millennial reign of Christ. It is addressed specifically to John and to the class whom John represented. When the seventh angel poured out his bowl of wrath the same expression is used, "It is done"; meaning that now the issue is completely joined and you have been informed of God's purposes against Satan's organization and that you are privileged to have a part therein. What could be the meaning of a like expression in the text, verse six here under consideration?

The Revelation is from Jehovah God to Jesus Christ, which he now shows his servant class. It is Jehovah that now says to the servant class on earth: 'I am the A and the Z [Roth.], the Beginning and the End, the Author and the Finisher; I have given you this message; it is done; now you go forth and bear testimony thereof as my witnesses.' It is Jehovah who inspired his Word from the beginning, and now he brings it to a close. He discloses his purposes. What is beyond the Millennium need not be revealed. God has expressed his purpose and told it to his servant class and "thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it". (Deut. 12:32) It is the spirit-begotten ones that thirst for the water or truth of life and are always eager to have more. Jehovah says to such: "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." It therefore becomes the privilege and the duty of God's witnesses on earth who are in the everlasting covenant according to the

sure mercies of David to cry out to their brethren concerning the great truths of God's expressed purposes. They are commanded to say: 'Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; come and buy without money and without price.' (Isa. 55:1) "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matt. 5:6) "And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation." — Ps. 107: 7.

Those who thus hunger and thirst for the truth have been given a blessed privilege since the Lord came to his temple. If they have been alive to their privileges they have been proclaiming God and his kingdom. These with joy receive the truth out of the wells of salvation and they are filled with praise: "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted." — Isa. 12:3, 4.

As the remnant receives these blessed truths, each one thereof must cry out to others to come and take their stand on the side of Jehovah, become his witnesses, accept the leadership of Christ Jesus and go forward in his organization. This is the reason why brethren beseech one another to present themselves daily and actively in the Lord's service. It is the spirit-begotten ones to whom the question is now addressed: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?" The Lord causes his prophet to write the answer: "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and

righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, 0 Jacob." — Ps. 24:3-6.

Those who hear the voice of the Lord now know they must make their calling and election sure by proving themselves faithful unto the end. To such the words of verse seven are addressed: "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." — Vs. 7.

The 'overcomers' are limited to the time when Satan is opposing the carrying out of God's purposes. During the reign of Christ Satan will be out of the way. There will then be nothing to overcome; hence the words of verses six and seven could have no application to the millennial reign of Christ. The language of verse seven furthermore shows that the ones addressed are those who shall become members of the glorious kingdom of God. None others are over-comers. It is the 144,000, inclusive of the remnant now on earth, that are here addressed, and the latter in particular. The One who inherits all things is the great Son of God, and his body members shall share with him in these "all things"; and no others do thus share with him. (Heb. 1:2; Rom. 8:17) Only the overcomers are made members of the royal house. "Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (Heb. 3:6) It is because they are overcomers that they are made members of the royal house. Therefore Jehovah says to them: 'I began this message; I have brought it to a close. Your duties and obligations are before you. Go now and perform them faithfully unto the end and, proving your faithfulness, you shall with Christ

Jesus inherit all things and you shall be my son and a member of my house.'

That which is recorded in verse eight is a judgment pronounced and written concerning those who are spirit-begotten and who join Satan's organization. It would also include those who claim to represent the Lord and to proclaim his message. It has no application to the millennial reign of Christ, but to the last days of the gathering of the kingdom class. There have been many begotten of the holy spirit and who have received the call for the kingdom. Not all have responded to the call, and, comparatively speaking, only a small number have been chosen. Those who have repudiated the Lord and their covenant either directly or indirectly are disposed of by verse eight thus: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

The judgment begins when the Lord comes to his temple, and as that judgment proceeds it is determined who shall be of the kingdom. Concerning this class, and particularly at the end of the world, it is written: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears."

(Heb. 12:14-17) The present is the time when all that can be shaken will be shaken out, so that the approved ones might remain. (Heb. 12:27, 28) The faithful will understand; the others will not.

"And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." (Vs. 9) After John had received the message expressing the purposes of Jehovah one of the seven angels held conversation with him and told John to come and he would show him the bride, the Lamb's wife. The Lord, through his deputies or angels, and in his own good way, reveals these wonderful truths to his anointed ones that walk in the light. This would indicate that in these latter days the Lord would reveal to his people more clearly the requirements that will be made of those who will be made members of the body of Christ and therefore of the bride. The identity of the bride class would no longer be left in doubt. It also indicates that the remnant comes to a realization that "the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready". There has been doubt in the minds of many as to what constitutes the bride of Christ. This scripture indicates that the remnant would have such a clear vision that there would no longer be any doubt.

THE HOLY CITY

Just before the death of Moses he was given a view of the promised land from the heights of Mount Nebo. (Deut. 34:1-7) This may illustrate the view that God gives to his people just before the completion of the church and while the eyes of the rem-

nant are not dimmed. Another prophet of God recorded concerning his anointed people these words:

"In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south." (Ezek. 40:2) This surely pictures the anointed who are members of God's high organization receiving from the Lord a vision of the glorious kingdom. The faithful prophets had visions and prophesied as they were carried along by the spirit of God. Even so in this day the spirit of God enables those who are devoted to him, and whom John pictured, to have a vision of the glorious kingdom of God, even at this time. This vision is, by the grace of God, for the encouragement and comfort of those who love him, and to show them their greater privileges of service. Hence John wrote:

"And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." — Vss. 10, 11.

The universal organization of Jehovah is mentioned under the name "Jerusalem which is above [and] which is the mother" of those who are born in Christ. (Gal. 4:26) It is "the city of the living God". (Heb. 12:22) It is also designated Zion. Jehovah is the husband of his universal organization, pictured by his "mount Zion", which gives birth to the kingdom of which Christ is the Head and Chief. The hundred and forty-four thousand and One, composing the Christ, or kingdom, take the name (and are especially designated by the name) of God's uni-

versal organization. These bear the name of the Father and the mother. "I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God." (Rev. 3:12) The New Jerusalem in Revelation is restricted to the 144,000, who are espoused to one husband, Christ, and who take the name of Jehovah and of his organization. The "New Jerusalem", or "holy Jerusalem", is specifically the organization of Christ over which he is the Head, and it is "the Lamb's wife". It is also a part of Jehovah's universal organization. The ones composing this organization are wholly and completely devoted to Jehovah. As the city of Jerusalem in Palestine was the capital city of God's typical people, so the "holy Jerusalem", or "New Jerusalem", is the capital or chief part of God's true and universal organization.

The "holy Jerusalem" has the glory of God (it is not a self-glorification, but a glory proceeding alone from Jehovah), and concerning which organization he says: "My glory will I not give to another." (Isa. 42:8) This "new creation" or "holy city" is the very pinnacle of Jehovah's creation, dedicated wholly and for ever to his service, and to none other, and to it he gives such glory. Concerning the Lamb and his organization, or "wife", it is written: "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken: neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate; but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married." — Isa. 62:3, 4.

Jehovah begins the fulfilment of this prophecy when he builds up Zion upon the coming of the Lord to his temple, and therefore it is in course of fulfilment upon the anointed remnant, and to such he says: "In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people." — Isa. 28: 5.

To those who are of the remnant and continuing faithful he says: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." — Isa. 60:1, 2.

"The God of all grace . . . hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ." —1 Pet. 5:10; Eph. 1:12; 3:21; Rom. 2:6, 7.

This glorious organization is shown descending out of heaven; which is proof that it is God's organization created for his beloved Son. Her light or luminary is Jehovah and is likened unto a white diamond, the most precious of all stones. It is therefore pictured as a light most rare and precious. It is the organization or city of light, and God has declared that he will not hold his peace "until the righteousness thereof [shall] go forth as brightness". — Isa. 62:1.

The loving-kindness of Jehovah is now further manifested toward the remnant on earth. John was caused to write a further description of the "holy city", which manifestly is given for the assurance, comfort and encouragement of the remnant. (Rom. 15:4) This is made doubly sure by the statement John records, that the city "had a wall great and high". Satan has been cast out of the heaven; and,

the saints on earth being the only ones that he could possibly hurt, this wall symbolically says to them that as long as they abide faithful in God's organization they are safe. The wall makes the city unscalable and unconquerable. It is the city of everlasting peace, just as its name means. Therefore those that dwell in it dwell in peace and safety. "For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." (Zech. 2:5) 'Salvation hath God appointed for walls and bulwarks.' (Isa. 26:1) Seeing that God wills that his remnant on earth shall take courage from the picture given of the holy city, he caused John to write a further description thereof, and, when seen, it thrills the heart with joy:

"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: on the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." — Vss. 12-14.

If the "walls" of the holy city apply to the glorified members of the Christ, it would seem to signify immortality to such, and therefore that the second death can never have any power over them. The twelve gates or entrances into the city are directly associated with the walls and are designated in accordance with the twelve tribes of the children of Israel, meaning of course the twelve divisions of Israel as set forth in the seventh chapter of Revelation. These walls and gates indicate salvation to God's people and that they are devoted to his praise. "Thou

shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise." (Isa. 60:18) "The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." (Ps. 87:2) The remnant class now discern the city and her gates and say: "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord; this gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee; for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation." — Ps. 118:19-21.

Angels are stationed at each gate. These are the doorkeepers in the house of Jehovah and they safeguard the kingdom interests. Doubtless these angels have to do with seeing that none enter save those who comply with the rules of the kingdom, and also gather out or turn away all offenders and workers of iniquity. Only the righteous enter. (Isa. 26:2; Matt. 13:41) All who enter or who give attendance at the gates must be singing the praises of Jehovah and declaring his judgments and safeguarding his interests. This rule would apply to all on the earth who are anointed servants of the Most High and to whom the kingdom interests are committed. "Let her own works praise her in the gates." — Prov. 31: 31.

Written on the gates are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel; which denotes that only true Israelites enter and are made a part of the holy city and that they who do enter or who are in attendance upon the city are engaged in praising the Lord and declaring his judgments. None of the spirit-begotten ones aside from the 144,000 who are sealed become a part of the city. (Rev. 7:4) The gates are located on the four sides, three gates being on each side, and one tribe is assigned to each gate. (Ezek. 48:31-34) The foundations of the walls are then described. These

support the walls, and in them are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Christ Jesus himself is the chief corner Stone in that foundation. (Eph. 2:20) "His foundation is in the holy mountains." (Ps. 87:1) The number twelve conforms to God's order. God has set the members in the body as it has pleased him. (1 Cor. 12:18, 28) The measuring of the "great salvation" (walls) first began to be spoken by the Lord Jesus, and was confirmed thereafter by the words of the twelve apostles that heard him. (Heb. 2:3, 4) Only the 144,000 of God's anointed ones are built upon this apostolic foundation.

MEASUREMENTS

One of the seven angels, assigned by the Lord to that duty, talked with John and permitted John to see the measurement of the holy city which is the Lamb's wife or the Lamb's organization. This denotes that the remnant servant class would be permitted to discern, from an understanding of the Word of God, the organization of which Christ is the Head, and that they would also discern what is required of those who will be made members of that city. This description of the holy city is doubtless written for the specific benefit of the remnant. Those who have already been received into everlasting glory would not need to have a description of it, because they do see it as it is. The record made by John concerning the measurements follows:

"And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length,

and the breadth, and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." — Vss. 15-17.

The city is foursquare, exactly and equally balanced. There could be no hypocrisy in connection with it, no partiality in its judgment, and it is and always must be to the glory of Jehovah God. It is constructed according to divine wisdom: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." — Jas. 3:17, 18.

The breastplate of the high priest was foursquare, even as is the city. This denotes that the judgment of the Lord is righteous. "The holy city," over which Christ the great Judge is the Head and Ruler, will judge all in righteousness. Each one who becomes a member of that holy city must be foursquare and not lopsided. The measurements show the city to be three thousand furlongs to each side, corresponding to the gates on each side, or a total of twelve thousand furlongs. A furlong is one-tenth of an English mile. The length, breadth and height being equal would mean that the organization is a high and lofty one, as is indicated by the height of three hundred miles. This, of course, is a symbolic expression. It shows the organization to be far above man's level. The equality of all sides makes it a perfect city, and therefore an organization perfect from every viewpoint, well poised and absolutely symmetrical. It has ample foundations and is built upon exact and perfect lines. It was foreshadowed by the most holy of the

tabernacle and of the temple. (Heb. 9:24; 1 Ki. 6:20) The measurements say, in substance: 'This is a perfect organization, the only kind of place in which Jehovah might dwell; it is his delight and reflects his glory.'

The wall is "great and high". The measure is 'one hundred and forty-four cubits, the measure of a man, that is, of the angel'. This could not refer to the height of the great wall. It seems particularly to denote that the 144,000 of the city must be measured by, and measure up to, the standard of the perfect man Christ Jesus. It could not be the measure of a natural man; nor would the measurements be according to the natural man's attainments, but according to the spirit of God. It is according to the measuring-line which God has distributed to his begotten and anointed ones and by which they must be maintained. (2 Cor. 10:13) God's expressed purpose is that all shall be conformed to the likeness of Christ; hence all must be foursquare and all must therefore come 'into the unity of the perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ'. — Rom. 8: 29; Eph. 4:13.

The whole city is constructed by Jehovah and reflects his glory. John was on the outside, yet he was permitted to see through the walls into the city; thus showing that the walls were transparent. "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass." (Vs. 13) Its appearance resembles Jehovah, who 'was to look upon like a jasper stone'. (Rev. 4: 3) Jehovah is a glorious wall of protection to his people; and those in that city will abide there forever in safety, and they shall be forever like Jehovah. "As the mountains are round

about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever," (Ps. 125:2) Jehovah is the builder of the city and forever keeps it. "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." — Ps. 127:1.

The city is constructed of pure gold, entirely free from dross. Solomon "made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones". (2 Chron. 1:15) God makes everything of his holy city of pure gold. That denotes that it is divine. All members of the bride of Christ are made "vessels of gold" in Jehovah's royal house. (2 Tim. 2:20) It is the gold bought of the Lord and tried in the fire. (Rev. 3:18) Job, when speaking prophetically for those of the bride class, said: "He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) In that glorious organization 'the King's daughters' have garments made of wrought gold. (Ps. 45:9, 13) None other would be suitable to the royal house or glorious organization.

FOUNDATIONS

"And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst." — Vss. 19, 20.

The holy city is 'the city beautiful' and not comparable to any other. It is immovable, gorgeous and

sublime. John, being unable to find other words, upon the first sight said concerning it that it appeared as a bride prepared and adorned for her husband. The faith of God's anointed people rests upon the glorious foundation of that city. It rests upon nothing that any creature has ever said or done. The remnant refuse to believe that the Word of God comes from any man. They know that it proceeds from Jehovah, and he has built a glorious organization for his beloved Son and has garnished the foundation thereof with precious stones. The foundation of this glorious organization not only makes the faith of his remnant sure but is a delight to the soul.

The first precious stone mentioned is jasper, the most precious, and therefore given precedence. It would seem entirely improper to attempt to apply this or any other stone to any one of the twelve apostles or to any other man. God laid the glorious foundation, and the one foundation undoubtedly refers to Christ Jesus, who is the express image of Jehovah. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 3:11) The precious stones with which the foundation of the walls of the holy city was garnished are descriptive of the glory of Jehovah; which glory is reflected by his beloved Son in particular, and by all those who are of his organization. Through his prophet Jehovah foretold the building of this beautiful city: "0 thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones." (Isa. 54:11, 12) John was given a vision of that glorious organization

or structure, and now the John class begins to discern that the city and all parts of it possess the glory that God gives to it and will forever reflect his glory.

"And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass." (Vs. 21) Each one of these is a "pearl of great price", and doubtless means that every one who enters at those gates and becomes a part of the holy city must first sell everything that he has that he might enjoy the blessed privilege of entering the glorious organization. (Matt. 13:46) The beautiful gates also symbolically say: 'Everyone who enters here will sing the praise of Jehovah God.' "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." — Ps. 100:4.

"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely." (Ps. 147:1) "Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant."  — Ps. 135:3.

There is only one street or broadway in the city; and that means to the remnant that there is only one way to walk in God's organization, and that is the right way. "He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction." (Prov. 10:17) That way is "the way of thy precepts" and "the way of truth". (Ps. 119: 27, 30) "The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous." (Ps. 1:6) God's faithful ones walk in the light. (1 John 1:7) That street or broadway being of pure gold shows there is no dross or litter in the way of the city. Everything is clean and pure. It is the royal or divine way, and those anointed for the

kingdom delight to walk therein. "Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold."  — Ps. 119:127.

This glorious city is 'the perfection of beauty, out of which Jehovah shines'. (Ps. 50: 2) The divine description of that glorious city is given, not merely for the purpose of contemplation by the remnant of the blessedness to be enjoyed after entering into everlasting glory, but particularly to enable the remnant now on earth to see that all who will enter must be completely devoted to Jehovah now. Being now made members of that blessed organization each of the remnant must now reflect the glory of the Lord and obey the commandments when he hears: "Ye are my witnesses that I am God."

"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." (Vs. 22) Adam, when perfect, required no temple. It was sin that necessitated the building and use of a temple as a way of approach to God. In the kingdom under the royal organization there is no need of a temple. "Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool." (Acts 7: 48, 49) Strictly speaking, a temple means a house or dwelling. In Solomon's temple the ark of the covenant signified the presence of Jehovah. Since Jehovah and Christ are present in the holy city, no distinct building is needed to symbolize their presence. Christ Jesus being the direct way of approaching to Jehovah, no temple or intermediary building is required. Jehovah and his beloved Son are the sum total of all that could be desired. This is proof, furthermore, that the 144,000 members of the royal house are of

secondary importance, and not at all indispensable. They are there by the grace of God.

"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Vs. 23) This fact alone proves that the organization is not earthly, needing light such as human creatures must depend upon. God's Word is now a light unto the temple class. "The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."  — Isa. 60:19, 20.

In the "holy city" the presence of Jehovah floods it with light and glory, because "God is light". (1 John 1:5) Jehovah dwells in the light which no human creature can approach unto. (1 Tim. 6:16) According to the Diaglott: "Its lamp is the Lamb." Concerning Jesus it was written: "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 1:9) Also he, "being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person," is a lamp or illumination to the holy city. (Heb. 1:3) Christ now present is the light of the remnant, and God's light comes to the remnant through Christ, the Head of his glorious organization.

"And the nations will walk by means of its light and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it." (Vs. 24, Diag.) In due time the earth will be filled with a knowledge of the glory of Jehovah. (Hab.

2:14) Then all people (now forming the nations) shall walk in the midst of the great light of the kingdom. "And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem, shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles." (Zech. 14:16) All the restored human race will discern the blessedness of God and will delight to worship him and the great King.

Christ Jesus is the "King of kings". (Rev. 1:5) All who are of his royal house are made kings and priests. Even now the approved ones who are walking according to the light are in that capacity, from God's viewpoint. The earthly kings could have no glory left after Armageddon to bring into the kingdom. (Isa. 24: 21) Not even David will be a king in the earth when he is restored. There will be no kings in the earth. The faithful men of old will be princes or visible representatives of the kingdom on earth. The kings that bring their glory into the holy city, therefore, must be limited to the 144,000. It is God's organization, and those who are members of it will bring their all into that kingdom. Hence the kings of the earth, that is to say, those who will rule the earth, bring into the kingdom their glory and honor, all of which proceeds from Jehovah.

"And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there." (Vs. 25) This means that the presence of Jehovah with that blessed organization will never cease. (Ps. 118:19-21) "Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought." — Isa. 60:11.

In ancient times the gates were closed at darkness to keep out the enemy. (Neh. 13:19) When the kingdom of righteousness rules in full sway 'the rulers of darkness' will have been disposed of and there would be no need for the closing of the gates. The gates, therefore, shall always be open, and the presence of God shall be there also day and night forever, and everything that breathes will be giving praise to God. — Ps. 150.

"And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it." (Vs. 26) The holy city or holy Jerusalem is heavenly, and the nations are on the earth and could not be brought into it; but the "glory and honour" they will bring. Satan and his agencies have turned all the honor of the nations away from Jehovah. Under the reign of Christ the people will learn to give all glory and honor to Jehovah and his glorious organization. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in honor, and every tongue shall confess that he is The Christ to the glory of Jehovah the Father. (Phil. 2:10, 11) Jehovah's holy city or organization shall become the joy of the whole earth. — Ps. 48:2; Isa. 60:5-10, 14, 15.

"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Vs. 27) Flesh and blood cannot enter into the kingdom as a member thereof. Nothing will be there that is in the least out of harmony with righteousness. Jesus shows that the motive that prompts each one of God's people in their actions now must be pure. The heart represents the scat of motive or decision. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Prov.

4:23) "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man." (Matt. 15:18-20) No abominable thing shall be there. "That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." (Luke 16:15) The glory is not to be given to man. Those who will enter the kingdom must love and serve the truth and give all the honor and glory to Jehovah God, who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. No maker of lies will be permitted there, which would necessarily include anyone who would misrepresent God's Word of truth. Only those can be members of the kingdom who conform themselves to God's appointed way.

Those who will be there have their names written in the Lamb's book of life. The instruction of the Bible is for those of God's people while yet on the earth. The names of the faithful are written in the book of life before they leave the earth. It would seem that the writing takes place at the time of the anointing, because that is the official designation to a place in the holy city. It is reasonable to conclude that the remnant of God's people have their names written now in the Lamb's book of life. Whether they are blotted out or remain will depend upon faithfulness even unto death. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Rev. 3:5; Isa. 4:3, 4) "And at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found

written in the book." (Dan. 12:1) "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." — Luke 10: 20.

RIVER OF LIFE

(REVELATION, CHAPTER 22)

One of the seven angels that talked with John pointed out to him a pure river of water of crystal clearness proceeding out of the throne. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Vs. 1) It is the class of people on earth whom John represented or stood for that discern the river of the water of life. God feeds his people by the hand of Christ by and through his organization. Whatsoever comes to the Lord's people for their good is received in this manner. In March 15, 1929, issue of The Watch Tower there was published some up-to-date truth concerning the river of the water of life. "The water of life" is not limited to the 'ten fundamental truths or doctrines' set forth in the Scriptures, because above all of these is the great truth concerning the name of the true and living God and the vindication of his word and name. That vindication comes through his kingdom. To God's anointed the promise is made that those who thirst shall be given of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Rev. 21:6) This "water of life" has especially been understood by the Lord's people since the opening of the temple in heaven. This water of truth is the very opposite of the flood that the Dragon cast out of his mouth. (Rev. 12:15, 16) God's flood of truth is clear and bright, like the "bright and morning star", and the hypocritical clergy are not permitted to 'befoul this water with their soiled feet'.

(Ezek. 34:18-22) Those who love the Lord drink freely at this fountain.

The river of pure water is seen "proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb". That shows that the river did not begin to proceed until after God had placed his anointed One on his throne in Zion, in 1914, at the birth of the kingdom. It is more reasonable to conclude that this river of water began to flow after the Lord came to his temple; for then, the temple being opened, the flashes of lightning began to come to the people of God. (Rev. 11:19) This is supported by Ezekiel's prophecy: "Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ancles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over." (Ezek. 47:1-5) That water of life or truth, when it begins to flow and show forth the glory of God, continues to rise until it has filled the entire

earth. The kingdom has begun and the water of life is flowing for those who seek to quench their thirst thereat.

"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Vs. 2) It must be kept in mind that chapter twenty-two continues to describe the holy city. The angel who was talking to John, and who showed him this blessed organization which is the Lamb's wife, at the same time points out to him the pure river of water flowing out from the throne. The expression, "in the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river," is often misunderstood. It means, not in the midst of the river, but in the midst of the broadway or the street of the city. (Rev; 21: 21) There could be no street or broadway in the midst of the river. The very construction of the language therefore shows it has reference to the street of the city. The river of pure water proceeds out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, and in the midst of the broadway of the city; and on either side of the river is the tree of life. The river bank on either side is not barren, but, according to another rendering of the text, "on this side of the river and on that [side] was a tree of life." (Roth.) The picture, therefore, is of a river of water with trees on both sides. The "tree of life" is not one lone tree, but is a family or genus of trees. According to the Diaglott it is the "wood of life"; and according to the Sinaitic MS., "the trees." Therefore those who walk in the street of the holy city would walk along the banks of the river of the water of life. The water of life is flow-

ing only in the way of God's kingdom for mankind.

In Ezekiel's prophecy the description is this: "Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other." (Ezek. 47: 7) The river of water is shown as starting in the city and flowing along to the walls of the city, to the limits of the city, and then on to the outside so that those who are not members of God's organization or holy city may also avail themselves of the opportunity of the blessings that come therefrom, to wit, from his great fountain of truth. Jehovah is the great source of light and life. He is the planter of the tree of life, which represents the provisions he has made for those who will come to him and live.

The tree or "wood of life" bears twelve manner of fruits (or twelve crops), and yields one fruit every month. This suggests twelve divisions of the tribes of the kingdom rather than twelve months of the year. It shows that the provision for life is never-failing and that there is always an abundant supply. The fruits are borne for the benefit of those who need sustenance. The fruit is that which Jehovah's servants bring forth to serve to others needing God's gracious provision. The kingdom is given to those that bring forth the fruits thereof. (Matt. 21:43) "And thou shalt not cut them [the fruit-bearing trees] down (for the tree of the field is man's life). . . . Only the trees which thou knowest that they be not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy and cut them down." — Deut. 20:19, 20.

This does not mean the fruits of one's own self, but the fruits that the kingdom of God supplies for those that need them. The "fruit of the spirit" does not

mean "beautiful and sweet character", as has been said. The fruit of the spirit is called "love", because only those who are unselfishly devoted to God and his service bring forth the fruit of the spirit. God has made provision for mankind, and those who are prompted by love for God and those who obey God delight to bring forth or carry to others God's provision for them. No one can be of the kingdom who does not bring forth the fruits thereof by carrying God's provision to mankind with a joyful heart. That would mean, then, that no one can be of the kingdom who fails or refuses to have a part in the service of the Lord, as he has given command that his truth must be carried to others. Those who do bring forth fruits are the special targets of the enemy, and these have the special favor of the Lord. — Rev. 12:17.

Christ Jesus is the great "tree of life" which Jehovah planted to supply life for mankind. Jehovah has graciously planted others with Christ Jesus by calling them unto the kingdom and giving them the great privilege of sharing the blessings of the kingdom. These the Lord designates as "trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah", that his name might be glorified. (Isa. 61: 3) It is his anointed ones who do his service faithfully that are these trees of righteousness planted by him. "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (Ps. 1:3) "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is: for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful

in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. " — Jer. 17:7, 8.

The present remnant now on earth and faithfully serving God arc, in obedience to his commandments, bringing forth fruits of the kingdom of God for the benefit of others. These are not producing their own fruit. They are bearing, that is, carrying forth, God's fruit. These are included in the ones mentioned by Jesus when he said: "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:8, 16) With the beginning of the kingdom those of the anointed ones on earth enjoy the blessed privilege of being trees planted of the Lord and of bearing the water of life to others. "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed; it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." — Ezek. 47:12.

The leaves of the tree of life were for the healing of the nations. Leaves appear in the springtime, indicating that the wintertime is past, that is to say, that the flood of wrath is gone, and that the time for reconstruction has begun. (Matt. 24:32; Gen. 8:11) Leaves afford shade and covering. (Gen. 3:7) They serve to purify the atmosphere by extracting the poisonous gases therefrom. They serve as medicinal remedies for the sick, and for the beauty of the land-

scape. The tree of life is directly in contrast with the Gentile-dominion tree. (Dan. 4:11-14) The tree of life, watered constantly by the flow from the throne of God and the Lamb, is the kingdom tree. (Matt. 13:31, 32) It is the tree of righteousness and 'his leaves also shall not wither'. (Ps. 1:3) "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall nourish as a branch." — Prov. 11:28.

Christ, the tree of life, in all his beauty and glory, shall heal and bless mankind. The Sun of righteousness shall arise "with healing in his wings". (Mal. 4:2) "By whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Pet. 2:24) God's remnant now on earth have some work at the present time that is in a measure healing. "A wholesome tongue [margin, the healing of the tongue] is a tree of life." (Prov. 15:4) "He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted." (Luke 4:18; Isa. 61:1, 2) "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." — Ps. 147: 3.

"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him." (Vs. 3) A contrast is here shown between those who profess to serve and those who really serve God. Only God's professed people, because of unfaithfulness to their covenant, brought the curse upon themselves. As God said to his typical people, so he has said to those who have made a covenant to do his will: "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: a blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day; and a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day,

to go after other gods, which ye have not known." (Deut. 11:26-28) "Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen." — Deut. 27:15.

There was a faithful remnant of typical Israel who received God's blessing and favor, and there is a faithful remnant of God's spiritual Israel. Many who have professed to be God's people have made images, which they have worshiped, to wit, denominational systems, and have given their devotion and loyalty to the Devil or some part of his organization. Concerning the remnant the Lord said: "The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Sing, 0 daughter of Zion; shout, 0 Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, 0 daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy; the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more." — Zeph. 3:13-15.

The faithful remnant, together with the other faithful ones who went before, will make up the members of the body of Christ, his bride, and are his holy city. Concerning these it is written: "And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." Never shall there be any curse in God's holy organization again. — Mal. 3:12.

The holy Jerusalem will be the city of the great King. The throne of Jehovah will be there, and the throne of the Lamb. This will result in great benefits

to mankind: "But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment: and he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." — Ps. 9:7-9.

The 'elect servant' class is Christ Jesus and his bride. They will render service unto Jehovah forever as priests after the order of Melchizedek: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts; and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by." — Zech. 3:7.

"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." (Vs. 4) Jehovah's holy angels behold his face at all times because they serve him. (Matt. 18:10) Since those of the holy city are the elect servants of God, the beholding of his face which is promised here must be some special favor they will enjoy above that the angels are privileged to have. This conclusion is supported by other scriptures: "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:6, 7) "Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance." (Acts 2:28) "For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance."  — Ps. 21:6.

These scriptures apply to the Lamb's wife as well as to the Lamb himself. These shall dwell forever in

the temple of Jehovah and form his dwelling place, because he has chosen it for himself. They will continue forever to inquire in his temple, behold his beauty, and receive his favor in a special manner. (Ps. 27:4, 9) Having the name of Jehovah on their foreheads identifies them as his peculiar people, or his people for a special purpose. The face of the Lord is toward the righteous. (1 Pet. 3:12) "The holy city" is sure of the everlasting favor of the Most High and shall always behold his glory.

"And there shall be no night there: and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Vs. 5) Jehovah is the great Light. All light proceeds from him. Where he is, there is no need of other light. The peoples of earth depend on some kind of lamp for illumination by night, and the sun by day. No such illumination will be needed in the holy city. Now the Word of God is a light to his people on earth; but when these become members of the holy city, each with a glorious spirit organism, they will see face to face and even as they are seen by the Lord. They shall be like Jesus and see him as he is, and he is the express image of his Father. (1 John 3:2; Heb. 1:3) As 'kings and priests unto God and unto Christ' the 144,000 shall reign for ever and ever, and beyond the thousand years of reconstruction performing duties which God has in reservation for them that love him. "But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an ever-

lasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." — Dan. 7:18, 27.

"And he said to me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his servants what it is necessary to have done speedily." (Vs. 6, Diag.) The spirit of prophecy still lives with Jehovah and expresses itself according to his will. The Revelation is included in his prophecies. The spirit of prophecy God imparted to his faithful men of old who prophesied according to his will: "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; searching what, or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." (1 Pet. 1:10, 11) Now he is pleased to make known the meaning of these prophecies because it is his due time to do so. To the holy angels he committed the privilege of carrying his message of prophecy to men, and now he is pleased to use his angels to show his anointed ones what is necessary to be done speedily.

This proves that the understanding of the prophecy of Revelation is no longer to be concealed, but is to be completely revealed during the second presence of Christ, and particularly after he comes to his temple. This is no time for quibbling. It is no time for negligence, indifference or idleness. Those who now see the unfolding of Revelation and kindred prophecies are told it is time for "full speed ahead". The present is the time when the wise shall understand; and blessed are they who are now wise according to the divine standard. In his own good way the Lord transmits

his message of truth to his people. He not only shows them the things that have already come to pass, but gives them a vision of what is shortly to come to pass and what they must now do in haste.

The angel who served as spokesman for the Lord and delivered the message to John concluded the discussion with these words: "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." (Vs. 7) He spoke these words, of course, for Jesus the great executive officer of Jehovah, and therefore spoke them for Jehovah also. The remnant now see that the Lord has come to his temple. Since then he has made known to his people the things that must come to pass speedily, and therefore his 'coming quickly' now must mean that very speedily the great battle of the day of God Almighty will be fought and the name of Jehovah will be vindicated.

The time is indeed short, and there is much to be done. The remnant must be busy. It is a most wonderful and blessed privilege to have some part in giving the witness concerning the vindication of God's name. Therefore says the prophecy: "Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." Those who have put forth their best endeavors to be faithful to the Lord and to their covenant have been greatly blessed up to this time. Now they shall be even more blessed by continuing stedfastly, earnestly and diligently to conform their lives and course of action to the prophecy of Revelation now unfolding. Those who have studied Revelation with an honest desire to understand it have received some blessings from the Lord because of the earnest seeking, and now those who learn the meaning thereof

and obey what they do learn shall receive even a greater blessing from Jehovah.

The angel of the Lord had disclosed to John in vision the early passing of Satan's wicked organization into perdition and the release of the people from bondage and oppression and the vindication of Jehovah's name, and John was greatly moved by this knowledge. Then followed a vision of the holy city, the Lamb's wife, the organization of Jesus Christ, prepared specially for him by his Father and to be the dwelling place of Jehovah God. The beauty and grandeur of that holy city and, above all, the majesty and glory of Jehovah, and the endless blessings to creation that will flow therefrom, were such that John was overwhelmed by the vision and he fell down before the angel to worship. This did not mean that he intended to be disloyal to God, but, moved by his impulses and his great gratitude to the messenger who had shown him these wonderful things, he wished to worship before his feet; but the angel stopped him:

"And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." — Vss. 8, 9.

In vision John had witnessed the destruction of the hypocritical religion and had heard the angels of heaven singing the praises of Jehovah; and that thrilled his soul, and he desired to worship the messenger, but was stopped. Then when he was shown in vision the new heaven and the new earth, the holy city with Christ Jesus as the Head thereof, and,

above all, the glory and grandeur of Jehovah God, and the blessings that would flow out therefrom to the human race, again he would have worshiped the messenger; but the messenger impressed upon him that all honor and glory and worship is due to Jehovah.

Now the remnant of God's people, whom John especially pictured, are by the grace of God through Jesus Christ permitted to have an understanding of Revelation, because it is God's due time. It thrills the heart of each one beyond the description of words. Regardless of the agency that the Lord has used to bring this to our knowledge and understanding, let every one now heed the admonition of the angel and give glory and praise and honor unto Jehovah God. Let every one give unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name and worship the Lord truly, wholly and without reservation. All who are of the temple class will now sing forth the honor of his name. (Ps. 29: 2, 9) Verse seventeen, hereafter considered, discloses God's appointed way to thus show forth honor to his name. There is no other way. Let no one be misled by ambitious men who have received some knowledge of the truth and who desire to have followers go with them. Let all remember that the truth is Jehovah's, that he is directing the course in which it shall now be used to announce his name and his kingdom.

Then the angel of the Lord gave John some further instructions as an after-speech to the general discourse which had been delivered to John. This epilogue, or after-speech, is also a prophecy the fulfilment of which is now in progress. The angel, without doubt, continued to speak to John under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose deputy the an-

gel was. Therefore the words recorded should be taken by the remnant as a message of the Lord and as instruction with which they are bound to comply. The time has come for the understanding of the prophecy, and to make it known to others, of the things contained in the book of Revelation. Therefore it is written: "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand." (Vs. 10) The text following proves beyond all question that the understanding could not have been had prior to 1918, and probably not until after 1922. The time for understanding is a time for judgment, and those who would first understand would be God's anointed; hence the approximate time of understanding is made known by the following words:

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." — Vss. 11, 12.

These verses, taken together, show that the Lord Jesus comes for judgment and to pronounce final judgment upon those who have made a covenant to do the will of God. Each one is judged "according as his work shall be". This would mean that those to be judged must have some knowledge of what work there is for them to do. The proof is set forth in the Scriptures well establishing the fact that the Lord came to his temple for judgment in 1918 and began judgment with the people of God; that approximately at 1922 Jehovah anointed those whom he approved through Christ and brought them into the temple and

gave to them the garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness. The divine rules for judgment in force at that time must continue until the church is finally completed. That would mean that if someone should fall away he would be finally judged according to God's fixed rules.

The Lord separates the judged ones into the following classes, to wit: the unjust, the filthy, the righteous, and the holy. This has no reference to the judgment of the people of the world during the Millennial age. This judgment here mentioned is limited to those who claim to be serving God.

UNJUST

The "just" means those who are approved. If this prophecy of Revelation is applied to the millennial reign of Christ, then it must be put down to the very end thereof, because none of the human race will be just or approved until the end of that reign. At the beginning of the Millennial reign all the people of the world will be unjust, because all are sinners. (Rom. 5:12) If the judgment here mentioned refers to the people of the world, and obtains throughout the Millennial age, then all, being unjust at the beginning, must forever remain unjust, because the prophecy so declares. If that were true, then it would mean that all men would forever be precluded from passing over the great highway. Such a construction of the text would therefore be out of harmony with the numerous other scriptures which plainly declare that during the reign of Christ every man shall have a full and fair trial and opportunity of receiving God's approval and life.

Applying the prophecy at a time between the coming of the Lord to his temple and the establishment of the kingdom in full sway is consistent with all other scriptures. There are those who have been favored with the truth and brought into Christ by adoption who have afterward turned away from the Lord and become unfaithful. The word here rendered "unjust" denotes an offender or one who has become wicked, and is therefore the very opposite of righteous. No one could be of that class unless he had at one time been made righteous through the blood of Christ Jesus. When he becomes offended and walks in iniquity he is disapproved by the Lord.

Jesus tells of a class of persons who have been accepted in the Lord, and who were in line for a place in the kingdom, and who at the end of the period of sacrifice are taken out of the kingdom class. (Matt. 13:41, 42) Jesus describes a "wicked servant" class who smite their fellow servants, and who are disapproved, and who are assigned to the position occupied by the hypocrites; and that such work takes place before the Millennial reign. (Matt. 24:48-51) When he comes to his temple and takes account with his servants he finds some who are unfaithful and unprofitable, and therefore disapproved, and he casts them into outer darkness. (Matt. 25: 24-30) When he pronounces his decree of judgment, that decree is final; and therefore he says: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still."

THE FILTHY

The apostle describes a class of persons that were once enlightened by the Lord and who thereafter defile themselves with the world and become filthy, like

a 'sow that has been washed and has returned to her wallowing'. (2 Pet. 2:19-22) It is well known that there are those who have been in the service of the Lord but who have neglected their obligations, repudiated the Lord and his truth, and returned to the beggarly elements of the world and joined themselves unto Satan's organization. (Gal. 4:9) At one time such left the Devil's organization, when they came to the Lord, and by the grace of the Lord were then transferred from darkness into the kingdom of light. (Col. 1:13) Then later their understanding became darkened, and they turned themselves in the way of lasciviousness and of uncleanness. (Eph. 4:18, 19) It is the same class described by Jude, the servant of God: "Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. But these speak evil of those things which they know not; but what they know naturally as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves." — Jude 8, 10.

The Lord comes to his temple for judgment, and that is the time, he declares, he will 'give every man according to his work'. He finds those who have repudiated him, and who have become filthy, and of and concerning them he says in his judicial decree: "And he which is filthy, let him be filthy still." The Apostle Paul declares in plain phrase what shall be the destiny of those who repudiate the Lord, trample upon the Son of God, and count his blood as a common thing. His words are in exact accord with the final decree announced by the Lord Jesus against the unjust and the filthy.

"Organized Christianity," so called, is full of filthiness. It is an unclean and abominable thing in

the sight of God, full of hypocrisy, abomination, fornication and filthiness. "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication." (Rev. 17:4) No child of God can associate with or touch or in any way sympathize with any part of this filthy organization with which Satan has reproached the name of Jehovah. Anyone who claims to be serving God and who continues with the filthy organization after learning the truth, becomes filthy himself. To those who love the Lord the admonition is given: "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (2 Cor. 6:15, 17) Those who have once been enlightened and who refuse or neglect to obey the warning of the Lord will have pronounced against them this final judgment.

RIGHTEOUS

No human being is righteous within himself. When one trusts in the redemptive blood of Christ Jesus, makes a consecration to do God's will, and God receives him and justifies him, he is then counted as righteous. (Rom. 4:22-25; 5:1; 8:33) If that one is ever to live on any plane he must maintain that righteousness accounted unto him by reason of the blood of Christ, and God's judicial determination. He can maintain it only by holding to the faith that was once delivered to the saints.

There is a great multitude of persons whose members have made a consecration to do God's will and, being justified, were brought forth as new creatures, but who do not prove themselves wholly faithful unto God and their covenant. They have received the truth and hold it selfishly, looking forward to the time when they might specially profit thereby. They have sought to make themselves righteous, but have neglected to faithfully keep the commandments of God. The Lord comes to his temple and takes account with his servants, and of these less faithful, but who are still righteous, he says in his decree, "He that is righteous, let him be righteous still."

The ones here designated as "righteous" have not been chosen for membership in the kingdom and have never been anointed by Jehovah. They have been brought forth as his children, and because they love righteousness and because they cry unto the Lord for help he saves them out of their distress. They come up out of great tribulation and receive God's approval as righteous because they held fast their faith in the blood of Christ. (Rev. 7:14) "The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous." — Ps. 146:8.

HOLY

The holy Jerusalem or holy city is the bride of Christ, the Lamb's wife, the organization which God has prepared for his beloved Son. Every one of that organization must be holy. None other can enter into the city or be a part thereof. Those who are brought forth as sons of God in Christ by and through the covenant by sacrifice are called to membership in this holy city. Only a small number of those called are

chosen because many do not respond to the call and comply with the terms. The course of action that must be taken by those who are chosen is marked out in 1 Peter 1:13-19: "Therefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, and being vigilant, do you hope perfectly for the gift to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not conform yourselves to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he who called you is holy, do you also become holy in all your conduct; for it has been written, 'You shall be holy, because I am holy.' And if you invoke that Father who impartially judges according to the work of each one, pass the time of your sojourning in fear; knowing that you were redeemed from your foolish conduct, transmitted from your fathers, not by corruptible things, by silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Christ, as of a spotless and unblemished Lamb." — Diag.

Those who follow this course by wholly and unreservedly devoting their every faculty unto God and unto Christ are the chosen ones, and to such it is written: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for a purpose; that you may declare the perfections of him who called you from darkness into his wonderful light." — 1 Pet. 2:9, Diag.

Such holiness must be manifested while in the flesh, and not after reaching heaven; therefore it is seen that the holiness mentioned is not perfection of the flesh, but means that such must be whole-hearted and absolutely devoted to God and must manifest this by an honest and diligent effort to show forth the praises of Jehovah. These are the ones to whom are committed the kingdom interests, to wit, the testimony of Jesus

Christ; and being faithful, they keep God's commandments. — Rev. 12:17.

When the Lord came to his temple and began the accounting with his servants he found some who had been diligently caring for the kingdom interests that had been committed to them. These had shown an appreciation of the fact that they had been brought into the body of Christ and anointed to do a work in the name of the Lord. They received the truth and the love of the truth and sought to glorify God. They devoted themselves wholly to the Lord. Concerning these the Lord says in the parable: "And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents; behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. " — Matt. 25: 20,21.

These faithful and approved ones were brought under the robe of righteousness, and the Lord's judicial decree concerning them is, "He that is holy, let him be holy still." These are the ones who, at the time, go to make up the remnant class and, if faithful unto death, will be in "the holy city".

That this part of the prophecy must be fulfilled after the Lord comes to his temple for judgment is further shown by verse twelve, above set forth. The reward is not given according to one's feeling or according to one's thoughts; but each one is rewarded according to his works. It would necessarily follow then that any who claimed to be in the covenant with the Lord and who remained idle and indifferent and failed or refused to have any part in the service of

the Lord by advertising his King and kingdom at this time would receive an adverse judgment. The importance of the remnant's being faithful and energetic to the end cannot be overstressed.

Again the voice of Jehovah is heard by John, and therefore denotes that the remnant hear this final admonition, to wit: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Vs. 13) Otherwise stated, Jehovah is the beginning and the end. He has declared his purposes, and those whom John represented are now given an understanding of his purposes. To these Jehovah is everything, and his Word to them is final. He has commanded that the remnant shall now be wholly devoted to him and prove faithful unto the end. The final reward will now depend upon absolute faithfulness. Never before was such a privilege granted unto creatures on earth. These are privileged to stand in the light of the glory of the Lord and have clearly marked out to them the course of action that God would have them take. Therefore to them the Lord says:

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Vs. 14) With these of the remnant the issue is now eternal life or eternal death. There is no middle ground. These have been anointed to places in the holy Jerusalem. Their entrance through the gates of the holy city depends upon their keeping faithfully God's commandments. It is only to the overcomers that the promise is made that they may enter the city and that they may have the blessed privilege of partaking of the tree of life which is now in the midst of the paradise of God. — Rev. 2: 7.

The mere fact that one is brought into the temple and enters into the secret place of the Most High is not an absolute guarantee that he shall be there forever. To abide there he must prove his faithfulness by obeying God's commandments. This verse fourteen is the last of the beatitudes in the Word of God. It is the time of the crucial test for the remnant. Clearly this implies that the temple class must meet the test and prove their loyalty and faithfulness even unto death. It is therefore of paramount importance to the remnant to be energetic and faithful in keeping God's commandments. This is the class that composes the "faithful and wise servant" now on earth. (Matt. 24:45) They are made the witnesses of Jehovah and have the kingdom interests on earth committed to them. Nothing short of holiness, which means absolute and complete faithfulness in looking after those kingdom interests, will be required. Therefore, blessed are they that do his commandments.

Never in the existence of the church was it so essential as now that the anointed walk humbly before God, and with fear and trembling, and thus work out their salvation. (Phil. 2:12) These must do the will of God from the heart, having an honest and sincere devotion to him, and they must be perfected in love; and this perfection comes only by faithful service to him. (Eph. 6: 6; 1 John 4:17, 18; 5: 3) To those who henceforth do continue faithful unto the end God promises that they shall enter through the gates into the holy city and have the right to the tree of life eternal.

With the evident purpose of contrasting the blessedness of the faithful with the terrible results to those who prove unfaithful the message then says: "For

without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." (Vs. 15) The judgment of the Lord concerning these is written, and they are consigned to the second death. — Rev. 21: 8.

COMMAND TO TESTIFY

Christ Jesus is in his holy temple and judgment has progressed. Jehovah God gave Jesus the Revelation, that in due time he might make known the meaning thereof to his servants on earth. The time having come, and the vision having been opened by the Lord to his people, the command is given: "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."  — Vs. 16.

It is the voice of the Lord from heaven, and to those who hear this the further admonition is now given: "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven." — Heb. 12: 25.

Zion is built up. The resurrected faithful saints are with the Lord. The remnant on earth is gathered into the temple. Now these have no alternative. To live means to heed and obey the voice of the Lord and do it joyfully. The remnant will delight to do this, and as long as in the temple they will be singing Jehovah's praises.

The prophecy of Revelation is addressed to the churches or congregations of God's remnant now on the earth. Long centuries ago God caused his prophet to write: "There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and

a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel." (Num. 24:17) That prophecy refers to Jesus Christ the Messiah, him who is the Head of the glorious organization of the holy Jerusalem, him who is the rightful Governor of the world, and who shall rule the earth henceforth. (Ps. 110:2; Ezek. 21:27) He was foreshadowed by David, who was ruler over the typical house of God: "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons." — Isa. 22:22, 24.

He is "the bright and morning Star" that proclaims that the new day has come in which Jehovah's name will be vindicated, and the beginning of the kingdom which will bring blessings to all who love righteousness. This glorious Star has appeared in his temple and now has made known the meaning of this prophecy. The word "star" also means "prince", which is one of the titles which Jehovah gave his beloved Son. He is the Prince of Peace upon whose shoulder the government shall rest. The great climax to the church now on earth has been reached, because it is "the last hour". That the people may have the opportunity to begin to know of the glory of Jehovah, Jesus gives this final command to his servants, which is a gracious invitation.

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come: and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Vs. 17) Jehovah will now have the witness given to his name. He has brought the

remnant into the secret place, and there shields them from all danger if they continue faithful. Jehovah is that great Spirit. "Now the Lord [Supreme One] is that Spirit." (2 Cor. 3:17) Jesus Christ is the express image of Jehovah's person and upholds all things by the word of his power. (Heb. 1:3) He is the great executive officer and spokesman for Jehovah to his people. "The Spirit" is therefore Jehovah and his beloved Son, who are one in harmonious action. "The bride" is made up of the risen saints in glory and the faithful remnant on the earth; and these are one with Christ, even as he prayed to his Father that they might be made one with him, in order that the testimony might be given to all the nations, that the people might know that Jehovah is the only true God. — John 17:11, 21, 22.

The time is here to proclaim the Word and name and the glory of Jehovah God, that the people may have an opportunity to take their stand on his side and live. Satan's organization is about to fall. The "great multitude" must be informed. God's standard must be lifted up to the people. The command comes from Jehovah by the mouth of Jesus Christ, and the message is committed to his deputies, the angels, to be delivered. The anointed on earth are caused to understand the message of the hour, and therefore they are directed to say to their brethren, to one another, 'Come; the water of life is flowing freely from the throne of God; Come and take up the glad song and declare that Jehovah is God, Christ is King, and the kingdom is here.' Not all of the anointed ones hear and understand at the same time. Those first hearing tell their fellow servants; therefore it is written: "Let him that heareth say, Come." This is a

commandment from the Lord, and "blessed are they that' do his commandments" now. The Lord has opened the door of opportunity to give the witness to the glory of Jehovah's name, and no power can shut it. — Rev. 3: 7.

There is a great multitude of thirsty souls that are held in the prison houses of the ecclesiastical systems, and their cries have reached the hearing of the Lord. (Ps. 107:10; 102:19-22) The remnant, which is of the bride class, is commissioned to bring to these prisoners the message of truth. (Isa. 42: 7) The Lord has provided the radio as a means of reaching with the truth those who would not otherwise hear, that they might be awakened to the importance of the hour. Then others call at the doors with the message in printed form, that the thirst of these prisoners might be slaked. It is now the privilege and duty of the remnant to carry the message of truth, particularly concerning Revelation, to the thirsty souls, that they may know that the Lord has said to them, "Let him that is athirst come." Many of these are now receiving the truth. Their thirst is quenched and they are made glad. They in turn tell their neighbors to drink of the water of truth and to take their stand on the side of Jehovah.

There are millions of people of good will throughout the land who are in distress and who long to see a better day but who know not which way to turn for relief. To them the world is like a parched desert where there is neither food nor water. By means of the radio and the printed gospel message they learn that Jehovah is God, and that Christ is King, and that the kingdom and the day of deliverance are at hand. The remnant bring them the glad message, and

to them they say: "And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." They are told that they "may now take their stand on the side of the Lord, and against the Devil, and receive a blessing. Is it not such a class of people that may now seek meekness and righteousness, and be hid in the day of his expressed wrath, and be carried beyond the great battle of Armageddon and live forever and not die? — Zeph. 2:3.

The remnant must now be witnesses to and leaders of the people. (Isa. 55:4) The remnant is now commanded to 'prepare the way of the people, gather out the stones', and point the people to the fact that soon the great highway to life will be opened. (Isa. 62:10) This must be done to the end that 'whosoever will may take of the water of life freely' by taking his stand on the side of the Lord and responding to the requirements of the kingdom.

The breaking down of Satan's organization will remove the refuge of lies and open the eyes of men to the truth. Even the "great multitude" class must be led to the living fountains of waters. (Rev. 7:17) The Lord may use the remnant to thus help them. There will be many others who will be humbled by Armageddon, and they will be ready to hear. After Armageddon some of the remnant may be used by the Lord to bear witness and to aid those who need to be taught, and this they may do before actually being taken into the courts of everlasting glory. It is certain that the work of the remnant now is to proclaim the glad tidings as God's duly appointed witnesses.

This prophecy has no reference to the millennial reign of Christ. It is the great message of truth that

must now be proclaimed to the peoples of earth before the collapse of Satan's organization. It is the sole and only hope of relief to the people. God's commandment is that it shall be made known. Especially to the remnant is the command given. These cannot escape the responsibility by neglecting to obey the command. The physical facts show that during the past few years, particularly since 1922, there has been given the greatest witness ever given to the name of Jehovah by his anointed people. There is every reason to believe that this witness work must be increased. The number who do the work may be small, but the Lord will give them the strength to perform. Let everyone, therefore, who loves God delight now to sing forth his praises.

SOLEMN WARNING

When Jehovah causes his light to shine into the face of any creature, that light brings with it a responsibility to the creature who receives it. To deliberately act contrary to the light which the Lord gives is a great sin and is evidence that the sinner is unworthy of life. The prophecy of Revelation is now made known by the goodness of God. No man shall receive any credit therefor. It is Jehovah's Word, and it is his time to reveal the meaning thereof. The duty of those who hear is to tell it to others. No one will be permitted to add anything to the prophecy of God's Word. Jesus Christ himself gave the warning, to wit: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." — Vs. 18.

This warning could not apply to those who never heard and understood God's Word, nor to those who have a distorted understanding of it. It applies clearly to those who have received enlightenment upon his Word since the Lord came to his temple. Jesus is speaking authoritatively from the temple of judgment. God has declared that his anointed ones shall be his witnesses in the world now. (Isa. 43:10, 12; 19:19, 20) Let no one today add to his prophecy by saying that a pile of stone in the land of Egypt constitutes God's witness. God has made known that Satan's organization and all who support it shall be destroyed in Armageddon. Let no one who has been enlightened concerning God's purpose now say that Satan has no organization, and that the hypocritical clergy should not be exposed as a part of that wicked organization.

Jehovah has written his judgment that all who wilfully sin against light shall be completely destroyed in the second death. Let no one now say that God will save Judas or the Devil or any of the hypocritical agents who use the name of God and of Christ for their own selfish purposes. God has made known in Revelation the plagues that shall come upon the enemy. Jesus warns those who assume the responsibility of adding anything to the prophecy of this book that they shall likewise suffer. Furthermore Jesus says:

"And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."  — Vs. 19.

To be sure, this penalty would fall upon anyone who is now of the remnant but who should in any manner become unfaithful. It would apply to anyone who is in line for a place in the holy city or kingdom of God. The commandments of God that stand out distinctly and that are of paramount importance at this time are these: 'Ye are my witnesses that I am God; go and tell the people that Jehovah is God, Christ is King, and that all of the opposers to his kingdom shall shortly fall at Armageddon; this good news go and preach to the nations as a witness; declare his doings among the people and make mention that Jehovah's name is now exalted. The forces are marching to Armageddon, therefore cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.' (Isa. 12:5, 6; 43:10-12; Matt. 24:14) Let no one now attempt to take away from this prophecy by minimizing the importance of the witness work in the earth.

Jehovah "shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm", and no power dare interfere with it. (Isa. 30:30) Those who will be received into his glorious and holy city must now be guided by Jehovah's counsel. (Ps. 73:24) His counsel contained in the prophecy of God's Book makes known that to the remnant has been committed the testimony of Jesus Christ, and the commandments of God are that the approved ones must give this testimony and sing the praises of Jehovah. (Rev. 12:17) Upon the doing of those commandments depends their right to life and a place in the holy city.

Jehovah now says to the remnant: "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do

I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof." — Isa. 42:9, 10.

The vision that John had came to an end, and he said: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly; Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Vs. 20) The faithful remnant, whom John represented, now see the purposes of Jehovah and know that a great climax is at hand. They know not the day nor the hour that Armageddon shall be fought, but they do know that it is only a short time ahead. They know that within a very brief tune the name of Jehovah and his word shall be vindicated. With gladness they continue to shout forth the praises to his name and to the name of his glorious King. The kingdom is here and the remnant are drinking anew the fruit of the vine with the glorious Lord and King. To each other they are saying: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Together they lift up the voice and sing the new song unto the glory of Jehovah.