Number 66
Matters of Interest and Importance to All Thinking
People, Especially to Christians
DO YOU KNOW?
DO YOU KNOW that the Lord more than
two thousand years ago gave, through the Prophet Daniel, a clear description of the times
in which we are now living?
DO YOU KNOW that the Bible, in referring to
this present time as "the time of the end," does not signify the destruction of
the earth, but the end of the present dispensation, after which a new age will be
introduced--the Millennium? "The earth abideth forever." Eccl. 1:4
DO YOU KNOW, or have you specially noticed,
the several propositions in Daniel's prophecy concerning "the time of the end"?
They read thus: In the time of the end (1) many shall run to and fro; (2) and
knowledge shall be increased; (3) and the wise [virgins] shall understand; (4) but none of
the wicked shall understand. (5) And at that time Michael [Christ] shall stand up
[begin his reign]; (6) and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there
was a nation Dan. 12:9,4,10,1.
DO YOU KNOW that according to the Scriptures
"the time of the end" above mentioned began in A.D. 1799, and will continue
until the A.D. 1915?
DO YOU KNOW that the most rapid means of
communication in 1799, the beginning of "the time of the end," was on horseback,
while now telephones and telegraphs unite cities, nations and continents?
DO YOU KNOW that the first effective steamboat
was built A.D. 1806? and that the first effective locomotive, the Ironsides, was built
A.D. 1831?
DO YOU KNOW that Sir Isaac Newton, the great
Christian philosopher, who died A.D. 1727, studying this very prophecy said, on the
strength of it, "I should not wonder if some day men will travel at the rate of fifty
miles an hour?"
DO YOU KNOW that Voltaire, the great infidel
philosopher, who died A.D. 1778, when much more was known of the power of steam, despising
this prophecy of God's Word, declared that it had made a fool of Sir Isaac Newton when it
led him to make the above statement?
DO YOU KNOW that the predicted "running
to and fro" is being fulfilled by yourself and others as you travel everywhere by
steamboats, steam and electric cars, etc.?
DO YOU KNOW that knowledge is greatly
increased, in harmony with the prophecy? And can you not discern such plain signs of the
times in which we are now living?
DO YOU KNOW that less than four centuries ago
illiteracy was so general that the English Parliament passed a law providing for those of
its members who were unable to read; while now ability to read and write is
general, even amongst the poorest classes?
DO YOU KNOW that free schools were started as
Sunday Schools in 1784, and hence that knowledge began to increase greatly with "the
time of the end," 1799?
DO YOU KNOW that not a single one of the now
many large Bible Societies or Tract Societies was started until 1804, because only then
was there much use for reading matter for the masses?
DO YOU KNOW that a right understanding
of God's Word not only adds to the wisdom of the wise, but also "maketh wise the
simple?" Psa.19:7
DO YOU KNOW that God promised that in this
"time of the end," in which we are living, the wise (toward God--not the
worldly-wise) should understand the hitherto secret things of his plan and Word?--And do
you wish to be one of God's humble "wise virgins?"--1 Cor. 3:18-20. [Matt. 25:2]
DO YOU KNOW that the present social order is
not thoroughly satisfactory to any good men--rich or poor--although no human
instrumentality is able to arrange for and introduce a better one?
DO YOU KNOW that Christ will introduce a
better, a perfect, social
arrangement during the Millennium; and that he taught
us to expect, watch for, and pray for that Kingdom; saying, "Pray ye, thy Kingdom
come, thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven?" If you have sincerely
joined in that prayer, you will rejoice in the evidences that its fulfillment is at hand.
DO YOU KNOW that the blessings of the
Millennial age are the theme of "all the holy prophets?"
DO YOU KNOW that the Millennial age was
specially preached about by the Apostles as "The Day of Christ," "The
Kingdom of God," etc.? and that it was the earnest faith of the early Church? Phil.
1:6; Mark 1:14
DO YOU KNOW of the Apostle Peter's reference
to it, in Acts 3:19,21, where he calls it "the times of restitution of all
things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets?"
DO YOU KNOW that St. Peter there declares that
these times of blessing will not precede, but will follow, the Second Coming of our
Lord Jesus?
DO YOU KNOW that the prophecies and signs
which now herald the second advent of Christ are much more distinct than were those signs
and prophecies which marked his first advent?
DO YOU KNOW that the driving of the Jews out
of all nations and the resettlement of many of them in Palestine, now in progress, is
another sign of the close of the Gospel age and the dawn of the Millennium? Jer. 16:15;
Rom. 11:25-32
DO YOU KNOW that the Second Coming of Christ
will be as different from human expectation as was his first advent? and that his day will
come upon the world unawares--that they will be "in his days" and that
only the wise will know it? [Luke 21:34,35]
DO YOU KNOW that the object of the
Second Coming of Christ, as well as its manner, is generally misunderstood?--that
his coming, according to the Scriptures, means the blessing of all the families of the
earth? [Psa. 96:10-13]
DO YOU KNOW that the Church which God is
electing or selecting during this Gospel age is promised a spiritual or heavenly
reward?--to be "made partakers of the divine nature" (2 Pet. 1:4), and to share
with Christ the work of blessing the world during the Millennium, but that the Lord's
provision for those who accept his grace during the Millennial age is a restitution or
restoration of the perfections of human nature (lost by sin), in Paradise restored--the
new earth? Acts 3:19-21; Rev. 21:1-4
DO YOU KNOW that the Day of Judgment will be a
thousand-year day, and not a twenty-four hour day? and that the word judgment implies,
not merely a sentence, but also a trial? [2 Pet. 3:7,8]
DO YOU KNOW that during the world's great day
of trial or judgment (the Millennium) the Church now being selected from among men
will be, with Christ, the Judges of the world? (1 Cor. 6:2)--that to prepare them for that
service they themselves are now severely tried in all points, that they may be able to
sympathize with those whom they will then judge?--and that they shall be kings and priests
of God and, as Abraham's seed, bless all the families of the earth? Rev. 20:4; Gal.
3:16,29; Gen. 22:18
DO YOU KNOW that not all who worship and say,
"Lord, Lord," shall enter into or be members of that elect Church? (Matt.
7:21-23)--and that not all who have their names upon earthly Church rolls, but only those
"whose names are written in heaven," and whose names will not be blotted out
because of unfaithfulness, will constitute the one Church of the living God--in all
a "little flock?" Heb. 12:23; Rev. 3:5; 1 Tim. 3:15; Luke 12:32
DO YOU KNOW that all the members of the Church
are now only probationary members, waiting and striving and hoping for full membership
in the Church triumphant at the first resurrection? Rev. 20:4
DO YOU KNOW that the large majority of
humanity has never had any trial, because they died in total ignorance of the only
name given whereby they can be saved?
DO YOU KNOW that the Apostle Paul declares
that there is "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave
himself a ransom for all [men], to be testified [to all men] in due time?" 1 Tim. 2:6
DO YOU KNOW that while to many of us the
"due time" to learn of this grace of God is during the present life, yet
to the vast majority this "due time" must be in a future life; because
less than one-third of the human family have ever heard of, so that they could believe on,
the only name "under heaven given among men, whereby we may be saved?"
Acts 4:12
DO YOU KNOW that the Millennial age is for the
very purpose of causing the knowledge of the Lord to fill the whole earth as the
waters cover the sea, and to open the eyes of men's understanding and to unstop their ears
that they may hear God's message of mercy, and see "the true light which lighteth every
man that cometh into the world?" Isa. 11:9; 35:5;John 1:9
DO YOU KNOW that some living in civilized
lands have never had a full knowledge of the gospel with a full opportunity
to show whether they would choose righteousness or sin; because they have had
comparatively little knowledge of righteousness, by either experience or observation, and
great experience only with sin, within and without?
DO YOU KNOW that our Lord Jesus paid the great
price for all; to secure for all a FULL OPPORTUNITY to gain everlasting life
by faith and obedience? 1 Tim. 2:6; Acts 3:22,23
DO YOU KNOW that Christ "is the propitiation
[satisfaction] for our sins, and not for ours [the Church's sins] only, but also for
the sins of the whole world?" 1 John 2:2
DO YOU KNOW that the Bible teaches both the
doctrine of Election and the doctrine of Free Grace? the election of the Church during
this age, and free grace for the world in general in the Millennial age? and that this
harmony, of these two doctrines so long supposed to be in conflict, can be clearly shown
from the Scriptures? [Rom. 8:29; Rev. 22:17]
DO YOU KNOW that 6,000 years of Earth's
history is past, according to Bible Chronology? and that the seventh thousand is the
Millennium of Christ's reign? and that the present time, from 1875 to 1915, is the
lapping period styled in Scripture the "harvest" of the age, in which the number
of the elect Church will be completed? and that then the Millennial age will be ushered in
by a "great time of trouble" (anarchy, etc., mentioned repeatedly in Scripture),
which will level society, humble pride and prepare the way for Immanuel's long
promised Kingdom--"under the whole heavens"? Dan. 2:28,44; 7:13,14,18,22,27
DO YOU KNOW that "in that day" [now
come] there will be wise virgins as well as foolish virgins (Matt. 25:1--virgin
signified pure), but that only the wise (the obedient) shall understand?
DO YOU KNOW that the "wise virgins"
who shall enter in with the Bridegroom will have oil in their vessels (the spirit of the
truth in their hearts and lives) as well as in their lamps (the Scriptures)? and that it
is declared that "none of the wicked shall understand" (Dan. 12:10; 1 Cor.
2:14), but only the humble and consecrated- -the wise? And do you wish to be one of the
"wise virgins?"
DO YOU KNOW that the Apostle tells us that
although the "day of the Lord" shall come as a thief and a snare upon the whole
world, yet the brethren of Christ will not be in darkness? 1 Thess. 5:4. Note also
our Lord's word in Luke 21:34,35.
DO YOU KNOW that "the time is short"
in which the consecrated may "make their calling and election sure" and "so
run as to obtain" the great prize of this gospel age, viz., joint-heirship with
Christ in his Kingdom? [1 Cor. 9:24]
DO YOU KNOW that the powers of the heavens
(the nominal Church) are being shaken, and that soon there will be a great union or
"confederacy" of all denominations of nominal Christians (See Isa. 8:10-16), in
fulfillment of the statement that "the heavens shall be rolled together as a
scroll"--while men's hearts are failing them for fear and for looking forward to
those things coming upon the earth? Luke 21:26; Rev. 6:14; Isa. 34:4
DO YOU KNOW whether or not you have put on the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand in this evil day already
upon us? Eph. 6:13
DO YOU KNOW that to be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil in this evil day you need the whole armor of God--the helmet
(an intellectual protection from the assaults of error), as well as a
substantial shield of faith and ability to wield "the sword of the spirit, which is
the word of God"?
DO YOU KNOW that God has provided this armor
complete, and special food-- "meat in due season" for the household of faith in
the present time--things new as well as old (Matt. 13:52; 24:45) and that
riches of grace and knowledge relative to the divine plan, never possible before this
"harvest," may now be enjoyed by you, if you are wholly the Lord's?
DO YOU KNOW that the same prophet, Daniel,
predicted that, after the running to and fro had generally increased knowledge amongst
men, discontent would become general and that there would be "a time of trouble such
as was not since there was a nation?" Dan. 12:1
DO YOU KNOW that this trouble will be
socialistic and eventually anarchistic, and, according to the Scriptures, result in the
downfall of all the kingdoms of the world and thus make ready for Christ's Millennial
Kingdom? See MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. 1, Chaps. xiii-xv.
DO YOU KNOW that MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. 1, is
reclaiming more Infidels, helping more Skeptics and establishing more Christians than any
other book in the world? It is indeed a "Bible Key" and "A Helping Hand for
Bible Students."
DO YOU KNOW that we can supply you helpful
literature on all these subjects which will in every case cite you, not to the creeds and
opinions of fallible men, however good, but to the words of our Lord, the apostles and
prophets? "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of
God." 1 Cor. 2:5,9-14
DO YOU KNOW that many of the most prominent
ministers of the various denominations are preaching on every other subject than the
gospel, while some of them are denying the fall, the redemption and a coming restitution,
so clearly taught in the Bible, and teaching, instead, Evolution? yea, and even denying
the inspiration of the Bible?
DO YOU KNOW that meanwhile a famine prevails--not
a famine for bread, nor for water, but for the hearing (understanding) of the word of the
Lord? See Amos 8:11
DO YOU KNOW that the Lord is raising up many
who are voluntarily giving their time and going from house to house to call attention to
these matters and that if "one of the least of these," the Lord's "little
ones," an angel or messenger of the truth--should at any time call upon you, and be
received in a spirit of meekness and love, he will show you, free of charge, the Chart
of the Ages, the examination of which will help you to rightly divide the word of
truth and to apply and understand all Scriptures, and thus prove a great and lasting
blessing to you?
DO YOU KNOW that we are the friends of all who
are trusting in the precious blood of Christ, and who are consecrated to his service? and
that we will be glad to have such (and honest skeptics as well) write to us upon these
subjects? and that if you are poor we will gladly supply you spiritual food and drink, free?
Address us as follows:
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOC'Y
Bible House, Arch Street ALLEGHENY, PA., U.S.A.
A WORD TO TRUE CHRISTIANS
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after
righteousness [truth in thought, word and deed]; for they shall be filled.
Overcharged, as many Christian people
are, with the cares of this life, and intoxicated, as some others are, with its fleeting
pleasures, it is quite possible that a very large majority fail to discern the peculiar
signs of these times, which the Scriptures show to be a transition period, closing the
gospel age and ushering in the Millennium.
We live in a day when many, even in the pulpit, as
well as out of it, are boldly contradicting the Bible and denying its divine authorship,
in whole or in part; and never in the history of the Church have so many conflicting
voices confused the truths of the Gospel. We are told that the prophets and apostles,
though honest, were mistaken or fanatical men who made serious errors in what they said
and wrote: that even our Lord Jesus was mistaken in much that he said, as, for instance,
in his references to Jonah and the great fish, to Noah and the deluge, etc. (Matt. 12:40;
24:37-39; Luke 17:26,27) What is termed the higher criticism of the Bible rejects all such
statements, including miracles and prophecies, as generally absurdities, unworthy of the
credence of thinking men; and it accepts merely the moral precepts, whatever of the
historical portions suits its convenience, etc., as from any other book. This great
"falling away" was predicted for the end of this age, and it therefore becomes
another sign of the times. Note carefully the following Scriptures, which indicate that a
thousand will thus fall (into unbelief), to one who will stand faithful. Let all who would
stand seek quickly and put on "the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day." Psa. 91:7,11,12; Luke 18:8; 2 Tim. 3:1; Eph. 6:13
Yet, in the midst of all the confusing voices of this
"evil day," the Lord's sheep will hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, and,
following him, will not be left in the outer darkness of doubt and unbelief, but will be
guided into all the truth now due to the household of faith. Such was his promise; and
such should be the expectation of his people, especially now, when "the whole armor
of God," the full understanding and clear appreciation of the divine plan--is needed
as never before.
Write to us at once, if you feel a hunger and thirst
for the bread of life and the living water; for Luke 12:37 is now being fulfilled. We send
sample tracts and papers free to applicants.
We earnestly commend to God's people the careful and
prayerful reading of a work which we publish at cost price in order to bring it within the
reach of even the poorest. It is entitled THE DIVINE PLAN OF THE AGES. 1,000,000 copies
are already in circulation in various languages, and a blessing is going out therefrom to
God's consecrated people.
