(238-243) “WHY I WITHDRAW FROM METHODISM. “Having recently withdrawn from the Methodist church, of which I have been a member for more than thirty years, and knowing, as I do, that some will be wondering at my motive in doing so, and knowing, also, that of the various motives which will be imputed to me, some are likely to be suggested by those who have not investigated the matter for themselves, and hence will be incapable of rendering a fair judgment, I desire to occupy enough space in my county paper in which to give my true reason for the step I have taken, and then leave it to the public to approve or disapprove as they may feel inclined. “My reason for leaving the church was not that I had any dissatisfatcion with, or the slightest ill will towards, a single member of this or any other church, but simply because my honest convictions as to the true interpretation of God’s Word had become too much at variance with the doctrines taught by all the churches with which I am acquainted to admit of my longer remaining therein with justice to the church, to myself or my God. “Whether by chance or by divine intervention the MILLENNIAL Dawn series of Bible helps, consisting of five books, was recently placed in my hands. I confess it was with no little prejudice that I began to investigate the doctrines taught in them, but to my surprise I have found that:— “1, They teach nothing which is not in the very strictest accord with the New Testament code of morals. “2. J find that the author of said books ‘reasons together’ with his readers in the most fair, liberal and logical ZION’S WATCH TOWER ALLEGHENY, Pa, manner, giving quotation after quotation and reference after reference to the Bible in support of his construction and understanding thereof. “So logical, patent and convincing are the theories advanced (if you chose to call them theories: for my part 1 call them truths) that I cannot resist them. With such beauty and grandeur do the books depict the power, wisdom, justice and love of the great Father, the Creator of all the world, as well as the beneficent character of Christ, the blessed Redeemer of all the world, that my mind hag been opened to a far more vivid realization of the actual] existence of God and his glorious plans and purposes concerning his creature, man; also the height and depth and length and breadth of the love of Christ, and the far-reaching efficacy of his sacrificial death on the cross, are so apparent that my heart has seemingly enlarged manifold, and my respect, reverence, love and admiration for God and Christ, as well as my love and good will towards my fellow creatures, have reached a point far, far beyond anything I ever before experienced. “Hence J have determined to throw off the shackles of church creeds and prejudices, and with God’s help let the new light shine forth in my daily life; to present the MILLEN. NntAL Dawn doctrine to as many as desire to hear it, and to help those who hunger and thirst after truth, to the very best of my ability, trusting God for direction and help. So, then, in the fear of God, I heartily recommend every one to procure these books, and with receptive mind and earnest prayer to God for his guidance, read them with Bible in hand. WILLIAM HUDSPETH.” A SPECIAL EDITION OF THE LINEAR BIBLE A short time ago we proposed arranging for a wide-margin Bible, and selected the new Linear Bible as being in every way the best, most up-to-date Teachers’ Bible published—possessing an excellent Concordance, and giving in the text the readings of both the Common Version and the Revised Version in good readable type, and of a size not extremely bulky. On the adjoining page we lay before our readers what the publishers have to say in favor of the Linear Bible, and their regular prices for them; also a sample page, showing style of type, etc. By special arrangement we can procure a large quantity of these Bibles for WatcH Tower subscribers at a very much lower rate than the prices at which they are usually sold. And additionally we can have inserted eighty photographs of the Holv land and vicinity; and have the outer margin made 1 inch wide. At first if was proposed that Tower readers should in this margin make reference memoranda to the five volumes of MiLneNNraAL Dawn, and the last six years’ issues of the Watcr Towrr—opposite each verse, throughout this Bible. Subsequently, however, considering how much labor this would mean—how many hours and days would thus be spent, and how mauy would fail entirely to secure the desired results, and how many others would blot and blur, and only secure unsatisfactory results, we concluded to see what could he done in the way of printing these references in the margin. We find. as hinted in our last issue. that it will be quite an expense, both of labor and of money, to publish the Bible in this manner. But we reflect that when complete it would be one of the greatest blessings to the Lord’s people interested in present truth that could possibly be prepared for them; and this wonld compensate for much trouble. Tt would be a Bible Commentary arranged in the most satisfactory manner ever desisned. It would give the dear friends, as they meet in various parts of the world for the study of the Lord’s Word, Vor. XXII ALLEGHENY, PA., AUGUST 1, 1901 an opportunity of having the Editor present with them at each meeting, to offer suggestions respecting the meaning of the texts. This would not mean, of course. that his suggestions would be considered indisputable or infallible, but merely that he would be present with the little companies of the Lord’s people throughout the whole world, to discuss with them the Father’s Word and to assist as much as possible in throwing a correct light upon its meaning. We have already received a large numher of responses on the basis of our first announcement of a blank wide margin, and unless countermanded we will understand these to be for the Bible as now proposed. But now we invite postal cards from all subscribers who have not responded, who would like to have the Bible as it is now proposed it shall be; namely, with the references in the margin. It is quite possible that we would never get out another edition. and we believe that every WatcoH Tower reader who can afford it at all should have the Bible proposed, in the cheaper or better binding. We now propose that if we receive responses from 2.000, we will proceed to publish the Bible as stated. charging the following prices: In “French Seal,” divinity circuit, gold edges, linen lined, $2.00, including postage. In “Persian Seal” (Morocco), gold edges, leather-lined, $3.00, including postage. These prices will apply only to those who place their orders in advance and thus guarantee us against loss. We may publish a few more than will be represented by the orders, but they will be sold at higher prices. It is our opinion that every WatcH Tower reader who secures one of these best books, will consider it worth $10—that he would not sell it for $10. We invite postal cards at once, that the matter may be determined upon, We expect to have them all alike, none with thumb index, which would spoil the references. Send your postal cards at once, but send no money until the books are announced as ready.—which will probably be not much before Christmas. No. 15 BALANCING EARTHLY GOOD WITH DIVINE FAVOR “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.’”—Psa. 63:3. Loving-kindness, in our text, has the signification of favor, The Prophet, in speaking, represents the church—the Christ, Head and hody The words are applicable to no others, None but the saints esteem divine favor more precious, more valuable. than the present life—than earthly good things. If we ask the world to balance this matter, to weigh on one side of the halanees earthly interests, earthly pleasures, family ties, social position, pride, worldly aspirations, and to put on the other side of the balance divine favor, the reply would be that the earthly good things have all the weight; and that divine favor has none, for the worldly know little or nothing respecting divine favor. They have indeed heard that some people believe in a God, believe in his providential care, believe in his love, believe in a future hfe. ete.. but as for themselves they conclude that such things may be, while the earthly things are certainties; and they would not think for a moment of exchanging present certainties for unknown and intangible matters, called divine favor. [2850]
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