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studies in the scriptures the path of the just is as the shining light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day series vii the finished mystery the winepress of god s wrath and the fall of babylon digital edition and the angel which i saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever who created heaven and the things that therein are and the earth and the things that therein are and the sea and the things which are therein that the time should be no longer delayed but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel when he shall begin to sound the mystery of god should be finished as he hath declared to his servants the prophets revelation 10 5-7 at the end it shall speak and not lie habakkuk 2:3 2009

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copyright 1918 peoples pulpit association [watch tower bible tract society brooklyn n.y u.s.a an original text for pages 247-54 from the 1917 edition embedded

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posthumous work of pastor russell his last legacy to the dear israel of god matt 20 9 to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in god wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence having made known unto us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself that in the dispen sation of the fulness of the times he might gather together in one all things under christ eph 3:4,5,9;1:810 n b this volume can also be supplied in the german swedish dano noerwgian french and greek languages.

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4 publisher s preface ince the days of the apostles christian people have been looking for the coming of our lord jesus in great power and glory for he said that he would come again and receive his church unto himself he further pointed out that for some time prior to the completion of the church he would be present gathering out from babylon and from the world the truly consecrated and that during his presence the mystery of god would be finished through st john the lord jesus revealed the fact that the church would be developed during seven distinct periods or epochs and that for each of these epochs ho would have a special angel or messenger to serve the other members of the body it follows then that the messenger to the last or laodicean epoch would declare the presence of the lord and the time of the harvest of the gospel age the great master laid special emphasis on the importance of the messenger to the seventh or laodicean period of the church saying that such an one would be a faithful and wise servant whom his lord would make ruler over all his household to give them meat in due season those consecrated christians who have read and fully appreciated the truth as contained in the preceding six volumes of studies in the scriptures readily sea and agree that charles taze russell was the messenger of the church of laodicea in the mind of every one who believes the bible the evidence set forth in this volume will establish that fact beyond the question of a doubt in the light of divine prophecy now being daily fulfilled and made clear to the watchers the following from the pen of pastor russell is further proof that he was sent of god to this generation long years before the beginning of the trouble now upon the nations he wrote the four exhibitions of the lord given to elijah represent we believe four manifestations in which the lord is about to reveal himself to mankind the first three of which will prepare men for the final one in which will come the desired blessing to all the families of the earth these are 1 the mighty winds rending the very rocks blowing winds seem to be used in scripture for wars the wars whose dark clouds have threatened the civilized world so ominously for the past thirty years have been miraculously hindered to give opportunity for sealingthe lords consecrated people in their foreheads intellectually with the present truth we are therefore to expect that when these winds of war shall be let loose lt will mean a cataclysm of warfare which shall divide kingdoms mountains prefigured by the mighty wind shown to elijah 1 kings 19:11 which rent the rocks but gods kingdom will not follow the epoch of war the world will not thus be made ready for the reign of immanuel no a further lesson will be needed and will be given it is represented in 2 an earthquake throughout the scriptures an earthquake seems always to represent revolution and lt is not unreasonable to expect that an era of general warfare would so arouse the lower classes of europe and so discontent them with their lot and especially with the conditions which would follow such a war that revolution would be s

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preface 5 the next thing in order rev 16:18 but severe though those revolutionary experiences will be to the world they are not sufficient to prepare men to hear the voice of god it will require 3 the fire from heaven an epoch of divine judgments and chastisements upon a maddened but unconverted world wild in anarchy as other scriptures show us the results of their wars revolutions and anarchy in the failure of their schemes will have a humbling effect and will prepare mankind for gods revelation of himself in 4 the still small voice yes he who spoke to the winds and the waves of the sea of galilee will in due time speak peace to the peoples he will speak with authority commanding the observance of his long neglected law of love and whosoever will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among his people acts 3:23 the watch tower july 1 1898 p 208 looking back to the prophetic testimony respecting the times of the gentiles we perceive that our lords words jerusalem shall be trodden down of the gentiles until the times of the gentiles be filled full give the intimation that the determined times or years in which the empire of earth would be in the hands of gentile governments was a fixed one from the divine standpoint and if as we believe the scriptures to teach gentile domination was provided for up to october 1914 it would seem but a reasonable interpretation that divine power would not be exercised to their dethronement until after the time allotted for their reign had ended october 1914 the watch tower july 1 1904 p 188 in 1879 charles taze russell began the publication of the watch tower of which he was the sole editor as long as he remained on earth the watch tower was and is the first and only journal declaring the presence of the lord jesus pastor russell being the messenger to the laodicean church and occupying the position of the lords special servant to give the household of faith meat in due season it was to be expected that he would bring forth from the lords great storehouse the needed spiritual food for the church in harmony with gods will by the lords grace he wrote the six volumes of studies in the scriptures which writings aside from the bible have gladdened more hearts and thrilled christians with greater hope and joyful expectation than have any other writings extant these books have been properly designated keys to the divine plan of the ages these keys have been placed in the hands of thousands of christian people throughout the world and have enabled them to unlock the lords treasure house the bible and there to see some of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge of god some have been able to use these keys more effectually than have others god hath set the members in the body as it hath pleased him time and again pastor russell said that the seventh volume of studies in the scriptures would ba written and it was expected that he would write it the scriptures show that the seventh volume must be published pastor russell passed from the earth and the seventh volume remained unpublished in his last moments he said some one else can write the seventh volume for any one to arrogate to himself the authority to write and publish the seventh volume would we believe seem presumptuous before the lord whom then would the lord have to write it?

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6 preface pastor russell was a man of unusual modesty great men usually are modest the examination of the contents of this book will disclose the fact that it deals with revelation and ezekiel that the lord long ago caused to be recorded therein in symbolic language a history of the church particularly the closing earthly experiences thereof that therein he set forth that he would uncover the frauds deceptions and blasphemous teachings and practices of the church nominal both catholic and protestant that in the last days he would then make bare the unholy alliance between the unrighteous ecclesiastical systems and the corrupt political elements of the earth which religious systems have prospered and grown fat in the name of christ that the lord pronounces his indignation and wrath against all such babylonish systems and marks their titter destruction in a time of trouble such as the world has never known and will never again know and that the earthly creature made prominent therein above all others is the messenger of the laodicean church that wise and faithful servant of the lord charles taze russell in view of the facts stated is it at all surprising that the lord spared him the publication of the seventh volume but the fact is he did write it this book may properly be said to be a posthumous publication of pastor russell why because to him the lord gave the key to him was given the privilege of making clear to the church ln its last years the mystery of god to him was granted the privilege of bearing from the hands of the lord to the household of faith meat in due season for the special development and sustenance of gods dear little ones this service he has faithfully performed this book is chiefly a compilation of things which he wrote and which have been brought together in harmonious style by properly applying the symbols which he explained to the church by his last will and testament pastor russell designated george h fisher of scranton pa as one whom he would approve as a member of the editorial staff of the watch tower the most important journal published on earth for many years brother fisher has been consecrated to the lord a careful student of the bible in the light of the message brought from the lord by the messenger to the laodicean church and for some time he has made a careful and prayerful study of the book of ezekiel when pastor russell was with us he gave direction that the bible students manual should be prepared by clayton j woodworth also of scranton pa this manual was published by this society and has proven a great blessing to the household of faith the preparation of that manual required a critical examination of everything pastor russell had written and thus brother woodworth was enabled to become more familiar probably than any one else with the explanation of the scriptures which had been given by brother russell in this manner the lord seemed to have qualified him for some special work with the key which brother russell as the lords servant had placed in his hands brother woodworth by the lords grace has been enabled to bring together everything that brother russell wrote on revelation and to explain and harmonize the other parts of that book with the divine plan also to treat similarly the song of solomon it seemed pleasing to the lord that brothers c j woodworth and george h fisher should prepare the seventh volume under the direction of the watch tower

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preface 7 bible and tract society while both residing in the same city they have worked separate and apart from each other not even comparing notes the reader will be able to judge how fully the work of each harmonizes with that of the other and with the divine plan thus giving further evidence of the lords direction in this matter pastor russell long ago said in substance that the seventh volume would not he for the development of the church that the preceding six volumes of studies in the scriptures contain the necessary spiritual food for that purpose asked why then it would be written he replied it will probably be given to the church in a time of direst need for her comfort and encouragement who amongst the consecrated this side the veil does not realize that the church is now in that time of dire need of comfort and encouragement the hour of fiery trial and great testings is upon gods people and there is need for their comfort and encouragement the lord has promised grace sufficient and help for every time of need for those who love him and come confidently unto him we believe that as the lords dear children throughout the earth read the contents of this book and see how wonderfully he has shielded them from the storms of human passion and from the snares of the great adversary and that when they see that the unrighteous wicked systems of babylon are now crumbling under the mighty hand of god which bespeaks the early deliverance of the last members of the body from this vale of tears into the glorious light and liberty of the saints that then they will be greatly comforted that then they will take new courage and gird up the loins of their mind be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to come unto them quickly that with exceeding joy they will lift up their heads because the hour of deliverance is at hand to all the truly consecrated who read and appreciate this book we believe that the words of the master the kingdom of heaven is at hand will sound in their ears like clarion notes upon the clear morning air giving courage and strength to those who are growing weak in faith and more courage to the stronger ones we believe that every one who appreciates this volume will have a burning desire to grasp his weapon and go forth to the smiting of the jordan giving praise to the lord for the privilege some will murmur and find fault with this book some will grow angry and some will join the persecutors but we believe every saint whose heart is filled with love for god and for his people will rejoice and give praise to the lord for this further evidence of his blessed favor the publisher takes pleasure in presenting this the seventh volume to the remaining members of the church and to all who may read with profit to themselves and to the glory of the lord jesus and our father as the lord has sent forth the other six volumes his blessing has accompanied each that his blessing may be upon this volume to the comfort and encouragement of the dear saints in the hour of direst need is our prayer watch tower bible tract society

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8 table of contents rev 1 the message for this day 2 paul john arius waldo 3 wycliffe luther russell 4 the author of the plan 5 the executor of the plan 6 six seals and the papacy 7 seventh seal and great company 8 four preliminary reformations 9 two ineffective reformation woes 10 the true reformation woe 11 the time of the end 12 the birth of antichrist 13 the papal and protestant beasts 14 the five harvest messages 15 the song of the saints 16 ecclesiasticisms seven plagues 17 the papacys last stand 18 the fall of ecclesiasticism 19 the overthrow of satans empire 20 the thousand years reign 21 the descending kingdom 22 the river of grace and truth cant the bridal anthem ezek 1 gods character and plan 2 the rebellious house and the book 3 pastor russells divine ordination 4 the papal and protestant sieges 5 the severed hair calamities 6 sword famine pestilence samples of christians preserved 7 dawn of the evil day 8 molech the torment deity 9 the man with the inkhorn 10 scattering coals of fire 11 the wicked counsel christendom the caldron 12 christendoms blind flight 13 the gaps in the wall 14 insincere inquirers gods four sore judgments page 11 23 45 73 97 105 123 143 155 167 171 183 193 217 231 237 259 273 289 299 315 333 339 367 377 381 391 398 402 403 404 409 417 421 424 424 428 432 435 436

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contents 15 fit for fuel only 16 unfaithfulness of gods people 17 parable of the eagles zionism to prosper 18 the soul that sinneth 19 the lions whelps 20 the hypocritical ecclesiastics 21 the thrice doubled sword twice three times and the point 22 the melting pot of war 23 two apostate church systems protestantisms pollution 24 the boiling caldron pastor russell a sign 25 recompense upon the tares 26 downfall of philosophy 27 philosophys utter ruin the ship steered to destruction 28 destruction of the devil churchianity to be destroyed 29 the egyptians a type christendoms future condition 30 pharaohs two arms broken church and state go down together 31 christendom not to endure 32 christendoms utter downfall 33 why ecclesiasticism must perish clerical seeds of anarchy pastor russell heard again 34 the unfaithful shepherds the good shepherd 35 edom a type 36 christendoms early restoration why god will restore christendom 37 the valley of dry bones two sticks made one a great religious reformation 38 final overthrow of pride 39 death of prides multitude 40 the temple and river of god 9 page 438 439 447 450 451 464 456 464 465 470 474 475 481 483 486 489 493 498 500 503 504 506 507 509 511 514 519 520 530 533 535 540 543 547 551 556 557 559 563 569

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10 explanatory note this posthumous work of pastor russell arranged for use as a textbook is much condensed including the extracts from the pastors pen all of which are referred back to his works the abbreviations used are a b c d e f the six preceding volumes of studies in the scriptures citations to e in italic figures refer to old editions figures in ordinary type to later editions b s m h pd t s z the bible students monthly what say the scriptures about hell photodrama of creation scenario tabernacle shadows spiritism pamphlet zions watch tower followed by year and page the citations to revelation and ezekiel refer to the comments herein as well as to the bible text other abbreviations used are barnes brit buck coffin cook edgar mcc mosheim s b d smith weym barnes revelation encyclopedia britannica bucks theological dictionary coffins story of liberty cooks revelation a compendium of the presentations of seventytwo leading commentators on revelation in all languages and all ages of the church edgars pyramid passages vol ii mcclintock and strong encyclopedia mosheims ecclesiastical history smiths bible dictionary smiths thoughts on daniel and revelation weymouths new testament in modern speech.

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the finished mystery 11 t he r evelation of [st john [the divine revelation 1 the message for this day · the revelation of jesus christ john the revelator and the prophet habakkuk have foretold that the understanding of this revelation given in 96 a d is set for an appointed time the end of the age and that at this time now when the predicted faithful and wise servant would be present with gods people the vision would be made plain rev 1:10 matt 24:45 hab 2:13 1 pet 1:13 which god gave unto him the declaration that the son can do nothing of himself if it were not backed up as it is by a score of other testimonies from the same interested and inspired teacher is a contradiction to the common thought of trinitarians that the son is the father z.9945 john 5:20 12:49 17:7,8 to show unto his [servants saints our lord jesus has promised us that as the elder brother of the gospel house of sons whatsoever the father shall make known to him he in turn will make known to us z.9945 the things the shifting scenes of church and state the history of the gospel and millennial ages which must shortly come to pass which began at once in st johns day and will continue until the completion of all that he foresaw and he sent he did not come himself but acted with the dignity becoming him who is now the express image of the fathers person dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto whom no man hath seen nor can see heb 1:3 1 tim 6:16 · · · · · words not in sinaitic ms are enclosed in brackets the sinaitic ms is the oldest known copy of the scriptures having been written it is believed in a d 331 the authorized version was made from mss none of which were older than the tenth century words in sinaitic ms which do not appear in authorized version are printed in capitals.

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12 rev 1 ­ the message for this day · and signified it our lords revelation which god gave him after he had passed into glory he sent and signified [signified told in signs symbols etc to his church b203 · by his angel the angel of rev 3:14 represented this messenger who appeared to st john our lords promise in luke 12:44 is not limited to activities on this side the veil · unto his servant john this simplicity common to all the apostles commends them to us as men of humble mind the very kind we should expect our lord to use as special messengers to his people z/16343 rev 19:10 · 1:2 who bare record herein and previously in the fourth gospel and in the three epistles bearing his name · of the word of god the logos st john has had more to say of the logos than had any other apostle in olden times certain kings made addresses to their subjects by proxy the king sitting behind a screen while his word or spokesman stood before the screen and addressed the people aloud on subjects whispered to him by the king who was not seen and such a speaker was termed the kings logos e9485 · and of the testimony the daily words and deeds during the three and a half years of his ministry · of jesus christ the faithful and true witness rev 3:14 · [and of all what things [that soever he saw st johns powers of observation were acute his gospel contains records of twentytwo events or teachings not mentioned by the other evangelists · 1:3 blessed is he the elijah class · that readeth correctly interprets the symbolisms · and they plural · that hear the [words word of this prophecy all who have read and understood even a part of the teachings of the book were blessed as promised it was an important aid to luther in deciding that the papacy of which he was a conscientious minister was antichrist a27 · and keep keep the eyes upon observe so the greek indicates rev 22:7 · those things which are written therein there is a blessing upon those who read this revelation even though they do not understand and a special blessing upon those who hear and understand the words of this prophecy and who conform their lives to the things therein written z.16343.

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the finished mystery 13 · for the time is at hand the fulfillments began at once in st johns own day · 1:4 john to the seven churches not merely the seven literal congregations mentioned in verse ll and elsewhere but to the epochs of the church as a whole from apostolic days until now · which are in asia in the orient the east the early path of the sun before the sun of righteousness can illuminate the world of mankind its rays must first have passed through the church the first to greet and welcome the new day · grace be unto you may favor unmerited be your happy portion · and peace the lords special legacy to his church john 14:27 · from him our glorified lord and head rev 1:8 · which is now selfexistent like the father john 5:26 · and which was the logos the fathers agent in the creation of all things john 1:3 and subsequently as mans redeemer made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death heb 2:9 · and which is to come in glory and great power at his second advent until he shall have set judgment in the earth isa 42:4 · and from the seven spirits lamps of fire or eyes rev 4:5 5:6 in this symbolical picture the eye of the lord is represented as seven or complete allseeing everywhere allknowing this is our confidence this is our rejoicing z.05318 zech 3:9 4:10 · which are before his throne which are sent forth into all the earth rev 4:5 · 1:5 and kai even for a similar use of the word see the expression god himself and our father 1 thes 3:11 which in the diaglott is rendered god himself even our father · from jesus christ the faithful witness who before pontius pilate witnessed a good confession 1 tim 6:13 our lords admission to pilate i am a king to this end was i born and for this cause came i into the world john 18:37 was the direct cause of his death the accusation set up over his head was this is jesus the king of the jews john 19:19 matt 27:37 similarly faithful admissions may end the earthly careers of the feetmembers of his body · the first begotten of the dead the firstborn of the dead ones diaglott 1 cor 15:20 col 1:18 acts 26:23 this verse clearly teaches what the creeds of christendom ignore namely that our lord was the first to experience a resurrection to perfection and eternal life in the full sense of the word z.16343 acts 13:33 34.

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