1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

Excellent as public preaching is we believe that the Lord's peoplelearn more in Berean Classes than by listening to any sermon. Thoughtis stimulated, quickened.==========BETHEL HYMNS FOR SEPTEMBERAfter the close of the hymn the Bethel Family listens to thereading of "My Vow Unto the Lord," then joins in prayer.At the breakfast table the MANNA text is considered. Hymnsfor September follow (1) 299; (2) 313; (3) 53; (4) 125; (5) 7;(6) 191; (7) 170; (8) 117; (9) 145; (10) 130; (11) 43; (12)154; (13) 167; (14) 16; (15) 127; (16) 12; (17) 238; (18) 101;(19) 54; (20) 72; (21) 78; (22) 8; (23) 37; (24) 307; (25)209; (26) 96; (27) 293; (28) 279; (29) Vow; (30) 296.R5080 page 255====================THE MARK OF CRYSTALLIZATION OF CHARACTER"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this onething I do, forgetting those things that are behind, and reachingforth unto those things which are before, I press towardthe mark for the prize of the high calling of God inChrist Jesus."--Phil. 313,14.IN THE EPISTLE to the Philippians, St.Paul expresses his full appreciation of hisopportunity to gain a prize, somethingworthy of laying hold upon, of graspingfully, of getting possession of. What wasthat for which the great Apostle was strivingand which he had not yet attained?He spoke of this thing as a prize, whichhe was pressing along to win.We may view "the mark for the prizeof the high calling" from two standpoints, both of whichare correct. From one standpoint, this mark is that ofheart-likeness to God's dear Son, of perfection of intention,of love for righteousness, for God, for the brethrenof Christ, and for the world, even our enemies. Thisdegree of character-development should be attained asearly as possible in our Christian experience, and shouldbe such that, were we to die at any time after its attainment,God would count us worthy of a share in the FirstResurrection.From the other standpoint, this "mark for the prize ofthe high calling" is that of crystallization of characterin the likeness of our Lord. After having attained aheart-likeness to Christ, we must hold it fast, and seethat in all the testings which the Lord permits to comeupon us, we are counted by Him as overcomers, not inour own strength, but in that of our Redeemer. This