1881 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

We know of some who are now experiencing this kind ofscorching. They have heard the word and received it with joy--their eyes have been opened to see wonderful things in God'sword. They have realized that the Lord is present and hasopened their eyes--they have confessed Him and denied not--they have been baptized typically in water, in a likeness of Hisdeath and raised in the figure. Now they are seeking daily to bebaptized into death--the death of the old natures--the likeness ofChrist's. The sun of persecution and reproach has risen and thescorching has commenced. If they be stony ground hearts theirprofession and all will wither away and die out, but if goodhearts, the seed will continue to grow and yield fruit which thesun will only ripen and perfect-- not wither.To these we would say, remember how our master said that ifany man would be His disciple (pupil--to learn of Him) he musttake up His cross and follow Him. Remember how youpromised to follow Him through evil and good report;remember, too, that He is an ever present help in time of trouble,and thus remembering, may you be enabled to "endure hardnessas good soldiers"--"Endure as seeing Him that is invisible.""Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which isto try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. Ifye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for thespirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: On their part He isevil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. Nothing glorifiesGod's name and character more than does the grand plan whichHe is showing to us, and which we preach. Rejoice inasmuch asye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shallbe revealed ye may be glad, also, with exceeding joy." (1 Pet.4:12-14.)====================R214 : page 7WANTED 1,000 PREACHERS.A vast field is open for the employment of the time and talentof every consecrated man and woman to whom the Lord hascommitted a knowledge of His truth.The harvest message that the King has come, and the separationbetween wheat and tares is progressing, and the opportunity forseeking the prize of the high calling to joint heirship with Christas His Bride is soon to end, are important items of truth for theentire "household of faith." The knowledge of the plan of Godas it relates to the blessing of "all the families of the earth" in"the ages to come," and other information concerning themanifold grace of God, whereof he has made us stewards, (todistribute and use) would be of incalculable value and aid to