A Desirable Government (1924)
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A DESIRABLE GOVERNMENT
Government
Page Three
The Original Man Page Eight
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The First Advent
Page Fifteen "8
New World Beginning
Page Eighteen
■s?
The New Government in Operation
Page Twenty-seven
Armageddon First
Page Forty
Could Armageddon Have Been Averted?
Page Fifty-three
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International Bible Students Association
Brooklyn, N.Y.
A DESIRABLE GOVERNMENT written by
J. F. Rutherford author of "The Harp of God” "World Distress- Why.'” "Can the, Giving Tull.- ii ilh the Dead?” "Millions Now Living Will Never Die!” etc., etc.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Copyrighted 1921 by INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION Brooklyn, N. Y.
A Desirable Government
TO DESIRE a thing means to wish or long for the possession and enjoyment of that thing. Ure wish, or longing desire, is an inducement to put forth much effort to obtain possession and enjoyment of the thing.
Desirable means a wish to possess and enjoy that which is pleasing and beneficial.
A government is a body politic, governed ot controlled by duly constituted authority,
A desirable government is a body politic directed and controlled by constituted authority, which authority or power is exercised in a just and righteous manner, bringing the greatest amount of good and blessing to all the people.
The three fundamental blessings that man has long wished for and diligently sought after are: Life, liberty and happiness. That these fundamentals might be possessed and enjoyed, man has attempted many forms of government. He has made some progress; but now, after many centuries of effort, the wisest men of the world freely say that civilization in its present form is gravely threatened with complete destruction.
The World's Outlook by Foremost Statesmen
L' former days a man who magnified the evil conditions, or -poke of the impotency of government, was designated as a radical pessimist. Not so at the present time. Surely no one today can justly say that Lloyd George, Woodrow Wilson, Ramsay MacDonald, Doctor Brailsford, and like men arc radical pessimists. These men are considered by the world as their foremost statesmen. Here is what some of them say concerning present conditions:
"A. new chapter opens In the history of Europe and the world, with a climax of horror such as mankind has never yet witnessed,”—Lloyd George.
“There Is no settlement in Europe. There is no peace in Europe, Governments can do nothing. They are afraid to do anything and they stand by and allow things to go from bad to worse."- Ilumsny MacDonald, M. I’.
“Airplanes, poison gas and hatred mixed together are spelling tlm doom of civilization. America is preparing for war on a scale so colossal that it has no parallel in the history of tlm world. Our civilization will perish unless we strive for international peace."- •Prederlek J. Libby.
“1 am afraid ihai unless something intervenes there may be In the world tignlli a c.iUiHlroplm. bill not like the lust one. The next war may well destroy civilization unless something or somebody doos something."-—Lloyd George.
Civilization Called Pagan, Fool’s Paradise
"Before the war people oi l on supposed that ours was a Christian culture. Tlm war lets revealed us to ourselves. Civilization Is pagan." Dr. Bernard I. Bell,
“We have come lo the crossroads and no one knows the way out."—JI. G. Wolls.
“The future is very dark. We have reached the twilight of civilization.' Dr. 11. L. Brailsford.
"No man unless Im I drunk wiili optimism can deny that the world is very Hick, and it may be a sickness unto death."—Sir Philip Gibb -.
“1 think H is eoriulu Unit If Iheic lie another such war civilization will never recover from it." -Viscount Grey.
“We are living in n kind of fool's paradise. Under the slogan of preparedness the militarists everywhere are again precipitating ii deluge of war."—Fred B. Smith.
“The next wnr will lust but n few days, I mean it literally. And in those few days, with the air and gas attacks which have been planned by hoadcpiarters’ staffs, London and Paris will Im wiped out. In a night."—W. L. Warden, of the London jlfn/l.
Discussing the world’s distressed condition, President Wilson said:
“These are days of great perplexity, when a great cloud whangs over the world. It seems as if great blind material forces had been released which had for long been held in leash and restraint."
Government Failure—A Malady
There is not a government on earth today that satisfies any reasonable proportion of the world. Many of the nations are ruled by dictators. The whole world is practically bankrupt. Leading men of the world have advanced various schemes or methods for governmental reform. But these all have proven abortive.
The great commercial interests of the world have made their attempt, to stabilize civilization, and admit failure.
The statesmen and politicians have held a number of world conferences at which attempts have been made to reform governments. AH of those have failed. The League of Nations was hailed as the salvation of the peoples of earth, but now it is not seriously considered by many people that the League can accomplish the desired end.
Collapse of Church Federation
The denominational churches have taken their turn. The Interchurch World Movement, composed of the combined denominations of the world, incorporated, formed a splendid organization apparently, then called upon the people to contribute to them $336,547,724.26 with which to convert the world. The only thing that the movement succeeded in doing was collecting a lot. of money from the people. It has now applied to the court for dissolution. It admits absolute failure.
To those who think does it not appeal that man has reached his extremity in an attempt to build a desirable
government? Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. God’s way is certain to succeed in his own due time. Through his prophet God said: "Fot as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void; but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”—Isaiah 55: 9,11.
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What Hope for the World ?
For a number of years a few Christian people on earth, without regard In denominational creeds, have been bending every possible effort to instruct the people as to what the Bible has io say concerning the cause of the world’s distress and the remedy. During the most of that time only a few people heard, the masses being hindered by a class of men who call themselves preachers, clergymen, doctors of divinity, priests, etc., claiming to be teachers of the Word of God and yet turning the minds of the people away from it. Now the world is becoming wise concerning them ; and since man has reached his extremity, great numbers of the people are giving heed to the teachings of the Bible, and the Bible Students are furnishing them with much helpful literature to understand the Word of God. Reasonable men and women are now beginning to appreciate the fact that only Siil'UEME Power can save the world from complete collapse. The very purpose of this little book and of like literature published by the International Bible Students Association is to aid the people in a course, of self-instruction concerning the divine plan for the establishment of a desirable government.
The reader is respectfully invited to consider carefully the points herein made and to prove these by reading them in connection with the Scriptural texts cited, to be found in your own Bible. The Scriptures
were given for man’s instruction. The time is now due for them to be understood. The Bible read now, in the light of prophecy that is daily being fulfilled, proves that it is the Word of God and that Jehovah has a complete and adequate remedy for all the ills of humankind. To prove that he purposed to establish in his own due time a government of righteousness that will bless the people, he said through his prophet: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase, of his government and peace there shall be no end.’''—Isaiah 9: 6, 7.
Essentials to Good Government
The primary essentials to a good government are honesty and an unselfish desire on the part of the governing power to do the greatest amount of good to the governed, and then the possession of the ability to put that desire into operation justly and without partiality.
It is admitted that selfishness now is the predominant motive that induces men to action. Then you will suggest that the only way to have an ideal government, one which meets man’s desire, is to have a governing power that is perfect. This is conceded. The argument that follows herein will be conclusive to everyone who reads and believes the Scriptures, that God has made provision to establish a perfect government that will meet all the desires and requirements of mankind. Why it has not been done sooner, why we should expect it to be done at all, when and how it is to he accomplished can be understood only by briefly reviewing the history of man and showing the reason why the world has now reached a crisis. This proof is not based upon the wisdom of man, but is based upon the Word of the Great Supremo Being and is therefore conclusive.
The Original Man
Concerning the first man the Bible says: “So God created man in his own image . . . and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth/’ (Genesis 1:27,28) “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in .Eden; and there he put the man whom ho had formed.” (Genesis 2:8) Being in the image of God, the man was perfect. All the works of God arc perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) The first man was given dominion over all the things of the earth, with power to people it with a perfect race and to govern that race in a desirable manner.—Genesis 1: 28.
Why Man Failed
Jehovah justly required of man complete obedience to his law, that he might thereby prove man’s righteousness and loyalty. (Genesis 3:16, 17) Lucifer, an angelic being of great power, was in Eden, the Garden of God. (Ezekiel 28:13) lie learned that man had been granted power and authority to (ill the earth and establish a government. Ambition seized hold upon him, and he said: “I will be like the Most High.” (Tsaiah 14:12-14) He set. about to liavo a dominion of hie own; and to accomplish this he resorted io fraud and deceit that he might alienate num from God and then have rule over him. He used the serpent in Edon through which to speak, ami by this moans deceived Eve. He stated in substance to Eve that. God was trying to withhold from her and Adam knowledge to which they were justly entitled, and that if they would eat of the forbidden fruit they would be as wise as God. Eve violated God’s law. (Genesis 3:1-6) Adam deliberately committed suicide. Seeing that he was to be separated from Eve by her death he preferred to go with her. He was not 8 deceived. He wilfully violated the law. (1 Timothy 3:14) Consistent with his fixed law Jehovah sentenced man to death and expelled him from Eden. This judgment is fully set forth in Genesis 3: 17-34.
By this judgment man lost his perfection, lost his right to life, to peace and happiness. He went forth into an unfinished earth to battle with the elements. God enforced bis judgment by causing Adam to feed upon imperfect food; and the. death process continued for 930 years, at. the end of which time Adam was completely dead. After ho had left Eden, all of his children were born. The parents being under the sentence of death and dying, necessarily their children would be born imperfect. Hence we read the words of the Prophet, which apply to all men: “Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5) Every human being has been born imperfect; therefore all are sinners.—Romans 5:13.
Jehovah’s Promise
Years passed; and the number of Adam’s offspring increased. Some among them had the desire for a just and righteous government, while others went from bad to worse. Thon God made a promise to Abraham that he would bless him and his seed: “And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 13:1-3) To reassure man that this promise would be carried out, God bound it with his oath. (Genesis 23:14-18) Jehovah always keeps his promises. He said: “For I am the Lord, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6) “I have spoken it, I will bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”—Isaiah 46:11.
God does everything in his own due time. When we. consider that a day with him is as a thousand years with us (2 Peter 3:8), and that it has been less than '7,000 years since man was sentenced to death, the time of carrying out God’s promise is not long. In the exer-else of his perfect wisdom, as now disclosed to man through his Word, God has permitted millions of people to be brought into the world, permitted them to learn lessons by experience concerning the baneful effects of sin; and while this has been in progress Jehovah has gradually and majestically developed his plans and purposes to establish a desirable government, through which to bless all the families of the earth.
A Model Government
Jehovah organized Israel into a nation and gave through that nation a code of perfect laws. He promised them that if they would obey bis law they should be unto him a peculiar treasure above all other people, and that if they would keep his commandments they should have life everlasting; and with that, of course, would go liberty and happiness.— Exodus 19:5,6; Leviticus 18:5.
The promise to Abraham was that in his seed all the nations should he. blessed. (Genesis 18: 18) This promise later was limited to the tribe of Judah, descendants of Abraham. God made it certain that from this tribe should come a great ruler. “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” (Genesis 49: 10) Only the ruler can hold the sceptre; therefore the sceptre, is a symbol of the right to rule or of legal title to the power.
Shiloh is one of the names applied to Christ, the Messiah; and here was a positive promise that the one who would have the right to rule would come through the house of Judah. Ilavid was of that tribe; and when he became king of Israel, the people thought that he was to be the promised ruler. His name means beloved; and he was a type of Christ, the beloved Son of God. He pictured the development of the royal line. David w.t* succeeded by his son Solomon, the wisest of all men.
whose reign was marked by great wealth, peace and wisdom. Solomon pictured the Messiah and his glorious reign. Otherwise stated, Jehovah here was using Solomon to foreshadow the real kingdom through which the blessings of man should come.
Israel did not keep the Law, hence could not receive the blessings promised. The reason why Israel did not keep the Law was because of the imperfection of man. Of course, God knew that they could not keep it. His purpose in giving the Law was to show the stiffnecked Jews that they could not of themselves establish a perfect government; that they needed a perfect Mediator, who must first be their Redeemer and then their King. For this reason St. Paul states that one of the purposes of the law covenant was to serve as a schoolmaster to lead the Jews to Christ.—Galatians 3: 24,
Jews’ Rule of Earth a Failure
Israel repeatedly violated the covenant with God. Under the reign of Zedekiah God permitted Israel to be overthrown. To that nation he said: "Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him. that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: and it shall bn no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.” (Ezekiel 21: 26,27) Until the coming of God’s appointed king no one could rule the earth with a rightful title, nor in righteousness.
Gentile Rule Began 606 B.C.
The overthrow of Zedekiah occurred in the year 606 B. C. From that time forward God permitted the Gentiles of the earth to put forth their best efforts to establish a desirable government. The first world, power was organized under Nebuchadnezzar. It fell at the hands of the Medes and Persians; then followed the Greek,
and then the Roman empire. All of these have failed, as is now admitted,, to establish a desirable government.
When Jesus came to the Jews, some accepted him as the great Messiah. When he entered Jerusalem and offered himself as king his followers thought that he had come then to establish his kingdom that would bless all the families of the earth. When he was crucified, they were greatly disappointed, and were in sorrow and in distress. Even his disciples said: "But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel,” (Luke 24:21) Jesus was resurrected and, forty days thereafter, ascended into heaven. Ten days later, known as Pentecost, God revealed to the apostles, through his spirit, the purpose of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The manner of establishing peace on earth and good will to men had to this time been kept a secret. Then the apostles learned that before the desired blessings could come Jesus must provide the great ransom sacrifice. To understand in some degree the great ransom sacrifice is essential to - seeing how a desirable government. can be established and bring blessings to the people. Briefly here we consider this pivotal point in the divine plan.
Redemption
Adam, sentenced to death, and all of his offspring being born imperfect, could have no everlasting right to life, because of imperfection. No matter how good the government, the desired blessings could not Cume without redemption.
Adam was justly sentenced to death and must die. His offspring inherited the result of this sentence; and being born imperfect, they could never have the right to live. From Scripture Studies, Volume V, f’The At-one-ment between God and Man,” p. 421, we quote:
“Unless the divine sentence or ‘curse’ could be lifted from mankind, it would stand as a perpetual embargo,
to hinder man's recovery or restitution to divine favor, fellowship and everlasting life.”
Since perfect man was sentenced to death, the only ossible way for man to be relieved of that disability would be the voluntary death of another perfect man. All of Adam’s race being imperfect, there was no man that could redeem his brother nor give to God a. ransom for him. (Psalm 49: 7) Ransoiri is defined thus: “A price in offset, or a price to correspond.”—Scripture Studies, Volume V, "The At-onc-mcnt between God and Man.” page 428.
God plainly promised to redeem man from death, and ransom him from the power of the grave, and destroy death and destroy the grave. (Hosea 13:14) In his own due time, to carry out this promise he sent his Son ■Tesus, whose life was transferred from the spirit to the. human plane. He was begotten, not by man, but by the power of Jehovah. (Matthew 1: 20) Hence when Jesus was born he was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. (Hebrews 7:26) He was born a man, horn flesh and blood in order that he might become a ransom for man; and by the grace of God he tasted death for all men. (Hebrews 2: 9-14) The love of God provided this ransom sacrifice in order that man might ' live. The Scriphire states: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso) ever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever; lasting life.” (John 3:16) Furthermore, Jesus said that he came to give his life a ransom for many.— Matthew 20: 28.
The Atonement
That which man has desired above n/ery thing A is life. He. will sacrifice anything that he may prolong life even for a. short season, without life man would be worth nothing to himself or anyone else. Jesus said that he came that the people might have life and have
it more abundantly. (John 10:10) His death an<E resurrection provided a perfect corresponding price for Adam. Adam, a perfect man, sinned and was sentenced to death. Jesus, a perfect man, voluntarily went into death. God raised him up out of death a divine being. Then Jesus said: “Behold, I am alive for evermore.” —Fevelation 1:18.
Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and his ascension on high enabled him to present to divine justice the price of a perfect human life, which divine justice could accept and does accept as a vicarious atonement, for man, who had sinned. The, purpose, of this is to open the way to restore man to that condition which he enjoyed prior to sinning; and this condition of restoration is essential that man may enjoy life, liberty and happiness and a perfect government, Therefore says the Apostle: “God . . . will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (I Timothy 2:4-6) His death and resurrection are a guarantee that all men shall have one opportunity for life- God has appointed a day, or time certain, in which this opportunity shall be granted to everyone.—Acts 17: 31.
It is impossible here to go fully into the philosophy of the great ransom sacrifice. We merely state the general principle and the necessity for it. The subject is discussed in detail and we have great pleasure in referring the reader to Studies in the Scriptures, Volume V, “The At-one-ment between God and Han.”
The First Advent
The first coming of the Lord Jesus was to provide the ransom or redemptive price. Before he ascended to heaven he stated to his disciples that he would come again.—John 14:1-3.
Our Lord’s second coining is for the purpose of receiving his faithful followers unto himself and for the establishment of a universal kingdom, which will constitute a desirable government and bring the blessings which God promised to Abraham.
During, the period of time elapsing between the first and second coming the Lord has been employed in selecting from amongst men those who shall be associated with Christ Jesus as members of his body and as his bride, the church. The word “church” does not mean a denominational church, but it does mean a selected and separated class who willingly devote their lives to the Lord and who, continuing thus faithfully devoted to him unto death, have the promise of receiving the crown of life, or the divine nature.—Revelation 3:1O.
Who Are Immortal?
This royal or reigning family, together with the Head, Christ Jesus, is designated in the Bible as the “new creation,” which new creation will possess the. same nature as that possessed by Jehovah, namely, the divine nature.
Studies in the Scbiptuees, Volume VI, “The Hew Creation,” contains a full and complete discussion of all the Bible texts dealing with the new creation, showing that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of this new creation; that his body members are selected during the Gospel age, not before, and none thereafter; that the manner of their selection is as follows: Faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ as the great Redeemer and a full and complete consecration to do God’s holy will; justification by faith; begetting by the holy spirit; anointing or designation to membership in the royal family, and thereafter faithfulness to their covenant even unto death. Concerning these Si:. John says: “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2,3) To these faithful ones the Lord said: “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) The promise is that these shall live and reign with Christ.—Revelation 20: 6.
Satan’s Government Falling
From time immemorial Satan, the evil one, has controlled the minds of the rulers of earth and of almost all of the people. Israel was the only nation on earth not always under his control. In the course of time Satan overreached that nation; and with the fall of Zedekiah, Israel’s last king, Satan became the invisible ruler or god of the whole world. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Ue has exercised his power over men for evil and against men’s real interest. He usurped the power of control over the Gentile governments; and God did not interfere because it was, and is, Jehovah’s purpose that man should follow his own devices and thus gain lessons by experience that he could not learn otherwise. Man, naturally depraved, moved largely by selfish desires and influences, overreached and controlled in a large measure by the invisible evil one, the devil, has been unable to establish a desirable government. Every effort on the part of good men to establish a righteous government has failed because of the evil influences of Satan and the imperfection of man.
During all these centuries, while men have desired a perfect government, the peoples have groaned and travailed in anguish, hoping, praying and watching for a better time to come, not knowing how nor when that time would come. God in his own good time performs his sovereign will. God’s due time has now come tor the people to know the truth. If it is God’s due time for men to understand, we are certain that all will understand who diligently seek to know. But how may we know that we have reached God’s due time to make known his purpose to bless the human race? The answer to this question is of great importance, and here we attempt to give it according to the Bible.
Since Satan is the invisible ruler of the old world and holds the title by usurpation of that world or order of things, and since the right to rule is in another, then it follows that, when the due time comes for the rightful niler to take unto himself his power and reign, Satan’s government must fall and his power come to an end. It follows, furthermore, that this would mark the end of the old world, or the end of the Gentile times and I be beginning of the new world. Hence the fall of Satan’s government, the second coming of our Lord, the end of Gentile times, the end of the old world, and the beginning of the new world are so closely connected that the proof concerning one is also proof concerning the other.
New World Beginning
By the term “world” as used here and in the Scriptures is meant the social and political order existing on the earth. The earth itself will never perish nor end., but being created for man will abide forever. (Isaiah 45:18; Ecclesiastes 1:4) God’s plan, with reference to man, embraces three great epochs of time which are designated in the Scriptures as “the world that was,” “this present evil world,” and “the world to come, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” From Scripture Studies, Volume I, “The Divine Plan of the Ages,” pages 66, 67, we quote:
“These three great epochs represent three distinct manifestations of divine providence. The first, from the creation of man to the flood, was under the ministration of angels, and is called by Peter ‘the world that was.'—2 Peter 3: 6.
“The second great epoch, from the flood to the establishment of the kingdom of God, is under the limited control of Satan, ‘the prince of tills world,’ and is therefore called ‘this present evil world.’—Galatians 1:4; 2 Peter 3: 7.
“The third is to be a ‘world without end’ (Isaiah 45:17), under divine administration, the kingdom of God, and is called ‘the world to come, wherein dwelleth righteousness.’—Hebrews 2:5; 2Peter 3:13.
“The first of these periods, or ‘worlds,’ under the ministration of angels, was a failure. The second, under the rule of Satan, the usurper, has been indeed an ‘evil world.’ Bnt the third will be an era of righteousness and of blessing to al! the families of the earth,"
The Scriptures refer to the closing events of the second world as “the time of the end.” This does not mean, the end of time; for time will never end. It means a time or period during which the old world or order of things will begin to pass away and its disinters
gration continue until it is completely gone. The passing out of the old world would mean the incoming of the new order. The prophet Daniel had a vision of the great universal empires and of the passing away finally of the last one and of the incoming of the new government. He asked the meaning thereof; and God said to him: “Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. . . . [Then] the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:9,10) The word “wise” here means a man who applies his mind to acquire a knowledge concerning God’s plans and purposes. The Lord then caused Daniel to write concerning certain events that would be apparent to everyone during the time of the end. He said: “But thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”—Daniel 12:4.
The period embracing the “time of the end” begins, according to Bible chronology and prophecy, in the year 1799 A. D. This matter is dealt with in detail in “The Harp of God” and Volumes II and III of Studies in the Scriptures. Brom “The Harp of God,” paragraph 400, we quote:
“There are two important dates here that we must not confuse, but clearly differentiate, namely, the beginning of ‘the time of the end’ and of ‘the presence of the Lord.’ ‘The time of the end’ embraces a period from A. D. 1799, as above indicated, to the time of the complete overthrow of Satan’s empire and the establishment of the kingdom of Messiah. The time of the Lord’s second presence dates from 1374, as above stated. The latter period is within the first named, of course, and at the latter part of the period known as ‘the time of the end’.”
“Daniel traces the world’s history by its most notable characters, from the kingdom of Persia down to the overthrow of the Papal dominion. Though covering the long period of 2,400 years, it uccomplisiies its purpose of clearly marking the very year of the beginning of the time of the end—1799,”—Sttroms in the Scbtp-tlres, Volume III, "Thy Kingdom Come,” pages 47,48.
We should expect to find shortly after 1799 the begin ning of the fulfilment of Daniel’s prophecy by the in crease of knowledge and by much running to and frt It is interesting here to refer briefly to the world’s hl tory on these points. From “The Harp of God,” pari graphs 408 to 409, we quote as follows:
“A short time thereafter the first Bible societies that ever existed were organized. The British and Foreign Bible Society wits established in 1803; the New York Bible Society in 1804; the Berlin-Prussian Bible Society in 1S05; the Philadelphia Bible Society in 1808; and the American Bible Society in 1817. The Bible was translated and published in many different languages and sold at such low prices that the poor could have access to it, and within a short time millions of Bibles were in the hands of the people. The Papal system denounced these Bible societies as ‘pestiferous Bible societies.’ The time had come, however, for an increase of knowledge and the Lord was fulfilling his promise by putting it within the reach of those who were hungry for truth. The people began to learn that God is no respecter of persons; that kings and popes, priests and the common people alike must all render their account to the Lord and not to man.
“From that time forward there has been a great corresponding increase of knowledge in all the sciences; and in fact, in all lines of learning, The common school, always opposed by the Papacy, has afforded a means of general education and increase of knowledge for people in all walks of life. Colleges and universities have sprung up throughout the world. With the increase of knowledge on various lines have come the numerous inventions that man now has, time and labor-saving machines, etc,
“Before 1709 the means of transportation were such that a man could travel only a short distance in a day.
He must go either by a vehicle draw by horses or oxen, or afoot; and when he would cross the sea he must go on a sailboat that made little progress. In 1831 the first locomotive steam engine was invented. Such wonderful progress has been made in this regard that now one can travel through almost any part of the earth at a rapid rate upon a railway train. Later came the electric engines and electric motor cars and gas engines; and now there is a ttremendous amount of travel in every part of the earth. It is no uncommon thing for one to travel at the rate of 75 and 100 miles per hour; and particularly is this true by means of a Hying machine, which is a very modern invention.
“God’s prophet designates this same time as ‘the day of God’s preparation.’ In Nahum 2:1-6 the Prophet records his vision of a railway train traveling nt a high rate of speed, as another evidence of the day of preparation for the establishment of Christ’s kingdom.
“In IS-!-! the telegraph was invented, and later the telephone. These instruments were first used with wires and by electricity messages were conveyed throughout the earth; but now by later invention wires are dispensed with and messages are flashed through the air by the use of instruments all over the earth,
“This great increase of knowledge and the tremendous running to and fro of the people in various parts of the earth is without question a fulfilment of the prophecy testifying as to ‘the time of the end.’ These physical facts cannot be disputed and are sufficient to convince any reasonable mind that wo have been in ‘the time of the end’ since 1791).
“The latter part, of ‘the time of the end' Jesus designated as a time of harvest; for he declared: ‘The harvest is the end of the world [age].' He stated that he would be present at that time. From 1874 forward is the latter part of the period of the ‘time of the end.’ From 1874 is the time of the Lord’s second presence as above stated. The apostle Paul, enumerating many things done concerning Israel, states that ‘they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world [age] are come.’ (1 Corinthians 10:11) It must be presumed, then, Unit these things would be understood at 'the time of the end’.-'
The disciples of Jesus, the Great Teacher, were familiar with the words of the Prophet; for the Law required all Israelites to study the Scriptures. Jesus had told them much about prophecy and had instructed them that the world would come to an end, that Satan would be overthrown, and that the Lord would return and set up his kingdom. Jesus laid great emphasis upon, the new government which was coming, and which the disciples understood would come when the old world ended. For this reason his disciples propounded to Jesus this pointed question: "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign [proof] of thy presence, and of the end of the world ?”—Matthew 24: 3.
Suppose Jesus had answered them by telling them that they would make a long journey; that when they reached the end of their way, they would know it by a sign board upon which would be written certain things Unit he then repeated to them. Then suppose that, following his instructions, they made the journey and found the sign board as he had pointed ont. The only reasonable conclusion would be that they had reached the time mentioned by him. Jesus did practically this thing. He told them that no man knew the day or the hour; but then he set forth events that would transpire at the end of the world and at the time of his presence:
"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes [symbolical of revolutions] in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
These things began to transpire bn the first of August, 1914, when the first gun of the World War was fired. That war involved practically all of Christendom. The world has never yet recovered from it, but has gradually grown worse. Then quickly followed the worst famine the world has ever known, during which millions of people starved to death in Russia, China, Germany, and other parts of the world. The war was followed by a pestilence known as Spanish influenza, from which more people died in twelve months than died during the wav in four years. Since the beginning of the World War there have been more terrible earthquakes than at any other period of the world’s history. Within the same period has been the great revolution in Russia, Germany, Austria, and other European countries. Jesus said in substance: ‘These things will mark the beginning of sorrows upon the world during “the time of the end,” during the time of my presence, and will particularly mark the end of the world, or the Gentile times, and the beginning of the fall of Satan’s government.’
End of Gentile Rule
Was there reason for students of the Bible to expect these troubles to begin in 1914? There were many reasons. The last king of Israel was overthrown in B. C. GOG. There began the Gentile times. There it was that Satan became the god of the whole world. The Lord, through his prophets, clearly indicated that the Gentile dominion would not be interrupted by him for a period of 2,520 years, at the end of which time it would terminate. This period of time necessarily would expire in 1914, August 1, to be exact. The end of the Gentile times and the end of the world would necessarily mark the time for the beginning of the new world. It would mark the time, when he whose right it is to reign should take the power and authority to reign. (Ezekiel 21: 25, 26) Confirming this view, and speaking of the same time, the Revelator says: “We give thee thanks, 0 Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and bast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come"—Revelation 11:17,18.
1914 marked the beginning of God’s wrath upon the nations of earth, composing Satan’s government, and marked the beginning of sorrows upon these nations, as stated by Jesus. This must continue until a great climax is reached, resulting in the overthrow of Satan’s power and the complete establishment of the new government. These things are now in progress.
Modernist and Fundamentalist
As a further proof that we are at the end of the old and the beginning of a new world, Jesus said that there would be a great falling away from the faith by those who pretend to be Christians. He stated: ‘‘"When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) Corroborative of this the Apostle says: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despis-ers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Iraving a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such 1 urn away.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
How aptly this describes the present, condition in the ecclesiastical world! Clergymen, who pretend to be Christians, having a form of godliness, now deny the inspiration of the Scriptures, deny the creation of man as perfect and substitute evolution instead, deny his fall and therefore deny the blood of Jesus that purchased mankind. They call themselves Modernists. They have turned away from the faith once delivered to the saints, as the Scriptures foretold it would be at this time. (2 Peter 3: 3,4) Tire necessity becomes greater, therefore, for the people to look well to individual study of the Bible; and the very purpose of this and kindred publications is to aid the people, with little or no expense, in acquiring a knowledge of the divine plans.
As further evidence of what should be expected al the end of the old world and the beginning of the now order Jesus said that there would be '’upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea [symbolical of restless humanityj and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (Luke 21,: 25, 26) Titis describes the conditions existing amongst the nations.
Furthermore, Jesus states that al this time, "this gospel [good news] of the kingdom [the new and desirable government] shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14) This is now being done by Bible Students, who are heralding the message from the public platform in every part of Christendom, publishing the message in many languages and at a price within the reach of everybody, proclaiming it by wireless and by every other known means. The Bible Students arc not seeking membership, not asking any one to join any organization, not soliciting money from anybody, but are merely trying to inform the people as to the cause of earth’s present distress and of a better time just at hand. We submit that it is within the bounds of propriety and modesty to ask the people now to give heed to what the International Bible Students arc saying.
The clergy have scoffed and still scoff, but the people arc now acquainted with the insincerity of the clergy. They are. also aware of the fact that, all remedies offered by the clergy, statesmen, politicians, and financiers for the reform of the present forms of government. are failures. Now we call upon the people to give heed to what the Word of God has to say concerning the matter. With modesty we ask them to read the Stldies in the Scbiptubes and "The Harp of God” in connection with iheir Bible and to prove to themselves that wo a r ■ standing at the portals of the golden age. This will' enable those who are in despair to have hope. Jesus purposed that Christians should especially be hopeful now when he said to them: “When these things begin to come to pass, then, look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”'—Luke 21: 28.
The climax in the present order of things is described by our Lord as a terrible trouble such as the world has never known. He says: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: hut for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24: 21, 22) God’s prophet corroborates this: “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”—Daniel 12:1.
Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. The severest trouble will awaken the nations to the necessity of turning to the Lord to realize their great desire. The Prophet describes it thus: “They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” (Psalm 107:27-30) Confirming this, God through his prophet says: “And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come.” (Haggai 2: 7) Surely no one will attempt, to gainsay the fact that the nations now are being shaken; and this shaking will continue until the complete downfall of the present unrighteous systems, and the establishment of the new and righteous government.
The New Government in Operation
Satan, while exercising his power, has been invisible to man. Tire promise of the Lord is that the devil shall be bound that he may deceive the nations no more. Then shall follow the reign of Christ. (Revelation 20:1-4) The Revclator then describes the new government in this beautiful symbolical phrase: "And 1 saw a new heaven [invisible ruling power] and a new earth [new order of things on the earth] : for the first heaven and the first earth [the old order] were passed away; and there was no more sea [restless, anarchistic humanity]. And I John saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem [the new organized government], coming down [proceeding] from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and ba their God.”—Revelation 21:1-3.
Referring to the closing days of the kingdoms under the rule of Satan, the Prophet says: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.”—Daniel 2: 44.
The new government invisible (that is to say, the ruling or governing factors invisible to man) is composed of Ohrist Jesus, the great King of kings and Lord of lords, and those faithful followers of Ids who arc overcomes and whom he grants to sit with him on his throne. To such he promised, saying, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my 27.
Father in his throne.” These shall have power over the nations and rule them.—Revelation 2:26,27; 3:21.
Visible Representatives
As Satan at all times has had his visible representatives on the earth acting in the capacity of ruling or governing factors, even so Christ the Messiah will have his visible representatives on the earth acting in the capacity of ruling or governing factors. St. Paul mentions a long list of faithful men, from Abel to .John the Baptist (Hebrews 11:1-39), who were loyal to God and to his cause of righteousness, all of whom died before the ransom sacrifice was given, hence whose position in the kingdom will not be heavenly but earthly. The Apostle says that these faithful men of old died, not having received the promise, and their perfection cannot be accomplished until the Messianic class is complete. (Hebrews 11: 39,40) They are dead, waiting the resurrection. Their awakening out of death will be at the early part of the Messianic reign; and they shall he made the princes ot rulers in all the earth, as the visible representatives of the Christ. (Psalm 45: 16) Referring to them, the writer of Studies in the Scriptures says:
“These ancient worthies will be unlike the remainder of mankind, not alone in the fact that their trial is past while the trial of the world in general will just be beginning; but they will be unlike them also in the fact that they will have attained the reward of their faithfulness—they will be perfect men, having completely restored to them all that was lost in Adam of mental and moral likeness to God, and perfection of physical powers. Thus they will not only be the ‘princes’ or Chiefs of earth (the earthly representatives of the heavenly kingdom—Christ and his church), but they, individually, will be representatives of what all the willingly obedient may attain to under the new covenant.
“When Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the ancient Worthies have been resurrected, and shall appear amongst the regathered Israelites about I Jie close of the time of Jacob's final trouble with Gog and Magog, their superior mental powers will speedily distinguish them from others. Moreover, their perfect minds will quickly grasp present-day knowledge and inventions; and they will be peculiar in many ways, as was the man Christ Jesus, of whom the people said, How knoweth this man literary matters, having never learned? (John 7:15) And as Jesus taught the people positively, definitely. Clearly, and not doubtfully and in a confused way, as did the scribes, so it will be with the perfected ancient worthies when they appear amongst men. Besides, these worthies, ‘princes,’ will have, direct communion with the spiritual kingdom (Christ and the church) as our Lord had with the angels, and as Adam eu,joyed similar personal communion before he came under divine sentence as a transgressor. These ‘princes’ of the new earth (the new order of society) will be fully qualified for the honorable position assigned to them.”—Studies in the Scrif-tubes, Volume IV, pages 625, 626.
“Because Abraham. Isaac. Jacob, and the other faithfid prophets described by the apostle Paul in Hebrews 11 are promised a better resurrection; because of the statement of the Prophet that they shall be princes or rulers in all the earth (Psalm 45:16) it is to be expected that they will be the first, ones raised under the terms of the uew covenant. Therefore it. is reasonable to expect them lo Ite back on earth at the beginning of the restoration blessings. He,uce these faithfill men may be expected on earth within the next few years. They will constitute the legal representatives of the Christ in the earth. They will be the visible representatives of the kingdom of heaven. These are the ones Who shall administer the affairs of earth under the direction of the Lord. We therefore see that there are two phases of God’s kingdom: The heavenly, which is invisible; and the eartlily, which is risible, the faithful prophets of old, namely, the ancient worthies, representing the Lord in this regard.”—“The Harp of God,” paragraphs 380, 5S1.
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The World Capital
In the light of the Scriptures we may reasonably expect that Jerusalem will be the capital of the world, with perfect and faithful men, namely, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Daniel, and others in charge of earth’s governmental affairs, with some of these faithful men as rulers located in the principal parts of the earth; that then the one in authority at Jerusalem will give directions as to the carrying out of governmental affairs in different parts of the earth. With great improved broadcasting stations we can expect Abraham from Mount Zion to direct the affairs of the whole earth. Then the people shall not learn war, but shall beat their instruments of war into instruments of husbandry, improve the earth, and dwell in peace and be a blessing one to another.—See Micah 4:1-5.
At that time the Lord will not permit any one to work injury to his neighbor. Everyone will be compelled to do right. (Isaiah 11:9) This new government will rest upon Christ, the Messiah, as the great Ruler and will be a government of peace and blessing. (Isaiah 9: 6, 7) “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” (Psalm 72: 8) Unto him shall the gathering of the nations be. (Genesis 49:10) He shall be the king over the whole earth. (Zechariah 14:9) With him the saints shall reign. (Daniel 7:18) "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” (Daniel 7: 27) “For the kingdom is the Lord’s; and he is the governor among the nations.” (Psalm 22: 28) His government will be a righteous one. “With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth, . . . and righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his
reins.” (Isaiah 11:4, 5) This kingdom, or invisible ruling power, is definitely stated to be the seed of Abraham, according to the promise, through which all the families of the earth shall be blessed.—Gal. 3 f 27-29.
The Blessings
This government will meet all the desires of mankind because it will provide everything that man wants. A blessing is that, which brings benefit to people. Tire greatest of these benefits is life which, to be enjoyed; must be endowed with peace and happiness. These arc the things that man possessed in Eden before he sinned. These things he lost, and these are the things Jesus’ blood purchased for man; and all of God’s prophets foretold that these are the things which the new government will restore to man.
Life
Life is the gift, of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Bomans 6: 23) This means that all who will lie granted life everlasting must accept the Lord Jesus as the great Redeemer and Ruler. Adam sinned and brought death and trouble upon his offspring. Jesus died to provide the gift of life and its attendant blessings. "Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” (Romans 5:18) Jesus laid down his human life that mankind might live. (John 10:10; 6: 51) The coming of the Lord and the setting up of his kingdom are for the very purpose of granting life everlasting to the millions of people on earth, if they will accept and obey his new order and rule.
Concerning this the Apostle said: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ. 'which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven, must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; lift., shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3: 19-22) Then those who refuse to obey him shall not go to eternal torment, but shall be destroyed. (Verse 23) All the prophets foretold this coming restitution of man. (Verse 24) Even those who have been wicked shall have a chance to live if they will turn away from their wickedness and do right. (Ezekiel 18: 27,28) Concerning these Jesus said: “'Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” (John 8:51) “Whosoever liveth and be-lieveth in me shall never die.” (John 11: 26) Knowing that the old world is passing away, that the new government is coming in, that the time of restoration is here, we can now confidently say that millions now living will never die. For this reason the Bible Students are proclaiming this message of good news throughout the earth. (See book, “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.”)
Liberty
Man has long had a great desire for liberty. The whole race has been held in bondage by Satan. Satan’s representatives in the earth have oppressed the common people. It has been a favorite scheme of Satan’s representatives to enact and enforce espionage laws denying freedom, of speech, and to persecute, imprison and kill men for attempting to exercise the liberty of preaching the gospel of the Messianic kingdom. This blame cannot be laid to man; for the wrong proceeds primarily from Satan, the great oppressor. When his government is entirely gone, and the Messianic government of righteousness is in operation, the oppressor will be no more.
Happiness
The devil, through his earthly representatives, has taught the people that the masses will spend eternity alive, not in happiness, but in torment. This is a false doctrine. Those that refuse to obey the Lord will be destroyed. “'All the wicked will he destroy.” (Psalm 145:20) The obedient ones shall be restored to perfection of body, of mind and heart, and shall dwell together with their loved ones in happiness.
Many now are blind and deaf and lame and halt. These deficiencies shall pass away under the righteous administration of the desirable government. Concerning this, God’s prophet says: “The wilderness and the solitary place, shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon; they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. . . . Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.” (Isaiah 35:1, 2, 5.6) In order for man to be happy he must be relieved of sickness, given health, and have peace. Under the new government these things will be granted. “Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.” (Jeremiah 33:6) We quote a few paragraphs from “The Harp of God,” as follows:
“With the establishment of the new order under the Messiah wars and revolutions shall cease, because he has promised that then ‘they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more’; and thus there shall be no more restless humanity, symbolically called sea. —Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Revelation 21:1.
•'The profiteers will no longer be permitted to prey upon the people, because God's promise is that, under that righteous reign none shall be permitted to injure another nor to defraud his neighbor.—Isa. 11:9; 65:25.
"Then shall famines vanish away and no more shall be hungering for food nor vainly striving for sustenance of life, because then the earth shall yield her increase and there shall be plenty for all,—Psalm 67: 6.
"Then shall disease and sickness be destroyed, because God has promised under this new order to bring in health and strength, and to bless the people with all favors incident thereto. ‘The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.’—Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:4.
“Funerals now are the order of the day, and the family and loved ones left behind assemble in sorrow io pay the last: tribute to their beloved dead. But under the new order of things funerals will cease, undertakers will “seek a more pleasing employ meut, and the hearses will be changed from vehicles of sorrow to equipages of pleasure. ‘There shall be no more death."—Rev. 21:4.
“Families have been torn asunder and each member has borne his or her sorrow until claimed by the grave; but under the new order families will he reunited, parents will be brought back to the children, and children to the parents, and they shall dwell together in happiness.—1 Corinthians 15: 22,23.
“No more will the poor be vainly hunting for a habitation or fleeing from greedy landlords, because then, as God has promised, the people will build houses and live in them ; they shall not. build for another to live in, but then every man shall have his own habitation and everyman shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall make them afraid.—Isaiah 65: 21-23; Micah 4: 4." —Paragraphs 604-610 inclusive..
The people will be so happy under the new order that they will assemble, hot to petition for redress of their wrongs, but to sing the praises of the new and righteous government. (Isaiah 51: 11; Psalm 148) The obedient ones shall be restored to the days of their youth and their flesh shall become fresher than a child’s.—Job 33: 35.
Thus we see that the new government will be a desirable government. It will bring to the obedient ones of earth all that they have desired; namely, life, liberty and endless happiness.
Millions Returning from Hell
False teachers of the Bible, representing Satan, have induced the people to believe that hell is a place of torment. On the contrary the Bible teaches that hell is the grave, the state of the dead. For instance, the Scriptures say concerning Jesus that he was not left in hell but was resurrected. (Acts 2: 22-27, 31) If hell were a place of eternal torment, no one could get out of it.
Rell is a “dark, secret condition, the grave, which in the present time speaks to us of a hope of future life, by God’s resurrection power in Christ.”—Studies in the Scriptures, Volume VII. “The Finished Mystery,” page 313.
“The word ‘hell’ occurs thirty-one times in the Old Testament, and in every instance it is sheol in the Hebrew. It does not mean a lake of fire and brimstone, nor anything at all resembling that thought; not in the slightest degree! Quite the reverse; instead of a place of blazing fire it is described in the context as a state of ‘darkness’ (Job 10:21) ; instead, of a place where Shrieks and groans are heard, it is described in the context as a place of ‘silence’ (Psalm 115:17) : instead of representing in any sense pain and suffering or remorse, the context describes it as one of forgetfulness. (Psalm 8S: 11,12) ‘There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave [sheol], whither thou goest.’—Ecclesiastes 9:10."—“The Bible on Hell,” pages 12, 13. '
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