The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1916-12-18

ing of death. A great deal of the Bible
is written in symbolic language, and it
was quite appropriate that he should
speak his last message in symbols. 1t
is interesting here to know what a Ro-
man toga symbolizes: Augustus poet
laureate said, 1T is by the toga that
the royal nation is recognized" The
word toga means covering garment
(white robe). It was the official robe
of higher magistrates, priests and OF
persons disCharging vows, and was
worn on special occasions, such as cele-
brating a triumph.
We are reminded of the last expert
ences of the Apostle Paul, who Travelled
with his beloved companion Timothy,
whom he called his son-not a natural
son. but. as st. Paul stated. he had be-
Likewise Pastor Russell begot Brother
Sturgeon in the spirit, in that he
brought Brother Sturgeon to a knowl-
edge of the Divine plan. Shortly before
St Paurs death he wrote, II am now
ready to be offered up, and the time of
my departure is at hand: have fought
a good fight, 1 have finished my course,
l have kept the faith; henceforth there
ness. which the Lord. the Righteous
Judge, shall give me on that day; and
not to me only, but unto all them also
that love His appearing" GI. Timothy,
iv, 6-SD Our dear Brother Russell not
only loved the appearing OF the Lord
Jesus, but above all men on the earth
he declared the presence of the Master.
Brother Russell was very modest man
and never exalted himself. 1t was ex-
ceedingly difficult to get him to speak
of himself. He chose, therefore, a SYM
Dol which we could afterwards inter
pret to speak practically the same thing
spoken by the Apostle Paul BY wear
ing the toga, Brother Russell in effect
said, II have fought the good fight; l
have triumphed and shall be received
as a member OF the royal family of
heaven"
What a wonderful example and in
spiration for the other members of the
body of Christ this side the veil to ear
nest1y strive to receive the approval OF
the Lord!
This evening we see here lying. ST 81
faithfully used to the last. But he is
not dead, St. Paul wrote, Behold, I
show you mystery: We shall not all
sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye"
U. Cor. XIV, 51-52) Gods Word points
out that the resurrection of the saints
would take place at the presence of the
Lord and before the inauguration of
His Kingdom; and the Scriptures clear
ly teach that this resurrection is now
in progress: that our dear brother and
pastor sleeps not in death, but was in
simultaneously changed from the human
to the divine nature, and is now forever
with the Lord-glorious reward for a
true and faithful servant.
1t had been announced that he was to
speak in this temple tonight. God had
directed otherwise. Brother Russell had
prepared a sermon to preach to you,
and I am sure you will be glad to hear
it, The lips of the body he used on
earth are silent, but his words yet are
spoken. BY Gods grace it is my privi-
lege here to be used, and to speak forth
to you the message which he left. My
friends, give heed, if you please, while
1 read this message to the church and
to the world. Behold. how appropriate
the subject:
"The Morning COmeth and n Night
Also"
The night was long-Its Sorrows and
tears were many-God's promises
alone illuminated 1.-THE morning
here at last-A wonderful dawning-
The day to be still more wonderful
Proofs all about us considered-A
brief night of trouble settling down.
Already begun in Europe-After it a
glorious sunburst
"Watchman, what of the night?
The morning cometh, and night also"
Isaiah xxi, 11-12.