TABERNACLE
SHADOWS
of the
"Better Sacrifices"
A Helping Hand
FOR
THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
To
the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
IN THE INTEREST OF
HIS CONSECRATED SAINTS,
WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION,
--AND
OF--
"ALL THAT IN EVERY PLACE CALL UPON THE LORD,"
"THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH,"
--AND
OF--
THE GROANING CREATION, TRAVAILING AND WAITING FOR THE
MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD,
THIS
WORK IS DEDICATED.
"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;1:8-10
PREFACE
The
first edition of this little book was published in 1881, and
under the Lord's blessing seems to have been very helpful to
the class for which it was specially intended, --the "royal
priesthood." Many of this class have confessed that as the finger
of the Lord it pointed out to them meanings in the Old Testament
types never before appreciated; and that it has thus guided
them in the way of self-sacrifice, by leading them to see the
true significance of the Scriptural declarations--"Present your
bodies living sacrifices," "Fill up that which is behind of
the afflictions of Christ," "If we suffer with him we shall
also reign with him," "Let us go to him outside the camp, bearing
the reproach with him"; besides many other Scripture statements
which associate the Lord's people with himself both "in the
sufferings of this present time and the glory to follow."
The
author rejoices that this is true, and prays the divine blessing
also upon this new edition, which was made necessary by reason
of the electro-plates of the former edition being worn, and
by the desire to have its general style conform to that of the
Scripture Studies series--for it may properly be considered
a supplement and sequel to the fifth volume of that work, kept
separate for convenience. Aside from these typographic changes,
and the addition of one chapter, and a few alterations in the
phraseology to make some points possible more perspicuous, there
are no changes. Indeed, no particular changes seemed possible
or desirable.
<ii>
The
understanding of the subjects herein set forth would seem to
have been heaven directed, "taught of God," at a time when the
light was absolutely necessary to the full and clear presentation
of the Plan of the Ages. And those who have been blessed by
the helps furnished in this little book, and others who shall
yet be similarly blessed, we trust, may all esteem that they
are also "taught of God"; for be it noted that the author has
sought to prove every point and every application by the Word
of the Lord, and has taught nothing of himself: as he has received
of the Lord through his Word and spirit he has presented the
same --with the evidences--to whosoever has an ear to hear.
The
careful student will discern that, the applications of the types
herein presented being correct, the entire Plan of the Ages
is thereby corroborated--justification, sanctification, and
glorification first for the Church, and subsequently restitution
for whoever will, of all the families of the earth. To what
a glorious gospel, then, is this the key!
Dear
Reader, if the matters herein presented appeal to you as truth
at all, they will surely awaken you to energy and zeal to sacrifice
earthly interests, to gain the prize of the high calling--that
you may become one of the royal priests soon to be associated
with the great "High Priest of our profession" in the grand
work of blessing the groaning creation. And if you get a blessing
from these truths, and partake of their spirit, you will want
to pass the cup of refreshment on to others who need just such
a stimulus to revive their fainting hearts. And if you desire
to colabor in this ministry you will find that all arrangements
have been perfected by which you can obtain these booklets at
a very nominal price--by the dozen or hundred. Every one who
receives food at the Lord's table is honored with the privilege
of joining in the service--as "colaborers together with God."
With
Christian love,
Your
brother and servant in Christ,
Charles T. Russell