::flyleaf::
TABERNACLES 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 dispensation of the fulness of the times He might gather together in one all things, under Christ." `Eph. 3:4,5,9;1:8-10`
(Originally Published in 1881)
::foreword i::
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.
::foreward 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