Extra edition Zions Watchtower-A conspiracy exposed (1894)
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EXTRA EDITION
VOL. XV., NO. 8
AND
HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE
APRIL 25, 1894
C. T. RUSSELL, EDITOR.
"The discipline is not met alone his Master, nor the servant above his Lord. It is tough for the discipline that he be in his Master, and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the Master of the house Birselamb, how much more shall they call them of his household?
"Fear them not, therefore: for there is nothing covered that shall not be
revoked; and hid that shall not be known—Matt. 10:24-26."
TOWER PUBLISHING CO.
ALLEGHENY, PA.
U. S. A.
Entered as Second Class Mail Matter at the P.O., Allegheny, Pa.
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
"This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteous reward from me, saith the Lord."—Jsa. 54:17.
A CONSPIRACY EXPOSED.
"Blessed are ye when men shall reilv you, and persecute you, and shall say any all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."—Mutt. 5:11.
LITTLE did the Editor think, when penning words of caution to watch and pray, printed in our issue of April 1, under the caption, "Lest Ye Enter into Temptation," that they were so soon to prove so necessary and timely as they have since proved.
The story we here relate is a sad one; but it seems duty to tell it in detail, because those most concerned were introduced to our readers and frequently mentioned in these columns in warmest terms of brotherly regard. It is proper now, therefore, that you should know of their deflection. This painful story we have published separate from our regular issues, that if possible only the elder, and it is to be hoped steadfast, readers of the WATCH Tower may know of it, lest others—"lables"—might be "stumbled."
Those who have been readers of the WATCH TOWER for several years, well know that on the strength of the words of our Lord and the Prophets and Apostles (Dan. 12:10; Psa. 91:7; 1 Cor. 3:13; Matt. 13:41) we have been expecting "sifings" and "stumblings" and the "falling" of many in this "evil day." Such, therefore, like ourselves, will not be so greatly surprised at the facts, although like ourselves they may well be surprised, each time, to know who stumbles and over what. Unsuspicious hearts are always surprised; and the best and purest hearts are generally unsuspicious.
A Conspiracy
To prepare the reader for what follows, it is proper to state that the conspiracy of which it is our unpleasant task to tell you, and of which the Editor was made the subject, resembled more the betrayal of our dear Master (as some of the friends here remarked) than anything else to which we can compare it. We had no suspicion of it whatever, until five days before, and only since have learned that it had been gradually forming for the past two years; that it had been expected to "explode" the matter like "a bomb, and blow [dear?] Brother Russell and this work sky-high" at the Spring Meeting a year ago, and by thus breaking his influence to get free from what they call "bondage to Brother Russell," and force open to their own uses and abuses the columns of Zion's WATCH TOWER, which they claim a right to command;—because it is Zion's WATCH TOWER, and they are members of Zion.
They were greatly disappointed, it appears, when that meeting was abandoned in favor of the Chicago Convention later, but declared that the "bomb" would "explode in less than eighteen months"—referring doubtless to the expected Memorial meeting this Spring. But Providence again foiled the scheme by leading us unwittingly to decide not to call such a meeting this year. We knew at the time that they were greatly disappointed, for they said so; but we had no idea that they had such murders plans and hearts. We use the word "murderous" advisedly, because we esteem that to kill the character and influence of a man is a baser murder than to kill his body merely, and that the murder of the character of one the least of God's children is worse in the sight of God than the physical murder of a worldly man. (See Matt. 18:6; 1 John 3:15.) Perhaps few realize this matter so; but we submit that it is the correct view, as shown by the foregoing Scriptures. If all could get this true view of the matter, they would see the importance of the Apostle's words—Let all evil speaking, backbiting, slander, malice, envy, strife, be put away from you, as becometh saints.—Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8-10.
About January '93, when they still expected the Spring Meeting to be held that year, they began preparing for it, by hints and suggestions, privately given, that there was something grievously wrong with Brother Russell's business character and methods.
This was expected to undermine the confidence of the flock here and to prepare them to believe the "bomb," when exploded at the time of the Convention, when representatives of the truth from all over the country would be here. Of course this was done with many protestations of deep sorrow for "poor Brother Russell"—nothing being stated positively, but everything bad being hinted. My friends would have brought the matter to my attention at once, but of course were diffident about inquiring into my personal affairs and business,—especially as they knew nothing definitely to inquire about. At last, however, I got some idea that "some ugly rumors" were afloat, and at once called together about forty of the principle brethren and sisters of the congregation here, including those whose names seemed to be associated with the "ugly rumors,"—which were some of these who, we now find, were even then conspirators. We stated the case, and requested and urged that any and every thing known be told to us all, so that if any misunderstanding had occurred it could be set straight at once; for I assured them that there could be no real foundation to any rumors, my business career, like my religious course, being straightforward and based on principles of justice and truth. All denied any knowledge of anything derogatory to my character, and went away satisfied, except the conspirators, one of whom, (Mrs. Zech) I now learn, while speaking fairly to my face and seemingly joining with the others, remarked privately, and seemingly I could have turned the entire course of that meeting if I had chosen,"—referring evidently to the "bomb" which it had been decided should be kept,—to be exploded at the expected Memorial Convention of '94.
At the said meeting at my home, I gave a little resume of my business affairs, protesting, however, that I did so only for their and the truth's sake, and that my business affairs had as much right to privacy as those of any one else; and so I here protest again, but, later on, will go into details,—only for the sake of hindering God's "little ones" from being "stumbling" by the false statements which have already been circulated privately, by letter, and at the Chicago Convention last Summer, and now, within the past few days, in print (the oral "bomb" project having failed) The venomous circular recently issued by O.
von Zech, E. Bryan, J. B. Adamson and S. D. Rogers is now to be the "bomb" designed to destroy confidence in Brother Russell (whom Providence has made to some extent an under-shepherd to the Lord's sheep), and thus to shatter the work—in order that the conspirators may gather some of the wreckage; for already they have a new paper under way.
So much for the conspiracy, of which we were in ignorance until a few days ago. Meanwhile, the conspirators were fair to my face and spoke endearing words, as will be shown later on in this case by some of their letters to myself and wife, written during the very time they were concocting their scheme and keeping their "bomb." Meanwhile, we were their sincere friends, and all but one of them has shared the hospitality of our home within the last three months. Yes, at the very time that they were preparing the circular, designed to assassinate my character, one of them, in the presence of a dozen brethren, offered me his hand, as judas kissed the Master. But by that time, although I knew much less than I now do of his perfidy, I knew him to be my slanderer and refused his hand, telling him that the right hand of fellowship meant something to me, and that I had no desire to give it to those who stealthily and murderously stabbed my character behind my back.
To give a connected view of the things which have transpired here laterly, we must recall to the Tower renders the facts stated in our issue of April 1, under the caption—"The Work in England." (And we assure you that every word of it is strictly correct; and that the figures given, as showing the funds of the Tract Society supplied in books for Brother Rogers' expenses, are net after deducing all money received from him and all books transferred to other colporteurs in England and all books now stored there. These figures, however, include books supplied to Bro. Rogers in the U. S. before he started for England, from the proceeds of which his expenses there were to be paid. It should be noted, too, that we state in the Tower the amount of money Bro. Rogers would have received for the books at "retail." We thus particulate because he, in an ambiguous manner, denies the statement.) We heard Bro.
Rogers' proposed mendicant plan in the presence of our office assistants (who with ourselves constitute our household), until Bro. Rogers said that he had told us all about it and "could think of nothing more to explain." As before stated, we assured him that we could not think of adopting his plan and discarding the successful one now in operation, but urged him to try it himself if he felt sure that it was the Lord's will concerning him. He replied that we were "resplitting the Lord's message," etc. (We learn since that he no longer relies for leading upon the Word of the Lord and his providences in answer to prayer, but that, instead, he sits down and thinks by the hour—as he did during his stay at our home—and believes that the Lord thens reveals things to him. Alas! how many have been misled by the word and similar misapprehensions, and to the neglect of the Word of God, which is "able to make wise unto salvation," and through which the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work. (2 Tim. 3:15-17.) Just what bad condition of heart lies at the bottom of such a course we may not be able to discern, but it seems generally to be spiritual vanity.)
This was Monday evening; the next two days he visited considerably with Bro. Zech. We know not what passed between them except that by Wednesday night their causes were one; Bro. Zech evidently appreciating the idea of "taking the money from the fish's mouth." If Bro. Zech thus embraced Bro. Rogers' cause it was but natural that Bro. Rogers should fall in with Bro. Zech's "grievances," and they strengthened each other's hands and hearts in evil. We since learn that on the Saturday evening previous one of Bro. Zech's family, Paul Kootitz, visited Bro. Ertenmyer (whom he had previously tried to poison against me) and in great glee said. We have Bryan and Adamson and now here is Rogers all the way from England. It seems as if the Lord sent him at this time. That makes four, and there are a lot more. Just wait, something terrible is going to happen. And Bro. and Sister Zech and Paul Kootitz were at his house a week previous and stayed until midnight talking about Bro. Russell and a coming catastrophe. They gave Bro. Russell a black character, and Bro. Zech said he was going to tell all to the Congregation, soon. Bro. E.
said, Why not talk the matter over with Bro. Russell? He replied, It is no use, he would explain everything away; —the congregation ought to know these rotten things. Bro. E. was much distressed and waited in fear for the "boiling pot" to "boil over."
To start the matter, Bro. Rogers, Bro. and Sister Zech and Bro. Paul Kootitz attended one of the six Wednesday Evening Prayer and Testimony Meetings, held for nearly a year in this vicinity. There, in the absence of Bro. Russell, those meetings were denounced, and Bro. Russell, for his connection with their institution, was denounced as a "pope," etc. The leader of the meeting in vain called for order and told them that the meeting was for the purpose of divine worship and praise, and for mutual assistance in spiritual development. Mrs. Russell was present and reproved both the interruption and the unkind spirit manifested. She pointed out that while the meetings were suggested and recommended by me, the matter was left to the congregation, nearly all of which had taken up with the suggestion and voted to have the meetings—not for doctrinal discussions, etc., but solely and only for worship and spiritual upbuilding.
She pointed out, also, that none were in any sense forced to attend; and that those who did not care for prayer and conference in harmony with the object of the meetings should stay away and give to the others who did so desire, proper liberty to worship God as they pleased. She pointed out, too, that there are many meetings at which doctrinal subjects, etc., are considered. She showed plainly that while Bro. Russell's course contained nothing like a popish disregard of the wishes of others, the course of Bro. Rogers, in coming from England to force his ideas upon Bro. Russell, and now the course of all these in interrupting the worship of others, was decidedly popish, if indeed it were not worse than popish. Finally the discontents withdrew; Bro. Rogers staying that night at Bro. Zech's.
But I was unsuspicions all the while and lost the morning of that very day from the Lord's work (DAWN, Vol. iv.) to collect money to make good my check of $700, given to Bro. Zeach the afternoon before to keep his note from going to protest. The next day Bro. Rogers returned to our house for another conference (at which the entire family was present and which occupied the whole morning), and remained for dinner.
After dinner he said he was going to Zech's but would be back for tea; but we told him that as he had been ten days at our home interrupting important work, and as Bro. Zech with whom he was more in harmony had made him welcome, we would not invite him to stop longer in our home. He then went to Bro. Zech's house, where, evidently, it was decided that now would be the most favorable time to explode the "bomb" that had been kept for some eighteen months. So Bro. Rogers was sent west, arranged with Bro. Bryan, who was to manipulate an assorted lot of grievances and damaging charges against Bro. Russell, and got Bro. Adams in line—who, it seems, had some pretious knowledge of the conspiracy. Brother Adams had a grievance relative to his tract, as will be explained further on; and being one of the older colporteurs, it was hoped that his name would add to the destructive force of the coming "explosion." They had seen Bro. Russell pass through trying experiences with "false brethren" before, for God and truth were on his side; but never before had they seen such a combination against him; and they encouraged themselves that now Bro. Russell would be humbled in the dust, and they would profit thereby.
THE CONSPIRACY CULMINATES.
Accordingly, they—Rogers, Adamson and Bryan—gathered at Bro. Zech's home, and with him and his family, sent out, on Wednesday, April 4, special letters to the Church at Allegheny, inviting them to gather at Bro. Zech's house the next evening to hear matters of importance, etc.,—meaning the "bomb" and smaller fire works.
About forty or fifty of the congregation attended, all of whom except one, so far as we are aware, received special invitations to be present. As we were not present, we submit the report of Bro. E. C. Hennings, the Secretary of that meeting, well known to many of our readers. It is as follows;— A Conspiracy
THE SECRETARY'S REPORT.
"In response to invitations sent out, signed E. Bryan, S. D. Rogers, J. B. Adamson and O. von Zech, requesting attendance at Bro. Zech's house on April 5, at 7:30 P.M., to hear 'things concerning our highest welfare,' about forty of the Church at Allegheny attended. Finding on arrival that it was to be a congregational meeting at which some kind of charges were to be preferred against Bro. Russell, a Chairman and Secretary were called for by those in attendance, that whatever was done might be 'done decently and in order;' besides which, it seemed proper that if the Congregation were to 'hear' the complaints, it implied that they were to render their judgment or verdict, and all this required proper order and a congregational head or chairman to the meeting and an authorized record. And further, some present who had knowledge of Bro. Russell's past experiences with Bros. Zech, Bryan and Rogers, foresaw that it would be most unjust to have the self-constituted impeaching committee appoint one of their own number to manage the trial, as they insisted on doing, and at the same time call it a congregational meeting. After nearly an hour had been spent in trying to get the congregation to sit quietly and hear their best friend traduced, without any power to properly inquire into facts, etc., the four complainants were overruled by the congregation, and Bro. H. C. Wolf was chosen Chairman, and myself Secretary, of the meeting.
"Bro. Bryan was first introduced, but became, under some interruption, so excited, disorderly and rebellious that he grievously insulted the congregation by saying, 'I refuse to recognize the authority of the Chair.' It was promptly moved and seconded that we hear Bro. Bryan no further; but an amendment, giving him the alternative of apology or dismissal was carried. On his declaration that he had 'no thought of apology', he was dropped, after having occupied the floor for about fifteen minutes.
"Bro. Rogers had the next opportunity, and spoke for nearly two hours. He gave a resume of his plan, which several of us had heard before at Bro. Russell's house, a report of which was given in Zion's WATCH TOWER of April 1, '94, under the heading, 'The Work in England.'
At Bro. Russell's he said he had not yet tried his new method. At Bro. Zech's he declared that he 'had tried this method largely in London,' and it was 'very successful.' He stated, as grievances, four ways in which he claimed Bro. Russell had injured him. (1) By pointing out that the printed page is the best way to preach the Gospel. (2) On account of this he got the feeling that he must sell so many books per day to pay expenses, and this kept him from trusting the Lord. These two things kept him in a great bondage which he had felt, but the cause of which he had only lately realized. (3) By telling him that he had 'no talent' for public speaking. (4) By advising him to change his London meeting to one in Bible-class style. This last he regards as an 'assumption of control of my privileges.'
"Bro. Zech spoke at odd times against Bro. Russell in general terms, to the effect that Bro. Russell had too much authority and lack of love for the brethren; also 'Bro. Russell does great sins; and, if you do not want to hear it, you are partaker of his sins.' Twelve o'clock, midnight, came without Bro. Adamson having had his say except in the opening prayer, in which he thanked God for having the privilege of sharing in 'this great reform movement' for liberty and equality amongst the brethren.
"Upon motion, the meeting adjourned, while Bro. Bryan shouted that they would be heard from fully in a few days—that a hall would be rented where they [the four] could have matters all their own way, and that it would not be called as a congregational meeting and that this thing will not down; we will print it and publish it to all the world," etc.
"Respectfully submitted, E. C. HENNINGES.
After the meeting had dismissed, a few were invited to stay longer, and did stay until four o'clock a.m. Then were detailed the other matters, and through some who were there we finally got to know about the "bombs," etc. When asked if they had gone to Brother Russell and asked whether he could or would give them an explanation, they replied that some of the minor charges had been presented and that "he had explained them away," but they had never mentioned the two leading items (the "bombs" which they had been keeping for eighteen months).
When asked why they had not presented those leading matters to Bro. Russell they replied. We knew beforehand that Bro. Russell could answer them, and explain them all away. "And so," said the inquirer, "you thus confess that you did not want an explanation, but wanted to slander Bro. Russell."
THE CONSPIRACY EXPOSED.
The next Sunday afternoon, after the discourse, strangers were dismissed during the singing of a hymn and the regular congregation was requested to tarry. To those who remained we gave a full history of the matter, in substance as we now present it below:—
The conspiracy which reached a head on Thursday evening April 5, at the residence of Bro. and Sister Zech was a surprise to us all; and although we now find that it had been forming for nearly two years, yet, so far as we can learn, Bros. Adamson and Rogers had nothing to do with it until within the past few weeks, although the former had considerable information respecting it. But their readiness to become participants therein speaks for their hearts much of the same "gall of bitterness" which has for a longer period been the power of Satan working in the others;—for we cannot but believe that Satan has been the moving and inspiring conspirator—moving to envy, jealousy, etc., and now, finally, to an attempt to assassinate my character and thus to greatly injure the cause which, under God's providence, I represent to a considerable degree.
When I shall now relate to you in detail the charges brought against me, you will indeed be surprised that "brethren" could be so confused by Satan as to become his tools and to attempt to make charges and "bombs" out of NOTHING. I am not surprised at Satan; for I well know that he has long sought occasion against me, because of my activity against him and his works and in the service of the Lord. He has repeatedly set me pitfalls and snares, but by the grace of God I escaped them. I am not surprised, therefore, that after besetting me for years and finding no real charges to bring against me, the great Accuser of the Brethren finally endeavors to misconstrue virtues and make them appear to be vices.
Born in this city of Allegheny, which, with the exception of about three years, has always been my home, I should be, and am, well known here. My religious views, of course, make me a mark, a target; and on this account if anything were known derogatory to my character, either in morals or in my business dealings, surely there are thousands of tongues in Pittsburg and Allegheny that would not hesitate to make abundant use of them to oppose my religious teachings. Can any one doubt that if such things could be produced, Satan would have found willing agents to publish them to the world long ago, to counteract the religious truths I publish, which they oppose, yet cannot gainsay nor contradict?
But what even the godless world would not do, because too honest, Satan now succeeds in getting some "brethren" to attempt. We do not claim that they realize what they are doing;—no, we trust that they do not fully realize the atrocity of their crime. For, if they have pursued their course for eighteen months with a full appreciation of its atrocity there would surely be little hope for them. We trust, therefore, that of them as of some old it is true,—"they know not what they do," the god of this world having so thoroughly blinded their moral sight.
Yet while hoping that sometime they may get free from their captor, Satan, we cannot think that they have gotten into their present dreadful condition inadvertently, or merely by error of judgment. If their hearts were right God would not have permitted their poor judgment to get them into their present plight. We fear, from the bad fruits which they are bearing, that ambition and envy have for some time been "roots of bitterness" which only recently blossomed, and are quickly yielding the fruitage denounced in God's Word as works of the flesh and of the devil, malice, hatred, contentions, envy, strife, back-bittings, slanders and every evil work.
Those whose hearts could treasure up supposed "bombs" for eighteen months to explode in the midst of the Church and ruin the character of a brother, who meantime did more than a brother's part to them (as will be shown later), and who all this time called him "dear Brother Russell" and wrote him letters expressive of their love and esteem—these have a depth of wickedness and deceit which would shock a noble-minded worldly man not a professing Christian, and ignorant of the great light of present truth.
Blasphemous unbeliever as he, is we believe that Mr. Robert Ingersoll would have no sympathy with such ungody works of darkness;—he has enough of manhood to keep him out of such a snare of the devil.
BROTHER ROGER'S GRIEVANCES.
We will examine these charges separately. We have already referred to Satan as the chief conspirator and it is not difficult to judge of his motives. We have also mentioned Bro. Rogers' grievances—that he was not allowed to overthrow the present Colporteur work and substitute his new preference.
We never forbade Bro. Rogers or others to preach Christ in any and every way they can. Quite to the contrary, as many can testify, we have always urged upon all the necessity for watching for the hearing ears, and that where such are found they do all they can to supplement the influence of the DAWNS. But we have advised, and do still advise, that it is useless to get into a wrangle and dispute and waste time at every house. Far better leave the majority of people to fight with Dawn and the Bible, than for the average colporteur, or indeed any one, to attempt it. Stir up the curiosity and interest of the purchaser, so that he will surely read, and then endeavor to water and to harrow before going to the next field of labor,—has been our advise to all colporteurs. And on their Report-blanks we have a space left, in which we request that they mention the number of persons with whom they have had special talks, and another blank in which we request them to state how many they have found who seem to be true wheat. Does this look as though we endeavored merely to see how many DAWN should be sold, regardless of any work upon the heart?
Furthermore, several of the Brethren who seemed to have some ability for public speaking, have been supplied without charge with large charts similar to the one in DAWN, VOL. 1. (which cost us eight dollars each, in quantities), to enable them to preach when opportunity offers. Bro. Adamson, one of the conspirators, has such a chart. Indeed, about two months ago, we contracted with a painter in Pittsburgh to prepare one hundred cloth charts, five feet long, on rollers, suitable for parlor-meetings. These will soon be ready and will be supplied to Tower readers at about one-third what they would cost to get them up singly. Thus different little groups can edify and instruct each other, as well as their neighbors. Already there are two, and I am now making arrangements for two more, who seem "apt to teach," to go from place to place and hold meetings, public and private, chiefly the latter. Do these things look like objections on my part to oral teaching? Surely not; and Bro Rogers knows that he misrepresents me, whatever may be his object in so doing.
We do learn, however, since the publication of the article,—"The work in England,"—that Bro. Rogers had a very poor plan for colporteuring. Brother Utley, to whom Bro. Rogers gave some lessons, writes that he could not conscientiously adopt the plan, which, while successful as to sales, really did not make any opening for the reception of the truth. He describes the method thus: Rogers rings bell—servant appears—Rogers says, Please tell the lady that a minister wishes to see her. Servant leaves him in the hallway and he pushes on into the parlor. The lady enters, somewhat indignant at the intrusion, but is awed by the words, "I am a minister of the gospel," and readily consents to her name being entered for the three books to help on some good work.
Sister Burroughs writes on the subject as follows:
"A sister here asked me if I did not think it would be well to let Bro. Russell know how much harm had been done here by Mr. Rogers in his very disagreeable manner of insulting those who refused to buy 'DAWS'; but I thought he was in England and beyond giving further offense here, so we would not trouble you, but took him to the Lord in prayer—that he might be humbled and given a better spirit."
We can assure Bro. Rogers and others that the trouble is not with the colporteur work, but with his methods of doing it. Others are still greatly blessed in it, and are a great blessing to the Lord's hungry sheep, preaching so much of the plan as the people have ears to hear and leaving the books to preach to them many things which they would not hear orally.
Another grievance was that when he came here from England I did not show him special attention more than to others, by inviting him onto the platform, and to speak to the congregation, and to lead a Wednesday meeting.
Such a complaint surprised me greatly, but gave evidence of a root of pride as well as of bitterness. I fear that I have already pushed him forward too much, and to his injury.
Recognizing all of the consecrated as Royal Priests, it has been my custom to ignore distinctions, and when another speaks I myself take a seat with the congregation. Our congregation almost every Sunday has from two to five ex-ministers of various denominations who at times have addressed the congregation,—in my absence.
BROTHER ADAMSON'S GRIEVANCES.
Bro. Adamson's grievances may be summed up as follows: He has for some four years held some views upon some of the parables, which I consider incorrect and misleading expositions. These he brought forward at the Spring Convention of 1892, in connection with a little talk to the colporteurs after the close of the meeting proper. Seeing that those who heard him had not generally caught the drift of his thoughts, my remarks following his were few, because I had no desire to hold up his views to ridicule—for some of them were too childish to treat in any other manner. I merely remarked that Bro. A's views of these parables, they would notice, differed a little from my own view, which I stated in a few words. But, said I, since the Lord expounded only a few of his parables, and since we know that they do not mean what they say, but are figurative, it would not be in order for any one to be dogmatic in interpreting them: it is well also to remember that no doctrines should be built upon parables; at most they may be used to illustrate doctrines made plain by non-symbolic scriptures.
Thus, kindly, did I push aside, rather than crush, what then seemed to me harmless, nonessential differences.
But, alas I how great a flame a little spark may kindle. Had I realized, then, how an insignificant difference may be used by the Adversary for evil, how gladly I would have spent several hours in pointing out what seemed to me to be Bro. A's errors of interpretation. But I was busy, and said to myself—"In nonessentials charity and liberty."
I now learn that Brother Adamson, like many others, has been under the influence of the Allegheny conspirators for more than a year. I noticed a change in his letters and manner, and in his zeal for the work, but could not account for it, until I learned of the "bombs" conspiracy, a few days ago.
About a month ago several brethren wrote to me saying that Bro. Adamson was preparing and intending to publish a tract, that he was writing to them for money to publish it, and that he had requested that the matter be kept secret from me, which request they felt it a duty to the Lord and his truth to disregard. In some of these letters Bro. A. explained that the coming tract would contain some of his views on some of the parables, and at least one or two parables as treated by Bro. Russell, and some other extracts from Bro. Russell's writings.
Bro. Weber received one of Bro. A's appeals for aid. He answered it kindly saying that he hoped to see him soon. Shortly after, he came from Maryland to Allegheny at Bro. Bryan's request to meet him on very important business, which business he found after his arrival was to sit in judgment upon and condemn Bro. Russell. After this interview, seeing the evil disposition manifested by Bro. Bryan, and his threatening attitude (which will be explained later), and knowing that in some way he was already influencing Bro. Adamson, and that he was about to visit Bro. A, Bro. Weber thought it would be well if he and I should visit Bro.
Adamson at once, and if possible shield him from the subtle and now evil influence of Bro. Bryan, who had stated his intention of leaving the city for Chicago the next day to see Bro. A. We therefore started that evening.
Our talk with Brother and Sister A. was a kindly one, in which I pointed out what I consider to be his errors of interpretation of some of the parables, particularly one of them (Matt.5:25,26), which seemed to convey the idea that the world during the Millennial age would each man pay the penalty of his own sins to the "uttermost farthing"; and I showed that with such a view in mind some might draw the conclusion, even if not meant, that the death of Christ was not necessary as a ransom price for all. We then told him of the unhappy change that had come over Bro. Bryan and of his strange and unwarrantable attitude toward myself and the work in general, that he might know something of the spirit which was prompting a new trial of his faith.
But Bro. A's manner was not as formerly, and premonitions of his present condition of heart and mind were distinctly felt. I further stated that his proposition to place his tract in the hands of the Dawn Colporteurs for sale (of which he had not informed me, but which I learned through others) would be contrary to our arrangements with them—that those who handle Dawn should do so to the exclusion of everything else. This is a general rule among those who employ agents in any business, the object being to concentrate the entire effort on the one thing—"This one thing I do." And it is largely due to this regulation that the work has been so successful thus far. Therefore I had to assure Bro. A. that we could not institute any precedent in favor of his tract.
Bro. A. makes a great mistake in saying, "Bro. Russell's spokesman offered me twenty dollars not to print the tract." His reference evidently is to Bro. Weber, who was not my spokesman. Whatever Bro. W., said he said for himself entirely, and he says that what he did was to offer twenty dollars to cover certain expenses already incurred if Bro. A. desired to discontinue the preparation of the tract, and give his energies as formerly in the direction of his special talent—the Colporteur work.
Brother A's grievances are two: (1) We were informed about his tract before he got it out. (2) We found that he had on the face of his tract the words OLD THEOLOGY TRACTS and Tower Bible and Trait Society, Bible House, Allegheny, which deceptions we would not permit. After two notifications that we considered those references unjust and deceptive, and that he had no legal or moral right to so misuse our names to gain credence for his tract, he still persisted, and had many of them printed thus. Bro. Zech upholding him in it and doing the work. Finally, however, threatened Bro. Zech's partner (who although not interested in the truth, seemed to have better ideas of moral honesty) with damages if they let the tracts go out in that form, and they thus were forced to remove the deceptive title pages.
Seeing him thus out of all harmony with the Tract Society, and as he had gotten into debt to the Tower Publishing Co. (not to the Tract Society) 128.00, during the time he spent in preparing his tract, we offered to credit on his Tower Pur. Co. account all that he ever donated to the Tract Fund—139—if he so desired and would resign the Directorship in the Tract Society,—to which, being continually absent from the city, he could not and did not give the least attention. This he refused to do; and, from what he says, he intends to owe the Tower Pur. Co. its $128.00 balance as long as he lives.
He states that he spent hundreds of dollars and traveled about without salary, circulating pamphlets at Camp-meetings, etc. It is true that the Trait Fund paid him no stated salary, but the way in which he matters the matter is calculated to give a false impression. The fact is, that money was furnished him for all his expenses; and so far as we have any knowledge, he used it for all his expenses. Of the 218 now owing to the Tower Fun. Co. (not to the Trait Society)35 was sent him in cash about one month ago to help him make a payment due on some real estate in Chicago, purchased last year.
Bro. Adamson tries his hand at evil surmisings and says, "I believe that much more than I owe was expended in attempting to thwart Bro.
Rogers' work in England." I reply, Aside from my time and stationary, I spent only twenty cents for four stamps, and this was not charged to the Tract Fund. Two of these stamps carried to Bro. Rogers the kindly put suggestions that his talent lay not in the direction of public speaking, as mentioned in the article "The Work in England;"—the third stamp carried a reply to Mr. Elliot Stock, of London, who had complained that Bro. Rogers was collecting money under false representations, from people who supposed that they were donating funds to the British and Foreign Bible Society, but who were finding out, from the tractors left them, that they were mistaken. I replied, that surely some mistake had occurred, for I knew that Bro. Rogers would make no misrepresentations, and that none of our colporteurs were authorized to solicit money, directly or indirectly, and that I would request Bro. Rogers to call personally and explain. The fourth stamp was used to advise Bro. Rogers of this, and to caution him that he be very careful that the truth be not evil spoken of, and to ask him to see Mr. Stock and explain matters, as I felt sure he could do; for his letters had stated that he represented himself as the agent of our Society.
This is a dispassionate statement of the injury Bro. A has received at my hands. For all this he and the others reach the conclusion that Bro. Russell can only be completely overwhelmed by calling him. "The Man of Sin."
Now we come to the consideration of the grievances of the chief conspirators—Bro. and Sister Zech whom we shall treat as one, including their household, and Bro. Bryan.
BROTHER ZECH'S GRIEVANCES.
Here, as it relates to this case, it is necessary to give a little resume of my business history from '81 onward. I was then engaged in mercantile business and had a large store on the principal street of Pittsburgh, and three branch stores. These were chiefly controlled by clerks and merely had my supervision; the most of my time being occupied in the publishing of the WATCH TOWER, Food for Thinking Christians, etc., which we circulated in large quantities.
As the literary work increased it became necessary to dispose of these stores; and as I found it much easier to spend money than to earn it, I concluded that the capital formerly invested in the stores should not all be lavishy spent even in the good work of circulating the tidings of great joy: that the Lord would be better served if it were invested so that my time could go to his service, than if all were spent at once in his service and I then were obliged to give my entire time to business; for my determination has always been that I would never beg, either for ourselves or for the Lord's cause; but that the same Lord who blessed Peter's fishing and Paul's tent-making (Matt. 17:27; Acts 18:3; 1 Thes. 3:19; 2 Thes. 3:8) could bless, according to his wisdom, my business talents.
My money-capital being limited, I saw that it would never do to invest the funds in mortgages or in a bank, because the interest on the sum would be inadequate to the demands of ourselves and the work. Under what seemed to be a providential leading, I decided to invest with others in some oil property—oil wells. I chose this business because it seemed to be profitable, and because it would require little or no time and personal attention; for others, interested in looking out for their own interests, necessarily looked out for mine also. And this judgment has, on the whole, proved correct—several coins having been taken from this fish's mouth for our support and for the Lord's cause.—Matt. 17:27.
When Bro. Zech received the truth and left the Lutheran church, he owned a good property which, aside from being a home free of rent, paid his taxes and left him a net income of about ten dollars per month. Full of zeal for the newly-found truth, he engaged with me to translate articles from the WATCH Tower into German, which I published in great quantities. He also proposed to translate M. Dawn, Vol. 1., and to do the type-setting on same if I would pay for the electro-plates, supply the paper, printing and binding, and that we be share-owners in the work when completed.
We agreed to this, and it was begun. But watching the results of the circulation of the German Towers, and seeing them to be very meager, I foresaw that the publication of the German translation of DAWN would be very unprofitable, and so pointed out to Bro.
Zech, urging that his income and the needs of his family would not justify him in doing all that his zeal had prompted him to propose. At that time he had translated about two hundred and fifty pages and had set in type about one hundred pages, and my suggestion was: Now, Bro. Zech, suppose we reckon that the time already spent by you on this volume represents the translation of the whole of it and suppose that this be your donation to the German cause, and I will proceed with the publishing, paying all of the expenses—what I shall pay you for your time in translating the remainder of the volume being reckoned as pay for the type—setting already done by you. This was mutually agreed to.
Meanwhile, my early suggestion, that Bro. Zech get at some sort of "fishing" or "tent-making," forced itself upon his attention. Various occupations were thought of, but none seemed so favorable to him as type-setting, and he requested that he be permitted to learn English type-setting and have the job of preparing the WATCH TOWER every month. I foresaw difficulties from his lack of a knowledge of the trade, as well as from his lack of knowledge of English, and urged that he choose something else. But, as nothing else so favorable offered, and, as he urged that he would see that his blunders should cost me nothing—that the work should cost me no more than I was then paying to a Pittsburgh firm—I consented. Under these arrangements I paid him thirty-five dollars a month for a time; afterward when he became more expert, and when we began to set up M. DAWN, VOL. II., I increased the pay to forty dollars per month, and later, when he requested that he be paid by measure for the type-setting, and told me that he thought he could earn more money that way because he was getting more expert and would work longer hours. I consented; but instead of paying him the Union rates, I paid him more; namely, forty cents per thousand ems—because he was a Brother.
Later, when Bro. Zech had inherited something like fifteen to eighteen thousand dollars, from his father's estate in Germany, he thought that he would like to build somewhere near our home; and knowing that I owned some lots opposite it he inquired whether I would sell to him. I assured him that I would be pleased to have him for a neighbor, and gave him a price on eight small lots. I told him that I thought them worth four thousand dollars at the rate other lots in that neighborhood. were selling—for him to inquire and thoroughly inform himself—but that as a brother in Christ I would give him a discount of 1000. So he bought the eight lots and paid me3000. But he has since "whispered" that he was cheated.
Seeking an investment for some of his money, and knowing that I had some interests in the oil business, he asked my advice as to investing in that business. Judging that he would be one greatly affected by either a loss or a gain I advised him not to engage in the oil business.
My book-keeper and general business representative at that time, Bro. Geo. Rindfuss, was very intimate with Bro. Zech. Bro. Rindfuss it seems advised Bro. Zech differently, respecting the oil business, and Bro. Zech seemed to misunderstand me and to imagine that from jealousy I had advised him against his best interests, lest he should prosper greatly;—but nothing could have been farther from my thoughts.
About this time Bro. Rindfuss, as my business representative, called attention to the fact that I would soon need considerable money and suggested that he try and sell an eighth interest in some oil property for which not long before I had paid 3500. I consented. In a few days he reported that he could get3300, and urged that I accept it as it was for a friend,—Brother Zech. I objected that Bro. Zech was unused to business, and if anything should go wrong he might reflect upon me for having helped him into it. The reply was that the property was as safe as could be found, and that Bro. Zech was not a child and knew what he was doing; and that besides Bro. Zech had been to see the property, while I had never seen it, having bought it on the explanation of Bro.
Rindfuss and others, without taking time to visit it. So I consented, and as a favor to Bro. Zech sold him a one-eighth interest in the property for $200 less than it cost me and less than Bro. Rindfuss paid for a similar interest purchased from another party. I still, however, owned an eighth interest.
To the complete surprise of all concerned, the property suddenly declined in oil production, and hence also in value, until what I had paid 3500 for was not worth700. As we had feared, Bro. Zech's feelings suffered severely by the fall from great expectations to such realizations; and, although without cause, he proclaimed that I was responsible for his loss. I then felt that it would be to the brother's benefit spiritually and to the Lord's praise, and at the same time to the assistance of the German work, that I should help him out of his difficulty. Accordingly, I advised him to have nothing more to do with the oil business, and I managed to purchase back the said interest, worth at the time 700, and another small interest purchased of Bro. Rindfuss, and worth at the time300, and so pay him for these their net cost (adding expenses and deducting oil received by him), which amounted to 3386. This sum by arrangement was paid him with my notes bearing six per cent. interest and running for some time. They have since been paid in full with interest—2386 and interest more than we knew the properties were worth—and they never were worth more afterward.
Meantime Bro. Zech had urged that I go into the printing business with him, as a partner; but I refused, and advised him that it was a troublesome business. I never advised him to invest time or money in the business. On the contrary, I advised him against it. However, when he afterward found a partner and desired to do our work I promised him a preference over others, prices and work being equal; and this preference he has always had. Meantime, also, he had desired to have the full control of the German work and we sold him the plates, etc., of the German DAWN, Vol. 1., at cost,—giving him privilege also to translate and publish the series, a condition being that he should supply the books at the same prices that we had been supplying them to the public and to colporteurs, and the promise made that if at any time Bro.
Zech could not or would not supply the books at the same prices, the privilege of publishing them should revert to the Tower Pun. Co. The restriction as to price was afterward modified as respects Vols. ii. and iii., and they are now sold at a higher price, yet only about cost, because fewer are sold. And to meet Bro. Zech's views I agreed to pay him the full retail prices on all GERMAN DAWNS I have occasion to purchase from him.
Judge of my surprise when, in January, 1893, Bro. Zech told me and others that I had treated him shamefully, etc. I said to myself, If this be bad treatment, what would be considered good treatment? A number of the church friends of all concerned were called together to hear the matter and advise.
Brother and Sister Zech and family urged that I should pay more to Bro. Zech's firm for the printing and binding of the DAWNS than responsible firms would charge for the same work. He complained, too, about being limited in the selling price of DAWN, Vol. 1; and declared that I had almost starved them at first on 35 and40 per month, etc. I explained our dealings as above to the friends present and that we were paying our brother about twice as much as he could have gotten elsewhere—if he could have gotten any opportunity or pay when new at the business. I explained, as I do now, that it was no more my duty to pay a brother more than a worldly firm would charge, than it was his duty as a brother to do the work for less. Business should be done on the lines of justice: charity and love can find exercise in other ways—as, for instance, in our dealing with Bro. Z. in the oil transaction, in which we made him and the German work a clean present of 3386 with interest. Bro. Zech complained that we gave one lot of DAWNS to another firm to print and bind. I showed the friends that Bro. Zech's firm was continually complaining that they were losing money on the DAWN work, while others were bidding lower, and were anxious to get the work. Bro. Zech's firm being full of work we finally gave one lot to another firm at a saving of130 on twenty thousand books.
And then I gave about one hundred dollars of that saving to the German cause, by donating the cost of the electro-plates for the third volume of German DAWN.
It is almost needless to say that the friends after hearing us both fully—until daylight of Feb. 5, '93—assured Bro. Zech that Bro. Russell's course was not only just, but very generous and brotherly toward him. His judgment was so warped, however, that he could not see the matter at the time; but a day later he expressed himself differently by letter to us and to all. The following is a verbatim copy of his letter:
Allegheny, Pa., Feb. 6, '93.
"Dear Brother Russell," Thinking the matter over since our long conference with the different brethren and sisters in your house on February 4th, I find that I have erred in my judgment regarding the charges made against you, and I therefore express my regret for having done so and for the trouble and anxiety resulting from it. May the Lord grant us that no such misunderstanding will arise again to injure our mutual brotherly feeling and fellowship. And since so many of our friends have been witnesses, I would be very pleased to express the above sentiment in their hearing, or, if you deem it preferable, to have them read this letter.
In sincere love and fellowship,
Your brother in Christ,
OTTO VON ZECH.
"P. S. So far as Sister Zech is concerned, I must state that she never agreed with me concerning the right I thought I had to claim, but took, so she says, the position she did from a sense of wifely duty. O. v. Z."
This experience led to the preparation of the article entitled, The Relative Claims of Love and Justice, which that it might not be construed as a blow at Bro. Zech, was held back and published in the Tower of June 1, 93.
Below is a copy of a letter presented to Sister Russell and myself about a month previous: Christmas 1892.
"DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL: I embrace the opportunity of this celebration of our Redeemer's birth to tell you in writing what I could not so well express orally. I want to make you the best Christmas present I know of in telling you of our deep and ever increasing gratitude and love toward you and Sister Russell for your work's sake, and for the kindness and love shown and daily bestowed upon us.
"In reading the other day what the Apostle says, that 'we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are [being] changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord's spirit,' and finding that the Apostle spoke thus not of the future but of the present, I could not help thinking, Yes, that is so. If we look back these seven years since we came into this marvelous light by the grace of God, we have experienced an ever increasing and burning love toward those who had been God's blessed agents to help us see the truth.
"And I concluded, dear Brother and Sister, to let you know this our sentiment as our best gift we possibly could give, and thus to thank you from our hearts for your labor of love which our Heavenly Father has so abundantly blessed also toward us, and at the same time for the firm stand you take and always took in the defence of the central truth in our Father's plan—the ransom for or instead of us.
"May our Lord and Shepherd grant us to stand side by side in this battle till it is over.
In Him we will remain,
YOUR BROTHER AND SISTER ZECH."
It seems strange indeed that people could write such letters and yet keep "bombs" ready and waiting for convenient "explosion."
This comprises all of Bro. Zech's grievances, except as relates to the Wednesday evening prayer and conference meetings, which we will now notice.
A little more than a year ago, studying the spiritual needs of the flock, and remembering that our central prayer meeting had been a failure, because the friends here are widely scattered, we conceived the plan of having meetings in various parts of these two cities, not for bible study, but for prayer and testimony, for the cultivation of the fruits of the spirit and the binding together of the body of Christ in love and Christian fellowship.
I suggested to the Church the advisability of such meetings, urging that while doctrines are necessary, the cultivation of the fruits of the spirit is the real object of all doctrine. I asked those who favored the plan to signify it by rising; and almost all arose, Bro. Zech and family being conspicuous as voting against the meetings,—which they had a full right to do. I was not surprised at the matter, however, as I knew that Sister Zech had frequently expressed herself as having no confidence in prayer.
Next we asked for houses to be volunteered in which the meetings could be held, and several were promptly offered, the object of the meetings being clearly understood by all as not frinal, but social meetings.
I then appointed leaders of those meetings—asking Bro. Zech first, whether he would serve. He declined. Later he started a German meeting at his house for doctrinal disputations, which, of course, was all right; for the appointment of the social meetings did not hinder any who pleased from holding or attending other meetings. But because I urged that these meetings, appointed for social worship, should be held strictly to their object, Bro. Zech and wife complained that I was a pope, and privately, we now learn, endeavored to raise a spirit of opposition in others, but without success, as the congregation appreciates the meetings greatly. Bro. and Sister Zech, after trying for six months to discourage the meetings, began to attend them; and we were greatly encouraged for two months,—especially when at a general church meeting (Dec. '93) Sister Z. testified before all, of the benefit she had derived from those meetings. This sympathy and interest ceased, and they at once changed their plans, when it was known that there would be no general Convention here this Spring.
The charge of "bondage" and "undermythumb," etc. which now they make public, I find has been a part of their "whisperings" for the past four years.
They did what they could to prejudice the minds of the Tower office helpers: slanderous falsehoods, called "revelations" were made to them, to undermine their confidence and poison their minds against me; so that when the time for "exploding" the "bombs" should come, I should have no friends. Three years ago Sister Ball was invited over to their home to spend the evening and then advised, confidentially, that she was imposed upon by us, etc., etc., etc. Sister Russell and myself then visited them, showed the evidence of this course and they apologized. But within a year it now seems that they began again: Bro. Henningses was "talked to" about being in bondage to Bro. Russell; and it was intimated that he was a fool for staying here. Bro. Campbell was made a "confidant" before he had been here a month, every endeavor being made to prejudice him against me. Bro. Abbott was similarly approached; and when questioned as to his salary, replied: "I am not sure that Bro. Russell would want his private affairs discussed, but I will tell you this much: he is paying me more than I asked for." An attempt was even made to alienate my wife, and to make her my enemy; but praise God it did not succeed. I can now heartily thank the Lord that I have such faithful, proved ones so closely associated with me in the work. It is strange how blind I must have been, not to have noticed what others all around seem to have seen and heard. But I placed too high an estimate upon those who bear the, to me, sacred name of "brethren."
Since Bro. Zech has alluded to the events of Christmas evening 1892, I must give the facts. Sister Russell and I invited Bro. and Sister Zech and a few other friends to a six o'clock Christmas dinner. After dinner, while in the parlor, Sister R. interrupted me in some trivial matter, and then catching herself asked me to proceed, I replied, "No; you tell it—you are the head of the house." This I admit was sarcastic; and seeing that it hurt Sister Russell's feelings and that she at once disclaimed any wrong intent, I excused it, and said that I did not mean it literally, that indeed Sister Russell is a very model wife, etc., and thus the matter ended.
But Bro. Bryan (who we will see presently is a most peculiar person, who fancies himself able, as he is ever willing, to give everybody instruction, and whose idiosyncracies I had put up with for several years, as a member of our family and one of the office helpers), fancied that the above incident gave him a chance to meddle; and so the next morning at breakfast he took occasion to insult me. His remarks were ten times as strong as mine of the evening before, and wholly inexcusable. Sister Russell demonstrated, that his remarks were out of order, and I at once told him that I had borne his insolence and meddlesome busy-body disposition entirely too long; and now to go at once from the home whose head he had not respected and to whose every member he had made himself a disturber.
He went at once to Bro. Zech's where he was made warmly welcome as a co-conspirator against Bro. Russell. But their cause would suffer if he left the Tower office before the "explosion"; so they got up a letter and with one argument or another got those who had been present on Christmas evening to sign it. That is the letter which Bro. Zech drags into his statement of his grievances. But their real object was to get me to take Bro. Bryan back into the Tower office. Of the circumstances under which the signatures were obtained the signers themselves have something to say below. Those circumstances exonerate all of them except the conspirators, Bro. and Sister Zech and Bro. Bryan, whose malicious intent seems now very manifest; but of course I knew no difference among them at that time.
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