The Finished Mystery and Why Suppressed (1918)

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"The FINISHED MYSTERY"

AND WHY SUPPRESSED

U. S. Department of Justice and War Intelligence Bureau Act CLERGYMEN TAKE A HAND

Wide publication has been given through the public press to the fact that the Governments of the United States and Canada have suppressed the sale and distribution of the seventh book of a series written by the late Pastor Russell, named "The Finished Mystery." This book is published by the INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION at Brooklyn, New York. The Association also publishes six other books written by Pastor Russell, which have had a circulation exceeding eleven million volchurch organizations, or ecclesias, in almost all the important cities of the United States and Canada, and a greater number of the smaller towns and country districts, which are visited by these traveling preachers regularly who deliver sermons and teach Bible classes. Each church or ecclesia has its own organization and elects regularly its elders and teachers for teaching and giving instruction in the Bible. The text books used for instruction in the Bible are books and concordances and various translations of the

These publications have pointed out for the past twenty years that a great international war would be upon the world which would begin in 1914; and that practically all the nations would be involved. The Society has never published anything with a view to hindering the progress of the war at all, for the reason that they recognize it as of Divine permission, and could not oppose its progress without opposing the very foundation of their belief.

"THE FINISHED MYSTERY"

"The Finished Mystery" is the seventh volume of Studies in the Scriptures, a large portion of which consists of Bible interpretations written by Pastor Russell in his lifetime, to which additions were made by the compilers, Messrs. Woodworth and Fisher, with copious quotations from other writers. Amongst these quotations are some from ministers of different denominations.

In February, 1918, agitation by clergymen became very pointed against the seventh volume "The Finished

was completed by February, 1917. The finished book came off the press about the middle of July, 1917, and within one week over thirty thousand copies had been sold to those who had been looking for it. Since then, thousands of Bible students throughout the country have used this volume as their text book, meeting two or three times a week for Bible study. It is readily observed by any student that it is the first book yet published that attempts to give a full explanation of the prophecies of Ezekiel and Revelation, which have been sealed books to Bible students for a long time.

WHY OPPOSED BY THE CLERGY

In Jesus' day, "the common people heard him gladly," and the ecclesiastics of that time persecuted him. The same persecution has applied to the International Bible Students Association with reference to their promulgation of Bible truths. Pastor Russell preached to more people than any man that ever lived on earth. For some time his sermons appeared in or many

Pastor Russell clearly proved from the Scriptures that the doctrine of eternal torment of human souls is the fiendish doctrine of the great Adversary and a defamation of God's holy name; that the doctrine of the divine right of the clergy to teach the Bible and the divine right of kings to rule are wholly unscriptural, and that both have been the cause of untold suffering of the peoples of earth.

In 1881 Pastor Russell announced his intention of publishing seven volumes of Studies in the Scriptures. He published six of these volumes during his life and shortly after his death the seventh volume of the series was published, the latter, as before stated, more particularly explaining the prophecies of Ezekiel and Revelation and proving how the unrighteous ecclesiastical systems have grown up in the earth and oppressed the people. This volume also points out that Messiah's Kingdom is near at hand and that soon indescribable blessings will flow out to mankind.

FORETOLD WAR 20 YEARS AGO

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE OF MODERN CLERGY

In Jesus' day, the clergy of the Jewish order, being unable to meet his forceful words, stirred up the people against him and had him arrested, charging him with treason against the Roman government and with blasphemy against God. "The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you," declared Jesus to his disciples.—John 15:20.

It is manifest that the teaching of the International Bible Students Association, and particularly that of "The Finished Mystery," has not in any manner influenced any person against the Government nor in any manner retarded the war. It is likewise

atic denunciation particularly of "The Finished Mystery," and of the International Bible Students Association and its publications generally. For instance, the Winnipeg papers announced that certain clergymen had denounced the publications of this Association from their pulpits and stated that the attention of the Attorney General had been called to the matter. Later, the Attorney General examined certain of the Association's publications and the public censor placed a ban upon them in Canada. The Winnipeg Tribune says, "The censor's order is believed to be the direct result" of these representations of the clergy. Shortly thereafter, in various parts of Canada, mem-

umes. Since this matter has become so prominent in the public eye, we give herein a brief history of the Association and an outline of its work, coupled with the reasons for the opposition to and suppression of this book:

WHAT THE I. B. S. A. IS

The International Bible Students Association is a name used by Bible Students throughout the world who adhere to the interpretation of the Bible as taught for many years by the late Pastor Russell. This name is employed generally to distinguish it from its two kindred corporations, to wit: The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and the Peoples Pulpit Association.

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is a corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, existing since 1884, and handles the business end of the work and the publications of the International Bible Students Association generally.

In 1909 the Peoples Pulpit Association was incorporated under the Membership Corporation Law of the State of New York, to handle the same work in that state, for the reason that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society being a non-stock corporation organized in another state could not hold title to real estate in the State of New York. The two associations, however, are one and the same, engaged in identically the same work.

Bible, and particularly the writings of Pastor Russell. These writings consist of seven volumes known as Studies in the Scriptures—Helping Hands to Bible Study. They are specifically named as follows:

Vol. 1 The Divine Plan of the Ages.

Vol. 2 The Time is at Hand.

Vol. 3 Thy Kingdom Come.

Vol. 4 The Battle of Armageddon.

Vol. 5 Atonement Between God and Man

Vol. 6 The New Creation.

Vol. 7 The Finished Mystery.

The first of this series was published in 1886 and the other volumes have been added since from time to time; the last, or seventh volume, being published after the death of Pastor Russell, which occurred in October, 1916. More than eleven million of these volumes are in the hands of the people.

Other publications of the Association are: The Watch Tower, a journal published twice each month and devoted exclusively to religious matters and Bible explanations. The regular subscription to this semi-monthly journal is approximately 40,000. The Bible Students Monthly, a small foursheet paper, which has contained usually the sermons of Pastor Russell up to the time of his death, and since then similar matter prepared by other members of the Association, together with a few news items along religious lines.

In addition to these publications there are the following booklets, viz., "What Say the Scriptures About Hell?" "What Say the Scriptures About Spirmanifest from the facts, as shown by numerous newspaper reports publishing the declarations of clergymen, that for some time the clergy have been seeking to stir up the people against the I. B. S. A. and to have the attention of the Government called to them on the flimsy theory that their publications are in the nature of German propaganda. It is quite certain that the civil powers would have had no occasion even to consider "The Finished Mystery" had not the agitation of the clergy forced it upon them.

Mystery," and in Canada the public censor put a ban upon the book and the press freely published the "objeo- time his sermons appeared in as many as four thousand papers each week, and in many different languages. Those associated with him in the work

More than twenty years ago Pastor Russell pointed out from the Bible that God had granted to the Gentiles a lease

Pastor Russell wrote, we might say prophetically, concerning the events we now see transpiring. More than twenty years ago he pointed out from the Scriptures that the experiences of the Prophet Elijah with King Ahab and his queen, Jezebel, pictured the closing experiences of the true Christians on earth; Ahab representing the civil powers, and Jezebel the Papal system. Further he stated that Herod and his unlawful wife, Herodias, again typed the same thing as did Ahab and Jezebel; and that John the Baptist and his last experiences pictured the trying experiences to which Christians would be subjected after the close of the Gentile Times, viz., A. D. 1914; and that the daughter of Herodias (Salome), pictured nominal Protestant churches united in a common cause. John the Baptist rebuked Herodias for her wrongful course. An explanation of Ezekiel and Revelation as set forth

bers of the International Bible Students Association were arrested, their houses were searched and their books and other publications taken away from them, and Christians were punished by fine and imprisonment for using their text book, "The Finished Mystery," for Bible class study.

CLERGY INSPIRED PERSECUTION

About the same time, the President of the Association addressed a great mass meeting at Los Angeles, California, one of the leading papers of that city carrying a full-page report of the meeting the morning following. The ministerial alliance of that city immediately held a meeting and sent a representative who waited upon that paper with a view of preventing further publication of the Bible truths as proclaimed by the International Bible Students Association. The clergy failed in this mission. A few days later, certain officers swooped down upon the Bible Students' local headquarters, took possession of their various publications, including Bibles and hymn books, and took them away Later many of the books were returned. They forced an entrance into the private office of one of the elders of the local church, without even having a search warrant. The next Sunday, clergymen of Los Angeles advertised such subjects as, "Is the End of Russellism Near!" One of the leading clergymen from his pulpit said, "Thank

In 1914 a corporation was formed in London, England, under the name of the International Bible Students Association, which handles the business end of the work in that country. This is the name also by which all their Bible ecclesias, or churches, throughout the world are known. Therefore, for convenience, the name International Bible Students Association is used as referring generally to the religious organization and work.

WORK AND PURPOSE

The purpose for which these organizations are created is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the oral message and by the printed page. For a number of years branch offices have been maintained in the following places, to wit: London, England; Orebro, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; Barmen, Germany; Zurich, Switzerland; Capetown, South Africa; Melbourne, Australia; and other points. This work is managed from the Brooklyn headquarters, the executive office of which is located at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York, and the business operative office at 13-17 Hicks Street, Brooklyn.

The International Bible Students Association maintains on the road a number of traveling preachers. It has

itism?" "The Tabernacle Shadows," and some smaller pamphlets.

HOW FINANCED

All the funds that maintain this Association and that have been used in this work are received from voluntary contributions. Not even a collection has ever been taken up at any meeting and no money solicited, but men and women throughout the world who have understood the teachings of the Bible as explained by Pastor Russell, and who realize the great blessings that it holds out to the peoples of the earth, and moved by philanthropic desires, have willingly and gladly contributed the money.

A subscription price of one dollar a year is charged for The Watch Tower, which about meets the cost of its publication and distribution. The Studies in the Scriptures are sold at a very close margin and usually little or no profit is made on them. Many of the other papers are given away freely.

"OBJECTIONABLE MATTER"

Neither The Watch Tower nor any of their other publications has editorially discussed the war with reference to whether it is right or wrong. All reference to the war has been in the nature of an explanation of prophecy.

THE CLERGY WOULD CENSOR THE BIBLE

tionable" part. When this matter was called to the attention of the officers of the Association, Mr. Robison, a representative of the I. B. S. A., was sent to Washington, D. C., and appeared before the Censor Committee of the Intelligence Section of the War Department, and submitted to that body "The Finished Mystery," and upon examination of it they suggested to Mr. Robison that pages 247 to 253 be removed. The pages consist largely of quotations from two ministers of different denominations. The Association immediately took steps to have removed from the book these pages to which objection was made.

For many years, members of the I. B. S. A. have been expecting and looking for the seventh volume of Studies in the Scriptures, now well known as "The Finished Mystery." For a number of years Pastor Russell stated that this seventh volume would deal specially with the prophecies of Ezekiel and Revelation and that in due time it would be published and distributed amongst the people. A few moments before his death, he stated to an attendant that some one else would have to publish the seventh volume.

Work began on the book by the compilers in the month of November, 1916, and a large portion of the proof

have likewise been engaged in preaching the glad tidings of great joy concerning Messiah's Kingdom. The common people and a few of the clergymen have heard gladly, while a great majority of the clergy have opposed.

In order that the motive of this opposition to the I. B. S. A. may be understood, we outline here more in detail the history of their work.

In 1869, young Charles T. Russell, being a diligent student of divine prophecy, discovered that the Bible contains an outline of Jehovah's wonderful plan of salvation which will ultimately bless mankind. So enthused was he with the message of hope that he at once devoted all of his time and money to making it known to others. At the very beginning of his ministry he spent $40,000 out of his own pocket to distribute freely in the City of New York and other places a little booklet entitled "Food for Thinking Christians." A few clergymen saw he was right, and with gladness joined with him in the work. The greater majority of clergymen, instead of explaining these Scriptures to the people and helping them, began a cruel and systematic persecution of this great reformer, and thus they persistently continued to persecute him until his death.

of power which would legally end in 1914 and that then the nations would become angry and God's wrath would come; that a great international war would begin at that time and would be followed by greater trouble, and that the trouble would usher in Messiah's Kingdom of righteousness, which would be "the desire of all nations." (Haggai 2:7) Long ago he showed that it would be impossible for the United States to keep out of that war. The facts, now well known by every man, prove the correctness of Pastor Russell's interpretations of the Bible. His exposition of Scripture has greatly angered the majority of clergymen, because it shows that their teachings in the past have been out of harmony with the Word of God; and if he is correct in his interpretation of the Bible, their position as clergymen is wholly untenable. The clergy were called upon either to show the people that his Scriptural interpretations are wrong, or to join with him in explaining them to the people and thus to help in leading the people into greater light and happiness. This the clergy failed to do. They had no answer to the clear exposition of Scripture given by Pastor Russell and those who joined with him in the work.

in "The Finished Mystery," is a rebuke to the clergy of both Papal and Protestant systems. Referring to this in The Watch Tower for March 15, 1898, Pastor Russell said:

"The Church nominal, in her false position, would be anxious to stifle the reproofs and destroy the reprovers, and the effect would be that the civil powers would be induced to pass such legislation as would restrain the liberty of the faithful ones and hinder them from public utterances, as John was hindered by imprisonment. Jezebel's (Papacy's) personal influence, being insufficient, may subsequently be augmented by the influence of her daughter (united Protestantism), who will be so fully in sympathy with her as to become her tool in the destruction of the most loyal servants of God." For years clergymen (Catholic an

For years clergymen (Catholic and Protestant) have vehemently opposed the teachings of the International Bible Students Association. When they read "The Finished Mystery," their anger knew no bounds. Being wholly unable to answer the clear argument therein presented, they began to seek some way to destroy those responsible for its publication. Early in the month of February, 1918, the clergymen of Canada began a system-

God, Russellism is now downed forever." In various parts of the country, men and women have recently been arrested and thrown into jail. In the State of Oklahoma, a poor woman, selling books at a small profit for a living, was arrested because she was selling "The Finished Mystery," the seventh of Pastor Russell's series of books, her bond fixed at $10,000 which was impossible for her to give. and she was compelled to stay for some time in a jail too filthy to house swine.

CLERGY CRY "HUN PROPAGANDA"

In big headlines, the clergymen have advertised the publications of Pastor Russell as "German Propaganda." Their evident object was to stir up the minds of the people against these Bible Students, classifying them as German sympathizers. As an illustration, the Winnipeg Tribune printed this bold heading: "Russellism is Hun Propaganda Under a Cloak." "An infamous German propaganda under the cover of religion," said Dr. French E. Oliver to a crowded audience at the First Presbyterian Church, Winnipeg.

In Worcester, Massachusetts, Rev. B. F. Wyland published in the Daily Telegram, under big headlines, "Hun Propaganda is Being Pushed in Worcester." Among other things, he said, "And one of your patriotic duties that confronts

KINGDOM NEWS

I. B. S. A., Publisher. 13, 15, 17 Hicks St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Monthly—12c. a year. Single copies, 10 An Independent, Unsectarian Religious Newspaper, Specially Devoted to the Heralding of the Kingdom of Christ for the Glory of God and Good of Humanity.

Ministers of the I. B. S. A. render their services at funerals free of charge. They also invite correspondence from those desiring Christian counsel.

you as citizens is the suppression of the International Bible Students Association, with headquarters in Brooklyn. They have, under the guise of religion, been carrying on German propaganda in Worcester by selling their book, The Finished Mystery.' He further called upon the authorities to arrest these Bible students and prevent them from meeting in halls for Bible study. This is a sample of what has been in progress throughout the country in the past few weeks in the way of a campaign of misrepresentation.

How foolish to charge the International Bible Students Association with publishing literature in the interest of the German Government, when the greater portion of its publications relating to the present conditions was written twenty years ago, as is particularly evidenced by reference to the preface in the book, "The Finished Mystery"; and the I. B. S. A. are as much persecuted in Germany as in America or elsewhere.

PERSECUTION IN GERMANY

There is a well-organized effort on behalf of the clergy to persecute these Bible students wherever found—their activities have not been confined to one country, but apply to all countries. For a number of years the International Bible Students Association has maintained an office in Germany and in many other foreign countries. We cite the following from a paper of recent date published in Copenhagen, Denmark, respecting clerical persecution eminating from the heart of Germany:

"A Warning Against the Millennium Sect

"The Consistory of Kiel (Holstein, Germany) is calling the attention of the (Lutheran) priests to the activities carried on by the Millennium sect, which calls itself 'Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society,' and also 'Bible Students Association.' The Imperial War Department has recently requested us to keep a watchful eye on the activities of this sect, which consist in selling the writings of its founder, the recently deceased PasRussell, of Brooklyn, North America, in untiring propaganda work, accomplished with American money. The Consistory does, therefore, call the priests' attention to this sect and requests that they take action against it and report to the Consistory their observations of its dangerous activities."

NOT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT

These clergymen, Catholic and Protestant, who are joining hands together to gain greater political influence in the land and who are unable to answer the teachings of the Bible concerning themselves, like the persecutors of our Lord, have raised a great roar that the International Bible Students are disloyal and against the Government of the United States, and therefore guilty of treason. Nothing is further from the truth. There is not a disloyal one amongst the members of the International Bible Students Association. They are not against the Government in any sense. They recognize the United States Government as the best government on earth and President Wilson as the greatest of earth's rulers.

"WIRELESS SEIZED"

About the same time that arrests were being made in other places, the public press throughout the country announced that a "raid" had been made on the Bethel Home, Brooklyn, and a powerful wireless receiving station was found in the cellar and a sending station on the roof, intimating that this was maintained in the interest of pro-German work. The facts are these: Some three years ago, Mr. Edward Kuser of Pottstown, Pa., presented Pastor Russell with a receiving radio machine and it was erected on the roof of the Bethel Home. There never has been a sending apparatus about the premises; not even the receiver has been used, except to experiment with by some of the younger members who were trying to learn the operation of the wireless, and not even this has been done during the past two years. More than a year ago, the wireless was dismantled and the poles sawed up and used for other purposes, and the receiving instrument safely stored away in the art room. It was voluntarily produced and by consent removed, because we have no use for it. There is not a person about the Bethel Home, nor has there been for two years, who knows anything about the use of a wireless instrument.

The International Bible Students are not against the war. They recognize and have long taught that the Bible, three thousand years ago, foretold the present great war, and that God's hand would be in it. When in 1915 President Wilson asked the ministers to pray for peace, Pastor Russell, in an address in the New York City Temple, said:

"Our honorable President with praiseworthy intent has requested all Christians to make this a day of prayer for peace in Europe. I have been asked to sermonize accordingly. However, I cannot concur with our worthy President in this matter. Much as I appreciate peace and I have all my life labored to be a peacemaker-I cannot pray the Almighty to change his plans to conform to those of our honored President. For 2,500 years God, through the Bible Prophets, has been telling his people about this great war and concerning the more terrible Armageddon which will follow it; and can we expect him to reverse the program at our behest?"

Pastor Russell recognized that this war, foretold in the Bible by Jehovah, will be overruled by him and result in good to mankind. The Bible says, "There shall be a time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation, even to that same time." (Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21) If it is disloyal to call attention to the meaning of this great trouble upon the earth, then it is disloyal to repeat the Lord's prayer. He taught all his followers to pray, "Thy Kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." That Kingdom could not come until after this world travail.

Furthermore, the Lord said: "Wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy [not literal fire]. For then will I turn to the people a pure message, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." (Zephaniah 3:8, 9) Thus Jehovah points out that after the trouble, there will be given the people a pure message and a great blessing shall come to the people.

HOW THE DRAFT IS REGARDED

The International Bible Students Association recognizes that the United States Government, being a political and economic institution, has the power and authority, under its fundamental law, to declare war and to draft its citizens into military service. It has no disposition to interfere with the draft or the war in any manner. The fact that some of its members have sought to take advantage of the provision of the law has been used as another means of persecution. Congress passed the Selective Draft Act in May, 1917, and in that law provided that no person shall be compelled to engage in combatant military service who is a member of a well-recognized religious organization, the principles of which preclude its members from engaging in war. Thus the law-makers of the land recognized that there are conscientious objectors who cannot conscientiously engage in mortal combat. The reason for this is that some have fully consecrated themselves to the Lord and they conscientiously believe if they are faithful to him they shall have a part in his kingdom of righteousness, and that if they engage in the taking of human life this will destroy them eternally. The law provides that such shall be given non-combatant service. Members of the International Bible Students Association have claimed classification under this statute.

International Bible Students believe and teach that the Bible is God's inspired Word, given to man for his instruction, pointing out the only way that leads to eternal life and happiness; that all men are born sinners because of the disobedience of father Adam, the first man; that God provided redemption for mankind through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that "Jesus Christ tasted death for every man," and in due time every man must be brought to a knowledge of this fact and given an opportunity to accept the provisions and live (Hebrews 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-6); that from the time Jesus ascended into heaven until the setting up of his kingdom, the Lord has been gathering out from the earth the Church, which means the members of the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22, 23); that just before his ascension into heaven Jesus promised that he would come again and receive his church unto himself; that he would then set up his kingdom for the blessing of all mankind, and that the present world would then end and a reign of righteousness begin; that all the kingdoms and nations of the earth must come under the rule of the great Messiah and that this will take place in the closing days of the kings of this earth, as suggested by the Prophet Daniel: "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 forever." (Daniel 2:44) Again, Jesus said, "He that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of my Father."—Revelation 2:26, 27.

The World Has Ended MILLIONS Now Living WILL NEVER DIE!

The Bible Students also believe that the reign of Christ will be for the purpose of granting to every man one fair and impartial trial for life everlasting (Acts 17:31; John 6:28, 29; Matthew 25:30-46); that during his reign the wilfully wicked, after being given a full knowledge, will be annihilated, and all the obedient ones will be fully restored to the perfection that Adam had prior to his sin (Acts 3:19-24); that his reign will result in the destruction of every enemy, the last enemy being death (1 Corinthians 15:25, 26); that then he who lives and believes in Jesus shall never die (John 11:26); that the earth itself will be made a beautiful place for the habitation of man, and peace and love of fellow-men and righteousness and truth will prevail. They further believe that this reign of Christ which is now beginning will last a thousand years and this thousand-year period is designated the Millennium; that it is the great privilege and duty of Christians at this time to announce that the kingdom of heaven is at hand; that at the time of this great distress upon the nations it is our duty and privilege to comfort the sad hearts by calling the attention of the people to the Bible hope. The Scriptures alone bring the satisfying portion, as nothing else can do.

A free public lecture will be given in this vicinity soon on this startling subject. Positive proof will be submitted in evidence.

WATCH LOCAL NEWSPAPERS FOR DATE AND PLACE

BIBLE HOPE ANGERS CLERGY

The clergy have taught an entirely different doctrine; especially in recent years. The Bible hope, as held out to the people and to which the I. B. S. A. have called attention, has greatly angered many of the clergy. Seemingly, they do not want the Lord to reign, because that would mean that their teachings are wrong and that they would have to change their vocation. Unable to answer the Bible truths, they assault any one who holds them forth, charging such with disloyalty and working in behalf of the nation's enemies. As a sample, we quote from Dr. Shirley J. Case, of the Divinity School of the Chicago University, who has recently written a book against the Bible teaching concerning the thousand-year reign of Christ to bless mankind. Speaking against the International Bible Students Association, he says: "Two thousand dollars a week is being

spent to spread their doctrine. Where the money comes from is unknown, but there is a strong suspicion that it emanates from German sources. In my belief, the fund would be a profitable field for Government investigation. My object in writing the book was to enlighten the American people; for if the belief spreads, many would not be able to see the need for fighting for democracy. That the doctrine of the premillennarians has many supporters is certain, as the Divinity School receives many communications each week from pastors all over the country asking how to combat the idea."

The foregoing quotation is a wicked charge without a semblance of truth on which to base it. Have such representations had anything to do with the investigation of the Association's books? Something has caused it. We here mention that recently the Government officials took possession of the Association's account books and made a thorough investigation and found nothing to indicate that a cent of their money comes from German sources. All the money used in this work is voluntarily contributed by conscientious men and women throughout the country who regard it as a great privilege now to declare the message of hope that the Bible holds out to the poor, groaning creation, and which will be realized after the trouble is over.

GREAT BABYLON

The prophets of the Lord describe Mystic Babylon and show that the ecclesiastical systems constitute Babylon. The book that has recently been so much commented upon in the press, "The Finished Mystery," is a commentary upon these prophecies, particularly Ezekiel and Revelation. These two great prophecies expose the clergy and show that their doctrines are misleading, holding out no hope for the masses of mankind, and confusing. Babylon means confusion. They show that the clergy have been preying upon the people and collecting money from them upon the pretense of teaching them the Scriptures; whereas they have kept the people in ignorance of the Bible. The creeds taught by the clergymen have held out no hope for any one except the few that go to heaven. They have taught that the mass of humanity would have to spend eternity in a state of torment—a lake of burning fire and brimstone, which they call "hell."

On the contrary, the Scriptures hold out a wonderful hope for mankind. In obedience to their country's call, thousands of young men of America are facing the enemy upon the battlefield. Doubtless many of these do not claim to be Christians; and if the teachings of the clergy are correct, then those boys would have no hope. The International Bible Students are trying to teach them and every one else that the Bible holds that only the consecrated Christian is now on trial for life, and that when Messiah's Kingdom is in operation all persons will have an opportunity for everlasting life in happiness; that then the dead shall return from their tombs and have an opportunity to gain everlasting blessings. Soldiers who die upon the battlefield, those who die at home from disease and other causes; in fact, all, shall hear the voice of the Son of Man and come forth from the tomb. (John 5:28) The Bible is full of consoling promises for mankind. We hold that these great truths bring consolation to the people as nothing else can do. Surely the people are at liberty to seek comfort from the Word of God. The great Adversary, by his various machinations, has kept the people in ignorance of these great truths for centuries. Now, in this hour of great stress upon the world, he is desperately striving to throttle those who are earnestly and faithfully endeavoring to teach the people this consoling message contained in the Bible. It is the Devil's old trick of intolerance in the name of religion against the glorious hope that God has set before all who love righteousness.

PASTOR RUSSELL'S MESSAGE

As a sample of the teachings of Pastor Russell's writings concerning this hope set before mankind and the future condition of men on earth, we quote from his first volume, "The Divine Plan of the Ages":

"Close your eyes for a moment to the scenes of misery and woe, degradation and sorrow that yet prevail on account of sin, and picture before your mental vision the glory of the perfect earth. Not a stain of sin mars the harmony and peace of a perfect society; not a bitter thought, not an unkind look or word; love, welling up from every heart, meets a kindred response in every other heart, and benevolence marks every act. There sickness shall be no more; not an ache nor a pain, nor any evidence of decay—not even the fear of such things. Think of all the pictures of comparative health and beauty of human form and feature that you have ever seen, and know that perfect humanity will be of still surpassing loveliness. The inward purity and mental and moral perfection will stamp and glorify every radiant countenance. Such will earth's society be; and weeping bereaved ones will have their tears all wiped away, when thus

they realize the resurrection work complete."

SPIRIT OF THE DARK AGES

Surely the people do not wish to return to the Dark Ages and have a few bigoted clergymen tell them that they should not read what the Bible says. We are reminded that in the early days of the Papacy it was made a crime for a man to have a Bible; and now the clergymen would take away the Bible explanation from the people. Our forefathers braved the storms of the Atlantic in open boats and came to wild America that they might establish an asylum of religious liberty where they could worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience. These great principles were embodied in the fundamental law of the land. The Constitution guarantees the right of petition and redress, the right of freedom of speech in the interest of humankind. We hold that all orderloving, law-abiding people should protest against this unholy persecution of innocent men and women by men who claim to teach the Bible and who teach it not.

Religious intolerance has brought Russia to her present condition. An arrogant, religious intolerance has made German autocracy possible. While the peoples of the Allied nations are fighting for principles of justice and right, let us see to it that these principles are not denied to order-loving men and women who are attempting to help their fellow-men to a better understanding of God's purposes concerning their future welfare and blessing.

For more than thirty years, Pastor Russell and other members of the Association have been telling the people that the war would begin in 1914. The clergy throughout the land ridiculed and scoffed at the idea. Had the advice of Pastor Russell and the International Bible Students Association been heeded, the people would not have been so surprised when the war came, and would have been better prepared and fortified for it.

The I. B. S. A. are attempting to teach the people what is going to follow after this war, not teaching according to their own wisdom, but according to what the great Teacher, Christ Jesus, made clear. Again the clergy and their emissaries, by misrepresentation, are trying to keep both the governments and the people in ignorance. The clergy cry long and loud about their own loyalty and patriotism; whereas, as a matter of fact, many of them are really a menace to both governments and people. The American people can be trusted with all the Elible knowledge possible to be given them. Knowledge of righteousness will do good and not harm. Let the people understand that the future holds great blessings for them and their fears will be calmed. The International Bible Students Association is earnestly endeavoring to help the people along this very line.

THE RIGHT OF BIBLE STUDY

Thousands of Christians throughout the United States assemble several times each week for Bible study. At least once each week they use "The Finished Mystery" as a text book. It is the only book which ever made clear the prophecies of Ezekiel and Revelation. Thousands are rejoicing in the fact that they are now able to understand these books. The suppression of "The Finished Fystery" means the suppression of the Bible—the denial to American citizens of the right of Bible study. We feel quite sure that our President, Woodrow Wilson, does not approve such a course in the slightest measure. We are certain he is too broad-minded to try to thus suppress Bible study. Proof of this is given in his own words, recently published broadcast throughout the country, as follows:

I beg that you will read it and find this out for yourselves. Read not little snatches here and there, but long passages that will really be the road to the heart of it. You will find it full of real men and women not only, but also of things you have wondered about and been troubled about all your life, as men have been always; and the more you read the more it will become plain to you what things are worth while and what are not, what things make men happy—loyalty, right dealings, speaking the truth, readiness to give everything for what they think their duty, and, most of all, the wish that they may have the real approval of the Christ who gave everything for them—and the things that are guaranteed to make men unhappy—selfishness, cowardice, greed, and everything that is low and mean. When you have read the Bible you will know that it is the Word of God, because you will have found it the key to your own heart, your happiness, and your own duty."

Mr. Wilson urges the peoples to study the Bible. The clergy, on the contrary, say, in substance, "Do no study it unless you take our interpreta

Mr. Wilson urges the peoples to study the Bible. The clergy, on the contrary, say, in substance, "Do not study it unless you take our interpretation"; and they seek an arm of the Government to suppress independent Bible study. It is needless for us to say that this is in clear violation of both the spirit and the letter of the

Constitution of the United States, a well as of the law of Christ.

LUST FOR TEMPORAL POWER

It is no secret that the clergy for years past have diligently sought to acquire greater political influence and power amongst the nations; and this is particularly true in the United States. They now take advantage of the condition of stress upon the nation to further their selfish aims. Long has the Papacy looked with lustful eye for the control of American institutions. The same ambition that actuates the Kaiser of Germany lurks in the mind of the Pope. Since the days of Napoleon Bonaparte, it has been the desire of the Papal head to exercise temporal power. We now sound a warning to the liberty-loving people against the encroachments of the Papal system, aided and supported by a class of clergymen from other systems who have greed for power and who are willing to persecute any who seek to enlighten the people upon the true teachings of the Bible. Success of that ecclesiastical combine will mark the end of religious liberty. There are thousands in the world today who believe that the Pope recently betrayed Italy into the hands of the Kaiser; but when his wrongful course was discovered, he faced about. We quote from The Literary Digest for January 19, 1918:

"A scapegoat has been found for the recent reverses in Italy in the person of Pope Benedict XV, and one of the leading English papers does not hesitate to accuse him of having turned from a passive Austrophil into an active worker for the Austrian, as against the Italian, cause. In a long editorial in the London Morning Post, the Vatican and all its works are roundly denounced. The London Tory organ says: 'The time has come when it is necessary that the Allies should consider with some care what is their position in relation to the Vatican. That the recent Italian reverse was largely due to the influence of treacherous representations disseminated among the Italian armies is known; that the Vatican was implicated in that propaganda is also known; and the result was a disaster so grave that its effects cannot yet be measured. Since the beginning of the war, the Vatican, in so far as political action is concerned, has maintained an attitude which, as it was temporarily neutral, was spiritually incomprehensible, inasmuch as violations of law and offenses against humanity were tacitly condoned."

THE CHURCH TRUST

It is no secret that the Catholic and Protestant clergy are joining hands in persecution against the International Bible Students, both in America and other countries; not because they believe that the Bible Students are disloyal to any government, but because they know that the true teachings of the Bible expose their errors and show how they have kept the people in darkness for so many centuries. Now the clergy, posing as patriots and supporters of the Government, are really taking advantage of the occasion to oppress those who differ from them. We take this opportunity to warn the American people and order-loving people everywhere against a bigoted class of clergymen who have systematically endeavored to prevent the people from

understanding the Bible and to throttle all Bible teaching unless it comes through them. While America's sons are fighting for the principles of liberty, the clergy are seeking to establish a policy of religious intolerance which finds a precedent only in the Dark Ages.

We have no criticism to make of Christians in any denomination. We are glad to recognize that in all the churches, Catholic and Protestant, there have long been, and still are, true, loyal Christians. But it is the church trust, composed chiefly of the clergy class, that seeks to crush others who differ from them, against whom the Bible levels its criticism, and to which we call attention in the interest of the common people—Christians of all denominations. We have malice toward none, but love for all. We would not do injury to any persons, but we conceive it to be our duty to call your attention to the facts, that the principles of religious liberty may still be recognized in this government and that mankind may increase in a knowledge of God's wonderful plan for the blessing of the people.

WILL JUSTICE BE LONG DENIED?

Since issuing "The Finished Mystery," we have received thousands of letters from persons who have greatly rejoiced and are rejoicing in the increased knowledge which its reading brings to them concerning God's provisions for the human race. Many of these had never given any study to the Bible until after reading "The Finished Mystery." By the suppression of this book, a great injustice is done Christian people who are hungering and thirsting for a clearer knowledge of the Divine prophecies. The question involved is not a political one. It does not affect the Government one way or the other. It is purely a religious one and is opposed, not by the common people, but by a majority of professional clergymen, who are seeking through many channels to bring pressure to bear upon the Government to suppress this philanthropic and Christian work completely.

The suppression of "The Finished Mystery" is clearly in contravention of the First Amendment to the Constitution (Article I), because it prohibits the free exercise of the religion of Jesus Christ, believed and taught by thousands of people. In many places, officers of the law have, without even a warrant, seized great quantities of the books, have intimidated many and interrupted their peaceable study of the Word of God, which is clearly contrary to the fundamental law of the land. (Article IV, Constitution, amended.) We feel sure that no part of "The Finished Mystery" has been, or can in any way be, inimical to the Government of the United States; or has influenced, or can in any way influence, any person against the Government or embarrass the Government in the prosecution of the war.

Religious intolerance has marked the pages of European history with human blood—the blood of martyrs to the cause of righteousness and liberty. May the fair name of America never be blackened by even the temporary success of religious intolerance. Let us trust the people to read what God has caused to be recorded in his Word for them, because, as St. Paul wrote, "All Scripture given by inspiration of God is for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Petition to the President

All lovers of religious liberty should sign the following petition, and mail immediately to KINGDOM NEWS, 13 Hicks St., Brooklyn, N. Y., to be presented in one monster petition to the Government. DO IT NOW!

To President Wilson:

We, the undersigned Americans, hold that any interference by the clergy with independent Bible study is intolerant, un-American and un-Christian; and that any attempt to combine Church and State is radically wrong. In the interest of liberty and religious freedom, we solemnly protest against the suppression of The Finished Mystery, and petition the Government to remove all restrictions as to its use, that the people may be permitted without interference or molestation to buy, sell, have and read this aid to Bible study.

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