The Watchtower, February 15, 1917

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Vol. XXXVIII

BROOKLYN, N. Y., FEBRUARY 15, 1917

No. 4

VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER

GREAT STRIDES IN TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT

While the church nominal makes little or no effort to correct

the errors in her creeds, handed down from a dark and remote

past, but exhibits a declining interest in real Bible study

and rather encourages every effort to fasten still more firmly

upon the minds of her supporters the doctrines of Higher

Criticism and Evolution, nevertheless we cannot observe with

indifference her interest in the direction of placing still further

restrictions upon the liquor traffic in the various States

and territories of the country. We quote from the Literary

Digest:

"The past twelve months in the religious world, comments

a writer in the New York Herald, witnessed a

great stride forward in the temperance movement, when

four more States went dry at the elections in November,

so that now there are twenty-three States in the 'dry*

column. In this connection we learn from the report

of the Board of Temperance of the Methodist Episcopal

Church, that

" 'The Territory of Alaska, by a 5 to 3 vote, expressed

itself in favor of prohibition on November 7, 1916; but it

is necessary that Congress put the policy into effect, as

that body reserves the right to legislate on the liquor

question for Alaska. Utah, by action of a pledged Legislature

, will pass a prohibition law, to become effective

August 1, 1917. Florida, also by pledged legislative action

, will submit a prohibition amendment to the Constitution

to be voted upon in the general elections of 1918.

" 'Wyoming has a legislature pledged to prohibition

submission, but the details of its action are not determined

. New Mexico is expected to vote upon the question

in 1918. The Democratic primary of Texas has instructed

the Legislature to submit the question to be

voted upon July 28, 1917. Minnesota has a substantial

dry majority in its Legislature, and will probably go dry

in 1918.

" 'It is practically assured that Kentucky and Nevada

will vote upon prohibition, but, the time is not certain.

Nevada will almost certainly go dry, and the result in

Kentucky cannot be predicted. In Missouri and Indiana

Btrong effort to induce the forthcoming sessions of the

Legislature to enact statutory prohibition will be made.

Iowa, with statutory prohibition, will, by its Legislature,

submit prohibition for the Constitution for the second

time, as is required by law before it may be voted upon/

"In evidence of the growth of church unity, our Herald

informant points toward the merging of the two great

branches of the Methodist church, North and South, and

he recalls that last winter commissions of all American

PTote&tant churches met at Garden City, L. I., for the first

time, and adopted a general platform on which it recommended

that the World Conference on Faith and Order

proceed. We are reminded also that Pope Benedict XV.

sent a letter to the commissions, assuring them of his

'deep interest and prayers.' "

THE ONE TBtTE CHXTRCH

We view with increasing interest also the various moves

made during the past year in the direction of "Church Unity."

But Watch To web readers are not ignorant of what will follow

the realization of "Church Unity," which would not be

genuine church unity, but a Federation influenced, no doubt,

by conditions of a threatening character growing out of the

European War, and formed for self-protection and advancement

at almost any cost. — Revelation 13:15-17.

The desirability of oneness in the church of Christ is beyond

dispute. The impropriety of sectarianism, or division, is after

centuries of separation generally conceded. But so recently as

twenty-five years ago many still defended the divided condition

as being helpful. Invariably they pointed to our Lord's

words, "I am the Vine ; ye are the branches. Every branch in

me that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth

more fruit." (John 15:1-5) It was claimed that the denominations

are the branches. But the teaching of the Master here

in that his people are related to him in an individual sense,

and not as parties, sects^ or denominations.

St. Paul sets forth the same great truth, declaring that

Christ Jesus is the Head of the church which is his body; and

that as the human body has many members under the full

control of the head, except when diseased, so the church, as

members in particular of the body of Christ, are all to be

subject to the Lord as their Head. They are to be so connected

to their Head, and thus with each other, that when one

suffers, all suffer with him, and when pne rejoices, all rejoice

with him, because they have fellowship "in the one Spirit of the

Head.

This true church has never been divided. Each member is

united with the Lord, the Head, and through him to every

other member of his body, which is the church. In this

church there has always been maintained one Lord Jesus —

one faith, his word of promise — and one baptism, consecration

into his death. — 2 Timothy 2:11, 12; Ephesians 4:4-6.

"IMAGE OP THE BEAST* '—GIVING IT IJFB

Recently there was published in the leading newspapers of

the country a dispatch from Washington, D. C M which bears

the appearance of great significance to many of our readers.

Several copies of this dispatch have been forwarded to us by

persons deeply interested in the fulfilment of prophecies respecting

Church Federation and in the manner in which the

impartation of "life unto the Image of the Beast" will be

brought about. — Rev, 13:15.

While later developments will doubtless hurry along the

fulfilment of Scripture relating to Babylon's downfall — "in

one hour" — God's faithful people, "the wise/' will continue to

walk in the light of his Word and rejoice in every evidence

of its fulfillment, remembering that before Zion travails, she

shall bring forth; before her pain comes, she shall be delivered

of a man child. (Isaiah 66:7-9) The Head of this man

child — Christ Jesus, glorified — was delivered before nominal

fleshly Zion's travail eighteen hundred years ago. The body —

"the church which is* his body" — shall be delivered prior to

the collapse of nominal spiritual Zion, toward which we believe

Babylon is now fast progressing. We give following a

portion or the article referred to :

"Private letters from the Vatican, received by Dr. A.

Palmieri of the Library of Congress, a recognized writer

on ecclesiastical subjects, announce that Pope Benedict

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THE WATCH TOWER

B*ooxi<yjc, N. V.

XV. is about to appoint a commission of four cardinals

to renew a movement begun by Pope Leo XIII., and abandoned

by Pope Pius X., looking to a reunion of Christianity

and the cultivation of friendly relations with the

Anglican Church. A public announcement on the subject

from Rome in expected soon.

"Dr. Palmieri said that the new movement, as outlined

in his advices, will be directed particularly toward

an establishment of the reunion of the Russian church

and the Papacy and to a thorough re-examination into the

validity of Anglican or Episcopal ordinations, which was

settled in the negative in a papal bull 'Apostolica Sedis,'

by Pope Leo X. The interest of the pope in the problem

of Christian unity is said to have been intensified by the

recent progress of the world congress, initiated by the

American Episcopal church,

LONGS FOB REUNION

" The new pope/ said Dr, Palmieri, summarizing the

information received from Rome, 'has taken a considerable

part in the efforts of neutral nations to establish

peace among nations. The Vatican's efforts have been

suggested not only by a humanitarian spirit, but by a

longing for Christian unity and to end the conflict which

long since has divided Christian churches. Efforts of

Leo XIII. for carrying out the reunion of Christianity

were abruptly stopped by Pius X., who aimed at an inner

reform of the Catholic clergy and turned all his energies

to the crushing of modernism [Higher Criticism and Evolution

].

" 'Benedict XV. thinks it is time to renew the policy of

Leo XIII., also that a reestablishment of a political peace

would be the first step toward renewed attempts to stop

the splitting of Christianity into a greater number of

sects.

" 'It seems to the Vatican that the Orthodox Slavs will

be very soon called to take a more active part in the

life of western nations, either Protestant or Catholic,

and that it is necessary to come to an understanding with

them to avoid evils produced by religious intolerance.

The newly planned commission of cardinals will pay attention

to yearnings for unity, which from time to time

manifest themselves in the Orthodox church, and to cultivate

friendly relations with the Anglican church.

WUJi REEXAMINE ARGUMENTS

" 'One of the most important tasks of the new commission

will be a thorough reexamination of the arguments

pro and con on the validity of Anglican ordinations.

The Bull 'Apostolica Sedis' by Leo X. has settled in the

negative the problem of that validity, but generally theological

schools assume a more favorable attitude toward

acknowledgment of the validity of Anglican orders, and

the new commission of cardinals will carefully ponder the

reasons set forth by Russian and Anglican divines against

the decision of Pope Leo X. The friendship of the Anglican

church is appreciated by Roane, for she may be as a

link of union between Roman Catholicism and Russian

Orthodoxy.' »

"SO MIGHTY AN EARTHQUAKE* '

The New York American continues to see and boldly proclaim

editorially the "Earthquake" of Scripture. We quote as follows:

"What direct effect the President's address will have upon

the Governments of Europe we shall soon see. That his high

object of universal justice, liberty and permanent peace

can be obtained without a more definite and adequate plan

and programme we frankly doubt.

"But we suspect that the President was not speaking

alone to governments. His notable address is an address to

peoples, and we cannot help thinking that no man understands

better than Mr. Wilson that this is the true purport

of his words.

"It is apparent to thoughtful men that this war, huge as

it is, is only the prologue to a greater drama; that when

the ruling classes have settled upon terms of peace with one

another, they must then settle with the peoples they have so

long ruled, and whom they have led or driven into this

dreadful massacre.

"Nothing that is still in the future can be more certainly

expected to happen than a series of revolutions in the European

States which will change the whole 'face of society;

which will probably result in the complete overthrow of royalties

and aristocracies and privileged classes, and out of which

may form a federated, cooperative commonwealth of Europe.

"We have said more than once, and we still firmly believe

, that the thrones of aristocracies of Europe are on their

swift way to the junk-heap; that the moment the crushing

pressure of military dictatorships is removed by peace, and

the peoples of the warring nations are free to discuss with

one another the leadership and policies and conditions which

resulted in this gigantic crime against mankind, the fate of

the old order of government and society in Europe would be

written in unanimous revolution.

"We do not believe that such an ideal peace concert of

European governments as the President pictures so brightly

can be achieved at a near-at-hand congress, for the very reason

that we have no faith in the stability of the present

European governments or the present political and social

systems of Europe.

"This, the most dreadful and destructive of all wars, will,

in our judgment, usher in revolutions that will succeed both

with the sword and with the ballot, and that will change

the whole aspect of Europe and profoundly modify human

society all over the globe.

"Until that time, until the earthquake has spent its

force, until the architects of ruin have levelled Europe's

governments and social systems, and the architects of construction

have erected new governments and new social systems

on the destroyed foundations of the old, there can be

no permanent concert of Powers for the purpose of maintaining

peace or for any other purpose."

THE BURNING BUSH

The child of God needs no demonstration to prove the

truthfulness of the Bible statement that a "bush burned

with fire, and the bush was not consumed"; as, for instance,

that respecting Moses and the "burning bush" (Exodus 3:1-3) ;

but the following from the Scientific American will be of interest

to Watch Towee readers :

"One of the most remarkable plants in the world is

certainly the so-called Burning Bush, Dictarrmus frominella

. This species is native to Western Asia, though

nowadays commonly to be found in gardens in temperate

regions.

"A great many people who grow the plant are quite

unaware of its strange habits. As a matter of fact the

Dictamnus secretes a fragrant essential oil in great abundance

. This is produced in especially large quantities

by the flower stems, in warm weather volatilizing so that

the air surrounding the plant is impregnated. Further,

this vapor is highly inflammable and, if a naked flame is

brought near to the plant, the fumes at once take fire

with a most singular result. The whole plant is surrounded

with crackling shooting flames, reddish in color,

and leaving a highly aromatic odor behind them. The

Burning Bush is not injured in any way by the fire; for

the flames do not actually come into contact with the

plant itself.

"Several conditions are needful if the experiment with

the Burning Bush is to be a success. Thus it is essential

that the air should be very dry and warm, also that

there should be practically no wind. The best effects are

secured only just after the opening of the flowers. It will

be realized that these conditions cannot always be relied

upon. A plan has recently been devised by means of which

the inflammable nature of the vapors given out by the

Dictamnus may be shown with startling effect,

"A strong plant of the Burning Bush is raised in a

pot. At the time when the flowers are just reaching perfection

the plant is placed in a glass jar or a shade.

This is closely covered for some hours before the time of

the experiment. On removing the cover a light is held

over the plant, when there is at once a tremendous

outburst of flame. So great is the rush of fire that it is

wise to keep one's face away from the top of the jar; a

nasty burn is not by any means out of the question.

After an interval of an hour or so with the jar or case

closed up the experiment may be repeated with similar results

"In connection with the Dictamnus St is rather remarkable

that the species is common where the incident

of Moses and the Burning Bush is said to have occurred."

EXEMPTION OF SOCIETY PROPERTY FROM TAXATION

Since there has been so much published by various newspapers

concerning the taxation of the Association's property,

and our effort to have the same exempt from taxes, we deem

it proper that we should here give to the friends a statement

of the facts.

The laws of the land usually are very just. It is rather

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February IS, \$l?

THE WATCH TOWER

(53-54)

remarkable that so many righteous laws have been enacted

by imperfect men. It is quite evident that the law-makers have

been guided in a large measure by the code of perfect laws

which God gave to Israel through Moses. The law has been

brought into disrepute in the minds of many, not because the

laws are wrong, but because they are ofttimes enforced without

reference to justice.

Under the Membership Corporation Law of the State of

New York, a corporation created and organized for the purpose

of the mental and moral improvement of men and

women, and for religious, charitable, scientific and historical

purposes is exempt from taxation. This exemption is based

upon the theory that the corporation is engaged in a work

that is beneficial to the public in general, and therefore such

work should be encouraged.

In 1909 the Peoples Pulpit Association was created and

organized under the Membership Corporation Act of the State

of New York, for the purpose of aiding in carrying on the

work in which the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

has been engaged for more than thirty years. The Watch

Tower Bible and Tract Society is incorporated under the

Pennsylvania laws, but certain legal requirements made it

necessary to have a New York corporation in order to facilitate

the work of the Society. Hence the Peoples Pulpit Association

was organized. Its charter declares that it is organized

for the purpose of the mental and moral improvement of men

and women by teaching the Bible and preaching the Gospel

by word of mouth and through the printed page, and for

historical, scientific and benevolent purposes. This corporation

first purchased the Beecher Home on Columbia Heights,

thereafter, as the harvest work expanded, purchased an adjoining

piece of property, and later constructed on the rear a

new building, joining the three, thereby making one property,

which is designated as the "Bethel Home."

For some time after the organization of the Corporation

the Tax Commissioners of the City of New York, upon examination

of the property and the uses to which it was being

put and is now put, readily exempted the property from taxation

; and for a time it was free from the burden of taxes.

Later, some of the enemies of our work, seeking to make us

all the trouble possible, filed a petition before the Commissioners

of Taxes and Assessments of New York City, demanding

that the Bethel Home be taxed. Considerable pressure

was brought to bear on the Commission. A public hearing

was demanded and had, at which hearing strenuous efforts

were made to show that the Peoples Pulpit Association is

not entitled to the benefit of the exemption law. The Commissioners

were divided as to what they should do, and concluded

that the matter should be submitted to the courts in

order to get a final decision. The Commission therefore assessed

the Bethel Home at the sum of $100,000. Counsel for

our Association thereupon instituted a proceeding in the Supreme

Court of New York upon a Writ of Certiorari. The

Corporation Counsel, after long delay, filed and returned an

answer in the Supreme Court, and the case came on for

hearing in that Court before Mr. Justice Callaghan on the

15th of January. The issues to be determined by this case

involved not only the taxes upon the Bethel Home, but also

those upon the New York City Temple; and there was involved

the aggregate sum of between twenty-five and thirty

thousand dollars, which the Association would be required to

pay as taxes if the decision should be against it.

The taking of testimony in the case occupied the greater

part of one week. At the close of the hearing of the testimony

the Corporation Counsel, who appeared on behalf of

the Tax Commissioners of the City of New York, moved to dismiss

the case and to leave the assessment standing, upon the

ground that the Peoples Pulpit Association had not shown

from the facts that the property was and is used exclusively

for the purposes for which the corporation was organized,

and was therefore not entitled to exemption. The Court

overruled this motion. Counsel for the city then asked that

the court permit the filing of- a written brief and argument

in support of the city's contention, and that the court defer

the decision until some future day, that such brief and argument

might be considered. Mr. Justice Callaghan thereupon

remarked from the bench : "I have not the slightest doubt

that this organization comes clearly within the statute; if

there were the slightest doubt in my mind I should give you

an opportunity to submit briefs. It is shown conclusively that

these premises as a whole are devoted to the purposes provided

by the statute."

The Court thereupon decided that the Peoples Pulpit

Association was and is entitled to the benefits of the statute,

and that it should be exempt from the payment of taxes upon

the real estate involved.

THE EAGLE

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, as is well known by the many

readers of The Watch Tower, has for several years unjustly

persecuted Pastor Russell and our Society; but we hope that

its action wa3 based entirely upon a misapprehension, and

that now, since that paper sees the true situation, its attitude

may be different. In its issue of January 20, commenting upon

the result of this case, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle said:

"The People's Pulpit Association, founded in 1909 by

the late Pastor Russell, yesterday won its suit for exemption

from taxes on the property owned by it at 122-124

Columbia Heights, known as 'Bethel Home/ and valued

at $100,000.

"Justice Stephen Callaghan of the Supreme Court,

before whom the trial was held during the week, at the

conclusion of the testimony yesterday afternoon, announced

from the bench, without giving the Assistant

Corporation Counsel an opportunity to present briefs on

the case for the city, that he was satisfied that the Association

was engaged in religious work within the meaning

of the statutes and therefore entitled to exemption

from taxes.

" *I haven't the slightest doubt that this organization

comes clearly within the statute,' Justice Callaghan Baid;

'If there were the slightest doubt in my mind, I should

give you an opportunity to submit briefs. It may not be

true that every room in this house is used for the work

of disseminating Bible tracts and literature, but it is

shown conclusively these premises as a whole are devoted

to that purpose.

" It is not for me or any other judge to say whether

or not these men are sincere in their work. For myself, I

believe that they are and that their purpose is a righteous

one.'

"Mr. Durham tried to bring out the fact that when

124 Columbia Heights was occupied by Henry Ward

Beecher taxes were paid upon it, but Justice Callaghan

rejected that evidence.

"Joseph F. Rutherford, Pastor Russell's successor as

head of the Watch Toweb Society, was the last witness.

He testified that in 1909 he and four other gentlemen

raised $10,000 between them to settle Mrs. Russell's

claims for back alimony against the Pastor, and that

these five gentlemen continued to subscribe $100 a month

to pay alimony to Mrs. Russell from 1909 until the Pastors

death in October, 1916. He declared that not one

cent of this* alimony came from the treasury of the Society

. This arrangement to pay the Pastor's alimony,

he said, was made while Pastor Russell was in Europe

and was done without the Pastor's knowledge and consent.

The money all came from the private resources of the five

subscribers, he said. The expenses of Pastor Russell in his

libel Buit against The Eagle were met in the same way, it

was testified."

It is understood that the City will appeal the case to a

higher Court. Our counsel, however, feel confident that the

higher Court will sustain the position of Mr. Justice Callaghan

, and that the tax* matter will be definitely settled in

favor of our Association.

The great Master, Christ Jesus, began to promulgate in

the earth God's message of salvation to mankind. He pointed

out that the forgiveness of sins and the blessings of life everlasting

could come only to those who accept Jesus as their

Redeemer and who walk in the ways of righteousness in the

reverence of God. The apostles taught the sa*me doctrine

as long as they were upon the earth. The teachings of Jesus

and the Apostles pointed out that "the wages of sin is

death"; that sin is the result of the disobedience of Father

Adam; that this death sentence came upon all men by inWHO

IS RESPONSIBLE?

heritance as the offspring of Adam; that God provided redemption

through the merit of Christ Jesus* sacrifice; that

those in this age who exercise faith in the merit of nia

sacrifice and who present themselves in full consecration

to do the will of God receive the imputed merit of Christ and

are accepted by Jehovah as joint-sacriflcers with the Lord

Jesus; and that if thus continuing faithful unto death they

are to be changed in the first resurrection to the divine nature

to live and reign with Christ for the blessing of mankind and

for the carrying out of the eternal purpose of Jehovah. They

VII— 15

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THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, in. Y.

further taught the coming of Messiah's kingdom; that this

kingdom would be set up when the church is complete; that

the church is the body of Christ and is selected without reference

to creed or denomination, Jesus taught his disciples to

pray, "Thy kingdom come," well knowing that the establishment

of the kingdom would mark the beginning of blessings

to the poor, groaning creation.

After the death of the Apostles, false teachers arose

and erroneous doctrines were put forth. Contrary to the

Scriptures, the clergy was formed, as distinguished from the

laity of common people. The clergy began to teach that the

wages of sin is purgatorial torment or eternal torment; that

the souls of all are immortal; and that death does not mean

death, but the beginning of either bliss or torture; that only

a comparatively small number would be saved and taken to

heaven, and that all the others would be forever damned.

They taught the divine right of kings to rule the people, and

asserted that this right came to the kings through the ecclesiastical

systems. Numerous sects and denominations were organized

, and spread these doctrines throughout the earth,

each claiming that these teachings are supported by the Bible.

In more modern times teachers of Higher Criticism have

arisen in the church nominal, who have repudiated the Bible

altogether, denying that any part of it is inspired; and denying

that it is God's Word to man, but instead that it was

written by men in ancient times who were less capable of

writing than the modern clergymen. These and other clergymen

calling themselves Evolutionists, teach that the Genesis

story of the creation of man a perfect being and of his subsequent

sin and fall, and of God's plan for redemption of man

through the blood of Christ, is all nonsense and not worthy

of the consideration of thoughtful men and women. The

church nominal throughout the world for some time has been

devoted chiefly to social functions and the teaching of almost

everything except the Scriptures, The effect upon the

people has been demoralizing to an alarming degree.

ADVANCEMENT IN THINGS MATERIA!— DECLTJTE IK

THINGS SPIRITUAL

We call to mind that the forefathers of America migrated

from Europe to New England because they believed the Bible

and desired to teach it and to serve God according to the dictates

of their own conscience. They taught and followed the

Scriptures as best they could. After several hundred years we

mark a great advancement in material things and a great decline

in wrings spiritual. The Boston American, in its issue

of Sunday, January 21, publishes almost a full page concerning

the conditions prevailing especially in New Hampshire,

under the title, u Grave Moral Decay Threatens Future New

Hampshire." We quote from that article as follows:

"Eighteen years ago the Governor of New Hampshire

flaid:

41 'The decline of the Christian religion, particularly in

our rural communities, is a marked feature of the times,

and steps should be taken to remedy it. No matter what

our belief may be in religious matters, every good citizen

knows that when the restraining influences of religion are

withdrawn from a community its decay, moral, mental

and financial, is swift and sure.

" There are towns where no church bell sends forth

its solemn call from January to January ;- there are villages

where children grow to manhood unchristened; and

there are communities where the dead are laid away without

the benison of the name of Christ.' "

Continuing, this article gives many instances of moral depravity

, attributing such to the fact that the people have lost

faith in the Bible and do not hear its teachings.

"THE HIRELING CARETH NOT TOE THE SHEEP"

To whom then does the blame attach for this moral degeneracy

— to the people themselves or to those who have

claimed to be their teachers? The clergy have occupied, and

yet occupy, positions of great influence amongst the people.

A repudiation of the Bible by them could have none other

effect than to destroy the faith of the people in the Scriptures

. Jehovah foreknew that such a condition would arise

as we now witness; and he attached the blame therefor to

the men who claim to preach the Gospel, but who in fact have

turned the minds of the people away from his Word. Through

his prophet, he said: "For amongst my [professed] people are

wicked men ; they lay wait as he that setteth a snare ; they set

a trap; they catch men [they set the snares and traps of

Higher Criticism and Evolution]; as a. cage is full of birds,

so are their houses full of deceit [they have practiced deceit

upon the people] ; therefore they have become great and

waxen rich [naany of the clergy say, "W)e are rich in wisdom;

and none can teach us, not even the prophets and the

apostles"] ; they are waxen fat ; they shine ; yea, they pass by

the deeds of the wicked [unnoticed] Shall I not visit

them for these things? saith the Lord; shall not my soul be

avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible

thing is committed in the land. The prophets [preacher si

preach falsely and tlje priests bear rule by their means; and

the people love to have it so." (Jeremiah 5:26-31) Had the

clergy faithfully performed their duty to teach the people

the sweet message of salvation as spoken by Jesus and the

apostles, and had pointed them to the coming of Messiah's

kingdom, a different condition would prevail.

The article above referred to is proof of the fact that the

world now is experiencing what the Lord foretold through the

Prophet Amos, saying, "Behold, the days come, saith the

Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land ; not a famine

of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of the hearing of the

words of the Lord.' 1 — Amos 8:11.

The Watch Towee Bible and Tract Society was organized

for the very purpose of the mental, moral and spiritual

improvement of men and women by teaching them the Bible.

The Peoples Pulpit Association was organized under the

law3 of New York for the same purpose. These two organizations

have been spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to

enlighten the people; while the majority of the clergy, claiming

to be Christians, devote their time and efforts to the persecution

of Brother Russell, whom the Lord bo wonderfully

used to make known his message, and all who have assisted

in making known the glad tidings. On the other hand, the

lawmakers, who have not pretended to be interested in teaching

the Bible, have enacted liberal laws granting to Bible societies

and churches privileges that individuals and other corporations

do not have.

JESUS HEALS A NOBLEMAN'S SON

[This article was a reprint of that entitled "The Rewards of Faith/' published in issue of February 1, 1908, which please see.]

JESUS AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA

[This article was a reprint of that entitled "He Went About Doing Good," published in issue of February 15, 1908, which please

see.]

JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND

[This article was a reprint of that entitled "Ever Give Us This Bread," published in issue of February 1, 1905, which please

see.]

SOME LETTERS OF INTEREST

30 TEARS 07 ASSOCIATION WITH PASTOR RUSSELL

Dear Bbethren: —

My heart goes out in love and reverence to the memory

of our beloved Pastor Russell, and it is indeed a privilege

to give testimony to his services and faithfulness.

I was carefully reared under Christian influence, and

tihus taught and learned reverence for God and his Christ,

with confidence in his Word. However, with maturity

came analysis of creeds, and their confusion and blasphemy,

misrepresenting the character and plan of the Father of

mercies and God of all comfort. This soon led me into

agnosticism, in which there is neither chart, compass nor

anchorage. In this state I floundered for some years, and

finding no rest of heart, naturally became careless and at timee

reckless. Finally, I determined to go direct to the Word

of God and Btudy it; for I retained my faith in God and

in Jesus as his Son and the Christ, though grasping . these

fundamentals but vaguely, as I now discern. And I was rewarded

by a growing knowledge, peace and assurance of

faith that led me to more earnestly plead at the throne of

grace for more light and strength to walk in it.

Looking back, we all can discern the leadings and guid-

[6046]

FEBRUARY 15, 1917

THE WATCH TOWER

(6I-«2)

ance of our Lord — his over care — and truly happy it was for

me that I had come to a place of more knowledge of and

trust in our heavenly Father and our dear elder Brother —

Jesus; for at this period I entered one of the severest

ordeals of my life and could only cry out for more light

and more strength — for more power and faith to endure.

In this crisis there came to me unheralded in the mail a blue

paper-hound copy of Millennial Dawn, and thinking I saw

in it something of Adventism, which in ignorance I disesteemed

, I promptly threw the book into my waste-paper basket

. Later in the day, and that I might make a seemingly

intelligent and courteous acknowledgement to the donor, should

he make himself known, I rescued the hook from the wastebasket

and began what I purposed to be a cursory examination

of its contents. Beginning at the dedication, I was at

once impressed with the assurance that one who could so

aptly quote Scripture as this writer, could surely teach me

in the Word, and thus I met my brother and fellow-servant,

Charles T. Russell.

It is no disparagement to my revered father and mother,

who richly deserve the love, honor and esteem in which I

hold their memory, to say that the influence of Brother

Russell on and in my life was the most salutary and beneficent

that had entered it; and after nearly thirty years of various

and intimate association with him, I can gladly say this

influence was but deepened and broadened. His service and

fellowship constantly led to the Lord. With the Apostle

Paul he constantly preached, not himself, but Jesus Christ

as Lord, and himself the servant — bond slave — of the brethren

for Jesu3' sake. To me his life and memory are an inspiration

to faithfulness even unto death in following the Lamb

whithersoever he goeth,

I thank God for Pastor Russell in his life, in his service

and in his death.

Yours in our Redeemer, W. E. Page.

SOME THOUGHTS OF PILQRIM WISDOM

Dkar Brethren in Christ: —

I feel I should send you a few lines to tell you how

much — yes, how deeply — I appreciate The Tower of January

1. My heart overflowed with joy as I read and pondered its

precious message. How strong is the evidence that God's

arm is not in any sense shortened! Then the wonderful

fulfilment of his promises to supply all our needs! Marvelous

in our eyes is the work of our God!

The masterful treatise of the world- situation ("Views

from the Watch Tower"), and the concise, forceful presentation

of the real conditions as they exist can have but

one effect upon every truly and fully consecrated heart — to

cause all such to lift up their heads and rejoice, for surely

the "day is nigh!" What more convincing evidence could we

possibly have than is here given of the final crash, the near

approach of the end, the collapse of all earthly governments

and the immediate setting up of Christ's kingdom for the

bringing in of peace and righteousness, blessings for all

mankind ! Surely all the faithful will soon be with the

King in Glory ! Certainly such a review Bhould stimulate our

faith and tend to energize us to renewed activity to press

along the narrow way of sacrifice to final victory! And this

spells the crown of life.

May God continue to bless your every effort to serve him

acceptably and further the interests of his cause. No, he

has not deserted his people, even though it seemed good to

him to remove our beloved earthly leader, "that servant."

Yes, may God bless his memory to the eternal good of all

the faithful in Christ.

I am daily remembering you and all the dear colaborers

at Headquarters at the throne of grace. To me the blessed

truth is more precious than ever. Please bear me up in

your prayers. I feel the special need of them. The toils of

the way are many and sometimes burdensome, strenuous are

the times, great is the power of the adversary, and continuous

are his attempts to "beat our courage down"; but greater

is he who is for us; for our armor is divine.

In sincere Christian love to you and all the dear ones at

the Bethel home, I am

Your brother by his favor, W. M. Wisdom.

A MESSAGE FROM SCOTLAND

Dear Brethren: —

At the half-yearly business meetings of the class here it

has been our custom to formally elect Brother Russell as the

Pastor of our class; and, as a token of confidence and esteem

, to advise him that such had been done.

The passing hence of our beloved Brother rendered this

impossible at our recent business meeting; and instead, we

unanimously agreed to send you a message of sympathy and

encouragement.

The news of the death of our beloved Pastor came to us

with mixed effect — sorrow, because we had lost a faithful

servant and guide ; gladness, because we are confident he has

entered into the presence of the Master he loved so much

and served so devotedly. He has entered into his rest;

surely none deserved it more! His life and work on earth,

his example and devotion, will ever continue to be an inspira*

tion and encouragement to all of us.

We desire to let you know that it is our intention as a

class to follow faithfully our beloved Pastor's teachings. The

truth we have came to us through him, and we recognized

him as the one especially appointed of the Lord to feed his

flock in this harvest time. The rich store he has left behind

will continue to be respected as the Master's message to all

who have the hearing ear. We have loved and followed our

dear Pastor through "evil report and good report these many

years; and we desire to follow him still, realizing that if we

follow him, even as he followed Christ, we too shall hear that

desired "Well done!"

We pray for heavenly wisdom to guide the dear brethren

who have been left in charge of the different departments of

the work. With much love in the Lord,

Yours in our One Hope, Class at Dundee. — Scot.

ELECTION AS PASTOR RESCINDED

The following letter from the Boston Ecclesia, which had

elected Brother Rutherford Pastor, will be of interest to

Watch Tower readers:

Dear Brother Rutherford: —

Although you had not receive official notice from the

Boston Ecclesia that you had been elected Pastor, Brother

Margeson read to the Ecclesia last night your position in

regard to the matter and I am glad to say that it rejoiced

our hearts for the stand you have taken.

Immediately the original motion by which you were elected

Pastor was rescinded, and availing ourselves of your kind

opportunity, you were duly elected Counselor of the Boston

Ecclesia by a unanimous vote.

We feel that this experience has drawn us closer to

you than before, and we shall continue to pray God that his

grace may be sufficient to keep you humble and faithful as you

endeavor daily to he pleasing to him in your new duties. With

Christian love from the Boston Ecclesia,

Yours in Christ, Alexander Ogston, Secretary.

"STRONG IN THE LORD"

Dear Brethren: —

Resolved, That we convey unto the brethren at Brooklyn

our heartfelt sympathy, love and fellowship in the spirit, in

this our mutual loss.

Wherefore, beloved, we wish to renew our Christian allegiance

and fellowship to you in whom is reposed, more than

in others, the continuance of the harvest work and the further

carrying out of our beloved Pastor's wishes. It is further

Resolved, That we encourage you to be "strong in the

Lord."

Vermillion Ecclesia. — S. Dak.

NOBLEST OF GOD'S CREATURES IN THE FLBSH

Dear Brethren in Christ: —

I feel that this is the time to express the deep sympathy

T have for yourselves and for all the beloved of the Lord

in every place. We have all lost, in one sense, the dearest

and noblest of God's creatures that we have known in the

flesh! He seemed by his life to revive and make keener our

perceptions of what our dear Lord was like. His life was

such that it directed us to the "beauty of holiness."

I thank my God for the truth as it is in Jesus, and for the

light of his character, as both were revealed to me by his

spirit through the instrumentality of our noble and beloved

Pastor Russell! I am but fourteen years in the truth, but

during that time I have never swerved from the one determination

to be a follower of the Lord Jesus. I wish ever to

support, to the best of my ability, with the help of the Lord,

your efforts to supply our spiritual needs. My prayers shall

ever ascend for your guidance and blessing.

We in London have received much comfort and blessing

from the ministrations of our beloved Brother Paul Johnson.

His coming has helped us at this time to realize that h» who

.has guided us thus far will guide us still. I pray I may

strive to fill my own place and work for which I am called,

that I may in the age to come, and in the glorious ages to

follow* show forth the glory of so great a God, and live

in everlasting praise to the Lamb of God, who gave himself

a ransom for all.

Your brother in the Anointed,

Frank E. Barnett. — London, Eng.

[6047J

(62-63)

THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, N. Y.

MORE DETERMINED TO FOLLOW HIS WISE COUNSEL

Dear Bbethben: —

Our heavenly Father, in his infinite wisdom, has called

our beloved Pastor to a higher station. As "that servant"

to whom was entrusted the dispensing of "meat in due season

for the household of faith," he has done his work well.

Surely we shall miss him! but we would not call him back,

for we know he is now partaker of the divine nature — jointheir

with our Lord — even better able now than heretofore —

associated more closely than ever with our Lord — to assist

in directing the harvest work.

Our love for him should make us more determined to

follow his wise counsel, even as he was a true follower of

the Master. Our prayer ia that our heavenly Father will

continually watch over those to whom our dear Brother has

entrusted the work yet to be done, strengthening them to

discharge faithfully their responsibility.

Resolved, That we will render loyal support to the work,

as in the past, that when the night shall close around us,

"in which no man can work," we may, like our dear Pastor,

hear the Master's words : "Well done ! Thou hast been

faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over

many! . . . Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!"

Easton Ecclesia. — Pa.

COOPERATING WITH THEIR PASTOR'S INSTRUCTIONS

Dear Brethren: —

We assure you of our love and sympathy, and also of our

desire to cooperate with you in any way possible for the

furtherance of the work.

The Wichita Ecclesia has been blessed with abundant opportunities

for service of late. We have had Pilgrim Brethren

, our dear Pastor, and this coming week we are to have

the Photo-Drama in West Wichita, and the following week

it is to be repeated on the East Side. Then, too, we are

busy with the District work.

It is our great desire to be faithful, and to continue in

the work as long as we are permitted to do so, as we know

was our dear Pastor's wish.

We assure you of our love and sympathy and also of

our desire to co5perate with you in every way possible for

the extension of the work.

With Christian love, Wichita Ecclesia. — Kans,

CONTINUED LOVE AND LOYALTY

Dear Friends in the Lord: —

At our business meeting Sunday, December 3, the Detroit

Ecclesia, after the reading of the December 1 Watch Tower,

passed a vote of confidence in all of the arrangements of the

Society and in those who have been left in charge at the

Bible House, and we wish to assure you of our continued

love and loyalty and of our further cooperation.

With loving Christian greetings,

Detroit Ecclesia. — Mich.

HIS "HAND UPON THE LITTLE ONES"

Dearly Beloved Colahorers: —

We were for a moment bewildered by the sudden demise

of our beloved Pastor. We sorrow, knowing his loving watchcare

over the Lord's flock; yet we rejoice, knowing "whither

he went."

We shall feel a vacancy which henceforth cannot be filled.

But "our will is the will of our God"; we bow in humble

submission unto it, endeavoring day by day to "gird up the

loins of our minds [more fully] and hope to the end for

the grace that is to be brought unto us at the [fuller] revelation

of Jesus Christ."

One faithful promise reads, "I will turn mine hand upon

the little ones." Surely his care is around each one! Therefore

will not we fear though the earth be removed, and

though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea f

We assure yon of our continued effort to cooperate in the

harvest work. Believing our beloved Pastor's death has

had a blessed effect in this community, we trust by divine

grace to give a better testimony in future to our Father's great

plan of salvation. We need your prayers and co5peration.

Our petitions continue to ascend to the throne of heavenly

grace for the dear friends at Bethel, and for all who labor in

the vineyard.

With loving Christian greetings, your servants in the

Lord, Prince Rupert Ecclesia. — £. C. •

assurances of full confidence

Dear Brethren of the Bethel Family: —

We esteemed it a great privilege to pay our last respects

co the memory of our dear Brother Russell in the flesh by

attending the funeral services. A man not in the truth

said, "The world has lost its brightest star," We miss our

beloved brother so much! We did not know how much we

loved him until now. We know that Brother Russell loved

the colporteurs, for he manifested this in many ways. This

was a great help and inspiration to us.

But, dear brethren, if we miss dear Brother Russell, we

are thinking how much more you of the Bethel family must

miss him, as you surround the table each day without his

blessed influence and face in your midst! And also the

great responsibility that now rests more fully upon you as

you continue to minister unto the saints, and to herald the

glad tidings of earth's new King. We believe that one reason

for Brother Russell's great achievements was that he

had many loyal supporters, long tried, tested and proved

faithful under many circumstances and conditions, which

were the means of sifting out the unfaithful; and that having

been so thoroughly tried and proven loyal to our dear

Pastor as the Lord's chosen servant you will continue faithfully

to carry on the work to its grand completion. We

have always appreciated your loving and cheerful service in

our behalf. We wish to assure you of our full confidence.

No doubt there will be trials and testings, strong delusions,

etc., to the end, but you shall have our prayers. We shall

be glad to support you in every way possible.

Mr. and Mrs. Ray van Hyning and Ruth.

will hold up the hands

Dear Brethren: —

Resolved, That to the dear Bethel family and brethren

of the Society at Brooklyn we extend our heartfelt sympathy

, our warmest love and earnest prayers for comfort in

their bereavement, and for guidance in the continuance of

the harvest work.

Resolved, That we desire to express our confidence in the

brethren whom our dear Pastor has left in charge, and to

assure them that we will earnestly cooperate to the extent

of our ability in the ■ furtherance of the Lord's work entrusted

to them, "holding up their hands," until the dark

night shall close down upon us.

With sympathizing and loyal hearts,

Cortland Ecclesia. — N. Y.

ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE BBETHBEN

Dear Brethren in Christ: —

Enclosed you will find for our free will offering.

We wish to assure you of our interest in the Society, and

that we have all confidence in the brethren whom our dear

Pastor left in charge of the work he loved so well. Pray

for us, as we will continue daily to do for you.

Yours in his dear name,

Brother and Sister S. D. Lemley. — Wash.

HIS NOBILITY OF LIFE AND LOVELINESS OF CHABAOTEB

Dear Brethren: —

WJiile we rejoice with our dear Pastor in his privilege

of being with the Lord, away from all personal suffering and

trouble, and while we recognize the loss to be as much ours

as your3, we desire to extend to you our heartfelt sympathy;

for, coming so often in contact with "that servant" of God

and having become accustomed to fellowship with his grand

personality, nobility of life and loveliness of character, the

loss to you may seem the greater.

We wish also to say that as the dear Master may be

pleased to bless and assist us we will by his grace continue

to do what we can to help to spread the glad tidings of

truth, and to stand for the principles of righteousness as

exemplified by the dear Lord himself and by his servant,

our beloved Brother Russell.

Praying the Lord's continued blessing and direction for

you, with increasing supplies of wisdom from above (Jas.

3:17), we are

Your Brethren in Christ,

The Port of Spain Ecclesia. — B. W. I,

GOOD NEWS FOB COLPORTEURS

Dear Friends: —

We wish all the colporteurs could know how convenient

it is to deliver in the country by Parcel Post, C. O. D.! We

frequently find people in the rural districts who are interested,

but who cannot pay cash. We now tell these, "We will take

your order. What date will suit you? We will 'send the books

by Parcel Post, C. O. D. You pay the mail-carrier, and

he will send the money to us. You will have no trouble at

all, and the money will be perfectly safe." Then on the date

that suits them we mail the books at a cost of 5c for postage

and 10c for C. O. B. A full set of Scripture Studies will

cost no more for C. O. D. charge, and can be sent into the

second postal zone for a few cents.

Please let all the colporteurs know of this as soon as

[6048]

February 15, 1917

THE WATCH TOWER

(63-68)

possible. It applies to small towns as well as to R. F. D.

routes. We received several Money Orders one day recently.

In love and service, J. & L. Hutchinson. — Pa.

OUE LOVING CHIEF SHEPHERD CALLED HIM

Dearly Beloved Brethren: —

We, the members of the Hatfield class, have unanimously

voted to express hereby our heartfelt sympathy in the bereavement

that has come to us, but particularly to you,

through the death of our beloved Pastor. Nevertheless our

sorrow is not unmingled with joy; for we firmly believe that

what is our loss is his gain. We are also convinced that our

loving Chief Shepherd, who has called our under-shepberd

to his reward, is not only willing but abundantly able to use

and direct other humble, loyal, willing hearts and heads

from among our late Pastor's faithful coworkers, who will

continue the work so grandly outlined by him before his departure

. May the all- surrounding love of our heavenly Father

and our Elder Brother, with the assurance of their continued

nearness, so encourage and strengthen your hearts that finally

you may, like our Pastor, hear his "well done!"

Yours in the hope of again greeting Brother Russell face

to face, Hatfield Class. — Jamaica.

XAST TRIBUTE OF BESPECT

Dear Friends: —

In memory and honor of our beloved Pastor Charles T.

Russell, we wish to pay our last tribute of respect:

Whereas, It has pleased our heavenly Father to call home

our faithful and beloved Pastor, we cheerfully submit to him

who is "too wise to err and too good to be unkind.'*

We therefore tender our loving testimonial regarding him

whose life was such a noble example and which was laid down

in self-sacrifice in the interest of the truth and for us.

Watertown Church. — N. Y.

SPURRED TO GREATER EFFORT

Dear Brethren: —

The friends gathered here wish to convey to you a vote

of sympathy. We are sure, that you will especially feel the

loss of our dear Brother Russell, and we pray that the Lord

will guide and direct all the efforts you may put forth in

the harvest work. We trust, also that our dear brother's

love and zeal may continue to spur us on to greater effort.

May the Lord be with you!

B arts olds wick Ecclesia. — England.