The Watchtower, March 1, 1917
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Vol. XXXVIII
BROOKLYN, K Y., MARCH 1, 1917
No. 5
PROCLAIMERS OF THE KINGDOM MESSAGE
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good
tidings of good, that publisheth salvation ; that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth ! ' '-
Looking down through the corridors of the ages, and viewing
the closing part of the Gospel age, the Prophet of the Lord
wrote concerning that time in the words of our text. The
Gospel age opened with the clarion notes of the Master announcing
, "The kingdom of heaven is at handl" The King was
then upon the earth ; but before he could attain to the glorified
condition and assume the authority of his great office he must
suffer, die and rise again. So those who compose the members
of his body must likewise suffer and die and rise from the
dead before the kingdom will be fully in operation. Throughout
the Gospel age, therefore, the body members have been in
course of preparation, and many Scriptures teach that at the
close of the age those remaining in the flesh to finish the work
would be especially honored by the Lord.
"FEET MEMBERS" OF THE MYSTICAL CHRIST
St. Paul, in addressing the Corinthian church, uses a human
body to illustrate The Christ, saying, "For as the body
is one and hath many members, and ail the members of that
body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." (1 Oor.
12:12-27) The Apostle calls attention to the importance of
each part of the body, and the office that each performs. In
another place he says, "He (Jesus) is the Head of the body,
the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the
dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence."
(Colossians 1:18) The Head, Christ Jesus, was born first,
and it follows, therefore, that the last members of the body
to be born would properly be designated "feet members."
Hence the Prophet Isaiah refers prophetically to these last
members of the body, who would participate in the glorious
privilege of announcing the glad tidings on the earth. He describes
them as "beautiful." Evidently their beauty does not
appeal to the world. Their special beauty is not a beauty of
the flesh ; they are beautiful by reason of the sweet, unselfish,
sacrificing spirit manifested. Their great desire is to announce
the King and the blessings which his kingdom will
bring.
TTie word "mountains" in the text symbolically represents
kingdoms. At this time we see the kingdoms of the earth
torn with the strife of the most horrible war in history. Ejrery
nation is threatened with disruption. All peoples desire lasting
peace, yet know not how to obtain it. Everywhere men's
hearts are failing them for fear because of what they now see
upon the world, and they are fearful that even worse things
will come. "All faces gather blackness." — Joel 2:6.
The Prophet Isaiah contrasts this condition of distress
amongst the peoples of the earth with the condition and work
of the "feet members" of the body of Christ, and with ecstasy
exclaims, How beautiful are the feet of the Messiah now engaged
in publishing peace, in giving to the«world the message
that will bring a lasting peace; who bring good tidings of good;
who are bringing to the dying race the sweet message of salvation
! Truly wonderful is the position occupied by every spiritbegotten
one who in this harvest time fully appreciates the
privilege of serving the Lord! These are coworkers with the
present King, engaged in a special sense in proclaiming the
-Isaiah 62:7.
closing message of the age — "The kingdom of heaven is at
hand'^fche King is present!
It has been the privilege of the Watch Toweb Bible asd
Tract Society since its organization to send out brethren designated
as pilgrims, or lecturers, to proclaim this glorious
message to those who have hearing ears. The Lord gave the
harvest message to the Laodicean church, the faithful ones
of whom compose the "feet members" of Christ; and he gave it
through his especially chosen servant, according to his promise.
(Matthew 24:45-47) All. the "feet members*' who are now
engaged in proclaiming this precious message received their
enlightenment by partaking of the "food" which the Lord sent
through his chosen servant. The Watch Toweb unhesitatingly
proclaims Brother Russell as "that faithful and wise servant"
He delivered the message faithfully, finished his course and has
now entered into his reward. Through him the Lord gave to
the church the message that is so essential to each one who in
this harvest time would win the glorious prize.
We cannot too strongly urge upon the pilgrim brethren,
therefore, that they emphasize to the various classes the necessity
of adhering strictly to the message which the Lord gave
through this chosen channel. Any departure from tihe message
at this time must necessarily be displeasing to the Lord and
work a detriment to those thus turning aside to accept some
other message or scheme.
The pilgrims have the privilege of opening the way. It
has been found necessary for others to follow up the pilgrim
work, that those who have manifested some interest in present
truth may be encouraged to greater growth in knowledge.
THE COLPORTEUR WORK
The Society has long recognized the importance of the colporteur
work. If we were to draw comparisons, we would say
that the colporteurs do the most important work of all, because
they are bearing this message of glad tidings of peace
and good will in a form that enables the one receiving it to
feed upon it in the quiet of the home, and thus to grow thereby.
The colporteurs, therefore, enjoy a wonderful privilege as
coworkers with the Master in the field. The strongest of our
pilgrim brethren are unable to deliver more than three lectures
daily, whereas the colporteur who places only one volume in
the hands of the interested thereby preaches many discourses,
and in such connected and convenient form that they may be
referred to as often as desired. The colporteurs are in no sense
book agents, but are truly ambassadors of the Lord, delivering
his message of reconciliation to the world. It is our desire to
encourage the colporteurs all we can to be as diligent as ever,
and rather to speed up than to become faint or weary in their
minds.
At this time the majority of people have some ready money
and are anxious to know the meaning of the great distress
among the nations. The colporteurs, by placing the Scripture
Studies before them, thus bring that which will fully answer
their questions and satisfy their desires. We hope to hear of
more becoming active in the colporteur field by Spring time,
and trust that they may labor with diligence before the great
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THE WATCH TOWER
BXOOKLYN, N. Y.
night of darkness, when no man can work, fully settles down
upon the world. Truly the harvest is white, but the laborers
are few!
THE PASTORAL WOBX
t We do not always have the foresight that we desire. Often
mistakes are made unwittingly. The Lord permits such experiences
to teach us lessons. It now appears that there is
danger of the colporteur and pastoral work conflicting at times,
whereas these two important branches should be a great aid
one to the other.
A man who attempts to walk and steps with one foot on
the other must necessarily impede his progress. The "feet
members" that go forth to declare the message of Messiahs
kingdom would not look so beautiful if one foot interfered with
the progress of the other.
During the time Brother Russell was with us as our leader,
several hundreds of classes of Associated Bible Students elected
him Pastor, and the Pastoral work was under his direct supervision
as shepherd of these congregations. lie afterwards
thought well to suggest this work to all the classes, limiting it
for a time to the sisters in the congregations.
After Brother Russell's death, the Society continued the
name "Pastoral Work" because of having no more appropriate
name. It was not until about this time that the work was fully
developed, and the advantages and disadvantages of the first
outlines could be properly weighed. It has taken time to get
the work well in hand, and we are convinced that it is now
no longer wise to limit this work to the sisters, but rather that
the responsibility should rest upon all the congregation, that
all should have a voice in it.
As has already been advised, our new President has
counseled against the electing of pastors by any of the ecclesias,
believing that in view of Brother Russell's peculiar relationship
to the church and out of deference to his memory, none
should attempt to fill the place of Pastor to the church at this
time. It is therefore impossible to carry out fully Brother
Russell's original ideas about the Pastoral work ; hence it becomes
necessary to make some changes, that the work may
be conducted efficiently and in harmony with all other branches.
When a general dies, the members of his .personal staff cease
to be officers in that capacity; so when Brother Russell died
those who had been selected as lieutenants under his direction,
technically speaking, were no longer officers. Acting upon this
situation, and with perfect harmony, at a business meeting held
in the Brooklyn Tabernacle by the New York City congregation,
a lieutenant and other officers for the New York Ecclesia were
elected by the congregation.
It is now the suggestion of the Society that this course
be followed by the classes everywhere; or, if it is deemed better
, those holding the positions mi^it resign and the congregation
proceed as soon as convenient to elect a lieutenant and
other officers necessary to conduct the work; or, if thought
wise, reelect the present incumbents.
The lieutenant elected should then communicate at once
with the Society's Office at Brooklyn and she will receive from
the Office assignment of territory and further instructions. All
territory will be assigned by the Brooklyn Office, but when assigned
will be districted by the local Lieutenant. The territory
for both the colporteurs and the pastoral workers being
assigned from this Office, as is now done in Greater New
York, will avoid any possible confusion. The pastoral work
will then be carried on practically as before, with the exceptions
herein stated.
BOOK-LOANING FEATURE ONLY INCIDENTAL
The book-loaning feature of the pastoral work instituted
by. Brother Russell was originally intended by him to be merely
incidental and not to be a prominent part of the work; the
chief part of the work being to call on those who already have
the books, to interest them in reading, to encourage them to
attend Chart Talks, and then to organize classes for Berean
Bible Study.
Indiscriminate loaning of books in territory where colporteurs
are canvassing must of necessity be detrimental to
the colporteur work. Thus one foot would interfere with the
other, impeding progress. This we all desire to avoid. We
therefore ask the friends to adopt the following . course, especially
in cities or towns where colporteurs are at work, in order
that we may not hinder the colporteurs and yet may still grant
to the pastoral workers the same privileges they have heretofore
enjoyed.
OBDEB OP PBOCEDTJEB
Al] territory for both the colporteur and the pastoral work
will be assigned by^the Society, but one map will be used, and
that the map now used for the colporteur work. The colporteurs
will first canvass the territory; afterwards the pastoral
workers will follow in the same territory. Both colporteurs
and pastoral workers receiving their assignments from
the Society, there can he no conflict and no interference with
each other's work.
When following in the territory that has been colporteured,
should the pastoral workers find those who desire to purchase
books, the colporteur still being in the city and working in
any part thereof, should be sent to that person with the books
for sale. The pastoral workers should sell no books whatever
in cities where colporteurs are at work. The names of those
who have purchased books from the colporteurs should be furnished
to the pastoral workers, who will call upon suoh and endeavor
to interest them in reading and in attending Oh art
Talks, as heretofore outlined in The Watch Tower. After
the city has been gone over in this manner, the colporteurs
might then go again over the same territory covered by the
pastoral workers, this time selling the Manna and Dbama
iScENARio, and again the pastoral workers could follow the colporteurs
, and thus keep in touch with the people who are
manifesting interest. The only possible way to avoid one department
's interfering with another is to have everything managed
from the Society office at Brooklyn.
As to the loaning of books, this can be done to those who
•had a chance to purchase from the colporteur, but had not
done so. Our experience is that one who buys a book is much
more likely to read it than one who borrows it. We therefore
would not encourage the loaning of the Studies in the Scriptures
where this would in any wise interfere with the colporteur
work.
VOLUNTEER WOBK
Where it is possible, it is always better that the volunteer
workers follow, in the district, both the colporteur and pastoral
workers. If it is not found practicable to follow the
pastoral work, the volunteer work should come in between
the colporteur and pastoral work, thus stirring up as much interest
as possible in the minds of those in the community.
The volunteer matter is very valuable. I>o not waste it.
We earnestly recommend volunteers, where it is possible, to
Ting the door-bell and hand in the paper to some one in the
household, or to put it in the doorway. Throwing them ou the
street, or placing them on empty car seats, or on the ground
near mail-boxes is not wise. Let us keep in mind t£e importance
of the message and the necessity of putting it where
it will do the most good.
Concerning the selection of the district, the canvassers, the
canvass to be given, and the Chart Talks, we refer the friends
to the November 1, 1016, Watch Tower. Since the pastoral
work will henceforth be under the supervision of the entire
congregation and not under the sisters alone, it would be proper
that the entire congregation select the speakers; or, in harmony
with the custom we have oft-times followed, the selection of
the speakers may be delegated bv the congregation to the elders,
who will choose those best qualified to deliver such talks.
We hope that every ecclesia of Associated Bible Students
in the land will at once organize for the pastoral work, elect
their lieutenant and have that lieutenant communicate at once
with the Office of the Society at Brooklyn for instructions and
the assignment of territory. The Society will see to it that
this assignment does not in any manner conflict with the colporteur
assignment, but that it works in conjunction therewith.
Let us arouse ourselves to the importance of the hour, dear
brethren. The opportunities are great; the laborers are few.
The Lord has been pleased to place in the bands of each of us
the wonderful privilege of publishing the message of salvation.
As we go forth in the field of labor, let us be inspired with the
words of Jehovah spoken through the Prophet: "How beautiful
upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good
•tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of
good ; that publisheth salvation ; that saith unto Zion, thy God
reigneth! . . — Isaiah 52:7.
PHOTO-DRAMA OF CREATION
In the early part of January the Board of Directors of the pauy. This contract was to be fully consummated by March
\yATCH Toweb Bible and Tract SocrsTr entered into a condi- 31 next.
tional contract for the sale of the raoro-DBAMA of Creation As many friends throughout the country have since expressed
with certain brethren who had organised the Hena Film Com* the feeling that the Society should retain the Bbama, it has
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Maich 1, 1917
THE WATCH TOWER
(69-70)
been mutually agreed by the Board of Directors of the Society
and the Film Company that the contract of sale for it
shall be cancelled, and it has been cancelled, the Society to retain
the possession and ownership of the Photo-Dbama of
Creat/ton.
It is fully and mutually understood by all the parties that
the cancellation of this contract is without prejudice to any.
We take this occasion to announce that the Mena Film
Company is entirely independent from the Watch To web Bible
and Tbact Society, is not financed by the Society, and the
Society is not at all interested in it financially, but has the
kindliest feeling toward all the brethren who are interested
therein. The Film Company believes that it will produce an
all- film exhibition which will be instrumental in teaching God's
plan.
The friends everywhere must exercise their own will and
discretion in reference to subscribing for stock, as the Society
will not attempt to influence them one way or another.
THE V. D. M. QUESTIONS
"And the things which thou didst hear from me through many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be competent
to instruct others. "— -2 Timothy 2 :2— Diaglott.
In March, 1915, a student in the Kentucky Wesleyan College
wrote to us concerning the degree of V. D. M. He had
read the second page of The Towek, and was deeply impressed
by the following words which he had found in the second
paragraph of the standing article on "This Journal and its
Sacred Mission":
"Our Berean Lessons are topical rehearsals or reviews of
our Society's published Studies, most entertainingly arranged,
and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary
degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister
(V. D. M.), which ; translated into English, is Minister of the
Divine Word."
Consequently, he wrote to the Society asking that they inform
him what would be necessary for him to do to merit this
degree. In reply, he was informed that if he would read carefully
six volumes of Scbiptube Studies, and then read them
again to impress their lessons upon his mind and heart, and
would then write us, we would submit to him a set of questions
, which, if he could answer correctly, would enable us to
recognize him as a V. D. M.
In March, 1916, the Society received the following letter
from this student in the Wesleyan College:
"I have been a Bible Student since January 4, 1915.
I ordered a set of Studies in the Scbiptubes at that time
and I have been very deeply interested in the books ever
since. I am also a reader of The Watch Toweb, and I
like it fine, especially its treatment of the International
Sunday School lessons. I have just completed a careful
reading of Studies in the ScbiptTjBES. I have read the
entire set of six volumes twice, and I have carefully looked
up and read each Scripture citation in the meantime. I
have read several B, S. M.s also. I am now reading carefully
twelve pages of the Studies each day, reading each
Scripture citation as I go. I am consecrated to the Lord
and his work.
"It is wonderful what a fine spiritual atmosphere Pastor
Russell leads one into, if one will read carefully and
prayerfully his Studies in the Scbiptubes. This fact
emphatically contradicts the many false and slanderous reports
made by the modern Pharisees in their ridiculous
and absurd attempts to assassinate his character. I
never saw Mr. Russell in my life, but I would stake life
itself on the above statement I have made. Such a character
as he is painted to be could not create any such impression
on people in general as he invariably does. You
are seized with confidence and assurance that vou are getting
the truth, presented honestly and sincerely, from the
very moment you commence reading Studies in the Scbiptubes
. In reading any other literature you get a little
truth — much error; you lose your confidence, and very
soon you are entangled in a maze of tradition and rank
foolishness, which is absolutely revolting to one who has
the truth. Well did our Master declare, *My people perish
for lack of knowledge.*
"I request that you send me your series of questions
required to be answered by a candidate for the degree of
Verbi Dei Minister, and also any instructions pertaining
thereto. .... I could write a book in praise of Studies
in the Scbiptubes, but will now close, with love and respect
for the Society and its beloved Pastor."
As a result, the V. D. M. questions were prepared and sent
to him, and his were the first answers received and filed. He
made about 90%. It was then thought well to submit the
list to the pilgrim brethren. Others requested them and afterwards
they were sent to the elders, then to the colporteurs, and
.subsequently to all who sent in requests for them. The pastoral
workers are now asking for the questions and also many sisters
who hesitated at first because of having the impression that
the questions were intended for the elders only. The requests
are now general, and the Committee is kept busy in trying to
keep up with them. This has necessitated the formation of the
V. D. M. Kept., which is endeavoring to serve the friends a*
faithfully and expeditiously as they possibly can. They have
regretted their inability to serve the friends as soon as requested
in many instances, but by the Lord's ^race they have
"stuck to it/' until now they are getting their heads pretty
well above water.
No doubt some of these papers were lost in the mails during
the Holiday rush ; others were not signed by the writers or
full address was omitted, so that there was no means of identifying
them, or advising the writers; still others have failed to
obtain the required 85%. We are reserving the failures for
later treatment and advice. For these reasons many have not
yet heard from their papers, whereas thousands have received
reply and been made happy. Some of the letters of appreciation
that we receive are truly refreshing and encouraging. In
one instance a sister failed; but the Committee thought they
could greatly encourage this saint by sending her another set
of questions and advising her to try again. This was her
reply: "Dearly Beloved Friends in Christ: WTien I saw our
Secretary, she said, 'You are turned down on your questions.'
I said, *I am thankful for that; I am going to start right next
time.' So if I am not right, turn me down again. I make so
many mistakes and blunders, but I know they are steppingstones
, and make me more careful. Dear friends, I love you
dearly, and my heart is with you in this great harvest work.
God bless you all! Pray for me," etc.
Some have said that they thought the questions, when first
they looked them over, were easy and elementary, but they
found afterwards that the more they thought and prayed over
them, the more important they appeared. We have many letters
telling us bow much good the preparation of their answers
to these questions has done them. To put these answers down
in the right way, and to give appropriate references to the
Scriptures and Dawns after each answer takes considerable
time. Many have spent a whole day on them, and some two
days* These h«ve seemed to receive the largest measure of
blessing.
One brother wrote us, after much prayer and study over
them, that he considered these V. D. M. questions to be "The
pulse of the church," and a great many have testified to the
wisdom of Brother Russell in preparing and sending them out.
No doubt they have helped to raise the standard of eldership
in many instances. It has certainly endeared our hearts to
the friends as the V. D. M. Committee has so generously and
patiently gone over the papers and made brief reply. We would
have preferred that each paper be answered separately and
individually, but this would have taken a year or more, even to
handle the thousands already received, and the Btream continues
to flow in daily.
Various friends have requested that we send them a list
of the correct answers; but this would have interfered with
the work proposed. We have invariably replied that it was the
Society's intention, after most of the answers were in, to print
a list of the correct answers in The Watch Toweb, so that all
might have the benefit of them in the way of comparison, correction
, confirmation and refreshment.
The V, D, M. and pastoral work were the two features of
the harvest which the Lord impressed upon the mind of our
beloved Brother and Pastor shortly before his departure. How
wonderful and various have been the mutual blessings connected
with both of them I It will be the Society's pleasure to
serve the friends in connection with the V. D. M. questions
until, in the Lord's providence, they shall cease to flow in. The
answers will be kept on file for future reference. The Lord sees
them. It is a fine witness for the truth. They reveal, among
other things, how the Lord's spirit teaches many humble ones
of earth far removed from the educational facilities of men.
"Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith,
and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them
that love him?"
[6051]
JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE
[This article was a reprint of that entitled "I Am the Bread of Life," published in isaue of March 1, 1908, which please see.]
THE KING COMETH!
"See, the King in beauty cometh,
He, thy long, long absent King;
As the light of dawn he shineth,
And his breath is that of spring
From the night of darkness waking,
Zion, lift thy voice and sing!
"From the dust of ages rising,
Put on all thine ancient might,
For to thee the crown belongeth,
And to thee the raiment bright —
Of the coming age the glory,
Of the ransomed earth the light."
JESUS SAVES FROM SIN
[This article was a reprint of that entitled "Ye Shall Be Free Indeed," published in issue of February 15, 1899, which pleas
see.]
AT THE TEMPLE-SUNDAY, FEB. 4
For years Brother Russell made the first Sunday in each
month an occasion for especially inviting the public to The
New York Temple. Brother Russell was the speaker when at
home, and the public responded generously to the invitation.
Prior to The Temple meetings, the Brooklyn Academy of Music
was used in a similar way, and it was often crowded and many
turned away. Thousands thus heard the truth proclaimed for
the first time, and many embraced it and are now rejoicing in
its light.
Since the death of Brother Russell it has been thought
well to continue the practise of extending a special invitation
to the public on the first Sunday of each month. The first effort
in this direction was put forth for Sunday, February 4,
Brother Rutherford being the speaker. Advance announcements
were to the effect that Judge Rutherford, successor to Pastor
Russell as President of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
, would be the speaker in The Temple at 3 P. M. The results
are considered such as to justify mention in the columns
of The Watch Tower. The topic was, "Why Do the" Nations
War?" About 1,600 gave earnest attention for almost two
hours, while bo me were turned away. About 135 address cards
were handed in requesting information along the lines of systematic
Bible study.
Brother Rutherford will not speak at The Temple again
until Sunday, April 1, at 3 P. M, having started Thursday
evening, February 8, to fill appointments at I>«nver and on
the Pacific Coast. He will, however, return to Brooklyn about
March 15.
HARVEST WORK
"I thank thee, Lord, for using me
For thee to work and speak;
However trembling is the hand,
The voice however weak;
"For those to whom, through me, thou hast
Some heavenly guidance given;
For some, it may be, saved from grief,
And some brought nearer heaven.
"Oh, honor higher, truer far,
Than earthly fame could bring,
Thus to be used in work like this,
So long, by such a King!
"A blunted sword, a rusted spear,
Which only he could wield ;
A broken sickle in his hand,
To reap his harvest-field!"
LETTERS OF DEEP INTEREST
AN ITALIAN BE OTHER BEFORE THE MILITARY TBXBTOAL
Dear Brethren in Christ: —
I will give you a summary of the trial which took place
at Alessandria, and in which our beloved Brother Kemigio
Cuminetti gave a fine witness of hia faith before the Military
Tribunal.
Sister Fanny Luigi and myself were present at the trial,
and were happy to have the privilege of supporting with our
presence our Brother's confession of faith. The President
questioned him long without finding him in a fault. Here is
the summary in a few words:
President: "Accused, be careful! You are before the
Tribunal, and your position is grave. It seems as if you have
a desire to laugh at the situation."
Brother Cuminetti: "I cannot change the expression of
my face. My heart is so full of joy that my face reflects its
cheerfulness."
President: "Why did you not put on the uniform? And
why did you refuse repeatedly to serve the Fatherland ?"
Cuminetti: "If it were not for that, I would not be here;
for I have committed nothing reprehensible, except that I
have refused to put on a uniform which is not suitable for the
sons of God, whom I serve. In like manner I also, refused to
wear the distinguishing mark in the factory in which I was
working, because that little star represented war and hate;
while the distinguishing mark of the sons of God is peace, and
love for their neighbor."
President: "Is it true that in the prison of Cuneo you
divested yourself of the uniform and remained only in your
underwear ?"
Cuminetti: (f Yes; it is perfectly true. Three times I was
dressed by force; and three times I undressed myself; for I
was unwilling to wear a uniform which to me implied hate
for my neighbor. By so doing I did not intend to revolt against
doing good to others. On the contrary, if I had one hundred
lives, I would give all my blood to the last drop for my neighbor
's sake. Give me any kind of work, even the most ignominious
and abject, to do and I will very willingly adapt myself
to it, to do all that I can to uplift others. But NEVER will
I give the least help toward doing evil or any thing to injure
my fellow-men, whom God says I should love and not hate,**
President: "What schooling have you had?*'
Cuminetti: "That is of little importance; I have studied
the Bible."
President: "I have asked you what schooling you have had.
Answer that which is asked you."
Cuminetti : "I have attended day school for three years,
and night school for two years. But I repeat that this is of
little importance in comparison to what I have learned in
studying the precious divine revelation."
President: "Have you passed the military visit!"
Oumminetti : "Yes, I was visited three times."
President: "It is a pity that you have made the acquaintance
of some persons [Sisters Luigi and Cerulli] who have
started you upon a wrong road. How long have you studied
this book which you call the Bible ?"
Cuminetti: "It is now six years that I have studied the
Book ; and I am sorry that I did not know it long before/'
President: "Who teaches you this new religion?"
Cuminetti: "God himself teaches his own. The elders of
the Bible Students help me to understand it; but God alone
opens tiie eyes of our understanding."
President: "Do you know that your refusal to render obedience
is a very grave offense? Are you fully aware of what you
are going against?"
Cuminetti: "Yes, yes! I know very well. But I am ready
for all that may come, even to being shot down. I cannot
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Makcb 1, 1917
THE WATCH TOWER
(76-77)
break the covenant that I have made with the God of the Bible,
whom I adore/'
The President then gave the word to the barrister, who
asked the President to condemn Ouminetti to four years and
four months of solitary confinement.
The advocate who was defending our Brother then arose
and gave a wonderful testimony to the exemplary conduct
of Ouminetti, who had worked for six consecutive years in
the laboratories without having a person say one word against
him. The lawyer said: "Remigio Ouminetti has refused to
wear the distinguishing mark of war because he already wore
the distinguishing mark of the sons of peace, of joy. He has
not wished to act contrary to his conscience. If he had worn
that distinctive mark, he would have retained his position,
been relieved from conscription and able to earn a good living
for his family. But he preferred the way of sacrifice, fully
conscious of what his refusal would mean to him. Calmly and
serenely he withdrew from all. Cuminetti's case is a unique
one in Italy; and we ought to admire hira. He read in the
Bible that God commands, *Do not kill/ and he does not wish
to kill. He is an apostle of love. He is in full possession of
his mental faculties; he is neither silly nor mad. The spirit
of the Bible has taken possession of him, and makes him act
against his personal interests."
The judges went out, and after five minutes returned and
read the sentence: "For his refusal of obedience to the King
and to the laws of the nation Ouminetti is condemned to three
years and two months of detention/* Ouminetti then rendered
thanks with one of his sweetest smiles*
When the President asked him whether he had anything
else to add to his defense, he answered: "I would have many
things to say on the subject of God's love and on his plan of
salvation for mankind/' The President was annoyed, and said,
"That is not what I asked. We have already heard much on
this subject. I asked whether you have anything to add to
your defense/' With a smiling face Ouminetti answered, "I
Repeat what I have said ; namely, that I am ready to give my
life for my neighbor's sake; but that I will not move a finger
to help evil or to injure mankind, even if I myself should be
shot."
The trial is over. Sister Fanny and myself had the privilege
of talking for about fifteen minutes with our beloved
Brother, who has with great courage and strength stood on
the side of God. All admired him. Even the judges and his
accusers were astonished at his appearance — humble, but at
the same time filled with the courage which the sons of light
possess because they know to kneel only before the Lord, who
is worthy of all adoration and absolute obedience.
At present our beloved Brother is in Gaeta, rd, through him, with the grand mission
of carrying on the harvest work at Brooklyn Headquarters,
But as a few weeks only separated us from our general
assembly at the close of the year, we postponed until then
the sending of our message, in order that it might have more
weight and solemnity. We consider that the higher expression
of our sentiments, permitted at this better opportunity,
would not be too lofty for fittingly honoring the memory of
the beloved Pastor, who himself honored us so much and so
well during his life and by it.
It would be idle for us at this late time to shed perfumes
on his ashes, for, as he said once in The Watch Tower, "The
flowers adorning the graves of the loved ones emit no retroactive
fragrance back upon the pathway which they trod."
Nevertheless, we are privileged to bring to the household
of faith, all vibrating as they are with unalterable love for
the Lord Jesus, the witness of our faithfulness, expressed as
follows :
As best we could, and from the very bottom of our hearts,
we manifested to Brother Russell, during his life, our high appreciation
of his instructions to us 5 in the Lord's name; for
our recognition of his being "that servant" wa3 not limited
to words only. The more we. grew in knowledge the more increased
was our joy and willingness to abide by the least of
his saE&cious, prudent and. forceful a4vice, drawn from the
heavenly source \ and we attribute to this close and reasonable
application of his methods of study and teaching, as found
especially in Vol. o, the individual and collective prosperity of
our dear Ecclesia.
We believe we have in this way honored, by our obedience
to the Lord, his faithful representative, and we desire to
pledge ourselves before the li>rd to honor the blessed memory
of that "faithful servant," by conveying the saintly love
we had for him, together with our zeal, efforts and appreciation
, unto the beloved brethren separated by God for the continuance
of the "Father's business," heretofore entrusted to
our dear brother and Pastor, C. T. Russell, now gone to his
reward.
In token of our loyalty, the contents of the alabaster box
of our hearts are- overflowing with precious oil "compounded
after the art of the apothecary" (Exod, 30:25) — that box
which we could not break on October 31st last — and are now
humbly poured at your feet, excellent brethren.
We enter the year 1917 resolving anew to faithfully stand
with you and like you, cost what it may — to stand by the
holy covenant of sacrifice we have made with God and By His
grac*. We wish you all to be of good cheer, and assure you
also of our fervent prayers that you may continue to "cry
aloud" (Isaiah 58:1) upon the walls of Zion, in these last
days of the Cnurch in the 'flesh; "Prepare to: meet thy God,
Israer!"-^Amos 4:14.
We believe that the death of our dear Pastor finds its true
meaning in this supreme appeal, which will be heeded by all
"who have an ear to hear what the Spirit saith, unto the
churches" {Rev. 3:13), and whose ardent desire is to see its
realization.
We salute here the memory of Brother Russell, and all the
members of the Elijah body, who are awaiting with us the time
for entrance into the realms of God's immortal glory.
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!"
The Ecclesia of Paris. — France,
CONTINUED COOPERATION AND PRAYERS
Dear Brethren: —
The Altoona Ecclesia by a unanimous vote have expressed
their determination, by divine aid, to continue their assistance
and support in the dissemination of the Glad Tidings. You will
have our continued prayers; and we hope that we may share in
yours, in order that we may all come off" victorious by his grace.
With kindest Christian love, Altoona Ecclesia. — Pa.
PILGRIM VISITS, ETC.
Dear Co-Laborers ■. —
As a class, we want a little advice. We are informed that
Brother A expects to go to Henderson, N again we want to assure
you of our love and cooperation in every way possible.
Praying the Lord's continued blessings upon your effort* to
serve- Him and his cautt,
Your brethren in Christ, Milwaukee Ecclesia* — Wis.
HONORARY ELDER AKD COUNSELOR
Bejjoved Brethren; —
On the occasion of our midweek prayer, praise a*id testimony
meeting we had a season of prayer, especially remembering
our dear President, ajitf those closely connected with.
[6054]
March 1, 1917
THE WATCH TOWER
OS -79)
him, at the Bethel home. The friends take this opportunity
of expressing their loyalty and love to those who, we believe,
the dear Lord has been pleased to appoint to continue the work
of spreading the glorious news of the kingdom, and to say
further, that the class was unanimous in its Election of our
dear Brother Rutherford as Counselor and Honorary Elder
for this term.
Vours in the Master's service,
L0NT>U5 (O^T.) Ecclesia.
ISCXLATION MAKES ONE SYMPATHETIC
Deably Beloved Brethren: —
Some time ago I made the Vow my own. In 19*10 I first
read Vol. I, Studies in the Scriptubes. I read the entire
volume in two nights, and completed the second reading of it
within the week. In six months I had read the entire six
volumes twice. The Morning Resolve I find to be a great
help. Sometimes I repeat during the day some clause of it
which especially appeals to me.
Among others I have been affected by the "lengthened
time." I gave up my situation as teacher, also sold some
property which brought me a small income; and, putting
what I thought 1 could spare into the work, I apportioned
off what I thought would supply ray needs until 1915, thinking
that I was leaving a fair margin. I engaged in the follow-up
work in connection with the Photo-Dbama and also as colporteur
. But not being able to pay expenses I remained, when
need arose for me, in my old home, where I am still, although
my people are all opposed to the truth and consider that I
am deceived. My isolation has made me more sympathetic
with those who, like myself, cannot fellowship with the brethren
. However, I have been privileged to speak to a few,, also
to post tracts, etc.
Daily I remember you, and your fellow -laborers in the
harvest work, at the throne of heavenly grace, thanking the
Lord for the labors of his servant and for the privilege of
fellowship in his sufferings.
Yours in the One Hope, .—Ireland,
A LIFE OF IDEAL CHRISTIAN SEBVICE
Deab Buethken of the Bethel Home: —
The removal of our beloved Pastor from the earthly phase
of his ministry brought to us here a great sorrow and some
anxious thought respecting the future of the work. We have
tried to realize how much keener must have been the sorrow
and perplexity in the Bethel Home, How wonderfully the Lord
is manifesting his continued care for his work!
We rejoice for our beloved "brother that, as the victor
crowned, no shafts of. the enemy can longer touch him. So
noble himself, how such injustice moist have, pained hiuH But
no murmur of complaint did he utter — onty solicitude fpr the
Lord's flock and for the truth. What a picture of sublimity,
pathos and heroism was his grapple with problems vital to
the Church during those closing days of that preeiftus life Of
ideal Christian service!
We unite in loving sympathy and appreciation of the added
responsibility which has come to you, and asaure yon that you
are remembered in our prayers. We request that you pray for
us wisdom, as we seek loyally to cooperate in whatever arrangements
the Lord may make for the carrying on of his
work. The Sydney Ecclesia. — Nova Scotia.
"THE LITTLE IXOOK WILL NOT BE MISLED*'
DEAfc Brethren: — ■
We realize with you that there is work still to be done in
the harvest field; and we rejoice in the preparation which
that faithful servant left for the continuance of The Watch
Tower for our spiritual nourishment. (Isaiah 21:5, 6) Seeing
with what carefulness Brother Russell handled the Lord's
work, we cannot do otherwise than remain loyal supporters of
this work, until the symbolic waters are divided and we have
done all that the Lord haw for us to do.
So be assured that you have our prayers, our sympathy
and our love as never before. We shall esteem it a privilege
to cooperate with you as we may be able. Pray for us, that
we may be faithful!
Yours in the one hope of our calling in Christ Jesus,
Evebett Ecclesia. — Wash.
"ENDEAVOR TO TOttSH QTTB COTOSE WITH JOY 1 '
Beloved Brethren: —
We are praying that the Lord's blessing may be upon you,
giving you more of that wisdom which comes from above,
that as a family we may still enjoy sweet communion with
each other until our probation closes.
We mourn with you the taking away of our dear Pastor
from our midst, through whom we have 'been richly fed these
many years. Although feeling his loss, our hearts rejoice
to see that he was faithful unto death, instantaneously entering
into his great reward, as promised in Revelation 14:13.
Let us continue to do the Lord's will, that we also may finish
our course with joy.
Yours in Him, Camberwell Class. — Jamaica.
SPARED AN IGNOMINIOUS DEATH
Dear Brethren in Christ: —
We desire as a family to express to you our united sympathy
in the mutual loss we have sustained by the death of our
beloved Pastor, and while assuring you that hi3 absence will
be greatly felt by us, yet we realize it must necessarily be
more keenly felt by you, who enjoyed his constant personal
fellowship.
While sorrowing, yet it ia not as those who have no hope,
but rather we rejoice that he has entered into his well-earned
rest, having faithfully laid down his life for the brethren.
We thank our heavenly Father that his servant, who endured
so much reproach for the truth, was spared an
ignominious death, which we had anticipated at the hands of
the "beast" and his "image" under the direction of the accuser
of the brethren; also that he was counted worthy to escape
those things coming upon the world.
Our prayers ascend to the <*od of all grace, that he may
richly endow you with wisdom and with the spirit of faithfulness
to him, and that you may demonstrate this by loyally
carrying out in every particular the instructions left by
Brother Russell for the continuance of the work that remains.
While we pray this for you, we also pray it for ourselves,
and request your prayers for us to this same end.. With
those thoughts in mind, we would here like to add that we
shall endeavor, to the best of our ability* at all costs and
in the strength of the Lord, to support the Society, and to
uphold the truths it promulgates, by our hearty cooperation.
We shall be glad to receive three forms of the V. D. M.
Questions, which we trust we shall be able to answer satisfactorily
. With Christian love and greetings (Heb. 10:23;
Rom. 15:4-6),
Your brethren in the faith,
Barbara, Mary and Richard Brumehl. — Scotland.
ENEMIES OF THE TROTH CAN THROW ONLY DUST
To the Dear Bethel Household: —
I wish to add my testimony to the many testimonials you
have received from the dear friends bo widely scattered.
Our great chieftain has fallen. The firm yet gentle hand
so long at the helm lies palsied. The loving heart whose
every beat was one of sympathy, is stilled by the hand of
death. Yet we sorrow not as those who have no hope. Let
us, one and a&, resolve to 1 take -up the task where he dropped
it, wd. with increased zeal and vigor carry on the glorious
harvest work.
The enemies of our beloved Pastor have made no *serious
effort to answer his arguments,, but have found it easier to
attack his character, thereby throwing du«t into the eyes of
the people. Now, however, ail is changed, and the pastoral
work is, I believe, destined to wake up the people as nothing
else has done; and those who in the past have so complacently
circulated the vile slanders against our beloved Pastor will
have to face the more serious task of answering his arguments
Beloved, be strong! The yesterdays are past, the present
only is ours to labor; and if found faithful, the glorious
after whiles will be ours, also, when we shall meet and greet
our noble Leader. Yea, more; soon the voice of him "who
spake "as never man spake" before shall speak back to life
all our dear dead!
Your brother in the one hope,
C. A, Owen.— ^Indianapolis.
"MAY HIS SPIRIT ANIMATE VSV*
Beloved Brethren: —
The news of our Pastor's death was a great surprise and
shock to us, , but we were reminded of Rev. 14:13. We rejoiced
to be with him here, may we have an increasing desire
to greet him in his glorified estate!
We wish to express to you our great appreciation of the
character and work of our beloved Pastor, and to extend to
you in this hour of mutual bereavement, our sincere Christian
love and sympathy; for while we realize our great loss in his
departure, you who were with him most and knew him beBt
will mast keenly feel how good it was to have him with us !
We are very pleased to know that the affairs of the Society
are so arranged that the work can ^o right on, and we will
remember you daily at the throne Of heavenly grace, that
the Lord's will may be done. May the spirit of our beloved
Pastor animate us 'more and more to that same faithfulness
[6055]
(79-83)
THE WATCH TOWER
Brooklyn, N. Y.
unto death, that when the time of our change Bhall come, we
too may be ready !
Sincerely, your brethren,
Associated Bible Students. — Rochester, A\ Y.
KEEP HIS MEMOBY GREEN BY MOBE SELF-SACRIFICING
SERVICE
Deab Brethben: —
We have heard from Brother Johnston of your loss, our
loss and the loss to the whole world, in the death of our brother,
Charles T. Russell. All of us loved him dearly. His selfsacrificing
labors on our behalf have been an incentive, and
have given us a desire to follow him as he followed the Master.
We have been led by him to the presence of the God of love ;
the Studies in the Scriptures have shown each of us a new
Bible. Some of our number have known him in the flesh, and
have a fond remembrance of the radiant happiness that seemed
to fill his life.
Words seem almost inadequate to express our regard for
our brother. Our emotions at first inclined ua to weep, then our
sorrow gave place to joy, and we expressed ourselves in the
words of the 107th Psalm: "Oh, give thanks unto the Lord,
for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever! 5 ' It is the
desire of each of our class to keep his memory green by more
self-sacrificing service, by greater love to the Brethren and
devotion to the truth.
Our loving sympathy goes out to all who will miss him
most, particularly the brethren of the Bethel Home, and we
trust that you will convey to them our love and the assurance
that we have prayed that they may be blessed.
By the grace of God, your Brethren in Christ,
Durban Ecclesia, — Natal.
A BIBLE STUDENT AT THE FRONT
Deab Brethren: —
You may be interested to know that I became illuminated
with the glorious truth after having taken the oath for military
service. I had a few months of supreme happiness and growth
in knowledge with the Winnipeg Ecclesia. My request for an
honorable discharge was refused.
While in England I was able to pay a visit to the London
Tabernacle, and had the privilege of becoming acquainted
with several of the brethren there. I have been out here for
eleven months, and have spent the last nine in the front line
trenches. I have been transport driver, cook, and for the last
five months stretcher-bearer. During this time I have had
many blessings, being able to distribute tracts, loan my
volumes, and have some heart-to-heart talks with some of the
men. I have pleasant recollections of my old platoon, who are
now nearly all gone. They always treated me with respect;
and several of them asked me to write to their mother or their
wife if anything happened to them While I rejoice to
'be able to serve God out here, I look for the time when I may
once again have fellowship with His people.
I would like to take this opportunity, dear Brethren, of
having my name added to the list of those who have taken the
vow. Our dear Pastor's letter of July 14th has given me great
happiness and encouragement. May the Lord bless richly your
labors in His service.
Your brother in Christ, Richard T. Wood. — Belgium.
A VOICE FROM INDIA
Deably Beloved Brethben: —
We have heard with profound sorrow the news of the passing
away of our dearly beloved Brother Russell. Bible students
all over the world have lost in him a much revered leader,
a great teacher, who was used of God in making known the
divine plan of salvation, and an earnest Christian who strove
successfully to follow in the Master's footsteps. We thank
God for his life and work, which will be an abiding inspiration
and a noble example to all sincere seekers after truth.
We desire you to convey our warmest sympathy to the
.Bethel Family, who will miss his earthly presence and his
loving personality sadly. Let us, however, rejoice that he
has fought the good fight, finished his course, kept the faith
and has received the Crown of Life.
Madras Ecclesia. — India.
A WISE HSHEBMAN
Peas Brethben: —
We have now tried out the new De Luxe Scenario and
*ur experience is that we sell them readily for 98c. We have
been so accustomed in the past to giving the people double
value for their money that it has spoiled us to some extent!
While the new De Luxe is not so sturdy a book as the cloth
(68c) edition, people seem to prefer the higher priced copy.
We had thought of dropping the De Luxe and specializing on
the oloth edition, but after experimenting we have decided
to handle both. We can catch many stray fish by having two
kinds of bait!
With much love from us both,
J. & L. Hutchinson. — Pa.
WARNING TO THE FRIENDS
During all the years that Brother Russell Berved the church
he faithfully guarded the classes against the danger of giving
the names and addresses of any one for publication. He acted
upon the theory that the published addresses of the Secretaries
of the Classes and of the friends would enable an impostor to
appear in these Classes, claiming to come from another class
and thereby practice some fraud upon the brethren. Past experiences
have shown that this has been done on numerous occasions
, and the publication of the addresses of the friends
only enhances the opportunity of so doing. The Society has
never deemed it proper to publish the names and addresses of
these Secretaries. It has held such names in confidence and
the publication of such names would be a violation of that confidence
. In addition to what has above been said, it gives the
enemies of the truth an opportunity to deceive the brethren
. Our enemies have for a long time tried to secure the names
of our class officers and members. We deem it our duty, therefore
, to warn the friends that it is against their interest to submit
the names and addresses of their class Secretaries or of
any of the members to any one for publication.
We also suggest to the friends that they exercise caution
in entertaining any one who claims to be a brother in the truth,
unless they are sure he is such, and that they be especially careful
in regard to any who attempt to borrow money on the statement
of being in the Truth.