The Watchtower, May 15, 1917

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Vol. XXXVUT

BROOKLYN, N. Y., MAY 15, 1917

No. 3 f>

THE COMMISSION OF A CHRISTIAN

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek.

he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the

prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance

of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto

them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit

of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of

the Lord, that he might be glorified." — Isa. 61:1-3.

Every man who is elected to an office of honor and trust in thority. All recognize the necessity thereof. The Government

a Government receives a commission. His commission is a

formal, written warrant, or authority, granting certain powers

or privileges and authorizing or commanding the performance

of certain duties. The various officers, legislative, executive

and judicial, of the United States and of the different States,

before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, receive

such a commission, or warrant of authority. If a lawyer

be elected to a judicial office, his commission, or warrant of authority

, directs that he shall perform the duties of that office.

Should he ignore these duties or fail to perform them, and

devote his time to something else, he would be regarded as

an unfaithful officer. In many jurisdictions the people, by vote,

would recall him and deprive him of his commission, or auvery

jealously guards such officers in the performance of their

respective duties, and by law provides that they shall be relieved

from military duty in order that they may uninterruptedly

perform the duties of the office to which they are

elected and commissioned.

A Christian is one who has received from Jehovah a very

high commission. He has surrendered his will to the will of

God ; he has entered into a covenant, or contract, with Jehovah

by sacrifice. He has agreed to "renounce all earthly hopes and

prospects to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, his Redeemer ( 1

Peter 2:21), and faithfully to perform his duties and obligations

as a Christian — obligations which have been placed upon

him by hi* commission, or warrant of authority, and the perr

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May 15, 1917

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form&nce of which is essential to Ma sharing the glorious resurrection

of his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. A Christian, appreciating

the high, position to which he has been called, is like

St. Paul, earnestly desirous of performing the duties of hh

office, "if by any means, he might attain unto the resurrection

of the dead." Like St. Paul, he says, "But one thing I

do, forgetting the things behind, and stretching towards the

things before, I press along the line towards the prize of the

high calling of God by Christ Jesus," (Philippians 3:13, 14,

Diaglott) The Christian who faithfully performs the duties

which his Christian commission enjoins upon him is promised

participation in the chief resurrection and to be forever with

Christ the Lord, to reign with him for the carrying out of

God's purposes toward mankind, and to have life everlasting

on the immortal plane. — Revelation 2:10; 20:6.

Jesus was the first Christian — the first of the Christ company

. "He 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) "And (God)

hath put all things under his feet, and ga\e him to be the

Head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:22)

"Christ is the Head of the church." — Ephesians 5:23.

When Jesus was baptized in Jordan, he was there begotten

of and anointed with the holy Spirit as the great High

Priest and King who is to bless all the nations and families

of the earth. According to the Jewish custom, which was

typical of things to be performed in the Gospel age, those who

were called to the office of priest or king were anointed with

oil. The Scriptures show that such anointing typified the

anointing of Jesus and the members of his body, of whom

Aaron the priest was a type. (Psalm 133:1, 2) These are

to be both priests and kings — priests upon the throne. — Hebrews

5:6, 10; Genesis 14:18; Revelation 3:21.

The text set forth at the beginning of this article states

the terms of the commission, or warrant of authority, which

Jehovah has granted and given to Jesus and all his faithful

followers. The duty and obligation, then, is laid upon each

one to perform that commission faithfully. Jesus expressly so

applied this to himself. (Luke 4:18, 19) From Pentecost until

now all who have come into Christ by being baptized into his

death (Romans 6:3) have received this anointing of the holy

Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27) Jehovah has provided in his Word

clear testimony whereby one may be enabled to determine for

himself whether or not he has received this anointing. (Romans

8:14, 16, 17) Therefore it is the duty of all having

received this divine warrant, or authority, or commission, to

perform the obligations which they have assumed. — Luke

9:62; 14:28-35.

THE CHKISTIA2TS DUTY

The Scriptures show that God has a great plan which he

is working out in an orderly manner. It has pleased him to

deal through human agencies. He dealt with the Jews for

eighteen centuries, using that people to make types and pictures

of the sacrifices and development of his kingdom class.

Having called, begotten and anointed the followers of the Great

Master, and that without regard to sect or denomination, Jehovah

has marked out for such certain duties, a certain course,

as follows:

(1) "To preach the glad tidings to the meek." To preach

means to proclaim, to teach and to instruct. To preach the

#lad tidings, therefore, means to proclaim the Gospel of the

kingdom of God, which glad tidings must come to all the peoples

of the earth in God's due time.

None can preach understanding^ and in harmony with Jehovah

's way except those who have received this anointing,

which constitutes their divine ordination, or warrant of authority

to preach. It devolves upon all such, then, as opportunity

may offer, to tell mankind concerning the glorious

kingdom of righteousness that is to be established for the blessing

of the human race; to teach and instruct all who have the

cars to hear. We are not instructed or authorized to attempt

to teach the haughty, the high-minded, those who do not wish

to be taught, but those only who are teachable — "the meek."

Such preaching and teaching may be done by oral proclamation

or by handing out to others the printed Gospel in the form of

a paper, tract or book, giving them instruction upon the Bible.

Since the day of Pentecost lentil now, the Lord nt all times

has had some faithful ones in the world who have proclaimed

his message and done this very work. Thus it is observed that

the commission of the Christian is one of active service by doing

good unto others. The Apostle Paul expressed the obligation

thus devolving upon the Christian when he said: "For

though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for

necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not

the Gospel" — in harmony with mv commission. — 1 Corinthians

0:16.

[60

(2) "To proclaim the acceptable year of the .Lord." Thia

"acceptable year" is the period of time in which our heavenly

Father is willing to accept the sacrifices of those who become

members of the body of Christ. It covers the entire period of

the Gospel age from Pentecost until the last member of the

kingdom class has been called, begotten and developed, and will

cease at the time when Christ takes, unto himself his completed

bride. Thereafter there will be no more opportunity to

declare the message concerning the high calling. Hence it is

the present duty and privilege of the Christian to call to the attention

of others who desire to hear that this is the age during

which Jehovah is selecting those who are called to be

sharers in Christ's sacrifice and who will be changed in the first

resurrection from human to spirit beings to be with their Lord.

The message to the world will come later.

(3) "And the day of vengeance of our God." The Scriptures

clearly show that the day of vengeance of God is a period

of time at the end of the gospel age, when great trouble, sorrow

and distress shall come upon the nations of the earth;

that it comes particularly as a result of the disregard of those

who claim to be Christians of the teachings and admonitions

of God's Word of truth. The Word of truth, the Word of God,

shows that had God's message been faithfully delivered to the

people, and heard by them, the day of vengeance upon the nations

would have been unnecessary. But Jehovah foretold that

this great day would be necessary and would come. It is the

time mentioned by Jesus to St. John, saying, "The nations were

angry and thy wrath is come." (Revelation 11:18) The Lord

Jesus pointed out to his disciples that he would come again to

receive his church unto himself, and that during his second

presence God's vengeance would come upon the" nations, and

there would be "upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity

; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing

them for fear and for looking after those things which are

coming upon the earth." — Luke 21:25, 26.

That time is Scriptural ly spoken of as (r the day of God's

vengeance" because it would mark the period of time in which

Jehovah would remove his restraining power and permit the

angry passions of men to lash the nations to fury and to utterly

destroy the present order of things. Jehovah's "prophet, speaking

as though he stood in the very day of the trouble, and as

the mouthpiece of the Lord, said :

"I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even

them that rejoice in my highness. The noise of a multitude in

the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise

of the kingdoms of nations gathered together; the Lord of

Hosts mustereth the host of the battle; they come from a far

country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord, and the

weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land."

"Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people;

let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world and all

things that come forth of it, for the indignation of the Lord

is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies." —

Isaiah 13:3-5; 34:1, 2.

Again, referring to the same time, our Lord Jesus said:

"For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against

kingdom; and there will be earthquakes (literal and symbolic

— revolutions) in various places; there will be famines. These

will be the beginning of the birth pangs." — Mark 13 :8.

It is the great privilege of every Christian now living on

the earth to see these prophetic statements in the course of fulfillment

, and they may therefore recognize that the day of

God's vengeance is now at hand. Since his commission places

upon him the obligation of declaring this day of vengeance, any

Christian who sees that these great Bible prophecies are now

in process of fulfillment and who fails or refuses to tell forth

the meaning thereof, proves himself disloyal to the Lord and

unfaithful to the warrant or authority which has been committed

to him. So we see that it is the clear duty of the Christian

to hold himself aloof from the turmoil and trouble now

upon all mankind, and with calmness and poise of mind to tell

those who have the hearing ear; the meaning of this distress

upon the earth, and, having the Spirit of the Lord and the

Message of the Lord, to direct them to the only remedy for the

present conditions; namely, Messiah's kingdom and the blessings

it will bring to those who are willing to accept it upon the

terms offered.

(4) "To bind up the broken-hearted." Mark these words

contained in the Christian's commission! The Lord does not

say, Go out and make trouble, break many hearts and cause

many tears of bitterness to flow; but he does say, Your duty

is to bind up those hearts that are broken by sin, sorrow and

distress, and to aid such by pouring in the balm of Gilead

from the Lord's great storehouse — the sweet message of his

provision for salvation, which is the only thing that will bring

the peace of mind that passeth all understanding. What a

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THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, N. V.

wonderful privilege, then, the Christian has at this time! The

earth is full of broken hearts, many of whom, doubtless, have

ears to hear the message that will soothe and comfort them.

The duty and privilege of the Christian is to give forth this

message."

(f>) "To comfort all that mourn." Is it the duty devolving

upon the Christian to comfort all those that mourn? Even

*o! But how is it possible for the Christian to comfort all

that mourn at thia time, seeing that many will not listen now

to the message of comfort? We answer: Before this part of the

commission can be fully accomplished the entire body of Christ

must be fully developed and united together with him. All

who have received this anointing of the holy spirit are commissioned

to do unto their brethren a sweet and blessed service,

which is:

(0) "To appoint (that is, to give the exceeding great and

precious promises contained in the Word) unto them that

mourn in Zion (the true saints who are yet in some branch

of the nominal- church, distressed by worldliness, and who

know not the remedy,) to give unto them beauty for ashes

( to point them to the beautiful promises concerning the resurrection

of the dead), the oil of joy for mourning (taking

away their sadness and turning them to the joy of the Lord),

the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (removing

their heaviness of heart hy showing them the falsity of the

creeds as contrasted with" the glorious arrangements of the

Lord for the blessing of all mankind).

All Christians must first be comforted. God's channel for

bringing comfort to his people is his word. But none can

understand this save those who have his Spirit; and so the

Prophet has declared that during the Gospel age God would

pour out his Spirit upon his servant? and handmaids (upon

godly men and women) ; and that after those days (during the

Millennium) he would pour out his Spirit upon all flesh. During

the Gospel age the Christian alone is able to understand

a*nd appreciate the Bible as God's Word of Truth. "Whatsoever

things were written aforetime were written for our learning

, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures

might have hope." — Rom. 15:4.

SOME PBECIOTJS PROMISES FOB ZION'S OOMFOET

The Christian has many perplexing questions to decide and

is many times unable to decide the same without aid. To

such the Lord has said :

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean, not

to thine own understanding. Jn all thy ways acknowledge

him, and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:5 V 6.

As the stress upon the world grows, the trials of the Christian

increase; but when he understands the purpose of these

trials he rejoices. To such the Apostle says:

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious

than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with

fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the

appearing of Jesus Christ." — 1 Peter 1:7.

The Christian finds that to perform his duties, striving to

fulfil the terms of his commission, or warrant of authority,

consumes his strength and energy and bring persecution upon

himself (for he is misunderstood) ; and for the comfort of such

the Lord declares :

"Ptecious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his

saints." "Fear not them that are able to kill the body."—

Psalm 11(5:15; Matthew 10:28.

The Christian has many experiences that are difficult for

him to understand, but the Lord sends us the word of cheer

through his "chosen vessel":

"And we know that all things work together for good

to them that love God, to them who are the called according

to his purpose." — Romans 8:28.

The Christian, beholding so many dangers upon every side,

might quail before his hosts of enemies, fearing violence or

other injury; but for his comfort our God has said:

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them

that fear him and delivereth them. — Psalm 34:7.

The Christian realizes that his enemies are legion; that

he is not warring merely against flesh and blood, but against

evil spirits, the agencies of the adversary, entrenched in high

places. He realizes his inability to meet his enemies alone.

For his assurance and strength, and for his comfort of mind

and heart, the Lord has said to him :

"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the

whole earth, to show his strength in behalf of them whose

hearts are perfect toward him." — 2 Chronicles 16:!).

Again the child of God hears the Lord saying to him: "My

grace is sufficient for thee." — «2 Corinthians 12:9.

The Christian suffers many afflictions. He realizes the

truthfulness of the statement that "All who live godly in Christ

Jesus shall suffer persecution. "' But he hears the reasurring

words of comfort:

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,

worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of

glory." — 2 Corinthians 4:17.

Men of the world seek the glory which is as, a fading flower;

but the Christian has the promise of a glory and honor which

far exceeds anything the world can give, and which no one of

earth may know — a glory which is eternal.

The Christian recognizes in these strenuous times that upon

every side are strife and dissention, trouble and war. He

keenly realizes that under such conditions a faithful and loyal

performance of his commission, or authority, of necessity must

bring persecution upon him; but for his consolation and reassurance

the Master says to him:

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness

* sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed

are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and

■shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my

sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great i3 your reward

in heaven." — Matthew 5:10-12.

The Iy>rd has been selecting those who are willing to undergo

hardships, misunderstandings and persecutions for his sake.

He foreknew the great difficulties that' the followers of the

Master would have, and for the encouragement and comfort

of such he keeps before the mind of the Christian the promised

blessings and rewards that shall be granted to the faithful,

saying :

"For Zion's (God's chosen people) sake will I not hold

my peace, and I will not rest until the righteousness

thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof

as a lamp that burneth; and the nations shall see thy

righteousness, and all the kings thy glory ; and thou shaft

be called by a new name which the Lord shall name! Thou

shalt be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a

royal diadem in the hand of thv God." — Isaiah 62:1-3.

WHY GOD IS TRAINING THE CHRISTIAN CLASS

It must be apparent to all who carefully look into the

matter that Jehovah has devoted the long period of the Gospel

age to selecting and developing Christians, followers of Jesus,

permitting them to have hard experiences that they may be the

better prepared for some special purpose and work to follow.

He is himself the great God of comfort, and has made provision

for those who come to him, that their hearts may be made glad.

The Apostle Paul expresses God's purpose when he says :

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesu^

Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort,

who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be

able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort

wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God; for as

the Bufferings of Christ abound in us so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ." — 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.

(7) "That they might be called trees of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." This

part of our text will be more particularly fulfilled during the

thousand years' reign of Christ. The trees here referred to are

God's chosen ones, the royal priesthood, Jesus the head and

the church his body. They are referred to as "trees of righteousness

, Jehovah's planting," because he has planted them,

and all the body members of Christ have been made righteous

through the merit of the Lord Jesus. In Revelation we read :

"Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear

as a crystal, issuing from the throne of God and the Lamb, in

the middle of the street of the city. On each side of the river

was the tree of life, which bare twelve maimer of fruits, producing

one crop each month ; the leaves of the trees served

as a cure for the nations." — 'Revelation 22:1, 2. 20th Centur\

Translation.

Thus the Lord describes The Christ complete— Jesus Christ

in the midst of the new kingdom, and the members of his body.

described as trees of life, the leaves of Which — their professions

and teachings during the times of restitution — will be for the

healing and blessing of the sin-sick and sorrowing nations of

the world.

During that glorious reign of Messiah, Cod's promise made

to Abraham, saying, "In thy seed shall all the families of the

earth be blessed," shall be in operation and fully realized by

the peoples of earth. This 3eed is primarily The Christ, Head

and body. Secondarily, there will .be an earthly seed of Abraham

— the faithful of natural Israel restored. For many centuries

the poor Jews have been persecuted and driven from one

nation to another, but then they will come to a knowledge and

understanding of the truth. Then will be fulfilled the words of

[St. Paul, "So all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, There

shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness

from Jacob" (the Jewish people). (Romans 11:25,

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May 15, 1917

THE WATCH TOWER

(149-150)

26) Then the poor dews who have suffered indescribable horrors

in the great wai that is now devastating the world will

say, "Lo, thu is our Glace Bay, N. S 28

44 Hayne, N. C 28

44 Hobart, Okla 28

44 Kingston, N. Y 28

48 Muncie, Ind 28

42 Coffeyville, Kan 27

42 Edmonton, Alta 27

42 Iola, Kan 27

41 Lowell, Mast 27

41 Pueblo, Colo 27

41 Rhonesboro, Tex 27

40 Bhawnee, Okla 27

40 Wilkes-Barre, Pa 27

40 Bloomfield, N. J 26

40 Butler, Pa 26

39 Danbury, Ohio 26

39 Cincinnati, Ohio (Col.) 26

39 Halifax, N. S 26

39 New Albany, Ind 26

39 New Brunswick, N. J 26

38 Tonawanda, N. Y 26

38 Elkhart, Ind 25

38 Gait, Ont 25

88 JopHn, Mo 25

85 Mansfield, Eng 25

85 MeadviUe, Pa 25

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May 15, 1917

THE WATCH TOWER

(157-158)

Newark, Ohio 25

Oil City, Pa 25

Piqua, Ohio 25

PitUfield, Mass 25

Portland, Me 25

Rock Island, VA 25

St. John, N. B 25

Warren, Pa 25

Cecil, Ga 25

Childress, Tex 25

Davenport, Iowa 25

McMinnviHe, Oru 25

Pottstown, Pa 25

Weatherford, Tt>3 24

Cortland, N. Y 28

Elfin, 111 23

Elwood, Ind 23

Pawtucket, K J ... .23

Preston, Ont 23

Kejfina, Sask 28

San Jose, Cal 23

Webb City, Mo 23

HoMster, Ohio (Hung.) 22

Kewanee, 111 22

Lynden, Wash 22

Marion, Ohio 22

Millville, Ohio 22

Mitchell, S. Dak 22

New Castle, Pa. * 22

Osseo, Wis 22

Philipsburg, K. J 22

Port Huron, Mich 22

St. Catherines, Ont 22

Stockton, Cal 22

Tamaqua, Pa 22

Parien, Oonn 21

Dubuque, Iowa 21

Beverly, Mass 21

Boulder, Colo 21

Midland Park, N. J 21

New Kensington, Pa 21

New Liskeard, Ont 21

Niagara Falls, Ont 21

Norristown, Pa 21

Parismina, Costa Rica .... 21

Pentictou, B. C 21

St. George, Grenada 21

Seguin, Tex 21

Sheboygan Falls, Wis 21

Alva; Okla 20

Appleton, Wis. * 20

Augusta, Ga 20

Cleveland, Ohio (Hung.)... 20

Corpus ChriBti, Tex 20

Ea&ihampton, Mass 20

Fort Wayne, Ind 20

Scandinavian Classes reported from

Fort Worth, Tex 20

Grand Junction, Colo 20

Greenfield. Mass 20

Hillside, Mandeville. Ja 20

Little Rock, Ark 20

Morgantawn, W, Va 20

Nowata, Okla 20

Petersburg, Va 20

Peterborough, Eng 20

Pittsburg, Kan 20

Racine, Wis 20

South Bend, Ind 20

South Norwalk, Conn 20

Stirling, Ont 20

Stockport, N. Y 20

Troy, N. Y 20

Wellington, Ohio 20

Swedish Branch 1,388

SOME LETTERS

ANOTHER BRAVE BROTHER ACROSS THE SEA

(nineteen years of age — written in the guard boom)

My Dear Brethren: —

Greetings! You will be glad to know that your little

brother in England is now privileged to share with the others

the experiences peculiar to us over here. Truly, although the

present surroundings are not congenial to the new creature or

to the flesh, one realizes how cood the Lord is. Experiences

which we would naturally shrink from are taken as among the

"all things/' because of the trustful confidence we have in our

great God. He has guided and blessed me richly thus far, and

my desire is to just continue daily to abide in him, to faithfully

seek to uphold the principles we have grown to love and

appreciate. Under these circumstances one is able to reflect

the light by the life lived, and to be an example of the believers

. My prayer is that my heart shall always respond

joyfully to his loving leadings, and be submissive in all the

way he shall lead.

Taking such experiences as he sees fit to permit with joy

and gratitude, one is able to count all as light afflictions, as

surely they are. When we think of all the blessings he has

showered upon us since we were brought into the light, why,

our hearts bubble over with joy and the }*oy of the LoVd becomes

our strength ! Our great hope, too, is so bright that it

surely stimulates us to cheerful, patient endurance.

In this peculiar position one is able to bear the reproaches

of our Master in various ways, and it gives us great joy to be

so permitted. Today 1 have been thinking of our dear Redeemer

's example — he endured all things unmurmuringly, without

retaliation. It is my heart*s desire to prove worthy of his

leadership, following the more faithfully in his footsteps daily.

Truly the heavenly hopes and joys are the only enduring,

eternal things!

This morning, as 1 was marched before the Colonel, the

words on page 238 of our Poem Book flashed into my mind :

"He rose, and from that hour went forth

To trial and to death, in peace —

A calmness born of perfect confidence in God."

That last line has many times in the past been helpful to me;

and under the present circumstances it is more than helpful, it

is inspiring.

I feel it a great privilege to be permitted to bear this witness

. The Colonel told me this morning that I shall be ordered

to don the King's uniform, and if 1 refuse, I shall be courtmartialed

. That iB the usual experience, of course. Most

sentences are commuted now to four months hard labor, and

after about ten weeks one is released and put somewhere on

Work of National Importance, so-called, under the Government

's Home Office scheme.

Truly, the Lord is very good and we rejoice in his loving

leadings; and our desire is to be more faithful day by day, to

do always those things pleasing in his sight! Rev. 2:10, all

of the verse, is very forceful to ua while in the hands of the

Military. It is indeed a happy privilege to bear his reproaches

with meekness and pitying love for our would-be enemies. I

am assured of an interest in your prayers, and I commend all

the dear ones in America to our Father's tender care and

keeping.

Later. — I thought I would like to send just a few more

lines before I go to prison, to let you know of our continued

trust in our dear heavenly Father's love and providential

care. Surely one has abundant cause for gratitude — we truly

find what we seek! We are daily counting our blessings and

find fresh causes to thank our loving Father.

By Tuesday next it will be three weeks since I came into

the hands of the Military, I have had a nice and happy time,

because after a few days I was in the company of four other

Conscientious Objectors to Military Service on religious

OF INTEREST

grounds. The difference in our religious views makes little

ii inference — we have all been quite happy. There have been

many opportunities for presenting the truth to my fellow

"0. O.V and to the soldiers who are supposed to be guarding

us prisoners.

t One realizes the need for patient- endurance, yet we can rejoice

that in all the various experiences which we have been

privileged to pass through his grace has been sufficient. This

morning the last performance was gone through — that of being

marched before the troops and nearing the sentence read

out: "The accused is found guilty and sentenced to suffer imprisonment

for 112 days with hard labor,"

So I go away to prison tomorrow, dear ones. What a grand

privilege 1 It is very sweet to suffer a little for his dear sake

who has suffered so much for us. We rejoice in his tender

care who loves us with such a strong love. (2 Chron. 10:9;

Num. 6:24-20, Hymn 307.) With fondest Christian love, I am,

Your little brother "in bonds" for his sake,

Stanley W. Willis. — England.

A VOICE FBOM FAR-OFF AUSTRALIA

Beloved Brethren: —

Greetings in the name of our blessed Alias ter! May his

peace be multiplied unto you. Although somewhat late in forwarding

a message to you, we nevertheless have had you continually

in our thoughts, and rejoice in our privilege of remembering

you daily at the throne of grace.

Some few years ago, an ecclesia was formed in this city,

and our Brother Russell consented to be our Pastor. We thank

our heavenly Father for his provision in our Brother Russell,

through whose ministrations we have been built up and enabled

to grow in knowledge and grace. We also thank him

for having answered the prayers of so many of his saints, in

that our brother was kept faithful until death.

While assembled in Convention (one day Convention), we

desire to convey to you our Christian love, and to assure you

that you have taken Brother Russell's place in our prayers

and as our guides. Further, this ecclesia unanimously resolves

to accord you our unreserved and loyal support in forwarding

the work of the kingdom, so soon to he established.

Our message to you, dear Brethren, is expressed in Isaiah

41:10 and Joshua 1:8, 9, "Fear thou not, for I am with thee;

be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee, with the right

hand of my righteousness." "This book of the law shall not

depart out of thy mouth ; but thou shalt meditate therein day

and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that

is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous

, and then thou shalt have good success." Have not I

commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not

afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with

thee withersoever thou goest." God is our strength. How

strong we are in him!

With Christian love, we remain,

Your brethren by his grace and in his service,

Brisbane Ecclesia. — Australia.

fleecing the sheep

Dear Brethren: —

I want to congratulate the Editorial Committee for their

forethought, wisdom and general ability. I have the March I

Tower, and was glad to note article on fly leaf, "Warning to

the Friends," also letter on page 78, top of 1st column, and

the reply thereto, As the secretary of the class for eight or

ten years, I have been up against all the propositions contained

in those articles; and from the fact that I was a traveling

salesman for twenty-eight years and know the ways of the

world and human nature, I have naturally become what the

boys term a "wise guy." I have not been duped to anv irr^t

rfiosaj

(15»-159)

THE WATCH TOWER

BROOKLYN. N. Y.

extent, but my experiences, if I could tell you about them,

would be quite laughable.

1, however, know of many innocent and unsophisticated

brethren that have been imposed on and duped ahainetully.

And it had been in moat caj&es the new menUb, Irtish in their

first love for the truth", that have been the victims.

You have acted wisely in not publishing the names and addresses

of the class secretaries. Yet mine has gotten out

pretty generally, and 1 am a constant recipient of letters and

callers of doubtful intentions. It is a real, genuine privilege

and pleasure for wife and myself to extend hospitality and

generosity to the authorized pilgrims, colporteurs, agents and

helpers sent out by the Bible House; but when it comes to

lazy, never -do-well, spiritually sick hangers-on, 1 never let them

lie down on me. 1 feel that it would be encouraging them in

a wrong. Having had much personal experience all along the

line that both of those articles suggest, 1 think they are very

timely indeed, and 1 am sure the friends will profit thereby.

With much personal esteem, I am,

Your fellow servant in the Lord, W. B. Sutton.— Va.

MAY OUB HEARTS BEAT AS ONE

My Beloved Brethren ; —

We know your hearts have been touched with sadness. What

a shock Brother Russell's death must have been to you of the

Bethel home! The day the news reached us it seemed as though

we were in a stuffy room, unable to get a full breath. It was

so hard to realize it was so. But, as we remembered the

fruition of our hopes was a participation in the first resurrection

with our dear Redeemer, and that Brother Russell had

gone to his reward, "to meet the Lord in the air," and that he

was one of those "blessed in the Lord that die from henceforth

," we could not help but rejoice with our dear Brother.

We have been personally acquainted with him for fifteen years,

and have been greatly blessed by his life— and wonderfully

blessed by his death — knowing that his trials are over and

that he has gone beyond the nery darts of enemies and people

who did not understand him; and, additionally, blessed in the

glorious tact that he now lives forever — changed in a moment,

in the twinkling of an eye — having closed his eyes to temporal

things and opened them to eternal things — to see Jesus

as he is, and be like him ! We know that all is well, and that

he had finished his work this side the veil.

We pray our Father's richest blessings on the dear Israel

at Bethel, that wisdom from on high may be abundantly bestowed

on you to carry on the great work uninterruptedly, and

that there may be a remarkable manifestation of the sweet

spirit of Jesus in all that is done, that every word, thought

and deed may redound to the glory of God and his dear fc>on,

out High Priest and Advocate, and that we all may meet each

other soon in the realms of glory, honor and immortality.

We are pledging ourself anew to God, his truth, and his

called ones, that our hearts may beat as one during the stirring

scenes which will mark the close of "Elijah's" career.

Continuing in daily prayer for you, my brethren, I remain,

Your brother by his rich favor, C. E. Stewart, — 111.

EARTH NOW POORER— HEAVEN RICHER

Deab Bbetuken : —

We desire to express to you our love in the Lord, and our

loyalty to you as the channel he is now using to bring to us

the clear and refreshing waters of truth.

We find it difficult to express in words our feelings on

learning that our Pastor was found faithful and taken home.

We hardly realized how much we loved him. Was ever a

man truly loved so well since our dear Lord was on earth

as a mant We think not, and yet he was worthy of it all,

for it was his self-sacrifice and zeal for the truth which in

our Father's hands and with his blessing brought us all here

into the glorious light of present truth.

Our hearts go out in thankfulness and praise to our loving

heavenly Father for sparing him so long to us, as well as for

the example he was to us of loving devotion and sweet, patient

endurance under all circumstances. Though earth is poorer,

heaven is richer, and we would not wish it otherwise than as

it has pleased our Father to arrange it; but we look forward

to meeting him again, now very soon, when we too have made

our calling and election sure.

We pray our Father's blessing on all the work in your

corner of the vineyard, and that he may |guide and direct

you in all your labors and service and multiply his love and

peace unto you.

Yours in the fellowship of the mystery.

Manchester Ecclesia. — England.

ONLY A XITTLE WHILE

I>TAB BBETttBEN: —

We bow in loving and humble submission to the divine

will, confident that the seventh and last special "angel" to

the church is now like our blessed Lord and Head, and can

see him as he is.

We resolve to redouble our diligence to make our calling

and election sure; to renew our consecration vows, and to

pledge our cooperation in all possible ways to the Society, who

though berett of its best friend on eartti are bravely seeking

to complete their share in the kingdom work yet to be done

this side the veil.

We also desire, at this time, to extend to you our deep

appreciation of the faithful, loving ministrations of both our

dear, departed Pastor and of all at the Brooklyn Tabernacle

and Bethel home, who were closely associated with him in

the harvest activities.

Lkwiston and Aububn Ecclesia. — Maine.

WITNESSING AT FUNERALS

Deab Bheturen: —

Your letter of the 13th came to hand this P. M., and was

much appreciated. Many thanks for the careful way in which

you replied to our several inquiries.

Foi some weeks we have felt that the matter of conducting

funerals should be mentioned to you, and by you to the

friends in some general way. Three very sad cases have recently

come to our attention, instances in which we would

have thought the dear friends would have known better how

to proceed. In each of these cases some of the friends had

the matter of funeral services placed in their hands, but they

were unable to secure a capable brother to conduct the service

. In two of these cases a nearby brother could have been

easily secured, but the friends did not know of this until

too late. They seem to have done the best they knew, but they

did not know the best to do.

It would have been very simple and inexpensive to have

wired you asking for someone to render this service, and a

capable speaker could have been provided at small expense.

The friends would have been glad to pay all the expenses,

and a wonderful witness for the truth could have been given.

We consider these great opportunities for witnessing. So

does the Society, as evidenced by the fact that mention is

made of such free service on the volunteer matter.

Could not some* brief, pointed, yet comprehensive instructions

be given to all through the Toweb! You will know what

would be the best thing to do. W 7 ith fervent Christian Love

to all, I am,

Your brother by his grace, W. H. Spbing. — Ohio,

[The Society has for a long time cooperated in the matter

of furnishing capable brethren to speak at funeral services

whenever requested so to do, whether near or far, and shall

be glad to continue to render such assistance wherever possible

. Requests of this character should be wired to the Society

without delay, giving place, day and time of funeral.

We will in turn wire information.]

MEN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

1>eab Brethren: —

The Suffolk, Va., Ecclesia celebrated the Memorial of our

dear Saviour's death on the evening of April 5, in my house,

in which, in an adjoining room, lay the dead body of my wife.

There were ten present, one of our sisters being absent on account

of sickness. It was a blessed experience to each and all

as we again commemorated the death of our dear Lord and

Master and once more renewed our consecrations to be dead

with him.

As we partook of the emblems which symbolize his death

we thought of and prayed for all of like precious faith the

world over. In our daily prayers, we fail not to remember

the household of faith, and in an especial manner do we invoke

wisdom and guidance for the dear brethren upon whom

the Lord has now placed the duty and responsibility of directing

the harvest work, that they may be men after God's

own heart, as we believe them to be, so that the work may

be conducted in a manner that will command hia approval, and

bring the best results, to the glory of his great and holy

Name.

In much Christian love for all, Wac. W. Mubbay.

EARNEST WORDS OF APPRECIATION

DteAB BbetHREn: —

Just a line or two to tell you how much we all appreciated

the series of public meetings we have had here in Columbus.

It was an inspiration to us to see and hear the hearty responses

to the messages from the dear Brooklyn brethren

who spoke.

We all wish to thank the Society for arranging such a

precious season of blessing for us and such a wonderful witness

to the truth once more in Columbus. May God continue

His rich blessing on you all and make you at one and complete

in him who is the Savior of the body.

[6090]

May 15, 1*17

THE WATCH TOWER

(143-163)

We made judicious use of the newspapers in advertising

these meetings and feel that we had excellent results. We

used mostly "Readers" scattered through the papers. The

total cost of the four meetings will reach about $380, which

was all pledged before we started the series for the public.

We feel richly blessed and more determined than ever to

go on to the end. With fervent Christian love to you all,

Your brother by his grace, C. B. Shull. — Ohio.

FOUL SCANDAL'S DANGER

"Brakes on! Go slowl you do not know,

You are not sure that it is so,

A vagrant whisper overheard,

A sneer, a shrug, a dastard word

Are not sound evidence — you may

Unjustly hurt a man today.

The thoughtless things that people say.

The vandal lumors gossip spreads,

The 'I have heards' and ^Someone saids.'

And like remarks, destroy and blight

Without a chance to prove the right.

Noblesse Oblige! Who knows when you

May stand in need of fair play, too?

A thousand men and women die

At heart each day because a lie —

Some ill-considered, vicious fling —

Has robbed their lives of everything."

ANGELOPHONE COMPANY REORGANIZED

In a recent issue of the The Watch Toweb we announced

that the Angelophone Company was going out of tiudinoss, We

are glad now to inform our readers that this work will continue

, some brethren having taken over the Company and reorganized

it.

There was a legal question raised as to whether or not the

Society had authority under its charter to sell talking machines

, together with the records. It is our desire to be strictly

law-abiding. There could be no question about the right of

the Society to manufacture and sell talking and singing

records, because this is another method of preaching the Gospel.

The records made by Brother Russell proved unsatisfactory,

but there has been such a demand for them that the Society

has arranged to have these records made again, which is now

being done by the same person who made the Photo-Drama

Records so great a success. The new records are clear and

distinct, and easy to be understood, and will be much appreciated

by every one, especially by those who enjoyed Brother

Russell's discourses. Those records will be handled by the

Angelophone Company, which still has on hand a few sets of

records in the voice of Brother Russell.

Because of the increased cost of rerecording and remaking,

and the increased cost of material, the Angelophone Company is

compelled to Bell these records at 25c each or $5 per set of

twenty-five. Even at this they are cheaper than any other

records on the market.

Orders should be sent to us or to the Angelophone Company

, 184 Fulton St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

"WHY DO THE NATIONS WAR?"

The announcement that there would be a new issue of Volunteer

literature has awakened many to the importance of

ordering the first Volunteer matter— Vol. 9, No. 1— "The World

on Fire" — and distributing it. We believe that the time H

more propitious now than ever for the Lord's people to work,

and "The World on Fire" is excellent to begin with. People

are thinking now as never before. We believe, too, that the

Lord expects us to keep on witnessing as long as it is "called

day." It will be time to stop when the night has so far come

upon us that no one can work.

The leading article of the new volunteer matter will be:

"Whv Do the Nations War?" Many orders have been received

for it When ordering it please mention Vol. 9, No. 5. We

had thought to make it eight pages, but after considering every

detail, it was concluded, the Lord willing, to issue another

volunteer number before the summer ends.

The printers are at work now upon the new issue, and orders

will be filled as rapidly as the printing proceeds. There should

be no delay in putting it out when it reaches you. A combined

effort and systematic distribution would be best!

Whenever there are classes, orders should be sent by the

Secretary, nnd orders should be carefullv e^timatrd on a ba*is

of one copy for each English-speaking family. Where there are

no classes individuals may order, based upon the same estimate.

The literature ib furnished free; but we do not pay the transportation

charges.

"Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power

of His might!"